Last one

This is my last post. As a 28 year old, at least. My birthday is Sunday, but since the blogging world comes to a screeching halt on the weekends, I figured I would make one last post as the 28 year old Amstaff. It has been a good year for me. I've learned alot about myself this year. I spent time with my family, started a new job, went on an amazing mission trip, moved into a new house, and joined the blogger world. I don't know what all the next year will entail, but I am ready for the journey to begin. I can't BELIEVE how fast the years seem to be going by. Who knows, I might be a mom by the time my next birthday rolls around. Last year, at this time, if you had told me that I would even have been thinking about being a mom, I would never in a million years have thought it was true. God has been working on me though, and continually works to shape me into the woman He wants me to be. So here we go! See you at 29!

Feeling Awfully Small....

I was looking at these pictures today. Pictures of the vastness of our universe. The colors, the shapes. Mixtures of gases, solids, and liquids of which I am in awe. Looking at the photographs, I was amazed at the vastness of space. It's all around us, but we barely get a glimpse of it. It's alot like God's love. It's always around us, but we don't always feel it. Not because His love ever ceases, but because we're too self-absorbed to realize how great His love is for us. Last night, for Bible study, we watched a video that spoke of people's lives that were changed by watching The Passion of The Christ. I remember watching this movie when it first came out, and the movie theatre was literally filled with members from my church. It was so real, the love that was poured out for me by the shedding of His blood. He would have walked that road to Calvary just for me. It was such a humbling experience for me. I need to remain humbled, but I also need to remember how much He loves me. I feel so small sometimes, but I was also worth dying for. Thank you Jesus for saving me. Thank you for loving me. How great and awesome our God is.


O , LORD , MY GOD WHEN I , IN AWESOME WONDER
CONSIDER ALL THE WORLD’S THY HANDS HAVE MADE
I SEE THE STARS
I HEAR THE ROLLING THUNDER
THY POWER THRU OUT THE UNIVERSE DISPLAYED

THEN SINGS MY SOUL
MY SAVIOR GOD TO THEE
HOW GREAT THOU ART
HOW GREAT THOU ART
THEN SINGS MY SOUL MY GOD TO THEE
HOW GREAT THOU ART
HOW GREAT THOU ART

AND WHEN I THINK
THAT GOD HIS SON NOT SPARING
SENT TO DIE I SCARCE CAN TAKE IT IN
THAT ON THE CROSS MY BURDENS GLADLY BEARING
HE BLED AND DIED TO TAKE AWAY MY SIN

WHEN CHRIST SHALL COME
WITH SHOUT OF ACCLAMATION
AND TAKE ME HOME
WHAT JOY SHALL FILL MY HEART
THEN I SHALL BOW
IN HUMBLE ADORATION
AND THERE PROCLAIM
MY GOD
HOW GREAT THOU ART

Hebrews 2:5-8
5It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6But there is a place where someone has testified: "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 7You made him a little[a] lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor 8and put everything under his feet?[b]In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.

Incident Report - 07/27/2005

This is the beginning of what I fear will be many incident reports. I have been encouraged by RR to begin logging my "accidents".

1. Three left toes are still sore from the smashing they received by my clumsiness vs. my chair's wheel yesterday.


2. Spilt coffee on my left cuff. This is most unfortunate because I have large white cuffs on my shirt today. Hey! I have my camera w/me today! Here's a pic of said stain. Hopefully it will also show:









I always have a rubber band on my wrist for unruly hair days, which happen all to frequently. I'm also wearing my sports watch that I always forget to change.

3. My middle finger has had the cuticle ripped from the left side of it. It's hard to take a picture really quick really close up before someone asks why I'm taking a pic of my hand. Sorry for the blurriness.
You can also see my crooked middle finger. It swerves over to the left, like my dad's. Bad for getting the fingering right while playing the piano.

Pup-Sitting

Last night we did some "baby-sitting" for my in-laws. The Amstaff was happy to have her cousin over, and I was happy to take pictures of them. I was going for the distorted look, so please don't bash my photographic abilities. My parents are wedding photographers, so the bar is already set very high, and out of my reach. Thought I would share though since they're so cute.








My Sweet Amstaff



























Isn't Scooter photogenic? A natural w/ the camera.



















We were sealing the tile, thus the lack of furniture in the kitchen.

The Science of Exercise

My sis received her degree in Exercise Science. This is probably as close as I'm going to get to understanding the Science of Exercise. Exercise and me have never been friends. In fact, for most of my life, we've been polar opposites. Growing up, I was short and skinny. I had nicknames like "hollow leg" because I could consume pounds of food without gaining an ounce. In 8th and 9th grade, I was nicknamed "emu legs" because my legs were so skinny, and I avoided exercise and PE like the plague. PE - The bane of my existence. Bianca wrote about her PE horror stories yesterday, and so my memories began to crawl out of the attic of my brain.

I got an "F" on my report card one six weeks for PE. There, I said it. Never to be taken back. I attended a small, private school during elementary school and so we had small classes, and therefore small facilities. Every 6 weeks we covered a different sport. Most of these were played at a park several miles away, so we'd change clothes and then get on a bus to head to the park. I missed the bus. Twice. I never got in trouble, never dreamed of misbehaving, but there I'd be - sitting in the principal's office. The only one that couldn't go to PE because I had missed the bus. Humiliations galore. This alone didn't cause me to fail. That is due to the 6 weeks that was spent studying the "sport" of bowling. We'd go to the local bowling alley everyday and bowl. This was not the issue. The issue was at the end of the six weeks, we had a test on bowling. Does it get any worse than this? To have to add up the scores for imaginary frames? This is combining my two worst subjects - PE and Math. I was doomed before I even picked up my No. 2 pencil. Later, I received my test back. It had a large "F" in red ink. Blood red ink. As a preface to the blood that would be shed when I took my report card home.

I was too much of a rink-a-dink for even recess. How I dreaded Red Rover, Red Rover. I was like 40 pounds in 5th grade!! I NEVER could break through the clenched hands that taunted me. I was a featherweight, but I was flexible. My exercise turned into ballet and gymnastics, and there I excelled. I wasn't tall enough, but I could do the splits like nobody's business. When I got into Jr. High and later, High School, I jumped at the opportunity to avoid the dreaded PE classes, and celebrated the end of recess. There was one option for me to avoid PE in Jr. High and that was Band. How this equivocated a sport, I'm still not sure, but I probably did my fair share of sweating in that hideous polyester contraption they called a "uniform". In high school, I became the pianist for the Jr. High choir. My fingers did the exercising for me.

Last year, I joined the Fitness Center in my building. (I can no longer consume pounds of food without gaining an ounce. I now consume an ounce and gain pounds.) I began toying with the elliptical cycle and treadmill, eventually gaining "some" muscle. (It's all relative, people.) Then I found Yoga, and the swimming pool. The words "non-impact" joined my vocabulary. So, that is where you will now find me on my lunch hour. Swimming laps or doing "downward dog". Maybe there is a science to exercise after all.

The Joys of Home Ownership

This week has FLOWN by. Although, money has been flying out of our checking account at much faster pace. We purchased the grill on Tues. Wednesday we had 9 1/2 yards of nutrient-rich dirt dumped on our driveway and I literally shoveled dirt into wheelbarrows for 3 hours straight. By back and neck muscles were KILLING me yesterday. I couldn't even turn my neck all the way. Although, I say with pride that my arms weren't sore - I guess I do have SOME muscle afterall. There were 5 of us shoveling, wheelbarrowing and spreading for 3 hours. A very nice neighbor volunteered his services the entire time. What a guy! Yesterday we had gutters installed, and today, 9 pallets of St. Augustine are being delivered. Gluttons of punishment are we.

I'm working from home this morning and then will begin unloading the pallets this afternoon. Anybody want to come help? The Amstaff Dad gave me a back massage last night, and so I should be raring to go later, although I am still sore, just not as stiff. I'm ready to have the house ready for company. It takes so long to get it all straightened out, and looking perty.

Just a week or two and it should be looking dandy, and ready for a blogger game night!

It's a new baby grill!!

No, that's not a typo. We now are the proud owners of a new grill. We have been grill shopping for awhile, and last night, we brought a new one home. The old one looks even more decrepit now, sitting next to the Newbie. When you change your address with the Post Office, you can sign up for a 10% off coupon at Home Depot. Coupled with a gift certificate we had, we went to make our purchase last night. We were prepared to do a special order, had my Consumer Reports data in hand, and began to comparison shop. We narrowed it down to two, and an hour later, went to special order it. The salesperson then told us more info about the other one, so back to the selection process we went. We finally made our decision and then, there she was. Our perfect grill. No special order needed. One we hadn't seen before. There was only one, and it had been hidden from everyone's view except for ours. We have a gas line on the back of our new house, and Home Depot doesn't normally carry the natural gas versions of the grills, only their liquid propane cousins. This one was equipped with said gas line, and, WAS $50 OFF! It was last year's model, but ever bit as efficient. Another salesman even gave us a free part that was needed to connect it to our gas line. A $40 value. What a blessing. We said a prayer of thanks for having the exact grill we needed for over $90 less than we expected. This, combined with an unexpected birthday present was a significant help to us being able to get our grill. I believe God loves to bless us, we just don't give Him enough credit when He does. I am blessed.

So, break out the burgers! No more charred chicken at the Amstaff's abode. As I type this, I'm listening to my Jars of Clay Redemption Songs CD. It IS well, it is well with my soul.

Teambuilding

Today we had a 2 hour teambuilding exercise.

This involved eating our lunches and watching a movie. All in the name of work. I can honestly say that it was a teambuilding time. All of us laughed, some of us cried. Most of us have "Thriller" stuck in our minds, playing over and over again. OK, that's just me, but oh well. We were able to get new audio/visual equipment in one of our rooms, so the only way to properly test it out was to watch 13 Going on 30 . This really is a cute movie and the soundtrack rocks. Man, I can identify with it, growing up in the 80's. I think I had that same sweater that she wears, the purple one with hearts going all across it. I remembering being so shy and wanting to be so cool. What a flashback.

Now I'm off to the pool for a late afternoon swim. What a great day.

R.I.P. Wolfgang aka "Fishy"

Well, Fishy didn't make it. My co-worker said the had "more white hair" on Friday and when I came in this morning, he wasn't even floating. He had sunk to the bottom like an anchor. Poor Wolfgang. He lasted longer than the one day that I had his predecessor, Sebastian. Sebastian decided that there were greener pastures (or greener waters??) outside his bowl and was the consistency of petrified wood when I found him lying next to my printer the next morning. Showed him, I guess. Wolfgang was content with his surroundings, but his days were numbered and now they are gone. There will be a brief period of mourning before he is replaced, in other words, until I make a trip to PetsMart to get a replacement.

Thanks for the well-wishers. Too bad he couldn't pull through.

The Brothers Grimm

The Amstaff Dad has two brothers. One is his twin, and the other is 7 years younger. Today the three of them are installing a sprinkler system in our yard. Sometimes I think our family is part Amish. It is such a blessing to have a family that helps each other out. Since we all live in the same neighborhood (sick, I know) it comes into play so much more. I also love that my hubby knows how to install sprinkler systems. It makes me beam with pride to know that he can plan it out, and by the sweat of his brow install one that is better than even some of the professionals. And sweating they are. It is a scorcher out there, but they've got the pick axes, the pipe cutters and the shovels going to town. Hopefully by Sunday, we will have our sprinkler system running and the yard will once again be happy. My 5 year old nephew is out there sweating with them too. He is too cute, trying to be a big helper. He wants so much to be like them. What a sweetie.

I've off work today, but I've been in the kitchen for the majority of the day, as I'm responsible for keeping them hydrated and fed. We had biscuits, bacon and eggs for breakfast. Sandwiches, chips and cookies for lunch, and tonight is burgers, fries, and pies. This afternoon I made a fruit salad with cantalopes, cherries, grapes, fresh pineapple and watermelon. Yum. I think fresh cut pineapple that is chilled is the best thing I have ever put in my mouth. I remember when we were in Hawaii, we stopped at the Dole plantation. After working our way through the maze, we ate some Dole Whip and then got a couple of pineapples to go. The employees there are able to cut a pineapple into perfect squares faster that you can say "Mahalo". Oh what a delicious delicacy. The sweet yellow meat with the juice running down your chin. Pure bliss.

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend. Mahalo!

Hang on little fishy, Hang on!!

I FINALLY changed the water for my little beta fish today. It had algae growing it, and I kept meaning to change it. I kept putting it off because I needed to bring filtered water from home. Secondly, I didn't want to change it and then risk spilling the algae-infested water on Monday's funeral garb, or Tuesday's attire since it was an all-hands meeting date. So, there he sat/swam. My little Wolfgang. He has been with me through 3 different positions. Traveled around. Endured countless bath times and daily feedings. This time, I'm afraid I waited too long to give his house a proper cleaning. He didn't fuss when I put the net in his bowl to move him to his temporary home. He looked pale. And then, I noticed IT. What looks like a piece of a Q-tip stuck to his little head. WHAT IS THAT???? It's not very big, but he's not very big either. He was a small little Beta when I picked him out of all the other fish at PetsMart. That was over two years ago, so I guess he has outlived his life expectancy. He never grew, and his little right fin never grew right. He was imperfect, so to me he was perfect. I'm not ready for him to go to the great ocean in the sky. Not ready to flush him. I have coated him in Stress Coat. "To help repair damaged skin and fins & replace slime coating. " Maybe it's a bunch of crock, but believe me, he's well coated. He's still not eating though. Hang on little Wolfgang, hang on!!!

Survival of the Fittest

As he separated from his companion, he sniffed the night air. It was humid, stuffy, but with a slight breeze. It softly blew the grasses against his face as he turned to see which way he needed to go. He decided to veer right, surely east was the safest mode of travel. His companion turned and headed north. They were in search of food, and shelter. Little did they know it would be the last time they saw each other. That there would be no morning. As he began walking further, he began to hear the sounds of the city closing in on him. The sun was just beginning to peek above the horizon. He was almost there. He picked up the pace, his adrenaline kicked in and he began to scurry faster, faster. He wondered if his companion had made it to his destination as fast as he had. He had found the right path! He was going to make it! And then he turned to see the lights fast approaching and before he knew it, WHAM! His life was snuffed out. Little did he know, but a block away, his companion had made the same fate.

And so it was, less than a mile from my house. Two little armadillos enjoyed their last evening. Sniff.

Cars:2 Armadillos: 0

Talents I didn't know I possessed

Two blogging memes - taken from Jes.

One

If, as you live your life, you find yourself mentally composing blog entries about it, post this exact same sentence in your weblog.

Two

The directions: Type “(your name) is” into Google, and then post your ten (or however many) favorite results. Here are mine:

Amstaff Mom teaches workshops and does lectures on a variety of web design topics (and apparently doesn't take lessons from herself)

Amstaff Mom is an Australian-born composer with an International reputation, living and working in the UK (oh, how I wish! Do I have to wear a singlet though?)

Amstaff Mom can currently be heard on the animated series of Men in Black. (I didn't even know there WAS an animated series!)

Amstaff Mom is a copy editor and writer on MSN Money. (and once again doesn't take lessons from herself)

Amstaff Mom is an artist who has been working with interactive media for over twenty-five years. (An artist?!?! HA HA! HA HA!)

Amstaff Mom is a PhD student with information on invasive plants (yeah, being the green thumb that I am. Just ask my dying "lucky" bamboo)

Amstaff Mom is a Touring female acoustic folk musician & national songwriting contest finalist. (break out the folk tunes!)

Amstaff Mom is a Freelance designer offering personalized, creative website design for small to medium sized sites. (I think they confused me with Jes)

Amstaff Mom is a strategist and evangelist for relationship-centric brands (Banana Republic is to Gap is to Old Navy and is one happy Gap-owned family)

Amstaff Mom is an ecologist with interests in computational ecology (I don't think I want to try to understand this one)

Rats!! (and mice!)

What a bummer. I buy a new digital camera, I take pictures galore, I move, and THEN I CAN'T FIND MY USB CORD!!! Can't.find.it.anywhere. I looked through the same two boxes no less than 3 times each last night. I found all the manuals, the CD, the battery pack, the A/V adapter, but the cord to put my precious pics on the computer? No siree bob. Rats! Rats! and more Rats! I am bummed. I wonder how much those things are. Hopefully not to much b/c I am ready to post some more pics. And empty my camera since it is chock full of favorite photos. Aren't you ready to see my 2 year old niece playing dress up at her birthday party? Sure you are! So, please be on the lookout for my adapter. PLEASE?

At a loss...

There was a death in my (very) extended family this weekend. Unfortunately, it was self-inflicted. What a tragedy this is, and what heartache this has caused. A precious life, snuffed out before its time. The guilt, the anger, the hurt, the ultimate pain for a parent to endure.

This is the fourth person that I knew personally that has committed this act. The second that I hear of this week. The other took his life the night of his daughter's wedding. Her honeymoon was cancelled, her wedding date scarred, her heart broken. Their hearts and minds must be blinded to the pain that they will cause those around them. Just how many hearts will be broken, never to fully mend over their loss? I read of a story today, where one individual took his life by carbon monoxide in his vehicle, and the fumes ended up killing his roommate that was just taking a shower. I'm sure he never dreamed that his actions would not just kill one, but two. It seems that this affects so many ages, so many people are hurting. But this especially affects young people. The oldest one of the four that I knew was 21. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for college students. They never realize their full potential. They never realize how trials can strengthen us, and build our character. However painful they might be.

I pray that those that are hurting will begin to heal, way before they hurt so many others by their actions. I pray that those left behind will be able to pick up the pieces, and be comforted.

I don't know what else to say. I am praying though. That's all I can do.

I say a little prayer for you...

Today began a new morning in the life of the Amstaff Mom. I have been feeling awfully convicted lately on the time that I spend reading my Bible and in prayer. I have a One Year Bible that daily provides readings from the Old Testament, the New Testament, some Psalms, and a Proverb. The problem was, that it wasn't truly a quiet time. A time of reflection and mediation, and it didn't include prayer. My prayer time is normally throughout the day. As I hear a request or think of someone, I say a prayer for them. Our Bible study group is currently reading a VERY short book called Intimacy With the Almighty, by Chuck Swindoll. This little book packs a big punch. It challenges us to really get deep with the Savior. To really, truly desire to know Him. To have Him search our heart, and know our anxious thoughts.

I confess, that I have struggled to do this. I really felt challenged after reading the first part of this book, and then discussing it in Bible study. Last night I took a class at church, and it challenged me even more to set aside the time, and specifically in the morning, to commit to this special time. How awesome it is, that He, the Creator of the universe wants to spend time with me. How tragic it is that I haven't been doing this.

So, this morning, before my alarm began going off at the wee hour of 5 am, I awoke at 4:45. Let me preface this by saying, I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON. This is such a struggle, but I won the Battle of the Blankets, and sat up. Then began falling asleep, then stood up. I fixed my English Afternoon tea, because I was too asleep to open the box of English Breakfast. Then, an amazing thing happened. I was able to focus on my readings. I was able to pray. Without distractions. Without falling asleep. Without trying to figure out what to pray for next. Verses came to my mind. Prayer requests followed. What a wonderful start to my day. I prayed for many of you bloggers. For Steve's dad in chemo, for Jayleigh's new home, for the OD, Jes, Eddo, Tracey, and many others. I prayed for my friend Kate in London, and for many others there. For my sis, my family, my church and my country. I want to begin to do this faithfully. Please pray for me, that I will.

On a lighter note, I also realize that I need to go to bed earlier! I was awake while the hot tea and caffeine were coursing through my veins. Evidently, I wasn't awake when I was attempting to take my shower immediately following. I ended up shampooing my hair twice. Then I turned off the water with the conditioner still in. Oh well, it's a start!

I also thought about this song this morning. I love the gift of music.

I Want To Know You
(unknown)

In the secret, In the quiet place
In the stillness, You are there
I wait only for You
'Cause I want to know You more

Chorus:
I want to know You
I want to hear Your voice
I want to know You more
I want to touch You
I want to see Your face
I want to know You more

I am reaching for the highest goal
That I might receive the prize
Pressing onward
Pushing every hindrance aside
Out of my way
'Cause I want to know You more

Cry, my beloved country

I guess you all have heard the devastating news of the terrorist attacks on my favorite of destinations. It is too early to tell the extent of the damage, or the amount of casualties. What is known, however, is that the city of London will never be the same. What a cowardly, vengeful act. To inflict terror and agony on others to support your "cause". I pray for the safety of my friends and family that live there. And for the swift capture and punishment of their assailants.

God save the Queen.

More Good News, Bad News

Good News: I had lots of comments to read first thing this morning, including a first time visitor. Yea!

More Good News: My neighbor invited us over for pool volleyball last night, so I got in the pool after all.

Bad News: I'm too short for his pool and ended up treading water or standing on my tippy-toes the entire time.

More Bad News: My calves are pret-ty sore today.

Even More Bad News: It was after 7pm, so the previously mentioned sunscreen was a moot point.

Good News: I showered last night after the pool time, so I got to sleep an extra 30 minutes this morning.

Bad News: I'm not completely awake yet, because I didn't shower this morning.

More Bad News: I'm attempting to blog before being fully awake.

Good News, Bad News: Comment Version.

Regarding yesterday's comments,

Good News: In addition to the swimming pool at work, we have racquetball courts, tennis courts, softball fields, and a full gym.

Bad News: They took out the bowling alley. Seriously.

More Bad News: I have not mentioned my employer, so no, it's not on my blog. Thanks for checking though!

Good News: I didn't get sunburned walking to the car.

Bad News: I felt like I was wearing an invisible plastic shield.

Good News: I have Jayleigh in my corner, demanding the pool to be opened.

Bad News: This was at 10:26 pm.

Good News: Chad was making me laugh at the "running while chasing someone" comment.

Bad News: Amanda just insulted my veggie-eating.

The Good News & The Bad News

Which one do you normally pick? If someone asks you if you want the good news or the bad news first, do you always go with one of them, or is your choice random?

Here's my good news/bad news that applied to me this weekend...

Good News: We saved by switching to Geico. Just kidding. We did save money though by having the lawn watered the natural way instead of hand watering it. We got some rain today!

Bad News: It rained and so I didn't get to swim on lunch.

More Bad News: Now it's sunny and my lunch is almost over.


Good News: I got one of those Caesar Salad Kits at Kroger yesterday. One of the ones that comes with croutons, cheese and dressing. It was getting close to the expiration date, and so they had it marked down to 10 CENTS!!!! What a deal!

Bad News: It didn't quite fill me up and so I had to get a veggie in the cafeteria.


Good News: I was a good wife and helped my hubby with yardwork on Saturday. He was on the first stages of assembling and digging trenches for our sprinkler system and so I shoveled the "dirt" (AKA hard lumps of clay and asphalt) off of the sidewalk and into the wheelbarrow.

Bad News: I was really sore that evening.


Good News: We had a great weekend, played games everyday with friends and family. Saturday night the fun lasted at our place until 2:15 am. Sunday it lasted until 1 am. Monday it lasted until 9 pm.

Bad News: I'm pretty dang tired today.


Good News: My mother-in-law went to church with us on Sunday, where we were treated to a wonderful patriotic service. This included the Pledge of Allegience, music from the orchestra, and a patriotic slide show.

Bad News: I was shedding some serious tears at the slide show. There was a voiceover done during part of the slideshow by one of our close friends (of the Sunday gamefest). The picture in the slideshow showed their son in Iraq, where he is in the Army. Their son told his parents how he felt that he should be serving over there since he is young and single, and that way a father doesn't have to leave his family to serve. They also had a loooong list of those in the armed forces from our church body. This included the aforementioned son as well as one of our guests from the Saturday night gamefest. Mingled feelings of pride and sadness.


Good News: I so enjoy reading your blogs and talking with y'all.

Bad News: Jes still has that picture on her blog. And I must get back to work now.

America The Beautiful

I didn't get to post earlier, as I had the day off and had limited computer access. I hope everyone has a great weekend and a wonderful holiday. I'm spending everyday this weekend with friends and family, and I'm pretty excited about it.

Oh beautiful, for spacious skies
For amber waves of grain.

For purple mountain majesties
above the fruited plain.

America, America
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good
With brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea.

Sing it Ray Charles!