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Note: I had just finished writing a really detailed rendition of this post when I finally posted it. Then way OVER HALF of it got erased. Grrrrrr! Oh well, sometimes round 2 of edits are better than the first anyway. Sigh, so here it goes.
Day Forty-Seven (Tuesday, March 30)
After work, I met up with a friend who urgently wanted to talk to me. We hadn't spoken for a bit, due to various reasons. So, we met at Starbucks and sat outside to talk. It was an emotional talk but in a good way. I appreciate when people level with me and when they help me become a better version of myself. That's what this friend of mine did for me. That takes guts (and prayer).
Afterwards, I had a brief chat with another friend before I took off for Bible Study. Since then, Pete and I have become better friends. I mention this tidbit because it's interesting how various friendships form. The first couple times we met, we barely talked but now it's been cool getting to know him.
It was an interesting sendoff to Bible Study after that. The best part, I slept so well that night! I actually fell asleep by 11pm. That is RARE! (And nice.)
Day Forty-Eight (Wednesday, March 31)
This was the day of 3 lessons. They were all hard ones. (That's what she said.)
In the morning, I did something selfish that left someone in the lurch. I didn't even think of how I could make it easier for this person, but just did what benefitted me. As a result, she got in trouble with someone. Fortunately, she let me have it for that. I say fortunately because it made me think and really try to think of ways to never do it again. That moment of tension really made an impression on me and I'm actually thankful for it. Not thankful for it happening, because I wish I could have spared this person the pain and consequences of my actions, but at least they didn't timidly let me get away with it, you know? It was difficult to part ways on bad terms though...
I have no real transition to go from the last thought...so here it goes without a transition:
In the morning, I did something selfish that left someone in the lurch. I didn't even think of how I could make it easier for this person, but just did what benefitted me. As a result, she got in trouble with someone. Fortunately, she let me have it for that. I say fortunately because it made me think and really try to think of ways to never do it again. That moment of tension really made an impression on me and I'm actually thankful for it. Not thankful for it happening, because I wish I could have spared this person the pain and consequences of my actions, but at least they didn't timidly let me get away with it, you know? It was difficult to part ways on bad terms though...
I have no real transition to go from the last thought...so here it goes without a transition:
Erin, her friend Lisa, and I all went to Miami to visit Vizcaya Museum. Erin told me it's a great spot for pictures, and she was completely right. Oh man, it was so good!
Everyone was doing their Quincinera (sp?) photoshoot there, that day! This was a particularly sassy 15-year old LOL. I love how she's spinning her rose for the picture.
Cave lined with shells.
There were a couple of magazine photography crews there. I guess they were doing a spread.
A really nice group of people were posing and we took their picture for them. Then they did the same for us. Oh so fun! This is my favorite of the day!
This is my favorite non-people picture of the day. Isn't it breathtaking??
It was really cool being able to hang out with them. After we were done there, we drove to a shopping area, parked, then looked for the perfect place to eat. We decided on a cute French cafe and it was so cute! The woman had a thick French accent and was adorable. It was the perfect way to end our little adventure.
I had to note that on the drive to Miami, the person who I'd wronged called me up to make quick amends and tell me she cared about me. It really meant a lot.
Lesson #2 came in the form of really good car conversations with Erin. I really enjoy her straight-up personality and appreciated something in particular she told me that I hadn't really known before. It made me do some thinking on a topic I had already been getting convicted about 2 or 3 times in the proceeding days. God must really have wanted to get my attention in this department, and I'm soooo grateful He did! Ugh, I hate knowing I was carrying on a really painful tendency. Gag. Mysterious I know.
Another thing that helped drive in lesson #2 was when I went home and checked my facebook. I had recently friended someone and written on his wall. I also friended another person and both had either turned down my friendship request or defriended me! That hit and hurt deeply. But it also served as a wakeup call for more reasons than I want to list. It was mostly a good thing though, because it made me do some MAJOR thinking and even some, cheesy as it is to say, soul-searching.
The third important lessons came into play when I heard James Barnett talk to a group of us outside of Starbucks on the patio. He's a young guy who was in the height of his career when he decided to give away all his possessions and move into a van that he travels from city to city in. He ministers to the homeless in particular, but really anyone who is needy. He just decided one day that he wanted to be more like Jesus, and to do so, he would spend time with the needy, ministering to them for the Kingdom of God. Wow.
James was not what I expected. When Andrea told me about him, I didn't picture him being as good with people as he was! He's a very charismatic person with a great sense of humor and deeply rooted confidence as well as humility. As he pointed out, Jesus didn't socialize with elites or socially acceptable; instead, He spent His time with the homeless, widows, the sick, orphaned, and untouchables of society. The terrifying thing James brought up was that some of us THINK we're Christians, yet when we die, God could very well tell us He doesn't know us! Yeah...James definitely gave me a lot to think about.
I spent some time inside Starbucks after that, and did some thinking. When I got in the car to drive home, the tears came in hoards. Maybe that's crass to mention, but I needed the cry fest. There was just so much that happened and that I needed to experience throughout the day. I'm really grateful for it.
I had to note that on the drive to Miami, the person who I'd wronged called me up to make quick amends and tell me she cared about me. It really meant a lot.
Lesson #2 came in the form of really good car conversations with Erin. I really enjoy her straight-up personality and appreciated something in particular she told me that I hadn't really known before. It made me do some thinking on a topic I had already been getting convicted about 2 or 3 times in the proceeding days. God must really have wanted to get my attention in this department, and I'm soooo grateful He did! Ugh, I hate knowing I was carrying on a really painful tendency. Gag. Mysterious I know.
Another thing that helped drive in lesson #2 was when I went home and checked my facebook. I had recently friended someone and written on his wall. I also friended another person and both had either turned down my friendship request or defriended me! That hit and hurt deeply. But it also served as a wakeup call for more reasons than I want to list. It was mostly a good thing though, because it made me do some MAJOR thinking and even some, cheesy as it is to say, soul-searching.
The third important lessons came into play when I heard James Barnett talk to a group of us outside of Starbucks on the patio. He's a young guy who was in the height of his career when he decided to give away all his possessions and move into a van that he travels from city to city in. He ministers to the homeless in particular, but really anyone who is needy. He just decided one day that he wanted to be more like Jesus, and to do so, he would spend time with the needy, ministering to them for the Kingdom of God. Wow.
James was not what I expected. When Andrea told me about him, I didn't picture him being as good with people as he was! He's a very charismatic person with a great sense of humor and deeply rooted confidence as well as humility. As he pointed out, Jesus didn't socialize with elites or socially acceptable; instead, He spent His time with the homeless, widows, the sick, orphaned, and untouchables of society. The terrifying thing James brought up was that some of us THINK we're Christians, yet when we die, God could very well tell us He doesn't know us! Yeah...James definitely gave me a lot to think about.
I spent some time inside Starbucks after that, and did some thinking. When I got in the car to drive home, the tears came in hoards. Maybe that's crass to mention, but I needed the cry fest. There was just so much that happened and that I needed to experience throughout the day. I'm really grateful for it.
Day Forty-Nine (Thursday, April 1)
There are no good April Fools pranks to report on here.
The following can be categorized in a few departments, whether good, bad, or undecided. My now-former boss Omar called me first thing in the morning (at work) since he wasn't coming in for the day. He told me that he wanted to offer me the opportunity to become a full-time version of what I was at the time. (I was a part-time office assistant.) This seems like a no brainer, right? Well, he said that if I accepted, I would have to do anything he wanted me to. Ummmm. At one point he wanted me to do his personal taxes (instead of his CPA) but I objected and even got my way on that issue. (He hired someone to do that for a few days.) He told me that if I took the role, I would have to do what he wanted, no matter what.
I told him I needed time to think, but I instantly knew my answer. I suspected that he wouldn't give me a pay raise or any benefits. I also suspected that he would "encourage" me to leave the moment I turned it down. So I decided to wait for Monday.
Though I'd been wanting to quit for awhile, it was still a bummer to know I would be getting no more more paychecks. So I was feeling kinda down for awhile there. However, then I got a text from my friend Danny which lifted my spirits. Just a simple "Hey! How are ya?" did the trick. Throughout the day, I had some great convos with 3 great people: Rebecca, Danny, and Karl. Thank God for friends who do random things at much-needed moments. I even had a heart-to-heart texting session with Rebecca at Borders later that day, haha.
My dear childhood friend Karl agreed to help keep me accountable about my 6 month "fast" from romance. Haha, not that I have any prospects, but I've spent much of my life - if I'm going to be completely honest - dreaming about one guy or another. The day before, amidst my many convictions, I realized that I need to pour more of that energy into my relationship with God.
There are no good April Fools pranks to report on here.
The following can be categorized in a few departments, whether good, bad, or undecided. My now-former boss Omar called me first thing in the morning (at work) since he wasn't coming in for the day. He told me that he wanted to offer me the opportunity to become a full-time version of what I was at the time. (I was a part-time office assistant.) This seems like a no brainer, right? Well, he said that if I accepted, I would have to do anything he wanted me to. Ummmm. At one point he wanted me to do his personal taxes (instead of his CPA) but I objected and even got my way on that issue. (He hired someone to do that for a few days.) He told me that if I took the role, I would have to do what he wanted, no matter what.
I told him I needed time to think, but I instantly knew my answer. I suspected that he wouldn't give me a pay raise or any benefits. I also suspected that he would "encourage" me to leave the moment I turned it down. So I decided to wait for Monday.
Though I'd been wanting to quit for awhile, it was still a bummer to know I would be getting no more more paychecks. So I was feeling kinda down for awhile there. However, then I got a text from my friend Danny which lifted my spirits. Just a simple "Hey! How are ya?" did the trick. Throughout the day, I had some great convos with 3 great people: Rebecca, Danny, and Karl. Thank God for friends who do random things at much-needed moments. I even had a heart-to-heart texting session with Rebecca at Borders later that day, haha.
My dear childhood friend Karl agreed to help keep me accountable about my 6 month "fast" from romance. Haha, not that I have any prospects, but I've spent much of my life - if I'm going to be completely honest - dreaming about one guy or another. The day before, amidst my many convictions, I realized that I need to pour more of that energy into my relationship with God.
Day Fifty (Good Friday, April 2)
I never know whether to say "Happy Good Friday!" or "It's Good Friday." Regardless, I deeply appreciate this day. The things Jesus went through for our sake blows my mind. I know a lot of people write God off as cruel, but if they knew what Jesus went through just so we could go to Heaven, they'd see Him differently.
I didn't do a whole lot, since I had the day off. Some things that stand out are my conversations online with both Pete and Karl. (I love gchat!) Among many great conversations with Pete, he helped me get more familiar with Amos Lee's music, as well as introduced me to Ray LaMontagne, whose song, "You Are The Best Thing" I became instantly obsessed with! He has such a hauntingly beautiful voice!
The day before, amid my high from multiple convictions, I emailed Karl to ask him a guy question. (Over the years, we've talked to each other about the opposite sex to get another perspective on them. We've become each other's Relationship/Opposite Sex Guru's. He's helped me innumerable times in this department.) I told him not to pull any punches but just to tell me what I needed to hear. So he did. He asked me a series of great questions, including, "Do you believe God is in complete control?" and "How much do you trust God?" The series of emails we exchanged were brilliant! He helped me pinpoint things I had been floundering to know the answer to for YEARS! I think God knew that I wouldn't have been receptive to it until now though. I'm just so glad I know them now.
I spent a great day on the beach. There's something so relaxing about going solo on the beach that I love! It was gorgeous outside and I had several good convos there, including with my book editing employer. I also went back and forth with both Pete and Danny about where to all meet up before the concert. Danny said anything but Sushi and without knowing this about Danny, Pete, said he and his friend were going to Sushi Rock for dinner, if we wanted to join them. LOL well, I asked Danny how he felt about it and he, being the team player he is, said both he and his friend Ben would meet us there in Las Olas.
Dinner ended up being perfect! We all five got along so well! It was Pete and his (female) friend Cris who was visiting from California, me, Danny, and his friend Ben. Others had planned to come, but had to back out for whatever reason. We five all had fun laughing, talking, and high-fiving. (Haha, Cris brought on the high-fiving and it kinda became our thing.)
We ate outside and whenever a car would run over the sign that had fallen, it made a huge, annoying noise. I got tired of it and went over to move it so the madness would stop. Too bad it was really heavy. Fortunately, Ben, a mutual fan of Rascal Flatts, ran over to help me move it. I hadn't met either Cris or Ben before, but both were really great people! It was nice to all instantly get along. Oh, and can I just add that Ben reminded me SO much of Jeremy Piven. His voice was an exact match! And I was a fan of his tendency to exaggerate funny stories. LOL reminds me of how much I love exaggerating.
Afterwards, we all went to the Culture Club to see Amos Lee. It took him awhile to show up, which was okay since it was fun just socializing with each other. I even ran into a friend, Lindsey.
Let me tell ya, Amos Lee really is amazing in concert! He is so cute the way he addresses the crowds and thanks them for their support. I loved his music, especially "Sweet Pea." (Yes, I know I know, that's a cliche song to like, but I don't care!) It was a great show.
Afterwards, Pete, Cris, and I all got to meet Amos. They had warned me that he does NOT like getting his picture taken, but I guess a lot happens in a year. Whereas he freaked out when Pete and Andrea tried to get a picture with him, this year he took pictures with fans who waited their turn to do so. I may not have been at all photogenic that day, but WHO CARES?? I got a picture with someone whose music I now like!!
It really was a perfect Saturday. I'm so grateful for fun, interesting, and quality friends like these (and others.)
There are so many things to be grateful about this day. For one thing, Jesus rose again, giving us hope to one day join Him in Heaven when our time comes. For another, Pastor Tullian gave a GREAT sermon entitled "Restoration of Shalom." He reminded the congregation of a lot of important things. Here are a few meaningful notes to me:
"Every human being longs for Christ, whether they know it. There just isn't quite enough without Him. Things aren't quite right."
"God didn't create a broken world. We disobeyed. We decided we wanted to be our own gods."
"It's popular to view God as a popular "Nice Guy" Who doesn't really care what sins we have since everyone sins. He (or the version we create), is a pushover..."
"Jesus lived the life we couldn't live; He died the death we should have died."
"Mothers endure a great physical pain in childbirth because they know with each painful contraction, new life is promised."
Wow, incredible right? He's so right on each week and I'm thankful God brought me to this church! I also enjoyed sharing it with my friends/brothers and sisters in Christ. I enjoyed getting to sit with Ryan, Pete, and Laura during the service. It's so nice to sing praises and hymns with people you spend your weekends with, you know?
For another thing, it was a GORGEOUS day outside. It really puts one in the mood for Easter, you know? (Though, I think God's gift to us does that moreso ;) haha.)
Shortly after service, Ally and I drove to Jupiter to celebrate Easter with my parents and the Shoemakers. We had a great drive up talking and getting to know each other further. When we got there, we ate the most amazing meal! Oh man, it was so good! She and I also enjoyed - as is habit WHENEVER we hang out - taking pictures together. I LOVE THAT!!
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After dessert (Oh, the dessert...) Ally and I got changed to go swim in the pool and take a dip in the jacuzzi. Thus began session 2 of our picture session :)
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LOL accompanying our many fabulous photoshoots, we did 5 "Hot Tub Confession" videos that we both got a huge kick out of. (i.e. "Worst date" "Embarrassing moment" "Travel story") It was a packed and fun day. Even the drive back to Fort Lauderdale was amazing! She videoed and took pictures while I drove. We got a kick out of trying to sing along to songs whose words we didn't fully know, and just jamming to them, including Jason Derulo's "Whatcha Say.")
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It was a wonderful Easter, with lots of driving. (Yes, I provided a link here of something that was written on April 6th. Alli referenced this day in her blog, which is why I have done so.)
Since this was the case, I decided to skip out on the barbecue at Eric's house. I got to instead just relax at home before my day of quitting. (My parents were still in Jupiter hanging with the Shoemakers.) It was a good ending to my wonderful Easter weekend.
I didn't do a whole lot, since I had the day off. Some things that stand out are my conversations online with both Pete and Karl. (I love gchat!) Among many great conversations with Pete, he helped me get more familiar with Amos Lee's music, as well as introduced me to Ray LaMontagne, whose song, "You Are The Best Thing" I became instantly obsessed with! He has such a hauntingly beautiful voice!
The day before, amid my high from multiple convictions, I emailed Karl to ask him a guy question. (Over the years, we've talked to each other about the opposite sex to get another perspective on them. We've become each other's Relationship/Opposite Sex Guru's. He's helped me innumerable times in this department.) I told him not to pull any punches but just to tell me what I needed to hear. So he did. He asked me a series of great questions, including, "Do you believe God is in complete control?" and "How much do you trust God?" The series of emails we exchanged were brilliant! He helped me pinpoint things I had been floundering to know the answer to for YEARS! I think God knew that I wouldn't have been receptive to it until now though. I'm just so glad I know them now.
Day Fifty-One (Saturday, April 3)
Dinner ended up being perfect! We all five got along so well! It was Pete and his (female) friend Cris who was visiting from California, me, Danny, and his friend Ben. Others had planned to come, but had to back out for whatever reason. We five all had fun laughing, talking, and high-fiving. (Haha, Cris brought on the high-fiving and it kinda became our thing.)
We ate outside and whenever a car would run over the sign that had fallen, it made a huge, annoying noise. I got tired of it and went over to move it so the madness would stop. Too bad it was really heavy. Fortunately, Ben, a mutual fan of Rascal Flatts, ran over to help me move it. I hadn't met either Cris or Ben before, but both were really great people! It was nice to all instantly get along. Oh, and can I just add that Ben reminded me SO much of Jeremy Piven. His voice was an exact match! And I was a fan of his tendency to exaggerate funny stories. LOL reminds me of how much I love exaggerating.
Afterwards, we all went to the Culture Club to see Amos Lee. It took him awhile to show up, which was okay since it was fun just socializing with each other. I even ran into a friend, Lindsey.
Let me tell ya, Amos Lee really is amazing in concert! He is so cute the way he addresses the crowds and thanks them for their support. I loved his music, especially "Sweet Pea." (Yes, I know I know, that's a cliche song to like, but I don't care!) It was a great show.
Afterwards, Pete, Cris, and I all got to meet Amos. They had warned me that he does NOT like getting his picture taken, but I guess a lot happens in a year. Whereas he freaked out when Pete and Andrea tried to get a picture with him, this year he took pictures with fans who waited their turn to do so. I may not have been at all photogenic that day, but WHO CARES?? I got a picture with someone whose music I now like!!
I was in the middle for most of the concert.
It was packed in there! Everyone stood for the concert, but it was worth it.
My later view from the back.
Lining up.
Pete standing next to Amos.
Nope, neither of us looks good LOL.
LOL if you use a stretched imagination, this is Pete and me posing with our good buddy Amos Lee.
It really was a perfect Saturday. I'm so grateful for fun, interesting, and quality friends like these (and others.)
Fifty-Two (Easter Sunday, April 4)
"Every human being longs for Christ, whether they know it. There just isn't quite enough without Him. Things aren't quite right."
"God didn't create a broken world. We disobeyed. We decided we wanted to be our own gods."
"It's popular to view God as a popular "Nice Guy" Who doesn't really care what sins we have since everyone sins. He (or the version we create), is a pushover..."
"Jesus lived the life we couldn't live; He died the death we should have died."
"Mothers endure a great physical pain in childbirth because they know with each painful contraction, new life is promised."
Wow, incredible right? He's so right on each week and I'm thankful God brought me to this church! I also enjoyed sharing it with my friends/brothers and sisters in Christ. I enjoyed getting to sit with Ryan, Pete, and Laura during the service. It's so nice to sing praises and hymns with people you spend your weekends with, you know?
For another thing, it was a GORGEOUS day outside. It really puts one in the mood for Easter, you know? (Though, I think God's gift to us does that moreso ;) haha.)
Shortly after service, Ally and I drove to Jupiter to celebrate Easter with my parents and the Shoemakers. We had a great drive up talking and getting to know each other further. When we got there, we ate the most amazing meal! Oh man, it was so good! She and I also enjoyed - as is habit WHENEVER we hang out - taking pictures together. I LOVE THAT!!
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We legitimately (at least I did) lost balance during these shots.
Wrong date.
Group picture.
After dessert (Oh, the dessert...) Ally and I got changed to go swim in the pool and take a dip in the jacuzzi. Thus began session 2 of our picture session :)
Pool couch!
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LOL accompanying our many fabulous photoshoots, we did 5 "Hot Tub Confession" videos that we both got a huge kick out of. (i.e. "Worst date" "Embarrassing moment" "Travel story") It was a packed and fun day. Even the drive back to Fort Lauderdale was amazing! She videoed and took pictures while I drove. We got a kick out of trying to sing along to songs whose words we didn't fully know, and just jamming to them, including Jason Derulo's "Whatcha Say.")
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It was a wonderful Easter, with lots of driving. (Yes, I provided a link here of something that was written on April 6th. Alli referenced this day in her blog, which is why I have done so.)
Since this was the case, I decided to skip out on the barbecue at Eric's house. I got to instead just relax at home before my day of quitting. (My parents were still in Jupiter hanging with the Shoemakers.) It was a good ending to my wonderful Easter weekend.
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