Celine...

As I have mentioned in other posts, last Wednesday Jan 21, I got to see Celine Dion in concert. And now because of it, I can no longer do this:

And in case you don't get it- I mean make jokes about her.

Seriously. I can't. She is phenomenal. I don't think she missed a note all night. And she sang acapella, she sang with the back up singers, she is just that good. and I must say- I wasn't too excited about hearing "My Heart Will Go On" (if I ever hear that song again, it will be too soon), but her live version of it wasn't too bad. tolerable, at least.

She also sang my favorites off of the "Falling Into You," and that made it so much fun- I knew most of the songs she sang. As well, she had great dancers- and I always enjoy watching them. Boy, do I wish I could dance like that. I would love to dance professionally- but that just isn't in the cards for me.

I am glad I went. As well, I think roomie enjoyed it. :-) (I did however get the tickets for free- sorry, not big enough of fan to actually pay for the tickets).

Here are a couple of pictures from that night:

Me and roomie- because the tickets were free they were in the nose bleeds. But that meant we could sit the whole time (how wonderful!).

And here are various shorts of her and her dancers- notice even the screen was far away!

Have you been to any great concerts recently?

Snow Day!

Hard to believe that a little over a week ago I had a snow day (Tuesday, Jan 20) and that a week ago I came in late because of driving conditions (Wednesday, Jan 21). On Friday it was about 60 degrees outside and I went for a walk in a local park, Umstead. And today- it is rainy but not too cold. I guess, only in North Carolina. ;-).

It was my first real snow since moving to NC from Michigan. I loved waking up and remembering, "they predicted snow." I was full of anticipation... did it snow? will they call a snow day for work? it almost felt like I was a kid again. I raced to the window... and low and behold it was snowing and the ground was covered- including the pavement! That is quite a feat for NC... it was above 40 the day before and the snow was first rain. That means it had to be coming down for the pavement to be covered! All in all, we got about four inches... I went for a couple of walks and enjoyed sitting inside all day. (however, our heat was broken that day... our apartment was about 40 degrees when we went to bed- layers were the key).

Here are a couple pictures from the day:

Out for the walk early in the morning- I knew I had the day off; Laura hadn't decided if she was going in yet. Our neighbor, Lynn, learned as we were walking that she didn't have to go in either. LOVE IT!

We made snow angels- granted it was on the side of the road, but we live in an apartment complex... where else are we supposed to go? Mine is the one in the middle.

Laura and Lynn... me and Laura... we were freezing, hadn't taken showers, but were loving the snow! Hope I get to see some next year (but not before then).

RENT!

I have had quite the week or so- Atlanta, a Snow Day, Celine Dion and Rent. While I have already shared about Atlanta and plan to share about the Snow Day and Celine Dion (all in good time), today I am going to tell about seeing RENT.

First, RENT is one of my favorite musicals- I loved the music from the first time I heard it. Before I even really understood the story. Then my freshman year of college I had a chance to see it in Detroit. I went- and boy did it just make me fall more in love with the story, the music, the characters...

RENT is a little on the risque side- but the overall message is great. Live each day as its your last, to the fullest. The only way to measure your life is in love, not in material things. Make your family and live for it. Just love life and all if has to offer!

Well, it was announced this Fall that RENT was going to Tour again, and this time with some original cast members- including Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp. I knew I have to be there! On Sunday I was able to see it with some co-workers and it was so worth it! I love the show- and seeing it with Adam and Anthony- AWESOME!

Keli and Robin hadn't seen it before so it was cool to hear their reaction and to tell them some of the back story-about the creator Jonathan Larson. It was also cool to talk about how this musical really defines the 90s- the music, the clothing styles, the fear of AIDS. It is a musical that I hope stands the test of the times.

I recently saw this article... how cool! I will be buying the DVD of the last performance on Broadway. :-). Between that and the movie I will be able to watch RENT whenever I feel the inkling to. Yippee!! Be jealous, or go buy it yourself.

What is your favorite musical? Are you even a musical fan? Robin, Keli and I are planning on seeing Jesus Christ Superstar in March. I haven't ever seen it, but I know many people who enjoy it, so I am excited.

PS. The DPAC was awesome- you felt important for coming to the theater; they made it special treat. Go see things there if you can!

ER

I never watched ER on any semi-regular basis. I mean, up until this year I thought it had ended a couple of TV seasons ago. BUT, no... it is in its 15th (and final) season. About time, is what I say! Does anyone still watch it? I might catch a rerun on TNT if I am home sick for the day- but I don't think I have ever watched it at its Thursday, 10 pm time slot.

Well, this article from People.com says that George Clooney is returning at some point during the last season, and last episodes. I have to admit... that is really cool of him. I am sure that George Clooney has an ego- I'll place money on it. However, I do appreciate his attitude when he is interviewed... he enjoys joking, loves the sarcasm... and never seems too big for his britches. Instance? This will be the second time he returns to the show that made him a household name. I just think that is cool... shows some humbleness and appreciation. Just like when touring bands share the stage together (favorite instance of that? Sugar Ray and Matchbox 20).

Maybe I'll watch the episodes with George Clooney- probably what they are hoping for anyway.

BRRR!!!

Well, we had a snow day yesterday!!! :-) As soon as I download the pictures off of my camera, I'll make sure to post them. Snow (and we did have a couple of inches) in North Carolina is a rare treat, so I was pretty excited. This was my first real snow since moving down here two and a half years ago.

Anyway, the reason why I am so cold- the heat in our apartment has officially died. It was always a little cool in our apartment this winter, but Laura and I figured it was just the "vents" or "the way it is." But, last week, it started making this funny noise... and then Sunday night it started to smell like burning... and then yesterday (Tuesday), the green light would come on signifying that the heat was "on" but there was no sound being produced nor was there any heat. Uh-oh... especially on a snow day.

It took me three calls into the apartment managers to get anyone over... but yesterday afternoon they did finally show up. They stared at the heater (and us, creepy!)- got it running a little bit and finally told us that they thought they had it running for the evening (but they brought us space heaters just in case) and that tomorrow (so today- Wednesday) they would replace the motor because the bearings were going.

Needless to say, the heater did die again- this morning when I woke up and looked at the thermostat it was 50 degrees- BRRRRR!!! Good thing I went to bed with two pairs of socks, my long johns, my pajama pants, a long sleeve shirt, and my hoodie on. Not to mention the sheet, throw blanket, two quilts and comforter I had on top of me. I was warm. :-).

I did use the space heater this morning in the bathroom- no way was I taking a shower if I was going to freeze the moment my hot water turned off.

Hope you all are warm... and if you have snow- that you are enjoying it! Celine Dion concert tonight (I got the tickets for free!) and Rent this weekend- too much fun to be had! :-).

U2

I don't remember if I told you all how excited I am about U2's new album coming out in March. So, in case you don't know... I am freaking stoked! I grew up on U2 (thanks mom and dad!) and love them! One of the few bands I would pay (almost) any amount of money to see.

In case you are as die hard as I am... go to this website and listen to their first single.

Still wishing for snow tomorrow... I'll believe it when I see it!

St. Joe Weekend

In college, MLK weekend meant St. Joe Weekend. It was tradition started our Freshman year and one we continued until our Senior Year. My friends Jeremy, Dan, Josh and Beth were all from St. Joe (or well, the area itself) and they decided to play host to all of us. It was a time for us friends to fellowship together and enjoy a "quiet" weekend growing in our relationships with each other and with God. There was not a lot of sleep and many times adventures late into the night. Our first year there was the sledding on the dunes and walking out onto Lake Michigan (it had already frozen up some); a couple of times we walked out on the pier to the end (where the Lighthouse is); our Senior Year we went bowling; a couple of times we went Ice Skating. I have only good memories and I miss it. Maybe if we ever do a reunion we could consider another St. Joe weekend. :-).

Here are a couple of group pictures of each of the four years. (notice how it grew as we added underclassmen and just grew in number of people involved in the South Quad ministry).

My Freshman year- notice the pre-digital pictures. :-).



Our Sophomore Year.



Our Junior Year- we are getting bigger...

My Senior Year... the last time. So sad- but notice how big we are!!! And look at all of those shoes. Here is to hoping we have a reunion someday, families and all!

Atlanta!!!

This weekend I went to Atlanta to visit Jenn and Jeff. I used to work with Jenn (and Katy, my travel-mate) at the Duke CRSO. Jeff is her husband and they relocated to Atlanta, GA about 6 or 7 months ago. It was a last minute trip (although we have been talking about it for a while)- but it was also a lot of fun.

On Saturday, we went to both the Georgia Aquarium and the Coke Museum. I would recommend both (especially because I love me some Coke!!!), however go to the Aquarium in the morning. It was PACKED!!!

And then on Sunday we played on the Wii Fit. I have to admit- I am sold. I want a Wii and a Wii Fit. It was fun! Anyone have one they want to donate to me? Here are a couple of photos from the weekend:

Some awesome photos of sea creatures- the colors just mesmerized me.



The beluga whales- one of my favorites. The really seemed to enjoy showing off for all of us.



All of us on the people mover through the tunnel- it was really cool. You could see sharks and HUGE fish and mantra rays.



The Coke Museum. If you know me, you know I love Coca Cola. In the Coke Museum you can try Cokes from around the world and sample all sorts of Coke products here in the US. I learned I like Cherry Coke Zero and that there are lots of very sweet, very gross sodas around the world.

The picture on the left is the three of us girls on the American Idol couch- I was pretty excited. :-). And the picture on the left is Katy and I before the 4D movie in our awesome glasses. And unlike many places you got to keep the glasses if you wanted. I did- they'll be perfect for Scrapbooking on this trip.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed your weekend. I got the day off... did you? (And there is talk of up to 3-6 inches of snow tonight. I don't buy it, but I would love to have a snow day tomorrow!)

:-) :-) :-)

Remember this post many moons ago? Yea, I have been working on different aspects of this list of goals (I was going to revisit it as well as this list and this list of resolutions at some point this month)... and do I have news for you!

My personal gmail account has ONLY TWO EMAILS IN IT RIGHT NOW!!! The other day I had only one in it, but I want to wait to respond to my best friend until I have more to tell her (she doesn't need to know about my day to day boring life- only the exciting stuff). And the other email is some notes on a post I am working through right now. So, if I get my act together... it could be sitting at ZERO very soon!

And my work email? AT ONLY FOUR EMAILS!!! Ack! I cannot even express to you the feeling of freedom I have right now. Oh man... I will try to remember how this feels to continue to motivate me to respond to emails in a timely manner.

Any bets on how long this will last?

iPod Meme: Nothing to Lose!

I saw this on Jessica's Blog and thought it looked like fun. So I thought I would join in as well...

Rules:
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag friends who might enjoy doing the game.

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
"Under Pressure" -Queen and David Bowie

2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Lightning Crashes- Live

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A FRIEND?
Anything's Possibly- Johnny Lang

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Life Is a Highway- Rascall Flatts

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Last Kiss- Peral Jam

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Ice Cream- Sarah MacLachlan (hmmm, especially if it is Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Bun)

7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Daughters- John Mayer

8. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Heros- The Wallflowers

9. WHAT IS 2 + 2?
We Didn't Start the Fire- Billy Joel

10. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Rock & Roll- Eric Hutchinson

11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LOVE?
What You Own (from RENT)- Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp

12. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
I Still Haven't Found What I am Looking For- U2

13. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
It's a Great Day to Be Alive- Travis Tritt

14. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LOVE?
These Are The Days- 10,000 Maniacs

15. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Undignified (I Will Dance, I Will Sing)- David Crowder

16. WHAT WILL (OR DID) YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
3 Minute Song- Josh Wilson (umm, I would totally dance with Josh Wilson, too- love his music!)

17. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Any Man of Mine- Shania Twain

18. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Great Divide- Hanson (yes, Mmmbop Hanson)

19. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Boondocks- Little Big Town

20. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Different Situation- Athenaeum

21. WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
When the Lights Go Down- Virginia Hullabaloos

22. HOW WILL YOU DIE?
One Tree Hill- U2

23. WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Runaway Run- Hanson

24. WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Best Days- Matt West

25. WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
When God Fearin' Women Get the Blues- Martina McBride

26. DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Here it Goes Again- okGo (haha, kind of how I feel about this subject right now- I feel like my friends and I talk and analyze possible relationships to death... need to get off this vicious cycle right now!)

27. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Crazy Little Thing Called Love- Queen

28. WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Around the Bend- Tony Lucca

29. WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Nothing to Lose- Josh Gracin

:-). Some of these made me laugh out loud at work... not always a good thing. Enjoy! I am off to Atlanta this weekend. I'll take pictures and post them for all to see.

PS. I am not going to tag anyone- I never do. Nor do I ever forward chain emails. Sorry.

Girl Scouts

A volunteer sent me this cartoon above. Isn't it... well, cute isnt the right word. Just know we appreciate any publicity that is positive- why because normally people then think to put their daughter in our program.

And in case you didn't know- our data from past sales does show that when the economy is slow and/or bad, our sales stay flat OR GET BETTER! Why? Because people turn to things of comfort in these times- and what is more comforting than a box of Thin Mints?

If you want to buy cookies- let me know! I'll be glad to make sure you get them. :-).

Self-Reliance

I thought this was interesting article about being self reliant in an economic down turn, and emergency. I am taking small steps to being debt free (see this post). But I have ofter wondered what I would do in a true emergency. Americans today wouldn't know what to do. How would be get around? What would we do for food? If we had another Great Depression I fear we would be much worse off- mainly because we aren't self-reliant. I am thinking about borrowing the books the article mentions from the library. I'll let you know what I think.

Faith Club by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner

I just finished this book a couple of days ago. Not quite sure where to start with it.

My mom recently joined a Book Club- she seems to enjoy it greatly. Some of the books she is reading are on my "to read" list; some I have never heard of. She had to read Faith Club and she loved it, raved about it.

I, unfortunately, didn't like the book as much as she did. In fact, I really didn't like this book at all. Well, maybe that isn't true- I probably would have loved this book at a different point in time. But I am not there anymore.

This book follows three strangers (who turn into best friends) as they journey to a better understanding of each of their religions. They all live in and around New York City, and were there after Sept 11th. Ranya is a Muslim American who greatly struggled with her identity after 9-11. When her daughter (in K at the time) started asking questions about being a Muslim American she decided to write a children's book attempting to show how all three religions tied together. Problem: she didn't necessarily know much.

She recruited a mom in her daughter's K class to help her; Suzanne is the Christian. Through their extended network they found Priscilla, who is Jewish. Together they set out to write the children's book- instead they wrote this memoir. It is about their struggle to fit together, to find common ground, and to be educated.

The premise sounds great. I think interfaith dialogue is key in this world. I appreciate they wanted to do that.

The part I didn't like? It is obvious each of these women come from the liberal spectrum's of their religions. At times they each make concessions that I would personally argue take away from each religion. But then again... in this book I may be one of the "close-minded" Christians they are talking about. And, I am ok with that. I disagree with the liberal theology found in this book and would argue that for Christians is HUGE part of our religion... and the Bible clearly states the only way to heaven is through Him. I think that is what bothered my through out the book- I never could agree with the theology each one was using (most of it Universalist in my opinion). It was easy to read- and again, the premise sounds good. Just not my cup of tea, if you will.

I would say pick this book up if it sounds interesting to you... but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to anyone.

Happy 3rd Anniversary Keri and Mike!

And today is Mike and Keri Hamberg's 3rd Anniversary. Hard to believe it has been three years! Where does the time go?

Keri and I went on Summer Project to Virginia Beach together. We then lived together at 727 Oakland our Senior Year (well, for first semester. then she moved out to get married!). Mike and Keri met at the University of Michigan. They had been dating just a few short months when we went on project together. It was fun to hear her think through if she loved Mike, if she could marry Mike. It was fun to talk to her about what the distance that summer was doing in and for (and sometimes hurting) their relationship. God was faithful and in December of 04 she and Mike were engaged. A year later, on January 7, 2006, she and Mike were married. It was an honor to witness their wedding; it was the first wedding I went to for a close friend... and more importantly it was the first wedding I went to were it was a Christian couple getting married and placing Christ at the center of their relationship. Congrats to Mike and Keri!

Here are a couple of pictures from that day:

Mike and Keri entering the reception hall. Doesn't Keri look radiant?

My table. I sat with Melissa and Scott, Jenn and Josh, and Keli. Keli and I joked we were each others dates (I did wear her jewelery). As well, the whole table joked we were banished to the "not wanted seating" up in the balcony. Really it was because Keri had more people say "we can come!" than she thought. And, hey, we had the best people watching position. ;-).

Keri and I. Probably one of my favorite pictures of us together.

Cutting of the cake!

The (original) 727 girls all together- one last time. Yes, I lived with 10 other girls... more on that later. I love us!, and I miss us, too!

Happy Anniversary Keri and Mike!!

Giving God the Glory

We all know I love my Michigan Wolverines. It is something you pick up on soon after meeting me.

And well with my love for the Wolverines comes some deep dislike (maybe even hatred) of certain teams. Ohio State Buckeyes, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Florida Gators are just a few.

However, I really like Tim Tebow from the Florida Gators. Why? Read this article.

He is a man after God's own heart and that is awesome. Also awesome? When he says football is just a game. Love it!

Anyway, thought I would share.

Happy 2nd Anniversary, Sarah and John!

Two years ago, my best friend from High School, Sarah Barnes married John Wright. I just wanted to take a moment to say Happy Anniversary to them. Sarah is a wonderful woman who I am blessed to have in my life. There are many fond memories of times spent with her- we were in Girl Scouts together, we had many sleepovers where we watched movies and Scrapbooked, we wrote many a letter in High School, expressing exactly how we felt. Both of us are very strong-willed and stubborn, so she is one of the few people in this world who I have truly argued with and will still talk to. She asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding, and I was honored to. Here are some photos from that day:

John and Sarah at the wedding rehearsal dinner.

Myself, Sarah, and her sister Adrienne. We were all in the same Girl Scout Troop and had to get a picture of the three of us together.

On a side not, excuse my ginormous size. See, after college, I gained a lot of weight. I was unhappy and I am an emotional eater. This picture was right before I got serious about portion control and not buying candy everyday (yea, it was bad). I lost 30 pounds in about six months after I did that. Sometimes I forget that (don't we all get unhappy with our bodies), but looking at this picture, I can see it. Now, if only I would get serious about exercise!

This is Stryder and I. Stryder was the Ring Bearer and is Sarah's stepson.

Sarah and her bridesmaid's (plus the Flower girl). From left to right: Jenna, Adrienne, Sarah, myself, and Shannon. Sue me: I can't remember the flower girl's name: Anna?

Mom and Dad went to the wedding, too. This is one of my favorite pictures of them.

On some other notes, this is the wedding where I caught the bouquet. Don't think it worked... definitely still not dating anyone, so no where near being the next one married. I also really enjoyed the day of the wedding; Sarah was very relaxed. We enjoyed a nice leisure day at her house preparing (painting nails, doing hair, etc) and ate pizza. It was no big deal... very simple. I would love that if that is how my wedding day went. We'll see.

Happy Anniversary!