So I got an accident today.. Some lady on her cellphone rear ended me. She actually wanted to just exchange information and handle it without police involvement. After Ca's experience with the biker rider and expired insurance, there would be no hearing of it. More later. ch

The inevitable Trip

In every relationship there comes a point when the two involved must decide is this worth their time, especially in a long distance relationship. They must decide if there is potential for long term; are the multi-hour phone conversations getting them anywhere, any closer to a deeper commitment? Well, I made the trek to Texas to see my beau and figure some things out. My goal for the trip was to spend lots of time together and help us to both recognize our deeper desires for this relationship.
Ahh, what a womanly perspective...Right, but a ten day face plant into reality was awaiting me. I had a fantastic time; we hung around the house, went for drives into town, went on dates and so on... But, as a female, I realize, I was looking for enlightening moments of clarity... is he my future; can we get along all of the time; can I mesh into the family?
The answers I found---yes, we could have a great future; we get along great; I get along with the family smashingly well.
What I was not expecting to learn---how to shoot a gun; that men think on such a different level when measuring a relationship; THAT THIS TRIP ANSWERED NO QUESTIONS AT ALL.
Upon my return to Alaska we knew no better where we stood on the future of our relationship. We are still facing the same questions and still trying to decide for ourselves... IS ALL THIS WORTH IT?
~Ca

micodermabrasion

So I have come to the age where youth is a memory but I am still dealing with acne, redness and gross skin. My vanity has caught up wiht me and I can no longer live accepting a yucky facial texture sooo within the month I am goin to find the BaL#s I need to step out and get the face taken care of.

Background: I went to a friend's house for Wine, Chick Flicks and Fancy food. The crowd was older and the conversation naturally drifted to old age, wrinkles and as one girl stated,"I am considering BOTOX!"

When did this happen?
-ch

Smart Moms

I was having lunch at Pikes Perk today and took the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather by sitting outside. There were three women sitting at the neighboring table, in the midst of some pretty interesting conversation and not bit bothered that I intruded in on their space. They must have been there a while because they weren't eating or drinking anything but just talking. I didn't get a good look at two of the ladies, I think that they were older around 45 to 50 but the loud one facing me was probably the youngest of the three. They talked about their kids, religion, doctrine, their husbands, their idea of a women's role in family, society and in marriage. I felt like they were kindred spirits + 15 years. It was so reassuring that there are mothers and wives out there that are passionate about their families and are committed to taking hard roads in order to see their family grow together. For example, the loud one was taking about the family's choice to homeschool the children until the 8th grade. She referred to some university research about about children's continually waning interest in school once they they enter kindergarden. She said that homeschooling her kids until high school has helped them keep the energy to appreciate school and that environment. Now, I am not the smartest person and the idea of homeschooling freaks me out but I respect a mother who chooses her children's happiness above the desire to get the kids out of the house into school. She admitted that they had to sacrifice financially for her to stay at home. "So they don't get soccer lessons, we play soccer outside every afternoon. So they don't get dance lessons, I dance with my daughter everyday and I handmake her all her dancing outfits."

She was a healthnut. "I told my older son to ask his future wife hard questions. Did her parents raise her on fast food and food coloring? Because those things can affect the kids. I mean, seriously, they are creating our future generation." I had to smile. Some parents find it hard to encourage their kids to ask about the girlfriend's/boyfriend's interests, jobs, faith and this woman cuts through all that and helps the son understand that his future wife will contribute half the genes of his kids, food coloring and all.

I was sad when they left.n

Big city girl trapped in a little town

Ok so in my attempt to support my roommate and to live in Alaska a little longer I agreed to move north to the tiny Alaskan town of Palmer. She wanted to buy a place and you get much more house and land for your dollar if you move to the valley.
Now here I am with no internet hookup until the 28, having to go to the local library to check my emails, blogs, websites and even to get a glimpse into the news of the world. Now, by local library I mean the smallest one story, one room book center you have ever seen. For instance their magazine section is probably 25 magazines that they don't backstock, no reviewing old articles or perusing last season's styles. Their new book section is two columns, four shelves high, containing books that I would not consider new- its like the new release wall in Blockbuster, you know those movies that have been out since before your last haircut.
Most importantly is the local aspect. The man just walking in is in his too big jeans hoping the suspenders holding them up will not slide off his shoulder to expose his "local member." The mom with her oh so too many kids is trying to keep them under control as she checks out a stack of children's books taller than her smallest. Over by the magazines is the black sheep of the local high school with her shaved head and wholly fishnets under dirty cut off jeans.
Here I sit, obviously not a local, in my black sassy heels, purple silky camisole, tight dark jeans, sticking out like a "big city girl." ~C

What in this world is Worship

So I have been convicted about the way that I spend my Sunday morning before church. I lack the discipline to focus in on the cross, repent of my "cherished sins" and cannot seem to get away from "me" centeredness. So.. tonight my buddy Ames and I decided to reclaim our Sunday morning by reclaiming our dependence on Jesus. However, we have decided to create a habit that a little more palpable....Pre-church Starbucks coffee of the day. I know. How lame are we? Well, lame enough to know that we have crippled ourselves by not giving Jesus our time. Schedule: Arrive at Starbucks around 8:15-8:25 (Hey, we are grace centered), drink coffee and journal. Get to church around 8:50AM and spend the next 10 minutes in reflection and preparation.
I am going to update this blog next Monday with the results of what actually happened. -ch

The Absentee Boyfriend

I do have a big trip coming up, the inevitable first trip in a long distance relationship... He in the great state of Texas and me thousands of miles north in Alaska. How have I come to find myself in a long distance relationship you might ask yourself. I did not intend to; I found this incredibly gorgeous, tall, polite, southern gentlemen in Alaska. After three years of the sporadic bad date with a number of losers I found myself being persued by a man. I mean MAN; good with his hands... Meaning he knows how to work- seriously people, get your minds out of the gutter. His accent and dimples are irresistable to boot.
What does he go and do; he gets out of the military and moves back to Texas. That is how I find myself boarding a plane in 2 weeks to see my man and to meet the family. Just to be able to go on a date with my boyfriend I have to fly to see him.
The craziest part of this "adventure" is that after only a few weeks of actual dating I am doing what it takes most couples a few months to do... meet the family. I am going to be trapped on the family ranch with complete strangers for TEN days. I don't know these people; I hardly know my boyfriend!
It will be nice to be near him though. To walk together and hold hands; to sneak a little kiss while waiting at the stop light. Sometimes I find myself in little shops or at a restaraunt where I think, how nice it would be to laugh with him and look into his eyes.
While all of these disires build up with anticipation of 10 days together, the hesitations of meeting his family and having to travel to see him slip away and I honestly can not wait to step off the plane and into his arms for a long over due hug and kiss hello.