Thursday, November 30, 2006

By Alanna

Alanna no longer has a blog of her own...but she does have a great story to share, so I told her she could post it here.


Winter Wonderland...
The other day I opened up my freezer to get a delicious treat...and this is what it looked like. A friggin' Winter Wonderland. I mean...there was ACTUAL snow in my freezer...and icicles! It was crazy! So when life gives you lemonade...you make...oops...you know what I mean. Jared opened it...took one look at it...and scooped up a huge handful and chucked it at Nikki. Hilarious! I never thought that I'd ever have a snowball fight in my kitchen. Definitely an experience I recommend. In fact...if you'd like to have this experience all you have to do is force the little flap where the ice comes out to stay open...and you too can have snow ball fight in Orange County. Fun for the whole family...

Top Ten Things About My Future Kids

Everyone always sees other people's children and says "My kids will never be like that!" If I ever have kids, these are things that will be true of them:

10. They will smile and say hello when they are greeted by someone.
9. They will never say "yuck" about food that someone else is eating.
8. They will sit quietly and behave in restaurants and airplanes.
7. They will not cry and get their way.
6. They will be go-with-the-flow; easily entertained.
5. They will play a musical instrument.
4. They will always wash their hands after using the restroom.
3. They will be taught to believe in Santa Claus, The Tooth Fairy, and The Easter Bunny.
2. They will love to travel and have adventures.
1. They will always have clean clothes, hands and faces. (No snotty noses, dirty cheeks and stained clothes.)

Now, I understand that some of this operates in fantasy...and some in a "children should be seen and not heard" mindset. I have a feeling that my kids will be very few of these things...

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

The internet is a wonderful thing.

Here are things I learnt from Dictionary.com and AskOxford.com

PLURALS:
* The plural of NO is NOES.
* The plural of CHRISTMAS is CHRISTMASES.
*When referencing a decade (ex. 1930s), no apostrophe is necessary.

AFFECT/EFFECT:
I am always unsure about this one...I know the rule, but always second-guess myself in the moment. (I'll bet you didn't know that second-guess was hyphenated.)
The rule is, AFFECT influenced the happening of something. EFFECT was the direct cause.

Cold Disposition

I have been really lethargic lately. I think it has something to do with the cold...and the dark.
I LOVE to cuddle up in my bed (which, incidentally, has three comforters on it right now) and watch movies...or do crossword puzzles. I have been reluctant to open my books, even though I have at least five that I am waiting to read.

I've gotta liven up.

Daylight Savings

Please come soon.

I am ready for it to be light out at 5:30pm.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

World Series of Pop Culture #2

Josh Treece, Josh Griffin and myself are planning to audition (and hopefully compete) in the 2007 World Series of Pop Culture on VH1.

Now all we need is a name...any ideas?

Teaching this weekend

I am speaking in Wildside this weekend.
We are in the midst of a series called "PLAY IT! Because Life is Like a Game"

Last week Kurt talked about SCRABBLE: The power of words.

This week I'm up with PERFECTION: God's view vs. Ours

Any tips, suggestions, anecdotes?

Junior High Girls Amaze Me

It baffles me that stupidity and brilliance can co-exist in such a way.

Although, I suppose this is not restricted to Junior High girls...I would imagine this could be apropos of almost anyone.

25 Christmas Movies in 25 Days

Can it be done?

Matt Jensen and I are 3 movies in...and going strong.

So far:
Elf
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
A Christmas Story

Still to come:
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Home Alone (1 and 2)
A Charlie Brown Christmas

Any suggestions?

Monday, November 27, 2006

Dropping Like Flies

I just updated the list of "Blogs I Read Daily".

If a blog has been "post-less" for one month, they are removed from the list. (This is a change from the previous two-week rule.)

The list is getting shorter each month.

Who will be the next to go?

Christmas Music

Thanksgiving has passed and thus, the Christmas season is officially upon us.

As a tradition/rule, I begin listening to Christmas music on the day after Thanksgiving.

But this is no ordinary Christmas music enjoyment.

It is all Christmas music, all the time, until Christmas Day. I have 16 Christmas albums (17 after my visit to Target this afternoon) that are on shuffle on my i-Pod day in and day out (I'm not really sure what that expression means, but I think it is used correctly).

I listen to whatever comes on, but my favorites are "What Child is This?" Lyndsey Lloyd Wallace, "Ave Maria" Harry Connick, Jr., and "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" *NSYNC.

What's your favorite Christmas album?

Thanksgiving #5

Sorry about the delay, I know you were on edge waiting.

Thanksgiving #5--My mom and her family (and Matt)
Food: Homemade/Fresh out of the package
Best Food Item: Croissants
Company: Great. My aunt and her family came down from San Francisco...it was really fun.
Length: We were there for about 6 hours; we played a game in the end...so that passed the time a bit. I don't think it was too long (though Matt Jensen may have a different opinion on that!)
Conversation: My 3-year old cousin Thea told us all about her friend Eric. Hilarious. My brother and his friend, Cameron, asked her a few follow-up questions that had funny answers.
Surprise Twist: My aunt Sarah called from Hawaii to tell us she is pregnant!

Friday, November 24, 2006

Top Ten People in the Church Office

Outside of Student Ministries...
And, of course, this is in no particular order...

10. Joan England (Reception)
9. Jason Pogue (Ministry)
8. Courtney Gause (Missions)
7. Bill Crane (Technology)
6. Lance Hamilton (Mail Room)
5. Jim Dobbs (Graphics)
4. Bob Sahlin (Facilities)
3. Johnny Baker (Celebrate Recovery)
2. Steve Rutenbar (Missions)
1. Brad Hartke (Accounting)

Wow! That was so much harder to narrow down than I had thought it would be...

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Thanksgiving #1-4

I will eat 5 Thanksgivings this year.
I have eaten 4 so far...

Here they are in review...

#1--Student Ministries Staff Thanksgiving, Tuesday
Food: Claim Jumper, pretty delicious...
Best Food Item: Biscuits
Company: Really fun...a room with those people is always full of laughter
Length: Being that it was a work-day, during an already short week, I had to rush out to get some stuff done...but it was a descent length.
Conversation: Eh, it was actually mostly about Thanksgiving plans...and almost everyone said the same thing...I'm sure I sound rude, but it was kind of boring.
Surprise Twist: Rick Warren and Glen appeared toward the end...and stole the show...

#2--JH Small Group Thanksgiving, Tuesday
Food: Potluck, and really delicious.
Best Food Item: Mashed Potatoes and Gravy (well done, Rachel J)
Company: The girls are totally fun...a little crazy and loud...they tend to talk over each other, but tons of energy made for a fun night.
Length: An hour and a half...I had already eaten one Thanksgiving, so I was pretty tired when this one was over...
Conversation: We chatted about being thankful for your family...including them in your daily life...Sue gave her testimony about her relationship with her mom...it was really cool to hear so many different perspectives on family interactions.
Surprise Twist: Gulliver's Corn. It looked like corn soaked in milk...but one of my girls brought it, so I felt like I had to taste it...surprisingly good.

#3--My family (one side) Thanksgiving, Thursday
Food: Balboa Bay Club set-menu; crab salad, lobster bisque, turkey dinner, apple cobbler
Best Food Item: Lobster Bisque--anytime I can eat that, I'm excited.
Company: My dad, brother and Grandparents...and Matt--continuously interesting conversation...my brother is really great at keeping conversation flowing...it was really very fun.
Length: About 2 hours. The food and Diet Coke kept coming, it was a good amount of time...we may have stayed longer, but we had to rush to Matt's house. Perfect length.
Conversation: All over the board, LOST, the screenplay my brother is writing, his upcoming Italy trip, my dad's race car classes, my Grandparent's remodel...
Surprise Twist: My Grandma rolling her eyes at the number of times my aunt and uncle have seen Phantom of the Opera!

#4--Matt's entire family Thanksgiving, Thursday
Food: Home-made...and, though I was full from #3, I did sneak a bite of turkey and stuffing...really good stuff.
Best Food Item: Stuffing. Best I've had so far.
Company: Matt's parents, his mom's brothers and her mom, his brother and sister and their families, and me.
Length: About 6 hours. A long time...but it actually didn't feel that long...it was a relaxing 6 hours.
Conversation: All over the board, I spent a ton of time with the 3-year old boys that were there...SO fun. Then talked to his sister and sister-in-law...and his aunt...really easy, light consistent conversation.
Surprise Twist: I Love the '80s Trivia Game. Our team won! (Well done, Uncle John!) We laughed and had some pretty tense competition...but it was such a fun end to the night.


Okay, #5 is tomorrow at 4...I'll keep you posted.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Elliptical Thoughts part 3

As I looked around the gym tonight I wondered a few things:

*At what point does one consider themselves "overweight" and in need of a serious workout regime? 15 pounds? 30 pounds? 2 sizes? Someone mistaking them for being pregnant?

*At what age does it stop becoming cute that a kid is pudgy? When is it okay to bring your kid to the gym with you and get them in to shape? At what age is it still considered child abuse to make your child run on the treadmill for an hour?

*When you leave to go to the gym, do you try to look your worst? Your best? Forget looks, go for comfort? I saw a few people tonight looking very haggard. It just made me wonder. I don't attempt beauty, but I always dress in such a way that I could stop somewhere on the way home and not be embarrassed about looking like I just climbed out of a dumpster in 1985.

Oh, and I also saw a bit too much of an older man's crotchal region...yikes! Tuck them in, sir.

Monday, November 20, 2006

The Blog of Judgement

All of my blogging energy typically goes toward one ultimate goal: making it on to Josh Griffin's Great Stuff from My Friends' Blog.

Each day I find myself trying very hard to be interesting enough, funny enough, eloquent enough to make it in to this list of honor. And each week I await the decision: was I good enough this week?

I mentioned this to him once; that I was so sad that I hadn't been good enough that week. I think he feels guilty now, because good or bad, I'm on the list.

Griff, don't treat me with any special privileges. I want to be on an equal playing field. And then, I want to blow the competition out of the water with a killer post.

Thank you, dear friend, for raising the bar.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Interesting Story...

I have not left my house all day. In fact, I have not left my bed for more than 30 minutes (an hour total). I have been laying around watching Will and Grace and reading People magazines.

Here's an interesting story from the pages of People:
Some schools in Texas are having elementary students enter a pin number as they pay for their lunch. In interest of decreasing childhood obesity, parents fill out a detailed form deciding what their kids can and can not purchase at lunch. If any of the items the child picks up happen to be on the "can not" list, the lunch lady may not sell that item to that child.

What ever happened to "up for grabs"? If I were at that school, I'd buy all the junk food and sell it to the kids who can't have it. I bet I'd make a fortune. OR, why doesn't the school get rid of the junk food? Then there is no need for the monitoring.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Office Clean Up

As I cleaned my desk at the office today before I went home (a new "Friday afternoon rule"), I picked up a stack of "To Do" lists from recent weeks. The funny thing is, each of the lists had a few of the same tasks written on them. Among these: credit card reconciliation, buy gift cards, add Design Team to the calendar.

I did all three of those things this week.

The reason I bring it up is two-fold:

1) It was not good enough for me to simply cross these tasks off of today's "To Do" list; I had to cross them off of each of the lists they had appeared on. Oh, and I made sure to use a red pen: one that was light enough to see the cross-through, but not make the completed task illegible.

2) I ended up holding about 6 pieces of paper filled with crossed-off tasks. One might think that those lists could be thrown away. Oh no, I quickly filed them in my "Completed To Do Lists" file with the rest of my lists from the last 2 years in this job.

I'm sure this would qualify me for some type of support group, but I am quite happy to track my productivity.

So...do you make "To Do" lists? If so, save or delete? Check-mark, cross-through or erase completed tasks?

Finish the Sentence

I don't know...how I will spend my Friday night

I talk...softer than the average girl

I love...the taste of cold water

My best friend...has known me more than half of my life

My first real kiss...was slimey

I hate it when people...slow down blocks before they actually turn

Love is...patient, kind, etc.

Marriage is...not to be taken lightly.

Somewhere, someone is thinking..."I have to go pee"

I'll always...do things to the best of my ability

The last time I cried was because...Marissa Cooper died

My cell phone...shuts off by itself sometimes

When I wake up in the morning...I take a shower

Before I go to sleep at night...I watch an episode of FRIENDS and do a crossword puzzle

Right now I am thinking about...the crossword puzzle I'm going to do on
ce I finish this.

Babies are...a lot of work.

Today I...was amazingly productive

Tonight I will...hang out with Matt Jensen

Tomorrow I will...Take Matt Jensen on a surprise date.

I really want...some ice cream

I tag...David Ulrich, Cathi Workman
and Josh Treece

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Just a test...

Does the new Google-edition of Blogger recognize BLOG in the spell check?

Yep.

Top Ten Moments as Steve Rutenbar's Assistant

1. Allison, please load this James Taylor CD in to my i-Music.
2. Allison, learn how to use this digital camera I bought, and then teach me.
3. Oh, the manual for the camera? I threw it away.
4. Allison, the lights keep shutting off in my office, how can I get them to stay on.
5. Allison, you sit in my chair. Let me dictate some emails to you.
6. Allison, I can't type that fast, my fingers are too big for the keys.
7. Look at this picture...isn't it bitchin'?
8. Did I ever tell you about the tumor I have in a jar? Yeah...we lost it in the move.
9. Allison, can you teach me how to call Jake on this phone?
10. Let's make these photos in to a slide show. Should we use the Parachute Band or "The Prayer"?

Steve...you are one of my favorite people on the planet...

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

If only I could write like this...

From Special Topics in Calamity Physics...nope, I haven't finished it yet...
I can't get this out of my head. It is just so brilliant.


"She emphasized what few wanted to accept, that some people did win Trivial Pursuit:The Deity Looks Edition and there wasn't a thing you could do about it, except come to terms with the fact you'd only played Trivial Pursuit: John Doe Genes and come away with three pie pieces.

If I could write like this, I would have a novel out as well.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Elliptical Thoughts part 2

I was not thinking that this would make such a speedy return, but I had a funny gym visit tonight.

When I walked in, I handed the guy at the front desk my card. He scanned it and then smirked as he handed it back to me.
Me: "What are you laughing at?"
Him: "You are just making me smile."

Awkward.

So, I get on the elliptical machine and all I can think is "I wonder what he was laughing at." I kept thinking: Maybe there is something in my teeth? Maybe I have a huge booger? Maybe my hair is ridiculous looking? Maybe I have a big zit? Maybe my shirt is see-through?

For the next 20 minutes, I could not get passed it. I kept wiping my nose, checking my teeth with my tongue, I took my hair down and put it back up...I couldn't move on.

I had decided that after my workout, I would confront him. It would go something like this:
me: "Hey, what were you laughing at before?"
him: "oh, nothing."
me: "You can't do that to people. Especially people who are already self-conscious coming in to the gym."
him: "You're right. I'm stupid. Please forgive me. I was just smiling about your Dharma shirt, I love that show."

I marched (not literally) up to the front desk, ready for an explanation, or an apology...only to find that he had gone.
Next time. Mark my words: we'll have words.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Elliptical Thoughts

An Elliptical machine at the gym simulates a running motion without actually going anywhere...

As I used this machine today, my thoughts were rather 'elliptical'.

Monday, November 13th. Noon.
As I "cardio-ed" today for 20 minutes, I watched a woman clean the giant mirrors in the "class" room.
As I watched her, my mind wandered...
What was she thinking about while she cleaned?
What she singing along to the song being played, just as I was?
How often does she clean these mirrors?
Does she have a descending count in her head as she moves toward the end of the line?
Does she count this as her workout, since technically she is in a gym?
Does she hate every second of cleaning these mirrors...and enjoy cleaning the machines?

As I thought all of these things, I couldn't help but wonder if someone was watching me and thinking the same sort of thoughts.
Probably not...

Word Association

With Matt Jensen:
Manolo Blahniks: expensive
McDonald's: Rock and Roll
Paris Hilton: slut
Lamps: Light
The Beatles: Great
The Spice Girls: Sucky
Brilliance: Smart
The President of the United States: Peaches
Schwarzenegger as Governor: "I'll be back!"
Good TV: LOST
Wildside: Lou Reed
Reading: Rainbow
Lipstick: Cherry Red
Sunglasses: At Night
Sickness: Nyquil
Mrs Doubtfire: Dude Looks Like a Lady
Crazy: Loco
Travel: Suitcase
Car: Engine
Locker: Jr. High
Yellow: Squash
Pink: Elephants
Star Wars: Star Tours
Michael Jackson: Kenneth Cole
The GAP: David Letterman's teeth




Now, word association with me:

Flag: day
Bologna: First name
Kevin: Federline
Dance: Dance Revolution
Mario: Brothers
Italy: Rome
Life Jacket:"When I am weak, you are my life boat"
Books: Relaxation
Alphabet: Soup
Meatball: Sub
Turtle: Soup
Red: Licorice
Green: Eggs and Ham
Windy: Chicago
Make-up: Song Day
Soap: on a rope
View: From the Top
Font: Madness
Secret: Anti-Persperant
Dress: For Success
Fork: Knife
King: For a Day
Chair: Man of the Board

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Cool vs. Uncool

I wonder if back in caveman times there were "cool kids" and "uncool kids"? I wonder what designated their category? Were the "cool kids" the ones who learned to hunt earlier? Those who knew where to find the good flint?

I know this seems silly, but it had to start somewhere...

I spent this weekend in "big church" with The Walk (JH and HS choir)...and there is a definite distinction between "cool" and "uncool". What makes that difference?
Why can I, years removed from their groups, still sense the divide and even categorize them in my head?

Working with JH students, I can often tell who I would have hung out with if I were their age. I'd like to think that I was in the 3rd group--not "cool", but not "uncool"...somewhere in the middle. I was the choir girl who was too cool for the other choir kids. (Seriously, like there's a difference.)

I also wonder if every kid (or the majority) feels that they are cool. Do the "uncool" groups feel cool in their own heads? There is definitely a kid in the AV club who would be considered the coolest of them...who or what decides this?

I'm looking at a boy right now who is wearing a pink shirt. This, to me, is nerdy. I've also seen boys wearing pink that look cool. Where does this distinction lay?

I'm sure there are very few of you actually reading this still...it is getting pretty long...

For those of you who are...where do you stand? Cool or uncool? Where did you stand in JH and HS?

Saturday, November 11, 2006

more trivia questions

1. What was the Munster's address?
2. What did Fred Gwynne do after starring as Herman Munster?
3. What English word contains all 5 vowels in alphabetical order?
4. If broccoli and cauliflower are from similar shaped plants, why is broccoli green and cauliflower white?
5. What movie did Ricki Lake star in before becoming a talk show host?
6. What band sings a song called "Talk Show Host"?

Seriously, I could write a game...eat it Trivial Pursuit.

I have time issues

Every Saturday, I deal with the same thing: I'm afraid I won't have enough time to run errands, or "do anything" before I have to be at work.

For example, today I had to be at the church at 3:45. I woke up at 10 and thought, I'd better not watch any of The O.C. today, I might be late to church. Because, in my head, waking up at 10 meant most of the day was shot.

Last Saturday, I met Matt for lunch and then we did a little Christmas shopping. I had to be at church at 4:45...and I was so nervous that I wouldn't make it back in time...At 3, I asked Matt if he thought we were pushing it time-wise and if we should head back (oh, by the way, we were at Best Buy in Mission Viejo--not South Coast Plaza).

So, I often opt for lounging around...for some reason I am confident that I will arrive on time if all I do all day is lay in bed.

Friday, November 10, 2006

Thursday, November 09, 2006

My Top Ten

I'd like to make this a new recurring blog. My Top Ten ___________. We'll see if I can make this at all interesting.

Tonight's: My Top Ten Ideas for a Top Ten List

1. Favorite Scientific Names for Fruits and Vegetables
2. Fall Fashion "In"s
3. People in the Church Office (Outside of Student Ministries)
4. Funny People in my Life
5. Favorite Matt McGill moments
6. Stories From the Blogs of Others
7. Lines From "The Office"
8. Books on My Shelves
9. Drinks at Starbucks
10. Smells

Any ideas for more interesting "Top-Ten"ning?

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

I think I could write a trivia game

I know a lot of ridiculous things. I know a lot about nothing.

I think I could write a trivia game...except for the History portion...unless the History was in reference to Celebrities or Television or some sort of entertainment-related information.

Honestly. I know some things.

What was Elvis' middle name?
What was the first video played on MTV?
What is Cory Matthew's allergic to?
What animal does Lenny repeatedly talk about in "Of Mice and Men"?

I know this...and more.

Monday, November 06, 2006

I'm Goin-Goin Back-Back to Kitale-tale



That's right! Kenya 2007!

If you would like to support me, prayerfully or financially, please let me know!

Christmas Shopping



I have already purchased Christmas gifts for 6 people.

They are already wrapped.

I have a list going...my hope is to be completely done with my Christmas shopping by December 10th.

I think I stand a good chance of reaching that goal.

When do you start Christmas shopping?

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Inspired by The Yazz

you can only use one word...
Not as easy as you may think.

1. Yourself: self-reflective
2. Your girlfriend/boyfriend: artistic
3. Your hair?: blond
4. Your mother?: friend
5. Your Father?: teacher
6. Your Favorite Item: shoes
7. Your dream last night: forgetable
8. Your Favorite drink: slurpee
9. Your Dream Car: mine
10. The Room You Are In: 404
12. Your fear: attacked
13. What you want to be in 10 years: international
14. Who you hung out with last night?: kayla
15. What You're Not?: stupid
16. Muffins: chocolate
17: One of Your Wish List Items: manolo
18: Time: 10
19. The Last Thing You Did: HSM
20. What YouAre Wearing: yellow
21. Your Favorite Weather: cold
22. Your Favorite Book: eggers
23. The Last Thing You Ate: gum
24. Your Life: full
25. Your Mood: content
26. Your body: overweight
27. Who are you thinking about right now? naptime?
29. What are you doing at the moment?: blogging
30. Your summer: hot
31. Best part of your life: living?


Courtney Gause, I'd like to see you try this.

Dear Mike Lovato and Taffy

You are changing lives.

This weekend I have seen the product of your involvement in youth ministry.

Mike Lovato, I sat next to a student last night that ran the HSM service (computers: Mediashout, PPT). His name is Zac. He told me that he knows all about Mediashout and PPT because of you. He is 15 years old and choosing to use his computer knowledge, not to hack in to XXX sites, but to serve God each Saturday night. Thank you for having invested in that kid. His life is different because of you. Our church is different because of his changed heart. I miss working alongside of you. Your quiet leadership was such an amazing example to many of our “introverted” adult and student leaders.

Taffy, I could not keep my emotions inside this morning...I was so proud of everything these students have become. I know that it is because of your heart for them. I know that the hours and hours and hours that you have worked alongside of them...teaching them and opening doors of opportunity...that is why they spent this weekend on stage, musically worshipping God. That is why I couldn't keep from tearing up this morning...I am so proud of them. I can't believe that these are the same 11 and 12 year olds that once played terrible drums or sang off-key. Now, they are young adults, leading adults to the throne of God. I am so proud of you. Proud of the role you play in our church. Of the role you play in the lives of these students.

Thank you both. Thank you for being a role model to me in my ministry. Thank you for being a role model to our students. The face of the church will be radically better because of these students who have hearts for God...because of you.

You are changing lives. I've seen the proof.

Friday, November 03, 2006

New Offices!

We are no longer homeless...We moved in to our new offices yesterday (though I didn't blog about it because I was afraid they would take it away again)...

I thought I would make a short list of pros and cons...please keep in mind that these are only based on the 16-ish hours I have been in this building.

PROS:
--No code on the copy machine
--No "shuttle parking lot"
--No "parking lot is full" emails
--It's just Student Ministries
--We cleaned out a lot of stuff during the move
--It feels like being an intern again...lots of talking through walls...
--No waiting in line for the bathroom. I have been the only one in there everytime I've gone.
--I can hear everyone's conversations


CONS:
--I can hear everyone's conversations
--No soda machine, or water machine (yet)
--The sinks in the bathroom are push down...I am not feeling fully sanitized after each wash
--The mirrors in the bathroom are angled down so they are very unflattering
--The front door is always open and the bathroom is right there, so I am afraid someone is lurking in there waiting for prey
--There are still tons of boxes everywhere from the move

I was pregnant on Wednesday


I dressed as Sue (my co-leader) for a Droopy's Halloween Party...
I stuffed my sweatshirt with a pillow, had an itchy black wig, which I quickly took off...and some white face make-up (because she is a pale Swiss-German)...

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Inspired by Josh Peters

Places I hope to go in my lifetime:

International:
Beijing, China (Great Wall)
Tokyo, Japan
Costa Rica
The Cayman Islands (Because of all of the John Grisham novels)
Iceland
Italy (Venice, Rome, Milan, Florence, Verona)
Ireland (Dublin, Belfast)
Scotland (Especially Loch Ness)
Berlin, Germany
The Lake District, England
Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg)
Kiev, Ukraine
Kampala, Uganda
Oslo, Norway
Stockholm, Sweden (the ice hotel)
Australia (though I would plan a layover so I don't fly Sydney to LA)
Cairo, Egypt
Athens, Greece
Madrid, Spain
Tahiti
The Bahamas
Jamaica

Local:
The Grand Canyon
Cooperstown (Baseball Hall of Fame)
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Niagara Falls
The World's Largest Ball of Twine
The World's Largest Thermometer
The Four Corners (where you can stand in 4 states at once)??
Mt. Rushmore
Old Faithful

Unlike Josh, I am not asking for funding...I'm merely sharing my list.

What's on your list?

How much does this look like Matt Gillen



This is hanging in the Purpose Driven wing of the offices.
Seriously, I had to take a second look...I thought it was him.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Guilty Pleasures #8

I love when I remember ridiculous old stories.

I have tons of memories that are just mine...that's my favorite part of reading Storytime with Kevin: those are his memories, no one else's.

This afternoon I was reading some comments on my pee the bed post...and I thought about the time I was in Mexico and woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. I threw some shoes on and ran to the porta-potties...I squated and started to pee. Now, I was minus a flashlight, so I couldn't really see what was happening...Turns out, this particular potty had a seat cover...and I had not put it up, instead I had peed all over it.

The next morning some students came out to say someone had peed all over the porta-potty...I said "Eww...gross. Who would do that?"

Those are the types of memories I have all day...chances are, if you catch me smiling to myself, I've just remembered one of them.