Let the Softball Season Begin!

For the first time last year, I joined the co-ed softball team at church. I had a wonderful time and enjoyed myself more than I thought I would. To put the icing on the cake, we came in first place & were the tournament champions.

Now...it's time to start again, and I'm really looking forward to it. Our first practice is today at 2:00 p.m. We're planning on practicing for 2 hours, but I'll have to leave early because Lauren's 3rd birthday party is at 5:00 p.m. (and I wouldn't miss that for the world!).

If you're in the area & ever bored on a Monday night, we play at the Oregon Rec (located on Seaman Rd. behind the City Building) starting in May.

Cloud Nine

That's exactly where I've been most of the day...and I love the feeling! :-) Last night felt so right and seemed so perfect. Last night was also a night with little sleep.

After I blogged last night, I started to wind down so I got ready for bed. I was actually in bed by 11:30 and fell asleep around midnight. However...I did not sleep as long as I had planned. Knowing me & how I sleep, I sat two alarms so that I'd be sure to be up by 7:00 a.m. which meant I'd have a good 7 hours of sleep. That 7 ended up being 5 because I was wide awake at 5:00 a.m. thinking about last night. For those who know me well (and know how much I like my sleep - especially at 5:00 a.m.), you know that this is not typical behavior for me. I feel a little like a school girl, but I also feel like this is what I'm supposed to be feeling. It's kind of hard to explain.

After school, I went over to Traci's house to talk some more about last night. We also ran some errands and had supper. When we got back we worked on things for our RFL team (see post below). By this time, we were talking less about Matt, and I was starting to feel a little tired. But then...

Then my cell phone rang. Can you guess who it was? I'll give you three tries, and the first two don't count. :-) Matt called to see how I was feeling (I came down with a cold on Tuesday evening). We talked for a little over 30 mins. and had a great conversation. We will definitely be going on a second date! He also talked about some future plans - things he thought we could do together in the upcoming months (including meeting some of his friends). Well...that's all it took! I'm back on cloud nine & feeling giddy...and I still love it! :-)

ONC Cell Mates

Catchy name, huh?!? Traci talked to me about doing the Relay for Life this year with our cell group (which happens to be called M.O.D. Squad - can you tell we like crazy names?). We both thought it sounded like fun and really wanted to help support cancer research. Cancer is such a big things that affects each and every one of us at some point! So...we began to talk and decided to open it up to all of the cell groups at ONC. We decided it would be a great way for us to help in the fight against cancer, have a great time & grow together as a body of Christ, and most importantly, to get our church out into the community rather than confined within the walls of our church building.

So...we are now co-captains heading up a team (with a cool name don't forget - and if you haven't figured it out, I'll help you...ONC for Oregon Nazarene Church, Cell because we're working with our cell groups to make a team, and Mates because we're all working together...it's not because we all have criminal records!). :-) We are really looking forward to this great event and what we can do as a church. You know the Bible says that, where two or three are gathered in His name, He is there. Imagine what could happen at the Relay if we had several gathered in His name!

If you are interested in joining our team, feel free to contact Traci or me. If you'd like to help out financially (donations are greatly appreciated), you can sponsor me via the web at www.acsevents.org/relay/oregon. All you have to do is click on the Sponsor Participant link on the left and then type in my first and last name (Michelle Park). It will let you know what to do from there.

We'd also appreciate your prayers for this great event! It takes place at Clay High School on Friday, June 15th, and Saturday, June 16th.

The Big Day

If you've read Tuesday's post, you know that today was a big day for me. And...it lived up...actually it surpassed my expectations. The only thing I can really say is that it was perfect! I could not have asked for things to have gone any better.

We met at the theater and had a chance to talk for a little bit before the movie. Things felt very comfortable which was nice (especially after a few of the past experiences I've had with other "dates"). When the movie was over, we continued to talk - we were the last ones out of the theater.

A highlight of the evening was when his arm went around my back on the way out to the car. It just felt right! :-) I haven't felt like this in a long time, and it feels really good!

So...now I'm on cloud nine and having a hard time getting to sleep. I'm definitely looking forward to more time spent with Matt!

My New Philosophy

I've decided that the old saying "Ignorance is bliss" is extremely correct. I wish I could go back to being stupid & put my blinders on. The more you know...the more you are aware of how messed up things are!

I am reminded that we are all humans - imperfect humans to be exact. But it seems like those you look up to (or expect guidance from) are the ones who let you down the most.

I always tell my students to worry about themselves - that's all they have to do. I think I need to take some of my own advice in my life - especially where God is concerned. Although I don't understand people's decisions and actions, I need to worry about myself and make sure that I'm doing what God wants me to do and serving where God wants me to serve. That's the most important thing!

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it...(that would make a great song!) :-)

I got a phone call tonight from Matt (the guy from church) to ask me out on a date. Of course I said "yes"! Let me relive the moment for you...

I was at Jodi's house because we were redecorating Lauren's bedroom (it was a surprise for her upcoming birthday). As I was getting my camera out of my purse, I noticed that I had voicemail messages on my phone. As I looked, I realized I had missed not one but four calls. One was from Traci, two were from my mom, and one was a number I didn't recognize. As I listened to my voicemail messages, I quickly learned who the unidentified number belonged to. Yep...you guessed it (or at least I hope you have by now). The number was Matt's cell phone where he had called to ask me out to see a movie.

At this point, I began doing a little dance around Jodi's house singing "I'm going on a date!" over & over. Can you tell I was excited? :-)

So...Thursday is the big day. I'll keep you all posted!

So much to tell...So little time...

Wow! I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted something. However, I haven't posted because a lot has been happening in my life, and I've been very busy. I'm actually getting ready to leave my house once again, but I thought I'd try to type a quick update. Here's what's been happening:

• I was set up on a blind date that seemed very promising, but it turned out that he wasn't the one for me. He was a very nice man, but there were too many differences that I felt were major differences. When I marry, I want to be with someone who compliments me or makes me a better person. I also want to be with someone who shares my values and faith. I want to be sitting in church with my family there with me. This relationship would not have started that way, and I wasn't ready or willing to take the risks.

• I went to my very first hockey game on Friday and had a blast! Matt (a guy from church) sat beside me and explained everything so I would understand what was happening. I really appreciated that and thoroughly enjoyed my evening. I got to see one hockey fight & two squids thrown out on the ice. What a night! :-)

• I went to Michigan for a baby shower & to meet Samuel Gerald DiMecurio. He's absolutely adorable! Caron & Carlo (friends from SoloCon Great Lakes) are the proud parents and are both doing well. It was great to see the Garcia family (everyone but Joel - who's in Colorado in seminary now) and several other friends from SoloCon. It was an enjoyable weekend.

• While in Michigan, we went to Cesarland. What's Cesarland? It's a place that makes one very aware of just exactly how old they are - a day or two after visiting it. It's basically a Chuck E. Cheese for adults - including the jungle gym set for adults. They had a set up like a McDonald's playland for adults, and we had sooooo much fun! However, my knees are rebelling today! :-)

Mineral Wells, West Virginia

You may be wondering what Mineral Wells, West Virginia has to do with me so I'll tell you. It is nearly a half way point between Oregon, Ohio and Charlotte, North Carolina. So...dad very graciously used some of his accumulated points with Choice Hotels to get mom & I a room at the Comfort Suites, and we were able to spend a couple of days together. We both drove there on Thursday night, took days off work on Friday, and stayed until this afternoon. We had a wonderful time hanging out together, relaxing in the hot tub & pool, playing games, and shopping. I'm so thankful that we were both able to meet so that I didn't have to wait until Easter to see her again! What a refreshing weekend! Thanks for meeting me, mom! I love you!

Thankful

I got some news the end of last week that has really made me think about things. Is it news that may change my life? Definitely! Am I worried? Strange as it may sound, I've had complete peace knowing that God is in control. Has it made me think? Like you wouldn't believe, but that's good because I've thought a lot about where I am in life, where I've been in life, and all that I have to be thankful for. Here are just a few of the things (in no particular order - just as they come into my head):

• a great job - especially one I love so much
• the ability to be flexible if changes need to be made
• being an aunt
• being a godmother
• having parents who have supported me no matter what I've done
• having parents who continue to support me 100% - even if that means me staying in Ohio
• having two sisters - I appreciate the fact we all keep in touch
• the beautiful weather today (it was in the 70's!)
• being able to take walks outdoors the past couple of days
• being blessed with friends who are there for me through thick & thin
• my aunt, Jane, who has always held a special place in my heart - I hope I can be as special to my nephew & niece as you were to me!
• having 6 pts. left for the day so I can have ice cream :-)

It's Raining Men

The past couple months have been surprisingly full of set ups and phone calls, and it totally amazes me! It's been over four years (yes, I said f-o-u-r...four) since I've been on a date. At times, this bothered me, but I've come to a point where I realized that it would all happen in God's time.

In January, a couple of women at church said they were going to start praying for me because they wanted me to meet someone. They said I was too special to remain single. Since that time, I've went speed dating (I had 12 dates in one night) :-), had one guy ask for my number after someone told him about me, had someone from church introduce me to a single man he knew, had a mother who thinks I'd be "perfect for her son", and am now in the process of possibly going on a date to meet someone else. It's been a whirlwind, but it's been fun.

What does the future hold? I don't know, but God does. I'm just looking forward to seeing what he has planned for me! Thanks Robin & Kim for your prayers! I think you started all of this! :-)

Good News!

Mom called this afternoon to let me know that they were discharging dad! Just last night he was told it would be another 4 or 5 days, and today they are letting him go home. He will have to give himself injections twice a day and have his blood monitored on a regular basis for now, but he is more than thrilled to be at home sitting in his recliner. He's also looking forward to sleeping in his own bed. From what I hear, the hospital beds were definitely lacking in the comfort category.

Thanks again for all of your prayers. We felt them!

An Update on Dad

I was able to talk to dad today which made it a little better. It was nice just to hear his voice! The doctor now feels it would be in his best interest to keep him for another 3 or 4 days in order to make sure his blood levels are where they need to be. They also did a scan to look for any additional blood clots. I'm thankful that they are being proactive and cautious, but I also know dad would really like to get out of the hospital and back home.

Thanks to all of you who have been praying! I really appreciate it!

My Dad

I received a phone call this evening from my mom letting me know that my dad's going to the hospital. Apparently he's been having problems with his leg - it's been very sore and is swelling. Today he went to see his doctor and found out he has a blood clot in his leg. The doctor thinks he'll only be in the hospital overnight, and my sister (who's a nurse) reassures us that it's no big deal. But...for me personally...it's still a little scary. It makes it a little worse for me (and maybe my family in general) because my grandpa (my dad's dad) passed away from a blood clot in his leg moving to his heart.

This is one of those moments when the distance between us really stinks! I would love to be sitting at the hospital with dad & mom. I'd love to see dad, to be able to give him a hug & kiss, to see that everything's alright, etc... I'd also love to be able to help pass the time for mom and to be able to stay with her so she didn't have to go home to an empty house. But...9 1/2 hrs. doesn't allow for that so I'm here & they're there.

I would greatly appreciate your prayers for my dad & our family. Thanks!

A Girls' Night Out

I just got home from an evening out with some girlfriends. What a hoot! I laughed so hard & so much that my stomach & sides hurt (but at least I didn't pee my pants like someone else...right Jen?). :-) I always look forward to hanging out with the girls!

A Terrible Tragedy

By now, probably most of you have heard about the tragic accident that took the life of four student athletes from Bluffton University. When I first got the news this morning from my dad, I was stunned. Being a Bluffton alum, I know the devastation something like this will have on the close-knit community. Bluffton was not only where I attended college...it became a family to me.

Some of my best friends, to this day, are people I met at Bluffton. While there, I met great people, grew closer to Christ, and started the process of finding out who I was. I did not play on an athletic team while in college, but I was a member of Camerata Singers (an auditioned choir). Like the athletic teams, we spent numerous hours together in rehearsals and got to know each other well. We also toured during Spring Break. Those tours are some of my fondest memories. There's nothing like traveling the United States doing what you love to do! We were always ready to return home after 10 days on the road, but we also missed it when we were back.

Yesterday afternoon, Bluffton's baseball team left campus ready to make some memories of their own, and unfortunately things took a sharp turn in the wrong direction. But...was it the "wrong" direction? It's hard to think that God would allow four boys to die at such a young age, but during times like these, I have to have faith and believe that He knows what is best. Was it His plan or the result of our free choice? Does it matter? Six people are dead, and that will not change.

My heart aches for the families of these six, and it also aches for the campus community. Things will never be the same. Please remember the families of:
David Betts of Bryan, Ohio
Scott Harmon of Lima, Ohio
Cody Holp of Arcanum, Ohio
Tyler Williams of Lima, Ohio
Jerome Niemeyer (bus driver) of Columbus Grove, Ohio
Jean Niemeyer (the bus driver's wife) of Columbus Grove, Ohio