What I Know For Sure...part 2

In the spirit of annual tradition, I bring this year's "What I Know For Sure" ala me (not Oprah)...to keep the mood nice and light:

1)When you think you're the only one, you're not. Case in point--the parents dropping kids off at school. They're tired. They're crabby ("Because I said so!", "Hurry up!"), they're stressed...and they look awfully familiar. Yes,I'm reflecting some similar looks, but the piece that gets me every time is imagining them as they were in high school (aren't we all still 18?). I practically giggle every day when I look into all of the faces that were once wearing Girbaud jeans, listening to Def Leppard and divided by who was "cool" and who was "nerdy". Now we're all just wiped out parents looking to finesse this delicate stage in life the best we can. So shell out those knowing looks and keep a smile on your face--we're all in this together!

2)When you get the chance to say hello to an old friend, do it. I love when little blessings pop up in the normal of every day--like finding the name of a college friend during work research (as I did). So send an email and just say "howdy"! Sometimes it's just nice to know how people are doing and if everything's alright...no matter how many years between then, now and the future!

3)When you go outside, be true to your scouting ways and be prepared. Soooo, I got out for a run today...I've got the iPod on, all cranked up with some rockin' tunes (aka motivators) and then, there it was. A drip. A drop. Another. Then another. Rain. My mind instantly flashed to thoughts of a recent news report about the numerous lightning strikes on folks wearing iPods. Then I think about my musical gem shorting out from the rain. So, what's a gal to do? I don't have pockets, so where can I put this thing? I'm in a nice neighborhood--we're talking big, lakefront homes--I can't just stick it in my shirt/sports bra (which seemed to be the best choice at that moment). Maybe another neighborhood, but not there. I was at the end of the run and was dogging it--so, a sprint home was not going to happen. Well, as it turned out, my hands covered it enough until the rain subsided. Pfew! And, if the lady wearing the 1985 radio headphones while talking on her cell phone was any indication, I shouldn't have been so worried. (Lady,remove the electronics!)

4) When you need a little kickstart, kick up the music. I've been on a roll lately, practically obsessed with my music (could it be the upcoming Foo album I previously mentioned? Hmmm, maybe just a tad!). The beauty of my playlists (at least in my mind) is that they're pretty diverse. A little this, a little that, a little "Are you for real? You like that?". Yes, yes, and yes. Today's bonus listening was some TobyMac...love it (check out www.tobymac.com to take a listen). If you haven't listened to today's Christian music scene, I highly encourage it. It's not what you remember, nor is it what you think. The best part is that between the rockin', funky or melodic beats, it's uplifting and inspiring. Be prepared to be surprised!

5) That said, when you're Lutheran...just own it. I adore our Church and it's such a pleasure to be a part of it, but man--we're obviously Lutheran. What do I mean? Let's review tonight's service...there's talented musicians providing great worship music and...the room is decidedly stiff. The few of us that were actually clapping along were keeping those hands low and not too showy. We just don't know what to do with anything outside the(Martin Luther's) box. We connect strongly with all things Ladies Aid (mmmm,watered down kool-aid and finger sandwiches!), sub-dued and structured. Of course, that was more like the Church I went to as a child, but it's my foundation and breaking out of that shell (as others are) at this great Church is a hoot to attempt, and I'm glad to do it there.

6) When you need a cheap giggle, don't forget Saturday Night Live. Seriously. I know most people have written it off, but in my book, it's still worth a watch. If you don't believe me, check out the shows that Justin Timberlake and/or Peyton Manning were on and you won't second guess me again. (If only it were that easy!)For real! For real, real!

And, last but not least...(cuz my mind is starting to drift...)

7)When you're tired, get some sleep! Boring, but true...so, until next time, have fun and share some of your "What I Know For Sure" thoughts with all of us--there's always room for more!

Pictures:TobyMac, Girbaud jeans ala 1989...

Oh, and if you'd like to revisit last year's "what I know", you can check it out on the August entries: http://ribclan4.blogspot.com/2006_08_01_archive.html