Things I Learned (or was reminded of) In New York

* You never, ever wait for the cross signal to change to walk. You go when there is a gap in traffic; otherwise, you will be trampled by all other pedestrians.
* One could spend weeks exploring the MET.
* One could spend weeks exploring Central Park.
* It's really, really easy to lose one's sense of direction in Central Park.
* It's hard not to laugh when a guy says, "How you doin'?" just like Joey from Friends.
* They know how to cook in that city. I don't think we ate one mediocre meal - it was all fabulous.
* Front row, center at Hairspray is about one of the greatest places on earth.
* Singing along with YouTube videos of Journey is a great way to annoy twenty-year-old roommates (who did not know Journey!!)
* Cheryl sleeps with one sock. Then she focuses on whichever foot will bring her to a comfortable temperature.
* A $10 umbrella will last less than ten minutes when the wind blows.
* No matter how cute you want to look, comfortable walking shoes are a must.
* It is really, really hard to get large luggage through the turnstiles in the subway.
* Cheryl is not strong enough to ram herself through a turnstile.
* Only idiots don't see that there are doors right next to the turnstiles to be used when one has large luggage.
* Even those who claim to not care about those who are famous, can become completely star struck in the right environment.
* Donald Trump's hair is actually worse in person.
* It seems that those who have been in show business the longest recognize the wisdom in schmoozing with fans more than some of the newbies.
* If you want to do any major tourist thing, like the Statue of Liberty, get up early.
* Everyone is quieter in the vicinity of Ground Zero.
* Taxi rides are a lesson in personal and intestinal fortitude.
* Taxi drivers do not speak English (at least none of ours did), yet they can get you where you need to go ("80th?" "80th." "8-0?" "8-0.").
* Texting friends back home adds a great dimension of fun to a trip.
* Times Square at night is amazing.
* New York never sleeps.

Women In Ministry Conference

I've got to fill you in on New York! It was such a great adventure - so much fun and freedom. I think I would really enjoy living in New York - you know, except that I would be homeless because I couldn't actually afford to live there. But that's beside the point.

Lest anyone think I just went there for the fun, I'll start with the conference of which most of you have never heard. This was the fourth annual Women in Ministry Conference, sponsored by Pepperdine & the Manhattan Church of Christ. When I heard about this gathering, I knew I had to go. I was so excited to be in the same room with other women who are serving Christ as leaders and pioneers in their congregations.

It ended up being about as eclectic of a group as you could put together from within the CoC. There were a lot of women who volunteer as organizers in ministry within their churches, elders' wives, children's ministers, education, involvement & small group ministers, theology students, professors, and full-time ministers from gender inclusive congregations. We heard speakers discuss how to discern God's calling for your life, self-care & mindfulness (contemplate the apple), & story telling. We had lunch with those from similar areas of ministry and did yoga together as a large group.

The highlight for me was our first night which was set up as a beat poet, open mic, coffee house theme. If the world was to have a "So You Think Your Church Has Talent" reality show, I have no doubt PUMP could hold its own. But I'm thinking the crown would go to Manhattan CoC. Holy smokes! Let's just say that the worship leader for the evening is on Broadway as Joanne from Rent (soon to be leaving to become the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot). Then there's the jazz singer...the interpretive dancer...the actress playing the woman at the well...Sick, I tell you. Those women have more talent than is fair!

It was an encouraging time that, of course, rocked my world a bit (can't we all use a good rocking sometimes?). Girlfriends, check it out next year. It will be at Pepperdine, near the time of the lectures.

More of the New York fun to come...

No More Good-byes

I'm sick of saying "good-bye". In the past couple of years we have sent friends to live all over the world. With dear family living in Texas, Colorado, Indiana, and Uganda is seems we are saying our good-byes just moments after we have greeted with hugs and hellos. This week we had to do the dreaded deed once again. We are sending our good friends, Tim & Cheryl, Rylee, Skyler, & Kendall, back to their other home in New Mexico. It really stinks.

This is another reason why I am looking forward to heaven with such great anticipation - no more "good-bye"! Won't that be great?? We just get to hang with our friends and family, laughing and joking and bantering and generally having a great time together. I don't know, though - Tim & Cheryl may get us into some trouble up there. We'll have to see.

I'll be seeing you guys at Pepperdine next week, and then two weeks later spending some good girl time in New York with Cheryl, so I guess this doesn't really count as a good-bye this week. Right? In honor of some of my biggest laughs this year, Cheryl, I'll translate for you:

Ill be see'n you guys at Pepperdine N-to-tha-izzext week, n then two weeks lata spend'n some good girl tizzy in New York wit Cheryl, so I guess this doesnt really count as a good-bye this week. Riznight?*

And while you are getting settled in NM, don't forget to unpack your Business Socks! Love you guys!

* http://gizoogle.com