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

What Do I Know of Holy?

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

Happy Anniversary!

I joined the YMCA exactly one year ago.  In that time, I've:

• Spent 97 hours, 32 minutes and 20 seconds (approximately) pumping blood to and from my heart to the rest of my body (doing cardio)!!!
• Burned at least 66,000 calories
• Spent an average of 45 minutes in the cardio room
• And 30 minues lifting weights
• Lifted a at least 413,160 total pounds
• Completed at least 8,593 reps
• Routinely "run" (on the elliptical trainer) anywhere from 2.5 - 3.5 miles per session
• Logged nearly 30 hours, burned at least 9,000 calories and "ran" 117 miles!
• Experience one spin class.  (I thought it was a beginners class but was actually an advanced class.  It was all I could do to keep peddling, but I couldn't sit down for a week after!)   

I wish I'd used a tape measure on myself when I began working out, so I could give an update on how my body has changed.  But I didn't honestly want to know how big I was.  All I know is that I've dropped a whole size in pants/shirts.  My face is becoming slimmer.  I've gained confidence in myself which I never knew existed.  I've changed both inside and out.  I'm eager to see what the next year brings!

HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO ME!


Here are before and after pictures thus far.... do you see a change?  I certainly do!

Accidents Happen... But You Aren't One Of Them!

And the LORD will guide you continually

and satisfy your desire in scorched places

and make your bones strong;

and you shall be like a watered garden,

like a spring of water,

whose waters do not fail.
Isaiah 58:11 (English Standard Version)

First, "And the LORD will guide you continually"?!  Look continually up, it means "non stop".  I don't know about you, but sometimes it feels like I'm a fish out of water, flopping around, struggling to breathe.  I feel kinda lost sometimes; like I don't belong.  I'm not exactly sure what He's doing with me, you know?  I thought things would look differently by this point in my life.  But I guess it's a good thing I'm not in charge.  The last thing I think about is the fact that my Jesus is guiding me non stop.  But He is.  I hold tightly onto one of my favorite verses:

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (English Standard Version): For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

I hang my hat on two phrases... "to give you a future and a hope" and "I will hear you".  So even if it feels like my hopes, dreams, and prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and hitting me on the noggin, He's there.  Frankly, He wrote the future, so He obviously knows what's going to happen.  I just need to learn to trust more.  I have trust issues, I know.  I'm trying to work on it.

Second, "satisfy your desire in scorched places".  OK, I'm not entirely sure what that means, but it sounds to me what happens when you feel that burning desire to make something happen.  Not just 'something' though, usually it's something God-sized that only He can make happen.  I have a lot of desires which I'm waiting for Him to do something with.  That's not to say that I don't have to put in some effort myself, I'm just saying it's easier to allow Him to go before me.  Though, I'm not very good at being patient when it comes to these big desires.  I'm doing my best though. 

Satisfaction doesn't come easy, especially in the society we live in today.  I call us the "microwave generation".  We want everything NOW and are rarely satisfied with what we do have; keeping up with the Jones' and all that.  But for Him to truely satisfy your desires!  Whew!  Now that will be amazing.  Just think about that for a minute.  What's a dream you've had which you don't think will ever come true?  For some of us, it's meeting our knight in shining armor (don't scoff, Amy), while others are dreaming for a child, some hope to move into a house, whatever it might be, He WILL satisfy your desire.  What a promise that is!  I do realize that sometimes He says 'maybe' or even 'no', but in the words from a really stupid movie, "So you're saying there's a chance?"  And with a chance, there's hope!!!

Third, "make your bones strong".  The first thought that comes to mind is the Flintstone's theme song.  Kids need vitamins to grow strong; least that's what the commercial says.  :)  Vitamins are to strength as Bible verses are to knowledge.  (Did you feel like you were taking an ACT for a minute there?)  Not only is Jesus going to be with you every step of the way, satisfy your desires, but make your bones strong as well!  Strong and healthy bones are often taken for granted.  You need good, strong bones so you can be at your best and do all your daily activities. Bones are responsible for good posture, performance in the gym, and pretty much everything you do with your body.

Fourth, "you shall be like a watered garden".  Wow.  I've never stopped to think about what that means.  I'm sure you've seen a beautiful garden during spring time, when it has been given water to grow?  Everything is so green!  The colors are more vibrant and there's a general sense of LIFE!  The flowers are fufilling their destiny; merely by blooming, they bring honor and glory to the Father.  What if the same were true in our lives?  What if, when we found something we're good at, like painting, singing, playing an instrument or even writing, that we did it to the best of our ability.  And when we did, we became alive!  We looked at the world differently as we found purpose in our lives!  What are your passions?  Obviously, I'm passionate about writing.  I've been wanting to write all day today, but I should have been in bed about an hour and a half ago.  It's worth it though.  I love being able to write what God's teaching me.  (Hope you're learning something as well?)

Finally, "like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail".  Have you ever been mezmorized by a water fountain?  To watch the water get forcefully shot out and up into the air, only to splash down upon the earth, wherever it can.  There's a rthymic and hyptotic flow.  What if we were like a fountain?  Once He's guiding us on a path, given and satisfied a desire, made our bones strong so that we could LIVE life more abundantly, then what's to stop us from spreading the news of this transformation with others?!?  That's kind of the point to any salvation story, if you ask me.  It doesn't matter where you came from, what you were doing, or what God brought you out of, you have a story to tell.  You have a story that won't fall on deaf ears if the right ears hear the News. 

Think about that for a minute.  You. Are. Special.

You aren't an accident.  God ordained you into being.  He formed you in the womb.  He gave you your unique characteristics and quirks.  He gave you your passions.  He chose you.  Period.

He says in Psalm 139: 13-16, Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day.

He has given us all the tools necessarly, all the seeds have already been planted, now we just need to till up our garden and see what blooms!!  Once you see what comes up, don't be afraid to give it away and share with your neighbors.  It's amazing what a 'flower' can do in a person's life!!