Monday, November 28, 2005
The Whole Holiday Season...
I'm not quite feeling it. I so want to be in a holiday place, but I'm not. Thanksgiving was nice. We went to my dad's house and relaxed. It felt really weird not seeing my whole family though. After my Mom died, the term "immediate family" took a shift for me. I've felt as if the family fused into one larger unit. This year that has shifted again. Having no mother means you lose your home base. Thank God for Heidi and the continuity she provides. We had such fun putting up my tree. No injuries this year! =) I'm praying that Christmas spirit takes over. I want to celebrate God's ultimate gift. I want to spend this season, not missing Laurie, but knowing that because of this birth that we honor, I will see her again. Last year, Maya made Polly Pocket sing "Happy Birthday dear Jesus..." I want Christmas to be that simple for me.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Walk The Line
It's been a long time since I've seen a film that I actually believe deserves an Academy Award. That all changed this Saturday night. What a fantastic portrayal!
I think this movie effected me on many different levels for many different reasons. I Have always been a fan of Johnny Cash, the whole Carter family, and country music in general. I've read the autobiography that was used as a guide for this movie. I think they did an excellent job in telling this story and bringing the characters to life. The fact that the actors had to actually sing was outstanding! I can think of few voices that would be harder to duplicate than that of Johnny Cash. And yet, they somehow managed to pull it off beautifully.
On a more personal edge, this movie touched my heart. Cynic that I am, I rarely find "mushy love stuff" all that appealing. Sure, I like a good chick flick now and again, but I never leave the movie thinking "I wish I could fall in love like that"... The story of Johnny & June made me say that. I wish I could fall in love like that. Not the crappy, sappy, pretty kind of love. The honest, ugly, brutal, truthful, endearing kind. In my opinion, true love is when everything either falls to pieces, or hits the fan, and there's still someone holding your hand. It's not candles, and poetry, and perfect proposals. It's simply who loves you enough to hold you when things get ugly? I've known some people who love like that (Pete&Barb for one). I can't think of anything more beautiful than that. So call me a cynical romantic I guess, but I know true love when I see it.
See this film. You'll be glad you did.
Puzzling...Part 2
And here is the answer key for those of you who have been playing along.
This is 1.a most re2.markable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolu3.lu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much, he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his 4.john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his ban5.jo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend 6.judges the 7.job of solving this puzzle so involving, s8.he brews a cup of tea to help her nerv9.es. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a f10.act. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a 11.jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. T12.ruthfully, f13.rom answers we get, we are forced to admi14.t it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some of the15.m at the worst. Research has shown that something in our 16.genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta 17.Phi lemonade booth set a new sales record. The local paper, the 18.Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that his puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As 19.Daniel Huma20.na humbly puts it, "The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight." T21.hose able to find all of them will hear great 22.lamentations from those who have to be shown. One 23.revelation that may help is that books like 24.Timothy and 25.Samuel may occur without their 26.numbers. also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are nor27.mal. A chipper attitude will help you com28.pete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad 29.exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lur30.king somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found.
This is 1.a most re2.markable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolu3.lu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much, he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his 4.john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his ban5.jo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend 6.judges the 7.job of solving this puzzle so involving, s8.he brews a cup of tea to help her nerv9.es. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a f10.act. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a 11.jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. T12.ruthfully, f13.rom answers we get, we are forced to admi14.t it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some of the15.m at the worst. Research has shown that something in our 16.genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta 17.Phi lemonade booth set a new sales record. The local paper, the 18.Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that his puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As 19.Daniel Huma20.na humbly puts it, "The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight." T21.hose able to find all of them will hear great 22.lamentations from those who have to be shown. One 23.revelation that may help is that books like 24.Timothy and 25.Samuel may occur without their 26.numbers. also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are nor27.mal. A chipper attitude will help you com28.pete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad 29.exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lur30.king somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Puzzling...Part 1
Here is a puzzle that was sent to me a while ago. I found it to be fun and I couldn't put it down until I found every last book. I'm a nerd like that.
There are thirty books of the Bible in this paragraph. Can you find them?
This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much, he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new sales record. The local paper, the Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that his puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight." Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found.
Post comments and let me know how many you were able to spot!
There are thirty books of the Bible in this paragraph. Can you find them?
This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much, he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new sales record. The local paper, the Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that his puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight." Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found.
Post comments and let me know how many you were able to spot!
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Joy, Joy, Joy, Overflowing!
Last night I experienced an early Christmas miracle. When I got home, everything was tidy and fresh. My assistant had cleaned my house earlier that day. She was sweet enough to leave me a note explaining the things she had done, and the trial of scrubbing glue off my new kitchen floor...
And then the miracle.
Teri had decided that my passion for coffee could not wait until Christmas as my Father had suggested (he had it on good authority that Santa was bringing me a new coffee maker). There on the counter... Gleaming white like a gift straight from heaven, was my brand new coffee maker! My joy was similar to Ralphy in A Christmas Story. Red Ryder... Eat your heart out!
Thank you Teri for your kindness, and generosity. There will be a piping hot mug of "Michigan Cherry" with your name on it Sunday morning!
I hope everyone is having a lovely week. Mine is definitely picking up!
Mandy
And then the miracle.
Teri had decided that my passion for coffee could not wait until Christmas as my Father had suggested (he had it on good authority that Santa was bringing me a new coffee maker). There on the counter... Gleaming white like a gift straight from heaven, was my brand new coffee maker! My joy was similar to Ralphy in A Christmas Story. Red Ryder... Eat your heart out!
Thank you Teri for your kindness, and generosity. There will be a piping hot mug of "Michigan Cherry" with your name on it Sunday morning!
I hope everyone is having a lovely week. Mine is definitely picking up!
Mandy
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
An Update on MandyLand
Once again I'm breathing easy.
I am really enjoying getting to know both of my new assistants. What a fun bunch of ladies I have working with me. I know it's early, and things can defiantly sour with time, but I just feel like God has brought me to this place for a reason. All the junk I've struggled in the last month has served to put me in a better place than I could have hoped for. Jessy (one of my new hires) has offered to take me to a fitness center every other Saturday, so that I can stretch and swim, and exercise. This is HUGE for my overall health! Please be praying that I can find the necessary $150.00 a month to pay for the two of us to go. God will provide. Another blessing is that Teri (my other assistant) is willing to not only take me to Willow Creek McHenry County on Sunday's, but also attend services with me! This is all just such a vast improvement. I feel like I have options and choices again. Thank you again to everyone who prayed for these good things. Where would I be without you?
God Bless,
Mandy
P.S If you need to put a smile on your face I would recommend checking out Katie's blog. Forty Nerdy is just another Mayaism that lifts my spirits. Use it in a sentence this week.=)
I am really enjoying getting to know both of my new assistants. What a fun bunch of ladies I have working with me. I know it's early, and things can defiantly sour with time, but I just feel like God has brought me to this place for a reason. All the junk I've struggled in the last month has served to put me in a better place than I could have hoped for. Jessy (one of my new hires) has offered to take me to a fitness center every other Saturday, so that I can stretch and swim, and exercise. This is HUGE for my overall health! Please be praying that I can find the necessary $150.00 a month to pay for the two of us to go. God will provide. Another blessing is that Teri (my other assistant) is willing to not only take me to Willow Creek McHenry County on Sunday's, but also attend services with me! This is all just such a vast improvement. I feel like I have options and choices again. Thank you again to everyone who prayed for these good things. Where would I be without you?
God Bless,
Mandy
P.S If you need to put a smile on your face I would recommend checking out Katie's blog. Forty Nerdy is just another Mayaism that lifts my spirits. Use it in a sentence this week.=)
Monday, November 14, 2005
Breaking Up...
I love coffee. I love everything about coffee. The sweet aroma. The bold flavors. Coffee brings me great joy. So, you can imagine my horror upon discovering that my coffee pot was broken Sunday. My Mr. Coffee had failed me! After three years of devoted service, our relationship has ended. I'll miss you dear friend. Oh the times we've shared...
Sunday, November 13, 2005
THANK YOU!
Today I need to thank Heidi, Rob, and Brandon for all of their hard work yesterday. Thanks to these three angels, my flooring project is complete! My Kitchen and bathroom now have wonderful new tile. You are the best crew a girl could ask for and I can't thank you enough!
Thank you also to Phil for buying us pizza and feeding these hard workers.
Speaking as someone who needs help with well, EVERYTHING... I am a truly blessed girl. The fact that there are people willing to step in and do the things I can't simply blows my mind! It's easy to think in this day and age that kindness is missing. That hope is hiding. That selflessness is a foreign concept... My life is daily proof that these things are present! I wish everyone could experience this once in there lives. This truth that God is faithful to provide just what you need. Not only did He provide for my little condo, He also created a sense of fellowship. Yes, I'm a blessed girl indeed...
Thank you also to Phil for buying us pizza and feeding these hard workers.
Speaking as someone who needs help with well, EVERYTHING... I am a truly blessed girl. The fact that there are people willing to step in and do the things I can't simply blows my mind! It's easy to think in this day and age that kindness is missing. That hope is hiding. That selflessness is a foreign concept... My life is daily proof that these things are present! I wish everyone could experience this once in there lives. This truth that God is faithful to provide just what you need. Not only did He provide for my little condo, He also created a sense of fellowship. Yes, I'm a blessed girl indeed...
Monday, November 07, 2005
Chicken Little
Disney has done it again!
I saw Chicken Little on Saturday night, and let me just say...WOW! The movie was in 3D. The animation was outstanding. Disney has served up a fresh dose of magic. I think my mother would have adored this one. The colors and the vibrance blow your mind. But it's the sweet story being told that would have really touched her. If you get the chance, GO SEE IT!
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
20 Lesser Known Facts...
1.) I was born exactly two months early. I was due to arrive on June 23. I showed up on April 23. This actually allowed my Mother to have all her kids in her twenties (her birthday was June 20).
2.) My favorite songs are "The Way You Look Tonight", "Slow Dancing With The Moon", and "Oh Holy Night".
3.) I still have the blanket Aunt Barb made when I was born.
4.) My favorite colors are pink, red, and orange.
5.) My earliest memories are from the age of 2.
6.) I am the third of three siblings, and the seventh of eight siblings depending on how well you know my family.
7.) I have four very close friendships with people I have never met in person.
8.) I once sang " Coat Of Many Colors" with Dolly Parton.
9.) I've had the same best friend since second grade.
10.) I was in psychotherapy at 18 for post traumatic stress disorder and suicidal tendencies.
11.) I've lost 136 lbs since June of 2003.
12.) My favorite places on earth are Disney World and the Smoky Mountains.
13.) I was tested as a genius at age 9.
14.) Cheaters and bullies give me the creeps.
15.) Some of the best discussions of my life have happened in the restroom.
16.) I'm afraid of the grates in city sidewalks.
17.) I like to sing when I'm on boats.
18.) The song that plays most in my head is "I Love You Lord".
19.) I prefer spring over fall, and fall over summer (I wish winter would go away entirely).
20.) My love language is words of affirmation.
In the spirit of these lists, I tag Heidi, Kim B, Kim A, Steph, and Becca.
2.) My favorite songs are "The Way You Look Tonight", "Slow Dancing With The Moon", and "Oh Holy Night".
3.) I still have the blanket Aunt Barb made when I was born.
4.) My favorite colors are pink, red, and orange.
5.) My earliest memories are from the age of 2.
6.) I am the third of three siblings, and the seventh of eight siblings depending on how well you know my family.
7.) I have four very close friendships with people I have never met in person.
8.) I once sang " Coat Of Many Colors" with Dolly Parton.
9.) I've had the same best friend since second grade.
10.) I was in psychotherapy at 18 for post traumatic stress disorder and suicidal tendencies.
11.) I've lost 136 lbs since June of 2003.
12.) My favorite places on earth are Disney World and the Smoky Mountains.
13.) I was tested as a genius at age 9.
14.) Cheaters and bullies give me the creeps.
15.) Some of the best discussions of my life have happened in the restroom.
16.) I'm afraid of the grates in city sidewalks.
17.) I like to sing when I'm on boats.
18.) The song that plays most in my head is "I Love You Lord".
19.) I prefer spring over fall, and fall over summer (I wish winter would go away entirely).
20.) My love language is words of affirmation.
In the spirit of these lists, I tag Heidi, Kim B, Kim A, Steph, and Becca.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Happy 30th Birthday Heidi!
My Dear Sister,
This year is going to be your year. I can feel it. I'm praying that every good thing comes your way this year. I think you're the best person God ever put on this earth (in the last 2,000 years or so) and I'm just blessed He put you in my life. I can't wait to see what your future holds. Thanks for being my best friend.
Love you always,
Manny
This year is going to be your year. I can feel it. I'm praying that every good thing comes your way this year. I think you're the best person God ever put on this earth (in the last 2,000 years or so) and I'm just blessed He put you in my life. I can't wait to see what your future holds. Thanks for being my best friend.
Love you always,
Manny
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