Sunday, February 25, 2007

On Friendship

I've been thinking a lot on the the nature of friendship lately. I'm very fortunate to have a few very close friends, and I think it's good to occasionally examine those relationships, just to see why things are so great, and what could be more great. Jesus told his disciples, "This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:12-13)

Really, what better litmus test is there, Christian or not? I hope I can be the kind of friend that would lay down my life for a good buddy, and put him or her before my selfish needs and desires. But is there more to it?

Thursday, February 22, 2007

We're Ready For A 5K

Yup, you heard me right. I got talked into jogging outside tonight, instead of going to the nice warm, steamy, crowded gym. Can I just say that I am so lucky to have a workout buddy that keeps the exact pace I do, entertains me the entire three miles, and then cooks me dinner when we're done. A very blessed day made all the better by Jerk Chicken Alfredo and Ohitos with friends.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

I Didn't Say It

"I like crying. It is the one thing you can do when you feel like you've done everything you could
and you can still do one last thing... Just cry." -K.B.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Weird

So I woke up this morning, only to recall a dream that I had had about playing volleyball. Not too odd, since I've been doing a fair bit of it lately, and enjoying it, generally. In the dream, I was playing on a pretty competitive team with all of the usuals, only this time, Larson was there. LARSON!

Monday, February 19, 2007

Quote of the Day That Made Me Laugh

"He probably has a bumpy tongue." - CM.

This is why I love playground duty.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Get Fuzzy In My Inbox

This made me laugh. Granted, so do my first graders, all day long, but this made me laugh in a sort of grown - up sort of way. Enjoy.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Do I Miss Living At Home?

I wonder how long I can go on without actually going to the grocery store to buy groceries. It's been a good month and a half since I've done any major shopping, and I just keep putting it off by buying milk and eggs, that sort of thing.

Tonight I discovered that I had a pound of ground beef in the freezer, and decided to throw together a meatloaf. I think I kind of mangled my recipe by substituting ingredients, but I won't be too disappointed if it doesn't turn out because hey, it's mine!

Is It Warm Yet?

On my way home from work today, there was a police car blocking off National Avenue close to my house, and I needed to take a detour around the parkway. This took me around the back of my neighborhood, and much to my delight, I found myself on my summertime jogging route.

Some of you may recall me taking up jogging back in September and October. I jogged 25 and 30 miles throughout each month, and felt amazing when I accomplished each goal. This ended the second the weather got coldand life caught up with me in November, and I went back to being out of shape and unhappy.

Now I'm back at the gym, really enjoying myself and sticking with a routine (thanks to some great tunes, an agreeable work schedule, and a workout buddy who keeps me on track).

But that little detour yesterday really reminded me how much I liked jogging. My muscles just felt so needed, so productive. and I'm willing to bed that since I've been weight training a little bit these days, I'd be able to run even further/ faster.

So the solution, methinks, is to find both a free indoor track somewhere close, and a friend who will go jog there with me. Ideas from the peanut gallery?

Monday, February 05, 2007

Why I Love My Career Choice

Because when it's too cold, I don't have to go to work. Today, and again tomorrow, schools have closed due to way below freezing temperatures.

Law offices do not close when it is cold. Nor do corporate offices. Nor do restaurants, retailers, doctor's offices, sports arenas, publishing companies, banks, savings and loans, or nursing homes.

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Remember My Chains

I generally don't quote or discuss scripture or heavy spiritual matters here on this blog, for the sake of my narrow audience. I think my range may be broadening a bit these days and besides, this is necessary today for the sake of some perspective.

In reading Colossians today, I was struck by the phrase at the end of Paul's letter, "Remember my chains." (As a bit of background, Paul was a very important and persecuted follower of Jesus, who after Jesus' death, traveled the world teaching and spreading the Gospel to others. landed in jail for his work, ended up martyred). He refers to his chains multiple other times in his letters, perhaps for the purpose of reminding the early Christians that life was not all easy cheesy. They could die for their belief. They could be put in jail. Their leaders could be taken from them. "Remember my chains."

Then I sit here and I worry about the things on my plate today, and I think about the topics my friends have been discussing lately. how much money will I make next year? Will I find a cute enough outfit to wear for my birthday? Will I get to take a nap today? Will a cute boy be at the party tonight? Will he talk to me? Will I get married in the next 6 months, or will it take a year? Will my hands get cold running to my car? Will anyone help me set up or clean up for the party that I'm throwing? Is the ministry being run as best as it can, and could I run it better?

I know it's impossible to constantly maintain a global perspective. But RIGHT NOW, someone is being arrested or even killed for their beliefs. Someone is in chains for what they believe, and their ministry, their life, is FINISHED. They're worrying about who is going to feed their family now that they're in chains. Who is going to lead their people now that they're in chains.

To quote my least favorite line from my favorite pastor, "I don't know where you're at," but as for me, as I go through my day today, and my activities this week, I'm going to focus on keeping a perspective that remembers the chains of those who truly do the work of God.

"Remember my chains."

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Excitement, and Disapointment

Well, February 1 was the date for Early Retirement announcements in my district. So I woke up a wee bit excited, but trying not to get my hopes up. I ended up hearing a confirmed rumor of the announcement I was hoping for, but now I just need to keep my mouth shut until the official news. Then my resume goes immediately across the desk. And at that point I tell you how great I think that job would be. Until then, I wait.

So while I'm waiting, I'm watching Scrubs, for the first time since before student teaching. It's not as good as I remember. Maybe it's a weird episode, but it's all about politics. I watch sit coms to avoid red-blue issues. Oh well, at least there's still 24. I do so love Jack Bauer.