Tears

Absolutely nothing worth writing about happend today.  Sunday's are chore day.  I'm doing laundry.  I vacuumed the house.  I cleaned the kitchen, again.  I stripped the sheets off my bed and put new ones on.  Though, I have to say, that was comical.  I flipped my mattress (by myself) and it got away from me and took out a lamp.  Literally.  I picked it up off the floor, plugged it back in and... nothing.  I can't figure out why it won't work anymore?  Oh well, I have another, just switched them out.  So yeah, I considered not posting today.  But in telling my mom about my quandry, she said, post it anway.  So, here I am, talking about nothing in particular again.  :)

Actually, I was watching Extreme Home Makeover from last week.  I love that show, but it ALWAYS makes me cry.  I'm an emotional girl, that is, God made me sensitive.  I tear up at Hallmark commercials and the like.  At the beginning of the show, Ty Pennington always shows a video of why this family has been picked.  That gets me everytime. 

While I was sitting watching this family's story unfold, tears were filling my eyes.  Suddenly, I had a tiny inspiration to try and capture what that might look like.  I know you must think I'm crazy.  Why not capture this emotion as well?  For some unknown reason, I enjoy taking pictures of my eye.  This one below turned out the best.

I wonder why tears fall from the center of your eye?  I wonder why that's the tipping point?  I'm sure there's a logical and scientific reasoning behind it.  I found this, which doesn't explain why it happens, but it's still interesting:

"Tears flow from tear glands into your eyes through tiny tear ducts. The tear glands are located under your upper lids, and when stimulated, produce tears to form a thin film over your eyeballs. Every time you blink the film spreads over your eyes to keep them moist and free of dust and other irritants. Whether you are awake or asleep, happy or sad, this salty fluid is always flowing from the tear glands.

Besides protecting your eyes, the tear glands produce more fluid when your eyes are irritated. These extra tears are called reflex or irritant tears. And, when something makes you happy or sad, your tear glands will produce emotional tears. Used tears then drain down into two tiny openings on the brim of your upper and lower eyelids at the inner edge of your eyes, which lead to the nasolacrimal tear ducts next to the bridge of your nose. From there, they are channeled into your nasal cavity where they are swallowed or blown out with other nasal fluids. If there are too many tears, they will overflow your lower lid and run down your cheeks." -- Why Do We Cry


Thus concludes your Bill Nye the Science Guy lesson for the day.

Great Day, Boring Post

Today (which is actually today's yesterday), but I didn't get to post until now so it's still my today, since I haven't slept yet.  Wow, that was confusing.  Let me start over.

Saturday was a really good day.  Before I went to sleep on Friday night, I set my alarm to wake up about eight hours later.  But then I picked up this new book I'm reading, "How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else" and had trouble putting it down.  When my eyes could no longer stay open, I got up out of bed and turned my alarm off.  I knew that was a potentially bad decision, but how often do I get to just sleep until my body is well rested?  Not too often.  After some crazy dreams, I finally got up at 12:52 today (Saturday).  Crazy, I know.  In my defense, I didn't go to bed until around 2:30.  Though, that still means I got ten hours of sleep.  Ahh, whatever.  That's not the point.  In fact, I don't even know why I'm writing about this.  Moving on.

While putting away my clean dishes, I realized I was tired of being frustrated at the way I store things in my kitchen.  Over the next two hours or so, I took most everything out of the pantries and started over.  I was given a lot of things when I first moved in (as I had nothing).  And now that I'm starting to buy more things on my own or just acquire more; it was getting out of control.  I love my kitchen but some of the storage space just doesn't make sense.  I put the things I never use in there.  Next time someone is having a garage sale, please let me know.  I'll donate to the cause.

I was listening to a Church of the Highlands sermon by Joe McGee while I cleaned and organized.  I don't know if you've ever heard of him or heard him speak, but boy that man can bring the Word.  I can burn you a copy of his sermons if you're interested, just let me know.  It took me a while, but boy the final result was amazing.  Though, hours later, when looking for a container to put leftover dinner in, I had trouble finding something to use.  Maybe I need to rethink some of the placement of items.

OK, I feel like this post is super boring.  I don't have some big revelation or anything, just rambling about my day. 

My friend JWW came over for a girl's night.  I made dinner and dessert; which, both were fabulous!  I'm not just tooting my own horn either.  I mean, I'm a good cook, but these were incredible!  People joke with me as I'm seemingly incapable of reading a recipe.  Somehow I always mess something up.  The same was true with the dessert, though thankfully, it really didn't matter.  We had "Fast Fruity Delight".  It was quite delightful as well!

I used blackberries.  Yummy!

Mmmmm Mmmmm Good!

We had dinner first though, Saucy Mexican Chicken.  It was super easy to make and was incredibly delicious.  *pats myself on the back*  If you'd like the recipe, just let me know.

...served over a bed a rice.

After dinner, JWW and I played a game of Scrabble.  We love to play Scrabble together; wish we could do it more often!  I started the game with "Zap", 28 points, but it stunted the growth of the game for quite a while.  We had a lot of fun and JWW won!! 235 to 197.

We were going to play Dance Praise (exactly like Dance Dance Revolution, but with Christian music), but we ended up watching The Proposal instead.  Funny movie!

Whichs leads me to now... 1:31am and because I slept most of the day, I'm not sleepy for bed now.  Hmm.  Guess I'll find something constructive to do, like go read! 

"As Long As We're Being Honest"

TGIF! 

I didn't necessarily have any work to do today, so I figured I'd be proactive and find something to do.  I realized I hadn't gone through "Shipped But Awaiting Payment" invoices in about a month or two, so I was way behind.  I forget to work on those, since everything else is forefront in my mind.  But on slow days like today, it's the perfect time to immerse myself in Accounts Receivable Land.  It always takes a lot of research to make sure people/companies have or haven't paid us, then follow a bunch of other steps from there.  Again, I'm not going to bore you with all the details, but let's just say, it took me 8 hours to wade through the muck.  But, I got a lot done and feel as though a lot was accomplished today.

I was texting my friend KP around lunchtime telling her my day was pretty boring and I didn't think I'd have anything to write about yet.  She said, "Yet is the key word.  LOL it's only 1 your time."  How true she was!  I actually got so busy, I didn't go to lunch until 3pm! 

While I was out, I ran a quick errand for envelopes to CVS.  I remember thinking the girl behind the counter looked kinda sad.  I was eager to make my purchase and go eat lunch, but instead I had a funny conversation with her:

She asked, "How are you?" 

I answered, "Honestly, tired.  How about you?" 

She said, "As long as we're being honest, I'm ready to go home." 

"Oh really?", I answered, "What time do you get off?"

She said with a huge sigh, "5".

I said, "I don't get off until 6, if that makes you feel any better."

"No, not really," she said. "Where do you work?"

I always hesitate when I answer this question, because I always get the same reaction.  Disbelieve.  Dumbfound.  Double-take.  Blank stare.  I begin in vague terms, "In Vestavia for a really small company."  But I quickly realized she was thirsty for more details, "I know this is going to sound crazy, but I work for SUPERMAGNETMAN.  We sell magnets literally all over the world.  From ity-bitty to large ones for all types of applications."  She starred at me, like a deer caught in headlights with her mouth slightly agape.  In my head I heard crickets chirping.

She recovered fairly quickly and asked, "What about car magnets?"

I said, "Well, not technically, we can sell the sheets of rubber which you could use on your car."

"But, do you sell the ones with writing for your car?", she asked again.

Realizing she hadn't listened to a word I'd said, I stopped gathering my purchases, "You know, I think I have a business card here.  Why don't you check out our website for yourself.  If you have any questions about anything, my emails on the front."  I don't think she was expecting that answer as I got another chorus round of crickets.

As I was walking out the door, I smiled and thought to myself of the interesting situations I get myeslf into.  Sure, from the very beginning I could have given the same old boring answer, "I'm fine. How are you?"  But then I would have missed out on that odd fascinating unique interesting conversation.  Personally, I've always had the mentality of WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get).  Why pretend to be something you're not?  Sure, I'm not always myself, but I do tend to give the unexpected answer, which leads to different moments of possibility.  I figure it's a moment in some strangers day when they had interaction with someone who actually cared what their response was. 

I knew the moment that sentance left her mouth, "As long as we're being honest", I'd be writing about the time I spent with her for today's post.  I find it interesting what opportunities God will drop in my lap when I'm looking for them.  My Mom says I've never met a stranger; which is true, although interestingly, I'm also quite shy.  So, there's a fine line between the two. 

I suppose the lesson for today is, expect the unexpected.  You can't make a difference by never stepping outside of what you know to be comfortable.

Pete

In my new quest to write something everyday, I find myself looking for things which I can write about later.  (Beware: if you hang around me, you'll most likely be blogged about.  Just saying.)  My day seemed fairly uneventful, that is, until we received a shipment from China for one of our customers; then all heck broke loose.  Since my boss is on a business trip, it's up to me to run the business.  Which, under normal circumstances isn't that big of a deal; just stressful at times.  However, this shipment allowed me the opportunity to be all things to all people (that's the best explaination).  I won't bore you with all the details, but I feel a great sense of accomplishment that the boxes were shipped out and our customer is happy with all the details.  I wore many hats today and was proud that everything was handled well and in a timely manner.

Every afternoon, I drop off our orders to the post office in Vestavia.  I've come to enjoy these outings, even though I usually have to stand in line for a while.  But the post office always has such odd strange unique interesting individuals, so I do a fair amount of people watching.  Plus, it's quite fun to walk in and have all the workers look up (at some point), smile and say, "Hey, Pete!" 

OK, I have to explain where "Pete" came from, but I promise you, it's one of those things you just had to be there.  One of the ladies working there and I would talk and goof off while she worked on my international packages.  I always tried to bring a smile to her face with a joke or funny story.  Well, one day, I told her my "Pete and Repeat" joke.  (Have you heard it?  Pete and Repeat got in a boat.  Pete fell out.  Who was left?  Get it??) 

I realize it's not actually funny.  In fact, I realize it's hardly even a joke, but the funny thing is it took Mavis days and days to finally get the joke.  I must have retold it to her countless times.  The other workers tried to help too, but she never got it.  A few weeks later, I walked and she said, "Pete, I get the joke!!"  Since that day, she always called me "Pete" and the name stuck. 

Mavis retired recently and I was sad to think that "Pete" would go away too, but the other workers (Hello: Bobby, Alcia, Terry and JoAnn!!!) carried on the tradition.  It just makes me happy to walk in people know my name (even if it's not really my name).  Though, funny story, Bobby told me that Alicia asked about me earlier and wondered where Pete was.  Bobby said, "You know, I think she thinks that's actually your name!  I wanted to correct her, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember your real name!"  So yeah, Pete is here to stay! 

To Infinite and Beyond!

Some days I have to think really hard for topics to write about, other days... well, I tend to attract adventures.  I thought today was going to be a normal day, but we ran out of a stock item and I needed to go to storage to get more.  I've only ever been twice and although I was trying to pay attension, nothing compares to the actual experience yourself.  I wasn't exactly sure where it was located; though I knew the general area.  Once in, I had the code, but wasn't exactly sure what building.  (I guessed right.)  Once parked, I got a dolly and again, wasn't exactly sure where I was going.  I didn't know for sure what floor I needed nor how to get there.  You can see how this was going to be a comedy of errors from the get-go, right? 

Not knowing which floor to stop on (though there were only three choices), I guessed 2 and nothing happened.  Very confused, I tried 3, got off the elavator and this is what I saw:

Uhhh yeah, this non-descript walls didn't help my confusion.  I did notice the door there said 590-something.  "This can't be right," I thought.  I got back on the elevator (once I manuvered my dolly; not an easy task) and pushed 2 again.  When the doors opened up, I saw my car!  "Oh no", I exclaimed, "3 must be the right floor!" 

(It was about this time I realized two things.  One, previously when I hit 2 and nothing happened, because I was not-so-obviously already on 2.  Two, I needed to document this journey into the unknown.  Comical things tend to happen to me.)

I continued down the hallway, hoping for the best... only to come to another hallway, with another set of non-descript walls, but I kept going.  I finally saw the door with a number range which looked promising.  (I forgot to take a picture!)  Once I pushed througth the door, I saw this:

Although this looks hopeless as well, the good news was there are now numbers on each "garage" door, so I knew I was geting close!  I found our unit at the end and went to pull the key from my pocket to unlock the door.... when I realized.... it wasn't in my pocket!!!  I frantically checked all my pockets, my jacket pocket, on the dolly, but NO KEY!

LOL  This is the face I made when I realized I didn't have the key!  (Everytime I see this picture I crack up laughing.  It's good to laugh at one's self, right?)  I said, "OK, God, please let the key still be in my cup holder!"  I calmly started to walk back through the maze of hallways, when all of a sudden, a sense of urgency sprang up in me and I began sprinting down the hallways!  (*enter Chariots of Fire theme song*).

I got back to the car, unlocked the doors and WHEW, there was the key!  "Thanks, God!"  I honestly didn't think I lost it - my name would have been mud if so.  I figured I'd just forgot it, when trying to remember everything else.  Indeed, that was the case.  So, back on the elevator, through the maze of hallways, to our locker.  Once I got the door open, a familiar yet daunting task was ahead of me...

...where O where would the magnet hooks be? 

Thankfully, I found them immediately and set them on the dolly outside.

Not knowing if we needed anything else, I locked up the door and took a final picture of myself, relieved and happy that I survived my first solo trip to the storage unit.  To infinite and beyond!

The Toot Heard Around the Office

I've missed having the opportunity to write while I was computer-less.  So, I'm going to try and write something every day.  Even if it's just something silly.  I kinda think it's important to maintain a sense of continuity.  If for no other reason, than to try and spell big words like that!  :)  There used to be a spell-check on here, but it seems to have jumped off the page.

My boss is gone on a business trip this week, so I'm running the business.  All.  By.  Myself.  (Insert "Home Alone" scream!)  haha  Actually, it's me and our Shipper.  But still, the task can feel daunting at times.  It often takes all day just to answer email questions, not to mention call in questions and/or helping pack orders if we're super busy.  And thank the Lord, we have been super busy!  Which reminds me, a little plug for the business....

SUPERMAGNETMAN! 

I always hear the theme of the 80's cartoon, "Captain Caveman" in my head when I say "Supermagnetman".  One of my friends said it sounds like I'm working for a made up company, but as long as my paychecks are cashable, then she's OK with it.  It's true, it does sound fishy, but it's completely legit and a complete blessing in my life.

So today, I'm walking from the shop to my desk over and over and I keep hearing this "tooting" sound, when I realized it was my combination of friction of my socks, gel inserts and tennis shoes!!  Thankfully my coworker's hard of hearing, otherwise I'd feel the need to explain myself. 

When I go into quiet places, I feel like everyone is pointing and starring.  I'm sure it's my imagination, but picture it, rather, hear it in your head.  Each. And. Every. Step. I. Make. Sounds. Like. I. Just. Tooted.  *toot*, *toot*, *toot*, *toot* hahaha   It's actually quite funny, now that I'm thinking about it in the comfort of my own living room.  I'm not sure how to resolve the situation though.  Unfortunately, my shoes aren't comfortable enough to just wear normally.  Hmm, what's a girl to do?  Any suggestions out there in Blog Land??

Migrating Socks

I have to say that this is a rediculous post.  But it made me laugh thinking about it, so perhaps it'll bring joy into your day as well.

Perhaps I'm silly to be annoyed by something so trivial, but I really can't stand it when things don't do what they are supposed to do. Case in point: socks.

I love socks. New socks are the best! (Aren't they, Jennifer?) They have many jobs, like keeping your feet warm and protection from blisters and such. All kinds of people wear socks: Scottish bagpipe and soccer players wear them up to their knees; baseball players wear them with stripes; some even come made to fit your foot like a glove (toe socks). 

They're so cozy and hug your feet in all the right places, until that one fateful day, when you realize your socks have migrated somewhere it shouldn't have... far into your shoes.  Ducks migrate South for the winter, but why do my socks tend to head South about this time of year too?  Enough, I tell you! Enough of the madness! I will take it no more. Thus, the story of a pair of socks, which were finally sentanced to death. Oh, they cried out for one last chance, but no sir, off with their head!! Errr wrong story line.

  

This is how a sock should look in a shoe.

NOT like this.  Can you imagine how annoying it is to have your sock slip into your shoe all day?

There just shouldn't be this much sock left over at the top of my foot!

Therefore, my socks met a new fate tonight! 

(And yes, I realize they don't match.  Somewhere a long the way, I stopped matching socks and just started wearing them.  People rarely know what's on my feet... that is, unless I post it on the Internet! haha)

THE END

PS  I bought some new socks!

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Divine Refuge

"When you accept the fact that sometimes seasons are dry and times are hard and that God is in control of both, you will discover a sense of divine refuge, because the hope then is in God and not in yourself." -- Charles R. Swindoll

So You Think You Can Dance?

A rediculous amount of things have happened in my life since I last posted, but alas, I'm without a computer and therefore, no Internet access as well.  I'll post again soon when I'm able.  Hmm, I don't know that I can recap, so I'll just start from last night.

My "partner-in-crime" friend Amy and I traveled to Duluth, Georgia to see season five's cast of "So You Think You Can Dance".  A few months back I introduced her to SYTYCD and since then she's been addicted as I am.  These kids are simply amazing, I tell you!  I left work early, picked up Amy and away we went.  Contrary to popular believe, the speed limit isn't 90, so dealing with all the random speed limit changes, construction zones and traffic made for an interesting ride.  However, once we fully realized how the time change affected our journey, we stuck Lola (my mom's GPS) to the windshield, and made our way to the arena.

My personality is pretty even-keeled (sp?).  I rarely get overly excited, not because I don't get excited about life and such, because I do.  I just show it in different ways.  Amy has known me for a really long time and if you asked her I bet she'd say this was the most excited she's EVER seen me!  Seriously.  I kept saying, "I'm so excited!"  She started a running tally... I forget the final count.

We arrived there safe and sound.  We parked in East Budda, hoping our exit would be quicker (it was).  After a quick Superman change of clothes, we were off!  The show started around 745.  Oh... My.... Gosh!  It was A-MAZ-ING!!  I've watched these routines over and over on my DVR, but to see them live and in person was a rare treat which I won't soon forget.  The Lord blessed us with amazing seats!  Actually, let me get back to the show and give some glory to God.

The day before we were to leave, Amy texted me and said she was very sick with the flu.  I, of course, understood, but was horribly dissapointed.  I started scrambling, trying to find someone to replace her (since the tickets were non-refundable). I got very discouraged, but then I remembered what I'd learned this past Wednesday at Highlands.  We need to ask our Father for the "little" things in our life.  He wants us to be happy.  Thank Him.  Praise Him.  Ask Him.  So, I began to seriously pray!  Some people call me a prayer warrior - a title I do not deserve - but I asked Him to heal my friend.  I said, "God, you know how much I've been looking forward to this and if you want me to go alone, I will.  But I really don't want to.  Would you please heal Amy?  Allow her to wake up feeling like a brand new girl."  I kept freaking out about all the untied details and finally something in me said, "Look, Mer, this is completely out of your hands.  There's nothing you can do.  Just let go and trust that your Father will take care of you."  I went to bed, woke up, went to work and got a text mid-morning, "I'm not 100%, but I'm coming!"  PRAISE THE LORD!

I wanted to have faith.  I wanted to believe He'd heal her... but I'm slowly becoming a person who hopes for the best, but expects the worst.  (Wow, how did that happen?  I've always been a glass is half full.  That's another post for another day.)  I don't know why God chose to answer my prayers.  Was it to show me He really is listening to me?  To give me the confidence to keep praying, regardless of the outcome?  To reveal Himself as One Who really does care about the "little" things?  Whatever the reason, my prayer was answered.  This trip just wouldn't have been the same without my Amy.  Thank You, Father!!

Back to the show... how encouraging it is to see people chasing after their dreams, with open and reckless abandon!!!  Watching these kids dance was breath-taking!  God made our bodies to do these amazing and seemingly unbelievable moves!  The way Brandon and Ade would catapult their bodies into the air.  The way Kayla's extensions were incredibly graceful.  The way Melissa used her training as a ballerina to seamlessly infuse her technique with other dances.  The way Philip manipulated his apendedges when he was popping and locking didn't even look real.  It was all so amazing.  I know I keep saying that, but seriously.  It was amazing!!  I'm sooo thankful Amy could experience this with me. It's always neat to spend quality time with people who actually get you.

Lola guided us home to Erin's house around midnight.  Wow, it was so great to see Erin again too!!  (We've got to hang out more often than once a year!)  Sweet girl, stayed up entirely too late, as we recounted all the lovely details of the night.  Thanks, Jeff and Erin for allowing Amy and me to stay in your house!!!  Y'all are the best.

Back to reality soon.  Amy's getting ready now, then we'll be making our way back home.  Once I drop her off, I'm headed straight to work.  It should be an interesting day.  It's all good though.  I'm blessed beyond belief with my job and my boss.  Honestly, I'm just blessed beyond belief.  Amy and I spent about two hours after we got in, talking about life, love and other mysteries (yes, I know that's a Point of Grace song).  I think we finally went to sleep around 2am... so we're headed to Starbucks shortly to get some much-needed caffenine.

Well, it was an amazing almost 24 hours!!  Maybe we can get a group together when season 6 goes on tour.  Anyone interested??


Btw, I'm using Jeff's MAC, which I don't really know how to use, and I can't find the spell check.  So, all the errors are just going to have to stay.  Oh well.

SYTYCD?!?

So You Think You Can Dance?  I know I sure can't... but these kids can!  Here are some of my favorites:


These two dancers are amazingly talented!  We found out later that their kiss at the end was completely unscripted! :)




I love the assisted run! 
Joshua started the season with ZERO training like his peers, but he went on to win 2008 competition!



I ALWAYS tear up at the end of this routine!  She's fighting with all her might to keep her relationship in tact... and then he just walks away; actually chooses work over her.  Heart breaking.



Wow.  This piece with Melissa and Ade was a-maz-ing.  If you haven't seen it before, it was to represent the struggle with breast cancer.  The choreographer wanted to create something for his friend who's battling it right now. 



Mia Michaels never ceases to amaze me!  She's definitely one of my favorite choreographers.  Her routines always embody tangible concepts, such as in this one, addiction. 

Favorite choreographers:
Sonya Tayeh
Wade Robson
Tyce Diorio
Mia Michaels
Tabitha and Napoleon
Travis Wall
Shane Sparks