Keep Your Eyes Open

By the way, I have to make mention of the ads on the blog page.
They are seriously funny!

There's an automatic function that posts ads that match key words in my post. So if I say something about God, religious ads appear; if I mention counseling or parenting, something else appears.

Did anyone notice what was posted on one of my first blog posts after allowing ads?

I was speaking about marriage counseling, I guess.

When I checked the post later I noticed an ad headline that asked,

'Cheating, Lying Spouse?' and gave the number for an attorney.

I have no idea where they got the ad for the devil tattoos tho.

When you read my blog, look around the page to see what ads they choose.

Until I figure out (or care to learn) how to pick my own advertisers, I'm just enjoying the added entertainment of random computer-chosen ads.

Maybe you'll get a kick out of it, too.

Event Update

New news for you:

In an effort to keep costs down and ease some planning pressure, I've decided to host my "Evening with Karen Wasoba" at my office conference area.

Official address is 4025 N. St. Peters Parkway, St. Charles, MO 63304

It's a smallish room but we're a creative bunch; the closeness will add ambiance...

So I've become aware of an undercurrent of excitement on the part of my friends and family. Many helpers have stepped forward and comments have been positive.

It's actually kind of weird to be preparing for this. Usually my speaking topics are very deep, serious, and spiritual.

Not this time!!

Let's hope you have as much fun listening as I'm sure I'll have sharing.

See you soon.

Overcoming Freakouts

Whew! I feel better now.

For a while there, the thought of trying to plan and perform in an event kind of made me freak out.

I almost swallowed my uvula.

But with the encouragement of good (?) friends, plans are still rolling to host 'An Evening with Karen Wasoba' on Friday, September 9.

The venue may change, so I will let you know when I find out for sure.

When I encourage folks to take risks and try things out, please know I'm aware of the fear and uncertainty such risks involve. It's freaky and scary and waaay easier to forget about it completely.

The point is to keep moving forward anyway.

I'm amazed by the positive comments I've received regarding this upcoming event.

It sounds like many folks are planning to attend and enjoy it. I'm also aware of how many potential hecklers will be coming. Those are the ones who forget I probably have a thing or two to say TO or ABOUT them...

Here's a warning:

Don't mess with a stressed woman who's menopausal; one hot flash and it's OVER!

I'm just sayin.'

Second Thoughts

Now that I've announced my plans to host a 'fun night' I'm having second thoughts.

Not second thoughts about our need for fun and laughter.

Not second thoughts about my desire to host it, to share funny stories about my experiences.

But rather, second thoughts about my ability to do it.

I know all about how God gives each of us talents and the strength to use them.
But I'd be lying to you if I didn't admit to having reservations about THIS experience THIS time.

I'm blown away by the details and hoops one has to jump through to plan even a casual event like this. It's a major challenge and a reminder that doing things properly is one form of obedience to God.

So.

Since I'm focused on preparation and hoping for a successful evening, I'll be sharing with you how it's going.

Second thoughts, cold feet, snags, the whole thing.

Stay tuned.

Practicing What I Preach

So here's the big news:

On Friday, September 9, 2011, I will be hosting an event in the chapel at Harvester Christian Church in St. Charles, MO.

I plan to speak that night, sharing my light-hearted perspective on everything from self-esteem, men, parenting, and whatever else comes to my mind at the moment.

I've been urging my clients/friends/readers to stretch themselves, take risks. Do something that fits your talents and interests, I nag.

I remember an old saying, 'Those who can't do, teach.'

I sort of believe it but I think many of us could do more in our lives if we just give it a try. We don't always have to be on the sidelines wondering if we could have been successful. It's okay to give stuff a try.

Before I sound all noble, let me say this:

I do have a safety net for this fun evening I'm planning. I expect my audience to have a good time, all the while laughing either with me or at me.

I don't care, just so long as they laugh.

So as I prepare to practice what I preach, let me challenge you to think about a few things you've always wanted to try. Pick one and get going!

Reality Check

Dear Hubby and I went camping last weekend.

Call me romantic, but when Don gifted me with a 2 night basic camping reservation at my favorite local park I was delighted.

No delicates or expensive jewelry for me; the only fluffy stuff I'm interested in right now is toasted marshmallows over a roaring campfire.

Not a tough decision- would I rather wear something pretty or eat something yummy?

Yummy!

Anyway, despite some dark clouds and a few rain drops we threw our gear in the trunk and drove to the campground. Right away I settled into the limitations of basic living- you eat only what you brought, you cook in the one pan you have, use only that which you have with you.

It was nice. And peaceful.

I couldn't think about all the stuff I had to do because I had brought no work with me. Don and I walked and talked and generally allowed ourselves to unwind. (btw, I think I did better than Don at unwinding because our second day camping he began to experience detox from tv- it almost got ugly there for a bit).

It stormed, too. Our stuff got soggy. We managed to wring stuff out and carry on.
Didn't change my clothes for 2 days but that's another story entirely.

When our trip was over (sigh) we packed up our gear and went home. We were relaxed and content. We sat in our favorite chairs and just stared off into space.

Then daughter Kari came upstairs, sat down and looked at me expectantly.

"i'd like to go to the mall."

Expectant pause while looking at me.

I deflate.

I hesitate.

And then I cave in.

So we drive to this nice mall and I am struck by how different the mindset is among shoppers than campers.

Camping mindset: The marshmallows are crunched? You dropped the hot dog on the ground? Pick it up quick and brush it off! I'm sure it's still good if you eat it fast. Forgot your hairbrush? Don't worry about it- you're wearing a hat anyway and we all look homeless.

Shopping mindset: I NEED new shoes. No, those are too plain. I want some fancy ones. But they're pretty. That outfit is pretty; it looks like the other one in the other store. Lots of accessories; I need lots of jewelry, purses, hats, etc...

By the time I got back home I was mentally scrambled. The change in reality was exhausting.

I'm not criticizing shopping, malls, materialism and espousing all nature and simplicity.
I'm suggesting I need to be reminded what is valuable to me. Sometimes there's nothing like a great shopping trip with a great companion. It allows you time to share opinions and learn about each other.

But so does simplicity.

Scary Experience While Hiking

I thought it was over.

Every dire warning, every caution I had been given in the past rang chillingly in my brain.
I was in real danger here. And I didn't know how to rescue myself.

Even as I sit here sharing this experience with you I am reminded how many times I ignore really good advice. I am humbled by my tendency to rush blindly into things without being mindful of the results.

Here's what happened:

I love to hike. It restores me and refreshes my thoughts. While hiking I am reminded of the intricacies of God and how He cares about detail. So many things today (before my traumatic experience) showed me how God cares about things in nature most of us will never even see. It keeps my perspective realistic.

So here I am, about 2 or more miles on the hiking trail- about halfway. I've seen some people also enjoying the trail but hadn't seen anyone for a while.

Suddenly I became aware of a horrible, dull sound. Rhythmically following me. I tried not to overreact so I calmly stopped. Whoever or whatever it was stopped also.
My heart began to beat faster as I realized I was totally at the mercy of whatever it was that was behind me. I took a few more steps, sensing that someone was lurking behind me who meant to cause me harm.

It is true that your thoughts kind of race when you panic. In my mind I heard Don scold me for hiking alone, and other people warning me that despite my sense of safety I had to take steps to protect myself.

I promised myself that if I got out of this I'd actually pay attention to the warnings. I hoped I'd survive whatever this freaky thing is- what good is a lesson learned if you don't live to talk about it?

The sound grew louder and louder as I attempted to calmly continue along the trail in hopes of meeting another hiker.

No such luck.

This really wasn't funny, guys. I was terrified. How would my family fare emotionally if something terrible happened to me?

I determined that no matter what was about to happen, I would fight and I would prevail. I wiped my sweaty palms on my shorts in anticipation.

Then I noticed something.

When I rubbed my hands on my shorts the horrible, menacing sound stopped. It changed into a soft swishy sound. I touched the sides of my shorts again to confirm my suspicions. And I laughed nervously.

What I had been convinced was a threatening sound was, in reality, my shorts legs rubbing together as I hiked. The heavy tread of footsteps behind me wasn't behind me at all, rather, it was the sound of my own steps mingled with the friction of my clothing as I walked down the path!

What a relief!

And how embarrassing.

I'm not really sure what the true lesson was in this except I shouldn't be hiking by myself in the near future.

Either that or I should bring talcum powder along with me.

Out of My Comfort Zone

Or maybe deeper into it. My comfort zone, that is.

I don't seem to think like most other folks.

While I'm generally respectful of the opinions of others, I tend to take a different approach to my outlook on life.

It doesn't take much for me to burst out laughing (NOT recommended at a funeral, as I've learned) simply because I have a running commentary in my head in response to what's going on.

My daughter Kari says I'm the only person she knows who can be alone in a room and start hooting and hollering over something. I tell her I'm the only one who gets the joke!

I've been (mostly) happily counseling for 12 years and I'm pretty experienced in teaching and encouragement.

What I've noticed is that overall, very few of us give ourselves permission to just enjoy our lives; apparently, as believers in Christ we're supposed to be very heartfelt and earnest.

Well, I'm here to tell you, laughter is good for you! It has healing power and forces us to surrender our self-control to the light-hearted moment. Any woman over 50 knows just HOW out of control we can be when we start laughing...Depends, anyone?

I'm planning an informal gathering in mid-September (exact date tba) for folks to gather to be entertained.

Um, by ME.

For quite a while I've wanted to share my ability to tell funny stories, and hopefully, get a chuckle or two out of my listeners. I'm not positive where it will all lead, but I'm willing to risk it.

So here goes. I'll be updating my blog with info as it comes in. I'm looking for a local place for us to gather (hubby Don says we can meet at the park but Honey, I'm not into inhaling bugs for ANYBODY).

Pray for me and pray for the attenders. Especially the attenders.

Thanks.