I am not big on New Year's resolutions. Don't know why -- maybe because I feel that most of the time I don't think you stick to them... and even more importantly I fear (and probably know) that 99% of the time I personally won't stick to them.
However, I do like to set goals, and am working on helping myself to set attainable goals and reach them. Some of my 26 Things before 26 were more goals than just things to do (and probably the closest things to resolutions I have ever set). Of those, which one do I wish I had stuck with the most?
7) Scrapbook 2 spreads a month.
I recently had a 'aha' moment while making some Christmas gifts. I LOVE crafts. And more than that, I think I know why. I have a pretty analytical job and approach most things administratively. There isn't much of a chance for me to express myself (although I do often express my opinions on things) and crafting allows me opportunities to use the other side of my brain. I am considering a couple of New Year's resolutions this year (why not? its a new decade, let's try something new!). One of them would be for me to do something crafty each Sunday (thanks for the awesome idea Christy!).
Anyway -- I wish I had known this about myself earlier. I wonder how that might have changed the year and how I dealt with things. What resolution do you wish you have stuck with?
12.30.2009
Dec 30: Best Ad
I don't watch commercials much anymore. Now that I have had DVR, I "tape" everything and then fast forward. Why waste my time with ads telling me how I need to be skinnier or need to be on this drug to be happy. Seems like a HUGE waste of my time and energy (I don't need to worry any more about how I look and feel); not to mention if it isn't made to make me feel like "I have to have this to make myself feel better" then it is how I am missing something if I don't own it (and goodness knows I am materialistic without being told I need more junk to pack into my room)...
However, I consider a good ad something that will make you laugh. I particularly like the new Luke Wilson AT&T ads. They make me laugh. I also really enjoyed this ad from 2008 (ok so way old, but I laugh out loud almost each and everytime):
That being said -- what is the best ad of 2009? How about a PSA that made me stop and think. I found it through a college friend's blog.
It is an encouragment to me personally -- everyone can be MADE to be perfect, but most aren't and will never be.
What would you conisder to be the best ad you saw this year?
12.29.2009
Dec 29: Best Laugh
I love to laugh.
No really. I consider a simple pleasure in life.
And if you can make me laugh, I mean really laugh, the kind that comes from the gut, then you will probably be considered a friend for life.
I also think the best laughs are when you are with friends being silly. It is harder for me to laugh at myself (I embarass pretty easily), but if I am comfortable enough around you that I CAN laugh at myself, consider that a really, really good thing!
Ahem. But back to the post title. What was the best laugh of 2009, for me?
Any time I was with Rachel and Laura and laughing. Typically I am laughing at Rachel's ability to get Laura to do impressions (which are spot on, BTW). I think my two best laughing memories were Laura's Celine Dion impression at Downtown Disney (and if I didn't think she would hunt me down and kill me, I would post the video) AND Rachel's "beast" (a guy in Disney World on the bus next to her whose shirt read: I hope you like animals, because I am a beast). The picture of that moment is priceless (and again, I won't post it because I am pretty sure I would be murdered in my sleep).
Ok, now make me laugh -- what were you moments that made you laugh in 2009?
No really. I consider a simple pleasure in life.
And if you can make me laugh, I mean really laugh, the kind that comes from the gut, then you will probably be considered a friend for life.
I also think the best laughs are when you are with friends being silly. It is harder for me to laugh at myself (I embarass pretty easily), but if I am comfortable enough around you that I CAN laugh at myself, consider that a really, really good thing!
Ahem. But back to the post title. What was the best laugh of 2009, for me?
Any time I was with Rachel and Laura and laughing. Typically I am laughing at Rachel's ability to get Laura to do impressions (which are spot on, BTW). I think my two best laughing memories were Laura's Celine Dion impression at Downtown Disney (and if I didn't think she would hunt me down and kill me, I would post the video) AND Rachel's "beast" (a guy in Disney World on the bus next to her whose shirt read: I hope you like animals, because I am a beast). The picture of that moment is priceless (and again, I won't post it because I am pretty sure I would be murdered in my sleep).
Ok, now make me laugh -- what were you moments that made you laugh in 2009?
12.28.2009
December 28: Best Stationery
I love the way the Gwen Bell describes this prompt:
December 28 Stationery. When you touch the paper, your heart melts. The ink flows from the pen. What
was your stationery find of the year?
It sounds like she may have a small obsession with office supplies, or at least paper... like me. I could be wrong, but that is how this obsessed-with-all-things-officey-and-organizational-girl interprets her words. Did you know that about me? I could literally spend hours an office supply store like Office Depot, Staples, etc. It has been this way since I was kid.
What did my say when I was little? "Trees quake when Jaye P. walks by. She has so much paper in her room they know they killed their tree neighbor."
What was my favorite part of August? back to school shopping.
What was my favorite day in college? the day I had all my syllabi and could organize my planner and get my supplies together.
I have to control myself. I won't let myself walk down the offic supply aisles in Target, etc for fear that I will buy pens or paper (and goodness knows that I have more than plenty of those!).
That being said -- I don't know I had a favorite stationery find of 2009.
I loved to be organized, though, and nothing brings me greater joy than spending time making my various lists for the week: what work related things need to get done, what non-related work things need to get done, groceries, music to download, purchases to save for, etc.
I am not more happy than when doing that -- sad I know.
The second part of Gwen's prompt implies (at least to me) productivity. And I am never more productive than after I make a list and start marking things off of it. Every Monday after I update my planner, I can hit the ground running. So it is my planner that gets my juices flowing and is quite possibly my favorite stationery.
I need a life.
PS. This post has inspired me to show you my planner -- but that will not be today. I need to first get the pictures off my camera. But look for it!
December 28 Stationery. When you touch the paper, your heart melts. The ink flows from the pen. What
was your stationery find of the year?
It sounds like she may have a small obsession with office supplies, or at least paper... like me. I could be wrong, but that is how this obsessed-with-all-things-officey-and-organizational-girl interprets her words. Did you know that about me? I could literally spend hours an office supply store like Office Depot, Staples, etc. It has been this way since I was kid.
What did my say when I was little? "Trees quake when Jaye P. walks by. She has so much paper in her room they know they killed their tree neighbor."
What was my favorite part of August? back to school shopping.
What was my favorite day in college? the day I had all my syllabi and could organize my planner and get my supplies together.
I have to control myself. I won't let myself walk down the offic supply aisles in Target, etc for fear that I will buy pens or paper (and goodness knows that I have more than plenty of those!).
That being said -- I don't know I had a favorite stationery find of 2009.
I loved to be organized, though, and nothing brings me greater joy than spending time making my various lists for the week: what work related things need to get done, what non-related work things need to get done, groceries, music to download, purchases to save for, etc.
I am not more happy than when doing that -- sad I know.
The second part of Gwen's prompt implies (at least to me) productivity. And I am never more productive than after I make a list and start marking things off of it. Every Monday after I update my planner, I can hit the ground running. So it is my planner that gets my juices flowing and is quite possibly my favorite stationery.
I need a life.
PS. This post has inspired me to show you my planner -- but that will not be today. I need to first get the pictures off my camera. But look for it!
12.19.2009
December 19: Best Car Ride
Laura, Rachel and I with our friend Jenn at Fall Retreat after the Best Car Ride of 2009. (Laura is in blue, I am in purple, and Rachel is in the brown jacket).
Laura and Rachel... two of my best friends in this whole entire world. I am pretty sure that they know me better than anyone else. It could be because I let them know things about me... but it could also be because we live together. Amazing what you learn about people by just living with them. ;-)
That being said, my favorite car ride of 2009 was back in October. It wasn't necessairly fun -- we had life to air (living with your two best friends can sometimes lead to misunderstandings); but it was good. Does that make sense? We talked stuff out -- and I hope each of us felt things resolved.
What do I remember about the car ride? It was dark. Laura drove. We had Chick-fil-a for dinner as we left Raleigh. And we were headed to the middle of nowhere. OH, and that we were the first ones to arrive at Camp Whatever-it-was called. We still aren't sure how that happened.
What was your best car ride?
Live for the Comma...
If you read nothing else I point you towards on this blog, read this blog entry at Stuff Christians Like. Please.
PS. Are you living for the comma? I know I am. If you do live for the comma, how do you show that to others around you?
PS. Are you living for the comma? I know I am. If you do live for the comma, how do you show that to others around you?
12.18.2009
December 18: Shop of 2009
2009 was the year of cutting back on spending... not only for me, but for most of the country. I have at times spoken of my debt on this blog. And I must say, through the grace of Christ and His mercy on teaching me this lession, I am slowly but surely climbing right on out of debt.
That being said... I still like to shop. :-). I have just put myself on a budget -- and have had to tweak it as I have learned things about myself and my spending habits.
First, I model my budget off of Bryan Allain's -- he shared it once on his blog. It was just a great format to use and I really appreciate the breakdown. Thanks to Bryan for doing a lot of the hard work for me (figuring out the categories, etc) and then sharing it.
Second, I have realized I will "borrow" from categories if I don't get certain categories in cash. I now spend cash only on groceries, eating out, clothing, and entertainment (movies, etc). It has helped me control my spending tremendously. It also makes me wonder where I spent all of my money before adopting the budget and cash-only spending in some categories.
All of that being said -- I think I have an idea of where I spent most of my money (and still do)...
iTunes.
iTunes is defintely my shop of 2009. And most likely the shop of my life.
I love iTunes (and my iPod). It is far too easy to just download one song... or a whole CD. I don't think I could list all of the music I have bought this year (Hanson EP, Brad Paisley CD, songs from Fee, all of the Glee music, and much, much more)... but let's just say it was probably way too much!
That being said in 2010, I am sure iTunes will still be my best shop. But I am not planning on ways to curb my spending on there (when it is tied to your debit card, it is too easy to go over budget). My friend Stephenie told me about this great idea! Buy yourself an iTunes Gift Certificate. That is all you get each month. When it is up, it is up! Then either reload at the beginning of the month or buy a new one. Genius! I am planning on trying this out in 2010. Wish me luck!
That being said... I still like to shop. :-). I have just put myself on a budget -- and have had to tweak it as I have learned things about myself and my spending habits.
First, I model my budget off of Bryan Allain's -- he shared it once on his blog. It was just a great format to use and I really appreciate the breakdown. Thanks to Bryan for doing a lot of the hard work for me (figuring out the categories, etc) and then sharing it.
Second, I have realized I will "borrow" from categories if I don't get certain categories in cash. I now spend cash only on groceries, eating out, clothing, and entertainment (movies, etc). It has helped me control my spending tremendously. It also makes me wonder where I spent all of my money before adopting the budget and cash-only spending in some categories.
All of that being said -- I think I have an idea of where I spent most of my money (and still do)...
iTunes.
iTunes is defintely my shop of 2009. And most likely the shop of my life.
I love iTunes (and my iPod). It is far too easy to just download one song... or a whole CD. I don't think I could list all of the music I have bought this year (Hanson EP, Brad Paisley CD, songs from Fee, all of the Glee music, and much, much more)... but let's just say it was probably way too much!
That being said in 2010, I am sure iTunes will still be my best shop. But I am not planning on ways to curb my spending on there (when it is tied to your debit card, it is too easy to go over budget). My friend Stephenie told me about this great idea! Buy yourself an iTunes Gift Certificate. That is all you get each month. When it is up, it is up! Then either reload at the beginning of the month or buy a new one. Genius! I am planning on trying this out in 2010. Wish me luck!
12.17.2009
Cottage, Part IV
We are getting closer and closer to having the cottage all completed! To say I am excited might be one of the biggest understatements of the year.
Over Thanksgiving my mom and I spent six days painting the inside of the cottage. And it was just as exciting as it seems in your mind...
Well, it wasn't all that bad. Mom and I love music, movies and Harry Potter on Audio CD. I have an iPod with a docking station. Solution to what could have been a very quiet week (we were in the middle of nowhere after all)? Listen to all sorts of stuff on my iPod hooked up to the docking station! We discovered Harry could only be listened to while painting walls. Why? Because when we were painting the trim (yes, all of it in long slats- see picture below) the job was too tedious to listen to spoken words. We needed music to jam to. Unfortunately my jam music is slightly different than hers... we just took turns choosing the music. We also
Ok, ok -- enough of my written recap. Here is the cottage in pictures. Looks real now, doesn't it?
The front (back?) of the cottage -- this is the view from the street.
View from the living room -- you can see the lake, and we think it makes you feel like you are in a tree house. Our house is on a bluff so we look out OVER lots of the land. I like it!
View from the deck -- it is massive with a porch portion, too. I think this excites me the most. I can see myself relaxing out here each summer, enjoying the sun with a really good book.
This was how we dried the trim -- and just as a note, we filled that scaffholding four times with painted trim. It was the worst thing we had to do. Never again I tell you!
And of course, the beach. Even in the cold, Lake Michigan looks beautiful, don't you think?
December 17: Word of the Year
Wow Gwen Bell, you certainly know how to stump me. Make me choose one word for the year?
But, if I had to sum up 2009 I would say:
2009 was hard.
period.
end of story.
I will explain more when I get around to writing my post for December 9th (biggest challenge). I'll make sure to link to it so you can see why.
What is your one word for the year?
But, if I had to sum up 2009 I would say:
2009 was hard.
period.
end of story.
I will explain more when I get around to writing my post for December 9th (biggest challenge). I'll make sure to link to it so you can see why.
What is your one word for the year?
12.16.2009
Dec 16: Best Tea
Ok, so I have a hard time picking favorites... but never have a hard time telling you what I don't like.
Did you know that I don't like tea? At all. I don't like it hot. I don't like it cold. I don't like Green Tea. I don't like it with milk... and even though it is a crime here in the south, I don't like Sweet Tea.
Bummer! My first day back and I can't really participate. Oh well -- I can tell you a favorite coffee shop moment!
I have this awesome and amazing friend Teal who now lives in Boston. Because we bothare awesome royally suck at keeping in touch we get to only talk when we are in the same place. Anyway, I was able to catch up with her this August at Caribou while she was in town. I had my favorite smoothie at Caribou and it was nice to be encouraged by that sister-in-Christ. Boy do I wish Boston was closer.
Did you know that I don't like tea? At all. I don't like it hot. I don't like it cold. I don't like Green Tea. I don't like it with milk... and even though it is a crime here in the south, I don't like Sweet Tea.
Bummer! My first day back and I can't really participate. Oh well -- I can tell you a favorite coffee shop moment!
I have this awesome and amazing friend Teal who now lives in Boston. Because we both
Hiatus
Sorry for the long hiatus. I don't even know what has happened... my time seems to have just disappeared, both at work and at home. I guess it is December and that is quite common. I plan on being good from now until the end of the year... finishing out Gwen Bell's Best of 09 series (and working backwards to catch up), and posting some other fun things.
Because I do want to finish out Gwen Bell's challenge, I will try to go back and answer all the days I have missed, which is quite a few. OH well... not much I can do about it now. So, make sure you check out all of the bestof09 posts!
I hope your holiday season is going well! I am starting to feel more in the mood of Christmas, which is great. Maybe it is because I am finally finished shopping and am thisclose to having everything wrapped.
Merry Christmas!
Because I do want to finish out Gwen Bell's challenge, I will try to go back and answer all the days I have missed, which is quite a few. OH well... not much I can do about it now. So, make sure you check out all of the bestof09 posts!
I hope your holiday season is going well! I am starting to feel more in the mood of Christmas, which is great. Maybe it is because I am finally finished shopping and am thisclose to having everything wrapped.
Merry Christmas!
12.12.2009
December 12: New Food
I am not an adventureous eater. But I would also say I am not un-adventureous either. I just tend to eat at places I know because one, that is where my friends eat and two, I am a creature of habit. If you put it in front of me, I'll at least try it.
BUT it is also important to note that I am somewhat picky when it comes to food, especially the texture of food. I don't put milk on my ceral because it makes it soggy; the look of oatmeal and grits make me want to gag; yogurt is both gross because of its taste and its slimy texture. So, even if I try something there is no guarentee I'll like it or ever touch it again.
Now, back to the prompt from Gwen for today -- best food of 2009. Is it sad I can't think of anything new I tried? No, I am not kidding.
However, I have learned that I actually really like salad -- especially if you use baby spinach as your lettuce. YUM! I'll claim that as my new food for 2009 -- I like, maybe even love, a good salad!
BUT it is also important to note that I am somewhat picky when it comes to food, especially the texture of food. I don't put milk on my ceral because it makes it soggy; the look of oatmeal and grits make me want to gag; yogurt is both gross because of its taste and its slimy texture. So, even if I try something there is no guarentee I'll like it or ever touch it again.
Now, back to the prompt from Gwen for today -- best food of 2009. Is it sad I can't think of anything new I tried? No, I am not kidding.
However, I have learned that I actually really like salad -- especially if you use baby spinach as your lettuce. YUM! I'll claim that as my new food for 2009 -- I like, maybe even love, a good salad!
12.11.2009
December 11: Best Place
Little Point Sable, Michigan.
Hands down my favorite place on earth. That is where we are building the cottage my friends and just even getting a glimpse of it at Thanksgiving made me all warm and fuzzy inside. I cannot wait for it to be finished so I can spend lots and lots of time up there. There is something completely refreshing about being away from things, away from the computer and cell phone reception, etc. Until the cottage is complete I leave you with this beautiful photo:
Hands down my favorite place on earth. That is where we are building the cottage my friends and just even getting a glimpse of it at Thanksgiving made me all warm and fuzzy inside. I cannot wait for it to be finished so I can spend lots and lots of time up there. There is something completely refreshing about being away from things, away from the computer and cell phone reception, etc. Until the cottage is complete I leave you with this beautiful photo:
12.10.2009
December 10: Album of the Year
I love music -- and almost have it on. At work, my iPod (which is never far from where I am at) is on; sometimes on a specific new CD I downloaded, sometimes on my very random playlist "Life is Work," sometimes on just an artist. I can promise you'll never know what you will get when you walk into my office.
That being said -- what has been my album of the year? How about I narrow it down to two of my favorite playlists of the year?
1) As I blogged about here "Encourage my heart," was a great playlist for me this past summer, right when I needed it. I put the list up on that post and it still continues to be my favorite go to when I need a little pick me up.
2) Glee Playlist -- with almost every song from the show. Because let's be honest, I LOVE that show and have listened to the songs almost non stop. Seriously. Even if you don't want the show, there are some great covers of awesome songs. I don't think you'll be sorry you selected some of their music!
That being said I have also really enjoyed Hanson's (as in Mmmbop) new EP (with my fav new song World on Fire), John Mayer's new album, select songs from Muse (who I didn't know about before the U2 concert -- sue me), and plenty more! What good music am I missing and need to add to my iPod?
That being said -- what has been my album of the year? How about I narrow it down to two of my favorite playlists of the year?
1) As I blogged about here "Encourage my heart," was a great playlist for me this past summer, right when I needed it. I put the list up on that post and it still continues to be my favorite go to when I need a little pick me up.
2) Glee Playlist -- with almost every song from the show. Because let's be honest, I LOVE that show and have listened to the songs almost non stop. Seriously. Even if you don't want the show, there are some great covers of awesome songs. I don't think you'll be sorry you selected some of their music!
That being said I have also really enjoyed Hanson's (as in Mmmbop) new EP (with my fav new song World on Fire), John Mayer's new album, select songs from Muse (who I didn't know about before the U2 concert -- sue me), and plenty more! What good music am I missing and need to add to my iPod?
12.08.2009
December 8: Moment of Peace
I don't take time for myself very often. There are lots of reasons for this -- my job is ridiculous, I like to hang out with friends and don't often say no to hanging out, I have a hard time sitting still...
But when I started searching through my Good Things posts I started to think about when did I take a moment to relax and just take time to breath.
My favorite moment(s) of peace was my trip to Maine with Laura. Can Maine be both my trip of 2009 and my moment of peace for 2009? Gwen Bell gets final ruling... but I say yes, yes it can!
Laura and I took it easy in Maine. And there is something about a small town that immediately puts you at ease. We were in no rush to get anywhere. We had very little cell phone service, no internet or TV. I read in those four days more than I had all year. We would get up in the morning, go on a small adventure and then come back to relax for the afternoon before heading out for dinner and another small adventure in the evening -- there was the wedding to watch,
there was napping in our sunfilled room,
there was the kayaking,
there was the hiking in Acadia National Park.
Yep, already more at peace just strolling down that memory lane.
But when I started searching through my Good Things posts I started to think about when did I take a moment to relax and just take time to breath.
My favorite moment(s) of peace was my trip to Maine with Laura. Can Maine be both my trip of 2009 and my moment of peace for 2009? Gwen Bell gets final ruling... but I say yes, yes it can!
Laura and I took it easy in Maine. And there is something about a small town that immediately puts you at ease. We were in no rush to get anywhere. We had very little cell phone service, no internet or TV. I read in those four days more than I had all year. We would get up in the morning, go on a small adventure and then come back to relax for the afternoon before heading out for dinner and another small adventure in the evening -- there was the wedding to watch,
there was napping in our sunfilled room,
there was the kayaking,
there was the hiking in Acadia National Park.
Yep, already more at peace just strolling down that memory lane.
12.07.2009
December 7: Blog Find of the Year
Update as of 12/17/2009: I just found the COOLEST website that involved crafts and taking action to make the world a better place. Check out craft hope here. Seriously! THIS is my favorite blog find of the year!!!
I have had this blog for almost three years and it has certainly evolved in that time. I started it as a way for me to just practice writing and journaling. I didn't know much about the blog world and certainly had no idea that people were so into blogging. But as time went on I saw that people used it to keep in touch with family, a way to process through hard things, and just share their knowledge.
While I don't have any aspirations to become the next big thing in the blog world, I do enjoy keeping this as a way for me to chronicle my life -- sometimes for friends and family who live far away and sometimes just for me.
As I have continued on this blog journey I have found some absolute gems of blogs. I would say that my blog find of the year has been the creative blogs I have found this year. They truly get my creative juices flowing in way that makes me excited to make and create! So without further ado, my blog finds of the year:
1) Crafterhours: I especially can't wait to make this.
2) Homemade by Jill: I made this for two little girls I know. I'll post the final product for you all to see soon!
3) UCreate: I can't wait to make this either!
So, those are just a few. I have been slowly getting back into crafting and I love it. I wouldn't call myself the most creative or the best at it, but for me it is nice to use that side of my brain. I am always using my analytical side for work and life that it is nice to just create.
What great and awesome blogs have you found this year? I am always looking for more to read!
I have had this blog for almost three years and it has certainly evolved in that time. I started it as a way for me to just practice writing and journaling. I didn't know much about the blog world and certainly had no idea that people were so into blogging. But as time went on I saw that people used it to keep in touch with family, a way to process through hard things, and just share their knowledge.
While I don't have any aspirations to become the next big thing in the blog world, I do enjoy keeping this as a way for me to chronicle my life -- sometimes for friends and family who live far away and sometimes just for me.
As I have continued on this blog journey I have found some absolute gems of blogs. I would say that my blog find of the year has been the creative blogs I have found this year. They truly get my creative juices flowing in way that makes me excited to make and create! So without further ado, my blog finds of the year:
1) Crafterhours: I especially can't wait to make this.
2) Homemade by Jill: I made this for two little girls I know. I'll post the final product for you all to see soon!
3) UCreate: I can't wait to make this either!
So, those are just a few. I have been slowly getting back into crafting and I love it. I wouldn't call myself the most creative or the best at it, but for me it is nice to use that side of my brain. I am always using my analytical side for work and life that it is nice to just create.
What great and awesome blogs have you found this year? I am always looking for more to read!
Glee!
As much as I hate to admit it, my new favorite guilty pleasure (that is quickly turning into an obsession) is Glee. I seriously love this show.
And it makes me sad to know that Wednesday night's episode is the Fall Finale. No new episodes until April (stupid American Idol).
But this blog (devoted to all things Glee) makes me excited. First, it tells me for sure that new episodes will be happening in April. And it not only gives me the preview for this week, but gives me previews from other countries which show more what is to happen. And, OMG, I am on the edge of my seat.
If you enjoy Glee, and don't mind some spoiler-ish previews, then watch here!
12.06.2009
December 6: Best Workshop or Conference
You know, what? I don't think I actually attended any workshops or conferences. Umm... is that a little bit sad? But, I'll count Bible Study in this category. Because let me tell you, Beth Moore's Esther study is rocking my world!
I feel like it has hit home at all the right moments. I feel that it is encouraging me to continue to step out in faith as I go back to school (because all I worry about is, will I have enough money? what if I hate teaching? is this a bad idea because of the economy?). But what if God has me in my specific situation for a time such as this? So, as I continue on my journey of going back to school... and as I finish up the study in 2010, I am excited to see what God will teach me.
I feel like it has hit home at all the right moments. I feel that it is encouraging me to continue to step out in faith as I go back to school (because all I worry about is, will I have enough money? what if I hate teaching? is this a bad idea because of the economy?). But what if God has me in my specific situation for a time such as this? So, as I continue on my journey of going back to school... and as I finish up the study in 2010, I am excited to see what God will teach me.
12.05.2009
Countdown to Christmas!
Found these two great ways to countdown to Christmas.
Amazon is giving away free mp3's each day of advent.
And tangle.com has other great giveaways... some are songs, some are videos.
Join me in using these as a great way to find new artists and countdown to Christmas. It is only 20 days away (whoa!).
Amazon is giving away free mp3's each day of advent.
And tangle.com has other great giveaways... some are songs, some are videos.
Join me in using these as a great way to find new artists and countdown to Christmas. It is only 20 days away (whoa!).
Dec 5: Best Night Out
This one took me a long time to come up with. But once I found it (by looking back through my Good Things posts), I KNEW it was my best night out.
This past summer we started a wonderful Thursday night tradition. We would go to North Hills, a local outdoor mall/shopping center, where they would play live beach music and shag dance. It became the highlight of my week, and whenever I had to work on Thursdays I was bummed.
My favorite time at North Hills was the last week I went in August. The weather was beautiful -- not too hot, not raining. The band was awesome! Normally the bands were hit or miss and this band was a HIT. They actually played beach music (which in turn means we could shag) and they also played great covers. When we weren't shagging or line dancing we were out there just dancing and making fools of ourselves. I was goofy (which is how I dance) and had one great time.
As a side note, this was also the night that I decided to have seven good days in a row. It came after a couple of hard weeks mentally, physically, spiritually and I knew that I just had to change it. I decided to pray for seven good days and God honored that with starting me through the healing process; I ended up with about seven good weeks. :-)
So, all in all, a night out at North Hills with dancing in August was the Best Night of 2009.
This past summer we started a wonderful Thursday night tradition. We would go to North Hills, a local outdoor mall/shopping center, where they would play live beach music and shag dance. It became the highlight of my week, and whenever I had to work on Thursdays I was bummed.
My favorite time at North Hills was the last week I went in August. The weather was beautiful -- not too hot, not raining. The band was awesome! Normally the bands were hit or miss and this band was a HIT. They actually played beach music (which in turn means we could shag) and they also played great covers. When we weren't shagging or line dancing we were out there just dancing and making fools of ourselves. I was goofy (which is how I dance) and had one great time.
As a side note, this was also the night that I decided to have seven good days in a row. It came after a couple of hard weeks mentally, physically, spiritually and I knew that I just had to change it. I decided to pray for seven good days and God honored that with starting me through the healing process; I ended up with about seven good weeks. :-)
So, all in all, a night out at North Hills with dancing in August was the Best Night of 2009.
12.04.2009
Dec 4: Best Book (Fiction or Non Fiction) of 2009
This shouldn't surprise you. I am having a hard time deciding which book was the Best of 09.
I just finished reading Donald Miller's new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. My brother, Ross, gave it to me for my birthday. I was so excited that I put aside the fiction book I was reading (one of the Anne of Green Gables series, an all time favorite series of mine) and promptly started reading. I couldn't put it down. I would read on the couch while my roommates were watching TV. I would read in bed before sleep or in bed in the afternoon. It didn't take long to read because I loved it. I haven't written up my review (lots to chew on and thing about), but I loved it. I tend to love most of what Donald Miller says (but there are things I don't agree with)... mainly because I come away thinking. I loved this book because it was timely and have been thinking a lot about what God has called me to do and what I want my story to be.
But I also loved Three Cups of Tea. Do you remember my review? It was the book that I made my roommate Laura read and then gave to my mom. She then gave it my brother (who by the way doesn't read) and told him he would like it. We are trying to convince my dad to read it and then my aunt. I think everyone should read it. This book I picked up in the airport because I didn't like the one I had with me. Best 15ish dollars I have spent in a LONG time. It was another book that I couldn't put down!
I would say both were best of 2009s for me. For different reasons...
A Million Miles because it has been calling me to action in my life.
Three Cups of Tea because I want everyone to read it.
I am choosing not to make a decision on this one. I am choosing both titles as my best ofs! Now, go and read them.
And tell me... what books would you recommend I read next? Were they on your Best of 2009 list?
I would say both were best of 2009s for me. For different reasons...
A Million Miles because it has been calling me to action in my life.
Three Cups of Tea because I want everyone to read it.
I am choosing not to make a decision on this one. I am choosing both titles as my best ofs! Now, go and read them.
And tell me... what books would you recommend I read next? Were they on your Best of 2009 list?
Dec 3: Best Article of 2009
Ok, true confession.
I am terrible at favorites and best ofs. Can you tell yet after two posts? I have to mention at least two things, because deciding on just ONE moment, ONE thing is next to impossible for me. It will probably be the theme of this series.
AND. I rarely read news articles. I skim headlines on MSN in the morning and that is about it. If it is a good article, I normally stumble upon it because someone (blogger, friend, family) has recommended it to me. Sorry, sue me.
This post was (and is) really hard to write. I definitely borrowed and sifted through many articles that others partcipating in Gwen Bell's bestof09 series mentioned. I looked through my articles I posted throughout this year (none of which are all that though provoking as those others have mentioned). And upon all of that searching I have concluded that this was the best article of 2009.
Why?
Because it made me think. it made me feel. yes, it also confirmed what I have felt for a long time, but gave me concrete evidence.
I will never, ever support the death penalty. Even if you can prove to me 100% that someone murdered, I don't condone it. We have probably put to death in our country too many innocent men and women and it does nothing to actually deter the murders.
Other runners up? This article pointed out to me by Jennifer on not delaying motherhood. And this article from Oprah magazine (that I did find myself via MSN) written by one the Columbine killers' mothers.
Do you have any great articles for me to read?
I am terrible at favorites and best ofs. Can you tell yet after two posts? I have to mention at least two things, because deciding on just ONE moment, ONE thing is next to impossible for me. It will probably be the theme of this series.
AND. I rarely read news articles. I skim headlines on MSN in the morning and that is about it. If it is a good article, I normally stumble upon it because someone (blogger, friend, family) has recommended it to me. Sorry, sue me.
This post was (and is) really hard to write. I definitely borrowed and sifted through many articles that others partcipating in Gwen Bell's bestof09 series mentioned. I looked through my articles I posted throughout this year (none of which are all that though provoking as those others have mentioned). And upon all of that searching I have concluded that this was the best article of 2009.
Why?
Because it made me think. it made me feel. yes, it also confirmed what I have felt for a long time, but gave me concrete evidence.
I will never, ever support the death penalty. Even if you can prove to me 100% that someone murdered, I don't condone it. We have probably put to death in our country too many innocent men and women and it does nothing to actually deter the murders.
Other runners up? This article pointed out to me by Jennifer on not delaying motherhood. And this article from Oprah magazine (that I did find myself via MSN) written by one the Columbine killers' mothers.
Do you have any great articles for me to read?
Dec 2: Best Restaurant Moment of 2009
Hmm... good one. My friends and I probably go out to dinner (and lunch) more than is healthy for us. Especially in the summer. Especially THIS summer. Unlike many summers in the south, this summer was mild. Yes, we had some VERY hot days, but only sporadically. Mainly it was nice, and at night it was glorious!
Every Monday evening I went out to dinner with friends after Building Together (a ministry in downtown Raleigh where we played with children while their moms were in Bible Study). We always went somewhere outside... Mellow Mushroom, the Busy Bee, a beautiful restaurant/brewry where you ate outside on the Boylan Bridge. And I have many great memories of being outside, relaxing and just talking amongst friends. Jealous yet?
Well, you should be, because those occurances were only the second runners up!
My best restaurant moment of 2009 happened while in Tennessee with fun friends from the CRSO as we gathered for a reunion. We went to Texas Roadhouse which quite honestly isn't all that special (well, except those awesome rolls and cinnamon butter rolls). What made this time so special? These women:
And to top it all off we laughed a ton, caught up on each other's lives (we hadn't seen Teal in TWO years), had the waiter flirt with us (well mainly Laurie) and give us about 20 extra of those amazing rolls to take back with us (best breakfast I ever had in a hotel room... leftover Texas Roadhouse Rolls w/ cinnamon butter).
Best dinners and restaurant moments have little to do with the food (in my opinion) and everything to do with the company. Glad I have a picture to remember that restaurant moment!
Every Monday evening I went out to dinner with friends after Building Together (a ministry in downtown Raleigh where we played with children while their moms were in Bible Study). We always went somewhere outside... Mellow Mushroom, the Busy Bee, a beautiful restaurant/brewry where you ate outside on the Boylan Bridge. And I have many great memories of being outside, relaxing and just talking amongst friends. Jealous yet?
Well, you should be, because those occurances were only the second runners up!
My best restaurant moment of 2009 happened while in Tennessee with fun friends from the CRSO as we gathered for a reunion. We went to Texas Roadhouse which quite honestly isn't all that special (well, except those awesome rolls and cinnamon butter rolls). What made this time so special? These women:
And to top it all off we laughed a ton, caught up on each other's lives (we hadn't seen Teal in TWO years), had the waiter flirt with us (well mainly Laurie) and give us about 20 extra of those amazing rolls to take back with us (best breakfast I ever had in a hotel room... leftover Texas Roadhouse Rolls w/ cinnamon butter).
Best dinners and restaurant moments have little to do with the food (in my opinion) and everything to do with the company. Glad I have a picture to remember that restaurant moment!
Dec 1: Best Trip of 09
This is a hard one for me. I took lots of trips in 2009. Atlanta. Disney World. Michigan. Maine. Tennessee. Retreats. And probably more I am forgetting. What can I say? I like to travel. I narrowed it down to Disney World or Maine... and then I had to think long and hard. Which was the best trip of 2009?
Disney World is Disney World. I think it is truly one of the happiest places on Earth, but I will admit that may be because I buy into it. I went with my two best friends, Laura and Rachel. I paid for it all in cash. I love most amusement parks. I love shows and there are a bunch of very awesome shows at Disney. There were fun adventures (trying to get from Downtown Disney to Epcot for their evening show turned into a night of Rachey and the Beast... and that is all you need to know!).
Maine was somewhere I had never been. It was "spur of the moment" and I loved that! It was also paid for by cash. It was Laura and I retreating from the world. We got to see a wedding from our balcony. We went kayaking. We went at the trip cheap and often took the adventerous route (ex: one night for dinner we typed in closest resturant, put it in the GPS, and at pizza from a gas station. It wasn't too bad either). There was no TV in the room and was glorious. We rented a car, which was also a first.
I don't know. Up until typing this blog, I was going to say Disney. But now I am going to have to say the best trip of 2009, at least for me, was Maine. Too many firsts and great moments. Don't read me wrong, Disney will always be awesome, but Maine was the best of 2009.
Hope you had many adventures in 2009 and many more in 2010!
Disney World is Disney World. I think it is truly one of the happiest places on Earth, but I will admit that may be because I buy into it. I went with my two best friends, Laura and Rachel. I paid for it all in cash. I love most amusement parks. I love shows and there are a bunch of very awesome shows at Disney. There were fun adventures (trying to get from Downtown Disney to Epcot for their evening show turned into a night of Rachey and the Beast... and that is all you need to know!).
Maine was somewhere I had never been. It was "spur of the moment" and I loved that! It was also paid for by cash. It was Laura and I retreating from the world. We got to see a wedding from our balcony. We went kayaking. We went at the trip cheap and often took the adventerous route (ex: one night for dinner we typed in closest resturant, put it in the GPS, and at pizza from a gas station. It wasn't too bad either). There was no TV in the room and was glorious. We rented a car, which was also a first.
I don't know. Up until typing this blog, I was going to say Disney. But now I am going to have to say the best trip of 2009, at least for me, was Maine. Too many firsts and great moments. Don't read me wrong, Disney will always be awesome, but Maine was the best of 2009.
Hope you had many adventures in 2009 and many more in 2010!
Best of 09
I saw this idea first on Jenn's blog, thestylegeek.com, and loved it. Because I have been absolutely, horribly behind this week, I will have to catch up today and tomorrow, but I want to take the challenge!
In case you don't know the purpose of this blog, it is really just for me. I am using this as a journal, as a way to remeber fun things, challenging things, thought provoking things. It is a way for people in far away places to keep tabs on me (if they care to). But more than that, there is no purpose. I don't want to be famous, I don't want a million followers. I just want a way to remember.
That being said, I thought this Best of 09 would be a great way for me to keep tabs of 2009 in the life of me. Gwen Bell was the originator of this fabulous idea. Hope you will consider joining her (and the rest of us) on this quite awesome journey!
In case you don't know the purpose of this blog, it is really just for me. I am using this as a journal, as a way to remeber fun things, challenging things, thought provoking things. It is a way for people in far away places to keep tabs on me (if they care to). But more than that, there is no purpose. I don't want to be famous, I don't want a million followers. I just want a way to remember.
That being said, I thought this Best of 09 would be a great way for me to keep tabs of 2009 in the life of me. Gwen Bell was the originator of this fabulous idea. Hope you will consider joining her (and the rest of us) on this quite awesome journey!
12.01.2009
Good Things: November
Well, it is unbelievably that time of the month again -- time to look back at November and find things to be thankful for! There are quite a few of them!
1- started listening to Christmas music :-)
2- phone date w/ Christine!
3- dinner w/ Stephanie at Chipotle
4- met w/ the NC State Elementary Ed person... and got so excited to go back to school
5- The Office/Autumn-y party
6- dinner w/ Laurie... man, I love that girl!
7- had a quiet day. I put together my bookcase and then went to the Daniel Renstorm concert
8- went on a walk w/ Laura and then had Stromboli for dinner
9- one heck of a productive day at work!
10- My Birthday! I felt so loved!
11- Mellow Mushroom for dinner. That is all you need to know!
12- another productive, but tiring day. Realized I have one amazing friend in Laura
13- to the Niemans for dinner -- gave me the Casting Crowns' Christmas CD.
14- went to my first Corn Maize and then to iHop for dinner
15- had some quality me time; organized my iTunes library which always makes me feel good (yes, I am sad and I know it)
16- bought my Joshua Scrapbook for $4!!!
17- decided to do something I swore I wouldn't... I am putting my cat on kitty kat prozac. Yes, again I know I am sad.
18- decided to get some time to myself. Ordered Papa John's for dinner!
19- finished organizing my iPod now that my home computer is back up and running!
20- went to see the midnight showing of New Moon. I can't believe I just admitted that.
21- Jimmy John's. Man, I miss that place.
22- OMGosh, our cottage is real! I'll post pictures soon!
23- first day of painting w/ my mom... didn't know I could be that sore!
24- had a Milky Way for dessert... yum!
25- met up w/ one Christine VanSweden while waiting for my dad at the G-Rap airport
26- Thanksgiving and my Dad's birthday. The food was amazing... turkey... stuffing... mashed potatoes... rolls.
27- Onion Rings w/ dinner made a long day of painting all worth while.
28- done painting the cottage! (for now!)
29- made it home... I missed that apartment.
30- still loving My Evening Walk Bible Study. Beth Moore's Esther study rocks... and is so applicable right now. As well... I love my roommates. It felt good to be near them, with them, to laugh with them.
November flew by. I am sure December will, too. Can't believe we are 24 days away from Christmas and 30 days away from a new year. How does time fly so quickly?
1- started listening to Christmas music :-)
2- phone date w/ Christine!
3- dinner w/ Stephanie at Chipotle
4- met w/ the NC State Elementary Ed person... and got so excited to go back to school
5- The Office/Autumn-y party
6- dinner w/ Laurie... man, I love that girl!
7- had a quiet day. I put together my bookcase and then went to the Daniel Renstorm concert
8- went on a walk w/ Laura and then had Stromboli for dinner
9- one heck of a productive day at work!
10- My Birthday! I felt so loved!
11- Mellow Mushroom for dinner. That is all you need to know!
12- another productive, but tiring day. Realized I have one amazing friend in Laura
13- to the Niemans for dinner -- gave me the Casting Crowns' Christmas CD.
14- went to my first Corn Maize and then to iHop for dinner
15- had some quality me time; organized my iTunes library which always makes me feel good (yes, I am sad and I know it)
16- bought my Joshua Scrapbook for $4!!!
17- decided to do something I swore I wouldn't... I am putting my cat on kitty kat prozac. Yes, again I know I am sad.
18- decided to get some time to myself. Ordered Papa John's for dinner!
19- finished organizing my iPod now that my home computer is back up and running!
20- went to see the midnight showing of New Moon. I can't believe I just admitted that.
21- Jimmy John's. Man, I miss that place.
22- OMGosh, our cottage is real! I'll post pictures soon!
23- first day of painting w/ my mom... didn't know I could be that sore!
24- had a Milky Way for dessert... yum!
25- met up w/ one Christine VanSweden while waiting for my dad at the G-Rap airport
26- Thanksgiving and my Dad's birthday. The food was amazing... turkey... stuffing... mashed potatoes... rolls.
27- Onion Rings w/ dinner made a long day of painting all worth while.
28- done painting the cottage! (for now!)
29- made it home... I missed that apartment.
30- still loving My Evening Walk Bible Study. Beth Moore's Esther study rocks... and is so applicable right now. As well... I love my roommates. It felt good to be near them, with them, to laugh with them.
November flew by. I am sure December will, too. Can't believe we are 24 days away from Christmas and 30 days away from a new year. How does time fly so quickly?
Where is Jaye?
Sorry, I have been MIA the last week or so! I was up in Michigan for Thanksgiving. There was some painting of the cottage... there was some great food with the family... there was even some very sad, heartbreaking Michigan football.
But, now I am back... and ready for the Advent season... my favorite time of year! I even woke up to a great winter morning... frost on my windows, about 30 degrees. I can just feel the anticipation! Hope it doesn't fly by too quickly...
I have some free time tonight. Maybe I'll put up my Christmas tree. I wonder if the roommates would mind. Do you think they will?
While I work on other posts for you (yes, I have many in the works), here is great article on my favorite new TV show, Glee. Yes, they show has some very questionable content... but it is also great. Snarky comments and some hearwarming (and very cheesy) teachable moments.
Happy December 1st everyone!
But, now I am back... and ready for the Advent season... my favorite time of year! I even woke up to a great winter morning... frost on my windows, about 30 degrees. I can just feel the anticipation! Hope it doesn't fly by too quickly...
I have some free time tonight. Maybe I'll put up my Christmas tree. I wonder if the roommates would mind. Do you think they will?
While I work on other posts for you (yes, I have many in the works), here is great article on my favorite new TV show, Glee. Yes, they show has some very questionable content... but it is also great. Snarky comments and some hearwarming (and very cheesy) teachable moments.
Happy December 1st everyone!
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