Potpourri

Ok, so I have lots to say...I'll get the awkward stuff out of the way first.
I received my long awaited job end date. My last day at work will be August 20. Whew, right around the corner. I can't define my emotions 'cause they are all over the place...one moment I'm excited, one moment I'm sad, one moment I'm anxiety ridden, and one moment I'm relieved to finally have a date. I'm the last of my group to go (they're keeping me a few days past conversion in case anything unexpected happens). Can't say what I will do either. I've had multiple requests for me to attend company overviews for financial advisor positions, but I'm not sure I want to go back into investments. My heart says one thing, my parents are saying another thing (eww Fed's *shiver* *shiver* *shiver*), but I hope to pursue what is on my heart...at least until my checkbook screams another. I guess I just have to sit back and listen and wait. The company I work for always provided a 30 day sabbatical on each employee's 10 year anniversary...I planned to go to London. Well, I've been there 10 years, and since the company divestiture, my sabbatical never happened; however, I'm going to London anyway. Paris is in the works...there is a ministry there that works with teens through art and I would love to help out. Anyway, I will miss work...here's some of the things I'll miss:






Allow me to explain: We had a mickey mouse (he even had the real Mickey plastered all over his office with a stuffed Mickey staring you in the face during meetings...creepy) of a supervisor come in and since he always wanted to know when people were at lunch, we all had to put up lunch signs (which we all gladly posted 100% of the time). We were a quirky group, and somewhat obedient. Anyway, the last picture is a team effort tack art (this was the friendliest of them). We all got bored at the scanner because it was soooo slow, so we took advantage of our down time...I loved this one especially because our temp Joe (aka cupcake-his staple food) bent up a paperclip for smoke coming out of the chimney...clever kid. So...that is what I'll miss.

On to what I've been up to lately:

In June I went on a women's retreat. There is a place in Colorado Springs called The Hideaway...oh it is sooo awesome! It's just that...hidden away in a bit of forest mountain area. It's so much fun. Well, as retreats go...oh wait, let me rephrase that...as retreats typically are when I am invited, this one was entertaining. I created a couple aliens out of handiwrap and aluminum foil and placed on of them in the retreat leaders bed...hee hee...it was the size of an 8 yr old.




The other alien was doing his thing on the throne when they found him.




It was the best...I watched Neddra walk into her room...heading to the balcony, do a quick shudder of fear, grab her heart and say VERY LOUDLY "stupid Kathryn." To that I (and a few others) all but fell out on the floor laughing. My punishment:



I was dismissed! I cried "why ya gotta lock a sister out" to no avail. I was banned; however, the intruding aliens got special attention...even their very own names! I just don't get it.

July is my birthday month, and my ski bud's birthday is just a few days before me, so we headed up to the cabin together up by Gunnison with her son and a friend of his. My folks have a resort package at Blue Mesa that I get perks from, so every so often I enjoy the free cabin. It was such a beautiful drive. I wish my camera could have caught the true splendor of it all, but here are a couple of my favorite views:

I suppose I could tell you it was raining, but I wont...those are bugs on my windsheild....lol...but if you look past that you can see snow (in July) up by Monarch Pass.




This one (below) was one of my fav's...that white stuff is not snow though...it's clouds hovering over the little valleys. It was so much more awesome than this picture.


We went to Lake City one day...I love the drive there too! I was a bit overly excited about the beauty of everything...it's so hard to clap and cheer God on when one is driving, so Cindy asked to take over...lol. I don't know...she said something about safety and such...lol.

So, while she was driving:



I got to see:















I just screamed "stop...stop." hee hee hee. Isn't it beautiful!

Last but not least, last Sunday was Bab's 1st birthday. So we went to the zoo:

Here's granny and Bab's looking at the fish. They were about the only thing...well, other than the rather large kitties she saw, that she really enjoyed.










She also started walking:

Did I mention she also adores her Great Auntie. Her mom says it's because she can get away with stuff with me, but I just think there's no reason at all for her to be unhappy, so we have a mutual agreement. ;) Besides...great niece, great auntie...maybe there's just too much greatness for one room to contain. ;-) Yeah, that's it!!!!

Feeding the Homeless

One rewarding hour and a half...one day a week. Why not?

I looked around tonight at the faces of people so delighted to be catered to and couldn't help but smile. Government help comes in on the first, and though the crowd was lighter than the norm, many still pressed in for a meal...painfully aware that the funds they received one day earlier will only go so far. It's been a hard day, for some, it's been a hard life. The doors opened at 5:15 and the people waiting outside came in and sat to listen to the 20 minute sermon and pray before supper...even applauding when the sermon was done (though I am unsure if they were applauding the completion of the sermon in anticipation of the food, or if they really enjoyed the sermon...I'd like to think there's a little of both).

I was warned of one lady who comes in who "must have a twin sister because she is mean one week and nice the next," so I decided to watch her tonight...she didn't fail my expectations...right in the middle of the sermon, she smacked the man in front of her on the back of the head and pretended she was innocent and taking notes. I quickly turned to look at another volunteer and said "did you see that?" She was already watching my reaction and laughing assuring me that she had seen it. Really, I had to giggle because, well, deep down...I wish I could do that sometimes...uh, in fact, just this week at work. ;) I looked around again and my heart just melted when I realized this night is a very important night for them. Many dressed up in their best attire, or at least did their best to make sure their only outfit was presentable. All were grateful.

Looking back at tonight I can't help but think of Isaiah 58:6-7 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"

I wondered about the economy and the impact it would have on these types of food kitchens.

I wondered at how distant being in that situation seems and yet had a sudden realization of how close it really is.

I wondered why there were just a few of us willing to serve in this capacity.

I wonder still.

Just One of My Favorite Things

YUM!!! YUM!!! YUM!!!

So...I'm driving home from work thinking more about my gas tank about to hit "E" than food, when I think I heard a still small voice whisper to me "Havarti with Dill." Suddenly out of the corner of my eye loomed Whole Foods (another one of my favorite things). I kid you not...that store sings the Hallelujah Chorus every time I enter the produce section. I could wander for hours upon end just looking at everything and dreaming about what I could make. Well, I looked at my gas gauge and then the street sign as I passed it by, then back at my gas gauge, and glanced at yet another street sign I passed by...suddenly I could take it no more...I turned. Yep, I forfeited a gallon of gas for cheese...delightfully delicious cheese. Mmmm.
I made my way through the Cherry Creek streets wishing I were sitting next to the woman relaxing on a bench nearby a posh clothing store; or, skipping with the children out walking with their daddy. *Sigh* I could have done both, you see, but that fantastic cheese was calling to me.

Cheese...It's what's for dinner.

Good For You

My sweet niece Desireé graduated last week.

This is her mom attempting to hug and pick her up at the same time. They're funny.

I traveled to Kansas to attend her graduation and spend time with the crazy family. Frances and Babs (aka Anika) rode with me; we traveled at night so Babs could sleep and wouldn't be too offended at being tied down in a car seat for 8 hours. Night travel is rough and Frances doesn't drive so I found myself pulling over every chance I got (that means an exit where no traffic was in sight) to run around the car and do jumping jacks...that afforded me another 45min of traveling with my eyes open...lol. I also made a concoction that did me well for a while...I poured a half bottle of frappuccino into my gigantic coffee cup, then added a double shot espresso to the remaining frapp and slammed it, then drank my coffee...that's some good stuff...stuff to write home about. We pulled in at 3am. My sister greeted us at the door...too excited to really sleep, then we stayed up talking until 5 or so...I guess the caffeine buzz actually kicked in too late. I just love early morning chats with my sisterface...she rocks! Every other day I was up at 5 with her drinking coffee and reading the bible.

Here's Granny feeding Babs in the morning.

I also got this sweet pic with Desireé and Babs.

I left the family one day to travel to Kansas City, MO. It just so happened that my nieces bff decided to fly in for Des' graduation...only she thought Kansas City was an airport in Kansas...lol. I was ok with the travel since I wanted to visit IHOP (International House of Prayer). What an experience! They have 24/7 praise and worship and prayer there and don't even miss a beat switching teams...amazing. IHOP far exceeded my expectations. What a beautiful place. I was thinking there would be a few people there since it was the middle of the week, but I never expected over a hundred people there. There were students, business people spending their lunch hour there, moms with their children...all kinds of people gathered to pray and worship God. Even after the lunch hour there was still a good 80 people or more there. I'm thinking I am going to take a weekend and just get away there.

Later, I picked my girl Niesha up at the airport and almost missed her...she hasn't been around my house in a couple years and my mental picture still sees her in pigtails and fuzzy sweats. She's quite lovely these days. We got a little misplaced on the road 'cause I accidentally tossed the directions...tee hee oops.

The rest of the week was spent doing little things around the house to get it ready for auction, attending graduation, visiting family, attempting to get my homework done, driving back and forth to MO...stuff like that...it was pretty busy. I got home Sunday evening and slept until Tuesday morning...lol...I was actually up for about 2 hours on Monday. :) All that travel did me in.

Since I am posting this a bit late, I have to add that my sister got in last night and we will be moving her into her new place today...I am so excited to have her back here after about 3 years...I missed her so much! So that should bring you up to date on most of my current events...I think about keeping my blog current, but somehow life gets ya busy.

Happy days to you all!

Awesome Weekend!!!

I have to say, I had such an awesome weekend! Last week was so hectic that I had no time to get things done, so I approached Friday with much anxiety. I had papers to write, a house that desperately needs cleaning (...hello...Merry Maids!), and packing for the weekend to do. I had been sick for the past 3 weeks trying to get over the flu and being able to do little else but sleep. When my alarm went off Friday at 4:30 am, I had still accomplished nothing and now had no time to do it. So, I prayed that when my parents (along with everyone else who has a key) pulled into town this weekend that they wouldn't swing by my place to check in on me...woo they would be concerned! Then I hastily packed my clothes and ran out the door...then ran back in to make sure my cats had enough food...whew...if I were a mom, I would have forgotten the children; as it was, I forgot my bible and journal.
Anyway, I left work a couple hours early to trek on down to the Springs for a Beth Moore conference. I stayed with Holly to save on the commute...what a blessing! (By the way, she typed up some pretty good notes on her blog...check it out). We got there early and stood in the FREEZING cold for a about an hour before the doors opened and tried to provide some huddle warmth for an elderly lady waiting in line...she was so precious...drove from Lake City to be there (I love Lake City...I took my nieces camping there when they were younger 'cause I love it so much). From the moment the conference began to the moment it ended, I was in awe. It was as if every word was being prophesied over me, or guiding me, or convicting me...and the WORSHIP!!!! OHHHHH!!!! I was a mess! It's measurably good by how much makeup remains on the face. I had to calm myself down a couple times 'cause I was about to take off. I know Beth said everyone worships differently and it's ok, but I felt like Hammy from Over the Hedge, and when the team started singing "come running, come running...," I promise you, I tried to convince myself that I could run as fast as Hammy around the arena and no one would even notice! I contained myself, but Woooo, it was GOOOOOOD!
Saturday, the conference ended at noon, but we all went out to eat and fellowship afterward...I spilled my water all over the table...that was exciting...can't take me anywhere! I must add that when Holly and I went back to her house, we played some Whodunnit and I won! haa haa Now generally I don't brag, but her and her hubby are so smart, logic and strategy just ooze from their beings...me...I'm lucky! haa haa So, I have to rub it in. I left that evening 'cause I needed to write a paper, and in my rushing to pack, I also forgot the paper I had been writing out and didn't want to have to think anymore. ;)
Sunday evening I went to a girlfriends house and watched God.tv because of the revival that is going on in Florida. I don't have God.tv, and neither does she, but we watched it on her laptop and chatted and were amazed at what is going on, and we chatted some more and then prayed for each other...it was the perfect end for a perfect weekend.
I am still in awe over all I received from the conference. I left some fear behind as I walked away from that arena and I am anticipating life like never before.

I Was Tagged

Melanie tagged me this week for a Six-Word Memoir Meme, and I will be tagging some of you 'cause this was interesting...but not easy. Anyway, here goes:



The Rules:

1. Write your own Six-Word Memoir.

2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want.

3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.

4. Tag at least five more blogs with links.

5. Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.



So...here's my memoir: Driven by desire...guided by God.

I don't think I am supposed to give some sort of explaination, but just so I don't get comments thinking this is a bad thing, I'll at least explain that it has several meanings. My life fell into a series of patterns from the time I was a baby...as a child was constantly driven by the desire of others. Yet, all the while the Lord's hand led me exactly where I needed to be. Today my own desire drives me to accomplish things that are beyond my complete comprehension, but I am not so driven that I can't allow Christ to take the wheel and guide me.

Ok, so here are the blogs I am tagging:
Nadine
Holly
Teri
BeckyJo
Monica

Happy Meme's!

The Mind...A Terrible thing in Haste

One more class down, three to go. Missed y'all...I tried to pop in when I could to see what you were all up to. Mel, thanks for your support, prayer, encouragement, and listening eyes...glad you're my friend.

So I have been slightly out of character recently and decided to start listening to what I am thinking. I think many people have lots of thoughts going through their mind, but never really listen to what they are saying to themselves. I thought I would share with you an early morning thought process I had. Now, if any of you thought I was nice...well, my apologies to you...I try for the most part, but I believe my mean neurons get a little overly charged at times and take a road trip to the deep dark forest of my mind. This short story is evidence of such road trip:

There is a 2.7 mile stretch from Peoria St down Mississippi Avenue which I take every morning to work. The first mile and a half is fairly easy going. I hit my first stop light at Havana St. The traffic light is not there to allow other traffic through, indeed not. It is there for a few other reasons...like...making sure I didn't leave anything at home in case I need to pull a U, or so I can plug my ipod in, or to give me a minute to check my hair, but the most important reason for that traffic light is so I can slowly look to my left...and then to my right...to see if I have any worthy opponents to take on my 4-cylinder hoopdie for the next 1.2 miles. Most people just look straight ahead pretending they aren't feeling the pressure...but I see beyond their zoned expression.

When I was a teen, we used to play a video game called Pole Position in which we reved our engines until the final tone called out our green light...then we were off. Well, traffic lights don't have the beep, but they did place a countdown on the walk signal! As soon as that red hand flashes, all eyes turn and gaze at it for the 3-2-1-0 then instantly snap back to position for the 3 second countdown to the light change. GREEN!!!! We're off! Uhh, rather...they are off...my little car is like the Little Engine that Could. My mind screams "no, they're getting ahead." I check my rearview mirror and notice the person behind me moving into the next lane over and I think "oh no you don't...you were behind me...you're staying behind me." I pick up the pace...35, 45, 50, 51...suddenly I find myself passing my initial stop light opponents...my mind laughs out loud because I know they fear that cop around the corner...I know no fear and chance that (uh 16 miles over the speed limit) ticket as I flick my hair on the way past them. Now, to cut them off so I can be the first to Leetsdale. My mind whispers "yeah, don't mess with me," then panick strikes..."oh, please don't look at the sticker of the girl kneeling before the cross that I have on my back window, oh please please please" but the guilt still doesn't lead me to repentance, and I dare not tell the Lord I won't do it again, for that would be a lie. My mind is seared from the rubber I burned a mile back...ahhh but...I won this time! Suddenly the rush is over and everyone settles back to normal speed because no one is really in a hurry, we all just want to be the first to Leetsdale.