Wednesday, July 8, 2009


Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things. ~Author Unknown

"Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the Universe together!" ~Carl Zwanzig

Tall, dark, and handsome...

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

PTUNA1 and some other random thoughts...

For the past three days, I have seen a gray-ish colored Toyota Camry (I think it's a Camry--it's not a Corolla) with the license plate "PTUNA1". Confession: I am a license plate/numbers freak. SERIOUSLY--I will look at the numbers and try to figure out some type of mathematical equation. I found myself doing this very thing tonight on my way home from work! I'm such a nerd! Anyway...this whole "PTUNA1" thing was driving me crazy..."Pee-Tuna One??? Then it hit me yesterday after having been behind PTUNA1 for about 10 miles...PETUNIA ONE. I honestly can create and solve LONG DIVISION problems with random numbers faster than figuring out something SOOO OBVIOUS!!!

My second random thought involves the world news bit that I caught last night. A study was done on the effects of the food we eat and our bloodstream. They took 2 adults (I'm going to guess late 30's/early 40's) -- male and female. They drew blood before eating and then they sent them to your typical restaurant where they ate an appetizer, a meal (which I believe was a fried sandwich) and then dessert (which was a cookie loaded with ice cream, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream). The two adults ate until they were stuffed. Two hours later, they went back to the lab and had another vial of blood drawn. When they held up both vials (before/after), it was sickening. The plasma was clear...however in the blood drawn 2 hours after the meal, the plasma was clouded with (this is soo gross) with FAT and grease!!! This doctor doing the test said that you MUST choose each meal carefully. You cannot eat healthy all week long and then "blow-it" on the weekends. Another interesting thing was their heartbeat. They played the before heartbeat which sounded healthy and swishy (as it should), however after the unhealthy meal, you could HEAR a difference in the beating of the heart. The doctor said it's because the arteries have to work harder to move the fat/grease through them.

My third random thought is this -- God's will isn't this huge GRAND thing. God's will is TODAY. It's what I am doing right now. It's how my choices today impact me! Each day is something special. I think we oftentimes just focus on -- God's will is where will I go to college, who will I date, where will I work...instead we should be looking for the little things that make each day special. It's God's will that I work with this person and get along with them. It's God's will that I got behind this person driving 45 in a 55 because God might be protecting me from an accident. Don't look for the BIG, GRAND things...look for little ways everyday to encourage those people around you! (And by doing that -- you will be fulfilling the will of God!)

Saturday, July 4, 2009

"Her name is Lola..."




Lola. (Thanks Barry Manilow!) I'm thinking that it's SERIOUSLY about time to send Ruby to that special place where all naughty cars go...you know...SWIM WITH THE FISH/REST IN PEACE/DIE EVIL CAR!
I've been researching the new Toyota Corollas...and I really like the XLE model. I'm not sure on the color. I like the red...however I'm thinking silver is FLASHY and FUN! The blue is also nice...but I keep coming back to the silver...perhaps it's because of the SILKY SILVER SHIRT incident.

Happy 4th!!!!

Weather is a great metaphor for life - sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella. ~Pepper Giardino


HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!! (Something was a-muck with my shutter speed...I have 12 months to figure this out!!!)


Jackson at the fireworks!!!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Strawberry Margarita

Don't be nervous...this is my favorite OPI nailpolish color!!! I am going to the Rockford Symphony Concert tonight at Rock Valley College! We've discovered that we can listen for free by sitting on the grassy hill next to the theater. I'm looking forward to the fireworks afterward. Photos to follow...

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Today I actually didn't feel like talking much. Can you believe that? I mean seriously....me, Angie Good...NOT talking? I know! I know! What next? Is the sky going to fall?

Before you go and get Henny Penny all up in the feathers :)...

Today is the LAST day of our work week. Infact, I technically am not supposed to even work on Saturday because it's the official 4th of July holiday...so today I had to plow through a pile of stuff and I wanted to work on it quietly. Why are people stunned by my silence? I wasn't slamming things around or throwing my stapler...I was just subdued.

I felt like I was 12 years old...


And here they are...the New Kids with their opening act, Jabberwocky. The concert was GREAT! It was worth EVERY PENNY!

My favorite song they performed live...hmmm...I liked Joey's Please Don't Go Girl from the Hangin' Tough CD (circa 1988). Good stuff.

Their newer songs are okay. My favorite is Summertime. Great tune!!!

Thanks for still having THE RIGHT STUFF, guys!!!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

9 Reasons Why Today ROCKED...

A. Coffee with the girls.
B. The proverbial Cat is away...and you know...us, mice, well...we like to play!
C. Figuring out a NEAT Excel trick!!! (Thanks DW! Oh how I doubted you!)
D. Helping someone figure out the issues of life
E. Just knowing that tomorrow is my "Friday" for the week!!!
F. Finding Cubbie tickets that weren't too pricey...anyone game to go to the game?
G. Remembering the bag o'raw veggies for lunch!!! Sliced cukes, some strips of yellow & green peppers, raw broccoli...what is better than that?
H. Laughing hysterically at an email
I. Going down Memory Lane with "high maintenance"...(sigh)...the good ol' days when Pain Aid was just another packet of medication full of caffeine that made us spacey...and you could buy gum for 50 cents a pack! (Have you priced candy bars lately? I bought a Twix for Lauren the other day and it was $1.19. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT...? Okay--get out your copy of Season 1 of the Golden Girls...I know, I know..."I remember when candy bars were 4 for a buck!" Just call me Rose from Saint Olaf.)

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

My brother

I have loved having my brother here visiting since last Thursday. His boss needed him to deliver some parts to Marengo, Illinois to the Nissan plant. Bry was ecstatic! He not only got to see his eldest most-beloved sister, but he also got PAID!!! Seriously--win-win.

Many thanks to the Delaneys for letting him hang out Thursday night and Friday night. Bry loved it. He went with Greg and Aaron to see Transformers 2...and I think they grilled out a couple times. He had a BLAST with them!!!

On Saturday, the girls and I got back from Chicago around 5ish. They departed for Des Moines and I immediately took Bry with me to run some errands...laundry soap, picking up the NKOTB old school CD, Hangin' Tough for $6. It was fun listening to the CD from my childhood. Bryan said, "This brings back good memories, Sis. Like riding in the V.W." I love my brother.

Sunday was church and then we came back here and watched the end of Transformers (the first one). Before church, we went to the bike/walking path by Harlem High School for a nice stroll. It was nice being out and laughing with Bryan. It was a great afternoon for a walk!!!

On Monday, I worked and Bryan hung out with Maggie. Later that night we went back to the bike/walking path over by Harlem High School and we went for an hour walk. Again--MUCH laughter!!!

On Tuesday, Bryan mopped the kitchen floor and transplanted the catnip plant for me while I went in to work. Some time in the morning, his co-worker called and said they have work if he wants to come in. He debated for a few minutes and then decided to head back to Michigan. (His trip back to Michigan was UNEVENTFUL and the traffic in Chicago flowed quite smoothly!!! Thank you, Lord, for traveling mercies!!!)

So here I am back at the cottage and missing my brother. He's one in a million and my very best friend. Thanks for spending time in Rockford with me, Bryan!!! I love you!!!

Random memories of our trip to Chicago...

I'm not quite sure how to document the trip to Chicago with Tanya and Shawna, so I think the best way will be jot random little things that I remember...and I am sure that each memory will trigger another memory and so on and so forth. So here goes...

1. The New Kids on the Block concert. Seeing one of my most favorite (okay, my ONLY favorite) boy band was quite an experience. They sang all their old songs...so at some points during the concert, I felt like a 12 year old screaming and dancing and singing along with the songs from my childhood. Then they introduced their new songs which I'm not quite familiar with. All in all ---- the concert was great!!!

2. Meandering down Navy Pier. Apparently every-other-time that I have been to Navy Pier it has either been for dinner or in the early-early spring when it was too cold to walk the length of it. WOW--the end of the pier gives a great view of the city and Lake Michigan. We didn't get to ride the Ferris Wheel but that's okay. There's always next time!!!

3. Cindy, our cab driver from the Amphitheatre to our hotel. She was interesting. First she told us that she was fired from her former driving position...oh she was fired NOT ONCE...but TWICE! Why would you tell your passengers this??? Later her phone rang (which was giving us GPS directions and she was SURE that the incoming call would cease the GPS function) and it was her brother who she claims drinks and has a 9 year old son. Again--why would you tell the people in your cab? She then discussed her former GPS system and how it says, "Caution! Caution! You are speeding!" Too be honest--it was quite funny even though we were quite scared, but here's the deal---she was honest. And she didn't over-charge us like the punk did who took us to the concert. All in all--we lived. And now we have a new BEST FRIEND, CINDY (who dots her "i" with a heart).

4. Walking around (literally AROUND) the Amphitheatre...we didn't take the most direct route. It was dark. Shawna informed us of the dangers of wild cats in populated areas. I actually had to ask her not to talk as I was about to pee my pants!!!

All in all--our weekend was packed with fun memories that I will cherish. I love these friends and I am truly thankful that they are still in love with New Kids on the Block too!!!

Monday, June 29, 2009


@ Navy Pier


I think he was looking for a photo opp!

Darth Vadar

A 6.5' Darth Vadar made out of Lego's!!! I couldn't believe it. There was a R2D2...but no Yoda. :(


Navy Pier

Tanya and I at the end of Navy Pier. What a lovely day for a stroll...

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Relaxed


My cat loved laying on top of the dryer once it has ceased operations. She just lays there--like this--and enjoys the heat. I find this rather odd because she enjoys laying on top of the dryer even in the SUMMER.

When I see this picture of Maggie, I think, this is how a vacation should be. Totally relaxed. Just chillin'. Nothing pressing to do but to lay on your backside soaking up the sun and perhaps reading a good book.

This photo almost makes me want to call in sick to work and take a week long STAY-CATION!

Therapy


To you -- this is just 8 quarters. $2.00. Some loose change.
To me -- this is a 20 ounce Iced Coffee @ McDonald's. It is a Wednesday treat. It is 60 minutes (some weeks MORE/some weeks less) of spending time with the friends that I love and need to be around MORE!
I'm soo glad that we do this crazy little thing once a week...in the middle of the week because I need this. I desperately need the encouragement and the laughter and the joy of being around these friends.
To this group of friends that encourage my soul and bring a ray of sunshine in the middle of the week---to them, I raise my cup O'iced coffee and I say, "Thank you!" (We really shouldn't CLINK them together...it would be dangerous!)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Hip hip hooray for Saturday!!!!

Today has been one of those Saturdays that has been non-stop! My day started at circa 6:30 because the storms yesterday knocked out our AC at work...and since there was quite a bit of lightning all morning, the heating/air conditioning company wasn't sending our repair men to fix issues. I mean really--live a little! So they have to stand on the roof and hold metal pieces of equipment. Toughen up! (NO--I don't want anyone to die for our comfort!!!) Sooooo...I went in this morning and spent about an hour there before all was well and cooling down in the office. It was nice though--I got alot of stuff done...paying my bills online, looking up interesting facts...once he resolved the issue, I entered timesheets and got some things ready for Monday.

After that excitement...I headed to Kathy's to help make 'Thank You' notes for the teen revival and got some lovin' from Miss Myla and Miss Macy. They just wanted some attention and I was happy to dish-it-out!!!

When I prepared to leave the Whitt's, Ruby decided that I should stay and visit a little longer...catch up on my soccer knowledge and chill with Macy Lou...so I went back inside and got to chit-chat with Kathy and learn more about THE CRAZIES!!! Goodtimes. 45 minutes later, Ruby had regrouped and off we went to the cottage...

Just when you think that the fun cannot possibly go on...IT DID! I went with Lauren, Leah, and a bunch of others for a GIRLS MOVIE NIGHT OUT! We went and saw Night at the Museum 2. Good movie. I love it that Owen Wilson was in this one also...and there were several people from The Office!!!

After the movie, I ventured daringly (as Ruby's "DANGER-DANGER" light was on) to Woodman's. I predicted I would be in the store for circa 30 minutes...and I was correct. I actually went down a few aisles that I didn't need to go down--but for the sake of wasting some time, down them I went. (And that could've been a Yoda line.) Sadly (sniffle, sniffle)...Woodman's did not have the Good Earth Pomegranate Super Fruit tea. Have you seen this tea anywhere? What has happened to it? It's my FAVORITE...and even Wal-Mart didn't have any this morning when I ran there to get 1 gallon of distilled water for the Delaney's fishies. WHERE IS MY FAVORITE TEA??? If you see it--let me know.

After Woodman's---here I am back at the cottage just chilling. It's nice. It's fitting for the end of a busy day!!! Peace and quiet.

Tomorrow I have church in the morning and then the afternoon at my leisure. Will I stamp? Read? Watch some sappy chick flick (last weekend they were showing Pride and Prejudice)? Gather my plans for the upcoming REUNION with the girlies? Who knows...who really knows!!!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Priceless

Lauren and I delivered a bouquet of fresh cut daisies to one of our Sunday School kids who had to have her appendix removed. Poor thing. She now has to take it easy for 14 days!!! Think about it--it's summer, her friends are outside playing, and did I mention it's SUMMER?

Bouquet of daisies: $12.00
Gas to deliver said bouquet: circa $2.00
Seeing a child's face light up: PRICELESS

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Book at a garage sale: 50 cents
Tea bag to make the perfect green chai tea: 75 cents
Finishing the book and sharing it with a friend: PRICELESS

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This weekend

Tomorrow is Friday. We made it!!! Another blessed weekend...and this weekend has the potential for GREATNESS!!! Tomorrow night (Friday) I am going with Mr. & Mrs. Roberson and Kristin to see The King and I at Starlight! Saturday in the morning - I have plans to help Kathy and Lauren stamp "Thank You" notes for the teen revival. Then Saturday late afternoon, a group of us are going to see the new Night at the Museum movie. Sunday is Sunday School with the children and then church. Since there's a good chance for rain on Sunday, I am thinking either: A. Office marathon while I stamp some shoe cards; B. Chick flick marathon and forget stamping; C. No tv and just reading my new book by Nancy Moser. Hmmmm..what is a girl to do?

I hope that whatever you do this weekend that you will have a wonderful time whether is spending time with family, friends, or just relaxing and enjoying some peace & quiet!!!!



A quarter @ a garage sale...how could I possibly say, "NO!"??????

All things Cherry...



This canister was given to me by my friend, Nancy.

Cheery cherry




For my birthday, my parents sent me this lovely CHEERY cherry apron! I have wanted an apron for a couple years now -- but I haven't found one that I loved enough to spend the money on. And now -- I have one!!! Yeah. It almost makes me want to do a little baking tonight...

Monday, June 15, 2009

2 Songs

My friend Lauren and I teach the 1st-3rd grade Sunday School class at our church. Yesterday Lauren was trying to get the kids to think about their favorite SS song...one boy raised his hand and said, "Jesus loves me" to which Lauren replied, 'that's a GREAT song!" He then added, "My two favorite songs are Jesus Loves Me and The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Talk about trying NOT to laugh outloud!!! Kids are sooo honest.

Finished...well, for NOW!

The boxes containing those evil files...yes, they are gone. Did you hear me? THEY ARE GONE! Not gone as in "Angie lit a match" gone...gone as in, UPS came and took all 22 boxes and they are no longer cluttering our walkway gone. HIP HIP HOORAY! Removing these files from my life has lifted a HUGE BURDEN! I honestly could not have done it without Lauren. We motivated each other--mostly through laughter and highly caffeinated beverages...hey, McDonald's Sweet Tea is only ONE DOLLAR! 4 quarters! Change from the cup O'change in Ruby.

I honestly never thought this torturous project would end...the MAJOR part of it has ended. We are now working leisurely to get through 2006 which shouldn't be too terrible. And as for the next big purge...we're totally prepared and working on establishing order NOW so it won't be bad next time.

Thank you!


I believe that God puts people into our lives for a specific purpose. This angel was given to me by someone who is becoming a very dear friend. God has placed her in my life to allow me the opportunity to pray for her and to encourage her. God brings people alongside of us to help us on this weary path called LIFE. Oftentimes He brings them for a season...however if we are truly lucky, we will have that friendship for life.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

One more thing...

I honestly believe that ONE more thing might have sent me to the moon this morning. Between the management of our office coming in and out and throwing out various requests...the phones kind of crazy...and then random tech needs...ONE MORE THING might've done it. However God in His infinite wisdom and LOVE granted me patience today -- that and a 60 minute lunch spent outside at a cool forest preserve (less than 5 minutes from Terracon) was exactly what I needed!!! I'm thankful that God knows what we can handle and He promises to not give us more than that...Thank you, Lord, for busy days!!!!

Fish-sitting


This is Day #1 of fish-sitting. Yeah--I'm just hoping that these fish do not require extensive therapy when they leave the cottage in 10 days. I wonder what it's like for them...I mean really...they are comfy/cozy in their home and then all of the sudden they are being handed off to me...driven to the cottage...placed on the counter where they are intently being watched by one furious looking kitty. Now--I feel like I should inform said fish. I really don't think Maggie will devour them. Do you think she will give up her yummy cat food for sushi? Care to guess?

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

In about 40 hours...

In about 40 hours, the boxes that have been the vexation of my soul will be removed from my place of employment. No worries--I shalln't be burning them nor will they be fed entirely into the shredder. These little gems -- actually these HEAVY gems will be sent away via the United Parcel Service. I'm sure that my UPS guy will be thrilled (NOT!) to have to heave these monsters into his truck. Honestly, each box weighs about 40-45 pounds. I think there might be one box amongst the pile that is about 30 pounds. What a nightmare...a nightmare that I shall not have to see for a long time...and actually FOREVER might be a better word to use. I cannot wait...I feel like I did when I was a kid counting down the days until Christmas...I hope I can sleep tomorrow night. :) Soo even though it's June...I'm truly-truly enjoying a Christmas Miracle post-December!

Orange Sherbert

My cat ate orange sherbet today. Isn't the odd? Too be honest, she has also consumed the leaves off of celery too. Oh--and once she ate a piece of Romaine lettuce that fell on the floor. But really---orange sherbet? I suppose since I think it's tasty, why shouldn't she?

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Compromised Granola

Today I learned that if I put granola in with my yogurt and fresh fruit--the granola will become compromised and get soggy. Why did I do this and not realize this? I eat granola for breakfast and I KNOW of its soggy-tendencies...I know this! Apparently at 6:07 this morning, I wasn't thinking to clearly...actually I was thinking, I can save a bag by throwing all this stuff in my Pyrex dish! Duh Angie. Sometimes I have to learn things the hard way.

Not only did I laugh at myself, but today I got the opportunity (or shall I say OPPORTUNITIES) to laugh at Lauren... Here's how the conversation began..."Lauren, do you remember that day when we took the Pain Aid?" Said Lauren, "YES! I remember EVERYDAY..." (I don't know if that's a good or bad thing!) You see, the "Pain Aid Day" was a day last fall when we both had weird headaches...we thought caffeine would help us so we sent Chad to Starbucks. After enjoying a Grande whatever it was that we ordered on said day...we still had headaches, so we went to the medicine cabinet (in the scary bathroom) and took some Pain Aid. NOTE: The packaging did say it was for headaches...and it also mentioned that it has the same amount of caffeine as a LARGE cup of coffee. After this medication was combined with the Starbucks, we could NOT stay focused to save our souls. We had piles of reports all over our desks. And it didn't help that said technician was in our office cracking us up. There's an episode of The Office where Kevin says, "What a waste! What. A. Waste." That was how that day progressed...did we end up typing any reports...I do not believe so. Infact if I recall, we went home early.

Oh--then we reminded each other of our PECULIAR word moments...me with the daschounds (which I pronounced "Dash-Hounds"...not "Dox-sons")...Lauren and her DOCK moment...

And the frosting on the cupcake (I prefer yellow cupcakes with a bit o'chocolate frosting)...DW coming into our office thrice asking, "was that phone call for me? I was in the back and couldn't hear!" ...this moment reminded us of the Office episode where Kelly (from the Annex) kept running into Charles' office to see what he wanted when he was really calling for the new receptionist...Poor DW...so misguided and we weren't directly laughing at him...

Today I was reminded of that day as we traveled down memory lane in our DELUSIONAL states...GOD BLESS LAUREN FOR BRING LARGE AMOUNTS OF LAUGHTER TO OUR OFFICE AND ENCOURAGING ME THROUGHOUT THIS HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE PROJECT!!! :)

Soooo close

Lauren and I are so close to having the entire boxing up and purging project done that we are super giddy. Not just your run-of-the-mill somewhat giddy...NO! We are talking skipping around...laughter bubbling from within...I personally think it's because we've become DELUSIONAL! By the end of this project, we will have gone through 2500+ files and converted them from 38 boxes down to approximately 20. We still have a couple smaller boxes (paper size) to file at random intervals...however the majority of the project is complete. I believe that this conclude with the playing of the Hallelujah Chorus. And let me just say -- I'm not talking about the condensed version...I want the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and all 3 hours!!! Crank the radio up!!! Put on your choir gowns!!! There's going to be some praising Jesus over the completion of this project!!! Most of all--Thank you Lord for bringing us through this trial...and guiding us through every piece of paper so that we might complete this to the best of our ability. (And if we've happened to chuck something that wasn't supposed to be chucked, please help us to never need to provide that documentation anywhere...) Amen.

Sunday, June 7, 2009


Here's my new kitchen flooring! It looks nice with my red rugs. Thank you for replacing the subfloor and the pretty linoleum.


The cottage got repainted a lovely shady of sunshine yellow! Check out the new screen door!!! Ask and ye shall receive!

Now that the paint has been applied...Miss Angie is thinking about purchasing 6 small impatience plants to put in her window boxes (which are missing).

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Random Thoughts by A. Good

1. I love coming home and hearing Maggie purring.
2. I do not appreciate spiders.
3. Blogging is therapy.
4. I've only ever wanted to quit my job thrice.
5. I love green peppers!
6. Earwigs are the devil.
7. When I first moved to Rockford, I killed an aloe vera plant that mother said, "You cannot possibly kill this plant, Angie."
8. It makes me sad when other people are sad.
9. I would like to be a better person.
10. I'm addicted to Yankee Candle's Lemon Lavender fragrance.
11. I like to talk to myself when I am stressed out.
12. I like working LATE on Fridays to avoid working on Saturdays.
13. I hate scary movies...and their scary trailers.
14. Hugh Jackman
15. Chicken tortilla soup is my favorite cool weather meal!
16. I have gone several weeks without eating out. I LOVE TO COOK!!!
17. My Mom's grape jelly ROCKS!
18. I liked living in Hudson, Michigan with my brother and neurotic cat.
19. I do not saying "Goodbye"...
20. Target makes my heart go pitter, patter...
21. Garages sales do the same as #20.
22. I love being random.
23. I own too many stamps.
24. Sometimes I think I am content being single because I am selfish.
25. I miss both of my Grandmas.
26. I forget to water my outdoor plants...thank you, Mr. Turbett!!!! :)
27. I love swimming.
28. I like to embrace the weekends like a MINI VACATION...that way there are 52 of them every single year. It's exciting!!!!!
29. My toe is bruised and sore because it was compromised by a SLUMP CONE...which is metal and tests the slump of concrete.
30. When I leave for work in the morning (especially Mondays), I like to DRUG my cat with catnip...can you imagine what I would do if I had a child???? ha. ha. ha. ha.
31. I laugh at myself. (See 30.)

Celebrate Friendships -- Chapter 7

Okay--I'm finally up to the 7th study in my devotional book and it's titled, Celebrating Friendships. Nicole Johnson quotes Henri Nouwen from his book, Here and Now, "Birthdays need to be celebrated. I think it is more important to celebrate a birthday than a successful exam, a promotion, or a victory. Because to celebrate a birthday means to say to someone: 'Thank you for being you.' On a birthday we do not say: 'Thanks for what you did, or said, or accomplished.' No, we say: 'Thank you for being born and being among us.'" She goes on to say that this is the heartbeat of friendship--celebrating the people around us who have made an impact on our lives.

Today I was with a dear friend who I have only had the pleasure of her friendship for a couple months. She is a dear, dear Christian and an encouragement to me. To her I say, "Thank you for the gift of your time today. Thank you for meeting me for coffee because you are a joy to be around."

God places certain people in our lives at certain times...and some of those friendships are for but a season...

In grade school, for example, I was friends with my mom's friend's daughter, Amy. As we went through high school, we drifted apart. But having her as my friend in elementary school, she helped me to see the world through kinder eyes.

In high school, I became friends with the flag corps girls. We spent alot of time together at school and outside of school...I honestly thought we would be friends for life. Some of us have remained in touch (even if it is spuradic)...we know the TRUE meaning of friendship--to be there when life throws things at us that are trying...and too be there to celebrate the BIG things.

In college I met three dear friends -- Mandy, Tanya, and Lisa. And although I started out as Elevator Girl, we became quite tightly knit together. We shared heartaches and triumphs! We were there for each other during the classes that we thought would NEVER end...through the stalkings :)...through the countless hours of praying for each other. Too these three, I would like to share the words to Golden Girls.

Thank you for being a friend.
Traveled down the road and back again.
You're a heart that's true.
You're a pal and a confidant.
And if you threw a party...
Invited everyone you knew.
You would see the BIGGEST gift would be from me...
And the card attached would say,
"THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND."

The trio. These two other friends were there during the TRIALS of our first year teaching. We laughed. We cried. We dipped pretzels in chocolate and laughed about cough syrup (Vicks 44D)...we survived THOSE meetings...we even managed to remain together when 1/3 of the trio met the man of her dreams and flew away. We traveled to the witnessing of those nuptials. We've been on the road together--coming close to death in each other's vehicles. We've drank way TOO much coffee...we've gotten loud at Barnes and Nobles. Too these girls, I am thankful to God for His love and kindness by weaving our lives together.

To my crafty-crafty friend...who has enriched my life by allowing me to be a part of her family...because of you and yours, I am blessed beyond words. "Thank you" seems like such a small thing compared to your giving, compassionate, wonderful friendship.

Huff -- we became friends over Snausages at Sam's...laughing until I cried (which usually happens after 10 p.m.)...helping me dissect the secrets to life...roadtrips because you CAN see IT from the road, right? :) Soo many funny inside jokes and soo many other times when it wasn't funny...when we discussed painful things. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!! Thank you for letting me be a part of your life and you for being a part of mine.

To the Sleeping Beauty girls...pretty toes, laughing, solving all the worlds problems while our feet soak and then our toes get BEAUTIFIED!!! We are amazing together. I think we CAN solve all the world's problems...but how do we get THEM to listen to us??? We are one good pair of shoes and freshly painted toes away from taking over the world.

Trudy and fam -- you have become more life family to me. For the chick flicks, Trudy, WHAT can I say? I love going to the movies and watching them in the confines of your house...I love walking with you because we can say everything and nothing all at once. Thank you for being a shining light and pointing me to Jesus Who allowed my life to enriched by YOUR friendship.

Too the countless others who have had an impact on my life and have encouraged me -- Muchas gracias. May God bless you richly because you have had a special part in making me the person I am today!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Twitching

24 boxes to go. TWENTY FOUR boxes to sort through...too organize...to remove duplicate reports...too destroy unnecessary information. This task reminds me of a cute little song sung by Lamp Chop...the song goes as such ---

This is the song that doesn't end.
Yes, it goes on and on, my friend.
Some people started singing it --
Not knowing where it goes.
And they'll continue singing it
Because...This is the song that doesn't end (and you keeping repeating it until you reach the end of your rope.)

Now, are you wondering what in the world is Angie's "song that doesn't end..." Two words...Iron Mountain. These two small words bring about massive twitching...first it starts in my left eye. I blink again and again and there it still is...then it causes me revert to deep breathing that I learned from 5 o'clock yoga with Steve Ross. From here, it just goes DOWNHILL...

Too an outsider, are you wondering what is such a big deal about these boxes? You are wondering that, aren't you? You are wondering if Angie is just blowing this out of proportion. I AM NOT! This project causes me GREAT pain...and let me just say, I've had to deal with pain...EN 500 -- Advanced Grammar (taught by the man who wrote the Grammar Handbook, James Chapman)...what about student teaching---40 four year olds...YEAH! Let's not forget teaching my first class how to tell time...NO, IT IS NOT 1:60---it's 2 o'clock!!!!!

These boxes are worse than ALL of the above mentioned forms of torture combined. If I mess this up and shred a document...it could be called into litigation. COURT. A judge. Jury. Documentation that something might not be right or that we did everything right and something else is a-muck.

This is a big project. It's un-nerving. God bless, Lauren. And let's give a HIP-HIP-HOORAY to the legal addictive stimulants from our favorite coffee shop!!!! Cheers (clinking of the coffee mugs)...

Sooo...here's to shredding the documents...destroying the maps...removing unnecessary stuff and simplifying our storage space!!! Here's also to NOT going insane during the process...

Finished.

On Saturday, I completed Pride and Prejudice. When you are sad to say goodbye to the characters in a story, you know it's a good book. My favorite part of the whole story is the third portion of the novel when Elizabeth slowly begins to realize that perhaps she is falling in love with Mr. Darcy and if he would ONLY ask her again for her hand in marriage that she might possibly agree. Read it. You won't be sorry.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

What Do I know of Holy? By Addison Road

I am going to be honest--I am not a big fan of contemporary Christian music. It bothers me when they use a worldly beat and sing about my Heavenly Father. This song -- the words of it -- were playing the other morning on my way to work and I've been thinking about it ever since hearing it. What do I, Angie Good, know about being the presence of an Almighty, Holy God? He loves me. He wants to hear from me. This song was an incredible encouragement to my day and I am praying it will be the same for you, friend.

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all
No, If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

You're invited

When: Wednesday afternoons (between 1:15 and 3 p.m.)
Where: Starbucks on Perryville Road (in front of Woodman's)

It started last Wednesday when Lauren and I needed to get away. We made a few phone calls and sent a few emails...and BAM--there were 5 friends willing to get together -- Ruthie, Leah, Lauren, Kristin, and Angie. The sun was shining and we basked in the sunshine while enjoying chit-chat and ramblings about our lives. We discussed every topic under the sun (literally speaking also).

That afternoon brought about this afternoon...the gathering included Kathy & her twins (Myla and Macy), Leah, Kristin, and Lauren. An invitation was sent to Gloria, however she was unable to attend this function -- but has secured a position for the next gathering which will take place next Wednesday afternoon at approximately 1300 hours. (Oh mylanta...military time, really Angie?) Anywho...

I'd like our little group to read a book and discuss it...however with two of the attendees new moms and one a college student...I don't believe they will have to time to truly enjoy some lengthy reading...so I shall propose this...a quote, a small story...maybe a verse or two. That way we can all have 1 week to gather our thoughts and then share them. Be watching for details.

Oh--and if you are not on the list but would love to join us for some coffee...please, please let me know. We would love to have more attendees!!!! We can rope off an area at said location and give ourselves a FUN name. Something kind of flashy that way if (wait--WHEN) our group becomes famous, we will have something fabulous up in lights. Okay...something catchy so we could paint our own coffee mugs. There. Don't you want to join NOW? I mean fun coffee cups...

2 Timothy 4:14, 15

The other day I was reading through 2 Timothy 4 and I came to verses 14 and 15 which reads, "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words."

These verses got me thinking about how I treat other people. Do I judge others based on what I know of their side of the story? Do I hold them accountable for things beyond their control? Am I mean spirited and unkind when someone deep-down is hurting?

Lord, I don't want to be like Alexander. I want to treat others with love and kindness and compassion...even those people who have "wronged me". Help me love others as You loved.

I Corinthians 13:4, 5
"Charity (love) suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil."

Monday, May 25, 2009

"Bapple! Bapple! Eat Bapple!"



This picture of Emma Kate CRACKS ME UP!!!! On Sunday night, Emma Kate came over while her mom and dad went to "No Love" for the graduation open house EXTRAVAGANZA!!!

Emma saw that I had some Fuji apples on my table...so she pointed and exclaimed, "Bapple! Bapple! Eat! Bapple!" No problem, right? Well...the dilemma of peel or no peel? I opted for peeling the Bapple...

Emma sat soo well on my tall kitchen chairs while enjoying the Bapple. She was a good girl.

Some random things I've learned in May...



1. If you put out some cracked corn, peanuts, and sunflower seeds, be prepared for an INFESTATION of squirrels.





2. If you wait long enough, your favorite DVD will go on sale at Target.



3. If you ask God to provide, don't be surprised when He does! He always takes care of us!



4. Blue Jays are scaredy-birds. (I was going to scaredy-cats but that seemed not right...)



5. Burt's Bees coconut foot lotion is my favorite.



6. Sometimes you've just got to laugh yourself silly.



7. It's best to flush all spiders.



8. God wants our undivided attention.



9. If you don't watch the Weather Channel every morning, you can still FUNCTION!



10. My Saturn has a timing chain...and it's not good when that snaps.



11. Family matters the most.



12. Friends are truly a balm to our souls.

13. It's okay to be scared.

14. If you put your cell phone on silence, you WILL misplace it.

15. It's a good thing to gather with friends at Starbucks and sit on the patio...and play CLUE.

16. If you carry a song in your heart all week, God will surprise you by having it in the bulletin Sunday morning.


17. Reading Pride and Prejudice for the second time is good for you!!!!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Thank you!!!

It is Memorial Day weekend. Yesterday when I was leaving the post office, I saw an elderly gentleman taking donations for the Veterans. He was hooked up to an oxygen machine...and yet here he was outside of the post office, collecting money for this worthy cause. Did his service to our country lead to his body's need for an oxygen tank? How many troops have given up so much for our country...and this is the one weekend when we honor them? What about the other 51 weekends? Some have given ALL...and yet do we really stop to thank them? Too the veterans out there and to the troops currently serving our country...THANK YOU! Thank you for leaving this wonderful land called America and for stepping foot on foreign soil. Thank you for risking your life to keep us safe. Thank you for giving up your time. Thank you to your families for continuing on in your absence. May God bless you abundantly!!! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

In my head...

I've had the hymn, I Must Tell Jesus, stuck in my head all week long...and today at church, we sang it!!! I particularly like verse #2 where the author of this hymn wrote, "He is a kind, compassionate friend." Jesus won't laugh when we bring our deepest hurts and pains to Him. He loves us and wants us to communicate with Him....which further confirms the points in my Bible study book, Fresh Brewed Life. In this book, Nicole Johnson begs of us to develop a relationship to Jesus similar to our first morning cup of coffee...we don't just pour the coffee and the gulp it down in order to rush on to something else. We pour it...we hold it close and inhale the aroma...and then we let the warmth of the cup soak into our fingers as we think about the delicious beverage we are about to enjoy. Being a coffee drinker, this made sense to me...it also convicted me. Too many times that I don't care to admit outloud, I rush through reading my Bible and praying...when I should be spending time with my Heavenly Father.

I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.
(Chorus)

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;
He is a kind, compassionate Friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
Make of my troubles quickly an end.
(Chorus)

Tempted and tried I need a real Savior,
One who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;
He all my cares and sorrows will share.
(Chorus)

O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me
Over the world the victory to win.

Chorus
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Closed Door...

Sometimes I think that God has to completely close a door for me, He has to totally shut it and nail it shut otherwise I, Angie Good, am a blockhead and will try to re-pry the door open. Why? Because I really, really wanted that door to open...when infact that I should realize that there's a window open and I am trusting God to lead me to that window. :)

A journal for my thoughts...


Nancy's advice -- make sure that the ribbon does not have a high polyester account...it will come unknotted. :) I love this journal!!!

From Nancy



Nancy made me this adorable box! She attached numerous ribbons to this cute box! I cannot wait until the 4th of July!



Saturday, May 16, 2009

My birthday EXTRAVAGANZA!!!



From left to right -- Gloria, Jackson, Angie, Emma Kate, Sara, Hannah, Jack, and Trudy. (Photo taken by Bryan Anderson; missing from photo Ike-ster)

Many-many thanks for my friends who gathered to help me celebrate another birthday.

My birthday this year fell on a Monday which is the most hectic day for me at work. No worries...I had high-hopes that this particular Monday was going to be FABULOUS no matter what. One thing that helped my birthday to begin and remain wonderful was Lauren! She got to come back to work on my birthday. Hip-hip hooray--help was on its way!

Again---thank you all for making my birthday wonderful!



Welcome Reagan Margitka Gear!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

DANGER! DANGER!

I have recently added several FUN words to Jackson's vocabulary...
-DANGER! DANGER!
-Angie
-Ruby
-Gross
-Sweet

Every child should have these words added to their vocabulary. My favorite is when he says my name. :) I love Jackson!

Camper + Organ + Gnome + Stamps + Kathy + Lauren + Angie

This morning I got to spend some quality time with Lauren and Kathy LAUGHING. About 85% of our time together was spent laughing...whether it was laughing about Lauren's use of her brain to come up with why someone would want a pottery statue with a hole in it. (Great job, Lauren!) Or over Kathy trying to RENAME a movie "Her Man" when it was really "HERMAN." Too me and my ludicrous paranoid state of backing up...(yes, I actually backed-in to someone on Friday...)

We thought about taking over the world with the following items:
A pull-behind camper trailer (it was a pop-up one)
An organ (for inside said trailer)...for when we take our show on the road
An unobtainable garden gnome
A set of cool rubber stamps

Do I honestly think that we can take over the world with these 4 items? The potential is there...however as pointed out by Kathy, the camper was kind of small and we all like our space...we might do it. We might really do this...the four items and our POOLED twenty one dollar bills. Be on the look-out for the laughing, traveling roadshow coming to your area!!!

Insect Breath

Today I got to spend a majority of the afternoon and early evening hours with Aaron and Ethan. I love-love-love these boys! First of all, they are super sweet! Second--they are all boy.

Aaron is totally intrigued with frogs and snakes and such. While Ethan was taking a little nap, Aaron and I went and sat infront of the "big house" and did a little bird watching. We saw some robins and a couple cardinals, but the thing that intrigued us the most were these three mallard ducks swimming at "Lake Halsted." Yes, because of some excessive rain earlier this week, a small pond has formed across the way and three mallard ducks were happily splashing around.

Our first observation involved the lack of "mommy" ducks. Aaron's reply, "maybe these three haven't met girl ducks and gotten married." (I loved this!)

Our second observation:
Said Angie, "I'm glad God made me a human. I am thankful I am not a duck."
After a minute of hearing the frogs singing...Said Aaron, "yeah, I wouldn't want to be a frog. They eat insects. Who wants to be called 'insect breath?'" He was totally serious...that was what made it more humorous.

We made a couple other observations and then he went back again to say that he was glad to be a human and not to have insect breath.

Don't get me wrong--swimming all day would be cool. But insect breath...no thanks!!!

May you find something fabulously simple in your day to crack you up!!! I sure did.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Weirdness

Today was a day full of weirdness...
First of all, I got to work slightly early and by "early", I mean 7:10. (All week I've been later than that...8 am on Monday; 7:15 two days; 7:20 the third day; and today--ta-da 7:10.)

Actually I was running a few minutes after 7 because one of my techs (who has been laid off since December) came in and brought me a Starbucks gift card...so I was making USE of it today. I thought I would end the week with a bang since I clearly started it with a BANG!

Second, Ruby was done. Finished. I was thinking that if I hadn't named my Saturn Ruby--I might consider the name Lazarus...then every morning before work, I could stand outside my garage door and SHOUT while pressing the button, "LAZARUS--COME FORTH!" (I'm sad to say that I am actually LAUGHING OUTLOUD!!!!) :) Many thanks to the Tuffy's crew!!! I'm praying that God blesses them richly.

Third, we weren't BUSY-BUSY today. The guys were out, but it wasn't slamming busy. I will admit--it's a fine way to end the work week. A couple calls per hour and a couple hours TECH-FREE!!!!!!

Fourth, Lauren the engineer (I have a funny story about her nickname...Don, the steel tech, thinks I should rename all of our office equipment...i.e. "Lauren the shredder"; "Lauren the copier"; "Lauren the stapler"...etc. This cracks me up and he SERIOUSLY said it 3 to 4 weeks ago...it's just NOT RIGHT!)...okay, Lauren took me to get Ruby and on the way there we had a good laugh about themed weddings and how certain themes make us more nervous than others. It was quite enjoyable and a nice way to spend the TORTUROUS journey...I had previously told Eric that she was going to deliver me to Ruby because I needed a good laugh on the way!!!

Fifth--tomorrow is the beginning of Garage Sale season. Churchill's Grove is having their 26th annual garage sales! Yahoo! Sara is coming in to town to CELEBRATE this blessed event. I believe we are going to meet up with Ruthie, Gloria, and Hannah. There might be others...I hope there are others! Goodtimes at the garage sales!!!! Last year I got the coolest bottle with cherries on it--I use it for my dish soap and everyday it reminds me to pray for my dear, dear friends who spend Saturdays garage sale-ing with me. (Writing sale-ing like I think it should be "saling" looks really, really weird to me...so I just add the hyphen and the "ing" part.)

In honor of the end of this SPECIAL week, I am enjoying peace and quiet (well, I have the dryer running and my brown sweater's zipper is clanging on the sides of the dryer). No radio. No TV. No nothing. Just my Lemon Lavender candle burning, pajamas and comfy socks! I LOVE FRIDAY NIGHTS WHEN I DO NOT HAVE ANYTHING GOING ON!!! I know that some people like to go out...but I am gone 87% of the week and I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE being home on Friday nights!!! And I know that some of my married friends might lecture me that I am not going to meet Mr. Right sitting at home on a Friday night...well, you know what -- I really need a break from the INSANITY of my job! Sooo one night at the cottage is not going to make or break me finding him...and YES, I DO KEEP AN EYE OUT IN THE PRODUCE AISLE AT WOODMAN'S!!! :) (I love veggies and fruit...so why wouldn't said man o'my dreams.)

Oh--sixthly or seventhly, Tuna stopped in to see us today. He actually was delivering a certificate for a class he had taken a couple weeks ago. And he chit-chatted with the boss and then stopped in at the therapy chair and filled me in on his shredding job. FUN STUFF! Actually when he was talking about it, I was mindful of the Iron Mountain project that is still waiting to be completed. Oh, if I could only get motivated...but NOT today. Seriously...I think I would've just started shoving the folders in one by one...(funny story---a couple months ago, Doug was saying that I should just move the shredder into the conference room for easy access...he then proceeded to say, "I don't mean that you shove the folders in..." And he completed his statement by making a noise that sounded like "weeeeennnnnnnnnnnnneeeee!" I still laugh about it when I shred...)

I've given up on numbering these...the final thing that concluded the peculiarness of the day...JK told me that I needed to inform the Saturn call center that my lawyer, Robert V Holden, Attorney at Law would be in touch. Okay--those of you know Robert know. You just KNOW he's not really my lawyer. JK said Robert is a more lawyer-y sounding name...and I am sure Robert V Holden would do his best to sound lawyer-y...however just the mental picture of him ATTEMPTING this made me laugh until I cried. I miss RVH! He brightens my day! And seriously--makes me laugh!!! I'm hoping he returns to the INSANITY, I mean WORKPLACE soon...(maybe I could start chanting his name Monday morning while beating my stapler against the desk..."Bob! Bob! Bob!")

Happy Friday!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

My Bible from College...

My week started out with teaching the children about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah...and how Lot's wife looked back even after she was warned by an angel not too. I'm sad to say that I looked back...here's what happened.

On Monday, I will be honest. I was running a few minutes late. I had forgotten that I had some groceries (say it phonetically, it's fun!) to drop off at Nancy's...so I was running about 10 minutes late. Ten minutes that is until Ruby gave up the ghost. Yes, she died. I phoned my boss and informed him and he jokingly asked, "Does your car have gas?" (Okay--so the funny story behind that is...one day about 2 years ago, his children needed a ride to school so I picked them up. About 1.5 miles from the school, this bell dinged and my car died. Since Ruby and I were still getting acquainted, I didn't know that when the "Low Fuel" light came on--I had about 30 miles to find a gas station. Sooo it was in the spring [I think] and one of my technicians, Cory, came to our rescue. Once we got to the school, I told the girls I could not walk them in because I was wearing jeans and at that school/church, it's wrong for ladies to wear ankle-length coullettes...so I sat in the car. Earlier this year, one of the girls wrote about this experience when she was given an assignment to write about the funniest day ever.)

Where was I? Since my boss asked if Ruby had gas, I turned the key and the fuel tank showed 1/2 a tank. Gas--check.

Needless to say, I wasn't sure who would be up at 7:10 in the morning...so I called Trudy. She came to my rescue and sat with me while we waited for the tow truck. Fifty-some-odd dollars later, Ruby was on her way to Tuffy's and I was on my way to Meg's where Trudy (GOD BLESS HER) treated me to a coffee...and MUCH LAUGHTER! (Which I might add, truly is the best medicine!)

Needless to say, I made it to work at 8...sixty minutes late but safe. Thank you, Lord.

Later in the day, the phone call came that Ruby was not well. The informant (which makes me laugh when I call him THAT)...the informant was super-super nice on the phone and explained that a major chain had broken which caused the top and bottom of Ruby's motor to kind of collide. And nothing could be confirmed until all her organs were removed and inspected.

There's nothing better than a nice walk on the brisk afternoon to make you thankful for life. And a good cry to your mom. My mom--what a saint--she just let me cry and cry. She let me cry about Ruby and cry about my friend who has to go in for some scary tests on Friday--please pray. When my mom prayed for me, I felt like she was right there wrapping her arms around me and letting me know that this was going to be alright and that everything would work out in the end.

Tuesday -- kind of a blur. I remember talking on the phone to clients and typing things...but nothing much else. And this is when it happened...when I became as selfish as Lot's wife...when I, Angie Good, looked back. I went back to a time about a year and a half ago when there was a job opportunity that would've paid me more money, but I would've had to give up the job that I love. (Because I honestly do love my job...) I looked back and thought, what if... That is a dangerous game to play. I realized that I was playing the same sinful, selfish game that I had warned my Sunday School kids about. What did I tell myself, "Too bad you didn't take THAT job because loving your job is not going to pay for Ruby as easily as that other opportunity." SHAME ON ME! Talk about a lack of faith. God provides for the birds so why would He not provide for ME? He will. He has in the past and He certainly will now.

Wednesday -- prayed and then asked my friends to pray for me w/some details. I feel like posting this on my blog gives people an insight into my soul and this struggle...posting it on Facebook almost makes me feel like a whiner and a baby.

Okay--so I am currently reading this book about journaling and developing a relationship with God that is closer because I am struggling. I was struggling before this week...and this has made it seem like a more fiery trial. God is over this. God knew when I wrote, "Angie Good is going to say goodbye to her sanity this week" MINUTES BEFORE LEAVING FOR WORK ON MONDAY...God knew HOW true that statement really was going to play out in my life. He knows. He's still God. He's still and will always be good.

Since Ruby is RESTING (kind of IN PEACE)...I had to use my college Bible...and in it, I discovered several verses underlined and noted and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God ordained this to be as such...here's what I read when skimming through my Bible...

2 Timothy 2:7 - For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Fear doesn't drive me from God--it will draw me closer to Him. Isaiah 45:5, 6

Proverbs 15:1a -- A soft answer turneth away wrath. (I am going to frame this on my desk at work!!!)

I Peter 3:8 -- Finally be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, loves as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.

And when my heart is overwhelmed,
Lead me to the Rock which is higher than I.

I Peter 3:17 -- For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

Jude 22 -- And of some having compassion, making a difference.

Pursue:
A. God's grace
B. Trustworthiness
C. Self-sacrificing
D. Friends who display these attributes

I know that this week seems overwhelming to me. And I am aware that there are others afflicted with pain and grief...I want to be more compassionate of people struggling. May we all be more compassionate and tender-hearted.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Coffee

I've started reading a new devotional book, Fresh-Brewed Life, by Nicole Johnson. Her introduction was titled: Taking Your First Sip. In it she describes how we hurry through life because we have alot of pressures taking up our time...we oftentimes (and I am guilty of this) hurry through devotions because we have something else we HAVE to get too...instead Nicole urges us to treat our devotions and savour that time with the Lord like we savour our cup of coffee. You don't make a large mug of coffee and then guzzle it down. You fill the mug, add your favorite sweetener, swirl it around, raise the mug to your nose and inhale...we should do that with God. Allow His Word to speak to us and then meditate on it...and pray about things specifically. The introduction was exactly what I needed this week. It was a good reminder about not hustling through things...most importantly my time with my Heavenly Father.

Throughout the first chapter, Nicole put quotes about coffee. My favorite was, "I have measured out my life in coffee spoons." T.S. Eliot.

I also learned that coffee is a fruit. Who would've THUNK? I struggle enough with tomatoes...they are truly fruits. I know, I know...but coffee is a fruit. Aren't we supposed to have a LARGE quantity of fruits DAILY? :)

The second challenge Nicole is giving me is to journal...because when we journal, we are 100% ourselves. Journal-ing allows you to be 100% yourself and it's a good reminder of what God has done for you. It's in the times in the valley that you can re-read God's goodness in times past to know He is going to lead you through this valley now. For me, this blog is a "journal." When I go back through the 300-and-some entries, I see God bringing about blessings, helping me through difficulties, blessing my family and friends. Thank you for being a part of my journal.

Have I mentioned that I love this book?

Received.


Dandelion
Simply beautiful.
Given to me by someone I adore.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Four months to ponder...


This is my early birthday present from me, to me. Here's how it all got started...my friend Kathy had a jewelry party back in November. At the time, I was debating between this set and another glass bead set with more blues and reds. Since I couldn't make up my mind then, I opted for some small silver hoops which I have grown quite fond of (as fond as one can grow of earrings). Because I heard other people discussing booking parties in the spring, I decided to wait on the glass bead sets...this gave me nearly 4 months to ponder, Which would get more use? I don't normally spend alot on jewelry because let's face it -- A.) It breaks; B.) I have a habit of losing things; C.) It's JEWELRY not a fabulous skirt and top combo.
So having waited 4 months, I decided this was the set for me. What I like the most about this set is that it has pink and lime green. Don't get me wrong, the red and blue set is gorgeous too. Maybe next time...first however I must recover from this purchase!!!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Randomness

You've been warned--this is totally random. Pirates...Rod...messy cottage...
1. Pirates? They've been in the news lately. I honestly didn't believe the whole story until I verified it on Fox News website. Really--PIRATES? I equated them with the cartoon version on Veggie Tales. You know the one---"we are the pirates, who don't do anything..." They don't do ANYTHING. Unfortunately these real live ones take over boats. HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN? I mean seriously---I don't think they use guns. HELLO--get some guns! Shoot 'em up! I mean really...it's not complicated. We have military. WHAT IN THE WORLD...

2. Our former governor. He is still claiming he did nothing wrong. Okay, OJ. Even better--Sure, Rod...and I don't have curly hair.

3. Tonight at church, my pastor scared the living daylights out of me and the two Mrs. Whitts. He was in the darkened foyer and we were entering said foyer searching for Myla and Macy's bags...and he jumped out. Sooooooo...having been scared, I was slightly jumpy when I got home tonight and entered the cottage w/limited vision only to discover -- pots and pans on the counter, the windowsill was full, some type of container was in front of my sink on the floor...etc. I got NERVOUS...then (thankfully) I remembered that I had previously lost all track of time [probably because I am still trying to figure out if I should come in an hour early in the morning to get stuff done...I mean, we've just started picking up...as predicted by me, OVERNIGHT]...yes---I, Angela Good, left said cottage a mess because I had to run out the door with the STILL WARM pan O'brownies for the teens. I'm truly, truly thankful that I didn't freak out when I saw the mess...I turned on the lights and then I smelled the baked brownie scent...and I remembered. I'm way too obsessive. Totally not cured. But you know what--it's fine. I'd rather be obsessive and have a clean cottage...then a slacker and live in filth.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Filing...a random rant of Angie's

Today I discovered that I don't really like to file. It's nothing personal with the files...it's more of just putting stuff away. Because I am obsessive about something things, you would think that I would enjoy filing. I mean afterall, there is a place for EVERYTHING. However I do not carry this philosophy over at the office...atleast as far as flying reports. Well, reports and receipts. Okay--and timesheets...and proposals...and the list goes ON AND ON...

Why don't I like to file? Hmmmmm...it involves alot (ALOT) of sorting and perhaps that sorting is the THORN IN MY FLESH...because I wait until the last possible moment to file. I file when I am looking for reports/receipts/timesheets...and I am on a deadline. Therefore I am under pressure. I don't like filing because I put it off until I HAVE TOO...thus creating extra stress for myself. Oh my goodness...I told you (NUMEROUS TIMES) that this blog is cheaper than therapy and today...yes, TODAY I proved it. Ta-da. (Applause, please.)

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Goodtimes on a Saturday night...

I love hanging out with my brother. Today we went walking at this indoor shopping center called The Crossings. The well-maintained walkway is 1 mile. We did a few laps and then ran to Meijer (FAVORITE STORE O'MINE AND MISSING FROM ROCKFORD) to purchase a new toothbrush because I left mine on the counter at the cottage. After the toothbrush purchase, we came home to get ready for Mr. Wilson's funeral. FYI -- Bryan did a BANG-UP job making breakfast!!! :)

After the funeral, Bry and I waited around to talk to LeAnn. It was soo nice seeing her and letting her know that her dad meant the world to me. (I was thinking back to those crazy red t-shirts they made us where that read, "It's Okay--I'm with the band." I WISH I STILL HAD THAT SHIRT...IT WAS MY FAVORITE!!!!!)

After the funeral, we came back and went to this cool store called The Book Exchange. It's a bookswap...and it's HUGE! I did manage to pick up three books-Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life by Barbara Johnson; Fresh-Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson; Lady of Milkweek Manor by Julie Klassen. They give you a SUPER discount if you bring in books for credit (which I will be doing on my next roadtrip to see Bryan). Otherwise the fee was minimal compared to new book prices. I'm excited to read these...however I have a stack of library books waiting for me at the cottage. Because I decided to put about 10 books on hold and about half of them were delivered to my library for pickup.

After The Book Exchange, we went to the Christian bookstore and bought an Easter card for our parents. We are aware that by purchasing the card today (the day before Easter) that the card will be LATE arriving...it will be a Post-Easter Miracle when they get mail from us. :)

After all the running around today, we landed back at Bryan's apartment (named the Man Cave by the Helfs) where we enjoyed dinner--salmon, green beans, and little red potatoes. YUM!

Presently we are watching the White Sox beat the Twins! HIP HIP HOORAY! And next I believe we are going to watch The Passion since I haven't seen it yet. On a sidenote, I recently rented The Nativity Story from the library. EXCELLENT MOVIE! I like the cast selection and the dramatization of the Christmas story and how Mary must've felt...Great flick! (Jerry was right. How could I doubt him?)

HAPPY EASTER! HE AROSE!!!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Rose

I recently took a quiz on Facebook titled "Which Golden Girl Are You?" I'm Rose. ROSE! Thankfully I wasn't Blanche...I was kind of nervous about that.

Dorothy: The woman keeps a chicken in her home, how normal can she be?
Rose: I kept a chicken in my home.
Dorothy: You see my point?

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

April 7th --- No Housework Day!

I'm happy to report that I thoroughly celebrated this holiday...

Tomorrow is All is Ours Day. I'm not really sure what this entails...but with the help of Google and Wikipedia, I intend to find out and potentially celebrate!!! I'm thinking it might have to do with me telling Starbucks, "All is mine day! Tall iced Carmel Macchiato."

The Evidence


Okay...over the winter I did some soul-searching and realized that I am obsessive about some things that I really shouldn't be obsessive about. Case-and-point, doing the dishes before I go to bed. Really--is a sinkful of dirty dishes going to go anywhere overnight? Are the "dish police" going to write me up? What if like in that fairy tale of the shoe cobbler who doesn't have time or money to make new shoes so those elves come...what if I leave my dishes out overnight and some nice elves come and do my dishes... I've never thought of it that way before. Soooo I like going to bed without dirty dishes in my sink.
The highlighters. Yes, I was obsessively keeping them in color "order"...you know--the whole Roy G. Biv thing from Elementary school (red, orange, yellow...etc). WHO DOES THAT? Me. Angie Good, obsessed with keeping the highlighters in their proper order. This photo is proof that I am working on not being sooo-obsessive. As for a photo of my sink, NOPE. Not going to post it. (It still kind of bothers me...but not enough to go wash them at 9 p.m.)
I like making my bed every morning. For this obsessive desire, I am blaming PCC and the 1 demerit that I happily would receive if my bed wasn't made. Now--let's clarify, "made." Basically at school, it meant that you had to throw the covers up so you "attempted" to make your bed. Now--I remember a certain semester when I didn't have class until after chapel, so my "attempts" were lousy...at best...which is why you make treats when you go off-campus and then bring them back to share with the floor leaders. HELLO, McFly! Not Rocket-Science!!!!
Cleaning my house completely before I leave town on any type of vacation...either a long weekend or a week off. I hate, despise, loathe coming home to a messy house. I'm truly, truly thankful that my Mom instilled this in my brain! Just the thought of coming back from a weekend in Michigan to a messy house gives me slight tremors. (shudder)
I still have a long way to go on my obsessive tendencies...but I wanted to throw them out there and let you know that I, Angela Good, am trying to work on these...there's hope...scroll back up to the highlighters...that's a small step for mankind, but a big step for me!

Monday, April 6, 2009

New Website

I discovered an interesting website...
www.whatshouldIreadnext.com
You can type in the book/author that you are currently reading and then it will give you recommended reading. It's GREAT! Check it out!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

April 5th is National Drowsy Driver Awareness Day!
~Be safe on the roadways!

April 2009

It is Stress Awareness Month. I like this alot.

It's Laugh @ Work Week. Every week is this for me...

And today is World Rat Day. I'm totally creeped out!!!

Feeling kind of verbose today...

Well, it's Saturday and I am feeling kind of chatty...this week has been but a blur and I have feeling that this week will be equally as fuzzy. I've picked up some extra hours subbing at the library...and I really enjoy it. I just forgot how tiring it can be running from one job to the other. I found myself talking to myself more and more...DANGER! DANGER! That's what happens. It's how I roll. On Friday afternoon, for example, I was cracking up over things that weren't all that funny...but because of added items in my week, I was kind of stretched. And this is why I am soo thankful that I only added 2 four hour shifts this next week (Monday and Thursday) at the library. Then I have a week without any subbing...and then two more shifts after that. :) So I just have to make it through April...what a crazy month! But I actually enjoy it. I enjoy subbing. You get to meet all kinds of unique individuals...not to mention perusing the books that are returned and checked-out.

Why did I say, "Yes"?

I'm sure there are those people out there who wonder why I, Angela Good, said, "yes" to subbing at the library on this fine Saturday morning. Are you curious why? I agreed to sub for a couple reasons...
A. I had heard it was going to be kind of crummy out today, so why not sub...if it was sunny and 72...I might have hesitated a bit.
B. At my full-time job, we haven't really picked-up yet...so I don't mind the extra hours.
C. It's a quieter branch where I can peruse the books...blog...etc.
D. I'm working with someone really nice. :)
E. I need to purchase new tires for Ruby and I'd like to be able to sock some of this money away for an emergency fund (per Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University CDs).
F. Instead of staying at the cottage and reading my newest Kristin Billerbeck book, Split Ends, why not read at the library and get paid? That's pretty much the no-brainer of the bunch. :)

So why NOT say, "yes"? I mean really.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Subbing...

Danger-danger...I have gone back to subbing at the BIBLIOTECA. (And yes, that's probably not spelled correctly...) ...and this is NO April Fool's!!!!!!

Happy April Fool's Day!!!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Subbing at the library...

Today I got the opportunity to sub at the newest branch of the Rockford Public Library, the East Branch. It's located at the old Barnes & Noble on State Street. Since it's only been open for a month, it still has that NEW feel to it. The conference rooms are amazing. The coffee shop (Meg's) is centrally located with many tables for leisure book perusing and coffee sipping. The shelves are spread-out and not over-crowded. I'm sure the over-crowding will come with time. (As books are kept at branches where they are returned unless demanded at another branch.)

My 4 hour shift flew by. Between trying to learn a new system and helping patrons, I didn't have much time for much else. I did manage to put a couple books on hold for myself -- including Split Ends by Kristin Billerbeck and her 2 books about the Trophy Wives. I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival at the Rockton Center branch. :)

I have 2 more four hour subbing shifts this week - Wednesday and Thursday. I'm actually looking forward to these...as I will be at the Montague Branch of the library.

The most amazing thing about these extra hours is -- on the very same day that I got a huge Nicor gas bill, the library called and asked me to work. When I calculated what I would earn subbing, it will practically take care of my larger than normal gas bill. What an amazing God we serve...He is always looking out for our best interest! And He cares about us...and provides for our every need.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Saturday :)

We are 8 days into spring...and guess what? The Weather Channel has Rockford under a winter storm advisory (or maybe it's a warning) starting this afternoon through tomorrow afternoon. WHAT IN THE WORLD?

Thankfully I had not packed away my warm winter gear. :S I'm not prepared for more snow...unfortunately Mother Nature does not seek out the opinion of Angela Good. No--she is going to dump SEVERAL inches of white fluff on us.

This morning I ran to Target to get a couple things that I could not obtain at Woodman's and while I was flitting out and about, I noticed that there seems to be some type of air pressure issue...you can feel the cold front pushing in. It's awfully windy and there's a nip in the air.

On to a happier subject, I have a red File-A-Fax (mentioned in the movie 27 Dresses -- it's basically a red organizer that holds all pertinent information). Since I stopped teaching and only have one place of employment, I have gotten away from relying on this gem. It's been nice to be red "Hacienda" free.

(Here's the story with "Hacienda"---my friend's friend has a tendency to mis-use words...she knows a "cheft" and she has "mauve-red" roses...etc. Anyway...she mis-used the word schedule/calendar/organizer and called it a Hacienda. Lucky for me, in high school I took Spanish I and II. [Donde esta, Angie? Angie no esta squi.] Okay--so I know Hacienda is "house." Hacienda is way more fun to say than schedule...so I've adopted this -ism into my vocabulary. :) )

Back to my confession...recently the library (Bibliotecca, thanks Spanish I!) called me about subbing. Normally at this time of year, I am getting busier at work and having to juggle more responsibilities so I usually say "no." However since we aren't too busy and I actually miss the library (can you believe I said THAT outloud?)...I said yes. After saying "yes" once, another branch called me about subbing and to them I said "yes." All of my subbing dates are for this upcoming week, so we'll see if I still enjoy it after putting in 13 hours at the library this week. Eight of the said hours are at the branch on Montague Street and I am hoping (and praying) that I get to work with Willie Mae. She's HYSTERICAL! She yells and hollers at the naughty children. It's great. :) Watching her in action makes the 4 hour shift I signed up for thoroughly enjoyable.

I totally got off track just now...my confession is this -- I forgot my hacienda at work today and I am in a pickle. Should I go get it? It's become somewhat of a security blanket for me now that I have other obligations, I feel like I need it. Although it's Saturday and I don't need it today...nor do I need it tomorrow...I will leave it at its said location until Monday. Nothing is pressing. Wow--I'm glad I was able to figure that out...

And now you know, the rest of the story.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Barnes & Noble

Women aren't supposed to make coffee;
The Bible says, "Hebrews."

I'm currently not reading anything...so today during my 1 hour break from work, I perused several magazines at Barnes & Noble. One of them had the above quote and it cracked me up. It was actually printed on vellum on a pink and brown card. CUTEST! I'm going to try to duplicate or atleast make it equally as cute myself. We'll see.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Today is National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day!!!

Danger-danger!!!


Last night we had a powerful storm come through Rockford. I remember hearing the wind as I drifted off to sleep...and then around 5:30 this morning, I saw a huge flash of light which arose me from my slumber. And then today when I got home from work, this tree was laying prostrate in my backyard.

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Where did the day go? As I drove home from work tonight, I couldn't help but ask myself that very question. Where did today, March 24, 2009, go too? What did I do? It seems like I had just arrived and work and then BAM (say it like Emeril, because I did) -- the day was over and I was back in Ruby driving to the cottage. What in the world???

I was not swamped today. I didn't have to answer a gazillion phone calls. So what in the world happened to today?

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Earlier this week, I received a note from my friend Sara explaining her disappointment in my non-spring profile photo...soooooo after church today, I spent a good 40 minutes outside trying to take a photo of myself. The first 15 or so attempts were in my Sunday church clothes...they did not go so well. A. it was windy and B. it didn't look like me. Soooo I changed into comfy jeans, t-shirt, and sandals and TA-DA...here you have it. My new profile snapshot. (and yes, my toenails are painted a lovely shade of Chapel of Love by OPI---my FAVORITE color!!!)

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Permenant Press or Delicate Cycle?


Spring =)

Today was a good day to move everything (move-able, that is) out of my kitchen and bathroom in order to scrub the floors and make it all sparkly clean! I even opened the windows to let in some fresh air. It might be a little too chilly for that...but I'm not going to complain! The sun is shining and the air is crisp. I'm three loads of laundry in to a five load marathon. Loads 2-4 are going to be hung out on Nancy's clothesline. Towels, sheets, rugs...I believe I have already confessed of my love for the outdoorsy smell of these items so I shall not elude to it again.

Once the laundry marathon is complete, I am not sure what I shall venture to do next. A part of me would like to find a good book and sit outside and read. I'm not opposed to that...it's just--what shall I read? There are a couple more books by Kristin Billerbeck that I would like to read--A Cut Above and then a couple books in the Trophy Wives series. After reading the back synopsis, it took much restrain to not purchase them on my last Barnes & Noble adventure. However I told myself, Check on Half.Com. Maybe I can find them for half off. And who can resist those voices in your head that are soo insightful?

Welcome Spring, a day late and well, a dollar short. =) Yesterday at 6:44 I welcomed spring, while enjoying an egg souffle at Panera with Jackson and Gloria. Jackson was charming. Doc and Sally were in much need of repair after being driven off the side of the table. All-in-all, it was a delightful way to welcome in this MY MOST FAVORITE season!!!! Granted, I love fall. The rich colors are beautiful. I tolerate winter knowing that spring is coming. Summer is pure bliss with the warm weather and the potential for monthly pedicures to keep ones toes looking amazing in flip-flops. But there's something about spring...welcoming the birds back, the earlier sun-rises, the trees transforming themselves into hues of green, the grass coming back alive, and the budding flowers with their vibrant colors. (sigh) Spring really is my favorite.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Golf

Today at work I was reminiscing about my first experience golfing. Why? I don't know. Actually wait--I was thinking about sending a funny comic to one of my technicians who golfs and that got me thinking...

Today at work, I was thinking about my first time golfing. (My first and ONLY time golfing...) Why are there so many clubs? I like that huge club that you are supposed to use for teeing-off with. I like to use it throughout the course. Yeah--the guy I went golfing with did NOT think it was appropriate. "Change clubs, Angie Good." (Are you kidding me? I love that huge club! It's aggressive and I think the golf ball is scared of it.)

Caught in a trap and I couldn't get out!!!...a sand trap that is. What is up putting sand in random spots? I had the ENTIRE course...and where do I hit the ball? The sand trap. Not once, my friends...TWICE. It's difficult getting that tiny little ball out of the sand. In my head, I thought--one swing and BAM (yes, I said it like Emeril) the ball will be out and we will be on our merry way. Nope. It was about 10 swings...with the huge club that I love!

About halfway through the course (I remember it was halfway because I kept thinking, 9 holes down and only 9 to go -- it was one of those, "in with the good air, out with the bad air" kind of moments), I found the pond/lake. Actually the golf ball found it. Talk about making Mr. Golf hot-to-trot. He was soo mad at which point I decided to remind him, "Hello! We are golfing which is supposed to be relaxing!" (He did not appreciate this...) - If you cannot play a round of golf without getting upset about something so trivial remind me not to call you for GAME NIGHT! Sheesh.

And lastly...we were close to be doing with this horrific adventure (for him it was horrific for me it was amusing atleast)...I hit the ball (with the large club) and apparently his expensive golf ball was poorly made because the ball split in half. No joke. Sooo not only was he mad that I used the same club...but that this SAME club had cracked one of his expensive golf balls. He blamed the club I had used all day. Really? You're going to blame a piece of metal that was designed to perform this function hit after hit? What next? Blame the cow because the milk in your fridge goes bad after the expiration date? Or wait--blame the makers of the frozen pizza because you burned it? Come on now...After our golfing extravaganza (and I can hardly put the three exclamation points, Kathy)...I honestly think that he needed therapy. I wonder if I called him up and asked him to play a round if it would cause him to start twitching. Poor guy.

As for me...it's been 6 years and I still find the whole thing soooo funny! (I really did laugh at my desk today while remembering this blessed event!!!!)

Sunday, March 15, 2009

What I love about spring...

My most favorite thing about spring is hanging out my sheets on the clothesline. I don't have my own clothesline at the cottage yet...however I am going to sweet talk a couple techs (and offer to make them dinner) into helping me put one up. It can't be that hard, can it? Dig a couple holes, throw some quick-setting concrete in, shove the post in. Ta-da. So until I get my own clothesline, I will continue to "borrow" my friend Nancy's. It's kind of on my way to work...well, it's on my way to work when I want to stop and have coffee. Soooo...this could be win/win. I mean--hang up the sheets, get coffee on the way to work...stop and get the sheets off the line on my way home. In case you are scared, I do not hang ALL my laundry out to dry. Just sheets, towels, and rugs. I love it when I first crawl into bed and my sheets smell outdoor-sy. It's my favorite. I also enjoy having crisp towels. Spring has arrived. Yesterday when I was watching the Weather Channel, I could not believe that it's going to hit 70 this week! 70 degrees!!!! In honor of this potentially GORGEOUS weather, I slapped a new coat of nail polish on my toes just in case it's flip-flop weather.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

God's timing

A very dear friend of mine reminded me this week that God's timing is always perfect. In Proverbs, the Bible says, "As for God, His way is perfect." This verse (painted brightly and hanging in my kitchen thanks to another dear friend, Kari) reminds me that God has our very best interest at heart and He is in control of EVERYTHING and His way is best. We may think our way is best and will bring us joy, happiness, success, etc. But the reality of the matter is -- when we stop thinking in terms of our way and rely on His way--we will find contentment.


Last night we had Kathy's shower at the church. We had approximately 45 ladies in attendance. What an out-pouring of love and support for Andrew & Kathy as we helped them welcome their twins! Myla and Macy were scheduled to be born on April 15, 2009 however they were born today, March 14, 2009. Everyone is doing well!!!!!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

How quickly I forget...

It was only 12 months ago, so why do I forget this happens every March...the steady pick up of projects and the busy-ness that goes along with it. I have a theory--my brain blocks this so I will stay. Or perhaps I am delusional. Deep down though--I kind of miss the busy-ness of the late spring/early summer...not the INSANITY of the late summer/early fall which is causing my heart to flutter even now...Crazy Angie comes to stay during that time of the year. I forget how fun she is. She laughs alot...ALOT!!! (Kathy W said, "Crazy Angie--I love Crazy Angie!")

Soooo...what makes Crazy Angie tick:
A. lack of sleep
B. lack of time away from place of employment
C. too much ingested caffeine
D. too much hustle and bustle.
And yet I know it's coming...but I am not focusing on that because we are too take no thought for tomorrow, because it has enough of its own issues. (Yes, that would be the Angie Good translation.)

But honestly--we are to focus on today and today is Thursday. Tomorrow is Friday and I don't have to work which adds a little pep in my step TODAY. Win-win. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Put on your winter coat and deal with it!!!!

Goodness, it is blustery outside today. I mean--REALLY blustery. The temperature was 27, but it felt like 15. And I believe that 15 might've been a stretch...

The sky is blue and the clouds are fluffy...the kind of clouds that remind you of pulling apart a cotton ball. They are beautiful to observe floating by.

Spring is soo random. One day, it's 45 and overcast. The next day, it's clear skies and 27 (but feels like 15). The next day--who knows?

I suppose instead of getting upset about this up and down weather situation...I will enjoy the fact that one day I could be wearing a t-shirt and the next my favorite black sweater (with the strings that should have pom-poms, but don't!). Oh--and the next day my winter coat. Really. It's kind of fun. I do however hope that on the t-shirt days, I remember to wear flip-flops. My toes are looking forward to being uncovered.

I am going to make lemony bars for the teens tonight...so I had best get crackin!!!!!! (Jimmy cracked corn, but I really didn't care...LOL!)

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Why?

Why is it that getting my haircut is sooo invigorating? Is it this way with everyone? Perhaps it's the scalp massage and the fragrant shampoo/conditioner combination. Being the queen...even if only for 42 minutes...is a good thing.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Getting creative...

My friend Kathy is having twins in just a couple weeks! This weekend I worked on some fun Thank You notes for her. This is what I created.





Getting ready for spring...

This weekend I sent the snowmen to storage and brought out the spring stuff! I love the lighter colors of spring. Pale pink, green, yellow, and blue...they make the cottage more spring-y! I love it! I'm ready! Bring on the warmer, happier days!!!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Reality

I had the weirdest dream last night -- I was blogging and doing laundry in my dream. Since when did my REALITY and my dreams coincide? The night before I had a dream that one of my techs brought me a Gremlin (It was the nice one, Gizmo -- don't panic...it wasn't one of those "fed-after-midnight/get-wet" creepy, scary Gremlins). And about a week ago, I had a dream that I rented a beach house and was sitting by the ocean reading a book. Why can't that be a reality? (sigh) The sound of the ocean...

Off to do laundry and I am sure I will blog some more today in rainy Rockford (only in Rockford)...

Friday, March 6, 2009

Two weeks from today is officially the first day of spring. Too help me prepare for such an event, tomorrow I am going to put away all signs of winter...I'm going to pack up a majority of my blankets, bring out my springy quilt, transform my bathroom from red, gold, and hunter green--to pinks and pale green. This is my most favorite thing to do!!!

As stated by one of my techs this week, "I am sensitive to the weather...and this weather gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling." I agree 100%!!!

Little things



Yesterday I was reminded again that life is not about the BIG things that happen to us so much as it's about the little things...the friend that stops by and brings you a jar of tulips and your FAVORITE iced coffee from Meg's Daily Grind. It's about sending someone a little note to say hi. A phone call to a friend who you haven't spoken to in months, maybe years... Laughing at a inside joke. Watching a movie from your youth. Reading a good book and then sharing it with your friend. Praying for someone who you don't know very well. Encouraging one another to keep on--keeping on. Baking cookies for someone just because. Making dinner for a friend who's sick. Basically it comes down to CARING. Showing the world that we, as Christians, CARE. Not because we are fundamental...or that we are certain denomination. But that we love Jesus and we love them.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Only 16 more days until spring!!!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Finished

I just finished reading the third in a "trifecta" (yes, I am aware that's probably the right word to use here...but I like using it when I am speaking about groups of 3) of books about a girl named Ashley Stockingdale by Kristin Billerbeck.

In the middle of the third book, Ashley is sick and tired of hearing others comment on how her fiance could've done better and she goes on this rampage in her head...and I LOVE IT.

"He could've had anyone," I hear someone whisper, lest you think I'm just paranoid.

"He could have had Arin, " I hear in a male tone.

It is any wonder we women are rife with insecurity? One cannot turn on the television without seeing how deflated we are, how our waist has expanded to unnatural, non-Barbie=like proportions. I mean, if we believed everything on TV, women would have no hips. We would look like nine-year old boys with overfilled water balloons on our fronts, so out of proportion that any moment we might topple forward, popping the silicone protuberancies. And our lips would take up half our faces, always in a seductive pout.

Naturally, we'd all be competing for the attention of one man, to give the impression that he's Bond. James Bond. Our womanly communication would be subversive, as life is one big game plated by keeping emotions close to your heart--until it is time for the close-up. Then bring on the tears. We are pent-up wineskins of emotion spurting forth when the time is right."

Monday, March 2, 2009

You Live The Life

I watch your life
From day to day,
I hear the words
You have to say.

You live the life
You talk about.
That's why you do
not have to shout.

I cannot find the author of this poem. Sorry.

Goodsonmag

That would be my Star Wars name and it totally cracks me up. =) (First 4 letters of your last name + last 3 letters of your mother's maiden name + first 3 letters of your pets name)

Okay, so I am not right...did you expect to read that I AM RIGHT? Come on now...you know me. (Which reminds me of this guy from my freshman year at PCC...he sat next to me NT101 and he said -- after about 6 weeks -- "You don't know me!" Which lovingly becamse his nickname...oh the memories of college life...)

Today was one of those days at work where I truly attempted to be productive. Productive to the moon and back...it just seems that everytime I tried to do something, something else would present itself...which was exciting. It gave me a chance to multi-task. Fun stuff.

Tonight I am speaking at our Bible study...honesty and integrity are the pearls from Proverbs that we are studying tonight. The study was very helpful personally and I am hoping to be a blessing to the others present.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

19 more days until spring!!!!