Playing with the new Mac

Rainy-day head

I have what I call "Rainy-day head." It's this lethargic feeling I get when the world is all gray outside and the rain is continually pounding on the roof. I seem unable to get off my butt and do anything. Although, since I've completed three papers just sitting on my butt, I suppose that's not all bad. :) I also going to sit on my butt and read an assigned book--good stuff. It's supposed to rain all weekend--I'm gonna have to snap outta this soon enough.

Dave's parents arrived in B.C. (here) yesterday. Dave picked them up at lunch time and they came over for my homemade potato and bacon chowder. I got the recipe from gmama's church recipe book. That thing is pure gold I tell ya! We make that recipe all the time--sooo good! We had a really nice lunch and then went to the local state park and had a good walk. Sleepy enjoyed it emensely. Mervyn is tickled to death with Sleepy. Just loves him. Sleepy's been really good and I think Mervyn and Sylvia haven't had a dog in quite a while, so it's been nice for them to play with him. After our walk we played around in the house on all the computers.

I say ALL the computers because we have our old Mac laptop, Mervyn and Sylvia brought theirs, and they bought us a brand new Mac laptop! yes folks--we now have a laptop that has a camera built into it! You can take pictures of yourself at the click of a button. I'm very excited to play with it. We actually haven't opened it yet because we've been looking at pictures from Mervyn and Sylvia's recent trip to Medeira (i think I spelled that right) and this last week to Arizona. Very exciting stuff.

Dave and his parents are actually off on a walk right now. I looked at the amount of homework due for Monday and decided I needed to stay here and work on it. I am very proud of myself. 2 1/2 hours later and I'm done--with all the work for Monday that is :). I normally would have time to work on hw Monday, but I'm working at NOC that day. I think all of us are heading to Pigeon Forge on Tuesday for the outlet malls and so on. I'm sure Dave will "love" that, considering he's not too fond of shopping, but his dad is always amusing so I'm sure we'll all have a great time.

Well, that's it for now. I want to tidy the house before everyone gets back. I was also thinking of trying my hand at a carrot cake recipe I found from the link on Brandy's page. Dave LOVES carrot cake, but I've never made it. I guess I just haven't really baked many sweet things. Time to give it a try!!! Toodles!

still alive

For now my flowers are still alive. A few bit the dust, but other than those they seem to be looking pretty good. It frosted last night and was on the flowers this morning. But, with it being almost back in to the 60's again, they are almost perky! The tulips actually look like they are doing better than the buttercups. Had a pretty uneventful day today. Went to school, came home, discovered there a LOT of things I need to be working on right now in terms of school. These next few days are going to be very busy--hopefully I'll be diligent in trying to catch up. Dave's parents will be in town on Friday, so I want to try and get as much as I can done before then so I can devote my time to them.
Small group is in just a few minutes. It's going to be short tonight so that we can go help the new pastor and his wife (used to be youth pastor and wife) move into the parsonage. With two kids I hear moving is a pain. I can't imagine moving yet since I haven't really moved anywhere with actual furniture except in to this place. Just wanted to update you guys!

Snow and Coffee

It snowed this morning. Yes, I'm serious. It snowed. This continued on and off for several hours, and I wouldn't be surprised if it started up again some time this afternoon. Crazy, crazy weather. It's a good thing I took pictures of the flowers yesterday, because they may die from this cold bout. A few weeks ago I would have loved to have a little more snow, now I just want Spring weather. ugh. That's What I get for saying winter was over.

I have this theory about coffee drinkers. The real coffee drinkers, the ones who REALLY love coffee are those who like it in almost any capacity. They like it cold, hot, or 24 hours old. They'll drink it in the absence of cream or sugar and without it being a certain temperature. I do not fit into this category. The category I fit into is the one with the people that LEARNED to like coffee. They liked the smell first, and then came experimentation. Chocolate covered coffee beans for studying nights. Cream and lots of sugar in their very hot coffee. Maybe a little less sugar now, and they can handle it with just milk if you ABSOLUTELY don't have the flavored creamer, but they still prefer it. It still has to be pretty hot, and never EVER cold or lukewarm. Yes, that's me. I'm a fair-weather fan of coffee. I would ditch it in a heartbeat for sweet hot chocolate or the pretending-to-be-coffee caramel macchiato. I'm ok with this category. The real coffee drinkers think I'm pretty shallow, but that's fine with me. I keep a good stock of flavored creamer, and I don't turn the coffee pot off until I REALLY know I'm done with it. I even make them warm up my coffee at the coffee shop in town (they are used to this by the way, but they allow it cause I keep coming back). And I ask, what kind are you? Maybe there are more than two categories?

Happy Easter!!!

Family and Spring photos

Day FORTY!!!

Today ends Lent. I can go back to watching TV, reading my magazines, and even gossip sites, if I want. Funny how I don't really care now :). Today Sophie and I slept late while Dave went hiking with one of the youth boys. Then he came back and made us pancakes and we all curled up on the couch and watched Harry Potter 5. Then Dave did some painting on the trim and myself and Sleepy went to the back yard to enjoy the sun. I curled up in a chair and read--got a little sun too! For dinner, Dave and I made zuchini quiche w/ baked potatoes. Then we all did this and that, internet, more reading, etc, until we finally decided to watch the movie "Life is Beautiful." This film was amazingly beautiful and full of love. It's about a father who convinces his young (probably 5 yrs old) son that being in the concentration camps is a game, and whoever wins gets a real tank as a prize. The father ends up dying, but the son and mother survive and the son never knows (I guess until afterwards) that it was a terrible place to be. A tear jerker! But the father plays it so upbeat the whole time. Anyway, that our last Lent day!

Day Thirty-nine

Today I woke up around 8:30 and Dave decided not to go into work until 9:30. So, he said he'd make breakfast if I would get out of bed and eat it with him. I definitely got the better end of that deal. We had pancakes and he went off to work. Then I worked on homework for the rest of the morning/early afternoon. Around 3 Sleepy and I went to the park in town Called Island Park (so named cause it's an island w/ the river running around all sides of it). Once I cross the bridge into the park I can let Sleepy loose and he can run as much as he wants. He pretty much stays around me because he doesn't like to be left behind. He did try to lick a homeless man's face though. The man was pretty surprised by that but just turned over and went back to sleep and I took Sleepy to another part of the park so as not to disturb him again. I ran some errands w/ Sleepy while walking around town. And then, just as we were about to head back to the car, Dave passed us in his truck. So we all headed home to work in the yard for a bit. He painted the window boxes that have my tulips in them, since it was such a beautiful, hot day, and I tidied up the yard a bit, mowing bits of high grass here and there (it hasn't grown enough to mow the whole thing).

Tonight we went to church to help stuff the Easter eggs. We ended up with 1,203 stuffed eggs and LOTS of left over candy. We decided to stick a lot of the candy and small toys in water bottles and use those as some of the big prizes. While we stuffed we ate pizza and watched "Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were Rabbit." Really cute movie, hilarious to adults as well! Anyway, it was a good day. Sophie's coming over tonight after she washes clothes and we're gonna watch the 5th Harry Potter movie which I just bought from a friend (she had two) tonight. Yay! Well, that's it! I think I'm gonna need some Coke or coffee to stay up late. I'm tired! I hate being tired at night, I'm supposed to be the night owl of the family (well, after B, she's REALLY the night owl).

Attn: Brandy and Shannon. Don't forget to put up pix of your kids Easter egg hunting! I really miss hiding eggs for kids and coloring eggs with them too. It's nice to have kids around during Easter to do those kind of things with. OH! And I have to take some pictures of my flowers for you Shannon. My tulips are just coming up! The yard is SO pretty!

Day Thirty-eight

Just two more days guys! I can't believe it. Yesterday I went to Asheville with a friend. We had sushi at my favorite sushi place and then walked around downtown for a bit. Afterwards we popped into World Coffee and had some really nice coffee and some really rich rasberry chocolate cheesecake-oh man it was good. Midafternoon we went and saw "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day." it was extremely cute. I really liked it. We wondered around Target after that and then headed to Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company and had THE best nachos ever. They have black olives, onions, mushrooms, cheese, and fried tofu on them--mmmm! Delish! Good conversation followed all day. It was nice Easter break day! Our renter moved in while I was gone and so we have someone next door now! Well-that's about it for my day! How was yours?

Day Thirty-seven

What do you think of when you hear the words "graphic novel"? I think porn. Funnily enough, it's a more adult comic book! Seriously! They have classes with graphic novels at the base of them in college. The film "V for Vendetta" came from a graphic novel. I have to do a "book talk" on it for my Monday class. I'm basically telling the other ed. students in the room why they should teach this novel in their senior english classes as an elective (not assigned but on a reading list) book. The funny thing about this novel is, to me, graphic novels have always been kind of a guy thing. But this novel has a girl as the protagonist. Odd, but still really interesting. I don't think you could require this novel for reading because it gets quite violent-which you know if you saw the movie. I highly recommend both by the way-very interesting. I spent most of my day yesterday trying unsuccessfully to finish the book. Almost there though. Yesterday evening I went to Bible study and then we stuffed some of the 1,000 eggs for Sunday. There's still about half to do though, maybe more. Then, two of the girls and I went upstairs and did our workout to one of their tapes. I've never been good at working out with a tape by myself--too accessible I guess, if that makes sense. But it was really good! My abs are pretty stiff this morning--wuhoo! Now if I could just keep that up maybe i would be a bit more healthy by summer time. My exercise regime is pathetic--basically non-existent. Well, I'm off. I gotta get the dog in--he's whining. I never thought dogs whined, but mine does all the friggin' time! ugh-I cannot handle whining. Now I know what my parents/grandparents had to go through with me! :0) See ya!

Day Thirty-six

I went to school yesterday, as usual, and then I headed to the grocery store. Afterwards I had coffee with some girl friends at Mtn Perks, the only coffee shop in town, and then went to buy some new flower bulbs that were on sale. Dave and I decided to make dinner (chili) and then bring it to the pastor's house for us all. They are in the process of moving house and so cooking is rather laborous. So the four of us had a nice dinner, while their kids, who had not had a nap that day, irritated their parents.

After we left the pastor's, we decided to settle down and watch the fourth Harry Potter movie. It's a sad one; two people die. I always forget that. But pretty much from the 3rd one on the books get pretty dark and stormy. Yesterday was pretty chill, not much to say about it really. I did decided not to go to the beach with my family because of all the things I have going on this week. I'm going to Asheville tomorrow with a friend and then Friday I'm helping stuff Easter eggs for our church's hunt on Sunday. We're supposedly stuffing a 1,000 eggs--yeesh!. Sophie-our adopted little sister who's the same age as Bethany, is coming to stay with us this weekend. Plus, I really need to catch up on some projects and papers I've been putting off--imagine that?! lol I'm off--I've got stuff to procrastinate working on--better get to it! :o)

Day Thirty-five

Folks--WE HAVE A RENTER!!! Yes, it's true! The guy that rented from us last summer is back in the country and called us today to see if it was available. He's moving in Thursday! Thanks for the prayers!

Today was my last day for observing at the high school this semester. No more getting up early for me!!! Until Fall that is--I have to teach two days a week then.

I got a call from NOC today. The season is just starting there and I'm getting calls more frequently to see if I can work different groups there. My second day will be the 31st. I'm always excited when work at NOC picks back up for the summer. I can't wait to get back out there every day, especially when I start guiding again. But, by the end of the summer I'm SO ready for it to be over. Funny huh? Guess I couldn't hack life long ropes course work. I'd have skin cancer before I was thirty for sure (course that won't be bun 5 years, but whatever).

Mervyn and Sylvia, Dave's parents are now in the country. They flew into Arizona yesterday at 7 o'clock AZ time, if everything went as planned. Still haven't heard from them though--hopefully soon. They'll be here with us from the 28th through the 4th. I hope it's really nice weather for them and we'll be able to do lots of stuff. I know Dave is really looking forward to their visit.

Mine and Dave's third wedding anniversary is just a few weeks away; I really can't believe it! I don't know where the time went. I hope I'll be saying that in 20 years too (God willing). I don't know what we're going to do for it--haven't really talked about it yet. I doubt we'll go anywhere big--I told Dave that would be our 5th anniversary :). Last year we took a camping trip to Stone Mtn, NC and that was really nice--although a little cold as I remember. I guess it depends on the burn ban whether we camp or not.

Tonight we decided to chill a bit and just ordered chinese take-out. I love me some beef lo mien and Dave always gets the sweet and sour pork. Then a friend of ours brought us by some more daffodils to plant for next year, the really rare white and orange ones. They're beautiful, can't wait till they come up next spring!

Alright, I'm gonna get ready for bed. I think Dave and I are gonna play a few rounds of cards before we hit the hay. G'night!

Sunday--last one before Easter!

Yesterday was a nice day. After church we had a members meeting about finances, which was NOT fun but necessary. After that we went home and I watched Survivor while Dave went rock climbing for a bit with one of the youth boys. Then we had small group last night with the youth at the local state park. We went for a hike and then split up and did our study sprawled in the sun in random places. Our small group has been talking about the power of the tongue for a quite a while. Afterwards, while we were walking back to join the rest of the group, we talked about how hard it is to get the word "like" out of our speech. I say it way too much. I remember mom used to repeat it back to me every time I said it while talking to her. We talked about how, if you speak more slowly, you could weed out the words you did not want to say, but you actually had to THINK about what you said that way, not just say whatever comes to mind. Good talk! Hopefully I will rid myself of the word "like" for no reason. I would like to have a "like free" zone in my classroom whenever I start teaching.

After small group we had a few friends over for a casual grill out. We all pulled together what was in our freezers/fridges and had grilled chicken, stir-fried veggies, and rice. Good conversation on a particular passage of scripture and its meaning too. Then we all sat around and had coffee and talked until past 10. I stayed up after everyone left to watch the season finale of October Road online. I finished at exactly 11:57, just in time! Excellent day all together!

Day Thirty-Three and Thirty-Four

Friday morning I went to observe at the school. I was pretty tired from staying up late to see Beowulf the night before. The film was pretty accurate actually--for the first 45 minutes. The whole story was told completely up to par with the original text. And then, when the text ran out, they started a new story. It was an interesting adaption actually, and that's what all movies of written material are, adaptions. I didn't think it was that bad. Yeah, it's bawdy, but if you read the text, it's worse, just not many people understand old English. Last night we went to a friends for a pre St. Patty's day dinner. It was corn beef, bake potatoes, and cabbage and it was SO so good. Oh man. I'm seriously thinking about buying that meal again for Dave's parents when they come. Good stuff!

Today it pouring cats and dogs outside. So, we decided to declare it a movie day. We had brunch of bacon, eggs, grits, and biscuits and then went to the library to get some cheap movies. You can rent a movie from the library for $1 a week! We got Troy and The Astronaut Farmer. The Astronaut Farmer is pretty good so far (we're watching it right now actually). Tonight we're going to have dinner--chicken alfredo--and then watch Troy. That's about it for today!

Day Thirty-One and Thirty-Two

I could have sworn I blogged yesterday, apparently not. Yesterday I had coffee with a girlfriend and made pancakes for us. Our dogs had a play date during this time. They play really well together, even though hers is so much bigger than Sleepy. Her dog gets down on the ground so she (Layla) and sleepy can play tug of war--very cute. After they left I worked on homework for a few hours and then completely wasted the rest of the afternoon on the Internet--facebook and online games will getcha! Yeah. Good stuff.

Today I am at school. I had my second Chaucer test and it was pretty involved. We were allowed to bring in a 3x5 card full of notes and that really helped. I spent the entire class period, plus 15 minutes afterwards (she let us finish out translation of the Middle English text--us the slow ones) writing the test. I wrote a whole lot more on this test than I did on the last one. I hope I do better on this one. I got a low B last time, which was pretty good considering how much studying I did for it. Now I'm killing time until my next class at 6. I'm eating dinner with friends @ 5 and then after class we're going to see the new version (in the last year) of Beowulf. Yes I know B, you hated it, but I'll see it anyway. I mean, how can I NOT as an English major go see this movie? Well, that's pretty much it for info. I guess I'll go play on facebook now.

P.S. has everyone deserted me? I have had no comments for the last week! I miss you guys!

Hilarious!

This is for you B and David--so funny! And true-always proofread. And David, stop using Wikipedia as a source buddy, not good. Plus, you TOTALLY plagiarized that whole paper you wrote. Ya really need to learn how to cite things bud.

Day THIRTY!!!

Guys-we are ALMOST there! Ten more days and I will be able to read my entertainment weekly's and Glamour's again! SO excited. I'm actually not sure I'm going to return to pinkisthenewblog.com. I really feel kinda bad when I read that stuff, mainly because Dave is constantly telling me it is trash. And I kinda know he's right. I mean, it does promote gossip, and even though I DON'T know the people personally or will likely ever meet them, it doesn't really give me the right to trash or glorify their actions. Though, it is REALLY entertaining to read the stuff they do--almost unbelievable sometimes! I will have a hard time giving it up completely for sure. I still scour the gossip mags at the grocery store constantly to see what Britney or Brangelina is doing. Sad, I know!

Tomorrow I can register for my fall classes at WCU. I'm a little nervous. I hope I can get into the ones I really need and the times I want them in. I would really hate to have to drive there every day again--ugh. Well, I'm heading to bed. I have an early-ish coffee get together with a girl friend and I want to get up and make breakfast for us before that. love you all!

P.S. to all my siblings-minus David cause you never call me, ya nerd--thanks for the conversations these last couple of days--especially to Shaun who got the brunt of all my upsetness. It meant a lot to me that you guys were willing to talk. Especially since Shaun NEVER calls me. It WOULD be nice to get a call from you guys when something's not wrong or someone's not dying though, seriously guys--my heart skips a beat when you call me! Anyway-I love you all dearly. Don't be strangers ok?

Day Twenty-nine

Today was my first day back at NOC for the season. I won't start full time until after school's done, but it was nice to be back for a bit. I only worked from 8 to 3 because I needed to run home (now) to grab my school stuff before my night class. I have to leave in half an hour. It was a good day on the ropes course though. This morning it was FREEZING, literally. I had 3 layers on and two winter hats, plus my thick hiking boots. But, by around lunch time, it warmed up, so the kids relaxed a little then. They were really great, the students. They were all 8th graders and the nicest, most attentive 8th graders I've ever met; which makes things very nice when dealing with safety issues. My hands are killing me though. I was on top of the swing tower the whole time, swinging kids off. When I'm up there I have to pull this really heavy cable up every time a kid wants to swing and my hands get really raw. It'll be nice when they toughen up for the summer; about the time my "summer muscles" come in too ;). Well, I gotta get ready to go. I hope I don't fall asleep in class cause I'm TIRED!

Day Twenty-eight and Sunday

So Saturday I slept late and then got started on homework. I had a quite a bit to do concerning homework. Dave and I had a nice dinner together and then played Scrabble until really late (which was actually later because we forgot about the time change the next day).

Sunday I got up at what I thought was 9, but was actually 10. Good thing Dave already had breakfast made or we would have been late for church. It's amazing how few people remember Day Light Savings and miss church on those days. There must have been fifty people or less at church Sunday--really hilarious! We thought maybe a few would straggle in when service was over, but they must have figured it out in time to miss church. After church we went to a friends for lunch. That was really nice. We just had frozen pizza, but then we added lots of stuff on top of it so it tasted like homemade! Then I went home and watched Survivor and then headed to youth group. Last night we had a bonfire, which we actually had a permit for. Good thing, considering last time the youth group had one some neighbor called the fire marshall and we had to put it out. It was fun though. Afterwards I came home and finished my lesson plans due for today. It took me longer to finish them than I thought it would. It is so nice to be back home with Dave. I find I can't sleep very well without him anymore. I slept pretty badly at Mom and Dad's last week, but maybe that had to do with how much sunlight comes into B's room in the morning :).

Day Twenty-seven

So I got home around 3:15 this afternoon. I was SO tired of driving. Last night, after an extremely "fun" dinner with the family where I got interrogated the entire time and no one stood up for me as usual, I went to Blaire's and then we headed to Charlotte for some actual fun. We went to a club, can't remember the name, and danced the night away. We had a blast! A fight did break out among some random people in the middle of the club, but I suppose that's typical for college night, considering the "who's dancing with MY girl" scene happens all the time at that age. Anyway, everyone was ok, but the girl who got in the middle and got hit with a bottle is gonna have a nasty black eye today. Fun stuff! After the club closed we hit up Waffle House for a 4 am breakfast, then headed to Blaire's to sleep by about 4:30. I can't remember the last time I did that. P.S. family-I did drive and I promise you I was safe. I don't let people that are intoxicated drive me ANYWHERE.

I got home today and went immediately to my bed for a nap. After Dave got home I made us a dinner of porkchops, baby pees, and cus cus and then we watched a movie. Appropriately that movie was on capital punishment, "The Life of David Gale"--another fun topic my Dad and I discussed after the family dinner.
Well-I'm going to bed. I still pretty tired and I have loads of homework to catch up on tomorrow. See ya!

Day Twenty-five and Twenty-six

So yesterday was a leisurely day. I woke up around 11. Yeah, I know, but it's spring break people! I worked on some lesson plans for a bit and then mom and i went to lunch at the Log Cabin. They seriously have THE best bbq of anywhere I've ever been, plus hushpuppies. As soon as we walked in I heard somebody call my name and there was a friend from when I used to lifeguard at the park! Mom and I had a really nice lunch and conversation. When we got home Bethany and I decided to see an early movie in town and then ordered Papa John's pizza. I haven't had that pizza in YEARS! Seriously--a Papa John's banana pepper, mushroom, and black olive pizza is just heavenly. Awesome break day.

Today I got up a little earlier and went to an early lunch with the friend I saw yesterday at the bbq place. We had really nice time catching up with each other and hopefully we'll see more of each other now. Then I stopped by to see Daddy during his lunch break and talk to him for awhile. Now I'm just killing time until dinner tonight where I can see the rest of my family! Then I'm going to spend the night with Blaire so we can catch up! I love coming home :). I'm also hoping Grandmama gets home soon so I can visit with her before I leave the house this evening. Well, that's my days so far! Spring break is almost over and all I have to show for it is a BUTT-LOAD of homework. Wuhooo!

P.S. having dinner tonight will all the family at the Mexican restaurant in Locust. Considering my stomach is already feeling weak that should be interesting!

Day Twenty-three and Twenty-four

Yesterday offically started my week of Spring Break. I left yesterday afternoon for Winston Salem to see Sheena, my best friend from college, the first try :). We ate at Applebees and then went and saw "Step Up 2 the streets." It was really fun and completely void of a substantial plot, but what do you expect from a sequal. The hot guy from the last movie was gone after the first five minutes! But, the music was awesome! I actually bought the soundtrack on the way out of Winston this morning. I love "The Record Shop" in Winston--cheap music rocks! Sheena and I had a blast catching up. We watched some comedians on youtube and mine was funny, Russel Peters (check him out-seriously!!!) and hers was a dud, Dane Cook. Seriously-no wit at all. Just dumb, recycled jokes that weren't funny the first time! Anyway- I had a really great time hangin' w/ my girl fro Winston.

Today I drove back towards my parents and went to see my big Sis and nephews. I really missed them. As soon as I got there the Buddies took me to their room to show me ALL their toys. They got out all the Cars characters and their DS and everything! It was Very cute ;). Then Shannon and I got to visit for a long time while the boys napped. I really enjoy just hanging out on the couch talking w/ you sis! I think that's one of the things I miss most about living a piece from home. Then the big boys came home from school and they talked to me! I couldn't believe it. W usually ignores me all together cause I'm just not cool enough for him. He told me about what he did in school today. I felt very honored. W even called me over to show me something he could do with a magnet :). Thanks for the visit sis! I missed you!

Then I drove to my parents house and visited with my grandmother for awhile. It's very hard to see her losing so much weight and utterly devastated by the news of my Aunt's cancer. It seems we were just doing this with Granddaddy, and now we have to go through it again with my aunt. I don't even know if I can process it really, other than to think about it for awhile and then consciously STOP thinking about it because I just don't know what to do!

Anyway--my lil bro, sis, and I are going (i think) snowboarding tomorrow all day. Still unsure of this since we have really fully decided and it's already 8:30 pm and we would need to leave here by 7 am, but whatever.

P.S. just to make this post even LONGER :)...it's really hard not to watch TV when I'm at other people's houses. I just can't really get by it considering it's on and it's not my decision. That's why I'm in the kitchen typing on the comp. and my family is in front of the TV--Idol's on :).

Peace--pray it snows tonight in the mtns!!!

Day Twenty-two and Sunday

Yesterday I woke up late and then had a quick breakfast. I washed dishes, browsed the internet, and generally just puttered while Dave broke up the concrete in front of our house. He's trying to break it up because the outside door won't open all the way. So he'll break it all up and then put pavers there instead.. Then Dave, Sleepy, a friend, and I went for a hike. It was a BEAUTIFUL day! The hike was awesome. Then we came home and cooked veggie chili for a few friends and generally just hung out. It was a very nice day.

Today we got up and Dave wasn't feeling so hot. So, he got back in bed and I went to church. Then I came home and made some pasta salad, although all he wanted was toast. Then I washed dishes and we talked to Dave's parents for a little while. Then Dave and I watched Survivor-yay! It was pretty good, although I have to say I feel very sorry for the Fan's team because they are just getting WHOOPED and makin' some pretty bad choices with who to vote off. Cashmere Mafia and October Road weren't posted yet; maybe they didn't have a new episode this week. I'll have to wait until next Sunday to see those. Now Dave's back in bed resting for a few minutes before we both have to lead a youth small group. Hopefully he'll hang in there and be cause he's the only one here to do it this week. Well, I'm gonna head off and check on him. See ya! Sorry this was such a boring post today :).

Check this out! So true!

Day Twenty & Twenty-One

Halfway there guys! Wuhoo! I kinda feel bad though, because it's not hard at all anymore. Even when I accidentally almost click on some gossipy site, then remember I can't, I don't miss it. It's nice really.

So yesterday I went to school all day, as usual. But I got out a little early (8:00 instead of 8:50) from my night class, so that was extremely nice. I was still exhausted when I came home though and pretty much went to be straight away.

Today I observed again at the high school and tried to talk my host teacher, who usually doesn't take interns, into letting me be her intern next semester. She's CONSIDERING it! Very exciting. Then I got home for lunch and Dave got off for lunch too! So I made use some homemade veggie soup. Super easy (no pun intended)! I just dumped 2 cans of beef broth and cut up carrots, potatoes, and onion into a pot and boiled it for awhile. I also added whatever spice smelled like it would "go"/work into the pot. It took, total, 30 mins--prep and all! It was nice.

Tonight we're having hobo dinner--easy clean-up! Very excited about that. Then we're watching "Half Nelson." I'll tell you if it was good later, but it looks good! Tomorrow starts my spring break, but I have quite a bit of homework to do during the week. Hopefully I can have fun and still do a good job. Monday I'm heading to my good friend Sheena's house for the night and then on to my parents' on Tuesday. Haven't seen any family since Christmas! So, Brandy, Shannon, if you want to plan any get-togethers I'm available for dinner! :) Ok, I gotta tidy up and then start dinner since it takes an hour to cook.

Day Eighteen and Nineteen

Is it odd I remember very little about yesterday??? I know I went to school and it was freezing all day, blustery snow here and there. I had to stay late at school for a diversity/black history month event (which was really cool actually). We watched three black TV shows: "The Cosby Show," "A Different World," and "Fresh Prince of Bel Air." Then we had discussion about African Americans in the media and TV and their portrayal. Very interesting. Plus, it was kind of odd being the minority for once. I would like that experience again. I think everyone should be in the minority (political, religious, racial, etc) more often because it helps to understand other viewpoints. Anyway-very good discussion.

Today it snowed on and off all day and never rose above freezing, and I mean FREEEEEEEZING! Uber cold. Dave didn't work this morning b/c of how cold it was, so we went to the coffee shop for breakfast. That was very nice--we don't get to do that together very often. We both slept better last night than the last few nights, so that made the morning much more relaxed. Then he worked in the afternoon and I got to the homework. I guess I didn't realize exactly HOW much I had to do today--but when I finally did it blew my mind. Yeah. Two final drafts, one close reading paper, one resume', one diversity dialogue write-up, one lesson plan, and two finished books (not the entire things, just the end of them) later, at 10:15 pm, I'm finally done with my work. Granted I did go to Bible study and work out for the last 2 hours, but other than that I've been on my butt working. NOT a fun snow day. The schools here were out today and will definitely be out tomorrow as well, but of course that doesn't include the university--poo, I would have enjoyed that! So I get to go to school all day and drive home late tomorrow night, hopefully not in the ice and snow. Good night all!

Sunday and Day Seventeen

Yesterday was fun. Church, then we came back, had a good lunch, and then chatted to Dave's parents for a bit. Then I got to watching my TV shows--which were superb this week. Circie (sp?), on Survivor, has totally taken control and that is just awesome cause if anyone were thinking they'd just vote her off instead of making her a power player. That's why I love her! She's smart and funny and knows how to verbally dislike someone without pissing the wrong people off in the game--how DO you do that??? Guess you just have to have that smile and laugh. And James, he's really upsetting me this season. He's annoying. Especially since he's letting a coy little Parvati dictate everything he does?! He really must be stupid over her.
Anyway-enough TV. Last night we had a big dinner at church for the youth--bfast for dinner--it was great! We all had such a good time eating and playing games (like DDR) together. Really good stuff.

Today was a ROUGH day. I slept very little last night because I was so stressed about teaching today. I woke up every hour after 1 until 6:45. Yeah. The lesson went really well by the way--except I was going to show a video clip from the internet, but pretty much EVERY site was blocked inside the school. That wasn't a big deal though; I never make technology a huge part of my lesson plans because more often than not it doesn't work. I also had to video tape myself teaching, and that went smoothly too! Camera worked perfectly! All in all I really shouldn't have been worrying, but between stressing over STILL not having a renter for the other side of the duplex, teaching today, and planning small group for tonight, my head was overfilled with mindless stuff. Then today, the dog was just nuts. There were dogs in the yard adjoining ours that aren't normally out and he barked his HEAD OFF! No manner of sternness was working today. My nerves are SO shot! Anyway--I'm going to bed! I am behind on sleep and I've got to get to school early tomorrow morning and won't be back (again) until late tomorrow night. ugh. G'night all!

Day Sixteen

I hardly think about Hollywood gossip anymore--isn't that crazy? Although I do miss my Entertainment Weekly and Glamour really badly. But I still love my Survivor--get to watch it tomorrow!

Today I slept in late and then Dave made us a omelet and grits brunch. Then we hung out and talked for awhile--seems forever since we just had a long conversation--it was so nice! Then I did homework for a bit while he did some woodworking. Then we made chocolate strawberries together and drove up the mountain to watch the sunset! Then we cooked together (nicely--it's amazing, considering how small our kitchen is!)--chunky veggie & beef spaghetti (yup, carrots too Landon!--yum!) and garlic bread. We just got done watching a french film called "Blame it on Fidel" about the early 70's in Chile. It was about a nine year old girl whose family becomes communist and she has to deal with aftermath of moving to a smaller house and being surrounded by people and ideas she's not so sure about. Very very good. The little girl was an AMAZING actor--can't believe how well she did being so young! She couldn't have been more than 9 or 10. Anyway--we're about to head to bed. Just thought I'd tell you about our wonderful Saturday!! See ya tomorrow!

Day Thirteen, Fourteen, and Fifteen

Pix--the new addition to our family-->Fred, Dave's amazing tiling job in our kitchen, and Dave and Sleepy lounging this afternoon.

So the last three days have been a bit hectic. Wednesday I slacked off most of the day and then realized how much work I actually had to do and tried to cram it into the 3 hours before Wednesday night prayer meeting (which didn't work, I stayed up late doing homework). Wednesday at church we were presented with a candidate to be our new pastor! He's actually our youth/associate pastor right now, and I definitely think he'll make the vote--he's got ours! Thursday I had my first psychology test of the semester (which did NOT go well-better/unrushed studying would have been good) and taught my first lesson at school. The lesson went really well and I'm glad I got to try it out on my fellow students before teaching it on Monday to high school students. I am going to change a few things to do with pacing for sure. Today Dave didn't end up working b/c of the rain (they're building a garage and can't frame when raining) so we lazed around most of the day. At 1:30 I had a meeting at Cherokee high school to see the facilities and see if I might want to do my internship there. They will be looking for a new English teacher next fall (right after I graduate!!!), so that's a possibility too. Plus, they are in the process of building a brand new, state of the art high school (1.6 million dollar facility) so teaching at a new school would be awesome!!! Anyway-I don't know anything yet, obviously, but I had a great meeting and got a really good feel of the school--I like it! It's small and, as a teacher, I would have a bit more free reign to decide how and what I teach! This evening we went to a friends' for an awesome steak dinner and just got back. So that's the week so far!

Afeared

I'm afeared that when I become a teacher I will lose myself.
The part that is crazy, dances and sings to random things will go away
The part that still likes to club but rarely gets the chance will fade into the background
The part that loves drinking Brew & View's rasberry beer while watching a $2 movie will become pale

I'm afeared that when I become a teacher I will lose myself.
My style may stay the same somewhat, but my love of spaghetti straps will diminish
My humor and sarcasm will lose luster, the smiles will be so nice and sincere
My hair will always be pulled into a ponytail, or cut short altogether

I'm afeared that when I become a teacher I will lose myself.
Language will become rich with literary terms and lacking in colloquialisms
Laughs will come at the appropriate times, no bawdiness even smirked at
Little measures of my soul converted to all that's "appropriate" and "P.C."

I'm afeared that when I become a teacher I will lose myself...I want to teach with all my soul, but I want to keep my soul.

Sunday, day Eleven, and day Twelve

Sunday was hectic. I came home after church to have a nice afternoon of Survivor, Cashmere Mafia, and October Road; alas, it was not to be. Halfway through Survivor the telephone pole outside our house blew a fuse. Sounded like a gun went off right outside our house! Then I looked outside and there was smoke coming out the top of it and a tree down. The rescue squad was out there within minutes and had the tree cleared away right quite like :). But, something happened and our cable internet was also disrupted. THe internet co. couldn't figure it out. After small group that night I watched the rest of Survivor at a friend's house and by the time I got home the internet was working again--weird. Anyway-I did end up getting to see all my shows :).

Monday was hectic. I observed at the high school again in the morning and then went to another high school to tour their facilities. Then I was SUPPOSED to have a meeting with a possible renter, but they didn't show up. I also had my night class so I had to drive to school last night as well. I didn't get home until about 8:15. Then Dave and I had a VERY late dinner and watched "After the Wedding," a Swedish (I think) film--very good (if you like foreign, mostly subtitled movies).

This morning I was supposed to have a meeting with another potential renter--they also turned out to be a no show. I'm starting to fear we will never get this apartment rented to a person who doesn't smoke or own a pet...ugh. I'm seriously thinking about compromising, on the pet thing that is. It's snowing here!!!! Just a bit, but it's pretty! It's around 29' and falling, but I still don't think the snow will stick around. My second class got cancelled so that's why I have time to blog right now. I have one more class and then a study session for my psychology class--which doesn't start until 7:30 so I will have to stay for the rest of the day and miss dinner with Dave AGAIN. I feel like we never eat together anymore, except on the weekends :(. I should do some reading. Peace!

Day Ten--our Valentines

We didn't get to celebrate Valentines on the day so we celebrated today! I got up and Dave brought me breakfast in bed. I had heart-shaped pancakes, freshly brewed coffee, and chocolate covered strawberries (he MADE them this morning and they were DELICIOUS!). Also on my bfast in bed tray there were flowers (the ones shown in the small cup) and then two more bouquets (table pics) on the side table! WHAT a wonderful husband. PLUS, and this is TRUE love people, HE DID THE DISHES afterward (pictured)!!!! I gave Dave a Wallace and Gromit movie (he loves those) and Toblerone chocolate (also loves it). Then we watched the movie on the laptop in bed! Such a nice Valentines day. Now we're going to walk the puppy and then possibly go to Asheville for dinner ;). YAY! Happy happy day :). See ya later!

Day Nine

Today started with an adventure that took most of the day to finish. For the last 48 hours the water pressure in our house has been pretty bad. By last night you couldn't even flush the toilet anymore. This morning the shower wouldn't work. So, I called the water treatment plant and asked if there was a possible pressure problem on our branch. They said "no," but that they would come and check it out. They came by (rather quickly I might add) and told me that our water was actually spilling into the next yard and that "no," it wasn't the meter so it wasn't their problem (but very kindly told me that). They did turn off our water for us though, so that the water meter wouldn't keep running up the bill. So then I called about 27 plumbers (really like 5), and they either didn't answer the phone or they had moved to a different city. When I FINALLY got up with someone he came right out and took a look at it. Come to find out he had done some work for Dave and the boys he builds houses with and knew all of them and said that it would be a cheap fix. I was extremely relieved as I had been trying to find someone to fix it all morning and it was then 1 pm. He came back by about 3 and it was all fixed by 4! And it only cost $65!!! Amazing! And now we have water again, can flush the toilets (yay!!!!!!!!!) and I can take a shower. That was my adventure for the day! Fun huh? So I didn't even think about watching TV today--a pretty easy Lent day.

I just got done reading half of an adolescent literature book called "The Giver." Some of you may have read it in high school. It's a more boys-geared sci-fi book that's SUPER interesting. It's about an alternate community that you basically make no choices in. Each year of your life until 12 something changes a big, ex/ at 8 you stop wearing hairbows if your a girl and at 9 you get a bike. When you turn 12 you are assigned your job for life! It's really interesting and very short and light reading. I'm really excited about it because it shows me a male-friendly text I can use when I teach. I didn't read many of those when I was in high school.

Dave and I are on the way out the door now to go to a friend's for a campfire. It's a good, mild night for it. Well--see ya tomorrow! Happy Friday :)

Just a thought

"To stand against torture and arbitrary detention is not to be squeamish. It is to be civilized."
Check this out if you're interested about what this is.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/opinion/14kristof.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin

Day Seven and Eight

Happy Valentines everyone! I woke up early to make Dave french toast this morning for Valentines. I usually sleep until 8 or 8:30, but he's gone to work by then. We decided just to exchange cards this morning since I'll be gone all day today (until at LEAST 9:30 pm) so I wouldn't get to enjoy flowers or candy anyway (we'll celebrate this weekend). It was really nice to be able to have breakfast together though. While I cooked he made our lunches for today (his for work, mine for school)--very time efficient--that's the way I like it! In classes all day today and actually have all my work done (surprisingly--and even some done early). Have a night class starting at 6 and then afterwards maybe go see a movie (Jumper), but not sure yet.

Yesterday I did homework all day--seriously. I sat on the couch and wrote a paper for HOURS! Probably would have been more fun had I started before the day it was due. Oh well, it was only the first draft. Then we went to church for Bible study (our church is reading through the Bible this year and we talk about our reading on Wednesday nights). That was nice. Then I came home and did homework for a couple more hours. Ah, fun stuff. I just can't seem to do anything fun on school nights most of the time. I just keep thinking that I have homework I COULD be doing, so I might as well do it. Yeah, I'm a nerd.

I packed myself an extra helping of veggies in today's lunch because I knew teachers would bring in candy (sure enough!) and I would probably end up eating a lot of sugar today :). Well, I'm off, I still need to catch up on some reading. Happy V day!

Day Five and Six

Well--Monday wasn't bad. I did my first observations at the high school for this semester. I'll be there every Monday for 1st and 2nd period. I'm observing a senior English class and it's a lot of fun. It's pretty laid back and the teacher is hilarious. I guess after teaching for 30-some years you let more things slide because you realize what's important and what's not. Last night we had our small group over for dinner. That's was loads of fun--great conversation and food.

Today I had class as usual, nothing special. I did get pretty upset at my last class though. Our conversation/group discussion headed towards Project (Red), which many of you know I really like and support. Project (Red) is an organization of businesses that sell products for a higher price so that they can give 40% of the profit to helping people with AIDS in Africa. Now, none of these businesses claim that they don't make any money off of this--they flat out say they profit from it. The whole point though is that when you buy something for yourself, the company AND Africans profit from it. Some of the people in my class basically said that by supporting this organization we were just making the problem worse by not treating the problem but the symptoms and we were promoting consumerism. I realize that there are other problems in Africa that we aren't helping by supporting this organization--but people with AIDS cannot get "well" and this organization helps them live their lives as healthily as possible. I just can't stand when people tear down an organization, call it crap, and then give no other suggestions or ways to make it better. What's the point? If YOU aren't going to help in some other way than just keep your mouth shut--cause tearing down something that does SOME good by you doing NO good is no help to anyone.

Ok--I'm done ranting. I'm going to go watch Harry Potter 3 and be happy. Good night all!

Sunday

I had tears in my eyes when Yau Man came around the corner. I rolled my eyes as Parvati came into view. I giggled as Johnny Fareplay gave his peace sign to the fans; wearing a hat that said "will lie for food". Survivor Micronesia folks. I can't believe he bit the dust the FIRST episode! All that mush about his baby-mama and how he just wanted to be back with her and be a good dad (to his as yet unborn daughter--hellooo, you can't be her dad until she's born).

I watched Survivor today (obviously)!!! It was SO so SO much fun. I loved every minute of it. This season is the fans (uber Survivor fans--like myself--who have been watching the game forever and actually know the characters) and the favorites (favorite Survivor players from past seasons who didn't win). First observations: I can't BELIEVE James is hooking up with Parvati-THE biggest flirt in the entire history of Survivor. And WHAT is up with Ozzy and Amanda--she is so annoying and fake with her "you're so sincere and truth worthy" speech--give me a break. She's the one on last season that got the record for the most pixelled out crack/boob time ever on Survivor. Oh Survivor--I love you. I also watched Cashmere Mafia-cause it's just fun and absolutely terrible at the same time. It's totally the 2000's version of Sex and the City with powerful, corporate women.

I also, completely robotically, clicked on an article on Yahoo about Heath Ledgers memorial service--then felt INSTANTLY TERRIBLE because I realized that was included in the gossip area. I got off of it right away. Ugh. I'm going to have to get better at this.

Well, Today was really nice. Had a great breakfast with Sophie and Dave and then, after church, a HUGE lunch (roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and veggies) with other friends. Then we had a relaxing afternoon before we headed back to church to help with youth. Well-that's pretty much it for today. I could gush more over Survivor, but out of the people that read this blog I'm guessing MAYBE two actually watch it. See ya tomorrow!

Day Four

Today was a tough one. I got up late and leisurely started my Saturday. Had my quiet time while I had breakfast and then did some writing and reading homework. Then, I wanted to watch TV. I had gotten on the internet and had already checked facebook, yahoo, and checked all family and friends' blogs, and even browsed on ebay--I wanted to watch TV so bad. I thought maybe I would just surf Youtube just to see if they HAD the TV shows I wanted to watch so I could watch them on Sunday--but I knew that would be too tempting, so I refrained. I made myself get off the internet and do more homework while I waited for my lil sis Sophie to get here for the day. Then she got here and everything was ok after that.

We both worked on our papers that were due soon (or today) and then decided we would go see the 4:15 showing of Fool's Gold at the theater. It was really amusing--I wouldn't go straight to even cute. The plot was pretty bad. But, I laughed a lot, maybe BECAUSE it was so bad. Matthew McConaughay is a pretty man-so it wasn't hard on the eyes. :) We had a good time. Then I came home and cooked us breakfast for dinner--pancakes, bacon, eggs, & coffee--good stuff. Now we're gonna chill and watch the first Harry Potter movie. Good day all together--but a tough start for Lent. And to think, it's only day 4! I have 36 left! Stay strong--I can stay strong. It's a good thing I didn't give up movies too, I don't think I could do it guys. And they say the writer's strike might end in the next week!

Day Three

It's early to write today's post--but I figured I'd do it now because hopefully I'll be more productive for the rest of the day afterwards. Got up late this morning in hopes that a long night's sleep would rid me of this flu-like mess. At first I felt MUCH better. I got up, ate breakfast, and then did some reading for homework. Then I took the puppy for a walk around town and did some errands. I stopped into the coffee shop and had a cup of coffee. Still good. Then I went grocery shopping. I got home and then absolutely crashed. It was 2 and I hadn't eaten lunch yet, so my hands were shaking and I could barely stand by that time. So now, after a bowl of pasta, I'm slowly recovering but still drained. Maybe i was a bit too ambitious. I think I need a nap, but I'll work on a paper for a little while first. I want tonight's dinner to be special--just Dave and I and nothing to do!!! So I'm trying out a new recipe and will hopefully have the house spick-and-span before Dave gets home :). Lately we've had something to do every night, so not rushing off somewhere and just having the evening to the two of us will be nice. Ok-I need to work on this paper before I absolutely fall asleep. Day three is going ok--although I almost, on impulse checked pinkisthenewblog today--but I didn't--so that's good. One of my friends asked me if I wanted them to tell me what was going on in the gossip world. I told them that would kind of defeat the purpose :). See ya later!

Day Two

Feeling slightly better now. Got up this morning and couldn't hear out of my right ear there was so much stuff in my head. My hearing is a little better, but still not great. I drank some tea w/ honey (which I don't do unless I'm really sick, cause hot tea is icky), took some cold meds, and drank a glass of Airborn--hoping if I had a bit of everything something would work. Then I went to school.

Classes were ok--not sure how I did on my test. Also--and this makes me really mad--I found out that my advisore screwed up and I have to take another class next semester--making my hour count 18 for my semester that was supposed to be 15 (a much easier number). Now I'm in the library trying to write my journal entry due tonight and finish my research paper.

I really just want to watch TV and do nothing. I want to ignore HW right now. Which is why it's a good think I can't watch TV--because it really has no purpose and I just need to get stuff done.

On that note--I guess I'll do HW. I have to pick up dinner @ 5 before I head to my night class, so I gotta get to it. Peace!

Day one

Today was good. I got up and some girls came over and had breakfast and coffee with me. Then I started my homework. Then IT hit me. I think IT is the flu--and it sucks. My head feels like an over-inflated balloon. My throat is scratchy. My sinuses are painfully expanded and my nose is filled with snot. I'm exhausted and all I've done all day is sit on the couch and read and do homework. This sucks. I wasn't really tempted to look at the gossip pages or watch TV. I just wanted to sleep. It's 9:08 and I think I'm heading to bed soon. Tomorrow I have my first test in Chaucer and a research paper due in Composition. Both are half done (studying and the paper). Maybe I'll wake up feeling better. All I know is--if I feel this bad tomorrow I am NOT going to school, because last time I felt this bad and drove I totaled our car. Goodnight all! Happy Ash Wednesday.

Freedom

Today is the last day of Hollywood gossip and TV guys. I'm getting ready to check pinkisthenewblog.com for the LAST TIME for the next 40 days. I decided I'm NOT breaking my fast on Sundays for that for sure. I will watch Survivor on Sunday afternoons (during Lent you're allowed to break fast on Sundays b/c they are supposed to be a celebration--though generally of something religious not TV). I'm not going to give up movies though--but I will cut down. I'll probably not watch as many through Netflix for the next 40 days and I may not go to the movies often (being once a week usually). So here goes eh? Wuhoo!

Today I had a great conversation with my least favorite teacher. Well, I guess you could say I had a good conversation with my least favorite teacher's colleges. They kept stopping by and were really interesting. My least fav. teacher is my psychology teacher--and not because I don't like the subject. He's a BIT of a pompous ass. Sorry, but it's true. He must have mentioned his history in teaching and how prestigious and a "big deal" he is at least 5 or 6 times during the first two classes. Plus--he's TERRIBLE at time management. We've been through so many classes and we've yet to really get into ANYTHING. He says he'll deal with "housekeeping" for a few minutes and ends up talking for the rest of the class period about nothing important. This is Educational Psychology--I believe it is really important--and we're not getting taught anything! Anyway--that's just my days rant.

Had a GREAT conversation about the use of Americanized African films (Blood Diamond, Last King of Scotland, Constant Gardner, or Hotel Rwands) in my Post Colonial Lit. class. P.S.--if you want to check out a real African movie see "Tsotsi"--but don't forget you'll be reading subtitles. Good stuff--I love controversial discussions. I also love that we call black people in America "African American" when they are definitely not from or have any more understanding of Africa than the white people who we don't call "European American" or whatever else they may be (Canadian American, Dutch American, etc etc). Yeah.

Ok--I out. Dave is cooking tonight and I'm trying to teach him how to cook pork chop. Peace! And remember...

TOMORROW IS ASH WEDNESDAY--which starts Lent.

Lent

Lent begins on February the 6th and ends March the 22nd, the day before Easter. I don't usually celebrate Lent, but this year I am. Traditionally one fasts for Lent--I can't do that because my iron would drop and I would not be well. However, I'm going to fast in another way--pop-culture media. I am not going to look at gossip magazines of any kind (including my Entertainment weekly and my Glamour) or blogs (pinkisthenewblog.com--very sad). I spend too much time on these things and they are very distracting. I'm also not going to watch any TV. Now, as some of you know, I don't actually have TV channels in my house, but I watch A LOT on computer. This is going to be very difficult as the new Season of Survivor starts on the 7th--so I don't get to watch. But, on Sundays during Lent there are breaks from fasting so I may allow myself to watch those episodes on Sunday--haven't decided yet. I originally said I was going to give up movies for Lent as well, but I may have changed my mind. Movies are things Dave and I do together and how I get to spend time with friends I don't know well yet. So, I haven't decided if I'm going to cut those out too.

You all know I'm addicted to pop-culture media, so this is going to be hard, but I believe I can do it. I WANT to do it--cleanse the palate. I'm going to keep an up-to-date blog during this time to tell you how I'm getting on and so on. If I DO decide to do movies as well it will be even more difficult-VERY difficult--but I might. Pray that I'll learn something from this time and that I'll use it wisely (not finding something even more useless to fill its spot).

Well, that's it! Now you know. I encourage you too to celebrate Lent this year and give up something that you really like but may not be all that beneficial to your life. Or something that you enjoy and want to sacrifice for Lent to help you focus more on something else--perhaps your quiet time with God or your children, I don't know. I would love someone to go on this journey with me.

Gotta get to the homework now. Ta ta!

More pictures of Helen's visit--I love the one of her driving Dave's truck!

a bit of a break

So I took a bit of a break from blogging while Helen was over to visit. I had such a wonderful time visiting with her and getting to know her better. We hiked in the snow, shopped, snow boarded, etc. It snowed more while she was here than it probably will for the rest of the winter! I really wish we would get a substantial amount though. Sleepy is missing her big time because she took him on lots of walks and played with him all the time. So, here are a few pictures of her stay and our adventures...more to come when blogger stops being friggin' slow and annoying

the white stuff

IT'S SNOWING!!! HARD! And it is supposed to keep it up all day tomorrow and then again on Saturday! Sweet! I may not have to go to my 2ND day of school! How awesome is THAT??? So awesome you should say. Pictures of a snowman to follow if snows enough.

My Granddaddy's hat

I was proud. I was strong. I was smiling and laughing. I didn't care who looked, I knew I looked good. I was confident. It was all about your hat. I felt invincible in your hat. Beautiful in your hat. Loved in your hat. I had style, maybe even class. I made other people laugh in your hat. I felt like you were with me in your hat. Maybe I should have tried my golf skills in your hat. Or cast a line into the ocean in your hat. But I didn't. I pranced in your hat. I danced in your hat. I strutted in your hat. I shopped in your hat. I watched a movie in your hat (and I didn't even fall asleep in your hat). I conversed in your hat. I drove in your hat. I sweated in your hat (sorry about that), but I just couldn't take off your hat. Because...I missed you in your hat. I loved you in your hat, even though I never saw you in your hat. But I know that up there...you're in a house with the front nine on the front and the ocean in the back (three rows back, just in case someone loves hurricanes as much as you love to fish)...in your hat.

Was Lost but Now is Found!

So, I THOUGHT I lost my phone---well, I did lose my phone, just not forever. Anyway-I was positive it was with me when I went hiking (obviously not so positive), but I had really brought it into the coffee shop that morning (the part I remember) and then back home BEFORE we went hiking. So then I read a book for a little while on my bed and my phone got lost under the pillows (which is why we couldn't hear it when Dave called it). So, the phone is found. YAY! I shall be able to talk to you again! Good stuff. So here's some pictures from hiking yesterday--the place I DIDN'T leave my phone!

No phone no phone...

So, Dave and I went on a most magnificent hike today with a few friends around the Nantahala area. It was beautiful! However, I also lost my phone--for good ya'll. Dave and I don't get our upgrade until February so I probably won't have another phone until then. If you need to get a hold of me call me on Dave's phone (e-mail me or call my parents for the number), Facebook me (i check that MULTIPLE times a day, almost as addictive as movies--lol--who am I kidding movies are SO much better), or e-mail me. Anyway--pass on the word that I lost my phone to friends and family who do not read this. Love you all and will miss talking to you for a little while :(.

~L~

Canada pictures-all that snow!

America has officially gone to pot

The Canadian dollar is worth more than the U.S. dollar.


p.s.
-we're safe in Canada
-Sleepy doesn't mind peeing in the snow
-it's snowing!!!! A lot

Pictures

1)Dave and I at the bowling alley
2)our new roof
3)Our New kitchen ceiling
4)Dave's mullet

So almost done...it's rather nice actually

So I painted the bathroom for the third time. I like it this time--FINALLY! 3 walls are orange and one is a creamy color, very cool. Now I just need to touch up. I'm not very good at the corners, Dave always has to do those, ugh. My LAST exam is today and then I have WHOLE MONTH off of school, can you believe it??? I can't. I'm also ALMOST done with my christmas shopping, but I'll get the rest of that done today. Dave took off work today to finish the ceiling in the kitchen. Our new roof was finished early last week and now he's replacing the ceiling tiles with wood where the water leaked through. So, we should ~hopefully~ be done with the kitchen and the bathroom by this weekend...YAY! Tomorrow is the 20somethings christmas party for our church. that should be really fun. Then Saturday is mine and Dave's christmas together. Not sure what we're doing yet, but we'll cook a dinner for two and open presents to each other (and to sleepy, lol) and maybe go to the movies or something. I'll post some pictures of that later.

Monday some of the girls from the church and I are going to the Biltmor. Then I'm going to meet Bethany in Asheville to see a movie and then come back to ours for a couple of days before heading home for Christmas. That's pretty much all the goings-on here for the last little bit. Dave got his hair cut into a mullet for youth group before cutting it all off the next day. So he'll have the short hair and beard thing going on again this christmas. For pictures of that you should head to his facebook page.

Ok, so Shaun, my older brother, asked for a list from me for Christmas so here it is:

DVD's:
Pan's Labyrinth
Blood Diamond
The Last King of Scotland
Stranger than Fiction
Multiplicity
Gross Point Blank
Books:
Sisterhood of the Traveling pants--1 & 4
The Kite Runner
Harry Potter 1-5 hardback
The Glass Castle: A Memoir
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: a novel


I gotta study for my exam now. It starts in 3 hours, lol :).

Stress free...for the rest of the week

I am DONE with all my work for ALL my classes for this semester!!!! I'm so excited it's not even funny! I have this last week before exams and everything is done early! It's amazing really. I just finished my last mini-lesson plan and my last speech power point with typed out speech...AND I'M DONE! Tomorrow I will hand in all my assignments, do my speech and mini-lesson, and sit back and relax the rest of the week. Then, of course, next week comes and it's exam time, but that's then and this is now :). So so nice.

Last night I got to do something really fun. The girls around town and church had what we call a clothes swap. Which means you bring all the clothes you don't wear or don't want anymore possibly bring home clothes you fit into and DO want! So everyone got there and we dumped all our clothes on the floor and everyone just started trying on things. It was so much fun! I ended up with a lot of nice clothes for teaching next semester, which means I don't have to go buy a whole bunch of clothes I won't wear anywhere except in the classroom. Then we ate food and laughed and I really wish I had some pictures of the really hilarious outfits we played around in. It was like playing dress-up again! Great time, we'll definately do it again next year.

We put up our Christmas tree and went to the Christmas parade here in town on Saturday. Our church had a float with our band on it and they were really the best. In fact, they were actually judged as the best float. The float was a snowman that was sideways and they turned it into a guitar--you really would have to see it, I can't explain it so well. Anyway--the music was kickin'--maybe i'll be able to find a picture somewhere. Anyway, decorating the tree that night was really nice. I'll have to get some pictures of that up too. The whole apartment smells like christmas now :0D love it!

Well, I need to wash some dishes before Dave gets home. See ya'll later!