this morning, i woke at 7:30 feeling ready to start the day. i showered and then padded quietly down the hall to wake salimah, who had stayed over last night. she got up and ready, and after having what will henceforth be known as the 'styrofoam peanut debacle,' we grabbed a quick mcd's breakfast and went to pick up michael for a trip to weber's farm. none of us had ever been there before, so we decided to try it out (i'm on a farmer's market kick right now). i wasn't super impressed by the produce, much of which you could buy at the grocery store for about the same price, but the baked goods looked pretty good and i got a peach praline pie, some cheese rolls, a couple of red and yellow peppers, some apple butter bbq sauce, some bananas, and a baby pumpkin for my desk at work (compliments of salimah). michael and i then dropped salimah off at home and headed to trinacria, an italian store by lexington market in the city. i scored a large can of olive oil (10 bucks), three bottles of decent-looking wine (4 bucks each!), some grated romano cheese (i like it better than parmigiano), some spices and tomato paste in a tube (love it!), and 59-cent pasta, which is really excellent stuff.
i feel like i made out like a bandit today:). now, michael is on his way over and we're gonna hang out and eat pie for the evening. bet you're jealous - i know. don't worry, i'll save you a bite!:)
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Thursday, September 23, 2004
okay, well the last post is not an indication of how i've really been feeling for the last 5 or so days. much of my angst was resolved by saturday afternoon, and although it left me with a serious stomach ache, my heart wasn't hurting and i didn't have that pit of frustration inside of me.
the days in between have been mostly fine, save a few moments of agitation and anxiety over a dental visit and some car woes. i'm in a loaner right now until probably saturday morning, and while i'm not happy about it, at least the people at the dealership believe that there's something actually wrong with the vehicle (after i went down there for 2 hours and would not leave until someone saw what i saw).
it is unfortunate but true that sometimes things only get done if you make them happen. oh well.
in other news, i'm still liking my job. getting up to go to work in the morning doesn't leave me feeling ill like it used to. what a relief that is!
and the whipped cream of this week is that michael and i have been having some good talks and really enjoying our time together lately. thank the Lord for the big - and small - things!
the days in between have been mostly fine, save a few moments of agitation and anxiety over a dental visit and some car woes. i'm in a loaner right now until probably saturday morning, and while i'm not happy about it, at least the people at the dealership believe that there's something actually wrong with the vehicle (after i went down there for 2 hours and would not leave until someone saw what i saw).
it is unfortunate but true that sometimes things only get done if you make them happen. oh well.
in other news, i'm still liking my job. getting up to go to work in the morning doesn't leave me feeling ill like it used to. what a relief that is!
and the whipped cream of this week is that michael and i have been having some good talks and really enjoying our time together lately. thank the Lord for the big - and small - things!
Friday, September 17, 2004
i knew i should have stayed in bed.
my morning began with me stumbling out of bed groggily towards the bathroom and soundly slamming my left arm into the corner of my dresser, removing a half-inch strip of skin in the process. i rubbed it briskly to try and stop the searing pain before stepping into what turned out to be too-hot water, which slightly scalded my still-groggy self.
and all of this was before 7 a.m.
the whole day at work, i felt stiff and sore and generally sad for no real reason, and this was followed by some personal conflict, the details of which i will not discuss here. and did i mention that i lost a part of my cell phone earpiece? grrrrr!!!
suffice it to say that the events of this day have left me feeling annoyed, frustrated, still sore, and generally grumpy. pardon my complaining, but sometimes a bit of a rant is in order.
okay, well, /rant.
and i'm out.
my morning began with me stumbling out of bed groggily towards the bathroom and soundly slamming my left arm into the corner of my dresser, removing a half-inch strip of skin in the process. i rubbed it briskly to try and stop the searing pain before stepping into what turned out to be too-hot water, which slightly scalded my still-groggy self.
and all of this was before 7 a.m.
the whole day at work, i felt stiff and sore and generally sad for no real reason, and this was followed by some personal conflict, the details of which i will not discuss here. and did i mention that i lost a part of my cell phone earpiece? grrrrr!!!
suffice it to say that the events of this day have left me feeling annoyed, frustrated, still sore, and generally grumpy. pardon my complaining, but sometimes a bit of a rant is in order.
okay, well, /rant.
and i'm out.
Monday, September 13, 2004
southland in the springtime
last monday (labor day), as i sat in tony roma's eating some rather delicious ribs, i had a truly genius idea: make a sweeping road trip tour of the south in order to seek out the best bbq in tennessee. frankly, ideas like this come to me all the time; this one, i voiced out loud. salimah, who was sitting across the table from me, finger deep in sauce heartily growled out her reply in between bites...something to the effect of 'oh YEAAHHH.'
you see, we are carnivores. straight to the core. i apologize to all you who feel that beef and pork and chicken are off limits. not me, man. i am altogether into meat. in fact, i feel ill if i don't eat it at least once a day. (i prefer twice, but who are we kidding? sometimes, this isn't possible.) the thought of driving a couple thousand miles to eat some ribs in memphis, sitting in a blues club, with elvis souvenirs stuck in my suitcase (well, you CANNOT go to memphis and not visit graceland, can you?!) seems perfectly logical to me.
so, memphis it is. and then, if we're feeling spunky, we'll swing east and go to savannah, taking a chance to meet our favorite southern cooking lady, see all the weeping willows and the grand, sweeping front porches, drink sweet tea, and see what 'midnight in the garden of good and evil' was REALLY all about.
in short, i'm psyched. grill them piggies up. come springtime, we goin' south!!
last monday (labor day), as i sat in tony roma's eating some rather delicious ribs, i had a truly genius idea: make a sweeping road trip tour of the south in order to seek out the best bbq in tennessee. frankly, ideas like this come to me all the time; this one, i voiced out loud. salimah, who was sitting across the table from me, finger deep in sauce heartily growled out her reply in between bites...something to the effect of 'oh YEAAHHH.'
you see, we are carnivores. straight to the core. i apologize to all you who feel that beef and pork and chicken are off limits. not me, man. i am altogether into meat. in fact, i feel ill if i don't eat it at least once a day. (i prefer twice, but who are we kidding? sometimes, this isn't possible.) the thought of driving a couple thousand miles to eat some ribs in memphis, sitting in a blues club, with elvis souvenirs stuck in my suitcase (well, you CANNOT go to memphis and not visit graceland, can you?!) seems perfectly logical to me.
so, memphis it is. and then, if we're feeling spunky, we'll swing east and go to savannah, taking a chance to meet our favorite southern cooking lady, see all the weeping willows and the grand, sweeping front porches, drink sweet tea, and see what 'midnight in the garden of good and evil' was REALLY all about.
in short, i'm psyched. grill them piggies up. come springtime, we goin' south!!
Saturday, September 11, 2004
perhaps i will look back at this time as that of pub cheese on crackers and evening bubble baths, of going to bed early and waking up alone, of driving through the misty hills on my way to work, nothing but the sound of the wind in my ears.
today as i scrubbed the sink and watched the soapy water swirl down the newly shiny drain, i realized how quickly things can be erased, how in an instant all that you once saw before you can be gone...how all the days and months of living can wash away with one swipe of anti-microbial cleanser.
please don't get me wrong. i was not feeling melancholy. my life these days is actually rather satisfying to me. i get up early, quickly get ready for work, have some oatmeal, spend 8 hours fine-tuning curriculum that will be used by children all over the world, come home, have a simple dinner, talk to friends, and then go to bed at a reasonable hour, only to begin it again the next day. there is structure. there are clothes in my closet from which to choose. my bank account is tenuous but managing. my parents and i talk at least once a week and try to see each other every month or two. my close friends are just as close as ever. i sleep pretty well, for the most part, and my world is without much in the way of drama.
things are fine. good, even. stable. it is as though some maids have come through and done their magic. it still feels like my life, in so many ways, but it's been given a fresh coat of paint and some scrubbing. and i'm freed up to focus on the beauty rather than the dirt in the corners. i can enjoy those small moments again, the way i did when i was a little kid and everything was full of promise. when bubble baths made my whole day and a shiny sink was more a masterpiece than a chore.
perhaps i will see this time through rose-colored glasses someday...when kids are rushing all around me and the roast is about to burn in the oven. then again, perhaps i see it now through those same glasses....or maybe i do see it with the lens of truth: every day, every moment is a gift. may God continue to make my heart truly grateful for all the days i have seen, for all the hurts and all the shame and all the loneliness that drove me into His arms. to be able to see my world shine again is a greater gift than i could have ever imagined.
thank you, Jesus.
today as i scrubbed the sink and watched the soapy water swirl down the newly shiny drain, i realized how quickly things can be erased, how in an instant all that you once saw before you can be gone...how all the days and months of living can wash away with one swipe of anti-microbial cleanser.
please don't get me wrong. i was not feeling melancholy. my life these days is actually rather satisfying to me. i get up early, quickly get ready for work, have some oatmeal, spend 8 hours fine-tuning curriculum that will be used by children all over the world, come home, have a simple dinner, talk to friends, and then go to bed at a reasonable hour, only to begin it again the next day. there is structure. there are clothes in my closet from which to choose. my bank account is tenuous but managing. my parents and i talk at least once a week and try to see each other every month or two. my close friends are just as close as ever. i sleep pretty well, for the most part, and my world is without much in the way of drama.
things are fine. good, even. stable. it is as though some maids have come through and done their magic. it still feels like my life, in so many ways, but it's been given a fresh coat of paint and some scrubbing. and i'm freed up to focus on the beauty rather than the dirt in the corners. i can enjoy those small moments again, the way i did when i was a little kid and everything was full of promise. when bubble baths made my whole day and a shiny sink was more a masterpiece than a chore.
perhaps i will see this time through rose-colored glasses someday...when kids are rushing all around me and the roast is about to burn in the oven. then again, perhaps i see it now through those same glasses....or maybe i do see it with the lens of truth: every day, every moment is a gift. may God continue to make my heart truly grateful for all the days i have seen, for all the hurts and all the shame and all the loneliness that drove me into His arms. to be able to see my world shine again is a greater gift than i could have ever imagined.
thank you, Jesus.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
tiny bubbles....
i just had the most delicious bubble bath ever! i spent the last 3 hours at work not feeling well today (stomach issues) and i was praying to God that time would move along rather quickly so i could get out of there. the last three hours seemed like an eternity, especially since my stomach was precarious at best. but, by the time i got in the car, i felt that my mission to get home quickly would be accomplished....and so it was. i made it home in just under 15 minutes! i came quickly upstairs, checked my e-mail, scrubbed out the tub, and then filled it up with soapy, hot water and slipped in, feeling my tense muscles relax and my cares dissolve into the bubbles....
this is starting to feel like a calgon commercial....
anyway, suffice it to say that i feel REALLY relaxed right now. so much so that i fear it may be difficult to stay awake until bedtime. thankfully, i've got some work to keep me busy and i may just move my laptop in front of the tube so i can kill two birds with one food network show:).
i just had the most delicious bubble bath ever! i spent the last 3 hours at work not feeling well today (stomach issues) and i was praying to God that time would move along rather quickly so i could get out of there. the last three hours seemed like an eternity, especially since my stomach was precarious at best. but, by the time i got in the car, i felt that my mission to get home quickly would be accomplished....and so it was. i made it home in just under 15 minutes! i came quickly upstairs, checked my e-mail, scrubbed out the tub, and then filled it up with soapy, hot water and slipped in, feeling my tense muscles relax and my cares dissolve into the bubbles....
this is starting to feel like a calgon commercial....
anyway, suffice it to say that i feel REALLY relaxed right now. so much so that i fear it may be difficult to stay awake until bedtime. thankfully, i've got some work to keep me busy and i may just move my laptop in front of the tube so i can kill two birds with one food network show:).
Monday, September 06, 2004
s'lovely
despite the overcast skies and rather dreary feel to the day, salimah and i arose mid-morning, got ready, and drove out to westminster to pick up some delights from this quaint place. collectively, we scored cherry, peach, and blueberry pies, pumpkin butter, freshly baked rolls, dried dill dip mix, and fresh corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and peaches. i can't wait to have some fresh veggies with my dinner tonight:).
after that outing, we were both rather hungry, so we made a stop for some ribs (delish!) and then dropped my things home before going to retrieve her mom's wallet from the site of their dinner from last night.
saturday, michael and i had taken salimah her gifts and then out for an italian lunchtime meal. salimah and i then spent the rest of saturday vegging at my place, watching movies, and eating leftovers from lunch, as well as some slightly overbaked lemon bars.
then, sunday, we went to the mall where she got some new clothes and a briefcase, and we both procured various other sundries at the dollar store (don't get me started about how much we love this place)....we then went back to her place to set up all her new things and so that her mother and jim could come and take her out to dinner (see reference to wallet debacle above). i stayed at her place while they were out and got some much-needed work done. plus, it allowed us to spend another evening and day together hanging out, and left just enough time last night for a quick trip to RITAS:)....
so, in summation, salimah's birthday weekend was all about shopping and food and hanging out. just the way we wanted to spend it. tomorrow it's back into the swing of things, but i feel refreshed and renewed a bit to start all over again. besides, next weekend, there's a women's retreat, and that promises to be a lovely time as well.
s'wonderful, dontcha think?
despite the overcast skies and rather dreary feel to the day, salimah and i arose mid-morning, got ready, and drove out to westminster to pick up some delights from this quaint place. collectively, we scored cherry, peach, and blueberry pies, pumpkin butter, freshly baked rolls, dried dill dip mix, and fresh corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and peaches. i can't wait to have some fresh veggies with my dinner tonight:).
after that outing, we were both rather hungry, so we made a stop for some ribs (delish!) and then dropped my things home before going to retrieve her mom's wallet from the site of their dinner from last night.
saturday, michael and i had taken salimah her gifts and then out for an italian lunchtime meal. salimah and i then spent the rest of saturday vegging at my place, watching movies, and eating leftovers from lunch, as well as some slightly overbaked lemon bars.
then, sunday, we went to the mall where she got some new clothes and a briefcase, and we both procured various other sundries at the dollar store (don't get me started about how much we love this place)....we then went back to her place to set up all her new things and so that her mother and jim could come and take her out to dinner (see reference to wallet debacle above). i stayed at her place while they were out and got some much-needed work done. plus, it allowed us to spend another evening and day together hanging out, and left just enough time last night for a quick trip to RITAS:)....
so, in summation, salimah's birthday weekend was all about shopping and food and hanging out. just the way we wanted to spend it. tomorrow it's back into the swing of things, but i feel refreshed and renewed a bit to start all over again. besides, next weekend, there's a women's retreat, and that promises to be a lovely time as well.
s'wonderful, dontcha think?
Saturday, September 04, 2004
Sunday, August 29, 2004
i'm hot
i mean, really, i'm burning up. sweating, even. and my a/c is set to a crisp 70 degrees. but i am seriously so hot. and i'm not really running a temperature. and i'm not wearing heavy clothes. and i'm drinking lots of water. what is going on with me??
now, in other news, the soap at work is eating the skin off my hands. they are literally peeling. this means, of course, that i'm going to have to be a nerd and bring my own soap to my job so that i can manage the situation without too much of a problem. additionally, i will be swathing myself in lotion four to six times an hour to try and manage the fact that my skin is disappearing from my hands. it's traumatic, really.
and that, combined with the fact that i'm ridiculously hot, must tell you how i'm feeling just now.
things, needless to say, have felt better....
and YET i got to see my parents today. salimah and i drove to tyson's corner early this afternoon and met up with mom and dad at maggiano's and had a lovely lunch. we then went to williams-sonoma (sigh) and procured a few very-on-sale items and made our way back to charm city via 7-11 for some water (did i mention how hot i am and that being hot makes you really thirsty?).
i then spent the evening with michael:) and we watched the movie 'identity,' which, let me say it, FREAKED ME OUT.
so now i'm contemplating bed...or an ice bath...or both, and i'm hoping that me and my very warm and very lotioned self can make it through the day tomorrow without sweating or having any weird movie flashbacks (good film, but rather unnerving).
the good news is, however, that i will be having some quiche lorraine for lunch tomorrow (two words: buttery crust!) and salimah's birthday is next weekend (yay!). here's hoping you all make it through without a case of the mondays!!
and i'm out.
i mean, really, i'm burning up. sweating, even. and my a/c is set to a crisp 70 degrees. but i am seriously so hot. and i'm not really running a temperature. and i'm not wearing heavy clothes. and i'm drinking lots of water. what is going on with me??
now, in other news, the soap at work is eating the skin off my hands. they are literally peeling. this means, of course, that i'm going to have to be a nerd and bring my own soap to my job so that i can manage the situation without too much of a problem. additionally, i will be swathing myself in lotion four to six times an hour to try and manage the fact that my skin is disappearing from my hands. it's traumatic, really.
and that, combined with the fact that i'm ridiculously hot, must tell you how i'm feeling just now.
things, needless to say, have felt better....
and YET i got to see my parents today. salimah and i drove to tyson's corner early this afternoon and met up with mom and dad at maggiano's and had a lovely lunch. we then went to williams-sonoma (sigh) and procured a few very-on-sale items and made our way back to charm city via 7-11 for some water (did i mention how hot i am and that being hot makes you really thirsty?).
i then spent the evening with michael:) and we watched the movie 'identity,' which, let me say it, FREAKED ME OUT.
so now i'm contemplating bed...or an ice bath...or both, and i'm hoping that me and my very warm and very lotioned self can make it through the day tomorrow without sweating or having any weird movie flashbacks (good film, but rather unnerving).
the good news is, however, that i will be having some quiche lorraine for lunch tomorrow (two words: buttery crust!) and salimah's birthday is next weekend (yay!). here's hoping you all make it through without a case of the mondays!!
and i'm out.
Monday, August 23, 2004
'looks like we made it....'
pardon me for not writing in here for awhile, but i did indeed make it through my first week of work!! the people at my office are just as nice as they can be, and all week long, different people came to check on me and make sure i was hanging in there. plus, there is a full, macked-out kitchen with two fridges and an ice maker!! basically, i'm in heaven:)
and my weekend was nice, although not long enough. i spent time with friends, ate some good food, and made a DELICIOUS blueberry pie. holy cow! and i got to be with michael, which is always a special part of any day....:)
so, it's monday and the work week has started over. it's looking very busy up ahead, and i'm praying to the Lord that i'll get some good rest this week. oh, and as an added bonus, i just learned that peapod is delivering in baltimore now, so i've got groceries on their way to my house this evening:).
and one more thing: my apologies to barry manilow....
pardon me for not writing in here for awhile, but i did indeed make it through my first week of work!! the people at my office are just as nice as they can be, and all week long, different people came to check on me and make sure i was hanging in there. plus, there is a full, macked-out kitchen with two fridges and an ice maker!! basically, i'm in heaven:)
and my weekend was nice, although not long enough. i spent time with friends, ate some good food, and made a DELICIOUS blueberry pie. holy cow! and i got to be with michael, which is always a special part of any day....:)
so, it's monday and the work week has started over. it's looking very busy up ahead, and i'm praying to the Lord that i'll get some good rest this week. oh, and as an added bonus, i just learned that peapod is delivering in baltimore now, so i've got groceries on their way to my house this evening:).
and one more thing: my apologies to barry manilow....
Sunday, August 15, 2004
to begin again....
for the last week, i have been slowly picking away at my very long to-do list and, with the help of some trusted friends, i have made some real, measurable progress on my apartment & my life. here, in no particular order, are the items that i can now, with great relief, cross off the list:
1. rearrange/organize china cabinet (add a shelf)
2. rearrange/organize/clean out laundry room/pantry
3. rearrange/organize/clean out office closet
4. rearrange bookshelves
5. pare down book collection
6. rearrange bedroom
7. clean my bathroom
8. clear off and condition wood sideboard in kitchen
9. organize pots, pans, and baking dishes
10. rearrange living room furniture
11. dust and vacuum like crazy
12. order some clothes using online gift certificates
13. go clothes shopping to procure items for new job
and here is what i have left to do:
1. organize and vacuum my office
2. file papers (see #1)
3. clean kitchen sink
4. finish helping michael sort and organize his business papers
as soon as i finish this blog posting, i will be working towards accomplishing items 1 and 2. i want to get as much done today before i pass out this evening.
and tomorrow....
i start my new job:). i will get a full paycheck in two weeks (thank you, Jesus!) and my health insurance (100% paid) begins september 1. and hopefully, within a few weeks, i will have a second part-time job lined up (must. pay. off. debt.) and then i will be set to have a firm schedule, with many extraneous tasks off my somewhat cluttered mind.
i know that all this time, i have been going on about the business of my life, but much of my 'business' has been internal. now is the time for me to clear my plate, as it were, to dust and vacuum and sweep out the clutter that is continuing to hold me back. there is more ahead of me, more tasks to accomplish, more goals to set and realize. and i am moving one step at a time towards the life i should be living.
sometimes there are years of buildup in our hearts and minds and souls. but praise be to God that He gives us the tools and the strength and the FRIENDS to walk through those things and out into freedom. i feel like i've been given another chance....another opportunity to make things right.
i'm resting on your grace, dear Jesus. and i'm holding onto your word, which tells me that your mercies are new every morning. and so, i am here at the start of the next phase. another chance to step forward, to be stronger...
to begin again....
for the last week, i have been slowly picking away at my very long to-do list and, with the help of some trusted friends, i have made some real, measurable progress on my apartment & my life. here, in no particular order, are the items that i can now, with great relief, cross off the list:
1. rearrange/organize china cabinet (add a shelf)
2. rearrange/organize/clean out laundry room/pantry
3. rearrange/organize/clean out office closet
4. rearrange bookshelves
5. pare down book collection
6. rearrange bedroom
7. clean my bathroom
8. clear off and condition wood sideboard in kitchen
9. organize pots, pans, and baking dishes
10. rearrange living room furniture
11. dust and vacuum like crazy
12. order some clothes using online gift certificates
13. go clothes shopping to procure items for new job
and here is what i have left to do:
1. organize and vacuum my office
2. file papers (see #1)
3. clean kitchen sink
4. finish helping michael sort and organize his business papers
as soon as i finish this blog posting, i will be working towards accomplishing items 1 and 2. i want to get as much done today before i pass out this evening.
and tomorrow....
i start my new job:). i will get a full paycheck in two weeks (thank you, Jesus!) and my health insurance (100% paid) begins september 1. and hopefully, within a few weeks, i will have a second part-time job lined up (must. pay. off. debt.) and then i will be set to have a firm schedule, with many extraneous tasks off my somewhat cluttered mind.
i know that all this time, i have been going on about the business of my life, but much of my 'business' has been internal. now is the time for me to clear my plate, as it were, to dust and vacuum and sweep out the clutter that is continuing to hold me back. there is more ahead of me, more tasks to accomplish, more goals to set and realize. and i am moving one step at a time towards the life i should be living.
sometimes there are years of buildup in our hearts and minds and souls. but praise be to God that He gives us the tools and the strength and the FRIENDS to walk through those things and out into freedom. i feel like i've been given another chance....another opportunity to make things right.
i'm resting on your grace, dear Jesus. and i'm holding onto your word, which tells me that your mercies are new every morning. and so, i am here at the start of the next phase. another chance to step forward, to be stronger...
to begin again....
Friday, August 13, 2004
worship
i am enamored of single trees. not single socks or single donuts...not single most things. but single trees. for some reason, my breath always catches in my throat when i drive by a field and see one, lone tree, with nothing to distract it from its straining skyward.
the other afternoon, i was driving home in the bright sunshine that comes only after a torrential downpour. the mist was rising off the pavement, and everything was glistening and hazy. i was struck by how staggering the earth looked, how fresh, how clean. somehow, even the people i saw looked a little less smudged and tarnished, less dusty from their days.
that is the way that God likes us. cleaned off, undistracted and straining towards Him. it must be staggering to see it from His point of view...much more so, even than from mine....
i am enamored of single trees. not single socks or single donuts...not single most things. but single trees. for some reason, my breath always catches in my throat when i drive by a field and see one, lone tree, with nothing to distract it from its straining skyward.
the other afternoon, i was driving home in the bright sunshine that comes only after a torrential downpour. the mist was rising off the pavement, and everything was glistening and hazy. i was struck by how staggering the earth looked, how fresh, how clean. somehow, even the people i saw looked a little less smudged and tarnished, less dusty from their days.
that is the way that God likes us. cleaned off, undistracted and straining towards Him. it must be staggering to see it from His point of view...much more so, even than from mine....
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Friday, August 06, 2004
delicious
the view from my office window
the breeze is simply yummy today. quite cool, just how i like it. it's making me want to bake something. perhaps a cake is in order....yes, i think a lemon one with triple sec/vanilla frosting will do. and then perhaps some italian food (meatballs with pasta and homemade sauce) for dinner. i need to reconnect with my kitchen. i feel we've been out of synch.
in other news, i'm running a load of laundry and contemplating lunch (leftovers from last night, most likely). i should do a bit of shopping at some point this weekend. i need to pick up some fresh veggies and a few other dairy items.
i'll be meeting some friends for lunch tomorrow at la madeleine. such a throwback to my time in monty county. i am looking forward to tomato basil soup and some kind of puff pastry number.
now i'm off to throw my clothes in the dryer and plot out the rest of my afternoon....
did i mention that i love time off?!
the view from my office window
the breeze is simply yummy today. quite cool, just how i like it. it's making me want to bake something. perhaps a cake is in order....yes, i think a lemon one with triple sec/vanilla frosting will do. and then perhaps some italian food (meatballs with pasta and homemade sauce) for dinner. i need to reconnect with my kitchen. i feel we've been out of synch.
in other news, i'm running a load of laundry and contemplating lunch (leftovers from last night, most likely). i should do a bit of shopping at some point this weekend. i need to pick up some fresh veggies and a few other dairy items.
i'll be meeting some friends for lunch tomorrow at la madeleine. such a throwback to my time in monty county. i am looking forward to tomato basil soup and some kind of puff pastry number.
now i'm off to throw my clothes in the dryer and plot out the rest of my afternoon....
did i mention that i love time off?!
Thursday, August 05, 2004
go figure
i've just finished a small plate of chicken with mushrooms in wine sauce over pasta (made by yours truly) and i've got a blueberry/peach/apricot crisp in the oven (about which i'm feeling rather psyched), but i must say: something ain't right. i was so hungry earlier that i felt this weird pain inside (and not just hunger - beyond that), but then just before eating, i felt really ill suddenly and not in the mood to ingest any food.
honestly, i don't think things have been quite right since that whole 'stomach flu debacle.'
but hey, i'm a trooper, and i'm supposing that a bit of vanilla ice cream and some baked fruit won't be hard to choke down....i know, it's rough, but someone's gotta do it. might as well be me....:)
i've just finished a small plate of chicken with mushrooms in wine sauce over pasta (made by yours truly) and i've got a blueberry/peach/apricot crisp in the oven (about which i'm feeling rather psyched), but i must say: something ain't right. i was so hungry earlier that i felt this weird pain inside (and not just hunger - beyond that), but then just before eating, i felt really ill suddenly and not in the mood to ingest any food.
honestly, i don't think things have been quite right since that whole 'stomach flu debacle.'
but hey, i'm a trooper, and i'm supposing that a bit of vanilla ice cream and some baked fruit won't be hard to choke down....i know, it's rough, but someone's gotta do it. might as well be me....:)
organization
having just paid my exhorbitant insurance bill, i am now sitting at my desk trying to decide what part of my apartment will get my attention today. i have about 10 days off before i start my new job(!!!), so i'm trying to use the time wisely.
i just have this need to want to be more settled and arranged before things start getting too busy for me to see straight
hmm...i'm thinking that the closet in my office is whining for some serious attention....
having just paid my exhorbitant insurance bill, i am now sitting at my desk trying to decide what part of my apartment will get my attention today. i have about 10 days off before i start my new job(!!!), so i'm trying to use the time wisely.
i just have this need to want to be more settled and arranged before things start getting too busy for me to see straight
hmm...i'm thinking that the closet in my office is whining for some serious attention....
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
road trip
i managed to take no actual pictures of richmond this past weekend, but here were a few shots from the car ride up and back. enjoy!
it's enough to be on your way....
there were three trees in a field....the father, the son, and the holy spirit:)
these clouds were magnificent. really. this picture does no justice to them.
i am sorry to say that i missed taking a picture of this humped animal that i prayed was a llama (instead of something deformed and likely shunned by its fellow pasture-dwellers). i also missed getting a shot of this cute little church that would be perfect for a fall wedding. oh, yes, and i completely and utterly forgot to take pics of my parents and their beautiful new house. oh well. next time:)....
i managed to take no actual pictures of richmond this past weekend, but here were a few shots from the car ride up and back. enjoy!
it's enough to be on your way....
there were three trees in a field....the father, the son, and the holy spirit:)
these clouds were magnificent. really. this picture does no justice to them.
i am sorry to say that i missed taking a picture of this humped animal that i prayed was a llama (instead of something deformed and likely shunned by its fellow pasture-dwellers). i also missed getting a shot of this cute little church that would be perfect for a fall wedding. oh, yes, and i completely and utterly forgot to take pics of my parents and their beautiful new house. oh well. next time:)....
Friday, July 30, 2004
the verdict
tonight, i spent some time watching the democratic national convention. am i a democrat? no. will i be voting for john kerry in november? not likely. but is that the point? not in the least.
i watched the convention because i needed a jolt of reality. a sobering moment, if you will, to look at the state of mind and heart of some citizens in this country. to see the faces of rabid people swarming in a frenzy over the hope that some political candidate will be able to impact their lives - and hearts and families and the other things they hold dear - in a permanent, profound way. (and please do not misunderstand me here; i am not under the impression that the republican convention will be any different.)
let me say this while i have a chance: i do not hold the belief that it is possible to be that consumed with politics and in a similar way consumed with the person and work of Jesus Christ.
and as a citizen of God's kingdom, it is my duty to concern myself first and foremost with the goings-on of His word, His spirit, His heart. as the (sometimes sappy but in a gosh-don'tcha-love-his-songs kind of way) Christian artist ray boltz so appropriately penned,'i pledge allegiance to the Lamb....' you read that right. not to the flag, not to my president or my country or any organization, group, or party.
so will i be voting in the presidential election this fall? yes, because i feel like it's my responsibility as a citizen of this country in which God has placed me. but will the outcome of this election, will my political party affiliation, will my support or rejection of any social issue or economic agenda make or break my acknowledgement of truth at the end of the day? no way. not now. not ever.
'now the years have come and the years have gone, but the cause of Jesus still goes on. and now our time has come to count the cost, to reject this world, and embrace the cross. and one by one let us live our lives for the One who died to give us life. till the trumpet sounds on the final day, let us proudly stand and boldly say, 'i pledge allegiance to the Lamb, with all my strength, with all i am. i will seek to honor His command. i pledge allegiance to the Lamb.'
to the Lamb of God who bore my pain, who took my place, who wore my shame, i will seek to honor His commands. I pledge allegiance to the Lamb.' (lyrics by ray boltz)
note: for some interesting perspectives on this and other issues, please visit christian counter culture dot org.
tonight, i spent some time watching the democratic national convention. am i a democrat? no. will i be voting for john kerry in november? not likely. but is that the point? not in the least.
i watched the convention because i needed a jolt of reality. a sobering moment, if you will, to look at the state of mind and heart of some citizens in this country. to see the faces of rabid people swarming in a frenzy over the hope that some political candidate will be able to impact their lives - and hearts and families and the other things they hold dear - in a permanent, profound way. (and please do not misunderstand me here; i am not under the impression that the republican convention will be any different.)
let me say this while i have a chance: i do not hold the belief that it is possible to be that consumed with politics and in a similar way consumed with the person and work of Jesus Christ.
and as a citizen of God's kingdom, it is my duty to concern myself first and foremost with the goings-on of His word, His spirit, His heart. as the (sometimes sappy but in a gosh-don'tcha-love-his-songs kind of way) Christian artist ray boltz so appropriately penned,
so will i be voting in the presidential election this fall? yes, because i feel like it's my responsibility as a citizen of this country in which God has placed me. but will the outcome of this election, will my political party affiliation, will my support or rejection of any social issue or economic agenda make or break my acknowledgement of truth at the end of the day? no way. not now. not ever.
to the Lamb of God who bore my pain, who took my place, who wore my shame, i will seek to honor His commands. I pledge allegiance to the Lamb.'
note: for some interesting perspectives on this and other issues, please visit christian counter culture dot org.
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
and now, for a brief announcement from our sponsors....
i am in serious, frosty LOVE, people. i mean, really. i couldn't love this stuff anymore if i tried. tonight, i got my second 'gelati' from rita's. their gelati is not like a traditional gelato, although i will say that their frozen custard is dense and buttery. and they take this custard (either chocolate or vanilla) and layer it with the most delicious fruit ice and the combination is simply heaven.
you know it's bad when you start planning road trips through locations so that you can go to a rita's on your way. did i mention i'll be hitting the one in waldorf, md on my way down and back to and from richmond this weekend?
i believe the words you're looking for are 'hells yeah!' (please pardon my language)
oh, and as a brief p.s., i'm feeling 100% better, thanks for asking:)
i am in serious, frosty LOVE, people. i mean, really. i couldn't love this stuff anymore if i tried. tonight, i got my second 'gelati' from rita's. their gelati is not like a traditional gelato, although i will say that their frozen custard is dense and buttery. and they take this custard (either chocolate or vanilla) and layer it with the most delicious fruit ice and the combination is simply heaven.
you know it's bad when you start planning road trips through locations so that you can go to a rita's on your way. did i mention i'll be hitting the one in waldorf, md on my way down and back to and from richmond this weekend?
i believe the words you're looking for are 'hells yeah!' (please pardon my language)
oh, and as a brief p.s., i'm feeling 100% better, thanks for asking:)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)