tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40971972011-07-14T21:36:57.911ZThis Beautiful MessMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comBlogger6931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1151706595133360392006-06-30T22:28:00.000Z2006-07-02T06:36:24.930ZSay Hello, Goodbye...To Blogger. Visit the brand-new This Beautiful Mess, now located at http://michaelaforbes.com. See? I told you there would be a new one. Eventually.Oh, and please change your links accordingly. Thanks,MMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1151388274303866932006-06-27T05:59:00.000Z2006-06-27T06:04:34.320ZWelcome HomeAfter a fun and exciting time with the Hollands eating Chick-Fil-A and Waffle House while bonding with Lizzie the Cat, I came home to an empty house (Mom stuck in KC for various family and house reasons, and my brother staying the weekend with a friend after saying hello to me) and immediately got sick with the flu. So I've basically been in bed or only half-awake in front of the TV Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1150883477913753212006-06-21T09:41:00.000Z2006-06-21T09:51:17.926ZThe Summaries That I HateI generally dislike those catch-all posts in people’s blogs that just talk about what they did today, but that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Sorry. For those who don’t know, my grandmother was recently diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. They were originally only giving her a few more months to live, but that has been increased to possibly a year, with Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1150389710837823262006-06-15T16:41:00.000Z2006-06-15T16:43:13.096ZTo answer those who have inquired...Yes, you can be both a Calvinist and a credobaptist. John Piper (who, incidently, I was able to hear speak for the last three days, and yes, he's fantastic) is the most famous of those in said category, and his church is affiliated with he Baptist General Conference. (More information on the matter from his perspective can be found here.) There are also MANY Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1149728685687334312006-06-08T01:03:00.000Z2006-06-08T01:04:45.700ZLetters to Old Friends (#1)Dear J – I remembered today, how much I miss you. It was so wonderful to read about your good review. I knew – even when I used to make fun of your innate “artsy-ness”, or that painting of yours that you said symbolized “the darkness of the small everyday” that I thought looked like a microwave – I knew that you would always be J. I knew that people would recognize how Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1149504496141057782006-06-05T10:42:00.000Z2006-06-05T10:48:16.150ZThe concern of those who see mission primarily in terms of action for God's justice is embodied mainly in programs carried on at a supracongregational level by boards and committees, whether denominational or ecumenical. The concern of those who see mission primarily in terms of personal conversion is expressed mainly at the level of congregational life. The effect of this is that each is robbledMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1148869613852374162006-05-29T02:25:00.000Z2006-09-12T15:19:10.533ZNice Work If You Can Get ItI honestly really really love my new job. LOVE it. I work for a church in a sort of “rough” end of town, one would say – but it’s a church that genuinely loves the community it is in, and is passionate about reaching people with the Gospel. My immediate boss, the pastor, is equally passionate about evangelism and just loving people. It’s such a drastic change from my Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1148649211296270382006-05-26T13:11:00.000Z2006-05-26T13:13:31.306Z"...(T)he emergent church is the latest version of liberalism. The only difference is that old liberalism accomodated modernity and the new liberalism accomodates postmodernity." -Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill ChurchMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1148460007805098662006-05-24T08:39:00.000Z2006-05-24T08:40:41.070ZMmmm. Coffee. Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1148307818332400142006-05-22T14:20:00.000Z2006-05-22T14:26:43.326ZMIC is MIASorry you haven't been hearing from me this last week. I moved flats last weekend, started the new job on Monday (and it's AWESOME, by the way), and have been superbusy because of it all. This last weekend Lori came through, which involved shopping, Jonathan and Sarah's going-away party, and a trip to the hospital (see below). That girl is DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA! Tonight I'm off for some J&SMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1147541340786401062006-05-13T17:13:00.000Z2006-05-13T17:29:00.800ZI Feel Smarter Already! So, today is May 13th. It is a day many of us like to think of as Christmas in May....the start of the Christian Aid Booksale!The Christian Aid Booksale is massive, and stocked with a gajillion books that are all going for about 50p or 1 pound. (Though there are some rare items for 5 and over, and REALLY rare items up for the highest bidder.) I didn't go last year because Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1147310007371067812006-05-11T01:08:00.000Z2006-05-11T01:15:29.823ZIt's Been Recently.......pointed out to me that I am nearly an exact combination of J.D. and Eliot. I have J.D.'s awkwardness and internal monologue and Eliot's girly neuroses. Those of you who watch Scrubs know eactly what I'm talking about. Those of you who do not....well, you should. Anyway, it presents the question....I'm a special kind of girl. How the HELL am I going to find a guy who can Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1146728979491791772006-05-04T07:46:00.000Z2006-05-04T07:49:39.500ZFinally....A Step Well kids....four months after applying for the position I FINALLY got the youth and community work job for that inner-city church that I wanted. And they are paying me more than I thought they would. And I have a three-year contract. *breathe out* MUCHO thanks to those of you who have been praying for me when I've found it so hard to pray for myself. In other news, I REALLY Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1146606591468056212006-05-02T21:48:00.000Z2006-05-02T21:55:43.970ZFirst MemoryIt never fails. Whenever I ask someone what their first memory was it’s something negative. Sometimes horrible but almost always bad. Maybe this isn’t true for you. Hopefully it isn’t. But that just means I haven’t personally asked you that question yet. Because if I did, I’m sure it would’ve been something bad. Understand?One guy I know vividly remembers being left at a hotel at the Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1146046015276995122006-04-26T09:53:00.000Z2006-04-26T10:07:42.340ZThe Times They Are A Changin'...So, I will soon be able to update you on all happenings and goings-on. But for now, you can read about me and Lori's crazy weekend (or, the Friday bit of it) over on her and Scott's blog. I'll add witty comments and additions soon. I liked the part where she fell on her ass. She also forgot possibly the funniest part: 14 year old girl to me on the street: "Can I Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1145398134068871812006-04-18T22:08:00.000Z2006-09-12T15:23:18.193ZMe and LoriMe and Lori Mic and Me Originally uploaded by superlori.How cool are we?I'll answer that for you. Very cool. Lori and Scott came through to Edinburgh on Saturday and we played The Movie Game with Jonathan and Sarah (Stella was busy pooping and sleeping) for something like 8 hours. It was crazy. Good times.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1144710610112969162006-04-10T23:09:00.000Z2006-04-10T23:10:10.123ZI'd love to know who was reading my blog from the BBC.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1144613652866661042006-04-09T20:11:00.000Z2006-04-10T09:26:23.660ZNever See A Split-Bill Show (Or: "Are we on a date?") I’ve recently come up with an idea. Like I said, there are few eventful things to write about (that you, my friends, would wish to read about) when you spend the majority of your time working at Corporate Coffee Giant. Or, maybe you would read about it, and I just don’t want to write about it. It’s kind of like going to sleep and dreaming of Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1144357926307722662006-04-06T21:01:00.000Z2006-04-06T21:14:54.533ZExcess is the new moderation OK, blog writer’s block over for now. So I haven’t written for what, two weeks or something? I wasn’t really getting any complaints though, so I’m not sure what that says about my blog. Gone are the days when I couldn’t go five days without a whiner. My popularity waines. But seriously, who wants to hear about another day working at Corperate Coffee Giant? Not me. ButMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1142983278534569392006-03-21T23:19:00.000Z2006-03-21T23:21:18.546ZHOLY CRAP!Who wants to go see Imogen Heap with me in Glasgow on April 2nd?(I need more friends.) If I miss out on her amazingness, I will be sad. I already learned I just missed a Nickel Creek show last month. (Grrr.)Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1142561683789063192006-03-17T02:14:00.000Z2006-09-12T15:29:37.096ZOn Spring Fever, Babies, and Schaeffer. The thing is, I keep coming up with brilliant, intellectually stimulating blog posts to write here, and then I end up not. Then it means I go for ages without posting anything. Which isn’t fair to you fine kids who faithfully keep coming back to check here and find nothing new. Unfortunately, I’m afraid this one won’t be brilliant or intellectually Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1142302785878544952006-03-14T02:19:00.000Z2006-03-14T02:19:45.890ZLet's see a show of hands. Anyone else tired of their sin?OK, not just me then. (It feels like it's just me.)Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1142218821619178522006-03-13T02:54:00.000Z2006-03-13T03:19:09.236ZA Good Man Is Hard To FindWell, I didn't write a post for today here. Partly because I'm kinda waiting for the new blog to get done. But I *did* do a guest post for my dear friend Mark at Sacred Journey. I'm honored, and slightly embarrassed to now find out that apparently Michael Horton reads his blog. But I wrote it, nonetheless, and maybe Horton knows some nice young Reformed man to hook me upMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1141961379805473452006-03-10T03:27:00.000Z2006-03-10T03:29:39.816ZUpdate!So what have I been doing this week?Coughing, knitting, coughing, sneezing, blowing my nose, and watching 24. Seriously. I've hardly moved from the living room chair, you can ask Ashley or Bryce. Needless to say, I have little to really talk about. Except.....Coming soon.....;)Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1141346354302262792006-03-03T00:28:00.000Z2006-03-03T00:39:14.320ZFriends Let Friends Use Their DeodorantToday was fantastic, aside from the extreme cold, and my uncomfortable, yet extremely sexy shoes. Secretly, I wore them because Lori loves them, and we were having a girls night out. But don't tell her. Seriously, today was chock full of great friends. I met up with Naike for lunch, which was really much too short. I miss spending quality time with her. Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1141231729335828522006-03-01T16:47:00.000Z2006-03-05T02:51:25.410Z"Who Knows Where Thoughts Come From, They Just Appear!""Modern evangelicalism is an idol." - Jonathan HaysDiscuss.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1141059815548907062006-02-27T17:01:00.000Z2006-02-27T22:06:59.970Z24 Dreams About 24Back in the day, I had a boyfriend on the Doulos who used to play video games a lot. He would then have dreams about being in said video games, which included car chases and gunplay and the like. I used to make fun of him for it. Well, now comes the time that I eat my words. Bryce and Ashley now have me totally addicted to 24. In case you were wondering, oh Fans of 24, the Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1140862477242723422006-02-25T10:10:00.000Z2006-02-25T10:15:44.710ZApologiesI know it's been almost a week without a new post. That's because I've been working a LOT, and when I get home, all I really want to do is watch DVDs of 24 and knit and drink tea. Seriously. Yesterday was a TERRIBLE day at work, so I was happy to go down to the Hays' and drink beer and smoke and knit (and when was the last time you saw THOSE three activities together in one sentence) andMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1140394071400521702006-02-19T23:51:00.000Z2006-02-20T00:25:20.433ZPretty Much the Coolest Thing EverSo last night, after the baby shower and a cigarette (with Jonathan, not Sarah of course), I was invited downstairs for a Belly Touching. It's not unlike, say, a wine tasting, except there is neither wine, nor tasting. Sarah has previously spoken of her lack of sleep. This is not helped by the fact that as soon as she lays down Baby Girl Hays starts playing DanceMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1140311929473379562006-02-19T01:18:00.000Z2006-02-19T01:47:41.343ZLast Woman StandingI’ve come to a recent realization that a very large majority of my friends are married. I don’t really know how this happened. I mean, I know how it happened….they met people and fell in love and got married. That’s generally how it works. But I mean, how I ended up being friends with them. I suppose I’m not really one to pick friends based on whether they’re single or not. A Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1140048581831817682006-02-16T00:08:00.000Z2006-02-16T00:09:41.846ZThe StorySo it’s been requested that I give the “full story” about me moving back to Edinburgh. I’m happy to oblige, though it’s tough to give the “full story” in just a blog post. If you want, I’d be more than happy to take you out for a beer and chat about it. Til then, this will have to do. I came back to Edinburgh because I felt it was the right thing to do. For a while back in St Louis, I Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1139829497868101782006-02-13T11:17:00.000Z2006-02-13T11:19:24.126ZNumber 11I hand the slip of paper to the cabbie, who was lovely enough to help me with my rather large bags. “Bruntsfield, please”, a phrase uttered to many a cabbie, many times before. “ Ach, nae bother!” comes the reply. I sit the back and stare out the window into the grey rain. The cabbie asks me about how long I’ve been away, and where I’ve been and where I’m from. He catches me up on the Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1139219782510040852006-02-06T09:38:00.000Z2006-02-06T10:09:05.356ZAdventures in False AdvertisingOn this, the day after the Super Bowl, the King of Commercials, I believe it is in order to bring to everyone's attention the ridiculousness in some advertising. Yes, I could easily talk about, say, the Hummer H2 commercial in which the monster and the robot, both of whom are attacking a city, meet eyes and fall madly in love, and then the monster gives birth to....Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1138947217869831452006-02-03T05:55:00.000Z2006-02-03T06:35:24.323ZWell, I knew my day would come. You've all seen this thing making its venomous way around the internet. Tim sneezed it on over to me, and I now spread the love. Listen and Learn. Or something. Four jobs I've had:1. Library Aide at Mid-continent Public Library, Missouri2. Barista at Starbucks (Fine, I'll admit it now.), Missouri 3. Missionary in Asia and Africa on the MV Doulos 4. Youthwork Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1138653595001814792006-01-30T20:37:00.000Z2006-01-30T20:39:55.016ZHas Anyone Else Noticed?...Paris Hilton doesn't actually talk in her real voice?The girl consistently talks like she's a five-year-old girl. But once in a while, she slips, and we find out she's actually pretty much a baritone, if not bass. Your secret's out, Paris. We know you're a man.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1138515782157937622006-01-29T06:18:00.000Z2006-01-29T06:23:02.170ZWhat Jesus DidLast night I gave a talk on sex and chastity at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. It was a remarkable experience – I enjoyed meeting many fabulous students, who asked great, great questions. One questions went something like “What do you have to say about a virgin marrying someone who is not a virgin?” I stumbled through an answer as best I could, and then went on to Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1138443656567800942006-01-28T10:19:00.000Z2006-01-28T10:33:28.880ZMore Interesting ConversationsI really should have known. By now, I can often spot a Brit a mile away, just as I could spot an American – from perhaps two miles – in Scotland. The couple stood before me at the register, looking quite…well, different. He did, anyway. They were both in their 50’s I’d guess. He dressed in what could only be called “British smart” (as sort of masculine metrosexual, Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1137837466337912352006-01-21T09:56:00.000Z2006-01-23T06:03:48.893ZWhatever Happened to the Holy Spirit?First of all, I should warn you this is going to be one of those more theologically minded posts, so if you’re not into that, consider yourself warned. (And forgive me if this post is a bit disjointed, but it’s quite late and I’m admittedly very tired.) So tonight after work, I was catching up on all the latest (and by latest, of course, I mean about 1689) on Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1137825147867073692006-01-21T06:31:00.000Z2006-01-21T06:46:59.036ZTogether with Map Reading Skillz....(And all of the magic coins that I need to collect...) That's funny stuff. (Thanks, Jason.)And while we're on funny stuff....I present to you....my good friends....Paul and Sonya. (This is them normally.) Wow, that's special.Paul designed this webpage, too, just for the record. They're good people. :)Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1137392314471993962006-01-16T06:03:00.000Z2006-01-16T06:18:34.486ZA Covenant of 64 YearsAfter church today, I made a dash for the ladies' room. I passed two old ladies, one of whom was leading the other, who was blind. I realized they too were on the way to the restroom, and it wasn't fair that I cut in front of them, no matter how badly I had to pee. Old lady (Helen) led old blind lady (Susan) into the restroom, and they joked about whether or not to turn the Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1136967695740195252006-01-11T08:23:00.000Z2006-01-11T08:24:12.796ZJust for Lori...I finally updated my Flickr page. I was getting complaints. Just a few random ones from the last few months. My laptop (AKA "Porky") has been out of order for a while, so uploading was difficult and editing even more so. So Lori, you can shut it now. :) MichaelaMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1136967711932549802006-01-11T08:21:00.000Z2006-01-11T08:21:51.940ZHighway to HeavenHighway to Heaven Originally uploaded by ThisBeautifulMess.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1136967655858850282006-01-11T08:20:00.002Z2006-01-11T08:20:55.863ZPayin the BillsPayin the Bills Originally uploaded by ThisBeautifulMess.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1136967619111109312006-01-11T08:20:00.001Z2006-01-11T08:20:19.120ZStillStill Originally uploaded by ThisBeautifulMess.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1136967617761525182006-01-11T08:20:00.000Z2006-01-11T08:20:17.766ZUnder Penalty of LawUnder Penalty of Law Originally uploaded by ThisBeautifulMess.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1136797003120709342006-01-09T08:55:00.000Z2006-01-09T09:04:14.633ZIntroducing....Slugby!(Click to see larger image.)Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1136604677224626352006-01-07T03:29:00.000Z2006-01-07T03:34:04.070ZExchange of the DayThe setting: Me, reading Scotland: Story of a Nation book on the history of Scotland, at Waffle House. Cook: "Hey! That's a good book!"Me: "Have you read it?"Cook: "Well, I almost bought it once."Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1136272191183580462006-01-03T07:07:00.000Z2006-01-03T07:19:38.000ZMichaela Forbes Presents: The Weird People You Work WithIn my recent post-graduate foray into the world of employment, I have learned many things. I have learned one cannot do a return without a manager. The customer always comes first, even if the manager disagrees. Drive-Thrus are cold, but there's fun to be had in watching cars hit the side of the building. Never agree to wear the Santa hat. Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1136009290132482012005-12-31T06:05:00.000Z2005-12-31T06:08:10.146ZPlop, Plop, Fizz Fizz...Oh what a relief it is. I totally quit my miserable Corperate Bookstore job tonight. (Or, I gave two weeks notice.) Corperate Coffee said they were more than happy to take me on full-time, so why would I torture myself at Bookstore? I'm no glutton for punishment.And there's an awesome story to go along with it, that I probably shouldn't blog about, because I don't want to Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1135845673980733142005-12-29T08:38:00.000Z2005-12-29T08:41:13.990ZTwo Years Left to LiveTurns out my soft, kind heart towards the insect world ("Capitial Punishment for the Pretty Bugs")was a good thing after all. I'd have felt really guilty these days, all things considered. MMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1135621348345443282005-12-26T18:12:00.000Z2005-12-26T18:23:36.596ZI'm not dead yet. ...But if I keep it up, I just might be. I've decided I really cannot work 6 days a week anymore. I'm sure that makes me a wimp, especially when I compare myself to the hard-working days of yore, when I'd be up at 5am to milk cows and feed babies and cook a hearty breakfast for my man who is going out to hunt boar. Or whatever. But I'm not only wearing myself out, I am having noMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1134954740318872822005-12-19T01:10:00.001Z2005-12-19T05:50:30.110ZJesus Resides HereI was shaking a little, as I walked over the crunchy, snow-covered grass to a stranger's house. It struck me as ironic, that only three minutes before, I looked out at the fresh-fallen half-inch of snow, and thought about how snow makes the world seem so new and clean - and how much I wished some snow could fall on my life right now, covering it over and making it new. I walked Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1134715742911086372005-12-16T06:48:00.000Z2005-12-16T07:09:13.416ZBetter to have loved and lost?On certain Sundays in November When the weather bothers me I empty drawers of other summers Where my shadows used to be And she is standing by the water As her smile begins to curl In this or any other summer She is something all together different Never just an ordinary girl And in the evenings on Long Island When the colors start to fade She wears a silly yellow Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1134529066683654372005-12-14T02:54:00.000Z2005-12-14T02:57:46.696ZYou can take the girl out of Scotland...Today at the bookstore, I made a comment to a customer which included "Sod's Law!"*. The lady looked at me like I was crazy. -M-*Had I said "Murphy's Law", she would have had a clue what I was talking about.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1134456457263023752005-12-13T06:32:00.000Z2005-12-13T06:49:38.690Zonly with laughter can you winYou'd never know it, but I'm as much a creature of habit as anyone else. I have a routine for my breaks from work, in which I go out to my car, take a cup of coffee, and enjoy a precious few minutes away from everything. Oftentimes I just listen to NPR, sometimes I enjoy a cigarette, sometimes I read a little from whatever book I'm working on at the time. In any caseMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1134019291115939502005-12-08T05:20:00.000Z2005-12-13T06:21:20.643ZThe Crazy Lady StorySo I've honestly been working so much that by the time I come home, I don't particularly want to sit in front of the computer, or think too terribly hard. I'm sorry about that. Two jobs are keeping this girl busy. And I do feel bad, because there are MANY of you that I owe emails to from the past couple of weeks (except you, Sarah...I cry myself to sleep everynight, awaiting Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1133589269828694402005-12-03T05:52:00.000Z2005-12-13T06:20:51.283ZI'm still alive...Just busy. This week was the first week I've been working both jobs - Corporate Coffee* and Big Bookstore*. And today I'm sick with some stomach bug, so I can't stay in this chair all that long...I've remained curled up on the couch most of the day. But when I get a chance, I'll be back to tell you kids about psycho cracked-out nutter lady who came in for coffee the other day. Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1133076270377615642005-11-27T07:20:00.000Z2005-11-27T07:26:45.680ZThings You Don't Count OnI bought my grandpa's 92 Blazer from my grandma a few weeks ago. Grandpa passed away at the end of September, which was why I originally came back to the States. About a week ago, I noticed for the first time the strong smell of my grandfather - his familiar mix of Jovan Musk and mothballs. Like seeing someone you are SURE is a long lost friend (though of course it neverMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1132974192481636362005-11-26T03:00:00.000Z2005-11-26T03:06:28.190ZDear BBC America:Greetings and Salutations to you. My name is Michaela Forbes. I am American, but please don't hold that against me - I did not vote for Bush (or Kerry), I did not send troops to Iraq, and I don't spoon feed Tony Blair. If anything, I'm more British than American anymore, but don't worry, I'm in therapy for that. After living in Edinburgh for three years, you and I have developed,Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1132909373681665432005-11-25T08:57:00.000Z2005-11-25T09:02:54.020ZHappy Thanksgiving(A few hours too late.) Today we not only celebrate our finally managing to get away from those British tyrants....We also celebrate the mass genocide of most Native Americans. Eat up America!!!Okay, okay, so it's the same joke everyone makes every year, but it remains true. We like to forget our ugly history in favor of the pretty history - the "indians" and "pilgrims" sitting Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1132727864512716132005-11-23T06:04:00.000Z2005-12-13T06:19:37.153ZFor the Lutherans and Baptists Among You....A Pot-Luck Supper1) After a ridiculously stressful morning, I had an (ironically) fairly stress-free shift at the coffee place today. We laughed a lot, which is something I value quite highly in a workplace. On my way home, I remembered I was expecting some emails, two in particular, from two good friends, Craig and Allan. Both are the among a Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1132680456787355162005-11-22T17:27:00.000Z2005-11-22T17:27:36.796ZYou guys suck. I see how it is.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1132548587995219142005-11-21T03:15:00.000Z2005-12-13T06:18:40.243ZHow do you document real life/When real life is getting more like/Fiction each day...?See, the thing is... I appreciate that you guys keep coming back here, to read all my hilariously funny thoughts and such and such, but to be honest - and this may be a first - I just don't have anything to say at the moment. I work at a Corporate Coffee Place, and I really enjoy it there. Otherwise, there isn'tMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1132131909331706582005-11-16T08:59:00.000Z2005-11-16T09:26:49.996Z"Where the women are strong, the men are good-looking, and the children are above-average."Not all that long ago, I had a good and lengthy discussion with a person I was close to, on matters of love. I believed then, and still do believe, that love is a choice. I think perhaps it's not all that simple, but when you boil it down, that's what it is. It can be prompted by "in love" feelings, the Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1132015175561901972005-11-15T00:37:00.000Z2005-11-15T00:39:35.573ZLiving at Home: Vol 597Mom: I read your blog the other day.Me: What? You never read my blog. Mom: Mmmhm. *Look that said: I read that stuff about the milk*Me: It was all TRUE!Mom: I don't care what you write. It's cheaper than therapy.Me: Exactly. I'm glad you understand.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1131997456574249332005-11-14T19:43:00.000Z2005-11-14T19:44:16.590ZIt was not facing what life dealt that made you crazy, but rather trying to set life straight where it was unstraightenable.-From Blue Shoe by Anne Lamott-Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1131524063973034652005-11-09T07:56:00.000Z2005-11-09T08:17:29.766ZEveryone should have someone who will sing Happy Birthday to them at midnight.OK, call me a cynic, but I was pretty sure that my birthday was going to suck this year. Not that my birthday has really ever been good (it's always like New Year's...so anti-climatic), but especially this year. Perhaps my low expectations have done me well, since anything is better than nothing, right? Well, I've only Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1131429309585730192005-11-08T05:46:00.000Z2005-11-08T06:00:33.380ZLiving at Home, Vol. 234Now that it seems I've almost gotten a job, and I've made a habit of turning off my bedlight, Mom now has less to nag me about, so she's had to resort to extreme measures: Namely, getting her panties in a huff about me leaving any milk around for any length of time longer than 30 seconds. Usually, our conversations go like this:"Why have you left your glass of milk out Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1131145602539620972005-11-04T23:06:00.000Z2005-12-13T06:16:32.013ZYay!I got an interview at Corporate Coffee!!!!Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1131140127212336442005-11-04T21:21:00.000Z2005-11-04T21:42:52.910ZObviously...My "deep theological" posts are apparently about as popular as bacon at a bar mitzvah. I could be in trouble. To entertain:1) Challies found The I Love Lucy Bible Study. No, seriously. Sounds like some pretty deep stuff to me, I don't know if I can handle it. Go on, Manders, you know you want one. I personally always enjoyed "Bonus Bucks"....2) Mmm. Tortillas. But tis not just any Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1131092819334521002005-11-04T08:04:00.000Z2005-11-04T08:51:22.700ZThe Coming of the SeminerdToday was a vast improvement on yesterday. I think this has a little to do with the fact I spent more time reading and drinking coffee and meditating on Scripture and God than I did watching E! True Hollywood Story or VH1's 101 Best Blonde Hairdos EVER. (It's so easy to get sucked into those things, man.) I was determined to actually do something today (it's surprisinglyMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1131020309472951022005-11-03T12:15:00.000Z2005-11-03T12:55:22.876Z"See, they love black toe in this country."It's been a while since I've sat down at the computer without really having anything in particular to say. But hey, it's 5:30am, so why not...The last few days have been particularly hard, actually. I feel really really stuck. I still haven't gotten a job (though it's only been two weeks since I started looking), and I really am pulling out my hair Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1130993230628756122005-11-03T04:46:00.000Z2005-11-03T04:47:10.640ZDiscovery. Not to keep being so negative about America or anything, but man...The suburbs suck.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1130918563435218892005-11-02T08:00:00.000Z2005-11-02T08:02:43.446ZAmerica: Home of Ridiculous SignageEvery single day (that I leave the house), I manage to see yet another example of American ridiculousness in singage, usually due to the overwhelming marketing you find everywhere. (I'd honestly forgotten how prevalent billboard were here on highways. I don't think there are any actual billboards on the M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh, once you're out of eitherMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1130742162490200362005-10-31T06:54:00.000Z2005-10-31T19:26:31.520ZHappy Reformation Day! I celebrated by a great morning at church, meeting new people and loving that community. Among new people I met was a tiny older black lady named "Annie Mae". How great is that?I then spent the afternoon snoozing and watching I Love The 80's. (In related news, I think being one of the people who talks on those I Love The...shows would be my PERFECT JOB. I'd be great.) And Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1130663548732178672005-10-30T09:39:00.000Z2005-10-30T09:18:19.746ZYou have five minutes to wallow in the delicious misery. Enjoy it. Embrace it. Discard it, and proceed. This is a long overdue post. Sorry. To catch everyone up on what some of you know, I am still in St. Louis, and will remain in St. Louis. I did not get the job I was quite sure I was going to get in Scotland (oddly enough, it seems I don’t have enough “youth experience”, despite three years as Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1129282088467979572005-10-14T09:28:00.000Z2005-10-14T09:28:08.473ZLonerLoner Originally uploaded by ThisBeautifulMess.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1129282044552168132005-10-14T09:27:00.001Z2005-10-14T09:27:24.556ZUp25744Up25744 Originally uploaded by ThisBeautifulMess.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1129282027945451702005-10-14T09:27:00.000Z2005-10-14T09:27:07.950ZApartApart Originally uploaded by ThisBeautifulMess.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1129281999176027022005-10-14T09:26:00.000Z2005-10-14T09:26:39.220ZFormerlyFormerly Originally uploaded by ThisBeautifulMess.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1128745724057359222005-10-08T04:29:00.000Z2005-10-08T04:29:29.046ZHey. New Photos.More will come after the weekend.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1128745628641772482005-10-08T04:27:00.000Z2005-10-08T04:27:08.646ZCollectionCollection Originally uploaded by ThisBeautifulMess.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1128745592384418112005-10-08T04:26:00.001Z2005-10-08T04:26:32.390ZConnectionConnection Originally uploaded by ThisBeautifulMess.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1128745573884565132005-10-08T04:26:00.000Z2005-10-08T04:26:13.940Zuntitleduntitled Originally uploaded by ThisBeautifulMess.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1128725990109241022005-10-07T22:57:00.000Z2005-10-07T23:04:33.610ZBest Ever. Oh my goodness. Watch this video. It is, in fact, the hardest I've ever laughed at an internet video. Amazing.(Props to Mr. Blankenship.)Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1128665696887666092005-10-07T06:13:00.000Z2005-10-07T06:35:49.560ZHEY! Smell that?! No, of course not. You’re not here. It’s the smell of FALL! On the phone the other night, Joshua mentioned that South Carolina hasn’t gotten the memo that it’s October. And, until today, neither had Missouri. It’s been sweaty-hot, even in the evenings. But today, the heat finally broke, and we’re down to sunny sweatshirt weather, which is my FAVORITE kind of weather. If Heaven Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1128659435998461932005-10-07T04:29:00.000Z2005-10-07T04:30:36.003ZWhat?Can someone tell me why I'm getting so many links from the Double Minor Hockey Network forums? I can't even log in to see the thread that's linking me. Sheeeesh.Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1128582916022701882005-10-06T07:10:00.000Z2005-10-06T07:16:43.796ZI promise, I'm writing. The thing is, I'm not getting around to typing up what I've been writing. Lots of stuff - really good stuff, actually - has been going on, and I'm writing it down. Just tonight, I sat a Waffle House at 11pm, writing stuff intended for this blog (and some not intended for it). And I've spent time at Starbucks, Borders, Barnes and Noble, all doing the same thing. I think Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1128359268746004492005-10-03T17:06:00.000Z2005-10-03T17:07:48.756ZOn Frontline MourningThese are better days. It would be silly to try and ignore that we – my family – do not have things to deal with, but for now, it feels like the dreaded worst is over. A critical illness has a funny effect on those who love the one who is sick….a lingering dread of knowing what is coming. In a sense, it’s a faint dread that is always there – we know we will one day (likely) Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1128060007209013352005-09-30T05:50:00.000Z2005-09-30T06:15:30.016ZMiddle America is Facinating. (Note: I’ve written some stuff over the past couple of days – flying home, funeral, etc. I’m skipping ahead to today. I might go back to the last few days soon.) Day Two of being back in the Motherland. Everytime I’ve come back to Missouri the last five years, it’s always been a welcome novelty, and it’s always felt like coming home, even back to St Louis which has Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1127590625701853242005-09-24T19:14:00.000Z2005-09-24T19:37:05.706ZI'm sure you understand. Well hey folks, it's Michaela again. (I don't know who this Micaela person is that people keep asking for.)Here's the deal.Many of you know all this, many of you don't.I'm really glad you miss me and all. Really. Thank you, and I appreciate the love. But my friends here have been doing me a big favor, filling in for me here at TBM. This has been the hardest month I've Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1127215585341298672005-09-20T11:19:00.000Z2005-09-20T11:33:16.580Z(Hi, it's Kari again!)In the past few days, I've had a couple of different reasons to go back and look at some of my old writing, mostly old journals. I was looking for insight about a particular situation, one that has gotten surprisingly complicated in the past week. It's interesting to see how, even though I am still dealing with many of the same things that I have been dealing with for years,Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599659156073842867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1126840112413485152005-09-16T02:40:00.000Z2005-09-16T03:08:32.420ZHi. I'm Chrissy. And this evening, I've decided to write a little postage for my good friend Michaela.After reading Mark's post (which was wonderful, by the way) I feel a little guilty bringing this up, but I thought I'd go after the subject that has been placed before me since it is one that Mic and I discuss often...Farting.I had a very eventful year this past year and in the middle of it, I Chrissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13656312198937569865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1126411919358384862005-09-11T04:00:00.000Z2005-09-11T04:11:59.373ZHi, I’m Mark (the Foolish Sage), today’s guest blogger for Beautiful Mess. As the tragedy and chaos that has been the aftermath of Katrina unfolded on my TV screen these past two weeks, it made me reflect on what it means to stare death in the face. I never remember being particularly afraid of dying, even though psychologists and sociologists tell us that it is by far the most pervasive fearMark Traphagenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154312769691773659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1126324634979991722005-09-10T03:53:00.000Z2005-09-10T03:59:43.093Z(Hi. I'm Joshua.)So i'm typing this while wearing a beauty mask. Specifically, my face is coated with Mary Kay's Revitalizing Mask Formula 2, which the gal in pink tells me is "[a] multipurpose mask for combination and oily skin [that] absorbs excess oils and helps remove impurities from the skin's surface." I don't really know what that means, because I am male. What I do know is that at Joshua Blankenshipnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1126235037420727352005-09-09T02:47:00.000Z2005-09-09T03:03:57.430Z(Hi, I'm Kari.)I thought married sleeping would be a little different than it is. More romantic. In movies and in novels, couples often wake up with limbs entangled, but in my house we usually wake up on our respective sides of the bed. With our feet touching in the middle. It just gets too warm to be able to sleep all snuggled together for the entire night. Plus, you know, morning breath. Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599659156073842867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1125980126596657662005-09-06T04:15:00.000Z2005-09-06T06:16:31.583ZHello. My name is Casey, and I'm blogging for Michaela. It took me a little while to decide what to write about and in the end I settled on something random but not uninteresting. I hope. I hope?Animals. That's right. Animals. You see, there are an awful lot of them. Some call them friend. Some call them food. Some call them names. Some call the pest control.Vast are these creatures ofCasey Dukesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1125763974888732062005-09-03T15:51:00.000Z2005-09-03T16:44:18.356ZThat Beautiful MessLet's take a trip, back to before the dawn of time, into that era only dimly remembered as, the 90's. I was just a lad then, I still lived with my parents and apparently, was a slob. I prefer to think that I was a collector of incredibly unimportant things, but I seem to be alone in that.I'll describe my room for you now, have you ever been to or seen a McDonald's Playplace Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569554866684113915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1125679998916423542005-09-02T16:30:00.000Z2005-09-02T16:56:54.726Z "My Lips Are Sealed" Episode: #4.21Well, inspired by some friends (Joy, included), I've decided to take a little blog break.But have no fear. I have blogsitters! I'm excited that some of my closest online (and in person) friends, and some of my favorite bloggers, are stepping up to fill in for me for a while. I don't know exactly how long I'll be away, but I can assure you it will still be worthMichaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4097197.post-1125606846602758592005-09-01T19:43:00.000Z2005-09-01T20:35:23.900ZWelcome, to the hardest week I've had in a long while. So my visa came back last week, just before I left for camping over the weekend in South Wales (not England, as I think I previously stated). I now have a two year resident permit. It's an odd feeling. But that's one weight off my chest that has been there a while. Otherwise, life is slightly overwhelming right now. Overwhelming to the point Michaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07339645564767384946noreply@blogger.com