Yada Yada Yada

2010-12-27T10:45:00.000-05:00

I felt the need to post a blog simply stating that I have officially become a Michigander. I know there are places around the state of New Jersey that got quite an amount of snow. But come on people!!! I had big plans to shop all day with my mom and the malls are closed. Crazy. I am dissapointed and glad I live in a state where people are completely foolish and unafraid of the snowy roads. But we very scared of tornados....

Such is life.

To My Sister

2010-08-02T19:45:00.004-04:00

Last weekend Stephen and I went to Dayton, Ohio to visit my sister, brother-in-law, and two nieces Lucy and Iris. We left after I got out of work on Thursday, rode the five hours to their home, and was able to hold Iris, who is almost 3 months, and take a peek at Lucy sleeping before heading to bed exhausted. I woke up early on Friday though and sat with Sarah in bed until Lucy got up. She was, well, a little surprised to see me I think. But she warmed up quickly and went to wake Uncle Stephen. We preceded for the rest of the weekend to have a lovely time visiting. We played with Lucy, held and soothed Iris, and had great conversation with Sarah and Alan.

Whenever I visit my sister I always come away feeling filled. She is a wonderful friend and mentor to me, full of wisdom and advice, a great sense of humor, and such a deep love for me. I honestly don't know how I could get through my life with out her. She was my comrade in arms when we were growing up and our parents were being parents, she was the girl I wanted to be someday when she went off to college and became a 'grown-up', and she is now the woman I want to be. A loving and caring wife and mother who is always reading, writing, working on a project, learning something new. Sarah is absolutely everything I could ask for in a big sister and she is one of the best friends I've ever had. I look forward to growing old with her as my friend and sharing many more life experiences with her. Maybe one day we will even live like the two aunts in one of my favorite stories....

'What would a young pretty girl do down here with all this sand?'

'We like the sand, Jo.'

'But we're old maids, Cal, with no vices except cigarettes and double-dummy mah-jongg...'

--'The Unspeakable Egg'

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Green Stir Fry

2010-07-13T21:52:00.003-04:00

Last week my friend, Judith, and I went on a trip to Ikea so she could begin furnishing her new home. I told myself I would only buy a new rag rug for $5. Ha. If you've ever been to Ikea you know that is a ridiculous statement. But I only spent $25 on a few things I really needed. Ha, again. You never really need all that little stuff from Ikea. Although, one of the items I got was a wok. I have been wanting one so badly but was starting to feel like it was out of reach when Stephen and I saw one in a fancy kitchen store for over $100. This one, thanks to the Sweeds, was only $7.99! So, I said to Stephen we needed to try it out asap. Being that I hadn't yet been to the local farmers market this season I thought we should try a stir fry with all local veggies. So Stephen and I went on down the the Fulton Street Market got some fresh onions, asparagus, a green bell pepper, and sugar snap peas. Well let me tell you! With a little chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil it was by far the best stir fry we've ever made. The wok was fantastic and with rice in the rice cooker it was ready in 15 minutes (after chopping all the veggies). I would highly recommend getting yourself a wok, some delicious fresh veggies, some hot rice, and have yourself a tasty and quick supper!

Catching Up

2010-05-05T14:23:00.001-04:00

Ok, so I know I am officially over due for a blog. Let me at least catch everyone up on my latest adventures. This blog will be written in the "what I did over summer vacation" style.

I haven't blogged since October so lets see...

Christmas was lovely. I spent it with family and friends in New Jersey. In January I had my 22nd birthday and it past without a hitch. I don't really think I ended up doing much for the big double 2. In February I sold my car. My first car I had since I was 17. It was hard to say goodbye to ol' Rex but I believe she is in good hands. She went with a lady who bought her for her daughter to drive. Another gals first car. That made me and Rex both very happy. I always get the feeling she's doing well. I am now driving my moms old Subaru station wagon. Her name is Clarabelle. And yes I do have a strange attachment to my cars. Also in February I performed with my dance studios ensemble at the Grand Rapids Art museum. It was a great experience and by far one of my favorite performances. March was a nice month. Stephen had his spring break and went to NJ to visit his family. I stayed behind and worked and caught up on some reading. I always enjoy a little time just to myself. At the very beginning of April my parents came for a visit! It was a great time. They were here for Holy Weekend which was so nice. We went to the museum, played lots of cards (500 rummy and spades) had a fantastic feast day on Easter, and ate as much as possible! It was the week after Easter that Stephen and I decided to become mostly vegetarian. We still eat the occasional chicken and we are eating much more fish and beans. It's been a really good challenge to our bodies, minds, and cooking skills (try this recipe!). At the end of April Stephen had his very first art exhibition! It was here in GR at the downtown art gallery his school owns. It was a show for him and the other girl who is also a graduating BFA. Stephen did 4 large scale paintings that went over well with his professors, friends, and the public. He even sold one! We were probably never more excited as we were when we heard that news. And he has sold two more paintings since then! There is something so powerful and completely exciting to see the person you love so much realizing these huge life goals and dreams. May has been crazy so far. I am getting ready for the recital which is this weekend and I can't wait for it to be over. I only have two more weeks of teaching and then at the beginning of June I will be off to Costa Rica for a week with the Clark clan! I can barely even think about it I am so out of my mind excited! I am also patiently awaiting the arrival of my next little niece, Iris. I'm so excited to see what she'll look like.

That is more or less what's been happening with me. I am happy, fulfilled, and ready for the next adventure!

Sundays

2009-10-11T22:33:00.002-04:00

I have been having the best Sundays lately! I decided back when Stephen and Sarah came back to Michigan for the school year that we would spend Sundays having "family" time. Eating a meal together, doing some sort of activity, and catching up with one another. It's been great! One Sunday we ate pasta and meatballs and just sat around and read, did homework, snacked, and laughed. The next week I cooked Indian food for lunch and we went downtown to look at all of the art prize art. Last week Sarah was in Chicago but Stephen and I went back downtown to see even more art and then spent the rest of the day relaxing.

This week definitely topped it all though. We went apple picking with some friends, enjoyed hot cider, donuts, and apples (naturally), then our friend Ciera came back home with us and we cooked a big roast chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and carrots. While the chicken was in the oven we went across the street to my neighbors estate sale where we found a few items we liked. Most everything had been picked over but I found a Christmas wreath and Ciera a few cute mirrors. As we went to pay for them the guy asked a dollar for each thing. So we gave him two dollars. We were excited! Then (yes, it gets better) he starts asking what else we'd like. "Do you want this candle stick?" (it was grossly gaudy and about 3 feet tall with the candle!). Sarah said, "Yeah!". He went through most of the house handing us whatever we wanted. It was all completely hideous but we took stuff! It was incredibly awkward to have to say "Uh.... no, thanks, I don't really the things you own". But I came out with 4 bamboo trays and a wreath. Sarah got 3 drinking glasses, a giant candlestick in the shape of a lady in a robe, and a bowl. Ciera got 3 mirrors, a vase, and a decorative mask (this guy had bad taste!). Then, after admiring our treasures, we made apple crisp and sat down to play Uno. Then I taught everyone how to play Frog Juice (still just as fun!). All the while the candlestick was on the table, lit. We just had such a good time laughing and being together. It was wonderful. I'm so glad I've finally found a full life here in Grand Rapids.

Next week: pumpkin carving!

Walking

2009-07-20T22:12:00.002-04:00

Since last I blogged my trike was stolen. I was devastated, horrified, angry, and a little scared as it was taken from my back yard in the night. But I'm taking it with a grain of salt and realizing it's opening up more opportunities for me. Like walking.

I can't say I have ever really enjoyed walking. It always seems to take forever and, well, it makes my feet hurt. But I've been walking none the less. I feel it's a family tradition now. My Grandfather walks I think it's 7mi every day (correct me if I'm wrong, Grandpa!), my parents walk often on the weekends, my sister and her husband often walk into town from there home in Kentucky. But it's my grandfather who who inspires me. He's 79. I'm 21. So I can walk to work 3 times a week. I'm not sure how far it is to work, maybe a mile and a half one way? I can do it. Although, you have to know that my grandfather is much more physically fit then I am. I remember the day after we had taken over a 10mi walk my cousin and I were sore and achy and tired and when we told Grandpa this he responded by saying "I feel fine!", dancing around the kitchen and laughing. That was only a few years ago. So I can walk to work. And, surprisingly enough, I have been enjoying it greatly. It offers me time to myself, time to think, enjoy the summer smells. So thanks, Grandpa for inspiring me to walk and learn to enjoy it. I aspire to be as healthy, fun loving, and young as you are when I'm 79.

2009-07-07T14:49:00.002-04:00

I haven't blogged in such a long time. I always convince myself no one really wants to hear about my mundane life. And maybe you don't, but I think I'm going to tell you anyway.

I have been experiencing life very differently lately. I have had very little money and yet I have 3 jobs. I have 3 jobs but seem to never have anything to do. So for the last few months I have been enjoying watching movies from the library, making creative meals out of what's in my pantry, going to the free city beach on Lake Michigan, and riding my trike and using public transportation as much as possible. It's been pretty fun. My new job at the dance store downtown is great. My boss is halarious (most of the time) and I love the two girls I work with. It's fairly easy work as I know the products I'm selling so well and it's a very relaxed enviorment. My job at the studio has been slow as I'm only teaching two nights a week. And my job at Charlotte Russe is the same.

Stephen had to go back to New Jersey for the rest of the summer because he couldn't find any work here in Michigan. He'll be working at the Thai restaurant again. He left yesterday and I'm already terribly sad with out him. He is coming with a few friends of ours the first week in August for a visit and will be back again at the start of the school year. It's going to be such a long four weeks to say the least.

I've decided that for the rest of the summer I'm going to go to the beach every Sunday (weather permitting), read at least 4 good books, eat lots of ice pops late at night, and spend time with the new friends I've made out here this last year.

Worry and Resolution

2009-05-19T13:03:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure I have ever been so challenged by life as I have been this last week.

I had to go to New Jersey to help my mom go through and recover from a lumpectomy. Not exactly my idea of a good time. I've never had to watch someone walk away from me into an operating room to have a simple yet terrifying procedure. The surgery went well, as did the recovery. A few days after that though Stephen called to tell me that he'd been "kicked out" of the BFA (bachelor of fine arts) program at his school. Stephen had worked so hard for this only to fail now? He told me he was thinking about transferring to a school in Philadelphia, potentially leaving me alone in Grand Rapids while he followed his dreams of being an artist. After that I realized I had no way to pay my rent come June 1st and that my job as a teacher was somewhat unstable. I was stressed to say that least. I seriously entertained the thought of committing myself. Seriously. I took to laughing like a crazy person to keep from crying and rocking myself in a fetal position.

Then I stopped worrying. And God took care of my unprayed prayers.

My mom recovered fantastically. Stephen decided to stay at Calvin, show the art department he's worthy of their program, and pour himself into his artwork. When I came home I realized I had two paychecks and a large tax refund waiting for me. More than enough to cover my expenses for the next month. Even if none of those things happened I would've been fine. I have a family who cares for me deeply, friends who share in my uncertainty about life and offer support and advice, and a companion in Stephen who is with me every step of this long, scary, winding, and terrifying journey to adulthood. My life is harder than it ever has been but I can honestly say that I have never felt better about it. I feel safe, loved, and joyful.

"Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes. You must look into that storm and shout as you did in Rome. Do your worst, for I will do mine! Then the fates will know you as we know you..."

-- Edmond in "The Count of Monte Cristo"

Suffering

2009-04-19T10:15:00.002-04:00

I've been thinking lately about suffering. I know someone who seems never to have suffered much in her life; she's always been healthy, had money and food, a good job she loved. So when she complains about certain things it seems bizarre because the things she finds terrible are completely manageable to other people who have suffered much worse. I have a friend who I recently found out had a rough 10 years of her life. When she was just a teenager her mother died of cancer and she was the one who took care of her till the end. After that her father abandoned her and she was left to work and figure out how to feed herself; she had to invite herself to peoples houses constantly just to get a meal for the day. Her suffering is nothing like my own. But I'm beginning to understand more of those struggles as life hits me pretty hard. I still know very little of the pain most people face everyday but I'm glad God is giving me these things because I know with all my heart there will be a time of spring after this long and cold winter. The flowers will bloom again and the sun will come out and warm me. And that comforts me.

The Little Things

2009-03-26T21:53:00.002-04:00

In the course of my life I have seen so many strange and funny things that just make me smile. Here are some of those things...

There is a man at the grocery store here who is working almost every time I go and he's just this old man that makes me smile.

Today I saw a happy old lady with her husband buying a handle of vodka. What?

Not long ago I saw a lady clearly having a conversation with a cat...

I love anytime I glance at people when they're driving and they are just singing away to the tunes.

I was working at the mall once and this little girl was belting out the words and dancing to "Single Ladies" by Beyonce. So cute!

I suggest opening your eyes and looking around at these little things in life. Be observant of the people around you and you'll be surprised at how much you notice. Some things will make you cringe while other will bring a little smile to your face. I know it makes my life much fuller.

New Friends and Tattoos

2009-03-22T18:42:00.003-04:00

As most of you know I've had a tough time making friends in this new town of mine. Well, I think Sunday was a very successful time with new friends. I have a student, Brianna, who goes to the same church and is married to Jim and I work with a girl, Julie, at Charlotte Russe, who is dating Brianna's best friend. It's all very small world and all that but it makes for convenient friend making when all those people happen to be fun. It was just one of those days where I went to church with all of them and it turned into lunch, and then chatting about pretty much everything from Fraggle Roc, to weird karate classes, to faith and marriage, and before I knew it it was six o'clock. I'm excited to have new friends, especially ones who make me laugh, don't judge me for my craziness, and are just good people in general.

On another note, I got a tattoo on Friday. It was probably the weirdest feeling I've ever had but it was a great experience and I freakin love the thing! It looks great. I had wanted it for just about a year now and I figured it was as good a time as any to get it done. I'll post a picture as soon as it's all healed.

Art

2009-03-02T18:53:00.003-05:00

It took me a long time to consider myself an artist. I think that often most people don't see the performing arts (dance, theatre) as "artful" as the visual arts (painting, sculpture, photography, etc). I'm not sure why that is. But I think I'm at a point where I look at what I do as a teacher and choreographer and see that it's art. Most of the time it means my students are contributing the most to the art but my hand is certainly in it. My mind has also been opened more to the idea that a lot of things are artful. Such as crafting (knitting, quilting, etc); have you ever seen an Amish quilt? If that's not art I'm not sure what is. Stephen and I often discuss the question of what is art? To me art is anything that is tangible, able to be seen/heard, mentally comprehended, and has "life" in it. And by life I mean emotion or symbolism or a message of some sort. It may be that the creator didn't intend it to be artful. Perhaps it's a child dancing to their favorite song, or a girl snapping a candid photo of a friend, or someone making up a song off the top of their head to sing to their significant other. These things can be fleeting and quick and sometimes silly but what's to say it's not art? I've come a long way in my thought process about this. I used to be certain that art could only exist with training and technique, although I do still believe that there is great value in those things, I've come to realize it's not necessary. I think what finally solidified this in my mind was something that happened this weekend. We had a performance at the studio where I teach and I had a piece in it that had five girls and women. One of the women in the dance has only been dancing since September and she has not yet mastered the technique of dance. But there was a point when I looked at her while she was performing and it was beautiful what I saw: passion, complete immersion in the moves. It was truly at that moment I was able to see what art can be and not what it should be. Again, that is not to say that anyone can be a great painter or a great actor. I do believe you need training and diligence and a natural inclination. But I am definitely going to be looking for art in places I never have before.

2009-02-24T14:32:00.002-05:00

Sauce

2009-02-04T11:22:00.003-05:00

I was making sauce this morning and I came to a happy realization. I don't have a recipe for sauce. Neither does my mother nor did her mother, my Noni. But I know how to make sauce the way my mother makes it. How? Because I spent countless times standing next to my mom while she made it. Stirring the pot, filling up the little tomato paste can with water to add. And when I got older, chopping the garlic, which was a huge deal for me! I remember one time, just once, my mother walked me through the steps as I watched carefully. But I never wrote it down, I just know how to make it. It's great to be part of an oral tradition like that. I hope it continues with Lucy as well as my children. I hope and pray they will stand by their Noni stirring that pot and filling up that little can with water. Thanks, Mom, for teaching me so well.

2009-01-19T14:27:00.003-05:00

Last week was a toughie. Tuesday was an ok day; tiring but overall pretty normal. Then on Wednesday night while teaching I pulled my groin muscle. If you know anything about sports injuries or just the human body in general you probably know that the groin is one of the hardest muscles to heal. It plagues most people for a lifetime. It made me feel awful about myself because you pull your groin, much like any muscle, from the muscles surrounding it being weak. Who wants to feel weak? I have a performance coming up at the end of February and I'm praying it's healed up before then so I can still perform. Then on Thursday i spent most of the day throwing up. The hardest part about it was that Stephen was in class all day and I had no one to take care of me. I'm not sure I've ever wanted a vacation so badly before...

The Last Chapter of the Right to Vote

2009-01-10T12:21:00.001-05:00

Just to let you all know I got my voter registration card in the mail this week. Is that wasn't overdue I don't know what is!

All I can do is shake my head.

How are you?

2009-01-01T20:30:00.002-05:00

Such a common question that so many people ask, right? Do you ever answer it honestly? I have to say that I try to. And I tend to only ask that question when I want to know the honest answer from someone. I have a friend who always just shrugs her shoulders or says "eh" when I ask because she doesn't think I really want to hear whats going on with her. But I do. So I assume people want the truth when I'm asked. I have to admit though that I don't always. So for those of you who read my blog this is my honest answer about how I'm doing.

Over the past few weeks as I've been here in New Jersey everyone has been asking me how I like Grand Rapids and I've been responding with "I hate it". And I do. I'm trying so hard to like it. I hate the snow, a certain type of people, the drivers, the time of day my mailman comes, my neighbors, the traffic lights, the lack of street signs, the fact that I have no friends, pretty much everything. The people who I talk to often know this and I'm sure they are sick of hearing it by now so I'm going to write about what I do like (positive thinking, right?). I like that Grand Rapids is an old city full of history, I like the way my street looks while it's snowing at night, I like the brick roads, I like the public library and the people who I always see everytime I'm there. I like how everyone smiles at each other and makes conversation in the grocery store. I love waking up in the morning and feeling independant (no matter how cold it is), I love that no matter how bad my day was I know that I can come home to my home. I love that the reason I moved my life to a strange and sometimes horrible place was for a man that I love more dearly and deeply than I ever thought I was capable of. And that he feels the same about me. I love that no matter how many inches of snow, wrong turns I make, or how loud my neighbors are, we can laugh together at the end of the day.

So thank you to everyone who has listened to me complain endlessly. I think my New Years resolution is to try to see that greener grass.

Ahhh

2008-12-20T23:28:00.003-05:00

Well I am finally back in New Jersey after one of the scariest car rides of my life. We, Stephen Sarah and I, were supposed to leave on Friday morning but at about 5 0'clock started hearing about a terrible storm headed for GR. So I watched the news and realized this was going to be bad but wasn't sure what to do since Stephen had a paper to write, an apartment to clean, and pack up his stuff. My mom called and advised us to leave that night instead of waiting for the morning. And after a few frantic calls we deicded that would be best. It was about 7:30pm. At about 8:45 I decided to take a nap and wait for my fellow travellers to come over. At about 10:45 they finally drove up and it took us 15 minutes to barely squeeze everything in the car. So we hit the road at about 11:15 after grabbing gas and energy drinks. You have to understand that all of us had a rough week; Stephen and Sarah with finals and me with holiday mall hours and parent wacth week at the studio. We were all exhausted. But we were brave and sang songs. Then we hit Ohio and the freezing rain, then it started snowing, then we hit Pennslyvania and the roads were covered. Then we were driving on route 80 and it got really bad. It was about 6:30am by this point and I still hadn't slept. So once the sun came up it was slow going. To make a long and scary story short and somewhat less scary, it took us over 15 hours to get back (it should have taken 11) and we slid all the way from PA to New Jersey. And I didn't cry once. Needless to say, I am thrilled to be back.

Just a few more weeks...

2008-12-09T12:45:00.004-05:00

We all know the classic line from the "Wizzard of Oz": "There's no place like home". Now although Grand Rapids is officially my new home I am so excited to go back to New Jersey for the Holidays. I can't wait to spend time with my parents watching movies (and Sienfeld!), going to diners with my friends, relaxing, shopping with my mom. It's those very small things that often meant nothing at the time that I'm really missing. I can honestly hardly contain my excitement to see my friends. I never thought I would miss them all so much. I just miss being so comfortable with people. I don't have that here. At both my jobs I have to be assertive and aware and I don't have many friends, and even if I did I wouldn't feel very comfortable with them at this point. My friends from New Jersey are amazing. They have been always there for me weather I need some cheering up, or some grounding. I mean how many friends do you have where you feel completely comfortable saying "Hey, you're being a jerk!"? I can say that to my friends and have it mean something. They can also say that to me and I listen and don't take offense because I know they care. It's interesting because as hard as it's been to be away from my friends I know with all my heart that I will always be friends with them; they aren't going anywhere. And that makes me feel so secure. So to any of my friends who read my blog: Thank you for being so faithful in friendship, you are loved and cherished.

The Right To Vote Pt. 2

2008-11-07T14:10:00.003-05:00

So apparently I don't have the right to vote. I am still too frustrated by the whole experience to go into too much detail but I will say that I was not able to vote this past Tuesday. I was lied to (many times over) and I believe that is what resulted in my inability to enact my right. I of course embarrassed myself at the polls by crying, and then I raged for about 30 minutes at home before calming down enough to cook dinner and watch the events of the night. Obama winning came as no surprise to me but I fear for the kind of country he will turn this into. Stephen and I have been talking lately about moving to Europe someday and the idea is appealing to me more and more. I'm disappointed overall about the voting process and I think I'm too tired and frustrated to find answers. It's been a month of trying to get the answers I wanted.

On a lighter note I did enjoy watching Mighty Pythons Flying Circus' "Election Night Special". I think it will always be my favorite sketch from that show. Enjoy.

Time

2008-11-02T18:29:00.003-05:00

"'I think you might do something better with time,' she said, 'than waste it in asking riddles that have no answers.'

'If you knew time as well as I do,' said the Hatter, 'you wouldn't talk of wasting it. It's him.'

'I don't know what you mean,' said Alice.

'Of course you don't,' the Hatter said, tossing his head contemptuously, 'I dare say you never even spoke to Time!'

'Perhaps not,' Alice cautiously replied, 'but I know how to beat time when I learn music.'

'Ah! That accounts for it,' said the Hatter, 'He won't stand beating!'"

That is one of my favorite quotes from Lewis Carrols "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". I love how angry the Mad Hatter gets at the idea of referring to time as some sort of abstract instead of being a living breathing thing. C.S. Lewis also talks about time in his book "The Silver Chair". He mentions Father Time sleeping deep below the earths surface and that he will wake at the end of the world. So many people talk about time as if they have no say in how it goes on. It is true that we cannot stop time from moving or that we can turn it forward of back. But we do have the ability to spend it how we wish. Alice thinks people shouldn't waste it with silly riddles. Where as the Mad Hatter and March Hare see nothing wrong with that (neither do I). I have chosen to spend much of my time with dancing and even now I chose to use time to laugh, share my life with someone I love, and work hard. To use a cliche: time is precious, use it to do something you love even if most people would think you're crazy. Spend time with the people you enjoy being with and don't beat time, he won't stand for it!

The Right To Vote!

2008-10-24T15:05:00.002-04:00

I have never wanted to vote for president. That is until a few weeks ago. Through out the primaries I was rooting for Ron Paul (see previous post) but didn't actually vote for him considering I had no plan to ever vote again, I knew I would be moving to another state, and didn't want to hassle of being called to jury duty. But I changed my mind one day. Here in Michigan there are two new proposals up this election. One for the legalization of medical marijuana the other for embryonic stem cell research. Two things I feel strongly about. So I decided I would register, have my say about the proposals, and write in Ron Paul (just to stick it to the man a little). Well I went down to the library and turned in my form there only to receive a letter from the county clerk a few days later saying I was not registered due to the fact that the organization, who was responsible for sending in the forms, had not sent them in on time. I was enraged. Here I was a 20 year old woman who finally has the mind and ability to vote and I can't. I called the library, was regretfully nasty to a nice woman, and eventually spoke to my new friend Michael. He apologized profusely and said he was investigating the problem and would let me know the results. To make a very long story short I was told to call Hailey (who turned out to be a very young and unprofessional person) at the Obama Campaign who basically gave me no confidence at all. So I called the County Clerk directly and a woman in the elections office told me all I had to do was bring my license to the polls on election day and fill out a provisional ballot! I was shocked it was so easy (I'm still a little nervous). The whole thing really taught me a lesson: I don't really believe that God wants me to vote and I think that it really doesn't matter all that much how many people vote but I do know that it was devastating, even to a person who never wanted to vote, that my freedom and privilege could be denied me. The moral of the story: Go out and vote for your local government (mayor, congress people, senators, etc), research the proposals for new legislation in your state, and vote for someone like Ralph Nader (or Ron Paul) because God knows someone like Obama sure as hell doesn't need your vote.

Apples, Root Beer, Donuts, and Free Bikes

2008-10-11T16:00:00.002-04:00

I am starting to think that Stephen and I have some sort of magnet for cheap vintage bikes. We went apple picking today and got a little lost and on our way back to being found we saw these two bikes on the side of the road and slowed down for a look. Well they were free! So we labored for some time trying to get both of them into the car but decided only on would fit. So we packed it, went and picked some apples, enjoyed some tasty old timey root beer, bought some donuts, and headed home. Our plan is to fix it up and sell it to some hipster who won't mind paying a decent amount for it. It's funny because while we were fixing up my bike Stephen had said how fun it would be to fix up old bikes and sell them as a little money making hobby. Looks like we may be on our way to doing just that. Hm.

Pictures

2008-10-03T13:42:00.001-04:00

Here are some pictures of my apartment, Lake Michigan, and my bike make over. Enjoy!

New Transportation

2008-09-13T19:41:00.004-04:00

The other day Stephen got a bike to ride around campus, get to his classes, etc. It was $10 dollars, old, very cool, and I was jealous. But then I remembered I can't ride a bike! I practiced on Stephen's though and did an ok job. So we decided to look for one for me. Well we found something even better. A tricycle! It's easy to ride, no balancing, and very French. We found it at the Salvation Army and the price tag said $25.99. I didn't have the money for it but Stephen wanted to buy it so he said he'd get it for me. We go inside tell the cashier the price and he looks at his co-worker and says "Bikes are 75% off right?" to which the co-worker responds "Yeah". So the bike was $6.89. Stephen and I cleaned it up, spray painted it, and put a cool license plate on the back. I just rode it down to the library where I am typing this blog. The best part about it is I can actually ride it with confidence. People also stare at me alot while I'm riding it. But sometimes it's hard being so cool. Just the price I have to pay. ;-)

My New Addiction

2008-08-25T15:36:00.003-04:00

So I'm sort of settling in to life out here is western Michigan. I still don't have a job so basically I do nothing. I finished a puzzle that took me a week to do, I kept a very close watch on the Olympics, and I read the paper almost everyday. And now I'm in the final week before Stephen gets here! Somehow this week is worse than the last three were. The anticipation is making it difficult to say the least.

But anyway I have a new musical addiction. I found this gem of a vintage store with a great record selection and a picked up a few while I was there last week. Besides buying two Neil Diamond albums and a record of the songs from Disney's "Alice in Wonderland" I bought Steve Forberts "Alive on Arrival". I bought it mostly because I know the first track "Goin' Down to Laurel". It was only 25 cents and I knew it would make my dad proud. So I put it on and fell in love. Most of the songs I vaguely know from my dad singing them while I was growing up. But it really is a great album! Some of the best lyrics I've ever heard. If you've never had the pleasure I suggest giving it a listen.

Here's to all the shitty jobs that I despise.
Here's to two-bit guarantees and other lies.
Here's to roads of burning tar and hot cement.
Here's to money in my hand and where it went.

Well, I got my fingers a-tapping on the hard,
stone steps.
I'm waiting for lightning and the rains to fall.
Young lovers are loafin' with their sidewalk smiles
And all their rainbow dreams....

I been livin' an' breathin' in the rat trap town.
Tryna get over where the wall breaks down.
Holdin' my head up with my thin tired arms
and all my rainbow dreams
-- "Steve Forberts Midsummer Night's Toast"

I'm Here!

2008-08-16T14:37:00.002-04:00

I'm here in Grand Rapids. I am all moved in and enjoying my new place. I won't have a chance to blog much since I have to use the public library for internet access and I'm only allowed 30 minutes a day on their computers. But I wanted to give everyone an update and let you know that in a few weeks when Stephen gets here I'll hopefully be able to use his computer to blog about all my crazy adventures since I've been here! And I'll post some pictures than too.

The Move from Hell

2008-08-13T10:36:00.002-04:00

I decided I can finally blog about my move here to GR. It was rather stressful to say the least and I now feel like I have moved past the trauma enough to talk about it. My mom and I had started off our day driving out to Michigan at around 6am. I was driving my car and my mom was driving the rented moving truck. After about 12 hours on the road and feeling tired, cranky, and with sore knees, we made it to my apartment. We went in and looked around and than checked into our hotel (we didn't want to bother moving anything in the first night). We got up the next morning and were really geared up to get going. We had a lot of trouble getting the tuck into the narrow driveway and that was only the beginning. We moved in the mattress, my large heavy dresser and a few other things before tackling the couch. Well, long story short, it got stuck in my insanely tiny door. It not only got stuck once but twice! After we had successfully gotten it out we thought trying it again was a good idea. But it wasn't at all. So anyway we called up the handy man, whose number I had gotten from my landlord, and he came by and got it in for us. I cried when it was in and I had trouble sitting on it for a few days. But everything else went great and then we had to move the truck out of that narrow driveway again. But after the adventure with the couch it seemed like a piece of cake.

To A land Far Far Away

2008-07-28T22:28:00.002-04:00

The move is coming up quickly. It's really hard to believe that it's been seven months since I decided to move to Grand Rapids. I feel as if I've had no time to do anything and yet that it has all gotten done. I'm just packing up the last few boxes (I'm still dumbfounded at how much stuff I have!), saying goodbye to everyone, and trying to stay stress free! Everything is going pretty well and I truly am excited. But at the same time I'm scared. Mostly just of leaving what has been so familiar to me my whole life. But I know what is ahead of me is a wonderful experience. And for that I cannot wait! As of right now I don't have a computer so I most likely won't be blogging right away. Although I do plan on getting into the library soon after I arrive to check email and all those fun things. I'll try to keep everyone posted as much as I can!

Beach

2008-07-25T11:16:00.003-04:00

Stephen and I finally made it down to the beach. It was only for an overnight stay but it was well worth it. Stephen's sister, Sarah (yes it does get confusing both having sisters named Sarah), and her boyfriend, Chris, invited us to stay at Chris's parents beach house. We eargerly accepted and went down on Wednesday night. We had a nice time playing games (we invented a great one which we played for hours), eating, and laughing alot. It was supposed to storm all day on Thursday but it turned out to be a beautiful day! I was so happy to just sit on the beach and stare at the ocean. We left around 5 and found a cute little diner that was straight out of a movie to eat at and got home with bad sunburn. Poor Stephen can barely walk. It was a good time though.

Brat Pack

2008-07-18T20:46:00.002-04:00

I love music. I am a big fan of lyrics. It's usually what makes me love certain bands or certain songs. Every since I heard the song "Brat Pack" by The Rocket Summer I've been hooked. I guess it's about 4 years old now and I still listen to it and sing along with zeal. And altough I loved it from the start, only now does it really apply to my life. I just love when that happens. When there is a song that just encompasses so much of what you feel. It a song that talks about growing up and moving away and hating everything about where you live but never wanting to leave and loving everything about it all at the same time.

For about four years I’ve hated this town
Yeah, so much I just wanna get out
Since graduation was long ago
Please somebody get me out of this hole
Cause I don’t want to get stuck in here
When I am thirty-four just talkin' 'bout high school years
No I don’t wanna be there, and feel so stuck right here
Back and forth, side to side, oh my dear

My foot to the floor I will drive to the place
Where I can kick it with friends through the night
A place we'll talk about now and the past what the future holds
Hanging out with not much to do
Just aimless with each other - is what we do

...Cause' we were singing along to Peter Gabriel's "sledgehammer" song
You know it’s clear that tonight we belong in this place
So I step back to reflect in this town I hate
And at least just for a second I think I might stay...

Collecting

2008-07-18T20:37:00.003-04:00

I love to collect things in my mind. Yes, that sounds completely crazy. But I really do it. When my sister first told me she was pregnant I told everyone with whom I was remotely acquainted and would listen. I heard alot of strange reactions. Some people were thrilled and some were confused as to why I was so excited. So I started "collecting" peoples reactions. Don't ask me why exactly. But I remember the one that was the strangest to me. I told this girl I knew who was about 21 at the time and after a slight pause she says "Oh. That's cute" Weird response. I also like peoples reactions to my moving to Michigan for Stephen. Most people at church look confused and afraid and ask, sometimes tactfully sometimes not, if we will be living together. I reply that we are not and they always look so relieved. I find it tremendously amusing. And, yes, I am completely crazy.

Summer of Alex Update

2008-07-16T12:15:00.002-04:00

So my summer is about halfway over I guess and I feel pretty good about it. I haven't seen very many friends or done any late night coffee drinking yet but I know it'll come in time. So far I've been to see my sister, gone on a great road trip with friends, camped for a week, learned how to love a little better, watched SO many movies, and I am currently learning to play basketball (kinda). I have to say I'm really enjoying basketball! My friend Mitch has always wanted to be a NBA star, and since he played in high school he has some great pointers. Now anyone who knows me well knows that I am terrible at most sports but I really want to try something new and since I can walk down to the park where they have a nicely lit courts I can play whenever. So Stephen and I had our first lesson with Coach Mitch and he gave us some good tips. Stephen and I even played one on one the other day and it was a great work out! Although I know I'll never be a star I'm trying to expand the things that I do. That's what I've done so far and as far as what I still have/want to do seems overwhelming. I still have to pack, go on about four double dates, see a ton of people, go to the beach a few times, and so much more. But I do know that tomorrow night I'm going to see "The Dark Knight" with friends. I can't wait!

Cornerstone

2008-07-15T12:33:00.005-04:00

I've been back from Illinois for a week now and had time to recover and think over everything that happened. I had a great time and came back feeling very edified and excited. Although the week ended well it started a little rough. We left on a rainy Sunday morning and the first thing was that we couldn't fit everything in the 3 vehicles which meant we had to leave behind the big fire pit, the boom box, and a cooler. I was most bummed about the boom box which meant very little music at the camp site for the week. Everyone else was upset about the fire pit cause you can't have fires on the ground at c-stone. But we took off and drove through the night with none of us really sleeping. I think I got about 5 minutes in about 36 hours. We arrived at about 5:30am and waited in a 2 mile long line until about 9am (the guys in the band got in early and set us the camp site!). Once at the site, which looked great thanks to our churches 10x20ft circus tent, I realized our roof rack had locked on itself. My dad instructed me to "jam something in there until it pops open", so I asked Scott, the bands drummer, to help me. He grabbed a pocket knife, bad idea, and jammed away. Then he sliced his finger open, almost passed out, had to be taken to the emergency room to get four stitches, and then play 3 shows that week. I'm not sure how he managed it but he did! It was such a bad way to start things off. The week only went up from there though. We enjoyed a slew of great bands, I heard a fantastic seminar on living in community, and just had some great laughs. Even though by the end of the week we were all more than happy to say good bye to one another I believe it was worth feeling completely wiped out for almost a week for it. I suggest going to Cornerstone with friends and enjoying the challenge of living among other people with no plumbing, canned food, and loud music. It really changed me.

Here are some pics. There is a great one of Scott's finger after about 4 days.

Here you go, Grandpa

2008-07-11T17:18:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite beverages has to be Ale-8-One (A Late One). It is a delicious soda only sold in the Lexington, KY area and I always enjoy it while visiting Sarah and Alan. I remember after they had first moved down there to Kentucky I was in Nashville, TN for the summer and they came to visit me one weekend. And they brought my some Ale-8! I was very skeptical at first since I'm not a huge soda fan but after trying it I was hooked. It has a ginger ale type flavor but slightly more fruity and since it often comes in glass bottles (it's so old timey!) it isn't too fizzy. I would recommend trying it next time you are at the Wilmore IGA in Kentucky. At least that's where I always buy mine! :-p

Pictures

2008-07-11T11:51:00.002-04:00

Here are pictures of Lucy (they are mixed in with older pics so go to page 3 for the most recent). I will post about Illinois soon. I feel a little out of it still as far as computers and phones go so bear with me.

Get Ready Cause Here I Come!

2008-06-29T08:43:00.003-04:00

I'm leaving for Illinois today! We are starting off at 12 noon today for Cornerstone. We will be driving through the night (keep us in your prayers) and will arrive out there at about 8am tomorrow morning. I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself! It'll be a week of laughing with friends, listening to some great music, eating lots of canned food, and hopefully learning a little more about myself. But I think one of the best things of all is I'll be a week with out computers, cell phones, or TV. I always find it refreshing to get away from those things. So I will be gone until July 7th. But if you'd like to leave me some love on here, send me an email or a text, or leave me a message on my cell (which I will check daily) I will greatly enjoy them!

Kentucky at it's Finest

2008-06-22T15:02:00.002-04:00

I just got back from spending almost a week with my sister, brother in law, and neice. What a nice time! Mostly we just hung around, which was a nice break after finishing work a few days earlier, drank lots of Ale-8, and watched "Flight of the Concords" on DVD. It was great to hang out with Lucy and see how much she's grown and how smart she is. She is a super eater (loves peas), loves to be read to, jump, play, and laugh. A true joy. I also had to chance to see all of Sarah and Alans old friends, meet some new ones, and get to know everyone a little bit better. It's so nice to see what a great life they have made for themselves and how happy they are. I look to them as the inspiration for my life as I grow up and start my new life on my own. I will post pictures of little Lucy soon.

Redlight Ivan

2008-06-08T19:31:00.001-04:00

Part 3 of 3 (see two posts below for the whole story):

Stephen had taken his fathers mini-van that morning so that we could drive more kids, smart idea! Well, you would think so. It wouldn't start. Dead battery. It had happened before so Stephen felt confident jumping it would do the trick. Gina, a fellow youth leader, started calling AAA while one of the moms looked for jumper cables. We located the cables before AAA answered and got the car started in a matter of minutes. Whew, we all sighed with relief. It was still about 80 degrees out and the thought of standing in the parking lot waiting for AAA was not a fun prospect. We loaded up the car with 3 Brinbaum kids (they are a nice family and we know them well), Evan (14), Forrest (12), and Grace (8), we also had two of their friends with us, Aaron (12), and his brother Charlie (14). Off we went. Everyone else in the other two cars were driving through at McDonald's but we didn't want to stop and risk not starting again so we headed straight home. Right outside the McDonald's, which was right outside Six Flags, we stopped at a red light and the car just died. I panicked! Stephen gabbed his phone to call AAA and found out it was dead so I gave him mine and he started dialing. The kids asked what was going on and Stephen was so calm, he told the kids to get out of the car, take Grace's hand,walk over to the grass outside of WaWa, sit down in the center and wait. Stephen was so smart about that cause we didn't have any lights on the car and it was dark and he was afraid we might get hit. After a few minutes of holding with AAA a tow truck pulls up next to us! He asked if we needed help and we said yes please. He was a AAA guy too! So he tried jumping us with no luck. He than pushed the car over to the shoulder and out of the intersection. I decided to take the kids into McDonald's and get them some food and out of the heat. It was there that I almost lost my head.

Grace asked to go the bathroom. I said yes but immediately after she was gone I was thinking "is it ok for her to do that? are 8 year old girls allowed to do that?!". I ordered the food set the other kids at a table and went into the bathroom. She was washing her hands and smiled at me when I came in. She was fine. My heart started beating again. So there we are sitting in McDonald's. I had no idea what was going on. I wanted to cry s. Than Michelle walked in, Larissa and Joes step-mom. She had gotten a call from Gina (whom Stephen had called when we broke down), and told me what was going on. Between her and her husband Gary, Gina, and the other youth leader the kids could fit in the cars and they would take them all home. I had to ride in the tow truck with Stephen. So I thanked them, told them the whole thing scared me out of having kids for quite some time, and ran out to meet Stephen.

We hopped in the truck and I wanted to cry again. We were still over an hour from Stephens and I had to drive myself home from there. I don't even know what time it was at that point. But the guy was so nice. He was eastern european of some sort, young, and very talkative and kind. We told him funny stories from the day and he asked us questions about this and that while listening to rap music. Then he got pulled over. We pull into the WaWa parking lot in Flemington (so close to home!). He had apparently run a red light. No ticket for that just for a burnt out license plate light. He announced he needed a cigarette after that experience so I treated Stephen to a coffee and some donuts. We got back into the truck, made it to Stephens house, and I got home by 12am with sore legs, a sun burnt nose, and a terrible head ache.

It was such a stressful day to say the least. But I laughed alot and got the chance to get to know some genuinely nice kids. So I'd say it was worth it. I'm never going back to Great Adventure though.

Gracie in Koch Land

2008-06-08T18:42:00.004-04:00

Part 2 (see below for part 1):

So we, me, Larissa, her brother Joe, and Luke, head over to "El Toro". Larissa (a very fun 13 year old girl) and I wanted to crap our pants when we saw the drop! It looked terrifying. But we were brave and all got in line, after helping Luke hide his bag from the employees so we didn't have to rent a locker. I have to say we all made the best of what could have been a very miserable time. None of the kids knew me very well and I barely knew them. So we spent some time chatting about this and that. They talked about school and teachers and I made jokes about feeling so old. After about an hour we were up! Larissa said she wanted to ride with me so we got in the car behind to boys. And, since we were bad luck for the day, the ride was having some problems starting up. At this point we really felt doomed! But sure enough after a few minutes we took off. It was amazing! On the first drop Luke put up his very long arms (he's 6'4!) and caught someones gross sweat rag. Peoples jewelry was flying off as well. It was crazy and we all had a very good laugh for the rest of the day about it! And, I must say, it was the best roller coaster I have ever been on! So feeling good and wanting more we headed to "Rolling Thunder" and waited in line for an hour and a half for an extremely disappointing ride. Not worth the wait at all. But we laughed so hard about it it was almost worth it. By the time we got off it was 5pm, time to head to the arena for the concert we were there to see. I was so hot and tired and grumpy by this point I wanted nothing more than a shower and something tasty to eat. But we had to sit through the two bands I could care less about before we could head home. I also had an allergy attack in the arena which really did not help things.

After about two hours of sweating some more, and feeling jipped by the fact I only rode 4 rides in about 7 hours, we got to the cars... (oh, no it's not over yet)...

The Gary Mozingo Experience

2008-06-08T17:24:00.002-04:00

This is my adventure from Saturday June 7th. I will split it into a few posts. Here's the first:

Yesterday Stephen and I went to Six Flags Great Adventure with our church. It was intended to be for the youth group but a few parents and younger kids came along as well. There were quite a few of us in total but a fun group all in all. The day started off a little nutty with figuring out who was driving and all that but we got on the road and arrived at the park around 10am. After getting in the gates we headed to "Dark Knight" which was awful. We than started sweating profusely. We rode "Nitro" which was worth the hour long wait. Than it was time for lunch (yes those two things took that long). After lunch at the cars half the group wanted to hit up some ride where water was involved. The other half wanted to ride "Superman". Stephen and I, along with our friend Mitch, had 7 teens in tow. We waited and waited in the line. We started to get sick from the sun. My head hurt and this kid Evan felt like he was going to throw up. One kid decided to get out of line to get a drink. We got his cell number and said we would call when we got off the ride. Another 20 minutes later we hear that the ride is broken down. I announce we should get some water so we don't all have heat strokes and Stephen and Mitch agree. After a much needed break we split into two groups. Mitch and Stephen took 4 of the kids and went to the log flume. I took 3 and went to the wooden coasters. Oh, did I mention it was 100 degrees with full sun? Yeah, well, it was only the beginning...

Summer of Alex

2008-06-03T10:40:00.003-04:00

For all of you who enjoy Seinfeld you'll understand this blog. I am going to have a Summer of Alex! It's going to be me living life to the fullest (hopefully not being quite as selfish as George Costanza while doing it though), and just having alot of fun in general. I already have some big plans for my summer as well as some ideas for other things. In a few weeks I finish at work (I love being a teacher for that reason!) and I'll be off to Kentucky to spend time with my favorite sibling and her lovely family for five days. A week after that I will be leaving for Cornerstone where Stephens band will perform and I'll have see a crap load of awesome bands as well as having a much needed break from cell phones, internet, and.. well... showering. After that I plan on returning to New Jersey to spend as much time as I can with my friends, stay out late, drink coffee at diners, eat more than is natural for a person my size, try out some new baking recipes (like lemon chiffon pie!), finish packing to move (not so fun), and than move my entire life to Michigan. All in all it's going to be a great Summer of Alex! If you would like to be a part of it just let me know.

An Extra Big Thank You!

2008-05-22T11:14:00.004-04:00

I just wanted to thank everyone who voted for Madeline to play the New Band Showcase at Cornerstone. Cause they made it!!!! They are so excited and happy and want to thank everyone who supported them in any way. And if anyone happens to be in Illinois at the end of June stop on by and see them play. Also, if you have a myspace check em out and be their friend. Also be on the look out for their soon to be recorded and released ep!

Mothers Day

2008-05-11T12:33:00.002-04:00

So far today has been a tough mothers day for me. Since I've been older I am reminded each year that my mother does not have her mother around for this day and it makes me realize how lucky I am to have mine. But today was just tough for me in church. I have a good friend who's mom passed away six years ago from cancer. He is the oldest of five children, the youngest, Grace, a girl. Grace is one of the coolest eight year olds I know. She always has a big hug for me and I make sure to give her extra kisses and lots of attention. I am often times struck by the fact that she doesn't have a mom. And most often in those times my heart just breaks for that family. Today in church all the children were called to front for the children's message and were than offered flowers to bring to their mothers. My heart just ached for Grace. I wanted so badly to rush up and hurry her away from that scene. But knowing that I couldn't do that I just cried. After the sermon her father, who was leading the service for our absent pastor, thanked everyone in the church who is a mom to Grace. He said that he at one point asked himself how he was to raise a little girl but God blessed him with our church family. Even though my heart still aches for my friends and their loss I am able to see God's love and provision. I love Grace as my sister and I cherish here along with all the other people in my church and I know she is loved. And although no one could ever truly take the place of her mother she will never be in want of a mothers love and that is a blessing beyond measure.

I also know I am one lucky gal to have my mother right where I need her.

For all the cooks who read my blog

2008-04-27T19:00:00.003-04:00

Whenever I want to make something but find myself (most often late at night) without something called for in the recipe I hop on the computer and open up the site FoodSubs.com. Although the site seems odd and poorly designed, everything I have gotten off their has worked so well. Just today I was making a batch of ginger cookies, which always come out differently than the recipe says they will but are delicious just the same, and I was a little short on molasses so I jumped on food subs and found honey would do the trick. And by golly I think they might taste the best yet! So if you are ever in need of a substitute ingredient foodsubs.com is the place to be!

Grand Rapids

2008-04-21T12:59:00.003-04:00

As some of you may or may not know I am moving this summer. I am going to Grand Rapids, MI. That's right. I'm moving to the mid-west! Stephen is transferring to Calvin College and since I am rather fond of Stephen I decided to go out there too. I just got back from a trip there with my mom and I love it! It's a beautiful and safe city with lots to do and I secured a part time job as a dance teacher. I also looked at some apartments and found a few that I liked (one that I really liked!) and I just need to hear back from a few people before I make a decision. I am so excited to be getting out on my own and starting something new. I believe that Stephen and I are really going to be happy out there for the next few years and I'm excited to see where life takes us after that. Perhaps Chicago or even New England (Stephens considering Yale for his masters)! It's all very exciting and as I said I'm looking forward to something new. Here are some pictures of the apartments I liked as well as the city itself.

Finding Your Feet Again

2008-03-27T19:54:00.002-04:00

this is what it's like
finding your feet again
the part of you that couldn't
finally thinks you can

you're taking off some time to do this
a small apartment bedroom rearranged
to know that you are loved
you're finding your feet again
the part of you that couldn't
finally thinks you can

a brownstone on a street in brooklyn
the light tier flash from temperature to time
and people do the same
you're falling asleep again
part of you a dreamer
and part of you is dreamt

and you said...

go now in the light of your god
go now in the love of your god
go now in the peace of your god
go now in the joy of your god

--Denison Witmer

That song really struck me today. I was listening to it and it really seems to encapsulate much of what I've been feeling not only this past week but the past few years. I made one of the biggest decisions of my life a year and a half ago and I got hit with some crazy stuff a year ago now. And all of it left me feeling a little like a weeble wooble. I haven't exactly fallen down but I'm not doing a very good job of standing up either. So this song really spoke to me. It's always been one of Stephens favorites and I'm glad it popped up today on my ipod. I guess I should keep that thing on shuffle more often.

Madeline for President!

2008-03-19T15:19:00.002-04:00

I've talked about Stephens band Madeline before. Well they need your help! They are trying for the chance to play at the Cornerstone Festival this summer in Illinois. But they need votes! If you go to: http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/newbandshowcase/index.cfm register (you won't get any junk mail, I promise), and vote they will be that much closer to having the chance of a lifetime!!! Please please please! It only takes a minute!

Yeasty!

2008-03-18T14:08:00.002-04:00

I used to be terribly afraid of yeast breads. I always made quick breads. But fairly recently I decided to make some yeast bread. I tackled the first one with my mom and after one failure of not adding the proper amount of flour (my fault), we came out with a yummy honey oatmeal bread. Being that I'm not a big honey oatmeal bread fan I decided to make some soft white sandwich bread. It made two very good loaves and I popped both loaves (sliced) into the freezer and my mom made french toast out of one loaf and it was amazing! So I recently made another two loaves and sliced one thick and we had another round of french toast. After the yummy white bread I thought focaccia would be the next practical step. It was! I made olive and rosemary focaccia and the next day Stephen and I made some spicy panini's out of it! Now all I want to make are yeast breads. I'm glad I'm getting back into my adventurous side of baking.

Coffee?

2008-03-17T10:17:00.002-04:00

I used to drink coffee quite often when I was younger. I remember when I spent a summer in Houston I would drink black coffee at breakfast. I was 14. But after that I would only drink it occasionally; maybe a cafe mocha or a caramel macchiato at the mall when I was 16. Then I started getting heart palpitations so started staying away from caffeine all together. I had also discovered a great coffee shop in my town that does tea drinks just like coffee drinks. Carmel Hoji = Caramel Macchiato, Tea Mocha = Cafe Mocha, Diana Mint is a wonderful refreshing green tea drink with a minty flavor. So I started drinking tea. All the time. But now that I've started going to college and working alot more I find coffee is the drink for me. I love Wawa coffee and I just made myself a tasty cup of french press. Mmmm. It's interesting how my taste seems to change so often. Oh, and I don't have any more palpitations either. So now I can just enjoy the wonderful tatse of a good cup o' joe.

World View

2008-03-05T22:18:00.003-05:00

In sunday school we just finished a study on World View. How people see the world. Particularly how Christians should see it. We learned that each world view answers 4 questions: Where did we come from? What is our purpose in life? What's the problem with the world? And how do we fix that problem? Just learning those questions helped me begin to see how other people see themselves, others, and the earth. After becoming familiar with those questions and studying some different world views we talked about movies, art, and music and how we, as Christians, should views these types of mediums. I've really begun to see world view in alot of different places. I saw something in the subway a few months ago. Commercials say alot now. And music as well. But I shall give music it's own post. I just think it's interesting to answer those questions for ourselves. What do they say about your beliefs?

Ron Paul?

2008-03-05T10:23:00.002-05:00

Politics. I don't really care for them all that much. Although, in America they seem exceedingly hard to ignore. I didn't vote this year and I never plan to do so. But I'm regretting it just a little bit. I really like Ron Paul. I think he's is an amazing canidate with tons of experince, he's not a war monger, doesn't belive in abortion, and has great views on all the hot topics. I really agreed with him on so many different things. Too bad no one knew about him or saw his cute little face. It's just really hard for me this election because I am finaly old enough where people ask me what I think and I can't, nor have the desire to, make up my mind. I like John Mccain. He is a hero. But, being a woman who belives in other women, I think it would be pretty cool to see Hillary Clinton win. Although I don't think I'd like all her choices. But that is why I choose not to vote. I don't want to have thr burden of bad decisions on my shoulders. If I voted for George Bush I would have to bear the burden of the fact that my friend is in Iraq. I can't handle that.... But I do like that Ron Paul.

2008-02-25T20:19:00.002-05:00

Just about a year and a half ago my great aunt passed away. My aunt left behind one hell of a legacy; one of manipulation and deceit, among other things. It was the legacy of this woman, along with new editions to my family, that caused me to start thinking about what family really is. I have always thought of "family" in a very Italian mob, Tony Soprano kind of way. But in the past few years, especially the last six months, I've realized that is a weird way to think of family. Family are the people who call you just to say hello. They are the ones who celebrate when things go your way, or comfort when things don't. They are the people who speak truth to you, out of love, when truth needs to be spoken. They are the ones who except truth with love and try to change from it. If my sister and I never followed those rules of family we wouldn't have the amazing relationship we have. When I think about those things that constitute family I think of my parents, my sister, and her family. I think of my boyfriend, of my close friends, my pastor, my sunday school class, my church. These people are my family. We share a bond that runs much deeper than blood, although most Italians would argue that nothing runs deeper than your blodd. We share the common understanding and faith in the blood of Christ. And that runs much deeper than anything I've ever known. There is a woman in my church who was very vital to both mine and my sisters lives. She taught both of us sunday school for years, she has the patience of a saint and a heart of gold. When I shared with her that my sister was having her first baby, her eyes filled with tears and she told me that hearing that made her feel like a grandma. She is my family. And I know that one day the legacy she leaves behind will be one of love and the sweetness of God's grace. Isn't that what family is? Shouldn't we leave, and expect to be left, a legacy that is sweet and not one that is bitter?

Belated Birthday Post

2008-02-08T12:16:00.002-05:00

This is terribly belated. I turned 20 almost a month ago now. But I had a wonderful day and Stephen got me the most beautiful presents! He bought me something I will cerish forever. An old edition of "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. He is by far my favorite author and Gatsby is my favorite novel by him. It is just one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. I cried when I opened it. I was expecting it in a way since I had asked him for a copy but I had not expected something so beautiful. The condtion is almost perfect. It's just out of this world. I am a little afraid to read it but I want to eventually. I just have to work up the nerve.

I'm a Big Girl Now!

2008-01-25T10:52:00.000-05:00

So I did it. I went to big girl school. I will admit I was terrified. But it really wasn't that bad. In fact I realized I'm a little smarter then the average bear. Math was... well.... ridiculous. Mostly because it's basic math and I don't know alot of it! English was amazing. My professor seems awesome so far. I'm so excited to really get into that class. I already had homework which I did most of already. And I'm just really excited to start learning again. Although the weirdest part of being in a classroom is that I'm used to being on the other side. And there are certain things I can't stand, like talking in class, and I can't stand them now that I'm a student again. It's just really odd to be a student after being a teacher these past two years.

Sick Day

2008-01-13T15:31:00.001-05:00

I'm sick. Again. I was sick over Christmas and on Friday I sneezed and got sick again. I'm feeling better today then yesterday. Thankfully cause I thought I was going to rip my head off yesterday! I've been drinking lots of gypsy cold care tea and trying to get better for work tomorrow. Hopefully it passes soon enough.

I'm With the Band

2008-01-09T11:04:00.000-05:00

My multi talented boyfriend is in a band by the name of MADELINE. I have taken on the role of "manager". It started when Stephen and Mitch (the bass player, co-founder, and best friend[pictured right]) couldn't find a drummer. They had been through a few but nothing stuck and it was starting to hold them back. So I just thought my little brain out until I thought of this kid I used to be friends with. Scott. I tracked him down gave him a call and he said yes! And he really completes the band. Makes their sound full. So now I call myself Big Al Powers and insist that I am their manager (not at all though). But at their latest show I did sell t-shirts and CD's for them. It was really fun actually I got to talk to some really neat people and had quite a few guys flirt with me (hey! it was for the band!). They actually have a management company interested in them and will most likely have a few more shows coming up. Oh! and the coolest part is they have an old friend who is an intern at Bennett Studios in NJ and recorded them free of charge! So they have a few new tunes on their myspace. Check them out! Tell your friends!

picture by Sarah Clark (shes amazing!)

The Legend of the Beard!

2008-01-06T19:27:00.000-05:00

It was one fall day when young Stephen said "I shall grow a beard!" His girlfriend scoffed and said "Oh no! I don't like beards! Not at all" But the young Stephen grew one anyway despite her strong feelings. As time went on his girl grew accustomed to it. Even more time went by and she began to love The Beard. In fact she became so fond of it when young Stephen threatened to shave The Beard she strongly protested! He gave in and kept The Beard for a short while longer until one fateful night when young Stephen did away with The Beard. His girl was saddened but she did not weep for she knew one day The Beard would return to young Stephen and fill their lives with joy once again. But until that day the ghost of The Beard shall haunt her memory. Until that day...

Extreme Baking!

2008-01-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

So I've finally become insane. I made Cinnamon Pecan rolls on Christmas morning (that's not the crazy part though). They were amazing! And really easy. I think I may have started a new tradition for my family. Ok now here's the crazy part. On New Years eve I went to a friends and didn't get back home till about 2:15am. Now most people would just undress and plop into bed. But not me. I got home and immediately opened my new cookbook and said "Oh! Scones!" So before even removing my coat I started making the mix so everyone could enjoy fresh baked scones the next morning. No actual baking was involved but I mixed the dry ingredients and left a note so someone could finish them in the morning.... I like being crazy like that.

New Traditions

2007-12-27T14:34:00.000-05:00

My family has changed. I now have a neice and I am now more attached to my boyfriends family. Both are an adjustment but happy ones. This Christmas eve I spent with Stephens family. It was lovely. I was sort of dreading it since I'm not in favor of change but I put a smile on and hoped for the best. And the best I got! It was really fun. We (Stephen, his parents and his younger sister) all got in the car and headed over to church. The whole way there we sang Christmas carols and laughed as we forgot all the words. Once there we enjoyed a really nice candle service (which I'd never been to before). Afterwards we went out for chinese and then went back to Stephens and exchanged gifts. I recieived a gift card from Stephens parents and stationary and a beautiful jewlery box from his sister. And then after that we headed over to Stephens oldest brother and sister-in-laws apartment. It was over all a very happy and festive evening. I'm really looking foward to starting even more new traditions with Stephen in the coming years.

Fingerless Gloves

2007-12-10T20:53:00.000-05:00

Here they are. The fingers are a little uneven and they don't match perfectly. But I think they are worthy of my good friend.

Scarf and Fingerless Gloves

2007-12-04T20:25:00.000-05:00

I finally got around to learning how to cable! I made Stephen a scarf which I think came out really well. I followed a fantastic pattern and it came out just splendidly! Just like the picture. Stephen is very happy with it and it is oh so warm and cozy. But luckily for him I cannot wear it being that I made it from an acrylic and wool blend and I am super sensitive to wool. It is probably one of the nicest things I've made (not to boast too much!). I have also recently finished (still have to sew up a few fingers!) a pair of fingerless gloves for a friend of mine. Not my greatest work but not bad either. I will have pictures when I finally finish them completely. I really don't enjoy knitting at all. I would much rather make a nice banana cake. But there is something about having a nice pile of knitting in your lap on a cold winter night while your watching a movie. Although knitting has to be one of the most frustrating things I do for a hobby. Go figure!

Thanksgiving Surprise

2007-11-17T11:56:00.000-05:00

Well I just have to start by saying that I love thanksgiving. I love to eat so what a perfect holiday for it! I have just always loved the time spent with family and it's always simple and I rather enjoy that. Every year my mom, being the mom she is, always makes sure to invite people who may not have some place to go. So she invited some people here and there but everyone has somewhere to go this year. As of a few days ago we thought it was just going to be the three of us. So I mentioned this to my good friend Grace and asked what she was doing for the holiday being that she is from Canada and living in Nashville. She said she wasn't doing much of anything and one thing led to another and she's coming to the NJ for Thanksgiving!!! I am too excited for words. She is such a good friend and I so rarely get the chance to see her. And now I get to spend a holiday with her. It is truly a blessing!

Across The Universe

2007-11-08T11:19:00.000-05:00

So on Sunday Stephen took me on a date and we had dinner (Thai of course) and then saw "Across the Universe" which is a musical set in the late 1960's and the score is all music by the Beatles. Now being a Beatles purist I thought I would cringe at every song sang. But I didn't. Songs such as "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand" were actually very tastefully done. Most of the songs were sung with a different feel but kept the beauty of the melody. Of course there were a few songs that did make me cringe. "Helter Skelter" being one of my favorite Beatles tunes did indeed make me want to leave the theatre. "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" wasn't great either but it was during the credits so I only had to listen for a bit. "Strawberry Fields", "Dear Prudence" and "Hey Jude" where some of my favorites and I have to admit I never thought I would enjoy those three being that they are on my top 10 list of all-time best Beatles songs. "I am the Walrus", sung by Bono, as well as "For the Benefit of Mr. Kite", which was hardly sung at all, were both a little too strange for me. Being that they were during scenes of LSD use it did seem appropriate. Although, there wasn't much drug use at all. They story line was simple. Boy loves girl. Boy loses girl. Boy finds girl again. Happy ending. The part I thought was powerful were the parts depicting the Vietnam war and the way they portrayed the process of "brainwashing" the soldiers. Very interesting indeed. All in all I thought it was very enjoyable. Stephen didn't really like it but I thought it was fantastic and very surprising. Not worth seeing in the theatres though. I would have been just as happy waiting for the DVD. But I was hardly disappointed the way I thought I would be.

Thoughts on Dance

2007-11-07T11:40:00.000-05:00

I took a ballet class last night for the first time I think since the spring. It felt pretty good. Emotionally. Not physically! Although I'm not as sore as I thought I would be. Every time I get back into class I remember all the reasons I wanted to be a famous ballerina. And I also remember all the reasons I quit. After deciding I no longer wanted to pursue dance as a career I felt so free and unburdened but as time goes on I realize it was something I had always wanted and I really do have some feelings of regret. As I think about it deeper though I do remember all the emotions connected with my leaving that life behind. I know God will bless me for following his plans for my life and I really do look forward to seeing what they are. I have also spent alot of time thinking about the importance my dance education had on my life. And I found some really invaluable things. I posses a skill that few others do, I am confident and disciplined, I had some fantastic opportunities, and I have gained an appreciation of all art that I will have for the rest of my life. Not bad for 14 years of my life.

This is a picture of Margot Fonteyn and Rudolph Nureyev in rehearsal. She was what I had always aspired to be. She was a true artist who loved ballet not for the perfection but for the beauty of the dance.

Lucy Renee

2007-10-19T15:42:00.000-04:00

Well I am finally the proud aunt of Lucy Renee. I've waited for a little under 9 months and that was plenty long enough. I'm happy to say that she is everything I expected and so much more. She's beautiful and sweet and just right. God is so wonderful with his perfect creations. Sarah is doing fantastically well. Her labor was only about 9 hours and it all went so fast. I was not able to actually be there when she came into the world but I saw here just 12 hours later looking perfectly happy and serene. She is the most beautiful little baby I have ever laid eyes on. I can't imagine how I'm going to feel when I have my own children!! Here are pictures. They will be so many more over the next few years most of my friends will probably want to slap me and tell me to stop bragging! Oh well. It's a small price to pay for all the happiness she has brought and will bring to my life.

Camera

2007-10-15T19:58:00.000-04:00

So I finally got a digital camera. I went with the Samsung nv3. Its sleek and smooth. 7.2 mega pixels and very fun and easy to use. After doing alot of research I found out the nv10, which is the one I originally wanted, just wasn't up to par. So I went with the nv3 and so far have been very happy. I am still learning how to use everything since I haven't had a digital camera is about 5 years but it's coming along nicely. Here are some pics I took with it this weekend.

Not Global Warming Global Boring!

2007-10-15T15:29:00.000-04:00

I read on my cousins blog that today is "Blog Action Day". Apparently as bloggers we are supposed to write about how we are saving the world. Now I am in full support of "going green" as Al calls it and I love the earth the way it is and want to keep it that way. But I don't believe in global warming and I don't think that we should be scared into taking care of the planet God created for us. Few people, myself included, besides hippies and over the top environmentalists, ever really took notice of the earth until Al Gore started blabbing about it. But I am happy people are aware of how much we are a country of excess. Not only do we use way too much plastic and then not recycle it we use too much of everything! Food for example. How much food do you throw away every day or week? Leftovers in the fridge, that little bit on your plate you just can't eat cause we stuff ourselves so full we can't eat that last piece of 12 ounce steak. People in other countries don't live in such excess. So I do encourage people to try to be a little more conscience about these things. But don't do it cause Al wants you to. Do it because it what God calls us to. Protect the earth He so graciously provided for us.

Sorry I got preachy.

College Bound!

2007-10-09T10:41:00.000-04:00

So I officially applied to Rairtan Valley Community College! I am so excited! Nervous too but excited. I got my student ID number and I wrote up my homeschool transcript and now all I have to do is send it in along with my SAT scores, take an entrance test for math and I can register for classes in January. I really didn't want to do it but now that I'm on the way I'm so excited. I love learning and it's been awhile since I've done any hard core learning. I plan on taking one or two classes. Definitely math (so I can get it out of the way) and maybe an English. I have to say I am very proud that I scored high enough on my SAT's to go right into English I. Even though my math score was embarrassingly low. I really do take this as a new adventure for my life and it is something I never knew that I wanted. But I'm going to College! How cool is that?!

Echappee's and Sar Pei's

2007-10-04T11:39:00.000-04:00

Shar-Pei –noun
one of a Chinese breed of large muscular dogs having a distinctive wrinkly skin covered by a fawn to dark brown smooth coat, originally developed as a guard dog.

Échappé[ay-sha-PAY]
Escaping or slipping movement. An échappé is a level opening of both feet from a closed to an open position.

So I have this one 4 year old student who is just so cute (aren't they all) and she asked me last week if we were going to do "Shar Pei's" I replied with a confused "Maybe!" Not quite understand what she ment but trying to sound on top of things. So this week she asked the same thing and it clicked in my head! She calls Echappee's Shar Pei's! It took everything in me not to crack up laughing. Especially cause she asked so seriously. Since this one girl was having trouble saying the name properly I had the whole class say "Echappee" with me. But there she is saying "A Shar Pei!" It was a very funny moment.

A Fine Friday

2007-09-29T09:32:00.000-04:00

Last night Stephen and I went to Pennsylvania to eat at a restaurant where one of my friends cooks. We got a little lost but it was a fun time. Than on our way back into the NJ we were like hey lets call up some friends. So we called Chirstopher Robin and met up at an all night diner and we each ate a strange thing. Stephen had a waffle and coffee, Christopher had a bacon, egg and cheese sandwhich and I had a hot chocolate and cottage cheese. It was so much fun. We talked about movies and dating and I realized yet again how old I'm getting. Or rather how my life is in transition from childhood to adult hood. It's fun but scary! It was a really nice friday night spent with good friends.

Memories

2007-09-27T12:15:00.000-04:00

My parents have been slowly cleaning out the attic the past month or so and this weekend I lended a hand. We were going through this box of all my stuff from I think 1st grade but some 2nd grade as well. I haven't laughed so hard in ages! I was one strange child. Well, I guess no weirder than any other but it was so fun to look at. I was a terrible speller! Although in Flemington, NJ they invented "inventive spelling" where kids got to spell things however they wanted. Not such a good idea. Cause I still can't spell. And I think I spelled the word weather "whare" yeah that makes sense. But it was fun to say the least. I spent alot of time going through old favorite books and finding one of my fave toy! A small asian inspired umbrella. I loved that thing! And after going through all those boxes I spent the evening reading "Theres a Wocket in My Pocket" and "and "The Very Bad Bunny" to Stephen. I wish I could be 6 again....

No Eating Out

2007-09-24T20:49:00.000-04:00

Stephen and I decided that for the whole month of September we would only eat out once a week for our weekly lunch at our favorite Diner. It's been rough. But we are saving alot of money. And getting in touch with our inner chef's again! I've noticed I'm eating much healthier and I can't believe all the money we are saving. It was a good idea. But I am very much looking foward to October!

Oat Bran Delight!

2007-09-24T20:41:00.000-04:00

So the past few days I've been having Hot Oat Bran Cereal for breakfast. I have to say I think my Grandpa Howie would be proud of me! My mom had suggested I try it so I did and I spiced it up with some brown sugar. It tasted pretty good. Than this morning I got really creative. I added some dried fruit which was inspired by my cousin and her husband who made me oatmeal and added dried fruit which was delicious! So I added some crasians and some apricots and brown sugar, cinnamon, a little milk and voila! a wonderful healthy bowl of oat bran. I suggest giving it a try. I even had it for dinner one night!

Bagels, State Parks, and Cities

2007-09-21T09:37:00.000-04:00

The past year I have really come to appreciate all the things around me. I think it took my sister moving to the crazy state of Kentucky for me to realize this about a few things. Like Bagels. It's hard to find a good one some places. Or any at all. A good Italian deli. Good New Jersey Pizza. Also, I'm within 10 minutes of two different state parks with walking trails, a lake, fishing, boating. And I'm centrally located between both Philadelphia and New York City. I need to stop complaining and be happy. I have so much around me. Especially the Bagels!

And it all came tumbling down....

2007-09-20T09:37:00.000-04:00

Do you ever just get the feeling that your whole life is just falling apart? Well I have that feeling just a little. Only certain aspect of my life are crumbling. So if you think about me could you just pray I keep on trucking and don't wallow in my own crap? I would appreciate it.

Just One of Those Days

2007-09-14T10:58:00.000-04:00

Warning: I am now going to rant.

Ok so I'm a dance teacher. I like to think I'm pretty good at it. I mostly teach ballet and frankly thats the only form of dance I'm good at teaching. I'm ok at Jazz and according to a certain mother I'm a disastrous tap teacher. And hey I agree! I am terrible! And I tried to tell my boss that and did she listen? No. And now I'm left here feeling a like a piece of poop. I'm good at what I do. It's not my fault her kid wasn't good and I couldn't teach her. I mean they were saying she'd been taking tap since she was in the womb but I couldn't tell! And I'd been up since 7am and teaching all freakin day! I'm sorry I complained about my feet hurting in front of your child. You try being on your feet and dancing since 3:30 and it's now 7:30. You'd be tired and cranky and you're brain would be fried too. And to top it all off I had be in a non air conditioned studio for all those classes and I try to switch for this one freakin tap class and the other teachers have the guts to say "Well I don't want to go in that studio the ac's broken" Well guess what?! It's been me and one other teacher who have had to be in there all freakin week!!! And yet I'm always willing and easy going. I don't complain about the stupid AC. Whatever. Rant over.

Good Bye Summer

2007-09-04T17:53:00.000-04:00

It's over. My friends went back to school. I start teaching on Monday. It's sad. But I spent the last week of my summer doing fun things. I really enjoyed myself. Here are pictures to prove it!

Wild West City

2007-09-04T17:49:00.000-04:00

So since yesterday was the last day of summer for most of my college friends we decided to do something fun. My friend David had won a pass for four people to attend Wild West City for free! So he invited Stephen and I and an old friend of ours from high school. So we went and had a great time! We saw Indian dancing and took a stage coach ride and saw a saloon fight! It was a very nice day all around spent with good friends. Pictures to follow soon!

What A Week

2007-08-22T17:11:00.000-04:00

It's only Wednesday and I want it to be Friday again. Although, I am having a good time. My week started by going to the shore and it was rainy and crappy but we had fun anyway. We stayed over at a friends and came home Monday. Now I've been working the past two days teaching an advanced dance camp. It's fun. The kids are great. But today my boss left for Canada! One of my co-workers started to cry. She's been dancing/working there for 20 years and she's taking over as boss while Leesa is gone for two months while her son trains for Cirque du Soleil. So she's nervous. And her crying made me cry and I realized how much I love my boss and I'm going to miss her. It's been crazy the past two days and I'm loosing my mind.... no joke. Lets just hope I regain sanity for the next two days.

All My Adventures

2007-08-16T17:33:00.000-04:00

I had so many adventures this year but by far my best was going to New York state to see my Grandparents. I went with my cousin Katherine (or Faffie as I call her) and Sephen met us up there mid-week. We did something different everyday for 6 days. It was so much fun! Grandpa said I had to write a blog about it and make a list of all the different things we did. So here it is:

Monday- We arrived at the house and went into the shop and made a game board for Rummy Royal. Then we picked wild blueberries for Grammy to make pancakes out of. Then we had a fire and played Rummy Royal (which we did every night there after)
Tuesday- We decided to got for a 11.6 mile walk to the nearest town. So we woke up at 6 and left By 6:30. It 5.3 there, where we ate breakfast and rested for an hour and 5.3 back. It was amazing but I was sore for days! It only took us about 6 hours too! We all took naps. Personally I slept for almost 3 hours.
Wednesday- We slept in and then went to the county fair and Grandpa even rode some rides with us which was fun. We had another camp fire that night too I think.
Thursday- We went on a big hike through the woods. Up a river bed and back down the road to the house. Then I baked a rhubarb crisp from Grandpas own home grown! I think we went for a quad ride that day too. Oh and we went out on the pond in the boat.
Friday- We went to the mall and the movies and then went out to dinner. It was very relaxing.
Saturday- We went for a 4 mile walk "around the block". Then we worked in the yard with Grandpa digging out stones and what not. Then we locked up the boat (a tricky thing!) and took another quad ride and then we had to go home.

But let me tell you! I had a great time. I could have stayed there another few weeks for sure. So thanks Grandpa and Grammy for such a fun time!

P.S. Pictures will soon follow!

"It's been a long time....

2007-08-16T17:21:00.000-04:00

oh how I've been alone"...

So I never even posted pictures from Kentucky or said anything about my trip! I had a great time. My sister looked out of this world! Both because she was preggers and looked so cute and happy and because she just looked great! My brother in law and I had so much fun and I felt baby Lucy kick quite a lot. We spent most of the time hanging around Wilmore and watching Freaks and Geeks (a show I highly recommend getting on DVD!). But we also did our share of touristy things. We went to The Henry Clay Estate which was a home of an old orator and politician. We went to Beria which is an awesome college town with tons of stores with hand made crafts. It was a lot of fun and it was hard to leave them! But I have the memories and the pictures!

Poor Rex

2007-07-21T16:03:00.000-04:00

I love my car. And she has a name. And her name is Rex. I have no real emotional attachment to her or anything but shes my car and shes a damn good one! So here's the reason I said that...

While down here is Kentucky I parked in front of my sister and brother in laws house. I didn't want to block Alan in the driveway so since Sarah was driving she parked on the street. No problem. So about 30 minutes later the doorbell rings and a very young girl (or so she looked) said "Is that your car on the street?" "Yes... well it's my sisters car" said Sarah. "Well," Said the girl "I put a dent in it backing out of my friends driveway" So I ran to the door and said "Oh boy. Lets go look at it" So I walk to the car expecting a small dent on the drivers side door where she said it was and oh my glory!!! I wouldn't call it a dent!!! It was more like a smashed door! I was pissed to say the least. But Sharon (the young girl) gave me her information and I called the insurance company (we had the same company which made it easier) filed the claim and dealt with a very nice southern man by the name of Albert. But my window doesn't go down and I can't unlock the car door from the outside. Poor Rex. At least I can still drive her. We go to the adjuster on Wednesday down her in Lexington and we'll get her fixed when we get back to the NJ. Sigh... one can never really get a break from life. As my father always says "It's always something!"

It's been a long time...

2007-07-09T16:04:00.000-04:00

Since I've blogged! I was away and got home a week ago. I went to Illinois on a camping trip with 5 of my closest frieds. We went to Cornerstone, a Christian music festival, and boy did I have a neato time! We saw tons of bands and went to a few seminars and just had so much fun. I really wish I could have stayed all summer. Well.. not really... But it was so nice to be away from television and cell phones (!!!) and just life! Everyone there is silly and crazy and the bands were amazing. I have some pictures which everyone should look at. Sarah Clark was nice enough to let everyone use her camera and take pictures of eachother. So we all took some great ones. I will hopefully have more when my other friends get theirs on the computers.

All Work And No Play....

2007-06-19T11:15:00.000-04:00

It's dress rehearsal week I worked almost 12 hours yesterday. I went to the studio and taught my last class of the year (woo!) and then tagged t-shirts, went to staples, loaded up cars (including my own) with boxes of shoes, bags of costumes, and so much more. Then I headed off to the middle school where the show is to be held and worked straight until 9:30. It was insane and I felt so out of place. But I'm learning which is always a good thing. And after all that I have to go back at 4 and work until late every day this week! And I'm leaving for vacay on Sunday! AHHH! But I suppose the vacation will be all the more sweet since I'm working so hard. Right?

Grandma's

2007-06-13T17:44:00.000-04:00

Growing up I never was in want of grandma's even though I never got to know either of my biological ones. As long as I can remember my Grandpa Howie's wife Cathy has been my grandmother. I remember her comforting me when I was upset and letting me eat cupcakes before dinner and all the wonderful things grandmother's do. And my best friend when I was a kid had a wonderful grandmother whom I called Grammy (just like he did) and she also loved me like on of her own. It is really amazing that even though when I was young it upset me I never knew the great women who my family always talked about so fondly I was, and still am, so blessed! Even now I am loved and cherished by Stephen's grandparents. His Grandma Clark has just treated me with such love that I could never even thank her enough. So between Grandma Cathy, Grammy, Grandma Clark and so many other wonderful women who have shown me love I have all the grandmothers anyone could ever need! So thank you! You all are loved in return.

2007-06-05T12:54:00.001-04:00

On Sunday I went to my old dance studios performance. It was such a good show but it is always strange going back and seeing all the old people. Some friends some not. But I did see my one friend who decided to stop dancing and she looks so good and so happy. I told her how proud I am that she made the choice and isn't ashamed of it. It's good to see her so happy. I also saw one friend who has been in Miami the past year and a half. She too looks great! And I saw my old jazz teacher. He invited me to take class with him on Thursday in the city. I don't really want to go but it's free! And one of my friends is going with me so I feel like I won't make such a fool out of myself when I have someone there to laugh with. It should be fun. I hope so anyway.

Oh! And if you want to see this old jazz teacher of mine watch The View tomorrow morning he's performing on it!

Beach and More Beach

2007-06-01T15:54:00.000-04:00

Last week Stephen and I decided to go to the beach on Tuesday and so we went and while sitting there soaking in the sun he said "We should come again on Thursday". So we did! And we went to the Barnegat Lighthouse and had the most enjoyable day! I love living so close to the beach. I used to take it for granted till my poor sister said how much she misses it being in Kentucky. I will be sending her some shells and sand though. Poor Sarah.

If you want to see pictures from the beach click on the link to the right!

Train Track Adventure

2007-05-30T17:46:00.000-04:00

I had a very lovely weekend yet again. It was very relaxing and fun. I especially enjoyed Monday. After we had a lovely dinner with my fam Stephen and I went for a walk down the railroad tracks by my house. We had no idea where they lead since the train always stopped right outside my house. We walked and we walked and we met a turtle! We named him Benny the Turtle and we struggled with what we should do. After all the poor little guy was right in the center of the tracks. We decided to leave him though. He looked tough. Then we came upon a bridge what was rather creepy. But decided that we should climb up to the road and see where we were and have my parents come pick us up. So as Stephen was seeing the best way to climb up he stepped into the underbrush and a turkey flew out!!! It scared both of us out of our wits! But when we climbed to the top (after being assured nothing us would fly out at us) and found ourselves looking at a very lovely view of Spruce Run reservoir! And when we found the road it was quite a long way from my house! It was a very good adventure to say the least. Stephen took this incredible picture of me too!

58 Days...

2007-05-23T17:37:00.000-04:00

I almost cannot cantain myself for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!!!! I almost can't talk about because I get so excited and so full of questions that I want answered! I am extra excited because I will be reading it aloud to my mom as we drive to Kentucky this summer. It's hard to believe she is actually reading the books! And then when we arrive in Kentucky Sarah will be reading it and we will all be reading it together and... and... and.... I am so excited!!!! This will also be the first time I'll be going at midnight to retrive the book. I'm nervous someone will be a big jerk and shout the ending out like supposedly people did last time! Poo on them because that is mean! I mean if someone does that to me I can shout swear words at them and do another rude things back but little kids read these books! Those kids would be so sad to hear the ending of something that means alot to them (and me!). Hopefully that won't happen. And if it does I'll cry but there are worse things in life... right?

2007-05-18T16:59:00.000-04:00

Well our plans got cancelled for tonight. Actually our friends aunt is very ill and he is going down to Virginia to see her... I really don't like sad things like that...

But on a lighter note! My Key Lime Tart came out amazingly well! It's smooth, creamy texture goes perfectly with the graham cracker and nut crust. It's tart but with the smoothness of it is perfect in your mouth. I love it. I think it'll be one of my favorites for the summer!

Key Lime Tart!

2007-05-18T10:29:00.001-04:00

Today I am making a Key Lime Tart. Stephen and I are having a pirogy cookoff with some friends of ours and I of course thought "Hey I need to make something sweet!" So I asked Stephen what he thought was best and he said Key Lime Tart. I am of course not squeezing my own juice (I did that with Lemon Squares and it took me ages!) and I don't think I could find Key Limes anyway. But I am excited since my grocery store has bottled Key Lime juice and that is what the recipe calls for anyway. I have to buy a tart pan though and with money low this week... But ack! who cares?

Can't.Stop.Baking.

2007-05-14T17:48:00.000-04:00

OK so my baking as almost moved beyond being a hobby. Or it is a obsessive hobby at least. I have now ventured into the land of creating my own recipes! How exciting. See with knitting (as much as I love it!) I was never comfortable enough to try my own things. I mean I did a few times and maybe it needs more years of practice but with baking I feel like I could make anything (as long as it is fairly simple). This Friday I took a recipe I liked in theory and made it better with my own twist. I changed quite a bit so I feel confident to say it is my own recipe. I changed the flour, sugar, and flavorings. I'd say that's pretty adventurous. I'm happy and I just did some research on baking and all the ingredients involved and feel ready to tackle something maybe like a coffee cake or muffins. Yay for baking and yay for creativity!!

2007-05-11T11:41:00.000-04:00

I love the warm weather. I am so happy it has arrived. The change of seasons always reminds me of new life. I always feel a sort of awakening at each new season. Even winter. But spring is particularly special. All the flowers bloom and the grass turns green again. It reminds me of Gods love and how he renews our hearts. It's quite amazing.

Aunt Poopy

2007-05-09T19:32:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to be an aunt. I can't get over it. I think tomorrow I'm going to start knitting some baby booties for the little one. I can't wait for this little child to be born. I want to kiss it and love it and spoil it absolutely rotten! I'm so excited about it I can't imagine how I'll feel when I have children of my own! I also decided for good that I want to be a kooky Aunt. One who always breaks the rules (in a good way) and is just kinda crazy and fun. So I think in order to be kooky enough I have to be Aunt Poopy. Now it must be understood that my sister for a long time now has called me Poopy. So it's not like I made it up out of the blue. So I think Aunt Poopy adds just the right kookyness! I'm so excited!

Book Worm

2007-05-07T17:28:00.000-04:00

I have become quite the book worm lately. In the past few weeks I have read: The Diary of Anne Frank, "Misery" by Stephen King, "Dolores Claiborne" by Stephen King, and "Out of the Silent Planet" by C.S. Lewis. And I just started "The Count of Monte Cristo". I have never read books this quickly before. I am reading a book in about 5 days! It usually takes me at least 10 days to finish something and thats if I really like it. But I think it's because I haven't been watching really any television. I have been spending most of my mornings and afternoons in the kitchen with Gus. So I just sit with him on my lap and read. It's really nice! I love reading and I'm finally getting around to reading the books I've wanted to read for years now. My brain was getting kinda mushy there for awhile. It's also made me rather excited to go to college. After all I think I want to study literature.

Another Great Weekend

2007-05-07T17:21:00.000-04:00

I had another great weekend! On Friday after work I just hung around and watched Spiderman 2 in preperation of the 3rd! And then on Saturday Stephen and I went to the Mexican market and made some enchiladas! They weren't the best but we made our own corn tortillas for crying out loud! But I think with some more practice our enchiladas will be fantastic. It was nice because we spent about 3 1/2 hours making everything. Starting with the tortillas and finishing with Mango Cream. It was fun and I really enjoyed it. And then after dinner we walked to the park and swung on the swings and then I drove Stephen home and I went to bed early. On Sunday I just did alot of catching up. Started my laundry and finished up a book I was reading. It was relaxing and in the evening my parents and I went to Diary Queen which is one of my favorite summertime traditions. I never seem to be too old for that! It was just another fun and relaxing weekend!

Dresses Galore!

2007-05-04T18:42:00.000-04:00

I went shopping today and realized that I have become completely obsessed with dresses. I now have a total of I think five sun dresses. That is from last summer and the ones I've gotten recently. I just love them! I love to put one on on a saturday or sunday with a cute pair of wedges and just feel cute as can be. And I love feeling girly. And if there is one thing a sun dress does is make you feel girly and pretty. So I'm happy with the fact that I almost have enough dresses to fill an entire summer week. I am looking foward to being able to wear one on a wednesday and not look silly since it's still a little chilly.

Leaving the Nest

2007-05-02T19:21:00.000-04:00

So just a few weeks ago my parents told me they were planning on moving to Florida next spring and that I was more than welcome to go with them but I frankly don't want to do that. So I made the decision that come next spring I would move out on my own. And ya know what? I think it was just the push I needed. I really feel like my parents are saying "OK it's time to fly" as they push me to the edge of the nest. I don't mean that in a bad way though. It actually is one of the best things they could possibly do for me. As the thought sets in I'm actually looking forward to it. I mean of course I'll miss my parents and my dog and my home but I'm excited to start something new and by staying to Hunterdon County I think it'll make it easier than if I were moving to a strange state and city. I feel good about this and I am getting truly excited! Since I was planning on moving back in September I already have a lot of what I need so all I need to do is secure my full time job (which is basically done), look for an apartment come January, and find a roommate. Not too bad. It's kinda fun growing up.

Baked Goods Taste Good!

2007-05-01T15:56:00.000-04:00

So I have become crazed with the baking bug! I have been baking non-stop for about three weeks. It all started with a need for perfect scones. And now I've made dozens of scones, a banana cake (see picture), butterscotch congos, cranberry pistachio biscotti, and I just pulled a pinapple upside down cake out of the oven. Most things have been very delicious. I took a book out of the library and read through it and have about 25 things book marked. So this gal is going to be baking for a few more weeks!