The thing with Christians

So well put by Sheldon Vanauken in his book A Severe Mercy:

The best argument for Christianity is Christians: their joy, their certainty, their completeness. But the strongest argument against Christianity is also Christians -- when they are sombre and joyless, when they are self-righteous and smug in their complacent consecration, when they are narrove and repressive, then Christianity dies a thousand deaths. But, though it is just to condemn some Christians for these things, perhaps, after all, it is not just, though very easy, to condemn Christianity itself for them. Indeed, there are impressive indications that the positive quality for joy is Christianity -- and possibly nowhere else. If that were certain, it would be proof of a very high order.

Eu stay what?

Eustachian tubes. I am having issues with mine. In my left ear, I hear the ocean....all the time. It's a gentle roar that has become quite annoying. We went to this Mexican place for lunch that had a really high ceiling so it was pretty loud. So take that plus my "hard of hearing " self and so it was a lot of "What? Sorry? What did you say?" It's so frustrating!

I think that when I was sick a little over a month ago, I should have finished the decongestant and possibly should have gotten the antibiotic. I think this is the result of that. This is the best case scenario.

My boss alluded to the possibility of me having a brain tumor. I should not have googled "brain tumor symptoms". It only made my paranoia worse.

So now, I have spent $35 to have the doctor tell me to go get some Claritin D! Geez!

**Update: I spent an additional $40 on Allegra D. I asked for the generic, but alas, there is no generic for this one yet!!!

Links

Thank you Steve for passing along the code for me. Now, I can insert links to my heart's content! Yeee Ha. Watch out.

Da Bears

(This photo does not belong to me)
I had a friend text me yesterday saying that Bears fans are obnoxious and boastful. What?? He proved himself to be somewhat right when he asked me, "Well, in the history of the NFL, who is the best team and what year." Of course, I texted back "85 Bears!" Now, those of you who don't know what I'm talking about....does the Superbowl Shuffle ring a bell? Refrigerator Perry? Walter Peyton? Well, that '85 team was glorious. I can remember visiting my cousins in Chicago and we would play our cassette of the Superbowl Shuffle over and over -- each taking a different player's rap. I had a huge crush on Jim McMahon (the QB), so I would fight to get his part.

Anyway, Sunday's game was a bit nervwracking. Grossman started out very shaky. Three opportunities to score TD in the first half were missed and we had to settle for Field Goals. But after a sluggish start in the 2nd half, Chicago pulled away in the 4th quarter.

Yee Ha! We're going to Miami!!!

The Weekend

You may ask, "What is planned?"

Right now, I'm dreading the 2 hour drive to Asheville. The only thing that is keeping me somewhat excited is that when I arrive, I'll be at Wasabi -- my favorite sushi joint in town. I haven't had sushi in Charlotte that competes. Two words: Spicy Tuna.

Tomorrow, I'm having breakfast at IHOP with the fam. Should be fun. The theme seems to be food this weekend....

In the afternoon, I'm going to check out my storage facility and see what shape all my belongings are in. I'm a bit nervous about this! I hope everything is intact and not moldy, too dusty or too disgusting. I might try to load some things into my car so as to reduce the amount of stuff in 2 weeks.

We have a reservation at The Boathouse for dinner. Again with the food....
It's a restaurant that I've been wanting to try. It sits right next to Lake Julian. I guess it will be too cold to eat out on the porch -- that is unless they have some amazing outdoor heaters.

Sunday, I'm going to chizzurch with the fam and then maybe Indian Buffet??? GEEZ, we really do focus on food a lot. It's our vice.

Then, it will be Bears vs. Saints. GO BEARS! I really hope Chicago can make this happen. It would be so great to have them rise to the top once again.

Hope you all have a safe and happy weekend! I'll post the update after the weekend and let you know how it all went (and how the food was, of course)!

Please watch

I found this site via Relevant Magazine. Africa has always been on my heart, but the things that go on there seem so surreal. You cannot watch this and not be moved. At least, I could not.
What do I do? What can I do? I want to do something! Do you?

Forgotten War

p.s. sorry for not being able to create the link for you. i don't know why it's not working!

Open Mic

Over a month ago, Steve and I ventured out to Open Mic at The Evening Muse in NoDa (Arts District of Charlotte). Now, before I totally rip on the people that performed, I will say that at least they're getting up there and doing it! The average age of the people performing must have been 15. I know there were at least two 13 year old boys (one of which was about to sign a record deal). Overall that night was disappointing. There were lots of moments of off key singing, cheesy songs written by 13 year olds, etc.

But yesterday, my friend Dana e-mailed and said Open Mic was at the Muse at 8pm and she would be performing. Of course, I wanted to support her and I desperately wanted Open Mic to redeem itself. I journeyed over there around 8:30 because Dana had said they have a warm up sing along for the first half hour to get everyone comfortable. When I arrived they were still singing and playing and warmed up. So, I sat there and I watched and listened. I grew more and more appreciative of what these folks are doing. Most are just starting out in their musical careers. Most are very talented people who need a venue to perform. Dana is an excellent singer who has only been taking guitar lessons for about 4 months now!

Dana had the first performance slot and I was really impressed. She did a cover of a Patti Griffin song and did a great job. She definitely has to focus on the guitar chords more than she wants, but whatever -- it's difficult to play and sing at the same time! She even played a 2nd song (which she was not prepared for) -- a Nickel Creek song. She didn't get all the chords right, but it didn't matter a bit! No one cared except for her.

The other folks included a couple of 13 yr old guitar players (who sing too) who knocked my socks off, a 16 yr old girl with a beautiful voice and who plays both guitar and yukelele (sp?), and then a smattering of other older folks. Granted, some were more talented than others. I'd say the younger ones outshined the older folks.

Last night I walked away admiring all of these people. Getting up in front of strangers and not caring how you sound or, at the very least, acting like you don't care is something to be proud of! Open Mic is a great way to practice your performance and get over fear.

I told Dana next time maybe I'll sing backup or shake the egg for her. We'll see, maybe I'll pick up my guitar again. I'm feeling inspired.

Karaoke Revolution

Though I'm not a real life Karaoke girl, I am a girl who secretly wants to be a rock star. So, this looks amazingly fun to me! Check it.

Lima Beans

I really wanted lima beans tonight. I had my heart set on them. But alas, they are gone. :(