Working for the Weekend

All day this week I have been excited about the weekend.  Not only is Courtney coming, but she's bringing her little furry friend, too.  And I have more love for that dog than all other animals.  Combined.  AND...Fiesta Festa is coming from DALLAS!  All of those things, coupled with margarita night at supper club with the 'rents, and the beach, is sure to make for a fun weekend!  Let's hope it doesn't rain on us...this white girl needs a tan!

Come on!

In the words of GOB Bluth, "Come on!"  American Idol last night.  Did America really pick Lee over Crystal?  Apparently it did.  I was surprised and disappointed in this choice.  My consolation prize is that I'm thinking Crystal will out-sell Lee by boatloads.  Time will tell.

The Good Wife

Last night was the season finale of The Good Wife.  I have really enjoyed watching this show and am so proud of Julianna for making a come back!  And BIG is in it, so how could it be bad?  Last night was good episode and I can't wait to see what the good wife does next season!

Paradigm Shift

At the beach this weekend, I randomly read Revolution in World Missions by KP Yohannan.  The book is about sending native missionaries out throughout Asia, where there are over 500,000 people groups that have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It made me think.  A lot.  And I'm still working through what this should mean for my life personally.  But I wanted to share this passage.  Its incredibly hard for me to wrap my mind around it:

Economist Robert Heilbroner describes the luxeries a typical American family would have to surrender if they lived among the 1 billion hungry people in the Two-Thirds World:

We begin by invading the house of our imaginary American family to strip it of its furniture. Everything goes: beds, chairs, tables,television sets, lamps. We will leave the family with a few old blankets, a kitchen table, a wooden chair. Along with the bureaus go the clothes. Each member of the family may keep in his wardrobe his oldest suit or dress, a shirt or blouse. We will permit a pair of shoes for the head of the family, but none for the wife or children.


We move to the kitchen. The appliances have already been taken out, so we turn to the cupboards...The box of matches may stay, a small bag of flour, some sugar and salt. A few moldy potatoes, already in the garbage can, must be rescued, for they will provide much of tonight's meal. We will leave a handful of onions and a dish of dried beans. All the rest we will take away: the meat, the fresh vegetables, the canned goods, the crackers, the candy.


Now we have stripped the house: the bathroom has been dismantled, the running water shut off, the electric wires taken out. Next we take away the house. The family can move to the toolshed...Communications must go next. No more magazines, newspapers, books -- not that they are missed, since we must take away our family's literacy as well. Instead, in our shantytown we will allow one radio...


Now all government services must go next. No more postmen, no more firemen. There is a school, but it is three miles away and consists of two classrooms...There are, of course, no hospitals or doctors nearby. The nearest clinic is ten miles away and is tended by a midwife. It can be reached by bicycle, provided the family has a bicycle, which is unlikely...


Finally, money. We will allow our family a cash hoard of five dollars. This will prevent our breadwinner from experiencing the tragedy of an Iranian peasant who went blind because he could not raise the $3.94 he mistakenly thought he needed to receive admission to a hospital where he could have been cured (page 40).

If you'd like to read the book, you can get it FREE here: https://www.gfa.org/offer/freebook/

Two Turntables and a Microphone

Saturday night I enjoyed supper and a cocktail at Jane Harper's house with a few ladies.  We then headed downtown...and ended up at Fish.  It's a pretty nice restaurant on upper King.  They had a DJ, complete with turn tables.  And I must say, they were pretty awesome.  Jane Harper mentions that she's always wanted to spin.  

So after a few songs worth of dancing I decide that I'll ask the DJ's if she can spin for a minute.  A dream come true!  Well, I go behind the DJ stand and start talking.  Before I know it, he's put headphones (giant headphones I might add) on me.  Of course, I loved it!  The DJ's were so nice and let me play around!  At some point JH snagged this picture:

She has mad professional skills, but only had her iPhone with her, which doesn't have a flash.  However, at the same moment she was taking this picuture, someone else's flash went off!  Destined to be a good pic!

AND they let JH have a turn spinning as well! 

Well

I don't have much to day today.  It's Friday.  The office is quiet.  And to be honest, I'd rather be fishing or laying on the beach.  So, I treated myself to this:

Thank you, workplace, for having a Chick-fil-A two minutes away.  Thank you.

So Excited

I first heard about Compassion International my senior year at Presbyterian College at a Bebo Norman concert.  I looked into the organization and loved its mission.  Over the years, I've given financially to Compassion, but this month I took the leap and "adopted" a Compassion International child.  For $38 a month a child is fed, clothed, educated, and told about Jesus.

This week my information packet came in the mail and I was SO excited to meet Roseline.  She's 8 years old and lives in Kenya in an area that is highly infected with HIV/AIDS.  I cannot begin to imagine what her life looks like.  I'm not sure if I'll ever make it to Kenya to meet her in person, but its pretty cool to have a pen-pal of sorts, to pray for her, and remember the HOPE that the Lord gives us. 

5 Minutes

I saw this on the Livesay blog yesterday and couldn't help but share it.  It's beautifully done and really opened my eyes to lots of things going on in the world.  Take 5 minutes and check it out.


Next Five Minutes from David Platt on Vimeo.

The Livesay blog: http://livesayhaiti.blogspot.com/

In other news: yesterday I had my window open in my office.  Like I always do.  And all of a sudden a BIRD flew IN my office!  It flew to the other window that cannot be opened.  Then was just flying around my office!  My co-worker, accross the hall from me, has a HUGE FEAR of birds.  I got up, left my office, and shut the door behind me.  Co-worker: What was that?!?  I heard FLAPPING!  Hahaha.  A minute later when I opened the door, the bird had flown out.  So crazy!

Nerd Alert

I looked at Hayek a good bit in grad school, but never read his masterpiece, The Road to Serfdorm, in its entirety.  I'm doing so now.  Ok, ok, its a slightly condensed version.  It's educational AND a good read...

Hayek employed economics to investigate the mind of man, using the knowledge he had gained to unveil the totalitarian nature of socialism and to explain how it inevitably leads to ‘serfdom’. His greatest contribution lay in the discovery of a simple yet profound truth: man does not and cannot know everything, and when he acts as if he does, disaster follows. He recognised that socialism, the collectivist state, and planned economies represent the ultimate form of hubris, for those who plan them attempt – with insufficient knowledge – to redesign the nature of man. In so doing, would-be planners arrogantly ignore traditions that embody the wisdom of generations; impetuously disregard customs whose purpose they do not understand; and blithely confuse the law written on the hearts of men – which they cannot change – with administrative rules that they can alter at whim. For Hayek, such presumption was not only a ‘fatal conceit’, but also ‘the road to serfdom' (Edwin J. Feulner, Jr., Nov. 1999).

Moreover, under central planning the government cannot be impartial. The state ceases to be a piece of utilitarian machinery intended to help individuals in the fullest development of their individual personality and becomes an institution which deliberately discriminates between particular needs of different people, and allows one man to do what another must be prevented from doing. It must lay down by a legal rule how well off particular people shall be and what different people are to be allowed to have (Road to Serfdom).

See any similarities between the US today and Hayek's warnings?

Girl Time

Friday night we celebrated Jenn and her upcoming marriage in Ceasar's Head.  Our friends Marshall and Henry let us stay at their beautiful home with a goreous view!  It was a great night of eating, being silly with the girls, enjoying red wine, and showering Jenn with lacy, frilly things.  Quite the night time change from her sweatshirts and well-worn pajamma pants.  Just in case you were curious, here's the poem I wrote Jenn that explained my series of gifts.

To my favorite red-head, J bird,
Who used to wear so many clothes to bed it was absurd.
A series of gifts I have for you and your honeymoon,
First, satin and lace of which you will don soon.
The second requires you to take a big bite,
A bit of preparation for your wedding night.
The third will help you receive with ease,
And I’m sure Ryan will be well pleased.
Lastly, a CD full of sassy, sultry tunes,
All to help you find your groove.

You’ll probably say, “EA, you’re out of control.”
Tell me something I don’t know; I’m on a roll.
Jenn Jordan, I have a lot of love for you,
Can’t wait for you to begin your life anew.

I was also able to catch up with some friends that I don't get to see too often.  All in all, a fab time!

Is it Noon Yet?

I'm exhausted.  I've been more tired than usual this week, but today is uber rough.  I stayed up too late last night.  Due to packing and getting things done, I missed Flash Forward, but was showered and ready in time for Greys and Private Practice.  Greys made me cry (sweet tears) and Private made me weep.  I mean, my face was puffy.  [Side note: when I hear "puffy" now, I think of "puffy chuck" from RHONJ.] 

Then I talked to Courtney and watched the after show of RHONY and some of the RHONY episode.  Did you know that money can't buy you class?  I finally fell asleep, only to wake up around 4 and pitifully fall back asleep sometime later...tossing and turning until my alarm went off.

Yet somehow I made it to work 30 minutes early?!?  I got here, shut my office door, and got on my desk in hopes of taking a quick nap (I set an alarm and everything).  Couldn't fall asleep.  Blerg! 

Praise Jesus I'm leaving at 12 today.  (Yay for Jenn's bachelorette party!)

Family Funny

Mom talked me into eating with them last night since she was making homemade she crab soup.  Ow, ow, twist my arm.  (And yes, it was delicious.)

Mom:  Dad's not coming.  He's at a slumber party. 
Me:  Haha ok.  (Not shocked at all.)  With Tut?
Mom:  Well, Lee and Joe.  Tut may be going, too.  I had to pack him an overnight bag.  Hahaha.  They're fishing tonight and staying at Lee's little cabin...but dad may stay outside in the big gazebo.

I surely hope I'm going to slumber parties with my friends when I'm in my 50's. 

A Million Miles...

I read Donald Miller's newest book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years over the weekend and LOVED it. I've read all of his books and I love them all. I dig his writing style. I admire his honesty and the way he makes me feel like we are friends. I think he shares Jesus and makes loving and living for the Lord seem so refreshing. And let's be honest, I wouldn't mind going on a date with Don, either. Haha. Here are a few of my favorite excerpts from the book:

I think this is when people give up on their stories. They come out of college wanting to change the world, wanting to get married, wanting to have kids and change the way people buy office supplies. But they get into the middle and discover it was harder than they thought. They can't see the distant shore anymore, and they wonder if their paddling is moving them forward. None of the trees behind them are getting smaller and none of the trees ahead are getting bigger. They take it out on their spouses, and they go looking for an easier story (179).

All of this may sound depressing to you, but I don't mean it to be. I've lived some good stories now, and those stories have improved the quality of my life. But I've also let go of the idea things will ever be made perfect, at least while I am walking this planet. I've let go of the idea that this life has a climax. I'm trying to be more Danish, I guess. And the thing is, it works. When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are. And when you stop expecting material possessions to complete you, you'd be surprised at how much pleasure you get in material possessions. And when you stop expecting God to end all your troubles, you'd be surprised how much you like spending time with God (206).

Check out his blog: http://donmilleris.com/

Some other books I've read over the past few months:

• The Great Divorce. I thought this book was uber strange. I wanted to like it, but couldn't. Maybe I'm not smart enough to understand it. My friend Leigh loves it, but she's much smarter than I am...especially when it comes to literature and the likes.
• The Revenge of the Kudzu Debutantes. This is a quick and easy read. Funny and southern. A perfect beach read!
• Gap Creek. This was an Oprah book club book at some point. Easy to read. Not bad, but certainly not one of my favorites.

Once, Twice,

Three times a lady Bridesmaid

in 2010!

Here's the lineup:

July 3 -- Jenn & Ryan, Columbia, South Carolina
September 4 -- Nathan & Shannon, Battle Creek, Michigan
November 20 -- Mary Alice & Steven, Winder, Georgia

Looked like some things I was hopeful for in 2010 came true. Good going boys!  I'm excited to celebrate alongside these lovely ladies.

State Holidays

I have today off from work.  A personal day?  No...a state (SC) holiday...  

Jacqueline: awesome

  why do you get monday off?

 me: confederate memorial day

  wtf?

 Jacqueline: hilarious

 me: thanks south carolina

 Jacqueline: wtf exactly

 me: i am glad for the random day but really?

 Jacqueline: so you going to go to the beach with a confederate flag towel in honor of the day? haha!

 me: yes and my corona bathing suit

 Jacqueline: and corona flip flops with bottle opener in the sole

  have you seen those before?

  i mean seriously

 and a hideous cover up to top it all off

 me: no

  but that sounds classy

 Jacqueline: sounds like you need to hit up a WINGS

 me: you said it sister

  

 Jacqueline: http://www.reef-sandals-online.com/reef-fanning.htm

I am heading to the beach today.  I am not donning any of the items referenced above.  

Something to Ponder

I overhead a girl at the beach today talking to her mom and sister.  The entire conversation was humorous, but this line killed me:

Sunglasses mess you up.  You see a guy and think he's hot.  Later that night you see him out at a bar without his sunglasses on...and he's a whole different man.

Shaken, not Stirred

The other night I was eating at mom and dad's and we were discussing travel plans for Nathan's wedding. First off, let me say, that while I don't and shouldn't eat like this all the time, sometimes there's nothing better than fried pork chops. The okra, black eyed peas, rice and gravy aren't bad either. And second, I went into this "family time" knowing I'd like an adult beverages...travel "discussions" prompting that. Dad asked if I wanted a glass of red wine. I'd just been walking and was sweating very unlady-like. So I declined the warm beverage; he asked if I wanted a vodka martini or light beer? I told him I'd have what he was having -- knowing that would be the former of the choices.

I've always wanted to be able to drink and ENJOY vodka martinis. They seem classy, grown up, and like it takes guts to drink them and enjoy them. (Anyone else think I sound like a 13 year old finding a vokda add in a magazine?) Anyway, that was the night for me to give it a whirl.

Vodka. Smidge of vermouth. Shaken, not stirred. Chilled martini glass.

I have to say, it was quite nice. Smooth and refreshing. Perfect way to start our family talk...

I am also proud to report that the rents and I finally made travel plans for Nathan's wedding. Michigan: here we come! (I hope you're ready for this Southern bunch.)

Mirror

I've been reading through 1 Samuel and pairing the Bible with Dale Ralph Davis' commentary.  Let me say that if think the old testament is boring or hard to draw personal application from, please read a Dale commentary.  I think he could write about dirt and make it sound exciting and revolutionary.  The actual scripture is exciting and revolutionary...and sometimes its good to have another's insight to show you the depths of its wonder.  I just finished chapter 8 and loved it.  It's been my favorite chapter so far, and Dale neatly summarizes why:

First Samuel 8 is your mirror; it reveals Israel and you. How easily you misplace your trust; how ashamed you are to be different; how resistant to any word that does not agree with your opinion. There – you are revealed.

Misplaced trust.  Shame.  Resistance.  If not now, at some point each of us wrestles with these things.  So the question becomes, what do you do when you find these uglies in your life?  "Jesus" is the answer.  Turn to Him, submit to Him, trust Him, proclaim Him.  It doesn't feel like it is that easy.  Or maybe it is and I'm too lazy and stubborn to do it.  I guess I'm trying to figure out what that actually looks look in this life of mine...I think its an on-going process that I'll still be learning on my death bed or when Jesus comes back.  Whichever comes first. 

Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion the day of Jesus Christ.

Trash or Treasure?

This past Friday night I spent the night with Jenn.  I forgot that she and some friends were having a garage sale the next morning.  I'm pretty sure that the 6 o'clock hour is too early to be called moring on a Saturday.  While Jenn&Ryan, Mary&Ryan, and Nicole were trying to get rid of their belongings, I was trying to sleep. 

Nicole's alarm clock went off at 6 to get ready for the 6:30 sale.  At 6:05 Mary&Ryan bounced in.  Ryan came in the house, made sure I was awake, and gave me a hug.  I'm still in bed and trying to sleep mind you.  Then, being his silly self, started poking me in the ribs.  To which I said, "Ryan.  No.  I'm probably the bitchiest morning person you know."  His response, "I think I married the meanest morning person."  Well with that I started laughing and Mary, his new bride, came in the house.  We re-hashed the story for her and I can assure you that she was not offended.*

While they started selling goodies, I slept in about 30 minute intervals until 8:30.  I kid you not, all of my dreams were about yard sales.  Scary.  At 8:30 I joined the crew outside (once I heard they had a Panera bagel for me!).  It was so entertaining. 

It was fun to give things away for free to those who needed them more than we did.  Especially to kids.  And we had one awesome patron...seriously, he reminded me of Robin Williams: in looks AND he did voices!  He was great.   Not only did he purchase lots of items, but he shared a lot of his life with me and made me laugh.  Let's be honest, once I woke from my slumber I became the dealer.  I love haggling and talking to random people in bizarre settings.  Good times at the yard sale.

AND Mary gave me a pretty cool, shabby chic looking coffee table.  I, of course, have no where to put it right now, but I can't wait to use it at some poing.

* It's not that Mary is a horrible morning person, but Ryan is a morning, noon, and night person.  I don't think there's a time when he's not "on."  Good for him!

RHOJN

Yes, it's true: I like trash TV.  Not all of it, i.e. I only saw about ten minutes of Jersey Shore, but I enjoy my fair share of it.  Last year I was blown away by how much I loved Real Housewives of New Jersey.  The characters are so dynamic, its hard to not be sucked in.  I find that it is by far the best Real Housewives show.  I think I like it so much because they're actually friends aside from the show AND they're actually housewives.  The Season 2 premiere was last night and it lived up to my expectations...so glad!

From Left to Right:
Jacqueline: the sweetheart, Theresa: the fiesty Italian, Danielle: the neurotic pycho, Dina: the little sister, Carolina: the balla mom

A Strange Question

Jenn and I were eating at Liberty Friday night -- outside on the deck area.  Perfect weather for that, by the way.  I notice this older fella (I'm thinking early 40's) at the bar.  He has straggly hair down to his shoulders.  Doesn't really fit the scene, but not too obscure to think anything of it.  A while later this fella walks up to Jenn and I. 

Random Guy: Can I ask you ladies a strange question?
Me: Sure.  What's up?
Random Guy: Well, first...are you ladies single?
Me: I am.  She's not.
Random Guy: You're single?  Really?
Me: I know...hard to believe, huh?
Random Guy: Yeah...alright...
Jenn: (Not amused.)  So, what is your question?
Random Guy: Do you know where I could buy some pot?
Me: Sorry, we don't.
(Jenn has shut down and physically moved back.)
Random Guy: You don't?
Me: Nope.
Random Guy: Ok...so, you're single, huh?  Look, I'm in town for a week or so on business...
Me: Yeah, I don't live here and I'm only in town for a day.
Random Guy: So, you're brushing me off, huh?
Me: Yeah.  Good luck in your endeavors.

We watched him ask another set of patrons.  Apparently they couldn't help him score some weed either.  He was asked to leave the bar pretty soon after that.