This picture was brought to you out of boredom in the car.

Sassiness (even before I bought my new hat).

Who's that girl?

This picture HAS to go up because Jenni has lived in Florida the past 3 years and hates the cold weather. She made a dive into the snow just for the camera! I

Life in Pics

Below are some pics of the past few weeks.

I love these people (and this house).
I hate saying goodbye.

And so that's why I've decided that I'm not leaving.

Just a little FYI.

President-Elect, M.P., do you have any thoughts on this?

Saturday

I LOVE Saturdays!

I LOVE the fact that I went to bed at 2am last night and woke up at 10am today.

I LOVE it that it's now 11am and I'm sitting in my pj's, drinking the perfect homemade caramel truffle latte, and that I have nothing to do until about 8pm tonight. (Of course, by nothing, I'm completely trying to block out the 30 notebooks I have staring up at me, screaming "Grade me! Grade me!")

I LOVE watching movies that I've seen at least a hundred times on TBS and TNT.

I LOVE the stillness that envelops my house on days like this.

And I LOVE the possibilities that fill me head.

I LOVE SATURDAYS!

SO...here's to Saturday mornings...great cups of coffee...TBS movies...and possibilities.

These are a few of my favorite people...right before our Faculty/Staff (Jr.Staff) Party.

Finals Day with the girls. Who knew that the initials "JTT" would soo age me?

My Christmas decorations...Man, I'm going to miss this place!

Here's thinking of you, T.

I'm soo going to miss these girls!

Updates

Well, I'm not quite sure how to top my last post, so instead, I've decided to update some of my settings, links, name, etc. on this blog. It was time for a change. Or maybe it wasn't? Maybe I've just been in the house too long today. Either way, this blog is in the process of a makeover. Watch out world!

And as for me? Well, I'm in the process of....hmmm....I guess some might call this...procrastination. I should be preparing what I'm going to say tomorrow at a local fellowship meeting, but instead I find myself uncontrollably drawn to my laptop. So, as is custom with the onset of procrastination, I've decided to update you all with yet another post of "-ing's." Here it goes...

Right Now I'm

Feeling- a mixture of relief and sadness as the end of the semester draws near. I have truly LOVED teaching (esp. my women in M class), and more than that, I've LOVED my students! Yet at the same time, I don't think I'll be missing all the preparation and thinking that this job has required of me.

Listening- to Norah Jones. I'm pretty sure her music is never going to get old.

Waiting- for our first real snow. I know everyone around me has enjoyed this little blessing, but for some reason....it still hasn't come to Jtown!

Drinking- a raspberry chai latte. Everyone should try this!

Wondering- what's next in life.

Wearing-pink flannel pj pants and a fleece pullover from the GAP. Life doesn't get any better than when you're wearing flannel and fleece!

Thinking-this post is really boring and I really should go and figure out what I'm going to say for tomorrow.

So...buenas noches....shao bakhair...and all the other ways there are to say "Good Night"

Analogies

Yesterday, while I was perusing the Christian Inspirational section of books at Barnes & Noble, I came across a book entitled, "If Men Are Like Buses, Then Can You Please Tell Me How I Can Catch One?"

Now, I laughed to myself--first at the title and then at the thought of this book being in the "Christian Inspirational" section.

Later that night, on our drive back to Jtown, I shared that funny title with my friend, Jenni.
And I have to be quite honest, this question left us somewhat befuddled.

How are men like buses?

Would anyone care to make some comparisons?

Confessional

Well, I thought I'd give you all an update on the status of my relationship with Harry Connick, Jr.

After we broke up, he was obviously heartbroken....He cried (a LOT)...and then he played some sweet music on his "Harry for the Holidays" cd.

So now...

Well, I've decided to give him another chance.

We're officially "back together."

At least for the month of December.

Senioritis

Is it bad when the professor has "Senioritis?" Or maybe it's "Christmasitis?" Or maybe it's just that, said professor is tired of so much preparation time and would rather be hanging out with friends...Christmas shopping...scrapbooking...watching a movie? Pretty much anything OTHER than preparing for class...which begins in roughly 4 1/2 hours.

2 weeks is not that long.

Let's just say, said professor will be happy for a break!

JOY

So I walked outside to go to Walmart for a few groceries this afternoon, and what did I find?...

SNOW! Little spits of snow!

Had you been with me, you might have heard a little, girlish squeal.
(Sadly, though, you weren't.)

Thanksgiving

Well, the turkey has been eaten...my stomach is full...the family's all gone home...the dog's asleep at my side...and I...I sit here with a heart full of gratitude for the amazing blessings the Father's bestowed upon me. I know I've said this before, but I have to say it again:

I live a charmed life and I have no illusions otherwise.

God is so good.

So in honor of His goodness and this day of "thankfulness," I thought I'd make a Top 10 List of things for which I'm thankful.

1. My Family--Of course, right now I'm not too fond of my dad who keeps "up'ing" the time that we are supposed to get up and leave for our Black Friday shopping extravaganza. (Last check before he went to bed, the e.w.t. was 4am!...I'm pretty sure he's dillusional.)

2. My Friends--They're amazing. You know who you are...near and far...my life is more beautiful and richer because you're in it. Enough said.

3. Starbucks--Oh how I love you. Every day is made brighter because you are near.

4. Electricity--Out of which a million other blessings come.

5. Being at home for the holidays--Even amidst the chaos, there's still something that's just so right.

6. Possibilities--The future is His and I'm always amazed what's behind and around every corner.

7. Holiday Television--"The Christmas Story" never seems to get old, although this year I've also indulged in TLC's "What Not to Wear" marathon, as well as USA's showing of "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."--(So why is it that even though I've seen these movies a million times, they seem so much better when they're shown on regular cable? What's with that?)

8. Laughter--Where would I be without you?

9. Freedom--Of religion, dress, ...in Christ.

10. Cold Weather--It makes me giddy with excitement!

Family Fun

I have been traveling a LOT in the past few weeks. You'd think with all the time that I had sitting in airports and riding in cars, I'd have some pretty profound thoughts to share.

I don't.

Of course I could write about all of the wonderful friends I got to see, the conventions, the Broadway shows (yes, that's plural--I saw "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" AND "Rent"), riding shuttles and subways, smokey rental cars, chocolate world, and the list could go on.

But instead, I'm sitting here at my parent's house...Mom's looking at a scrapbooking magazine, the 10pm news is on the television, and the crazy puppy is fast asleep at my side. And I find myself with thoughts like this:

Why would they be showing "The Sixth Sense" on the ABC Family channel?

Maybe it's just me, but that movie hardly seems like something for which I'd gather the kids around for an evening viewing. I can just imagine all the little ones running around afterwards, whispering, "I see dead people." ...To their teachers...their Sunday school class...neighborhood friends.

What are these people thinking?

Just a question to ponder for this evening.

You Gotta Get Up, You Gotta Get Up, You Gotta Get Up...

Do you remember that Rich Mullins' song? I think of it every Christmas. It gets stuck in my head and after time, it can be rather annoying.

Well, it's 12:15am and I'm like a kid on Christmas morning (see the connection?)...or is that, "in a candy store?" Either way, I'm wired. Maybe it was the coffee? Maybe it's my excitement? Maybe it's the fact that electricity has this crazy affect on me at night (If there's lights, I have to be busy mentality)?

But no matter the reason, I'm unable to calm down. I should be going to bed early so I can get up early so that I will be on an easier schedule when I jump an hour ahead. ...Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda...I'm awake.

I can't wait to see my friends, the City, Broadway, ...oh yeah, and share with a TON of people all that God's been doing in our lives. And yes, Friends, I am fully aware of the charmed life that I lead. I'm completely blessed and continually amazed. May it all be used to bring glory back to HIM.

Ode to "RENT"

525,600 minutes...

In a year.

2,880 minutes...

Until I see my long-lost friends (and college roomie) Amy and her husband, Scott..whereby I'm sure lots of talking, laughing, reminiscing, story-telling, and, did I mention, laughing will ensue.

3,600 minutes...

Until I meet up with my other long-lost friends, John & Stef, in NYC!....hanging out in "the city," catching a Broadway Show. ....Yeah, we're so cool.

15 minutes (give or take a few)...

Until I go to bed.

5 minutes...

Until my head explodes for doing this much math!!!

I'm Sooo Over YOU

80 degree weather....I'm talking to YOU! It's November 3rd for cryin' out loud!!! I want to wear sweaters and scarfs, not flip-flops and capris. I know most of you reading this probably think I'm nuts, but if you know me, you know that I love cold weather. I don't get it. In fact, today's balmy 83 degree air mixed with 40 mph wind gusts, just about made me curse. Just about.

We have Christmas songs playing in Old Navy, Christmas displays in all the store windows....and at 10pm here in J-town, it's currently a whopping 70 degrees.

Trix, I'm guessing this weather is for you. It's a sign from God that you're supposed to be here. Just a thought. It's the only way I can justify this nonsense. :-)

Verdict

There is no better day than that which contains grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Happiness has once again come to me through the Campbell's can.

Thoughts

I had a date with God today.

I was romanced by the meandering clouds...the rustle of the trees blowing in the wind...the misty rain...the boldness of color found in the changing leaves...my steaming bowl of chicken and wild rice soup...pumpkin spice mochas...His Words...the music...

the dance.

The Clouds

The Path

The Colors

The Road

The Landscape

Landscape

The Location

Grief

"Life does not seem to present itself to me for my convenience, to box itself up nicely so I can write about it with wisdom and a point to make before putting it on a shelf somewhere."

--Anne Lamott

If you need me, I'll be in mourning.

P.S. Cardinals, I still love you.

Promises, Promises

I know I promised a report from my weekend in Chicago, but somehow at this moment, my words are few. So, I'll try to recap from the snipits of my memory...

• 5am Wake Up Call--Who knew that time existed?
• Listening to Kelly Clarkson at that ungodly hour while in the presence of Isaac
• The porta-potty lines--(And according to Trix, they've even got hand sanitizers!)
• Traversing the city with Isaac--We walked AT LEAST 7 miles...up and down the stairs...the Starbucks lines...the people in the train....it was tough.
  
• Catching Krista and Vickie at the 7 mile and 21st mile point
• Being blown away that anybody, let alone anybody that I knew, could run for that long.
• Seeing a picture of the church, as people came alongside the runners and cheered them on in their weariness.
• Catching up with old friends and getting lessons in vocabulary (you know what/who I mean)
• Special "after-race" liquids
• The "runner's shuffle"

The memories...the laughter...the time spent with these very special people...all of it adds up to one thing....

PRICELESS

Thank you, Friends. You all never cease to amaze me. I am so, soo blessed.

The beginning...

A banana a day keeps the doctor away...Or at least it gives you some energy to run at that ungodly hour!!

Just Say NO...to the ambulances! (That was my advice to the runners. Aren't I brilliant?)

The porta-potties. Aren't they cute? HA!

Waiting to use the porta-potties. (Supposedly, 5 hours is a long time to run without going to the bathroom.) I'm pretty sure all 40,000 runners were trying to go at the same time!

The "elite" runners before the race

Las Tres Amigas--This ALMOST made me want to be a runner...ALMOST.

Awww...Aren't they sweet?

The Names

A Look Back

It was a sea of runners as the turned the corner for Mile 2. (Only 24.2 more to go!)

Look at them go!!!!! (I've never been so proud!)

China Town marked 21 miles in the marathon. Most runners had never run that long, since they train up to 20.

"I get by with a little help from my friends"...This was at mile 21 and Trix (so she said) needed a little encouragement. Yes, we were running when this shot was taken.

What a beautiful day in "the city!"

A View from the Top....or at least from our hotel window

BFF--We've been through a lot together, huh girls? I couldn't ask for better friends.

Aren't they just the cutest couple ever?!

The Great American Kiss....Everbody say, "Aaaawww." How sweet!

Cheers to Chi-town!

The Game Continues

Remember that time when my heart stopped beating after stupid Astros player hit a 3 run homer and it looked as though the Cardinals were going to end their incredible season?

Then remember that time at that top of the 9th when Pujols hit a 3 run homer to put the Cards back on top....leading to their VICTORY and more games to be played back at Busch Stadium?

Yeah. Me too. Good times. Good times.

PS--Albert Pujols, Will you marry me?

More to come from my fun-filled, action-packed weekend in Chi-town! This picture is just the beginning of the story.

Tonight

Tonight the wind is blowing outside my windows as the rain gently falls on the pavement. Tonight cooler temperatures are finally arriving.
Tonight I am realizing the urgency of "today" while I try and prepare for tomorrow.
Tonight I made chili soup and cried alongside my friend Jenni as we watched the season finale of "So You Think You Can Dance"
Tonight I have punk hair...thanks to my stylist who took personal liberties to "give me style" by adding a dark red streak in my bangs.
Tonight I am at rest because I know the One who whispers "Peace to you, My Child" while the world continues to spin wildly around me.

ALIAS Premiere!

So, ALIAS Season 5 began on Thursday night. The pictures below are just a few from the "Premiere Party" that we had at my house. I had originally planned on having ALIAS nights at my place all this semester, but now that Vaughn is gone...I need some time to process....grieve a little, you know?

Yes, I'm wearing a stud collar.

Who are those girls?...OH wait! Their Sydney Bristow in disguise. :-)

Sydney...you're my hero...but why'd you have to go and get married in real-life, so as to make your hottie ex-boyfriend NOT want to play your on-screen boyfriend any longer?

Vaughn's last moments of life. Please come back...please, please, PLEEEAAASSSEEEE! (I don't know if I can continue watching the show without you.)

Posers, Fakers and Wannabe's--Welcome Here

Quote of the Day:

"I'll leave you with my new motto...God and all things British."

You know who you are and you know how much I love you. This made me laugh out loud and realize that I can do nothing but concur.

Just think with me for a minute....
Chris Martin
Keane
Jamie Cullum
Fish & Chips
Accents
English
Prince William
Sark (on ALIAS)
Big Ben
The "lou"

The list could continue, but I thought I'd open this up for all of you now so please add your own in the comments section....

Weekend Review

I just thought I'd start this post by saying that I have the best friends in the whole wide world! I am incredibly blessed and deeply grateful and continuously amazed that God has filled my life with such wonderful people.

But enough of that mushy stuff...

My friend Jenni is the CHAMP!! She transformed my world and gave me a reason to laugh from now until my last days andI know you're all dying to know how it happened...so here's the scoop:

Yesterday my fellow "Jr. Staffer" friends and I decided to head to Kansas City for their annual art fair on the Plaza. In my opinion this is one of the coolest things to do in this area and if you've never been, I suggest you try it out next year. But I digress...

After a long, fun-filled day of shopping (and by "shopping" I mean, me talking Cliff into buying an $88 pair of pants at JCrew and Jenni buying a TON of cute clothes at Ann Taylor--which she got for the steal of the century--and me going home with a new Pottery Barn catalogue), perusing some amazing art stands (of which sparked my creativity and made Jenni feel like a total loser), and paying entirely too much for a cheeseburger...we made our way down to the Cheesecake Factory and then back to Starbucks where we could sit and savor both the heavenly pieces of cheesecake coupled with the perfect blend of joe.

So a few minutes pass by when, suddenly, I'm struck with a brilliant idea (that did not accompany my humility, BTW). I wasn't sure how it would be received but I decided to lay it out on the table anyway.

You see, there was this kind of off-the-wall guy working at Starbucks. When we first spotted him he was minding his own business, cleaning off tables. BUT, what caught my attention were his glasses. He had these funky, light blue, big plastic framed glasses encompassing his eye area. And this is the scene that followed...

Act 1--
Me: Hey Jenni, I dare you to go up and tell that guy that you like his glasses....ask if you can try them on...and then proceed to walk around Starbucks one time.

Jenni: (LOL)

Me: Come on. It would be hysterical.

Jenni: No, I can't do that. He might think I'm making fun of him.

Me: No he won't. Just do it.

Cliff: (Nods in agreement with Jenni)

END SCENE

ACT 2--

Funky Glasses Boy: (Approaches our table innocently, still wearing the glasses, holding a tray full of free samples of their delectable cranberry lemon cake thingy) Hey, would you guys like to try a bite of our cranberry lemon cake "thingy?" (Note: "Thingy" is used here in place of the actual name, because quite frankly, I can't remember)

Me: Yes, please. (Still thinking Jenni is not going to do it.)

Jenni: No, thank you. But, hey, I really like your glasses. Could I try them on and walk around the store once?

Me: (Dumbfounded and in awe...and trying to withhold my laughter)

Funky Glasses Boy: (Without saying a word, removes glasses and hands them to Jenni)

Jenni: (Places them on her face. Gets up, without comment, and proceeds to walk around Starbucks--greeting the other employees looking at her along the way.)

Funky Glasses Boy: (Continues to pass out samples while awaiting the return of his glasses.)

Jenni: (Returns from her round of the store...returns the glasses to Funky Glasses Boy) Thanks. I'll take one of those samples now. (Without another word, she returns confidently to her seat and laughter breaks out among her friends.)

END SCENE.

Jenni, you absolutely amaze me. Starbucks is on me next time.

PS--The pictures below are of my partners in crime and a cool building, as I attempted to tap into my "artsy-fartsy" side.

Jr. Staffers in the city

KC Plaza Tower

Bubble Trouble

So picture this...

It's Sunday night. The weekend is winding down. The week is winding up. And I decided to initiate the two by indulging in one of my favorite luxuries known as "bath time." Yes, I know as a kid I never enjoyed one of these simple little pleasures without kicking and screaming beforehand, but now....well, now it is a different story altogether.

You no longer will find me fighting. In fact, while overseas, you may have found me even daydreaming about what a wonderful treat it would have been to have a tub full of hot water in which to soak away my dry and dirty skin, as well as my worries of the day. (Confessional: There was one night when, in my stubborn determination, I decided to try and make that dream a reality and it took me carrying buckets of water back and forth, several times, until the tub was a little bit full...and me arriving to find that the time in between had caused the resting water to quickly cool...yeah, good times.)

Well, now...I'm thousands of miles away from CA and I am currently living in what I have deemed, "the palace." Not only is it an amazingly beautiful house, but it also comes complete with a HUGE jacuzzi tub *with jets. (Yes, K-town peops...sorry. I'm not trying to rub it in, promise.)

So, as I started to explain way earlier in this post, on Sunday night I set out for a nice relaxing soak in the tub. Now, of course I've taken baths in this thing numerous times and each time I used this wonderful Taihitian bath milk stuff. It's great. Well, the other night I wanted to mix things up a bit and I decided to use some of my enchanted apple bath gel/bubbles.

All of this, was good and fine. The candles were lit. The music was softly playing in the background. It was exactly how you see it on the movies or envision it in your daydreams. And I even remember thinking to myself how amazingly blessed I was to live in such a place.

And then it happened.

I turned on the jets.

And as I laid there, basking in the moment with my cool eye mask on....the bubbles (unbeknownst to me) had begun to rise. (I'm sure all you smart people out there are thinking, "Duh. Jets and bubbles don't mix.) Well, let's just say I'm not so smart.

When I finally opened my eyes, bubbles were overflowing out of the tub and spilling on to the floor...and up the side of the wall....and, well, they were pretty much EVERYWHERE!

45 minutes later I had managed to beat the bubbles back down the drain...and even though I considered trying it all again (this time without the bubble bath), I realized that only cold water remained. So I gave up, dried off, and went to bed.

Next time, I'm going to call housekeeping.

The End.

Trouble in Scrapbook Land

So I promised a post on scrapbooking (and the convention) to some people about a million years ago. Unfortunately, inspiration just never seems to strike me at the right time when it comes to blogging about something so profound...so personal. ;-) I wish Matt and Ben were here to inspire...but I know my wishing is in vain.

And so for the past 3 days I've had my kitchen table covered with an assortment of the coolest prints on paper...special adhesives to meet any variety of needs...a box full of embellishments, ranging from the newest rub-on letters, tags, threads, etc. And still, I have nothing. My pages remain half done (or half begun--depending on how you look at it). Even thinking back to the classes at the convention in which I learned all sorts of new techniques...I still have nothin. No "creative moments...err keepsakes" here. Just the hope. The hope that one day, I'll have a complete book full of beautiful layouts that accompany the amazing memories of that very special trip.

Here's to that day.

The Break Up

Dear Harry Connick, Jr.,
I'm not quite sure how to begin this letter, so I'll just cut straight to the point. Are you ready? Here it goes...

I am breaking up with you.

Now, please don't cry. You and I both know this has been coming for a long time. I've hardly listened to you in the past couple of years, and it's just...well...I've moved on.

Yes, I know that you were there for me through my most formidable years at Lincoln. (I also know that I almost liked another guy just because he looked like you...kind of.) And yes, I remember that concert in St. Louis. The way you played those instruments and sang just for me...even when I was sitting on the lawn. You were, and are, so special to me.

But you see, I have found someone else.

• He's younger. OK, not like Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher younger. But we'll say mid-twenties.
  
• He's British--and you KNOW how I love accents.
  
• He's NOT married to a Victoria's Secret supermodel.
  
• Did I mention, he's British?
  
• He plays the piano like a pro and sings like an angel.
  
• And, well, he's my newest love.
  

I know this may just be a fad, and I'mreally sorry to hurt you in a time like this, but I just couldn't take it any longer. I hope we can still be friends. Please know that you'll always have a special place in my heart.

Call me when you get this.

Much Love,
L
PS--His name is Jamie Cullum.

Confessional

To all of you who have read some of my past posts (i.e. the one about my really bad hair cut and the other one about koolats)...This is my confessional...

My "really bad haircut"....wasn't really the worst I've ever received. In fact, after a day, and a chance to style it myself, it didn't even come close to that category. I think I might have been a tad bit overdramatic at the time. (Yes, I know, that's sooo unlike me!) But I do definitely have bangs that I would rather not have. Still, what are ya gonna do?! My apologies to all of you who joined in my misery. And my gratitude to all of you who cared enough to ask. I guess the moral of the story is that life goes on...even with bad hair. (Profound, huh?) HA!

And, I guess while I'm making confessions...I have to lay it all on the line....(K-town Gang, this is kind of like my "deepest darkest sin in 60 seconds...GO!) --
The other day I tried on a pair of "koolats." Yes, I know I made fun of them before, but I promise they have become cuter over the summer. Maybe they were meant for the in-between season, such as we are in at the moment. (You know, not really summer, but not quite fall?) And yes, Tricks, you were right. I do have a tendency to fall victim to the latest fashion trends. Don't worry though...I didn't buy any



....YET.

The End

Summer days are gone too soon...shoot the moon and miss completely. ~ Norah Jones

Even though the temps are still up in the 90's (with high humidity lingering on here in MO), fall is beginning to stir. And do you want to know how I know this? (Besides, of course Jane, my amazing meteorological intuitions)...Here are the tangible signs...

• CANDY CORN (the autumn mix)--I can't tell you how excited I was the other day when I went to Wal-Mart and found the aisles stocked with Halloween Candy--esp. my fav!
  
• FALL BLENDS-- Pumpkin Spice Lattes are now being served in Starbucks (just a little FYI)
  
• APPLES--In my refrigerator...at this moment...would be a 1/2 gallon of "fresh-from-the-orchard" apple cider. I LOVE THAT STUFF! (It almost makes a trip back to IL with gas at $3 a gallon worth it.)
  

SO, while it's not quite time to bust out the sweaters...I am welcoming in the new season with open arms...and a little bit of an upset stomach. :-)

The end of summer is upon us, my friends. May the change be good for us all.

Oh yeah, P.S.--Autumn, please don't be a tease. You know how much I love sweaters.

I Caved

These people kept calling and hounding and everywhere I went people were asking..."Are you going to speak in chapel?" I tried saying no. I even succeeded once. It didn't work. And tonight, I don't know what happened, but half-way through the "Faculty/Staff Back to School Dinner," I knew what my answer was.

September 15th is D-Day. What have I done?!!

Better Days

Well, I was going to try and post a witty and humorous blog about my weekend at the scrapbook convention (which will now be written at a later date--so keep checking) , but right now something else is on my mind...or maybe, my head?

I got a haircut today. Not a big deal, right? Wrong. This is one of the worst hair cuts of my life. Students are coming back this week. I have to get my picture taken for my i.d. badge and for the yearbook. And right now all I want to do is hide out until my bangs grow back.

And YES, I maybe exaggerating a bit...There was that cut in the 4th grade, when in a matter of minutes, my long locks, turned into short springs of curls sprouting out of my head--making me look like a mixture between a chia pet and Annie. Not a good look--even for model-like figures such as myself. ;-)

Still, this current cut is not proving to be much more attractive. (...OK, it is a bit better.) But I should have known. I should have jumped out of the chair the instant that lady asked if my hair was in layers. WHAT??? She couldn't tell this by the 10-15 different lengths of hair that one might find on the top of my head? But I rationalized. Everyone else in the shop had cute hair. Surely she's trained. Surely she wouldn't cut my hair if she didn't know how. Surely she would ask for help if need be. ...Surely, surely, surely...I assumed too much.

Now, I don't usually cry after a haircut (except for maybe that time in K-town when we went to the Thai salon at the InterCon), but this was certainly worth a few tears. But being the strong woman that I am, I managed to keep myself together... and march straight down to the Great American Cookie Company and drown myself in a chocolate chip doozie and a medium coke. (A girl's got to maintain her composure, I thought to myself.)

TOMORROW

Just thinking about that title made me crack up laughing at memories from summers gone by. ...One little girl singing (aka screaming) the theme song from "Annie" outside of the Muny. *Karla & Amanda--you know what I'm talking about. (Good times. Good times.)

But I digress...TOMORROW begins the long awaited "Scrapbooking Convention" in Tulsa! I know, Matt and Ben, you are both writhing with envy, but I'll take lots of pictures and will post a summary soon. Don't worry! ;-)

In other news, I moved down to Joplin last Friday. Life has been pure insanity this summer, and it doesn't look like that will be changing any time soon. But I won't complain. I'm living in an amazing house and I'm super excited to be back at Ozark. Already I feel encouraged and loved.

Still, I have to admit, I am totally overwhelmed with preparing to teach college classes. Wasn't it just last year that I was headed off to be a college student? Now I'm going to faculty retreats, receiving my class roster, and trying frantically to write class syllabi. My how times have changed!

But I won't get ahead of myself. Tomorrow will arrive soon enough. Each day is His. I just pray He finds me faithful.

Summer Highlights

Below you will find some pictures from the last month and a half of my life. It has been a whirlwind and I'm hoping things will eventually slow down.

Needless to say, though,my thoughts on life at the moment are a bit murky. Once I regain some clarity, I'll post once again.

Until then, hope you enjoy the pics (and memories, for those of you who were a part).

Mi Familia en la playa...My Family at the Beach (FYI--It's winter in Chile right now.)

Outside "El Museo Historico"

This is my dear friend, Ely. We have been friends since my very first trip to Chile in 1992. We spent this day walking around downtown Santiago, perusing a historical museaum, checking out the cathedrals, eating ice cream, talking, laughing, and cherishing the blessings of this long distance friendship.

At home in Chile--playing UNO with my little brothers.

Who better than to share my first (in 2 years) game night experience with, than my best friend (and avid baseball fan), Vickie!!

One of the highlights of being "home", was this night at Busch Stadium. Even though it was probably one of the hottest nights of the year, it was sooo great to be welcomed back to baseball land!

Look who I ran into a week after I arrived back into the States! (I know this looks like a jungle setting, but we were really only in the mall!)

Fashion Alert

This just in...

Although I have yet to see the August edition of "InStyle," after being at the mall last week, I would swear that the ever-so-popular (IN THE 80's) "koolats" are making a comeback!

And upon talking this over with my fashion consultant, Vickie, today, she agreed. She said she saw them in another catalogue but they were called "gaucho pants."

Yes, I know I've been out of the country for quite some time. Yes, I know I have a tendency to fall victim to the latest fashion trends. But, all I have to say to this is that it doesn't matter what you call them....PEOPLE, YOU ARE STILL WEARING "KOOLATS!!!" Shorts-skirts by any other name are still koolats!

Have we lost all sense of creativity that we have no where else to turn but to the 80's? Don't people know that the 80's is the era that we look back on in the fashion world and cringe? Trust me on this one, this is a big mistake. Huge.

Well, I have to go shopping now.

Love...Hate

I LOVE the fact that I can go to the Dairy Queen any time that I want now.
I HATE the fact that my "wants" can quickly turn into "pounds" now.

I LOVE it that those I love most in the world are regularly blogging again.
I HATE it that I still have to read their thoughts online. (Because, while we may be on the same continent, physical distance still divides us....Can't we all just move to the same place?)

I LOVE it that I'm back to my addiction with reality t.v.
I HATE it that one simple little box can steal away the hours in my day.

I LOVE it that a week from today I'll be hanging out in Chile...having "oncé" with my family and trying desperately not to confuse my Spanish with Dari.
I HATE it that I'll be saying goodbye, yet again, at the end of those two weeks.

I LOVE it that I went to open another checking account yesterday and the bankteller had to ask me if I was over 18 (And YES, she was for real!).
I HATE it that I am so OVER 18.

I LOVE it that for a few brief days I looked tan.
I HATE it that my "tan" is now all peeling away.

I LOVE it that I'm procrastinating from a million other more pressing issues.
I HATE it that in order to attempt to complete any of those "pressing issues," I first need to clean my disastrous room.

I LOVE it that when I get tired, I have a tendency to ramble.
I HATE it that when I get tired, those ramblings eventually just beckon me to bed.