Now That You're Near

This weekend, as I lay practically immobilized by periodic stomach pains and playing host to a ping pong game between a fever and a headache, I was reminded of God's perseverance. How much so do those I expect care and concern from disappoint me. But from God, how much more does He care for me, regardless of how far I stray? When I take a trip away from home, He remembers me. When I fall ill, He watches over me and takes care of me. He remembers me. And how much I do cherish His remembrance of me.

The older I get, the more I understand how differently God has wired women and men. Outside of the obvious unlikenesses, we women tend to be more insecure, needing constant reassurance. This, I find, can be the source of far too many miscommunications and misguided expectations. Is it because we have been tagged the weaker sex and the helper and thus have subsequently forced ourselves into these predetermined molds? Or is it simply because that's the way we were created? Regardless of why it's this way, it's just that way. And in relationships, there's got to be some effort from the girl to not be so needy, while the guy has to show care even when he doesn't feel the need. Ah, if it were only that simple.

Thankfully God provides ample love beyond what we think we need. He remembers us. He remembers me.

Coming Attractions

Just before I headed out the door to meet my coworker for a ride to SFO, United emailed to announce a two hour delay to my flight. Good thing I checked before taking off! So after a nap, some golf on TV, and a little weekend cleaning, I headed off for a weeklong toil in the far east.

Armed with a handful of crosswords, Alice's Walmart book, and my mp3 player, I thought I was ready for the 12 hour flight. And just as we were in queue to take off, the tower called us back to the gate to troubleshoot an electrical problem with engine #3. I can't say I was disappointed they caught the problem before we took off, but they did make us sit another two hours before we left SFO. And to my dismay, I was seated next to the most fidgety men on the plane, who could not sit still for the life of them (what exactly does that phrase mean anyhow?). Add in a few not so entertaining movies, some nasty Chinese American plane food (the instant noodle snack mid-flight was the best meal), and you have for a rather unpleasant jaunt to the office. But the worst part didn't hit until the next morning.

95F with a heat index of 110F. Did I mention I witnessed the first run of a fire test facility at the plant? The pretty flames were cool to look at, but man, if it wasn't hot enough to begin with...

The one redeeming part of this trip so far has been the food, which has been predictably decent. Oh, and seeing a few coworkers again. They seemed to have recovered well from their visit to ALCF with me last year. And I do look forward to continuing that conversation with them this week.

Stir fried snake heads with celery shoots anyone?