Hopefully you spend some time, if not a lot, talking to God. But do you ever feel like he's talking to you? I don't mean audibly hearing His voice, although if you do, I'm jealous. I don't even mean broad instructions given to all Christians in His word, although those are VERY important. I'm talking about little signs or "coincidences" that are sooooo perfectly timed that you think, "God, you sent that just for me, didn't you?" Needless to say, that happened to me about 2 minutes ago.
So for lack of a better term, I've been in a "bad head" lately. I know it's largely because I've drifted some from the truth and let the devil have a foothold, but I've just been sorta down and out and....searching. So I'm sitting at work, thinking about this very thing and I decide to pull up google and search for the remedy. I mean, you can find anything on google, right? So I type in "cures for a bad head". I know what you're thinking. How on earth did I think that was going to give me the answer I was looking for? Incidently, I now know many good tips for curing hangovers. But here's the thing, even before I typed in the search, i knew there was only one answer. In the back of my mind I'm thinking, "Amy, you don't need Google to tell you that God's Word, prayer and surrounding yourself with believers is what you need right now." Anyway, before I could even begin to navigate through the pages of my search results, I was distracted by the tab to my yahoo mail page. I noticed I had received a new message. I quickly tabbed over to see who it was from. You won't believe what the subject line of the e-mail said.
"His Word. Their Hope."
I still can't get over how perfect that timing was. And I don't think for a second that it was some coincidence of the universe. God is talking to me. And He wants to talk to all of us if we'll just listen. Think about that this week. His word is our hope. I don't know about you, but I know that I need to spend more time in God's word - more time listening to what he has to say to me. That's the only real cure for a bad head.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Laughter Is The Best Medicine
While I'm in a blogging mood, I might as well tell you about another event I attended about a month or so ago. Better late than never, right?
A while back my roommate, Rani, mentioned a comedy night at a local hotel bar. The Midtown's newly rennovated Velvet Room hosts a comedy night every Thursday. The acts are reported to be nationally touring comedians from the likes of HBO, Comedy Central, etc.
We decided to check it out for ourselves one Thursday night, so we headed over to the Midtown Hotel. There was a little confusion on the start time, so we arrived to a comedy routine already in progress. The crowd was sparse and clearly drunk and the comedian's mic was WAY too loud, but those minor issues aside, the comedy was actually very funny. Now, I should take this opportunity to tell you that I consider myself a fairly tough critic when it comes to comedy. I don't normally laugh at the obvious jokes, as I prefer a more intelligent humor. And I definitely don't like vulgarity, but much to my surprise, this guy was both clean and hysterical. I quickly grew accustomed to the volume and found that I was laughing out loud with great frequency. In fact, he had me in such a good mood, that I didn't mind when he jokingly referred to my roommate and me as "lesbians". I mean, it was a joke, right?
After the show was over, the place cleared out pretty quickly. The DJ played some loud dance music in hopes to fill the dance floor, but it was clear that the people had come for one reason and one reason only. As Rani and I left, I wondered what the chances were that every Thursday night comedian would be that funny and that clean. My guess is slim to none. I do feel like I lucked out that night, but since I haven't been back since, I can't say for sure.
Amy's Overall Opinion: Great change of pace for a weeknight in Midland and not too pricey (less than $8, I believe)
Amy's Advice: Double check the time and maybe bring some earplugs, just in case!
A while back my roommate, Rani, mentioned a comedy night at a local hotel bar. The Midtown's newly rennovated Velvet Room hosts a comedy night every Thursday. The acts are reported to be nationally touring comedians from the likes of HBO, Comedy Central, etc.
We decided to check it out for ourselves one Thursday night, so we headed over to the Midtown Hotel. There was a little confusion on the start time, so we arrived to a comedy routine already in progress. The crowd was sparse and clearly drunk and the comedian's mic was WAY too loud, but those minor issues aside, the comedy was actually very funny. Now, I should take this opportunity to tell you that I consider myself a fairly tough critic when it comes to comedy. I don't normally laugh at the obvious jokes, as I prefer a more intelligent humor. And I definitely don't like vulgarity, but much to my surprise, this guy was both clean and hysterical. I quickly grew accustomed to the volume and found that I was laughing out loud with great frequency. In fact, he had me in such a good mood, that I didn't mind when he jokingly referred to my roommate and me as "lesbians". I mean, it was a joke, right?
After the show was over, the place cleared out pretty quickly. The DJ played some loud dance music in hopes to fill the dance floor, but it was clear that the people had come for one reason and one reason only. As Rani and I left, I wondered what the chances were that every Thursday night comedian would be that funny and that clean. My guess is slim to none. I do feel like I lucked out that night, but since I haven't been back since, I can't say for sure.
Amy's Overall Opinion: Great change of pace for a weeknight in Midland and not too pricey (less than $8, I believe)
Amy's Advice: Double check the time and maybe bring some earplugs, just in case!
Take Me Out To The Ballgame
It's been a while since I've posted about "things to do in Midland" so I figured, why not tell you about the baseball game I went to last night.
The Midland Rockhounds is our local, minor league baseball team. Last night they faced off against Corpus Christi, so I joined my roommate and a few of her coworkers at the game. Let me begin by saying, of all the sports, baseball is not my favorite. In fact, next to golf, I think it's very boring to watch on tv. However, there is something to be said for viewing it live. I am beginning to understand how it is considered America's favorite pasttime. The cheering crowd, the crack of the bat, the anticipation of seeing a homerun (which we did) or even a GRAND SLAM! It's a lot more fun than I've given it credit for and, with the right company, makes for a VERY enjoyable way to spend your Monday Evening. And, it doesn't hurt that as usual, there's something about a man in uniform...even baseball and umpire uniforms!
Amy's Overall Opinion: Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks and we have a date!
Amy's Advice: Go on Monday night and mention "Basic Energy" at the ticket booth for $2.00 tickets. What a steal! (pun intended!)
The Midland Rockhounds is our local, minor league baseball team. Last night they faced off against Corpus Christi, so I joined my roommate and a few of her coworkers at the game. Let me begin by saying, of all the sports, baseball is not my favorite. In fact, next to golf, I think it's very boring to watch on tv. However, there is something to be said for viewing it live. I am beginning to understand how it is considered America's favorite pasttime. The cheering crowd, the crack of the bat, the anticipation of seeing a homerun (which we did) or even a GRAND SLAM! It's a lot more fun than I've given it credit for and, with the right company, makes for a VERY enjoyable way to spend your Monday Evening. And, it doesn't hurt that as usual, there's something about a man in uniform...even baseball and umpire uniforms!
Amy's Overall Opinion: Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks and we have a date!
Amy's Advice: Go on Monday night and mention "Basic Energy" at the ticket booth for $2.00 tickets. What a steal! (pun intended!)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Pink Elephant, anyone?
I'm going to ignore the big, PINK ELEPHANT in the room right now. You know, the one that keeps reminding me that I have ONCE again failed at the "Things to do in Midland" challenge. It also keeps trying to tell me that I even failed at my attempt to go Boho. (My sister has reminded me of that a few times too.) What can I say? I am who I am. I like green eggs and ham. Wait, wrong rhyme. So now you know, I don't finish what I start, my style is anything but bohemian, and I even have a dorky sense of humor.
It was suggested to me a few days ago that rather than give up on the blog all together, I just shift the focus a bit. Who says I HAVE to blog about things to do in Midland? Why not just blog about life. I mean, mine's not always the most interesting to read about, but hey, judging by the FB status updates I read regularly, neither is anyone else's. I also decided that instead of trying to cram 52 things to do in Midland into one calendar year, why not just give myself a break on the time constraints. In other words, I will probably still occasionally post about outings and whatnot...it just won't be once a week.
Okay, so here's the update on me...as far as Grad school is concerned, I still don't know if it's a sure thing. I submitted all of the required material but am waiting for one of my letters of recommendation before I will know if I'm a Red Raider. (Ick...I hate the sound of that. Correction: until I know if I'm an Aggie who will be furthering her education at Texas Tech.) In the meantime, the spring semester is in full swing and some exciting things are coming down the line. For the third year in a row, I've been invited to sponsor the senior class trip to San Antonio. A few days after that I will be taking several students, a few parents and my sissy to NYC, baby!!!! Then, in mid June, I will head to Dallas with Amanda to watch....drumroll, please....NKOTB and Backstreet Boys in concert! It's going to be legend...wait for it....ary! All of these trips are proving to be great motivation to pick up the pace on my weight loss journey. To date I've lost 12 pounds. It would have been more, but I sort of fell off the wagon last week. But I'm back in the saddle and I have my eyes on the prize!
In "not so happy" news, I'm also looking for a new place to live before June 1st. For those who haven't heard, I've been asked...no, told...to move out of my house. I mean, I suppose the owners (MCS) have that right since it IS their house, but it doesn't mean I'm happy about it. I sure will miss living so close to work and having the extra space. I have a feeling it's back to apartment living for me!
But ill-timed move aside, life is dandy these days and I owe God all the praise! (There I go with my Dr. Seuss ways again...)
Thanks for reading!
It was suggested to me a few days ago that rather than give up on the blog all together, I just shift the focus a bit. Who says I HAVE to blog about things to do in Midland? Why not just blog about life. I mean, mine's not always the most interesting to read about, but hey, judging by the FB status updates I read regularly, neither is anyone else's. I also decided that instead of trying to cram 52 things to do in Midland into one calendar year, why not just give myself a break on the time constraints. In other words, I will probably still occasionally post about outings and whatnot...it just won't be once a week.
Okay, so here's the update on me...as far as Grad school is concerned, I still don't know if it's a sure thing. I submitted all of the required material but am waiting for one of my letters of recommendation before I will know if I'm a Red Raider. (Ick...I hate the sound of that. Correction: until I know if I'm an Aggie who will be furthering her education at Texas Tech.) In the meantime, the spring semester is in full swing and some exciting things are coming down the line. For the third year in a row, I've been invited to sponsor the senior class trip to San Antonio. A few days after that I will be taking several students, a few parents and my sissy to NYC, baby!!!! Then, in mid June, I will head to Dallas with Amanda to watch....drumroll, please....NKOTB and Backstreet Boys in concert! It's going to be legend...wait for it....ary! All of these trips are proving to be great motivation to pick up the pace on my weight loss journey. To date I've lost 12 pounds. It would have been more, but I sort of fell off the wagon last week. But I'm back in the saddle and I have my eyes on the prize!
In "not so happy" news, I'm also looking for a new place to live before June 1st. For those who haven't heard, I've been asked...no, told...to move out of my house. I mean, I suppose the owners (MCS) have that right since it IS their house, but it doesn't mean I'm happy about it. I sure will miss living so close to work and having the extra space. I have a feeling it's back to apartment living for me!
But ill-timed move aside, life is dandy these days and I owe God all the praise! (There I go with my Dr. Seuss ways again...)
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
2010 Challenge - Part 2
As part "Otter" personality, I am notorious for being a great starter but a lousy finisher. Actually, you already knew that. That's why I'm having to continue the 2010 challenge in 2011. But that makes me wonder...if something starts out lousy for me, is that an omen that it will end great?! If so, then this 2010 challenge (part 2) should be a homerun, because my first event for 2011 was a complete failure. I would like to point out, however, that the failure was not entirely my fault. Allow me to explain:
My first outing for the year was planned for this past weekend. I had noticed on the city's calendar of events that the Horseshoe Arena was hosting the West Texas Kennel Club Dog Show. I've never been to a dog show, but I thought, hey, that's something you don't see every weekend and the best part was the free admission. So, I promptly notified my dog-loving friend and possibly my only blog-reader, Amanda, and she agreed to accompany me to the dog show. The website had Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. listed as the show times, so I assumed it must be a come and go type event (althought the word "show" would suggest otherwise). That was my first mistake. Never assume.
About 3:30 in the afternoon, Amanda and I pull into the parking lot and I'm immediately concerned by the lack of cars, but we park and head inside anyway. Once inside, I notice a line of people leaving the bleacher section. Then I observe what appears to be vendors tearing down their stations. Finally, after walking around in a state of semi-bewilderment and confusion, Amanda prompts me to ask someone what's going on. So I turn to a lady with a red vest on (very official looking) and say, "Is it over?" Dumb question. Of course it was over....that's usually why people start putting things away. All that was left were a few slow-moving vendors, some tired dogs in crates and what appeared to be the winner of the show having his (or her?) picutre taken with his (or her?) owner.
Wow. So after all that, I still haven't ever seen a dog show. But some people did and I'm sure they'd tell you it was fun. Here's what I'll tell you - don't trust the Horseshoe website.
Amy's Final Opinion: At least the afternoon wasn't a total loss. I still got the oh-so-classy picture below (the sign says "Select Bitch")
Amy's Advice: Go with your gut. When in doubt of show times, always call first. (Yeah, I know it's sideways, but if you look close, you'll see that it does indeed say 7 to 7!)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
La Vie Boheme!
If I ask you what Madonna is most known for, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Scratch that...what's the 3rd or 4th thing that comes to mind. For me, it is her amazing ability to reinvent herself. What else could explain how she's been able to stay popular for so long? Well, in true Madonna fashion, I've been thinking about reinventing myself, or rather, my style. Those who know me, particularly where my style is concerned, know that I am the queen of "matchy-matchy". Take my bedroom for example. Plum, pale pink, black, white and silver. Those are my colors and I have the HARDEST time introducing anything into my decor if it doesn't fall into one of those categories. Also, patterns have to match. If I have stripes, then plaid just won't work. The same is basically true for my wardrobe, especially where accessories are concerned. I can wear an orange shirt and purple earrings ONLY if I have a scarf that ties them together. To be honest, I envy my roommate. She manages to put things together that, although I think they're adorable, I would NEVER have thought of myself.
So what do I wish to be in this new "style" life? You've probably already guessed it from the title of this post - I want to go bohemian. Talk about a style that marries different patterns and colors! I love it and I want more of it! I've already been eyeing some fabric at Hobby Lobby to make throw pillows with for my bed...and I'm talking blues and greens...not just pinks and plums! Also, I've started scouring the web for pics of all the boho-chic celebs so I'll know what to look for on my next shopping trip. (Exhibit A)
Seeing as how this is my first reinvention, I'm not expecting it to be easy, nor am I expecting it will happen overnight. Also, it's not like I can financially justify a complete overhaul to both my wardrobe and my living decor. But I can start small and introduce little things here and there...and before you know it, I'll be living "La Vie Boheme!"
Thursday, January 27, 2011
We're not in "Glam"sas anymore, Toto!
Forgive me blogger, for I have sinned. Not only has it been a while since my last post, but I fear the title I've given my blog is now a misnomer. Sure, I'm still grateful for God's goodness and grace, but as for the "all things glam", I'm thinking "all thing glum" might better suit me these days. Okay, maybe glum isn't really the word I'm looking for, so allow me to explain.
Once a self-proclaimed Glamazon on the scale of Frumpy to Fabulous (Glamazon is the notch right before Fabulous), I now reside somewhere in the middle between "lazy college student" and "30-something school teacher". Although I'm not wearing pajama bottoms to work (I secretly wish though) or ABC sweaters and the like, I have been particularly lax about things like makeup, hair products and....dare I say it....jewelry! (OH THE SHAME!) You may be thinking to yourself, "Self, Amy loves her jewelry more than life, so what gives?" I'll tell you what gives. I've become a six-days-a-week gym rat. You may think that has nothing to do with my recent move out of "Glam"sas, but I beg to differ.
First, there's the morning getting-ready-routine. After my shower is usually when the tug of war starts. The old me is ready to get dolled up and meet the day head-on, but the new me starts calculating how long I'll actually be wearing the makeup I'm about to put on and wondering what's the use of fixing my hair if in mere hours it will be dripping with sweat. As it turns out, the new me is pretty strong and usually wins...but that's not all...
After the gym (when I really do look like a rat...and a drowned rat at that), I'm too tired to do anything but eat, go to any mandatory meetings and then sleep. That's right, I just admitted to God and everyone that I usually don't shower after the gym - I just let that sweat air dry. (I repeat: OH THE SHAME!) This means that when you see me at wednesday night church or in the grocery store, you probably don't want to get too close.
So what's this former fashionista to do? I could always try early morning workouts, but just the thought makes my eyelids heavy. Maybe stronger coffee? Hire a personal hairdresser and makeup person? Liposuction? Follow the yellow brick road...?
Once a self-proclaimed Glamazon on the scale of Frumpy to Fabulous (Glamazon is the notch right before Fabulous), I now reside somewhere in the middle between "lazy college student" and "30-something school teacher". Although I'm not wearing pajama bottoms to work (I secretly wish though) or ABC sweaters and the like, I have been particularly lax about things like makeup, hair products and....dare I say it....jewelry! (OH THE SHAME!) You may be thinking to yourself, "Self, Amy loves her jewelry more than life, so what gives?" I'll tell you what gives. I've become a six-days-a-week gym rat. You may think that has nothing to do with my recent move out of "Glam"sas, but I beg to differ.
First, there's the morning getting-ready-routine. After my shower is usually when the tug of war starts. The old me is ready to get dolled up and meet the day head-on, but the new me starts calculating how long I'll actually be wearing the makeup I'm about to put on and wondering what's the use of fixing my hair if in mere hours it will be dripping with sweat. As it turns out, the new me is pretty strong and usually wins...but that's not all...
After the gym (when I really do look like a rat...and a drowned rat at that), I'm too tired to do anything but eat, go to any mandatory meetings and then sleep. That's right, I just admitted to God and everyone that I usually don't shower after the gym - I just let that sweat air dry. (I repeat: OH THE SHAME!) This means that when you see me at wednesday night church or in the grocery store, you probably don't want to get too close.
So what's this former fashionista to do? I could always try early morning workouts, but just the thought makes my eyelids heavy. Maybe stronger coffee? Hire a personal hairdresser and makeup person? Liposuction? Follow the yellow brick road...?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Where have you been all my life?!
Oh, right...I'm the one who disappered. To my blogger account and devoted followers, my sincerest apologies! I hope 2010 was good for you and that you weren't bored without my "things to do in Midland" updates. What can I say, I'm the classic great starter/lousy finisher (or what some call an Otter personality). In fact, as I type I'm wrestling with the thought of restarting the "things to do" list. I have to acknowledge that if I do, there is a good chance that I will once again get too busy to see it through the year. HMMMMMM...what to do.
Okay, in true Otter fashion, I've decided to give it a go. I figure I made it to week 5 last year, so I'll pick up with week 6 in 2011 and TRY to make it all the way to week 52. As a refresher, here are the parameters:
Things to DO in Midland/Odessa,
Restaurants don't count,
No repeating.
I'll start compiling my list today. Maybe if I plan out my weeks in advance, I'll be less likely to fizzle out.
Okay, enough about that. Just in case anyone's wondering, here's the quick list of what's been going on with me since my last post:
I'm in my 4th year of teaching at Midland Christian (Economics and Theatre still) and recently decided to go back to school for my Masters in Theatre. Against my better (Aggie) judgement, I'm applying for the program at Texas Tech. I take the GRE this Saturday and am planning a trip to Lubbock soon to speak with an advisor. My plan is to go to summer school until my last 2 semesters which must be completed in the fall and spring.
I've also moved since my last post. I'm no longer with the 'rents (many thanks to Randy and Brenda for housing me last year). I now rent a house owned by and across from Midland Christian. I love the extra space, my great roommate (shout out to Rani Hayes!) and being able to walk to work.
Lastly, a few of my resolutions/plans for 2011:
Okay, in true Otter fashion, I've decided to give it a go. I figure I made it to week 5 last year, so I'll pick up with week 6 in 2011 and TRY to make it all the way to week 52. As a refresher, here are the parameters:
Things to DO in Midland/Odessa,
Restaurants don't count,
No repeating.
I'll start compiling my list today. Maybe if I plan out my weeks in advance, I'll be less likely to fizzle out.
Okay, enough about that. Just in case anyone's wondering, here's the quick list of what's been going on with me since my last post:
I'm in my 4th year of teaching at Midland Christian (Economics and Theatre still) and recently decided to go back to school for my Masters in Theatre. Against my better (Aggie) judgement, I'm applying for the program at Texas Tech. I take the GRE this Saturday and am planning a trip to Lubbock soon to speak with an advisor. My plan is to go to summer school until my last 2 semesters which must be completed in the fall and spring.
I've also moved since my last post. I'm no longer with the 'rents (many thanks to Randy and Brenda for housing me last year). I now rent a house owned by and across from Midland Christian. I love the extra space, my great roommate (shout out to Rani Hayes!) and being able to walk to work.
Lastly, a few of my resolutions/plans for 2011:
- lose weight (another shout out to my workout partner, Amanda Rosales!)
- see the blog through
- become a leader in Celebrate Recovery
- get accepted to Texas Tech (never thought I'd say that)
- go to NYC in May
- pay off Discover and start making a dent in Visa
Amy's final opinion on 2010:
Not too shabby, but 2011 will be even better!
Amy's Advice:
Enjoy the "Things to Do" while you can....you know, just in case ;)
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