Thursday, May 31, 2007

How to Cure the Blues

Today, I left work a little sad...I had a rough conversation with a friend that just left me feeling a light shade of blue (maybe a cerulean).

The funny thing is, all I could think was:

I want to go to the bookstore.
That will cheer me up.
I don't need anything...
but the smell of books will make me feel better.


This was the monologue in my head...

As I walked into and through Borders I kept thinking to myself, why?
Why do I think books will make me feel better?

I looked at hundreds of book covers. For some reason, if there is a new design on a book I love, I feel as though I need to buy it. For this reason, I own at least five Complete Works of Shakespeare.

I picked up four or five books, and ended up buying two: one for me and one for the friend I talked with today.

I don't know what it is about the smell...but I really do feel better...

I owe you an apology,

Bo.

I, in fact, have a deep love for Hillsong.

I know that I was insistent upon listening to anything other than Hillsong on the way home from Ensenada...and for that I am truly, truly sorry.

If I had a van full of students, as we did then, I would be more than happy to listen to the entire album.

With lyrics like:

"A thousand times I've failed,
still your mercy remains
Should I stumble again,
I'm caught in your grace"

and

"You stood before my failure,
carried the cross for my shame
my sin weighed upon your shoulders
my soul now to stand"

and

"Jesus I believe in you and I would go
to the ends of the earth, the ends of the earth
for you, alone are the son of God and all the world will see
that you are God, you are God"

really, how could I not love it?

Frank Sinatra Morning

I woke up this morning with a strong desire for some Ol' Blue Eyes...so I listened to and sang along with Frankie all the way to work...

I'm thinking I will do the same tomorrow morning.

My favorite song is "The Summer Wind"...what's yours?

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

I like it when...

People smile at me from across the room.

People run over to say hello.

Someone says "You look nice today" or "I'm so happy to see you".

Someone tells me they like me.

People laugh at my jokes...not at me for making the joke.

I make delicious funfetti cupcakes and people actually enjoy them.

My birthday party is filled with people that love me.

People are honest, gently honest.

I leave work feeling like I was so productive, and actually a fun co-worker.

I receive unexpected, non-holiday-related gifts.

People call me Alice.

A memory is triggered that makes me smile, while I'm walking through Target by myself.

I get for-no-reason text messages.

Someone looks me in the eye and compliments me.

A friend is trustworthy.

I get to watch The O.C. with Katie...while eating Oreos and milk.

I get to stay in an icy cold hotel room with no early morning plans.

I wake up and still have over an hour before my alarm will go off...re-sleep is so good.

A joke catches me off-guard and I can laugh about it all day.

What do you like?

Faux Words

You may think that these are actual words, but you would be incorrect.

* Acrosst
* Funner
* Mulk
* Supposubly

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

KAN-i-SAS you a question?

You, reading my blog.
You, from Kansas...

Do I know you?

Processing...

Every one minute, 21 children die from hunger.
One meal costs 28 cents.

In the time I spent in small group tonight, 189 kids died of hunger.

It would have cost less than $53 to provide each of those mouths with one meal. One meal that could have kept them alive for one more day.

I spent more than $53 at Target last week without really buying anything.
I spent more than $53 on coffee in the last two weeks.
I spent more than $53 on the jeans I wore to work today...and I have at least four other pair in my closet.

It seems silly to say "I'm only one person, what can I do?" because, really, we could all do something.

I can't shake this...

I will make a conscious effort to be better at...

* Budgeting
* Friendships
* Tithing
* Singing
* Relational ministry
* Defending people in conversations
* Delegating
* Playing bass
* Finishing books I begin
* Accepting criticism


How about you? What could you stand to improve upon?

My Memorial Day Memories

I had a really great Memorial Day.

I was supposed to have a barbecue with some friends, but ended up having a barbecue with other friends...sorry former, thank you latter.

We spent the early afternoon watching Pirates of the Caribbean 3; which I enjoy more than the second, but less than the first.

We spent the late afternoon and early evening eating food. I made Funfetti cupcakes (which were, in actuality, Rainbow chip-cakes and were really good), Allison made some vinegar-based vegetable something, Teresa made some baked beans, Shaun barbecued some bratwurst (for the others), chicken (for me), and corn (for everyone).

The kids swam in the pool, we sat around chatting and laughing...well, mostly laughing.

My favorite part of the afternoon was the prayer for dinner...Shaun says:

"Thank you for a day to remember those people who are farting for their country...I mean, fighting for their country..."

It was completely unintentional and, so, very funny.

'Tis the Season to be Bloggy...



Apparently there has been an official "blogging season" established by Jared Moine.

It runs Memorial Day to Labor Day...so, grab your white shoes and read his blog HERE.

I'm Alive...

I know...48-hours without a fresh piece...it's rough...

I'm all in tomorrow...

Friday, May 25, 2007

Vitamin Water

When I was little, my mom worked during the day. So, during the summer, she would enroll us in EVERY VBS AROUND. I think there was one summer that we were in at least six weeks of VBS.

There is a very distinct VBS-snack-punch flavor (Baptists, Lutherans, Protestants...this flavor is denomination-blind).

Today I re-kindled my mediocre feelings for this flavor. I bought a Defense - Raspberry-Apple Vitamin Water. The taste of vitamin water (all both flavors that I have tried) reminds me of snack time at Vacation Bible School. With every sip I could picture the black-top, craft time, saluting the flag, Bible drills, singing hymns...I could picture the time I was sent home from a friend's house after telling the joke with the word "fart" in it (the one I had learned during VBS).

As the reddish liquid (which, I must give you credit here, Vitamin Water, for my mouth did not have even a hint of the reddish tint typically associated with colored beverages such as Gatorade and Kool-Aid) poured out, my memories came flooding back.

Vitamin Water, I think you owe someone an apology. You have, quite clearly, stolen this recipe and marketed it to unknowing adults. However, I have already made a decision to re-visit your shelf, tomorrow, and try XXX- Açaí-Blueberry-Pomegranate and Revive - Fruit Punch.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

The Names of My Children

Every girl can tell you what she wants to name her kids.
The names change every few years, but, there is a constant list... it's there in her brain next to "current bridesmaids", "first dance song" and "Grammy acceptance speech" (oh, is that just me?)

I was just thinking about all of the names I have had picked out over the years (in no particular order), and the reasons why...

* Nacobi and Shinook (after two cartoon bears in a Christmas TV movie)
* Claudia (after the artsy girl from the Baby-Sitters Club)
* Chandler (for a girl...and, for the record, I wanted my daughter to be named Chandler before they named Frank's daughter Chandler)
* James (so I could sing him "Sweet Baby James")
* Jacob, Kaleb and Lucas (three boys, J,K,L--I don't know why)
* Stella
* Holden (after "Catcher in the Rye", not because I love the book, but because I love the name)
* Atticus (because I do love "To Kill a Mockingbird")
* Blue (because I also love "Special Topics in Calamity Physics")
* Cameron Jane (we would call her C.J.)
* Middle Name: Hilorie (pronounced Hilary, but spelled HIL for Hilary J and ORIE for Torie Tasha--two of the greatest students I've ever known)
* Jackson Solomon (such a strong name)
* Jillian (so I could have Jack and Jill)
* Samuel and Gabriella (so I could call for Sam and Ella--say it quickly, it sounds like salmonella)


Oh, my brother once mentioned (when he was young--and really in to Zelda) that he wanted to name his son Aquamentis. He would get really upset when I threatened to nickname him "Ocky" (written phonetically)

Jimmy...

When I was in kindergarten, I had a huge crush on Jimmy.

I used to chase him around the room at nap time so I could lay my mat next to his. He would always wait until I laid down and then move to the other side of the room.

At the end of the year, I passed the G.A.T.E. test and switched schools, leaving Jimmy behind.

But I took him with me in my heart.

My sophomore year of high school my Geometry teacher was calling role on the first day.

As fate would have it, Jimmy was sitting right next to me. Back together at last.

He ended up dating one of my best friends...who, consequently, I am no longer friends with.

I figure I'll see him again in about 6 years...and this time I will move to the other side of the room.

Not this time, Jimmy. You can only break my heart twice in a lifetime.

London, Lambeth

Today when I logged in to my blog, I jumped on to site meter to see who's reading...I am now in the habit of checking at least once a day (loser, I know).

I was really excited, today, to see that my blog was checked from the UK...from London...from Lambeth...(that's where my church in London is located.)

Obviously, I couldn't wait to see if I could tell who it was...where did they click "in"...where did they click "out"...how many pages did they view, etc.

When I clicked on summary, it showed me that it was someone else...they had used google.co.uk and searched "scariest things in the world". My blog about my biggest fears was a search result.

All this to say, it made me miss my friends...It's been a year (this week) since I've seen them. I miss them everyday. Everyday something reminds me of being in London, makes me think of one of them.

So, in case any of you actually do read my blog...

I miss your faces and want to see you soon!

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

My friends, Allison

These are some recent photographs of my two friends, Allison. I regret that I only have one picture with Allison M--oh, they are both Allison M!--so Allison Murray...and intend to rectify that soon.






NOTE: This is why we are friends: she also refuses to touch public items with her bare hands.

Smell-o-Blog

On more than one recent occasion, I have wished that I were able to blog using a scent...

Yesterday, in the women's bathroom at work, I wished that I could capture the smell to share it with you. Not because it was disgusting, but because it smelled as though I were in a GIANT LYSOL BOTTLE. Someone had lost their sense of smell, along with their sense of courtesy, and decided to spray about a year's worth of Lysol in the bathroom.

Now, I'm all for cleanliness...and for fresh odor...but this was way too much. I had to use the restroom with my shirt over my nose and mouth, and close my eyes to keep them from burning and watering. (This sounds over-dramatic, but I kid you not, it was this strong!)

Today,
Allison and I went to the mall to exchange a gift I had purchased...on the way back to the car, we stopped in Sephora to buy Allison (not me) some perfume. She wasn't sure which she wanted, so we pretty much smelled them all.

I found this one called "falling in love" and, let me tell you, that is exactly what I did with this scent. I fell in love...because it smelled like cotton candy. I hate the taste of cotton candy. I hate the stickiness of cotton candy. I hate that it dissolves in your mouth. But, oh the smell! I sprayed it on this little paper strip and carried it around the the rest of the store with me so that I could constantly smell it. I'm going back to buy some, so you can smell me later...

If I were able to, I would link these two smells HERE and HERE.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

R.I.P. Dear Friend



I miss you already.

You had so much more to give.

I will never forget you.

I wish things would have turned out differently...but I'm thankful for the time we had together.

(For those of you who are unsure, this is in reference to Veronica Mars, which was not renewed for a fourth season...very, very sad news.)

1 Samuel 14:7

Tonight, during my JH small group, we talked about The Importance of Friendship. We looked at a few passages concerning good friendships and weak friendships. (A few Proverbs on "wise" and "foolish", and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)...


Toward the end of the lesson, we read 1 Samuel 14:7.

"Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."


I asked the girls if there was anyone in their lives that they could honestly say this to. Then I asked if there was anyone in their lives that could honestly say this to them.

As I thought about this question myself, I began to choke up (something I have grown accustomed to recently...God is working in my heart alright).

I began to think that there is one person in my life that I would not hesitate to say this to...and who I am pretty confident would return the sentiment: Katie Edwards.

I know, I know...I blogged about her on Thursday...I should spread the blog love...but that's the truth. No offense to the rest of you, who wouldn't be willing to walk in to the Philistine camp with me...but thanks Kate. I love your guts...and I am with you heart and soul.

Note: I may have taken this out of context...that is a major fear of mine (mis-preaching the Bible)...

This is the kind of talent I wish I had

Monday, May 21, 2007

Interesting?

I was tagged by Ryan...so was Griff.

Here are 6 "interesting" (subjective word) facts about me:

6. I love to pray aloud in my car using a British accent. I think that God really enjoys who He's created me to be and loves that I can be authentic in my communication with Him. (I've said this before, but I think this is something that is unique to me.)

5. I have auditioned for both American Idol and The World Series of Pop Culture. I did not make it past the first round in either competition. I blame Griff on both accounts.

4. I can not eat chili or avocados. They are my kryptonites.

3. I love all-things super-hero-y/comic bookish. I don't read comic books, but hope to marry someone who loves these things as well.

2. When I was little, I peed on the carpet in my friend's room, but didn't tell anyone. Instead, I moved the big box that her Barbie Dream House was stored in over the pee and went home. My mom was so mad that she told me pee doesn't come out of clothes and she threw my favorite outfit away. Jerk.

1. I like to buy people presents. If I've known you for a few days or if I've known you my whole life. If I see something that makes me think of you, (and it's not too expensive) I will buy it for you.

ACTUAL POST #500

500 posts feels like a milestone. I had been thinking for a while about a way to commemorate the occasion. Finally, last night, as I lay tossing and turning, it came to me. I'd like to make a list of ten goals that I want to accomplish by 500 days from today. (I figured I would give a progress report every 100 days...)

So...TEN goals I would like to reach by Thursday, October 2, 2008:

* Read at least 23 books.
* Write something (a short story, some poetry, a song, a YM resource).
* Weigh 135.
* Speak near-fluent Swahili.
* Travel to at least 10 countries I have not been to before.
* Be financially independent.
* Have serious Kenya-living plans.
* Be en route to a Master's degree.
* Record...
* Laugh a lot. Loudly and a lot.

Here goes nothing...

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Dinner at Ketchup



So delicious...here's the website...here's more from my mom's blog...

Ben and Me



When I was a kid, my brother and I watched this movie all the time. I LOVED it. To this day, I remember so much more about Ben Franklin because of this cute little mouse, Amos; he invented bifocals, published the Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richard's Almanac, and helped Thomas Jefferson write the Declaration of Independence. I referenced it the other night at dinner and everyone laughed as one after another they said "Oh yeah, that little mouse!"

Disney, you really helped to create so many of my childhood memories...and I can't wait to let my kids watch too many movies so they can be as brain-washed with your songs and dialogue as I am.

This is how much I loved my molten chocolate cake last night...

Why Wouldn't I Opt for Rookie of the Year?

I neglected to mention yesterday--other than in conversation to my friend Zack--that there is a spiral staircase in the middle of this hotel room. Honestly, it's as if we're in a movie. Or in the TV show where they have a spiral staircase in the middle of their house...maybe My Two Dads? (Help! What show is that?!)

Here's what the morning has consisted of: waking up early, checking email and reading blogs, going back to sleep. Waking up, coming downstairs, ordering room service for breakfast, watching "Rookie of the Year" (which was on between one channel showing Erin Brokovich and another showing Bridget Jones' Diary--why wouldn't I opt for Rookie of the Year?)

I have also been reading for the last hour or so. I bought a new book, on recommendation from a few magazines. It's called "I Love You, Beth Cooper" by Larry Doyle. So far, it's very clever. The story is about a boy named Denis who decides to change his valedictorian speech on the spot and profess his love to the head cheerleader, Beth Cooper. As teenage novel-y as it sounds, it's actually pretty grown-up...I am really enjoying it. Here's the cover, how could you not be instantly endeared to this book? According to Google, the movie is already in process...



Confession: On my weekends off, and even on vacation, I can't help but watch the clock and think "our service is just starting" or "Kurt is going up to speak right now" or "it's in-between morning services, they are probably playing cards or Frisbee"...Don't get me wrong, I love my weekends off. I just think about our weekend and wonder if it's going well, if students are enjoying it...I know, it's sort of a sickness...but it stems from my total love for my job...

Also, on my next weekend off I will be seeing The Police in concert!

Saturday, May 19, 2007

LA Weekend

Today is my mom's 44th birthday...why not celebrate?!

She won a two-night stay (from her work) in a hotel in LA. When we got to reception they informed us that we are in a TWO-STORY hotel room.

So, as of a few minutes ago, my mom was upstairs watching the Dodger Game and I was downstairs blogging...

Then we had room service...

Now we're in the king-sized bed ready to pay $10 for a movie...

READ MORE HERE... and, if I know my mother, we'll be side-by-side blogging for the next 48 hours...

Cheesecake Factory? More like Germ Factory...

Last night I had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory at the Spectrum. Today I had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory at the Grove in L.A. The food was delicious, but the germ-aphobe in me couldn't help but notice all of the things that were "gross"**.

*The silverware is sitting on the table when you sit down. No napkin underneath. Nothing guarding the metal that will soon be in your food and in your mouth from touching the table that has been touched by hundreds of other people AND a rag that, let's be honest, probably wiped a dozen or so other tables without being rinsed or dis-infected. (I know this to be true from working at Starbucks...we used the same rags for hours--totally against the rules)

*They bring you a drink with the COMPLETELY UNWRAPPED straw already inside. This is gross because of the simple fact that they touched this straw before putting it in your drink. They probably touched the "in-your-mouth" part too because they wouldn't grab a straw from the straw jar by grabbing the middle. Oh, and the straw jar itself is disgusting because that means that not only are your server's dirty hands touching the straws, but EVERY server's hands from the last week or two (since the straw jar was refilled) have grazed the top of those straws whilest grabbing for one for their customer.

*The water cups have a yellowy tint. This is not the original shade of this cup. Oh no, they aquire this over months or years of re-use. This is, in no way, meant to sound as though their water glasses should be single-use, but I do think that they should toss the cups that could lead someone to believe that they are drinking lemonade...or pee.

*My water had a small piece of lettuce in it. The waitress didn't seem too apologetic when she traded it after I informed her of the gross-ness.

*She also greeted us with a dirty plate in one hand and a glass of water in the other. She left the water at our table and I kindly gave to my mom.

*I saw a waitress put on chapstick, in the dining room. Then she wiped the creases of her lips, rubbed her fingers together (apparently in effort to make that crease-grease evaporate) and continued on as though her hands were not filthy now.

**Note: Gross is in quotations because it is a very subjective word. What is gross to me might be totally reasonable to somebody else. Actually, all of these things are totally reasonable to everyone else.

The Best Shower in the World

I've been to a lot of different places. I haven't been everywhere, but I think I have seen enough to make an informed observation.

Here it is:
If you are looking for a GREAT shower--a GREAT shower--you have to go to one of two places: The Safari Park in Nakuru, Kenya OR The Bliss Spa inside the W Hotel in Los Angeles.

I kid you not, the shower in the spa was amazing. The shower head was on the ceiling, in the middle of the shower room (which was the size of the cubicle Bethany and I share at work). The water pressure was so strong and the temperature was great.

Honestly, I know good showers. London, Paris, New York--nice places, but I wouldn't want to bathe there.

Parents With Small Children

Teach your child, from a young age, that "holding himself" when he needs to use the bathroom is inappropriate. It looks silly and is pretty gross.

I know, my kid will probably do it too...but I will quickly nip that in the bud.

Oh, one more thing. When you take your kid to the bathroom, no need to announce his accomplishments. Strangers (and really, even friends) would prefer not to hear you say, "Wow! Pee-pee and poo-poo! Good boy!"

I'm sorry to have to be the one to break it to you, but it had to be done.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Post #500

Is near...

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Irrational Fear #3

Oh man. I am totally freaked out just thinking about writing this.

I am--100%--completely and ridiculously afraid of kids in scary movies.


1. Ghost kids
2. Whispering kids
3. Laughter of unseen children

The combination of these three is what lead to my belief that "The Sixth Sense" is the scariest movie ever created. When I saw it, I had to sleep with the lights and radio on for three days. I've never seen it again. I'm still afraid to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

I'm totally freaked out now, thinking about it.

I'm going to have to watch an episode of FRIENDS before bed to take my mind off of the little barfing girl in the tent...or the crazy mom in the kitchen...or the scariest part--the upstairs closet when he gets locked in at the birthday party! Or the kids in the school hallway.

Oh gosh, I am SO scared right now...stupid nighttime blogging...why didn't I post this early in the morning? Then I would have all day to forget about it!

Katie Edwards

You are my favorite.

Thank you for being an impartial, nonjudgmental ear.

Thank you for nodding at my tears, not shaking your head.

Thank you for enjoying Chipotle with me this afternoon...and understanding the unspoken love of it being just us.

Thank you for being on "Team Pam"...boo "Team Karen".

Thank you for loving me and supporting me and "getting" me in my craziness and confusion...

Thank you for telling people that you love to read my blog...

Thank you for telling me that you love to read my blog...

I love your guts. Always have. Always will.

Wow, the 'L Bomb' were you ready for that?

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Don't Tell Jana

Griff and I had a meeting with Jana scheduled for 11. We sat down at 10:30 to quickly "re-cap" what we had brainstormed in the month that Jana was in Australia.

Little does she know, the single meeting we had in that month was completely unproductive and resulted only in the creation of a new super hero "Super B" (all of his items say superb on them...) See? Totally unproductive.

We laughed as I sat down in his office and we joked about having a brilliant 20 minutes pre-Jana meeting...

And then it happened. Something clicked.

We went in to that meeting with Jana with two pages of pretty amazing ideas for videos, games, and prizes.

Griff, I think we make a pretty good team!

Terrible Decisions

Socks with Sandals
Nylons with Open-Toed Shoes
Wedge Sandals with pants
Full Velor Sweatsuits

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Irrational Fear #2

As Allison and I sat on our computers today (she replying to emails and I writing invitations to a Design Team BBQ) we were chatting about my eventual move to Kenya.

I had said that if I move out of my house before then, I will need to find a place to put all of my stuff while I am gone. Of course her response was "get a storage space".

I have to admit, I am terrified of storage spaces. This is not an "everything could burn down leaving me with nothing" fear. Not even a "someone could break in and steal something" fear. No. What scares me about storage spaces? Black widows.

What if I return after six months in Africa and I'm bitten by a black widow while moving my hope chest in to my new home? OR WORSE! What if I'm all moved in and the black widows crawl out of their hiding spots and make themselves at home in my new place?!

Oh, Arachnophobia, you ruined my life! I can't put slippers on without thinking of it. Forget about taking a shower if there is a spider in the bathroom corner. And I would NEVER have a house with a barn because the mother-of-all-spiders would live in there just waiting for the perfect moment to attack and almost kill me before I find a blow-torch and watch the last little bit of life wriggle out of it.

Oh man...I'd be much more comfortable with someone living with my stuff in their house for six months...black widows don't live inside...right?!

Here is a reminder about Irrational Fear #1.

Edward Scissorhands

I watched Edward Scissorhands last night. I had only ever seen it in the movie theater, so it had been a while.

I really enjoyed it. I typically enjoy Tim Burton movies (except for the re-make of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, which I only dislike because Johnny Depp's Wonka feels so much like a pedophile) and so I only assumed I would love this too.

I really love Diane Wiest. She and Alan Arkin play such a great couple. I find it difficult to believe that a husband (let alone the entire community) would be so accepting (initially) of a scissor-handed man that his wife brought home...I don't love Winona Ryder, every time Kim was on screen it made me think of Beetlejuice (which I'm adding to my list--and will probably just purchase).

All this to say that I was really happy with my first choice from the list. I am thinking about renting The Maltese Falcon to watch this afternoon/early evening.

Songs Girls Should Not Cover

Ring of Fire

Pretty much any song by Johnny Cash, The Ramones, or The Clash

Monday, May 14, 2007

Movies to See Books to Read

Movies I Want to See:
Gone with the Wind
Wuthering Heights
Citizen Kane
Casablanca
Maltese Falcon
All About Eve
Sunset Blvd
Roman Holiday
Smokey & the Bandit
Some Like It Hot
To Kill a Mockingbird
Lord of the Flies
A Hard Day's Night
The Graduate
Bonnie and Clyde
Easy Rider
Fargo
Being John Malkovich
The Natural
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Good Morning Vietnam
Schindler's List
Edward Scissorhands
Transpotting
Saving Private Ryan


Books I Want to Read (or re-read):
Wuthering Heights
To Kill a Mockingbird
Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Lord of the Flies


Any suggestions?

People Who Are In My Phone Under Other Names

Jitu--Josh Garrett

The Great Hambino--Josh Hamilton

My Best Friend--Shaun Blakeney

Bum & Papa--My Grandma & Grandpa

Poncho--Christy

Crap--Alyssa Pappas

Gecko Luke--Luke St. Hilaire

More Words I Hate

Tack these on the end of THIS list:

Freak
Weird

More to come, I'm almost positive.

An Actual Sentence Out of My Cousin's Mouth

"Reading is worse than cheese."

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Since it is the 13th

Here are a few lists of 13. I would make 13 lists, but who would actually read them?

13 Food Items I Dislike:

1. cinnamon
2. eggs
3. ham
4. cream cheese
5. steak
6. oranges
7. salsa
8. avocados
9. tomatoes
10. celery
11. meatloaf
12. olives
13. salmon

13 Food Items I Love:
1. garlic
2. chicken
3. mac and cheese
4. turkey burgers
5. asparagus
6. green apples
7. broccoli
8. almonds
9. black beans
10. cottage cheese
11. lobster
12. ice cream
13. chocolate milk

13 Places I Would Like to Visit:
1. Ireland
2. Iceland
3. Australia
4. Costa Rica
5. Ukraine
6. China
7. Sweden (the ice hotel)
8. Italy
9. Egypt
10. Greece
11. Spain
12. Cayman Islands
13. Japan

Saturday, May 12, 2007

SONGS WITH MELODIES I ENJOY, YET OVERALL THEMES WITH WHICH I DO NOT COMPLETELY AGREE

1. Smile (1954)

Light up your face with gladness,
Hide every trace of sadness,
Although a tear may be ever so near,

That's the time,
You must keep on trying,
Smile, what's the use of crying,
You'll find that life is still worth-while,

If you just smile...


2. You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You (1944)
You're nobody till somebody loves you
You're nobody till somebody cares

You may be king
You may posses the world and its gold
But gold wont bring you happiness when you're growing old

The world still is the same
You'll never change it
As sure as the stars shine above

You're nobody till somebody loves you
So find yourself somebody to love


3. Love the One You're With (1970)
And if you cant be with the one you love
Love the one your with
Don't be angry
Don't be sad
Don't sit cryin' for good times you had
There's a girl right next to you
And she's waiting for something to do

Enough is Enough

For all of the times that I have "announced" that I am not having children...

I apologize.

I want to be a mom...not necessarily soon...but eventually. For sure.

Dear future child,
Please don't be dumb (and by dumb I mean un-fun--not academically...I would be okay if I had to get you a tutor) and make me sad that I decided to have children.
Please be cool and fun like other kids I know...
Thank you,
Your mom

Friday, May 11, 2007

My Favorite Africa Photos

This is from our ONE series...when students were asked to put a pin the country they are making a commitment to pray for. It was very evident to me that the spirit of God was in that place.





The Promise, in Photos

Here's Josh during the session:


Here's "party Josh"--ready for the Barlow Girl concert:



Here's a shot of the great crowd:

The Promise Conference

We are wrapping-up opening night of The Promise, a conference for women and girls.

Josh and I emceed the session. We played cell phone shootout and "Yo Momma".

Josh, having teased me all day, played the JC Penny commercial, and I cried. Twice. On stage. In front of 1300 people. Cried.

Nikki lead us in beautiful worship through music. (The most powerful line: "Spirit of God, would you fall in this place. Lord, have Your way. Lord, have Your way in us.") I love corporate worship...but that's a completely different blog.

Now, Chad Eastham is teaching a session called "The Truth About Guys". He's brilliant. Very articulate...a great combination of truth and humor. I would pay money to see him again, soon. Check him out...here's his site.

Life is Like a TV show

In TV shows, it seems as though everyone in the family is struggling with the same issue: every child is dealing with temptation, or has a friend who is being tempted. Watching from home, it seems unrealistic; no way that five people have the same situation happening at once.

My life has been this way lately.

On Monday, I had a conversation with a good friend about purity.

On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I programmed weekend services on the subject of sex and dating...this weekend's topic is "Sex: What was God thinking?"

This morning, I sat with Katie and Elizabeth as Katie processed the purity workshop she is teaching at The Promise.

I couldn't help but feel like the Camden Family...

I Love the Internet

I have been watching commercials lately. I know what you're thinking: why? I'm watching TV while I'm working, so there's no need to fast forward commercials.

Yesterday I watched this JC Penny Mother's Day commercial and started crying.



Last night at the Witt's, I was explaining it to Allison and Ryanne and started crying again.

Then it came on during American Idol and I cried again. (Seriously. JC Penny?)

All this to say, the emotional response is evoked by the mix of the song playing in the background and these mother-daughter/mother-daughter-grandmother scenes.

I wanted to hear the song in its entirety; completely worth my $.99. I typed "JC Penny Mother's Day Commercial Song" in to Google and found my answer: Joshua Radin "Only You".

It could be considered a "put you to sleep" song, but I find it relaxing.

It makes me want to walk down the street holding my mom's hand. It does not make me want to buy her a Mother's Day gift from JC Penny. (Sorry advertisers!)

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Irrational Fears

I have a ridiculous fear of balloons...

Fear of blowing them up, in case they pop in my face.
Fear of watching some one else blow it up, in case it pops.
Fear of picking up a large quantity of balloons, in case they all pop in the car.

I hate the sound they make when they are getting too full.
I hate the sound they make when they rub together.
I hate the sound they make when they pop.

I am aware of how irrational this fear is, since not much could happen even if a balloon popped in my face...but they still totally freak me out and so I try to avoid them at all cost.

Malt Balls in the Bathroom

I don't care for malt balls...but chocolate peanut-butter malt balls are a different story.

I decided to eat the chocolate and peanut-butter off of the malt ball and then throw the rest away.

I finished the topping right as I got in to the bathroom, so I tossed the malt ball in the toilet. It made a loud noise, and splashed water up over the seat...

I couldn't help but laugh...

And there was a lady in the stall next to me...she did not think it was very funny...in fact, she let out a very loud "humph!"

I "Golfed" Today

Every-other month or so, Kurt and Matt Hall take an afternoon off and go golfing.

After our amazing, yet crazy-to-program, series this last month, Katie and I took the day off to go "golfing". Though, our version of golfing involved a lot less caddying and putting and a lot more spending the day at Burke Williams.

I had a facial, Katie had a massage.

We ordered lunch in the spa: sandwiches from a local restaurant.

I sat and read (and wrote a bit) in "the quiet room".

My facial was so relaxing, and the woman told me what nice skin I have. So kind of her.

I really felt like I escaped a bit today...not entirely (my thoughts were numerous--what I should be doing, things I could write about, recent conversations I've had) but my thoughts were clear and I was able to process a lot, which was great.

No wonder the boys love to golf.

I Find It Interesting That...

* A day can seem to drag on for one person, yet fly by to another.

* When I am going to sleep, others are just waking up.

* There are people who live in my neighborhood, drive near me constantly, possibly even stand behind me in line at Starbucks, and we've never spoken.

* You can spend all day thinking about someone and that person never knew.

* I have no way of knowing who is reading my blog.

I Don't Have the Words Yet

A friend once told me that he knew in his heart that he was supposed to write songs, but he didn't have the words yet.

I feel the same, though I don't feel I am supposed to write songs.

Stories, poetry, novels...something's coming...coming soon, hopefully.

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Humor from the Jr. Highers

Things Overheard at my Small Group:
* Is RSM a city?
* Long-Legged Glowy Man (Kayla's Fictitious Super Hero)
* Leprosy, Lupus (I tried to say dessert, it came out disease--those were a few spur-of-the-moment "scattegories" answers)
* You're going to name your son rodent?
* Beverage: Light Beer
* Oh my gosh! It's a piece of bread!
* Boo Boo (In response to "Name a Bible Character")


Misspelled Words from the "Scattegories" Game:
* Brocile/Brocle-- Broccoli
* Brain--Brian (TWO different girls spelled it like this)
* Bergendy--Burgundy
* Beconcia--Bianca
* Lambergine/Lampoquichi--Lamborghini
* Leanin and Things--Linens and Things
* Leveta--Latvia
* Liqurus--Licorice
* Limeinade--Lemonade
* Lemn Serbrt--Lemon Sherbet
* Raddle Snake--Rattle Snake
* Rio Dechanero--Rio De Janeiro
* Luckey--Lucky
* Linchon--Lincoln

Monday, May 07, 2007

My Top 5 TV Moments

5. "The Best Chrismukkah Ever" The O.C. This is a little unfair because I love this show too much to choose one episode I love most. I just knew it had to make the list. This episode is pretty great though; the introduction of Christmukkah, Summer and Anna fighting for Seth...

4. "The One With The Embryos" FRIENDS. Monica and Rachel compete against Joey and Chandler in a "Who knows whom better" game written by Ross. Phoebe is implanted with her brothers babies, and in the end her brother (Giovanni Ribisi) yells "My sister's gonna have my baby!"

3. "Weapons of Class Destruction" Veronica Mars. When Veronica tails Jonathan Taylor Thomas to the hotel and Logan comes to save her.

2. "They Can't Take That Away from Me" Family Ties.
When Alex and Lauren (Courtney Cox) break-up in the kitchen. "What did you think I would do at this moment..."

1. "49th Wedding Anniversary", The Cosby Show.
The Huxtables lipsync a Ray Charles song for Cliff's parents' anniversary. "You know the nighttime, is the right time, to be with the one you love now..."

Topless Blogging

I am unsure of the whereabouts of my blog banner.

Hopefully I will find it soon...

In Addition to "Banter-Abililty"...

I value honesty, laughter, depth, safety, sharing, trust, maturity...and more laughter.

What do you value in a friendship?

Sunday, May 06, 2007

ONE life

I watched this video four times this weekend...and teared up each time.

Saturday, May 05, 2007

ONE. Because change begins somewhere

This weekend, we are finishing up our three-week series on PEACE. We've called it ONE. It only takes ONE. ONE person. ONE dollar. ONE step. ONE decision...

I can't believe how much emotion this series is evoking in me.

Tonight, I cried three times during service:

* Katie brought a World Vision video with a comparison of statistics and facts between Africa and America, interspersed with little African faces saying "I only have one life".

* Our friend, Godwin, from Kenya came to share about life in Kitale, Kenya.

* We set up five stations around the room for students to make commitments to act locally to effect globally.
1) OASIS OF HOPE: A board with the names of most of the kids who are a part of this program. Our students chose a name, and picked up a postcard; making the commitment to write a letter to that student.
2) COMPASSION: A board covered in 600 pictures of children from the compassion website. Our students chose a child from the board, initialed the photo (in hopes that every child will be chosen) and wrote down the name and country on a little card to commit to praying for that child.
3) MEXICO: A board covered in donation ideas for the orphanage that Wildside will work with Labor Day weekend. Students were to choose an item and write it down on a tag as a commitment to bring that item back sometime in May.
4) WORLD MAP: A board with a giant map of the world. In front of the map were sewing pins. Students were to choose a country to pray for and stick a pin in that place on the map, write the country down on a tag and take it with them, committing to pray for the poor, the sick, the illiterate, the spiritually lost, and the corrupt leaders in that country.
5) SUFFERING: A board with statistics of suffering in the world; ex: 400 million people suffer each year from malaria. Students were to choose a statistic, write down the number, and on the back of the tag, draw a dot for each million people.

As I watched students rotate through these stations, I prayed for God to open hearts. Our program was running long so we told students that they could finish the rotations after service. The majority of students ran out of the tent, but the 25 or so that stayed behind to complete the circle, was what hit me. As I walked around the room and took pictures of the pins in the world map, I couldn't help but well up.

I want to be ONE person who makes ONE decision that can change ONE life. Because, after all, we only get ONE chance. And I really hope that a few Junior High hearts are feeling that twinge of a calling too.

Friendly Strangers

I have had two experiences in the last three days that have reminded me of how nice people are. These individuals have inspired me to smile at strangers, maybe even strike up conversations; thank you, kind sirs, I appreciate your kindness.

SCENE 1: Lunchtime, Thursday; Irvine.

Kurt, Katie, Ryanne and I are having lunch at Chick-Fil-A. In the midst of typical lunch conversation, we begin to chat about the previous night's LOST episode. Katie had yet to watch it. She admits to being about seven episodes behind. (Backstory: Katie had confessed her newfound love for Battlestar Galactica (I know...) and I had been teasing her about being such a nerd) I responded by saying "Why are you so far behing? And don't start with your Battlestar Galactica!" At this, the man sitting behind Kurt and Katie, with his back to us, turns completely around and laughs. I said, "Sorry!", assuming I was talking too loud and he desperately wanted to hush me. Instead, he says, "No, I love Battlestar Galactica!" and smiles again and turns back around. Because the three of us have not ever seen the show, Katie felt she had to defend her choice of entertainment. The friendly stranger turned around at least three more times to join our conversation; once at the mention of "frack".

SCENE 2: Late Night, Friday, Foothill Ranch
After Mariah and John's wedding, a few of us went to the movies. Since we came in during the previews, we had to sit two and two instead of four in a row. Alanna and I sat together, next to a man that was too large for one seat and thus, we sat armrest-less through all of two hours and twenty minutes of Spiderman 3. Near the end of the movie, the butler is revealing secrets to Harry Osborn (James Franco) about Harry's father's death. Alanna turns to me and says "Well that's some information that would have been more useful two years ago!" I laughed, because it was funny. And then the big guy next to me turns and laughs too. Alanna says "Sorry!" Again, thinking she was being disruptive. The man says, "No. That's what I was thinking!" And the three of us laughed together.

I love the idea of fun strangers. There are enough argumentative, rude people. It is so refreshing to have smiles and laughter with people I will never see again.

I want to be that kind of a stranger.

John and Mariah are Married

Last night, at 5pm, we all watched as John and Mariah said their vows and were announced as man and wife. My favorite part of wedding ceremonies is as the bride walks down the aisle. I love the look on the groom's face as he watches his wife-to-be approach him for the last time as a girlfriend...he knows that when they leave this spot it will be together as husband and wife...John cried a little, Mariah was bawling...

Kurt and Shaun were excellent at keeping the ceremony personal. Kurt had a few stories about each of them, and Shaun even added his own humor toward the end (well done).

I don't have any pictures of the ceremony...my purse didn't match my dress...

Here are a few from the reception (when I could carry my camera and hide my purse under the table)...

David and I were at the same table...


Eric was my wedding date...



Torie is my favorite...



It was a fancy wedding, so I supplied the dresses...


Three old small group girls and a best friend...



After the wedding, we went and saw Spiderman 3. Now, I love comic book-based movies (I even liked Fantastic Four), but I have to say...don't sacrifice story-line and dialogue for action and special effects.

Thursday, May 03, 2007

"Save the Earth"

A long time ago, pre "Heroes", I was in a 6th grade choir that coined the phrase "Save the Earth". Okay, we didn't make it up, but we did sing about it. Okay, we didn't just sing about it, we also rapped about it. Oh yeah, rap was all the rage in 1994.

The entire choir sang the song, but only the 6th graders were allowed to do the rap part.

Lucky for you I remember every word of pretty much every song I have ever sang in choirs...so, here goes:

Earth--Save the Earth--Mother Earth (4x)
Take a good look at the planet that you're livin' on,
What's it gonna be like in a hundred years.
Take a good look at the damage that you're doin'
Does it make you feel uneasy? Does it feel your eyes with tears?
Who do you think will be livin' on this planet when the garbage is eruptin' and the air is wrong?
Think, while you can, for the sake of all the children who must follow, think hard, be cool, be strong.

Then everyone came in:


Save the Earth (oh, oh save) our precious mother
Oh save the Earth (oh, oh save) our planet (planet)
Watch your ways (oh, oh watch) my sisters and brothers
Oh watch your ways for Mother Earth

From the Mouth of My Mom

Here are a few phrases that my mom is famous for:

Noise Pollution!

Bedtime for Bonzo!

Ready Freddie?

Kutserreta Jones...

Go get your jammies on.

Alli, time to get up.



What did your mom always say?

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

In Response to Luke's Question

As a young child, girls often become frightened. This rush of adrenaline, many times, results in confusion, and the confusion causes them to make stupid decisions.

This is the reason that girls in horror movies run up the stairs when they should run outside...and this is the reason the girl in Jurassic Park is so stupid.



But, I have to say, if I were in THIS situation, I would react similarly.

Dear Freddie Mercury,



I wish you were still alive. I love your music.
Your singing voice is phenomenal.
Thank you for creating such memorable tunes.

Here are a list of your songs that I like:

Love of My Life
Bicycle
You're My Best Friend
Under Pressure
Don't Stop Me Now
Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy
Somebody to Love

If I could make someone "un-dead", I would choose you.
Allison

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

If I Could Turn Back Time...

I would attend these concerts:

Queen

Sublime

Michael Jackson (Thriller tour)

Simon & Garfunkel

Elton John (Benny & the Jets)

Spice Girls (Pre-Ginger exile)

Wham!

The Beatles

Nelly


Who would you like to have seen?

A Long Time Ago, We Used to be Friends...And I Have Thought of You Lately



Dear cast of Veronica Mars,
Please do not get canceled. I love your show...it is the perfect ending to my Tuesday evenings. I will watch your seasons repeatedly. I am aware that few people appreciate you the way I do, but I am trying my hardest to remedy that.

Hang in there...We have time to fix this,
Allison

Frustration...Overwhelming...

I really like honey mustard. We've been out for about 10 days.

In its absence, I'll opt for BBQ sauce. We only have Smokin' Chipotle...We have FOUR bottles of it.

I had to settle for ketchup.

Boo, ketchup, I hate you.

Ridiculous Words Now Known By My T9 Texting

Manolo Blahniks

Christmukkah

Blog/Blogged

Gotcha

Starbucks

Wahoo's

Chipotle

Frappuccino



What's new in your T9 Dictionary?

I Work With All 3 of Them...

Jared Moine...on my 13th birthday


Katie Sadler...sometime in 8th grade


Oh, Matt Hall...during our internships


We all look SO different now...except for Jared, he looks the same.