Saturday Shenanigans

First thing this morning - and I do mean FIRST thing - I received the following text from my favorite co-worker, who technically is not currently a co-worker:  "Hey crazy!  I am back in town for a couple days.  Stop by if u get time, we will be in the truck all weekend!"  {Do you understand why he's my favorite?  I miss the "Hey crazy!" things.  I think he wants me to stop down and bring him coffee & homemade chocolate chip cookies.}

The second thing on my list o'things to do today was meet Jenni at Meg's for coffee and a deeeelish muffin.  {Oh, my soul, they have gluten-free double chocolate muffins.  And yes, they are as yummy as they sound.}

Once we consumed are delightful treats, we headed just up the road to Nellie's Barn Sale were we perused vintage items and found an amazing estate sale.  At the estate sale, I picked up three Pyrex dishes and a never-been-used humidifier for this winter. 

Next on my list:  Groceries @ Woodman's.  Somehow I went $3 over budget...which is really weird because I really don't think I splurged on anything extravagant.  It must've been those purple grapes.  Total impulse buy...but I don't regret it.  And I won't even apologize.

I must say - I used one of the new U-Scan lanes at Woodman's.  The nice Woodman's employees helped me bag my (confession time!) way-more-than-20-items limit.  The bagging girls put all my groceries in 3 bags.  And let me just say - those bags were packed full and quite heavy.  I know it looks like I have rockstar arms and can probably handle a load like that...but FOR REAL-ZEES...it was quite a workout lugging them from Rosie up the stairs to my delightful apartment.

...which by the way, I still totally am smitten with my apartment.  It's quiet and very safe. 

After putting away my groceries and grabbing a snack, I picked up Lexie and we headed off on our Find Miss Angie A Cat mission.  We began the adventure at the PAWS Humane Society Adopt-A-Pet truck parked infront of PetSmart on 173.  We met Lillianna, an adorable Siamese, who was adopted and awaiting pick-up.  It was wonderful news hearing that she had been adopted by a caring couple who could offer her a safe home.

One of the PAWS foster kitty parents tried to convince Lexie and I that we were in need of a gray - hissing kitty-cat.  Ok - a couple things...I'm a firm believer that when you meet the right cat, you will just know it's the ONE.  Not like a beam of heavenly light will shine down or the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will waft through the air.  But you will just KNOW...  I know that I will know.  This hisser was not the one.  And it's not that I have anything against a hisser because this poor cat was rescued from a cat-hoarding home situation.  Apparently someone in the county had a home with 116 cats.  Not even kidding.  One hundred sixteen cats in one home!!!  Some were caged.  Most were malnourished.  Who does that???  It's awful.

Anyway - the hisser was not the one.

We checked out the cats inside PetSmart. There were two females - delightful creatures.  The PetSmart employee informed me that I need to have a copy of my rental agreement that states I am able to have a cat.  {Having grown up in the country where it didn't really matter, this was news to me.}

Lexie and I promptly left PetSmart and headed to my home to find my lease.  It worked out grand because just last week I was perusing my lease to confirm the cost of added felines to my current rent.  It's a per cat fee with 2 cats being the limit.  It's a shame that 2 cats are the limit as I could've taken several of them home with me.  Some of them just had sad stories...and when you look at their eyes and know that they just want love...{Sigh}...well, it breaks a girl's heart.

Lease in hand, we headed across town to the Animal Shelter.  Funny story...next to the Animal Shelter is an old folks home.  Yes, I turned in to the first drive and told Lexie, "Hmmmm...I think we are at the wrong place.  I'm not looking to adopt a new grandma."  We laughed and left.

At the animal shelter, we were introduced to about 20 cats.  They were divided in to 2 rooms.  The first room had one particular kitty that captured my heart...Patches.  She has a bit of a kitty cold which makes me a little hesitant... 

In the second room, we met Romeo (a giant tiger-ish male) who's lackadaisical approach to life was delightful and charming...  He appeared to be content with his life...and let us know that should he be adopted, he would expect the world to revolve around him.  Cats...I LOVE THEM!!!!

Also in the second room was a sweet gray and white kitty.  Her markings were pretty much opposite of Maggie - where Mags had been white, this kitty was gray...and where Mags was gray, this kitty was marked white.  She was lovely.  A little skittish, but lovely.

We went back to the first room and I studied and petted Patches...honestly at this point, I thought she was the cat for me...and then she started coughing.  It wasn't a scary cough...she has more of a cold cough.  Again - hesitant about her because of the cough.  I went out to the lobby and asked the workers about her cough.  They said she was done taking her medication...yet, she still coughed.

We asked permission to go back in to the cat area.  (You have to be let in there.)  One our second time through the second room, I noticed a cat in the far corner of the room.  Her tag said her name is Debra (not spelled like the prophet Deborah which I am sure will sadden Sara).  She is 2 years old.  She's not nearly as scrawny as some of the others.  Lexie and I left her out of her cage and she pranced about.  She, then, proceeded to go over to the wallspace between the cages and the wall and squeezed her body in the confines of the area.  I called to her, "Kitty! Kitty!" and watched as she turned herself to face forward and came out from hiding.  I found the whole thing amusing as she was able to squish herself into such a small space and then turn herself about with little or no effort.  She seems to have a great personality and she didn't mind being picked up...  Oh - this reminds me - in one of the rooms there was a cute tiger kitty with the label "Loud meow."  They weren't kidding.  She had a loud meow.  She was equally delightful...however, I'm smitten with the little black w/brown spots kitty named "Debra."  I'm wondering if she wouldn't mind being called another name... 

We did not adopt Debra today.  You know how at stores, they will make closing announcement, "Attention shoppers, the time is not 8:45 and our store will be closing in 15 minutes.  Please make your selection and bring your items to the front to purchase."  It's nice.  It gives you a warning that they are closing.  This does NOT happen at the animal shelter.  At 3:30, the girl came on the PA system, "It's 3:30.  Adoptions are closed for the day.  We re-open on Monday at 11 a.m."  No warning.  Nothing.  Talk about break a girl's heart.  I looked at Lexie and said, "Your mom said you are free on Monday night.  I can come and get you after I get off work and we can come and adopt this cutie." 

After 3 hours and 3 adoption establishments, I returned Lexie to her home and gabbed with mom for a bit before finally heading home only to realize I was supposed to be at the Michael's Craft Store on East State Street to attend Nancy's cropping/stamping event.  I threw blue stamp pads, coordinated printed paper, solid paper, white cardstock and a paper cutter in my tote and headed out the door.

Ten cards and 2 hours of laughter later...I returned home to fill you in on the events of my day. 

There you have it...a fun-filled day of shenanigans.  I love my ridiculously fabulous life.  Hope you had a nice Saturday.

A couple of things...

After my year of dish cloth knitting, I was planning on taking a break from them...and then I saw all the pretty colors of cotton yarn...and I fell hopelessly smitten with the springy colors.  It's a vicious cycle.

So here it is...April 7th and I have already knitted a dozen or so dishcloths.  Half of them were for an order ~ which is going to enable me to purchase the coolest shoe organizing contraption!!! {Squeals!}  I am so super excited to spend my knitting cash on something, some would call, "frivolous."  A shoe rack on wheels!!!  All my footwear will be in one tidy place.  And bonus: someone will put my dishcloths to good use. 

I'm fine...but I'm NOT!

I’m currently reading Grace for the Good Girl by Emily Freeman.  Wow – what an amazing book! 

I’m a mask-wearer.  I didn’t realize I was a mask-wearer until I picked-up this book and turned to page 1.  I know I am a hat-wearer.  My hats are…

Daughter

Sister

Friend

Secretary

Fun Angie

Confidante

Sunday School Teacher

Work-out Partner

Coffee Peep

Pen Pal

Crafter

And most importantly, a daughter of the King of Kings

Hats, I am well-aware that I wear many of them.  Masks…I only am beginning to discover a mask that I have worn for years.  It’s the mask of “I’m fine.”

Have you ever been asked, “How are you?”  And you know the person sincerely wants to know…HOW ARE YOU?  They ask…you reply, “I’m fine.”  You’re not fine.  I’m not fine.  Then to be kind and reciprocate, you inquire of them, “And how are you?”  Naturally – they are fine as well. 

When reading Chapter 4, With a wink and a smile, I realized that I do this.  Instead of letting down my guard, which I have so adequately built-up to protect myself, I’m fine with a smile…even when my heart is breaking…even when I am disappointed…even when I don’t understand.  My name is Angie and I am fine. 

Emily explains that not everyone should be privy to our cares and concerns and a 20-minute dissertation regarding our day/week/month…but we should have some close friends that we can be completely honest with. 

In the following chapters (I’m only on Chapter 12 so I can only speak of the 8 chapters between 4 and 12), she delves into other masks we so graciously don.  They are:

Acts of Service

Spiritual Disciplines

Strength and Responsibility

Comfort Zone

Indifference

Once she gets past indifference, the following chapter is GAME OVER.  From there, Part 2 begins – The Finding.  For the next 4 chapters, she begins explaining what we can do to get past hiding.  I’m looking forward to Part 3 – The Freedom of Being Found.  Freedom – who doesn’t love that?

Speaking of freedom…tonight is the opening ceremonies for the Olympics.  Earlier this morning when I was contemplating the Olympics – I was thinking about our National Anthem and the fact that I get choked-up every single time I hear it.  Take me to a baseball game…I will shed grateful tears.  Watch the Winter Games with me…watch the USA athletes win gold – when the podium moment comes, I will be the girl sitting on my couch, listening to the beautiful melody and silently shedding tears.  I love freedom…I love what the National Anthem represents.  I think of Francis Scott Key watching those rockets of red glare and thinking about all that was gained…and even, I think, all that was lost. 

Back to the book…I’ve been praying that the Lord would help me to peel off the “I’m fine” mask and leave it at His feet.  I had a God-given amazing opportunity on Wednesday night at Bible study.  We have a smaller group of Bible study because of the Dave Ramsey seminar going on in the sanctuary.  My small-ish Bible study group – about 10 of us – inquired how I was…  I glanced around at the expectant look on their faces and I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me…it was as if He was saying, They are asking you how you are doing…are you going to say ‘fine’?  I saw true concern on their faces.  They waited while I paused and felt this inner prompting.  And then instead of being honest and saying,

“I’m disappointed with circumstances beyond my control.”

“I’m drained from a long day at work.”

“I’m sad because plans got changed.”

Instead of being honest…I told a BIG, FAT lie…and replied {YOU GUESSED IT!!!!}, “I’m fine.” 

They, then, proceeded to look at me as if I had a horn growing out of my head.  It was apparent that I wasn’t fine…and I just lied.  Ok, Pinocchio.  Nose growing at a rapid rate.

After my “I’m fine” lie, I felt exhausted and spent.  The internal conflict to be just FINE and not truthful is draining.  I want to be honest with my church family {FAM-I-LY!}.  I don’t want to be the girl hiding behind the mask of “I’m fine” for the sake of people not knowing the real me and the real struggles that I have.

Something else that falls under this mask…when circumstances are disappointing, it is my natural reaction to say, “But it’s ok” even when truly – it’s not really ok.  I would be better not concluding everything with that.  I do this as a defense mechanism.  If I say “But it’s okay” I can convince myself that what I was hopeful for/looking forward to was not as important to me as it really and truly was.

I don’t want to say one thing but mean another because last time I checked that was a lie.  I’m lying to myself.  I’m lying to others.  I’m lying to God…and He knows my heart and He has the power to change me and my heart.

I do not want to live with this mask on anymore…I’m just really scared about removing it. 

At the beginning of her book, Emily talks about seeing Phantom of the Opera and watching the masquerade scene.  I want to see Phantom on broadway but that it is on my bucket list.  I have, however, saw Phantom at Rock Valley College at Starlight.  Loved it! Loved it!  Loved it!  I especially loved the masquerade.  At this type of ball, everyone is in costume and wearing elaborate masks to hide their true identity. 

When I wear my “I’m fine” mask, I am not letting other people see the real me.  Emily, also, pointed out that Christ is glorified when we share our struggles and burdens with others – not in a dump-truck emptying itself out on to people…but in a heartfelt, sharing of burdens and struggles and every day life.  He is more glorified through our trials and struggles because we see HIM best during those times.  When life is floating along peacefully, yes – we do acknowledge Him…but when we struggle, we FEEL HIM and we TRUST HIM. 

Another reason why I know I hide behind this mask is because when people don’t dig deeper and inquire if I am really and truly fine, I get frustrated.  That is a sign that you are wearing this mask.  I justify it with, “If they really knew me, they would know that I wasn’t fine” even though I am the one who just said, “I’m fine.”  Last I checked, I wasn’t wearing a portable lie detector test…but I do have the Holy Spirit living inside of me and with His help, I want to put down the “I’m fine” mask and bask in His grace while I walk through this life.

YARN CONUNDRUM!!!!!!

There are sooo many choices!!!!  Today I went to JoAnn's to find some yarn to knit a chevron afghan.  There are just too many yarn options.  Teal, navy, brown, cream, pinks, yellow, etc.  Oh and don't get me started on variegated yarn!!!

One particular skein that I was absolutely smitten with was white with teal and navy and khaki.  I picked up two large skeins and then opted for two large khaki-ish skeins.  I needed a third option.....I picked white.  After putting these items in my basket, I found size 11 circular needles. 

As I stood there with my overflowing basket o'yarn and needles, I did the math and nearly passed-out.  Wow-zahs........ 

I, then, walked back to the yarn aisle and put back my pretty variegated yarn.  I put back the khaki/taupe, and the white yarn.  25% off was not enough of a sale.  {Sigh.}  I did keep the needles because had a coupon for 50% off a regular priced item.

Several minutes later ~ after a meander through the fabric ~ I found myself back in the yarn aisle.  I found myself picking up two olive skeins and two light teal skeins...both to make cowl scarves for upcoming birthdays.

I know I said no more cowl scarves.  Drat!!!  Silly New Year's resolution!!!  I am breaking my resolution.  January 10th......broken resolution.  This, yes, THIS is why I don't make resolutions.  {Shoulder shrug.}  Buying the pretty yarn gave me a yarn-buying-quasi-craft-high.  Resolution-schmezolution!!!!

I need to be reminded of the truths in this hymn...

Today My Hope is in The Lord was playing on my phone.  {I like having Pandora on my phone.}  My hope truly is in the Lord.  And I want to remember that this hymn echoed the cry of my heart today (and hopefully for always :))...

My hope is in the Lord
Who gave Him-self for me
And paid the price
Of all my sin at Cal-va-ry.
CHORUS: For me He died;
For me He lives,
And everlasting life
And light He free-ly gives.
VERSE 2:
No merit of my own
His anger to suppress
My only hope is found
In Jesus' righteousness
(REPEAT CHORUS)
VERSE 3:
And now for me He stands
Before the Father's throne
He shows His wounded hands
And names me as His own
(REPEAT CHORUS)
VERSE 4:
His grace has planned it all
'Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love
And Christ receive

2014 & the resolution that I made

Sooooooo I am not the kind of girl that makes New Year's resolutions.  I don't make them because they never stick; as sad as that really sounds ~ it's totally the truth.  I am more of a September resolution setter.  Sometimes I set resolutions in the spring when I am smitten with all things warm and lovely. 

This year~ I, Angela Good, set a New Year's resolution.  Since I spent a good chunk of time knitting dish cloths and circular/infinity scarves last year, I have decided to not knit those items this year.  I found a great knitting book at the library.  {Have I mentioned how much I love having a library card again???}  The pattern book has a chevron blanket!  There's even a cute summery shrug-ish sweater which I think would go fabulously well with a maxi dress.  I'm picturing a night out at Starlight with my cute shrug and maxi dress. 

So there you have it....my New Year's resolution.  Knit different projects.  I won't knit anything crazy like a swimsuit!  Did you know that people have created patterns for knitting bikinis and halter tops?  Ummmm.....I would think twice before wearing those knitted items.  What if the yarn does not do well in water?  What are you going to do THEN???