Obsessed

Hi. My name is Feather and I have an obsession.

It's not a particular thing, but more in general. Here it goes: when I get started in a book, or movie, or TV series I can't stop until the end. I neglect all the chores at home; I fall behind in absolutely every aspect of life.

It happened with the Harry Potter books. I rushed through reading them so that Hubs could have some clean socks.

Then, it happened with 24. And then some more books.

And then I was introduced to Hulu, where I met the TV show The Office. Now Hubs and I have been renting the DVDs for only $.54 and I can't won't stop until I know what happens. It's on my mind during the day. I have even (this is embarrassing) had dreams relating to the TV show. And, although I know that Jim and Pam end up getting together because we are also watching the current season on Hulu, I long to watch the DVDs until I know how, and when, and all the details.

The kitchen has remained just clean enough. And all other projects have been put on hold because of a silly, not worth anything in the light of eternity TV show.

Today, I am actually very happy that the video store doesn't have Season 3, Disc 3 available right now. Now that I know I can't watch any new episodes tonight, I am sure I will get some stuff done. Well, right after I stop by the video store to make sure it still isn't there.

Although it may seem a little humorous, I really do realize this is a problem. Not only does housework suffer, but time reading my Bible and time spent with God suffers. I really think that this is one way that the world distracts me from what really matters, my relationship with God.

Does that mean TV in general is bad? I don't think so. A bowl of ice cream isn't bad; a half gallon of ice cream is bad.

Do you have something you obsess over; something that takes your attention away from your time with God?

As Time Goes By

I never in my wildest dreams wanted to, planned on, or hoped that I would live in the midwest Kansas. Since 1995, however, I have remained in its grasps only venturing out on some great vacations.

Now, I live in a town where people know me by my maiden name. I can get anywhere in under 15 minutes. It is rare that I don't see a familiar face at the grocery store. And, I swear I hear some sort of western drawl in some people's voices that I never remember hearing before.

And so, weekly I am asked, "How are you adjusting?" or "What's it like, being back?" Some tease me because I was so very vocal about my desire to never return; but all are very sincere.

My standard response to every inquiry is, "Better than I expected."

In actuality, I don't really know what I expected. I don't even know if I had expectations, but Hubs and I devoted ourselves to making a life here outside of ourselves by making friends, getting involved, and reaching out. And, we are enjoying ourselves - imagine that. We have no idea what the future will bring, but I feel like we are ready for it.

And, we've figured out that the geographic location doesn't make it home. Our church family has made it "home." Our new friends that have welcomed us make it "home." All I need is Hubs to make it "home." The Starbucks 1.5 miles down the street doesn't hurt, either.

So, tonight I sat here and looked at my blog. Wow. My posts have gotten boring (and is duly noted by the lack of comments). What has happened to all the funny stories? Wow (again).

I thought that we were finally catching up with our friends by being out of school. We moved up to renting a house and even got a dog! But we are still a few steps behind. Now our friends are buying houses and having babies.

Yet, just like I was content in dental school, I am content right here with Hubs. Side note: if you have never moved away from your family with just your Hubs, you are missing out. It is great to establish traditions on our own and figure out problems on our own. Not that we don't receive council from others, but the bond we've built is a great foundation for wherever God leads us.

So, what is this run-on typing all about? It must mean that the rambling, random, over-thinking, contemplative, curious, clumsy Feather is coming back from wherever she went. It is good to know that she didn't get snooty in her old age. Instead, she is coming back with random polls, thoughts, news, stories, and questions.

To start it off: what makes it "home" for you?

Life in the Big City

A couple of weeks ago, we went to the big city. This is what we saw:

That's pretty big stuff for us small-town folk.

Thoughts on Tent Camping

As a kid, we went camping and I loved it. The atmosphere, the campground, the food, and the fire. Never did I mind sleeping in a tent, on the ground.

This is where we stayed last weekend:

We didn't have the smallest tent; but neither did we have the largest. It proved to be rain-proof, always a good thing, and had no lingering smells from the last time it was used.

It is a 7' x 7' tent that fits a Hubs and a Feather and a 60-pound dog very cozily. It is tall enough that I can almost stand up and turned out to be a great tent. My main concern was that Ransom would be up at every noise, and there were plenty of noises. From crickets chirping to some party-campers, to the coyotes howling - there was plenty to keep us awake.

However, the noises were the least of my troubles. We realized we didn't have sleeping bags when it was too late. So I packed up 4 blankets: 2 for cushioning and 1 for each of us to keep us warm. We kept warm - no problem. However, the other 2 blankets did little for cushioning.

In my old age (I am almost 26 you know), I realize I can no longer, and will no longer, sleep on the solid ground. Numerous times (I stopped counting after 10) I woke up stiff in the position I was sleeping and slowly creaked my back to a new position. Days later, my body is still stiff.

The tent next door to us had cots and egg crates. They slept well.

I still love camping. It is still fun, although a lot more work now that I am putting all the stuff together, and it is very relaxing. I still don't mind tent camping. It doesn't bother me to sleep outside protected by only a tent with a zipper door.

But before I camp again, I will most definitely have an air mattress of some sort.

Words from Ransom

I love riding in the truck. Wind in my ears, slober flying everywhere. This is the life. We should come here every weekend.

Man, I thought she would understand when I didn't jump in that I don't want to be in the river. Now she's dragging me in. I hope a fish bites her.

Yeah, that other dog Jazz is crazy. This water is gross, can we get out yet?

Ha! It's shallow over here. But what is that slimy stuff under my paws!?

Can I get out yet?

How come she gets to get out, but I am forced to stay in?

Yeah I don't feel bad that she had a river worm thing in her shoe. Serves her right. That'll keep her from ever dragging me in again!

we. are. crazy.

this weekend. camping. with the dog. in the tent.

enough said.

Family trip

This past weekend, we all loaded into the truck and went to Nebraska. By "we all," I mean Hubs, Ransom, me, a cooler of ice cream, a ginormous dog crate, a bag of our nutrition and work out materials, a suitcase/bag for each of us, and golf clubs. It was a full load.

Our mission: a Gaither Vocal Band concert with both mine and Richard's family. You may be thinking, Gaithers? Really Feather? Yup, my favorite singer happens to be singing with the Gaither Vocal Band these days and I don't think anyone has made me laugh as much as Mark Lowry did that night.

As Hubs and I were walking into the concert, however, we began to have a few doubts. We were the only people without gray hair (exaggeration, but we were the minority). When my little bro showed up, we knew we weren't the youngest people in the building.

Ruth and I attend all these concerts together. I wouldn't know what to do otherwise. Our row was a bunch of duds, though - including the family members. They wouldn't stand up during the good parts, but Ruth and I were up and cheering the entire time.

During intermission, we went out to see if we could catch some of the singers. Whalah - we did.

When it was my turn to get my picture with David Phelps, I realized I didn't even have anything for him to sign. So, in my littlest voice ever, I said, "Um, can I just get a picture with you."

Hubs joined me in the picture with Mark Lowry, who is a really, really nice and personable guy. I didn't feel as awkward with him.

So, laugh if you want, but the concert was a lot of fun and the music was great.