From one Ball to Another

Well, it's over. Last night was the last night of BASKETBALL league, and quite honestly, I'm a little sad. Not like spend-an-evening-crying sad, but just bummed cuz I was really enjoying my time at the games. I was beginning to understand (and enjoy) it more and more. Another thing is that I didn't really start coming out of my shell until last night. For some of you that know me, you know that it takes a little while for me to warm up to people. I have to get to the level of comfort before I really start to show the Leah that my closest friends know. Until that point, I tend to be a little shy and reserved. It was getting better with each week, I started to branch out and talk (a little bit) to people that I didn't really know. Last night though, I probably talked and laughed with more people that I didn't know than I did all "season." Oh well...there's always next year to talk more... =0) As long as Joe or Jared ask me to come back, that is. I may not know how to play the game, or know the calls, but I DO know how to run a scorebored, so that would save them the hassle of "training" someone else.

Anyhoo...now that that's all over, I'll be starting SOFTBALL league; I'm looking forward to it. I promise I won't throw balls at people in order to tag them out...promise. =0) I asked Doug from Kent City Baptist (KCBC) if women were allowed to play on the boys team, he said "not really" and that he thought there would a women's team, but wasn't sure. Then I talked to my best friend who goes to one of our opposing churches and she said that they could use another girl (it's co-ed) so that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to play for Snow Bible Church...I can't promise them anything spectacular, but I'll definitely try hard. More importantly, it'll get me out of the house a couple times a week and I'll actually be having fun, rather than stuck in a building...working. I don't know the first thing about playing a real game of softball (except for "hit the ball and try to get to the white base before someone touches it or you with the ball," so hopefully, someone can give me some insight. I'd hate to make a fool of myself out there. Anyway, I'm out. I've gotta get back to work.

Weekend to Remember!

Wow...this weekend was crazy for me. A ton of fun, but crazy. Friday, immediately after work my mom, dad, sister and I all left for my grandma's in Ludington. Soon after we got into Ludington, we stopped at KFC to pick up some chicken to bring to my grandma's for dinner. It was during that stop that Amber decided to pull out her camera and it turned out to be a hilarious experience.

Saturday we threw a "going away" party for my cousin who will be heading off to Colorado for work and at the same time a birthday party for my great-aunt who just turned 89. I always love being around my family. We're a loud, crazy group of people and it just makes for an exciting time. After we ate a few of decided to go outside and "play." Some of the cousins (me included) played a couple games of volleyball and then it was decided that we were going to put on a Turner softball game; crazy, crazy, crazy. Of course, with it being MY family, it wasn't your normal game of softball...nope- my aunt decided that it was going to be ONE HANDED...meaning, when you were up to bat- you could only swing with one arm. On top of that, I was the pitcher for our team, albeit not a great one, but the pitcher none the less. Needless to say, my arm is still feeling the burn. Oh, and just in case you ever decide to play softball, word of advice - you're not allowed to throw the ball at an opposing player running to first if you know for sure that you're not going to be able to reach her in time. Trust me, I learned that one real quick this weekend. =0) I don't think Jessie really appreciated it either. The other team won, but I personally think it's because they have a bunch of cheaters. Just personal opinion. =0)

Then on Sunday two great things happened:

A.M - We had the first service in our new church. What a great turnout. We packed the building, overflowed the parking lot, and just had a GREAT service. It's going to take me some getting used to because this building is way bigger than our previous church, but I will get used to it because I know that God is going to use Kent City Baptist in a great way. I can't wait to see the way he uses us!!

P.M - I went to the Michael Bublè concert with Amber; what a blast!! Before I continue, a HUGE thank you goes to Casey from Paradigm. She is the one that gave Amber the tickets; $80 tickets nonethess, so THANK YOU! Before he came on, they had an opening act, the name of the act was Naturally 7. It was a group of black guys that had not ONE instrument, and yet had a "band." Each band member created the sounds of an instrument with their voices. Me trying to explain it would give it no justice, so please, check 'em out at YouTube.com (search 'wall of sound' or 'Naturally 7'). After they performed, Michael finally came out. He was amazing! He was also hilarious; cracking jokes all night long. I'm really glad I got to go see him. It was definitely a concert I won't forget for a very long time.

Anyway- this thing is already long enough, so I won't make you suffer anymore. I hope the rest of you had a great weekend also.

Music to My Ears (literally)

Sunday, April 20, 2008 @ 8PM at the Van Andle Arena, I will get to see this man perform live. I am SO excited...If you like Frank Sinatra and that sort of music, then you too would like Michael Bublè. My sister got some free tickets from a friend at work, and she was kind enough to invite me to go with her. I'm so glad she did, cuz I can't wait to see him...

Short post, but it's all I've got for the day!

Dependence

If you haven't read the book Mistaken Identity by the Van Ryn and Cerak families yet, I suggest you do; it's a powerful book. If you don't know what it's about, I'll give you brief synopsis.

In April, 2006 a van of Taylor University students were hit by a semi. Out of 9 people, 5 died; out of that 5, one was mistaken for one the survivors. Both families give their account of everything from the day of the accident to "today."

Now, why do I suggest it?? Not just because it's a great read, or because it gives you some insight to something that made national (and even international) news. I suggest it because it's proof of how great our God is. More than once I was moved to tears reading this book (I'm not one to cry over books), several of those times, I was sitting in my desk here at work. The dependence they on had on Christ is astounding. Every inch of their life revoloved around Christ and the works he wants us to do for his glory. I honestly don't know what I would do in their situation. I would hope that I would be bold and continually ask God for the strength and support he so willingly gives rather than become angry and confused and turn away. Another reason I suggest you read it is because even if you can't relate to every last issue that they're going through, somehow, you will be able to relate to the way God moves in our lives. Some of my tears were tears for the families and the losses they experienced, the emotions that hit them, and the pain they endured. However, the majority of my tears were because I could relate to the way that Christ has moved in my own life over the past couple years. Our God is an amazing God, through good and through bad, and this book sheds light on just how great He is and how much He truly loves us, all of us.

So please, go out to the nearest library, bookstore, or Walmart and pick up a copy to read, and when you do, see it as more than just a great story. Open your hearts to the message it has and expect to be moved.

Stupid Pegs...

Ever been pegged as being something you 100% are not?? Yeah, me too. More recently, I've been getting that from a few people I know. My only question is, who else are they telling this to? I mean, it's not like I care that they're saying it because to be honest - it won't have some horrible affect on me, but it's still annoying.

The thing I get pegged with the most is "High Maintenance." The first time I heard this one was about a year ago when I was working at the video store. I was working with my boss and another girl, and we started talking about engagement rings. She was saying something about wanting a big rock and having an idea of what her dream ring looked like (I don't remember the exact wording...it's been awhile since the coversation). I told her that I wanted something small and simple. I told her I wanted a three stone engagement ring and a diamond wedding band, but I didn't want anything too big or flashy. When I said that, my boss made that snotty snorting sound. After asking what that was all about, he proceeded to tell me that he couldn't believe that I wanted something simple. "why's that?" I asked...and he said (and I quote) "Because I pegged you as the high maintenance type." All I could do was laugh... after regaining my composure I asked him what in the world made him think that. His reasoning was that I was always dressed up, my make-up and hair was always just so (I work in an office. I have to look nice 5 out of 7 days, which are usually the only days he saw me) and I just had an "way" about me that appeared to signal high maintenance. Truth is, I'm more comfortable throwing on a hoodie and jeans sans makeup and just spending the day like that. I hunt, fish, change my own oil, get my hands dirty, all the while- not caring about how I look. I don't know many "high maintenance" girls that do that.
That was the FIRST time. He no longer sees me as that. We hang out periodically now, so he's seen my dress down-no makeup-hair in a ponytail days, and he's gotten to know me more for myself now. I've been pegged a couple more times as such, but they're not worth mentioning. Same sort of story, just different people, and I'm sure it will continue to happen. It's out of my control though. Just like the next peg...

Now, you'd think that after being wrong about the high maintenance thing, he'd stop making assumptions about me... WRONG! I found out that he made another idiodic assumption about me and let it escape his lips in front of a guy that I've been getting to know (and like). This time, I had my friend Danyalle there to call him out on it. Apparently Danyalle was talking to this guy about how she thought I was sweet and funny, etc, etc, etc and that he should get to know me and ask me out because we have a lot of the same moral values. This is when my boss from the video store chirped in again and said "Yeah, she'd make a good girl friend, but I think she'd be rather needy." I wasn't there to hear it, but when Danyalle told me, I was like "WHAT?!?" Again, I had to laugh... I'm far from needy. When I hear needy, I think of a girl that has to be with her man nearly 24/7; he's not allowed a single moment to himself. I also think of someone that plans her life around him and the things HE enjoys; in turn completely losing herself as an individual. That type of girl, I am NOT. In fact, I'm the opposite. While I enjoy spending time with the guy, I also enjoy having some time to hang with MY friends and giving him ample room to hang with his crew, infact, I'm quite independent - just ask my mother. I also know and like who I am as an individual, so there's no need for me to morph into a clone of him. Will I make compromises and request that he do the same? I'm sure. Will I expect him to treat me well when we ARE together? Absolutely. However, that doesn't make me needy.

Lucky for me, Danyalle was there to ask him why he thought that...his response? "I don't know, I just think she seems needy." Yeah. Great excuse; founded on such....idiocy. *rolls eyes* The "guy" is still willing to hang out with me, so he'll realize for himself that my boss was wrong, but the whole pegging thing really annoys me, especially when it's not founded on anything remotely logical.

Oh well, what can ya do....

BRING IT ON!!

Today is officially the first day of spring! (please) BRING ON THE WARM WEATHER!!! =) I am so sick of the cold I could burst....Most of the snow is gone, but there's still a chill in the air and SOME snow left over. I can't wait til we've got leaves on the trees, green grass and sunny days!! After 4 bad months of winter, I'm ready for spring...even the mud. =)

Dare I say?

I might get disowned from my family for saying this, but I think I'm becoming a basketball fan. *gasp*

For those of you who know me, know that my family and I are HUGE wrestling fans (the high school, not TV kind). Growing up I went to countless tournaments and meets for my cousins and then when I got to be the great age of 11, I started working with our middle school wrestling team taking stats and whatnot. The love of the sport followed me into my high school years. I was the manager/statistician from my freshman to my senior year. For those of you who are avid wrestling fans will know that there's always been this dislike between the basketball and wrestling teams (at least in Grant there was). Wrestlers didn't like basketball, and basketballers didn't like wrestling...we just sort of co-existed. lol, no not really. We actually got along with the players, we just didn't much care for the sport. Had you asked me when I was in high school if I wanted to go to basketball game with you, I probably would have laughed and declined. Oh, how the times have changed.

About a month back, I was asked by a couple of the guys from the church if I would be willing to run the scoreboard for basketball league. The only reason I agreed is becauseit would give me something to do on Tuesday nights rather than sit home doing nothing. We're three weeks into in and I'm finding that I'm beginning to enjoy the sport. The more I understand it and the plays, the more I get into it. It's more than just running across the court and shooting a wrinkled orange ball into a round hole. They run....A LOT, and when there are 4 or 5 guys jumping on one man in order to prevent him from making a shot, I can see what makes making the shot so difficult. That and there are SO many way to get penalized; or lose the ball to the other team.

Now before I give a family member a heart attack or something let me state that I'm NOT saying that I LOVE basketball and would pick IT over wrestling. I'm just saying that I think I can squeeze it into the sports I enjoy watching (live).

Trying to Stay Positive

About three weeks ago, I started my new healthy lifestyle. I decided it was time to take control of my weight, my diabetes, and my life. I've been trying my best to really pay attention to the things I'm eating, and also the portions, as well as working out everyday (except Saturdays and Sundays). I've been doing pretty well for the most part. I'm enjoying the gym visits, and I'm REALLY enjoying the time alone when I go for a run down our road. The only thing I'm NOT enjoying is the discouragement.

I'm not alone in this lifestyle change. I've actually been doing this with my best friend Rachelle and her mom. Well, we were all together this weekend and Rachelle told me that over the last 3 weeks, she's lost 8 pounds and her mom said that she's lost 4. That's when the discouragement kicked in. The first week was good, I thought I was gaining progress because when I stepped on the scale, it was down a pound and a half. Then at the end of the third week, it hadn't moved one ounce. I've been consistant in working out and eating healthier but I'm not seeing a change. It's times like these that I get really sick of having diabetes. When I was in high school (before diabetes) I lost 45 pounds by doing what I'm doing now, averaging about 3 pounds a week, but since being diagnosed, it's been nearly impossible for me to lose it. To be honest, I don't understand what makes it so hard for people with diabetes to lose weight. I know that in the end (whether I lose or not) I will be healthier and I keep telling myself that, but when you've struggled as long as I have with my weight, you really want to see a reduction when you're working your butt off to drop a few. It just gets so discouraging.

With that said, I'm still going to commit myself to this change, because it will make me healthier, even if it doesn't make me skinnier.

7 Years in the Making!!

May 14, 2001 my friendship with a girl name Tiffany Lynn Taylor began. At that time, I was big into the whole "chat room" thing (way before MySpace and Facebook). There were some guys hassling this girl and I just dropped a comment saying "Ignore them, guys are jerks." With that, she sent me an IM. From there we just started talking. We clicked on so many levels; the only downside - she was from New York, I am from Michigan. We really wanted to exchange information but both of our parents refused that request. Still leary of online predators and whatnot they told us we would have to wait atleast six months, get to know each other a little more first. So, six months passed and I asked my parents if I could give her my address...they gave me permission, under a few conditions, it had to be through MSN IM, they were going to be standing there when I did it, and she had to send hers at the same time. We finally got each other's addresses and the letters began. Sad to say, I no longer have those letters; at her request, I burned them. Anyway, we started writing, sending cards, sending pictures, etc. She became one of the few people I could truly open my heart to. She was there when MY grandma and three of my friends died. I was there when her grandparents died and other things happened. I don't know if it's the distance that gives us the courage to be so open, or if it's just because we really do just understand each other REGARDLESS of the distance, but whatever it is, I don't hold things back from her, nor she from me. She has truly become my best friend.

Some people say that it's impossible to be a "best friend" if you've never met. I tell them they're wrong. It's all about the connection. I even get laughed at when I talk about it. One particular guy at work always makes a joke about me being "too old to have a pen-pal." I tell him the same thing everytime...she's not my pen pal, she's my best friend, but if meeting her is the only way to set our friendship "in stone" then that day has come....and I couldn't be more excited.

In June, with my cousin and her friend, I will be heading out to New York to meet my best friend. After 7 years of dreaming about this day, it's finally going to become a reality. I know her and she really knows me, but I still keep asking myself...."what am I going to say, how am I going to react when I meet her?" There are a million things running through my mind, but I think I know deep down, that we're just gonna pick up as though there's never been a distance between us. Another bonus to this adventure is that she will have a little ankle-biter for me to meet when I get there. She's due to have her son May 14, 2008. Now the cool thing about that is, well, scroll back up and read the first line of this blog....done? Then you'll realize that May 14 is the same day our friendship started, only 7 years back. Coincidence? Maybe...maybe not, but VERY COOL in my book.

In so many ways and for so many reasons, I can't wait for June to get here. I can't wait to finally hug my best friend, maybe even have a coffee with her. All the things we've dreamed of doing together...we'll actually have that chance. Yes, it may only be for a few days, but those few days with my best friend will last me a lifetime. She's the greatest friend (truly) that's come into my life, and at the times I've needed her the most, she been there. She's always honest with me (once in awhile, brutally) and she's also always been so encouraging and supportive. I hope I've been the same way with her. So here I am, counting down the days til I meet my best friend; Tiffany Lynn Taylor. It should be fun.

Lighter

I can honestly say...I haven't felt this "light" in a long long time. I don't know if I even remember the last time I felt like this, and I don't mean light as in weight, I mean light as in "less burden." Over the course of 14 years, my life has been somewhat of a mess. With things from my past weighing heavily on my shoulders, I turned "ways out" other than Christ. Without getting some professional help. Over the course of those same 14 years, I tried to cover my issues with other things, which caused more harm than good, weighing me down even more. Well, just recently- I've finally fully addressed those issues; that issue. I started seeing a Christian counselor about 3 weeks ago, and even though we're only into our 3rd week, I feel like a weight has been lifted from me. I was getting to the point where I didn't enjoy my job, I wasn't too interested in hanging out with my friends, I just kind of wanted to go home after work and do nothing. But now, I beginnning to enjoy my job again, I spend a little more time with my friends, and well...I have to admit, there are still days that I'd just rather go home after work and do nothing. :P I know this is just the beginning of my journey to health, but if I can feel like this after only 3 weeks, imagine what I'll feel like when I'm done. I never knew HOW weighed down I was until now. I knew I buried it, and there was always a reminder of what my life had become, but I didn't realize that the pain acutally, pretty much, controlled my life and my emotions. I feel a little more free now. As always, I still have my days (especially the day after my sessions) that I just feel low and down and all I want to do is cry...but I'm beginning to see more days where I find it okay to laugh, okay to just be... okay.... I don't know why I'm even saying all of this...I just wanted to share it, if for no other reason that to just re-read it myself and know that there will be a day where I can breath again...without feeling like I'm going to crack under all the pressure.