Wednesday, November 28, 2007
better
Including writing this :-)
So surprise, surprise, I feel better. I sent J an e-mail on Monday that managed to completely lift my spirits. I started remembering the things I have to look forward to and the things that make me, ME. One of the things that make me, me, will happen after work. I will defy the idea that women can not fix cars and replace my serpentine belt in my truck. It completely split in two last night around 11:30 as I was driving home from visiting J. It was great. . ..Haha! Now I admit that by the time I get the belt on, I will probably be a little pissed off but oh well. The final step of getting it on is the most difficult and I'll be rushing to get it done before its dark. But I'll do it.
Anyway, between writing the e-mail and the discussion we had after he read it, I am definitely feeling better. It still seems a little weird for me to think about it but J and I are, I think, taking steps to really figure out our relationship and where it's going. I guess you could say we're digging into it a little deeper. I know it's not going to be easy but I think it'll be good, whatever ends up happening.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Reading the one by the woman with cancer makes me feel awful for thinking my life is so awful. Reading the one by the young widow makes me feel awful that I was so upset by moving to a new place only to be dumped. Reading the one by the atheist makes me scared that even after a lifetime of believing there is a chance of not. And reading the one by the addict. . .gives me hope.
I've definitely been depressed lately. It's very frustrating because I always have this feeling of not having any reason to be. I have a roof over my head, I have food in my refridgerator. . .I am not lacking anything. On Friday I helped one of the guys in our Bible study help his sister with cleaning and laundry. It was one of the worst things I've seen. The house was a disaster. Holes in the walls, dried egg from when the kids threw eggs at the walls, dirty diapers just laying around. We ended up loading up the back of my truck with bags of clothes that were no longer wearable. Even then there were about 15 loads of laundry to do. And even though there is barely enough money to buy food for the 6 kids, there is enough to buy beer and cigarettes, a big-screen TV and have digital cable. I told the guy that I'd be willing to help out again. The biggest obstacle is going to be trying to teach their mother how to manage. No point in getting the place cleaned up only for it to become like it was before. I don't know if it'll work. I pray to God it does.
It made me scared of what life can do to people. I think what makes me even more scared is that I wonder sometimes if it's all worth it or if there's anything really to look forward to.
Yesterday I got to thinking that one of the things I'm scared of is never being happy here. I'm scared that I will end up staying and always regret it. And that I'll always wish I was somewhere or someone else. I pray that doesn't happen. Although I can feel it already happening.
Christmas is coming. I have my decorations up, lights outside but I'm not at all excited.
I'm not sure what to do. I'm so tired of being like this.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!
I love Thanksgiving. I love the whole holiday season. Except for the crazy shopping. I feel sorry for the people who have to go to work tomorrow at 5 am (or earlier!) and deal with crazy people. J's mom goes to the stores at 5 am. I used to want to go shopping the day after Thanksgiving but not anymore.
Ok but that's not today :-D. Today I get to have french toast for breakfast, make an apple pie, and spend Thanksgiving with J's family. And I get to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving parade! I never get to watch much of it because we're always traveling to grandma's.
And as much as I get tired of the crazy shopping (or rather, the way that shopping for the holidays makes people crazy and forget what it's all supposed to be about) I wouldn't mind taking a trip up to Kansas City to do some real shopping. Wichita doesn't have many good stores. I don't know if I'll get to do that or not.
Anyway, I'm excited for today and I went ahead and got out my Christmas decorations (I think I may have to get a few more) and listened to Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
One thing I have thought about is Advent. I've never paid much attention to it. We're going to do an Advent study at the office and I have an Advent calendar with different Bible passages to read everyday. Maybe I'll do that.
Hope you all have a wonderful day!!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
About the letter
Both of us have at least one thing we have to work on. I have to work on actually trusting him. I told him that I don't trust him completely because I am still scared that he will end up being like everyone else. I'm working on it. I've been more willing to open up and tell him things and realizing that he isn't like everyone else. And even if down the road we realize we aren't meant for each other that doesn't mean I can't trust him.
He has to work on his attitude that because he is the guy, he always has to be strong. He doesn't want to show that he has a weakness which is why it's been so hard for him to admit that he has been struggling with being depressed over the last few months. So I hope for both of us, over time, we will overcome these things.
I do feel better about things. He asked really good questions that helped me think through how I was feeling. And he didn't make me feel badly about any of it either. I was glad of that.
I am heading down to his grandparents' tomorrow to spend Thanksgiving with his family. Of course, I will miss being with my family but I am looking forward to it. I'm making apple pie! Yummy!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
What a weekend
My parents and sister came on Friday and went to the musical on Saturday. We just chilled out Saturday morning. We ate french toast and bacon for breakfast, had a little snack at Panera bread, went to Target, and ate dinner at Chipotle. J came too.
J came to the musical on Friday night and he brought me flowers. He was so excited and happy for me. Which made me feel bad because I had written him a letter about some things I was really frustrated about. I didn't want to give it to him. But I did anyway. . .he read it right away. One of the things that has been bothering me is the fact that he doesn't really talk to me but he'll talk to other people about what is going on with him. He doesn't want to burden me with it all (I found this out from the person he told), but him not being open with me has made me upset and makes me not want to be open with him. So anyway, we'll see what happens with that. He took me out to lunch today and I'm spending Thanksgiving with his family so I think everything will be ok. There's just some stuff we need to work on.
I loved having my family here. The musical was awesome. And hopefully J and I will work on the things we need to work on.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Thoughts, part 1
I got my dress finished and it turned out really good! I'll make sure to get a picture and I'll post it.
I have had so many things on my mind lately. Not any real problems or issues, just thoughts and general wonderings.
Lately it's been difficult to wrap my head around the fact that I am still in Kansas. I think back to a year ago and remember how I was convinced I was going to move back to Illinois at Thanksgiving. Even went as far as quitting my job. I think I just wanted an excuse to quit so I could go home for Thanksgiving. The thought of spending the holidays alone were too much to handle. But I stayed. And now it seems I will be sticking around for awhile. I will be here at least another year for work but most likely more to go to grad school. Ultimately I think I'll be ok with it, but I also know that it will take a long time before it feels even close to "home." It still feels so temporary. I don't know for sure what will happen with J. I don't know if I'll get into grad school. If you told me right now that neither of those things would work out, I'd start looking forward to next November when I could move, even if I was willing to wait that long. Lots of people can print letters and make up excel spreadsheets.
I still don't like that everytime I think about how I got to Kansas, I think of D. I probably always will. I know as time goes on, it will be less. I have a feeling I'll always wonder how the kids are. Of course, I think you always wonder about people who have been a part of your life. There are other people I wonder about as well.
But so much has happened over the last year and a half. Things that are good. I have J, I have friends here, I really like (and miss!) my Bible study group, I am going to join the choir at church, and although my job is incredibly boring at times, I love the people I work with. There's one lady that every once in awhile, we'll have a good conversation. Really there's potential all around me. I have the potential to have close relationships, be involved at church, and really have a life here. Sometimes, though, I think I still struggle with it being a life that isn't what I thought it would be. I've struggled with that for years and I know it's common. Sometimes I still wish I was traveling around singing or living in NYC, performing on Broadway. There have been times during the musical when I notice a kid or two that really has talent and a lot of potential and see how their parents are encouraging it, and it's frustrating because I didn't get the same encouragement. But I see ways to still do things I enjoy even if it's not on such a grand scale. The director of the musical is the choir director at church and he has encouraged me to join. There will be more of these little productions and who's to say I won't get a chance to sing and perform more often. We'll see.
Ok that's it for now. More thoughts later.
Friday, November 09, 2007
J reminded me of this last night when I was telling him about how upside down and out of it I still feel at times. As excited I was about being in the musical, I'm ready to perform it and get it over with. Actually, I have fixed feelings. I am excited about the performances. I am ready for it. I'm excited about my dress that is coming along wonderfully. I finally get my old-fashioned costume. On the other hand, I'm ready to start going back to Bible study. I miss it.
It's a gorgeous day here today. But as beautiful it is, I still imagine in my head how beautiful the mountains of Colorado are. It's still sometimes hard not to think about it and wish I was there. Especially when I remember the way I got here in the first place. But then, it's hard to say that because of all that has happened. J. . .the musical. . .I am going to start singing in the choir at church. None of that would've happened if I hadn't come. Hell, one of these days I may end up having to thank D! (Ok let's not go that far)
I think that still being uncertain of what my life will hold (and I know everyone is uncertain) is hard. I will be 27 in January and I don't feel like I have accomplished anything. I still feel like I'm still waiting for my life to start.
But I am still hopeful. I am still hoping to go to grad school in a year. My relationship with J is still growing. I've seen that in how I have been able to open up to him more, especially in the last week. He's more helpful than I thought he would be. Although, he used a cliche Christian phrase last night but I told him that I hated it. :-) He understood. It has sometimes been difficult for me to believe he can handle all my issues.
So even with the uncertainty, I will still be hopeful. And remember to be thankful. Because I know I do have a lot to be thankful for. And lots to look forward to.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
The show is next week. It's on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. And, of course, there are rehearsals every night next week. And my parents, sister, and brother are all coming!
I started thinking last night about how I miss being busy. Work isn't very busy right now and I just get bored so easily, it seems. And even with the musical, I don't have much going on. I haven't had to commit to anything outside of regular rehearsals since I don't have a big part. What's funny is that I'm sure at some point I'll look back and miss not being busy! I have decided that I'm going to join the choir at church. I think that'll be good and maybe help me to get to know some more people there. I will probably try to find a job after the new year as well. And I think I am going to try and get into sewing more. I want to make some skirts and maybe even try a jacket/blazer type thing.
I feel bad for J though. Cause he is busy. The nursing home is short staffed so everyone has to work overtime. He has been working one or two 12-hour shifts a week. Plus 2 after-school programs for two churches and youth group. And on top of all that he's been sick this week. He really hasn't gotten a chance to rest much, I don't think. I wish I could do something for him. Which I'm sure he thinks I've done enough since he started getting sick after he saw me on Saturday...my throat was a bit sore. Apparently, he gets sick very easily. All I did was sit next to him on the couch (seriously).
There's a lock-in on Saturday that I'm helping with. I will try to do as much as I can for him but may just end up being the person yelling at the kids (his voice is about gone, of course, I have to be careful too!) if any of the "couples" start getting to cozy. Which is bound to happen considering it's a movie-themed lock-in. There will be movies going on in 3 or 4 different rooms. Fun idea, huh? There's even going to be a concession stand.
I've been feeling very ho-hum lately. I know I shouldn't whine about it but it's hard not to sometimes. Oh well. I'll just try to enjoy it and find things to do.
Monday, November 05, 2007
I had rehearsal and I had thought that I'd try to go to the 5:30 service but I got done with practice at 3 and couldn't find something to waste 2 1/2 hours. I went to a couple of stores nearby but it was too tempting. I kept finding things I wanted but knew I couldn't buy them so I decided that it would be better for me to just go home. Then I just chilled; I watched what was left of the Patriots-Colts game (it was a good one, both teams were undefeated, now just the Patriots still are), cleaned up my apartment, ate some pizza, then remember that I have a dress to make!
I don't remember if I mentioned it but I am making my costume for Fiddler on the Roof. I got the bodice pieces put together and the collar on. I put on a musical while I was working and ended up working until almost midnight! I completely lost track of time.
Days like yesterday and not wanting to go to church always make me think about my whole spiritual life, my thoughts about church, and just faith in general. I got to thinking (again) about what it really means to have a relationship with Christ. I'm still not sure what it means exactly. Except that I think I know more now what it means to rely on him. I don't think I would've made it through this year without him. Well I guess I could've made it but I don't know if I would be in a good place. I find myself restless at times, wishing there were things I could do to live out my faith more. Not because it's what I'm supposed to do but because I just really want to. I feel like all I do is think of myself and it gets tiring!
What's church? Is it just a Sunday morning event? Or is it something more? I was reading the first couple chapters of Acts and found it interesting that the early believers just came together, broke bread (i.e. fellowship), and worshipped. Is that what we do on Sunday morning? Or Saturday night (As many churches are having services that night)? Sometimes it seems that there is such an emphasis on going to a church service as if that is the number one evidence of faith...but is it really? Or is it just one factor in the midst of several things that are evidence of faith? If a church is supposed to help people get connected into a community of believers, what happens when that doesn't happen? Am I asking this because its never happened to me? I've never felt like I truly belonged in any church community. I have found places that I like to go as far as the church service but I've never belonged. I've always felt like an outsider. Of course, growing up no church was "mine," it was just where dad was the pastor at the time. It didn't take long for me to figure out that the Illinois United Methodism that I was surrounded with (ok really just one group in particular) demanded me live up to a set of standards I couldn't live up to.
Am I using it all as an excuse?
Thursday, November 01, 2007
a few little revelations
He found a recipe and I told him that I could pick up anything that he couldn't get down where he lived. There are several asian markets (I now know of 3 just within a mile or two of my apartment) so I could easily pick up hard to find ingredients. I got the things that he said he couldn't get at a regular grocery store only to get to the church to have him ask me "where's the rest of the stuff?" Apparently he thought I was picking up everything right down to the green onions! I was very proud of myself; I calmly explained that I thought he was getting that stuff and that it was my understanding I was only getting things that he couldn't get at the grocery store. I did apologize for forgetting to bring the garlic though; I had said that I'd bring that since I already had some.
Anyway, there was someone he called that could go pick up the rest of it, so it worked out ok. I did think it was funny though because no one was surprised that there was a miscommunication; apparently a few of the adults have had their moments of confusion with him. I'll have to remember that.
So now I know that I just have to make sure we're very clear on plans and who's responsible for what. I'm glad it turned out ok though. It was a lot of fun.
It got me to thinking about how everyone has their own talents and things they like to do. . .the last few weeks I've really realized I love to cook. I really do. And not just the end result of the meal but the process of cooking. I always make a huge mess but that's part of the fun. I don't like feeling rushed about it because the whole process is theraputic. I also love that J will help me clean up! :-) I love trying new things and using fresh, different ingredients. I'm not sure why this surprises me so much.
Another thing I started thinking of has to do with a comment one of the other adults made last night. I needed help lighting the stove (I really am afraid of sticking a match down through the little grate while the gas is on) so asked someone to light it but then needed another one lit a little bit later and he said "boy you sure are demanding." I knew he was joking but in an effort to keep myself from actually thinking I was being too demanding I said "I'm just at take charge individual." Of course, this isn't true, but what's funny is the guy said "Good, J needs a take charge kind of woman!" I thought this was interesting. J is a very type-A organized individual. But I have noticed (and after getting some insight from other people) that he can also be a bit of a flake. Which, I guess, is just his 23-year-old guy-ness coming out. Sometimes it's frustrating. It's good to know about though so I can learn how to deal with it. One way I don't want to deal with it is by being a nag about things. I cringe everytime one (or all) of the women around here start talking about their husbands like they're idiots. I don't want to be like that! I'm sure in some ways it's inevitable but I don't want to just assume he can't do things for himself or that I'll always have to handle things myself. I don't think it would really be like with him but I think we both have the tendency to be passive about some things and may help each other out in that area.
One thing about last night was seeing how much he truly loves being a youth pastor. He loves working with the kids and really wants to help them and be there for them. Last night after I got home he called me and talked to me about some of the different kids and what is going on with them and how he's trying to help. One thing that has been happening lately is a few of the boys just come over to play video games (that's what happened the Saturday I was there and ended up making tacos; they still talk about it). Oh my last week one of the guys said something like "if you two get married, you're going to start off with like 6 kids." I just laughed and thought "if only you knew how ironic that really was." I like getting to hang out with them from time to time. It's a bunch of guys. I haven't hung out with any of the girls really, that intimidates me a little more. I do get to help with a lock-in soon though! Eek!
So going back to what I was saying before, married women, I have a question (or two) for you. . . .in what ways does your husband step up that you really appreciate? And in what ways does his "guy-ness" come out that annoys you and how do you deal with it?
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
That song pops into my head sometimes when I don't go to church. Like this morning. My excuse? I went last night! ;-)
One one hand I think it's a little funny that I will remember that song but then it's also a bit annoying that there's still something in me that will always make myself feel bad about not going on Sunday morning. Even if I went the night before.
Anyway, I went last night with J's youth group. He brought them up for a service at one of the United Methodist churches, then dinner and bowling. It was fun. I rode go-karts! I think I've maybe done that like once before. And the best part? I beat J at bowling!!!! I haven't bowled in probably about 2 years. What's really funny is at one point I said something about beating him and he said "I've seen you kick a soccer ball, I doubt you can bowl very well." I got a strike the very first time. I was excited. All his youth group kids were cheering me on to beat him.
It was fun but a little weird. I am already still a little shy around him sometimes but when I'm around him and other people. . .I'm even more so. I think I know why. . .and guess who it has to do with? Yes, that's right. Grrr. I think I'm afraid that he has some expectation of what I'm supposed to be like and he'll somehow find something wrong. Grrr. I hate that I still think like that. I mean he's never given me any reason to think he has that messed up attitude.
I will try not to worry about it. And at some point I'll talk to him about it.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Musical is going well. . .it's getting to be crunch time now. We perform in less than a month! I'm going to make my own costume. I'm excited. I am not excited, however, about the fact that I have rehearsal tomorrow night and will have to miss Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy.
I think I may give up once and for all on eating healthy.
I made tacos for 6 people on Saturday. I went to J's and 3 youth group kids (plus the foreign exchange student) randomly showed up. It was fun! We also watched The Sixth Sense and made cookies.
I have realized that I get defensive of pastors when I hear people saying negative things about them. This includes when J speaks negatively of his pastor (and I don't even know her!) and says that he could do a better job of running the church than she does (plus I just think he's being arrogant). I haven't figure out a nice way to tell them that though.
As much as I like doing the musical, I really miss going to Bible study.
Ok that's enough.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
So happy...
Today I got a wonderful special surprise. J sent me flowers! They were waiting for me at my office when I got back from lunch!!! They're so pretty!!! I was so excited!!! I was so surprised!!!
We met 6 months ago.
I left a message on his voicemail to tell him thank you and that I would have a constant smile on my face for the rest of the day. Everytime I look at the flowers I smile like an idiot.
I've never gotten flowers from a guy before. . .I think that makes it even better!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Better Sunday
This Sunday hasn't been nearly as bad as last Sunday. I haven't done much today but it's not as much of a lonely day. I went to church this morning. It was an example of what the new Saturday night service is like. I liked it although I don't think I'd be able to do it all the time. It's more relaxed and experiential, which is cool, but there's not as much music which I'd miss. The sermon was about the kingdom of God and how it can show up in subtle ways in our everyday life. And how we can make it happen. God is always wooing us to him and we, in turn, can help show other people that. Yesterday, I saw wild turkeys. I don't think I've ever seen wild turkeys before. Today I saw a swan as I drove home from the grocery store. All afternoon it's been raining and now there's a full-blown thunderstorm going on. I forget to see these little things in creation that remind me of God.
And I wonder, how can be someone to show that to other people? I feel like I talk a lot but don't do anything. I get so wrapped up in my own life that I forget about all the other people around me. I'm not really sure how. In my worry about going to BF's church yesterday I missed the chance to do something for him. I stopped by Sonic to get something to drink and realized I never even thought of getting him anything even though he always gets me something.
The thing at his church was fun. I went and I'm glad I did. I like seeing him around his youth group kids; I think it's really great he's been around for as along as he has been. I really believe he's made a great impact on a lot of them.
Oh I'm so sad! He asked me if I had rehearsal on Tuesday because he wanted to come up and take me out. It's been 6 months! And guess what? I have rehearsal. It's the first time I've had it on a Tuesday. I'm so sad. It was funny, he was like "I just go by the first time we met, I don't really know what date to consider it official." Works for me. :-) I haven't dated anyone for 6 months before. Even the thing with D didn't last 6 months. Oh wow. . .I have been dating J (ok it's time to upgrade to his first initial) for longer than the whole time start to finish with D. That's so cool. Even though things have still been difficult here, it's been more than I could ever have thought.
One interesting thing: J is getting a foreign exchange student. The student had been living with a family but the couple is getting a divorce so they're moving him. I hope it works out well. I think it'll be neat; he's from Taiwan. I'm sure it'll be better for him.
Ok time to brave the rain (ok, enjoy walking in the rain) and go get my laundry.
Friday, October 12, 2007
And just like every other day this week I'm tired. Very tired. And my head is hurting.
I've been thinking of some things I could do to help me sleep so I may start to give those a try (including your suggestions Jamillah).
I keep thinking about the good old diet and exercise stuff. . .I may try going back to avoiding red meat, getting soy milk, and sticking with fruits, veggies, and rice (i.e. blood type diet). I do remember having more energy and feeling better when I did it. So we'll see. . .can't hurt right?
But even trying to do something to address the physical stuff, what about the rest of me? Something seems to be affecting the rest of me but I don't know what it is.
Oh I would do anything right now to just go home and sleep.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
what's wrong
I am still so alone here. Nothing seems right anymore. I feel all unsettled and uneasy. I don't know what's wrong with me.
I feel like I have a million thoughts running around in my head but as soon as I try to sort it out I freeze. As soon as I sit down to write I freeze.
I have read aloud some prayers that I have next to my bed. I have prayed my own prayers. They weren't much more than "just help me to sleep, I don't know what's wrong." I have listened to music to try to help me settle down. But it's not working.
BF's church is doing some big fundraiser on Saturday and I considered going but for some reason I think I should just stay home and try to figure out what's going on. But then I remember that Sunday is my day to do nothing and I always end up miserable, why do I want to add another day that I'm not doing anything?
I don't know what's wrong except that I feel lost, alone, and fearful because I don't know why.
EEK!
It was brief but it happened.
Holidays were mentioned in a conversation with BF. As in, how we would spend the holidays. I believe I will have 4 Christmases to figure out this year. Eek! How in the world did that happen?
I think I may kinda like it though ;-)
Right now the most logical thing is to go to Illinois for the weekend before Christmas, then spend Christmas Eve and Day in Kansas, especially since we'd both have to work the next day. I'll be bummed about missing my family's thing on Christmas day but it would be a lot to have to drive home on Christmas and go to work the next day. It'd be a long day.
But we'll see. . .nothing definite yet. But it was mentioned. :-)
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Time to unwind
But as a way to relax and unwind, I find that there is nothing better than sitting and watching a good movie (tonight it's Pride and Prejudice) and a glass of wine. And a little knitting from time to time.
At the same time I am trying to figure out if I want to rearrange my apartment. I started to but now I'm thinking I don't like the idea. We'll see.
Back to relaxing.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Thank God for Monday
The thing is, I know I have to make myself do more on Sunday. I have to keep myself occupied. When I don't, it's so easy to get myself into this funk that all I do is feel sorry for myself. This time around it was thinking about how in 3 months I will be 27 years old and feel like my life isn't much of anything. I know it's not true but it's hard not to think it. My life is still nothing like I thought it would be. Ok, I know that no one's life is what they really thought it would be. But you probably get what I mean. Even when you know you are completely normal thinking that you life is nothing like you thought, it still is difficult sometimes.
They hardest part with finding stuff to do is doing stuff that doesn't require money. What did I used to do when I got bored? I went shopping. I can't do that anymore. Even window shopping is impossible because all I think of is how I can't buy anything. And that's even more depressing! One thing I need to be better about is working on Christmas presents. There is knitting to be done, pictures to develop, and maybe even some painting to be done. I should do a painting for my brother. He'd like that.
I want to work on my apartment. I am going to get a new bookshelf to put my movies in, move my loveseat and old bookshelf. The loveseat will fit in my bedroom and then the old bookshelf can go where the loveseat was. So really there are lots of projects to work on, it's just getting the motivation to actually work on them.
I was better by the time I went to bed. God and I had a good talk. Then I felt better. I'm still glad it's Monday though.