I don't rightly know who else would post on my website - as that would be a bit weird and a teenie bit strange, to say the least - it is just an exclamation of, "Hey, after a month of dryness there is finally new postage on this site" (not to be confused with the new postage at the post office who we recieved a postcard from the other day with the cartoon character Cathy saying we can buy stamps at selected ATM machines - Yippeee!!! I always wanted to do that!!)
All right, enough LMM, let's get down to the good stuff. Keeks has been bugging me for a post and was speaking today about how she occasionally goes back and rereads the post from the previous year of the same month. (if that makes sense).
So I did. And I was reminded of the craziness of this weekend a year ago - the infamous "Weekend Off" after having some activity for 2 months strait - and all the drama of our "weekend off." I find it very ironic that my biggest post last February was my lamenting of my singleness. I then found myself wondering that if I lamented again then perhaps the single status would also take care of itself once again. That would be exciting! Alas, there are not any boys making my heart go "cuthump, cuthump" inside my chest as of now. I don't know when that could happen either. Anyway, I decided that this post would not be lamenting so here goes - Lisa not lamenting. I think that would make a great novel title! (a novel idea in fact.)
I have learned something in the writing of this post: One, that Crown and Coke's and Lisa blogging make for a very non-exciting blabbering blog that may be bubbley but not exactly beautiful - how's that for semi - drunken alliteration!! Two - I don't have a whole lot that I want to write about at 1 in the morning. Three - I just added three because it seems you can't have a list with only two. Four - I should really make my bed. I washed my sheets today (our dryer is finally fixed (after 10 minutes and $150 of our landlord's money) and have no sheets on my bed. Some clothes, yes but no sheets. Five - I was going to start singing the Ant's go marching song but I can't remember what five is. I think six deals with sticks . . .
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Remembering
This past week I had my freshman students write a Personal Portfolio, filling it with different entries telling me (and themselves) about who they are as freshman in high school. I figure that with a semester under their belts, they have more of an understanding of who "being me" really is.
I find it very interesting, in retrospect, how I was in high school, and how the "me" in high school has shaped who I am today. Sometimes it is hard to remember the Lisa who was a freshman in high school, getting lost (whether it be in the halls or in the eyes of the dreamy sophomore in my civics class - who by the way still ranks as one of the cutest guys I've ever held hands with (yay for praying during youth group!!).
I was so worried about the impression that I gave to other people. I was so shy and quiet. Wouldn't it be interesting to go back and live (just for a day) as you felt as a freshman? It makes me sad to think how much fear I had. I had to worry about wearing the right outfit, saying the right thing, sitting with the right people at lunch, eating the "cool thing" for lunch (which unfortunatly turned out to be pizza hut pizza and french fries - how gross is that!).
I know that if I had the chance to go back and change myself I wouldn't be the me that I am today (and I am pretty partial to myself). I also know, however, how many others are as scared as I was and that makes me sad.
We are diamonds in the ruff!! We need to let ourselves shine!!
I find it very interesting, in retrospect, how I was in high school, and how the "me" in high school has shaped who I am today. Sometimes it is hard to remember the Lisa who was a freshman in high school, getting lost (whether it be in the halls or in the eyes of the dreamy sophomore in my civics class - who by the way still ranks as one of the cutest guys I've ever held hands with (yay for praying during youth group!!).
I was so worried about the impression that I gave to other people. I was so shy and quiet. Wouldn't it be interesting to go back and live (just for a day) as you felt as a freshman? It makes me sad to think how much fear I had. I had to worry about wearing the right outfit, saying the right thing, sitting with the right people at lunch, eating the "cool thing" for lunch (which unfortunatly turned out to be pizza hut pizza and french fries - how gross is that!).
I know that if I had the chance to go back and change myself I wouldn't be the me that I am today (and I am pretty partial to myself). I also know, however, how many others are as scared as I was and that makes me sad.
We are diamonds in the ruff!! We need to let ourselves shine!!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Under Construction
Lisa is attempting her hand at html coding and all that jazz! Sorry for the craziness. Keep coming back to see the new site!!:)
Sunday, January 08, 2006
It's a time for the seasons of . . .
Lisa!
I know that it is past the new year but it is technically still Christmas (as today is when the US Church celebrates Epiphany – what is up with us changing the 12 days of Christmas to 14?). So, here is my up to the minute recap of 2005. As Kristi names the seasons and they (unfortunately or not) usually have a pretty good idea of how my life goes, I am going to go through the year in that way.
The Winter of Anticipation ~
I started off the year spending some quality time with my sister. She came down for her now-annual Christmas visit. Teri rocks my face off. My best friends joined my on the March for Life. It was one of the most spiritual March trips of my life. We got to have a private mass in the crypt of the Basilica the day after the March. Besides an amazing homily from Father Jarrod, our voices filled the air of the basement with some of the most amazing acoustics I have ever heard. The trip started off my God high that lasted for the next six months.
It’s like God cradled me in his arms last winter and said, "Just wait, Lisa, keep anticipating – I have some amazing things planned for you!" All I can say to that is, "Wow." We got back and two days later I got to go to my student’s sophomore retreat. FJ talked about how they need to be like Dory and "just keep swimming" through all the crud that we have to deal with. The weekend we got back from the March for Life, I attended the Sojourn retreat for Young Adults in the diocese. I didn’t want to go but was blessed not only with some amazing friendships, but with some amazing graces as well. Father concentrated on the 1st chapter of the Song of Songs and how much God intimately wants to know and love us.
Talking about "God Highs," I got to go to the National Catholic Singles Conference which did not turn out to be the meat market as feared, but a spiritually enriching and educational weekend. When we got back, Kristi and I finally had our first weekend off for the year. And what a weekend that turned out to be. I think it was 5 couples that formed that weekend, me included . . . yes, yes, little Lisa got her first taste of love.
The Spring of New Beginnings ~
There were many beginnings last Spring. During Lent we had our first ever God Squad: 90 of our students gave up there mornings and showed up at school at 6:50 every morning for morning prayer, Mass and Ignatian meditations. God was taking me and holding me very close to his heart. My boyfriend was also my co-assistant coach and I felt like life was not as Lent should be, all somber, but a sweet celebration of God’s love for me being manifest throughout every part of my life.
It was as if He was giving me a new beginning in so many senses. An amazing prayer life, a new and sweet love, a house continually growing in people: life was good. My 25th birthday came with a bang. Our house was bombarded by my family and friends. I received my first dozen roses from a boy (along with some amazing presents) and got to spend the day in a private mass, watching movies and cuddling, and then chilling with my high school girls group, the Angels of the Holy Queen that night. The spring also brought my first date to Prom – and for the first time Prom was fun!
The Summer of Clarity ~
I think a better name for the summer would be "The one where Lisa was home for a total of three days," well, just in June. I went to the Steubenville YA Conference, met some amazing people and got a little more God stuff- ah the Praise and Worship! When I got back I left for the boyfriend’s parents house and learned one thing . . . a week is too long! I got to learn a little bit of Spanish, be a part of an amazing and loving family and be a little overwhelmed. When I got back, I left for the HS Steubenville, followed by a trip to Iowa to be a bridesmaid in Manda’s wedding (which was a blast – I’m so glad Matt was there to be my fellow BCer in the wedding party!).
It was during the rest of the summer was a bit of the clarity set in. Jose and I took a break and then decided that God was not calling us to be dating. I called it Lisa’s week of tears 2005 and was not all about the summer of clarity.
The summer ended with an extra special visit from a poppa – the Bishop of Wichita came for dinner and rosary (along with 70 others). It was amazing to see our house literally bursting at the seams with great Catholics.
The Fall of Contentment ~
This is the one that’s kind of weird. The fall was an interesting time and possibly too close for retrospection. It did, however, bring a level of contentment. The ex-boyfriend is now back to being one of my best friends and Kristi, my roommate (one of the 5 couples) is now engaged. Kristi is back to being home a lot more and life was good.
Now it is the Winter of Trust and I don’t really know what is going to happen with life. Kristi gets married in May and the Daisy House is a little up in the air. I thought about moving overseas to teach for the Department of Defense. At the moment, however, God is saying once again, "Trust me Lisa, I have amazing plans for you." I guess I’ll have to wait to see what 2006 brings!
I know that it is past the new year but it is technically still Christmas (as today is when the US Church celebrates Epiphany – what is up with us changing the 12 days of Christmas to 14?). So, here is my up to the minute recap of 2005. As Kristi names the seasons and they (unfortunately or not) usually have a pretty good idea of how my life goes, I am going to go through the year in that way.
The Winter of Anticipation ~
I started off the year spending some quality time with my sister. She came down for her now-annual Christmas visit. Teri rocks my face off. My best friends joined my on the March for Life. It was one of the most spiritual March trips of my life. We got to have a private mass in the crypt of the Basilica the day after the March. Besides an amazing homily from Father Jarrod, our voices filled the air of the basement with some of the most amazing acoustics I have ever heard. The trip started off my God high that lasted for the next six months.
It’s like God cradled me in his arms last winter and said, "Just wait, Lisa, keep anticipating – I have some amazing things planned for you!" All I can say to that is, "Wow." We got back and two days later I got to go to my student’s sophomore retreat. FJ talked about how they need to be like Dory and "just keep swimming" through all the crud that we have to deal with. The weekend we got back from the March for Life, I attended the Sojourn retreat for Young Adults in the diocese. I didn’t want to go but was blessed not only with some amazing friendships, but with some amazing graces as well. Father concentrated on the 1st chapter of the Song of Songs and how much God intimately wants to know and love us.
Talking about "God Highs," I got to go to the National Catholic Singles Conference which did not turn out to be the meat market as feared, but a spiritually enriching and educational weekend. When we got back, Kristi and I finally had our first weekend off for the year. And what a weekend that turned out to be. I think it was 5 couples that formed that weekend, me included . . . yes, yes, little Lisa got her first taste of love.
The Spring of New Beginnings ~
There were many beginnings last Spring. During Lent we had our first ever God Squad: 90 of our students gave up there mornings and showed up at school at 6:50 every morning for morning prayer, Mass and Ignatian meditations. God was taking me and holding me very close to his heart. My boyfriend was also my co-assistant coach and I felt like life was not as Lent should be, all somber, but a sweet celebration of God’s love for me being manifest throughout every part of my life.
It was as if He was giving me a new beginning in so many senses. An amazing prayer life, a new and sweet love, a house continually growing in people: life was good. My 25th birthday came with a bang. Our house was bombarded by my family and friends. I received my first dozen roses from a boy (along with some amazing presents) and got to spend the day in a private mass, watching movies and cuddling, and then chilling with my high school girls group, the Angels of the Holy Queen that night. The spring also brought my first date to Prom – and for the first time Prom was fun!
The Summer of Clarity ~
I think a better name for the summer would be "The one where Lisa was home for a total of three days," well, just in June. I went to the Steubenville YA Conference, met some amazing people and got a little more God stuff- ah the Praise and Worship! When I got back I left for the boyfriend’s parents house and learned one thing . . . a week is too long! I got to learn a little bit of Spanish, be a part of an amazing and loving family and be a little overwhelmed. When I got back, I left for the HS Steubenville, followed by a trip to Iowa to be a bridesmaid in Manda’s wedding (which was a blast – I’m so glad Matt was there to be my fellow BCer in the wedding party!).
It was during the rest of the summer was a bit of the clarity set in. Jose and I took a break and then decided that God was not calling us to be dating. I called it Lisa’s week of tears 2005 and was not all about the summer of clarity.
The summer ended with an extra special visit from a poppa – the Bishop of Wichita came for dinner and rosary (along with 70 others). It was amazing to see our house literally bursting at the seams with great Catholics.
The Fall of Contentment ~
This is the one that’s kind of weird. The fall was an interesting time and possibly too close for retrospection. It did, however, bring a level of contentment. The ex-boyfriend is now back to being one of my best friends and Kristi, my roommate (one of the 5 couples) is now engaged. Kristi is back to being home a lot more and life was good.
Now it is the Winter of Trust and I don’t really know what is going to happen with life. Kristi gets married in May and the Daisy House is a little up in the air. I thought about moving overseas to teach for the Department of Defense. At the moment, however, God is saying once again, "Trust me Lisa, I have amazing plans for you." I guess I’ll have to wait to see what 2006 brings!
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
The post that isn't a post
But it will be fun non the less.
I don't think we use the phrase non-the-less with enough frequency. It is such a fun phrase and yet hardly ever gets used.
I haven't blogged in forever and this makes me sad. I think I haven't blogged because I don't know what to think about things. My last post was posted in confusion and that confusion is still there. One of my roommates is getting married and I don't know what will happen to my house in four months. I don't know if I am going to leave Wichita or stay here. I don't know a lot of things. That is the reason for this "non-post." I can't really update because there is no update. I can't inform because there is no news. I can't think of any more allegories or whatever they are called so I'm going to stop posting!
- on the plus side, I think this semester is going to go really well. I flipped the chairs in my room to face the side wall instead of the back wall and it promises to be a fun arrangement. Plus, all the girls in my 4th hr are going gaga over the new guy at school - ah to be in high school again!!:)
I don't think we use the phrase non-the-less with enough frequency. It is such a fun phrase and yet hardly ever gets used.
I haven't blogged in forever and this makes me sad. I think I haven't blogged because I don't know what to think about things. My last post was posted in confusion and that confusion is still there. One of my roommates is getting married and I don't know what will happen to my house in four months. I don't know if I am going to leave Wichita or stay here. I don't know a lot of things. That is the reason for this "non-post." I can't really update because there is no update. I can't inform because there is no news. I can't think of any more allegories or whatever they are called so I'm going to stop posting!
- on the plus side, I think this semester is going to go really well. I flipped the chairs in my room to face the side wall instead of the back wall and it promises to be a fun arrangement. Plus, all the girls in my 4th hr are going gaga over the new guy at school - ah to be in high school again!!:)
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Discernment
Discernment is such a chilling, scary word for some young Catholics. One might invision stoney cold convents with secretly silent nuns hurrying to and fro. Or perhaps some solitare monk on a mountain eating berries and praying all day.
For me, however, disernment is more than this; it is something that I am doing always. We were talking tonight - a famous Daisy House Priest by Fire night - about choosing God's Will. It seems like such an "out there" concept sometimes, and yet we continually strive for it because it will make us happy. "Where should I look for a job?" we might ask, or "When will I find my one?" "When will I know when I should date someone, at which point should we marry?" In my case right now, the question is "When do I move on?"
We were chilling out yesturday for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Jose said, "You know, you won't be a Daisy Girl forever." There will be a new dynamic in my life someday, possibly someday very soon. The daily reflection I got today says that "God comes to us in many and various ways each day. Sometimes he reveals his goodness to us when he allows us to succeed in life. Other times he permits trials in our life so that we can cling more surely to him. The proper response to God’s constant action in our lives will only be possible if we are able to discern that it is indeed God who is acting –– We need the eyes of faith. A habitual interior attitude of faith and trust in God allows us to live with great peace and purpose."
I try to live with the eyes of faith and a trust in God. I have to give it over to him everyday and sometimes I hold more back. But at what point do we say that "here is my decision." I've heard many opinions on this from "Love God, do what you want," to "Pray about it" - my personal fav - hello, don't you think I am already doing that!, to "Follow the next step in your life."
I think that I have followed all of these in the past, a mixture of the three. When I chose moving to Wichita over staying at home, I was scared but I felt a calling. Now that I am here, I love it. But I feel something lacking. When do I go out to look for said lacking? Where do I look? Overseas or right here at home?
I don't have the answers but when I do, I'll be glad to share them with you!
For me, however, disernment is more than this; it is something that I am doing always. We were talking tonight - a famous Daisy House Priest by Fire night - about choosing God's Will. It seems like such an "out there" concept sometimes, and yet we continually strive for it because it will make us happy. "Where should I look for a job?" we might ask, or "When will I find my one?" "When will I know when I should date someone, at which point should we marry?" In my case right now, the question is "When do I move on?"
We were chilling out yesturday for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Jose said, "You know, you won't be a Daisy Girl forever." There will be a new dynamic in my life someday, possibly someday very soon. The daily reflection I got today says that "God comes to us in many and various ways each day. Sometimes he reveals his goodness to us when he allows us to succeed in life. Other times he permits trials in our life so that we can cling more surely to him. The proper response to God’s constant action in our lives will only be possible if we are able to discern that it is indeed God who is acting –– We need the eyes of faith. A habitual interior attitude of faith and trust in God allows us to live with great peace and purpose."
I try to live with the eyes of faith and a trust in God. I have to give it over to him everyday and sometimes I hold more back. But at what point do we say that "here is my decision." I've heard many opinions on this from "Love God, do what you want," to "Pray about it" - my personal fav - hello, don't you think I am already doing that!, to "Follow the next step in your life."
I think that I have followed all of these in the past, a mixture of the three. When I chose moving to Wichita over staying at home, I was scared but I felt a calling. Now that I am here, I love it. But I feel something lacking. When do I go out to look for said lacking? Where do I look? Overseas or right here at home?
I don't have the answers but when I do, I'll be glad to share them with you!
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Better Days :)
This Daisy Girl is in a better mood. I had a great weekend - prospects look up when you have a different from normal routine this week and I get to go home. (I think that was one of the most grammatically incorrect sentences I have ever written!)
I had a great weekend. It was kind of mellow, with half of our friends in Roma. I've decided that mellow may be buena!! Friday we ate soup and went to go see Harry Potter. Let's just say the part w/ You-Know-Who gave me the heeby jeebies this time . . . Then on Saturday I woke up to say Ciao to our flying friends, chilled out and cleaned our house and met a friend for coffee. Then we went to Erin's Party-Lite party - there was some way good food there and some candles that I don't want to afford - Wally-world is good for me. Maybe on a special day I'll buy a good smelling candle at an upscale place like Kohl's (I have a red white and blue one from them that smells divine!). Then a bunch of us (well, ok, it was seven of us - nice small number for friends) went karaoke-ing!! I have decided that my dream to be the next Patsy Cline will never come true but it never hurts to try!
Today rounded out the weekend w/ Mass - we got the stewardship homily from Fr. Daryl - I hear it's his best homily all year long! (j/k). I went to a TEC meeting, came home and chilled out for a while. Then I took a nap. When I woke up from the nap Kristi and Andrew were cooking us dinner (it was rocking, let me tell you - complete w/ pecan brownies!) Then we watched Christmas w/ the Kranks. Not the best movie ever. It was kind of draggy. But it was close to perfect chilling out, don't have anything to worry about Sunday night movie!
Needless to say, Lisa's mood has gotten a bit better:). Yay!!
P. S. Here's to lost drinks!
I had a great weekend. It was kind of mellow, with half of our friends in Roma. I've decided that mellow may be buena!! Friday we ate soup and went to go see Harry Potter. Let's just say the part w/ You-Know-Who gave me the heeby jeebies this time . . . Then on Saturday I woke up to say Ciao to our flying friends, chilled out and cleaned our house and met a friend for coffee. Then we went to Erin's Party-Lite party - there was some way good food there and some candles that I don't want to afford - Wally-world is good for me. Maybe on a special day I'll buy a good smelling candle at an upscale place like Kohl's (I have a red white and blue one from them that smells divine!). Then a bunch of us (well, ok, it was seven of us - nice small number for friends) went karaoke-ing!! I have decided that my dream to be the next Patsy Cline will never come true but it never hurts to try!
Today rounded out the weekend w/ Mass - we got the stewardship homily from Fr. Daryl - I hear it's his best homily all year long! (j/k). I went to a TEC meeting, came home and chilled out for a while. Then I took a nap. When I woke up from the nap Kristi and Andrew were cooking us dinner (it was rocking, let me tell you - complete w/ pecan brownies!) Then we watched Christmas w/ the Kranks. Not the best movie ever. It was kind of draggy. But it was close to perfect chilling out, don't have anything to worry about Sunday night movie!
Needless to say, Lisa's mood has gotten a bit better:). Yay!!
P. S. Here's to lost drinks!
Thursday, November 10, 2005
a blucky mood
Every few months I get this funk. I am annoyed at everyone (or at least it seems that way). I don't want to do anything (but I don't want to do nothing either). It's just this blucky annoyed sick kind of feeling. I don't like it. I don't invite it, it just comes. And when it comes I have to get out of my house that has 500 people in it all the time; away from cute couples and schoolwork and such. I wish that I understood this feeling and I wish that I could get rid of it!!
Monday, November 07, 2005
Joyful, Joyful Lord We Adore Thee
Sometimes joy comes when we least expect it, after we are feeling all blue. I was feeling all sad yesturday, for a variety of reasons but I cried and let it all out and gave it to God.
Then I went to our TEC meeting and had to give my practice meditation. It was scary and I went really fast (my half hour talk turned into 15 minutes . . . ) but it was great to get it out there finally and get some feedback.
After the TEC meeting I went to the YA Mass and dinner with the Bishop. During my cry session earlier in the day, I had asked the Holy Spirit to work through me and help me be open to His will. Then I got to be both a lector and a Eucharistic Minister at mass - completely on the spot. Even so, Mass was awesome and the Bishop remembers us from the Dish with the Bish! A little scary but way cool!! (Although, how could you not remember the girls that invited you and 70 of their closest friends over for dinner?)
We were cleaning up from dinner and I was playing with Abby - my five year old friend. I love having five year olds for friends, it gives me an excuse to act like them. I took Abby out to the middle of the gym and we danced together. It was so fun! We were all dressed up and pretty! It reminded me of when my friend Lenicka and I would twirl around the pillars in the basement of St. Ignatious while we ate donuts after Mass. It was great times!!
It seems that that joy has carried through today and it has been really neat. I like it!!
Then I went to our TEC meeting and had to give my practice meditation. It was scary and I went really fast (my half hour talk turned into 15 minutes . . . ) but it was great to get it out there finally and get some feedback.
After the TEC meeting I went to the YA Mass and dinner with the Bishop. During my cry session earlier in the day, I had asked the Holy Spirit to work through me and help me be open to His will. Then I got to be both a lector and a Eucharistic Minister at mass - completely on the spot. Even so, Mass was awesome and the Bishop remembers us from the Dish with the Bish! A little scary but way cool!! (Although, how could you not remember the girls that invited you and 70 of their closest friends over for dinner?)
We were cleaning up from dinner and I was playing with Abby - my five year old friend. I love having five year olds for friends, it gives me an excuse to act like them. I took Abby out to the middle of the gym and we danced together. It was so fun! We were all dressed up and pretty! It reminded me of when my friend Lenicka and I would twirl around the pillars in the basement of St. Ignatious while we ate donuts after Mass. It was great times!!
It seems that that joy has carried through today and it has been really neat. I like it!!
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Hope
So, my roommate names the seasons. To get a background of these (and in essence the last 2 years of my life) take a look at Delightful Delirum. If you've read her post, this is Lisa's version of the past seasons and my reflection on what is to come.
The thing is, I have noticed something about the new seasons as I have lived through the naming of and the season itself; it brings hope to life. My first season was the Summer of Possiblities. I finally had friends in Wichita - that was a possiblity in and of itself what with semi-spontaneous road trips, evenings at the park and nights spent in karaoke at the Chalet, and that made it a great summer.
Enter the Fall of Making it Happen. Man did we make it happen, by moving into our Daisy House and cooking Thanksgiving dinner for a houseful of people, it was rocking.
On to the Winter of Anticipation. Going into the season I had no idea what I was anticipating but I can tell you that I was excited about it. It just seems like such a great thing: Anticipation. I used to stay up till all hours of the night when I was little, anticipating what Santa would bring or what our really neat field trip or the first day of school would be like.
When Kristi named the Winter of Anticipation, I knew what the spring's title would be, The Spring of New Beginnings (that's what's cool about having a roommate who names each season:). And as I said before, I didn't have any idea that the spring would bring with it romance and hope and hand holding and dreaming - so many things that I have anticipated for such a long time. At the end of my second year of teaching, I finally felt like a "full fledged, I know what I am doing" educator and really loved my kids. Having a date to prom didn't hurt matters in the least! I for one, greatly enjoyed the spring of New Beginnings.
To tell you the truth, I was not excited when Keeks announced the summers title (even less so when she said that she knew then what my clarity would be). The Summer of Clarity was a long one for this Lisa. There was a lot of crying (especially for a certain week in July - breaks are stupid, I don't like them but sometimes they are needed) and Jose and I got the answer to our prayers in that this was not what God wanted for us. Things are finally getting back to normal, if there is a normal between us but I can't say that it has been a fun process. Let's just say that clarity is not synonomous with ease.
A few months later I had kind of forgotten the whole season naming phenomina (even though this requires ignoring Kristi's screen saver that announces "Welcome to the Summer of Clarity" every time you walk past - not something I wanted to be reminded of. Needless to say, when talk began the other day about the naming of the fall, I got a bit excited. It seems as though Keeks has a way of summing up our seasons before they happen. And I know that is probably because we fit them into a mold of ooohhh . . . this was making it happen but I am completely all right with that; I like living in a dream world!
The fall's theme "is one that (according to Kristi) will be filled with things coming together. A lot of stuff that we've been waiting for is just going to fall into place. Things will just CLICK this season."
If anyone has been waiting for things to click, I raise my hand and repeat "Me! Me!! Make everything "click" for me!!" I have a feeling that some big things are in store. I don't know what they might be (although I have some ideas that can't be mentioned yet, stay tuned and see what happens with that) but I really hope they click. So, I am leaving them (whatever they are) in the hands of my Mother Mary, asking for her guidance and assistance.
The thing is, I have noticed something about the new seasons as I have lived through the naming of and the season itself; it brings hope to life. My first season was the Summer of Possiblities. I finally had friends in Wichita - that was a possiblity in and of itself what with semi-spontaneous road trips, evenings at the park and nights spent in karaoke at the Chalet, and that made it a great summer.
Enter the Fall of Making it Happen. Man did we make it happen, by moving into our Daisy House and cooking Thanksgiving dinner for a houseful of people, it was rocking.
On to the Winter of Anticipation. Going into the season I had no idea what I was anticipating but I can tell you that I was excited about it. It just seems like such a great thing: Anticipation. I used to stay up till all hours of the night when I was little, anticipating what Santa would bring or what our really neat field trip or the first day of school would be like.
When Kristi named the Winter of Anticipation, I knew what the spring's title would be, The Spring of New Beginnings (that's what's cool about having a roommate who names each season:). And as I said before, I didn't have any idea that the spring would bring with it romance and hope and hand holding and dreaming - so many things that I have anticipated for such a long time. At the end of my second year of teaching, I finally felt like a "full fledged, I know what I am doing" educator and really loved my kids. Having a date to prom didn't hurt matters in the least! I for one, greatly enjoyed the spring of New Beginnings.
To tell you the truth, I was not excited when Keeks announced the summers title (even less so when she said that she knew then what my clarity would be). The Summer of Clarity was a long one for this Lisa. There was a lot of crying (especially for a certain week in July - breaks are stupid, I don't like them but sometimes they are needed) and Jose and I got the answer to our prayers in that this was not what God wanted for us. Things are finally getting back to normal, if there is a normal between us but I can't say that it has been a fun process. Let's just say that clarity is not synonomous with ease.
A few months later I had kind of forgotten the whole season naming phenomina (even though this requires ignoring Kristi's screen saver that announces "Welcome to the Summer of Clarity" every time you walk past - not something I wanted to be reminded of. Needless to say, when talk began the other day about the naming of the fall, I got a bit excited. It seems as though Keeks has a way of summing up our seasons before they happen. And I know that is probably because we fit them into a mold of ooohhh . . . this was making it happen but I am completely all right with that; I like living in a dream world!
The fall's theme "is one that (according to Kristi) will be filled with things coming together. A lot of stuff that we've been waiting for is just going to fall into place. Things will just CLICK this season."
If anyone has been waiting for things to click, I raise my hand and repeat "Me! Me!! Make everything "click" for me!!" I have a feeling that some big things are in store. I don't know what they might be (although I have some ideas that can't be mentioned yet, stay tuned and see what happens with that) but I really hope they click. So, I am leaving them (whatever they are) in the hands of my Mother Mary, asking for her guidance and assistance.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
A Woman Who Reads
My mom sent this to me today. As an English teacher I rather enjoyed it:).
One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors and begins to read her book.
Along comes a game warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, "Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?"
"Reading a book," she replies. (thinking, "Isn't that obvious?")
"You're in a restricted fishing area", he informs her.
"I'm sorry officer, but I'm not fishing, I'm reading.
"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up.
"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault," says the
woman.
"But I have not even touched you," says the game warden.
"That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment."
"Have a nice day ma'am," and he left.
MORAL of this STORY
Never argue with a woman who reads. It is likely she can also think.
One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors and begins to read her book.
Along comes a game warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, "Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?"
"Reading a book," she replies. (thinking, "Isn't that obvious?")
"You're in a restricted fishing area", he informs her.
"I'm sorry officer, but I'm not fishing, I'm reading.
"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up.
"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault," says the
woman.
"But I have not even touched you," says the game warden.
"That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment."
"Have a nice day ma'am," and he left.
MORAL of this STORY
Never argue with a woman who reads. It is likely she can also think.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
A Call; A Frustration
I was having a conversation about boys with my roommate and her fiance this evening and they said "Whatever happened to that one guy (whose name will be spared in the case that he ever happens to find my blog)." Good question, I thought to myself. I met a guy at a friend's wedding. He was a really nice, neat Catholic guy. We talked for a while, danced for a while (he can do a mean Cotten Eyed Joe) and talked some more. I had a really great time getting to know him, casually invited him over for rosary one night, and then he left, never to be heard from again.
Some of my friends are of the opinion that I should call this guy up and invite him to hang out with us, as a group thing. Herein lies my frustration (I told FJ I would use that word!!). I have conditioned myself, with good reason mind you, not to call a boy that I like and ask him to do something. Why, you may ask? Cause it sounds kindof dumb when I put it like that, even to me. The why is not in the asking; I invite people over to our house all the time. The why is in the unspoken hope somewhere deep inside that he will say yes and he'll be all excited about coming to see me and getting to spend time with me. The why is that when this little senario doesn't play out the way that I think it should in my head (cause come on - I am a pretty cool person to hang with, let me tell you!:) I get really sad and bummed out and the whole situation is much worse that when I was just thinking, "Oh, that boy is neat, I'd like to get to know him better."
So many things happen inside a girl's head. I wish that they did not (although they can be fun for a while . . .). But this isn't reality.
All right then, what is reality? Reality is that guys ask girls for a reason. They are supposed to do the initiating because they don't have all this head stuff going on. (totally made that up, but have sources from a few guys on that one). If a guy asks, we, as girls know that they like us, or are at least intruigued by us and they want to know more. The problem is that this doesn't seem to happen very often and therein lay my call. I don't just want to see guys out there. I want to see MEN! Men who will put aside a fear of rejection in order to ask a nice girl out on a date. I have seen far too many wonderful young ladies sit on the sidelines of the dating world all because no one would see fit to face the fire and ask them out. Most of the time, we are nice people (granted, sometimes we can be pissy but that's definitely not all the time). All you men have to do is just ask!
It is sad to me that I may never get to talk to the cute really fun guy that danced the Chicken Dance with me at a wedding this summer. I wish he would call . . .
Some of my friends are of the opinion that I should call this guy up and invite him to hang out with us, as a group thing. Herein lies my frustration (I told FJ I would use that word!!). I have conditioned myself, with good reason mind you, not to call a boy that I like and ask him to do something. Why, you may ask? Cause it sounds kindof dumb when I put it like that, even to me. The why is not in the asking; I invite people over to our house all the time. The why is in the unspoken hope somewhere deep inside that he will say yes and he'll be all excited about coming to see me and getting to spend time with me. The why is that when this little senario doesn't play out the way that I think it should in my head (cause come on - I am a pretty cool person to hang with, let me tell you!:) I get really sad and bummed out and the whole situation is much worse that when I was just thinking, "Oh, that boy is neat, I'd like to get to know him better."
So many things happen inside a girl's head. I wish that they did not (although they can be fun for a while . . .). But this isn't reality.
All right then, what is reality? Reality is that guys ask girls for a reason. They are supposed to do the initiating because they don't have all this head stuff going on. (totally made that up, but have sources from a few guys on that one). If a guy asks, we, as girls know that they like us, or are at least intruigued by us and they want to know more. The problem is that this doesn't seem to happen very often and therein lay my call. I don't just want to see guys out there. I want to see MEN! Men who will put aside a fear of rejection in order to ask a nice girl out on a date. I have seen far too many wonderful young ladies sit on the sidelines of the dating world all because no one would see fit to face the fire and ask them out. Most of the time, we are nice people (granted, sometimes we can be pissy but that's definitely not all the time). All you men have to do is just ask!
It is sad to me that I may never get to talk to the cute really fun guy that danced the Chicken Dance with me at a wedding this summer. I wish he would call . . .
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Great thoughts and heated debates
My evening has been pretty rockin' (actually my whole day).
I got started way early with mass this morning (totally didn't want to go but made myself anyway). I got back and had some time to tidy up our house, work on some school work, watch some Big Fish and completely chill out with my roommates. It was fairly fantasmic. Phenominal even!
Then we headed to Olive Garden for Kimmy's bday dinner. After some fab food and great discussion we headed back to the Daisy House. We had some great discussions tonight (all started by the book "The ABC's of Choosing a Good Husband." Yes, I own this book, it has interesting thoughts.
I love talking about things that I am passionate about and hearing what other people have to say. I like hearing other people's ideas on things and having to formulate my own ideas on the subject. I love giving my brain a workout. I don't think this happens enough and it makes me sad. That is one of the reasons I like Kristi's blog. I am not right about everything all the time. I know what I think and feel and all, but it is nice to hear other people's opinions on things.
That seems like a very stinky evening so, fyi, FJ does not like 3 pronged forks!!
I got started way early with mass this morning (totally didn't want to go but made myself anyway). I got back and had some time to tidy up our house, work on some school work, watch some Big Fish and completely chill out with my roommates. It was fairly fantasmic. Phenominal even!
Then we headed to Olive Garden for Kimmy's bday dinner. After some fab food and great discussion we headed back to the Daisy House. We had some great discussions tonight (all started by the book "The ABC's of Choosing a Good Husband." Yes, I own this book, it has interesting thoughts.
I love talking about things that I am passionate about and hearing what other people have to say. I like hearing other people's ideas on things and having to formulate my own ideas on the subject. I love giving my brain a workout. I don't think this happens enough and it makes me sad. That is one of the reasons I like Kristi's blog. I am not right about everything all the time. I know what I think and feel and all, but it is nice to hear other people's opinions on things.
That seems like a very stinky evening so, fyi, FJ does not like 3 pronged forks!!
Friday, July 29, 2005
Holding out
I completely stole this from Raquel but I really liked it. Enjoy!!
Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot,
who calls you back when you hang up on him,
who will stay awake just to watch you sleep.
Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in your sweats,
who holds your hand in front of his friends,
Wait for the one who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares about you and how lucky he is to have you.
Wait for the one who turns to his friends and says, "...that's her."
Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot,
who calls you back when you hang up on him,
who will stay awake just to watch you sleep.
Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in your sweats,
who holds your hand in front of his friends,
Wait for the one who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares about you and how lucky he is to have you.
Wait for the one who turns to his friends and says, "...that's her."
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Delight
"Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." ~ Psalm 37:4
Have you ever been hit in the head by God? I mean seriously wacked with something?
Now notice, God does this in a nice way. It is like being wacked with one of those floating noodles for the pool in the summertime. It startles you, you may fall into the pool because of it, but it is a gentle, playful push in the right direction. The right direction may be completely over your head in 9 feet of water, but non-the-less, it is the right direction.
So about this Bible verse. It has come at me with some force for the past week and a half. It shows up everywhere, the websites that I am browsing, the fun little card that Katie brought me last week, the psalm at mass one day, just to name a few.
This leaves me pondering, what am I to do with this? There has been much drama in my life the past week (lets just leave it on the note that Lisa is single once again). This is a good thing. It's stinky that I haven't found my one yet, and I get to watch those that have be all happy - this is cute hoewever disgusting it may be:).
But the love of my life is somewhere out there, just not here and now. I think this is where the verse comes in. "Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." God knows that the desires of my heart are to find my love, settle down, be happy and have many babies. So, I have to take delight in him. The dictionary definition of delight, according to Merriam- Webster is the following:
delight
1 : a high degree of gratification : JOY; also : extreme satisfaction
2 : something that gives great pleasure
God has also been showing me how amazingly deep his love for me is. He desires me more than I will ever know. He loves me enough to passionately die for me a horrid and inhumane death. And all I have to do in order to receive the desires of my heart is to find "a high degree of gratification : JOY; also : extreme satisfaction, and great pleasure" in Him. To be happy and receive all of my dreams in a way that will totally boggle my mind, I have to find joy in God alone.
I wish this were as easy as it sounds, instead of the life long, everyday surrender that it promises to be. But hey, the rewards are pretty darn good. Much better than any frequent flyer miles or rebates on gas money. And I have to be joyful!! How hard could that be (I know, I know, pretty hard sometimes)? But, here I am, Miss Lisa, attempting to find the joy of my love, Jesus, in everything that I do.
Have you ever been hit in the head by God? I mean seriously wacked with something?
Now notice, God does this in a nice way. It is like being wacked with one of those floating noodles for the pool in the summertime. It startles you, you may fall into the pool because of it, but it is a gentle, playful push in the right direction. The right direction may be completely over your head in 9 feet of water, but non-the-less, it is the right direction.
So about this Bible verse. It has come at me with some force for the past week and a half. It shows up everywhere, the websites that I am browsing, the fun little card that Katie brought me last week, the psalm at mass one day, just to name a few.
This leaves me pondering, what am I to do with this? There has been much drama in my life the past week (lets just leave it on the note that Lisa is single once again). This is a good thing. It's stinky that I haven't found my one yet, and I get to watch those that have be all happy - this is cute hoewever disgusting it may be:).
But the love of my life is somewhere out there, just not here and now. I think this is where the verse comes in. "Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." God knows that the desires of my heart are to find my love, settle down, be happy and have many babies. So, I have to take delight in him. The dictionary definition of delight, according to Merriam- Webster is the following:
delight
1 : a high degree of gratification : JOY; also : extreme satisfaction
2 : something that gives great pleasure
God has also been showing me how amazingly deep his love for me is. He desires me more than I will ever know. He loves me enough to passionately die for me a horrid and inhumane death. And all I have to do in order to receive the desires of my heart is to find "a high degree of gratification : JOY; also : extreme satisfaction, and great pleasure" in Him. To be happy and receive all of my dreams in a way that will totally boggle my mind, I have to find joy in God alone.
I wish this were as easy as it sounds, instead of the life long, everyday surrender that it promises to be. But hey, the rewards are pretty darn good. Much better than any frequent flyer miles or rebates on gas money. And I have to be joyful!! How hard could that be (I know, I know, pretty hard sometimes)? But, here I am, Miss Lisa, attempting to find the joy of my love, Jesus, in everything that I do.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Thoughts
I'm not really sure what will come out in this post. This has been a, let's say interesting week.
There are a few people that are "not reading blogs anymore." I've heard of them described as "blurtings out of whatever is in your head that no one really needs to know" (non-direct quote).
I think this is kindof dumb and naive. I'm sure that is true for some blogs. And I am not saying that my writing is in anyway award winning. But it is my thoughts and feelings.
My past week has pretty much stunk. It has had some amazingly good parts. I've had some amazing talks with my girls that I haven't had for a long time. And I am back home, which in itself is a relief. But I have had to do a lot of evaluating and a lot of waiting, because some of the evaluating can't be done until next week and that stinks. Really, I just want it to be over with!
Throughout all of this thinking, I have been praying and talking a lot. But I've also been reading. I've been reading my journals - and reading my blog. And some of the stuff that I write I need to hear again. It is good stuff and thoughts that I have had that I would have forgotten otherwise. And, I like having other people know my thoughts - even if I don't know that they read what I write because they never comment. When they do have something to comment they do and that is neat because they add something to my life and make me smile.
These are my thoughts on blogging. It's not neccessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it is good. For me it is good. And I like it that way.
There are a few people that are "not reading blogs anymore." I've heard of them described as "blurtings out of whatever is in your head that no one really needs to know" (non-direct quote).
I think this is kindof dumb and naive. I'm sure that is true for some blogs. And I am not saying that my writing is in anyway award winning. But it is my thoughts and feelings.
My past week has pretty much stunk. It has had some amazingly good parts. I've had some amazing talks with my girls that I haven't had for a long time. And I am back home, which in itself is a relief. But I have had to do a lot of evaluating and a lot of waiting, because some of the evaluating can't be done until next week and that stinks. Really, I just want it to be over with!
Throughout all of this thinking, I have been praying and talking a lot. But I've also been reading. I've been reading my journals - and reading my blog. And some of the stuff that I write I need to hear again. It is good stuff and thoughts that I have had that I would have forgotten otherwise. And, I like having other people know my thoughts - even if I don't know that they read what I write because they never comment. When they do have something to comment they do and that is neat because they add something to my life and make me smile.
These are my thoughts on blogging. It's not neccessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it is good. For me it is good. And I like it that way.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Happy Blogiversary to me!!
I almost missed it!! (ok, so I did, it is technically 1:10, but we'll pretend I live in CA (that is where I was born) and that it is still the anniverary of Lisa's very first blog. In honor of this momentous occasion that I almost forgot, I figured I'd give you a list. A Lisa kind of list, not like Kristi's (see Rebuttal - Dec 2004). Therefore, I cannot promise much from this list, except that I will try!!
Great Events/Happenings/Things of Random Ramblings
1) The Daisy House - in September I moved in with Kristi and Kim. Since then God has not only blessed me with two of the most wonderful roommates ever, but some of the most amazing friends a girl could have.
2) The Spring of New Beginnings - I am still waiting to see all that will happen from this Spring, but the beginnings were pretty good:).
3) An uneventful second year of teaching - the second year was so much easier! My kids were great and I felt like I could be Lisa while I was teaching. It was amazing!!
4) Our March 4 Life trip - I got to go to the March for life to stand up for life with my 3 best friends - it was pretty rockin!!
5)Parties - I could name them all - the Housewarming party, the pumpkin carving party, the Great BDay bash of 2004, the Wine and Cheese Party, the Super Bowl Party, the Christmas Party, the Sojourn Reunion (wasn't even here for that one), the Muppet Party, the Cowboy themed party . . . oh, wait - guess I did name almost all of them!!
6) Cozy Sundays - I miss these!! I am tired of traveling!! Can I have my life back, and a cozy (or sunny) sunday? It'd be great! Thanks . . .
7) Roses . . .
Ok. So if I tried to name all of the wonderful stuff that has happened in the past year, it would take the rest of my night (of the only 5 or so that I will be home for in the month of June) so I will stop. Needless to say, it was a great year. I pray that next year can be this great as well. I also pray that as I look back on this year, I will be reminded of the very many blessings that I have been given - all of you!!
Great Events/Happenings/Things of Random Ramblings
1) The Daisy House - in September I moved in with Kristi and Kim. Since then God has not only blessed me with two of the most wonderful roommates ever, but some of the most amazing friends a girl could have.
2) The Spring of New Beginnings - I am still waiting to see all that will happen from this Spring, but the beginnings were pretty good:).
3) An uneventful second year of teaching - the second year was so much easier! My kids were great and I felt like I could be Lisa while I was teaching. It was amazing!!
4) Our March 4 Life trip - I got to go to the March for life to stand up for life with my 3 best friends - it was pretty rockin!!
5)Parties - I could name them all - the Housewarming party, the pumpkin carving party, the Great BDay bash of 2004, the Wine and Cheese Party, the Super Bowl Party, the Christmas Party, the Sojourn Reunion (wasn't even here for that one), the Muppet Party, the Cowboy themed party . . . oh, wait - guess I did name almost all of them!!
6) Cozy Sundays - I miss these!! I am tired of traveling!! Can I have my life back, and a cozy (or sunny) sunday? It'd be great! Thanks . . .
7) Roses . . .
Ok. So if I tried to name all of the wonderful stuff that has happened in the past year, it would take the rest of my night (of the only 5 or so that I will be home for in the month of June) so I will stop. Needless to say, it was a great year. I pray that next year can be this great as well. I also pray that as I look back on this year, I will be reminded of the very many blessings that I have been given - all of you!!
Sunday, June 12, 2005
quick post from a tired little lisa
Hey all - I feel so far away from everyone (except for one:)
I have been in Rockford, Il for the past week (almost) and things are going well. I experienced my first Peruvian wedding yesturday and man was it a blast!! Jose's cousins are all really fun (it's nice to hang w/ family that is actually your age). I feel like I have been flying a whirl wind the last few days, spending time w/ Jose, following him car shopping - he got a Nissan Altima that is really cute (can I say that about a guy's car?), picking up brothers and chilling with family, besides meeting all of Jose's really neat friends from youth group in hs.
Over all, it has been a great trip. I feel like I am quiet all the time because everyone is speaking Spanish, but hey - it also gives me a reason to not have to talk as much. Not that I need one of those, but I haven't said anything really stupid to anyone but Josie in days (poor guy). It is great:). Anyways, I will post more from my parent's house sometime around Wednesday. I love you all and miss you!
I have been in Rockford, Il for the past week (almost) and things are going well. I experienced my first Peruvian wedding yesturday and man was it a blast!! Jose's cousins are all really fun (it's nice to hang w/ family that is actually your age). I feel like I have been flying a whirl wind the last few days, spending time w/ Jose, following him car shopping - he got a Nissan Altima that is really cute (can I say that about a guy's car?), picking up brothers and chilling with family, besides meeting all of Jose's really neat friends from youth group in hs.
Over all, it has been a great trip. I feel like I am quiet all the time because everyone is speaking Spanish, but hey - it also gives me a reason to not have to talk as much. Not that I need one of those, but I haven't said anything really stupid to anyone but Josie in days (poor guy). It is great:). Anyways, I will post more from my parent's house sometime around Wednesday. I love you all and miss you!
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
My thinking problem
One of my friends in high school told me once, "Lisa, you think too much." And I do. Even now, years later, I have not outgrown the habit of thinking - overanalyzing every little situation into something big and huge and un-deal-with-able. Ok, not every situation but pretty close.
I think this is part of my problem with being undecisive. At a restaurant, during the day, it takes me forever to decide what I want to do. Why is this? Sometimes it is so easy. I want to wear this today. Other times, I try on 10 shirts before deciding to go with the first one with a different pair of pants. For those of you that know me, and have talked to me in the past few days - it has been one big Lisa Think Tank. Seriously, I can't get it to stop!! And what does this do? It blows everything out of proportion and I get freaked out.
So, how do I get over this over thinking problem? It works to talk to people. Late night conversations about crazy things like boys and whatever else we talk about. But what about when there's no one to talk to? What do I do then? I write in my journal to God, but it is so nice to get a human response - one that I can get a hug from.
I don't know if I have a solution. But I am tired of thinking!!
I think this is part of my problem with being undecisive. At a restaurant, during the day, it takes me forever to decide what I want to do. Why is this? Sometimes it is so easy. I want to wear this today. Other times, I try on 10 shirts before deciding to go with the first one with a different pair of pants. For those of you that know me, and have talked to me in the past few days - it has been one big Lisa Think Tank. Seriously, I can't get it to stop!! And what does this do? It blows everything out of proportion and I get freaked out.
So, how do I get over this over thinking problem? It works to talk to people. Late night conversations about crazy things like boys and whatever else we talk about. But what about when there's no one to talk to? What do I do then? I write in my journal to God, but it is so nice to get a human response - one that I can get a hug from.
I don't know if I have a solution. But I am tired of thinking!!
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