Thursday, January 31, 2008
And another thing...
The world is only getting more evil, my friends. Here is the latest example. At the end of the article is a petition. Sign it if you feel so inclined.
Stonecutters made them from stones.
With my newfound boredom, I've decided to finally start an internal cleansing system. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time, but I never found a program I really thought I could do. Finally I found the Master Cleanse.
Today is day one. Last night I drank a nice herbal laxative tea before hitting the sack, and first thing this morning I drank a full quart (32 oz) of water with sea salt. This concoction acts as a colonic. I never want to drink that much salt water in one sitting again. I feel so sick. Apparently, the sickness I am feeling is because I'm releasing toxins in my body. In a little bit, I start drinking 6 to 12 ten-ounce glasses of a lemon/maple syrup mixture. I will spare the you the unpleasant details of what's been happening in my bowels this morning. Ask me how I am in three days. I figure if I can make it until Sunday, I will be clean enough.
I was a lazy bum today and slept until 10:30. I didn't even wake up before that. I just kept sleeping and sleeping. Unfortunately, I also missed two substitute teaching jobs. Starting tomorrow, I awake at 6:30 am. Time to get in gear.
Today is day one. Last night I drank a nice herbal laxative tea before hitting the sack, and first thing this morning I drank a full quart (32 oz) of water with sea salt. This concoction acts as a colonic. I never want to drink that much salt water in one sitting again. I feel so sick. Apparently, the sickness I am feeling is because I'm releasing toxins in my body. In a little bit, I start drinking 6 to 12 ten-ounce glasses of a lemon/maple syrup mixture. I will spare the you the unpleasant details of what's been happening in my bowels this morning. Ask me how I am in three days. I figure if I can make it until Sunday, I will be clean enough.
I was a lazy bum today and slept until 10:30. I didn't even wake up before that. I just kept sleeping and sleeping. Unfortunately, I also missed two substitute teaching jobs. Starting tomorrow, I awake at 6:30 am. Time to get in gear.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Requires the grace, requires the skill.
Today is my fifth day since my ABC hiatus started. There are few feelings that compare to the feelings of worthlessness and laziness I get when I have no purpose in life. I don't get up until 10 most days, something I didn't even do in high school when you were supposed to be lazy. Why would I get up any earlier? It's not like I have anywhere to be.
The one task on my list for today is to visit my doctor who screwed up on my medical exam form for my mission papers. After that I'll probably get a soft-serve somewhere. Other than that I am completely, insanely free. I'll end up cleaning the house a few times while listening to Billy Joel, the ultimate woe-is-me music. Tomorrow I have orientation for substitute teaching, which pays $50 a day. Maybe I'll stop by Costco. I hear they pay $12 an hour.
Every day I hear of another friend who's gotten engaged. Well, maybe every three days. I am very happy for all these friends. It just baffles me because at 22 years old, I am just not ready, so I can't relate to other 22-year-olds being ready. Does that make sense? I think the only exception for me was Brady and Capree, because they were more like 26 to me. Anyway.
My new favorite quote came to me in a letter from my dear friend Sister Stevens, who just arrived at her first area as a greenie in the Lubbock, Texas mission.
President Hinckley said, "Many young women are serving missions. Many are preparing to serve, not because they aren't married or have nothing else to do, but because they have a desire to serve, and therefore are called to the work. The reason so many are going is because in the next generation, Heavenly Father will be sending his priesthood army to the earth. He wants to send them to mothers who have been properly trained and taught in the Gospel."
And that, friends, is the number one reason I am serving a mission, and the number one reason why you should consider one if you desire to.
Sorry all I blog about now is serving a mission, but it owns the majority of my thoughts.
Also, my papers will be officially submitted today!!!
The one task on my list for today is to visit my doctor who screwed up on my medical exam form for my mission papers. After that I'll probably get a soft-serve somewhere. Other than that I am completely, insanely free. I'll end up cleaning the house a few times while listening to Billy Joel, the ultimate woe-is-me music. Tomorrow I have orientation for substitute teaching, which pays $50 a day. Maybe I'll stop by Costco. I hear they pay $12 an hour.
Every day I hear of another friend who's gotten engaged. Well, maybe every three days. I am very happy for all these friends. It just baffles me because at 22 years old, I am just not ready, so I can't relate to other 22-year-olds being ready. Does that make sense? I think the only exception for me was Brady and Capree, because they were more like 26 to me. Anyway.
My new favorite quote came to me in a letter from my dear friend Sister Stevens, who just arrived at her first area as a greenie in the Lubbock, Texas mission.
President Hinckley said, "Many young women are serving missions. Many are preparing to serve, not because they aren't married or have nothing else to do, but because they have a desire to serve, and therefore are called to the work. The reason so many are going is because in the next generation, Heavenly Father will be sending his priesthood army to the earth. He wants to send them to mothers who have been properly trained and taught in the Gospel."
And that, friends, is the number one reason I am serving a mission, and the number one reason why you should consider one if you desire to.
Sorry all I blog about now is serving a mission, but it owns the majority of my thoughts.
Also, my papers will be officially submitted today!!!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Everything is in its right place.
My mission go in this week! Yay! But they issue calls on Thursdays, so I probably won't be issued a call until next week, and then there's the whole waiting-for-the-mail-to-come thing. Anyway. It will be soon.
I have been mostly elated with the response I've received. Most of my friends and loved ones understand what a great thing this is, and that it will forever better my life and the lives of those I teach. Two people said particularly hurtful things which didn't make things easier, but this path is the right one. I'm going, and I couldn't be happier or more at peace with this choice. I will forever treasure this time, and my future family will only be made better for it.
Last night I found out I'm more or less out of a job. I've mentioned the hiring freeze before, which means I can't officially be hired, so I'm freelancing. That actually worked out for the best. However, last night, because the company that owns ABC-4 is such a butt, they laid it out on my boss that they can't even have contract laborers (meaning me, a freelancer). So, I should find out this week if I have a job. Otherwise, I am officially unemployed. What will I do with all this free time? I have no clue. Read a lot of books I guess. Write a lot of blogs I guess. Be a whole lot of bored I guess.
I have been writing a lot of short stories in my head lately, but I never write them down. I think that's what I have all these journals scattered around my room for!
Love Lisa
I have been mostly elated with the response I've received. Most of my friends and loved ones understand what a great thing this is, and that it will forever better my life and the lives of those I teach. Two people said particularly hurtful things which didn't make things easier, but this path is the right one. I'm going, and I couldn't be happier or more at peace with this choice. I will forever treasure this time, and my future family will only be made better for it.
Last night I found out I'm more or less out of a job. I've mentioned the hiring freeze before, which means I can't officially be hired, so I'm freelancing. That actually worked out for the best. However, last night, because the company that owns ABC-4 is such a butt, they laid it out on my boss that they can't even have contract laborers (meaning me, a freelancer). So, I should find out this week if I have a job. Otherwise, I am officially unemployed. What will I do with all this free time? I have no clue. Read a lot of books I guess. Write a lot of blogs I guess. Be a whole lot of bored I guess.
I have been writing a lot of short stories in my head lately, but I never write them down. I think that's what I have all these journals scattered around my room for!
Love Lisa
Monday, January 21, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
No we won't.
BBC's top story right now is about the bloodlust presently occurring in Kenya. Police have issued a "shoot-to-kill" death warrant against the people protesting elections they believe were rigged. Will the U.S. step in? No. Should we? If Kenya asks for help. Will we? No. If you've seen "Hotel Rwanda," you know we won't.
That's all I have for the moment.
That's all I have for the moment.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Somebody help me, yeah!
I have many habits I'm proud of and many I'm not.
The one I'm most disgusted with today is the most recent addition to my habit rolodex: the 44-oz. Diet Coke with root beer or Sprite (already a long-standing regular) coupled with The Hole.
The Hole bills itself as the biggest donut in Utah. Really, it's no bigger than a donut from any grocer, but it is tastier. I find myself succumbing to the Hole for its moist, delicately deep-fried, cake innards, its drizzled white frosting, and--best of all--the rainbow sprinkles. Since I was a kid, I could never say no to white frosting and rainbow sprinkles. It is both the combination of supreme elation and long-suffering death. While I love this donut, I completely LOATHE it. It is rapidly securing a prominent spot in my lunch hour (and on my waistline).
Someone please, deliver me!!
The one I'm most disgusted with today is the most recent addition to my habit rolodex: the 44-oz. Diet Coke with root beer or Sprite (already a long-standing regular) coupled with The Hole.
The Hole bills itself as the biggest donut in Utah. Really, it's no bigger than a donut from any grocer, but it is tastier. I find myself succumbing to the Hole for its moist, delicately deep-fried, cake innards, its drizzled white frosting, and--best of all--the rainbow sprinkles. Since I was a kid, I could never say no to white frosting and rainbow sprinkles. It is both the combination of supreme elation and long-suffering death. While I love this donut, I completely LOATHE it. It is rapidly securing a prominent spot in my lunch hour (and on my waistline).
Someone please, deliver me!!
I am surrounded by [insert noun here].
Has anyone noticed how much The Price is Right sucks now? I really like Drew Carey, but he doesn't even hold a tea light to Bob Barker's sunshine. They don't even play the same schmaltzy music anymore! What a bummer.
You're still all in the dark, but I figure I can make an official announcement: I decided I'm serving a mission. This decision came after weeks and weeks of uneasiness, of stress, of worry, of discontentment over my choice to start working at ABC. I started my job and these feelings only got worse. It was awful. Some of you experienced the awfulness with me (thank you, by the way). So I started thinking, "I need to find a new job." But that didn't sit right either. I knew it was time to seriously consider serving a mission. The more I thought about it, the happier I became, the calmer my emotions, the more peaceful my heart. By the time I'd talked to my bishop about it, I was completely confident and sure that this was the right choice. I returned to my natural, happy, confident self, and those feelings haven't left.
It has, however, provided some misgivings. The first question people ask is, "Wait, did you break up with Alex?" Is this the only reason why I'd serve a mission, i.e. because I have nothing to stay home for? No! In fact, quite the opposite! I have an excellent job (even if it is painfully easy and excessively boring). I'm dating the best man I've ever met in my entire life. I have more friends than I can count, people who I love and cherish. I play in a band with my best, best friends. The most excellent women I know, in large part, all served missions, and often at great sacrifice. There is nothing mediocre about serving a mission for sisters. Nothing easy because nothing is required. But this choice is something that will benefit me, my husband and my children for the rest of eternity. To reduce serving the Lord to something second-rate, to a last resort option, is to ignore the sacrifice, hardship and great faith required for such a decision. It ignores the need for missionaries, both sisters and elders, and the great benefit that comes from serving diligently. I will not accept this status quo mentality, that missions for sisters are last resort options. Likewise, missions are not for every sister. They simply are not in Heavenly Father's will for all of us, or in the sister's will for herself, and that is not a problem. But it is a problem when people belittle sisters for serving, whatever her motivation.
Anyway, my papers are almost in. I'm going home this weekend for my interviews, so my papers should be in sometime next week. I'll keep you all posted on my call.
In the meantime, please pray for me. I'm not going to back out, but let's just say it hasn't been easy, however correct it is.
Last night Alex and I watched "Jesus Camp." And people think Mormons are creepy! If you haven't seen it, you probably should.
Not last night but lastly, even though these bags may be a fashion statement,
you can make a bigger statement by being a personal spokesperson for the Earth! (bless her heart) by recycling all those plastic bags you get at the grocery store. Why should you? Because the 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags we use each year (380 billion of those courtesy of the U.S.) will otherwise sit for 1,000 years in a landfill (more facts here). While China has already banned the bag, New York and San Francisco have implemented city laws about recycling the menace. Now, I'm not advocating you make a statement with your handbags like the one above (because people will definitely think you're annoying if you do), but I am advocating reusing the little plastic pest. Even if you get them at the store and use them in your trashcan or bring them to the store the next time you go and put your groceries in them or bring your lunch to work in them or scoop your puppy's poop with them or give apples from your apple tree to your neighbor in one or find a recycling bin for them or whatever, just don't put them straight in your trash.
And that is my first and last soapbox for the day.
You're still all in the dark, but I figure I can make an official announcement: I decided I'm serving a mission. This decision came after weeks and weeks of uneasiness, of stress, of worry, of discontentment over my choice to start working at ABC. I started my job and these feelings only got worse. It was awful. Some of you experienced the awfulness with me (thank you, by the way). So I started thinking, "I need to find a new job." But that didn't sit right either. I knew it was time to seriously consider serving a mission. The more I thought about it, the happier I became, the calmer my emotions, the more peaceful my heart. By the time I'd talked to my bishop about it, I was completely confident and sure that this was the right choice. I returned to my natural, happy, confident self, and those feelings haven't left.
It has, however, provided some misgivings. The first question people ask is, "Wait, did you break up with Alex?" Is this the only reason why I'd serve a mission, i.e. because I have nothing to stay home for? No! In fact, quite the opposite! I have an excellent job (even if it is painfully easy and excessively boring). I'm dating the best man I've ever met in my entire life. I have more friends than I can count, people who I love and cherish. I play in a band with my best, best friends. The most excellent women I know, in large part, all served missions, and often at great sacrifice. There is nothing mediocre about serving a mission for sisters. Nothing easy because nothing is required. But this choice is something that will benefit me, my husband and my children for the rest of eternity. To reduce serving the Lord to something second-rate, to a last resort option, is to ignore the sacrifice, hardship and great faith required for such a decision. It ignores the need for missionaries, both sisters and elders, and the great benefit that comes from serving diligently. I will not accept this status quo mentality, that missions for sisters are last resort options. Likewise, missions are not for every sister. They simply are not in Heavenly Father's will for all of us, or in the sister's will for herself, and that is not a problem. But it is a problem when people belittle sisters for serving, whatever her motivation.
Anyway, my papers are almost in. I'm going home this weekend for my interviews, so my papers should be in sometime next week. I'll keep you all posted on my call.
In the meantime, please pray for me. I'm not going to back out, but let's just say it hasn't been easy, however correct it is.
Last night Alex and I watched "Jesus Camp." And people think Mormons are creepy! If you haven't seen it, you probably should.
Not last night but lastly, even though these bags may be a fashion statement,
you can make a bigger statement by being a personal spokesperson for the Earth! (bless her heart) by recycling all those plastic bags you get at the grocery store. Why should you? Because the 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags we use each year (380 billion of those courtesy of the U.S.) will otherwise sit for 1,000 years in a landfill (more facts here). While China has already banned the bag, New York and San Francisco have implemented city laws about recycling the menace. Now, I'm not advocating you make a statement with your handbags like the one above (because people will definitely think you're annoying if you do), but I am advocating reusing the little plastic pest. Even if you get them at the store and use them in your trashcan or bring them to the store the next time you go and put your groceries in them or bring your lunch to work in them or scoop your puppy's poop with them or give apples from your apple tree to your neighbor in one or find a recycling bin for them or whatever, just don't put them straight in your trash.And that is my first and last soapbox for the day.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Bye bye, Love.
A lot has been going on, but official announcements would be premature. So--I'm leaving you in the dark!
On a darker note, I am not okay with this. Are you? Your thoughts, please.
On a darker note, I am not okay with this. Are you? Your thoughts, please.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
It's time for...
You'd think that since I work at a TV station, there'd be a lot of cool stuff around. Actually, there's a bit more cool stuff than I'm letting on, but it's all obsolete. First, there's a bunch of old camera and tape reel equipment in the lobby. But all of this stuff looks fake, like replicas. These statues of the Animaniacs are probably my favorite.
I would really like to kill more time, since I'm at work for another hour and I have nothing to do for another 30 minutes, but I don't have anything else to write about.
Guess what? I hate sitting at a desk all day.
Love Lisa
Monday, January 07, 2008
Sick of it all.
Did anyone listen to the band whose name is also the title of this blog entry? Sick of It All. My favorite line from one of their songs is: "We're all black sheep and we know it." I specifically liked it my sophomore year of high school as I entered my "rebellious" stage.
Day 3 of work. It's not bad. Really, it's not the worst. It's easy as all get out, but I don't totally despise the work. The hours still suck--9:30 to 6:30. I prefer an even 8 to 5 or 9 to 5, a straight day with a working lunch. Work is something I have to do; my life outside of work is always and forever my priority.
CNN is covering Britney Spears' hospital stay. Ridiculous.
Branky and babe are moving to SoCal this week. It's pretty sad. I've been pampered here in Utah, spending a total of one year with no other immediate family in Utah. Katie will still be here, which is good, but now that BB&T are leaving, I feel a little marooned. This too shall pass.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: everyone's support means so much to me. I'm slowly climbing out of this numbing hole I found myself in, intently searching out options and prayerfully considering each one.
Elections 2008: I'm still not sure how I feel. There are a few candidates who would do the job well. Romney, Obama, Edwards. I saw Huckabee on Colbert a while back, talking about his new book. I immediately liked him. He seemed like a really nice guy with honorable intentions for the U.S. I've heard good things about him as governor, that he chose people he trusted and respected and unfailingly followed their recommendations. I like this. I like this because Bush didn't do this. Remember OSHA? Bush completely ignored that committee's recommendations for the state of Iraq, and look at the country now. I like Huckabee's seeming lack of ego and humility. I like his dedication to virtue. However, I read things like this and then I question him. (Granted, it happened a while ago, and if we're willing to forgive Romney's flip-flopping, I'm willing to forgive Huckabee's missteps as well).
So as of today, I am officially registered in California with no party affiliation. I feel good about this.
Also, I am joining the Peace Corps someday.
Day 3 of work. It's not bad. Really, it's not the worst. It's easy as all get out, but I don't totally despise the work. The hours still suck--9:30 to 6:30. I prefer an even 8 to 5 or 9 to 5, a straight day with a working lunch. Work is something I have to do; my life outside of work is always and forever my priority.
CNN is covering Britney Spears' hospital stay. Ridiculous.
Branky and babe are moving to SoCal this week. It's pretty sad. I've been pampered here in Utah, spending a total of one year with no other immediate family in Utah. Katie will still be here, which is good, but now that BB&T are leaving, I feel a little marooned. This too shall pass.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: everyone's support means so much to me. I'm slowly climbing out of this numbing hole I found myself in, intently searching out options and prayerfully considering each one.
Elections 2008: I'm still not sure how I feel. There are a few candidates who would do the job well. Romney, Obama, Edwards. I saw Huckabee on Colbert a while back, talking about his new book. I immediately liked him. He seemed like a really nice guy with honorable intentions for the U.S. I've heard good things about him as governor, that he chose people he trusted and respected and unfailingly followed their recommendations. I like this. I like this because Bush didn't do this. Remember OSHA? Bush completely ignored that committee's recommendations for the state of Iraq, and look at the country now. I like Huckabee's seeming lack of ego and humility. I like his dedication to virtue. However, I read things like this and then I question him. (Granted, it happened a while ago, and if we're willing to forgive Romney's flip-flopping, I'm willing to forgive Huckabee's missteps as well).
So as of today, I am officially registered in California with no party affiliation. I feel good about this.
Also, I am joining the Peace Corps someday.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
End of Day Three.
I got back from California Wednesday night. I'm not sure if I mentioned that Alex came with me. From the 26th to the 2nd. It was fun having him there. We did some stuff I normally do when I go home and some stuff I don't normally do. We went to the MOMA. That was probably my favorite because it was just my favorite.
I've successfully conquered days one and two of work. I wish I could tell you all about it, but I can't because this is the interweb, and chances are my boss has my blog bookmarked.
I look at other people, and it always seems like they have it so easy. I don't do this too often because it's unhealthy. But I've been thinking lately that other people don't have it so hard when they graduate. I'm not too emotionally unstable or anything (I'm a crier anyway, right?), but I feel confused about my job, about my current path. I'm thinking this means I missed a turn back there somewhere. I started down the wrong path in November. I'm trying to cut through the woods to the right path as we speak.
If you're reading this and you don't live in Utah but you went to college in Utah, I want you to tell me why you left Utah upon graduation. Conversely, if you went to college in Utah but stayed in Utah upon graduation, I want you to tell me why you stayed. Will you guys comment please? Because I'm really, sincerely curious.
I'm working on a script for a documentary. Only Alex knows what it is and he'd better not tell anyone because I don't want someone to steal it. But everyone should know that this idea is Copyright 2008 Lisa Ruefenacht, because it's going to be in Sundance in a year or two. This idea is too good for it not to be.
PS Thanks to my friends who read this blog. You are all a huge support to me, even if we don't speak that often. So thanks. If you're not my friend and you're reading this blog, thanks anyway, because it makes me happy when Google Analytics tells me I have blog readers.
I've successfully conquered days one and two of work. I wish I could tell you all about it, but I can't because this is the interweb, and chances are my boss has my blog bookmarked.
I look at other people, and it always seems like they have it so easy. I don't do this too often because it's unhealthy. But I've been thinking lately that other people don't have it so hard when they graduate. I'm not too emotionally unstable or anything (I'm a crier anyway, right?), but I feel confused about my job, about my current path. I'm thinking this means I missed a turn back there somewhere. I started down the wrong path in November. I'm trying to cut through the woods to the right path as we speak.
If you're reading this and you don't live in Utah but you went to college in Utah, I want you to tell me why you left Utah upon graduation. Conversely, if you went to college in Utah but stayed in Utah upon graduation, I want you to tell me why you stayed. Will you guys comment please? Because I'm really, sincerely curious.
I'm working on a script for a documentary. Only Alex knows what it is and he'd better not tell anyone because I don't want someone to steal it. But everyone should know that this idea is Copyright 2008 Lisa Ruefenacht, because it's going to be in Sundance in a year or two. This idea is too good for it not to be.
PS Thanks to my friends who read this blog. You are all a huge support to me, even if we don't speak that often. So thanks. If you're not my friend and you're reading this blog, thanks anyway, because it makes me happy when Google Analytics tells me I have blog readers.
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