Don't you ever feel like shaking things up a bit? I think that's how I'm feeling right now, though I'm not really sure by what means I would do that. Life is just getting a bit stagnant. I'm ready for it to move along a little.
But, right now I'm listening to the rendition of Coldplay's "Clocks" on their "Rhythms del Mundo" CD. It makes me feel like I should be at some tropical beach party... with tiki torches, fun colorful clothing and sandals. :)
"And nothing else compares..."
Sunday, May 11, 2008
"Red, Red Rose" by Robert Burns
- O my luve is like a red, red rose
- That's newly sprung in June;
- O my luve's like the melodie
- That's sweetly played in tune.
- As fair art thou, my bonny lass,
- So deep in luve am I;
- And I will luve thee still, my dear,
- Till a' the seas gang dry.
- Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
- And the rocks melt wi' the sun;
- I will luve thee still, my dear,
- While the sands o' life shall run.
- And fare thee weel, my only love,
- And fare thee weel, awhile!
- And I will come again, my love
- Tho' it were ten thousand mile.
Monday, April 21, 2008
The Single Woman
"The fact is, sometimes it's hard to walk in a single woman's shoes. That's why we need really special ones now and then - to make our walk a little more fun."
Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City"
Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City"
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Well... I finally did it!
For the first time ever I e-filed my taxes. I've been a paper-and-pencil girl all these years. I think I like having all the documents right in front of me. I get a bit lost sometimes flipping between computer screens. And maybe there's something reassuring in putting a stamp on the forms and mailing them. But, I bit the bullet and rather enjoyed the process. It took me less than two hours, and I have a decent refund coming.
The product - H&R Block's TaxCut Free File. Thanks H&R Block! (Throwing a little business Matt's way, too!)
The product - H&R Block's TaxCut Free File. Thanks H&R Block! (Throwing a little business Matt's way, too!)
Friday, March 14, 2008
God's Will
I think one purpose of fasting is to seek God's will on certain issues. So, along with that, He seems to be teaching me some things about His will. For example, at church Sunday night, we studied Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 26). You get such a sense of Jesus' humanity in that passage as he prays there might be some other way for God's will be to accomplished. But, nevertheless, he prays "no my will, but thine." This evening I was reading in Exodus 5 where the LORD calls Moses to be his representative to Pharaoh. Moses gives every excuse he can thinking of, and when he runs out of excuses he finally says, "please send someone else to do it." Ha! I read that and think, "what a coward!" But... then I realize most of us fall into that same category. God promises to provide all our needs, but somehow when He's calling us to do something we list off every excuse we can think of...
"I'm too busy"
"That doesn't fit into my life"
"I'm too young/too old"
"My friends would think I'm crazy"
"I don't have the qualifications"
"I've/we've never done that before"
"That's impossible"
... and a million more
Finally we plead, "God, PLEASE send someone else to do it." But God doesn't let up. He knows what He's doing. He knows who to send. He knows our backgrounds, our skills, our limitations... He knows it all. And... He still asks of us.
I pray I will be a person who doesn't squirm to find a way out but who courageously steps up, accepts my mission and says, "Here I am, send me."
I love this quote by Dr. George W. Truett, "The know the will of God is the greatest knowledge; to do the will of God is the greatest achievement. The will of God is not always easy, but it is always right."
Amen.
"I'm too busy"
"That doesn't fit into my life"
"I'm too young/too old"
"My friends would think I'm crazy"
"I don't have the qualifications"
"I've/we've never done that before"
"That's impossible"
... and a million more
Finally we plead, "God, PLEASE send someone else to do it." But God doesn't let up. He knows what He's doing. He knows who to send. He knows our backgrounds, our skills, our limitations... He knows it all. And... He still asks of us.
I pray I will be a person who doesn't squirm to find a way out but who courageously steps up, accepts my mission and says, "Here I am, send me."
I love this quote by Dr. George W. Truett, "The know the will of God is the greatest knowledge; to do the will of God is the greatest achievement. The will of God is not always easy, but it is always right."
Amen.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Friend?
I just ran across this poem, and I'm happy to note that I'm not even sure to whom it may have referred...
Friends?
From the first moment you extended your hand to me,
I've wondered what kind of friend you will be.
Maybe just an acquaintance,
someone who might happen to recognize me on the street.
Maybe the casual friend who meets me irregularly for dinner
and occasionally drops me an email to say "hi."
What about that friend who is so close, so deeply involved in my life
that I can't imagine a life apart, until six months later that time comes.
You could be that person.
Or you could be, just possibly, an eternal friend,
one who loves me endlessly,
who despite the time and distance is an intricate part of me.
Only in retrospect will I know who you are.
As for now, I see the possibilities in your eyes.
And I know that you are important, no matter what your role in my life.
For this time, I'm glad to know you.
I've wondered what kind of friend you will be.
Maybe just an acquaintance,
someone who might happen to recognize me on the street.
Maybe the casual friend who meets me irregularly for dinner
and occasionally drops me an email to say "hi."
What about that friend who is so close, so deeply involved in my life
that I can't imagine a life apart, until six months later that time comes.
You could be that person.
Or you could be, just possibly, an eternal friend,
one who loves me endlessly,
who despite the time and distance is an intricate part of me.
Only in retrospect will I know who you are.
As for now, I see the possibilities in your eyes.
And I know that you are important, no matter what your role in my life.
For this time, I'm glad to know you.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
A Call to Die
Our church is committing the next 21 days or so (leading up to Easter) to fast and pray. We're doing a variety of fasts (food, media, etc.). I've elected a sort of "social" fast. I'm going to take some time I would generally spend with friends and take the time to spend in dedicated prayer and Bible study. I'm excited to see what God will teach me and what he may reveal to us corporately and individually.
I've already journaled about a variety of topics and things that God has laid on my heart. And I already have a couple of "to do" items from God... a phone call, a thank you and a challenge to be a better neighbor. (That one may be more difficult for me and will require me to get out of my comfort zone.)
What I've read today that struck me...
From Matthew 15 - "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'" (vs 11) "Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." (vs. 17-19) (Reminds me of one of my new favorite verses, Matthew 12:34b - "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.")
Then my prayer in Psalm 19:14, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
I've already journaled about a variety of topics and things that God has laid on my heart. And I already have a couple of "to do" items from God... a phone call, a thank you and a challenge to be a better neighbor. (That one may be more difficult for me and will require me to get out of my comfort zone.)
What I've read today that struck me...
From Matthew 15 - "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'" (vs 11) "Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." (vs. 17-19) (Reminds me of one of my new favorite verses, Matthew 12:34b - "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.")
Then my prayer in Psalm 19:14, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Under $50
Latest shopping victories...
Shoes at Dillard's - $21 (original price - $80)
Long-sleeve "tuxedo-style" shirt from The Gap on clearance - $12
Shoes at Dillard's - $21 (original price - $80)
Long-sleeve "tuxedo-style" shirt from The Gap on clearance - $12
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Being Stretched
I should be in bed, but I felt like making a couple of comments on the budgeting front. First of all, I'm pretty proud of myself. I feel like I've always been a pretty good steward of my material resources... more accurately the resources with which God has entrusted to me. But, as I'm currently without a roommate (a state that could be prolonged, given my best prospect just got engaged this past weekend), I thought it wise to tighten the purse strings a bit and rely as little as possible on my "emergency funds" and savings. The two most troublesome areas of spending tend to be eating out and clothing (especially as of late, given the fact that most of my clothes no longer fit). A week and a half ago, I had $3 for about a week's worth of eating out. So, among other things, I had the opportunity to sit and watch my friends eat (quite a learning experience). It was kind of difficult at first. I never realized how humbling that can be. But, even more so, it seemed a great exercise in self-control. I had one friend offer to pay for my meal (which I quickly declined). There has to be an art to refraining from eating out but not allowing others to feel sorry for you. Eating out is such a social thing for me that I find that all very difficult. It really is easier to just whip out the debit card and carry on as per normal... instant gratification of the hunger pains and less socially awkward. All that to say, I made it... five days without so much as a cup of coffee out. :)
Also, I went shopping the other day for some black pants. I didn't find the pants, but I got a black skirt and another (bonus) skirt, which only cost me $5!! It is a freeing feeling to know that I have the money specifically allocated to make purchases like that. I've never worried about being able to afford the clothes I've bought, but I've always had a nagging feeling about whether I should be spending the money. So, that's cool. It was a bit awkward paying with cash, though, in this plastic age.
So... I'm learning some new things. Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks? ;)
Also, I went shopping the other day for some black pants. I didn't find the pants, but I got a black skirt and another (bonus) skirt, which only cost me $5!! It is a freeing feeling to know that I have the money specifically allocated to make purchases like that. I've never worried about being able to afford the clothes I've bought, but I've always had a nagging feeling about whether I should be spending the money. So, that's cool. It was a bit awkward paying with cash, though, in this plastic age.
So... I'm learning some new things. Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks? ;)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Ouch! There's a Fork in my Eye!
It's been kind of a blah day. A friend's father is in the hospital, Heath Ledger died and a friend of mine told me that sometimes I make him want to stick a fork in his eye. So... I've had better. That being said, I did get a couple of looming responsibilities out of the way at work. I finished up our contribution statements (required by the IRS) and printed our W-2/W-3 forms. So, that's a load off. I have plenty of other things to do, but I have most of my big year-end deadline things completed.
I should be in bed, but I don't really feel like sleeping. I guess I could read. I'm reading "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller. It's on my list of books to read before I die, and I have several other friends reading. I would have read it earlier had someone told me how incredibly hilarious it is. :) Here's one of my favorite passages...
"Major Major had been born too late and too mediocre. Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three. Even among men lacking all distinction he inevitably stood out as a man lacking more distinction than all the rest, and people who met him were always impressed by how unimpressive he was."
Ha!
In other news, I didn't take much time for lunch today. I called to the restaurant downstairs and ordered a salad to go. When I went down to pick it up, the restaurant was pretty empty except for a few folks sitting here and there around the bar. There was a very nice looking gentleman closest to me when I walked in. He smiled, and I think he was watching me as I looked confused and tried to figure out where to get my salad. Instead of saying anything to him, though, I did the typical Krista "I'm here on a mission to get a salad." For some reason I always operate like that... in and out, head down, very focused on the task at hand. Anyway, he watched me and smiled again as I walked past him on the way out. For the next hour I regretted not saying anything to him... "excuse me, sir, do you know where I would pick up a to-go order?" (Not great, but at least a dialogue.) Or, better yet, I could have dropped something on the way out... let him bound out of his chair to pick it up for me. Maybe he would have offered to carry my heavy salad upstairs for me. Either way, there's always a chance he knows the wait staff and inquired about my name and number (they took my first name and work # for the order). Or, they could have told him, "I think she said she works in the building." But, alas, he never called. I happened to see him leave the building about an hour later. He was probably still wondering about me. :)
I should be in bed, but I don't really feel like sleeping. I guess I could read. I'm reading "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller. It's on my list of books to read before I die, and I have several other friends reading. I would have read it earlier had someone told me how incredibly hilarious it is. :) Here's one of my favorite passages...
"Major Major had been born too late and too mediocre. Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three. Even among men lacking all distinction he inevitably stood out as a man lacking more distinction than all the rest, and people who met him were always impressed by how unimpressive he was."
Ha!
In other news, I didn't take much time for lunch today. I called to the restaurant downstairs and ordered a salad to go. When I went down to pick it up, the restaurant was pretty empty except for a few folks sitting here and there around the bar. There was a very nice looking gentleman closest to me when I walked in. He smiled, and I think he was watching me as I looked confused and tried to figure out where to get my salad. Instead of saying anything to him, though, I did the typical Krista "I'm here on a mission to get a salad." For some reason I always operate like that... in and out, head down, very focused on the task at hand. Anyway, he watched me and smiled again as I walked past him on the way out. For the next hour I regretted not saying anything to him... "excuse me, sir, do you know where I would pick up a to-go order?" (Not great, but at least a dialogue.) Or, better yet, I could have dropped something on the way out... let him bound out of his chair to pick it up for me. Maybe he would have offered to carry my heavy salad upstairs for me. Either way, there's always a chance he knows the wait staff and inquired about my name and number (they took my first name and work # for the order). Or, they could have told him, "I think she said she works in the building." But, alas, he never called. I happened to see him leave the building about an hour later. He was probably still wondering about me. :)
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
For the New Year
I'm not a big fan of resolutions. (I did pretty well last year... without any real "resolutions.") That being said, I DO believe in goal-setting. :) (I know, I know... it's all semantics.) At this moment, there are only a few things I feel inspired to work on in 2008...
1) My relationship with Christ - I'm digging back into my One-Year Bible again. I just finished it in October, but I'm hoping not to take four or five years to get through this time. :) Regardless of the Bible reading, I would like to spend more time in prayer and one-on-one time with God this year. Sometimes I'm really bad about not doing that.
2) Budgeting - I need to reassess my financial situation. I'm currently working sans roommate. I've known in my head that it will be difficult for me to stay in the black (not to mention get ahead) without a roommate, and that was confirmed earlier tonight when I was drafting my budget. (YIKES!!!) So, I'm doing fine, and I'm not worried, but I do need to get in gear. I have a lead on a roommate, so I'll keep working on that. I'm also tossing around some other (more drastic) possibilities... selling my car? selling my house? I doubt I'll sell the house, but I'll tell you... after this ice storm, I was reminded of the ease of apartment dwelling... no yard to mow, no leaves to rake, no limbs to clear, no electricians to call, no roof to repair, etc., etc., etc.
3) Relationships - It probably sounds crazy and unrealistic to say that I'd like to get married this year (or at least make some meaningful steps in that direction). It probably also makes me sound either desperate or discontented with my single life. But, that's not really how I feel about it. In fact, I've really enjoyed my single life and all of the opportunities I've had as a single person - traveling, enjoying a variety of roommates, a strenuous career (for a time), lots of fun friendships, freedom in making decisions, and so on. But, sometimes the life of a single person is also a selfish life. I've been reminded of this more and more as I've had roommates the past year and a half, as I stayed with my friend and her family during my power outage and as ten of my family members stayed in my house over Christmas. But, most of all, I just feel ready to share my life with someone else. Now, God may have different plans. (That wouldn't really surprise me, because we're already WAY off course as compared to MY life plan.) So, I'd like to state (for the record) that I want what God wants. So, if it suits His purposes for me to stay single another year (or two, or ten, or fifty), then that's where I want to be. That'll keep me leaning on Him, which is probably reason enough for Him to keep me there. :)
That's probably enough to work on for one year, huh?
HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!! Let me know what YOU have planned for 2008!
Monday, December 31, 2007
2007 In Review
It's the last day of 2007, and what a year!
I made no resolutions for 2007, but I commented to a friend that "I just don't want to be in the same boat next year that I am right now." 2007 was a year dedicated partially to becoming healthy. The most obvious expression of that was some (long overdue) attention to my weight. I had an idea what it would mean to lose some weight, but I expected that to be primarily a physical change. In reality, I think it was even more mental than physical. I never realized how my weight had become a sort of wall for me... keeping me isolated... and keeping others out. I've learned that beauty is an important part of being a woman and that I'm a unique expression of God's beauty. I don't think I was doing a very good job of expressing that before. I'm still working on it, but I feel like I have a lot more to give of myself today than I did a year ago.
I've also been on more dates this year than I probably have all of my years up to now. Now, that's not saying a whole lot, but it has been a fun year in that regard. And, I've learned a few things there, too. I've allowed myself to be more open to possibilities... not so guarded and not so oblivious to the people around me. I've taken more risks, and I've tried not to over analyze every situation. I've focused more on enjoying the moment and not getting so caught up on where things might end up. There's a real freedom in trusting God that whatever happens will be for the best. I can see where worrying about those things has caused considerable havoc in my past relationships. I want to be a person who brings life and freedom to another person... not someone who causes stress and adds pressure where none needs to be. THAT has been a really exciting change!
It's been a year of new friendships, too! A vast majority of the people I'm hanging out with these days were not friends (or at least close friends) a year ago. God's really blessed me with a great gal pal, too! It's so nice to have a friend who understands my life, with all of its idiosyncrasies. He's also blessed me with old friends. Though things have changed fairly radically this year, it's nice have friends who will stick with me... regardless.
I'm sure there are other interesting things to tell, but those are the highlights! In summary, 2007 has been what one might call a banner year for Krista. :)
I made no resolutions for 2007, but I commented to a friend that "I just don't want to be in the same boat next year that I am right now." 2007 was a year dedicated partially to becoming healthy. The most obvious expression of that was some (long overdue) attention to my weight. I had an idea what it would mean to lose some weight, but I expected that to be primarily a physical change. In reality, I think it was even more mental than physical. I never realized how my weight had become a sort of wall for me... keeping me isolated... and keeping others out. I've learned that beauty is an important part of being a woman and that I'm a unique expression of God's beauty. I don't think I was doing a very good job of expressing that before. I'm still working on it, but I feel like I have a lot more to give of myself today than I did a year ago.
I've also been on more dates this year than I probably have all of my years up to now. Now, that's not saying a whole lot, but it has been a fun year in that regard. And, I've learned a few things there, too. I've allowed myself to be more open to possibilities... not so guarded and not so oblivious to the people around me. I've taken more risks, and I've tried not to over analyze every situation. I've focused more on enjoying the moment and not getting so caught up on where things might end up. There's a real freedom in trusting God that whatever happens will be for the best. I can see where worrying about those things has caused considerable havoc in my past relationships. I want to be a person who brings life and freedom to another person... not someone who causes stress and adds pressure where none needs to be. THAT has been a really exciting change!
It's been a year of new friendships, too! A vast majority of the people I'm hanging out with these days were not friends (or at least close friends) a year ago. God's really blessed me with a great gal pal, too! It's so nice to have a friend who understands my life, with all of its idiosyncrasies. He's also blessed me with old friends. Though things have changed fairly radically this year, it's nice have friends who will stick with me... regardless.
I'm sure there are other interesting things to tell, but those are the highlights! In summary, 2007 has been what one might call a banner year for Krista. :)
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A Christmas Miracle!
Well, I can't sleep, so I thought I'd catch up on some overdue blogging. :)
My nerves started wearing thin mid-last week. I was still without electricity and waiting to hear from the electrician who had already been out to my house and had apparently ordered some supplies for the job. Needless to say, I was beginning into the meltdown stage. Thursday was a bit better, and Friday I was determined to sleep in my own home... regardless the electrical situation.
I got home around noon on Friday to find that NO electrician had been to my house. I called a couple of other electricians, but prospects were not looking good to get anyone out to the house until after Christmas. My friends were becoming increasingly aware of my tense emotional state and were kind to offer assistance with generators and limbs. Around 3pm, as I was rolling a generator over from the neighbor's house (the rest of the neighborhood had power by this time), I received a call from one of the electricians I had called around noon. They said they were on their way! I was excited to know they were coming but doubted the possibility of getting the electrical work done AND having PSO come back out to connect me. (I had friends who had to wait the better half of a week just to be reconnected AFTER having the necessary electrical work completed.) But, the electrician went ahead and connected everything so that I had power flowing into the house! YEAH!!! What a blessing!
I talked to my Dad later that day. He said that that morning when he was praying he knew there was no way all the pieces could come together to get electricity by the end of the day, but he prayed anyway... prayed for a miracle... a Christmas miracle, which came true!
So... twelve days without electricity... and I survived, thanks to the generosity of my friends and God's watchful protection.
My nerves started wearing thin mid-last week. I was still without electricity and waiting to hear from the electrician who had already been out to my house and had apparently ordered some supplies for the job. Needless to say, I was beginning into the meltdown stage. Thursday was a bit better, and Friday I was determined to sleep in my own home... regardless the electrical situation.
I got home around noon on Friday to find that NO electrician had been to my house. I called a couple of other electricians, but prospects were not looking good to get anyone out to the house until after Christmas. My friends were becoming increasingly aware of my tense emotional state and were kind to offer assistance with generators and limbs. Around 3pm, as I was rolling a generator over from the neighbor's house (the rest of the neighborhood had power by this time), I received a call from one of the electricians I had called around noon. They said they were on their way! I was excited to know they were coming but doubted the possibility of getting the electrical work done AND having PSO come back out to connect me. (I had friends who had to wait the better half of a week just to be reconnected AFTER having the necessary electrical work completed.) But, the electrician went ahead and connected everything so that I had power flowing into the house! YEAH!!! What a blessing!
I talked to my Dad later that day. He said that that morning when he was praying he knew there was no way all the pieces could come together to get electricity by the end of the day, but he prayed anyway... prayed for a miracle... a Christmas miracle, which came true!
So... twelve days without electricity... and I survived, thanks to the generosity of my friends and God's watchful protection.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Things I Usually Take for Granted...
Heat - if it's a little cool, I usually just crank up the thermostat, add another blanket to the bed or find any number of warmer places to be. This week, I've been cold everywhere I go. I've been wearing long underwear, ski socks, sweaters, a coat and gloves!
Clean clothes/Washer/Dryer - I've been taking a few clothes at a time over to Jessica's house. But every day or two I have to go back by my house to load up again. Jessica at least has power now (off the generator), so I've been able to do a load of laundry. But, I think I'm to the end of my clean underwear, so I suppose I'll be making another trip by the house. (I haven't hit the end of my clean resources there... yet.)
Coffee - Warms drinks are somewhat hard to come by, especially early in the week. A lot of restaurants & coffee shops were closed. Without power it was difficult to make. (Coffee pots aren't always top priority when you're running a generator.) But, my neighbors were kind enough to run an extension cord from their house to mine so I could run my refrigerator. A couple of mornings, I'd run by to check on the house and would unplug the refrigerator long enough to brew a few cups of coffee. Mmmmmmm.
Internet access - I felt somewhat removed from the world. I've been able to check my email from a church I camped at for "work" early in the week and then various friends' computers (here later in the week).
Cell phones - I was a bit nervous on Monday... running low on gas, trapped in a war zone and limited cell phone juice. I've been carrying my charger with me all week with the hopes of finding a live plug here or there for recharging. (Such has fortunately been the case.)
My home/shelter - I've feel a bit nomadic this week. I realize how much I've taken for granted just the simple comfort of having a "home-base." I've felt a bit lost this week... unable to really focus on anything... like a wanderer... drifting from place to place.
Gas - My gas light came on Monday. I determined to fill up on Tuesday, and became a bit concerned with the first gas station I tried was dark and closed up. (I was hoping it was an electricity thing and not a gas shortage!) I did find another place, but the lines were backed up. I patiently waited my turn and mused at the variety of attitudes there... some people very kind and helpful... others angry and easily-agitated.
Okay... more later.
Clean clothes/Washer/Dryer - I've been taking a few clothes at a time over to Jessica's house. But every day or two I have to go back by my house to load up again. Jessica at least has power now (off the generator), so I've been able to do a load of laundry. But, I think I'm to the end of my clean underwear, so I suppose I'll be making another trip by the house. (I haven't hit the end of my clean resources there... yet.)
Coffee - Warms drinks are somewhat hard to come by, especially early in the week. A lot of restaurants & coffee shops were closed. Without power it was difficult to make. (Coffee pots aren't always top priority when you're running a generator.) But, my neighbors were kind enough to run an extension cord from their house to mine so I could run my refrigerator. A couple of mornings, I'd run by to check on the house and would unplug the refrigerator long enough to brew a few cups of coffee. Mmmmmmm.
Internet access - I felt somewhat removed from the world. I've been able to check my email from a church I camped at for "work" early in the week and then various friends' computers (here later in the week).
Cell phones - I was a bit nervous on Monday... running low on gas, trapped in a war zone and limited cell phone juice. I've been carrying my charger with me all week with the hopes of finding a live plug here or there for recharging. (Such has fortunately been the case.)
My home/shelter - I've feel a bit nomadic this week. I realize how much I've taken for granted just the simple comfort of having a "home-base." I've felt a bit lost this week... unable to really focus on anything... like a wanderer... drifting from place to place.
Gas - My gas light came on Monday. I determined to fill up on Tuesday, and became a bit concerned with the first gas station I tried was dark and closed up. (I was hoping it was an electricity thing and not a gas shortage!) I did find another place, but the lines were backed up. I patiently waited my turn and mused at the variety of attitudes there... some people very kind and helpful... others angry and easily-agitated.
Okay... more later.
The Ice Storm of 2007
Well, I figured I'd give everyone an update on my experiences here in Tulsa this past week.
I'm currently sitting at a friend's house, sitting across from another homeless soul.... watching it snow outside... and wondering when life might return to "normal."
Sunday night, December 9th (into Monday morning)
Tulsa was like a war zone. No kidding! The freezing rain began sometime that night, and all through the night I heard crashing limbs, explosions and emergency vehicles. I kept getting up to look out the windows and would see bright orange and turquoise blue flashes in the sky. (I've never seen the sky so brilliantly colored! I maintained power until about 5am Monday morning. I heard a huge explosion, which was obviously our transformer. I looked at my alarm clock... black. I knew at that point that I wouldn't have power any time soon.
I called my Dad (the one person I thought might be awake) and told him of the war zone-like atmosphere in Tulsa. Well, the freezing rain continued through until Monday afternoon/evening, making a bad situation even worse. I heard from several friends Monday morning who were looking for anyone with electricity... making plans already for evening warmth. I had no such place to offer, but we finally found a few folks around who had electricity. (Though some of those who had electricity in the morning were out by night.) I got together with a cousin of mine who had just moved to town. We headed for the warmth of the mall, where I ate two meals that day. He and I went by to check out the status of my office (some lights, limited heat, no internet) and then went back to my house for awhile. We stayed warm by sitting (practically) IN the gas log fireplace. We also rigged up a way to heat water in a metal bowl in order to make hot chocolate. (I have a picture that I can post later.)
I met other friends that night at the mall, and I ended up staying the night w/ my friend Jessica... whose family had no electricity but DID have generator. That's where I've been camped. It's a different group each night, it seems... her Dad was here earlier in the week but left town on Wednesday. Then different friends have crashed with us each night... usually friends who spent the first part of the week in their homes but have since given up the "home-life" in search of some warmth.
I have plenty more to say, but I think I'll add some different posts... to break up the potential monotony for those who have better things to do besides sitting and reading my blog. (I'm guessing those are probably people who have their own sources of electricity!)
I'm currently sitting at a friend's house, sitting across from another homeless soul.... watching it snow outside... and wondering when life might return to "normal."
Sunday night, December 9th (into Monday morning)
Tulsa was like a war zone. No kidding! The freezing rain began sometime that night, and all through the night I heard crashing limbs, explosions and emergency vehicles. I kept getting up to look out the windows and would see bright orange and turquoise blue flashes in the sky. (I've never seen the sky so brilliantly colored! I maintained power until about 5am Monday morning. I heard a huge explosion, which was obviously our transformer. I looked at my alarm clock... black. I knew at that point that I wouldn't have power any time soon.
I called my Dad (the one person I thought might be awake) and told him of the war zone-like atmosphere in Tulsa. Well, the freezing rain continued through until Monday afternoon/evening, making a bad situation even worse. I heard from several friends Monday morning who were looking for anyone with electricity... making plans already for evening warmth. I had no such place to offer, but we finally found a few folks around who had electricity. (Though some of those who had electricity in the morning were out by night.) I got together with a cousin of mine who had just moved to town. We headed for the warmth of the mall, where I ate two meals that day. He and I went by to check out the status of my office (some lights, limited heat, no internet) and then went back to my house for awhile. We stayed warm by sitting (practically) IN the gas log fireplace. We also rigged up a way to heat water in a metal bowl in order to make hot chocolate. (I have a picture that I can post later.)
I met other friends that night at the mall, and I ended up staying the night w/ my friend Jessica... whose family had no electricity but DID have generator. That's where I've been camped. It's a different group each night, it seems... her Dad was here earlier in the week but left town on Wednesday. Then different friends have crashed with us each night... usually friends who spent the first part of the week in their homes but have since given up the "home-life" in search of some warmth.
I have plenty more to say, but I think I'll add some different posts... to break up the potential monotony for those who have better things to do besides sitting and reading my blog. (I'm guessing those are probably people who have their own sources of electricity!)
Television Update
If you read two posts ago, I recently gave my (non-working) television away through Freecycle. As "Amy" was leaving with my television, I asked her to email me and let me know how much it cost to fix. She said, "are you sure you want to know?" I assured her I did... even though I knew it might be painful. (I honestly didn't expect to hear from her.) But, she DID reply and let me know that it cost $70 to fix... something to do with the power switch. Not too bad, but I still don't think I would have spent $70 on a ten-year old TV. :)
This whole episode reminds me of when I was in college. Me and my two roommates (Chelle-belle and Laura) had a huge TV. It stopped working, so we had a smaller TV sitting on top of the large one, which had a sheet thrown over the top of it. When Laura, the owner of the TV, moved out there was some discussion about whether to trash the TV or move it. She decided to keep it and later informed us that it only took $35 to fix = $11.67 a piece. We probably would have gone for that. :)
This whole episode reminds me of when I was in college. Me and my two roommates (Chelle-belle and Laura) had a huge TV. It stopped working, so we had a smaller TV sitting on top of the large one, which had a sheet thrown over the top of it. When Laura, the owner of the TV, moved out there was some discussion about whether to trash the TV or move it. She decided to keep it and later informed us that it only took $35 to fix = $11.67 a piece. We probably would have gone for that. :)
Monday, December 03, 2007
Covenant vs. Convenience
We've been working through a sermon series at church on the Ten Commandments. We're just over half-way through, and this past Sunday night we covered Commandment # 7... "Do not commit adultery." It'd be easy to write that off as only dealing with the married folk, but we talked a lot about how marriage is a covenant - a pledge or binding agreement. It's not meant to be abandoned as soon as the going gets rough, the excitement wears off or "something better" comes along. It's a commitment that requires time, patience, communication and work... lots of work.
Compare this to our culture of quick fixes and self-absorption... fast food, drive-thru cleaners, internet shopping and casual relationships. We tend to take whatever is right in front of us... instead of to wait... even if it's for something better. This is true of married couples as well as single adults. Even in dating, it's easy to settle for the something now instead of relying on the hope of something that God can bless in the future.
I want to be a person who cares enough about myself, my relationship with Christ and the people in my life to avoid the self-centered, instant gratification that so many other people live by. It's not easy, but I think that's a foundation that God can use to build a healthy marriage in the future.
Compare this to our culture of quick fixes and self-absorption... fast food, drive-thru cleaners, internet shopping and casual relationships. We tend to take whatever is right in front of us... instead of to wait... even if it's for something better. This is true of married couples as well as single adults. Even in dating, it's easy to settle for the something now instead of relying on the hope of something that God can bless in the future.
I want to be a person who cares enough about myself, my relationship with Christ and the people in my life to avoid the self-centered, instant gratification that so many other people live by. It's not easy, but I think that's a foundation that God can use to build a healthy marriage in the future.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Freecycle
I had my first experience with Freecycle this week. I didn't post about it, but my television "died" about a month ago. It wouldn't turn on any more. When you pushed the power button, it made this small sound like it was turning on but then wouldn't do anything else. Since it's about ten years old, I didn't want to sink any money into fixing it. My friend, John, was kind enough to give me a TV he wasn't using (or using much?). So, I'm back in business. But... I had a 27" TV taking up space in my house.
Enter Freecycle. It's pretty cool. I knew David had used it before up in Kansas, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I registered w/ the Tulsa group and posted it on Tues/Wed, had a response by Wed and had it picked up Thurs. So, I've determined it's a worthwhile means of getting rid of stuff... especially LARGE stuff that would otherwise cause me headaches. Thanks, Freecycle!
Well... I'm off to bed. I'm supposed to meet friends for an early morning cup o' joe in about six hours.
Enter Freecycle. It's pretty cool. I knew David had used it before up in Kansas, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I registered w/ the Tulsa group and posted it on Tues/Wed, had a response by Wed and had it picked up Thurs. So, I've determined it's a worthwhile means of getting rid of stuff... especially LARGE stuff that would otherwise cause me headaches. Thanks, Freecycle!
Well... I'm off to bed. I'm supposed to meet friends for an early morning cup o' joe in about six hours.
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