Storytime: I just want a pickle

It's been a while again... let's gather around for a Storytime Monday.

One day Stubborn Sally walked into the kitchen. Wouldn't you know it she all of a sudden wanted some pickles, so she went to the fridge, grabbed the jar and got excited for the delicious pickles she was going to eat. Once the lid was off of course.

The lid. What a cruel yet necessary invention. Stubborn Sally tried and tried to lefty loosy the lid but couldn't succeed.

"Do you want some help?" asked Helpful Hank as he had been watching her struggle the last few minutes.

"No, I work out, I can do it myself," replied Stubborn Sally.

So she tried again, this time using the many methods she had seen over the years, cloth over lid, smacking the lid with a fork, really quickly trying to turn lid, crying, pleading with lid, and still no pickles were freed.

"Are you sure you don't want me to help?" asked Helpful Hank, by this point feeling quite sorry for her.

"Leave me alone Hank, I can get a stupid pickle on my own," replied Stubborn Sally. (She doesn't work well under stress)

All of a sudden, the solution came to Stubborn Sally! I am so smart, she thought to herself, all I must do to solve this problem is bang the jar on the side of the counter and the lid will come loose. It just seemed so simple. So Stubborn Sally commenced tapping the jar on the side of the kitchen counter. When tapping did no harm she moved on to a heavier hitting, then she began to just throw all her weight into smacking the jar on the counter. Surely, it comes as no surprise to you that the jar completely shattered. Stubborn Sally in the process received some horrible gashes in her hands and fingers and all the pickles ended up on the floor. Now crying, holding up wounded hands, and with an "I give up" look on her face Stubborn Sally turned to Helpful Hank.

"Now will you let me help you?" Helpful Hank asked. To which Stubborn Sally nodded her head and allowed Helpful Hank to bring her to get some much needed stitches for her wounds.

Storytime Statement: God knows the solution before the problem and how to get to it. It seems to be easier to humble ourselves and accept the help provided by Him as opposed to our own solution, which is typically ridiculous in hindsight and always seems to gradually cause us more and more pain.

Update: Dentist Freakout, Kind of

Haaaaaaaaaaappy Monday!!

If you recall, I wrote this a few months ago on my thoughts about dentists: Dentists & Attitudes
Basic Overview: I freak out when going to the dentist and I strongly dislike going there but have a goal to readjust my attitude so that my teeth don't all fall out.

Now fast forward to a few weeks ago and I was on vacation. On my great vacation I ate pineapple and as everyone knows pineapple is ALWAYS more delicious when relaxing near an ocean so I ate quite a bit, and it was during this pineapple eating that I realized my back tooth really hurt. Naturally, as a dramatic Sherylynn, I panicked that my tooth was rotting out of my head, waited until I got back to my room then made awkward faces in the mirror to try and self evaluate my tooth. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a good angle so I had to use my camera to attempt to take pictures of the inside of my mouth. Then I proceeded to zoom in on every single blurry picture to try and evaluate how long my tooth had to live. Sure signs of desperation.

I tried to remain calm. I promise I really did. But after my complete self-dental exam, based on zero dental education background, I concluded that I had at least 8 cavities. Then spent the rest of the vacation trying to not panic on my rotting teeth and re-examining each photo when I got the chance, just in case I missed a cavity... all while my poor husband told me that there was nothing I could do while on vacation so I should stop looking at the pictures. Like a psycho. (I added that last part, Andrew wouldn't say that).

Totally different subject! About halfway into my vacation I realized that I had no idea what I had done with an important cheque that I was supposed to have sent away before I left. Had I really put it in the mail? Was it still in my car? Did I leave it at work? Will I miss the due date!?!

Both these concerns (dentist and cheque) I attempted to put out of my mind because logically I knew that there was absolutely nothing I could do while on vacation, other than make a reminder to make a dentist appointment when I got back home and to look for the cheque. And so this is what I did my best to do, with the verse "Do not be anxious about anything" constantly rolling around in my brain.

Upon returning to Chilli chilli chill wack, I called the dentist... and to ensure that I followed through on my attitude adjustment, I immediately told the lady on the phone that I was having a better attitude about the dentist, which she actually seemed quite proud of me so that was nice. Turns out there was space for an appointment in either two days or two months! Knowing that I would cancel come April, I accepted the two day away appointment spot, then hungup the phone and realized that I was actually sweaty and shaky from just phoning the dentist. Cute, right?

But I used all my courage and I showed up for my appointment. Upon just seeing the building I immediately felt a sense of "dun dun duuuun, Dental pain." BUT THEN, I remembered I was to have a better attitude. So, I walked through the office door, sat in the waiting room trying to steady by psycho breathing and doing my best not to cry (wish I was joking) as today was going to be different, then came my turn for the chair. The girl was proud I had returned and was super sensitive on my dainty teeth. There were some buzz's and whirr's and wouldn't you know it, I was done already.

This is where I'm really going to shock you though... my self dental exam was completely wrong.
I know, how is that possible!! Turns out I only have one tiny cavity that they aren't even worried about but will keep an eye on. You win this time paranoia.

So my heart began to lighten that I would not have to return for 8 fillings! But that's not all!! Remember that cheque? Well I was looking everywhere for it as soon as I got back but couldn't find it anywhere. I kept feeling like I should delay cancelling the cheque and getting a new one sent out, and wouldn't you know it, as soon as I left the dentist office, and I'm not joking, I walked out of the office and I got a text saying the cheque had just been deposited, the day before it was due. RELIEF!

My heart felt so relieved from trying not to stress about these events. Oh God is good. It was at that moment that I kind of chuckled to myself that I ever worry about these little things, God's got this. And God's got you friends. Don't be afraid to throw your anxiety's and concerns on Him this week.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Philippians 4:6

February 14: Stop the S.A.D. Talk

Valentines Day. Yes, I'm going there.

Let's look at what I know about this day first:

It is coming up this week.
By the 15th, it will be over.
The day will not kill you.

Agreed? Excellent, let's go a bit further.

This is more about what I know on Valentines: It's about love.
Why does it have to get more complicated than that or be about single people? Consider it a day to show some love to friends, parents, siblings, even strangers if you feel so inclined. Random acts of kindness on Valentines is an incredible way to remind yourself that everyone loves to feel special, and you will feel special just by being a part of that.

I've never had a huge issue with Valentines Day. Whether I was single, dating, and now married it doesn't have this huge arrow in my calendar every year that says "the day someone must show me their passionate and undying love for me... or life. will. suck." All around me things were always happening every year of course; candy grams would arrive for fellow students during middle school/high school, flowers would arrive for coworkers at my office, and, as always, single people would whine that they hated being single. Oh that was mean, I meant 'not show enthusiasm' for being single. Glad, I clarified that. (Don't get too mad, or you'll miss the good stuff coming up.) As I look back on the last 10 years I actually don't remember any male (Andrew excluded) doing anything life changing, or even that nice really, on Valentines. Nothing really comes to mind, but get this: it also may be because I don't recall building up unrealistic expectations for the day that would get devastingly crushed if nothing at all even remotely close to those expectations occurred. Nor did I take is as a personal offense if my coupled friends were going out on a date that night and use it to magnify and compare to my life, why should I be offended by their blessing? (Has the Lord not also poured many blessings into my life?)

Now what I DO remember is always having fun on Valentines Day. Know why? Because I expected to have great fun. I would hang out with people, wear pink, red and white, make cards for friends, do special things for others. This was not to distract myself "until I had a boyfriend/husband" but because I love my friends and family and love showing my appreciation for them on this day each year.

If by this point you are offended and upset with me because "I'm married now so have nothing to complain about" so I shouldn't be saying any of this, well then... I do apologize. It was not my intent to get anyone all upset and angry with me because I am not in their shoes so don't understand them. And fair enough, I am not. But I do know however what it is to be single with no prospects on Valentines Day, to be single with prospects, to be a secret and ignored, secret and ignored, secret and ignored, secret and ignored, secret and ignored, secret and ignored, man-hating and bitter, dating a man worth my time, and married to a man that loves me. So basically throughout my life, life has happened, and at no point did I dread February 14 or see it as a Singles Awareness Day. I don't mean to enforce my own outlook on others but pray that you can see Valentines Day beyond a "Singles Awareness Day". When calling it this I think you are actually robbing yourself of joy on this very day because instead of having 'love, friendship, celebrate, appreciate" rolling through your head you have "Singles awareness, I am alone... so alone... why me", see how dangerous that mindset is? Single does not mean you are not loved or that you are alone. It means you should celebrate the love that is in your life!

I encourage you this Valentines Day to just celebrate the fact that you are totally awesome, don't even doubt it for a second. I encourage you to keep your mind in a beautiful place of celebrating love and how great it is to have people in your life that love you for your fantastic self.

It's going to be an awesome day this Feburary 14th, don't miss out!

Betty & Veronica are Mistaken

Happy Day Friends!

So as promised last week, today we discuss Betty and Veronica... and how confused they are on proper relationships.
I have to just tell you first though that I'm excited for the next few weeks!! I feel like God has been kind of swirling things around in my heart the last week and so many new realizations have come to the surface that I can't wait to share with you all.

But again, today we discuss Betty and Veronica, here's how this came about... I was in the grocery store the other day, as those who like food usually frequent, and as I was standing in the line I naturally looked over all the magazines with celebrities and half exposed women telling me how to be better. I know there have been discussions on hiding these magazines so that young girls don't look at them and feel bad about their self image. Now, while I'm pondering this and checking out what is on display that ISN'T a magazine of some famous person, I see.... the Archie comic. So then I surprised myself a bit and felt angry. Not even kidding. Well, ok not outwardly but inside me something just clicked where I thought... this seemingly innocent comic is so incredibly wrong. Not only is it wrong on high school, relationships, and how many burgers a real person can eat in one sitting, it is wrong in that it has been around for so many years having an influence on teenage girls.

Here's my issue: Growing up I recall reading whichever Archie comics I came across. Naturally I joined the debate on who was more fitting for Archie; Betty the kind, poor, blonde, or Veronica, the snobby, rich, brunette. I have always been Team Betty, I just always thought she was super nice. Therefore, I was always glad for Betty when Archie would make a date with her. Then I would be sad for Betty when he for some reason had to ditch her. Then I would be glad for Betty when she would get another date with Archie... until Veronica wormed her way into the plans and Archie would take off with Veronica...this carries on for forever.. or for as long as I was reading them.

Betty, my dear, comic friend.... why do you do this to yourself!?

She is willingly chasing after a guy that has made no sign of commitment to her, hoping that things will change.

Don't get too caught up on the fact that this is a comic because I know that these situations are happening more and more often in real life. The comics are teaching young women that it's ok to continually fall for a guy that doesn't know how to treat women... at all. Firstly, Archie does not know how to choose between two girls!! and secondly, he checks out every single girl that goes by him!! The fact that Archie comes off as such a 'good' guy is what really worries me, because it shows that women let their guard down. They don't depict Archie as a drug dealing, tattoo covered, manipulating punk that you would 'expect' to mistreat women. The guy that both of these women chase after is a pale, red headed, goof ball that tries to stay out of trouble.

I feel like I have seen Archie comics happen to me in real life and I know I'm not the only one. And to be quite honest, I just think it's time for that to stop. If the guy you want to date can't keep his mind and eyes off other girls, whilst also admitting to dating another girl at the same time as you.... walk away. No, just start running actually. Don't even feel bad about it. You deserve to never have to second guess where your guy is, who he is with and whether you are 'out of sight, out of mind' with him. You deserve to be loved and cherished and never to be the backup plan in case the original date cancels. You deserve real love, not dating guessing games.

Friends, with Valentines coming up, think about this:
Archie typically brings flowers and chocolates for the girl when he goes out on a date with them.
Archie, unfortunately, does this for both Betty and Veronica, as well as the other girls he tries to impress.
Just because a guy brings you flowers doesn't mean he's the guy you should be chasing.

Praying for freedom, for all that are searching, this week.

Fashion, my secret Passion

HEEEEEEEEEY!!

Sooo I didn't post last Monday because I was gone on a fantastic vacation with my family... however I did have this post ready but unfortunately did not feel like giving up lots of my money to pay for internet while cruising the Ocean but FORTUNATELY I will give you that post now while I write up something life changing for next week! Ha ha.. run on.

Now, I bet a lot of you were unaware that I was briefly an editor assistant for the fashion magazine Haute Couture last year. Must have slipped my mind. Here is the link to one of my appearances for the magazine:

Haute Couture

Obviously I am no longer with Haute Couture but it was a great experience, in the end I learned that it's more important to love yourself the way God made you... otherwise you get burned by hair straighteners.

Next Week: We discuss why Betty and Veronica are terribly mistaken when it comes to relationships.

Being Super Awesome

Today we talk about being Super Awesome.

The other day I got the opportunity to hangout with a friend, let's call him Jack, and he is truly awesome. He also happens to be very ADHD as well as autistic, and I believe this is what helps make him so awesome. The best part is that Jack doesn't fully comprehend how super awesome is he but yet carries himself as if he does.

Jack knows that he's a funny, fast talking guy that switches topics quickly and likes to make jokes. He also believes that everyone should want to hangout with him, at all times. Let me explain that one a bit more:

He doesn't second guess if people want to hangout with him, he just assumes they do.

He doesn't ask if he can go with you somewhere, he tells you he is joining you.

He will sit and ask many questions, unconcerned of overstaying his welcome.

He doesn't wait for you to give him an opportunity, he creates it and joins in.

None of these things are meant to put Jack in a bad light, completely the opposite actually.

Do you know how incredible and unique this is?

Can you imagine if all human beings knew that they were Super Awesome??

A huge shadow of self doubt has overcome so many people these days that too many are doubting their level of awesomeness. Countless times I have heard people say the following as they sit on the outskirts of life:

I knew about it, I just wasn't personally invited, so didn't go.

I didn't think they liked me so I didn't go/show up.

I was too afraid to talk to them.

I missed my opportunity.

Now I'm not saying you should show up everywhere you aren't invited and people will love it, but rather pointing out that in many aspects of life people forget that they are Super Awesome and unique and therefore entertain the doubts in their mind that people would not want to hang out with them, talk to them, give them a job/date/promotion/meeting, love them. I too am guilty of forgetting that I'm Super Awesome sometimes; it's more natural to doubt yourself than to have a strong confidence in yourself. Not an overconfidence in your skills or personality but a strong confidence, meaning that you know what God has gifted and blessed you with and your willing to use it to further his kingdom.

I encourage you today to not wait for an invitation to grab the opportunities in life that are waiting to be grabbed! Remember, you're Super Awesome and there are so many opportunities waiting for you to throw aside doubt and what ifs and to grab hold of them.

I leave you with this great picture that we should all print off and tape to our steering wheels, handle bars, skateboard, horse, shoes... whatever our mode of transportation. This way we can remind ourselves that we are Super Awesome and therefore people want to get to know us, they want to hangout with us, and opportunities are everywhere around us!! 

Be Super Awesome.

Success in a Fail: Bookworm 2012

Friends, Monday greetings out to you.

Let's jump right in and put you out of such great suspense...For an entire year, the year of 2012 to be more specific, I was working towards a book reading goal. It was a very ambitious goal.

That goal was to read 78 books in 2012.

Why 78 books? Let me show you...

January (month 1): 1 book
February (month 2): 2 books
March (month 3): 3 books
Getting the pattern? and this went all the way down until:
December (month 12): 12 books!

And when you add all those books together you get a grand total of 78 books. Now, perhaps you are thinking "well that's not that many books" or perhaps you are thinking "what!! No human can achieve that!", but hopefully your thoughts have moved on to the next question "Did you actually achieve your goal?"

And the answer is.... No. I totally didn't make my goal but I loved every minute of it! My end total was 54 books read for 2012. So I was short by about 25 books. Can you imagine how many books I might have read if I had made my goal to read 100 books!!
You see, even though I didn't hit my goal, I started the year knowing that I had the potential to do it. But whether I hit my exact goal or not, I read 53 books last year, and that's a great accomplishment in itself. I can sit around and boohoo that I technically failed since I didn't hit 78 books, but that's crazy. I'm a whole lot closer to reading 78 books than if I had never tried to challenge myself in the first place out of fear or laziness that I might not accomplish my goal. Unfortunately, I do not have this life changing quote by Mark Gorman for you at this moment but it goes something along the lines of this:

If you work towards a goal and fail you were a whole lot closer to accomplishing that goal than those who almost, sort of, maybe, were close to, came within the vicinity of possibly, maybe one day, might have, maybe, some day, setting a goal.

Friends, be wild and set goals for yourself on a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly basis, throwing aside procrastination and or fear of failing that goal. Failing at a goal will always bring you a small success closer to that big success. I didn't read 78 books, but I did read 54 and that's an awesome success. This is what 54 books looks like...

That's a lot of books. I even impressed myself when I stacked those all up.
Lastly, for all you curious minds... here is the complete list of all books read in 2012:

1 - The Secret Life of Bees
2 - Book of Negroes
3 - Nazi Officer's Wife
4 - Heaven is for Real
5 - Epic
6 - Left Neglected
7 - Hunger Games
8 - Catching Fire
9 - Mocking Jay
10 - The Last Lecture
11 - Redeeming Love
12 - For One More Day
13 - Crazy Love
14 - Power of a Praying Woman
15 - The Compound Effect
16 - She said Yes
17 - God's Plan for Prosperity
18 - The First Day of the Rest of my Life
19 - The Guinea Pig Diaries
20 - Comic Bible
21 - Miracle for Jen
22 - Beyond the Blue
23 - Skill with People
24 - The Book of Holiday Awesome
25 - The Tears of My Soul
26 - Tramp for the Lord
27 - Don't Follow Me, I'm the Leader
28 - Nehemiah: A Heart that Breaks
29 - Momma Married a Man
30 - The Cross and a Switchblade
31 - Leadership Pill
32 - A Complicated Kindness
33 - Jacob I have Loved
34 - Sheet Music
35 - Common Sense not Needed
36 - Defeated Enemy
37 - Amazing Love
38 - The Memory Keeper's Daughter
39 - The Hiding Place
40 - Shadows of Promise
41 - Trapped in Hitler's Hell
42 - Autobiography of a One Year Old
43 - Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
44 - As Nature Made Him
45 - Bullets on the Water
46 - The Screwtape Letters
47 - The Long Walk
48 - The Wizard of Oz
49 - Anne of Green Gables
50 - Beatrice & Virgil
51 - The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven
52 - Animal Farm
53 - Ms. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
54 - Hannah's Hope

I have also set a new goal for myself in 2013, so if you have any book suggestions feel free to send them my way, many thanks! :)