LMN4LIFE

Do you know the scene in You've Got Mail, when Meg Ryan is sick in bed, and Tom Hanks comes over to visit? That's exactly how I look and feel. Minus the visit from Tom Hanks. 

Man, I am sick. The persistent cough has traveled north to my nose, and now I have what seems to be a full-fledged sinus infection. I'll spare you the rest of the details, but needless to say, I had to call out for the rest of the week from Covenant House. I'm super bummed, but there's really nothing I can do about it, except rest, take medicine, and get better when my body and the good Lord sees fit. 

Oh, and watch lots of made-for-TV movies. 

Sometimes I think that the Lifetime Movie Network was made just for me! Yesterday, my relationship with LMN reached a new level. 

It started with The Pact, beginning at 10 am. A woman coped with the planned suicide of her daughter, and the role that her daughters boyfriend and next door neighbor had in her death. 

That brought me to Chasing Secrets at 12 pm, telling the story of a white girl illegitimately born to an abusive bootleggers family in the South, and the loving, elderly black couple that took care of her secretly. 

A Strange Affair was on at 2 pm, and was true to the title: strange. A jaded woman, just hours after leaving her reckless husband, finds out he had a stroke. She returns to give him the 24-7 care he now requires, while slowly befriending and emotionally depending on her car mechanic. Eventually the mechanic becomes her new tenant to a basement apartment, and the 3 of them oddly form an unlikely bond until the husbands untimely death. 

Keeping to the "strange" theme, at 4 pm I watched The Heart of a Stranger, a true story of a woman whose personality and habits change drastically upon receiving the heart from a young donor. 

The real low point of the day came at 6 pm, when I begrudgingly watched The Fantasia Barrino Story. In my weak defense, there was literally nothing else on that was remotely as bearable. While watching the life of an American Idol unfold, I couldn't help but wonder what she's doing now. Obviously the movie was made at the height of her career, but that was a few years ago. 

Side Note: I thought the answer to the question, "If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to portray you?" was somewhere along the lines of "someone wonderfully famous!" not, "me, duh!"

The real highlight of my day was bookends to my low point. I waited all day for 8 pm. I've seen For the Love of a Child before, and would venture to say that it's my favorite LMN movie. It's about 2 women who co-found ChildHelp USA. Essentially they save the lives of thousands of children living in abuse. I know I'll sound like a major cheese-ball right now, but I can't help it: it's such an inspiring movie! 

At 10 pm, before I had a chance to get emotionally involved with The Ron Clark Story, I decided to change the channel. Never fear, I'll watch Ron Clark on DVR today! 

So, go ahead, do the math. I'll help. I watched 6 LMN movies. At 2 hours a pop, that totals 12 whopping hours of Lifetime. But what's a girl to do when she's reduced to a sneezy mess? 

Anyway, today is a new day. I think I'll look for You've Got Mail, and fill my head with the wonderfully ridiculous notions of chick flicks. 

To end this, I think a Meg Ryan quote from You've Got Mail is fitting. 

In an email to Tom Hanks:

"The odd thing about this form of communication is that you're more likely to talk about nothing than something. But I just wanted to say that all this nothing has meant more to me than so many somethings."

Setbacks

I was supposed to start my first shift volunteering at the Covenant House tonight. 

I did not.

I had a low grade fever for the past two nights, a touch of nausea, and a dang cough that won't seem to go away. My supervisor and I thought it would be best to hold off another day. Of course I'm paranoid that I'll get swine flu, and I'm slowly but surely becoming a germaphobe. 

While I'm grateful for another day of rest, I'm super frustrated because I just want to get in there do the job that they presented me with, and do it well. I'm hoping I'll feel better enough to make it in tomorrow.

I try not to pull out the "Satan" card too often, but I think there is something to be said for demonic interference of something that God can really use for His benefit. 

For example: When I dropped off my volunteer application, it got misplaced, which means more time needed to process everything and get the ball rolling. 

For example: I fell and injured my back the day after orientation was completed, which means more time before I come in for my first shift.

For example: Now I'm sick and essentially had to call out on my first day. How lame! 

If anything, I'm going to start my first shift with a vengeance and work like a dog, when I eventually make it in!

I know first impressions aren't binding, and no one can fault someone for being sick, but I really have a good feeling about this place and what God is going to do through me and within me during my time there. I want to do a good job for His glory. 

So, heres to a healthy Wednesday! 

Wipe Out

I fell down my steps today. 

I mean, I totally wiped out. 

My bedroom is in the refinished attic, with steep, carpeted steps. I usually am a beast at, like, flying down those steps without injury. Usually, being the key term. It didn't help that I was wearing slipper socks, with no traction at all. 

As I hit the bottom of the steps, I couldn't do anything but lay there for a good minute and a half. My back, neck, head, and shoulders ached, and my arms were above my head. My left elbow burned, as did my right hand. I noticed that there was a tiny cut on the palm of my hand, which definitely hurt more than it should've. Then my left shoulder started sending sharp pains down my arm. I called for Sam, but she didn't hear me. It's a good thing I wasn't dying, no one would've come to my rescue! 

I finally pulled myself up and made it to my parents room. I collapsed in their bed for the next hour and a half, until my mom finally came home and brought me Motrin. 

It's funny to me that I fell down my steps. And apparently it's funny to everyone else who I tell. Doesn't this only really happen to little children or the elderly? I know it sounds silly, but it really did hurt! 

Now, the use of my shoulder has limited movement and my back is stiff and sore. I feel like I was in a car accident, though I only have my imagination and hospital television shows to figure out what a car accident feels like. 

In other world news, but to a some-what related matter,

I heard on the radio yesterday morning that BBC wants to officially rewrite the ending to the childhood classic, "Humpty Dumpty." They said it was too depressing and upsetting to children that all the King's men couldn't put him together again. So, in order to protect the fragile emotions of the little Brits and children around the world, they are petitioning to change the ending to......

...drumroll please...

"All the King's horses and all the King's men, 

...............MADE HUMPTY DUMPTY HAPPY AGAIN."

Are you kidding me? 

Apparently life doesn't shatter, and all stories end with a happy ending. Including the lives of children of divorced parents, incarcerated parents, murdered parents; neglected children, orphaned children, hungry children, and emotionally and mentally deprived children. 

Let's ignore the reality of this very broken world and fill little impressionable minds with fluff and nonsense. 

So what happens to Jack and Jill? 

Do they sue the property owner for their tumble? 

Do they move into the 21st century with running water?

Time for more Mortin. 

Back to school

I forgot I had this blog for a few days. 

This past weekend I was a college student again. 

Well, minus the lectures, reading, homework, and exams, but more along the lines of living the social life of a college student. 

I stayed up well past my granny-esque bedtime of 10 pm. (WELL past.) I woke up ridiculously late too. I visited 2 different Good Wills in the course of 2 days. I am THRILLED of my purchases of 6 Milk Glass products for the grand total of $3.94, including tax! I ate at Panera 4 times within 5 days. And ordered almost the same thing every time. (U Pick 2: French Onion soup and Chicken Bacon Dijon panini, side of chips and an Iced Green Tea for here, thank you very much.) I watched a few chick flicks in the middle of the day. I got dressed up for a birthday dinner and only ordered a sampler appetizer plate, to save money, naturally. I captured crazy moments on camera. I posted said captured moments on Facebook shortly after. I went apple picking and took a picture with Ronnie Jr., a race car driving Scarecrow. I made new friends. It has been made official on Facebook. I laughed a lot. 

I had fun. 

I do not regret my real college experience at all. Living off campus with my grandmother was such a blessing, both financially and being able to spend quality time with her. My semester living in the school apartments was wonderful. I had a great roommate and had friends who made my time there worthwhile, and gave me a lot of great memories throughout college.

I have to be honest though, and say that my college experience was totally different than the one I lived for a weekend in Virginia. Not nearly as high paced and crazy. Granted, I'm an old woman now, and I'm not sure I could keep up with those young whippersnappers anymore... (jk).. but it was fun seeing the other side, the side I didn't quite have. 

In light of the events that unfolded during my trip to the South, I decided that when I (hopefully) attend grad school (hopefully) next fall, I'm going to be the most outrageously fun grad student ever. I'm going to have a sweet apartment, throw together sweet shindigs, host sweet dinner parties, and basically just be cool. You should really try to stay friends with me for that. :-)

And for the record, I don't know how people go to school that requires a drive more than 3 hours away from home. Being 1.5 hours away from home at PBU spoiled me. The 7.5 it took to get to Liberty nearly killed me. 

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My current thoughts:

1) Packing list for a road trip I'm embarking on tomorrow with my "crew." Also known as Sam, Megan, and Becca. We're going to Liberty University to celebrate Karissa's 21st birthday. 

2) The weather while in Virginia. Forecast is calling for rain and temperatures in the upper 40's to low 50's. Most of the plans we made involved the outdoors, so we'll see how that goes!

3) The weather in Virginia after we leave. Clear skies, sun, and temperatures in the mid to upper 60's. Go figure.

4) All my winter clothes that are still in the back of my car from a quick trip to Pennsylvania to retrieve them from my grandmother's house. I have to unload my car, unpack my clothes, sort through them, and put them away.

5) Put away summer clothes

6) Weighing the pros and cons of moving in with my grandparents. Long story.

7) It's currently 11:11 pm. Make a wish.

8) I can't forget to pack my phone charger. 

9) Mom has me paranoid now that my car will explode somewhere on I-95.

10) My dinner at Panera tonight was delish. I wish we had one around here. But then again, I'd be too tempted to spend all the money I don't have. 

11) I pretty much have the cutest Chinese boy in the world sleeping in his room right below me. 

12) Facebook chat is on my last nerve lately. Facebook in general is on my last nerve. Lame.

13) Why do adults #1, let children (babies) do things like smoke cigarettes, #2, laugh at it, and #3, post a video of it online? 

14) I'm tired.

15) Shoot. Being tired is something that I'll experience more frequently since I'll be 25 in less than a month. Sweet.

Goodnight.

No Man's Land

Friday is my day to clean the bathroom. It's my least favorite chore. I'd do anything to avoid it. Unfortunately, being the oldest means I have to set the example and do it anyway. Man, do I hate responsibility!

Since this past Friday was a crazy day, I got to the bathroom today. We're putting a new roof on the barn, and my dad, uncles and cousin have been quite hungry and thirsty, which has kept me and my mom quite busy. 

Every Friday (or occasionally, a Saturday), I am faced with a decision. I can either complete my chore the right way, by taking my time and cleaning the nooks and crannies that can easily be forgotten, or I can cheat. I'll be honest, I've done a lazy job many times before. A quick spot-clean may be the Band-Aid to satisfy the landlords (aka my parents), but deep down inside, I know it wasn't done properly. And again, I'll be honest and say that I hate cleaning the bathroom enough that it really doesn't bother me. 

Today I was faced with that decision. Do it right or cheat. The decision came to me while I was on my knees, spraying down my worst nightmare: the toilet. 

More specifically, an area I like to call "No Man's Land." 

No Man's Land is the tiny space between the toilet and the wall, where dust and hair seem to congregate, where eyes overlook and vacuum's don't reach. As if toilets were not disgusting enough as is, there's nothing worse than putting your face inches from a dirty one.  

So here I sat, taking 30 seconds to evaluate and make a decision. Do I do my job properly and thoroughly clean my designated room, including No Man's Land? Or do I avert my little eyes and get the heck out!?

After having a silent battle with my conscience, I decided to exercise the mature and responsible side of myself. Oh the agony of growing up!

So, I ventured into No Man's Land. It was a quick trip. I did what I had to do, though I sent OCD tendencies on vacation. This was one of those moments that called for quick action and not perfectionism. 

It's not easy doing the right thing, even as insignificant as cleaning a bathroom. 

I am pretty sure my efforts are worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize or something, since they seem to be throwing them around like candy these days. 

But that's a whole other topic. 

And for the record, I realize how lame my life has become, that I resort to blogging about bathrooms. I can find humor in my situation, so I fully consent to your laughter directed my way. Please, laugh it up. 

Also for the record, the bathroom glistened after I was through with it. 

Palabra.

Homecoming

This weekend was PBU's Homecoming, or Crimson Celebration if you're really into school spirit. I am not, so I will stick with Homecoming.  I have to admit, I have never attended Homecoming as a student. It would have interfered with said lack of school spirit. But, as I now fall into the "Alumni" category, I felt it was time for me to break tradition. A Social Work event also piqued my interest to return. Ok, basically it was the only reason I decided to return. 

So, off I went, back to familiar territory. 

It almost felt normal, going back. Like, I had never graduated, and I was waiting for summer to end so the fall semester could begin, with me included. School has been the only thing I've known for most of my life, and I haven't quite left the transition stage yet. But please don't get me wrong, there's nothing more I enjoy than NOT doing homework. 

As soon as I walked into the Biblical Learning Center aka classrooms, I was greeted by a familiar scent: the smell of college, quite literally. It's strange how different places and buildings can have different smells, isn't it?

Anyway, the Social Work event was held in the lecture hall, where our SW chapels are held. As soon as I took my usual seat in the 2nd row to the front on the right side, I felt like I was attending a SW chapel, sitting next to my friends whom I graduated with. It was so good seeing everyone. There were 9 of us, representing the May '09 class. 

Possibly my least favorite part of the event was when we were asked to go around the lecture hall and stand, introducing ourselves, our graduation date, and the scariest question of all... what we've been doing since. 

Though I was sitting next to a couple of friends who are also in my current employment predicament, I was the first to stand. So, I stood, introduced myself, and said with a smile, "I'm still waiting on the right job." I was so very thankful to sit down. 

Afterwards, my friends and I mingled and caught each other up on the latest happenings of our lives. Marriages, grad school, employment. Unemployment. 

Because we never seem to have a party without an after party, we continued the festivities of our reunion in Allyson's home. Five of us girls, plus a husband and boyfriend, spent a few hours talking. And boy, did we talk. We covered almost every area of the conversational spectrum, with a Social Work focus, of course. It was so encouraging to be with like-minded friends, realizing that I'm not alone in the thoughts and frustrations that fill my mind. 

I admit, since graduation, nearly 5 months ago, I have nearly forgotten how much I love and appreciate the friendships created in the PBU Social Work class of '09. For the past few years, these people have been my rock, my family away from home. Being with them on Saturday awakened me to the realization that I really do miss the fellowship and community found with them. Though we all come from different backgrounds and have different personality quirks, we all love God and want to see the relief of social injustice globally. We've been through the process together. We've cried and laughed together. And not to pull the Social Work card, but there is a greater level of understanding that comes from traveling that educational path together. 

So hopefully it won't be another 5 months before we see each other again. Hopefully it will be much sooner. I need them in my life.