I'm definitely still a kid

I'm laying in my room right now thinking about going to sleep.

It's 85 degrees (at least) in my room. I asked the fan if it's making things cooler, it shook its head.

I thought to myself. I should sleep on top of the covers tonight...that might be cooler.

Then I had this completely ridiculous feeling of "then there is nothing to protect me"...

Yet another example of how things never change...even if I'm "supposed to be a grown-up", I'm definitely still a kid.

I'm going to turn on the air conditioner...and crawl under my covers.

Photograph Phun

My mom and I were looking through old photo albums tonight and I thought it would be fun to post a few of them...

Ryanne and Alanna (and me) at my traditional Fuddrucker's birthday party...in 8th grade.


The 5 of us posing as the Spice Girls before Junior Homecoming...even then we were lame.


Dear Ryanne and Alanna,
Thank you for still being my friend. I know that we have each had our share of ridiculous arguments and periods of acquaintance-ship instead of deep friendship, but I am glad that we are making our way back around. Thank you for being my friends, even when I thought it was cool to wear a feather boa and pose like Ginger Spice...and for continuing to be my friend through moments where I was even less cool and we don't have photographic evidence.
I hope I can post current pictures of us, in another ten years, and say the same thing.
Your friend,
Alice

What I Should Have Done Today

* Taken care of this mess:








* Cleaned out my car
* Had my car washed
* Made a car service appointment
* Gone grocery shopping
* Called my Grandma (whose birthday was three weeks ago and I never called)


WHAT I ACTUALLY DID:
* Make myself one large pancake for breakfast
* Watched last night's Amazing Race
* Watched last night's Family Guy
* Read blogs
* Looked at myspace
* Googled Louis Vuitton luggage bags
* Took a nap
* Read some of my new book
* Did some laundry
* Watched 2 episodes of Entourage
* Ate dinner with my mom
* Blogged
* Completed 2 People Magazine Crossword Puzzles

NOTE: I did feel guilty after posting these pictures, so I have cleaned up my room.

Reader Response

I was thinking it might be interesting to find out who reads my blog...and to find out a little bit about them. So, please take a minute a respond to the following questions:

1. Have we met? If so, when and where?
2. What color was my hair when we met?
3. Do you have a blog?
4. What is one thing that you would be interested in reading a post on?
5. What inspires you to comment on a post?

Maybe this will only be fun to me, but I'm anxious to see the results.

I Judge Books By Their Covers

Yesterday, wasting time before the last service, Katie and I went to Target.

I have about a dozen unread books on my list, but I can't find one that will launch me back in to my love for reading. Once I finish a book I loved, I can pretty easily jump in to another, even if it is slow to build.

Walking through the DVD section (picking up Wayne's World for $5.50), I remembered that Target has a "Recommended Reading" section.

I scanned through the title and picked up ON BEAUTY by Zadie Smith. Take a look at the cover. Seriously, doesn't it grab your attention? It seems like it would be good.

I'm only 10 pages in, but so far, I like it.

They always say, "Don't judge a book by its cover." Apparently "they" don't really know what they are talking about.

Things That Make You Look Like An Idiot At A Party

1. Whittling your own drumsticks out of the firewood.

*Note: Whittley Joe, I am unsure of your real name...and I want you to know (if you read this) that I am not mocking your whittling skills, because clearly, you have them. I simply could not pass up the opportunity to inform the world that there are, in fact, people who whittle their own drumsticks out of firewood. Seriously. It's too good/funny/ridiculous.*


2. Refusing to use Whittley Joe's homemade S'more sticks and opting to roast marshmallows over an open flame using a fork held by an oven mitt. (Though it did work and I did not have any splinters in my S'more.)

I'm a fan.

This is Summer Wilshire.

I raced over after church last night to The Vault to see their show. I got there a little too early for them; but in time to see Chemical, Chemical play too.

Each of the guys stopped to say hello to me before going on stage...which I love. (Especially since Allison wasn't able to come with me and I ended up standing by myself against the wall for the first 20 minutes or so.)

They played most, if not all, of their songs. My favorite is Robber. (I think that is the crowd favorite...and I'm pretty sure the band is hating the guts of that song right now.)

This post is setting me up to be somewhat of a groupie, I feel as though I have every right to be.

I have known each of these boys since they were little kids...and that makes me the proud mom standing in the back. Judy Hughes, Linda Owens and me...beaming with pride at little Marky and David and Jared. (Jared, if you're reading this, your cute high harmonies were one of my favorite things about the show.) Boys, I am so proud of who you are. You were each talented musicians at 11 and 12...and now you are even more so at 17, 18, 19.

What I love the most about these guys is the obvious fun they are having on stage. No one is taking themselves too seriously. At one point last night, Brad fell on his back and was sliding around with his guitar...and the look on Luke's face said it all. These guys are friends that love music and love each other. Jared's silly jokes, Brad's ridiculously low-cut shirt, Luke rocking so hard that his glasses fell off, Marky standing up on the table where the speakers stood...

To top it off, I got in the car last night at turned on their CD. I know, what a loser.

Guys, I love you. I am a total fan. Mostly because you are such great guys...but also because you make great music.

Two Things On My Mind

1. I really love the yellow color on Thesaurus.com

2. I really love the idea of calling my blog "The verbal equivalent of a booty dance" or "a Verbal Booty Dance". Mostly because I love to booty dance. But, I'm bot sure how I feel about the connotation. I just think that booty dances bring laughter and sometimes challenge others to try...the way I hope my blog does.

What do you think?

Dream On?

At what point do you move on? When do you decide that your dream should remain a dream?

Is the age at which you decide to "get a real job" contingent on what your dream is?

Or, are some dreams silly regardless of age?

Is it equally as sad to be 18 and moving to LA to "break-in to show business" as it is to be 35 and doing the same?

When, as the friend or the parent, do you say: "Enough is enough! You have to stop dreaming about being a ____________ (fill in the blank: rock star, writer, baseball player, model...) and buckle down!"?

Is letting go of your dream really just failing to persevere? Or is it finally firmly grasping reality?

Do you regret that you spent so much time pursuing it...or regret that you gave up on it before it came to fruition?

If more people gave up at "that age", how many brilliant movies, works of art, songs, inventions would we be missing out on?

And, since so many people do give up, what more could we experience that they are withholding from the world?

I want to pursue writing. And the fact of the matter is, I'm afraid. I'm afraid to end up as yet another jobless dreamer who is all talk and very few ideas. I'm afraid that I will be lost among a crowd of more-talented faces.

Maybe my inability to dream about such a career stunts my ability to dream about book ideas, magazine jobs, editing positions...

*NOTE: I love my job. This is, in no way, meant to be a "poor me" post. It was just something on my mind.*

Transitive Property of Blogs

I love blogs.
I love high school students.
Then, by the transitive property of blogging, I must love the blogs of these students:

Ali
Alyssa
Carson
David
Hayden

*Note: These are listed in alphabetical order, not in order of preference in any way*

I Hated My Own Guts Tonight

I had a delicious lunch today, but my intestines did not agree.
They spent the afternoon very upset with me.

I understand that it was a large lunch. I even understand the uncommon foods.

But, really, couldn't you have chosen to fight back before we got to Josh's birthday party? There are few things that I hate more than having to poop in the "guest" bathroom at a party.

Dear intestines,
You suck. I hate your--well, I hate you.
From now on let's try to resolve our issues before we go out in public.
Maybe we could fight it out at work or at home, but others need to see us at peace.
Your friend,
Allison

Kurt's More Fun Than Matt Hall

For the last month, or so, I've been trying my hardest to convince one of our interns to do a "booty dance". I've succeeded in my attempts with two of the other interns, but Brian has stayed strong.

I tried again today. He said no, so I asked Matt Hall to show Brian how easy and non-embarrassing it was. Matt Hall also said no.

Right as Kurt was walking over to the conversation circle, Matt Hall said, there's no way you could get Kurt to do it either.

Kurt said "Do what?" I said "A Booty Dance"...

Kurt took one step in to the center of the circle and did a full-out booty dance.

Thus, the title of this blog.

Thank you, Kurt, for being so fun!

Death Dinner

If you knew you were dying...
and you only had ONE meal left...
and you could only eat FIVE items...
what would they be?

*drinks do not count as an item*

My choices would be: (in no particular order)

Outback Macaroni and Cheese
McDonald Double Cheeseburger with Sweet & Sour Sauce
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bol
Wagamama Chicken Ramen
BJ's Chocolate Chip Pizooki

Drinks:

Dr. Pepper
Regular Coke
Mocha Frappuccino (lots of whipped cream)
Chocolate Milk

Your turn...

Rename My Blog?

It's time for a change.

I need a new blog layout.

With a new layout, is it time for a name change?

If so, why not compete to re-name the blog?

The Promise

See for yourself.

Embrace Your Inner Child

In the last week I have been reminded, yet again, about how much life really doesn't change after 7th grade...

You still have a goofy side.
You still love to laugh with your friends.
You still judge others based on appearances.
You still have to eat your vegetables.
You still have friends that are tried and true.
You still have some acquaintances that will stay just that.
You still hate being forced to exercise.
You still have a work load that consists of mostly things you love and a few things you hate.
You still have a "teacher" (or seven) in your life.
You still have a deep hatred for changing your clothes in a public place (gym/fitting rooms).
You still have the "butterflies" feeling in your stomach around the man/woman of your dreams (even if you have been married for 15 years).
You still have moments of uncontrollable weakness, when tears are all that will come out, without any explanation.
You still think things are funnier at 2am.
You still give in to peer pressure.
You still misspell words.
You still find a slight thrill in breaking a small rule.
You still have an issue with ridiculous authority figures. ("Yard Duties"/ Ushers, Security Guards)
You still don't have enough money to do everything you want to do.
You still have to go to bed at a reasonable time because you have to get up in the morning.
You still have people you just "click" with.
You still have people you just "clique" with.
You still have the group that thinks they are better than you.
Most of the time, you still feel like they are better than you.

It's funny; I operated under the assumption that life would be different, and somewhat easier, as a grown-up. From where I stand right now, it doesn't feel all that different. Maybe I'm not there yet. Maybe, when all is said and done, I'm okay with that.

Idol Gives Back

I have not watched a complete episode of American Idol this season.

Tonight, as I was heading to bed, I thought I would check it out. (There is a season pass on the upstairs Tivo.) The title was "Idol Gives Back", so I was intrigued.

The first few minutes of the show was a video of Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest in Africa. In a later video, they mentioned the area they had visited was Kisumu.

Kisumu is in Kenya. On the West side, near Kitale...

I know that Africa is big...I know that it is almost entirely in need of aid...but I couldn't help but be so thankful that they had chosen a place that I love so much.

I, of course, cried at the end of the episode. Beautiful faces, such joy.

How could I not want to move there and help to be the change?

How can you "be the change"?

Great Commercial

Our new series, "ONE", began last weekend in Wildside.

I have literally never been more excited for anything in my entire life

HARRY POTTER 5

I can fit an entire egg in my mouth

April 24th, 2007

To i m ha birt.
D yo kn wh th sa?

I Got Friends in Wil-low Places

We had a few visitors in town from Willow Creek church in Chicago. In this picture are two Scotts and two Allisons. The Scotts brought Tara (not pictured because we didn't have another Tara) along with them to check out Saddleback, but really to just hang out and be fun.

Our weekend was sprinkled with time spent with them. I spent some time, with the Scotts, on Friday afternoon talking programming, and then a group of us went to BJ's Pizza for dinner.

Saturday they came to our JH and HSM services. They helped us tear-down and set-up for the next services (which is something I love about visiting youth pastors--they see the need and always help!) We ate burgers and chicken from the delicious Beach Cafe and then went back to my house to swim (in a cold spa), but opted to play cards instead.

We said goodbye on Saturday, thinking it would be a while before we saw them again...then I got a surprise dinner-invite, phone call last night. So Allison and I met them at Pei Wei, and the had dessert at Lucille's. Here's the whole reason I'm telling this long story...

During dessert, Scott Woods is telling a story and actually says "I just recently told my dad that my sister and I have been doing it for years." (In his defense, this is totally taken out of context, and he did not mean it to be this creepy sounding...but it was just too funny to pass up!)

Thanks for being our friends, guys! We hope to see you so soon!

Make-Over Sleep-Over

Before, we looked like this:


After Allison did our make-up and hair, we looked like this:

My New Favorite Story

Last night we had dinner at BJ's Pizza...

I had told Elizabeth that I would call her when I got there so she could meet up with us. I figured it would take about 20 minutes for her to get there and at least that long for us to get a table. Perfect timing, right?

So, I pull in to the BJs parking lot and get out my phone. I turn down the music, and dial Elizabeth. I had just pressed TALK when I saw some brake lights. Sweet! Front row spot! So I quickly stop.

At this same moment, two older (at least 65-70) men walk out from behind a car and think I am quickly stopping to avoid hitting them. I smile, and wave them across, since I am waiting for the parking spot, not for them.

These men proceeded to become the greatest story of my week.

One of the men put one hand up to his ear like a fake cell phone, and shakes his other hand at me in a "no-no" motion, as if I were two. He keeps saying, "No. No. No cell phone."

I smile and continue to listen to the Elizabeth-less phone call.

Then the other man, KNOCKS ON MY WINDSHIELD. (Honestly, I could not make this up!) He knocks on my windshield and says "Close your phone!" While saying this, he makes a close motion with his hands. He repeats himself three or four times, with a totally rude look on his face.

So, I say "Okay" and hang up my phone.

As this is happening, two younger (20ish) walk by and shrug their shoulders as if to say "What the heck is going on? Sorry about that!" I rolled my eyes at the men, watched as they passed and then parked in the spot I'd been waiting for.

I couldn't wait to tell someone. Now it's my favorite story.

One Big Blogging Family

My Mom has a blog.

My Papa has a blog.

My aunt, Gina, has a blog.

What's your family's excuse? (This, of course, excludes Josh Peters...whose parents both have blogs.)

Velma and Mertyl Go Shopping

On my way home from work, I needed to stop at CVS to pick up a few things.

Allison was coming to my house to help me with some stuff for work, and so she stopped with me.

She came up with the fabulous idea of making dinner using only items we could buy at CVS. Doesn't that just sound delicious?!

So, we adopted personalities: she, Velma and me, Mertyl. We both spoke, loudly, in Southern accents and spent about 15-20 minutes reading the different dinner options aloud to each other.

We were laughed at a few times...one of the employees asked if we were having a good time...

Here were a few of the "NO WAY" dinner suggestions:
CANNED HAM


SINGLE SERVING TURKEY DINNER--NOT FROZEN:


A BUCKET OF CHEESE BALLS:


After a while, we settled on grilled cheese made with Kraft American Singles and Preservative-packed white bread. We also bought some bon-bons (which brought out another accent) and some cookies (which brought a sore tummy!)

We ate dinner and worked on some stuff for this weekend...we laughed A LOT, especially after Elizabeth joined us...

SUCH A FUN NIGHT!

Ensenada Reunion

CUPCAKE CATASTROPHES

"I'd like to write them a letter"

I've noticed, in the last few days, that I say this a lot.

For example:
* LOST was excellent both last week and tonight. My response, "I'd like to write them a letter to say good job on making things interesting."

* A student didn't show up at the Mexico reunion. My response, "I'd like to write him a letter and tell him I missed him."

* Staples wanted to charge way too much money for some color copies. My response, "I want to write them a letter and tell them they shouldn't charge this much."

The problem is, I don't ever write these letters. Some of them are probably best unwritten, but a few of them may just be nice. Who doesn't want a letter saying "I think you are very good at playing Jim Halpert. I believe that you love Pam and I cried when you kissed in the end of season 2."? Seriously. That's slightly creepy, but also kinda nice.

I think my goal for this month will be to actually write at least two of the letters that I say I will write...and then blog about it.

One more makes 42

Johnny...

Welcome back.

Blog Experiment

As I turned off my light at midnight-ish last night, I was thinking, "I wonder how long it actually takes for me to check all of these blogs."

So, tonight, I performed a little experiment:

START: 9:13pm

# of Blogs read: 41

# of unchanged-since-yesterday blogs: 18

# of more-than-one-new-post blogs: 7

# of videos used as posts: 4

# of comments written: 16

# of comments written in CAPS out of excitement: 2

FINISH: 10:00

Some might say I should use a blog manager of some type to expedite this process, but I love it...it's so fun and relaxing...and it makes me feel as though I am making the effort to be a good friend...

Hmmm...

THIS is very interesting to me...

Thank you Cathi.

Banter-ability

In my job, and with my friends, I am constantly meeting new people.

I have to say, there are very few things that I appreciate more than conversation skills; more specifically, the ability to carry-on a dialogue filled with nothing more than banter. It draws me in. Instantly I am interested in continuing the conversation. I enjoy the challenge in keeping-up my side.

In a friend, in a salesperson, in a co-worker...this is something I value.

Quick, sharp, funny, back-and-forth.

Oh, and via e-mail is my favorite...I love a good, strong laugh at my desk.

I'm singing on Saturday

In "big church".

Only Saturday...

Just so you know...

Things that Gross Me Out

I don't even have to see it, just thinking about it makes me grossed out...

* Other people cutting their toenails

* Drain Hair

* Germs, especially in restaurants or hotels

* Earwax

* Booger eating

* Picking at Athlete's Foot

* Giant white-headed pimples

* Eating eggs

* Barfing in your mouth a little bit

* Being touched by sweaty feet

* Chewing fingernails that have dirt under them

* Pulling apart a chicken wing...popping the bone from the socket...oh, I just got the chills



What grosses you out?

My Lunch Date with President Reagan

My friend, Allison, started her new job today! So, to celebrate, I brought in lunch. Nothing like eating in the lunch room to say HOORAY FOR YOU!

The best part of lunch, I think, was Ronald Regan. He really brought the fun.

The ladies love Reagan...


...and Reagan loves Kettle Chips


President Sandwich


Party Reag

Simply Amazing

Sunday Fun

Lunch at Wahoos...Tasty!









Nails, nails, nails


That's not a cool-a...


Chocolate BubbleYum does NOT equal delicious.


KENYA REUNION
Sweet Shalom




Shy Victory


GRACE!

Lyrics I Love...

"Airports see it all the time: when someone's last goodbye, blends in with someone's sigh. 'Cause someone's coming home, in hand a single rose"

"...dancin' in front of the mirror while you're on the phone, checkin' your reflection and tellin' your best friend, girl, I think my butt gett'n big"

"When I grow older, I will be there at your side to remind you how I still love you"

"It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile. Be yourself, no matter what they say"

"I've been waiting since birth to find a love that would look and sound like a movie"

"She'd be a whole lot prettier if she smiled once in a while"

"you ain't from Russia, so why you rushin?"

"Now I'm gonna dress myself for two, once for me and once for someone new"

"All praise and all the honor be, to the God of ancient mystery, whose every sign and wonder turn the pages of our history...but tonight my heart is heavy and I cannot keep from whispering this prayer...are you there?"

"Lend me some sugar. I am your neighbor."

"You're an architect, it seems, building stories that belong in supermarket periodicals and magazines."

"I'm a steamroller baby...I'd like nothing better than to roll all over you..."

"We've got to save Ginny Weasley from the basilisk"

"You'll never find peace of mind 'til you listen to your heart"

What lyrics do you love?

Truths I Learned in Ensenada

1. Even high school boys will sing along to Kelly Clarkson in the car.

2. I have a time-expectancy on my bowel movements. If I miss it, the chance will not return for several hours.

3. Everything is funny to three girls and Shaun at midnight. Things that are especially funny at midnight: Rick, Shark Attacks, Pirates, and Stubs.

4. I really enjoy Mexico when tents are not in the equation.

5. You never feel as dirty as you do right before a shower.

6. British accents really do make ordinary conversation more fun.

7. Everyone knows the words to "The Little Mermaid" soundtrack.

8. Quiet students can love loud car rides too.

9. Nine-year-old boys are constantly oblivious to their surroundings.

10. Some high school students actually are smarter and cooler than some grown-ups.

Photos from my week

Ensenada was so fun...I had a great village of students who were super flexible and never complained...and we spent so much time together and I never was sick of them!

Here are a few photos...I'm hoping to get some more, so I'll post them as they come...

We "ARGH" friends


Alanna...word...I think I have a similar picture from 7 years ago in Mexico. I should look for it...


Waterbottle game.


Broken yo yo.


Here's Village Five...doing our two favorite things: stopping at taco stands, and singing in the van.






A few of the girls from my village...






On our last afternoon, we stopped in town and had some tacos, went shopping and then headed back to the car. While we were waiting for the other shopping group to come back, Kevin sat on the fence to relax. Instead, the fence gave way and he did a complete back-flip and landed on the other side of the fence on his back.


Oh my gosh, I don't believe it in my life!


Some of the boys after our shopping adventure.



Shea is as awkward as possible.