Shaffer 365

Signs...

2012-01-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

I found this on a knitting blog (yes, I follow knitting blogs because I am super cool) and thought I'd share. I personally find this hilarious! The blog is mypurlsofwisdom.wordpress.com

Yes, I’ll admit it – I’m one of those knitters and I’d suspect you are too If you’re like me, you’re downright proud of it. If you don’t want to become one of those knitters: here are the warning signs.
1. Your friends ask “did you make that?” when you wear anything knitted.
It’s flattering that they think that much of your knitting prowess, but at some point it’s just embarrassing to have to admit “no…I bought it at the GAP”.
2. You hit the yarn store in the face of emergency.
Most people would consider groceries, firewood or batteries the essentials in the face of an oncoming weather disaster. All you can think about is all the free time you’ll have to catch up on your knitting.
3. You improvise knitting tools when you’re without.
You know that feeling, you’re just getting rolling on an exciting new project and realize you don’t have a stitch marker. A wedding band is shaped just like a stitch marker…. your spouse will never notice right?
4. All your friends ask for knitting lessons.
Yep, it’s like Jr. High all over again except that now you’re one of the cool kids. Plus, knitting is a much better life skill than spit-wads.
5. You carry a camera to the mall.
Because you’ll never know when inspiration will hit you. Don’t tell me you’ve never seen a cute little cowl or wrap on a mannequin and thought…”I could totally make that”.
6. You stop strangers to talk knitting.
We all expect to find kindred spirits in the yarn aisle, but there’s nothing better than connecting with a total stranger who shares your passion. Whenever I spot someone wearing what looks like a hand-knit, I always pay them a compliment. It never fails to spark a fruitful conversation.
7. You spend more time on Ravelry than Facebook.
And who could blame you? There’s no Farmville, no annoying personality quiz requests, and no ex-boyfriends!
8. You get your book club books on CD.
There are only so many hours in a week for knitting, right? Why waste two hands holding a book when you can listen and knit at the same time!
9. You knit in your sleep.
Well, dreams that is, all my best designs happen in my sleep. But how much more knitting would I get done if I could figure out how to do it in my sleep!
10. You read knitting blogs!.
And I love you for it. Seriously, Thank You so much for dorking out with me over how cool we all know knitting is.

Haven't done one of these since Myspace! Throwback

2012-01-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

1. FIRST NAME?
Andrea
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I think I was named after one of my mom's neighbors growing up.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
I don't even remember.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yup! It's pretty nice.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT?
Corned beef
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes, because I'm super fun to knit with.
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?
I've tried and failed at journaling several times over.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes, I'm rather attached to them (ahahaha!)
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
No, but I would skydive.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Honey Bunches of Oats
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No, because I don't really wear shoes with laces anymore.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Not particularly. Mike makes me feel pretty shrimpy.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Mint chocolate chip
14. SHOE SIZE?
Gigantic... and by that I mean 9.
15. RED OR PINK?
Red!
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I don't think before I speak most days.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Malorie, hands down. And the Salty Sheep crowd.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
No. No no no.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Black sweater, black boots, and blue jeans.
20. LAST THING YOU ATE?
Grocery store sushi, because I'm so classy.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Christian internet radio.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Aubergine
23. FAVORITE SMELL?
Apples and cinnamon.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Mike25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?
Smile26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from?
She's pretty cool.
27. FAVORITE DRINK?
Diet Coke runs in my veins.
28. FAVORITE SPORT?
Football. Skol Vikings!
29. EYE COLOR?
Green/blue/grey, depending on the light.
30. HAT SIZE?
There are hat sizes? I don't know, I knit my own custom. Usually they're one size.
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes, and glasses. I'm slowly but surely going blind.
32. FAVORITE FOOD?
Do fried pickles count as a food?
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Both. The Scream series is scary and still has semi-happy endings.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Depends on my mood. Right now I'm pining away for beach weather.
36. HUGS OR KISSES?
Both.
37. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Fried bananas from Sake.
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?
None, at the moment
41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Don't have one.
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?
The Broncos dominating the Steelers. It made me happy.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS?
Waves on the beach.
44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES?
Who can answer this question?
45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME?
Germany. I suppose that was my home for a while though. Guatemala?
46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?
Sarcasm.47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Bavaria.
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
I stole it from a blog.

2011-12-20T21:00:00.001-08:00

Well... It's true, isn't it?

A Knitter's Night Before Christmas

2011-12-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

I found this on andrea-needlenotes.blogspot.com! It's too good not to repost!

'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
was unfinished knitting not under the tree.
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care
'cause the heels and toes had not a stitch there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
but I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,
and the sweater for him was six inches too small.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
tripped over my yarn and fell with a crash.

The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
reminded me how much I still had to go.
Out on my lawn, I heard such a noise,
I thought it would wake both Dad and the boys.

And although I was tired, my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick!
What I heard then left me somewhat perplexed-ed,
for not a name I heard was what I expected.

"Move Ashford; move Lopi; move Addie & Clover;
move Reynolds; move Starmore; and Noro - move over!"
"Paton, don't circle round, stay in the line.
Come now, you sheep, you'll work out just fine!

I know this is hard being just your first year,
I'd hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer.
I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,
eight woolly sheep on my lawn all a 'grazing.

And then, in a twinkle, I heard at my door
Santa's coming across the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,
and as I turned round, Saint Nick I did meet.

He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toes
and his clothes were hand knit from above to below.
A bright Fair Isle sweater he wore on his back,
and his toys were all stuffed in a aran knit sack.

His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace,
a beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf round his neck could have stretched for a mile,
and the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.

The backs of his mittens bore an intricate cable,
and suddenly on one I spied a small label.
SC was the duplicate stitch on the cuff,
and I asked "Hay Nick, did you knit all this stuff?

He proudly replied "Ho-ho-ho, yes I did.
I learned how to knit when I was a kid."
He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,
and I laughed to myself for I'd thought of a plan.

I flashed him a grin and jumped in the air,
the next thing he knew he was tied to a chair.
He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap
where I'd laid my needles and yarn for a cap.

He quickly began knitting, first one cap then two;
for the first time I thought I might really get through.
He put heels on the stockings and toes on some socks
while I sat back drinking scotch on the rocks!!

So quickly, like magic his needles they flew,
that he was all finished by quarter to two.
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
and over his shoulder he looked back at me.

And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon
"Next year start your knitting some time around June!"

Transitions

2011-12-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

***Disclaimer*** This is basically a stream of consciousness - I don't think I was going anywhere in particular when I started, so it's kind of all over the place.

Transitions are hard. I'm in one myself, at the moment, which is what got me thinking on the topic of life stages. I'm still sorting this all out myself, so bear with me.

Being a kid is easy. Yes, all kids go through rough times, but all in all childhood is pretty good. Adulthood isn't half bad either. It's hard to DO adult things sometimes (support yourself, spouse and kids if you have any, keep a full time job, generally balance life), but to BE an adult is not half as difficult as we convince ourselves that it is.

No, the hard thing is to go between the two. I'm sure everyone remembers the "kids' table" at family holidays. The adults got the big fancy table with the heavy serving platters of food, and one adult would bring some over so the kids could serve themselves without making a mess all over the place. Adults would have boring adult conversation, and the kids would make faces and shriek with laughter and the dumbest of jokes. There was quite a bit of distinction between we silly kids and the laden-with-responisbility adults. There was no mistaking one for the other.

See, the problem is that at some point, the kids need to graduate to the adult table. It's weird and sometimes difficult and dramatic, but it's got to happen sometime. Sometimes I think I got the good end of the bargain when I got married and then immediately moved away. My leaving forced my family to look at me as an adult with my own responsibilities who takes my own chances. I got a real opportunity to develop my adult personality the way that I want it to be. I got to choose all new friends, I got to limit the influence of my "old" life and I got to do it my own way. I didn't even have to step on toes to do it, because who expects the daughter/sister/cousin who moved 1,500 miles away to keep up the exact same volume of communication with those "back home"? I got to experience my own triumphs, my own failings, and my own hardships while dealing with me in my way. I really liked the independence-building aspect of being a Marine wife.

I think people who always stay close to home (whether physically or mentally/emotionally) get the short end of the stick by not allowing themselves the time and space to stand on their own two feet. You need a little unsupported figuring-out time, you know? At least, I did. I really did. I wouldn't do anything differently.

I think the adult table inhabitants need a little time away from their kids, nieces/nephews, family friends and the like as well. We young adults need to adjust our perceptions of ourselves to be able to encompass the new responsibility and priviledges that we acquire as part of the wide grown up world. The same goes for the adults in our lives. It's so easy for parents, etc. to keep thinking we're their babies, only bigger. While it's a nice sentiment, it's not all true. We ARE the same kids they've raised from the start, but we've now been bumped, bruised, grown and molded by our experiences in and out of their care. We're their peers now. Well, sort of. The parent-child situation is an odd one that doesn't fit in with the rest of the adults in the world - I don't know if you can ever really be your parent's peer. That comment was more aimed for older family members, coworkers, fellow churchgoers, that sort of thing. Anyhow, we're different people from when they raised us now. Not better or worse, just different after we've been on our own.

Wow, I'm not sure where that came from. Just what's running through my overtired, wondering mind these days.

10 on Tuesday

2011-11-29T20:45:00.000-08:00

I've been having trouble with inspiration for this blog lately, and I just realized when I saw a friend's blog, 10 on Tuesday is perfect for me! Let's begin, shall we?

1. Today's my birthday. Know what awesome presents I got? My husband got me a Vikings #12 jersey (PERCYYYY!), my parents got me a huge Vera Bradley bag for travelling (it was going to be a knitting bag but it's a tad big for that), and my sister went in on a Chi hair straightener with me. I needed one anyways, and it was on super-sale, but I still needed some convincing so I called Manda, who is always up to the challenge of talking me into buying things. So I got one and love it! Even though I haven't used it yet.

2. My mom has sushi waiting for me when I get home. I'm pretty psyched about that.

3. I put on plaid nail sticky things during my break at work today. They're freaking adorable.

4. I finished a toddler hat in ONE DAY over the weekend. I'm impressed with myself. Now to get up the motivation to do the other one, and block them so they don't look like little baby yarmulkes.

5. Knitting is probably what keeps me sane most days.

6. I'm thinking of buying a yarn winder! I can't wait to figure out if my yarn shop carries them, because I have a coupon and that would be PERFECT.

7. Thinking of 10 things is turning out easier than I thought it would be.

8. I got a new computer at work and I'm absolutely delighted by it.

9. To round out my work technology excitement, I should be getting a new printer/copier/fax tomorrow.

10. I'm going to straighten my hair before bed because I don't think I can wait overnight to use my new straightener for the first time.

This is so true.

2011-10-24T07:11:00.001-07:00

A Military Mans promise:

I cannot promise you every night of my life. I cannot promise to be beside you for every difficult moment, every trial, and every hardship. In truth, I can promise you that I will not be with you for most. I will leave you at inconvenient times. Any special date to us may be tainted with the anniversary of the death of one of my friends. I will ask you to take over whatever life we have built together for months and years at a time. And will then crash back into that life that you have used your sweat, your tears and your heartache to keep together, and try to take it back as I knew it before.

I will shut you out at times because it will be the best way for me to hold it together at that moment. I will lie to you. I will tell you I don't know things when I do. I will not always tell you where I am going, when I will be back, or who I am with. I may not call you for weeks and months and you will not be able to call me. You will ask questions that I won't answer. You will know answers to questions that you will hope you never need.

I will share things with my brothers that you will never understand. They will know things about me that you never will. They will be a support to me in some things that you cannot be. I will miss birthdays. I will miss anniversaries. I may need time to process things that seem natural to everyone else.

It will seem that someone - or something - will always take precedence over you.

I will uproot you and ask you to re-establish our family anywhere in the world, in any season, at any time - over and over again. Sand and mud will be tracked through your halls from the boots I am too tired to take off.

I will leave you when you beg me not to. I will stand at attention while you cry beside me. I will not turn my head and I will walk away. I will knowingly break your heart. And I will do it again - and again. I cannot promise you all of me. I cannot promise you much of anything.

But if you will have me, I can promise that as I march away from you, it is not without sharing your heartache. I promise you that every time I break your heart I will be breaking mine. Every time that I cannot answer you I will be protecting you. Whenever you want to call and you have no number to dial, I will be wanting to do the same. I will protect everything that we have created together with every fiber of my being while you do the same back at home. I will honor you in everything - every moment that we are apart and every moment that I am with you. I will fight harder and push further knowing that I do so for you. And I will carry you with me in everything, until my sandy boots once again sit just inside our door.

A Military Spouse's promise:

I cannot promise that I will not become frustrated when you leave me and the world seems to fall apart around me. I cannot promise that I will not curse those who sent you when the dryer breaks, and the transmission needs to be replaced, and the dog eats the couch all in the same week - most likely the week after you deploy. I cannot promise that the sand and mud that cakes my floor will not cause me to give you harsh looks and rude thoughts. I cannot promise that my heart will not be torn in twelve different ways when you march away from me. I cannot promise that I will not let my anger show when you refuse to answer questions. I cannot promise to understand why you share things with your comrades that you will not share with me. I cannot promise that there won’t be times when my heartache makes its presence known before my pride can mask it. I cannot promise that I will not show my worry and my concern when it is best for you not to see it. I cannot promise to understand why you do so many of the things you do.

I can promise that for as many tears of sadness and frustration and anger that are shed there will be double that of tears of pride. I can promise you that for every time you are away from me, I will learn to cherish the times that you are with me. In everything I will honor you and honor your sacrifice. I can promise to teach our children to do the same. I will use every moment that you are not with them to show them the amazing man that you are through my actions and my pride. I can promise that there will never be a night where you are not the subject of my final prayer and the keeper of my dreams. I promise to try to be understanding that there are many things I will never understand. I promise to keep you with me in everything and to do my best to keep grace in this life. I will be strong for you as you are strong for me and I will carry you with me in every moment until your sandy boots again sit just inside our door.

Whoopsie!

2011-10-18T16:32:00.001-07:00

Read that in your best "Estelle Leonard" voice.

I said I'd come back to blogging, but then life happened. I just downloaded a Blogger app on my phone so maybe that will remind me!

In lieu of a long post post now, I'll leave you with a picture of my cat. Lol.

Yes.

2011-08-31T08:44:00.001-07:00

I am, in fact, planning on coming back to this thing. I've been really terrible with texting, facebook, CW, etc. the past few months but I'm trying to square away my schedule so I can actually be a good friend/family member/blogger as soon as I can :)

The Silent Ranks

2011-07-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

I'll cut to the chase. I'm a little peeved today. Marine wives (all military wives, but I'm a Marine wife so I'll make it personal) are ridiculously under-appreciated. Even (or maybe especially?) by their husbands. While I realize that I wasn't contracted to the Marine Corps, didn't go through bootcamp, etc., I did my time. I did my 4 years, partly as a Marine girlfriend/fiancee, then mostly as a Marine wife. I wasn't employed by the government, but wives go through our own version of bootcamp, deployments, and training. In bootcamp we faithfully wrote letters, during MOS school/training, we stayed up late on weekends when they got to use their phones, and during deployments we sent care package after care package, Skyped until the laptop battery died, and paid ridiculously high phone bills, trying to brighten our man's day a little bit and provide a reprieve from the heat of the desert and the stress of being in the heart of a hostile country. We did our part.

We wives get a bad rap around the military community. The two huge military wife stereotypes are the women who can't handle being alone during deployment or training so they either cheat or leave their men while those men are away, and the obese "dependapotomous" who does nothing but eat and watch soaps all day, all while popping out babies like it's going out of style. I will be the first to admit that both versions do in fact exist! I've met plenty of each! Obviously, however, it's a gross exaggeration to say that every military wife is one of these two women.

My point in blogging all this is to get this out there - I googled to find someone who had already said what I'm thinking and couldn't find anything so I thought I'd put it down in writing. Marine wives serve. We do our duty here at home. There's no MOS for us, but we have our own job. We served while our husbands served, and every Marine wife (and military spouse in general) deserves a pat on the back (or DIAMONDS! Just an idea...) for how hard they work to "hold down the homefront", as many like to put it.

I love my Marine wife friends - they're the best out there, and I dare you to find friends who are better. But don't waste your time - you'll never find any. My friends are the most thoughtful, committed, wonderful friends ever made.

This makes nine months.

2011-07-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

Today's my due date. I don't really know what to do with myself. Luckily the day was busy and is almost over. Chinese food and wine for me.

On another note, yes, I'll be back to posting soon. I just got a snazzy new wireless keyboard and mouse, so typing is easier.

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

2011-05-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

I luh heeyom.

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

2011-05-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

I can't choose! I have too many so I'm not going through all the downloading pictures and uploading them here. So here's a few: Metallica, the Offspring, Motion City Soundtrack, Francesca Battistelli, Christina Perri, and anyone who can sing Moses Hogan and Eric Whitacre pieces really, really well.

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

2011-05-19T12:00:00.001-07:00

I love a really great knitting project. I love owls. And I love my camera.

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

2011-05-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yarn barf! It irritates the ever living daylights out of me.

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with

2011-05-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

These crazy ladies. No explanation needed.

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

2011-05-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

All these people. They got me through the worst thing that's ever happened to me, sometimes with a smile on my face.

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh

2011-05-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Bosco and Sammy. Don't get the wrong idea - they love each other.

Mike and Tyler. They're bo-fraaaands. Cute, huh?

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item

2011-05-13T10:59:00.001-07:00

This really required some thought. I treasure a lot of items, but finally I had to go with, "What would cause me to be absolutely bereft if I lost it?" Hands down, my wedding ring. Here it is, the pretty thing!

I guess I could actually update. Here's a quick rundown of events.

I quit my job at the furniture store and am a million times happier for it. I finished working as a merchandiser too, which I actually am going to miss, despite being terribly disorganized and almost certainly driving Barb crazy because of it. I'm not usually so disorganized or flaky, but recent events have been taking over most of my brain activity.

Speaking of, I got an email yesterday congratulating me on reaching my 6th month of pregnancy... Ouch. I don't know how they keep coming like this - haven't I unsubscribed from everything already?? Apparently not... Isn't it crazy to think that right now I could have been 2/3 of the way to having a baby...? Wow. I miss her.

2011-04-27T09:23:00.001-07:00

Remember when I actually did things on my blog? It'll be up and running again soon, I promise! I just have to... QUIT MY JOB FIRST! Yaaaaayyyyy!

Stole this...

2011-04-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

I found this on another blog and while I know it's not conclusive evidence of the existence of God, I still like it.

"Let me explain the problem science has with religion."

The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.

'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'

'Yes sir,' the student says.

'So you believe in God?'

'Absolutely.'

'Is God good?'

'Sure! God's good.'

'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'

'Yes'

'Are you good or evil?'

'The Bible says I'm evil.'

The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible! He considers for a moment. 'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'

'Yes sir, I would.'

'So you're good...!'

'I wouldn't say that.'

'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'

The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Can you answer that one?'

The student remains silent. 'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax. 'Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?'

'Er..yes,' the student says.

'Is Satan good?'

The student doesn't hesitate on this one.. 'No.'

'Then where does Satan come from?'

The student falters. 'From God'

'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?'

'Yes, sir.'

'Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?'

'Yes'

'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'

Again, the student has no answer. 'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?'

The student squirms on his feet. 'Yes.'

'So who created them ?'

The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. 'Who created them?' There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. 'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'

The student's voice betrays him and cracks. 'Yes, professor, I do.'

The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?'

'No sir. I've never seen Him.'

'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'

'No, sir, I have not.'

'Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'

'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'

'Yet you still believe in him?'

'Yes'

'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist... What do you say to that, son?'

'Nothing,' the student replies.. 'I only have my faith.'

'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'

The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat? '

' Yes.

'And is there such a thing as cold?'

'Yes, son, there's cold too.'

'No sir, there isn't.'

The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. 'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit down to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy.. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.'

Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.

'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'

'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'

'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'

The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'

'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'

The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. 'Flawed? Can you explain how?'

'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains.. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought.' 'It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.' 'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'

'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.'

'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'

The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.

'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?'

The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided. 'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.' The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into laughter. 'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so.. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir.' 'So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?'

Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable. Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I Guess you'll have to take them on faith.'

'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?' Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see it Everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in The multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world.. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'

To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God.. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.'

The professor sat down.

PS: The student was Albert Einstein.

Albert Einstein wrote a book titled 'God vs. Science' in 1921.....

Aww, So Sweet

2011-03-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

Mike said the most romantic thing to me yesterday.

"If you were a zombie, I would let you bite me so we could be zombies together."

Yes, it was a very tender moment.

He went on to explain that it would be better to be zombies in a zombie apocalypse anyways, because then you wouldn't even have anything to worry about.

Beautiful, Beautiful

2011-03-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

A brief break from the photo challenge to post this song. It's a great one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSwov6Zp1hY

Don’t know how it is You looked at me
And saw the person that I could be
Awakening my heart
Breaking through the dark
Suddenly Your grace

(Chorus)
Like sunlight burning at midnight
Making my life something so
Beautiful, beautiful
Mercy reaching to save me
All that I need
You are so
Beautiful, beautiful

Now there’s a joy inside I can’t contain
But even perfect days can end in rain
And though it’s pouring down
I see You through the clouds
Shining on my face

(Chorus)

I have come undone
But I have just begun
Changing by Your grace

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

2011-03-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

I feel like this is an obvious question. All girls want to be made to feel like a princess, and Kate Middleton is actually going to be one! A smart, pretty Princess-to-be? Who wouldn't want to be her for a day?

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory

2011-03-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to do any of the obvious ones. That's no fun. Our engagement and wedding are obviously important and good memories. But they're not my very favorite. Whenever I think back, there's one thing that always gives me goosebumps and shivers. It always puts that smile on my face, the one that means I'm back in time, back in that moment.

Every single homecoming. Every reunion. Every first hug and kiss. You see, the military gives us that unique privilege. We get several first kisses. They're all absolutely beautiful. That's one of the things I'm going to miss about this life. It's a beautiful thing.

Day 04 - A picture of your night

2011-03-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

The picture of this will have to wait - I didn't quite get a photo taken last night. All in all it was a quiet night. I knitted, watched Friends, and cleaned like a madwoman! Certain areas of the house look fantastic now. Other areas... Not so much.

Edit:

I finally got the photo! I decided to be honest and post what I was doing tonight, instead of pretending I took this days ago. I've been watching tv - first, Sex and the City 2 and now Friends. I also painted my nails, am about to keep knitting on Liz's mitten and am obviously drinking Diet Coke. Ahhh. I'm finally enjoying a night off when I don't have anything to do this weekend. It's awesome!

Oh! I forgot! I also baked cakes-in-a-jar for Mike's best friend Tyler, who's in Afghanistan. I made brownies and funfetti cake and I'm sending a jar of frosting. They don't look beautiful, but I bet they'll be tasty!

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

2011-02-20T10:14:00.001-08:00

Oh, which to choose?? Obviously there's Friends.

I also love Criminal Minds

Last but not least, my latest favorite show, The Walking Dead.

People kicking major zombie ass? I'll take it.

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

2011-02-19T14:39:00.000-08:00

That would be... Manda. We've been friends since sharing a womb, so we're pretty close.

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts

2011-02-17T07:55:00.001-08:00

Well, since I don't *do* pictures alone, here's one of my with my special man friend, taken in Washington, D.C. last summer.

1. One of my legs is noticeably (to me) shorter than the other.

2. I'm slightly obsessed with nail polish. I haven't counted my collection, but Malorie did a quick scan on Superbowl Sunday and said it's around 170 bottles, including top coats and treatments. Mike thinks I have a sickness.

3. I love to rearrange my house. There are only so many ways one can rearrange a bedroom with 3 pieces of furniture, so I focus my efforts on the living room.

4. My favorite chore is to vacuum. I love it, especially since my vacuum is the bomb.

5. Knitting is my current favorite pastime. I love being creative and productive at the same time. I go to knit night at my local yarn shop every Friday night. Yes, I'm 100 years old.

6. I am obnoxiously proud of my Irish heritage, and very vain about my red hair and green eyes.

7. I got married young and I haven't regretted it for a second. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made. Love that guy :)

8. I'm one of the most sarcastic people you'll ever meet. The reason I'm not THE most sarcastic person you'll ever meet is that that's my dad's title. We're a pretty hilarious family.

9. My faith in God strengthens me, humbles me, and defines me. There's no way I'd be surviving this life without Him.

10. I had a miscarriage in November. That event also defines me. It's the hardest thing I've ever gone though and I'm still nowhere near healed, but it's still one of the biggest blessings I've ever been given, because I know there's a little baby girl waiting for me in Heaven.

Well.... That's me in a nutshell! Stay tuned for the rest of the 30 day challenge!

30 Day Challenge

2011-02-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm jumping on the bandwagon. I feel like I broke in my camera, and now I want to actually DO something with it. So, here we go!

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

Day 04 - A picture of your night

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

Day 19 - A picture and a letter

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change

Day 25 - A picture of your day

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

2011-01-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

What's your greatest accomplishment? I was thinking about this question today. I haven't graduated college, I haven't had kids, I haven't started a business or traveled to faraway places. I had to get creative when pondering this. This is going to sound corny, so bear with me!

I honestly believe that moving to North Carolina nearly alone, setting up camp 1500 miles from my family and everything I know, being a Marine Corps wife and thriving during this time is my greatest feat and accomplishment up to this point in my life. I never thought I would live outside of the Twin Cities, much less across the country. I've always been somewhat of a homebody - just ask my mother. I never really wanted to go on sleepovers with my friends when I was younger, and a mission trip of about a week and a half was about my limit.

Somehow, even knowing that I was never fond of the idea of living far away, I think that I was meant for this life, or at least meant to have this experience for almost 3 years. I've done well for myself here. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that with all the hard things that have been thrown at Mike and me personally this year, if I had been home I'd be doing even worse than I am now. The not necessarily "alone time", but "far away time" has been wonderful in helping me find the answers that I needed (and still need). It's odd how distance is often the best thing for me when I find myself in hard times.

Anyways, I digress. Thriving while living far from all that is familiar is my greatest achievement so far in life. So, readers - all 3 of you - I'm curious. I extend the same question to you. What's your greatest accomplishment so far? Answer in a comment or on your own blog!

Why?

2011-01-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

Why complain, that is. Why do people do it? I know we all have our moments when things are just too much, which is when we turn to friends to chat, vent, cry, rant, etc. However, when does this too much become, well, too much?

I know a few people who make a concerted effort to be positive and they do very little complaining. It's refreshing, really. I follow their logic. If sharing your unhappiness on several platforms across the internet - whether it be a private forum, blog or Facebook - will do nothing but make others around you unhappy, why do it? Really, ask yourself - why?

I have a few other friends and acquaintances who don't really complain about everything, but it's just a few subjects that get them going. The funny thing is, it's usually a circumstance that is unchangeable or that the person CHOSE to put him- or herself into. When they get on these subjects they can go on for paragraphs about how awful this one thing is, how miserable it makes them, and how rotten in general it makes life. Think, though. Why would you want to put people through that whenever the subject comes up? I know quite a few people who react the same way I do to these people - the subject comes up and there's a collective groan. "They're on THAT again, are they?" Nobody wants to hear you be miserable.

I know that I've been in this place before. If you know me, you've heard me talk about my car accident back in 2007 and that DAMN THERESA ANDERSON! I didn't really realize until a friend pointed out just how often I talk about it. It's become sort of a joke among my friends and family, but I really do a lot of complaining about it! I think and talk a lot about how if I had still had that car we'd be doing so much better financially, have so much more money saved and all that. But how do I really know that? Who's to say that if I had kept the car intact that day, I wouldn't have needed to move unexpectedly or make another big purchase? Nobody knows.

As a result of realizing how much energy I've wasted thinking and complaining about things I can't change, I've decided to make a change. I'm not going to complain as much anymore. I say "as much" because as I said, we all have our moments where we need to commiserate with our friends, moms, sisters, etc. You can't go through life with your head in the sand pretending nothing is wrong, but there is a constructive and graceful way to voice your concerns or problems.

It's not hard to look past what makes you sad/mad/miserable/unhappy. Well, I take that back - it is hard. But once you get into the habit of counting your blessings instead of dwelling on what's holding you back or making you unhappy, you discover that it was never the circumstance that was making your unhappy or holding you back at all - it was yourself.

My Top 5 Grammar Pet Peeves

2011-01-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

Let's be honest, there may be more than 5 because that's just the type of nerd I am! (And I was right - I couldn't resist adding one more). It also may not all end up being grammar but about the English language in general. So, class, let's begin.

6. Myself. I know people do this to make themselves sound smarter, but when you use it wrong you sound like an idiot. There are definitely situations in which you would use this but this is not it: "She went to the mall with Amanda and myself." Believe it or not, "me" is the correct word here. You wouldn't say "She went to the mall with myself," would you? Well, I hope not.

5. Using "legit" as an adverb. It's not even a real word, and yet people work it into otherwise intelligent conversation? I'm sorry, it makes you sound douchey. Nobody needs to know that you're "legit" watching Disney Channel.

4. People who can't distinguish they're/there/their, to/too/two and you're/your. This is an easy one, and yet there are still people who don't even bother to check which one they're supposed to use!

3. Not capitalizing the right words. It's a pretty basic writing move - the first letter of each sentence plus proper nouns get a capital at the beginning. Another bad capitalization move? TypINg LyKe ThiS. Not cool.

2. Misspelling words. This includes people who misspell them on purpose - "gurl", "yeay" and "boi" are all words I've seen on facebook recently. More than this though, is the huge number of people who misspell very easy, basic words. I've seen "wifes", "acient", and "venim" in the past DAY!

1. Could of. You know, when people say "I could of gotten here sooner." It's not a real phrase! You don't "of" something, you HAVE something. Therefore, could HAVE. It's only two more letters - it's not that hard to swap out the wrong word here.

Now that I've outed myself as the biggest nerd south of Virginia, I'll leave you with the security of knowing that the Grammar Police are out in full force, and will keep you safe by correcting your errors. :)

Here's a good nerd website for other mistakes that drive me insane :)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/18/grammar-pet-peeves-huffpo_n_616532.html#s101965&title=undefined

Joy?

2011-01-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

Joy is a pretty tough subject. It's complicated and difficult to grasp. It's not happiness. It can go hand-in-hand with happiness, but it can also go hand-in-hand with sadness or fright. Happiness is nice, but not necessary - it's an emotion. Joy is necessary to having a good life - it's a mindset. You can't really control happiness, but you can make a decision to be joyful. Joy is deeper than happiness, more meaningful. Joy says, "Even though my circumstances are seriously sucking air right now, I will praise God for everything I have."

Now, I'm not quite to this stage. I'm still struggling, but I'm working through it. In light of my previous post, I'm going to post something that's actually positive for the first time in a while.

5 things I'm happy about right now:

My friends are awesome. They're beyond supportive of me. They commiserate with me when I'm sad, they laugh with me when I'm happy, and they are exactly my kind of people. All my friends are amazing, but a few stand out above and beyond the rest - Hannah is downright fantastic. Words can't even express what a blessing she's been to me for as long as I've known her. Now if only we could spend some time together in person! What can I say about Diana? The first thing that popped into my mind is "freakin' awesome". She's one of the wisest women I know and always has a kind word and a prayer for me. Holly and Malorie - I had to put them together since we are the "3 Musketeers" and all ;) Honestly, I think we're soulmates! haha. Yeah, we're all meant for each other. Let's ditch the hubbies and get a condo together.
I know this'll be met with some groans but one of the things I'm happiest about this week is that Nancy Pelosi is no longer the Speaker of the House! So long, crazy.
I've been reading some really fantastic books lately - Mary Higgins Clark captures my attention and imagination the way very few authors can.
I'm going to save most of my Christmas money, as well as most of the money I get from working my two jobs. What money I spend will be spent on some long-desired luxuries - a fabulous set of interchangeable knitting needles and maybe a massage.
God has made His presence known in my life. Let's be honest... God is good for a girl's outlook on life.

Psalm 91:11
He will command His angels over you to protect you wherever you go.

Psalm 13:5
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

Matthew 5:4
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

2011-01-05T07:52:00.001-08:00

I promise to do a post later that's not so incredibly depressing! I'm working on that.

2010-12-26T21:34:00.001-08:00

You know, sometimes all I can say is "Ugh." When does that stop?

I guess it's time to get back on here

2010-12-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

I've got some things to say, but that'll wait for a survey first. Let's be real, surveys are cool.

How was your week? It started out pretty darn crappy. My hours got cut at work again, I had a two-day headache, worried about stuff (SO not like me) and was sad and depressed, BUT, then I found out that I have the best friends in the entire world. Seriously, they rock my world.
List three things that make you happy: The fact that next week I get to see snow. Christmas music. The fact that I can write whatever I want, whenever I want.
What are you wearing on your nails today? Senorita Rose-alita :) Pink with gold shimmer
If you celebrate Christmas, do you have a tree up yet? We have a tiny foot-and-a-half tree and it's decorated all up! I love my tiny tree.
Boots: Do you like them ankle, mid-calf, knee or thigh high? Probably mid-calf, but ankle boots are growing on me.
What is your favorite lotion to combat dry, itchy skin? St. Ives
Are you a Chicago style (thick, stuffed crust) or New York style (thin, fold-able) pizza lover? I'm a New York style convert! It's the best kind of pizza ever.
If you could go back to ANY period in time right this minute for 24 hours, where would you go? WWII era United States. Things were so... classic.
What book are you reading? I'm between books right now. I'm waiting on Christmas money so I can go on a trip to Borders while I'm home!
Any fun weekend plans? Working all weekend, but party at Jill's house tonight!

People don't really know what to say to me anymore. Things get awkward very quickly. Needless to say, interacting with people is really hard for me lately. I know people are just trying to be helpful (most of the time) and I really appreciate it, but some of the things people say really just blow me away.

The all time worst is, "It's for the best". Not everything is for the best. It's just not. Sometimes bad things happen and I get that, but never, ever tell me that I'm better off now that my baby is dead. You wouldn't tell that to a mother whose baby was stillborn, would you? Well, I hope not. The kicker is that this comment was followed by a speculation on my living and financial situation by people who have no idea what my life is like. Nice, huh? And THEN, someone had the nerve to compare it to her abortion. This is literally the WORST thing I've ever heard. I have never wanted so badly to resort to violence.

One that's not as bad but is still not good is, "God needed another angel". First of all, that's not how angels work. They're heavenly beings that were created to be angels - they're not people who died. Second, I really don't think God caused me to miscarry for any reason. Like I said, bad things happen. God didn't kill my baby.

"Things happen for a reason." This is something I believe myself, but it's overused so much that it's lost its meaning. Things DO happen for a reason - the thing is, I don't know if I'll ever know the reason. The reason could be that we live in a fallen world where shit happens every day.

I do love my friends and where comfort is given I'll gladly taken, but some people just don't think. Thankfully, none of my truly close friends have ever said any of these things, and they've even jumped all over the people who said the first one.

I have awesome friends and family. I've never felt so loved.

Thoughts

2010-11-08T16:18:00.000-08:00

Hmm... I don't really know what to say about what's going on. I have a lot of thoughts all jumbled up in my head. My hand is too slow for my brain, so I suppose I'll write it out here for all the world to see.

Where do I even start? I'm heartbroken. I had no idea it was possible to fall so deeply in love, so fast, and then to have it all ripped away from me five short days later... I know there are those who think that I shouldn't be this upset about a baby I only knew for 5 days but I am. This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. Those people who think I'm overreacting will never know how awful this is until they go through it themselves. I was pregnant. I was going to be a mom. Now I'm a mother, without a baby. How do people get through this with their sanity intact?

2010-11-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about just deleting my previous post and not saying anything at all about what just happened. After all, I really have no words right now. However, I decided against it. In lieu of that I'll leave you with the only song that's ever made me cry:

Two months is too little.
They let him go,
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling.

Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It’s unfair.

Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred numb our sorrow.
The wise hands opens slowly to lillys of the valley and tomorrow.

(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

Bridge:
If hope is born of suffering,
If this is only the beginning,
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?

(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

Coming soon to a hospital near you!

2010-10-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

I guess I could update my last social platform - it's official - I'm pregnant! Yes, yes, it's true. Y'all may commence the baby adoration :) First of all, I'll answer some questions that you'll inevitably ask: No, it wasn't planned. Yes, we're excited about it. 4 weeks, by my estimation. Yes, I've been nauseous and exhausted. Baking a fetus all day sure takes it out of you ;) No, we don't know what we're doing post-Marine Corps, but we have several options we're talking about.

All in all, I've been in a pretty good mood since I found out. Eeee! :)

"What makes you so sure?"

2010-10-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

Recently a CW sister posed this question on the forum (I've paraphrased it though): When it comes to God/religion, what makes you so sure that you're right?

I put a lot of thought into my answer and while I'm sure there are people who can and will say it better than I have, this is what I've come up with.

There are proven facts that coincide with the Bible, and I personally think it takes more faith to believe that everything in the whole world happens by accident, two atoms that collided (how did those two atoms come into existence?) and made the universe and all the animals, nature, atmosphere, stars, planets, etc., than to believe in intelligent design. Also, the Bible was written over a period of 1400-1800 years, by more than 40 different authors, in different countries and on different continents, not having contact with each other obviously, and there's not one discrepancy or conflicting story in the major facts of it all.

Those are some of the "logical" reasons for what I believe. Now, for the lovey-mushy-feelingsy part lol. Yes, I've gone through periods of doubt. Not doubt like "that can't have happened" but more... I don't know... "How in the world could he have done that??" I don't need to understand the reason for everything though.

I've experienced a lot of crap in my life. Life in general (for anyone) is not a walk in the park. There's hard, bad, rough things that happen to everyone. [This (I believe) is not God causing rotten stuff to happen to "teach us a lesson". It's a result of us living in a world where everyone has free will, and nobody uses their free will for good, nice things all the time. I do think that God uses the bad things that happen to build our strength and teach us faith]. Anyways, life's not always rainbows and bubbles. However, I have *never* not been taken care of. I lose money, wreck cars, hurt myself - sometimes all at the same time lol - but I've never had nowhere to turn for help. God has always provided me with a way out, even if it wasn't the way I had wanted or expected to go. And here I am, taken care of.

2010-10-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

Welp, I'm sick. And tired. Not sick and tired of anything in particular, but just both of those things at once. I have a cold that seems to be inhabiting just my nose, and I drove around base and back today before 7 am. I feel accomplished! So in the interest of staying positive, a survey:

Do you believe that there's good in everybody?

Yes, I do. That's not to say that all people are good though.

Does the last person you held hands with mean a lot to you?

Of course he does :)

Do you remember who you had a crush on in eighth grade?

Umm... Kyle?

Has anyone seen you in your underwear in the past three days?

Haha yes.

Have you ever trusted someone too much?

Sure, who hasn't? I start out trusting and wait for them to prove me wrong, which happens somewhat frequently but I can't bring myself to do it the other way around - I'm a little too optimistic for that approach.

Meet any new people this year?

Yes, some very awesome ones! I love, love, LOVE my friends.

At what age will you get married?

I got married at 20 :)

Describe how you feel right now in one word?

Sick.

Think of the last person who said I love you, do you think they meant it?

Yes, I know he does.

Is tomorrow gonna be a good day?

I sure hope so! If the cold lets up, it should be a wonderful day.

Who last put their arms around you?

Mike

What are you currently waiting for?

I'm waiting for my cold medicine to start working.

Would you say that you're adventurous?

In some aspects.

Do you think you can last in a relationship for 6 months or more?

Hahaha. I believe I can, yes.

Do you always answer your phone?

No, but usually the only time I don't answer is while I'm in church or work.

Person you used to have feelings for shows up at your house, you say:

Why did you travel 1500 miles to see me? haha

Is there anyone that hates you right now?

No, I don't think so.

Do you fall for people easily?

Meh. Not super easily.

How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust?

A few.

Are you happy with the choices you've made?

The vast majority of them, yes.

Like to cuddle?

Who doesn't?

Will you regret your next kiss?

Never :)

Think back to the last person you held hands with, would you kiss them?

I have, and I will for the rest of my life :)

Have you ever kissed the last person you texted?

Yes. It's hard to avoid ever kissing when you're married to him ;)

What makes you the happiest right now?

Friends and Diet Coke. Just like the good old days!

Would your life be the same without alcohol?

Probably. Not better or worse, though.

If you were offered to smoke some weed right now, would you accept?

Nope.

How many tattoos would you get?

I have one already and I don't think I'd put a cap on it.

Do you know how to drive?

Yup.

Are you any good at basketball?

Ha! Been there, failed at that.

Would you rather have a bulldog puppy or a husky puppy?

Husky! They're sooo cute!

Are you good at making up excuses or lies on the spot?

I suck at lying. I avoid it at all cost.

Is there anything you wanna say to someone right now?

Win! For the love of baseball, WIN! (That's to all of the MN Twins.)

What was on your mind mostly today?

How much I'd like to be able to breathe.

Are you in a good mood right now?

I'm getting there!

Drama, drama, drama.

2010-09-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

I'm not the most emotional girl on the planet, so it's pretty out of the ordinary for me to have been crying for the past half hour. I don't know how to let all my feelings out rationally, so instead of keeping my husband up to listen to me spew hateful remarks about my evil step (grand)mother, I'll write it down here. I have to get it out!

Long story short, my dad's family has never been fully sane, really. My grandma Terry died before I was born so I never got to know her. When I was little, my grandpa remarried the most delusional woman I've ever had the misfortune of knowing. She claims to be a Christian yet doesn't believe in Hell (huh?), one year she tried to exclude my mom and my mom's mother from Mother's day (double 'huh?') even though she (Kathy) has never actually had children and didn't marry my grandfather until my dad and uncle were grown and out of the house which safely takes her out of the running for the title of "Mother", she thinks my mom is poisoning the whole family's mind against her, and she is positively insane. Seriously. This time, she's ordered my grandfather to have a talk with my dad and uncle about his relationship with my grandma Terry. Like my great aunt Jackie said, "So she can't just let Terry rest in peace, then?" That answer, apparently, is NO.

I guess I just have a hard time reconciling the fact that, in a family this small, an entire branch - an entire generation - is absent for no reason. It's not like my grandpa died, but he's chosen to not be in our life. He CHOSE to abandon his family. Who does that? How does that even happen? After my parents put their foot down to put a stop to this craziness he just dropped off the face of the earth. He came to my wedding almost two years ago and I'm beginning to think that that was the last time I'll ever see him. I feel like there's a huge hole in our family... I just can't get over the fact that he left by his own free will. He could still be in our lives but he doesn't want to be, or at least, not enough to tell Kathy where she can shove it. I have some choice words for her whenever I get a chance to talk to her again. What makes me madder than this whole situation is how I know she'll react. Passive aggressive, assured in her delusion that she knows more than me, that my mother has somehow brainwashed me into all this. Ugh. I don't really hate people, but I REALLY hate her.

Believe it or not, but this is my thought process is even more jumbled than this post. That is in fact possible.

What am I thankful for?

2010-09-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

That's the question I'm trying to answer today. It can be all too easy to fall into the trap of wallowing when things don't go right. For example, I've been thinking all morning about how I haven't had a day without a headache in so long that I really can't remember how long ago was my last pain-free day. I could acknowledge my headache and simply go on with my day as best I can, but I chose to think about it all morning, arguably making it worse. Honestly, who even says that I SHOULD have a day without pain? Headache, stomachache, heartache? Why do I think I deserve to have a blissfully happy, perfectly lovely day? The fact is, I don't. Not by a long shot. It's not even reasonable to wish for one. I'm not trying to be emo or anything, but actually be realistic. Nobody will ever have a pain-free day. You'll hear something that hurts your feelings; you'll get a sliver or stub your toe. The real measure of a day is not in how well you've avoided pain or unpleasant feelings, but in how well you've dealt with the pain you've encountered. Therefore, I'm making a conscious effort to turn my day around by changing my attitude. Here's what I'm thankful for today:

The nurse practitioner at my doctor's office. Veronika is the sweetest health professional I could ever ask for. I saw her this morning and it was the same as all my other visits with her - she was warm, attentive, understanding. She even remembered me! That's FAR more than I can say for the doctors I've seen there. She listened to exactly what is bothering me and told me exactly what she thought I should do, which just so happened to be exactly what I thought I should do as well.
A good book. I just started reading Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and although I'm only on page 25, I'm already in love with the author's style of storytelling. I'm already sure that I'll love this book.
Knitting. My knitting skills are not by any stretch of the imagination impeccable, but it's an immensely enjoyable hobby. I could see myself knitting for the rest of my life, and even selling my projects eventually if I get good enough at it. I'm already gifting them to people. I made my mom a purse for Mother's Day and am trying to decide what to make my twin sister for her (our) birthday. I love starting so much that I have at least 2 going at a time. However, this does interfere somewhat with the "finishing projects" step. I'll get better at that eventually.
Last but not least, my husband. Nobody's marriage is perfect, but I like to think that mine is pretty darn good. I love Mike (I know what you're thinking - "Good thing, because you're stuck with him!"). He's sweet, loving, and he makes me smile. Plus, it doesn't hurt that he's a total hunk :)

I've been slacking.

2010-09-08T14:22:00.001-07:00

Ah, where do I begin? I've got news out the wazoo! Or "wazooty", if you're Dave Barry.

The first one, I'm not going to talk about because I'm not sure yet, but if it turns out to be true it's the most exciting thing on my list.
We bought a 2001 VW Beetle Turbo Diesel! It's the most fun car I've ever driven. All I need to do is clean it out and buy or make a flower for the little vase. LOVE that car. It's so zippy!
I'm (hopefully) doing the Freedom Walk on Saturday! For those who don't know, this is a walk around Jacksonville honoring veterans, currently serving military and their families. A bunch of the CW girls are doing it in honor of Chrissy and Josh. For those who don't know about that, Chrissy is the longtime girlfriend of Lcpl Josh Twigg, who was KIA in Afghanistan earlier this month. Ugh, I don't even have the words to describe how much I hurt for her. Whoever is reading this, please keep Chrissy and the Twigg family in your prayers today, tomorrow, and every day for a very long time. They'll need it..

That's enough for today, I think.

*Just for the record, #1 turned out not to be true, so I don't have to make any sort of announcement lol.

What I'm thinking about now...

2010-08-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, you're SO interested! Obviously I have devoted fans who want to keep up with my every thought ;) Ok, so since that sounds horrendously conceited I'll let y'all in on a little secret - I'm not blogging to get famous. Gasp! What?! It does seem like that's what the majority of bloggers are out there doing these days. To me it's more like a journal of sorts, only without embarrassing tidbits. It's a way for me to let others know what I'm thinking, since I'm (usually) a woman of few words in person, until you really get to know me. CW girls get more words than most, because by the time I meet them it's like we've already been friends for years! Funny how that works. Anywhooo, on to my random thoughts of the day.

This one's rather obvious if you've known me for any length of time - I'm a tad (ok, more than a tad) obsessed with nail polish. I redo my nails almost every day, I collect vast amounts of nail polish in every shade imaginable, I buy it from e-tailers online, I even follow nail polish BLOGS. Those blogs are the reason I know that there are those out in cyberspace as obsessed or more obsessed than me with this. It's just fun - not your average hobby, to be sure, but still enormously entertaining. To me at least!
I want another job. It's not that sitting at a desk waiting for a phone to ring and repeatedly trying to teach my boss how to use Craigslist isn't stimulating and fabulously glamorous... I want to do something real. Secretarial skills aren't really going to help me in the long run. I want to work with kids, or help in a small shop, or do ANYTHING that I'm interested in. No offense to my coworkers or bosses, but the furniture business sure is a snooze.
Snooze is one of my favorite words. It's just great.
I am BEYOND EXCITED to go home to the motherland next week! That's right, I'm going to MN NEXT WEEK! My sister counted six days, but... no. It's not six days. You see, I have a system for countdowns. I count differently than most - I learned from my madre. Today doesn't count, and the day I'm leaving (Tuesday) doesn't count because they're not full days. The actual whole, full days in between are the only days that count. Therefore..... There are only FOUR days until I go home! Eeee!!!!

That's it for my ramblings today. Good for you if you made it through all that random-ness (-ocity?).

Until next time...

Andrea

Stream of Consciousness

2010-08-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to do one of these "stream of consciousness" posts but never did because, well, my thoughts are weird and very random. I suppose that's the point, though, so why not?

I'm at work right now. There's a pile of papers on my desk that I wish would just go away. They're not pressing business by any means but it's just annoying to have a pile there. I guess that's the OCD breaking through. Given, it's an impeccably organized pile of junk, it's junk nonetheless. I wish I had something to use my desk at home for. I love desks, office supplies, organizers, etc. You know, school stuff! I can NOT wait to get back to school. Only about a year left! I miss learning and working like that. I have nothing around here that stimulates my learning muscles. I need to flex my brain! That sounds weird. It's how I feel though. I figure, as long as I'm here and have time on my hands, why not learn? Really, why NOT learn? It's not like I know everything I'll ever need for life - not by a long shot. I love to learn. It's probably one of my top 10 favorite activities. I love to listen to a lecture, watch a slideshow, take notes, take quizzes and tests, study, do worksheets on things.... Love it. LOVE IT! I know what you're thinking, and I've already accepted the fact that I'm a huge nerd and always will be. I get it from dad. What can I say? It's who I am. I'll never understand people who hate school.

I've been thinking about my job and possible other jobs, and I think I can safely say that I'll never be a salesman. I can't do the deception and making promises bit of it that others seem to do so well. I'll never be able to be calculating and smooth-talking, and talk people into spending money that they don't have. Granted, it's a person's right to spend their money how they wish, and they can very well choose to finance thousands of dollars at 24% interest, but I will not be a part of that. Right now I can barely stand running people's credit reports and seeing how bad off they are already, only to add a few thousand dollars to their piles of debt. I'm not judging because it's not my place, but I think the dishonesty that can be involved in sales is sad and depressing.

I never thought I'd say this, but I will miss Camp Lejeune and the Marine Corps when we leave next summer. As much as hubby hates it, I've grown rather attached. I obviously loathe the weather (This heat makes me hate the sun!), but being surrounded my Marines and their families can be pretty darn fun. It makes for interesting experiences. I'll miss a lot of things about this lifestyle we've been living. I feel so free and independent, but also taken care of at the same time. I know in my head that we'll always be taken care of if we follow the path God has for us, but it's hard to leave this large sense of security we've had for the past year and a half (Almost 2 years! How has it gone so fast??).

I need to memorize more Bible verses. One just popped into my head but I have no idea what the reference is! I guess I'd better get to that. I've still got a box full of typed out verses that my grandpa gave all us grandkids. I know that I want to memorize them, but it's so hard to find the motivation!

I've spent a pretty long time on this post - I think it's the longest one I've ever written. I guess that says something about the workload here at the store! I'd better get back to business though.

Until next time,

Andrea

Messy!!!

2010-08-15T19:06:00.000-07:00

A bottle of nail polish exploded all over my purse! Lame, no? I'm especially sad because it was my favorite one - who wouldn't love My Private Jet? I'm so sad! Why couldn't it have been one of the colors I hate? Ha! That's the way it works much of the time, unfortunately. Anyways, that was one outstanding component of my day. The rest of it was much more satisfactory. Mike and I went to church where we continued in our study of Ephesians, which was fantastic as usual. I just can't even put into words how much I love my church! I've never been to one where I've been so encouraged and challenged every single week without fail. I can't imagine that I'll be able to find a comparable church when we move home. Who knows though - God's got a way of pulling through! I underestimate Him way more than I should. He's way bigger than I give him credit for usually - I really need to work on that!

Psalm 121:7-8
The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forever.

2010-08-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

So it turns out I'm not great at keeping up with this blogging situation. Oopsie! I really had good intentions to keep up, but then life happened! Good things, bad things, scary things. The best thing that happened was that my family came for a visit. We went up to D.C. to tool around the capital city for a few days. Here are some photos of the highlights:

We met Michele Bachmann! She is such a wonderful, down-to-earth woman. Refreshing in a politician!

The rest are just pictures of the family hanging out like we do best :)

Lead Me - Sanctus Real

2010-07-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

Another day, another song! Here's my new favorite song. It perfectly describes the feelings I couldn't put words to. I love when I'm trying to figure out how to say what I feel and a song comes on that could have been written just for me.

I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying...

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're in independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying...

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

What's making me happy today...

2010-06-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

I'm wearing a nail polish by OPI called "Have You Seen My Limo?" lol. I'm just so entertained by OPI's color names! A lot of the OPI I have are colors I was leaning towards getting but not sure, and then I looked at the names and HAD to have them!

The other thing I'm happy about today is that I finally made the decision to go to a group class at the gym! I've been looking at them for a while and finally made up my mind to go to a spin class tomorrow with my lovely friend Malorie :) I'm so excited!

Hard times...

2010-06-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well, obviously hard times are nothing new. Still, hard times are just that - hard. I'm going through some not-so-desirable stuff right now, and God is really making His presence known in my life right now. A couple times now I've turned on the radio to find exactly the song I needed - whether it was one that exactly described what I've been feeling, or reminded me of God's grace and mercy... The last one was on in my car on my way home from work tonight. It was All That Matters, by Addison Road. So I'll leave you with the lyrics... I hope they comfort you like they've comforted me tonight!

I may never be the one that gets a second glance
I may never be the one they call the prettiest
But thats alright with me

And maybe I don't follow every crazy passion
Spend all my time trying to get a good reaction
But thats ok with me

This world is like a trampoline
High and low no in between
Jumping at the chance to please
Everyone but thats not me

Cause all that matters is
All that matters is
I know your love has set me free
And thats all that matters to me

Cause all that matters is
All that matters is
I know your love has set me free
And thats all that matters to me

Some people tell me to step out and do my own thing
And others say I got to blend in just to be the same
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
And stop being me

But this shallow world is no longer what I'm made of
I've been changed by grace
I've been saved by love
What more do I need

All that matters is
All that matters is
I know your love has set me free
And that's all that matters to me (x2)

My life comes from the One
Who made the stars and brought the sun
He loves me more than these
So I don't need another identity

All that matters is
All that matters is
I know your love has set me free
And that's all that matters to me

That's all that matters...

Contented Sigh

2010-05-31T06:15:00.000-07:00

My house is CLEAN! It is a beautiful thing. Last night the hubby and I cleaned the living room, kitchen, spare room - which was an absolute sty - and bedroom. *Aaahhhhhhhh!* (that's the sound of angels singing, if you couldn't tell). I'm so happy I could scream! It's finally clean! Now I can FINALLY, finally have people over without being terribly embarrassed. Sigh. I'm so happy :)

Nails!

2010-05-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

I'm more than obsessed with nail polish. It's a dirty little secret of mine. I do my nails every few days, if not more often. I love it. It's a fun activity for me. But you know why I think it is? Because nail polish can never make you look fat :) Have you ever heard anyone say "does this nail color make my butt look big?" No! It's never happened -- because your nails always look good :)

Ah, nail polish. Who makes the best nail polish? OPI, but of course. And which is the best color? "My Private Jet". It's awesome. Trust me. No, don't just take me at my word - go find it and drool over it. It's that good!

Ahh, the joys of Ebay!

2010-05-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

I've discovered the happiness that comes with winning an auction on ebay. My sister has been addicted for quite some time now and I've finally become brave enough to try lol. I just won a skirt that retails for $45 for $9.99! I feel so accomplished now :)

2010-04-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

You'll have to excuse my incessant background-changing. I just discovered how to switch them! I got SO bored with the same-old, same-old ones that the site provides. Hopefully now that my page isn't so dreadfully boring-looking I'll remember to update it more often! Anyways, it'll still probably be changing several times before I settle on a design I like.

Boys' Night

2010-04-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

It's boys' night. Obviously, a TON of fun for me ;) I'm sitting here knitting and watching trashy MTV shows while Mike and his boyfriends are out at a cigar shop and then a pub. The good thing about this is I have some time to clean and then knit on my project! I'm currently working on my mom's present for Mother's Day. It'll be a purse eventually, but right now it's two balls of Malabrigo Twist. It's just the prettiest colorway - a combination of burgundy, a light rose color, peach and sage green. I saw it and it just screamed my name! I'm only 15 rows into the first side of the bag, but already it's turning out to be a really nice project. The yarn is so soft, I could knit with it forever :)

Here's a picture of the yarn! It's not the best lighting but you get the idea.

2010-04-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

I'm back at work again, in my secretary cave. Really, it's a cave. The whole building is built warehouse style, and my 'office' is the little hole off to the side. It has sliding glass, tinted, windows that let in the absolutely lovely fluorescent lighting. The only cheerful thing about this place (not the store itself, just my cave) is a print of a cobblestone path going through a garden that ends at a wrought-iron gate that leads out to the ocean. It really is a pretty painting. Anyways, I was feeling a little gloomy since the lighting gives me a headache and it's all rainy and gross out, so I decided to post the lyrics to one of my favorite songs.

By Your Side
Tenth Avenue North

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

(Chorus 2x)

Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go

Save money!

2010-04-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

A friend found the BEST blog! HERE is the link. It's full of money saving ideas and coupons. I also registered at Coupons.com, which gives you printable coupons based on your zip code. So there's my little pearls of wisdom for the day!

2010-04-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

A friend just posted this prayer on her blog and I thought I'd share. It sounds like something a whole bunch of us (maybe... all of us!) could use!

Heavenly Father, help us to see trouble coming long before it gets here. Give us the wisdom to know what to do and give us the courage to do it.

You NEED to see this

2010-01-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

This is the view from the bridge to Emerald Isle (sounds fancy, huh?). It's one of the most beautiful views I've ever seen, so I thought I'd share!

It was a little dreary the day I took it, but it's still pretty outstanding.

The "nature walk" part of the aquarium.

2010-01-27T10:33:00.000-08:00

Apparently the aquarium people want to give the people of NC a workout when they go look at fish. Here are some of the 'outside' pictures.

We went to the aquarium!

2010-01-27T10:26:00.001-08:00

Ok, so maybe I'm a little less motivated than I thought. But here are some pictures from our NEW CAMERA! I'm so excited to be rid of that old one that hardly worked :)

Whoops!

2010-01-20T10:12:00.001-08:00

Christmas and going home caught up to me! I've been slacking in a big way, but I have tons of pictures to share! I'll put them up soon!

Hey! Look what I got!

2009-12-16T10:57:00.000-08:00

I bought a Craig Ferguson dvd because one of my favorite recent memories is going to a Craig Ferguson standup show with my dad and twin sister. He's laugh-until-you-cry funny. I can't wait to bring this home and watch it with them :)

2009-12-13T19:05:00.001-08:00

Woohoo Christmas presents! I finally got around to wrapping our first round of presents.

2009-12-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

The second in a series of wonderful garments. This one is a pair of purple leopard print Miley Cyrus pants. Adorable, huh?

2009-12-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

Like it guys? What a find! I encountered this beauty of a sweater-vest at Kmart today. Woo, I found my Christmas outfit!

11/29/09

2009-11-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

The best pictures from my birthday dinner last night - DELICIOUS ribeye and one of Mike and me outside the restaurant =) The night ended in a not so fantastic fashion so we're re-celebrating tonight! Haha.

2009-11-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I've slacked on posting but here's what I made for our Thanksgiving. Just so you get an idea, there were 13 guys and 2 girls. "That is so Marine Corps". :)

My project

2009-11-23T08:37:00.001-08:00

I'm in the middle of this scarf and I'm a fan so far. It's going to be so warm and cozy when it's finished! By the way, if is not crocheted lumpy like that, it's just how the picture is.

Ah, the answer to all my DVD needs

2009-11-21T17:35:00.000-08:00

Instead of housing Mike's and my impressive collection of DVD's in the too-small TV stand like we have been for nearly the past year, I finally had the idea to bring down our small bookcase to put them in. It feels so much more organized in the living room! The top of this bookcase is already a new favorite spot for Bosco, too.

Oh, Food Lion.

2009-11-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, those are potatoes on a shelf advertising chicken. I love the south.

Finally got my pictures to import.

2009-11-19T17:41:00.000-08:00

The past few times I've had to take pictures with my phone, hence the awful quality. My dinosaur camera is finally cooperating though :)

Bosco is getting so big! He almost takes up an entire couch cushion now. What a fatty.

Mike let another frog in the house! They're always stuck to our front window at night and he just can't help but bring them inside to drive the cat insane.

Woo!

2009-11-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

I realized I hadn't rearranged my living room in an unprecedented amount of time (4 months!!) so that's what I did today, to my intense satisfaction. It feels so much more open now! I lurve it.

Laundry... Almost

2009-11-17T14:16:00.001-08:00

Oh yeah, Bosco just LOVES when I do laundry. It's the perfect place to thwart all my plans and get cat hair on the towels! Little brat. CUTE little brat though.

Yahtzee!

2009-11-15T16:26:00.001-08:00

Today was a pretty boring day. Church, home, lunch, tv. We decided to play Yahtzee though, and I got one! I love that game.

Friday the 13th, Spooky!

2009-11-13T16:52:00.000-08:00

Well, actually, nothing spooky happened today other than the fact that my hubby found a black cat and brought it into the armory to play. On to my photo of the day... I pierced my nose! It's not the best picture, but it's the only one I got. Excuse the strange look!

11/12/09

2009-11-12T19:58:00.001-08:00

Mike brought a tiny frog inside last night! Bosco was quite interested in it, but whenever he would try and play the frog just balled up. Poor Bosco. Snubbed by a frog!

I was feeling homesick tonight so the obvious solution was... Baking! I made Hershey kiss cookies and they're almost half gone now. I'm going to send some with Mike to work otherwise I'll end up being a thousand pounds by the time the holidays are over.

Well, I missed a couple days.

2009-11-10T05:16:00.001-08:00

It was bound to happen sooner or later. I have a good excuse though - the Marine Corps ball was last night! I'll make up for my missing a few pictures with total picture overload of the ball :)

Likes/Dislikes

2009-11-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

I'm bored! Which means.... I'm going to make a list. Lists are always fun. I got the idea for this from another blog (forgot which... I stumbled upon it accidentally.) The title says it all.

I like the fact that even though I'm not doing what I'd like to be doing right now, which would be school, I get my days free to concentrate on whatever I want - I can cook, clean, do my nails over and over, take care of the cat, and all on my own schedule!

I dislike the fact that every time I come up with a new plan for my life something somehow

wrecks it all! You know what they say - If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans!

I like the fact that Coke came out with Coke Zero - all the taste, none of the calories! I'm like a

walking commercial.

I dislike the fact that our car is probably about to get very expensive - it's smelling again, every time I drive it smells like burning rubber! That can't be good.

I like the fact that I have some very good friends down here in J-Vegas. It makes being away from my whole family easier.

I dislike the fact that I have to hear about fun family moments from my mom on the phone.

I like the fact that being a young military wife gives me insight into a whole new

side of my mom. It's so weird that being thousands of miles away from each other has brought us closer.

Well, that's all I can think of for now... Stay tuned for my picture of the day!

Photo of the day: my extremely dignified cat, Bosco.

Blogger? Me?

2009-11-05T08:09:00.000-08:00

This is very unexpected! I've probably started 3 blogs and all have been left in ruin since I'm obviously terrible at this. I always started without a plan, but now I have a plan! *AAAHHHHH* (that's angels singing). I'm going to do this 365 pictures deal that I've heard so much about. Starting today, with two pictures because I'm making the rules here. The first picture is my adorable Halloween candles. Cutest spiders I've ever seen!

Now this one is my favorite gift in the recent past. My mom knows I don't have any Thanksgiving decorations and am on a shopping moratorium and sent me turkeys! Turkeys!!! They're freaking perfect. I lurve them.

VOILA! My first blog post! Let's hope I don't fall off the map again, shall we?