Hey y'all. You know something that I haven't done in a while is a big list of things. I think I shall list some Kristi updates for everyone just to keep you in the loop and to amuse Lisa since I know how much she enjoys my affinity for listing things.
1) If there was such a thing as a professional-wedding-attendee, then I might get the award this summer. Of the four weekends in July, I will be at weddings for 3 of them.
2) Though you may hear arguments the other way, I am neither officially nor unofficially engaged.
3) I got to visit Ma and Pa Rausch yesterday. They are celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary this year and I want to do something really neat for them.
4) I no longer have a crappy job... though the other night I did consider getting back into the radio biz. Could you guys picture me as a morning radio personality?
5) My brothers will be in town in a few weeks for Tom's bachelor party. On Friday night I get to go karaokeing with them, and I'm super duper excited.
6) I karaokeed last night at a bar that didn't seem to have put alcohol in any of its alcoholic beverages. Steffanie bought a pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea, and we barely felt the effects of it at ALL. It tasted like lemonade.
7) Fr. Jarrod told me there was mouse poop in my house. ICK.
8) I'm typing this blog from a laptop that I bought from my brother for only 75 dollars. It's the most fabulous purchase I've ever made.
9) I miss Tom and Kimmy B being in Wichita on the weekends.
10) I want to learn to dance.
11) Andrew is weirder than I am and I think that is why we work so well together.
12) My friend Amy made homemade tortillas the other night... they were yummy.
13) I miss Jose and Lisa... they've been out of town forever and a day.
14) This laptop is making my lap very warm, so I believe I am done with this post.
Goodnight friends... if I don't talk to you soon... good morning, good afternoon and good evening!!
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Sunday, June 12, 2005
I just finished a book
So I just finished a novel about the life of Saint Catherine of Sienna.
I find that reading about the saints is both inspiring and disheartening at the same time. Like... I love to see what amazing feats these people accomplished with God's graces, but I also wonder what it is that I'm not doing so that I can have the kind of relationship that they had with God.
I think my biggest problem and actually probably most people's biggest obstacle to getting closer to God is our attachments to this world. St. Catherine lived on Jesus alone for years. The only "food" she ever had was her daily bread at communion during Mass. Once the Pope said to her "Catherine, if I ordered you to eat again, would you do it?" Because she took seriously her vow of obedience she responded, "Yes, Holy Father, but I cannot promise I could keep it down."
St. Catherine was so detached from worldly matters that food was not even appealing to her. She lived on God alone and for God alone. She felt like her time on Earth was almost a prison because she so badly longed for the Glory of Heaven. She cried many times when she thought death was imminent but God took it away from her. She wanted nothing more than to be with Him. How amazing it would be to feel that way about death.
Living in the United States is living in a culture of abundance. We are so blind to the attachments we have to the things and people around us. We cling to our televisions, to our cars, our houses, our clothing... even to our relationships. But all of those things are impermanent. All of them are passing. In an instant, they could be ripped out from under us and we're left with only ourselves and God. And guess what? We would still survive.
Today I dislike the excessive way I live. I have so many things that I don't need. I wish that I could get rid of everything that isn't helping me or others get closer to God... because those are the only things that I need in the first place. But how does one go from living a life of excess to living a life of simplicity? Especially when living in the American culture where excess equals success.
Hmmm... it's something to ponder.
I find that reading about the saints is both inspiring and disheartening at the same time. Like... I love to see what amazing feats these people accomplished with God's graces, but I also wonder what it is that I'm not doing so that I can have the kind of relationship that they had with God.
I think my biggest problem and actually probably most people's biggest obstacle to getting closer to God is our attachments to this world. St. Catherine lived on Jesus alone for years. The only "food" she ever had was her daily bread at communion during Mass. Once the Pope said to her "Catherine, if I ordered you to eat again, would you do it?" Because she took seriously her vow of obedience she responded, "Yes, Holy Father, but I cannot promise I could keep it down."
St. Catherine was so detached from worldly matters that food was not even appealing to her. She lived on God alone and for God alone. She felt like her time on Earth was almost a prison because she so badly longed for the Glory of Heaven. She cried many times when she thought death was imminent but God took it away from her. She wanted nothing more than to be with Him. How amazing it would be to feel that way about death.
Living in the United States is living in a culture of abundance. We are so blind to the attachments we have to the things and people around us. We cling to our televisions, to our cars, our houses, our clothing... even to our relationships. But all of those things are impermanent. All of them are passing. In an instant, they could be ripped out from under us and we're left with only ourselves and God. And guess what? We would still survive.
Today I dislike the excessive way I live. I have so many things that I don't need. I wish that I could get rid of everything that isn't helping me or others get closer to God... because those are the only things that I need in the first place. But how does one go from living a life of excess to living a life of simplicity? Especially when living in the American culture where excess equals success.
Hmmm... it's something to ponder.
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Let the clouds drift away
Prepare yourselves, folks. You're about to experience 3 or 4 months of a serious reality check. Have you been confused about where your life is headed? Have you been unsure about your job, your friends, your car, your house, or anything about your life in general?
Well... get ready. Because it's all about to make sense.
"Why?" you may be asking. "How is it that you know this, Kristi?" you may ask as well.
Lemme tell you. It's been long in coming... and much less clear than the rest... but this season's theme has finally come to me.
We are now entering...
THE SUMMER OF CLARITY
I know at first it may not seem as exciting as the Winter of Anticipation or the Spring of New Beginnings... but, believe me, this summer has much more in store for all of us than we can currently fathom.
Have you ever had one of those moments in life where it feels like your eyes are suddenly opened to a whole new reality? I'm pretty sure that this summer is going to be full of them. They've already begun in my life... and though they haven't all been pleasant, they HAVE all been for the better in the long run.
I wish you the greatest SUMMER OF CLARITY a person can have. It's time to finally figure things out!
Well... get ready. Because it's all about to make sense.
"Why?" you may be asking. "How is it that you know this, Kristi?" you may ask as well.
Lemme tell you. It's been long in coming... and much less clear than the rest... but this season's theme has finally come to me.
We are now entering...
THE SUMMER OF CLARITY
I know at first it may not seem as exciting as the Winter of Anticipation or the Spring of New Beginnings... but, believe me, this summer has much more in store for all of us than we can currently fathom.
Have you ever had one of those moments in life where it feels like your eyes are suddenly opened to a whole new reality? I'm pretty sure that this summer is going to be full of them. They've already begun in my life... and though they haven't all been pleasant, they HAVE all been for the better in the long run.
I wish you the greatest SUMMER OF CLARITY a person can have. It's time to finally figure things out!
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Karma Chameleon
I think I'm a Chameleon.
I've been sitting at a sort of a low over the past few days. Of course the ups have still been there because life overall is still grand... but in comparison to the last few months, I am currently sitting at a rather "down" mood swing.
In times like these I find myself pondering things. Sometimes it's stuff about my life. Sometimes it's stuff about daily happenings. Sometimes it's stuff about the world in general.
For example, last week I got into a conversation about politics and religion. By the end of the discussion I was crying... and I mean seriously crying... about how sad the world is. And about how many bad things are happening that I can't seem to do anything about.
Then today on my drive home I was thinking about some stuff that my friends have talked to me about lately. It seems I've been "different" lately. So I started to think that I'm sort of like a Chameleon. I tend to adapt to the life situations that I get myself into. And though I'm always Kristi. I am sometimes a different shade of Kristi. And I think it's very rare that I ever get to be all of the shades of me at one time.
Honestly, it may be that few people actually know the Kristi who is all of the shades. Not that most of my friends haven't seen glimpses of all of them... but Colorful Kristi only exists when she doesn't feel compelled to be something that others need or want her to be. And since I like to not stand out too much, I tend to just adapt to the people and situations that I'm surrounded by.
So maybe that's why I'm "different" lately. I think I'm getting sick of adapting. I'm getting really tired of changing for others, and I'm ready to finally just be myself. Mostly I'm just too darn tired after 50 hours of work to worry too much about what others are thinking... and I actually think this is a good thing. It's another phase of maturity and I'm happy to enter it. I just hope that Colorful Kristi isn't too much for everyone who perhaps thought they knew all my colors.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Ain't Love Grand?
L is for the way you Look at me.
O is for the only One I see.
V is very Very extraordinary.
E is Even more than anyone you can adore.
Hi everyone! It's been a really long time. In my usual blogtastic mode, I will apologize for my lack of updates lately. I'm happy to see that most of you are still commenting like mad cows despite having hardly any controversy to comment about. Props to you!
So the reason for my less-than-frequent blogs in the last few months is probably pretty obvious by now. I am slightly occupied with other things... you know... like not being single anymore. In fact... part of the reason that this blog is becoming more or less obsolete has to do with it's name being "Delightful Delirium." Because although things are still QUITE delightful, I'm no longer so very delirious about the direction my life will take. In the words of the great Jimmy Cliff "I can see clearly now, the rain is gone."
There's been a lot of interesting comments on the status of Andrew and I, and I've even posted a few things about us though I've been mostly vague. But I'm officially ready to let you in the loop. Because the loop, my friends, is an excellent place to be.
I, Kristine Ann, am completely and utterly in love with Andrew Christopher. I've never in my life experienced anything like the bond I have with him. There's really no explanation for it. What's happening in my life right now can only be from God. It's as though "that guy" that I've been dreaming about all my life has finally shown up at my door... and it turns out that my dreams were nothing compared to what he actually is. I really think that back in 1980, God created two little babies who were destined for eachother... we just didn't know it for 24 years.
So what are you thinking? "Ewww... mushy stuff," or "Kristi is nuts. She's gone off the deepend," or "She's gonna get her heart broken again," or some other such statement full of skepticism? I promise that if you knew what was going on in my heart and soul... and in his too... all those worries would just float away.
I've decided that the world doesn't always know the right way to do things. Sure, Andrew and I COULD date for another 6 months before we ever said "I love you." Sure... we COULD decide to wait 2 or 3 years before marriage ever even enters discussion... we COULD do a lot of things that the world says is "smart." But we aren't really "normal" people and following "normal" trends is not our style. We know without a doubt that God brought us together 3 months ago. We pretty much knew that on our first date. And we are trusting Him enough to let us know if we're getting His message the wrong way.
Everyone has always said to me that when you find "the one", you'll know. I now know that it's true. This weird peace has come over me and it's nothing I can really explain. This peace proves to me that soulmates actually exist. Because my soul is more at peace with Andrew around than it has ever been before. I'm not worried about rushing into anything. I'm not worried about getting my heart broken. I'm not worried at all. He is a piece of my life's puzzle that I didn't even know existed, and without that piece, my life would never be complete.
So we've come full circle... you're in the loop at least a little now. Don't worry blog readers, I have not finished with my blog... it's just beginning to take a new direction. Perhaps with the summer's theme I will introduce a new format and name to Delightful as well. You know... something like "Wacky Wedding Planning" or "Being Brideful" or some other such thing. Who knows what's to come in the next few months. But I'll keep you in the loop as much as I can.
Love and Hugs!
The Keekster
O is for the only One I see.
V is very Very extraordinary.
E is Even more than anyone you can adore.
Hi everyone! It's been a really long time. In my usual blogtastic mode, I will apologize for my lack of updates lately. I'm happy to see that most of you are still commenting like mad cows despite having hardly any controversy to comment about. Props to you!
So the reason for my less-than-frequent blogs in the last few months is probably pretty obvious by now. I am slightly occupied with other things... you know... like not being single anymore. In fact... part of the reason that this blog is becoming more or less obsolete has to do with it's name being "Delightful Delirium." Because although things are still QUITE delightful, I'm no longer so very delirious about the direction my life will take. In the words of the great Jimmy Cliff "I can see clearly now, the rain is gone."
There's been a lot of interesting comments on the status of Andrew and I, and I've even posted a few things about us though I've been mostly vague. But I'm officially ready to let you in the loop. Because the loop, my friends, is an excellent place to be.
I, Kristine Ann, am completely and utterly in love with Andrew Christopher. I've never in my life experienced anything like the bond I have with him. There's really no explanation for it. What's happening in my life right now can only be from God. It's as though "that guy" that I've been dreaming about all my life has finally shown up at my door... and it turns out that my dreams were nothing compared to what he actually is. I really think that back in 1980, God created two little babies who were destined for eachother... we just didn't know it for 24 years.
So what are you thinking? "Ewww... mushy stuff," or "Kristi is nuts. She's gone off the deepend," or "She's gonna get her heart broken again," or some other such statement full of skepticism? I promise that if you knew what was going on in my heart and soul... and in his too... all those worries would just float away.
I've decided that the world doesn't always know the right way to do things. Sure, Andrew and I COULD date for another 6 months before we ever said "I love you." Sure... we COULD decide to wait 2 or 3 years before marriage ever even enters discussion... we COULD do a lot of things that the world says is "smart." But we aren't really "normal" people and following "normal" trends is not our style. We know without a doubt that God brought us together 3 months ago. We pretty much knew that on our first date. And we are trusting Him enough to let us know if we're getting His message the wrong way.
Everyone has always said to me that when you find "the one", you'll know. I now know that it's true. This weird peace has come over me and it's nothing I can really explain. This peace proves to me that soulmates actually exist. Because my soul is more at peace with Andrew around than it has ever been before. I'm not worried about rushing into anything. I'm not worried about getting my heart broken. I'm not worried at all. He is a piece of my life's puzzle that I didn't even know existed, and without that piece, my life would never be complete.
So we've come full circle... you're in the loop at least a little now. Don't worry blog readers, I have not finished with my blog... it's just beginning to take a new direction. Perhaps with the summer's theme I will introduce a new format and name to Delightful as well. You know... something like "Wacky Wedding Planning" or "Being Brideful" or some other such thing. Who knows what's to come in the next few months. But I'll keep you in the loop as much as I can.
Love and Hugs!
The Keekster
Sunday, May 01, 2005
And so it begins...
Last night I attended the first of the gabillion weddings that I've got to go to this summer. If you recall from last summer, I had only two weddings to attend, and the first one was... well... read this for more info.
This year's first wedding was not nearly so dramatic and awful. Well... there was some drama... but that had nothing to do with the fact that it was a wedding.
I figure I must have finally hit that age when all of my friends are getting hitched. Three of my best friends from high school are getting married this summer. On top of that I've got three college friends getting married, three post college friends and my brother & Kimmy B. It's going to be a crazy ride. (I best be finding me some darn comfy dancing shoes I think).
It's so bizarre to me that I'm old enough to be at this age. Like, I'm pretty sure that for the last 5 years, I've lived with the belief that I was still around 17. I wasn't too concerned about getting married... or having a serious job... or being a true adult. I mean... I've been doing all the mature stuff and being an adult without really thinking about it too hard.
But it's starting to hit that I'm actually old enough to start thinking about it. I could actually HAVE a family. I could like have my own children in 2 years or less if I wanted to. That's nuts. I could be a MOM. Kristi as a mom?? Yea... I know... sounds kinda bizarre, huh? And I think it's all very exciting and fun, but even more than that, i'm sorta baffled by how much talking and planning and thinking one has to do to prepare themselves for this time of life.
I've always sort of felt that life goes in stages. Like there a LOT of changes that happen between 13&15, then 15&18, then 18&21... and then 21&25. And so on and so forth. I'm totally diggin this 21-25 stage, but I'm baffled at how much I've changed in even just the last year. You can even see the developments from reading my blog. I've gone from a lovesick crushfiend to well... whatever it is I am now (but it's definitely NOT that girl.) It's really awesome to not be that girl anymore, by the way.
Right... so I'm not exactly sure this post has a point. So I'm just gonna end it right here. But if it invokes any thoughts in you... please feel free to share.
This year's first wedding was not nearly so dramatic and awful. Well... there was some drama... but that had nothing to do with the fact that it was a wedding.
I figure I must have finally hit that age when all of my friends are getting hitched. Three of my best friends from high school are getting married this summer. On top of that I've got three college friends getting married, three post college friends and my brother & Kimmy B. It's going to be a crazy ride. (I best be finding me some darn comfy dancing shoes I think).
It's so bizarre to me that I'm old enough to be at this age. Like, I'm pretty sure that for the last 5 years, I've lived with the belief that I was still around 17. I wasn't too concerned about getting married... or having a serious job... or being a true adult. I mean... I've been doing all the mature stuff and being an adult without really thinking about it too hard.
But it's starting to hit that I'm actually old enough to start thinking about it. I could actually HAVE a family. I could like have my own children in 2 years or less if I wanted to. That's nuts. I could be a MOM. Kristi as a mom?? Yea... I know... sounds kinda bizarre, huh? And I think it's all very exciting and fun, but even more than that, i'm sorta baffled by how much talking and planning and thinking one has to do to prepare themselves for this time of life.
I've always sort of felt that life goes in stages. Like there a LOT of changes that happen between 13&15, then 15&18, then 18&21... and then 21&25. And so on and so forth. I'm totally diggin this 21-25 stage, but I'm baffled at how much I've changed in even just the last year. You can even see the developments from reading my blog. I've gone from a lovesick crushfiend to well... whatever it is I am now (but it's definitely NOT that girl.) It's really awesome to not be that girl anymore, by the way.
Right... so I'm not exactly sure this post has a point. So I'm just gonna end it right here. But if it invokes any thoughts in you... please feel free to share.
Monday, April 25, 2005
The boyfriend met the parents
Andrew met my parents yesterday. Let me just tell you how crazy my boyfriend is. He not only decided that he had to meet them soon, but he also decided that he wasn't going to be nervous about it. He called me up Saturday morning and said "I think we should go meet your parents tomorrow."
Now, I had not suggested this or urged this really at all. I wanted him to meet them of course, but I was in no crazy rush. But Andrew was having none of it. He wanted to meet them when we had a free weekend and that weekend just happened to be this one.
The most baffling part of the whole visit was that Andrew wasn't nervous... my parents weren't nervous... but I was freaking out like never before. It was like our first date all over again only now I was worried that there would be awkward silences between he and my parents instead of him and me.
But, my worries were for naught. He clicked with Ma and Pa just as well as he clicks with me. They laughed and joked and didn't seem weird together at all. It was really fabulous. And I just talked to my mom and few minutes ago and they think he's just great.
How awesome! How exciting! How fabulous!
I've been feeling lately like I'm growing up super fast. I mean, I'm really really happy about everything... but it's just a little bit whirlwind even for me. Does anyone have any advice on how to handle being this happy?
Now, I had not suggested this or urged this really at all. I wanted him to meet them of course, but I was in no crazy rush. But Andrew was having none of it. He wanted to meet them when we had a free weekend and that weekend just happened to be this one.
The most baffling part of the whole visit was that Andrew wasn't nervous... my parents weren't nervous... but I was freaking out like never before. It was like our first date all over again only now I was worried that there would be awkward silences between he and my parents instead of him and me.
But, my worries were for naught. He clicked with Ma and Pa just as well as he clicks with me. They laughed and joked and didn't seem weird together at all. It was really fabulous. And I just talked to my mom and few minutes ago and they think he's just great.
How awesome! How exciting! How fabulous!
I've been feeling lately like I'm growing up super fast. I mean, I'm really really happy about everything... but it's just a little bit whirlwind even for me. Does anyone have any advice on how to handle being this happy?
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William Sebastian - A Miracle Birth Story
"But at once he spoke with them, 'Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!' He got into the boat with them and the wind died do...
