I don't expect most of you to know that is a modified line from a Jars of Clay song. But now you do. See? You learn something new everyday!
Back to the flood.
On Monday, I was at First Place, our church's administrative building. We have our offices on the second floor. The first floor is The Vine, where the Jr. and Sr. High meet. There is a game room (where the youth choir practices), a kitchen, a cafe room and restrooms.
The third floor is made up of a couple Sunday school/meeting rooms, JfON (Justice for Our Neighbors), part of Lutheran Social Services Ministry (LSSM) offices, and another non-profit whose name is escaping me at the moment.
The fourth floor is exclusively rented out by LSSM.
This will be important in a few minutes.
As I said, on Monday, I was working. We had a staff lunch. Then, the Coordinating team had their regular meeting. It was getting close to three o'clock and the sky was getting dark. I had finished up my work and had stopped to chat with Sharon, our treasurer. A few minutes into our chat and the skies opened up.
At one point, it looked like a hurricane. The rain was coming down so hard and the wind was blowing so hard, that you couldn't see the cars in the parking lot from her window (which you can usually see our parking lot, the neighboring parking lot as well as the park a few streets away). She had to go pick up her granddaughter at the bus stop and couldn't wait any longer.
I decided to give it a few minutes and went to make a pit stop before heading out.
I walked into the women's restroom to see water streaming out from under the janitor's closet, which is accessible through the women's restroom. I walked back into the office and said to no one (they were all in a meeting upstairs on the third floor) there's water in the bathroom.
Fortunately, there was a receptionist and Liz (who works for JfON) was making copies. Liz followed me back into the restroom at which point the water was flowing out from under the restroom door. No need to open it, it was clear we had an issue.
Liz asked, where's Emil (our facilities manager)? He's upstairs, I'll go get him, I said. I ran up, busted into the room where the entire office staff were meeting and said, we have water. Everyone looked at Emil. He stood up and asked where? I told him in the women's bathroom. He followed me out of the room and checked the restrooms on that floor.
I said, no it's downstairs.
By the time we got down there the water had reached halfway across the office and was an inch deep. Emil gave me the keys to his car and told me to go get the water barrier things in his trunk.
I ran outside. I took two steps before I realized my sandals were pointless. I pulled them off and grabbed the water things out of his car. I took them back inside, but couldn't find Emil.
After a few minutes of running around, I finally found him. By this point, everyone from the meeting was back in the office and they were picking up everything from the floor and unplugging everything. Somebody asked what needed to be done and Emil said go down to The Vine.
I went down there and, I think, Tish and Laure were the ones who had asked what to do so they followed me.
Water was pouring in from the ceiling. Sami was down there, unplugging and moving all the electronics. The game room, with the most electronics, was getting the worst of it.
Eventually we got everything unplugged and moved. We went back upstairs. By then Emil had shut off the main water. Water was everywhere. The decision was made to evacuate the building, because the lights were still on.
We spread the word, and I decided it was time to go home because I still had to pee. I picked up my shoes and grabbed my bags.
Apparently a pipe burst. I'm not saying I saved the building, but if it hadn't been for me, the water wouldn't have been discovered until it reached the copy room where Liz was.
It was the First Place flood of epic proportions.
Everyone has a story. This is mine. This is my place to share my thoughts, random insights, and photos (if I remember).
Showing posts with label Jars of Clay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jars of Clay. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
my 31st birthday
We walked by the Apple store which had this elf in the window. We decided to take some photos.
I had my watch with me because the battery
When I got home from shopping, Bill made me lunch (a croissant with ham, bacon, cheese, lettuce and tomato). After I posted these pictures on facebook, I opened all of my birthday cards. Last year was the first year that I can remember waiting and opening my cards all at once. As odd as that is, I really enjoyed it. By the time I had finished the mail had come and I had a couple more to open! Then I opened my presents.
Then, later that night, Heather came over for taco dinner. After dinner we went to the "Love Came Down at Christmas" concert. It featured Leeland, Sara Groves, Sixpence Non the Richer, and JARS OF CLAY!!!! oh yeah, and we had front row seats. When the usher showed us our seats he exclaimed, "how did you get such good seats?!" Well, when I bought them online I entered the quantity with any availability and those were the seats I got! It was because it was my birthday, I'm sure of it. Anyway, I love Christmas music and the entire program was wonderful. It started at 7pm and we didn't get out of there until somewhere around 10pm. My favorite song they played was "Little Drummer Boy". The two drummers on the snare drum were amazing.
Then we went back and ate my peppermint (overload) cake. And that was my 31st birthday.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Nashville, Part 2
Heather and I went to Nashville for the Youth Worker's Conference. The Conference started on Nov. 21st and we flew in the night of the 19th. That gave us one day to see the sites.
We started at this wonderful place called The Pancake Pantry. If you ever go to Nashville, check it out. It's worth the wait. Although we got there at the right time. We walked in and sat right down. About ten minutes later, the line was out the front door! Heather and I both ordered this delicious dish, the Swish Chocolate Pancakes. They had regular syrup on the table, but they also had this cinnamon buttery type syrup. Oh wow! It was amazing! Needless to say, we didn't eat again (except for the gelato) until that night. And even then we weren't really hungry!
After our breakfast, we went over to the Belmont Mansion. It used to sit on a wide-open property, but now the front yard is home to Belmont University. We took the tour of the grand home. Other then the Biltmore, it was the largest house museum I've ever seen! They were in the process of decorating it for Christmas, which was fun to see. We also got a peak into the "master" bedroom, which is going to be renovated as soon as they raise enough money. (it was a behind the scenes kind of peak, very exclusive. Boy, do they have a lot of work ahead of them!) That took almost two hours.
Then we went over to the Parthenon. We decided we'd had enough culture for the day (the mansion was full of art and sculpture), so we did not go into the Parthenon. But we did take a few pictures outside.
It is not small!

Here I am, next to the ginormous column.
The we went over to Union Station. Here's the exterior...

We just ran in quick to see the interior. It was beautiful!

Next we went over to the State Capitol building. This was a bit different then in Austin. There was a security guard and a metal detector. We had to check in, and he checked our purses! yikes! There was an info desk, and the nice gentleman there gave us a guide book. We didn't have too long, because we'd found a meter, but only had about a half hour's worth of change!
Here's the interior.
Heather suggested we go down to this park that is at the "foot" of the building. It has the entire state history (in text) on stones, all around this park. And there was also the War Memorial.

Where there was this giant stone earth, spinning in water. If you were strong enough, you could turn it. I did manage to get Michigan in this photo!

Our next stop was Opryland. We spend three hours walking through the Conservatories, admiring their Christmas decorations. Who puts all of these up? And when do they do it? It was amazing!
This backdrop reminds me of White Christmas.

This is the Cascade room. I'm actually standing to the side of the waterfall.

Then, at night, outside, they have all of these lights!
The Nativity, all in white

Mary and Joseph

The giant tree of lights, and all the lights on the trees.

We found a Krystal! I was so happy. I introduced Heather to the Krystal chik. I was happy, because it's not a lot of food, for not a lot of money, and we weren't too hungry!
And yes, you see me in my coat because it was cold there. The next night it got down to 19 degrees! Brr.

Then we took the rental car back to the airport and as we went over to the taxi stand, I spotted these cute mosaic sculptures.

This was probably our front row experience for Jars of Clay! Yes, it's true, we waited for an hour and a half to get these seats. In the ladies room. We were going to wait outside, but one of the doors wasn't closed all the way (we couldn't cut through the tunnel like we had been doing all week, because all of the vendors were packing up, so the tunnel was closed off). So we got into the vestibule area. Then there was a woman walking around inside and she let us in. We heard their sound check! We were hanging out in a hallway, but we didn't want to get kicked out, so we eventually went and hid in the ladies room. We did a few Mad Libs, ate our dinner.... chatted. And eventually walked into the arena like we belonged there.
And it wouldn't be fun if you don't get a set list. The rude stage hand did not get it for me. The video guy did. He was super nice! And there were two stuck together, so Heather got one too!
It is not small!
Here I am, next to the ginormous column.
We just ran in quick to see the interior. It was beautiful!
Next we went over to the State Capitol building. This was a bit different then in Austin. There was a security guard and a metal detector. We had to check in, and he checked our purses! yikes! There was an info desk, and the nice gentleman there gave us a guide book. We didn't have too long, because we'd found a meter, but only had about a half hour's worth of change!
Here's the interior.
Where there was this giant stone earth, spinning in water. If you were strong enough, you could turn it. I did manage to get Michigan in this photo!
Our next stop was Opryland. We spend three hours walking through the Conservatories, admiring their Christmas decorations. Who puts all of these up? And when do they do it? It was amazing!
This backdrop reminds me of White Christmas.
This is the Cascade room. I'm actually standing to the side of the waterfall.
Then, at night, outside, they have all of these lights!
The Nativity, all in white
Mary and Joseph
The giant tree of lights, and all the lights on the trees.
We found a Krystal! I was so happy. I introduced Heather to the Krystal chik. I was happy, because it's not a lot of food, for not a lot of money, and we weren't too hungry!
And yes, you see me in my coat because it was cold there. The next night it got down to 19 degrees! Brr.
Then we took the rental car back to the airport and as we went over to the taxi stand, I spotted these cute mosaic sculptures.
This was probably our front row experience for Jars of Clay! Yes, it's true, we waited for an hour and a half to get these seats. In the ladies room. We were going to wait outside, but one of the doors wasn't closed all the way (we couldn't cut through the tunnel like we had been doing all week, because all of the vendors were packing up, so the tunnel was closed off). So we got into the vestibule area. Then there was a woman walking around inside and she let us in. We heard their sound check! We were hanging out in a hallway, but we didn't want to get kicked out, so we eventually went and hid in the ladies room. We did a few Mad Libs, ate our dinner.... chatted. And eventually walked into the arena like we belonged there.
Friday, July 27, 2007
A big dose of Jars..
After writing that blog the other day, they announced on the radio (I listen to Air1 on-line) that Jars of Clay will be talking with them, [today]. How exciting!!! Heather sent me some "real" photos, for my blog. Thanks Heather!!! These are MUCH better then the dinky ones I found.

Jars at the Dove Awards. Heather, Sami and I just watched it Wednesday night. Heather had managed to get it on tape (all my attempts failed -because the website and cable guide were wrong, well and the station didn't air it when they said they would) so only three months after Heather was there in person did we finally get to experience her 2nd row thrills!



Jars at the Dove Awards. Heather, Sami and I just watched it Wednesday night. Heather had managed to get it on tape (all my attempts failed -because the website and cable guide were wrong, well and the station didn't air it when they said they would) so only three months after Heather was there in person did we finally get to experience her 2nd row thrills!


Wednesday, July 25, 2007
A small Jar
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
A week in review
Yes, it is yet again another picture of Jars of Clay. This is what Heather left me on her kitchen counter. A Jars "shrine" with a pot holder hanging in the corner! She called me from Nashville to say, "I just wanted to let you know that I am standing twenty feet away from Jars of Clay."
"SHUT UP! NO WAY?" This is me, screaming into the phone at her. hehehe I can't wait to hear more. She sent out e-mails everyday with pictures and a list of all the famous people that she had met/run into/stalked that day. Sami and I decided we're going to sign up next year! I "heart" Jars of Clay. (like you didn't already know that)
This is Shyah, her cute "child of fur" whom I took care of. My own two cats are currently going nuts. I'm not quite sure why...
I had to start all over with my computer and the problem does not seem to be resolved. Yesterday, after the 2 1/2 hours Bill (my tech) spent on the phone with Dell, where they wiped out my computer and started all over again only to realize it was a problem with McAffee, everything seemed to be working fine. Cate FedExed me the disks again, and I loaded them back up today in record time (last time it took us 2 1/2 hours to load the fonts, this time we loaded the program and the fonts in 45 minutes)! But the internet is still running deadly slow. It's driving me nuts! And it's the topic of my blog... I am saddened by that.
Good news is, friends are coming to visit this weekend. I'll have more pictures from Meijer Gardens and that will be a welcome change.
I'm also re-reading H.P. I'm on book three. I spent my "time off" yesterday reading lots of Spinner's on Mugglenet.com If you're a H.P. fan and haven't checked it out, you HAVE to. Oh so many thoughts and ideas. Crazy.
Other fun things going on, Bill made ribs yesterday. He created a dry rub, and grilled them for our dinner. Wow, yum, they were awesome! Seriously the best thing to ever come off of that grill so far! He is a grill master.
So this is my week in review. If you have e-mailed me and I haven't responded, I will soon. Once I get back in my work groove and am not totally frustrated with my work computer!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
today
What is so special about today that is different from any other day? I don't know. Yesterday was a fun day. I posted on Jars of Clay's blog. Which was great, until I realized that I had forgotten when I post, so does my picture! hehehe I mentioned that Heather will be in Nashville at the Dove Awards and they should look for her. I am very curious to see if they do spot her, and if they recognize her?! I am very excited for her, and am already thinking I'm going to have to volunteer for this next year!
Yesterday was also the return of Gilmore Girls (for those of you who may have missed it, you can keep reading, I'm not going to spoil anything). I did come to a different conclusion then I'd had earlier in the year; I'm fine if Luke and Lorelei get back together and the writers wrap everything up in a nice neat little package. I was angry at the beginning of the year because Amy and Daniel had left, and they were the reason the show was so great. The first few episodes were a little shakey, but I think the actors have helped bring back some of the originality. It's still different, but it's closer to what it was before.
Today is also a Queen day. I still woke up with a Jars song in my head, but then got "I Want To Break Free" stuck in my head, so decided to listen to some Queen. Which brings back a memory of a road trip with Bill. We were on our way back from the midwest to NJ and it was late, we had been driving all day, and Bill was jammin' to Queen. We started discussing how their Greatest Hits album combined with their Classic album would make a great musical, i.e. Tommy.
Of course as soon as Queen is done, it's right back to Jars. My new computer doesn't have speakers, so this is blaring out of the Mac from the other room. I miss Air 1.
I do have pictures from the weekend at Acquire the Fire. I still need to load them onto the other computer, and then there will be a post full of that. It definitely got Heather and I fired up for Sunday School and youth group!!!
Yesterday was also the return of Gilmore Girls (for those of you who may have missed it, you can keep reading, I'm not going to spoil anything). I did come to a different conclusion then I'd had earlier in the year; I'm fine if Luke and Lorelei get back together and the writers wrap everything up in a nice neat little package. I was angry at the beginning of the year because Amy and Daniel had left, and they were the reason the show was so great. The first few episodes were a little shakey, but I think the actors have helped bring back some of the originality. It's still different, but it's closer to what it was before.
Today is also a Queen day. I still woke up with a Jars song in my head, but then got "I Want To Break Free" stuck in my head, so decided to listen to some Queen. Which brings back a memory of a road trip with Bill. We were on our way back from the midwest to NJ and it was late, we had been driving all day, and Bill was jammin' to Queen. We started discussing how their Greatest Hits album combined with their Classic album would make a great musical, i.e. Tommy.
Of course as soon as Queen is done, it's right back to Jars. My new computer doesn't have speakers, so this is blaring out of the Mac from the other room. I miss Air 1.
I do have pictures from the weekend at Acquire the Fire. I still need to load them onto the other computer, and then there will be a post full of that. It definitely got Heather and I fired up for Sunday School and youth group!!!
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Still
Well, it has been an interesting couple of days. Yes, I'm still on my Jars of Clay high. It is a great and natural high, almost brought to a screeching hault by my faulty nano. Alas, a trip to the apple store, restored it, and taught me how to handle the situation next time it arises.

Monday morning started out interesting enough with a faulty work computer (I would like to add here, because Bill cannot comment having forgotten his password, that he calls me "technology poison", this was NOT my fault. The computer was old and destined to die soon, even Cate admitted that she had been thinking of buying me a new computer knowing that one was about to kick the bucket) I had a difficult time getting the computer to even start up, and then once it did, I immediately (under Bill's good advice) did a full back-up. About two minutes after the back-up, it gave one short beep, and froze for eternity.
I might not be so stuck on the death talk, if it weren't for a funeral that we went to yesterday. It was my mom's oldest sister's husband. My uncle by marriage. He had been diagnosed with cancer awhile ago, and it really was a blessing that he passed away. I noticed something remarkable; there weren't that many tears shed during the funeral, or when the pastor was speaking at the cemetary. But when the men did the 21 gun salute and then played taps, there were very few dry eyes. It is one of those things, since 9/11 that effects me more then ever. That and when I hear the National Anthem. (Bill and I have a hard time watching the Olympics! And Memorial Day, forget it, I'm a basket case) I don't know how to explain that emotion that is caused by something so simple, yet has been so profound in so many lives. It is touching to see that no matter where they were, or how old they were, that those who served our country have respect.
Thank you for indulging that. Now, I would like to discuss the fact that it is snowing. Bill warned me that it often snows on or after his birthday (the 20th), I was warned. And I remember April Fool's Day having snow... but it was so nice and warm and spring-like. Oh well, it will be nice and sunny again next week. Or rainy, but at least warmer.
So Bill and I are tag-teaming for use of the home computer. I have a week off, or until I get the new computer. I will probably share a little bit about it when it arrives. Cate did not spare any expense when it came to buying me a new computer (here's a teaser: a 19" flat panel screen). I now need a new desk.
Happy Wednesday!

Monday morning started out interesting enough with a faulty work computer (I would like to add here, because Bill cannot comment having forgotten his password, that he calls me "technology poison", this was NOT my fault. The computer was old and destined to die soon, even Cate admitted that she had been thinking of buying me a new computer knowing that one was about to kick the bucket) I had a difficult time getting the computer to even start up, and then once it did, I immediately (under Bill's good advice) did a full back-up. About two minutes after the back-up, it gave one short beep, and froze for eternity.
I might not be so stuck on the death talk, if it weren't for a funeral that we went to yesterday. It was my mom's oldest sister's husband. My uncle by marriage. He had been diagnosed with cancer awhile ago, and it really was a blessing that he passed away. I noticed something remarkable; there weren't that many tears shed during the funeral, or when the pastor was speaking at the cemetary. But when the men did the 21 gun salute and then played taps, there were very few dry eyes. It is one of those things, since 9/11 that effects me more then ever. That and when I hear the National Anthem. (Bill and I have a hard time watching the Olympics! And Memorial Day, forget it, I'm a basket case) I don't know how to explain that emotion that is caused by something so simple, yet has been so profound in so many lives. It is touching to see that no matter where they were, or how old they were, that those who served our country have respect.
Thank you for indulging that. Now, I would like to discuss the fact that it is snowing. Bill warned me that it often snows on or after his birthday (the 20th), I was warned. And I remember April Fool's Day having snow... but it was so nice and warm and spring-like. Oh well, it will be nice and sunny again next week. Or rainy, but at least warmer.
So Bill and I are tag-teaming for use of the home computer. I have a week off, or until I get the new computer. I will probably share a little bit about it when it arrives. Cate did not spare any expense when it came to buying me a new computer (here's a teaser: a 19" flat panel screen). I now need a new desk.
Happy Wednesday!
Friday, March 30, 2007
"Overjoyed"
Day 106:
That was the best concert EVER! Possibly the best night of my life! It was "Crazy Times". We were total geeks and got there around 5pm. The doors didn't open until 6pm. We talked to one of the security guards who let us know that there would be two "gates" open. There was already a line of about fifteen people to the one side. We were first on the other side! SWEET. There was a woman there who was the House Manager. She gave us the scoop on the goods, and where the doors into the auditorium were. (we were out in the vestibule, then there was a hallway before you got to the auditorium) She was very nice. They opened the gates and we went and got front row seats, off to stage right (?) on the aisle. That was "Something Beautiful". The House manager came by to see if we did indeed get our front row seats!
The opening act was supposed to be "Burlap to Cashmere", but sadly they had cancelled. So it was "Disappointed by Candy" (?). We were not disappointed. The next band was "NeedtoBreathe". I like their title track song, I was "Like A Child". (See my unleashed post)
Then came the boys. Jars of Clay. There was this "Fade to Grey" and then the music began. Heather can probably remember all the songs they played. I was just in awe. They did play "Even Angels Cry" which is one of my faves of the "Good Monsters" album. They played "Flood" and "Love Song for a Savior". It was so much fun. "All My Tears" was great too!
I could go on and on. But seriously, they were awesome. They kept looking at Heather and me. But that's just because they probably recognize her. She did run into them at the Youth Specialties conference in Anaheim. They should recognize her!!!
I digress. Thank you, Matt, Dan, Steve and Charlie, for the best night of my life!
Look for us again. We're the lifers (seriously, two thirds of the people there were not born when they put out their first album. That could be depressing.)
I "heart" Jars of Clay"
Thursday, March 29, 2007
What to write about...
Yes, hm, what to write about... Oh I don't know. Maybe Jars of Clay? Sure why not? I'm going to see them tonight in concert. I could probably write a little bit about them.
I was trying to figure out last night, why in the last thirteen or so years, have I NEVER seen them in concert? In high school, they were always performing downtown Indy, and I never thought I had the chance to go see them. Who was going to go with me to see them? Only my camp friends knew of JOC. And the P.K.'s but they were younger then me. I'm pretty sure I wasn't allowed to drive to Indy to see them. So what about college? I have never paid much attention to concerts, and things of that nature. So I only knew that JOC was in town, the day of their concert. So this is why, thirteen or so years after I first began listening to JOC that I am finally going to see them in concert. I'm going with Heather. This is her twelfth time. She is a true, dedicated fan. And a (lifetime) member of their fan club. You go girl!
We've been listening to JOC everyday, all day since Monday. My fav. songs are (not in any particular order):
*
*
*
This is not to say that I don't like all of their songs. I will listen to every single album that I have (which is all of them except for "If I Left The Zoo") over and over, without skipping a single song. These are the songs that I will hit the repeat button, and listen to more then once. 21 out of the 74 that I have. Wait, who am I kidding. I'll listen to all of them, there are no favorites!
I was trying to figure out last night, why in the last thirteen or so years, have I NEVER seen them in concert? In high school, they were always performing downtown Indy, and I never thought I had the chance to go see them. Who was going to go with me to see them? Only my camp friends knew of JOC. And the P.K.'s but they were younger then me. I'm pretty sure I wasn't allowed to drive to Indy to see them. So what about college? I have never paid much attention to concerts, and things of that nature. So I only knew that JOC was in town, the day of their concert. So this is why, thirteen or so years after I first began listening to JOC that I am finally going to see them in concert. I'm going with Heather. This is her twelfth time. She is a true, dedicated fan. And a (lifetime) member of their fan club. You go girl!
We've been listening to JOC everyday, all day since Monday. My fav. songs are (not in any particular order):
*
*
*
This is not to say that I don't like all of their songs. I will listen to every single album that I have (which is all of them except for "If I Left The Zoo") over and over, without skipping a single song. These are the songs that I will hit the repeat button, and listen to more then once. 21 out of the 74 that I have. Wait, who am I kidding. I'll listen to all of them, there are no favorites!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
