University Adventures

A little over a month ago, the fan in my dining room broke. And by broke, I mean the light chain came out of its place and stayed in my hand, as I was turning the light off. My housemate and I have lived without a light in our dining room for over a month now and are starting to adjust to the life of a photophobic. 

Broken/Lightless fixture

So, my housemate and I have spent the last couple of weeks picking out new fixtures. Because, lets face it, when you have the opportunity to redecorate, why not do it right? We currently have new fixtures going into the kitchen, dining room, hall and switching the living room fan with a bedroom fan. Tuesday night, as we were waiting for an electrician to show up and preform this work of magic, we began discussing doing the job ourselves. Sure, neither of us know the first thing about electric workings, but replacing a fan couldn't be that hard, right?

After laughing at the picture of us replacing the fixtures ourselves, my housemate said "we'd probably get shocked if we tried". To which I replied, "except, we are smart enough to flip the breaker before attempting such a task, right?"

It was at this point we both realized that neither of us had a clue where the breakers in our house were located. We shot up out of our chairs and raced away. She to the garage, me to the hallway. I remembered a box in the hall closet that I wanted to inspect......

Suspicious Box

The conversation went something like: "Hey! I found a box....um....its locked...do we know where the key might be?" At this point, we were both laughing. I think the picture running through both are minds was flipping a breaker, being left in complete darkness and then discovering that we had to find a key to get to our breaker system. Thankfully, the mad search did not last long, and I discovered the key and opened the box. What I found inside scared me, it looked like something out of Chuck.......

Do I cut the red wire?!

End of the story is anti-climactic; we realized this was the alarm system and later discovered the breaker box in the master closet. (Yes, we think that is an odd location as well, but we didn't chose it) I think our next great adventure will be figuring out which switch goes to which part of the house and labeling them correctly.

Found it!

So ends this episode of University Adventures. Oh, and for the over-curious, our electrician never showed up that night, but I hear he'll come on Saturday and fix all our wonderful lighting issues. Yay!

Wedding Joys

Recently I had the amazing joy of attending and participating in the wedding of one of my dearest friends.

The Bride and I met in 4th grade, shortly after my family moved to my current home state. We met through a mutual friend and she kept us connected. The Bride and I didn't actually become close friends till 8th grade when we worked for a summer ministry together and spent the first two weeks of ministry as roommates. We were both nervous and shy about trying something new, but we were able to lean on each other for strength and encouragement to get through those two weeks of training. Thankfully, those two weeks changed our friendship and started molding it into what it is today.

Over the years the Bride and I continued to grow closer as friends. In high school we began meeting at Panera for chat sessions. These visits continued after she moved away for college, some times this had to take place over the phone, but usually it was at Panera when she was home on break. I had the opportunity to visit her 3 times during her college years and enjoyed getting to see her new world and meet her dear college friends.

I remember the day I found out there was a boy in the picture. I couldn't help but be excited for this sister of the heart. She had worked through all of high school and college to remain emotionally pure, unattached and did not let herself get distracted. She was a role model to me, even as she told me I was a role model for her. Our friendship was a perfect picture of iron sharpening iron.

And then the day she called to tell me there was a ring on her finger, a date set and would I be in her wedding? I don't remember the last time I've so completely shared in someone's joy. I eagerly anticipated this August wedding date. The excitement of wedding dress shopping with her mom and sister-in-law and even more excitement when she found THE dress at the first shop. Trying on bridesmaid dresses and convincing her to go with the one "with POCKETS!" Running errands with her two days before the wedding and getting to see her new house. The happy memories that come with all those events are more than I can contain, but they are milestones that I will remember.

Everything about that weekend was beautiful, even down to the weather! A light rain Saturday morning cooled the hot temperature and lessened the humidity. The hurry to get ready, in less time than any of us thought would be possible. The nerves, the laughter, the joy, the tears. Before we knew it, they were man and wife and heading off on their honeymoon. I rejoice at their new beginning and look forward to keeping in touch with this special couple.

Memories:

• Bride: "Groomsman, meet bridesmaid" - Groomsman: "yeah, we just met. Like...just now....up there...at the front of the church. We are great friends!" 
• Groomsman: "Why didn't you do the cartwheel?!" 
• Bride: "In SICKNESS and in health....we are definitely getting to practice that vow from the start..."Bride: "He makes me to lie down in green pastures...." 
• Bride (to me): "What are you going to make me do?" 
• The get-away car.....and then fixing the get-away car 
• Groomsman: "I thought you stood me up!" 
• roomsmen: "Why, hello lovely ladies in green" 
• Bridesmaid: "This dress has POCKETS!! I totally forgot!" 
• Bridesmaid: "Dude.....on the left.....no, the other one....yeah, you....unbutton your jacket like the rest of the guys, you are ruining the picture" 
• Bridesmaid: "Wait, that's just a glorified clip-on tie? Why did I not know this before"
• Bridesmaid: "Shoot! Why'd they have to pray?!" 

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs MacLachlan!

Sticky Note #8

I recently ran across this "poem" that I wrote back in 2006. (I think it may be the only time I've ever tried my hand at poetry) It was interesting to look back at my old writings. A lot has changed since I started my first blog in 2004. Most of the changes are good, even though some of the changes are painful to look back on. This particular writing is from a very rough time that I sometimes wish I could forget, but when I remember what God taught me during that time, I realize I would go through it again because of the lessons learned.

The Pain Inside
I'm tired of hiding
this pain that I feel.
Can't you see it,
when you look in my eyes?
I hide behind my smile,
while those around me
think I'm fine.

But won't you take the time
to see my pain?
I reach out to others,
I see their pain;
perhaps by taking on their troubles,
I may forget my own.

But it lingers on,
that terrible ache.
Unable to hide,
unable to forget.

So I give it to Him,
He's the only One
who can take away my cares.
His plans for me, include this pain,
for He knows that, while it hurts,
it is best in the end.

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days-
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my will and make it Thine-
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Sticky Note #7

- The Joys of an Auntie -

August 10th will mark 10 years of me having the wonderful title of Auntie. I remember being excited about the arrival of a baby in our family. As the baby of my own family, I'd never really been around a newborn before. As a babysitter, I had been around babies and children, but never a newborn. I remember being scared and sure I was gonna do something that would damage this precious baby for the rest of his life.

But when Justin arrived, I quickly learned that newborns are the easiest to hold! Unless they are upset (typically due to hunger, wet/dirty diaper, gas, etc.) newborns are calm and sleep a lot! Justin and I spent many hours on the couch taking naps and quickly became friends, creating a bond that will exist for years to come.

After Justin came Allison. As much as I had enjoyed having a little nephew, I was excited to have a girl to dress in all the cute girly clothes (have you ever noticed how large the baby girl clothing section is compared to the baby boy? It is kind of pitiful, but I digress). Allison was my first niece and I won't lie, I think I just might be her favorite Auntie, but I think that is largely due to the fact that we are the only blondes in the family (though mine has taken on a lot more red in recent years....)

Several years after Allison joined our family, Katelyn made her entrance. I won't ever forget the year Katelyn was born because it was the year I graduated from high school. It was a big year for our family and the addition of a family member was a VERY joyous occasion.

Then, Megan joined the family and I was once again thrilled to have a baby girl to buy for, even though I had been convinced this was going to be a boy. I was disappointed that work kept me from meeting Miss Meg till two and a half days after she was born, but we eventually had time to bond and start our own unique Auntie-Niece relationship.

Now, the family is complete with our book-end boy, Jordan. This precious boy has stolen my
heart and he isn't even a month old yet! I had the honor of being there when he was born and then getting to spend the next two days with him (and the rest of his family). The day he came home from the hospital, his mother handed him to me and asked me to hold him while she took a nap. Jordan and I continued the tradition that Justin started 10 years before him, Auntie and Nephew, napping on the couch.

These 5 children have brought much joy and amusement to my life. I love that they all want the honor of getting to ride in my car. I love their little (and now big) arms around my neck in a hug. I love their view of the world. I love their expressions and statements. I love how a simple gift or treat can make their day brighter and happier.

I love being Justin, Allison, Katelyn, Megan and Jordan's Auntie!

Sticky Note #6

• To the one who I disagree with politically and theologically....
• To the one who began the "Sticky Note" saga with me....
• To the one who chose the "wrong" branch of the military....
• To the one who challenges me to think about what I believe and why....
• To the one that I can debate, disagree and argue with, yet continue to be friends....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my "Twin"!!!!!!

Sticky Note #5

My Saturday was:

1. Lacked good communication.
2. Frustratingly planned (or lack thereof)
3. Expensive (thanks to the car issues)
4. Painful (had a headache most of the day)
5. Disappointing (the "to do" list didn't happen)

But the ending was:

1. Light-hearted
2. Fun
3. Entertaining
4. Relaxing
5. Restful

I like happy endings.

Sticky Note #4

I'm at a loss for words.

I'm slightly stunned.

But mostly, I'm excited to see what God went before us and accomplished today.

"For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me." ~Psalm 18:39

Sticky Note #2

I love being an Aunt. It is actually one of my favorite things about life. This weekend I have the special opportunity to spend the second weekend in a row with my nephew and 3 nieces. I am hanging out in Kansas, half waiting for Baby #5 to make his appearance.

Waiting for a baby is an interesting game of patience and waiting. Knowing that God is in control of the timing is comforting, and only He knows what day this baby will arrive. I pray that everything goes well for my sister's delivery. Just because she hasn't had any complications or problems in the past, does not mean this one will be as well. Everything is in God's hands and I'm comfortable with leaving the details up to Him.

But back to being an Aunt -- Tonight my heart melted when the 2 yr old called to me from the other room: "Jillllll! --- Jillllll! --- Jilllllll!"

Last weekend she couldn't even remember my name, so I heard her, but figured she wasn't actually calling me. After the third time, I went to inspect the situation.

Jill: "Honey, did you call me?"

M: "yuss!"

Jill: "what did you want?"

M: "play game"

So we sat down and played a game.

These are the times that bring a smile to my face and is a perfect "Sticky Note Memory".

Sticky Note #1

When I began my first job in high school, I learned the value of Sticky Notes. As my life has changed over the years since that time, I've noticed their increased importance in my life. Going from a part time job to full time employment, moving out of my parent's home in one city to "out on my own" in another city the demands on my time have changed. Sticky Notes provide me a place to write out a corner of my brain. The act of writing helps my brain retain the knowledge longer.


At work, Sticky Notes are the first thing I reach for when I get a phone call. There isn't much space on the 3x3 piece of paper, but it is enough for a name, phone number and (typically) room for a few words that will later jog my brain as to the nature of the message. (Sometimes, I don't write enough and am left stuttering when trying to pass on the message to my boss, but not often)

At home, Sticky Notes serve as a place for grocery shopping lists, notes to my housemate and errands I needs to run or chores that need to be completed. As a Mary Kay consultant, I also use Sticky Notes to remember orders that I need to fill.

And how can I forget how Sticky Notes played a role in my love life? N, I'm sure this blog will give you plenty of material for your Sticky Note wall of "Why N and Jill would never work as a couple". We are on Sticky Note #7,850 now, right?!

Seriously though, I plan on using this blog similar to how I use my Sticky Notes. Short memories of my life, though I can't promise they'll always be short. Something I can look back and remember. Memories of how God has worked in my life, how He has proven Himself faithful to me. Memories of the funny things my nieces and nephews say and do. Memories of time spent with friends. Memories of my failings, because it is in my weakness that God is shown strong.

To New Beginnings!