The perfect haircut December 31, 2005

Current noise: Ann scrambling eggs
Current mood: Relaxed

I’m on vacation Mike and I are at his mom’s house for New Year’s Eve celebrations, a tradition we look forward to every year. Ann is preparing our breakfast, Peach Puff Pancakes. Yum. I can’t describe them but they are divine. Yum x 2.

Anyway, onto the subject of this post. I had a fight with my mom once when I was around 5 or 6 years old. She was trying to put my hair in barrettes, but she was trying to do it differently than how I was used to. I’ve always had a hard time with change when it comes to my hair. (I have gotten better about it over the years.) Anyway, she was trying to change things and I got so mad I yelled at her and proceeded to lock myself in the bathroom. While in the bathroom I thought of this genius way to get back at her. I cut my bangs. That’ll show her, right? Yeah, I may be book smart, but my common sense is limited. Here’s how it turned out:

My personality December 30, 2005

Current XM Track: Dave Ramsey
Current Mood: Introspective

Results of my online Personality Test:

Your answers suggest you are a Realist.
The four aspects that make up this personality type are:

Your answers suggest you are a Planner, not Spontaneous.
You like making schedules, being on time and avoiding last-minute stress.

Your answers suggest you are a Facts, not an Ideas person.
You are a practical person who remembers details from your surroundings.

Your answers suggest you are a Head, not a Heart person.
When making a decision, you tend to weigh the possible consequences in a logical, detached way.

Your answers suggest you are an Introvert, not an Extrovert.
You tend to focus on and get your motivation from your own inner thoughts and ideas.

Summary of Realists:
Loyal and steady workers who meet deadlines
Believe in established rules and respect facts
Think of themselves as mature, stable and conscientious
May appear too logical or tough-minded and forget their impact on other people

I would have to say that those results are pretty right on. So what’s your personality type?

Spending time with God December 30, 2005

Current XM Track: Squeeze – “Is That Love”
Current Mood: Centered

From this morning’s devotion, a quote from Sheila Walsh (surely directed right at me, it’s so true): “I think we Christians have become lazy. We would rather read a book about how someone else became closer to God than spend time alone with him ourselves.”

I make it so complicated, don’t I? How simple it is to just spend time alone with him. I still operate under the myth that to be in his presence I need to be in a special room at a special time with a special frame of mind. The truth is that he will meet me whereever I am, whenever I ask.

I would like to spend more time in scripture. Any time at all would be an improvement. I can’t rely on the knowledge I gained 10, 15, 20 years ago anymore. I want to learn new things; I want to know what else God has to say.

I think a lot of my hesitation to study scripture and spend time with the Lord is that I’m afraid of getting caught in the rat race again. The striving that I did for so many years just wasn’t working. I was reading a satirical version of a motivational poster that stated, “Success is a journey, not a destination. So stop running.” I know it was just a joke, but I feel that way about being a Christian. It’s a journey, not a destination. So stop running. The problem is that when I stop running, I just stand there. What kind of journey is that? I need to walk with Christ.

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9. Lord, that my heart would be fully committed to you.

My gorgeous hubby December 29, 2005

Current Rhapsody Track: Smashing Pumpkins – “Bullet With Butterfly Wings”
Current Mood: Still cold and hungry

It’s not often that I get a decent picture of Mike. He’s always making funny faces and silly grins. So naturally I had to share this one:

Applebee gang December 29, 2005

Current Rhapsody Track: Smashing Pumpkins – “1979″
Current Mood: Cold and hungry

Left to right: Christie, Me, Michelle, Staci, Tracy, and Angela. Jenna and Baby Bella are in front.

It’s always good to see this crew. We had a great time laughing. Most of it was from joking about babies and the “joys” of pregnancy because Jenna just had Isabella, and Michelle and Staci are both pregnant. Staci due on March 5th and Michelle due on May 6th. Babies, babies everywhere!!

Introverts misunderstood? December 29, 2005

Current XM Track: Midnight Oil – “Drums of Heaven”
Current Mood: Content

“Many actors, I’ve read, are introverts, and many introverts, when socializing, feel like actors.”

Taken from an article I just read, called “Caring For Your Introvert.” And having been an introvert for 27 years, I can assure you that the quote is very true. One of the biggest misconceptions is that introvert equals shy. But the truth is that it has nothing to do with shy or outgoing. Introverts are re-energized by spending time alone, while extroverts are re-energized by spending time with people. The article addresses some other differences and I found it rather interesting. Extroverts be warned, however: the article is written by an introvert, so he tends to be a bit biased against extroverts. So take it with a grain of salt, but he does make some great points.

Thursday already? December 29, 2005

Current XM Track: Trey Anastasio – “Sweet Dreams Melinda”
Current Mood: Pre-Productive

Seriously. There is a song with my name in the title. Not only is it in the title, but the whole song is about Melinda. And a song by the former guitarist of Phish, a band which I love. It’s a beautiful song… and I’m not just saying that because it’s about me

This week has flown by. It’s been a wonderful week, but it has flown by. Last night was dinner at Applebee’s with Tracy, Michelle, Christie, Staci, Jenna, and Bella. Bella is Jenna’s new addition. 4 months new. Adorable. I have pictures and will try to get them uploaded to the blog tonight.

I have lots to catch up on and my new Franklin Covey planner for 2006 is beckoning. Today is the day I will regroup, organize, prioritize, etc. etc. I’m rearing and ready to go!

I asked God this morning, “Why can’t I just be on time for work?” He hasn’t gotten back to me on that yet, but I’m anxious to know the answer. I’ll let you know when I do.

It’s hard to be ghetto December 28, 2005

Current XM Track: Paul McCartney – “Jenny Wren”
Current Mood: Nostalgic

I had a delicious time with Tracy and Michelle last night. We laughed nonstop for almost 4 hours. It was wonderful. During our time I was able to forget that they would be traveling back to their homes far away. It felt like they just lived down the road and had come over for a spontaneous visit, and would be back again soon. It was good to forget that that wasn’t true. And I’ll see them once again tonight. I know I’m talking about Michelle as if she lives as far away as Tracy does. She only lives in Kalamazoo but it might as well be Denver to me. When people move away, no matter how far, things change and you just don’t see them as often. I had forgotten how much I missed their company. Tracy, Michelle: I love you two very much and I promise that no matter how much I suck at keeping in touch, I never stop thinking about you. You are each very dear to me.

Now to break from that sentimental moment I will leave you with a quote:

“It’s hard to be ghetto when you have a toilet made of gold.”
~Tracy Sproul, in response to my statement that Elvis was ghetto.

Area Baby Doesn’t Have Any Friends December 27, 2005

Just one more – I promise. It’s just that this new StumbleUpon toolbar is a lot of fun.

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/42599

Internet error December 27, 2005

Current XM Track: Tori Amos – “Taxi Ride”
Current Mood: Guilty

Okay, okay, I’m getting back to work now. I just StumbledUpon this webpage: http://thecenter2000.com/last/