Listen! My beloved!

This morning I woke up with Aaron Shust’s “My Hope Is In You" on repeat in my head.  Specifically, the lines “My hope is in you, Lord, all the day long. I won’t be shaken by drought or storm. A peace surpassing understanding is my song.” I like the song, and it is certainly uplifting so … great way to start the day, right? Well, it gets better.

I get to work and meet with my first client. The session goes well, comes to a close, and I take a little non-work breather before moving on to the next task at hand.  Wandering the internet, I decide to take a look at today’s mass readings.

In the first reading (Jeremiah 17:5-10) I see, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD” Huh… coincidence? Then I move to the Psalm (Psalm 1:1-6) with the refrain, “Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.” Hmmm… ok….

Then all of a sudden it hits me. That song is not the product of a random synapses firing in my brain to produce a memory. Those readings are not coincidental. It's all intentional.

It is an overwhelming and amazing feeling to realize that, the little voice in the back of your mind, is actually the Creator of the Universe whispering sweet nothings into the ear of His beloved.

Nerds: The Unsung Heroes of Princesses Everywhere

Being a self-proclaimed princess has some disadvantages. Not everyone sees my worth and the things that I hold dear do not always translate well to the rest of society. Thankfully, In my life I have stumbled across some charmingly odd individuals who not only accept my "outside of normal" approach to life, but actually embrace and encourage it. While they may not quite experience the same joy I do from performing full choreography while completing most any of life’s mundane deeds, they delight in my quirks and find me rather entertaining.

I find them a fascinating people, little known to the general population. They speak a language unknown to the masses and routinely shy from the public eye. Their abilities and capabilities are often coveted by mainstreamers and frequently harnessed by the government. While I like to call them by their given names, most people call them nerds.

Two, in particular, have become rather integral parts in the shenanigans of this princess. JJ and SA appeared separately in my world and through a series of adventures, misadventures, drinking, and silly songs have become some of the most important people in my life. They frequently speak a language completely foreign to me but are so very patient while I learn. They stand by me even when I erupt into a full on, category five, temper tantrum; offer unconditional love and support the best they know how; and when lofty dreams crumble at my feet, they manage to make me laugh when all I really want to do is cry.

So, while they not be celebrated champions by the rest of the world, they will always be my nerds in shining armor.

A Princess is as a Princess Does...

I am, well, different. To go all Mathlete on you, I am a statistical outlier on multiple occasions. That old adage “there is an exception to every rule.” Yeah, that’s me.

Of course, I *look* just like most of the population; appropriate number of eyes, ears, legs, arms, feet, hands. I come from a model family, both of my parents are healthy and still as in love with each other as they were when they got married 36 years ago. I have a house and a dog, two actually. Dogs that is. I have a good job, good friends, and a car that doesn’t (normally) fall apart. Really, I am the picture of normal.

But, see, therein lies the caveat; looks are deceiving. Now don’t get me wrong, “normal” is fine. Normal is perfectly acceptable, and frankly, by definition routinely accepted. There is nothing wrong with normal and I am sure there are many people in this word who are completely happy with being normal. But you have to admit… it’s kind of boring.

Unique is much more fun! Why be ordinary when there are wonderfully colorful, weird, and exciting things to see and do at every turn? Give me one good reason as to why I can’t sing ABBA and disco around my house in my pajamas on a Tuesday night! Why shouldn’t I have purple hair and wear a tiara while grocery shopping? Who says I can’t invent my own holidays?

Now, being a princess, that is not boring at all. Princesses don’t have to be “normal.” As a matter of fact, they are expected to be the complete opposite of common! A princess has the world as her oyster and beauty is all around her. Yes, princesses are known for being spoiled and prone to temper tantrums (which I am) but that is not really what defines a princess. A Princess is kind and loving, giving to those in need, rejoicing in the success of others, and concerned for the well being of those around her. A Princess knows the joy of love, the heartache of the loss of dreams, expect the very best of people, and rise above adversity. A Princess is strong and resourceful; they fight for what they believe in and will not stop until they succeed. A Princess knows her worth.

So, maybe I am not a princess by the literal definition of the word. I do not have a ruling family lineage, per se. But seeing as I live in a country without a monarchy, I think it is perfectly reasonable to proclaim myself a princess. TIARAS for ALL!!!