Sarah Jean is...

Confident Dependence

2009-05-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

"So now, come back to your God! Act on the principles of love and justice, and always live in confident dependence on your God."

Hosea 12:6

To Avoid Swine Flu don't...

2009-04-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

FUNdraising

2009-04-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

"Fundraising is an art form in which creativity, connections, marketing, and luck converge to produce tremendous results."

~ Elizabeth Millard, Writer for MSP Magazine

Priorities

2009-04-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

I've still been trying to figure out this whole getting rid of idols thing. I want God to be my #1 priority, but I get confused with how to balance that with living. I'm not great at multi-tasking. So as I continue to meditate on this, I am figuring out ways to make God my number one while still functioning in society. So far this is what I have:

Observe the Sabbath to keep it Holy (Deuteronomy 5:12) - based on my study yesterday.
Commit your way the Lord (Psalm 37:5).
Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37) - sometimes I still struggle with knowing what this looks like.
Make disciples (Matthew 28:19)

So I think I'm realizing that the Lord makes his will for us something that we can do in ANY situation. It's much more simple than I often make it.

The Sabbath Revisited

2009-04-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

Today's a day for me. Life has kept me surprisingly busy over the past week or so, and I haven't had a moment to rest. After last week when I felt so burdened with my never-ending and constantly growing to-do list, I pulled out the handy dandy Book along with a couple books that I had read for my Sleep, Surrender and Sabbath class last semester. I sometimes have to keep reminding myself that rest is not a luxury, but rather a necessity - not to mention another way to die to myself.

Yesterday Brent talked about idols. I know I have idols in my life. The one that comes to mind and has consumed me most recently is my auctioneering. I feel like every second I'm not doing something else, I'm trying to figure out how to move ahead in my business. I struggle with seeing this as an idol, seeing as I need to keep it on my mind quite frequently in order to be successful. As I spent the day praying about how I can keep this as a priority without placing it in front of the Lord, I felt the Him saying, "Just rest in me. The world will still keep on turning even if you're not doing anything to move it along."

We are required to work; that's what we get for sinning. And although we cannot experience God's presence the way we were intended to in the Garden of Eden, we were still given the Sabbath to have a time where our mind, body and spirit can come to Jesus. Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote in his book The Sabbath:

"The Sabbath is the most precious present mankind has received from the treasure house of God. All week we think: The spirit is too far away, and we succumb to spiritual absenteeism, or at best we pray: Send us a little of Thy spirit. On the Sabbath the spirit stands and pleads: Accept all excellence from me..."

I could go on forever about the Sabbath. I think it may be my favorite Biblical topic. The idea of having a designated time of rest to come fully into the presence of God - assuming we can die to ourselves to make the time for it - is so freeing.

Busy and Broke

2009-04-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

9:00 - Wake up and shower and get ready.

10:00 - Work on PowerPoint for Pine Harbor Christian Academy Auction.

1:00 - Interview for part-time nanny job.

2:00 - Work at BE.

7:00 - Meet with BJT about website and to catch up.

After that - Work on PowerPoint more...it must be done by tomorrow.

Oy Vay, for being so broke, I sure do a lot of work.

Pray for Nate; he's waiting to hear on an internship.

Pray for Laura; she's waiting to hear on a job.

Pray for Me; I'm interviewing and will be waiting to hear on a job.

Pray for Amanda; she needs a car stat.

Pray for Daddy; still needs a job.

Pray for Kate; she needs focus to finish this semester. She comes home soon!

Pray for everyone else I'm forgetting; they have stuff that needs prayer.

Out of Reach

2009-04-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

I lost my phone. I'm at a standstill because I have so much to get done this morning that requires my phone. I've been frantically searching every nook and cranny in this entire house/purse/car/parent's house. I had it this morning, but now it's gone. It also happens to be dead, so don't try to call it to help me out. It won't work.

I can't rest until I find it. That is my life right now: I can't rest until...

I've been go go going without rest and without getting anywhere. Still no job, and still no more BIG auctions in sight. Sure, I have some small ministry-type and private school auctions, but nothing BIG. I can't rest until I'm fully booked. I can't rest until I get a job. I can't rest until my student loans are paid off. I can't rest until I...

Until I, me, by myself without help. That's my problem.

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

Thank you, Lord.

Free Ice Cream!

2009-04-21T12:56:00.001-07:00

The sunshine is out again today! What a blessing! I'm going through the tedious task of sorting through winter/summer clothes to see what I need to keep/store/donate/reinvent. It's a big project, but completely necessary and it gets me organized for the next few months. Speaking of which, does anyone have any cheap ideas to organize shoes? I don't like regular shoe racks. I prefer to keep my shoes scattered around my room so I can sit on my bed and make the decision based on what I can see. Not really, but that's the system I have right now.

Still no news from the nanny job. Gosh, it would be nice to have steady income, but it's not in my hands anymore. I had a dream last night that they texted me to tell me I didn't get the job. Talk about passive. Luckily it was just a dream. I'm still praying.

It's free ice cream cone day at Ben and Jerry's! I love ice cream.

Tea Party

2009-04-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

I think pouring tea into bodies of water is a tasteful way to protest. If I had more tea, I'd throw it into the pond behind my house too.

Thank you for the debt. Enjoy the chamomile tea.

Flight 155 from Minneapolis to Seattle

2009-04-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

I'm in the Seattle airport waiting for my shuttle to arrive. Now is a good time to share some things about my flight this morning.

I had perfect timing. By the time I got to the F10 gate and sat down for less than 30 seconds, the flight attendant announced that they would now be boarding all passengers. Sweet.

I had an entire row of seats to myself. I was sitting next to an older couple - the husband was quite overweight and this causes inconvenience when flying coach. They spotted an exit row, which has more leg room, that was not being occupied so they left me by myself.

I read The Bell Jar the entire flight. It is a book I've started to read half a dozen times, but every time I tell someone I'm reading it, they tell me it's depressing...good, but depressing. I do not enjoy being depressed so I don't read any more. After the flight, I am far enough in to stay committed to the read.

I got confused trying to find the baggage claim. They use very few words on their signs, mostly symbols. I just guessed. Luckily the train did in fact lead me to the baggage claim.

After my long journey to baggage claim I went to get a bagel and an impulse purchase of chocolate milk. After paying I walked around the corner to find an empty table. Instead of an empty table, I found one with Brad Fendler sitting at it. I see him about 3 to 4 times a year, and of course I would run into him in Seattle.

That brings me to where I am now. Sitting at a table with three too many chars huddled around it and next to the rack of travel brochures and a giant fake rock, waiting for the shuttle to Tulalip, WA.

I love the airport.

I hope I don't trip

2009-04-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Walk by faith, not by sight.

Easier said than done.

I love Jesus but I drink a little.

2009-03-31T08:26:00.001-07:00

As some of you may know, I do not work full time yet so I do spend some time in the mornings watching day time talk shows. I don't watch The View, because, well, its The View and the women on it are stupid. I don't watch Oprah because she thinks she is the greatest thing given to this planet and she's on at 4:00, and frankly I just have better things to do at that time. I don't watch Tyra because she only talks about herself. If you haven't noticed this about her before, please go and watch an episode to see how she will interview her guests and then turn the conversation around on herself. I used to like Regis and Kelly because I think their chemistry is fantastic and Regis just makes me happy. However, I have begun watching Ellen when I can and that's on at the same time as Regis. Let me tell you why I like Ellen: she doesn't take herself or life too seriously. A lot of talk show hosts convince themselves that they are changing the world by being on TV. Ellen, on the other hand, is entertaining and she treats all of her guests with respect. Plus, she begins every episode with dancing! All this to say, watch this:

In His Image...

2009-03-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

I dare you to read the following and then try not to act more like Christ. I don't think it's possible. It is a quote from Ray Stedman's book The Queen and I:

"When, because of your faith, your life too becomes perceptibly different; when your reactions are quite opposite to what the situation seems to call for and your activities can no longer be explained in terms of your personality; that is when your neighborhood will sit up and take notice. In the eyes of the world, it is not our relationship with Jesus Christ that counts; it is our resemblance to him."

He is mighty to save and with that we have so much to be joyful about!

The alternative to The View

2009-03-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Hunt has a talk show. For some reason this nauseates me.

Roommates

2009-03-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

I miss having roommates! It is 10:06 pm as I begin writing. If I were still in college and lived with roommates, I would not be sitting by myself in the dark as I am now. Chances are that I would be doing one of the following:

Watching a movie with my roommate.
Looking through magazines with my roommate.
Venting about classes/boys/life to my roommate.
Listening to my roommate as she vents about classes/boys/life.
Praying with my roommate (this was one of my favorite things to do)!
Tormenting my roommate by trying to cuddle with her after ten pm (I love to cuddle, but for some reason I always had roommates who did not appreciate it the same way I do - someday I will have a roommate who will like cuddling with me).
Making a snack with my roommate and trying to find ways to justify eating junk food after 8:00 pm.
Doing homework in the living room with my roommate.
Drinking hot chocolate with my roommate out of matching sea lion mugs that were foolishly and wonderfully purchased online after drinking a couple glasses of wine (but clearly not wine because I went to Bethel...wink).
Picking out my outfit for the next day and asking my roommate for feedback.
Encouraging my roommate.
Listening to my roommate's encouragement.
Having "on that note" with my roommate. Side note: this was a practice that was unique to Stephanie and me. We would always talk to each other when we were in bed before we fell asleep. One night we were talking and the conversation got so awkward that one of us just said, "Well, on that note...goodnight." The phrase stuck and that's how we ended every night.
Brushing my teeth with my roommate.
Walking around my apartment in my unmentionables just to get a reaction from my roommate.
Baking cookies with my roommate.
Sharing my deepest thoughts, struggles and joys with my roommate and listening to her do the same.
Having a sleep over...every night!

Since I have graduated from college my life has changed dramatically. It is not because I no longer have homework, or because I have no job, or even because I've been blessed with Nate, but because I no longer have the companionship of a roommate. I love Gloria, but she's not the same. I miss living with the girls. Yes, it was a pain in the neck at times, but overall it brought me wonderful joy!

Economic Revolution

2009-03-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

I came across a letter that Kate sent me a while back. We are pen pals. Kate, sorry I didn't write you back yet. I have a letter half-written in my purse waiting to be signed, sealed and delivered. At this point I will rewrite the letter all together. In her letter she brought up our role as young professionals in this economy. She wrote (and Kate I hope you don't mind me sharing this, but I just like it):

I've come to believe that we're about to experience another revolution. This revolution will totally change the current economic landscapte and will stem from the individualistic youth (us!) who despite corporate conformity, who with the tools of the internet, will market themselves and their own ideas in the free market and will, in that way, make a satisfying living.

That excites me. When there are no jobs out there we have to be creative and motivated enough to survive. I just met with my dad to create a business plan for my auctioneering. I have been looking for jobs for the past three months and have decided that I want to focus on my desired career path rather than wasting my time and energy on something that will merely pay the bills. That is something to get excited about!

Bacon

2009-03-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

The street sweepers were out today, and, as Nate pointed out earlier, that is the sign that it is spring in Minnesota. Forget about the glorious sunshine and comfortable weather. Sweeping the dirty streets gives us hope for the new life that will be popping up very soon. I love spring. It just puts me in a bouncy mood. Like I'm so happy I could just bounce.

We went to Jensen's (or is it Jenson's?) in Burnsville this morning. They have the best bacon in the whole wide world. One piece is pretty much equivalent to three pieces of regular bacon, and it is the perfect amount of crispy. Healthy? No, but it surely is delicious.

I have an interview with a family as a Nanny today. It's not quite what I thought I'd be doing after college, but I'm not the one who directs my steps anyway...

Enough Said

2009-03-12T21:24:00.001-07:00

around the corner

2009-03-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

I left one of my blinds open last night by accident. I normally don't like to do that because it weirds me out that people can see inside my big windows, but it turned out to be a good idea. I woke up to sunshine this morning! I went upstairs to eat breakfast and have coffee with Grandma, and it was so sunny that I couldn't sit in my regular spot at the table because the sun was blinding my eyes. Gloria and I began to rave about the glorious sunshine...spring is just around the corner...pretty soon we'll be able to eat breakfast on the deck...it's like we're in Maui...gosh, it's just so nice outside. As usual, Grandma G. decided to turn on the weather channel where all of our optimisms were shattered. In the lower right hand corner it read our temperature: -2. In unison we screamed, "WHAT?" I still believe spring is around the corner.

I feel like I talk about weather too much. It just has such a big impact on me.

Enjoy the sunshine!

In like a lion out like a lamb

2009-03-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

March. It could possibly be the grossest month of the year. I hate February too, but I can at least tolerate it given that it is only 28 days long and it is honest. March, on the other hand, is nothing but a tease. The only thing that gets me though the month is knowing that once it's done, the weather will have calmed down and it will be spring. If you are a seasoned Minnesotan, however, you know that there could very possibly be snow in April. Granola! Anyway, we'll be there soon enough.

Today is officially Purim. It goes from sundown of last night to sundown of tonight. In honor of the jewish holiday, Laura and I baked the traditional Haman's Pocket cookies. They were quite the project, but they are quite tasty. If we were to really celebrate the day Esther saved the Jews we would have taken part of all the other Purim festivities:

Reading the Esther Story and booing for Haman and cheering for Mordecai.
Partake in festival-like parties.
Eaten Matza balls.
Drank wine until we confused Haman and Mordecai (this is seriously written in the Talmud).
Partied like it was 478 BC!

I have an interview with a Nanny Agency tomorrow. Please pray that it goes well, and that they can perhaps put me with a family that would be a PERFECT fit. Nannying can be either awesome or horrible. I'm praying for awesome!

Bethel Student Activities Refund

2009-03-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

Still no job. God will provide what is necessary...as usual.

God is cool? Yes. As you know, my hours/pay were cut immensely due to my demotion at Bare Escentuals. It wasn't my dream job by any means, but it paid the bills...sort of. A couple days after I found out my terrible news, I received a check in the mail for almost the exact difference of what will be missing in my next pay check. The memo on the check was "BSA activities refund." Perhaps they found out that I didn't attend a single BSA activity all year and they recognized it as a wise decision so they gave me my money back. However, it's more likely that they initially charged me for two semesters when I only attended Bethel for one semester this year. Anyway, I needed the money now and God provided. He is so good.

Thankful for the money you do have? Check out Spencer's message that he gave at Evergreen Bloomington.

To whom it may concern:

2009-03-06T08:09:00.000-08:00

I need a job. I'm joyful and willing to work hard. Please hire me.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Sarah Jean Whitson

I am so sick of sending out my resume.

for such a time as this

2009-03-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

Ever since I played Esther in a school play in 5th grade I have had a special interest in this Biblical figure. I have always had an interest in Jewish tradition. Perhaps it is because I have a very very small fraction of Jewish blood in me. Maybe it is because Mrs. Allison, the Bethany Academy music teacher, used to teach us about Passover, Purim, Hanukkah and other Jewish traditions. It could also be that it is the roots of our Christianity and it is important to understand. I don't know why it fascinates me, but it does. Jewish traditions give us the chance to remember and reflect on what our God has done. God is good and we must not forget it!

Back to Esther. I was just reading through Esther 4 where she finds out about Haman's plot to kill the Jews and Mordecai (her uncle) tells her she needs to talk to the king. The thing is that even though she is the Queen, it is against the law to approach the king with out him summoning her. By "against the law" I mean that she could literally be put to death. So Esther has the most legit excuse in the world to cop out of her calling, but it didn't fly with Mordecai.

What would Ben Tipler say? I don't want excuses, I want results. Here's what Mordecai said,

"Don't think for a moment that because you're in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for such a time as this?" (4:13-14)

Oh snap. Talk about a chilling reminder that the only reason we are where we are is because God needs us there. Some how this makes my worries seem so trivial. Praise Jesus for that reminder. Beth Moore reminds us, "I had to accept that I was not called to an easy life. I was called to a purposeful life.

Side note: Purim is coming up. I think I blogged about Purim last year because I was reading a book about a woman who was figuring out her religion, switching between Orthodox Judaism and Christianity. Purim is March 9th this year. More to follow.

Head Congestion

2009-03-02T17:52:00.000-08:00

I am sick. I can't breath out of my nose and I have mucus clogging up my throat. Gross. I keep having to sneeze. I HATE SNEEZING! What's even worse are the times where I have to sneeze, but I can't. So I am stuck making a stupid face while I wait for a sneeze to emerge. I am living off Tylenol Cold and Head Congestion, herbal tea and Girl Scout cookies.

The cat went home today. I am not sad at all.

Nate went home yesterday. That does make me sad, but I was very lucky to see him.

Now I'm watching the season finale of the Bachelor. It's the first episode I've watched all season, but I wanted to be a part of the girls' conversation at work tomorrow. This show is so easy to get hooked on, but it makes me sick at the same time. In about 45 minutes Jason will propose to one of the girls he's in love with. ONE of the girls he is in love with. He is in love with TWO women, and he was in love with a different girl last season. Talk about baggage. What will he do? I must go and find out.

With lots of love,

It's not personal, it's business

2009-03-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

As Kathleen Kelly questioned in my all-time favorite, You've Got Mail, "What does that mean anyway? 'It's not personal, it's business?' Because it was personal to me."

I was recently demoted. After my boss strongly encouraged me to step down from my position she said, "Sarah, it's not personal." I responded, "I know...it's business." I wonder if she picked up the reference.

I consider myself humbled.

Teasing

2009-02-27T07:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had an all day training session for Bare Escentuals. It was fun, but mean. Let me tell you why it was mean. They showed us all of the new things for spring that we fell in love with but cannot access until MAY! Look out for Bare Escentuals new all 100% natural lip glosses. They're creamy (not sticky), soft, smell a bit like cake batter, and they do not make the lips tingle. Come visit me in May and play with them. I also fell in love with the brand new Bare Escentuals Buxom Mascara which is only exclusive to Sephora. Perhaps the best mascara I've ever tried. If you want BIG BIG lashes, go to Sephora and get them now! I may not always love my job, but at least I LOVE the product.

On another note, it has been a beautiful week...until yesterday that is. I heard the birds chirping and I could even see bits of brown grass peaking through the snow patches. I am so over winter. Then yesterday we got snow...a lot of it. February is a tease, and I know that March is too so I'm ready for April. Good news is that it is a BEAUTIFUL morning. As usual, I am eating breakfast in my dining room looking out past the deck admiring the sunshine. If Gloria were with me she would notice the snow and say, without fail, "It's not like Maui." However, she is not here with me because she is in Hawaii with my mom and Kim Sims. Good for them.

Enjoy the sunshine. Spring is just around the corner.

Treasure

2009-02-23T22:04:00.000-08:00

I went to antique auction tonight. I have a friend who auctions/rings for Luther Auctions in North Saint Paul, and I wanted to see what it was all about.

I sat there for three and a half hours, watching them sell random item after random item. Everything from a beautifully hand carved grand piano to the emerald and diamond ring and earring set to the Gone with the Wind lamp to the mug shaped like Rip Vanwinkle's face.

What do all of these things have in common? They were all precious to someone at one point in time. Antique and estate auctions are the ultimate showcase for the phrase, "one person's treasure is another person's junk." Let's be honest, people store up these collectables or treasures, if you will, all of their lives, and then they die and their children sell them. Really, who wants to take on their parent's collection of face-shaped mugs? We can travel the world and pick up rare and seemingly beautiful treasures and in the end we have nothing to show for it, because we can't take it with us when we go.

It's like that old joke:

There once was a rich man who was near death. He was very grieved because he had worked so hard for his money and he wanted to be able to take it with him to heaven. So he began to pray that he might be able to take some of his wealth with him.

An angel hears his plea and appears to him. "Sorry, but you can't take your wealth with you." The man implores the angel to speak to God to see if He might bend the rules.

The man continues to pray that his wealth could follow him. The angel reappears and informs the man that God has decided to allow him to take one suitcase with him. Overjoyed, the man gathers his largest suitcase and fills it with pure gold bars and places it beside his bed.

Soon afterward the man dies and shows up at the Gates of Heaven to greet St. Peter. St. Peter seeing the suitcase says, "Hold on, you can't bring that in here!"

But, the man explains to St. Peter that he has permission and asks him to verify his story with the Lord. Sure enough, St. Peter checks and comes back saying, "You're right. You are allowed one carry-on bag, but I'm supposed to check its contents before letting it through."

St. Peter opens the suitcase to inspect the worldly items that the man found too precious to leave behind and exclaims, "You brought pavement?!!!"

Yes, I did just post a joke on my blog. As if blogging didn't make me geeky enough. I'm over it.

"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store you treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

Matthew 6:19-21

Suit Up

2009-02-22T17:45:00.000-08:00

It's quite the life trying to become a young professional. This whole transition from a college student to a respectable adult is confusing and adventurous.

I bought a new suit the other day. There is nothing like wearing a suit. Whenever I wear a suit, I feel powerful and confident. When I "suit up," the world is my oyster. A suit is the difference between a college student and a young professional. If I show up for an auction in jeans (even super cute trendy jeans with cute boots) and a nice top, people will look at me and think, "she's 21...and unexperienced." However, if I show up with a suit and a padfolio (a portfolio with a legal notebook inside), people will say, "That's the auctioneer." I truly believe in the dress for success philosophy.

Anyway, I bought this suit and I have had a good week.

1) Had an informational interview at Target. I don't expect to ever really get a job there, but it was awesome learning about other opportunities that were out there for me.

2) Did a public auction for two commercial real estate agents where I sold one lot which consisted of all of the equipment and furnishings in a restaurant that went bankrupt. Although only one bidder showed up, I was able to learn more about auctioneering for legal purposes rather than just for fundraising. It was my first auction of this kind and I was able to pull it off with credibility...thanks to the suit.

3) I booked another auction for April. It's a small auction, but I get to assist in the planning a bit which will be good experience for me.

Not that all of these things can be credited to a suit, nor can my confidence. However, I feel good in a suit and when I feel good, I deliver. So in some sense, I credit the suit.

Also...the job search continues. I applied for a couple administrative positions today, and am considering applying for a part time position as a cohost for a local TV shopping network in Eden Prarie. Side note: working on QVC is a secret dream job for me. I will also be going out to an antique auction house tomorrow night just to watch a friend of mine auction. I would really like to gain more auction experience and I'm hoping to be able to get experience there, even if it is just setting up the items before the previews or being a clerk or ringman. Ideally, I want to sell, but it all comes with time. Wish me luck as I merge into this thing called adulthood.

Cats and Dogs

2009-02-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know that I'm not really an animal person. I always grew up with a cat, but even then I wasn't totally stoked about it. My current cat, Kitty, is the best cat we've had and he has begun to redeem cats in my eyes. However, I'm still not a big fan of other peoples cats. Right now I am catsitting for my grandma's neighbor, Mary. The cat is a black cat named Bella. She's a pretty cat, but I still do not really appreciate having her around. She's all over my stuff and I keep tripping on her. Stupid cat. I guess it's nice to have a roommate though.

On a similar note, we (the Whitsons) have a new addition to the family...a puppy! We've never had a dog before. It's name is Cooper. I hate that name, and I told my family that I refuse to call it that and I will call it pooper, puppy or kitty instead. It's a little white puppy, and it seems to be more of a cat than a dog but it's good for us as we attempt to transition from a cat family to a dog family. He's cute and my mom is utterly in LOVE with the thing. The only problem is that puppy thinks the phrase, "Go Potty," means sit. So we bring him to the potty pad and say, "go potty," and all he does is sit down and eventually he lays down on the potty pad. It's cute and pathetic at the same time.

Not on a similar note, but fantastic nonetheless. Valentines Day. I got to see Nate! I'm blessed.

Dry Clean Only

2009-02-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

I hate buying clothes that are dry clean only. I feel like it costs more money to maintain dry clean only clothes than it does to purchase it in the first place. Kate, you know what I mean with all of your skirts. The other day I bought Dryel. You know, the dry cleaning sheets that you can use to "dry clean" your clothes in your own personal dryer. Sadly I only got the refills. Apparently I am supposed to have some sort of bag so that they can be steamed. I thought about putting them in a pillow case, but instead I put them in a bag I owned that I thought might do a decent job. They are in there right now. I hope that it doesn't ruin them because in the bag I have three of my favorite articles of clothing:

- My little black wrap dress. I'm planning on wearing it to a wedding on Saturday but Ellie stunk it up when she dressed it down to wear to school. Little black dresses are not meant to be dressed down.

- My black wool pencil skirt. It fits like a glove. I got it on sale at Ann Taylor Loft a couple of years ago and has been a staple in my wardrobe ever since. I don't know if I can go on without it. I have not been able to find a black pencil skirt as perfect since I got this one.

- My highlighter yellow cardigan. Okay, this isn't one of my absolute favorite pieces, but I still love it and don't want it to be ruined. It's that material that after you wear it once it smells like B.O. even if you didn't break a sweat at all. Gross. It's so cute and I've only worn it once because of it's need to be dry cleaned.

All this to say that I really hope this works. It will utterly break my heart if it doesn't.

Becoming an Auctioneer

2009-02-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

So I am trying to figure out what my deal is with auctioning. I have girlfriends who are my age, if not younger, who are winning bidcalling championships and doing multiple auctions a week, and here I am only doing a handful a year. There is nothing I'd rather do more than auction. This is a very serious thing. However, I am scared out of my cute little cowboy boots of the whole idea of it. I can't figure out why. I understand that for my friends, it's a bit easier. They are second or third generation auctioneers whose lives have consisted of only auctions. It's like being a pastors kid. You go to church events multiple times a week and your friends at school don't understand why you are going to church yet again. With auction kids, they not only go to auctions they help with the auctions as ringmen and clerks and they eventually begin to call bids to help their dad's sell. They can't have another job, because on weekends they are running auctions and they LOVE IT. I envy that. I wish my dad had been an auctioneer so I was more comfortable with the whole culture that comes along with auctions. Right now it is all so intimidating to me. Perhaps it's so scary because I am so passionate about it but fear failure. It's like the people on American Idol who love singing more than everything and they but all their eggs in Simon's basket banking on winning American Idol to continue living. Then they get to the second round and find out that they are not good enough to go any further. What if that's the way it is? I don't think it will be, but the fear still exists in my mind. AHH.

I get sick to my stomach sometimes when I think about what I need to do to get started. Then again, I remember this same exact feeling when I was in Mason City at the World Wide college of Auctioneering. We had to go up and show our group what we could do. I had never uttered a single auction phrase before and I had to go after John Kisner who had been auctioneering for nearly 10 years. I cried countless times that week. I remember John saying to me in his little southern accent, "That smile is what's going to sell. Your chant will come in time." It took about 6 ten hour days into the course before my chant began to come, but it came. Now I just want experience.

Sorry for that rant, but I just want to auction and it's killing me that I'm not. If you think about it, pray that I will have the courage to just do it.

Pretty in Pink

2009-02-05T14:02:00.000-08:00

I went and got my nails done today. I picked out this deep magenta color, and when I asked Mary (the nail lady) what she thought of it she said, "It's...okay." I asked her why she thought it was just "okay," and she thought I ought to be a little more festive for Valentines day, "Pink is better for Valentines day." So here I am with Barbie pink nails. I think the exact color was OPI's "That's berry darling," but I'm not positive.

Coincidence? I think not.

2009-02-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

I remember sitting at my kitchen table doing homework. I was sitting in the seat nearest to the backyard facing our front door. I was in sixth grade and my parents were out of town so my Aunt Teresa was watching us. Although I remember the moment clear, the conversation seems to be a bit foggy. With the exception of one part. We were talking about something, to which I replied, "that's lucky." Teresa responded, "No, it's providential."

That was the first time I was introduced to the idea of providence: the idea, as Merriam-Webster describes, that God is the "power sustaining and guiding human destiny." That moment, giving me a clear understanding of the workings of my Lord, changed my faith dramatically. I began to understand that everything that happened, from the big scary things in life to the trivial joys, happened for a reason. Imagine the peace that comes along with that! Nate pointed out to me recently that oftentimes when something unfortunate happens my reaction is, "Well, that's life." Yes, I will whine about it for a bit, but in the end I know it is what it is and there's nothing I can do to change it. It's life; it happened that way because it is part of the bigger puzzle. Who am I to challenge God's will? God's will is perfect and inevitable.

This leads me to share my excitement for the Esther Bible study I am doing with the women's ministry at Evergreen. It is Beth Moore's most recent study. I have always loved Esther, mostly because she's a woman and God used her in powerful ways. The book has also always intrigued me since I heard, or read rather, Chuck Swindoll mention that Esther is the only book in the Bible that does not mention God's name. Why would it be in the Canon then? Beth Moore argued that God ordained it to be included in His book because although he works in big miraculous ways (such as parting the Red Sea), he also works in ways that seem to be just ordinary life. She shared the quote, "Coincidences are miracles where God decides to remain anonymous." Going into this study I had no idea it would deal with providence. I am so excited for it!

As I study the book of Esther over the next 9 weeks, I may get very excited. I will most likely pass on what I learn. Just a warning.

Kate Sims

2009-01-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

Many of you know Katherine Paige Sims (aka Kate Sims). She is my dearest and oldest friend. She is brilliant, bold and beautiful. She is a wonderful girl who keeps me grounded. I am forever thankful for her. Those of you who know her remember her back in the...wait for it...xanga days. Even as a high schooler she entertained us with her wit and her charm. Even the most mundane things turned into an adventure as we read them through Kate's writings. Kate, do you remember writing about your pencil case when you lived in Belgium. I remember that post and wish I could find it to use it to prove a point. Anyway, Kate is back by popular demand...by my demand. Yes, she has created a new blog. However, there are only two posts. The point of this post is to perhaps create enough readership so that she feels obligated to post more frequently. Let her know you are listening. You can find her blog (myth retold) linked on the side of my blog under Katherine Paige.

Now a personal message to my BFF:

Kate,

I am sorry, but I couldn't help it. I love you.

XOXO,

Sarah Jean

Traffic Violation

2009-01-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

I got pulled over. No, not recently. It was on March 18th, 2008. Do you remember that? I wrote an entry about it. The entry was posted on March 19th, 2008. Feel free to read it to trigger your memory. Basically I got pulled over for speeding but as I wrote before:

"Anyway, the young officer had mercy on me and let me off with a warning and a citation that said I didn't have a valid proof of insurance on me, but I can call the number on the back of the sheet in a week and everything will be stricken from my record."

So I called a week later. The citation hadn't been processed. I called every couple days for two months and it still hadn't been processed. So naturally I gave up. Recently I got a notice in the mail saying that I had a court date regarding the citation. What!?! So I called the number on the back of the citation, which I still had saved in a file somewhere. How organized am I? Holler. Get this...the citation still has not been processed. How can I be going to court for a citation that was never processed? I called the number one last time, but instead of hitting number 1 option "to pay for a citation," I hit number 2 "to talk to someone in the office." Apparently Roseville's citation numbers changed. Anyway, nearly a year later I finally figured it out. Statefarm is faxing my information to the court place right now. I am off the hook. Ufda. I think that's all the productivity that is required of me for the day.

Monday

2009-01-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

Tuesday: This is my Monday this week. Yesterday - my actual Monday - didn't really count as the most painful day of the week (as Monday is designed to be). However today I must work from 1:00-10:00 thus making it a painful day. Nevertheless, I am thankful to have a job even if it is only part-time.

I spent most of Sunday and Monday visiting Nate in Eau Claire. I enjoyed myself. It was fun to see and experience some of his "other life" as I like to call it.

In our down time this weekend, Nate had me watch a couple of episodes of How I Met Your Mother. Two episodes in and I was hooked. Before coming home last night, I swung by Blockbuster and picked up the rest of season one. After dinner I watched the rest of season one. Yes, I watched an entire season of How I Met Your Mother in 24 hours. Apparently I need to pace myself with the rest of the seasons, so I am waiting to begin season two.

Tomorrow I need to pick up the job search again. I have taken about four days off and I need to catch up. Looking for a job is a lot like having a job except you don't get paid. Lame.

My Utmost for His Highest was good today. It was fitting. Perhaps I'll post it later.

Until then...XOXO

Egg McMuffins

2009-01-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

I just got my oil changed and while I was waiting I went to McDonalds to have my quiet time and get some coffee/breakfast (I have never had McDonalds breakfast before, and I probably won't make it a habit). When I was there I was the only woman and the only person under 55. I took a back corner table near a larger table of old men. As I sat, attempting to read Genesis, I listened to their conversations; there were a couple going on. One man was talking about an old friend of his from Seminary, another man was cracking jokes such as, "I wonder if my commemorative Obama plate will come in the mail today." After the men around him sat in silence for a bit he slapped his knee and said, "Just kidding. Hey, why didn't they make Bush bobble heads?" It was about half way through their geography trivia that they acknowledged my existence. I my Harvard sweatshirt on - the one I bought off the streets of Boston when I visited Kate a couple falls ago. I'm not sure if they actually thought if I went to Harvard, but they kept referring to it when they would get one of their trivia questions wrong. They were sweet men. The man who joked about the Obama plate saw my Bible and said above everyone else's chatter, "Well it looks like Harvard is reading the greatest book ever sold." I looked up at him and simply smiled and said, "Sure am!" Another man brought the pot of coffee over to top me off and made sure my cream was just right. They invited me back to join them on Monday morning, however I won't be around. Too bad. It felt so small town, but in the heart of Suburbia. I kind of like that.

Costume Jewelry, Pancakes, Social Security and Acne

2009-01-22T08:17:00.000-08:00

I think I am going to start recording all of the Gloriaisms I hear while I live here then eventually put them together in a little book. Here are a few of the gems:

"If you love costume jewelry, you know where you need to go? New Orleans. When I went down last year I got so many necklaces."

In regards to the pancake mix found in the fridge that expired in 2004 (she said this in a sarcastic tone):

"4 years!?! What are you bitchin' about?"

"I can't imagine anyone who would be calling the Social Security office that doesn't speak english."

After explaining to her all the reasons why my day sucked she added:

"...and your acne..."

I am so thankful for that woman. I truly think she is one of the greatest women alive or who ever lived. I would be lucky to turn out like her someday.

So it doesn't look like I'll have to work retail full time. No, I didn't get a different job. The opportunity that I thought I may have with BE is no longer an option. I'm still searching for something. Whatever will be will be. It's just life.

"But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them."
~Isaiah 30:18

Job hunt

2009-01-19T07:56:00.001-08:00

As my friends head back to school to start their second semester, it is beginning to hit me that I am indeed a college graduate and that I am also in desperate need of a job. I do have a job at Bare Escentuals as their Lead Trainer, however it is part-time. With college loans waiting to be paid off, part-time will not cut it. There are other potential opportunities within this company that may open up in the future, but they are all retail. A job is a job. Yes, this I understand, but retail is a job that runs your life. I cannot tell you what days or hours I am free next week, because I have to wait for my schedule to be made. I do not want my job to be my life. Instead I want to have a regular schedule so I can commit myself to other things. I have not served in the church since high school. It would have been unrealistic to expect myself to go to school full time and work two jobs most of the time and also serve. There is a season for everything. Now that season is closed and I would like to serve at Evergreen and join a small group, but working a retail schedule I can't promise that I'll be able to show up when I'm needed. That frustrates me to no end.

This leads me to my next struggle as I try to find a job. More than anything I want the job that God has for me, but I don't know what that looks like. Sometimes I wonder if it is to stay at Bare Escentuals, because of the friendships I am able to maintain with my coworkers. The girls I work with know where I stand and I know that I am different (glory to Christ Jesus). At the same time I wonder if that is right. Wouldn't God want me to be involved in the church again? I don't know what I want. I don't know what God's will looks like. I keep thinking about what Brent talked about this weekend. So this is me beginning to think about all of the horrible scenarios of what could happen. Would I be okay with working a crappy retail schedule (even though I feel over qualified for the position) if that's what God needs me to do? Yes...but only if I knew that's what he wanted. How about if I never get a job? Do you see why this is so hard to do?

Deep Breath...I am a living sacrifice.

Pray that I do what God wants me to do and that I can know with complete assurance that it is what he needs from me. I want to obey so badly.

Mac is Home

2009-01-13T08:10:00.001-08:00

I know this whole grandpa thing has been taking up the majority of my posts as of recent. He passed away last Saturday morning at 5:30; my mom and grandma were with him when we took his last breath! He is singing praises in heaven today and forever. The funeral is today at two o'clock. It's funny to see people's reaction to us as we speak of Mac's death. For most, and especially those who do not put their confidence in Christ Jesus, death is a time of mourning. Yes, the end of a life is sad, but it is also the beginning of eternity. Mac had alzheimers and for the past couple of months he has been nothing more than a vegetable - something he never wanted to be. So having his body on this earth with no mind was more painful for Gloria and our family than knowing he was with his Savior. We are filled with joy as he has been taken home.

I have to sing at the funeral today. I haven't sung in front of people since high school. I'm not super stoked, but Old Rugged Cross is Mac's favorite hymn and I happen to like it myself. Thanks to Amanda and my dear Nate for doing it with me and taking the edge off. As Gloria said, "Don't be nervous; we're just presbyterians."

Pray for Gloria. God is good!

Back to Kindergarten

2009-01-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

I was going to go and visit my mom at Bethany because she is subbing for Miss Wilson's Kindergarten class and I just love 5 year olds. However, my grandma has a friend over and her car is in my way and I don't want to ask her to move it. Therefore I will wait.

Literally just as I wrote that last sentence, Joni (grandma's friend) asked if I needed her to move her car. Now I've started writing this, so I'm still going to wait.

Things have been sort of hectic here at Grandmas. We've had multiple visitors over the past couple of days. The nurses at the nursing home say he will probably die with in the week. Praise Jesus! Sometimes people look at me with confusion when I react that way towards his anticipated death. How could I not? He was a smart, godly man who loved his family and was generous with everyone he met, and now his body and mind are failing. Like I've mentioned before, it is about time he gets a new mind and body. I don't mean for any of this to be depressing, but watching him die is beautiful. It is just so peaceful and natural, the way I would want to go if I wanted to be old. For me, I'm just hoping for the good Lord's return. Please keep my grandma in your prayers as she goes through this process of losing her soul mate. Please pray for me that I will find opportunities to bless Gloria. Sometimes I just don't know how to respond to her sadness or know how to serve her best. I just want to take all other burdens off her. Gloria is an amazing woman.

I had something else to say, but I can't quite remember what exactly it was. Whatever it was can't possibly be that important in comparison to the thought of entering into eternity. I'll fly away.

Grandpa Mac

2009-01-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

I just visited grandpa Mac at the nursing home. Mac is 90 years old and can't even keep his eyes open. I sometimes wonder why God doesn't just take him Home. Earth has nothing to offer Mac anymore. He is skin and bones and it breaks my heart to see him. My grandma cried the whole time we were there. Pray that the Lord takes Mac home soon so that he can have a new mind and body. He deserves it. Let him fly away, oh glory.

No New Years resolutions for me.

A Good Year

2008-12-31T10:20:00.001-08:00

The year's about to end, and I feel that it is time for reflection. Don't worry, I won't reflect too much.

It's been a good year. Yes, a good year.

Gloria

2008-12-20T09:06:00.000-08:00

I just finished breakfast with Gloria. She and I were looking out the window at the blanket of snow, dreaming of Maui - where she spent most of her winters. I'm so thankful to be in with Gloria. Although, the basement is freezing and the upstairs is an oven and my stuff is all over, I am still happy. Soon enough I will be settled in my little place downstairs for some comfort and joy.

I don't have to work until three today, but it's still one of those days where I want to do absolutely nothing but read a good book. So for now, I will take a six, maybe seven, minute shower, then perhaps get some reading in anyway.

Life as a college grad, I guess.

GRADUATION

2008-12-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

So in about five hours I will be a college graduate.

That's really all I have to say, because I'm still having trouble believing it.

Wanted

2008-12-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

I ought to be grading papers for the class I TA for, but I'll do it later.

I just had to say that I am almost there! Next week, you can find me looking for a job. I'm graduating with an undergrad in Relational Communication. I have experience in Communication and Marketing, as well as training/education and a heck of a lot of retail experience. If you need someone who will work hard with a joyful spirit and do an awesome job, let me know and I'll send you my resume. Hint hint!

My dad and Ben Tipler are looking for jobs too! Also, my mom recently posted herself on craig's list for who knows what. I think as an organizational specialist or party planner. She charges $25 per hour, but seriously she can organize your life more than you could ever hope or wish. She also plans parties/fundraisers/AUCTIONS/weddings/whatever is needed. So this is one giant personal ad.

So if you need:

Party Planner: Trudi

Auctioneer: Sarah Jean

Financial Smarty Pants: Kent

Something with Graphics/Web: Ben

PR/Marketing: Sarah Jean

Makeup: Sarah Jean

Life Coach: Trudi

Anything that is a full time position: Sarah Jean

Just putting it out there...

Good Grief, Charlie Brown.

Off to work...

Obligation...

2008-12-11T21:35:00.001-08:00

This is one of those obligatory posts, because I have very little worth saying.

I am six days away from graduation, and have so much to do with so little time to do it.

I'm excited for this weekend, but wish I didn't have so much on my mind so I could enjoy it to the fullest.

Remember when I said I don't paint my finger nails? Well, I have red nails for the Holidays. Pretty neat.

I keep thinking about what I will do a week from today. My favorite option is to get in bed with a good book and a bottle of wine and not get out until the book is through, or until I have to go to the bathroom.

Oh yeah, I had a photo shoot with Chris today. I hope he got some good pictures for his portfolio.

I must go and make a list of things to do...

XOXO,

Sarah Jean

Spilled Sprinkles

2008-12-08T18:59:00.000-08:00

It's snowing. It's a perfect snow. The way the light is hitting it makes it almost look like glitter.

Tonight Stephanie and I baked Christmas cookies to candle light, christmas music and the glitter snow falling outside our window. By "baked" I clearly mean we bought break and bake sugar cookies, frosted them and then spilled sprinkles all over the kitchen I just cleaned. However, you cannot bake Christmas cookies without a good mess. It felt right. The whole situation was near perfect. We're pretty cute roommates. I'll be sad to loose her in a week and a half to India, then Kansas City, then Elliot. On the other hand, I cannot help but be so excited for her.

I'm just giddy tonight.

Sparkly Skirts

2008-12-06T10:39:00.001-08:00

Right now, I'm sitting in a pull-over fleece and my new tweed sparkly skirt. It's sad, but I just love this skirt because it is so cute. I have to lounge in it because there are not many occasions to wear a sparkly skirt. Even if there were multiple occasions to wear it, it's the kind of skirt that people would see and think, "Sarah Jean wore that sparkly skirt last time. It may make her butt look very nice (which it does) but seriously?" I must make buying this skirt worth while.

I had a perfect day yesterday. The snow made for hazardous roads, but it was beautiful and created picturesque moments.

Ashley Moore is home. It's always a party with some of my favorite girls. Now I'm going to frighten her while she is in the shower. I seriously do not know what I will do with out roommates to pester.

......

So I wanted to turn off the lights, but Steph already did it to Ashley during this same shower, so...

I just ripped the shower curtain open...classic.

Delilah

2008-12-02T21:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight was slow at work, so Elena suggested that we get cheesecake. Being the woman in charge, I sent her to cheesecake factory for a late night snack. Mmmm. I still have left-over turtle cheesecake in my fridge waiting to satisfy my every craving.

On my way home from work, Delilah lifted my spirits. Please take that with all the sarcasm you can dig up. Oh Delilah. I have realized that everyone who calls in to her show speaks in a soothing whisper as if to match Delilah's subdued tone. I truly wish I could reiterate the deep softness that is Delilah's voice through a bad impression. However, being that I am typing, and you are reading, I will just have to hope you have listened to her program and know exactly what I'm talking about. Try topping off this picture by imagining me attempting to imitate her voice. Oh it's great. Thank you, Delilah.

16 days!

2008-12-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

And yet again, Oswald Chambers spoke wonderful words of wisdom this morning. I won't type it all out. However, if you want to read it you can click here. I generally read the updated edition only because it is sometimes easier to understand, but the original edition is free online so help yourself. Stephanie and I read this out loud to each other. Yeah, we're pretty cute roommates. That's all I really have for now.

Time to focus.

P.S. I graduate in 16 days!

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Lisa!

"By the Grace of God I Am What I Am"

2008-11-30T20:24:00.000-08:00

If any of you have read my blog with any bit of consistency, you may know that I love Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest. Oswald was a wise wise man, and today's reading was especially good:

"By the Grace of God I Am What I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain..." (1 Corinthians 15:10)

The way we continually talk about our own inabilities is an insult to our Creator. To complain over our incompetence is to accuse God falsely of having overlooked us. Get into the habit of examining from God's perspective those things that sound so humble to men. You will be amazed at how unbelievably inappropriate and disrespectful they are to Him. We say things such as, "Oh, I shouldn't claim to be sanctified; I'm not a saint." But to say that before God means, "No, Lord, it is impossible for You to save and sanctify me; there are opportunities I have not had and so many imperfections in my brain and body; no, Lord, it isn't possible." That may sound wonderfully humble to others, but before God it is an attitude of defiance.

Conversely, the things that sound humble before God may sound exactly the opposite to people. To say, "Thank God, I know I'm saved and sanctified," is in God's eyes the purest expression of humility. It means you have so completely surrendered yourself to God that you know He is true. Never worry about whether what you say sounds humble before others or not. But always be humble before God, and allow Him to be your all in all.

There is only one relationship that really matters, and that is your personal relationship to your personal Redeemer and Lord. If you maintain that at all costs, letting everything else go, God will fulfill His purpose through your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to God's purposes, and yours may be that life.

Good Grief, Charlie Brown

2008-11-30T17:50:00.000-08:00

I very much enjoyed my weekend for many reasons. However, despite all of the fantastically wonderful things that happened this weekend, I must say that it is nice to be back at my apartment. I love love love my family, but I need need need need my privacy. I'm now back at my apartment enjoying the peace and quiet and my cranberry pine candle.

Last night we watched a Charlie Brown Christmas. It's obviously a classic that always triggers holiday spirit. They just don't make Holiday movies that convey the same message anymore: the reason for the season is Jesus (also I would like to apologize for that rhyming...I didn't mean to do it and I refuse to change it). I think that's what I love about it so much. Linus brings all of the hustle and bustle back to where it needs to be.

Side note: I love the original very much for the reasons listed above, but I also like this rendition created by the Scrubs cast (I'm also very excited that I have figured out this whole posting of youtube videos thing). I apologize that it's not as wholesome as the original Charlie Brown Christmas, but it's Scrubs...what can you expect?

Enjoy this, my friends.

Pray that I can get through these next three weeks.

XOXO,

SJW

This is the verse to memorize for the series Brent is giving:

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

Saturday Morning

2008-11-29T08:05:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Laura and Thomas the Train (aka Thomas the Canadian). They will be getting married next August and I am very happy for them. I feel so blessed that we could celebrate with them last night at Loring Pasta Bar. Side note for those of you who didn't know: Bob Dylan used to live in the place where Loring Pasta Bar is currently. How neat is that? I feel like I've experienced history.

I have done no homework yet this weekend. I have plenty that I could be doing, but I just have been too busy with far better things. With that being said, I think I'm going to try to accomplish something today.

Enjoy the sun.

Teeter-Totter

2008-11-27T23:13:00.000-08:00

So much.

God is good. He is faithful. He is merciful. He is forgiving. He is understanding. He's just down right so so good to me.

I need to get some sleep tonight. It's been an eventful weekend. Oy Vay.

Red

2008-11-25T20:36:00.001-08:00

Get ready for an extremely girly post. Get over it. I am a girl. I love being a girl. It's no secret that I am a girly girl (let's be honest, I'm a make up artist). I hope you all love me and my girliness (not despite of it). With that being said, I will not apologize for the following content:

I'm waiting for my toes to dry. When I say "toes to dry," I mean I'm waiting for my toe nail polish that's on my toes to dry - this is very important insight. I was going to stop at Ulta tonight and pick up some exotic sounding color from OPI like "those aren't my toys" or "I-swear-I'm-not-a-waitress red." I ran out of time, so I'm at home using Revlon's "Valentine" color. It does not give the optimal shine or wear that I am looking for, but it will do for now, I suppose. I'm waiting for this coat to dry so I can finish it off with a high-gloss clear top coat. I am a stickler about my toe nails (my fingernails stay trimmed short with no paint). If I get one chip in the polish, I redo all ten toes: remove polish, clip, file, polish twice, top coat. This may sound superficial, but I promise you it's not...well it may be, but I don't care. I feel feminine when my toes are beautiful, and when they are not, it is just something I add to my list of ugly. It's important for me to feel feminine from head to toe (literally).

Now that I have shared with you some of the superficiality that goes through my mind, I must get to bed.

Thanksgiving is only two days away!

Santa Snitched

2008-11-24T21:06:00.000-08:00

I just filled my gas tank, which was completely empty, for $19.01! Halfway through summer, I found myself praying at the pump, "Lord Jesus, please do not let it break fifty" and it reached $49.92...no lie. It is only $1.59 per gallon at the Exon Station on County Road E2 in Roseville. Speaking of gas...I was thinking, what if American gas stations all of a sudden started charging gas by the liter? People would be going wild over the crazy low prices, not realizing that they were paying per liter. Also, what if we did everything metric? No, that would be too logical.

Next time you see me, ask me to tell you the Santa story. It's too priceless to be told any other way than live, but I'll give you a sneak peek:
"Santa said he saw you steal..."

Donuts and Bourbon

2008-11-23T21:01:00.001-08:00

I hate that I'm sometimes surprised when God answers my prayers. Did I not expect Him to listen? When will I ever learn? God is so good...so so good.

The Sunday Morning Show on CBS today was themed "Eat, Drink and Be Merry." It had me craving donuts and bourbon (I don't think I even like bourbon). Since then I've had a couple toaster strudels and a diet coke in attempt to satisfy the craving, but it has not worked.

Short and Sweet:

2008-11-22T07:11:00.000-08:00

I need to find a job for after graduation.
I'm looking for a new car because the shaggin wagon pooped out on me.
I have to exchange the yellow bridesmaid dress I got for Steph's wedding because I'm bigger than I thought...always disappointing.
I have so much homework to do and only 3 and a half weeks to finish it.
I'm ready for Thanksgiving break.
Today I'm going to Nina's Cafe in St. Paul to finish a load of homework.
That's my little life as of now.

With much love,
Sarah Jean

Driver's Donuts

2008-11-19T13:49:00.000-08:00

It got cold. Do you know what I mean? Like I feel like the world was a perfect temperature then all of a sudden, it got cold. I didn't realize it until this morning when I was driving and the man on the radio said, "it's cloudy here downtown and about thirty degrees but the temperature is about to drop." Yikes. I'm still wearing my fall jacket, which lost another button today. This was unfortunate given that I had no scarf and a low cut shirt on and there was nothing to block the cold air. I need to get a new coat, and sew the button on this one.

Today was a very good day. I woke up late, and initially had that "oh no! I slept too late. What will happen to me now?!?!" feeling, but then I stopped stressing and was able to get ready (shower, dry/style hair, makeup, get dressed, brush teeth, etc.) in a half hour! This was amazing. Then I went to get gas, and it was $1.79! I knew I would be late for work if I stopped at Starbucks so I got coffee from the gas station - which I always seem to enjoy - as well as a 6 pack of mini chocolate donuts. So in the car I drank my gas station coffee, ate my "driver's donuts" and listened to the current which had the most free spirited line up. It made me so happy that I literally said out loud, "Lord Jesus, I am so happy right now." Then I went to work. So mainly my drive to work was exceptional. I didn't even mind being stuck in traffic. Actually, I was a little disappointed when the traffic picked up again.

Off to class soon. I must finish/print my paper!

XOXO,
SJW

The Snuggie

2008-11-18T20:14:00.002-08:00

I recently got a facebook message from my dear friend, Amanda Kogle. When I opened it, this is what I found:

Ladies,

Winter is fast approaching, and I thought to myself, "How can I stay warm through the long winter months AND make an ass of myself?" I believe I have found the solution!

This makes my life so happy. I wanted to share this yesterday, but I couldn't figure out how to post it on here for the life of me.

Exegesis continued...

2008-11-17T17:55:00.000-08:00

Once I'm focused, I love writing papers. I'm sitting on the couch in my apartment with my laptop on my lap, surrounded by a dozen open Bible commentaries with a candle burning the scent of cranberry and pine. I have my cup of green tea and the "instrumental folk" station playing on pandora (I can't focus with songs with words because I tend to sing along, but I'm loving the guitar picking featured on this station). I couldn't be cozier than I am in my red and black lumberjack pj-pants, my grey and purple grandpa sweater and my little slipper socks that my grandma gave me for Christmas a few years back. This is a very nice situation over all.

Exegesis

2008-11-16T19:46:00.001-08:00

I'm finally writing my Exegesis paper for my Sleep Surrender and Sabbath class. I've been meaning to do it for a long time, but it's due Wednesday so I actually had to start it tonight to finish it on time. I'm done exegeting (finding the original context of a Biblical passage) the first six verses only verses 7-15 to go! I'm saving the conclusion and contemporary application for tomorrow night. I'm on a roll, so I cannot be distracted too long.

Bethany Auction

2008-11-15T20:45:00.000-08:00

I just got home from doing the Bethany Academy auction. Can I just say that I love doing that auction? I like it for many reasons:
~It was the auction that first striked my interest in auctioneering.
~My mom is usually in charge of running it.
~It's fairly casual.
~It's themed. Tonight was called A Night in Paradise...A Hawaiin theme.
~The High Schoolers are highly involved in volunteering. I love working with the high schoolers. Tonight there were a bunch of senior boys who choriographed their own "tribal" dance. It was awesome! They wore grass skirts, and flesh colored beaters. No, you cannot buy flesh colored beaters, but because they were not allowed to go with out shirts, they dyed their shirts to make it look like they didn't have any on. They cracked me up all night. All the high schoolers got really in to the theme and dressed up. The girls were so eager to help. I love their willingness to serve their school.
~It's always a blast.

Anyway, we had a good time and raised some decent money. I love my job.

Nursing Home Blues

2008-11-14T10:06:00.000-08:00

I'm watching the gospel music channel. Is that more or less pathetic than QVC? Sometimes I just need to zone out. I was going to get up early this morning and be super productive. However, my alarm didn't go off and I finally woke up as soon as 11:08 rolled around. Sweet.

So I haven't updated on Gloria (grandma) in a while. As you know I lived with her last summer, and I plan to live with her again upon graduation. Heres an update:

Grandpa Mac is still alive (LORD JESUS PLEASE TAKE HIM HOME!), and he is still in the nursing home. Apparently my mom got a phone call from the nursing home staff saying that my grandma Gloria has been creating quite the ruckus when she visits grandpa. For instance, if she can't easily get to a seat next to him while he's eating, she will shove all of the silverware to the floor and say, "Damn!" Overall she is not very happy or nice when she is there. This is seriously the saddest thing I could hear. Gloria is the most thoughtful, caring, loving, kindhearted woman I know. I would act the same way if I only got to see my soul mate a couple times a week during lunch and when I saw him he didn't talk or barely recognize me. It breaks my heart just thinking about it. Please pray for her.

Dirty November

2008-11-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

Well, the snow melted. That's November for you.

This whole graduation thing has me frazzled. My mind is constantly going a million miles an hour in about a thousand different directions. There have been a handful of times this week where I have just cried for what seems like no reason whatsoever. I could be standing in line getting lunch, or even in class. I'm sure people think I'm sort of a crazy person, but sometimes you just need to cry. Perhaps the tears are just trying to rinse my mind clean. It's funny how our bodies work to take care of us. I have been go go going so fast the past couple of weeks that finally last night my body decided to make me too sick to stand. It was like my insides were trying to tell me "SLOW DOWN! If you don't do it on your own, we'll just have to make you." That's the way it went. I was too sick but do anything but rest. So I went to bed at 9:30 last night. Today I'm listening to my body and I'm skipping class all day to just rest. Less than 5 weeks to go.

So, I just sent my resume and totally forgot to attach a cover letter. What was I thinking?!

White

2008-11-12T05:55:00.000-08:00

There is snow on the ground this morning. I'm still inside my apartment wearing a towel and drinking my coffee, which is why this scene is so beautiful. However, as soon as I get ready and head out to my car, I will find myself inconvenienced by this blessing. I have an awesome heated ice scraper somewhere that I won at a bridal shower, but I don't know what I did with it.

That's all really.

Tyranny of the Urgent

2008-11-11T16:24:00.000-08:00

I have so much to do and so little time to do it. Today I micro-organized my life. I made a list of the days from now until December 17th (GRADUATION!), and I listed almost to the hour what needed to be done that day. I already have my work schedule through that point so it made it easier to create an agenda. Tonight, for instance, I need to update my resume, finish my Group Communication journal, email my professor, go to ATL (ann taylor loft) and pick up a shirt, and I may bake cookies. Anyway, I was about to get started on the resume stuff, and Jenna texted me asking if I could meet for dinner at 5 (it was 4:41 at the time). I haven't seen Jenna, one of my dearest friends, in nearly a month so with out hesitating I said, "YES!" Here I am, two hours behind schedule, but satisfied with my decision. I read this book last year, Tyranny of the Urgent, which focused on prioritizing what is important but fitting in what is urgent immediately. Jenna was urgent. I guess I'll push the group comm journal until tomorrow morning.

I go down town tomorrow for an informational session at a company I would LOVE to work for. I just found out they have a research department that does some pretty cool stuff. I love research! I'll get to meet some important people! Wish me luck...no, pray for me.

Off to the important stuff.

Fruit Filling

2008-11-10T18:55:00.001-08:00

I really like toaster strudels. I just picked some up from Target. Unfortunately I left it in the toaster too long, so the fruit filling was boiling and it burnt my tongue. Ouch.

I want to find a grown up job. I graduate in about 5 weeks and I have no idea what I am doing. Prayer would be nice.

"I must learn that the purpose of my life belongs to God, not me. God is using me from His great personal perspective all He asks of me is that I trust Him."

~ Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest (November 10th)

Tag-teaming.

2008-11-08T21:46:00.000-08:00

First of all, I would like to say that the people who live in the apartment above us keep making this squeeky-squeeky sound. It definitely sounds like they are...well, you know. Steph has come to the conclusion that they are playing DDR. Nonetheless, it is annoying and I wish they would stop.

So I just got back from the North Heights Christian Academy Auction. I tag-teamed it with Colonel Dan Swenson (I am Colonel Sarah Jean Whitson BTW, but I choose not to use the title). We rocked the house and raised over $50,000! There were 51 items to sell, and we did it in just short of two hours. I was nervous and flustered going into it, but after lots of prayer I was calm and having a blast. Our tag-teaming efforts were a hit. If I did the auction alone, people would be annoyed by my higher female voice. Likewise, if he had done the auction alone people would have been put to sleep by his baritone chant. We took turns selling every other item. The variety kept people's attention through the entire two hours. I love auctioneering! We booked the auction again next year.

In Denial

2008-11-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

Obama won. In the back of my mind I am wanting to believe that it is a huge scandal and we will later find out that he did not win. However, I know that won't happen. A girl can wish though, can't she? Looks like we'll be sharing the wealth. All we can do is continue to pray.

I have gotten to that point in the semester where I cannot focus on anything school related. I have a big paper on Psalm 92 (song of the Sabbath) due in a couple of weeks, and I haven't even thought about it yet. I'm going to try to head to the Seminary Library for a couple of hours to begin researching. Wish me luck.

I Voted

2008-11-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

I voted today. Who knows who will win, but I have done my duty. My mom wore her Sarah Palin shirt to the poles and the lady giving her the voter card told her she was breaking the law. My mom replied, "Too late." You go, mom! I don't think she successfully persuaded anyone to vote for McCain by wearing her shirt anyway. Too bad. Also, when I told the man handing out the stickers that my roommate didn't get one because she voted absentee, he had pity on her and gave me two extra stickers! So I got my sticker + two! That means I can give one to Stephanie and wear one tomorrow.

So That was my excitement for the day. Keep on praying!

Another one bites the dust...

2008-11-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

Just kidding. This is happy news. Stephanie, my roommate, and her boyfriend, Elliot, just got engaged like a half hour ago.

Congratulations to the soon-to-be Elliot and Stephanie Wise!

Scatterbrained

2008-11-02T19:38:00.000-08:00

I can't think straight. I currently have so much running through my mind that I can't slow it down to comprehend the thoughts. Please, dear friends, pray that I will have clarity of mind.

I also want to take a moment to apologize to my friends. Dear friends, I have been a terrible friend. I do not call you, I do not make effort to see you, and when I do see you it is brief and superficial. Please do not take these acts of disconnectedness personally, because I guarantee that this is the way I have been treating all of my friends lately. Take Stephanie, my roommate, for instance. She is my roommate and I have probably seen her a total of 3 hours in two full weeks. We live together, and I have only seen her for three hours! So, if you do not live with me, it is certain that I have seen you even less. For this I am sorry. Please be patient with me. I have so much going on that I am even struggling with finding time for myself. I could not tell you the last time I spent time in the Word. As I type, I am on the verge of tears because it breaks my heart to know that I have neglected my friends, my Lord, and myself. Once again, I plead for your patience. I promise to be a better friend upon graduation.

With all the love I can dig up,

Sarah Jean

Pancakes

2008-11-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

Two posts in a row about breakfast...sort of. Although pancakes are generally a breakfast food, I am eating them for dinner. It's a Saturday night and it's only max and myself at home. Max was tired, and therefore cranky, so I made us pancakes for dinner. He felt better after he saw that I cut his pancakes in star shapes. Yeah, I'm a pretty cool big sister.

Well, I have to go and finish my Bible study for tomorrow. I am behind. Oops.

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep!

Babies and Breakfast in Bed

2008-10-31T09:46:00.001-07:00

I finally saw the twins! Tirzah and Alayna are beautiful, petite and perfect! I had the chance to hang out with Erica (the mom) and my aunt Teresa (grandma to the babies), and hold Tirzah all night long. I'm so happy we have babies in our family.

After holding the perfect little beings, I went over the the Comm boys' house (the guys from all my Communication classes last year) to carve pumpkins! It was a perfect evening. They had a fire going in the fireplace, and once our pumpkins were carved we turned off all the lights except for the pumpkins and the fireplace and listened to some very chill music. Christy and I were so cozy that we spent the night on their couches and they made us breakfast in bed, or in couch rather since we were not in actual beds. We had wonderful omelets and very smooth coffee. It was a fantastic way to spend my first day off work in two weeks.

Now back to work.

Happy Halloween!

Distractions: Pumpkin Muffins and Eaves Dropping

2008-10-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

I'm at Sebastian Joe's in Linden Hills studying. As I ordered my coffee, I noticed a cranberry pumpkin muffin in the glass case by the register, but I passed on the muffin knowing very well that it would put me over the calorie limit for the day. I sat down to study, but all I could think about was that damn muffin. I decided to get it. The man gave it to me for 60 cents. Nice man. It is well worth the calories and 60 cents.

Also, I thought I should add this...So many of you may know that I am a terrible eaves dropper. I can't help but stare at the people I am eaves dropping on, because I become so engulfed in their conversations. I love to eaves drop in coffee shops almost more than anything else. People's conversations - especially taken slightly out of context - are always so fascinating. While I was sitting here, I was eaves dropping, and the people said something that made me laugh out loud. The two couples sitting at the table heard my cackle and looked over at me acknowledging my eaves dropping. I simply shrugged my shoulders and said,"Sorry, I couldn't help it." Oh geez.

Now, back to the books.

I love you.

Surprised by Joy

2008-10-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

I keep wanting to say, "it was one of those days." You know, the days where there is so much to do, and not enough time to do it and where it seems that everything you think could go wrong actually went wrong. The thing is, it wasn't one of those days. Yes, I had a gazillion things to do (so many in fact that I made up my own number to count them, hence gazillion). I also had a share of things go wrong (like loosing my keys, or the projector being broken in the room that I was supposed to "teach" a class). Despite this, I couldn't help but be joyful, and I'm not exactly sure why. It was a good day.

With that being said, this morning I got an email from my professor telling me that he had a doctors appointment or something of the sort and asked me if I would show the video and lead the class in discussion. My communication professors love me, but let me tell you that students don't like when their peers become their authority, especially when there could have been a chance of class being canceled. Lucky for them we couldn't figure out the how to get both the audio and visual working simultaneously for the projector (ironic since it was media communication) so I sent them home early. Anyway, I just thought it was funny that my professor asked me to "sub" for him even though I'm in the class; it was pretty flattering.

I graduate in exactly 50 days!

Fill in the ________

2008-10-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

Steph found a mad lib in the front of her Metro Magazine:

FILL IN THE ______

Spending Thanksgiving alone.

by john paul burgess

Being alone on Thanksgiving is not so bad. In fact, it's kind of adjective. While everyone else is out verb ending in -ing and verb ending in -ing with their families and friends, you can sit at home in your article of clothing watching TV show on TV with a cold something cold in hand. Or, take some time to finally check out the Minneapolis landmark while there isn't a line (if it's closed in honor of the holiday, try verb ending in -ing over to the St. Paul landmark). And don't even worry about the big meal. Just adverb improvise with whatever you've got lying around the house. Instead of a turkey, just fry up a noun. Instead of stuffing, just cram some noun in a noun. And instead of mashing potatoes, try verb ending in -ing some plural nown. Then eat it all in the room in your house (not your kitchen). For dessert? A noun with adjective cream. Now doesn't that sound better than verb ending in -ing with your relatives. When it comes down to it, you'll be happy not to have to hear another story about the time your great aunt verb ending in -ed that noun in the '50s. Boy, she sure is adjective.

I think I'll write my own mad lib sometime. Keep your eyes out for that. Off to study.

With love,

Drowning

2008-10-27T05:56:00.000-07:00

Laying in bed last night, I realized I got myself in over my head. Classes, work, auctions, TA-ing, sleep, maintaining any sort of social life, etc. I'm trying not to worry, because I know what the Bible says about worry, and I know that worry ages my skin (bad news). I just came from a long, busy week, and now I'm diving head first into another busy, stressful week. Pray that I have the focus to get things done.

You are wonderful.

XOXO,

Sarah Jean

Indian Food

2008-10-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Bare Escentuals GRAND OPENING!!! It was slow at first, but by mid-afternoon it was busy. There was one point we were even on a wait! Southdale is a slow mall, but I think we can help revive it. The mall manager came in and talked to Elsa, our boutique manager, and said, "You're the 50 yard line." I'm assuming he was trying to make a sports analogy, which was a dumb decision given that we are a MAKE UP STORE. But whatever, he got the point across. I told our girls that we can bring Southdale into the end zone (I'm not sure if that is a correct way to continue that analogy because I know absolutely nothing about football). All this to say that it was great!

I just returned from getting Indian food with the Sims (lifetime family friends). Good gracious, my digestive system is screaming swears at me right now. If all that grumbling could be translated into real words I think it would be saying, "Why the H-E-double hockey sticks, did you let yourself eat all that fudgin spicy food!?!" Seriously, my tummy sounds super angry. The food was well worth the stomach ache.

SIDE NOTE: Someone is lighting fire crackers in my neighborhood right now. I can hear it.

Now, I must go and finish my Bible study for the day. I'm doing The Patriarchs by Beth Moore with the women at church. God is so good. He uses mistake-makers...like me (and Abraham).

Shhhh

2008-10-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have a guilty confession. As I write this, I am home alone at my parent's house which I have mentioned before has a sense of comfort that nothing else can give. I am drinking peppermint hot chocolate, I have a candle lit which I can see out of the corner of my eye, and I am listening to Christmas music. Please forgive me. I am not making a habit out of this, mainly because I don't want to be sick of Christmas music by the time Christmas actually rolls around. I understand that it is not even Halloween yet, but I just need this moment now. I do not feel the need to be traditional just for the sake of tradition. After tonight, however, I will try to get through the next month and a half with out Christmas music. Okay, except a song by Laurence Juber just came on Pandora, and I'm totally diggin it. Well, maybe I can listen to his non-Holiday station on Pandora.

I am thankful for my friends who read this and choose not to judge me.

XOXO

God and Politics

2008-10-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

Let's commit to pray for this election. I'm sure some of you already are, but it's something that too often slips my mind. Sometimes I think there is more going on than meets the eye.

My first day of training was wonderful by the way. If you have ever visited me at the MOA store, you know how small and busy it is. The brand new Southdale store is huge and luxurious! Grand opening is on Friday! Ya'll have to see it.

TMI

2008-10-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think I post too much. Not TMI, but just too often. Maybe I post TMI too, but whatever.

I feel like prayer is a common theme throughout many of my posts. Probably because prayer is a constant necessity. Here I am again, finding myself trying to focus enough to engage myself in desperate prayer, not really sure what sort of answers I'm looking for. I know I want God's best, but I'm not really sure what that will look like. Vague enough?

Side note: Kate comes home this weekend. I am so excited I could wet myself (now that is TMI)!

XOXO

New Shoes

2008-10-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

I got new shoes for my new job that starts tomorrow. That's right I will be Lead Trainer of the Southdale Bare Escentuals Boutique. Woot woot! I have to skip a week of class to do training, but my professors all understood since I'm a senior in sophomore level classes and I because am the trainer and therefore must attend the training days. The only downer is that I am likely to get behind in my schoolwork and I can't really afford to do that right now. Oh well. I'm too excited to care.

I'm off to the seminary Library to check out some Bible Commentaries to write my exegesis paper.

Life is busy, but God is good.

Funny Face

2008-10-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

I love the movie Funny Face. Audrey Hepburn is so classy.

I've been home (mom and dad's) all weekend, but now I'm back at school. Poor Steph has been by her lonesome all weekend. I made her spiced cider and cookies tonight to make up for it though.

Back from Camping

2008-10-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

So I went camping. I think I had romanticized it a bit. You know, I would be the good big sister...no, the BEST big sister, and take them camping. Then we would get there, they would quickly make a fire the way boy scouts do, and pitch the tent. Then we would sit by the fire, play cards, go for a hike, make s'mores, and call it a trip and go home.

Now, meet what I like to call reality: It was dark. We hiked a mile with the stuff. We had to saw our own wood. We had to pitch a tent in the dark. The moon was lovely, huge and orange. The wood didn't burn. The stars were glorious. It was cold. The next morning was foggy. The day was gorgeous. The leaves were colorful. The food was prepared by 14 year old boys so it was pure sugar. The St. Croix river was beautiful, and the day-time hiking without carrying stuff was awesome. The people who had our site after us came early and kicked us out. All in all, it was way more work than I anticipated, but well worth it.

My alarm didn't go off, and I missed Bible study. Off to church!

This is nice

2008-10-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

I just got home from work. Not Bethel home, but home home. I always stay at home on Thursday nights because I close at work then have to open on Friday morning. I have a feeling that schedule will change starting next week as I begin my new job. Have I mentioned that I have a new job? Well, I do. It is actually still with Bare Escentuals, but just a different position. I will be the Lead Trainer at the Southdale Boutique when it opens next week. I'm excited about it. I needed a change of some sort. Something more than a new haircut (which I also received today, but it's not much different).

Back to being home home. This very moment feels exactly the way I imagine home to feel (except for the fact that I am the only one awake, because generally when I imagine home I imagine my family along with it). There is a fire going, I have a glass of wine in my hand, and Neil Young is playing in the background (I'm not sure why I always associate Neil Young with home, but I will always love him because of it). I would say that only cookies could make this more enjoyable, but I just found cookies on the Kitchen counter. I love my life. I love home. My hope is that I can make my grandma's house feel a little like home when I move in with her again after graduation. You see, my home is warm and cozy. It makes you want to dim the lights, pull out a good novel and cuddle with the cat. My grandma's house, on the other hand, feels like a bright townhouse with some remnants of a 1990's Maui hotel. Needless to say, it's just not what I know to be home.

I leave to go camping with Max and his friend, Evan, tomorrow. I'm excited because they are wonderful fun. However, it feels weird that both my parents and Evan's parents think that I am grown-up enough to be the only grown-up on a camping trip. I was informed today that the site near Stillwater was full, so we will be staying at Afton State Park where we will have to carry our stuff a mile from our car to our campsite. Who doesn't love a good hike. I still wished I there was someone else my age to come with us. The offer still stands, folks.

Once again, I am thrilled to be at home. I am going to take in all the wonderful comforts.

XOXO,
SJW

Camping

2008-10-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

Who here loves Max Whitson? I do!

He just called me a couple minutes ago and asked me if I wanted to take him and his friend Evan camping on Friday night. So guess what I'm doing Friday night? That's right. Camping with two 14 year old boy scouts. I am so excited. The nice thing about camping with boy scouts is that you don't have to do a thing! They cook, pitch the tent, and keep the fire going. I'm looking for someone my age to go with. So if you're free Friday night and can get to my parent's house or Stillwater...give me a ring-a-ling.

Max is precious. That's all I have to say.

Sticky

2008-10-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

My keyboard is sticky. I know that's a little gross. Here's the deal. I went to Target yesterday to just get out of my apartment. It was such a groggy day and I had nothing to do so I literally stayed at my apartment all day, well until 6pm. After dinner (around 6pm) I decided to go to Target and enjoy the sky that had cleared up. I bombed around Target for a while. I got socks, a dishtowel, paper towels, coffee (desperately needed), iced tea/lemonade mix, carmel, a pitcher with a lid, honeycrisp apples (a big box for seven-something), and some candy bars for Steph and me. I was there way too long for what I got, but it was a nice outing. When I left the moon was gorgeous! It was full, and well, Ashley, you know what that means. Okay, back to the sticky keyboard...I was eating the apples with the carmel that I picked up at Target yesterday, and it got on my keyboard. I'm getting a moist paper towel to wipe it down.

That was a terrible story, but eh.

This semester has been go go go, and I don't know when I will be able to catch a breath. That's my life as of now.

Networking

2008-10-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

Oh boy. I just called someone to ask about possible opportunities with their company. It was one of those things where I had a script written out so I wouldn't babble on and on (sort of funny: Babylon). Then as my phone was ringing I was literally saying "please go to voicemail, please go to voicemail," and then praying at the same time that if someone did in fact pick up that it would not be in the middle of me saying, "Please go to voicemail." It went to voicemail and I read off my voicemail script, but still managed to "um" and "eh" and "er" like a fool. I also talked way to fast. Now my palms are sweaty, and my hear rate feels like a drum roll. The worse part is that I didn't get to talk to anyone and now I just wait. Anticipation kills. This whole finding a job thing is so scary.

I find that blogging is a very successful way for me to procrastinate doing things that are actually necessary, like homework or my Bible study.

I just want to be auctioneering full time.

Please pray that I can go to Faithwalkers. I really want to go, but I am already scheduled that week at Bare Escentuals. I'm not sure what to do.

Really, I am off to do something productive. Sort of.

Welcome new Whitsons

2008-10-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

We had babies! Well, not me personally...obviously. My cousin Drew and his wifey, Erica, had twins yesterday. Alayna Joy Whitson (4 lbs and 13 oz) and Tirzah Lorraine Whitson (4 lbs and 14 oz). My first reaction was "Tirzah!?! What kind of name is that?" I've always loved the name Alayna (however had never thought to spell it that way), but Tirzah seems so out-there. It means "pleasant." Knowing the meaning of names always makes me like them or dislike them more. Name meanings are so important. In the Old Testament, God would often rename people with names that were heavy in meaning. Abram for example means "high father," but God decided to up and choose Abram to be a leader and prophet and make is descendants more numerous than the stars so he renamed him Abraham which means "Father of Nations." So cool! I can just imagine God cringing at Juliet when she declared, "What's in a name?" God was probably like, "YOUR IDENTITY!" God has so many different names, and in the Bible his names are always in context with what he's doing. I'm not saying that all of our identity should be wrapped up in our name, because our identity should be in Christ Jesus, but names were a powerfully permanent way for God to identify his people with himself. Names are important. Lucky for Tirzah, I love the idea that it means "pleasant" and that Tirzah is just a beautiful sounding name. Alayna and Tirzah...beautiful names for girls that are destined to be beautiful!

Congratulations Drew and Erica!

A thought on Weddings

2008-10-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

Kirsten got married yesterday. It was way out in the country, but it is so fitting for her. I must say that going into it I was not too excited, but by the end of the night much of my cynicism towards the tradition of weddings had faded. Here's the deal (please remember that this is my cynicism speaking, and it does not reflect my true feelings or beliefs). Many of my girlfriends from college are getting married this next year. Yes, they are in love and I am so happy for them, but I am in such a different stage of life that it's often difficult for me to relate. It's hard for me to see all of the planning aspects because it sometimes seems like people get so caught up on things that aren't important rather than focusing on what matters. I don't need to go into detail, because it will just sound angry. The point is, being at Kirsten and Adam's wedding softened my heart.

Also. It has been a nice weekend. There are so many wonderful people in town: Aunt Marisa, Ashley, and Nate. All people I love dearly, but rarely see. I would only be better if Kate and Amanda Kogle would have been around too. I wouldn't have had time to see everyone if they had come in town though, so it's all for the better. Plus, Amanda will be in next weekend, and Kate the following. It's all wonderful.

Spencer's message was good today. Download it if you didn't hear it.

terrible at coming up with titles for posts

2008-10-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

Notice that the title of my blog is "Sarah Jean is..." Often what I try to do is match up my posts so that it finishes that sentence. Examples: Sarah Jean is Hungry, or Sarah Jean is done with hypothetical questions, or Sarah Jean is terrible at coming up with titles for posts. However, this is not working out for me. I think it may limit my title possibilities. I may need to change the overall title of my blog. We'll see.

A handful of reasons why I'm ready for Christmas:

Reason 1: Stephanie asked me to put on Christmas music today, and I did. You must know Steph to realize how big of a deal that is. Ashley, if you're reading this, you understand even more so than I. Steph generally lives by the strict rule that you absolutely cannot under any circumstances listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving. She cracked. The stress of her final semester impaired her judgement and she demanded Christmas music. I played her favorite: Mary Did You Know?

Reason 2: I want to use my Minnesota cookie cutter again.

Reason 3: I could use the relaxation that I get from lying on my living room floor with all the lights off so I can watch the shadows created on the ceiling by the changing lights on the tree.

Reason 4: Faithwalkers is only a couple days later.

Reason 5: As of now, this may be the biggest reason for my anticipation of Christmas: I will be a college graduate and I will be done with all of this nonsense. I'm sorry that I feel it's nonsense right now. I am so thankful for my education, but my semester of 200-level classes that were required for the classes I already took are driving me nuts. I am so done with this stage of life. Talk about contentment.

God bless us, everyone.

done with hypothetical situations

2008-10-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

I feel like since Sunday I have had so many "If Only..." thoughts pop into my head. Just when I thought I was content, I am finding that I am not. I'm trying...praying. It is just like God to test me on what he's teaching me. Doesn't he know midterms are coming up?

smelling pumpkin bread

2008-10-05T16:05:00.001-07:00

I'm baking pumpkin bread right now. It has about five minutes left. I just checked on it, but I could tell the top was still a bit doughy so I'm letting it sit for a bit more. My whole room smells like the spiced fragrance of fall. I should have brought home the cider that my dad bought for me this weekend. I forgot. Oh well, hot cocoa will be just fine.

I've been job searching lately. It's really an intimidating thing to do. I think the most difficult part is having enough confidence in my own abilities so that someone will feel assured by hiring me. It's tough when I don't really know what I want to do, or what I would be good at. I have some ideas, but it's all scary to me. Will I ever be ready? I don't feel grown-up enough to have a real grown-up job. YIKES! I'm just chasing all the open doors and trusting God to close the ones that aren't right.

I just checked on the pumpkin bread again. It's super doughy on the inside. I think my pans were a bit too small so I had to make it deeper. I really hope I don't burn the edges. Oh goodness.

I have a date with Jenna tonight. She's one of my closest friends and I haven't talked to her in nearly three weeks. It's very sad. I am too busy for my own good.

XOXO

functional

2008-10-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight Stephanie pointed out to me that I am a completely functional being. She was not referring to the fact that everything about me works, but rather that I make decisions based on the fact that it would be the most sensible or functional option. Some examples that she brought to my attention:

~I said I don't want a lot of sides or dishes at Thanksgiving this year, because we just don't need all the options. No one likes feeling obligated to eat a little bit of everything anyway.
~I threw away a candle because the wick broke off, instead of leaving the candle around for decoration.
~I want to elope someday because I can't justify spending that much money on a wedding. Steph and I have had to hear too much about weddings lately.
~Tonight I wanted to heat cider on the stove, so I opted for the tea pot to heat it rather than a regular pot so that it would be easier to directly poor into our mugs when it was finished.
~I don't like having random vases with nothing in them sitting around.
~I go through my clothes multiple times a year to weed out things I don't wear anymore so that I only keep in my closet what I will actually wear.

The list goes on. Yes, it's a little quirky, but I like this about myself. I think it will save me a lot of money, time, stress, or annoyance in the long run.

Jaded

2008-10-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

I have a headache from thinking too much about nothing.

I had a lot to say about work tonight, however none of it needs to verbalized. I'm jaded, and that's all there is to it.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
~Matthew 11:28-30

crashed

2008-10-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I crashed during class. I was shaky up until class started, and then when some students began a completely unnecessary debate on Calvinism versus Open Theism, I hit the wall. I just hate when people talk themselves into circles. It's discussions like this that tear the church apart. People fight over things that, in the end, don't really matter because no matter how much it is discussed, we still won't know the answer. During class I turned to the guy next to me to tell him that I was annoyed that people were talking about things off topic and that can't be concluded in a three-hour class. He took out his pen and wrote, "A God that is big enough for us to understand is a God that is not big enough for what we need." I took out my purple pen and wrote, "Amen." I take comfort in the fact that the realm in which God acts is far more than I can ever fathom.

Caffeinated

2008-10-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

Today I have been much more productive than normal. Meaning, I achieved everything on my "to do" list. The past couple weeks I have been too stressed/preoccupied to focus. However, today I am focused.

Also I ran out of coffee today, so I had to make a target run to pick up some more. I do all my grocery shopping at Target because Market Pantry is the best generic brand available. Side note: I just remembered that I forgot to pick up new socks while I was there. Drat. Resume point of story. Anyway, I noticed that they had CityKid Java which is very exciting. When I had my internship at Cooks of Crocus Hill, I wrote a couple pieces on our relationship with the Community Design Center which is the organization that puts out CityKid Java. It's a great organization, and because it was the same price as my Dunkin' Donuts coffee and has a real smooth finish, I decided to pick it up. Whenever I get something new I feel the need to try it out immediately. So I just had a pot of coffee. I think that's enough for the day. I just hope I don't crash during class.