The Drought is Over!

Sweet, sweet victory.

Update: For those of you wondering what this picture is about, let me explain. Last night, the Oakland A's defeated the Seattle Mariners, and because the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim lost to the Texas Rangers, the A's clinched the American West division title. Distilled version: They are in the playoffs next week for sure. They haven't been to the playoffs since 2003 and I am exultant.

Go A's!

Fender-bender

Before I get to our exciting car ride... We did play a rousing game of Taboo on Saturday night. Of course, none of the guys were interested in playing so all the girls enjoyed the game, especially towards the end when we were all getting a little too involved--yes, there was indeed lots of giggling!

We also had the opportunity to visit Mike's church on Sunday morning, which was cool. Even though the power went out about halfway through the sermon, the pastor preached on. I enjoyed listening in the dark and trying to keep my focus despite distractions.

On to the accident... Yes, we are fine and yes, the car is mostly fine. Here is the scenario: I was driving and traffic was pretty unpredictable (stop-go a lot). At a point where we were going about 50 mph I decided to move from the fast lane (I have since learned this is referred to as lane 1) to the next lane to the right (lane 2). I put my blinker on, checked lane 2 and lane 3 for on-coming cars and began moving over. Once I was about 3/4 of the way into the lane a large black pick-up truck sped into my lane, swerving into our front right bumper and hitting just above the front right wheel.

The kid driving (yes, I'm guessing he was a teenager--and he was talking on a cell phone) noticed that he hit us because he turned around with a surprised look on his face. He then sped off to the right, swerving in and out of traffic. So, it was a hit and run. Meanwhile, Happy awoke from his little nap to me braking as I attempted to get out of the kid's way. He wasn't entirely with it when he woke up though because he didn't realize that we'd gotten hit. He woke up because I braked so quickly. Once the kid sped off I realized that we should get his license plate number at least and thankfully rush-hour traffic helped us to do that. We actually were behind him for a while again and got the license plane number along with the make and model of the pick-up. Unfortunately, we didn't think to call the police or AAA when the accident happened, which hopefully won't make things more complicated than they already are.

We arrived at the Gilmore house not yet having seen the damage done to the car. Once we saw that the bumper had been cracked and the spot above the wheel was dented, we took pictures. Happy called AAA at that point and told us where we could get our car fixed, along with other information. They need to find the kid and see if his car has marks on it, if he's insured, etc.

The dilemma now is figuring out how I'll get to work when the car is in the shop. I'm told that one woman lives in Huntington Beach so I could take the bus and meet her and then take the bus home. The only problem: her hours are 6:30-4:00, which means I'd be there REAL early and would need to find someone to cover the phones from 4-5 pm. We're thinking in the future of changing our AAA to cover a rental car if our car is in the shop :-)

Anyway, there's the drama of the car accident. Neither of us are hurt at all and it was only minor damage. I wasn't scared or shook up after he hit us either, so I just kept driving to Santa Clarita. Actually, my first reaction was something along the lines of "That jerk just hit us... and he's not stopping!" So, I'm thankful there wasn't a larger accident and thankful that the car is still running just fine. It was also a reminder that no matter how careful I am, there are still others out there who just aren't as careful. Then again, no matter how careful I am, the Lord is always in control. If He wants to take me home, He will do it when and how He sees fit. I'm sure this whole ordeal will prove educational, if nothing else, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Lord has something else in mind!

Santa Maria weekend

That's right! This weekend Happy and I went to Santa Maria for the weekend to visit with the Aris side of the family (Happy's mom's side). Actually, Happy and I drove up to Santa Clarita and then joined the Gilmore van. This time we were all Gilmores in the van :-D

Happy and I stayed with Aunt Kathy and Uncle Mel because they have no cats, which my allergies were very thankful for. We celebrated Aunt Kathy's 50th birthday on Friday night, Scott's 19th birthday on Saturday night and Aunt Cindy's (47th?) birthday on Saturday morning. It was a cake-filled weekend, but they were all very tasty! Plus, there was lots of other yummy food and fun conversations involved in the weekend. AND we got to sleep in!

But, I can't elaborate much more because I'm about ready to go home! I'll tell you more about our fender-bender tomorrow!

The Point of Life

I have less than an hour left of work before I leave to pick up Happy from school (that sounds funny) and then we're heading to Santa Maria for the weekend. So, I'm taking a break from coding invoices to post my last blog of the work week.

Even though Happy already provided a link to another blog, I'm going to do the same. This blog has challenged my thinking nearly every time I read it and today's post was a sobering one. Even if you don't want to read the whole thing, I'd like to quote the last couple lines:

...the ultimate goal in life should not be to get well, to get a raise, to get married, or to get whatever. The point of life is to die. It is not he who dies with the most toys, that wins, but he who dies most to himself.

Since graduating from college and starting a job that is slightly less glamorous than I had imagined, I've frequently questioned my purpose here. But why would I question it? There is nothing in Scripture that says I am to die to self only if I have a job that seems worthy--only if I'm a missionary in a third world country--only if I'm serving faithfully in the church. It seems my focus has shifted. Who am I to question God's plan for me at this point in my life? And who am I to serve Him less heartily if I'm doing something monotonous or even boring?

May the Lord teach me to "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thes. 5:16-18).

The Real Killer

This is so terribly sad.

Piper on the Pope

John Piper had some interesting comments on how Christians should respond to the controversy over the Pope's statements about Islam and the violent and loud reactions from around the Muslim world. Go here.

Tonight, Amy and I are going back to Norwalk to try to get the ball rolling on getting Amy's name officially changed to Gilmore. Lord-willing, everything will go smoothly.

Last movie we watched: Lawrence of Arabia.

Puns

In light of the comment on yesterday's post, I thought I'd open up today's post with some puns..................... but I couldn't think of any. So, to all those people who like puns or corny jokes, I'd like to share one that my Pop-pop likes. He says, "I knew a girl once who was so thin that any time she drank tomato juice she looked like a thermometer!"

With that bringing back fond memories of times with Pop-pop in Connecticut, I'd love to hear anyone else's puns or jokes. Heather, I'm sure you'll appreciate these... and so will the Mikes (my brother and cousin-in-law)... pretty much my whole family will at least crack a smile... So, I'm waiting to hear from you! They'd better be good!!!!

Update:
I just found this website. It's ok, but not the same as hearing them from people you know.... HINT HINT....

TOMORROW!!!!

Yes, that's right.... tomorrow is the day we are supposed to be able to set up our internet!! Yes, in our apartment!! I'm a little excited...

Since I don't have too much to write about I'm going to provide a link that allows you into my brain!!!! Well, not really, but this is the sort of stuff that has been occupying my mind lately :-D Have a blessed evening!

In the Know?

If you need our new home phone number (that is working!), let us know!

Busy week!

That's right! It was a busy week for me in the office! I've been coding, entering and checking invoices like crazy and hardly had time to blog or email or anything. I'm sorry for those who haven't received emails in a while. I'm hoping to get to that next week (since we still don't have reliable internet at our apartment).

Wednesday night Mike and Raphaelle came for dinner (actually they brought dinner--Mike's tasty enchiladas). After a tour of our apartment, we talked for a while and then played cards and talked more. We then decided that we need to do dinners at least once a month, alternating between our apartment and theirs. I'm glad we are making these plans :-D I had lots of fun and am looking forward to getting to spend more time with them now that Raphaelle (and soon-to-be Mike) is in LA!!! Thanks for the visit Mike & Raphaelle!

Tonight Happy and I are having a "date night" of dinner and a movie. Happy is surprising me so I don't actually know where we are eating or what movie we'll see. I'm sure it'll be wonderful though :-)

Like most Friday afternoons, the office is like a ghost-town (minus the ghosts... and tumbleweed). There is a golf tournament that half of the office is participating in and then there are the 10 of us left to hold down the fort. The phones are quiet though so I've been entering, checking and now coding invoices. But, I did spend a good amount of my afternoon reading through the Friday Funnies at what is becoming one of my most-liked blogs. I laughed out loud at many of the funnies. Enjoy!

Are they still married?

Ironic that this was the question I overheard from one of my co-workers yesterday, on the 25th anniversary of my in-laws (Happy Anniversary!!!). The answer to the question was a surprised "Yeah, I think so!" as if marriages lasting very long is uncommon. I suppose it is uncommon. I've heard all those statistics about marriages ending in divorce and even very similar statistics with Christians, but this should not be--right?

Don't get me wrong, Christians aren't any different from the rest of the world in that we can hold our marriages together on our own. The glue that should and does hold Christian marriages together is nothing but the grace of God. Christians are constantly being changed by the Holy Spirit, progressing in sanctification and becoming more like Christ through the Bible and prayer. It is part of God's design that we change and married couples are to change alongside one another, reflecting the light of Christ both individually and as a couple.

But all that is much easier said than done. Christians still sin, even against their spouses! But God has called us to a higher standard and has given us the example of Christ to follow: "who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Phil. 2:6-8).

I pray that the Lord continues to strengthen our marriage and I am so thankful for the godly example of my in-laws. Congratulations on 25 years of marriage! May the Lord bless you with many years to come (and grandchildren in due time)!

This Is Your Brain On . . .

So recently I've realized how lazy I've been when it comes to Bible memorization. So, when I read this, I was chastened and inspired to hide God's word in my heart and mind.

I'm memorizing Philippians 2, and Amy and I want to get a program (probably either Piper's or MacArthur's) that guides verse memorization. My plan? To let God's Word tranform my life!

Football season!!

This weekend is the company retreat. It's pretty quiet around here and I'm told tomorrow will be even worse. Oh well, I have things to do now! I've spent most of today entering invoices into our accounts payable program. That's right, I've entered approximately 150 invoices. Now I have to print out the report and check my work. I decided to save that for tomorrow.

A few weeks ago I ordered Tae Bo tapes and have been waking up in the morning to exercise with them. The last two mornings I've been really energetic as I exercise (particularly compared to the mornings when I just want to get back in bed), which is fine--except for the fact that sitting all day just makes me feel more and more sore! More than once I've stood up and stretched for a while. I haven't sat on the floor to do so, but I might if no one's around :-D

Lunch today was spent upstairs at Bree's computer looking at our wedding pictures! Angie came by and looked at some with me. She said they were beautiful pictures. I agreed. Actually, the real reason I was looking at my wedding pictures (again) was to pick out ones we'd like to put in our wedding album, which I am going to put together. I'm excited for that project!

Tonight Happy is videotaping the first football game at LCS for the coach to watch later. I LOVE watching football games (in person), particularly night games when it's colder. I just love the whole atmosphere and the school spirit. It brings back fond memories of being in the marching band and sitting on the metal bleachers when it was 40 degrees in New Hampshire. We used to wear those real thin gloves that do next to nothing just because it was better than pressing your numb fingers against the keys of your metal instrument. Ah memories! I love winter! Ironic that now I'm living in southern California where "winter" isn't quite the same as the definition I grew up with. Oh well, the football game tonight will be fun! I hope you all have a lovely evening and praise the Lord because He is worthy to be praised!

New link

By the way, I added a link to the side to a blog that is on Todd Bolen's blog. I read it for two or three hours yesterday and was hugely impacted by it--so much so that I decided I had to share it with anyone else who wanted to read it. To summarize, this woman has been experiencing severe pain on a daily basis for quite a while now. The doctors have yet to figure out what it is, although they have ruled out many possibilities. The main reason I added her blog to our links was because of our tendency to compare ourselves with others. As I read, I realized that I was doing the same thing and then was challenged by something she quoted on August 1st - "Parable of the Paraplegic." So, read it, it's good. What a great reminder of our Sovereign and GOOD God!

Drown it!

Today is an all-day seminar called "Get Motivated!" which about a dozen of the guys are going to. This means it will be a quiet and slow day. Good thing I have stuff to keep me busy :-)

I thought I'd let you all know (mostly my Mom and Mom-in-law who may be interested) that I decided to try to drown my plant--in a good way! Up to this point I've only watered it two or three times because I stick my finger in the dirt and find that it is still very moist. I thought perhaps the plant needs more water than I think plants need. Actually, that's the only thing I could think to do. Happy and I have been trying to give it more light which only seems to wither the leaves faster. So I watered it this morning before leaving for work. I'll let you know if it starts to perk up in the next few days.

My ride home yesterday was again a little over an hour. I think it had to do with the fact that it was the Tuesday after a holiday weekend. I'm hoping that's the reason. Plus, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are characteristically worse than Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays traffic-wise. You may wonder why Thursdays aren't as bad as the other mid-week days... Thursday is carpool day at many offices! I learned this once I began working in an office. Interesting. If I were running office carpools, I'd make our carpool day on Tuesday or Wednesday simply because everyone else takes Thursday. Hm. Oh well!

Yesterday for dinner was marinated chicken with pasta salad and peas. I found the recipe for the marinade online and it tasted pretty good. I forget the name of it, but it was pretty much a pineapple-ginger flavor. Kind of sweet with a little kick. Happy liked it :-) I think it'll stay in my box of recipes! Speaking of which, Mom-in-law--I need to get your snickerdoodle recipe!

Ok, back to coding invoices! God bless and have a Christ-centered day!

First Day of School II

Today was my first day on the other side of the first day of school. I was the teacher. This morning - when I had no classes because the elementary students don't come to school until tomorrow - I found myself chuckling to myself that I was experiencing some kind of Twilight Zone deja vu. I watched the kids and marveled that I was so recently so small.

Well, the day went well. I filled the morning with organizing my cloffice. Yes, you read that right; it's a combination of a closet and an office. My cloffice is underneath a set of stairs and is filled with basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, bouncy balls, volleyballs, jump ropes, hula hoops, etc. Also, it is filled with some unknown creature's eggs. They're everywhere, hanging from the very low ceiling. But, I bought some Raid and went to town today, fumigating the cloffice.

I had lunch duty today. I have it every Tuesday and every Thursday, and I get to eat outside with the students and pick up their trash, etc. I sat with three seventh grade boys, mainly because one of them looked like he needed someone to sit with him. I talked with them all through lunch, constantly repeating their names in my head so I wouldn't forget them. "Paul, Riley and Jordan . . . Paul, Riley and Jordan."

After lunch was sixth period and that meant Junior High PE. Forty-four junior highers. It was a lesson in the necessity of a whistle (which I forgot to have with me) and the difficulty of maintaining the attentions of that many 12 and 13 year-olds while taking roll. I handed out PE shorts and T-shirts and was supposed to hand out locks for the PE lockers, but I didn't get to that before the bell rang.

Last was seventh period and 17 mostly disinterested high-schoolers. A good percentage of them are just there because they don't play sports and have to have 20 PE units to graduate. Because I've had to build up my own PE program from nothing, I've added just a few written assignments and some Bible verses to memorize. By the expressions on some faces and many rolled eyes, you would have thought I just assigned them four 20-page essays on the importance of the quantum theory on modern warfare. So I see that my main job in high school PE will be to inspire motivation.

I'd like to go on, but it's almost nine o'clock and I'm getting up at five every morning, so it's time to go to bed.

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.

-Psalm 68:19

First Day of School

Today is Happy's official "First Day of School" and I forgot to take pictures! He probably wouldn't have let me anyway, but I wanted to :-) He came out this morning and asked if his shirt went with his pants. Good thing I'm really great at matching (note the sarcasm).... Pray that he adjusts to teaching and learns how to balance getting to know the kids while remaining authoritative.

As for me, I'm back at work after the long weekend. Friday was VERY slow and the office did close at 2 pm. Traffic was wonderful! :-D I went to the post office to send books for Happy and then went home and made our dinner for the Hollywood Bowl concert. I'm pretty sure Happy will have something to say about the Hollywood Bowl experience, but I'll tell it from my perspective. John Williams actually conducted, which was REALLY cool. When they played the first song Happy's face lit up. He recognized the 20th Century Fox intro (I think that's what it was) that is played before the movie starts. Of course, with John Williams came many Star Wars fans, including a large group of people with glowing lightsabers. When the orchestra played Star Wars music, the lightsabers lit up. A group of about 10 of them below us bounced the beat of the music. They really liked Darth Vader's theme!

Side note--Friday night was the first time I saw the HOLLYWOOD sign that you always see in movies. I'd heard it was pretty anti-climactic when you finally did see it, but for me it was pretty cool to see from the Hollywood Bowl.

Other impressions of mine... I LOVED IT!!! We sat next to this old couple that go to Hollywood Bowl 2-3 times a year. They were eating sandwiches and drinking wine when we got there. Ok, I have to be honest, it was pretty gross listening to her talk with all the food stuck in her teeth and dodging morsels that flew out. When she stopped eating it was much more pleasant to listen to her!

Well, it's back to work for me. I've had things to keep me busy all day today, which is good! But I do have a headache so pray that the Advil starts working :-) God bless!