There Is No Better Way to Spend Your Time

A Really Great Date

2012-02-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

At our team lunch yesterday,

we were describing great dates.

Places, not people.

I thought for a minute and came up with this:

A visit to a Museum.

Such as The Natural History Museum

And then a meal...

At a place like Bottega Louie

It may be simple.

But it seems so fun.

Others said:

Hiking by the ocean

"Anything but batting cages"

A bike ride

What's your idea of a great date?

I'm A Model, You Know What I Mean?

2012-01-31T21:16:00.000-08:00

When I was younger,

I really wanted to be a model.

If you were to look through

the scrapbooks of

• class photos

• art projects

• about me sheets

You would see that I had

completed the sentence:

"When I grow up, I want to be ________"

with

a model

from Kindergarten

to fourth grade

when I got chubby.

What did you want to be

when you were a kid?

You Are A Human Animal

2012-01-30T08:13:00.000-08:00

Last week, a friend of mine came over

cooked dinner for the three of us
{my roommate included}

Painted my nails a bright, sparkly gold

And then we watched

Midnight in Paris

I had seen it in the theaters

alone on my day off...

{I love to see movies alone, do you?}

When it came to the party scene,

I mentioned,

"I would love to get married in a place decorated this way:

filled with ridiculous photos and displays of animals."

{photo via I Was The Golden Girl}

{photo via Okinawa Assault}

A few months ago, I bookmarked this wedding

I saw on Green Wedding Shoes.

I look at these wedding pictures

probably every six weeks

because I just love the feel of

The Natural History Museum.

I know this is not everyone's "cup of tea"

for a wedding venue.

I'm positive more than a few of my relatives would have

something to say about my choice of location.

But my preferred decorative style

could be described as cabin-y,

so this seems like it might fit just perfectly.

{Title from this post comes from a Mickey Mouse Club sing-along.}

It Seamed Like A Good Idea At The Time.

2012-01-27T22:56:00.000-08:00

I have a pair of tights

with back seams.

I've owned them for

at least six years

and have never worn them.

I've never even opened them.

I get so intimidated

at the thought of wearing them.

I purchased them

hoping for classic

but they feel

so much sluttier

than I had hoped.

Help me out here...

Back seams:

classy?

trashy?

*It should be noted that, while prepping for this post, I took a short detour through an online store and ended up purchasing this dress and these tights.

** It should also be noted that I'm not sorry.

Of Sandwiches and Suits

2012-01-26T21:06:00.000-08:00

I love Piet Mondrian.

I always have.

There is something so

simple and clean

about

straight lines

and primary colors.

I love this Mondrian

sandwich art.

{via A Cup Of Jo}

And I love that it came

from a blog called

Low Commitment Projects.

What a fun afternoon this must have been.

To create art from bread and condiments.

I would love to make stuff like this.

Just for fun, you know?

Speaking of things that are

well pieced together

{how's that for a segue?}

Check out this suit.

{via The Sartorialist}

I could be in to a dude in a three-piece suit.

Especially

when one of the three pieces

is a cardigan.

Love. Love. Love.

2012-01-25T19:55:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest list

of wonderful things

brought to me

{and now, to you}

by the internet.

This collection of collections

This beautiful hairstyle

{and incredible outfit}

A make-your-own

secret storage box!

A magazine rack

{that I might alter to be a coat rack}

A list of delicious dips?!

I may only eat dip for dinner

every night for the next month

So...

Did I miss anything?

Calligraphic Dreams

2012-01-24T22:03:00.000-08:00

I would love to learn calligraphy.

I've always loved lettering

{and typography}

Maybe calligraphy is the step to bridge

my love for writing

with

my love for crafting.

I think I might buy this set

when payday comes around.

*via Design Crush*

Love Lifts Us Up Where We Belong...

2012-01-19T22:16:00.000-08:00

My friends and I often joke about our "Love Languages"

I think it began when Bre said,

"I don't care about getting gifts,

I just like when people want to talk about me."

I had assumed that my primary love language was gifts,

since I love to receive "saw this and thought of you" presents.

I hadn't given much thought to my secondary love language

until today.

I had one of the most affirming conversations

with a new friend and co-worker.

I left his office and had to stop to write down

some of the things he had said to make sure

that I would really hear and receive his words.

It made me rethink just how much I love

and need

words of affirmation.

So, I decided to take the 5 Love Languages

assessment test

it was free.

and took about 8 minutes.

It pretty much confirmed what I already knew,

though I do like this explanation:

And never knew that I cared so much about

Acts of Service.

Maybe that's why I was so stoked

on my friends that helped me move?

Take the test...

I'd love to hear what your love languages are!

Baby July

2012-01-18T23:27:00.000-08:00

At my last home, we had a third roommate.

An uninvited third roommate.

A baby ghost.

His name was Baby July.

And only one person ever saw him.

{rewind.}

In September of 2010,

Bre and I moved in to our {then} new apartment.

My friend Amanda brought her son,

Scotty {at the time, about two years old}

to see the house.

Scotty is running around playing

and then

freezes.

He jumps in to Amanda's lap

pointing at the front door and repeating,

"baby. scary. scary. baby."

{fast forward six months}

This time, Amanda has all three kids.

We're eating McDonald's,

running around the house.

The kids go on to the balcony

and when Scotty comes back inside

he freezes again.

Jumps in Amanda's lap

points at the front door and repeats

"scary. baby. there. scary."

{fast forward another six months}

now July 2011

Once again, it is just Scotty with us.

He and I are playing for over an hour.

Amanda and I keep making eye contact

as if to say, "well, we've made it this long...

maybe he won't say anything!"

And then, I hit the beach ball

and it lands in the front doorway.

And Scotty freezes.

"You get it." he says.

those six months had brought with them

a larger vocabulary for Scotty.

I reply, "You get it."

"I can't," he says,

"there's a monster over there."

Amanda and I breathe a sigh of relief.

He continues.

"Yeah, a monster.

With a baby."

Amanda's eyes widen.

I don a smirk that is meant to communicate

a mix of shock and fear.

And still he continues.
"It's a baby with that monster.

The baby.

It's my baby brother.

His name is Baby July."

{Scotty is the youngest of three.}

He never bothered us,

Baby July.

He stayed in his little three-by-three entryway.

We'd say hello as we came in.

And I told this story as frequently as possible.

Much to the dismay of my friend, Luke.

It was bittersweet

to say goodbye to Baby July.

I know he didn't move with us.

Scotty was here on Sunday...

and there was no mention of his baby brother.

There Are Only Two Things I Love In This World: Everybody and Television*

2012-01-17T22:09:00.000-08:00

You can imagine my surprise

when we moved in to a new house

and I found out that my new roommate (Dre)

has never seen The O.C.

and what's worse...

she's spent years mocking it

and wasn't sure she wanted to watch it

And then.

We watched the first episode.

How can you resist

Ryan, Marissa, Seth and Summer

right?!

Really...

Seth Cohen

alone

is reason enough to watch

One week later,

we're almost finished with season one.

Three seasons to go.

And then on to Veronica Mars.

So much good TV in our future.

*do you know who said this?

Oh, It's A Jolly Holiday With Mary

2012-01-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

This morning, I finished watching Mary Poppins.

I had to watch in three installments,

to be sure it had my full attention.

As I watched, I kept thinking:

How cute is Bert?

and

Are Mary and Bert supposed to be more-than-friends?

--pause--

Did you know that Michael Banks

{well, the actor who played Michael Banks}

died at the age of 21 due to pancreatitis

they say was caused by eating "bad meat" in India?

Okay, back to Dick Van Dyke.

He's darling.

Even as Rob Petrie, he's just so cute.

He was also in a movie called

Dick Van Dyke Meets Bill Cosby.

Oh man, I'd really like to see that.

Here he is at age 86.

As it turns out,

I'm not the only young woman

who thinks he's darling.

He got engaged last week

to a woman who is 39.

Yep, he was 47 when she was born.

Oh, and one more thing.

How much is "Feed the Birds"

the "Cheer Up Charlie"

of Mary Poppins?

Seriously.

The fast-forward

or go-to-the-bathroom-now song.

It's the same with

Broadway Rhythm/Melody

from Singin' In The Rain

How Great Your Affections Are For Me

2012-01-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

I love this song.

I love how much the lyrics force me

to consider what I'm singing.

And what it means for our lives

if these words are true.

I love to listen to this song

and not sing along.

I love to sing this song

at the top of my lungs.

I love to hear a crowd of students

singing this song

at the top of their lungs.

I loved watching the man who wrote it

get choked-up talking about

how much God loves him.

Gonna Dress You Up In My Love

2012-01-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

I hardly ever wear pants.

This is not to say that I traipse around half-clothed

but that I choose dresses and skirts over trousers or jeans.

This all began almost three years ago.

I was moving home from Kenya

{where I had been living for seven months}

In those seven months, I wore jeans e v e r y d a y

{well, except for Sundays, when skirts are required in church}

I was anxious to get home and feel girly again.

To have the option to wear something other than the three pairs of jeans that had begun a little baggy and only grew to be more so after months of being washed in a bucket and line-dried. {There was never a worry of too tight waistlines in those days and I never had to lay on the bed to button them fresh out of the dryer.}

So, when I moved back to California, I began to

slowly but surely

replace my jeans-and-tshirt wardrobe

with a closet full of dresses

Here we are, three years later...

And I own one pair of jeans

which was worn {I think} seven times last year

In July of last year, I went to visit my dad in Cambria.

I had only packed dresses

for the trip, because why would I wear anything else?

Which was fine until the day he wanted to go hiking.

He and my brother were both pretty concerned over my choice of attire...

but it didn't stop me from

side-stepping across a pole over a stream

and then climbing over a rock to see a waterfall.

I got in the car afterward and told my dad

I would always wear a skirt when hiking.

Man it was comfortable...

and breezy.

A lot of people in my life question the comfort

{and functionality}

of dresses

Can you really move a house in a dress?

Yes.

Today, on The Sartorialist, I found a kindred spirit...

Who has taken this entire thing one-step further.

Her name is Sofia.

And she only wears dresses.

However, Sofia is also a

m a r a t h o n r u n n e r

What?

So fantastic.

I have zero desire to run marathons

but I have a pretty good feeling about

purchasing a tennis dress or two

to wear while working out

Maybe then I would enjoy exercising?

Read Sofia's interview with The Sartorialist here.

Working From Home

2012-01-11T11:35:00.000-08:00

I typically work from home on Wednesdays.

A big chunk of my job is writing or editing

I find it much easier to concentrate when I am

not surrounded by a dozen other people

{not because they are distracting, but because I am so easily distracted}

And so, on Wednesdays, I work from home.

I am always amazed at how much I can get done here.

Half of my to-do list was finished before 11:30 today.

As well as all of dishes and a load of laundry.

As a reward, I spent a little time shopping online during lunch.

It's funny how much I am drawn to bright colors...

Like this skirt

And this dress

Polka dots and stripes always catch my eye

And this skirt--which has pockets

I would love a pair of moccasins.

These are saved in my cart until payday.

Hoping to make Dave Ramsey proud.

But not too proud since I did buy these today.

I've been eyeing them since before Christmas,

when I stood in line at Urban for 15 minutes {without moving} before giving up

All that shopping

and I still had time in my lunch break

to watch an episode of The Cosby Show.

Not too shabby.

DIY-not?

2012-01-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

I have a strong desire to craft these days.

To make.

To create.

Really: To be artsy and awesome.

Here are a few of the DIY/make items that have bookmarked

from several sites over the last few months,

but they seem so ambitious that I'm a little afraid to try.

Newspaper Gift Bags

Beer Macaroni and Cheese

A Sputnik Chandelier

A Spin On Chocolate Milk

A Salvaged Wood Wall

Paper Typography

"The Only Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

I Will Ever Need To Know How To Make

For the Rest of My Life."

An Ice Cavern

{Okay, I couldn't make this,

but I could go see it...}

In theory, I'll be posting pictures of

my versions of these projects sometime soon.

Here's hoping.

Do You Sporcle?

2012-01-09T22:07:00.000-08:00

I've never really been one for video games {online or otherwise}
Until I found Sporcle

At first, it was simply a way for me to try to name all of the countries of the world in under 15 minutes {accomplished, by the way...though not as quickly as Leigh}

Then I began to venture in to other categories:*
• Name the U.S. Presidents
• Name the Elements of the Periodic Table
• Finish the Song Lyric

Then the Harry Potter games:
• Name the Top 200 Characters
• Name the missing item in each group
• Harry Potter Surnames

*There are also several sports games, but they don't interest me much

I purchased the app for my phone
{the free version is not really worth it}
and I lay in bed each night playing at least one or two of the recently loaded games

I know...this makes me sound like an incredible nerd.
{Harry Potter knowledge aside}
But, I would imagine, it would be equally as captivating for you

Check it out.
Let me know if there are any good games that I might be missing!

Spam-A-Lot

2012-01-07T00:29:00.000-08:00

I received this email today.

I've never been an athlete.

{Well, I was Captain of my Period 5 Badminton Team...

in those days, I was an athlete.}

I can't imagine an email "opening" that would describe me less...

except maybe:

Dear Thrill Seeker

Dear Jack Johnson Fan

If you had to choose one {or two} incredibly inaccurate "openings" for yourself...what would you choose?

Home Is Where The Art Is

2012-01-05T21:37:00.000-08:00

I have been moving in to a new house.

This is not news, I know.

Since the day we moved in, I have had a one-track mind:

::: hang pictures :::

In my head, it doesn't really feel like home until there are pictures on the walls.

As of today, we are 95% done.

All of the empty boxes were broken down and stored.

The kitchen table is finally cleared of clutter!

So I thought I'd give you a peek at how it's shaping-up around here.

{the following is the result a combination of minimal lighting and even less photography skills}

• living room •

Please note the portrait of the woman by the front door.

We rescued her from the Mariners Resource Center

She is still nameless {we are taking suggestions}

for now, I've been calling her Glory

{and repeatedly asking her not to haunt our house}

board games and blankets in the gifted red chest

topped with a gifted TV

{and one more shot of "Glory"}

• kitchen •

Inspired by Monica Geller, I have taken the cabinet doors off in all but one of my apartments.

The clock is gifted as well.

These pictures were a gift from my friend Wendy.

Three places I love: Africa, New York and London.

She hand-painted them from pictures she found online.

The black wall is our one-more-coat-required-soon-to-be chalkboard wall

• my room •

the frame is from my grandparents' storage

the lamp was my great-grandpa's

I hope my craft table will sit on this wall soon...

It has been in storage for three years.

I know this is probably too many pictures for one wall,

but how can I choose which to hang and which to store?

Why not just hang everything I love?

the New Yorker was a graduation gift from my dad...

it has been in every house we've lived in since I was born.

the Up picture was hand-painted by my friend Alanna {I have some talented friends}

the other two are from Urban Outfitters

{Two of my three roommates--in four years--have banished the Whale to my room...fine by me!}

• not pictured: roommate's room, laundry room, back patio •

I have a few more design ideas, so there are more pictures of this place on the horizon.

{Ideally, I'll figure out the lighting/camera situation before then.}

I'm Really Into Topknots.

2012-01-04T23:02:00.000-08:00

How cute are these girls in their cute, girly outfits and messy topknots?

{photos from of manrepeller.com}

Okay, this one's a little over-the-top, I'll give you that.

Evidently, they were all the rage in the spring fashion shows.

Even celebrities are rocking them...

Keri Russell

And yet, after a pre-Christmas Christmas dinner, as we were headed to the movies, I threw my hair in to a top knot and was mocked relentlessly for being serious about wearing my hair like that in public.

We're talking out loud laughter, side-mouth mutterings and even a "well, at least she's not embarrassed" comment in line at the movies. It was so much mocking that my mom even mentioned it again the next day, "They sure were concerned about your hair-do!"

I showed them...

I wore that silly gold ribbon that they had tied around my topknot all night.

Just look at how cool I look here:

topknot, 3D glasses, and a Chipmunk display.

Here's a little topknot tutorial for you, in case you're feeling gutsy.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to try this look for work tomorrow.

Can't wait to hear McGill's response.

Moving Right Along...

2012-01-03T23:12:00.000-08:00

I spent the week between Christmas and New Year's packing up an apartment.

And then spent the day before New Year's Eve moving in to a new condo.

That evening, I set up my entire bedroom and the majority of our living room.

Not too shabby for 13 hours.

But, I'm pretty sure that after that...time froze.

That must be the reason so few other changes have been made to this place, right?

I can attest to the fact that we have been working--pretty consistently, in fact--to unpack boxes and put things in their places, but there is so much more to be done. It's almost as if we're moving things around instead of putting them away. (If you had watched me try to hang pictures tonight, you would know that this is precisely what is happening sometimes.)

We got our refrigerator on Monday (a baby fridge from when I lived on the Flower streets.) Today the grocery shopping was 35% about what I want to eat this week and 65% about what will fit it the shelves and door of the refrigerator. (I'll take a few photos tomorrow so you can see what we're working with!)

Tonight, I came home from work and felt a little overwhelmed: how can I lay around when there is work to be done?

However, two hours ago, as I sat on my couch with my roommate, friend, and two of the three dudes from upstairs (I live next door to some of my very favorite friends--more on that later), none of the clutter mattered. This already felt like home.

A Photographic Recap of 2011

2012-01-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

Golfing with my Papa and Cousin on Valentine's Day {Feb}

Luke "artsy-ed up" some of my great-grandparents' slides {March}

Spent an afternoon with my grandpa and cousin, Elijah {April}

Played some Settlers of Catan

The game was not shirts vs skins, though it appears that way {May}

Our 2011 Kenya Team {June/July}

Brian

Grace (Left) rapped for Boaz

Met Alice in Bosnia Refugee Camp

Carried a ship on a plane

Korode and Peter

P.I.G. and Etao

Our photos hanging in the boys' room

Steve and the Matryoshka Doll

Hiking near Cambria with my dad and Reese {August}

Drove through Santa Barbara on my way home

Our five new HSM staff members {September}

Built a giant Settlers of Catan board

Turned 29 and visited Harry Potter World {October}

Renewed my driver's license

Darth, Dorothy and a Zombie Soldier {October}

Our team threw a costume party

Spoiler Alert: Snape Kills Dumbledore

I found a treasure of a vest for Ryanne

And she gave me the treasure of this photo

Celebrated Thanksgiving with my family {November}

Handmade each of my Christmas gifts {December}

Spent almost three hours opening gifts on Christmas Eve

Moved in to a new condo...with a new roommate

Rang in the New Year with 150 of my closest High School friends!

Excited to see all that 2012 will hold.

And, if the Mayans are wrong, you'll see another post just like this in January 2013.

2011 Questions

2012-01-01T22:17:00.000-08:00

The end-of-the-year survey tradition continues for a fifth year.

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

1) What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Worked for Matt McGill. Worked alongside Ryanne, Bre, Luke, Jon and Torie. Went to the Grand Canyon. Visited Harry Potter Land in Florida. Played Settlers of Catan (subsequently won Catan and built a giant Catan board.) Made every Christmas gift I gave. Gave announcements in Mariners main service. Bowled over 120. Golfed with my Papa. Learned to live on a budget (which includes paying for two different car repair trips without making a parent phone call.) And (how could I forget?!) I smashed out a car window with a giant metal pole. (Dig. It.)

2) Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I've made the same resolution for the last six years: be smarter. I'm fairly certain that I have finished each year a little wiser...and a little smarter.

I've made some plans for 2012 resolutions, but I'm not so sure about posting them just yet...I need a few weeks of success under my belt before I go public with them.

3) Did anyone close to you give birth?
Katie Hunt had a pretty sweet new kid. So did Wendy. Katie and Ron adopted a pretty sweet kid, too!

4) Did anyone close to you die?
Not technically in 2011, but I did lose a friend on January 1, 2012.

5) What countries did you visit?
Kenya. (Gosh, wouldn't it be great if this were the answer every year?!)

6) What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
A more gentle spirit. And a more tender heart.

7) What date(s) from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February 14th: I went golfing with my Grandpa and cousin Logan. September 11th: Played giant Catan. October 25th: HP Land.

8) What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Crossing several items off my 30 Things list

9) Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope. Neither of those.

10) What was the best thing you bought?
I bought a star gazer...that gave us a few evenings of loud laughter.

11) Whose behavior merited celebration?
Our HSM Kenya Team was incredible this summer.

12) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I'm still not crazy about sex traffickers.

13) Where did most of your money go?
Rent. Food. Gas. You know, awesome grown-up things.

14) What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Taking a second vacation with Katie. Working with some really good friends.

15) What song/album will always remind you of 2011?
Brooke Fraser's "Flags". Bon Iver, John Mark McMillan, Gungor

16) Compared to this time last year, are you:
Wiser? Yes. Healthier? Yes. Richer? I'd prefer to say I'm a better saver this year.

17) What do you wish you'd done more of?
Piano lessons. Exercise. Host dinner parties.

18) What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worry about meeting the expectations of others.

19) How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas service. Christmas gifts. Chili bar. LOTS of desserts. Four parties in three days.

20) Did you fall in love in 2011?
Maybe a little bit.

21) What was your favorite TV program?
Breaking Bad. Friday Night Lights. The Walking Dead.

22) What was the best book you read?
The Book Thief. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. The Imperfectionists.

23) What was your greatest musical discovery?
Jascha Heifetz.

24) What did you want and get?
To work with Bre. An apartment next to Dom and Luke.

25) What did you want and not get?
A sparkly gold skirt.

26) What was your favorite film of this year?
Harry Potter. Inglorious Basterds (new to me in 2011.) Super 8.

27) What did you do on your birthday, and how old did you turn?
I turned 29. Katie and I went to Harry Potter World. (I feel like I've mentioned this before.)

28) Which celebrity/public figure did you like the most?
I'm pretty in to Ryan Gosling, but who isn't these days?

29) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Lots of dresses...and tights...and flats.
I think the jean count for this year was less than 7.

30) What kept you sane?
Jesus.

31) Who did you miss?
My Kenyan friends. My London friends.

32) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Sometimes I can be wanted even if I'm not needed.

33) What did you gain this year?
Some wisdom. Some peace. Some weight.

34) What did you lose this year?
Some fear. Lots of hoarder-esque stuff.

35) Who was the best new person you met?
I feel like I've met a lot of people this year...so many that I really like. But if I had to choose one, I would choose my new friend Sara, who--after knowing me only 10 days--spent an entire day helping me move in to my new house...if that doesn't constitute "best", I don't know what does.

36) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Cheers to the friendships well worn in, that time nor distance alter. Cheers to the lessons not yet learned and to the trials that will teach them."

True Rules

2011-11-17T15:27:00.000-08:00

True Rules are "an idiosyncratic collection of principles for making decisions and setting priorities." (According to Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project)

In other words: rules that you've picked up, somewhere along the way, that you turn to (consciously or unconsciously) when making decisions. They are not necessarily widely recognized, and are--more often than not--learned from your parents.

After reading the book, I began to pay more attention to some of the True Rules that I have come to live by:

Write thank you notes within 1 week of receiving a gift
Respond to a dinner invitation with "What can I bring?"
Never show up empty-handed
There's no such thing as a budget when you're on vacation
Two is always the right portion-size when it comes to cookies
When forced to choose between two things, ask yourself: "Which is a once-in-a-lifetime event?" and choose that one
If you're bored, read a book
The best way to cure a headache is to eat some protein
Don't sit down until your house is clean
Clean your toilet before people come over
Soda is not a breakfast beverage, unless you're eating French Toast
Sponges are filled with bacteria and should never be used to wipe a counter

What are some True Rules that you adhere to?

In My Mind's Eye

2011-11-14T15:35:00.000-08:00

As I was reading my new book this morning, (The Visible Man by Chuck Klosterman) I realized that I was picturing this woman writing her letter from an office building that overlooked the McDonald's on Rockfield (by the 5 freeway in Lake Forest).

I drove past the McDonald's today, after having lunch with my mom. I thought, "I was here this morning..." and then realized: nope, only in my imagination.

I began to think through the other books that are set in Lake Forest (in my head) and through the magic of Google, I can show you precisely where they take place.

The McDonald's from The Visible Man. (Rockfield and Lake Forest Drive)

This is the neighborhood in which young Gatsby says goodbye to Daisy before he goes off to war. (Muirlands and El Toro Road)

About ten people were murdered at this gas station in Intensity by Dean Koontz. (Easily, the scariest book I've ever read--also the book that made me love reading.) I would rather run out of gas--alone. at night. than stop at this gas station after what I picture happening here. (El Toro Road and Moulton)

The Cullens live back here. In the homes across from El Toro High School and behind La Madera Elementary. (Toledo and Ridge Route)

Oh, and the moors--where Catherine and Heathcliff find love and wage war--are in between the 200 and 300 building at El Toro High School. Every. Time.

My childhood city is so often the backdrop for novels, though I'm not entirely sure why...maybe I should investigate the psychology behind it.

What about you?
Any strange locations in your nightly reading?

Another Online Round-Up

2011-11-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent pages I have bookmarked...

Thought you might like to have a look.

Rad wedding invitations. (You know how I flip for good typography.)

On the subject of lettering, check out these cool little cups.

I'm not one for houseplants, but would consider owning one simply for this display.

This year, my Christmas gifts will be packaged with love.

My heart is rooting for rain next week...if only for one more reason to make mac and cheese.

Having witnessed the excitement of Kenyans receiving a photo of themselves, I'm pretty in to Help-Portrait's project. Especially after reading the stories on this blog post.

I giggled through this entire video.

Your turn: have you seen anything on the world.wide.web that I might have missed?

I Really Wish I Had A Clever Title For This Post.

2011-11-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

A few highlights from this week:

I began writing a novel for NaNoWriMo (it is much more difficult--but, thankfully, also more fun--than I had anticipated)

My phone completely died. I went large portions of time this week without a phone. (It reminded me of Shannon's post about phone loss and its accompanying fears.) After many hours of "restoration", I threw in the towel and picked up a replacement. I don't think I'd realized how nice it is to have a fully functioning phone.

I attended a Hootenanny on Saturday. There was great music and were quite a few interesting people: I met one girl who writes and directs documentaries that depict the injustices facing children around the world and another who studied theology at Oxford.

I started reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. The author, Jonathan Safran Foer, is married to Nicole Krauss, author of A History of Love (one of my all-time favorite books). So far, it is beautiful.

"I like to see people reunited, maybe that's a silly thing, but what can I say, I like to see people run to each other, I like the kissing and the crying, I like the impatience, the stories that the mouth can't tell fast enough, the ears that aren't big enough, the eyes that can't take in all the change, I like the hugging, the bringing together, the end of missing someone[...]"

What are you reading right now? Are you enjoying it?

My Floridian Va-kate-tion

2011-10-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

In January of 2008, my friend Katie and I took a vacation to New York City. You can read about our adventures here.

A few months later, I moved to Kenya, turned 26 and made a list of 30 Things which included #4 Go on another vacation with Katie.

As my 29th birthday approached, we crossed that item off the list with a trip to Orlando, Florida.

We left really, really early on the morning of my birthday (Monday, the 24th).
When we landed in Florida and checked in to our hotel, we headed out to dinner at Macaroni Grill. (We hadn't eaten in about twelve hours...a chain restaurant would have to do.)

As we were waiting for our check, the lights went out. Not just flickered-on-and-off and then came back on...actually shut off. And not just that one restaurant...the entire block...and both sides of the street.

Katie said it created a little birthday ambiance.The next morning we were at Universal Studios when they opened.
Oh, have I mentioned that we went to Florida to see the Harry Potter Land at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure? Well, that's what drew us to Florida.

I knew that there were very few people in my life that would allow me to walk through this park at my desired pace...and Katie is, most definitely, one of them.

As we walked under the Welcome to Hogsmeade sign,
we saw it: The Hogwarts Express.

We wandered from shop to shop...

As soon as we saw The Three Broomsticks, we knew that's where we'd have lunch.
Kicked off the morning with a little Butterbeer.

And stood in line (in the queue) to be fit for a wand at Ollivander's Wand Shop.

The window displays were so detailed:

Quidditch supplies and World Cup paraphernalia.

Gilderoy Lockhart books and (moving) photographs.

And then we entered Ollivander's...

So many wands to choose from!

Including those of each main character.

We had to test them out, of course.

I chose Sirius' wand, since he's my favorite.

Katie fell in love with the Gryffindor robes

The Monster Book of Monsters
Stopped for photos with the school choir

Finally, we made it to Hogwarts.
Before taking the tour (and riding the ride), we decided to grab some lunch back in The Three Broomsticks.

The Hog's Head (next door)

After lunch (fish and chips and roasted chicken), we made our way back to Hogwarts.

Hall of (talking) portraits

Dumbledore's office

DumbledoreDragon skeleton

Harry, Ron and Hermione greeting the guests

The Fat Lady

Notice Board & Daily Prophet

Marauder's Map

We walked back from the castle, decided to take a break from the park to see the 7th movie (again)...

A few hours later, we did one more park walk-through.

Sirius' wanted poster

We spent the following day at Epcot enjoying the Food and Wine Festival: taster-sized servings of food from around the world--Ireland's Fisherman's Pie was the best! And finished the evening with a FREE BoyzIIMen concert. (Such a delight!)

Our trip was short, but really fun.
I love traveling with Katie.
We've already begun conversations about our 20-year Friendiversary Trip (which is only about three years away!)

With 367 Days Remaining...

2011-10-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Since tomorrow is my 29th birthday, it seems appropriate to update you on my Thirty Things To Do Before I'm Thirty list.

--> completed: 15
••• in progress: 4

••• 1. Read over 100 books [56 as of today]
--> 2. Get a giant tattoo
3. Perform somewhere (in a club, bar, coffee shop)
--> 4. Go on another vacation with Katie Edwards [we leave for Florida tomorrow morning!]
--> 5. Fit in the green dress
--> 6. Read through the entire Bible
7. Buy a Louis Vuitton overnight bag
--> 8. Watch at least 75 of the 100 Best Films of All Time
9. Throw two giant costume parties
10. Visit: a. Las Vegas • b. Grand Canyon c. Mt. Rushmore d. Old Faithful
--> 11. Score over 120 in a game of bowling
--> 12. Take a ballet class
--> 13. Go golfing with my Papa
14. Fluently speak a second language
15. Make a mosaic table for my house
16. Run a 5k
••• 17. Invite at least 20 people to church
••• 18. Write a book (even if it's never published) [November is National Novel Writing Month]
--> 19. Own some high-heeled boots
--> 20. Bring at least 10 students to Kitale, Kenya
--> 21. Learn to read music
22. Dress up and have dinner at a fancy restaurant
--> 23. Watch 9 new series of TV on DVD
24. Skydive
25. Live in New York
26. Kiss someone (a really good kiss)
--> 27. Make a delicious--from scratch--dinner for friends
--> 28. Spend an evening in a room lit by dozens of candles
--> 29. Learn to live on budget
••• 30. Learn to play an instrument

Here's To Happiness {part three}

2011-10-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

ten things that make me incredibly happy

1. completing an artsy project

2. having friends over for a homemade dinner

3. well-sung harmonies

4. reading a book by the fire

5. an unexpectedly funny joke

6. being called alice

7. hearing a story of God's faithfulness

8. the smell of a brand new 3-ring binder

9. receiving the 'i really like you' look when i walk in a room

10. a piano or violin solo...or a piano/violin duet

how about you...

what makes you incredibly happy?

you can read part one here

and part two here

oh, and i stole this idea from lovetaza

Let's Be Beautiful

2011-10-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have a song that you sing over and over (and over) again

...yet, for some reason, it doesn't get old?

It doesn't lose it's value?

It's almost as if it just keeps getting better?

Several songs that carry this feeling (memory. weight.) for me are by Tim Timmons.

("The Grateful" has been in my heart so deeply and for so long it became part of my newest tattoo.)

The way that Tim loves Jesus is inspiring.

I love the way he describes leading worship as "helping people to sing their prayers"

It is challenging to pray the songs he writes.

Recently, Tim left Mariners Church to begin what he calls "The second book in the trilogy of [his] life" and made a video to share about the beginnings of this journey.

Oh man, I can't wait to hear the songs that come out of this...

video by Luke StHilaire

Online Items I've Loved Lately...

2011-10-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

This 2012 wall calendar {crazy that 2012 is near enough to be checking out calendars!}

Find out how many slaves you have working for you based on your eating, shopping and living habits.

Incredibly tasty pumpkin chocolate chip cookies...which I've made four times in the last two weeks.

Gearing up to write a novel for National Novel Writing Month in November...

A potato-print letterpress project

Cambria: Day 2

2011-08-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

Antique shopping with the scariest mannequins I've ever seen
Doesn't this one look like she's wearing a mask?

A drive up the coast to Big Sur
And a surprise hike to a waterfall

My dad with a Gollum-esque stranger

A Southbound turnout

What my brother did for most of the day...

After a big dinner, we came home to watch a movie

My dad's home cinemas get better with each house

Zac is on his way home right now...
I'll head back tomorrow...
It's been a quick, but really fun visit!

Cambria: Day 1

2011-08-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

Get Out Of The Water And Don't Look Back

2011-08-04T23:32:00.000-07:00

I can't look at this shark photo without shivering.
It's so, so creepy.
Even if it's fake, it's still terrifying.

via A Cup Of Jo

Autumn(atically) Excited

2011-08-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

I am having a difficult time keeping my head in one season right now.

At least twice a day I catch myself thinking (and dreaming) about Fall.
Sometimes, I'm counting the number of days until October 1st (and considering making a paper chain).

I know, I know, it's only three days in to August.

Don't get me wrong; I'm in to summer.

I am in favor of dinner on the patio.
I am so happy living in a world where I can read by sunlight until almost 8pm.
I haven't been to the beach yet this summer (most of my July was dominated by Kenya), but I plan to make a post-camp visit...and when I do, I will hang out in that ocean for hours.

But, there is something so warm and delicious about Autumn, don't you think?

Granted, I'm a little biased, since it does mean we're that much closer to my birthday, but can't you almost smell--practically taste--"Fall"?

School supplies in Target. (I've stopped to smell the binders a few times already.) I love when they put the globes out--that's when you know school is back in session.

Pumpkin decorations. Pumpkin carving. Pumpkin-flavored desserts.

Sweaters. Blankets. Fireplaces. Umbrellas.

Donnie Darko. E.T. Beetlejuice. Harry Potter(s).

I'm fully embracing August, while eagerly awaiting October. (Sorry September.)

What's your favorite thing about Fall?

Love Is In The Heir

2011-08-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

I'm finding--more and more--as I grow up, that I love to spend time with my family...specifically my grandparents.

I know this is something that I should have loved as a teenager, and I don't think that I disliked it at any point, I am simply noticing that I really love it these days.

In the last few months, I have spent entire days--or large chunks of the day--with my grandparents. Most of the time, alone with my grandparents. Those are the days I love the most: when there are no other family members to invade conversation or with whom I am making conversation for long enough that my grandpa (Papa) turns back to the TV.

I love sitting with, talking to, reading alongside of my grandparents...both sets!

Here are some pictures from family days in the last few months:

My Papa and I spent an entire day reading our Kindles side-by-side.
First at Starbucks, then at his house (with some sandwiches!)

Later that afternoon, I read while Elijah played his DS on my lap

My cousin Logan and his birthday squirrel

Sitting around, taking family photos...
who wouldn't want to be in this family?

Sitting next to Elijah at family dinner. He says,
"There's no grass in Africa, I saw it on TV.
There's no grass, but there is Triceratops"

Last Saturday, the other side of my family (well, a few pieces) met for lunch in LA. My Grandpa and Grandma insisted that we have Famous French Dip Sandwiches.

Grandpa Don and my brother, Zac

Grandma Marlene and cousin, Laura (who was scolded for ordering a salad instead of a sandwich)

After lunch, we went to The Grove to walk around the Farmer's Market. This is the point in the day that I thought, in the past, I would be in a hurry to get home...but I really like being with my grandparents...I'm in no hurry.
Which leads us to yesterday. After church, I headed to Bum and Papa's (my maternal grandparents) to hang out for the afternoon. I stopped on the way and picked up bagels and we sat at the counter together, eating and chatting. Just the three of us...no one else to interrupt our time together!

Side note: I am aware of how selfish I sound as I'm writing about alone time...but my mother is the first of five girls (four of whom have two children each) and my dad is the eldest of seven (all of whom have children), so it's never (never) just one-on-one time in my family.

Later in the afternoon, Elijah joined us
we watched "How to Train Your Dragon" (well, Papa and I watched it...Elijah watched in-between karate sessions and running to the kitchen for snacks)

A little bit of snuggling
after Papa said, "Don't you dare snuggle me!"

When the movie was over, Elijah asked Papa to "go fishing in the closet"
Papa said, "Race ya!"

Heading to dinner with my mom.

Elijah drew some pictures to pass the time:
Papa as a little boy (who had glasses because "Papa can't see without them"), Papa's pet snake: Slippy, and Papa's pet Robot, Robby.

I am so thankful for the hours that I have spent with my family recently...and eagerly anticipating the times to come.

Thirty Things (An Update)

2011-07-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

On October 22, 2008, I made a list of 30 Things to Do Before I'm 30.
Since then, a few of the items have been tweaked and a few others have been replaced; mostly because accomplishing that specific item no longer holds appeal for me.

I am 15 months away from turning 30. (Yuck.)
And I have, so far, crossed 11 items off of my list.
Though, I'm getting closer to crossing off another four.

Tonight, I completed the 50th book--halfway to item number one on my list: "Read 100 books"

Here are the 50 books I have read since October 2008. (Not so impressive, I know: 50 books in almost two years? Get it together!) Those with an asterisk are those I would highly recommend.

Killing Yourself to Live by Chuck Klosterman
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee*
Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald*
Downtown Owl by Chuck Klosterman
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange
Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl*
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Summer of Naked Swim Parties by Jessica Anya Blau
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury*
In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen*
House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros*
Fathered By God by John Eldredge*
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge*
Spud...The Madness Continues by John Van de Ruit
Celebutantes by Amanda Goldberg
And the Hippos Were Boiled In Their Tanks by Jack Kerouac
Eating the Dinosaur by Chuck Klosterman
Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar
The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson*
The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson*
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson*
East of Eden by John Steinbeck**
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins*
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins*
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins*
The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck
Quentins by Maeve Binchy
The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman*
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Little Bee by Chris Cleave*
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Someone Like You by Roald Dahl
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl
George's Marvelous Medicine by Roald Dahl
The Help by Kathryn Stockett*
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling*

I have three stacks of books waiting to be read (I'm fairly certain you could guess what the next six will be...) Hoping to make it to 100 before October 2012!
(That is, if the world doesn't end before then...)

To Serve Man

2011-07-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

I love this video.

The text, the graphics, the lighting...just so clever.

Found on Design Crush Happy Weekend

Splitscreen: A Love Story

2011-07-01T20:43:00.001-07:00

Have you seen this?
It's beautiful.

Splitscreen: A Love Story from JW Griffiths on Vimeo.

Today

2011-06-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

Today, I will take another trip to Kenya.
Today, I will ride in two different planes.
Today, I will begin several conversations that will last for the next two weeks.
Today, I will sleep--and finally get rid of the eye twitch.
Today, I will be one step closer crossing something else off of my 30 Things List.
Today, I will laugh...a lot.
Today, I will watch as God begins stories.
Today, I will watch as God continues stories.
Today, I will prepare myself for God to end stories.
Today, I will listen as God speaks.

I'm mostly excited.
And a little nervous.

I guess we'll see what happens.
Read all about it.
I'll be posting HERE for the next three weeks.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

To my dad...

My Grandpa Don...

And to my sweet Papa!

{the only one of these three that reads this blog,

so he gets three pictures!}

Love ya, Pops!

You Are What You Eat

2011-06-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

Every Friday, I look forward to the Design Crush "Happy Weekend" post. Always filled with links to incredible things to view, create or purchase. (It's where I found my paper Andy Warhol.)

Yesterday's post had a link to You Are What You Eat: "a series of portraits made by examining the interiors of refrigerators in homes across the United States." by Mark Menjivar.

Here are a few of my favorite photos and descriptions:

Engineer | Lower Pottsgrove, PA | 17-Person Household

Italian-Puerto Rican Family Reunion

Bar Tender | San Antonio, TX | 1-Person Household
Goes to sleep at 8AM and wakes up at 4PM daily.

Carpenter/Photographer | San Antonio, TX | 3-Person Household
12 Point Buck shot on family property.

This one (below) is my favorite...can you guess why?

Short Order Cook | Marathon,TX | 2-Person Household

She can bench press over 300lbs. | 2007

I wish I could meet this woman and find out why she has a rattlesnake in her freezer. Incredible.

I am consistently amazed by the creativity of others. Who would have thought that photographs of the refrigerators of strangers would be so fascinating?

Visit the site and see the others in the series.

It's worth your time.

Letter(IM)pressed

2011-06-17T22:19:00.000-07:00

You know how much I love typography, don't you?

Well, with my love for letters, language, and design (and, evidently, the Oxford comma) in mind, watch this video.

Do you understand why this makes me want to buy a letterpress?

What's the first thing I would print?

I'm so glad you asked.

My own version of a "Poor Richard's Almanac"

with the help of a small mouse, of course. (see minute 8)

I Don't Want This Weekend To End.

2011-05-31T00:17:00.000-07:00

What a full, fun {and productive} weekend.

It began strong:
I beat Dom, Matt and Mish in Catan.

Saturday:
I caught up on Grey's Anatomy:
completely unimportant, I know
I signed up for a 5K:
In September. Would you like to join me?
Picked up our 16 days {at least} of mail that had been taken back to the Post Office
While I was there, I received two strong recommendations to pick up my mail daily since I get a lot of mail because "people think about [me] a lot".

Then I watched these people get married:

They were the most relaxed bride and groom I have ever seen. I really like Josh and Christina...which was only confirmed as I watched the beauty in the simplicity of their wedding. No need for a giant wedding party or lots of bells and whistles; the day was about the two of them getting married...and that's what happened.

After the wedding: dinner and a movie with Katie and Ron:

Always a treat!

And finished two books before bed:

Sunday:
My new Sunday routine: HSM service | Lunch | Nap
I created my Kenya 2011 support letter
Went to 7pm Chapel service:
one of the highlights of each weekend
Bre wrote a ridiculous {and, of course, hilarious} song
We gathered for two games of Settlers of Catan:
three {or four} hours at this table

Monday:
A few episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210:
Thanks Gina!

A good house-cleaning:
soundtrack by Madonna, George Michael and Jay-Z {they go together, right?}
Target | Staples | Starbucks
Address, stuff, stamp and seal Kenya support letters
A big gathering {with dinner and dessert} at the Edwards:
such easy, comfortable friends
And, no Monday would be complete without bowling:
I'm not sure what I bowled tonight, but I know I had fun
Finished one more book:

Now, here it is: 1am
And I really should be sleeping

A Road Trip: In Pictures (Well, And Some Commentary)

2011-05-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Three of the five Mariners HSM team members had not seen our Summer Camp site: Lost Canyon in Williams, Arizona. Obviously, a scout trip was necessary.

This year, we are partnering with Southwest Community Church in Indian Wells, CA. (Their Student Ministries Pastor, Aaron Gutridge, and our Student Ministries Pastor, Matt McGill, have been friends since High School.) So, three of their staff took the trip with us.

Four boys and three girls.
seven-straight-hours of talking.
and the girls were reading and sleeping.

Lunch at Cracker Barrel
Yum.

Ryanne and I shared the
Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake

Classic Cracker Barrel photo

Two hours later, we arrived.
Or, as Matt would say, "Somehow we found it!"

Last year, I had tried to sneak away from camp to see the Grand Canyon (only an hour away), but just couldn't make it happen. So, Ryanne and Brooke arranged a visit this time!

We made it just a few minutes before sunset.
It was beautiful!

Matt was parking the car, so he missed the sunset.
He walked up and said "Eh, I'm seeing it now...it's still cool."

The Mariners HSM Team {minus BP}
Ryanne, {me}, Matt and Brooke

Some mediocre Mexican food and a night's sleep later.
And we were back in the car driving home.
Seven more hours of talking (again, just the guys.)
We did, of course, stop at Cracker Barrel again. Yum.
(We were all so tired and car-ride-looking that I couldn't post those photos.)

Half-way home, Matt said he wanted to "show us something"...
So he pulled over on the side of the road and got out of the car.
The girls stayed put...it was too hot to explore the desert.
The dudes got out and kicked dirt around and pretended to see snakes.

We dropped the Southwest team and made a final stop at Starbucks.

The best line of the trip came from Matt as we were crossing back through Riverside. He said, "Okay, I need 30 seconds of no talking."
We, of course, burst in to laughter since he had been the one leading the previous 14 hours of car ride conversation.
To which he responded, "Well, 14 hours of conversation with those guys and I'm just fine...14 minutes of conversation with you three ladies and I need a break!"

We continued to laugh...and talk--mostly over one another--all the way home.
Exhausted, but excited, our two day scout trip was over.
And I was able to cross another item off of my 30 Things List!

How Do I Get This Job?

2011-05-28T00:02:00.001-07:00

Rachael Morrison is working to smell every book
in the Museum of Modern Art Library Collection.

She then records the smell of each...
My favorites: old person smell | dirty sock | glue and armpit

Seriously. I would love to make art that's this awesome.
And delicious smelling.

The Burning House

2011-05-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

The concept: If your house was burning, what would you take with you? It's a conflict between what's practical, valuable and sentimental. What you would take reflects your interests, background and priorities? Think of it as an interview condensed into one question.

Then: one photo.

And a short list describing each item in the photo.

So simple. So clever.

Amy Merrick

Luca Mariani

Mikael Kennedy

I think I'm going to submit my photo...

The-Burning-House.com

I Am Ridiculous

2011-05-18T10:05:00.001-07:00

I am absolutely ridiculous.

And I know it full well.

I can't stop my brain from looking at photos, reading blogs, or hearing stories

and thinking...ugh!

I want to live

here

or here

But then, I remember.

I love my job, my friends, my house, my roommate, my small group

I almost said I love Settlers of Catan, but that's just embarrassing.

And, really, who wouldn't want to live here?

Love. Love. Love. (Volume 3)

2011-04-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

Well, seeing as I wasn't very good at blogging this week, how about a post about nothing?
Here's yet another list of items I've just recently come to love:

{Inglorious Basterds}

{Parks and Recreation: Season 2}

{The Royal Sons}
Listen here. Download here.

{The Sartorialist's series: Easter In Harlem, New York}

{Yogurtland}
I know, I'm behind the times.

I Love Clean Water. Don't You?

2011-04-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

A combination of favorites: Charity Water and Kristen Bell.

Love. Love. Love

2011-04-17T23:20:00.001-07:00

Just a short Monday list of things that I love:

Little Bee by Chris Cleave
I mean, so good. I read it in about three days.
So good.

Stick Wars

{evidently, I'm pretty in to iPhone games right now...
who would've thought?}

I really love Daily Dose of Imagery
this is one of my favorite photos from this week

This gigantic Scrabble board
{Also from MIT; the same project as the Settlers board}

I don't really cook...
because, no one is all that interested in spaghetti or fajitas
{though I do make incredible grilled cheese and tomato soup}
But I'd like to think I could get some mileage out of this:
Skewer Station from Sur La Table

Hope your Monday is as lovely as mine!

Settlers of Catan

2011-04-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night, Dom and Luke came over to teach us (me and Bre) to play Settlers of Catan.

For over a week, Bre had been talking to Dominik about making this game happen. In the meantime, she had taken notes on the rules and strategy. She entered in to the evening, convinced she would win the game.

It took about 15 minutes to give the rules and instructions. (Bre was quick to pretend all of this was foreign to her.)

And then we played.

Typical game board

Life-size board, built at MIT

--Pause--
I hate being bad at things. I dislike being inefficient or unsuccessful.

This translates in to all areas of my life: it is so much more enjoyable to fill my time with things that I can do well. This is the main reason I do not play sports. If I'm not going to be one of the best or fastest, it will only frustrate me.

Yes, yet another similarity to Monica Geller.

--Play--
So, these three people are equally as competitive as I am, (if not more so). Two had been playing for years and the other had been mentally playing for a week.

I had to prove that I could hold my own. I tried my best to place my pieces strategically and purchase resources in a way that made it look like I knew what I was doing. I really, really didn't want to look like an idiot.

Dom and Luke went easy on us (though, not on each other). But that didn't stop Bre and I from competing. (I may have raised my voice at both Bre and Dom--on separate turns--for rushing me.)

Ten points wins the game.
Bre and I each had nine.

I needed to trade one resource to make the right combination to purchase a settlement and win the game. Bre was next and only needed to play her Development card (worth one point).

The boys could not choose to let me win (and, so, choose to let Bre lose) by giving me that resource, so they stayed out of it...

And, so, I lost.
And Bre won.
And she was amazingly excited.

We played two more games last night...Dom won both.
Bre was not as happy with that ending.
So I suppose we'll be playing more often.

Come join us, if you'd like...but be prepared for some heated competition.

Jascha Heifetz

2011-04-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to Classical KUSC on the radio...all the time.

Seriously, I only want to listen to classical music nowadays. (I have no idea how that came about...it's akin to my sudden love for orange juice.)

This morning, they were playing pieces by Jascha Heifetz, calling him the world's most renowned violinist. Which, of course, is really intriguing to me...

I'm also really intrigued by the era of the Second World War. I'm so interested that life continued for those that were not fighting in the war. People made movies and music, they went to school. (I knew that was happening, but knowing all the chaos that happened during those years, it's fascinating to me.)

So having discovered that Jascha played in mess halls for the soldiers, only makes me want to see this movie even more.

Love. Love. Love.

2011-04-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

How about a little list of things that I have recently come to love?
Well, I thought you'd never ask.

The African Queen

Claude Debussy {I want to love other composers,
but Debussy has really captured my heart}

Rosemary and Olive Oil Triscuit Crackers {yum}

Bubble Xplode {I love this too much, probably}

I also really love making my lunch and bringing it to work...though I'm not sure I could find a Google image of that.

What do you love that I might need to check out?

The Roommate (But Not Creepy Like Leighton Meester)

2011-04-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

So, I have a roommate. Her name is Bre.

She is, easily, one of the most entertaining people in my life.

We met a few years ago, when she asked if she could come to Kenya with me.

We stayed there for 7 weeks...shared a bed, even...about 3 days in, she put the mosquito net down around our bed and said, "Oh, how romantic!" Yep, she's a creep...a big, hilarious creep.

Clearly, we were going to be friends.

{me, Bre and Cleophas: the Kitale compound guard}

{at Boys House 2. She said,

"If I ever have a Facebook,

this will be my profile picture"}

{Bre went back to Kitale last Summer,

and stayed for two months.

This is on the way to a mobile medical clinic

with Jennifer and Baby Chris.}

In September, we figured that if we could share a room (and bed) in Kitale and still want to be friends, we could certainly share a two-bedroom apartment in Irvine.

I knew that she'd be fun to live with, I just didn't know how funny she'd be to live with.

So funny, in fact, that I began a twitter account just to keep record of the ridiculous things she says.

Here are a few examples:

"You know what I love about The King's Speech? That it's a movie with a bunch of nobodies! Oh, they're famous? Not in my world they're not."

"I want to make one thing really clear: I'm no longer in to The Black-Eyed Peas. Only Fergie."

"Today is One Day Without Shoes? Pssshh, I never wear shoes on Tuesdays."

I know. So good.

She allowed me to create the account with three conditions:

I never tell her when or what I've tweeted
I never tell who is following the account
The stream is never, ever linked to Facebook

So, if you are willing to abide by these rules, you are welcome to Follow bredoordee on Twitter. If you'd rather not, that's fine, but please, don't mention it to her and ruin it for everyone.

She really is the best...wouldn't you say?

{last Sunday at my Grandpa's 70th birthday party}

I Adohr Spring Cleaning

2011-04-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I took another trip to my storage unit.

As I worked, I realized that many of these boxes were packed while I was living in Kenya and have been moved twice, but never opened since. That was almost three years ago.

Some boxes were filled with trash: old paycheck stubs or bills that had been paid online, stacked in a corner and then tossed in to a box in the madness of packing. There was a LARGE collection of trash bags, boxes and containers...

Other boxes were a mix of textbooks and personal reading books. My bookshelves were organized, not by author or genre, but by type of book, (for example: text books, scrapbooks, "to read", favorite books, borrowed books) but since everything was packed quickly, I did not pack my bookshelves and everything was mixed together. This meant there were also quite a few books in a DONATE box.

Still other boxes were filled with memories: old letters, mix CDs from high school, and some items that I kept when we cleaned out my great-grandparents home.

I worked for four hours...listening to playlist after playlist, drinking my coffee (and water, of course) as I opened box after box, talking and laughing to myself about all that had been collected and has been stored for the last two years.

{my great-grandpa's name tag and uniform patch, from
when he worked as a milkman for Adohr Farms,
found in a box of my Nana's sewing needles and thread}

{About halfway through the process, when I stopped to go to the bathroom,
but ran there and back to make sure I could be around
if someone was actually trying to get in to the storage units
on either side or directly across from mine.}

{I'm sure you can't tell, but it is sorted:
trash, keep, donate to the Mariners Resource Center,
donate to a Library, give away as presents. Papa, do you see the
Cardoza DiLallo Harrington sign in the corner? I'm keeping that!}

{A small glimpse of the untouched-half of the space...
if anyone is looking for a small "apartment refrigerator", I have a spare!}

{The storage facility does not have a dumpster on-site,
so everything was tucked in to my car...
I drove straight home and unloaded,
mostly in to the recycling bin and trash dumpster.}

It feels great to have lost all of that stuff...one step further from being classified as a hoarder.

Trying To Get Down To The Heart Of The Matter...

2011-04-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

I have had several conversations around the topic of forgiveness in the last week.
Church was all about forgiveness last week.
It seemed as though every student I met with this week was dancing around forgiveness.

And I just kept thinking, "Is there anyone in my life that I need to forgive?"
And the answer was always no.

I am quick to forgive.
most of the time.
I {in the last few years} have grown incapable of not saying how I feel. That is to say, of keeping my emotions inside.

It seems like so much work to expect someone to know what I'm thinking or feeling; like unnecessary amounts of frustration or tears because they are not responding they way they should know that I want them to.

So, instead, I just tell them...

I do my best to "speak from my 'I' voice" (you know: "when you do this, I feel this"). It is never my intention to hurt feelings simply because my feelings are or were hurt.

I think I resolve conflicts. (I don't think I run toward them, but I don't shy away from them.)
I think I talk it out, forgive and move on.

but...

I don't think I'm great at asking for forgiveness.
Often, I'm unaware, in the midst of my selfishness, busyness or noisiness.
I forget that I could whirlwind others in to feeling left-out, overlooked or even blatantly hurt.

And so it is with new eyes that I have been facing the world in the last few days.
I suppose there is some growth in my future...

Organizing My Way to Rest

2011-03-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Monday is my day off.

In my opinion, the very best way to spend my day off is completely alone...

I like to wake-up, watch TV (probably the most recent Amazing Race episode), watch a movie on Netflix.com, read a chapter of a book, eat a late breakfast. Then repeat that cycle substituting Amazing Race for Grey's Anatomy and "breakfast" for "lunch". Then repeat that cycle once more, this time substituting Grey's Anatomy for whatever else is on TV and "lunch" for "dinner", watch How I Met Your Mother and read a book in almost-not-enough light until Bre comes home. Laugh with her for a bit, drink a glass of orange juice while we watch TV, brush my teeth for the first time that day and then go to sleep.

My Monday never looks like that. I always clean the kitchen between cycles one and two.

I always do at least three loads of laundry.

Twice a month, I strip my bed and wash all of the bedding.

Once a month, my Monday looks like it did this week:

I cleaned the entire house. The refrigerator, the baseboards, the couch, mirrors...everything.

Then, I went to my storage to clean out boxes of old magazines...and some other boxes that were filled with the entire content of a junk drawer in the hurried moving process.

With my backseat filled to the brim (and my trunk--which is always full--the Maguires joke that it is my "Monica closet"--no youtube video available for that reference, sorry.) I headed to the recycling bin.

I had thought that I would feel exhausted at the end of that day.

But, sometimes, my life is more exhausting when it is cluttered; when there is a running "to do" list in my head...

Often a very productive, organized day, can bring rest.

And that was just what I needed from my Monday.

Striking Items Off My List...

2011-03-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

If you didn't know (which, I would find difficult to believe unless you've never read this blog before), I'm working on a 30 Things to do Before I'm 30 list.

Some of the items will take a lot of time, others will take a lot of practice...

Last Monday, I checked one item off the list: Watch 75 of the AFI Top 100 Movies of All Time. The 75th movie was Gold Rush starring Charlie Chaplin. I chose 75 as my number so I wouldn't have to watch every movie on the list. I'm sure Intolerance (a 3-hour black and white) is classic, but I think I'd rather re-watch a few episodes of Veronica Mars.

So, I've reached the goal, but will still watch many of the other movies on this list. I simply will no longer feel forced to watch those that I wouldn't choose for myself (such as Platoon or The Deer Hunter.)

And then, last night, I hit another goal: Bowl a 120.

I have been practicing...refining my skills and consistency...for about six months. Each Monday night, Luke and Dom bowl a few games at Lake Forest Lanes and then have been gracious enough to let a rookie join. (This sounds over-dramatic, but, honestly, they take this game very seriously...as in "If you bring a friend, then you two will bowl on another lane...4 people makes the game too slow" serious.)

For weeks I had been hovering just under 120. 118, 119...one pin away from my goal.

Last night, I bowled a 124.

Not all that fancy when you see it in-between Luke and Dom's scores, but a big accomplishment for me.

We toasted (with water from Splits Lounge) and Luke made sure to mention that just because I have reached this goal, it does not mean that I should never come back to Monday bowling nights...that this, in fact, "is only the beginning."

We then bowled a third game and I only rolled a 114.

(We chose not focus on that...)

There is such a sense of accomplishment that comes with each item turning from plain text undone to bold and italicized completed.

Hopefully, there are more of these success posts to come.

I Had Not Intended To Write An Entire Post About The Oscars

2011-02-28T16:54:00.001-08:00

I work Sunday evenings...we have a 5pm High School service, so band practice begins at 2. Small Groups are from 6-7 and the Student Center closes around 8. Oh, and then we have a Dave Ramsey class at our house from 8-10. Needless to say, I missed the Academy Awards last night.

I really love the Academy Awards. As I was growing up, we had parties at our house to watch the show and I have watched every year since (even last year when I did not have TV...thank you Rachel J!)

This year, I had planned ahead: I recorded everything. And I mean everything: The Show, the Red Carpet Show, the Pre-Red Carpet Show...about 5 1/2 hours of Oscars television.

I had also planned not to check any Twitter or Facebook feeds until I had watched the entire show; I didn't want a moment to be spoiled.

It should be noted: I want to watch every second of the show. I do not want to fast-forward...even through the acceptance speeches given by the winners of Documentary Short Subject or Sound Mixing. (Well, this is not completely true; I will fast-forward through the re-cap of the awards given on other nights.) I don't want people to talk over it. I really want to watch it all. (I don't care this much about other Award shows, but for some reason, I love the Oscars.)

One thing they have added in the last year or two (which I really appreciate) is the announcement during the winner's from-seat-to-stage-walk: "This is the first win and second nomination for _________. His first nomination was in ____ for _________." For years, I can remember our party of viewers asking one another: "Is this her first award?" or "Wait, didn't she win a few years ago? She didn't? Was she nominated?" I love that The Academy has chosen to help us out.

Also, I'm so happy for Colin Firth. It makes me want to write him a letter and express how proud I am of his accomplishment. Seriously, I just might.

It should also be noted: I did not just sit on my tushie all day. Post-Tivo-clean-up, I cleaned my entire kitchen (including the stove-top), vacuumed everywhere (including all of the couch cushions and underneath the over-stuffed chair)--which, is more than likely, completely O.C.D., but it does make me less grossed-out about touching my face to the couch.

Fill In the Blank Saturday

2011-02-26T15:59:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Katie during Fill in the blank Friday, but I didn't see it until this morning...so I'm a day late. BUT, I was reading the entire post thinking, I'm totally going to steal this, it's a cute idea and then saw that I was tagged at the end! Destiny. ("From the Latin word: destino")

So, here you go:

1. I am currently obsessed with: Orange Juice, green apples, and my new shoes from Urban Outfitters

2. Today I am: easily irritated because: I'm not quite sure why, I just have noticed that about myself today

3. The age I am is: 28 and the age I feel is: 22 (on a regular basis) 85 (around 9:30pm...)

4. My favorite place is: Kitale, Kenya (easy!)

5. Something I have been procrastinating is: Doing my taxes (which is not a new procrastination for me; you see, I haven't done my taxes for 2009 either. Calm down, it will happen.)

6. The last thing I purchased was: A bunch of cleaning supplies (and some construction paper for a paper chain) from Target.

7. The thing I love most about my home is: The one-of-a-kind paintings from Wendy and Alanna.

Golfballs and Glassware

2011-02-14T20:55:00.000-08:00

On my 26th birthday, I made a list of 30 Things to do Before I Turn 30. One of the things on my list: Go golfing with my Papa.

We had talked about it a few times, but more as a "someday", hardly ever a "when"...until a few weeks ago.

Papa (my maternal grandfather) made the reservations, found an extra set of clubs, stocked up on balls and tees, and even sent me an instructional video so I could prepare.

This morning, I struggled to get ready...less emotionally ready and more physically ready. What does a girl who does not own pants wear to go golfing? I didn't want to embarrass Papa, so I tried to bring a happy-medium to the dress vs. pants dilemma.

When I arrived at his house, I was told we'd have a special surprise third on the course: my cousin Logan! Seriously, these are two of my very favorite relatives (I can't say my absolute favorites since some of the others read my blog, too)...I was so excited to spend the day with them.

I tried my best to fill them in on the "30 Things" list on the way there, so they would understand the importance of taking pictures to document the day. (Yet, I was still told to put my phone away several times.)

Our clubsWe started by sharing a bucket of balls to warm-up

Practice swings: Papa and Logan

Papa gave each of us a few pointers (well, mostly me) and celebrated Logan's form

We also practiced our putting

Then shared a few pre-game beverages

At 2pm, we were off for the game...

9 holes later, we had finished. Our scores weren't very good, but we did have a good time. (When I told Papa about my goal of bowling a game of 120, he said, "You could easily score a 120 in golf!") I scored about 10 under double par. (Par: 29, Me: 52.) That's not too shabby for my first round.
Logan and I said multiple times throughout the day that we would love to do this on a regular basis. Spending an afternoon outside with our Grandpa...how could we pass that up? Thanks again, Pops! We had such a great time!

Oh, and when we came back to get our cars, Bum (my grandma) had packed a bag of glasses for me (from her china cabinet). Aren't they cool?

What did you do for Valentine's Day?

Good (Valen)Times

2011-02-12T22:29:00.000-08:00

Tonight, one of my small group girls held a Valentine's Dinner for our small group. It was totally her idea...so she put the entire thing together top to bottom. What a fun night it was!

8 of the 13 girls showed up (it was formal for a few schools). Ryanne had made chicken, asparagus, a vegetable medley and mashed potatoes (from scratch) for dinner. She also made pink frosted cupcakes with little candy hearts on each one. Delicious.

But, she didn't stop there: she'd also decorated the entire living room: heart chain streamer, paper bag "Be Mine"...and a circle made of pillows as the dinner table. She'd printed questions for a dinner game, too.

She was so excited to open her home to us...and I am so proud of all that she did to make us feel so welcome and cared for. Once most of the girls left, we did little things to entertain ourselves...the girls had never seen this mirror trick before and were so delighted by the genius of it. (easy crowd)
I love, love my small group. I love that they love each other, too.

One Gym I Actually Enjoy

2011-02-10T23:02:00.000-08:00

Recently, I've taken to listening to classical music.
Only classical music.

It all started when I got in the car and realized that I didn't want to listen to anything in my iTunes library...except for Clair de Lune (my very favorite song). So I played it two or three times and then continued with the rest of the "classical" playlist.

Two days later, that playlist was still on repeat.

The mood followed me right out of the car and in to the office, where I listened to my Debussy station on Pandora.

By day four, I was through with my short eight song playlist and wanted more...so I found a classical music radio station. (Side note: this afternoon, the 'hosts' were engaging in some banter about "The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever! Volumes I and II", it was actually pretty funny.)

"Gymnopédie No. 1" has quickly become one of my new favorites. I thought you might enjoy it, too.

I Love Typography

2011-02-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

I mean, I know I've mentioned it before...but it's really amazing just how much I love typography.

Check out the typography in these videos:

The Alphabet from n9ve

EF - Live The Language - Paris from Albin Holmqvist on Vimeo.

EF - Live The Language - Barcelona from Albin Holmqvist on Vimeo.

I mean, serious. love.

3,067 Miles of Adventure

2011-02-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

I had to make some modifications to my 30 Things list since, let's be honest, there's no way I'm making it to eight countries in under two years. (Just think what Dave Ramsey might have to say about those trips.)

So, I chose some more reasonable locations to visit.

This map hits three of them in one road trip: 2 days and 4 hours worth of driving to see Old Faithful, Mt. Rushmore and the Grand Canyon. (We'd also drive through Las Vegas on the way.)

Totally feasible, right?
So, you in?

Always Sunny, In The Rich Man's World

2011-01-31T18:58:00.000-08:00

This is Dave Ramsey.He developed a program called

Three weeks ago, a group of seven of us began this course. We meet on Sunday nights to watch the DVD and talk through the "homework" which will guide us, ultimately, toward becoming debt-free and on-budget households.

Though I know how beneficial this will be for my life in the end, so far, the homework has caused a lot of grief. Making a budget based on my last few months bank statements, writing a "Cash Flow" plan...solving math equations: if I want to have my hair done six times in a year, how much money do I need to set-aside each month?

The emotions that this subject has already brought up in me have been interesting: frustration, embarrassment, anger, apathy...

To look at my budget and think "what does 'how I spend my money' say about who I am?"
And how do I feel about that?
Or how would I like to change that?

Week 3 of 16...I have a feeling Dave Ramsey is going to cause quite a bit more upset in my life...
Can't wait to see how it all looks (and feels) in the end.

What A Day!

2011-01-18T00:17:00.000-08:00

Today I spent the day in LA with Ryanne. We visited a few of the places I'd had on my LA list...

The LACMA
admission was free today...
one of the many things that make me grateful for MLKJ...
and TargetTONS of Andy Warhol pieces

Jeff Koons

A giant installation called Sequence

A series of sketches of New York, done by a German artist, George Grosz.
I would absolutely hang them in my home.

It's a terrible picture, but I love the shapes and colors.

After the museum, we drove across town to have lunch at Bottega Louie. I took this picture and Ryanne sent it to her dad, who lives in LA. He said, "Oh, I'm just across the street!" and came in to join us for lunch. It was such a fun surprise...and a really delicious lunch. I will absolutely eat there again.

We sang songs and laughed as we drove home and at one point Ryanne asked, "Were you always funny? Like, were you funny in the 80's?" Ridiculous.

I dropped Ryanne at her car, and raced to meet Amanda and Katie at the Tattoo Parlor, but they had already finished, so I met them at Boneheads instead.

After they ate, I drove to Taffy's to say goodbye to Bo, Cody, Jade and Michelle, who are headed to Kitale for seven months. (so very jealous) You could follow their adventure, as I will, HERE. We sang a few songs and ate chicken adobo (yum!) and talked about Kitale (hooray).

One more quick drive and I met Dom and Luke at the bowling alley for their weekly game(s) that I have really invited myself in to, in effort to bowl a 120. Tonight was terrible for bowling scores, but hilarious because of the group on the lane next to us (who love high-fiving)

And now I'm home...and should be asleep...but I wanted to get all of this out of my head and on paper...because it was a long and excellent day.

Try A Little Gentleness

2011-01-14T23:33:00.000-08:00

For weeks now, I have had the word gentle(ness) rolling over and over in my head.

I keep thinking about how much I would love for this word to describe me.
My actions.
My words.
My thoughts.

What if this were a part of every interaction...all day, every day?

What does it look like to be a gentle leader. friend. employee. coworker. daughter. sister. follower.

Gentleness is so attractive...don't you think?

I Had The Best Seat

2011-01-14T00:07:00.000-08:00

I'm not a huge fan of a post consisting of a single photo, but I saw this on Greenwich Village Daily Photo and love it.

Plus it's late and I have too much to write about to only write a bit.

A love letter from Duke Ellington to Ella Fitzgerald?!
Seriously, just the best.

I Want To Go To There.

2011-01-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

In the last few months, I've been itching for a little adventure.
Not anything crazy, just something outside the normal routine.

I've been making notes of places (mostly museums and restaurants) to visit.

Here are a few of the LA places on my list:

LAXART

BOTTEGA LOUIE

LACMA
(not pictured)

The Wellesbourne

I'd also really like to see the binocular-shaped building,
but there's no need to go inside...
just stop and admire the architecture.

Any spots I should add to my list?

If It's Not Too Much Trouble, Could You Please Get Your Sexy On Sometime Soon?

2011-01-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

Four years ago, on this very night, I was at a Justin Timberlake concert.
Oh man, I remember it well.

I sure wish he would come out with another album, don't you?

Look What I FFFFound

2011-01-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

I was browsing fffound tonight and a few different illustrations caught my eye.
Enough to remind me just how much I love alphabet illustrations.

I would frame this in my house.
{Sol Linero image found here}

And I would buy this book...it seems like it would be so cute.

My friend BHurst designed some animals a while back and I tell him (often) that they should be made in to fabric for children's bedsheets or curtains.

Also, I seem to have developed a special affinity for the sea and depictions of sea creatures, though I'm not sure when or why this came to be. We have two aquatic paintings in our living room...and I would totally add this one to the collection!

{two previous images, by Dan Bob Thompson, found here}

I Said, "Reading is Good."

2011-01-04T21:47:00.000-08:00

I love reading.
Love. It.

For my 26th birthday, I made a list of 30 Things to do Before I'm 30.
Number One on the list? "Read over 100 books"

I am currently 28.
And in the last two years, (since I made the list) I have read 35 books. (Embarrassing. Mostly because I read 14 between October 2008 and February 2009 and 8 in the last 4 months. The time in-between, just sad.) I really need to step-it-up. (I'm on a real kick right now, having finished The Hunger Games trilogy--which, I have now mentioned three posts in a row--that's how much I enjoyed it.)

Saturday night, after deciding against the purchase of a Kindle, I ordered a few books on Amazon.com. (Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck, and The Imperfectionists: A Novel by Tom Rachman.)

But, since those books won't arrive until tomorrow, I went to Barnes and Noble tonight for a few books to pass the time while I wait. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner (because they've been talking about it in season 1 of Parenthood) and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (because I watched "Apocalypse Now" last night (which is based on this Conrad novel)...off of the AFI Top 100 List. Also on my 30 Things List "watch 75 of the Top 100 Movies". I'm at 64.)

What are you reading?

Alright, Alright, Back To Work.

2011-01-01T16:55:00.000-08:00

I start back to work tomorrow. After having an entire week off, I'm not sure my brain (or my body) is ready to go back to the office.

I've spent at least 80% of my vacation on my couch. Covered in a blanket, sitting by the fire, I watched movies (a few off of the AFI Top 100 List) and TV on DVD (mostly Veronica Mars and Friday Night Lights), and read a few books (The Hunger Games series).

Oh, and I ate food...and drank a lot of orange juice. (I mean, have you tasted orange juice? Because it's good.)

The other 20% of my time was spent visiting with friends who came to town for the holidays. Or shopping at Target for household organization systems. Or putting the aforementioned systems to use in my room.

0% of my time was spent making lists (well, outside of shopping lists or 'to read' lists), thinking through minuscule details of events, or preparing for the 2011 ministry year.

Those things begin tomorrow...and, let me tell you, I like my job, but I really like time-off. I love taking a shower at 3 in the afternoon. I love reading a book from 10-1. I love eating crackers and apples for lunch simply because that's what was in the cabinet and it was no additional cost.

We are jumping back in full-force: I'm leading worship at Storytime in the morning (our all-staff Tuesday morning meetings) AND we'll have a new High School Pastor starting tomorrow! (well, technically, as of yesterday.)

I'm excited, but I'm also sleepy just thinking about it.
Hope there's lots to blog about in 2011.

2010 Questions

2010-12-30T14:04:00.000-08:00

The end-of-the-year survey tradition continues for a fifth year.
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

1) What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
Co-led a team of High School students to Kenya. Led worship in the main service at Mariners Church. Moved to Irvine with Bre. Created our own version of Guess Who. Attended the charity: water charity: ball. Threw an Oasis of Hope breakfast.

2) Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I've made the same resolution for the last five years: be smarter. I'm fairly certain that I have finished each year a little wiser...and a little smarter. I think 2010 is no exception.

3) Did anyone close to you give birth?
Sue had a sweet new baby. So did Erin.

4) Did anyone close to you die?
No, but I did mourn the loss of Andrew Koenig.

5) What countries did you visit?
Kenya. I know, surprise, surprise.

6) What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
A more gentle spirit. And a more tender heart.

7) What date(s) from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
We had a big Fall at work...I could list off the date of every Sunday from Labor Day to Halloween and tell you what was important, but mostly 10.10.10: When we launched our small groups (that date was so planned and promoted, I will never forget it.)

8) What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I think one of my most proud moments was hearing a girl in my small group, Ryanne (who has spent this year wrestling with and coming to a better understanding of God's incredible and undeserved love for her) articulate why she wanted to be baptized. She said, "Because He is my Father and I am His daughter." I love it.

9) Did you suffer illness or injury?
I thought I had malaria. (I did not.)

10) What was the best thing you bought?
Dinner for ten.

11) Whose behavior merited celebration?
The students of the Kitale Leadership Institute.

12) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My own, in some moments. But this year, I think I wrestled with the thought of human traffickers and child abusers...their behavior makes me nauseated and so sad.

13) Where did most of your money go?
Rent. Food. Gas. You know, awesome grown-up things.

14) What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our High School Ministry raising money for a charity: water well. A trip to D.C. and New York with my mom.

15) What song will always remind you of 2010?
"The Dog Days are Over" by Florence and the Machine. "Firework" by Katy Perry. "Marry You" by Bruno Mars. And, of course, the Cee-Lo Green song.

16) Compared to this time last year, are you:
Wiser? Yes. Healthier? Yes. Richer? Maybe?

17) What do you wish you'd done more of?
Read. Practice Swahili.

18) What do you wish you'd done less of?
People-please.

19) How did you spend Christmas?
With two sets of grandparents, both parents and my brother...in three different homes, but all in one day.

20) Did you fall in love in 2010?
Ummm...I don't think so.

21) What was your favorite TV program?
Modern Family. Dexter. 30 Rock.

22) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't hate anyone.

23) What was the best book you read?
The Millennium Trilogy. East of Eden. The Hunger Games Trilogy.

24) What was your greatest musical discovery?
Brooke Fraser: Flags

25) What did you want and get?
A super awesome small group of High School girls. A kick-a roommate. Some friends at work.

26) What did you want and not get?
To see Taza in D.C...or The Sartorialist in New York.

27) What was your favorite film of this year?
Inception. Oh, and HP7 Part 1.

28) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28 and spent my day talking about Kenya, leading worship for High School service, eating cake during small group and then carving pumpkins...

29) Which celebrity/public figure did you like the most?
I really like Kristen Bell. I love that she cares about humanity.

30) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
I love dresses...and leggings...and, more recently, my charity: water sweatshirt.

31) What kept you sane?
Jesus.

32) Who did you miss?
My Kenyan friends.

33) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
I can not do things based on the opinion of others.

34) What did you gain this year?
Some wisdom. Some peace.

35) What did you lose this year?
Some weight.

36) Who was the best new person you met?
I sure do like Becky.

37) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Please still my anxious urge toward rebellion. Let love keep my will upon its knees"

Things That Make You Go Mmmmm....

2010-12-29T11:01:00.000-08:00

1. Sprouts
2. Orange Juice
3. Sourdough Bread
4. Green Grapes
5. Eggs

These days, I'm unable to stick to my previously-noted food likes and dislikes. Some items that I used to love, I no longer care for (funfetti cake, for one, as much as it pains me to say) and many things that I would have turned up my nose at for years, now have me wondering what I could make simply so I can add them to the recipe.

As you grew, which foods made the jump from "yuck" to "yum" on your palate?

I'm Just Being Honest

2010-11-11T17:01:00.000-08:00

I have the best of intentions when it comes to this blog...but I just can't keep up with my daily posting.

I intended to post about pumpkin carving...but did not.

I intended to post pictures of all of the home improvements we've made recently, but I have not.

I'm trying to practice the discipline of doing only what God wants me to do, not what others expect me to do...and that (for me) is a very difficult thing to do...

This blog, at least in my head, feels like something I would do because it's expected of me...not because I have so many important things I want to say or because I love the consistent place to write my thoughts and feelings.

And so, I haven't been posting.
Maybe I'll pick it up again soon...but only if it becomes something that helps me to breathe, instead of causing me to feel pressure.

This Feels Right, Right?

2010-10-26T23:44:00.000-07:00

I wonder what it would be like…to write.

To write without inhibitions…to write with intense emotions and little concentration. To write without constraints of spelling, sentence structure, punctuation.

To write without fear of critique or mockery.

To write without fear of rejection or shame.

————————-

I wonder what it would be like…to right.

To right without inhibitions…to right with intense emotions and single concentration. To right without constraints of money, time, previous attempts.

To right without fear of critique or mockery.

To right without fear of rejection or shame. Or failure.

The world would be a remarkably different place.

I've Been Searching the Streets For Ya...

2010-10-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

Wow. Six whole weeks later.
If I were you, I would have moved me to my "Hardly Ever Blog" folder in Google Reader.

If you work in youth ministry, or around youth ministry, or know someone in youth ministry, you know that Fall is always a whirlwind. As summer winds-down and school ramps-up, you'll hear the term "launch" over and over and over and over again in the halls of a church office.

Around September 7th, normalcy returns to the schedules of families in the church just as quickly as it leaves those of the employees of the church.

My life, for the last 8 weeks, has been overtaken by my job.

We went through a massive restructure, relaunch, revitalization this summer/fall...which meant long hours, lots of conversations (tons of conversations), but not much rest.

Our ministry is awesome right now. Our new Sunday Night service (Sunday nights only--no more Saturday night or Sunday morning. No service time to coincide with "big church" service times) is thriving. We have a majority of our current students in small groups (which now run entirely on-campus, in the second hour of our Sunday Night Experience.) Tons of students plugged-in to a small group community, who have the opportunity to be heard and known and cared for. I am really, really excited about all that God will do in the lives of these students over the next year.

All of these great pieces were written, presented, launched, trained, ordered, organized, programmed and checked-off during the last two months...and the rest of my life was put on hold. I'm proud of all that has happened in the ministry, but I'm not entirely proud of my lack of boundaries during the process...

We should be slowing down a bit now...at the very least, I will be slowing down a bit now.
Which should mean a return to writing here.
News that, I know, will be pleasing to my Papa.

It's Been One Week Since You Looked At Me...

2010-09-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since my last post...and I don't think I even realized it.

I spend quite a few days of the last week moving homes...it was madness...and completely exhausting...but my new place feels just that: new. And so clean that it's almost like a hotel.

Monday: packing the house, moving refrigerators (yep, plural), mopping floors, cleaning the bathroom (with a one of my small group girls)

Tuesday: rented, picked-up and packed a U-Haul with the contents of my entire house (with the same HS student and a great friend)...drove and parked the U-Haul and waited for Wednesday to come.

Wednesday: picked up my new keys, dropped off my old keys (and grabbed a left-behind TV), unloaded the U-Haul (with the help of two incredible dudes), returned the U-Haul, picked up a minivan for loading and moving all of Bre's furniture, then unpacked the kitchen and DVDs, set-up two beds, two TVs with DVD players and most of the living room.

Thursday: unpacked most of my closet, moved a bookshelf or two, went to work and college group...Bre went grocery shopping (thankfully!)

Saturday/Sunday/Monday: slowly, little-by-little unpacking the rest of the junk, moving furniture over and over again to maximize our space, inviting friends over to see the place

This morning, a week later, it still feels like a hotel...but at least it feels like a home, too.
(Pictures to come)

S.T.D.

2010-08-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

What a cute Save the Date video.

Save the date! 31 july 2010 from Kishi-Grover on Vimeo.

Via Once Wed

Tatturday Night

2010-08-16T21:55:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night, a large group of us went to watch Delia get her second tattoo. It is a quote she heard at Gilgal, a secondary school in Kitale. I love Kitale...and I love White Lotus...and I love Delia. So I was excited for the evening.

She was a little nervous beforehand...mostly about the pain that would be involved, but her artist, Osh, was a big help when it came to calming her nerves.

Torie and I stood with Delia for most of the time, while everyone else took turns coming back to check-in, video or distract her with a story.

PreppingExcited right before it starts

Less excited once it's going
At one point she said, "It only hurts when he touches the needle to my arm!"

"Is he almost done?"

Finished

Osh sanitized the finished piece with some alcohol.
Delia's response: "What are you doing to me, Osh? Alcohol on a fresh wound!?"

Happy it's over

Her gigantic support crew, including two friends-of-friends.

It was a little sad to sit in White Lotus for so long and not leave with a new tattoo...
Maybe it's time for another Tattuesday?!

Desk-guise

2010-08-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

I would be so happy if my desk looked like this. I'm sure it would drive others crazy, but I am crazy for post-its...aaannnddd to-do lists.

It's really the perfect combination.

*Photos (and stories) of summer camp to come.

Everyone Loves Williams, Arizona

2010-08-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

I spent last week at Lost Canyon (a camp in Williams, Arizona) with 150 high school students from Mariners Church. The facility is run by Young Life and is, easily, the most beautiful camp I've ever been to.

The band unloaded and went to wait for students to come to the Clubroom. Luckily, there were rocking chairs on the patio.

Trevor, Steven and Nick

My friend, Josh Pease, was our camp speaker. I told him this, but you should know, too: he did a great job. It was fun to sit in the back of the room and watch as he shared stories, both serious and funny, as he helped to spark questions in their brains that would force students to wrestle with what God was trying to say or do in their hearts.

Josh speaking in the Clubroom

About a week before camp, we had a few leaders drop out (sicknesses, vacation-time, etc). Luckily, Torie and Delia came to the rescue. They called up two friends from Biola (Jon and Sam) to join us at camp. We had an amazing group of leaders at camp this week...but these four stuck out most to me!

Jon (white shirt, scowl) at the breakfast table with his huge cabin

The camp layout is really well-designed. They have a giant field in the center of camp, boys dorms on one side, girls on the other, dining hall, lake and pool on one end and the clubroom on the other. It would only take a few minutes for a student to find the rest of the kids from his cabin during free time...and I could walk a lap around camp and interact with tons of students.
The camp band (l to r): Steven, Chris, Nick and Trevor. We played quite a few covers throughout the week (including Muse and Justin Bieber) not to mention songs for club, country night and the coffee shop concert. All-in-all, we learned about 30 songs. They worked the pool and zip-line during the day and then played at night...little sleep, but lots of fun.

On Sunday afternoon, Delia, Torie and I rode the giant swing.
Lots of screaming and laughing...

Sunday night was Country Night. After dinner, we headed to the Clubhouse to sing a few folk tunes together...and then came the line-up: boys at one door, girls at the other. They would be released one at a time to meet their "partner" for the line dance. The anticipation (and anxiety) was very fun to watch. I know that I would have felt the same if I were a student.

Two freshman boys hoping for senior girls

Delia and Torie

Sam, Delia, Torie and Jon

BP, Jon, Sam and Pease
(four new very best friends)

Tuesday night was fancy night: everyone was decked-out in fancy dresses or sport coats for dinner. Most of the upper-classmen cabins went as "dates" so I had dinner with a bunch of abandoned leaders and three date-less students.

Fancy Night

The theme of camp was Boy Bands. BP, Tim, Taylor, Mike and Jared made-up The Lost Boys who were on their reunion tour at Lost Canyon. Pre-camp I got to help plan costumes and even choreograph a music video...I felt like I was a sophomore in high school again.

The Lost Boys signing autographs

I could have stayed at camp for another week. We came home on Wednesday night and our whole team came back to the office on Friday saying, "Okay, we've slept and showered, let's go back!"

Can't wait for Lost Canyon 2011.

Subjecting Yourself To A Subjective Subject

2010-08-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

Productive is a very subjective word.

The word changes meaning with the day, as far as I am concerned.

On a work day, my productivity-meter is well above-average...so much so that I have (many times) been chastised for berating others on their lack of productivity. (As a result, I have calmed down quite a bit in the last few years.)

However, on Mondays (my day off), my definition of productivity is completely different. On any given Monday, I base the success of the day on: how many magazines I can read in an hour, or how many episodes of TV on DVD I can watch without getting up to go to the bathroom, or how long I can lay in bed before taking a shower. If I'm really crazy, productive becomes putting away a load of laundry, painting my nails, and plucking my eyebrows. (But most Mondays I intend to do these things and never get around to them.)

And so, as I sit here tonight, I think back on the many magazines read today, the full disc of The O.C. completed and the fact that I was only out of my pajamas for 5 hours all day...and I know that today was a very productive day.

Healthy Habits

2010-07-29T23:29:00.000-07:00

I've been home from Kenya for about 10 days. In these 10 days, I have been trying to develop some healthy routines {eating vegetables, flossing, taking vitamins, spending time alone...to name a few.}

There are a few reasons for these recent developments, but that is not what this post is for. Though, I would imagine a post on such things is coming sooner than later.

The new adjustments simply served as a reminder of my 30 Things to Do Before I'm 30 list that I made on my 26th Birthday.

Here's the list.
*The red denotes completion. The others...well, let's just say they are "in motion"
It should also be noted that I have made a few tweaks to the list (for reasons such as: I no longer wear jeans).

1. Read over 100 books (I'm at 27...I should step this up)
2. Get a giant tattoo
3. Perform somewhere (in a club, bar, coffee shop)
4. Go on another vacation with Katie Edwards
5. Fit in the green dress*
6. Read through the entire Bible
7. Buy a Louis Vuitton overnight bag
8. Watch at least 75 of the 100 Best Films of All Time (I'm at 53. It speaks to my lifestyle, but does not reflect my college degree that I am closer to this goal than number 1.)
9. Throw two giant costume parties
10. Visit:

a. Japan
b. China
c. Australia
d. Ireland
e. Sweden
f. Ukraine
g. Costa Rica
h. Italy

11. Score over 120 in a game of bowling*
12. Take a ballet class
13. Go golfing with my Papa
14. Fluently speak a second language
15. Make a mosaic table for my house
16. Run a 5k
17. Invite at least 20 people to church
18. Write a book (even if it's never published)
19. Own some high-heeled boots
20. Bring at least 10 people to Kitale, Kenya* (I'm at 2. We took 8 to Nairobi, but I don't think that counts)
21. Learn to read music
22. Dress up and have dinner at a fancy restaurant
23. Watch 9 new complete series of TV on DVD* (So far: 5 completed)
24. Skydive
25. Live in New York
26. Kiss someone (a really good kiss)
27. Make a delicious--from scratch--dinner for friends
28. Spend an evening in a room lit by dozens of candles
29. Buy a dress from Bottega Veneta
30. Learn to play an instrument

To be honest, I'm not sure if I'm more embarrassed by the lack of progress I've made in almost 2 years or by the list itself. It's funny to read through and think about the person I was when I wrote it...I'm such a different person now.

There are a few things on the list that I would not include if I wrote it today. Maybe it's time for a re-write?

It Was A Beautiful Countdown...

2010-07-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

There are a few things that I know, for certain, about myself:
1) I love to countdown to exciting events
2) I don't wait very well

I am moving in 35 days.

My current roommate (Emily) is headed off to school and my new roommate (Bre) and I will be moving about 10 miles from my present home to a place that is more central for each of our lives.

And now that this is certain, I can't wait.

Yesterday, my day off, was the worst. I just kept thinking, "Maybe I should pack-up all of these books now." The italicized phrase is simply a sample of the multitude of items in my home that were almost packed yesterday...yesterday...with 35 days to go.

In my head: it's happening...so let's make it happen! Why wait? Sitting and thinking about something that will, eventually, have to be done, but I can't do it yet...Ugh. There are few things in life more frustrating.

So, instead, I made the most of my desperately-wanting-to-move-toward-the-end-goal hands and created a paper chain to help countdown the days until moving day!(It's made out of People Magazine covers...which I, happily, read and filled-in the crossword puzzles before cutting into strips.)

Good Day Sunshine

2010-07-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

I was just driving home and thinking, "Today was an incredible day...like unfair amounts of incredible."

It began with Taffy and 40 High School students from Saddleback leading worship at Mariners.

Here's the choirThe band (and Taff)

Ervin (the photographer)

Leading worship with Taffy is undeniably one of my favorite things in the whole world. I love Taff. I love his heart. I love the freedom with which he leads people (of all ages) in worship.

So I laughed...and danced...and sang. It was really, really fun.
After church, I came home and had a sandwich. (I'm in love with turkey sandwiches right now...seriously, they are delicious as lunch or dinner).

And then I drove to the Orange County Fairgrounds. I had volunteered to fill one of the shifts at the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force Station...let me tell you, it was not on the top of my list of ways to spend my afternoon as I sat in traffic at 3pm.

But once I was inside (and my booth partner was an hour late), I was happy to be there. An hour alone meant I could just watch and think--no conversational pressures. A few people came to the booth to ask questions...including one woman who shared that she had been a prostitute for 10 years and was now volunteering at Juvenile Hall and even with current prostitutes. What a life story!

Three hours later, and our shift was over...time for the best parts of the Fair.

A plate of Australian Potato Cakes and a chocolate covered banana (both of which I dropped half-way through...dang it!)
And now I'm laying in bed (watching Dawson's Creek...surprise, surprise). Every few minutes I'm receiving text messages from High School girls about meeting up this week for coffee or ice cream...

I know it doesn't seem like anything special, but this was a day filled with moments of God's obvious movement and presence and provision. A day that could have been planned specifically for me...that's how much I loved it.

In The Year 2000...In the Year 2010

2010-07-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight is my 10-year High School reunion.

And I'm at home, sitting on my bed, having eaten a turkey sandwich while watching Dawson's Creek.

This morning, I awoke feeling slightly below average--slightly above disgusting, is more like it.

I went to the doctor's office, all the while fairly convinced I had malaria...

::: which made me think :::

If you had told me ten years ago that I would not attend my 10-year reunion because I would have malaria, I never would have believed you.

My thoughts went on from here...

Had you told me that this contraction of malaria had come from a trip to Kenya...not my first trip to Kenya...but a trip that I had desperately wanted to extend...I would never have believed you.

That this trip was actually my heart's deep desire because of the longing I had felt from not living there after experiencing that place every day for seven months, I never would have believed you.

And then, Kenya aside...

If you had told me, on my High School graduation day, that I would be 27 and unmarried, living in Corona del Mar, and set on a life without children...I never would have believed you.

You see, 18-year old me was certain that I would be married by 21 and a mother by 23...I remember saying both of these (now obviously ridiculous) statements:

"I don't want to wait until I'm 26 to be a mother...that's so old!"
and
"I will never go on a missions trip"

Little did I know that God's plans for my life would be remarkably different and infinitely better than my little American dream for myself.

And so, here I sit, on my bed. Not at my reunion. Unmarried. Childless. Potentially malarial (the test results will take a week). Devastatingly homesick for Kitale.

And completely happy to be exactly where God wants me to be.
There is no place better than that.

It's Been One (Month) Since You Looked At Me...

2010-07-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Wow...it's been a full month since I posted on this blog.
Sorry about that.

I did write quite a bit during those 30 days, just not here.
You can read all about it HERE, if you'd like.

For now...can you name the song that this post title comes from?

There Is No Better Way to Spend Your Time

A Really Great Date

I'm A Model, You Know What I Mean?

You Are A Human Animal

It Seamed Like A Good Idea At The Time.

Of Sandwiches and Suits

Love. Love. Love.

Calligraphic Dreams

Love Lifts Us Up Where We Belong...

Baby July

There Are Only Two Things I Love In This World: Everybody and Television*

Oh, It's A Jolly Holiday With Mary

How Great Your Affections Are For Me

Gonna Dress You Up In My Love

Working From Home

DIY-not?

Do You Sporcle?

Spam-A-Lot

Home Is Where The Art Is

I'm Really Into Topknots.

Moving Right Along...

A Photographic Recap of 2011

2011 Questions

True Rules

In My Mind's Eye

Another Online Round-Up

I Really Wish I Had A Clever Title For This Post.

My Floridian Va-kate-tion

With 367 Days Remaining...

Here's To Happiness {part three}

Let's Be Beautiful

Online Items I've Loved Lately...

Cambria: Day 2

Cambria: Day 1

Get Out Of The Water And Don't Look Back

Autumn(atically) Excited

Love Is In The Heir

Thirty Things (An Update)

To Serve Man

Splitscreen: A Love Story

Today

More From Design Crush

Happy Father's Day

You Are What You Eat

Letter(IM)pressed

I Don't Want This Weekend To End.

A Road Trip: In Pictures (Well, And Some Commentary)

How Do I Get This Job?

The Burning House

I Am Ridiculous

Love. Love. Love. (Volume 3)

I Love Clean Water. Don't You?

Love. Love. Love

Settlers of Catan

Jascha Heifetz

Love. Love. Love.

The Roommate (But Not Creepy Like Leighton Meester)

I Adohr Spring Cleaning

Trying To Get Down To The Heart Of The Matter...

Organizing My Way to Rest

Striking Items Off My List...

I Had Not Intended To Write An Entire Post About The Oscars

Fill In the Blank Saturday

Golfballs and Glassware

Good (Valen)Times

One Gym I Actually Enjoy

I Love Typography

3,067 Miles of Adventure

Always Sunny, In The Rich Man's World

What A Day!

Try A Little Gentleness

I Had The Best Seat

I Want To Go To There.

If It's Not Too Much Trouble, Could You Please Get Your Sexy On Sometime Soon?

Look What I FFFFound

I Said, "Reading is Good."

Alright, Alright, Back To Work.

2010 Questions

Things That Make You Go Mmmmm....

I'm Just Being Honest