Good News!!!

Well, the insurance adjuster finally called back and made an offer on my car! It was a lot more than I thought it would be. Praise Jesus! Now I just have to fill out the paperwork for it.

Last night was a lot of fun. We went over to Mel G. and Misti's house. Brian Mays bought over his new dance pad game. We all had the hardest time figuring it out. But it was really awesome. It had several songs I knew on it, such as "Brick House" and "Flashdance."

Afterwords, Mays and G played Halo 2. It seemed to be very interesting. The game that they played, they had to grab this skull and hold it for a certain amount of time. Brian alomost makes it to the three-minute mark, and then DROPS it so he can play some more. Well, G ends up winning. Snerk! :-)

Backtrack to Saturday, when I went to Kelley's new house for the firxt time. Her place (and Erin's as well) is really neat. Well, we watched Napoleon Dynamite for the second time. One of these days I'm gonna purchase the movie. Booker felt it necessary to regale the Furrs experience to everyone.

Sorry guys. Not much else to post. I don't have any wedding engagements or anything to talk about. Yet.

Cool

Last night was really cool. I went home from work, talked to three of my closest friends in the world, watched The Apprentice, ate dinner, and went to bed (not necessarily in that order).

I got two cool new CD's on Wednesday. One of them was the Wow 2005 CD. I've been wanting to get each of the Wow CD's as they come out. So far I have 2000, 2001, and now 2005. So I still need 2002, 2003, and 2004. The '05 one has that "Blessed Be Your Name" song on it. Awesome. It also has "I Am Yours" on it.

I also got the Maroon 5 CD. I have been wanting it for almost a year. So now I have it. Yay.

Last night, I dreamt I lived in a bording school with all of my friends. That would be cool, except for lack of privacy. I'm the kind that holes up in the bathroom for privacy. Oh, well. I woke up, and there on my armoire I see a pic of me, Mel G. and Misti at the Christmas banquet. It made me smile. :-)

Taxes

Nothing really to post today. I am working half a day at the library today. Fun times. Tomorrow I work at Sonic 10-5. Yay.

I watched American Idol last night. Judd got voted off inexplicably. Sigh. I really liked him, too. On the other hand, that really loud girl is still on. The one who told Simon that he would be her prom date.

I tried to file my taxes this morning before work. I wasn't counting on it taking three hours. Sigh. I am still not finished. All this for too small of a refund? Sigh.

The Puppy Story

I'm sure that most of you that are still around read the story from yesterday about the puppy. (Not to mention the email that I sent to a few people.) Here's how it happened.

I was at work, doing my job,when suddenly I saw one of my co-workers with a puppy. Of course, I love dogs, so I walked up to pet the puppy. Mary (my co-worker) informed me that she found the dog on the streetcorner in a box with a FREE DOG sign on it and a balloon attached. How sad.

Of course, I instantly fell in love with the puppy. But living with my parents, it would be impossible for me to keep him. (We already have a dog, etc.) But he was just the cutest thing. He looked like a German Shephard, with golden fur and a black muzzle. His fur was so soft...almost like a rose petal. (Hi, Misti!)

That was when we started going around the library trying to find someone to take it home. Most people couldn't have pets where they lived. One lady had her old dog put to sleep the day before, and she felt it was too soon to have another dog. Another had a child that was allergic to pet dander. On and on.

That's when I decided to advertise Rusty (the dog). Yes, I did name the dog. I emailed a few folks and also put a blurb on my blog. (See below.) But then our security officer called Animal Control to pick Rusty up. Of course, I was sad because of the risk of the puppy being put to sleep. Tom (the security officer) informed me that they took many dogs at once and put them in the gas chamber. He said it was cheaper than using a needle. I made the Animal Control guy promise that they would use a needle instead, if it comes to that.

So, if anyone is interested in the dog, they can call the Shawnee Animal Shelter. (I'm not sure of the number.) I'm sure he would like a great home. :-)

Busy Day

Today has been a busy day. I have spent the morning looking for books and stuff that has been lost in transit, etc. I found quite a few, but most of them I was unable to find. Alas. I still have two and a half lists to go. Yay-hah.

I watched American Idol last night. I really don't know many of the contestants that well yet. Only the ones that the producers pimped mercilessly. But the majority of them sounded...well, safe. There were a few that were really, really good, though.

Not much going on in my life, now. There may (and I mean MAY) be something that happens real soon. Only time will tell on that, though. Actually, that may be said for two events....

Puppy Dog

I know I already sent an email out about this, but...Does anyone want a free puppy dog? Someone was kind enough to abandon him by the Shawnee library early this afternoon. :-P He's the cutest little thing...golden brown with a black muzzle. He looks like he was well cared for...he's not dirty or skinny or anything. He looks like he's around 10 weeks old...maybe a shephard mix.

If you are interested, please let me know soon. :-)

(edited 3:50) Well, our security guard called the pound, and they took the dog away. The security guard told us not to worry, they would "dispatch the dog." You can guess what that means. He told me they used the gas chamber. :-( They would put a whole bunch of dogs in a gas chamber. The very thought makes me lose my lunch. :-(

Insert Title Here

Well, today is going to be another long day at the library. Fun times. The good news is that I only have to work at Sonic once this week. Yay. Today I am manning the adult desk ALONE. I'm scared.

Last night I went to bed at nine o'clock, mainly because I was so tired. I also was having a stomachache, which was no fun. Sunday night I took a Tylenol PM to get rid of a headache, and I felt the effects the whole next day. I think I'll only take a half next time.

The church talent show is coming up, and I am wondering what I should do. I really have no talent to speak of, other than finding books and stuff. :-) Maybe I should Happy Hands to "Dive" or something. :-)

Today I Will Make A Difference

Misti sent this to me today. :-)

TODAY I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE ---
by Max Lucado

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my
thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be
happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy
and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will
not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and
traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip.
Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark.
Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me.
Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I
have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will
face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I
will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes,
today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for
loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is
scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of
failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on.
Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It's OK to stumble… . I will get
up. It's OK to fail… . I will rise again. Today I will make a
difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my
family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A
man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I
will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my
world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or
listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and
friends.

Today I will make a difference.

Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage
through my trash heap of failure. I will admit them. I will correct
them. I will press on.

Fear

(edited to add some other stuff)

(Disclaimer: This is a post where I go deeper than I usually do. I'm not really all that comfortable doing this. So if I sound a bit clumsier than usual, I apologize. I am just not used to this mode of writing.)

This weekend I have been forced to think upon many things that I am not comfortable with. One of those being my mortality. I saw a movie that literally broke my heart. I've been trying not to think about it too much. But something haunts me.

Driving. I have been in four car accidents, three of them in the last year. Also, I have had many close calls. I know I am not that skilled a driver. But it's getting to the point where I am scared to get behind the wheel. That's how I felt Saturday evening.

It's not death that I fear. It's the process of it. I know that many people wish for a long life and a quick death, but few get that wish. I hate pain. And I hate suffering. And I hate watching my loved ones suffer. I don't know if I could put my family and friends through something like that.

Most of the time, my mantra has been "If I think about it, I will get depressed. And I don't like being depressed. So I won't think about it." But instead, I have to keep thinking about what God told Joshua: "Be strong and courageous...for I will be with you wherever you go." I have had to cling to that promise many a time. Like now.

I cannot allow Satan to consume my thoughts. I cannot keep fearing death. Because fearing death is actually fearing life. (Wow...did I just make a quote?)

Another thing that I have to fight is loneliness. Living about an hour's drive from the vast majority of my friends, I often feel alone. I'm learning to depend on God for my company. (And eating up about 250 highway miles a week.) That's why I keep this blog: to let my friends know what is going on in my life.

Although admittedly, there is little going on. Most of my posts are "well, I did this, and I said this, etc. etc." And I admit, to the person just surfing on this website, that's boring. But to me, this is my life. I'm not interested in posting political or controversial stuff just to get hits on my blog. I post things that matter to me. After all, this is what this blog is about.

Blessed Be Your Name

This is now officially my new favorite praise and worship song...

Blessed Be Your Name
by Matt Redman

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Pizza and Stuff

Last night I went to Hideaway Pizza with my Care group at church. It was a lot of fun. I had a mushroom pizza with easy cheese. Hideaway has the best pizza in the world. Actually, that place we went to in New York is better. (What was the name of it, Rich?) Anyway, it was yummy.

I got a flyer in the mail last night. It told about the many activities coming up for our Single's Group. Among them:

1.) Paintball
2.) Horseback riding
3.) Rock climbing
4.) Texas Rangers game
5.) Singles Weekends

Among other fun stuff. Also, we're going back to New York in October. (Better start saving my money...)

Weekend (A Bit Late, But...)

I forgot to tell everyone about Sunday evening. So here goes.

We woman-folk thought it would be a great idea to treat the guys to dinner. So Misti and Mel G. hosted a dinner. Each of us ladies bought a dish of some kind. (Some of the dishes even had food in it!!) I bought chips and salsa, Mel G. and Leigh Ann bought casseroles, G made some mint brownies, Pazzo bought little smokies, Laura bought some cake her mom had made, and Kelley and Erin bought vegetable trays. Misti had us each sign a frame for each of the guys. Then we acted like waitresses at Hearts at Village Cafe. I think the guys really enjoyed it. :-)

Afterwords, Misti, G and I went and got this movie. It was about a lady whose kid died in a plane crash, and suddenly no one remembers anything about the kid. It was weird. I left halfway through, but Misti told me the ending was kind of dumb. Hmmm. Mel G. and Misti also gave their across-the-street neighbors the rest of the mint brownies. I hope that they liked them. :-)

Stories

I am extremely excited to hear about everyone's Valentine's Day. I guess the next best thing to getting lots of gifts and stuff is hearing about your friends' adventures. I don't know...it makes me feel happy that my loved ones are happy. :-) Yes, I'm a dork. And no, I don't care.

Not much going on today. I am about to go to work at Sonic. Yay-hah.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day all, and no, I did not douse myself with sleeping pills today. I actually had a fine time, thankyouverymuch. I went to the library Friend's luncheon, where I got to hear this speaker. She used to have a syndicated column in one of the Shawnee newspapers. She shared a couple of her stories...one where her kid fired her. (Yes, I have done that before to my parents. And no, they did not take me seriously...for which I am eternally grateful.)

Tonight, my stepdad made us some steaks and twice-baked potatoes, and we had Twinkies for dessert. I spent the evening watching reality shows...namely Trading Spouses and SuperNanny. I really am liking Trading Spouses...but tonight was the last episode of the season! Sigh. Last week, they had this lady on there that thought that the entire purpose of her life was to be pampered by her husband and kids. Now, I hadn't seen the prior episode, but apparently she threw a party for some of the other family's kid's friends. She took one of the kids (about a 10-to-12-year-old) aside and said, "What are you doing here? You weren't invited!" She scared me. In last week's episode, she thought she saw things moving around, so she called a team of Ghost Busters. They told her that the ghosts were reacting because she was in the house, and she needed to leave! Hee.

But this week's episode was cool. The first family travelled by RV all the time. They have a family band, and they play country music. The other family was a husband and wife that had recently gotten married. The second wife joined the first family and even got to sing at one of their performances. Coolness. The first wife encouraged the husband of the second family to be more supportive of his daughter's musical endeavors.

So right now, I am just catching up on stuff.

This Good Day

This Good Day
Fernando Ortega

Morning sun and morning glories
Pouring down the hill,
Through my window
I can feel the ocean breeze.

Noisy sparrows fill the oak trees
Swallows can't stay still,
And in the glad commotion
Lord, You speak to me

If the rain clouds come
Or the cold winds blow,
You're the one who goes before me
And in my heart I know

That this good day
It is a gift from You.
The world is turning in its place
because You made it to.
I lift my voice
To sing a song of praise
On this good day.

I will walk to Woodman's Cove,
The fishing boats are leaving,
Seagulls follow just above the water.
I will wait until the sunset
Brings them home again,
Rigging lines and anchors in the harbor.

If the rain clouds come
Or the cold winds blow,
You're the one who goes before me
And in my heart I know

That this good day
It is a gift from You.
The world is turning in its place
because You made it to.
I lift my voice
To sing a song of praise
On this good day.

If the rain clouds come
Or the cold winds blow,
You're the one who goes before me
And in my heart I know

That this good day
It is a gift from You.
The world is turning in its place
because You made it to.
This good day
It is a gift from You.
The world is turning in its place
because You made it to.
I lift my voice
To sing a song of praise
On this good day.

Random Act of Kindness Gone Wrong Of The Day

This is interesting.

At least when Misti and I did something like this a couple of years ago, people didn't sue, even though Mays thought our gift had anthrax.

Valentine's Day

Well, Monday is Valentine's Day. Yay and alas. Yay because I get to share appreciation and love to my loved ones. Alas because I'm still single. Sigh. I don't know what I am gonna do this year. Maybe just work that day. I dunno.

Valentine's Day has always been a day of confusion. Sometimes, I think of chocolate covered cherries and flowers and stuffed teddy bears with red bows. Sometimes, though, I get lonely.

I ask myself: When did Valentine's Day cease to be just a fun day and start having all these weird feelings?

Clothes

Oops, I almost forgot...

Whilst in Wal-Mart, I went to the clothing section, wishing to find some decent clothing. Unfortunately, most of the clothes were too small for me. I looked in the plus-sizes, but didn't find anything inspiring in there. I don't know what looks good on me and what looks bad. I have little or no fashion sense.

What I need to do is have one of the girls with me. That way they can tell me what looks good on me.

I'm All Over The Place Today

Not a lot going on today. I work at the library tomorrow from 1 to 5. Saturday I work at Sonic from 10 to 4. After that...who knows? Ideas, anyone? I'm getting cabin fever bad from not having a car for a week.

Today I got my oil changed in my car. That's about it. Pretty uneventful, huh?

I watched American Idol last night. Seems they are stretching the audition process so the live show will start about June 18th or so. There was one girl on there that couldn't remember the lyrics, and her other two group members griped her out. She got eliminated. Simon and Paula got into it over another guy. It was fun to watch, in a weird way.

I heard the Video Vigilante got arrested yesterday for offering a prostitute money so she would proposition a man while he was filming. Nice. Now why he would do that, I don't know. Maybe he let fame go to his head, or maybe he wanted to get a guy arrested. Who knows. But if you do something like that, you aren't a hero, you are a perpetrator. But then again, this is all moot until he's convicted, since we don't know for sure that he actually committed the crime.

That's about all I know.

Some More Crazy Dreams

Well, last night my dreams were all mixed up again. I dreamt I was in church, sitting next to some close friends. We were watching a concert of some sort. Then we have a break. That's when I lay my head down on the pew. I then remember that the Living Christmas Tree was about to begin, but I couldn't get my eyes to open. I could hear what was going on, but I couldn't see it.

Afterwords, we headed over to someone's house (I think it was Brian Mays'), where we had Sonic Sweetheart Blasts for dessert. (No joke.) I kept hearing the ending sequence from the original "Layla" by Eric Clapton, kind of as a loop.

I think I dream too much. Or maybe it was the medicine I took that evening.

Praise God

I finally got my car back, and had most of the towing fees paid for. I only had to come up with $50 out of pocket.

The battery was dead in the car, and we had to jump it. We took it home, where my stepfather recharged it for me. Now it's working like new. The trunk wouldn't shut, so I took it to the bodyshop that I frequent, and they fixed it for free.

So now I have a vehicle again. Praise God. The only bad thing is, the lovely insurance company still shows the other driver as not current. So I'll have to keep on them about it. But I am in a lot better spirits now.

Thank you for all your prayers.

My Prayer

Dear God,

I could really use a hug right now.

I know that You know what is going on. With my car and everything. And with the other driver's insurance company. Then there's the residual stuff, like not getting to go to the Super Bowl party, not getting to go much of anywhere, having to ask for rides, that sort of thing. Plus some other stuff that You know about.

The thing is, God, I could really use some good news right now. I know that You promised to provide my needs and that I should be strong and courageous. That's what You told me last night when I talked to you about it.

I just need a bit of reassurance. Because I am shaking on the inside. The worst part is not knowing. If I had an answer, at least I would know.

But I need you, Lord. I always have. I was just not woman enough to admit that. I thought I could do it on my own. Even after accepting Your son, I still kept trying. But I can't anymore. I am at a loss. My well is completely dry.

Please help me, Lord. Comfort me in the days to come. Give me the courage and strength I need to face difficult situations.

I love you, Lord. I love you.

Seven Things to Praise God For

Brian Craven gave me a good idea. I was feeling down in the dumps for various reasons, and he told me to every day during this accident thing, write down seven things that I can praise God for. So here it is:

1.) Since this accident broke, I have gotten many emails and phone calls expressing concern and good wishes. Scott and Brian Mays called me last night, and Rich called me this afternoon. Brian Craven sent the aforementioned email, and Ellen sent me a very encouraging email yesterday. Also, Leigh Ann and Melissa G. have given me lots of encouragement. I got emails from Laura and Memphis saying they are praying for me. Many other people have also lifted me up in prayer. Thanks guys!
2.) Today I had the opportunity to help at a kid's day out at the mall. I helped kids make a little Valentine's Day mascot, and I also made one for myself. (It's in my treasure box.)
3.) My parents have been very kind in giving me rides anywhere I need to go.
4.) I got to experience the Arliss Rothbury Trio for the first time. (Thanks Scott!) Cool music...and I'm not even an indie.
5.) OU won their basketball game! Yay!
6.) Today I bought me some Nutty Bars and some various chips and dip. I will eat those whilst watching the Super Bowl on Sunday.
7.) I'm not aching anymore from my accident.

A Dose of Reality

(deleted because that post sounded a bit too whiny even for me)

Oh, I Forgot...

In my blog on Monday, I forgot to add that I (finally) learned what "more cowbell" meant. So now I'm only MOSTLY out of touch, as opposed to COMPLETELY out of touch.

Mad props go to Rich for his explanation. :-) He gets a trophy. Or a pizza. Maybe a pizza trophy?

PSA

Here's another PSA for you guys:

KEEP YOUR AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE CURRENT!

Don't ask. >:-(

Car Accident

In case you guys haven't heard (and there are few of you that have), I did have No. 4 last night. Not my fault, though. I was rear-ended.

Here's what I know:

1.) I am physically fine, though extremely sore.
2.) My car won't run.
3.) It's at the wrecker right now.

That's about it. I would appreciate your prayers.

Freaky Dream

This morning when I was asleep, I had the freakiest experience.

I kept hearing this loud humming noise. I tried to move, but my hands and feet were paralyzed. I seriously thought I was gonna die. Then I actually dreamed I was in the hospital. A doctor informed me that my periphral nervous system was damaged, and that I would have to use leg braces for life. Of course, I wondered how I would get around. Some friends offered to let me live with them.

At that point, I woke up, and everything was fine. Wasn't that weird, though?