Tuesday, January 03, 2006


This is the beginning of the new club that's being formed. It's called "The Red Boa Society." Instead of hats, we'll be wearing these as we traipse across the country...and maybe even the world!

Nearing the end of a wonderful weekend...Isaac & Krista enjoying the view...and the phone calls from Tricks.

We're just J & V from the block...some got a little, but we've got a lot...(This is also on the train ride home.)

Scott...sleeping (or ignoring us) on the train ride back to the 'burbs.

Thursday, December 29, 2005

So I was just wondering...
Do you think it's too late to lose 20 lbs. and get a tan by New Years?

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Your 2005 Song Is

Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson

"But since you've been gone
I can breathe for the first time
I'm so moving on"

In 2005, you moved on.

She's Got...Liz Taylor's Eyes?

Your Eyes Should Be Violet

Your eyes reflect: Mystery and allure

What's hidden behind your eyes: A quiet passion
Your Hidden Talent

Your natural talent is interpersonal relations and dealing with people.
You communicate well and are able to bring disparate groups together.
Your calming presence helps everything go more smoothly.
People crave your praise and complements.

Monday, December 26, 2005

Merry Christmas

Well, another Christmas has come and gone. We didn't have any snow, but did I mention....

I got an iPOD NANO???!!!! ....Because I did. I totally did! (The 4GB one too.)

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Breakdown

I thought leaving the Palace yesterday was difficult.
I had nooo idea that trying to move back in with the 'rents would be a hundred times more difficult.

So I am not sure if it was re-entry shock (that's obviously taken awhile to rear its ugly head, seeing as how I've been Stateside since July), or PMS (sorry guys), or just the reality that I am once again "without country" (as Meg Ryan in "French Kiss" so eloquently exclaimed). Maybe it was a combination of all three? Maybe not?

No matter the reason, I cried my way through most of this morning as I tried to figure out where all my stuff was going to go. And to think that just yesterday I was proud of the fact that almost all of my life's possessions could fit neatly into the Eclipse that I'm driving. Hmmm. So how come trying to unpack those few items seemed so upsetting?

I still don't know.
But what I do know is what I had waiting for me in my bedroom (which, by the way, is the smallest room in the house and has the smallest closet). Here's a list...

CONTENTS:
3--Yes 3....standing, oscillating fans (I'm guessing that's in case I get hot?)
3--Big rubbermaid tubs full of random decorations that are being stored until after the holidays
1--Matchbox-sized closet already full of at least 100 of my parents old RECORDS (which better be collectibles), random articles of clothing, an air mattress, about roughly 12 boxes of who knows what...because I couldn't actually get into them to find out..., random seasonal decorations for the house, and about 50 books, games, and other misc. items
1--Dresser Drawer that holds about 3 pairs of socks
1--Filing Cabinet (which is actually mine, but is currently full and needs cleaned out)
1---Bed that's topped with my sister's old 1985 comforter that looks like it was stolen off of the Navajo Indian Ranch...thanks to the fact that my parents' puppy ate a huge, unsalvageable hole through the old one
1---Thirty-year old on the verge of a breakdown...who's recently moved back in with her parents for an indefinite period of time while trying to figure out what she's supposed to be doing with the rest of her life....

PRICELESS
(For everything else, there's Mastercard.)

Friday, December 23, 2005

Introspection

I said goodbye to the Palace today.
It might have been the hardest thing I've ever had to do.
....OK, not really. But you all know I have a flare for the dramatic.

I also said goodbye to some very special people who I have been blessed to "do life" with over this past semester.
I'm not as dramatic about that...partly because I'm still in denial and partly because I know I will see them again...some day.

So as the golden rays of sunshine gently kissed the naked tree tops of winter and enveloped the surrounding fields and rock formations along the way, I found myself reflecting on life. My life. And in particular, the past 3 years.

It was 3 years ago today when I was attempting another move back to IL. But instead of the 60 degree temps of this afternoon, I was battling a winter storm that dumped over 20 inches of snow all across the States. My, how the times have changed!

A lot has happened in that time. Probably too much to disect over the web. So for now, I'm just going to go unpack...at least enough that I can find my bed.

PS--Jenni, you better keep practicing your Boggle skills. The re-match WILL take place in February.




Tuesday, December 20, 2005


The grand finale

Going my way?

City Sidewalks...busy sidewalks

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

Saturday, December 17, 2005

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!

Sunday, December 11, 2005

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"


Monday, December 05, 2005

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?

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

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!

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

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.)

Friday, November 25, 2005

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!

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

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.


Wednesday, November 09, 2005

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.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

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!!!

Friday, November 04, 2005

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. :-)

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

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.

Friday, October 21, 2005

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

Thursday, October 20, 2005

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.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

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!

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

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?

Wednesday, October 12, 2005


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

Thursday, October 06, 2005

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.

Saturday, October 01, 2005

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.)