No work for me today, so you'd think I would have had a chance to sleep in. Unfortunately, a foreign-number-turned-
wrong-number call awakened me at about 9:10 this morning on my cell phone. I wasn't really upset though because I had several items to tackle today, and getting an earlier start was just fine with me.
I did some online banking, then got ready and drove over to Cadillac to actually go to the bank as well. I have needed a new register, had to order more checks, and needed to open a savings account for quite some time now. Today was one of the first weekday opportunities I've had in the past year. Once that was done, I pampered myself with a manicure/pedicure. I haven't been into Rose Nails in months since I removed my acrylic nails earlier this year. I had forgotten how nice it was avoid the incessant questions...
'Haf you hubband called?'
'No, my 'husband' and I have been divorced for a year and half now. He hasn't called.'
'You know he mahweed ageen?'
'Yes, this town is small enough to know that he's gotten remarried.'
'You weesh he caw? You know weyah she wuk?'
'No, I don't want him to call. Yes, I know where she works...'
(slight pause to let it all sink in)
'You haf boyfend?'
'No. No, I don't have a boyfriend. No, I'm not married. No, I'm not expecting a baby. Nothing new to report since I saw you 5 months ago.'
'Go washa han.'
I gladly run to the sink to avoid the continuing line of questioning. I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment because this is the exact conversation we have everytime... and yet I still go there.
Once my nails were finished, I stopped to pick something up to eat and headed over to watch Ella. Lacey and Jon went for an ultrasound today and found out we're having another baby girl. So sweet, I can't wait. They adjusted Lacey's due date to March 10th from the 20th. Oddly enough, Ella will be 2 on the 9th. Doesn't get much closer than that! Hopefully
this baby makes it to the hospital before she is born!
Ella has gotten so clever. When asked what a kitty says, she meows. When asked what a doggie says she screams 'arf!' When asked what Aunt B (me) says, she cocks her head to one side, lifts her shoulder to ear and says 'Hey Hey!' So cute. (At least I've taught her
something; even if it is a little flirty).
Yesterday I rented an Academy Award winning documentary called "
Born into Brothels."
It's an amazing story about a photographer who spent 2 years familiarizing herself with several prostitutes in the red light district of Calcutta. She wanted to document their lives in pictures, but felt that she needed them to be comfortable with her first. In the meantime she built relationships with several of the children of these women. Doomed to also end up 'In the Line,' she felt compelled to give the children an opportunity at a better life. She brought several cameras over and began teaching weekly photography classes to a handful of the children. Eventually the pictures taken by the kids were sold in the US at
Sotheby's and the funds are being used to pay for them to attend boarding schools. In the DVD extras, they pick up 3 years later with the kids. One of the boys has even been accepted into the most prestigious high school in the United States. It was really amazing. Personally, watching this re-inspired me to remember that no matter what field of work you are in, if your heart is open, you can reach out and help to change the lives of those around you. Sometimes I think it's so easy to look inward and even feel sorry for ourselves, completely ignoring the fact that we have so many resources at our disposal... and a God who cares even more than we ever could. I'm including a couple of my favorite stills taken by kids in the film.
Also, just so you know, this documentary is rated 'R' for two scenes of very harsh language that appear as subtitles.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a
post about a young musician named
Jimmy Needham. I had to have the CD shipped to me because he hasn't been added to iTunes as of yet. I got the album in the mail on Saturday and have listened to little else since. I just wanted to write a followup to that review now that I've heard the album in it's entirety. First of all, the lyrics in this album are incredible. Not only do they reveal an obvious deep understanding of biblical truths, avoiding cookie cutter statements and contrived rhymes, he executes them in a very catchy way. Channeling tempos reminiscent of Jason Mraz, you find yourself drawn in to hear what clever thing he'll say next. Jimmy's sincere desire to honor Christ and to make him known shouts loudly out of every line. And his voice... Incredible. It's a little raspy at times, and has been compared to Stevie Wonder. Ranging from effortless bluesy soul-filled notes in "I am New" to a more tender side in "Dearly Loved" I have quickly become a fan. You will too. If you haven't checked it out yet, please do.
Also arriving on Saturday was a little album called 'Shine on Us' by
Daniel Eric Groves.
My brother-in-law Jon recently sent me a link to his website because he remembered that I had known him from church when I lived in Tulsa. He was just beginning back then, but has since been married, relocated to Hudsonville, MI, and begun pursuing music as a career. Also a good album to
check out, I particularly like "You're so Good." (Take special notice of the album cover. THAT is this season's 'urban organic' chic in action and I'm totally digging it).