Every once in a while some college friends get together and have dinner. WaB and I are two of those girls. Tonight it was supposed to be five, but it turned out only to be three because two got stuck at work. We had fun conversation and interesting people-watching, and then WaB and I went to Super Target to get a purse for her sister. All-in-all a nice night. But my favorite line of the evening ...
"I've been reading your blog lately, and you sure are filled with the Spirit."
All I could think to say was, "Yes I am."
Oh well. I am, and when it comes right down to it, I'm really not sure yet how to talk about it. I don't want people to think that I'm trying to push anything on them, but yes, I'm happy about where I am and about some realizations that I've had over the last seven years, leading to my being "filled with the Spirit." So there it is.
If you want to talk about it, then go ahead and ask, just understand that it may be a bit awkward at first. If you don't care or don't want to know, don't worry, I won't be asking any of you about your relationship with God unless you bring it up first.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Quick movie reviews
The last two movies we've seen are The Illusionist on DVD and Pan's Labyrinth in the theater.
We saw The Illusionist last week, and I was pretty exicted about it. We weren't excited enough about this movie to see it in the theater, but I do love Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti. And Dave loves Jessica Biel for entirely different reasons.
So, anyway, to the movie. A friend of mine with whom I usually agree had given this a so-so review. So I wasn't expecting much. Maybe that was a good thing. We really did enjoy this movie. The lighting was beautiful. It was like the entire movie was lit with candles. The acting was great. I don't specifically remember Jessica Biel turning in an amazing performance, but she also didn't seem outclassed by Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti, either, the way Katie Holmes did (against Christian Bale and Michael Caine) in Batman Begins.
And the story was a pretty cool one. Not a ringing endorsement, but we did enjoy it, and would recommend it as a rental.
Now, onto Pan's Labyrinth, which was just dark and cool. This is definitely NOT a kid's movie. It's also not a movie for What's a Blog. You want to talk about having nightmares. Some of these images will stick in your head for ages. Especially this guy (WaB, you really may not want to click on that link - fair warning). The movie progressed very slowly, but we enjoyed that about it. It goes btween the two worlds, building up the story about why this girl would want to escape. It doesn't take us long to understand, but they really do drive the point home. The bad guy is just horribly bad. This movie is dark and violent, in both supernatural and earthly ways. I'm amazed by people who have these kinds of things in their heads, and can translate them for the rest of us.
We saw The Illusionist last week, and I was pretty exicted about it. We weren't excited enough about this movie to see it in the theater, but I do love Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti. And Dave loves Jessica Biel for entirely different reasons.
So, anyway, to the movie. A friend of mine with whom I usually agree had given this a so-so review. So I wasn't expecting much. Maybe that was a good thing. We really did enjoy this movie. The lighting was beautiful. It was like the entire movie was lit with candles. The acting was great. I don't specifically remember Jessica Biel turning in an amazing performance, but she also didn't seem outclassed by Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti, either, the way Katie Holmes did (against Christian Bale and Michael Caine) in Batman Begins.
And the story was a pretty cool one. Not a ringing endorsement, but we did enjoy it, and would recommend it as a rental.
Now, onto Pan's Labyrinth, which was just dark and cool. This is definitely NOT a kid's movie. It's also not a movie for What's a Blog. You want to talk about having nightmares. Some of these images will stick in your head for ages. Especially this guy (WaB, you really may not want to click on that link - fair warning). The movie progressed very slowly, but we enjoyed that about it. It goes btween the two worlds, building up the story about why this girl would want to escape. It doesn't take us long to understand, but they really do drive the point home. The bad guy is just horribly bad. This movie is dark and violent, in both supernatural and earthly ways. I'm amazed by people who have these kinds of things in their heads, and can translate them for the rest of us.
Ah, the concert
Last Saturday, Dave, Mom, and I went to see an awesome show at the Tabernacle. First of all, I love seeing shows at the Tabernacle. Pretty much anywhere in the house, you feel close to the show, not like you're watching a concert on TV.
Back in the late eigthies or early nineties, four singer-songwriters decided to get together a play some concerts - just the four of them and their guitars. It turned out to be a bit of a hit, and they all had so much fun that they do it again every few years. The four guys are: Lyle Lovett, Guy Clark, John Hiatt, and Joe Ely. I think everyone who's read this blog for a while or knows me, knows my love for Lyle. This is the fourth time I've seen him live. The other three times were with his "big band," though, so this was a new experience. I also have a couple Guy Clark CDs and have seen him at the 40 Watt in Athens. I hadn't seen John Hiatt or Joe Ely live before this. I've known for several years that John Hiatt is a legend in the songwriter world, but back in college when I heard some of his music, I couldn't really get into it. And I've heard of Joe Ely and seen a video for the band he was in, The Flatlanders, on CMT's Wide Open Country.
So, to the concert...
There was no opening act, and they got started only about 10 minutes after the listed showtime. It wasn't what I expected, though. I thought they'd do something similar to what Paul Simon and Bob Dylan did a few years back, which was each come out to do a couple of their own songs, then they'd all do a few songs together. Nope, it was so much more fun than that. This was Bluebird Cafe on steroids.
The four guys walked out and sat down across the front of the stage. They began from stage left to right: Clark, Ely, Hiatt, Lovett. Each sang a song, then moved on to the next one, in order round and round for two hours. Between songs, they would tell stories about the songs (Joe Ely, "I've written two songs with the word 'chihuahuah' in them. This is the second one."), or about past tours, or about each other. Lyle was the deadpan comic relief, asking John Hiatt "deep" questions about the themes and meanings of his songs. Lyle commented on the "elemental" nature of many of John Hiatt's songs with references to the earth, sky, etc. One in particular, though, is called Icy Blue Heart. Again with the elemental theme, Lyle asks about what image Hiatt had while he was writing that song. Of course, Hiatt comes back with something to the effect of "well, actually, I pictured a heart in a freezer" about as matter-of-fact as you can get.
The best thing about the show, besides the music of course, is that it really felt like we were spying on these guys sitting in a living room late one Saturday night, singing for each other and showing off their work.
It was pretty cool, too, because I wasn't sure my mom would really enjoy it. But she did. And we ran into one of my cousins and her husband at the show, too.
So now I need to go out and get some more Guy Clark and a few John Hiatt CDs - maybe even some Joe Ely, too.
Back in the late eigthies or early nineties, four singer-songwriters decided to get together a play some concerts - just the four of them and their guitars. It turned out to be a bit of a hit, and they all had so much fun that they do it again every few years. The four guys are: Lyle Lovett, Guy Clark, John Hiatt, and Joe Ely. I think everyone who's read this blog for a while or knows me, knows my love for Lyle. This is the fourth time I've seen him live. The other three times were with his "big band," though, so this was a new experience. I also have a couple Guy Clark CDs and have seen him at the 40 Watt in Athens. I hadn't seen John Hiatt or Joe Ely live before this. I've known for several years that John Hiatt is a legend in the songwriter world, but back in college when I heard some of his music, I couldn't really get into it. And I've heard of Joe Ely and seen a video for the band he was in, The Flatlanders, on CMT's Wide Open Country.
So, to the concert...
There was no opening act, and they got started only about 10 minutes after the listed showtime. It wasn't what I expected, though. I thought they'd do something similar to what Paul Simon and Bob Dylan did a few years back, which was each come out to do a couple of their own songs, then they'd all do a few songs together. Nope, it was so much more fun than that. This was Bluebird Cafe on steroids.
The four guys walked out and sat down across the front of the stage. They began from stage left to right: Clark, Ely, Hiatt, Lovett. Each sang a song, then moved on to the next one, in order round and round for two hours. Between songs, they would tell stories about the songs (Joe Ely, "I've written two songs with the word 'chihuahuah' in them. This is the second one."), or about past tours, or about each other. Lyle was the deadpan comic relief, asking John Hiatt "deep" questions about the themes and meanings of his songs. Lyle commented on the "elemental" nature of many of John Hiatt's songs with references to the earth, sky, etc. One in particular, though, is called Icy Blue Heart. Again with the elemental theme, Lyle asks about what image Hiatt had while he was writing that song. Of course, Hiatt comes back with something to the effect of "well, actually, I pictured a heart in a freezer" about as matter-of-fact as you can get.
The best thing about the show, besides the music of course, is that it really felt like we were spying on these guys sitting in a living room late one Saturday night, singing for each other and showing off their work.
It was pretty cool, too, because I wasn't sure my mom would really enjoy it. But she did. And we ran into one of my cousins and her husband at the show, too.
So now I need to go out and get some more Guy Clark and a few John Hiatt CDs - maybe even some Joe Ely, too.
Let's see ... what is there to talk about
I believe I owe you guys a few posts. I promised to talk about my geeky mission/vision/values. I promised to talk about other stuff, too, but I can't remember what, so I'll start with the MVV.
As a small recap, last year was amazing, but really felt like complete chaos. Because of that, and because of decisions that are looming, I felt like the best way to help me stay focused was to really sit down and think about where I am, want to be, and what "things" in life are most meaningful to me.
Some of this may come as a surprise (at least the language) to some of you, but my politics haven't changed. None of this reflects how I expect others to lead their own lives, only how I need to focus on my own life.
Mission
I strive to live a life of meaningful relationships with Christ, Alone at Sea, my family, and friends. I will be a positive force in the lives of those around me. I will embrace those things that inspire and fulfill my life, and I will eliminate distractions.
Vision
I will live near the ocean where I can enjoy a peaceful and inpsired life as a loving wife and mother. I will be an active member of my church and community.
Values
Christ-centered life
Fulfilling relationships
Good health through enjoyable exercise
A meaningful career with personal impact on clients
Art: musical, visual, literary, and culinary
Adventure in travel and photography
They sound so formal, and corporate, but I really couldn't come up with a better way to word them. So, anyway, for those of you who care, there they are.
As a small recap, last year was amazing, but really felt like complete chaos. Because of that, and because of decisions that are looming, I felt like the best way to help me stay focused was to really sit down and think about where I am, want to be, and what "things" in life are most meaningful to me.
Some of this may come as a surprise (at least the language) to some of you, but my politics haven't changed. None of this reflects how I expect others to lead their own lives, only how I need to focus on my own life.
Mission
I strive to live a life of meaningful relationships with Christ, Alone at Sea, my family, and friends. I will be a positive force in the lives of those around me. I will embrace those things that inspire and fulfill my life, and I will eliminate distractions.
Vision
I will live near the ocean where I can enjoy a peaceful and inpsired life as a loving wife and mother. I will be an active member of my church and community.
Values
Christ-centered life
Fulfilling relationships
Good health through enjoyable exercise
A meaningful career with personal impact on clients
Art: musical, visual, literary, and culinary
Adventure in travel and photography
They sound so formal, and corporate, but I really couldn't come up with a better way to word them. So, anyway, for those of you who care, there they are.
So much to blog ...
I know I really haven't blogged much lately, even though so much has been going on. Well, chalk it up to laziness - a special kind of laziness. Since the hard drive on our laptop fried last summer (and we had it replaced), we haven't been able to get the wireless to work. This means that in order to blog, I must make a special trip downstairs to the desktop computer. When I'm on that computer, I'm usually working, so by the time I'm done with that, I really don't feel like blogging. Well, as it turns out, it wasn't the laptop at all, but the desktop computer that over the last few years we've filled up with programs and data - 35 gB of music and more than 200gB of pictures. That poor computer has been chugging along with patches and restarts for the last three months until yesterday, when we were able to go get a screaming fast new computer. And Dave got the wireless working. So, hopefully, this means I'll blog more. I know I'll blog a few today.
Monday, January 29, 2007
travel blogging
Blogging from this hotel, getting ready to go eat dinner at this restaurant. Kinda cool, but I don't have long. So that's it for now. Remind me to blog about the mission/vision/values and then about the wonderful show we went to on Saturday night.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Waiting
for the hubby to finish a conversation about computers and memory so that we can watch the Illusionist. I haven't heard great things about it, but I like Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti (is that how you spell it? I don't have time for IMDB right now), and he likes Jessica Beal (again, spelling?), so there you go.
Things have been nuts. Work's crazy - 30 hours of phone calls and meetings so far this week.
I'm having to study my ass off for this investments class, and the midterm is on Monday while I'm in New Orleans. Which is great because I'll get an extra day to study.
The house is clean, and pretty much has been for a month now. I think that's a record. It's not spotless by any means, but I also wouldn't be ashamed for anyone to come over unannounced, which is saying a lot.
As for the mission, vision, and values that I mentioned a while back, I did create them - sad, I know, but it has helped me stay more focused lately. And I'll post them soon. I also need to post more pictures from Belize, and probably some from New Years. I think I'll update to the new blogger first. Is it easier and less time-consuming to load pictures on the new version?
Things have been nuts. Work's crazy - 30 hours of phone calls and meetings so far this week.
I'm having to study my ass off for this investments class, and the midterm is on Monday while I'm in New Orleans. Which is great because I'll get an extra day to study.
The house is clean, and pretty much has been for a month now. I think that's a record. It's not spotless by any means, but I also wouldn't be ashamed for anyone to come over unannounced, which is saying a lot.
As for the mission, vision, and values that I mentioned a while back, I did create them - sad, I know, but it has helped me stay more focused lately. And I'll post them soon. I also need to post more pictures from Belize, and probably some from New Years. I think I'll update to the new blogger first. Is it easier and less time-consuming to load pictures on the new version?
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Resolutions
Notice that in the post below about the new year, I didn't include a resolution to blog more often. Sorry. I'll do my best.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Places that don't seem real
A few pics from Belize. The whole trip pretty much consisted of "is this for real? Quick, get the camera!" Proof:
Ah, the year ahead
This was an amazing year. And I would do the cool thing that Stacy came up with, but it was all so chaotic that I can't remember much of it. That inspired me, though, to look back at the chaos and resolve to find a way out. So, I guess I'll be making resolutions this year, which is something I don't usually do.
First of all, I'm a complete dork, and have decided to sit down and put together mission and vision statements, and then a list of my values. When I come up with them, I'm sure I'll post them here.
In the meantime, here are the very not glamorous resolutions:
Focus on the things I enjoy
Get my *&^% together
End the chaos
Yeah, I know they're vague, and they say that detailed goals are more likely to be met, but you've got to start somewhere. And I've already got some ideas about the details behind these. So, I'm on my way.
First of all, I'm a complete dork, and have decided to sit down and put together mission and vision statements, and then a list of my values. When I come up with them, I'm sure I'll post them here.
In the meantime, here are the very not glamorous resolutions:
Focus on the things I enjoy
Get my *&^% together
End the chaos
Yeah, I know they're vague, and they say that detailed goals are more likely to be met, but you've got to start somewhere. And I've already got some ideas about the details behind these. So, I'm on my way.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Christmas and Such
Hope everyone had a merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah (though I don't think any Hanukkah celebrators read my blog, some of my friends are, so this is for them). Anyway, ours was pretty crazy, but nice.
Belize pictures are coming, I promise. There's some serious editing to be done. We came back with 1650 pictures and have it narrowed down to 600 now. I have to lighten them up and get rid of some dust spots. Then I'll post a few.
I hope to blog again before NYE, but if not, happy New Year!
Belize pictures are coming, I promise. There's some serious editing to be done. We came back with 1650 pictures and have it narrowed down to 600 now. I have to lighten them up and get rid of some dust spots. Then I'll post a few.
I hope to blog again before NYE, but if not, happy New Year!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Sailing ... take me away ...
We're off for the next week. Sailing in Belize with four other couples.
See San Pedro on the map? That's where we're taking off. South for a few days, then back North - island hopping the whole way.
Two boats - a catmaran and a monohull. I still don't quite believe this is my life. It pretty much rocks to have friends that are licensed captains and willing to take their friends along for the ride. Anyway, talk to you folks after the 18th.
See San Pedro on the map? That's where we're taking off. South for a few days, then back North - island hopping the whole way.
Two boats - a catmaran and a monohull. I still don't quite believe this is my life. It pretty much rocks to have friends that are licensed captains and willing to take their friends along for the ride. Anyway, talk to you folks after the 18th.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
How in the world is it
that tonight I'm just seeing Moulin Rouge for the first time? Apparently, around the time in 2001 that this came out in theaters, I was an idiot. I should have run out and seen it the night it opened.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Prayer Request
You know, I don't usually do this, but in the midst of all my lately worrying about
how are we going to get our house in order, save money, pay off debt, pay for Dave to go to chef school, my job for next year and whether we can handle a pay cut for me to be happier in what I do every day, and my job the year after that and whether we're ready to take the risk of a drastic career change, and add to all of this the thought of babies...
I get a long email from a high school classmate and former coworker. Most of it:
Genetically, I seem to be lucky, and there has been very little cancer in my family. I've been pretty sheltered from cancer my entire life. But now, as I've become and adult (gasp), I hear about it more and more from those around me. A friend from college was recently diagnosed with stage IV cancer at 31, and a friend's aunt has more than 100 stage III tumors in her abdomen and kidneys. My friends moms have had it, but then, even at it's worst, I'm now ashamed to say that I felt somewhat removed from it.
Not anymore. So please, if you are someone who prays, and maybe even if you're not, please pray for Grant Wells and for his family and doctors.
how are we going to get our house in order, save money, pay off debt, pay for Dave to go to chef school, my job for next year and whether we can handle a pay cut for me to be happier in what I do every day, and my job the year after that and whether we're ready to take the risk of a drastic career change, and add to all of this the thought of babies...
I get a long email from a high school classmate and former coworker. Most of it:
... my brother Grant was diagnosed with Cancer this week. He went in Monday because he was having pains in his shoulder and abdomen. This was sudden and very unexpected.
He has tumors on his liver, his chest, and they belive there is cancer in his bones as well. He had a biopsi today and we have the consult with the doctor on Monday to discuss what treatment options we have.
As of right now, the prognosis does not look good. BUT I believe in miracles and right now we need a miracle. So many of you have asked what you can do for him and for me, please pray for him. Pray for guidance of his doctors, pray for God's healing power, pray for his strenght to get through this. Grant is 39. He has two little boys... [H]is wife has been so strong and so wonderful. For those of you how know Grant personally, you know that he is someone that fills a room and makes you feel like a life long friend when you shake his hand for the first time...
One of Grant's sayings that he has up everywhere in his office and at home is ...PMA - Positive Mental Attitude. Please pray for him and share with your own churches and friends this prayer we have.
Genetically, I seem to be lucky, and there has been very little cancer in my family. I've been pretty sheltered from cancer my entire life. But now, as I've become and adult (gasp), I hear about it more and more from those around me. A friend from college was recently diagnosed with stage IV cancer at 31, and a friend's aunt has more than 100 stage III tumors in her abdomen and kidneys. My friends moms have had it, but then, even at it's worst, I'm now ashamed to say that I felt somewhat removed from it.
Not anymore. So please, if you are someone who prays, and maybe even if you're not, please pray for Grant Wells and for his family and doctors.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Oh, Bond
Went to see Bond last night. I have been jazzed about this movie ever since I heard Daniel Craig was the pick. He was so fantastic in Layer Cake.
So, how was it?
Let it suffice to say I wanted to sit in my seat and watch the next show when it was all over.
I owe Dave big time because he was kind enough to put up with the giggle fit my mom and I had after about the sixth shot of Bond's perfect butt. Whoever tailored those pants did a fantastic job. (Turns out she did the new Batman movies, too. She knows how to dress a man.)
Boys, don't let this deter you from seeing the movie. The action sequences are incredible - especially the opening free-running sequence.
So, how was it?
Let it suffice to say I wanted to sit in my seat and watch the next show when it was all over.
I owe Dave big time because he was kind enough to put up with the giggle fit my mom and I had after about the sixth shot of Bond's perfect butt. Whoever tailored those pants did a fantastic job. (Turns out she did the new Batman movies, too. She knows how to dress a man.)
Boys, don't let this deter you from seeing the movie. The action sequences are incredible - especially the opening free-running sequence.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Quick Update
OK, the last month has been nuts, but the last two weeks, Dave and I have both been sick and pretty much went straight to the couch then to bed every night after work. And something is up with blogger and my work servers, and I can no longer post from there.
Let's see ...
I passed my class.
Now I'm in class two of six: Insurance and Risk Management. (fun fun)
Still waffling, though, on the final decision.
On Monday I officially worked more in one 24-hour period than ever before (and hopefully ever again). We had a release for one of our largest clients on Monday night, and I was part of the team on this project. They are on the pacific coast. I worked a regular day from 9 to about 5:15, went to the first half of my class, and got back to work right at 8pm for the start of the release. One of the three vendors on this project took from 8-midnight to release their part. Then our part began. We were done in about an hour. Then we tested, fixed and called it a successful release at 5:02am Eastern. Holy shit! If you'd told me even six months ago that I would ever work until 5am (actually at work), I wouldn't have believed you. But it somehow happened. And it's kind of funny, but it really wasn't all that bad. The worst was driving home, then trying to get to sleep before the sun came up. I slept until about 10:30, then got up and got dressed for Halloween (cowgirl - chaps and all - didn't have to buy a thing - pictures later). I also loaded up the fabo "triple threat" chili that Dave made for my company's contest, and headed back to work around noon. I was surprisingly alert all day.
And now it's late on Wednesday night, too, so I better get to sleep.
I'll try not to stay away so long next time.
Let's see ...
I passed my class.
Now I'm in class two of six: Insurance and Risk Management. (fun fun)
Still waffling, though, on the final decision.
On Monday I officially worked more in one 24-hour period than ever before (and hopefully ever again). We had a release for one of our largest clients on Monday night, and I was part of the team on this project. They are on the pacific coast. I worked a regular day from 9 to about 5:15, went to the first half of my class, and got back to work right at 8pm for the start of the release. One of the three vendors on this project took from 8-midnight to release their part. Then our part began. We were done in about an hour. Then we tested, fixed and called it a successful release at 5:02am Eastern. Holy shit! If you'd told me even six months ago that I would ever work until 5am (actually at work), I wouldn't have believed you. But it somehow happened. And it's kind of funny, but it really wasn't all that bad. The worst was driving home, then trying to get to sleep before the sun came up. I slept until about 10:30, then got up and got dressed for Halloween (cowgirl - chaps and all - didn't have to buy a thing - pictures later). I also loaded up the fabo "triple threat" chili that Dave made for my company's contest, and headed back to work around noon. I was surprisingly alert all day.
And now it's late on Wednesday night, too, so I better get to sleep.
I'll try not to stay away so long next time.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Hehe
From Wall Street Journal online's Opinion Journal Best of the Web...
Life Imitates 'Team America'
Hans Blix: "I'm sorry, but the U.N. must be firm with you. Let me see your whole palace, or else." Kim Jong Il: "Or else what?" Blix: "Or else we will be very, very angry with you, and we will write you a letter, telling you how angry we are."--dialogue from "Team America: World Police" (2004)
"The world lined up against North Korea on Monday for staging a nuclear test denounced even by key allies. . . . There was no talk of military action. But the Security Council quickly condemned North Korea's decision to flout a U.N. appeal to cancel the test after the reclusive regime announced it had set off an underground atomic explosion."--Associated Press, Oct. 9, 2006
Life Imitates 'Team America'
Hans Blix: "I'm sorry, but the U.N. must be firm with you. Let me see your whole palace, or else." Kim Jong Il: "Or else what?" Blix: "Or else we will be very, very angry with you, and we will write you a letter, telling you how angry we are."--dialogue from "Team America: World Police" (2004)
"The world lined up against North Korea on Monday for staging a nuclear test denounced even by key allies. . . . There was no talk of military action. But the Security Council quickly condemned North Korea's decision to flout a U.N. appeal to cancel the test after the reclusive regime announced it had set off an underground atomic explosion."--Associated Press, Oct. 9, 2006
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