the other day president obama showed up at the kroger in bristol to talk about heatlh care reform. naturally, I did not want to pass up the opportunity to see the president in person, so I headed over there with my camera. unfortunately, you had to have tickets to get anywhere near the kroger, so I ended up hanging out on one of the front lawns with all the protesters (those protesting health care reform and obama's citizenship, just to name a few). obviously, these kind of people - on either side of the political spectrum - are the nut cases who don't really know what they're talking about, but just want attention and to start something with a complete stranger. they were all shouting nonsensically at each other and then turning to their buddies and grinning, waiting for approval (it's so easy to agree with people who agree with you). this amused me rather than bothered me, but as I sat there listening and thinking, I started to wonder about all this hype about america becoming (dun dun DUN...) a socialist nation.
apparently, since a new health care program is technically a "social" program, the U.S. is therefore doomed to become a socialist nation. but I wonder how many people realize that our nation already has many, many social programs? in fact, as a teacher, I happen to be a big part of one of the largest social programs in our country -- the public school system. so I pose this honestly as a simple question -- what is the difference between public schools and public health? why does one seem like such a good idea and one seem like such a bad idea? I'm not asking if you agree with either or disagree with either. I really just want to know one thing: what is the difference?
I just picked up some information on the county I am hoping to work for here in tennesee, sullivan county, and it stated that the county spends (on average) about $8,000 per student per year on education (and this is a poor, struggling county...think about some city schools or wealthier counties). this money comes straight from taxes and is a free gift to anyone living in the U.S. with no obligations whatsoever. in fact, it is against the law to keep your child out of school. now, you have the option to send your child to a private school (private doctor?) or even homeschool them (home remedies?), but yes -- your child must get an "official", government approved education. now of course, we think this is a great idea because, well, education is a basic human right! everyone should have the opportunity to go to school and get an education so they can go to college, get a job, work hard, and earn their keep! in fact, we pride ourselves on providing "opportunity" to anyone willing to work for it.
what if we suddenly realized that public schools was a social program and therefore, evil? how could any average american afford to keep sending their child (or children) to school at 8,000...10,000...or more a year? and furthermore, how could we expect any below average american to afford it? of course loving parents will always find a way, and I'm sure we could work it out...but aren't you thankful that system is already in place? most of you who might read this (except laura, haha) have benefited from this extraordinary social program. I say extraordinary because it might surprise you to learn that many, many countries do not provide or enforce education for every citizen. and public education is only one of our social programs. do you want to include libraries? postal service? roads? public transportation? and yet all these exist peacefully alongside private businesses and organizations so that you still have a choice (except roads...I'm not sure about that...unless they were on your private property, haha).
so, tell me - am I being naive? am I missing something? what is the difference between public education and public health? it's not like the U.S. is going to make private practice illegal (at least not even in the distant future). you will always have a choice between public and private health. but isn't providing health services providing citizens with the opportunity to live life to the fullest? the opportunity for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? or is it really some diabolical plan to control the masses...much like our public education system?
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
what am I doing?
a question I ask myself a lot these days. take this blog for example. what am I doing with this blog? if you check the dates, you could easily say "nothing" but I am giving time and space away to repurpose mermaid musings. I had been giving detailed accounts of happenings in my life, which were at times amusing or somewhat interesting...but I find it exhausting work trying to keep up with that kind of writing. for one thing, I am such a thorough person I cannot stand to leave one detail out. I am also somewhat distracted with the idea that anything I write should be worthy of reading by others which drives me to conjure up eloquent descriptions that are composed perfectly (what is perfect, anyway?)
what am I doing?
I sit around complaining about my house...so many things need to be fixed up that are out of my hands. the storage room leaks water whenever it rains. the cupboard under the kitchen sink is molded and rotted to the point of no return. mice climb into our kitchen drawers and poop on our silverware. and yet I still have boxes that need to be unpacked, pictures to hang up, papers to go through, and items to organize or get rid of. I complain about other people not making my house a better place, but what am I doing to make it a better place?
what am I doing?
my perfectionist attitude takes a look at my life and wants to justify whatever it is that keeps me busy day in and day out, all the while desperately trying to keep that ugly beast, GUILT, at bay in my mind. I feel guilty for doing nothing. for being idle. for indulging in my own selfish desires for relaxation and friendship. truly, every minute since school ended has been spent on myself and my relationships with friends and family. I justify it, but I feel guilty for it. I feel useless...like I have no real purpose or place in this world.
what am I doing?
people ask me all the time -- have you gotten a job yet? any prospects? any interviews lined up? I joke about the current situation plaguing east tennessee's public school system (too many teachers, not enough jobs, with just the right amount of nepotism sprinkled on top) I scour the internet madly, heart pounding, desperate to find a job so I might have an answer to this question. I want a label that justifies my existence -- teacher, assistant, secretary, receptionist, sales associate, cashier, waitress...mother.
what am I doing?
I don't know. I just don't know.
what am I doing?
I sit around complaining about my house...so many things need to be fixed up that are out of my hands. the storage room leaks water whenever it rains. the cupboard under the kitchen sink is molded and rotted to the point of no return. mice climb into our kitchen drawers and poop on our silverware. and yet I still have boxes that need to be unpacked, pictures to hang up, papers to go through, and items to organize or get rid of. I complain about other people not making my house a better place, but what am I doing to make it a better place?
what am I doing?
my perfectionist attitude takes a look at my life and wants to justify whatever it is that keeps me busy day in and day out, all the while desperately trying to keep that ugly beast, GUILT, at bay in my mind. I feel guilty for doing nothing. for being idle. for indulging in my own selfish desires for relaxation and friendship. truly, every minute since school ended has been spent on myself and my relationships with friends and family. I justify it, but I feel guilty for it. I feel useless...like I have no real purpose or place in this world.
what am I doing?
people ask me all the time -- have you gotten a job yet? any prospects? any interviews lined up? I joke about the current situation plaguing east tennessee's public school system (too many teachers, not enough jobs, with just the right amount of nepotism sprinkled on top) I scour the internet madly, heart pounding, desperate to find a job so I might have an answer to this question. I want a label that justifies my existence -- teacher, assistant, secretary, receptionist, sales associate, cashier, waitress...mother.
what am I doing?
I don't know. I just don't know.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
housekeeping! (said in a housekeeper's voice)
well, lots and nothing has been going on with me lately....sorry about the previous post being so depressing, but hey. I was being completely honest at that point, and I admit, it wasn't pretty. but at least I was real. anyway, I don't have a lot of time to write a detailed play-by-play of what we've been up to around here, but I will say that I am SO happy for the warm weather!!! it has really brightened my spirits.
I am getting so pumped about moving into our new house. I feel like the move will be the start of a new me, a new wife, a new youth minister's wife. I am pretty much 99.99999% sure I will not be able to get a teaching job or even a lowly assistant job next year, but I am okay with that. yeah, duh, it makes me sad to think about, but I will survive and make the most of what God has given me -- which is a LOT!!! I plan on throwing myself completely into focusing on improving, simplifying, and managing our home life by purging the excess junk (2 packrats = unhappy, messy home), organizing/budgeting our finances (officially), gardening, composting, de-toxing, and flexing my organic/vegetarian chef muscles.
I have been reading this AMAZING book called "Organic Housekeeping" by ellen sandbeck and although most of you (who happen to read this) know that I am the queen of going green, this book has revolutionized my life -- and I'm only halfway through it! she offers such simple, practical advice for...well, doing all those things I said I wanted to do once we move. I feel motivated and ambitious, and I know I can do it. besides all that, I plan on spending a lot more of my time volunteering for the church and community in various ways. I haven't quite narrowed down any for-sure plans, but the cogs in my brain are a-crankin'!
that's about all I can say right now as it is getting late and I need to pack for a quick weekend trip to knoxvegas (as my friend laura likes to refer to it). I leave you with this cool list I found on realsimple.com (LOVE that mag)...
10 WAYS TO LET GO OF YOUR STUFF
1. Tear down the museum. In my youth, I was fearless. I forged strong friendships and created a history for myself that seemed worth remembering. So I held on to every trinket from my past. But I kept so many of these historical artifacts (see Hair, Matt's) that I didn't have any room for the present. I wanted to throw parties and have friends to visit in a home where they could actually sit down. So I photographed those hold things, then cleared them out to make space for the next chapters of my life.
2. Assess true value. A hefty chuck of what I moved into our home was obsolete computer equipment. When I looked at it, I saw dollar signs. Then my economist friend, Stephen, reminded me of the fallacy of sunk costs. I was sizing up those old computers based on what I had spent rather than their present value: close to zero. I sold the lot to a used-electronics store for $60 (not bad, considering) and got a much needed haircut with the cash.
3. Know thyself. I liked to think of myself as someone who exercised every day by running on a giant motorized treadmill, read all the literary classics, and baked cookies for every special occasion. The reality? I am not a runner, I like to read pop fiction, and cookies aren't really my thing. The treadmill, the boxes of books, and some kitchen gadgets all found new homes.
4. Trust me: You won't fix it. Most of the broken things I had brought with me were shoes. Heels or straps had come off, and I was convinced I would someday have them repaired. My husband held the shoes up in front of me, pair by pair, and asked two questions: "If you saw these shoes in a store today, would you buy them?" and "If you say yes, how much would you pay for them?" In all but one case, I admitted that I wouldn't buy the shoes again. And those red kitten heels with the broken sole? The amount I was wiling to pay was less than the cost of having them fixed.
5. Do look a gift horse in the mouth. My decorating tastes may change over time, but I am fairly certain I will never enjoy a home filled with a series of rhinestone-accented paintings of scary clowns. Yet I had hoarded these and other unattractive presents because I thought that was the decent thing to do. I also wasn't sure what I would say if someone noticed his gift missing and asked why. Well, you know what? No one has. Not even the bestower of scary clowns.
6. Adapt to your surroundings. I had a used Volvo 740 GLE that was the first car I had purchased after college. Before I moved Washington, I lived in the Midwest, where it was tough to get around without a car. In D.C., however, we lived next to a metro station, and there was a grocery store two blocks away. The price of parking―$150 a month―sealed it: The GLE was G-O-N-E.
7. Just admit that you don't like it. As I sorted through my stuff, I became aware of the fact that I didn't even want some of it. There were things I didn't exactly like but didn't exactly hate―and so lived with them out of pure apathy. This was the easiest clutter to set free. All it took was a little motivation to pack up a few boxes and drop them off at a local charity.
8. Know what you really need. Often what we need is only related to the thing we have. For instance, I had a huge popcorn maker but could easily pop the modest amount of corn we consumed in a small pot on the stove. Out it went. I also had thousands of documents in bulky filing cabinets. But I needed the information on the pages, not the paper itself. I kept just the documents I had to have in their original form, scanned and saved others as digital files, and tossed the rest-eliminating 300 pounds of paper.
9. Let go of the guilt. When my grandparents passed away, I inherited a collection of 27 rusty knives, a warped cookie sheet, and a copper bracelet my grandmother had loved to wear. I kept all these items for more than a decade. Eventually I realized that if my grandparents were alive, they would have replaced the cookie sheet and knife set (and been mortified that my aunts had passed on such dangerous accoutrements). I recycled the kitchen implements, but I kept the bracelet, which I wear and enjoy as much as my grandmother did.
10. Face it: "One day" almost never comes. I justified keeping half my wardrobe on the basis that I would use it one day. The hot pink bridesmaid dress from my cousin's first wedding took up space in my closet for four times the length of her marriage. I hate throwing out potentially useful things. But we couldn't afford a larger apartment; storing all those "one day" items would cost more than they were worth; and, an even simpler truth, I have yet to be invited to an event at which a fuchsia dress with taffeta bows might seem appropriate.
I am getting so pumped about moving into our new house. I feel like the move will be the start of a new me, a new wife, a new youth minister's wife. I am pretty much 99.99999% sure I will not be able to get a teaching job or even a lowly assistant job next year, but I am okay with that. yeah, duh, it makes me sad to think about, but I will survive and make the most of what God has given me -- which is a LOT!!! I plan on throwing myself completely into focusing on improving, simplifying, and managing our home life by purging the excess junk (2 packrats = unhappy, messy home), organizing/budgeting our finances (officially), gardening, composting, de-toxing, and flexing my organic/vegetarian chef muscles.
I have been reading this AMAZING book called "Organic Housekeeping" by ellen sandbeck and although most of you (who happen to read this) know that I am the queen of going green, this book has revolutionized my life -- and I'm only halfway through it! she offers such simple, practical advice for...well, doing all those things I said I wanted to do once we move. I feel motivated and ambitious, and I know I can do it. besides all that, I plan on spending a lot more of my time volunteering for the church and community in various ways. I haven't quite narrowed down any for-sure plans, but the cogs in my brain are a-crankin'!
that's about all I can say right now as it is getting late and I need to pack for a quick weekend trip to knoxvegas (as my friend laura likes to refer to it). I leave you with this cool list I found on realsimple.com (LOVE that mag)...
10 WAYS TO LET GO OF YOUR STUFF
1. Tear down the museum. In my youth, I was fearless. I forged strong friendships and created a history for myself that seemed worth remembering. So I held on to every trinket from my past. But I kept so many of these historical artifacts (see Hair, Matt's) that I didn't have any room for the present. I wanted to throw parties and have friends to visit in a home where they could actually sit down. So I photographed those hold things, then cleared them out to make space for the next chapters of my life.
2. Assess true value. A hefty chuck of what I moved into our home was obsolete computer equipment. When I looked at it, I saw dollar signs. Then my economist friend, Stephen, reminded me of the fallacy of sunk costs. I was sizing up those old computers based on what I had spent rather than their present value: close to zero. I sold the lot to a used-electronics store for $60 (not bad, considering) and got a much needed haircut with the cash.
3. Know thyself. I liked to think of myself as someone who exercised every day by running on a giant motorized treadmill, read all the literary classics, and baked cookies for every special occasion. The reality? I am not a runner, I like to read pop fiction, and cookies aren't really my thing. The treadmill, the boxes of books, and some kitchen gadgets all found new homes.
4. Trust me: You won't fix it. Most of the broken things I had brought with me were shoes. Heels or straps had come off, and I was convinced I would someday have them repaired. My husband held the shoes up in front of me, pair by pair, and asked two questions: "If you saw these shoes in a store today, would you buy them?" and "If you say yes, how much would you pay for them?" In all but one case, I admitted that I wouldn't buy the shoes again. And those red kitten heels with the broken sole? The amount I was wiling to pay was less than the cost of having them fixed.
5. Do look a gift horse in the mouth. My decorating tastes may change over time, but I am fairly certain I will never enjoy a home filled with a series of rhinestone-accented paintings of scary clowns. Yet I had hoarded these and other unattractive presents because I thought that was the decent thing to do. I also wasn't sure what I would say if someone noticed his gift missing and asked why. Well, you know what? No one has. Not even the bestower of scary clowns.
6. Adapt to your surroundings. I had a used Volvo 740 GLE that was the first car I had purchased after college. Before I moved Washington, I lived in the Midwest, where it was tough to get around without a car. In D.C., however, we lived next to a metro station, and there was a grocery store two blocks away. The price of parking―$150 a month―sealed it: The GLE was G-O-N-E.
7. Just admit that you don't like it. As I sorted through my stuff, I became aware of the fact that I didn't even want some of it. There were things I didn't exactly like but didn't exactly hate―and so lived with them out of pure apathy. This was the easiest clutter to set free. All it took was a little motivation to pack up a few boxes and drop them off at a local charity.
8. Know what you really need. Often what we need is only related to the thing we have. For instance, I had a huge popcorn maker but could easily pop the modest amount of corn we consumed in a small pot on the stove. Out it went. I also had thousands of documents in bulky filing cabinets. But I needed the information on the pages, not the paper itself. I kept just the documents I had to have in their original form, scanned and saved others as digital files, and tossed the rest-eliminating 300 pounds of paper.
9. Let go of the guilt. When my grandparents passed away, I inherited a collection of 27 rusty knives, a warped cookie sheet, and a copper bracelet my grandmother had loved to wear. I kept all these items for more than a decade. Eventually I realized that if my grandparents were alive, they would have replaced the cookie sheet and knife set (and been mortified that my aunts had passed on such dangerous accoutrements). I recycled the kitchen implements, but I kept the bracelet, which I wear and enjoy as much as my grandmother did.
10. Face it: "One day" almost never comes. I justified keeping half my wardrobe on the basis that I would use it one day. The hot pink bridesmaid dress from my cousin's first wedding took up space in my closet for four times the length of her marriage. I hate throwing out potentially useful things. But we couldn't afford a larger apartment; storing all those "one day" items would cost more than they were worth; and, an even simpler truth, I have yet to be invited to an event at which a fuchsia dress with taffeta bows might seem appropriate.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
10 things I hate about you
hey cassandra, how are you? I just wanted you to know 10 things I hate about you.
1. you haven't blogged in over a month
2. you spend way too much money on eating out
3. your house is in a constant state of train wreckedge
4. you got a speeding ticket last week
5. you are late for work every single morning
6. you lose your temper about 3-4 times a week
7. you forget important things a lot lately
8. you are not a very good listener, even when it comes to your closest friend(s)
9. you said something small and unimportant and careless and it caused somebody to never want to come to church again
10. all you can think about are the bad things going on in your life instead of the good
1. you haven't blogged in over a month
2. you spend way too much money on eating out
3. your house is in a constant state of train wreckedge
4. you got a speeding ticket last week
5. you are late for work every single morning
6. you lose your temper about 3-4 times a week
7. you forget important things a lot lately
8. you are not a very good listener, even when it comes to your closest friend(s)
9. you said something small and unimportant and careless and it caused somebody to never want to come to church again
10. all you can think about are the bad things going on in your life instead of the good
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
windy wainy wednesday
ok I tried to think of a clever title and that's all I got tonight for ya, sorry!
I apologize for being so lazy about updating my blog. I would say there was nothing worth writing about, but that would be a big fat lie! I have had a really great couple of weeks (or so) since my last post. probably the best thing to have happened to me was going to NC with my friend becky gallivan to see our favorite musical, RENT on tour. not only is it our favorite musical, but we had the amazing opportunity to see two of the original cast members -- and not just ANY two original cast members, but my favorite characters, mark and roger, played by anthony rapp and adam pascal (respectively). and we had seats in the third row from the stage! for all you non-RENTheads out there, let me put it to you this way: imagine your *favorite* band. now, imagine you had the opportunity to see them live in concert but instead of the actual band members, you got to see people who kind of looked like them but sounded nothing like them. that's what it's like to go see a broadway musical on tour. well, I got to see it with the "real band members". from the third row. and I got to meet them at the stage door afterwards to get their signatures and photos and videos and everything. it was pretty much the most amazing, fun thing I have ever done in my life. NOW I know why so many people love going to concerts! I am not the kind of person who listens to music that allows for any such experience. I think going to see RENT was my version of a concert. and it definitely rocked, haha. we were screaming and going crazy just like regular rock concert audiences. it was unforgettable.
so even after all that, we went back to NC the next weekend and saw it again! that's also the most spontaneous thing I've ever done - shaun said it could be my birthday present. well, it was the best birthday present I've ever received! we didn't have tickets, but the thing about RENT is if you show up two hours before the show you can put in to get tickets in the front row for only $20. it works like a lottery and was set up by the producers to allow people who can't normally afford to see broadway shows at a low cost. it was really fun to show up with everyone and wait in a long line anxiously wondering if we would actually get front row tickets. sadly, we did not win the lottery tickets BUT the theater was also offering "student rush" seats which were all the seats left over for just $27 if you showed your student IDs. ok, so I don't really have a student ID, but I do have a gym membership card to ETSU and becky had her student ID and we were able to get the tickets. we were expecting to sit in the back of the balcony or something like that, but we didn't care! AND even better, we actually got tickets to sit in the 8th row from the stage!!! we couldn't believe our luck! and it was just as fun and exciting as the first time. if you haven't already, you can check out my photo album and videos on facebook.
the next weekend was my birthday, and my parents and sister came up from knoxville to spend it with me. they took me to my favorite local restaurant, cootie brown's (if you are ever in johnson city -- EAT THERE) and then we came home for cake and presents. of course I had a funfetti cake, haha. it bums me out that they don't have the original funfetti icing anymore! they used to make this icing that had "rainbow chips" mixed in and it was sooo yummy, but they don't make it anymore! now they just sell plain white icing with sprinkles for the top of your cake. it's just not the same anymore! I got some fun gifts -- of course, shaun's gift of letting me go see RENT again was the best, haha! but I also got some money, books, a CD and my parents bought me one of cootie brown's signature tie-dyed tshirts which I had been wanting ever since my first time there. my family came to church with us on sunday (which was my actual birthday) so dad got to see our new house. of course he was impressed, who wouldn't be? it's an awesome house! we can't wait to move in. we're going to slowly start taking boxes of stuff up every wednesday and sunday from now until this spring when we officially move in.
anyway, the following tuesday I had the day off for a teacher workday (I'm just an assistant, so I didn't have to go) so heather emory (my college roomie #2) came up for the day to hang out. we had a lot of fun just being together. it had been a really long time since we'd had the chance to hang out! hopefully I'll get to see her and a lot of my other "old" jbc buddies next week when I go to homecoming. other than that, not much going on. I've had a whole bunch of snow days, which has been kinda nice. shaun and I have been watching all the movies that were nominated for academy awards which has been a really fun experience for us being the complete movie nerds we are. every year we get excited about the academy awards but rarely get to see the movies that are up for oscars, so we don't really know how to judge who wins what. so this year we decided to make it more interesting by actually watching all the films. the oscar website has a printable ballot, so we're going to print that off and mark off our predictions of who will win. yeah, I said we were nerds, and we are. the oscars are this weekend, so I'll try to post my predictions this weekend (I'm still trying to decide on a few, haha).
I apologize for being so lazy about updating my blog. I would say there was nothing worth writing about, but that would be a big fat lie! I have had a really great couple of weeks (or so) since my last post. probably the best thing to have happened to me was going to NC with my friend becky gallivan to see our favorite musical, RENT on tour. not only is it our favorite musical, but we had the amazing opportunity to see two of the original cast members -- and not just ANY two original cast members, but my favorite characters, mark and roger, played by anthony rapp and adam pascal (respectively). and we had seats in the third row from the stage! for all you non-RENTheads out there, let me put it to you this way: imagine your *favorite* band. now, imagine you had the opportunity to see them live in concert but instead of the actual band members, you got to see people who kind of looked like them but sounded nothing like them. that's what it's like to go see a broadway musical on tour. well, I got to see it with the "real band members". from the third row. and I got to meet them at the stage door afterwards to get their signatures and photos and videos and everything. it was pretty much the most amazing, fun thing I have ever done in my life. NOW I know why so many people love going to concerts! I am not the kind of person who listens to music that allows for any such experience. I think going to see RENT was my version of a concert. and it definitely rocked, haha. we were screaming and going crazy just like regular rock concert audiences. it was unforgettable.
so even after all that, we went back to NC the next weekend and saw it again! that's also the most spontaneous thing I've ever done - shaun said it could be my birthday present. well, it was the best birthday present I've ever received! we didn't have tickets, but the thing about RENT is if you show up two hours before the show you can put in to get tickets in the front row for only $20. it works like a lottery and was set up by the producers to allow people who can't normally afford to see broadway shows at a low cost. it was really fun to show up with everyone and wait in a long line anxiously wondering if we would actually get front row tickets. sadly, we did not win the lottery tickets BUT the theater was also offering "student rush" seats which were all the seats left over for just $27 if you showed your student IDs. ok, so I don't really have a student ID, but I do have a gym membership card to ETSU and becky had her student ID and we were able to get the tickets. we were expecting to sit in the back of the balcony or something like that, but we didn't care! AND even better, we actually got tickets to sit in the 8th row from the stage!!! we couldn't believe our luck! and it was just as fun and exciting as the first time. if you haven't already, you can check out my photo album and videos on facebook.
the next weekend was my birthday, and my parents and sister came up from knoxville to spend it with me. they took me to my favorite local restaurant, cootie brown's (if you are ever in johnson city -- EAT THERE) and then we came home for cake and presents. of course I had a funfetti cake, haha. it bums me out that they don't have the original funfetti icing anymore! they used to make this icing that had "rainbow chips" mixed in and it was sooo yummy, but they don't make it anymore! now they just sell plain white icing with sprinkles for the top of your cake. it's just not the same anymore! I got some fun gifts -- of course, shaun's gift of letting me go see RENT again was the best, haha! but I also got some money, books, a CD and my parents bought me one of cootie brown's signature tie-dyed tshirts which I had been wanting ever since my first time there. my family came to church with us on sunday (which was my actual birthday) so dad got to see our new house. of course he was impressed, who wouldn't be? it's an awesome house! we can't wait to move in. we're going to slowly start taking boxes of stuff up every wednesday and sunday from now until this spring when we officially move in.
anyway, the following tuesday I had the day off for a teacher workday (I'm just an assistant, so I didn't have to go) so heather emory (my college roomie #2) came up for the day to hang out. we had a lot of fun just being together. it had been a really long time since we'd had the chance to hang out! hopefully I'll get to see her and a lot of my other "old" jbc buddies next week when I go to homecoming. other than that, not much going on. I've had a whole bunch of snow days, which has been kinda nice. shaun and I have been watching all the movies that were nominated for academy awards which has been a really fun experience for us being the complete movie nerds we are. every year we get excited about the academy awards but rarely get to see the movies that are up for oscars, so we don't really know how to judge who wins what. so this year we decided to make it more interesting by actually watching all the films. the oscar website has a printable ballot, so we're going to print that off and mark off our predictions of who will win. yeah, I said we were nerds, and we are. the oscars are this weekend, so I'll try to post my predictions this weekend (I'm still trying to decide on a few, haha).
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
inauguration day 2009
well I wish I was the type who was eloquent enough to say exactly what I feel and think in a way that really communicates effectively to anyone who reads this...but I really don't think I am. it's probably no secret to anybody who knows me that I am very happy about barack obama becoming the new president. I know many are critical, cynical, and may even think I am crazy and unchristian for thinking that, but I can't help it. I am HAPPY. ever since I first knew who barack obama was -- way before he even announced his campaign -- I knew I wanted him to be president. I don't know how, but almost 3 years ago I was sitting at my laptop and somehow clicked on a link leading to an article about barack obama. actually, now that I think about it, it was a news article on sojourner's website talking about some faith-based political discussion barack had participated in. I read his words, and began researching. I watched a speech he gave and my heart pounded and tears filled my eyes. his words, his enthusiasm, his encouragement, his optimism, it all spoke straight to me in a very personal way. where I had begun to grow doubtful and cynical about my country and politicians, here shown a bright star out of the dark. I couldn't believe that there actually existed a man whose ideals lined up with mine. now, granted, I have come to learn that we don't agree on every remote detail, but our general philosophy are quite similar.
I see a lot of me in barack -- not just his left handedness, either! we are both the kind of person who see the good in everything and everyone. the glass is always half-full for us and we give everyone second chances, regardless of where they come from. oh how I wish I could just pour my heart out into words. I feel like I'm rambling and gushing. I can't help it. I am so happy. I love barack obama. I have so much faith and hope in his abilities to lead this country in a very humble, diplomatic fashion. possibly the one thing that gives me the most hope is when I look beyond the borders of the united states and see faces shining around the world. people everywhere love and respect obama. they are excited, they are hopeful, and they are proud of americans for choosing this inspiring man to lead the nation, and ultimately, the world. barack IS a world leader. he's not just ours --- his choices will have a dramatic and enormous impact on everyone all around the world. I am so glad we chose someone who speaks to people of every kind -- men, women, young, old, black, white, rich, poor, american, non-american, even democrat AND republican. I have witnessed literally hundreds of testimonies from around the world of people who look up to and find inspiration in him. I love how barack is a man who has not been afraid to get his hands dirty. his involvement in the poor communities of chicago sets a great example to all of us. he has been where we all have been and still calls us to a higher standard. I really feel like he brings the best out of everyone. people watch him and want to get up and DO something that makes a difference. what a joy and blessing it is to have him as our president!
when I was a little girl, I didn't even know what racism was. the first time I really encountered it personally was sometime in upper elementary school. and it wasn't something any of my friends said, it was when I learned about it in social studies. it blew my mind to think that someone -- anyone -- would think badly of someone simply because of the color of their skin. as I have grown, I have learned more and more about racism, but I still had hope in my generation. I have always felt very optimistic, knowing that my generation would rise up and make a difference in this world. we will take care of the planet, we will go to college, we will break down barriers of race and class and we will lead our country by example, we will establish peace and take care of those who need it the most -- the poor and poor in spirit. I truly feel like this election is nothing more than my dreams coming into realization. barack obama embodies everything I believe our country can become. he is a direct representation of the ideals I was taught from the time I was very young. I voted for him, and I cried when I learned he had been chosen to lead. I watched with a huge smile on my face as he was sworn in today and I will continue to watch his political career with great interest and hope. I know he is certainly going to let me down and it will hurt, a lot. but that doesn't stop me from hoping for the best and keeping a joyful, thankful spirit tonight as I watch history in the making.
thank you, God for such a wonderful opportunity to be a part of this day in american -- world -- history. thank you for making my childhood dreams a reality. help me to set a good example to my brothers and sisters near and far. help me to be your light in all my choices and actions, including the way I look up to and lift up my president. help me to remember that even though he gives us hope, he is not THE hope of the world. help us not to rely too much on him to do the dirty work. help us to forgive him when he lets us down. I pray you will be with him. I pray you will be with his family, and the bidens. be with america, be with the world as we look to him to lead us. move among us, lord. use us. teach us. keep us humble. thank you for barack obama, God. thank you for providing.
we can change the world. yes we can. there is hope. there is light. GOD WILL USE US! ...if we let him.
I see a lot of me in barack -- not just his left handedness, either! we are both the kind of person who see the good in everything and everyone. the glass is always half-full for us and we give everyone second chances, regardless of where they come from. oh how I wish I could just pour my heart out into words. I feel like I'm rambling and gushing. I can't help it. I am so happy. I love barack obama. I have so much faith and hope in his abilities to lead this country in a very humble, diplomatic fashion. possibly the one thing that gives me the most hope is when I look beyond the borders of the united states and see faces shining around the world. people everywhere love and respect obama. they are excited, they are hopeful, and they are proud of americans for choosing this inspiring man to lead the nation, and ultimately, the world. barack IS a world leader. he's not just ours --- his choices will have a dramatic and enormous impact on everyone all around the world. I am so glad we chose someone who speaks to people of every kind -- men, women, young, old, black, white, rich, poor, american, non-american, even democrat AND republican. I have witnessed literally hundreds of testimonies from around the world of people who look up to and find inspiration in him. I love how barack is a man who has not been afraid to get his hands dirty. his involvement in the poor communities of chicago sets a great example to all of us. he has been where we all have been and still calls us to a higher standard. I really feel like he brings the best out of everyone. people watch him and want to get up and DO something that makes a difference. what a joy and blessing it is to have him as our president!
when I was a little girl, I didn't even know what racism was. the first time I really encountered it personally was sometime in upper elementary school. and it wasn't something any of my friends said, it was when I learned about it in social studies. it blew my mind to think that someone -- anyone -- would think badly of someone simply because of the color of their skin. as I have grown, I have learned more and more about racism, but I still had hope in my generation. I have always felt very optimistic, knowing that my generation would rise up and make a difference in this world. we will take care of the planet, we will go to college, we will break down barriers of race and class and we will lead our country by example, we will establish peace and take care of those who need it the most -- the poor and poor in spirit. I truly feel like this election is nothing more than my dreams coming into realization. barack obama embodies everything I believe our country can become. he is a direct representation of the ideals I was taught from the time I was very young. I voted for him, and I cried when I learned he had been chosen to lead. I watched with a huge smile on my face as he was sworn in today and I will continue to watch his political career with great interest and hope. I know he is certainly going to let me down and it will hurt, a lot. but that doesn't stop me from hoping for the best and keeping a joyful, thankful spirit tonight as I watch history in the making.
thank you, God for such a wonderful opportunity to be a part of this day in american -- world -- history. thank you for making my childhood dreams a reality. help me to set a good example to my brothers and sisters near and far. help me to be your light in all my choices and actions, including the way I look up to and lift up my president. help me to remember that even though he gives us hope, he is not THE hope of the world. help us not to rely too much on him to do the dirty work. help us to forgive him when he lets us down. I pray you will be with him. I pray you will be with his family, and the bidens. be with america, be with the world as we look to him to lead us. move among us, lord. use us. teach us. keep us humble. thank you for barack obama, God. thank you for providing.
we can change the world. yes we can. there is hope. there is light. GOD WILL USE US! ...if we let him.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
gifts, goals, and some girlyness
well, christmas time has come and gone! I had a great time over the holidays, and even though I am kinda sad it's all over, I'm also really relieved! we spent one week in PA with shaun's family and it was just awesome. we watched movies, went shopping, played games, all on top of our usual holiday events and tasks. oh yeah, and we ate a TON of food, especially cookies. I swear, if anyone puts one more christmas cookie in front of my face, I will scream!!! hahahaha! we got lots of wonderful (and very generous) gifts from his family. several of his relatives gave us money or gift cards which were greatly appreciated! paying for grad school is no easy task, let me tell ya! any money helps a lot. shaun's mom also bought me a bunch of bath and body works lotions, which I had forgotten how much I love! I am never willing to spend the money on all that girly stuff, but it is nice to enjoy once in awhile! the day after christmas we all went shopping. for the first time in my life I went into an aeropostale store because I was with shaun's sister, nicole, who loves to shop there. not only did I go into the store, I actually bought something! they were having a great sale on jeans, so I bought a pair that fit perfectly for just 19.87!!! anytime I can find jeans that fit me this well, they are MINE!!! as long as they are under 20 bucks, haha! I also bought a pretty gray (grey?) sweater that was only 12 bucks. I had been wanting a grey (gray?) sweater for awhile, so I was really happy about that. I also went into a hollister for the first time in my life. of course the prices made me want to vomit, but the clothes are actually very cute and classic, which is really my style. the prices are NOT my style, though, so I didn't buy anything. but I did drool over a couple of sweaters...
the next week, we went to knoxville for a few days to spend new years with my parents and open our gifts from the caffee side. I was ecstatic to receive apples to apples and mad gab, two of my favorite games!!! not only that, but we got lots more gift cards and money, I got a rice cooker and coffee maker (with a timer) both of which I had asked for specifically. so I was pretty much happy as a clown with all that. but then, I was handed the last gift from my grandma (who is known for buying random gifts). so you can imagine my shock and surprise when I casually ripped the paper off of a nintendo wii!!! I promise you, I had NO IDEA anything like that was even coming. she bought one for us and also one for my parents/siblings. shaun and I had been debating between a PS3 and wii, but weren't anywhere near being able to actually afford one. grandma's gift made all that a lot easier, lol! now I can't wait to get a wii fit and also ROCK BAND because, well, it rocks. we are already addicted to the bowling game!!! anyway, my family and I had a great time playing games, cooking yummy foods and ringing in the new year together. I always love going home because my parents set such a good example for me by getting up early, going to bed early, cooking meals together, and keeping the house so picked up all the time. I know mom will laugh, roll her eyes and deny that statement, but it's true!!! I just wish I could keep my life that way after I go home.
that kind of brings me to my goals for 2009. they include but are not limited to:
1. going to bed earlier
2. waking up earlier
3. cooking at home more (actually cooking, not just heating up a pizza in the oven)
4. expanding and solidifying my workout routine
5. blog more often!!! (hahaha)
6. keep the house picked up and clean more
7. watch less tv
random note: I hate 2009...I mean, the number. I want it to be 2010. it's not that I prefer even over odd, it's just that the number 9 drives me crazy. I want to round up!!!
well now all my christmas stuff is packed, tctc is over, and I'm left to focus on my goals for this year and also prepping for the move into the new house. which brings me to my final topic of discussion for today's blog: decorating the new house. I have spent a lot of time thinking/daydreaming about our new home, trying to get down to specific colors and choices of the fastest and least expensive ways to spruce up our home. I'm tired of having a hodge podge of junk and college dorm room looking stuff. I really want to purge all the excess clutter and focus on trying to get a running color scheme in the house. my biggest and most important choice I've made so far is going ahead and buying a new couch cover. we LOVE our couch, but it is butt-ugly plaid and that just won't do with my color scheme, let me tell ya! I had looked and looked and looked for cheap couch covers that were the right color and material. most large couch covers can easily run you up 250-300 dollars, so you can imagine my joy to find the exact kind of cover I wanted on JC Penney's website for only 150!!! it is chocolate brown suede and, most importantly, a 2-piece cover. we had two one-piece covers and they just never worked on our couch. we couldn't keep them straight and looking nice. I think this new cover will be much, much better. anyways...I gotta run, so I will leave you with a pic of the new couch and my "inspirations" for colors I found online.
the next week, we went to knoxville for a few days to spend new years with my parents and open our gifts from the caffee side. I was ecstatic to receive apples to apples and mad gab, two of my favorite games!!! not only that, but we got lots more gift cards and money, I got a rice cooker and coffee maker (with a timer) both of which I had asked for specifically. so I was pretty much happy as a clown with all that. but then, I was handed the last gift from my grandma (who is known for buying random gifts). so you can imagine my shock and surprise when I casually ripped the paper off of a nintendo wii!!! I promise you, I had NO IDEA anything like that was even coming. she bought one for us and also one for my parents/siblings. shaun and I had been debating between a PS3 and wii, but weren't anywhere near being able to actually afford one. grandma's gift made all that a lot easier, lol! now I can't wait to get a wii fit and also ROCK BAND because, well, it rocks. we are already addicted to the bowling game!!! anyway, my family and I had a great time playing games, cooking yummy foods and ringing in the new year together. I always love going home because my parents set such a good example for me by getting up early, going to bed early, cooking meals together, and keeping the house so picked up all the time. I know mom will laugh, roll her eyes and deny that statement, but it's true!!! I just wish I could keep my life that way after I go home.
that kind of brings me to my goals for 2009. they include but are not limited to:
1. going to bed earlier
2. waking up earlier
3. cooking at home more (actually cooking, not just heating up a pizza in the oven)
4. expanding and solidifying my workout routine
5. blog more often!!! (hahaha)
6. keep the house picked up and clean more
7. watch less tv
random note: I hate 2009...I mean, the number. I want it to be 2010. it's not that I prefer even over odd, it's just that the number 9 drives me crazy. I want to round up!!!
well now all my christmas stuff is packed, tctc is over, and I'm left to focus on my goals for this year and also prepping for the move into the new house. which brings me to my final topic of discussion for today's blog: decorating the new house. I have spent a lot of time thinking/daydreaming about our new home, trying to get down to specific colors and choices of the fastest and least expensive ways to spruce up our home. I'm tired of having a hodge podge of junk and college dorm room looking stuff. I really want to purge all the excess clutter and focus on trying to get a running color scheme in the house. my biggest and most important choice I've made so far is going ahead and buying a new couch cover. we LOVE our couch, but it is butt-ugly plaid and that just won't do with my color scheme, let me tell ya! I had looked and looked and looked for cheap couch covers that were the right color and material. most large couch covers can easily run you up 250-300 dollars, so you can imagine my joy to find the exact kind of cover I wanted on JC Penney's website for only 150!!! it is chocolate brown suede and, most importantly, a 2-piece cover. we had two one-piece covers and they just never worked on our couch. we couldn't keep them straight and looking nice. I think this new cover will be much, much better. anyways...I gotta run, so I will leave you with a pic of the new couch and my "inspirations" for colors I found online.
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