Grumpus and the Annoying Rumpus

Dear Mik Chiks—

...for your awesome Beanie Baby Sleeping Bag Giveaway.

 There's someone who's driving me nuts.

Our paths cross once or twice a week, and that's not avoidable. And I could list all of the things about her that make me want to run, screaming, from the room where she is...but those things aren't really the point. It's a personality thing--we're just so very, very different, and some of her personality quirks that cause me to clench my jaw are thought to be endearing by others.

Oh, all right. I'll give you a few.

The Great Movie coNUNdrum

Greetings Readers,

 With December so close, I thought we could make one final push for the December movie boycott.  The plan is to stay away from all films, regardless of rating, made by studios who allow the Lord's names to be used in vain in their "G" rated movies.

Our Thanksgiving Day Proclamation!

Happy Thanksgiving Loyal Readers!

First I'd like to say that I'm extremely thankful for running into Deanna L. in the Walmart parking lot the other day, and how right there on the spot she gave me the Fly Lady's recipe for roasting a turkey.  I hadn't been in charge of the turkey/dinner since our first year of marriage in South Korea.  The Koreans, for the record, were of no help back then.  Anyway, I committed Deanna's instructions to memory and thereby whipped out one succulent bird from the oven today.  Woo-hoo!

Proclamation:  We love this holiday.

Connecting Luv: Who Will it be for Sherah?

Black=Mik Chiks

Cornflower Blue=AJ/Eva

Greetings Readers!

Eva and AJ—mostly Eva, have been engrossed in Connecting Luv Duties.  Here are the results:

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have two candidates for sweet and funny 19-year-old Sherah's choosing (which, as you will see, we take from her—as we have the power of veto).

Presenting…  Kyle T.!!
Kyle is 20 years old and currently attending Northwest University, where he's working on a Youth Ministry major. Growing up as a pastor’s kid means he’s been pretty involved in the church forever (in his lifetime, anyways!).  The great thing about that – he learned the term “volunteer” actively; no dictionary needed!

In high school he considered himself a nerd – look in the band room/computer room/history room and you're sure to find him! Kyle was part of band from junior high through highschool; he also did drama for a couple years and was part of the school knowledge-bowl team (think Jeopardy with teams).  When it comes to homework and things of which he’s not a huge fan, Kyle waits for the procrastination pressure to kick in; however when he’s found his niche, things get done in no time!  

The 2010 Fabulous Holiday Giveaway!

Black= Both

Red=Maddie

Purple=Lisa

Greetings Fine Readers!

In celebration of Thanksgiving week, and all the holiday bliss that follows, we at Connecting Now are going all-Oprah on you and hosting our first ever (highly anticipated) GIVEAWAY!

This is no ordinary giveaway, my friends. Most blogs distribute books or not-previously-owned gifts that people generally like, but can never really love, because well. The gifts are unlovable.

Not so today! Connecting Now is offering you all a chance to score actual handmade relics from Madeline Mikitarian's childhood, and some of her limited edition personal memorabilia!

Connecting Luv: Sherah L.

Readers!

Some of you are curious as to how our lil lovebirds, AJ and Eva are fairing. Reports are that things are going quite well. They've been emailing one another and  had their first phone conversation on Wednesday. It lasted for almost an hour and covered a wide range of topics.

On Eva's end, she likes AJ's voice, which is something that is very important to her. (Once, a friend tried to set her up with a guy, but when he left a voicemail on her phone she hated his voice and didn't want to call him back.) So good for you, AJ! She also likes AJ's sweetness, and loves learning new things about him.

As for AJ, word on the street is that it is impossible for him to mention Eva without smiling. Which in our experience, is always a good sign. :)

But enough of that! AJ and Eva, your time of sitting around, making googly eyes over the Internet and thinking of nobody but yourselves is over! Because this is where Connecting Luv gets tricky.

As you know, readers, we at Connecting Now enjoy establishing the occasional arbitrary rule.  And here's a brilliant one, if we do say so ourselves.

We have a new Luv case for you all today. A lovely lady from the U of Arizona, Sherah L. We actually spoke with Sherah live over Skype a couple weeks ago and got to know her. (It was great, and we are sure to institute more Skype dates with our readers in the future.)

-She is 19 years old.

 -She's studying to be a nurse.
-She's never really been in love. 

-If she were a flower, she thinks she'd be a daisy. Fun, cute, and perennial.

-The night before our interview she was playing Guitar Hero, during which she belted Blondie's 'One Way or Another'. (We really like this girl.)

-She'd like to someday take vacations that are not contingent on where she has relatives.

-She likes morning classes.

-She's creative/crafty.

-She is a bit of a procrastinator. Loves that Snooze Button. At the time of our interview she had a big test on Islam in a couple of days that she had not studied for. (How'd that go, by the way? We're sure you nailed it.)

-She's 5'6", has gorgeous baby blues, and thick lucsious hair. (We're eyeballing that last one.)

-She's shy until she knows you.

-She's only skipped a few classes this semester...usually to cram for exams in other classes...

-She has a slight crush on Taylor Lautner, the werewolf from Twilight.

-Her Christian faith is extremely important to her and she'd like to do things right.  She's looking for a friendship with someone that could grow into something more. She doesn't want to get into anything super serious right now. Just somebody to have meaningful conversations with and bounce ideas off of.

-Sherah's got mad musical talent and loves to sing :)

How Can You Resist This Face?

Basically: Sherah is a girl who you need to know, whether you want to date her or not. Your life isn't complete until you're at least her friend on Facebook.

So Eva and AJ, this is where you come in! Since you have both had the benefit of meeting someone on Connecting Luv, it's time for you to pay it forward  (like Haley Joel Osmond) and find a fella for Sherah!

That's right! The new rule is that once you get Connected, you have to return the favor and help the next brother/sister out!

Now, some of you may jump to the pessimistic conclusion that we are just being lazy and trying to get out of Yenta duties. Not so. You see, Connecting Luv doesn't just plant seedlings and then abandon them. Oh no. By giving our couples a love-related project to work on, we provide them with a joint mission and opportunity to learn even more about one another. Kind of like a canoe trip, but with less water.

So whenever you doubt us, just remember that we are ALWAYS doing you favors.

Booyah.

AJ and Eva, it's time to whip out those contact lists and find a guy for Sherah to talk to. Please have him write a brief letter describing himself and his impressions of Sherah that we may post on this blog. Also some pictures, if he's comfortable.

However, Readers, if you've been looking over all this info and you have a young man who you think would be perfect for Sherah, don't hesitate to nominate him. Just send us the guy's info, and we'll forward it to Eva and AJ so that they can contact him themselves.

If it's not awkward, we're not really having fun!

Okay you matchmakers, get to it!

(Also, Sherah I'm sure you understand by now that we'll be expecting the same from you when the next edition of Connecting Luv comes out. Don't worry, it'll be great.)

XOXO

-Maddie and Lisa

The Lines are Open!

P.S.  We haven't forgotten about our promise of announcing the MOST UNUSUAL GIVEAWAY IN THE HISTORY OF GIVEAWAYS.  Just taking care of a final few details.

When Cats Crack Whip

Dear Mik Chiks,
I have a coNUNdrum, but if you are not a cat person, you may not be sympathetic to my dilemma.

Ten years ago, I adopted a very young male kitten, who had been abandoned in the bushes. Our only child-cat was not thrilled with the new family member, and would pick on him and these conditions eventually lead to the kitten’s behavioral issues.

As he grew older, he would, unprovoked, suddenly bite me. I responded by giving him time out. I never knew when to expect an attack, but did not think anything was seriously wrong. (I wished now that I would have administered corporal punishment)

Hiding Something Under There? Under Where?

Black=both

Red=Maddie

Purple=Lisa

Good Monday Morning!

There’s a trait that’s common among advice-givers.  It’s not attractive.

Basically, once we get going on advising it’s hard for us to wait until someone asks for help when it's plain as a glazed donut that they need it.  Sometimes it's our job to be one step ahead of the coNUNdrumee .

Chicken Feed for Chicken Feet: Writer Cries Foul

Hi Lisa,

I'm finally getting to you with my conundrum. I recently landed a regular writing job for an online magazine. However, as soon as my stories post, my Google Alerts picks them up on other sites. It seems there are those out there that think that anything online is free for the taking. I asked my editor about it, and he said he gave up fighting it a long time ago. Since they give me my byline and my bio with a link to my blog, he thinks it's free publicity.

Should Doubting Writer Give It Up?

Good Morning on a Daylight Savings Time Monday! 

 Unless you live in Arizona—then it's just a Good Monday Morning—they must've forgotten to pay their time-changing dues.  But let's not dwell on what we don't have.  Maddie's baaaack!  We'll hear from her on Wednesday—today she's busy NaNoing—of her own accord.  Don't believe her if she babbles about whip-cracking.  In fact, there are many stories of hers which you should not believe.

Our first coNUNdrum of the week was a private message to me, not meant for the blog, but I asked if I could print it here to show what a kind person I am.  No, not really, though you might think so by what she wrote.  Ask Maddie about me being a kind person—she'll dispel the rumor.  I'm printing "Doubting Writer's" message because I can't think of a single creative person I know who doesn't go through self-doubt from time to time.

Background:  Doubting Writer is a member of FaithWriters and participates in the weekly Writing Challenge.  Members submit entries based on a prompt.  Those entries are judged by a panel of professional editors and then placement is awarded. 

Placing in The Challenge feels great.  Not placing can feel not-so-great.  Here's what Doubting Writer wrote:

Dear Lisa,
Thank you so much for going out of your way to leave a sweet comment on my story. It meant a lot to me.  This week's story, "Passing Notes" felt like the best piece I've ever written. If it weren't for your kind comments, I might just give up and admit that even my best isn't very good. I'm beginning to realize that I'll never be gifted at writing stories and that maybe my goal should be to read others and encourage the writers who are amazing. Thank you for all of your kindness.
Love,
Shxxx Vxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  (She gave me permission to use her name, but I feel protective of her.  This way, those of you who know her can rally support.)

Dear Doubting Writer,

 Although reading/supporting other writers is uplifting for them and a good way for you to improve your own skills, I don’t believe this is what you are destined for.  Not by a long shot.  God gave you the desire to write, and unless He makes it clear to you that He has something else in mind, you shouldn't let a rating system mess with your resolve.

You noted that your last story was your best to date.  You are growing.  That's what counts.  I love Spurgeon's quote:  By perseverance even the snail made it to the ark.  Some pursuits take longer than others.  Some people take the journey at a slower pace than others.  It’s not a timed race.

SHE'S GOING OFF ON A TANGENT ALERT:  Additionally (and for me more importantly), I don't like the way we've been conditioned to think about purpose/success when it comes to creativity.  What are the typical barometers we use to indicate success or purpose for our creative pursuits?

Awards/recognition  

Financial recompense

The touching of others, inspiring them, helping them, blessing them

If we are made in God's image and He is a Creator, then when we create, we are engaged in His "work".  That includes everything from painting the Mona Lisa to making a delicious dinner to balancing the checkbook to the penny.  This has nothing to do with the three items mentioned above.  Awards, financial recompense, and blessing others can be by-products of our "work" but shouldn't be our focus.

Why not?

Because if we don't receive the aforementioned, then logic would say: Stop Creating! 

How horrible that would be.  I think God gives us gifts to first teach us something about who He is and who we are in Him.  He gives us a way to identify with Him.  He gives us pursuits that take us out of ourselves—so to speak—to a place where He meets us to help us make sense of our experiences, encounters, our lives.  A place He meets us to help us grow into His likeness. 

A place where we can experience Joy.

So Doubting Writer, if writing gives you joy, if it's teaching you something about yourself, and helping you to grow in His image and love Him more each day—then that's ALL you need to become confident that you are doing exactly that which you should be doing.

Everything else is Thanksgiving Gravy.

TANGENT OVER

Blessing others with our gifts is a beautiful thing; the Lord does it for us on a daily basis.  

Participating in contests can motivate us to engage ourselves creatively--a beautiful thing.

And words can have exponential power.  Giving others encouragement is a beautiful thing.

Maybe there's someone you can bless with your words today.

What say The People?

Rita's Bizarre Penny Story--Her Words:)

Greetings on a Friday Evening!

We experienced some technical difficulties at Connecting Now today.  Viruses, cookies and a real smart husband who knew what to do were involved--so we're up and running.

 Here is Rita's Penny Story, which makes her an official member of the Rusty Copper Senior Status Brigade.  Is it just me or does that name seem to get longer every time we write it?

Reader in a Terrible Tate!

Dear Mik Chiks,
Every week I go to praise team practice with my daughter and son-in-law, so that I can play with my grandson, Noah, while they're there. My daughter's a working mom, and she likes to have Noah there so that she can see him when she's not needed on stage. We've been doing this for all of Noah's eight months, and it works really well for everyone.

The last few weeks, another mom has brought her daughter, a little girl of 6 or 7. Tate is a very naughty little girl. She plays too hard with Noah, trashes the nursery, yells loudly and disrupts practice, and doesn't obey anyone. This mom is a lead singer, so she's 'on' for the whole practice--she pretty much lets Tate run wild.

Na-No-In-Sane-No

Monday--You Heartless Vixen!

 I had to get that out of the way, but no worries, I'm good.  Monday has been subdued, and I have the nylon rope and duct tape to prove it.

Turkey Month is going to be interesting around here because on top of all the normal November happenings, the National Novel Writing Month--NaNoWriMo--occurs during this thirty day period.  If you haven't guessed, Maddie and I--Mik Chiks--are entered in an attempt to get a 50,000 word jump start on the novel we've been plotting for forever--or at least three days--whichever is less.  This means we'll each need to write circa 1000 words a day.  Nano is usually a solitary effort, so we shouldn't complain about the word count (which has been halved because we're a team--for the math-impaired in our audience), but it's Monday, and we feel self-righteous in our complaining.  Fittingly, we are considered Nano Rebels for entering as a team. No surprise there.  We've had Verna as a role model.