Welcome to Dinosaur Park

This past weekend, I visited Backyard Terror's Dinosaur Park with my sister and her family. Little man shares my love of dinosaurs (not surprising given his status as a 7 year old boy), and wanted to take me to see all the cool displays.

The concept is fairly simple: life-size replicas of what different types of dinosaurs are believed to have looked like. 

We even were able to see the newest display, showing the bones (so to speak) on how they are built. For perspective in the photo above, look for the ladder which can be seen between the hind-legs of the structure.

Given that they aren't my children and I don't have their mother's permission to post photos of them, I've blocked out there faces. This particular dinosaur has bloody flesh in his teeth and the carcass of lunch between he and the little man.

The princess and I feigned terror when posing next to the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex, but the attractions weren't truly frightening. I held the little man's hand through the dark raptor exhibit, but unless your party wants to scare you themselves, nothing jumps out at visitors.

I believe they have a night exhibit as well, but I can't speak to if it is scary (or how much so). The little man is super pumped, though to come back for the Halloween even this coming weekend.

Most intriguing about this park is the location and set-up. All of these dinosaurs live in the yard of a residential neighborhood. Once you go into the park, the property stretches for quite a piece, but its odd to walk through the front gate and see houses on either side.

There is a donation box near the gate, but entry is free. A gift shop is located in the park, and has another donation box. Prices of items are posted, and patrons contribute on the honor system.

My top 2 favorite dinosaurs were represented: the Compsognathus (aka Compy) and the Velociraptor (Raptor) were both well represented at the park.

Along the walking path, picnic tables are set up and visitors are encouraged to bring in a meal or snack. My sister said that the local pizza joint also delivers to the location. As we were leaving, we ran into a group setting up a birthday party.

All in all, it was a cool experience.

Do you have any off-the-beaten-path adventures in your neck of the woods?

Pears + V-necks = Wake-up Call

This morning I came to the stark realization: I have boobs. I realize, given my recent post about the 35 years I’ve spent on this plant my epiphany seems a bit delayed, but allow me to explain.

Thanks to my mother’s fabulous contribution to my genetic make-up, I’m a pear shaped woman. Defined by its small top and larger bottom, big chests need not apply. 

Most of my life I’ve bemoaned my lack of endowment, until I became a runner. Shopping on clearance racks I can purchase sports bras in the $10 range, while friends with greater “needs” spend upwards of $50 for a good running undergarment.

These days, for me personally, boobs symbolize fat. My chest is the last place I gain weight, the last place I see it. Even my face gets a bit of extra puff before the girls. 

So this morning, when I realized my v-neck tee required a camisole for modesty sake, my heart sank. This is the message my mind has been rejecting for a few months now.

It.

Is.

Time.

Past time, really, to push away from the table and stop my free-for-all with food. To consider what I’m putting into my body and why.

I’m not sure I’ll ever crash diet again, or be so totally focused I get to my goal weight of 125 (a number I made up in my head half-a-decade ago). The Whole 30 sounds appealing and scary all at the same time, although highly impractical with the holidays approaching.

All I know is that I’ve got to do something. Good genes/jeans will only help for so long!

Linking up with Jaime for Stream of Consciousness Weekend.  What's on your mind? Share it in the comments or let me know if you post your on SOC blog.

Life at 35

As the high school choir sang the Trace Adkins song You're Gonna Miss This, I began reflecting on my own secondary school experience. My cousin crossed the stage to get her diploma, and memories of my youth filled my mind.

Did I miss it? NO.

Not even a little. Surely there were perks to being a high school kid, but they aren't what stick out most in my mind. Memories of high school, college, and my early adult life only lead me to the conclusion that life does indeed begin at 30. Or rather that's around when my really started to get good.

Here's why:

1. This guy
   
   Never will you hear me claim our relationship to be perfect. He has his faults and I certainly have mine, but we work well together.
   
   In social respects, we're the classic opposites attract. I'm a social butterfly and he'd be a hermit if given the opportunity.
   
   When it comes to frugality we're a perfect match. I love it when he opens our financial spreadsheet and he talks nerdy to me.
   
   (Which reminds me - my 5 year plan puts me to age 40. EEK!)
   
   Whether it be our next investment or How can I not love a man who can nap and rub my feet simultaneously? A man who loves traveling the country (and the world) with me.
   Which leads me to...
2. Choose-your-own-adventure
   
   For a couple who decided early on in our relationship to aim for big vacations every-other year, we have far more adventures in our (imaginary) scrapbook than our 7 married years would imply.
   
   We've been to California, Hawaii, Maine, the Caribbean, the Grand Canyon & Las Vegas. And of course our latest vacation could be considered the most epic, visiting 7 total countries in 16 days.
   
3. Quirks
   
   Not only am I learning how to love someone who can be so different than me at times, I'm also learning to love myself.
   
   More than that, I'm becoming comfortable in my skin. In the words of Jamie,  The Very Worst Missionary, "Not everyone likes you. Get comfortable with that...trust me, it's liberating."
   
   
   
   While I wouldn't say I have what youths call haters, I certainly have plenty of people who don't get me. Whether is a lack of appreciation for my personal brand of humor, or a misunderstanding for my honesty, I'm not everyone's cup of tea.
   
   Jay loves me, accepts me, not despite of who am I but because of it. Same with the good friends I've made in the past decade of my life. They know I'm crazier than a bag of raccoons and are totally cool with it.
   With this acceptance and self realization, I'm settling into my own quirky style. Whether I'm finding a way to wear my Arizona Cardinals tee to work, or my Captain America tank to church, I love an outfit that's comfortable, pretty, and like nothing anyone else would wear.
   
   
4. Mission
   
   Last week, I won this necklace on a blog giveaway. Blending personal style and my life's mission, it seemed to be speaking directly to me.

   "Work While You Wish"

   My calling isn't in the future when circumstances are different. When I find a church which accepts my gift of teaching. When I'm finally called into the mission field. When I have a large social media platform or a book deal.
   
   My calling begins each morning when I get out of bed and start my day. I live on-mission as I drive into work, or go for a run, or sit down to compose a blog.
   
   This realization has taken me a while - both to know and to accept. Its most certainly a work in progress, but I'm getting there.
    
5. Wisdom
   
   Whether it be money, knowledge, or an appreciation for talent I've never been this wealthy before. Not that I consider myself rich, genius-smart, or uber-talented, but I can appreciate the assets I do have.
   
   I have a better perspective on life, both who I am and what the real world looks like. Pick an area of life and I'm coming to realize that some have it better and some have it worse: sanity, financial, family, occupation. Although with each day I'm starting to think I'm more in the "better" column.
   
   If this is what comes with maturing for 35 years, my 70th birthday should be a blast!

Join us by linking up your  "Perks of Being {age}" post with Kelly aka Mrs Disciple.

What has been your favorite season of life so far?
Is there any particular year you'd like to go back and relive?

Sailing to Another World Via a Friend's Couch

Where was I again? That's right, after sleeping over at a friend's house, I sat in her living room. Via my Kindle for Android app, I read The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 2) by Rick Riordan.

The author had so carefully crafted the story that, for a moment, I forgot everything. My immersion in the story transported me alongside Percy and friends as they battle evil in several challenges in an effort to rescue a friend and save their half-blood camp.

Until, of course, my friend's daughter awoke and cried out into the darkness out of fear.

The feeling so well crafted by Riordan, among many other authors, compels me. I perpetually am in the middle of a book while looking for something to read when I'm done with the current title.

Recently Finished:  The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

The first installment of the Daniel X series got mixed reviews on GoodReads.com but I enjoyed it. I like to keep light reading on my phone for moments when I have 5 minutes of waiting. This book fit the bill perfectly.

Currently Reading: Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters by N.T. Wright

I wrote about this book last time as well. This volume requires some thought after reading each chapter. To fully digest it will take some time, but I enjoy books which make me think. Books which challenge (or affirm) what I believe and why can only help me grow in my faith.

On deck: ???

The current plan is to watch the Harry Potter movies up to the 7th before starting the book. At this point I'm uninterested in the characters but am committed to seeing the series through.


Otherwise I have no plans for the titles on my nightstand beyond "to read." 

Of course for the library holds, I'll take those as they come available to me. I'm currently using 12 of the possible 15 holds placed on a variety of titles. Hopefully they won't all become available at the same time.

What are you reading this week? Anything I should add to my must-read list?

Over Exposure

For 27 years, I've been a professing follower of Christ. Why then, did I only learn at the age of 35 that the term "Jew" was a derivative of the name Judah - one of the 12 tribes of Israel? Its not spelled out in any particular verse, yet makes total sense. Yet the dots had to be connected for me by a friend.

Similarly, I didn't realize that Babel (as in the tower of) and Babylon are one and the same. Depending on translation - the Bible does spell this out. Yet in my many readings of this part of Genesis, I totally missed on on this tidbit.

Random photo in the GSMNP aka Paradise

I assume everyone has heard of God's love for them, proven in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This truth, unlike my inconsequential oversights, is life-giving. We must risk overstatement. Actually, there is no such thing as overstating God's love, especially when backed up by His love in action.

Have you ever missed something in plain sight? Overlooked something complete obvious to the rest of the world?

 

Linking up with Jaime for Stream of Consciousness Weekend. Set your timer for 5 minutes and join us if you so choose. 

Favorite Sayings - Friday's Five

Today is my introduction to a couple of fun different concepts. I've recently joined a writing group on Facebook, and the ladies are helping me get back into a routine with my blogging. Each week Kelly at Mrs. Disciple hosts a Friday Five link-up. This week's topic is favorite sayings.

Also, for the first time, I'm using stock photos on my blog. The same ladies introduced me to sites which provide images for free (no credit needed) or free-but-with-credit photos. Either way I was excited (and a bit scared - you'll see in a few moments) to search for pictures to go with my favorite sayings.

If any of my fellow bloggers are interested, I'd be happy to email you the links. Or else I can do a link-share post with all of their recommendations. 

Now, on to the main event. Ladies and gentleman I present to you Sammy's Sayings. Somehow that doesn't have the same ring as Justin Halpern's book title Sh!t My Dad Says.

• If ya gotta poop might as well do it on company time.

This saying has become a favorite amongst government workers, especially those who have complained until they received ultra plush toilet paper in their stalls.

Jay, however, can't get behind (ahem) the phrase. Before his self employment, he was on a crew building new homes. Construction porta-potties. I hope the rest goes without saying.

• I wouldn't sh!t you, you're my best turd.

This is my far my favorite response to the disbelief expressed in the colloquialism "You're sh!tting me?!"

My apologies for the profanity. Somehow "You're crapping me" just doesn't sound the same.

 

• Let's kick the tires and light the fires big daddy!

This gem is from the movie Independence Day. The characters portrayed by Will Smith and Harry Connick Jr., along with their fellow Air Force pilots, are being briefed on their alien @$$kicking mission.





The sound quality is horrible, but this is the only clip YouTube had to offer. Maybe one day I'll do a video clip myself. Or a video clip of myself saying it. 

This is my go-to phrase for pumping myself up and getting the blood flowing before a big race. Or a little race. Or any type of running that I get excited about.

Speaking of running...

• The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.

This quote is from author and marathoner John Bingham's book No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running.There are definitely times when lacing up those shoes, and making the first step is the most difficult - in training and in life.

And finally I can't forget about my favorite quote from the book For the Love by Jen Hatmaker. God's will for my life (and yours) summed up in 3 small phrases:

• Be Kind. Be You. Love Jesus.

What are some of your favorite sayings? Movie quotes? Lines from a favorite book which have stuck with you over time? 

A post script: I'm sorry if my use of photos, and words on photos has been distracting. I've had fun playing around with images (both stock and photos I have on file) and adding words to them. Please feel free to speak up if you have any words of wisdom to share about how to best integrate these things into my blog.


photo credit: Ladies & Men via photopin (license)
photo credit: Neighbor via photopin (license)

Acne, Baby Poop, and the Suffering Servant

This post was originally published on this site in 2013. My life-position is much the same and I continue to need the reminder. I hope you can benefit from it as well.

I'm not sure where the idea got started that God's main purpose is to make His followers comfortable got started.  Jesus certainly didn't live a plush, cushy life.  He was born into a working class family and in the last days of His life here on Earth He was abandoned by most of His close friends, to die a horrible death.

Maybe its a lesson I need to better learn, because its a topic that's come up in a lot of books I've been reading lately.  Whether it be giving up material possessions (Radical by David Platt) or giving up my pride (From Blushing Bride to Wedded Wife by Marla Taviano) or even stepping out of my comfort zone (Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall &Denver Moore) the call of Christianity is to put off self and serve.

Having said all that, I understand my writing comes from a position of great blessing. I'm not  struggling from week to week wondering how I'm going to cover the bills.  (When my parents were in this situation, they made a careful effort to keep my sister and I in the dark.)  I've never been orphaned, abused, or homeless.

Sure I've had heart ache.  There was that time I rebelled against God and dated someone I knew I shouldn't.  While I can't be certain that ache outbreak wasn't a smite from God, it certainly cleared up once said bad boy dumped me.

I've lost beloved grandparents, who'd lived long full lives and died of illnesses brought on by old age.

My one experience with true pain - that moment where God has to hold you because you don't have the strength to stand - ended in a beautiful miracle of God.  My sister, at the age of 27, suffered congestive heart failure after the birth of her first child.

She spent several days in Cardiac ICU and had to have pounds of fluid drained from around her heart.  While her husband and my parents stayed spent as much time as the hospital as they could, I stayed at home with her 6 day old baby.  I'd never baby sat, or even really been around small children.

My best friend was knocking on death's door and I was alone, with no one to comfort me but this creature that kept spitting up and pooping.

And the Maker of the Universe.

I have no clue why we got a miracle.  Why God chose to resort my sister's health leaving behind no ill effects.  But I know without a doubt God used those days to change me.  He opened my eyes to my ability to serve despite experience or even willingness.

I can only pray that the next time one of those devastatingly painful moments come - I'll better know how to rely on Him for strength and wisdom.