Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. You know what that means, time to look back upon 2009 and make a new list of goals. To kick start my year I'm going to join the YWCA. I think I can afford it. It's right across the street from Grace, so when it gets warm I can ride my bike to work, go across the street and shower, and then work. That might be worth the year membership.
So far I've been to the gym twice (I have a two week pass and no enrollment fees!). I've used the elliptical and today I ran 2.0 miles! Okay, it was a slow 2 miles at a 12:00 pace, but I still did it. I'm considering running the Green Bay Cellcom Marathon for charity. I have 400 friends on Facebook and if each gave $1 I would raise $400! All I have to do is raise $250. I know a marathon is for crazy people, but I must do one once in my life, so why not now when I have all this free time. There is a free training group that meets at the mall (across the street) on Saturdays for long runs, so I really have no excuse. Look for my web page soon.
My exercise plan for tomorrow is going to be a sad attempt at swimming. Lessons to follow this year. I think I might like the YWCA because it's mainly for women...and I need to meet more women and get some friends. I might take up Yoga in the morning.
I really need to make some friends here :(
I'm looking forward to spring. My parents bought me a bike for Christmas. I just wanted a cheap used one, but I got a new one. It has a rack on the back so I can attach a milk crate. Then I can go to the grocery store and the farmers market on my bike! I'm going to be so green this year!
Now, if I can just keep up with my bills...
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Merry Christmas
Today Facebook was full of messages about Christmas being over, but Christmas is not over, it's only just begun. Christmas is a full 12 days starting the 25 of December. I like to celebrate the whole season, but then again, I also celebrate my birthday for the full month of October.
My family has our own traditions for Christmas Eve. We eat a chicken dinner, open a couple presents, and then play a family game. This year we played Bananagrams and then, Beatles Trivial Pursuit (Dad won). Christmas morning we open presents and then head to my Aunt Debbie's for the afternoon.
This year our dog was really excited about Christmas. She was up before everyone else and so excited that she chased her tail waiting to open her present. I don't understand how she knew, but she did. My parents spoil us at Christmas. I now have casserole dishes and a new bicycle that I'm wondering how I'm going to get in my car back to Green Bay. For Christmas I knitted each family member a hat.
Today my family has just hung around the house. We've been playing Wii and watching movies. This evening Timothy and mom played bass guitar and drums. Dad and I played Wii Sports. One of the Miis is Jesus, and we learned that Jesus never makes errors. I think there is a sermon in there somewhere. I'm heading back to Green Bay on Monday morning. In the meantime my mom and I are sitting here with laptops playing each other in scrabble.
My family has our own traditions for Christmas Eve. We eat a chicken dinner, open a couple presents, and then play a family game. This year we played Bananagrams and then, Beatles Trivial Pursuit (Dad won). Christmas morning we open presents and then head to my Aunt Debbie's for the afternoon.
This year our dog was really excited about Christmas. She was up before everyone else and so excited that she chased her tail waiting to open her present. I don't understand how she knew, but she did. My parents spoil us at Christmas. I now have casserole dishes and a new bicycle that I'm wondering how I'm going to get in my car back to Green Bay. For Christmas I knitted each family member a hat.
Today my family has just hung around the house. We've been playing Wii and watching movies. This evening Timothy and mom played bass guitar and drums. Dad and I played Wii Sports. One of the Miis is Jesus, and we learned that Jesus never makes errors. I think there is a sermon in there somewhere. I'm heading back to Green Bay on Monday morning. In the meantime my mom and I are sitting here with laptops playing each other in scrabble.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Shhsh! I'm Trying to Listen.
I have a question, and maybe you have this question, too. When did it become okay to constantly talk in church? I'm not talking about the occasional comment or question. I'm guilty of learning over during a sermon and asking Erik where he'd like to go for lunch. I've made a comment or joke during church. I've told Anita her hot chocolate smells delicious. But I have not had a full conversation about whose driving where, are we staying for dinner, and where are the car keys during the sermon.
Last night was the Christmas program and these Grandparents were talking while the Genesis choir was singing. They were sitting right next to me, the one directing the Christmas Program, and talking about the rest of the evening. I thought it was so rude. The Genesis Choir is a special choir in which the kids join and practice once a week. They do more difficult music. I really wanted to say, "Do you mind, I'm trying to listen to the Genesis Choir."
I'm not just talking about last night, but it happens all the time, not just in my church but also in Erik's. I've heard people having conversations during the sermon. I've seen more then once a parent talking to a kid who is at least in 4th or 5th grade during the prayers of the day. I've seen parents keep their screaming kid in the sanctuary during the whole sermon.
I'm also annoyed with parents that let their kids sit during the prayers and gospel reading. I don't think a four year old is to young to say to "this is the part where we stand sweetie." Kids get it. Let them stand and color, but teach them and instruct them. If your kids start talking to you, say to them "Not now, we are praying." Why is this so hard????
And really, what can I do? I feel like I can't turn around and glare at people in my own church, they hired me. I suppose I will just have to get all my frustrations out over at Erik's church. Next time you start talking to your 5th Grade son about Packers Offensive line during Erik's sermon, beware!
Last night was the Christmas program and these Grandparents were talking while the Genesis choir was singing. They were sitting right next to me, the one directing the Christmas Program, and talking about the rest of the evening. I thought it was so rude. The Genesis Choir is a special choir in which the kids join and practice once a week. They do more difficult music. I really wanted to say, "Do you mind, I'm trying to listen to the Genesis Choir."
I'm not just talking about last night, but it happens all the time, not just in my church but also in Erik's. I've heard people having conversations during the sermon. I've seen more then once a parent talking to a kid who is at least in 4th or 5th grade during the prayers of the day. I've seen parents keep their screaming kid in the sanctuary during the whole sermon.
I'm also annoyed with parents that let their kids sit during the prayers and gospel reading. I don't think a four year old is to young to say to "this is the part where we stand sweetie." Kids get it. Let them stand and color, but teach them and instruct them. If your kids start talking to you, say to them "Not now, we are praying." Why is this so hard????
And really, what can I do? I feel like I can't turn around and glare at people in my own church, they hired me. I suppose I will just have to get all my frustrations out over at Erik's church. Next time you start talking to your 5th Grade son about Packers Offensive line during Erik's sermon, beware!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Shopping
My new goal is to get out of bed by 7am regardless if I have anything to do. This will be difficult. Today I got up at 6am. I joined Erik for Bible Study at Denny's. Although I'm not too sure what we learned, but needless to say I enjoyed the company and conversation. We are reading about David and this is what I have learned: The story of David's Life is really long! It's alway full of war, no wonder I stopped reading the Bible when I got to 1 Samuel. Such is life.
I had a staff meeting this morning. I get to teach the world religions class for Confirmation!! I have lots of ideas. I'm also working on getting in touch with our contact for the New York Mission Trip. And I came up with an idea of doing something fun/educational for Family Night. And lastly, I'm looking into a fun night at the Green Bay Curling Club for the congregation.
After lunch and a quick trip to the post office, I went to the mall. After living in Minnesota for the last three years, this mall seems very tiny. Thankfully it has most of the stores I shop at, if I shop at the mall. I found some pretty amazing deals, but of course not what I was looking for. And lots of Packers stuff. If you need Packer stuff, let me know, I can get it for you. I might get Erik some Packer stuff. They had this $40 bucket with glasses for half-off. If they still have it after payday I will pick it up. I did find my dad something that's going to be a big surprise. All I can tell you is that it's purple.
I had a staff meeting this morning. I get to teach the world religions class for Confirmation!! I have lots of ideas. I'm also working on getting in touch with our contact for the New York Mission Trip. And I came up with an idea of doing something fun/educational for Family Night. And lastly, I'm looking into a fun night at the Green Bay Curling Club for the congregation.
After lunch and a quick trip to the post office, I went to the mall. After living in Minnesota for the last three years, this mall seems very tiny. Thankfully it has most of the stores I shop at, if I shop at the mall. I found some pretty amazing deals, but of course not what I was looking for. And lots of Packers stuff. If you need Packer stuff, let me know, I can get it for you. I might get Erik some Packer stuff. They had this $40 bucket with glasses for half-off. If they still have it after payday I will pick it up. I did find my dad something that's going to be a big surprise. All I can tell you is that it's purple.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Happy Birthday Trista
Today I got to visit with a 98 year-old woman that had great skin, but would not share the secret with me. I got to visit a couple old ladies, and they all told me that they had worked hard and were just waiting for death.
Death.
Today is my sister's birthday. She would have been 26. It's been 8 years since she has passed away. My family and friends tend to remember the day that she died. I usually get a phone call on November 20th or a couple text messages saying someone is thinking of me. In truth, I always forget the 20th. It's just another day to me. The day my sister's life ended is not the important day. The day that matters is the day that she entered my life, December 15, 1983.
It's our life on earth that matters more then how we leave this life. While we have an after life in heaven (Thanks be to God) how we remember one is by how they lived. So I often wonder why we don't remember on this day, the day she entered our lives. Or maybe we do, and no one wants to talk about it.
Death.
Today is my sister's birthday. She would have been 26. It's been 8 years since she has passed away. My family and friends tend to remember the day that she died. I usually get a phone call on November 20th or a couple text messages saying someone is thinking of me. In truth, I always forget the 20th. It's just another day to me. The day my sister's life ended is not the important day. The day that matters is the day that she entered my life, December 15, 1983.
It's our life on earth that matters more then how we leave this life. While we have an after life in heaven (Thanks be to God) how we remember one is by how they lived. So I often wonder why we don't remember on this day, the day she entered our lives. Or maybe we do, and no one wants to talk about it.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Snowed In
Crisis has reached my tiny apartment. I am down to two eggs, which makes baking hard. I think I have enough butter in the tub for a batch of sugar cookies. Otherwise today will be a day of knitting. So much for my idea of making homemade chicken and noodles for dinner.
I did make some homemade cinnamon rolls like my mom makes every year. I made them a little different from my mom, at least when it comes to shape. I think it's funny how as a little kid making Christmas Candy and cookies was such a process. Perhaps it was for my mom who doesn't really bake or cook, but for me it seems to take no time or talent at all to whip some yummy dessert up. I am blessed.
We have eleven inches of snow so far. There is a nice little pile on my porch I've considered making into a mini snowman. Nearly everything in Green Bay is closed. The city buses having even stopped running. I guess it's blowing pretty bad. I parked in the garage last night, so I don't have to dig out my car, but I'm betting there is some snow in front of my garage. Erik took my shovel out of my car during Thanksgiving Break so we would have more room in the trunk, so it is currently still in his garage.
My plan today is mostly to knit and watch movies/TV. I wish I had cable. I'm almost done with Erik's present, so then I can work on Timothy's birthday present or the prayer shawl I'm making. I wish Erik would have just took the day off and we could eat fudge all day and play Risk.
I did make some homemade cinnamon rolls like my mom makes every year. I made them a little different from my mom, at least when it comes to shape. I think it's funny how as a little kid making Christmas Candy and cookies was such a process. Perhaps it was for my mom who doesn't really bake or cook, but for me it seems to take no time or talent at all to whip some yummy dessert up. I am blessed.
We have eleven inches of snow so far. There is a nice little pile on my porch I've considered making into a mini snowman. Nearly everything in Green Bay is closed. The city buses having even stopped running. I guess it's blowing pretty bad. I parked in the garage last night, so I don't have to dig out my car, but I'm betting there is some snow in front of my garage. Erik took my shovel out of my car during Thanksgiving Break so we would have more room in the trunk, so it is currently still in his garage.
My plan today is mostly to knit and watch movies/TV. I wish I had cable. I'm almost done with Erik's present, so then I can work on Timothy's birthday present or the prayer shawl I'm making. I wish Erik would have just took the day off and we could eat fudge all day and play Risk.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Let it Snow!
I'm ready for snow, sugar cookies, cinnamon rolls, mugs of hot cocoa (with schnapps), Christmas music written by secular Jews, and wrapping presents. Today we had some snow flurries. I went with Erik to help him pick out some stuff for the Christmas tree. His face lit up like a little kid going down the aisles picking out wrapping paper and ornaments for the tree. It was cute.
I've been working on his present. Of course I'm knitting it. I was almost half-way done with I realized it was too big, so I took the whole thing apart and am starting over. I've knitted everyone in my family something. My brother wanted a sweater vest, but I'm learning sweaters are very hard. I think maybe for his birthday. I'm also trying to knit my first prayer shawl. That is a lot harder then I thought. To sit in silence and pray while I knit and not have my thoughts drift off is so hard. (I do spend a lot of time thinking of other people to knit for). I hope my prayer shawl does whatever pray shawls are suppose to do. Yesterday I prayed to Beatles lyrics. I think the phrases "Let it Be" and "All you need is Love" can be prayed, but that's another post for another time.
Tonight I have curling. I actually don't care for the women's league, at least so far. I like curling in the couple's league the best, because it's fun to curl with Erik and meet other couples. I actually have a strong desire to stay home and make Christmas candy or knit. I attempted to make peanut butter fudge with the stuff I had. I was short some marshmallows, so I'm hoping it still turns out. I'll still eat it. The problem is I don't have many people to bake for. I'm thinking I might break down and actually go grocery shopping on Saturday (even if it's not double coupon day) and get the rest of my Christmas stuff.
I've decided the confirmation kids are getting an interfaith lesson on Hanukkah. I found the dreidels, so we'll play that game and maybe read some Maccabees. Were also going to talk about how Jews became Christians. This all came to me on Tuesday when someone during the Women's Bible study asked me when Christians became Christians, and was Jesus a Christian. Time to educate and eat candy.
I love my job.
I've been working on his present. Of course I'm knitting it. I was almost half-way done with I realized it was too big, so I took the whole thing apart and am starting over. I've knitted everyone in my family something. My brother wanted a sweater vest, but I'm learning sweaters are very hard. I think maybe for his birthday. I'm also trying to knit my first prayer shawl. That is a lot harder then I thought. To sit in silence and pray while I knit and not have my thoughts drift off is so hard. (I do spend a lot of time thinking of other people to knit for). I hope my prayer shawl does whatever pray shawls are suppose to do. Yesterday I prayed to Beatles lyrics. I think the phrases "Let it Be" and "All you need is Love" can be prayed, but that's another post for another time.
Tonight I have curling. I actually don't care for the women's league, at least so far. I like curling in the couple's league the best, because it's fun to curl with Erik and meet other couples. I actually have a strong desire to stay home and make Christmas candy or knit. I attempted to make peanut butter fudge with the stuff I had. I was short some marshmallows, so I'm hoping it still turns out. I'll still eat it. The problem is I don't have many people to bake for. I'm thinking I might break down and actually go grocery shopping on Saturday (even if it's not double coupon day) and get the rest of my Christmas stuff.
I've decided the confirmation kids are getting an interfaith lesson on Hanukkah. I found the dreidels, so we'll play that game and maybe read some Maccabees. Were also going to talk about how Jews became Christians. This all came to me on Tuesday when someone during the Women's Bible study asked me when Christians became Christians, and was Jesus a Christian. Time to educate and eat candy.
I love my job.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
How to Spell Loneliness
On Tuesdays I volunteer at Woodside Lutheran Home. I decided to do this for many reasons. To build my resume. Because I kept hearing stories about lonely old people. Because I am lonely. To learn more about ministry. And because Jesus told us to take care of the widow.
Volunteering is really easy. You just go to the rooms, ask the resident if they want to come to the activity, and then wheel them down to the activity room. Actually, it's kind been boring so far. Today was better. We had a cooking class so I actually had more to do then wheel people around. I got to help them cook and there was time to talk. The residents are also starting to recognize me. Next week I get to play games with the residents. I'm excited for that. Part of the reason I volunteered was so someone would play scrabble with me.
I'm currently playing scrabble with my mom on facebook. However, she is trying to cook dinner at the same time, so it's a slow game.
Volunteering is really easy. You just go to the rooms, ask the resident if they want to come to the activity, and then wheel them down to the activity room. Actually, it's kind been boring so far. Today was better. We had a cooking class so I actually had more to do then wheel people around. I got to help them cook and there was time to talk. The residents are also starting to recognize me. Next week I get to play games with the residents. I'm excited for that. Part of the reason I volunteered was so someone would play scrabble with me.
I'm currently playing scrabble with my mom on facebook. However, she is trying to cook dinner at the same time, so it's a slow game.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)