Evan Almighty.

For Christmas, Jim bought me the movie, Evan Almighty, with Steve Carrell and John Goodman. Although I was a fan of Bruce Almighty, Jim and I were a bit skeptical when Evan hit the theaters, so we never made it to see it. On Wednesday, after a long day at work, we decided to rewind in front of the television and watch my newest gift!

If you don't know the movie, the plot is simple. God appears to Evan because He wants him to build an Ark, in an effort to change the world. After a bit, Evan's wife leaves with the kids because she thinks he's suffering through a mid-life crisis.

God (in the form of Morgan Freeman) appears to Joan (wife) at a restaurant and talks about the endeavor her husband is on. He talks about how He's inspired by Evan's willingness to follow God and how the animals and humans entered the Ark, two by two, together, as partners. He then says the following to her:

"Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?"

Sometimes, I think we expect God to simple give us what we want, without actually working for it. I asked God to increase my faith recently and I thought about this quote. I realized that God wouldn't just magically send my faith skyrocketing, He had to give me something to have faith in Him about. And He did.

Bandits strike again...

I thought I'd give a quick run-down of all the fabulous gifts we received over the past two days. We are thankful to everyone for everything!!!

My hubby: Jim and I had already gotten our big gift, the television, so Christmas was mostly gifts we knew this year! He also got me a cute mixer (i picked it out), some socks, three DVDs that I gave him to wrap, a beautiful watch, a ferris wheel picture holder, a small ceramic heater, a $5 target gift card in my stocking, Evan Almighty DVD! He also got me an incredibly sweet card that I will tell you more about later!!!

Mom and Dad: $ towards entertainment center, 2 shirts for me, 2 sweaters for jim, socks for jim, small bag for me, bag with haircare products for me, an appetizer book, tie rack for jim (that moves and has lights), and my usual disney snow globe (snow white this year)

David, Marisa, Kaeli, David, & Jonathan: George Foreman Grilleration for Jim (AWESOME!), something small for me, awesome black fleece comfy pants, and a red shirt that says "Shake & Bake, that just happened!!!" Gotta love it!

Riya & Bill: Star magazine subscription, I Love Jim mug (those are for me); Jim - nice work shirt

Aunt Lois, Aunt Paulette, Uncle Tom: Beautiful red satchel bag for me, with small brown flat bag and 2 awesome work shirts for jim with ties

Sera & Ryan: black flats with a sparkly bow for me and something else later

Erica: something adorable

Jason&Jessica: Game for the Wii, Super Mario Galaxy something or other (it's awesome, I forgot the name)

Schultz Family Grab Bag

For Jim's family, we've done a grab bag the past two years, which is always a lot of fun.

From his mom, I got a cool new game for the Wii with Skeeball and darts on it.

From his brother, Dan, Jim got a game for the Wii, Pirates of the Caribbean, where you use your controller as a sword!!!

Murphy Family Grab Bag

At Jim's aunt house, everyone gets involved in a larger grab bag with items anywhere from $5-$15. It's pretty neat and always turns out great. I had vowed no more fleece blankets this year, since their shape is easy to tell!!!

In a simple drawing, Jim received a $25 Kohl's giftcard and we didn't have to do anything!!!

For the grab bag:

Jim: Speakers for computer or new tv, $15 blockbuster gift card

Me: $25 TGIF gift card with picture frames (uncle terry and aunt shirley spent too much!!!), a cd player discman, and a beautiful chenille BLANKET (jim and I were actually okay with this because it's gorgeous.


Our luck is phenomenal!!! And Christmas was truly amazing and blessed more than you know!

Like Bandits.

This year, to the Mulick Christmas party, we brought one old-fashioned popcorn maker (I had wanted that) and one Disney Scene It! Second Edition game.

At the end of the night, we ended up with one box of ten puzzles, the old-fashioned popcorn maker (thanks daddy!) and a box 'o' knives. Thankfully, Josh offered to take the knives off our hands and exchanged for a Family Fued DVD game (YES!) We definitely made out like bandits this year!

The food was great, the company was better, and a smile (mostly) never left my face!

Wow...life is great!

Christmas Time.

It seems like the past few weeks of this season have simply flown by! I thought I'd share my agenda, since that seems to be the trend in the blogs I've been reading.

Thursday, December 20: Wrap and Deliver gifts, clean, last-minute errands

Friday, December 21: Niece & Nephews over for a sleepover to play the Wii, bake cookies, and watch movies

Saturday, December 22: Wake up and hang out with kids, make dessert, wrap gifts, and head to Mulick Christmas party

Sunday, December 23: Chillax! Finish gift buying and the like!

Monday, December 24: Movie with Jim, Finish wrapping, and prepare appetizer. Aunt's house for Christmas Eve get together

Tuesday, December 25: Morning with Jim and home, Mom & Dad's for gifts and early dinner, Jim's aunt's house for grab bag

wOOt! I can hardly wait for all the excitement to begin.

God is good.

A friend spoke with me the other day and ended the conversation with God is good.

I realize this season how truly awesome and great God is.

Please bless and keep me in this time, to know that you planned my life out far before my parents even knew I was there. You know each and every thing about me, my past, present and future. May this next year be one of health and happiness for my family and friends. thank you. i can't stop saying it. thank you. Amen.

Happy Birthday, Jim!

Happy Birthday, Jim!!!

Twenty-five years ago today, James Eugene the III was born. As was his twin brother, Jason Matthew (four minutes earlier).

This morning, I woke him up the usual Hostess Hurrah and a nutcracker for our collection and a small bag of Dunkin Donuts coffee beans.

I also sent him a myspace message.

Jim never ceases to amaze me with his willingness and discipline in all he does.

Thanks for putting up the tree and for helping me decorate!

I look forward to many more Happy Birthdays together!!!

A Christmas Tree Story.

For the past three years, Jim and I have had a fake tree from Kmart that cost us $20. Last year, our little tree died. Since then, my mom handed down a fake tree from my aunt joan. I was eager to open it up and set it up. We wanted to get a real tree, but decided to try my aunt's tree first. Although the branches were sturdier and fuller, the tree only came up to about Jim's abdomen. Therefore, we moved that tree into our bedroom to become the "Heritage Tree."

After much hemming and hawing, Jim finally agreed to at least go look for a tree. We needed a stand to go with it too. I had some errands to run, so I told him to try Menards and then I called to inform him that Home Depot also had some good deals.

When I got back in my car, after a 15 min. store run, I saw I had missed a call two minutes earlier. I called Jim back and he stated that he couldn't find Menards behind the movie theater - even with following the big signs. He seemed frustrated. He decided Home Depot would be a better, especially since it could be found! There were three different trees, in various sizes. 3'-4': $16, 6'-8': $26, Over 9' or a different kind of tree: Over $40.

Within three minutes, Jim found the tree he wanted (middle category) and had found a stand for a good price. He arrived home and armed with a knife, I met him in the driveway. He untied the tree and met me upstairs. The process was incredibly quick and within a half hour, we bought a tree, bought a stand, drove home, brought it upstairs, set up the stand, set up the tree, cut the string, fluffed the tree, watered the tree, positioned the tree skirt and placed the star atop it. Not bad...this experience was memorable without being stressful.

Now if we could only find Menards...

w00t, w00t!

http://m-w.com/info/07words.htm

Check it out.

w00t is now officially a word.

Wrong Foot.

Sometimes, I just start off my day on the wrong foot...does that ever happen to you?

I rolled out of bed at 6:15 a.m. I literally had to DRAG myself, even though I had gotten plenty of sleep...I turned on the computer and started getting things together for the day (my book, my Metra Pass, my keys...) I waited a lifetime for the computer to boot up (it takes FOREVER for some reason!)

I jumped in the shower (too late to do ANYTHING with my hair) and picked some random clothes out that didn't turn into the greatest of outfits. Jim went downstairs to warm up the car and clear the snow. I stayed upstairs to finish some things up.

I made my sandwich (crumbs everywhere), made a hot chocolate to go (a bit too watery) and grabbed my things to meet Jim, turning off all the lights on my way out.

He finished clearing off my car as a courtesy and the alarm started to blare! I had to sift through my overstuffed purse for the keys to STOP IT and then finally found them...in the meantime, my book was sliding off of the car and my cocoa was balancing precariously. (Keep in mind...we were already late...) Jim went barreling down Wolf Road and turned the corner, I had a realization as my train was pulling up and opening its doors - I didn't think I had my work key! I frantically searched my purse and finally discovered it! I waited a second too long and missed my early train...

TWENTY minutes until the next one...I begrudgingly got out of the car and waited in the station until my train arrived. I sat down towards the window and quickly became claustrophobic as someone took over almost the entire area with newspapers and body...I felt like I was going to pass out.

At Union Station, I finally BURST out of my seat into the fresh air...thankfully, the worst was over.

I vow to make this day better than it started out to be - a perk: was not nearly as cold walking to work this morning, thank Heaven for small blessings!

Winter Walkway.

This morning, Jim and I looked out our balcony doors to a beautiful scene: white snow topping the crisp tree branches - a sight so beautiful, I truly felt the season.

I trudged through the snow today. Not the nice pretty white kind, the dirty kind that comes from car exhaust, dirt, and grime. The kind that's leftover after everyone's had their way with it. The kind that no one bothers to look at in awe or wonderment because, quite frankly, it doesn't look as nice.

I wondered whether we as humans don't do the same thing - trudge through all the "dirty" people and complain about the stains it leaves on our clothing, never bothering to see that at one point, these people were all pure and white as snow, at their core, they are all created by Him. Sometimes, I think we just trudge through life, hoping to bypass these people as quickly as possible, after all, who wants to deal with their "mess"?

Walking downtown causes my heart to hurt - wondering where all these people go at night, how they stand the cold.

I know I can't clean the dirty snow on my own, but sometimes, I just wish I'd take more time to consider where it came from.

"Sparkle Season."

Ah...another day, another tirade.

Read this article. Are you kidding me? Thankfully, Pittsburgh had half a mind to remove this tradition in 2002. Unbelievable.

Yet ANOTHER ridiculous name. Thoughts on this "Sparkle Season"?

"Holiday" Tirade.

Forgive me in advance if you find this blog offensive, but sometimes the things people do daily OFFEND me.

Last time I checked, CHRISTmas was a religious holiday. It represents the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without the Christ, you just have "mas," which means nothing. Because of this OBVIOUS connection, I struggle with how people can celebrate CHRISTmas with little to no recognition of its religious beginnings.

For example, why do we say Season's Greetings? Technically, couldn't I say this at all points of the year, "Welcome to Summer, Season's Greetings." What exactly does it mean?

Next, "Happy HolidaysSSSSSSSSSSSSSS." Exactly what holidaysssssssss are we celebrating? I know that when someone tells me that, I'm baffled, I only celebrate ONE holiday and you may as well say MERRY CHRISTMAS!

This morning in the post office, the clerk asked the woman in front of me, "CHRISTmas stamps?" The woman replied, "Yes." The clerk then said, "Religious or non-religious?" The woman said, "non-religious." ERROR, ERROR, ERROR! NOT POSSIBLE. You cannot celebrate Christmas non-religiously, if you do, then you are clearly celebrating something OTHER than Christmas because Christmas is inherently religious.

Please explain to me how a person is celebrating Christmas if they do not believe in Jesus or recognize his connection with this holiday. If this is the case, then you are celebrating, Santamas or St. Nickmas. I'm sorry for being harsh, but I'm sick and tired of people taking all the perks of Christmas, like presents, days off and parties, but they choose not to take the MEANING of Christmas with it.

Feel free to lend your insight.

Tree Debate.

I’ve known many people who choose to do the tree in a certain fashion.

My question to you:

What kind of tree do you use or did you grow up with: real or fake?

Family stories are appreciated.

Heart's Desires.

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

I spoke with a friend recently about an issue that I have been struggling with. When I share this same issue with others, the response is usually some variation on “God gives us the desires of our heart.” I then told this friend about how I struggled with this concept: if God gives us the desires of our hearts, then why don’t I yet have what I want? (It sounds funny typed out, but it was how I felt at the time).

This was her response: “He will give you the desires of your heart, means that He will impart to you; He will ordain the desires of your heart when you delight yourself in Him. I used to think it meant that he’ll give me what I want. Instead, it means that He will put His desires in my heart and they will subsequently become my desires. God is good. God is faithful and God will give you more than you asked or imagined.”

Sometimes, I struggle with whether or not this desire comes from God. Sometimes, I wish I knew and had all the answers.

Has there ever been something in your life that you desired so badly, but felt at odds with God because it didn’t happen in your timing?

Road Rage.

People on the road are aggravating.

They go slow when you are behind them, then speed up when you want to pass them.

They do not use appropriate lane signals.

They drive me nuts!!!!

This morning, I offered to drive as Jim and I were headed to work. Big mistake.

This woman in a red SUV of sorts begins zipping in and out of cars, apparently headed to somewhere very important. I catch a glimpse of her license plate and notice that the initials for firefighters is present. Great. Jim noted that it is usually a fireman's wife who believes she owns the road simply because she has those initials on her plates. Funny, as her husband is saving lives, she is single handedly destroying them. I played a safe "game" with her, blocking her in and out of various lanes of traffic (sorry, I had to admit this). Finally, she zooms ahead and continues to weave in and out of traffic, tailing people and nearly side swiping various cars. I wanted to roll down my window and ask her where she had to get in a hurry. After a few minutes, it appeared that we had lost her. However, we were wrong. We caught up to her...pulling into a McDonald's. Hope you got your McMuffin in time, Speedy Gonzalez. Hope you are happy you endangered the lives of hundreds for your "happy" meal. Eh gash.

Black Friday 2007.

As in a previous post, I gave the history of our experience with Black Friday. This year, we kicked things up a notch.

In the weeks before Black Friday, we browsed the ads online, began to make our choices and added them to a list. Kmart was having a Thanksgiving Day Sale, starting at 7am. On the front page of the ad, they had two big items: a Wii (already have one) and a 32” Olevia Flat Screen LCD Television. If anyone knows Jim and I, we have two televisions, both 20” and they are not exactly the best feature of our place. Every year, we buy one joint gift and decided to try for this television on Thanksgiving Day.

I decided that the Kmart by our house would be the best bet, so we decided to scout the layout of the store the night before. Jim then asked a salesman how they would be distributing the tvs. (The ad had both items VERY LARGE on the first page, so we knew they would be what everyone wanted). The guy told us that at 4am Thanksgiving morning, they would be handing out tickets for the Wii and the TV. We then traveled home to plan our early morning.

I then told Jim that I would brave the cold in the morning at woke up at 2:30 a.m!!!! I gathered my stuff together and bundled up. Jim jumped out of bed because he didn’t want me waiting out there alone. We got to Kmart by 3:15 a.m. and only two people were in line! We waited. Only three other people came after us! At 4 a.m., the manager came out and distributed the tickets. Everyone got what they wanted. We all went back to our cars and planned to see one another at 7 am when we could pick up our goods!

At 6:30 a.m., we grabbed our gear and tickets again (we picked up two for the tv since we didn’t know if family members would want one). Before we pulled up to the store, I asked Jim what time he would have come to stand in line if we didn’t know about the tickets. He said about 6:30 a.m. since it was a Thanksgiving Day sale and it’s Kmart! Boy was he wrong! Thank goodness we got our tickets earlier because at 6:30 a.m., the line was to the end of the store and all of the TV tickets were LONG GONE!

We stepped in line and asked about the TVs. Someone said, “Oh no honey, you’re not getting one of those!” Little did she know…As the line progressed, an older guy noticed we had an extra ticket. He asked if I would sell it to him for 2 bucks, I raised him three dollars and made a $5 profit on a stupid ticket!!!!!!!! Once we got inside, Jim grabbed the TV (which was in a waiting cart and appeared as though someone was trying to take it). Then he ran to one end of the store with a cart and TV in tow! I grabbed the electronics we needed, then headed to the toys for some games. We hit up the Christmas decorations and grabbed a much needed tree skirt and headed for the checkout. Yay, Success!! I must wonder though – why do people come out on Thanksgiving Day for a huge sale and then complain the entire time that they didn’t get what they wanted? They also question the clerk’s every move as she scans the items in. My theory? If they don’t have what you want, leave! Don’t stay and buy things that you “think” are on sale. Yikes. All of this amazingness happened on THURSDAY! Yay for an additional day of shopping!



Now onto Black Friday. We still had a general list from when we had looked online and planned our day! Typically, we head to a few different stores and this year, we decided to start at Target. This year, Marisa, my sister-in-law, decided to join us – she had never done this before!! Even though we did not need any bigger items, I wanted to make sure we got everything we needed. At 2:15 a.m., we woke up and bundled up to head out. Jim wasn’t feeling well, so Marisa and I went it alone! We ended up getting to Target on 191st and Harlem by 2:30 a.m. and got into line with our chairs and blankets – we were numbers 8 and 9! W00t! Success. Best Buy already had a huge line and their parking lot was FULL! Behind us, there were also some people that had never done this before, so I gave them advice. It was freezing, but Marisa was a real trooper and occasionally, her glasses would fog up! Target was extremely organized and also handed out awesome red Shopper Survival Bags with coffee grounds, granola bars, and animal crackers! Yay for freebies! Jim finally joined us at 5:30 a.m. and we got the people behind us to pretend to yell at him for “cutting.” Jim got very defensive until we all started to laugh!

Once inside, Marisa ran to toys and I ran to DVDs/electronics. We each ended up grabbing a cart since we took time finding each other. We filled two carts to the brim, and then headed to the pharmacy/grocery area to sort our finds! We also hit up the dollar section, decorations and housewares. Jim got our traditional Christmas CD (a jazz collection) and I grabbed some really awesome gifts! Marisa was able to find some toys and miscellaneous items for the kids! I wanted this stand mixer (not a kitchenaid) that was only $25. When I got there, they were out, but another woman said they would be bringing more. We got to talking and realized that if we didn’t find where they brought them out, we would miss them because people would start grabbing them off the cart. The woman then found the right people and had been thoughtful enough to grab me one!! What a nice thing to do and especially on what is usually the rudest day of the year! We headed to the check out and were surprised at our bounty. I finished everyone on my list and before I started I had had a lot of people to finish buying for! Definite success! We ended up with DVDs, grab bag gifts and loads of other things!

We stopped off at the beauty shop to share in our good fortune, then we headed to the mall for a quick stop at the Disney Store and KB Toys. Marisa bought a few things. We then went to Denny’s for an early breakfast/lunch and then back to the Marisa’s house for a quick nap. The day finally ended with a stop at Joann Fabrics where I got a huge frame for cheap and then back to my parents’ house for leftovers, pizza and the Elf with my brother and niece and nephews! I still have not caught up on sleep, but it was all worth it. Marisa already said she’s in for next year!!!!!

Peterson III.

Wonders never cease. After reading this story, I am astounded that people actually perpetrate these crimes on another human being, let alone their own children.

If you don’t know, I work for a family law firm and the work we do has involved bitter divorce and custody disputes. I can’t imagine going from love to loathing in sixty seconds for a man that I vowed to be with through sickness and health (He still manages to annoy me, but I love him all the same).

In what is purported to be an act of revenge on his ex-wife, this father allegedly burned his sons alive. They are both now on life support. How quickly children become the victims in situations designed to attack the other spouse. It is unfortunate.

While I do not have children of my own, I could never fathom taking these actions that this man allegedly took. Welcome to the club, Mr. Peterson III.

Peterson Problems.

In light of the recent developments in Bolingbrook, Illinois, I thought I would address a similar case from a few years ago, also involving a Peterson.

Laci Peterson vanished between December 23 and Christmas Eve morning, 2002. She was eight months pregnant at the time. With no clues to go on, police could make no arrest although they kept Scott Peterson, her husband, under surveillance. He had reportedly been having an affair with another woman who herself went public on January 24, 2003. Scott had also taken out a $250,000 insurance policy on his wife prior to her disappearance. Finally, in April 2003, her body and that of her unborn son were washed up on the shore at Richmond, California and Scott was arrested and charged with murder of his wife and child the day the remains were identified, on April 18, 2003. Scott Peterson was found guilty of murder for both his wife and child and was sentenced to death.

How any man could take the life of his wife and child, particularly in such a cruel manner, is dumbfounding. The irony in the Laci Peterson case is that Scott Peterson maintained his innocence...yet dyed his hair, contacted his mistress, was on his way to Mexico, and began to make plans for a new life.

In the Drew and Stacy Peterson case, he also maintains his innocence, even though he has a pattern of behavior with THREE OTHER WIVES that suggests otherwise.

One day, Scott Peterson will stand before God to be judged and I wonder what God would say. Scott Peterson destroyed two of God's creations. These men infuriate me. Just some thoughts for this Tuesday.

Giving Thanks.

In honor of Thanksgiving, I thought I would blog about what I am thankful for.

First and foremost, I’m thankful for a God who loves me and wants what’s best for me and my family.

I’m thankful that I have an amazing husband who provides for me and would do anything for me, including shining his cell phone in my face at 5am, so that I work out and am healthy.

I’m thankful for close family and sisters-in-law who have become more like real sisters or even sisters-in-love (very corny).

I’m thankful for extended family that makes us laugh and keep us on our toes.

I’m thankful for the jobs God has provided for myself and Jim.

I’m thankful for friends who keep me accountable and care about my daily life. (You know who you are. In the interest of not leaving anyone out, I have chosen to keep this generic.)

I’m thankful for a new Pastor and his wife for bringing vision and new life to Stone Church.

I’m thankful for my new home.

I’m thankful for nieces and nephews who make me smile and laugh: Kaeli, David, Jonathan, Holly, Elizabeth and also Malachi!

I’m thankful for my health and the health of family and friends.

I’m thankful for each and everything I have even that which I sometimes take for granted.

Give Thanks. What are you thankful for?

One Week...

Until the greatest day of the year. The Black Friday Adventure!!!!

For those of you who don't know or have been living in a hole your entire life, the Friday after Thanksgiving is an amazing day for headaches and bargains for Christmas shopping. Because of that, I thought I'd share with you a little about my history with Black Friday.

A long time ago, when I was a young child, my mom and my cousin, Rhonda, would travel to the stores early in the morning before work (like at six a.m.) to gather Christmas goodies, like wrapping paper and toys. They would frequently plan their excursion as we feasted on Thanksgiving turkey and then abruptly, one year, they stopped! Work schedules conflicted and the time was never to be found...until we picked up where they left off...

In 2003, my cousin, Sera (Rhonda's daughter) and I decided to have the brilliant idea of going to Best Buy to attempt what only our mothers had tried when we were younger. We arrived at Best Buy at 4:30 a.m. to find TWENTY people already in line. It was freezing, we had virtually nothing on (no real mittens, gloves, coats), but we had made it! Luckily, my wonderful father (who not only rises early, but at the time was 6'3" and weighed close to 300 pounds) came to our rescue and shielded us from the cold. He was a great asset because once we got inside, he simply walked and people moved out of his way. We left with one desktop computer, 2 twenty dollar DVD players, and a handful of bargain DVDs. Throughout the remainder of the day, we hit various stores, stopped at my mom's beauty shop, and had breakfast when everyone else was only STARTING to shop.

In 2004, Sera had to work and so Jim became my partner in crime. We were freshly married and I decided that the mall would be the trick this time. We arrived outside the mall at 4:30 a.m. to stand in line for the Disney store (there were a TON of people there, but we found out that they were going to Kaybee toys). We had a juice to share and donut. It wasn't quite as cold, so we actually had to take our sweatshirts off!! We also borrowed my brother's van for all of our loot. We left with two discounted snow globes (I collect them), kids pajamas, toys, and the like. We also hit Kaybee toystore. As in the previous year, we hit various other stores, stopped at the beauty shop and had breakfast when everyone else was only STARTING to shop.

In 2005, the crew was back together and Sera, Jim, and I decided to go to Circuit City for a camera and discount DVDs. This time, we arrived there at 3 a.m. (We had to wake up at 2 a.m. to get ready!) We again borrowed my brother's van and tried to bundle up as much as possible. We even brought blankets to wrap ourselves in. However, none of this bundling helped. Jim went to Dunkin Donuts for coffee, but by the time the store opened, Sera and I were convinced that our feet were frostbitten. We grabbed the camera and discount DVDs and stood in line...FOR TWO FREAKING HOURS! Needless to say, we will never go back to Circuit City again!! As in the previous year, we hit various other stores, stopped at the beauty shop and had breakfast when everyone else was only STARTING to shop.

In 2006, Jim and I had to make a plan of attack. Sera was once again, working. My brother lived in Crestwood at the time and a brand new Walmart had just opened up. In the previous years, we had NEVER ventured there because of all the nightmare stories we heard, but I knew we had to try it at least ONCE! At 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening, Jim and I drove by Walmart to my brother's home to pick up his van. The plan was to sleep there, rise super early and go shopping. We were wrong! I saw people out there and asked Jim to drop me off and he went to pick up the van! Our adventure began at 10:15 p.m. Thanksgiving night. There were roughly 15 people in line ahead of us. I knew if we waited any longer it would only get worse! People almost started fighting, but the police were right there. People even tried to cut in line, but they were stopped by the police again. We left with a new television, portable dvd player, toys, and bargain dvds. It was a good haul, but not an adventure I'd be eager to make again! As in the previous year, we hit various other stores, stopped at the beauty shop and had breakfast when everyone else was only STARTING to shop.

I am excited to see where we will go this year. Our planning has already begun and I'll be sure to blog about it! We also turn on 93.9 for wonderful Christmas inspiration and watch the Elf officially every year on that day! It's an amazing tradition that I'm happy to carry on from my mom so long ago...

Calorie Counter.

I’ll admit it. I’m obsessed. With calories. You may think that sounds insane, but trust me, it’s only the beginning.

A few days ago, I woke up with a strange realization. I probably will NOT lose weight simply from actually moving my body in exercise. I actually probably WILL have to expend energy concerning myself with what I eat. What a new and fantastic concept!

I wish things were easy – that the moment I blink my eyes, the pounds melt off. However, God has not blessed me with my husband’s metabolism.

I’ve started “counting calories” with a friend and boy, does it get complicated! We shared one (1) small bag of chips today. We decided to share to, of course, cut down on calories. After much discussion, we realized we ate MORE calories than we first thought and so we were both equally “depressed.”

I don’t believe it’s bad to be body “conscious,” but I do think the line becomes a bit more blurred when we become body “obsessed.” God has given each of us a temple to Him, a magnificent creation to carry us through this life on earth. As such, we should do our best to care for it, which to this point, I haven’t done my best.

On the other end of the spectrum, I don’t think God called us to “obsess” about how we look or develop a complex over minor differences. Women especially are guilty of this “sin.” We constantly criticize ourselves and others because of how we look.

With anything else, the longest journey begins with a single step. And the pound lost begins with a single calorie. I vow to become more body “conscious” and less body “obsessed.” I vow to lift up other women in their daily walk, to encourage them to embrace the body God gave them, while preserving it.

Has anyone ever counted calories? Do you have any sure fire methods to lose weight?

Family Fitness.

For my birthday, my parents paid for Jim and I to join Cardinal Fitness and also paid for our first month’s dues. The surprising thing is that I actually asked for this gift. We signed up at the end of October to capitalize on a deal regarding the start up fee. Jim, because he is a government employee (officer), did not have to pay anything to begin.

Since the end of October, we have now gone a grand total of ONCE – that would be this morning. We have both been battling illnesses and general tiredness, but we finally managed to make it there this morning by a quarter to six.

I sprinted to the bikes and embarked on a 30 minute journey to sweat and pain. Afterwards, I showered, got dressed for work and proceeded to walk the one mile to my office from the train station. Luckily, I was able to catch up on sleep during my train ride.

I can’t believe some people actually like working out.

For those of you that work out/exercise, any advice on how to make my time tolerable?

Rollercoaster Christianity.

My walk with God resembles a rollercoaster ride. I eagerly wait in line for my turn, my opportunity to experience God’s purpose in my life, to know what it’s like to be on top of the world with nothing but God’s hands to catch me.

Other times, I take my seat at the front and buckle in, ready to handle anything he might throw my way. I choose the first car, in hopes that I don’t miss a thing and can constantly see what’s right in front of me.

Sometimes, I like to take the back seat to gain wisdom from those who are in front. Do I raise my hands? Scream at the top of my lungs? Or simply just let the wind whip my face?

The first hill builds in anticipation and at the crest, I feel like my walk can’t get any better. And then I plummet, to a valley, only to find that it’s a long way to the top again and it seems like I’ll never get there again.

I want to cross my arms at times and give God my look of disappointment. A harrumph for all the things He didn’t do that I thought He should have. For leaving me alone, in the valley. For not giving me what I want, when I want it. For not doing it my way. Why do I feel so FRUSTRATED?!?!

In recent days, people have communicated to me that they need help from God to restore their relationship with God. I wonder, if we’re asking God to help us fix it and our supposed problem is in our relationship with Him, perhaps the person that needs the fixing is not Him, but us.

Perhaps, I should look at myself and give a look of disappointment. A harrumph for all the things He asked me to do, but I didn’t. For trying to get out of the valley, on my own, without His help. For taking and expecting what I should, when I don’t deserve it. For doing it my way.

College Bound.

For those of you who may not know, I have had the pleasure of serving as an adjunct Professor this semester, teaching American Government to college students. I should also tell you that while my husband and I both attended college, I would argue that college is not for everyone.

After teaching for one semester, I know this to be true.

My class is a 200-level course and the majority, if not all, of my students, are sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The class is considered “gen ed" and is offered in the evening. At this stage in the game, you would think that most students would know how this whole academia thing goes. Apparently, I was wrong.

It’s not secret that various colleges have seemed to lower standards in an attempt to make the cheap buck. However, in doing so, you have people accepted into college that, in no easy terms, have no place being there. They do not possess even the most basic, cognitive functions and they struggle with fill in the blank questions. They need any and everything spoon fed into their eager and waiting mouths, only to spit back nothing, because they have yet to learn an ounce of information. Frightening.

Furthermore, the course is only offered one day per week, but it counts for three credit hours. When translated, this means that students MUST attend every class time because failing to do so, means they are missing an ENTIRE week of the course. We only meet around fourteen times, so each period is crucial. I also have students routinely sleep and ask if “We can get out early.”

I have already been overly kind because I have canceled class for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, but for most, this doesn’t matter, because that is in the future and they would rather get out of class now. Too bad.

I have students, on quizzes/tests, who insist that our form of government is a monarchy (democratic republic) and the Bill of Rights is made up of twelve amendments (ten). Did you also know that our presidential election is decided by popular vote? (electoral college)

It amazes me that these students have been told that they possess the skills necessary to achieve particular positions. It’s difficult to come from a low-grade college with a low grade point average. The job market won’t like you.

College wasn’t meant to be easy, yet students expect professors to bend over backwards to make things as simple as possible. Guess what, this isn't second grade anymore. This is the big leagues.

I also find it odd that students of this age (over 18), complain and whine like children, but also get frustrated when parents TREAT them like children. Hmm…I wonder why.

At the beginning of the semester, I explained that we would be having group projects and they formed groups with topics. This was explained in the syllabus and I passed out the Rubric. I stressed that while I wasn’t a strong advocate for such projects, I felt that it was an easy way to boost a grade. Fast forward to yesterday, some students begin telling me that I stated that the group projects weren’t happening, that they were being thrown out. A few others jumped on that bandwagon. All of this happened because I reminded them that the week after Thanksgiving, the group projects would “performed.”

Students then proceeded to tell me that I hadn’t reminded them, hadn’t given them class time and that they certainly weren’t going to work on a 30 minute project TWO MONTHS ago, I mean, “We are college students,” as one student informed me.

Really? You’re college students? You could have fooled me. My seven year old niece handles greater responsibility than most of you combined. You didn’t need two whole months to do a project, but now you want more than THREE weeks. Give me a break.

This is college, not kindergarten. I remember the one time my boss just “threw out” that big project that was due. Oh wait, that didn’t happen. My brain collapsed. If you would like to be treated like college students, act like one.

Family Ties.

For anyone that knows me, you must know how connected I am to my family. While I don’t yet have any kids of my own, I love to brag on my brother, David’s, kids: Kaeli, age 7; David, age 6; and Jonathan, age 3. I love them as if they were my own. At a young age, Kaeli tagged me as “Mantha” and I’ve never been the same!

Kaeli is an absolute doll – with her two front teeth missing now and her short blond hair, I remember a time when I was her age – carefree and fun! She slept over on Saturday night to play the Wii and just to spend a little bit of time with Mantha and Jim. I vowed to teach her something new EVERY day. We started on Saturday.

1. How many months is a pregnancy?
Kaeli: “I think 8.”
Mantha: “Actually, it’s nine.”
Kaeli: “Oh, that’s right! That’s what my friend Mallory told me.”

2. Can men have babies?

Kaeli: “No, that’s gross!”

3. What are four freedoms and what is the name of where they come from?

Kaeli: “Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of worship, and freedom of the press. I think, um, the Ame…Amend, Amendment thing? The first one?”

David is the spitting image of my brother and as such, he’s taken on that little brother role. Kicking, laughing, tickling and wriggling to get away – there’s never a dull moment! He also plays a mean game of checkers (HE TRIPLE JUMPED ME!) and he recognized when I was drawing a KNIGHT, even though my own brother didn’t.

Jonathan is the baby and I never imagine him getting older. Before he could talk, I remember thinking – “He’ll never talk. Everyone else talks for him.” I also wondered how he would sound. As he’s getting older, it never ceases to amaze me how much he knows. Recently, I celebrated my birthday and I asked what he was getting me.

Jonathan (as he walks up to his daddy): “Mantha, birthday, we go to da store.”
Daddy (my brother): “Tell Mantha to go to grass.”
Jonathan (looking up in wonderment with a scrunched face): “Huh?”

I also realized once again just how interconnected we are at the church! It’s like a twisted game of six degrees of separation! We tried explaining all the connections to Debbie Flattery (the new Pastor’s wife!).

I, formerly Samantha V., now Schultz, have two parents, Randy and Julie Vales. My brother, David Vales, married Marisa Mulick, and they now have three children. Marisa’s mom, Teri Mulick, used to work for the Academy, as did her sister, Jessica. My husband, Jim Schultz, also has a twin brother, Jason Schultz, who sits in the front row with his wife, Jessica, formerly Campins whose parent’s are Joanna and Eduardo – Joanna who formerly worked as a secretary for the church. In addition, Jim’s uncle Brian now attends occasionally, and a distant cousin, John Janks and his family also attend Stone. It causes my mind to become tangled!

I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Ah the joys of family ties…

Daily Aggravation.

Why do I allow myself to be aggravated daily? Have you ever been going along through life and find that one day, you are just easily set off?

I seem to have a moment like that almost every day. Why is that man talking so loudly on his cell phone? Why is this person walking so slowly to the train? Why does that person always look put together and I look like I stepped out of a garbage heap? Why is that person stopping traffic through the use of a cell phone? Why is everyone honking in aggravation!?!? I find that I just want to scream and shake people out of a miserable existence and tell them to STOP AGGRAVATING ME…

I get this way because I allow myself to feel it. I boil inside because I let myself heat up.

Ironically, after I have one of these moments, I look up into the deep blue sky, among the clouds and think how amazing it is that God has put this whole thing together. How in one moment, breath He made life. Why do I let the enemy steal one moment from me –when all I have to do is look up and look forward to find God’s beauty among the ash heap?

I refuse to let daily aggravation run my existence.

Human Kind.

Yesterday was Halloween. A typical night for trick or treating around the neighborhood. Our church was hosting a Family Harvest Fest for all of the children and as a result, the youth group had no where to call home. We decided to try something different: trick or treating…for canned goods. Armed with Crew sweatshirts, a box and some Stone Church cards, we embarked on a nighttime adventure to discover the goodness in human beings.

I beamed proudly from the streets like a jack ‘o’ lantern as the kids went door to door requesting non-perishables not candy from unsuspecting homeowners. People were pleasantly surprised and for the most part, cooperative. Although at one home, an enormous dog jumped out of the house and on to me. I was told by the owner, “Don’t worry, he has a muzzle on!” YIKES!

I couldn’t believe how excited the kids were to collect food for other people. Surprisingly, the night was full of unsuspecting “treats.” At times like this, I start to have faith in the human race – that perhaps we can all be “bigger than ourselves” and contribute to the betterment of all humanity. Of course, this optimism only lasted so long.

Here’s a link to a horrific news story that I heard on the television this morning as I was getting ready for work:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/630810,CST-NWS-momshot01.article

A 30-something woman who was seven months pregnant and was accompanied by her three children, under the age of 7, was killed by gang crossfire after almost making it home after trick or treating. At times like this, I lose faith in the human race. In one moment, a mother and an unborn child ripped from this world. In that same moment, three children lost their innocence. No Halloween disguise can mask the horrendous nature of this crime. Sickening

Conquered, Conqueror.

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

Sometimes, in life, I feel defeated – like each day becomes a battle that I just don’t have the energy to fight. With each new stressor, disappointment, or mistake, my life feels conquered. I forget how through Him I can conquer all. Through Him, I can refuse to be conquered.

I shared with a friend recently about a struggle that I had and how I felt ultimately defeated. She told me that while the enemy comes to kill and destroy, God will raise us up because He loves us and wants what is best for us. At times, this is hard to believe. I want to believe I can conquer all through Him, but sometimes, I’m just tired. And weak. And broken.

For this I pray:

Lord, give me the strength and courage to know that through all things, I can be more than a conqueror because of your love for me. Help me to understand you more even when I do not understand your plan for my life. Help me to walk by faith and have the confidence to face each day with a renewed sense of vigor. I thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do in the days to come. You are my strength.

Golden Birthday.

Quarter of a century. One-third of a life expectancy. On this glorious day known as my golden birthday, I turn the ripe old age of twenty-five (25). Thus far, the life I have lived has been grand, but I know that I still have so much to do.

Thanks to everyone who sent birthday greetings on Facebook and Myspace. Thank you for all who will help me celebrate this momentous time. Thank you for everything.

In my family, we have a tradition of a hostess goodies cake in the morning (made up of twinkies, cupcakes, suzy q’s and other goodies) – the one rule – they must be in the morning and it must be HOSTESS. At midnight this morning, I awoke to a fireball next to my head as my husband sang a rousing version of “Happy Birthday.” Luckily, I got to sleep a few more hours.

Jim has started a tradition since my 21st birthday doing past, present and future gifts. One week ago, Jim laid out six wonderful gifts that I had the opportunity to shake and guess.

At midnight, I received the first gift, this time, “Just Because.” It was a DVD I had been wanting, but never put on my list!!!

When I rewoke up at 6 am, I decided to go for it and open all of my gifts.

First, the past. There was a little tag on it that said "Open After" I opened the box and it was foot wash stuff. I also got the Office season 3 (W00t!). I opened the tag and it directed me to find something in the room, I looked and found another card which entitles me to one pedicure by Jim!

Now, to the present, which also had an "open after" tag. It was foot insoles!!! ICK. But the tag directed me to another card that entitles me to two pairs of shoes, my choice from anywhere but Payless!

The final two gifts were future and this time, the tag said "open before." It said a riddle like "Russian china dolls that go from large, to medium, to small, look in my closet for the best gift of all." I wasn't expecting anything else because I already had the six gifts in front of me. SO, I took this bigger gift out and was like WHOA! Jim started grinning. I opened the two smaller future gifts first and what was inside?

A Wii CONTROLLER AND GAME....

Therefore, in the big box, he had bought me the Wii GAMING SYSTEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited !!!!!!

About me.

Sharon tagged me to write seven things about myself, preferably unknown. I do not have many people to tag so since Bethany and Erik haven't done this, I TAG THE TWO OF YOU!

1. I went to an NSYNC concert my senior year of high school...and loved it!

2. I used to work for a firm with the tagline, "Life's Short. Get a Divorce."

3. I kissed my husband before he was my boyfriend. (If you are young and reading this, do not do this)

4. I secretly peek at my Christmas presents every year, if I know where to find them.

5. I once drove my car into a ditch...on accident.

6. I played the tuba, trombone and euphonia [sic?] in junior high band.

7. I once tried to acquire the most friends on Facebook by "stealing" other people's friends.

Musically Challenged.

Screamo. Emo. Grunge. Pop. Rock. R&B. Rap. Easy Listening. Christian. Rock n Roll. Heavy Metal. Ska. Punk. I participated in a rather heated discussion about music and celebrities. My point was as follows: Although there is quite a variety of music out there, the fact that you can listen to that music does not necessarily make it music or mean that that type of music requires a high degree of talent.

For example. I thoroughly enjoy “music” from boy bands. However, I would agree that the music is not talented and requires little to no skill. That does not change the fact that I like that type of “music.”

Another example. I began attacking people who sing badly or scream. I stated that the “music” was bad. This person then proceeded to tell me that the person is merely “vocalitizing” which takes skill to which I respectfully and strongly disagree. He then stated that the music is really the speed and sound of the guitar and drums and that is talented. Again, while it may be music, it may not be filled with talent. My next point was this: consider ozzy osbourne and his band, Black Sabbath. Ozzy Osbourne’s “vocalitizing” stinks and requires no skill. His “band” may be musical and even slightly talented, but most people don’t even know their names. They know Ozzy, the terrible singer. Case closed.

In the end, music will be popular and considered important if someone thinks it is. If I sing on a Sunday morning and sell a million records, it doesn’t mean that I am “talented.” Two cases: Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne. Case closed again.

I also think that it’s always nice to have a healthy discussion including ad hominem attacks about how I am stupid – a clear sign that a person has run out of something intelligent to contribute.

Church Equality.

A few months ago, Jim and I pondered the idea of a woman on the deacon board. We wondered why no woman had ever been nominated and what the circumstances were. P. Erik delved into the matter and spoke with the business administrator regarding this issue. The qualifications to be nominated for the church board are as follows:

1. Member for at least a year
2. In good standing
a. Tithe
b. Attendance
c. Ministry participation

Finally, but certainly not least…

3. NOT A WOMAN.

I am struck by this as I consider women in the Bible. Esther and Ruth, who knew the heart of God and recognized their role. I understand the idea that men should be the spiritual heads of the home, but whoever said that this was the same that should be required of the church?

In my devotional today, the author addresses the story of Priscilla and Aquila who traveled the world as tent makers and followers of Christ. An interesting note is made: in the Bible, Priscilla is mentioned first just as often as Aquila. Thus, leading the author to believe, that God consider them equal partners, followers, and leaders in Christ.

Furthermore, the Bible specifically mentions the deaconess, Phoebe. With all this Biblical truth, I still wonder why the church hasn’t taken a more active role forward. I plan on bringing this timely issue up at the next meeting. Oh, and by the way, we can vote now.

Cooking with Sam.

For those of you who may not know, I have had the pleasure of being a nanny for the past two and a half years to a little boy named Sam. One day per week, I travel towards Rosemont with Jim and then watch the little guy for the whole day, while his mum and dad work (his dad is British, hence the mum).

He was born on March 11th and I started watching him when he was only about three months old. He makes me laugh and started early on calling me “mantha,” which is what my niece and nephews call me.

He knows words like weed whacker, lawnmower, crane, bulldozer, and phoebe (his cat). We attend a cooking class once per week together, where he eats most things, while I “design” them. We’ve had our fair share of funny looks when I tell people that my name is Sam and so is his. (They seem to think I’m his mom.) I even had someone say how “trendy” it was to name a son after the mother. How nice. Ultimately, I’m flattered, as one woman put it, “You take such good care of him, like a mother. I would never have thought otherwise.”

We take occasionally trips to target to look at “Vaccies” and try on funny hats. I also found out that he will be a big brother sometime in June (a blessing considering that his mom experienced a miscarriage late last year). I love him and spending time with him and would hope that for the short time I am in his life that he will always remember me, his Mantha.

Communion, Community.

Entering a first Fall Retreat, I expected nothing. With open eyes and an open heart, I had hoped to see the youth find a new avenue to Christ and feel like they were finally getting closer to Him. I expected nothing for my own spiritual development, but instead received more than I thought I would.

The goal of my weekend was to continue to build relationships with my junior high girls and perhaps begin and develop relationships with other students. Samantha P. and I had two rooms of junior highers and only later told Erik and Bethany that we ordered pizza and all slept in the same room!!! (a total of 8 people, how I ended up on the floor, I’ll never know). Shout out to Kaitlyn, Heather C., Laura, Emily, Gianna, and Amber. We had laughs and fun and wouldn’t trade cramming our rooms together for anything!! I also had the opportunity to see other girls connect with their older leaders: Val, Jacqui, Anna, Heather J., Rebecca, and Amy with Heidi and Joyce (ask Joyce about Val’s phone calls).

I also spent more time with some Senior girls (kudos to you for venturing on the bus) and began to mingle with the older students. (Mario P. actually admits that he thinks I’m “alright” – I’ll take that as code for cool). He led our team to victory in the Corn Maze!!! (Yay for Aldo, Jim, Me, Mario, Cody, Rebecca, Mike, Paul, Paul, Isaac) and how his sister single handedly lost P. Erik’s group in the maze (just kidding!).

Saturday was incredibly spiritual for me. I healed a relationship with someone and thankfully, I owe this to her obedience. I had that moment where God said, “do this” and I actually hesitated (why did I do that?) As a result, God said, “fine, do it your way, but then I’m sending her to you.” And he did, and I’m thankful.

Fall Retreat was a first for everyone and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I never expected to get so much out of a weekend geared towards the youth – I can only hope this is the beginning of something wonderful…

Confidence, Inner Peace.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

In this journey, I have been in tune with each and every thing that God has asked me to do. While restoring relationships, I turned to a relationship in my life that seems utterly broken. With an anniversary of 10 years approaching and my bitterness for the situation only growing, I decided to give it to God. I always knew in the back of my mind that my sixty days would culminate in this way, but tried to convince myself otherwise.

God’s request was simple: talk to him. (I finally knew this was what God would have me do when Marisa mentioned that perhaps it “wouldn’t be a bad idea.”) I sent an email requesting a meeting and to my surprise (and somewhat chagrin), he agreed. I’ve gone over in my head ten thousand times, just what I would say to him, not caring about the outcome. I’m reminded of the story of Esther and how God has chosen me for this time, for such a time as this.

I don’t know what will happen once I take this leap of faith, but I know this is God’s will – the direction He’s asked me to take. It’s scary and exciting all in one breath, but I can’t quite put my finger on what makes this so phenomenal. His path has led me here and I’m hoping my inner peace about the situation will give me confidence.

Lord, you know the situation and you’ve set things into motion, long before you chose to use me. Help me to find the right words and emotions to relate to him. Help me to have an inner peace about the situation, whether or not the outcome is one that I expect. Thank you.

Confidence, Rewarded.

If you haven’t been reading my blog, then you probably don’t know that I am on a sixty day journey to and with God. In reading my devotional today, the following verses struck me:

Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (Hebrews 10:35-36 NLT)

No matter what happens in life, our trust and hope in Him remains constant. In recent weeks, I have dealt with many unanswered questions and truly wondered if God was still participating with me on this journey. I realized that my job was to keep the faith and hold out trust that God truly has my best interests at heart and He wants nothing more than for me to do His will. I’m learning daily how to do that.

Thank you, Lord, for the times spent reading your word. Thank you for your words of loving kindness. For all that you have done and are about to do.

Train Frustration.

Every morning, Jim has the unlucky job of dropping me off at the train station. I am thankful that I do not have to walk to the station or even ride a bike. I am also thankful that I do not have to park or pay to park at the station. I am not thankful, however, for the overwhelming hassle that comes with being a Metra rider.

Don’t get me wrong – I dealt with some of this when riding the CTA in Oak Park or Chicago, but nothing compares to the riders on Metra trains and the sense of entitlement that some riders seem to think they have.

After grabbing my Starbucks this morning (I had a gift card), I began walking towards the front of the train. The train came to a halt (I should have taken my usual one) and I began to make my ascent! I reached the top tier – only to find that I was stuck choosing one of the pull down seats – not a problem, I pressed forward. A “kind” woman in front of me realized “Oops!” there were no individual seats left, so she turned around – saw that I was halfway down the aisle and huffed to the farthest seat. Clearly, her intent had been to go back down to the first tier, but I had gotten in her way! (Perhaps she should have viewed the top tier from the bottom tier, but who’s using their brain…)

I settled into my seat, opened my book and began my commute to Chicago. When I take the earlier train, I usually head straight to the top tier, grab the first seat and have no problem. However, as we near Union Station, inevitably, someone just has to get to work. My solution? Leave earlier if your tasks are that urgent. As a result, they usually got onto the train in one of the later stops and they proceed to the top tier to be secluded. They then head all the way to the end and take a seat (for which there is only one exit, on the other end, where I am strategically seated). Five full minutes before the train enters the station, these people are ready and raring to go! They jump out of their seats, plow down the aisle, and proceed to stand (practically on top of me) as they wait for the crowd to begin filing out. (Keep in mind, we still have five minutes to go!) They block my way, so that the seat that was originally chosen for strategic purposes has now become a burden. My response: once the train has ceased movement, I jump up and push my way through! It’s survival of the fittest, I tell you! All of this happens only on my way to work. I then walk one mile towards my job to “cool off.” Perhaps, when I’m not so utterly exhausted, I’ll tell of my journeys home.

Cable.

Jim got cable because we absolutely could not miss any baseball playoff games.


GO CUBS!!!!!

Sometimes, I forget.

As most of you already know, I have recently acquired a job position at a firm downtown. In reading my previous posts, you can gather that the trek to the job is long! (2 miles round trip). I don't usually make it home until 6pm. This morning, as I was getting ready, I thought about my train ride to Union Station. And surprisingly, I actually had a warm, fuzzy feeling. While most people dread actually GOING to work, I enjoy my 25 minute ride to the city.

I usually find myself engrossed in my latest novel, reading over the daily newspaper, or looking at a daily devotional and just spending time with God. The twenty-five minute ride seems rather short! I spend most of the day at work, looking forward to this quiet, resting time. Jim's right - taking the Metra is one thousand times better than simply driving! through traffic no less.

Sometimes, I forget how easy it can be to take the simple things in life for granted. The colorful change of the leaves as a new season emerges. The wonderful smell of just baked cookies. My quiet time with God. Before writing this blog, I remembered that I forgot my daily devotional today! Hopefully, I'll have time to do it this afternoon. I'll make time. After all, sometimes, even I forget.

Best Friends.

I talked with three of my best friends today. I love that. One was on the phone and email. One was on the phone. And the other was via text. I love spending time with them and picking their brains. What a great end to a perfect day!

Jim went to bed early with a headache...

First Day.

I had my first day at my new job today. I was anxious and nervous. I woke up super early, got everything ready, and Jim drove me to the train station.

I was able to find a quiet seat to myself - to read and just relax. I arrived downtown about 40 minutes before I was scheduled to start - perfect opportunity to get to work in a leisurely fashion.

Upon arriving there, I was immediately given assignments to do and began working on some difficult cases. (Some that seem to have no real solution). Everyone is very nice, the office is professional, and the phones never seemed to stop ringing.

With a two-mile round trip walk, I'm sure I will get my daily dose of exercise. Surprisingly, it wasn't half bad - I'm an actually downtown employee now!

Most of all, my feelings today were ones of gratefulness. Thankful that God had supplied my needs. Thankful that this firm took a chance on me. And thankful that I finally had something to get up for in the morning!

After work, Jim picked me up and we ate buck twenty-five hamburgers at a small diner near the station. Perhaps this will be our newest ritual.

Thank you Lord, for all of the means that you manage to provide. Thank you for the opportunity to exercise and reflect on who you are. thank you for a husband who is loving enough to pick me up and drop me off at the train station, so I don't have the inconvenience of finding a parking spot. thanks most of all for being you and living up to everything that I have expected. I love you.

Faithful.

As I stated in previous posts, I have started on a sixty day journey with God. Each day I see more and more how faithful God is.

He is working to restore relationships.
He has blessed a friend with a baby.
He has blessed a number of my friends with jobs.
He has blessed other prayers that I have asked for.

God came through in a big way today - one of my interviews paid off and I will now be working downtown! Praise God!

Support Group.

God is constantly building us up as evidenced in Second Corinthians. The things we can't do ourselves become possible through friends and mentors sent by God. Our own God-made support group.

Most support groups come in the form of family (a given), dear friends, mentors, acquaintances. They offer the support we need when the time is necessary. When I took my Bar exam in July, I was flooded with support and emails from all of the above, encouraging me to follow God's path, no matter what happens. Sometimes, we just need a little support. Luckily, God provides the people.

I sometimes wonder if God uses me to be the support for someone else. To think, just as God has a plan for my life, I may play an intricate role in someone else's.

Journey.

Around one year ago today, I was contemplating the fact that my husband was going to be leaving for two months. I would be without the person I had spent the past six and a half years of my life with. He would miss my favorite season and a close second of his: autumn. No apple harvesting or pumpkin picking for us that year. My birthday, halloween, early november. All missed. At the time, I was convinced that I could never survive. What would I do with two months all to myself?

Now that I'm on the other side of that journey, it's a wonder that I made it through. As the days began to cool down (until this hot week!!!), I began to appreciate the fact that Jim would be here to experience fall with me.

On Monday night, in honor of having nothing to do, we sat around on the couch, sipped apple cider, said goodbye to summer with some scoops of ice cream, and lit some fall scented candles. We also managed to catch two amazing episodes of Wife Swap! How I cherish these times together! After all, last year, I was doing these kinds of things by myself.

Favorite quotes from "wife swap":

"Idiots."

"The egg will calm him down."

You had to see it.

Although this clip does not have the quotes, I somewhat laughed at the dad's reaction towards the end of the clip. Sorry.

Sixty Days.

My way or the highway. I want to do it. On my own. without you. I don't need you. We're done.

Sometimes, I feel like I'm in a constant struggle with God for what I am supposed to do with the rest of my life. Sometimes, I wonder day-to-day if this is the way it should go. I find myself thinking that I know best. But then I know, without Him, I am nothing.

five days ago, i decided to do something that I believe God has put on my heart for more than six months. i finally decided to give God sixty days. now, that doesn't mean after sixty days, i'm leaving. all that means is that for sixty days, i'm finally going to do it in God's complete timing and way. I'm going to do it his way - totally and completely.

around me, i have had relationships and struggles that continued to get more out of whack. i wanted an answer and realized, it would never happen on its own. to my own dismay.

in the past five days, God has opened my eyes to more than I have ever imagined and has begun to show me the avenues i need to take. sometimes, i feel tired, but with Him, for sixty days, i hope I can persevere. sixty days. could you do it?

Courage to Endure.

I recently purchased a small devotional for myself and my three senior leaders entitled, "(Secrets of) Confidence." Although my intention was to give this as a gift to them, I find that God has continually given me nuggets of wisdom. It's my unexpected surprise.

Today's devotional comes from James and goes along with what Bethany was talking about on Wednesday. How, although the path is not easy, if we choose to endure, we will be rewarded in the future.

"For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. Job is an example of a man who endured patiently. From his experience we see how the Lord's plan finally ended in good, for he is full of tenderness and mercy." James 5:10-11 (NLT)

Sometimes, we don't always understand why we go through the things we do. But God does. Thankfully, He's on my side.

Next Door Savior.

"the maker of the world with a belly button."

"the heart-stopping realization that in him you are part of something ancient, endless, unstoppable, and unfathomable. And that he, who can dig the Grand Canyon with his pinkie, thinks you're worth his death on Roman timber."

Next Door Savior became the obvious choice for our Sunday school class this past week. the work by max lucado touches on the fact that there is no person Jesus wouldn't try to reach and no place he wasn't willing to go. Jesus was just like each of us and talked to the lowest of society. He tried his best to reach each and everyone of them during his time on earth.

he has been where we have been. because he found each of us worthy, we should find each other worth. of friendship. love. grace.

At the end of the day, Jesus was entirely God and entirely man. He understood our struggles and took them on anyway. next time you think of how Jesus walked on this earth, just remember. he had a belly button. he also took time to give each of us our own.

The Last Night.

So Small.

Carrie Underwood is an American Idol who has written a number of songs having to do with Christianity, faith, and Jesus. I'll let you decide whether or not these make her a Christian. However, for me, her songs usually have meaning that can be applied to my daily life and my walk with God. The following song is entitled "So Small." I have included a video compilation (her video is not out yet) and the lyrics for this song. Sometimes, I think about how life presents us with obstacles, but that in comparison to God and his love, they become "so small." Thoughts are appreciated.



What you got if you ain't got love
The kind that you just want to give away
It's ok to open up
Go ahead and let the light shine through
I know it's hard on a rainy day
You wanna shut the world out and just be left alone
But don't run out on your faith

Cause sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
And what you've been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands
And when you figure out love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else seem
So small

It's so easy to get lost inside
A problem that seems so big at the time
It's like a river that's so wide it swallows you whole
While you're sitting around thinking about what you can't change

And worrying about all the wrong things
Time's flying by, moving so fast
You better make it count cause you can't get it back
Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
And what you've been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands
Oh, and when you figure out love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else seem
So small, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
And what you've out there searching for forever
Is in your hands
And then you figure out love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Oh, it sure makes everything else seem
So small

George Foreman Foot.

For those of you that have never seen The Office, there is an excellent episode that relates directly to my current injury. It is accurately entitled "The Injury." I have included a clip here.




This is how my foot injury began.




This is how it looks now.




It is painful. My advice to you? Don't ever burn your foot. And if you do, kick off your flip flops in time.

Child's Play.

Early this morning, I received a comment on MySpace from Val (who lives down the street from me), begging me to come over and keep her company as she watched her nephew. (She's not yet old enough to drive, so she's stuck at the house.) After much prodding, I headed over there at 11:30 am for a few hours.

Upon arriving, her nephew, Jacob was sleeping and we proceeded to make lunch. Val assisted in making me a delicious BLT and doritos. We discussed some urgent matters and then retired to the living room for TV and lunch. Jacob awoke soon thereafter...






Val had decided to play Pictionary and Guesstures with me, although with Jacob to watch, we could not play successfully. After changing his diaper, Val and I started watching high school musical. That's when it began...

Jacob proceeded to take the box of Pictionary cards and throw them into the air. I looked at Val and said, "Do you think you should put those away so he won't keep doing it?" She replied, "Oh, it's okay, I'll just clean it up when he's done." Jacob then took the box of Guesstures cards and added those to the mix...







Now Val was mad.She began to get frustrated and huff her breath. She looked at Jacob in disgust at the mess he made. I gently reminded her that I had warned her that this could happen. She would pick up a few cards and then beg me to help her (to which I kindly declined because of the previous warning). She would then get even angrier and kick and scream bloody murder! I was thoroughly amused...






I finally decided to briefly help Val (while occasionally throwing more cards on the floor) and Jacob was placed in the jumper to stay out of the way...It was truly a riotous afternoon...Let's just say she's not quite ready for motherhood...

Yestories.

It has been quite a while since I actually wrote anything, so I thought I would tell a few memories/stories from yesterday at Kristine's house.

1. Jim, Kristine, and Tina creeping upstairs to put shaving cream on the hands of Melisa and their sleeping cousin, Stephanie. Jim then comes running downstairs saying "Abort Mission because SOMEONE was talking too loud!" (Someone being Kristine).

2. Watching numerous episodes of dating on demand: "hottie or nottie?"

3. Brief stints of karaoke...with random computer images of strange looking girls.

4. Meeting Kristine's friends and telling them stories of Olivet...especially regarding "THE DEUCE."

5. Courtney (sic?), Tina and I "hiding" in Kristine's room...only for her to find us...very easily.

6. Taping episodes of dating on demand...particularly jon and "sandy's" characters.

7. Trying for a while to get the video on the tv/computer screen. thanks to kristine's mom! only to have kenny come down asking us not to watch the movie and us to wait like 2 minutes!!!

8. Melisa and I losing badly at corn hole or bean bags - WHATEVER! to Tina and Aldo...wowsies...

9. The thunderstorm and the frequent tornado warnings! (courtney, tina and I running in the "safe" closet, locking everyone else out!) only to find out that the tornado got "held up" in Kankakee.

10. Sara(h) referring to me as "the funny girl" and Courtney later calling us Kristine's "married friends"

11. Constant Powwowsies.

12. Bob scaring us by appearing "everywhere."

13. Waiting for hours watching the Cubs game looking for Bethany's sister's proposal.

14. One brief round of "Would you rather..."

15. Saying awkward things to Kristine in Romanian.

16. Leaving Aldo 87 and a half messages asking where he is and what he was doing.

17. Jim trying to scare Tina as she slept on the big chair (it didn't work, the plot was foiled)

18. Jon, Kenny, and Kevin dyeing their hair in one form or another.

19. Kristine attempting to do a grease song with her aunt and her mom.

20. Old photographs of 'the fam'

All in all a great night.

Captured.

"You have been set apart as holy to God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure." Deuteronomy 14:2

For those of you who may not know, I have been studying for the biggest examination of my life. The exam that allows me to actually become an attorney. Last weekend, I broke down to my mom and expressed all my nervousness about taking the exam, about how I didn't want to fail and disappoint everyone in my life. My mom said, "You could never disappoint me." Sometimes, we forget God is the same way. We could never disappoint Him. That doesn't mean we can just sit here and do nothing. We have to work at it.

My mom also said, "Just remember. You didn't get here on your own. You didn't get to law school without Him and He's with you now. Just don't forget that without Him, you are nothing." I am his special treasure, chosen from among many to do his work. Sometimes, I forget that too. I am nothing without Him - He makes me who I am.

"It must mean something, that I have come this far. Lifting up my hands and offering my heart.
Even when I run, I'm captured. Everywhere your love surrounds me.

You are the sky, you are the sea, you are the air I wanna breathe. You're everywhere, your love lasts forever. And if I fall, you won't let go. You hold me when I can't hold on anymore, you reach out and rescue me."

let this be my prayer:

to remember you, Lord, in all my hours. to know that without you, i am nothing. to realize my potential as your chosen treasure. you are my rescuer, my everything. to rely on you in my most dire needs and in my happiest hours. bless and keep me, in your will always. amen.

Independence Day

The day after July Fourth always seems like a major downer...people have to go back to work, the fireworks are over, and the summer seems to fast forward into overdrive. Even though summer has two whole months left, it always seems like the time is running out!

Yesterday was fantastic. My brother and I got repeatedly beaten in bean bag games by my dad and mr. mulick. I didn't go swimming, but got some sun. I actually did not have dessert! (except for a few chocolate covered strawberries as appetizers). Delicious!!!

We also spent some time with great friends (you know who you are) and had the opportunity to go to a movie (License to Wed), see a parade (in Evergreen Park) and catch fireworks (at Lake Katherine). I may not like the heat, but I love the summer! for once, I just wish time would stand still...

Unique Opportunity

Just when I was beginning to think that things would not work themselves out, I start to see that God is truly in control. A professor friend of mine recently contacted me regarding an opportunity at a local college. Even though the position would only be part-time, it would look great on my resume and provides additional income. I'm hoping that this works out and that God will continue to do great things. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers!

"Wait for You."

I have a confession. I sometimes, occasionally listen to secular music. Recently, I came across this song by Elliot Yamin (Second Runner-Up in American Idol, Taylor Hicks/Chris Daughtry season). Clearly, the song is about losing his love, but after I listened to the song, I really felt God speaking to me through its words.

I thought about how often we turn from God, never really listening to what He has for us. How God cries for us when we turn from Him and do not look for guidance. Despite our disobedience, God waits for us. He will continue to wait for us. This song is truly a conversation between me and God. Think and ponder.

"I will wait for you. Because I don't know what else I can do. Don't tell me I ran out of time. If it takes the rest of your life...no matter what I have to do, I'll wait for you. So why does your pride make you run and hide? are you that afraid of me? But I know it's a lie, what you keep inside, this is not how you want it to be."

Disclaimer:
He may use the words girl and baby, but the meaning of the song still rings true.


[Verse 1]
I never felt nothing in the world like this beforeNow I'm missing you & I'm wishing that you would come back through my doorWhy did you have to go? You could have let me knowSo now I'm all alone, Girl you could have stayed but you wouldnt give me a chanceWith you not around it's a little bit more then i can standAnd all my tears they keep running down my faceWhy did you turn away?

[Bridge]
So why does your pride make you run and hide?Are you that afraid of me? But I know it's a lie what you keep insideThis is not how you wanted to be

[Chorus]
So baby I will wait for youCause I don''t know what else i can doDon't tell me I ran out of timeIf it takes the rest of my lifeBaby I will wait for youIf you think I'm fine it just aint trueI really need you in my lifeNo matter what i have to do I'll wait for you

[Verse 2]
It's been a long time since you called me(How could you forget about me)You got me feeling crazy (crazy)How can you walk away,Everything stays the sameI just can't do it babyWhat will it take to make you come backGirl I told you what it is & it just ain't like thatWhy can't you look at me, your still in love with meDon't leave me crying.

[Bridge]
Baby why can't we just start over againGet it back to the way it wasIf you give me a chance I can love you rightBut your telling me it wont be enough

[Chorus]
So baby I will wait for youCause I don''t know what else i can doDon't tell me I ran out of timeIf it takes the rest of my lifeBaby I will wait for youIf you think I'm fine it just aint trueI really need you in my lifeNo matter what i have to do I'll wait for you

[Bridge]
So why does you pride make you run & hideAre you that afraid of me?But I know it's a lie what your keeping insideThats not how you wanted to beBaby I will wait for youBaby I will wait for youIf it's the last thing i do

[Chorus]
Baby I will wait for youCause I don''t know what else i can doDon't tell me I ran out of timeIf it takes the rest of my lifeBaby I will wait for youIf you think I'm fine it just aint trueI really need you in my lifeNo matter what i have to do I'll wait for youI'll Be Waiting.

Perfect Fit.

Bad news. The couch we liked did not fit through our hallway - it was much too long! After a few minutes of disappointment, Jim and I went back to the store and chose the same couch, but in a smaller size. The new couch should arrive on Thursday - in the meantime, we love our new chair (and a half)...

Sometimes, life is a lot like that first couch. We try and make the pieces fit the way we want, simply because it matches the desire of our hearts. However, we never truly ask God his will for his life and what he thinks will be a perfect fit.

We forget that God holds the measurements for the rest of our life. We must simply ask Him to show us those measurements. My prayer is that I would seek what God wants for my life - since what He wants is always a perfect fit.