Tiffany’s Corner

Well, it’s been quite a while since I’ve posted anything. I keep meaning to get on the site and tell everyone about my goingson, but then something or someone comes up and I get side tracked. Looking back on my last post, I can tell you that I feel like a lot has changed since that date. How? and Why? you might ask, well, I’ll do my best to explain with this post!

First of all, I know someone out there has been praying for me lately and I’d like to say “THANKS!!” and You’re a little sneak! Over the last month I’ve noticed that work has been getting increasingly easier to handle. Let me explain…

I have atleast one very challenging coworker that I have to deal with every single solitary day. In the past, I posted a blog about how we usually get along. Well, after talking to my notveryhelpful and totallyworthlessboss I realized that this same coworker was going to continue to get away with everything and that nothing was going to change. Since having that epiphany, I’ve done my absolute best to abstain from concentrating on every little thing she does that annoys the CRAP out of me. It’s been hard, but slowly I’m adjusting.

Since I’ve been doing my absolute best not to focus on her I’ve had more time to focus on the other people I work with. Guess what?! Everyone I work with is a slacker! At some point or another each and every person I work with, not excluding myself, is chatting with a coworker (and not working), surfing the internet, taking a long break, gossiping, humming or whistling, etc, etc…

For those of you who know me, you know I like rules, I like to follow rule and I like to enforce rules. I like to please my superiors, whether it’s my boss or my parents, by setting a good example. I think that’s what bugs the crap outta me about my problem coworker. She is the exact opposite. She thinks that the world owes her everything (she’s a DEMOCRAT, go fig) and why shouldn’t she do whatever she wants while she’s at work?! AHHHH!

But like I said…someone has been praying for me! Thank you Jesus! My job at work has gotten easier lately and little by little the tension between the two of us has dwindled to little if not anything at all. This past week was great. At one point, she even volutarily switched her radio over to my station (105.3)…that’s HUGE!

Okay, so besides that, this summer has been a blast. I’m so very unbelievable thankful to be out of retail! I had 4 long years at Freddy’s and I don’t miss it one bit. I still feel a bit wierd going into that store, but oh well. Each and every time I go in there I recognize fewer and fewer employees. It’s funny though, some of the people that I do recognize are new acquaintances, former Target employees that used to work with James.

Having a real job is awesome. Each Friday I clock out and look forward to a real weekend! During the summer it’s even better, cause you actually get to enjoy the weather! This September was awesome, the weekend of our Anniversary was just PERFECT!!!

Yep! James and I finally celebrated our 1 year anniversary. Can you believe it?! I can’t believe it went by so quick…seems just like yesterday. I am immensly happy, couldn’t have planned it better myself!

We went camping for our anniversary, at Mt. Rainier Nat’l Park. The weather was perfect, the air mattress didn’t have any leaks, the BLACK BEAR that wandered through the campground didn’t even see us….see what I mean by perfect?! This is so sweet, and pink, I’m making myself sick! Haha.

Oh yeah, did I mention that James sent me flowers, balloons, and a teddy bear at work (ahhh), the first time that’s ever happened! And he bought me an IPOD Touch. Whoa! I was so not expecting that! It’s great little toy. I’m quite entertained by it on a regular basis.

Oh yeah, in case you’re wondering, I got him a new camera lense for his camera. He’s aspiring to become a professional photographer. Yipee!

Well, I guess lastly I’ll tell you about my trip yesterday. I got to spend some time with my Mom down in the Marysville area. We met at this cute little cafe in Sylvana and then went shopping at the new Lakewood Center and Seattle Outlets on the Rez. What a great time! We had fun, but were totally exhausted when the night was through.

For a shopping trip, I didn’t make out very well, I came home with two pairs of shoes and a clearance shirt from Lane Bryant. But then today, I went to Labels and came home with 2 new pairs of pants and a new purse…so over all, I did okay!

Oh my goodness…well I promise not to let so much time pass between now and my next blog. I’d love to hear back from anyone and everyone who reads this thing…sometimes I feel like I may be just talking to myself! Ha! Love you all!

     I had a very interesting few days at work last week. You see, we normally have 3 people in the front office, last week we were down to two. Everyone needs a vacation, Lord knows I’ve taken a few. That’s not the issue.

     The issue is that I was a little concerned about having to work alone with my not so favorite coworker. She’s not all that bad, she’s just not someone I could get along with for very long outside of work. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m quite regemented. I like order, stucture, rules, and organization.

     This woman has been on The Price is Right. She comes to work every day with a Quad-shot from Starbucks. She greets everyone who walks through the door like they’ve been gone for the last three years on a deep sea voyage. She has 13 brightly colored picture frames on her desk. Nuff said?! Okay. I thought so.

     I was kind of dreading this past week because I was sure that at some point I would completely lose my mind, reach for my seraded letter opener, and run full force in her direction. Luckily, for both of us, that didn’t even come close to happening.

    Instead, a totally unexpected and somewhat amazing thing happened. We got along! She didn’t annoy me. We worked pretty well together. We were able to keep the chaos at a minimum and help each other out! We both reached for the phone when it seemed like it was constantly ringing off the hook. We covered each other’s lunch breaks. We offered to help each other out when we couldn’t figure out where something was or what we were supposed to be doing.  We both came in a little early or stayed a little late to manage the extra work that needed to be done. All in all, the week that I had been dreading for quite some time just flew by, with little incident or mishap.

     Now, I’m not saying that all of a sudden we are BFF or that we had a slumber party and braided each other’s hair. Not even close. But ya know, it was okay.

     And ya know why it was okay?! Because I was soooo busy I didn’t have time to judge her (as often) or focus on the little things she does that annoyed (and still do) me.

     No one is perfect. It is so easy to focus on someone else’s shortcomings and flaws. Their sins, if you will. Everyday we (especially me) spend so much time judging others, we don’t take the time to judge ourselves.

     As a Christian I’m easily labeled as someone who is overly judgemental. Sometimes (too many times) that is the case. I think everyone would benefit from a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. I think everyone should obey and appreciate rules. (My Dad was a drill sergeant.) But me quoting scripture and throwing a Bible in your face is not going to make you scream, “Sign me up!” If you’re not ready, you’re not ready. If anything, I will most likely push you even farther away.

     The sad thing is, some of the people (like me) who are so Hell-bent on judging others and pointing out all their short-comings could really benefit from turning some of that energy on themselves. So, with that being said, I’m going to close with a few Bible verses. I know, I just talked about not throwing a Bible in your face. That’s why I’m warning you now…if you don’t want to read them, quit reading right….NOW!

Matthew 7

Judging Others

 1“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

 3“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

For those of you that did read to the end…take care and enjoy the rest of your summer!

As some of you may know from reading my preceding blog, I went to a Steven Curtis Chapman concert this past weekend. At the concert SCC talked about how much he loved his family, especially his 6 kids, 3 biological, 3 adopted from China.

Well just this morning the entire Christian community was informed of a terrible tragedy. Maria Chapman, the youngest (just 5 years old) of the Chapman clan was killed in a horrible accident at the family’s home. One of SCC’s sons, only 17, accidently backed over the young girl in the driveway. To make matters even more horrific, the family was gathered together at this same time to celebrate the eldest daughter’s engagement and the 17 year old’s graduation from High School.

I can’t even begin to imagine what their family is going through. For such a strong Christian family, I see this as a very powerful test of their faith and commitment. My heart aches for all of them.

If you’d like to visit the website that, at this point has been dedicated to the memory of Maria, just click on the link below.

http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/

Take care and God Bless.

First I would like to apologize to everyone who has been waiting for me to post a new blog. I’ve been majorly slacking…Hopefully this blog will give you something to comment about. Cause guess what?! Anyone can leave me a comment now! Yippee!!

These past few days have been really busy, I know tomorrow is already Thursday and I’m thinking, where did the time go?! Geeez.

I guess the reason it feels like the time has just flown by is because I’ve been waiting for this week and next to get here and up until now I feel like time has been DRAGGING!

Tonight was fun, we had guests over for dinner! Some friends of James’s Matt and Christie (and their toddler daughter Lisa) came over for dinner and American Idol. It was a really fun night, but a little crazy. I work until 6pm and James usually gets home just before me, and M & C were scheduled to arrive at 7. See why it was a little hectic?! Needless to say I did plan ahead and had a really yummy beef stroganof/pot roast in the crock pot all day. So when I got home from work all I had to do was cook the noodles and warm up the bread. Voila! Dinner is served! We had a great time chatting and watching Lisa, always a delightful entertainer. I am sure we will see her name in lights someday. We concluded the evening by watching the EVER-predictable American Idol. Of course, it’s down to the two Davids. Who didn’t see that coming?! Geez

So I know I mentioned that I’m looking forward to this weekend, but I don’t think that I told you why. James and I are going to Redmond to see Steven Curtis Chapman! Yay! He’s a really great Christian singer that we both really admire. He’s performing in Redmond at Overlake Christian Church with two other groups, Bebo Norman and Temple. SCC music is very dear to us especially since his song “I’ll be here” was what I walked down the aisle to in our wedding. (Ah….how romantic!)

So…the concert is Saturday night at 7pm and Redmond is a few hours away. So I booked us a hotel so that we can kind of make a short weekend of it. I’m really hoping that we can spend some time at Alki Beach in Seattle on Sunday. James just got a new camera and I know he’d get some good pics there. And really, I don’t think I’ve ever been to Alki. It should be fun! (Plus it’s supposed to be near 80 degrees!)

Ooooh, here’s the grand finale. Memorial Day weekend James and I will be staying a cute little B & B in Pacific Beach, just outside of Ocean Shores. I’m really excited. I’m busy trying to find local places for us to visit and things to do. Mainly I’m just looking forward to the mini-roadtrip and the vacation on the beach. We’ll be staying at the Beach Avenue Bed and Breakfast, I’ll be sure to post a review after we get back!

Well, I’m COMPLETELY exhausted after such a long day…and there’s still so much to do before this weekend. (James doesn’t know it, but I want to go clothes shopping before we go to the concert. )

Thanks for reading my blog and PLEEEEZ leave me a comment so I know that I have friends! Love you all, God Bless!

So, It’s Sunday night and the weekend is pretty much over. Boy, it sure was a busy one! Saturday was a really nice day here in the PNW. It was forecasted that it was supposed to get near 70 degrees, so almost everyone was out trying to enjoy it.

Me? I enjoyed sleeping in and had just finished getting dressed when I got a call from my husband (who regretably has to work on Saturdays) telling me that his father was in the hospital.   So most of my Saturday was spent in the waiting room of the ICU with my in-laws. I don’t really have much of an update on my father-n-law’s condition, except to say that he is resting and that we plan to go and see him again tomorrow.

Saturday night James and I had house-guests. Two of my bestest girl friends, Katie and Ang came up from Des Moines and crashed at our place. They say they were here to see our Pastor friend be offically installed as head of First Baptist Church downtown, but I know they were really up here just for ME!

Here is a pic of Ang, Me, Becca, and Katie (clockwise):

Anyway, Saturday night we went out to Billy McHales for dinner and a few drinks. I had a very bitter yet strong Lemondrop with my BBQ pork sandwich. And yes, after a long stressful day it went straight to my head! Boy, did it feel good!

The evening was capped off by returning to my humble abode where the girls and I endulged in some A++ cinema in the form of JTT’s performance in Man of the House. Long live the days of Teen Bop magazine and posters of boys on your bedroom walls!

Sunday morning we went to FBC to see Pastor Jeff preach, great as always. I was suprised to see that the flowers (mostly pansies and daffodils) we had planted last September for my wedding were out in full bloom. It was beautiful, too bad I didn’t have my camera!

Lastly, we went to On Rice with a few of Katie and Ang’s guy friends and had a great time. Nothing better than deep fried veggies and plum sauce to bring an end to a very busy weekend!