Speaking of Music

Kara just made my day with this little gem. You can thank her.

In the middle... but of what?

I was driving home from Care Group last night, listening to Jimmy Eat World. I really like them, so I was singing along. I sang along pretty loudly to "The Middle" - it's quite catchy. However, at the end of the song, I realized that I only really knew about 1/2 the words. And I was singing loud. But "little girl, you're in the middle..." of what? A rind? That's weird. Does it have anything to do with that group Over the Rhine? If any of you are as bad as me (in other words, you've listened to a CD for 6 years and never actually learned the chorus), I've posted the lyrics here. For your sake, and mine.

Hey, don't write yourself off yet
it's only in your head
you feel left out or looked down on
just try your best
try everything you can
and don't you worry what they tell themselves
when you're away

it just takes some time
little girl you're in the middle of the ride
everything(everything) will be just fine
everything(everything) will be alright (alright)

hey, you know they're all the same.
you know you're doing better on your own, so don't buy in.
live right now.
yeah, just be yourself.
it doesn't matter if its good enough, for someone else.

It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride
everything (everything) will be just fine,
everything (everything) will be alright (alright)

hey don't write yourself off yet.
its only in your head you feel left out
or looked down on.
just do your best, do everything you can.
and don't you worry what the bitter hearts are gonna say.

It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
everything (everything) will be just fine,
everything (everything) will be alright (alright)

Life Lessons via ANTM

I caught an old rerun of America's Next Top Model last night. That's right, only one. A girl can only have one all weekend long marathon of Tyra clones in her life.

Nigel had the most remarkable comment. He said, "I think that some people may interpret your insecurities as bitchy."

I don't usually talk back to the television, but he got a big fat "well, duh!' out of me last night. Although as obvious as it seems, I"m really glad he said it. I think every girl should hear that. And they should hear that "bitch" is not a term of endearment. And I'm secretly glad Tyra heard it, too. That girl... Well, I'm not going to allow myself a soap box here. I think I just had to get my ANTM addiction off my chest. There, I feel better now. If you need a little pick me up, don't follow the Nigel link, just google him :)

do you smell that?

So far, I have had it pretty easy as far as pregnancy symptoms go. I'll spare you the details, but I can only really complain about exhaustion. And when it's winter in Michigan, I'm not sure there's anything better than going to bed early and sleeping in.

One thing that I'm still trying to get used to is the infamous "pregnancy nose." I can tell if Dodger's done his duty in the backyard just by stepping out onto the deck, without any visual of the doodie. Needless to say, it makes the location of my desk (about 12' from the bathrooms) very unfortunate for me. Again, I'll spare you the details, but sometimes I indulge in my hand lotion more for the nasal satisfaction than the hydrating qualities.

Where is this going, you ask?

Well, most people really only ever talk about negative smells (as I have just done). But as I type, there is a woman sitting about 6' from me, waiting for an appointment. She smells so dang good, I just wish I could think of a way to mention it. I know better than to mention an offensive BO, but a good one? Should you compliment? To a woman, it's okay, right? I'm not hitting on her. But what do you say? "Hey, I think you smell pretty neat. And I really appreciate it given the deuce that was dropped 30 minutes ago right over there. And yes, a 30 minute old poo is just as gross as a fresh one when you're pregnant. You probably know that - you have kids? Coffee brewing, too - I never thought I would think that's gross, but it is! And the absolute WORST is microwaved eggs a la nutrisystem..."

I just can't see how I would ever really wrap it up. So I'm letting it go. But I secretly hope she's here waiting for a long time...

Makes you wonder what the receptionist was thinking of you the last time you were alone in the waiting room, eh? Here's hoping she wasn't pregnant.

I can't believe it either

I am quite possibly the luckiest married girl in the world. Brace yourselves, I'm about to gush.
Keith left yesterday for the better part of a month. 24 days. I used to be accustomed to him being gone all the time, but I'm out of practice and yesterday was hard. It was made even harder by the fact that even the animals seem to be mourning his loss and I don't know how to tell them it's not forever.

My wonderful, romantic, thoughtful, mush of a husband took exceptional care to make sure that even I know his absence is not forever. In the mail yesterday, I had a card from him. He says I'll get one every day he's gone, that he's made "arrangements."

All night (and again this morning), I found post-it notes in every cupboard, drawer, on the OJ, in the window shade, all with a different message telling me how special I am to him (and displaying a THOROUGH knowledge of my routine).

All of this to say, I miss him more than I was prepared for, but that doesn't stop me from glowing today. I hope he can see it all the way in Egypt.

Early birthday present

This morning, I heard my baby's heartbeat.
I think every Monday should start so awesome.

a twofer

I know I already posted today, but I have to tell you - I just got a call at work from a lady asking for "Mr or Mrs Productions." Man, her job must really suck.

Going Egypt

The Egypt trip is less than a week away. The details are insane. The politics are unbelievable. The whining is unstoppable. And the second-guessing is driving me postal.

(I should note here that the planning is going exceptionally well and that my complaints are over the minor, inconsequential button pushing I've experienced).

One of the most difficult logic puzzles we've had to solve is with the packs. It got more complicated when we were handed our key prop this week - a 72" stick. Our longest bag is 35". Yes, we considered ski bags. Yes, we considered every other option you're thinking right now.

So I brought it to a pool cue maker, 'cause lots of those come apart in the middle, right? (Brilliant, I know - it wasn't my idea).
"I'm here today to win the prize for most random request of the day. Can you cut this stick, promise not to split it, and make it so I can put it back together? It's gotta be strong enough to be a walking stick and it can't look like it was cut."

I was expecting him to ponder the opportunity, maybe offer a wise crack.

I wasn't expecting him to say, "Why don't you just get a bigger bag?"

And I am positive he wasn't expecting me to turn into the Hulk and have my vein pop out of my forehead or my eyes to go blood shot, either. The good news is, he is now "happy" to help.

It's official

Even to the naked eye, there is more grass visible in my yard than snow.
Just the thought of such a miracle makes me want to skip.
(And yes, I did actually finish that sentence - it makes me want to skip, like skip-to-my-lou).
Spring is definitely "around the corner" - the "it's only 34 degrees out, but at least the sun is shining" corner.
I see walks to the park, flip flops, ice cream cones, and fireworks in my future.
Oh yeah, and neighbors. I miss them when we all hibernate.

it's not for free

The last thing Troy said to the group of us assembled to bid them farewell at the airport was the traditional benediction - Numbers 6:24-26. And then he asked for prayer - because it's not for free that they answer God's call on their life. Satan won't just stand by and let them impact a Muslim country.

I don't know how far in advance Troy prepared those words, but I think they're perfect. I can't even imagine better words.

I want to write them down here, so I remember them and so that maybe they bless you in some way and so that you can maybe say a prayer for my sister & brother (I'm so over the "in-law" crap) as they begin this incredible journey.

The phrase "it's not for free" has been echoing in the caverns of my brain ever since. I have a lot of thoughts on this. The most coherent one is this: what's the cost? I have to believe God expects more out of me than just accepting the fact that he called my family to live on the other side of the globe. So what does he expect? What decisions do I make each and every single day that accept his call or deny it? How long can I live life assuming my faith is free? What opportunities to sacrifice have I ignored?

It's not for free...

an attempt at optimism

I've been trying to come up with something upbeat, happy, or just plain witty to post. It's been a challenge. I could gush about my husband, who is hands down the best thing that's happened to me since potty training. But it's hard to do that and not just get braggadocious.

At the risk of being a total weinie, here's my happy post:

To you, this may just look like evidence that our animals do in fact rule our household.
To me, there are five distinct things about this picture that make me happy:
1. My animals. (2/3 of them at least). I love them more than I think I probably should.
2. My animals getting along. Not just cohabitating, but actually seeking each other out.
3. No flash used in this picture, folks. That's actual sunshine coming through the windows. Isn't it glorious?
4. It's a picture of my favorite pastime - sleep. Not just sleep, but napping. Talk about glorious.
5. My husband-of-the-year snapped this picture while he was home cleaning the house. That includes dusting and laundry. Who could ask for more?