So my sister this week told me, in an attempt be helpful, that Thanksgiving with my family would be in Portland this year. Except this isn't very helpful for me at all! Sure I wouldn't have to drive home, which is no small feat on holiday weekends. But every Thanksgiving Meagan and Mike give a Holiday Party for Holiday Buddies that I help host. I wasn't sure I'd be able to go. This would be the first one I'd miss since it began! Man do we have some fun memories. Starting out our idea of a party were random things we bought at the grocery store like Oreo's and somehow strange cocktail concoctions were thrown in... We've evolved a bit since then to a nice dinner party (Mike and I cook) with fancy tables (Meagan's in charge) and classy wine (we all chip in here). The whole premise is people coming together for a fun night who usually don't see each other except for holidays, hence the name Holiday Buddies.
So I called my parents and said I might have to cut the family time short to go to the annual party. They sounded fine with it, which was good. Then the most fabulous of things... Meagan and Mike offered to fly me home. How awesome is that?! I was so excited, it would save me a lot of driving time and I could still help with the set up of the party. I'm so excited that we are still on! Traditions are important. Thanks Meagan and Mike!!!
10/28/2005
10/23/2005
Indie Flicks
So I went to see a movie on Thursday with my friend Josh. He wanted to see a movie that I thought would have crass and "stupid" humor, so I vehemently said no based off my good conscience of garbage in garbage out! So I proceeded to look at the Indie flicks playing at my favorite local theater as I usually like the artsy types of flicks. The reviews of one movie Junebug on Rotten Tomatoes were pretty high (83%). So I suggested it.
We went. When I walked in and said hey this is the same theater I saw an awful and uncomfortable movie with Stan in. The only movie I really wish I'd walked out of. That could have been a sign from God to leave but I totally didn't catch it. WHY do reviewers assume that every odd indie flick that comes out is therefore fabulous and meaningful art! Just because its different doesn't mean its good... Let's just say there were some uncomfortable moments to be sitting in a theater next to a friend of the opposite sex with. And in the end the story wasn't even good. It was a waste of my three dollars and I think the "stupid" humor flick would have been more worth my time.
We went. When I walked in and said hey this is the same theater I saw an awful and uncomfortable movie with Stan in. The only movie I really wish I'd walked out of. That could have been a sign from God to leave but I totally didn't catch it. WHY do reviewers assume that every odd indie flick that comes out is therefore fabulous and meaningful art! Just because its different doesn't mean its good... Let's just say there were some uncomfortable moments to be sitting in a theater next to a friend of the opposite sex with. And in the end the story wasn't even good. It was a waste of my three dollars and I think the "stupid" humor flick would have been more worth my time.
10/19/2005
The Quest for my new Favorite
I have been on a quest for over a month now. Its been long and arduous. At times I thought I would never find what I was seeking, but today I got the news! What was I searching for you ask? The fountain of youth... Maybe the cure for a disease... You don't know me very well if you are buying that!
I've been searching for the fabulous Pink Knot Rose. That's right wine! I ordered two bottles from a wine sale at work and found that its the most fabulous wine I've tasted. (That's right we have wine sales at work, man I love it there!!) One of which I shared with my family at dinner at my sister's house which everyone declared nummy. The other bottle I shared with my dear friend Betty on the porch of a fantastic lodge overlooking the Columbia Gorge. Both were definitely good times.
But then alas no more Pink Knot! We'd drank it all. No worries I thought I'll just pop into a few good wine stores (Fred Meyer usually has great selection, along with Cost Plus) and pick up another bottle. But too no avail. I began searching wine sections any time I went into a store and still nothing. I emailed a specialty shop and they'd never heard of it. The panic and the real sleuthing then began. I just had to find that wine.
I looked the maker up online (see new link in favorites) to discover its not available from the winery direct (of course since its in AUSTRALIA!). I can't go to Australia to get my wine. Though it would be a nice trip. But kind of expensive. Then I found the US distributor. They of course don't sell direct to consumers either. They did direct me to another distributor in the local area. This distributor then explained the wine was very new still and they had only sold to three retailers in my area. I am now so close I can taste its sweet pinkness! This time I will be stocking up so the craving won't go unquenched again. Maybe I'll bring some to the Holiday Party Meagan always gives... So if you like wine give it a try. I'm off to call and get my bottles.
I've been searching for the fabulous Pink Knot Rose. That's right wine! I ordered two bottles from a wine sale at work and found that its the most fabulous wine I've tasted. (That's right we have wine sales at work, man I love it there!!) One of which I shared with my family at dinner at my sister's house which everyone declared nummy. The other bottle I shared with my dear friend Betty on the porch of a fantastic lodge overlooking the Columbia Gorge. Both were definitely good times.
But then alas no more Pink Knot! We'd drank it all. No worries I thought I'll just pop into a few good wine stores (Fred Meyer usually has great selection, along with Cost Plus) and pick up another bottle. But too no avail. I began searching wine sections any time I went into a store and still nothing. I emailed a specialty shop and they'd never heard of it. The panic and the real sleuthing then began. I just had to find that wine.
I looked the maker up online (see new link in favorites) to discover its not available from the winery direct (of course since its in AUSTRALIA!). I can't go to Australia to get my wine. Though it would be a nice trip. But kind of expensive. Then I found the US distributor. They of course don't sell direct to consumers either. They did direct me to another distributor in the local area. This distributor then explained the wine was very new still and they had only sold to three retailers in my area. I am now so close I can taste its sweet pinkness! This time I will be stocking up so the craving won't go unquenched again. Maybe I'll bring some to the Holiday Party Meagan always gives... So if you like wine give it a try. I'm off to call and get my bottles.
10/16/2005
One of the best places on earth...bella, bella, bella!
I just got back from a nice weekend at the coast. A bit of a work weekend as it was a sort of planning retreat for our H.S. youth group staff. We spent some great time planning out ideas for the coming year. It was just so awesome to talk through where are passions are and where God seems to be leading the kids we work with. Mostly its us jumping on board with his plan and seeing it rather than doing any real planning ourselves. I'm looking forward to the year more and more. Its awesome to see people grow in the Lord and I get the joy of watching it happen in these kids. I don't even really do anything usually, I'm just there.
But the real reason for this post is my love of the Oregon Coast. I'm forever in awe of its rocky and craggy coastline. We call it the "coast" here. The term beach evokes ideas of warmth, sun and surf. We only sort of get the latter of those descriptions! Some friends and I for purely cost effectiveness alone have gone to the coast a few times in the past two years in the off season. Meaning we are there when the weather is least likely to be sunny and perfect, though we've lucked out and had it beautiful a few times. But I just adore the blustery winds and crashing surf. I don't mind having to put on warm clothes to walk the beach. I just sat on our porch wrapped in a blanket listening to the surf crashing while reading a book. Or soaking in the hot tub while it rained down and talking about God with friends. Drinking a hot coffee and looking out at the waves crashing in. It seems strange but the contrast makes it so beautiful. What is it about the ocean? The strength and magnitude of it perhaps? The desolation of the coastline... Its most certainly not friendly and inviting, but it has a ferocious beauty.
I don't know if I'll ever be able to move away from Oregon. Its the place I grew up. The place that is home. And I love all of it, even the rain. I'm already looking forward to my next rainy weekend at the beach.
But the real reason for this post is my love of the Oregon Coast. I'm forever in awe of its rocky and craggy coastline. We call it the "coast" here. The term beach evokes ideas of warmth, sun and surf. We only sort of get the latter of those descriptions! Some friends and I for purely cost effectiveness alone have gone to the coast a few times in the past two years in the off season. Meaning we are there when the weather is least likely to be sunny and perfect, though we've lucked out and had it beautiful a few times. But I just adore the blustery winds and crashing surf. I don't mind having to put on warm clothes to walk the beach. I just sat on our porch wrapped in a blanket listening to the surf crashing while reading a book. Or soaking in the hot tub while it rained down and talking about God with friends. Drinking a hot coffee and looking out at the waves crashing in. It seems strange but the contrast makes it so beautiful. What is it about the ocean? The strength and magnitude of it perhaps? The desolation of the coastline... Its most certainly not friendly and inviting, but it has a ferocious beauty.
I don't know if I'll ever be able to move away from Oregon. Its the place I grew up. The place that is home. And I love all of it, even the rain. I'm already looking forward to my next rainy weekend at the beach.
10/11/2005
Poll Results
The response to the hair poll was great! I ended up with the Cameron Diaz cut which was the clear winner, despite some original suggestions (Mohawk and shaving it off). I realize you'd love to see the results, but I have no way to show you. That's right I don't have a digital camera... So you'll have to imagine me with layered hair like Cameron's and I went a little darker with the color.
Thanks for voting!!!
Thanks for voting!!!
10/08/2005
Hair Poll
This is a totally vain post. Tomorrow at 2pm I have an appointment to get my hair colored and cut. Indecision always reigns at this time for me. Inevitably I go in and loose all ideas and just get whatever hoping it will turn out. So I'm looking for your help. Vote for the look you thing I should go with below. My hair fate rests in your hands!
A. Short-Chop it all off. I don't know if I'm ready for this one. But if I do it, it would be 20's bob look. Think Natalie Portman.
B. Keep it long with some more shape, long bangs. Think Cameron Diaz. Though not blond.
C. Keep it long with some more shape and bangs. Think Lindsay Lohan. Please forget that she's a pop tart and focus on the hair people!
D. Somewhere in the middle. Maybe like this Charlize look?
A. Short-Chop it all off. I don't know if I'm ready for this one. But if I do it, it would be 20's bob look. Think Natalie Portman.
B. Keep it long with some more shape, long bangs. Think Cameron Diaz. Though not blond.
C. Keep it long with some more shape and bangs. Think Lindsay Lohan. Please forget that she's a pop tart and focus on the hair people!
D. Somewhere in the middle. Maybe like this Charlize look?
10/04/2005
Mayhem
Sometimes you just think life can't get any crazier or out of whack. And then it does... I'm hoping for an upturn any day now.
10/01/2005
My words for tomorrow
So I am sick and this has been a crazy week for me. Too much at once. So instead of a blog post from the top of my head. Here's an excerpt of what I am teaching tomorrow at church to the career group (aka the singles).
Let it be…
"When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,
there will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,
there will be an answer. let it be.
Let it be, let it be, .....
And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,
shine until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, ....."
The Beatles
Can you let it be? It’s a hard place to get to. The place of giving up your hold over something. Maybe it’s a desire, a dream, a hope, a plan. There are times when God asks us to just let his plan for us be. But can we do this?
Giving up that control is so hard. We know intellectually that we are to trust him. But do we really?
I didn’t. It was a very hard thing to come face to face with. But it was so very necessary. The picture of Mary saying to the Angel of the Lord “Let it be to me as you have said” in Luke 1:38. Funny how the Beatles song reflects this passage so well. Reminding us that she let it be, and the most amazingly beautiful work of redemption came to pass through her obedience. Could God have done his work without her? Of course he could. But he chose to do it with her and through her life. She had a role planned out by him. It was beyond anything she could dream of I am sure. I find that in saying "No I want it my way!" to God we may be limiting the amazing work and power he has laid out before us. He can do it without us, but he wants us to be a part of it.
The main problem I had with letting go was that I didn’t trust that God’s plan would be the best one. I was pretty sure what I had planned would be best (and most certainly what I would enjoy the most), and he wasn’t getting in line. In fact he was going the opposite way. No fair I cried out! I try to be faithful to you and this is how you repay me?! Then it hit me. What an arrogant statement to make to the God of Heaven and Earth! I was shocked with my questioning of his plan and character. I had to repent. I found myself repeating over and over “let it be to me as you have said”. Giving up my will is a continual act of obedience. But its also freedom. To give up that control is to free yourself of the responsibility of it all landing on your shoulders. It’s somewhat easier just to listen and hear where you are to go next than to plan and plot it out yourself. And in the end I can find peace there.
Can you let go and let it be as he has planned for you?
Let it be…
"When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,
there will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,
there will be an answer. let it be.
Let it be, let it be, .....
And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,
shine until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, ....."
The Beatles
Can you let it be? It’s a hard place to get to. The place of giving up your hold over something. Maybe it’s a desire, a dream, a hope, a plan. There are times when God asks us to just let his plan for us be. But can we do this?
Giving up that control is so hard. We know intellectually that we are to trust him. But do we really?
I didn’t. It was a very hard thing to come face to face with. But it was so very necessary. The picture of Mary saying to the Angel of the Lord “Let it be to me as you have said” in Luke 1:38. Funny how the Beatles song reflects this passage so well. Reminding us that she let it be, and the most amazingly beautiful work of redemption came to pass through her obedience. Could God have done his work without her? Of course he could. But he chose to do it with her and through her life. She had a role planned out by him. It was beyond anything she could dream of I am sure. I find that in saying "No I want it my way!" to God we may be limiting the amazing work and power he has laid out before us. He can do it without us, but he wants us to be a part of it.
The main problem I had with letting go was that I didn’t trust that God’s plan would be the best one. I was pretty sure what I had planned would be best (and most certainly what I would enjoy the most), and he wasn’t getting in line. In fact he was going the opposite way. No fair I cried out! I try to be faithful to you and this is how you repay me?! Then it hit me. What an arrogant statement to make to the God of Heaven and Earth! I was shocked with my questioning of his plan and character. I had to repent. I found myself repeating over and over “let it be to me as you have said”. Giving up my will is a continual act of obedience. But its also freedom. To give up that control is to free yourself of the responsibility of it all landing on your shoulders. It’s somewhat easier just to listen and hear where you are to go next than to plan and plot it out yourself. And in the end I can find peace there.
Can you let go and let it be as he has planned for you?
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