Notes From A Texas Treehouse

Why My Brothers Are Awesome, in a Nutshell

2011-11-21T20:28:00.003-06:00

I texted my brothers today:

What do you want for Christmas?

Brother A's response:

Snakes and sparklers

Brother B's response:

A sombrero

Splash Day!

2011-06-13T18:28:00.003-05:00

Today, after work, I went for my first swim of the summer. Aaaahhhh! It was very refreshing. I'd told myself I'd swim at least 6 laps, and I ended up doing 8. Then I did an underwater somersault, and thought I was going to barf for a second. Woof! I hopped out and laid beside the pool, letting the late afternoon sun rake across my white belly. Shicka-shicka-shicka the cicadas rattled to each other in the trees.

Ring-a-Ding-Ding!

2011-05-30T17:38:00.004-05:00

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, this treehouse dweller got engaged! Jesse and I were in the midst of our most in-depth "future talk" to date. "Of course I want to marry you, " he said. "I want to have a house. I want to eat cereal with you every morning." I was misty-eyed, to say the least. He said, "What am I waiting for?" He knelt down. "Will you? Will you marry me?" I couldn't believe it was happening. I don't think he could either! I squeaked out a "yes" and we hugged. My heart felt, and still feels, big enough to fill the room. I am so incredibly blessed!!! The next day, he took me to pick out my engagement ring. Check it out!

Remember...

2011-04-20T17:36:00.003-05:00

...When this was your to-do list? Ahhhhh those were the days!

Weekend Blessings

2011-04-16T13:15:00.003-05:00

It's Saturday at 1:15, and my weekend is already fantastic. A few reasons why...

I had a fun, delicious dinner with my sweetie last night.
I ran 4.1 miles this morning- especially great because the crazy, gusty wind kept me from barely being able to do 3 during this past week!
I went to buy a couple things from a certain beauty supply store, coupon in hand. The cashier told me, "This coupon doesn't start 'til tomorrow." She tried it anyway, and it worked!
One of the things I bought totally works- I'm pretty impressed!
I stopped at a sandwich shop to get some lunch. The cashier, feeling generous and/or flirty, filled up my punch card, letting me have my sandwich on the house. He even gave me a new card with two punches on it!
As I write this, my iPod is on its dock, on shuffle. And the random tunes it's selecting are just perfect for the afternoon.

Brunch Hut

2011-04-12T08:04:00.005-05:00

One of the first things I loved about Little Bear was his big group of friends.

One of the things I like best about his friends is that the regularly plan fun parties.

One of these types of parties is Vinyl Brunch- a Sunday morning/afternoon of food, drinks, and records. This past Sunday, the brunch was in honor of the host's girlfriend's birthday. The guy hosting it had constructed a rustic canopy where we could eat. It provided shade, let the cool breezes waft through, and housed the sound system. I had to take pics because the structure was just so stinkin' cute. I'm sure it had way more charm than the canopy he had planned to purchase from Target! Also, there were 2 adorable toddlers there. :)

New Orchid

2011-03-26T13:27:00.003-05:00

Recently, my boyfriend asked me, "You like that kind of stuff, huh- plants and stuff?" I guess I do. I think orchids are especially interesting, because they look so elegant and delicate, but are not that hard to take care of (in my limited experience, anyway).

This morning I went to the Fort Worth Orchid Society's orchid sale, held at the Fort Worth Botanic gardens. There were so many gorgeous, amazing orchids! Some had huge, bright blossoms. Others had tiny, delicate flowers. Some didn't have any blossoms at all- a great purchase for a patient person!

I got exactly what I came for. With the help of an older lady with painted-on eyebrows, I located Maxillaria tenuifolia: the "coconut cream pie orchid." She parted its leaves so I could lean in to take a whiff of its two tiny flowers. YUM! Tropical deliciousness.

I took it home, admiring its shiny leaves and robust pseudopods (whose function I'm still not exactly clear on). I did a bit of research, and went to find some potting supplies. As I write this, it is happily (I hope) perched on my dresser, near a south-facing window. Take a look!

An Observation on Timing

2011-03-08T18:07:00.006-06:00

Sometimes things don't seem to be changing. Day in, day out, they look the same.

But then, in a single day, a lot happens.

Seeing my orchid bloom today reminded me of how impatient we humans can be, and how God has His own timing. However much we try to rush, procrastinate, or prolong things, they will never fail to occur exactly when they are meant to. Lord, help me to be at peace with that fact!

Interwebs

2011-03-01T19:40:00.002-06:00

So here are a few sites I've been infatuated with recently, which I highly recommend:

How to Be a Retronaut: Daring voyages into the past via rare photos and video clips. Check out the lovely but haunting Detroit in Ruins.

Sharenator: Pics, Ask, Video... User rankings go up and down based on points they receive on their comments and posts. It seems to be run mostly by nerdy teenage boys who like video games and anime, but it's still fun and funny.

Gives Me Hope: A self-described "FML for optimists," it's sure to brighten your day.

Happy clicking!

Lost & Found

2011-03-01T18:57:00.002-06:00

I lost my job yesterday. Quite honestly, I wasn't that surprised it happened, nor was I too heartbroken. The hardest part, I knew, would be that in-between-jobs uncertainty. The challenges would be trusting God, and filling the days to come, so that I wasn't too bored or cabin-feverish.

Yesterday evening, I headed over to my neighborhood Chipotle to grab dinner before a meeting at church. The guy behind me, as I did, had ordered a bowl, to go. The cashier looked up. "Are these together?" He asked. "Nah," I said, "Lost my job today, so I'm not feeling very generous." It was true, but I didn't mean anything by it.

Before I knew what happened, the guy behind me had paid for my dinner! I was so floored, I couldn't even formulate a response, save for getting teary-eyed and thanking him profusely.

I got into my car, still dazed. I felt like God had [lovingly] smacked me and said, "See? You can trust me with this. I will provide for you and take care of you in ways you can't even imagine." That guy was an angel. A bespectacled, Asian angel who likes chicken burrito bowls.

Sullied Snow Day

2011-02-01T12:24:00.002-06:00

Nothing kills the buzz of a good snow day off like hearing that one of your co-workers courageously made it into the office to take care of business. Not to mention the fact that she has more business than you at the moment. Rats.

Dreams

2011-02-01T12:20:00.003-06:00

I was just telling my co-workers, "I had this dream, where I had to get these routine transfusions of some kind, but the hospital was on a boat, and our boss was the captain, and then there was a hurricane..." Imagine my shame this morning when I saw this cartoon on one of my usual webcomics! Oops!

Daniel Fast: Crossing the Finish Line

2011-02-01T11:49:00.004-06:00

"... Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith..." Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

WOW! Saturday, January 29 was the final day of my Daniel Fast. I am so thankful that I did it, and I am also glad it is over. I have gotten a lot out of this experience.

What I learned about God:

He's shown me new levels of His faithfulness and power
He loves me, and wants me to grow stronger in Him
He provides help and sustenance when it doesn't seem possible

What I learned about myself:

I can effectively practice self-discipline... when I seek God's help
I can survive without having the foods I want
Caffeine, processed carbs, and sugar really had a hold on me
I'm excited to have my usual foods again, but I'm just as eager to be able to exercise moderation with these foods

Overall, I'm glad I did this fast, and I recommend it highly. It's not just about abstaining from certain foods. It's also about devoting the time to prayer, reading Scripture, and listening to God.

Song of the day

2011-01-17T19:54:00.002-06:00

"Airplanes" by Local Natives. I was telling Little Bear about this song, and its awesome accompanying video, this weekend. Here it is!

Whole wheat crepes with fruit and nut compote

2011-01-15T09:55:00.003-06:00

OK, I have to brag. I just made the best meal yet on my Daniel Fast! It was beautiful, delicious, nutritious, and surprisingly easy.

I made this recipe, making some substitutions for the sugar, all-purpose flour, and soy margarine with applesauce, whole wheat flour, and vegetable oil. I made the batter last night, covered it, and stashed it away in the fridge.

This morning, I concocted what turned out to be a very tasty topping/filling for the crepes:

-1 C fresh blueberries (or any other berries would be good!)

-1 sliced banana

-A dollop of no sugar added applesauce (maybe 1/3 cup or so?)

-Handful walnuts, crumbled into smaller pieces

-Enough water to make it sort of soupy

-Cinnamon (I didn't have any, but I think it would've been perfect in this.)

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Smush some of the berries with a fork. Heat on high. Allow mixture to boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Look for fruit to soften, and sauce to turn purple and thicken up a bit. Spoon into crepes. Roll crepes up. Top with remainder of sauce.

Here's how they turned out!

Daniel Fast: Day 5 Observations

2011-01-13T21:05:00.003-06:00

I am now on day 5 of my 21 day Daniel Fast, as you probably guessed by the title of this post. So far, a few things have become very clear to me:

-I eat a LOT more food on this fast! I guess it takes a lot of vegetables, fruits, and nuts to fill me up.

-I also eat much more often- and I normally have 3 meals a day, along with a morning, afternoon, and sometimes evening snack!

-Each day, it gets a tiny bit easier.

-It's surprising how not having my one morning cup of coffee left me with a splitting headache!

-It's great how having a couple ibuprofen with breakfast helps that problem.

-And finally, God is amazing. He's showing me what sustains me; He's providing me with all I need.

Oh, and I heard this song today, and was so encouraged. Enjoy!

Love for the Day

2011-01-04T19:40:00.002-06:00

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

-Lamentations 3:21-23

New Year

2010-12-30T17:26:00.004-06:00

WOW I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged! I hope you have had a fantastic Thanksgiving and Christmas. I've been thinking recently about New Year's Resolutions, and I couldn't really think of any...until today.

Allow me to share with you what I ate last night- after dinner, mind you:

-A bowl of oatmeal

-A veggie sausage patty

-3 Rocher chocolates

-A 3 oz. cup of Haagen-Dazs ice cream

Needless to say, I awoke this morning with that familiar feeling of "Oh no, I didn't...I did." I don't know how much of my late-night eating is emotional, and how much is a side effect of my nighttime medication, but the entirety of it is, well, not needed. I get plenty to eat throughout the day.

I get a daily devotional email for women, Encouragement for Today, from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Today's edition contained a verse that really resonated with me:

"... make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance..." -2 Peter 1:5a-6a (NIV)

I pondered this verse. I lacked self-control, but it is something that is added to knowledge. Do I have knowledge? Do I have goodness, onto which knowledge is added? I did a Strong's number lookup for both of these virtues. OK, I concluded. I have faith. That's a start.

Then, somewhere online this evening, I stumbled upon the Ultimate Daniel Fast. It is a three week partial fast, based on that of Daniel. It involves abstinence from certain foods, combined with ample prayer time. Call me kooky, but the idea of fasting intrigues me. It is definitely a neglected spiritual discipline these days. Perhaps it can draw me closer to God and away from food for comfort. The website is here, if you want to read about it for yourself.

Just to be sure, I'm going to read the book of Daniel tonight and pray about it. But I'm considering participating in the January 2011 fast, from the 9th to the 29th.

Sooo... anyone want to try it with me? Anyone??

Thank you, internets...

2010-11-30T18:57:00.001-06:00

...For the adorable hilarity that is Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. Squeeeeeeeeee!!!!

Alexander: "Truth"

2010-11-20T08:01:00.002-06:00

This song makes me feel so many different things (inspired, shaken, strong, lonely...) I had to share it. I think it's so honest and beautiful.

Heart at Work

2010-11-13T09:04:00.002-06:00

Last week at work, the condensation from my drink dripped onto my call sheet. It formed the shape of a heart! I liked it. I picked it up to show my co-workers, that's why it has that drip from the bottom. Here's a pic:

Best Coast: Boyfriend

2010-11-12T12:14:00.001-06:00

This song has been sloshing on the shores of my brain for a couple weeks, like some lazy late-summer wave. Enjoy!

Politeness

2010-11-12T11:53:00.004-06:00

I really value politeness. I try to be polite to everyone, but I don't adhere to it at all times. I am a firm believer in the hand-written thank-you note, the timely RSVP, etc. So when was watching a rerun of The Office recently, I cracked up when I heard this quote by Andy Bernard:

You give me a gift? BAM! Thank-you note! You invite me somewhere? POW! RSVP! You do me a favor? WHAM! Favor returned! Do NOT test my politeness.

...Not so bad!

2010-11-11T18:22:00.004-06:00

Yesterday morning, I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth extracted. I was so nervous- not about the pain, but about the anesthesia. I'd never been "put to sleep," before! Jesse graciously came along to be my driver/ hand-holder/ caretaker. Beforehand, a surgical assistant explained post-op instructions, and gave a similar brochure to Jesse, explaining that I "probably wouldn't remember this conversation." She also cautioned him that I may be unstable on my feet afterwards, and would need a watchful eye walking back to the car.

She took my vital signs and hooked me up to a heart monitor. Dr. Scheideman entered, rocking purple scrubs and round tortoise-shell glasses. He put a reassuring hand on my shoulder, and told me I would take a short nap, and then it'd all be over. I barely felt the tiny pediatric needle to start the IV. I heard him say, "I've started the medicine, let's see how that feels." The ceiling began to ripple, and then I was out. Just as suddenly, I was awake again. I wasn't nauseous, dizzy, or in any pain. In fact, my entire mouth was numb. The nurse tied an ice pack around my jaw. They asked if I felt like I could get up. I did, still feeling fine! I walked, unsupported, to the car. I was pleasantly surprised at my own lucidity. (For some reason loopy-ness was one of my fears about this whole thing.)

Jesse, I've got to say, was awesome. He kept an eye on time (time to change gauze, to take more medicine, put the ice pack on/off). He got me anything I needed or wanted. He rubbed my feet! He definitely deserves a gold star.

And I highly recommend Dr. Scheideman and his whole team if you need to have any oral surgery!

So, long story short, this was another experience that I worried about for nothing. Who has two thumbs and is glad she got it over with?

THIS GIRL!

Thanks, Ma!

2010-11-04T21:27:00.004-05:00

It is great how moms can teach you valuable lessons by not doing or saying what you expect!

On Wednesday or so, my boss decided we should have a potluck lunch this Friday. Last night, I was telling this to my mom. "But," I lamented, "I have no idea what to make!" This was her cue. I held my breath for her to say, "Why don't you come over Thursday evening, and we can make (insert usual crowd-pleasing dish here)?" No such luck. All she offered up was, "Make something you like," along with, "I'm sure you'll think of something great!"

I racked my brain. I scavenged the internet. I knew that I wanted to make something healthy and fresh, as well as some sort of sweet baked good. Finally, I settled on Quinoa Avocado Salad, and Pumpkin Angel Puffs.

When I returned home from Target today, ingredients in hand, it hit me: this might be a lot of work! Had I gotten in over my head? Would my co-workers even appreciate these foods? And, more importantly, were they really worth my buying an $11 bag of quinoa?

I shook off my doubts, turned on my Musica en Español playlist, and got to work. In no time, it seemed, I was drying the last of the dishes, with my potluck contributions stowed away in the fridge.

I learned the following from my culinary efforts this evening:

-Quinoa doesn't take very long to cook at all

-Wearing an apron makes me feel like a productive chef

-Angel food cake batter= very fluffy

-Things that touch the oven's heating element, including cupcakes, catch on fire

-Homemade whipped cream is not only easy to make, it tastes heavenly

So thanks, Ma! I never would have learned these lessons without, er, with you!

Here's one of my Pumpkin Angel Puffs:

4th of July

2010-11-04T21:21:00.003-05:00

Today my brother's sweet fiancee sent me a pic of Little Bear and I from the 4th of July. I love how she described it, that he looks like he's admiring me, "secondary to the fact that his eyes are closed." I thought the color, composition, and overall feeling of the pic were great- I had to post it here. :)

A Song & Verses for This Evening

2010-10-27T21:43:00.004-05:00

Hi friends. Sorry I haven't written in so long! Things have been very busy up here in the treetops. I will try to write more later. But for tonight, I'll leave you with a song and some verses.

So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time...Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Tim 1:8-9, 12

Hallelujah!

I'm an award-winning nest-maker!

2010-10-05T21:22:00.002-05:00

So, remember my post about my nests appearing in an exhibition? Well, the art show in which they debuted has won an award! Common Ground at Artes de la Rosa was voted Reader's Choice for the Best Gallery Art Show of the Last 12 Months in the FW Weekly's Best of 2010 Awards! See for yourself here! I am feeling like one proud bird.

Jam of the Day (Yesterday)

2010-10-05T06:33:00.002-05:00

Matt & Kim's Cameras. Enjoy!

The prettiest things I've seen all day...

2010-10-03T21:20:00.001-05:00

...Can be found right here. Swoon!

Last Night's Dream: An Apple, A Flood, A Supper...and A Nosebleed

2010-10-02T08:09:00.003-05:00

So if you know me, or have just read the title of this post, you know that I have very strange dreams. But this one was especially strange, and especially vivid.

I dreamt that I was working in a school, and got a wicked nosebleed. (In real life I got them all the time as a kid, and now I still do occasionally.) I went to the school nurse, who, strangely enough, gave me a pill to take. I was concerned that it was an MAOI drug. (Really? Who dreams about this kind of stuff?) Would it interact with my prescriptions? I guess I wasn't that concerned, because I took it anyway.

The bleeding stopped, and I went back to class. I found that all the students had been taken to the gym, because there was a flood! I helped get them onto their buses to go home, and then boarded one myself. It was something between a bus and a big rig.

When I got on, I found it was filled with my family, friends, and co-workers from current and past jobs. They informed me that we were all going to my apartment for a dinner party! Initially, that made me excited. Then I thought, "Oh crap! My apartment is a mess!" As we rode through high, muddy water, I visualized a plan to run ahead of everyone, dash up the stairs, and at least tidy up the apartment.

We arrived, but everyone climbed the stairs right on my heels. Almost immediately, it seemed like people were having a fantastic time. Everyone sat at one long table, each guest placed next to others to produce great conversation and laughter. Pleased with the event, I rose from the table. I grabbed an apple from one of the edible centerpieces (?), taking a bite as I walked away. Then I choked on it! I stood with my back to the crowded table, trying to pull the pieces of fruit from my throat. All I could grab onto were tiny shreds of its peel.

That's when I woke up, coughing and gasping. Crazy, huh?!

So here's what dreammoods.com says about some of this dream's elements, some of which are pretty spot-on for me right now:

Choking

Choking dreams are often a fearful experience and it is not uncommon for dreamers to awaken from them. To dream that you are choking on an object, suggests that you may find some advice/remarks/situation hard to swallow or difficult to accept. Alternatively, you may feel that you are unable to completely express yourself in a situation. In particular, if you are choking on food, then it may be an expression of self-guilt and unnurtured feelings. If you are choking on smoke, then it indicates something you are unwilling to confront.

Flood

To dream that you are in a flood, represents your need to release some sexual desires. If the flood is raging, then it represents emotional issues and tensions. Your repressed emotions are overwhelming you. Consider where the flood is for clues as to where in your waking life is causing you stress and tension. Alternatively, the dream indicates that you are overwhelming others with your demands and strong opinion. Still another interpretation could be your desire to wipe everything clean and make a fresh new start.

To see a gentle flood in your dream, indicates that your worries over a certain matter will soon be swept away.

Nose

To dream that you have a bloody nose, means that your character is under attack. If your nose is stuffed up, then it suggests that you unable to freely and fully express yourself.

Party

To dream that you are at a party, suggests that you need to get out more and enjoy yourself. If the party is a bad one, then it indicates that you are unsure of your social skills. If you dream that you are at your own birthday party, then it represents appreciation of the life you have.

Beautiful

2010-09-29T06:26:00.001-05:00

I happened to be in the car at times so that I heard this song (Mercyme's Beautiful) twice yesterday. Brought me to tears both times, so I figured I'd share it.

Haiku: To the Audible Breather Next to Me in Spin Class

2010-09-27T18:58:00.001-05:00

I pedal so fast

But it is not fast enough

To shake your whistling

Moments

2010-09-26T18:46:00.005-05:00

There were moments this weekend that seemed like jewels. They were so beautiful, but, being moments, they were fleeting. I think that makes them seem even more precious.

-Hanging out with a new friend, even though the movie we saw wasn't that great
-Joking, laughing, talking, snuggling, etc. with my sweetie
-The mellow, yummy feeling of a birthday brunch
-Riding in the car with my sweetie: windows down, sunroof open, Miles Davis on the stereo, and my head on his shoulder
-Coming home to a tidy treehouse stocked with groceries and clean laundry for the week
-Celebrating my church's 30th anniversary with great music and an inspiring sermon...and cakeballs!
-Catching up with a friend I haven't seen in a loooong time

I hope I can keep these in mind as my week gets underway. What are some of your weekend jewels?

One of My All-Time YouTube Favorites

2010-09-06T21:00:00.001-05:00

A friendly reminder to enjoy the simple things in life, like this lil' guy:

To Trust

2010-09-06T14:25:00.006-05:00

I am learning more and more lately what it means to trust God. This is a struggle for me, as I'm quite the control freak. Not only do I need to know when, where, and how things will happen, I also would prefer to have a role in deciding these factors.

I realize the ridiculousness in such a mindset, and yet it's proving very hard to break away from. However, as God is in the business of making believers more like Him, He's given me quite a few opportunities for growth in the past year or two:

-Unemployment: After I was laid off, I could no longer count on a job. It really was God who provided for me financially during that time (through my savings, unemployment benefits, and my generous parents). When I worried over money, there was always a solution.

-Anxiety: If you've ever had a panic/anxiety attack, you know that your thought process quickly turns into an irrational spiral of what-ifs, I-shoulds, etc. Things feel surreal and icky, to say the least. To know that there are times when I can't rely on my thoughts has brought me closer to the Lord. I have learned that at all times, I can rely on His word, and His promises for me. They are far more steadfast than my flawed mind and body.

-Any change: From a new workout routine to a new career, God has challenged my adaptability in matters small and large. Will I be flexible, or will I break? When I lean on Him, turn to Him, and seek the counsel of other believers, I can stretch much more easily.

For me, I've also noticed that trusting God becomes easier when I recall the countless times He's "come through" for those in the Bible, and for me in my own life. He is so faithful. It's part of His divine character!

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock Eternal. (Isaiah 26:3-4)

Wow. I want to shoot for that.

Busy!

2010-09-04T18:22:00.003-05:00

Whew! This week has really helped me relate to all those people I hear saying, "There just aren't enough hours in the day!"

Work has been busy, in a good way. Last month, I moved 6 loads. This week I've already done 5! I love all the little details that go into doing my job. I enjoy my boss and my co-workers so much. I love talking to the customers, the dispatchers, even the truckers! Yesterday I had a customer- a crusty Noo Yawker, no less- tell me "You did a good job" with a difficult load he had to move. I also had a trucker tell me to "put a gold star by [my] name" for giving him directions to a location. Everything happened according to plan. I even made enough in gross profit to earn a tiny commission, for the first time ever!

After work, it's exercise, dinner, a never-ending supply of dirty dishes, and a to-do list lacking the satisfaction of having everything crossed off. I try to make progress on a painting for my brother. I get out my stationery, determined to answer a letter from a sweet friend. I open my Bible, to prepare for my small group meeting this week. But- but- it's so late! And the morning comes so quickly. Dirty workout clothes litter my floor, tangled with my heels worn to work. My trash is full, so I smush it down to try to fit in just one more little thing....

And then the weekend arrives. I celebrate by making a frozen pizza and watching one of my favorite DVDs, Eagle vs. Shark. This morning, I ran 4 miles. Along the way, I found a cool old wooden crate someone had put out for the garbage! I washed my car, and filled up the gas tank. I cleaned my apartment. I did a little shopping. And tonight I'll get to hang out with a new friend! Tomorrow will be a day for laundry, family, church, and games. As for Labor Day, I don't know what I'll do...but I will definitely appreciate the extra day off to relax.

Christian Mental Mash-Up

2010-08-23T20:55:00.003-05:00

Do you ever mix up 2 similar-sounding songs in your head? Today I realized I did that with these 2 songs: Nichole Nordeman's Holy, and Natalie Grant's I Will Not Be Moved. I love them both, but the melodies sound too alike for my brain to keep separate. Enjoy!

Mean Girl

2010-08-14T11:47:00.010-05:00

For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do-this I keep on doing. -Romans 7:19

You're not nice, you're just quiet about it. -My mom

I know exactly how Paul the Apostle feels. And, my mom is right. I want to travel the globe and offer my love, aid, and faith to people, yet I avoid eye contact with the 7-11 clerk because I'm scared he'll hit on me... again. I want to be patient and compassionate, but those desires dissipate the minute I get behind the wheel. I implore God to help me with my habitual sins, but I am the harshest judge of those who share the same struggles.

I have come to the conclusion that I am a mean girl. I am a petty, selfish, bratty, know-it-all (who abhors other know-it-alls, BTW) who is stingy with her time and her affections. These shortcomings become all the more glaring when viewed in the perspective of the cross.

However, all is not lost! I have hope! This same cross has saved me from my awful human-ness:

God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were yet dead in our sins- it is by grace you have been saved -Ephesians 2:4b-5

My flaws make me all the more grateful that I have Christ in my life. Not so that I can rest in what He's done and just coast, but so that I can know that He is sanctifying me in this life. It is with Him I can aspire to better:

Because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. -Hebrews 10:14

Happy Friday!

2010-08-13T17:06:00.001-05:00

Whew, it's been a long week, my friends. Enjoy your weekend!

Movie Review: La Strada

2010-08-05T21:30:00.003-05:00

After a discussion with friends, I was resolved on which Fellini movie to watch next. I liked La Dolce Vita, and I loved 8 1/2. They recommended La Strada. Thank you, Herb & Carol!

La Strada is enchanting, primarily because of the main character, Gelsomina. I couldn't figure out if she was supposed to be painfully shy, a little slow, naive, or any combination of those. It didn't really matter to me, though. She was so endearing that my spirit soared with her every smile, and my heart sunk with her every tear.

Gelsomina (played by Giulietta Masina, Fellini's wife), lives with her family in poverty. She is sold into labor by her mother, and joins Zampano, an ill-tempered traveling strongman. Their journey through Italy coincides with her own journey to understanding her purpose in life- even as Zampano (Anthony Quinn) is thoughtless and cruel to her. The ending, though not the happiest, is very fitting and satisfying.

Some of the reviews of La Strada I perused online classify it as surreal. I don't know that I agree with that. Everything was plausible; besides, don't we all have moments in our [real] lives when we think , "This is just surreal"??

So, if you have any interest in watching a black-and-white Italian movie (I can hear my mom now: "Bleeehhh!"), watch La Strada.

Dream a Little Dream

2010-08-05T17:28:00.005-05:00

Inspired by another blogger's post on dreams, I'll share mine here. I consistently have strange dreams. People behave unpredictably, places are mash-ups of familiar locales and strange new ones, and I have varying degrees of control over what I do in them. Like last week, when I voluntarily woke myself from a long dream to find I'd overslept.

For the past couple weeks, in all the dreams I have had, it's been raining. It hasn't been a downpour, or anything. It's just there. In one dream, I was driving my brother somewhere. My car suddenly flipped over- onto its roof! Neither of us were hurt, so we climbed out, and walked home in the rain.

So check it out: according to The Curious Dreamer, rain can signify

A gift or assistance from God
Nourishment and replenishing (as rain nourished plants)
Spiritual presence
Cleansing, washing away the old, and starting new

Wow! Dream Moods has the following to say about rain in dreams

To see and hear rain falling, symbolizes forgiveness and grace. Falling rain is also a metaphor for tears, crying and sadness. Alternatively, rain symbolizes fertility and renewal. If you get wet from the rain, then it indicates cleaning from your troubles and problems.

To dream that you are watching the rain from a window, indicates that spiritual ideas and insights are being brought to your awareness. It may also symbolize fortune and love.

To hear rain tapping on the roof, denotes spiritual ideas coming to fruition in your mind.

Hmmm I'll take it. I don't really know how much weight/importance we can give dreams (Are they prophetic? Symbolic? A mixed-up buffet of the subconscious?), but mine are definitely a source of nightly entertainment.

Femininity

2010-08-01T08:49:00.004-05:00

I remember reading once that the Orthodox Jewish man begins his day with a prayer that includes thanking God for not having made him a woman. At the time, I felt indignant. Snubbed. However, I can now say that I thank God for His having made me a woman. In fact, there are things I absolutely love about being female.

Before I detail them, I should clear something up. To say something about one's "sex" is biological, i.e. what anatomy you have. To say something about one's "gender" is sociological, i.e. what your culture defines each sex's role to be. I realize that this list is gender-based. Not only that, it's Treehouse-Dweller-based. I don't believe, or expect, these things to be true for all women. They're true of me, and that's all.

Ladies, comment with your favorite things about being female!

10. Blushing from receiving compliments

9. The skillful application of mascara: between the treacherous grounds of poking oneself in the eye and smearing black goo on one's face

8. Teetering about in high heels (yes, I know they are "bad for you," but they do something almost magical for my posture, and therefore, my confidence)

7. Lip gloss

6. Being faced each morning with the decision: "Which perfume will I wear today?"

5. Having doors held open, chairs pulled out, and heavy bags carried- to me, this isn't anti-feminist, it's chivalry

4. Feeling that it's perfectly acceptable for me to coo, swoon, squeal, giggle, and get misty-eyed over silly things

3. The catharsis of a good cry

2. Surprising others with grace and strength under pressure

1. Being zipped into a dress that fits like a glove

Mystery Followers

2010-07-31T22:27:00.004-05:00

So, there are a few followers of this blog whom I don't know. Being a curious person, this drives me bananas.

If you're one of those individuals, please leave me a comment here. Tell me who you are, where you are, how you found my blog, and why you follow it. Thanks in advance for the elucidation...

Overslept

2010-07-29T21:31:00.003-05:00

This morning I overslept... by nearly 2 hours. Fortunately, I was able to whittle down my getting-ready time, and I made it into the office 45 minutes late. This is not like me at all. I am the one who is early to everything, even my own birth (by a month!).

I am afraid of being late, of missing something good, something important. Plus, I hate to hurry. Rushing to do something or get somewhere feels to me too similar to anxiety for my comfort.

Did my alarm even go off this morning? If it did, I sure don't remember it. All I know is that I was in the middle of a long dream, and thought to myself, "Hmm, this is a long dream. Maybe I should wake up soon." So I did.

Apparently my body really needed the rest. So, I'm going to bed now. G'night!

Book Review: Playing With The Grown-Ups

2010-07-25T23:02:00.005-05:00

This morning, I finished the final few pages of Sophie Dahl's novel, Playing With the Grown-Ups. The last chapter, providing the resolve for the story, scarcely fills one page. I had to read it two or three times, trying to squeeze the most I could from each word, phrase, and sentence. I was also sad that such a great read was coming to an end. Dahl is the granddaughter of Roald Dahl, one of my favorite authors growing up.

The book tells the story of Kitty Larsen, a girl growing up in England, then America, then England again... Her transient adolescence is due in no small part to her flighty mother's pursuit of men and happiness. Grown-Ups swings fluidly from Kitty's past to her present, and back again. It has a timeless quality that is lovely and refreshing. Save for a few British pop culture references, it could've taken place at almost any time.

Grown-Ups is as much about her mother as it is about Kitty. Marina is at once despicable and lovable (though by the end I had settled on the latter). A beautiful, bohemian, talented artist, she captures the fancy of many men- and vice versa. Eventually, she reveals the extent of her instability.

Kitty's preteen years reminded so much of my own that I couldn't help but love her. She wore large glasses, adored her mother, and practiced a careful skin-care regimen. She never quite felt she had the "right" clothes. She had a vivid imagination, and worried about strange, implausible events. She was intrigued by different cultures and faiths.

I loved this book. It is charming and poignant. Put this on your summer reading list!

Nest Debut

2010-07-25T22:25:00.006-05:00

Friday night was the opening of a group art exhibit in which I participated. My sweetie curated, organized, hung, and labeled all the artwork. The gallery, part of the historic Rose Marine Theater, looked fantastic.

Five selections from my nest series got to make their debut! I was touched by how lovingly they were installed, perching on eggshell-white wedges at various heights. My heart was warmed by the great turnout, which included friends, family, and even my boss! I felt validated by another artist asking about them, and then offering his impression of my nests, which was spot-on.

And if you're in Fort Worth and would like to see them in person (along with some additional great art) the show will be up through September 16! Without further ado, here are some photos of me and my nests.

From left: Nest No. 1: Fiesta, Nest No. 2: Five a Day

Nest No. 3: Blue Lines

Nest No. 5: Lemon-Berry-Choco Perches

Nest No. 6: Cradle

Me and my nests!

Some Girls...Didn't Really Enjoy This Book

2010-07-15T22:34:00.005-05:00

When I first heard mention of Jillian Lauren's Some Girls in a Borders email, I was fascinated. The book recounts the author's time in a harem for Prince Jefri of Brunei.

All the glitz, glamour, and wealth she experienced could not hide the fact that this was prostitution, plain and simple. This was reinforced by the fact that, prior to being a modern-day harem girl, Lauren was a call girl in NYC (when not pursuing an acting career).

The subject matter was far more gritty than I imagined, especially because it included so much of Lauren's life before and after her time in the palace. She unflinchingly tells of her physically abusive father, a sexually abusive camp counselor, having an abortion, and getting a tattoo - one that spirals out from her navel, winding its way down her thigh to decorate her...yeah. Ick. All this happens, she reminds the reader more than once, while going through the late-teens/early-twenties struggle of trying to "find herself."

I know it's a memoir, but Lauren just seemed so utterly taken with herself, with the life she was living, with the people in it. That made it hard to sympathize with her. It sounds harsh, and it makes me feel bad, but I didn't come away from this book liking her as a person. I know that was likely not her intention, I'm just saying. I think her thoughts, desires, interests, etc. reminded me too much of myself...when I was a moody middle-schooler.

If you're in a prayin' mood...

2010-07-12T20:15:00.005-05:00

...Pray for the Gulf, and the lives (human and animal) devastated by the oil spill. It nearly makes me sick. Today I saw a picture that, along with its caption, made my heart ache.

The caption read, "A baby Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, an endangered species, awaits care at the Audubon Center for the Research of Endangered Species, in New Orleans, La., on July 9, after being rescued from the oil spill. (Gerald Herbert / AP)"

"awaits care" tugs at my heartstrings sumpin' fierce, I don't know why. I wish I wasn't such a softie! I wish I knew what I could do to help.

You'll Have Questions, Too

2010-07-08T17:35:00.004-05:00

Leave yours in the comments. I think the website where I found this says it best:

"Let me introduce you to your new favorite internet superstar. Do whatever the f*** you think you can to get ready and hit play."

Ten-Four, Good Buddy

2010-06-23T22:08:00.003-05:00

So today was a great one at my new job! I finally (after a week and a half, haha) "covered a load." This means I talked to a carrier who had a truck available, and negotiated a rate to get a load of freight moved. I got all their paperwork in order, and got the driver on his way! He should be delivering first thing tomorrow morning.

I feel myself warming up to my co-workers, and vice versa. I think we are going to have a fun, positive work environment. I have already learned so much, but I'm excited about all that I still have yet to learn.

...Plus, my boss told some people I met at our parent company that I am a "jewel"! Awwwww!

The Yummiest Lunch Ever

2010-06-17T17:54:00.004-05:00

Today I had jury duty, but the trial I was selected for got rescheduled. Yippee! I was free as a bird by 11:15 or so. I called my sweetness to see if he had any plans for lunch. He didn't. Did he have any ideas of where we could go? He suggested the lunch buffet at Terra, the Mediterranean restaurant in the West 7th development-thingy.

Oh. My. Goodness. I was so impressed. Yes, $13 per person is a bit steep for a lunch buffet, but this buffet was exceptional. Everything looked, and tasted, fresh. My plate looked like a gorgeous rainbow of yummy delights. I had...

-Babaghanoush: smoky, eggplant-y, and whipped to a lovely consistency

-Some sort of seasoned pita bread encrusted with herbs

-Tabouleh: cool and refreshing

-Mediterranean salad: cucumbers, red onion, and tomato chunks enlivened by olive oil and lemon juice

-Saffron rice: fluffy and a little poppy (just how I like it!)

-Vegetarian Moussaka: Chickpeas and eggplant in an irresistible tomato sauce

-Spinach: cooked the perfect amount of time

-Roasted vegetables: beautiful and, again, not over- or under-cooked

Would I have gone back for seconds? Yes, had I not seen something on my first trip that I wanted to save room for. It was rice pudding. I have never had rice pudding, and this kind was topped with sprightly green pistachio pieces. It turns out that this dessert sealed the deal for this being my yummiest lunch ever. It was ice-cold. It was creamy. It had a flavor like flowers and honey. It was the perfect way to refresh my palate after a meal on a hot day. I never thought I'd write this sentence, but that pudding was amazing. Some Google-sleuthing leads me to believe it likely contained orange blossom water, hence the floral flavor. It looked just like this pic I found online:

Sweet 'n' Sour

2010-06-09T12:37:00.002-05:00

I got 2 bits of news this morning regarding employment, one good, one bad:

1. My "skill set" was not deemed "advanced enough" for a graphic design position I interviewed for. This is kind of a downer, it was at a great company. Plus, I enjoy design. It almost added insult to injury that the HR rep told me she'd forward my resume to their recruiter who hires for "degreed, lower-level positions." Oh, thanks! That sounds great!

2. I got a job offer for a sales position at the freight brokerage I've interviewed at. The fact that you basically build and run your own business is so exciting to me. Plus, the money you can make...yeah. It makes all the things I want to be able to do seem not-so-distant.

So, as I begin my career in commissioned sales on Monday, I'll post a motivating song I heard recently. (I can almost hear one of my students, "Oooh, das ma jay-um!")

Nice.

2010-06-08T16:36:00.003-05:00

Just another reason why I don't shop at Wal-Mart. I realize that discrimination isn't the point of the author's article. She was just frustrated that they manipulated their price-matching policy. Neither of these things surprise me coming from the Wal- the manipulation nor the discrimination. Check out Wake Up Wal-Mart for more reasons to steer clear of their "rollbacks." Ugh.

PS: For the record, I buy all my produce at a "Mexican" store. It's cheaper, and better!

Wake Up Wal-Mart

Last Day of School

2010-06-04T23:06:00.004-05:00

Today was my last day of tutoring science at the middle school. Well, that isn't exactly accurate, because not a whole lot of teaching has been going on in the last 1-2 weeks. It was my last day there, and the last day of school for my students.

Other than the seemingly incessant, "What are you going to do this summer/next year?" questions from teachers and students alike, I was able to forego admitting to myself that, come June 5, I would be sans job again.

But, as I write this, the tidal wave of this fact is smacking me upside the head. I have a couple potential opportunities, but they are just that: potential. Nothing is certain yet. I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch. I am trying to master "cautiously optimistic."

A handful of my 8th grade girls were crying this afternoon. Two were full-on sobbing unabashedly. I asked their teacher what was up. She said, "Oh, they're just sad they're going to miss each other." As if they're not all neighbors, or texting each other constantly, or all would probably list Myspace as a hobby!

As ridiculous as I found their tears, I later realized that I could relate. We were all forgetting that everything would be ok. We all needed to remember that new things, or changes, can be great things. And we all could use a reminder that God has a plan for each of us.

...Tough realizations aside, my kids taught me a fun new game today called Ninja.

It might sound cheesy, but I'll miss them. All of them. I hope the best for all of them. And I hope I have made even the tiniest positive impression on their lives.

New Photo Series

2010-06-02T22:09:00.005-05:00

I've been thinking about this for a while now, but I'm going to finally do my series of photos called I Don't Understand It, But I Love It. It's pretty self-explanatory. I just want each photo to be intriguing both in its image composition and its subject matter. I want it to be a testament to the idea that life may not always make sense, but there's always something in it to appreciate. You can click on them to get a larger view.

Here's the first, One of Two in My Spinach.

And here is The Floor Was Pink, Too.

Busy McChaos

2010-06-01T08:49:00.002-05:00

Hi friends! There has been a lot going on in my lil' world recently. Not bad stuff (in fact, all potentially good), just a lot of it. I promise to write a more thorough post soon. For now, I leave you with a song I heard on Sirius last night that gave me goosebumps. It just reminded me to keep that eternal/Biblical perspective, even when my surroundings might be changing. Enjoy!

Crossed Paths

2010-05-13T18:52:00.003-05:00

I love when the things in my life connect in some way. It gives me a sensation I can only descibe as "positive heebie-jeebies." Maybe a new acquaintance quotes one of my favorite movies. Maybe a co-worker mentions a band I am presently gaga over. Who knows!

Today I had a moment like this. The Big Bang Theory is one of my favorite shows. Sheldon in particular cracks me up (even though there are unfortunate moments when his neurotic remarks remind me of myself). I am also a huge fan of Cake Wrecks. Imagine my surprise and happiness when I read the CW post featuring this beauty!!! Has something like this happened to you recently?

Another Lovely Song

2010-05-12T19:59:00.003-05:00

J.J. Heller's "Your Hands". The graphics are cheesy, but the song is great.

I want to get the chords, it doesn't sound that hard to play.

A Beastly Day, With a Beautiful Ending

2010-05-10T20:34:00.004-05:00

Today was a Monday after a very busy weekend for me. By the time I awoke this morning, my sweetness was already en route to Boston. As I listened to my alarm, I yearned to hear his, "I landed and I'm here" phone call. I got ready for work, noticing that my daily Claritin was no match for the latest batch of allergens blowing through North Texas.

At school, I was still struggling to get the morning groggies from my head. Between classes, I sat in the teacher's lounge with the other science tutor. One of our teachers came in, and congratulated her. The teacher left. I turned to the other tutor. "What did she congratulate you for?" She said, trying to be delicate, "I got a teaching job...here. They offered it to me on Friday." Of course, I acted all squeal-y and excited about it. But I couldn't shake the conversation I'd had with our principal a couple weeks ago. When I inquired whether he'd be needing to hire any science teachers for next year, he'd said he didn't know yet. Today, it was clear that he'd made up his mind.

Feeling about three inches tall, I went to my auditorium duty. Since there has been an increase in kids skipping and leaving campus recently, all the campus monitors have been assigned to outside posts during lunches. That leaves yours truly the only one supervising the auditorium. It is a huge old room, seating at least a thousand. It has a stage, which is off-limits to the kids. It also has two sets of stairs leading to a balcony of seats, also off-limits and even more enticing to the troublemakers. And today was the day that my assistant principal decided to walk in, when a rebellious student was refusing to come down from the balcony. She, for lack of a more eloquent phrase, griped me out in front of a group of students. She ended with apologizing for leaving me in there by myself. "This is too big a space for one person to watch." I told her.

For the last three class periods of the day, I had to go "babysit" the substitute for one of my science teachers. I don't know why the other teachers thought this was necessary. He was doing a great job, and all the kids had to do was complete a personality/career profile test. It would have made for an easy afternoon, had it not been ridiculously muggy, and 80-something degrees in that classroom. Woof. In 9th (last) period, I overheard something aggravating. A usually sweet student of mine blurted out to her friends, "I don't give a f*** about teachers!" The best response I could muster up, to let her know I'd heard her: "Thanks, Marlene."

Finally, the bell rang, and I made my way to the gym. My plan was to do the 5:30 spin class. I was a little nervous. This would be the first exercise I'd done in over a week, since I'd gotten sick, fainted, etc. However, I felt fidgety and ready. It was amazing. It felt so good to sweat, to use my muscles, to fight for breath. I made it through the whole class, and did better than I expected I would!

And as if spin class wasn't great enough, my dinner was delicious. First, I had a salad. The spinach, grape tomatoes, and baby carrots looked like a confetti used to celebrate summer. Then I made a cheese quesadilla. I used a heavenly homemade tortilla from Jesse's mom, and even whipped up a smidge of guacamole. Yum!

2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 5:17-21

2010-05-06T17:29:00.014-05:00

⁶Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷We live by faith, not by sight. ⁸We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. ¹⁰For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

This passage has really resonated with me over the past few days. I've really not been feeling "at home in the body" while dealing with intense pain, one scary fainting spell, some anxiety, the urge to do some late-night eating, etc. While I could take this Scripture as a validation for wallowing in the shortcomings of my earthly body, there are a few things stopping me

1. That's only part of the equation. Verse 8 says we'd prefer to be at home with the Lord. Do I have that longing in my heart? Have I been pursuing Him in my everyday life?

2. Verse 9 adds further conviction. Am I making it my goal to please Him? Honestly, in the midst of pain stabbing in my belly, I'm just hoping I don't black out again. How do I glorify God in those moments?

3. This passage is quite probably referring to "the body" as a metaphor for this world. And, as we Christians know, we are supposed to be "in the world, but not of the world." So, how am I doing in that department? Further conviction: I'm gossiping, judging others, being impatient... Ouch.

All this, coupled with the promise of judgment in verse 10, is very depressing. This is the point in which most cases, including other religions, we want to work off these bad things. What can we do to make it right? What can we accomplish to clean the slate? Amazingly, nothing. Further on, Paul writes:

¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ¹⁸All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

What?! God's letting me off scot-free? This is fantastic! But that's not all:

²⁰We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. ²¹God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

So God has done this ridiculously wonderful thing for me, and said, "Mkay, go tell your friends." Nooo problem! No pain or frustration of this world, or this body, can change the fact that I have been redeemed. This lovely song sums up the sense of perspective and joy I feel when I remember this. (Unfortunately it has embedding disabled, so I had to just link to it.)

ADDENDUM: I wrote this post, and was so proud of it. Immediately I realized I'd forgotten a very important element: that of sin-repentance-forgiveness. Well, we'll just say this one deals with overall redemption/Grace. I'll look for appropriate Scripture for the rest later...

Fainting*

2010-05-02T17:53:00.007-05:00

*potentially bad pseudo-poetry/venting

Three, four hours later.

I searched the bathroom walls.

Which corner snatched skin from my thigh as I fell,

In exchange for a bruise?

I looked for the surface

Where I bumped my chin.

Must've supported me for a moment,

gave me a red spot, too.

Did I call out his name loud enough?

Did I form the sounds,

push them out with my lungs?

Blackness was surrounding me-

I had no time to wonder.

I must have.

"What happened?"

He said, rushing in.

"Did you hit your head?"

He was nowhere to be seen.

I heard him.

I felt his arms around me.

I hung on with all I had.

Sorry, "People of Wal-Mart"...

2010-04-19T21:15:00.003-05:00

But this site just robbed you of the my-current-favorite-website title.

Still Surprised

2010-04-17T08:09:00.002-05:00

If I were more like this blogger, I would have quit being surprised by things by now. However, I am still taken aback when...

A student asks me, "Miss, how do you spell 'area'?" (I teach middle school, BTW.)
People think it's an ok idea to pull out in front of me in traffic. Vroom!
I am proved wrong when I'm so certain I'm right
I was told that one of our students (again, middle school) is a father
A crummy day is nearly always followed by a fantastic one
I laugh ridiculously hard at things like this

...And so on. What surprises you?

Movie Review: Zombieland

2010-04-01T18:36:00.003-05:00

Let me begin this review by first saying that this is not the sort of movie I usually go for, er, for which I usually go. In fact, I never would have seen it, had my mom (like-minded regarding this type of movie) not first seen it and, surprisingly, recommended it!

In turn, I must recommend it too. Yes, it's gory, but not in a realistic way. While it is suspenseful, it's far more funny than scary. Plus, how great is a movie that features a list of rules? Rule #1 for surviving the zombie attack: cardio!

The soundtrack is awesome. As you watch the movie, you hear everyone from Mozart to Van Halen to Hank Sr. to Metric!

The cast members complement each other well, and make up a great enesemble. Woody Harrelson is the bristly Tallahassee. (The best good-bye he can muster up: "That'll do, pig.") Jesse Eisenberg seems to have studied Michael Cera's acting quite a bit. He nails the soft-spoken, nerdy, neurotic humor of his character. Emma Stone (Superbad, The Rocker) has the smoky eyes and voice that bring to mind Mean Girls-era Lindsay Lohan. And Abigail Breslin gives a solid performance as her little sister! She's come a long way from Olive (Little Miss Sunshine).

The quality, humor, and storyline of this movie were all pleasant surprises. I can't believe I'm typing this, but, you should see Zombieland!

A Song I had to share

2010-03-23T21:41:00.003-05:00

So, the past few weeks, I've really been struggling with my anxiety/panic attacks again. It comes and goes. I met with my church counselor this afternoon. (Yes, my church is awesome and has a fantastic Biblically-based counseling center.) She mentioned, among other things, that I look up this song. It brought me to tears, in a good way. It's "If You Want Me To" by Ginny Owens.

Grammar/Spelling

2010-03-23T15:14:00.002-05:00

THAT'S what I'm talking about! Clever, funny, and true.

Wildflower time!

2010-03-23T13:42:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I saw the first blossoms of Texas wildflower season: Henbit (above), and Crow Poison (below). Hooray!

Can you guess what these are?

2010-03-18T15:54:00.003-05:00

I just took these photos this afternoon. Then I messed with the color, contrast, etc. a little bit. I don't have titles for them. They may or may not become my inspiration for abstract paintings, we'll see...

No new car...yet.

2010-03-17T20:09:00.008-05:00

Blitzen's lease is up in about one month. I want to purchase my next car. I have been ogling an uber-cute Jetta I found online. It has all the options I want, low miles, etc. Plus, it is red, with a tan leather interior.

Being the awesome father and tough negotiator that he is, my dad went with me to the dealership to see it today. We inspected it thoroughly. I found a couple rock chips on the hood, and he estimated that the front brake pads might need replacing. The tires were practically brand new. We learned, thanks to Carfax, that the car was originally a rental, and bought by the dealership at an auction (aka probably for nuffin'!). Its former gig as a rental did mean that all the maintenance was performed, but that it was potential victim to all kinds of crazy drivers.

The test drive was fun. The Jetta wasn't as peppy as Blitzen, but was no Mildred either. Mildred was my Chevy Cavalier who had the zip of a giant tortoise. The salesman informed my dad and I that it was because of its five-cylinder in-line engine. A five cylinder?! Those Germans think of everything.

Then came the part that is likely a beating for all parties involved: the price haggling. Dad was great. Not only did he get them to come down considerably from the price, he got them to throw in the 2-year warranty extension for free! However, the price wasn't quite where we wanted it.

We said we'd think about it, a move that prompted the salesman to get his manager. I knew that would happen! He told us this sad story about how he overpaid for it. Riiiiight. And that is my problem how? The salesman piped up, "It needs a new home!" I was thisclose to firing back, "Not that badly, apparently."

Then he tried to tempt me into looking at some other cars on the lot. I was getting hungry, and Dad saved the day with, "I've gotta get back to the office." We were out.

Dad and I left, and had lunch. During the course of our meal, the salesman left me a voicemail about an "identical" platinum-gray Jetta that was, well, the price I'd wanted on the red one. I did not return his call.

Today may not have yielded a new car, but it did provide me a lot of time with my dad: one of the smartest, funniest people I know. The drive to and from the dealership, lunch, and even the car-shopping process were great because he was there. It might sound cheesy, but I am so grateful to have a dad like him!

Two Songs

2010-03-11T17:36:00.002-06:00

From my drive home this afternoon.

I heard this one, and was reminded of how great I thought they sounded on SNL this past weekend. (I was less impressed, however, by the painfully un-funny sketches that seemed to go on far too long.) As for the song's lyrics, I am still trying to work out how a soul can be both "old and rusty, burned beneath the rising sun," AND "locked up like a trophy." Hmm...

This second one, I think, is sweet, poppy, and far too short.

I'm ready

2010-03-02T09:04:00.004-06:00

My first two years of college, I was a chemistry/pre-med major in Virginia. My intention was to become either an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. However, unaccustomed to having to actually work hard at school, I let Organic Chemistry kick my butt. My reaction was to transfer, come back to Texas, and change my major to graphic design (something I perceived would be easier and more fun).

Seven years since my departure from science and Virginia, I am finally ready to retake o-chem. Whether it's for personal reasons, or to get back on my original path, I am not sure. I just know that, like Spongebob Squarepants, I'm ready!

A question for other teachers

2010-03-02T08:32:00.003-06:00

I am writing this while taking ANOTHER day off of school.

I feel like crap. Again.

I flip back through my iCal, and I can see all the days I've taken off from exercise, because of feeling sickly. I'm averaging a 1-2 day cold every other week/2 weeks or so! This is ridiculous.

I am wondering, is there something seriously wrong with me? I'd normally consider myself a pretty healthy person!

Or, teachers, did this happen to you your first year? Maybe it is being around all the germy kids all day...

My First 10K

2010-02-27T15:57:00.008-06:00

Ding ding ding! It was 5:30 on Saturday morning, and my cell phone's alarm clock was ringing.

I was reluctant (to put it mildly) to leave my warm bed. But, wanting to avoid potential traffic, and being someone who is perpetually early to things, I got up. I arrived at the shuttle parking at LaGrave Field ahead of schedule. The buses were filling with excited runners of all ages, shapes, sizes, and colors. I sat next to a lady, probably in her late 60's, who was going to do her 10th half marathon!

We were dropped off downtown, where a huge crowd was already gathered. There was plenty to do and see before the 7:30 start. I checked my purse, sipped some complimentary coffee, and meandered around Sundance Square. People-watching was awesome. There were quite a few runners wearing plastic trash bags to keep warm!

During the run, I was surprised by how quickly the time passed. I also found it odd how my hands would get hot, and then cold, and then hot again. I took my gloves off and put them back on a couple times during the run! I was also surprised to see some people walking before we'd even reached the one-mile marker.

The course was great. There were uphill and downhill slopes, curves and straights. I was glad that only one uphill, the second to last, made me think that I just might barf. Luckily that was only a fleeting thought. I ran the whole way, save the 3 seconds when I had to stop and tie my shoe. There is something very motivating about running with thousands of other people, all of us like little trains, puffing our breath into the cold morning air.

Finishing the race was the best part. Not only did I get a medal, and snacks, but I got to see my sweetheart waiting for me at the finish! (I surprised him, because I finished more quickly than I planned.) It took me 1:11:06. Hooray! I am excited to do another one in the near future!

...And here is a pic of me (tired, sweaty, but happy) with my finisher's medal! :)

Wish Me Luck!!!

2010-02-26T21:40:00.003-06:00

Holy crap, I am running my first 10K in the morning! I'll let y'all know how I fare.

Nighty-night!

Sometimes

2010-02-24T19:27:00.002-06:00

Sometimes, as it says in an Old 97's lyric, "the day just wins."

You feel discouraged by the attitudes of those around you, both students and teachers.

You are tasked with cleaning out a storage closet belonging to the hoarding-happy department chair. (She has apparently come to the conclusion that things like the tops to Snack Packs are essential to instruction.)

The next class period, you have to corral antsy kids in the auditorium, and all your yelling and frustration smush your soul a little bit.

Your next class, you do some one-on-one instruction with a kid who has the attention span, charm, and physique of a mosquito.

Lunch. You have half an hour to savor your PB & J. (You gave up bringing microwavable lunch weeks ago, when the teachers' lounge was reduced to one working 'wave.)

You make it through your next three classes daydreaming.

You hurry home to change, so you can run some errands before your exercise class. The gym is brutal, but in a therapeutic way.

You have a hot shower, and a good dinner, but the things you heard and felt and saw just hang on you.

You talk to loved ones, who brighten your spirits.

You make an earnest effort to have a good cry/pray, thinking that would renew you. All you can squeeze out are a few anxious tears.

You stay up 'til midnight eating.

But then sometimes, things are different... even the very next day.

The teachers have activities that they are excited to share with the students, who are eager and receptive.

The expired Nescafe crystals and empty baby food jars in the storage closet strike you as weirdly funny.

The students in the auditorium are calmer.

Your one-on-one student from yesterday chooses to be with you again, rather than stay in class. You accomplish a lot together.

The teachers you eat lunch with are cheerier (partially because of the cheesecake someone brought, which you are strong enough to resist, BTW).

You do pull-out instruction with 3 "troublemakers." They work well, and are enchanted by your illustrations of the concepts you teach them. One even murmurs, "Thank you, Miss...for teaching us."

You hurry home, and go for an amazing run. The 10K you have coming up doesn't seem so menacing.

You write a blog, work on an art project, and talk to those you love.

A song for today

2010-02-22T20:08:00.002-06:00

I honestly didn't like this song the first time I heard it. I think I have to be in the right mood/frame of mind to be receptive to new jams. This is certainly a good one: danceable, encouraging, etc. Enjoy!

Utmosts of the Day

2010-02-18T21:39:00.003-06:00

Funniest thing I saw all day: I saw this photo this morning, when checking one of my regular webcomic sites. It cracked me up! (Click on it for a larger view.)

Best phrase I heard all day: "Fascinating cardigan." Yeah. What does that bring to mind for ya?

Sweetest compliment I received today: That the smell of baking cookies "has nothing on [me]" when it comes to "brightening up the whole place." (!)

What were some of your utmosts of the day?

Assorted Thoughts, Vol. 2

2010-02-16T17:36:00.008-06:00

This edition of Assorted Thoughts includes photo illustrations, pulled from my friend Google Image!

Not even seeing an obese lady on a scooter (as I did on my drive home) could make me rethink skipping the gym today. My shoulders are sore, my legs are tired, and my feet hurt. So there.

I thought that Crocs were the most hideous shoes ever created. However, that was before I saw a lady in my gym wearing these fugly things. Apparently they are related to the "barefoot running" fad.

Have you ever sent an email agreeing to do something, and then immediately thought, "Oh, crap! Why did I do that?" That was my reaction to volunteering to host Bible study group at my house this week. Now I feel the need to clean. And bake.

The following are things that make me feel special and happy: receiving a letter from someone while they are out of the country, fresh flowers, yummy homemade breakfast.

Middle schoolers are kooky. I should know this firsthand, having been a very awkward one myself. I had a huuuge, slow (mentally), very moody African-American male student try to pick a fight with a small, equally slow Hispanic girl today. Did I ever think that was an okay way to go about life? I've never even been in a fight. The class period before, I had a painfully shy/quiet girl come in sporting hospital bracelets. I asked her teacher about it, but she didn't know anything. I guess she didn't want to ask, afraid of the explanation??

However, I had a handful of students ask me randomly throughout the day, "Miss, how's your day going?" I couldn't honestly answer anything but, "awesome." I am alive, healthy, loved, and employed.

Snow Day? Hooray!

2010-02-11T18:02:00.006-06:00

(a view from my treehouse)

As I write this, I am sipping some hot chocolate, topped with a cobblestone-esque layer of marshmallows. It is still snowing here in FW, as it has been all day.

My day began with me skidding my way to school, cursing my district for being open. I made it in safely, and on time. My students (the ones who showed up, anyway!) were all so excited. Any kids who had classes in the portable buildings, or in rooms even near a door, snatched up the opportunity to scurry outside and pelt their classmates with snowballs. Anyone walking outside would have seen every window filled with eager faces.

I logged onto the district's website around 3 this afternoon. Tomorrow, there would be no school! Hoo-frickin'-ray! This let me hatch a nice little plot: If the roads are okay by tomorrow afternoon, I could surprise my sweetness at the airport when he arrives home from Paris!

I hope I'm able to do this. And, I hope you all have a fun, safe, and toasty-warm snow day!

ADDENDUM: The weatherman tells me that this was the snowiest day on record in Dallas/Fort Worth history: 7.9" of lovely snow!

Tu me manques

2010-02-08T21:33:00.003-06:00

As I type this, my sweetness is en route to Paris... sans moi. I miss him already. This song comes to mind as one to suit my current mood. Friday afternoon can't get here fast enough. To you, lil' bear:

Chatted Up

2010-02-05T07:47:00.004-06:00

This week was a good one at school. However, the kids in my classes are getting more comfortable with my being there. In fact, they all want to know about me. They ask questions, compliment my wardrobe choices, make attempts to flirt. It is a frustrating problem, because my gut reactions are to blush, answer their questions, thank them, etc. But I'm not there for that. I'm there to help them learn.

However, I know that the brain is more receptive to learning when it feels it's in a physically and emotionally safe environment. I want the kids to feel that. Where, and how, do I draw the line between, "Miss, I like your shoes!" and, "Miss, do you ever go to the club?"

Whaddaya think?

2010-02-04T22:07:00.002-06:00

So I redid my blog template. It is definitely different, but I like it. Thoughts?

PS: the only thing I don't like is that "read more..." at the bottom of each post. I can't find a way to get rid of it.

The cutest thing I've seen all day!

2010-02-01T15:40:00.002-06:00

I just saw this on one of the blogs I follow. I decided to post it here in homage to Sam and Ronald. Sam and Ronald were a German Shepherd and a duck from Jesse's childhood, who were friends! He even has a cute photo of them, just hangin' out in the back yard.

Assorted Thoughts

2010-01-31T21:02:00.003-06:00

I don't really have the time or desire or even need to write a whole post about one topic. It's getting near Nyquil & sleep time. Here are some things that've been occupying my thoughts during this past week:

In one day of driving, I was flipped off by one lady, and then graciously surrendered a sweet parking spot at Target by another lady. You never know who's driving next to you!

I signed up to do the Cowtown 10K. I was initially pumped about it. However, I inexplicably injured my ankle last week. It's better now, but now I'm facing another round of this allergy/cold mashup. My eagerly-made training schedule has been derailed again, and I worry I won't be ready for the run.

Last week was a great week at school. Yes, I had a student tell me that the chunk of glass in my ring looked like crystal meth. Yes, I had another student tell me to shut up. But, I got to teach a lesson, assist with a lab, and give a test.

I did my taxes! I can't wait to get my refund! As much as I want to spend it on silly things, I should probably save it because...

I've only got 3 months left on Blitzen's lease. Chances are, I'll need some cash for a down payment on another car. I don't want to lease again, I'd rather buy. I want something that's more "grown-up," without being boring. And that has Sirius.

We're Running Barefoot, You and I

2010-01-18T20:51:00.002-06:00

This evening, I was sitting at a stoplight on my way home. I was staring at the truck in front of me. I was admiring the tread pattern in its tires, and how it tessellated. What song should then start on my radio, but Tessellate, by Tokyo Police Club! Was it coincidence, quantum physics, God, or all three? Enjoy.

A good sign!

2010-01-18T20:21:00.003-06:00

I noticed this little guy this morning. He was beaming up at me from the parking area at my apartments. "How could it not be a good day now?" I thought. It was a good day, indeed. I had an awesome run and did errands in the morning. I spent the afternoon relaxing and laughing with my sweetness. And now, I am going about preparing for tomorrow in a leisurely pace. I hope you had a great MLK day and have a wonderful tomorrow, too!

Book Review: Girls of Riyadh

2010-01-18T19:52:00.004-06:00

I just finished Girls of Riyadh this evening. It is the first novel from 25-year old Rajaa Alsanea. The book's fifty chapters are written as email installments, sent out weekly from a mysterious author to subscribers around Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East. (A sort of Gulf "Gossip Girl," perhaps?) The book focuses on the lives of four young, upper-class Saudi women. Girls apparently created as big of a scandal in the Arab world as the fictional emails do in the book!

This book was fascinating. Though fictionalized, the author's accounts are kept as realistic as possible. The revelation of the usually-secluded lives of women there adds considerable intrigue. I felt as if I were reading private information! Not only that, but the culture and value systems are so different from the ones with which I am familiar.

For instance, marriages are arranged by [hopefully] well-meaning family members. Before signing the marriage contract, the couple are allowed to meet in person only once. It is no wonder that the trendy engagement gifts, then, are cellphones!

I highly recommend this book. It is fascinating, and enlightening. It is filled with everything from verses of the Qur'an to lyrics of Saudi pop songs. The characters are engaging and likable. Although I may be far from them geographically and culturally, I was able to see the universal nature of the human experience shine through. We all want to be successful, happy, and loved. These girls are no different.

Mexican Butthead

2010-01-15T15:22:00.004-06:00

This week at school (Tuesday, to be precise), I got to do my first pull-out tutoring with a small group of students. For three class periods, 6-8 kids came to me from their science teachers.

We did some re-teaching of energy transformations, by making and discussing a foldable (whose template I designed, by the way!). I quickly learned that, if I showed them my example first, they would use my ideas for the illustrations, instead of thinking of their own.

Then we played Jeopardy. The winning teams got their choice of Hot Cheetos (which the kids inexplicably love- blarg!), Kit Kats, or Reese's. I shouldn't have been surprised that there were some who didn't even know what Jeopardy was. I had the template to make the game into a Promethean Board activity. However, with a small group circled around a table, I opted for the "analog" version: a grid of different-colored index cards with the questions on the back. (I felt vindicated when a student said it was "cooler.")

Making sure that we had "team agreement" for an answered question was a great way for the kids to catch their errors. It was an opportunity for one to pipe up, "Wait, wouldn't it be this?" to his/her peers.

In 7th period, I saw a student coming towards my room whom the teacher told me she would keep with her. Why was he here? (I later learned that he hadn't even gone to class, but found his way into my room somehow.) This child, let's call him... Ramon. Little Ramon eerily resembles a Mexican version of Butthead (from Beavis and Butthead). He is a constant source of honks, clicks, animal sounds, and other distractions. I panicked for a nanosecond. Then I remembered that everything happens for a reason, so I'd just go with it. To my surprise, he only honked once. He spent the remainder of the time hitting on me: "Miss, you should try out for modeling. Miss, I lost my phone number, can I have yours?" etc. To me, a still very green teacher, this was much more bearable.

I spent the next day attending a funeral and visiting someone in the hospital. When I returned to school on Thursday, I had some pleasant news. Apparently, all the kids were asking about me! The ones who I taught wanted to know when they'd get to go back, and the ones who didn't get to go were jealous! Their teachers even let them use the foldables we'd made on their test.

When I first found out I'd be doing this (small pull-out groups), I was so excited. The other science tutor, for some reason, sneered, "Oh...I'd rather not do that." (Good thing they picked me, and not her!) I think it was just as effective, more relaxed, and more fun for the students than trying to accomplish the same goals in a crowded, noisy class. Mexican Butthead or not, I can't wait to do it again!

Creeped-Out, Let-Down, and Ticked-Off...

2010-01-13T19:58:00.003-06:00

...These were the combined states in which I left the gym this evening.

I entered the studio room for my Body Works class about 10 minutes before its scheduled beginning. The only other occupants were the instructor, and 3 other women. Suddenly, a red-haired guy about my age, dressed in blue jeans and a heavy Carhartt jacket, charged into the room. He located the bags used for the kickboxing classes. All the while clutching his giant, styrofoam Whataburger cup, he began kicking and punching the bags. He jumped. He jabbed. He spun. Oh, and did I mention that he was talking to himself the entire time?

While this continued, I stood in complete wonder. What was my instructor's problem? Why wasn't she taking any action? Only when he grabbed a set of weights and began hitting the bags with him did she say, "Excuse me!" At this he dropped the weights, picked up the jacket he'd shed during his "exercise," and left the studio. My instructor decided to tell the people working at the front desk about him. When she returned, she reported that they didn't have the faintest idea who she was talking about!

Class started, and through the studio's glass doors, we saw him bouncing around the rest of the gym. He wandered into a racquetball court. He talked to some of the people lifting weights. He took a brief ride on a rowing machine. And, several times, he came back to the door of the studio, only to place his hand on its handle, then turn, and walk away.

When class [finally] ended, I approached the two guys working the front desk. One is a part-time employee, the other is management of some sort. I asked them if the "creepy red-headed guy" had a membership. They didn't know who I was referring to. I told him about his odd behavior before Body Works. One of them joked, "Oh, him? He's a new employee here!" The other (Mr. Quasi-Manager) attempted to console me with, "Well, there's plenty of guys here, in case you ever need anything."

Ok, I will admit that, being a white, pretty female in my late twenties, I usually have my guard up somewhat around guys. I will also admit that, in the gym, this guard is even higher. For example, I don't like to show a lot of skin when I'm working out. I don't wear jewelry, and have on only what remains of that morning's makeup application. But THIS was flat-out unnerving. I am speaking of not only the strange man's behavior, but also the flippant response I received from the gym staff. This became even more unsettling when I remembered the shooting rampage that a man went on at another location of the same gym, a scant 5 months ago.

So... Do you think I should look for another gym?

Recent Acquisition

2010-01-09T15:57:00.003-06:00

This Christmas marked a new acquisition for this treehouse-dweller's collection, a gift of Jesse Sierra Hernandez.

Sofia With Octopus, Pussyhouse Propaganda, 24"x25", spraypaint on birch.

Horchata

2010-01-08T18:19:00.002-06:00

Hooray! It is officially the weekend. After a fantastic day at work, I am off to see my sweetness for the first time in what seems like forever. We are going to La Playa, because I am in the mood for horchata. Of course, this song came to my mind. It seems to match my excited, contented mood well. I hope you all have awesome weekends. :)

Hey Ken!

2010-01-01T20:34:00.002-06:00

I was quoting this video, and Jesse said you would enjoy it. Great to see you and your sweetie last night!

Another Song

2009-12-29T16:00:00.001-06:00

...That makes me wish I directed music videos.

Weird Dreams

2009-12-28T16:02:00.002-06:00

I have them almost every night. Sometimes I remember the whole dream, sometimes just a snippet, and most commonly, I am left with just a vague feeling.

Last night, however, was a great one. I was a college-age girl in the 1950's. I was going to get my teeth whitened. However, I was hesitant about this because a) the hygenists were all busy, and they assigned me the sketchy mad-scientist-ish lab tech guy instead, and b) I was aware that 1950's technology was not so hot. I snuck out, only to have my unemployed husband (played by some guy I've never seen before) tell me that he'll just make money from my sorority to support us. I was angry and confused. The end.

What's a weird dream you had recently?

The Ghost of Avocado Past

2009-12-23T20:49:00.002-06:00

...On my cutting board.

This is a temple? Yup!

2009-12-23T16:22:00.008-06:00

Last night for me was an evening of too many fun-sized bags of chips (and cheese slices, and tiny bowls of cereal...), then reluctant sleep, punctuated with Benadryl-popping, weird dreams, and nose-blowing. I awoke wondering how on earth my body is supposedly a "temple of the Holy Spirit" made to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I thought: This thing? Really? This cellulite-ridden, hypoglycemic, panic-attack prone bag of bones? This is "fearfully and wonderfully made"(Psalm 139)?

I glanced out the window, trying to shake off the shame of yet another night's snack session (read:binge). Below were three little birds, enjoying a splashy bath in a puddle. Immediately I thought of Matthew 6:25-27. It made me feel loved, and comforted. However, I still couldn't see how my body, with all its shortcomings and flaws, was a temple for God's Holy Spirit. Not to mention that God bought my body at a price, and therefore I should glorify Him with it.

I spent some time this afternoon reading Scripture, along with Elyse Fitzpatrick's Love to Eat Hate to Eat (both of which I highly recommend). I thank God for the understanding I was able to glean:

God bought me (including my body) at a price=He gave His Son so that I'd have eternal life
He blessed me with this body, but it does not belong to me (see above bullet)
Even the Apostle Paul struggled against sin and his own body (Romans 7:14-25, 1 Cor. 9:27)
I have a responsibility to keep it as healthy as I can (this is how I glorify Him with it)
I can be thankful for, and make use of, its flaws as opportunities to help those with similar issues (further glorifying God, hence this post)

So there you have it. I hope that, if there is someone needing to read this, they do, and that it helps them somehow.

D'you Ever Hear a Song...

2009-12-21T17:26:00.003-06:00

...And instantly visualize how you'd direct the video for it? That happened to me yesterday, when I heard this crazy gem on Sirius. I would go with: post-apocalyptic pep rally. Enjoy! Be advised: it is loud, and the "bad" quality is intentional.

Skinny Jeans

2009-12-17T21:03:00.005-06:00

A while back, I finally bought my first pair of skinny jeans (see "wintry joys" list). Yes, they were from Banana Republic, but a) theirs were the only kind that provided adequate bum coverage (I'm long-waisted), and b) I had a 40% off coupon, ok?!?!

Anywho, I determinedly bought the size 8 pair. They were a bit snug. No problem, I thought. I'll just stretch 'em out by wearing them for a while. Sure, the tag says to wash them before wearing, but what do they know? I put them in with last weekend's laundry. Since then, they've been folded patiently in my dresser, waiting me to work up the courage to try them on again. What if they shrank? What if I expanded?

I put them on this evening to wear to Bible study. They fit better than they did pre-wash! WOW! Since they feel so comfy and trendy, I now have a dilemma on my hands: Fridays, the teachers at my school can wear jeans. Do I go with my tried-and-true faded bootcuts, or pretty much blend in with my students by donning the skinny jeans, a black polo, and my Converse? I mean, I know teachers are supposed to dress professionally, as a way to garner at least an iota of respect from students. But it's jeans day! And what will students respect more: cool new jeans, or 15-year old stonewashed Jordaches (this is an exaggeration of the old teacher jeans I spied last Friday)? I guess I'll decide tomorrow morning.

PS: Pic is from BR's website.

Let's Go for the Hat Trick

2009-12-16T21:58:00.005-06:00

This has been a weird 90 minutes or so.

FIRST: I discovered 2 tracks on my iPod that were actually voicemails from homeowners/tenants to an A/C service place of some sort. I have no idea how they got there. I am so tempted to call the numbers they left. One is local, an 817 area code. The other is 979, which Wikipedia says follows the Brazos River from south of Waco to the Gulf Coast.

SECOND: A friend posted this lil' gem, which I love.

FINALLY: I have this song stuck in my head, so I thought I'd share. Not too strange, but the most bizarre-yet-catchy thing I've heard in a while.

Yeesh. I think it's time to go to bed.