Loving SF...

Testing my wings…

I love flying simply because it allows me to withdraw. As an introvert who craves moments such as these, this is probably the greatest comfort. On my last jump flight down to San Diego, I snuck out my camera to capture this sight and found myself engulfed in thought…

As I soared to these heights, I was reminded of how horizontally I tend to look at life, and I started to ponder anew what I could not see beforehand on ground. A month into turning a quarter of century has brought about many shifts in perspective. Instead of looking back on what has been, I have trained myself to look forward and to pursue joy in all areas of my life. The uncertainties are numerous, failures inevitable. But the grace that what awaits something I can anticipate. More dependent I will become in the end. Although the view may be limited at the moment, it sure is glorious.

"Snap" Out of it

I'm stressed out...over buying a digital camera. After struggling to prioritize features and weighing the pro and cons, I have found myself indecisive and frustrated. Silly I know. Sigh, I keep asking myself: Why am I taking such a snobbish analytic approach to all this electronics business?

My sister and I previously shared one, but without contest, I obliged to give it to her so that she could capture her adventures out west. But I miss my sony cybershot. So, it's up to me to find a new digital companion:

The Idealest of ideal cameras from what I consider the most prized features to the least:

Next shot delay: .005 sec (or in other words none)

Battery life: forever

Size: like a Nano (or smaller)

Optical Zoom: 5X (I guess this really isn't a priority)

Print Quality: fabulous (of course)

LCD screen size: HUGE

But in reality, I know that I'll have to settle for a lot less...but I do look forward to the moments yet to be captured...and I know there is much to anticipate!

¢ -Coinstar- ¢

I recently ventured to the local Coinstar operator with a sturdy load of coins (minus the all too valuable quarters). This being my first experience, I was quite apprehensive about using the machine. But when in doubt always watch the person before you! With his box full of coins, my "coach" racked up a whopping $160 towards amazon credit. Amazed, I watched this fabulous machine hum out the numbers. It was almost like being at the gas pump - watching the money rise at a surprising staggering rate, except without the cringe. As I stepped up to the machine, I felt anxious and hopeful all at once. I had a game plan...I was to split the bounty between what could be a dangerously loaded Starbucks card and a more practical decision - Amazon credit. The total credit amount surpassed what I had expected and the few other people who I surveyed. In all, I came out with $45 + change [and the bonus = no counting fees]. It confirmed in me that several things:

1. My estimating skills suck.

2. Small, seemingly insignificant things add up. Afterall, I literally thought I was putting in pennies!

3. Coinstar is fabulous and should be renamed Coinstar PLUS ¢¢.

I share this story because I think that it encapsulates what I have learned over the past several months...

1. My "estimating skills" of the future suck. God's plans are always greater than mine.

2. What we offer to God may seem like "pennies", but he blesses it tremendously. Faith tested over time produces immense joy. God calls me to taste and see that he is GOOD.

3. God is fabulous in every way and his name is Jehovah Jireh - the one who provides.