That's what the Staples Office Supply Store said to me when I was on hold. You know, that semi-creepy, only cuz she's everywhere, feminine recorded voice.
And then the man got on the phone and said.... "oh yeah yeah, I know what you're talking about... we don't carry that in the store, you'd have to order it online."
"On your (Staples') website?" I said.
"Yeah!" he replied, sounding confident and reassuring.
I left the phone conversation feeling jazzed because I can't find this item (11 x 8 1/2 landscape ruled paper) anywhere.
When I arrived at home and looked on their website... you know what, let's just say: STAPLES IS NOT MAKING IT EASY! (I still cannot find it... ANYWHERE!)
Friday, August 7, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Stephanie, Are You OK, Are You OK, Stephanie?
It's been far too long since I've last written, but sometimes I don't have many important things to say... and that's okay.
Since I've last written (back in April!) I've celebrated Aaron and my second wedding anniversary, bought San Diego Zoo Annual Passes, finished the spring semester of school, applied and interviewed for several jobs (none of which I got), went to Jr. High summer camp with NewSong, watched So You Think You Can Dance (and liked it a lot!), read Another Man's Way, organized NewSong's Worship Music Library, finally finished To Kill A Mockingbird, passed the final CSET test, canceled student teaching because I can't afford to not get paid for 18 weeks, went to yoga consistently, made new friends, sold a video game on ebay for $120.00, picked up PikMin on the gamecube again, cleaned my sheets, started the Monsters of Templeton (and only 130 pages left), hung pictures in the guest bathroom, took engagement pictures for some friends, started working at Barnes and Noble again, read Peals Before Swine and Mutts comics one per day, bought a point and shoot Canon digital camera *with which I am very satisfied), cooked Thai and India food for friends (once for a man visiting from India), drove a friend to the airport for his three week vacation in Europe (with jealousy in my heart), signed up for mobile-blogging, changed my address on my credit card (finally)...
Sometimes I think my life is boring. And more often, I think my life is tragic. I think about the tragedy that I've experienced with my family (having not spoken to my mother in 2 years after she did not show up to my wedding, dealing with my sister's attempt at suicide, watching my father struggle to find work and support my siblings while living in my grandparents garage, and seeing my brother, now 19, struggling to get high school finished). Most of the time I feel alone and unknown, and very rarely do I truly understand "God is with you." But what I've realized is, since I've last written, I've done some very enjoyable tasks, spent time with very loving people, and learned new and exciting talents and information.
I suppose, I'm doing okay!
(PS - the title: the only tribute I'll give to Michael Jackson... promise)
Since I've last written (back in April!) I've celebrated Aaron and my second wedding anniversary, bought San Diego Zoo Annual Passes, finished the spring semester of school, applied and interviewed for several jobs (none of which I got), went to Jr. High summer camp with NewSong, watched So You Think You Can Dance (and liked it a lot!), read Another Man's Way, organized NewSong's Worship Music Library, finally finished To Kill A Mockingbird, passed the final CSET test, canceled student teaching because I can't afford to not get paid for 18 weeks, went to yoga consistently, made new friends, sold a video game on ebay for $120.00, picked up PikMin on the gamecube again, cleaned my sheets, started the Monsters of Templeton (and only 130 pages left), hung pictures in the guest bathroom, took engagement pictures for some friends, started working at Barnes and Noble again, read Peals Before Swine and Mutts comics one per day, bought a point and shoot Canon digital camera *with which I am very satisfied), cooked Thai and India food for friends (once for a man visiting from India), drove a friend to the airport for his three week vacation in Europe (with jealousy in my heart), signed up for mobile-blogging, changed my address on my credit card (finally)...
Sometimes I think my life is boring. And more often, I think my life is tragic. I think about the tragedy that I've experienced with my family (having not spoken to my mother in 2 years after she did not show up to my wedding, dealing with my sister's attempt at suicide, watching my father struggle to find work and support my siblings while living in my grandparents garage, and seeing my brother, now 19, struggling to get high school finished). Most of the time I feel alone and unknown, and very rarely do I truly understand "God is with you." But what I've realized is, since I've last written, I've done some very enjoyable tasks, spent time with very loving people, and learned new and exciting talents and information.
I suppose, I'm doing okay!
(PS - the title: the only tribute I'll give to Michael Jackson... promise)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
I am...
When I was in middle school I loved to take personality tests in magazines and online. I think it's interesting how we desire to know more about ourselves based on other peoples' inventories. My teaching program required us to take the StrengthsQuest test... and I found my results fairly accurate compared to what I know about myself. My professor asked us to ask other if they agreed....
I am...
Strategic
enables you to sort through the clutter and find the best route. It is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at large. This perspective allows you to see patterns where others simply see complexity. Mindful of these patterns, you play out alternative scenarios, always asking, “What if this happened? Okay, well what if this happened?” This recurring question helps you see around the next corner. There you can evaluate accurately the potential obstacles. Guided by where you see each path leading, you start to make selections. You discard the paths that lead nowhere. You discard the paths that lead straight into resistance. You discard the paths that lead into a fog of confusion. You cull and make selections until you arrive at the chosen path—your strategy. Armed with your strategy, you strike forward. This is your Strategic theme at work: “What if?” Select. Strike.
Developer
You see the potential in others. Very often, in fact, potential is all you see. In your view no individual is fully formed. On the contrary, each individual is a work in progress, alive with possibilities. And you are drawn toward people for this very reason. When you interact with others, your goal is to help them experience success. You look for ways to challenge them. You devise interesting experiences that can stretch them and help them grow. And all the while you are on the lookout for the signs of growth—a new behavior learned or modified, a slight improvement in a skill, a glimpse of excellence or of “flow” where previously there were only halting steps. For you these small increments—invisible to some—are clear signs of potential being realized. These signs of growth in others are your fuel. They bring you strength and satisfaction. Over time many will seek you out for help and encouragement because on some level they know that your helpfulness is both genuine and fulfilling to you.
Connectedness
Things happen for a reason. You are sure of it. You are sure of it because in your soul you know that we are all connected. Yes, we are individuals, responsible for our own judgments and in possession of our own free will, but nonetheless we are part of something larger. Some may call it the collective unconscious. Others may label it spirit or life force. But whatever your word of choice, you gain confidence from knowing that we are not isolated from one another or from the earth and the life on it. This feeling of Connectedness implies certain responsibilities. If we are all part of a larger picture, then we must not harm others because we will be harming ourselves. We must not exploit because we will be exploiting ourselves. Your awareness of these responsibilities creates your value system. You are considerate, caring, and accepting. Certain of the unity of humankind, you are a bridge builder for people of different cultures. Sensitive to the invisible hand, you can give others comfort that there is a purpose beyond our humdrum lives. The exact articles of your faith will depend on your upbringing and your culture, but your faith is strong. It sustains you and your close friends in the face of life’s mysteries.
Activator
“When can we start?” This is a recurring question in your life. You are impatient for action. You may concede that analysis has its uses or that debate and discussion can occasionally yield some valuable insights, but deep down you know that only action is real. Only action can make things happen. Only action leads to performance. Once a decision is made, you cannot not act. Others may worry that “there are still some things we don’t know,” but this doesn’t seem to slow you. If the decision has been made to go across town, you know that the fastest way to get there is to go stoplight to stoplight. You are not going to sit around waiting until all the lights have turned green. Besides, in your view, action and thinking are not opposites. In fact, guided by your Activator theme, you believe that action is the best device for learning. You make a decision, you take action, you look at the result, and you learn. This learning informs your next action and your next. How can you grow if you have nothing to react to? Well, you believe you can’t. You must put yourself out there. You must take the next step. It is the only way to keep your thinking fresh and informed. The bottom line is this: You know you will be judged not by what you say, not by what you think, but by what you get done. This does not frighten you. It pleases you.
Maximizer
Excellence, not average, is your measure. Taking something from below average to slightly above average takes a great deal of effort and in your opinion is not very rewarding. Transforming something strong into something superb takes just as much effort but is much more thrilling. Strengths, whether yours or someone else’s, fascinate you. Like a diver after pearls, you search them out, watching for the telltale signs of a strength. A glimpse of untutored excellence, rapid learning, a skill mastered without recourse to steps—all these are clues that a strength may be in play. And having found a strength, you feel compelled to nurture it, refine it, and stretch it toward excellence. You polish the pearl until it shines. This natural sorting of strengths means that others see you as discriminating. You choose to spend time with people who appreciate your particular strengths. Likewise, you are attracted to others who seem to have found and cultivated their own strengths. You tend to avoid those who want to fix you and make you well rounded. You don’t want to spend your life bemoaning what you lack. Rather, you want to capitalize on the gifts with which you are blessed. It’s more fun. It’s more productive. And, counterintuitively, it is more demanding.
I am...
Strategic
enables you to sort through the clutter and find the best route. It is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at large. This perspective allows you to see patterns where others simply see complexity. Mindful of these patterns, you play out alternative scenarios, always asking, “What if this happened? Okay, well what if this happened?” This recurring question helps you see around the next corner. There you can evaluate accurately the potential obstacles. Guided by where you see each path leading, you start to make selections. You discard the paths that lead nowhere. You discard the paths that lead straight into resistance. You discard the paths that lead into a fog of confusion. You cull and make selections until you arrive at the chosen path—your strategy. Armed with your strategy, you strike forward. This is your Strategic theme at work: “What if?” Select. Strike.
Developer
You see the potential in others. Very often, in fact, potential is all you see. In your view no individual is fully formed. On the contrary, each individual is a work in progress, alive with possibilities. And you are drawn toward people for this very reason. When you interact with others, your goal is to help them experience success. You look for ways to challenge them. You devise interesting experiences that can stretch them and help them grow. And all the while you are on the lookout for the signs of growth—a new behavior learned or modified, a slight improvement in a skill, a glimpse of excellence or of “flow” where previously there were only halting steps. For you these small increments—invisible to some—are clear signs of potential being realized. These signs of growth in others are your fuel. They bring you strength and satisfaction. Over time many will seek you out for help and encouragement because on some level they know that your helpfulness is both genuine and fulfilling to you.
Connectedness
Things happen for a reason. You are sure of it. You are sure of it because in your soul you know that we are all connected. Yes, we are individuals, responsible for our own judgments and in possession of our own free will, but nonetheless we are part of something larger. Some may call it the collective unconscious. Others may label it spirit or life force. But whatever your word of choice, you gain confidence from knowing that we are not isolated from one another or from the earth and the life on it. This feeling of Connectedness implies certain responsibilities. If we are all part of a larger picture, then we must not harm others because we will be harming ourselves. We must not exploit because we will be exploiting ourselves. Your awareness of these responsibilities creates your value system. You are considerate, caring, and accepting. Certain of the unity of humankind, you are a bridge builder for people of different cultures. Sensitive to the invisible hand, you can give others comfort that there is a purpose beyond our humdrum lives. The exact articles of your faith will depend on your upbringing and your culture, but your faith is strong. It sustains you and your close friends in the face of life’s mysteries.
Activator
“When can we start?” This is a recurring question in your life. You are impatient for action. You may concede that analysis has its uses or that debate and discussion can occasionally yield some valuable insights, but deep down you know that only action is real. Only action can make things happen. Only action leads to performance. Once a decision is made, you cannot not act. Others may worry that “there are still some things we don’t know,” but this doesn’t seem to slow you. If the decision has been made to go across town, you know that the fastest way to get there is to go stoplight to stoplight. You are not going to sit around waiting until all the lights have turned green. Besides, in your view, action and thinking are not opposites. In fact, guided by your Activator theme, you believe that action is the best device for learning. You make a decision, you take action, you look at the result, and you learn. This learning informs your next action and your next. How can you grow if you have nothing to react to? Well, you believe you can’t. You must put yourself out there. You must take the next step. It is the only way to keep your thinking fresh and informed. The bottom line is this: You know you will be judged not by what you say, not by what you think, but by what you get done. This does not frighten you. It pleases you.
Maximizer
Excellence, not average, is your measure. Taking something from below average to slightly above average takes a great deal of effort and in your opinion is not very rewarding. Transforming something strong into something superb takes just as much effort but is much more thrilling. Strengths, whether yours or someone else’s, fascinate you. Like a diver after pearls, you search them out, watching for the telltale signs of a strength. A glimpse of untutored excellence, rapid learning, a skill mastered without recourse to steps—all these are clues that a strength may be in play. And having found a strength, you feel compelled to nurture it, refine it, and stretch it toward excellence. You polish the pearl until it shines. This natural sorting of strengths means that others see you as discriminating. You choose to spend time with people who appreciate your particular strengths. Likewise, you are attracted to others who seem to have found and cultivated their own strengths. You tend to avoid those who want to fix you and make you well rounded. You don’t want to spend your life bemoaning what you lack. Rather, you want to capitalize on the gifts with which you are blessed. It’s more fun. It’s more productive. And, counterintuitively, it is more demanding.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
A Reflection on the Cross
I remember when I was young, those useless plastic toys that proclaimed "Jesus loves you!" We got them at church as rewards for good behavior. We got them at the VBS carnivals when we scored high points on any one game. We got them in our Easter eggs from my grandparents. Whistles, yoyos, plastic jewlery, erasers, and pencils that said "Jesus loves you!" right next to that always-plastic, big, yellow, who-is-ever-really-that-happy smiley face. That smiley face that we all know. Those black beady little eyes and overly arched black smile-for-a-mouth.
But today, as I reflected on the cross - the death of one man who sought to save humanity from it's disgustingness - I realized what a mockary that always-plastic, big, yellow, who-is-ever-really-that-happy smiley face might be when plastered next the proclimation "Jesus loves you!" I know it's true, oh don't I know. But that's the point exactly.
That proclimation, when considering that it rings true to us because we know the events of the cross, is weighty. It weighs heavily on my heart and rips at my flesh. It shouts in the silence where wispers would be powerful enough, "and what will you do!?" "How will you honor the holy One who died on the cross reserved for punishing your sins?" This is not a child's game of yoyo. This was not written will that tie-dyed happy face pencil, but will the blood of a man. And how has it provoked me to honor my God? Do I love like this... NEVER.
That proclimation, when considering that it is true not only for me but for Joseph Koni as well, is haunting. "Joseph Koni, Jesus loves you!" [insert that always-plastic, big, yellow, who-is-ever-really-that-happy smiley face here] "Although you've ruined the lives of thousands of young children and blantently stolen the lives of still more..." [insert that always-plastic, big, yellow, who-is-ever-really-that-happy smiley face]. Foolish mockary! Mockary in the face of the child of God who strives to bring life to others by speaking the name of this Jesus. Mockary to those who seek justice.
That proclimation, when considering that woman are being sold as sex slaves and children are being mutilated for higher profits in begging, is heartbreaking. "O, Woman in that dark room, lying next to that stranger, Jesus loves you!" [insert that always-plastic, big, yellow, who-is-ever-really-that-happy smiley face here] "Children begging in the streets for no return, Jesus loves you!" [insert that always-plastic, big, yellow, who-is-ever-really-that-happy smiley face here] Tragic mockary! Mockary to those children who will never know childhood! Moackary to those women who might never understand the love of a man!
I know it's true, oh don't I know. But Jesus' love does not always have an always-plastic, big, yellow, who-is-ever-really-that-happy smiley face attached. Jesus' love cried "Father! Why must it be this way!?" It poured blood and scrapped flesh across planks of wood. It murdered a man so that others might be alive. It sometimes calls for a deep reflection. It sometimes calls for a gentle touch to the broken skin of one who has been marred by evil. It often inspired a face not so plastic, bright, and smiley.
Jesus, O Precious Jesus, thank you for your love. All honor and glory be to you who humbled yourself to the point of death on behalf of others. Thanks sweet Lord for your love. Thank you that you love Joseph Koni even when I cannot fathom the reason. Thank you Jesus that you have intercedes for the woman and children who might never be freed from oppression. You alone are God. You alone are GOOD.
But today, as I reflected on the cross - the death of one man who sought to save humanity from it's disgustingness - I realized what a mockary that always-plastic, big, yellow, who-is-ever-really-that-happy smiley face might be when plastered next the proclimation "Jesus loves you!" I know it's true, oh don't I know. But that's the point exactly.
That proclimation, when considering that it rings true to us because we know the events of the cross, is weighty. It weighs heavily on my heart and rips at my flesh. It shouts in the silence where wispers would be powerful enough, "and what will you do!?" "How will you honor the holy One who died on the cross reserved for punishing your sins?" This is not a child's game of yoyo. This was not written will that tie-dyed happy face pencil, but will the blood of a man. And how has it provoked me to honor my God? Do I love like this... NEVER.
That proclimation, when considering that it is true not only for me but for Joseph Koni as well, is haunting. "Joseph Koni, Jesus loves you!" [insert that always-plastic, big, yellow, who-is-ever-really-that-happy smiley face here] "Although you've ruined the lives of thousands of young children and blantently stolen the lives of still more..." [insert that always-plastic, big, yellow, who-is-ever-really-that-happy smiley face]. Foolish mockary! Mockary in the face of the child of God who strives to bring life to others by speaking the name of this Jesus. Mockary to those who seek justice.
That proclimation, when considering that woman are being sold as sex slaves and children are being mutilated for higher profits in begging, is heartbreaking. "O, Woman in that dark room, lying next to that stranger, Jesus loves you!" [insert that always-plastic, big, yellow, who-is-ever-really-that-happy smiley face here] "Children begging in the streets for no return, Jesus loves you!" [insert that always-plastic, big, yellow, who-is-ever-really-that-happy smiley face here] Tragic mockary! Mockary to those children who will never know childhood! Moackary to those women who might never understand the love of a man!
I know it's true, oh don't I know. But Jesus' love does not always have an always-plastic, big, yellow, who-is-ever-really-that-happy smiley face attached. Jesus' love cried "Father! Why must it be this way!?" It poured blood and scrapped flesh across planks of wood. It murdered a man so that others might be alive. It sometimes calls for a deep reflection. It sometimes calls for a gentle touch to the broken skin of one who has been marred by evil. It often inspired a face not so plastic, bright, and smiley.
Jesus, O Precious Jesus, thank you for your love. All honor and glory be to you who humbled yourself to the point of death on behalf of others. Thanks sweet Lord for your love. Thank you that you love Joseph Koni even when I cannot fathom the reason. Thank you Jesus that you have intercedes for the woman and children who might never be freed from oppression. You alone are God. You alone are GOOD.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Do it!
On April 25th, the international community will unite to deliver the innocent from Kony's reign and ensure he is brought to justice. Thousands of participants will gather in 100 cities across the world to abduct themselves and raise the banner of the child soldiers taken by Joseph Kony.Those abducted will leave their homes and walk to an event location while carrying their supplies on their backs. At the site, they will then wait to be "rescued" - this requires a certain amount of media coverage as well as the attendance of pre-determined cultural and political leaders. Depending on the size, scope and fervor of the specific event locale, those leaders invited to The Rescue may be a Congressional Representative, State Official, local mayor or local business/media figure.
At the event, participants will write letters, create art/photo projects and seek out media attention in an effort to petition the US, European, Canadian, Mexican and Australian government to develop a strategy and support existing efforts to rescue Kony's child soldiers.
Sign up at http://therescue.invisiblechildren.com/en/#/los-angeles/
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
God is Good
All praise be to God. He's just GOOD! I know life is usually crazy and right now, while I'm trying to get this silly credential and be a wife and be a friend, it's really crazy.... but God is still good.
He's good because he provides hope. He's good because he PROVIDES! He's provided enough for me and enough for Aaron, and that's more than we deserve.
God, you're good! Kudos to you!
He's good because he provides hope. He's good because he PROVIDES! He's provided enough for me and enough for Aaron, and that's more than we deserve.
God, you're good! Kudos to you!
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