Young Girl (in middle school): "Wow! You look so young! How old are you? You look too young to even be working!"
Barista at SLU Zoka: "I'm 25..."
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Recent Lessons from... Country Music
When it comes to music, I tend to become an extreme addict once I find something that really catches my attention. My co-workers especially will vouch for the number of times I will listen to the same song on repeat for an entire day. It is a little ridiculous. Since September (okay, honestly June) my musical interests have been lingering in the heart of country music.
It's my belief that country music can answer almost any question. Wondering what to do this weekend? Well on Friday how about a little chicken fried, cold beer, a pair of jeans that fit just right, and the radio up? (Zac Brown Band's "Chicken Fried") Or on Saturday how about a French kiss, Italian ice, and Spanish moss in the moonlight? I mean, that's just another American Saturday night (Brad Paisley).
What about when you get bad news? What do you do? Well, you can go sky diving, Rocky Mountain climbing, and then go 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManShu (Tim McGraw). Honestly, the questions and answers are endless.
My favorite life answers come from the song "Love Like Crazy" by Lee Brice. Whenever I need a reminder of how to live best in my communities or how I want/need to be treated by those I let into my life, this song's chorus gives a handy-dandy list of 8 reminders on how to live life:
1) Be a best friend.
2) Tell the truth.
3) Overuse "I love you".
4) Go to work.
5) Do your best.
6) Don't outsmart your common sense.
7) Never let your prayin' knees get lazy.
And most importantly...
8) Love like crazy.
Welp, happy Memorial Day Weekend! Now where did I leave my banjo...
It's my belief that country music can answer almost any question. Wondering what to do this weekend? Well on Friday how about a little chicken fried, cold beer, a pair of jeans that fit just right, and the radio up? (Zac Brown Band's "Chicken Fried") Or on Saturday how about a French kiss, Italian ice, and Spanish moss in the moonlight? I mean, that's just another American Saturday night (Brad Paisley).
What about when you get bad news? What do you do? Well, you can go sky diving, Rocky Mountain climbing, and then go 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManShu (Tim McGraw). Honestly, the questions and answers are endless.
My favorite life answers come from the song "Love Like Crazy" by Lee Brice. Whenever I need a reminder of how to live best in my communities or how I want/need to be treated by those I let into my life, this song's chorus gives a handy-dandy list of 8 reminders on how to live life:
1) Be a best friend.
2) Tell the truth.
3) Overuse "I love you".
4) Go to work.
5) Do your best.
6) Don't outsmart your common sense.
7) Never let your prayin' knees get lazy.
And most importantly...
8) Love like crazy.
Welp, happy Memorial Day Weekend! Now where did I leave my banjo...
Thursday, April 7, 2011
What will be my story?
I recently shared an embarrassing story with a friend to help her on a bad day. Funny thing was that it wasn't mine (surprising, I know). It was my dad's. I texted him about it and he replied saying, "Guess I'm never going to live that one down, but if it brought a smile to someone it was worth it."
At times my life seems to hold bundles of awkward and embarrassing stories. My dad's statement made me think about the times when I've shared those stories and brought humor to others around me, even if at the time of the story, all they brought were awkward tension, embarrassment, and flustered-ness. It made me think even more about what my life story will be and whether I care more about my blunders or what I end up learning from them. For now, I've decided my story will be one of smiles and laughter sprinkled with adventure (okay, doused with adventure and spontaneity). What will be your story?
At times my life seems to hold bundles of awkward and embarrassing stories. My dad's statement made me think about the times when I've shared those stories and brought humor to others around me, even if at the time of the story, all they brought were awkward tension, embarrassment, and flustered-ness. It made me think even more about what my life story will be and whether I care more about my blunders or what I end up learning from them. For now, I've decided my story will be one of smiles and laughter sprinkled with adventure (okay, doused with adventure and spontaneity). What will be your story?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
On the bright side...
Back in the summer... or fall... or early winter (Seattle seasons often blend together), Bandit's driver side window decided that it didn't want to work anymore. The window goes down fine and all, but rolling it back up takes a good 15 minutes and maybe two people. This is a problem because (1) usually I am driving alone, and (2) sometimes it decides to RAIN in Seattle. Obviously open windows and rain don't work so well together.
A new theme in life (that I might have decided just now) is to look on the bright side of things. So here is the list of 3 positive things that have come out of having a broken driver's side window:
1) My fast food intake has dropped by about 90%. You can't go through a drive-thru without rolling down your window. I know, I know- why don't you just go inside? Well, that defeats the "fast" part of the fast food experience- at least for me. Let's be honest though. If there's ever a need for a Crunchwrap Supreme, you can bet that you will find me inside that Ballard Taco Bell chowing down with Bandit parked outside. Oh, and with one of those Fire sauce packets that say "You had me at taco."
2) I have become a more careful driver. I am now terrified of being pulled over. Since my window is broken, I will have to open my door and I don't want the officer to assume that I am opening my door to attack them for wrongfully pulling me over (obviously they'd be wrong). Next thing you know, they have their gun drawn and it's all because Bandit's window decided to be closed off. I tend to exaggerate, but it seems possible. I have thought about making a sign that says "I am going to slowly open my door because my window is broken so please don't be alarmed." But that seems like too much work and I probably should be a more careful driver or maybe just a slower driver. Never have I ever gotten a speeding ticket and that's one "never have I ever" that I'd like to keep for competitive purposes. (I love that game.)
3) While the weather has been getting nicer and I've wanted to roll down my window, I remembered that I have a sun roof. That's pretty legit. Driving down the Viaduct with the sun roof open and actual sun coming in... that is a life-is-good-even-when-life-sucks kind of moment.
A new theme in life (that I might have decided just now) is to look on the bright side of things. So here is the list of 3 positive things that have come out of having a broken driver's side window:
1) My fast food intake has dropped by about 90%. You can't go through a drive-thru without rolling down your window. I know, I know- why don't you just go inside? Well, that defeats the "fast" part of the fast food experience- at least for me. Let's be honest though. If there's ever a need for a Crunchwrap Supreme, you can bet that you will find me inside that Ballard Taco Bell chowing down with Bandit parked outside. Oh, and with one of those Fire sauce packets that say "You had me at taco."
2) I have become a more careful driver. I am now terrified of being pulled over. Since my window is broken, I will have to open my door and I don't want the officer to assume that I am opening my door to attack them for wrongfully pulling me over (obviously they'd be wrong). Next thing you know, they have their gun drawn and it's all because Bandit's window decided to be closed off. I tend to exaggerate, but it seems possible. I have thought about making a sign that says "I am going to slowly open my door because my window is broken so please don't be alarmed." But that seems like too much work and I probably should be a more careful driver or maybe just a slower driver. Never have I ever gotten a speeding ticket and that's one "never have I ever" that I'd like to keep for competitive purposes. (I love that game.)
3) While the weather has been getting nicer and I've wanted to roll down my window, I remembered that I have a sun roof. That's pretty legit. Driving down the Viaduct with the sun roof open and actual sun coming in... that is a life-is-good-even-when-life-sucks kind of moment.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Remember When...
Driving in the car with my mom a few years ago...
Mom: "Did you hear about Paris Hilton? How she was sick and so they took her out of jail?"
Me: "Yes, what about it?"
Mom: "I just thought they put people in an inferno when they were sick, not just take them out of jail."
Me: "Well... usually they put people in an infirmary, not an inferno."
Mom: "Oh... what's an inferno?"
Me: "A firey place like hell."
Oh, mom. :)
Mom: "Did you hear about Paris Hilton? How she was sick and so they took her out of jail?"
Me: "Yes, what about it?"
Mom: "I just thought they put people in an inferno when they were sick, not just take them out of jail."
Me: "Well... usually they put people in an infirmary, not an inferno."
Mom: "Oh... what's an inferno?"
Me: "A firey place like hell."
Oh, mom. :)
Friday, February 18, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sappy Love Movie Sunday
It's time to watch Dan in Real Life.
My hands are shaking
from carrying this torch
from carrying this torch for you
My lips are bleeding
from kissing you goodbye
from kissing you goodbye every night
My sheets are tearing
from sleeping in too long
from sleeping in too long with you
My hands are shaking
from carrying this torch
from carrying this torch for you
My head is where
it's always been
if only I knew where
My feet can't stand
that ground no more
It seems that I don't care
My hands are shaking
from carrying this torch
from carrying this torch for you
My lips are bleeding
from kissing you goodbye
from kissing you goodbye every night
My heart is pounding
yes yes yes
My mind just second guess
My love is so articulate
But I am such a mess
My hands are shaking
from carrying this torch
from carrying this torch for you
My lips are bleeding
from kissing you goodnight
from kissing you goodbye
it's all that I do
My sheets are tearing
from sleeping in too long
from sleeping in too long with you
My hands are shaking
from carrying this torch
from carrying this torch for you
My hands are shaking
from carrying this torch
from carrying this torch for you
My lips are bleeding
from kissing you goodbye
from kissing you goodbye every night
My sheets are tearing
from sleeping in too long
from sleeping in too long with you
My hands are shaking
from carrying this torch
from carrying this torch for you
My head is where
it's always been
if only I knew where
My feet can't stand
that ground no more
It seems that I don't care
My hands are shaking
from carrying this torch
from carrying this torch for you
My lips are bleeding
from kissing you goodbye
from kissing you goodbye every night
My heart is pounding
yes yes yes
My mind just second guess
My love is so articulate
But I am such a mess
My hands are shaking
from carrying this torch
from carrying this torch for you
My lips are bleeding
from kissing you goodnight
from kissing you goodbye
it's all that I do
My sheets are tearing
from sleeping in too long
from sleeping in too long with you
My hands are shaking
from carrying this torch
from carrying this torch for you
Saturday, February 12, 2011
What about the Love?
A few months ago I wrote about questions I started having about my faith. Those questions have obviously been on my mind on a daily basis, especially after writing that blog.
Recently I started a brand new job that came out of far, far, FAR left field. I work for a tugboat company. What? I know. It's weird and crazy and different and yet I haven't felt this much joy in what I do in awhile. It kind of throws me off sometimes that I'm experiencing so much joy doing this, but I'm not going to complain too much.
Not only have I been discovering joy in my job, but I have also been REdiscovering the joy I felt in this beautiful city, my wonderful community of friends, and slowly the joy I used to feel with God and faith...
After I wrote that initial blog, I thought a lot about what it would mean to give up believing in God. In fact I think I had gotten to the point where I knew what it would feel like to give up believing and not being part of the Christian community. And it's scary to say, but I was almost okay with it. I have been so fed up with so many aspects of the Church and things happening in general that my cynicism took over and I was on the brink of giving up.
3 things happened that started changing that course very quickly:
1. I went to church with a good friend before the holidays. A different church than I have been attending. To be honest it was definitely a more charismatic atmosphere than I am used to so I was slightly apprehensive as I stood there during the service. Towards the end they did an alter call. Again, I froze up a little and started feeling slightly uncomfortable. The friend I went with knew what I had been thinking about at the time and leaned over to pray for me instead. The words he spoke were so wise and full of truth. I felt barriers that I had set up start to fall and slowly let his words sink in. I left that day feeling slightly confused and dazed.
2. The whole rediscovering joy in my surroundings started happening. Not only was I experiencing joy, but I felt myself pouring out love to those around me again instead of the cynicism and doubt I had been full of for awhile.
3. About 2-3 weeks ago, I read this verse in my small group:
I started retracing places in my story that I had felt God's overpowering love and I wondered how I would have come out differently if I hadn't been open to receiving that... I began going back to church and small group more open to receiving that love again and trying to be open to all the diversity of perspectives within the church...
I think I still have some figuring out to do. Until I do, I've decided not to give up quite yet.
Recently I started a brand new job that came out of far, far, FAR left field. I work for a tugboat company. What? I know. It's weird and crazy and different and yet I haven't felt this much joy in what I do in awhile. It kind of throws me off sometimes that I'm experiencing so much joy doing this, but I'm not going to complain too much.
Not only have I been discovering joy in my job, but I have also been REdiscovering the joy I felt in this beautiful city, my wonderful community of friends, and slowly the joy I used to feel with God and faith...
After I wrote that initial blog, I thought a lot about what it would mean to give up believing in God. In fact I think I had gotten to the point where I knew what it would feel like to give up believing and not being part of the Christian community. And it's scary to say, but I was almost okay with it. I have been so fed up with so many aspects of the Church and things happening in general that my cynicism took over and I was on the brink of giving up.
3 things happened that started changing that course very quickly:
1. I went to church with a good friend before the holidays. A different church than I have been attending. To be honest it was definitely a more charismatic atmosphere than I am used to so I was slightly apprehensive as I stood there during the service. Towards the end they did an alter call. Again, I froze up a little and started feeling slightly uncomfortable. The friend I went with knew what I had been thinking about at the time and leaned over to pray for me instead. The words he spoke were so wise and full of truth. I felt barriers that I had set up start to fall and slowly let his words sink in. I left that day feeling slightly confused and dazed.
2. The whole rediscovering joy in my surroundings started happening. Not only was I experiencing joy, but I felt myself pouring out love to those around me again instead of the cynicism and doubt I had been full of for awhile.
3. About 2-3 weeks ago, I read this verse in my small group:
"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19Love. I had been so ready to give up my faith in God, but what about the Love- this wide, long, high, and deep love?
I started retracing places in my story that I had felt God's overpowering love and I wondered how I would have come out differently if I hadn't been open to receiving that... I began going back to church and small group more open to receiving that love again and trying to be open to all the diversity of perspectives within the church...
I think I still have some figuring out to do. Until I do, I've decided not to give up quite yet.
"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Monday, February 7, 2011
A Cause for Optimism
"What Corrigan wanted was a fully believable God, one you could find in the grime of the everyday. The comfort he got from the hard, cold truth- the filth, the war, the poverty- was that life could be capable of small beauties. He wasn't interested in the glorious tales of the afterlife or the notions of the honey-soaked heaven. To him that was a dressing room for hell. Rather he consoled himself with the fact that, in the real world, when he looked closely into the darkness he might find the presence of a light, damaged and bruised, but a little light all the same. He wanted, quite simply, for the world to be a better place, and he was in the habit of hoping for it. Out of that came some sort of triumph that went beyond theological proof, a cause for optimism against all the evidence." -Let the Great Wold Spin by Colum McCann
Monday, January 31, 2011
Love Letter to the Emerald City
Dear Seattle,
This week-long trip has been a killer. Jacksonville has been great with friendly people speaking in slight southern drawls, pounds of fried goodness, surprise thunderstorms, and buckets of mango iced tea. However, Jacksonville is not you.
I know the last 6 months have been rocky to say the least. We had a wonderful summer frolicking in the sunshine with some of the cutest children. Then fall hit and I started seeing you in a different light. I even thought about leaving. Yikes! (Let's be honest. I was only thinking of going to cities that resembled your beauty and culture.)
During those rocky months, I would drive into the city or be at one of your amazing lookout points and try to remember how those views used to take my breath away. But I would feel nothing.
Something changed though. I rediscovered true joy and in the process rediscovered my joy and love for you. It looks like I'll be here for awhile. I'm ready to start soaking up rainy days snuggled on the couch with a cup of warmth and a good movie or book. I'm set for adventures tearing up this city with such wonderful friends (who I would never have met without you). I'm going to keep searching for my passions and following them right here with you.
I'm sorry for the momentary lapse of commitment. Let's try again, shall we?
peace,
K. Frank
This week-long trip has been a killer. Jacksonville has been great with friendly people speaking in slight southern drawls, pounds of fried goodness, surprise thunderstorms, and buckets of mango iced tea. However, Jacksonville is not you.
I know the last 6 months have been rocky to say the least. We had a wonderful summer frolicking in the sunshine with some of the cutest children. Then fall hit and I started seeing you in a different light. I even thought about leaving. Yikes! (Let's be honest. I was only thinking of going to cities that resembled your beauty and culture.)
During those rocky months, I would drive into the city or be at one of your amazing lookout points and try to remember how those views used to take my breath away. But I would feel nothing.
Something changed though. I rediscovered true joy and in the process rediscovered my joy and love for you. It looks like I'll be here for awhile. I'm ready to start soaking up rainy days snuggled on the couch with a cup of warmth and a good movie or book. I'm set for adventures tearing up this city with such wonderful friends (who I would never have met without you). I'm going to keep searching for my passions and following them right here with you.
I'm sorry for the momentary lapse of commitment. Let's try again, shall we?
peace,
K. Frank
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