Do Everything!

Tune-in Tuesday!
Today is the release date for Steven Curtis Chapman's latest album, re:creation.  You need to check it out.  Here is the clever and fun video for the single "Do Everything".  Enjoy!
(PS - if you haven't heard, he'll be performing at Traders Point in September!)

Old Bibles

Where do old Bibles go when they retire?  This isn't a joke, I really am wondering - when you get a new Bible, what do you do with the old one?  Surely you wouldn't just throw it away, but can you give away a used Bible?  Mine tend to get marked up and would be a hot mess for anyone else to try to wade through. 

See, I am not exaggerating.  This is a page from the Bible I used in high school.

Me, I've saved all mine.  (Of course, I save a lot of stuff)

Some are on bookshelves...

some live in my bedroom...

and on the bookshelf in the bedroom, I think there is one more.  Plus a huge family Bible that never comes out of its box.

It is kind of cool to pull them out and flip through and see how God was talking to me at that point in my life.  Also is fun to look through a Bible you haven't used in awhile and see what you left tucked between the pages.  Here are some recent findings from the Bible in the first picture.

• Inside the front cover: a letter written to me from younger friend when I was going off to college and she was still in high school.  Haven't talked to her in years.  It was surreal to read.
• My bookmark was in Isaiah 40 & 41.  Guess I have loved those passages for a long time.
• Between Matthew 5 and 6, a piece of paper with a friend of mine's address (again, from HS youth group) in my handwriting and a personal message from him in his: "Git [sic] a real life".  On the back of the paper: The Beatitudes.  Quite the eclectic mix.
• In the back, a Christmas card from 50 Watts, my fave youth group leader; a bulletin from the church we visited on the TPCC senior spring break trip; the playbill from a play I was in (I think senior year?); and a timeline I wrote in 1990.  Unfortunately the time line had no future predictions for me to look back on, but very cool to look back at some past events that when I was 18 seemed like milestone moments in my young life.

So, back on the shelf until next time, I guess...

The Exhorter

How would you describe an "exhorter"?  Here is one definition.  I am looking for others.  Input, anyone?

EXHORTER: That special ability to find and communicate to others practical ways of serving God. The exhorter is a positive motivator, knowing practical Christianity will change the lives of others (Rom. 12:8; I Timothy. 4:13; Heb. 10:25).

Monon Moments

Took a family bike ride down the Monon Saturday.  Some random thoughts:

• From Kaylie:  "You know what I like about the Monon Trail?  Number 1, the restaurants where you can stop and eat.  Number 2, the shade from the trees.  Number 3, the signs.  And number 4, the line." (with special emphasis on lii-iiinnne)
• We rode 11 miles.  I didn't think this was that long, but anytime the hubby tells someone they say "Wow!".  Did we really ride that far, or do people just think he's out of shape?
• I am concerned about all these people walking the trail in flip flops.  I hope they are not walking far.  Don't they know this is bad for their feet?
• Saw a dude with baggy bike shorts.  How does that happen?
• Saw another dude with a pocket in his bike shorts, right on his lower back.  For some reason, I found this really icky.
• I think I need a cushier seat.
• I love strawberry frozen yogurt.  (oh, yeah, we stopped for a snack)  Remember how popular frozen yogurt used to be?  Does TCBY even exist anymore?  (If so, where is the nearest location??)
• HOW do people do multi-day 25+miles per day rides?  They must be made of steel.  Or marshmallow.

(I know this qualifies as one of those inane, who really cares posts, but it is my blog and no one is forcing anyone else to read it, so I can say whatever I want (within reason, of course).  Right?)

Unlikely Disciple/The Jonah Project

So I just finished reading the book The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University.  The book was written by a Brown student who decided to go undercover for one semester at Liberty University, a Christian liberal arts college founded by Jerry Falwell.  The author, Kevin Roose, wanted to have a cross-cultural experience and, rather than travel abroad, he traveled to Lynchburg, Virginia to learn more about a subset of people a world away from his: evangelical Christians.

As an evangelical Christian who attended a Christian liberal arts college (Taylor University), I was a little scared to read this book.  I was afraid it would be mocking and sarcastic, and make the Liberty students out to be extreme caricatures.  I was pleasantly surprised that he seems to have presented the students and professors pretty fairly.  It is disappointing that Kevin had some of the experiences he did have - those that make me cringe and give Christians a bad reputation, and with "Christians" who inaccurately represent what living your life for Christ really is all about.  But it was encouraging that Kevin did learn something and grow from his time at Liberty and Kevin seems very sincere about his desire to learn and desire for people to come together.

One way the author is showing his sincerity about bringing cultures together (as well as his book-promoting ability) is a project he began called The Jonah Project.  With this project, Kevin Roose is encouraging people with philosophic, political, religious (etc) differences to come together and have a conversation (not a fight), and then share what they learned (or didn't learn) with the blogosphere.  (Oh, and they each get (and presumably read) a copy of Kevin's book).  Not sure how much will be gained from it, but I think it is a pretty good idea.

Below is a speech Kevin recently gave about the book and the Jonah Project.  It is long, but gives a good overview of his experience and the tone of the book.

Love to hear if you have any thoughts on this, or if you have read the book and want to share what you thought.


Kevin Roose at Gel 2010 (author, The Unlikely Disciple) from Gel Conference on Vimeo.

SNOW!!!

I think snow is one of the most beautiful things God created.

Such evidence of His handiwork, testimony of His power, a beautiful example of the intricacies of His creation.

If you have never taken the time to lay down in the snow (especially when it is snowing) and just be, you are missing something awesome.  It is the most peaceful, tranquil experience.  Try it.  I could sleep in the snow if it wasn't for the whole freezing part.

(Yes, that is me in boots and my pajamas)

Super Dee Dooper

Why is it that the two times the (Indianapolis) Colts get into the Super Bowl, the Super Bowl logo is primarily orange? 

Look at all the lovely logos the NFL has had in the past (go on, look!) - and the two that are mostly orange are....Super Bowls XLI and XLIV. 

Is it the Miami connection?  The Orange Bowl?  If they are going to use Miami Dolphin colors, why not some lovely turquoise or teal or whatever color that is? 
However, I would much rather deal with orange splattered on my blue and white merchandise than watch someone else play next week.

Rock on and GO COLTS!

Snow Emergency French Toast

I am a dramatic person, but not a melodramatic person.  I don't panic and go wacko over little stuff.  Well, unless it is a pet peeve, but those are different, right?  But when we are supposed to get, say, four to six inches of snow, I don't go into a tizzy.  Apparently I am in the minority.

I could go on and on about this, but here is the thing:  you are afraid you won't be able to get out of the house for days; or that you will get out of the house and down the road to the market and they'll be out of food because the trucks can't get through.  So you go to the market and think "What can I not live without for the next two days while I wait for the plows to come?" (plow the 2 inches of snow we usually end up getting when they forecast 6).  And you come up with milk, bread, and eggs??  Seriously?  This is as creative as people get I guess.  Me, if I was into that type of panic, I'd grab coffee, chocolate, and maybe some fruit so I wouldn't get scurvy.

My dad says people have to get their ingredients for Snow Emergency French Toast.

The local ABC station had a poll on their website today:  Do you typically go to a store to buy milk, bread, and/or eggs before a winter storm?  Somebody is lying because the percent of people who said no was 60% as of this evening.  It sure seems like more than 40% of the population is at the market when these storms are predicted.  I know.  I have been unfortunate enough to actually be out of something I need and been forced to go to the market when people are in panic mode.  That's an awful lot of people "not" buying milk, bread, and eggs.  And don't tell me that they are there to buy other stuff.  I have seen the egg and milk cases and the cartons (or lack thereof) don't lie.

Some day, my family is going to starve and the French Toasties can tell me "I told you so", but until then, I am stubbornly remaining steadfast.

And don't even get me started on the people who show up for work or an event and tell me how horrible the roads are.  Oh, you mean the roads I was just driving on, but still managed to get to work on time?  Those roads?

Let it out, PSA Edition

A series of public service announcements.  Because I care about you.  It’s how I roll.


• If you don’t show up for work until 10am and leave at 2:30pm, your work day will go much faster. Just don’t forget to check your inbox before you dash out, as there might be something important in there. (me: oops!)

• Quaker Oats Weight Management Instant Oatmeal is yucky. It has Splenda in it, so if you like Splenda, this may be nectar of the gods to you. But if you don’t like the little yellow magic sweetner, stay away from this nasty mush. (If you enjoy this divine dish: A) my apologies if I offended you and B) would you like 19 free packets?)

• Speaking of nutrition, if you have a latte for breakfast, cake for lunch and then cake again for dinner, sneak in some veggies somewhere, as there is always the chance your youngest will come up to you at 9pm and say “Mom, for my health report I need you to write down what you had for breakfast lunch and dinner today”. (At that point, do you set the bad example by lying, or by honestly admitting what you ate?  At least I had that glass of milk with cake slice #1!!)

• Dance leotards are very constricting. I don’t think I have worn one since I was 5. I have had this one on for an hour (with at least 3 more to go) and I am overheating. I, who am never hot, am suddenly having much better empathy for the hot flash ladies. (update: after 4.5 hours, I did figure out what I can now wear when I am freezing and just can’t get warm – my new leotard! This will nicely help justify the cost!)

• Don’t let your husband venture far from your sight if you are at church on a Wednesday he is not on tech duty. If you do, he will not be off duty much longer. (update: ha ha ha! Totally different ending than I expected. He found out he is coaching a basketball team of 3rd through 6th grade girls! If you know Jim, this is hilarious. First meeting: tonight. At church. At 6:30. He found out at 6:25.  Did I mention tee hee hee?)

• Burger King sells bags of ice. Not sure why or what the drive-thru demand for bagged ice is. But now, if you are desperate for ice, don’t want to get out of the car (and would love a jr whopper with cheese), your life is now bliss my friend.

And Rain Will Make The Flowers Grow

Lately, God has been speaking to me about suffering, pride, His sovereignty, and living a life that glorifies Him, draws others closer to Him, and makes Him famous.  But it all seems to come back to learning about suffering and looking at in an atypical manner - how it is not about me, but about God.

I don't know if God is preparing me for something, encouraging me in my suffering (which is relatively minimal), or equipping me to minister to others who are suffering.  Maybe it is all of those.  I don't know.  He has yet to show me, or I have yet to listen well enough to hear what He is quietly saying.

Here are some verses I love on suffering, comfort, and hope; they have been my foundation in times of trouble.  I am sure you know them all, but humor me.
Psalms 34:18,19 - The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.
Isaiah 26:3,4 - You [God] will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock eternal.
Psalms 139:7-12 (this is a longer one, so I will not print it here, but it is a reminder that wherever we are, God is there and will shine in the darkness of our lives)
Isaiah 40:28, 29 - Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (all emphasis mine - I just love how it is saying "He-lo-o!  God is GOD!  Get that in your head!)
Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Revelations 21:4 - He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Psalms 31:24 - Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalms 31:7 - I will be glad and rejoice in your love for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.
II Corinthians 4:8,9 - We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Psalms 27:14 - Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord.
Psalms 3:3-5 (again, you can look this one up on your own, as I am getting a little long-winded here - but keeping stick with me just a bit longer)
These verses, of course, are just the tip of the iceberg.

I believe good comes from suffering.  I believe Love never fails.  I believe God is in control and loves us deeply.  I believe suffering can draw us closer to Him.  I believe we are blessed when God gives us a glimpse of the joy that can rise from suffering.  I believe even if we never see the good, God fulfills His promises and He is glorified and someone (or someones) is blessed.  I believe that even if we never get that opportunity, that insight, we are still blessed and God is still glorified.

But how do you encourage someone who is suffering without sounding callous?  How do you say "Hey, there is joy in this, brother/sister!  It is a good thing"?  Do those who are suffering really want to hear: "You know, this is really great news."  I have never experienced a truly great sorrow, but I have been told the last thing people who have want to hear is comments like "it was God's will", etc.  But at the same time, it IS God's will that every knee shall bow, every tongue confess.  He gave His own Son to make that happen, so we know He is willing to sacrifice for us.  Shouldn't we try to be able to sacrifice for Him in return?

Just thinking out loud here.  (thinking through my fingers?)  I will end with this:  There is hope in suffering.  Take heart, the Lord is God.  I know my Redeemer lives.

Would love to hear your thoughts...

Boyd Williams

This post is dedicated to Boyd Williams.  Boyd was the pastor at the first church I can remember going to, Franklin Church of Christ.  Boyd modeled for us true, authentic worship for an audience of One with no inhibitions.  Boyd was not gifted with a beautiful voice, but that didn't get keep him from throwing his head back and praising God to the rafters.  He loved Jesus.  He loved to sing.  And sing he did.  This I will always remember.

Now, if you know me, you know how much I love to Jam for Jesus and that I could do it all day.  But whenever I am back in the Church of Christ, singing the hymns I grew up singing - no instruments, just voices lifted in song - it takes me back to a very special place.  My soul is at peace, drinking in the harmonies and the melodies and the simplicity.

And so today, as I sat in my momma's church and we sang "Farther Along" and others of my favorite hymns, I was back in Franklin, a young girl with childlike faith, learning how to praise Jesus humbly and simply.  And I think of Boyd and I am grateful for the love of worship he passed on.

The Body

So, I have always wondered what part of the Body I am. What did God make me to be? We can't all be ears or hands or feet, so what am I?

I think I have officially decided I am an appendix.

If you were to categorize yourself, what would it be?

Going Green?

So have you noticed "green" is becoming annoyingly trendy? It seems like a phase that comes around every so often, but right now it is seriously ramped up. I think a lot of it is spin. For example, many companies are trying to cut back, so not sending you a printed statement, or having you put your groceries in your own bag instead of one they provide saves them a little bit of $$. And instead of saying sorry, not gonna do it, they say "Hey, go green!" and it sounds much more positive and PC.

This annoys me. Why? Because I actually like to take care of the environment and behave somewhat responsibly in that area. I hate seeing stuff get thrown away that could be recycled or reused and I want to be a good steward of everything God has blessed me with, including the land on which I live. But I don't like trendy. And I am stubborn. And I tend to worry about others passing judgement on me. I am inclined to not do something I might have done otherwise just because it is now the trendy thing to do. I don't want to buy some dopey reusable bag that every store under the sun is selling now - because every other person out there is buying them and I don't want to be lumped in with some of them.

Now, I don't drive a hybrid car, I don't compost, I don't eat organic foods or grow my own vegetables (they would die horrible, miserable deaths at my hand); I am no hard core activist. But I will carry my empty cans and bottles home with me if I am out and there is no where to recycle them. It pains me to be stuck in a situation where I have to throw one away. I "rescue" scrap paper and bring it home to be reused or recycled. I take things to the recycling center. I talk to my kids about the effects of all the development constantly popping up all around us. And I remind them that God made the world and we need to care of the world just as we would anything else He gave us.

I was talking with my mom the other day about global warming. Not going to start a debate about it here, because I am not educated enough on the topic to do so. But we talked about how much of that we thought was man-induced and if maybe some was just how God made the world. I wondered aloud if because God knew the earth only needed to be around x number of years that was built into the plan from the beginning. The Bible teaches that Heaven is going to last forever. I don't think it teaches the earth is going to last forever. No expert on End Times either, so that is probably all I should say about that.

That being said, I still think we should take care of the earth while we are here. When you hear "environmentalist", the connotation is often of left-wing radicals, conspiracy theories, and Al Gore. But I think we need to be environmentalists of our own breed, behaving responsibly, out of inner desire, not the desire to be "in". Opinions, anyone? Tips?

UPDATE: Get this - we came home from the Earth Day festival with...(drum roll)... four lovely (free) Walmart reuseable shopping bags. Walmart. I hate Walmart. Going to come up with some creative way to cover the big Walmart logo on the side. Oh, and flyers and brochures. The irony of Earth Day. All the paper. I hope people go home and recycle all the papers they were grabbing that they will never read!!

Condiment blogging: Worthy of a tribute?

More blogging on the month that was February...

The 4th grade students and the Honor Choir at the girls' school did a lovely music concert a few weeks back. It was a multicultural theme and they had songs representing a host of countries and cultures. Some of the students did dances, or sang, or played instruments to round out the event. It was great and a nice representation of the variety that is present at her school and where we live. At the end, they sang Michael Jackson's "Heal the World", with some of the kids doing sign language to the chorus. It was pretty moving.

There was one section that made me uncomfortable, however. It started out fine, but ended up weird. (First off, let me say that as a Christian, I think hero worship of any kind is a very fine line to walk because we worship the one true God and should not put any person on too high of a pedastal.) A young man from the 4th grade class who was dressed very smartly in a suit and tie got up and spoke from a podium, primarily from memory, and spoke about Martin Luther King, Jr. and quoted part of his momentous "I Have a Dream Speech". I think he was supposed to speaking from the point of view of Barack Obama, but did not catch on to this until mid-way through his piece. I thought he did a very good job and was very well spoken and a piece like that was not out of place, given the make-up of the township where we live and the historic implications of our nation's first African-American President.

However, the evening then moved into a slide show tribute to Mr. Obama, on top of the piece outlined above. It was a slide show composed of photos of President Obama, and some of Mr. and Mrs. Obama, but no one else, set to David Foster's "America's Song", a big anthem with the kids singing along on the chorus.

I don't get this. Why a tribute to President Obama less than one month into office? A tribute to all the trailblazers who led the way so that he could get to where he is - I get that. But a tribute to him, at this point? Why? What has he done to earn it except being the right man in the right place at the right time?

I feel bad for thinking this, though, because maybe it means I am not as open to diversity as I want to be. Maybe I just don't get it. Don't fully understand all the blood, sweat, and tears that went into getting Mr. Obama where he is today. And maybe I can't because I have never been there. This isn't the same, but if we had our first woman president, that would be very meaningful to me, but I still don't think that person would be entitled to her own tribute just because she got herself elected. I think it would be more for all the strong women who have led the way before her to get her to that place. Then, if she does something super-awesome, maybe we can talk about a tribute just for her. But for now, I think it is just too much, too soon.

balance

Am struggling with balance in my life right now. Having a very hard time being a good mom and a good employee and trying to take care of myself and, oh yeah, Jim would probably appreciate having a good wife. Yes I know if I just wasn't an evil working mom I wouldn't have these problems, but thanks to some debt created when I was staying home with the girls, currently that is not an option. (and I probably wasn't perfect back then, either) Blah.

Sam's Club

I love going to Sam's Club - well usually. Went today and don't know where all those people came from. We were having a lovely "wintery mix" outside and everyone is at Sam's. Don't they know they are supposed to be at the grocery store buying milk and bread?

Anyway, go into Sam's and wander around - always something new and different and ginormous to see (Unless you are a restaurant, can you ever in a lifetime use that big of a jar of mayo?). Walk past the sample lady grab a bite, eat it and pretend to look at a gallon jar of teryaki sauce, so I can go to the next lady and see what she has to eat. Yes, I go have a little something-something when I am there, but at least I don't hover around the little cart, waiting for the food to cook. Whatsupwiththat??? Instead, I pretend to be engrossed in the pomengranate juice label - pomengranate and blueberry, quite the combo - and then casually walk by once the goods are laid out.

One of my more recent Sam's appreciations is that they have caffeine-free Diet Coke - yes, I should not be drinking diet soda and yadda, yadda - but it is a treat I often get at the checkout (thirsty from all the food I ate, usually :) ). So today, get my big ole diet coke and direct my wobbly cart to the car in the snow. Am putting the cart into the cart corral, pushing cart with one mittened hand, holding precious diet coke with the other, and the soda slips out of my hand to the ground, the cup falls apart and the diet coke is no more. Devestation in the Sam's parking lot.

So I go home and tell the family my sad story - how first, all the recycling bins in the parking lot were filled and I couldn't drop off our stuff and then to make matters worse I-was-pushing-the-cart-into-the-cart-corral-and-was-holding-my-soda-with-the-other-hand-and-it-fell-to-the-ground-and-spilled-everywhere! (told in my most pitiful, woe is me voice) Both girls come over and give me big hugs; Kaylie says, "that story almost is going to make me cry too". Having a loving, sympathetic family is bliss. :)

Members of the Jury...

Hurrah! Elizabeth White, Clerk of the Marion Circuit Court, has mailed me a summons for Jury Service. For years I have waited for the good people of the Marion County Courts to realize my obvious worth as a potential juror and call me into duty, but they always ignore me and call up Jim instead. I was beginning to feel unloved. I even always vote and have been registered to vote since we moved from Boone County (where I never got called for Jury Duty either) - I have cars registered here - regularly frequent all kinds of local establishments - even forgot to pay my electric bill once and got the electricity cut off - all kinds of things to draw attention to myself.

My time has finally come. Now watch them not even call my group, or disqualify me. Silly bureaucrats and attorneys - don't they know I am in the .0000009% that want to serve? Actually, the way my life works, my jury pool will get called and I will have to get excused because I will need life saving surgery that day or something unavoidable like that...

Comfort Movie

I stole from a friend the idea of posting my three favorite comfort movies of all time. The ones I watch when I am down or sick or blah or want to cuddle up in a blanket and feel cozy. I also think these are the ones I have seen so much that I can put them on and fall asleep to them feeling like all is well.

My top one is actually the Muppet Christmas Carol. At some point this became the movie I watch when I am sick. It has just become very comforting to hear the songs and the familiar corny jokes. Of course, I have always been a Muppet fan and still listen to my John Denver and the Muppets CD at Christmas.

Next would be Mary Poppins. Again, just one I have grown to turn to when I am sick or migrained. (not much else one can do with migraine and can't handle a suspense movie or something that requires you to pay attention)

Next is not a movie, but more of a genre - any of my Cary Grant and Gene Kelly movies. Especially Charade and Singin in the Rain. (Although at this time of year, I am more prone to watch Holiday Inn or White Christmas).

I know, nothing stimulating or exciting, but that is why they are comfort movies, not exercise movies. I think such old flicks make the list because they bring me back to childhood and the warm memories that brings.

What does anyone else like to pull out on those blah days? (all you zillions of blog readers)

Retraction

I take back what I said yesterday about St. V being my home away from home. Have only had to go three times this year, which is way less than I am sure some folks have to endure so I should not complain. What made it feel so "Groundhog Day" was when they gave me a menu to order dinner - it felt like the 1,000,000th time I had looked at that thing - and STILL nothing sounded good.

Oh, and one last election rambling: Thank you for your support, the election is over, take down your yard sign.

Random Election day thoughts

Seeing as I spent the majority of election day at my not so favorite home away from home, St. Vincent Hospital, I had plenty of time to come up with plenty of random election thoughts (and some just plain old random thoughts)


...the day started out well enough, casting my ballot for John McCain. Left the house at 6:40am. Polling place is 2 minutes away. Finished voting around 7:35am. First time in the 11 years we have been in this precinct that I have stood behind more than 5 people in line - and usually there is no one in line.

...so where did all these people come from? And will they keep voting?

...my photo is a little blurry because I could not really set up the shot for fear I would get kicked out or my vote tossed out.

...however, I shouldn't have been worried, seeing as there was a lady campaigning INSIDE THE POLLING PLACE, who then proceeded to come over and briefly cover for one of the official polling place workers when she stepped away from guarding the ballot box. WHAT??!!! Extremely wrong. I was very upset at this. Especially because she was misleading people with what she was saying. Whatever, but keep it outside the polling place.

...how can the Marion County Clerk say there were no problems when the same ballot scanner that didn't work in the primary didn't work on Election Day? So then we have to just slide the paper ballot in the slot, which at 7:30 am was already so full, you could reach in and pull someone's ballot out. Wow, our elections are so full of integrity. At least in my little corner of the world. When I tried to point it out to the ballot box guarder (Judge? I can't keep their titles straight),she said she didn't see it (she didn't have her glasses) and would have to get the inspector over. Thanks for the concern lady. I don't believe she did anything.

...Why do they stick migraine patients in the noisiest places in the hospital? (ok, I am sure it is not THE noisiest, but seems like it some times)

...Who decided red would be republican and blue would be democrat, and how did they get all the networks to jump on board? You would think one of them would go maverick and use purple or something.

...election time, watching the results, and listening to the analysis makes me really miss Professor Loy. I wish I could go sit in on one of his classes every four years during election season. I learned so much from that man and respect and admire him immensely. I wish I had him around to bounce things off of and ask questions to.

...Could they have called Mitch Daniels as the winner any faster?

...Every time I have seen Jill Thompson (which is not much) she has seemed unpleasant and cranky. Tuesday night was no exception.

...How cool is it that Indiana was getting some love from the national media and the candidates this year? It amazes me that Barack Obama was in Indianapolis Tuesday morning. Back in the day, if we were really lucky, the Republican VP candidate might stop by once for some big fundraising dinner that was a zillion dollars a plate. Even when Quayle was in office and running, it wasn't like he dropped in all the time during election season. While I don't like us being a "blue state", I hope we continue to get the attention and respect we deserve. I hope both parties will realize they need to come here and share their vision with the groovy people of Indiana.

...After waiting over 1/2 hour in an ER room for a doctor or nurse to come in, I am wondering if they have forgotten I am here...

...John McCain is kind of like this year's Colts, you know he can win (has the potential to win), you want him to win, you know he probably won't win, but feel like if you accept that, then you are admitting defeat before it has even happened and are being disloyal. I just did not see how any Republican candidate was going to win, given the low ratings Bush has been getting and the current issues with economy.

...I hate these hospital TVs where you have to go through all the channels to get back to the beginning or go down to another channel. I miss my regular remote so I can switch back and forth between channels. Of course, I have to keep the TV quiet, so I am missing 1/2 of what is going on anyway...

...Eight years ago, I was sitting up in bed, feeding a week old Kaylie and watching the beginnings of the Florida debacle. We need some hanging chads or something to spice up this year's post-election coverage.

...How AWESOME was John McCain's concession speech???!!? I thought it was great. So glad I got to hear the bulk of it. Going to have to look it up and listen to the whole thing again. I wish he had always come off that inspiring. Or maybe he did and I just missed it - which means he can't have been too horribly inspiring then, eh?

...So will we keep hearing from Sarah Palin, or will she quietly return to Alaska to live out her term and her days?

...Oh, and thank goodness Tina Fey doesn't have to leave earth. What ever would we do.

...This mass pandemonium and partying in the streets over an election result is slightly disconcerting to me. How do these people view Obama? Do they have realistic expections? Why such jubulation? Given the passion shown, would there have been riots if McCain had won? Where does it come from? I just don't recall ever seeing this before. Again, this is where I miss Professor Loy, he could put it in context and draw the correlations for me.

...While I hate the way politicians can get away with misleading the public with soundbites and catch phrases, election day reminds me of why I loved being a political science major.

...and finally, Hallelujah to know that through everything, the Lord is on His throne, He is sovereign and in control, and He will guard, protect, and comfort His children.