God Bless America!

Happy 4th of July, Poodle dears!

Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays ever! My Great Grandpa served in World War I, Grandpa Mo served in World War II, and my Grandma is one of the most patriotic people I know. I take after Mana...we both tear up when "The National Anthem" is played, or when Lee Greenwood sings "Proud to be an American." We truly live in an amazing country and have been given so many amazing freedoms!

Now then, before I burst out into an off-key version of "America the Beautiful" I will say that...

I hope this finds you enjoying this...


...while having a nice, big glass of this...



...waiting for this to finish...


...and for these to start!


And it wouldn't be The 4th if I didn't remember to say thank you, thank you, thank you to all of the men and women serving our country in the Armed Forces. Because of your sacrifices we are able to continue calling our great nation The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave! Thank you for all that you do to keep us safe!


See you back here on Monday for more Friend Makin', and hopefully a plethora of cowboy pictures! *sigh*

God Bless America,

My Week in Bullets

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Dust off that motivation, along with the keyboard, and get to work on those 5K Friday posts! Tomorrow is our first official week to post, link up, and share some encouraging words! Can't wait to see what y'all have been doing! For more information and instructions, click here!
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I've typed, deleted, and retyped the first sentence of this post 6 times now. There's just no easy way to lead in to a post that I know will be disjointed, wandering, and random. If you don't do random, bullet lists, and week-to-date recaps, then you should probably just skip this one and come back tomorrow for 5K Friday. Otherwise, proceed...but you have been warned!


Still with me? Off we go!

This Week
(in bullets)

• Monday/Monday Late-Afternoon: Another glorious day at the office followed by the last round of vaccinations for El Salvador. (I really do need to post again about my trip. For those of you that haven't been around GM long enough to know what I'm talking about, you can do some catching up here, here, and here.) I met Rachel at Target, carpooled downtown, where we met up with another team member going to El Salvador, Allen. We all three had immunizations left on our list, so we decided to make it a group effort. The last shot I had on my list was the Typhoid vaccine. I've been subjected to a myriad of shots in the past two weeks -- Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MMR, and Tetanus -- and the Typhoid shot was by far the most painful. Once we were finished being pin cushions protected from creepy jungle viruses vaccinated, we decided it was time for dinner. Since Rachel and I were such troopers Allen offered to treat us to dinner at a downtown restaurant he's been wanting to try. Which brings us to....
• Monday Evening: We follow Allen to his mystery restaurant. We're surrounded by unassuming-looking office buildings, until we come to a white, wooden door. Allen, always the gentleman, opens the door for us and we find ourselves surrounded by this...and this...and this...You've got to be kidding me! Bear in mind that Rachel is sporting a dazzling pair of cut-off jean shorts, complete with frayed hems. She's accented the shorts with a delightful white t-shirt from her high school volleyball days. To set off the ensemble she chose to pair it with black flip-flops. I had personally done only slightly better for myself...wearing dark jeans, a cute summery top from Target, while pulling it all together with black, rubber, Old Navy flip-flops. Certainly nothing worthy of what we discovered Cafe Bel Ami to be. We did our very best to be exceedingly classy, polite, and cultured with our waitress (who looked ready to give us the boot, or make us wash dishes to pay for our meals at any moment) to make up for our fashion faux pas. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was beautiful, the company was fantastic, but I have never been so ready to leave a restaurant in my life! Allen was so good-natured about it...he just made us promise to leave the flip-flops at home the next time he offered dinner. Yeah...you think? Anyone else getting a very "Pretty Woman"-ish vibe off of that entire dining experience? Just call me Vivian! After surviving Monday it's on to...
• Tuesday: Tuesday evening was my date with Rachel, Sarah Jane, and Gavin DeGraw! The girls and I had been anxiously awaiting his concert for a week! Rachel is in love with the man, and while he's not my usual cup o' tea (see The Husband on my sidebar) he can sing, and he does have rather delightful biceps shoulder muscles eyes. We ducked out just after Gavin finished crooning and headed home. We're not as young as we used to be...bed was calling! After a not-nearly-long-enough night of sleep I find myself right in the middle of...
• Wednesday: If I live through work we'll be off to a night of fun and frivolity at the bowling alley. Normally Wednesday night is our small group bible study, but tonight we're taking the show on the road and having a Fun Night. I'm not just being humble when I tell you that I am, quite possibly, the world's worst bowler. My all-time-best score is a whopping 78 points. I'm "that girl" that tries to throw/pitch/lob/whatever the ball and ends up releasing it behind her into the other bowlers seated in the chairs. Should be a great time! (Maybe pray for my bowling partners? Their toes are going to need it!)

*phew*

How's that for exhausting? The rest of the week isn't much better! Tomorrow is my only day with nothing planned...other than laundry. Friday will find me boutique-ing with my girls, and then Saturday it's time for some fun...rodeo-style!

How about y'all? What's been going on this week? Anything fun? Fill me in on what's new!

With love, from the girl that wears flip-flops for an evening of fine dining,

Mrs. Strait

Little-Known-Lins Fact time:

I am married to George Strait!!

You had no idea that you were reading a blog that belonged to a celebrity, did you? Yeah...I try to keep it quiet.

Oh, and that Norma woman you see him with? She's just a decoy so I can live my life in peace. It's good to be queen!

In honor of my husband, and because my Pandora Station, Buckle Shiners, played "I Cross My Heart" just a moment ago, I give you some Youtube Goodness from my husband's first (and best) movie, "Pure Country."

Enjoy!




Oh, what a familiar scene! This is what our front porch looks like every weekend. Just another jam session with King George...




And now, the moment that never fails to make me swoon. The tears start at 0:30 and they just don't quit until I've finished my Ben & Jerry's the credits end. Harley Tucker, you were a fool to ever doubt Dusty Wyatt's love for you.

*sigh*

How much do I love that man!?

<3,

FYI

This GM Post is brought to you by our dear friends at Blogger Scheduled Posts.

"Blogger Scheduled Posts. Making weekends Goodbye Martha-i-er since 1942."

(or something)

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And now, for yet another Meme. I generally don't like these things, but since not everyone knows me IRL, this is a good way to save you all from reading some seriously rambling "about me" posts!

Enjoy! Happy weekend!

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1. First thing you wash in the shower? The hair. Always the hair. I shower in the same order every day.
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? Orange-ish?
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Are we talking KISSED kissed? In that case, no. It’s been almost 3 years since I’ve kissed a boy (or man, for that matter.) Voluntarily even! My movie deal is in the works.
4. Do you plan outfits? It depends on where I’m going. If it’s special, you better believe I’m planning things…right down to the earrings.
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Pretty darn fantastic. Great weather, almost lunch time, it’s Wednesday…so that means it’s Rachel Date Day! Yep, I’m good.
6. What’s the closest thing to you that 's red? My cell phone. Past that, it’s the sign the guys put on the back of my printer that says “Danger! Stand Clear! 50 Feet!” Funny guys. Real funny.

   

7. Tell me about the last dream yo u remember having? I was a small business owner. I drove from state to state hauling water slides behind my truck. I wonder if there’s any money in that?
8. Did you meet anybody new today? Nope. But it’s only noon!
   
9. What are yo u craving right now? Wendy’s fries!
10. Do you floss? Sure. But only in private. "I had all those strawberry seeds before, and you shouldn't neglect your gums."
    

    

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Sauerkraut
12. Are you emotional? Ha. Is Kansas flat? For those not fluent in sarcasm the answer to this question is yes, yes, a thousand times yes!
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? Maybe while running. I count my steps when I run to distract myself.
    
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? I take the lick/slurp/gum/suck approach. I have sensitive teeth.
15. Do you like your hair? It needs a trim, but we get along well.
16. Do you like yourself? I do! God made me just right.
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? Absolutely. I’m one of those rare Bush supporters! Plus, I think Laura was an absolute class act!
18. What are you listening to right now? “Skin My Knees” by Kate Klim. Don’t be impressed by my indie taste in music…it’s just what rolled across my latest Pandora Addiction.
19. Are your parents strict? If you asked me this in high school I would’ve yelled “UHM, YEAH!!!” Now? Not really. They have their convictions, but so do I.
20. Would you go sky diving? Absolutely! Sign me up!
21. Do you like cottage cheese? Mmmm, yes.
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? I have Josh Turner’s sweat rag. How’s that?
23. Do you rent movies often? Usually once a week. Falling asleep to a movie is my Me Date of choice. Last night, it was “The Wrestler.” Ew.
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? My eyes. Haha!
25. How many countries have you visited? Zero as of today. Ask me again after July and I’ll be able to say one…El Salvador!
26. Have you made a prank phone call? Oh, sure! Just not today…I’ve been busy at work.
27. Ever been on a train? Not one that was moving. In my town we have old steam engines sitting in our parks for kids to play on. I guess that happens when the high school mascot is a “Railroader.”

    

28. Brown or white eggs? Either. Growing up on a farm I’ve eaten PLENTY of brown eggs in my day.
29. Do you have a cell-phone? I do. Got a brand new one last night. Still not quite sure how it works.
    
30. Do you use chap stick? The brand? No. I’m more of a Soft Lips kind of girl.
31. Do you own a gun? Two of them. Amanda and Shirley.
32. Can you use chop sticks? I can stab chicken with one of them. How’s that?
33. Who are you going to be with tonight? Rachel for our Wednesday Night Coffee Date. Then the rest of the folks in our Wednesday Night Bible Study.
    
34. Are you too forgiving? Forgiveness is part of what God wants from me. I’m no fool, but I’ll forgive b/c I was forgiven.
35. Ever been in love? I sure thought so!
36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? Working…then most of us will be at orientation for this weekend’s service project.
37. Ever have cream puffs? Oh heavens yes! How I adore cream puffs!
38. Last time you cried? Sunday afternoon…but it was the good kind of “God Cry.”
39. What was the last question you asked? “Do I really want to know?” (Directed at Becky.)
40. Favorite time of the year? Spring!
41. Do you have any tattoos? Nope. Too scared of Mom for that.
42. Are you sarcastic? Never. Not at all. Can’t stand the stuff. ;)
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? I guess since this question makes no sense I’ll say “no.”
44. Ever walked into a wall? Oh sure! That’s a pretty regular thing.
    
45. Favorite color? It varies. I’m partial to green, yellow, and pink.
46. Have you ever slapped someone? Not the kind of slap you see on movies where a man says something offensive and the woman lets him have it. Always thought that looked pretty fun, though!
47. Is your hair curly? Wavy-ish.
48. What was the last CD you bought? Dolly Parton "Backwoods Barbie." Yes, I'm serious.
49. Do looks matter? Nah. Everyone has something to offer, whether it’s on the outside or the inside.
50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? Forgive, sure. Taking them back would be another story.
51. Is your phone bill sky high? It just got a little higher. I bought a “Smart Phone” so now I’m paying for unlimited internet time. *sigh*
52. Do you like your life right now? Absolutely! God has blessed me with far more than I deserve!
53. Do you sleep with the TV on? Occasionally…but never on purpose.
54. Can you handle the truth? It’s not always fun, but sometimes it’s necessary.
55. Do you have good vision? Pretty good. I think I’m due for a trip to the eye doctor though. It’s heck getting old.
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? I don’t hate anyone. I probably dislike a few…even though I shouldn’t.
57. How often do you talk on the phone? Not much. Lucky for me I live near all the people I would call.
58. The last person you held hands with? Once again, if we’re talking HELD HANDS held hands, then it’s almost 3 years ago. If we’re just talking incidental hand holding then it was Rachel on Sunday while we were praying together.
59. What are you wearing? Jeans, a pink polo shirt, and sandals. Pretty standard work attire.
60. What is your favorite animal? Horses!
61. Where was your default picture taken at? If we’re talking Facebook (where I stole this quiz from) then it was in the lobby at HuHot. If we’re talking GM then it was in my friend’s house during her birthday party.

    

62. Can you hula hoop? Shoot no. My hips don’t seem to move that way.
63. Do you have a job? Yep. And it’s not so bad.
64. What was the most recent thing you bought? Mascara, a nail file, skim milk, cereal, and chocolate frosted donut holes. Stupid donut holes just jumped right off the shelf and into my cart .
65. Have you ever crawled through a window? Oh yeah. Mom locks me out all the time. Not on purpose, I promise. At least…I don’t think it’s on purpose.

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Listening to: Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time

Single. And Satisfied!

*In the interest of letting the entire blog-o-sphere this much closer into my personal life, I'm going to wade in a little deeper with today's post. I can't decide why. Maybe it's because I feel like it's a good witness to what God can do once you totally surrender your will to Him. Maybe it's because my server is down at work and I can't do any more invoicing. Regardless, you've been warned.*

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I have been single for 1,044 days. That's 25,056 hours. 1,503,360 minutes. 90,201,600 seconds. I'm talking haven't-held-hands-haven't-been-on-a-date-haven't-been-kissed single...for a little more than 90.2 million seconds.

In layman's terms, I will be single for 3 years come May 30, 2009.

Let me give you some background on what, exactly, brought me to such a drastic decision.

I am, quite possibly, the worst judge of [male] character in the Western Hemisphere. I'm talking bad. I've dated Commitment-phobes, Mama's Boys, Jail Birds (to my credit, I didn't know this until after we broke up,) Two-Timers, and men that just can't make a decision about anything. After the last debacle, I decided enough was enough. I did what I should've done the day I turned 16 and was "allowed" to date. I gave my dating life over to God and I never looked back.

That might sound like a bizarre concept to some readers. It sounded awfully jean-skirts-and-tennis-shoes (aka: creepy, legalistic, cult-ish Christianity) to me, too. All I knew for sure was that I had failed, miserably, at finding men to date and I knew God couldn't do any worse than I was.

I started out where I usually do. Reading. I read "I Kissed Dating Goodbye." I read "Boy Meets Girl." I read "Lady In Waiting." I read "Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships." I read "When God Writes Your Love Story." I spent much of that first year reading, taking notes, praying, and rereading. The time I spent listening to what others had to say about dating as a Christian was invaluable, but I knew that I had to learn to apply that to my life and pray about where God wanted me to fall in the spectrum of Christian dating approaches.

After much prayer I had come to a decision. I would pray that God kept every man out of my path but the right man. I began praying for God to keep other offers for dates away from me since I had never been good at turning someone down. Mercy, was He ever faithful to that request. For the first year and a half I wasn't approached once, by even one man, period. Now, I'm not saying I'm a knock-out by any means, but I will say that in my "heyday" I didn't have any trouble getting men to ask me out. To go from that, to not so much as even a second glance in such a short time was truly a God Thing.

Looking back, I know that God used that time in my life for a very specific purpose. He was the only man in my life. He was the one that held my attention. He had no competition. Because I was focused fully on Him, He was able to teach me so much about how He saw me, how much I was worth to Him, and how He expected me to behave in a dating relationship/marriage. It was such a departure from the way I approached dating in the past.

After the first year and a half men would approach me. Some would blatantly hit on me. Those were easy to turn down. Some were sweeter about it. Some were even friends of mine. Those were harder to know what to do with. I knew that I would no longer go out on a date just to be dating someone. I knew that the next man I accepted a date from would need to be special. He would need to be someone I could see a future with...someone that had the qualities of a man I could see myself married to.

I was no longer settling for a date just to get a free dinner or so I wouldn't be alone on a Friday night. This time, it was serious.

Since I made that commitment to God almost 3 years ago my life has totally changed. My focus has changed. My perspective on dating has changed. For me, it's not something to be taken lightly...it should be approached with prayer, respect, and honor. I have been asked out by some really great men in the past 3 years. Men that made it hard for me to turn the date down. However, that still, small voice is never wrong. If He is telling me no, then the other hes in my life will just have to listen and understand.

I know God will honor my sacrifice and my decision to follow Him above the other hims running around my life. Plus, I'm excited to be able to tell the man I do accept a date from that I've been waiting 90.2 million seconds...just for him.





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Listening to: Matt Wertz - Counting To 100

Don't Get Your Knickers in a Twist

Twin is getting impatient. Apparently she is on her lunch break and has nothing to read because I haven't posted yet today. So.....here I am. This one is just for you, Becky dear.

With that, I'll leave you with an adorable shot of Twin cutting a rug.....

And a promise that once I'm back from my own lunch, I'll be posting about some good old-fashioned juicy stuff....

What, exactly, the status of my love life is.

How's that for a cliffhanger?

25 Things

I realize that the whole "25 Things" craze has finally died down, but since GM is relatively new I thought you'd like some insider info on who is behind all these delightful ramblings! :)

Enjoy!

1. I am absolutely in love with an amazing Savior! God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve and I pray daily He would make me into everything He intended me to be.
2. My "husband" lives on a ranch outside of Poteet, Texas. You might know him, his name is George Strait. (Jodi, that would make him your BROTHER-IN-LAW. Get it right.)
3. I have the best parents in the entire world. They've been married 31 years in September and still look at each other like they were newlyweds. Their marriage inspires me to hold out for God's best! (I believe they secretly enjoy kissing and playing "smoochy face" just to disgust Adam and I.)
4. My younger brother is a pastor. I makes me smile (and cry a little) to remember him in his cut-off jean shorts and "Ernie shirt" while he stands behind the pulpit and gives his sermons. God broke the mold when he made Adam...I love him a lot!
5. Adam and I made up a brother/sister dance when we were very young that we still do to this day. It has several variations and if you're around both of us long enough, you'll be blessed with it. The Rump Shaker has been performed in many different places including Wal-Mart, the Sanctuary at our church in Newton, and the parking lot at Newell's.
6. I am VERY accident prone but I have never had any major injuries. I've never broken a bone, I've never had stitches, and I've never spent the night in the hospital. (Knock on wood!)
7. My only real talent is that I'm able to wiggle my eyes back and forth VERY quickly. The only other person I've ever met that can also do this is my brother. (I'm better at it than he is! :) )
8. I used to do hair for a living, and I'm still a licensed hair dresser. If you catch me squinting at your head I'm probably imagining what I'd do with your hair if you'd let me.
9. My 2008 Tax Return and Economic Stimulus Check are in a pasture right now...I bought a horse with the money! Miss Kitty was the best use of a Tax Return EVER!
10. I believe that Shepler's, not Disney Land, is the happiest place on earth! I purposefully don't go there as much as I'd like to because I can't leave without buying something.
11. The Pretty Prairie Rodeo is much like Christmas for me. I start counting down in January!
12. I have an unhealthy obsession with Starbucks. It was so bad 2 years ago that Mandy and I would drive to Wichita specifically to get Starbucks and then come back home. I really don't want to get better. :)
13. I am not very well traveled. I have never seen the ocean, and the farthest away from Kansas I've been in Chicago. I plan to change all that in July...El Salvador, here I come!!
14. All of my cars have had names. I won't name them until I've driven them awhile so I know their "personalities." They've all been female...Beulah, Vanessa, Betty, Jolynn, and Honey.
15. I cry VERY easily, and for an assortment of reasons. I'll cry at movies that aren't supposed to be sad ("50 First Dates"), live music, pictures/slide shows set to music, and commercials. My brother still gives me a hard time for crying over the GM commercial from 2 Super Bowls ago.
    
16. I have a serious aversion to certain words. I can't say them, I really don't like to hear them, but I can type them if I don't think about the way the word sounds.
17. My brother thinks it's bizarre than I can hear a song once and remember all the words. It only works with certain songs/theme songs/jingles. When we saw "Open Season" I instantly had the song Elliot sang to Boog memorized. I still sing it to him.
18. I have a tendency to nickname people (and our dogs), but it has to come naturally. The nicknames I give usually aren't typical...among my "regulars" are: Monkey, Mugget, Pickle Lips, Scootie Bear, Poodle, and Sprinkles.
19. I am a creature of habit on certain things. During the spring/summer I take my lunch to the same place. If someone is in "my spot" I'll wait until they leave and pull in. I have to be parked so I'm lined up with a specific tree, the windows have to be cracked at least 3 inches (preferably all the way down), and the radio has to be on 1 1/2 bars of volume so I can read.
20. Certain words, phrases, and noises find their way into my vocabulary and become staples. I've heard them called "Lindsay-isms." Some stand-bys: "holler", "woojin", "mercy sakes", "hurt me", "own your face", "beavered/beaver it", and "OooOoo!"
21. I have an affection for bulldogs and little old men that look like bulldogs. The word "woojin" comes in to play here.
22. I am VERY tactile. It factors into physical touch being my primary Love Language. If I see something I'll touch it if it's "okay." Museums and art galleries are frustrating to me because I can't touch things. It's probably part of why I love Exploration Place to much!
23. I've had a dog that was so fat she had cellulite. Adam called it her "farunkles." The same dog had "rocket boosters" when she would hop up on the couch. :)
24. One of my favorite pets (other than the dogs) was a hairless rat I named Nacho. He had a ton of personality and was VERY smart. He loved to eat pancakes, tomatoes, and green beans. He had a harness and leash so I could take him out in the front yard to play in the grass. He was pretty high maintenance...he needed baths often and had to have lotion rubbed on him once a week so he wouldn't get dry skin. My Dad hated him so much he wouldn't even look at him. :)
25. This note has taken me an eternity to finish...I've practically beavered it to death. I've been writing things down for 2 days in order to get to 25 of them...I didn't want to use too many things that were common knowledge.

Classic Beauties

I'm fairly certain that I was born in the wrong decade. Listening to my Twitterpation Station this morning only confirms that. Is there anything better than a little Doris Day singing "The Very Thought of You," or anything that Rosemary Clooney felt like belting out?

Something about the way the women in the 1940s and 1950s walked, talked, danced, and sang just screamed class and sophistication! I suppose that their impossibly tiny waistlines helped with looking great in their dresses, but I'm fairly certain that they just don't make women like that anymore! The actresses of our day are gorgeous, but Angelina Jolie's got nothin' on Jane Russell or Betty Grable.


Don't believe me? Just ask my Grandpa! The only competition for Grandpa's affection that Grandma ever had was Miss Jane Russell. He tells the story that Jane's pictures and Grandma's letters were the only things that got him through his tour in World War II.



If you're not already a fan of the "classics" here are some the best places to start! I don't know if it's possible to watch these movies and not like them! (I even know some men - don't worry guys, I'm not naming names - that sat down to watch some of my favorites and ended up saying things like "Wow! I really liked that...do you have any more of 'em?" or "Dang! That dark-headed one (Jane Russell) is smokin' hot!") Uhm, yeah..."smokin' hot" is an understatement boys!

And with that, I'll leave you with some of the best places to start in your quest for good, old-fashioned, entertainment!

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"White Christmas" (1954) : Starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen. It might have "Christmas" in the title, but this movie isn't just for December! Amazing dance numbers, gorgeous dresses, plus you get to listen to Bing Crosby sing for 2 hours! *sigh*

What to watch for: Rosemary Clooney & Vera Ellen's "Sisters" number. Even better when Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye join in!

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"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953) : Starred Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell. This movie is a tie for my favorite of all time. I'm not a huge Marilyn fan (*gasp* I know!) but she is just adorable in this one. Plenty of what you'd expect from the 50s...amazing dresses, singing, dancing, and all those diamonds!!

What to watch for: The opening number "Little Rock!" Those red dresses are amazing! Also, Jane Russell's number with the entire Olympic Men's Gymnastic team. Rawr.

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"How to Marry a Millionaire" (1953) : Starred Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall. The other movie that ties for my all time favorite! No singing or dancing in this one, but the costumes make up for it! The movie follows three women living in a NYC apartment trying to find millionaires to marry. Plus, how could you not love a movie that has characters with names like Loco Dempsey, Pola Debevoise, and Schatze Page?!

What to watch for: Loco Dempsey's (Betty Grable's) love interest...the park ranger. Mercy sakes alive...I'd live in a forest for that man too!

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Enjoy! And if you all have any favorites I'd love to hear about them...my Friday night is wide open! :)

Envelopes & Bagelfuls

Two things I've learned about myself today...all before 9:30am!

1. I will gladly pay $3.45 (plus tax) for 45 envelopes that are "strip & seal" (aka: no lick!) even when I have the option of paying $1.75 for 55 envelopes I would have to lick. I have standards.
2. I have a deep affection for "Bagelfuls." Seriously. If you haven't tried them, get out there and buy some. Mmmm!

I guess you really do learn something new every day! Stay tuned for more of what I promised you yesterday. The El Salvador letters are almost out the door and then I'm free again!

The Rules

*We interrupt your regularly-scheduled workday for this lesson in Office Etiquette:101*

I work in an office of all men. I am, literally, the only woman in the building. It has it's perks. It also can drive me to drink some days. Some days like today.

Which brings me to my latest post...a little lesson for men in the area of office etiquette...which I may or may not post on the break room wall 10 minutes from now.

Rules For Being in an Office With a Woman:

1. Please keep all bodily functions, noises, and smells limited to the bathroom or the Shop. I am not certain what kind of a home your wife runs, but in this building I don't need to smell, hear, or see something that came from inside of you. Your wife might think it's cute. Heck, she might even join in. This woman, however, does not see the humor in those sort of shenanigans.
2. Please do not rely on curse words as your adjectives/adverbs of choice. I suppose that swearing like a sailor has it's place. That place would be on a ship. In the ocean. Far, far away from my earshot. Hearing the f-bomb multiple times in the course of one sentence is ridiculous. If you must discuss the "effin' great time you and your effin' kids had on effin' vacation" do so, again, in the bathroom or the Shop.
3. Please do not get into my desk. For any reason. Ever. Period. Amen. I have very very little space in this office that is mine. That space is my desk. I have 3 drawers and I claim every last inch of them. If you need paperclips, pens, envelopes, tape, etc., etc., etc. I would be happy to give them to you. If you ask me first. Also, It doesn't make it "okay" to get in my desk while I'm sitting at it. In fact, that might make it worse. Again, not sure what kind of a home your wife runs, but a woman's desk is just like her purse. You just don't touch it, lest you should retract a bloody stub.
4. Please do not randomly take things from my printer. The reasons are simple, and very similar to the reasons associated with #3. One addition: It does not matter to me if you assume what I've printed is for you. You can't possibly know that. It could be for you. It could also be my plans to blow up the office because you've burped the alphabet one too many times this week. That's just not a risk you should take.
5. Please do not sit on my counter and stare at the side of my head. I enjoy socializing. Shockingly enough, I enjoy socializing with most of you, but only when my work is done. If I am typing while looking at my computer screen I am most likely Facebooking or blogging working. (Or I'm pretending to Facebook or blog work so you'll go away.) Some of us do have things to do. Sitting on my counter and staring at me will not magically cause me to want to socialize with you or listen about what an "effin' good time you had at the effin' Hank Williams Junior concert you effin' went to in effin' Arkansas."
6. Please do not use my bathroom. Ever. There is a men's bathroom for you to use. It's fun in there. You can use whatever language you choose. You can make obscene noises 'til your little heart's content. You can even leave the seat up! My bathroom has rules. You don't like rules, do you? I didn't think so.
7. Please do not show me the horrendously offensive pictures you have on your cell phone. I'm really not even certain why you would think I would want to see those, but I do NOT. Once again, I'm not sure what sort of a home your wife runs (or why she would forward you a picture of a 600-pound woman naked) but around these parts that just doesn't fly. A good rule of thumb: if you and your buddies would laugh at the picture while standing in the back corner of the Shop, I'll probably think it's offensive or gross. Err on the side of caution and just show me pictures of baby animals or George Strait. Thanks.

Please feel free to print your own copy of "Rules For Being in an Office With a Woman" and redistribute as needed. Now I need to get going...I have some things to post in the break room.

*We now return you to your regularly-scheduled workday already in progress*

It's All My Fault!

I need to apologize to everyone that lives in South Central Kansas.



Last week Hank and I took the sandbags out of the bed of my truck. This week the weather forecast includes a chance for 5 to 9 inches of snow on Friday. I think I predicted this would happen.

If you don't see me for awhile it's because pickup trucks are completely worthless on snow/ice/sleet w/o weight in the back end...and I refuse to spend $75 more on sandbags I'm just going to dump in the driveway in a month.

I'll miss you all. See you after the thaw!

The Foxy Foursome

Warning! The post you are about to read may contain themes not suitable for all audiences. Themes may include, but are not limited to: mush, sap, sentimentality, and/or gushing. Should you decide to continue reading you are doing so at your own risk.

• • • • •

Time and time again people claim to have "the best friends in the world." Those people are wrong. I have met "the best friends in the world" and they belong to me...or maybe I belong to them.

Please allow me to introduce you to some of the hottest women on the planet...The Foxy Foursome!

I have learned in my years as a woman that we have many different types of friends, and those friends fill the many different types of needs we may have. Some of my friends are my opposite, and that works for us. But these girls, The Foursome, we could've been sisters! When we met, it just clicked. We had come from similar backgrounds, we had been through some of the same struggles, we just "got" each other.

Each one of us, no matter how similar we are, brings something completely different to the group.

Sarah Jane (Monkey) has a heart of gold. She is one of the most selfless, compassionate women I know. She is fiercely protective of her friends and family. She can just as easily sit down and have a heart-to-heart with my Mom as she can get down on the dance floor at Margarita's. (Don't let that sweet smile fool you...girl has some serious moves.) Monkey has overcome more in her 26 years than some women overcome in lifetime.

Rachel is as funny as she is beautiful. Her dry sense of humor catches people by surprise, but it's also one thing that draws people to her. She and I have walked very similar roads, and because of that we have a very close bond. She is dependable, trustworthy, thoughtful, and generous. She is always one of the first people to welcome a visitor to Pathways and to invite them to sit with her at dinner. I look forward to our Wednesday night solve-the-world's-problems coffee dates more than I let on. I can see God growing Rachel by leaps and bounds...He's got huge things planned for her. I can't wait to share an obscene amount of Pupusas, inside jokes, and memories with her in El Salvador!

Becky is my twin. We share a birthday. We share the same (slightly bossy) personality. We share an affection for taking out our frustrations on an elliptical trainer. She keeps me accountable, she keeps me motivated, and she keeps me laughing. We became fast friends planning our birthday party last year, and I believe we'll be friends for a lifetime (if we live through planning her wedding!) Becky is a woman who will always tell you what she's thinking, but she'll do it in a way that doesn't offend you...it inspires you. She's intelligent, she's beautiful, she's ornery, and she chair-dances to the annoying music they play before a movie. I'm not sure how I'll manage when she moves to Houston in September. My only consolation is that I'm pretty sure Nathan realizes just how amazing she is and how lucky he is that we're letting her go!

Putting faces with the names! (L to R) Rachel, Becky, me, and Sarah Jane

For a girl, who once had a seriously lacking social circle, to have not one but 3 best friends is nothing short of a miracle. God has blessed me with these women that support me, love me, challenge me, yell at me, motivate me, pray for me, and get into trouble with me. I pray for each of them daily...sometimes more often than that. I believe we will see each other through engagements, marriages, children, moves, job changes, and grandchildren.

"However rare true love may be, it is less so than true friendship."
~ La Rochefoucauld

To my Foursome: Thank you for coming into my life at exactly the right moment. Thank you for being obedient to what God wants you to do, and for inspiring me to grow closer to Him. I count you all as some of the most precious blessings God has given me. I can't wait for all of the seasons of life we'll share together. I love each of you a ton!

*mwah*

ps: You didn't really think I could write a post about the Foursome and leave the Estrogenfest picture out, did you? You're welcome!! ;)

Telling Martha Goodbye - Part 2

(Continued from Telling Martha Goodbye - Part 1)

"The more I prayed about what God would have me do, the more I realized He was calling me to make some tough decisions. I needed to pray and allow God to show me what He wanted me involved in, and focus on those things. Easier said than done. I loved everything I was a part of. I was on leadership for two different groups, I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my friends every night of the weekend, what on earth would I do away with?!

I kept handing it over to God and He kept telling me to wait on Him. Until recently..."

Last Wednesday, March 18, 2009, I was at Life Group. The lesson talked about obedience and sacrifice, which got me praying...again. I told God I wanted to honor Him with my time and asked Him again to show me what to keep and what to do away with. We finished the lesson, we spent some time chit-chatting, we all went our separate ways. I hadn't made it to the gym that morning, so I was driving to Anytime Fitness in town before I headed home. I thought I would be cute and razz Jason a little about my dedication working out at 9:30pm, so I shot him a quick text message. He replied and I was on my way.

I finished my workout and checked my phone. Jason had sent me another message asking if I would be at Thursday night Life Group the next evening. I told him I wouldn't and he replied:

"Are you ever coming back?"

I was honest and told him I wasn't sure, I was still praying about it. I asked if he had any insight into the situation (he gives great advice!) and he told me he might. Jason asked if I had a second to talk and we spent the next hour on the phone.

I spent 80% of that hour talking through my decision. I told him what I liked about each thing I was a part of. I told him which things I wasn't willing to give up. I told him which things I was on the fence about. He just let me talk. At one point, while pausing to get a breath, I prayed again..."show me what You want me to do with my schedule." And then, that voice that I could pick out anywhere came through loud and clear.

"You already know. I've told you. Trust it."

At that moment everything came into focus. I enjoyed everything that I was involved in, but two areas really spoke to me and fell high on my list of priorities. I loved Pathways and it's ministry, and I was honored to be part of it's leadership. I was excited to get to know the people in my Wednesday Life Group more, and the lessons it's leaders picked out challenged me and made me think. I loved Thursday night Life Group, and being part of it's leadership, but it felt like I had outgrown it. It was a huge blessing to me when I first came to Pathways and allowed me to make some life-long friendships...but I was ready to move on. It had become a time for me to socialize more than a time to focus on God and what He had planned for me.

I told Jason I knew what I needed to do and explained what I thought I was hearing. Him agreeing with what I was feeling was all the confirmation I needed. It would be hard to step down from Thursday nights, I would miss many of the people I met in the group, but I had to be obedient to God's instruction.

I know now that God's answer to my prayers came in the form of a good friend letting me talk things out. Jason listening to my ramblings allowed me to put things in perspective.

"For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."
(Luke 6:45b, NIV)

The things that meant the most to me were the things I spoke of. The things God was really laying on my heart made themselves clear to me because they were the things I couldn't stop telling Jason about. I was to shift my focus fully to Pathways leadership and allow my time at Wednesday night Life Group to recharge me and challenge my faith. It was time to move away from Thursday night Life Group and allow someone else the opportunity to serve that group.

Stepping away from something I looked forward to and enjoyed wasn't easy. It wasn't without a few moments of second-guessing my decision to leave. Some things God puts into my life just for a season...just so they can serve their purpose...and then it's time to let them go.

I am excited to see what God has in store for me going forward. I'm eager to go where He sends me. I plan to use the time I've freed up on Thursday to spend time in His presence...there is no season for my relationship with Him.

I still have quite a ways to go in my quest to leave my inner-Martha in the kitchen, but I know this was a great start.

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
(Luke 10:41-42, NIV)

Telling Martha Goodbye - Part 1

It's time for a little Goodbye, Martha history lesson...in two parts!

Almost a year ago I didn't do much of anything. I went to work. I came home. Repeat. I had a serious void in the area of good, Godly friendships. I started praying God would put people in my path that would help me grow in my faith.

Mercy sakes alive, did He ever listen!

Fast forward to May of 2008. God sent me into an amazing bunch of folks in a Thursday night Bible study. From there, it was to an even bigger group on Sunday nights called Pathways...geared towards singles in their 20s & 30s. Since May 2008 I have been blessed and honored to become really involved with Pathways and my Life Group (Bible Study) and their ministries. Come to find out, maybe a little too involved.

My Mom and brother both told me they were worried about me. I was constantly going. I'm talking Wednesday through Sunday nights I was driving 30 miles, one way, to be at some function, event, or party through my church. I had allowed my one-on-one time with God to fall almost completely by the wayside. I was burnt out. I was frazzled. My heart was in the right place, serving God and His kingdom, but I had waaaay too much Martha, and not nearly enough Mary.

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42, NIV)

Since I am always an obedient daughter, I immediately trimmed down my schedule. I promised Mom that I had plenty of time for God & me, and kept right on going. It wasn't until I started dreading the events I once looked forward to that I realized...Mom was right.

Yuck.

The more I prayed about what God would have me do, the more I realized He was calling me to make some tough decisions. I needed to pray and allow God to show me what He wanted me involved in, and focus on those things. Easier said than done. I loved everything I was a part of. I was on leadership for two different groups, I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my friends every night of the weekend, what on earth would I do away with?!

I kept handing it over to God and He kept telling me to wait on Him. Until recently...

(To be continued...)