Matchmaker, Matchmaker Find Someone Else A Match!

For those of you that are single, you may be able to relate to the frustration I sometimes experience by those well-intentioned individuals in my life. For whatever reason, it seems that at nearly 30, the expectation is that I should be married & should have begun a family of my own by now. As we well know, that has not yet happened. I believe that is because it has obviously not been God's will for me thus far. In every job I have worked in, I have been in areas where there have been a decent amount of traffic by gentlemen in my age range. My current job is no different. Knowing that I am unattached, a coworker of mine is always on the lookout for someone to set me up with. She truly enjoys matchmaking & has tried to match make a number of our members. There is a nice police officer who banks with us & he comes weekly to deposit his payroll. Some time ago, my coworker decided that this young man would be perfect for me. After waiting on the officer one day, she raced up to bother me about him after he had avoided the other tellers & come straight to me & then spent a great amount of time conversing with me. I don't necessarily think that he is showing any interest in me (then again, I'm not always the most observant or able individual to tell when a guy might like me)-I just think he's being friendly. I have told her repeatedly that though he is a nice guy, I am not interested. Weeks ago, I waited on him yet again & immediately following his departure from us, she wanted to know if I would not even consider going out on date with him. I did not have to even think about her question as I already had my answer lined up..."NO!" Why will I not even entertain the idea you ask? I know for certainty that he is not a believer. Therefore, I'm not willing to consider it. As I've watched my coworker try to hook people up, I've made a mental note to never let on to anything. Aside from knowing that I will not date a non-Christian, she has not a clue what I am looking for. I've never given any hint of what type of I guy I usually find attractive (hair color, eye color, height, etc.) for I know that if she knew, she would be attacking guys like a vulture to try to get them for me. While I know she means well, I sometimes wish she would just "let it be." I can't say that I would never allow a friend to try to find me a match but I will say, I would not be letting my coworker attempt to. Pray for my coworker. I will not give her name out as I know there are individuals that will read this that come into my work. However, remember her--she is not saved. She is on her 2nd or 3rd marriage & more often that not, is unhappy in her relationship with her husband. She is always very school-girlish & giddy when attractive men walk in the door. As you may gather, not the kind of individual that has the credibility to try to play matchmaker in my life. To her, I say, "Matchmaker: Find someone else a match!"

Dribbled Into My Heart

Right now, the Missouri Tigers are preparing for a face-off against the University of Connecticut in hopes of making it to the Final Four. If the Tigers prevail, it will be their first trip to the Final Four in Mizzou history. I have been glued to the tube for each game thus far & today, at 3:40 p.m., I'll once again take my seat on the sofa & watch in anticipation of a Tiger victory. I've not always been a fan of basketball. In fact, I use to think the sport was boring more or less. I think that could be due to the fact that I never really took the time to "watch" it. I had no interest in it or desire to watch. In his senior year of high school, my friend Jase was on his school's varsity basketball team. He had pleaded with me many times before to come watch him play & each time, I told him I could care less about his basketball game. Since he had been begging me for 4 years to come to at least one game, I finally caved & decided I would try to go survive one game. I figured it was his senior year & there was little time remaining to watch him play. I made my way to the high school with little enthusiasm & took my seat. The game got going & it was "OK". Not knowing anything about basketball, I could not have told you if Jase was playing well or not. Then, the horrible moment came....Jase fell to the floor & was laying there in pain. As I sat in the stands, I felt my heart sink. I would love to have been able to jump right up & run over to check on him but I knew that was not an option. Jase never came back into the game. That Friday night proved to be the ending to his high school basketball career as he had torn his ACL & had to have surgery days later. I did sit still & watch the rest of the game. I do not remember if the Bulldogs won or not but I do remember thinking that despite Jase's injury, the game & the sport itself was not so bad afterall. Soon after, I began to express a little more interest in the sport. My dad & sister had went year in & year out to the Coca-Cola high school shoot-out in downtown St. Louis. Though I had never wanted to go with them, I suddenly was quite eager to go see what it was all about. I was blown away by the amount of talent we witnessed on the court throughout the day as the top high school teams in the country featuring the most highly recruited stars played. I began watching the Missouri Tigers under the direction of Coach Q (Quinn Snyder) & have been watching them faithfully ever since. I've made it around to catch some high school games as well. While basketball will never replace the love I have for America's greatest past-time, baseball, I do enjoy it. I only hate that I never was able to see Jase play a full game. After his game, he kidded me relentlessly for some time & joked that I should feel bad that he had never been hurt before but as soon as I showed up, he went down with an injury. I really did feel bad about that. I realized that there was nothing I personally could have done to prevent his getting hurt but I still felt like I disappointed him by not having ever shown up to a game before that night when he had been waiting on me to do so for 4 long years. While I hate the fact that my like of the game began as I watched my dear friend in pain, I'm glad I finally made it to a game & had the opportunity to learn a little bit about the sport. And that is how the game of basketball dribbled it's way into my heart.

PJ-"My Friend"

Well, it's been a while since I've put a posting up about a friend or a special person in my life. So, I thought the time had come. Every once in a while, someone comes along in life that you just have an instant connection with. From the moment PJ first walked into my work, we "clicked" so to speak. I still recall his coming up to the counter to ask me about a particular music group. When he began to talk, I picked up on a Southern accent. Of course, I could not let it go so I had to comment on it. He thought that I was poking fun of his drawl while I was not (heck, I had no room to tease him. I've got a Southern accent & I'm not even from the south!)--I just wanted to know where he was from. I soon learned that he was a good ole' boy from West Virginia & he was here in MO attending Logan Chiropractic. After many more trips into the store & a number of conversations with myself as well as Jose' (one of my coworkers), PJ had fallen in "like" with us & decided he wanted to jump on board with the One Way crew.

(Jose, Me & PJ-out celebrating PJ's b-day as well as my sister's whose b-day is Valentine's Day. No Haley in the pic because she was taking the pic).

After really no convincing at all, my boss (& good friend) hired him & the fun began. PJ & I worked together quite frequently & while we should have been "working", we spent more time visiting & learning about each other. Our friendship grew very fast & it did not take long for me to see, God had blessed me with an amazing new buddy...or as I say to him, "my friend" (you'd have to hear me say it--he thinks it's hysterical). PJ had the ability (& if he was still around, I'm sure he'd still have the knack) to read me like a book--probably better than anyone ever has been able to. Without ever saying a word, he knew if I was upset, if something was weighing heavily on my mind, etc. While you may think that is a good thing, it could be a bit annoying as he would not just let me be--he'd press me for answers. There's something about PJ's nature that just puts a person at ease--there's a certain comfortability factor. I don't open up easily to people. Yet, he had a way of bringing out "me." Shoot, he even got me to do my "Pump up the Jam" dance for him & friends that I've had for 15+ yrs. still haven't seen me do that! We spent many evenings in prayer together, eating out & arguing (the fights always came when the bill was presented. PJ, like a true Southern gentleman would want to pay & I would not allow him to do so because I just have a hard time letting someone do so), laughing together (this would be a really good time for me to tell about the time I went to take the trash out at work & PJ kept trying to steer me away from the back room. PJ, may I fill everyone in on that story?!), crying (well, one of us anyhow) & the list goes on. I have PJ to thank for introducing me to the music of Jack Johnson...who, I must say, I quite like...especially the part of "Do You Remember" that says, "You played me Boogie Woogie"-I don't know why but I find myself chuckling at that part. PJ has been back in WV for a few years now & is married to a wonderful gal named Kasey.

PJ & his bride, Kasey.

The two anticipate the arrival of their firstborn (Gabriel Pierce) who is slated to make his grand entrance into the world next month. I wish him nothing but the best for that is what he deserves. Though PJ is no longer here, we still talk--once every few months (if we're lucky-we play phone tag like nobody's business) & though our calls are brief, they're a blessing. PJ has been a constant source of encouragement to me as well as a very true friend. Should I need someone to talk to, voice a concern to or share a prayer request with, he's oftentimes one of the first individuals that I call. I know without a doubt that regardless as to how often he talks to me, I'm in his prayers. To meet someone like PJ is far & few between & I'm grateful to God for allowing our paths to cross for I know that we'll forever be a part of one another's lives. I only hope that everyone could be as fortunate as I & meet someone as great as, "My Friend", PJ.

Do I look like an Opal?

Like many girls do at some point & time in their life, I too, have planned out my future children's names far in advance (that is not to say that I will ever have kids or that if I did have children, those names I nailed down years ago would remain). I've looked through the baby books just for fun & decided upon names I liked & names I hated. I've wondered why in the world people would even give consideration to some of the names that are mentioned & certainly would not dare to name a child any of those names. I've laughed at the "old lady" names remembering though that one day, kids will think the name "Heather" is old-ladyish. Have you ever imagined yourself having another name than that which you have been given? Yesterday, a young lady of about 17 yrs. of age came into my work. She is a frequent member-we see her weekly. She is a virbrant individual full of zest for life. She also looks as though she just got in from a nice time at Woodstock...definitely a hippie chick. Once she was out the door, my coworker mentioned to me that she needed to have been born in a different decade. The coworker who said this to me is 50 yrs. old & still stuck back in the 60's herelf. She stated that the young lady very well could be her daughter because their personalities are so much alike. I had to agree. She said that if she were her daughter though, she would not have the name Jessica. She would be a Rose, Daisy or an Opal. At that point, I got to thinking about the fact that she (my coworker) is old enough to be my mother (my mom will be 51 in a couple of weeks). I mentioned that to my coworker & then told her that I, as an almost 30 yr. old was trying to envision myself being named Opal. How horrible would that be?! I mean, I can't see myself as Rose or Daisy either but Opal? No offense to those named Opal but that just doesn't seem like an appropriate name for anyone born after about 1940. We have a 27 yr. old member who comes into my work whose name is Gertrude. Every time I see her, I feel for her. How would you like to be so young & have such an "old" name. I imagine she gets called Gerti. Awful. How thankful I am that my parents did not name me after any family members & that I was not stuck with some terrible old lady name!

My "Bucket List"

After it's release, a coworker of mine raved about "The Bucket List." Though I have yet to see the movie, I understand the premises & the general idea. As I've given it consideration, I've asked myself...what would be on my list of things that I hope to one day accomplish. As much as I would love to be able to mark all of these off a checklist, I don't see it feasible that such will happen. However, here goes:

1. Write & publish a book.
*I do not know at this point if I desire to write an inspirational book, a collection of memories and stories, an autobiography, a novel or what exactly.

2. Para sail
*I've never done so & believe it would be a wonderful experience. Probably the most adventurous thing I'd be inclined to try.

3. Swim with dolphins
*Despite trips to FL & CA, I've not been in the right vicinity to have been presented with such an opportunity. From a young age, I have found dolphins to be a beautiful species (ocean life in general is of interest to me-probably why I enjoy visiting aquariums) & am fascinated with them. I've always loved watching "Flipper" & dreamt of spending time with the dolphins.

4. Fly over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter.
*Though I have seen the Grand Canyon up close & witnessed it's grandeur, I would love to be able to fly over it on a helicopter tour. My flight above the Badlands in South Dakota by helicopter was gorgeous so I can only imagine how incredible the Grand Canyon would be from such an angle.

5. Go on an Alaskan Cruise.
*While my time on the deep blue sea whale watching & deep sea fishing made me sea sick, I understand that being on a larger boat (a cruise ship) may not be as bad. From what I hear, the waves are less choppy in Alaska as well. I have always found the mountains & glaciers to be breathtaking. Where better to go to than Alaska?

6. Visit the Swiss Alps
*This too, goes along with my love for the mountains & snow. Pictures of the Alps are..uh...well, picture perfect. I venture to say a front seat view would be even more than perfect than that which could be captured in a picture.

7. Ride on a dog sled.
*Ideally, this would be an excursion on my Alaskan experience but I do believe there are other areas in the states that offer this adventure.

8. Visit all MLB baseball parks.
*Seeing as how I've only been to 3 thus far (4 if you count both the old Bush Stadium as well as the new), I've a long ways to go. I'd hoped to make it to Yankee Stadium but I missed out on that. As much as I can't stand the Cubbies, I long to visit Wrigley Field-just for the history of it all. Still, my love for the game leaves me wanting to see every ball park.

9. Participate in a mission trip to China.
*My 2 mission trips to Taiwan instilled a real love & heart for the Asian culture. I have been very interested in reading testimonies of those Chinese believers who have remained faithful to the gospel despite undergoing extreme persecution. Their devotion to Our Lord makes me hungry to be amongst them for fellowship.

10. Meet Veteran, Matthew Toekinsoetter in person.
*While looking for a soldier to write & send care packages to, I was fortunate enough to receive Matthew's information. I began to communicate with him while he was stationed in Iraq. Though we've been in contact since his return home from his deployment, we have yet to meet face-to-face. I await the day when I can visit, in person, with this dear friend. I am anxious to give him a hug & thank him personally for his service to our nation.

These are just a few of the things that aspire to do one day. As I said, I don't know that I will be able to complete them all (I think my dream of visiting all of the baseball parks is the one I am least likely to be able to accomplish) but I can certainly dream about doing so. I ask, what is it you would like to do in this life? Of course, with the exception of a China mission trip & possibly a book, none of these are things that would leave an impact on eternity. Perhaps one day I'll write about those things I pray I do that will leave an impression long after I am gone...those things which would make My Jesus smile.

Baby, I'm Ready to Go!

A line from a popular sports anthem played all around America today states, "From the rooftop shout it out, Baby I'm ready to go." Nothing could be more true for me in relation to my feelings about the upcoming baseball season. Though I now have a love for college football & basketball, neither hold a candle to the game of baseball. Now that the Cards are in Jupiter preparing at Spring Training, I'm itching for the season to begin. For many years, I was at Busch to celebrate on opening day. Unfortunately, due to high ticket demand, I've not been in a few years. I received an e-mail last week informing me that because I was a subscriber to the Redbird Report, I would have an opportunity to buy single game tickets in advance. Knowing that the special offer would begin at 1:00 p.m. CST last Thursday, I made sure my coworker & I set things up so that I would be home at just the right time to begin trying for tickets immediately. I was in high hopes that when they said single game tickets, that would also include tickets for the home opener. Lucky for me, it did. While I'd hoped to get 3 tickets, I had to settle for 2-standing room only. However, one will never hear me complain about having to stand at a Cards game--especially for the season opener. As long as I'm in there, I'll be happy. As I ate a hot dog a few weeks ago, I already could envision myself in the stadium with a Hunter hot dog in hand ready for the game to begin. Spring is just days away & with that, brings America's pastime, baseball. Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the crowd....

And P.S.-PLEASEEEE let the Cardinals win!

One of Those Days

Ever had one of those days where you woke up & from that moment on, everything seemed to be disastrous? Today, has been that day for me. When I saw the ENT doc 3 weeks ago, I had to set up my follow-up appointment. Not knowing my work schedule that far in advance, I made my appointment for the earliest available today just in case I could not get off work for the entire day (that way, if I must miss some work, I'd be using up less of my sick time). Thankfully, I was given the day off. Unfortunately, that meant that on my only day off, I had to be awake by 7:00 to prepare for my visit to the doctor's office. I made my way there for what seemed to be a rather extended stay. I spent 2 hours at the doctor's & my nerves were becoming highly aggravated. It seems that communication is not one of the office's strongest suits. I would be put in a room to see the doctor, taken to a different room, set out in the hallway to wait, returned to one of the rooms I had already been in, etc. By the time I left, I was more than irritated & ready to be out of there. My next "TO DO" item was to search for the Nintendo Wii & Wii Fit. I began calling around to see if anyone had the items in stock. While one store had 2 of the consoles & only 1 of the Wii Fits, another location had 2 Wii Fits & no remaining console. I hurried to the Wal-mart closest to where I was at & picked up the Wii Fit & then quickly drove to the next Wal-Mart in high hopes that my arrival there would not leave me disappointed. I also was rushing over there as the gentlemen I spoke to on the phone had informed me that he had already spoken to someone that also was on their way there to pick up a Wii. I pulled into the parking lot & walked briskly (if you know me, you would know this is highly unusual for me as I take my sweet time & don't get in a rush to go anywhere)into the store & nearly ran to the electronics department. By the time I made it to the service representative, I was about out of breath & could hardly speak up to tell him what I needed (obviously, I am in dire need of the Wii Fit!!). Hallelujah--there were still 2 locked up & I made it there just in time. At this point, it was after 11:00 a.m. I had not had breakfast nor had I had any lunch. I was beginning to get a bit hungry. Rather than stopping somewhere fast, I opted to skip spending the money & eating something unhealthy & just head home for a sandwich. As I was en route to my home, every driver around was moving at a turtle's pace. Again, if you know me well & have ridden with me, you know that I just barely go the speed limit (except for when I'm going through Cottleville, MO that I know is a speed trap. For whatever reason, when I drive thru that part of the neighborhood, I feel compelled to go faster & without realizing it, I'm usually going 10 over!). If I was going to get pulled over, it'd not be for speeding. So, if I was getting angry, you know everyone else had to be going REAL SLOW! I found myself yelling at the driver's as they could not seem to decide upon which lane they wanted to be in, where they wanted to turn & the list goes on. I was quite angry! You may be thinking I'm done...I'm not. I got home, ate my lunch & then carried my checkbook (which also contains my cash & credit cards) upstairs to get online & balance my account. No more than a half hour later, I was back downstairs searching all over for the calculator when I remembered that I had left it upstairs with my checkbook. I planned to run up the stairs & bring my stuff back down with me but forgot all about doing so. I volunteered to make supper tonight but had some ingredients that still needed purchased so I hopped in the car & went down the street to Dierbergs. I went in, filled my basket with cheese, pasta bowties, orange juice & ground beef & was good to go. With my patience already worn more than thin for the day, there was no way I was waiting in line to be helped-I went to the self-checkout. I placed my basket up there & got ready to get my credit card out when I noticed something...there was a reason my purse felt lighter-my checkbook wasn't it my purse. The light bulb then went on & I remembered I had never went back up the steps to bring it down & put it back in my purse. I looked at the little old lady working & she immediately guessed what had happened. She said, "Honey, did you forget your wallet?" I asked her if she would be so kind as to just keep it sitting there while I ran home. Since I'm less than 5 minutes from the store, she agreed to do so. I jumped back in the car, flew up the street, ran in the house, got my stuff & made it all the way to the front of the subdivision & had to stop. I sat & sat...waiting for the left turn signal. After sitting for quite a while (sometimes, it takes forever for the thing to trigger & turn), I considered just running the light as there was not a single car in sight--no harm at stake. However, I opted to follow the law & wait. Finally, the light turned. I parked & went back in & found my stuff exactly where I had left it. I paid & carried my bags out & put them in the car to return home. Of course, I didn't carefully place them in the floor board so as soon as I turned, every single item fell out of the bag. Meanwhile, I was driving home with smoke nearly coming out of my ears because I was so furious with myself for all of the runaround! I pulled into the driveway & gathered up all of the groceries back into the bag, walked in the house & began emptying the bags back out when I began to wonder something. I was dying for some orange juice so I bought Tropicana because it was on sale. I have no clue what I got that kind for--Tropicana is far from my favorite brand. In fact, I barely even like it. Oh brain, where art thou? Yep, it's been one of those days. Sad thing is, I've still got more hours left in the day. I'd love to say tomorrow will be better but tomorrow brings about my rolling out of bed having to walk into work. Is it almost Sunday? Ugh!

The Amazing Race

Since it's premier in 2001, I've yet to miss a season or episode of CBS' The Amazing Race. In fact, when vacationing to Florida for Spring Training in 2002, our family took a TV with a VCR along & would record the episode & then all pile into one hotel room to watch it. While I will be honest & admit I watch a lot of television & a fair amount of reality T.V. shows, The Amazing Race is my favorite bar none. For those who have never seen the program I'll try to set it up for you. The season always begins with 12 or so teams of 2 (with the exception of the season they did families--not a good one at all. Hopefully they never do it again) from all over the country in different relationships with one another (married, divorced, dating couples, siblings, parent & child, friends, coworkers, etc.). The teams immediately embark upon a race that will lead them all over the world (literally) with the prize of $1,000,000.00 ahead of them for the team that will remain & come in first at the end. Throughout the race, the teams must complete various tasks which our generally activities frequently done in the country in which they are visiting. In addition to having to complete that activity as a team, they must pick between themselves who will complete other tasks set before them-oftentimes, something quite difficult or extreme. Once a task is completed, they are given a clue to get them to their next destination. After all of the tasks are done in a day, they are given a pit stop location & the last team to arrive at that spot, runs the risk of being eliminated from the race. Throughout the years, the teams have covered almost everyone the mind could think of going & many places that few would ever desire to go to. Many are blessed to have the experience & are moved by the people they meet & the things the see. Others are so self-centered & prissy that they have no heart of compassion when rolling down the streets of India. Instead of being moved to tears by the poverty & stench, they snarl their noses & state that the place is nasty. I usually have my favorite teams picked out within the first couple of weeks & cheer for them all along. It's puzzling to me though, why some people go on the show. Year after year, there are tasks that involve water & yet, people that can't swim or are fearful of water go on the show. If that's not enough, people deathly afraid of heights wind up on there when anyone who's a fan of the show knows that there are going to be tasks that require them to be way up in the sky. Now, I don't have a fear of water, nor do I have a fear of heights but I know full well I do not have the stamina or fearlessness to go on the show. I would not do 99% of the things they do just because I am way too big of a scaredy cat. If I weren't that way, The Amazing Race would be ideal & a dream come true to take part in--even if I did not win the million dollars. I watch the show each Sunday evening & watch with envy-wishing I could go to all of the places they go. This season (season 14) the teams made their first stop in Switzerland & were seen riding trains through the Swiss Alps. I was in awe of the beauty just on my television screen! If you love to travel, enjoy seeing the world & have not yet watched The Amazing Race, tune in on Sunday evenings on CBS. Season 14 will be going into the 3rd episode tonight so you've not missed too much yet.