RockTheDesert

Go #27

My son, Steven, will be 14 yrs old on February 4. He's nearly 6' tall and loves to play football more than just about anything. He's played on Pop Warner teams and NYS teams. For the past few years, we've had a chance to watch him play a lot of games. When we arrive at the field, we usually get to see the last part of the game prior to his game. A lot of times it's a team that's just a year older than his team. Each time, I look at the huge kids and vow that my son, my baby, will NOT be playing against those big kids next season. Of course, the next season rolls around and my son, my sweet angel, has grown to be the size of those big kids. Last year, in particular, the kids in the next league up from his appeared to be man-sized - I mean, they looked like they had full beards and possibly even drove themselves to the game. I truly didn't want my youngest son being maimed or injured by one of those big brutes. And yet, here we are again, watching Steven play winter football through NYS and Steven is the man-sized giant that all the mothers of the younger players fear. Go #27 - Go Outlaws!

Things That Make Me Happy

I thought that I could cheer myself up by making this list. The end result is worth the effort!!

1. My husband, Daniel. He makes me laugh every day. He sings silly songs to me. He likes to drive me crazy and I guess I must be happy when I'm crazy.
2. My kids. They are so fun to hang out with. They love my spaghetti and baked ziti and steak sandwiches. They still say funny things.
3. My Dymo label maker. I remember my dad had one on his workbench that he used for labeling electrical supplies, lunchboxes, etc. It is a truly magical device with letters, a lever to squeeze, and lovely tape with words and letters embossed on it which you can use in many creative ways.
4. Road cases. I'm talking about the kind that are custom made of wood and metal, painted black with industrial size casters, filled with event supplies such as sound equipment, lights, cables, screens, pipe and drape, etc. All the stuff that becomes a magnificent backdrop for an event.
5. Text messages. So simple and concise. Easier and faster than a phone call. My kids think I'm cool because I text them and they text me and we all keep track of each other this way.
6. Blogging. What a great form of self-expression. It's sort of like show and tell every single day. Which is sometimes not that great because, well, my life is pretty boring sometimes, but it forces me to think creatively.
7. When the desert sky turns turquoise blue. That would be just after sunset and just before sunrise. When the desert sky turns midnight blue. That would be at just about midnight. The stars are ultra white and prevalent. The midnight blue sky - - well, it just makes me supremely happy and content.
8. The sound of the ocean. The smell of the ocean. The sand. The waves. Even the seaweed. I'm closest to God when it is dark outside and all I can hear is the sound of the waves breaking and crashing against the shore. It's the best.
9. The Urban Tribe. They rock.
10. Seeking God.
11. Talking to my parents and sisters on the phone. It is so satisifying and comforting to have a family that is close and there for you.
12. Anything from the '70's. Especially things that are harvest gold, orange, and avocado.
13. Our built-in wall clock in the dining room. It's still ticking away after 51 years. Unbelievable.
14. Technology that works for me instead of against me.
15. Church planting in Rwanda. Amazingly gratifying, satisfying, challenging, what else can I say?
16. Writing music. On paper or on the computer, it is a task that I love.
17. Worshipping God.
18. Hanging out with Alyssa & Joshua. They are really fun and a pleasure to spend time with.
19. Pedicures.
20. Fruit that reminds me of California. Oranges. Avocados. Plums. Peaches. Persimmons. Lemons. Grapefruits. Watermelon. Mango. Pineapple.

I actually didn't realize the list would be this long...and it could go on for a while. So, goodnight for now. Although one other thing that makes me happy is staying up late then sleeping in, tomorrow I've got to be up early.