Better Together

Laughing.

A conversation.

Meals outside.

A funny movie.

Singing.

Future planning.

Vacations.

Exercise.

Fighting.

Coffee.

Snow.

Dessert.

Fall and Oil

It is a perfect fall day:

overcast
cold
breezy
smelling like snow

Yes, you heard me, snow! I have the most potent sniffer I know. This means that a) I can smell rain and snow, and b) certain smells make me throw up in my mouth, when I normal person would only say, "Peuw! That stinks!"

A couple of weeks ago, we cleaned out the garage. The garage hadn't been touched since our move to the "big city" almost 1 year ago. We took advantage of the giant dumpster at Eric's disposal (hah - no pun intended) at work, and loaded up a few trashcans that had been sitting around that contained a mixture of yard waste, rocks, dirt and trash. We got to the giant dumpster, proceeded to unload the trashcans, and...

I almost threw up on the husband.

It turns out, we were making oil in our backyard with that mixture of yard waste, rock, dirt and trash. Homemade oil has a distinctly unpleasant smell. Especially when someone has not prepared for the smell by holding his or her breath!

So, I almost threw up - complete with the retching sound that accompanies, well, retching.

I didn't want to pander to your hankering for disgusting, so I threw in a little fall anecdote!

Enjoy the smells of autumn! May they be more pleasant than mine!

The Criticized Bride

A girl fantasizes about her wedding day for years before it actually occurs. Often, long before the groom is even in the picture. She thinks about the flowers, the colors, the pictures, the location and, of course, the dress, veil and shoes. I think this dreaming is wonderful. She gets to wish and hope for a spectacular, meaningful occasion.

Then, reality sets in. Family conflicts have a way of coming to the forefront during the planning of a wedding. And everyone has an opinion:

"That dress looks terrible!" (when it's the one she's dreamed about since she was 7)

"No one has a chocolate wedding cake!" (when she thinks white cakes tastes like sweetened flour)

"You have to have his second-cousin-once-removed in your wedding party - it's only polite!" (when she's never met his second-cousin-once-removed, and would like to have only close friends surrounding her for this important occasion)

"Why did she pick that song? That's not very appropriate for a wedding." (when it's the song that was playing the first time she held her groom's hand)

"Why didn't she pick so-and-so to do this-or-that?" (when she has very good reasons for these decisions)

I am a former wedding coordinator and I have played piano in numerous weddings since I was 18 years old. I've seen it done every way imaginable and heard every song imaginable (and a few other songs over, and over, and over, and over... you get the idea).

When I was a coordinator, I spent more than half of my meetings with the bride (and sometimes the groom) convincing her (and him) that it was her (their) day and if she wanted to do something a certain way, it was perfectly fine. I even had to talk down a few mothers, sisters or attendants when their insistence was wearing down a very frazzled bride. Many brides want their day to be perfect and, to make everyone happy, they do things they wouldn't have chosen for themselves.

I think every wedding is beautiful. Every detail should reflect an aspect of the couple's new life or their personalities. Many actions are chosen for a very specific reason, and I think my job - whether I am a merely a guest or am assisting them to create lasting memories - is to be happy that two people have found love and have chosen to spend their lives together.

(I'll climb down off my soapbox now... Enjoy your next wedding!)

See My Head? *BOOM!*

(NOTE: Audience Participation Requested! Feel free to email katherinsorensen@yahoo.com with extra information!)

My brain is too small - or too slow - to absorb all this stuff:

1. The Financial Crisis: I CANNOT believe that the government is giving away BILLIONS of dollars to people who got greedy, lost a little money, and then "needed help." I realize the effects of the capsizing banks on the "little people," and I understand how our financial system may have dipped for a while without a bailout. But, continuing to borrow, finance and "use" credit will land this country in an even bigger mess and I'm furious that while I choose to live my life debt-free, the people running my country think that's there's no other way besides borrowing up to your eyeballs to keep a sinking system afloat! Does this "solution" make you mad or glad?

2. Higher Education: I now realize how so many people come out of the educational system and follow the liberal cause in this country like lemurs off a cliff. It's easy! I sit in every classroom, inwardly seething, occasionally commenting and constantly wondering if my fellow classmates, and teachers realize they are spouting rhetoric and fail to have a single original thought. They're repeating what they've heard without rolling it around in their brains for a while to see if it actually makes sense. There's no reason to point it out, they'll just get more angry! Can you sit silently while people voice their opinions that are exactly contrary to yours?

3. Dangerous Dog Ordinance: We have escape artist dogs. Even Sadie, with her sad, old hips will get free if she tries hard enough. So, we removed the ineffectual fence in the backyard and attached their cables to a stake in the ground. Then, this week, the Omaha City Council decided that dogs cannot be tethered for more than 15 minutes without an adult present. So, my dogs will no longer be able to bask in the sun all afternoon while I clean up in the house. They can't sit outside and sniff the breeze and chase the rabbits away. No, now they have to stay locked inside, underfoot, while I fight the losing battle against the furballs in the corners. Do we build a fence or find another way around the ordinance?

4. Fasting: Our pastor has called for a church-wide fast next week. I'm nervous, having never fasted for any length of time (unless I forget to eat breakfast - and that doesn't really count). The biggest problem is my caffeine addiction. I tried three times this week to go caffeine free. Today was the final effort and I am currently fighting a horrible migraine. We're supposed to do a juice fast or strictly fruits and veggies fast. I don't know if I'll be able to make it through a day, let alone act as a functioning member of society! Could you do it? Am I crazy to even try?

5. I'm searching for people with a story to tell (continued from #1): I am planning on being pretty uneffected by the financial meltdown, due to the way Eric and I live our lives. Our biggest splurge is eating out (and yes, we do so a little too often). We do not use credit cards or debt. We save for my schooling and pay it all with a check. We rent movies from Red Box (only $1 a night), I buy mostly store brands and love to find great clothes on clearance. The simple life has always worked well for us. However, there are people in this country (and, now I hear, around the world) who will have to drastically change their lifestyles in order to survive after this shift in the financial realm. Do you live a simple life? If so, how do you define simple and do you feel like you will be able to keep living it? Are you going to make changes after the market shake-up? Are there certain things you may do differently? (i.e. pay off credit cards, eat at home, etc?) I know there's a lesson for normal people to learn in all this, and I'll do my best to find it!

We are Busy, oh so Busy...

What a day! Eric actually had the day off, I put my homework off until tomorrow, and we worked...and worked...and worked. I got a little color on my shoulders, a lot of dirt on my legs and under my fingernails, and sore wrists and knees.

But OH! the accomplishments!

1. We had a nice sleep in today. It's the first time we've been able to wake up without the blaring "BLEEP! BLEEP! BLEEP!" in at least six months.

2. I washed an entire sinkful of dishes before 10 a.m.

3. Eric pulled out the funny little fence that separated a strange portion of our yard.

4. I trimmed every bush in the yard - and cleaned up after myself!

5. Eric used the weedeater on every edge of our grass - it looks awesome!

6. I picked up dog poop - a whole bucket full - YUCK!

7. Eric mowed the yard (on a nice tall setting that makes our grass look healthier than it actually is).

8. We pulled every item out of the garage, finished unpacking boxes from our move 11 months ago, sorted trash from keep items, and put everything back in an orderly fashion.

9. We then filled the truck up twice with trash (and we are good about keeping our trash hording to a minimum - I was amazed) and dropped it off at the dumpster on the job site.

10. We walked the dogs (a little shorter than usual) and got back just in time for the NEB - VA TECH game.

11. Just watched the Huskers make an AWESOME punt return! (88 YARDS for a TD!)

12. Am now going to continue watching a super close game.

13. Looking forward to a sermon series on Finances tomorrow.

What did you accomplish this weekend?

Deal? Or No Deal?

I'm having a tough time of it these past few weeks. Not school, not work, but other...stuff. I can't go into details, (there are too many of them, for starters), but I'm exhausted deep in my soul. There are so many things that have drained me dry. I feel as if I should sleep for days just to shut out any more possible information that may be heading my way.

I talked to a family member last night about being overwhelmed and dealing with the "stuff." We realized that this is one of the hardest parts about being an adult: Actually knowing all the "stuff" that's out there. I'm sure it existed before, but we were thankfully insulated from the knowledge of it. I don't think I have a very good coping mechanism for handling these things.

How do you deal with all the stuff?

What Did You Snack on Today?

I was waiting for an appointment today. Standing in a hallway, reading my NY Times (that I get free from school) and wondering about the current state of the financial markets. (Don't laugh! I really was!)

A woman rolled down in the hall in her motorized wheelchair. I am trying to be kind, so I will say, her wheelchair was not for a disability. It was for her weight problem. I'm assuming it was also quite useful for the tank of oxygen she had pumping clean, pure O2 into her nostrils as well.

Around a little corner, next to the stairs, is the building's vending machine. It's a tight fit back there and the machines' compressors make quite a racket. (I'm listening to them as I type.)

This woman attempted to roll into the corner. And got stuck. She called "Ma'am! Can you help me?" I assumed she needed help out of her predicament.

But, no. "Can you hold this?" she asked, handing over the gigantic black bag, "And can you put the coins in for me?" WHAT?! I thought/screamed to myself DON'T YOU REALIZE HOW THIS WAS CAUSED?

I was close to asking if her doctor would ok these purchases (I was on the same floor as a doctor's office.), but wisely/stupidly refrained.

She handed me enough money for 2 double-packs of Hostess Cupcakes and a 3 Musketeer Bar. I pushed the money into the slot for each item, and handed them to her as they were dispensed.

This woman couldn't breathe.
She couldn't bend over.
She could barely speak.
She couldn't even insert coins into the vending machine.

And I enabled her to continue her destructive behavior.

What would you have done?

It Positively Hurt

So, I caught my finger between two door knobs tonight.

Right before doing dishes.

As I was cleaning the mess of a kitchen.

Hmm...so...the positive mood was challenged this evening.

But nothing a little walk with the husband and dogs couldn't fix!

Must...Stay...Positive

It's easy to be happy when things are going your way. Your dogs are angels while you're gone, your husband comes home all smiles and ready to conform to your every wish, and every person you have a slight acquaintance with strikes up a conversation with you as you pass their way.

These things did not happen to me.

But, instead of dwelling in the negative past, I'm looking towards tomorrow in a very positive fashion. And will give you a quick and positive update on my workout regimen:

I (finally) received "Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred" last Thursday. I say finally because of Amazon's horrendously slow Super Saver Shipping. (That wasn't negative, simply truthful.) Wow! Feel the burn, folks. It's been a long time since I've felt so sore after a workout DVD. And, I am doing push-ups people - girl push-ups, but push-ups nonetheless! The workout(s) is great! I'm only on Level 1, and will stick with this one until I feel "ready to progress." I'm thinking this will happen towards the end of this week. The great thing about this workout is the way the time is broken up: 3 circuits that each include:

3 minutes of strength (30 seconds of arms, 1 minute of combination moves, repeat both)
2 minutes of cardio (alternating between 2 moves at 30 seconds each)
1 minute of abs (2 moves for the first and second circuit, 1 combination move for the last)

I'm a real watch-the-clock exerciser. And, if I'm bored, I may as well be exercising for the rest of eternity. The best part about this DVD is the "mini-goals" within the workout. I feel a sense of HUGE accomplishment every time I reach the end of each segment.

Although you feel like you will die before Jillian calls time for each move, the results are worth it! The only thing I'm not seeing a huge improvement in (yet) is my abs, but that's always the last thing to tone up for me. Now, off to refresh my mind with my positive mantra from yesterday! Stay tuned for more positivism!

I'm Positive, thank you!

Last night, at 11 pm, I checked on Moosh in Indy and am taking her challenge and running with it!

Of course, my first thought was negative, but, in the spirit of the challenge, I quickly shoved it aside and marched into the Land of Positivism. (I found that this land must exist in the eleventh dimension, only accessible by a constant inner mantra of "stay positive, stay positive, stay positive, I MEAN IT, stay positive!") While I'm normally outwardly positive (or if not, then simply silent), I internally create quite a world of dark broodiness of which escape is difficult and harrowing.

Begone pessimism!


"I, myself, do solemnly swear, that I will think the best of people's comments, intentions and actions this week. I will not let the poor moods of others affect my cheery outlook on life. I will smile more, laugh often and spread my goodwill and positive attitude to all I come in contact with for the next seven days, saith I."

Do you think I can do it?

Better yet, do you think YOU could do it?

Fall, Etc.

Fall is here. The air is crisp and slightly damp. The sky has been full of high clouds for two days. When the sun comes out, the air is still cool and clean. The wind gusts through the trees pulling a few leaves to the ground.

I.love.fall.

Sadie curls up in the smallest ball possible and hides her nose under her front paw to escape. Nala basks in the sun (when it shows itself) and noses fallen leaves in the backyard.

This year, I may actually get to enjoy this wonderful season. Last year, we were in the midst of moving, trying to sell our old house, adjusting to a new city, etc, etc, etc. This year, even in the midst of school and family (and joining "Real Worship" choir at church - which I am very excited for!), I'm planning on getting the most out of my favorite time of year!

Second topic:

"Sacrifice: the act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy."

Have you every encountered the same principle over and over and over and over in the span of two days that you feel beat up with it when you stop to catch your breath?

I love my time and my schedule. I like to have things organized, have free time and do the things I want to do when I want to do them. It's easy for me to stay comfortable. I've even noticed that when Eric and have time off together, we tend to argue - mostly because his being home more than normal, disrupts "my" life.

What's more important? My schedule or showing love to my husband? Having (too much) time for myself or giving up a few hours a week for others? So, I'm going to embrace sacrifice for my husband and my church.

At the end of choir auditions this morning, Pastor Les came in and talked to us for a few minutes. Remember all those "beatings" I'd received? This was number three in less than three hours. On the radio, I heard about a worship leader saying that the "sacrifice of praise" involved the sacrifice of moving outside of what is comfortable for "me" to bring glory to God. The second instance, Pastor Sean talked about the sacrifice of being involved in a great choir.

Then Pastor Les came in. Yes, he's a great speaker, yes, he is real and authentic, but I believe that he is truly a communicator for God. I don't know how else to explain the things he says. He talked about offering ourselves as sacrifices. The scary/amazing thing was that he went past the offering part. If you know about sacrifices, the offering isn't the end. I always realized that in a cerebral way this was true, but never thought about how that concept applied to me.

Once a pleasing sacrifice is offered, it is consumed. Completely consumed. That is scary. I like control.

Sorry for the rambling and disjointed post. I like to get words down to work through ideas.

What do you think about sacrifice? Or about fall? Or both?

My Husband - The Hero

Halfway through a normal hike, on a normal trail on Sunday, we found that all the large pads on every one of Nala's feet was in the process of tearing off. I'm not talking a little scuff here - the.entire.top.layer.of.every.pad. I don't do blood, or guts, or anything that would cause pain, so, I freaked out. Eric, however, stepped up to the challenge. We still had over a mile to go, but my superman picked up our "little" dog (of 65 pounds) and carried her the rest of the way.

(The picture's a bit blurry, but I wasn't about to make him pose!) I tried to give him a break and got about 20 feet... and that's being generous!

Our "big" dog was also limping a little, but we thought it was her hip displaysia. Oh no, she had torn the pad off one of her feet as well! Our poor animals! The city life has made them soft!

After some checks online, and a call to a friend who has lived the ordeal, we found there's really nothing we can do, aside from letting them heal on their own. We've been bandaging Nala's feet when she goes outside, but then removing the wraps when she's inside. They should be ok in a couple of weeks. Nala still trembles every time she stands, but she's getting better at it - especially when there's food involved.

We decided Sadie's a trooper - she must have learned how from Eric!

Revisiting a Certain Venture

When you grow up, you realize how good things were. Certain activities are seen in a different light and you realize, "That wasn't nearly as horrible as I thought it was!" That being said, I'm getting back to my roots this semester. After taking two years off, I'm ready to start teaching again! If you've been around for a while, you may remember this post. I'm back in the saddle as of today! The only problem is: no students yet! But I do have some great fliers ready to post and a listing on Craigslist. With just eight students, I'll be able to leave the internship that causes me such grief, and save gas all at the same time! Here's my informational flier for your enjoyment.

A Quick Detour

Be careful, pet lovers, this story will cause immense gratitude for all the close calls with toys that didn't end in disaster!

The Chai Story

I'm so sad for Chai and hoping such a thing never happens to our precious puppies!

It's coming...

I working on a great, detailed update of the past two months. You'll enjoy it, I promise! But, it needs a little more time to make it better than just good! Check back soon!

I Got a B!

Really, that's all I have to say.

I passed Astronomy with a solid "B"!

No more science - EVER!

What has brought YOU great relief this week?

A Break to Blog

I just finished my preliminary study of the last four chapters of Astronomy and will soon move on to Mass Communication Research Methods. Gotta love higher education!

I was completely refreshed, challenged and motivated at worship this morning. This is definitely a God-gift because I was up until 2:45 a.m. last night studying. However, I stayed awake and absorbed what I needed to hear today.

Eric and I took our first baby steps to getting involved at Trinity: we're going to "Step Out and Serve" two Sundays from now. I recently told a friend how nice it has been for the past year to "sit back and absorb." But, the recharging is nearly complete and we're going to give back soon! (I'm a "little" excited!) And, we keep meeting people we know or recognize at our church - a little disconcerting, but in a cool way.

Last night, the 6th of 12 (kids from my family) celebrated his graduation from high school. My bro, Toby, is 18 and living on his own now! I feel really old - and can't believe I graduated EIGHT - wait - make that NINE years ago! What really makes me feel ancient is that this HUGE guy was only 10 years old when I got married and left my parent's home:

... and that HE was a baby (not even 2 years old)...

...and my Janna girl was the cutest flower girl (and the best, I might add!) at 2 1/2 years old.

Everyone else has grown up too (and when I say "up," I mean "UP!"), and it was a fun to see everyone back at the old homestead for the evening.

Right Under Your Nose

I sat down to my morning routine and laughed over my morning reading. I bemoaned the fact that I had nothing interesting to report and resigned myself to sitting down to homework. (Blah to homework!)

Then, I stepped outside to let Big Sade in...

And almost stepped in a turd.

Yes, a giant turd (fresh, mind you!) on our porch steps.

If you don't have dogs, this may gross you out beyond belief, but it's a fact of life for us dog keepers: sometimes you find turds.

Turds that have grass (or q-tips, or socks - yes, socks) woven through them.

Turds that dangle and need help to fall. (A looooong stick is best for this.)

Turds that stink so bad, you avoid a certain area of the yard.

Are the turds really worth it?

Absolutely.

Omaha Vacation

Our great friends from Lincoln came up for the weekend and we spent the hottest day of the year outside! Although the humidity was 90% and the temp was over 95 degrees F, the heat was worth the fun!

Omaha Royals v. Salt Lake City Bees (Bees won 7-5)

Mark Schultz in Concert Following the Game
(We decided he probably shaved his head after realizing how humid it was!)

Eric

The Classic Car Show
(A lot of money was sitting in this lot!)

A Brand-New BMW
(Check the sticker price below)

(More than our mortgage is worth!)

A warm walk around the ConAgra Campus
(We saw the biggest carp ever! Three feet long!)

We all went to our church on Sunday morning, after an invigorating breakfast at IHOP. Our pastor was back from a month-long sabbatical and challenged us to "Breathe Spiritually" and not worry about disappointing others - only strive for God's approval!

You Want Me to Do What?!

I just got done reading one of my "every-day" bloggers who had just posted about reading another blog. Instead of commenting, I rushed here instead:

I have an internship. It is the most boring job in the world. I make copies, write stupid company newsletter articles, make more copies, listen to people tell me I didn't follow the exact formula for the stupid newsletter articles, copy a few more papers, and go home wondering this is what it will be like in "the real world." I die a little bit every time I enter that building.
Last week, my supervisor, who has been with this dry and dusty company for THIRTY FIVE YEARS, said I should try and get a job with the Company. After I'd just finished telling her I wanted to to graphic design. After I'd just told her I didn't think insurance and I were a good fit. After I 'd just finished thinking to myself, "I'd rather walk across needles than come to this soul-sucking company every day of my adult life."
But my supervisor's suggestion was (to her) a wonderful idea. In her mind, a company that makes a good profit, never lays off its workers and offers good benefits is all you should ever want in an employer.
My counter argument is this: You spend most of your life working. Why, oh why, would you spend 93,600 hours of your life doing something you hate? Or that didn't bring you joy? Or that provided you with a paycheck but nothing more? A smaller paycheck is worth waking up anxious to get to work. Fewer dollars in your bank account are worth the excitement of doing something you love.
I realize I have yet to really get out there (in the work force), but I have had a taste of it. I've had a job I loved that I hated to leave and I've worked in places I couldn't run from fast enough. I want to look back on my life and realize I loved what I did, was content with what I made and believed in the work I was doing. It's not just a job. It's really not.