Nov 13, 2006
Nov 10, 2006
It's November
It is November and lots has happened since my last post. Here is a brief rundown.
End of Oct went to wedding of long-time family friend in Arizona and got to hang out with some wonderful people. Love just hanging out in life with them.
Had dinner in B.E.D and went to The Fray concert with some co-workers.
Went to a Thrasher's game and learned what a hat trick was.
And tonight I went to see Stranger than Fiction. You should see it!
So, that's the surface stuff. Now deeper, things that have been crazy. I can't seem to be on time to anything. Not that that is new. But I'm later, much later than I normally am. I can't think or plan much past a tomorrow. And I can't seem to stick to a particular attitude I say I'm going to keep at work.
Today, there was a guy, an author of a book rather, at the Walden Book store downstairs. I felt sorry for him because no one was there meeting him for the book signing. He offered a book mark to me as I walked by, but I refused. Will he go home feeling bad about himself? I want to be able to help people know that they are important, and special. I want people to know that they are created for a purpose. But what does it look like to know that you are special and loved and created for a purpose? Maybe this author will go home and feel discouraged because nobody came to his booksigning. But whether or not people go to his book signing doesn't determine whether or not he is significant. Does he know that? I wanted to stop and ask him about his book, but I didn't. I really wasn't interested in his book. Hmm...
End of Oct went to wedding of long-time family friend in Arizona and got to hang out with some wonderful people. Love just hanging out in life with them.
Had dinner in B.E.D and went to The Fray concert with some co-workers.
Went to a Thrasher's game and learned what a hat trick was.
And tonight I went to see Stranger than Fiction. You should see it!
So, that's the surface stuff. Now deeper, things that have been crazy. I can't seem to be on time to anything. Not that that is new. But I'm later, much later than I normally am. I can't think or plan much past a tomorrow. And I can't seem to stick to a particular attitude I say I'm going to keep at work.
Today, there was a guy, an author of a book rather, at the Walden Book store downstairs. I felt sorry for him because no one was there meeting him for the book signing. He offered a book mark to me as I walked by, but I refused. Will he go home feeling bad about himself? I want to be able to help people know that they are important, and special. I want people to know that they are created for a purpose. But what does it look like to know that you are special and loved and created for a purpose? Maybe this author will go home and feel discouraged because nobody came to his booksigning. But whether or not people go to his book signing doesn't determine whether or not he is significant. Does he know that? I wanted to stop and ask him about his book, but I didn't. I really wasn't interested in his book. Hmm...
Oct 26, 2006
Isqoutm Squash Embellishing Gala
These pictures are from our Isquoutm Squash Embellinshing Gala held in the 8N Large Conference Room. Yes, we had a pumpkin decorating contest at work. Some of my fellow FART members and I organized and hosted the event. I was very amazed at the ideas a bunch of accounting and finance people could come up with. Accountants are not known for their creativity.
-- all the entries in the contest--
--some of my coworkers--
--my team's pumpkin--
Oct 25, 2006
Horses and Halloween
Lots has been going on lately. Here are some pictures from our Pony Club Halloween Party on Sunday. Can you figure out which one is me?
Oct 22, 2006
Disney's Version of Hiking
-- the hikers -- Went hiking yesterday, or well tried to, with some friends. The trail we intended to hike was closed. So we ended up spending an hour and a half looking for the trail head to another trail, but N. Georgians don't have skills in developing good signage. Anyway we ended up, at a state park that was kind of Disney World's version of hiking. Well groomed "trails" with concrete steps. Uh, not exactly what we were looking for but we got to see the fall colors and got to spend some time out of the city.
I'll fill you in later about the adventures trying to find the trail.
Oct 17, 2006
Bubble Wrap
Who loves bubble wrap?
I do and so does one of my friends from work. Today was her birthday and she was conveniently out of the office, so "some individuals" in the department decided to wrap the desk, all the file cabinets, shelves, chairs, tree, etc. in approximately 200 sq. ft. of bubble wrap.
Here are the pictures. It was amazing.
I do and so does one of my friends from work. Today was her birthday and she was conveniently out of the office, so "some individuals" in the department decided to wrap the desk, all the file cabinets, shelves, chairs, tree, etc. in approximately 200 sq. ft. of bubble wrap.
Here are the pictures. It was amazing.
Although you can't tell in the picture, the desk is covered too.
Did I mention that one of the individauls might have been me?
Oct 12, 2006
FART
I am not usually one to engage in humor about bodily functions, particularly farting. It just isn't me; but over the last 4 months I have begun to incorporate this sort of humor into my daily conversations and even at meetings.
Let me explain.
Several months after I started working at Turner, a coworker and I were asked to join the departments "social committee". I said ok, but my coworker said she wasn't going to be a part of anything called a social committee, but if the name of the team was changed then she would join. A few days later our director mentioned his idea for a new name to my coworker. The name he came up with was the Fun and Recreation Team. My coworker was in the middle of something and just nodded her head indicating that that was a good name. A little later our director stopped by again and said, "I don't think you heard what I said. The Fun And Recreation Team." Coworker replied, "Yeah, I heard you." Our director said, "No, think of the acronym."
That started it all.
The Fun And Recreation Team. I had overheard the conversation. Cube walls don't provide much privacy. After our director walked away, my coworker turned to me and said, "You know we have to change the name of the social committee to the Fun And Recreation Team, now." She can be a bit of a smart aleck. But that is just what we did. And the FARTs had their beginning.
You would be amazed (well maybe you wouldn't) at how many people open up and are compfortable talking about farting. The fart jokes roll when we are having our monthly FART meetings. Even those who were UNcomfortable saying the name of the team can't help laughing when we present FART team updates at our weekly staff meetings.
The new name for the once "social committee" has brought out a lot of positive things. People laugh, jokes are traded, people aren't afraid to interrupt our FART meetings, or bring in farting putty. Today in our FART meeting, a member reminded us that mature, professional conversation was out, "I mean with a name like ours, who could be mature." His point was we are supposed to be having fun.
The FARTs get together and plan fun and recreational things to do. Some are team building while others are more just to ease stress around the office. But the one thing that puts people at ease or at least makes them laugh is when we tell them we came up with the idea while farting around. Our moto is, "To bring fun to the office one FART at a time."
Sometimes my job sticks, but that's when we have to start farting again.
"Better out than in" as Shreik would say.
Let me explain.
Several months after I started working at Turner, a coworker and I were asked to join the departments "social committee". I said ok, but my coworker said she wasn't going to be a part of anything called a social committee, but if the name of the team was changed then she would join. A few days later our director mentioned his idea for a new name to my coworker. The name he came up with was the Fun and Recreation Team. My coworker was in the middle of something and just nodded her head indicating that that was a good name. A little later our director stopped by again and said, "I don't think you heard what I said. The Fun And Recreation Team." Coworker replied, "Yeah, I heard you." Our director said, "No, think of the acronym."
That started it all.
The Fun And Recreation Team. I had overheard the conversation. Cube walls don't provide much privacy. After our director walked away, my coworker turned to me and said, "You know we have to change the name of the social committee to the Fun And Recreation Team, now." She can be a bit of a smart aleck. But that is just what we did. And the FARTs had their beginning.
You would be amazed (well maybe you wouldn't) at how many people open up and are compfortable talking about farting. The fart jokes roll when we are having our monthly FART meetings. Even those who were UNcomfortable saying the name of the team can't help laughing when we present FART team updates at our weekly staff meetings.
The new name for the once "social committee" has brought out a lot of positive things. People laugh, jokes are traded, people aren't afraid to interrupt our FART meetings, or bring in farting putty. Today in our FART meeting, a member reminded us that mature, professional conversation was out, "I mean with a name like ours, who could be mature." His point was we are supposed to be having fun.
The FARTs get together and plan fun and recreational things to do. Some are team building while others are more just to ease stress around the office. But the one thing that puts people at ease or at least makes them laugh is when we tell them we came up with the idea while farting around. Our moto is, "To bring fun to the office one FART at a time."
Sometimes my job sticks, but that's when we have to start farting again.
"Better out than in" as Shreik would say.
Oct 8, 2006
Prayer
What is it? What does it do? What does it accomplish?
When someone prays for healing, does that healing come? If it doesn't was that prayer fruitless?
A common theme throughout the OT is that the prayers of the faithful servants are the ones that are heard and answered. Does this mean if I am not a faithful servant my prayers will not be heard or answered?
Hebrews5:7-10 "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest..."
The man Jesus was, if anyone was, a faithful servant of God, but his prayers and petitions were not even answered in the way he wanted.
So why pray if we don't get what we ask for?
I will keep praying because it reminds me that I am needy and depend on others. It brings me closer to the one I am praying to and connects my heart and spirit to those I am praying for. My prayer is working in me; changing me. When my brother called to tell us his girlfriend's father has passed away today; my heart sank and my eyes filled with tears. We have been praying for Jenny's father. This isn't how we wanted our prayers answered.
Luke 22: 41-42 ...and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done."
Phil 4:6,7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
I want peace.
When someone prays for healing, does that healing come? If it doesn't was that prayer fruitless?
A common theme throughout the OT is that the prayers of the faithful servants are the ones that are heard and answered. Does this mean if I am not a faithful servant my prayers will not be heard or answered?
Hebrews5:7-10 "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest..."
The man Jesus was, if anyone was, a faithful servant of God, but his prayers and petitions were not even answered in the way he wanted.
So why pray if we don't get what we ask for?
I will keep praying because it reminds me that I am needy and depend on others. It brings me closer to the one I am praying to and connects my heart and spirit to those I am praying for. My prayer is working in me; changing me. When my brother called to tell us his girlfriend's father has passed away today; my heart sank and my eyes filled with tears. We have been praying for Jenny's father. This isn't how we wanted our prayers answered.
Luke 22: 41-42 ...and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done."
Phil 4:6,7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
I want peace.
Oct 5, 2006
Tacking on the Hours
Well today I worked for 13 hours. That makes a total of 46.25 so far this week with 2 more days to go.
And after my day job I'm adding a new night job! Yes, I am adding something to my already crazy schedule.
I have been presented with the opportunity to help prepare the proposal for Freedom Firm's Animal Assisted Therapy Program!!! I am totally excited about this work. I love planning, thinking through things and learning. I won't be able to make it to India at the end of October, possibly have to wait until the spring. But anything is possible.
And after my day job I'm adding a new night job! Yes, I am adding something to my already crazy schedule.
I have been presented with the opportunity to help prepare the proposal for Freedom Firm's Animal Assisted Therapy Program!!! I am totally excited about this work. I love planning, thinking through things and learning. I won't be able to make it to India at the end of October, possibly have to wait until the spring. But anything is possible.
Sep 30, 2006
A Little Fishy
My two brothers, Jeff and Mark, and Mark's girlfriend, Jenny, are in town this weekend for a visit. We went to the Georgia Aquarium yesterday, today we rode horses and tonight we are heading to an Atlanta Braves game. I love hanging out with my family.
--"I think there is a star fish down there."--
-- the fish got camera shy--
-- mesmerized--
--Me--
--"I think there is a star fish down there."--
-- the fish got camera shy--
-- mesmerized--
--Me--
--one of the whale sharks (only about 1/2 grown)--
Sep 23, 2006
Moving?
Got the urge to move again. Maybe into Atlanta... or
Maybe I should try another city. Maybe LA, NYC or DC. All three are places that I can go within the Time Warner family (where I work now).
Or maybe I should change jobs and companies and try a totally different place.
Or maybe I should stay where I'm at for the next year and then head to India.
Hmm... so many options.
Maybe I should try another city. Maybe LA, NYC or DC. All three are places that I can go within the Time Warner family (where I work now).
Or maybe I should change jobs and companies and try a totally different place.
Or maybe I should stay where I'm at for the next year and then head to India.
Hmm... so many options.
Sep 18, 2006
Horses in India (2)
In my brief post on 8/22/06 I introduced you to Freedom Firm. Here is a little about the riding program, officially it will be an animal assisted therapy program, that has caught my attention.
----------------------
From correspondence with the founder of Freedom Firm:
"I don't have much on paper yet for the "animal assisted therapy" program. That still needs to be written, but [my husband] and I have certainly dreamed for years about what that would look like. I have done some reading on equine therapy and animal therapy in general, and it seems there is clear evidence that animals can really help children who are sexually and physically abused. It was interesting to me to see that when kids learn to take care of an animal, a lot of times they will learn to transfer that care to themselves, in really practical ways. So a girl that rejects herself because of abuse, finally will begin brushing her hair because she has been grooming a horse for a month... fascinating. I know from my own experience of a painful entry to the States at the age of 10, how I found solace and a sense of purpose in existing when I started working with horses. Thank God my parents had the sense to let me lease a horse, and then work at stables for 8 years and finally save enough to buy Raz and High Hopes when I was 17. I am quite sure my connection with horses kept me from going off the deep end when I was growing up. So far we own an acre and 1/2 on a hillside [in India]. We are trying to buy three more acres adjacent to that land. My dream (horse wise) is to start a horse farm where the girls can come and learn to ride and care for horses, but also where it might grow into an income generating scheme. [Where we live] is a tourist town, and very very beautiful. Foreigners already come from all over the world. If we got a website up and we got on the map for horse trekking (it already is on the map for local pony riding), I could see rescued girls actually having jobs leading trail rides/giving lessons/ running a horse business. There are many schools looking out for the possibility of riding lessons... so that is a long term thought. And one I am very excited about. It is interesting to me that you have all this experience with horses and children and business savvy as well!
An interesting thing to note is that there are many discarded racehorses in [the city]. We have a huge race track that is fully operation in the months of April and May. At the end of the racing season a few young horses are simply left out on the street. They last about a year before they die of starvation. There is also the option of buying racehorses during this season as well. They run about $1000 per racehorse. At the home we have just rented, we have a shed I plan to turn into a stable. The owner gave us permission to take in one of these discarded race horses. There is a pasture on the hill just below the rehab home that belongs to the house we are renting. (1.5 acres) hemmed in by a stream. Hopefully in the month of October I am planning to take in our first horse,and try to rehabilitate it, and at the same time start our animal therapy program. Molly, I would love it if you could come out for a couple weeks if at all possible and join us for a time to get to know eachother. It would be great to coincide it with the adoption of our first race horse. I know that is not much time at all, and I know it may be way too late to arrange that for October. Anyway, we are wide open to whenever it is convenient for you to come. In order to make this horse project work we need the right person. While I know a lot about horses, it could never be my main thing,especially now, where I have to coordinate the whole program of rehab. I love your perspective on animals and the role they play with kids. I agree wholeheartedly! Thanks so much for your interest in our work. It is tremendously encouraging to us."
---------------------------
I'm going to try to go to India at the end of October. Don't know if I can get off work, but we'll see.
----------------------
From correspondence with the founder of Freedom Firm:
"I don't have much on paper yet for the "animal assisted therapy" program. That still needs to be written, but [my husband] and I have certainly dreamed for years about what that would look like. I have done some reading on equine therapy and animal therapy in general, and it seems there is clear evidence that animals can really help children who are sexually and physically abused. It was interesting to me to see that when kids learn to take care of an animal, a lot of times they will learn to transfer that care to themselves, in really practical ways. So a girl that rejects herself because of abuse, finally will begin brushing her hair because she has been grooming a horse for a month... fascinating. I know from my own experience of a painful entry to the States at the age of 10, how I found solace and a sense of purpose in existing when I started working with horses. Thank God my parents had the sense to let me lease a horse, and then work at stables for 8 years and finally save enough to buy Raz and High Hopes when I was 17. I am quite sure my connection with horses kept me from going off the deep end when I was growing up. So far we own an acre and 1/2 on a hillside [in India]. We are trying to buy three more acres adjacent to that land. My dream (horse wise) is to start a horse farm where the girls can come and learn to ride and care for horses, but also where it might grow into an income generating scheme. [Where we live] is a tourist town, and very very beautiful. Foreigners already come from all over the world. If we got a website up and we got on the map for horse trekking (it already is on the map for local pony riding), I could see rescued girls actually having jobs leading trail rides/giving lessons/ running a horse business. There are many schools looking out for the possibility of riding lessons... so that is a long term thought. And one I am very excited about. It is interesting to me that you have all this experience with horses and children and business savvy as well!
An interesting thing to note is that there are many discarded racehorses in [the city]. We have a huge race track that is fully operation in the months of April and May. At the end of the racing season a few young horses are simply left out on the street. They last about a year before they die of starvation. There is also the option of buying racehorses during this season as well. They run about $1000 per racehorse. At the home we have just rented, we have a shed I plan to turn into a stable. The owner gave us permission to take in one of these discarded race horses. There is a pasture on the hill just below the rehab home that belongs to the house we are renting. (1.5 acres) hemmed in by a stream. Hopefully in the month of October I am planning to take in our first horse,and try to rehabilitate it, and at the same time start our animal therapy program. Molly, I would love it if you could come out for a couple weeks if at all possible and join us for a time to get to know eachother. It would be great to coincide it with the adoption of our first race horse. I know that is not much time at all, and I know it may be way too late to arrange that for October. Anyway, we are wide open to whenever it is convenient for you to come. In order to make this horse project work we need the right person. While I know a lot about horses, it could never be my main thing,especially now, where I have to coordinate the whole program of rehab. I love your perspective on animals and the role they play with kids. I agree wholeheartedly! Thanks so much for your interest in our work. It is tremendously encouraging to us."
---------------------------
I'm going to try to go to India at the end of October. Don't know if I can get off work, but we'll see.
Sep 12, 2006
Bodies
Last Friday I went to BODIES... The Exhibition at the Atlanta Civic Center.
WOW!!!! This was incredible. I spent 3 hours in the exhibit and I could have been their for another hour or two if they hadn't closed. The exhibition was presented really well. It was soooo fascinating to see the intricacies of the human body. Words just can't describe how awesome it was.
You should GO see it if the exhibition if comes to a location near you. It is not gross or creepy. It is just TOTALLY awesome to see the complexities of our design.
WOW!!!! This was incredible. I spent 3 hours in the exhibit and I could have been their for another hour or two if they hadn't closed. The exhibition was presented really well. It was soooo fascinating to see the intricacies of the human body. Words just can't describe how awesome it was.
You should GO see it if the exhibition if comes to a location near you. It is not gross or creepy. It is just TOTALLY awesome to see the complexities of our design.
Sep 6, 2006
Itchin
I'm itchin for change.
A mentor and friend asked me the following question the other day, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
You've probably heard the same question or a similar one before as I have, but it is good to think about it periodically. Quite frankly I haven't thought about it in a while. I've been thinking more 3 months out.
I answered my friend something like this:
Let's see 5 years, I'll be 31. In general married, a family. Not working in accounting, but leading something awesome. I want to be off on a great adventure with someone. I'm not exactly sure what kind, but I want to be involved, not on the sidelines. I love figuring out where people want to go and doing my best to help/ encourage them to get there. When it comes down to it, how a company reports it's operating leases or what the GAAP rules are on accruing for something(finance stuff) are not the most important thing to me. I understand and am good at accounting and finance, but those get boring. What I really care about and enjoy doing is bringing people together for a common purpose. It is challenging and rewarding. I love it! Whether it is in the office, in Pony Club, or any other place.
In 5 years I don’t want to still be living in Atlanta. I have been looking to move from my parents to Atlanta for about a year now, but just can't bring myself to do it. Why? Because I there is so much more world out there to see. I want to live someplace I've never lived before.
The conversation developed into compatibility and great adventurers. I'm gonna see if I can get more details from him, because it was really good stuff. The only things I remember are discussing if I am a type A, B, or C person and whether I wanted to be a cheerleader or an athlete. But the details of this are for another conversation.
Sorry I digress; let's return to my 5 year outlook. I'm not totally sure where I can use my skills and how. I'm not sure what great path God has for me. But I'm itching to move down that path and see what is around the next corner.
So what is it going to take to get me moving towards things I want to do? I don’t know.
Where will I find myself in 5 years? I don't know.
I’ll have to do some more thinking/ praying AND trying things out.
A mentor and friend asked me the following question the other day, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
You've probably heard the same question or a similar one before as I have, but it is good to think about it periodically. Quite frankly I haven't thought about it in a while. I've been thinking more 3 months out.
I answered my friend something like this:
Let's see 5 years, I'll be 31. In general married, a family. Not working in accounting, but leading something awesome. I want to be off on a great adventure with someone. I'm not exactly sure what kind, but I want to be involved, not on the sidelines. I love figuring out where people want to go and doing my best to help/ encourage them to get there. When it comes down to it, how a company reports it's operating leases or what the GAAP rules are on accruing for something(finance stuff) are not the most important thing to me. I understand and am good at accounting and finance, but those get boring. What I really care about and enjoy doing is bringing people together for a common purpose. It is challenging and rewarding. I love it! Whether it is in the office, in Pony Club, or any other place.
In 5 years I don’t want to still be living in Atlanta. I have been looking to move from my parents to Atlanta for about a year now, but just can't bring myself to do it. Why? Because I there is so much more world out there to see. I want to live someplace I've never lived before.
The conversation developed into compatibility and great adventurers. I'm gonna see if I can get more details from him, because it was really good stuff. The only things I remember are discussing if I am a type A, B, or C person and whether I wanted to be a cheerleader or an athlete. But the details of this are for another conversation.
Sorry I digress; let's return to my 5 year outlook. I'm not totally sure where I can use my skills and how. I'm not sure what great path God has for me. But I'm itching to move down that path and see what is around the next corner.
So what is it going to take to get me moving towards things I want to do? I don’t know.
Where will I find myself in 5 years? I don't know.
I’ll have to do some more thinking/ praying AND trying things out.
Sep 5, 2006
Fellowship
Just got back from Arizona, where I hung out with some long time friends, the Stodas and Jaramillos. It was a wonderful time catching up and fellowshipping over errands, beer and MST 3000 (Mystery Science Theater).
Here is a picture that Leo Jaramillo took of Jen and me. We were looking at labradoodles on the internet.
Here is a picture that Leo Jaramillo took of Jen and me. We were looking at labradoodles on the internet.
Aug 31, 2006
Jack, my new cousin
My new cousin, Jack, came home a week and a half ago. He is from Guatemala. We are thrilled to have him as part of the family!
Aug 29, 2006
Capturing the Moment
My youngest sister, Lani, wants to be a photographer. She is a really good. To the left is one of my favorites that she took of my nephew Timothy and his Chi-wa-wa, Max.Click here to see more of her pictues.
Aug 28, 2006
Fears
What are you most afraid of? What keeps you from doing the things you really want to do?
These are questions I've been asking myself.
Answers: I don't have any good ones yet. I have to do some more thinking about them. But ideas like "what if I don't like it?", "what if there is someone better to do this job?", "what happens if I make the wrong decision, and this really wasn't the path I was supposed to take?" and, "what about all the things I enjoy doing now?" are all part of my thought process.
These are questions I've been asking myself.
Answers: I don't have any good ones yet. I have to do some more thinking about them. But ideas like "what if I don't like it?", "what if there is someone better to do this job?", "what happens if I make the wrong decision, and this really wasn't the path I was supposed to take?" and, "what about all the things I enjoy doing now?" are all part of my thought process.
Aug 24, 2006
Free Wheelchair Mission
Aug 23, 2006
Boston Cream
Why do I do this to myself. I treat myself to donuts for breakfast once a month. And everytime I order two of the messiest donuts to eat in the car, a Boston cream and a jelly filled power donut.
WILL I EVER LEARN!?!
At least I wasn't wearing a white shirt today.
WILL I EVER LEARN!?!
At least I wasn't wearing a white shirt today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)