Why Regent University?

Regent University offered a unique perspective in undergraduate studies. Christ-centered leadership and biblically centered classes develop students professionally and personally. The campus is beautiful, and I soon found that my professors and my fellow students exuded enthusiasm and dedication to the Lord and their educational pursuits. Classmates prayed with me and for me; studying became a group effort towards excellence and not just another homework assignment.

Why Online Learning?

I was 21 when I started the online learning program at Regent University. I had the opportunity to dual-enroll in a local college while in high school, so my associates degree was partially complete when I graduated in 2002. I hit the ground running by working full time after graduating from high school, attending night classes to finish my associates degree. I guess I got used to the schedule, and when it came time to find a university to transfer to, I knew I'd want a flexible format that would allow me to continue in my professional endeavors.

Why A Business Degree?

My degree is in Organizational Leadership and Management. I chose this concentration because of the unique mix of business strategy and leadership development. In choosing a degree program I wanted one that would emphasize the "people" part of organizations and their strategic development. Some degree programs focus primarily on the financial and strategic side of business development, but Regent stressed the importance of the organization's people and the effectiveness of biblical leadership.

Business Degree

Tuesday.

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I've had a long day! I went to Sarasota on business this morning and afternoon. It was a fun morning because this older couple came into the courthouse and they were getting married! Right there! Marilyn and Arthur Miller style! They were so adorable. The girl behind the counter got so excited that they were going to purchase the ceremony in their "wedding parlor" she forgot to charge them for the marriage license. And then the gentleman put the purchase on a credit card! I don't know... I was standing there and thinking that this was like something out of SNL. But they looked so, so happy.

A few minutes ago, called to check in on mom and dad in Jacksonville and they are getting checked in themselves to their hotel for the evening, preparing for dad's appointment in the morning. I have this great neck massager around my neck that works really well... Just don't call me right now because I might sound funny.

I'm watching the Style network while I'm letting this heat massager do its magic, and an eHarmony commercial came on, and there was this couple highlighted... and, I kid you not, I saw the SAME man, but with a different woman, on LAST week's eHarmony commercial! Is this possible? Who's going to get fired over it?

Coffee Mug.

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I have this mug that says:

Dance like nobody's watching you
Love like you've never been hurt before
Sing as though no one can hear you.
Live as though heaven is on earth.

Beautiful, yes.
But it started me thinking. I think maybe we could learn something from this poem. I call it,

Living Without Regrets

Dance like your pictures will be on Facebook
Love your stilettos, even when they hurt
Sing... and if you can't, there's always your car
Live in the moment...they'll call back.

Any submissions?

Restoration :)

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My congratulations and best wishes to my dear friends Aaron and Melissa on the announcement of their courtship!!!

Dad's News

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I have news about Dad! The x-rays came back negative for cancer in other areas. He has had an additional test done that does not indicate that the cancer has spread... definitely an answer to prayer because had there been cancerous spots in other areas he would not be a candidate for the proton therapy. Praise God! Also, he is walking without a cast and without crutches. He's still limping a little bit but way better than before. Jeremy and Mom surprised him for Christmas by having his car repainted and boy, will he be happy to be driving soon.

Dad and mom are going to Jacksonville tomorrow for their initial appointment for the Proton Therapy. They plan to stay overnight and go to the appointment on Wednesday morning, because it is at 8:00 AM, after which we should have more information on when he will begin treatment.

I apologize for not giving an update sooner on his healing but greatly appreciate your continued prayers. He's not out of the woods yet, but definitely feeling at peace about this other option for treatment in Jacksonville.

Directions.

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So, again, I started to think to myself that I should think about [starting to think about] where life is going in the relationship area. I'd venture to say that I'm happily single, but that is because I am a firm believer in becoming happy wherever I'm planted.


I do believe, however, that if there is a certain longing in your heart, and as long as such longings are not leading you down the wrong path, there is no harm in pursuing those paths that might lead you to those dreams.

Wow- that was vague, wasn't it?

I guess as a woman I won't ever lose the dream of having a family, as much as I have tried to make that dream go away. I'm certainly not in any hurry, mind you. There is so much out there to do, and places to visit, and people to meet. I guess I just never thought it was going to be such an "either/or" type of thing, where one would have to choose one over the other. Where are those days when two people decided to go out and live life together, to greet each morning with the possibilities that it brings, and pack up and move wherever God sends you... together? At what point did it become such an anxiety-ridden quest to find the right person? I had no idea that my little girl dreams would be so very, very difficult to realize. For whatever reason, I've been viewed as some sort of a hold-back kind of girl. And not just once or twice, mind you. Which is odd, because I cannot wait to see what life has to offer, what sort of places God is going to send me, and what sort of adventures I'll get to tag along on. I am frustrated at how many times I've heard that I don't fit into whatever sort of box is out there that a girl's supposed to fit into: The Plan Box.
____________
I read this article that was supposed to explain the reason why some men are single for so long and some are not. Basically, their wives were not "The One," but merely "The One When I Was Ready." Some interviewees were brave enough to admit that they dated someone for years, only to break up with her because of a college pursuit, job offer, or some other life-changing decision. Oddly, these same men found themselves engaged to someone else just months after their breakup. They admitted that they loved their exes, but she just didn't fit into their life at that moment.
____________

I love conversations with sweet old people.
"Are you seeing anyone right now?"
"Oh, oh no... I'm taking a break for awhile."
"Well, dear, that's alright... Mr. Right is out there somewhere!"
(Pats hand sweetly)

Now, I have a pretty vivid imagination. At this point Chelsea's brain conjures up images of a tall, attractive man wandering around out there somewhere, afraid and yet refusing to ask for directions to his future bride. So around and around he wanders aimlessly, perhaps in a very fast and shiny car, while I am pretty much working hard and happily in my little corner of life but figuring it would be good to start building a life with someone, too. So if I am understanding this right, I'd have to be at the right gas station, at the right time, wearing the right dress and Chanel perfume and lipstick, just when Mr. Right decides he is ready to settle down and park his convertible for awhile...?
_____________

Show me something different. Show me something deeper, beautiful, and more timeless than what I'm feeling and watching and reading about and seeing my friends go through. Show me... because right now I can't see past all the shiny, fast cars.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Review

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Some friends of mine got together to go see the movie Benjamin Button tonight. The movie surprised me; it had just enough empathy, fantasy, sadness, and happiness to be captivating. Oddly, it was shot mostly in dark scenes, either night shots or dawn/dusk shots that made the movie itself seem dark. It certainly had its dark moments, but I'd say, it succeeded in casting light on those things we fear to think about. I'd recommend it.

Pounding.

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It's Winter's apple-crisp air
And Summer's sleepy affair
From spin the bottle and
Her double-dog-dare


Winter's armchair
Summer's shoulder's bare
How could I have been so wrong?
In waking dreams wishing I still didn't care

My quietest fears now laid bare
Road trips wind to nowhere
The radio station's fading, sad song
Sings through the static that tagged along

I saw it in your eyes
Tomorrow's clear, blue skies
Yesterday and all her charming fears,
Her clouds mourning their fallen tears

Hair down and it's windy
Windows rolled down and it's chilly
Music turned up 'til I feel its beating
I felt free for a moment fleeting

Yesterday's a pie, in this lonely hour
Crust burned and fruit still sour
It was mine to give or take
A lesson was learned and yes, my heart still breaks

But life goes on, and tears will become weak
"It's yours to play with, hide and seek.
Forgive 'fore your warmth turns to snow;
Some answers you'll never get to know."

They say it's time to part, now, you and I
This embrace must end, but yes, I still cry
You know I'm not good at saying goodbye
So I'm not going to; It's whispered in my sigh

There's a corner of my heart
And now it's bare
A fireplace blazing useless heat
On a lonely, winter armchair


A Girl's Gotta Shoe What A Girl's Gotta Shoe.

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I've been thinking through some priorities lately, and I decided that my built-in bookshelves could serve a greater purpose. Because while books expand my mind and imagination, it's on patent-leather high heels that I see the world :)

Sunday Thoughts, Part I

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A moral dilemma.


I was starving. What would help this empty feeling? Chicken nuggets. So I went over to McDonald's to get an order. And guess what? They have a whole line of coffee drinks! It's called McCafe! Now, before you go all hate on me, read my posts titled "Tales of the Demise." Starbucks, Indigo, and Moxies all have special places in my heart. But I thought, since I'm here, why not try McD's cafe mocha?

But first, the moral dilemma.
My meal came with a regular fry and a drink. They charged me a small upcharge for the cafe mocha. There was this guy standing next to me, waiting for his two Whopper deal. Apparently this deal comes with an extra large fry. I'm telling you this for a reason. So his Whoppers come and he reaches into the bag and pulls out a couple of fries. He then realizes that he received a regular fry, and not a large fry. He tells the girl behind the counter that he was supposed to get a large fry, and not the regular one. He then hands back the fries. At this same (Yes, the SAME!) moment, I realize that my chicken nuggets came with an extra large order of fries.

Now this is tricky. Apparently, I got his fries. I had this fear, however, that if I brought it to their attention, they would merely swap the order, and trust me, if you had seen this guy, you wouldn't have wanted his fingers in YOUR fries. Not that he was icky. Let's just say if Brad Pitt had been standing there, I would have maybe, maybe done a fry-swap. Obama, even. (Especially since a Secret Service agent probably tested a fry first). But not this guy. I took my bag and left.

So my moral dilemma was that I took a large fry, and I didn't pay for a large fry. But if it makes you feel any better, I threw out the difference between the two fry orders. It made me feel better.

And now onto the McCafe' review. My cafe' mocha was really, really good. I don't see myself setting up laptop-shop at McDonald's anytime soon, but I'd go by there if I was in the area,or getting chicken nuggets anyways, because this mocha was really, really good.... and it was $3.19.

Wait, what's that noise? Hear it? Oh, wait, that's just Howard Shultz hyperventilating.

December 7 Update

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Friday, Dad went to a different doctor about his ankle.
This doctor told dad that he:

1) Did not need to have the hard cast, after all
2) In fact, he didn't need the boot, either
3) and he probably won't need surgery
4) He should feel free to move the ankle, as long as it isn't causing pain.

Quite different from the news last week! You can imagine how wonderful this is to him. The cast was so uncomfortable, and of course the upcoming surgery wasn't very good news.

The cast is off, and dad only wears the boot here and there, mostly to protect it when they leave the house. No more uncomfortable, hard cast! Yay!

It should be noted that both of these doctors looked at the same set of x-rays, and had vastly different opinions.
We are praying the same goes for the cancer.

As of now, Dad will be doing the proton therapy; however, he must be "accepted" into the program. What may keep him from being accepted is a troublesome spot that showed up on the x-rays in his chest area. There is an area on his chest, in the bone part, that is showing some "questionable spotting."

If it is more cancer, or a different type of cancer, then that may disqualify him from the proton therapy. (If interested, see link HERE )

Dad left the x-rays with a doctor on Friday (December 5) to review, to see if the questionable spot is cancerous or harmless.

This is short but since we have had such an answer to prayer for the foot I wanted to give you all an update.

Prayer requests:
Please pray that there will be NO further cancer that might disqualify him from the proton therapy and that the ankle/foot will continue to heal. Please pray for wisdom and clear diagnosis from the doctors who are looking at the x-rays and the reports. Please pray for speedy processes; with Christmas coming up, it is getting difficult to schedule appointments because of the limited schedule.

Thank you all and God bless you. Have a great week and I will post/email more information as it becomes available.

Peel-eased to Meet You!

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Look what greeted me this morning on my way into work!
A little grapefruit family, enjoying our bench!
You have the Daddy grapefruit, the Mommy grapefruit, the visiting Sister-in-college grapefruit (home for the holidays) and little quadruplet grapefruits. (I found out later they were key limes). How cozy, the whole family sitting there, shootin-the- squeeze together! (sorry- I had to say it).

Or maybe it's a Grandma is going to babysit so that Mom and Dad can go have a romantic dinner out and do some Christmas shopping- It's probably hard to get away with 4 kids!

And then I started thinking that maybe it wasn't that at all. Maybe it's Grandma and Grandpa grapefruit, and it's their son's custody weekend with the key limes (whoo hoo!).

Or maybe it's Mommy grapefruit, Daddy grapefruit, and daddy's Special Friend grapefruit and they're about to have a talk with about "blended families." (Sorry, sorry).

And then I said, "Chelsea, you are standing here, making up stories about fruit sitting on a bench."

You may think I'm silly, but I don't really rind. (Sorry, sorry...)

Two Ears Don't Mean You Heard It Right.

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Ok, I admit it. I was half listening, typing, watching a decorating show, and the crunchy Wheat Thins were making it a bit hard to hear things.

So I hear, "There were soooo many people in the waiting room today at the Doctor's office."

Me, half- listening, but still feeling intelligent enough to share a grown-up observation: "Well, probably people are trying to use their Flex Dollars before the year ends. Use it or lose it."

Mom, half-listening to me, too: "Probably, yeah, that's probably why."

(Somewhere in the distance, a dog barks. A newspaper page is shuffled. All is quiet.)

Suddenly, he speaks.

Dad: "Yeah, Chelsea. Probably everyone timed it so that they broke their arms and legs just in time before their Flex Dollars expire."


Oh, we laughed.

bluetooth.

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I have one of those BlueTooth pieces that is really small. Part of it fits in your ear. Right?


I think it's weird when I wear it and I'm not on a call, but expecting one, and I can hear myself breathing or eating because it's in my ear.

You know it bothers you, too. Admit it.

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Hi everyone!
Thank you again for your prayers and your emails of encouragement. I will be giving a quick update tonight but hope to answer everyone personally over the next couple of days.
So dad went in to see the foot doctor, and the doctor said that the bone is not healing together like they hoped it would. They decided to put a hard cast on his foot. Please pray that we get in to see someone soon- the specialist recommended to us decided not to see dad because he was not the "original" doctor. Which doesn't make sense to us, but God closes a door for a reason.

As I mentioned before, we are looking into the proton therapy. It is a two month treatment option, so he would most likely move to one of the locations. Thank you for telling us what you know about this therapy and offering us phone numbers and names of people who have been through this before. I read him the "new" emails tonight and he is very grateful for all of your prayers and your information on this alternative therapy.

Of course, he still has his sense of humor through all of this. Just a moment ago, my parents were watching "The Twilight Zone" on television. (I use the term "watching" tv loosely because we always talk and do other things while "watching" television). Mom says, "How is it you've seen this movie, and I haven't?" Dad says, "We had television [growing up.]"
So we all had a good laugh at that.

Prayer requests now are that we will get in to the right doctor for his ankle to start healing properly. With Christmas coming up they are getting hard to book. Waiting two more weeks isn't good in case the ankle needs to be set again- surgery has been recommended now because of the extent of the break. Dad says he will go to the hardware store and get his own titanium screws and pins. (Kidding.)

If this email seems a bit "off" I am very, very tired and am not up to my writing par. That is the reason and not the critic's view of home-schooling's inadequacies :)

Love you all and sending a "thank you" from dad-

Chelsea

Amused.

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Please visit www. theblondephilosophy.blogspot.com for a more updated blog. Thanks!


I've been doing some research lately on personality types, and applying the different types to people I know either personally or professionally.

Rather than go through a simple site that explained all of them, I gathered all of the types and went through a few of them via google.* Why? Because this doesn't narrow the results to just personality types; instead, searching for them individually includes articles, blogs, professional development, and biographies. Have you ever taken a personality test to determine which one you are? Feel free to leave your personality type in the comments section... I'd love to see if I'm right about you :)

This site needs to be updated, but the information is sound and it gives a basic, general idea of the 16 personality types.
It's pretty interesting to look through the different types and see your friends, family, or acquaintances in each one of them. It really changes conversational dynamics when you can communicate to someone who is vastly different by becoming familiar with how they think. One can actually learn to speak and empathize with others on a deeper level by "saying what they can hear." I think Gary Chapman brings a Christian emphasis to this in his Love Languages series.

I found it amusing when I arrived at the ENFP type in my google* search. One researcher calls them "global learners," "story tellers," "very bright," and yet.... "intellectuals with at 'silly switch.'" ENFPs are probably the most communicative of the personality types, but with a twist: almost everything is deeply meaningful to them and very personal. I found blog posts titled "I'm an ENFP!" and "So I took a personality test, and I'm an ENFP!" Hello, world!

One researcher even went so far as to say that some ENFPs will spend time convincing others that he/she (the ENFP) is a wonderful and fascinating person. Which may partially explain the blog posts- although what I found is that the blog writers were actually trying to convince the readers of something that was wonderful or fascinating to them, even if it appeared small or trivial. So very different from, say, the ENTJ, described as "I don't care to sit by the window on the airplane. If can't control it, why look?" (How sad for him. Sir, trade seats with me so I can look out the window at all the fascinating things down there?)

ENFP/Champions are a sub-category of ENFPs; sort of like ENFPs on a triple-shot-latte. They make up about 3% of the population, and the main difference is that they tend to be a little more effective (publicly, anyway) in their causes and efforts they "champion" for. Emily Yoffe speculates that Obama is an ENFP/Champion in her article.

Very interesting stuff!

So what do you think? Which one are you?


_______
*at-her-risk (ha, ha)
I refuse to capitalize the "g" in google from now on, because it just doesn't seem right.

TheBlondePhilosophy: Update.

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TheBlondePhilosophy: Update.




http://theblondephilosophy.blogspot.com/2008/11/please.html

Update.

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Dad went to the ankle doctor today, and the doctor says he can loosen the boot once in awhile! This is great news, because that pesky boot has been so uncomfortable for him. It probably doesn't help that he tried to do yard work last weekend, and maybe got some sawdust in it... hmmm....


Unfortunately, the ankle break is such that he may have to wear it another 6 weeks. Initially, the boot and crutches were supposed to be used for 6 weeks total, but as we all know science isn't perfect and our bodies all heal at different paces.

No further news on the Other Obstacle, but I assure you I will keep you all updated, even if it is through the email... I may not post every detail here, as I am sure you understand. Thank you for your prayers and notes of encouragement. I took my laptop over to the living room tonight and read him the latest support emails. They really mean a lot to us all, but especially my dad.

:)

Chelsea & Co.

(Notes of encouragement, kudos, "We're praying for you! notes to Mike, send to chelseas.blog@gmail.com)

One In Each Color, Please.

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Ok, so how amazing is this? It's a pen/highlighter that holds those little Post-It Flags!!!!
And, it is refillable!
Is there no end to the madness?!?
(You know you want one.)

In Tampa, We Call These "Robes."

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Have you heard of the "Snuggie"? No? Well, if you think the idea is painful, try watching the infomercial. Who knew that being cold was so darn frustrating that someone had to go and cut a hole in a perfectly fine blanket, add "sleeves," and then make us feel guilty for turning up the heat...?

The Getaway.

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Tampa is starting to get chilly these days, especially after the sun goes down. I took a drive down to one of my favorite places: St. Armands' Circle, near Sarasota. There is just something enchanting about the place, where the words "economic turmoil" or "times like these" just don't exist and shoppers hold up handbags or shoes that just might purchase a Democrat's haircut. And, it is usually quiet on Sundays- a perfect place to stroll and shop and contemplate a myriad of things. I figured it would be a great place to get away to, even just for the afternoon. I'd do a little shopping, get a latte, and then kick off my shoes and go for a walk on the beach and clear my head.


Well, it wasn't so quiet today. There was a classic/current Mustang show going on in the circle, and there were people everywhere. I parked myself on a sunny little bench and finished my peppermint-mocha-decaf-latte and did one of my favorite things to do: think and people-watch. I was soon approached* by a nice looking man who introduced himself as Phil.

Phil seemed undeterred by my obvious leave-me-alone stature.
"You here for the show?"
"No."
"You from around here?"
"No."
"I just talked to my brother! He is married and has two kids and he lives in London!"
"That must keep him busy."
"Are you here with friends?"
"No."
"Ah, an independent girl! I like that!"
"Um, my boyfriend is over there in the port-a-john. [Wave in general direction of the blue pod with the long line.] I'm getting a little bit concerned because he's been in there for like an hour, and the people in line are giving me dirty looks. Maybe you could go check on him?"
"Um, yeah, well, enjoy the rest of the show..."

Crisis Adverted!!!!!!!!!

(Ok, so I didn't really say that last part to him, because he eventually gave up on trying to create a conversation with me. This was, however, going to be a last resort line.)*
______________________
So anyways I drove all the way down there and I got some sunshine on my face and shoulders and I saw some really pretty things to get for Christmas presents (maybe next weekend) and I had a really, really good cup of coffee and saw a lot of sweet old people talking about their good old days in their Mustangs, and I wasn't cold until it got late and the sun started to set, and then I took a slice of pepperoni pizza down the beach and I found that bench we sat on that one time and the sun started to set and it felt great to have some sand on my feet and to watch the sunset and I felt like I had a little getaway but it didn't clear my head like I thought it would, so goodnight and sweet dreams, and thankfully I can count on time to help with that.




*I tend to get approached, a lot, by all types of people: old, young happy, sad, questionable.... My friend pointed this out to me tonight as I recounted this story. I just wanted to note that I love, love meeting new people and I love, love that people feel comfortable coming up and talking to me. I normally don't discourage this. I think if you had been there today, though, you'd understand. Thanks.

Thank You.

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Thank you so much to those who have emailed notes to my dad and who promise to pray for him. You guys brought tears to my eyes and I know it will mean so much to him when I print them for him this weekend. 


-Chelsea


See posts labeled "Mike" for the story- email notes of encouragement and let him know he is in your prayers to chelseas.blog@gmail.com

:)

Does anyone know how to...

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Hey fellow bloggers, 

does anyone know who to contact if we want to make blog changes? Since we are a Regent Blog Team blogger won't let me add some things...

Any ideas?
chelseas.blog@gmail.com

Please.

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I've never asked my readers for anything before. 
Tonight I am asking for prayers, please. 
My daddy's diagnosis is cancer. 
We don't know the extent yet. 
He broke his ankle right before the diagnosis so please pray for that, too. 
 He is a strong believer. He (and my family) would greatly appreciate your prayers. 
Would you please take a moment to pray for healing for him?
His name is Mike, and he is my hero.
If you can commit to praying for him, would you drop him a note?
You can send it to me* and I'll print it to show him. 
-thank you-
:)








*I created an email account just for support/prayer notes, which I will print and give to him. You can send to:
Mike M. 
chelseas.blog@gmail.com
A hundred thank you's. 

 


___________________________________________________
Co-posted to www.theblondephilosophy.blogspot.com

Thank You.

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A
simple
heartfelt
grateful
-thank you-
to all who served
and continue to serve
The United States of America
and her people.
-Happy Veteran's Day-







Photo: Lipizzan Stallion 
Copyright 2006: Chelsea J. McNabb





Intangibles.

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I wish I could be your sunshine

Until it rains
Your umbrella until the
Cold chases us inside
Your sweater until you were warm
Enough
To see the sunshine again
I wish I could give you
That fleeting moment
To keep in a honey jar to
Shelve for times devoid of
Feeling and wrapped in a second hand
Pushed to hourly swelling
To shorten the moments between distances
We wish were not so generous with our time
I wish I could box life's colors
Like crayons to carry with you to
Scribble on the walls of darkness and
Entire cans of paint that never fade
Spread with brushes that would become wet
With all of the promises of tomorrow
I wish I could hang a mirror on the wall for you
That becomes a window
Because looking inward becomes too painful
Entire walls of glass that overlook the
Promises of God's love for you
His green pastures of rest
Blue seas of victory and
The changing of the guard
Between the sunset and sun rise
I wish these intangibles could remind you
Without words to crowd their purposes
That He is there
And He's never leaving you...











Caveat.

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I browsed around Borders tonight, trying to find something I never did find. Nevertheless, I did find a shortened version of the novel ShopGirl by Steve Martin. (Yes, that Steve Martin). I've had few movies take my breath away; this is one of them. I knew I had to have the book. Sadly, all Borders had was the "novella," a shortened version. This will not do. In the meantime, I found one of the quotes from the movie.

Ray and Mirabelle run into each other at an art gallery; Mirabelle is a featured up-and-coming artist in this particular art gallery. Each is on the arm of a new love. Ray and Mirabelle catch a moment alone, and exchange pleasantries. Ray apologizes for the way he treated Mirabelle, and she acknowledges his apology. They wish each other the best, and Mirabelle walks towards the waiting arms of her boyfriend, Jeremy. And Ray watches them. And the viewer sees this flicker come across his face as he gazes at Mirabelle...

As Ray Porter watches his Mirabelle walk away he feels a loss. How is it possible, he thinks, to miss a woman whom he kept at a distance so that when she was gone he would not miss her. Only then does he realize that wanting part of her and not all of her had hurt them both and how he cannot justify his actions except that... well... it was life....

This scene is potentially heartbreaking, and, I am afraid, the great, deep, gaping caveat; we cannot truly love in pieces. We cannot (or should not, rather) only take that which satisfies us, and leave the rest out there wandering around, and then wonder boldly why our decision hurt so badly. Because, you see, weaknesses and vulnerability long for love, too. It is so, so very easy to take in our minds that which we desire to see, and so very tempting to give up on the rest... isn't it?

_________________________

Closer.

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It is Sunday night, and those in this house have gone to their rooms early, heavy and bent under the news we received only on Friday. It was not what we hoped to hear, and time will tell its story. I've retired somewhat early myself, only to find that I am not tired, and I have nothing put together to wear tomorrow. I pulled out a black suit, eyed the black patent leather heels, and, reminded that it is now November, figured then that a pair of black stockings would be appropriate as well. And while I was at it, why not accessorize with a black scarf? It might match my dark mood right now.

It was then that I realized that pulling out The Black Suit means I have officially hit fashion rock bottom. Not that it looks bad, mind you- it fits me well and is certainly appropriate for my office. It's just that once I've decided that it will suffice, I know that I need to get to the root of the problem; namely, fix this that which is so absent of color inside me right now. So I am writing and reading and pretty much stretched out in my hammock, trying desperately to sort through the thousand pieces that I find still manage to beat even while I sleep.

I wonder sometimes at God's timing. And I wonder at the complexity of two wills, two ideas, two different paths. Does God bless one, and not another? What if blessings are actually pain, and what would happen if we could look back at all the heartache and from there choose what we are to do? Would I do the right thing? If I knew that going out on a limb, one more time, would instead hand me the fruit that stings and is not sweet, would I climb the tree anyways? The truth is I've always been somewhat content to let others climb the trees; I preferred to watch and then have lemonade waiting for everyone once they came down, content to feel the grass under my feet. I guess I hoped there would be someone else who liked the grass and the yard and the bugs and was content to be there with me, too.
________________

They're Ok- But I Can't Wait To Get My Contacts Back.

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.

Fridays With Jeff

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My eyes have been bothering me for a couple of weeks, so I went to the eye doctor to see what was up. I was having very strange, blurry vision and generally they were very irritated. Apparently, my eyes are "swollen." He says this condition is brought on by a variety of things, including forgetting to change contact lenses, eye strain, stress, and "excessive watering." (Sigh). The only thing that can be done about this is to give them a break; namely, avoid everything above, and go sans contact lenses for at least a week, and put in eye drops every hour to moisturize. I found my old pair of glasses and wore them for the remainder of the day. The only problem is, they were the cheapest pair I could buy when I got them last year; I only wear them from my room to the kitchen in the middle of the night to get water. Any other time I wear my contacts. They're not entirely uncomfortable, but not necessarily what I would pick if I had to wear them all the time. This will not do if I have to wear them for the next week, or longer.


So anyways Jeff and I went over to Westshore Mall to see if there were any frames that might be more comfortable. All I can say is, thank you, Sarah Palin. Because of you, there are beautiful, chic eyeglasses, and they are now considered an accessory. The girl helping me says she, herself, owns 6 pairs of her prescription in different colors and shapes to match her outfits. Long story short, I found some.

Jeff and I thought we'd commemorate the moment by capturing some "before" pictures, and now that glasses are cool I get to show off the new ones tomorrow. :)

Take Two Pairs And Call Me In The Morning...

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I conducted a very scientific study on the effects of crocodile patent-leather shoes and women. My findings conclude that the mood-boosting power of these shoes is equivalent to that of a two- week vacation.

I've been waiting for these particular shoes to go on sale. Why? Because they are fantastic.

It's The Little Things...

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So I bring a mint mocha latte home, and a gingerbread latte for Jeff. And what did we find peering up at us under that sweet domed lid? A little gingerbread man!!!
AWWWWWW!

Fair Warning.

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Tonight J. and I went to see Dr. Lennox at Eckerd College, where he was presenting a lecture on his unique experiences as a debater, professor, and, most importantly (eternally, anyways) a Christian at Oxford University.


Most of his quantum physics points were somewhat over my head, but the question and answer session at the end was very engaging. We went for coffee before our trip over to St. Pete, so that helped... I did not order my latte's espresso shots in decaf, and J. didn't stop me. (Thanks- I needed it!)

Of course we had our own debate, held later at Starbucks, but as long as friends are respectful of each other, I see no harm in bantering about some of these current issues. :)
_______________
So I have a few things turning over in my mind from events as of late, and two events in particular that happened over this weekend that are troubling. I won't elaborate further, but I am thinking that perhaps readers should not expect things from me for awhile.

I cannot, I confess, continue writing with the conviction that I held before, because I just cannot seem to find it as easily as I used to. I want to make sure that I am convinced of things I am passionate about, believe in, write about, and champion for. I am frankly so full of questions that cannot be answered that I am afraid that I would not be an encouragement, nor could I in good conscience portray something that doesn't align with my heart right now.

And with that, as Jim Carrey says: "Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, and good night, and go vote on Tuesday." (I added the last part.)

Oh, and take the "I voted" sticker off your shirt before you toss it into the washer...


The Challenge

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I had a wonderful opportunity to attend a dinner hosted by the C.S. Lewis Society.*  If you have not heard about this wonderful ministry, I encourage you to check out www.apologetics.org, which further explains the Society's mission:
"The mission of the C.S. Lewis Society is to empower believers and engage skeptics with Biblical truth and evidences for faith."

Originating from Princeton in 1975, the C.S. Lewis Society is currently based out of Florida's Trinity College. The Society hosts various events and outreach ministries, and maintains a blog and an extensive array of articles. 

Cameron was able to join me at the last minute. I figured she would enjoy the event and the nod to literary and scholarly discussion. The dinner was held in Clearwater, and we were able to enjoy the most beautiful, melting sunset as we crossed the bridge. I would have liked to have gone a little bit early, and perhaps stopped along the water to watch the sky for awhile, but we didn't have time... I had a clothing challenge because my biopsy sites are still unsightly. It all worked out, though, because the dining room was freezing, so my long sleeved top was a good idea after all.

Anyways, I titled this "The Challenge" because I had the opportunity to hear Dr. John Lennox share his thoughts on current academia's challenges and triumphs in the Creation vs. Darwinism teaching philosophy. Dr. Lennox is probably best known for his recent debate with the author of The God Delusion, a best-selling book by Richard Dawkins. Dr. Lennox is Irish, and has that thick,rolling accent that not only draws you into his words, but actually commands attention. He shared with us his testimony, his affiliation with the C.S. Lewis Society, and war stories from his debates with some of current society's experts on mathematics, science, and philosophy.

We were captivated. Although the catering staff was laughing through the swinging doors, and you could hear dishes and silverware clinking, the round tables in the banquet hall were silent. Dr. Lennox ended with the following statement:
"I told my wife of forty years that when I get to heaven, I will put my arm around her, look around us, and say, 'If I knew it [heaven] was going be like this, I would have spent more time investing in it.' "
Then he took a long look at all of us, paused for a moment in the silence, and exited his podium to growing, thunderous applause. In case I have not communicated through my writing, this was the challenge for all of us. 

His statement kind of puts things into perspective, doesn't it?

:)

Dr. Lennox was kind enough to chat with me for a few minutes after the event. What a fun night!
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Cameron and I decided to ponder this stuff over some coffee. On our way to dinner, we passed this huge, brightly lit building that appeared to be a coffee haven. Naturally, we decided to drive by on our way back to check it out.

"Bay Coast Coffee Market" is a jaw dropping, espresso-dessert-soup-sandwich bar, and a market for coffee stuff! There were beautiful, gleaming espresso machines, thick, colorful mugs, and bins to scoop your own coffee beans. There was free wifi, small squatty chairs, corner booths, and high-top stools around marble tables. It is 11,000 square feet.

Sounds such as "oooh, ahhhh," "shiny," and "I love this" were heard throughout. Someone, who shall remain anonymous, did indeed clap her hands and squeal when she saw the glass panel above the bar that held probably 20 feet of draped newspapers. ("Cam! News! Look! News!)

Our mocha (decaf) lattes were amazing. What a cool place! Too bad it's all the way in Clearwater! :)
________________________________

John Lennox MA MA (Bioethics), Ph.D D.Phil D. Sc, is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford and Fellow in Mathematics and Philosophy of Science, and Pastoral Advisor at Green College. He is also Lecturer at Wycliffe-Hall, University of Oxford and a Senior Fellow with the Trinity Forum. He has debated Professor Richard Dawkins in the “God Delusion Debate” organized by the Fixed-Point Foundation in Birmingham Alabama in 2007. He also debated Christopher Hitchens at the Edinburgh Festival and Dr Michael Shermer of Sceptic Magazine in Sydney, both in 2008. His most recent book is God’s Undertaker—Has Science buried God? (Lion-Hudson, Kregel 2007).

(Biography credit: The Trinity Forum; http://www.ttf.org/index/about/lennox/)

_____________________________________
*
In error, I originally posted that the dinner was sponsored by the C.S. Lewis Foundation. As you can see from the comment posted by the Director of Communications, the C.S. Lewis Society and the C.S. Lewis Foundation are different.

 Nevertheless, I have included the mission statement for the Foundation because I think it is so very eloquent and a worthy challenge for all of us in the academic environment:
"From its very inception until now, the C.S. Lewis Foundation has been devoted to one primary mission: namely that of enabling a genuine renaissance of Christian scholarship and artistic expression within the mainstream of the contemporary university." (Dr. J. Stanley Mattson, President)
www.cslewis.org

At Last Count

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Just a side note...
At last count, my blogs, www.regentchelsea.blogspot.com and www.theblondephilosophy.blogspot.com, had over 600 visits.
:)
Who KNEW?

Jeff

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I have to say, my little brother Jeff is one of the funniest people I know. We went out tonight for ice cream, a trip to Lowes, and a trip to Target to return something. How funny are these quips?

Scene:
I'm reading Domino magazine when Jeff walks in.

"Hey Chels, I'm going to run to Lowes because I need some wood screws." (Jeff)
"Um, ok, well I need to go to Target, sooo..." (me)
"Hey, that's like one trip!" (Aghast!)
"Yep. Lemme change and we'll go together."
"Wait, are you going to, um, 'look' at Target? Because if you're going to shop, I don't want this to take, like, all night. I have things to do, you know."
"No, no.... (assuredly) I don't need anything....
...I just want to return that closet thing that I bought that broke.... I'll just run in and return it and we'll go get your stuff from Lowes...." (I leave the room, continuing to assure Jeff that the items is ready to go, I have the receipt, and I'll just 'run in...', I don't need anything at all, etc, etc...)
"Ok."
8 seconds later...
"Ok, Chels... so, how long are you going to 'look' ?"
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The simple fact that we were going to Lowes to buy screws brought some challenges, and prevented Jeff from asking assistance from, well, pretty much any Lowes employee. I mean, how DO you word a question like that and not embarrass anyone...?
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Scene:
Jeff and Chelsea are leaving the Cold Stone Creamery shop, disappointed that shop wouldn't take our Buy One Get One coupon, and not feeling prepared to drop $10.00 on two cones. A really cute, preppy, ponytailed blonde is going in while we are leaving. She holds the door for us, but Jeff had already started to hold the door for me. So the three of us are kind of suspended there, her gazing up at Jeff, seeing her children in his eyes, me rolling my eyes, and everyone present holding the door for each other, until we all have that moment when we laugh nervously and start apologizing and moving away from the situation. ("Sorry, haha, sorry, haha....."

Jeff, quietly and to himself: "That is so awkward."
Me, overhearing him: "Yeah! It's kind of like that awkwardness when you hug and say goodbye to someone, and then they continue walking the same way as you are. Like, your car and their car are parked right next to each other, or there's only one exit, and you realize it and it's awkward."
Jeff, "Yeah, kind of like that."
__________________________________________
We have a good laugh over this and walk over to Publix, where we bought Buy One Get One Edy's Ice Cream half-gallons. This event made us happy because we each got our own flavor, since one was free, which was pretty much what we were going to do at Cold Stone. Except Publix was out of Toll House cookie dough ice cream! Tragedy!
So we brought the vanilla and chocolate-brownie tubs home and mushed our own cookie dough in. (Only Jeff would keep a tub of mixed cookie dough in the fridge.)

Yum! My dough-to-ice-cream ratio was off, but Jeff's looked, well, perfect.
Jeff: "Chels, you should mush more often."
Me: "Um, no, Jeff, I don't think I need to mush more. Thanks, though."
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Earlier, I'm getting home from work. I stopped at Chik-Fil-A because I was starving. I worked through lunch, again, and only had toast today. (I've lost so much weight this week, anyways, my jeans don't fit, so I figured a chicken sandwich wouldn't kill me)

Me, eating my sandwich: "Jeff, I'm sorry.... I've been so used to living alone, I only brought one sandwich, and I didn't know you were going to be home, and so I didn't call to see if you wanted anything, I feel so inconsiderate, blah, blah...."
Jeff: "That's alright. I just came from Burger King, and didn't even think about asking if you wanted anything."
Me: "Sorry, man."
Jeff: "Yah, sorry too."

Nothing gained, nothing lost :)

The easy part.

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The easy part is hearing that it's going to get better.
The hard part is getting those words from my between my ears to settle into that place where I can begin to believe it.

To Do: Write List

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Anyone who knows me well knows that I love, love lists. I'm guilty of keeping small black books in my purses, backpacks, and general vicinity. I had a Palm Pilot for awhile, but somehow found that important stuff took too long to type with a ink-less stylus, and the stuff got lost, anyways. My lists are somewhat cryptic, anyways, running the gamut between "books to write about" to "business ideas" to "Do (or not do) by 2009..."

The battery died months ago, but lists in paper are forever :)

I resorted, for awhile, to keeping dry-erase markers in a toothbrush holder on my bathroom mirror, but then a friend left "Smile, you're on Candid Camera!" written above my sink, and getting out of the shower the next morning I saw it... and it made me feel funny inside.

But I digress. Today I laughed out loud, because I had left my little diary at home. In my haste, I scribbled some notes on a post-it from work, and put that on my wallet where I'd be sure to not forget anything. Know what it said?

-Stapler
-Ink
-Makeup
-Breakfast for attorneys

I could explain, but it really doesn't matter. Ok, maybe I couldn't explain. You'll just have to imagine.

Anyways, the whole event made me start to think about lists themselves, and why they are helpful. But then I started thinking that maybe they aren't so helpful. For example, they are helpful when you are planning. They are not so helpful when you are allowing your mind to run away with itself with the unknowns. For this particular post, I'm only going to refer to the former.

I've been thinking that perhaps I can use my love for lists to offer up to the Lord some things that are weighing on my mind. I have a few "regulars," you see. A few requests and things that are burdensome that come up during my quiet time. But more than this, I've been learning to still my heart enough to listen for Him to prompt me towards more things to add to the list. More, you say? Yes, much more.

I am not advocating for the Christian's prayer life to be reduced to a list. Prayer is far to personal for this. I am, however, saying that it can be a powerful tool towards focusing your mind and heart into the quietness of prayer. Perhaps, too, it wouldn't be so terrible to think through some of those particular areas of sin, in all their ugliness, and create smaller lists of each to ask specific forgiveness for. I find that this creates accountability in my life.

Thanks for letting share a little bit of my day. If you ever get a post-it stuck to the bottom of your shoe, and if it came from the general vicinity of a Starbucks, and it has some sort of cryptic writing on it that may or may not include abstract ideas mixed with "learn French" scribbled above "get mascara," you know where to find me. :)

Identity

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I've had some quiet time this week for reading, and decided to pick up one of my favorite books: "Conformed to His Image," by Kenneth Boa. (Don't you just love that title?).


This book was originally a school assignment, but I soon found that I wanted to read through it much faster than the class allowed. Thus, last year I read through most of it, well before the class was finished. As is true with most of my favorite books, however, I read through them and then discover them anew at some other point in life.

Currently, I've stumbled upon a book-marked page that outlines dozens of promises in the Bible that a believer can cling to when establishing an identity in Jesus Christ. The page was hurriedly marked with a page torn from my moleskine journal, apparently a section so important that I was afraid its significance would be lost if I did not mark it right that moment. I find lots of my books marked this way.

I picked up the Sunday paper this evening and perused the "Ask Miss Manners" section; a reader wrote in and asked M.M. what the difference was between and "ego" and healthy self-esteem. I admit that I scanned her answer, because I soon saw the usual jargon and humanistic lingo.

I am so thankful that I've found true meaning and identity in Christ, and while I think we should always strive towards improving ourselves, knowing simply that His death and resurrection is enough to make me whole again is comfort in itself. It's sort of like that feeling you get when someone, or something, inspires you to stretch yourself that extra inch towards excellence; you do it not out of fear or out of inadequacy, but rather out of love and the desire to reflect, oddly, a small part of something beautiful that you saw in the other person or thing that has brought so much richness to your life.

I went to church today and I'm continually humbled by and reminded of how wonderful my church family is. I spent the afternoon running a couple of errands, including a trip to Lowes for some hardware I needed for a project. I met up with a friend later to help him finish his personal statement for a scholarship application; I'm finding that having the chance to write is deeply meaningful to me, and especially when I know others will read it. Two cups of coffee and a few hours later, laptop batteries draining, it was nearly finished. I don't know if I have any particular talent or gift, but thankfully my livelihood does not rely solely on my writing skills.

I went running tonight and now my legs hurt- groan.... I need to be more careful next time.

I am wondering, guarding, and, strangely, peaceful. My hands are full right now, and I pray that, even through my stubbornness, He will slowly and gently pry these things from my fingertips.

Lost In Pages Bound

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I got somewhat lost the other day,
Though not from streets passed,
Strange cities or missing the bus
that left at half-past

Folded maps, directions asked,
Useless were they to me.
My absence not missed,
I continued my way (I admit, absently)


I cared not for North, East, South, West,
Avenues, speed limits, slippery when wet.
They couldn't help this mind tonight;
I was lost in thoughts, but sound in sight.

I knew then where to find
That place where I could spend some time
Looking not for answers, per se
But for a collection of thoughts at the end of the day.

Quiet, but bright and cluttered
With browers, thinkers, and the pages they muttered
Authors, titles, and worn wooden shelves
Small wheeled stools and coffee shop smells.

I sat on the floor, and tucked in my feet
Collected my thoughts, and started to read.
Psychology, philosophy, and wisdom to keep;
Business, art, and some not so deep.


Staring at the books... I'd amassed quite a pile!
Collected my thoughts, lingered awhile.
Then shelving the books, know what I found?
I found that I liked getting lost...
Lost in those pages bound.


:)

Where I Would've Been

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o I started a poem but couldn't make it rhyme. (Isn't that silly?)
Perhaps I can write instead. I was changing my age on the "about me" section of this blog, since I turned 24 last week. If I may be nostalgic for a moment, I think it is really starting to amaze me how quickly time passes. And, with that thought, I have been solemnly considering how different this year would have been if God had not protected me. As a Christian I know that I should actually see the safety in the future; indeed, this is a facet of trust. But I admit that my breath catches a little when I think about how different my life would be right now, both if I had listened to Him, and if I hadn't listened to Him.

I know that there were times when I thought I was doing the right thing, but forgetting that there are two or more wills at stake. I've been told that I have an uncanny sense of right and wrong; indeed, told that if I listened to my intuition I would save myself quite a bit of trouble. But sometimes, in considering the consequences, I consider too many variables when I should just trust God to take care of it. Maybe I'm not making sense.

You cannot make someone change. Or, if you force change, you don't actually have the heart of the matter. I've known this, of course, but it was again illustrated to me yesterday when I went out to see my horse. BayPony threw a shoe on Saturday, and her farrier came to fix it last night. The difference between a broken horse and a gentled horse is that the gentled horse wants to please you. Anyone can break a horse... anyone can force change through breaking the spirit. But what are we left with? We are left with a shallow relationship that is based on weakness, not meekness. Manipulation, fear, and pain, either physical or mental, are symptoms that something is awry.

Horse training is the same way. Before I ever rode Bay, I spent weeks taking walks with her. I started at her nose and ran my hands down her legs until she picked them up for me, even her back ones. Lots of positive reinforcement. Lots of walking by scary garbage cans, plastic tarps, and noisy cars. Lots of carrots and peppermints. And what is the gain? The gain is a relationship. I know it sounds silly, but there is indeed a difference between a horse with a broken spirit and one without. Eventually Bay learned to follow me, trust me, and listen to me without using harsh tools or even a bit.

God calls us to trust Him. Through everything. Even when we cannot see the end result. As I sit here tonight, peaceful and quiet, I've had that pang in heart that you feel when you realize just how close you came to being a broken spirit. For me, it's sort of that feeling you get just before the roller coaster begins the first descent. Or that catch you feel when you see the semi truck run the light you hesitated at. It's that feeling when fear and relief collide, and for a moment you can't tell the difference.

It doesn't take but a few feet (or moments) away from the path set before us before our stumble shakes us so badly we can't see the way anymore. I'm so grateful that God put the right people in my path to protect me, and even removed circumstances from my path, circumstances and chances that became so impossible I turned them over to Him. <3

Strange Days

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Friday looks to be interesting. My morning started off with a trip to Starbucks, where I tell you the blueberry coffee cake was making a face at me. Honest! Blueberry placement can be harshly disturbing on a Friday morning, pre-caffeine. A lady in line (it was out the door) with me was lamenting that this was the only Starbucks close to DownTown Tampa, and when I asked where she was from, she informed me that she was from New York. So I'm standing there and thinking that she probably wouldn't have been happy even if there had been 10 Starbucks, each across from each other.

But I digress. After leaving, I pulled behind someone who flung open his car door and proceeded to spit on the street. Except he didn't spit- he poured. It was really, really disturbing... on so many levels. ChivalryMan should have come to my rescue and adverted my eyes.

After arriving at the office, a technician came by my desk and asked if I knew where the phone closet was. I kept a straight face and whispered, "Why, are you SuperMan?" He only laughed a little bit. I later exploded into a fit of giggles. People need to lighten up sometimes.

Friday night looks fun around here. I'm planning to go stick around for a bit for a DownTown event, go running, read, watch When Harry Met Sally, and go for a massage at 9 PM. Tomorrow I'm making a trip to the beach for shopping and sunshine. I've been working on a post that I may finish this evening, discussing some thoughts on a book I'm currently reading. I started last night but didn't think I was quite ready. I was quite tired. And I had to iron. Which would quell even the creativity of DaVinci. So the post will have to be today or tomorrow. Yesterday I went running, stopped off at Starbucks and people-watched. Then I took my green burlap bag over to Publix, where wonderful items were on sale such as frozen berries and olive oil and yellow sweet-smelling daisies for my lovely crystal vase. Ok- those weren't on sale.

Cheers!

Congratulations!

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Congratulations to the 2008 Graduates of Regent University! The ceremony and festivities were well worth the trip from Tampa! God Bless !

Thursday

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Thursday looks rather mundane...Have some errands to run after work, and then it's on to Bayshore for my "real" running. I promise to post more about graduation two weeks ago and some pictures when I have them. As I was walking and in the graduation I was somewhat limited by my picture taking abilities. And do you know what I think?I think I am one luck girl. :)

Sinking Sun

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Inspired by my trip to Davis Island for a sunset tonight...

Sun sinking into the blue
Sky and boats nodding softly to sleep
Paw prints on the sand
Beach chair legs pressing footless paths

Pavement smoothes to sand to ease
Visitors into the windswept and cool evening
Sans shoes they smile at each other ("Nice, isn't it?")
Though we don't exchange names we won't be strangers again

Orange chaise lounge
Stark against the white sand like that
Laughter from lovers punctuated by
Those feathered wings I can hear but not see

Frisbees and convertibles soon become scarce
Too soon the day is nearly over
Daylight isn't chased away but merely slips
Into night to rest to rise into the morning again

ChivalryMan!

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With all of the hype about IronMan, I thought I'd create my own as-needed superhero. Enter ChivalryMan.

ChivalryMan comes to the rescue of ladies everywhere in their times of need. He's sort of like your knight in shining armor, without the commitment, leaving you free to find the man of your dreams.

He arrives on a cloud of (non-AXE) cologne and is freshly shaven, his shoes shined, and his cape tucked into his freshly pressed boxer-briefs. He has a limited vocabulary, including "You've lost weight," "Rest while I cut you another brownie," and "You look amazing but your skirt is wrinkled... here, let me iron it for you."

He carries with himself a sleep-mask to protect your modesty when helping with wardrobe issues and scolds men who whistle at ladies.

Ever been at the beach and, finding yourself with the choice of a port-a-potty or your vehicle, needing to fix or change your bathing attire? Not a problem. ChivalryMan comes to your rescue by holding up a sheet, whilst covering his own eyes and allowing you to change in the privacy of your little billowing cabana.

If, like me, you've ever been yelled at by a man for crossing the street on the walk signal, ChivalryMan would chase down the little heathen and smartly rebuff him, gently removing a white cotton glove and slapping such a boarish man for yelling at a nice lady in a black dress and black patent high heels.ChivalryMan would appear and disappear with impeccable timing. He carries very little, because he is need-based.

His right arm is a little larger than his left arm because he always arrives just in time to open doors for ladies, or to hold a chair out for them, or to carry a shopping bag of shoes into the apartment while holding the front door open. Chivalry isn't dead, you see... it just needs a little refresher course.

Cheers!

Funny Stuff

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So the other day Jeff (my little brother) and I met downtown for lunch. We went in search of a restaurant that served both chelseafood (salads, fruit, lean meat) and manfood (burgers). We did find such a place- I got a salad and Jeff got a wrap with beef and cheese and such. We were handed our food to-go by the waitress; she said "enjoy your food!"
Jeff said, "you, too!" (like you say to people when they say, "have a nice day," and you say "You, too.")
I was like, "Jeff, she said 'enjoy your food.'"
Jeff: "Well, she'll probably eat some time today."
Me: "..."
(this post is short, sweet, lacking anything intellectual, and maybe you sort of had to be there. I thought it was funny.)

LifeLessons, AKA the blonde's philosophy on life.

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Those of you who have been reading for awhile know that I occasionally post a list called life lessons, which explores the various lessons and experiences that come with growing up. Or at least growing older and spending time in this temporary dwelling we call earthly life. I believe that having a sense of humor, an attitude of contentment, an appreciation for the simple and even formulaic, and a centering of the soul that is in fellowship with Christ is essential to my life and even happiness. I realized that I haven't published a l.l. (lifelessons) list since last August. I think it's high time it's updated. What do you think?
____________________________________________
l/l, 2008 and counting...
1. Life is too short to eat burned popcorn
2. Convertibles are sexy... until you get to your destination (take a scarf)
3. Never trust puppies
4. Take the stairs!
5. Take care of your feet
6. Call your grandmother with your free weekend and night minutes
7. Only have chocolate cake if it's really, really, really good
8. It's ok to have chocolate cake for lunch once in awhile, but only if it's really, really, really good.
9. Don't be "that person" at the beach...
10. If you find yourself saying "But I shouldn't feel that way," use it as an opportunity to clarify and consider why you feel the way you do
11. If you are going out to the grocery store, at least put on some lipstick and mascara. At least.
12. Talk to God every day
13. Take a walk for no reason other than the fact that you can
14. Find a great coffee shop (or two), a great restaurant, and a few places of business and become a regular
15. People treat you differently when you have curly hair
16. Write real, paper letters to send to people you care about
17. Keep a pocket calendar and use it to write down thoughts and/or good ideas
18. Rushing doesn't really get you there any faster
19. Emails should always be eloquent and proper
20. If you think your clothes are too wrinkled to wear, they probably are
21. If you wear a pleated skirt to work, take a pair of jeans with you in case the day becomes windy
22. Go organic if possible
23. Horses know when you are crying
24. If you have the opportunity to read your Bible in a public place, take a moment and thank God that you are an American
25. Pink bicycles: there are some things even thieves won't do
26. There's a fine line between being "green" and being a loser... don't skimp on the essentials
27. If you go shopping and you buy something small, save a plastic tree and carry it out, sans bag
28. If the opportunity arises that allows you to be where you love, do what you love, or be with the one you love but comes at considerable (non-monetary) costs, consider it carefully. You may learn more than you think.
29. Really, really great dinners are made of balsamic vinegar and olive oil, fresh chicken and vegetables, and strawberries with homemade whipped cream
30. Share the roses...

April 12

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For those of you who pay attention to the time that I post, yes, it is indeed after midnight. I know it's actually Sunday, then, but I would like to think that it is still saturday and I'm merely extending the weekend. I know it has been awhile since I have blogged, and I wish that I could "catch up" on the news since the last post, but instead I think I'll just start with whatever is on my mind today. Have I told you that some things have changed in my life? For starters, I took a different position at my office, one that combines my account job with the receptionist position. I like to think that it's an accounts manager who answers phones, rather than the other way around. And I really, really like it! I love meeting new people who come into the office and being in the center of what is going on. My days go by quickly because I stay busy and focused, and somehow do both of the jobs.
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So today was busy! I am planting a garden in my little back yard. Complete with strawberry plants, blooming annuals, and African violets. And cafe lights. Not quite sure how I'm going to pull that off yet, but I'm sure I'll figure it out tomorrow. I also installed two new shelves in my hall closet to get some of the heavy and rarely used items off of the floor. Tomorrow I have a few things to do but plan to go out to the barn and also go by to see my parents.
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Tonight I ran from my house to Howard Avenue. One of the great things about South Tampa is that you can run along the water, and the bay breeze mingles with jasmine plants flowering by the mansions and the sprinklers make the grass smell so fresh. It is much more invigorating and energizing than running at the gym. Of course sometimes I go over to Davis Island, which is also great, but I have to stop for traffic quite a bit crossing the streets. The other night I almost got hit by a car driving into Tampa General Hospital. The irony was not lost.
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As always, somehow and somewhere, God teaches me something (or rather shows me where and what He wants me to seek to learn). Currently I believe that it is the difference between driven people and called people. Gordon MacDonald goes over the difference in Ordering Your Private World (f/k/a OPW). Now that I have this gem (Thank you, my sweet D., for finding it for me) I will be reading through the section Caught in a Golden Cage; MacDonald intricately and intimately describes the acute differences between called people and driven people. In our 24/7 world, the difference can be soulfully fatal; driven people often fail to be the witness to the lost that called people just seem to do naturally and gently. More tomorrow. (If I'm not knee deep in dirt and mulch, that is).

Readers

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Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Faithful Readers


Dear faithful reader,
I apologize for not writing anything for the past week or so. My days and nights have been full with activities, nights out, and nights in with doing all of those things that a Chelsea does. I'm actively looking for a couple of things in my life right now, which has left me somewhat and sort of uninspired... yet inspired internally. For example, after my morning latte I got very inspired about something, but by the evening it had faded to a flicker...
Inspiration is a funny thing, you see. It's a bit like a weight lifting, where you start strong but finish weaker, but in reality you are really finishing stronger through your exhaustion. And that's how I feel.

Miss all of you and hope you will be patient with me enough to check back in a few days.

PS: Huck, you gave it a great fight. I, for one, am very proud of you.

Chelsea <3

Collecting [Like] Seashells

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When I was little, I used to collect pretty things to take home. I remember finding heart-shaped leaves, smooth pebbles, or seashells that were a little bit broken but still iridescent in quality. When my family traveled to various points of interest, I would find nubbly rocks with streaks of fools' gold throughout. I guess I've always been somewhat of a collector- I still clip things out of magazines, keep pictures here and there, and search through the $1.00 book rack at the dusty and eerily quiet bookstore by my office. I've always enjoyed finding treasures in the imperfect. I always try to find treasures in imperfect situations and people, too. I've accepted that I am just me- I can't be everything to everyone. I can't save the planet or even remember my wallet sometimes. I either underbake or burn cookies and I don't follow recipes. My hair's a mess most of the time and I have more fashion disasters than I care to count. I make B's in class sometimes and I blog when I should be studying.
I think we can learn something from the imperfect. People aren't perfect; circumstances aren't perfect; I'm certainly not perfect. I'm rather achingly average. And you know what? That's alright. Because I know that God uses average people to do extraordinary things. What I lack in natural abilities I achieve through discipline and hard work. If something doesn't come easily to me, I know that I can learn it through time and resources. And if the doors (or windows) aren't opening, that's because it's just not time yet. I'm convinced that one day I'll find my niche and that area that I love, that comfortable place where I know I'm doing my best. Life is a blossom waiting to open, and flowers need both rain and sunshine to bloom to their potential.