I feel like I haven't stopped moving for the last 5 years. And to a point, I haven't. I have moved once a year at least since starting school. My life has been lived in bins, bags, and cardboard boxes.
Home to Lockmiller. 8 months. Lockmiller to home. 3 months.
Home to Lockmiller. 8 months. Lockmiller to Little Blue House. 12 months.
Little Blue House to Girls House. 3 months.
Girls House to Laredo House. 17 months.
Laredo House to W's House and McUnit. 6 months.
W's House and McUnit to Home. 1 month.
and upcoming...
Home to Chicago - indefinitely.
I am just so tired of moving. Of packing. Of unpacking. Of repacking. Of sorting. Of throwing away things. Of being told to throw away things. Of finding trucks/vans to move in.
Needless to say. I'm over it. I can't wait to be done with school so I can settle into a home somewhere. Until then, I know that I am always welcome at mom's, dad's, my siblings, the W's, the Bell's, and on various other couches throughout the south... but I am ready to be where my stuff is.
Perhaps the message here to me should be something about letting go of all the junk. Of really and truly simplifying my life. Giving away all the things that I like to call "mine" and living on only what I need. The question of course is how to do this cost effectively so I'm not merely repurchasing newer models of things I've just thrown away (though that sounds appealing to me all on its own...). I told Whit that I am fearful that as soon as I throw away something, I will need it or someone will ask me, "Hey, do you have a smiley face dust pan? Blue dental floss? A tan rain coat? A cake stand? Blue nail polish? A salad spinner? Gold eye shadow? Aloe Vera gel? A heart shaped muffin pan? Cassette tape of the Cats Musical?" (Yes, I have these things.)
What do I do when I have to tell myself/them... "No" ?? *gasp* Must try this word sometime. Guess Chicago is as good a place as any to start. ;)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
1 Pump Sugar Free Vanilla Nonfat Kids Milks are not RED
Warning: Every now and then I get customers I DESPISE. They are few and far between but they arrive at my counter all the same. Here's a story from today. I'm warning you, I am merely venting this entire post. I am hopeful this woman was actually a wonderful mother and if not, that her poor son will turn out normal once he finally leaves her. With that, I give you my tale of woe.
I have been picking up a few shifts here at the local coffee shop, not only to give me some extra funds, but to see how working at another store is before moving up to good ole' Chicago. (I am currently in Nashville for one more week before Mom and I head north on the 19th with Henry packed to the roof.) So I am happily making drinks today... In a line of drinks, I am happily steaming milk and talking to customers. The third sticker I come to is in a short cup and the modifier is "1 pump sugar-free vanilla." Okay, I think. A kids hot chocolate with one pump of mocha and one pump of sugar free vanilla. A little odd, but I'm gonna go with it. I make it. I present it.
I am quickly corrected. "Um, we ordered a milk with sugar free vanilla." And she points it out on the label. Oops, my bad. I generally assume those drinks in short cups are all kids hot chocolates. I explain this to her and quite happily apologize and begin to remake the drink. I figure she wanted to get the boxed vanilla milk that we keep but wanted to do it cheaper and make it sugar free. I start to reach for a cold cup figuring it was supposed to be a cold version. But oh no, it is STEAMED milk with sugar free vanilla. Okay.... very odd but I'm gonna go with it.
I begin pick up the 2% milk container to begin steaming my milk again. But as I'm getting milk out, I figure I will give this mom a chance to redeem herself and offer her WHOLE milk in addition to 2% and Nonfat. I am really hoping for her sake that she chooses whole milk or at the very least 2%. It would be ever more fabulous if she said it didn't matter.
Yeah, you guessed it. She says that nonfat milk "would be great." So as I'm beginning to steam this nonfat milk to a kids temp, she reminds me, "Oh, that's supposed to be kids temperature." I think, "Yeah lady, I'm making your poor kid this excuse for a treat. I got it covered." But, I already screwed up the drink once, so I'll give her that one. I finish it. One pathetic pump of sugar free vanilla. Some warm nonfat milk. And only 8oz of it. I present it again with a smile.
She picks it up. THEN SHE TRIES IT HERSELF. Then nods and hands it to, get his, her SEVEN OR EIGHT year old son....
--------
Several things are wrong with this. To begin with, that's the first time I've ever had anything that pretentious for a CHILD before. I understand only getting one pump of mocha or getting no whip cream. Alas, this is no lightly modified hot chocolate delight. THIS drink is a poor man's vanilla creme. TIP: Don't order a milk and ask me to steam it and add some syrup. Order a sugar free vanilla creme sans the whip. Secondly, he's 8. Let him order his own freakin' drink and then don't go and taste it. HE IS SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS OLD. And finally, and most important of all, you are DESTROYING your child.
I know this appears harsh. I assure you - I mean it to be. I am passionate about kids and about them eating right. I've seen scores of parents try all different things. Most of the time, I completely understand. Heck, I spent a great deal of time with a little boy that drank soy milk only and ate mostly organic foods. (Note: I drink soy now mostly due to them - - and the Skinny Bitch book.) I spend time thinking about my future children and what concerns me the most about them and how I plan to raise them. Besides the basics like knowing they are loved and making sure they are happy... I have a few things on my mind. First and foremost, I want them to have an indestructible self confidence. Secondly, I want them to be healthy. Play a little sports. Drink a little soy. Have a few cookies. Love asparagus. (I don't ask much, do I?) Other things are on this list, but it is the second item that we now turn to.
I despise sugar free things in general. They are cancer causing poor excuses for the stuff you really want. Or if you don't want the "healthy" raw sugar, use honey or some other sweetener. (I admit, when I do drink soda, I try to drink Diet. But, I avoid sugar substitutes at all other times - be it yogurt, breads, dressings, etc.). Anyway, I hate that this mother ordered a sugar free syrup for her kid. Maybe he's got some kind of specific allergy. MAYBE. I doubt it, though. She looked more like the over controlling paranoid kind of mother than she did the loving, caring, health conscious mom. I could be wrong.
The nonfat put me over the edge. CHILDREN NEED FAT. *Sigh* I am trying to calm myself down now. But seriously - CHILDREN NEED FAT. They are not mini versions of adults who should diet and try keep the belly at bay. Do you know how active kids are? How much they run and play and talk a mile a minute. On top of this, their little bodies are trying to GROW. You can't grow without fat. I'm not saying you should come into the the coffee shop and order extra mocha extra vanilla breve hot chocolates for your kids, but COME ON. I can't stand to see stick skinny children. Also, getting an iced tall nonfat caramel latte for yourself and getting your kid a SHORT WARM NONFAT 1 PUMP SUGAR FREE VANILLA MILK is ridiculous. When I took H with me to the coffee shop, she got her chocolate milk or her apple juice and I got my vanilla chai. I feed my addiction, she feeds hers. I don't want parents to stuff their kids full of sugar and fat, but if you cut it out completely, there will be HUGE problems for the kid later on.
I am just so incredibly upset at this woman that I can hardly give you a good argument why. I just think it is inhumane to come into a coffee shop and get, as a TREAT for your son, a milk with one measly half oz pump of sugar free vanilla. I think it is sad. If this was the TREAT out, I shudder to think of what she actually gives him for snacks or meals. Tofu? Uncooked organically grown cauliflower? Whole wheat pasta with all natural, sugar free, extra veggie, no-meat, tomato paste sauce? Yum....
I must quit. If I don't make any sense, try to find it in your heart to forgive me. If you see where I am so in-eloquently going here, say a prayer for that kid. Say a really long prayer for the mother should I ever cross her path again. I pray that she doesn't show up next Sunday. I'd hate to give her a piece of my my mind.
p.s. Some of friends when I was younger had really over controlling parents. Now their facebook photos and profiles show them drunk often, overcome by eating disorders, and obsessed with the opposite sex... I don't want to make assumptions about over controlling parents and problems... but I feel I already made it to that conclusion before I posted this post. *Sigh*
I have been picking up a few shifts here at the local coffee shop, not only to give me some extra funds, but to see how working at another store is before moving up to good ole' Chicago. (I am currently in Nashville for one more week before Mom and I head north on the 19th with Henry packed to the roof.) So I am happily making drinks today... In a line of drinks, I am happily steaming milk and talking to customers. The third sticker I come to is in a short cup and the modifier is "1 pump sugar-free vanilla." Okay, I think. A kids hot chocolate with one pump of mocha and one pump of sugar free vanilla. A little odd, but I'm gonna go with it. I make it. I present it.
I am quickly corrected. "Um, we ordered a milk with sugar free vanilla." And she points it out on the label. Oops, my bad. I generally assume those drinks in short cups are all kids hot chocolates. I explain this to her and quite happily apologize and begin to remake the drink. I figure she wanted to get the boxed vanilla milk that we keep but wanted to do it cheaper and make it sugar free. I start to reach for a cold cup figuring it was supposed to be a cold version. But oh no, it is STEAMED milk with sugar free vanilla. Okay.... very odd but I'm gonna go with it.
I begin pick up the 2% milk container to begin steaming my milk again. But as I'm getting milk out, I figure I will give this mom a chance to redeem herself and offer her WHOLE milk in addition to 2% and Nonfat. I am really hoping for her sake that she chooses whole milk or at the very least 2%. It would be ever more fabulous if she said it didn't matter.
Yeah, you guessed it. She says that nonfat milk "would be great." So as I'm beginning to steam this nonfat milk to a kids temp, she reminds me, "Oh, that's supposed to be kids temperature." I think, "Yeah lady, I'm making your poor kid this excuse for a treat. I got it covered." But, I already screwed up the drink once, so I'll give her that one. I finish it. One pathetic pump of sugar free vanilla. Some warm nonfat milk. And only 8oz of it. I present it again with a smile.
She picks it up. THEN SHE TRIES IT HERSELF. Then nods and hands it to, get his, her SEVEN OR EIGHT year old son....
--------
Several things are wrong with this. To begin with, that's the first time I've ever had anything that pretentious for a CHILD before. I understand only getting one pump of mocha or getting no whip cream. Alas, this is no lightly modified hot chocolate delight. THIS drink is a poor man's vanilla creme. TIP: Don't order a milk and ask me to steam it and add some syrup. Order a sugar free vanilla creme sans the whip. Secondly, he's 8. Let him order his own freakin' drink and then don't go and taste it. HE IS SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS OLD. And finally, and most important of all, you are DESTROYING your child.
I know this appears harsh. I assure you - I mean it to be. I am passionate about kids and about them eating right. I've seen scores of parents try all different things. Most of the time, I completely understand. Heck, I spent a great deal of time with a little boy that drank soy milk only and ate mostly organic foods. (Note: I drink soy now mostly due to them - - and the Skinny Bitch book.) I spend time thinking about my future children and what concerns me the most about them and how I plan to raise them. Besides the basics like knowing they are loved and making sure they are happy... I have a few things on my mind. First and foremost, I want them to have an indestructible self confidence. Secondly, I want them to be healthy. Play a little sports. Drink a little soy. Have a few cookies. Love asparagus. (I don't ask much, do I?) Other things are on this list, but it is the second item that we now turn to.
I despise sugar free things in general. They are cancer causing poor excuses for the stuff you really want. Or if you don't want the "healthy" raw sugar, use honey or some other sweetener. (I admit, when I do drink soda, I try to drink Diet. But, I avoid sugar substitutes at all other times - be it yogurt, breads, dressings, etc.). Anyway, I hate that this mother ordered a sugar free syrup for her kid. Maybe he's got some kind of specific allergy. MAYBE. I doubt it, though. She looked more like the over controlling paranoid kind of mother than she did the loving, caring, health conscious mom. I could be wrong.
The nonfat put me over the edge. CHILDREN NEED FAT. *Sigh* I am trying to calm myself down now. But seriously - CHILDREN NEED FAT. They are not mini versions of adults who should diet and try keep the belly at bay. Do you know how active kids are? How much they run and play and talk a mile a minute. On top of this, their little bodies are trying to GROW. You can't grow without fat. I'm not saying you should come into the the coffee shop and order extra mocha extra vanilla breve hot chocolates for your kids, but COME ON. I can't stand to see stick skinny children. Also, getting an iced tall nonfat caramel latte for yourself and getting your kid a SHORT WARM NONFAT 1 PUMP SUGAR FREE VANILLA MILK is ridiculous. When I took H with me to the coffee shop, she got her chocolate milk or her apple juice and I got my vanilla chai. I feed my addiction, she feeds hers. I don't want parents to stuff their kids full of sugar and fat, but if you cut it out completely, there will be HUGE problems for the kid later on.
I am just so incredibly upset at this woman that I can hardly give you a good argument why. I just think it is inhumane to come into a coffee shop and get, as a TREAT for your son, a milk with one measly half oz pump of sugar free vanilla. I think it is sad. If this was the TREAT out, I shudder to think of what she actually gives him for snacks or meals. Tofu? Uncooked organically grown cauliflower? Whole wheat pasta with all natural, sugar free, extra veggie, no-meat, tomato paste sauce? Yum....
I must quit. If I don't make any sense, try to find it in your heart to forgive me. If you see where I am so in-eloquently going here, say a prayer for that kid. Say a really long prayer for the mother should I ever cross her path again. I pray that she doesn't show up next Sunday. I'd hate to give her a piece of my my mind.
p.s. Some of friends when I was younger had really over controlling parents. Now their facebook photos and profiles show them drunk often, overcome by eating disorders, and obsessed with the opposite sex... I don't want to make assumptions about over controlling parents and problems... but I feel I already made it to that conclusion before I posted this post. *Sigh*
My Clothes are not RED, they are mostly gray and blue and black
Hello gang. Long time no type! Been a long day. I've been gathering, sorting, and packing up my clothes. I've been trying on things for mom and waiting for a nod or a crinkled nose and a head tilt. That's when I know it is really bad. I have a massive pile of clothing for the Salvation Army that I've never seemed to be able to let go of before. Why is it that we hang on to the completely unnecessary long past its necessity?
...and that's only the clothes. I have yet to go through DVD's, CD's, kitchen stuff, office supplies, books, and things for scrap booking. I haven't scrap booked a thing since sophomore year. Not a thing. I've done collages... but not scrap booking. Mostly I've been taking pictures and saving scraps of things that hold some kind of meaning. A note, an invitation, a photograph, a torn piece of paper with a quote on it. These are the things that fill up the boxes that take up an entire section of my dad's garage. Yes, I am a pack rat. I admit that freely.
Let's move on. It has been great getting to see Mom, Dad, Sibling, Ren, Lem, Ash, Bema, Lee and Po. I already miss Chattanooga though. I never thought my home would be so spread out. It seems I've planted little pieces of me in places I can't leave behind. *Sigh* Now, as Rob says, I've got to go and make a home of all the hearts awaiting me in Chicago.
p.s. What follows, you can skip entirely or merely skim over. It is the cranky side of me that is not so sweet... but I need a place to vent. What better place to do it than my blog?
...and that's only the clothes. I have yet to go through DVD's, CD's, kitchen stuff, office supplies, books, and things for scrap booking. I haven't scrap booked a thing since sophomore year. Not a thing. I've done collages... but not scrap booking. Mostly I've been taking pictures and saving scraps of things that hold some kind of meaning. A note, an invitation, a photograph, a torn piece of paper with a quote on it. These are the things that fill up the boxes that take up an entire section of my dad's garage. Yes, I am a pack rat. I admit that freely.
Let's move on. It has been great getting to see Mom, Dad, Sibling, Ren, Lem, Ash, Bema, Lee and Po. I already miss Chattanooga though. I never thought my home would be so spread out. It seems I've planted little pieces of me in places I can't leave behind. *Sigh* Now, as Rob says, I've got to go and make a home of all the hearts awaiting me in Chicago.
p.s. What follows, you can skip entirely or merely skim over. It is the cranky side of me that is not so sweet... but I need a place to vent. What better place to do it than my blog?
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Money is not RED, Money is GREEN
So as of now, my mail is going to my mother's house up in Nashville. My future permanent address will be in Illinois at my cousins' house (though any mail can be sent to the seminary directly for me). Because of this, I forgot to tell you all some very exciting news. The best way is to just quote the letter my school sent me.
"Dear Alison,
I wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was reading your application. Your many gifts, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm make you an excellent candidate for seminary education. We at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will be enriched by your presence here among us.
You have been selected ro receive an ELCA Fund for Leaders in Missions (FLM) Scholarship for $3,000. LSTC is pleased to also grant you a financial aid award of $6,200 which, along with possibly the Munderloh Foundation Scholarship, will bring your total grant to full tuition, based on nine classes for the 2008-2009 academic year....."
WHO'S EXCITED?!!? I knew about the FLM and the Munderloh (which I am still holding my breath for = $2,500)... but the very generous financial aid was news to me. How wonderful is that? When I was busy being all melancholy that I didn't receive a full tuition from FLM months ago and worrying about covering costs, God was busy taking care of me.
*Sigh*
It feels so good to be taken care of. Thank you LSTC... and of course, thank GOD.
Blogs to come in the near future when they have photo support:
*My last day of Starbucks where I was attacked with whip cream. COVERED from head to toe in about 6 full cans of whip cream. Multi colors, too. Thanks guys.
*The presents I have received from people that were so completely unexpected. With that, an ironic note on the "coin" left in our tip jar in the place of real money (one side says "Where will you SPEND eternity?") and how I can't wait to cure the wounds those people have inflicted on the public.
*More on how much GOODBYE sucks and how BLESSED I am. I know in my bones that I am meant to be in seminary. I'm so so so glad that I have the support I do. THANK YOU!
"Dear Alison,
I wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was reading your application. Your many gifts, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm make you an excellent candidate for seminary education. We at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will be enriched by your presence here among us.
You have been selected ro receive an ELCA Fund for Leaders in Missions (FLM) Scholarship for $3,000. LSTC is pleased to also grant you a financial aid award of $6,200 which, along with possibly the Munderloh Foundation Scholarship, will bring your total grant to full tuition, based on nine classes for the 2008-2009 academic year....."
WHO'S EXCITED?!!? I knew about the FLM and the Munderloh (which I am still holding my breath for = $2,500)... but the very generous financial aid was news to me. How wonderful is that? When I was busy being all melancholy that I didn't receive a full tuition from FLM months ago and worrying about covering costs, God was busy taking care of me.
*Sigh*
It feels so good to be taken care of. Thank you LSTC... and of course, thank GOD.
Blogs to come in the near future when they have photo support:
*My last day of Starbucks where I was attacked with whip cream. COVERED from head to toe in about 6 full cans of whip cream. Multi colors, too. Thanks guys.
*The presents I have received from people that were so completely unexpected. With that, an ironic note on the "coin" left in our tip jar in the place of real money (one side says "Where will you SPEND eternity?") and how I can't wait to cure the wounds those people have inflicted on the public.
*More on how much GOODBYE sucks and how BLESSED I am. I know in my bones that I am meant to be in seminary. I'm so so so glad that I have the support I do. THANK YOU!
Monday, July 28, 2008
middle ear infections are not RED, well, maybe they are...
So I absolutely loved my vacation... except that I had been fighting a cold/dealing with allergies in those varying climates the whole time (and a week before). So after I got a little water in my ear because of the ocean, rode up into the sky and let my ears pop... my body revolted and my ears never unpopped. Just today, after taking some antibiotics, are they getting ANY better. Silly colds. Silly allergies. Yay health insurance....
I don't know if I will ever come back to Chattanooga to live but it certainly has part of my heart. It has been the first real HOME that I've made for myself and I don't think that ever leaves a person. Being on my own, meeting the people I've met, growing up, learning about love, discovering what family means... Couldn't have happened better anywhere else.
I'm packing up at the W's and sorting out the storage unit. Then all the stuff gets separated between Nashville and Chicago. I look forward to the day when half my stuff won't be in storage somewhere. Perhaps I should make this move a big cleansing of CRAP. I have a lot of it, you know. But I have pack rat genes and fear that as soon as I throw out something I will most certainly need it. That and I don't have ample funds to readily replace things... should I throw out something I might need. So, I don't know. What to toss... what to keep... what to move with me to Chi town. OY!
Alas, God has perfect timing and I am feeling ready for the next step of my life. So, despite how much saying goodbye hurts, I cannot wait to be in seminary in Chicago.
And one way between Chicago and Nashville on southwest is generally between $39 and $69... so I'll be back to visit. Soon.
I don't know if I will ever come back to Chattanooga to live but it certainly has part of my heart. It has been the first real HOME that I've made for myself and I don't think that ever leaves a person. Being on my own, meeting the people I've met, growing up, learning about love, discovering what family means... Couldn't have happened better anywhere else.
I'm packing up at the W's and sorting out the storage unit. Then all the stuff gets separated between Nashville and Chicago. I look forward to the day when half my stuff won't be in storage somewhere. Perhaps I should make this move a big cleansing of CRAP. I have a lot of it, you know. But I have pack rat genes and fear that as soon as I throw out something I will most certainly need it. That and I don't have ample funds to readily replace things... should I throw out something I might need. So, I don't know. What to toss... what to keep... what to move with me to Chi town. OY!
Alas, God has perfect timing and I am feeling ready for the next step of my life. So, despite how much saying goodbye hurts, I cannot wait to be in seminary in Chicago.
And one way between Chicago and Nashville on southwest is generally between $39 and $69... so I'll be back to visit. Soon.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Book reviews are not RED, they are READ
Yes, I've been reading. I thought I'd add the reviews I posted on Facebook's "BOOKS" application.
THE SHACK
I would like to say that I don't catch on to trends... but that would be a lie. I don't like the hype about them but I get curious. I have to read the book to put my two cents in. To know what the big deal is.
The first time someone mentioned "The Shack," I noted the title. The second time, I was getting curious. The third time, I wanted to read it. But life is busy. I have a stack of things to read already. I put it in my "to read eventually" stack in my head.
Then one of my best friends started reading it and liberally quoting to me parts of the book that he knew would get me. Would speak to me. And the book really did call out to me. Even better, he went out and bought the book for me right before a trip to the beach. Armed with ice water, sunscreen, and a pen, I opened the book. I finished it within the week. The whole book is underlined and circled. I texted quotes the entire time to my best friend. Read things aloud to my friend at the beach. It is BEAUTIFUL. Touching. Direct but tender in its approach. So much that I needed to hear about letting go and about loving people.
READ IT. Then let me know your favorite quote. Mine? "You don't have to have it all figured out. Just be with me." -Jesus to Mack
(and you've already heard me talk a little about this one, but here's the official buzz)
TWILIGHT
At first, this book really reminded me of one of my all time favorite WB television shows, Roswell. I own the three season box set on DVD. I've got the story down. Basically, a very normal human girl is put in danger and is saved by a mysterious (and gorgeous) boy who tells her to keep the secret. Of course, he lets her in on the secret. Why else would we stay tuned? Of course, things progress from there. It gets too intense and boy thinks it would be best for him to stay away from her for HER safety.
What I have to say... is that I might like the vampire version better. There wasn't a sense that Max might KILL Liz at any moment. I don't know if Stephenie Meyer watched Roswell or not. It IS a classic story line whatever way you cut it. The point, really, is that she does it BETTER. She takes the classic star crossed lovers and turns it up a notch. It is addictive because it is so easy to get into this story line. As a girl, I could completely see myself in a rainy town at a new school bored with life. Until... a vampire saves me from being crushed by a pickup truck. HELLO! Who wouldn't keep reading?
I am anxiously awaiting book four....
THE SHACK
I would like to say that I don't catch on to trends... but that would be a lie. I don't like the hype about them but I get curious. I have to read the book to put my two cents in. To know what the big deal is.The first time someone mentioned "The Shack," I noted the title. The second time, I was getting curious. The third time, I wanted to read it. But life is busy. I have a stack of things to read already. I put it in my "to read eventually" stack in my head.
Then one of my best friends started reading it and liberally quoting to me parts of the book that he knew would get me. Would speak to me. And the book really did call out to me. Even better, he went out and bought the book for me right before a trip to the beach. Armed with ice water, sunscreen, and a pen, I opened the book. I finished it within the week. The whole book is underlined and circled. I texted quotes the entire time to my best friend. Read things aloud to my friend at the beach. It is BEAUTIFUL. Touching. Direct but tender in its approach. So much that I needed to hear about letting go and about loving people.
READ IT. Then let me know your favorite quote. Mine? "You don't have to have it all figured out. Just be with me." -Jesus to Mack
(and you've already heard me talk a little about this one, but here's the official buzz)
TWILIGHT
At first, this book really reminded me of one of my all time favorite WB television shows, Roswell. I own the three season box set on DVD. I've got the story down. Basically, a very normal human girl is put in danger and is saved by a mysterious (and gorgeous) boy who tells her to keep the secret. Of course, he lets her in on the secret. Why else would we stay tuned? Of course, things progress from there. It gets too intense and boy thinks it would be best for him to stay away from her for HER safety.What I have to say... is that I might like the vampire version better. There wasn't a sense that Max might KILL Liz at any moment. I don't know if Stephenie Meyer watched Roswell or not. It IS a classic story line whatever way you cut it. The point, really, is that she does it BETTER. She takes the classic star crossed lovers and turns it up a notch. It is addictive because it is so easy to get into this story line. As a girl, I could completely see myself in a rainy town at a new school bored with life. Until... a vampire saves me from being crushed by a pickup truck. HELLO! Who wouldn't keep reading?
I am anxiously awaiting book four....
Thursday, July 24, 2008
My blog is red and yellow!!
My blog had a facelift. I hope you enjoy it. I also hope you can tell me how to get that scandelous strip of blue off of my beautiful red, yellow, and brown blog. :(
I'd also like to know how to make my blog wider... I know for my screen it is merely half the width of the screen. Odd. Silly template. I wish I knew more html. Sibling?? Help!!
I'd also like to know how to make my blog wider... I know for my screen it is merely half the width of the screen. Odd. Silly template. I wish I knew more html. Sibling?? Help!!
I am not RED!! Neither was E&R's wedding!
My mother says that my cheeks are beautifully blushed but not red. I'm going to go with that one.
Bottom line: Everyone needs to visit the beach at least once a year. I have never been a big beach person. I am a red head. I have extremely sensitive skin. I tend to not enjoy anything where I am outdoors for long periods of time. I burn. I encounter bugs. I get bit. Just not a very positive experience on the whole. BUT I do love taking a walk on the beach when the sun is not beating down on my skin. I do love letting the waves push and pull me in a very lovely kind of lullaby... and I even like (occasionally) getting caught off guard and smacked upside the head when a wave breaks right over me. It keeps me humble. Keeps me sandy. ;)
Let's see if anyone out there can get this quote. My mother was at a loss. "YOU... are like wet sand in my underwear." 10 points to the lovely lad or lass who guesses the movie and or actress who said it.
So the beach was lovely. I loved having mom time. I loved having family time. I loved having chill time. The original purpose of the North Carolina trip, however, was my cousin's wedding. I had a free flight to anywhere in the US courtesy of Southwest Airlines... and an invite to a wedding with family members I had not seen in years. Bonus: it was a trip with my mom out of town... with the possibility of an added beach trip. All signs point to YES.
I really enjoyed the wedding. What I find hilarious, however, is that it was such a complete 180 from the previous weekend's wedding. T&K's was last weekend. This is the happy couple in the photo (pro photos by Amy Callahan). It was just lightly religious (almost to the point of hilarity when there was a hint of religion in there). It lasted barely 15 minutes. The reception was short and sweet right after the ceremony in the church. Later there was a smaller reception with dinner and dancing. Short and sweet and to the point. Classic black, red, and white. Bride in classic white dress and groom in classic black tux. T was ecstatic and I loved seeing him so incredibly happy. I have to say that my brother was dashing as best man in his tux with a red vest. Anywho, beautiful wedding. That was week one (wedding four).
E&R's, on the other hand, was a catholic wedding. And though the service was not a full mass, it followed along the lines of a classic church service. E&R sat down. There was a sermon. There was singing. It was 45 minutes. (I LOVED it - a beautiful balance of everything). Also fabulous was that there was no handing over of the bride. None of this "who gives this woman?" talk because the priest did not believe in the tradition. He thought it treated women like they were possessions. So interesting. I always find it awkward when the father is standing up there for 10 minutes at the start of the ceremony between the bride and groom. Is anyone else weirded out by that? So I embraced that change. Then again, I also like the change up; "Who presents her" and the response is, "Her mother and I do." At mine, we aren't doing any of this placing my hand in my future husband's as a sign of handing over. At least, that is my current stance. MY wedding is a far, far, distant thing.
There was also lots of mingling before hand. I enjoyed that. Anyway, the food at the reception was fabulous. I mean, not just good. FABULOUS. I enjoyed pretty much everything I tried the whole weekend (ok, I don't much like orzo - but I try it every time just to be sure). This isn't to knock other wedding food, but besides K&D's wedding (they are both chefs...), food hasn't been anything stand out. So, way to go E&R.
Oh! My other favorite part were the colors. Purple and yellow. Pale purple and pale yellow. Gracefully beautiful and elegant. E actually wore a very simple satiny pale yellow hand made dress. She looked elegant to boot (she's sitting in the photo above). R had a yellow shirt under his tux and the groomsmen and attendants (and fathers and whomever else got the memo) had on yellow ties. Even one little boy had a yellow tie! I loved it. The flowers, the bridesmaid dresses (purple), the cake, etc. E&R even had little M&M candies with their names and the date on them in little boxes as favors. Yum!
Okay. I promise that is the LAST of the wedding stuff you will hear for a while. That's my last one of the season. I am done! There were only 5 this season. What slackers.
Bottom line: Everyone needs to visit the beach at least once a year. I have never been a big beach person. I am a red head. I have extremely sensitive skin. I tend to not enjoy anything where I am outdoors for long periods of time. I burn. I encounter bugs. I get bit. Just not a very positive experience on the whole. BUT I do love taking a walk on the beach when the sun is not beating down on my skin. I do love letting the waves push and pull me in a very lovely kind of lullaby... and I even like (occasionally) getting caught off guard and smacked upside the head when a wave breaks right over me. It keeps me humble. Keeps me sandy. ;)
Let's see if anyone out there can get this quote. My mother was at a loss. "YOU... are like wet sand in my underwear." 10 points to the lovely lad or lass who guesses the movie and or actress who said it.
So the beach was lovely. I loved having mom time. I loved having family time. I loved having chill time. The original purpose of the North Carolina trip, however, was my cousin's wedding. I had a free flight to anywhere in the US courtesy of Southwest Airlines... and an invite to a wedding with family members I had not seen in years. Bonus: it was a trip with my mom out of town... with the possibility of an added beach trip. All signs point to YES.
I really enjoyed the wedding. What I find hilarious, however, is that it was such a complete 180 from the previous weekend's wedding. T&K's was last weekend. This is the happy couple in the photo (pro photos by Amy Callahan). It was just lightly religious (almost to the point of hilarity when there was a hint of religion in there). It lasted barely 15 minutes. The reception was short and sweet right after the ceremony in the church. Later there was a smaller reception with dinner and dancing. Short and sweet and to the point. Classic black, red, and white. Bride in classic white dress and groom in classic black tux. T was ecstatic and I loved seeing him so incredibly happy. I have to say that my brother was dashing as best man in his tux with a red vest. Anywho, beautiful wedding. That was week one (wedding four).
E&R's, on the other hand, was a catholic wedding. And though the service was not a full mass, it followed along the lines of a classic church service. E&R sat down. There was a sermon. There was singing. It was 45 minutes. (I LOVED it - a beautiful balance of everything). Also fabulous was that there was no handing over of the bride. None of this "who gives this woman?" talk because the priest did not believe in the tradition. He thought it treated women like they were possessions. So interesting. I always find it awkward when the father is standing up there for 10 minutes at the start of the ceremony between the bride and groom. Is anyone else weirded out by that? So I embraced that change. Then again, I also like the change up; "Who presents her" and the response is, "Her mother and I do." At mine, we aren't doing any of this placing my hand in my future husband's as a sign of handing over. At least, that is my current stance. MY wedding is a far, far, distant thing.
There was also lots of mingling before hand. I enjoyed that. Anyway, the food at the reception was fabulous. I mean, not just good. FABULOUS. I enjoyed pretty much everything I tried the whole weekend (ok, I don't much like orzo - but I try it every time just to be sure). This isn't to knock other wedding food, but besides K&D's wedding (they are both chefs...), food hasn't been anything stand out. So, way to go E&R.
Oh! My other favorite part were the colors. Purple and yellow. Pale purple and pale yellow. Gracefully beautiful and elegant. E actually wore a very simple satiny pale yellow hand made dress. She looked elegant to boot (she's sitting in the photo above). R had a yellow shirt under his tux and the groomsmen and attendants (and fathers and whomever else got the memo) had on yellow ties. Even one little boy had a yellow tie! I loved it. The flowers, the bridesmaid dresses (purple), the cake, etc. E&R even had little M&M candies with their names and the date on them in little boxes as favors. Yum!
Okay. I promise that is the LAST of the wedding stuff you will hear for a while. That's my last one of the season. I am done! There were only 5 this season. What slackers.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Sand is not RED, but my skin will be
I should be packing for I am North Carolina bound. My cousin is getting married on Saturday so I get to spend the weekend with select family members. Then my mother and I decided that we needed a little beach time. Ok, we needed a LOT of beach time, but we allotted ourselves a mere three days of glorious sand and sun. We've got a little condo, a deck of cards, our bathing suits, and some sunscreen. Good to go!
So if I haven't yet gone to the beach, where have I been? Well, lets just say I found a book and devoured it. Then I read the second book in the series. Then I immediately bought the third. They lasted almost two weeks. What were these fabulous attention grabbing books, you ask? Why, none other than the Twilight saga that has swept the nation. Catch the trailer to the movie (out in December) or read up on your twilight trivia at the movie website. I can't wait!! It really is an addiction.... The fourth book comes out the first day of August. I will be at Barnes and Nobles. Yes I will. Oh, here's something else to devour. Enjoy! (P.S. the picture in this post is Edward and Bella. Edward is a vampire. Bella is just a small town gal who fell in love with him. *Sigh*)
That's really been about it. Besides starting to say goodbye and preparing to move north, I have stayed busy with coffee and my two fabulous girls. I won't want to say goodbye to either of my families here so I'm trying to figure out how to best leave parts of my heart behind. No one said it would be easy!!
So if I haven't yet gone to the beach, where have I been? Well, lets just say I found a book and devoured it. Then I read the second book in the series. Then I immediately bought the third. They lasted almost two weeks. What were these fabulous attention grabbing books, you ask? Why, none other than the Twilight saga that has swept the nation. Catch the trailer to the movie (out in December) or read up on your twilight trivia at the movie website. I can't wait!! It really is an addiction.... The fourth book comes out the first day of August. I will be at Barnes and Nobles. Yes I will. Oh, here's something else to devour. Enjoy! (P.S. the picture in this post is Edward and Bella. Edward is a vampire. Bella is just a small town gal who fell in love with him. *Sigh*)
That's really been about it. Besides starting to say goodbye and preparing to move north, I have stayed busy with coffee and my two fabulous girls. I won't want to say goodbye to either of my families here so I'm trying to figure out how to best leave parts of my heart behind. No one said it would be easy!!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Toddlers are not RED, unless they're covered in paint... and then you have a problem
I absolutely adore the 3.5 year old that I live with. She says the most hilarious things. Asks the strangest, yet to the point, questions of anyone I know (including other three year olds). Haven't you heard that any great philosopher can be disproved by a three year old asking, "Why?" on repeat? It is so true. "Why?" to questions that can only be answered, "God made it that way" or "Just because." So frustrating on my half of things because I wish I could explain more. Par example:
Watching Aladdin: "Why is it a volcano cave?"
Listening to Music in the car: "Why is this song louder than the last song?"
Eating breakfast: cereal "Why is this a square?"
I also LOVE the way she prays. LOVE it. So simply pure and -- well, simple. She thanks god for the sunshine and the rain, for my friends at the coffee shop, for her stuffed bunny, for every member of her family (including me). Whatever is in her minds comes across in prayer and I adore her lack of filter. Why sometimes it isn't the most flattering prayer about those around her, sometimes it is shockingly beautiful.
This of course goes for random comments she makes as well. Today, driving, I honked at someone who cut me off and said they weren't paying attention. She asks me, "Were they on their cell phone?" I couldn't help but laugh. And just now, addressing a letter to my brother, she asks if I'm doing that because I love him. She likes to tell people that other people love them. It's a big deal lately. She told her parents at the dinner table matter of factly last night that I loved them. Too great!! (And of course I do love them, but I love that she picks up on it, too). Then again, I am also secretly afraid that she will burst out my affections for a certain someone in front of him and find me turning all shades of red. Alas...
I guess that's all I got. Everyone have a happy fourth of July. I've got a little less than a month left in Chattanooga and it is already breaking my heart. :(
Watching Aladdin: "Why is it a volcano cave?"
Listening to Music in the car: "Why is this song louder than the last song?"
Eating breakfast: cereal "Why is this a square?"
I also LOVE the way she prays. LOVE it. So simply pure and -- well, simple. She thanks god for the sunshine and the rain, for my friends at the coffee shop, for her stuffed bunny, for every member of her family (including me). Whatever is in her minds comes across in prayer and I adore her lack of filter. Why sometimes it isn't the most flattering prayer about those around her, sometimes it is shockingly beautiful.
This of course goes for random comments she makes as well. Today, driving, I honked at someone who cut me off and said they weren't paying attention. She asks me, "Were they on their cell phone?" I couldn't help but laugh. And just now, addressing a letter to my brother, she asks if I'm doing that because I love him. She likes to tell people that other people love them. It's a big deal lately. She told her parents at the dinner table matter of factly last night that I loved them. Too great!! (And of course I do love them, but I love that she picks up on it, too). Then again, I am also secretly afraid that she will burst out my affections for a certain someone in front of him and find me turning all shades of red. Alas...
I guess that's all I got. Everyone have a happy fourth of July. I've got a little less than a month left in Chattanooga and it is already breaking my heart. :(
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