Odds-N-Ends

Today I have just a few odd & ends to take care of.

First of all, I have to say "Thank you!" to the very awesome Beth from Raising Three Sons.

I received a Target gift card from her on Friday.
I was lucky enough to win this little beauty (because, really, is there any store that is better than Target?) in a giveaway on her blog. You really should click on over and visit her. Raising Three Sons is one of my favorite blogs. Beth is witty, funny and she inspires in the delight she finds in being a wife & mom. I guarantee she'll put a grin on your face!

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I recently received an email asking about my hair and [gasp!] tattoo. Someone wanted to know if I really have pink hair and a tattoo.

I guess that if you have come to know me for the relatively calm Christian woman, wife, mom & career girl that I am... it could maybe come as a surprise that I am a "little bit rock-n-roll."

So, do I really have pink hair? Well, let's see:
I'd call that a big yes. The hair color company actually calls it "magenta," but I think the name matters not. It's as pink as it can be, and I love it!

And what about the tattoo?

I must admit that, yes, I have that too.

Mine was not some drunken college statement to rebel against my parents. I got it just three years ago, and it means something very special and important to me.
This is the Manus Dei (which is Latin for "Hand of God"), and it is inside my left forearm, just below my elbow. It is one of the most important things I have done for myself. It is both a symbol and a reminder. I have anxiety disorder, and have had it most of my life. This tattoo serves as a constant reminder that I have nothing to fear, that my worry is misplaced because I have faith and can trust in my Lord. This is something I know. I know this as well as I know my own voice. But sometimes the chemicals in my brain are not so cooperative with remembering this. My tattoo reminds me that He is here and that nothing ever surprises Him.

It is also a symbol of my decision to follow Him, no matter what. It is my way of proclaiming, "I have given my life to the Lord. My life is His, and I will do with it whatever He calls me to do. Even when I don't want to."

So, yes, I'm a little bit country and a little bit rock & roll. I have pink hair and a tattoo. I hope that you won't hold these things against me. Because I'm also a wife and a mom and a daughter of Christ, just like you.