VACATION!!!!
10 years ago
The Nature of Blank
Hello kiddos! Well, Aunt Mandy has been quite busy these past few weeks but, never fear! I shall always return!
Update:
Work is still going really, really well. The job just gets better and better everyday. I actually enjoy how busy it's been 'cause it keeps the days going by quickly. We are having quite the rampage of the stomach flu bug going on around here now though. Both my bosses caught it and so has 3 other people that work near me. I may be doomed. Boo...
My best friend Mandy and her boyfriend Michael were here last weekend and, despite some drama, had a good time, I believe. It's always so good to see her. And I'm so glad she is dating a guy that deserves her. Michael is really good to and for her and I'm so grateful. He just better stay that way. =)
So, for those of you paying attention, I had a ski trip planned for this next week but, unfortunately, had to change plans a bit. So...I'm planning on taking a vacation the week after next (my own little spring break) and it sounds like I'll be going to Branson. Yippee! More about that to come...
Last week I attended the Big Brothers Big Sisters event I mentioned in my last post. It was a blast! I signed up that night and started the interview process yesterday. As part of the process, they ask your boss to do a little survey of you. I was flattered by some of her responses so I thought I'd share:
1. How long has the applicant been employed by your company? In what capacity? Amanda has been working for me since December as my administrative assistant.
2. What would you consider to be the applicant's strengths? Eagerness. Not only is Amanda always willing to help, she accomplishes her tasks with great zeal.
3. How would you describe the applicant's personality? Outgoing and Joyous.
4. In your opinion, how well does the applicant finish projects or activities? All projects are done on time.
5. How would you describe this applicant's ability to relate to other people? Friendly. I don’t believe Amanda knows a stranger.
6. Do you anticipate any changes (promotions, transfer, layoff) in this employee's status during the next six months? No, although I anticipate she will have her semi annual review late spring, early summer.
7. Would you feel comfortable with this volunteer serving as a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child of yours, or a child close to you? Yes. Amanda appears to be very mature and responsible for her age.
8. What else would you like for us to know about this applicant? In addition to my comments above, I would add that what impresses me the most about Amanda is her desire to give back to her community. She has been involved with the youth group at her church and now that she’s “settled” in the Kansas City area, she feels more capable of making a longer-term commitment. She also shared with me that she would prefer an older child because at age 14, children who haven’t been able to find a match are moved off this program. To me, this shows a level of understanding and compassion well beyond someone her age.
She would be an asset to a program such as yours.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need additional information or clarification.
Nicole McIntosh
Director of Investor Relations
Pretty stinkin sweet stuff, eh? Anyway so there's that. I'm really looking forward to getting started with BBBS. Hurray!
And now for the really good news: I had a meeting with Smokey and Kristy McKinney this week and was made an official Co-Director/Lead Counselor of Tallgrass '08. Wahooooo!!! I can't tell you how excited I am about that!! I just can't wait for camp! Especially now that I know it will be more under control than last year.
Let's see...other than that, not a whole lot going on. Well, that's not true. Just not a lot I'm ready to post at this moment in time. But...if you must know, there may be some changes in Mandy's life coming really soon. *wink wink*
Some shout outs before I go to those I know read from time to time:
Cara - Hi Sis!! I sure miss you and the boys. I'm hoping to plan at least one rendevous this summer but I've got quite the busy schedule. Please give the boys my love and make them give some back to you! Love you!
Raul (said like on The Mexican "RA-UL!") - Yo, homie G funk. How you been rollin, R-shizzle?
Aaron - Hope you enjoy your gifts. Take a break. Miss you, love you.
KJ - Sup? Um...yeah that's all I got. Oh, and this:
Haha, I'm just sayin... =)
Twig - Hellooo! I'm glad you're coming to the retreat! It'll be fun to hang, yo. =)
Sara - You commented once so I assume you might stop by again. If so: Hi! I hope all is well with you and Ben. Tell him hi for me. I'm excited to see you next week! Yippee! =)
Does anybody else read this??
Lub lub lub,
Mandy ><>
Update:
Work is still going really, really well. The job just gets better and better everyday. I actually enjoy how busy it's been 'cause it keeps the days going by quickly. We are having quite the rampage of the stomach flu bug going on around here now though. Both my bosses caught it and so has 3 other people that work near me. I may be doomed. Boo...
My best friend Mandy and her boyfriend Michael were here last weekend and, despite some drama, had a good time, I believe. It's always so good to see her. And I'm so glad she is dating a guy that deserves her. Michael is really good to and for her and I'm so grateful. He just better stay that way. =)
So, for those of you paying attention, I had a ski trip planned for this next week but, unfortunately, had to change plans a bit. So...I'm planning on taking a vacation the week after next (my own little spring break) and it sounds like I'll be going to Branson. Yippee! More about that to come...
Last week I attended the Big Brothers Big Sisters event I mentioned in my last post. It was a blast! I signed up that night and started the interview process yesterday. As part of the process, they ask your boss to do a little survey of you. I was flattered by some of her responses so I thought I'd share:
1. How long has the applicant been employed by your company? In what capacity? Amanda has been working for me since December as my administrative assistant.
2. What would you consider to be the applicant's strengths? Eagerness. Not only is Amanda always willing to help, she accomplishes her tasks with great zeal.
3. How would you describe the applicant's personality? Outgoing and Joyous.
4. In your opinion, how well does the applicant finish projects or activities? All projects are done on time.
5. How would you describe this applicant's ability to relate to other people? Friendly. I don’t believe Amanda knows a stranger.
6. Do you anticipate any changes (promotions, transfer, layoff) in this employee's status during the next six months? No, although I anticipate she will have her semi annual review late spring, early summer.
7. Would you feel comfortable with this volunteer serving as a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child of yours, or a child close to you? Yes. Amanda appears to be very mature and responsible for her age.
8. What else would you like for us to know about this applicant? In addition to my comments above, I would add that what impresses me the most about Amanda is her desire to give back to her community. She has been involved with the youth group at her church and now that she’s “settled” in the Kansas City area, she feels more capable of making a longer-term commitment. She also shared with me that she would prefer an older child because at age 14, children who haven’t been able to find a match are moved off this program. To me, this shows a level of understanding and compassion well beyond someone her age.
She would be an asset to a program such as yours.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need additional information or clarification.
Nicole McIntosh
Director of Investor Relations
Pretty stinkin sweet stuff, eh? Anyway so there's that. I'm really looking forward to getting started with BBBS. Hurray!
And now for the really good news: I had a meeting with Smokey and Kristy McKinney this week and was made an official Co-Director/Lead Counselor of Tallgrass '08. Wahooooo!!! I can't tell you how excited I am about that!! I just can't wait for camp! Especially now that I know it will be more under control than last year.
Let's see...other than that, not a whole lot going on. Well, that's not true. Just not a lot I'm ready to post at this moment in time. But...if you must know, there may be some changes in Mandy's life coming really soon. *wink wink*
Some shout outs before I go to those I know read from time to time:
Cara - Hi Sis!! I sure miss you and the boys. I'm hoping to plan at least one rendevous this summer but I've got quite the busy schedule. Please give the boys my love and make them give some back to you! Love you!
Raul (said like on The Mexican "RA-UL!") - Yo, homie G funk. How you been rollin, R-shizzle?
Aaron - Hope you enjoy your gifts. Take a break. Miss you, love you.
KJ - Sup? Um...yeah that's all I got. Oh, and this:
Haha, I'm just sayin... =)
Twig - Hellooo! I'm glad you're coming to the retreat! It'll be fun to hang, yo. =)
Sara - You commented once so I assume you might stop by again. If so: Hi! I hope all is well with you and Ben. Tell him hi for me. I'm excited to see you next week! Yippee! =)
Does anybody else read this??
Lub lub lub,
Mandy ><>
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
-Romans 12:12
Make New Friends...
Hellooo!! Wow long time, no blog eh? Remedy that? I think so!
So here are a few things Mandy has learned in the past few weeks:
Please keep Chris, Matthew, Phil and all the other men and women in your prayers. Don't forget them.
Kristy McKinney and I have started talking Camp agenda and I'm starting to get those Camp jitters already. It looks like we're going to have to wait another year to get out to Tallgrass (boo) but we'll work with what we've got as we usually do. We're trying to make some much-needed counseling changes (including training and finally saying no to certain people) and I'm praying hardcore we are able to do so without much friction.
Other than that, work is still good. Busy most days but nothing I can't handle. I'm overly blessed here and am afraid they're going to realize it any day. I don't think I've mentioned this yet but I got a list the other day of all the Executive Assistants in the company (everyone who works for a President, VP, the CEO, etc.). There are 28 of us in all. I'm the youngest by 6 years. Wow? I think so.
February is almost over! Wow! On the calendar for March:
March 1: Superchick concert with Audra and some of my girls from the youth group! Also, my best friend Mandy will be here just long enough for me to take her and her boyfriend to the airport.
March 2: CABB sponsored luncheon (put on by yours truly) for the Widows and Widowers at OP.
March 6: Mandy becomes official member of KC Chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
March 8: Best friend returns from DC and spends the weekend with me. Hurray!
March 15-20: Ski trip to Breckenridge!! Woot woot!
March 23: Easter and Chris home from Iraq.
March ??: Tax refund check arrives (hopefully). Hello new computer!! =)
Coming in April:
2 retreats and 4 important birthdays! Yee-haw!
Be cool my babies!
M-Shizzle ><>
So here are a few things Mandy has learned in the past few weeks:
- Sometimes the best thing you can do for a friend is to leave them.
- People that make you really mad are probably there to teach you something.
- "Church" boys are sometimes 10 times worse than "non-church" boys.
- I like adventurous relationships. If it's too normal, simple or boring, count me out.
- Your best friends are the ones that know who you are.
Other than that, here's a rundown of my life for the past few weeks:
CABB is rockin my face off, as usual. For awhile there, I was a little concerned by the lack of actual Bible we were getting as a group but we've recently remedied that and I couldn't be more thrilled. We spend a lot of time in the Word as a group and I believe it will only help to improve our relationships. We'll also be starting up Spring league Softball and Volleyball. I can't wait!
The youth group is also going really well these days. We finally hired a full-time youth minister that will start in June and I couldn't be more excited about him. My boys really need a good role model. We've been blessed to have a good interim for awhile now but it's nice to know that when he leaves, things won't go down hill. Prayers are being answered.
About a month ago I learned that my dear cousin (and one of my best friends) Phil is going back to Iraq in December. Boo? I think so. But not to him. He is, of course, very happy. If he had his way, he never would've left in the first place. After I found that out, I went into Operation Mandy mode and have spent the last few weeks attempting to lift the spirits of some of the guys over there. The CABB group will be putting together packages next month for the guys representing OP. Whether you agree with the war or not has nothing to do with it. I really feel like we're starting to forget that there are still men fighting over there.
I started with this CABB project for the 9 guys that we have from church over there (none of whom I know) and then made some attempts at more personal connection (Facebook, email, etc.) but have only been able to really connect with one so far. He seems to be very thankful to have a new friend back home though. He'll be coming home next month for a 20-day leave and I'm very much looking forward to meeting him.
I also found an old friend from high school that happens to be over there too and seems to be having a harder time than Phil ever did or any of the other guys I've conversed with. I think that might have to do with the fact that he's quite lacking in Faith so I'm trying to exude a lot of hope in his direction. Guess we'll see.Please keep Chris, Matthew, Phil and all the other men and women in your prayers. Don't forget them.
Kristy McKinney and I have started talking Camp agenda and I'm starting to get those Camp jitters already. It looks like we're going to have to wait another year to get out to Tallgrass (boo) but we'll work with what we've got as we usually do. We're trying to make some much-needed counseling changes (including training and finally saying no to certain people) and I'm praying hardcore we are able to do so without much friction.
Other than that, work is still good. Busy most days but nothing I can't handle. I'm overly blessed here and am afraid they're going to realize it any day. I don't think I've mentioned this yet but I got a list the other day of all the Executive Assistants in the company (everyone who works for a President, VP, the CEO, etc.). There are 28 of us in all. I'm the youngest by 6 years. Wow? I think so.
February is almost over! Wow! On the calendar for March:
March 1: Superchick concert with Audra and some of my girls from the youth group! Also, my best friend Mandy will be here just long enough for me to take her and her boyfriend to the airport.
March 2: CABB sponsored luncheon (put on by yours truly) for the Widows and Widowers at OP.
March 6: Mandy becomes official member of KC Chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
March 8: Best friend returns from DC and spends the weekend with me. Hurray!
March 15-20: Ski trip to Breckenridge!! Woot woot!
March 23: Easter and Chris home from Iraq.
March ??: Tax refund check arrives (hopefully). Hello new computer!! =)
Coming in April:
2 retreats and 4 important birthdays! Yee-haw!
Be cool my babies!
M-Shizzle ><>
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
-1 Corinthians 15:57
Crack is Whack
Hoo-wee! What an enjoyable weekend Mandy had! Wanna hear about it? Too bad!
Thursday:
Ah, Valentines Day. I don't care what anyone says, I still love that holiday. In a relationship or not, V-day (like everyday) is what you make it. My evening included the Cheesecake Factory with the 'rents, some friends and my beautiful Grandmother who was visiting for a few weeks while Jimmy was in China. Afterwards, because it's illegal to see sappy movies on V-day if you're single, I went to see Jumper (*vomitting noises*) with some very good friends. Should've tried a sappy one but we had a good time.
Friday:
Yeah...not ready to post that information yet. But know I had a good day. =)
Saturday:
Hurray for Saturday! My current favorite brother came up to visit me for the day and we went to see Step Up 2 (much better movie! Ye-ah!). Happened to catch Chelsea trying to see the movie by herself so we all enjoyed it together. Afterwards, I had a babysitting gig I got roped into for the evening at the church. There were 15 kids but I actually think I was there more to babysit the youth minister and 2 high school boys that were helping out too.
After the babysitting, the 4 of us hung out for awhile trying to decide on something to do so as not to waste a perfectly good Saturday evening. When it became appparent we weren't going to agree on a course of action, the boys took it upon themselves to create their own entertainment: they decided to create a faux-date for myself and the youth minister in the youth room. They turned down the lights, made us dance a little (I know! In the church! *Gasp!*) and put on Disney music in an attempt to try and set the mood. The highlight of the evening was when one of them got the little disco ball down that hangs from the ceiling, hid behind the couch, held it above our heads and said, “Pretend like I’m not here.” It was hilarious. Finally at one point, Zach leaned over and hid the proof just well enough to convince them that we kissed. It was hilarious. They both just sat there with this look of sheer shock on their faces for a good 5 minutes.
Sunday:
More snow = Booo!
Church and Lifegroup = Soooo good!
Monday:
That's right, my weekend included Monday! Hurray for days of Presidents! I spent my day off trying to catch up on sleep (ha!), doing laundry and cleaning the house. Felt really good. Then I went into Baldwin for the Lifegroup that meets at my 'rents place 'cause I was majorly craving a Jason hug. I got a few. :) I love my brothers!!
That's right, my weekend included Monday! Hurray for days of Presidents! I spent my day off trying to catch up on sleep (ha!), doing laundry and cleaning the house. Felt really good. Then I went into Baldwin for the Lifegroup that meets at my 'rents place 'cause I was majorly craving a Jason hug. I got a few. :) I love my brothers!!
And now it's Tuesday and I'm back to work. I started the morning with 19 emails in my Inbox as proof that my boss decided not to use his weekend for leisure. Needless to say, I had them all straightened out by lunch. I'm just sayin...
Alright, what else? How about some laughs? I like to call this part of my blog:
"The Short Bus"
--Mandy--
Happy Valentine's Day!!
Current Date: February 14 + Current Temperature: 54° =
What a glorious, wonderful day!!
My Valentine's gift to you:
The 'One Semester of Spanish Love Song!!'
(Thanks LL!!)
Love you all!! *Muah!*
An Update
I'm a little sickly so I'm gonna give you the main points and let you fill in the rest. Or let me know which ones you want to know more about. And....GO!
Working lots.
It's freezing all the time.
I miss Heather, Aaron, Mandy, Cara & the boys, Jason, and Jeremy.
Bowling 173.
Bowling 173.
Waiting for tax refund.
Lots of new music.
Iraq.
Jesus is crazy about me. And you.
The End.
Mmhmm.
Picture of Things
Deep in the night
Far past the point of slumber
I was wrapped in a love
It was woven fine
And it pulled me under
And I, I didn't want to leave her
And I, I didn't want to leave her
And I didn't want to treat her
Like the story of my life
Just like that night
Love was fading fast
Leaving me cold inside
And where is that part
That houses all my fear
And which is the road that I take from here
Where is this world, where is this world
Where is my seam to find the picture of things
Just down my road in that place
We quickly go by I found,
in a world of its own
A secret flower
And I didn't know why
But I, I didn't want to leave it
But I knew I couldn't keep it
Somewhere in this desert heart of mine
And miles away I'm out of breath
And I'm outta my mind
And where is that part
That houses all my fear
And which is the road that i take from here
And where is this world, where is this world
Where is my seam to find the picture of things
And I know that time will come
When all the words are said
And I know that time will be
When I consider my source instead of me
So pay no mind
No its just fear I guess
I'm just lonley
So i'm holding you agian
I'm just lonely
So i'm holding you again
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