Month: October 2012

10 Reasons I will not have a Roomate at Allume

Dear friends- I will be attending a 4 day blogging conference for Christian Women later this month. My decision to attend Allume was a God thing. Totally from Him. So I have no idea how this is going to play out for those 4 days. I signed on for this before I knew anyone at all in the blog world. And my new blogging friends have really raised the bar of expectation with all of their “things my roomie needs to know…” So I thought I would write this as a way of explaining why the only roomie I will have is me, myself, and I -quite a crowd sometimes!

I tend to shy away from people in groups that I don’t know. I don’t initiate well and have to make myself participate until I know the lay of the land. I like being a wallflower, actually I hate it, but there is something to be said for obscurity. It allows me to get comfortable in the surroundings I find myself in before I engage.  Moving right along…

1. I snore, I have allergies, it’s not pretty (so my husband says).

2. I like the anticipation of being alone- totally- for at least some portion of time- an escape.

3. I’m slow moving in the morning – I don’t talk until I’ve had something hot to drink.

4.I have to concentrate on getting myself together and any distraction ie: someone talking to me is liable to ensure that I will be late. You see, I have to stop and think about what the other person said and then formulate an answer. I don’t multitask anywhere well except with kids and in the kitchen.

5. I have insomnia- regularly. I can fall asleep faster than a rock hits the floor but wake usually a couple or three hours later and can’t go back to sleep. That is not conducive to a roommate’s sleep.

6. I can talk to the wee hours or crash and burn with no notice.

7. I’m messy.

8. I can’t decide what to wear until I’ve tried on everything I’ve brought at least twice.

9. I’m usually cold when I go to bed but that can change at a moment’s notice.

10.  I’m getting old in my old age! Notice- this was all about me-ha

I realize that this paints a pretty bleak picture (or some pretty lame excuses)- of a grouchy old bird, but once I make a connection it’s all good. I’ve had years of practice of making myself participate- all those nursing conferences didn’t go to waste! So once I find the comfort zone- yee haw!! Besides, I’m counting on you Better Writer girls to spur me on.

Oh, and Mandy? I can be bribed with chocolate, too. Just no bacon, please?

Five Minute Fridays: Welcome

Today’s writing prompt for 5-minute friday is WELCOME.

Welcome. The word truly sounds like what it is. Inviting, homey, soft on our tongue. This past week we traveled overseas and that word was heard several times in different languages and different accents- such a pleasant sound. One particular day we had traveled most of the day on the train and were indeed tired when we arrived at our hotel for the next few days and we were greeted with that word when we stepped through the door.

That word was said with meaning. They were truly welcoming and appeared glad that we had arrived at the end of our day’s journey safely. Of course, the fact that it was their job factored in to the welcome; but the pleasant young men and women who greeted us and treated us with genuine warmth were so welcome to us. 

I wonder how welcoming we are at home when a guest or family member arrives at our door. Is there true warmth and invitation to come in and find rest? Or does the atmosphere reek with tension unspoken? Passive aggressive anger simmering just under the surface? Disappointment barely veiled; but not so much the intended victim can’t get that’s what’s going on behind the words? Fuming about something that was or wasn’t done? 

Regardless of who’s at the door, do we treat them the way we want to be treated?  Do we stop and think about how the day has gone from their perspective? Are we honest and open with our disagreements? Or do we hide behind the word “welcome”?   Are we truly glad to see them and show them that they are indeed well-come and that this is indeed a safe haven?

To be honest, I don’t always. But now, before I say “welcome” I will stop and check my attitude and then in true invitation say “Welcome, come on in, I’m so glad you’re here!” Who knows? We may be entertaining angels unaware!

Ding.