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? ^_^
Monday, September 29, 2008
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...^_^
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