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June 30, 2004
Red Team at Gates
Happy Birthday Wayne.
I'm still on my catch up from Creation rampage and doing a mighty fine job, I think. Just gotta catch that elusive sleep.
Another Creation memory...on Thursday Night of Creation they have communion at the main stage. My team of staff, "The Red Team" is always working during that time...well this year, Kurt got stuff together for us to have communion with our staff while working at Main Gates. We partook of Ritz crackers and soda . It was really special. There was a youth leader or parent of one of our staff that happened to be up there at the time and he had tears in his eyes. He said he was happy to see that we were doing more with their kids than working them to the bone. (paraphrase) One staff member told me about how he had brought a girl with his family who is working on staff that is not a Christian. She is typically depressed and very withdrawn. He shared that she has actually really came out of her shell with the other kids on staff and had shared with him that she was really having a great time. Who knows what lasting effects this will have on her? I'm glad the crew she worked with was really including her.
Although the speakers and musicians can have a great impact...I am a firm believer that it's the day to day real human interaction that can have a lasting effect...whether at the festival or in "real life".
Posted by stacey at 02:29 PM | Comments (0)
June 29, 2004
Creation Summary
I am sitting at my desk in a bit of a dazed stuper. Trying to catch up from Creation. I need more sleep! It was a great year. Overall, things went quite smoothly...especially compared to last year at Hershey. I always have a great time working at Gates with Kurt and with Fred and Karen at Staff. We all get very silly when we are overtired. I got a lot of sun...I think I have a little sun poisoning on my arms cause they are mighty itchy.
I don't see many bands at Creation because of working, etc, but this year I saw a whole morning set with Casting Crowns, Sarah Kelly, and Trevor Morgan and Josh Harris spoke. That was a great set...a definite highlight for me.
Another annual highlight is the golf cart tour of the grounds Kurt, Intern Kate and I took on Saturday night before tear down. It's cool to see how huge the festival is.
It's a good time to reminisce. We missed having our friend Stephen Weaver along.
I got the chance to hike up to the lookout once during set up and once after the festival started and I took some before and after pictures. I'm glad I took the time to do that. At Creation, I am around tons of people 24 -7 so it was good for me to have that time to myself.
I'm sure I will have other Creation memories to share in the days to come
Posted by stacey at 03:22 PM | Comments (0)
June 18, 2004
typical me
So, I commented the other day on my Pretty in Pink tshirt...well last night in my flurry to get ready for Creation, I threw one last load of laundry in. I didn't think it would be a big deal to mix a few whites in with my last couple of colors....WELL I didn't realize my green jeans had so much dye left in them. Alas, my tshirt is now very puke-y looking. I even tried bleaching the shirt and other whites that were in the load. This is a very Stacey thing to have happen. I sometimes try to cut corners or do things in a hurry and it almost always gets me in the end.
Posted by stacey at 06:44 AM | Comments (0)
June 17, 2004
Creation Countdown
Ann just called in from Agape Farm...where Creation is held. She's been out there since Sunday flagging fields. We head out tomorrow. I am super excited. I still have a lot to do before leaving, but I can see the light ahead. Green fields at Agape Farm...yay. Of course, soon those fields will be filled with people, but I always try to soak in the first few days when it's just staff on site. I hope I can get a hike up the mtn. in, but I don't know if that will happen until the festival begins. I love going to Creation, but it's extra special getting to go back there this year after being at Hershey last year. To me, it's just not the same.
So, today will be whirlwind and then tonight, packing and hopefully a haircut.
Posted by stacey at 08:31 AM | Comments (0)
June 16, 2004
Favorite Tshirts
I have a stack of tshirts in my closet that are too big. I have done a great job weeding out the hugeness from my wardrobe, but I have a stack of tshirts that I just couldn't let go of. For example...today I am wearing a tshirt my friend Dave made me. It's my "Pretty In Pink" tshirt with a picture of Duckie (John Cryer) and Andy (Molly Ringwald) on it. I love this shirt...thank's Dave. Maybe I can get him to make me a more size appropriate new one. I love that movie. I especially like the scene in the record shop when Duckie lip sync's to "Try A Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding. I'm a sucker for that whole genre of movies..."Some Kind of Wonderful", "Say Anything", "The Breakfast Club", etc. etc. etc.
Oh, yesterday I mentioned a craving for Dorito's...well last night I found Dorito's Edge...low carb doritos...when I was at Subway. Doritos made from soy and corn...they think of everything.
Posted by stacey at 08:11 AM | Comments (1)
June 15, 2004
I want a big bowl of Doritos
So, today I had an appointment with a Dr and within our time I mentioned that I am dizzy once in a while...no not that kind of dizzy...the kind where your head spins. Anyway, after checking my blood pressure, etc. which was lower when I stood up after laying down for several minutes, his explanation was that I might need to add some salt into my diet...I would love to use it as an excuse to eat a big bag of chips...but that would not help me keep losing weight. Aw shucks.
Posted by stacey at 06:27 PM | Comments (0)
June 14, 2004
Fabulous Weekend
How often can you describe your weekend as fabulous? I don't think it's that often that the entire weekend is worthy of such a strong word. I think mine was.
On Saturday I got to help out with the Eco Challenge. What a great day. First of all, the weather was PERFECT. It was sunny, not too hot or humid...just beautiful. Karen and I were at a checkpoint where the kids came out of the river with the rafts that they had constructed at a prior checkpoint. Our spot was in a pretty area by the Swatara. I had thought we would get bored sitting there waiting, but it turned out that after we hung out at a couple of the other checkpoints then went and got set up at ours, we weren't there long before the action started...plus we had many visitors from others who were there to take pictures, were done with their posts, etc. I had fun putting the flag in the water. At first I wasn't sure if I would get swept away by the current or shimmy across a log and avoid the water...it turned out not to be that big of a deal and I didn't even get my shorts wet. As the teams pulled in at our checkpoint, it was exciting to see the kids pushing through together. I am definitely not in good enough shape to do something like that in the amount of time that they did. That would be a good goal. Anyway, at the end of the race, Lyle had a devotional. He encouraged the kids to imitate those who are further ahead in "the race" as Christians. It tied everything together well. We were done much earlier than I thought we would be, so I had a free end of afternoon and evening I didn't expect. It was nice to go home and go swimming and then a few of us got together for dinner. Nice and relaxing. Also, I was responsible for a meal for our new associate pastor for Sunday and was wondering how I'd get it done. When I called to set up a time, they suggested I bring it Monday because they had too much food. It worked out perfectly!!!
Sunday church was great. My pastor spoke on Guilt and Grace and how there is the real guilt which is also conviction and then false guilt we put on ourselves. It was a great message. After church, I headed back to Lebanon county to Annville for a baby shower for my friend Neva at Marty and Cyndee Shaughnessy's. I love going to their house. It was more of a cook out with presents than a shower...which was even better. I am just so thankful for my friends! We had great encouraging, challenging and just fun conversation...and I gave myself a break from Atkins.
Now, it's time to enter the last few days before Creation with gusto and conquer the piles of work on my desk.
Posted by stacey at 08:42 AM | Comments (0)
June 10, 2004
Heaven thoughts
Last night at Small Group we were talking about Heaven a lot and talked about what we think our job will be in Heaven. I pictured myself in a big field with tons of little kids playing circle games with Jesus. When I was little I always just pictured lots of big fluffy clouds and angels and harps and stuff. I know that it will be all about worshipping God. Sometimes it's hard for me to think of it in an "out of the box" way. I am quite sure it will be much cooler than a big church service for eternity.
We also talked about who we would want to meet in Heaven....anyone from the beginning of time. I mostly could think of family and friends who had passed away..my grandfather and Pepe (french grandfather), Clem Allinder-a family friend, my Dalmation Sheba (if animals are there) etc. .but then as we talked some more I thought I would really like to meet Keith Green, Michael Landon, Rich Mullins (although I sorta met him already), someone mentioned Mary Magadalene which I thought would be cool, David, etc. etc.
It was a great meeting. We were talking a lot about intimacy with God and being the Bride. Good stuff. It's good to look forward to Heaven with a smile rather than worrying about missing something in this world...but still living this life to the fullest, too.
Posted by stacey at 08:56 AM | Comments (1)
June 09, 2004
Old and New Memories
Now that I've left my disclaimer...(see other post today)
Thanks to my friend Jake, I have been listening to "Slow Dark Train" by Vigilantes of Love today. I am a VOL fan, but this is one album I do not own. Well, now I have it. Listening to it makes me feel rather reminiscent. There was one concert in particular at Java Casa at On Stage Theatre in Lebanon with VOL that I think of fondly. It was at a point where I think the main area was off limits due to safety hazards or something...anyway, we were all crowded into the restaurant portion of the place to watch an incredible, lengthy concert. This was at the time when Bill Mallonee still traveled with a revolving band which at that point included a guy who played all kinds of great mandolin, and a variety of other strings. I remember sitting on the floor and my legs falling asleep...but I didn't care how much contortion was involved...it was a great show.
I don't think Chris Bland played bass at that show, can't remember...but the main thing I remember about him was that he played barefoot. I saw Rich Mullins playing barefoot, too. Not in VOL, though. Can you tell I am a fan of being barefoot.
Lots of great memories at Java Casa and The Gap Coffee House in Lebanon. Great friends, great music, great memories.
Speaking of Lebanon, I was up there last night getting oriented for this Eco Challenge Karen and I are helping our friend Lyle with on Saturday. It's way North on Rte 72. I am realy looking forward to it. A part of me thinks it would be fun to be a part of something like that as a player...I'm just manning a checkpoint...although I realize I would need to be in much better shape!!! I'm looking forward to seeing the kids as they check in and encouraging them to keep going... Hopefully they don't hate me since I am at a rather tough check point. I'm sure I'll give the scoop after the weekend.
Posted by stacey at 02:00 PM | Comments (0)
disclaimer
When I came in to do my blog for today, there was a yucky comment/ad like the spam I get in my email in my comments from who knows where. So, FYI if there is ever anything vulgar or whatever in my blog...know that it didn't come from me or any of my friends.
( By the way, I deleted it) It stinks that people have to be so gross.
Posted by stacey at 12:32 PM | Comments (0)
June 07, 2004
and then I woke up
Well...the dream will soon be ending. I just got the news that my car was not ready to call it a day. My mechanic , Dale Hess from Hess Auto Exhange, said that my car only needed a tire for the inspection. This is good news, really, it is. Perhaps now that I've gotten to drive a nice car for a few days it will make me think more about saving up for something nicer. it would be nice to make the choice to buy something new rather than having it come down to being a necessity.
So, I asked him to take a look at my door and if he can fix it for minimal cost. Perhaps my passengers will be able to ride in the passenger seat without shimmying across through the drivers side.
I guess this afternoon I will take one last ride with the sunroof open and the music loud in the lovely Toyota Avalon on my way to Manheim. By the way, he's asking 7,500 for it. Sigh.
Posted by stacey at 12:20 PM | Comments (1)
June 06, 2004
Bus Trip to Cape May
It's grey outside. I hope the forecast I saw of morning drizzle turning to sunshine is correct.
Thankfully, my purchase of the Monet decorated umbrella worked...sorta. On our trip to Cape May, although it was rainy while in the bus, we were really not rained on throughout the day until we stopped at Richman's Ice Cream on the way home.
It was a neat experience going on this bus trip with Bob Neff Tours. Yes, neat. I think that although the experience was fun, and I'd do it again, I am more of an "on your own, no real schedule kinda girl". I like the spur of the moment decisions that take you somewhere you may not have planned....But...nonetheless...good times had by all...and we were really blessed to have a GREAT discount for the days events.
We had a delicious lunch at The Lighthouse Restaurant in Delaware...Cod, green beans, I passed on the potatoes and roll but splurged on the Chocolate Mousse. Anyway, after lunch we took a ferry over to Cape May...The Lewes (Lewis) Ferry. That was my favorite part. It was sooooooo rocky, but I didn't care. It was cold, too, but I still didn't care. I was determined to see dolphins and thanks to Ann I saw one. Many people were sea sick. Not me...in fact, I went up to the front of the boat and declared "I'm King of the World". Karen got a picture. : )
From the ferry we went to downtown Cape May...got a trolley tour and tour of the Physik Mansion. Both were good. There was a little girl asking tons of questions who was cute at first, but after a while, it made the tour REALLY long and I wanted the tour guide to re-direct her a little. Oh well...she was having a good time. Our ferry ride was a little longer than usual because of the bad weather, so we had very little free time...VERY LITTLE> We got to a restaurant for dinner but only got to eat like 3 bites before realizing it was time to meet back at the bus...That was a very expensive time miscalculation. Oh well...Somehow, we managed to watch the end of the race...(Poor Smarty), get fudge for Karen and make it back to the bus late without being the last ones. That was my only concern the whole day...being last on the bus and being sneered at. Actually, this busload was very friendly, though...so no sneering ever took place that I know of.
On the way home we stopped at Richman's Ice Cream which was a nice treat and break on the way home.
It was a nice day with the girls. Fun people watching the variety of older couples, Amish, and families on the bus tour...and playing the pre-made word games, singing songs on the ride, and taking in the bus tour experience.
On my way to the Mini Golf Tournament. Mr Sun, sun, mr golden sun. Please shine down on me.
Posted by stacey at 10:40 AM | Comments (2)
June 04, 2004
If I Buy It Will It Rain?
I'm off to buy an umbrella...the theory is, if we are prepared for rain tomorrow, then perhaps it will turn out to be a nice day after all. If not, I'll still have fun and finally have an umbrella, too. Honestly, I don't mind if it rains tomorrow on our Cape May day...better that than Sunday. Our WJTL Mini Golf Tournament is all day Sunday and a lot of time has been and will be put into that by many of our staff.
Still driving the nice car that I am borrowing from the dealer while my car gets inspected...I'm becoming more and more attached. I won't name it or anything...or leave any personal belongings in it overnight...then I will really think it's mine. Whatever will I do when i have to give it back...or will I (insert silly sinister laugh).
Posted by stacey at 05:47 PM | Comments (0)
June 03, 2004
Sunroof
It's a really nice day. A really nice day to drive around with the sunroof open on the car that isn't mine, but I get to drive the next few days. I dreamt about buying it last night. Is that obsessive? It was actually a very detailed dream...weird. I don't usually tend toward the obsessive...I think I just really want a new car. Who knows.
I'm going with Karen to see "The Day After Tomorrow" after work. It's one of those movies that neither of us were sure we wanted to see, yet wanted to see at the same time. It might be upsetting, but might have some cool effects. I like Jake Gillenthal, that was the clincher for me (although being bad at trivia I had to ask Karen his name. Karen is good at knowing those things. I know him as "that guy from Donnie Darko") Another good reason for me to go is it seems like a brainless movie to watch. Brainless can be good...very good.
Posted by stacey at 04:07 PM | Comments (0)
June 02, 2004
uh oh
I brought my car in for inspection and Dale ( my mechanic and car salesman) is letting me use a 95 Toyota Avalon. I'm in trouble. I really like this car.
Posted by stacey at 05:47 PM | Comments (1)
Thinking Back
It's amazing how much can change in a year. I admit, I am thinking about it a little too much this week. In order to keep things in the right perspective, I am trying to concentrate on a couple of things. First of all, looking back, I realize I am in a much better place now than I was last June...we are always growing and there are certain "Pains" along the way. Secondly, I am realizing that although a current situation can seem like the end of the world, after you make it through to the other side, you realize that you can survive more than you may realize. Emotionally, Physically and Spiritually. I wish I (we all ) would always remember that when things seem too tough! When I hear of people who turn to drugs or suicide...I think please, just hold on a little longer. It IS going to get better!!! I couldn't imagine not having the Hope of Christ and the knowledge that He really does have the best plan for my life.
Posted by stacey at 01:47 PM | Comments (0)
June 01, 2004
Car Responsibilities Aren't My Forte'
Gulp. My car is due for inspection. I have a history of having old cars, thus I have always brought the car in for any repair or inspection with trepidation. Will I have to make the decision of whether to put a hunk of money into my 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight or try to find something a little newer? We shall see. The car I would love to get right now is a Subaru Outback...though I'd take whatever I would find a good deal on. If I could make it a little longer with my little black car, that would probably be best.
Of course, being the procrastinator that I am, I have to wait for my registration to come in before I can bring my car in. (both inspection and registration were due May 31st). I know my check was processed so I expect the new registration in the mail anytime.
I miss having my dad around to help me figure out car stuff. I miss my parents a lot these days. Hopefully a July trip North will be possible. I would love to take a dip in Lake Champlain or some lake up North this summer. I want to spend time on the patio, grilling, chatting with my parents, listening to whipporwhills, going for walks, driving around looking for deer, playing a game or two and getting big hugs.
Posted by stacey at 01:02 PM | Comments (3)