Le bon Dieu est dans le detail

I always new I like Mies van de Rohe (modern architect circa 1945). . .
The good God is in the detail.  It is also said "the Devil is in the detail".  Think I have felt both vividly!!

All my piles are at my new miniature pad in Zone 2 DC.  Its like living in a Parisian hotel.
Darling, tiny, somehow it fits my needs perfectly.  Even came with a vacuum cleaner.  Thank you Lord! Carpet and Dogs is a nasty combination that I was dreading.  No worries, will just vacuum a lot!

me and li about 11pm after the all the junk was in the new place.  like a pro, malia disappeared right as we were trying to bring in the last round of big stuff.  she went to the social safeway and bought and array of ice cream and fruit.  thanks and not thanks, sister girl.=)

Holy Moly, I  cannot believe the details that came together to make this thing work.  I finally got tags for my car in DC yesterday.  Didn't realize how much stress that was putting on me.  You cant tell anyone, but my Washington State tags had expired in the end of March!  I know, I know.  Idiota!  Well, I did have a garage until today and road the metro mostly to work.  But man, every time I saw a cop I would start thinking exit strategy and look for side roads.  Seriously.  Its a little more appalling now that I have just written in down.  Can't believe I did that!
Well yesterday I arrived on time at 7am to get the dreaded emissions test only to actually fail it!!! Really?

The joys of German, I say!  Love my car, but the engine light seems to come on and off at will with no correlation to a necessary repair.  As my "detail" would have it, they will not pass a car with an engine light on.  No matter what.  You can't get a waiver for it or anything.
So I literally sped up to my favorite mechanic (two Mexican brothers) in Adams Morgan.  Caught the elder for a moment and pleaded that he look at my car for just a minute.  I must have looked pretty pathetic, because he did it.  He plugged it into the computer and reset the computer.  The light went out!  Said it could be the catalytic converter, but if the light doesn't come back on, just come back in a couple years.  Didn't charge me a dime!
After a strangely (strange because I am not used to having pleasant conversations with bosses) pleasant conversation with my new boss at about 2pm I rush back to the inspection station to get my car thru.
It passes instantly and they grant me a sticker.

I still had time to run around the corner and get in line at the worlds busiest DMV in SW DC.  I did wait for almost an hour, but after a pleasant 10 minute conversation with my dear friend Vince, they magically called my number.  My title wasn't sent correctly, but they managed to get me 45 day tags and zone sticker and out the door.

I sat down in the drivers seat at 4pm, 99 degrees and dripping sweat in concrete laden SW and balled.

This was one of the biggest feats of this silly process of moving and finally getting settled.  Cried all they way home.  I just couldn't believe they didn't find some detail to use against me registering my car.  I have watched them laugh people out of that DMV!
God has literally protected me and provided for me even when logic and reason were not at the top of the ticket.  Jesus, thank you so much.

All that and I got home around 4.30pm, which has become more common now that I am at events in DC at least 3 days a week.  Remind me that sitting at the desk is just not a professional option for me.  I love being out and talking with people.  Apparently my new boss loves it too!  He told me yesterday that he is very pleased with my momentum and I am filling the roll exactly as he had hoped.  Phew! Build up. Now I can't sandbag. =)

All my stuff is at the new house, mostly in piles.  But it is all home!
I realized late last night that I have actually never really lived alone.  Not one single time.
Freaked a little, but relieved mostly.  It is so peaceful and no weird relational or emotional baggage to cope with when I walk in the door everyday.  Just one very high maintenance Hound. . .(and one low maintenance Hound).

Check out Malia's Blog. She has cool video of my new spot and us being very tired.
randomlia.blogspot.com

I think that the Devil is in the details for sure!  BUT somehow God is Bigger in the details and makes me able in all things.  Think I have become my radical Believing parents!  After all these years and bit of embarrassment as a kid about parents who talked about Jesus all the time.  I am so there.  I am nothing without Christ and He is my All everyday.
I can totally dig Philippians 4.10-13.  Paul is thanking the Philippians for their gifts. . .

¹⁰I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Uncommon Favor

a good friend of mine, asked me what i meant by uncommon favor.

well here's my theory. . .

when you are in a recovery state from dramatic and desperate times.  we are talking d words like death and divorce here.  things are still normal hard, but weird and large favors seem to swing your way.  unrealistic jobs that pay your attend fun events, inexpensive fabulous rental real estate, sincere friends that seem to have come from nowhere, but feel so familiar. cars that dont break. dogs that dont chew up pillows everyday.  meetings in which your boss thinks your idea is genius and says "lets do it!".  

its like God knows if one more thing went upside down, you would finally jump off the bridge.

so you need these miracles to keep your eyes up and your heart from failing.

wondering if you only get these crazy blessings when you are about to flip.

will they disappear when i become a less fragile wreck?  guess I will have to wander down that dark alley to find out.

events around me seem to be shaping up for maximum happiness, and i find myself waiting for the other shoe to drop.  didn't think happiness would be in the picture for me right now.  joy, maybe, at breath and life.  but happiness seemed a little out of my league.

really, it can't be this fun.  really, my boss cannot like me that much. really, my car has not broken in 9 months (thats a record).  really, i can't live in a beautiful neighborhood and have nice neighbors.  truly it cannot be this wonderful and light to my heart to live and be free.

guess i was wrong way back in february.  i am a little jaded.  can you fault me?  the tarnish will rub off eventually.  at this point, i am just so scared of getting my feelings hurt.  then i really would leap. 

so here goes the experiment. . .transitioning from a war torn country to 3rd world country.  how will we fare?

 The Fantastic Four (and Jillian and Steve - middle) made it to 19th St Baptist (on 16th =)) today.  Walked across the street to an Estate Sale and found a beautiful antique silver watch for $5. The world has been a brighter place since I stopped sleeping in on Sunday mornings.  Funny huh

Look at all the other fun things we did this weekend!

Down the hill at a bend in Rock Creek on Saturday with Malia and the dudes.  Kelley does go on these outings too!  Just can't get her to hold still for a picture.

poached eggs on smoked salmon at tabard inn on saturday.  wow!  

dewy day (can ya tell by the shine on my face) at Steak and Eggs on Wisconsin today after church. 

a definite joint.

my new house! as of thursday.  the yellow one.  english basement living here i come!

My prize hound sitting perfect and praying I let him off the leash to chase down a squirrel. Sorry buddy, your track record proceeds you.

Nighty, night.=)

Two exits to the rear and Two exits to the front kids.

I think we have finally landed.  After sitting on the tarmac for about 3 months, me, Kelley, and Clyde are starting to make and live a real life.  Not someone else's and not in a dream world or on a movie set.  The realities bring me down on occasion, but the genuine experience is so sweet.

Quick recap on the chaos that has arrived us.  Found a tiny and darling space in Georgetown. Somehow angels were with me as I applied for the or at least emailed the landlord on 35th St NW.  I just realized, I never even filled out an application.  Totally ridiculous and wonderful.
Had to break my lease on Lamont St.  Was horribly stressful communicating with my undiagnosed, bipolar roommate.  Thought I might not make it thru.  Just kept remembering the cute yellow brick and black shutters waiting for me on the other side.
After all that, Mom and Dad helped me with the deposit and Ms. L found someone to replace me.
Moving next thursday night and flipped some weekend schedule around.  So next weekend is going to be straight fun.

New prayer request:  There are always things coming my way and I just pray I can do my best and let God do the rest.  That is absolutely all I can do.  I squirm so much.  But have noticed the more I do my best, then pray, listen and sit still - things come together and provision is there.

God, thank you for taking care of me.  I need you so much.  Do not want to lose one little bit of trust or faith over these next few months.  Please allow me to feel life and live life within your boundaries.  Seems like there is a greater freedom there.  Help me understand how and who to be in the now chapter.

me and mari at Puro Cafe for Fashion Fights Poverty (last night)

greatest patio in georgetown.  Couches and drapes.  Birds and Water.  Lovely!

A little more breaking.

I feel myself turning back inside.  Guess its because things continue to break and I can't seem to get a hold on it.  Need tags for my car, new drivers license, resources to move and find a new roommate to replace me.
Need a dog walker and new windshield for my car.  An alignment would be nice (for my car!).
The goes on and on.  Today is my last day off and all of this still needs to get in line for accomplishment.

I remember things being chaotic in the old world, but I don't remember it being like this constantly.
Plus, I miss being rich.  Whats up with that?  I don't want to need help anymore.  I want to help everyone else be okay.

Will be great to get fully engaged in new job on Monday.  I am so much more productive with less time on my hands.  Feel teary with frustration at the goodness I cannot seem to settle into and enjoy.

Running for a bit. Then lunch with Hope and afternoon with Samantha.  Maybe I can drag Malia out of her cocoon this evening. . .=)

Hung out at my friends Walter's (Shoot for Change) photo shoot on Tuesday.  He is so goofy, he gave me Production Assistant credit.  I really just sipped coffee and watched.  It was really fun.  More of that!!!

Pyro Kid Speaks in Faith.

Lightin' matches and watching them burn. Again!
guess what?! I am moving. (staying in DC kids!) Well, all the ducks a have to organize in the next few days.
But I feel pretty confident that this is a definite answer to prayer.
Its not too expensive, its is in an extraordinary location and for some strange reason the landlord and upstairs tenants really like me.
When I say, like, I mean crazy. I emailed the landlord in with full expectation of never hearing back. Had to tell her I have two big hound dogs. Generally on the west side of the Park, you better own you house if you want to have large wild animals present.
Seriously less than an hour after I emailed her, she wrote me back asking if I would "accept" their offer of this english basement unit. Are you kidding!!! God went before me. That is all I can say.
Of course, financially it is not the best time to be making a switch, but emotionally it will be a huge help. It is so peaceful and both me and the dogs will sleep better every day without a Wino occupant to offer up entertainment 3-4 nights per week.
Will be working 7 days a week for a few more months. So worth it. Think it will start to feel like an authentic life for our little Benitez micro family. Me and the dudes (dogs, not dates!) are starting to feel like we fit. Having a tiny little Georgetown abode of our own will make it feel that much more genuine and beautiful.

I shall report back shortly on the finality of the scenario. Seems to be shaping up to be among the first of my own unreasonable stories of faith and provision in this new life. Grateful. Grateful. Grateful.

Still stuck on Philippians 2:12-13. Pray AND Work it out continually.

Kelley and Clyde providing free therapy services and a little french kissing to Malia. =)

Sweet Spirit

On this fine Mothers day it seems like there was a Sweet Spirit about the town.  With the exception of one bespectacled skinny little man docent at the Phillips Collection, people seemed like someone had just give them a fat hug.  Everyone was so pleasant today.  Not say people are not nice here.  But seems to run extremes of nice and very crabby.  Today, there was no extreme, just a gentle pillow of kindness.

People were wandering around in pairs and almost every guy I have seen has been carrying flowers.  How cool is that!  It feels like God has put a little extra grace over the city today.

Looking pretty tired today, but see those flowers?. . .they are both for one of the new mommies in my building. . . hanging at work on Sunday night.

Truly just hoping this isn't a temporary grace.  So refreshing!  Like a hug from your mom and big glass of water with lemon in it, all at one time.  Still making frustrating decisions like which bills to pay and which to hold off and ride a late charge on. . . could use some grace on that.  But for these 5 minutes I feel like it will get taken care of somehow.  

Hoping He put a little extra grace in with one Miss Robin today too.  I miss my mommy.

Song for the road. . 

D Day

Talk, talk, talk. BAM.  Its here.  Gave notice on Wednesday and they accepted my two weeks notice.
Next day, unhappy, fear ruling boss decides Friday should be my last day.  So as not to disrupt the office morale, you know. . .
Freaking a bit about an entire week without pay.  But looking forward to sleeping until I am sick of it for 5 days straight!

By the Way - Last week I was whining that my pants were too big.  So I inserted a bagel and (light) cream cheese per day into my diet.  Did you know that you can go from Zero to Puffy in only a week with the Bagel and Cream Cheese breakfast?  Only one week and you too, can go from wha, wha, "I am too small" to "be careful what you wish for, stupid." =)

Trying to hear Philippians 2.12-13 today:

¹²Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

(Think that means I am supposed to pray AND work on it. =))

 

Last time you will catch me in this L-Shaped Fantasy. . .

Angels in May

Had a little time to drink some coffee on the deck and do a tinsy bit of yoga this morning. The dogs and I sat and watched the variety of birds come to the big tree and eat the little seeds. Nice to have birds that aren't just crows in the back yard.=)

As I locked the front door to walk to the metro, a song popped into my head for no particular reason. Couldn't stop singing it! Maybe I was intoxicated from the sweetness of flowers, birds and sunshine. (Malia did say something about the gardenia smelling so good, she wished she could smoke it. . .whole 'nother post!) But it was clear as day in my head. . .
Hark the Herald Angels Sing. No joke. Guess what? The words are not just for Christmas. Check it out. . .



Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"


Don't want to forget this time in life. So Hard, but so, so Sweet. God is talking to me and answering prayers every single day.

"Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings"

Feeling free!

	No jewelry, makeup and no car. Heading down to dupont on foot to have some tangy sweet and then a mojito with the girls. Did I mention I got a job offer today!

Exhaustion is the name of the game.

Hola.  Well guess what.  Working 7 days per week can really take it out of you.  Seems like it shouldn't be that bad if you just go to bed at a reasonable hour and get all kinds of good REM.
Think you actually need more than REM, you need REST. =)
I missed church today.  Not a huge deal, just feels like the week hasn't really reached any sort of milestone when there is not church or major family event on Sunday.  Kinda desperate for some church or major family event lately.
Like being an autonomous girl with a house, car and dogs of my own.  Missing the hassle of family plans that always seem to get in the way before.

So far the grass on this side is a limey shade of yellow.  Definitely not quite green yet.

 Picture of the Cherry Blossoms near the Capitol.  It is going to be a beautiful and hot summer!!!