"It's fun to stay at the..."

Did you finish the line of the song in the title of this post?  My apologies if it's stuck in your head, now - it's definitely been stuck in mine...  As of this morning, I'm officially a member of the YMCA!  Wohoo!  I'm excited to take part in the variety of physical activities they offer.  : )


In other news, the Bible study I'm a part of is doing an awesome study called The Tangible Kingdom.  The main focus of the book this study is based on is the concept of meeting people where they're at, rather than expecting them to find their own way to the church body.  We've talked about the fact that while it's a very simple concept, it's hard to put into practice.  To put yourself in uncomfortable situations can be inconvenient, messy, and hurtful.  This is what we're called to do, though - to love others...and to follow God's leading without question.  It is important not only to remember this, but also to remember that we are not alone in our walk - God and the entire body of Christ are working alongside us.  So, step out of your box!  Call that person who's been on your mind, stop and chat with that homeless person, simply be there for that friend in need (though it doesn't really fit into your schedule).  God will show up...especially when we're not expecting Him to...be ready.


I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend and your week is off to a great start!


Hasta luego,
Kensy

Favorites of the day:

fresh asparagus from mom's garden : )

the ease of communication due to today's technology

Thanks, yoga/cat, alleluia!

Good morning!


I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the week!  I feel like it's much more enjoyable now, because the sun is out!  Wohoo!!!


As of 2 minutes ago, my blog pageviews count was 1,998.  So, I'm going to go ahead and thank you for the 2,000 views (that's close to 350 views a month)!  I feel incredibly blessed to have so many people caring to read what I have to share about life.  I hope you have gained something from it and/or have been able to share it with others.  Thanks in advance for the next 2,000!  : )


I have a little Charlie story for you:
I took time this morning to do some yoga (found a video online).  As I was doing the various poses, Charlie was weaving in and out of my legs and arms.  He eventually lost interest and did his own thing, until the end.  I was laying on my back doing the relaxing thing at the end, and he came over meowing in a very concerned way.  He was walking all over me, licking my arms, and nuzzling my face.  I'm assuming he was checking to make sure I was still alive.  : )  Once I opened my eyes and acknowledged him, he laid down to relax, too, using my arm as a pillow.  Now, he's curled up on my lap, asleep.  I can just here the "Aww!"s...haha.  Once again, you're always welcome to come visit him!  I can't guarantee he'll be this sweet when you're here, though.  : )


I'd also like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Easter!  May you all be mindful of the magnitude of the events of these next few days all those years ago.  In case you're memory is failing you, here's what happened in a nutshell: Jesus (the King of Kings) was beaten, died on the cross for our sins, and was raised from the dead three days later before He ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God.  Did you catch that second part? - He died on the cross for US...because He loved us.  That love is what I've chosen to base my life on, and if it's not reason to praise and worship Him everyday, I don't know what is.  Easter is probably my favorite church service of the year ("Christ the Lord is Risen Today" is in my top 5 favorite hymns).  It's such a joyful celebration of new life, love, and the hope we have in our Lord.  I hope you are able to join in this celebration and spend some time with family and friends in honor of the holiday.


Thanks again for reading!


Blessings,
Kensy
  

Favorites of the day:

Trader Joe's (esp. their tzatziki sauce)

the conversation I had with the 3-yr.-old I nanny for yesterday about dinosaurs/sharks/people and mammals/carnivores/humans

my family coming here for the weekend

True confession of a cat owner

Howdy!


(If you're not going to read this entire post, please at least watch the video in my "favorites of the day" section!)


I just have a couple Charlie pictures to share, really quick:

Don't know if you can see the little lady bug (or Asian beetle) to the right of Charlie on the scalloped wood, but Charlie is hunting it.

The hunt continues...this kept him entertained for quite a while!

Now, I'm going to share something that may cause you to judge me.  I always thought this concept was silly and frivolous.  After adopting Charlie and deciding he'd be an inside cat, however, I decided to try it.  I wanted him to be able to be outside, but didn't want to leave him there unattended, because who knows when he'd decide to come back in...and there are stray cats and dogs and coyotes in VERY close proximity to the coop.  


So, my confession: I walk my cat.  Go ahead - take a couple seconds to laugh, etc., and when you've composed yourself, let me explain further.


Charlie absolutely loves it!  Granted, the first time I put his little harness on, he couldn't figure out how to walk, so he sat down and fell straight over like a statue (it was the funniest thing!).  Once we got outside, though, he was more interested in all the new sights, sounds, and smells.  Now, he's all about prowling/walking around (though I still have to drag him if I want to go anywhere), rolling in the dirt, climbing little trees, and he cries when we come back inside.  Here he is modeling his harness:

Front

Side

Underneath

Isn't he a good kitty to pose like that without even being asked?  : )


Furthermore, I have some video footage that supports cat-walking (thanks to my mom for drawing my attention to it!).  It's a pretty hilarious clip, whether it's meant to be or not, so you should probably watch it: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7362302n&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CBSNewsGamecore+(GameCore%3A+CBSnews.com)

I almost feel like "the crazy cat lady" in posting so many pictures of/stories about Charlie, but I also know many of you would be happy if that was the only thing I wrote about.  So, my apologies to those non-cat lovers out there, and "you're welcome" to the rest of you.  : )


One more unrelated story to share: When I was nannying yesterday, the little 1 1/2-year-old girl took my hand and said something that sounded like, "Peace."  I said, "Peace be with you?" and she lit up and excitedly said, "Mmhmm!!"  I shook her hand and said, "And also with you."  : )


Enjoy the day,
Kensy

Favorites of the day:

this drama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSwCOs-uXzU  (They did it at church on Sunday, and I was in tears.  I'd seen it before, but it gets me every time!)

fruit

I clicked my heels three times, and...

Hello, all!

I hope you are having a wonderful day!  It's soooo beautiful here!  Don't worry - I've been out to enjoy it.  Charlie and I just came in from a "walk."  Then, we played fetch.  Now, this is what he's doing:

Also, thought I'd share this picture from last night:

Anyway, I want to tell you about my weekend last weekend:
I went back home to hang out with my parents and brother (and BFF) for a little bit, then went to visit some relatives near Kansas City.  Being at home was great!  Went to my brother's favorite thrift store, played the newly refurbished (don't know if that's the right word...seems like an understatement) player piano (thanks, Dad!), and just hung out.  I also got to meet this little guy:

I'd really like to share more about my time spent with some great relatives near KC!  Here are some of the things we did:

• cooked Thai food (links to recipes similar to the ones we used: shrimp spring rolls, thai salad with cucumber and jicama, and chicken pad thai)  Jicama is on sale at HyVee right now, btw.
• chatted...a lot  : )
• visited various ethic markets and specialty cooking shops (including The Tasteful Olive - who knew sampling various olive oils and balsamic vinegars could be so fun/delicious/intriguing!  I was gifted a sampler pack and am so excited to put them to use!)
• cooked Ethiopian food - a first for me...and it was sooooo yummy!  (links to recipes similar to the ones we used: doro wat and atakilt wat - both served with injera from The Blue Nile Cafe)
• ate at Chick-fil-a (per my request - yummmm)
• took a yoga class (may have inspired me to join a gym...)
• went to The Chocolate Store - yep, it's as perfect as you think...they have samples!

Those are the highlights.  It was also nice to just hang out and spend quality time together!  Also - I borrowed something to maximize my time in the car from another awesome relative: Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University CD series.  Most of what I've listened to so far is just affirming things I already know/do, but it's very enjoyable to listen to!  I've found myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions.  I'd recommend it, even if you don't think you need "financial peace"...or already have it.  :-)


I'll leave it at that.  Thanks for reading!


Until next time,
Kensy

Favorites of the day:

sunshine and warm weather

trees budding and flowers blooming!

Nutella

music

Gotcha!

You’re welcome for not pulling an April Fool’s Day joke on you, dear blog readers.  : )  Instead, I’d like to share with you the best April Fool’s prank I’ve ever participated in.  It went something like this:

Boyfriend procures very-real-looking ring.

Boyfriend proposes to girlfriend in front of a very-close-mutual-friend.  In his proposal, he acknowledges the fact that it’s April Fool’s Day, but makes it clear that he isn’t joking and just couldn’t wait any longer.

Girlfriend (who is in on the prank) reacts appropriately saying, after picking her jaw up off the ground and between skrieks, “Are you SERIOUS?!?!”

Boyfriend assures her he’s for real and pulls out very-real-looking ring.

Girlfriend goes into near-hysterics and is in tears…and says, “Yes!”

They embrace.

Girlfriend shows very-close-mutual-friend, who is standing in shock, the very-real-looking ring.

Girlfriend and boyfriend say in unison, “April Fool’s!!!”

Very-close-mutual-friend displays feelings of anger and defeat…and is also somewhat impressed.

Boyfriend and girlfriend give very-close-mutual-friend permission to use the “engagement” as an April Fool’s Day prank for others (i.e. she told other people the proposal happened and that it was real).

Very-close-mutual-friend promises revenge.

(I played the part of “girlfriend” in this sketch.)

Yesterday, I subbed in a middle school, so I was kind-of on edge all day – prepared for someone to pull something.  They were perfectly innocent, though, so I let my guard down when I left, because I was pretty sure the preschoolers I taught later in the evening wouldn’t try to pull anything.  I was caught off guard, however, when the aforementioned “very-close-mutual-friend” sent me an “I’m engaged!” text.  She got me – hook, line, and sinker.  I figured out what I’d fallen into within a couple minutes, but not before I left an “initial reaction” voicemail that will probably be re-played more than I care to know.  She definitely got her sweet revenge.  : )

That's all for now.  I'm off to play player piano rolls with my dad!  : )

Thanks for reading,

Kensy

P.S.  Have a great April Fool's (or otherwise) prank story to share?  If so, the comment section awaits your contribution! 

Favorites of the day:

Panda Express Orange Chicken

being home with the family and other loved ones!

A few points for contemplation and discussion

Hello again!  I know - you're shocked that this post is in such close proximity to the last.  There are some things I'd really like to share, though!  The following topics have been on my heart, lately, and God has addressed them in very clear ways.  I'm in awe of the timing and clarity of these answers, and thought I'd share with you all!


Fasting: This is something I'd seen/heard about others doing through various groups in college.  It was never something I felt called to do, though.  Plus, my-mother-in-me had me convinced that it was not a nutritiously smart thing to do.  Recently, however, I've been looking for things to challenge and grow me spiritually.  A family member mentioned that he'd participated in a 5-day fast and how much it had strengthened his faith and changed his perspective on life (and food) in many ways.  So, I started considering it, and mentioned it to a friend.  As it turns out, she had been planning on fasting sometime in the near future, but wasn't sure when or how long, or if she'd even have the strength to do it on her own.  Me bringing it up was a clear push for her to go ahead and do it, and I believe the fact that she'd been planning on it was my call to participate, as well.


Tithing: Because I'm not actually a member of the church(es) I've been attending in the recent past, I've been wondering where my monetary offering should go.  I was recently reminded, however, that the money is God's money and He will use it for the good of His kingdom no matter where I give it.  Then, in church this morning, it was announced that the next few weeks will be a campaign to get the church out of debt.  Normally, people (including myself) groan at stewardship messages.  The fact that this had been on my heart, however, really drove it home that God can and will use my money no matter where it goes, AND He gave me a clear picture of where it is needed right now (in my little part of the world, at least).


Contentment: Lately, I've been hearing from various sources that it's dangerous to be content in life.  According to these sources, if you're content, there's nothing in your life that can only be handled by God - if you're content, you're not really relying on God to take care of the "unknowns" in your life.  This is some of what the Bible says about contentment, though:   

• Philippians 4:11-12 - "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
• 1 Timothy 6:6 - "Now godliness with contentment is great gain."
• Hebrews 13:5 - "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

So, I think being content is perfectly acceptable and to be admired, HOWEVER we shouldn't become complacent.  Here's some of what the Bible has to say about complacency:

• Zephaniah 1:12 - "I will search with lanterns in Jerusalem's darkest corners to punish those who sit complacent in their sins. They think the LORD will do nothing to them, either good or bad."
• Revelation 3:16-17 - "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." 

I think it's very easy to confuse these two words, and we should be careful not to do so.  Being content with life (what we have, where we are, who we know, etc.) is very different than becoming complacent in our faith (i.e. thinking we don't need to show God's love to EVERYone around us, not living like Christ outside of going to church on Sundays, living by our own power rather than by faith in God's, etc.).  May we all be content with the life God has granted us and be able to fight the complacency that can so easily accompany the blessing of this contentment.

I hope this didn't get too deep for you all.  : )  I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of it!

In Him,

Kensy

P.S.  Charlie's appointment/shots went very well yesterday!  He weighs 10 lbs. (5 more than when I got him), and it a healthy kitty!

Favorites of the day:

not having to go somewhere else (or having to pay) to do my laundry

crossing things off my to-do list(s)

You may find this very surprising...

I’m going to make you wait for the surprising news till after I tell you about something else:

I just returned from a lovely trip with my alma mater’s band on their tour to Denver.  As you may already know, I was invited along to play French horn (and serve as the videographer), and I took the challenge.  Though this tour was different than any other I’d been on (different people, different director, different places, etc.), it was still very enjoyable and nice to get away for a bit.  Here are some of the highlights:

Pen/pencil wall at Pioneer Village

Ole's Big Game Steakhouse

We also had dinner at Casa Bonita.  Our table was under a gazebo right next to the cliff/waterfall.  The diver came over to chat on more than one occasion.  : )

Room all to myself!

We performed four concerts at various high schools, spent lots of quality time on the bus, and frequented the hotel pool and hot tub.

Scott's Bluff

Chimney Rock

Lake McConaughy

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for:

The unusual/surprising event in which I participated last night was…

…speed dating.

Now that you’ve startled those around you with a gasp of shock at this news, let’s discuss it a bit.

While to some this may seem to be a way to meet people out of desperation, I can honestly say that I just wanted to take part in this event to 1. see what it was like and 2. say I’ve done it, and I feel like this is the most opportune time in my life to do so.  Meeting a “potential” was considered a bonus, in my book. : )

As it turns out, there was a pretty poor turnout for this particular speed date.  Not many people signed up in the first place, but also, a couple of the guys didn't show up.  SO, we were left with 5 (I was expecting 15+ based on previous events).  For those of you who aren't familiar with speed dating, the process goes as follows:

1. Sign in and receive check-list and name tag (with your first name and a number).

2. Find table with corresponding number.

3. Sit at the table and wait for men to arrive.

4. When man sits down, write his name and number (found on the name tag) on your checklist.

5. Chat for four minutes, or until the whistle is blown.

6. Wait for next man to sit down and repeat steps #4-#5 until you have spoken with all the men there.

7. Go through your checklist and circle “yes” or “no” next to each man’s name/number.  “Yes” means you’d like to correspond with him again.  “No” means you would rather not.

It was an interesting experience and I’m glad I can say I've done it, but I probably won’t participate again (unless someone else wants to try and needs a wingman).  Needless to say, I’m glad we were refunded half of the fee – due to the lack of gentlemen.  : )

So, there you have it.  I’d love to hear from anyone else who has tried this form of dating or anyone who has an opinion on it at all!

Hope those of you who’ve had a break this week have enjoyed it!  Too bad it wasn’t very spring-y…not here, at least:

Stay warm,

Kensy

P.S.  Charlie has his first appointment at the vet tomorrow - gotta get some shots.  By the way, I feel like he hit some a growth spurt while I was gone.  No little kitten face here, anymore!  Anyway, send happy thoughts his way in the morning.  : )

Favorites of the day:

shopping with my mom (and using a new coupon on a purchase I made a couple weeks ago!)

goodies from Grandma

the latest episode of “The Office”