Just a bit loony...

"Once upon a summertime, just a dream from yesterday, a boy and his magic, golden flute sailed a boat across the bay..." Oh, wait... that's not my life. That's the theme from HR Puff-N-Stuff. For some reason, it came to mind just now. I think I just feel a bit loony from being REALLY tired (as opposed to being normally loony, which I am). I think I'll go to bed. Nighty nite.

A Bad Day With a "P"

When a people-pleasing perfectionist performs poorly, she panics, perspires and pouts, then persistently ponders and plans how to pursue perfect performance...PATHETIC!

The Mundane Life

Today was one of those days. Labels and postage stamps was my day at work. Getting ready for work, getting ready for the gym and getting ready for bed was my day at home. But, sometimes, the mundane days are the best. In the midst of the mundane, a few bright lights appeared. A man came in to share what God showed him today. A woman came in seeking God and looking for a place to meet people and get connected. And a nerf gun fight with a 2 year old. I LOVE MY JOB!

Bunko Gals Won't You Come Out Tonight!

Bunko night. The one night of the month devoted to eating, drinking, gossip and, oh yeah, playing bunko. I even got a manicure today for the occasion. I have jokingly (or not so) referred to this night as a "drunken glutfest". Well, tonight was no exception. I took it easy on the "drunken" part, but "glutfest" still fit, though my skinny jeans may not. I even won a prize tonight. (There's no shame in being the biggest loser) How sweet it is!

Serious pondering postponed another day...

Hmmmm...

Pondering makes my brain hurt!

Humility

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others as better than himself" Our Music Pastor, Dan, talked about this verse at our staff meeting yesterday. It's a verse that I've had in mind during times when it would be all too easy to make it all about me! My favorite definition of humility is "not thinking less of myself, but thinking of myself less". The problem is the more I try to not think about myself, the more I think about myself. Must ponder this problem...

Being sincere

Sooo... How to be more sincere or genuine. "Sincere" means to be without pretense and "genuine" means to be real. Does that mean everyone around me gets to see every facet of my moods? Does that mean that I should say whatever comes to mind? I don't think so. I think authenticity means so much more than that. Yes, I should be able to share my struggles, taking responsibility for them and striving to be better. Yes, I need to say what I mean and mean what I say. And while I need to be without pretense and real in my communications, it all needs to be balanced with kindness, humility and wisdom. It's all about being the person God designed me to be, nothing more or less.

How do I "practice"?

"Practicing Authenticity" What is that and how do you do it? The definition of authenticity is "genuine or sincere". Most of us, myself the worst offender, show people what we think they want to see. Who doesn't want to be liked? We hide our faults, our weaknesses, our hurts and (all too easily) become "happy, plastic people". I don't want to be a plastic person anymore. My goal for 2009 is to find out how to be "authentic" while still being kind, caring, and yes, liked. I might just have some fun along the way.

Starting my first blog

It started with a phone call. Julie, my BFF and the most fun person I have ever known, called to tell me about her blogs and other fun web-things that are helping her stay in touch. We only see each other a couple times a year and it would be fun to correspond online. Not being a great writer, I hesitated, thinking I would never have time for this. And, being a perfectionist, I thought I'd make myself crazy trying to write something I could let others read. But, I agreed to check it out and give it a try. The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea of having a blog. The minute details of my life would not make fascinating reading...but what if I had a purpose? What if I could find a way to grow through using a blog and, at the same time, keep in touch with Julie? Could be fun! So, here I go...