Wanna know something interesting that I'm realizing?

It starts with a story.

During Christmas time, a friend of mine was saying he didn't feel like it was Christmas without a tree-- and something inside me sparked. He's my friend, and I like to see him happy and encouraged. So, got a little fake one and a few colorful balls, and set out to play elf.

I was pumped to fulfill this "need" (or whatever the right word is in this instance) in his life. But the more I thought about it, the more I felt like it was a stupid idea... Like the recipient would roll his eyes at me, call me weird, or wonder if I was going out of my way for another reason besides wanting him to know he's cared for.

So, I didn't do it.
The tree is still in my closet.

The same thing happened today. A coworker of mine is seriously stressed out. I wanted to do something nice, but that same apprehensive feeling settled over my heart again.

"I don't even really know this person. What are you doing? What's your reasoning... is it clear to others? What will the person think?"

This happens all the time. It sounds weird, but I think my hesitation to do walk the bridge between "who cares" and "I care" is the devil trying to wiggle into those sacred places in my heart.

I don't do nice things so others will like me. (Well, I kind of do, but I hope I know myself enough to say that) I do them to give Jesus props. I want to love people because that's what Jesus followers do. We're to love, encourage, forgive, support and pray for the peeps around us.

Really, encouragement is something I like to do. I don't think I enjoy it because life taught me how to coexist. I think I enjoy it because it's something God has shaped out of my former life for Him, for His glory.

This is probably more of a personal lesson more than anything else.

So, here's something for your entertainment:


Don't know why this makes me laugh so much.

So, I guess that was solely for me too :)

Take the quiz, Robin. :)

ENFP - "Journalist". Uncanny sense of the motivations of others. Life is an exciting drama. 8.1% of total population.

Free Jung Personality Test (similar to Myers-Briggs/MBTI)

hi-ya
hey-ya
ho-ya

Sunday was the half in Austin.
It was so so sososo fun.
Iloveditverymuch.

Even better was the whole weekend.

What?

You'd like to hear how it went?

OK.

You want the long version?

OK.

On Friday I left work at exactly 5 p.m. and ran to my little recently gassed up Rav. It was raining, so the run part isn't a stretch. I turned on Queen Mother/GG (she's known by different names in different circles) and typed in Katherine's address.

Turn left.

Ok, GG.

And off I went. There were a few minor problems that added some time to the trip (aren't there always?)... but three hours later, Katherine opened the door to C3 and hugged me for a very long time, gave me chocolate :) and we set to making chicken salad Hale-style. She even let me have my own bowl so I didn't have to eat mayo.

:) My friend.

Some of Kat's (and I suppose subsequently my new) friends came over and we ate ice cream from 1905 with brownies from 2008. I'm not sure when the pistachio ice cream was made, only that the green color is confusing. Green should be mint.

Anyway, we had a blast, playing games, visiting, juggling and watching mad hackey sack skills.

To bed. 3 a.m.

---

I on the couch, and Kat on the papasan cushion.
No one stirred; there was no need for shushin'.

---

Kat had to get up for a school project, but I lounged like a lazy bum for a couple more hours. Katherine's roommies and I had a swell time while she was gone. :)

And when she returned, we drove to Austin and met up with Tamara, Robin, Amber, Copeland and our resident mom, Jane. Happy times. Tamara and I went to the expo to get our runner's packets and raid the freebie tables.

I got some vitamin water, baby energy bars and the knowledge from Tam that Crocs are not for cool kids.

Hahaha.

We went to Urban Outfitters, a coffee shop (where Kat got a delicious pancake with cinnamon butter and turned into the pancake fairy), and then back to the hotel.

First thing-- coolest hotel ever. There were trees inside! The elevators were clear glass, and those big goldfish swam around the ground floor's ponds. Second thing-- sardines are yum. Third thing-- Tam and I knew we needed to get some rest. We had to leave the hotel at 5:30 the next morning for the run.

So we tried to go to sleep early; It didn't work. It was just too blasted early. After some switch-o-change-o of the rooms, we settled in on the couch bed and drifted of to dream land.

My cell was set as the alarm. It made me a little nervous that it wouldn't go off. That would be just awful! After Tam drove all the way from Lubbock? After Rob, Amb and Copeland drove with her?

So, at 3 a.m., I woke up with a jolt.

No, no I overslept

I got up to check, and all was well, but I was still antsy. I snuggled up on the floor next to the wall plug to be closer to the phone and fell back to sleep.

5 a.m.-- Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep beep.

I've never been happy to wake up at 5 a.m., but today was exciting! Tam and I had our clothes laid out the night before, so we dressed, grabbed a bag of granola and went to the car.

I missed the entry for I-35, but luckily, we had plenty of time to waste. We found a great spot and pinned (then re pinned, hahaha) our bib numbers. It was soooo soooo cold. We stayed in the car for a little bit and watched the hardcore runners get into their groove.

You can get very intimated watching them.

Finally, around 6:20 or so, we walked arm in arm to the starting line. Tamara looked lovely in her bright yellow tights. And I was warm in my special Cindy-knitted head wrap and fleece coat (Cindy didn't knit the fleece coat). Truth be told, I was supposed to wear bright turquoise tights, but punked out in the end. I'm sorry, Tam.
I heard a lady comment on them, so... you're cooler than me.

We contemplated using the port, decided against it... made a plan to stop and stretch after the second mile, and walked to our pacing group.

At the start, fireworks -- the glittery kind!!! -- lit up the dawn-ey sky. That's been my favorite thing to tell people when they ask about the run -- "There were fireworks!"

Tam and I started our run. She is fast; I am not. Plus she was contemplating running the whole marathon. So after a while, we broke up.

Miles one through eight were over in a blink. I do not know how it happened so fast. I never even saw the signs for two through seven. But at nine, I started to get a little tired. The bands and cheering groups along the side kept everything all peppy. The hills were insane. Running across the bridge was beautiful. Running with all those people was beautiful.

I didn't bring my iPod, so the whole time, I just prayed and thought about stuff. I never want to run with my iPod again. It was just so nice having a running partner(s) again. Even though I didn't know any of them, it was fun to run with people.

I was overwhelmed at how well my knees did. No pain at all. Can you believe it? I was so grateful to be able to run. Someday I won't be able to anymore... but that day wasn't it!

I called Mom at mile 10 to let her know I was 3 miles away.

I saw Eddie first, then Mom and Rhonda.

I crossed the finish line, got my shirt, medal, ate some free HEB food and went to visit with friends. Tam was still running. She did 17 miles with no training. Amazing. Seriously, stinking amazing -- I'm considering becoming vegetarian.

The rest of the day was wonderful. After a shower, Tam, Rob, Amb and Copeland loaded up and headed back to Lubbock. Jane, Kat and I ate at the Hula Hut and studied at Mozart's.

Then home again.

Sigh.

Great weekend.

I did my Bible study in the park by The Association today.
In the middle of Matthew 15, two students somersaulted down the hill.

It looked like fun.
So much fun, next time I'm doing it too.

Hey... guess what?

My run is two weeks!

Whaaaa?

Oh yes!

I've been running at the gym --- I stopped going to my beloved classes and have been hitting the treadmill.

It's probably quite annoying, but I really like talking to my neighbors on the hamster wheel. It's corny, but I'm still hoping I can make friends there.

I'm people-hungry. Making "friends" is easy... making a friend? Much harder. I had to fill out emergency information for this Bible study I'm in, when I realized something. Pen in hand, blank piece of paper, my mind was equally as blank. Who did I know in town that knew I was allergic to morphine? Who did I know that wouldn't be surprised they were being contacted if I were hit by a bus in the parking lot?

The people I know are kind... they would come see me in the hospital, but I want someone I can go eat pie with.

Yes... pie.

There's this really sweet sandwich shop in town that has a special pie each weekday. I want to go check it out. I want to run in the park with a friend. I want to know someone in town with whom I can wear sweatpants and watch a movie. I want to have a themed dinner night like we did in college. My personal favorite: the John Wayne inspired "Howdy Pilgrim-Pumpkin soup." We wore overalls and cowboy plaid.

And then drank tea out of proper tea cups.

Theme-sheme.

:)

It’s my fault. I so value my private time. I looove being at home and having free reign to create. Like, today at lunch, I went home and painted watercolor. Last weekend, I was sick and stayed inside during the two-day stretch. I made an apron, created invitation templates for a few par-tay-ies I’m part of, and made a journal.

Instead of sharing my time with others… I make journals.

Yeah. Good trade, sj.

I’m an idiot and really quite selfish.

Just finished Matthew 14. The short of the long of it is John the Baptist was beheaded as payment for some sort of Biblical strip tease King Herod got from his step daughter. When Jesus heard the news, he set to peace out and mourn his homie. But, the crowds just wouldn’t stop.

When the crowds saw Jesus out on a boat, they followed him by land. They were there even before Jesus stepped on shore. He could have been like, “Look, fools… hit the road. I need some time alone.” But did He? Nope. Jesus healed their sick and taught.

And when the clock was close to dinner time, and the disciples saw it as an excuse to dismiss their unwanted guests...

“Hey, Jesus. It’s late and all… and since I care about these people (*ahem, myself*) why don’t we send these folks packin’. They need to get some grub,” the disciples said.

But what did Jesus say?

“They don’t need to go away. You feed them.”

“Whaaaa?” The disciples said confused. “All we have is a few loaves of bread and some smelly ole’ fish. Do you really think that’s going to feed a RSVP of thousands?”

John’s version of this story says Jesus asked Phillip what they could feed, and to bring the food to Him. Jesus blessed the food, sat the people down in groups, and… well, he fed them. And they ate. And they were full.

The point is, the disciples came to Jesus with a problem… “They’re hungry, Jesus. Send ‘em on so someone else can feed them.” Kind of like my prayers. “They need help, Lord. Bring someone in their life that can help them. Amen.”

But what did Jesus say? He said what’do’ya’have, there ole’ Phillip ole’ pal? Some fish and bread? OK… give it to me. Just watch what I can do with what you have.

What do I have, ole’ Stephie ’ole pal? Well, I have my superfluous free time. I wonder what God would do if I gave them to Him?

I realllly hope it doesn’t have anything to do with fish. :)