Wednesday, June 29
The Official Reboot
Ok all you that I used to keep up with - Here we go! I am rebooting this blog. Now that I am no longer:
a) Busy beyond compare, forcing myself to work ridiculous hours, putting pressure on myself as the main breadwinner and succumbing to my fear of potential financial destitution (There will obviously be an upcoming post on fear of money and fear of the Lord)
b) Living in the world of confidentiality and always feeling uncomfortable sharing things even about myself, because I've gotten so used to keeping everything quiet (can we say, "overreacting?")
and c) WITHOUT INTERNET AT HOME
I will be hopefully keeping everyone in my St. Louis and Montana life apprised of our goings on here at CC. (Let's hope even more then keeping everyone updated, I will also be humorous, or at least interesting).
Next up: photos of the move....
a) Busy beyond compare, forcing myself to work ridiculous hours, putting pressure on myself as the main breadwinner and succumbing to my fear of potential financial destitution (There will obviously be an upcoming post on fear of money and fear of the Lord)
b) Living in the world of confidentiality and always feeling uncomfortable sharing things even about myself, because I've gotten so used to keeping everything quiet (can we say, "overreacting?")
and c) WITHOUT INTERNET AT HOME
I will be hopefully keeping everyone in my St. Louis and Montana life apprised of our goings on here at CC. (Let's hope even more then keeping everyone updated, I will also be humorous, or at least interesting).
Next up: photos of the move....
Thursday, March 24
Psalm 25
Of David.
In you, LORD my God,
I put my trust.
I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, LORD, are good.
Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
For the sake of your name, LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
Who, then, are those who fear the LORD?
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
They will spend their days in prosperity,
and their descendants will inherit the land.
The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart
and free me from my anguish.
Look on my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
See how numerous are my enemies
and how fiercely they hate me!
Discouragement
It's a tough time in the job market. Adam's process reminds me of my getting out of college (ack, 11 years ago!). I had this belief that businesses would be waiting at the graduation door to beg me to work for them. Instead, it was a 2.5 year process of temping and working in politics before I found a job. He's far more realistic.
There's nothing quite as discouraging as hearing nothing. While I hate the answer "no, we've gone with another candidate," (and by the way, no matter how gracious the response - and we've gotten some gracious "no's" - it's still just a kick in the stomach) the quiet uneasiness of hearing nothing is awful. Silence encourages hope, which is so painful when dashed.
It takes me about a day to work through the disappointment, anger, sadness and frustration when we don't hear a positive response. It's the reminder that I'm not in control.
So here we are. Praying. Praying, Praying, Praying for opportunities. Praying for interviews. Because my husband is a phenomenal worker, a brilliant teacher, one who puts an amazing amount of time and effort into his lessons.
Please Pray with us.
There's nothing quite as discouraging as hearing nothing. While I hate the answer "no, we've gone with another candidate," (and by the way, no matter how gracious the response - and we've gotten some gracious "no's" - it's still just a kick in the stomach) the quiet uneasiness of hearing nothing is awful. Silence encourages hope, which is so painful when dashed.
It takes me about a day to work through the disappointment, anger, sadness and frustration when we don't hear a positive response. It's the reminder that I'm not in control.
So here we are. Praying. Praying, Praying, Praying for opportunities. Praying for interviews. Because my husband is a phenomenal worker, a brilliant teacher, one who puts an amazing amount of time and effort into his lessons.
Please Pray with us.
Saturday, March 12
Catch up.
I'm digging a number of things out from under piles and piles of ....things. One of them is this blog.
We'll see how long my endurance runs, but I was reading Addie and Molly's blogs and feeling just a little jealous that they are keeping up with their blogs - with life being hectic and crazy for both of them. I thought, well, sheesh, I don't have a 6 year old or a 3 month year old. If they can do it, so can ....I?
Today is the third day in a row that Adam and I have left the house for more than 5 hours to do work, as we both need internet to complete our jobs. The problem with home? No internet. (WHAT? Why not? Adam and Hannah are LUDDITES!) You know, I've thought about this a lot, and last month we were the closest we've ever come to getting internet at the house. But then we're like, "$37 a month? That's a dinner out, or at LEAST 5 times to the coffee shop to get coffee and internet." And I like coffee.
So here we are again at Borders. This time we're at my favorite spot. A big table, next to the electrical plug and near enough to windows to see the sunshine, but not burn to a crisp sitting in it. We've done this a few times.
Today is also the third day in a row that I've actually done what I was supposed to, based on my Remember The Milk task list. I'm a "Getting Things Done" junkie that falls off the wagon pretty regularly. (I linked to someone else's blog because it was a better example than the actual David Allen website -which is there to sell you things.) So, I need a good task list and was given a good review on RTM. Of course, I emailed the person supporting RTM, and found that he's moving on to another organizational program, but THAT one is $75! No thanks. Free is the name of the game in the Porcella family right now.
Adam is applying to teaching jobs right now around the country. We're praying for God's direction and *blessings*, and maybe a miracle to bring us close to family in either Billings or Philadelphia. The most interesting position is one in a state that won't acknowledge my professional counseling license - Which will be completed in August, Lord willing.
Licensure is a fun topic - I'm working about 50 hours a week trying to get licensed by August, so that if Adam and I have to move in the summer I'll be ready to go. I'm way ahead on client hours but way behind on reading hours. I mean, reading is very important to keep up with the latest and greatest in Christian psychology (no, not an oxymoron). However reading about eating disorders is the last thing I want to do at 10 pm when I get home.
I'm currently reading about Boundaries, (a book by Cloud and Townsend) along with about half my client load - homework assigned to them because I like it so much! I'm a terrible person when it comes to boundaries. I've had to learn that I'm a very subtle people pleaser ("fear of man issue," for all of those Westminster-ites out there) who gets very angry when I feel like others are expecting me to do more than I can. Previously, I've blamed others for their unreasonable expectations. I'm now learning to figure out what I can reasonably do and then deal with the disappointment of others when I can't be all that they want me to be (i.e., workhorse, savior, Tigerblood Goddess.)
And since everything lately has a Charlie Sheen component: My arm-chair diagnosis: Axis I: 296.52, BiPolar, Moderate; Axis II: 301.81, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, with Borderline features. I'm currently ruling out Histrionic features. In the south, they'd just call it a Hot Mess. ("I'm Bi-Winning!)
Ok, so I'm going off to actually DO the things that my RTM list says I should do....since I bragged about it, and have now procrastinated!
We'll see how long my endurance runs, but I was reading Addie and Molly's blogs and feeling just a little jealous that they are keeping up with their blogs - with life being hectic and crazy for both of them. I thought, well, sheesh, I don't have a 6 year old or a 3 month year old. If they can do it, so can ....I?
Today is the third day in a row that Adam and I have left the house for more than 5 hours to do work, as we both need internet to complete our jobs. The problem with home? No internet. (WHAT? Why not? Adam and Hannah are LUDDITES!) You know, I've thought about this a lot, and last month we were the closest we've ever come to getting internet at the house. But then we're like, "$37 a month? That's a dinner out, or at LEAST 5 times to the coffee shop to get coffee and internet." And I like coffee.
So here we are again at Borders. This time we're at my favorite spot. A big table, next to the electrical plug and near enough to windows to see the sunshine, but not burn to a crisp sitting in it. We've done this a few times.
Today is also the third day in a row that I've actually done what I was supposed to, based on my Remember The Milk task list. I'm a "Getting Things Done" junkie that falls off the wagon pretty regularly. (I linked to someone else's blog because it was a better example than the actual David Allen website -which is there to sell you things.) So, I need a good task list and was given a good review on RTM. Of course, I emailed the person supporting RTM, and found that he's moving on to another organizational program, but THAT one is $75! No thanks. Free is the name of the game in the Porcella family right now.
Adam is applying to teaching jobs right now around the country. We're praying for God's direction and *blessings*, and maybe a miracle to bring us close to family in either Billings or Philadelphia. The most interesting position is one in a state that won't acknowledge my professional counseling license - Which will be completed in August, Lord willing.
Licensure is a fun topic - I'm working about 50 hours a week trying to get licensed by August, so that if Adam and I have to move in the summer I'll be ready to go. I'm way ahead on client hours but way behind on reading hours. I mean, reading is very important to keep up with the latest and greatest in Christian psychology (no, not an oxymoron). However reading about eating disorders is the last thing I want to do at 10 pm when I get home.
I'm currently reading about Boundaries, (a book by Cloud and Townsend) along with about half my client load - homework assigned to them because I like it so much! I'm a terrible person when it comes to boundaries. I've had to learn that I'm a very subtle people pleaser ("fear of man issue," for all of those Westminster-ites out there) who gets very angry when I feel like others are expecting me to do more than I can. Previously, I've blamed others for their unreasonable expectations. I'm now learning to figure out what I can reasonably do and then deal with the disappointment of others when I can't be all that they want me to be (i.e., workhorse, savior, Tigerblood Goddess.)
And since everything lately has a Charlie Sheen component: My arm-chair diagnosis: Axis I: 296.52, BiPolar, Moderate; Axis II: 301.81, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, with Borderline features. I'm currently ruling out Histrionic features. In the south, they'd just call it a Hot Mess. ("I'm Bi-Winning!)
Ok, so I'm going off to actually DO the things that my RTM list says I should do....since I bragged about it, and have now procrastinated!
Thursday, November 19
2 Lunch thoughts
1) I love LOVE this casserole as leftovers
2 chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
1 can of cream of _______ (chicken, cheese or celery) soup,
a good amount of broccoli,
2 cups cooked rice,
enough cheddar cheese to kill a horse (or to satisfy you)
cook the chicken in a CAST IRON SKILLET (I'm so in love with CIS's that I need to yell it) until nice and brown. take out of skillet, pour in some chicken broth, get all the yummy bits up. put the brothy-yummy-bits into a bowl, add soup, chopped up cooked chicken, cooked broccoli, rice, and mix. Turn in Cheese. Bake in oven (if you want, in your CAST IRON SKILLET) until warmed through (doesn't really matter the degree setting; I did it 10 minutes @ 400.)
Eat and enjoy. warm it up the next day, eat and enjoy again.
2) I think about food a lot.
2 chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
1 can of cream of _______ (chicken, cheese or celery) soup,
a good amount of broccoli,
2 cups cooked rice,
enough cheddar cheese to kill a horse (or to satisfy you)
cook the chicken in a CAST IRON SKILLET (I'm so in love with CIS's that I need to yell it) until nice and brown. take out of skillet, pour in some chicken broth, get all the yummy bits up. put the brothy-yummy-bits into a bowl, add soup, chopped up cooked chicken, cooked broccoli, rice, and mix. Turn in Cheese. Bake in oven (if you want, in your CAST IRON SKILLET) until warmed through (doesn't really matter the degree setting; I did it 10 minutes @ 400.)
Eat and enjoy. warm it up the next day, eat and enjoy again.
2) I think about food a lot.
Tuesday, November 10
Things they Don't tell you when you apply to Grad School
You'll start dinner at 7:30 am in order to provide for your husband and make the appointment with your 6:00 pm client. (Who inevitably doesn't show.)
Tuesday, October 13
Manna
"On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan."
It occurs to me as I read this passage that God provides what we need, when we need it. That sounds very elementary -- however I'm reminded that the Israelites weren't terribly fond of Manna at points in time during their wanderings. I'm not terribly fond of waiting on the Lord to provide for me, and oftentimes I'm not very excited about the way in which he provides. My "Miniature God" complex raises its ugly head.
However, the Lord provides clients when needed and when prayed for, and I believe he is more honored by a desperate plea than an indifferent request. At least, he certainly has been getting desperate pleas out of me!
But he provides the thing we need when we need it: I need clients, and I've prayed. They haven't come in the timing that I would have dictated, had I been able to dictate, but they've come, and the Lord has been good to me. When I could have been dependent on the Manna of steady part time work and stay there, He has given me a vision of how I might be able to counsel part time for a while and then transition into full time.
He's shown me that he wants my dependence to be on him, not on my own work and abilities.
It occurs to me as I read this passage that God provides what we need, when we need it. That sounds very elementary -- however I'm reminded that the Israelites weren't terribly fond of Manna at points in time during their wanderings. I'm not terribly fond of waiting on the Lord to provide for me, and oftentimes I'm not very excited about the way in which he provides. My "Miniature God" complex raises its ugly head.
However, the Lord provides clients when needed and when prayed for, and I believe he is more honored by a desperate plea than an indifferent request. At least, he certainly has been getting desperate pleas out of me!
But he provides the thing we need when we need it: I need clients, and I've prayed. They haven't come in the timing that I would have dictated, had I been able to dictate, but they've come, and the Lord has been good to me. When I could have been dependent on the Manna of steady part time work and stay there, He has given me a vision of how I might be able to counsel part time for a while and then transition into full time.
He's shown me that he wants my dependence to be on him, not on my own work and abilities.
Monday, October 5
October
I remember reading a blog of a girl I didn't know and always thinking, "I wish she would update more frequently."
Things from this past week:
I've been fingerprinted for the FBI (and the MO Highway Patrol) as a part of state licensure. I assume I will soon have an FBI File....
Although I grew up in a culture that taught that you should always strongly declare the truth to a person struggling to believe, Sometimes it's hard for me to know whether I ought to be tough or tender when there are terrible tears streaming down the face of a hurting person as they believe the lies Satan sells us.
My husband came to me on the first day of the month (pay day) and brought me a pumpkin spice latte.
I try to plan our month of meals (since we are paid once a month) and it takes me 3 hours. I hate that.
It makes me incredibly sad to know that by the time I make it back home for Christmas, I will not have seen my sister in a year.
I'm really thankful for my counseling site - the people there continually remind me that it's not about my ability but about the Holy Spirit's power to change people.
Work is gearing up! (at both sites)
Things from this past week:
I've been fingerprinted for the FBI (and the MO Highway Patrol) as a part of state licensure. I assume I will soon have an FBI File....
Although I grew up in a culture that taught that you should always strongly declare the truth to a person struggling to believe, Sometimes it's hard for me to know whether I ought to be tough or tender when there are terrible tears streaming down the face of a hurting person as they believe the lies Satan sells us.
My husband came to me on the first day of the month (pay day) and brought me a pumpkin spice latte.
I try to plan our month of meals (since we are paid once a month) and it takes me 3 hours. I hate that.
It makes me incredibly sad to know that by the time I make it back home for Christmas, I will not have seen my sister in a year.
I'm really thankful for my counseling site - the people there continually remind me that it's not about my ability but about the Holy Spirit's power to change people.
Work is gearing up! (at both sites)
Monday, July 27
Not Quite the Bummer post the last one was
I repeatedly think about this blog. And usually I think about how I should update it with some profound story, or thought, or realization.
Unfortunately, confidentiality usually requires me to shut my mouth about the latest thing I've learned, because it's generally in response to something in a session that I've just walked out of. I'm learning the art of vague, insightful stories.
However, today I realized that I've come a long way since first beginning grad school. As part of my licensure process, I'm required to meet with my supervisor once a week - primarily to keep my counsel of my clients healthy and ethical. As our Ethics prof reminded us: State licensure is not there to make you jump through hoops, but rather to keep you from harming the public at large!
All that to say, my supervisor had me and the other counselor in training discuss each others strengths and offer encouragement where we could grow.
And as I struggled to think of my own strengths, he encouraged me that I've grown in softness and empathy for clients and others. And it occurred to me much of my "I'm right just listen to me!" thinking has given way to a curiosity toward others and striving to learn what it is like for them, during this roller coaster of life.
and then I thanked God that he is faithful to change me to be like him, and that he's accepting of me all along the way, though I stumble so often.
Unfortunately, confidentiality usually requires me to shut my mouth about the latest thing I've learned, because it's generally in response to something in a session that I've just walked out of. I'm learning the art of vague, insightful stories.
However, today I realized that I've come a long way since first beginning grad school. As part of my licensure process, I'm required to meet with my supervisor once a week - primarily to keep my counsel of my clients healthy and ethical. As our Ethics prof reminded us: State licensure is not there to make you jump through hoops, but rather to keep you from harming the public at large!
All that to say, my supervisor had me and the other counselor in training discuss each others strengths and offer encouragement where we could grow.
And as I struggled to think of my own strengths, he encouraged me that I've grown in softness and empathy for clients and others. And it occurred to me much of my "I'm right just listen to me!" thinking has given way to a curiosity toward others and striving to learn what it is like for them, during this roller coaster of life.
and then I thanked God that he is faithful to change me to be like him, and that he's accepting of me all along the way, though I stumble so often.
Wednesday, June 24
Today is better than yesterday
Yesterday, after having the dreaded financial conversation with my husband (it's one of the only things we argue about. Sweet Husband didn't realize he was marrying an ascetic), I did a stupid thing and incurred a $20 fee on one of our accounts.
I pounded out 35 emails to people letting them know I won't be around for a week.
Monday, I listened to 3 people's legitimate distress, had two people cancel last minute, and spent 9 hours at the counseling office. I made $0.
Then I thought about the 30 missed hours of paying work, due to weddings and vacation.
And Yesterday, I went home in about the worst mood I had been in for months.
THEN the seamstress left a message asking if I really needed that bridesmaid dress today, or if it could be later, after having not worked on it for a week. Anger bubbled up. (To everyone out there, no, we're leaving on Friday, so I need the dress today to pack).
I wondered on the way home if I was going to pick a fight with my husband. You'd think that I'd know when I was picking a fight, but I'm funny that way. I don't. I'm insightful, but not when I just want to fight because I'm in a foul mood.
Instead, my lovely husband let me tell him how angry I was at myself and the day. He even avoided falling into any trap I might have left, trying for a fight (I don't think I did it, but he avoided it if I did.) And then he kissed me, and we watched the rest of Les Miz.
For all of the difficulties in marriage, and yes, I pick fights and harp on money issues and am tired most days, There are just some lovely parts of it. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
I pounded out 35 emails to people letting them know I won't be around for a week.
Monday, I listened to 3 people's legitimate distress, had two people cancel last minute, and spent 9 hours at the counseling office. I made $0.
Then I thought about the 30 missed hours of paying work, due to weddings and vacation.
And Yesterday, I went home in about the worst mood I had been in for months.
THEN the seamstress left a message asking if I really needed that bridesmaid dress today, or if it could be later, after having not worked on it for a week. Anger bubbled up. (To everyone out there, no, we're leaving on Friday, so I need the dress today to pack).
I wondered on the way home if I was going to pick a fight with my husband. You'd think that I'd know when I was picking a fight, but I'm funny that way. I don't. I'm insightful, but not when I just want to fight because I'm in a foul mood.
Instead, my lovely husband let me tell him how angry I was at myself and the day. He even avoided falling into any trap I might have left, trying for a fight (I don't think I did it, but he avoided it if I did.) And then he kissed me, and we watched the rest of Les Miz.
For all of the difficulties in marriage, and yes, I pick fights and harp on money issues and am tired most days, There are just some lovely parts of it. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Thursday, June 11
The Cathedral Basilica St. Louis
When Mom and Ben were in STL with us, we went to the Basilica - it is a beautiful cathedral, as well as unique - the mosaics inside are detailed and the entire place is immense.
Wednesday, June 3
The Poor Ones
We're poor. Being as this will likely remain for another few years, we have begun frequently visiting the local STL public library. Yesterday we found the 1934 version of Les Miserables, directed by Raymond Bernard. It's a Criterion Collection film (which Adam likes) and it's Les Miserables, which I like. It's also impressively faithful to the book!
Sunday, April 26
Weddings everywhere...
Last summer we were one of 23 couples that we knew getting married in 2008. This summer is shaping up to look similar, and we've been in Philly for the first wedding of the season - Adam's cousin's wedding. Adam was one of the groomsmen and I'll post photos soon enough.
I'm listening to the song they danced to for their first dance - "Lullaby" by The Dixie Chicks:
"How long do you wanna be loved? Is Forever enough, is Forever enough?"
I told Adam before we left STL that I'm going to renew my vows to him with each wedding we attend. I might have to sing along, too.
I'm listening to the song they danced to for their first dance - "Lullaby" by The Dixie Chicks:
"How long do you wanna be loved? Is Forever enough, is Forever enough?"
I told Adam before we left STL that I'm going to renew my vows to him with each wedding we attend. I might have to sing along, too.
Thursday, February 26
You and Yours
You & Yours
Answer these questions about you & your significant other.
What are your middle names?
Alene and Jude
How long have you been together?
1.5 years
Who asked who out?
He asked me out – I was oblivious that ‘this guy’ could be interested in me at all.
How old were each of you when you met?
We were each 23 and 29.
How old are each of you now?
24 (almost 25) and 31
How tall are each of you?
He's 6’3” and I'm 5’4”
Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
It’s pretty equal – we probably see his side of the family more frequently, but we spent almost 3 weeks straight with my family over Christmas.
Do you have any children together?
Not yet, a few years out.
What about pets?
Do books count? No, we keep talking about getting a dog, but the house (or a place with a yard) has to come first. And he wants a purebred, and I don’t care that much.
Did you go to the same school?
No, I went to College in St. Paul, he in Chattanooga. He and my sister went to school together a few years before we met. We go to the same graduate school now.
Are you from the same hometown?
Nope.
Who is the smartest?
He’s smarter, but I think he’d argue the opposite.
Who is the most sensitive?
Me. Me, me, me.
Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Right now, it’s probably Frank and Helen’s, a pizza place that’s been locally owned since the 60’s. Adam could eat pizza twice a day for meals and not ever get sick of it. No. Really.
Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Hmmm. Well, going to Montana, but we flew, so that was about 6 hours of travel. We’ve driven to Philly twice. The last time was pretty rough, since we were only there for 3 days before we returned to STL, and it’s a 15 hour drive.
Who has the worst temper?
I get irritated more frequently, but when he’s mad, he’s pretty mad.
Who does/did the cooking?
I do the lunch and dinner cooking. He cooks breakfast daily (old fashioned oatmeal.)
Who is more social?
I think we would have said me, no question, before we got married. Now that most of my life consists of talking to people for 8 or 9 hours a day as a part of my job(s), I’ve become quite introverted during my off time. Other ways to say that are “I’m just plain tired” or “protective of my time.”
Who is the neat-freak?
We’re about the same at tidy-ness. We both start to feel it when the apartment gets messy - which usually comes after a particularly hectic week with a long paper or big test. He’s an Organizational genius, and I’m the scheduler extraordinaire.
Who wakes up earlier?
Me. He gets up 15-30 minutes later. Except Saturdays, but that’s usually because of my internship. I’m usually up around 7 on Saturdays and he gets up an hour or so later.
Who has the bigger family?
Our immediate families both are 5, but I think my extended family is slightly larger. Not by much though.
How do you spend the holidays?
We alternate holidays. We’ll see what happens next year – Thanksgiving will likely be traditionally at his family, Christmas at mine, since each of our families tend to major on those particular holidays.
Who is more jealous?
Me, though I don’t like to admit it.
Do you have little pet names for each other?
“Sweetie” for both of us, “honey” and “baby” sometimes. He’s started calling me his Sprightly Chickadee, from a Ray Lamontagne song.
How long did it take to get serious?
About a month. We didn’t mess around.
Who eats more?
Sometimes, to my chagrin, me. EXCEPT when it comes to pizza. Him, no question.
Who sings better?
Me probably, but I love to hear him sing. Especially when it’s along with a song in the car, after we’ve both been quiet for a while.
Who does the dishes?
Him, most of the time, though I wipe down the kitchen and put the food away usually.
Who snores?
Neither – it’s made the marriage adjustment much easier. Maybe when we’re sick, or something.
Who’s better with the computer?
Apple or PC?
Who drives when you are together?
Him. He gets nervous when I’m driving and saying mean things to the cars around us (cough. Raging.)
Who is the first to admit when they're wrong?
Usually he does, which is bad. I shouldn’t be so stubborn.
Who kissed who first?
I wanted to, but he kissed me first.
Who has more tattoos?
He does – 3 to 0.
Who eats more sweets?
Him. I’m all about the crunchy-salty. He’s all about the ice cream.
Answer these questions about you & your significant other.
What are your middle names?
Alene and Jude
How long have you been together?
1.5 years
Who asked who out?
He asked me out – I was oblivious that ‘this guy’ could be interested in me at all.
How old were each of you when you met?
We were each 23 and 29.
How old are each of you now?
24 (almost 25) and 31
How tall are each of you?
He's 6’3” and I'm 5’4”
Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
It’s pretty equal – we probably see his side of the family more frequently, but we spent almost 3 weeks straight with my family over Christmas.
Do you have any children together?
Not yet, a few years out.
What about pets?
Do books count? No, we keep talking about getting a dog, but the house (or a place with a yard) has to come first. And he wants a purebred, and I don’t care that much.
Did you go to the same school?
No, I went to College in St. Paul, he in Chattanooga. He and my sister went to school together a few years before we met. We go to the same graduate school now.
Are you from the same hometown?
Nope.
Who is the smartest?
He’s smarter, but I think he’d argue the opposite.
Who is the most sensitive?
Me. Me, me, me.
Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Right now, it’s probably Frank and Helen’s, a pizza place that’s been locally owned since the 60’s. Adam could eat pizza twice a day for meals and not ever get sick of it. No. Really.
Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Hmmm. Well, going to Montana, but we flew, so that was about 6 hours of travel. We’ve driven to Philly twice. The last time was pretty rough, since we were only there for 3 days before we returned to STL, and it’s a 15 hour drive.
Who has the worst temper?
I get irritated more frequently, but when he’s mad, he’s pretty mad.
Who does/did the cooking?
I do the lunch and dinner cooking. He cooks breakfast daily (old fashioned oatmeal.)
Who is more social?
I think we would have said me, no question, before we got married. Now that most of my life consists of talking to people for 8 or 9 hours a day as a part of my job(s), I’ve become quite introverted during my off time. Other ways to say that are “I’m just plain tired” or “protective of my time.”
Who is the neat-freak?
We’re about the same at tidy-ness. We both start to feel it when the apartment gets messy - which usually comes after a particularly hectic week with a long paper or big test. He’s an Organizational genius, and I’m the scheduler extraordinaire.
Who wakes up earlier?
Me. He gets up 15-30 minutes later. Except Saturdays, but that’s usually because of my internship. I’m usually up around 7 on Saturdays and he gets up an hour or so later.
Who has the bigger family?
Our immediate families both are 5, but I think my extended family is slightly larger. Not by much though.
How do you spend the holidays?
We alternate holidays. We’ll see what happens next year – Thanksgiving will likely be traditionally at his family, Christmas at mine, since each of our families tend to major on those particular holidays.
Who is more jealous?
Me, though I don’t like to admit it.
Do you have little pet names for each other?
“Sweetie” for both of us, “honey” and “baby” sometimes. He’s started calling me his Sprightly Chickadee, from a Ray Lamontagne song.
How long did it take to get serious?
About a month. We didn’t mess around.
Who eats more?
Sometimes, to my chagrin, me. EXCEPT when it comes to pizza. Him, no question.
Who sings better?
Me probably, but I love to hear him sing. Especially when it’s along with a song in the car, after we’ve both been quiet for a while.
Who does the dishes?
Him, most of the time, though I wipe down the kitchen and put the food away usually.
Who snores?
Neither – it’s made the marriage adjustment much easier. Maybe when we’re sick, or something.
Who’s better with the computer?
Apple or PC?
Who drives when you are together?
Him. He gets nervous when I’m driving and saying mean things to the cars around us (cough. Raging.)
Who is the first to admit when they're wrong?
Usually he does, which is bad. I shouldn’t be so stubborn.
Who kissed who first?
I wanted to, but he kissed me first.
Who has more tattoos?
He does – 3 to 0.
Who eats more sweets?
Him. I’m all about the crunchy-salty. He’s all about the ice cream.
Tuesday, February 17
Catchup
I've just spent the last hour looking at new templates (thanks Addie!) and trying them out on my other (the movie) blog. I'm tired, and I keep thinking that I'm copying the illustrious Ms. Morstad (soon to be Mrs. Bedford).
That said, the feeling from the last few weeks is Tired. Even working for Peacemakers I've never been so tired. Of course, at PM, even if you're giving a lot of yourself, it seems as though everyone's ready to emotionally give to you, too.
Counseling? The question to ask is "what is therapeutic for the client?" Which means, you're generally just giving of yourself, and relying a lot on Jesus. Which I need to do more of.
Things of life that should be updated: The car is sold, but not the way that I wanted. I was taking a left and was hit by a guy in the rear-passenger side. So we got the Honda hauled to the collision center, and being as we didn't have collision insurance on it, eventually sold it to the little man who worked there. (it would have cost 116% of the cost of the car to fix the damage.) We're still waiting on the two insurance agencies to hammer out liability. Hopefully we'll get something from the insurance agency.
It's been a tough couple of weeks, and truthfully, I feel as though sharing my complaining attitude online is tantamount to sharing via a bullhorn.
On the other hand, our 6 month anniversary coincided (somewhat) with Valentines day, which helpfully occurred on a weekend. Therefore Valentines for Hannah was on Friday ("The Duchess" and Chinese food) and Valentines for Adam was on Saturday (steak. Lots and lots of steak dinner. with Creamy Mashed potatoes and corn. But the steak was REALLY good.)
So that's the update. More to come. (Hopefully a story of lots and lots of rest.)
That said, the feeling from the last few weeks is Tired. Even working for Peacemakers I've never been so tired. Of course, at PM, even if you're giving a lot of yourself, it seems as though everyone's ready to emotionally give to you, too.
Counseling? The question to ask is "what is therapeutic for the client?" Which means, you're generally just giving of yourself, and relying a lot on Jesus. Which I need to do more of.
Things of life that should be updated: The car is sold, but not the way that I wanted. I was taking a left and was hit by a guy in the rear-passenger side. So we got the Honda hauled to the collision center, and being as we didn't have collision insurance on it, eventually sold it to the little man who worked there. (it would have cost 116% of the cost of the car to fix the damage.) We're still waiting on the two insurance agencies to hammer out liability. Hopefully we'll get something from the insurance agency.
It's been a tough couple of weeks, and truthfully, I feel as though sharing my complaining attitude online is tantamount to sharing via a bullhorn.
On the other hand, our 6 month anniversary coincided (somewhat) with Valentines day, which helpfully occurred on a weekend. Therefore Valentines for Hannah was on Friday ("The Duchess" and Chinese food) and Valentines for Adam was on Saturday (steak. Lots and lots of steak dinner. with Creamy Mashed potatoes and corn. But the steak was REALLY good.)
So that's the update. More to come. (Hopefully a story of lots and lots of rest.)
Wednesday, January 21
Short updates
Ok, so it's just as bad as it ever has been - as far as updating the blog goes.
I'm trying to be committed to 5 minute updates. It’s 1:20 pm. I’m at work (gasp!) and hiding the fact that I’m updating my Montana-and-other-parts-of-the-worlds friends by typing this out in my email, cutting and pasting. Shhhh.
Update 1: I’m going to be a bridesmaid for the 6th time! More to come in the next few days. Adam and I will be having the lovely future bride and groom over tonight for dinner.
Update 2. I’m jealous of Addie Morstad’s web design abilities. I’m hoping that she’ll share some of her secrets.
Update 3: Classes start up next week. I’m presently working 20 hours in the Admissions office at Covenant and seeing 10 clients per week. Along with 7 hours of class time and an hour and a half of supervision, I’m running from 8 am to 5 pm most nights. However, I just found out that I will not have to work or see clients on 4 or my 5 weekday nights – yay
I'm trying to be committed to 5 minute updates. It’s 1:20 pm. I’m at work (gasp!) and hiding the fact that I’m updating my Montana-and-other-parts-of-the-worlds friends by typing this out in my email, cutting and pasting. Shhhh.
Update 1: I’m going to be a bridesmaid for the 6th time! More to come in the next few days. Adam and I will be having the lovely future bride and groom over tonight for dinner.
Update 2. I’m jealous of Addie Morstad’s web design abilities. I’m hoping that she’ll share some of her secrets.
Update 3: Classes start up next week. I’m presently working 20 hours in the Admissions office at Covenant and seeing 10 clients per week. Along with 7 hours of class time and an hour and a half of supervision, I’m running from 8 am to 5 pm most nights. However, I just found out that I will not have to work or see clients on 4 or my 5 weekday nights – yay
Tuesday, December 30
Just can't let go
Well, this blog has been languishing for the past year or so, averaging about a post a month.
But I'm not letting it go. First, I decided to change the banner and my photo (both having been up for over a year). And second, I figured out how to post without having to sign out of everything google and sign back in with my old handle. Now this blog is associated with my new google account (since marriage) and I'll be automatically able to post.
An additional part of the problem has been our relative "poverty" level - we've decided against getting internet at the apartment. It's a $15-60/month investment that we aren't too keen on exploring because of our budget. Two, no internet at that house helps us study. Three, we have free high speed internet at the school (and our jobs), which gives us incentive to spend our work/internet time there, and spend our time together and on class reading while at the apartment.
But that all equals to my not having a lot of accessibility or time to post. Every 6 months or so, I decide to put more energy into posting (in order to keep up with friends and journal the day to day things of life). And usually I'm a bit behind.
Oh well. I'm just not ready to let it go, yet.
But I'm not letting it go. First, I decided to change the banner and my photo (both having been up for over a year). And second, I figured out how to post without having to sign out of everything google and sign back in with my old handle. Now this blog is associated with my new google account (since marriage) and I'll be automatically able to post.
An additional part of the problem has been our relative "poverty" level - we've decided against getting internet at the apartment. It's a $15-60/month investment that we aren't too keen on exploring because of our budget. Two, no internet at that house helps us study. Three, we have free high speed internet at the school (and our jobs), which gives us incentive to spend our work/internet time there, and spend our time together and on class reading while at the apartment.
But that all equals to my not having a lot of accessibility or time to post. Every 6 months or so, I decide to put more energy into posting (in order to keep up with friends and journal the day to day things of life). And usually I'm a bit behind.
Oh well. I'm just not ready to let it go, yet.
Monday, December 22
The Last week + Plans
Monday: Final Exam (Theories & Techniques in Counseling)
Tuesday: Flight & Travel
Wednesday: Sleeping in
Thursday: Dinner with Family
Friday: Christmas Shopping (not completed)
Saturday: Papa Murphy's Pizza (Adam: Very happy)
Sunday: RMCC, Christmas Choir, Thinking Putty & Great Dinner!
Monday: Christmas Shopping aborted, Haircut; Addiction, thy name is Cesar Millan
Tuesday: ? + Christmas Shopping, Choir Practice
Wednesday: Cookies, Happy Birthday Jennie!, Frantic wrapping
Thursday: Happy Christmas!
Tuesday: Flight & Travel
Wednesday: Sleeping in
Thursday: Dinner with Family
Friday: Christmas Shopping (not completed)
Saturday: Papa Murphy's Pizza (Adam: Very happy)
Sunday: RMCC, Christmas Choir, Thinking Putty & Great Dinner!
Monday: Christmas Shopping aborted, Haircut; Addiction, thy name is Cesar Millan
Tuesday: ? + Christmas Shopping, Choir Practice
Wednesday: Cookies, Happy Birthday Jennie!, Frantic wrapping
Thursday: Happy Christmas!
Sunday, October 19
Influence
Marriage changes things. I'm the one who seemingly influences Adam many times, but he'll be happy to know his influence on me is clearly showing tonight.
A bowl of cereal has never been an appropriate meal (in my mind), unless it's 6:45 am. Not in Adam's world. A bowl of cereal is a most excellent and desirable dinner, oftentimes.
Since Sunday dinner was huge, and I had no need for another large meal, I thought I'd skip dinner and just head to bed. Homework has kept me up later than I suspected, and so the rumbly in the tumbly began.
And I reached for the cereal bowl.
A bowl of cereal has never been an appropriate meal (in my mind), unless it's 6:45 am. Not in Adam's world. A bowl of cereal is a most excellent and desirable dinner, oftentimes.
Since Sunday dinner was huge, and I had no need for another large meal, I thought I'd skip dinner and just head to bed. Homework has kept me up later than I suspected, and so the rumbly in the tumbly began.
And I reached for the cereal bowl.
Wednesday, October 8
Things
It sounds windy outside. I don't see the tree outside our balcony moving.
I don't want to go grocery shopping.
I can't decide which grocery store to shop at
I need to go to three of them to get different things at good prices
Adam is studying Hebrew
I'd rather watch him, with the the glow of the "dining room" lamp illuminating his profile
Grocery Store.
Ugh.
Funny.
Sad/Poignant.
We're going to Schnucks. Aldi another Day. Trader Joe's yet another.
I don't want to go grocery shopping.
I can't decide which grocery store to shop at
I need to go to three of them to get different things at good prices
Adam is studying Hebrew
I'd rather watch him, with the the glow of the "dining room" lamp illuminating his profile
Grocery Store.
Ugh.
Funny.
Sad/Poignant.
We're going to Schnucks. Aldi another Day. Trader Joe's yet another.
Saturday, October 4
Elegance
Adam handed me the water I asked for -- in one of our Crystal wine glasses. Water, garnished with ice.
And it does make me feel a little more elegant, yes.
And it does make me feel a little more elegant, yes.
Friday, October 3
Fear in the City
I'm required to write response papers on the Theories and Techniques chapters I'm reading each week. So in that spirit:
A "Response post" on the Sex in the City Movie
"We're just two adults who have decided to get married."
While Adam's proposal was very romantic, we had talked about and even planned aspects of our wedding before the proposal. We had decided weeks before that we WERE going to be married, it was just a matter of time.
I think one of the most steadfast things about our marriage is that Adam once stated (and we both understood) that Love is --yes, about passion, friendship, romance - but it's ultimately about a decision.
Charlotte (reading Page Six) "'Proving to single gals everywhere that there can be a happy ending over 40'"
SITC writers just addressed one of the biggest fears and questions that American women have today. (Am I too old? Will this ever happen?)
Big: "young Lady, you need to get glasses."
Carrie: "No I don't, I have yours."
(I just liked this one. Yay for sharing stuff in marriage!)
Big: I want you. That's what I want. I coulda just gone down to City Hall."
Expressing the view of engaged men everywhere. Big weddings are always for the girl (and misc. women around the bride), very rarely does the groom care whether or not the wedding is large. Adam and I were really tired of the overwhelming-ness of a big wedding by the end of our engagement, and we were only engaged for 4 months!
Ok, the food in this movie is RIDICULOUS. They could only eat and spend this way if they were making a hollywood salary.
Miranda: "No I'm not all right. You two are crazy to get married. Marriage ruins everything."
So, you have the "forever single and loving it,"as typified in Samantha and the "Marriage/Relationship fulfills all" as typified in Charlotte. But the paragon of "marriage eventually dies a horrible death" is Miranda. The sad part of watching this character (and those in real life that believe in that philosophy) is that she doesn't see what she did to contribute to the breakdown of her marriage. She says the above to Big, who realistically is battling his own fears that his marriage to Carrie will break down.
Big calls Carrie and in one of the better, understanding, Carrie-as-counselor moments, she tells him that "it's me you're marrying. It's me and you." And that's very true. Commiting to one another, when you suspect that it can get bad (as exemplified in Miranda and Steve's relationship) is frightening. Fear raises a big, unabiding head. And you have to realize that the other person is in it, all the way, and that you're committed to being with one another.
So, for the last 10 minutes I've been wondering what bothered me about the climax of the "jilted at the alter" scene and it's this: Carrie, the night before is understanding and calm, but when it comes down to it, what does she scream at Big when she sees him after flees? "I am humiliated!" Now, yes, there are many things we can say about that, but it seems as though 1) it's not authentic to the "it's you and me" thing she said and 2) It's about her humilation, not his fear.
"Is it all about putting his needs before mine? Is it all about the other person? Is that Love?"
Miranda jumps in: No. that's marriage." Obviously, being all about the other person to the sacrifice of even your own wants is a negative thing to the SITC powers that be.
Dang, the writers are hitting on every fear!
Charlotte: "Because I'm afraid something bad is going to happen! I have everything I've ever wanted. I'm so happy that I'm terrified. Nobody gets everything that they want."
Yes! Carrie finally get's it: "And Miranda, in that article, I did not say 'we' once. The whole wedding was my point of view."
The final answer overall in the movie is to risk for a relationship, which is true, but it's tainted with the idea that you will not be whole unless you love yourself. This, enhh. Not so true. I would agree that a person needs insight into themselves, but much of that comes with being in relationship and seeing yourself as you really, really are: the good and the bad.
Forgiveness is a main theme, but what forgiveness means or encompasses isn't discussed much. (In the end, Steve and Miranda go to counseling and decide to put the past behind them.)
It was a good movie overall, probably put it in the 2.5 star category (not high enough to own, just rent).
A "Response post" on the Sex in the City Movie
"We're just two adults who have decided to get married."
While Adam's proposal was very romantic, we had talked about and even planned aspects of our wedding before the proposal. We had decided weeks before that we WERE going to be married, it was just a matter of time.
I think one of the most steadfast things about our marriage is that Adam once stated (and we both understood) that Love is --yes, about passion, friendship, romance - but it's ultimately about a decision.
Charlotte (reading Page Six) "'Proving to single gals everywhere that there can be a happy ending over 40'"
SITC writers just addressed one of the biggest fears and questions that American women have today. (Am I too old? Will this ever happen?)
Big: "young Lady, you need to get glasses."
Carrie: "No I don't, I have yours."
(I just liked this one. Yay for sharing stuff in marriage!)
Big: I want you. That's what I want. I coulda just gone down to City Hall."
Expressing the view of engaged men everywhere. Big weddings are always for the girl (and misc. women around the bride), very rarely does the groom care whether or not the wedding is large. Adam and I were really tired of the overwhelming-ness of a big wedding by the end of our engagement, and we were only engaged for 4 months!
Ok, the food in this movie is RIDICULOUS. They could only eat and spend this way if they were making a hollywood salary.
Miranda: "No I'm not all right. You two are crazy to get married. Marriage ruins everything."
So, you have the "forever single and loving it,"as typified in Samantha and the "Marriage/Relationship fulfills all" as typified in Charlotte. But the paragon of "marriage eventually dies a horrible death" is Miranda. The sad part of watching this character (and those in real life that believe in that philosophy) is that she doesn't see what she did to contribute to the breakdown of her marriage. She says the above to Big, who realistically is battling his own fears that his marriage to Carrie will break down.
Big calls Carrie and in one of the better, understanding, Carrie-as-counselor moments, she tells him that "it's me you're marrying. It's me and you." And that's very true. Commiting to one another, when you suspect that it can get bad (as exemplified in Miranda and Steve's relationship) is frightening. Fear raises a big, unabiding head. And you have to realize that the other person is in it, all the way, and that you're committed to being with one another.
So, for the last 10 minutes I've been wondering what bothered me about the climax of the "jilted at the alter" scene and it's this: Carrie, the night before is understanding and calm, but when it comes down to it, what does she scream at Big when she sees him after flees? "I am humiliated!" Now, yes, there are many things we can say about that, but it seems as though 1) it's not authentic to the "it's you and me" thing she said and 2) It's about her humilation, not his fear.
"Is it all about putting his needs before mine? Is it all about the other person? Is that Love?"
Miranda jumps in: No. that's marriage." Obviously, being all about the other person to the sacrifice of even your own wants is a negative thing to the SITC powers that be.
Dang, the writers are hitting on every fear!
Charlotte: "Because I'm afraid something bad is going to happen! I have everything I've ever wanted. I'm so happy that I'm terrified. Nobody gets everything that they want."
Yes! Carrie finally get's it: "And Miranda, in that article, I did not say 'we' once. The whole wedding was my point of view."
The final answer overall in the movie is to risk for a relationship, which is true, but it's tainted with the idea that you will not be whole unless you love yourself. This, enhh. Not so true. I would agree that a person needs insight into themselves, but much of that comes with being in relationship and seeing yourself as you really, really are: the good and the bad.
Forgiveness is a main theme, but what forgiveness means or encompasses isn't discussed much. (In the end, Steve and Miranda go to counseling and decide to put the past behind them.)
It was a good movie overall, probably put it in the 2.5 star category (not high enough to own, just rent).
Saturday, September 27
Thank You's
Much of today was spent being grateful for what we have. Lots of people have been sending gifts and also have been probably been wondering where the thank you notes are...!My problem is that I cannot make myself write a generic thank you note. I've talked with other brides, and they say they have about 4 different templates that they use. Me? no, I actually TRY to use a template, but I feel as though a person spent time and effort on a gift (or gave us cash - which turned into the sofa I'm sitting on right now) and I want them to know how we're using what they gave us!
So each note becomes a little bit personal -- which means it took me an hour and half to write 12 notes today.
But they are getting done! And as I write them, I remember how gracious our friends and family have been.
and the image is not actually my thank you notes...but they're pretty!
Thursday, September 25
Housing Crisis
Nearly 60 percent of the loans were made in California, Florida and Arizona, where home prices rose — and subsequently fell — faster than almost anywhere else in the country.
Yahoo News/The New York Times
So, What NYT is telling us is that the mortgage lenders, home buyers and home builders were dumba**es, Sold people homes and gave them mortgages for WAY over what those people could afford, because basically, everyone "should" have the American dream.
I know I'm not sounding very hardcore republican right now, but a bail out will only do so much, and I'm not really for it that much. Frankly, Americans need to have a very long lesson in personal financial responsibility, work ethic and humility. If you can't afford it, don't buy it.
Yahoo News/The New York Times
So, What NYT is telling us is that the mortgage lenders, home buyers and home builders were dumba**es, Sold people homes and gave them mortgages for WAY over what those people could afford, because basically, everyone "should" have the American dream.
I know I'm not sounding very hardcore republican right now, but a bail out will only do so much, and I'm not really for it that much. Frankly, Americans need to have a very long lesson in personal financial responsibility, work ethic and humility. If you can't afford it, don't buy it.
Wednesday, September 24
Listening to:
But this is the way I need to wake I wake to you
You never left me all that I had dreamt had been untrue
Open my eyes, I see sky
Oh oh oh, oh oh
The way you keep me on my toes,
I, I,I will be fine
just say you'll stay forever mine
till we fall asleep tonight
Joshua Radin
feat. Ingrid Michaelson
Unclear Sky
"Sky"
(Our first dance was a Joshua Radin song, so his songs have special meaning to me!)
Tuesday, September 23
Best
As I was making tuna casserole for dinner tonight, I was trying to figure out what standard wedding gift I will get everyone who marries within the next 40 or 50 years.
I started out with the little colander. It's cute, it's practical, it's great. Then I thought, no, the really helpful and great thing are those little, tiny white spatulas. They get all the soup out of the can (and honestly, it was a wedding gift because we used money donated, not because we unwrapped it as a gift. But I knew I wanted one!)
THEN I thought, "no, it's this little tiny casserole dish that came in the package of three knock-off-brand Pyrex dishes. I bought it a while back when I was on campus, making dinner and didn't have a pyrex dish. Originally I thought the little one would be the one I use least. Oh no! I use it most! Mini Casseroles for Mr. Porcella and me.
But then I changed my mind. Nope, it's the slightly-larger-than normal toaster oven...which actually I've been using more as a mini oven than as a toaster, and it's GREAT. it cooks, and we don't heat up the entire apartment.
So basically, wedding gifts are great. They make making dinner so much better. I used to have to figure out how much of a recipe I could fit into this or that wrong-sized dish. No longer!
And with that, I'm sitting down to watch "Opportunity Knocks" and write Thank You notes.
I started out with the little colander. It's cute, it's practical, it's great. Then I thought, no, the really helpful and great thing are those little, tiny white spatulas. They get all the soup out of the can (and honestly, it was a wedding gift because we used money donated, not because we unwrapped it as a gift. But I knew I wanted one!)
THEN I thought, "no, it's this little tiny casserole dish that came in the package of three knock-off-brand Pyrex dishes. I bought it a while back when I was on campus, making dinner and didn't have a pyrex dish. Originally I thought the little one would be the one I use least. Oh no! I use it most! Mini Casseroles for Mr. Porcella and me.
But then I changed my mind. Nope, it's the slightly-larger-than normal toaster oven...which actually I've been using more as a mini oven than as a toaster, and it's GREAT. it cooks, and we don't heat up the entire apartment.
So basically, wedding gifts are great. They make making dinner so much better. I used to have to figure out how much of a recipe I could fit into this or that wrong-sized dish. No longer!
And with that, I'm sitting down to watch "Opportunity Knocks" and write Thank You notes.
Wednesday, September 10
A day
We've consolidated our music onto my iPod, and two seconds ago Rachel Yamagata was singing, "He lights a lamp inviting him, He's a bandit and a heartbreaker, Oh, but Jesus was a crossmaker."
The first time I heard her light voice and the chords that remind me of Simon and Garfunkle, Adam and I were driving down to he Covenant housing to drop him off at the end of the night. I'm still amazed at the power of music to bring a scene directly into my mind's eye.
He just walked into the kitchen to pour himself a bowl of cereal...Which I suspect is "Chocolate and Peanut Butter Spheres." What? Kix, but flavored by Chocolate and Peanut butter. Why don't they call it Peanut Buttery ChocoBlast Kix? Because we just returned from what Adam calls the Thrift Store for Food, "Aldi's". (It's a super inexpensive grocery store -- German style! yay! ....and you don't get the best quality food, but when you're working part time through grad school, you shop at the cheapest thing available.)
Life has been good, and we're on the eve of our 1 month anniversary. Hebrew has dominated his studying, "Integrative Psychotherapy" has dominated my reading. We've got 4 couples coming over to hang over this weekend - whoever thought that newlyweds hide away got it wrong.
I guess the best part is waking up in the morning - usually having kicked off all of the blankets, or stolen all of them, and knowing that he'll be there for the next night too.
The first time I heard her light voice and the chords that remind me of Simon and Garfunkle, Adam and I were driving down to he Covenant housing to drop him off at the end of the night. I'm still amazed at the power of music to bring a scene directly into my mind's eye.
He just walked into the kitchen to pour himself a bowl of cereal...Which I suspect is "Chocolate and Peanut Butter Spheres." What? Kix, but flavored by Chocolate and Peanut butter. Why don't they call it Peanut Buttery ChocoBlast Kix? Because we just returned from what Adam calls the Thrift Store for Food, "Aldi's". (It's a super inexpensive grocery store -- German style! yay! ....and you don't get the best quality food, but when you're working part time through grad school, you shop at the cheapest thing available.)
Life has been good, and we're on the eve of our 1 month anniversary. Hebrew has dominated his studying, "Integrative Psychotherapy" has dominated my reading. We've got 4 couples coming over to hang over this weekend - whoever thought that newlyweds hide away got it wrong.
I guess the best part is waking up in the morning - usually having kicked off all of the blankets, or stolen all of them, and knowing that he'll be there for the next night too.
Friday, September 5
Quote
"Well, the point is, we all agree that it's a ridiculous place to live."
My boss,
after a office-wide discussion of the drop in temperature from Wednesday to today, and in the recent St. Louis past.
My boss,
after a office-wide discussion of the drop in temperature from Wednesday to today, and in the recent St. Louis past.
Sunday, August 17
Married
Well, it's been 2 months since I posted, and I'm sure almost no one is reading this, except the random family member or those with an RSS feed.
Truthfully, one of the reasons I didn't post was that each time I thought up a post during my engagement I wanted to complain. Spending two months with all of my earthly belongings at one apartment, but sleeping on a blow up mattress at another was enough to drive me a little crazy and make me a bit ungrateful (although I'm abundantly grateful for my female roommates who allowed me to stay with them).
On top of it, I dealt with many of the questions and decisions having to do with planning a wedding, but never was able to see those small things that indicate that you are, in fact, getting married.
So having a wedding seemed surreal. Even getting my hair and makeup done seemed as though I was just playing a bit of dress up.
But at the end of the day, I was pronounced as having a new name, and was Adam's wife.
Sunday, June 22
Blogging...slowly
I'm always yt (<--- Adam's addition, as he just reached over and stabbed at the keyboard with his finger) Anyway, as I was saying, I'm always glad that Molly and Addie update their blogs semi regularly. It makes me feel like I'm keeping up with my friends back home, and even some of my STL friends.
My personal blog? pathetically, woefully neglected.
So, the quick and dirty in 4.5 seconds:
Friday was the last day of class, which now opens up 12+ hours a week for me to do things other than study...work, wedding, things like that.
Both Adam and my cars have things wrong. Mine is likely a mildly annoying and moderately expensive muffler/exhaust problem. Adam's is almost definitely breaks, and not the "cheaper" break repair. Anyway, we're looking for God's provision in that area.
Our future aprartment (he's presently living there) is very bare, but it makes for memories that I'm sure we'll look back on and laugh about. ("Remember our first meal in our first apartment..where we sat on the floor, balancing our pizza and cheap wine?")
I'm working a lot. Weddings are expensive, and I'm not really talking about our own. Presently we know 17 couples getting married this summer (this SUMMER!) even though we're only invited to about 10 of them. Target, here we come!
Adam translated 1st John, and we read through it together. To quote Miss Molly Routson, 'You really CAN trust your translation." That said, 1st John is convicting and it was really good for us to read through.
Life is busy, but when is it not? We're both looking forward to the end of July, and the conclusion of Adam's Greek class. Then, Wedding and hanging out for a few weeks before classes start up again.
My personal blog? pathetically, woefully neglected.
So, the quick and dirty in 4.5 seconds:
Friday was the last day of class, which now opens up 12+ hours a week for me to do things other than study...work, wedding, things like that.
Both Adam and my cars have things wrong. Mine is likely a mildly annoying and moderately expensive muffler/exhaust problem. Adam's is almost definitely breaks, and not the "cheaper" break repair. Anyway, we're looking for God's provision in that area.
Our future aprartment (he's presently living there) is very bare, but it makes for memories that I'm sure we'll look back on and laugh about. ("Remember our first meal in our first apartment..where we sat on the floor, balancing our pizza and cheap wine?")
I'm working a lot. Weddings are expensive, and I'm not really talking about our own. Presently we know 17 couples getting married this summer (this SUMMER!) even though we're only invited to about 10 of them. Target, here we come!
Adam translated 1st John, and we read through it together. To quote Miss Molly Routson, 'You really CAN trust your translation." That said, 1st John is convicting and it was really good for us to read through.
Life is busy, but when is it not? We're both looking forward to the end of July, and the conclusion of Adam's Greek class. Then, Wedding and hanging out for a few weeks before classes start up again.
Thursday, May 29
I fell off of the face of the earth
There's a deep part of me that wants to go to each of my friends and say, "I'm sorry. I know that engaged girls fall off the earth, and her friends are all wondering where she went and why she hasn't been around." When I was single, I assumed it was because there was this lovely world that I wasn't a part of, consisting of only the fiance and fiancee.
But instead, I have fallen off the edge of the earth because life has come at me so fast I barely have time to ...well, do anything anymore. It's a huge week of transitions.
Adam is starting Summer Greek and Exegesis (one of the hardest classes), I'm working, I have class, I'm starting a Counseling internship, we're both moving, my roommates are moving (so the really great year of living together is closing) and, oh, this little thing of planning a wedding in 10 weeks.
And it's Adam's birthday. Today. So off I go to try to (in the midst of packing, Greek class, Thank You Notes) let him know that I really do love him to pieces.
But instead, I have fallen off the edge of the earth because life has come at me so fast I barely have time to ...well, do anything anymore. It's a huge week of transitions.
Adam is starting Summer Greek and Exegesis (one of the hardest classes), I'm working, I have class, I'm starting a Counseling internship, we're both moving, my roommates are moving (so the really great year of living together is closing) and, oh, this little thing of planning a wedding in 10 weeks.
And it's Adam's birthday. Today. So off I go to try to (in the midst of packing, Greek class, Thank You Notes) let him know that I really do love him to pieces.
Monday, May 12
Finals week
Good:
The feeling when putting a textbook up on the bookshelf for the last time, knowing that you read it thoroughly, and didn't bomb the test. And it's now on the shelf.
Bad:
Dogearing books. According to my Fiance.
"Do you DOGEAR books?!"
"...uh, no, of course not. Only when I'm writing a paper, referencing the book and it won't stay open. Kinda."
The feeling when putting a textbook up on the bookshelf for the last time, knowing that you read it thoroughly, and didn't bomb the test. And it's now on the shelf.
Bad:
Dogearing books. According to my Fiance.
"Do you DOGEAR books?!"
"...uh, no, of course not. Only when I'm writing a paper, referencing the book and it won't stay open. Kinda."
Tuesday, April 29
Some Assignments I'm glad to do
I have to memorize this. I'm glad I do:
I remember my affliction
and my wandering
The bitterness and the gall
I well remember them
and my soul is downcast
within me
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord's great love
we are not consumed
for his compassions never fail
they are new every morning
Great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself
"The Lord is my portion,
Therefore I will wait for him."
I remember my affliction
and my wandering
The bitterness and the gall
I well remember them
and my soul is downcast
within me
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord's great love
we are not consumed
for his compassions never fail
they are new every morning
Great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself
"The Lord is my portion,
Therefore I will wait for him."
Friday, April 25
Not gonna Lie
The title is a phrase I've picked up here from my roommate...or someone.
Not gonna lie, it's been a tough week. It started with a migraine on Sunday and ended with a sleepless Thursday night full of anxiety. Not the worthwhile anxiety, but the kind that you wake up the next morning realizing how not-in-control you are, and so therefore the anxiety has no real purpose, because it's not as if you could change the price of fuel/flights/rice in China.
Squashed between the migraine and anxiety were tests and papers, particularly a Greek test that took my fiance away from me for a good 48 hours. That doesn't seem significant, except that there's been little sleep for both of us, though for different reasons.
we're now both sitting silently, waiting for the chicken to bake and dinner to commence.
It's raining a bit, and that's basically the mood. somber, drab, blah.
Not gonna lie, it's been a tough week. It started with a migraine on Sunday and ended with a sleepless Thursday night full of anxiety. Not the worthwhile anxiety, but the kind that you wake up the next morning realizing how not-in-control you are, and so therefore the anxiety has no real purpose, because it's not as if you could change the price of fuel/flights/rice in China.
Squashed between the migraine and anxiety were tests and papers, particularly a Greek test that took my fiance away from me for a good 48 hours. That doesn't seem significant, except that there's been little sleep for both of us, though for different reasons.
we're now both sitting silently, waiting for the chicken to bake and dinner to commence.
It's raining a bit, and that's basically the mood. somber, drab, blah.
Friday, April 18
Not what I thought it was
Funny how your mind comes up with the most "plausible" explanation when you are a) awakened from sleep and b) have no previous experience with what is really going on.
I thought it was first an incredibly fierce storm with high winds, and then thought perhaps the medical helicopter that flies over our house 4 or 5 times a day (Covenant is across the street from a major StL hospital) was flying too close. For a second I wondered if the helicopter might crash down on top of the house.
nope.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/04/18/illinois.earthquake
I've now experienced an earthquake.
I thought it was first an incredibly fierce storm with high winds, and then thought perhaps the medical helicopter that flies over our house 4 or 5 times a day (Covenant is across the street from a major StL hospital) was flying too close. For a second I wondered if the helicopter might crash down on top of the house.
nope.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/04/18/illinois.earthquake
I've now experienced an earthquake.
Thursday, April 17
Did you know?
There are birds that sing during the night? Midnight, to be exact. Outside my window. I suppose I knew that Nightingales did, but I was pretty sure that they were a bird most at home in the orient, not in say...Saint Louis.
Indeed. Nightingale
Now that I can't really sleep, I'm trying to figure out what kind of bird it is. Whichever it happens to be, it occurs to me that perhaps this bird is just as sick as I am of the ETERNALLY COLD TEMPERATURES and wind being suffered here in STL and decided to sing despite it all. (Tomorrow it is supposed to warm up.)
Indeed. Nightingale
Now that I can't really sleep, I'm trying to figure out what kind of bird it is. Whichever it happens to be, it occurs to me that perhaps this bird is just as sick as I am of the ETERNALLY COLD TEMPERATURES and wind being suffered here in STL and decided to sing despite it all. (Tomorrow it is supposed to warm up.)
Tuesday, April 8
Poll of the Day April 8
What one kitchen item can you not live without? (i.e., if I had to add something to my sparse wedding registry, what would it be?)
Answer in the comments!
Answer in the comments!
Saturday, April 5
Wednesday, April 2
Tuesday, April 1
Appropriately, I am drinking a cup of Coffee
From my Online class, "Psalms and Wisdom Literature." Lesson on Proverbs/Wisdom:
"Some summary definitions: what is wisdom in the Bible? One author says it is the ability to cope. Well.... that might be as simple as a cup of coffee...!"
Dr. Phillips Long
"Some summary definitions: what is wisdom in the Bible? One author says it is the ability to cope. Well.... that might be as simple as a cup of coffee...!"
Dr. Phillips Long
Saturday, March 22
Wednesday, March 19
Philadelphia
Text to Molly: "I just drove past a "Ritas"!
Adam and I traveled the 15 hours to Philadelphia, spending the night in Pittsburgh, thereby cutting the travel time into two chunks (10 hours and then 5 hours). So far we've had a GREAT time, hanging out with his immediate family and friends. So far:
I spent St. Patrick's Day with a Real, straight-from-Ireland-Irishman (Adam's brother-in-law). Got my first Irish kiss (on the cheek) on St. Pattys and drank my first Guinness.
We spent time with Adam's grandparents and parents at a Cricket club last night. It was established sometime between the war of 1812 and the Civil war (they're not exactly sure when the old club house). When a 'up and coming' sport became popular, the club transformed a lot of the grass lawn used cricket games into this new 'lawn tennis" game. This particular club has hosted both the USTA and Davis cup championships. There are 70 clay, grass and hard tennis courts available for play. It was quite wonderful.
Right now we're at a Coffee house that has been converted from a shoe warehouse. It's quite gorgeous. The only problem is that I logged into my Covenant account and see on a syllubus that I need to write a paper (I knew about that) but I didn't realize that I needed a particular book. So, I will be reading like a crazy woman when we return to STL. For now I'll just enjoy my surroundings :)
*Also? I hate blogger. Well, I hate how much time I have to put into formatting the photos and text for my posts to be readable. If you're reading this in Internet Explorer, I don't know and kinda don't care if the text is all screwy. So, if you're an IE fan, switch to Firefox. It rocks IE.
Adam and I traveled the 15 hours to Philadelphia, spending the night in Pittsburgh, thereby cutting the travel time into two chunks (10 hours and then 5 hours). So far we've had a GREAT time, hanging out with his immediate family and friends. So far:
I spent St. Patrick's Day with a Real, straight-from-Ireland-Irishman (Adam's brother-in-law). Got my first Irish kiss (on the cheek) on St. Pattys and drank my first Guinness.
We spent time with Adam's grandparents and parents at a Cricket club last night. It was established sometime between the war of 1812 and the Civil war (they're not exactly sure when the old club house). When a 'up and coming' sport became popular, the club transformed a lot of the grass lawn used cricket games into this new 'lawn tennis" game. This particular club has hosted both the USTA and Davis cup championships. There are 70 clay, grass and hard tennis courts available for play. It was quite wonderful.
Right now we're at a Coffee house that has been converted from a shoe warehouse. It's quite gorgeous. The only problem is that I logged into my Covenant account and see on a syllubus that I need to write a paper (I knew about that) but I didn't realize that I needed a particular book. So, I will be reading like a crazy woman when we return to STL. For now I'll just enjoy my surroundings :)
*Also? I hate blogger. Well, I hate how much time I have to put into formatting the photos and text for my posts to be readable. If you're reading this in Internet Explorer, I don't know and kinda don't care if the text is all screwy. So, if you're an IE fan, switch to Firefox. It rocks IE.
Saturday, March 15
Orchid Show date
About a week ago Adam mentioned that he'd like to go to the Orchid Show at the Botanical Gardens. So we had a double date with my roommate and her boyfriend and enjoyed the delicate beauty of orchids. I took over a hundred ph
otos, but I won't post that many.:)
Monday, March 10
New Sites
I am posting ....even though I should be reading more for my Midterm tomorrow. I'm becoming an expert on Psych Disorders. (not even close).
That said, My roommate and her boyfriend's websites are listed to the side. They are both fabulous and thoughtful people....far more fabulous and thoughtful that I. Or, maybe they just post their thoughts more often.
Li'l Light's latest post is very telling of life in the Bayer House. ;)
Now, back to Bi-Polar Disorder and Schizophrenia. Joy.
That said, My roommate and her boyfriend's websites are listed to the side. They are both fabulous and thoughtful people....far more fabulous and thoughtful that I. Or, maybe they just post their thoughts more often.
Li'l Light's latest post is very telling of life in the Bayer House. ;)
Now, back to Bi-Polar Disorder and Schizophrenia. Joy.
Tuesday, March 4
Monday, March 3
"I'm not even sure what I'm hoping for"
The title was not said by me, but its (again) a good assessment of my own feelings. Yesterday the high was 79 with a breeze. Perfect, perfect, perfect weather to sit out with friends on the porch and listen to everyone swapping stories.
Today, the high was ...oh, somewhere in the mid 30s, rainy, sleety, freezy and altogether gross and icky out. And, as if that weren't enough, rumor (and weather.com) has it that we're to expect 6-10 inches of snow (depending on who you talk to) by tomorrow afternoon.
In Minnesota, 6-10 inches would be "whoh! a few hours delay to work. Fabulous!" If even that. In MN, the MNDot trucks are out all night, in formation, scraping each snowflake off of 35E and 35W. As it falls. Before. It. Hits. The. Ground.
In Missouri? People run around screaming. Panic, fighting for that Last Little Debbie snack food (Third most purchased item after milk and eggs in MO before a snow storm. That's right. Straight from the Little Debbie District Manager's mouth...through another source, of course.)
But there is this sense of panic and the disturbing knowledge that any cognitive ability to drive has just dribbled out of the consciousness of the native Missourians. Add to that, Weather.com posted "THESE WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL MAKE DRIVING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ...IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE. MOTORISTS SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER POSTPONING TRAVEL UNTIL ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS IMPROVE LATE TUESDAY AFTERNOON OR EVENING."
Run. For. Your. Lives.
So, we're expecting a snow day tomorrow. If they cancel class, it will be the 4th day this semester that they've shut the seminary down. We've already added 15 minutes to each Tuesday and Thursday night class (getting home at 9:30. oh, the joy of 3.5 hour classes.) as well as an added mandatory Saturday make-up class.
I'm not even sure what I'm hoping for.
Today, the high was ...oh, somewhere in the mid 30s, rainy, sleety, freezy and altogether gross and icky out. And, as if that weren't enough, rumor (and weather.com) has it that we're to expect 6-10 inches of snow (depending on who you talk to) by tomorrow afternoon.
In Minnesota, 6-10 inches would be "whoh! a few hours delay to work. Fabulous!" If even that. In MN, the MNDot trucks are out all night, in formation, scraping each snowflake off of 35E and 35W. As it falls. Before. It. Hits. The. Ground.
In Missouri? People run around screaming. Panic, fighting for that Last Little Debbie snack food (Third most purchased item after milk and eggs in MO before a snow storm. That's right. Straight from the Little Debbie District Manager's mouth...through another source, of course.)
But there is this sense of panic and the disturbing knowledge that any cognitive ability to drive has just dribbled out of the consciousness of the native Missourians. Add to that, Weather.com posted "THESE WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL MAKE DRIVING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ...IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE. MOTORISTS SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER POSTPONING TRAVEL UNTIL ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS IMPROVE LATE TUESDAY AFTERNOON OR EVENING."
Run. For. Your. Lives.
So, we're expecting a snow day tomorrow. If they cancel class, it will be the 4th day this semester that they've shut the seminary down. We've already added 15 minutes to each Tuesday and Thursday night class (getting home at 9:30. oh, the joy of 3.5 hour classes.) as well as an added mandatory Saturday make-up class.
I'm not even sure what I'm hoping for.
Saturday, March 1
What Should I Blog about
"The problem is, I'm so inconsistent that only 2 or 3 people read my blog."
Not said by me, but very true about my own blog.
Taking cues from Addie and Molly:
Annoying:
Not said by me, but very true about my own blog.
Taking cues from Addie and Molly:
Annoying:
- A headache this morning, because of that stupid knot in my back
- feeling behind in reading, but too scared to really see how much I need to do
- Getting stuck in the ATL Airport on your way to San Antonio because Barak and Hillary are campaigning. Then, because you've been stuck for so long, the wedding you were flying to is now occurring, and you're still in ATL, you fly back to St. Louis. (This didn't happen to me, but my roommate's boyfriend. When he blogs about it, I'll link.)
- Not being able to style my new haircut the way the girl did yesterday
- Eww! The bullets on this template are horrendous. yuck. I'm too busy to try to figure out the code. They will stay.
- Adam bringing over an "expensive" (for us) bottle of wine for dinner (the dinner he gave 4.5/5 stars)
- home cooked lunch with these fabulous people (remember This? I got to meet the author!) I've now bookmarked their website.
- Hanging out with the two men of the house - boyfriend of mine, boyfriend of roommate - just chatting, on a Saturday afternoon.
- 60 degrees outside! we're taking a 5 minute walk, (because homework is a slavemaster.)
- Having a job, getting my first paycheck!
- An offhanded comment that he REALLY liking the bangs and the hair (without knowing I was frustrated because I couldn't style it 'right.')
Saturday, February 23
Thanks, MSN
MSN has an article, "The Top 10 Websites You've Never Heard Of" - Check it out.
Yesterday, I had a discussion with some co-workers about wanting to read Les Miserables, but as we talked about it, I thought "How am I ever supposed to get through that book, with life happening at light speed?
This morning I've signed up for DailyLit's emailed segments (there's 679!) and I've read one chapter. I know that I'll get behind, but I'm of the opinion that failing to do something perfectly but continuing to try is better than thinking, "oh, I'll never succeed at that."
I've also been sucked into "Damn Interesting," which has proven to be quite appropriate. Hopefully they'll have a lot of unusual history stories. Because I am a history junkie. I'm already planning what we can do when we visit Philly and DC in 3 weeks!
Finally, Adam and I watched "Michael Clayton" last night - Bruce Clark recommended it, so we downloaded the rental off of iTunes. Outside of having to wait for 4 hours for the 1 GB to download (Does that seem unusually long to anyone else?) it was convenient to not have to leave the house to get a rental. We did hook up speakers to my computer, because, let's face it, there really aren't good speakers on anyone's computer.
Yesterday, I had a discussion with some co-workers about wanting to read Les Miserables, but as we talked about it, I thought "How am I ever supposed to get through that book, with life happening at light speed?
This morning I've signed up for DailyLit's emailed segments (there's 679!) and I've read one chapter. I know that I'll get behind, but I'm of the opinion that failing to do something perfectly but continuing to try is better than thinking, "oh, I'll never succeed at that."
I've also been sucked into "Damn Interesting," which has proven to be quite appropriate. Hopefully they'll have a lot of unusual history stories. Because I am a history junkie. I'm already planning what we can do when we visit Philly and DC in 3 weeks!
Finally, Adam and I watched "Michael Clayton" last night - Bruce Clark recommended it, so we downloaded the rental off of iTunes. Outside of having to wait for 4 hours for the 1 GB to download (Does that seem unusually long to anyone else?) it was convenient to not have to leave the house to get a rental. We did hook up speakers to my computer, because, let's face it, there really aren't good speakers on anyone's computer.
Thursday, February 14
Valentines Day, 2008
I still hate valentines day. (mostly.)
I declared this to one of my best guy friends this morning, and in one way it's very true.
Singles feel their single hood most acutely today, and many of those attached to another are either feeling the pressure to perform, or have resigned themselves to a moderate amount of effort - effort that may or may not meet the expectations of their significant other.
That all said, this has been a pretty darn decent (albeit sleep deprived) valentines day. Adam and I have plans for tomorrow, and I awoke early this morning to bake homemade cinnamon rolls (his favorite addiction) for VDay2008. I wonder what I've gotten myself into for future VDays.....
I'm however in full support of Molly's Black (lab) Thursday declaration, and loved this commercial she posted. You should watch it. It will make your Valentines day that much better.
And in honor of my cynical, jaded VDay self, the one that is still there a bit, I link to this post.
I declared this to one of my best guy friends this morning, and in one way it's very true.
Singles feel their single hood most acutely today, and many of those attached to another are either feeling the pressure to perform, or have resigned themselves to a moderate amount of effort - effort that may or may not meet the expectations of their significant other.
That all said, this has been a pretty darn decent (albeit sleep deprived) valentines day. Adam and I have plans for tomorrow, and I awoke early this morning to bake homemade cinnamon rolls (his favorite addiction) for VDay2008. I wonder what I've gotten myself into for future VDays.....
I'm however in full support of Molly's Black (lab) Thursday declaration, and loved this commercial she posted. You should watch it. It will make your Valentines day that much better.
And in honor of my cynical, jaded VDay self, the one that is still there a bit, I link to this post.
Sunday, February 3
Trying this AGAIN for the 4th time
I've had a post written for about a week, and as time has gone on this week, I've tried to add to it. The problem is that Blogger's preview is not accurate to what is seen in Firefox. Of course I haven't checked it in IE, because IE is stupid.
So here I go again. It will be a mix of what was written and a few additional comments from today.
This was originally titled: Holiday Survey
I just received a "year in review" updated from a friend of mine, which reminded me to write a little something here.
A friend of mine asked how I had changed, since I've begun dating Adam. I couldn't think of anything at the time, but I realized shortly after that conversation that something has indeed occurred: I have dedicated hours of time cleaning up my iTunes "Coverflow." One of my boyfriend's personality traits is loving an organized iTunes. So he and I've been working on it for a few days.
Christmas break was great, and since I've had almost 6 weeks off, I'm ready for classes to begin. Classes last semester went very well. I'm finishing up my final 4 classes and will begin my counseling internship next year.
A great blessing in my day-to-day life has been my 5 roommates. 6 people living in one house has a good chance of bringing stress and frustration, but we've worked through the little conflict we've had, and each girl brings a lot of grace to the table. We also have bonded through our love of impromptu dance parties.
So, here is a picture montage of the month of January:
I went home and spent time with the Fam
Adam came home to Montana to celebrate my birthday and Christmas vacation. He survived a bunch of talkative German folk who get together frequently for coffee.
I celebrated my 25th birthday. At least that's was the median guess of my age.
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