Friday, January 30, 2009
Slipping through my fingers
Today Keith and I are heading to Demopolis for Cassi and Justin's wedding. I'll be a bridesmaid and also am singing in the ceremony.
This song touches me in a way I can't express. I thought with the big wedding, it was appropriate to post. I'll have pictures when the weekend is through :) Be well!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tue-s-day
For the first time in recent (like, 5-6 years time) memory I have successfully fought a cold in less than a week....and won without it turning into a sinus infection. Maybe surgery DOES help?? Like, seriously- my nose is already clear where it was miserable only Saturday. Three cheers!
The economic crunch has hit families in our school, I guess- we are no longer going to be able to take our London trip next year. We just didn't have enough interested to make it a financially responsible decision to go. Oh well, I was really looking forward to it, but I'm sure the chance will come again. I'm thinking about a musical missions trip instead. Any ideas?
Last night was Keith's family birthday celebration. We went to Superior Grill (Yummy, expensive mexican food), then back to their house to eat peppermint (oops, not mint chocolate chip!) ice cream cake and play the Wii. Which, if you cared to know, I STINK at. Keith got several nice things, including 2 dress shirts, a laptop desk and a wireless mouse. It was lots of fun and his family always makes me feel so welcome! (well, there was that one time when I fell down the stairs...) :)
I am moving again. Yes, in the 3 years i've lived in Birmingham, I've moved every school year it seems, and this is no different. I just don't want to buy a house yet...on my own, and my roommates keep getting engaged! Anyway, the big move will happen in March, and I'll be living in Helena (not far from my friend Windy and her family!) with my friend Carol, who owns a lovely house and understands my reasoning for not purchasing one at this time! Hope Keith is ready for uhaul duty again.
Here comes Tuesday!
The economic crunch has hit families in our school, I guess- we are no longer going to be able to take our London trip next year. We just didn't have enough interested to make it a financially responsible decision to go. Oh well, I was really looking forward to it, but I'm sure the chance will come again. I'm thinking about a musical missions trip instead. Any ideas?
Last night was Keith's family birthday celebration. We went to Superior Grill (Yummy, expensive mexican food), then back to their house to eat peppermint (oops, not mint chocolate chip!) ice cream cake and play the Wii. Which, if you cared to know, I STINK at. Keith got several nice things, including 2 dress shirts, a laptop desk and a wireless mouse. It was lots of fun and his family always makes me feel so welcome! (well, there was that one time when I fell down the stairs...) :)
I am moving again. Yes, in the 3 years i've lived in Birmingham, I've moved every school year it seems, and this is no different. I just don't want to buy a house yet...on my own, and my roommates keep getting engaged! Anyway, the big move will happen in March, and I'll be living in Helena (not far from my friend Windy and her family!) with my friend Carol, who owns a lovely house and understands my reasoning for not purchasing one at this time! Hope Keith is ready for uhaul duty again.
Here comes Tuesday!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
25 things you should know
there are also two new posts below this one...just sayin.
In NO particular order, 25 random things about me.
1. I sometimes wheeze when I laugh around my Dad.
2. I have a BME from Auburn Univeristy (choral music education) Class of 06
3. I have taught school for 3 years, one in jefferson co. and 2 (almost)@ Briarwood
4. I was baptized at the age of 8, in July of 1991.
5. My parents met at church.
6. Everyone in my family sings. My mom plays piano, my Dad trombone and my sister, the flute. I just sing.
7. I was born in the boll weevil city. (Enterprise, AL)
8. My dad and I shared the same Choral Music teacher in high school (c/o 76 and 2001, respectively)
9. I once dyed my hair blonde. Don't ask to see pictures, they don't exist any longer.
10. I spent 3 summers making fudge, cashiering and exploring the dakotas at Wall Drug Store in Wall, SD (www.walldrug.com)
11. I am NOT a cat person.
12. My parents are the funniest people i know.
13. I know more about Jonestown and Jim Jones than some people who lived through it, probably.
14. I hate to grade papers. Being a choir teacher, thankfully, I don't have to often.
15. I despise the sound of skin touching styrofoam (think: picking up a coffee cup)
16. I have lived in 6 cities in my life (Montgomery, Andalusia, Auburn, Ozark, Wall, Birmingham), all but one of them in Alabama.
17. I began teaching the day after I graduated college
18. I spend the majority of each day with people who were born after 1990.
19. I have sung in 9 weddings in my life, as of this Saturday.
20. I have been a bridesmaid in only 3.
21. I took tap, ballet and jazz for almost 10 years.
22. I could live without the color yellow in my life.
23. My favorite color is brown.
24. I am terrible at math. Like, I count on my fingers.
25. I have seen Old Faithful, Niagara Falls, and been atop the empire state building, but still have never been to our nation's capital.
In NO particular order, 25 random things about me.
1. I sometimes wheeze when I laugh around my Dad.
2. I have a BME from Auburn Univeristy (choral music education) Class of 06
3. I have taught school for 3 years, one in jefferson co. and 2 (almost)@ Briarwood
4. I was baptized at the age of 8, in July of 1991.
5. My parents met at church.
6. Everyone in my family sings. My mom plays piano, my Dad trombone and my sister, the flute. I just sing.
7. I was born in the boll weevil city. (Enterprise, AL)
8. My dad and I shared the same Choral Music teacher in high school (c/o 76 and 2001, respectively)
9. I once dyed my hair blonde. Don't ask to see pictures, they don't exist any longer.
10. I spent 3 summers making fudge, cashiering and exploring the dakotas at Wall Drug Store in Wall, SD (www.walldrug.com)
11. I am NOT a cat person.
12. My parents are the funniest people i know.
13. I know more about Jonestown and Jim Jones than some people who lived through it, probably.
14. I hate to grade papers. Being a choir teacher, thankfully, I don't have to often.
15. I despise the sound of skin touching styrofoam (think: picking up a coffee cup)
16. I have lived in 6 cities in my life (Montgomery, Andalusia, Auburn, Ozark, Wall, Birmingham), all but one of them in Alabama.
17. I began teaching the day after I graduated college
18. I spend the majority of each day with people who were born after 1990.
19. I have sung in 9 weddings in my life, as of this Saturday.
20. I have been a bridesmaid in only 3.
21. I took tap, ballet and jazz for almost 10 years.
22. I could live without the color yellow in my life.
23. My favorite color is brown.
24. I am terrible at math. Like, I count on my fingers.
25. I have seen Old Faithful, Niagara Falls, and been atop the empire state building, but still have never been to our nation's capital.
two posts in one day!
I am in LOVE with the new mascara i've been using and I wanted to share.
Maybelline's Define a Lash Mascara (waterproof in black) is absolutely fabulous. I am one for length vs. volume when it comes to mascara, so I was ecstatic to see that this pretty pink tube and wand took my eyes from blah to:
I like it alot. They also have a regular (non-waterproof) version that I like, but fades and runs really quickly. I bought this at Wal-Mart for $6.49 and it's been worth every penny! Pretty!
Anyway, last night really was fun. I cooked and we ate, and Keith and I had a blast. We watched some tivo afterwards. I think 29 will be a weird age to turn. It's on the cusp! Keith is handling it pretty well, though. Tomorrow night we'll eat with his family and celebrate some more. I am so lucky to have such a funny, smart, caring boyfriend!
Happy Birthday (a few hours early)
just a few pics from the early bday celebration keith and i had last night for his 29th! :) more to come...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Lost
I'm very serious. I've lived with sweet poodle, Piper for the last 6 months, but really i'm open to all "hypoallergenic" breeds. Help?
Keith really likes Lost. Evidently, there was like a 3 hour bonanza on ABC tonight. I say evidently, because I have been sitting here lost in email, facebook, and my blanket the entire time while he is enthralled. I know my parents like it too, but I just can't get into it. It's just all a little too cinematic for me.
Time for bed, fred.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Miraculous
Often times, all of us are inclined to wonder how our actions, lack of action, "fate" or other similar ideas got us to where we are today. I believe there is a definite reason for things happening to us (and for our actions) and that God is in control of this plan. I would not do one thing differently because I know that every step along the way I have learned, grown and been able to continue ahead with more acute knowledge about myself and others.
If I had not been born to the parents I was born to...
If I had not been born to the parents I was born to...
- I would not have come to know Christ the way I have
- I would not know the comfort of having parents who will never divorce
- I would not have experienced growing up in a small town (sorry city folks, I just think there's something different about having small town roots..)
- I would not have had all the happy childhood memories that came from having young, energetic parents who didn't have a lot, but gave me everything I needed and more.
If I had not chosen to go to Auburn (which, i'll admit, was not a choice I gave much thought. I applied, got accepted and went, just like 2 generations of my family before me):
- I would not have learned what it was to study and see the rewards of actually putting effort in to it! (too little, too late, some might say...but all the same..)
- I would not have made several close friends that I still call friends today.
- I would not have made mistakes in relationships, which helped me know what real love looks like. (Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13)
- I would not have gotten to enjoy those orange chairs in Goodwin!! :)
- I would not have experience in how to handle a variety of situations, from finances to dealing with people.
If I had not moved to Birmingham almost 3 years ago:
- I would not be a member of my fabulous church
- I would not have met the love of my life and the man God prepared for me!
- I would not have such a fabulous job (almost through my 2nd year!)
- I would not know how it feels to actually miss my parents!
- I would not know my way around an interstate system at all!
- I would not be able to see my sister regularly (She's at Montevallo)
- I would not have the experience of moving 3 times in 3 years! (okay, I might could have done without that!)
But in all seriousness, I am thankful for how my life has unfolded. I am hopeful for the future and I am in a constant state of praise for all that Christ has done for me and the people I know and love. I hope that peace for all of you, as well. It's nothing short of miraculous.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Laundry
This is the first night that I've had completely to myself in many nights. I like being with people and I like being alone. I don't quite know how to handle silence like I once did. I think back to college, and I feel like I spent too much time alone. I analyze the here and now and think sometimes I keep myself busy so I don't have to slow down and ....think. Late at night, when I'm closing my eyes and can just breathe is the best time of the day. I assume it's because it's quiet and I can think, plan and pray. Those are some of my favorite things to do.
As for right now, I'm doing more laundry than i'd care to admit. One of the down (or up?) sides to being busy is that my laundry just seems to pile up in these mounds that just look at me, like, "HAHAHAH!". Yes, my laundry taunts me. Not anymore, at least after that last load :)
E! really likes to show Napoleon Dynomite. This is the 3rd time in a week it's been on when i've been around a TV (which is less and less these days).
God has really been faithful to me. I am really and truly amazed when I find myself in His presence in small ways throughout my day. He has been a constant support to Keith, as well, and is sustaining the both of us in many ways every single minute. I am really contemplating a mission trip this summer. More to come on that later, but it will come as no suprise to most of you, i'm sure! (the location and etc, I mean).
There's the dryer. Adios.
As for right now, I'm doing more laundry than i'd care to admit. One of the down (or up?) sides to being busy is that my laundry just seems to pile up in these mounds that just look at me, like, "HAHAHAH!". Yes, my laundry taunts me. Not anymore, at least after that last load :)
E! really likes to show Napoleon Dynomite. This is the 3rd time in a week it's been on when i've been around a TV (which is less and less these days).
God has really been faithful to me. I am really and truly amazed when I find myself in His presence in small ways throughout my day. He has been a constant support to Keith, as well, and is sustaining the both of us in many ways every single minute. I am really contemplating a mission trip this summer. More to come on that later, but it will come as no suprise to most of you, i'm sure! (the location and etc, I mean).
There's the dryer. Adios.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Funny, haha
I have an abnormal fear of my cell phone.
You see, I normally use it as my alarm...you know, its not electric so it'll still go off when the power isn't on, it's small and compact, etc. I never set it for any specific time, either. If I need to be at school before 7 (like today), I'll set it for like 5:49 and snooze once. Normally, it's set for around 6:14 or so. However, my congenial relationship with my cell phone came to an end right after my christmas concert, during the last week of school before the break. I suppose it was the initial "concert let down", but I slept like a log. Had nice dreams, and just generally was out of it.
About halfway through a delightful dream which, if i remember correctly, involved a tropical locale, I was jostled awake by a strange noise. This was not my alarm tone. This was "Jingle Bell Rock" (i know, i know), which meant it was my you're-not-in-my-top-5-caller ring. Alarmed (PUN!), I fumbled for that little samsung, and happened to open my eyes long enough to see quite a bit of light pouring in through the window. As soon as I said hello, my heart sank. I knew. It was Lynne from the main office, just calling "to see if I was coming in this morning". I pulled my cell phone away from my face and looked at the time display. It was 8:12. It takes me about 15 minutes to get ready in a hurry, 15 to school so I thought, OHMYGOSH how late is this going to make me. Not only was I almost 45 minutes late, but this just HAPPENED to be the morning that my 1st period class of 8th graders was throwing me (with a couple of moms at school waiting with goodies) a birthday party. Yes, Miss Thompson is a royal jerk.
Ever since this tragic event, I have PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Everytime my cell phone alarm goes off, i'm UP with a jump, my heart races, I feel guilty all over again for oversleeping. This is not normal. it's gotten to the point of any ring that isn't my top 5 ring pushes me over the edge. I jump 10 feet. My point? I'm super weird.
The school is on a strange schedule today for some seminar, so all my classes are clipped by 20 minutes. I'm cool. In other news, I am very excited for the return of my favorite show, Big Love, this weekend on HBO. Sadly, my roommate doesn't get HBO (horrors!) so Keith and I will watch it at his house (Thank you, direct Tv!) If you've never checked it out, you should. Sunday, HBO 8p.m.
Cassi's wedding festivities have kicked into high gear....2 showers at home this past weekend, 2 more this weekend in Demopolis, and her wedding weekend Jan, 30-31. I have some great pictures from the lingerie shower and church shower (irony?), but since i'm at school without my cord, that'll be a topic for the next post.
You see, I normally use it as my alarm...you know, its not electric so it'll still go off when the power isn't on, it's small and compact, etc. I never set it for any specific time, either. If I need to be at school before 7 (like today), I'll set it for like 5:49 and snooze once. Normally, it's set for around 6:14 or so. However, my congenial relationship with my cell phone came to an end right after my christmas concert, during the last week of school before the break. I suppose it was the initial "concert let down", but I slept like a log. Had nice dreams, and just generally was out of it.
About halfway through a delightful dream which, if i remember correctly, involved a tropical locale, I was jostled awake by a strange noise. This was not my alarm tone. This was "Jingle Bell Rock" (i know, i know), which meant it was my you're-not-in-my-top-5-caller ring. Alarmed (PUN!), I fumbled for that little samsung, and happened to open my eyes long enough to see quite a bit of light pouring in through the window. As soon as I said hello, my heart sank. I knew. It was Lynne from the main office, just calling "to see if I was coming in this morning". I pulled my cell phone away from my face and looked at the time display. It was 8:12. It takes me about 15 minutes to get ready in a hurry, 15 to school so I thought, OHMYGOSH how late is this going to make me. Not only was I almost 45 minutes late, but this just HAPPENED to be the morning that my 1st period class of 8th graders was throwing me (with a couple of moms at school waiting with goodies) a birthday party. Yes, Miss Thompson is a royal jerk.
Ever since this tragic event, I have PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Everytime my cell phone alarm goes off, i'm UP with a jump, my heart races, I feel guilty all over again for oversleeping. This is not normal. it's gotten to the point of any ring that isn't my top 5 ring pushes me over the edge. I jump 10 feet. My point? I'm super weird.
The school is on a strange schedule today for some seminar, so all my classes are clipped by 20 minutes. I'm cool. In other news, I am very excited for the return of my favorite show, Big Love, this weekend on HBO. Sadly, my roommate doesn't get HBO (horrors!) so Keith and I will watch it at his house (Thank you, direct Tv!) If you've never checked it out, you should. Sunday, HBO 8p.m.
Cassi's wedding festivities have kicked into high gear....2 showers at home this past weekend, 2 more this weekend in Demopolis, and her wedding weekend Jan, 30-31. I have some great pictures from the lingerie shower and church shower (irony?), but since i'm at school without my cord, that'll be a topic for the next post.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Top 6
Happy New Year!
I apologize for the lack of blogging activities, but Blog, I've been busy! With a trip to Disney with my choirs, A Christmas concert, traveling home for Christmas, and anniversary and my birthday it's just been a mess. A big, happy, fun mess-- but a mess all the same. Forgive the clutter! (seems as if I am always saying that!)
So, here are a few top 6 lists for you. Why 6? Well, it has always been my favorite number, and since I can hear someone equating it with Satan already...no. When I was little I had a record player (A WHAT??!!) and a record of Sesame Street songs. One song was about the number 6, and as Bert so eloquently put it:
Now two is your eyes and one's your nose
And five is your fingers or your toes
And four is the legs on an easy chair
Yet there's no number can compare
with Six
.Anyway. enough about that....on to the lists!
Top 6 ways I spent the month of December:
1. Behind the wheel of a car
2. Behind (errr...playing?) the piano
3. Worrying about my Christmas Concert (which ended up fabulously!)
4. Spending money I didn't have on presents for people (no, really, I didn't mind)
5. Singing
6. Laughing (pretty nice way to end the list, dontcha think?)
Top 6 ways I spent the first week of January:
1. Worrying/Fretting/Giving myself shoulder and neck pain over registration for UAB honor choir and Wenger Risers (a long and drawn out story that thankfully ended well.)
2. At the copier in the Briarwood Office
3. Stapling at my desk
4. Behind the piano (see a pattern forming?)
5. On a treadmill @ Planet Fitness
6. At the STOVE! (Yes, dear blog, I am a cooking woman now!)
Top 6 Christmas gifts recieved:
1. My brand new digital camera from Keith! (insert italian accent *that's a lotta megapixels!*)
2. The JLo esque hat my Dad picked out. I have never laughed so hard on Christmas. Sorry, Father.
3. the 3, yes, 3 different monogrammed Coffee/Koozie cups. I will now never be thirsty OR forget my lonely first initial.
4. 2 weeks off from school!
5. Pretty jewelry from Mom and Grammy
Top 6 engagements that-happened-over-christmas-break-that-i-can-name-off-the-top-of-my head:
1. Kelly and Matt (the roommate!)
2. Allison and Allen (the childhood best friend!)
3. Megan and Jason (the aquaintances)
4. Jami and Nick (the OBC friend from long ago)
5. Mary-Elizabeth and Brad (A girl I taught. Yes, that's correct. one of my former students from Tallassee)
6. there's probably another couple I forgot.
Top 6 Christmas suprises!
1. My birthday necklace from Keith
2. Our parents getting to have dinner with each other after my concert
3. Actually going back to the gym
4. the PTO christmas checks (WHOOOOHOOOO)
5. How quickly the candlelight service went Christmas Eve
6. How much time I got to spend with family.
and now, lunch break over- it's back to teaching time. But let this be a warning internet:
I'm back :)
I apologize for the lack of blogging activities, but Blog, I've been busy! With a trip to Disney with my choirs, A Christmas concert, traveling home for Christmas, and anniversary and my birthday it's just been a mess. A big, happy, fun mess-- but a mess all the same. Forgive the clutter! (seems as if I am always saying that!)
So, here are a few top 6 lists for you. Why 6? Well, it has always been my favorite number, and since I can hear someone equating it with Satan already...no. When I was little I had a record player (A WHAT??!!) and a record of Sesame Street songs. One song was about the number 6, and as Bert so eloquently put it:
Now two is your eyes and one's your nose
And five is your fingers or your toes
And four is the legs on an easy chair
Yet there's no number can compare
with Six
.Anyway. enough about that....on to the lists!
Top 6 ways I spent the month of December:
1. Behind the wheel of a car
2. Behind (errr...playing?) the piano
3. Worrying about my Christmas Concert (which ended up fabulously!)
4. Spending money I didn't have on presents for people (no, really, I didn't mind)
5. Singing
6. Laughing (pretty nice way to end the list, dontcha think?)
Top 6 ways I spent the first week of January:
1. Worrying/Fretting/Giving myself shoulder and neck pain over registration for UAB honor choir and Wenger Risers (a long and drawn out story that thankfully ended well.)
2. At the copier in the Briarwood Office
3. Stapling at my desk
4. Behind the piano (see a pattern forming?)
5. On a treadmill @ Planet Fitness
6. At the STOVE! (Yes, dear blog, I am a cooking woman now!)
Top 6 Christmas gifts recieved:
1. My brand new digital camera from Keith! (insert italian accent *that's a lotta megapixels!*)
2. The JLo esque hat my Dad picked out. I have never laughed so hard on Christmas. Sorry, Father.
3. the 3, yes, 3 different monogrammed Coffee/Koozie cups. I will now never be thirsty OR forget my lonely first initial.
4. 2 weeks off from school!
5. Pretty jewelry from Mom and Grammy
Top 6 engagements that-happened-over-christmas-break-that-i-can-name-off-the-top-of-my head:
1. Kelly and Matt (the roommate!)
2. Allison and Allen (the childhood best friend!)
3. Megan and Jason (the aquaintances)
4. Jami and Nick (the OBC friend from long ago)
5. Mary-Elizabeth and Brad (A girl I taught. Yes, that's correct. one of my former students from Tallassee)
6. there's probably another couple I forgot.
Top 6 Christmas suprises!
1. My birthday necklace from Keith
2. Our parents getting to have dinner with each other after my concert
3. Actually going back to the gym
4. the PTO christmas checks (WHOOOOHOOOO)
5. How quickly the candlelight service went Christmas Eve
6. How much time I got to spend with family.
and now, lunch break over- it's back to teaching time. But let this be a warning internet:
I'm back :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
