Microwave Generation

I think this phenomena of the “microwave generation” is negatively impacting all aspects of our American life.  For those of you who haven’t heard of this phrase, it’s basically referring to the fact that we have become accustomed to things instantaneously rather than waiting for something in its own time.

There are several things that are leading to this post: conversations, reflections, reading, and more than likely a huge influence is the time-it is 1:30am and I am exhausted, but keep thinking about this thought I am going to try to put into words.

We are created in God’s image.  I believe the creation all around us reflects God’s character-in this, I am also referring to seasons, plants, harvests, nature, etc.  It breaks my heart that so much of our image of God is being jaded by the culture we are surrounded by-this so-called “microwave generation” mentality.  There is a time where a carrot is nothing but a tiny thing under the ground.  In looking at the ground, it sure doesn’t seem like there’s much going on-especially not something actively being created that could potentially help sustain us, nourish us, and replenish us.  Oftentimes in seasons of loneliness, frustration, and dissatisfaction in our lives, we expect a quick fix.  Rather, I expect a quick fix.  I don’t want to go through the negative to get to the positive.  I just want it all positive.  And right now.  Or even yesterday.

I have been so encouraged by reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and through conversations at my Bible Study tonight at how much God’s character truly is revealed through His creation.  I have been disillusioned by this “need” for busyness, and doing (we are human beings afterall, right?  Not human doings), and productivity as measured by what I can mark of my list.  I pray that I can be more sensitive to His desire for my life-rather than my society’s desire for my life.  That I can sit still and bask in the knowledge that HE I S GOD.  I desire to reflect Him in all that I do-not just at the times that are convenient, or when I feel like it, or when it’s my desire.  Different things are in season at different times.  I want to wholeheartedly embrace what I am experiencing in this season.  A season of singleness (despite my desire to have children), a season of transition (despite my desire for stability), a season of relying on Him (despite my desire to map it all out), a season to learn and grown (despite my desire to be complacent), a season of learning to slow down (despite my desire to go, go, go) and a season of nobody commenting on my blog (despite my desire to have hundreds of comments daily) . 

What season are you in?

I Did It!

Here’s a little post to toot my own horn (not literally, as I have not yet bought one for my bike…but it is my intention to do so):

I rode my beautiful bike (I’m leaning towards ‘Mellow Yellow’, Becky) to work today! Granted, I only live five miles from work and it took me 35 minutes, but I did it nonetheless!

Things I overestimated:
-My biking ability (although it turned out just fine in the end)

Things I underestimated:
-The size of the two hills on the way to work (really not substantial at all, but painful at the time)
-How hot it was going to be whilst working out (a co-worker recommended that I not clean up and have the kids go through what we go through everyday)
-The value of mapping out my route beforehand (I got lost in a neighborhood which probably added a half mile to my trip)
-The size and tenacity of Metro buses; they are frightening!
-The envy I would feel towards people on the Metro!
-The sense of accomplishment I would feel upon arriving to work and having a standing ovation in the front office!

So, here’s to more bike riding!! (I need a nap.)

 

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things!

Hallelujah!!! Testing is offically done with. I use the term ‘officially’ with trepidation here…as I realized today I forgot to turn in five forms I was supposed to (they are letting me fax it tomorrow) and I am certain they will be calling within the week to inform me of something that I’ve done wrong (thankfully, it’s usually fixable!) So, tomorrow it’s back to the classroom after FOUR WEEKS out!! I really, really miss my students (although many of them have been swinging by periodically to wish me well and remind me of what a bad decision I made).

Anyways, after I went to turn in the materials at 11am, I decided to make it an “All About Me” kinda day! So, I called up to the massage college and set up an appointment. First, I went home to organize my life a little and got to see Risa & Co. (the four recent high school grads who are staying with me) before they headed out to Hollywood (I am thoroughly enjoying the Tillman invasion…and look forward to another Tillman visit in June!)

I then proceeded to jump in my car (after watching them fully utilize team work to back out of my carport without damaging the car…those of you have been here know what a challenge that proves to be!). A lot of productivity quickly ensued. I went to Sports Authority and bought some cycling get up, went tanning (I know, I know), got some Jamba Juice, and headed to my massage appointment at my alma mater Massage School where I enjoyed a fabulous massage. My massage therapist’s name was Paul and we just had a ball (no rhyme intended here initially). We had a wonderful conversation about life: education, exploring options, following your passion, approaching 30, etc. He moved out here a few years ago from Chicago to pursue his writing and spoken word career. Which led me to tell him about Rosalyn, the little girl I mentor who is absolutely captivating when it comes to public speaking, and in particular, spoken word. So, at the end of my hour and a half massage session (it was supposed to be an hour, but we got lost in conversation and he lost track of time which is a-ok by me because, being 6′3”, I feel an hour massage doesn’t fully get all of my body thoroughly), he ran out to his car to give me a DVD and brochures to give to Rosalyn. I haven’t checked it all out yet, but you sure can here.

Upon leaving the fabulous massage, I went on a half hour run on the beach in preparation for this triathlon I have in less than three weeks! I stopped by at Trader Joe’s to get some necessities and came upon Dark Chocolate covered Joe-Joe’s. Really not okay because they are so amazing! Consider this your warning: do not try these cookies. I also got my car washed, which is always so gratifying when you can see out the windows even with the sun shining in because the dirt is not reflecting it making you blind.

I came back home to jump on my bike and head to the P.O. and bank with my recently purchased helmet. I am slightly unconfident (real word?) in my biking skills. I feel a little threatened by the big cars and don’t want to be annoying to them when I’m in the lane…but know that I am not supposed to dominate the sidewalks either. I’m sure I’ll grow more confident as the practice continues. But, let me tell you…after all of about a 1.2 mile round trip, I am definitely in need of some suggestions for a good bike seat. I mean, seriously. As soon as possible. Preferrably with some padding.

All in all, today turned out to be a pretty fabulous day! The only sad part is that our neighbors are moving…and although I’ve never had an actual conversation with them (language barrier and I’m also ‘unconfident’ in my Spanish speaking abilities which is annoying) and even though it sometimes resembles a playground with all the kids running around and random fiestas they have, they really are a sweet family with two beautiful children! Best wishes to my neighbors! (I always have a weird thing about when people leave me…I’m used to doing the leaving!)

All the Beautiful People

I really love people. It’s kind of an obsession actually. I just love talking to people, and listening to people, and meeting people, and learning from people. Seeing people smile and hearing them laugh just brings me such joy. I can think of several incidences in the last day that have brought me such joy:

• A teacher yesterday staying afterschool to thank me for all I have done with the testing and making it run so smoothly.  She was so deliberate in pointing out how beautiful I was and that it meant so much to her that I was always positive.  (Thank you, Jesus!)
• The employees at In ‘N Out Yesterday were so incredibly helpful and friendly.  I’m not kidding when I say they ran to assist me when I brought back in my cheeseburger because it was supposed to be a grilled cheese (I think I accidentally ordered a grilled cheeseburger…oops!)
• This lady just knocked on my door this morning to get me to vote for some Supervisor of the City.  We had such a lovely conversation about education, inequality, human rights, etc.  Granted, I know she’s out politicking (sp?), but it still felt like a genuine conversation

 
Having these kind of brief, and rather shallow-I admit, interactions reminds me of the good in people. So much of life is tainted by the bad and it gets discouraging and disheartening. I can think of one such incident that completely breaks my heart (please note, this is obviously not going to be an uplifting story, so don’t feel pressure to continue reading if you don’t want to):

• I was looking forward to this morning.  It was going to be the first time since April 29th (yes, I consulted my planner for this tidbit) I was able to sleep in without an alarm.  Of course, at 6:17 I awoke in a state of panic thinking I was late to work where I am so desperately needed to disseminate testing material.  It took several attempts to remind myself it was Saturday before falling back to sleep.  Forty minutes later, I was awakened by a man screaming at a woman.  It included the “f word” approximately every other word, an average of four to six times per sentence.  So much so, I couldn’t even understand what he was attempting to communicate because it was so dominated by his other choice word.  For those of you who haven’t been to my apartment, I wasn’t just being completely nosey here…there really is no avoiding hearing parts of other people’s elevated conversations because of the close proximity.   After screaming out my window, “Everyone can hear you.  Shut up!” and hearing the reply, “Shut the f&%* up, b$%&*”, I realized I was a little out of my league here.  This being said, I really am not even afraid at my house because I know if anything happens, I’ll be able to scream and have approximately 271 people hear.  Which is what the woman involved in this verbal altercation was driven to do when the man got violent.  It was horrible.  I did call the police.  I was glad when I heard from the dispatcher that someone else had also reported it.  I was definitely shaking because I was so rattled by this.  And I just sat and prayed for them until I heard the police arrive.  Isn’t that a lovely way to wake up?

I am saddened for the woman involved in this because I am not naive enough to believe this was the first time this had happened.  It just breaks my heart this stuff goes on around us all of the time, and oftentimes is avoided or covered up.  It makes me grateful for the positive interactions I do have and prayerful for the ones that aren’t so positive.

 

Perspective

Today, on my flight home, I was once again reminded of God’s sovereignty and beautiful promises and faithfulness. I had fallen asleep before the plane even took off while we were idling in the runway. About an hour later, I woke up just in time to see my favorite view (similar to one I’ve shared on here before) of the clouds and how beautiful they are when you look down upon them. They really just remind me of the heaven I picture (although I know it might not be realistic…you all know what I’m talking about!). I fell back asleep smiling since I felt God had nudged me awake just to allow me see that wondrous view. A few minutes (seconds?) later I woke up again and peered out the window to see myself in the midst of those clouds I had just admired. And it was kinda ugly. Gray and blurry and really not much to write home about. And it made the ride bumpy for a short while. This reminded me of the importance of perspective. Moments before, I had admired God’s beautiful layout and intricate design of the clouds. However, now in the midst of those clouds, I was not as amused.

This reminded me of my life right now. While a little bit removed (like I was this weekend while at home for Lindsay’s wedding), I can think about all I have to do and feel okay, satisfied, and even encouraged and calm at times. But, while in the midst of things (Tuesday night comes to mind, Jamie and Bekah), I get distraught, disheartened, overwhelmed, etc. So, while flying through the clouds, I was reminded it’s all about a shift of perspective. Things this week with Testing might suck a little bit. Hey, maybe even a lot. But, once I’m a little removed from the situation, I’ll be able to relax and breathe, and even remember that God’s beauty and grace and goodness were reflected even in the worst of times. And really, it’s not even the worst of times. It just seems so from that perspective.

American Heritage Dictionary
per·spec·tive (pər-spěk’tĭv)
n.

1. A view or vista.
2. A mental view or outlook: “It is useful occasionally to look at the past to gain a perspective on the present” (Fabian Linden).
3. The relationship of aspects of a subject to each other and to a whole: a perspective of history; a need to view the problem in the proper perspective.

Why?!

Why did I accept the position of Testing Coordinator?

Any random ‘why’ questions you have floating in your head lately?! Please share!!

Just Another Manic Monday

So, my day begins.  I’m still a little bitter about the fact that I woke up in amidst a hot flash a few hours prior and immediately stormed the house in a sweaty panic looking for an extra fan to cool my hot self back to sleep.  Thank you, sister, for your prompt attention to this matter.

On the other hand, I am pretty satisfied with my night’s sleep because it was one of those that erroneously seemed to last much longer than it truly was.  Then I kinda got startled as I opened my bedroom door and noted that the TV was still blasting and realized our windows were wide open with the blinds pulled back revealing everything to the world.  I then realized my sister’s friend had opted to crash in the middle of our family room as my sister’s room resembled more of a hot sauna or steambath than comfortable sleeeping accommodations.

As I rushed and got ready for work, I was feeling pretty proud of my 12 minute timing and was ready to head out the door with my lunch, dinner, and snacks packed for the day along with a bag to go to the gym right after tutoring.  Totally on it for a Monday, if I do say so myself.  I jumped in RegEnDev ready for the week which includes building a bike for my upcoming triathlon, having my mom visit during work Wednesday,  two days of sub coverage to get stuff done for the impending testing that’s right around the corner, and a weekend FCA reunion in Santa Barbara.  So, really, a pretty stellar week up ahead.  You know you’re jealous.

So, I continue along my merry way.  I remember seeing several of the same students I see everyday at the bus stop and wonder if they’re beginning to recognize me as well…or if I’m too sporadic in my departure times to really even be noted.  I go through one stop sign, then another.  And that’s when I hear it.  We all know the dreaded sound.  Sirens.  And not just any sirens.  Sirens that are clearly after you.  So I obligingly pull over and here’s the conversation that followed after I manually rolled down Reg’s window (thankfully the sticky sticker has given way enough that this is a possibility; not so a few days ago):

Officer: “So, do you know why I pulled you over?”   

Me:  “Yeah, I just ran a stop sign”

Officer: “Two actually.  And the second one I was right behind you.”

Me: “Oh, yeah.  Oops.”  Must have been when I was looking for my make up brush to scoop up some of the make up that spilled on my middle console and that I still use daily for the sake of saving money.  Don’t think this interaction is gonna help any in the save money department.

Officer: “Are you in a hurry to go to work?  Where do you work?”

Me: “Yeah, I guess.  I’m a teacher at Gompers Middle School in Watts.”  Yeah, I admit it…trying to get mercy points here.  I mean something’s gotta give, right?!  It’s Monday morning!

Officer: “Woah, that might be more dangerous than my job…license and registration?”

Me: Actually, after the recent news and local street closings due to your fellow officers being shot and the shooters subsequently found hiding in my neighbor’s jacuzzi, I find it hard to believe you really think my job is more dangerous. “Actually, I just bought my car and interestingly enough, my registration got in the mail Saturday and I didn’t bring it with me.  I do have my license.  Although, the address is wrong.  I did go to the DMV and tell them about the address change” Too much information, I know.  What I didn’t say was that I updated my address two years ago at my previous address change, in which they never sent me a new license.  Really doesn’t seem like my problem though.  Disorganization serves noone good.

So, that’s how it got started.  But, the big revelation came next.  As he was writing my ticket, I found myself enjoying my time just sitting.  I had the opportunity to apply makeup without having to worry about driving at the same time, which I found to be much safer, less stressful, and led to a more even application.  I also was able to sing along to Matt Redman and really started thanking God for the reminder to just sit and savor time with him.  And that’s subsequently when I realized I am absolutely too busy.  To be praising God for a traffic violation solely for the opportunity to sit is pretty sick.  I need a change of life pace.  And soon.  All of this peace lasted about three to five minutes until I realized I was blocking a driveway in which two cars were waiting to leave.  I tried moving to let them out…but, you guessed it…cops aren’t too fond of that.  He loudly proclaimed they could wait and I sat where I was.  Embarrassing.

But, he did apologize for yelling at me afterwards and “just gave me a citation for running the one stop sign since that’s what he was put there to do since they’re having problems with it lately”.  Well, no wonder.  It’s a pointless stop sign.  And I probably run it three times daily.  So, really, I can’t be too mad.  The nice officer “just advised me on the second stop sign” rather than citing me twice for the same violation one block apart from each other.  What a saint!

Any other interesting citations amongst my blogging friends?

                                                                              

 

 

Dynamic and deliberate

As of late, I have been encouraged, inspired, and reminded of God’s faithfulness. And the reality that a relationship with Him is just like any other in the respect that it is constantly evolving and changing and growing. How astounding that the Creator of the Universe desires to have an intimate relationship with me. I am thankful for my mom’s request to hear how I became a Christian now almost nine years ago….crazy to not have shared that! I am grateful for my dad’s confliction over Sunday’s sermon and the questions and conversations it prompted. All of it reminds me that God desires to have each one of us constantly be striving to know Him more and be more aware of His presence.

The past few months, I have been taking a course at the Bible College offered through my church on Galatians and Ephesians. I have thoroughly enjoyed the consistency this brought to my spiritual life and the fire it lit to learn more and grow more. Through the people in my class, my professor, and ultimately the Holy Spirit, I have been challenged to dig deeper. Although I am sad tonight was our last class, I will be taking a course on Prayer next semester starting May 14th. I feel like I got a little sneak peak tonight in class. John mentioned the fact that a majority of (if not all) the prayers in the New Testament are commands (i.e. in the storm, Jesus commands “Be still”. The Lord’s Prayer “Thy will be done, Thy Kingdom come”) and they are approached in a positive light (“Be healed”, “Be cleansed” rather than “Do not be in pain any longer”, “Do not be dirty anymore”). This really shed a light onto my prayer life. So often, I find myself requesting selfish prayers such as “take my anxiety away…help me stop worrying” rather than declaring the promises I have in Jesus “Give me peace. Calm my heart.” etc. A slight shift of semantics, really, but with powerful implications!

Also on my heart lately has been the importance of ‘community’ (one of the Christian buzz words, I know…but still!) and accountability. Sometimes I worry that I get too caught up in this…but really, in being created in His image, we are relational beings so it’s only natural that I would desire these relationships in my life. And I am thankful for the people He has placed in my life to bring stability, accountability, and encouragement! He is a good God who loves us well.

Bye, Bye Bare Minerals

So, this morning on my way to work while applying my make-up (yes, on my way to work. I know. I am a very unsafe driver. Consider this your warning, if you have not yet taken a ride with me! However, I do like to claim that my passengers, if they were to have their eyes closed, would never realize I was applying make up, eating oatmeal, texting, and/or steering with my knees. As I try to de-stress and simplify my life though, these are some of the multi-tasking habits that have gone first…so do not fret, dear readers of mine! Safety is my number one concern), my whole container of Bare Minerals make up (if you don’t know what this is, it’s all powder…I’m sure you know where this is going…and you should really try it out if you haven’t) spilt over the passenger side of my car, my armrest, the thing where you move from drive to park (what is that called?), and the floor. I momentarily got a little frustrated, but quickly realized it was salvageable. Now, of course, I couldn’t sweep it all up back into the container or much gets lost in the process. And we all know how seriously I am taking this getting out of debt mission I am on…trying not to waste a dime (although that oreo shake last night would probably be considered a “waste”, particularly right after my workout, but it tasted oh-so-good and was well worth the change I dug out from the bottom of my purse and in Reg’s cup holders) so, I just took my little applicator brush, swept it right across one of the piles and continued applying my make up at that red light. This will be the method I use until Friday, when I think it will be all used up. Unfortunately, spilling the make up definitely means I’ll have to make a stop to purchase some more before my flight home on Friday evening, because I just can’t rationalize dust-busting up the remains to put them back in a container able to travel home with me. We used to have rabbits and that’s primarily what the dustbuster was used for. And that’s just gross.

I really can’t believe I just blogged about this, particularly with much more useful things to blog about. I was just amused on my way to work and as I have students silently testing in my room (thank you, Testing Coordinator who can’t really speak Spanish confidently, much less read it, and I have a student in here who moved from Mexico yesterday. God bless her. Welcome to the USA, home of the standardized tests and dehumanizing of students. I mean really. Gotta love NCLB.), I decided what better time to blog away then these few spare moments I have here. It really was not enough time to get deep enough into the Rest & Renewal experiences…but those will shortly follow. As soon as I process through more of it.

FUNNY INTERACTION WITH STUDENT:
I was showing a student, Joshua Cubie (yes, Cubie is his last name), the video of when I did the Zipline at Rest & Renewal. It is essentially just me screaming as you see the landscape pass by me below. He asked why I was scared and my response was, “Well, I was really high”. It was only after I verbalized this that I realized what I had said. But, his response was simple, “oh”. And he really thought I was speaking about a marijuana-type high. After giggling a little from the shock, I had to clarify that I was high in the air, not high on drugs. He was just like, “oh, I thought you meant you were really high and was going all crazy and stuff.” From a student’s perspective, wouldn’t you find it strange that a teacher would be talking to him about being high?!?

Livin’ the LA Life

So, really, I have not taken full advantage of living in this extremely diverse city that I live in.  It is full of festivities, concerts, exhibits, beaches, and all-around fun of many kinds that I have not divulged in.  Enter today.

It started out a typical Saturday morning-picked up some students to go cheer on Gompers Middle School’s basketball teams.  Now, while this isn’t typically what I do Saturday, it definitely wasn’t noteworthy or anything completely out of the ordinary.  I work with some pretty cool kids that are great to spend time with.  So, we ran around for a few hours cheering teams on, eating some wings (I momentarily forgot about the fact I haven’t eaten meat in two weeks…oops!  Regular vegetarian/pescatarian influence will begin again tomorrow!), and having fun.

I dropped them off and headed to Amber’s to begin the search for clothing to meet this new “style” I have in mind.  Went to the Vintage Thrift shop to search around, to no avail…but still had a good time doin’ our thang!  Ran back home to eat quick snack and change.  Five of us stuffed into Reg (he’s not quite as roomy as the Envoy…but he gets the job done.  And done well!  Albeit quaintly) and headed to Shay’s photography exhibit in Venice.  It was a cute little studio right by the beach with several artists struttin’ their stuff!  It really was quite elegant.  Complete with wine, conversation, and hors d’oerves (I try to spell this unsuccessfully everytime…but I know you know what I mean).  Throwing my plate full of crumbs onto an older gentleman was highly embarrassing, but he was very understanding for the most part.  I mean, really….who does that?  Dang wind! 

Upon leaving the exhibit, we all decided it would be wonderful if everyone lived in a musical.  Where people sang and danced and busted into choreographed moves randomly on the streets.  You better believe this led to much fun on the walk back to the car.  I’m serious when I say my voice is a little bit scratchy from all the singing.  You really should try this.  Incorporate dance moves and drama when appropriate.  I noticed strangers were not as enthusiastic about this musical approach, as they seemed to believe we were mocking them rather than trying to invite them into this musical world of ours. 

We all skidaddled (once again, not claiming to be a spelling bee winner here) over to Temple Bar to watch Fosforo perform.  Hopefully that link works.  It literally took four attempts to add it in here, and I must admit I am a little bit impressed with myself.   It was really awesome.  In case the link doesn’t work, which is a highly likely assumption, I will just let you know they are a little reggae/punk/electronica/mix/goodness all in one.  If I had posted about Spring Break yet, you would have known about my newfound love of reggae.   Which I also do not know if I am spelling correctly.  Whatever!  Anyways, the evening ended with a fabulous conversation with a musician named Alex.  Not quite famous yet…but a musician nonetheless.

Sorry, Raleigh, I didn’t have the chance to catch up with Jennifer today.  She was busy and had to reschedule.

In light of my last post and the fact I’m feeling a little more uplifted, I’ll go ahead and entertain a 5 + 2:

5 Things I’m Grateful For:

• That Reg defrosts rapidly and remarkably.  It really was breathtaking.
• Great friends who like to do cool things and allow me to tag along
• My students who keep me laughing, motivated, and encouraged
• Living with my sister: watching Food Network, playing Dr. Mario, plotting against birds, etc.
• A low-key day tomorrow!

2 Things I Am Looking Forward To:

• Fun weekend activities over the next two months! (bachelorette party, retreat, Arizona, mom’s wedding, Santa Barbara, Lindsay’s wedding, Grandma’s 90th birthday, Monica’s wedding, etc.)  WHEW!!
• CST Testing being over and done with so I can relax a little more!