Why I Love Christmas

I am writing this post in March -- and having it post in December.  I am pretty sure this one is going to surprise me when it pops up on the blog.  But, why not write about it when the inspiration hits?

I can't take credit for this idea though -- again, it comes from this blog.

1. I believe in Christ.  A day to celebrate His birth, and ultimately celebrating why He came to this Earth.  Humbles me every time to know He died for me.
2. The anticipation.  Call me crazy, but I think the best part of Christmas is actually when you crawl into bed on Dec 24th and think to yourself "tomorrow is Christmas."
3. Relaxation.  My family does very little on Christmas.  It involved a lot of sleeping, playing with the new toys and watching TV.  Oh, and eating.  Now that I am older, I at least help my mom with that portion of it.
4. Christmas Music.  See this post from last year.
5. Time off.  It is the perfect excuse to take some time off, rejuvenate and NOT think about work.  I think every job should allow you paid time off at Christmas. 

Why do you enjoy Christmas?

I choose joy

I consider myself to be a realist.

At times the glass is half full.  Other times it is half empty.  And most of the time?

It just is.  The glass has water in it.

That being said, my roommate and I often talk what it looks like to live with joy, with hope.  It can be a struggle for both of us.

I know that I live with hope.  I know Christ.  He is my Savior and someday I will get to see Him face to face, in a place that is without the sin that has so corrupted this world.  And when I live in light of that?  Hope is easy.  Joy is easy.

But most days I forget about that truth.

I instead let life get in the way.  How will bills get paid while I am in school? Will I ever learn to trust Christ with everything? Will I ever know what it is like to have a boyfriend? be married? have children?  How will I get all my school work be done?  Will the people in my life who don't know Christ come to know Him as their Savior?  What do people think of me?  Am I too fat? too dorky? too tall? too quirky?

I get lost.

And then I talk to roomie and we discuss how we should choose joy. choose hope.  choose trust.

And I have learned over the last few months of attempting to choose joy, hope, trust, that it is a moment by moment decision; a hour by hour decision; a day by day decision.

I have been reading Sarah Markley's blog off and on for a while know.  Yesterday I saw this post and decided I want to join her in a quest to choose joy.

While I don't know if I will find 100 joys in December... or if I will be able to remember to photograph those things... of if I'll even remember to blog about it... I am going to choose joy.

Today I choose joy.

I am joyful because I had a super, duper productive night last night.  I mean, the type of productiveness that meant I crossed off 5 plus things off of my must-do-this-before-the-end-semester-which-ends-on-Dec-8th list.  And it felt good.

I am joyful because I have an awesome roomie who listens, keeps me accountable and is willing to live an authentic life with me.

I am joyful because I have a great group of friends who check in on me.

I am joyful because after last night's awesome convo with the roomie, I felt the Lord lift my anxieties off of my shoulders.

How are you choosing joy today? 

The 3's

Forgive my very long blogging break.  If you follow my blog, you know it happens.  Life has certainly gotten in the way... starting grad school, staying social, working part time, keeping up relationships... well, they all take time.

That being said... I am going to get back into blogging very, very slowly.  Here is a meme that I got tagged in...

The 3's:

Three names I go by:
1. Jaye
2. Jaye P.
3. Jaye Patricia (but that is reserved for the grandparents)

Three jobs I have had in my life:
1. Chick-fil-a... I worked in the back
2. far too many temp jobs; the best when I was a secret shopper and I ordered drinks to see if the wait staff would card me.  And no, I didn't get to actually drink the drink!
3. Girl Scouts, Membership Director and now a 100th Anniversary Project Coordinator

Three places I have lived:
1. Virginia Beach, VA
2. Ann Arbor, MI
3. Raleigh, NC

Three Favorite drinks:
1. Coca-Cola
2. Water
3. Barq's Root Beer

Three TV shows that I watch:
1. Glee
2. Teen Mom
3. Criminal Minds

 Three Places I have been:
 1. Budapest, Hungary
 2. Germany
 3. Istanbul, Turkey

Three of my favorite foods:
1. Pizza - Mellow Mushroom for special occasions and Papa John's if I am ordering in...
2. Chinese - cheap Chinese may be the best...
3. Quesadillas


Three things I am looking forward to:
1. being done with this semester
2. seeing people after Thanksgiving
3.  Christmas music :-)

Three people I think will respond:
1. you're assuming I'll tag anyone... HA!


Three pets I have/had:
1. Rosie, the best Rottweiler there ever was.
2. Lana, my first crazy Siamese
3. Belle, my current crazy Siamese

Three places I want to visit before I die:
1. Australia
2. New Zealand
3. England/Ireland

Good Things: June 2010

Here goes all the awesome of June:

1- felt rested when I woke up
2- dinner at Becky's
3- my last ever Thursday night meeting for work!
4- Invictus -- pretty good movie
5- Kilwin's ice cream.  Do I need to say more?
6- lots going through my head
7- CPK w/ Laura -- I really enjoy that girl
8- bible study ended early, GLEE finale
9-  Beauty and the Beast at the DPAC
10- home to clean and organizer, that always makes me feel good
11- Virginia -- man, do I love the smell of salt air
12- mom's picnic for work
13- lazy day, nice dinner with the rents for mom's birthday
14- unpacked, the Pocketbook App
15- I love Girl Scouts -- they are some smart girls!
16- Day Camp
17- Tiffany was in town!  yea for seeing a friend for the first time in forever
18- got a night at home... lots done... and I slept on the couch!  I love sleeping on the couch
19- the Back to School Carnival went off without much of a hitch
20- baby sitting is good money
21- cleaned out my car -- boy did it need it!
22- BJ's for grocery shopping -- got lots for my money!
23- PURGED! 
24- scrapbooked :-)
25- Criminal Minds is my new show; it is disturbing but fascinating
26- Little Point Sable!!! :-), oh and maple sugar candy
27- Ece and Mete, they are a pretty cute cousins
28- Met baby Gabe!
29- Dune Buggy Ride at Silver Lake, MI
30- got good time with the mom in the car

With all that I have done this past month... maybe that means I should update this blog.  Not sure why I am not.  I have been isolating myself a lot lately and I am not sure why.  Trying to think through that...

Life is good, though!  I start school in about six weeks and I get more excited each day.  As well, more nervous...  Hope you all are staying cool.  It is HOT here.

Glee: Funk

photo from gleeimages.com

Episode 21: Funk

Jesse heads back to Vocal Adrenaline.  Their sneak performance leaves the New Directions crew in a funk.  How does Rachel deal with Jesse's betrayal.  Can Quinn express her feelings about Puck and the baby?  And do Sue and Will have feelings for each other?

Things I Loved:

•  the pearl necklace Sue wears on her "date" with Will... with her tracksuit.  Sometimes I love how well they have designed the caricatures in this show.
• the cheerleaders loosing it when Sue looses it.  What will they do with out the National Championships?
• Kurt at the National Championships.  Chris Colfer is one of my favorites.
• Finny D and Pucky Puck.  Good Vibrations.  Took me straight back to the 90s.  And I found myself wanting to get up and dance.
• All the guys sticking up for Rachel.  They are a team! :-)  Oh, and Kurt sitting down as soon as Will tells them to.

Things I'm Not a Fan of:

•  Will going to Sandy for drugs to get out of his funk.  Seems out of character to me.  
• Terri crushing on Finn.  Already done... multiple times (Dawson's Creek, The OC).
• Rachel getting egged -- I could have cried!  Mean Jesse.  Bad Jesse.  Never come back!

Favorite Lines:

•  Kurt: Rachel's one of us. We're the only ones who get to humiliate her!
• Kurt: I'm so depressed, I've worn the same outfit twice this week.
• Will: Today, I want to talk to you about regrets. Who has some?
  Rachel: Giving my heart to Jessie, just to have it crushed like the stage floor at a performance of Stomp.
  Quinn: Thinking "Trust me" was a sensible birth control option.

Ok, who is ready?  The Journey to Regionals CD was released today.  Safe to say I'll be listening to it all day at work.  The Season Finale is tonight... 9pm.  I am so excited -- but also really sad.  No new Glee until the Fall.  What will I do?  What do you think happens?  Will New Directions or Vocal Adrenaline win Regionals?

 

Glee: Theatricality

photo from gleeimages.com

Episode 20: Theatricality

Rachel meets her mom.  Burt sticks up for Kurt.  Everyone learns that deep down inside, they are all freaks... and a team.

Things I Loved:

• The Finn/Kurt/Burt scene.  Talk about intense -- but good.  Burt sticking up for his son, talking about the weight words can carry.  All great.
• "Beth"  The "Kiss-mates" did a great job -- and it made me totally fall for Puck, again.  One of the producers said in an interview it would... why do girls love to see bad boys be good?
• Rachel and her mom: the same love for Gold Stars, too cute.  And their rendition of Poker Face?  Made me actually like the song!
• Matt finally spoke!  Yea!

Things I am Not a Fan of:

• The boys dressed up as Kiss.  No one should ever wear spandex, especially boys.
• Finn in the giant, red, Lady Ga-Ga outfit.

Favorite Quotes:

• Tina: My mom won’t even let me watch Twilight. She says she thinks Kristen Stewart seems like a bitch.
• Artie: (about Tina's new look) It's so weird.
  Finn: This so isn't you.
  Tina: I feel like an Asian Branch Davidian.
  Will: Tina, are there any other looks you can try?
  Santana: Biker chick?
  Finn: Cowgirl?
  Mercedes: Hood rat.
  Quinn: Computer programmer.
  Brittany: Cross-county skier.
  Puck: Catholic schoolgirl.
  Brittany: Happy meals, no onions. Or a chicken.

Glee: Dream On

photo from gleeimages.com

Episode: 19: Dream On

We all have dreams.  Some attainable, some not so much.  If all of our dreams from High School don't come true, do we turn into bitter, star-sucking, black hole-creating adults, or do we just shift to more realistic dreams?

This weeks episode explored dreams lost, dreams attainable and dreams unattainable.  Does everyone's dream come true?

Things I Loved:

• First and foremost: Artie's Safety Dance.  OMG, was it beyond awesome.  I immediately rewound the DVR (can you rewind a DVR???) and watched it again.  That's right, didn't even finish watching the show to watch it.  That is how killer the dance was.  Kevin McHale is an awesome dancer -- too bad he is in that wheelchair! 
• Emma being an actual guidance counselor to Artie.  She properly guided him to realize that he may not walk again.  Heartbreaking to watch, but I like how Glee doesn't try to sugarcoat EVERYTHING (although most is sugar coated)
• Neil Patrick Harris.  He was awesome and made me laugh out numerous time.  The best?  Those jean jackets!
• The flashback of Will in High School -- more of those awesome 90's styles please!

Things I am Not a Fan of:

• The cheese level, especially coming out of Will's mouth?  NPH is creating black holes by cutting the Glee Club.  At some point we just have to say enough!
• Emma being an actual guidance counselor to Artie.  Yes I loved it... but I also hated it.  I just felt so bad for Artie.
• I felt like their were two endings -- The "I Dreamed a Dream" sequence and the "Dream a Little Dream" -- I know it was because there were two storylines to close out/preview to... but I just felt like it was too much.

Things I am Not Sure About:

• Jesse -- So we see why he really change schools.  Makes me not like him -- yes, it gives Shelby depth, but we see that Jesse might not really care for Rachel.  And I don't want him to hurt Rachel.  I guess I really want to like Jesse and I can't decide if I can or not.

Favorite Quotes:

• Rachel: (About a cassette with her mother on it) What if she's singing on the tape? What if she's terrible? Or worse - what if she's better than me? 
• Bryan: (to Will) I was introduced to Jesus. He was my Honduran social worker. I straightened up, put down the pipe, met the love of my life, Wilma, and now I run a successful used Hummer dealership. Don't make that face. Global warming's a theory
• Will: You take away glee, you’re not just putting out those kids’ lights. You’re creating 13 black holes.

Glee: Laryngitis

Photo from gleeimages.com

Episode 18: Laryngitis

Our favorite Glee characters all deal with loss.  Rachel loses her voice, Kurt loses his identity, and Puck loses his Mohawk.  How do they deal with these loses?  And do they learn anything from them?

Things I Love:

• That I now know how to spell Laryngitis.  Seriously, have to type it out for this post has helped me.
• The song choices -- I was a fan of all of them this week!  Jesse's girl was a classic -- and Cory (Finn) sounded great!  And you can't go wrong with U2's One.
• Lady is a Tramp.  Did Puck (played by one talented Mark Salling) look and sound great or what?
• Kurt's "Rose's Turn"  Chris Colfer is quickly becoming on of my favorites to watch.  His comedic timing is amazing and boy can he perform.  I believe Mike O'Malley (who plays his dad) once said something along the lines, "You just get out of the way of that talent."  

Things I'm Not a Fan of:

• Will you just stick to one pairing of couples?  I mean -- Puck hits on Rachel, then he hits on Mercedes, and isn't he supposed to be having a baby with Quinn.  At the end of Episode 13, didn't he want to be with Quinn?  I get he is a player -- but let's have some longevity to some of these pairings.  If we don't then we won't have any couples to really back. 
• The whole singing "One" with the paralyzed guy -- it was awkward to me.  I get why they did it for the storyline, but I just couldn't handle it.
• I would have loved to see more of the character solos -- but I know we only have one hour to work with here... but still.  They were all looking to find their voice -- what would Quinn have sung? or Artie? or Tina?

Favorite Lines:

• Rachel: In my case, the obstacle is you. 
• Puck: Watch out black girl whose name I don't remember.  The Puckster is about to make you his.
• Rachel: I'm like Tinkerbell, Finn!  I need applause to live!

Glee: Bad Reputation

 Photo from gleeimages.com

I took a small hiatus from blogging in May -- mainly unplanned.  BUT, here I am again, attempting to be consistent.  Lots to update you on, including all of my thoughts on Glee.  As June 8th is the Season 1 Finale, I thought I would do a countdown of sorts, where I recap and give my thoughts on some of the episodes I have missed.  Are we ready?

Up first, Episode 17: Bad Reputation.

A Glist surfaces -- a list of the Glee members with the worst reputations.  Will has to hunt down the conspirator or risk having the Glee Club shut down.  Puck is the prime suspect, but did he do it?

Sue gets a taste of her own medicine when some Glee members leak a rather embarrassing video of her.  Will she get redemption?

And on the musical side of things, we see some rather awesomely bad songs get re-vamped and re-done, Glee style.

Things I Love:

• The Puck and Rachel story line. I love Puck and  I am not afraid to admit it.  And so any thing that showcases him, well, I will typically be a fan.  Loved seeing them together, seeing their chemistry.  Also glad to see it fit well with the story line.
• Run Joey, Run video -- it was ridiculous.  Almost too ridiculous, but it was also hilarious.  Loved seeing Sandy Ryerson (the creepy teacher and previous Glee coach from the first half of the season) prance across the lawn -- good use of his character!
• Sue's sister!  Sue has a heart and when you bring in her sister you see it.  
• All of the dancing!  It was BRILLIANT!  Especially the "You Can't Touch This" scene.  Heather Morris (plays Brittany) can MOVE! 
• Quinn being the Glist maker.  We are getting to see how hard being pregnant and still homeless (we don't know who she is living with yet) are just hitting this once popular cheerleader very hard. 

Things I'm Not a Fan of:

• The Physical video.  I don't know why I didn't like it... I just didn't.  Maybe because it felt so forced in the story line?  I mean really -- Olive Newton John just happens to see it and wants to re-shoot?
• The ballet dance to "Total Eclipse of the Heart."  Like the song, normally like the dancing.  But this time is just didn't do it for me.  Maybe it is because I don't really see Lea Michele being much of dancer.  Sorry that wasn't nice -- but kind of true.

Favorite Lines:

• Artie: I'm kind of getting cold feet here.
  Brittany: Can you even feel your feet?
• Will: (about the Glist) Puck, seriously, did you do it?
  Puck: I said no! I'm a delinquent, sure. I like setting stuff on fire and beating up people I don't know. I own at. But I'm not a liar.
• Puck: I try to be a good guy. I go to school and I say, ‘Be cool, Puck. Be nice.’ But by second period I have a fire extinguisher in my hands and I’m spraying some dweeb with it and I don’t know how I got there.
• Emma: You're a slut, Will!"

Overall we are getting closer and closer to "old" Glee -- before it was a massive hit.  I am sure to be watching "Ice, Ice, Baby" and "You Can't Touch This" over and over again... in hopes to pick up some mad dance moves! ;-).

What did you enjoy?  What didn't your like?  Are you even a Glee fan?

Glee: Season One Finale

I may or may not be counting down the days, hours, minutes until the Glee Season One Finale.  I love this show -- as you can all tell.  I just wish I was as talented as them, wish life was a musical, and so this show fits me perfectly!

That being said, check out this sneak peak:




Does it make you smile as much as it makes me smile???

Teaching and Being an Evangelical

Found this article through a friend of mine.  That friend is the Josh Dickson interviewed for this article.  He and I went to college together and led in Campus Crusade together.  He is an amazing man who loves the Lord, and who is also very passionate about education. 

I have a very specific memory of being in a car with him, on the way to a leadership retreat I believe, talking about the power of education, how our father's being teachers affected us and talking about our dreams for education. 

I am excited to see where God takes him -- sounds like Josh will be used to change the world through education and social activism.  I am blessed to be able to call him friend and brother!

Take the time to read the article -- it is interesting!

Good Things: May 2010

I don't even know where I have been, blogosphere.  Good thing I really only do this for myself.  Here are my Good Things for May!

1- Dinner in Charleston, on the rooftop.  The Breeze and nice weather was more than I could ask for.
2- Boone Hall Plantation
3- 1st sunburn of the summer... not a great thing... but I love that it means warm weather is here
4- Home...
5- God provides (as always)!  My Boss takes me going back to school well; I finish with my pre-req class.
6- My CEO has a project she wants me to work on as my part-time position!  God is so good!
7- Shag Dancing :-)
8- Strawberry picking -- they were everywhere
9- filled out the FASFA -- dude, it was so much easier than I thought!
10- ...
11- Bible Study... just left encouraged
12- WICKED!  Need I say more?
13- very productive day at work... and dinner at Chipotle
14- orientation for school -- it is becoming so real!
15- lots of cleaning... boy did my apartment need it!
16- finished Angie Smith's book -- "I Will Carry You" -- easy read, but very encouraging
17- apt stuff not going super well... but lots of laughter with Laura
18- lots of new Glee music! :-), Wakey! Wakey! -- get their CD, it is so worth it!
19- Office Clean out day -- AWESOME!  My new clean office looks amazing
20- good time with Salem -- I have some great volunteers
21- Went to the NC Ag Fest... fun times! 
22- Lara and Bryan's Wedding -- Congrats!
23- found some quiet time
24- didn't have to work as late as I had anticipated
25- Glee and NCIS -- I lead such a sad life...
26- stared a new Scrapbook page... yea for creativity
27- flowers from my Wake 19 volunteers
28- check delivered
29- CASWELL!!! The sun came out and I got some quality time on the beach! :-)
30- shagging at Caswell... the awkward abounds, but sometimes that can be awesome.  Got to teach Josh Wilson and his wife! :-)
31- quality time with Laura.

Happy June!  Hope everyone has some awesome summer plans!

Good Things: April 2010

A couple of days late, but I was out of town... is that an ok excuse?  Anyway, here is what was awesome about April 2010.

1- no class :-)
2- the salt air; drove to Va Beach and was able to enjoy one of my favorite smells.
3- the COTTAGE!  It is done... and gorgeous
4- first fire at the cottage.  :-) such memories of an awesome summer vacation spot.  Can't wait to spend time at our very own family cottage.
5- after a LONG delay in Detroit I made it home.
6- SLEEP
7- What wasn't good about this day? learned I had an interview for Grad School, learned I got a raise, AND my new laptop came!
8- Interview at Meredith -- I thought it went ok.
9- a nice quiet evening
10- fresh pineapple! YUM!
11- I GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL!!!
12- started new Bible Study
13- Glee returned... and it was awesome! :-)
14- time to myself!
15- presentation for class... went pretty well!
16- Pizza House. that should be enough. But it was even more awesome because I just enjoyed being with some awesome people!
17- Jenn's Baby Shower... and I think it went pretty well.
18- quality time with Jenn
19- LOTS of leasing options...
20- Glee Night w/ Teal and Laurie.  It doesn't get much better
21- dinner w/ Lowther.  AND i won the iTouch.
22- my volunteers tell me you are the best membership director.
23- lazy night... and boy did I need it!
24- got lots done... including vacuuming my car.  Is it sad that might have been the first time I did since I bought it three years ago?
25- felt loved at church
26- transition looks better than I thought.... and the iTouch came! I love new toys!
27- was able to just lounge in my pj's... sometimes that is the best
28- dinner at the Nieman's... fresh strawberries!
29- NO Jury Duty!
30- Joy Prom!

Yea... it has been a good month!  Now for summer to begin.  I'm ready!  Are you?

I'm going to bury my head in the sand...

No seriously... today has been on of those days.

Where all you want to do at the end of the day (well, even before that) is curl up in bed and put the pillow over your head.

I have said so many things that embarassed me (not all that hard to do really); I have found out how one person can tell one person who can tell one person until it all gets out; I have put my foot in my mouth multiple times; life has kicked me back into reality.


Guess vacation can't last forever.  Charleston, it was good to escape for a weekend.  Now life has found its way back to me.  Boo. 

Pictures to come.

Thankful

Lots to be thankful this week!

7. new toys (I LOVE my iTouch)
8. vacation (I'm in Charleston)
9. smooth transitions
10.

This takes the cake...

Here is a story from work this week:

We have a general email Inbox.

An email came in this week that was marked "Urgent."  And it said...


... nope not kidding you....

"Help!  I am pregnant and I have a craving for Caramel DeLites.  Do you have any?"

:-)  I didn't answer it (wasn't my turn) -- but I hope we were able to find her some!  Because I guess that could be considered an emergency to some, right?

I mean when you need a box of Girl Scout cookies, you need them!

I don't think so, Glee

I was ok with an all Madonna episode of Glee.

But then Britney Spears's manager hit twitter campaigning for an all Britney episode.

And to that Glee creators, I say... "I don't think so."

Why?

• too gimmicky -- don't sell yourself into pulling all gimmicks to make the show "bigger and better."  Be confident in what made the show great -- music that fit the story lines.
• it's Britney -- who has not stamp of "be like her."  At least Madonna has credibility.  Britney just shaved her head and releases beyond risque music.  She was the butt of one of your jokes last week, in case you have forgotten.
• couldn't you come up with any other artist with better music to do an all out episode of?

I did find this article at EW that sheds some light on what Ryan Murphy (the genius behind the show) and the other creators are thinking.  Again, don't do Britney.

I would be ok with Billy Joel, or even Led Zeppelin.  But to Courtney Love?  That's another, 'I don't think so."

My genius idea that I would like to shoot out to the Glee creators?  U2.  Just because I love them -- and I think that would be awesome.

Do you have any ideas for the Glee creators?

A Lifetime of Teaching

A great video... I might have liked Chemistry if I had him as my professor.  Instead I think Chemistry is terrible...

But if I had him, then I would have gone to Duke -- and that is just wrong.  I am first and foremost a Michigan Wolverine -- and while living down here I have chosen the side of the UNC Tarheels.  Sorry, Duke.

Oh this reminds me of another one of my favorite lines from last night's Glee: Kurt's Dad says to Finn while watching a basketball game, "I hate Duke like I hate the Nazis."  Oh I knew there was another reason I love Glee! :)

Ok, but seriously -- watch it.  It is worth the three minutes:

Spontaneity

I really do like spontaneity.  Too bad I am not the most spontaneous person.  It is because I also like to have a plan and like to stick to that plan.

But sometimes I get to practice spontaneity.

Like this weekend -- Laura and I are going to Charleston, SC to get ourselves out of Raleigh and take a few days off.  We don't have any concrete plans.  We only booked the hotel this past Saturday.  We are just going.  I am pretty excited.  Have any places that I just need to see? or eat at?

I was also able to practice spontaneity a couple of weeks ago.  Angela, a great friend from college who is now studying to be a PA at Wake Forest, called me one Friday and said "Can we hang out tomorrow?"  "YES!!!" was my very eager reply.

We ate at Panera, hung out at a free church festival, went browsing through Target and just caught up.  Sometimes the best days are ones where nothing gets done.  And you get to see fun friends.  Here is a great picture of the beautiful Angela and I:

What have you done to be spontaneous recently?

Glee: Home

Tonight's episode was getting back to the old Glee -- or at least I thought so.  Here are my random thoughts after the first viewing.

Things I Love:

• 99% of what came out of April's mouth.  My favorite? "So you're free to date. And by free to date I mean sleep with people. And by sleep with people I mean have sex with people. People like me." 
• When Puck mouthed "Are you ok?" to Finn during Kurt's Home solo.  Are they still friends? Does Puck have a heart?  Oh, I have a hunch that we should trust Ryan, Ian and Brad (see me acting like I know them?) and that the plots we are missing are coming back.
• Proof of some plot lines? The Finn's mom and Kurt's dad storyline.  It was developing and I'm excited to see the journey of both Finn and Kurt as this goes.
• The message -- they addressed body image issues and the desire to want to fit/be popular at any cost in a way that was great.  I loved Quinn helping Mercedes; I loved Mercedes "singing" out and letting Coach Sylvester know exactly what she thinks (Christina's "Beautiful").
• Mike O'Malley didn't wear a hat!!! Name the last time that happened.  I am pretty sure I read on imdb.com that he went through all of "Yes, Dear" without taking off his hat.
• Sue Sylvester's faces -- Jane Lynch is genius.

Things I'm Not a Fan Of:

• The cheese level -- it was pretty high last night.
• The lack of high energy songs.  All were great song choices -- but the duet between Will and April definitely lagged.  I could have done with 25% of the song and I still think the storyline would have been furthered by the song.
• Finn singing to the chair/his dead Dad.  Yea, I get how it went with the show and how it fit... but it was just too much for my logical brain.

Ok -- that is all I have at this point in time.  My brain is fried (I was working on a paper tonight).  Found this article full of spoilers.  Looking forward to the rest of the season!  Oh, how I LOVE Glee. :)

I want to hold really soft things... like my cat

Ok, have you seen this new Kotex U commercial?

It seriously make Laura and I laugh out loud when we see it on TV.  I don't think men will appreciate it -- but I think all the women will.



What do you think?  You should also check out this ad and this one.  They also have some great points...

Thankful

I love when I stumble across great blogs and blog ideas.  I don't remember which blog I was at when I found this idea, but I am going to begin my list -- and start counting my blessings (maybe up to 1000 and beyond!).

1. sunshine

2. laughter and friends

3. iTouch -- I won one!

4. future possibilities

5. cats who love to cuddle

 

6. dreaming

Will you join in Multitude Mondays?  It's a great way to stay thankful.

More Michigan fun!!

You didn't think that I just had the baby shower going on when I went up to Michigan?  Nope -- I had much more!

On Friday Jenn and I spent some time just hanging out around the house, then we went to lunch with Josh (since tax season had just ended he took that day off).  In the afternoon Jenn and I went to run errands and then we went to campus.  It was a gorgeous day and we went to get colliders (like Blizzards, but WAY better).  On the way back to campus I got asked out by some creepy 54 year old man.  Not lying -- ask Jenn about it.  It happened so fast we didn't even know what happened.

Ok -- the Friday night we convinced man fun people to meet at Pizza House where we spent hours eating and catching up.  There were lots of good laughs... and it just made me so thankful for the women in my life, both past and present. and thankful that God can allow us to pick up like time hasn't even passed.  Here photo proof we still love each other:

love these awesome girls -- Mike and Josh were there, too but they said the picture should just be of us girls.

On Saturday, I was also able to head to Michigan's Spring Game -- where they preview the team for the Fall.  It would be a lie to say I watched intently.  I more like talked intently with the girls and watched occasionally.  The team looked ok to me -- but what do I know?  They guys seems less than pleased... oh, I hope the season is better than last...

Here are a couple of snapshots from the cold April day:

Such fun times!  Are you jealous I was there?

Hope you are getting to spend fun time with people who mean the world to you!

I WON!

This year has been kind of hard -- just a lot going on that was wearing me down.  Work was non-stop, taking a class (albeit an easy class) took up free time, and I still wanted to be social.  To say I am tired is an understatement.

Anyway -- the other day I was given a nice surprise.  For work, if we met one of our goals concerning the Cookie Sale then we were entered into a drawing for various prizes.

And.

Well...

I won the grand prize:

To say I was (and still am) very excited to win the iTouch is also an understatement.  I definitely did a happy dance, in front of all of my co-workers.  Oh well! :-) :-) :-)

I want to name her (she is a her, I feel).  What do you think I should name her?  What apps should I get?  I am looking for awesome free ones.  I can't wait -- she is supposed to be here early next week!

Oh my! She's having a baby!

Have I mentioned that my best friend Jenn is having a baby?  And that the little boy is due on May 21st?  Well, in case I haven't -- she's having a baby. And the due day is quickly approaching.

This past weekend I was up in Michigan to help Jenn celebrate by throwing her a baby shower.  This was the first time I had thrown a baby shower, and only the second I have been to.  That being said, I think it went pretty well -- mainly due to my co-hosts, Sarah, DeeDee and Tina.

We went with a Scrapbook theme.  And I now you are probably wonder -- what??? Well, the idea came from my mom and I think it was a hit.

The host's buy her a scrapbook and give ideas to the guests such as "1st Christmas," "1st Tooth," "Coming Home," etc.  They also purchase all sorts of materials -- paper, stickers, etc.  At the shower the guest make a page for the themes and then once baby comes all mom has to do is take the pictures and slap them on the page.  Jenn said she really liked it -- and everyone was very complimentary.  Their biggest compliment?  It was a great activity to do while we were all talking!

Of course, we also played a couple of games.  And let her open a bajillion gifts.  And provided food.

Overall, I think it went really well! :-)  Here are a couple of photos from that day:

Sorry for all of the table settings -- I just really loved how they turned out!  Practical/fun stuff with a mixture of the scrapbook stuff.  And the Scrapbook pages as place settings?  Love it!  All ideas not original.  Thank you Sir Google.

me with Sarah.  Love this girl!

The Michigan girls -- it was so fun to see them!

I had a great time at the shower -- I just hope Jenn did, too!  Tell me, have you had to plan a baby shower?  What themes did you use?  What about the games?  What would you change for next time?

Glee: The Power of Madonna

I have made no secret of my love for Glee.  Everything from the dance numbers to Jane Lynch's one liners make me smile (and often laugh outloud).  I'll admit you sometimes you have to suspend reality (like the piano and strings in the book shop last week -- what???).  But they know how to balance the laughs with the touching moments, the messages, and the pull of the heart strings.

That being said I think Tuesday's episode ("The Power of Madonna") was my favorite thus far.  Here are some of my random thoughts:

Things I Loved:

1. Express Yourself dance number.  The girls looked amazing and it made me want to break out my old dance shoes and go take a class.  Just so I could do that number.  AND then you noticed the guys watching -- Finn being bored and looking everywhere but the stage, Kurt dancing along, Puck looking like he was going to punch something... all classic.
2. Will helping Emma -- and I mean truly helping Emma.  He wants them to both work on themselves so that they can be together.  Very cute and a good message in general.  However, it is TV and let's be honest -- there will be lots of tension coming as they wait.
3. Like a Prayer dance number.  See number 1 about me wanting to dance.  
4. Drawing attention to the fact that women are still earning less than men.  I work for the Girl Scouts.  We want to empower women -- no to become 'femi-nazi's" but to learn that they can be leaders, change the world, etc.  Good call, Glee!
5. Becky Jackson is back!  I love Lauren Potter as Becky Jackson -- she makes me smile.
6. Will finally standing up to Sue and making fun of her hair!  YES!

Things I'm Not Sure About:

1. What is Jesse's deal? Does he really love Rachel?  Is he really there to spy on New Directions?
2. Mr. Shue just letting Jesse into New Directions.  Sometimes he is so clueless.

Things I'm Not a Fan of:

1. While I like Madonna's music -- and she is a musical icon... she really empower's women?  Part of me disagrees -- she has taken control of her image, for sure.  But she still sells her sexuality, which in my opinion is part of objectifying women.  Even if she chooses to do it. While I get why they chose Madonna, I think there are other women we can point to as well...
2. I love the musical numbers (see #1, #3 under the "Things I Love,") but I feel like they are doing TOO many musical numbers in the back nine.  Some of the plot isn't having time to develop -- yes the music is helping it develop some, but a little more dialogue would be good.
3. Not enough Puck.  Love him -- even if he is the "bad boy."  Give me a boy with a guitar and I melt. 

Favorite Lines:

• “When I pulled my hamstring I went to a misogynist.” – Brittany
•  Will: What comes to mind when you see that name?
  Rachel: Genius.
  Kurt: Icon.
  Puck: Hall of fame MILF.
• "No one intimidates the Puckzilla" -- Puck

Do you watch Glee?  What were your thoughts?

Appreciation

April 22nd is Volunteer Appreciation Day at the Girl Scouts.  We give them a gift, send them a nice thank you (normally via email) and in the month of April have a banquet to honor them.  I think it is a great idea.  While I don't volunteer to get anything, it is nice to know that people appreciate all of my hard work.

Working for the Girl Scouts -- I am not normally getting the appreciation, I am doing the appreciation.  And that is fine... but there have been times where I have felt appreciated.

Like a month ago when I received this card in the mail:

So sweet, right?  and then there was a year ago when I got a HUGE Hershey's Chocolate Bar in my mailbox.  Our receptionist, Angie, said that she wasn't allowed to tell me who dropped it off.  That made my week, or maybe even month.


It is nice to know that my volunteers appreciate me as much as I appreciate them.  For all of you who volunteer for the Girl Scouts -- thank you!  For all of you who volunteer in other ways -- thank you too!

More of the cottage...

While we were at the cottage we got to see my Uncle and his wife and their two young-ish children (they are 10 and 8).  It was nice to see them and now that we have this cottage, I think we'll see more of each other.  Here are some photos of the family throughout the weekend:

Mete -- a cute kid (when he wants to be...).  At this point he was telling us the size of the TV we should have and where it should go.

 Me with Ece.  She was my shadow all weekend.

What Ross did the whole time -- cut wood, then creating a HUGE wood pile, and the using said wood to build a fire in the gorgeous fireplace.

Anyway -- that was out fun weekend.  It made me so excited for vacations there.  I am hoping to spend sometime there in late June with the family.  We'll see if it happens!

Cottage, Part V

This is definitely late in coming... but over Easter weekend we (the mom, the dad and the brother) all went up to Little Point Sable, MI and moved in furniture.  It was quite the adventure.

First, we drove up.  I followed the Penske moving van the whole way.  Want proof -- here is what I looked at. the whole time. in traffic. in rain. every moment of the trip (which took 24 hours -- about 7 longer than normal).

Then there was the tree that we needed to move so that we could get the truck down the dirt road to the cottage.  Ross ended up breaking out the chainsaw to cut it so that it would fall... remember, at this time we all were a little tired and cranky.  To say it involved some tense moments would be an understatement.  I just sat in the car.  My big mouth wouldn't help matters very much at all!

We got to the cottage -- and moved in the truck full of crap and spent the rest of the time unpacking, organizing and over all enjoying the beautiful cottage we can now call ours (well, the banks until we pay it off... but you know.)

We are thinking about naming it "The Kremers' Tree House," because with the huge windows, being on a bluff, etc makes you feel like you are in a tree house.  Do you think it fits this beautiful place?

Organization Gratification

I feel satisfied when...

1. I can cross something off my to-do list.
2. When I have lots to do, I make a to-do list.
3. I finish scrapbooking a trip/theme/etc.  (I originally started scrapbooking to organize my photos).
4. I get rid of stuff in my room -- clothes, useless odds 'n ends, old craft supplies I don't use any more, etc.
5. I balance my checkbook and fill out my budget worksheet.

Bible Study

From September through March I was in a Bible Study at my church -- it was through the Women's Ministry and I loved it.  We studied Esther, via the Beth Moore Study, "It's Tough Being a Woman."  I had never done a Beth Moore Bible Study and really enjoyed it -- she is engaging to listen to; she is wise and God definitely has blessed her with the gift of teaching and speaking.  I appreciate her honesty and willingness to be vulnerable.

I also enjoyed this Bible Study because of the women I got to know through out.  Here we all are on the last night, at the banquet.

It has been quite sometime since I was able to laugh as much as we did... all while studying the Word honestly together. 

And even more, I just missed the accountability that comes from Bible Study -- to be in the Word consistently, to be praying for one another, to walk according to the way Christ has called us to, etc.  I hope to never go so long in between Bible Studies again.  Before Esther, it was probably at least a year and hald with no Bible Study fellowship.

While I won't be continuing to study the Word with this exact group of women, I am so excited because tonight I start a new Bible Study!  We are going to study Galatians through a Tim Keller study.  I am excited to dive in!  I'll let you know what I think of Tim Keller.

Happy Easter!

 image from google images.

He is risen!  Celebrate today, for Christ has risen from the dead!

I am so thankful that I know Jesus Christ as my Savior.  I am far from perfect and often do not appreciate all He has done for me and for every sinner.  Use today to reflect what Christ has done in your life.  Here is a list of all that He has done for me (and for which I will never worth of):

1. He rescued me from my sin, allowing me to know God.
2. He brought me life long friends, Jenn, Laura, and many more.
3. He provided me a stable job that most days I even enjoy.
4. He gave me a stable family who shows me as much unconditional love as humans can.
5. He continues to grow me, mold me into the woman He has designed me to be.

Guess where I am?

not my picture... thanks Google images!

Little Point Sable, MI... moving in furniture for the completed cottage!  I'll share pictures when I get back!

I'm Doing This!

I found this blog many moons ago... and it inspires me.  It takes what they are passionate about (crafting) and uses their skills to do great things for the kingdom.

While I found, I haven't been able to participate yet... well, because... I don't have the same skills.  I can't knit, but want to learn.  And my sewing skills are novice at best.

However, their newest endeavour?  I think I can do it! 

They are making bean bag education sets.  I am going to try to do the alphabet set.  I want to be held accountable for this... so every Thursday between now and May 15th (when they are due), I am going to post an update on what I have done/what still needs to be done/ my plan of action.

Today is the first day...

By next Thursday I will have the materials bought and pattern chosen!  I will need:

- scrap material (minimum two colors)
- sewing machine
- thread
- aquarium gravel

I think I'll probably use this tutorial as my guide?

Anyone want to join me?  Let me know!  And if nothing else... ask me how it is going so I actually do it!

Good Things: March 2010

I think this is my favorite part of the month -- looking back at all of the good and fun things in my life!

1- Chick fil a
2- NCIS marathon at home ... yea, I need a life
3- wrote the grad school essays... one step closer
4- SUN!!! My Inbox was pretty at work (less than 5)
5- Oasis event at church... Square Dancing.
6- The Wake 23 Sweetheart Dance
7- laziness ALL day! :-)
8- unexpected time at home for just me
9- took some comp time and it was just beautiful... sun was shining, I was able to have the windows open and I enjoyed doing catch up stuff
10- Niemans!
11- chocolate milkshake... I just needed one, you know?
12- Scrapbooked!
13- "perfect Saturday" -- quiet morning, cleaned, lunch @ CPK, relaxed in the afternoon, walked, Game Night at Becky's
14- Cookie Sale ended!  went hiking in Eno St. Park
15- got my taxes done... FOR FREE... yea for getting money back!
16- dinner w/ Meredith!
17- took a walk at lunchtime
18- NCIS in the morning
19- got asked out to lunch by a 4 year old... amazing what will make your day
20- Ross is here!  Umstead, Rita's for free Italian Ice, Mellow Mushroom
21- more scrapbooking!
22- MEW Banquet -- laughter, lots of fun time with the girls
23- got my federal tax return!  spent it on books for the cottage and paid of some more debt!
24- B-E-A-Utiful DAY!  went for a walk to just enjoy the Spring weather
25- yummy... baked potato for lunch
26- Glee Night #3 with the girls!
27- Angela surprised me!  Spring Fling in Apex
28- dreamt about a tropical beach vacation w/ Laura... thinking we may actually do it.  Now to be economical or go big?
29- dinner w/ Anna -- just lots of good convo
30- phone date w/ Christine
31- Last Song... yes I went to see it the day it opened... no judgment.  It wasn't too bad!

Friends, what has your month been like?  Happy April!

Songs on Repeat

When I get obsessed with something, I can't stop.  Just ask my roommates.  My  mom has gotten me hooked on NCIS.  I don't think I would want to even know how many of the marathons I have DVR'd in the last month or so.  And I am sure my roommates would forbid me from hitting the record button if they knew the number, too.

Or when I get hooked on a type food, then that is all I want.  For example?  Right now I can't get enough of egg salad or Grilled Cheese.  I make egg salad at least 2-3 times a week for lunch... and grilled cheese at least twice a week for dinner and at least two times each weekend.  I am sad and I know it... but it is how I roll, k?

That being said, this post made me think... what songs could I listen to over and over again?  Here is what I came up with:

1. Glory to God by Fee
2. Amazing Grace, the Josh Wilson version
3. Let There Be Light by Andrew Peterson
4. One Song, Glory from Rent
5. Only a Man by Jonny Lang

I am sure there are even more than that -- but that is what I could come up with off the top of my head. Maybe I should look at my Top 25 Most Played on my iPod.

Do you have songs you could listen to over and over again?

Me

Since I didn't get to play last week... here is me in 6 pictures.

1. I am a beach person.

2. I am a list person.















3. I am a Disney person.

4. I am a dancer.

5. I am a friend.

6. I am a big sister.

Books!

I went shopping yesterday.  We are heading up to the cottage Easter weekend to move furniture into the cottage.  We have renters coming in as early as May -- which is exciting... but also means we have lots to do to get the cottage in shape!  I am responsible for providing the books, games, movies and puzzles for the cottage.  I am quite excited to... and so yesterday I went shopping.

It was quite successful.

Approximately 45-50 books for $100!!!

 This is just the top of one bag -- two bags, filled to the brim with books! :-)

Here is the list of books I bought yesterday:

A Midsummer Night's Dream	Shakespeare
A Tale of Two Cities	Charles Dickens
A Wrinkle in Time	Madeline L'Engle
Ambler Warning	Robert Ludlam
Beach Road	James Patterson
Beezus and Ramona	Beverly Cleary
Call of the Wild/ White Fang	Jack London
Catcher and the Rye	JD Salinger
Charlotte's Web	EB White
Fudge-a-mania	Judy Blume
Great Expectations	Charles Dickens
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets	JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows	JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire	JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince	JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix	JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban	JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone	JK Rowling
Henry & the Paper Route	Beverly Cleary
Here's to You Rachel Robinson	Judy Blume
Little Women	Louisa May Alcott
Much Ado About Nothing	Shakespeare
My Antonia	Willa Cather
Nancy Drew: The Clue of the Broke Locket (11)	Carolyn Keene
Night	Elie Weisel
Phantom of the Opera	Gaston Leroux
Pigs in Heaven	Barbara Kingsolver
Posionwood Bible	Barbara Kingsolver
Practical Magic	Alice Hoffman
Prayer for Owen Meany	John Irving
Ramona the Brave	Beverly Cleary
Reflex	Dick Francis
Scarlet Letter	Nathaniel Hawthorne
Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning (1)	Lemony Snicket
Series of Unfortunate Events: The Reptile Room (2)	Lemony Snicket
Series of Unfortunate Events: The Wide Window (3)	Lemony Snicket
Shattered	Dick Francis
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas	James Patterson
Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing	Judy Blume
The Awakening	Kate Chopin
The Client	John Grisham
The Danger	Dick Francis
The Firm	John Grisham
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe	CS Lewis
The Notebook	Nicholas Sparks
The Rainmaker	John Grisham
The Wedding	Nicholas Sparks
Three to get Deadly	Janet Evanovich
Time to Kill	John Grisham
To the Hilt	Dick Francis
Turtle Moon	Alice Hoffman
Two for the Dough	Janet Evanovich
Under Orders	Dick Francis

Do you have any suggestions for good beach/cottage reads that I need to add to the list? What about games?  All recommendations are welcome!

Creative Times!

I have been making more time to scrapbook lately -- it has been really good, too.

My roommate and I had a conversation on Friday about how important it is to take care of yourself... and sometimes that means making time for things you enjoy. I have been feeling less guilty about doing things like this for myself since that conversation.

Ever since last December when I have my first "duh!" light bulb moment (the one where I realized that I enjoy crafts and making things and the sense of accomplishment it gives me), I have tried to make time to be crafty.  It hasn't been a ton (between taking a class, work, cookies, etc there isn't too much me time), but it has been some.

Want to see some proof?  Here are a couple of pictures for you to enjoy -- as a note, I am not a professional scrapbooker... I just enjoy it!

from my trip to Maine with Laura.

     

from our trip to Disney World last Feb/March -- still have a couple more pages to make, but I am loving what I have done so far.

I think the other reason I am enjoying it so much is that I am scrapbooking the stuff that inspires me -- ie, makes me want to get my materials out and do it. It was my "duh!"/light bulb moment of this past weekend.  I can't wait to do more -- finish up the Disney stuff and search through all my photos and figure out what is next.  

Hope you are doing things that make you happy and feel relaxed!