never been here before

I'm that girl who won't leave the house without her makeup, for fear someone will think less of her. I’m that girl who is ashamed of most of the clothes she wears.... because they aren't expensive or nice. I'm that girl who judges people who don't have nice or expensive clothes. I’m that girl who struggles with being real with herself, others, and God. I'm that girl who will do almost anything to get people to like her. I’m that girl who lost a job 10 years ago because of a big stupid mistake. I’m that girl who could lose almost everything if she thinks she’s beyond a stupid mistake. I’m that girl who feels like a sham because everyone comes to her for advice when secretly she's thinking "Who in the world am I to be giving anyone advice?" I’m that girl who loves to check her stat counter because she feels like it means she is important and has something to say. I’m that girl who thinks that if she does everything perfectly people won't notice h...

Maureen Dowd's column from this Sunday is quite entertaining... it's a script between Obama and ex-president Bartlett (from The West Wing ). Obama seeks his advice because of his failing campaign. Here's a taste: OBAMA I’m interested in your advice. BARTLET I can’t give it to you. OBAMA Why not? BARTLET I’m supporting McCain. OBAMA Why? BARTLET He’s promised to eradicate evil and that was always on my “to do” list. Read the rest here .

So I get to sing in a wedding for these two lovely people this weekend. The one on the right is my dear friend Suzie and her fiance Kurtis is on the left. They are one of eHarmony's success stories. Love Song by Third Day with just me and my guitar. Then other song is... well, it's by Charlotte Church. Let's just leave it at that. Then I get to see two of my favorite people in the world. I know Lex and Angela from college, although we were never students at the same time. I know Angela from this experience: Yep, that's me in the middle in the bad outfit. (White shorts... seriously?) Angela is next to me in black. She is seriously one of the best people I know and I love her husband to death. Her children Landon and Lynae are all grown up and probably won't even remember me. :( It's been too long since we've seen each other, and I absolutely cannot wait to see them all again. It's worth the 7 hour drive just to give them a hug. Life is good.

The singer is a friend of mine from college. Enjoy.

Ever heard of William Lobdell? Probably not. But you should now, because I found this article wonderful and fascinating. Lobdell is the author of Losing My Religion: How I Lost My Faith Reporting on Religion in America — and Found Unexpected Peace Some of you may be wondering why I am reading articles and books about a guy who lost his Christian faith. I am a seminary student, right? How is this article going to strengthen my faith? Well, it's not and it didn't. But what it did do was offer me insight into what those who've lost their faith go through, and that's always a fascinating topic. And the subject of our broken and fallen world is always an interesting topic, especially regarding the Catholic Church abuse scandals. Lodbell had the religion beat at the LA Times when the stories first broke. The article is long, but absolutely worth it. Here's a taste: In late 2001, I traveled to Salt Lake City to attend a conference of former Mormons. These people ...

I don't know how much regular blogging I'll have time for in the coming months, but I was reminded today of a great pop culture quote, from a show canceled before it's time I'd rather be dead in California than alive in Arizona.