Indentured Servant

or at least I feel as tired as one....  This temp job is working out perfect, but frankly, I'm not used to getting up in the morning nor was I ever good at it.  Also, I have had not one but TWO, lame late-for-work days.  My boss is cool, though.  Her name is BJ and if I had to start a new job, arriving 20 minutes late for both the days I've worked there, I would want her to be it.  Now, I know I sound like a loser, but really, truly, these were bizarre, unforseeable events that I had little control over.  I know inquiring minds want to know aaaallllll the details so here you are.....

First day, I get ready to leave about 10 minutes early, you know, good first impressions and all.  (Remember, since I was hired through a temp agency, I've never met my employer) I grab my car keys, a little snack food, my sweater, my wallet....... my wallet.....  Hey! Where's my wallet??!!??  I tear through the house and my car, desperate, but no wallet.  Suddenly, with a sinking feeling, I realize it is  in.  my.  husband's.  truck...  I left it there after we used it for some work.  The truck is 20 minutes away, in the opposite direction from which I should be traveling, and my 10 minute "early window" has been completely blown away. 

I rang up my hubby and we arranged to meet partway along.  I also called the new boss, using 411 information (I didn't even know the number) and explained the situation to her while feeling like a really hapless dunce.  But she was cool about it, saw the humor and laughed it off.  Last night while getting ready for bed, I thought, "there is no way I will blow this again tomorrow" and resolved to just make a fresh go of it.  BUT, "tomorrow" dawned with it's own little pitfall already set in motion from yesterday..... 

After  prying my eyes open after the third "snooze" on the alarm, I shambled into the bathroom for a shower and started to brush my hair (so I could wash it) while the water was getting hot.  I noticed what looked like large snarl in the back of my long hair and started to work it out.  OR NOT!!  What I thought was a snarl was actually a little gob of SAP!!  in my hair!!  I had 25 minutes to get ready and leave, with no time to spare.   How can you possibly remove sap from your hair in, like, 3 minutes?  I didn't have time for this!!

Wondering how I could possibly have gotten sap in my hair?   I have been helping my husband with the electrical work on a side job he has.  There are two houses being built and Ed is installing all the electrical.  We arrive at the job at around 4:00pm and leave when it gets dark at 8:30/9:00.  I can help out by guiding wires, go-fering, hammering staples and what not, and not freak out the other guys because they're all gone for the most part by 3, 3:30.  However, when a house is framed, the lumber is fairly fresh and some of the 2x4's really ooze sap.  Now I'm pretty good about looking where I put my hands or sit, so I don't usually have too much trouble but apparently I leaned back against the "wall" and must have tilted my head back to look at the ceiling (probably looking for Ed to drop me some wire) and a gob of sap stuck to my hairbun!  I never noticed, because I didn't take down my hair until I went to lay my head on my pillow for the night. 

***Helpful Hint:  When you get sap on your skin, scrape it on non-sappy, non-splintery wood a few times and most of it will transfer off***

Well, there was no help for it, I couldn't go to work with sap in my hair, so I spent about 15/20 minutes scrubbing it out.  *** 'Nother Helpful Tip:  Neutrogena Anti-Residue shampoo and Joico Moisturizer REALLY did well at stripping the sap out of my hair*** I was 20 minutes late to work.  Thankfully, I knew BJ was going to be in a meeting at 9:00, when I was supposed to be getting there, and wouldn't be panicking thinking I wasn't showing up.   I did tell her later, by explaining that I wasn't going to leave at 3:00, but 3:20 to make up for being late again.  She surprised me by being totally sympathetic and still saw the humor in all this ridiculousness... 
Yay, cool boss!

These long work days are poopin' me out though.....

Quiz Time !!

Faerie:
Faeries are sweet loving beings who love to help
people. They are not held back by reality and
love to dream and fly around. You probably are
very creative and although not the most popular
person in the world you are probably loved by
many for your sweet caring personality.


What Mythological Creature Are You (Many Results and Beautiful Pics)
brought to you by Quizilla

Hey! I resent that! I'm plenty popular!!  :-)  I love this picture, and yes, I'm not too held back by reality, and I do have dreams.  So there you are, I'm a gorgeous butterfly-like faerie.

Reader Appreciation Moment

I have had quite a few new visitors here, over the past few days since I started begging people to sign my guestmap!! I LOVE IT!! Thanks guys!

I would like to point out our First Californian.  I've never actually met her but it turns out she's practically my neighbor.   .::Cocks head, hears "It's a small world after all" in the distance::. 

Liz, is a "crafty" lady like me. "Crafty" hobby-like, not "crafty" sneaky-like. ;) Check out her awesome quilt!!  Apparently, she loves her garden, also just like me! You'll also see some cool photos of the area close to where we both live, and get to read some insightful quotes. 

I would also like to send some greetings over to the Second Californian, Tiffany.  This is a personal friend of mine and I am so pleased that she has swung by for a moment.  Everyone say "Hi" to her in the comments of this post! .::Waves at Tiffany::.

I would love for anyone who visits my Consciousness to go right ahead and "pin" your location my Guestmap.  Of course, you don't have to have a blog or website to "put your pin" in my guestmap, BUT if you do, I will be more than happy to send some traffic in your direction, such as it is!   

***Directions to the Guestmap***

1. Head right of this post...
2. Look for the bottom of my Archive listings
3. Under that box, you should see the button for the Guestmap!

Simple! Right? 

Back in the Saddle

I have some good news regarding my job situation, or lack of one!!  ;) I got a call back today from the employment agency and I was accepted for a temporary job that I applied for yesterday, and I start tomorrow!!  It's a simple clerical job that is supposed to last for 5 weeks, which is just fine with me.  Also, another job placement agency called and left me a message interested in my resume!  So, suddenly, things seem to really be happening.  God is so GOOD!! 

Everyone congratulate me in the comments!! :) I'm really happy right now. :) :) :)

 

Belated Sunday Meditation

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (RSV)
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

whose trust is the Lord. 

He is like a tree planted by water,

that sends out its roots by the stream,

and does not fear when heat comes,

for its leaves remain green,

and is not anxious in the year of drought,

for it does not cease to bear fruit." 

Heavenly Father,

 
Let me feel the refreshing and healing sensation of your living water given so lovingly through your son. Let me focus on you and trust in you so all anxiety will be put aside. I know you are in control, and all things are in your hands for good for those who love you. May I continue to abide in your love and bear fruit to your name. Help me Lord to remain strong in faith.  Asking all things through your son,

 
Amen.

Sorry, no posts!

I hadn't recovered fully until today from a VERY tiring, yet fun, weekend.  Brief rundown of why I was so tired: 
Saturday - up at 6:00am to drive from the Central Coast of California, down to San Diego.  WAYYY to much traffic might I add... Great wedding, started at 4:00pm and we left the reception at 11:10pm,  got to Uncle Freddies house by 11:35pm and we were up until 2:30am trying to catch up with Ed's parents, sister and cousin. 
Sunday - Up at 6:30am to drive up to Reseda and visit the ecclesia there and see my new baby cousin, Levi.  After having only 4 hours sleep both Ed and I napped for 2 hours at my Uncle Rich and Aunt Trish's.  We had a lovely dinner and chat with them and left for the final 2 1/2 hour leg of the drive home at 9:00pm.  As we were driving home we listened to a Voicemail on Ed's Cell and it turns out an old friend of ours that we had not seen in 5 years was in our hometown staying with my Aunt Shirley, but would be leaving at 8:00 Monday morning.  She had called us to see if we were home and wanted to come over to visit.  We called back and arranged to have breakfast with them at 7:00am.  We arrived home at 11:30 and because we had napped we didn't feel sleepy and didn't go to bed until 1:00.  Stupid us, I know!!
Monday - Up at 6:00am to drag ourselves to breakfast!!  It was so great to see Martin again, though.  He was doing well and we got to meet his travelmates who were all very cool. 

So as you can see, exhaustion was about to overwhelm me.  I had intended to post Monday morning after we got back from Shirl's but I must confess,  I fell asleep on the couch at 9:30am and didn't wake up again until 2 in the afternoon!!   I did feel a lot better though, after that.  :)

Reader Appreciation Moment

A brand new reader has placed her "pin" on my guest map.  Welcome, Welcome, I say.  Everyone go on over and say HI! to BeckyP.  She and a bunch of her friends are blogging for charity right NOW.  Go on over and pay them a visit, their causes are all very worthy ones. 

I would love for anyone who visits my Consciousness to go right ahead and "pin" your location my Guestmap.  Of course, you don't have to have a blog or website to "put your pin" in my guestmap, BUT if you do, I will be more than happy to send some traffic in your direction, such as it is!   

***Directions to the Guestmap***

1. Head right of this post. 
2. Look for the bottom of my Archive listings
3. Under that box, you should see the button for the Guestmap!

Simple! Right?

Weekend Plans

This Saturday one of Ed's cousin's is getting married in San Deigo.  So we are taking off tomorrow morning to go down and enjoy their wedding!  I might not be able to post on Saturday but I'm going to try.   It's going to be a long day because we are also going to drive back halfway home Saturday night.  My newest little cousin, Levi, was born a week or so ago, and we want to see him too, so we're cramming it all in there.  

David Update

We looked at a negative action in David's life and NO, it's not the one you think.  The story under scrutiny is this:  2 Samuel 6:1-11 David is trying to return the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, after the Philistines returned it under the plagues God had brought on them because of it.  David incorrectly transports the Ark on a new cart pulled by oxen, and when the oxen stumble and the Ark shifts out of place, Uzzah puts out his hand and touches the Ark.  He is killed instantly.  

We questioned why David chose to transport the Ark incorrectly.   One of the conclusions that we came to was that he was copying how the Philistines had returned the Ark.  So why was that wrong, when it had worked for them?  Because David, as the King in Israel, was required to know God's law and in fact have written out a copy by his own hand.  So, we see David at a time when he has briefly relaxed his standards of obedience to God's word.  The beautiful thing about David, is he quickly grows from his experiences and responds to God's chastening.  Later in the same chapter he brings the Ark home to Jerusalem with the right method and a humble attitude.  

This is one of the ways that David is an example to me as I follow after the word of God. 

Sounds Interesting...

Tonight's Bible Class will be about David... more later!!

Kara is Krazy!!

Hee Hee Hee!  I stayed up all night! I haven't done that in a loong time.  I was doing an interesting Bible Study on the soul and spirit as found in Hebrews 4:12 and just didn't want to stop once I got on a roll.  Without having a job to answer too, I just didn't feel the need to turn in for the night.  Of course, at about 9 o'clock in the morning, I crashed on the couch until 2:00 and right now am feeling a little.......strange.  Anyone who wants to read my notes, they're posted here, (I'm kpecson, towards the bottom of the page).  I think what I wrote might be tad disjointed, seeing I posted it at 6:44 in the am(!) but I hope it's not too confusing.  Feel free to question me about it in this post's comment box.

Say It Ain't So!!!

I am hoping that this story isn't true, but I have a feeling it is.  This is just so wrong on so many levels.  I don't understand the thought processes that the woman goes through when agreeing to participate.  The whole thing just leaves me completely cold.

Reader Appreciation & Birthday Wishes

Another of my dear readers has placed her "pin" on my guestmap!!   Everyone, I give you SarahK!  If anyone enjoys funny stories about things that happen while on vacation, then SarahK's blog is for you.  I recommend that you check out "Sarah and Sandy Hike the Grand Canyon.  I laughed out loud.

Also, today SarahK turns 28! 

Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday dear SarahK,
Happy Birthday toooo youuuu!
 
(And many more....)

Now, go visit SarahK and enjoy a few laughs and make sure you wish her a happy birthday in the comments for this post.

Incidently, here's something that SarahK and I have in common.  We are both Bicentennial Babies!  Yay 1976!  She's not quite a month older than me as my birthday is coming up August 3rd. 

Of course, you don't have to have a blog or website to "put your pin" in my guestmap, BUT if you do, I will be more than happy to send some traffic in your direction, such as it is! 
 
***Directions to the Guestmap***

1. Head right of this post. 
2. Look for the bottom of my Archive listings
3. Under that box, you should see the button for the Guestmap!

Simple! Right? 

Sunday Meditation

Isaiah 62:1-2 (RSV)
"For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,
until her vindication goes forth as brightness,
and her salvation as a burning torch.
The nations shall see your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
and you shall be called by a new name
which the mouth of the Lord will give."

Isaiah 62:11-12 (RSV)
Behold,
the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth:
Say to the daughter of Zion,
"Behold, your salvation comes;
behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him."
And they shall be called The holy people,
 The redeemed of the Lord;
and you shall be called Sought out, 
a city not forsaken.

God's will for man, that he rule over and care for the earth in his righteousness and glory, has been from the beginning.  It is established through all the promises and prophesies that God will carve out a people to his name (both through Israel & the Gentiles) who will live forever on earth in his kingdom ruled by his son. God does not forget his promises.  Come quickly Lord Jesus to establish the kingdom of your Father!

The difficulties in Israel and the whole world are hard to stomach sometimes, but I find it comforting to remember what God has to say about the future.  Read these over, it will only take a few minutes as most are only 1 verse, maybe 2.  He left us these words so we would not fear or be uninformed of His intentions.  What a loving Father!!

 

Isaiah 55:10-11

Isaiah 45:23

Numbers 14:21 

Isaiah 11:9

Habakkuk 2:14

Matthew 5:5

Psalm 37:9  

Matthew 6:10

Romans 8:18-25

Revelation 5:9-10 

 

Dogs Strike Again!

There are those of you who might recall my recent run in with Poison Oak, that was transferred to me by 2 of my furry friends.  Well, I think the various canines that I know, are conspiring against me!! This time a sweet Australian Shepherd named "Puppers" kindly passed me a TICK!! 
 
I discovered it crawling on my neck about 30 mins after I had petted Puppers.  I can only imagine it making its way from my shirt to my neck thinking "where's the skin?" "I want to drink some blood!" 
 
EEEEEEWWWWWWWW!!  Bleh!!  I am still grossed out just remembering it.  When I felt it on my neck I pinched it off and made a bee-line for the closest bathroom and toilet.  Needless to say, I sent him swimming with absolutely NO remorse.  I was just glad he hadn't burrowed in yet. 
 
Burr... **shivering at the thought**

Quiz Time

Non curo. Si metrum non habet, non est poema.
"I don't care. If it doesn't rhyme, it isn't
a poem."
You are a type A personality. You like bright
things, you don't call in sick to work, and you
have devastating opinions about art.


Which Weird Latin Phrase Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

**note**
This is soo right on!!

Showtime!!

Well, I go on stage in exactly 1 hour.  Our Dress Rehearsal went very well, for the most part.  We did have to modify a stage exit, from exiting to the left to instead exiting to the right.  Originally, we were going to run around the back so that we could re-enter the stage from the opposite side, but this theater had like 4 doors we had to go through, a very long hallway, a bunch of people in the way, and we were completely late and winded when we tried it the first time.  So much for that idea!  Now we just exit the floor directly to the spot that we re-enter at.  Much better!  
 
**Update** The show was GREAT!! We all danced really well and didn't do anything embarrassing, like fall down.  The little girls who were only 3-4 years old were soo cute!! Also, for their age did a reasonably good job of it.

Reader Appreciation Moment

Well, so far two of you have "put your pin" in my guestmap!  As a token of my appreciation, I want all of my (meager numbers of) readers to pay them a visit. 
 
First up, Stephanie!  She has just re-done her look and always has cute stories about her daughter Noelle. 
 
Secondly, James P.  An interesting fellow, who is always trying to see a lesson in the events of his life.  A bit of a light poster, but give him a break, he is in college!
 
Now, everyone! (All five of you!) Go visit each other! 
 
Of course, you don't have to have a blog or website to "put your pin" in my guestmap, BUT if you do, I will be more than happy to send some traffic in your direction, such as it is! 
 
***Directions to the Guestmap***

1. Head right of this post. 
2. Look for the bottom of my Archive listings
3. Under that box, you should see the button for the Guestmap!

Simple! Right?

Personal Tid-Bit

I have a special friend I thought I might loose closeness with due to circumstances that were completely out of my control.  I was really concerned about it and have been kind of waiting anxiously to see what would happen.  The decision that they were faced with making was not a "right or wrong" choice but it would have meant either staying close by or going far away.  I knew that if they went away that our closeness would suffer. 
 
Well, the choice was made to stay close by.  I am so elated, and I know that God provided the circumstances well in advance to help when the time was right.  You can't replace family in Christ, they are just so precious and the work we do together is better than the work we could achieve for God by ourselves. 

And So, My Family Grows..

I have a new cousin!!  Congratulations go out to my cousin David and his wife Shelli as the welcome their third son, Levi Allen Yung.   Mother and baby are doing beautifully.  Once I know the standard details, I'll post an update.

It worked!!

My posts are now brought to you, speeding on the wings of a cable modem.... Ahhhh.... The blur of speed, so comforting.

Ballet Update

The ballet show is this Saturday with two performances. Boy, is it coming up fast. I had a rehearsal on Monday and another one today. Then we will have a Full Dress Rehearsal on Friday. They are going to be setting the lights and everything. We're giving the performances at a local theatre called the Clark Center which is very new. I've never been inside so I'm looking forward to checking it out during dress rehearsal. You can all check it out by following the link. The building looks so beautiful, that I hope people don't think we are professional performers. While the show will be well done, there is no mistaking that we are out and out amateurs!

Our show is called "Love and Fairytales" which I think is a funny name! I think it is really named more for the little kids who are in the show than it is for the adults. As I've said before, our dance is more modern, and not very "love and fairytale-ish". Oh well, it's going to be fun anyway.

YAY!

I am soo excited.

::Drumroll:: We are getting a CABLE MODEM on Thursday!! ::End Drumroll::

So, GOODBYE dial-up!!! Well, hopefully, cuz' the last time when we tried to get DSL, they came out to install and it turned out that our house was, like 2 feet too far away for the service to reach. So we are forced to turn to cable and it has been four years and DSL is still unavailable and cable has only JUST now made it. I feel like I live in a backwater... Wait, I kinda do!

Visitor Drive!!

Hey everybody, I have added a Guestmap to my blog, and I am trying to collect YOUR signature!! So, if you have a minute please roll your mouse over to the Guestmap button on the right, at the bottom of my post listings, and give it a click. Just follow the directions. Easy, right? Thanks in advance for "checking in" to Kara's Consciousness!!!

I'm Baccckkk!!

Hi everyone!! I am back posting after a very long break. We arrived back from Youth Camp on Saturday afternoon, completely exhausted and dirty. This first thing we both did was take a shower. I toyed with the idea of blogging on Sunday, but really wasn't mentally up to it. I had just enough energy to go to the Meeting Service, play the hymns and fellowship for a little bit and then spend the rest of the day in a daze in the armchair. Monday wasn't much better really, but I did get out of the house at 4:00 to go to my dress rehearsal for the ballet performance on Saturday. I was going to blog but after slogging through 32 e-mail messages I just couldn't form a coherent thought. Today I feel much more like myself, after lots of sleep, and the call of my blog could not be resisted. So, thanks to those of you who kept checking in and now I am happy to provide you with something new to read, such as it is.

Happy 4th of July!!

I would like to wish you all a safe and enjoyable 4th with all the good family times I am sure you are enjoying. We're off to Youth Camp this afternoon, leaving straight after our Worship and Memorial Service, and caravaning our way down with Diana, Fred and the teens.

So, my blog will be on vacation as of now, 'til Friday the 9th. We get back Saturday afternoon, and while I'm not making any promises, I think that I will probably want to post when I get home. Until then, feel free to root around in my Archives, and catch up on a little light reading!!

Sunday Meditation

Isaiah 53:4-6 (RSV)

"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was ruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

Christ willingly carries our burdens for us. His love is so great for us. He has learned to be just like his Father, for God is love. We are so self willed and foolish in following our own way, yet they lead us to righteousness. Lovingly they watch and wait as we learn from the consequences of our actions. Yet if we repent from our self-willed ways and turn to them for guidance, they are there to guide and direct us in love.

God has put forth a plan of redemption for each of us to partake in, and Christ has carried it out. Our part is so small in comparison. Thank you Father, for your continued love and mercy toward us, a stubborn and self-willed people. Help us to become more like your beloved son who was able to put his own will aside to do your will. May you help us become suitable in your sight to show your glory forth to all the nations.

Thank you Jesus our Master teacher. You have clearly shown us the way, the truth and the life. Your loving care helps us to find the right path when we stray. Your incredible gift of love humbles us. Come quickly Lord Jesus!

Youth Camp, Beautiful Day and Spiritual Songs

Today is so beautiful. I slept in a bit and practiced the piano pieces for Camp. Also, I had a nice conversation with Diana about Youth Camp (starts tomorrow!). At both our houses there has been a flurry of activity as we prepare to go away for the upcoming week. Her teenagers are all ready to go but getting everything into the car has proved to be a challenge. We have our pickup truck and I know that we're going to have to work to make it all fit because we are bringing all the camping gear. In fact, as soon as I'm done here, I'm going to sort the laundry and get my clothes set aside for packing. Most of the camping gear is ready, just need a tarp.

I'm listening to the most beautiful Spiritual Song right now. It is called "Under Whose Wings We Have Come To Trust" and is one of our Youth Camp Theme songs that we have been learning. The music coordinator sent a practice CD with the songs performed for us. If I can figure out how to link the actual song so you can hear it, I will. When I first heard it, I got all choked up with feeling. It's an amateur performance (which isn't to say that it wasn't well done) but it still really moved me. Here are the lyrics.

Oh God of endless days, please accept our praise
We cry unto Thee
We have been called to Light, from the Gentile Night
By Christ redeemed.
In times of trouble there is refuge and relief
And so with thankful hearts we lift our voice to Thee

**Chorus**

Under whose wings we have come to trust
The God of Israel, a loving God and just
May we find favor in thy sight
Even though we are but dust
Under whose wings we have come to trust

Thy servants of old time, left the world behind
To serve Thee alone
And so we strive to be servants unto Thee
And to thine Only Son.
May we uphold Thy character within thy field
In virtue serve, the truth preserve, rich harvest yield

**Chorus**

We come to Thee to pray for that coming day
When Christ in Zion reigns
When we His bride will be, Israel's joy shall see
Thy rest we shall obtain.
'Till then as friends united by Thy glorious light
We'll serve in hope and love by faith and not by sight

**Chorus to Finish**

It's Friday!!!

Go play!! Challange yourself, or just pleasantly waste some time. I know that I had fun. There are plenty of choices for your gaming amusement. Let me know if you had a good time and Happy Friday. (I know that I'm not working right now, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten that most of you are.)

My Name

I was visiting Stephanie and saw that she posted the story behind her daughters name, after I had expressed an interest in her choice. I know that probably many of us have interesting naming stories so I thought I would tell mine. Here goes.

Back in grade school my mother had a group of little friends. They did a lot together, but one girl in particular became my mom's BEST friend. When I have asked my mom to tell me what she was like, the descriptions were not too terribly specific, but still conveyed some images to my mind. Here are some things I learned.

She was Jewish, very sweet, the nicest girl, caring, funny, fun, smart, and that my mom loved her to pieces. Strangely enough, they lost touch when her family moved away from the area that my mom lived. They were so young that they didn't really know how to stay in touch. Addresses were lost or misplaced and she never has seen her again.

I think there must be even more to the story then this. Reading between the lines, I suspect part of the attraction for my mom was because of the fact that her friend was Jewish. My mom was raised with the belief that the Jews are the People of the Covenant and that God's Promises intricately involve them. Also, that God still loves them and has not cast them off forever. I suspect that when my mom was with her, that the reality of God's Plan for the earth really hit home. So, she was special in that way, and on top of that, a great girl with a great personality who also identified with my mom. No matter what all the reasons were, she has certainly left a lasting impression.

Over 20 years later when I was born and adopted into my family, she still carried the memories of her so strongly, that I was named "KARA" in her honor. I don't believe that the name in and of itself is Jewish, but I feel blessed to have been named after her, a nice, Jewish, girl.

As an afterthought, with today's advances I'm sure we could find her. I do wonder about her and what her life turned out to be like.