Trying Not to Disappoint. . . .(Long Entry -- be warned!)

Over a dinner discussion at church tonight, I learned that the circle of people reading my blog is bigger than I thought. I also learned that I "provide a pick-me-up" for one particular friend, and that she was disapponted that I haven't blogged lately. (Hi, Julie!)

She's right, and I apologize. Because? I do the same thing. . . that list of names you see to the right? I go to these blogs three, sometimes four times each day for updates.

So, why do I not blog every day?

1) I'm not signed up for the 365-blog entried per year "challenge"
There is one. But I thought (seriously) "Nobody reads my blog enough to care whether or not I post every day." Ahem.

2) Sometimes I think "wordy" blog entries are boring. You want pictures.
Case in point: I've been asked for Mother's Day pictures and Birthday pictures. Steady yourselves. There are none.

3) I have nothing funny to say.
This worries me a lot. Because I think sometimes I get too "preachy" and you don't necessarily want that. (especially if you're looking for something to brighten your afternoon)

4) I'm busy.
That's really not a good excuse, though. [see confession above] If I were really busy, that wouldn't be happening.


SO. . . .what does this mean, looking at the Big Picture?

Well, I want to do better about blogging. I want to continue to hone my craft of writing. In fact, they're talking about us having blogs at work, and I love the idea of getting paid to blog. And I will try, to provide fun blog entries. . .and pictures. But, sometimes I'm gonna get preachy. I apologize in advance. If you notice, I don't get political. I have my reasons for avoiding politics.

Okay, you've made it this far. Are you ready to smile?

This afternoon, the middle school football team had to undergo sports physicals. There are two doctors here in town that provide low-cost physicals for our boys. TSSAA (state sports officials) changed the regulations for sports physicals and they're not just a weight/height/blood pressure check. They're sports physicals.

So. . . when Edison got in the van this afternoon, he had this "interesting" look on his face. We of course, started in the "How was your day?" conversation. I went for the "So, how was the physical?" conversation starter -- being the conscientious mom that I am.

One word: "THOROUGH."

The nervous laugh continued as he told me that he had to "drop trow" and be examined by the doctor. But the part that had us laughing out loud (Caroline and me) was that NONE of the boys knew this was coming.

So, each one left the exam room with a shocked, horrified expression on their faces. Some said, "You won't believe what just happened." or "WHY?!?" And my favorite response? "It gave me the hiccups." We laughed all the way home. Like I said, Caroline laughed too. She had no idea what we were laughing about -- but she was right in there with us.

Edison was the first one in line, so he had no advance warning. he tried to warn his friend who was next in line, but there wasn't time. I guess there were quite a few squeamish boys walking around the rest of the afternoon. And, I'm guessing their moms were laughing, too. Well. . . .if they told their moms.

The other incident happened tonight at church. I've been leading a Beth Moore study called, "Stepping Up" on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120 - 134) It's been a good study so far. I'm behind on the homework. (When you spend time reading blogs, homework gets neglected!)

Tonight, Beth talked about "virtual" friendships and how women today allow these relationships to take the place of REAL friendships. I agree, to some extent.

BUT many of you reading this blog have never seen me in person. We've never "met" or "embraced" other than through posts, emails and such. (Although two of you live VERY CLOSE to me -- and I'm going to find you both!)

But she encouraged us to develop REAL friendships and DEEP relationships with people. I still consider my friends online to be good friends.

After that, she talked about loneliness. Many of us are lonely. We have isolated ourselves, when we really do NEED each other. We've all experienced it from time to time. Loneliness sucks.

Well, when the session was over, I encouraged the participants to encourage each other. I reminded them how much it means to someone to receive a note in the mail. And to reach out to someone because we need relationships.

Here's the "Only in Angie's World" part that made me laugh: I mentioned to them that next week is our last session. I then apologized for missing next week's session . . . .because (keep reading -- it really is funny) . . .





I'm going away by myself for a couple of days next week.





I felt so stupid. But, they found it as funny and ironic as I did. And they laughed. . .with me.

It's true. I am going away-- scrapbooking supplies in hand -- for two nights next week. There's no trouble in paradise--I just want some time to get caught up on the things I love to do--and I want to stay up late and sleep in, and stay in PJs all day. . .you know what I mean. So, I guess I can talk the talk. . .but I obviously cannot walk the talk!

Again, if that didn't make you laugh, I apologize. I'll try to do something really stupid tomorrow just so I can make you laugh. You really do mean that much to me.

Seriously, I want to thank you for reading my blog.

And if you've made it THIS far -- you deserve an award! I never dreamed that people would enjoy, much less care to read -- the stuff I had to say. I try to be proper. I try to be encouraging. And yes, I try to be funny.

I don't always hit the mark . . .sometimes I miss it by a mile. . .but I'm humbled and gratified that you're reading. . .and commenting.