Monday's addition

Hi,

Well... this is technically still Monday even though it's after midnight! Ok, so today marks the day of my 1st official Not friends first date invitation... and quite possibly my first ever official date invitation ever!

The guy is a staff member at work. He's older, but no older than 30... Im not too sure how old exactly...25, 26?? Anyway, he is a moderately attractive black man named James. Although, he is probably only about as tall as I am, so, as bad as it sounds, he's pretty un-datable in my book. He came to talk after my sessions had ended and said a ton of way flattering nice things about me and then asked if "he could take me out sometime?" I felt bad about saying no, because he was so sweet and respectful. BUT... I did anyway. I'm just not interested at this particular point in my life. Which.... is what I said... or at least something along those lines. I told him that I was really flattered, but it's just not the best time for me. He totally understood and told me he would look forward to seeing me next week. So, it was nice.

Anyway, I thought you would all enjoy hearing that story. For now, I am off to bed. To bed I said. To rest my head. I'm feeling dead. It's off to bed. Not play instead. To bed I said. To BED!

G*night~
Temp

I can't think of anything catchy...

Hey there! :) Another week has sprung itself upon us! How crazy is it that it's already August 30th! I think that's just insane! Pretty soon I'll be off on my own living in who knows where doing who knows what?! :) Speaking of.... I have been sooo blessed to have a plethora of job opportunities become available to me in the past few weeks. Not job offers, mind you, but opportunities, places where offers may come in the next few months. BUT....... they are all very different jobs and I don't know what to do?!?! My number one priority is that I am where God wants me to be, but right now I feel like I could be doing His work at any of these places. I would like to live in Minneapolis because I like the area, but living in Cedar Falls would be nice, too, because I know a lot of people around there. Ho-Hum... I just need to not jump to any conclusions about anything and see what pans out and what doesn't. For all I know, none of these places are where I'll end up!! Ok, I have realized that while most women get really cranky or emotional during their "monthly partner", I get extremely contemplative. I think about and over-analyze everything that comes into my mind. Lately, I have been thinking about the upcoming elections. I am really at a loss as to who to vote for. My conservative lifestyle is really coming into conflict with my liberal views on humanity. I don't want to go to war, and I think that we can really improve the education system in this country for EVERY kid involved..... BUT.... I do think abstinence should be taught in schools, and I think that marriage is a sacred vow between a man and a woman (although I respect a persons right to feel/love however they choose). See!! Then, I get to wondering if one of those parts of me (the conservative life vs. liberal views) is wrong. If I am sending out a contradictory message. I have become a walking dichotomy!! :) Ok, that's enough out of me! I need to get going and set up for my sessions tonight. I'm going to go through my clients pretty quickly tonight. I wanna get out of here and take a nap! :) G*night friends, Tempa

Jesus, Napping and VMA mayhem...

Hi :)

That's pretty much what my day consisted of. After needing my mom to wake me up since I slept through my alarm, I got ready in 10 minutes and left for church. I teach 3 and 4 year old Sunday school every week and it's just soo great! Today, we were really short staffed, so two mom's came and helped, which was so nice of them. We had 2 and a half tables full of kids today (that's 20 kids or so) so I'll take as much help as I can get! Ok... enough about that.
Then, I came hope... popped in the movie Serendipity (one of the best, mind you!) and slept for 2 hours. It's really gross weather-wise here in Cleveland, so I didn't have much energy to go do anything. Plus, I worked out last night for the 1st time in a long time I'm sore in places I forgot existed ;)

I am currently watching the VMA preshow. Let me just say, for the record, that I retract all statements I have previously made about Ashlee Simpson. She is HORRIBLE!! She performed "Pieces of Me" live like 10 minutes ago and it was the worst thing I have EVER heard in my entire life! She couldn't hit ANY of her notes... she was screaming, which only made the fact that she wasn't hitting the notes more obvious... she was doing weird things with her vowels and making her words sound more "Rockish", which really only sounds more like a dumbass! I like her song on the radio and her CD is good (although I haven't shelled out the $13.99 to buy it) but the girl can't sing live to save her life!!! Keep riding your sisters coat tails, Ash... and while you're at it, maybe ask her to give you some voice lessons. :)

Ok, well Bets just came online. I haven't talked to her in a kajillion years (really like 3 days) and I want an update about her 1st day of school ;) I hope you are all having a good day!

In Him ,
Tempa

Friday!!

Hi!

Today was Betsy's 1st day of school!!! WOO HOO!!! I can't wait to hear stories!!!! It's times like this that I wish we still lived 2 steps apart, ya know?? Ah, 2 Steps.... 12 hours.... what's the difference ;) I should call some of my other teacher friends and see how their 1st days are going. I'm glad I am not starting teaching this year... Im kinda glad that I may not start teaching ever. As much as I like it... I don't like it ;)

You know what I realized today?!? I can't WAIT until Fall!! I just love the fall! Plus, I have decided that my room at my new apartment (wherever that may be) will be draped in fall decor (wines, oranges, plums...etc). SO... when all the fall stuff goes on clearance... You better believe I'll be Snatching it up!!

So, these thoughts may have something to do with the over-emotional side effects of a woman's monthly biological visitor, but I am really beginning to miss having someone in my life. I know I've been single for a LOOONNNNG time, but I've always kinda had someone around. I know that I don't NEEEED someone around, and the fact that I don't have someone around is actually an amazing thing for me.... BUT... I still kinda miss it sometimes. So I have (off the top of my head, mind you) compiled a list of things I miss about having a "significant other" (or at least someone that kinda pretends to be one).

:TOP TEN THINGS I MISS ABOUT BOYS:
10) The "boy" smell (the good boy smell, not the bad unshowered boy smell).
9) That look you get when you say something stupid, but you know they kinda thought it was cute.
8) The anticipation you feel as the phone rings and there is a 70 plus percent chance that it's him.
7) Little secret things only the two of you think are funny.
6) Holding hands "more than friends style".
5) Checking your Email and seeing his name in the sent column.
4) Worshiping together.
3) Long, middle of the night, deep conversations about things that matter.
2) Having him drive your car.
1) The feeling of wanting someone to kiss you so bad you could explode.


Well, there you have it. I was stuck on a few, so my good friend One-liner-Laura helped me out with those! THANKS LAUR! Again, I know I'm better off without someone right now, but it doesn't make me miss the feeling of having someone around :)

Ok, that's all she wrote I think. I'm tired and it's pretty much time for some TLC watching!

Goodnight,
Temp

The weekend smells nice....

I hate trying to think of catchy little titles for these blog entries. I don't really know why I try to think of good ones anyway, it's not like you'll NOT read the blog if the title's bad. You wouldn't come online to check my blog, see that the title sucks and go back to work, ya know? Anyway... I'll explain this title... Well, you know how people always say "It's so close I can smell it??" That saying works really well when you are waiting for freshly baked bread or your Czechoslovakian host sister, but doesn't really make much sense when you are anticipating the arrival of some inanimate object. Therefore, I think it's pretty darn funny when people say that phrase in reference to the annual church picnic or tomorrow night's cocktail party.... OR... the weekend! :)

Well, tonight is the big eviction episode of Big Brother 5! I say it a lot, I know, but it really is kinda disgusting how much I like that show! The only reason I admit it on this blog is because I know the people that read this won't think I'm any more NERDY than they already do. Hey....only to possibly up that nerd-factor... I might as well admit to you that I am watching Jeopardy Kids Week! These little guys are pretty darn smart! They would spank me in the US history stuff, that's for sure!! This one girl is only 9 and she's answering questions about US history like it happened an hour ago!!

GIRL ON JEOPARDY in the US History category:
"Four thousand two hundred and eight nine, give or take a few"
BUZZZZZZZZZZ
"What is the number of stitches on the American Flag, Alex?"
"That is correct!"

ME ON JEOPARDY in the US history category:
"Blue is?"
BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
"What is a hit song for Leanne Rhimes circa 1998?"
"No, we were looking for One of the colors of the flag"

Kids these days! Phew!

Anyway... there's only 9 minutes till Big Brother starts and I fear my mom is going to want me to come and eat dinner during the show. As long as they don't mind watching it at the table... no problem! Perhaps I'll go set the table. That's a sure fire bet to disguise my wanting to speed up dinner for my own personal gain as me wanting to help out in the process! Can't get much better than that! :)

Have a good night, all!

That's Amore,
Temp

Another day...

Hi !!

Today was a fun Wednesday. You know, Wednesday was always my favorite day of the week at school... and I must say that it may continue to be my favorite day of the week. I just like Wednesdays!!

Well, today I had sessions at Clifton House... which happens to be the house of all male clients. They are all over the age of 35 and all pretty cool guys, I'd say. Well... George, one of the men, has developed a slight crush on me. By slight... I mean he gives me gifts every week like painted ceramic eggs that he bought at a garage sale and hedgehog stuffed animals that he won at a raffle. He also finds the need to (kinda creepily) stare at me during sessions and comment on my hair and how it looks prettier down than up in a "pony" ;) Anyway... George is 39, but has the mentality of a boy no more than 10 I'd say. He carries around a stuffed animal and LOVES monster movies and Christmas socks ;) He's a good man, that George. A good man!

Have you ever read Ecclesiastes 3:11??? Well, to paraphrase it, it says something like "He has put eternity into the hearts of man; yet no man can comprehend the works of the Lord from the beginning to the end." I LOVE THAT!!! I love how God is straight up telling us that even though we have a concept of eternity, we have absolutely no comprehension of what that all entails. Like... we can grasp what it means to have eternal life in Christ and we can understand that He has plans for each of our lives... but to understand the works of the Lord from Day one to the Judgment Day is just completely impossible! God's greater plan for all our lives is completely incomprehensible, but because eternity has been put into our hearts.... we need not worry!

Oh, I found another possible job opportunity. There is a place in Iowa called "Camp Courageous", it's a camp for children with special needs. They are hiring for their year long staff which starts on January 12th (good for me, since Im here in Cleveland until December). They are looking for a Music and Crafts specialist. WHa WHAT?! My life?!? Perfection?? Year round, the pay only adds up to about 19,000 dollars and I'd have to live in staff housing on site.... BUT... they provide health insurance and it's free room and board for a year. So.... there are pros and cons of it, that's for sure. I Emailed them and told them I would love more information..etc. So... we'll see if that's where His incomprehensible plan leads me :)

Ok, well, it's approaching 1AM and I have to get up at 10 to watch Dawson's Creek tomorrow. That show is like candy for my soul!! I'm gonna head to bed. I hope you are all (and by you all, I mean Betsy, the only one who reads this on a regular basis) having a wonderful day and I'll talk to you soon!!

In Him,
Temps

Grrr....

GRRRR... that's what I said and I'm sticking to it! Do you ever have those conversations that you just stand there in awe of what the other person just said?? Like the ones where you can't even believe the words came out of their mouth??? Well... I had one of those conversations tonight and it was just ridiculous!! I can't believe that someone would talk to another human being in the way that I was talked to. It's just ridiculous! GRRRRR!! OH, and another thing is that I found out today that the Christmas with Wartburg CD that SHOULD have had me singing a fairly substantial solo on it... doesn't....it's Mara... which is fine because she's a great singer, no doubt about that... but I just wish it was me so I could have a memento of my Senior CWW, ya know? GRRR!!!


On a lighter note... I talked to Kate for 2 hours today and to Betsy for a long time, so that kind outweighed the horrible conversation I had. Actually, it wasn't even a conversation... it was more of an attack, but hey... who's counting ;) Katie and Betsy made it better and that's what matters.

Ok, Im gonna get back to my Tuesday Reality TV. :) Big Brother was an upset... gotta wait till Thursday to see the outcome of that one! Amazing Race is just getting good!!!!

Love you guys!

Temp

My thoughts on a man named Job...

Hi again. I told you I would be writing more often!! I am currently in the office thinking about my sessions for tonight. I think I have them pretty much figured out, so I thought I would put some of my thoughts down here on the trusty blog.

Ok, well for the past few weeks, I have been reading Job. The oldest book in the Bible, yet one I have never read. I've heard the argument that Job isn't a true story, but more of an allegory of life. Honestly, it doesn't really matter to me whether or not the Job from the Bible existed because I've seen his story played out in so many people's lives.

The story is about a man named Job (you probably had that much figured out already, didn't you??). Job was extremely wealthy, had thousands of livestock, a beautiful wife, great kids... not to mention an honorable reputation. In the opening verse, it says, "he was blameless, a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil."His life seemed relatively perfect, until one day Satan came before the Lord. God was boasting in Job, "Have you noticed my servant, Job? He is the finest man in all the earth—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and will have nothing to do with evil." (Job 1:8) How great is that?!?! How great is it that God, our creator, would boast in His creation. Would be so proud of the work we do and the lives we lead that he would openly show us off. That's just awesome. Anyway....of course, the enemy comes back and says, Yeah, Job fears You, but not without good reason! You have always had his back." (that's Tempa paraphrasing there!) So, God allows the enemy test him. His children are killed, livestock and crop ruined... everything that Job was given was taken way, instantly. See... even though the whole thing could just be a story.... something about it is relatable, personal.

So Job's wife tempts him to curse God, but he won't. He stands firm on the Rock to the woman he loves. Later, his friends come and sit with him for a week, In total silence. Ha! Let me just say.... I wouldn't be the greatest fried to Job at this time. Silence for a week?!?! Man A Livin'! :) Job finally speaks up and says that he wishes that he never was born. And then, his friends start crapping on him. Saying how the wicked never prosper, and how the righteous are looked after by God... how his children must have sinned against the Lord, and that's why they died...etc. Basically they said what I'm sure any one of us would have said in that situation. "Suck it up, Job.... Everything happens for a reason!" Well, Job stands his ground again and says that he and his children were blameless before the Lord, that God must have been testing him in some twisted Almighty Game. (again, a Tempa paraphrase!)

Well, after God Himself challenges Job, He says to one of Job's friends, "I am very angry with you and with your two friends, for you have not been right in what you said about me, as my servant Job was." OK... that blows my mind!!! The book gets more and more confusing with each page I turn. So does our Eternal Father challenge us with crappy situations?? Do horrible things happen just because God wants to know how much we trust in Him?? I guess that makes sense, but at first thought, it seems kinda malicious, doesn't it? I mean, The Lord doesn't mean it in a malicious way, Im sure....

Anyway... know this is an incredibly condensed version of 42 chapters worth of a story that I have yet to even finish, but I encourage you to read Job sometime. You would think that reading about a good man's misfortune would be disheartening, but it's really making me more aware of life as a whole. It's definitely making me think twice about giving people the easy answer to the "Why do good things happen to bad people" question. Anyway, It's a true learning experience... the kind where you'll find yourself reading some pages twice just to retake in the information!

There were a few verses that stood out as AMAZING life lessons. I will share them with you.

"I came naked from my mother's womb, and I will be stripped of everything when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!"(Job 1:21)

"At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One."(Job 6:10)

"You will have courage because you will have hope..." (Job 11:18)

"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body will I see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!" (Job 19:25-27)


Ok, those are my entirely too long thoughts on a man named Job!! Have a great day!

Blessings,
Tempa

Another Sunday come and gone...

Wow, I am really sorry I am such a crappy Blogger! It's been like a week and a half since I last updated this puppy!! Thanks to my good friend (and fellow blogger bestyleigh.blogspot.com) Betsy, I am back and ready for action :)

So... what has been going on in my life since the last time we spoke? Hmm... not much. Still knee deep in the job search. I REALLY REALLY hope that the job in Minneapolis comes though, that would be perfection, but there's always a chance that isnt where I'm supposed to be. If that chance is bigger than I hope it is.... I need to be prepared. So, I've sent out inquiry letters to different organizations that may want to hire a full-time MT and to various school districts with high special Ed populations. I hope I get some responses from these people. It kinda sucks just sitting around and waiting :-) Anyway... if you want to... stick that on your "Things to Pray For" list for me.

I have since been sucked into the world of crazy reality TV. I was always a fan of the standards like bachelor and American Idol, but I now find myself surrendering all will power to the television and the sofa every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and 9PM. That's right! Big Brother 5. I'm OBSESSED and not too proud to admit it. Honestly though, if you watch one episode of those things you're HOOKED! Currently, I am watching Steve Harvey's Big Time. It's a show where Steve Harvey has weird, yet strangely ordinary, people on to do weird things. Stupid human tricks, amazing stunts, perform talents...etc... that kind of thing. Sometimes, he has REALLY talented kids come and sing or play an instrument. I like those episodes. Then, other times, much like right at this moment, he has redneck father-son duos who are immersing themselves in an oversized bathtub filled with oatmeal to prove they can gain 20 pounds in 10 seconds. Hmmm... Why would someone do that?!? I consider myself a fairly creative and thought provoking person, but I dont think I have ever wondered how much weight I would gain if I covered myself with oatmeal. Just to set the record straight.... both father and son gained at least 20 pounds. Creepy!

All the kids at Wartburg are starting to go back to the dorms. It's going to be soooo weird hearing about life there this year. I've always been a part of that life, but now I will rely on my best friend to tell me about it, ya know?! It's a new chapter in this book of life, let me tell you that! A new and different, quasi scary, chapter. It's times like this when I wish life was one of those Choose Your Own Adventure books from the 80's. God would give me 2 choices and I could pick the one I wanted. Of course, I wouldn't choose until I went ahead and checked where both of the choices led me. Then I would just pick the best and shortest route to happiness :) Wouldn't that just be great? In Theory... sure. In Reality... not at all. I'm a stickler for that whole "learn from your mistakes" theory. Each crappy part of life only builds in you the foundation for a better part, ya know?! At least I think so....

OK, well.... it's clear to see that philosophy isn't quite my cup of proverbial tea. I'll stick with my current plan.... Bedtime!

I hope this entry finds you all well-to-do :-) Have a good one, friends!


In Christ,
Tempa

long time...

Wow... long time no talk, huh? :) I've been quite the slacker this past week. Not only have I not updated this blog, I haven't done my laundry or cleaned my room, AND I only caught half of an Episode of the Dawson's Creek re-runs on TBS. Who am I?! :)

Anyway... not much is new. Still looking for a part-time job. I applied at some Starbucks locations (Strongsville and Brunswick) but I haven't heard anything back from them. Humph! :-) Other than that... same ol' same ol'. I am, however, starting to realize that I really REALLY miss my WArtburg friends. It's going to be really weird having them all go back to school (Well, the younger ones at least) and hearing about all of it. That's ok... us graduates will stick together! :)

Ok... I have left the upstairs TV tuned into Trading Spaces and I should go tend to that before my Mom has some sort of Maternal Hissy Fit ;) Even though I'm 22, I do live with the "rents" and I dont want to get roped into paying the electric bills ;)

Love,
Tempa

home is where the heart is....

I'm back from a long week in Iowa and Illinois. I didn't think I would miss Ohio and my family, but I did. *Tear* I am ready to get back to work. In fact, tomorrow I have an interview at Pier One here in strongsville. Just to fill in some day time hours. I can get me a job! :)

Ok, I dont have much to write tonight. I have to go to sleep. I'm tiiiired!

Love,
tempa