CHRISTIAN OVERDOSE

Among the too-numerous-to-mention reasons why I am walking away from my job is this: I work with Christian people, speak directly to Christian readers, interact with Christian publicists, and read writings by Christians all day long. While I very much consider myself a Christian ("one who follows Christ"), I have become increasingly convinced that being surrounded by them - and only them - every waking hour is not a positive thing.

I received a story submission today by a man named Samir, a pastor in CA. Samir quoted one of his friends Tim, who doesn't consider himself a Christian. Tim asks this:

“Why don’t Christians present their ideas where everyone else does? They don’t come to book evenings, poetry slams, discussion groups, community service events, and social clubs. There are venues that we as a society set up for people to share ideas. Why are Christians absent from the places where they can’t be in charge?”

Great question, Tim. I am exiting my existing circle to come out where the people are. I hope to see you there.

FAREWELL, RELEVANT

I’m sitting here. Waiting. Waiting. Never been so nervous in my life. The last time I felt this way, I was about 5 years old, waiting in line to go on the Whizzer at Six Flags. I was in line with my dad, and the line was moving forward at a snail’s pace. But every inch brought me closer to the moment of truth, the moment I was dreading and simultaneously desperately wishing would arrive.

5:54 p.m. Still waiting.

The line ripples forward a few centimeters. My heart is pounding out of my chest. I think I might wet my pants, or vomit. I want to ride this ride, to prove myself, to say I did it, and now it’s over. My palms are sweating. We’re at the gate. Now we’re stepping across the yellow line painted across the concrete. I look at the car, picturing myself stepping in. I can do this … I can do this …

But I bail. I step over the car to wait on the other side, while my dad will ride alone. I couldn’t do it that day.

Today will be different.

Still waiting …

HAPPENINGS

Howdy. It's been over a month since I posted anything, and I haven't actually written anything since my "GRIPES" post, which prompted my grandfather to ask my mom, "She's not going to commit suicide or anything, is she?" Yikes. No, Grandpa, I'm not; things are just a little less than ideal right now, that's all. But quite a few things have happened in the last month, and I thought I'd tell you about them, mostly because Ian comes here to read posts, discovers none, and becomes sad.

So Ian, this is for you. And for Toob Sox. And Soda Diet. And of course, Swami Swams and Band of the Name. By the way, Ian, call Aaron about the website.

First of all, the above picture is of Philip and me in Vermont. We flew up to Boston a couple weeks ago to visit Philip's good friend Michael, who was a great host and treated us to some New England fun for a couple of days. We saw the fall colors in Vermont (who would have thought I'd miss fall so much?), picked apples at an orchard and walked the Freedom Trail in downtown Boston. I also got my geeky Passport to Your National Parks book stamped at ALL FOUR BOSTON LOCATIONS. This is no easy feat, people. Michael even had to do a little breaking and entering for one of the stamps.

RELEVANT has moved office locations. This means that I actually have space to breathe and a big desk. AND, after two years of employment at Relevant Media Group, I now have ... my very own phone extension. Can you stop me now?

My sister Sarah turned 17 on Oct. 14. When I left home for college, she was 10. What the crap is going on?

Sarah and Blake Kearney celebrated their one-year anniversary. In Seattle. In an isolated cabin in the woods. Marriage ... must be nice. Philip and I got them a Lonely Planet for the Southwest for a gift, so hopefully they'll be able to get some good use out of that.

Women of God Bible Study has come to an end. We did our last lesson last night. Did God do everything I wanted Him to? Nope. Did He do a lot of things I never expected? Definitely.

My new roommate Tinna bought two white cats. Their names are Angel and Soul, but technically, however those words are spelled in Icelandic. They're very affectionate. When I was a little girl, I always wanted a white cat. In fact (I'm hesitant to admit), I owned quite the collection of white cat figurines. And now I have two. Funny how God grants our desires ...

At work, I'm editing a book called Simplicity by Stavesacre frontman Mark Salomon. You should read it; you will like it. Especially you, Susan, since you enjoy memoirs. I laughed. I cried. I was educated about the origins of Christian hardcore music. Seriously, his story is compelling, and I'm extremely glad RELEVANT is republishing this originally self-published book (even though we, like the sellouts we are, have to delete all the profanities). Mark is also a good person, and he told me I have to write 1,500 words a day, which is "nothing once you get into the habit." Sure, Mark. So this is my 1,500 words for today (alright, not quite). He also recommended I read On Writing by Stephen King. Maybe if I quit my job to become a rock star, I would have time for these endeavors.

Last weekend, I went to my first pro football game. The Dolphins beat the Rams, and I had the pleasure of learning the intensely complicated Miami Dolphins song. Good times.

This weekend, Philip and I are hosting a giant fall bash. We literally invited over a hundred people. Granted, I don't know about half of them, but still, it should be a good time. If you're in the Orlando area, you should come out. It's at 7:30 on Saturday, Oct. 30 at my house, and it's BYOP - bring your own pumpkin for carving. AND, wear a costume. I won't say who I'm going as, but I'll give you a clue: She has a laniard collection.

Well, I think that covers the main events. Thanks for stopping by.

JESUS ROCKS

Agreed.