I'll give you the skinny on the holiday (which is ironic cuz I didn't exactly stay skinny over it!).
We had no traffic problems leaving DC or coming back home. Amazing, right?
My family is doing great. It was wonderful catching up with them. Some of them I hadn't seen for months.
I didn't gain back all the weight that I lost on my fast. Yay! The entire holiday break I enjoyed loads of yummy food and didn't feel guilty. Upon my return to DC, I am still three pounds lighter than my original weight before my fast. So, not bad. Mal and I have begun fasting again in preparation for St. Thomas (eleven days, holla!!).
I loved every minute I spent with Michael. He is amazing. I feel so blessed and lucky to be dating him. Our time together went by too quickly. We enjoyed some QT by ourselves in Gboro, but also spent time with others. I saw his new house and met his parents last weekend. They're a great couple and remind me a lot of my own parents. Seeing as how his parents already know mine and like them (yeah, small world, right?), there won't be any awkward "meeting of the parents". I don't have to worry about them getting along!
I'm counting down the days until Mike, Mal, and our friend Dave (from DC) go to St. Thomas. I'm so excited!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
The weekend
In looking over my month, I realize that I have posted very few updates.
It's been a great weekend. The majority of it was spent in "down time" and was very enjoyable. Friday afternoon wasn't the best, as I left early from work with eye problems. Blaming it on Mal's pink eye from earlier in the week, Mal drove me to the doctor and I was prescribed some drops. It feels much better- normal. I've decided that I'd like to get LASIK surgery (ASAP) and have decided on a personal goal of having it done in one to two years.
Mal and I started a juice fast/diet on Tuesday of this past week. We were inspired by a friend of Drew's who visited and stayed with us for four nights this week. She'd been on the fast for 23 days and had lost over 15 pounds. The fast is designed to last for thirty days and is intended to "flush the system" of toxins. It's done by using an extractor to juice fruits and/or veggies. Only the juice is used- no pulp, etc. The juice provides minerals and vitamins that the body needs without added calories. The result is a healthier inside and slimmer outside. To date, I've lost nine pounds in six days. Not shabby, folks. It's approximately 400-500 calories per day. I've drank juice, teas, water, and some coffee. No food. I'm going into day seven.
It's been really hard, but I'm not as hungry as I was in the first few days. My body has adjusted and the results on the scale (and in my clothes) have been encouraging. Mal is losing weight too. I've only four more pounds before I reach the weight I was when I graduated high school. St. Thomas, here we come!
On Saturday, Mal, Drew, and I all slept in and it was great! The afternoon was spent relaxing (mostly since we're all broke and can't afford to do much else). In the evening, Mal and I ventured out to buy some things on our "to get" list. We tackled the Dollar Store (told you, we're broke), GNC (had to get some supplements for the juice fast- we're keeping it healthy, don't worry), and Walmart (where we picked up a juicer, since Drew's friend left DC with her's). The guy in GNC told Mal that he'd heard of many people having success on the juice fast. He added that the weight tends to stay off, which will be nice. I think that as long as we're smart in transitioning back into a "normal diet" that we'll be okay with keeping off the extra pounds. I've certainly learned that my hunger pains can be worked through and that I don't really "need" that cookie like I thought I did. :) I'm feeling awesome and have more energy than I thought I would.
Today, Mal and I went to church. It was a great message about how God can turn our adversities into opportunities. The pastor is in the third week of his seven part series that is themed around the book that he wrote.
After church, the two of us caught the new Bond movie, Casino Royale. I don't know why so many people were knocking Daniel Craig. He was just as entertaining as the previous actors who've played the character. It was a great flick and quite "Bondish" in all the classic ways. Well, minus Craig's blonde hair and piercing baby blues.
I'm so excited about the short week ahead and the holiday on the horizon. I'll only be working two and a half days this week, as I am leaving work early on Wednesday so that we can leave DC by noonish. Mal has a breakfast meeting that morning, but will be done before 10 o'clock. Apparently, traffic is deadlocked on the highway after three, so we're getting an early start.
Things I'm looking forward to: Catching up with the fam, seeing Michael (and his new house that he's closing on tomorrow), meeting Mike's parents (Friday), and seeing some friends. I can hardly wait and am in count-down mode. I'm worse than Dick Clark on New Year's eve.
It's been a great weekend. The majority of it was spent in "down time" and was very enjoyable. Friday afternoon wasn't the best, as I left early from work with eye problems. Blaming it on Mal's pink eye from earlier in the week, Mal drove me to the doctor and I was prescribed some drops. It feels much better- normal. I've decided that I'd like to get LASIK surgery (ASAP) and have decided on a personal goal of having it done in one to two years.
Mal and I started a juice fast/diet on Tuesday of this past week. We were inspired by a friend of Drew's who visited and stayed with us for four nights this week. She'd been on the fast for 23 days and had lost over 15 pounds. The fast is designed to last for thirty days and is intended to "flush the system" of toxins. It's done by using an extractor to juice fruits and/or veggies. Only the juice is used- no pulp, etc. The juice provides minerals and vitamins that the body needs without added calories. The result is a healthier inside and slimmer outside. To date, I've lost nine pounds in six days. Not shabby, folks. It's approximately 400-500 calories per day. I've drank juice, teas, water, and some coffee. No food. I'm going into day seven.
It's been really hard, but I'm not as hungry as I was in the first few days. My body has adjusted and the results on the scale (and in my clothes) have been encouraging. Mal is losing weight too. I've only four more pounds before I reach the weight I was when I graduated high school. St. Thomas, here we come!
On Saturday, Mal, Drew, and I all slept in and it was great! The afternoon was spent relaxing (mostly since we're all broke and can't afford to do much else). In the evening, Mal and I ventured out to buy some things on our "to get" list. We tackled the Dollar Store (told you, we're broke), GNC (had to get some supplements for the juice fast- we're keeping it healthy, don't worry), and Walmart (where we picked up a juicer, since Drew's friend left DC with her's). The guy in GNC told Mal that he'd heard of many people having success on the juice fast. He added that the weight tends to stay off, which will be nice. I think that as long as we're smart in transitioning back into a "normal diet" that we'll be okay with keeping off the extra pounds. I've certainly learned that my hunger pains can be worked through and that I don't really "need" that cookie like I thought I did. :) I'm feeling awesome and have more energy than I thought I would.
Today, Mal and I went to church. It was a great message about how God can turn our adversities into opportunities. The pastor is in the third week of his seven part series that is themed around the book that he wrote.
After church, the two of us caught the new Bond movie, Casino Royale. I don't know why so many people were knocking Daniel Craig. He was just as entertaining as the previous actors who've played the character. It was a great flick and quite "Bondish" in all the classic ways. Well, minus Craig's blonde hair and piercing baby blues.
I'm so excited about the short week ahead and the holiday on the horizon. I'll only be working two and a half days this week, as I am leaving work early on Wednesday so that we can leave DC by noonish. Mal has a breakfast meeting that morning, but will be done before 10 o'clock. Apparently, traffic is deadlocked on the highway after three, so we're getting an early start.
Things I'm looking forward to: Catching up with the fam, seeing Michael (and his new house that he's closing on tomorrow), meeting Mike's parents (Friday), and seeing some friends. I can hardly wait and am in count-down mode. I'm worse than Dick Clark on New Year's eve.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
NC, here I come!
This just in... looks like it will be a fast trip to NC this weekend. I love spontaneity.
I heard back from one of the pastors at NCC after I sent an email inquiring about becoming a leader in Alpha. The leadership meeting this Saturday is for people more interested in leading their own small group. Alpha has its own training program. So, I won't be missing anything if I head to NC this weekend.
Mal and I will be heading south as soon as I'm done with work tonight.
With this change of plan, I may get to attend a wedding in Winston that I otherwise would have missed. Also, Mike and I have already made plans for Saturday night. One of his coworkers is having a party, so I'll get to meet some people with whom he works. Plus... I get to go to Calvary on Sunday. YAY!!!
I heard back from one of the pastors at NCC after I sent an email inquiring about becoming a leader in Alpha. The leadership meeting this Saturday is for people more interested in leading their own small group. Alpha has its own training program. So, I won't be missing anything if I head to NC this weekend.
Mal and I will be heading south as soon as I'm done with work tonight.
With this change of plan, I may get to attend a wedding in Winston that I otherwise would have missed. Also, Mike and I have already made plans for Saturday night. One of his coworkers is having a party, so I'll get to meet some people with whom he works. Plus... I get to go to Calvary on Sunday. YAY!!!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Something stirring again...
Mal and I went on a church retreat this weekend. Friday night began roughly. Mal's last day at The Senate was hellish and she'd been unable to shake the emotions and stress that it had caused. Our plan was to leave shortly after six. The retreat center was supposedly an hour and a half away in West Virginia. She came through the door at 6:40 (we were to be there by 8:00). Although our bags were packed, there were a few last minute things to get together. She was tired. Hungry. I was a bit sleepy. Nonetheless, we gathered our belongings and Mal led the way.
I stood on the landing, locking the front door, and heard her yell from the street. She was standing before the car. "Are you kidding me?!"
It was dark and I was balancing my bags while locking the door. Is she talking to me?
"What?" I called out, but received no response. I finished locking up and fumbled down the stairs to the sidewalk. It seems that she was yelling to the cop who'd left the ticket on the car. He was gone, or so it seemed. I think she yelled for good measure, in case he was still within ear shot. The car had been illegally parked for less than ten minutes. It was long enough, however.
That's how our weekend began. We were tired. Mal was starving. We were running late and had just received a parking ticket. It seemed that the weekend would be long.
Isn't it great how the tides can change though? They come crashing in, sometimes furious and angry, and then flow out gracefully. That's how the rest of the night went.
Our drive was smooth. We had McD's for the first time in a while. Living in the city, and far from convenient fast food, makes McD's a treat. Mal had her sweet tea, which I thought was a miracle since we were in Maryland. We arrived to the retreat center by 8:20. We were late, but had shaken the negativity that had taken hold earlier in the night. As we walked through the main hall, it was empty except for about five people. Hmm.
We signed in and learned that many people were running late. No worries. We'd get started at nine instead. It gave us time to settle in our room and claim a bed. We shared a room that had 21 beds in it, one sink, and one toilet. There was a chill in the room and the toilet was finicky. Luckily, there were only five of us assigned to the room. Later in the night, we were able to snag extra blankets from other beds.
The evening began with a "get to know everyone" game. Then, we watched an introductory video to the weekend. It basically gave us a preview to the topic of discussion- the Holy Spirit. Then, we broke for free time. From about ten o'clock on, we formed smaller groups and played games that had been provided to us. Mal and I joined a group playing Cranium. I love that game. The night wrapped up shortly after midnight. By the end of our time, I'd already met some more people and been on a team that had won the game. Nice.
Everyone returned to their rooms for sleep. Mal and I stayed up until after one as we talked with one of the women in our room.
The next morning began bright and early. We shared a communal breakfast and then met in the larger room from the night before. We watched a video, listened to someone speak for a bit, and then broke for lunch and free time. Mal and I ate lunch with our "small group" that we meet with every Monday night. There are eight of us and we are evenly divided between men and women. Our ages range from mid-forties to Mal's 23. It makes for some lively discussion and the size of our group is perfect.
When we returned to the large room, we took time out to perform some skits. After that time, we watched one more video and wrapped up with prayer time. It was an amazing weekend and I felt the Holy Spirit moving. I'm excited, and hope, that there will be a "summary" of the weekend that is shared tomorrow night. I know that there were a lot of people who are really seeking answers about God and I hope that the weekend brought them some clarity. Please be in prayer for those who are seeking Him. I can tell that seeds are being planted.
Mal and I left there feeling hope and closeness. After we arrived in DC, the rest of the evening was spent relaxing. Drew is sick and sneezing every few minutes. Mal thinks she has contracted pink eye. I'm popping vitamins and washing my hands like a maniac. So, last night was spent lounging in pj's and surrounded by kleenexes. We played a game of cards, but went to bed fairly early for a Saturday night.
Church was awesome today. The music seemed heavenly and the message was encouraging. Our pastor published a new book about a month ago and today started a seven-part series that relates to the book. At the end of the sermon, he gave everyone a copy of his book. I'm excited about reading it and also hearing more applications on Sundays.
I'm thinking about getting involved with leading Alpha (our Monday night study) next semester. I'm feeling a tug that's prompted some praying. Next Saturday there is a "leadership seminar" that I may attend. It's for people in the church who want to get more involved with small groups and take on leadership roles (go figure that a class entitled "leadership seminar" would be that). So, we'll see. I think I'll go and hear what I can do.
Mal starts her new job tomorrow in Alexandria. Her commute will be a little bit longer, but I know it'll be worth it. I'm looking forward to seeing how she grows with this job and hearing about the difference that she is making there.
I stood on the landing, locking the front door, and heard her yell from the street. She was standing before the car. "Are you kidding me?!"
It was dark and I was balancing my bags while locking the door. Is she talking to me?
"What?" I called out, but received no response. I finished locking up and fumbled down the stairs to the sidewalk. It seems that she was yelling to the cop who'd left the ticket on the car. He was gone, or so it seemed. I think she yelled for good measure, in case he was still within ear shot. The car had been illegally parked for less than ten minutes. It was long enough, however.
That's how our weekend began. We were tired. Mal was starving. We were running late and had just received a parking ticket. It seemed that the weekend would be long.
Isn't it great how the tides can change though? They come crashing in, sometimes furious and angry, and then flow out gracefully. That's how the rest of the night went.
Our drive was smooth. We had McD's for the first time in a while. Living in the city, and far from convenient fast food, makes McD's a treat. Mal had her sweet tea, which I thought was a miracle since we were in Maryland. We arrived to the retreat center by 8:20. We were late, but had shaken the negativity that had taken hold earlier in the night. As we walked through the main hall, it was empty except for about five people. Hmm.
We signed in and learned that many people were running late. No worries. We'd get started at nine instead. It gave us time to settle in our room and claim a bed. We shared a room that had 21 beds in it, one sink, and one toilet. There was a chill in the room and the toilet was finicky. Luckily, there were only five of us assigned to the room. Later in the night, we were able to snag extra blankets from other beds.
The evening began with a "get to know everyone" game. Then, we watched an introductory video to the weekend. It basically gave us a preview to the topic of discussion- the Holy Spirit. Then, we broke for free time. From about ten o'clock on, we formed smaller groups and played games that had been provided to us. Mal and I joined a group playing Cranium. I love that game. The night wrapped up shortly after midnight. By the end of our time, I'd already met some more people and been on a team that had won the game. Nice.
Everyone returned to their rooms for sleep. Mal and I stayed up until after one as we talked with one of the women in our room.
The next morning began bright and early. We shared a communal breakfast and then met in the larger room from the night before. We watched a video, listened to someone speak for a bit, and then broke for lunch and free time. Mal and I ate lunch with our "small group" that we meet with every Monday night. There are eight of us and we are evenly divided between men and women. Our ages range from mid-forties to Mal's 23. It makes for some lively discussion and the size of our group is perfect.
When we returned to the large room, we took time out to perform some skits. After that time, we watched one more video and wrapped up with prayer time. It was an amazing weekend and I felt the Holy Spirit moving. I'm excited, and hope, that there will be a "summary" of the weekend that is shared tomorrow night. I know that there were a lot of people who are really seeking answers about God and I hope that the weekend brought them some clarity. Please be in prayer for those who are seeking Him. I can tell that seeds are being planted.
Mal and I left there feeling hope and closeness. After we arrived in DC, the rest of the evening was spent relaxing. Drew is sick and sneezing every few minutes. Mal thinks she has contracted pink eye. I'm popping vitamins and washing my hands like a maniac. So, last night was spent lounging in pj's and surrounded by kleenexes. We played a game of cards, but went to bed fairly early for a Saturday night.
Church was awesome today. The music seemed heavenly and the message was encouraging. Our pastor published a new book about a month ago and today started a seven-part series that relates to the book. At the end of the sermon, he gave everyone a copy of his book. I'm excited about reading it and also hearing more applications on Sundays.
I'm thinking about getting involved with leading Alpha (our Monday night study) next semester. I'm feeling a tug that's prompted some praying. Next Saturday there is a "leadership seminar" that I may attend. It's for people in the church who want to get more involved with small groups and take on leadership roles (go figure that a class entitled "leadership seminar" would be that). So, we'll see. I think I'll go and hear what I can do.
Mal starts her new job tomorrow in Alexandria. Her commute will be a little bit longer, but I know it'll be worth it. I'm looking forward to seeing how she grows with this job and hearing about the difference that she is making there.
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