Sunday, July 22, 2007
some deep thoughts
Current mood: content
Category: Life
Life - DEEP
~ DEEP SURVEY~ Honestly answer the following 20 questions... can you get through them without lying???
1 - Why are you best friends with your best friend?
I've know Talitha Harris since the first day of 7th grade. We've been thru puberty, boys, school, and now a baby and full time employment together. Hell, I stood up and told her mother in her face I would be her daughter's best friend until the day I died- and I didn't die that day- so I guess I still got something to prove.
2 - What bothers you the most about other people?
How insensitive they are to the needs of those around them. How they simply don't notice what's going on- big or little.
3 - Would you ever marry for money?
Absolutely not. But I am not marrying a poor man, either.
4 - Do you prefer to text message or talk on the phone?
If light and airy conversation, then texting. If it's something deep and serious, start with a few texts- to get the basics out of the way, and then call or in person to discuss the details.
5 - Do you believe that 30 really is the new 20?
Thats a dumb question. And no. 30 is wiser than 20 and should never try to be dumb.
6 - If you had a crush on someone would you tell them?
There was a time when I would. But now, I just sufer in silence. It's too much bagage to deal with. Too much drama.
7 - What is one of the toughest things you ever had to do?
I had to face Talitha after I told the school counselor a secret I promised not to. I still have to face her for that time to time.
Um, there's lots of difficult decisions. Once the decision was made, though, the action was easy in comparison.
8 - Name a challenge you are faced with on a reg basis?
Staying joyful and not being depressed. I also, quit seriously, face an impulse buying problem. Hence, the credit card debt and why it's so difficult to get out.
9 - Do you cry a lot?
No, few people are worth the migraine it brings on. But when I do, every few months, it's a doosey.
10 - Do you have a plan?
Yes. China for a year, come back, buy a house/condo, car, health insurance, etc (all those grown up things), work for a couple of years in the Fort Worth ISD or somewhere that pays a ridiculous amount of money while building my theatre company. I have my life planned up until D+R+A+M+A debuts on Broadway. At that point, I don't know what will be next. Probably back to the origianl dream- backpacking around the world for Jesus.
11 - Do you think its possible to only love one person for the rest of your life?
Yea, if they are meant for you. But, as you grow old together, your love for them changes. My love for my parents or even for Talitha is different today than it was when we began.
12 - Are you close with your family?
Yes. Sometimes too close- as in I live with them, but emotionally just fine.
13 - Name one thing that you are good at?
Writing. I express myself best through the written word.
14 - Name one thing that you are bad at?
One night stands.
15 - Your thoughts on Karma?
It's Biblical, for one thing. What you dish out comes back to you 10 fold. I just like the way Earl ("My Name is Earl") lives it out.
16 - What does the 5th text message in your inbox say?
Children that get more infections have a better chance of not developing serious allergies.- Talitha.
17 - What did you reply to it?
Hi Ho Hi Ho it's off to work I go.
18 - What do you do for a living?
Missionary. Playwright. Swim Instructor.
19 - Do you honk your horn at old people when they are driving bad?
I never ever honk my horn. Those old people, in this state, could shoot you.
20 - Why do you do myspace surveys?
Because I need attention, adoration, and applause. Maybe I should have written that down as my thing I struggle with daily.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
The little things in life.
Current mood: joyful
Category: joyful Life
So, the little things in life give me such joy. Here are a few of them.
Ever since I started wearing makeup, I have been an ivory base. Even in the summer, I wore the palest pale makeup. Today, I moved up the color chart to BEIGE! MaryKay 404, beige. Yippie! I love me some summer sun.
I also happen to love getting real mail. In the mail box. That is not addressed to current resident nor is it a bill. But it's a letter or a card or a present. I love mail!
It makes me smile when I am invited places. I love being included. Well, I really like being remembered. I have to be careful not to gush with excitement when someone remembers my name that I don't know well or only met once.
Turning on my phone and seeing I have a voicemail makes me giggle. Out loud. Same thing with the internet. It's nice someone tried to contact me while I was out of commission.
I laugh when my nephew is told "Auntie Waura will get you if you don't go to bed" while I am on the phone, and then I hear him walking around calling for me, as if I were in the apartment. Then, he grabs the phone and hears my voice. "Hi Auntie Waura! BED!"
I will forever treasure the Auntie Waura song.
It's fun shopping for new clothes only to discover I've gone down a size. It's only vanity sizing, but I still do the happy dance. Wonder if the security cameras see me in the dressing room? I've probably made it onto an internet video montage somewhere and I just don't know it.
Maybe this is shallow and vain, but I like being told I'm pretty or that my outfit is cute or that my hair looks amazing. I know, it's the most shallow thing on my list, but hey. I hold my head a little higher after that (well, once I stop blushing, that is.)
When the radio plays an entire set of music (no commercials) that I know the words to every song, I belt them out while driving down the highway. There is usually dancing involved, too. I hope it's true what they say, that the Lord loves a cheerful song and doesn't turn away no matter how bad the cheerful voice sounds!
I swell with pride when little kids go "Miss Laura Miss Laura LOOK!" and then they do something I taught them to do. Like I haven't seen it before, but I always smile and clap with genuine excitement.
I sit back, relax, and grin when I'm on the lifeguard stand, sweating buckets, and I ask God for a breeze. And then a nice cool breeze comes, sprays a little water on me, and then the sun is covered by a cloud. It only lasts a second, but it's so... refreshing.
After working 40+ hours in a week (or, like this summer, 55+ hours each week), it makes me so happy to put on underwear when I get home in the evenings or on the weekends. (Girls don't wear underwear under their swimsuits, fyi.) I own pretty underwear, and I like wearing it. Wearing cute clothes and makeup and styling my hair on the weekends is also awesome. Sometimes, it's just good to be a girl!
I'm a girl. I like flowers. And I love chocolate. And love letters. Sappy romantic stuff like that. I am so touched when someone remembers how much red roses mean to me, and they get me something with a red rose on it. Or just a red rose. Parent, friend or love of my life, those things are always good to get.
Ah, it's good to be me.
What is the little thing in your life that gives you great joy?
Saturday, July 07, 2007
surprisingly simple
Current mood: content
Category: Life
A survey that says a lot about me. But, is surprisingly short and sweet.
Hi, my name is: Laua Lea Watson
When I'm nervous: I don't eat
The last song I listened to was: do myspace profiles count?
If I were to get married right now my maid of honor would be: Probably my sister AND Talitha.
By this time next year: I will either be in China or on my way home.
I have a hard time understanding: Why I am okay with recent actions I once said I would NEVER do.
If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be: Talitha. We're waiting on our $325 milion lottery win.
Take my advice: Learn from my mistakes and do better. Do your best not to learn it for yourself.
Most recent thing I've bought myself: Dinner and a movie on a Friday- alone. Strong independent woman.
Most recent thing someone else bought me: Uhhh... Mamma Gin bought and cooked for me.
My favorite hair style is: bangs, long long shiney silky hair. (I'm working on it.)
My middle name is: Lea (pronounced Lee.)
In the morning I: check myspace.
Last night I was: talking to Talitha on the phone in my sleep.
If I was an animal I'd be: a cat. I have the personality of a cat.
A better name for me would be: Rose, but I do like Laura.
Tomorrow I am: Going to church, if I wake up, eating my favorite Chinese, doing some laundry, and working a late night pool party. Then, I'm drivig back to Denton for swim lessons at crack o' dawn Monday.
Tonight I am: Going to get dressed up and go out. Perhaps alone, but I hope not.
I'm going to miss: American television while I am in China.
My favorite color is: royal blue, preferably shiney. I like to decorate with crimson red, though.
My heart is: Beating. My chest is hurting though. Damn bad valve. It's acting up again.
(Another survey I posted.) Ernest Hemingway was challenged to write a story in exactly six words. Here is my life summed up in exactly six words.
In the spring becomes The Rose.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
just because I wanted to
Current mood: cheerful
Category: Life
I haven't blogged in a while, so I thought I would...
My cell phone has died. The new one will be here on Tuesday. The voicemail still works, so no excuses for not calling, people. The number will stay the same.
Swim lessons have reached every goal so I am very happy. Almost a complete sell out- over 85 private lessons PLUS my group lessons at LMRA are all full. I am, by the way, the dive coach and I LOVE it. Kids walk by me and say "Hi Coach." I like that.
I'll be out of debt by the end of July and saving for my new car! (I have decided I want a blue convertible- I have not decieded the year, make, or model.) I'm also seriously considering buying instead of renting when I get back from China. I'm thinking I want a condo- not a house. Maybe. I might do that in like 2010. I dunno. Decisions decisions.
I am not happy about the rain- work cancelled today again. But, I get a day off, so I will enjoy. I get to wear something other than a swimsuit!
My sister still insists on getting married, so my non-working weekends I am expected to participate. NO MORE RAIN, PLEASE! I really don't like her fiance. If I'm inheriting a brother, I should at least tolerate him. And my sister's wedding dress is all red/burgandy... so I'll be in white... odd?
How does one stop a sister from marrying the wrong man at the wrong time for the wrong reasons? Advice is sought.
I am looking forward to spending a month in Denton (July) as that's where I'll be working. I have a couple of offers of places to stay so I don't have to drive to Fort Worth. Movies and such on the weekends- hanging out with some UNT buds and other friends. I'm mostly looking forward to not living at home with my parents for a whole month.
My flight leaves Aug. 20 at 8am for Beijing, China. My work contract is Sept 1- June 30, so I could potentially be back next July, but I'm hoping to teach the summer session at a local college (July) and then spend 2 weeks as a tourist for the 2008 Olympics, which open 08-08-08! I'm also hoping to score some tickets to the opening ceremonies- just because. Let's all pray the Chinese government lets me stay past my work visa- ie gives me a new visa- or I'll have to leave.
And when I get back, I'll apply to be a substitue teacher, teach swim lessons, jump start D+R+A+M+A, and do some temp work if I absolutely must. These are my career plans in case you were wondering. (no more cubicles- that's for sure!)
Today, I am off to put in my application at various apartment complexes so I have a home waiting for me when I return. And I'm going to test drive some convertibles- with the top down weather permitting.
Messages and/or comments are appreciated.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
I AM AN LMRA LIFEGUARD!
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Life
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be an LMRA lifeguard and swim instructor. I mean, I would think that was the end all, be all of my life's purpose (That and Peter Pan.) I oogled over the lifeguards and mimicked their every move. During the school year, I watched Baywatch to learn. Seriously.
LMRA was once ranked as the safest pool in the USA, and is the largest outdoor pool in the SW USA that is not a university/college pool. Working there use to be very prestigious. (They never accepted rookie guards unless we had trained them.) I have a feeling their ranking may have changed - due to some narly spinal injuries, but I still find it to be very prestigious.
I've been doing this for 13 years now, but to be an LMRA lifeguard and Instructor was the ultimate thing. Sounds ridiculous after all this time, but I didn't want to not do it. A dream is a dream.
So, at 15, I became a guard at LMRA, but had limited hours and worked as a swim instructor assistant. At 16, I went to work at the YMCA as a year round lifeguard and instructor- but it was the Y. Since then, I've been at various city pools and lots of private swim instruction. At 24, I finally had my chance. Back in Fort Worth with the time to work there. With my experience, I was immediately hired. (The assistant manager is a former student and two of the guards I actually remember as students in a preschool class. I felt so old and wise.)
However, there were a few requirements I had to meet before I could get paid. LMRA has the same requirements as all pools (red cross standards). However, because they have a 12 foot deep end and a 17ft diving well, they have additional requirements. It took me nearly 2 weeks to meet these requirements.
12 foot surface dive? check!
17 foot surface dive? check!
10lbs brick from the 17ft with swim? check!
100lbs dummy (named Dude) from the 17ft and towed in? check!
Today I DID IT!!! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
I went in at 12noon. I knew I would have to reapply my suncreen by 2pm, and I really didn't want to do that. So, I set myself a 2pm deadline.
I swam a few laps, and then dive after dive, trying to make it to the bottom. I made it to the 17ft about 1:30. At 1:45 my manager came out- dummy in hand. This draws some attention. So, I had an audience of 5 ten year old boys, a college guy, and the entire staff watching.
Nothing like a "now or never" incentive.
I did the brick on the first try, the dummy on the second. I tried to be all nonchalant- but my face was beaming!
Let me tell ya, I haven't felt this accomplished since I dove off the 5 meter platform for the first time in dive class.
I very proudly made a little sign for the guard room advertising my availability as a subguard. I did a little happy dance while no one was watching.
And to top it off, my swim suit from last year COMPLETLY doesn't fit. It's baggy all over. Time for a new suit!! A SMALL SUIT! My bikini fits, my tankinki from highschool fits, my black suit from 3 years ago fits, and my beautiful blue swim instructor suit fits. My goal by August is to need to request a new guard suit because this one I now wear will be too big.
When I was little, my dive coach (and future boss) Scott would buy me butterfingers as a reward. "If you dive off the 3 meter, I'll buy you a butterfinger."
I want a butterfinger.
I wonder where Scott is now...
Thursday, May 24, 2007
I should blog
Current mood: good
Category: Life
It's been a month since I last blogged, so I felt obligated.
Hmmm... what to blog about, that IS the question.
I shall simply type as things come to mind.
My best friend Talitha spent 5 days in the hospital with a diagnosis of diabetes. I couldn't afford to go to Nashville to see her during that time, so we ran up a massive phone bill instead. She's okay. It's a life changing diagnosis, but she is strong and she can do it.
I am suppose to start work tomorrow at my DREAM pool, LMRA here in Fort Worth. It's where I grew up, it's where I started my career 13 years ago, and I have always wanted to go back. Now, my first summer back in Fort Worth, and I may not get to keep this job for several reasons. One, my lifeguard certification expired and LMRA cancelled it's re-certification course. Blah. Second, I'm suppose to be able to surface dive to the bottom of the 17feet, rescue the dummy, and tow the 100lb dummy to the side. All without requiring assistance myself. Tried for over an hour on Tuesday. I have untl 2pm tomorrow to do this (my shift starts at 3.) Pray I make it, or I'm out of a job.
I am still teaching swim lessons in Denton for the month of July. Only one week is full, so please pray people call and get their lessons scheduled for the other 4 weeks. I really need the money. I also need a place to stay in the Denton area, because I'm in the water from 9am to 9pm Monday-Friday, and I really don't want to drive an hour there and an hour home just to turn around and do it again the next day. I'd like a room in Denton, just for weeknights. I'd pay rent, buy my own food, etc. Anyone got any suggestions? Doesn't have to be the same place for the whole month- a few days here and there would help! Gas is going to be almost $4/gallon by then. Not driving to Fort Worth and back even once is going to save me $20.
My health is doing great! Since my colonoscopy, my all natural doctor has been working away. She has identified that my body has a parasite, and she thinks that is causing my Ulcerative Colitis like symptoms. I may have UC, or I may not. But either way, killing this sucker is going to make me feel SO much better. Also, I've been having chronic headaches since before graduation, and they are only getting worse. So, she's sending me in for a CT scan next week. My regular doctors kept treating me for allergies and sinus infections, but those made no difference. Again, the beauty of this doctor is that she LISTENS and then treats the ENTIRE body. I'm never happy to be sick, but I am so happy I have someone committed to getting me HEALTHY.
My sister still insists on getting married (too young, too soon) at the end of July. They're trying to get married before he deploys to Iraq. (He's a Marine, too.) She no longer listens to us about what a bad idea this is, so feel free to message her with your opinion. BTW- I'm not in the wedding. I will, however, be attending. I'm not that horrible of a person, but I don't support the wedding or the marriage at all. But, I love my sister and I'll be there for her. Can't promise what mood I'll be in.
I have a lot of friends serving overseas right now. Jeremy, Rico, Monica, Tyler, Corey... and there are others who just got back or are on their way. I spend a fair amount of time letter writing those who sent me their addresses. I may not like war, but I do love my friends. Plus, I get mail in return, and that just makes my day!
To entertain myself- without spending a dime, I've been visiting luxury apartments around Fort Worth. I know it's wrong to lie, but they are really not interested if you tell them I'm looking to move in the fall of 2008. So, I told them fall of this year. It's been so much fun! I can be anyone I want, have any job, have any income I so desire as I chat with the leasing agents. And no, I'm not wasting their time. I really am looking for when I get back. I looked at over 30 apartments in 2 weeks. I now know EXACTLY what I want, I just haven't found everything I want in the same place. Still looking, budgeting, etc. I even bought a couple of furniture pieces at Linens n' Things. I sketched out my dream apartment, complete with furniture, and then I went to the store to get a shoe bag thing, and there it was! My hallway table and mirror and the floor lamp with shelves. Exactly as I had drawn them (down to the detail of the legs). Ta da! So, it was on sale and I bought it. To the storage unit it went! I'll also need a new car when I get back from China. I'm seriously thinking I want a convertable. Not red one- a blonde in a red convertable- it's just too cliche. But, yes. A nice new car. That purchase WILL wait until I get back. Storage unit is almost out of room.
On a sadder note, there have been a few tragedies lately. In the last month, two friend's moms have had serious health concerns, and one died just this week. My second mom growing up, Mrs. Karen had a stroke, and then Ms. Rodgers had a heart attack and died. So many wedding and graduation announcements and now a funeral. I can't imagine my mom dieing- I'm too young. My heart really goes out to these families. My heart also goes out to the students and families of Virginia Tech. Having lived through the Wedgwood shooting, I feel empathy for them that those who haven't experienced something like that can't know. Pray for them. Send them those prayers and sympathy cards- even now. Yes, the media is hard to deal with in the midst of tragedy, but when the media has gone away, it feels like everyone has forgotten and moved on. But their lives are still shattered and a new sense of normal has to be found. It's a long hard road, and Ijust lift them up to God. I know His ability to bring triumph over tragedy. I saw it at Wedgwood, I see it in my faith (the resurrection after the crucifixion is the greatest triumph over the greatest tragedy.)
I guess that's about it for now. I'm posting pictures on a regular basis and I'd appreciate some comments.
Comments, prayers, money for China, money for my luxury apartment and convertible, that's about all I need these days. Maybe a night out, too. We'll see.
