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September 30, 2004
counting the days now
Just a few days til Boston. Thank goodness. I'm wiped. I need a sanity break. I need New England!!! Woo Hoo. I hope the foliage is preparing itself for us.
Still trying to figure out the moving scene. We shall see. Yes we shall. I think D (for Decision) Day needs to take place. We have a 2 month lease so that would mean moving in the beginning of December. Dum, dum. dum. (sinister music) I don't know why...
I'm thinking a lot about the whole surgery thing. Trying not to obsess. Today I had a mini private moment of sadness. All is well, though. I'm reading up and trying to be ready with some questions when I meet with the DR in a couple of weeks. I don't want to be "that person" that people see coming and dread hearing about my situation all the time.
Again I thank God for great co-workers. Last night I had a great time at the parade and afterwards, a great time sharing with Phil. I also have a great brother who prayed for me last night before bed. I don't know what I'd do without him.
Posted by stacey at 04:43 PM | Comments (1)
September 29, 2004
Do's and Don'ts of Parades
After a few years of experience walking in parades with WJTL and being a parade attendee, I have learned a few "tricks of the trade". If you have anything to add, comment away ya'll.
Parade Participant
1. Dress in layers: Sometimes you will get hot from the stopping and going with the bucket of candy, but at the end of the fall night, you will want a sweatshirt.
2. Ration the Candy: Remember that you don't want to jip the little girl with the big brown eyes at the end. (Sadly all the planning in the world won't work if the other staff are too overzealous with the candy tossing...hm...maybe hiding some under a car seat would be a good idea).
3. Parades rarely start on time...knowing this ahead of time will prevent much frustration.
4. Smile, even at the drunk guy with the middle finger.
5. Every once in a while stop and take a look around at the people. It's a great opportunity to see the beauty in diversity...even in small town Lancaster county or rural VT.
Attendee
1. Watch out for the inebriated Mummers
2. Stand by the cute little ones, or better yet, borrow a friends child for the evening if you are looking for some candy.
3. Watch out for the guys with the cart full of balloons and neon devices.
4. Go a little over the edge and have some fun...sway to the music, wave to the paraders, do the chicken dance...c'mon, it's a parade for goodness sakes.
Posted by stacey at 09:58 PM | Comments (2)
September 28, 2004
My disabled horn
The horn on my car has issues. It has gone off on its own in the middle of the night...which was frightening to say the least. Well, Saturday, i was driving to Kutztown for a game-athon and it honked the entire way there, off and on. People gestured to me in all sorts of ways, thinking I was beeping at them for some reason. While at the game day, the car went off on its own again a couple of times. Oh, the horror.
I must have some Magiver in me, though. (did I spell that right?) I figured out a way to lodge something (a key I don't use) into the steering wheel to prevent the horn from being naughty. It has worked so far. I plan to get it taken care of...eventually...I do procrastinate on such things.
Posted by stacey at 06:17 PM | Comments (1)
I Have a Cell Phone Hugger
Sunday I was working at a station event. I was standing by the stage with someone I was about to introduce when behind me, I hear a bang. I turn to see a vehicle hit another vehicle and then proceed to slowly back out and drive away. Being a responsible concerned citizen, I wrote down the license plate number and glared at the driver as he drove off. (slowly, I might add. guess he thought he would try and be slick...duh!) I was able to contact the security folks and get them "on it". A little later, we noticed a concerned individual over by the hit car, so I approached her and let her know I had witnessed it and contacted the proper authorities. The victim just so happened to be the lady working a nearby booth for a cell phone company. Every time I passed the tent the rest of the day, she and her friends poured over me with thanks and gratitude. Eventually, she presented me with one of those little kids with their arms out to embrace the cell phone thingies as a thank you token. She gave me my pick for the "best one". I admit, I wasn't exactly into any of them, but it was the thought that counted. It now sits on my desk embracing my ancient Ericson.
Posted by stacey at 06:09 PM | Comments (1)
Healing
Since I was a teen, I have been fighting with Ullcerative Colitis. Since that time I have also received prayer about the disease at many times from many different people from different denominations. Some of the people who have prayed have said in faith that one day I would be healed of this disease. I think at times, I have taken those words and tried to use my own thought processes to determine how that would take place...so there were periods of time where I neglected taking medicine, felt sorry for myself, denied the pain, etc. because I felt that somehow that would make the healing I expected seem more possible.
Well, I think I am starting to see that perhaps the ultimate healing I am going to need to be free of constant discomfort will be surgery. My Dr. told me yesterday after the procedure that in essence, my colon is "shot". Besides finding more polyps, the lining in there is not muscular and pliable like it should be...more of a pipe...smooth and not really serving its purpose. I have to get lots more info from him, but my overall impression from him was that surgery would actually rid me of the disease and help me to live more comfortably. I have an appointment in a couple of weeks as a follow up. He doesn't have any reason to believe that the polyps have "dysplasia" (pre-Cancer stuff), those results will be back in a couple of weeks.
Again, I am using my blog as a prayer request of sorts. I just want to make the right decisions..to be wise, to be cautious, and to trust God. Thanks readers!
Posted by stacey at 08:46 AM | Comments (0)
September 25, 2004
A Request
On Monday I will not be working. If you've been keeping, up, I have mentioned in the past about my dealings with Ulcerative Colitis. I had an appointment for a procedure a while back that didn't go as planned...to make a long story short...so I am going in on Monday for take 2 of the colonoscopy. I have mixed emotions. I'm anxious to get a better idea of where things are at in the ole intestines, but fearful at the same time, and dreading the awful prep stuff tomorrow. I need to trust that whatever the results...God is in control. He has been, is now and will continue to be.
Because of the nature of the disease, there is always the possibility of it leading to other illnesses. That's what we have to watch for. If you would be willing, I would appreciate any thoughts or prayers for getting throught the prep Sunday night, for a really good test result, and overall...the ability to accept God's plans for me in this area as well as the other areas of my life.
On a much lighter note...I think I'm heading off to play some board games with some serious gamers after a bit of a nap. Yippee. I'll lower the intensity level there about 10 notches with my non-competitiveness. Wouldn't it be funny if I walked in throwing tootsie rolls or playing a kazoo or something? Ok, No, probably not.
Posted by stacey at 11:46 AM | Comments (1)
September 24, 2004
construction issue
My blog has moved to a new home. I don't know what that really means, except that it looks a little different. I have figured out a few new cool tricks, but I don't quite know how to make it viewer friendly yet. Just thought I'd let ya know.
Posted by stacey at 10:03 AM | Comments (2)
September 23, 2004
GASP
3 months from today I'll be 30.
Posted by stacey at 11:08 AM | Comments (2)
Here Goes...
"My Ivan (2004)"
Floods of syllables rush through my head. A river is about to crest. Descriptions of love and loss-a stream of vowels and consonants. Words spilling out and rushing like waves from pen to page.
"The Yard Sale"
Open up the box
Reach inside
Pull out the souvenirs
Lay them out one by one
Price every item
Label "as is"
Present the memories
No longer as treasures
Reap the benefits
Collect Profits
Count the losses as gain
Youv'e chosen to let go.
"Climbing"
Take the step;
the foot number one
Down on pavement;
up on stair.
one,two three, four
counting to the top.
Posted by stacey at 09:11 AM | Comments (2)
September 21, 2004
Good News for People Who Like Good News
Today is one of those birds chirping, glee days. I feel like I'm finally getting a grasp on my workload, I am wearing a comfy new long sleeved red shirt, and getting together with some girl-friends tonight.
Yesterday was a "good news" day. Not the national news, or the local news of course...but just friend news. I cried twice out of happiness. Love is in the air. Engagements, new "special" friendships...good things are happening to some of my good friends. It's exciting. It makes me happy. I am living vicariously through them...or something.
Another exciting...kinda scary thing going on is my brother and I are discussing/looking into moving. We both wouldn't mind living in downtown Lancaster. I have some reservations, after living in a not so nice section of town where someone was shot across the street from me. I won't choose that part of town. I have been drawn back in more and more lately, though. I hope it works out for us to remain roommates. It's been really really good, at least for me.
After that post yesterday, I did go home and pull out my journal. I wrote a little more. Still to shy to post it...but you never know.
Oh, and one more thing. Karen passed on a small book by John Eldridge called "Epic:The Story God is Telling and the Role That is Yours to Play". I've just started reading it, but i think it is another reason I am feeling less down today. Sometimes simple truths can be reiterated in a new way and make everything make a little more sense. More later...
Posted by stacey at 12:38 PM | Comments (0)
September 20, 2004
Out of the Box
I have a lime green binder at home filled with poems, short stories, some essays from high school and college...writings that I have done. I enjoy writing mostly just for myself. I find that none of it is anything that I would feel comfortable sharing, really. It seems either too transparent, too depressing or too cheezy.
I recently read an article that Fred forwarded me called "In A Box, In A Closet" that was a great encourager not to let your talents remain hidden, only to be found after you have passed on. Now, I'm not saying that these writings are anything worth reading...it actually made me think about other things that I love. I have a passion for working with children, so I've started putting more of myself into my lessons with the children on the Sundays I work with the little ones. I love to sing, and feel that I have a voice that I should be using more than I am. I do wonder if there is a story inside of me that I should be scribbling down, or a painting that I just haven't put the time into...but we'll see.
I know for certain that it would be a shame for any of us to leave this world having kept those things inside.
Posted by stacey at 09:45 AM | Comments (2)
September 17, 2004
Autumn and my new computer
I just came back from working at the Denver Fair. Fair season is upon us...you know what that means????Autumn is just about here. This is my favorite time of year. Sweaters, the smell of falling leaves, hayrides and the excitement of Winter and the first snow before the cold comes and settles in.
I am really wiped these days...it's just a busy time all around. Today I got a special treat, though. I was given a hand me down computer that is much faster than the one before, with a larger, flat screen. I hear the sounds of angels singing. AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH. I love it. Thanks for the input and helping me transfer data, Karen. Although I am sad that the reason I have it is Trish is no longer in the office...I am excited about the computer and to meet her new baby when he arrives.
Pray for the people in the South. I was just about ready to whine about this weekends bad weather forecast...then I thought better of it.
Posted by stacey at 10:11 PM | Comments (1)
September 13, 2004
Great Weekend
I had a children filled weekend. The Elementary Ed major in me had a hay day. (or is it hey day?) WJTL had Christian Family Fest at Dutch Wonderland both days. In addition to my normal running around kind of stuff that I do at events...I got to perform on stage with The Donut Man as Bessie the Bag Lady (a song about The Lost Coin from The Bible). It ws a blast. I got to dress up, be silly, and have fun. I had a great time with the great people I work with and seeing tons of friends (old and new). Sunday morning, I was in with the 4-6 year olds at church and although very tired from the Dutch Wonderland stuff, I had a little extra inspiration and felt like things went very well. One little boy told me I was his favorite teacher...which was very cute.
Friday night I got together with a friend and had a John Cusak movie marathon...we didn't watch the expected romantic comedies...We saw, "Max", "Identity", and "Pushing Tin". We had Outback Steakhouse takeout, Ben and Jerry's and movie candy...all caution was once again thrown to the wind and I was happy about that. It was a true girls night in.
Today was the "lets get serious again" about nutrition day (avoiding the word diet)...and so far so good.
Posted by stacey at 02:02 PM | Comments (1)
September 09, 2004
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Last night I visited the church that I used to call home. Actually, I still feel like I can call it home. Just being there for the evening service, I noticed that several people have really grown in the past few years. Some have really moved ahead in their giftings...ministry, etc...some of the children are now teens. When I walked in the door, I saw a lot of new faces, but the "old" ones were happy to see me...in a real way...not the fake obligatory welcome you sometimes get.
I have a great support group at my current place of worship, too. Great friends, I work with great children in the childrens ministry, and I have a pastor who I also went to college with. Neat, huh?
In a generation and culture of people who have a tendancy towards being jaded about church/religion...which I can sometimes relate with in certain areas...I have had a positive experience at all of the churches I have attended since being a "grown up" out of school and college. I'm happy that I can feel that sense of family when I worship at either place.
Posted by stacey at 11:04 PM | Comments (0)
September 08, 2004
Cleaning House
Last night I got rid of some clutter...both physical and emotional. I am not a pack rat, but tend to cling to memorabilia from the past. I could easily cover my walls with collages of photos, notes, and weird collections of stuff that means something to me from the past. Good memorabilia is fine. There is also that unhealthy stuff though... Some memories need to get filed away, chalked up to experience and then forgotten. Last night I did some purging of those unhealthy things. It was painful, but today I feel much better.
Posted by stacey at 05:31 PM | Comments (2)
September 07, 2004
Thanks Chris.
Moving my desk today gave me a new perspective...literally. I can now see when people come into the office, come to my desk, etc. etc. I feel like I have more space...and this sort of change will do you good. Sheryl Crow lyrics are going through my head...
I'm swamped..not a lot of time for posting today.
Posted by stacey at 05:00 PM | Comments (3)
September 03, 2004
It's Going to Be Fun
Heavy Sigh
Want to Cry
There's a Sty
In My Eye
How's that for Friday afternoon poetry.
Karen and I are going to Cabella's tomorrow. I've never been and I'm very excited. In case you are wondering, Cabella's is an outdoor type of store with lots of stuff to look at...big taxidermy, gifty stuff, outdoor life stuff, and from what my friend Brian says...great pork rinds. I've heard it's very cool. Karen is more openly excited and has been checking it out online. I am more of the Christmas morning type...I don't want to see the presents beforehand, I don't like to see the menu before I sit down in a restaurant, etc. I like the element of the unknown. I like surprises. I don't want to know all about the cool stuff before we get there.
Karen is a good friend. She kept this Saturday open specifically to do something special with me because she knew it had the potential of being a really hard day for me. We decided on Cabella's because we both have wanted to go and it's a cheap option. Until next payday, cheap is good. Hoss's may be involved, too...not sure yet. Sorry all you vegetarians. This would not be a good day trip for you.
It's actually going to be a great weekend! My parents might come visit from VT and if not, there are a lot of possible get togethers going on. Not to mention its a long weekend with sleeping in involved. Thank Goodness!
Posted by stacey at 01:22 PM | Comments (2)
September 01, 2004
Amazing Race Moment
So last night on the Amazing Race, the team referred to as "The Christians" (a couple who are models and who are Christians) came to a point in the race where they could take a Fast Forward...an option you can use to speed past the competitors by doing a quicker task. They chose to use this option when they realized the brick making task took so long. They were in India and the only clue about the fast forward was that they would be participating in an Indian Good Luck ritual. When they arrived, they found out that the task was that both of them would have to shave their heads.
Knowing that my friend Heidi is an avid Amazing Race watcher, I immediately picked up the phone at commercial and exclaimed, "I would TOTALLY shave my head"! First of all, it's something I've thought would be a fun daring thing to do and that would be a great excuse, they were on a time crunch and it would have gotten them way ahead, and think of the stories..."I shaved my head in India while on Amazing Race". Even if I looked ridiculous, it would be worth it in my opinion.
But, alas, they fell back on the modeling excuse...they need their hair. Each also said they couldn't go through it because of their partner. In the end, they were last but it was a non-elimination night, so they didn't get the boot from the show.
Here's the thing I thought was most interesting...the Christians had to choose between Pride (their appearance) and Greed (the potential prize).
Any thoughts? Would you have shaved your head? Comments, please.
Posted by stacey at 03:31 PM | Comments (0)