Kate Sims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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!

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"

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

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)