a. Today was full of highways, airports, a ridiculously expensive cab ride, and finally the Big Apple.
b. Billy Joel sang about the Streetlife Serenader. Well, while at DFW airport, I saw the Lone Star Serenader. There was a woman there who switched from hip hop to contemporary Christian with great aplomb. She had her headphones on, and sang out loud and dance while a couple hundred people stared in disbelief, amusement, and eventually frustration. While I did not get video of her at her climax (singing "How Great Is Our God"), I did sneak a quick video of her doing her thing.
c. Before leaving Texas this morning, I managed to make one of my children cry. I was frustrated because the child was flipping the lights on and off, and I spoke in a tone of voice that injured the child (this particular child's love language is words of affirmation, so mean words and/or harsh tones really hurt). I apologized, and we moved on.
d. My flight from Texas to Minnesota went off without a hitch. Getting to New Jersey was not so convenient. The flight was delayed 30 minutes, and then after boarding, it was delayed another 90 minutes.
e. I wound up with an empty seat on the way to New Jersey, so I was able to stretch out some. I used this time to refine two ideas for marriage Works!
f. Once I finally made it to New Jersey, I was in for the shock of my life: an $80 cab ride (not including a tip) that lasted 40 minutes (from Newark to Manhattan). Gulp. I'm still in shock. While I grateful I had the money to pay for the cab, I'm dumbfounded that those prices are approved and the norm.
g. Perhaps adding insult to injury with the cab was that the driver used the GPS on MY phone to get me to my roommate's apartment. If anything, he should have discounted me! I was in the backseat holding the phone telling him which street to turn on. How crazy is that?!?
h. On the way to my roomie's, I saw the lit up city, and the Statue of Liberty. I've not been to New York in several years, so it was good to see everything again.
i. It was great seeing Brian tonight for the first time in almost six years. I met his fiance Danielle, and she's very nice. It was nice to catch up with Brian, and remember things that happened the three years we roomed together in college. It's still hard to believe it's been 20 years (I don't feel nor look that old!).
j. Brian and I could not have grown up more differently in terms of faith, finances, life experiences, etc. Yet, we hit it off instantly in college, and have remained great friends since.
k. I love to tell the story of how he had me listening to Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg while I had him listening to Hezekiah Walker, John P. Kee, and other gospel music. It was awesome to hear him singing this song at the table tonight. After 20 years, Brian is the man, and I really appreciate and love him.
l. I finished listening to a message by Andy Stanley that challenges me to make decisions that bring God glory (Psalm 115:1). I cannot make decisions just for my glory. I have to make them for God's glory.
m. I've been really sluggish lately. I believe it's related to all the processed food we've been eating (no real home cooked means since we left NC). I've been purposely eating more salads over the past few days to get some living food in my system (Shhh! Don't tell Cetelia I agree that too much processed food has a negative effect on one's body).
n. Tomorrow morning I take a train to Morrristown to be with Edgar. While I want to see him, I hate the circumstances that are leading to our reunion.