Waiting for Red

The original title was going to be 'A New Kind of Slavery'.  

Waiting for Red - no, not waiting for me.  I'm talking about a good ol' fashioned red light and technology.

I just got a new Incredible; the iPhone equivalent on Verizon.  It was free, so I thought, "Why not?" 

(sigh)  When did the day come that I started hoping for a red light so that I could check my phone?  Send a text?  Dial a number?  (of course, I guess I could just do all of that while I'm driving like I see so many other lane-swervers do!  BUT that is another blog entirely!!)

What has this day and age come to?  I'm at the park playing a game on my phone, while my girls enjoy playing with their friends.  I hear the 'ding' and OH!!  Who could it be?!  I'm just SO important and SO well loved - HA!

I check e-mail several times a day and now even more so with this phone.

Text messages, because calling and hearing a voice just...I mean, really takes too much time.

Don't get me wrong - the convenience of these things (texting, e-mails, etc.) each have their place.  But it has replaced basic relational practices. 

(sigh)  I'm as guilty as the next person.  I remember a few months ago I actually put on my signature that I would only be checking my e-mail ONCE A DAY.  This did not go over well with some; others caught on and actually called me.  Weird, I know.

I acknowledge that I am becoming 'one of those people' - distracted, so-NOT-in-the moment. 

I have got to self-intervene. 

I must be proactive. 

I certainly won't tolerate this behavior from my girls when the day comes that they afford their own phone.  Why would I...I do I tolerate from myself??

I will be 'unplugging' (to some degree) for a spell.  (Great - and just after I get this fancy phone!  Timing - I tell ya!) 

I would LOVE to actually TALK to some of you.  But talking - well, it's reached a type of awkwardness, yes?  Isn't easier to type it in an e-mail / text / Face Book post? 

Who's with me?  Anyone? 

(sigh)  I guess I'll know by how many people call me.

Here's to gaining balance -

Eyes on Him
MAMA FOX

I Called In Sad

It was Wednesday.

I could NOT get my act together.

Imagine walking up stairs and you miss that step and slip.  Do you know what I'm talking about?  Not exactly tripping, but the toes hit and you shoot your hip into your lower back.

That's what I had felt all morning while getting ready.  Staring at my frizzy, non-straightened hair after my shower, barely any make-up because I could not get the movitvation to face the day (HA!  Get it?  'Face?' the day...make-up...?  <sigh> I know, I know). 

I have had down days, but this particular day just crept over me like a dense fog.  Physically having trouble moving, thinking...fog-ish, ya know?

I droppped the girls off at school then sat there in the parking lot crying.  I called my sweet, understanding 'boss' (she hates that term, but hey - she can be bossy.  I know - because I am bossy!!  :-D )  I digress...

In sobs, I explained that I just couldn't...I just couldn't come in.  Was it Jordan?  Was it just the blues?  Was it the fact that I'd been coughing my head off for the past week?  Probably all of the above.  I was given the blessing to take care of myself.  So I did.

By God's grace and nudging I had managed to get dressed in my workout clothes (it was to be PE day at school).  I went straight to Legacy Park and walked.  I swear that God just created the best possible morning just for me to commune with him and be amongst His creativity.

I just walked.  I looked into the eyes of strangers, wondering, "What is their story?  Are they hurting?  Are they sad?  Are they happy?"  Women jogging together, dog owners out with their dogs - it was so peaceful.

I went home and took a nap.

Then I got up and rode my pink bike with basket to Starbucks.  I journaled to my girls.

I rode home, tidied up the back porch...hmmm...something significant there.  Took another nap.

What I loved about my day is that no one knew where I was or what I was doing, other than those precious women that love on me at work.  Otherwise, I was alone with me.  I 'unplugged' - no phone calls, only checked e-mail for about 15 minutes.

Picked up the girls and I was me again!

The cloud had moved out.

All because I chose to call in sad and take care of myself.

MAMA FOX
*may I say that your taking the time to read these entries and offer your encouraging words really help me in my healing journey.  i recognize that time is precious and that your taking precious time on this blog...well, it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.  thank you.