Thursday, July 27, 2006

The sisterhood of the corpulent pants

Before the smear campaign begins, I just thought I'd put this out there--that way, no one can use it to bring me down. Questions will be asked, but then, I like answering questions.

A brief explanation? We like sharing an office so much that we thought we'd share some jeans, too.

Who wears the pants in the relationship? Hmm. No comment.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Saturday, July 15, 2006

In my element

I'm getting a new car. And for the first time ever, I don't have to qualify that by saying, "well, I mean, it's new to me." Not that I ever had a problem with explaining that in the first place. In fact, I'm having a hard time being okay with the fact that I'm going to have a brand-new car.

Isn't owning a new car in some way morally despicable? Or am I just embarrassed? Or do I feel weird because parents, who are more than twice my age, have never purchased a new vehicle? I don't know.

As usual, the decision to buy was marked by an excruciating intensity of discussions, study, and search for the best possible deal--no snap decisions in our household. But aside from the weirdness I feel about buying a new car, I am so excited! What has been referred to as "the ugliest car on the road" actually seems to be the most compatible with our personality and lifestyle, so it's a great fit. (Although what that says about our aesthetic taste and personal appearance, I don't even want to know.)

In case you haven't guessed it from my punny header and my reference to "the ugliest car on the road," we're buying a Honda Element. It should be here within the week, ready to help us with our home improvements, dog outings, camping trips, and even grocery shopping.

And by the way, the ugliest car on the road is not actually the Element, as my father-in-law so aptly observed; it's Toyota's version of the boxy SUV crossover: the Scion xb.

Update: image replaced to reflect actual color of said vehicle.

Friday, July 14, 2006

Why I'm already weary of desk jobs

Quick quiz:

If I were presented with the following career paths (and the training I'd need to follow them), which one would I be most likely to choose?

a. writing/editing nonfiction
b. professional miming
c. organic farming
d. robotics
e. owning a bed & breakfast/retreat center
f. dietetics

Answer: I don't know. No, really, I don't know. But it would definitely not be a desk job. I would really like a combination of options c and e. If I had more time to write now, I'd explain. But a girl who graduated from Messiah with me puts it into words better than I ever could, I think. She's been doing a year of service in Egypt, and she has some wonderful reflections. Here's her latest blog entry--perhaps her most insightful yet.

Larger than life: the BIC in Miami

Okay, I know I've been a really lazy blogger lately . . . but if anyone's interested in seeing a General Conference highlights video, here you go! I know some of you were keeping up with the blog, but if you're looking for something more like real life, check this out.

Monday, July 10, 2006

When I'm fifty-five

When I’m fifty-five
and bulging
from the fullness of life’s harvest­—
bearing children, working hard, and celebrating—
please don’t let me say,
“just a taste.”

Just a taste?
I’d rather go without.

No, I’ll savor the full serving
in all its rich complexity—
bitter, sour, sweet, and salty—
as it melts its way through my mouth.

I’ll sip my coffee slowly,
just fast enough to keep the
last gulp from turning cold.

But my golden years will not be marked
by egg beaters, salt substitutes, and dessert-less parties.

Instead, I’ll eat less, yet more fully—
and enjoy more completely.

Sunday, July 02, 2006

GC 2006 blog

I'm writing (at least a little bit) but I haven't had time to post here yet. Check out the blog that Sarah, Katie, and I are keeping of General Conference 2006.