Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Haiti Relief Dinner

Tonight I went to the Riviera Mexican Grill for dinner to support Haiti Relief efforts. All the sales between 4:30 and 8:30 will be going to Child Hope International which is the non-profit organization that was set up by the Mannaseros, who go to my church. The website is www.childhope.org if you are interested in learning more.

It was really crowded when we came so we had to wait about 45 minutes to sit inside. It was raining a bit so the outside eating area was not open for service, but we sat outside to wait for our tables to be called. There were nine of us, so we had to split into two tables. I was really happy to be able to catch up with my friend, Taylor and also get to know Carolina. Of course Shelley was there and she always lifts the mood whereever she goes! :)

Sunday, January 24, 2010

BASIC Bunco Night

Last night after church we had a Bunco night for BASIC. We all had a fun time, even though the leaders (myself and Nicole) are no Bunco experts! Above is a picture of Nicole Detjen and Jenn Gunn. Below is a picture of me with Jesse and Stephanie.

My favorite part was when we played "Hot Potato Bunco" which is where you roll dice on a tray and if you get doubles you can "steal" a prize bag from someone who's already gotten doubles. You do this until time runs out and whoever had a bag when time runs out wins the prize. Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

A new day in the sunshine

Like most Californians, I am sure, I woke up this morning to see the sun peaking through the slits of my bedroom window blinds to invite me outside to the beach after a week of rain. I personally love the rain and we sure need it, but I love the way the sun warms my face and how the air is so much clearer when the rain is over.

I went to Manhattan Beach and walked to Hermosa Beach and back. The waves were obviously more violent than they normally are, so no one was getting in the water, but there were plenty of people outside to enjoy the weather.

There are some benefits to being out right after the rain. I'm sure the volleyball players that were out in spades were taking pleasure in the fact that their feet were cool and the sand was soft as opposed to the heat scorching their toes and scratching their feet. Even though a storm can be trying, there are always benefits that one doesn't see until after the storm is over.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Hair Issues

Tuesday I had a hair appointment. I wanted to go a little darker (for the winter) but the toner worked a little too well and my hair went from blonde to brunette. I went over to my friend, Jeff's afterwards and I didn't like my hair so much it put me in a mood. Well, I think it was also the fact that I was at the hairdresser for almost 4 hours only to have it be too dark!

Jeff took a few pictures of me and had some fun (don't worry, my hair was only straight that day):

I tried to get used to it, but I just didn't like it enough to keep it that way,so I went back to the hairdresser today to put the blonde back in!


You can see my new smile in the above picture too! ;) Below, this is a farther away shot. My hair is only straight until I wash it, don't worry! I could never get rid of my curls!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Fear of Rejection/Losing Someone

I realized in the last several years that my greatest fear is fear of rejection or losing someone close to me like a friend or relative (and I mean lose touch with them as well as when they go to the great beyond). God has really brought me face to face with moral dilemmas in which I have had to choose between what is right and what I want to do. I wish they were always in line, but alas that is not the case.

I've had to end friendships because of this pull from God to do the right thing and I've done it, although that has come with a lot of loss and pain. But I still did it. But in other areas I have not chosen what is right (even if I knew it was better for me in the long run) and I've realized that I have such a strong fear of rejection that I try to do anything to avoid further rejection, even if that means that I become the rejector (as in, I reject God or my morals).

These choices ultimately stem from my lack of trust in God and His sovereignty in my life. I came upon a scripture this morning: Psalm 32:10: "Many are the sorrows of the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him." When I turn away from God, I am wicked but when I listen to Him and trust Him I will not have so many sorrows and I will feel His lovingkindness all around me. This will comfort me when I feel rejected. This will comfort me in change. I wish I understood why I am not consistent in my convictions. God is working on that in me.

I have heard clearly that I should look towards the future and not look at the past. A lot of great things will come in the near future and I await them calmly (for I should not be anxious in anything). Also, I know that I shouldn't make any plans until things are finalized.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Feeling Better

Whelp, yesterday was the day from hell. Well, okay it wasn't that bad, but it was close. My doctor had given me a prescription for vicodin. I was in a lot of pain so I decided to take it, even though I generally do not like to take any medication, especially ones that make me really loopy, which had been my experience in the past.

I took the pill at 9pm, but I didn't feel it's effects for two hours. That's when I was dizzy so I went straight to bed. I slept for about 5 hours before I woke up nauseous and went to the bathroom where I sweated profusely-I've never sweated so much in my life. My body did everything it could to get rid of the toxins without my throwing up (which I was glad of...those of you who know me well know that although there isn't anyone that likes the experience I REALLY don't like it so much that I had an 18 year streak of avoiding it). Anyway I went back to bed and slept another 4 hours or so.

I ended up texting my friend, Shelley, my experience and asking her if it was the same. She said it does make you nauseous. I told her "at least I didn't throw up." Famous last words! Only a few minutes after I sent that text, that's exactly what I did-drat!

But I did feel a little better, but it zapped me out where I didn't have any energy to do much of anything. Of course, that was partly due to the fact that I hadn't eaten anything. I called my sister and while I was talking to her (so I would be distracted) I forced down a half a bowl of oatmeal so I could take ibuprofen. I took 600 mg and it wasn't helping the pain. I realized two things: 1) I thought I had an infection in my teeth because I've had them before and I recognized the signs and 2) Aleve works much better for me with the pain. So, I called my doctor's office to get a prescription for antibiotics and then I took some Aleve, which did help a bit.

The doctor called in a prescription for a Z-pack (5 days of antibiotics) but I had a dilemma because I was too weak to drive. I called friends that were closeby but they were either sick too or were still at work or just didn't respond. Finally, Shelley got off work and offered to pick up the prescription--Hallelujah! The pain was so bad I couldn't even eat yogurt. I was able to walk from my bed to the couch, which was good.

I took the pills right away when Shelley arrived and by the time I went to bed the pain was much more manageable! I was still awfully fatigued but I got a good night's rest and I am on the mend! Yay!

I think the antibiotics did the trick and I will be glad when this infection is over with so I can stop taking all meds. It's really not my style! But this morning I had enough energy to shower and I am even eating a little oatmeal. Yes!!!

I am still a little bit weak, so I had to forgo the trip to San Diego I was planning on doing this weekend, which bums me out. But I'd rather not be a lame party pooper if I take a turn for the worst. Thanks to all the friends that have prayed for me! You are a blessing to me!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Lexylou Who is Baaaaack!

I took the plunge and got the remaining gum surgery done. I had to get the bottom teeth grafted which wasn't as involved as my last surgery, although they did have to take the gum from the roof of my mouth like the last time.

I am not allowed to talk for a few days, which is very difficult, but my face is going to puff up even more than it is, so I'm sure people will just run away screaming from me, so there won't be much need for talking! ;)

I was really puffy on the last gum surgery. I also had a black eye, so we'll see what I have this time. I really do look like I belong in the Jim Carey version of The Grinch Stole Christmas! But hopefully that's in a Whovalicious kind of way!

Tomorrow I have to figure out who can take me to get my car from the doctor's office. I got a ride back from the doctor who did my surgery, which was really nice.

I'm going to rest now. :)