Confession...

I've not been the best voter. Granted, I've had only two chances to vote thus far. This year I've decided to be a more informed voter. I'm taking a human development class at Geneva, in which we've discussed education and its need of reform. Teachers are not paid nearly what they deserve, and children read far below their reading level. (Thank you, Mom, for reading to me when I was young!) There are many factors involved, but part of it is a system that doesn't work. Many intelligence tests that children take do not tap their full potential and level of intelligence. I'm determined--being a not-yet mom who wants really good school systems for her kids--to consider candidates' ideas on school reform when I vote next year.
The confession is that I knew what I knew mostly by listening to other people. This time is different because I'm looking online and paying more attention to debates, as there is so much communicated nonverbally that is not communicated in print.
I'm more excited about voting than I have been in the past two times, and I plan on being a better voter. Besides that, I must pray that God will give us a great president who will stand on his own two feet and lead us to better school systems, better healthcare, and justice for all.

Part II--oh, and scroll down to see the other pictures posted if you want...

since you can only post so many pics at a time
the dish, by the way, is something Bryan made and I thought was beautiful. I'm so proud of my man and what he can cook! ^_^ Love to all!!!!






since you can only post so many pics at one time, here are some more ^_^

Whee-hoo!!! Again!!!!

Okay, so now you can SEE we're doing well. Just thought I should have a picture of Bryan cooking, where's he's in his element. He's so talented and makes such beautiful things! Finally, you can see the donkeys as well. Horace is the white one, Steve-O, the little gray one. OH, and the picture of Bryan and me together is from our church Blast from the Past party, where we both dressed in the 60's. Way fun. ^_^ We played "Let's Make a Deal", where lots of the prizes were elephant gifts brought from home and lovely little prizes from the Dollar Store. Whee-hoo!!! ^_^

Transitions!!!!!!

New house--LOVE it. Counter space, Counter Space, COUNTER SPACE. Way cool. Donkeys--way fun. They love it when we give them special attention and feed them apples. Stryker is getting used to the idea of these "strange, big dogs" and barks at them less than in the beginning. We love our bedrooms and the living room and kitchen. Whee-hoo!
New school--LOVE it. Good teachers, good classmates with interesting life stories. No snobs. We're not like the Brady Bunch or anything--some people just don't click--but we like each other all right.
New not-working status--LOVE it. A little more tight, money-wise, but way more time to do homework. I was so nervous already because I had no time for all the reading for class. Teachers assign chapters at a time because, honestly, people in grad school should be doing ONLY that--grad school--at least, if you're going full time. I figured that I'd rather finish in 2 years and not work during as opposed to working while going part-time, finishing in 3 years. Besides, I would be already done by now, but that's another story...
New spending time with Bryan--LOVE IT!!!!!! You know, it's funny, I kinda laughed when I was told before I got married that I would see Bryan less after marrying him. I was like, "No way! We'll see each other allthe time because we'll LIVE together!" It really is true--separate jobs, separate schools, can almost turn into separate LIVES. Have to be SO careful...that's how people wake up after being married for a while and don't know their own spouses. Here's a thought--if you're spending too much time apart and you just can't make time for each other, find out what needs to be cut so you can reconnect with your spouse. It's essential to happiness in marriage. Maybe I'll do a study on this...hmmmm.......
Love to all! Hope everybody else is happy!

Newlyweds again!

Well, that's how I feel! We're moving into a new place, we got some new sheets and dishes, and we're moving to a place closer to my school and Bryan's work. It's gonna be really good for us and I am happy. You know, generosity is a great thing. So is selflessness. I gotta say, Donna Petrak has a lot of both. But now is the time for Bryan and me (and Stryker) to live in Harmony. It's very farmish.
I haven't lived in the country since I was a kid, and it wasn't very long before we moved to Searcy. What's the best part about living in the country in PA, as opposed to AR? No ticks! How many of us cousins remember going out to the barn, sitting (and usually singing--Rachel and Tara--on the hay, coming back with ticks. Going out and playing with the dogs, coming back with TICKS. Not here. Whee-hoo!
Plus, we now have donkeys! They're not ours or anything, they're just there and all we have to do is water them. We named them Steve-o and Horace. Horace is the big white one, and Steve-o is the smaller, more friendly one. He loves to be scratched on his head and nose, and Horace stays away until his jealousy overcomes him. Then he comes up for a good scratch on the noggin.
We also have a nice spring near the house. We'll get our water from there, mostly. It tastes way better than stuff from the PUR filter. So, if you want to get away for a few days, we have a place for you now! (This means you, Mom.) ^_^
Or Rachel and Casey, if you overshoot your parents house and keep driving, come on. It's only a few more hours. Pittsburgh is a great place to live--the restaurants, the gorgeous hills, the sights. Maybe we can even take in a Penguins game. I didn't go to one last season and I really want to this time. I have a nifty student ID now that will get me a discount at games.
Okay, so that's the new stuff. I love and miss people like crazy, and I look forward to seeing people next.
Oh, by the way, Aunt Kathy is just so cool. I had so much fun at her house a coupla nights ago. I got to see people I hadn't seen in WAY too long--Tiffany, Megan, Kole, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Kevin, and I got to meet James, as well as Megan's boyfriend, Zach.
Family is SO cool. Anyway, come see me! I may be studying some of the time you're here, but we'll take some time to get some good food and sights in.
Love to ALL! ^_^

Kennywood! Whee-hoo!

Kennywood is a small amusement park located 25 minutes away from Carnegie. It has a few good rides and one really big outdoor ride and one big indoor ride. Not Six Flags by any means, but it's a lotta fun. Plus, Kennywood holds a special place in the hearts of many Pittsburghers, and I can see why. It's special. ^_^ Anyway, Bryan and I went yesterday with his friend and his friend's niece. We had a blast! oh, and not only was it not crowded--it was Polish Day! Everywhere I went I saw shirts like "Kielbasa--$4, Pierogies--$2, Being Polish--priceless" and "Not only am I perfect, I'm Polish!" ^_^ Was really fun.
Ironically, I always said that if I lived near an amusement park I would go all the time, but reality doesn't allow it. Scheduling is just difficult because my husband and I work different shifts, meaning that when I am enjoying time off, he's got his nose to the grindstone. Kinda stinks. Eventually, we'll both have jobs where we can have entire days off together and--gasp!--maybe a weekend!--without specifically requesting them. I'm just glad that we both have the end of August for this purpose. We're going to Bryan's cousin's wedding in North Carolina! Will be way fun.
Anyway, I hope everybody gets a day off every once in a while to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Work leads to rewards--stop and take advantage of them every once in a while. Love to all! ^_^

WHEE-HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just finished my FAFSA!!!!!!! SO excited! I'm officially going back to school and I'm SO ready. It's TIME. I want to do something more meaningful than bringing somebody their coffee. Gotta say, though, every experience I've ever had has brought good along with the bad. I don't regret working at Applebee's ONE bit, and not just for the money. It's built my confidence in my self,and brought me closer to God, believe it or not. I've met the most interesting people there, workers, bosses, customers. I think God puts us at places so we'll impact and be impacted. I've definitely been impacted. I think I'll be a better counselor for it, actually.
And did I mention I'm thrilled to be finished with my FAFSA? ^_^
Government is beneficial, with the good and bad. They still have several kinks to work out in its system. Not willing to try myself, though. i was not meant to be involved with government. Just not my thing. I'd rather pray for good politicians to lead us as presidents than for me to go for it myself. I never was that interested in history, government, etc. Hey, let's all just play our strengths. While I'm not the best at "conversating", I'm pretty good at listening, and I'm a lot better at reading people than I used to be. I used to think that people who didn't want to talk a lot with me just didn't like me. Some people just don't like small talk, especially with the server at the restaurant. These people are NOT mean. I used to react off of this and not be sure how to serve them, but now I know that if the person doesn't respond with boisterous conversation, it means get them what they need efficiently, give them as many refills as they can take withOUT talking during--silent server, and be QUIETLY polite. For doing that yesterday, I was rewarded with a 33% tip! ^_^ Was very nice.
People. I'm looking forward to PEOPLE! I'm so ready to be in classes with them, but also to counsel them. I'm ready to work hard and to be recognized for my studying. I'm ready for A's and succeess after difficult tests, and I'm ready to once again be in a Christian school. I've missed being with Christians outside of church. Don't get me wrong, I hang out with some people I go to church with outside of church, but mostly, I'm at work with people who don't hold the same belief system that I do. I love them to death, but conversing about God becomes difficult.
Well, thanx for listening. I have been in communicado lately, and I miss everybody so much. Okay, time to visit your blogs now! Love to ALL. ^_^

Whee-hoo! I'm the first!

First off, happy 4th of July! Secondly, I'm sure everybody saw a good fireworks display. I went with Bryan, Chris and Maria, Mike, and their Mom to Scott Park--actually, they'd been there since 4 and I joined them at 6:30 after I got off of work. We had so much fun! They brought all this food, and so we picnicked, played basketball, ate ice cream, and listened to this old fogey band play old fogey songs while old fogeys danced and had fun. I laughed at them and said to Bryan, "You know that will be me in the distant future." Well, as long as I keep having fun. ^_^
The fireworks were spectacular!I started off sitting in the back of Chris and Maria's truck, but I was pretty close, so I was craning my neck. After a while, I laid down on the grass so I was directly underneath the fireworks, and it was PERFECT. I had the best view.
I hope everybody had as much fun as I did! ^_^

What a cool family!

This weekend was filled with Fink. The Finks are Bryan's mom's family, and there are many members of this crew. Plus, we have 2 Lindas, 2 Dianes, and several zany uncles, so we had a laugh RIOT. I had a blast. These people are so COOL. I'm just getting to know how cool they are because I only see them a coupla times a year. The Finks were here for two things--their 4th of July--technically on the 1st--/family reunion and one of the cousin's--Linny's--wedding shower. It was great! The shower had the usual stuff--nice gifts, girly little finger foods, lovely treats to take home afterward, etc. We also had a nice pot of chocolate fondue to go with bananas, marshmallows, and strawberries. It was all girls except for the fiance, Randy, so there was a whole lotta giggling. At the end of the night, Uncle Rick--whose house hosted the shower--got out his bongos and played while we were listening to music and having a ball.
The next day was the family reunion. It was also a birthday party for Uncle Rick, and the theme was Heinz 57 because...he was good humored about it. He cracks me up. All the uncles do. ^_^
Like any reunion, it was filled with lotsa laughter and really good food. These people know how to cook, too! After the reunion, we went bowling. (I bowled a 125--whee-hoo!!!)
I gotta say, I'm SO lucky to have married into such a fun family. I'm looking forward to Linny's wedding at the end of August. God blessed me with a good husband, and a good set of in-laws. Whee-hoo!

$3 rentals

These are the movies that are $3 movies. I don't mean that they happen to cost that at the time--it's just that they are best seen as a rental for $3. Some movies dont' work for that. Spiderman needs to be seen in the theater, unless of course you have one of those really cool home entertainment centers with surround sound and a big screen. I don't have that (yet--ha) so I coughed up the $8 to see it at the theater with everybody else. This category includes X-Men, Transformers, Fantastic Four, Independence Day, etc.
The movies I'm talking about are new at the beginning, and so poor unsuspecting souls--most likely young men who have just taken their dates out to some overpriced restaurant--reach deep into their pockets for that precious $16 dollars so the two of them can sit through a movie, only to realize 15 minutes in, "Hey--this movie could have waited a few months, and I would have saved $13." Truthfully, not only would the money have been better spent to see "Fantastic Four" or "Evan Almighty"--can't wait to see that, by the way--but admit it--the poor shlubs who spent $13 extra bucks probably spent $10 more to get drinks--maybe just one--and candy for their dates, even though for dinner they just had a salad and diet coke. Irony rears its ugly head in the dating scene once again.
What inspired this blog? I just watched "Music and Lyrics." I hope I'm not offending anybody who liked this movie, it's just that after seeing masterpieces that shake my core, "Music and Lyrics" left me cold. Don't get me wrong--it's cute. It's romantic. I said, "Awwwww" at the appropriate times. I am glad, however, that when I was at the theater a few months ago I watched "Bridge to Terabithia" instead. That was one of those "worth-it" $8 movies. For those who didn't see it, maybe you can still catch it at a dollar theater. I hope you can--it's great.
This category also is related to the "Wal-Mart Bin" category. How many times have you seen movies for $5.50 and said, "I should buy it--it's only $5!" a good example of this is "The Bachelor." I LOVE this movie, but it lives in the bin and is often sold at stores for $5. Why is this? It has become one of those movies that people don't talk about anymore because it didn't shake anybody to their core. People will talk about "A Few Good Men" forever because of the line (say it with me now....)
"YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!" It's the same reason people won't forget "Forrest Gump" or "The Shawshank Redemption." How many spoofs have you seen of people standing in the rain with their arms spread out wide? It's one of the best scenes from the movie.
Myabe that's a mark of a good movie--people making fun of it--or at least it's a mark of a movie that makes an impression.

Dress Woes...

Why can't I find a dress????? For ONCE it's not my weight! ^_^ No, unfortunately, it's just the style. It's the time of the season for baring. I just can't wear those strapless dresses to church. I'm not going to judge people who can. More power to them. I feel uncomfortable. I want a cute dress that I can wear to church, and I can't find one! The irony is Penney's used to be my place where I'd always find a dress. It now seems as if they have dresses with sleeves for old ladies, or in a younger style but black. It's summer! I don't want to wear a black dress in summer. I'd feel blah. Again, more power to those who can. I want pink. Actually, it was kinda funny because when I was at Penney's, I thought "WHERE IS A NICE PINK DRESS?" only to turn around and see a tweed, pepto bismol colored jacket. PASS.
Apparently, fashion designers--Megan, Tiffany, are you paying attention to this?--think that sleeves are only for those 80+ and the rest of us will just have to wear a jacket. I suppose I could, but I'd rather just find a cute sleeveless dress or one with short sleeves, a nice light blue or pink color, maybe a yellow, and one that I can wear to church.
Lucky for me, I go to church with people--I don't tell them nearly enough how cool they are ^_^-- who wear jeans and tee shirts, or sometimes a jacket and nice pants, or nice button-ups. I was raised though, like many of the people who read this blog, to dress for God on Sunday morning. On the one hand, He's just glad we're there together to worship Him. On the other, I have the "dress for God" mentality drilled into my head.
So until I find just the right dress, I will continue to wear my khakis and shirts or jeans and button-up, or one of my older dresses that have managed to last as long as they have.

So much fun! ^_^

I LOVE to bowl! I have no strategy whatsoever, but I have a lotta fun. Yesterday, it was all rainy and I was just dying to do something out. I'd been cooped up all day long. I thought Bryan and I were going to spend all afternoon at the pool, but the rain said, "NO", so I suggested bowling instead. Bryan and I went with his sister, Maria, and her fiance, Chris. He's a good bowler and has his own ball. The ball's pretty cool and has this core inside that turns when the ball is rolled, therefore producing a wicked curve and resulting in several strikes. I can't even pick up the ball with one hand, so I decided it would be best to stick with a lighter ball.
Bowling was great! I got my best score ever--98! ^_^ I'm not exactly Kingpin, but that's okay because I play for a laugh, not to rack up points. I did, however, get two strikes in a row. 2/3 of a turkey!

Fiesta! ^_^

We had SO much fun tonight! Our church has get-togethers (Holly, is that hyphenated?) every once in a while, just to be together, eat, and play games. This one's theme was a fiesta. We had a blast! The first picture is of our preacher, Reid Moon, who is the best combination of spirituality and fun of anybody I've ever met. He's the coolest! He also has so much to say to get me thinking. It's such a God thing that he's my preacher.
The third picture is of his son, Jacob, who is way cool. He's about to finish college--on his last year for a musical scholarship. Anyway, he was also swinging at a pinata. Way fun. I bought it and stuffed it with tootsie rolls--any pinata I've ever seen has been stuffed with them--as well as some fun dip and a few other pieces of candy. We also had a pinata for the kids in picture number two. These girls are so cute! I just had to get a shot of them on the swing.
We also had a live pinata. Hmm, I just realized I didn't get a shot of the live pinata. Of course, it's hard to take a picture of yourself. That was me! It was fun. I took crepe paper and taped really long pieces all over me, and I ran like the dickens all over the yard while people tore after me, trying to remove all of the crepe paper. When the last piece was removed, I threw the candy I was carrying in the air. It was SO much fun!!!!! People got a kick out of it. I'm sure I looked funny, but we had a blast.
By the way, I'm one of the Ministresses of Fun at our church. Lisa Goda is the other one, and we plan these parties together. We had fun planning this one, and we look forward to planning the next one, too. ^_^
May all of you enjoy your church as much as Bryan and I do! ^_^ Love to all!

6 Month Plea

(This is Stryker pleading for everybody to get together.)

Okay. The time has COME. The Curtises haven't had Christmas together since 1995. Some of us have gotten together through travelling, meaning mamaw and Papaw, who have gotten to see everybody periodically. And why shouldn't they? Everybody loves to come to see them, just not at the same time. It must happen this year! I'm calling this the 6 month plea because it gives everybody time to get their Christmas schedules together where we can all be, well, together. Think about it--the amazing singing--I'm so hungry for it!--Aunt Kathy's pepperoni rolls and puppy chow (that peanut butter chocolate and powdered sugar stuff), Aunt Donna's enchiladas, Mom's(Aunt Carol's to some) blackberry cobbler, Uncle Randy's humor ^_^, and ANYTHING that Mamaw makes. People can draw names for just the right Christmas gift, the way we used to do it--cousins draw cousins, grown-ups draw grown-ups, and everybody gets gifts for the cousins kids and for Mamaw and Papaw. Ooh, and we can't forget the big stocking!!!! Remember what goes on the side--new drawers filled with the stocking excess. ^_^ For our morning coffee, we can have those lovely little chocolate covered spoons. Ooh, and I'll make a pound cake. Everybody loves pound cake, right?
All that aside, I just MISS everybody!!! Keeping up by blogging is beautiful, but it's NOT the same as hearing Aunt Kathy sing "Oh Holy Night". Ooh, my i-tunes is on shuffle. A CHRISTMAS song just came on. It's fate!!!! This is the Christmas that everybody MUST come together!!! I really hope it works out. I want to see everybody so badly. So many hugs, so many laughs, so many hours of playing games and watching "Claymation Christmas" and "Miracle on 34th Street."
Love to ALL! ^_^

It's swim time, baby!

I'm SO glad that the pools are open!!!! Time for SWIMMING. Now, swimming means many different things to people. For some, it's time to lay out. For others, time to do serious laps. Some spend quality time on the water slide and the diving board and relish in the adult only swim time. My swim time is a melange of all of the above. I'm pale as a ghost from the winter and well, LIFE in general, so I have a lot of tanning to do. Oh, and to be honest, I'm not one of the "serious" lap people, but I make myself do at least 10. I play the rest of the time. ^_^ Oh, and as far as swimming goes, I'm an expert...doggie paddler...I don't even like to put my head under water except for when I've just jumped off of the diving board or gone down the slide.
So, what kind of swimmer are you? May your pooltimes be merry! ^_^

This is a test

My blog before this one wouldn't allow comments--I'm seeing what happens. I wish I were more computer savvy...

Darren Aronofsky's "The Fountain"

Power, love, beauty, passion.
Have you ever wished that you could be Adam or Eve in the Garden of Eden? Maybe you wouldn't have eaten from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Maybe you would have relished in the presence of God and had nothing to hide. Maybe you wouldn't have been banished from perfection, freedom, and eternal life. I would like to think I would have listened to God and that His word against eating from the tree would have been enough for me.
This film is about a husband's encompassing love for his wife, and her story inspired by the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden. Although most of the story is fiction, it does bring me to think about how the tree really was. Was it beautiful? What was it about it that wasn't as appetizing as the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil? I think that the TKGE that although it looked good for eating, mustn't have been as beautiful as the TOL, or Satan wouldn't have had to push it on Adam and Eve. They were attracted to all of the other trees, satisfied with the fruit from the others. I also wonder how long it took before Satan tempted them. How long did he wait before pouncing on these two people?
Life! So powerful. And yet so many people take it for granted. People die for it, sell everything for it, and some give up hope of having it. This couple's--from the movie--passion for each other and life is breathtaking.

Encouragement

Are you having a good day? A bad day? Did you do well for somebody or mess up? Did you have really good intentions but fail? Did you have nonchalant intentions and brighten someone's day anyway? You're HUMAN. You're bound to please people, let them down, but most importantly, YOU ARE YOUR TOUGHEST CRITIC. You know whether you tried your best. God knows whether you tried your best. Why are we trying to please other people?? I am a people pleaser by nature, to those who didn't know...
What I realize (after attempts to please people, some that work, some that don't) is that I need to please THREE people: God, Bryan, and myself. There are ways, though, that I must come before Bryan, as must all of you come before your spouses. You know more than your spouse if you are trying the best you CAN. Don't let anybody make you feel bad about the effort you're attempting. You know the level you're working and only you know if you need to work harder. If you are working hard, feel good about it. Be YOU.
It is what it is. You will succeed, you will fail. So will I! The best I can do is to work my hardest to please my God and savior, then Bryan, then me. I can do my best to make other people's lives better, but ultimately, it comes down to our personal relationships with God.
I'm writing this blog because there are times I feel down about myself and what I haven't done, and I forget to be proud of things I have done. I feel bad about myself for letting people down, forgetting about the fact that I did the best I could. I just want you to know that you are amazing people who have pressures and relationships to build, and I hope that you don't waste your time feeling bad when you can't please everybody. Help others, yes, but put God and your family first. The people that you can't personally help can be helped by your church, whether it be by prayer, financial encouragement, etc. This is one of the benefits from going to church. We have people to lean on and to let lean on us!
Love to all, and I pray for all of you. ^_^

A shout-out to the talented

Regular people who perfected their craft, not stopping when they made mistakes. Maybe we could all learn from these people....^_^
First off, Happy Mother's Day to my Mom
She's lovely, intelligent, and incredibly hard-working. I owe my "fun-ness" to her. ^_^ I've learned a lot from her...

All the other people, Steve Carell, Edward Norton, Reese Witherspoon, Pearl Jam, Joni Mitchell, Josh Groban, Matthew Perry--they're all incredibly talented as well...
inspires us all to not just settle for doing a mediocre job, right?
They all worked passionately and have succeeded. We all can succeed at whatever we want!!! ^_^ Just do it.

I've got it...

I know what I want to do! Okay, so I love Pennsylvania. It's perfect entertainment-wise, people-wise, and weather-wise--well, spring/summer/fall, I mean. So this is my plan. Eventually, I will have a house in Florida where Bryan and I will live from January-April. If I miss the snow, I can always come back to PA for a day or so, just in time to get snowed in. Then, I'll go back to those lovely warm winter days. Ever been to Disney World around Christmas? It's PERFECT. I know it's a lofty goal, but it sounds pretty nice. ^_^ I was just thinking about those lovely palm trees and driving up and down the roads, looking across the distance and seeing the beach...mmmmmmmmmmmm, sounds good. Hmm--I could be licensed to counsel in a coupla different states...
Well, anyway, today is my day off, so I have time to work on stuff but also to dream. Here's to dreaming--in the midst of hard work--and not giving up on those lovely thoughts that bring smiles to our faces. God wants us content, but He also instilled in us the desire to dream. Whether that dream be raising Godly babies, being singers in the church praise team, or being top-notch counselors, dream big--whatever your dream may be--and put forth the effort to succeed.
Love to all! K ^_^