Friday, September 05, 2008

Feels like fall (sorta)


This morning when I left for my run, it actually felt like fall outside. It had just stopped raining and there was a slight fall-ish chill in the air. It's starting to be dark out during my entire run again...just further confirmation fall is here.

And you know it's fall when the NFL season starts! Sunday the Steelers take on the Texans at 1:00p.m. I'm really looking forward to getting our cable hooked up so I can spend lazy Saturdays watching college football and lazy Sundays watching the Steelers. mmmmm, fall.

Oh, and Graeters had candy corn at its store downtown! I think I will go pick up some for my candy dish in my office.

The only thing we're missing now are pumpkins and color-changing leaves. I can't wait.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

zzzzzzz

A faux fire drill (complete with 5 blaring fire trucks), neighbors who decided to hang their pictures (by pounding nails in the wall at midnight), sleeping on a couch while my bed is covered with dust due to bathroom repairs, and a whiny dog have left me quite exhausted this morning.

Thank God for coffee. And Thank God for the Mamma Mia! soundtrack I downloaded. This ought to keep me going...

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Time warner-I don't need you...


So we have no cable tv until September 9 (that was the first available appointment the lovely monopoly Time Warner had). It's seemed so quiet in our apartment because I am so accustomed to having the television on in the background. The first few nights I read a book. In fact on Monday night I went to bed at 9:30p.m. because I didn't have the tv there to waste time watching.

Fast forward to last night when thanks to Kristen R., I was able to watch television on my computer. Hulu.com. The most amazing website ever. Ok, maybe not ever. But, it's pretty sweet. I'm tempted to skip purchasing cable and just buy a decent sized computer screen.

I was all set to watch Bones, which I've been wanting to take a look at, but then I saw One Tree Hill on there. A few years ago I sporadically watched One Tree Hill (back when I was looking to fill the void Dawson's Creek left behind), but caught it like 2 seasons in. Last night I watched the first 3 episodes!

I know, I know...I should be spending my evenings after work engaging in conversation, or reading a book, or just being alone with my thoughts. But, how can I do that when there is a website that has old episodes of Alf and Who's the Boss?!




Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Tribute to Cornell

I realized I never wrote a post about my housemates at Cornell. For one year, we shared our lives with each other. (Some of us more than others-Jana does not believe in doors). I admit I am not a good roommate. I like to be alone. I hate sharing (I realize that doesn't really make sense considering I'm a twin and have shared everything my entire life). But, the year went smoothly.

So-here goes, my roomies 2007-2008:

Rachel-Resident man-of-the-house. Ate more yogurt and cheese during the year than I have had in the last 5. Baby-sitter, dog-sitter, student, teacher, bike-rider Harry Potter devotee. My favorite Rachel moment was when the storm window came off the hinges and she was perfectly balanced on the window ledge outside and somehow managed to successfully remove the window, lower it down to Steve and come back inside the house without falling. She also makes some tasty meatballs.

Emily-Resident Nurse (for real! he he), fiance, self-named health food nut, Top Chef addict, also enjoys Little House on the Prairie! (we finally tracked down who was dvr-ing that show ;-) ). My favorite Emily moment-when Jason was in Colombia the battery in his Jeep died. We tried to get Jana's car to reach to jump, but it wouldn't quite fit. Emily suggested connecting two jumper cables together so they would reach. We didn't do that, but we still managed to melt the jumper cables and kill whatever life was left in the battery-all while leaving the Jeep nearly dangling at the end of the hill on our driveway.

Jana-resident nudist (ok, kidding, but nearly!), dislikes doors and boundaries of any sorts, giver--lends at least two pillows per night for Fi to sleep on, whirly pop-chef, sometimes a Steelers fan (sometimes a Bengals fan, sometimes a Browns fan). My favorite Jana story--Jana will clean not regularly, but impulsively. One night, around 11:30pm she decided to scrub the kitchen floor--wearing nothing but a tank top (see nudist comment above).

Jokes aside, I was very lucky to live with three very considerate, flexible women (flexible as in laid-back, not flexible like gymnasts). Particularly since I was the one with the yappy, annoying dog. All three took care of my dog like she was their own. Whether we were celebrating with a big party, or just sitting around watching an episode of Top Chef, it was a great year and I really enjoyed spending it living with these three. I learned a lot about my(selfish)self. Living with people can be hard, but these three made it fun. I will always have good memories of my first year living in Cincinnati, thanks Cornell ladies!

Monday, September 01, 2008

all moved in...

It feels great to finally be moved in and settled. I sat down in my new cozy reading chair (thanks Steve!) and realized it has been five days since I opened my Bible. (gasp!) That is partly because I had my books packed 5 days ago in preparation for this past weekend's move. No big deal, right? 

This weekend I found myself to be grouchy, resentful, short-tempered--basically a joy to be around. Certainly part of that had to do with the stress of moving. But, some of it too, had to do with the lack of spending time with God. I know it did.

When I go for a stretch without reading Scripture or praying and confessing, it seems I have very real physical "symptoms." I can be irritable, quickly frustrated, and overly-sensitive.  Because it is in those times, that I am relying mostly on myself and other people. Obviously, I get let down (I'm not perfect!). It may sound cheesey, but these "symptoms" are a strong indication that I need time with God. 

When I sat down tonight and spent time reading Scripture, I just reminded myself that only God can provide true security. Only in Him can my needs ever be completely met. I need Him.


Friday, August 29, 2008

TGIF

Well, it's Friday. It's also Move Day! Today we get the keys to our new apartment. We are downsizing quite a bit, so it will be interesting to see how all the stuff from a four bedroom house gets squished into a 2 bedroom apartment. Tonight my sister and her friend will be over to help me move my "small" things--i.e. everything but my bed, dresser and tv (though the tv really isn't mine...). I'll save the big stuff for my big, strong boyfriend to carry tomorrow morning :-) I know he cannot wait.

It's crazy how much "small" stuff accumulates!

I really don't enjoy moving. I've only ever moved a few times and I'd prefer to someday just live in the same place so I don't always have to pack and unpack. It is nice to go through your stuff, though, and purge out what is no longer used.


Yeah, well, this is kind of a random post-but there you have it. I'll try to post some pics of the new place this weekend. Have a great long weekend! Hopefully you're spending it doing something more fun than moving!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Dress Codes and Pom-Poms

At Monroe High School, the cheerleaders are no longer allowed to wear their skirts to school on game days unless they wear shorts or leggings underneath. Apparently this is causing quite a stir in that community. I've heard about it on the news, read an article here, and this morning on my way to work, the radio station I listen to was going nuts about it. (The store has attracted nationwide attention.)

I think it's kind of funny. You'd think parents would want their children in less provacative attire, but nope! The parents of the cheerleaders bombarded the Board of Education at its meeting last night to try to allow an exception to the dress code (which provides that skirts can be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee) for cheerleaders.

I'll say this-young adults today wear extremely revealing clothes. There is no place for this in school. Honestly, I've never been a fan of uniforms at public schools, but walk through a high school--it's NUTS what students (particularly girls) wear. Short jean skirts with thong underwear, halter tops, spike high heels, low-rise jeans with their thongs hanging out. It's overly-sexualized and way too young. We should be protecting the young women in our life from ogling perverts instead of encouraging them. I don't think asking cheerleaders to wear leggings under their skirts on game day is asking too much.

Besides, welcome to the real world. You can't go to a professional job and dress inappropriately. I can't go into a court room with a suit and no shirt underneath my jacket. I'm pretty sure they'd kick me out. Dress codes exist for a reason. The bigger, and probably harder issue is actually fairly enforcing them. Sorry cheerleaders, but I have no sympathy for you!


My favorite was this morning a 20 year old man called in the radio show and said that when he was at Monroe High School he always looked forward to game days and seeing the cheerleaders because of the tradition. Riiiiiiight.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Campaigns, Politics, and Trailer Parks

This morning I watched a campaign ad for I believe a Congressional seat in Kentucky. The ad began with a panoramic shot of a trailer park and then the narrator informed me that this candidate grew up in a trailer park and it will always be "home". Wow.

Not too long after that, I saw Obama's new campaign ad that reminds prospective voters that McCain owns seven houses. The ad ends with the shot of a down-trodden couple on the porch of their one and only home, a home that is probably in foreclosure because of our terrible economy.

WARNING: I am about to sound like an elitist jerk. Those commercials make me sick. Who cares if John McCain owns 7 houses? Good for him. Who cares if some dude from KY lived in a trailer park? That doesn't make him more American. Hmm, I don't own a home and I pay my bills, so I guess that makes me un-American? Give me a break.

Every day I am more and more convinced that there does not exist a candidate who truly represents the middle class. (Except maybe Ron Paul, but that never manifested into anything, so there you have it.) Now, when I say middle class, I don't mean dude from trailer park. I consider myself middle class, but if you look at my tax return and the percentage of my income that is taxed, well, shoot, I am RICH! (I guess that's why I drive a sweet Saturn that is missing 2 hubcaps and hasn't had the tires replaced in 2 years.)

It's absolutely absurd that the percentage I pay in taxes on my income is only a few percentage points lower than the percentage taxed on Bill Gates's income. And there is no candidate fighting for me--and the rest of those post-graduate school, working hard to pay off that insurmountable college debt, Americans.

All we ever hear about are the poor and the rich. Tax breaks for the middle class-ha! Tax breaks for those making less than 35K a year maybe. What about those making less than 100K? We are the ones who are struggling. We can't qualify for many tax incentives, or free government handouts because our income is too high. But, we also don't qualify for the tax breaks Republicans like to offer for the super rich. So yeah, we're stuck in the middle--not poor enough, not rich enough. Sounds like "middle" class to me.

Ok, my elitist rant is over. But, seriously, living in a trailer does not make you more American than me.

*As an aside, but still related, I saw on the Today Show a piece on Senator Joe Biden's wife, Jill. They've been married 31 years and she is the mother to his two children from his first marriage (his first wife died in a tragic accident). I liked the news story. It made me like Senator Biden a lot more.

Monday, August 25, 2008

You know you're moving soon when...

your dinner consists of frozen french fries, small bowl of cereal (to use the last of the milk!), and a paper cup full of flat Fresca. 

Yum.

(Is it bad that while it only took four boxes to pack my bedroom, the other bags in the picture are full of shoes in addition to that shoe rack!?)

Sunday, August 24, 2008

One year!

Happy Anniversary! 


What a fantastic year! I am the luckiest...

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Too Bad

Neither the men's nor the women's 4x100 meter relay team will be competing in the finals at the Olympics because they dropped the baton. I don't get it. It's yet another disappointment for Team USA in the Track & Field events.

Holding onto the baton just seems like something world class athletes would know how to do.

I guess just like amazing triumps (a la Michael Phelps), devastating mistakes also make these games so exciting.

And, hey, at least the beach volleyball women won gold in the pouring down rain! That was fun to watch. (*I'm glad I could find a picture of them in something other than see-through white bikinis, I would've felt a little weird posting that on my blog!)

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

I smell like a mountain breeze


Or something. The shirt I selected to wear today had a few wrinkles in it. So I did what any person without an iron would do and stuck it in the dryer with a wet washcloth and a dryer sheet with the hopes the wrinkles would magically disappear. The wrinkles were gone, but I am now left reeking of fake "mountain breeze".

I've never been a big fan of scents. I don't wear perfume often, if ever. I stick to my Dove soap and Curel body lotion and it works for me. That said, I loathe scented detergent. I always buy the unscented, free of dyes and perfumes detergent for this very reason. But, I was in a rush and just grabbed the first dyer sheet I saw.

Apparently I have a very sensitive nose, but I really don't understand why we want our clothes to be tainted with all these fake-smelling scents. I think now you can even have your laundry smell like fruits-mango and citrus flavored detergents are on the market. It seems crazy to me.

What's even crazier is that most women (and I suppose men) wear perfume. So not only do their clothes smell like an Ocean Mist, but now, they also smell like flowery perfume. It just seems like such an odd mix.

I will be spending the rest of this work day nauseated by the scent of my shirt. I guess if these scented detergents are so popular, maybe I am the odd one?

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Back to School


Tonight after work I am going to take my niece and nephew to pick out their school supplies. They go back tomorrow. I am so excited. There is just something about brand new pencils, clean notebooks, shiny folders that thrills me.
It takes me back. I always loved the beginning of school. I enjoyed taking the trip to Office Max and picking up everything on the teacher's list. I never got into the fancy printed folders with cartoon or television characters on them. Instead, I stuck with basic colors--for instance, Language Arts was always yellow, Math was always read. I liked to be organized from the beginning and it just didn't make sense to have a My Little Pony folder for Social Studies. I would always veer off the list if it requested "wide-ruled" paper. Ridiculous--college ruled is the only way to go!

Looking back, I think I liked it because the first day of school was always a fresh start. There was the hope that your classmates would've forgotten that you were the one who threw up on the teacher's desk last winter. (They didn't). You know what I mean. With a "real job" there's no fresh start-every day is a continuation of the one before.

Everyone loves a new beginning. And it's even better when that new beginning is accompanied by freshly sharpened pencils and a new pencil box!

**The craziest thing is that I was reviewing their lists last night in anticipation for our trip tonight and some of the "supplies" seem rather outrageous. Ziploc baggies (all different sizes and MUST have the glide lock), Sharpie Ultra Fine Marker (um, I don't know why first grader would need this!), 2 rolls of paper towels, 3 boxes of tissues...you get the point. Seems we are providing some "supplies" for the teacher's household!




Next thing you know, students will be required to bring in toilet paper.




Friday, August 15, 2008

Large Coffee, Please!

Despite my better judgment, I stayed up until 1a.m. to finish watching the Women's Gymnastics All-Around Competition last night. It is an understatement to say I was exhausted when my alarm went off at 5:30a.m. this morning. But, how exciting! After last night's events, USA is now leading the total medal count-woohoo!

I think it's a good thing the Olympics are only two weeks long. Any longer than that, and I might lose my job for my semi-functioning in my sleep-deprived state.

In other news, I brought popcorn for lunch today only to find this sign taped to the microwave in my office's kitchen:

ATTENTION POPCORN MAKERS: PLEASE CLOSE THE DOOR BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER MAKING POPCORN. WHILE POPCORN MAY ARGUABLY BE DELICIOUS, THE SMELL IS UNBEARABLE.

Um, "arguably" delicious? Unbearable smell? Perhaps the only smell better than the smell of yummy, buttery popcorn is the smell of bacon sizzling in a frying pan.

People are weird.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

A sad state

While eating some cake yesterday ordered to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of a few attorneys in the office, my colleagues and I were discussing weddings and marriage. Someone stated that of the 10 or so weddings she had attended in the last year, she figured 2 would actually "make it" and stay together. That surprised me, but what surprised me more was that other people chimed in, agreeing and commenting that when they attend a wedding they usually can tell whether the couple "has what it takes" to last-and that most couples don't.

The whole conversation left me feeling angry and sad. Isn't the whole point of a wedding to publicly, before God, declare to the world your commitment to your spouse? A chance to request support and encouragement from close friends and family for what is sure to be a path with many bumps along the way? Apparently not. Instead, weddings today are a chance for a gigantic, expensive party to celebrate the combining of assets of two people who have probably been living together for 2 years anyway.

A wedding has become something that is expected of a couple that has been dating x number of years, rather than a celebration of a commitment to spend a lifetime together. Weddings today are "the next logical step."

My thoughts are all over the place on this, but mostly I just wish our world was more supportive of marriage. It literally feels sometimes like no one respects marriage. People flirt with others they know are married without any regard for the marital relationship-and then they find countless reasons to justify their behavior. This sickens me. When I see that happening (which I do-I think this is probably common in work environments), I just want to go up to people, shake them and say STOP IT, YOU ARE MARRIED. But, nobody does that. We all just turn our heads and indirectly add to the general disrespect our culture has for marriage.

I guess the thing is for me, I'd prefer people to not be placing bets at my wedding on whether or not I have what it takes to make a marriage work. If you really think the marriage won't work, don't you have a duty to suggest that BEFORE the wedding? I'd rather have people attending who have the intention of supporting my marriage, not there to condemn it while enjoying free booze and cake.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Which is better, number 1 or number 2?


I went to the eye doctor for my yearly appointment after work today.  I always get nervous at the eye doctor-like I'm going to fail the test. I had to take this peripheral vision exam and I was for real nervous I would miss one. I asked her if the patients at the beginning of the day tend to do better than those that come in after a day of tiring work. She looked at me like I was a moron and said "just click when you see the blinking light".

Surprise surprise my vision continues to get worse. I am extremely nearsighted but, I can see up close very well! I am in need of a new pair of glasses, so I let my doctor know that and I think as soon as I said that, I turned into a giant dollar sign. 

I have pretty decent eye insurance, but I can either get glasses or contacts, not both. This time I opted for the glasses because they are more expensive. And expensive they were! I left there dropping $264 on my glasses and "contact fitting" (whatever the he** that is, I have been wearing contacts for 14 years, I'm well aware of how they fit). This was after I denied the transitions lenses and anti-glare finish. Pre-insurance costs was something close to $650! 

I kept stressing to the lady helping me select frames that I would only be wearing these before bed or early in the morning, but I still ended up going for the "lightweight materials" upgrade and designer frames! She only showed me designer ones and convinced me that with my prescription, if I didn't go with the lightweight materials, my glasses would weight 50 lbs. 

I feel so taken advantage of--who knew even eye doctors will try to rob you of your money. I can only imagine how awful it is for someone without insurance!

*And I am secretly excited for my new specs, it's been 12 years since I had new frames!

Monday, August 11, 2008

Dressage?

There are so many Olympic sports I love to watch. However, there are also quite a few I don't understand. My parents get this Canadian station (I believe it's CBN or CBT or who knows) that has live coverage all day of the Olympics. At one point, I was watching some kind of equestrian event and it literally looked like a horse trotting in a circle (apparently this is called dressage). Steeplechase = cool. Horse trotting = boring.
So in 4 years, baseball will no longer be an Olympic sport because not enough countries play it. That is bogus. Here is my list of sports that should go well before baseball:

-BMX Racing (this is a new one this year)
-All equestrian events other than the steeplechase event
-Synchronized swimming
-Taekwondo
-Rhythmic gymnastics
-Judo (isn't this just Japanese wrestling?-I could be wrong here!)
-Table tennis

I don't understand why golf is not included in the Olympics. Strange.

Interestingly, when I went to wikipedia to see a comprehensive listing of Summer Olypmic events, I discovered Tug of War was an event between 1900 and 1920. BRING IT BACK!

Friday, August 08, 2008

Olympic Fever


Tonight the 2008 Summer Olympics begin. I cannot wait. Growing up, the Olympics were always a big deal in my house--probably because it was the only time the whole world got excited about sports like Track & Field and swimming.

So taking a look back in time...

4 years ago, I was IN GREECE for the start of the Olympics. I was "studying" abroad for law school on the island of Rhodes and spent the end of my trip in Athens. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, I spent two days in Athens with no hotel and no sleep. Yikes.

8 years ago, I was getting ready to head back to Wooster to begin my sophomore year of college--and to begin a week of grueling cross country camp. I had finally settled on a major, History, and a minor, English.

12 years ago, I was preparing for my sophomore year at Southview High School. This year would prove to be one of my favorite years in my high school "experience". That summer I had an Olympic swimsuit that had shiny silver torches and had "Atlanta 1996" written on it. Yeah, no Olympic swimwear this year.

16 years ago, I was just starting 6th grade. Mr. Meyers would be my teacher, and he would remain my favorite teacher I had growing up. This was the year of the Barcelona Olympics and I will never forget watching the diving competition with the city of Barcelona in the background. Gorgeous. I also remember that year in school, in art class, we had to make these paper mache busts of people we admired. I chose Carl Lewis.

20 years ago, good lord I am old! Ok, truth be told I don't remember these games at all. Is that bad? I was 7, give me a break!

I love the Olympics. I love that atheletes who work hard every day competing in a sport they love get to show off their skills before the entire world. They don't do it for a million dollar paycheck or celebrity notariety like the atheletes we seem to value here in America (I know they do get endorsements, but it's not the same). Instead, they do it because they are passionate about their sport and have pride in their country.

I'm looking forward to the opening ceremonies tonight, which I will be enjoying with my family in Toledo-just like the old days. :-)


*Happy Friday, and thank you to everyone for making yesterday so special!

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

27 years ago...


I was born! Ok, so was Katy. I've never had my own birthday, I've always shared it with my twin sister Katy. And that is a-ok by me. I was born exactly one minute before Katy, and I've always considered myself the wiser, mature sister. 
Since your 27th birthday only comes once, I thought I'd celebrate it with some pictures....


Katy and I on our birthday back in 1981. We were born in Vandalia, Ohio and yes, she is the one on the left sleeping. I was quite alert to make sure everyone was doing what needed to be done. Katy left the hospital 4 weeks before I did because I didn't weigh enough. Oh, how the times change!  

We went swimming at Fair Valley pool, and apparently I made a big fuss about it. Hello! Everyone knows it's child endangerment to perch your children on picnic tables for a silly picture!



We opened presents on Christmas morning, and despite the "boy" hair cuts my mom believed to be stylish, we got dolls like every other girl in America. (yes, that is dark brown carpet. I grew up in the 80s!)







We finally convinced our mom to let us grow our hair out...and wow! HOT. Nothing like a perm and some feathered bangs.





Despite all the silliness, Katy is my best friend. She has loved me with short hair, permed hair, and no hair! And I'll always be glad to share my birthday with her. 

Happy Birthday Kate!

Sweet Victory!

I did it! Last night, I defeated Steve in a game of Jeopardy to win the best of 7 series. The trophy IS MINE.
Unfortunately I do not have a photo of me with my trophy because Steve refused to take it for fear it would end up on this blog. Well, picture or no picture, victory is mine! It was a tough, controversial game, but in the end I prevailed.
At my niece and nephew's t-ball game on Saturday there were no "outs" or "winners". Well, I think that's silly. Winning feels GREAT!

Monday, August 04, 2008

Peter

7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4: 7-11

I was reading this last night and kept thinking that the Peter who wrote this was the same Peter who cut off some guy's ear before Jesus's curcifixion. The man who once seemed brash and overly assertive now writes to guide Christians to have self-control, to respect each other.

Somehwere along the way, Peter changed. He went from a man who acted on impulse and his own thinking, to a man who sought for his actions to always glorify God.

I often think I will always be a critical, judgmental person. It's how I'm wired. I'm more prone to be negative than positive. This way of thinking is easier for me--I don't have to change or desire to be changed. I am what I am.

But, that isn't so. People do change, and maybe not because of their own willpower. I think Peter changed because as he matured, he experienced and knew more and more about God. By being so intimately connected to God, Peter allowed himself to be transformed by God. And ultimately, that transformation glorified God, not Peter.

So, I need more of God, because the more I am filled by God, the more I experience with God, the more I give my life to God--the more my actions will naturally glorify God. It's a no brainer. Change is possible. I can experience God's peace in my life. But, real change begins with having more God in my life. He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Need clothes?

On August 29, I'm moving to a smaller apartment. I have to get rid of some stuff and, truth be told, I have needed to de-clutter for a while. Now, I don't have much "stuff" (I think all I have to be moved is a bed, dresser, nightstand and my clothing)--but, I do have a lot of clothes.

I spent my Sunday going through my closet and all the clothes in my dresser. I sorted, threw away, folded, cleaned and I realized a few things:

1. No one needs 14 pairs of jeans. While I have a reason for the each of the 7 pairs I saved, 14 was really quite excessive ;-)

2. I have WAY too many black shirts. Someone at work once commented I wear either black or white every day. I think those are the most flattering and professional colors, but yikes
my wardrobe is quite bland.

3. I parted with a LOT of old clothes. I finally got rid of this adorable JCrew plaid dress I've had since my freshman year of college. (Yep, 9 years old). I loved that dress-loved the way it looked, love the memories I have from
 when I wore it. But, I haven't worn it in nearly 4 years--it's just a dress, right!

4. While I got rid of a ton of clothes, I realized it is really hard for me to part with old t-shirts. Shirts from races and old sports teams--I just can't say goodbye. Even though I don't wear many of them anymore, I like the memories attached to them. So while I bought an under-the-bed storage container for them, I think I'd like to find out how to make them into a blanket or
 something. I've seen people do that before and it's pretty sweet!

5. I have spent a sickening amount of money on clothes over the years. In my "to goodwill" pile, I got rid of at least 3 pair of name brand pants that still had tags on them. I h
adn't worn any of them in at least one year. It's so easy to see something on sale and think "oh, I can't pass up these $9.99 jeans", but it just ends up being such a waste--of money, of space, etc. In one episode of Sex and the City, I remember Carrie realizing she could've put a down payment on an apartment with the amount of money spent on the shoes in her closet. I felt like that today-I wonder what I could have done with all that money I have invested in my rather monochromatic wardrobe over the years...






Thursday, July 31, 2008

Animal Love




Isn't this video amazing? Yes, I cried the first time I watched it.

*Make sure your volume is on to get the full effect ;-) Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

A bit of nostalgia


Ever since Jana returned from her Michigan expedition, Fiona has ditched my bed at night for Jana's. I have no idea why. Fiona is definitely a bed-hog (and yes, that is possible at 12lbs, she is amazing at scooting her way over until she is literally in the center of the bed), but I miss her!

This morning I was getting ready for work in our downstairs bathroom and Fi was laying down watching me blow dry my hair. I noticed her turn and look up the stairs, then proceed to climb them and, I'm assuming, hop into bed with Jana for her morning snooze.

For a moment I had a flash back to when Fi and I lived with my parents in Toledo and I had to teach her how to climb stairs. She was so frightened. I had to take a treat and lure her up those stairs, while showing her how to climb with her paws. It was sooooo cute. We'd get to the top and she'd whine for me to carry her back down. She is 3 now! Time goes so fast. :-)

(Yes, I am having nostalgic feelings about my dog that some would have for their children. Deal with it.)

Also, she likes corn. I've been trying to post a picture, but I think my work network won't allow it. I'll try to post it later.

In other news, I watched my first tv poker tournament last night and though I never thought I'd be saying this, it was really fun to watch! Who wants to front me $1500 so I can get in the game? kidding....;-)

*Here is the picture! 

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Jumbled thoughts on mortality...

I've always been accutely aware of my mortality. I remember being very young and having an understanding that eventually every living thing on this Earth would die. Morbid, right? It has always kind of freaked me out how fragile life is. Crazy tragedies happen every day. Incurable diseases can strike at any moment.

But, of course, I have hope. Jesus promises eternal life. I know as a Christian, heaven should provide an immense amount of comfort. But, sometimes it doesn't. (gasp!). Belief and trust have never just come naturally for me. Maybe they did when I was a small child, but I prefer to know things or to have them proven to me with logical arguments and LOTS of evidence in support of those arguments.

It's hard for me to grasp what heaven is--clounds and angels and sunshine all day long? Doubtful. I generally conceptualize heaven as the place or time where I finally am in direct communion with God-no more worrying, no more anguish in this broken world, no more fear. I like that--but again--what does that really look like or feel like. I have no clue!

The other side of this, for me, is that I like this life. I prefer not to think of this world as a waiting room for heaven- a place that I have to survive and get through until God decides it's time for me to go to heaven. The Kingdom of God is now, right? We don't have to wait to die to experience it.

I wonder, too, how heaven can be this place where there is no brokenness or despair when close family or friends aren't there with us. Today my mom is having surgery to remove what the doctors hope is the rest of the skin cancer on her nose. Now, I realize this is likely not a kind of cancer that will kill my mother. But, this surgery kind of further confirmed for me her mortality. I HATE thinking about my parents dying. But, I hate it even moreso because I don't know what will happen to them once they die. My parents were baptized when they were babies, but I am pretty sure they would not consider themselves Christians--though, maybe Christmas and Easter Christians.

And while I will never know what is in their heart of hearts or what they communicate (or don't communicate) with God, I can't help but wonder at what or how heaven can really be heaven without those we love.

I'm not writing this to scare myself into trying to persuade my parents to know Jesus personally. God does not need me to do any of that. But, I am convinced I need to do more with my life, with my calling from God to share the hope that I have with others. I no longer have to fear death and see it as the end. That is the scariest tragedy of all--someone dying without ever knowing real Hope.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Is Madonna now easy listening?


When I think of Madonna, I think of a musician who, over the years, has been very controversial--overtly sexual lyrics, plenty of relationships with lots of different men, etc.

To my surprise, while waiting to be transferred to an attorney I called, the hold music was Madonna's "Like a Virgin." Um, is it just me or does that seem slightly unprofessional?

Sure, I hummed along while I waited (I grew up in the late 80s/early 90s!), but yikes. I guess maybe I'm getting old enough that the music I used to consider "risky" is now bland and probably featured on 98.5.

Friday, July 25, 2008

The price for perfection (physically speaking)

On my way to work this morning, I was listening to a morning radio show that was discussing the latest trend in plastic surgery. Apparently, men can now have their abs "sculpted" into a six-pack through some special kind of liposuction. Amazing. Think how hot that would look--you're walking down the beach and this man with these sculpted abs walks by--but then you notice, the REST of his unsculpted body and begin to wonder--why does this man spend so much time doing sit ups and no time doing bicep curls? Hmm...

It's sad. Sad that a man would pay over $7,000 to have this procedure done. Sad that in our world youth and beauty are revered above most things, including wisdom and experience. Sad that I buy into this too, that I long for a "perfect" body, instead of celebrating a healthy body.

*Note-if you are a man considering this procedure, please know that you have to have a certain amount of fat, which the doctor on the radio called the "one inch test". If you can pull more than one inch of fat from your stomach, you need to lose weight first (hmm, maybe the ab muscles would develop naturally then?). However, if you have less than 1/2 inch of fat, you will need to gain weight. Ha!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

mmm tomatoes


While I adore a hamburger right off the grill or a juicy well-seasoned steak, in the summer tomatoes are at the peak of their season. So, I thought I'd share my favorite tomato recipe.

*And this is my kind of recipe-no measuring, no confusing instructions. You cannot mess it up, and it tastes delicious! (unless of course, you don't like tomatoes)

INGREDIENTS
Tomatoes--I prefer cherry/grape tomatoes and some of the little yellow pear-shaped tomatoes, but any ripe tomato will do
Fresh basil
Fresh homemade mozzarella cheese (NOT Kraft shredded, usually shaped in a ball)*
Extra virgin olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper

Slice tomatoes lengthwise and slice mozzarella into bite sized chunks. Chop basil into strips (or simply tear it into strips). Toss together in a bowl and sprinkle some olive oil over the salad. Add a small dash of the vinegar (a little goes a long way) and sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper over salad.
*You can replace the mozzarella with fresh grated Parmesan--it's a different taste, but still quite tasty

That's it! Pair it with some bread and you've got yourself a healthy summer meal.

Mmmm...

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Yikes




How about that lightning last night? While I generally love thunderstorms, I love 8 hours of sleep even more! I also love electricity and having hair that has been blow dried for work. My hair doesn't quite look the same "au naturale".


I had to physically hold Fiona under my covers so she would stop freaking out--FUN! Jana thought we might need to take cover in the basement :-) I was more concerned about the air conditioning being off due to losing power.


But, I managed alright with no lights. And I realized my pretty Lexis Nexis flashlight did NOT come with batteries. So I got ready by the light of my cell phone this morning (*note-not easy to put in your contacts with no light). The best part was that I still made it to the Rec center for a workout this morning. Being the idiot I am, I did not bring my stuff with me to shower there--in the air conditioning, with outlets for my hair dryer and lights. Lesson learned!


Oh well, it was a pretty fantastic light (and sound) show!

Monday, July 21, 2008

on my mind

“The voice of despair says, ‘ I sin over and over again. After endless promises to myself and others to do better next time, I find myself back again in the old dark places. Forget about trying to change. I have tried for years. It didn’t work and it will never work. It is better that I get out of people’s way, be forgotten, no longer around, dead.’

This strangely attractive voice takes all uncertainties away and puts an end to the struggle. It speaks unambiguously for the darkness and offers a clear-cut negative identity.

But Jesus came to open my ears to another voices that says, ‘I am your God, I have molded you with My own hands, and I love what I have made. I love you with a love that has no limits, because I love you as I am loved. Do not run away from Me. Come back to Me--not once, not twice, but always again. You are my child. How can you ever doubt that I will embrace you again, hold you against My breast, kiss you and let My hands run through your hair? I am your God--the God of mercy and compassion, the God of pardon and love, the God of tenderness and care. Please do not say that I have given up on you, that I cannot stand you any more, that there is no way back. It is not true. I so much want you to be with Me. I so much want you to be close to me. I know all your thoughts. I hear all your words. I see all your actions. And I love you because you are beautiful, made in My own image, an expression of My most intimate love. Do not judge yourself. Do not condemn yourself. Do not reject yourself.

Let My love touch the deepest, most hidden corners of your heart and reveal to you your own beauty, a beauty that you have lost sight of, but which will become visible to you again in the light of My mercy. Come, come, let Me wipe your tears, and let My mouth come close to your ear and say to you, ‘I love you, I love you, I love you.’ "

-Henri Nouwen

For someone like myself who tends to adopt a more "negative" outlook on things (and who is often frustrated with herself), this passage just speaks so much to me... thank you Henri Nouwen for so wonderfully describing the tender, comforting love of God.

Friday, July 18, 2008

It's a weekend for the movies.

Two movies I've been wanting to see open today--The Dark Knight and Mamma Mia!. (Don't make fun-I saw Mamma Mia! performed in London and it was spectacular.) Last night I was skimming Rotten Tomatoes for some movie reviews of each and I am now seriously wondering how these movie critics become critics. What a fantastic career that would be! Aside from being good, clever writers, I wonder what expertise it takes to categorize movies as masterpieces or failures (or rotten, as the case may be).

Perhaps the only job better would be a food critic...but I'd be terrible because I don't like foods like mushrooms and olives (and most cheeses) that snobby food-experts think are so flavorful.
TGIF! If you are off to the movies this weekend--enjoy! And enjoy the crowd :-) I heard at work today that Holiday Auto Theatre, a drive-in in Hamilton, Ohio, is showing The Dark Night, The Incredible Hulk, and Iron Man this weekend. How fun!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

incredible

On the Today show this morning, they featured the story of a dog who was reunited with his owners after being missing for 5 YEARS. You can read about the reunion here.

A few things struck me about this story:
1. Everyone makes fun of me for how protective I am of Fi getting loose-yet this dog got out of a FENCED IN YARD.

2. Dogs are amazingly loyal creatures. If you can listen or read that story and not get a little teary-eyed, you may just have a heart of stone.

3. Anyone with a dog should have it micro-chipped. At most it costs $35 dollars, and it ensures that if your pup's collar comes off, your dog can still be identified by any vet or shelter.

4. That story held my attention longer than the segment Matt Lauer did with Senators Joe Biden and Lindsey Graham regarding alleged "flip-flopping" of the presidential candidates. YAAAAAWWWWN. Is this a bad sign? I'm already tired of all the campaign talk. It just seems so unnecessarily dramatic and fake to me. Everyone always talks about how much they hate politicians, but I think the media and its treatment of politics, particularly the presidential campaign, is far worse.

5. I miss Fi. She is on vacation with her Aunt Katy until Saturday. *sigh*

Monday, July 14, 2008

The Beauty of Doing Nothing

I'm in the midst of reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I'll save my review of the entire book when I'm actually finished with it, but I came across this passage last night:

Americans have an inability to relax into sheer pleasure. Ours is an entertainment seeking nation, but not necessarily a pleasure seeking one. Americans spend billions to keep themselves amused with everything from porn to theme parks to wars, but that's not exactly the same thing as quiet enjoyment...Of course, we all inevitably work too hard, then we get burned out and have to spend the whole weekend in our pajamas, eating cereal straight out of the box and staring at the TV in a mild coma (which is the opposite of working, yes, but not exactly the same thing as pleasure). Americans don't really know how to do nothing.

She writes this passage while retelling her time spent in Italy--a country whose people cleary grasp the concept of taking pleasure in doing nothing. I really think in America (particularly corporate America), we're often made to feel guilty when we are "doing nothing." We are expected to be available 24/7--via e-mail or text or fax. We can't go on vacation without our blackberries and laptops, constantly yanked back to the stress of work the way I yank my dog around on a walk.

When I came back from my European vacation in the summer of 2003, I was convinced I was going to finish law school, learn Italian, and move to Italy and just be. But, alas, I got caught up in to-do lists, and career goals, blah blah. I think what most attracted me to Italy was just the more relaxed culture. I'm certainly not promoting a hedonistic existence, and I don't think the Bible guides to seek pleasure at all costs; but, I also don't believe America's culture of greed and career success is the end goal.

So, yeah, this memoir is making me think about how I can better appreciate the beauty of doing nothing. (In Italian it's il bel far niente, a pleasure even to say it!).

At the very least, maybe I should learn Italian. It's been 5 years since I came back from Europe and I still haven't done that...

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Get Your TiVO Ready!















Tonight at 8PM on CBS, the newest reality show, Greatest American Dog, will premier. Before you ask, the dog pictured above will not be on the show--but that's only because I didn't enter her and didn't even know it existed!

I know what you're thinking--reality television has gone too far this time! But, c'mon. You know you love American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. And maybe you won't admit it, but you've watched the Bachelor and America's Got Talent. So does it really seem that far off to watch a television show about man's best friend?

Even though America's Greatest Dog (see above) won't be featured, I'm looking forward to checking out this newest of reality tv shows! Enjoy ;-)

*Edit: I don't know what was going on with that original picture, but here is one just as cute!

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Modern Love

Last night before I went to bed, I was reading the New York Times online and somehow stumbled on this essay. NYT held an essay contest for college students to write about "modern love". This essay was a runner-up (there are four you can click to from there) and wow, did it define exactly how our modern world views love. I highly recommend reading all four-but this one in particular.

Most people I know my age have assumed a cynical, casual approach to love. Watch most movies made today or read new books and you rarely see a romantic, beautiful portrayal of a maturing, long-lasting relationship. Instead, you see selfishness, cheating, dishonesty, and purely ego-centric values glorified. Modern media affirms for us what we've learned from the exploding divorce rate and dysfunctional families. Marriages don't last. Relationships are too hard to be worth it. That soulmate stuff is just B.S.

People no longer go on dates. Instead, we adopt a "no strings attached" philosophy and convince ourselves that this is the way you never get hurt. We don't need to learn things like grace and compromise because modern relationships have no expectations--it's only about getting our instant needs met and moving on. We travel in groups of friends rather than committing to one person, moving from one casual encounter to the next-all the while convincing ourselves that this is freedom.

I've lived that philosophy and admit there are times it seems attractive. BUT, my experience has taught me that having such a selfish, fearful approach to relationships is anything but freeing.

I refuse to latch on to this modern myth that real love is impossible. I realize it's work. I realize I must sacrifice, mature, compromise, learn to be more flexible and grow up. I admit few relationships stand up to the Nicholas Sparks standard. But I believe real love is worth it. Contrary to our world's portrayal, real love is exciting-not boring, it's passionate--not ordinary.

Don't give up.

*In case you don't plan on clicking the link and reading the article, here is my favorite passage from the essay:

We’ve grown up in an age of rampant divorce and the accompanying tumult. The idea that two people can be happy together, maturing alongside each other, seems as false as a fairy tale. So when a relationship ends, it isn’t seen as bad. It’s held as evidence that the relationship was never any good to begin with.

MAYBE it’s just that we have learned nothing can compare to the perfect moment of the unexpected hookup — wet lips on the beach, lying in the sand — and so we aim to accumulate as many as possible. Or maybe we’re simply too immature to commit. That has been the rap against guys forever, but now women think the same way. With the world (and the world of sex) at our fingertips, it’s difficult to choose, to settle, to compromise.

But I do occasionally wonder: If we can’t get past ourselves and learn to sacrifice to be with another, then what is in store? A generation of selfish go-getters fueled by nothing more than our own egos, forever seeking that rare dose of self-esteem? An era of loneliness filled with commercial wants and mate selection based on the shallowest of criteria?

As a staunch proponent of my generation, I believe that, despite what it may seem, we appreciate the ways of love and affection but are simply waiting for them to take over. We might dally in the land of easy sex and stilted text-message flirtation, but deep down we crave the warm embrace of all-consuming love.

-"Let's Not Get to Know Each Other Better", Joel Walkowski, June 8, 2008-New York Times

Monday, July 07, 2008

The next time you begin to make a lawyer joke...

Consider this:

The average amount of law school debt owed at graduation soared 431 percent between 1987 to 2005, from $16,000 to $85,000...For some students, law school pays handsome dividends. With starting salaries at $160,000 and above at large New York City firms, even students who borrow $100,000 or more to attend law school reap substantial economic rewards. But most lawyers do not start at $160,000; the median starting salary at a two-to 10 lawyer firm is a whopping $110,000 less than at a Wall Street powerhouse [$50,000].*

-The New Math of Legal Education, Andrew P. Morriss and William D. Henderson, July 2008

I came across this article in my American Bar Association monthly journal and to be honest, the cost of my legal education weighs on me often. While consumer debt is one evil to be sure, the cost of higher education in America is getting out of control. I may not have amassed the average amount of debt as most law students, but that was only because I made a conscious decision to live with my parents and attend the University of Toledo. I could have attended a "better" school in perhaps a flashier city, but at what cost?

I don't know what the answer to the problem of soaring student loan debt in this country is, but I do know that this is not an issue that gets too much political attention (though, admittedly I may be misinformed!). Some entity is making a killing here-and I'm guessing it's all those loan consolidation companies that attack you once your grace period ends with the federal government.

The anxiety associated with my own student loan debt is exhausting. While I don't want to use it as an excuse, that large monthly payment is a huge factor that I always have to consider when I think about my future. It feels immobilizing.

My point in all this is that students should be better educated about the "cost" of their education. It saddens me to think of college freshman picking a major solely based on what job he/she can get after college to pay off that enormous debt. College should be a place where you learn how to learn; not where you pick up a trade. I'm so thankful I attended a liberal arts school and graduated with a degree in history/English rather than some degree that is essentially a voucher for a job. I'm a better writer for it. I'm a better lawyer for it. Mostly, I'm a better thinker for it (I know, that's debatable!).

America is the richest country in the world, yet we've created a higher education system that enslaves its graduates financially. People should be free to learn--and shouldn't be punished and targeted financially for their decision. And politicians should be ashamed for not investigating this issue more.

Anyway...sorry for the rant. But, just some food for thought the next time you think that lawyer you know is fancy and rich and lives a life of luxury. ;-)

*Starting prosecutors in Lucas County, Ohio (Toledo) make less than a starting teacher in a public school.

Thursday, July 03, 2008

You Know You're From Toledo When...

I'm off to Toledo for the Fourth of July weekend. In honor, I thought I'd share the following I came across...
Have a great long weekend! I can't wait to sleep in :-)

You Know You're from Toledo When...


1.) You're tired of hearing about Katie Holmes.
2.) You refuse to call it Westfield Shopping Center, because we all know it is really Franklin Park Mall.
3.) You've had a Rudy's hot dog, and have concluded with the rest of Toledo that it's really not that great.
4.) You freeze your butt off walking around the Toledo Zoo at 10 degrees because you want to see Christmas lights.
5.) You know how to drive in snow, rain, and hail.
6.) You know where the original Tony Packo's is at and you know what type of food famous people sign on the walls.
7.) If you see a driver who's driving erratically, you automatically check for the Michigan license plate.
8.) You know what Magic Wok is.
9.) Visiting Cedar Point is a tradition dating back to the elementary school years.
10.) You have a favorite room in the Toledo Art Museum.
11.) You know who Jamie Farr is.
12.) Cosi was a yearly class field trip.
13.) You graduated at the Stranahan.
14.) You know what Krogering is.
15.) You felt cool going to Ohio Skate on weekends as a kid.
16.) Your school was cancelled because of the 7 inches of snow you got during the night.
17.) You remember when Toledo didn't have ANY Wal-Marts.
18.) "Everybody's Zooing It" means something to you, and you can sing the song, weird accent and all.
19.) Seeing a giant, neon-colored, plastic frog sitting on the sidewalk is nothing unusual.
20.) You're so used to driving in construction that you feel odd driving where you can't see orange barrels.
21.) You know what Meijer is.
22.) You've been to a Mud Hens game.
23.) Your mayor decides to change the fire hydrant color.
24.) You get stopped by a train almost daily.
25.) You think having four all-girls and boys Catholic high schools in one city is normal.
26.) You know that Smurf ice cream is the only flavor worth eating at Mr. G's Barn.
27.) Your mayor has gotten into almost-fist-fights with people.
28.) You get into a legal jam and call Sam Bolotin.
29.) You'd rather drive an hour to Detroit than fly out of Toledo Express.
30.) You hate The Blade, but read it anyway.
31.) You miss Dave Carlson and now believe the weather is no longer the same.
32.) You know where to get the best Mexican/Chinese/Italian/Pizza, but still proclaim Toledo is running out of good restaurants.
33.) You can finish this Banner Mattress commercial: "No gimmicks, no tricks till 200_"
34.) You got confused when they added onto the mall.
35.) You agree Toledo is "a great place to raise a family" but you want to get the hell out as soon as possible.
36.) You're torn between rooting for BG or UT.
37.) You know of at least 3 clubs downtown, but are too afraid to go to any of them.
38.) You know Major Magic's was way better than Chuck E. Cheese's.
39.) You know what Q-Zar is and have a favorite team color.
40.) You have gotten or almost gotten a ticket in Ottawa Hills.
41.) You have at least one Race for the Cure t-shirt.
42.) You judge people by which Kroger's they go to.
43.) You know where the only White Castle in Toledo is.
44.) You remember the tunnel that used to go to the zoo and have jumped on the metal hatch at least 6 dozen times.
45.) It's not mini golf. It's putt-putt.
46.) You have four network TV news stations, but you only take two of them seriously.
47.) You know your choice in colors on OSU vs. Michigan day cuts out any decent conversation with half of your friends, because unlike most of Ohio towns, Toledo is 50% Michigan fans 50% Ohio State fans.
48.) You go to Michigan regularly and enjoy it even if you hate the team.
49.) You are used to food festivals (German, Polish, Irish and every other festival) and go to them even if you aren't of the nationality.
50.) You can explain snow and every other weather pattern.
51.) You drive around Sylvania because you know the neighborhoods with the best Christmas lights!
52.) You know why Toledo is called the "Glass City".
53.) Mentioning Telegraph Road conjures images of adult bookstores and strip clubs.
54.) You know that one of the most important battles ever to take place on the North American continent was the Battle of Fallen Timbers, yet they want to make the ground into another stupid mall.
55.) You can pronounce Maumee correctly.
56.) You know the best place in the world to buy cakes is Wixey's Bakery.
57.) You know what speed to drive on the Trail at night so that you never have to hit the brakes.
58.) You overheard at least one panicked conversation after the 9/11 attacks about how Davis-Besse was going to get blown up.
59.) You know and can explain what a buckeye is.
60.) Ending up in Michigan after taking a wrong turn does not incite panic because it's like going across the street.
61.) You remember Southwyck BEFORE it fell apart and became empty and crappy. Or you've even HEARD of Southwyck.
62.) You will always call MUO "MCO" and your parents will always call UT "TU."
63.) You wouldn't eat a fish from the Maumee River, and you wouldn't EVER swim in it.
64.) No matter what the story is, whether it's about a man from Japan or a tornado in Oklahoma, the news stations always find someone in Toledo who can relate or has been affected by it.
65.) You what they are referring to when they sing "There goes another one."
66.) You've paid less than $5 to park downtown for an entire day.
67.) You know what school a guy attends when he's referred to as a Frannie or a Johnny.
68.) You are well aware of the fact that there are three Kroger's along Glendale Avenue within 3 miles of each other.
69.) Macy's is still Marshall Field to you, or Marshall Field is still Hudson's. You also remember when Dillards was Lion.
70.) You remember when National Amusements didn't have a price-controlling monopoly on Toledo's major theaters.
71.) You claim that you hate going to the Jamie Farr (now Owens Corning) Classic at Highland Meadows, even though you really love it.
72.) You've met Marcy Kaptur.
73.) You can correctly answer the question on Trivial Pursuit Millenium Edition, about naming the mayor of an Ohio town that wanted to pass legislature to have all the deaf people moved out by the airport. THEN WE RE-ELECTED HIM!
74.) You know not to drive down Lagrange Street by yourself at night.
75.) You know who Walt Churchill is and remember Churchill's Supermarket.
76.) You know that when someone wants to be taken to St. V's, it's not a good thing.
77.) You tried to call a radio station and Johny D hung up on you.
78.) You hear "Springfield" and you know it has nothing to do with the Simpsons.
79.) You know that Spring Meadows has nothing to do with spring or meadows.
80.) Your childhood memories include riding the carousel at Southwyck Mall (before it got scary and empty).
81.) You remember when the Big Boy on Secor Road disappeared.
82.) A two bedroom apartment for $400/month is expensive.
83.) You've been on the Ohio Turnpike and don't mind paying the $0.50 to drive from the airport to Maumee because you know it will save time.
84.) You can remember the mummy being in the Egyptian room at the museum.
85.) You live in a suburb, but say you're from Toledo.
86.) The candidates for most elections are a party-endorsed Democrat and a Democrat running as an independent.
87.) You know that it's actually called Kroger but always say Krogers.
88.) You've been involved in or witnessed a fight break out at the Franklin Park Cinemas.
89.) You can drive 50mph through I-280's 35mph construction zone and know when to slow down cause there's usually a cop around the bend.
90.) You know that the BEST place to buy corn and strawberries is Monnette's Market!
91.) You frequently avoid seeing movies until they go to Super Cinemas and you can see it for $2 instead of $10.
92.) You think nothing of it when it snows one day and the day after, it's 70.
93.) You realize 1/3 of the population of Toledo has a Toledo Zoo sticker on their vehicle.
94.) You agree with John Denver that 'Saturday night in Toledo, Ohio is like being nowhere at all.'
95.) You measure distance in time and not miles.
96.) You know the slogan 'Toledo Loves its Jeep' and it means something to you.
97.) You remember those Affordable Chiropractic commercials where the guy always played the guitar.

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Grateful

This morning I awoke to combination of my feet burning and itching. I looked down and saw two fresh blisters and several mosquito bites. Last night Steve and I walked up to Mt. Storm park prepared to read books and enjoy a picnic. Instead we were greeted by SWARMS of little gnats and mosquitos, and even some bees! My shoes rubbed my feet the whole way--thus the cause of this morning's new blisters.


So I hopped out of bed rather grumpy. After a shower which stung my blisters (I had to pop and drain them, of course!), I drove to work in an even grumpier mood. On my walk from the parking garage to my office, I started asking myself-why am I being SO negative? Blisters aren't so bad. A few mosquito bites aren't going to kill me.


I tell you what, there are days I just need a slap in the face to remind me to have a little perspective. Why is it so much easier for me to focus on the negative?


-I wish I made more money. I am blessed to have a job that provides me with plenty of money to clothe and feed myself. f I have more than enough to provide for basic necessities and am able to treat myself to many luxuries many people cannot afford.

-I need to lose 10 lbs. I am grateful for a healthy body. I am able to run nearly every day and have money to purchase healthy food.

-I hate these blisters and mosquito bites. I had a great time relaxing with Steve last night. How lucky am I to have him in my life?

-I hate having to work so many hours. I am thankful for a job that challenges me and is providing me with excellent experience for whatever I choose to do in the future. Many people in this economy are losing jobs, yet, I am blessed to be employed with plenty to do!

-It's so hot outside. I am thankful I can afford air conditioning to escape the heat. I am grateful I live close to swimming pools and know how to swim.


You get the idea. I know I can't just magically flip a switch and become the most optimistic person ever. But, before I open my mouth to complain, I want to try to use a little "perspective filter" and realize things are definitely not bad at all. Life is GOOD. I am BLESSED with friends and family who love me, an amazing little dog, an education--so many things that many people are missing. But, instead of waking up every morning and getting on my knees to thank God for my comfortable bed, air conditioning, LIFE, I gripe about how my feet hurt.


No more of this "woe is me" crap. I am one of the luckiest people I know.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Like a Fish Out of Water

I decided, against my better judgment, to do a triathlon on July 13 at Kings Island. Please don't be impressed--it's only a "sprint" triathlon, a 400 Meter Swim, 13 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. I'm not too concerned with the run part. But, as for the bike/swim, I'm thinking I will be lucky to finish.


Tonight I decided to swim laps for the first time, in say, 3 years. Other than a brief stint when I broke my foot in 2006, I haven't swum laps since I was a senior in high school. YIKES. Let's just say it was awkward and really hard. Considering I used to race 500 Meters in under 6 minutes and it took me about 10 to swim my first 400 meters tonight, I'd say I'm in terrible shape. My lungs were strained, my arms burned, and I could barely swim for 30 minutes.  Nonetheless, swimming is such a great workout!  (And the hot tub when you're done is the best!) 



I think I'm going to be very sore come July 14.  

Friday, June 27, 2008

Vacation Re-Cap

Ok, so it's one week late. Seven days ago I returned from a much needed 10 day vacation to the Outer Banks-complete with endless sunshine, a very swim-able ocean and LOTS of delicious seafood. Perhaps best of all, Steve came along, met my crazy family for the first time, and we are still together! ;-)
I apologize in advance for the lack of photos. I am pretty sure my parents took 125 pictures of the grandkids and one picture of me, and since it was a picture of me on a beach in a bathing suit, it will not be going on this blog.
Highlights (in no particular order):
1. TOM-TOM-my newest and perhaps most favorite purchase ever. TOM was great at getting us to the OBX. If you don't have a GPS system, what are you waiting for? It is amazing-particularly for someone who is as directionally-challenged as myself.
2. Steve drove the entire way-there and back. I hate driving. I'm not a good driver and I love to sleep. So, this worked perfectly!
3. Outdoor shower. Enough said.
4. Wii bowling tournement with my family. I came in second. My mom ended up winning the $4 pot!
5. No pantyhose, suit jackets, high heels for 10 days. AHHHH.
6. Nighttime walk on the beach when there was a full moon. Gorgeous. The only distraction were the one million ghost crabs also joining us on our walk. I really think they could do a horror movie about those crabs.
7. Flying a kite for the first time! Seriously, I've never done that before.
8. Did I mention the food? I ate so well, maybe too well. Lots of crabcakes, scallops, shrimp and other seafood deliciousness. Plus real Key Lime Pie. Not that fake stuff you see around here. MMMM.
9. Spending a morning with my niece and nephew at the pool. They are the most well-behaved kids ever. They are also a lot of fun. The only bad thing is that they like Burger King. Sick. Oh, yeah, and my niece named her new stuffed hedgehog "Liz" because of our apparent resemblence.
10. I read 5 books! :-) And got a great tan while doing it.
I had a really wonderful time and it was great to relax and have literally nothing "to do" each day. Very peaceful.
Hope your summer vacations are just as relaxing!
*Note: I tried to better space this blog. But, no matter how I tried, it continued to single space it. Perhaps the most annoying 15 minutes I've spent in a while. I apologize for the readibility but I don't have the patience to mess with this any longer!!

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

One week from today...

my biggest worry will be whether I am getting tan lines!

*can't wait *

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Touch of Gray

Sir Thomas More: The law Roper, the law. I know what's legal, not what's right. And I'll stick to what's legal.
Roper: Then you set man's law above God's!
More: No, far below; but let me draw your attention to a fact--I'm not God. The currents and eddies of right and wrong, which you find such plain sailing, I can't navigate. I'm no voyager...

-A Man of all Season's, Robert Bolt

I fear I've spent the better part of 2008 classifying behavior (mine and others) as either right or wrong; sinful or unsinful. Now heading into the 6th month of the year, and I'm re-confirming what I've always felt to be true-it's quite difficult (and ridiculous) to try to have a black/white approach to life. 

In fact, I'd venture to say that most things in life remain in that ambiguous gray area. For instance, I can't conclusively say that point X is where you draw the line physically in a relationship or that X number of drinks is too many, etc. 

I think it's simplistic and ignorant to think following Jesus somehow makes it crystal clear what is right or wrong. If I'm just willing myself to not do certain things and do others, I lose the personal, merciful sides of God I love. I'm not trying to cheapen the importance of obedience to God. I'm merely saying "doing the right thing" isn't always so easy as it sounds.

Sure, I think it's easier sometimes to just try to live by what we perceive to be right and wrong and respond to moral issues with clear cut responses. But I think that type of approach can be kind of arrogant. It also sets us up to begin placing all behaviors on a sliding scale and we start thinking "well, I may do this but at least I don't do that".  And let's face it, that mentality is the opposite of the kingdom of God. 

I'd rather error on the side of grace for people (and myself!) and trust that God knows better than I do what is right and wrong. 

Monday, May 26, 2008

i love the food network

I have an obsession with the Food Network. I love spending Saturday and Sunday mornings drinking coffee, catching up on emails from work and watching Paula, Giada, and Rachel teach me how to make delicious dishes. One Sunday morning I watched the Food Network in HD on Steve's tv--and let me just say I am convinced whomever invented HD did so to showcase sports (of course), but also food!

It's funny because once in a while I will attempt one of the recipes I watch on tv--and it's so gratifying. (Although it can also be frustrating--one of Giada's dishes I tried to replicate ended up with the smoke alarm that would NOT stop going off). But, when it's all said and done, it's much more satisfying to attempt to make a recipe than simply watching it on tv. And I learn that way--I learn not only cooking techniques, but I also learn what spices I like or don't like and what flavors compliment together.  We all learn the best by actually doing, right? 

I think we all could "do" a little more and "watch" a little less. In all areas of my life I should be jumping in and getting my hands dirty so I can learn. Because it's harder (and much slower) to learn and grow by just watching from the sidelines and letting everybody else tell you what you do and don't need in your life. I firmly believe it's the messy mistakes in our own life that teach us the most. And those mistakes usually teach us way more than someone else's words or advice.  

Thursday, May 22, 2008

p & p

Tonight Steve and I watched Becoming Jane, a movie about Jane Austen and how a certain love interest in her life influenced her writing Pride and Prejudice. Yes, I owe Steve big for letting me pick the movie and letting me pick that movie. I am a very lucky woman.

Anyway...of course I came home and rummaged through my old, tattered copy of Pride and Prejudice. This book is definitely in my top 5 of all time, and may be my favorite. 

Either way, here are 2 passages I came across tonight. I love this story. Enjoy and have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

I cannot fix on the hour, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It was too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun. 
-Mr. Darcy, Chapter 60

You were disgusted with the women who were always speaking and looking, and thinking for your approbation alone. I roused, and interested you, because I was so unlike them.
-Elizabeth, Chapter 60

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

The essentials

This morning I went to give Fiona her scoop of dog food only to realize there were 5 little kibbles left in the bag. I rummaged around and ended up feeding her a half hot dog for breakfast since I figured that was the most dog-ish food in the house. (If that doesn't give you the picture of what an amazing parent I would be, I don't know what will)

It's been over 2 weeks since I've made a decent grocery store run and I am desperately in need of food, but I just was not in the mood for a long Kroger trip. So I decided I would make a trip to IGA on my way home from work for some essentials.

My essentials?
1 bag of dog food
1 "just for one" California Kitchen Pizza
2 bottles of vihno verde (the best summer wine ever-and no they were not for dinner, but IGA has been out of stock of this delicious 5.99 wine, so I figured I would stock up)
1 pack of Orbit Crystal Mint gum

The cashier scanned my items and said "looks like a fun night for you." And it was! Sometimes I get to thinking how great it is to be all grown up and get just what I want from the store, instead of what I need. Sure, I could've spent $20 on things like eggs and bread and lunch meat...but, somedays your "essentials" vary. :-)

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

sadness

I planted two little tomato plants with the hopes of having tomatoes I could pick right off and eat without having to go to the grocery store. And they are both on their way to dying. It's completely my fault. I planted them in pots that didn't have a hole for drainage and inadvertently placed them under a gutter (that is in desperate need of being cleaned out). So, every time it rains, they get dumped on. The poor little tomatoes are drowning! I am going to try to drill a hole in the pots tonight and put a stake in each one so they can grow up straight, but I think my dream of having tomatoes right outside on my deck is fading. 

In better news, I did win 2/3 games of Jeopardy on Saturday AND it's supposed to be a gorgeous Memorial Day Weekend! 

Sunday, May 18, 2008

self-sufficiency

"And how disastrous for us is the continual remembrance of death which war enforces. One of our best weapons, contented worldliness, is rendered useless. In wartime not even a human can believe that he is going to live forever."
-The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis


Two things happened to me today that were kind of convicting-1. I listened to a podcast of a talk given by Matt Chandler that suggested the danger of living a life where you are constantly trying to remain safe and in control (and how that essentially means you are saying you control God) and then 2. I read through half of The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis, and came across a section where Screwtape basically states one of his best weapons is when a person has "contented worldliness." 

I know that I struggle, and will likely always struggle, with pride. I consider myself intelligent (although God likes to use Jeopardy to humble me). I try to make logical, wise decisions. And in all of that, I try to control everything. I do certain things to control areas of my life, and in a sense, to create certain outcomes. For example, I work hard at work, put in long hours--to make sure I have job security. I call my sister and spend time with her, to make sure we stay close. I exercise daily and *try* to eat healthfully so that I will live longer. But while none of that is bad per se, it's dangerous to get content in relying on doing those things to create safety and security.

I mean, everything in this world is so futile. In his talk Matt Chandler kept saying "all it takes is one phone call" to disrupt everything I've worked so hard to control.  And in controlling everything, I'm making myself a slave to those things. That is not a free life. 

It's just another reminder that this life isn't mine. My life is God's--for Him to use how he wants. Everything is His and was created for His glory. Everything. True contentment, the kind of which Paul describes when he says he has learned to be content in all circumstances, is not a contentment derived from setting all his ducks in a row and having a safe life. Paul's contentment is a peace that he feels because he knows his life is not his, but God's. And recognizing that means he can be joyful and free even during the worst kind of suffering.

So far this year for me has really been learning how to be free. And I think to be free I have to learn to be content in the same manner Paul is. I can't create that kind of peace because I have money or a boyfriend or a loving family or health. All those things could be gone at any moment. 

I'm beginning to realize that true freedom and peace come from knowing my life is not mine, but God has given it to me and wants to use it to glorify Him. And I think that is pretty exciting. It's also a relief to not have to be a slave to everything else.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Welcome Home

I spent the weekend in Pittsburgh (Go Steelers!). When I arrived home about 2 hours ago, the house was empty. I opened the door to the most wonderful welcome. My 12lb dog literally lept into my arms, whimpering and licking me. She was so very very excited to see me. 
I really don't know if there is a better feeling than the sound of a dog running to the door ready to welcome you back home. No matter how much I neglect her, yell at her, push her off my bed, she still comes running with a tail wagging welcome.
I just love it. Extra treats for Fi!


(This is a picture of her welcoming me by stealing my sock--not even 10 minutes after I was home ;-) )

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Take Me Away


36 more days until I am relaxing on the sandy beaches of the Outer Banks.  I am very, very, very ready to get away and escape work, routine, and return refreshed. And I promise not to check my work email while away (more than 5 times--kidding! ;-) ).

Take me away
A secret place.
A Sweet escape.
Take me away.
-Take Me Away, Natasha Bedingfield