Seriously Succulent Situation

I was challenged by a friend to use the word succulent three times in conversation today.

suc·cu·lent adj.
1. Full of juice or sap; juicy.
2. Botany. Having thick, fleshy, water-storing leaves or stems.
3. Highly interesting or enjoyable; delectable: a succulent bit of gossip.

I've tried, and I barely start a sentence before I crack up. The word just makes me laugh.

I intended to say, "I could really go for a nice, succulent apple right now." But, it was more like, "I could...... bwah ha ha ha ha ha HA HA HA HA HA HA HA." ha ha ha.

I just can't do it.

But I just used it in this post three times. Maybe that will count for something... but I doubt it!

Have yourselves a succulent day, and see if you can use the word three times in conversation (real, live conversation) today!

"Next!"

Okay, so my cute, emailing, Cingular guy has troubling tendencies.

No, he's not gay.

He's Mormon.

So much for that one.

"Next!"

It's Friday!

Or not so fun.... you decide!

1. I found out today that I'm not even on the waiting list to get a parking spot in the garage. This is very bad, because I thought I'd been waiting now for a year and a half! Somehow my form got lost, or somebody dropped the ball. Once I get my spot, I can leave home much later, because I won't be racing to get a spot on the surface lots before they fill up. Hopefully, they move me to the top of the list!

2. My cousin (Brian, who works for the airlines) lost his job. Poor guy. Good thing he flew me over when he did!

3. I got a parking ticket for not having a state decal on my vehicle, and I DO have a decal. So, now I have to go through the appeals process. So aggravating!

4. Got my taxes filed today! =)

5. Received an email from a really cute guy that hooked me up at the Cingular store a couple weeks ago. He helped me beat the system to be able to get a new RAZR phone. Now, I think he wants to hang out or something.

6. Work is very slow today.

7. I'm eating Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies.

8. I finally went back to the gym for the first time since my car was broken into.

9. Driving to and from work the past couple days, where it takes over an hour to go 14 miles, all I can think about is the wide open roads in Texas, where we drove for miles and miles without ever seeing another car.

10. The plant on my desk is starting to die. I am the worst about taking care of plants!

11. I could really go for some Starbucks right about now.

12. I'm getting a new design for my blog. I can't wait! I love change!

13. Loads and loads of laundry are at home waiting on me.

14. I really want a dog after being around those three sweet dogs last week.

15. Honestly, I just have nothing interesting to talk about, which is why I told you at the beginning these were going to be "fun facts." Just trying to con you into reading all the way through, searching for something even remotely "fun" about all these random, quite boring facts of my life. Well, now that you've endured all that, ya' might as well leave a comment.

Texas Trip Part 2

San Antonio was beautiful, as always. My cousin Kelsey took me out with some of her 16-year-old friends in her brand new 2-door bright red Honda Accord. Yeah, bad combination. New, 16 yr. old driver in a new, fast, sporty car. Let's just say it helped my prayer life out a good bit!

Then I stayed with my good friend Valerie for a few days. She has a two and a half year old, Gabriella, and a 1 week old, Angelina. They were just precious. Gabriella was so full of personality. The minute I stepped in the door, she ran up to me and wanted me to hold her and was giving me hugs and kisses. It was just sweet. Then it was three days of feeding babies, changing diapers, reading books, watching cartoons, cleaning up messes, putting down for naps, waking up from naps, the whole deal. I suppose I thought it was so much fun because I could leave any time I wanted! I knew my life wasn't going to stay like that for long. But I did really enjoy it.

Then there's Jason. Valerie's brother. We dated 4 years ago, and it's been that long since I've seen him, because he's been in Iraq. I knew it was going to be slightly awkward seeing him again. It wasn't too bad the first couple days. We hung out as friends and caught up on a lot of stuff. Then we had "the talk." uuggghhhh. I hate having to be serious! Anyways, I know you don't really care about all the juicy details, so basically, he told me he still liked me a lot and he just felt a special connection between us, and wanted to try dating again... blah, blah, blah.

Well, believe it or not, I've actually grown up a bit in the past four years, and don't just swoon and lose all sense when somebody starts talking to me this way. So, I had to be a little heart-breaker once again. (I'm getting to be pretty good at that, and I don't like it at all!)

"Jason, there's a lot of things I really like about you. You'll make a great dad one day; I know you'll always treat your girl very well; you're hard-working... But there's one thing that is missing. One thing that's very important to me. I need a guy who is a strong spiritual leader. I need HIM to be the one that wakes up Sunday morning, and says "c'mon; we're going to church." I need HIM to be the one to initiate prayer and Bible reading. Jason, yes, you're a Christian, and that's wonderful, but it doesn't seem to mean very much to you right now. You've got a lot of bitterness built up in your life towards God, and you need to deal with that. You've got to let it go, and start wanting to be a better Christian. Yes, I care about you, but I cannot let this one slide. It's too important."

Whew. Okay, so it wasn't quite that thought out or clear when I actually said it, but that's the idea I was trying to communicate. Not an easy thing to do at all, but it needed to be done.

My cousin must have good connections at the airlines, because I flew from San Antonio back to Houston, and I was the only stand-by person they allowed on the flight. They turned everyone else away, because it was booked. Then, my flight from Houston back to Columbia, the same thing happened. Well, this time, they weren't even going to let me on the flight. But Brian was with me, and he went and talked to somebody, and next thing ya' know, I'm on the flight. Praise the Lord.

So that's a briefing of my trip. There was so much more that happened, but I don't have the time, so I'll spare you all the other details!

My trip Part 1

Howdy, ya'll! Good to be back. Can't wait to go see what's been happening with all of you this past week!

Well, I crammed so much into one week, that I'm going to have to split it up in to parts for you. (Besides the fact that my desk is piled high with work from last week, and I really don't have time to be doing this anyways!)

The first day, I spent in Houston. My cousin Brian lives there. He works for the airlines, and got me a sweet deal for the tickets.

We had a lot of fun. We are a lot alike, so when we get together, we can cause a lot of trouble!! But that's all right. That's what family is for, right? He's an animal lover. He's got 3 dogs, and they are just precious. They are so spoiled.

We left the next morning for his parents house. They live on a 900 acre ranch. It was just absolutely gorgeous. They took my phone and watch for 2 days, and said I wasn't allowed to look at either one the whole time I was there! At first, I didn't like that idea, but then I got used to it, and it was really nice. Being there just helps you forget every care in the world. It was very relaxing and peaceful. The driveway alone is about 5 miles long! We had lots of good food. All the meat came from animals hunted on the ranch. We had tamales made with antelope meat, axis deer steaks, whitetail deer steaks, wild pig sausage and bacan. It was soooo good. And, of course I consumed at least 10 liters of Dr. Pepper during my week in Texas.

Here's a shocker: I was up by 5:00 every morning!!! CRAZY! Yeah, I don't know what happened to me, the one who hates getting up and loves to sleep in! I would get up and take the four-wheeler out wherever I pleased, and just sit and watch the animals and take pictures and stuff. It was totally awesome having 900 acres and a fourwheeler. Here's some pictures:

(I have lots more pics of the ranch, but blogger is being stupid right now. I will add more as I'm able.)

My last night at the ranch, I was just itching to shoot something. I've shot guns before--shotguns, rifles, pistols, whatever. But, I'd never actually shot at an animal before, and I wanted to. So, there were some really nice 12-point bucks that I had seen, but my cousin said I couldn't shoot one, because we didn't have time to go get it processed and all. So, I had to shoot something small. We went up to one of the blinds and waited. Lots of whitetail, and axis, sykas, jackrabbits came out to eat. Then a group of five little boars came out. The was no momma boar around. Brian told me I could shoot those.

"What!?? Shoot the baby piggies?? No way."

"Yeah, shoot the babies. They grow up to be big, mean, ugly pigs. They eat all the food. They put holes in the fences. They have 10 or 12 babies at a time. They've got to go. You'll be doing us all a favor."

"Okay, fine. I'll shoot one. Give me the gun."

I got the Remington 270 all lined up, and Brian said,

"Hey, see if you can get two pigs lined up, and get them both with one shot."

"Uh, okay. I've never done this before, and you think I can get two my first time? Whatever. I'll try."

I actually got to a point where I had three lined up. I figured, "Hey, I'm bound to hit at least one if I've got 3 lined up in my crosshairs."

I shot.

Two pigs were on their backs squealing and yelping. (Okay, yeah, I didn't have to put that in there. Sorry.)

They finally rolled over and gave up the ghost, and that's when I saw it.

"Uh, Brian?"

"Yeah? Good shot, girlie!"

"Uh, I think I see a third one down."

"NO WAY"

Yep, sure enough. My one shot had killed three pigs! Everyone was so excited. They were telling me I had broken records, and they took a billion pictures, and called me Annie Oakley and stuff. It was great.

Until I went and looked at them close up. Then it was gross. But I won't describe it. I'll just show you a picture!

Cool. Then it was off to San Antonio. Part 2 coming later.

As promised, here's something sappy. Take it or Leave it!

As promised, here's a little sappy something for you lovers out there who just can't get enough of each other! (If you are single, please also see the post below, "Being God's Valentine").
This is the very first love poem I ever wrote. (I think I was 16.) Don't bother asking about the circumstances surrounding it's birth, because I simply will not tell you. (Not to be ugly, but that's just my perogative!)

My Love For You


My love for you is just beginning,
Springing from within and winning
Over doubts and fears. It leads me
And controls me shining sweetly.

My love for you is because you care,
You laugh, you love, you touch, you share,
You kiss, you hug, you hurt, you cry—
For this love’s well cannot run dry.

My love for you has many causes,
And even through the awful pauses
Of our friendship has grown,
Sprouted wings and high has flown.

My love for you will never die
Though we must sometime say goodbye.
And like a star although distant,
My love for you will remain persistent.

*********************************************************

Okay, I really am leaving now. I appreciate all the wishes for a safe, happy, and fun trip. I will take lots of pictures, and take you all on a photo tour of my trip when I get back.

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Mucho amor a todos mis amigos!

(If ya' can't read Spanish, just try... it ain't that difficult.)

See ya' next Wednesday!

Kristi

Oh, and by the way, I have decided not to move to wordpress, so you can stay comfortable here, cuz I will be staying here for a while! =)

Peace!

Being God's Valentine

Instead of getting down in the singleness-dumps this year, I wanted to post something for all you lovely single women out there. (Guys, it's okay; you can read on at your own risk!) For those of you who are celebrating Valentine's with that special someone this year, I will have something sappy for you a little later on!

I was reading Psalm 90 last night. Verse 17 just about jumped off of the page at me:

"And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us..."

I'm sure you have all been told a hundred times, "It's the inward beauty and not the outward beauty that really matters." How true this is. But how we still long to be beautiful on the outside as well, right girls?

You know what makes us beautiful to God? The more we resemble Him, the more beautiful we are. That's how we get the beauty of the LORD upon us, is by being conformed to His image. This beauty, yes, is definitely inward beauty, but I believe with all my heart that it can be seen and will be seen on the outside as well.

So, how do we become this beautiful woman of God? How can we be a valentine that God delights in? I believe God gives us a clue in Proverbs 31. Each verse gives us a characteristic of the virtuous (morally excellent) woman:

Verse 10--She is VALUABLE. "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Verse 11--She is DEPENDABLE. "The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil."

Verse 12--She is LOYAL. "She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life."

Verse13--She is DILIGENT. "She seeks wool, and flax and works willingly with her hands."

Verse 14--She is SELECTIVE. "She is like the merchants' ships; she brings her food from afar."

Verse 15--She is DISCIPLINED. "She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens."

Verse 16--She is HARD-WORKING. "She considers a field and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard."

Verse 17--She is DETERMINED. "She girds her loins with strength and stengthens her arms."

Verse 18--She is STEDFAST. "She perceives that ehr merchandise is good; her candle goes not out by night."

Verse 19--She is DEXTEROUS. (meaning deft, or skillful with the hands; having a sure and confident touch.) "She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff."

Verse 20--She is COMPASSIONATE. "She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy."

Verse 21--She is CONFIDENT. "She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed in scarlet."

Verse 22--She is MODEST and FASHIONABLE. "She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple."

Verse 23--She is SUBMISSIVE. "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the lands."

Verse 24--She BUSINESS-MINDED. "She makes fine linen and sells it; and delivers girdles unto the merchant."

Verse 25--She is MATURE. "Strength and honor are her clothing: and she shall rejoice in time to come."

Verse 26--She is PATIENT. "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness."

Verse 27--She is ORGANIZED. "She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

Verse 28--She is BLESSED. "Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her."

Verse 29--She is RECOGNIZED BY GOD. "Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all."

Verse 30--She is PRACTICAL. "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised."

Verse 31--She is GENUINE. "Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise he in the gates."

Wow. What a challenge this woman is. She is quite a treasure to yes, her family, but most importantly to God. God delights in her. Let's strive to be that woman that God delights in. Let's be HIS valentine.

"Come back to Texas..."

You guys know that song,

"Come back to Texas
It's just not the same
Since you went away
Before you lose your accent
And forget all aboutThe Lonestar state
There's a seat for you at the rodeo
And i've got every slow dance saved
Besides the Mexican food sucks
North of here anyway.
....

Come back to Texas
It's just not the same
Since you went away
I bet you missed your exit
And drove right on through the Lonestar state
There's a seat for you at the rodeo
And i've got every slow dance saved
Besides the Mexican food sucks north of here anyway

Troy Aikmen wants you back
Willie Nelson wants you back
NASA wants you back
And the Bush twins want you back
And Pantera wants you back
And Bluebell wants you back

I got a premonition
I'm taking a petition
And the whole states gonna sign

Come back to Texas...."




(I've been wondering why they didn't say anything about Dr. Pepper in the song; that mystery shall always plague my brain.)

Anyways, I can't ignore it any longer. I'm going back to Texas. But just for a week!

I'm excited. I get to see my cousin in Houston, my Aunt and Uncle in Junction on a huge exotic animal ranch, another Aunt, Uncle, and cousin in San Antonio, a really good friend from college in San Antonio, and my great-grandmother.

I can't wait for the taste of REAL Mexican food once again. Mmm, Mmm good!

Plus, my good friend just had her second baby today! And she's got a 3 year old little girl. So I get to go spoil the babies! Don't worry, I'll take tons of pictures!

I'm leaving Tuesday (probably--I'm doing the whole "buddy pass" thing, so ya' never know!) and I'll be back the following Tuesday. So, ya' haven't gotten rid of me quite yet, but almost!

Have a great weekend!

A Little Sum'um Sum'um

In case anyone was curious, just wanted to put it out there, that it's NOT all gravy and glam working at the state capital.

There's this little thing called traffic that tends to get in the way every once in a while, even when the commute in is only 14.8 miles.

I spent 2 hours this morning on JUST 7 of those 14.8 miles. Ridiculous.

Anyhow, I'm one who tends to get bored when I stay in the same place for too long. So with that being said,

I'm moving!!!!!


Well, not physically, (yet), but my blog is moving. I'm bored with this template, so I'm going to try out a wordpress, at Adam's urging.

It's not ready yet, but just wanted to let you all know that it's coming. I've got to figure out how to get my coffee cups over there, because I'm really gonna miss those. I love 'em.

I'll keep you posted on the progress. For now, you can check it out here, but don't get too used to that link, because the URL is probably going to change again before all this is said and done.

Have a great day.

Catch ya' on the flip side! I'm out!

One Too Many

"That's it. I've had it! You've crossed the line; you've messed up one too many times. Now pack your bags and get out. You're no longer welcome in this family."

How many times have these words been spoken by frustrated, disappointed parents to teenagers or young adults who for some reason have not learned to make wise, responsible decisions. Perhaps the wrong choices come as the result of lack of display of love from the parents; perhaps there were no moral or Biblical principles of right and wrong instilled in this child. Perhaps he just developed defiance because he didn't know the right way to handle hurts in life. Who knows? But now, he is forced to face a severe consequence for his actions--his parents have had enough. They refuse to forgive him any longer and help him out of the mess he has created.

Think about your own spiritual life. How many times out of immaturity, or defiance, or unbelief, have we made poor spiritual choices? How many times have we denied our Savior, or told Him one thing, and did another? Have we been fake in our service to Him? Have we quit and given up on the Christian life, doubting His promises to us, only to come back to Him over and over and ask for forgivenss and a fresh start?

Sounds like we (well, if you are like me at all) many times imitate the patterns of the children of Israel.

Psalm 78 gives a beautiful, yet sad description of the history of the children of Israel and their relationship to their God. It outlines the many things that God did for them, and the continual disappointing response of His people. They provoked Him further; they tempted Him in their hearts; they complained against Him; they did not trust Him. But what did God do? He continued to show His great and mighty power, love, forgiveness, and faithfulness to this ungrateful people.

Verses 33-39:
"Nevertheless they did flatter Him with their mouth, and they lied unot Him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with Him, niether were they stedfast in His covenant. But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time, turned He His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath. For He remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passes away and comes not again."

Wow. What a God we have. This is the same God we serve today. He understands us, but He doesn't excuse us. He knows our weaknesses, yet commands us to rely on His strength. He is long-suffering and forgiving, but punishes our sin. He IS truth and just, yet He grants mercy. He is the perfect Father. He is love, and gives love, and teaches love, and demonstrates love, and commands love, and wants love.

Sometimes, these characteristics demand that God take strong disciplinary measures in order to show His love for His kids. God had to send His people, the children of Israel, into captivity, and long periods of war to get them to look to Him and trust Him. Yet even in all this, God did not forsake them. He did not turn His back on them. How do I know? Well, at the very end of Psalm 78, after God had sent them into captivity, is a verse that shows me God was still involved with His people. He was looking for hearts that were seeking Him and wanting to please Him. Verses 70-72 say that God chose David from the sheepfolds, to feed His people Israel, according to the integrity that was in his heart.

Do you feel like you have you made "one mistake too many"? Do you doubt whether God can use you with all your past failures? Do you sometimes feel as though God has sent you out into captivity and war, and has left you indefinitely to suffer the consequences for your sin? You know, God does not forsake His kids. He is looking to see if your heart is seeking Him. God can choose you out of a multitude of others who are going the wrong way, just as He chose David. It's up to you to trust Him. Trust Him to be the perfect Father.

I'll be back around soon. Work is just uuggghhh!

Go Steelers!

Okay, last time I said this statement I'm about to say, it didn't work out so well. But I'm going to dare it one more time:










Are you ready fo' dis??????















Bring It, Seahawks!!!!!

The Darkness

Questions fill my head these days.
I doubt the directions of my own ways.
It's not that I'm asking "Why?";
I don't sit around and cry.
No, it's this spider web of confusion
That has caused such disillusion
Of entanglement in my senseless thoughts.
I'm left focusing on fragments and dots
While the complete picture
Fades

into the

darkness.

Darkness that comes from unmet hopes

As my disappointed heart still gropes

For answers to what is going on;

What picture is being drawn

On the canvas of my life?

I constantly go through such strife

Within, just hoping to understand

Where I'm meant to lend a helping hand.

Or has that ideal become mere fantasy

Swallowed

by the

darkness?

I've remained still for quite some time,

Listening for answers Divine

Of where I am so grossly failing.

It seems as though I am trailing

So far behind the rest.

When comes the end of this test?

Others' joy has been my pain;

Their sunshine is my rain.

So my heart closes and hides

Away

in the

darkness.

Yet the darkness brings no comfort sweet;

It's merely a temporary retreat

For a heart so full of tears.

There's no solution in hiding for years.

Confusion is dispelled and answers found

Only when Light and Love abound.

Some hurts are needed to really appreciate love.

So I'll take the risk with help from above.

And hear my answers with a step

Out

of the

darkness.

Story Time

Let me share a little story with you...

I went back to the gym last night, and wanted to speak with a manager about what had happened a few nights ago.

So the little Miss fake-tanned, "I-think-I'm-all-that-because-I-work-at-the-gym-and-guys-hit-on-me-all-day" girl at the front desk calls the manager over for me. He decides he wants to just stand right there where everyone can hear the conversation while I speak my peace.

Okay, fine. I can work with that.

So, in my most "I'm not angry; I just want to voice a concern for the benefit of ALL of the Gold's Gym members" voice, I started my speech.

"Hi, I'm the one who had my car broken into a few nights ago out in the parking lot."

"Uh-huh."

"Well, I just wanted to say that IF you all hadn't already considered it, it may be a good idea to put some lights out in the back part of the parking lot, as well as... (I was going to say "security cameras", but I was rudely cut off by Miss fake tan, "I-work-at-the-gym" girl.

Suddenly, one of the MANY signs cluttering the front desk is shoved in my face. Miss Fake-Tan proceeded, snarlingly,

"Here. Read THIS!"

Ummm.... EXCUSE ME??? I have some major problems with this.

First of all, little Miss fake tan, "I-work-at-the-gym-and-guys-hit-on-me" girl, I was NOT talking to YOU!

Secondly, even if I was talking to you, that is no way to treat a cumstomer.

Thirdly, who comes in here and reads every single one of your tacky signs, when all they want to do is give one, simple suggestion to the manager and go on with their workout?

NOW, bug off!

The sign said something about "Here are some things that we are planning to do in the future because of our increased membership..... "

And way down at the bottom of the list was "put lights in the back parking lot."

Well, okay. Fine. So the problem was already being addressed, but I can think of hundreds of NICER ways to tell someone that. Can't you?

And on top of it all, Mr. Professional Manager just says,

"Okay." That was IT! No "I'm sorry for what happened to you." or "Thanks for bringing that to our attention." or anything of the sort. Just, "Okay."

Is it unreasonable to be a little irritated at this kind of customer service? I mean, c'mon. Apparentlly they don't want my business too much.

So, I emailed the "Top Dawg" of Gold's Gyms. Maybe I can get a few months free or something. I love how that works. Emailing complaints is one of the best things ever invented. I have gotten so much free stuff that way. People respond so much nicer to an email than face to face. And I can keep my cool a lot better as well!!

*******************************************

Update: This is SO funny! As soon as I finished posting this, my phone rang. It was the head guy that got my email. He was apologizing all over himself, and said he was personally coming to my gym tonight to meet me, and make sure the situation was properly taken care of!! I told you the email thing does wonders!

Cough It Up!

This has been me for the past two days. Totally coughing up my lungs! I can't stop. It just goes on and on and on... Well, anyways. Now aren't you a much better, more-informed person for visiting here today? =)