Archive for January, 2003

clemson.

Thursday, January 30th, 2003

The past two weeks were spent in the lovely town of Pendleton, and I have really enjoyed working with the old, established, and filthy rich clients. Of course, their wealth is the southern type of wealth. They wear overalls on the most important business days and fret over which fleet of tractors to buy.

Today was a new assignment. The Student Center at Clemson University. I knew I was approaching the right place when I saw the large orange paw prints on the highway. Working there truly brought back a lot of memories of college. However, my college experience didn’t really include the frat boys and beer discussions that I found so common while working there today.

Speaking of boys, I am discovering that most of the men in my corporation are like junior high kids. When I spent two weeks downtown, every Joe Shmoe I met was dressed as though they were from the cover of G.Q. But the minute you got to know them they were full of stupid jokes and hot air. Then last week I observed the can’t-sit-still-until-I-get-a-new-truck attitude of So-and-So. He was so wiggly about getting a new truck until he couldn’t stand it anymore. He went out on his lunch break and bought the thing with a friend. When he got back, I overheard them discussing his new vehicle.

So-and-So: So, it’s really big and loud, eh?
Other Guy: Oh yeah! Big! Grunt!
So-and-So: Maybe we should go look under the hood again, hehe.
Other Guy: Yeah! Hood! Grunt!

And while spending only a few hours on the campus today, I watched men play cards with Cash In and Cash Out tickets. They also harassed the Budweiser guy who came in to cash his check. Oh, come on. We’ll open an account for you for free if you give us a tap for the party on Sunday. His response was cute. You’ll get a better deal at Bi-Lo. And watching their Guy Signals when the Hot Girl walked into our office was hilarious. Every man in there was coughing in a Loud Obnoxious Style. Except for the Budweiser guy. He was just plain out panting.

I have a feeling that I’m going to be learning a lot more here than how to discuss mortgage accounts.

somewhere to run.

Friday, January 24th, 2003

Do you ever feel the urge to run and hide? Perhaps life’s frustrations are overwhelming you to the point of no return, a best friend has turned their back on you, or relationship difficulties are presenting a case for escape. Often our bodies are physically exhausted and the pain or illness that is ever near is practically the last straw. Running seems so inevitable…as though it will alleviate the hurt. When we are at our lowest point and tears are saturating our already flooded soul we come face to face with the cold truth. Realistically, there is nowhere to run.

I’m reminded of Proverbs 18:10. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” A tower is not merely a termite-infested shack sitting in the middle of a wheat field. My mind pictures something mighty and tall, a place of safety that is visible over the landscape of life. Safe denotes security from whatever is bothering us. His very name is our shelter. The God of all comfort is a sanctuary for our souls.

friday five.

Friday, January 24th, 2003

1. What is one thing you don’t like about your body?

It’s tendency to wear what I eat.

2. What are two things you love about your body?

I have pretty hands and my eyes are okay.

3. What are three things you want to change about your home?

Hmm. My home is really nice and I’m not sure that there is anything I’d change. Although, I’d appreciate a jacuzzi in my room, a king-sized bed and fresh tulips on my desk.

4. What are four books you want to read this year?

The Snowman’s Children by Glen Hirshberg
George and Laura
by Christopher Andersen
Lights on Main Street
by Beneth Peters Jones
Created for His Glory
by Jim Berg

5. What are five promises you have kept to yourself?

I’m still working on that.

brrr.

Thursday, January 23rd, 2003

Dad is outside taking care of our pets. 🙁 I’m worried about them. It’s supposed to be in between 5 and 15 below tonight.

lovely, just lovely.

Thursday, January 23rd, 2003

I woke up to a winter wonderland. Obviously, a blizzard of 2-3 inches made for a perfect day to unattend classes. *wink*