Dream•sync

Wow what an interesting few days it's been for myself and a close friend.  And what a very long time it's been since I actually posted something on the blog.  Strange how quickly time flies...

I'm sitting in my office working on a day when the corporate office is closed.  The wind is blustery today and has given a ... what's the word I want...  transient feel to the day.  Like nothing is stable. 

Strangely enough it's not unlike what is happening in my life and others.  I'm still wrestling with my current state.  My friends can tell you of how many people have gotten engaged in the last 3 weeks.  Too many to count on two hands.  I am very happy for each of them.  Really happy.  But at the same time each one of these blessed announcements is a chance for me to become despondent at my own state of singleness.  It's only a chance - and the evil one loves to take those opportunities to convince me yet again that I am unworthy.  That there is something wrong with me or that I've done something so horribly wrong that the Lord is 'punishing me' with this time of singleness.

Which is false - and yet it is so easy to give into those thoughts. 

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ..."
                                                                  2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (my emphasis)

And that brings me to the reason for writing this blog in the first place.  It's so important to remember that the war we are fighting is primarily a spiritual one.  One that can manifest itself in the careless comments of others, or the assumptions and misunderstandings between friends.  It can manifest in so many different ways. In my case it was in a dream I had this past Sunday morning. I cannot recall much of the beginnings of that dream, but the end result of it had me awake at 3:30 am, heart & mind racing.

I am traveling with my friend Katie in her car.  I am vaguely aware that we are traveling with a group of people, and that there is something we must be cautious about.  I have somehow obtained a silver pistol - like a Colt .45 - only the barrel looks as if it's been modified.  It also has pins or brackets that pop out of the bottom of the handle for the purpose of doing more damage when hitting someone with the butt of the gun.

Katie and I are walking back to her car after stopping at a rest stop.  I am talking to her about plans for something and sit in the passenger seat of her car, gun on my lap, still talking to her as she walks around the back of the vehicle.  I notice it is taking her too long to make the trek and call her name.

I hear her scream coming from behind the car.  I leap up, gun in hand from the passenger side and face what I can only call a shadow figure who has come up behind Katie and put one arm around her neck and the other around her waist, trying to drag her away from the car.  When this figure sees me it releases her and moves towards me in a rapid and very jerky motion.  Almost as if it was a bad film recording.  Jerky and flickering on the horizontal plane while in one location, then 'woosh' to the next location, all jerky and flickering.

I barely have time to raise the gun to shoot the thing from hip level.  I get it right in the gut just before it reaches me.

And then I wake up.

And some of you reading this are like - "wow scary dream but how do you know it was a spiritual attack and not some bad pizza wreaking revenge?"  

There are a few ways I can tell.  First - I've experienced attacks of this kind before.  And in every case the figure is never clearly defined.  It is always in shadow.  Second, when I tell my dreams like this to mentors in the faith, they are usually the ones to flag them as an attack even before I suggest that it might be one.  Third, my own spirit usually alarms at things that aren't 'normal' nightmares.

What's really interesting is when the person being attacked in my dream can confirm a similar dream at virtually the same time.  When I shared with Katie about this dream she confirmed a similar figure in her dream trying to do her harm.  Hearing that at first really creeped me out :)  But upon further discussion with friends and mentors, it's a blessing.  A blessing to know that the Lord can use us even in dreams to come to the aid of a friend.

In this case my weapon in the dream was a silver Colt .45.  Upon waking it was prayer.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
       but against the rulers,
       against the authorities,
       against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
       against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Stand therefore,
     having fastened on the belt of truth,
     and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
     and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
     In all circumstances take up the shield of faith,
                      with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
     and take the helmet of salvation,
     and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
                      praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints...

                                                                             Ephesians 6:10-18 (my emphasis)

So how about you?  Have you armed yourself today?  I'll be the first to confess I do a poor job of equipping myself for battle.  But the Lord's not finished with me - and He still chooses to use me despite myself. And for that I am eternally thankful.

---

Listening to: The wind...
Reading: "Sacred Waiting" by David Timms.  Thoroughly enjoying his examination of waiting in the lives of Noah, Abraham, David and Jesus... looking forward to the second half of the book...
Crafting: One large crib sheet, One announcement framing, one Christmas gift with a wonderful saying and the repair of a friend's necklace.  This time of year is busy in so many ways...
Studying: Good question... I need to get back into my Beth Moore study on David...

First, I got more personal comments via text and phone and in person from my last blog than I ever expected.  It was a difficult post to write because it's so much easier to 'bury' those feelings of inadequacy.  Yet it is such a comfort to know that others have felt similarly, and take encouragement from my 'battle cry' (which honestly when I wrote that was more of a whimper... but words have power, and the more I read them the more Truth was written on my heart :)

In any case, thanks to those who contacted me.  And praise be to God that anything I say has eternal value - it's all because of Him.

Which brings us to today's post :) 


Brown Sugar Bundt Cake & Buttery Brown Sugar Sauce
Adapted from the Betty Crocker Spring 2007 'Indulgent Desserts' magazine, page 24.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Start to Finish: 4 hours roughly
Yield: 1 bundt cake and some lovely caramel sauce (recipe follows the cake recipe)

My Plan of Attack: I work from home 8 - 5 every day, so I can't take a huge chunk of time to make this.  Instead I break it up.  Make the bundt cake over lunch hour and stick it in the oven right before going back to work (which obviously only works if you work from home :).  Bake it as described, let it cool in the pan, then flip onto a cooling rack until work is done.  After work, make the sauce and plate the cake.


Brown Sugar Bundt Cake

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3/4 cup milk

Substitutions/eliminations:

• You can completely forget the baking powder and salt and it makes a wonderful pound-like cake.  I say 'forget' because that's what I did when I made this yesterday lol :)  The cake turned out wonderfully, very moist and slightly more dense than normal.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan or angel food cake pan.  I used butter and completely forgot the flour - not recommended.  The cake did not want to come out yesterday. So be sure to flour your pan after greasing.  This is easy in case you aren't sure how to do it - take a little flour, stick it in the greased pan and tap the flour around, covering the grease.  Tap out any extra flour once the pan has a nice even flour coating to it.
3. Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl.  Or not if you want a more dense & moist pound cake :).  Then just measure out the flour in that bowl. 
4. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars (brown and granulated).  I usually do this with a pastry cutter to help eliminate lumps.  Be sure your butter is completely softened otherwise it will take much longer to get the batter to the right consistency.  This is where a kitchen aid mixer comes in very handy.  I like to start creaming the butter and sugars together by hand before adding them to the kitchen aid.  It gives them a head start and I don't have to scrape the sides of the bowl as often.  Use the paddle attachment, and finish creaming the sugars & butter together on a low or mix setting.  Then ramp it up to medium mixing speed for 5 minutes.  Scrape the bowl occasionally.  The mixture will become light and a bit fluffy.
5. Add one egg at a time, waiting until each is completely mixed in before adding the next. 
6. Add the vanilla.
7. Reduce your mixing speed to low, then alternate adding a little of the flour mixture, with adding a bit of the milk. Once those have both been completely added, continue mixing until the batter looks smooth.  I ramped up the mixer every once in a while which probably added a little air to it - this isn't an issue.  'Smooth' is probably a relative term here - my batter looked a little grainy, and was the consistency of a fluffy, heavy paste. 
8. Spoon the batter into your pre-greased & floured bundt pan.  Even it out as best you can, then stick it in the oven to bake.
9. Bake the cake for anywhere from 50 minutes to an hour and 10 minutes.  It all depends on your oven and the weather honestly - you'd be surprised how much humidity impacts baking :) You can stick a toothpick in to see if it's done, or do what we used to when I baked cakes in a large kitchen for camp - you do the 'sponge' test.  Carefully (don't burn yourself!!) take your fingers on the center part of the cake and lightly press.  If the cake is done, it should act kind of like a sponge when pressed.  It should slightly return to it's original spot.  You'll feel resistance if it's done.
10. Pull the cake out and cool itin the pan for 10 minutes.
11. Here's where the floured pan comes into play - take a cooling rack and place it over the pan, then using hot pads flip the rack and pan over.  If it worked the pan should come off.  If it didn't you may have to tap the pan with a spoon on the bottom to get it to release the cake.  Don't fret if some of it gets stuck to the pan, just carefully work those out and place them right back on your cake.  It won't affect the taste ;) 
12. Allow the cake to completely cool, at least 2 hours. 
13. Plating - find a nice round plate to put the cake on - I put mine right in my cake carrier for transport, no plate necessary.  Serve with the warm sauce you'll make from the recipe below.

 Buttery Brown Sugar Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoons vanilla

Directions:

1. In a 2 quart saucepan, heat all the ingredients - except for the vanilla.  Bring to boiling over medium heat stirring constantly.  You must stir constantly otherwise the sugar and milk may burn which makes for a very bad tasting sauce.
2. Boil and stir for 2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
4. Once cool, stir in the vanilla.
5. Serve the sauce warm, drizzle over the cake (or ice cream, or cookies, or whatever else you can find to drizzle it over :)

I actually didn't add the milk or the vanilla to the sauce until after it had cooled slightly.  It was still quite warm when I added both, and the sauce turned out just fine.  In fact last night everyone was drizzling it over just about anything they cold find.  The sauce recipe is definitely a keeper... I'll have to see what it's like over ice cream...

In any case, enjoy :)

I went to bed last night feeling content after a day that started at 6 AM, included a 2-hour drive home, one appointment at 9, a run to AutoZone for new pads and rotors at 10, then a full day of work.  Got a text from my sister Val who also had an interesting afternoon and discovered she had no food in her apartment, so she came over and I fixed Beef Stroganoff - a dish that I love (who wouldn't love beef and pasta in a wonderful sauce?  :)  She stopped and bought salad and ghiradelli brownie mix on the way, and we had a lovely dinner at my table.  I know I've blogged about this before, but I feel so blessed to be able to do stuff like that on the fly - make dinner and have people over.  Thankfully I had all the ingredients for the meal :)

Anyway, my dad stopped over and had a brownie while I tried to find the information he needed on his military retirement.  We got that situated and then I had a wonderful conversation with my good friend Katie :)  And we talked about things happening in my life, and things happening in her life.  Things that are difficult but I believe ultimately good.

All of that apparently set the stage for this dream.

 I am being asked by and older gentleman to play the part of a fly fisher for the start of his movie - I think it's a commercial of some sort, but I can't be sure.  All I know is that I am to stand on a dock fly fishing - swinging my pole back and forth without actually fishing.   I am excited about this as for the past few years I've taken an interest in fly fishing.

I am practicing by myself at the edge of the water, chest waders on, flicking my fly on the surface.  It's a lake beach.  I realize the fly is huge - it's emerald green and looks more like a spoon lure than a fly.  I am able to keep flicking it in the water without it getting wet.  The older gentleman approaches - he is wearing sand -colored khakis and a similar colored, yet speckled sweater.  His hair is gray - He tells me I'm getting the hang of it and then asks how I can keep the fly dry.  I tell him about the float powder and wax that you can use to keep the fly floating - but I'm not using any of those.

I am standing on a dock surrounded by a whole bunch of people that I don't know - people who look familiar to me, but I've somehow just met.   They are crowded onto a boat that is tied up to the dock.  I look down and see the dock planking - it is gray and weathered like it's been there a long time.  We are not ready to shoot the film yet, so I'm flicking my fly into the water again - and I look down into the water - it's black yet clear - and I see this enormous fish.  It has vertical stripes on it and a huge dorsal fin - with spines that have to be 8 inches long connected by webbing, similar to a sunfish only much bigger.  This fish must be at least 4 or 5 feet long and it's just hovering partially under the dock.  I call people over to take a look.  They tell me that's a poison fish - that the spines are very dangerous.  I don't believe them.  They tell me I should try to catch it.  I protest saying my fly rod would snap - it's not designed for fish that big.  I hold my pole up and look at the specs printed on the side of the rod but can't find the one that I'm looking for to prove my point. So I throw my fly in where I think the fish's head is.

It's just hovering there like it's in a fish tank too small for it.  I lean over and think I see a scuba diver's face looking up at me from the water.  It disappears.  I feel a tug on my line and think 'I've caught it' only to real in a soft fish-eel looking thing that appears to be like a fat footlong hotdog in a weird bun.  i have hooked it funny through the lip - I find it strange.  I am proud of my catch and hold it up to everyone for their approval.  They laugh and smile appropriately, but I can sense something off.  Like a joke I am unaware of.

I am rummaging through a pack of supplies given to me by the older gentleman.  In it I find the stuffed mascot that represents the crew that I'm filming with.  It is the same thing that I hooked early in the day, only the one I hooked seemed real at the time.  How could I have mistaken it for a real fish?  I realize that I did see a diver and that they had hooked this mascot on to my hook as a joke played on me by the whole group. 

I am walking through a green campus.  People are everywhere - lounging in the perfectly manicured green grass under precisely placed decorative maples.  It is a college campus.  As I walk through people look at me with jeering contempt.  'How could she be so stupid?  So gullible?' I hear under their breath.  I do not belong and they want me to understand that.

I do not belong.  I am unworthy.  I am without hope.

And that is what I woke up to this morning.  Lovely huh?  I believe I know where most of it stems from.  You see, there is this wonderful event coming up this weekend - a square dance.  I have come to love them and dread them all at once.  Love them because they are a lot of fun.  Dread them because I always come away from them feeling unworthy.  Unmatched and unwanted.  So it makes sense that I would dream something about a large group of people and walk away in the dream feeling that way.   Last year I was dreadfully sick so there was a reason not to get asked.  This year I'm not sick - and I dread the 'waiting' on the sidelines.  Last year I had my camera with me - which I often use to keep me distracted.  It's why at weddings I like doing the photography.  It keeps me from thinking too much.  I haven't decided whether to bring it this time.   

So why am I still going you may ask?  Because despite the fears that are being broadcast from my dream, I do belong.  I am not unworthy.  I am not without hope.  But it's a battle for me every time.  A war against fear ruling my life.  I am taken back to one of my favorite passages - Isaiah 43 - as a welcome reminder.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
   and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
 when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
   and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the LORD your God,
   the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
 I give Egypt as your ransom,
   Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
Because you are precious in my eyes,
   and honored, and I love you,
I give men in return for you,
   peoples in exchange for your life. 

 So today started as an 'off' day because of the dream and the fears it represents.  But it doesn't have to end as an off day.  It can (and will) be redeemed by God's grace.

I can't tell you how blessed I feel to be in my own kitchen.  A kitchen that has all the equipment I've collected over the last several years.  A kitchen that I picked out appliances for as opposed to using whatever was in the apartment.

It is such a blessing.

And it allows me the opportunity once again to try recipes both new and old.  Including one of my favorites - Chocolate-covered Cheesecake Bites.  I've made these for all kinds of events, from work carry-ins to birthday celebrations and it's become one of my 'signature' desserts I guess.  I've even been told by friends never to bring these to their house ever again (because they couldn't stop eating them :)

So without further ado...

Chocolate-covered Cheesecake Bites

Prep Time: 50 minutes
Start to Finish: 4 hours roughly
Yield: 4 dozen

My Plan of Attack: I work from home 8 - 5 every day, so I can't take a huge chunk of time to make this.  Instead I break it up.  Make the cheesecake over lunch hour, let it cool for an hour on the rack at room temp, then cover and stick in the fridge.  After work, pull it out, cut into pieces and freeze for dipping later that evening.  The following day at lunch do the drizzle and plating.

Ingredients
      Crust

• 1 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup butter

      Filling

• 1 8oz package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

       Coating

• 2 1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons shortening

       Drizzle

• 2 oz white chocolate
• 1 teaspoon oil

Substitutions/eliminations:

• You can completely remove the almond extract in the cheesecake with little effect.
• Shortening - I looked high and low in my local grocery for a non-vegetable alternative to shortening and found none.  So this batch of coating I made reluctantly with shortening.  You should be able to substitute an animal fat like lard which a friend of mine has been using more recently - i expect her to blog about it soon :)
• Oil - the original recipe calls for vegetable oil.  My favorite oil - Olive - which I use for essentially all my cooking is not really the best thing to use in sweets.  If you have coconut oil you may try using that instead.  Trina - that same friend who's been experimenting with lard - has a great post on where she gets her coconut oil.
• Don't limit yourself to just white chocolate drizzle. This time I've used caramel, and at some point in the future I'd like to try dulce de leche which is a little more solid than the caramel I used. You could top with a fruit as well.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Line and 8x8 square pan with foil so that it extends over the sides of the pan. Coat the foil with butter or cooking spray.
3. Melt the 1/4 cup butter and combine with chocolate graham cracker crumbs in a small bowl.  Press in the bottom of your pan.
4. In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese and sugar.  I usually do this with a pastry cutter to help eliminate lumps.  Be sure your cream cheese is softened otherwise you'll have chunky cheesecake :)
5. Add the sour cream and beat on medium with an electric mixer.  Scrape the sides as necessary.  Do this until the mixture is smooth and fluffy in appearance. Add the egg and almond extract and beat until completely combined.  Pour this into your crust and even out with a spatula.
6. Bake 30-40 minutes until the edges are set.  The middle will be soft, but will set when cool.  Cool on a baking rack for an hour.  Then cover and transfer to the fridge for at least another hour.  You can leave it in longer if necessary.
7. Prepare two cookie sheets with parchment paper - you can use wax paper as well.  Remove the cheesecake from the pan by lifting the foil, then remove the foil completely and place your square cheesecake on a cutting board.  Cut into 8 rows by 6 rows, making 48 oblong cheescake bites. Place half of these on one cookie sheet, half on the other.
8. Put both sheets in the freezer.  You can try to coat the chilled bites with the hot chocolate but you'll end up very frustrated - trust me :)  Freezing the bites makes coating much simpler.
9. While the bites are freezing, make the chocolate coating.  This is where having a double boiler comes in handy.  Melt the chocolate chips and shortening/lard in the double boiler.  I usually do this on medium to low heat once the water is hot.  If you don't have a double boiler you must be extremely careful when melting chocolate on the stove-top.  It is very easy to burn chocolate - and it tastes awful.... You can try microwaving the chocolate and shortening for 3 minutes on medium heat, stirring and them microwaving in 15 second increments and stirring after each until the chocolate is completely melted. If you like working with chocolate and don't have a double boiler - ask for one for your next birthday or for Christmas :)
10. Once the chocolate coating is ready, Pull one cookie sheet out of the freezer.  Using a fork or toothpick - I actually use fondue forks which are perfect for dipping - dip one bite in the chocolate, lift and drain the excess back into the pot, then place back on the lined cookie sheet.  Do this for the rest of this sheet, then place back in the freezer.  Repeat for the second half of the bites.
11. Prep the white chocolate drizzle using your clean double boiler (or you can microwave this as well - 1 minute on high, then stir and microwave in 15 second increments stirring after each until melted).  Using a piping bag (which you can make by taking a ziplock bag and cutting a very small hole in one corner) drizzle the white chocolate over the coated bites.  The chocolate will be very hot so use caution when drizzling...  When done put the bites back in the freezer.
12. Plating - When you're ready to serve or transport, pull those sheets out of the freezer and onto your favorite serving dish.  While they are thawing back to room temperature you might see condensation forming on the chocolate - this is perfectly fine.  Most of the time they disappear before you have to worry much about this :)
    

Keep them in a sealed container either in the fridge or freezer - If I have any left they are usually in the freezer as they keep longer there where people don't think to look for them :)

The original recipe for this was in a Betty Crocker Spring 2007 'Indulgent Desserts' magazine.  I have yet to try all the recipes in there - but the one I have tried have been very well-received.  Now that I have a kitchen to experiment in you might start to see more of these posted.

Enjoy!

It seems for many life is in transition once again.

For me it's a moving of sorts - that's right - I'm finally moving into my apartment.  It's been such a long time coming that it hardly feels real.  And I find myself questioning my direction all over again.  I'll have my own place again which I have mixed feelings about honestly.  After living alone for so long it's been a welcome respite to actually have people around all the time even if they are my parents ;)

Now that I'm moving into my own space there's this feeling of isolation once again, though I know it to be only half true.

This past Sunday I was reminded that I am constantly being lied to.  And before you think it's because I discovered deception by a friend - yeah nothing like that happened :)

I am being constantly lied to - on a personal level within my own mind, and on an external level from influences of the culture.  Ultimately these lies originate with the Father of lies - the Devil.  Here's Jesus giving a description of him while rebuking the Pharisees in John 8 (my emphasis):

..He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

 "There is no truth in him."

Contrast that with what Jesus says about himself in John 14:6 (again my emphasis):

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

 "I am...the truth..."

Jesus is the truth.  He didn't say just that he "speaks the truth" (which I believe he did speak the truth - he would have to if he was the truth).  Or that he "had the truth" (which I also believe is a true statement). He said he is the truth.

What I find remarkable is that Jesus said there is "no truth in him [the Devil]".  No truth in him.  If I take that for an absolute - absolutely no truth in him - and then look at the number of times I've listened to his influence on me through media and my own lack of faith - my own internal battles of the mind fought not in the Spirit but in my own flesh... It's astonishing just how many times I've believed his lies and so-called 'half-truths' to be true.  Lies about my 'unworthiness' because of my relationship status, or my employment status, or my physical appearance, or the sins which beset me... I'm sure you could list many more.

So where does that leave me?  I'm sure it's the Enemy's purpose to put me in a fog - to cause me to focus so much on the battles I've lost that I become ineffective in the overall campaign.

On the contrary - it causes me to yearn after truth.  To equip myself in order to identify and squelch those lies and 'half-truths' that so easily condemn without just cause.  How do I do this?  Thankfully Jesus made that clear earlier in the John 8 passage :

"If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

So I need to abide in his word.  Which I've been having a hard time doing lately because of all the travel.  Which is probably another reason why I've been struggling with all the change that is happening to me and around me.

Nevertheless - Laus Deo.  Praise be to God.  For His providential working to show just a little bit more of Himself to me even through this transitional time.  Now for the grace to accomplish what needs to be done - more time in the word so that I can be prepared to squelch those lies.

So the trip is just about done.  I"m on the final leg of it yet you who actually read this blog are still stuck at last Tuesday :)  Never fear, I've had the chance to blog offline a bit while on the trip.  So here's the first installment:

May 27, 2010

So…apparently my laptop has absolutely NO battery life left because when we stopped at the last place and Katie turned off the car, my laptop went off too – and no recovery file for the stuff I had just written…  ah well.  Here goes for a reprint…

Tuesday Katie picked me up from work at 5 and I took her to the Great Harvest Bread Company where we picked up some loves for the rest of the trip.  If you're ever near one of these stores - go in...buy a drink and get a free hot slices of freshly baked bread :)

Then we said goodbye to Logan Utah and headed north into Idaho.  Green rolling hills and little to no traffic.



  We took the scenic route and while we were on the way Katie needed something out of the very back of our packed vehicle.  Since I was driving she unbuckled and crawled over the stuff.  I had to refrain from looking into the rearview because all I could see was the top of her hat, her rear end and the bottoms of her feet :)  So she got the stuff she needed, but then couldn’t get back to the passenger seat… so funny.  She scooched up to the front and ended up kinda wrapped up in a pretzel shape before finally sliding back into her seat.  We laughed so hard we cried… and the whole time I’m just praying that a cop doesn’t come up and see what she’s doing…try explaining that one….


Crossed the border into Montana and completely missed the sign for a picture – it was tiny.  Drove a ways in the dark before getting to West Yellowstone.  We stayed on the edge of town in a Comfort Inn.  Not bad for both the price and the location. Checked in around midnight and finally got to sleep around 1 AM.
Woke up the next morning and got our first look at the surrounding forests…



[To Be Continued...]

9:17 Local time (Mountain Time)

Just a quick update - Katie and I are packing up from our hotel here in West Yellowstone and heading out to the park today.  Tonight we'll be getting in to Jackson where I'm hoping to be able to upload photos from the day :) 

Now off to see the sights!

What a great trip so far :)

So here's Katie and I at the Rochester airport... at like 5 AM.  We were exhausted from the Square Dance and trying to pack that morning.  No makeup, no showers, and just back from a drive from Bath that was interesting... not to mention my extended stay in security :)

So Sunday night... we arrived in Salt Lake after boarding a little plane in Denver... that flight was mostly uneventful except for the creepy guy a seat back from me and across the aisle that kept winking at Katie whenever she would turn around to say something to me (she was in the seat in front of me)... and the woman who started hurling into the little puke bag next to me on the plane.  For those of you who don't know already, I'm a 'chain' hurler... so when someone else starts I have a VERY difficult time not hurling myself.  So it's only by God's grace that I didn't start right along with her.  I felt bad for her -but at the same time could not help for fear of needing my own puke bag...  blegh...

Got to Salt Lake, grabbed our luggage, and proceeded to pick up our rental car.  We're driving a white Dodge Caliber, which is actually a pretty nice vehicle.  Nice sound system too :)  And plenty of space for all our stuff...

So we piled it all in the vehicle, shut the doors, gave a loud shout of excitement and proceeded to drive off the rental lot :)

Some shots from the drive up to Logan...


See the 'B' on the side of the mountain?  Kinda felt like they were welcoming me :)

We got to Logan and drove around following both my printed directions and Katie's GPS.  Neither of which did us any good.  LOL  The hotel's address doesn't officially exist, so when mapping it - yeah.  We were in the middle of cow pastures LOL.  I finally called the hotel for directions and sure enough, it was on main street and so huge if we had actually just continued north through Logan there is no way we could have missed it.  Checked in and went up to our room :)


We showered, then ate at Texas Roadhouse, as most places are closed on Sunday in Utah.  Kinda feels weird, but good in an odd way.  Does make it hard to find places to eat :)  Took most of the food back to the room and crashed into bed at like 9:30 local time.  Absolutely exhausted, but thankful to be out here :)

Monday - I got to visit my company's new division's office out here - they are a recent acquisition so it's always a bit of a challenge walking in to what could be either an indifferent, or sometimes subtly hostile environment.  None of which applied to this visit.  The people here at the office are wonderful.  Got to meet and work with some great guys and have made some good progress on their website development plans.  Lots of meetings yesterday along with a tour of the facility, and then a meeting with their new external marketing consultant who I think will work out well.  I spent the day with them while Katie got groceries for the trip and did a bit of exploring and shopping.  Ate lunch at a local mexican place for lunch which was good, and they had recommended the Coppermill Restaurant for dinner.  Katie picked me up at 5 and let me drive - she wasn't feeling well at all.  I wasn't really hungry, so we went to Wal-mart to pick up so last minute supplies...



Once we picked up those we headed back into town to see about eating... and that's when Katie's lunch hit :/ Apparently she ate leftovers from Texas Roadhouse that may not have been refrigerated well enough, and she got food poisoning.  Not cool.  So we headed back to the hotel and I ordered room service so she could chill and recover from some bad meat...  Then it was laundry, and the hot tub :)  Followed by watching more Avatar and doing our nails... then sleep.

Tuesday - This morning I packed up the vehicle with my stuff and then Katie dropped me off at work.  Today I've pretty much taken pictures of every product that this group develops and markets in preparation for their website and new literature.  It's afforded me the opportunity to talk to a few more people, and to get a better handle on the products.  In about 30 minutes I'll say farewell to the crew here and will set out for Yellowstone.  First though, we're stopping at the Great Harvest Bread co.  AWESOME bakery that everyone here visits once a day.  Buy a drink, get a free slice of freshly baked warm bread and then try to to pick up their giant cookies and huge cinnamon rolls.  I'm going to pick up some fresh bread for the rest of our trip.  the smells in this place are absolutely wonderful...

So that should get you caught up to where I'm at now.  Between Katie and I we'll be taking pictures on the drive up to Yellowstone tonight.  Grabbing a hotel room and then tomorrow it's hiking around Yellowstone :)

More updates tomorrow night :)

1:32 pm Local time

What a whirlwind trip thus far...

In bed after the square dance followed by packing at 12:30 AM this morning... 2:30 AM wake up via cell phone alarm...  loading up the car and heading to Rochester and encountering 2 deer...  that's right - 2 deer on the highway while I was doing 75.  I am VERY happy with my brakes and God's grace to allow me to see them in time to stop :)

Made it to the airport and proceeded to get picked to have me camera bag examined more closely, i.e. everything came out of it and had to be scanned... I didn't realize how much tech I had stuffed into it lol

Got on the plane and headed to Dulles... arrived, hung out and got on the plane to Denver.  So here I sit in the Denver terminal waiting for the last flight of this leg of the trip... Salt Lake City :)

I am looking forward to getting to the hotel tonight...  and showering... and enjoying the pool...  not to mention enjoying the scenic drive up to Logan. 

And in case any of you are wondering why I'm giving so much info out on the blog - well - seeing as I no longer live alone and so therefore don't have to worry about my apartment being unoccupied... and how I don't allow Google to index my site for search engines...  yeah.  I'm ok with giving you a day by day review of the trip. 

So I'm hoping to upload photos of this leg later tonight.  Denver's got some weird site blocking software (though still thankful for the free WiFi)...

More to come!

Hey there... quick update for those of you interested in the apartment progress :)

Kitchen is painted, cabinets are up and my microwave and range are pretty much installed. Fridge and dishwasher get delivered within the hour. I have pics, but no time to upload, so those will have to wait. Bathroom is also painted, floor was delivered yesterday, and my tub is on order. Next up is choosing the right color for the living areas and bedroom. It's definitely coming together :)

On another note, I posted another flashback, this time of a dream I had journaled back in May of 2002 - almost 8 years to the day. Enjoy :)

Flashback - [Recount of May 16 2002 dream]

So before I entered the Blogger blogging world I had a xanga blog.  One which I've always thought about transferring to this one.  So last night I found it, logged in and went back.  Way back.  My first post was Thursday, February 10, 2005.  I apparently had the same issues with perfectionism then as I do now :)

I'm going to post these separately and label them 'Flashback'.  That way it's a bit more obvious - and I'll also be giving it the original post date too.  Enjoy :)

Flashback - First Post Ever.

Listening to: "Last Tango in Paris" by Gotan Project from their 'La Revancha del Tango' album.  Think French-Argentinian Tango music.  Very cool.
Reading: Started 'Captain Blood' which is not taking me nearly as much time to read as I thought it would.  Finding it interesting reading thus far.
Crafting: Still stitching a baby shower gift.   
Studying: Michael Warden's  'Alone with God'. Also digging back into the Beth Moore study on the Fruit of the Spirit. 

I am exhausted.  Mentally, emotionally, physically, & spiritually exhausted.  Most of that is simply because my life consists of intense times of work, worship, hanging out with friends, and sleep - all sandwiched between driving.  And I love driving :)  Gives me time to think about life - sometimes too much.  And it give me time to listen to music - which is a big mood effector.  And it gives me time to talk with my Lord.  And pour my heart out to Him.  To sing; to weep; to laugh; and to get frustrated at the driver in front of me who has no respect for anyone else on the road :)

For the first time in a long time I feel as if I am being poured out and really used in the lives of my friends.  That not only is the Lord using those things in the past that I used for His good to minister, but also those things from my past that I thought would never be redeemed.  Ever.  It's a heavy burden to bear - and though I had given those things to the Lord long ago, and had been forgiven, it was like I was still unwilling to let go of them.  I think, "It's my pain, my anguish - I should remain under that bondage of that anguish because I failed; I'm forgiven, but I failed." I still wrestle with letting those things go.  And it's humbling to realize that despite my failures the Lord still chooses to use me even in my brokenness.

I am a perfectionist.  I am also a detail person.  This actually comes in pretty handy with my job.  When I'm designing a website, every minor detail of code must be perfect, or the site breaks.  When it comes to life though, it's not such a good thing.  It makes me second guess everything I do for fear of disappointing myself or others I care about.  And living in a state of 'fear' is not a fun place to be. Which is why blogging is such a challenge for me :)  I think, "What happens if people read this and don't like it?  or interpret it wrong?"  and it takes me forever to get back to writing again, even though I find it extremely cathartic.

Anyway, life lately has been full of long, wonderful, and challenging conversations.  I am so thankful for friends who are comfortable enough to share things, as well as listen to me too :)  I only pray that that which I say and do that's of the Lord sticks - and that which I say and do from the flesh is forgiven and forgotten.

I want to be poured out for the Lord's glory and I feel that He's been doing that.  That also means I need to make sure I get filled back up with Him and not my own flesh.  Sadly I feel as if I've been trying to fill myself back up lately and I can tell.  I have definitely not been spending enough time in the Word.  So tonight after work is done I'm grabbing my Bible and hiking down to the pond for some reading. And maybe some studying.  And definitely some reflection & prayer.

Good news is - even though I have been wrestling with my flesh - the Lord is faithful.  Funny how He works too...  Because just as I was writing this Sanctus Real's 'Forgiven' song was playing on FLN.  I'll close this post with those lyrics.

Well the past is playing with my head
And failure knocks me down again
I'm reminded of the wrong
That I have said and done
And that devil just won't let me forget

In this life
I know what I've been
But here in your arms
I know what I am

I'm forgiven
I'm forgiven
And I don't have to carry
The weight of who I've been
Cause I'm forgiven

My mistakes are running through my mind
And I'll relive my days, in
the middle of the night
When I struggle with my pain,
wrestle with my pride
Sometimes I feel alone, and I cry

In this life
I know what I've been
But here in your arms
I know what I am

I'm forgiven
I'm forgiven
And I don't have to carry
The weight of who I've been
Cause I'm forgiven

When I don't fit in and I don't
feel like I belong anywhere
When I don't measure up to much in this life
Oh, I'm a treasure in the
arms of Christ ‘cause 

I'm forgiven
I'm forgiven
And I don't have to carry
The weight of who I've been
Cause I'm forgiven

Listening to: FLN though it's really full of static today for some reason...
Reading: Going to be gathering some books for this next trip I'm taking.  Right now looking at a 1930's National Parks portfolio which I'll be using in future blog posts and I've borrowed a copy of 'Captain Blood' which will take me forever to read but I've been told it's a good book...
Crafting: Stitching a baby shower gift.  For what seems like forever. Should turn out well though if I can get it done before the child turns 15 LOL. 
Studying: I've started a new devotional by Michael Warden called 'Alone with God'. I have thoroughly enjoyed this one so far - simple reading, great insight.  It's apparently exactly what I need at exactly the right time.

So St. Patrick's Day recipes were a hit, though apparently all the alcohol from the Bailey's Irish Cream did not bake out of the bread pudding...Still good though :)

I've had several requests for the recipe - which I got from recipezaar.com - I love this site especially when I'm looking for a new recipe to try.  You can search for all kinds of recipes, and sort by rating which should give you a bit more confidence when trying a new recipe :)

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup butter
• 4 ounces baking chocolate
• 1 cup flour

Mint Filling

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• green food coloring
• 3-4 tablespoons cream

Chocolate topping

• 8 tablespoons butter
• 1 (12 ounce) package chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven at 375°F.
2. Beat eggs until fluffy.
3. Add sugar and vanilla; beat well.
4. Melt the butter and chocolate and add to the mixture (mixing well).
5. Add flour and stir until smooth.
6. Butter a 13x9 pan then pour in mixture.
7. Bake for 25 min or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow brownies to cool before adding the mint filling.
   
9. Mint Filling: Mix 4 tablespoons butter, confectioners' sugar, mint, and cream.
10. Add green food coloring.
11. Frost brownies and refrigerate for an hour.
12. Make the chocolate topping by melting butter and chocolate chips in a saucepan over medium heat.
13. Pour chocolate topping over mint filling.

To serve - either chill it first, then cut into squares, or serve it a few minutes after applying the warm chocolate topping.

This version differs slightly from the version on recipezaar found here.  I used Baker's German Chocolate for the brownie mix, and unsalted butter.  I also think that hand mixing the brownies after step 3 might have prevented the light 'crust' that formed while baking.  Will have to try this one again to see if I'm right.  Didn't affect the taste at all - just made it harder to apply the mint filling. 

Anyway - enjoy!

Driving back from Prayer & Praise last night I heard this song on my iPod... hoping we can sing it this Sunday...

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

God is still good...

Every morning I get a devotional in my email box from ACTS International  - It's something I've come to enjoy over the past several years.  This morning's email I found especially poignant.  It's from I Hate Witnessing - A Handbook for Effective Christian Communications, by Dick Innes, pp.63-64 (2003 Edition).

"Get into the habit of admitting your sins to one another; so that you can pray for one another so that you may be healed." James 5:16

Em Griffin, in his book, The Mind Changers, says about today's Scripture: "This is the most ignored bit of advice I know of in Scripture, probably because we're afraid that people won't like us or trust us when they see how crummy we really are. But the reverse is true. They've got the same sin problem. As we openly reveal our innermost struggles, the plastic masks we wear begin to slip. Human warmth escapes and people begin to respond in trust."

As Richard Halverson, former chaplain of the U.S. Senate, said, "Only sinners can relate.

"Sinners enjoy authentic fellowship. Saints don't!

"People who pose as saints aren't liberated to remove their masks.

"Under pressure to project conventional piety, they are unable to open up and share themselves.

"Upholding the traditional religious image, they remain invulnerable in human relationships because they dare not expose their real selves.

"They major in propositions rather than persons . . . share their victories but never their failures . . . congratulate one another in their little mutual admiration society.

"Meeting head to head instead of heart to heart, protecting themselves against discovery, they ricochet against each other like marbles.

"The authentic saint is oblivious to his sainthood, deeply aware of his unworthiness, sensitive to his failure, confesses he is a sinner, which makes possible true fellowship.

"Sinners acknowledge their inadequacy, lean heavy on God's grace, and identify quickly with need in others.

"Recognizing all men are sinners, unwilling to hide from the truth, they share their weaknesses, confess their sin to one another, and do not fear vulnerability.

"They come together like crushed grapes, crushed and fragrant, dependent upon each other and God."

 What a great reminder to be real with each other about our lives, our struggles, our sin.


Listening to: My iPod - "Elements of Life" album by Tiësto
Reading: I've got a whole lot of books lined up to read now...just trying to figure out where to start :)
Crafting: I have the new stitching project - as well as a deadline that exists but hasn't been determined yet.  So I'll probably be working on this thing every free moment I have just so it's done in time.  Once it's finished I'll post pics :) 
Studying: 'Living Beyond Yourself' by Beth Moore. Week 6: A Composite of Peculiar Patience - Still on week 6 - Actually got some good study in on the ski weekend which I found a bit surprising.  Boy can I tell a difference in my thoughts and attitudes when I'm in the Word versus when I'm not :)

So I read a facebook post today about looking up your name on urbandictionary.com...which I'll caution you up front - Urban Dictionary has some really raunchy stuff which I discovered shortly after typing in my name.  Probably best to avoid it....in any case, here's the first definition for my name:

Christine

A deity; the best person to be in your corner; unlimited power and potential; a muse; someone that can change your life. Someone that takes your side even when you're wrong; soulmate; kismet; fortuitous; serendipity

Usage: If I only had Christine, I could do anything!

I've obviously edited it as I am definitely not a deity, nor will I take your side when you're wrong - though I am intensely loyal and will do my best to encourage you in truth :) As for the other descriptions...well, the usage made me laugh :)  And do I have unlimited power and potential?  Yes - but only because of Christ.

Which calls to mind the meaning of my name according to Wikipedia (which is a much safer place to go for definitions :)

Christine
Pronunciation	kri-STEEN
Gender	Female
Meaning	The name Christine is of Greek or Latin origin, it comes directly from the word Christ, which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word "Messiah".
Origin	Greek, Latin, Hebrew

I've always known that my name is associated with Christ.  It's kind of obvious :)  Though I've always seen it as 'Follower of Christ' and not as directly from 'Christ'.  So that was news.

Bigger question:  People can see 'Christ' in my name - can they see Him in my life?

I've been asking God about a lot of things lately.  And trying to listen better to His voice.  You'd think it be easy I have so much time that I spend in my car driving during the week.  But when the music is playing it's easy for me to talk to - or maybe more appropriately 'at' - Him and never have the opportunity to listen to His responses.

So last night on my way home from Volleyball I turned off my music.  And listened for the still small voice.  I'm not expecting to hear an audible voice.  More like just a moving in my spirit towards something.  I'm not really sure I heard anything.  Which only means I need more time to 'practice' silence.  It's such a difficult thing to do in the time that we live.  Something is always vying for our attention.

I know He's there even though I may not hear Him every time I'm silent.  I know He's leading me somewhere even though I may not know where that 'somewhere' is. I know He's using the trials in my life to conform me to the image of Christ.  I just wish it wasn't so painful at times.

And once again I look to the Scriptures for comfort and I'm drawn to Isaiah 43: 1-4a

But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob,
   he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
   and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
   and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the LORD your God,
   the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
   Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
Because you are precious in my eyes,
   and honored, and I love you..."

That passage reminds me of the sidebar this past Sunday about following Christ deeply and brought this scripture to mind (Jeremiah 29:13-14a)

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD...

So here's a challenge - go deep this week.  Put aside the distractions of the day and practice some silence with me.

In the meantime, I'm going to try to figure out what to make for Prayer & Praise this week :)


Listening to: FLN
Reading: Still trying to figure out what to read next.  I really need to dig out my books soon...
Crafting: Getting ready for a weekend in PA where my two friends will be scrapbooking.  I'll be working on a soon-to-be-determined new stitching project. 
Studying: 'Living Beyond Yourself' by Beth Moore. Week 6: A Composite of Peculiar Patience

[Edit - Missy was only 21.  She apparently had a blood disorder.  I was encouraged by her obituary which you can read here:  http://www.legacy.com/Dayton/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=139275067]

You know how facebook is this wonderful tool for communicating with friends both near and far?

Today I experienced one of those facebook days where I'm both happy for the connections it allows me to keep, and sad for the news it brings.  And still kind of hoping that this isn't true.

One of my friends from Ohio posted on her facebook status a prayer request today, for another friend who lost his wife suddenly this morning.

While death shouldn't surprise us it seems that it always does. We expect it in our old age while still inwardly denying that it will ever happen to us. We have experienced the loss of great grandparents, grandparents and for some of us even parents. Often we console ourselves by saying they lived full lives.

According to another friend's prayer request, Missy was 21.

21.

I knew she was young. Ben just turned 24.

I cannot imagine the grief he must be feeling. Or the shock. Or even the anger that may or may not follow.

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words."

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

We still grieve.  But we have hope.

Praying for you, Ben.

So...

1. The Apartment.  I know - everyone's like 'are you moved in yet?'  That would be a no.  And trust me, there are times where I wish I could say 'yes' :)  I never thought moving back in with my parent's could be such a challenge.
    
   That said, the drywall is up in the ceiling and the kitchen cabinets are being built.  Biggest thing has been getting the radiant heat system set up.  Kudos to my Dad - I've never seen such a high-tech heating system.  Some pictures:
   
   
   
   
   My Dad, my Uncle Rick and a couple guys from RBC helping put up the ceilings...
   
   
   
   
   
   Radiant Tubing Manifolds for one part of the apartment...
   
2. The HUGE work project - we launched on December 31.  And I'm happy with the results.  If you're wondering what I've been working on, it was a redesign of our corporate website.  From scratch.  With no consultants.  I'm very thankful I didn't go gray ;)  If you want to preview the site - ysi.com.  I'm not linking it because I'd rather not have my blog show up in all my colleagues Google alerts (still don't trust the 'do not index' option :)  Still finishing up some content for the site, but all of that should be finished by the end of January. 
   
   Side project is a certain business' website.  Purchased the CMS yesterday and I'll be looking through site templates this weekend.  Looking forward to this project. 
   
   
3. Office wildlife - It's been busy around here.  Just about every day I see something new - between new birds showing up, deer walking through and the occasional fox going after the squirrels it's never boring.  Was going to try to post video of the deer that walk through...can't get it to work so maybe next time if I can get it off my phone...
 
3 Cardinals - 2 males and one female...

"Nevermore..."

Cardinal vs Squirrel.  The Cardinal won. 
He just sat on the feeder watching the squirrel try in vain to reach the feeder.
 
He was trotting past my feeders after one of the fat gray squirrels.  He missed and so decided to head down our driveway toward the house.
4. Trips- I need to plan another trip to Ohio at some point.  Already have one planned for PA.  Looking forward to heading out with one of my 'old' friends.  She gets to leave her kids with her husband for a long weekend and we're both going down to visit.  Should be fun.  I'm taking a long weekend for that one - need a break from corporate web work :)

So that's the update.  Hope it was worth the wait.  Enjoy your weekend nonetheless :)



Listening to: FLN's Thrive Internet Stream  http://www.fln.org/flplayer/?station=thrive
Reading: Nothing!  Which is really weird... All the books I've picked up in the last several weeks I've finished, and none of my books are unpacked yet.  I have a couple in mind though....been working on a cross stitch project for KitKat :)
Studying: 'Living Beyond Yourself' by Beth Moore. Week 6: A Composite of Peculiar Patience

no type :)

Well, no type on the blog that is.  I've been doing plenty of code typing for the company's new website. 

Yes, that's the reason for my blogging absence.  Many intense hours of sitting.  Which sounds like a HUGE oxymoron LOL.  How can one be intense while sitting? 

Anyway, back to the update.  And what and update it will be!  Photos, video, and descriptions galore - just not on this post.  This post is just to let you know I'm still here. Before I blog I need to work.  And I need to buy some Muse music.  Wow.  Really loving the Thrive stream from FLN.  Check it out: http://www.fln.org/flplayer/?station=thrive

Yes this post is disjointed.  That's what happens when I get home at oh...  really early in the morning... and get about....well....not a lot of sleep :)