Check out my friends' blog page Awake and Alive, a non-profit ministry dedicated to "move individuals and communities from complacency to vibrancy, replacing a routine existence for a passionate and meaningful one in which people look beyond themselves to assist the poor, distressed, and underprivileged in the world around them."
They are starting to do amazing things and I can't wait to see what God has in store for them. I can only imagine what God will bring into the lives of those that desperately want to serve Him and be the hands and heart of Christ! Blessings to you, Danielle and Jolene!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
another fabulous thing about Colorado
If you leave marshmallows out, they get stale way faster. Who doesn't love that?
Friday, August 5, 2011
mouse to mice
So, some of you know that I have had a little bit of a mouse problem in the apartment. It has not been one of my favorite things. I chronicled the first mouse situation mostly on Facebook, but felt this second run-in deserved an entire post.
The first mouse was warned with a couple traps that he managed to cleverly evade. He taunted me a few times running in and out of his hiding place while I watched from my couch. But, on the third trap attempt, he did succumb to death-by-trap (I might be willing to die for a little feta myself).
However, tonight I was sitting on the couch and I see ANOTHER dare-devil mouse running around the kitchen. Only this mouse acted like he owned the kitchen...not skittish at all, just running around eating crumbs like he was at a mouse buffet. I watch him...I actually got up and moved into the kitchen and he just kept going about his business. He didn't hide until I turned the light on. And at this point I am a little panicky because...how many mice are there and where are they coming from. But, I got out the rest of my traps and and set them with some very nice little Havarti cheese (much too good for a mouse, but that's what I had). I turned around to update my Facebook status with the latest mouse episode ....and SNAP. I jumped completely out of my skin and practically hit my head on the ceiling and my heart stopped for at least 5 beats. And when I turned around I was in time to see the mouse twitch and convulse for about 30 seconds before he was completely dead. So, naturally, I had a mild melt down for a minute, and called Yemi and left a slightly crazy voice mail. I had done pretty well at being mouse-killer extraordinaire, but that kind of pushed me over the edge just a little.
Obviously, the next rational step was to head to Walmart at 1am because I wasn't going to be able to sleep anyways. I got some more traps, some D-Con, a staple gun, staples, wire mesh, a swiffer, dry clothes for the swiffer, and wet clothes for the swiffer. I came home, and there was a SECOND dead mouse in another trap. And now I am on the verge of a serious break down and trying not to freak out because I am a capable adult and have to deal with my own mice situation now, evidently. I strapped on some gloves (thank goodness I am a nurse and have a small supply of medical gloves at the ready) and disposed of the two dead mice. Then I dry dusted my kitchen floor, wet mopped my kitchen floor, set some more traps (almost lost my finger a couple of times), and pulled out everything under my sink to manage the open little area where all the pipes come in. And, of course, I got the wrong staples for the staple gun, so I had to make another 2am trip to Walmart to remedy that problem. But then, I managed to cut the wire mesh screening and staple gun it (in about 50 places...I'm sure my neighbor downstairs wants to kill me) to the bottom of the cabinet and zip tie (thank you Dad for instilling in me the importance of having zip ties at the ready, because they work in almost as many situations as duct tape) the top of the screen together around the pipes and then place D-Con in the corner, just to make sure I covered all my bases. And it's now 245am and I feel a little too wired and a little too creepy crawly to actually go to bed, and my nerves are a little frazzled at the moment.
And my window air conditioner that I am sitting next to just sounded like it exploded and shot little chunks of ice at me. So, my heart has stopped at least 3 times tonight, and I kind of feel like I could throw up a little.
Anyone have an extra cat lying around?
The first mouse was warned with a couple traps that he managed to cleverly evade. He taunted me a few times running in and out of his hiding place while I watched from my couch. But, on the third trap attempt, he did succumb to death-by-trap (I might be willing to die for a little feta myself).
However, tonight I was sitting on the couch and I see ANOTHER dare-devil mouse running around the kitchen. Only this mouse acted like he owned the kitchen...not skittish at all, just running around eating crumbs like he was at a mouse buffet. I watch him...I actually got up and moved into the kitchen and he just kept going about his business. He didn't hide until I turned the light on. And at this point I am a little panicky because...how many mice are there and where are they coming from. But, I got out the rest of my traps and and set them with some very nice little Havarti cheese (much too good for a mouse, but that's what I had). I turned around to update my Facebook status with the latest mouse episode ....and SNAP. I jumped completely out of my skin and practically hit my head on the ceiling and my heart stopped for at least 5 beats. And when I turned around I was in time to see the mouse twitch and convulse for about 30 seconds before he was completely dead. So, naturally, I had a mild melt down for a minute, and called Yemi and left a slightly crazy voice mail. I had done pretty well at being mouse-killer extraordinaire, but that kind of pushed me over the edge just a little.
Obviously, the next rational step was to head to Walmart at 1am because I wasn't going to be able to sleep anyways. I got some more traps, some D-Con, a staple gun, staples, wire mesh, a swiffer, dry clothes for the swiffer, and wet clothes for the swiffer. I came home, and there was a SECOND dead mouse in another trap. And now I am on the verge of a serious break down and trying not to freak out because I am a capable adult and have to deal with my own mice situation now, evidently. I strapped on some gloves (thank goodness I am a nurse and have a small supply of medical gloves at the ready) and disposed of the two dead mice. Then I dry dusted my kitchen floor, wet mopped my kitchen floor, set some more traps (almost lost my finger a couple of times), and pulled out everything under my sink to manage the open little area where all the pipes come in. And, of course, I got the wrong staples for the staple gun, so I had to make another 2am trip to Walmart to remedy that problem. But then, I managed to cut the wire mesh screening and staple gun it (in about 50 places...I'm sure my neighbor downstairs wants to kill me) to the bottom of the cabinet and zip tie (thank you Dad for instilling in me the importance of having zip ties at the ready, because they work in almost as many situations as duct tape) the top of the screen together around the pipes and then place D-Con in the corner, just to make sure I covered all my bases. And it's now 245am and I feel a little too wired and a little too creepy crawly to actually go to bed, and my nerves are a little frazzled at the moment.
And my window air conditioner that I am sitting next to just sounded like it exploded and shot little chunks of ice at me. So, my heart has stopped at least 3 times tonight, and I kind of feel like I could throw up a little.
Anyone have an extra cat lying around?
Monday, August 1, 2011
my ducks are crooked
I like to have all my little ducks in a row. All the time. When I have things on my to-do list or or loose ends just hanging out there, it drives me crazy. At the moment, I have several duckies that are out of line, and I am working to convince myself to just let it go and trust that it will work itself out.
One duck is my Ethiopia trip. I am waiting, less than patiently, for news and updates and decisions. It's all pretty much out of my hands at this point, and I just have to sit and wait and pray. I'm not especially good at any of those three things.
Another duck is work stuff. They need SO many documents and tons of information and you can't do this until they get that and this and the other thing. So, it's kind of a juggling act, and right now I am waiting for either A)my CO driver's license to come in the mail or B)my renewed passport to come in the mail before I can be officially hired and actually start orientation.
My third out-of-line duck is budget and finances. I am trying to get everything switched from one bank account to another bank account, pay off my car, waiting for a check to appear in my mailbox, waiting for funds to get transferred over, worrying about bills, groceries, scrubs for work, and everything else all at the same time.
My last duck is scheduling work and trips and fun and orientation and everything else that pops up in the meantime. I like to have things planned out and marked down. I like to know what I am doing for the next month and get things all settled. I am trying to work out a couple important trips at the same time as starting a new job. Not usually the best plan, but they are kind life-altering little ventures, so ya know....
My ducks are not cooperating at all. I am discovering that I might have touches of OCD...my boyfriend emphatically agrees with me (as I am constantly fixing his watch if it's not COMPLETELY secured in every way the manufacturer intended or turning off the radio if there's a slight buzz that no one else can even hear).
And as I was driving home this afternoon and trying to calm myself and not worry about all the rampant ducks flying all over the place when they should be sitting calmly in a dignified row, I couldn't help but think that God was just looking at me and chuckling and telling me, "Child, chill out. Have I left you hanging yet? Have you wanted for anything? Do you think I am confused or worried about everything that you need and where I want you to be in the coming weeks? Just chill. I've got this. For you are mine and see you and know you. I've got it, so you can let go. Trust me." So, I am trying to just let it go. Trying.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
One duck is my Ethiopia trip. I am waiting, less than patiently, for news and updates and decisions. It's all pretty much out of my hands at this point, and I just have to sit and wait and pray. I'm not especially good at any of those three things.
Another duck is work stuff. They need SO many documents and tons of information and you can't do this until they get that and this and the other thing. So, it's kind of a juggling act, and right now I am waiting for either A)my CO driver's license to come in the mail or B)my renewed passport to come in the mail before I can be officially hired and actually start orientation.
My third out-of-line duck is budget and finances. I am trying to get everything switched from one bank account to another bank account, pay off my car, waiting for a check to appear in my mailbox, waiting for funds to get transferred over, worrying about bills, groceries, scrubs for work, and everything else all at the same time.
My last duck is scheduling work and trips and fun and orientation and everything else that pops up in the meantime. I like to have things planned out and marked down. I like to know what I am doing for the next month and get things all settled. I am trying to work out a couple important trips at the same time as starting a new job. Not usually the best plan, but they are kind life-altering little ventures, so ya know....
My ducks are not cooperating at all. I am discovering that I might have touches of OCD...my boyfriend emphatically agrees with me (as I am constantly fixing his watch if it's not COMPLETELY secured in every way the manufacturer intended or turning off the radio if there's a slight buzz that no one else can even hear).
And as I was driving home this afternoon and trying to calm myself and not worry about all the rampant ducks flying all over the place when they should be sitting calmly in a dignified row, I couldn't help but think that God was just looking at me and chuckling and telling me, "Child, chill out. Have I left you hanging yet? Have you wanted for anything? Do you think I am confused or worried about everything that you need and where I want you to be in the coming weeks? Just chill. I've got this. For you are mine and see you and know you. I've got it, so you can let go. Trust me." So, I am trying to just let it go. Trying.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
A Few Things I Have Learned About Colorado Springs
So I have been in Colorado Springs for about two weeks now. And there are a few things I have learned very quickly...
1. The weather is just as fickle as it is in northern Indiana. It can be 95 and sunny one minute and then full out storm two minutes later and then sunny again two minutes after that. And the cycle can repeat several times throughout the day.
2. The storms here are AWESOME.
3. Baking is just not the same. For as mountainous as the area is...the cookies are just as flat. It's depressing.
4. I might be out of breath at any given time for any length of time. I might be working out or I might just be driving or sitting on my couch, but I have to concentrate on deep breathing for a while.
5. There's no humidity...and I love it!
6. The raindrops here are freakin HUGE. It's like a small pond in every drop. One drop can drench your whole head. (that might be an ever so slight exaggeration, but you get the idea)
7. The sun is way closer. So, we are at about 6,500 feet of elevation, sometimes closer to 7,000, and it makes a serious difference with relation to the sun. My lily-white skin is tan. I have not laid out; I have not gone tanning. I have simply walked in and out of buildings, stores, to and from my car, and my skin is noticeably more tan. Crazy.
8. Everyone wants to visit you when you live in fun place. Bring it on!
9. The people are super nice. Mostly because everyone else recently moved here, too! (I think 90% of the people I have met so far have moved to the area within the last two years...everyone wants to make new friends!)
10. It doesn't feel quite like home yet, but it has definite possibilities!
1. The weather is just as fickle as it is in northern Indiana. It can be 95 and sunny one minute and then full out storm two minutes later and then sunny again two minutes after that. And the cycle can repeat several times throughout the day.
2. The storms here are AWESOME.
3. Baking is just not the same. For as mountainous as the area is...the cookies are just as flat. It's depressing.
4. I might be out of breath at any given time for any length of time. I might be working out or I might just be driving or sitting on my couch, but I have to concentrate on deep breathing for a while.
5. There's no humidity...and I love it!
6. The raindrops here are freakin HUGE. It's like a small pond in every drop. One drop can drench your whole head. (that might be an ever so slight exaggeration, but you get the idea)
7. The sun is way closer. So, we are at about 6,500 feet of elevation, sometimes closer to 7,000, and it makes a serious difference with relation to the sun. My lily-white skin is tan. I have not laid out; I have not gone tanning. I have simply walked in and out of buildings, stores, to and from my car, and my skin is noticeably more tan. Crazy.
8. Everyone wants to visit you when you live in fun place. Bring it on!
9. The people are super nice. Mostly because everyone else recently moved here, too! (I think 90% of the people I have met so far have moved to the area within the last two years...everyone wants to make new friends!)
10. It doesn't feel quite like home yet, but it has definite possibilities!
Friday, June 17, 2011
That's the plan, Stan
Just a quick update for anyone who ever checks this blog anymore. I have been slightly more than delinquent in my attentions to blogging. What can I say, nursing school can kind of put a cramp in your, well in everything.
So here's the deal. I graduated in May, took my boards this past week and passed those (thank goodness that's over), and am finishing up a few more weeks of work in the NICU, where I have worked for the past four years.
On July 1st I will start my journey westward and land in Colorado Springs at some point on the 2nd. I have an apartment all lined up and waiting for me (pictures will be posted at a later date for those who care). It's a very small one bedroom, but I am getting a seriously good deal on the rent and utilities. Seriously.
I don't have a job yet, but it will come. And, if not, then I can be a pretty fabulous server. I have lots of experience.
Hopefully more updates and some pictures will be added soon!
So here's the deal. I graduated in May, took my boards this past week and passed those (thank goodness that's over), and am finishing up a few more weeks of work in the NICU, where I have worked for the past four years.
On July 1st I will start my journey westward and land in Colorado Springs at some point on the 2nd. I have an apartment all lined up and waiting for me (pictures will be posted at a later date for those who care). It's a very small one bedroom, but I am getting a seriously good deal on the rent and utilities. Seriously.
I don't have a job yet, but it will come. And, if not, then I can be a pretty fabulous server. I have lots of experience.
Hopefully more updates and some pictures will be added soon!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
the purse saga
My name is Abbey, and I am a shopaholic.
My friends and family know this little fact about me well. It's a part of me that I used to enjoy and indulge. However, currently I am trying a new little technique....self-control. It's been rough, people. I am a born shopper; I crave it, daydream about it, make plans and lists about all the fun things that I am going to purchase. I spend hours out scouring the mall and other various stores and snatching up whatever tickles my fancy. I scurry home with all my newly purchased treasures and take them out of their bags, remove those pesky tags, and lie them out on my bed or couch and just take time to appreciate them for a while. This routine will continue anywhere from two to around a dozen times before I can either convince myself to take things back or rationalize my way into keeping them. Obviously, I have a sickness. Good news: I know I am diseased!
So, I have been working, seriously and intentionally working, on being much more responsible with my finances, being less materialistic, and more focused on the important things in life - which is very easy to do for a short period of time...and when there isn't the sassiest little black GUESS bag you ever did see staring you straight in the face.
I had to go to TJ Maxx to look for a baby gift for a friend - a needed and legitimate purchase. I got approximately 2.5 steps into the store when my eyes fell on a super cute and oh-so-lovely GUESS bag that was perched on a display table. It was calling to me. It wanted me to take it home; I could feel this. I walked over, picked it up, unzipped it, caressed it. I loved it. It loved me. But, I was determined to be good. So, I put it back. And then promptly picked it back up. And then put it down. And then picked it back up and walked away....towards the shoes. I spent the next 30 minutes picking up a few more things: clearance sandals, a candle, a killer pair of shorts, and I did eventually find the baby gift that I needed in the first place. I then spent the next 20 minutes walking around trying to decide what I was going to take home and what I was going to put back and creating a pretty convincing argument for both sides of the question.
I ended up taking it all up to the counter. I'm weak.
The cashier starts to ring up the items, while my stomach is in knots and my conscious is super crazed with guilt. And then the cashier realizes that she forgot to sign in to her terminal, so everything must be re-rung. At this point my conscious starts to win out.
Me: "You know, I don't think I want those shorts after all."
Cashier: "Ok, no problem."
Me: " And the candle can wait, and never mind about the shoes."
Cashier: (funny sideways look) "Okaaay..."
Me: "You know what, forget the purse too. Just the baby blankets. I just want the baby blankets. Just do it quick" (in a near panic to make the correct decision and get out as soon as possible)
Cashier: (now thoroughly annoyed) "Just the blankets." (and now she thinks I am a total lune because I look like I am about to have a panic attack right then and there or maybe just break out in a dead run out to my car).
I did manage to purchase only the blankets and leave everything else in a heap at the register. However, I spent a good portion of the rest of the afternoon in a mental battle with myself over whether or not to go back and grab the super cute and sassy GUESS bag or not, followed up by a session of berating myself for being so superficial and ALL CONSUMED WITH A SILLY LITTLE PURSE.
The story should be done there, but no, that would be too easy. I decided to return the blankets the next day. As I am on my way to the store, I am praying, desperately praying, that the purse will have been snatched up by some other savvy shopper, and I won't even have to deal with it's "come hither and purchase" call to me. But no, that would also be too easy. It was there. All new and shiny and glorious. I had to walk over to it, touch it, unzip it, caress it, hold it, put it on my arm, love it for one more second. And then I snapped. I got completely and totally irritated with myself and my weak character and my superhuman strength shopping genes. I slammed the purse down, walked over to the counter, returned my blankets, and walked straight out of the store without even a glance at the devil purse. Victory! ---at least this time.
Abbey: one
GUESS bag: zilch
I am by no means cured, but I am working on it. I'm a work in progress. It will eventually get easier, right? Or maybe I will get stronger. Or maybe I will just have to stand on a chair in the middle of Macy's and yell, "Bright shiny new stuff, YOU HAVE NO HOLD ON ME." And then, security will escort me out of the store, and I won't have to deal withe the Fossil watches or the GUESS bags, or any other pretty sassy thing that beckons to me.
My friends and family know this little fact about me well. It's a part of me that I used to enjoy and indulge. However, currently I am trying a new little technique....self-control. It's been rough, people. I am a born shopper; I crave it, daydream about it, make plans and lists about all the fun things that I am going to purchase. I spend hours out scouring the mall and other various stores and snatching up whatever tickles my fancy. I scurry home with all my newly purchased treasures and take them out of their bags, remove those pesky tags, and lie them out on my bed or couch and just take time to appreciate them for a while. This routine will continue anywhere from two to around a dozen times before I can either convince myself to take things back or rationalize my way into keeping them. Obviously, I have a sickness. Good news: I know I am diseased!
So, I have been working, seriously and intentionally working, on being much more responsible with my finances, being less materialistic, and more focused on the important things in life - which is very easy to do for a short period of time...and when there isn't the sassiest little black GUESS bag you ever did see staring you straight in the face.
I had to go to TJ Maxx to look for a baby gift for a friend - a needed and legitimate purchase. I got approximately 2.5 steps into the store when my eyes fell on a super cute and oh-so-lovely GUESS bag that was perched on a display table. It was calling to me. It wanted me to take it home; I could feel this. I walked over, picked it up, unzipped it, caressed it. I loved it. It loved me. But, I was determined to be good. So, I put it back. And then promptly picked it back up. And then put it down. And then picked it back up and walked away....towards the shoes. I spent the next 30 minutes picking up a few more things: clearance sandals, a candle, a killer pair of shorts, and I did eventually find the baby gift that I needed in the first place. I then spent the next 20 minutes walking around trying to decide what I was going to take home and what I was going to put back and creating a pretty convincing argument for both sides of the question.
I ended up taking it all up to the counter. I'm weak.
The cashier starts to ring up the items, while my stomach is in knots and my conscious is super crazed with guilt. And then the cashier realizes that she forgot to sign in to her terminal, so everything must be re-rung. At this point my conscious starts to win out.
Me: "You know, I don't think I want those shorts after all."
Cashier: "Ok, no problem."
Me: " And the candle can wait, and never mind about the shoes."
Cashier: (funny sideways look) "Okaaay..."
Me: "You know what, forget the purse too. Just the baby blankets. I just want the baby blankets. Just do it quick" (in a near panic to make the correct decision and get out as soon as possible)
Cashier: (now thoroughly annoyed) "Just the blankets." (and now she thinks I am a total lune because I look like I am about to have a panic attack right then and there or maybe just break out in a dead run out to my car).
I did manage to purchase only the blankets and leave everything else in a heap at the register. However, I spent a good portion of the rest of the afternoon in a mental battle with myself over whether or not to go back and grab the super cute and sassy GUESS bag or not, followed up by a session of berating myself for being so superficial and ALL CONSUMED WITH A SILLY LITTLE PURSE.
The story should be done there, but no, that would be too easy. I decided to return the blankets the next day. As I am on my way to the store, I am praying, desperately praying, that the purse will have been snatched up by some other savvy shopper, and I won't even have to deal with it's "come hither and purchase" call to me. But no, that would also be too easy. It was there. All new and shiny and glorious. I had to walk over to it, touch it, unzip it, caress it, hold it, put it on my arm, love it for one more second. And then I snapped. I got completely and totally irritated with myself and my weak character and my superhuman strength shopping genes. I slammed the purse down, walked over to the counter, returned my blankets, and walked straight out of the store without even a glance at the devil purse. Victory! ---at least this time.
Abbey: one
GUESS bag: zilch
I am by no means cured, but I am working on it. I'm a work in progress. It will eventually get easier, right? Or maybe I will get stronger. Or maybe I will just have to stand on a chair in the middle of Macy's and yell, "Bright shiny new stuff, YOU HAVE NO HOLD ON ME." And then, security will escort me out of the store, and I won't have to deal withe the Fossil watches or the GUESS bags, or any other pretty sassy thing that beckons to me.
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