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
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