Those Rosy Roses

Metal Eagles

One Down, One to Go!

The only reason I'd post this highly unflattering picture, taken last March, is to show the wonders that a year of braces have done (sorry if the new pictures don't show detail as well). Yup, it was a year ago today that I went with great trepidation to the orthodontist office to get those brackets and bands put on. I was sure that I would die of pain and that two years would last FOREVER! Well, I didn't die of pain, and as some predicted, the time has gone by quickly. One more year to go! The doctor says everything is looking great. My bottom teeth are now behind my top teeth where they're supposed to be, and both top and bottom are way straighter than they were. I had two teeth extracted before I got the braces, and those holes have almost disappeared, closed in by other teeth. Who knows, maybe I can get them off early!

A side benefit that you might be able to see in these pictures is that I lost weight! Within a few months, I'd lost 8 pounds. I think I've gained back a few, but I'm not too worried.

I was reflecting this morning on how much we try to attach a timetable to life's events, and then fret when they don't happen at a certain time. For instance, once my teens had past and I'd invested money in my harp, I assumed my chance at braces was gone. We don't have insurance, and besides, who wants braces in their 20s? But at 26, I did get braces, and I've been able to pay for it, even from my meager income. I assumed I'd be married by 24 because my mom and sisters were by then, but that doesn't mean I never will! I've been able to do so many things I wouldn't have been able to do if I'd gotten married then. I didn't pursue a traditional college education at 18 like many do, but was able to get a conservatory diploma and other valuable training and experience. And now, almost 10 years later, I'm on my way to getting a bachelor's degree. Life's funny sometimes, and definitely an adventure! Trust in the Lord, because He can be trusted.

Crazy Dream!

Last night I had this vivid dream that Jill and I were driving down a road near our house at night, when we noticed a large male lion lolloping (I love that word) across a field toward us. But he actually went ahead of us and kept running down the road faster than our 35 mph. Of course we were pretty alarmed and wondering what in the world this African lion was doing in a highly residential area. So I whipped out my cell phone (Jill was driving) and called 911. I got really frustrated, though, when I couldn't get a live person, but a recording with a bunch of number options (dial 3 for such and such, 4 for so and so, etc.). By that time the lion had veered off into a side street as we continued. The last thing I remember was trying to get to the police station.

It was such a real feeling dream that I remember telling other people in my dream the experience. But I did wake up and saw my little miniature lion snoozing next to me. All cats run the same, so maybe seeing him galloping around the house during the day triggered this lion dream!

The Lord my Rock

When my parents and I went to Maui a couple years ago, we visited a number of beaches, which is of course what you're supposed to do in Hawaii. The beaches on that island aren't the greatest, at least compared to Oahu (so I'm told). And being February, it wasn't always very warm. But anyway, at one beach, the waves were rolling gently in, or appeared to be. I love walking along the beach with the water lapping at my ankles, so that's what I did. I think I walked in a little deeper, when, within 2 seconds, I was swept off my feet and completely doused in salt water! The undertow was stronger than anything I've ever felt and I decided to steer clear of the water on that beach.

On our last day there, we visited the beach in Kihei, where our condo was. I was feeling blue or pensive about something or other, and found a good size rock on the beach to sit on and just soak in the beauty of the surroundings. Either the rock was a little out there, or the tide was coming in, but I remember idly noticing the waves lapping around the rock. Higher and higher it came, and before I knew it, land was too far away! I finally jumped in the water, but it kept pulling me out...! Okay, that's not what happened. :-)

As I sat there watching those little waves from the vantage point of my secure rock, an inspiring thought flashed into my mind like a light bulb. Jesus is our Rock. When we are anchored on Him, as I was on that Hawaiian rock, the waves of doubt, sin, discouragement, disappointment, and sorrow may lap at our feet, but they can't move us. Not unless I cast myself off that rock into the surf would I be destroyed. But as long as I stayed on that rock and trusted that rock, and kept my eyes on the calm horizon, those little waves could not disturb me. On that first beach, no undertow could have pulled me under if I had been standing on a solid rock.

I wish I didn't get so disturbed by the waves which appear to overwhelm me sometimes! But I'm encouraged when I remember that rock far away and the Rock that stands firm through all of life's blasts.

A lifetime of technology

When I stop to think how much technology has developed just in my short lifetime, my mind is veritably boggled! I was reflecting today that 20 years ago, the primary methods of communication were snail mail or telephone. Or just good old-fashioned face-to-face. That's it.

I remember when I was little we had a boxy, Dinosaur age computer. I can remember playing pacman on it and some other simple game. In the early 90s, we had a slightly more advanced computer, on which we used the word processor (or equivalent) program. Our printer used the paper with perforated edges you had to tear off. I did some "artwork" on the paint program, did a speed typing program (to which I must credit my typing speed today!), played a geography game, and spent hours playing Gold Rush. Such were the simple days.

I probably became first aware of the term email around 1996. I believe my dad downloaded Juno in '97 or '98. We were all so fascinated and excited by this fast new form of communication. Of course not everyone had it back then. I remember corresponding for some time with Craig via email; his emails back then were about the length of his blog posts now. ;-) I loved it, though. Any mail was gold! Of course, at that time, snail mail was still the fairly normal form of correspondence. I think I still have a box of special letters from various friends and relatives written in my youth. I kind of miss it.

My dad got a cell phone sometime in the 90s, primarily for work. And back then, not everyone had one like they do now. My parents got me one for my 21st birthday in 2000. Only for necessities, of course. Heh heh. That's how it always starts. Part of it was that I was driving all over doing harp gigs and it was an important safety and communication tool, which I still firmly believe. I used that Verizon phone which resembled a brick for about 5 years before I graduated to a sleeker, smaller, Sprint version. (Verizon is way better, btw.)

Well, I could go on. We eventually tapped in to the wonders of the Web. We got a FAX machine. Even my mom got a cell phone. We use email regularly. Two years ago I got hooked on blogs. Last year I figured out text messaging. I'm on Facebook. About the only thing I don't do is instant messaging. Yeah, yeah, I'm still in the Dark Ages, I know. I'm sure some enlightened computer guru will try to bring me up to date on that one now!

The question is, have our lives really improved? I could wax philosophical here, but I'm not thinking extremely clearly right now because I'm very tired and I have a little cold. I'm basically doing nothing today (except use new-fangled technology or old-fashioned reading) because that's all I feel like doing. :-)

What Hath God Wrought?

Wow. We're sort of reeling this evening at how fast God has worked! As I've written before, we've been talking about moving to the new house my dad is building an hour away. We've been talking about this for nearly a year, actually. It's been a question as to whether we should sell the new house and get a goodly profit out of it, or sell our house and move to that one, reselling it in a few years for a retirement investment.

Things came to a head in March. My dad was going back and forth on it, and my mom and I were stressing out with all the uncertainties. We've been happy here, too, so it's not like we've been just champing at the bit to get out of here. Women are such nesters, and when it comes down to moving one's nest, it's like moving the world! Keep that in mind, guys. ;-)

Since the house is near our church, we often visit it after church on Sundays to view the progress. On April 1, we went there after church not just to see it, but this time to pray that God would really give us a word about what we ought to do. We committed it to Him, trusting Him to guide our decisions. I think we felt a sense of peace and even expectancy after that.

By Tuesday, my parents decided to put our house on the market and see what happened. The market hasn't been that great around here, and some houses in our neighborhood have been for sale for months. We figured if it didn't sell in a couple months, we could put the other one on the market and see what happens. In essence, we were knocking on this door to see if God would open it.

I'll boil it down to a CliffNotes version:
Wednesday, April 4 -- Realtor takes pictures
Thursday -- sign goes up, house listed in multiple listing
Saturday -- woman shows up with her realtor to see the house and appears to really like it
Monday -- same woman brings husband to see the house and they talk about it like they're going to move in; they made an offer that night (30 day closing)
Tuesday (today) -- we make counter offer for a little more money, and closing date of June 1; they accept.

This is 9 days after we prayed! We can only say it's God hand in it all. Of course my mom and I suddenly got all sentimental at the thought of leaving our lovely house, but we'll have to get over it. We're having such fun planning the decor of the new house. :-) We're looking forward to moving to a beautiful, woodsy neighborhood, living nearer church, nearer friends, and farther away from nasty city traffic. Not that it's all going to be easy, but we'll adjust. We're just so glad to finally know what we're doing!!

So yeah, this spring is going to be a little crazy. :-) It will be fun, though. At least we're not moving in December, like we have the last 2 times. And at least we're not moving to another state! Meanwhile, my dad will be working really hard to get the house done by June 1, because he originally projected a finish date of June 15.

My Laptop

Cheeky was so desparate for personal attention this evening that he was even happy sitting in my lap while I was practicing! I don't think I've had a cat do this before. Never tried anyway. He loves harp music and can often be found sitting contentedly near me when I'm practicing or teaching. Isn't his adoring expression so cute?

Changes in the Wind?

Maybe. Nope, not getting married yet. But I did spend a busy morning cleaning the house spotless this morning. Wasn't even a Friday, so why should I do a thing like that? Because a realtor came by this afternoon to take pictures. That's right, folks, a realtor. We're going to shake off the dust of this crummy little town and see the world!! Just kidding. I just had a George Bailey moment there. After much deliberation, mind changing, and prayer, we are putting our house on the market. If it sells in the next month or two, we'll move to the house my dad's building, which should be done next month. Putting this on the market is sort of our "fleece," seeing where God wants us.

You may ask, why do you want to move? I'll tell you. I don't know. (Hehe, couldn't resist that Tevye quote!) We love our house here, and it's really been perfect for us in size and shape. We've got a lovely yard, lots of sunshine (when it's out), a little view of Mt. Rainier, and proximity to just about everything. We definitely have mixed feelings about moving, especially with Lori & Chris nearby. BUT the other house is near our church and church family (presently 1 hour away), is in a beautiful neighborhood, and would be a financial investment for future retirement. I'm excited about getting my own little "suite," with a larger room and private bathroom. :-) That's what I have now, except when company is here. However, I'd miss my separate music room I have now, which is ideal for teaching and practicing. Ah, well, it would all work out.

Meanwhile, life will be a little more unsettled as we attempt to keep the house spotless and clutter free, like we don't live here, for any realtor who wants to show it off. Then if it sells, we'll be packing and moving to a whole new county. We shall see, folks, what God has in store for us.