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May 30, 2005
Learning about the Covenant
Another day, another comment from someone thinking I am ABC's extreme makeover home edition. So bizarre.
I'm loving that there's another day to the weekend. Yesterday, well Saturday, Jody's wedding was really great. Rain and all. I can't believe I arrived late to the ceremony. I couldn't find the entrance to Hershey Gardens once I parked. I saw the gazebo. I saw Jody getting ready to walk down the aisle...but couldn't get in. That was frustrating. I ended up having to stand behind the arch and watch her procession and then find my seat. She made it under the gazebo just in time before it rained, and then it rained right up until she and Kevin were ready to walk back out. I kind of felt like even though the rain was incovenient and made it hard for the onlookers to hear, I think it might have made the ceremony more intimate for them in a weird way. At any rate, it was beautiful.
The reception was exquisite and again intimate with the small crowd of guests. It was so special getting to chat with friends of hers that I had heard mention of all these years. This one guy dating a friend of hers has been on staff at Creation and was a Rainchildren fan. What a small world.
During dinner, it was intriguing learning about the symbolism of all the traditions involved in the wedding ceremony...from the laying down of the special paper for the bride to walk down to the sharing of cake at the reception. (Stuff I probably missed while not paying attention in Bible college). The lessons continued at church this morning. It just so happens we are in the midst of a series about relationships called "I Don't". Today he shared about how marriage is more than a contract, but a covenant.
You know, there are so many things that I know as traditions, but have never given much thought to. I am constantly amazed about how much I take for granted...missing the beauty of the details of why things are the way they are.
Posted by stacey at 01:50 AM | Comments (1)
May 26, 2005
Checking Things Out
What a beautiful evening.
Tonight my soon-to-be roommate, Shauna and I visited each others places to check out what we have collectively for stuff. Neither of us have a ton, but we have enough...so it's going to be great. Her space in her parents house is very nicely decorated. I have to admit, I felt a little self conscious with my meager little bit of decor. I found myself explaining that I never made my current aptment my home, blah blah. I have to stop apologizing for/explaining away my every move. My decorating tastes are like my wardrobe...all over the place. No rhyme or reason... that's just me.
I am really excited about all the possibilities of the new place. I think living with another girl again will be good for me. It will inspire me to be neater, more concerned about aesthetics, etc. She is big on hospitality and I want to be better at that, so it will be good, I think.
On my way home I stopped by Square One for an icy beverage. There was some great artwork...some black and white photgraphs and some metal sculptures that caught my eye. I will have to wait a while to invest in much, but I love the idea of investing into some local art!!
I also have some library stuff to take care of....a book that made it's way into my collection that should have been returned LOOOONNNNNGGGGG ago. (CS Lewis, Til We Have Faces...ooooops) I am hoping that if I explain the situation and offer a monthly pledge, or something...they might be forgiving, and hopefully let me renew my membership. Walking to the library is another one of the things I am totally excited about.
Did I mention I'm looking forward to my move, now?
Posted by stacey at 07:56 PM | Comments (0)
May 24, 2005
Head over Heels
I don't like it when people laugh about the falls and spills on funniest home videos...but I have to admit, I was laughing at myself after I fell down the stairs at work this morning. It wasn't so funny while I was falling...thoughts of "Oh no! I'm going to break my arm, my neck, my back. Oh no! I JUST got the yes for my new apartment. Etc". Well, no broken anything...thank God. I bumped my knee, scraped my arm, bruised my face and got some rug burn...not to mention my aching backside. I tried to ice everything else for a while, but I'm not good at sitting all propped up and contorted... But...it is humorous to me somehow now as I sit here. It doesn't pay to run down the stairs, people!!!
Posted by stacey at 09:18 AM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2005
More Good News
YIPPPPPPEEEEEEE. I have a new apartment, a new roommate, and I can finally buy an I Love City Life bumper sticker without feeling like a fraud. : ) Ok, maybe I'll wait a few months on that...
Posted by stacey at 09:47 PM | Comments (2)
May 22, 2005
Life Can Be Wonderful
Last night I was at my friends house for a party and stayed over. This morning their son climbed up beside me on the couch and it was the coolest moment talking to him as we were both waking up. We compared boo boo's, watched cartoons, etc. Children are such a gift. When I left to come home, he asked me to turn my car lights on and off so he could watch because my car lights look like eyes opening and shutting. It was fun. I felt like I had some sort of cool sports car. To him, it probably is.
Another great moment was going out on their land with the beautiful view and laying on the hammock with a blanket. feeling the warm sunshine on my face and the cool breeze swaying the hammock back and forth. I thought to myself, what a wonderful life.
It was another city vs. country thing. As I drove home I decided I am looking forward to some time downtown for this season of my life...but I think inevitably I will one day long to settle down somewhere peaceful in the country. Time will tell,
Posted by stacey at 07:12 PM | Comments (0)
May 19, 2005
THE apartment
Well, I don't want to speak too soon...but I think it's a slam dunk. The apartment Shauna and I looked at tonight was GREAT! It's a 2nd and 3rd floor on James Street. 2nd Floor: living room, dining room, kitchen with dish washer and lots of cupboard space, laundry room with washer dryer, 1/2 bath, 3rd Floor: 2 Bedrooms, full bath, window out to the roof (the kind of roof you can sit out on and read, etc). There is also a little tiny deck/fire escape that leads out to a back yard. A back yard, people. Part of the deal would be reduced rent to agree to mow and to shovel in front of the building. Heck yeah. I'm in.
The only concern is that one of the two bedrooms doesn't have a closet...but there is a hall closet right outside of that bedroom, plus tons of shelf space in the laundry room closet. I'm willing to take the smaller bedroom, I think. The place has so much built in character, is well decorated and painted, and the landlords seem like the kind of people I would want to be friends with! They also seem to take pride in taking good care of their home, which is a good sign.
We (Shauna and I) agreed we would think/pray about it and then talk in the next day or so. I just have to start thinking through saving for the security deposit.
WHOOOPPEEEEE!!!!!! I can't wait to have a cool place to invite friends to visit.
And did I mention it's walking distance from EVERYWHERE.
Posted by stacey at 07:29 PM | Comments (1)
May 17, 2005
rugs for sale
Tonight 2 young men came to my door with nylon bags. They were selling rugs. It was very very odd. As I'm sitting here typing this, I hear them going to other doors in my building. It all seems very strange. They are carrying these door mat kind of faux oriental rugs around in what look like nylon laundry bags. Hm.
Posted by stacey at 08:28 PM | Comments (1)
May 13, 2005
Chance? Opportunity? God? Life!
A lot of "chance" encounters happening today. Chance, providencial, life...
I found a free coffee coupon for a 16 oz Wawa coffee on the day I needed to get gas. Score.
I stopped in at Senorita Burrita to correct my incorrect phone number for Jenny, to share a story with her and get a burrito and I found out that some friends of hers may have a place coming up for rent that could be right for me and my friend Shauna. Wahoo. I called and left a message seeking more info.
I was about to "cheat" and eat a free peanut butter ice cream sandwich from our office freezer. At the same time...I was opening a bottle of diet pepsi...it exploded ALL over me and the floor surrounding my desk. While I was looking around for a clean tshirt/cleaning myself off...my friend Kurt...who also is helping me with food accountability...spotted the ice cream sandwich on my desk and put it back. Upon returning to my desk, I couldnt find my tasty treat, and then put it together as he grinned, sheepishly...then admitted that he put it away for my benefit. I wanted to be mad at him, but I am thankful. Yesterday, we were talking about how it's in the little choices you make where you win or lose the battle. SIGH.
Posted by stacey at 01:22 PM | Comments (2)
May 12, 2005
Homes
Welp, things are moving ahead with my roommate situation. Shauna is officially in for getting an apartment together...so now the search will begin. I'm getting more and more excited about the prospect of moving downtown...and somewhere new with some personality. and somewhere where I can walk to Market, parks, friends houses, etc.
Last night I was at the new Clipper Magazine Stadium for the inaugural home game for the Lancaster Barnstormers. It was so exciting. It seems like I am finding more and more to love about our little city all the time. I had never been to a game before, so I was all wide eyed. I had no idea what any of the technical terminology meant, but that didn't matter. I'll learn.
Meanwhile, I am also really anxious for the opportunity to drive to VT at some point this summer. Sitting out on the patio with my parents, driving around looking for wildlife, visting with Angel and meeting Gopi and Chou, seeing my family and other friends.... all much needed. I have a lot of living to look forward to. Gotta keep looking ahead to exciting things ... while enjoying today at the same time.
Posted by stacey at 04:38 PM | Comments (0)
May 11, 2005
The One
Last night, I went with my best friend, Karen to pick out her wedding dress. She knew exactly what dress she wanted, and of course, the one she wanted was "THE ONE". We all knew it was the one made for her. She looked beautiful in it and I'm sure there will be few dry eyes in the place when she walks down the aisle. I hope I can hold it together. Perhaps there will be a hankie stuffed in the bouquet I carry. : )
Whew, those bridal places are overwhelming. It wasn't so much in the stalker assistant way...our helper was surprisingly laid back and great. There are just SO many dresses. I had no idea. You really do need to go with some ideas in mind...and a budget!!!
As Karen was trying things on, in the back of my mind I was wondering what "THE ONE" would look like for me. As a little girl, I had my whole dream wedding planned out, down to the dress... but over the years my tastes, friendships, etc have changed. (although the idea of being barefoot in my parents backyard with a ring of flowers on my head is still a lovely idea).
Completely different subject....tonight I will be at The Barnstormers Game at the new Clipper Magazine stadium reporting with Kurt. I'm really looking forward to it. I've never been to any games beyond my brothers Little League and perhaps a high school boys game or two.
Posted by stacey at 10:39 AM | Comments (0)
May 09, 2005
swimming
A beautiful Monday is a double edged sword... my mood is great, but I soooo want to play outside. At least I can look forward to a nice evening outside. Plus, I did get to be out all day Saturday.
I just realized I only have 2 empty Saturdays between now and Creation. WHOA. Life gets so busy from here until Winter. Lots of cool stuff coming up. I'm still not sure if I'm going to try to go to Echo and the Bunneymen on Friday night. Next Wednesday night at midnight...Star Wars, and Friday the 20th...muppets Wizard of Oz. Picnics, weddings, concerts, events a-plenty. My head is swimming.
Speaking of swimming...they were working on construction in the pool area at our complex at 7am the other morning. Shouldn't that be illegal? I am happy that I won't be moving til the end of the summer. At least I can take advantage of the pool (if they ever finish it) for one more summer.
Posted by stacey at 04:59 PM | Comments (1)
May 01, 2005
I have gone way too many days in a row without getting the mail. There was a ton...mostly bills and advertisement.
There was a gem, though. I got a letter from my friend Miguel, a child in Bolvia involved in Compassion International. It's always fun to get mail from him, but this time, I got really warm inside as I realized it was the first one that hadn't been written from his grandmother or tutor. Miguel is now in the third grade and can write for himself. I'm excited about getting to hear from him personally now and as he gets older. I hope to meet him someday.
Posted by stacey at 12:59 PM | Comments (0)