Quiz

I attempt to put quizzes on my site but am not well learned. I'm attempting this again but in case it doesn't work...well, you know I tried. I'm still figuring out how to put the quiz online so all of you who've never even heard of my church can take a stab at the quiz.

This was a quiz to find out which Riverview Pastor you are most like (created by another Riverview Pastor). I laughed at the results because I answered all but three of the questions as "Not at all."

These were the results:

Which Riverview Pastor are you?
created with QuizFarm.com">

You scored as Steve Sommerlot. You actually look younger now that you shaved your head. That still doesn't mean you're good looking. You laugh at yourself...a lot...and so others laugh with you. Steve Sommerlot 25% Paul DenHerder 13% Noel Heikkinen 13% Rob Schiller 0% Mark Brett 0% Which Riverview Pastor are you? created with QuizFarm.com

This dude wants to get married really bad...

Movies

I know no one is going to admit to this but we are among friends here on this blog. Everyone knows each other, right? I've tried to introduce everyone to each other a little bit so we all feel comfortable. Now, I have a questions...between friends. Is there a movie that has made you cry but you've been too ashamed to admit it? Come on now...I won't tell...in fact, I'll tell you that every time I watch Prince of Egypt, I get a little teary.

Anyone else out there? Matt.....? Sonny.....?

Oh, Joey and I went and saw Finding Neverland yesterday afternoon. It was REALLY sad.

Hello, Special Guests

Recently, someone mentioned to myself and about 1,000 other people how much he enjoys reading people's blogs. It seems, however, he doesn't like the "dumb" pictures. Weeeeeeeelllllll, last time I checked this was MY blog and I like posting pictures. Therefore, I posted a whole bunch for everyone's enjoyment. By the way, God loves it when I post pictures, so there. My blog, I'm in control, meow.

Ha!

My father, Prince Charles, and I, Princess Holly, on Christmas night. This is the man who thinks I belong to a cult. Well, he thinks Joey belongs to a cult and Joey got me involved. Someday, I'm going to convince him to come check out my cult. We'll have to plan it out ahead of time so someone can approach him after the service to ask if he would like to come to the back room and drink goat's blood. I'm positive my pastors could set this up. Right now, my pops is helping my step-mom make communion bread for the church. He doesn't attend the church with her, just helps make the bread. I was joking with him and said, "Is this what is going to get you into heaven?" He replied, "I'm hoping..."

Lyndsay and her Christmas gift. When I saw her last weekend, I asked if she could play anything, yet. She said, "no, not really...but I'm taking lessons from a 5-year-old..." Apparently, the next door neighbor is a real musical genius. I've seen him play, too. He's pretty good.

Rocky (with his piece of cheese) and I 2005

Rocky and I in 1994

I got my pictures back from the trip to meet Jillian. She is adorable but Monika is sooo sick of pink. I had a good visit with Monika, too. I showed her what I wrote about her on Loki Life. She was quiet while she read, asked who reads the site, and said, "you know, it's all true...all of it. I'm so mad at myself for leaving." "But, Monika, you came back. You didn't have to. A lot of people don't. You did and I give you so much credit." The next day, Monika called me. "Holl, can I have a copy of what you wrote? I'm not sure why I gave it back to you but I really want a copy. Oh, and Chris and I want to check out your church. We really want Jillian to grow up knowing God." I said of course to both and also promised to get her permission next time I wrote about her. She said she didn't care because it was all true and she didn't see it as malicious. Still, I'll ask permission next time. I also know I'll be calling her for advice when each one of my children are born.

Little Jillian

Jillian and her mom, Monika

Monika and I in 1994

I have this wrestling scrapbook full of newspaper articles, pictures and other memorabilia from when I was the manager for the Holt Wrestling team (1990-1994). After I graduated from high school, my mom would save me the whole newspaper when there was an article about the team (they decided to get really good after I left). I was kind of lazy about it and just shoved the whole newspaper into the back of the scrapbook instead of cutting the articles out and pasting them in. Every so often, I would go through the book and look at the newspapers. I even did this as recent as last winter. So what do you think I was missing this whole time?

Thursday night, I was prepping my scrapbook for the wrestling banquet. Finally, after almost 10 years, I was finding some time to cut these articles out. I looked over one paper and something caught my eye: the date. March 3, 1996. This was the anniversary of Kim’s death. I got chills. My eyes fell to the picture of the 1996 Holt Varsity wrestlers with their trophies. And then my eyes fell a little bit more…to an article…an article that had been in my possession for almost 10 years. An article I’ve been unknowingly carrying around with me every time I moved. From Mt. Pleasant to Farmington Hills to Ferndale to Novi to Wixom and now to Walled Lake….

New Church is Proposed off College Heights.

Um...Holy Crap, Batman? How….what…no way…when…huh?

“Pastor Steve Sommerlod (no this is not MY mistake), 44, and his counterpart Pastor Paul DenHerder, 42, have a lot to be excited about these days…” The article goes on to explain the new building and even to show what it was going to look like. And I finally know why my church is called Riverview: God wants us to be like trees firmly planted by streams of water. It is derived from a Psalms verse. The church was also boasting 200 members. Wow. Amazing. 200 members. How did I not see this article before?

Oh, and directly under the article is an advertisement for an attorney that specializes in divorces, restoration of driver’s licenses and drunk driving. Perfect.

Project KMM~Update

Doors have been swinging open in the past few weeks. People I never thought I would see again are right in front of me. Still, there are disappointments I'm trying to figure out. Here is the scoop:

• I found Earl who was Kim's boyfriend. He gave me the names of two other people, but he couldn't offer me any specific memories.
• I got a hold of Kim's step-sister, TJ, who is going to help me to access to hundreds of pictures.
• I spoke to my step-bro about the project because Kim was his first love (at 12). He couldn't offer anything either...except one lead. He told me Kim's friend from roller skating worked at the Dawg House. "Mary Ann?" I asked. "No, Mary Kay," he answered. This was the girl I had been trying to find for years! Jackpot! I called up to the Dawg House. Mary Kay turned out to be a 55 year old woman. Nuts. I called Fawn, my step-sis. She laughed at me but then she said, "There is a waitress there who is really short...but her name is Jennifer." I felt defeated. I didn't remember a girl named Jennifer that hung out with Kim. For some reason, I pulled out my diary from when Kim died. I had listed the people who were at her funeral: Johnny, Jimmy, Earl, Jason, Mary Ann, Jennifer (Mary Ann's sister). Of course! Chad remembered Jennifer but he just got the details slightly confused. I called the Dawg House again, talked to the right girl, and set up a time to see her.
• I met up with Jennifer last night. She is so personable, sweet, and instantly I felt a connection to her. Her excitement to meet me led to a mini-reunion of Kim's friends from 17 years ago. Jennifer invited Mary Ann, Johnny, Marie, and a girl named Krista who drove from Warren to meet up with everyone. It was a great time, everyone hanging out, catching up, reminiscing...except...no one could really offer me anything about Kim. I mean, I could tell she effected them deeply because she was their friend and she died, but other than that...nothing. I sat there feeling defeated because this outcome wasn't what I expected. I also don't think they understand what I want from them. Nothing specific, it could be as general as they want. "Kim used to skate with so and so and we used to go to the dances and...." something! I took off a little frustrated but not showing it, of course. Jennifer walked me to my car. I now know she is the key to Kim's roller skating days. She wants to hang out with me again and I can see us becoming friends. I got into my car, turned it on, and the song "everything's gonna be alright..rock-a-bye" came on. I smiled, called Joey and drove home.

Joey made an excellent point: maybe I was only supposed to get them together. Maybe last night didn't have anything to do with Kim but it had everything to do with old friends meeting up after so long. Thinking back to last night, I remember Mary Ann saying she was so excited she couldn't sleep the night before. Still, I know Mary Ann and Jennifer have some stories to share, but perhaps last night wasn't the right time for 1987 but it was just time for now.

God is the best, though. I still talk to him about everything. I ask for his will and even though I got a little frustrated, I'm not giving up. There are still plenty of people to talk to and to meet. I'm not going to see this as a set back. I have all year to finish and I knew this wasn't going to be easy. Keep on....

Hmmm....

Now I KNOW more people read this web log. Will the stragglers please come forward? I feel like pulling the ol' "Don't make me pull this car over..."

I have things I want to post but I'm starting to get nervous...I'm not sure who is reading. I think it would be different if I was writing to a mass crowd...I know all of you (I think). There are so many things I want to share. I'm coming up on my 2 year anniversary of deciding to follow Christ...many have asked about my faith story and I'm contemplating it. Still, some things are too private. I'm saying all of this to guilt people into the roll call.

To those who came forward. And responses:

Joey: I met you 10 years ago. I've known you well for 2 years. You told me all of your stories within the first month of our courtship...but thanks for listening to all of mine, too. I do credit you for leading me in the right direction (even though we took a few wrong turns here and there). I love how well you know Christ even though you don't act like a know it all. You sit in Route 66 and whisper all the answers Chuck asks. I try to encourage you to speak up but you don't want to be wrong or upset people. The irony is YOU'RE A TEACHER. What is that saying teachers always say? There are no dumb answers? No....wait...there are no dumb questions but there are plenty of dumb answers....

Mike: I know I'm tied for first place as your favorite cousin. You rank up there, too. It's crazy stuff how Grandma's death really brought us together. I miss her so much but there is never enough thanks I could express to you for bringing her into your home while she waited for God to prepare her new one. I still don't like Star Trek all that much but you inspired me to try and do what I've always wanted to do with my life: produce videos/dvds. I hope you liked this lame post.

Matt: My republican friend! Thank you for your viewpoints even though you know that I know that you know that I am not so much into politics. But we do share a love for presidential history. Thank you for your insights and for letting us dress you up as the Homecoming King. You are the best writer I know. Thank you for your advice and encouragement. Go State!

Noel: You've been my best friend for so long I don't know what I would do without you. Remember our trip to Florida on the Greyhound when you sold that ex-con the bottle of vodka and we had to write his name on his shirt because he drank the whole thing right then and there and passed out? Oh, wait....that was Kelly. Noel, thanks for being...you know....you...my crazy pastor. You teach me a great deal and open my eyes to so many things. I try to be a good sheep and follow...not you, of course, but JC. And no, not Joey Corr, but Jesus Christ. Are we all on the same page yet?

Chuck: I'm considering your idea. Just want to make sure the right "person" gets the glory. If you think it would help people, I'm in. Thanks for coming forward. Very brave of you. Thank you for Route 66. I walked out of there blown away at what an awesome book the bible really is. We all need to go see the Mega 80s next time they are in town. They rock out.

Kelly: You've been my best friend for so long I don't know what I would do without you. Remember our trip to Florida on the Greyhound when you sold that ex-con the bottle of vodka and we had to write his name on his shirt because he drank the whole thing right then and there and passed out? Of course you do :) Anyway, we have...I don't know...15 years of history? And I do know plenty of embarrassing stories about you...Gretchen! You are awesome, Kelly Roo. I miss you. Move back.

Dan: Even though you sing the songs wrong, you make Joey and I laugh. Yes, we laugh at you when you are on stage. How can we not? You're a funny guy. Thanks for wanting to get to know us and for the awesome advice you once gave us on how to approach a farmer about his dead calf. Thank you for encouraging me to start a blog. It seemed kind of freaky at first but...it's still kind of freaky. And Dan, we don't really laugh at you...we laugh with you even when you're not laughing. I love your wife, your son is adorable...thanks for making the move up to Lansing. You all needed to get out of Ohio.

Sonny: The story you told about when we met...that wasn't me. You must be thinking of someone else. We met when I went with my parents to a summer resort and you were the dance instructor. Remember how we planned that big finale together? My parents were soooo T.O.'d. You walked in and said, "No one puts Holly in a corner." We sure showed them..... Thank you for all of your wise instruction in Adobe photoshop (today) and for imaging my coupons on to the plates. You make me laugh and I pray you make the right decisions (hint, hint) about your life THIS YEAR.

Steve: Yay! You finally commented! I knew you could do it. I was thinking about your one decision just now...how many lives it changed by you moving out of the boonies and into a real city. The first time I went to Riverview, you taught about ruts and how we get into ruts with God. The whole Riverview thing blew me away. Thank you for your nuttyness and for teaching me a little something about imported beer. You know, when I think back, even to this summer, I was a little scared of you. I don't know if it was the bald head, the wrestler in you or what. I'm glad we've gotten to know each other better. Thank you for your compliments and for becoming a Christian.

Anyone else?

Roll Call

Some other people have done this on their blogs. Their blogs are published. Mine isn't. I thought you could only get to my site with my invitation. The invitation was extended to others. I've been pleasantly surprised by people commenting about this silly blog...surprised they were reading it and surprised they kind of liked it...kind of... So, what I would like to do is have a roll call. Post a comment telling me your first name, how we know each other and how well you THINK you know me (heh)...oh, and if you're really brave, offer an embarrassing or funny story...about yourself, not me :) I just want to see how many people are reading and who you are. Maybe if I know that, I'll think twice before publishing something lame. Thank you for your time and continued support.

Footloose

I purchased this staple 80s movie yesterday with a gift card. Love it though, Kevin Bacon could definitely be put under suspicion. A little too loose with the dance moves if you ya know what I mean.

I remember when this movie came out. My mom loved it. Willard reminded her of her younger brother. We all know a Willard. I know several. The farm boy who learned to dance. But that isn't what the movie is about. Those of us children/teens of the 80s can sum up the story well. A preacher goes hell bent on saving the town of Beaumont from sin after his son is killed in a car accident. He leads the town in banning rock music, dancing and books. His logic was that dancing leads to sexual irresponsibility. His wife, a quiet little bird with common sense, tries to rope the Reverend in. "Kids looking at each other gets them excited! Are you going to poke their eyes out?!" "I thought you would support me, Vi. Meow. I'm going to roll over and go to sleep now for dramatic effect."

This Reverend took on so much. He deems himself "responsible for the spiritual life of this community" by passing laws. Wow. My pastors have a lot to live up to. Rev. Shaw had a whole community to take care of so he had little time left for his teenage daughter who likes to dance, loves rock and roll.

Things start heating up when Ren rolls into town and decides to hold a dance. Then the climatic scene...Ren has to give his speech and what does the Reverend's daughter do? What do all pastor's daughters do? They flip out and rebel! No, no, no...this girl could have turned from the very thing taking up all of her father's time (God) but she turned to Him. She gave Ren a bible. Deep down, she knew it wasn't God's will to ban certain kinds of music, dancing, drinking, gambling, and books. Ariel gave Ren God's words to try to get through to the people of Beaumont. Ren, who claimed to be such a horrid speaker suddenly becomes a professional in front of the board. There is a time to every purpose under heaven. There is a time to dance.

The town really gets fired up after Ren gives his speech. His mom gets canned from her job, bullies throw a brick through the window. People start freaking out all over the place and the Rev. was facing a monster of his own creation. The final straw was when the book burning began. Rev. Shaw unleashes his anger and gets to see what a hypocrite he has been. "When did you all decide to sit in judgment? When were you elected to save everyone's souls in the city of Beaumont? Satan is not in these books. He's in here...in your hearts. Go home and sit in judgment of yourselves."

And then, everyone starts treating each other with love and graciousness: a happy ending. Well, after the fight there's a happy ending. I love the fight, too.

Rusty: No fights, Willard (punch, kick, slap)
Willard: (getting punched) what do you want me to do, Rusty?
Rusty: Kill the son of a bitch!
Ren suddenly runs out of the barn because he just had this sneaky suspicion that Chuck was there beating up his friends...what a guy.
Chuck: Hey, it's Mr. Dance Fever.
Ren: Yeah you're a real g-d d--m hero when it's 5 to 1. (punch, kick, punch, punch).
Ren: Let's Dance!

A couple of final thoughts about the movie:
That show, Joan of Arcadia where God takes on a different character...well, I think God was Andy, Ren's boss. Watch Andy next time the movie comes on TBS some random Saturday afternoon (or borrow mine). He's this quiet, character who doesn't say much but holds a lot of wisdom.

What a sweet soundtrack. I bought it in college. Everyone should have a copy.

For never dancing, these kids sure had some stylin moves.

Question, why in the world did Ariel give Ren a musicbox? And he liked it! Corn.

Soooo, kiddies, what movie shall we review next? Sixteen Candles? Top Gun? What has my life turned into...

One Decision

Saturday night, I went to a banquet honoring Rocky Shaft, Holt’s head varsity wrestling coach. The banquet honored him for 25 years of his service with the Holt Wrestling Program.

Rupert Shaft was born into a family of five children, he being the youngest and the only boy. They were all relieved that dad was finally getting his basketball player. He grew up in Holt but didn’t grow much past 5’6”. Every year he went out for the basketball team…and every year he rode the bench. So Rocky made one simple decision: wrestling.

He knew nothing about wrestling but he did it anyway. His family knew nothing about wrestling but he did it anyway. His father was a little disappointed but he did it anyway. He was pinned in 17 seconds in his first match but Rocky did it anyway. He went on to lead the Holt Rams to their first state wrestling title in 1971. Rocky went to Western Michigan but came back shortly after graduation. He became the head wrestling coach in the late 1970s and coached 20 individual state champions, 54 state placers and 149 state qualifiers. There’s also that infamous back to back state title in 1996-1997. Rocky’s overall record has been 275-39 over the past 24 years. And who does Rocky credit for these achievements? The kids, the parents, the assistant coaches, the managers, and his family...not himself. His motto: the fun is the memories.

Because of Rocky’s one decision in high school as a 16-year-old, a room full of people numbering close to 200, felt touched by him. Person after person stood up to express how much he helped them, what he taught them, how he changed their lives. And Mr. Shaft took it all humbly.

So why would I care so much about Rocky Shaft? Why would I be invited to a wrestling banquet?

Because of one complex decision my mom made. We moved to Holt in 1989…across the street from the Shafts. When I was in 8th grade, I often wondered about my neighbor who drove the big brown pick-up truck, was the father of three little girls, over decorated his house for the holidays, and hardly ever spoke to me. When I would pass him in the halls, I wondered if he knew I was his neighbor because I certainly knew him. He was coach Shaft. He seemed friendly but he was also intimidating—didn’t take crap from anyone. There was something about Mr. Shaft that made you want to know him.

So how did I meet Rocky Shaft? How did I become part of his inner circle? That’s right. Because of one simple decision I made: to become the freshman football manager. When I was in 7th grade attending Charlotte Jr. High, I decided I wanted to be the first female collegiate football coach. This was because of a decision my father made to take me to Michigan State football games at the age of four and teach me all of the detailed rules. Still, my becoming the manager of the freshman football team only got me slightly closer to Rocky. But a chance class schedule did. Rocky became my science teacher and convinced me to be the manager of the wrestling team even though I knew nothing about wrestling (except that guys were constantly throwing wrestling moves on each other that resembled hugging). Rocky was my coach, sending the bus to pick me up at my house on the way to weekend tournaments, having faith that I would learn fast, putting me in front of a team of hyper, teenage boys, teaching me the rules, the scoring, the different moves. He also became a second father to me, making sure I ate, that I had money, watching that no one gave me too much crap, and giving me the evil stare when I stepped out of line (oh so rare :). For four years, I worked with him, two of those years I was his varsity football manager as well.

Mr. Shaft taught me a lot. He made me laugh a lot, too. I know I made him roll his eyes a lot. I will forever thank God for getting the chance to know this man.

The decisions we make are so weird. Do you ever think about them? Ever wonder at how it all gets weaved together? I think it is true that if Rocky had stuck with basketball, my life would be fine. But I feel lucky and loved and blessed for having known Rocky Shaft. As my friend Dan once said, God doesn’t make just one decision the right one for us. We can pick and choose. The importance is to remember that our decisions have an impact, small and tremendous.

On a sidenote, have you ever attended a Holt Wrestling Match? When the lights turn off, the dome light lowers closer to the mat, the sound of Queen rocks through the gym, the wrestlers run out and around the mat, with their humble leader behind them…if you get the chance, check it out sometime. Tell Rocky that Holly sent you. I'm sure he'll roll his eyes :)

Andy lives 2 blocks from Wrigley Field. I grew up with a Cubbies fan (my dad) so I love Wrigleyville. This is a statue of Harry Carey. My pops used to yell for me right before the 7th inning stretch so we could sing with Harry. I would peddle my big wheel like mad trying to make it back to the apartment in time.

I ordered this baked potato on New Year's Day. It was friggin huge. Ry looks on in amazement (yes, that is Blue Moon in the pitcher. Thanks for asking.)

New Year's in Chicago. From l to r: Beks, Ry, Me, Andrew, Chip

My dear friends Kelly and Chris came to visit from Florida. More pictures were taken...still waiting to get those, KELLY :) Little 'fo on Kell and I:
*We met in 9th Grade at Holt Jr. High School. Yes, I'll say it, Kell...ummm...no I won't.
*We became friends in 10th grade after discovering all of the things we had in common (Laingsburg was our hometown)
*Kell moved to Duck Lake and graduated from Springport but I was there allll the time. Oh, the memories of Duck Lake...
*I credit Kelly with helping me become a Parrothead, though it was a combination of things. She is definitely my favorite Parrothead friend.
*Kell went through some really rough times after high school. She was living in the hood of Lansing. But she got out of it (thank you, Lord!).
*Kelly and I have too many stories to post. Other than my cousin, she has known me the longest on this blogsite. "The stories we could tell..."
*Kelly married Chris. She inherited two step-daughters. I was the maid of honor.
*Kelly moved to Florida, adopted two little boys, works as a Victim Resource Advocate, and watched her roof get blown away in both hurricanes.

My friend Ryan (Uncle Ry)

Becky and I at her birthday party (my condo in Walled Lake)

Jan. 24 called worst day of the year
Krissie and I wondered why we were so sad this morning....

Phobia

I have this fear...it's kind of weird...so far you aren't surprised. I'll just say it. I'm afraid...of Baby Showers. Actually, I'm afraid of Bridal Showers, too. I don't know what it is but I attempted to analyze this fear to try to find the source and fix it.

This always starts the same. I get the e-mail: "Hey! I'm having a baby/bridal shower in X month! Do you think you can come?" Feelings of excitement, joy fill me and I write back, "Absolutely! Can't wait!" And then the invite comes. I look at the date, make a mental note, and leave it somewhere. Weeks go by. Occasionally, I'll think about the shower, know it is coming up, vow to get something off their list and then don't.

Flash forward to at least two days before the shower. I start panicking. I figure everything they wanted is already bought so I don't even look at the registry. I go to stores where I can buy more for less and spend hours mulling over what in the heck to get these people. Then the sweat, shaking, anxiety...now I'm trying to figure out an excuse not to go. I don't like to go. I don't like having my gift opened in front of a whole bunch of people oooooing and ahhhhhing. Or, my gift has already been purchased so it goes into the return pile and everyone laughs.

Ok, arm chair psychiatrists. What's my deal? Why don't I rush out and get the registry right away? Why don't I hardly ever look at the registry? Most of the time, I don't have a lot of money to spend and I always think more is better. I don't know. I think there are feelings of inadequacy floating around like my gift isn't good enough. See, I like shopping for people. I like getting them stuff they want and need. But I would much rather go out to dinner with this friend and quietly give them the gift. No games. No dog and pony show.

Does this mean I won't have a bridal or baby shower? Probably not :)

"Consumer Christianity"

Do you ever get those little booklets from your church and it gives you a devotional a day? I got one from Rivervew called "Our Daily Bread" and it often steers me back on course throughout my work day. Today's reading was pretty good. Thought I would share.

"Christianity in modern America...tends to be easy, upbeat, convenient, and compatible. It does not require self-sacrifice, discipline, humility, an otherwordly outlook, a zeal for souls, a fear as well as love of God. There is little guilt and no punishment, and the payoff in heaven is virtually certain. What we now have might best be labeled 'Consumer Christianity." The cost is low and customer satisfaction seems guaranteed." --historian Thomas C. Reeves

"If we were only customers of Almighty God, we could be selective in our faith and reject anything we didn't like. But that's not the idea we get from Jesus. He pointed us to a cross, not to a spiritual check-out counter. He said: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it." (Luke 9:23-24)

"Christ died on a cross for our sins, not for satisfaction. And he calls us to trust in Him, then follow Him with a life of self-denial. In a world where the customer is always right, it takes radical obedience to God to keep from buying into 'Consumer Christianity.'" --David McCasland

This referred to one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Such a complex ideal for a human. Such a simple way to live. But it is true in what I see. Like the people on Saved! who walk around in this disillusionment that Jesus is going to make everything better. I also talk to people who think there is no hell or they can go to heaven for basically being a good person. That used to be me. I didn't like the happy clappys who would scream out in tongues and make me feel weird. Well...I still don't like them. They still make me feel weird. I still feel weird sometimes talking about Jesus. I'm fine with name dropping God but you mention Jesus, and people look at you funny. You turn into this nutty, freaky, yucky person and people slowly back away so they don't catch what you have. Weird.

Anyhow, that's all I have to comment on for now. I have some things to take care of before I leave for the day. Fire up the snow blowers.

Jane Marie

Me: What are you doing, Jane Marie?
J: Oh, you know, just sitting here with my elbow half-way up my arm.

Love that lady.

Monika

My friend Monika just had her fourth baby. After three boys, she finally made a girl. Monika also celebrated her 26th birthday last week. Yowzer.

I met Monika when she was 14. She was so sweet...innocent...well, she had us all fooled about the innocence part. Still, she quickly became one of my closest friends. We managed Holt's wrestling team together and had a lot of fun. Except for the fact that she was always getting grounded.

I graduated and moved up to Mt. Pleasant but came back to hang out once in awhile. One of the funniest memories I have of Monika was when she took Kelly and I to a party during the summer of 1995. She kept talking this boy up, wanted one of us to date him because he was so nice. Kell and I were 19...this guy was like 23 or something. Way too old in our books. We met him and he had hair to his shoulders. Not our type. Good thing neither of us took Monika up on her match making deal because by September, Monika was pregnant with his baby.

I think she was 16 years old. Her dad got transferred to Indianapolis and took the whole family down there. When Monika was 6 or 7 months pregnant, she moved back to Mason and moved in with Lance and his parents. She had Zehlin in May and he was so beautiful. I was the proud aunt. Monika and Lance got married when she became pregnant again two years later. They bought a house in Leslie and brought Kanen home from the hospital. Three years later, they planned Griffin, but I had since lost track of Monika. I got really TO'd over something she did.

My sister kept tabs on Monika through Mason Urgent Care. Mon would ask about me but it took her until 2003 to finally ask Lyn for my phone number. She called and I was happy. She was living in Mason again and going through a divorce. Now, she wanted to experience the freedoms of being a teenager...but she wasn't one anymore and she had three little people calling her mom. Monika caved.

I lost track of her again. The last I heard was my sister telling me Monika was moving to Alabama. She met a guy and they were getting out of town. Monika was afraid to tell me because she thought I would be upset. I remember unleashing on my sister. Of course I was upset! How could she leave three little boys? How could she do this to them? They didn't ask to be born. They didn't ask to have a flaky mom. I was pretty unforgiving. I was very judgmental.

I went to Monika's parents who had moved to Leslie. Her dad told me about all the problems Monika was having when she lived in Mason. Money, drugs, fights...he was kind of happy she got out of town. But then...then the boys came to visit her parents on Christmas Day. Griffin, who was one and a half, ran to Monika's room, calling out to her. Zehlin, the oldest, went after him trying to explain that mommy wasn't here anymore. The story broke my heart. But it was January 2004, and I was in a different place. I started praying like crazy. I prayed for her life. I prayed for her boys. I prayed she would come back to them.

I heard Monika was back in town through a kid I graduated with. I immediately tried to find her and ended up leaving a note on her parent's door. The note said to have Monika call me because I wanted to talk to her and I loved her a lot. Monika found the note and called. I saw her the next day, which was the day before my grandma died. She was pregnant again but happy...amd sweet, which she really, genuinely is. I decided not to judge this situation though I know in my heart what I wish. I just want to be there for Monika and for her to know I love her unconditionally. She told me she came back because she couldn't stand to be away from the boys. She said she didn't call me because she felt ashamed. I told her to never worry about that. Never worry about me judging her for decisions she makes. I'll love her even if I don't agree. If everyone else turns on her, I will show her God's compassion.

Monika = a test of patience, faith, compassion

I get to see little Gillian Christian Burley tomorrow. I can't wait.

Fallen Solider

Please check out my friend Matt's blog for a tribute to his cousin. It amazes me how people can pick up and carry on with hope. As I said to Matt, thanks be to God.

Just so you know...

Sitting in a hot tub when the wind chill is 13 below zero, is not a great idea.

Why?

Because the wind chill is 13 below zero.

Still fun, but not a great idea.

Tease

It's days like this that remind me of why Spring is my favorite season. The mild air, the warmth on my face, the blowing wind, a storm moving in from the west...I wanted to stay outside or at least sit by a window and watch. Instead, I'm in a hole staring at a calendar which reminds me I have a few months left to go (sigh).

Soooo.....

Remember how I was complaining about pizza? Well, I went to a meeting yesterday having no idea I was going to get another free lunch out of Valassis and....we had Mr. Pita.

Of course, I deemed this an act of God because he loves me so much. I mentioned this to some guys in our shipping department and one of them said, "Oh, so God will allow 150,000 people die in a Tsunami and he'll make sure you get Mr. Pita for lunch (laughter at how naivee I am)."

"Well...I don't think God ever left us to go to the other side of the world and watch 150,000 people die. I don't think he has bigger fish to fry than to deal with my little life. I understand that in the scope of human thinking a tsuanmi is more important and tragic than me not getting the right lunch. But....he's God. He's a lot smarter than me so bottom line is I don't know. But how could it be a coincidence?"

That's what I wanted to say, anyhow. Really, I just said yes.

Mystery

Ben (my former supervisor/present day friend) and I used to e-mail each other a lot. I was looking through some old e-mails yesterday, found this one, decided to post it because it made me laugh. I shall post more things I find funny as I see fit. My blog. Meow.

B: What's up HB?
H: Eating a lunch I can’t stand and looking for a new car. What about you?
B: Pissing away another day at valassis.
H: My days of pissing are over, I think. My job is in and ready to control my life.
Have you ever rebelled against yourself?
B: I think I've been through periods of rebellion with myself. What about you?
H: I’m really rebelling against myself right now. I’m forcing myself to eat this food and I can hear….I guess I hear my other self screaming, crying, resisting my efforts to eat it instead of throwing it out. I keep telling myself things like, “if you don’t eat it, you’ll be hungry later and I’m not feeding you again until dinner,” or “there are starving people all over the place and you’re going to throw away perfectly healthy food?” But then, my other self back talks me. “I know if I’m hungry you’ll feed me before dinner” and “if there are starving people all over the place, send the lunch to them!” I’m so lenient with myself. But no! Not this time! I won’t let me get away with it…..well, I'll at least eat half.
B: You are hilarious!! I would love to hear more of this inner dialogue and the other subjects that you argue with yourself about.
H: I can’t talk anymore. I just grounded myself. Of course, knowing me, I’ll rebel.
B: You should sneak out after your otherself goes to sleep. I'll meet you at the corner.
H: I know I would get caught. My other self is a light sleeper. I hate microwave meals. They always seem like such a good idea at the time.
Up for a little BS tomorrow?
B: I think the question is are you up for a little BS?
H: Almost always. Do you think I should get a 2000 Chevy Astro Cargo or a 1988 Chevy Bonaventure.
B: I think you should ride your bike instead.
H: No, I want a van. One of those old types like the Mystery Machine.
B: Are you going to solve mysteries?
H: No, I’m going to build them.
B: Then you're not the one that needs the van.
H: Oh. Then I want a Mazda 6.
B: I think if you are building mysteries you should drive one of those little mini coopers. That seems like a mystery building type car. Either that or an Impala.
H: The first mystery to solve is why I ever bought that car.
B: I thought it was because Joey told you it was a good idea.
H: I guess the mystery is why I listened, then.
B: Because you are sometimes impressionable.

That's two mysteries solved. I think I need that van.

Being the brat that I am....

That whole Dying To Self thing? Yeah...might be a little unrealistic for me. For the second time in a week, our CEO ordered pizza for all three Michigan locations. The first thing out of my mouth was, "Man, can't we get Mr. Pita or something?" (laughter from the cubes around me). Then, after I got a couple of pieces, I said, "I can't stand Papa Romano's or Jetts. Why do we always have to get these sub-standard pizza joints?"

See....see how I really am? It wasn't enough that I had food...or that it was free...it wasn't good enough for me. I kept sitting there trying to change my heart but as the second napkin was soaking up the grease from my slice, I decided I didn't really want to put it into my body. I made it through one piece and then I ate a Clementine. Mmmmmm....much better.

Anyhow, I have a ways to go on the whole selfish thing. Being a brat just comes so natural to me :o) I bet all of you can agree.

Just in case you were wondering...

I can't really blog from work. Sometimes when I get a break but last week was the pits--sooo busy. What I end up doing is blogging at home, writing out my thoughts in Word and then I come to Mr. Pita to use their wireless internet. I'm going to start using my jump drive, though but I like coming to Mr. Pita once every couple of weeks. The owner, Anthony, always smiles and waves, makes sure the wireless connection is up. Good man.

I wanted to update about the trip home from Chicago. It was awesome. We listened to Shattered which I love but I think it was just kind of okay for Beks and Ry (who was still sleeping it off). We listened to the teaching on Homosexuality after that. I was soooo nervous because Ry is such a liberal guy and the attitude is "if it feels good, do it" kind of. The teaching was ending with just the prayer left so I switched it over to Becky's IPod to listen to music. Suddenly, Ryan piped up, "I like listening to Noel. Where did he go?" "Oh, it was just the prayer at the end, Ry but we can finish it." So we did. Then Ry said, "I like Noel. He's like a really good professor."

I drove the whole way home (and only freaked out once when driving through Chicago) with Beks as my co-pilot. We had a mini church session in the car, listening to Riverview teachings and then to Becky's old time Christian songs like Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. It was actually way cool. We also played "Stump Holly" with me trying to guess songs within the first 5 seconds. I didn't do as well as when Joey tried to stump me with 80s music. I had a lot of fun, though and I love Becky and Ry to pieces. They are truly among my bestest, closest friends.

Willingness

The teaching at Riverview yesterday knocked me over the head. It was another one of those that held my attention and I swore I could hear Jesus talking to me himself.

I walked into church and went to check out my Rivkids schedule. I was approached by someone who wanted to have a conversation with me about this possibility at Riverview…this possible opportunity.

Joey asked me, “What are you going to do?”

My response was that I didn’t know because I didn’t know the details. However, I said that if this opportunity required me to quit my job and move back, I just didn’t think I could do it. After all, Valassis is an awesome company to work for. I get my bonus next month and have worked fairly hard to earn what I earn. Also, I love where I live and I love my roommate. On top of that, I think I might kind of be reaching my friends…and I just don’t think I could leave them.

And then Steve opened his big mouth…. :o)

Do I have a willingness? Can I really trust God with everything? Can I submit to authority, take risks for God and be truly authentic?

Oh geez. Why now? I’ve been kind of praying about it but gosh, golly…why would the opportunity be considering me…me thinking there was no way…and 15 minutes later…I feel so full of courage and scared crap-less all at once.

A couple of ideas really got me. Peter took a risk by getting out of the boat. Everyone else waited in the boat to see. In relating it to my life, I was the first one out of the boat. Well, I think I saw Joey outside of it and I wanted to be there, too. I was a little scared of failure and a lot scared of rejection but in my heart, my friends weren’t going to change my mind.

Jesus looked at Peter in the beginning. Jesus looked at Peter in the end. Those two sentences have new meaning now that I know the definition of look (to look with your mind). Jesus saw something in Peter. He saw something in us. God uses the shaky people who don’t have their acts together. Kind of a relief. See, on Saturday, I was at my cousins and they were talking about the Scott Peterson trial. My cousin-in-law (a Christian) stated that Scott got what he deserved: an eye for an eye. Me, being the baby Christian and pulling from my Route 66 knowledge said, “I thought that was the OT way of doing things?” “You can’t throw out the OT. It’s in the Bible.” (what I meant was that I thought Jesus changed that way of thinking but I couldn’t really say what I meant). So then we get into this mini-debate where my cousin-in-law tells me that the two things God hates the most are sodomy and idoltry. I was a little confused because I thought God hated the destruction of something made in his image. I realized I might not know what I was talking about, Jerry really seemed to want to debate, and I left the situation. I don’t like to debate Jesus. Ask me a question and I’ll try to answer it…but I am not equipped with a lot of answers…and that is how God uses me.

Yes, I’ll get this all straightened out with time. The more I read the Bible the more I might understand. But I see sometimes how God uses my imperfections or my pain. My grandma, whom I loved oh so dearly, died and I made a DVD. Because of her death, it occurred to me that I might be able to do this for other people…and I’m reaching out to them.

Two last thoughts:
Are you willing to be different for Jesus?
Give what you can’t keep to gain what you cannot lose.
Maybe I will take this risk to serve others. Not so sure yet but I’m going to have the conversation. I’m also more excited than ever to go on some kind of mission. Shoot, if I can face my friends in the bar, I think I might be ready to go out into the world, even if I fail and am rejected. As I was taught today, “Jesus’ reputation is worth it.”

Thanks for opening your big mouth, Steve.

Project KMM

There was this girl…she was 14-years-old. I was 11-years-old. She was the coolest person I had ever met. I wanted to be just like her. After knowing her for 7 months, she died of a brain tumor. She went fast. She went young. She left behind so many people.

On March 3, it will be 17 years since Kim died. I lost touch with her sister and her father, but last year, I found Howard again. I was sad to learn he has two pictures of his daughter. Just two. This is where I step in.

My cousin and I put a DVD together of my Grandma. It is beautiful. It occurred to me that Kim’s family should have one of Kim. I prayed. I asked God to help me with this project. In fact, I told him I wasn’t going to do it without him. So God opened doors.

I called Kim’s sister, Karen. She is a few months younger than I am and we hadn’t seen or spoken to each other in 15 years. At first, she was a little hesitant about me wanting to pull a memory video together, only because she didn’t quite understand. And then, the tears, the excitement, the appreciation.

I have my work cut out for me so I would appreciate prayers, though I know there are plenty of other things to pray about. Still, this is the first project I have done with God…I mean, the first one I have asked him to partner with me. I met with Karen on Saturday night and scanned in 52 pictures. We need more, though. Karen got on the phone to some people and has really put the wheels in motion. She is awesome and really, I love her involvement. This project is coming together.

My due date is Kim’s birthday 8/17. I hope to interview people, get their memories down but the goal is to not let the sun go down on Kim’s memory.

Kimberly Marie Morris

Saturday's Alright

I had three people call me to go out on Saturday night. Brand and Meeelissa were in Novi and wanted to hang out. Dana was celebrating her 29th birthday in Novi. Tracy, my sorority sis, was also having her 30th birthday party in Novi. I could have gone to all three—this never happens to me. I should have jumped at the chance to do it…so what did I do Saturday night?

*Hung out with my aunt’s family while they celebrated Christmas.
*Scanned pictures into my computer of a girl who has been dead for 17 years.
*Sat in a hot tub until 1:00 a.m. while watching a dog named Cain play with the neighbor dog in the snow, laughing at two kittens who were desperately trying to see what was going on outside (but only ripping the curtains down), and having conversations with God and Joey.

Fun times as I approach 29 :o)

Dying to Self by Bill Britton

When you are forgotten or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy - being counted worthy to suffer for Christ; THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself - but take it all in patient loving silence; THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any unpunctuality, or any annoyance ... when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility - and endure it as Jesus endured it; THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption - by the will of God; THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or record your own good works, or itch after commendation - when you can truly love to be unknown; THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and honestly rejoice with him in sprit without envy or question of God - while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstance; THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you receive correction and reproof from one of less stature that yourself, and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly - finding no rebellion or resentment rising up in your heart; THAT IS DYING TO SELF

ARE YOU DEAD YET? In these last days the Sprit would bring us to the Cross."That I may know Him ... being made conformable to His death"

Bed Time Story

I know. I'm a blogging fool tonight. It's just that Beks is sleeping upstairs and the boys are out playing Golden Tee Live. I am blogging and watching the first episodes of old TV shows on TV Land. I just watched the first episode of the Andy Griffith Show. It actually made me tear up a little...and laugh a little. But I've been a little emotional all day. Want to know why??? Do you really want to know???? Ahhhh.....sure you do. Of course you do! You see, you've read my other posts, almost fell asleep, and thought, "this one ought to do the trick." So, get tucked in...here we go.

We went out to watch the Rose Bowl. Bek and I didn't really want to go but we did. By the end of the 1st quarter, there were no boys to be found near us...they were playing Golden Tee. Bek and I laughed about it and then I asked her a question: after 6 years of dating Ryan, did she think he would propose this year.

This one question opened up a whole evening of intimate discussions about love, friendship, and faith. I was shocked at how interested and open Bek was about my decision to become a Christ follower and the changes I had to make in my life. Well, I wasn't too shocked. She has always been pretty supportive...but I was surprised by something else...it was the way in which we both spoke and listened. It was definitely God in action.

I see something in Becky. I see how she wants a closer relationship with God. I know he wants one with her and maybe, just maybe, he'll use me to bring him to her. And maybe, just maybe, she'll accept him and draw nearer. But maybe it will be awhile still.

Something else that was pretty cool was that the boys joined in the conversation a little bit, too. Ryan started questioning me about the timeline of the bible. I got really nervous and explained I didn't have a lot of the answers. I tried to say I was still a toddler Christian...still wetting my pants-type-Christian. I took a deep breath, said a little prayer, and I believe God and I handled his questions pretty darn well. I think Ryan thinks that if his questions about the history of the bible are answered, then he can really, truly believe. Our answer to him? I still have unanswered questions. At some point, you have to give it up to God and just have faith. But maybe he could start studying the bible and find answers he's looking for.

Oh, and I invited Beks and Ry to Riverview. They were totally down with it. Really excited. Tomorrow, on our way home, I'm going to ask if we can listen to Shattered and see what they say. I certainly don't want to push my beliefs down their throats and I really don't want to push Riverview down their throats...but I want them to have a relationship with God, invite him to their relationship and maybe even finally make that big, leap.

Oh, and Becky was really interested in being invited to my blog...so I'm going to. She will be the only person from that part of my life with access to it. I'm almost fully represented now.

Okay, I'm tired now. Just watched the first episode of Leave It To Beaver. I never realized how funny these shows are. Now, I'm watching the first episode of Sanford & Son but I think it's time for bed. So wake up and go.

Behaved? Controlled?

The past few days have been good, better than I imagined. Last night went well. We went to an Irish bar, had food and drinks, danced and laughed and I'm happy to say I was in bed by 1:30--and I wasn't drunk.

I was a little nervous about hanging out with this group of friends. Since my decision (in April) to not get drunk anymore, I haven't really been in this kind of situation with them. They are my closest friends and have been since college. The issue is that my friends are pretty heavy drinkers and I was, too. Not to say I drank a ton during the week and every weekend. It was just when we all got together, it was drink after drink after drink. And I'm also not saying it was just because of them. I did it with all my friends because most of my friends are drinkers. Soooo....I think I need to start from the beginning...with the end.

I went to my cousin Greg's wedding in April. I had recently listened to Noel's message about alcohol. I ignored that same message during the reception. My dad and I were egging each other on and the wine was flowing. I went to Joey's after the reception and got sick...really, really sick. I cried, I felt sorry for myself, I puked...and then I cried out to God. I didn't want to do this anymore. I wanted to have control. I wanted to truly be a Christ follower. I wanted to glorify God. I also didn't want to hurt my body.

That was the last time and so far, I've had the control I need. It's true that I could have quit cold turkey and I will if I feel alcohol controlling me. So far, so good. One of the true tests was this weekend with Andy, Ry, and Bek. I had a few drinks over a 5 hour period and probably way too much water. Beks later admitted that she had confided to Andy that she was concerned about me...concerned I wouldn't have enough fun because I wasn't tossing them back. But today she told me something different: "you're still the same Holl." Well...yeah. I mean, I was cutting it up on the dance floor, I was laughing hysterically, I was eating like I would never eat again....but I can see why she was concerned. It is scary when the people we know so well make drastic changes in their lives. I believe my progression has been slow, though.

I'm still a party girl, just not a drunk one. I'm more of a behaved party girl, well, not tonight. Tonight I'm a stay-at-home-watching-TVLand-while her friends are out drinking and watching football-except for Beks who is sleeping already-blogging-type girl.

Eve morning

I'm in Chicago, safe and sound. The boys are still sleeping but Bek and I couldn't lay in bed any longer. We stayed in last night but Ry, Chip and Andy went out. Bek and I slept on the Aerobed and it was oh, so nice. Chip and Ry slept on the floor next to us and Andy slept in his bed on the otherside. Well, that is until Ryan got in bed with Andy. When we woke up, Andy was on the couch downstairs. Ryan went back to his spot on the floor to try to pretend he had been there all along. Becky fell bounced off the Aerobed when she was trying to get back in. A few laughs this morning...good times...I really pray they continue.

It is beautiful outside, windy but I like the sun shining on our world. I feel so safe and blessed. I pray all stays that way as we venture out tonight.

Andy has wireless internet...yay!

God In Action Part 1

If someone asked me if I ever interacted with God, if I ever feel him or know he is there, I would say—heck yes! There are also times when I feel distant from him and I do go through phases of feeling inadequate or unworthy. 2004 has definitely been a year for God and I. Seeing him in action, seeing how time doesn’t exist for him, seeing his planning has left me in awe (and sometimes really pissed).

Story #1
It all came out of taking God’s name in vain. Ben, my former supervisor, and I were evaluating my performance as an employee during my yearly performance review. We were laughing about something and Ben made some comment where he dropped the G.D. word. Suddenly, one of the overhead lights turned off. Ben and I looked at each other a little spooked. “See, Ben, you shouldn’t take the Lord’s name in vain,” I said. “You know, I really need to work on that,” Ben said. And then the light came back on. From there we discussed how Ben majored in theology and he really wanted to get back into the bible, praying, discussion…and our bible study was born.

Our first meeting was in January and we had a couple people come. It really ended up being Krissie, Ben and I, though. We would rotate to different restaurants offering happy hour. It was real cute to see us with our bibles surrounded by the half off appetizers and dollar drinks. We really got into some good discussions. We prayed. And then the unthinkable…Ben’s little brother died in March.

I went to the funeral home and met Ben’s mom and step-dad who is a pastor. I introduced myself as one of Ben’s employees, and a friend. I explained that Ben and I had started a bible study, too. His mother hugged me tight and said, “Thank you so much for doing that with him. I really think Ben has grown closer to God over the past couple of months because of the study.” In the months after Simeon’s death, our bible study became more of grief counseling. But we had an established group already, one that met every Tuesday night, even if it was just the three of us. So Ben had an outlet for his grief…and we prayed, and cried, and shared.

Since then, I wonder about God. Was he trying to prepare Ben for this tragedy? Really, Ben has been all over the place in his relationship with God, his faith weak at times and strong, too. As his life continues, though, he has yet to turn his back on God. Even when Ben was angry, he turned toward God and let him have it. I truly see Ben’s life as a testimony for the tried and grief stricken. He has brought God soooo much glory.

Terror

I look at their faces and want to help. I hear them crying out for that help and I want to give it to them. I think about what I am able to really do and all I come up with is prayer and money. I feel weird about praying for some reason. I'm confused by this "act of God." My thinking is that God didn't do it...but he allowed it. Yes, yes, yes, I know he is all knowing so I understand that he has better judgement than I do. I guess I just feel weird praying when I don't know the whole plan. At least this time anyway.

I was at my niece's birthday party when I found out about it from Joey. My step-father said, "you know what your grandfather told me before he died, Holly?" "What?" "He said that every once in awhile, God 'cleans house' with a huge natural disastor. It's almost like he is trying to even the population out again." "Hmmm...." I said, "doesn't sound like the God I'm getting to know." "Well, think about it," Dean replied, "maybe God said, 'sure, this is going to be horrific, but I've got something better for you.'"

Crazy thing is that I didn't even know what a Tsunami was until Christmas night. I got my dad this cool weather alert radio which will go off if there is an emergency. I was looking at all the codes and said, "what is a Tsunami?" My 12-year-old nephew said, "a giant wave you never want to meet. They only happen near Asia." "Oh, cool," I joked, "Dad, this radio will alert you if there is ever a Tsunami." Ha ha. Little did I know, at nearly the same moment, on the otherside of the world, the birth pains were beginning for one of the greatest disastors of our time.

Don't sit there. Do something. Anything. Do it. At least, that's what I'm telling myself.

Trip Around The Sun Highlights

Here they are. Some highlights from 2004. I don't have pictures for every highlight but its the best I can do right now. Just wanted you to know I'm not suicidal or anything.

April 2004~Washington D.C.

April 2004~Drank the first Corona ever served at Mt. Vernon

Bradley was adopted by my brother-in-law.

Jaden Catcher was born (and I met Dan and Suzanne)

May 2004~Hanging out with my step-dad (on the left) and my dad (on the right) on my dad's birthday.

My going away party (moved to the Direct Mail department). Vince was crying he was so upset.

Buffett 2004

Buffett

Buffett in Cleveland (my 10th show)

Ben's Going Away Party (Amanda, Ben and Krissie)

Independence Day 2004 at Pretty Lake

Independence Day 2004~Bradley and Lyndsay on Pretty Lake

Summer 2004~Living with the Smith's (Krissie and her brother DSmit).

July 2004~Cain (and Joey) adopted two kitties, Chessie and Hemi.

July 2004~Cain and Chessie

Aug 2004~My friend Kristina's wedding. She credits me with introducing her to her husband. I tried to tell her not to date him.

Aug 2004~Marlene and I at her going away party.

Aug 2004~Cord at Mar's Going Away Party

My new nephew Owen and his mom, Meghan (my step-brother's wife).

My new nephew, Owen.

Tiger's Game

Freakfest 2004~Shelly and I (I'm supposed to be Buddy Holly if you didn't know).

Halloween 2004~my niece Lyndsay and her friend, Jack

2004 Highlights~Valassis Holiday P

Pets

I had to write this. I'm sure I'm the only who thought it was funny.

I'm sitting here with my niece and nephew.
Brad: You know what sucks?
Me: What?
Brad: We can't have any pets. Mom is allergic to cats and dogs, papa won't let us have rodents, Mom says reptiles carry salmonella, and all of my fish committed suicide.
Me: Suicide?
Lyndsay: Yeah, they all jumped out of the tank.
Me: At the same time?
Lyndsay: Pretty much. Monkey see, Monkey do.
Brad: Yeah, and even my favorite one jumped.
Me: What made him so special?
Brad: I don't know. He was just my favorite.

Happy Christmas Eve

Why 2004 Sucked

1.) Melissa’s mom died.
2.) Patrick Schutte died.
3.) Simeon died.
4.) Grandma died.
5.) Margurite died.
6.) Ben moved away.
7.) Marlene moved away.
8.) Andy moved away.
9.) Joey and I broke up.
10.) Dental work.
11.) Went to 1 to 1 department and left the Best Team Ever (which sucked at first).
12.) Lived in a small room for almost the whole year.
13.) Washington D.C.
14.) Jason Brisboe was killed in a car accident.
15.) Bought my first new car but couldn't sell my old one (anyone want to buy a 2000 Impala with only 63,000 miles?)

I'm sure there is more but that is all I could think of right now.

Why 2003 Rocked

It is the year end and I've been thinking a lot about the life I had in 2003 compared to 2004. So, prepare to be bored...

1.) Met up with Joey again after 9 years.
2.) Lived in my own apartment.
3.) Valassis
a. Got my first big bonus
b. Promoted to Program Leader on Pizza Hut team
c. Part of the Best Team Ever: Krissie, Marlene, Kelly, Boz, Geeta, Brenda, & Ben.
d. My co-workers became my closest friends. We had so much fun at work and outside of work, too.
4.) The places I went:
a. Graceland
b. Nashville
c. Cheeseburger In Paradise
d. Chicago
e. Cincinnati
5.) The weddings I attended:
a. Jason & Greta
b. Brandon & Melissa
c. Chip & Stephanie
6.) The weddings I was in:
a. Angie & Patrick (so much fun!)
7.) Happy Hours.
8.) The Blackout of 2003 (yes, I thought it was a blast)
9.) Sold my Grand Am and got an Impala (which would later suck in 2004)
10.) Tailgating at State with Marlene and Joey
11.) Christmas
12.) Cubbies were in the World Series (and I watched almost every game)
13.) Concerts I went to:
a. Buffett @ DTE
b. Buffett in Cinci
c. Beach Boys @ DTE
14.) And the single most significant thing that rocked in 2003 and all the years of my life was that I became a Christ Follower and found a church that I adore (though don't always agree with--much like my family).

Why 2003 Sucked
1.) Becky’s mom died.
2.) Bush and I broke up after 5 years.

Jane Marie

Me: Jane, do you have any spare change for my big, red cup? (Extends cup to receive change.)
Jane: What? Where does the money go?
Me: My bank account.
Jane: Oh, hold on then (looks for money).
Me: No, really it is going to an orphanage in Haiti.
Jane: What? Are you serious?
Me: Yes, Jane...why are you so surprised? Do I not seem like the type?
Jane: (Smiles and keeps smiling) Um.....here you go! (Drops change in cup.)
Me: Thanks, Jane! Now, did you give with joy in your heart?
Jane: Yes...and with feet in my socks.
Me: God wouldn't want it any other way...

Oh...the drama

My niece, who will be 8 on 12/26, forgot her earrings today. She asked her teacher, Mr. Smyth, if he would call her mother and ask to have them dropped off. Can you imagine??? Not only could I have not asked my teacher to do something like that...a male teacher??? Ha! Yeah right! Well....actually, he did it. He called my sister and asked her to bring Lyndsay's earrings by at lunch. So, the little princess got her earrings and all was well in Lyndsay Land.

As a sidenote, I think she was scared the earring holes would close if she didn't have any in and convinced Mr. Smyth this might be a catastrophe of some sort.

Affirmation

I soooo needed to read this today from my friend, Dan:

I'm still reading the new Don Miller book and finding that it is almost exactly what I've been thinking about for my next sermon. The text that I was starting with is Jeremiah 9. God says pretty much "don't boast about what you have, what you know or what you do, but boast that you know me..." It's weird cause it seems we are wired to need/want affirmation in our lives from other people, but when we find our value in that and not God, then we can be boasting in what we do.

Like I've been writing lately, I do need/seek affirmation. Sometimes it is because I want to know if I'm getting it all right. But the truth is...everyone likes to be right. I'm okay with being wrong (sometimes) but...I don't know...a lot of times I look for guidance from other humans who have been at this longer.

I'm going through this crazy "thing" right now. Someone who I've known for almost ever, called me out. They seem to think this part of my life is a phase...that I'm trying to find myself. The accusation almost made me cry. It hurt. I wasn't so much angry but I felt bad that the good which is coming out from God through me, could be washed away with a few simple words. It drives me batty to think that those who are closest to me think I am a Jesus Freak...when really, I haven't changed all THAT much. But I knew this was coming. Jesus said it would.

I remember the teaching that Noel gave about taking up your cross, counting the cost...and hating your family and friends in comparison to your love for God. Of course, these aren't Noel's words, these are Jesus' but it was through Noel that I finally understood: this decision, this following Christ thing, wasn't going to be easy or very popular with my peeps.

For the most part, I've kept all the same friends. I've reached out to them in different ways, let them know the last thing I want is for them to feel like I'm some self-righteous witch out to try to change all of them. I only want to support and be there...and if God uses me to get to some of them, I'll know it. Right now, I'm kind of hanging out and trying to lead by example or something like that.

Two last thoughts (for today): I am still me. I still love to dance, hang out with my friends, have some beer, perhaps a jack and coke, wine. I still love food and sometimes over-eating (gluttony). I still love Buffett and Snopp Dogg and Night Ranger and Ambrosia. I still go to the mall and spend money on myself when I probably shouldn't. I still swear...Occasionally...and yes, it comes from the heart. But none of this matters because none of it is about me anymore. And as freaky as that is for some people to know, it hasn't been about me for some time now. It is about my new best friend, the one I look to, the one I thank for all sorts of things throughout the day, the one who accepts me, the one I sing songs to, and cry to and get mad at and the one who feeds me and uses me and teaches me. It is all about him.

Damn, I wish being a Christ Follower were a cool thing to do...I guess I'll join the rest of you freaks, though :o)

The Dentist

I went to the dentist last week for my bi-annual cleaning. I feel like I own the place I've sunk so much money in it. I've definitely become a princess this year with all the crowns they gave me (ha ha..heh...grumble). But that is what I get for not paying much attention to my teeth.

The visit was a good one, though. I made a commitment to floss every night and I've been very good about it. I was amazed how easy my cleaning went and I now have hope for the future of my mouth. :o) Oh, I don't know if I have any cavities or not...there wasn't enough money left on my insurance to have the dentist take a look. :o)

Disney Princess

You Are Megara
Charming and witty. You are always the first person to come up with a wisecrack. Sure, you have an attitude, but that's why people love you. You keep them on their toes. Sometimes you can be misleading, but always end up doing the right thing for the people you love.

Does this sound like me? Do people love me because I'm a smartass?

I think this is kind of interesting because I can be misleading. For example, it may appear that I am cynical at times but I think what is really happening is I get down about the world around me, the world I used to be apart of, the world I still am a part of. I see people getting hurt over and over but can't get out of their sinning cycles. Sometimes, I get down because I want to protect those that are so dear to me...like Jesus.

I want to clarify that I am not cynical about Christmas. I think I made it clear how much I like the holiday. I think I was going beyond, beyond with my unoriginal ideas, though. I realized Jesus doesn't want me to alienate Christmas if it alienates other people.

Oh, and I don't think I'm cool. I think I am wrong...all of the time...about a lot of ideas. It is pretty interesting sitting next to me in church. I'll hear something which is either completely opposite of something I've said or done....and then there are the days when I smile and say, "Got that one covered, God." I remember during the We Are Ambassadors teaching, the question was asked about our sex lives. I don't remember the exact question, but I knew my answer and I let myself be proud...or maybe I felt a smile beaming on me...or maybe I just felt good for getting that part of my life straightened out and serving God wholly instead of hole-y.

This year has been a struggle...giving up two of my sin areas. But I did it and I feel good because "I always end up doing the right thing for the people I love." And I love God.

Pee In The Snow

This is fun:
Write your name in the snow

December 10th

Today is her birthday and I'm sad. It's rainy and blah outside which fits my mood inside. I hope to get the Memorial DVD my cousin and I made tonight so I can watch it and remember her. I'm also going square dancing tonight with some pals. We are going to crash some square dancing club thing (I think you have to be a member but perhaps they'll feel sorry for me after my sob story and let me join). Anyhow, I'm still going to "celebrate" because she loved her birthday. I know she has a new birthday, though. Kind of weird that the day she died was actually a kind of a birthday, too, because she was born into heaven. At least I hope. I have faith she's there. Still, being left in this gloomy place without her, I'm trying my best to understand she's really gone. My human feelings though feel sad and that it is a little unfair. I don't really understand but I think that is how God made us. He doesn't always want or expect us to understand. But he does expect and want us to have faith and I do.

April 2004 Grandma and I the last time we danced together.

Grandma at Easter time.

My Grandmother (the baby) and her Aunt Mary.

Buffett Part I

My Life in 400 Words or Less by Jimmy Buffett

I broke out of the grip of Catholicism and made it through adolescence without killing myself in a car. I flunked out of college. I learned to play the guitar, lived on the beach, lived in the French Quarter, finally got laid, and didn't go to Vietnam. I got back into school, started a band, got a job on Bourbon Street, graduated from college, flunked my draft physical, broke up my band, and went out on the road solo. I signed a record deal, got married, moved to Nashville, had my guitar stolen, bought a Mercedes, worked at Billboard magazine, put out my first album, went broke, met Jerry Jeff Walker, wrecked the Mercedes, got divorced, and moved to Key West. I sang and worked on a fishing boat, went totally crazy, did a lot of dope, met the right girl, made another record, had a hit, bought a boat, and sailed away to the Caribbean. I started another band, worked the road, had my second and last hit, bought a house in Aspen, started spending summers in New England, got married, broke my leg three times in one year, had a baby girl, made more records, bought a bigger boat, and sailed away to St. Barts. I got separated from the right girl, sold the boat, sold the house in Aspen, moved back to Key West, worked the road, and made more records. I rented an apartment in Paris, went to Brazil for Carnival, learned to fly, went into therapy, quit doing dope, bought my first seaplane, flew all over the Caribbean, almost got a second divorce, moved to Malibu for mer therapy, and got back with the right girl.
I worked the road, moved back to Nashville, took off in an F-14 from an aircraft carrier, bought a summer home on Long Island, had another baby girl. I found the perfect seaplane and moved back to Florida. Cameron Marley joined me in the house of women. I built a home on Long Island, crashed the perfect seaplane in Nantucket, lived through it thanks to navy training, tried to slow down a little, woke up one morning and I was looking at fifty, trying to figure out what comes next.

Buffett in December--A Beautiful Thing

I attended A COASTAL CONFESSION: AN EVENING WITH JIMMY BUFFETT last night at the United Artist movie theater approximately 5 miles from my residence.
And booooo on my friends who didn’t show last night, though none of them read this blog (yet—I’m sure Dan we’ll find out who my friends are and tell them about this boring thing—ha ha on you, Dan). I still found a parrothead friend in the last days so I didn’t have to fly solo.
The show was amazing.

The Coastal Confession took place in New Orleans and had that New Orleans feel to it. Jimmy came out in a long sleeve, button up shirt (not tucked in), jeans, and loafers. He promptly removed his shoes when he sat down to play the first song. It was a change of pace because he didn’t have the full Coral Reefer Band backing him up. He had a piano, two acoustics (him playing one), conga drums, steel drums and back up singers. Very cool and laid back. Buffet unplugged.

There were loud mouths shouting stuff through the whole thing but Jimmy kept his cool. One dude shouted, “Why don’t we get drunk and screw!!” Jimmy shook his head and said, "We do that one in the summer shows.” He followed up with "I remember my first beer…" I almost laughed myself off my chair.

There were a lot of funny moments but don’t want to bore you with all of them (plus I don’t remember). Someone asked about Jimmy’s Little Miss Magic and what she was up to now. Jimmy said, “My Little Miss Magic is STILL IN COLLEGE at 25-years-old!” I guess she is taking film at Miami University. Someone else asked about the link between Deadheads and Parrotheads and also if Jerry Garcia was a closet Parrothead. Buffett said yes and talked about the time when the Grateful Dead played a venue on Thursday & Friday and then the Coral Reefers came and played Saturday & Sunday. Jimmy looked out into the crowd at the Sunday show and could tell who had been to all four concerts. He and Jerry also discussed doing a show together.

I laughed pretty hard when Buffett was finished and went off stage. They forgot to turn his mic off so you heard him say, “How long was that?” “2 hours.” “No shit!” Cut the mic.
The acoustics in the movie theater were excellent. I felt like Jimmy was on a stage in front of me. It really was a cool idea and I would do it again. All of the songs he played were great, too. He covered a Lyle Lovett, James Taylor and the best was “Wind Cries Mary” by Jimi Hendrix.

All of this just reinforced my love for Buffett’s music (and the man himself). Yes, I feel a kinship with someone I’ve never met. Ooooooh, weird you say? But why Jimmy? People can really go either way with him. I’m going to do a study about why he is my favorite artist and you’ll have to suffer through it. Ha ha.

A mother's love...

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/science/12/07/octopus.love.ap/index.html
This almost made me cry...

Another One Bites It...

Just kidding, Ben :o)

My friend Ben got engaged and I'm really happy for the two of them. Can't wait to see the kids, either. I hope they come out with brown hair and brown eyes (he and his fiance are extremely fair with blonde hair and blue eyes). Don't forget, Ben, that I'm giving you away so your dad can be the best man. I think that's how it works anyway.

10 People To Meet

I watched 5 People You Meet In Heaven last night. Nope, didn't read the book. I can only handle Mitch Albom in small doses. The program was actually okay. It held my attention while I shredded old paperwork. I was actually wrong about the ending, too. I told the air (because no one was there to hear me) that the little girl Eddie was trying to save, lived (which was correct) but that Eddie would be one of her 5 people someday (I'm positive that was where Mitch was going with this anyhow). Still, I hope heaven isn't like this tale. In fact, I know it probably isn't because Eddie was feeling so much pain. Also, when does he get to meet his maker? Was he trapped in some type of purgatory? Weird.

I sat there hoping to God that when I die, I don't have to roam the halls of Valassis and learn about all the peoples lives I saved and took (my job is so violent at times). Then, I thought, "Who would my five people be?" After panicking for a moment, I decided a better question was "What 10 people would I want to meet?" Not 10 people I would want to see but assuming I could meet anyone in heaven, someone I never met, who? And why 10? Because 5 just doesn't seem like enough and 15 is boring.

1. My Grandpa Beavers--I've only heard stories. I have one picture of him holding me before the cancer got him. I would ask him what his childhood was like, how was it raising my father, was he nervous about building a golf course... I would ask how he felt when he heard I was going to be born and what went through his mind the first time he met me ("get this stinkin kid a new diaper") . I know I wasn't born into a great parental situation so I guess I just wonder what he thought. Then, I would ask him to square dance with me.

2. Laura Ingalls Wilder--I'm a huge fan. Love the books. I have read them more times then I know. I've been to most of the places she lived. I would ask her more about her family, especially Pa. Perhaps she and I could make a quilt together (see, in heaven, I'll know how to sew) or I could listen to her tell stories from when she was growing up.

3. Buddy Holly--I would ask him to sing Rave On or True Love Ways. He would ask me to join in a duet. Then, he would ask me to stop (I don't think I'll ever be able to sing, even in heaven).

4. Abe--I would have so many questions for Abe about the war, growing up, if he really wrestled a wildcat, etc. Then, I would just sit back and listen to him tell funny stories.

5. George Harrison--My favorite Beatle. Perhaps, if John is there, too, they could perform a little concert. I would request songs that George wrote, though.

6. Sim--I only met him once but I think I would ask him what is so darn special about Apple computers. I would also see if he could hook me up with an iPod and all the free music (this is heaven, after all). We would hang out and he would play some G Love songs on his guitar. Then we'd go to the bar and have a drink so we could swap stories about Ben (just kidding). I would tell him how much everyone misses him, how they are trying to live without him, how much he impacted my life...but he would already know.

7. There are two people who I never met but I know they died because of my actions. I would probably just check in, say I'm sorry.

8. Fluffy--please, don't tell me Fluffy Roo isn't in heaven. I know she is there waiting for me.

9. Paul--I would ask Paul sooooooooo many things. You know what they are :o)

10. Of course, the first being I would want to see when I go home, is my God and Jesus. They didn't make an appearance in the movie last night but I hope to see them almost immediately.

Thus concludes my boring list. Any ghost readers out there have a list?

Giftmas

***Another long blog I'm probably really wrong about...just trying to pretend I'm deep--ha!***

Last night, I heard an awesome commentary from John Boykin on NPR. The title of his commentary was “Can the 'Christ' Be Kept in Christmas?”

Boykin began his commentary on how he boycotts the first store to put out Christmas stuff. He began his boycott in October. I rolled my eyes. “Come on, guy,” I thought. I mean, this is Christmas after all. Do you really have to be so self righteous about it? I mean, this guy was totally taking it all the wrong way. But I listened…and it felt like Boykin’s words were feelings and thoughts that had been bottling up inside me for some time.

Boykin said, “If Jesus was God’s way of walking the earth, He is the wrong person to trivialize.” He explained that he wasn’t fighting the commercialism of Christmas (that fight was lost long ago) but that he, Boykin, wants to focus on the “disentanglement” of Jesus from Christmas.

Churches remind us not to forget the “Christ” in Christmas….Boykin wants to free Christ from Christmas altogether.

He contrasted Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with Christmas Day. On MLK Day, we focus on the man, his legacy, the impact he had on society. We don’t even think about his birth. Christmas, Boykin states, has “no time for what the adult Jesus said and did.” Christmas keeps him “safely shut up as a baby in a manger where he can’t make his usual noise about people repenting and living a Godly life.”

This blew me away. I mean, I know all about the retailer focus of Christmas, giving gifts, making others happy, but when you think about it, it really has little to do with who Christ is. For a couple of weeks now, I’ve been thinking about Christmas and what it really means to me. Really, it means getting the perfect gift for someone—someone who already has everything they need and more but also the one who has nothing. But something isn’t quite sitting right this holiday season. It started when Joey and I went to Staples at 6am on Black Friday. We saw a woman publicly berate her mother for not being quick enough in grabbing the last doorbuster item…all in the name of the perfect Christmas gift. Oh, wouldn’t Jesus be proud….

Last night, I saw a risqué commercial for Victoria’s Secret. Women parading around in their skivvies saying, “Tell me I’m sexy, tell me you love me, tell me you want me…get me the perfect Christmas gift…push up bra and matching thong…” I felt disgusted. This is how we celebrate Jesus’ birthday? How much does all of this have to do with our Savior?

Boykin said, “We do him no honor by carting him out once a year and standing him on his head.”

Boykin asked, “Does his birth matter?” Yes, to his followers it is important to celebrate his birth as a way to back up Jesus’ claim of being the son of God. “But Jesus didn’t back up his claim this way. He pointed not to his birth, but to his resurrection.” He blatently said, “Don’t celebrate my life, only my death.” He wanted us to remember him for what he did in the end. We bring out the Easter Bunny to squeeze the significance of that event.

Christmas is easy for non-Christ followers. They don’t have to think about where this baby’s life ended up. They don’t have to remember it was his last three years on earth which mattered the most. They don’t even have to focus on anything he taught us. The truth is that Christmas is about gifts and food and family. The lie is that it is about this little baby who ended up saving us. I mean, if my roommate’s father, a self-proclaimed atheist, can celebrate Christmas, don’t we really know what it ISN’T about?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying I’m not going to celebrate Christmas. I’m not trying to be dogmatic or a scrooge or say there is nothing good about Christmas. There is a lot that is good about it…but the more I learn about Jesus, the more I realize how little he has to do with this holiday. I’m still going to celebrate. I’m still going to give gifts. I’m still going to help out where I can. I’m still going to reflect on that holy night God came into the world as a human baby. And I still like Christmas…a lot.

Boykin’s point of the commentary was not to stop celebrating Christmas, either, but to take Christ out of it because he really has such a small roll in it anyway. Jesus fought hypocrisy and according to Boykin it was not the kind of hypocrisy where you say one thing and do another. It was the hypocrisy of “using God and things of God as a means to some other end…like ohhh…say…making a buck.” He related it to the money changers in the temples. Again, Boykin said he didn’t want to cancel Christmas but he would “trade a month of Christmases for one meaningful Easter.”

After all, “Jesus was not born to be the patron saint of 4th quarter earnings.”

Something for Everyone

Only those who know Jane Marie will think this is funny...maybe.

I walked through the lobby of work the other day and was surprised to see the lobby decorated for the holidays.
Me: Wow! Jane, it looks nice in here.
Jane (receptionist, in her 60s picture a sweet, grandma type lady): Yeah!
Me: You've got the Christmas Tree, the menorahs, the dreidels...
Jane: Something for everyone (smile).
Me: What about the atheists, Jane? What do they get?
Jane: Shit.