Tulips on the Table

I have tulips on the desk in front of me, and tulips are things that make me happy. So I smile.
Coming to the end of reading week I have accomplished a deplorably small amount of reading. Oops. Added to that issue is the part where my computer crapped out this last week, with no warning. Taking it with it all my class notes, which would assist my midterm prep. I'm hoping resurrection is in it's future.
Lent started on Wednesday and I decided to participate. I'm going to try to keep up with someone's version of the Lenten lectionary. But more for certain, I have put some restrictions on my buying habits. I tend to spend my "extra" money on such things as lattes, chocolate and clothes. All "me" things, and all offer me some sense of temporary satisfaction. I am not buying any of them for the next 40 days, and maybe, hopefully far less of them after.
Reason 1: is that they are ultimately selfish things, they don't benefit others, they are me hoarding good things all for myself. Reason 2: is that I believe that the excess of my budget is indeed the blessing and provision of God, for the express purpose of blessing others. And me using it so indiscriminately is actually me stealing it from those God had intended to bless through me. Whether those others are my roommates or the poor, or someone else entirely.
So I am disciplining myself. And very glad to be. It's already hurt on several occasions, and that is proof enough to me that I hit the nail on the head, and chose well this season.
One week until the twins.

The Hitchhiker Who Stayed

I went to a show tonight and a girl I'd just met said to me, "your hair looks so... natural." Umm, thanks?? Now I thought I'd been having a pretty good hair day. I was feeling really great about my hair. Until I was suddenly feeling very self-concious and wishing I had crazy, unclean hipster hair. Thanks lady.
I've been working lots this last week, a different job every day, different house, different kids, different parents, different hours. It's a good way to keep from getting bored, and I've looked after some pretty sweet kids. But I'm also excited, because on Monday night I'll be interviewing for a contract nannying newborn twins! Which would offer more doses of normal and stable to my days. If I can deal with that. I think the demands of two infants would keep me on my toes enough. Until then, I'll keep touring the city finding all sorts of incredible and hidden neighbourhoods and beautiful homes!
Things seem rather impossible on the moving front, like things are just floating and maybe floating apart. I so want this to happen, I am excited and wish I wasn't being delayed. But I'm working on the whole trusting thing, and I love my current home and I really am happy.
I love this city, I love life. Now everything isn't simply glossy good, yet God has transformed my existence with joy. Not some ridiculous amount of smiling and happiness. But deep, peaceful and thankful joy. The wandering I did this fall was imperfect and so good, so necessary - I have been changed. Somewhere along the road joy hopped in my stationwagon, and I'm not letting it go!