Updates galore

So. . .I haven’t posted in a while. And I’ve been reminded of that from a few friends. :o) So I’m diving back in. The problem is I’m stuck. Nothing is coming to mind that would be worth posting about. Must be writer’s block. :o) I’ll try to muster up some topics:

It’s my friend Jennifer’s birthday today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN! So glad your office is right next door, and that you let me come over and talk your ear off. So glad we have become such good friends.

My new glasses came in. Apparently the style that I got is quite trendy and popular now. I’m lovin’ them. They’re so cute (in my opinion) that I hope to wear them lots and give my eyes a break from contacts for a while. My friend Theresa just got LASIK this week. I’m totally jealous. Like, I’m struggling to not be really upset that I can’t get the surgery done right now (too spendy). I’m trying to be content with my new glasses.

I’m feeling some scrapbooking withdrawal. I missed a really fun scrapbooking night at Michelle’s house last week. So bummed I couldn’t be there. I’m hoping that she does another one soon! (hint! hint!) Scrapfest is going on at the Mall of America next weekend. I went to this event two years ago with some friends and had a total blast. I wasn’t planning to go this year, but it turns out Michael and I will be up in that area on that exact weekend! I went to the website to register for a class taught by one of my scrapbooking faves, Elsie Flannigan, but evidently registration closed last Sunday. They told me that I can register when I get there, but I’m expecting her class will fill up by the time I get to the mall. Bummer.

I’m totally loving Real Simple magazine. Has anyone read the September issue? (Pretty sure it’s September that I have.) I don’t subscribe to the magazine, but I’ll consider it when one of my other subscriptions is up. I read this magazine cover to cover last week, and it took me, like, 3 hours. I’d never read every article in a magazine all in one sitting. I’d never even read every article in any magazine. I couldn’t tear out the things I wanted to save. . .because there would be no magazine left. I know I sound a little crazy right now, but come on. It’s the little things, right? I think I would like to work for this publication. Too bad I didn’t major in journalism.

It is a beautiful day here in Sioux City, Iowa. Like the day when you realize that autumn is just around the corner. (That would be my favorite season of all. Yes, to those of you who might want to make a joke about my name, I prefer autumn to summer.) I do a really poor job of taking advantage of nice weather. I tend to have my plan of what I’m going to do after work or on the weekend, and stick to it, for the most part, and it usually involves indoor activities. Maybe that should be a goal of mine. . .to try to be outside more.

My sister Callie is coming home for the long weekend. I’m so pumped. I just saw her last week, but I can’t get enough! I get to see her at lunch today! Oh, and I didn’t blog about this yet. . .she received a really nice Apple laptop as a gift. Can I just say that IT ISN’T FAIR!!!!!!!!! I have totally wanted a Mac for a while. . .I don’t mean that I need/want it right this second, but I’d like one for our next computer. Michael is dead-set against Apple. If anyone out there has a Mac and totally loves it, please go on over to my hubby’s blog and let him know how superior it is!

My cousin Jaime just had her baby on Sunday night. Congratulations, girl!!! I am looking forward to meeting Payton Jean in two days. Another round of baby fever, here I come!

We’ve got a big decision to make by this weekend. . .more to come on that one.

Oh, and by the way, I just found out that Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens (stars from High School Musical and High School Musical 2) are dating in real life. I informed Michael of this the other day, and he replied, “Yeah, I know. . .You didn’t know that?” I love you, sweetie. :o)

Our week with young teenage girls

Michael and I are house-sitting this week for a family here in Sioux City. They go out of town every once in a while, and over the last couple of years they’ve asked us to stay at their house and take care of their pets (LOTS of animals). Anyway, occasionally, the two daughters will stay home when the parents go on vacation. Such is our current situation.

Michael is running the girls all over the place during the day for different activities. But in the evening we gather as a pseudo-family for dinner and some entertainment. Here is a rundown of our evenings this week:

Monday – Watched the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, then an episode of Hannah Montana, and a little of The Suite Life of Zach and Cody.

Tuesday – Watched High School Musical on the Disney Channel.

Wednesday – Watched 3 episodes of Hannah Montana (yes, three).

Thursday – We’re planning on going out for ice cream, and then I assume we’ll watch more Hannah Montana.

Friday – Both girls will be gone for the evening, but High School Musical 2 premieres on the Disney Channel. Even though I won’t have anyone begging to watch it at the house, I will be glued to the Disney Channel at 7:00 sharp. And then, following High School Musical 2, there’s a brand new episode of Hannah Montana, so you know Michael and I will stay on the couch for that.

What is happening to us?

Tribute to a sweet friend.

So, one of my dearest friends in my entire life was whisked off to Virginia by her new husband last week. A sad week indeed. But somehow, in the midst of it, I feel a huge sense of excitement for them. What a fresh start. A new husband, a new apartment, a new city. . .I couldn't be happier for this girl. And I should make it clear that I hold no bitterness or resentment towards Chris for taking Mindy away from me :o); they're a great match and will have a wonderful marriage. I'm waiting with anticipation to see how their marriage will grow and be further testimony to the world.

I have learned a lot from this friend. And already across the distance, she has testified to my spirit. Already looking forward to the next time we can sit and share our souls over coffee.

10th Grade - dancing in the Easter program at church

New Year's 2007

Wedding dress shopping in April 07


Bridal shower in June 07

Bachelorette Party at Toolee's


Princess Party at the Ryken's


The Big Day!

Oh, Min, I'm so grateful that we've been able to share all of these - and many other - wonderful memories! Love you so!

Things I would do.

You know, from time to time you can’t help but think of things you would do if you. . . were younger, could start college over again, had no fear, were rich, had more time. . .etc. I’m there today. Mulling them over in my mind. Here are a few things I would do:

Teach high school math. (Love math, and think I could love teaching.)
Be a photographer.
Work for a magazine.
Be a professional organizer.
Move to London.
Be an interior designer.
Manage a hotel.
Graphic design.

Of course, there are many other things I’d like to do that I might actually do. These are the ones that would involve me taking a HUGE step. Don’t know if I’ll actually do one of them. But it’s fun to dream. Sometimes I wonder how my gifts and talents would translate into a career. I dream of living and loving obsessively, using and building the skills I have in the most effective way possible, the line blurring between work and life. Maybe that’s where I’d find the most purpose.

Weekend Getaway

Some pics from our weekend trip with the McCunes to their cabin.

Some purpose, please.

Feeling very discontent today. Wondering how I’m going to make it to 5:00. Wondering how I’m going to last until there’s a change, and God only know when that will come. It doesn’t help that I only think about doing things, rather than actually doing them. Feeling a little stuck. So my evenings (and my days, for that matter) are filled with meaninglessness. Something in me is really lacking motivation to get off my butt and do the things that might bring some purpose.

And there are some more mundane things that I am hoping to get done this week, such as finally picking up all my scrapbooking stuff from the sunroom, cleaning out my closet, getting rid of tons of unused junk in our house. . .and I’ve been really wanting to start accounts at goodreads.com and flickr.com. . .it’s just easier to come home from work, go straight to the couch, and sit there until it’s time for bed! Does anyone feel me?! It’s just plain easier to feel a little sorry for myself.

Funny, as I’m writing this, a song is playing on my computer: Break Me Through by Bebo Norman. A little hope, maybe. . .here are some of the lyrics:

"I think that I can hear it. Is it a trumpet or a train? And now I'm drawing near it. And it's calling out my name. I’ve got nothing to lose. I’ve got nothing to prove in this mess. There's nothing to lose but all this emptiness. Show me that life shines with you. You show me that life shines with you. Break me through."

Hm.

Missing Credit

I had forgotten and failed to note that the word whatev in my post “Short.” was contributed to me months ago by my beautiful sister Callie.

At the time, I was annoyed that she had shortened the word whatever; however, I came across whatev more recently, and it struck me in a new way. I use it somewhat frequently now, even though my husband has asked me to stop.