The Life and Times...: October 2005

A Certain Cure for Busyness

Publicly post half of your tasks and announce that you will no longer be doing them. Within a week you’ll discover:
a) others will be doing those tasks;
b) no one is doing them, but they didn’t need to be done after all; or
c) you’re fired—which frees you to find a job that’s less busy.

Go through an entire day without a pager, phone, cell-phone, voicemail, email, answering machine, and watch. By the end of the day you’ll discover:
a) human contact is pleasant and valuable;
b) people appreciate your laid-back approach; or
c) you’re fired—which frees you to find a job that’s less busy.

Practice saying “no” in front of a mirror until it’s natural and convincing. You’ll discover:
a) a sense of empowerment over your life;
b) the humble realization that you are not the Messiah; or
c) you’re fired—which frees you to find a job that’s less busy.

Fall from a stepladder and sustain moderate injuries. While recuperating in the hospital you’ll discover:
a) most of your deadlines were self-imposed and unnecessary;
b) the value of admitting your limitations and receiving help; or
c) you’re fired—which frees you to find a job that’s less busy.

written by Ryan Ahlgrim (pastor of First Mennonite Church, Indianapolis, Indiana)

Ah Thanksgiving! A time when friends and family get together and think about all the things they are thankful for. This also includes eating, eating and more eating. This Thanksgiving I (Karla) tried my hand at cooking a big Thanksgiving dinner. It all actually turned out all right much to my surprise. The turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, jello all worked. I need to try this again I think. My parents ended up coming at the last minute so that was nice and my mom opted to bring the traditional pumpkin pie so I didn't have to make that. We also invited Kendra, Janelle, Rod and Kamryn to join us as well. We had a great time. Didn't take too many pictures except the one below or above, I'm not sure where it will be. A picture of my mom holding Kamryn. Brad was trying to teach her a bit about soccer I think. Our lives aren't too interesting here. I mean not too much excitement happens that we have to write about so that is why our blog is a little boring and mostly just pictures. Sadie is like our child so she gets most of the picture time on the blog. If any of you out there are thinking about getting a puppy watch out. They are a lot of work but fun and lovable as well. I guess I better go for now. I will try to write more about our lives as time goes on. Maybe something exciting will actually happen to us.