I'm just struck right now by a few things that I think are stupid...one of those things is how stupid this whole blog is going to be, since its all about stupid stuff.
1) Running into an old fling/random person you went on a date with and totally had feelings for/old boyfriend that you aren't over/etc....
Why do I think it's stupid?: Because you are never with someone equally attractive that will make that person at least second guess themselves for being so ridiculously stupid to let you go. And you are usually wearing sweats. And you usually haven't washed your hair for 2 days. And you probably have no make-up on. Or maybe you look hot, and you still feel bad because even if you look hot, it's still stupid.
What would make it less stupid?: If you had a snappy comeback or two. If you didn't care so much what he thought of you. If he had never dumped you in the first place..... :)
2) Friendships with men.
Why do I think they are stupid?: Because realistically, we don't communicate well. They aren't sympathetic. They are relatively selfish. They talk to you about other girls, which about 50% of the time is hurtful. It is typically hot and cold....and gets cold really fast when they start dating someone who is more fun to hang out with then you. Stupid I tell you.
What would make it less stupid?: If men would quit being morons. Come on. Learn to be more sensitive and realize when you are being a jackass. Quit being wishy washy. Quit leading people on. Quit the "I'll be friends with you when its convenient for me" act. We are on to you.
3) Trashy TV shows.
Why do I think they are stupid? Let me rephrase that....I mean HBO trashy. Some of my co-workers tried to talk me into submitting my poor mind to True Blood....and it was garbage. Why would I waste my time with terrible acting and enough sex to last a whole honeymoon (in one hour?). I'd much rather spend my night watching House Hunters and pretending that people still have morals.
What would make it less stupid?: Nothing...it will always be stupid.
4) Rain
Why do I think it's stupid? Because when you don't own a car and biking is your sole mode of transportation to your work that is 2.5 miles away...rain is the worst thing ever.
What would make it less stupid?: I need a full-body raincoat.
5) 2 Suit Spider Solitaire
Why do I think it's stupid? Because its incredibly difficult. I can't even imagine 4 suit....it would literally make my head explode.
What would make it less stupid?: If I could find a fool-proof way to allow myself to win at least 1 out of 10 games. Because my track record of 1 out of every 100 is really crappy.
6) The Zag's record in the NCAA tournament.
Why do I think it's stupid? Because we never make it very far, and that is so stupid. We could be having the most insane season with the most cohesive team and the greatest chances at making it big...and we always choke in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. ALWAYS.
What would make it less stupid? If they would win.....that is the only way. Until then, it will always be stupid. And we will always say "Well, there's always next year". And we will always watch those big name schools jump around and enjoy what should have been the Zag's victory if they could have just pulled up their britches and played like big boys.
You know what else is stupid? Lists that end at 5. I like even numbers, so mine is ending at 6.
:)
Monday, March 19, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Shoebox
Reality check....
Housing on the East Coast is crazy expensive.
I pay $385.00 a month in Spokane and have the cutest apartment ever.
Look at all that space....
You wanna know what $385.00 gets you in Boston?
Uh, no thank you.
So, let's get a little more realistic. I will FOR SURE be spending at least $700.00 a month on an apartment, and more realistically close to $900. What does Craigslist say $900.00 will buy in Spokane?
This entire house.
What does $900.00 buy you in Boston?
This....
Yes....this is a one room apartment.....and to be specific....this is $995.00 a month.
I must also add that this is the biggest of the studios I've seen. Most of them are dorm rooms with an attached bathroom....nice.
Good thing I'm selling all my furniture to move out there, because I won't have space for any of it.
Here's to 6 more months in a spacious apartment with all of my belongings! :)
Housing on the East Coast is crazy expensive.
I pay $385.00 a month in Spokane and have the cutest apartment ever.
Look at all that space....
You wanna know what $385.00 gets you in Boston?
Uh, no thank you.
So, let's get a little more realistic. I will FOR SURE be spending at least $700.00 a month on an apartment, and more realistically close to $900. What does Craigslist say $900.00 will buy in Spokane?
This entire house.
What does $900.00 buy you in Boston?
This....
Yes....this is a one room apartment.....and to be specific....this is $995.00 a month.
I must also add that this is the biggest of the studios I've seen. Most of them are dorm rooms with an attached bathroom....nice.
Good thing I'm selling all my furniture to move out there, because I won't have space for any of it.
Here's to 6 more months in a spacious apartment with all of my belongings! :)
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Let's go to the movies...
There is something about the Oscars. Maybe it's the hundreds of celebrities that all come together in one place. Maybe it's the theme music that makes me want to cry even though it isn't meant to be sad. Maybe it's the dresses...the tuxes...the tributes...
All I know is that I look forward to it...and it never seems to disappoint.
As I sit here watching this year's edition, it has me thinking about the impact that movies have had on my life and on the lives of all of us. We certainly live in this strange world where Hollywood and celebrity and materialism seem to overwhelm us in a negative sense. We know more about the gossip surrounding the death of Whitney Houston than we do the real news that is happening in this world. I'm the first to admit that my conversations often involve more ridiculous jabber about people I don't know than about things that actually matter.
BUT....I think there is a lot more to Hollywood than the glitz and the rumors. Think about the movies that have impacted you...that hold memories that are incredibly personal and meaningful. Doesn't everyone remember those movies that they went to see as kids, when we were so small that those old-school theater seats would flip up and trap us in them? How about that movie that you went to on your first date (you know...the one that you don't remember anything about because you were concentrating so hard on not doing something stupid)? How about that movie that you watch everytime you were home sick as a kid? The movie that you have watched over and over because it never stops being funny? We all have those.
I love the Oscars because it takes time to honor the talents of people that make these moments possible. Let's face it...most of us have no idea how to act. Most of us have no desire to act. I have never once wanted to stand in front of a crowd and show off my entertainment abilities, most likely because I have none. The Oscars is an opportunity to recognize people, that regardless if they themselves recognize it or not, have been allowed a God-given talent to allow people to escape this world for a few moments. Movies allow us to escape that bad break-up or bad news and find humor or adventure in something fantastical. They are the visual companion to the books that have always kept us company. They are the outpouring of the imaginations of a lot of talented people. I love it.
As I watch this year, I realize that I haven't seen many of the top notch movies of the year, probably because I have been wasting all my money on movies like The Vow which will never be awarded anything for talented acting....ha. But I'm also reminded of my goal to watch all the Best Pictures from 1990 on....a little piece of my Bucket List that I suppose I should get cracking on. I think I'm having a hard time getting into it because of the 2nd one on this list...maybe I can skip to 1992. Cannabalism quit being fun when I was in the Jr. High and scary movies were still exciting and not heart-attack inducing.
Perhaps I can use 1989's movie in its place? Driving Miss Daisy is so much more my speed.
(*) = I've seen this enough times that I don't need to see it again to appreciate the beauty of it all.
1990 - Dances with Wolves
1991 - Silence of the Lambs
1992 - Unforgiven
1993 - Schindler's List
1994 - Forrest Gump (*)
1995 - Braveheart
1996 - The English Patient
1997 - Titanic (3D in Imax....on the 100th anniversary...I think yes).
1998 - Shakespeare in Love
1999 - American Beauty
2000 - Gladiator
2001 - A Beautiful Mind
2002 - Chicago
2003 - Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (*)
2004 - Million Dollar Baby
2005 - Crash (*)
2006 - The Departed
2007 - No Country for Old Men
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire (*)
2009 - Hurt Locker
2010 - The King's Speech
This year...to be announced.
So thank you actors, producers, directors, cinematographers, etc... for allowing us to get outside of ourselves and experience in ways that we couldn't if you didn't create.
P.S. Does anyone have direct contact with Joseph Gordon-Levitt...because I would like to thank him personally... ;)
HA! Happy Oscar Sunday!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Teach me a lesson....
A few lessons this week....minor.....major. Lots of them really. There will be more next week and the week after that....but this week feels monumental to me.
1) Life doesn't owe you anything...
So silly that we assume that we deserve a certain set of circumstances in life. We deserve good health. We deserve a high paying job (or any job at all) because of that degree we've got tucked in our back pocket. We deserve a reasonable number of answered prayers (not just answered, but answered with the answer we want). Holy cow. How undeserving I am for everything I've ever been blessed with....and I don't deserve anything else. So why don't we recognize more often that the beautiful things we encounter in life are gifts...not because life owes them to us, but because someone loves us enough to allow us to experience them. I'm frequently annoyed by the "God is awesome" status updates on Facebook. Not because I don't agree with that, but because its said so flippantly that we forget what we are even saying. Can I just say, as someone who doesn't say it enough, God is awesome. And not because I'm having a mountain top experience right now. In fact, I've found myself in quite the valley. But God is awesome. And in control. And showers me with things I don't deserve, like people that adore me and laughter and sunshine and hope.
2) If an article of clothing looks like it might be cheap....it probably is.
Nothing like a brand new sweater that looks sort of like it might rip apart actually ripping apart the first time you wash it. Granted, I also ignored the tag that said "dry flat" and decided to dry it in the dryer. Who has time or patience for a shirt that has to be dried flat. Have you seen my apartment? I have no flat spaces to dry high maintenance shirts....and if I did find a spot, my cat would fall asleep on it and it would need to be washed again.
3) Speaking of cats....don't reward animals for bad habits...no matter how cute said "bad habit" is initially.
My cat has discovered that he can move his bowls around on the floor to indicate when he is hungry. It was cute at first....and I would quickly respond by refilling his bowl. However, after 3 incidents of waking up in the middle of the night from him shuffling his bowl around in hungry expectation, I'm about to wring his adorable little neck. Maniac. I've officially had him for a year in March. I've kept a living animal live for over a year...he has outlived every single plant I've ever attempted to care for. Horray!
4) Ireland has to be what heaven looks like....
I am MISSING Ireland in a big way right now. In case you've lived under a rock for the last year, I traveled to Ireland for 10 days last March with a handful of my best friends. It was a pretty epic getaway with a lot of highs and lows, but as time goes on and the lows become less memorable....all I seem to recall is how beautiful it is there and how much I'd love to go back. I have a collage of pictures from my trip next to my bed and sometimes I find myself just staring at it aimlessly in the mornings when I'm getting ready. Look at these pictures and tell me you don't think God spent an unusual amount of time creating such a beautiful place....I dare you.
Greece is a masterpiece as well....maybe I should go there next.
Any takers?
Ok, I'm out of lessons for the week....on to the weekend. Time to go check my last load of laundry and see what else I've managed to ruin.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Paper Hearts
I've heard a lot of complaints about Valentine's Day over the years....in fact...some of them have probably come out of my mouth at one time or another.
1) "It's a Hallmark holiday"
2) "You should tell people you love them every day...not just Valentine's Day"
3) "It's really over-consumeristic"
4) "Its fun if you are actually HAVE a Valentine..."
Ok, so maybe all of those are true....but why can't it still be fun?
I have a little bit of a twisted love affair with Valentine's Day and I have to say that I've never received flowers as a romantic gesture, never gone out for an intimate dinner, never been surprised by something unexpected from a special someone. Realistically Valentine's Day falls flat when it comes to all its traditional selling points. BUT....here is why I like Valentine's Day.
1) Those little cards that kids give to their classmates (especially the old school ones that we had....they came with envelopes. High qual.) I was at Hallmark with my mom the other day and picked up a box and was pleasantly reminded of how sweet and innocent those cards are. I remember being REALLY concerned about which one to give to the cute guy that sat across from me in class...and after looking at them as an adult...I realize I shouldn't have worried so much. There is no way that any little boy could read "You are rad" or "I'm bananas over you" or "You're purrfect" and actually question your intentions by that. Boys are so dense...and those card are so ridiculous.
2) Flowers....it's the one day of the year where I unabashedly believe that I deserve a $15.00 bouquet of flowers on my own dime. Usually I go for the $3.50 bunches at Trader Joes, but Valentine's Day calls for something special. And I don't care that it isn't from someone else....because flowers are flowers. Let's be real.
3) Getting a card from my mom in the mail.
It's no lie. My mommy loves me. And she is always good to me on Valentine's Day.
4) 4 days of non-stop girl movies on TV. Enough of those thrillers or science fiction garbage flicks...I'm talking hours and hours of the best chick flicks ever made. Today alone (because I was at home cleaning and cooking), I have watched Pretty Woman, The Holiday, 27 Dresses, When in Rome, and later I plan on watching the Proposal. It has been good....really good.
5) Wearing that ugly pink scarf that I never wear any other day of the year. It's hot pink...why would I ever wear that really? I got to wear it the other night for girls night, and it was liberating. I felt like Paris Hilton, but I felt liberated doing so. I'm saving my light pink scarf with black hearts for Tuesday...and anticipating a day of borderline sexual harassment from my clients.
6) Not having to buy something for someone else. You know how much cheaper it is to not be dating someone on Valentine's Day?
But realistically this Valentine's Day the thing I love most is that I'm just loving the slow roll of life. I will admit that on Valentine's in the past, I have felt really overwhelmed by the day. Overwhelmed by the lack of romance in my life. Overwhelmed by the fact that the chick flicks are so untrue. Overwhelmed by friends planning weddings, getting engaged, getting married, having kids. This year, I'm relieved to be where I am. I'm relieved that I'm relieved. Call it an attitude change or a real honest answer to prayer, but for the first Valentine's Day ever...I'm not anticipating that tiny ache that goes along with the day. For the first time in my life I think I'd run away from romance if it came my way because its the last thing I want. My self-identity is for the first time ever not dominated by my singleness. Sigh of relief.
Life is good.
As for a run of the mill life update...I have sent in my tuition deposit and am starting to pull myself into the preparation mode for a big move across country in September. I literally still can't believe I'm going, but I have never felt more assured that I'm making the right move. I have major discernment issues in life. I changed my major 3 times officially. I date the wrong guys. I get myself into weird situations. I guess I can't guarantee that I'm making the perfect one here either. And by perfect...I mean easy. I tend to quit when the going gets rough, which may explain the changes in majors/flakey relationships. If something turns me off even just a little bit, I peace out. I realize that by moving all the way across the country and paying out the nose for an expensive private education, I am abandoning my liberty to change my mind. This is it. And as scary as that may usually feel for my non-committal self....I feel so sure about it. So pumped.
The scariest portion of planning this move right now is the realization that if I decide to live in a studio apartment without roommates I am going to be living in a shoebox that costs 3 times as much as my apartment in Spokane. Holy cow.
So, all of you should start planning vacations to the East Coast, and you can come hang in my shoebox!
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
1) "It's a Hallmark holiday"
2) "You should tell people you love them every day...not just Valentine's Day"
3) "It's really over-consumeristic"
4) "Its fun if you are actually HAVE a Valentine..."
Ok, so maybe all of those are true....but why can't it still be fun?
I have a little bit of a twisted love affair with Valentine's Day and I have to say that I've never received flowers as a romantic gesture, never gone out for an intimate dinner, never been surprised by something unexpected from a special someone. Realistically Valentine's Day falls flat when it comes to all its traditional selling points. BUT....here is why I like Valentine's Day.
1) Those little cards that kids give to their classmates (especially the old school ones that we had....they came with envelopes. High qual.) I was at Hallmark with my mom the other day and picked up a box and was pleasantly reminded of how sweet and innocent those cards are. I remember being REALLY concerned about which one to give to the cute guy that sat across from me in class...and after looking at them as an adult...I realize I shouldn't have worried so much. There is no way that any little boy could read "You are rad" or "I'm bananas over you" or "You're purrfect" and actually question your intentions by that. Boys are so dense...and those card are so ridiculous.
2) Flowers....it's the one day of the year where I unabashedly believe that I deserve a $15.00 bouquet of flowers on my own dime. Usually I go for the $3.50 bunches at Trader Joes, but Valentine's Day calls for something special. And I don't care that it isn't from someone else....because flowers are flowers. Let's be real.
3) Getting a card from my mom in the mail.
It's no lie. My mommy loves me. And she is always good to me on Valentine's Day.
4) 4 days of non-stop girl movies on TV. Enough of those thrillers or science fiction garbage flicks...I'm talking hours and hours of the best chick flicks ever made. Today alone (because I was at home cleaning and cooking), I have watched Pretty Woman, The Holiday, 27 Dresses, When in Rome, and later I plan on watching the Proposal. It has been good....really good.
5) Wearing that ugly pink scarf that I never wear any other day of the year. It's hot pink...why would I ever wear that really? I got to wear it the other night for girls night, and it was liberating. I felt like Paris Hilton, but I felt liberated doing so. I'm saving my light pink scarf with black hearts for Tuesday...and anticipating a day of borderline sexual harassment from my clients.
6) Not having to buy something for someone else. You know how much cheaper it is to not be dating someone on Valentine's Day?
But realistically this Valentine's Day the thing I love most is that I'm just loving the slow roll of life. I will admit that on Valentine's in the past, I have felt really overwhelmed by the day. Overwhelmed by the lack of romance in my life. Overwhelmed by the fact that the chick flicks are so untrue. Overwhelmed by friends planning weddings, getting engaged, getting married, having kids. This year, I'm relieved to be where I am. I'm relieved that I'm relieved. Call it an attitude change or a real honest answer to prayer, but for the first Valentine's Day ever...I'm not anticipating that tiny ache that goes along with the day. For the first time in my life I think I'd run away from romance if it came my way because its the last thing I want. My self-identity is for the first time ever not dominated by my singleness. Sigh of relief.
Life is good.
As for a run of the mill life update...I have sent in my tuition deposit and am starting to pull myself into the preparation mode for a big move across country in September. I literally still can't believe I'm going, but I have never felt more assured that I'm making the right move. I have major discernment issues in life. I changed my major 3 times officially. I date the wrong guys. I get myself into weird situations. I guess I can't guarantee that I'm making the perfect one here either. And by perfect...I mean easy. I tend to quit when the going gets rough, which may explain the changes in majors/flakey relationships. If something turns me off even just a little bit, I peace out. I realize that by moving all the way across the country and paying out the nose for an expensive private education, I am abandoning my liberty to change my mind. This is it. And as scary as that may usually feel for my non-committal self....I feel so sure about it. So pumped.
The scariest portion of planning this move right now is the realization that if I decide to live in a studio apartment without roommates I am going to be living in a shoebox that costs 3 times as much as my apartment in Spokane. Holy cow.
So, all of you should start planning vacations to the East Coast, and you can come hang in my shoebox!
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Full. Rich. Short.
"O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!" Psalm 39:4
I think until you are truly faced with death in a really personal way, this doesn't take hold of your heart. I haven't faced it much yet. But I have seen one of my best friends lose her dad in an instant. Without a chance to say everything she would have wished to say if she had known the opportunity needed to be taken. I have watched my Grandma slip away and realized that I never tried my best to let her know what she meant to me. So I guess maybe this blog is about opportunity and risk taking and being vulnerable because God made us to be just that.
I'm really struck currently by how precious and short life is in the imminently terminal illness that has hit the father of one of my old small group family members. It has me grieving for her personally. It has me feeling heartbroken for her family and helpless that there are no words to even make a dent in making it better....from me or from anyone else. Death is such a tragic reality of life, and as I think about it more, I also believe that it can serve as a valuable reminder of how precious our relationships and interactions truly are with those around us.
As I see it, we were made for just such a time as this. In this place...in these circumstances...with these people....in these moments. Everything is purposeful. I guess some people don't buy into that, but I buy into it completely. In fact, I'd stake everything on the fact that God has me right where I am for a definite reason. And I can't help but fully believe that I'm wasting it if I'm taking it for granted. He doesn't owe us another breath or another day or another year. He doesn't owe us anything. This building could fall down around me and I'd be gone, and that would be it. If I ask myself if I'm taking advantage of today and not waiting for tomorrow to make my moves, I'd be lying if I said that I am. There is always next year. There is always 5 months from now. There is this countdown that I've made in my head until the next step in life, but truly...I'm midstep right now. Why try to skip ahead? How much am I missing RIGHT NOW by "looking forward" to everything else.
And relationship wise...don't even get me started. I'm so bad at reminding the people I love that I love them. And yeah Facebook is nice and I can instantly post an "I miss you and I love you" on a friend's wall....but that sentiment has to be lost immediately after it is read. Great...I love you enough to take 2 seconds out of my day to make you feel special....how about taking 20 minutes and writing a letter that actually means something? Or calling someone and letting them know you are thinking about them...just because. Oh my gosh. I am terrible at this. You know what my beautiful and dear friend who lost her dad got to do the day before he died? She spent the entire day in the vet clinic with him because her dog had gotten a hold of some medicine that he shouldn't have. Time. She spent time with him. She shared life with him one last time and will cherish that day for the rest of her life even if it was unglamourous and unplanned and seemed unimportant at the time. Or the day that my Grandma died, I got a letter in the mail from my roommate in Tahoe. It was such a simple act, but I truly can't describe how much that letter meant in that moment. Sometimes written words are as meaningful as time in person or an actual hug. I can't help but think we are missing the point relationally. We aren't taking enough time to be intentional with people. We aren't reminding people we TRULY love them. We are arguing and spreading drama and gossiping and wasting time. When it hits you, it's like a wave...and I'm being hit by a tsunami right now.
So if I'm not guaranteed tomorrow and if I'm not guaranteed another opportunity to tell you that I love you...what the heck am I doing? And I mean tangibly what do I need to challenge myself to do to really take hold of life and LIVE it. I refuse to write some blog and walk away and still go about my business like I have been for the last few years...swept up in technology, swept up in waiting for the next big thing....swept up in myself and what is easiest.... Because for those of you that are reading this....I love you. Individually and specifically. I love that you love me enough to read this rambling. I am blessed and flattered that you have come alongside me in life and are willing to call this crazy girl your friend. And I want to say that more...and I want to show that more.
Life is meant to be full and rich (and short). Don't let yours be lacking...
let me know how fleeting I am!" Psalm 39:4
I think until you are truly faced with death in a really personal way, this doesn't take hold of your heart. I haven't faced it much yet. But I have seen one of my best friends lose her dad in an instant. Without a chance to say everything she would have wished to say if she had known the opportunity needed to be taken. I have watched my Grandma slip away and realized that I never tried my best to let her know what she meant to me. So I guess maybe this blog is about opportunity and risk taking and being vulnerable because God made us to be just that.
I'm really struck currently by how precious and short life is in the imminently terminal illness that has hit the father of one of my old small group family members. It has me grieving for her personally. It has me feeling heartbroken for her family and helpless that there are no words to even make a dent in making it better....from me or from anyone else. Death is such a tragic reality of life, and as I think about it more, I also believe that it can serve as a valuable reminder of how precious our relationships and interactions truly are with those around us.
As I see it, we were made for just such a time as this. In this place...in these circumstances...with these people....in these moments. Everything is purposeful. I guess some people don't buy into that, but I buy into it completely. In fact, I'd stake everything on the fact that God has me right where I am for a definite reason. And I can't help but fully believe that I'm wasting it if I'm taking it for granted. He doesn't owe us another breath or another day or another year. He doesn't owe us anything. This building could fall down around me and I'd be gone, and that would be it. If I ask myself if I'm taking advantage of today and not waiting for tomorrow to make my moves, I'd be lying if I said that I am. There is always next year. There is always 5 months from now. There is this countdown that I've made in my head until the next step in life, but truly...I'm midstep right now. Why try to skip ahead? How much am I missing RIGHT NOW by "looking forward" to everything else.
And relationship wise...don't even get me started. I'm so bad at reminding the people I love that I love them. And yeah Facebook is nice and I can instantly post an "I miss you and I love you" on a friend's wall....but that sentiment has to be lost immediately after it is read. Great...I love you enough to take 2 seconds out of my day to make you feel special....how about taking 20 minutes and writing a letter that actually means something? Or calling someone and letting them know you are thinking about them...just because. Oh my gosh. I am terrible at this. You know what my beautiful and dear friend who lost her dad got to do the day before he died? She spent the entire day in the vet clinic with him because her dog had gotten a hold of some medicine that he shouldn't have. Time. She spent time with him. She shared life with him one last time and will cherish that day for the rest of her life even if it was unglamourous and unplanned and seemed unimportant at the time. Or the day that my Grandma died, I got a letter in the mail from my roommate in Tahoe. It was such a simple act, but I truly can't describe how much that letter meant in that moment. Sometimes written words are as meaningful as time in person or an actual hug. I can't help but think we are missing the point relationally. We aren't taking enough time to be intentional with people. We aren't reminding people we TRULY love them. We are arguing and spreading drama and gossiping and wasting time. When it hits you, it's like a wave...and I'm being hit by a tsunami right now.
So if I'm not guaranteed tomorrow and if I'm not guaranteed another opportunity to tell you that I love you...what the heck am I doing? And I mean tangibly what do I need to challenge myself to do to really take hold of life and LIVE it. I refuse to write some blog and walk away and still go about my business like I have been for the last few years...swept up in technology, swept up in waiting for the next big thing....swept up in myself and what is easiest.... Because for those of you that are reading this....I love you. Individually and specifically. I love that you love me enough to read this rambling. I am blessed and flattered that you have come alongside me in life and are willing to call this crazy girl your friend. And I want to say that more...and I want to show that more.
Life is meant to be full and rich (and short). Don't let yours be lacking...
Saturday, January 21, 2012
I like it...I like it a lot.
Don't you wish weekends were longer? Maybe that is what vacations are for? Hm. Not getting any of those anytime soon.
I've got some really strong "likes" and "dislikes" going on currently, and because I have a complete lack of other things to talk about...this blog will be dedicated to those.
Do you want the bad first? Sure...let's do that.
DISLIKES
5) Slick roads/sidewalks. I would just like to say that I've experienced 3 very distinctive concussions throughout my life...and I've heard it reported that you are at a greater risk of...
a) dying
b) getting Parkinson's
c) not being able to speak correctly anymore
...if you suffer more than 3 concussions. I'm right on the edge. Living dangerously if you will. Well, as I walked to work today I questioned why I wasn't wearing a helmet....because those roads are a 4th and life changing concussion waiting to happen.
4) Cat scratches. I wish it were humane to get this little monster declawed. Don't worry, don't worry. I won't. But I will continue to threaten it.
3) Washing dishes. Least favorite chore in the entire world. It used to be cleaning the bathroom, but for whatever reason, cleaning the bathroom is now one of the first things I do...as I'm putting off dishes.
2) The idea of giving up sugar for Lent. Now, in the spirit of the organization that I'm employed by, I figured I'd go the way of the Catholics and give up something of importance for Lent. I could give up Facebook, but I am afraid my social life would dwindle beyond what it has already dwindled to. I'm a winter-induced shut-in. Like the elderly (minus the bad hips and false teeth). So instead I'm giving up the one thing that I both need to give up for my own health and that will be the MOST difficult thing I could possibly consider. Sugar. I am a sugar fiend. Less so than one of my co-workers who literally licks frosting off cupcakes...but still....I have my weaknesses. I also have cavities...and sugar doesn't help. So, out it goes. And I will literally be tempted every single day for the entire 40 days, so it will serve its purpose of reminding me of the significance of Lent itself. I still hate thinking about it.
1) Waiting to hear about grad school. I have become a compulsive e-mail checker. Not only that, but I feel like I hear something about the city I am hoping to move to EVERY DAY. It is haunting my life. I find myself looking on Craigslist for cute apartments. I daydream about weekends at the beach. I fantasize about living in a city whose baseball team may actually reach the playoffs....oh man. I should know anytime between this week and the first week of February, but realistically I wanted to hear about 2 weeks ago. Let's get this together. And then the next step (if I either don't get in or don't get the financial aid I need) is to find another option...which sounds worse than this waiting. Praying that my heart it let down easy if it needs to happen that way.
LIKES
5) Crafting (specifically from the Martha Stewart website):
Let's face it. Martha Stewart is a criminal, but she knows her way around a craft room. Today I made tissue paper pom poms to brighten up my apartment, and thank you to Martha...because it worked. I also stashed away the few Christmas decorations that I had up....time for Spring. Now if only the weather would cooperate.
4) The Art of Racing in the Rain
I borrowed this book from my dear friend Whitney after eyeballing it for a long time at every book store I came across. I am a choosy book buyer...I really contemplate my choices. So, getting the chance to read it for free was a huge gift! And it's incredible. Turns out I could have paid full-price and it would have been completely worth it. Now it's not another typical animal book....I know where your hesitation may lie. I also love those books (the ones with the "no-eyed cat" or the deformed dog), but this is totally different. And it's making me glad I live alone, because the tears are flowing pretty consistently with this one.
3) Speaking of living alone....I LOVE my apartment. I think I've voiced this before, but I'm coming up on a year of living in this particular building and I am more and more in love with it every day. I think what strikes me currently about this spot is that I may be moving by late summer and I don't know if I will ever find an apartment that is this cute again. It is white and clean and cutely decorated and functional and cozy and warm and bright. Oh man. I always thought that living alone in a super cute apartment was something that I'd love to do...and low and behold, it actually happened. Excellent. This will definitely be the last time in my entire life that I pay less than $400.00 for something this great....realistically something like this would go for $1000.00 in most big cities. Gotta love Spokane's cost of living.
2) Dancing like a crazy person. Did you know that some members of the church (depending on denomination) don't believe that dancing is appropriate? Unbelievable. Certainly I won't stand in the way of their set of beliefs, but I am SO thankful that my beliefs are the exact opposite. I just love the joy and happiness that you can see in people that are being silly and letting loose! I just watched the most ADORABLE video of a groom and his groomsmen surprising his bride with a choreographed dance to a Justin Bieber song. So great...how can you not love that?
The Biebs Dance
Thinking back on college, most of my favorite moments involved a dance floor. I just had the greatest group of friends that were willing to let their guards down and have fun with each other. I loved it. This reminds me of that.
1) Leggings
I have given in on every level to the trend of leggings. I used to be that girl that silently judged people that wore leggings with t-shirts...instead of under dresses. It seemed kind of revealing and a little like too much information. Well, you know what? I'm all about sharing too much information these days, because I could live 24/7 in leggings. I have managed to acquire quite the stash over the last year. I have gone over to the dark side.
P.S. I actually like this hipster outfit so much I may try it out tomorrow. After church...I feel like church is the one sacred spot where you keep your pants on.
I've got some really strong "likes" and "dislikes" going on currently, and because I have a complete lack of other things to talk about...this blog will be dedicated to those.
Do you want the bad first? Sure...let's do that.
DISLIKES
5) Slick roads/sidewalks. I would just like to say that I've experienced 3 very distinctive concussions throughout my life...and I've heard it reported that you are at a greater risk of...
a) dying
b) getting Parkinson's
c) not being able to speak correctly anymore
...if you suffer more than 3 concussions. I'm right on the edge. Living dangerously if you will. Well, as I walked to work today I questioned why I wasn't wearing a helmet....because those roads are a 4th and life changing concussion waiting to happen.
4) Cat scratches. I wish it were humane to get this little monster declawed. Don't worry, don't worry. I won't. But I will continue to threaten it.
3) Washing dishes. Least favorite chore in the entire world. It used to be cleaning the bathroom, but for whatever reason, cleaning the bathroom is now one of the first things I do...as I'm putting off dishes.
2) The idea of giving up sugar for Lent. Now, in the spirit of the organization that I'm employed by, I figured I'd go the way of the Catholics and give up something of importance for Lent. I could give up Facebook, but I am afraid my social life would dwindle beyond what it has already dwindled to. I'm a winter-induced shut-in. Like the elderly (minus the bad hips and false teeth). So instead I'm giving up the one thing that I both need to give up for my own health and that will be the MOST difficult thing I could possibly consider. Sugar. I am a sugar fiend. Less so than one of my co-workers who literally licks frosting off cupcakes...but still....I have my weaknesses. I also have cavities...and sugar doesn't help. So, out it goes. And I will literally be tempted every single day for the entire 40 days, so it will serve its purpose of reminding me of the significance of Lent itself. I still hate thinking about it.
1) Waiting to hear about grad school. I have become a compulsive e-mail checker. Not only that, but I feel like I hear something about the city I am hoping to move to EVERY DAY. It is haunting my life. I find myself looking on Craigslist for cute apartments. I daydream about weekends at the beach. I fantasize about living in a city whose baseball team may actually reach the playoffs....oh man. I should know anytime between this week and the first week of February, but realistically I wanted to hear about 2 weeks ago. Let's get this together. And then the next step (if I either don't get in or don't get the financial aid I need) is to find another option...which sounds worse than this waiting. Praying that my heart it let down easy if it needs to happen that way.
LIKES
5) Crafting (specifically from the Martha Stewart website):
Let's face it. Martha Stewart is a criminal, but she knows her way around a craft room. Today I made tissue paper pom poms to brighten up my apartment, and thank you to Martha...because it worked. I also stashed away the few Christmas decorations that I had up....time for Spring. Now if only the weather would cooperate.
4) The Art of Racing in the Rain
I borrowed this book from my dear friend Whitney after eyeballing it for a long time at every book store I came across. I am a choosy book buyer...I really contemplate my choices. So, getting the chance to read it for free was a huge gift! And it's incredible. Turns out I could have paid full-price and it would have been completely worth it. Now it's not another typical animal book....I know where your hesitation may lie. I also love those books (the ones with the "no-eyed cat" or the deformed dog), but this is totally different. And it's making me glad I live alone, because the tears are flowing pretty consistently with this one.
3) Speaking of living alone....I LOVE my apartment. I think I've voiced this before, but I'm coming up on a year of living in this particular building and I am more and more in love with it every day. I think what strikes me currently about this spot is that I may be moving by late summer and I don't know if I will ever find an apartment that is this cute again. It is white and clean and cutely decorated and functional and cozy and warm and bright. Oh man. I always thought that living alone in a super cute apartment was something that I'd love to do...and low and behold, it actually happened. Excellent. This will definitely be the last time in my entire life that I pay less than $400.00 for something this great....realistically something like this would go for $1000.00 in most big cities. Gotta love Spokane's cost of living.
2) Dancing like a crazy person. Did you know that some members of the church (depending on denomination) don't believe that dancing is appropriate? Unbelievable. Certainly I won't stand in the way of their set of beliefs, but I am SO thankful that my beliefs are the exact opposite. I just love the joy and happiness that you can see in people that are being silly and letting loose! I just watched the most ADORABLE video of a groom and his groomsmen surprising his bride with a choreographed dance to a Justin Bieber song. So great...how can you not love that?
The Biebs Dance
Thinking back on college, most of my favorite moments involved a dance floor. I just had the greatest group of friends that were willing to let their guards down and have fun with each other. I loved it. This reminds me of that.
1) Leggings
I have given in on every level to the trend of leggings. I used to be that girl that silently judged people that wore leggings with t-shirts...instead of under dresses. It seemed kind of revealing and a little like too much information. Well, you know what? I'm all about sharing too much information these days, because I could live 24/7 in leggings. I have managed to acquire quite the stash over the last year. I have gone over to the dark side.
P.S. I actually like this hipster outfit so much I may try it out tomorrow. After church...I feel like church is the one sacred spot where you keep your pants on.
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