Wow, what a man. What a testimony we had yesterday at the funeral! So many people were there. I am so glad for Mamaw that her friends were there to comfort her. She and Papaw are so loved by so many people. We saw that yesterday, as we have in the past. It was a true testimony to Papaw's character, how many people were there. People were there to comfort the rest of us as well.
Funerals are weird things. We cry because we are left behind to regret the loss of the lives who touched so many people, and yet we also celebrate the lives of the people who have gone on to a better place. Papaw is in heaven now, smiling down on us, and he is probably having a conversation with Peter the apostle. Knowing both men, though, they aren't saying much--they're just fishing. ^_^ Both were men of action, not words. When they spoke, though, their words had effect. I am sad for our loss. I am relieved that Papaw no longer has to deal with the pitfalls of cancer, though, and that the only bag he has to deal with is a bag of potato chips as he watches the Cardinals win. I think they win in heaven...
I'd like to add a special note about how wonderful it was to see the cousins. We had not been all together for 13 years. That is a LONG TIME. I grew up hanging around them, and so the one thing i don't like about Pittsburgh is that it's so far away from family. I'm grateful that we had a picture taken of all 12 of us.
Love to all!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
So what, are they TRYING to give me a heart attack at 26?
Who are they? My Steelers! I watched, biting my nails, for the past 2 weeks as the Steelers beat the Cowboys and the Ravens, both within the last 2 minutes. It was CRAZY. I love my team, but I get such a work-out when I watch the games. I had to apologize last week and last night to a 2-year old who I scared when I jumped off the couch and went "Aaarrrggghhhhh!!!!!!!" When I had calmed down, I looked lovingly at Ben and said, "Hi sweetie...." and kissed him until he started giggling. Thank goodness that 2-year-olds forgive easily! I've only watched a couple of games with the Almarez family, 4 of the newest members at our church. Ben is getting used to me getting excited/aggravated/berserk(?) for the games, but he still doesn't like it. As long as I apologize within a few seconds, though, I'm forgiven. Yea. ^_^
You may remember, I was never a football fan, especially to this degree. I knew that people threw a ball and that they got all excited when they ended up on either extreme end. I became familiar with a team getting 6 points after doing so, and then sometimes they would kick it between the metal things for one more point, or they'd run it in for two.
Don't get me wrong--my football knowledge is still pretty lousy, but I no longer look confused when a player gets down on one knee after catching the ball in the endzone. I've learned what field goals are--especially after last night when 5 such field goals were stressing me out to where I no longer have white on the ends of my fingernails. If the game had ended last night 9-6 Ravens because of 5 field goals, I would have cried.
From whence does my newly found passion come? I married a Pittsburgher. Pittsburghers are passionate about 2 sports: hockey--Go PENS! and football--go STEELERS!!! Pittsburghers go watch Pirates games too, but mainly because it's a nice Sunday afternoon activity. Steeler games and Penguin games are just exciting. (Although there was an awesome Pirates game that I went to with my church last summer where we won in the extra innings, but that's another story.) At any rate, when in Pittsburgh, do as the Pittsburghers do. ^_^
So what? I can live in Pittsburgh and not be a Steeler fan. I couldn't say it out loud, but I don't have to be a fan. It's fun, though! Palomalu, my favorite Steeler, tackled one of the Ravens by tripping him, and the Raven flew through the air. It was a great play! It's fun to watch Roethlisberger sail the ball down the field to a ready teammates hands for the perfect touchdown. Besides, I was a cheerleader in high school, and this is a great outlet for my inner cheerleader! It's normal to shout at the TV for a game, in a matter of speaking...^_^ (Hmmm, why do I love to play Taboo and Cranium so much? You get to SHOUT.) ^_^
So now you know. ^_^ Love to all!
You may remember, I was never a football fan, especially to this degree. I knew that people threw a ball and that they got all excited when they ended up on either extreme end. I became familiar with a team getting 6 points after doing so, and then sometimes they would kick it between the metal things for one more point, or they'd run it in for two.
Don't get me wrong--my football knowledge is still pretty lousy, but I no longer look confused when a player gets down on one knee after catching the ball in the endzone. I've learned what field goals are--especially after last night when 5 such field goals were stressing me out to where I no longer have white on the ends of my fingernails. If the game had ended last night 9-6 Ravens because of 5 field goals, I would have cried.
From whence does my newly found passion come? I married a Pittsburgher. Pittsburghers are passionate about 2 sports: hockey--Go PENS! and football--go STEELERS!!! Pittsburghers go watch Pirates games too, but mainly because it's a nice Sunday afternoon activity. Steeler games and Penguin games are just exciting. (Although there was an awesome Pirates game that I went to with my church last summer where we won in the extra innings, but that's another story.) At any rate, when in Pittsburgh, do as the Pittsburghers do. ^_^
So what? I can live in Pittsburgh and not be a Steeler fan. I couldn't say it out loud, but I don't have to be a fan. It's fun, though! Palomalu, my favorite Steeler, tackled one of the Ravens by tripping him, and the Raven flew through the air. It was a great play! It's fun to watch Roethlisberger sail the ball down the field to a ready teammates hands for the perfect touchdown. Besides, I was a cheerleader in high school, and this is a great outlet for my inner cheerleader! It's normal to shout at the TV for a game, in a matter of speaking...^_^ (Hmmm, why do I love to play Taboo and Cranium so much? You get to SHOUT.) ^_^
So now you know. ^_^ Love to all!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
They say that catching up...is...hard to do-o!
...but I'm getting there!!! I was gone from school for a week and missed quizzes, notes, etc. Don't get me wrong, I would not take that week back for anything, but it is difficult to catch up. I also came back to practicum and had a MOUNTAIN of paperwork to do!! It's all good. Why? I'm Superkristi!! Well, not really, but I was able to catch up. ^_^
Also, this is my first free weekend in ONE MONTH. I am psyched!! Those who know me know that I love people and would much rather be in a room surrounded by people than being at home, by myself, ALONE. I can be alone for a time, but then I have the biggest urge to be with others just to hear them speak. Not this weekend. I am going to work on 4 papers in utter solitude, with occasional breaks every once in a while so I'm not driven mad. I don't like to be alone too much, but this will be a good weekend for the cause--school!!
I must say, though, that part of catching up is getting me into the Christmas spirit. At first, I was not ready to hear Christmas music because it was reminding me of all the catching up to do and all the stuff that needs done beforehand. This monrning, though, I was in the grocery store and looked up at a TV just in time to see my favorite scene from "White Christmas"--where Danny Kaye and (what's her name--Mom, you know!!) dance together for the first time. I love that song!! They are so graceful. When I see that movie for the first time, I know it's time for Christmas!! What a special movie.
Thanksgiving will be spent this year with Bryan's family. 2 of the family members are vegetarians, so we will be eating some stuff without meat, but I am excited about this Vegetable Gratin recipe that I found in a magazine. I'm dying to try it out because it looks wonderful, has Asiago cheese and polenta in it, which is a type of grainy starch, and Bryan loves polenta. Here's hoping I do it justice! At any rate, it will be a good time had by all.
Pictures to come...^_^
Love to all!!
Also, this is my first free weekend in ONE MONTH. I am psyched!! Those who know me know that I love people and would much rather be in a room surrounded by people than being at home, by myself, ALONE. I can be alone for a time, but then I have the biggest urge to be with others just to hear them speak. Not this weekend. I am going to work on 4 papers in utter solitude, with occasional breaks every once in a while so I'm not driven mad. I don't like to be alone too much, but this will be a good weekend for the cause--school!!
I must say, though, that part of catching up is getting me into the Christmas spirit. At first, I was not ready to hear Christmas music because it was reminding me of all the catching up to do and all the stuff that needs done beforehand. This monrning, though, I was in the grocery store and looked up at a TV just in time to see my favorite scene from "White Christmas"--where Danny Kaye and (what's her name--Mom, you know!!) dance together for the first time. I love that song!! They are so graceful. When I see that movie for the first time, I know it's time for Christmas!! What a special movie.
Thanksgiving will be spent this year with Bryan's family. 2 of the family members are vegetarians, so we will be eating some stuff without meat, but I am excited about this Vegetable Gratin recipe that I found in a magazine. I'm dying to try it out because it looks wonderful, has Asiago cheese and polenta in it, which is a type of grainy starch, and Bryan loves polenta. Here's hoping I do it justice! At any rate, it will be a good time had by all.
Pictures to come...^_^
Love to all!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
God is not a crutch!
He is so much more than that! God gets us through everything. I'm reading this book, "Darkness is my Only Companion," which is about the struggle of a woman with Bipolar Disorder. Anyone who knows about Bipolar Disorder knows that this struggle is intense. It's not just the transition from manic--excessive energy, irritability, lack of ability to sleep, to depressive--lack of energy, feeling pain. The pills people have to take make it difficult, going through the symptoms. I am so grateful for these people who have improved upon the medication that people with Bipolar Disorder have to take, and yet it is still far from easy. Although I do not know this personally, I feel with this woman in her book, and I encourage counselors, therapists, and people with Bipolar Disorder to read this book.
Why is the title of this blog "God is not a crutch!"? So many people that don't understand Christianity think of God that way. God is love that people do not understand, which is one of the reasons He is so beautiful. Any difficulty I have in my life can be maintained, even if it ends in death, because that is not the final end. I want people to know that God is there.
This book is also important, though, because the author, Kathryn Greene-McCreight, is candid about her thoughts and feelings toward those "comforting" Bible verses. Although they are comforting, pain does not go away just because you understand pain. I used to think you could explain away anything, but I was naive. I am less naive now, after experiencing other people's suffering. I still have a lot to learn, but I do know that anything difficult I have or will experienced would be a million times worse without the presence of God in my life. I know that not everybody will read and believe in God, but He extends His love to all who will take it. Thank you, God for loving me, wrapping your arms around me, and giving me hope that I will be with you someday. In the meantime, I am here to do your work and encourage others, hopefully bringing them to you as well.
Why is the title of this blog "God is not a crutch!"? So many people that don't understand Christianity think of God that way. God is love that people do not understand, which is one of the reasons He is so beautiful. Any difficulty I have in my life can be maintained, even if it ends in death, because that is not the final end. I want people to know that God is there.
This book is also important, though, because the author, Kathryn Greene-McCreight, is candid about her thoughts and feelings toward those "comforting" Bible verses. Although they are comforting, pain does not go away just because you understand pain. I used to think you could explain away anything, but I was naive. I am less naive now, after experiencing other people's suffering. I still have a lot to learn, but I do know that anything difficult I have or will experienced would be a million times worse without the presence of God in my life. I know that not everybody will read and believe in God, but He extends His love to all who will take it. Thank you, God for loving me, wrapping your arms around me, and giving me hope that I will be with you someday. In the meantime, I am here to do your work and encourage others, hopefully bringing them to you as well.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Mom and I...and custard pie
Mom has been the dutiful daughter, taking care of Mamaw and Papaw wherever she can, teaching 2 classes, taking care of me while I'm here, doing her job--basically, she's superwoman. ^_^ I've been having fun with her.
The other day, she asked me what we should get for dinner, and I immediately said "Chicken Pot Pie!!" knowing that she would have enough crust left over for our little custard pie, as well. Yummy!!! So that's what we did.
I wanted to put a picture up of us smiling, but we were against a yellow wall, so we look a tad jaundiced. Oh, well. Here's a cute picture of her on the phone as well. ^_^ She's talking to my brother. What a great Mom!!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
I'm home!
It is so good to be here. I know I'm here because of a deeply sad event, Papaw and his cancer, but I must say that I am so relieved to see my family. I have gotten my family cup filled already, and it's only MONDAY. I still have one week to fit in as much family as I can. So far I've seen Mom, Aunt Donna, Mamaw, Papaw, Kreg, Keleigh, Tara, I finally got to meet Peter, and I get to see Rachel, Casey, and Abby tomorrow. Yea!
On the down side, a difficult thing is to see Papaw's face. He is in pain, and I wish I could take it away. He is no longer on a morphine drip--they give him morphine orally and in liquid form, when he asks for it. Earlier today, the nurse asked him on a scale from 1-10 where his pain was, and he said 5-6. Tara and I decided that a 5-6 for him is about a 9-10 for most people. We can't take away his pain like we wish, but we can make him smile, on occasion. He has the best smile, just the way Great-Grandma Curtis used to. Laura Reeder came over and made him smile today, and I just had to put this picture up.
I'm missing school for a coupla days too, so I'm working on a paper while I'm here too, but I'm definitely not skipping out on family to do that. The less I soak them up while I'm here, the more I have to miss them until I come home again in May!! Dumb airline prices.
So here I am, soaking up as much Curtis clan as possible. I love us so much!! One of my favorite parts of this time was being able to sing with Aunt Donna and Mom 2 days in a row: fun songs with Mom while she was on the piano on Saturday night, and great church songs the next day at church. We even sang "Victory In Jesus" at night church. That was special. Here's to a great man and a great woman who got together, not knowing that they would raise 4 God-fearing children, 12 God-fearing grandchildren, and 13 (some on the way) great-grandchildren! ^_^ What a crew.
Friday, October 31, 2008
New recipe for biscuits--by default...
So at my practicum yesterday, we made cookies. It was fun. ^_^ Some of the kids had never made cookies before, so that was cool, too. I gave them the recipe for sugar cookies...minus sugar. They had no idea, at least until they took the first bite of their cookies. I had everybody take a bite at the same time, and their reaction was priceless!! I wish I had taken pictures. They all went "EW" and "GAG" all at the same time. It was great!!
The point is, every ingredient in cookies is necessary. When the cookie misses the sugar, the cookie becomes a weird kind of biscuit. We talked about the role of members in families, how missing the sugar was a negative choice, and how positive and negative choices affect the family. It was special. Some of the kids shared more than they usually do.
I think it will take time before I am a more competent group leader, but I cherish every mistake i get to make along the way. I love being at this place!! The kids are beautiful in so many ways. God knew what He was doing when He put me here. I have so much to learn, but I'm having a great time in the process.
These people, especially the staff, are angels.
by the way, one of the kids eats everything in his path, so he ate 4 of the "cookies" himself! That was fun. Gave the kids a laugh, too. my next group is next Thursday. We'll see how it goes!!
Love to all! ^_^
The point is, every ingredient in cookies is necessary. When the cookie misses the sugar, the cookie becomes a weird kind of biscuit. We talked about the role of members in families, how missing the sugar was a negative choice, and how positive and negative choices affect the family. It was special. Some of the kids shared more than they usually do.
I think it will take time before I am a more competent group leader, but I cherish every mistake i get to make along the way. I love being at this place!! The kids are beautiful in so many ways. God knew what He was doing when He put me here. I have so much to learn, but I'm having a great time in the process.
These people, especially the staff, are angels.
by the way, one of the kids eats everything in his path, so he ate 4 of the "cookies" himself! That was fun. Gave the kids a laugh, too. my next group is next Thursday. We'll see how it goes!!
Love to all! ^_^
Monday, October 27, 2008
Surprise Baby Shower
Sami
Lisa
Mary, Sandy, Julie
Marian, Mary, Sandy
Nicole and Elaine
Marian and Sandy
Linda, Glory, Carol
Sami, Lisa, Diana, Mary
Me and Whitney
Mary
Yesterday was so much fun!! My friend, Whitney, who also lives here in PA is expecting her third baby, first girl. All the ladies at church threw her a shower, and up until she got to church and saw her friends walking in, she had no idea! It was so much fun. We had typical foods, punch, a fun cake, and games. ^_^
I got to do the games, and that was fun. We played celebrity baby names game, where you match up celebrities with their kids' names, such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Apple. She named her kid that, by the way, because the name sounded CLEAN. Whatever. ^_^
We also played "Build a Baby's Library" where we each brought a book as a gift for Lucy, Whitney's baby, and the book had special meaning attached to it. I brought "Robert the Rose Horse" because I remember my family reading it with special emphasis on the sneezes! How fun. ^_^
Finally, we played a game I invented where you look at the differences between raising boys and girls, such as differences in hair fixing, potty training, toys you buy, and protectiveness. ^_^ Whitney wrote her list while everybody else wrote theirs, and people who matched the most got a prize. ^_^ That was fun. Whitney keeps thinking about the whole hair-fixing thing because with two boys, you don't have to do so much!
We had a great time. Here are some pictures of me and my wonderful church lady friends! I'm so glad I'm here. These people are so wonderful. ^_^
Friday, October 17, 2008
We're not kids anymore...
...but it's okay to play like it from time to time! I needed a little break from stocks crashing, presidential candidates debating, and criminals murdering, so I watched cartoons this morning. Bryan and I sat with our coffee cups and Captain Planet and Jetsons. It was nice to watch something to make us laugh for a change.
I'm not an ostrich, mind you. I don't stick my head in the sand when confrontation is necessary. I do, however, think that if you constantly allow yourself to be filled with pressure, like a balloon, you'll pop and it won't be pretty.
Remedy? Allow yourself to watch something silly everyonce in a while so you won't be bombarded with life's pressure. Take care of what needs done, but breathe and relax with Pink Panther for a moment before getting back to the grind. ^_^
Love to all!
I'm not an ostrich, mind you. I don't stick my head in the sand when confrontation is necessary. I do, however, think that if you constantly allow yourself to be filled with pressure, like a balloon, you'll pop and it won't be pretty.
Remedy? Allow yourself to watch something silly everyonce in a while so you won't be bombarded with life's pressure. Take care of what needs done, but breathe and relax with Pink Panther for a moment before getting back to the grind. ^_^
Love to all!
Monday, October 06, 2008
Megan's wedding, yea!!!! ^_^
It was a blast!!! Megan was gorgeous, Zack was handsome (both were, but the groom description had to follow the bride, right?) Kierrabelle was an adorable flower girl, and Kole couldn't have been handsomer in his little suit. He was especially cute when he was dancing to the music! He was also cute when he was helping direct Kierrabelle down the aisle. ("Hey! Go that way!--big point--go that way!!") A fun day was had by all. Megan's dress was phenomenal. She looked radiant, as most brides tend to do. Plus, the sun was shining on her, which is lucky, and so she looked extra happy. ^_^
The whole day was Megan, absolutely. She had bluegrass music playing. She's always been folks-y, which fits in with the neat way she sings and plays guitar. I so love that about her! Uncle Kevin sang a song to her that he used to sing to her when she was a little girl, and I nearly cried. It's too bad that Megan's voice wasn't feeling so hot that day because the girl has talent.
The setting was Megan as well. The leaves were beginning to change, and the hills were beautiful. They encased the setting of the ceremony perfectly. Besides the area being beautiful, Megan has always excelled in the outdoors, especially when it comes to fishing. I still remember being a little girl and fishing with the cousins, being horrified because I was told to pick a worm up from the ground and put it on the hook by myself, and I just couldn't do it. Megan did it for me. ^_^ Thanx, Meg. ^_^
The bridesmaids' dresses were Megan. They were satin but also had a dragonfly pin on the side, and I remember megan liking dragonflies. It was the perfect touch. I wish I had pictures!! This will teach me to bring a digital camera to a wedding without extra batteries...
Thanx to Aunt Donna, the wedding cake was amazing. It was a white cake with chocolate icing and raspberry filling. Aunt Donna even fashioned birds to put on the cake and these cute little white flowers as well. Great job, Aunt Donna! Aunt Kathy also made peach cobbler, which was wonderful. Bryan especially loved the cobbler, since he's a big fan of fruit desserts.
Uncle Mike did a sweet ceremony. He made the right jokes at the appropriate times. ^_^ I loved how he made me think about love. I was so glad to have Bryan there next to me so we could watch Megan and Zack dedicate their lives together, and have us rededicate our lives to each other. I'm such a sucker for weddings. ^_^
Aunt Kathy and Uncle Kevin looked happy, sad, excited, enthralled, all the emotions that people have when their children are getting married. What a beautiful thing, to get married, to fall in love, and then to, as Uncle Mike said, make a choice to love for the rest of your life. It's a power that many people don't trust anymore, but it's also one in which I believe, thanks to a God who makes this love possible.
Love to all, and I am so glad that I got to see some of my family. I miss you so much, and I pray for you everyday.
The whole day was Megan, absolutely. She had bluegrass music playing. She's always been folks-y, which fits in with the neat way she sings and plays guitar. I so love that about her! Uncle Kevin sang a song to her that he used to sing to her when she was a little girl, and I nearly cried. It's too bad that Megan's voice wasn't feeling so hot that day because the girl has talent.
The setting was Megan as well. The leaves were beginning to change, and the hills were beautiful. They encased the setting of the ceremony perfectly. Besides the area being beautiful, Megan has always excelled in the outdoors, especially when it comes to fishing. I still remember being a little girl and fishing with the cousins, being horrified because I was told to pick a worm up from the ground and put it on the hook by myself, and I just couldn't do it. Megan did it for me. ^_^ Thanx, Meg. ^_^
The bridesmaids' dresses were Megan. They were satin but also had a dragonfly pin on the side, and I remember megan liking dragonflies. It was the perfect touch. I wish I had pictures!! This will teach me to bring a digital camera to a wedding without extra batteries...
Thanx to Aunt Donna, the wedding cake was amazing. It was a white cake with chocolate icing and raspberry filling. Aunt Donna even fashioned birds to put on the cake and these cute little white flowers as well. Great job, Aunt Donna! Aunt Kathy also made peach cobbler, which was wonderful. Bryan especially loved the cobbler, since he's a big fan of fruit desserts.
Uncle Mike did a sweet ceremony. He made the right jokes at the appropriate times. ^_^ I loved how he made me think about love. I was so glad to have Bryan there next to me so we could watch Megan and Zack dedicate their lives together, and have us rededicate our lives to each other. I'm such a sucker for weddings. ^_^
Aunt Kathy and Uncle Kevin looked happy, sad, excited, enthralled, all the emotions that people have when their children are getting married. What a beautiful thing, to get married, to fall in love, and then to, as Uncle Mike said, make a choice to love for the rest of your life. It's a power that many people don't trust anymore, but it's also one in which I believe, thanks to a God who makes this love possible.
Love to all, and I am so glad that I got to see some of my family. I miss you so much, and I pray for you everyday.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Normal...
Elizabeth's post made me think about my "normal". Normal is to go to school. I've been in school for eleven-hundred years. I'm beginning to think that I may never get out, although May will be beautiful--I will GRADUATE. At the same time, however, it will be a huge transition. I will no longer be...a student! I suppose I'll always be a student, in that the day I stop learning is the day I die. If I am ever so arrogant that I think I can't learn anymore, it won't be long before I am sorely humbled...
Okay, so what else is normal? Coffee in the morning. Without coffee in the morning, I feel less functional and strikingly abnormal. Coffee just has that lift that is required to make it through all days, good and bad. My new favorite store is "McGinnis Sisters," which has amazing produce, phenomenal fresh fish--the tuna is gorgeous!!--and you said it, coffee...YUM.
Another normal thing is for Bryan to take normal food and make it abnormally beautiful. He can take pasta, olive oil, garlic, and cheese, and combine it into this magical creation. Yea for being married to a chef! I made us egg sandwiches the other day, which was slightly abnormal because he's better at making food for us, but I enjoyed doing something fun "culinarily" for my husband. I'm getting better at making stuff--I made spiced pecans for this killer salad that we had at church for a meeting last week, and everybody went "nuts" over them...^_^
Hmmm, it is normal to read until my eyes fall out of their sockets. I have a lot to read!! I have quizzes and assignments almost every week, but this helps me get all the info in, as opposed to doing my usual style of procrastinating it "done" at the last minute.
It is becoming more normal to read the Bible and pray with my husband. What's cool and something that I'm realizing more and more, is that when I take the time to read and pray with Bryan, it makes all the other things that need done seem more do-able, which is ironic because when I don't read and pray, it's because I have "too much to do." If I don't have a basis in God, though, everything else is "meaningless" anyway, right?
So, what's normal with you? ^_^
Okay, so what else is normal? Coffee in the morning. Without coffee in the morning, I feel less functional and strikingly abnormal. Coffee just has that lift that is required to make it through all days, good and bad. My new favorite store is "McGinnis Sisters," which has amazing produce, phenomenal fresh fish--the tuna is gorgeous!!--and you said it, coffee...YUM.
Another normal thing is for Bryan to take normal food and make it abnormally beautiful. He can take pasta, olive oil, garlic, and cheese, and combine it into this magical creation. Yea for being married to a chef! I made us egg sandwiches the other day, which was slightly abnormal because he's better at making food for us, but I enjoyed doing something fun "culinarily" for my husband. I'm getting better at making stuff--I made spiced pecans for this killer salad that we had at church for a meeting last week, and everybody went "nuts" over them...^_^
Hmmm, it is normal to read until my eyes fall out of their sockets. I have a lot to read!! I have quizzes and assignments almost every week, but this helps me get all the info in, as opposed to doing my usual style of procrastinating it "done" at the last minute.
It is becoming more normal to read the Bible and pray with my husband. What's cool and something that I'm realizing more and more, is that when I take the time to read and pray with Bryan, it makes all the other things that need done seem more do-able, which is ironic because when I don't read and pray, it's because I have "too much to do." If I don't have a basis in God, though, everything else is "meaningless" anyway, right?
So, what's normal with you? ^_^
Monday, September 15, 2008
Dancin' in the Dark...
...And I was, last night. ^_^ Yeah, I thought I'd make a comment about how it was unfortunate how so many people had lost power, and then I said, "Bryan, do you think we'll see any of the after-effects of Ike?" After he said, "No", our electricity went out. Stayed out all night! The winds were blowing like crazy. Thought that we might have a tornado, since the sky was really light, but it didn't turn yellow so I figured we were safe. Of course, we live out in the country, where NObody else is, so we were a little nervous. At any rate, the worst we saw was a tree waving at us as if we hadn't seen it in years. It did not break the window, so we were happy. ^_^
So what did we do? Our earlier plans were to watch the Steelers crush the Browns. Although we did not watch the game, Steelers were led to victory anyway. Go Heinz-Ward!!! Instead of watching the game, therefore, we sat around and did stuff that they did in olden times--sat around playing guitar, read, played cards, and yes, danced in the dark. I'm so glad we took those dancing lessons!! I recommend this for ALL married couples--dancing lessons are wonderful and romantic. Husbands, you will score points. ^_^
Anyway, we woke up this morning without power, still, so we went out to eat for breakfast. That was nice. We went to one of those places where the servers do everything but put an IV in your veins for your coffee. In other words, every other sip, there she was with the coffee pot. I think I averaged about 2 1/2 cups all together.
Electricity is on at school, so here I am, awaiting another class. I'm looking forward to class because I'm coming up with some ideas for a group which I might lead at practicum. I'm excited!! I will definitely be reading books for more ideas, but in the meantime, my creative juices are flowing like crazy.
Here's love from PA!! ^_^
So what did we do? Our earlier plans were to watch the Steelers crush the Browns. Although we did not watch the game, Steelers were led to victory anyway. Go Heinz-Ward!!! Instead of watching the game, therefore, we sat around and did stuff that they did in olden times--sat around playing guitar, read, played cards, and yes, danced in the dark. I'm so glad we took those dancing lessons!! I recommend this for ALL married couples--dancing lessons are wonderful and romantic. Husbands, you will score points. ^_^
Anyway, we woke up this morning without power, still, so we went out to eat for breakfast. That was nice. We went to one of those places where the servers do everything but put an IV in your veins for your coffee. In other words, every other sip, there she was with the coffee pot. I think I averaged about 2 1/2 cups all together.
Electricity is on at school, so here I am, awaiting another class. I'm looking forward to class because I'm coming up with some ideas for a group which I might lead at practicum. I'm excited!! I will definitely be reading books for more ideas, but in the meantime, my creative juices are flowing like crazy.
Here's love from PA!! ^_^
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
I published a book!! ^_^
I published a book with Lulu.com, which is an independent publishing site. I haven't bought an ISBN yet, so I can't sell it through other sites until I do so, but it can be bought at lulu.com. The actual address is http://www.lulu.com/content/3860098
Yea! This is actually an activity book for parents and children, in which parents ask their kids a set of questions, and then their kids draw their answers. The book is for kids ages 5-12, with specifications on certain questions and subquestions. I've been wanting to do this for a while. My inspiration was my own childhood, times when I would ask my mom, "What if the world were chocolate?" and I don't think I ever drew what it would look like! Research shows--which is included in the book--that free-form drawing encourages higher self-esteem and being able to work better in a group. I hope that children all over the world are encouraged to draw, despite the level of artistic talent they may or not have.
This is fun. I got my book in the mail yesterday. I hope other people like it as I do. ^_^ Love to all!
Yea! This is actually an activity book for parents and children, in which parents ask their kids a set of questions, and then their kids draw their answers. The book is for kids ages 5-12, with specifications on certain questions and subquestions. I've been wanting to do this for a while. My inspiration was my own childhood, times when I would ask my mom, "What if the world were chocolate?" and I don't think I ever drew what it would look like! Research shows--which is included in the book--that free-form drawing encourages higher self-esteem and being able to work better in a group. I hope that children all over the world are encouraged to draw, despite the level of artistic talent they may or not have.
This is fun. I got my book in the mail yesterday. I hope other people like it as I do. ^_^ Love to all!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Did everybody have a Happy Labor Day? ^_^
The only "labor" I went through was running through the sprinklers at a water park with my friend's sons. We had a blast!! The sprinklers were awesome. They had some that were shaped like flowers and trees, and every once in a while the water went down in pressure, just long enough for us to get right in front of the sprinklers, and then they'd get up in pressure again. It was so much fun!! Plus, there was a really nice pool and some fun slides. What a great place to bring kids!! Will and Ben, 4 and 1 and 1/2, respectively, had a blast. Plus, Whitney and I could talk while watching the kids run through the water in delight. Plus, I got to improve on my tan. ^_^
After the park, we went back to their house and had hamburgers and hot dogs, nice Labor Day classic. It was the perfect day!! Did everybody else have a good time? Love to all! ^_^
After the park, we went back to their house and had hamburgers and hot dogs, nice Labor Day classic. It was the perfect day!! Did everybody else have a good time? Love to all! ^_^
Friday, August 29, 2008
Practicum: Day One
Way cool!! These people--as in Carol and the rest of the people for whom I'm working--are awesome. They are down to earth, and they made me feel right at home. This is good--they will mentor me and shape me into a great counselor. Today was cool because I got some client time. I didn't counsel, but I did sit with some of the kids with whom I'll be working so I could get to know them. I had a great time today. I started off feeling nervous and intimidated, and then I remembered that Dr. Ron said he would be nervous if we didn't go into practicum nervous. ^_^ I also called Bryan for a word of comfort. Thanx a lot!! You're the best! ^_^
I definitely have my hands full. This will not be an easy job and will be trying at times, but it will also be very meaningful. I need to learn to do things that I don't do well, just learning how to do them for my growth. I am competitive--duh, say the people who know me well--and can be a little too hard on myself. This is not the place for this. With prayer and petition, I will become a good counselor. At least today was a good start. Yea for good mentors!
Bryan and I are house/dog-sitting for a few days. Our preacher and his wife are out of town for the weekend, so we are taking care of their home and their pups, Newton and Emily. They are both beagles. Emily is a sweetheart and is young and full of energy. Newton is OLD, deaf, and blind. They are easy to watch over, though, and since we're spending the night here, it's like a mini-vacation. Fun stuff. ^_^
Love to all!
I definitely have my hands full. This will not be an easy job and will be trying at times, but it will also be very meaningful. I need to learn to do things that I don't do well, just learning how to do them for my growth. I am competitive--duh, say the people who know me well--and can be a little too hard on myself. This is not the place for this. With prayer and petition, I will become a good counselor. At least today was a good start. Yea for good mentors!
Bryan and I are house/dog-sitting for a few days. Our preacher and his wife are out of town for the weekend, so we are taking care of their home and their pups, Newton and Emily. They are both beagles. Emily is a sweetheart and is young and full of energy. Newton is OLD, deaf, and blind. They are easy to watch over, though, and since we're spending the night here, it's like a mini-vacation. Fun stuff. ^_^
Love to all!
Monday, August 25, 2008
So almost there!!!!
I'm getting things DONE. Wow. This is crazy. I bought my insurance today for my practicum. I'm almost done studying for this MASSIVELY huge test that I take on Thursday. I have my first day at my practicum on Wednesday. Crazy week!!! Wow, this is crazy, but I know I can do it. I'm so excited!! I've been learning all this stuff for naught if I don't do the practicum, but I'm nervous and excited. I have a little bit of a caffeine high as well and am becoming a little more nervous as I type. Wow, can it be? Am I actually here???! (Breathe in, breathe out....)Whoooo......
Okay, I know I can do this. I am really looking forward to this. Carol Katulich is so cool, and I know she's gonna be an excellent supervisor and mentor to me. I will learn so much from her, and then I will do right by my clients. Wow, I've never had clients before...so cool. ^_^ This is so special. I feel that God has given me a love of people so that I can do this job well. I want to exceed their expectations.
That being said, I should get off of the computer and study more. I'm almost done studying, really. I have a few more questions to go over, and then I'll be **ready** for this test...^_^
If you want, say a prayer for me this week!!! I need one or a million...^_^
Love to all! ^_^
Okay, I know I can do this. I am really looking forward to this. Carol Katulich is so cool, and I know she's gonna be an excellent supervisor and mentor to me. I will learn so much from her, and then I will do right by my clients. Wow, I've never had clients before...so cool. ^_^ This is so special. I feel that God has given me a love of people so that I can do this job well. I want to exceed their expectations.
That being said, I should get off of the computer and study more. I'm almost done studying, really. I have a few more questions to go over, and then I'll be **ready** for this test...^_^
If you want, say a prayer for me this week!!! I need one or a million...^_^
Love to all! ^_^
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
I'm copying Deborah ^_^
I like Bryan more than anybody else
wearing orange more than red
coffee more than tea
cold tea more than hot tea (pity I'm in the North...) ^_^
dogs more than cats
Cedar Point more than Six Flags
roller coasters more than spinning rides
books more than movies
High-end restaurants more than chains
Harding more than Geneva
Gum more than mints
facebook more than myspace
phone conversations more than e-mail
Face-to-face conversations more than phone conversations
Hugs more than words
Eli Stone more than (there is no good comparison here...)
American Idol more than the one with Wayne Brady
Top Chef more than Hell's Kitchen
Mario Batali more than Bobby Flay
Transformers more than ThunderCats
High heeled shoes more than flats for short distances
Flats more than high-heeled shoes for long distances
Flying more than driving
Singing more than humming
Trusting more than worrying
Crying more than yelling (yelling covers up what needs to be cried out, anyway...)
Dreaming more than stopping
Being busy with a purpose more than standing still
Standing still more than being busy just to be busy
wearing orange more than red
coffee more than tea
cold tea more than hot tea (pity I'm in the North...) ^_^
dogs more than cats
Cedar Point more than Six Flags
roller coasters more than spinning rides
books more than movies
High-end restaurants more than chains
Harding more than Geneva
Gum more than mints
facebook more than myspace
phone conversations more than e-mail
Face-to-face conversations more than phone conversations
Hugs more than words
Eli Stone more than (there is no good comparison here...)
American Idol more than the one with Wayne Brady
Top Chef more than Hell's Kitchen
Mario Batali more than Bobby Flay
Transformers more than ThunderCats
High heeled shoes more than flats for short distances
Flats more than high-heeled shoes for long distances
Flying more than driving
Singing more than humming
Trusting more than worrying
Crying more than yelling (yelling covers up what needs to be cried out, anyway...)
Dreaming more than stopping
Being busy with a purpose more than standing still
Standing still more than being busy just to be busy
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Beach and a book...
I've got the book...where's my beach?
The Book is different from The Good Book, which I need to read more of as well...^_^
The Book is a study guide for my comprehensive exams, disaffectionately known as "The Comps--GASP!" My teacher says that all I need are 3 weeks on a beach to study this guide, and I will do well on the comps just as everybody else has in the past. No pressure, right? Now, the encouraging thing is that some of the questions in this guide are easy. I remember them from classes, and that encourages me to think that I will do well. The bad thing about this is that I could not study as much, thinking that I already know some of them. Therefore, I must use this as encouragement to study like crazy and ace the comps like everybody else will.
So where's my beach?
When I asked classmates that know PA about any kind of beach--even Searcy-ites go to Heber Springs for a nice relaxing cliff dive--they laughed. "Sure, there's a beach--Lake (Somethingorother) that is either covered with waste or dead animals." Sounds appealing, really. Times like this I wish I was "The Jumper" so I could put myself in Cinque Terre and study while I lay out by "God's Bass Drum." The ocean rolls in such a way that it sounds like a soothing bass drum, and it's beautiful. My brother got to go there recently and I'm jealous, but only in the "happy for him" way. ^_^
Okay, so no beach, but I will get to enjoy myself. Next Saturday, I'm going to the best theme park ever--Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH. Any family members that want to meet me there (ahem, Haughs)? ^_^ I am looking forward most to Millenium Force and Top Thrill Dragster, which both scared me to death but were just plain AWESOME. Plus, I didn't get to go to Cedar Point last summer and I was bummed. Not this time! I'm so excited.
Okay, enough for now. Love to all!
The Book is different from The Good Book, which I need to read more of as well...^_^
The Book is a study guide for my comprehensive exams, disaffectionately known as "The Comps--GASP!" My teacher says that all I need are 3 weeks on a beach to study this guide, and I will do well on the comps just as everybody else has in the past. No pressure, right? Now, the encouraging thing is that some of the questions in this guide are easy. I remember them from classes, and that encourages me to think that I will do well. The bad thing about this is that I could not study as much, thinking that I already know some of them. Therefore, I must use this as encouragement to study like crazy and ace the comps like everybody else will.
So where's my beach?
When I asked classmates that know PA about any kind of beach--even Searcy-ites go to Heber Springs for a nice relaxing cliff dive--they laughed. "Sure, there's a beach--Lake (Somethingorother) that is either covered with waste or dead animals." Sounds appealing, really. Times like this I wish I was "The Jumper" so I could put myself in Cinque Terre and study while I lay out by "God's Bass Drum." The ocean rolls in such a way that it sounds like a soothing bass drum, and it's beautiful. My brother got to go there recently and I'm jealous, but only in the "happy for him" way. ^_^
Okay, so no beach, but I will get to enjoy myself. Next Saturday, I'm going to the best theme park ever--Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH. Any family members that want to meet me there (ahem, Haughs)? ^_^ I am looking forward most to Millenium Force and Top Thrill Dragster, which both scared me to death but were just plain AWESOME. Plus, I didn't get to go to Cedar Point last summer and I was bummed. Not this time! I'm so excited.
Okay, enough for now. Love to all!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Update ^_^
Okay, so I'm feeling really peppy this morning. Some of it may be the caramel latte that is in my hand, filling my body with caffeine, beautiful caffeine. ^_^ Another part is that I got an A in Psychopharmacology, and that makes me ecstatic. ^_^ I studied so hard for that class! There were so many terms I had to learn, and one term had FIVE words in it! Made it difficult, but it also made the victory that much sweeter!
Bryan is doing well at work, and they're sending him on another business trip. They're going to Atlanta this time, and Bryan is really excited. There are several amazing restaurants there that Bryan is looking forward to trying with the other members of his culinary team at Heinz. I'm just glad they're sending him on trips, using his food knowledge in a positive, constructive way. ^_^
I am in two classes this month, one about marriage and family and the other about Research and Design. I actually have a study that I would like to do, regarding empty-nesters and marital satisfaction. Any of you out there who can help me? ^_^
Really looking forward to this.
In the meantime, I am collecting my paperwork so that I can start my internship this fall. Technically it's called a practicum in the fall and internship in the spring, but it's essentially the same thing, except that for my internship I should know better and do better. If I can't, then I shouldn't be there in the first place!
Spiritually, church is still phenomenal. This is the cutest little church to which I have ever belonged. They are teeny and precious. ^_^ I go to this wonderful Bible study with several of the members on Wednesdays, and we've been covering prison epistles. I just love these books. In a coupla weeks, we get to cover one of my favorite verses, Philippians 2:15. I can't help it, I'm visual when I read, so I love reading about stars. ^_^
Hope all is well with everybody else! Love to all, K
Bryan is doing well at work, and they're sending him on another business trip. They're going to Atlanta this time, and Bryan is really excited. There are several amazing restaurants there that Bryan is looking forward to trying with the other members of his culinary team at Heinz. I'm just glad they're sending him on trips, using his food knowledge in a positive, constructive way. ^_^
I am in two classes this month, one about marriage and family and the other about Research and Design. I actually have a study that I would like to do, regarding empty-nesters and marital satisfaction. Any of you out there who can help me? ^_^
Really looking forward to this.
In the meantime, I am collecting my paperwork so that I can start my internship this fall. Technically it's called a practicum in the fall and internship in the spring, but it's essentially the same thing, except that for my internship I should know better and do better. If I can't, then I shouldn't be there in the first place!
Spiritually, church is still phenomenal. This is the cutest little church to which I have ever belonged. They are teeny and precious. ^_^ I go to this wonderful Bible study with several of the members on Wednesdays, and we've been covering prison epistles. I just love these books. In a coupla weeks, we get to cover one of my favorite verses, Philippians 2:15. I can't help it, I'm visual when I read, so I love reading about stars. ^_^
Hope all is well with everybody else! Love to all, K
Monday, July 14, 2008
I chew my nails when I'm nervous...
Okay, so I'm at politicalbase.com, trying to figure out my stance on all of these issues. I'm not a fan of watching the news usually, so I'm trying to catch up, see what's happened in the past, trying to figure out what is important to me and how these will best help our country. I love America, and I want it to do well, and with the right president, despite the precedents. (word play to break up the monotony)
Some of these issues do not mean much to me, so I'm trying to see what they mean, what will occur in the event that certain decisions are made, etc. It's a frustrating process! Some people really get into this. I had a 3-hour discussion about this last night, my part being the occasional "uh-huh, oh, really, and yeah, I agree"--I pretty much could have not been there and it wouldn't have mattered--not looking for a pity response, just to show that I don't know much about this but want to so I can vote right in the fall. I did a blog about this forever ago, but now it's crunch time, so I really have to cram all this information in my head.
What's frustrating is that I like and do not like different things about McCain and Obama. For starters, how can someone that's for outsourcing be against minimum wage? Seems to me to be concurrently crediting and debiting our economy. On the other hand, how can Obama oppose the ban on partial-birth abortion in favor of the mother when the mother still has to go through the birthing process? If the "right of the mother"--wait, what about the baby's right?--is to abort the baby so she doesn't have to go through labor, doesn't partial-birth abortion defeat the purpose?
There's right to life, to a good economy, to free speech, and so many other rights that we take for granted. All of these must be considered as we venture into the next election.
God, be with our citizens as we elect a president. Be with our candidates and the system. Lead us to vote for a good president, one who will do right for us. You have blessed us in so many ways, and for that I am grateful, but we are still young and need your tender care.
Love to all
Some of these issues do not mean much to me, so I'm trying to see what they mean, what will occur in the event that certain decisions are made, etc. It's a frustrating process! Some people really get into this. I had a 3-hour discussion about this last night, my part being the occasional "uh-huh, oh, really, and yeah, I agree"--I pretty much could have not been there and it wouldn't have mattered--not looking for a pity response, just to show that I don't know much about this but want to so I can vote right in the fall. I did a blog about this forever ago, but now it's crunch time, so I really have to cram all this information in my head.
What's frustrating is that I like and do not like different things about McCain and Obama. For starters, how can someone that's for outsourcing be against minimum wage? Seems to me to be concurrently crediting and debiting our economy. On the other hand, how can Obama oppose the ban on partial-birth abortion in favor of the mother when the mother still has to go through the birthing process? If the "right of the mother"--wait, what about the baby's right?--is to abort the baby so she doesn't have to go through labor, doesn't partial-birth abortion defeat the purpose?
There's right to life, to a good economy, to free speech, and so many other rights that we take for granted. All of these must be considered as we venture into the next election.
God, be with our citizens as we elect a president. Be with our candidates and the system. Lead us to vote for a good president, one who will do right for us. You have blessed us in so many ways, and for that I am grateful, but we are still young and need your tender care.
Love to all
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Unconditional Love
Okay, so I just LOVE my new class--Intro to Marriage and Family. I've taken this class before at another school, so it is helpful as far as terminology goes, but I didn't have this professor for that class before. He's so cool! He stretches our minds without being too "out there" and keeps class fun. That's pretty cool, especially for a 4-hour class. I love this book I'm reading for class called "The Family," and I think that anyone with kids should read it. It's not wordy, like some books I've had to read, and occasionally, there are cute little pictures. I'm a visual learner, so that is helpful. ^_^
What I just read about touched my heart, and so I wanted to share with whoever reads this blog. Some of this is quoted, and some is paraphrased. ^_^
Unconditional love is beautiful, God-given, and achievable with the side note that we will never achieve perfection. Family begins with an unconditional commitment between man and woman, and NO--this is not the same as a contract. Contracts are conditional, and they end when one or both parties is not fulfilling his or her commitment to the contract. Unfortunately, this is why the rate of divorce, even among Christians, is around 50%.
Once the commitment is made, grace covers a multitude of sins. "Bryan, you left three dirty coffee cups in random corners of the bedroom!" "Kristi, you're nagging me again!" (Whups) Thank God for grace, right?! Also, God's grace yields an action: MERCY. Yea!!!
Grace leads to empowerment. Family is not about control over action--it's about loving a person so much that you want to yield to their needs before yours. Instead of wanting to control Bryan, I love him and pick up the dirty coffee cup, and Bryan loves me and puts up with my complaint. I'm not a fan of being boxed in. Empowerment is freeing for both the empower-er and the empowered! Empowerment also helps a person reach his or her potential.
After the family has empowered itself, there is genuine intimacy between the members. This is a mature relationships between each individual person. This interdependency is a connectedness between individual group members and the group itself. There is no enmeshment--overconnectedness in which you can't see where one person ends and the other begins. There are individuals that belong to each other and yield to the other person's desires! If everybody is putting the other person's true needs ahead of his own, then why shouldn't we be content? Sounds better than divorcing after six months because of a lack of fulfilled contract!
My teacher told me that if you feed your kids, you should feed your marriage. No one should suffer in a family unit.
Love to all, and here's to content marriages and content families. ^_^
What I just read about touched my heart, and so I wanted to share with whoever reads this blog. Some of this is quoted, and some is paraphrased. ^_^
Unconditional love is beautiful, God-given, and achievable with the side note that we will never achieve perfection. Family begins with an unconditional commitment between man and woman, and NO--this is not the same as a contract. Contracts are conditional, and they end when one or both parties is not fulfilling his or her commitment to the contract. Unfortunately, this is why the rate of divorce, even among Christians, is around 50%.
Once the commitment is made, grace covers a multitude of sins. "Bryan, you left three dirty coffee cups in random corners of the bedroom!" "Kristi, you're nagging me again!" (Whups) Thank God for grace, right?! Also, God's grace yields an action: MERCY. Yea!!!
Grace leads to empowerment. Family is not about control over action--it's about loving a person so much that you want to yield to their needs before yours. Instead of wanting to control Bryan, I love him and pick up the dirty coffee cup, and Bryan loves me and puts up with my complaint. I'm not a fan of being boxed in. Empowerment is freeing for both the empower-er and the empowered! Empowerment also helps a person reach his or her potential.
After the family has empowered itself, there is genuine intimacy between the members. This is a mature relationships between each individual person. This interdependency is a connectedness between individual group members and the group itself. There is no enmeshment--overconnectedness in which you can't see where one person ends and the other begins. There are individuals that belong to each other and yield to the other person's desires! If everybody is putting the other person's true needs ahead of his own, then why shouldn't we be content? Sounds better than divorcing after six months because of a lack of fulfilled contract!
My teacher told me that if you feed your kids, you should feed your marriage. No one should suffer in a family unit.
Love to all, and here's to content marriages and content families. ^_^
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
4th of July
So for the 4th of July, we started the day at a parade in Zelienople, which is 10 minutes from where we live in Harmony. The parade was a blast, and there were several fire engines going by, and their alarms set off Foxy, who was howling at them. It was so cute! Max, her other dog, was howling as well. They cracked us up. ^_^ The sky was overcast, but the weather behaved itself for most of the day. We had so much fun! After that was when Bryan and I hung out with his sister, and we took the picture from the previous post. Just to clarify, I am NOT pregnant. ^_^ We definitely had fun taking the picture though! ^_^
Today, I am having a girly luncheon at Applebee's with really special friends. Pictures later, I hope ^_^
Love to all!
Monday, July 07, 2008
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Whee-hoo!!!
Yea, psychopharmacology is OVER. So relieved!! I will definitely still be working hard this month, though, since I am taking two classes instead of just one. Thank goodness that I didn't take psychopharm with anything else!! I would have had to prescribe something for me, and I would have known exactly what to prescribe! Well, at any rate, I'm done for now, so I will enjoy the 4th of July and the rest of this weekend before I go back to work. My fingers are actually shaking as I'm typing because I'm a little wound-up right now. 's all good--all will be well. So crazy to think that I get to work with kids this fall! It'll be work, but fun. I really like my supervisor. She's really sweet and encouraging. Plus, she's seen workers before, so she would know if I couldn't do the job, right? ^_^ (I love positive self-talk!)
What else? Well, tomorrow, Bryan and I are going to hear his dad play trumpet in the Resurrection Band. I'll have to get some pictures of the band and all of us hanging out. Haven't put up a picture of Bryan in a while. ^_^ After the band, we're going to swim and watch fireworks. Yea! That's always fun. My sister-in-law's birthday was yesterday, but we're celebrating it tomorrow. She's a blast. How fun that we're in the same family. I'm glad my in-laws are so cool. ^_^
Here's to a Happy 4th! Love to all! ^_^
What else? Well, tomorrow, Bryan and I are going to hear his dad play trumpet in the Resurrection Band. I'll have to get some pictures of the band and all of us hanging out. Haven't put up a picture of Bryan in a while. ^_^ After the band, we're going to swim and watch fireworks. Yea! That's always fun. My sister-in-law's birthday was yesterday, but we're celebrating it tomorrow. She's a blast. How fun that we're in the same family. I'm glad my in-laws are so cool. ^_^
Here's to a Happy 4th! Love to all! ^_^
Saturday, June 28, 2008
New Kids on the Block
Okay, so I was watching music videos this morning, which I haven't done in like, forever. One of the videos I saw was called "Summertime" by none other than the title! Could not believe it. Donnie Wahlberg, who to be honest was never my favorite, has done amazing movie roles and has shown incredible acting ability. Now, they are all back to "boy band" image. Cracked me up! To be honest, the song was cute in a boy-band-y sort of way, but they are definitely not new, and they're definitely not kids, well, except in relation to the songs they're singing.
So this doesn't end on a negative note, family, here are two words guaranteed to make your heart and face smile:
"Hangin' Tough"
Thanx for the memories, Kim and Tiffany! ^_^
So this doesn't end on a negative note, family, here are two words guaranteed to make your heart and face smile:
"Hangin' Tough"
Thanx for the memories, Kim and Tiffany! ^_^
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Self-help books
Okay, so I had a humbling experience today. I was at Marshall's, looking at books, and I saw some great ones. I also saw some self-help books. As a future counselor, I look at these more, thinking that maybe I will read them so I can help people better later. I was looking at some, thinking of people who "needed" to read them. I thought, maybe I should get this book for them, and oh, this book will be great and will have wonderful points for this person. Then I stopped, thinking, "Huh--which self-help books are people wanting to pick up for me?" Ha! That stopped me from wanting to buy a self-help book for ANYbody. This makes me wonder--where is the line between helping a friend and interfering? When do we go from interceding with care and love for them to just being a busybody? I definitely feel that motivation plays a huge part here. People can be motivated with love for others or love for themselves, and that truly makes a difference. Counselors have to consistently monitor themselves so that they act with the right motivation. Makes sense, though. A person who is constantly self-monitoring will have better actions than people who are on autopilot. I just have to pray that God will speak through me when I speak to other people. I think I will follow Deborah's blog example...
Dear God, I pray that I will be a good counselor someday, working with a Christ-like and God-centered motivation, leading people to better mental, spiritual, and physical health. I pray that I will not lead people into temptation, but deliver them from evil, but at the same time, not take responsibility for them.
It's exciting to think that I get to do this stuff for real this fall!!! Wish me luck! ^_^
Dear God, I pray that I will be a good counselor someday, working with a Christ-like and God-centered motivation, leading people to better mental, spiritual, and physical health. I pray that I will not lead people into temptation, but deliver them from evil, but at the same time, not take responsibility for them.
It's exciting to think that I get to do this stuff for real this fall!!! Wish me luck! ^_^
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Why not? ^_^
What were you doing 5 years ago?
1. Turning 21 and not doing anything that most 21-year olds do. ^_^
2. Dating Bryan!
3. Going to Shantih functions
4. Studying for Psychology tests
5. Going to Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, and Italy on Chorus tour!!
What are 5 things on your To-Do list today?
1. Study for Psychopharmocology--yeesh!!
2. Play with Will and Ben (my friend's kids) while hanging out with Lisa and Whitney--yea!!
3. Study more for Psychopharmocology.
4. Study More for Psychopharmocology.
5. Study MORE for Psychopharmocology--this will be a tough test...
What are 5 snacks you enjoy?
1. Strawberries--really good ones from Sturgis Farms...yum
2. Mozzarella string cheese--me too ^_^
3. Oreos dunked in milk until soggy
4. Yogurt Whips
5. Carrots dunked in Peanut Butter--don't knock it til you try it
What are 5 things you'd do if you were a Billionaire?
1. Owe nothing--ooh, good one
2. Buy a nice house
3. Buy a vacation spot in Italy and a plane so I could go when I wanted ^_^
4. Set aside for college for (future) kids
5. Pay for better kidney research
What are 5 of your bad habits?
1. over-criticizing Bryan
2. temper
3. prioritizing
4. drinking too much soda/tea/coffee and not enough water
5. speaking up when I shouldn't and not speaking up when I should...
What are 5 jobs that you've had?
1. Babysitter
2. Ironing napkins
3. Harding Admissions office file-person--forget PC--I was an Admissions Gopher ^_^
4. Server/Host
5. Nursery attendant
Name 5 places where you have lived
1. AR--Searcy, Plainview, Judsonia
2. PA--Carnegie and Harmony
3. Fort Worth, TX
4. Memphis, TN
5. Italy for a coupla months, twice ^_^
Who are 5 people you want to tag?
1. Driggers
2. Amber
3. Kyla
4. Holly
5. Amanda
Anybody I didn't tag can do it to. It was fun. ^_^ Love to ALL!!!!!
1. Turning 21 and not doing anything that most 21-year olds do. ^_^
2. Dating Bryan!
3. Going to Shantih functions
4. Studying for Psychology tests
5. Going to Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, and Italy on Chorus tour!!
What are 5 things on your To-Do list today?
1. Study for Psychopharmocology--yeesh!!
2. Play with Will and Ben (my friend's kids) while hanging out with Lisa and Whitney--yea!!
3. Study more for Psychopharmocology.
4. Study More for Psychopharmocology.
5. Study MORE for Psychopharmocology--this will be a tough test...
What are 5 snacks you enjoy?
1. Strawberries--really good ones from Sturgis Farms...yum
2. Mozzarella string cheese--me too ^_^
3. Oreos dunked in milk until soggy
4. Yogurt Whips
5. Carrots dunked in Peanut Butter--don't knock it til you try it
What are 5 things you'd do if you were a Billionaire?
1. Owe nothing--ooh, good one
2. Buy a nice house
3. Buy a vacation spot in Italy and a plane so I could go when I wanted ^_^
4. Set aside for college for (future) kids
5. Pay for better kidney research
What are 5 of your bad habits?
1. over-criticizing Bryan
2. temper
3. prioritizing
4. drinking too much soda/tea/coffee and not enough water
5. speaking up when I shouldn't and not speaking up when I should...
What are 5 jobs that you've had?
1. Babysitter
2. Ironing napkins
3. Harding Admissions office file-person--forget PC--I was an Admissions Gopher ^_^
4. Server/Host
5. Nursery attendant
Name 5 places where you have lived
1. AR--Searcy, Plainview, Judsonia
2. PA--Carnegie and Harmony
3. Fort Worth, TX
4. Memphis, TN
5. Italy for a coupla months, twice ^_^
Who are 5 people you want to tag?
1. Driggers
2. Amber
3. Kyla
4. Holly
5. Amanda
Anybody I didn't tag can do it to. It was fun. ^_^ Love to ALL!!!!!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The first sunburn of summer...
It's officially summer now. We've had some weird days of weather here in good ole Pittsburgh. The weather was actually 98 one day last week! That's unheard of for June. I know people reading this from Arkansas and Texas are saying, "Yeah, add humidity to that and we might feel bad for you," but that's hot for PA folks! It's not supposed to be that way until August. Our preacher even said, "Why are we having the dog days of summer in June??"
At any rate, my skin has tasted the sun's wrath. Perhaps being stubborn isn't as fun as it used to be. Seeing also as cancer runs in the family, perhaps I should be "wiser" in protecting my skin from harmful rays.
I definitely enjoyed the time spent in the sun, though. I was at a friend's house in the pool from 10AM-4PM. It was GREAT. ^_^ Luckily for me, I am surrounded by friends with pools, so I will be pool-hopping all summer.
Bryan has been busily inventing sauces and presenting them at Heinz. I'm glad he's able to use his God-given talent for food and flavor and share them with others. They liked the sauce he invented and may market it! ^_^ How fun would that be? ^_^
It was this sweet tangy honey sauce with a kick at the end. Yea for hubby! ^_^
We've been puppy-sitting lately, since our neighbor drives a truck sometimes for a week at a time. This puppy is a 16-year old chihuahua. She walks like an old lady, slowly making her way across the floor. She's so cute and tiny, but she's really more of a big gerbil than a dog. Not quite the rough-and-tumble dog we've been used to having...She's a sweetie, though.
Psychopharmacology is a very interesting class. We watch lots of videos about people, their brains, and how they work with or without drugs. I'm learning a lot, and this knowledge will benefit me when I counsel next year. So crazy--almost done with school!!
Love to all and miss you!! ^_^
At any rate, my skin has tasted the sun's wrath. Perhaps being stubborn isn't as fun as it used to be. Seeing also as cancer runs in the family, perhaps I should be "wiser" in protecting my skin from harmful rays.
I definitely enjoyed the time spent in the sun, though. I was at a friend's house in the pool from 10AM-4PM. It was GREAT. ^_^ Luckily for me, I am surrounded by friends with pools, so I will be pool-hopping all summer.
Bryan has been busily inventing sauces and presenting them at Heinz. I'm glad he's able to use his God-given talent for food and flavor and share them with others. They liked the sauce he invented and may market it! ^_^ How fun would that be? ^_^
It was this sweet tangy honey sauce with a kick at the end. Yea for hubby! ^_^
We've been puppy-sitting lately, since our neighbor drives a truck sometimes for a week at a time. This puppy is a 16-year old chihuahua. She walks like an old lady, slowly making her way across the floor. She's so cute and tiny, but she's really more of a big gerbil than a dog. Not quite the rough-and-tumble dog we've been used to having...She's a sweetie, though.
Psychopharmacology is a very interesting class. We watch lots of videos about people, their brains, and how they work with or without drugs. I'm learning a lot, and this knowledge will benefit me when I counsel next year. So crazy--almost done with school!!
Love to all and miss you!! ^_^
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
The life of me and my family for the past few months
Just had to share these pictures. ^_^ You won't know who everybody is, but these weddings were beautiful, and I am so blessed to have taken part in them. God bless your marriages and your lives together!
God is so awesome. ^_^
God is so awesome. ^_^
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Weddings, weddings everywhere!!! ^_^
Okay, so last Friday was SO cool. Bryan's family came into town for his little sister's wedding. She (Maria) and Chris are so great for each other, and I could not be happier for them.
One of the special things about being in the wedding was 1) being asked and 2) riding in a limo on the way to the wedding! It was so much fun, and we girls had a ball! The girls had the limo to ourselves to the wedding, and then we rode in the limo with the boys to the reception. What a special experience, being in the wedding and everything around it. Wow.
Maria looked B-E-A-Utiful (you Bruce Almighty fans will like that ^_^) in her wedding dress. Chris looked handsome in his tux, as well. People complimented their wedding party (ahem ^_^) as well. I must say we all looked gorgeous in our cute black dresses and green (okay, clover) sashes. The men looked wonderful in their tuxes. I must say I did not mind AT ALL walking down the aisle with my handsome husband in his tux! ^_^
It was a Catholic wedding with a full mass, so it lasted an hour. I have never seen so much sit-stand-kneel-bow-ing in a wedding, but it was really special. The priest shared some beautiful sentiments, although I was mostly just thinking, "Yea!! They are SO happy!!!!" and crying a bit. ^_^
The reception was wonderful! I gotta say, I'm used to southern weddings, and I love them, but I think more southerners would enjoy a dinner reception and a big party afterwards. Why do we rush off in such a hurry? Maria and Chris had this look of bliss in their eyes the entire night.
Secondly, something southerners should adapt in their receptions is a cookie table. We had a table where Donna, the mother-of-the-bride, had made millions of cookies: biscotti, ladylocks, baklava (sp?)and Maria even made her own cookies to add to the table. What a great tradition! Then, people can take home cookies if they want, but of course, the ladylocks were gone fast. ^_^
Everyone had so much fun, and now, Maria and Chris are enjoying their honeymoon. Yea! ^_^
This coming Saturday, I get to be in another wedding!! Kreg (if you're reading this) I couldn't be happier for you and Keleigh. You make a beautiful couple, and you are focused on God, so God will be there for your marriage and help you focus on each other. Maria and Chris put each other before themselves, and you and Keleigh do that, too. Selfless love has endless rewards. Granted, you won't always be selfish. That's when you'll argue. ^_^ If you eventually move from selfish to selfless, though, you will work out what must be worked out. ^_^ Love you so much!!!
Yea weddings!! I'm such a sucker for these...^_^
One of the special things about being in the wedding was 1) being asked and 2) riding in a limo on the way to the wedding! It was so much fun, and we girls had a ball! The girls had the limo to ourselves to the wedding, and then we rode in the limo with the boys to the reception. What a special experience, being in the wedding and everything around it. Wow.
Maria looked B-E-A-Utiful (you Bruce Almighty fans will like that ^_^) in her wedding dress. Chris looked handsome in his tux, as well. People complimented their wedding party (ahem ^_^) as well. I must say we all looked gorgeous in our cute black dresses and green (okay, clover) sashes. The men looked wonderful in their tuxes. I must say I did not mind AT ALL walking down the aisle with my handsome husband in his tux! ^_^
It was a Catholic wedding with a full mass, so it lasted an hour. I have never seen so much sit-stand-kneel-bow-ing in a wedding, but it was really special. The priest shared some beautiful sentiments, although I was mostly just thinking, "Yea!! They are SO happy!!!!" and crying a bit. ^_^
The reception was wonderful! I gotta say, I'm used to southern weddings, and I love them, but I think more southerners would enjoy a dinner reception and a big party afterwards. Why do we rush off in such a hurry? Maria and Chris had this look of bliss in their eyes the entire night.
Secondly, something southerners should adapt in their receptions is a cookie table. We had a table where Donna, the mother-of-the-bride, had made millions of cookies: biscotti, ladylocks, baklava (sp?)and Maria even made her own cookies to add to the table. What a great tradition! Then, people can take home cookies if they want, but of course, the ladylocks were gone fast. ^_^
Everyone had so much fun, and now, Maria and Chris are enjoying their honeymoon. Yea! ^_^
This coming Saturday, I get to be in another wedding!! Kreg (if you're reading this) I couldn't be happier for you and Keleigh. You make a beautiful couple, and you are focused on God, so God will be there for your marriage and help you focus on each other. Maria and Chris put each other before themselves, and you and Keleigh do that, too. Selfless love has endless rewards. Granted, you won't always be selfish. That's when you'll argue. ^_^ If you eventually move from selfish to selfless, though, you will work out what must be worked out. ^_^ Love you so much!!!
Yea weddings!! I'm such a sucker for these...^_^
Thursday, May 08, 2008
What's in a name? ^_^
Took this from an e-mail my dear sister sent me. Thought it was too much fun to not share with everybody and a great blogging opportunity. ^_^ I tag those who would love to do this and don't tag those who do not. ^_^ How's that for non-confrontational? ^_^
YOUR ROCK STAR NAME (first pet, current car):
Rusty Sentra--cool, kinda like Dusty Springfield ^_^
YOUR GANGSTA NAME (fave ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe):
Moose Tracks Aldo's
YOUR NATIVE AMERICAN NAME (favorite color, favorite animal):
Pink dog
YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, city where you were born):
Kristi Fort Worth
YOUR STAR WARS NAME (the first three letters of your last name, first two of your first name):
Pet Sa
SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color, favorite drink):
Orange Cherry Limeade (Oooh, I miss Sonic)
NASCAR NAME (the first names of your grandfathers):
Ted Howard (no way, I have the same one, Kim ^_^)
TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME (your fifth grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter):
Lloyd Las Vegas (And now, live with Lloyd Las Vegas!)
CARTOON NAME (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now):
Apple Aeropostale
HIPPIE NAME (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree):
Shake Dogwood (Is that a Jimi Hendrix song?)
How about you?
YOUR ROCK STAR NAME (first pet, current car):
Rusty Sentra--cool, kinda like Dusty Springfield ^_^
YOUR GANGSTA NAME (fave ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe):
Moose Tracks Aldo's
YOUR NATIVE AMERICAN NAME (favorite color, favorite animal):
Pink dog
YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, city where you were born):
Kristi Fort Worth
YOUR STAR WARS NAME (the first three letters of your last name, first two of your first name):
Pet Sa
SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color, favorite drink):
Orange Cherry Limeade (Oooh, I miss Sonic)
NASCAR NAME (the first names of your grandfathers):
Ted Howard (no way, I have the same one, Kim ^_^)
TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME (your fifth grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter):
Lloyd Las Vegas (And now, live with Lloyd Las Vegas!)
CARTOON NAME (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now):
Apple Aeropostale
HIPPIE NAME (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree):
Shake Dogwood (Is that a Jimi Hendrix song?)
How about you?
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Yea!!
Aunt Kathy, you ROCK. Your recipe went really well for our Spring Chef-tacular. It was great fun!! Plus, instead of using frozen pizza dough, I went to the Strip District--please tell me you've been there--and bought some fresh-made dough, and it was GREAT. It was so cheap, too--3 big bags of dough for $3.50!!
The rolls were really fun. I put spinach in them so they could make the contest, and they were a hit. They didn't win because there was a really amazing lasagna with spinach in it, a really good spinach tart, and someone even put spinach in brownies!! I dared them to be creative and put spinach in a dessert if they could, and the brownies were excellent and gooey. ^_^
Life is good--busy, but good. Now, I'm spending all my "spare time" on my last paper and getting ready for finals. No big deal--just big tests!!! It'll be great, though, I just know it.
Mamaw, you rock and are so much fun to talk with on the phone. Just had to put that in there. ^_^
Bryan's good--he rocked a barbecue for work the other day, and they rewarded him with overtime and a really nice gift card. He made the best thing for dinner last night--uber-tender steaks (that they also gave him at the bbq) cooked with fresh morel mushrooms and an amazing cream sauce with asparagus. Yea!! I know I've said this before, but "Oh, the life of a chef's wife!"
Love to all!!!
The rolls were really fun. I put spinach in them so they could make the contest, and they were a hit. They didn't win because there was a really amazing lasagna with spinach in it, a really good spinach tart, and someone even put spinach in brownies!! I dared them to be creative and put spinach in a dessert if they could, and the brownies were excellent and gooey. ^_^
Life is good--busy, but good. Now, I'm spending all my "spare time" on my last paper and getting ready for finals. No big deal--just big tests!!! It'll be great, though, I just know it.
Mamaw, you rock and are so much fun to talk with on the phone. Just had to put that in there. ^_^
Bryan's good--he rocked a barbecue for work the other day, and they rewarded him with overtime and a really nice gift card. He made the best thing for dinner last night--uber-tender steaks (that they also gave him at the bbq) cooked with fresh morel mushrooms and an amazing cream sauce with asparagus. Yea!! I know I've said this before, but "Oh, the life of a chef's wife!"
Love to all!!!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Stink!
Carly Smithson was AMAZING. I'm bummed that she got voted off of American Idol. It is true, though--at this point, someone has to get kicked off, and being in the top six is phenomenal, but I think she was way better than Brooke and Jason Castro. Alas, the only rocker left is David Cook, who did amazing with "Music of the Night," although I did not appreciate the way he ended it. Yes, he pretty much stuck with the original arrangement, but did he have to do those two different notes at the end? Oh, well.
Another part of TV that makes me sad is that this is Thursday, when I usually watch "Eli Stone." No new "Stone"s until later. Very happy, however, because it clearly said SEASON finale, not SERIES finale. I was sad at the end of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip to see that the last one WAS officially the last one. Eli Stone will come back, though, because everybody was happy to see him be okay last week. Yea. ^_^
Okay, that's all for TV. My next blog will (hopefully) contain fun pictures from our next church party, "The Spring Chef-tacular," in which our church is having a competition, much like Iron Chef America, and the featured ingredient is spinach. For those of you who don't know the show, a guest chef competes against the Iron Chef of his/her choice in making 5 dishes that feature an ingredient. I watch these cooking shows because of Bryan, who will be our judge. ^_^ I will be using Aunt Kathy's pepperoni rolls recipe and adding spinach to them. (Hope I do them justice, Aunt Kathy!) Pictures to come soon! ^_^
Love to all! ^_^
Another part of TV that makes me sad is that this is Thursday, when I usually watch "Eli Stone." No new "Stone"s until later. Very happy, however, because it clearly said SEASON finale, not SERIES finale. I was sad at the end of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip to see that the last one WAS officially the last one. Eli Stone will come back, though, because everybody was happy to see him be okay last week. Yea. ^_^
Okay, that's all for TV. My next blog will (hopefully) contain fun pictures from our next church party, "The Spring Chef-tacular," in which our church is having a competition, much like Iron Chef America, and the featured ingredient is spinach. For those of you who don't know the show, a guest chef competes against the Iron Chef of his/her choice in making 5 dishes that feature an ingredient. I watch these cooking shows because of Bryan, who will be our judge. ^_^ I will be using Aunt Kathy's pepperoni rolls recipe and adding spinach to them. (Hope I do them justice, Aunt Kathy!) Pictures to come soon! ^_^
Love to all! ^_^
Thursday, April 17, 2008
7 Random Things
Okay, Deborah, here we go. ^_^ Thanx, I feel special ^_^
1) (In accordance with hers about her cat) My dog's name is Stryker, but Bryan and I call him Monkelbean, Monkelstein, Puppymup...oh, dear, we need kids so we can use baby-talk for another good...^_^
2) Thursday is not Thursday until I've watched Eli Stone, which is a shame because tonight is the season finale
3) I smile at myself in the mirror, making me feel confident
4) I want several dogs, including a black Cane Corso named Nero (for those of you who don't know, a Cane Corso is an Italian dog and Nero means black), a French Bulldog named Franko--simply because I like "k" better than "c", and probably another coupla boxers--maybe we don't need kids--we can just use the baby-talk on all our dogs
5) I LOVE shoes. I would rather spend money on a hot new pair of shoes than on chocolate. For many women, this may be a tie... The best day would include a mocha and a new pair of shoes ^_^
6) I am in love with premarital therapy. I want to encourage all couples getting married to do premarital therapy to find out the best and worst before committing to a lifelong decision. I want my clients fulfilled and self-actualized. ^_^
7) I love blogging and facebook. I am sad sometimes because some of my friends and family are far away, and these outlets keep y'all closer to me. I love you so much!!
Love to all, K ^_^
1) (In accordance with hers about her cat) My dog's name is Stryker, but Bryan and I call him Monkelbean, Monkelstein, Puppymup...oh, dear, we need kids so we can use baby-talk for another good...^_^
2) Thursday is not Thursday until I've watched Eli Stone, which is a shame because tonight is the season finale
3) I smile at myself in the mirror, making me feel confident
4) I want several dogs, including a black Cane Corso named Nero (for those of you who don't know, a Cane Corso is an Italian dog and Nero means black), a French Bulldog named Franko--simply because I like "k" better than "c", and probably another coupla boxers--maybe we don't need kids--we can just use the baby-talk on all our dogs
5) I LOVE shoes. I would rather spend money on a hot new pair of shoes than on chocolate. For many women, this may be a tie... The best day would include a mocha and a new pair of shoes ^_^
6) I am in love with premarital therapy. I want to encourage all couples getting married to do premarital therapy to find out the best and worst before committing to a lifelong decision. I want my clients fulfilled and self-actualized. ^_^
7) I love blogging and facebook. I am sad sometimes because some of my friends and family are far away, and these outlets keep y'all closer to me. I love you so much!!
Love to all, K ^_^
Friday, April 04, 2008
Thank you!!
Why am I grateful? There are so many reasons. I'm now taking the time to share for those who want to know. ^_^
1) God ROCKS. So many times I've let Him down, and yet He continues to rescue me.
2) Bryan is the most amazing blessing. He blindsighted me. I never saw him coming. Times that I tried in the past to come up with who I wanted to be with, and there are characteristics he has that I never thought of until I realized how miserable I would be without him in my life.
3) My family is so cool. I had a fun convo with my mom last night, by phone of course, but I felt her love and warmth radiating through the phone. My dad is hilarious. He and I share a love of bad puns, so when I tell a dumb joke, I blame it on him. ^_^ Love you! Kim and Kreg are so reliable and are special, and I can't imagine never having them in my life. Curtises and Kells (alphabetically ^_^), YOU ROCK.
4) Stryker provides the comic relief in my life. He's here to cuddle with me when I'm bummed--he can always tell when I'm irritated or just need to talk. Plus, I don't have to worry about him coming back with the perfect advice. He just listens. ^_^ (I think all women should have dogs...)
5) My friends are SO awesome. I have different friends for different things. Y'all are my partners in crime, my encouragement, my laughter and tears. Without you, I'd have to just go to random places, just to be around people. ^_^ I'm blessed to have y'all in my life.
6) My church. Zelienople is so beautiful! The people are there for me, and I have a place in the church, somewhere special that I can contribute and belong to. We are led by a great preacher who is humble and honest, and he would do anything for the church.
7) My education. This ties into my family--thanx for encouraging me to go to school and to work my heart out for something hard but WORTH it.
8) My passion encourages me to keep going. I love being on fire for things, be it God, church, family, education, dancing, music, etc. People always ask why I smile all the time. The answer? My passion through God's mercy. ^_^
Thank you God for all of this, and help me to remember this when I complain about difficult things in life.
Love to all! ^_^
1) God ROCKS. So many times I've let Him down, and yet He continues to rescue me.
2) Bryan is the most amazing blessing. He blindsighted me. I never saw him coming. Times that I tried in the past to come up with who I wanted to be with, and there are characteristics he has that I never thought of until I realized how miserable I would be without him in my life.
3) My family is so cool. I had a fun convo with my mom last night, by phone of course, but I felt her love and warmth radiating through the phone. My dad is hilarious. He and I share a love of bad puns, so when I tell a dumb joke, I blame it on him. ^_^ Love you! Kim and Kreg are so reliable and are special, and I can't imagine never having them in my life. Curtises and Kells (alphabetically ^_^), YOU ROCK.
4) Stryker provides the comic relief in my life. He's here to cuddle with me when I'm bummed--he can always tell when I'm irritated or just need to talk. Plus, I don't have to worry about him coming back with the perfect advice. He just listens. ^_^ (I think all women should have dogs...)
5) My friends are SO awesome. I have different friends for different things. Y'all are my partners in crime, my encouragement, my laughter and tears. Without you, I'd have to just go to random places, just to be around people. ^_^ I'm blessed to have y'all in my life.
6) My church. Zelienople is so beautiful! The people are there for me, and I have a place in the church, somewhere special that I can contribute and belong to. We are led by a great preacher who is humble and honest, and he would do anything for the church.
7) My education. This ties into my family--thanx for encouraging me to go to school and to work my heart out for something hard but WORTH it.
8) My passion encourages me to keep going. I love being on fire for things, be it God, church, family, education, dancing, music, etc. People always ask why I smile all the time. The answer? My passion through God's mercy. ^_^
Thank you God for all of this, and help me to remember this when I complain about difficult things in life.
Love to all! ^_^
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Spring has SPRUNG!!!!!!
There's a tune on my lips and a song in my heart!!! I"m so excited. I'm wearing a TEE-SHIRT today, and I don't have to have a big, bulky coat over it. Were I still living in the south, I would read this blog and think, "Wow, you're weird," but now I totally appreciate the warmer weather a LOT better than before. I've been looking forward to this since Friday, when I looked at the news and it said that Tuesday, the weather would be in the 60s. It IS!!! So excited.
I hope that everybody is as happy today as I am. If you're not, here's to Spring Cheer radiating from the screen and into your hearts so you can sing with merriment. "Tomorrow, tomorrow! I love you, tomorrow!!..." Wait, why love tomorrow when you can love TODAY? Just a thought--I should still love today, even if later it rains, as it's supposed to. I will, however, rejoice in the fact that I can go outside and smile at the sun. ^_^
Sending loving, happy, warm thoughts your way!!!
^_^
I hope that everybody is as happy today as I am. If you're not, here's to Spring Cheer radiating from the screen and into your hearts so you can sing with merriment. "Tomorrow, tomorrow! I love you, tomorrow!!..." Wait, why love tomorrow when you can love TODAY? Just a thought--I should still love today, even if later it rains, as it's supposed to. I will, however, rejoice in the fact that I can go outside and smile at the sun. ^_^
Sending loving, happy, warm thoughts your way!!!
^_^
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Mama's, maybe you should let your babies grow up to be cowboys...^_^
Like I would know. I don't have kids. I couldn't be prouder of the men in our family, by the way. Papaw is the best man I know. He's wise, and he's strong, which is one of the reasons so many people are naming their babies after him. Way cool.
I have uncles who hunt, and their strength is spiritual as well as physical. My uncles are also strong intellectually and are good daddies. Good daddies raise good sons to be good daddies in the future. My dad is the same way. ^_^
So why this topic? I'm reading "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge, and the message I've gotten thus far is "Society has emasculated men." Strong statement. Do you think this is true or false? I think the book is good so far, and I like that this book encourages men to find the wildness within and use it to be good, Christian men. I believe that men who are chastised for being men will have severe issues and deep depression, leading to ultimate death. I also believe that God created men and women different for a reason. There are strengths and weaknesses in each sex, which is why marriage between the two is such a perfect concept. I say concept because the individuals who marry are definitely not perfect. Just ask Bryan if I'm perfect. (Brace yourself for the laughter.) Anyway, so what do you think? Does society emasculate men? If they do, why? Thanx ^_^
I have uncles who hunt, and their strength is spiritual as well as physical. My uncles are also strong intellectually and are good daddies. Good daddies raise good sons to be good daddies in the future. My dad is the same way. ^_^
So why this topic? I'm reading "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge, and the message I've gotten thus far is "Society has emasculated men." Strong statement. Do you think this is true or false? I think the book is good so far, and I like that this book encourages men to find the wildness within and use it to be good, Christian men. I believe that men who are chastised for being men will have severe issues and deep depression, leading to ultimate death. I also believe that God created men and women different for a reason. There are strengths and weaknesses in each sex, which is why marriage between the two is such a perfect concept. I say concept because the individuals who marry are definitely not perfect. Just ask Bryan if I'm perfect. (Brace yourself for the laughter.) Anyway, so what do you think? Does society emasculate men? If they do, why? Thanx ^_^
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Life is but a mist...
Wow, James had it right. A friend of mine from Harding died the other day. He was a great guy, and he died of an enlarged heart. I'm not putting his name up to protect his family, but he was a good man. There wasn't a person who met him who wasn't touched by his compassion and congeniality.
Death affects us all, making us wonder what we're doing TODAY that will make life better for those around us. Makes me not want to waste time fighting about small things. I'm just shocked that he died. God be with him and his family.
This is my prayer for you, family and friends, whom I love. Live today as if you won't have tomorrow. I guarantee you will tell your spouse you love him/her even more. We won't fight over petty things. My Bible will be read today. Prayers that might not be said will be prayed today.
God, I pray that we will make our lives count, making each moment a service to you.
Love to all, Kristi
Death affects us all, making us wonder what we're doing TODAY that will make life better for those around us. Makes me not want to waste time fighting about small things. I'm just shocked that he died. God be with him and his family.
This is my prayer for you, family and friends, whom I love. Live today as if you won't have tomorrow. I guarantee you will tell your spouse you love him/her even more. We won't fight over petty things. My Bible will be read today. Prayers that might not be said will be prayed today.
God, I pray that we will make our lives count, making each moment a service to you.
Love to all, Kristi
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Catch-up
Okay, I was going to wait until I could attach pictures, but I'll just write now and post pics later. This has been a crazy month--this meaning the end of February and the beginning of March. School's great--took the first of my mid-terms and have another one to take when I get back from Spring Break on Tuesday. I took a personality test and found out that I am still an extrovert. I know, color me shocked. Church is better and better, having made new friends that go there now, as they just recently placed membership. I'm always glad for new friends. Hmmm, why am I an extrovert? ^_^
Okay, new paragraph. SNOW. Snow has been here for a long time. It went away briefly and came BACK. It's okay. Bryan and I had fun with the dog in it and will be posting pics on our blog in a coupla days. We made a snowman and had fun with it. Stryker, of course, kept trying to knock it over. Imagine that. ^_^
Concert. My birthday was the other day, and my dear wonderful husband surprised me with tickets to see BON JOVI. We have the same birthday, for those whodidn't know. It was a blast! Chris Daughtry opened for him, and for those who do not watch American Idol, he made it to 5th place a few years ago. He was WAY better than Taylor. Taylor who? Exactly. Taylor did a few car commercials and then few people have heard of him since. Oh, well. Daughtry covered Guns 'N Roses "Paradise City." Okay, after Axl Rose has sung it, it takes a while for me to accept another version of it. Daughtry did, however, cover Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home"--the beginning of it to open into "I'm Coming Home," and did nicely. Personally, I think people should be careful with covers, especially since certain people do it way better than others should attempt. OH, well.
AS for Bon Jovi, wow. He rocked. He did all the classics, except "Wanted Dead or Alive" which made me mad, but at least he did the others. Of course, he did the final encore with "Living on a Prayer." Wouldn't have it any other way.
Okay, enough music talk. That wasn't the only fun thing for my birthday. WE went bowling! It was fun. I'm still a lousy bowler but it's the one thing I love to do even when I can't do it well. What can I say, I'm competitive. No idea where I got this. ^_^
Spring Break has been thoroughly enjoyable. I actually used some of it to study. ^_^
Love to all! ^_^
Okay, new paragraph. SNOW. Snow has been here for a long time. It went away briefly and came BACK. It's okay. Bryan and I had fun with the dog in it and will be posting pics on our blog in a coupla days. We made a snowman and had fun with it. Stryker, of course, kept trying to knock it over. Imagine that. ^_^
Concert. My birthday was the other day, and my dear wonderful husband surprised me with tickets to see BON JOVI. We have the same birthday, for those whodidn't know. It was a blast! Chris Daughtry opened for him, and for those who do not watch American Idol, he made it to 5th place a few years ago. He was WAY better than Taylor. Taylor who? Exactly. Taylor did a few car commercials and then few people have heard of him since. Oh, well. Daughtry covered Guns 'N Roses "Paradise City." Okay, after Axl Rose has sung it, it takes a while for me to accept another version of it. Daughtry did, however, cover Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home"--the beginning of it to open into "I'm Coming Home," and did nicely. Personally, I think people should be careful with covers, especially since certain people do it way better than others should attempt. OH, well.
AS for Bon Jovi, wow. He rocked. He did all the classics, except "Wanted Dead or Alive" which made me mad, but at least he did the others. Of course, he did the final encore with "Living on a Prayer." Wouldn't have it any other way.
Okay, enough music talk. That wasn't the only fun thing for my birthday. WE went bowling! It was fun. I'm still a lousy bowler but it's the one thing I love to do even when I can't do it well. What can I say, I'm competitive. No idea where I got this. ^_^
Spring Break has been thoroughly enjoyable. I actually used some of it to study. ^_^
Love to all! ^_^
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The best husband award goes to....
Bryan!!! He made me a lovely Valentine's Day dinner--was excellent--gave me a basket of beauty products and chocolates, and he played with me and Stryker in the snow. Yea!!!!!!!!!
I'm so blessed to have a hubby like him. He's so fun!
May all your Valentines Days be lovely!
By the way, my shoulders are still sore from shoveling my walk way for the FIRST TIME EVER. Packed snow is heavy! Felt like She-ra. ^_^
Love to all!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Why Won't the Foo Fighters come to Pittsburgh???????
It's so unfair! This is one of mine and Bryan's favorite bands. They are truly inspirational with their lyrics and amazing songs.
Must go to Philadelphia or Chicago to see them. Hmmm...maybe... will let you know if I go. Will be a very excited post. ^_^
Love to all!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
"Carry On, Wayward Son"
Don't you love how sometimes you randomly pick a song to listen to, and it portrays just how you feel? This morning, I put on one of my "random" CDs, meaning it could have Evanescence, Sheryl Crow, 702, all the way to Kansas and back. What can I say, I like different styles of music, and I never know what music mood I'll be in, so I have several CDs that have several styles in one.
Anyway, I LOVE this song. People attribute many different meanings to it. It ranges from a spiritual quest to soldiers in war to people dying of a terminal illness. However you interpret this song, the ultimate message is HOPE. HOPE for the weary. HOPE for the distraught. HOPE for the confused. HOPE for all.
Here are the words. May you all feel more hopeful after reading this blog.
Love to all! ^_^
PS--thanx to Jonathan Root for introducing this song to me years ago in the Admissions Office. ^_^
Carry on Wayward Son Lyrics
Artist(Band):Kansas
Carry on my wayward son,
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more
Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
I was soaring ever higher, but I flew too high
Though my eyes could see I still was a blind man
Though my mind could think I still was a mad man
I hear the voices when I'm dreamin', I can hear them say:
Carry on my wayward son,
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more
Masquerading as a man with a reason
My charade is the event of the season
And if I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don't know
On a stormy sea of moving emotion
Tossed around I'm like a ship on the ocean
I set a course for winds of fortune, but I hear the voices say:
Carry on my wayward son,
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more
Carry on, you will always remember
Carry on, nothing equals the splendor
Now your life's no longer empty
Surely heaven waits for you
Carry on my wayward son,
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry
Don't you cry no more
Anyway, I LOVE this song. People attribute many different meanings to it. It ranges from a spiritual quest to soldiers in war to people dying of a terminal illness. However you interpret this song, the ultimate message is HOPE. HOPE for the weary. HOPE for the distraught. HOPE for the confused. HOPE for all.
Here are the words. May you all feel more hopeful after reading this blog.
Love to all! ^_^
PS--thanx to Jonathan Root for introducing this song to me years ago in the Admissions Office. ^_^
Carry on Wayward Son Lyrics
Artist(Band):Kansas
Carry on my wayward son,
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more
Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
I was soaring ever higher, but I flew too high
Though my eyes could see I still was a blind man
Though my mind could think I still was a mad man
I hear the voices when I'm dreamin', I can hear them say:
Carry on my wayward son,
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more
Masquerading as a man with a reason
My charade is the event of the season
And if I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don't know
On a stormy sea of moving emotion
Tossed around I'm like a ship on the ocean
I set a course for winds of fortune, but I hear the voices say:
Carry on my wayward son,
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more
Carry on, you will always remember
Carry on, nothing equals the splendor
Now your life's no longer empty
Surely heaven waits for you
Carry on my wayward son,
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry
Don't you cry no more
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