Grades: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

I was inspired by my brother's blog to write of a few school grade experiences of mine. Enjoy...

THE GOOD

Well, if you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a bit anal retentive. I took a World Music class in college and had to write a one page report. I don't recall what the report was about, but I remember getting a 98% on it. That would have been fine and all, but there was not a single comment on the paper... just a random "98%," which I figured could have only been pulled out of the professor's ____. So, I went and questioned said teacher about the score. I simply wanted to know how I could improve my score the next time. (I know, I know... ) Anyway, the professor made some comment like, "this report sounds like something from an Encyclopedia," to which my response was something like... "thank you?" All I can gather is that he was curious as to whether I had plagarized it. (Funny that something copied from an Encyclopedia would only garnish a 98% OR that a plagarized paper would get a 98%!!) Anyway... I think he finally bumped it up to 100%. But... you'll be happy to note that the next paper I wrote had red pen marks ALL OVER IT!!

THE BAD AND THE UGLY

I received a case study back in one of my Business Law classes. I asked the guy next to me... "was this out of 50?" I turned and noticed that he had a 51... :( Needless to say, I spent the rest of the semester trying to recover. In fact, I think I would have received a B in the class had the guy next to me (a co-worker, coincidentally) not gone in and protested our grades. The professor ended up bumping it up. (Thanks, Mark, wherever you are!!!)

I'm sure I have more, but I think that'll do for now.

Ciao!

Socks

A friend of mine once told me that every night before he goes to bed, his father takes off his socks and lays them on the recliner in the living room. I usually slip mine off after my feet have warmed and drop them just to the left of my bed. There are some weeks I have quite a pile of socks collected there!

Drip..... drip..... drip.

Well, hello there, Blog-fans! The Bloggin' family blogs have slown quite a bit. I guess sometimes life just gets busy and other things take priority (as they often should). There hasn't been too much to relay here. Actually, I probably have a few stories. But, instead, I'll tell you about the books I'm reading right now. (Maybe that's inspired by Dave's recent blog.)

Angel's & Demons, by Dan Brown (author of the Da Vinci Code) - I don't know that I was extremely excited about reading this, but I had two people recommend it (Randy, who I work with, and Melody, a dear friend of mine from church). And, I had read the Da Vinci Code, so I was curious as to the contents of this book. I'm probably 1/3 of the way through it, so I can't make a call yet.

Too Busy Not to Pray, by Bill Hybels - a far, far, far cry from the first book. :) Actually, this will be the third time I've read this book, which is highly unusual for me. I don't know that I've ever even read a book twice. The funny thing is, I didn't really set out to read it three times. I read it once and learned a lot from it. Then, I lead our Sunday School class through it. Now, our church as a whole (and thus our SS class) is studying it. Fortunately there's been a bit of a lapse since the last reading, but not quite enough (maybe 2 yrs). I'm four chapters in this go 'round.

Creating Community: 5 Keys to Building a Small Group Culture, by Andy Stanley and Bill Willits - this is actually assigned reading. On Wednesday night, I was up at the church, and our young adult minister stuck it in my hands and said, "I'd like for you to read this in the next 3 or 4 weeks and give me a report." So... I guess that makes this one "homework."

The Secret Lives of Bees, by Sue Kidd - This is what I'm SUPPOSED to be reading. This is the current book being read by my Book Club group. Fortunately it's a short read, so hopefully I can fly through it. Main problem right now is... I haven't even bought the book yet. Knowing me, I'll buy it when I get the email setting the date for the next Book Club meeting!! :)

So... I'd like to write more, but I REALLY MUST GET READING!!!!

Blog Lag

Blog Lag

Hello good neighbors! Sorry for my tardiness in blogging. I've been low on news lately... maybe. Valentine's Day came and went without much commotion. I got flowers (as usual) from Mom & Dad. (THANKS!!!!) They were very nice - daisies, tulips, etc. Very spring-like. I'm sure you'll also be happy to know that the daffodils in my flower beds are blooming. I know, it's early. But it's this strange Oklahoma weather. It's been a bit cooler this week, though, so I hope they don't go into shock.

Well, I suppose the biggest news is last weekend's movie romp with a guy-friend of mine. Nothing to tell really other than it was extremely nice to get out with someone new. It's been quite awhile. I was hoping for a similar romp this weekend, but it's not looking good. My friends, Jim & Babs, are in town this weekend, so I'm sure we'll do something at some point.

On a scarier note, my neighbor "Duke" is in the hospital. Apparently he had a stroke last week and has been in a coma ever since. Please be praying for him. He was the one neighbor I could actually borrow tools from. Obviously that's a selfish reason to be praying for him. But, I am concerned about him. He doesn't really have any family around, other than his "house-mate" Judy.

Well, that's about it for now. I've got some blog reading to do. I've dedicated this weekend to accomplishing some overdue tasks - cleaning my house, washing my car, etc. (I assure you, the list is MUCH longer than that.)

Oh... I also made Eggplant Parmagian for dinner tonight. That's a first!

~Krista

Snow Bunny Returns from the Slopes

I believe I said I would update you on my most recent trip. Well, here goes...

We left last Friday (2/5/05) for Colorful Colorado. I piled in a green Subaru with several friends (Tim, Laurel and Corey) from church and made it to Salina circa 10 PM. We had arranged to stay with relatives of one of the guys, and I had the fortune of "sleeping" on a couch downstairs with no fewer than three chiming clocks. But, the french toast we had for breakfast more than made up for that! Yummy! The drive was pretty uneventful, and when we arrived in Denver we picked up Tim's brother, Aaron, from the Denver International Airport. (He had flown in from sunny California.)

We eventually arrived in Dillon, CO and got settled into our condo. The condo faced Dillon Lake. (Portions of our family remember this area, because Chelle and I received quite a lecture from Dad approximately 8-9 years ago, as we took a stroll along side the lake. Due to the pain we experienced at that time, I've decided not to include the details of the conversation herein. I'll just say this - though I did not appreciate the tactic used, I sincerely appreciated my Dad's concern for the well-being and moral fortitude of his two college-age daughters!) The condo stay was also pretty uneventful, except for the night I left the condo for a walk and then walked back into the WRONG condo!! The guys inside saw me and said, "hello?" I quickly apologized for being such an idiot and retreated back out of their condo. :)

The skiing was great, particularly at Arapahoe Basin. (We also skied Keystone and Breckenridge.) The powder at A-Basin was the best I've ever experienced. As well, the runs were great! Some of them went right down through the trees. I didn't fall much of any the first two days, but I made up for it the third day. Of course, I think I had good reason - several black mogul runs! I was happy to have survived them, but I did do a lot of falling and a lot of sliding. Fortunately, I avoided all trees on my decent. A college friend of mine, also "Aaron," lives in Keystone and joined us a couple days for skiing. We had a heck of a time keeping up with him!

In the evenings we hung out at the condo, watched TV/movies and played cards. We all took turns making dinner - chili, spaghetti, quesadillas, etc. There are many other details I could write about, but I think I've already taken up enough of your time.

I can't wait for next year! :)

Goodbye, Anonymity

Well, if any of you have noticed... I had an "anonymous" comment on my last blog. It was from my friend, Joe. Stupid me mentioned my blog to my small group, at which point, Joe took up the cause of finding my blog site. It does seem helpful to know that any bloke who sets his mind to it can find my site. But, it also causes me a bit of trepidation. I may think twice now about my blog entries. :P

But, alas, I don't have much to hide. So... blog away, I say. :)

~Krista

P.S. - I know you're all anxious to hear about the trip, but I'm a bit tired this evening. And, I have all day tomorrow to blog!

Lima Beans & Collard Greens

For those of you wondering about the subject title, see David's blog. :)

Well, tonight was small group. We had a surprise visit from our Young Adult pastor. He actually called me about an hour before group to ask if he could drop by. I'm not sure exactly why he came, but my guesses are as follows: 1) to bring me a list of people to send postcards to. I normally get the list on Sunday nights, but I wasn't there this past week. 2) To gauge whether my small group is worthy of being continued. He's hoping to start some new groups coming up, and I think he's determining whether some of the existing groups should continue to be promoted through the Gathering, 3) he just wanted to say "hi" to everybody and see what our group is like. Regardless, it was a good meeting (as always)! We had eleven folks there. We've been working our way through Ecclesiastes. I thought we had a nice discussion, and two people specifically mentioned after the meeting that they're really enjoying the study and learning a lot from it! Yeah!! I'm always worried I'm going to pick something that doesn't particular interest anyone or speak to them. So, I'm glad to know it's hitting home with everyone. In fact, one girl wasn't going to come tonight, but she was particularly encouraged by the scriptures and the support of the rest of the group. She's had a tough week. So, we had a good time. Afterwards, several of us went to Chili's to hang out. Hence why it's so late. Speaking of late, I'm leaving to go skiing tomorrow evening, so I have some things to get done before then. I best either get them done or get in bed!!

Catch you all later!

Krista (AKA - "Ski Bunny")

Mom's Favorite Tulsa Restaurant

Well, I hung out with a group of girls tonight at Senior Tequilla's. My friend, Mindy, told me she had gathered a group of friends for dinner and to celebrate being part of the way through busy season! There were a few Deloitte folks and then other friends of hers from church. (She goes to Asbury Methodist Church.) All in all, it was a fun time. We visited about work, upcoming trips and dating. Ha! There were some good stories there. My friend Nedra was telling us that her husband fixed her up with someone else right before they started dating. In addition to it being a strange date, they ran into Ryan at the end of the date. Her blind date leaned over to kiss her goodnight. Since she really liked Ryan (and didn't care for the bloke she had spent the evening with), she kind of tilted her head. It ended up the guy kissed her on her head, while Ryan practically fell on the floor laughing! I can imagine that was pretty funny to see!

Well... since I only have other peoples' stories to tell tonight, I suppose I should go ahead and cut this short. Seinfeld's on in a few anyway.

G'night!

Squirrel Pictures Added!!

I know you've all been waiting with baited breath... I finally uploaded some pictures of Matthew's dead squirrel. (See the "C'mon and Join the Blogwagon" blog from January 13, 2005.) I'm hoping to have some more pictures for you real soon!

~Krista

Bad Habits

I'm sitting here picking incessantly at my fingernails. Ouch! They're all bitten or torn down into the quick. Why is that? Doesn't it seem that the pain would encourage me to stop biting and picking at them? I used to think I picked at them less when I was nervous or stressed (unlike many other people claim about their own nail-biting). However, I'm not sure there is a correlation. I'm convinced I bite my nails ALL the time. Am I not busy enough? Do I just need more to do? I don't think that's it, because I've been biting my nails for years... and I'm nearly always overcommitted on my time. Jagged edges on my nails drive me insane, so maybe I bite at them in an effort to "smoothen" them out... though biting them nearly always makes them MORE jagged. Maybe I just need to carry a nail file on a chain around my neck. :) I've also thought about having acryllic nails put on. (They're much more difficult to bite through.) However, that costs good money. I'm not sure I'm ready for that kind of on-going financial commitment.

Anyway. I welcome any and all ideas. My fingers hurt!

Dawn

DAWN

She saves her smiles for special times,

ever watching silently for certain qualities in their character.

Her presence looms graceful and elegant

with soft dignity and angelic warmth,

endearing to all with the encounter of good fortune.

She leads from necessity, longing to follow-

integrity, strength, commitment and determined love.

She engages fully the courses ahead,

directing boldly with soft lips

and a passion channeled for His work and His Spirit.

She mends and nurtures with quiet reserve,

weeping and praying in the shadows!

Her beautiful voice betrays a mind of the same-

insightful and pensive, portraying holy mercy.

She lifts my sights to new heights,

aspiring to what can be, despite what is.

Dawn is so aptly named.

(The author will remain anonymous; however, should he ever run across my blog site.... THANK YOU!!)

Cabbie

Another Vegas story...

We got into the LV airport about 10 PM (LV time), which felt midnight to us. There was a tremendously long line for a cab. Fortunately (I guess), there was a guy hanging around inside the airport offering to take us "to the front of the cab line" if we'd follow him. So... after being depressed at the length of the line, we took this guy at his word and followed him. He took us to a short line of cabs, we tipped him handsomely ($10) and he told us to go to the first cab. The cabbie there apparently didn't see the guy bring us over, so he said "are you guys supposed to be here?" Obviously, the answer to that question resides in whether or not the gentleman who brought us over was authorized to to so. Since we didn't know the answer to that question, we sort of looked at him dumbfounded. He repeated his question, and he probably got three different answers from us. We finally told him, "that man told us to come over here." Anyway, the cabbie got really snotty with us. Someone in our group said, "sir, we just want to go to our hotel." Anyway, as soon as we got in the car, I made some comment about liking the song that was on the radio (that John Mayer - "Fathers be Good to Your Daughters," or whatever it's called). The cabbie abruptly turned the station. Then, some discussion ensued between me and the girls about Wayne Newton. I mentioned how there was kind of a soft spot in my heart for him given that we grew up listening to a Wayne Newton Christmas record. Not five minutes later, we saw a Wayne Newton sign and the cabbie started bashing him, saying "DON'T EVER PAY MONEY TO HEAR HIM!" "He's terrible." "He can't sing anymore." Anyway, we had decided early on NOT to tip this rude jerk. When we arrived at our hotel, the cab fare was $13.80. So, I pulled out $14 and handed to him when he had unloaded us and our luggage. We all started walking toward the hotel. Then we heard the cabbie shout, "Lady, lady, lady." I really didn't want to turn around but finally did. He came up and handed me my change - $0.20. What a prick! Anyway, I just smiled and accepted it graciously, saying "oh, thank you."

What a nice way to start the weekend!

The Kiss of the Blue Man

Well, I'm back from Vegas! We had a good time... definitely a better time than I did last September (though I would still have picked another location to visit had it been my choice)! Our flight out last Thursday was delayed four hours, so we left the airport, hung out at Abuelo's restaurant (dined on chips, salsa and coffee) and went to see a movie ("In Good Company"). We eventually got to Vegas. Highlights from the trip included - hanging out at a lounge in the Bellagio watching the dancing fountains. One of the fountain shows was accompanied by "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Rachmaninoff. Ooooohhhhhh.... I LOVE that piece of music! There was also an excellent band there. Altogether, we were there for about 4.5 hours! After that, we went to see the Blue Man Group. It was very interesting. For those of you who don't know them, see http://www.blueman.com. You probably know them best from their Intel commercials. The music is truly fascinating, but the show ends with the Blue Men unrolling toilet paper from the back of the auditorium and feeding it all the way up through the audience. The audience gets involved by grabbing the TP and throwing it on to the people in front of them. So... at some point, the entire auditorium is covered in toilet paper. It just keeps coming. In addition, there are strobe lights, so it's very chaotic. Everybody is laughing and covered in toilet paper. So - at some point along the way, I realized that my purse was no longer in my hands or lap (where it had been through the whole show). I started to freak out, thinking "oh my gosh, I think I may have thrown my purse with the toilet paper!!!!" Keep in mind, the strobe lights make it difficult to see anything but flashing toilet paper. Fortunately, I found my purse on the guy in front of me - kind of wedged between his back and the back of his chair! Even better... after the show, the three blue men hung around outside to greet people. (I was told that sometimes they'll dab a little bit of blue make-up from their faces and wipe it on people as they're exiting.) I wanted a picture with one of the blue men, and I asked him if I could have a little (blue paint), and I kind of pointed to my cheek. Then he kissed me on my cheek and left a BIG BLUE lip print!! ;) One of the girls took a digital picture, so I'll have to upload it when I get it!! All in all, it was a good trip... and I even came home with a little money. (See what happens when you DON'T gamble!)

Well, I have some sleep to catch up on. I'll catch you all later!

Atrophy

Hello, good people. As you can see, it's getting quite late; however, I thought I should write a short spot while I have the chance. Some of you may know that I'm heading out of town tomorrow for a co-worker trip to Vegas. Could be interesting, so I may have some interesting blogs when I get back. :) This week (to date) has been a bit saddening. You know... sometimes you just get in a funk. I haven't felt like getting up to Jazzercise this week, so I've been laying in bed until the last possible moment, getting up just in time to get ready and make it to work at a reasonable time. Tonight, however, was a bit more encouraging. Our small group went bowling tonight. (We're not meeting tomorrow night given my excursion to Vegas.) We had 18 people, which included several six visitors. We had a good time. Afterwards, me and two of the guys decided to hang at Starbucks for awhile and visit. You know... I had to do a personality profile this past week, and I determined I'm "reserved," which is supposedly the opposite of "interactive." However, I've noticed lately that I seem to come alive when I'm entertaining people - whether it's for a movie/games/etc. at my house or greeting people who visit our Sunday evening service ("The Gathering"). For one thing, it forces me outside of myself. It's difficult to be sad or depressed when I'm serving a group of people. Also, it gets lonely here sometimes, so I really enjoy the interaction with others. Anyway, things seem to be a bit better today. I'm actually kind of looking forward to this trip - if not LV itself, then maybe the break from work. But... that means I have about a gazillion things to get done!!! So, I best quit blogging for now. I'll catch you all up when I get back!

The Problem of Pain

I heard an interesting quote tonight, and I would love to tell you who should be credited with the saying; however, I honestly don't have any idea. Feel free to enlighten me if you do...

"People don't change until the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of changing."

Similarly, by C.S. Lewis, from his book The Problem of Pain:

"Now God, who has made us, knows what we are and that our happiness lies in Him. Yet we will not seek it in Him as long as He leaves us any other resort where it can even plausibly be looked for. While what we call 'our own life' remains agreeable we will not surrender it to Him. What then can God do in our interests but make 'our own life' less agreeable to us, and take away the plausible source of false happiness?"

Wow! If you haven't read this book, please do. It's quite thought provoking, yet very simply logical. Without pain and discomfort in our lives, we would not recognize our need for God! C.S. Lewis has many other fine points as well. For example, without pain there is no free will. Consider (in a purely physical illustration): Man A wants to run over Man B. A world with no pain would disallow the Man B to be hurt in the incident or experience pain by Man A's actions; however, that would negate Man A's ability to exercise his free will to run over Man B. Anyway, it's a very fascinating and informative read. And, it also gives a certain amount of comfort in painful situations... of which we've all faced at one point or another (or are facing right now)!

Card Sharks & Homework

Well, as you can tell it's very late (actually... very early)! I had a few friends over to play cards tonight. I thought I might have a difficult time finding people to play, because I kind of organized it at the last minute (this morning). But, we actually had eight. We had dinner... spicy chicken & rice. Everyone brought side dishes, dessert, etc. Then we played Texas Hold'em (for chips only) and Phase 10. Finally someone phased out circa 1 AM. It was a good group, though, and much fun was had. I've been rather bored lately, so I'm glad they could all come and hang out for awhile.

I don't have much planned for tomorrow - house cleaning and some homework. YES... HOMEWORK!!! I've signed up (and paid) to take a class that will teach me how to become a "Budget Coach." Our church participates with Crown Financial Ministries to offer certain "financial stewardship" classes. These classes help people set up budgets and recognize that 100% of their money is God's (not just our tithe). Sometimes people in our church and community request to have someone help "coach" them in setting up a budget and making financial decisions that will glorify God. That's where I come into the picture. So... for the next ten weeks, I'll be getting back into that school mode - reading, studying, doing homework, etc. The goal is that by halfway through the class, we'll be assigned to an individual or couple to begin coaching. It will be an interesting process, but I figure this class will be good for several reasons - 1) it will give me something to do, 2) it will encourage me to LIVE by a budget (I generally HAVE a budget, but don't really have any financial plans or goals, nor do I evaluate my budget performance), and 3) it will allow me to use my accounting/finance background to serve in a very tangible way. I'll let you know how it goes!

Sword Sharpening

Tonight was small group night. Mine's called "Foundations." We had a good group tonight (not that we don't normally have a "good" group). We had 11, and that included four visitors! And... two people joined us who had not been in awhile, though several of our regulars were gone. It was great, because even the visitors chipped in and made comments. We obviously spent some time in introductions, but when finally dug in and studied the first two chapters of Ecclesiastes. It was a good reminder that life is meaningless without the purpose we derive from living for God. There was some great discussion. Boy, I really enjoy doing this... having people over, making people feel welcome, facilitating/teaching from God's Word, getting to know new people. It was really great! I love those guys. :)

II Corinthians 5:15

"And [Christ] died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."

Wow... what an incredible challenge!

The Bug

The little blue bug, with its Charlie Chaplin eyebrows,

sputters playfully through the city street.

He seems happy and content to carry his cargo.

He's not bothered by the bits of rust creeping in at his seems

but fweems gleefully with each kind touch and meaningful observation.

He is quite aware of the playful jabs that are exchanged in his presence.

But that is his gift - the gift of laughter, smiles... amusement.