BrianandLibby.com

It is very hot today. So hot in fact that we have finally resigned to putting in our air conditioners. I can’t believe we lasted this long without them. There were a couple of hotter evenings when I woke up and Brian was gone…he’d moved downstairs halfway through the night b/c it’s so much cooler! I try not to take it personally :).  Thanks to Chad for putting the A/C’s in…Chad is meticulous about making sure there is an energy efficient seal around the A/C…it is kind of funny to watch, but it works!

Anyways, today it is hot. Today we are also excited b/c my cousin Phoebe and her husband Bill (and their entourage, aka 3 kids) are coming to visit for the weekend! We are so excited. They haven’t been out here since we moved into the house. And we’ve been telling them they have to come during track season. When they found out Ed Young was speaking at Northway this weekend, they decided to come out. And what do you know, it’s opening weekend at the track! Thanks to Samtastic for watching their “entourage” so we can go to dinner and enjoy hats off weekend up in Saratoga.

A few months ago, my mom called me and told me that her church was planning a short term missions trip to Kenya. She was really interested in going but her fears were coming at her stronger than ever. My dad was always the big overseas traveler, and she went only when he accompanied her. He also did a lot of overseas missions, and she had hoped that her first trip would have been with Him. At the same time, she knew missions had always been written on his heart when he was alive. After he was diagnosed with his terminal cancer, fully knowing his days on earth were numbered, he went to Pakistan for two weeks to minister to the people there.

There were plenty of excuses available to her…the long flight would be difficult, most of her peers were traveling with a spouse or family member, her gluten allergy would pose a problem when they had little control over what they’d eat there, she’d have to take time off of work…and the list goes on. But she decided God had this in His plans for her, and she decided to go.

A series of baby steps and decisions in faith later, my mom is in Kenya! She has been writing short e-mails to keep us posted. Today I got a rather long one in response to something I wrote her yesterday. I had shared with her that Brian and I were trying to think of everyday heroes to use as examples of modern day heroes for his message this weekend, and we thought of her. She could have decided that the odds were against her, but she decided to fulfill God’s purpose for her life, one step at a time. Here is what she wrote:

I have tears in my eyes from reading your email. It soooooooo encourages me.  If I could just tell you how God has been my “cover” for so many things that I thought would give me problems when I traveled overseas without Dad. See, I always dreamed we would do our first missions trip together…to Pakistan, with him as my buffer and protecter.  It made me scared.  You know how I am shy and don’t like to ask questions (especially in another language)? I didn’t know what I would eat? Silly, I know, but a big fear for me. God has covered me in so many ways. I am eating here better than at home as our host cooks (the husband is also allergic to gluten). British Airways let me preorder gluten free meals!  

I have overcome the shyness in the ENT clinic. I just had to, and God gave me the courage. The greatest thing for me is working in the ENT clinic and fitting some children/adults with hearing aids. Until yesterday, they had never been able to hear before!

Also, yesterday at our women’s seminar (280 women showed up, some walked for 1.5 hours), I was able to give a brief testimony in front of them, then lead a workshop, with Annete, on grieving with about 40 women. I was very tense about it. Many of these women have lost husbands AND children and siblings…to AIDS. When the women lose their husband, sometimes their property is taken away and they cannot grow their own food! God helped Annette and I to hold it together as we shared our grief stories, and in turn, they shared with us. It was a moment in time I will not forget. Another miracle. At the clinic I had an interpreter to help me and guess what his name was? Pastor Peter! Seems like quite a coincidence.I hope this might encourage some to consider stepping out into action. We do not work on our own power. It’s His power working in us.  Take the first step and he will work unbelievable miracles.

Check out updates and blogs from the AIM Kenya Missions Team, as well as an amazing post ”Obstacles” written by my mom, here.

Yes, there are two debates stemming from the burger joint. Brian chose to make this debate public in a very non-neutral setting this week…he took a vote at church, and I’m sad to say the numbers were somewhat in his favor. I attribute this to the fact that no one wanted to raise their hand and upset the Pastor…and he told a very biased version of the story, so I would like to tell my side, to my audience.

At Red Robin you get bottomless fries. Delicious? Yes. However I quickly learned that I always left this particular establishment with a stomachache, which I linked to the sheer volume of food consumed. Citing french fries as the cause of my internal distress, I decided that I needed to reduce my consumption (not eliminate, but reduce) of the bottomless fries. My problem is that if there is something on my plate, I WILL eat it. End of story. And when you have just sat down and you’re starving and they place a fresh basket of fries in front of you…forget it! I’m eating them!

So a few months ago I learned that I could sub a salad for the fries that came with my meal free of charge. I always did this in large groups, so someone at the table did order a meal with fries and I got to partake of the basket that was brought out before the meal, get my fry fix, and leave without feeling sick. It was the perfect solution. Half the time I don’t even touch the salad, it just keeps me from having those delectable fries on my plate (and eventually in my mouth).

Brian has always argued that my behavior is unethical. He thinks that the bottomless fries are for the people who order meals with fries. I think they’re for the table, as long as one person orders a meal with fries. Last week I put this theory to the test. It was just myself and Brian. I subbed for salad, he didn’t. And in the interests of morality, I myself, after asking for salad instead of fries, asked the waitress if we could have some fries…”for the table.”

And she said yes! This was not enough evidence for Brian (who when the fries came, put them in my lap and refused to let me have any, like he was defending the moral fibers of eating out or something). Come on! Those fries cost them next to nothing! And despite my sometimes insatiable hunger, it’s not like I’m going through 3 baskets of them! I just want a few to get my fix and I’m done. So, what’s the verdict?

Last night Brian and I headed to Red Robin to meet up with some friends for dinner. When Red Robin opened, I was of course exhilirated since I am a huge cheeseburger fan. I guess I kind of think of myself as a cheeseburger aficionado…I only eat the really good ones, and I like to try all different kinds and critique them. I’ve tried a lot of the gourmet burgers on Red Robin’s menu, but lately have settled on the delicious “Royal Red Robin Burger” as the most worthy to consume. Brian still bounces around, the Bleu Ribbon, the Sauteed Shrooms, the Whiskey River BBQ…you get the point.

Last night as we drove down, I realized that I’ve never gotten a plain cheeseburger at Red Robin. What a sad thought, since it is the foundation on which the establishment was built, and according to their menu “the one upon [they] have built [their] fame.” I expressed to Brian that I think it’s a shame that all of these souped up versions of the original steal the show from the original, which is probably the best of all.

This sparked some lively discussion (def. marital squabble) between us. Brian firmly believes that all of the fancier gourmet burgers on the menu are an improvement on the original (aka BETTER than a plain old cheeseburger). But I firmly hold to the belief that, while they’re all very good, they’re not the original. In my estimation, there is nothing better than a plain cheeseburger with the timeless fixins…tomato, lettuce, mayo, ketchup, onions and/or pickles.

We even asked the Reb Robin waitress who gave some crafty but still indecisive and politically correct answer (she used the phrase “virtual cornucopia of burger choices”). Alas, we are left with no answer. So what is the verdict? Can you improve upon the original cheeseburger?

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to share this, but I met someone famous! It was a magical moment. Here’s the story.

I was in Stamford for a sales meeting and had a free evening, so I hopped on the 5:30 train from Stamford to NYC to visit my little sis in the big city. I had mentioned that since I wanted to get an early train back, we should eat somewhere close to Grand Central Station to maximize the 2.5 hours we had to spend together. I also, however, mentioned that I was in the mood for sushi or Indian food. So Caroline concluded from that information that we should take a cab (financed by yours truly) to and from Grand Central Station to a great place called Spice Market about a 15 minute cab ride away. In her defense, it was a great restaurant and a great evening and, yes, I even made my 9:25 train…by 2 minutes!

So anyways, we’re minding our business tucked in the corner of this bustling restaurant, and I notice a familiar face walking up to the bar just behind us…it was Ryan from The Office (B.J. Novak). He was sitting with a girl immediately behind Caroline, thus in my direct line of vision. All conversation was lost, and we spent the remainder of our meal arguing over whether or not it was appropriate for me to say something.

Caroline has lived in the city all of 2 months now, so she felt the need to protect the anonymity of her fellow New Yorker, and pretty much begged me not to go up to him. I, however, noted that he was with a girl, and probably on a date, so my introducing myself as a fan would only score him points. Then I realized he was with his fellow cast member Kelly (Mindy Kaling). My rationale went out the window. I decided I didn’t live in New York and was a tourist so although my actions may have been inappropriate, they were not out of character. I also have a pretty high threshold for embarassment so, after going to the bathroom a few times to make sure it was them, I went for it.

On my way out, I had my glorious 40 second interaction with them. I told them I was a huge fan, and Mindy (in typical Kelly fashion) smiled and was totally sweet back. I proceeded to tell her I loved her b/c I’m Paki (and she’s Indian) and thanked her for “representing” for all the brown girls. Yes, I actually said that. She loved it though. I made sure to leave before I was asked to, and all in all, it went pretty well.

As I left I realized it was Thursday night, 8:30 pm (The Office airtime). Furthermore, I was staying in STAMFORD for the week (former Dunder Mifflin branch location), and Brian was in SCRANTON for the week (Dunder Mifflin branch location). How crazy is that. I guess you could say the stars were aligned. Get it? STARS?

I’ve been reading this book by Mark Batterson (slowly) for several weeks. At first I was reading it slowly out of convenience; because I only had a few minutes here and there. But now I’m savoring it slowly like you eat the last piece of cheesecake in your fridge…I want to make sure I have something left tomorrow (and the next day for that matter). Every time I read a few pages I walk away feeling armed and ready to take the world by storm. There are too many good quotes in this book to list them all here, so I’ll just leave you with a few words from what I read today:

From Chapter 6: Playing it Safe is Risky

There are basically two approaches to life: playing to win and playing to not lose. Too many of us are tentatively playing the game of life as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.

Is anybody else tired of the church playing defense? Why is it that the church is known more for what we’re against than what we’re for? Why does it seem like the church is always in a defensive posture? Maybe it’s time for Christ followers to put on crash helmets and play offense.

We need to stop criticizing culture and start creating it. Paul didn’t boycott Aeropagus. He didn’t stand outside with a picket sign: “Athenian Idolaters Are Going to Hell in a Hand Basket.” Paul wasn’t playing to lose. Paul was playing to win, so he went toe-to-toe with some of the greatest philosophical minds in the ancient world. Paul competed for the truth on their turf.

Instead of complaining about the current state of affairs, we need to offer better alternatives. We need to make better movies and better music. We need to write better books. We need to start better schools and better businesses. As the old aphorism suggests, we need to stop cursing the darkness and start lighting some candles!

In the words of Michelangelo, we need to criticize by creating. And you can’t create without taking a calculated risk.

Hopefully that wets your appetite. Now go buy (and read) the book! If that’s not enough for you, Mark Batterson will be speaking at Northway Church on August 18th and 19th.

So my first week in the field was…interesting. After my first day I was very motivated to get out there again and outperform myself (which was no great feat considering my performance on day 1). By Friday, I had explored about half of my territory, had one very good call, and perfected my three-point-turn. All in all, I’m pleased.

Even better news, I think I’m really going to like this job! I like the pace; being in and out of my car, racing to my next office (within the speed limit of course)competing with myself and trying to do better every time. I’ve also discovered some of the more practical challenges of being on the road all day…like what do you do when you have to go to the bathroom? (Answer: make a mental note of which offices have restrooms that aren’t locked). And I have been bringing a little cooler with me with water and snacks so I don’t eat fast food every day.

Anyways, Thursday was our 4-year anniversary (yay!) and we celebrated by going out of town this weekend; a fabulous ending to my first week in the field. We headed out to the Finger Lakes with Jason and Kristy. Jason was competing in the Musselman Triathlon Saturday morning (he took second place in his age group!) and we thoroughly enjoyed cheering him on (along with all others who “tri’d”). It was awesome, and I have a completely different understanding of persistence and motivation than I did before observing this event. Will I ever run a triathlon? Mmmm, probably not. But I have great admiration for those who do!

Jason and Kristy convinced us to stay at a Bed and Breakfast, which we had not done previously as a result of a skewed understanding of such establishments. Out opinion has since changed…it was awesome and much more homey than a hotel, yet still offered top of the line accommodations. Not to mention the breakfast was much better. We highly recommend this place to anyone who ventures out that way.

But I digress…the point is, when I got home late Sunday night I was of course wishing for one more weekend-day instead of another long week trying to catch my rhythm out in the field. Much to my surprise, there was an e-mail with a new schedule for me to follow over the next two weeks. Monday, Wednesday and Friday I would be completing additional home study, and the remaining two days would be spent in the field, either riding with someone or continuing to go out on my own. My beloved slower paced workdays at home have returned to me! YAY! I am of course thrilled and will eat up every minute of it.

Ok, lunch break is over, gotta go…learn stuff.

Just when I thought I had everything under control (never actually the case) I get a curveball! My expectation was that I’d have 2 weeks to drive around (translated: get very lost) and start introducing myself to offices (translated: get rejected every half hour) before attending my three week training, after which I would hit the field. However today I learned that my training is postponed and I’m actually going to start in the field now!

Yes, NOW! As in, first thing tomorrow morning, I will be making REAL calls to my actual clients. Aaaaah! I’ve had about 12 hours to digest this information and I think that I’m ok with it. Mostly because I have to be, but also because I really don’t think I’ll ever be “ready” to get out there and start, so why not now? Thanks to a very realistic manager and co-worker, I am fully aware that I should expect a lot of rejection, disappointment, and definitely some complete blunders in front of clients…it is BOUND to happen so it will be better if I expect it rather than having shock accompany my embarassment, right?

So I’ve roughly mapped out my route for tomorrow and have purchased the largest, most comprehensive, and, not surprisingly, the most expensive atlas of the Capital Region I could find at Borders. I hope it helps a little. Either way, it’s no turning back! I’ll let you know how it goes.

Yesterday was a weird day. It didn’t feel like the fourth of July at all, mostly because of the weather (and the fact that Wednesday is just a weird day for the fourth). But as it turns out, I think it was just the Fourth of July I needed. See, I’m nearing the end of eleven glorious weeks spent almost exclusively in my home. Although I haven’t been on vacation the entire time, even working from home is a pace much gentler than my previous daily grind.

It’s nice to get up, shower, throw jeans on, make coffee and work in an office ten feet from your bedroom. I’ve also noticed that my house is significantly cleaner, since in my twisted obsessive-compulsive world, doing the dishes or laundry somehow works as a reward for completing portions of my home study. So as the day goes on, I usually end up not only completing my work for the day, but also tidying up my house. Not bad.

Anyways, even though I’ve been home, I haven’t been enough of a bum. I get up early, I shower, and even on days that I’m not working, I do something productive. I’ve painted almost every wall and piece of trim in my house, and kept up the flowers and plants outside. I keep busy. When I first realized I would have a lot of time between jobs, I vowed to take one day completely to myself. I would not be productive or useful. I would have the day of rest you always dream about when you’re perpetually busy. But I haven’t done it.

Yesterday gave me just such an opportunity (and in just the nick of time, since Monday I start working out in the field). I slept until 9. I showered right away, but got back into sweats. I watched 2-3 consecutive hours of Flip that House and caught up on some old Friends episodes on my DV-R (always a pleasure). I ate a turkey sandwich with chips on it. Ahh, just like old times.

Then around four we had a leisurely and enjoyable barbecue with some close friends. Without the rain, I would not have felt like I could totally veg out and accomplish nothing. So I offer my thanks to the crappy weather that came through yesterday. Although it cost me seeing fireworks in the evening, it was well worth it during the day.

The most tangible perk of my new job is the fact that they supply me with a fleet vehicle (def - free car for both work and personal use, for which I do not pay gas, insurance, maintenance, etc, and is never more than 2 years/60k miles old). Pretty awesome. I won’t get my car until after training, which ends in mid August. I was, however, given a rental on my start date. Enterprise manages the rental, and on the day I happened to drop in, the only car they had in the “full size” class was a Jeep Compass. My initial reaction was that it was my lucky day. The test of time has shown that, alas, it was not.

I have since compiled a long list of complaints for this car. I immediately noticed that visibility in it is horrible…and I’ve driven cars of all shapes and sizes. Every lane change is a leap of faith in this vehicle because there is such a large percentage of space around you that you absolutely cannot see, neither directly, nor via mirror. Next, I noticed that it has power roughly equivalent to that of a lawnmower. When you accelerate quickly, it just makes an extremely loud noise and sort of slugs along. You kind of feel bad for it, so you let off the gas. This way it never has to work too hard. Sneaky little car.

Even more negatively impactful was the fact that any passenger in this vehicle (and sometimes even the driver) found themselves extremely nauseous and sometimes lightheaded. This I cannot explain, but trust me, it’s been tested, and it’s true. The last straw was when I discovered (while driving 3 hours to Stamford, CT) that the Jeep Compass does NOT have cruise control. Combined with the fact that the gas pedal is so oddly situated that my heel does not touch the ground when I drive it, this was a dealbreaker. I have to drive back and forth from NJ soon for training, and I need me some cruise control.

So I called Enterprise first thing Monday. They put me in a Mitsubishi Galant. I was prejudiced from the get-go (because I’ve test driven them and, well, didn’t buy one) but I went to pick it up anyways. It smelled strongly of smoke, was dirty, and had squealy brakes. I was back at the store within an hour. Sorry, I’m usually not a pain but this is my primary transportation mode for the next 6 weeks, and I will be spending a lot of time in it.

They offered me a white Dodge Magnum, which the rep described to me as “P-I-M-P” (yes, he spelled it). Can you picture me, in all of my five foot two glory, driving one of those? I’m not sure if he thought I would want one or if that was all they had, but I think my facial expression conveyed my lack of enthusiasm for the Magnum.

Fortunately, the Magnum wasn’t where it was supposed to be, and I ended up with a sweet new Maxima, which I expected to be acceptable, but has proven to be much more. Not only does nothing bother me in this (awesome) car, I’m actually looking for excuses to drive every hour or so. It will be a miracle if I do not get a speeding ticket in the next six weeks. Don’t worry, I’m staying within reasonable and usually legal speed ranges, I just get there quicker :)! When I get on the highway I’ve noticed that it’s so smooth that my speed creeps up without me noticing. Fortunately, I should be ok, because it DOES have cruise control.