I've been doing some thinking.

* I think that I'm going to stop playing the radio in my office every day at work. I don't like how the songs are in my head ALL the time. I don't like that as I'm getting dressed and ready for work in the morning, I find myself humming the catchy country tune that I heard all day on the radio yesterday. I don't like that one bit.

* I find that I quite enjoy quietness. I haven't really started thinking about it until recently and I've noticed more and more than when I get in my car at night to go home, I revel in the quietness that surrounds me. And it's not so much just a break from the radio or from the students' chatter, but it's a quietness from even the sound of office equipment running (aka, the copier or the fax machine). Isn't that funny how I don't even notice how irritating it's been to me until I've left it behind for the day?

* I've decided that I really like Fanny Mae as the name for my bicycle. I can easily see it as a "Fanny Mae" once I have the basket and the horn put on it. I will make sure to post a picture of the final product, once it's complete. :)

* I've been feeling smitten over the fact that I've not written ONE snail-mail letter for months. That is awful!!! I absolutely love writing letters, so I don't know why it's become such a struggle for me to take the time to do it. Laziness? Selfishness? Who knows!! But I've decided that I will not allow this blog to be used as an excuse for my laziness and my lack of response!! I will not use this blog as the excuse as to why I don't need to write that letter right now. The sad thing is, while I subconsiously have had this thought that people keep up with me on my blog and that they don't need a letter from me, the pile of letters that is waiting for me to respond to are from people that don't even have computers that would allow them to check my blog.

* So...feeling smitten over the whole snail-mail letter writing caused me to check my e-mail account. Yeah. I have some work to do. Especially because it has been over one year since I've sent a reply to one of my good friends in Wisconsin.

* To any of you reading this that I owe an e-mail to or a letter to...I'm sorry for my lack!!! I will do better!!

* That leads me to this...I've been feeling more and more like what matters most is our relationship with God and our relationships with people. Most of you know that I am working full time while going to school part time to try and earn my bachelor's degree. On top of that, I try to keep up with various social activities (which I thoroughly enjoy, mind you! :). However, the pace of my life gets in the way of doing some of those little things...making a phone call, writing a letter, playing a game of scrabble with the housebound lady down the street, etc. It seems like life is such a catch-22. I want to have a good job that will provide a nice income so that I can comfortably retire some day. I think most of us understand that. That means going to school, getting another degree and working my way up a professional ladder (to a certain point...I don't ever want to be near the top). However, as I was sitting in a meeting the other day, I had the thought that I don't know that I necessarily want the kind of lifestyle that such a career would promote -- busy and hectic and full of politics. I just feel like I'm in a place where the more simple things can be, the happier I will be. I like the idea of that. So, I'm going to ponder that some more and try to remember it.

* Lastly, I received an e-mail at work today with a video attached to it. The video was a commercial and it had some Clydesdales in it. I have to say...I love Clydesdale horses!!! I always have and I think that I always will. :o)

Want to hear some exciting news?

If so, go here.

:o)

How I'll roll this summer

So I've been wanting to share my new wheels for awhile now, but I'm only getting around to it today. This pretty machine was a gift to me for my birthday/christmas.
Pretty sweet, eh? It's a cruiser bicycle and, unfortunately, I can't remember this specific style other than it says "Simple" along the body of the bike. Anyway, I'm planning to put a little basket on it and a horn and then a couple other trinkets and I will be good to go! So, if you're in town this summer, be looking around for me on this sweet ride. If you honk and wave, I'll honk back! :)

Oh, and one other quick question...what should I name it? It would be kind of fun to have a name for it, so leave your suggestions in the comments and I'll let you know my final decision! ;)

Little Things

A friend re-shared this poem with me again today and, as always, I think it's just wonderful! :) Enjoy!

A Little

A little less interest in the things that we hear,
A little better trained to turn a deaf ear,
A little more careful not to do or say
That which would drive God's spirit away.

A little more dumb in the world's concern,
A little more anxious God's will to learn,
A little more calm when things oppress,
That others may see His righteousness.

A little less hungry for notice or prize,
A little less selfish but humbly wise.
A little less prone to waver and doubt,
But trusting the Lord to work things out.

A little more time to feast on His word,
A little more heed to the things we have heard,
A little more zeal in the days ahead,
That we can be comforted, and by the Lord led.

A little more interest in those who are lost,
A little more faithful, no matter the cost,
A little deeper love for all mankind,
Proving a measure of the Lord's will and mind.

A little more serious when others are vain,
A little more eager God's favor to gain,
A little less moved to reply or smile,
When things are mentioned that are not worthwhile.

A little more time in the garden of prayer,
A little more ready others' burdens to share,
A little more patient, kind, and true,
Being sure of His spirit in all that we do.

A little more cautious of the steps that we take,
A little bit wiser in the choices we make,
A little more love for family and friends
Making full use of the time that He lends.

Need a Calendar?

Well, this was the perfect little "bit" to advertise on my blog today! :)

My good friend, Michelle, is an excellent photographer. She is always taking some great (and sometimes hilarious!!) photos of her ranch and of all the animals that wander around that place. Well, guess what!?!? She has decided to make a calendar out of some of her photos!! Wahoo!! :) If you are interested in hearing the details and/or purchasing a calendar, just wander over here and follow the directions! I'm sure it would be a wonderful addition to your home!! ;)

Have a great Friday!!

I'm gonna be a rock star.

This is kind of a fun little thing! Unfortunately, I am dumb enough that I can't make a COOL album cover like Turtle's. Oh, well. Pretend that the words are ON the cover, okay? :) Anyway, my band, "Taringa", came out with the cool album, "Awe of my Body". Pretty wicked awesome, eh? :) What about YOU? What have you accomplished with your band? (See below for how to make your own cover!!) Have fun!!

"Awe of my Body"

by
Taringa

Make Your Own Album Cover

1. Click on this link. The title of the page is the name of your band.

2. Click on this link. The last four words of the final quotation on the page are the title of your album.

3. Click on this link. The third picture is your album cover.

4. Add your band name and title to the picture.