tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60971742011-08-01T17:07:24.482-06:00Pursuing wisdom through words -- "The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd." - Eccl 12:11Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.comBlogger2261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-6123064793399243042010-06-18T13:38:00.001-06:002010-06-18T13:40:56.877-06:00

Does this reading this article make anyone else physically ill?Embracing the love from Amma, "The Hugging Saint" - LATimes

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-66885893696830280942009-04-07T10:56:00.002-06:002009-04-07T11:05:09.132-06:00

I was directed by Pat's blog to another blog where I read a post on Thinking You're Naked and and then The Thing About Being Naked and I just have to repost something from his blog here because it resonated so much in me.From Thinking You're Naked :...I saw God ask a similar question in Genesis 3:11. To me, this is one of the saddest and most profoundly beautiful verses in the entire Bible. Adam

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-40099675178738232692009-04-02T19:31:00.003-06:002009-04-02T19:43:00.134-06:00

...it fell hard and wide and hurt many good people I call friends. They announced at work today that they are closing, excuse me, consolidating our department down from centers in over a dozen offices to just three - L.A., Pittsburgh, and Atlanta. My supervisor, my regional manager, my peeps who are my support group at work (all in the Midwest), given two weeks notice.But me, I'm "safe" here in

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-88467646903983491692009-03-20T14:11:00.004-06:002009-03-20T14:22:44.430-06:00

It has been suggested to me on more than one occassion by more than one person that perhaps we could consider living in or near the mountains and I could take the Metrolink in to work. I'll just say it right now, it's not going to happen, and here's why.Just to give you and idea of what my quality of life would be if we lived in the mountains and I communted to downtown LA. This is what my Mon.-

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-9395597258039704602009-03-18T13:17:00.002-06:002009-03-18T14:00:43.263-06:00

Let's see, what is there to report...My mom finshed chemo this winter and had her first body scan last week. She came back with a clean bill of health. My niece is back at work after lung surgery, is participating in an experimental chemo/drug trial, and seems to be doing really well so far. Praise God. That's the good news.Devin and I had the flu last week. Last Saturday I woke up with a soar

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-52866542052460644032009-02-06T23:24:00.002-06:002009-02-06T23:24:54.950-06:00

I may have just realized I'm 33 years old but I am also 34 years old. I just haven't realized it yet.Thanks for reminder mom!

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-53160600505591670742009-02-05T22:13:00.005-06:002009-02-05T22:41:11.752-06:00

I finally realized that I turned 33 this year. I realized it when it suddenly occurred to me that now I have less than two years of "safe" child bearing left. After 35 it's not the best idea. Add to that the fact that most doctors would tell me to lose weight and get my triglycerides under check and that leaves me with even less time. Maybe none at all. We've always said that if we didn't decide

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-70632970977063595722009-01-24T17:30:00.001-06:002009-01-24T17:33:50.524-06:00

Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates My review rating: 4 of 5 starsI don't think anyone could say they enjoyed reading this book. It's hard to enjoy reading about others' pain. However it is a very well written book and very much worth reading. I didn't find there was any moral to the story, unless you read it as a warning to heed about being careful whom and when you marry. It was a look, an

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-34669138470203711872009-01-20T14:23:00.005-06:002009-01-20T14:43:30.154-06:00

Me too.Today I walked out of the office at lunch time and for the first time thought "California might be okay." There was sunshine, a cool breeze, and blue skies. I wasn't wearing coat of any kind. I caught a glimpse of a mountain peak off in the distance. Today was the first day I didn't totally hate L.A.Of course on my way back to the office (from my trip to the bank), I started sweating (more

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-56454752445263298242009-01-16T20:02:00.003-06:002009-01-16T20:09:41.008-06:00

That's it. The last straw. I have to move and soon. EVERY NIGHT THIS WEEK THE ENTIRE FIRST FLOOR OF OUR BUILDING HAS REEKED LIKE AN ASHTRAY. I know it is unchristian and all but I HATE smokers. They have to be the world's most annoying inhabitants. It's bad enough I have to smell it in the hall but tonight it's creeping in around the door and now the living room is starting to reek. Opening the

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-31334574928308594992009-01-08T15:28:00.003-06:002009-01-08T15:31:36.174-06:00

Over the last few days, in the last hour before sleep overtakes me, my mind has turned to mortal matters. Mainly I've been ruminating on where I want my ashes to be spread after my demise, aka my eternal "resting place." I considered the mountains (a more recent home), the great lakes (the place of my growing up), and Iowa (the place of my birth). Yet no place has seemed quite right. No place

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-69370078325558125062009-01-08T14:50:00.003-06:002009-01-08T14:55:19.241-06:00

Since I was home sick yesterday I decided to treat myself to lunch from Mendocino Farms today. I ordered the Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich in hopes that both the apples and the yogurt would help my digestive track. However, I was also in a soup mood so I ordered a cup of the vegan roasted red pepper and tomato soup. It's deliciouso and I may save the sam'ich for tomorrow.In other news I did get

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-58471337859383909722009-01-05T15:12:00.007-06:002009-01-06T23:50:23.122-06:00

My new shiny pretty* will be delivered sometime around the 21st. Just enough time to let me change my mind. ;) What pushed me over the edge, besides the $450 in "savings" I was able to rack up at the "Red Tag" sale, was the fact that I realized our desktop was 4 years old and Devin spent more time cursing at it than working. Plus it was really hard to carry around. Oh, and the gaming. I call it

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-20178232642932075512008-12-24T16:20:00.002-06:002008-12-24T16:21:30.772-06:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-33357072724469576012008-12-24T12:14:00.004-06:002008-12-24T12:26:42.656-06:00

I've sent Devin out to procure the necessary equipment for the truck to prepare it for driving up the mountain. They were supposed to get snow last night and either rain or snow again today. So he's out getting the oil changed, sand bags to weigh down the back, and chains for the tires.In the meantime we're anxiously (well I'm anxious anyway) awaiting the delivery of a mystery gift my mom sent

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-36736401832576890842008-12-19T18:54:00.002-06:002008-12-20T12:01:47.803-06:00

Holy cow!

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-63972443384269805292008-12-05T17:45:00.002-06:002008-12-05T17:53:31.342-06:00

So home for Thanksgiving. Go to my sis' house to hang and what should they have but a Wii. But not just a Wii...they also had Wii Fit and Wii Play. I've never laughed so hard as I did when I watched my father box the Wii. I've also never been out of breath before from playing a video game. Laughter, workout, better...hmmm....maybe we should Wii? Or so I thought.So back from Thanksgiving I go

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-2433254204170632482008-11-13T16:19:00.012-06:002008-11-13T16:59:01.428-06:00

I am not feeling so well. The throat she is sore, and the sinuses they are draining. The drugs are many and I am very very sleepy. Considering I'm supposed to travel in a week to see my immuno-compromised mommy this NOT good. I made a doctor's appointment for tommorrow over my lunch hour. Hopefully he will have good things to tell me. This should be mom's last week of chemo. Her white count was

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-52115770852675051572008-10-28T17:30:00.006-06:002008-10-28T19:33:25.526-06:00

(A work in progress)First, what is socialism? According to the Encyclopedia Britannica it is a: "social and economic doctrine that calls for public rather than private ownership or control of property and natural resources. According to the socialist view, individuals do not live or work in isolation but live in cooperation with one another. Furthermore, everything that people produce is in some

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-47656342609468693312008-10-13T13:54:00.002-06:002008-10-13T14:02:22.912-06:00

I've been 'tagged' in a blog game of tag by two folks, so here goes:1. Post the rules on your blog2. Write 6 random things about yourself3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post4. If you are tagged, just do it, and pass the tag along!Randomness:1. I secretly fear that as I'm growing older I'm also growing dumber.2. My whole life I've lacked ambition. For example, I own both a guitar and a digital

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-86914320361608611582008-10-07T23:42:00.002-06:002008-10-08T00:01:56.976-06:00

I just submitted my resume for a design job at the University of California Riverside. Our thinking/reasoning in doing so is that it would enable us to move back to the mountains thereby reducing our rent costs, we would be happier in that environment, closer to family and friends, etc. My current salary falls in the lower third of the posted range so it doesn't seem unreasonable to expect them

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-55386816606184451172008-09-25T14:15:00.003-06:002008-09-25T14:48:36.099-06:00

Our fight against the cockroach resumes. We've seen at least three of them in our apartment just this week and we were only able to kill two of them. We did a pretty good job cleaning over the weekend so it's frustrating that they continue invading. We mentioned in passing to the apartment manager that we were seeing them to gauge his reaction. He winced, and said the exterminators visit

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-70340782127250889502008-09-10T15:09:00.004-06:002008-09-10T15:19:42.108-06:00

Found out today Ted Dekker has a new book out, Sinner, that touches on the topics of Freedom of Speech and Religious Freedom . It seems to be a kind of a "what if" we lost those freedoms or those freedoms were limited. Here's a little trailer they put together for it:On the book's website he talks about Matthew 24, a day that is inevitable but that we should be prepared for.Matthew 24 NIV1 Jesus

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-64113272100918001462008-09-09T09:03:00.002-06:002008-09-09T13:31:08.903-06:00

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-goats9-2008sep09,0,6190187.storyI saw these guys Friday afternoon and then again this morning and I have to say they are too cool!

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-36619385507231368382008-08-29T11:10:00.004-06:002008-08-29T13:51:22.160-06:00

http://www.mendocinofarms.com/home.aspxThis is the "fancy" sa'm'ich place near the office. I intend on having lunch there tody to celebrate my "promotion/raise". I'm hoping since it's a holiday weekend the line won't be as long as it normally is (normally about a fifteen minute wait just to order).I am tempted by both the Untraditional Lobster Roll, Heirloom TBL, and the Roasted Lamb Sandwich.I'm

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-82173597650484948092008-08-25T14:01:00.001-06:002008-08-25T14:01:29.498-06:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-17137746866461786472008-08-24T11:16:00.000-06:002008-08-24T11:17:43.039-06:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-69644142587134122802008-08-21T12:55:00.003-06:002008-08-21T13:01:18.673-06:00

Apparently I've been promoted at work. No one thought they should actually tell me via either a phone call or an email or anything. Today, my supervisor emailed me a "reward" certificate and told me "good job". The certificate contained a message supposedly from my regional manager and director (whom I've never met or spoken to) congratulating me on my promotion and career advancement. Apparently

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-70343565936085724342008-08-19T13:33:00.006-06:002008-08-19T15:21:28.174-06:00

First, I have to admit to having to look up about half of these items.From the blog, Very Good Taste"Here’s a chance for a little interactivity for all the bloggers out there. Below is a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-54450979577792735342008-08-06T13:36:00.003-06:002008-08-06T13:38:13.685-06:00

I see in my little widget that the Sci Fi channel has posted video from the Comic Con panel. I've only watched about 30 seconds of it and it appears to be unedited. So be wary if watching it, Kevin Smith's mouth in the first 30 seconds would warrant an R rating. Definitely send the kiddos outside to play a yelling game and put on some headphones if you're going to watch it.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-35881382699887842992008-08-06T11:06:00.002-06:002008-08-06T11:18:10.504-06:00

This topic came up at work today and thought it worth mentioning as I was unaware of exactly what was happening:http://science.howstuffworks.com/great-pacific-garbage-patch.htmhttp://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/02/05/6856/Am I the only one who thinks the Garbage companies should be required to sift through ALL garbage and pull out recycleables to be recycled? i.e., recycling should be

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-23858314879258463112008-08-05T21:45:00.004-06:002008-08-05T22:14:20.585-06:00

Hi, all. Yet again I need to reach out and ask for your prayers. My niece, Amber, started back to work this week. She had been having some pain and trouble breathing starting on Saturday. So Monday on the way home from work she stopped at a clinic and turns out one of her lungs was collapsing. It was 35% collapsed at the clinic. Her mom rushed her to the hospital and by then it was 50% collapsed.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-23741289021715902922008-08-05T17:51:00.005-06:002008-08-05T18:06:43.005-06:00

So now that Devin is out of school and on the job hunt, I've been considering finishing college myself. I earned my A.A back in 2001 and had fully intended to go on to get a B.A. and then M.A.; but, then God dropped a husband in my lap, and well I had to take a bit of a detour. ;)Returning to school would require much of both us and our family. It would require a major change in our finances, yet

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-61302748153174755292008-07-26T21:58:00.003-06:002008-07-26T22:36:38.034-06:00

We went out to dinner last night with our friend Pat from Mpls and a couple he had met last year at the Con, Marla and David. They are both Christians and we had a great time talking over fish tacos. Today brought me to Ballroom 20, this time two panels before Joss' Dollhouse panel. I gained entrance during the Simpson's panel which was a lot of fun. Negotiated a seat closer to the front during

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-29529388794652089442008-07-25T20:29:00.003-06:002008-07-25T20:48:28.421-06:00

After a rather late start and some problems obtaining train tickets (San Diego MTS does not take credit cards!!!!)we actually made it in time for DC's Talent Search panel. Portfolio has been submitted we'll find out tomorrow if he gets an interview.Rather disappointing was that since we spent so much time getting to and at DC's panel, Devin was on the late side to sign up for any portfolio

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-60671062858183452492008-07-23T12:12:00.004-06:002008-07-23T12:18:06.034-06:00

We are getting ready for the San Diego Comic Con International. My first time! So exciting. Our main purpose for attending is for Devin to shop around his portfolio and once again submit his portfolio to DC's Talent Search program. Friday morning he'll attend DC's "required" seminar on the program and then submit his work. Saturday morning they should post a list of "call backs", if you will.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-21716239042785570842008-07-18T16:09:00.003-06:002008-07-18T16:11:32.037-06:00

Availble free for a limited time only! Like until Sunday, 7/20. Then you have to pay to see it.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-58723987722217722432008-07-13T10:15:00.001-06:002008-07-13T10:15:32.997-06:00

Which Action Hero Would You Be? v. 2.0created with QuizFarm.com You scored as Batman, the Dark KnightAs the Dark Knight of Gotham, Batman is a vigilante who deals out his own brand of justice to the criminals and corrupt of the city. He follows his own code and is often misunderstood. He has few friends or allies, but finds comfort in his cause. Batman, the Dark Knight

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-52472862972959437652008-07-11T16:43:00.005-06:002008-12-10T16:05:28.049-06:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-16172592410185116462008-07-09T11:42:00.002-06:002008-07-09T11:47:07.197-06:00

Being far away from my mom has been difficult and I've been trying to find some small way to help even from here. One idea I came up with is to collect recipes that are considered healthy or beneficial for cancer patients, but that I know my mom would enjoy eating. My dad loves to cook so I thought this is a way for me to help both of them. So if any of you out there know any good resources...

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-4079853815311717232008-07-08T09:34:00.003-06:002008-07-08T09:41:17.109-06:00

As many of you are already aware my mom has been battling a form of colon cancer. Her surgery went very well and she was able to go back to work part time after only a couple of weeks (or less I can't remember exactly how many days it was, too short by my count anyway). She is at the doctor's office now to get her first dose of chemo. She'll be there most of the day as once they get started

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-17847996837637488672008-06-25T15:20:00.001-06:002008-06-25T15:22:41.513-06:00

I know you might spend much time laughing together about thishttp://nolaf.org/Which is why you need to watch...to stop the laughter. Rember fun is contagious which makes it a disease.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-91403169153484419502008-06-25T15:05:00.000-06:002008-06-25T15:06:16.635-06:00

__utbp_d='jbf1ylf4zj5vse9ie8xf';__utbp_u='MISS SMARTYPANTS';__utbp_w=320;__utbp_h=240;

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-905151990770658312008-06-24T21:15:00.000-06:002008-06-24T21:16:11.757-06:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-45534027207298085122008-06-10T11:30:00.003-06:002008-06-17T17:52:16.772-06:00

They're all evil.UPDATE: So the dentist FINALLY files the claim...and uses the wrong service code! They used a service code for a bicuspid tooth but a tooth code that didn't match. If the dentist thought me paying up front would be easier than waiting for the insurance company to pay the claim, they were SO wrong. I'm worse to deal with than the insurance company._________________________________

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-65716967499398687992008-06-03T10:08:00.003-06:002008-06-03T10:25:51.198-06:00

Judges chapter 6 (emphasis mine):But the people of Isra'el did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective, so ADONAI handed them over to Midyan for seven years. Midyan exercised its power harshly against Isra'el, and because of Midyan the people of Isra'el hid themselves in mountains, in caves and in other safe places. One time, after Isra'el's sowing season, Midyan, with 'Amalek and others from the

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-51719198147096521952008-05-21T14:08:00.005-06:002008-05-22T22:21:49.054-06:00

An old friend of mine recently convinced me to join Facebook....doing so enable me to reconnect with a former roomate and her brother who is also a former schoolmate of mine. We also all used to attend the same church.John was always a super duper drummer and via Facebook I discovered his band's websitehttp://www.starlingelectric.com/If their website isn't working here's the My Space link: http:/

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-4591106363653510562008-05-15T18:53:00.006-06:002008-05-15T19:21:24.983-06:00

As most of you are probably aware Devin made it and probably graduated this semester. (I'll believe it when I see the diploma. The school has been relatively silent on the matter other than posting his grades and accepting his paperwork.)Now it's time for the REALLY hard part — loan repayment and job hunting. Since Devin dropped below half-time this semester he officially enters repayment on June

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-56765323475501659762008-05-05T16:08:00.002-06:002008-05-05T16:11:09.398-06:00

I just learned today about a public radio show called A Way with Words and thought I would share it with all those English nerd types who care about the differences in "patronize" vs. "patronize" (do you use a short "a" or a long "a" and what difference does it make?). They have downloadable podcasts for those who are so inclined.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-880703392212799112008-05-03T08:21:00.006-06:002008-12-10T16:05:28.291-06:00

I did something rather spontaneous yesterday that some might call crazy...I bought a vacuum cleaner. But not just any vacuum cleaner, I bought this one:My old vacuum has not been handling the new carpets very well. It has clogged and overheated twice in the last four months. We keep picking up a LOT of carpet fuzz, so much that I'm afraid we're going to run out of carpet soon. Yesterday I was

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-57742986578455488942008-04-28T17:41:00.004-06:002008-04-28T17:46:37.332-06:00

Tuesday is the big day so swing by mystery cycles and wish the Devin happy birthday. He only has a week left of school so he might read your comments before he turns 36.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-7709038903221929212008-04-27T14:54:00.005-06:002008-12-10T16:05:28.477-06:00

See http://www.mytraversecity.com/. While I lived many places before I lived there I think of it as my home town. I grew up there, graduated high school there, had my first job, my first boyfriend, graduated from college there. And today I'm feeling all nostalgic about the place called "there". It's a beautiful place, we used to call it God's country. I'm longing for the life I used to have there

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-86519180988515875082008-04-15T23:02:00.000-06:002008-04-15T23:04:01.692-06:00

The last few years I’ve felt less like I’m on any kind of spiritual journey and more like I’ve fallen down a well or am in a ditch. You get the picture - a lonely, dark, still place. I would hate to think I’m just asleep in the light. I’ve stopped traveling altogether and am waiting for something to become apparent. What, I don’t know. I’ve accumulated many questions but VERY FEW answers. I’m

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-46938309222376989992008-03-21T13:40:00.002-06:002008-03-21T13:42:08.223-06:00

American Idol's "IdolCamp" is going to be held at Pali Mountain camp this summer. Read more.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-56949085341554183922008-03-11T15:03:00.000-06:002008-03-11T15:04:35.036-06:00

I Am A: Neutral Good Human Bard (4th Level)Ability Scores:Strength-8Dexterity-13Constitution-11Intelligence-17Wisdom-15Charisma-12Alignment:Neutral Good A neutral good character does the best that a good person can do. He is devoted to helping others. He works with kings and magistrates but does not feel beholden to them. Neutral good is the best alignment you can be because it means doing what

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-50418912111738625802008-03-06T14:00:00.003-06:002008-03-06T14:06:58.170-06:00

Got this update from Amber's mom today:Amber had tests all morning then after waiting for 4 hours we finally got to see the doctor and found out that the cancer in the tissue of her leg is completly GONE! But the cancer in the bone part of the leg they will not be able to tell until they have surgery... So they are doing a Petscan on Tuesday and that should tell them more. He did say though that

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-72800135002007937692008-02-21T22:34:00.006-06:002008-12-10T16:05:28.853-06:00

Devin showed me a new toy tonight. HairMixer.com is a website that let's you switch faces with either a variety of celebrity photos or other photos you either have or search for. Here's me as some blonde celebrity I don't recognize:And here is my face on Rees Witherspoon's body:I think I look pretty good skinny and blonde.If you try it out you use a cropping tool to delineate the areas of your

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-46983635087128579482008-02-14T14:39:00.004-06:002008-12-10T16:05:30.095-06:00

Or, Marilyn's lunch time fun.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-33450835674887711962008-02-08T21:09:00.001-06:002008-12-10T16:05:30.260-06:00

For all you wonderful friends and family who are so faithfully praying with us, an update on the battle. Amber started chemotherapy about two weeks ago. She's had to go through some pretty scary stuff especially for a young women. They found another spot on her shoulder they've been investigating, still waiting to here back on that one. She's lost over 12 pounds and has been in a lot of pain so

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-38558566212728567662008-02-06T22:05:00.000-06:002008-02-06T22:55:47.267-06:00

Meme, a definition.A meme (pronounced like meam and not me-me), as defined by memetic theory, constitutes a theoretical unit of cultural information, the building block of culture or cultural evolution which spreads through diffusion propagating from one mind to another analogously to the way in which a gene propagates from one organism to another as a unit of genetic information and of

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-73395576495360792632008-01-16T22:10:00.000-06:002008-01-16T22:20:21.664-06:00

It is with much sadness that I write to you now. My parents called me last night and tonight. My 24 year old niece, Amber, went in for surgery today to have a tumor removed from a bone in her leg. Unfortunately, they were unable to remove the growth as it had spread into the tendons in her knee. They took a piece of the growth and have sent it in for testing. The results of which they will not

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-60651136464176414162008-01-12T19:03:00.001-06:002008-12-10T16:05:32.698-06:00

Here are those photos of the apartment as promised.Front entry.Living room area.Looking towards dining area/kitchen from the LR.We'll actually be using the dining area for Devin's art desk and work area.The kitchenThe stove.In the bedroom (we have room for two of our bookcases in here and maybe a king-sized bed.)The bathroom.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-39563195838277050602008-01-10T14:26:00.001-06:002008-01-10T14:26:56.856-06:00

What Marilyn MeansYou are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.You are confident, authoritative, and

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-5202082231925525452007-12-30T10:52:00.000-06:002007-12-30T11:50:51.185-06:00

Good news! We signed a lease! Our new apartment is located in Toluca Lake near where the 101, 170, and 134 freeways meet. The new place is about the same size as our previous residence but with more room devoted to the kitchen. We have a brand new stove, dishwasher, and microwave. This unit includes a refrigerator which is awesome and very hard to find in L.A. Plus the appliances are all

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-47481783075168337722007-12-16T08:20:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:05:32.915-06:00

If I ever have to join the rebellion or survive the apocalypse I would want to carry one of these.From one of my new favorite websites.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-78714240851787478332007-12-14T12:59:00.000-06:002007-12-14T13:15:29.782-06:00

It's my last day working in Minneapolis today. So far it's been a fairly quiet day. My coworkers scored some lunch for us which was nice of them. My cube is cleaned out and all my reference materials have been boxed up and dropped off with office services to be shipped UPS to my office in LA. Now I'm just spending the last few hours making sure I've got all the info I need before I leave.I'm

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-11315440406927853712007-11-30T13:03:00.000-06:002007-11-30T13:23:55.135-06:00

Tomorrow will mark my 4 year anniversary at work. I've never had a four-year anniversary at work before. It's kind of exciting.Two weeks from today will be Devin's last day of classes for the semester and my last day at work in Minneapolis. I did get my manager to pin-down a salary adjustment for me but it wasn't much dollars-wise. I'm not sure how this move is going to affect any future merit

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-60063640377147678002007-11-12T15:52:00.000-06:002007-11-12T16:01:26.296-06:00

It is 32 total days, 22 business days, and 19 working days away from our move. And I'm still waiting to hear about my promised salary adjustment for working from the L.A. office. I'm all twisted knots and high-pitched wailing on the inside. Is it appropriate to lay on the floor of my cube and kick and scream until I get an answer?Dear God, Help.P.S.We had a film festival at work. Here's the

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-55146284323919254292007-11-01T14:30:00.000-06:002007-11-01T14:32:57.132-06:00

Just click the link. Tear enducing hilarity will follow.http://www.candyboots.com/wwcards.html

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-29415716684190114052007-11-01T11:59:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:05:33.124-06:00

I just posted this flyer, which lists all our furniture for sale, in the lunchroom at work. As soon as I did it I got butterflies in my tummy. It was a tense moment that required a few deep breaths. This small act involving a piece of paper and a push pin made our upcoming move very, very real. It scared me and excited me and made me want to vomit all at once.Wow. I'm moving.I think I'll hide

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-18077138704439593532007-10-27T09:17:00.000-06:002007-10-27T09:56:25.975-06:00

It is now 47 days to the end of the semester. Graduation for the husband will have to wait until May. The story is long, sad, and not mine to tell. I can say that we spent the last week not knowing whether or not we would really be able to move in December, wondering if we could negotiate a lease extension with the apartment manager even though we gave our notice to vacate, wondering if I would

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-53866373846931275722007-10-15T17:58:00.000-06:002007-10-15T18:28:21.632-06:00

And counting. I have already started packing. I even sold one bookcase already. Yes, we've decided to sell as much furniture as we can because we just can't afford movers or even a U-Haul truck, as they are only slightly cheaper than actual movers over long distances. While it will probably ultimately cost more this way (once we buy all new furniture) at least hopefully we'll have a second income

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-48646302642436329042007-09-28T15:12:00.000-06:002007-09-28T15:13:24.838-06:00

The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership. Colin PowellUS general (1937 - )File under: Things I wish my "leaders" knew.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-2996807270811462192007-09-20T13:01:00.000-06:002007-09-20T13:04:33.243-06:00

"...God gave me my talent and I was afraid of facing him one day if I didn't use it.""I didn't have the guts to become an artist, I had the ignorance."-Jack Sorenson (Renowned Texan artist)

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-70949846215029739772007-09-20T11:57:00.000-06:002007-09-20T11:58:41.307-06:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-3047668925214630832007-08-23T06:36:00.001-06:002007-08-23T06:36:37.045-06:00

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-31646220445796356722007-08-10T10:21:00.000-06:002007-08-10T10:26:52.930-06:00

First I would like to thank God for sending me a husband who has the capacity to love me even in the midst of some of the worst moments in my life. No, not love me even, love me through. He spent a lot of time holding on to me Saturday while I worked out some of the things I’d been keeping to myself for the last four years. And that mostly in tears. I don’t know if men have the same experience,

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-19098859081356441612007-08-04T08:12:00.000-06:002007-08-04T08:27:47.992-06:00

It's almost 7:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning. I'm awake. I didn't plan on being awake. I planned on being asleep for at least another hour and a half. So, why am I awake? I must need to blog of course. Well, that's not entirely true. I just had something happen that I need to describe to someone and since the husband will not be rising for at least three more hours I turn to you my loyal blog

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-18287015173526750442007-07-20T17:47:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:05:33.670-06:00

Okay, so I made the South Park version of myself:This pretty much what I look like Monday through Friday. My hair, my glasses, my clothes. Even my backpack that's still waiting for the laptop I've been promised over and over again to the cup of coffee in my hand and the mouth full of chocolate (you can see the smudge on my cheek).But what does Saturday Marilyn look like you ask? Well, just like

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-80328458973997263402007-07-08T21:31:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:05:37.940-06:00

We have had a very busy time over the last few weeks. We flew to North Carolina for Devin's brother's wedding then back to Minnesota where Devin's parents came for a visit. I think we jammed every day chock full of fun. We went to the zoo, Mall of America, Minnesota State Capital, the James J. Hill House, the Science Center, Walnut Grove, and the MIA. Here a few photos of our recent

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-77344465994338899162007-06-14T12:29:00.001-06:002007-06-14T12:45:22.216-06:00

What has happened on the moving back to California front? Well, we were able to obtain a lease extension on our apartment until the end of December. We're just waiting on the paperwork. I began transfer discussions with my HR manager (who then contacted another manager who then contacted my regional manager) and it sounds promising. The official response so far is "I think you can let Marilyn

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-13289351414517866172007-05-31T12:11:00.000-06:002007-05-31T12:33:44.916-06:00

I'm at the end of my lunch hour here so not much time but I feel compelled to blog. First of all thanks to those who dropped off comments on my previous post. I know in my head that what you say is true but I still don't like the entire situation. I did go ahed and pay off our car loan so that we are officially out of debt, except for the school loan of course. For me this means that when Devin

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-3759840846870673492007-05-11T09:35:00.000-06:002007-05-11T10:12:34.834-06:00

That was the balance of Devin's college loans as of April 30. We still have one semester to go which will probably add another $6,000+ to that total, plus interest of course. Then eventually there will be the cost of him actually looking for work: the resumes, the copies of portfolio's, the traveling to conventions or to meet with editors...I think if I added up all of the loans, credit card

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-90952390480301972662007-04-28T10:57:00.000-06:002007-04-28T11:03:50.174-06:00

Oh how I love the nineties.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-24694679602871436712007-04-26T21:05:00.000-06:002007-04-26T21:09:19.705-06:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-5445229275030571512007-03-30T18:45:00.000-06:002007-03-30T18:55:55.882-06:00

That’s the name of the band I am listening to right now. You can only find them in discount bins in old bookstores or maybe used on Amazon. But it's worth it if you do find their CD. They are/were fans of another band, Over the Rhine, whom I also like. There's my music tip of the month. Now go listen. No wait, read the rest of this first then go listen.I just got home from the gym and am

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-8682579946325833302007-03-01T17:00:00.000-06:002008-12-10T16:05:38.148-06:00

Just a little taste of the the visual hijinx of which I am capable. Meet Roy the Lobster Riding Rooster. He was for a card I made for neighbor who is moving out.Other noteworthy happenings, well, there aren't any. Minnesota continues to be cold and snowy. We're in the middle of our second big snow storm of the year...on March 1st...the second snowiest month here...Also, I finally took the plunge

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-83867874970259082842007-02-17T11:21:00.000-06:002007-02-17T11:28:31.698-06:00

Yesterday the IRS deposited our federal tax refund into our bank account. Today I paid off our last credit card bill. HOORAY!!!!!Now with the remaining portion of the return plus what we have in savings we could:A. Payoff the car loanB. Save up and pay more cash towards Devin's tuition bill next fall. (We have just less than half of what we usually borrow in alternative loans), orC. Keep it in

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-44627080557371497352007-02-05T12:35:00.000-06:002007-02-05T12:51:00.100-06:00

Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)80%Wash (Ship Pilot)60%River (Stowaway)60%Malcolm Reynolds (Captain)55%Derrial Book (Shepherd)55%Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic)50%Jayne Cobb (Mercenary)50%Alliance50%Dr. Simon Tam (Ship Medic)45%Inara Serra (Companion)Your results:You are Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command) 40%Dependable and trustworthy.You love your significant other andyou are a tough cookie when in

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-29768583060394358462007-01-11T13:03:00.001-06:002007-01-11T13:03:02.307-06:00

David Boreanaz Dancing in Angel Season 1 episode: She.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-1168186102336470332007-01-07T09:58:00.000-06:002007-01-07T10:08:22.350-06:00

...Birthday to me.Happy birthday to me.Happy birthday to me.Happy birthday to me.We went to the movies last night and then out to dinner. It was a good time. We saw "The Good Shepherd" and I thought it was very well done. I was afraid there would be obvious and overt implications about current events but no, they stuck with their story. It was mostly a character study and done in a such way that

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-1165614737218459552006-12-08T15:47:00.000-06:002006-12-08T15:58:09.846-06:00

Just wanted to post a quick update of the goings on around here.Well Devin has one week of school left so he’s pretty much not sleeping these days. We’re very excited that this will hopefully mark the end of his Junior year for him and he’ll start next semester as a Senior. We’ve also decided that he should quit working for his Senior year. I really want him to be able to concentrate and feel

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-1164487595830999302006-11-25T14:45:00.000-06:002006-11-25T14:46:35.856-06:00

Have you ever despaired? Have you ever looked, really looked, at the future and been so frightened by it, you can’t see anything else for the waters of terror flooding you eyes, your mind, your soul? Have you ever looked at yourself or your life and been utterly disappointed through and through? Tried to search your soul and found nothing but empty space? Have you ever tried to ignore it?These

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-1164384028471731612006-11-24T09:41:00.000-06:002006-11-24T10:00:31.370-06:00

So far in my life I have always been at someone else's house for Thanksgiving. I've usually offered to bring a pie or maybe potatoes. With it just being Devin and I, even when we want to eat turkey it's usually maybe a half breast or a tenderloin. This all means that until yesterday I had never cooked a whole turkey ever, not even as an assistant. I'm glad to say my first attempt seems to have

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-1162409477240365772006-11-01T13:30:00.000-06:002006-11-01T13:34:50.293-06:00

http://www.myheritage.com

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-1160930915330404982006-10-15T10:31:00.000-06:002006-10-15T10:49:39.500-06:00

Today I found myself looking back over old blog posts and found this one from August 2004. I feel as if I haven't made any progress. In many ways I'm still in the same place. It's almost as if I've put myself on hold and in a way I can feel myself intentionally repressing forward thoughts or movement. If that makes any sense to anyone please explain it to me.I need to pray:Dear God,What am I not

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-1160157966111091332006-10-06T12:03:00.000-06:002006-10-06T12:45:56.510-06:00

I'm sure those who care have already heard, but did you know Alias Comics went all-Christian. Excuse me, I must dance for joy now.Edit:Also, this interview with Andrew Beaujon, writer of the book I mentioned a couple posts ago about the Christian music industry.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-1158618101582460902006-09-18T16:20:00.000-06:002006-09-18T16:21:41.600-06:00

with Regina SpektorThat's all

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-1158172363756198472006-09-13T12:00:00.000-06:002006-09-13T12:36:40.233-06:00

I've been a little busy lately with a bunch of stuff like cleaning, shopping (got some *great* deals at Lane Bryant), and other little things like soul searching.After doing a little research I broke down and bought a copy What Color is Your Parachute deciding it was time I finally settled down and figure out what it is I should commit the rest of my life too. I of course completely ignored it (

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6097174.post-1157217347266845202006-09-02T11:13:00.000-06:002006-09-02T11:15:47.283-06:00

Look what I found! Cyberpunk Hello Kitty!!!!

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13007339488058223305noreply@blogger.com2