a. It was a looong drive back to our temporary quarters tonight - over 90 minutes in fact. We were out looking at houses again. It's painful to drive so far only to view duds, and have a long drive back.
b. I experienced an awkward moment earlier today, and I'm so ready for it to end. Our family was in the kitchen when the host family's sons walked in. One of the boys came into the kitchen, grabbed a water, and quickly left. Awkward. It was if HE was the guest and was intruding on us. I felt so bad, and longed for us to have our own space.
d. When we returned tonight, I was in the kitchen eating some not very good chicken wings (more on that in a bit), and the husband came through. I felt like apologizing to him for being in his kitchen. I know they've told us that we're welcome, but it still feels weird. I don't mean to belabor the point, but if you've been a long-term guest in someone's home, you know what
I'm talking about.
e. It could be that I'm oversensitive, and we're not bothering them at all. At the same time, I want to know when it's time for us to go, and be on our way before they tell us it's time for us to go and be on our way.
f. This afternoon I traded texts with the Worship Angel. Ironically, she texted Cetelia and me to let us know that she missed us terribly. I was thinking about her when she texted, and planned to tell her the same. It still feels like we're going to see everyone from home in a few days, but that's just not reality.
g. I've been needing a couple of items from storage. We haven't gone yet just because it's 90+ minutes away (and close to where we eventually plan to move). We got to the storage place, but I could not find the boxes that contained what I was looking for. Fail. At least we were already in the area looking at houses.
h. We went to a wing place after leaving the storage place (I've begun to grow weary of beef, and burgers in particular). I gave the dude my order, and somehow he screwed it up, and said it was my fault.
i. He gave me 20 boneless chicken wings, and I don't even like the little turds. I hoped he would try to make it right by offering me some type of concession. Nope. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
j. Cetelia and Max encouraged me to press the matter, but by then I was just ready to leave. Sometimes it's better to keep one's mouth shut than to shout what's on one's mind.
j. In other news, we went to AT&T Stadium this afternoon. I'm neutral when it comes to the Cowboys, but I do appreciate their building. The stadium is just huge. Like, stupid big.
k. On the way to the stadium I saw the coexistence of opulence and low-class.
l. So we were driving down a street, and right in front of us (at the end of the street) was the $1.3 billion behemoth. Yet, on both sides of me were shabby apartments that go for $475-800/mo, and overpriced homes with less than 1000 square feet (I imagine due to the proximity to the stadium).I don't mean to start a sociology debate, but it was weird to see all the swankiness in the midst of such simplicity.
m. Today I practiced smiling right after getting upset with my kids or Cetelia (I had about 5 or 6 opportunities). I saw my friend Edgar correct one of his children this past weekend, then immediately show affection to one of the others. I told him I needed to practice correcting one child without not being an ogre to the rest of the family. Smiling helped a lot.
n. This morning Paula, one of our former pastors, sent a text saying she and her husband were proud of how we stepped out in faith. She also said that steps of faith establish & stretch us, and make us stronger. That was very encouraging to hear.
o. My goddaughter, Reagan, completed a step-up program this morning. Uncle Kevin is proud of you, and loves you!
p. Following Cetelia's lead, I'm going to close each brain dump with a statement that I really need to get into my heart during this season: "Test well. Chin up! God will help me."