the Office: in real life.

And this is why I love J. One of the many reasons.
The following is a text he sent me on Friday:

"We have an intern who I had in his 2nd week photocopy an 800 page file. This morning, I show up and my stapler was in a jello mold."

They better hire that intern, that's all I'm sayin'.

from the mouth of a 36 yr old

Most blogs (including mine) entail quotes/conversations that are funny involving children.

My phone call with Jeremy yesterday involved such a quote worthy of blogging as well. And he is 36 years old.

Our discussion entailed his co-workers and their choices, or lack thereof, in their wardrobe. Granted, J is a metro sexual and will admit it. None the less, he knows fashion.

He was telling me he has finally developed a trusting relationship with a another guy whom he works with. Because of this, he was relieved to say the following:

"Dude, it is time for you to get shoes that you tie in the morning. Seriously."

I think I wet my pants when he told me this. And even as I write about it, I am laughing again.

I guess adults say the darnedest things too- at least J does.

this too, shall pass

"I wondered when this was going to happen. I use to drive a tiny car."
This was what the driver said to me as she seriously needed a step ladder to get out of the HUGE cab truck that innocently plowed into my mini-van. I was in a parking lot getting ready to watch Kennedy graduate from 5th grade.
No harm done. No one was hurt. Her truck showed no signs.
Here's the catch. (Which their always seems to be a "catch" in my life.)
The damage has been done to the door with the ramp. The door and ramp that gives me freedom in my life. It doesn't work. The last couple of days I made arrangements with a co-worker, neighbor, friends and even calling people in the businesses I need to visit. Like yesterday when I had to make a half hour trip that turned into a 3 hour tour (time for a GPS) for a 15 minute estimate for my insurance company.
"Can someone come out to open my door so I can get out of my van?"
I never thought those words would come out of my mouth. On multiple levels.
I am sure other words are going to seep out when this is all done.
Some days I just want a "do-over".

rings and characteristics

I don't know my life without the Hofland family and for that, I am so grateful. I wouldn't want a life without them, all of them. Including their mom and dad.

The other day, Delsie and I walked over to their house for my Hofland fix. As usual, they hopped on and we went for a "ride". Grant was sitting on my lap on this particular adventure. He noticed my hand that adorn a couple of sterling silver rings and the following conversation occurred:

Grant: Did a boy give you those rings?

Me: No. I bought them for me.

Grant: Well, I like them. They're cool.

Me: Thanks.

At this point I allowed for silence as I could feel his wheels spinning.

Grant: Will you ever get married?

Me: I'm not sure. Do you think I will?

Grant: Yea. But if you do, he better have your characteristics.

Me: What would those be?

And with that, the conversation ended. Grant was more interested in a soccer ball.

Some time later we were talking about something else that made me laugh. Without missing a beat Grant looked over at me and said, "Now THAT would be a characteristic."

And who said kids aren't wise?

You're right Grant, He better make me laugh.

choices

Our lives are full of choices. The decisions I make can effect not only me but those around me. I am keenly aware of these choices as I am reading a book by James McDonald. It has been life changing for me. As I work through discovering who I REALLY am in Christ, I say audio ably "I am choosing to believe that you love me today, God." I don't always feel Him or even trust every moment with Him. As I work through this, a friend commented that he was confident that God would show up in my obedience. Even when it hurts.


The other day I woke up with a dull ache. I was sad and couldn't even explain it. The sun was shining, my bones were thawing out from the nasty winter, trees were budding their leaves, birds were chirping, a roof over my head, food in my belly, a job to pay the bills...but the "ache" was there. "I am choosing to believe that you love me today, God."

and just like my friend said, He showed up.

This was how I found my Orchid after facilities cleaned my office early Wednesday morning:
Thanks, Celia, for allowing God to use you. And I'm not talking about vacuuming.

a moment in time.

Delsie dug a hole to China underneath my sisters tree (sorry, guys) as the rest of the family gathered around their pool. Some of my nephews and nieces braved the frigid temperature despite the difficulty in breathing after they dove in.

Oh, to be young again.

And I have a feeling Alex and Delsie agree with those sentiments as I looked over only to find the two "bonding".

A sweet memory to the end of a beautiful Memorial Day.

S-U-C-C-E-S-S!

Fun at a playground. Scootering around the block. Four square on the neighbors driveway. Drawing with chalk on the sidewalk. Talent Show. Watch a movie, "Hotel For Dogs", Lights out at 11:15 PM.
Awake at 7:30AM. Four square again. Walk to Donutville for a donut and chocolate milk. Fun at the playground. Again. Watch a movie. Again.
Ended with Mata's chocolate chip pancakes for lunch.
Another cousin night.
Another success.