For My Sister

Donald's her favorite AND we get to eat breakfast with him next Tuesday!

Recent Successes

1. I made really, REALLY yummy chicken breasts on Friday (followed by a bland meatloaf yesterday...)
   
2. I got a 75% on my MAT despite not knowing anything about the presidents (which, honestly, I never learned*), the periodic table (which was memorized at one point... about 9 years ago!) or random very large vocabulary words (none of which can I recount to you)
   
3. My car actually passed the IM test... this after having his transmission EXPLODE (yes, really) in May and having his hub assemblies and ball joints replaced three weeks ago. 
   
4. We got our Christmas picture taken, cards ordered, and letter written (However, still no thank-you notes have been sent...) PLUS all purchased Christmas gifts are now wrapped and awaiting boxes large enough for shipping. 
5. I've currently got everything in my admissions file for grad school EXCEPT the letter of intent which I continue to struggle with writing.
6. AND, I got a really cute haircut (see picture) Sure it's curled in this photo and it's not usually that way but that's all the pictures I have of it now unless you look really closely at our Christmas picture seen above :)

*If you don't believe me, ask my mom. She agrees.

Update, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blog, Blah, Blah, Blah

Yes, I realize my "turkey post" doesn't actually qualify as a blog. Thanks for the reminder, Hannie. Geesh.


Things lately have been a bit crazy.

• Black Friday shopping was fruitful. Got everyone done except for the hard-to-buy-for-hannah-and-jules. Yes, I said DONE. I'm going to wrap presents this weekend (or maybe today?) so I can send them all to their respective places... most of which, though, I'll be sending to Florida. We leave in 17 days to meet the fam (mom, dad, erin, uncle john, jody, sarah, tracy, uncle joe, aunt kathy and JEFF) for Christmas. Can't wait :)
  
  
• Housesitting is okay. It's not the funnest uprooting your life to go watch someone else's... and throw in 17 extra dogs too! But we're done on Sunday. On a different note, we just asked someone to house/dogsit for us while we're in Florida. C'est la vie!
  
• Tired of my hair, I got a haircut this morning. Decided I wanted one last night, made an appointment for 10am, printed off a picture of Mandy Moore (don't I wish!?!) and headed to the salon. $40 later it's cute. Oh yeah. (Picture to come as soon as I find an SD drive...)
  

Other than that, not much is going on. Hopefully tonight the hubs and I can round up our two pooches to take the obligatory Christmas picture so we can FINALLY order cards before Christmas actually rolls around.

Hope this suffices Hannah's needs.

Happy (early) Thanksgiving, everyone!

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.

For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly open the door to the freezer, the parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"

Conflicted

For the past year or so I've been contemplating going back to school. I've found an interesting program, in which, oddly enough, an old classmate of mine has just enrolled. It's at a Jesuit university "not far"* from home and 95% of the classes are online. Seems perfect, no?

I was initially going to start this past September but then somebody went and proposed so it got pushed back to starting in January 2009. I've been talking with Heidi at Gonzaga and she really wants to help me get my files started...

Well, for some reason or another I've been conflicted about taking the plunge...

• I sort of feel like I'm being pushed into going to grad school. Between my church and the endless contact from Heidi, I just feel like there's all this pressure and it's making me second-guess my choice in program
• The Miller's Analogies Test kinda scares me even though you're only supposed to shoot for a 30%... YIKES
• Never have I ever been so afraid of school and classwork and ::gasp:: homework! It's been so long do I still have the time-management/patience/skill to do that?!
• MONEY. MONEY. MONEY. How in the world am I going to fork over $27K (we don't have) when my husband is also in grad school?
• Will the pay increase be worth $27K in the next two years?

I guess it just seems like a big step...

Ugh

*"not far" means Spokane, WA... everything is far away from Alaska but Washington State is as close as it gets :)

Manic Mondays

Monday. Monday was a bad day for Jamie. Monday started out knowing that my computer at work was on the fritz (I'd later find out just how 'fritzed'). I woke up later than planned and found out that my insurance company was charging me $140 for a prescription they've previously charged me $20. A bit of a difference there. Then I went to the DMV in Anchorage to change my driver's license and ALL their computers were down. It took nearly 3 hours to finish that task.  Then  I got the phone call about my computer-- FRIED. Eric said when he took it apart it was actually smoking. Not good. So then I ran to Wal-Mart to buy another. Add to all of this the fact that is was (a) my day off and (b) the one month of marriage mark and you might see why I was so flustered. 

Then I came home to these:

The hubs, he's good.

To see some pictures from the wedding, visit our blog at philipandjamie.blogspot.com!

4:45am

I have been dreading this day since September 3rd. That was the day my youth convinced me that they would actually show up to church at 6:15am for Breakfast Bible Study and Prayer. Believe you me it took some convincing to actually put that on the calendar for the rest of the year but the kiddos promised they'd make the effort.

So this morning my alarm went off at 4:45am. I got out of bed 15 minutes later and was out of the house 20 minutes after that. Yesterday I stayed at church between Confirmation and Youth Group to make the Cheesy Egg Casseroles so all I had to do this morning was pre-heat the oven.

The good news? I had SEVEN kids show up! Add to that two parents who stuck around and myself and we've got a total of 10 people!!! I think that's pretty amazing for 6:15am.

When All Is Said & Done...

I can't believe how quickly time has flown by these last 6+ months. It seems like just yesterday Philip was surprising me in Hatcher Pass with a gorgeous ring. Then again it was just last week that another ring was added to the first...

Happily, we've survived the first 10 days of marriage. Our honeymoon in Hope & Homer was wonderful. We went kayaking in Homer but are unable to prove it since we didn't take a camera along. We actually met up with a lot of folks during our honeymoon-- many, MANY people on the day after for lunch... Philip's friends in Hope... Dr & Mrs Carper and Jeff in Homer... and Brent, Michele & Grant, Brad and Steve in Homer too. Seems funny to hang out with family & friends on your honeymoon but it was worth it and fantastic to spend more time with the folks who came so far to celebrate with us.

Now we're back home. I'm still in the process of moving. I've made 5 or 6 trips thus far and probably still have 2-3 to go. (Isn't it amazing the amount of crap you accumulate in nearly 3 years in the same place?!) It's getting awfully crowded in our tiny, unorganized kitchen... I tackled the bathroom linen closet last night and will do the same to the kitchen probably Thursday. Whew! Even a Type-A like me hesitates to organize all the stuff we have! Yikes!

If you're interested in pictures, there's OODLES being posted on Facebook. We'll post our professional pictures (or at least a link) as soon as we get them in a couple weeks. Otherwise you can check out Hannah and Julianna's blogs for fun videos that account their trip up here.

Yikes!

Three weeks! Holy moly.

The AGF

Caution: The blog that follows contains a rant I've been waiting several years to write. Just so you know, "AGF" stands for the Alaska Gouge Factor-- something all Alaskans deal with on a daily basis.

Do you know what I hate? Companies who don't know the difference between "Continental" and "Contiguous".

Ugh.

I hate it when companies offer "FREE SHIPPING within the continental United States" and then charge me more because I live in Alaska. )*(&*%^$% You said FREE SHIPPING...


ALASKA IS FREAKING PART OF THE SAME FREAKING CONTINENT YOU ARE!!! We are not an island, we are not our own country and we are certainly NOT located next to Hawaii!

Now, there are those companies who, in the fine print, say "Except Alaska and Hawaii". While I mostly hate them too, I can expect them to overcharge me. My big problem is with the companies who don't have this disclaimer on their website.

"FREE SHIPPING within the continental United States" by definition, includes the State of Alaska, which contrary to popular map-makers belief, IS attached to the North American continent. The word these utterly inane companies is looking for is "Contiguous". If you want to charge Alaskans more use CONTIGUOUS not continental.

DEFINITIONS:
Continental (adj): of or pertaining to the continent of North America.
Contiguous (adj): touching, in contact; in close proximity.

Idiots.

From My Dad

Yeah... this was taken at the California State Fair... and sent to me... by my dad... explains a lot, huh?

St Elsewhere

My mind has been wandering these last two weeks.

Normally, I forget things if I don't write them down. Lately? Lately, I forget things no matter what. Specifically, I've been forgetting which day of the week it is. So far it hasn't hindered plans or anything but I wake up every morning trying to focus on which day it is... Thurday? Monday? Sunday? Wednesday?

Things have been busy and hectic and, since I've been so forgetful, rushed. I scheduled a Girls' Retreat for next weekend WAY last year and am just now getting around to planning it-- including a lodge location for us to stay in!! Yikes. I know it'll get done but it's a bit stressful thinking about it.

Really, the main reason I've been so scatterbrained is due to the countdown above (which seems to be off...) By my count, I am 44 days away from marrying this guy. I'm terribly excited about what life will be like after September 20th and I'm even excited about that day. I've started putting decorations and things together, thinking about how to decorate our ever boring sanctuary ("Can't we move that table up there?!"), and waiting for RSVPs to come in. For the most part it's an exciting process... I don't necessarily like making decisions on my own but I'm starting to realize that there's no one else to help me who cares.

Anywho, I've rambled long enough. I better get to crossing off some of my weekly "To Do" list... and maybe even some of the "Before September To Do" list...

Hits & Highlights

It seems like literally centuries since I last posted something of actual value and not just an email quip or a video. Alas, you won't be getting substance much today either. Instead, I will leave you with a bulleted version of my summer. Since I last blogged...

• I went to Fairbanks on a 3-day retreat with some of my kiddos.
  
• I spent a week worrying about my fiance and his friend, Rob, as they hiked the Chilkoot Trail (aka "Golden Staircase") much too early in the season. They completed it but not without some awesome stories: "I was lying there trying not to die." ~Rob
  
• I spent a week in California with my fiance and my folks. We galavanted all through the Napa & Sonoma Valley as well as San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Ultimately, it was a good trip, my dad approves of the boy and we got to play with a kick @$$ boat/submarine he got for Father's Day.
  
• Upon returning from Cali I promptly jumped into a week of VBS. We did it in the evening again this year and, I thought, it was great. CPHs curriculum could've been better but it was nice overall. And, yes, that is a picture of me sleeping in the food-donation tent.
  
• I watched a former youth of mine get married. Weird.
  
• I "survived" 3 weeks without the boy. And by "survive" I mean I was finally able to clean his house and do all the laundry that'd been on the floor since we started dating. I had to buy 120 hangers. End of story.
  
• I worked sound at another very interesting wedding at which the least interesting thing was that they played "Firecracker" as their recessional.
  
• Celebrated my 26th birthday. (Thanks, Jules, for that great pic!)
  
• Spent a week with 32 high schoolers at an incredible camp
  called "Kaleidoscope". We looked indepth at what it means to Follow Jesus. Plus, we got to watch NOOMA videos, which I wish everyday I could afford to purchase.

Now, things are slowing down. I get to focus a bit more on the wedding and Fall church activities. Things wedding-wise are going well. I had my first & final dress fitting on Tuesday, we've got tuxes reserved, a caterer, florist and baker on deposit, and RSVPs coming everyday. (TODAY is the day to RSVP so you better be doing that!) I can't explain how excited I am to finally be married and settled with Philip. No more of this driving all the time and staying at one house when I wish I was at another.

Anywho, though it's slowing down there are still lots of things coming up. I promise to try to be better about posting regularly. If you'd like more details about any of the bullets, comment and I'll write a better blog.

Love y'all!

Pretty Amazing

I would hope we'd do the exact same thing if this happened to our church... our family... our friends... It's pretty amazing. Exactly what Christ would've done, I think.

Installing A Husband

I got this email from my mom and thought it was hilarious... She said it's something I should probably look forward to in the next 3 months... Enjoy!

INSTALLING A HUSBAND

DEAR TECH SUPPORT,

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed adistinct slow down in overall system performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly underBoyfriend 5.0. In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5 and then installed undesirable programs such as NBA 5.0, NFL 3.0 and Golf 4.1.

Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system. I've tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.What can I do?

Signed,
Desperate.

DEAR DESPERATE,

First keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband 1.0 is an operating system. Please enter command: ithoughtyoulovedme.html and try to download Tears 6.2 and don't forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update. If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5. But remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1. Please note that Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will download the Snoring Loudly Beta.

Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus inthe background that will eventually seize control of all your systemresources.)Also do not attempt to reinstall Boyfriend 5.0 program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0. In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend Cooking 3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7.

Good Luck,
Tech Support

Narnia or Bust

I'm a huge nerd. Most of you know that. But today I'm even more of a nerd than usual. The title of the blog is actually a sign I have posted in my car window. Oh, yeah. Fo reals yo. The reason? In a mere 10 hours and 8 minutes I will be seated in the Giant Screen Theatre at Fireweed Cinema with three of my favorite kids (::cough, not that I have favorites, cough::) watching this:

AND I get to go again tomorrow evening at 7pm with the rest of my favorite kids!

Excitement is oozing out my pores. I'm so terribly excited AND I've heard LOTS of good things from people who have seen it already-- saying it's even better than "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe", which, by the way, I'm watching tonight before I leave for Anchorage.

I first read this series a L-O-N-G time ago (when dirt was new and God was a boy) and fell in love with this magical land. Infact, if it were real, I'd go on vacation there. I might even consider purchasing a vacation home in Narnia-- near the castle, of course. But, alas, it only exists in the mind of C.S. Lewis and nerds like me :)

Now it's 10 hours and 1 minute!!!!!!

Why is this interesting?

I love this guy!

Stuff Chrisitans Like

Pride Parade

Being proud is not something I generally feel. Yes, I'm happy but proud? Eh. Pride tends to have an air about it to which I generally try not to subscribe. But today? Today is different.

Since February, I've been working out hard-core. Not for any particular reason other than the fact that, in September, my "lady doctor" yelled at me (yes, really) for gaining 5 pounds last year. So, I've been ellipticalling and lifting for a few months. A bit discouraging is the fact that I've lost very little weight compared to what I should lose. But, this is where the pride comes in...

Last week, I leg-pressed 450 pounds.

Today, I ellipticaled 5 consecutive 10-minute (or less) miles. (A goal I've had for a LONG time!) AND my trainer told me someone waived him down last week to say how impressed they were with my workout.

It may not seem like much and you really can't see much of a difference in my very round physique but I'm pretty proud of myself.

Save The Date!

Things

First thing first:

Happy 26th Birthday to le fiance!

He's not really into big celebrations but I like to rub in the fact that he is (and will always be) just slightly older than me. And, for the next 3 months, he will seemingly be a whole year older! HA!

Second thing second:

My mom's weekend in Alaska was QUICK! Man did it go by fast! We ate good pizza, saw a hockey game and went to church. Oh, yeah, we also bought a dress :) [insert squeal here]

So, yeah, it's really real now. No turning back. (Not that I would!). I've purchased a dress that is classic, vintage and unexpected... complete with giant purple butt-bow! I'd show it to you but since the boy reads the blog, that'd be wrong. Just too much temptation for him to overcome I'm afraid. If you want to see it, you'll just have to make the guest list & the trip in September.

Third thing third:

Today is decision-making day. Today is the day we get prices from Private Reception Site #2 (PRS2) which will make the decision a bit easier on me-- the most indecisive bride ever! Both sites are amazing but I like to compare things side-by-side to make sure I made the right decision. So that'll happen today and shortly y'all (as long as you're on the list*) will be getting a "Save-the-Date" ecard so you can begin to make reservations and such.

Fourth thing fourth:

This weekend is my DCE-friend, Gretchen's, wedding down in Homer. It marks my third red bridesmaid dress... but I'm sure it'll be fun regardless :)

Fifth thing fifth:

There's nothing else. I'm done. Au revoir!

*If you want to make the list, let me know. I'll see what I can do!

I want it!

The preschool downstairs is having a show-and-tell day. One of the kids brought his uncle's Great Dane... OH. MY. GOSH. I'm totally in love. This dog is beautiful and well-behaved. He's 1 year old, 100 pounds and came up to my hip. I want one. Really, really bad.

Maybe we (::cough, cough::) should work on the behavior of Burt & Kena before we venture into gigantic, lovable puppydom.

Third time's the charm!

Greetings one & all! If you've been following the array of 'wedding website' links on the right, you've probably noticed that there have been two different ones created... well, here's the third...

Philip & Jamie's Wedding Blog

We decided that we can edit and include more pertinent information here than on theknot.com or bedbathandbeyond.com (plus, it's easier to find!) so visit often for updates on location, accomodations and activities. We've got some stuff up there already but we're still in the planning process so bear with us. AND, once you get an invite this summer, you'll RSVP to the email listed there.

In other news, we painted Philip's living room (I just can't say 'our' yet!) a pretty brown & green... believe me, it's prettier than it sounds. It was fun to get to do something like that with him. We really do work well together even if he doesn't get enough paint on his roller. Hope y'all enjoyed/are enjoying your weekend!

Can you ever just be whelmed?

A lot can change in just a week's time. This time last week none of this was on my mind. Now all I can think about are reception sites, flowers, invitations, dresses, guests and cake. We even began registering at a number of places including Bed, Bath & Beyond, REI and Pampered Chef!

Holy crap I'm getting married...

The checklist we've been using from theknot.com has A LOTTA THINGS on it... most of which are "overdue" since we're having such a "quick" engagement. According to this little piece of pape, in the next month we're supposed to...

• Interview caterers, decide on a caterer, work on a menu, sign a contract & send deposit
  
• Interview & price-list photographers, reserve photographer, decide on package, sign contract & send deposit
  
• Begin looking for a baker, book a baker, choose cake design & send deposit
• Interview florists, choose a florist & send deposit
• Browse styles of dresses online, try them on, narrow down choices and purchase.

All of this (and much, MUCH more) is accompanied by little tiny red exclamation points.

Holy crap I'm getting married...

I've given Philip the jobs of music & photography, though he's already done much more than that. The day after we got engaged he called the Motherlode Lodge to check their availability for a private reception! And right this very minute he's purchasing music for the brass quintet we'll have play at the ceremony... He's on top of things... and I'm not going to complain. After all, how long can this last?!

Right now the only thing holding us back from officially setting the September 20th date is the fact that the Motherlode is closed for a family emergency. After we get that booked, it'll all be good... well, mostly. It'll be good as long as 60% of our guest list decides not to come. You see, the Motherlode can only hold 150 and our list is 252 people long (including those horrible "plus one" invites for all our single friends). It'll all work out in the end, I'm sure.

My mom has purchased tickets to come up here for the weekend so we can shop for THE DRESS together at least once. It was quite the expense I'm sure but, as she says, "I'm paying for a wedding!"

Holy crap I'm getting married...

My bridesmaids are in the process of perusing tea-length brown dresses. Their only guidance from me is "same length, same color". Really that's all I care about. I think, in general, the feel for the wedding I'm envisioning is "rustic elegance", which might include things like...

Any tips, comments, suggestions or antecdotes are welcome as we continue on this journey. As for a "wedding blog" I'm not sure that'll happen unless my fiance sets that up :)

Liars, All of Them!

I have been deceived. My parents and this girl have been planning behind my back for months. They've lied and cheated their way through many conversations. But I guess I'll forgive them.

I mean, they were lying to keep up the rouse that this wasn't coming until after our June trip to California. The were lying to keep the suspense. To keep the surprise.

And BOY, did they. Talk about the shock of a lifetime!

You can read his whole backstory later but I'll go ahead and share my naivete now.

It was our regular date night and we had plans to stay in Eagle River and make Halibut Chowder for dinner. But I got a call that afternoon from him saying that he was feeling cooped up and wanted to get outside and take pictures. I said okay. (Naivete #1) We met at my house and drove up to Hatcher Pass where we walked on the snow toward the Independence Mine. It was COLD so he decided to stop and set up his tri-pod to take some photos of the valley. (Naivete #2: He was snapping 'em pretty quickly so that should've tipped me off!) He started fumbling around in his backpack for more camera equipment but when he stood up he said, "Would you try this on for me?"

To which I replied, "Are you kidding me?!" Several times. Over and over.

He did get on his knee and I did say "yes" and we couldn't be happier!

It is a GOOD day...

For those of you not in the know, today is Good Friday-- the day we remember the sacrifice Christ made for us.

My youth are in charge of the service this evening and this is one of the songs we'll be playing towards the end of the service. It'll play when the congregation has an opportunity to reflect upon their sins for which Christ died.

It is an amazing day, an amazing gift, that He would voluntarily give His life so that we might be "New Again".

Whew!

My whirlwind month is almost over! After Confirmation on March 30th I'll basically be home-free until VBS in June... YAY!

Other than attempting to recap my March (and I'll save you the agony!), I honestly haven't got much to post about. Life is finally slowing down and I enjoy the lull. The Boy & I have actually been able to find more time to be with eachother than normal and (hopefully) that time will continue to increase. For our date night yesterday we doubled with my friends Tabbie & Scott to see "Vantage Point", which turned out to be an edge-of-your-seat movie that suddenly ended. There was closer but not much. It's definitely a recommended theatre-view though. Plus, Matthew Fox is in it AND Dennis Quaid is a bad @$$.

I'm looking forward to basically having a slow two months ahead of me followed by a much-anticipated Californivacation in June, which is when The Boy will finally meet the 'rents. (He's nervous. It's cute.) Then it's off to a full summer of activities... then Fall...

Speaking of Fall, that's probably when I'll be starting a Master's Program I've been looking at for a few months now. I'd be earning a degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. I've talked at length with the program coordinator and am seriously considering taking the $25,000 dive into continuing education. (Scary, considering I still owe from my undergrad!) I think the degree sounds interesting-- especially the Servant Leadership aspect-- and it would be applicable in lots of circumstances, not just the church.

So, yeah, that's it.

I really am that boring.

SIDENOTE: I recently stumbled across Travelzoo.com and found some AMAZING deals for all sorts of trips & hotels. If you're interested in entering to win 20 such trips, CLICK HERE.

T-Minus 71 Days

Why Do I Do This?!

Just like Jules, Hannah's been bothering me to blog too. I guess blogs about beautiful shoes just aren't quite enough for the Hannahlysizer. (Oh, yes, I just made that up!) But, just like Jules lamented I'm quite busy too. However, I'm still me which means I'll take up any moment to procrastinate. Thus, I'm blogging about my next six weeks of church/personal events... bullet style! (I started doing this day by day but got to next Thursday and figured y'all didn't need to know all of that so I reverted to summarizing)

• Top Secret Appointments (Mondays & Thursdays through April)
• HS Game Night (February 29)
• HS Good Friday Planning (Every Friday until March 21)
• Church Board Meetings: Family & Childrens, Education & Youth (March 2 & 9)
• Children's Messages & Children's Church (1 & 3 Sundays)
• Doctor's Appointment & Bloodwork
• Weekday School (1st Tuesday of every month)
• MS Confirmation (Wednesdays)
• HS Youth Night & Bible Study (Wednesdays)
• All Alaska Lutheran Youth Gathering (March 7-9)
• HS & MS Alyeska Ski Trip
• CLYFR (March 13-16)
• Maundy Thursday (March 20-- set up for GFS after)
• Good Friday Service (March 21-- HS in charge)
• Easter Festival (March 22-- 10-Noon)
• Easter Sunday (All. Freakin'. Day.)
• MS Confirmation Final Test (March 26)
• MS Confirmand Testing & Freshman Initiation (March 28)
• MS ACYB Retreat (March 28-29)
• MS Confirmation Day (March 30)
• Hatcher Pass Family Day (March 30)
• HS FISH @ St John (March 30)
• HS FISH @ Our Redeemer (April 6)
• Chapel Talk @ Matanuska Christian School (April 9)
• Movie Night (2nd Saturdays)
• Church Board Meetings (2nd Sundays)
• HS Spring Regreat (April 18-19)
• Gretchen's Wedding (April 19 +2 days of travel)
• HS FISH @ Lamb of God (April 20)
• BREATHE!!

After all of that, I have approximately 4 weeks of a "normal" schedule before things start picking back up again with conferences, vacation, VBS and Kaleidoscope.

Why do I do this?!

Number 10*

I was in the store today looking for shoes for Gretchen's wedding (in which I will wear my THIRD red bridesmaid dress) when I saw these.

I. AM. IN. LOVE.

When describing these to several people they were like "Um, yeah, sounds... nice." But, as you can hopefully see, they are wonderful.

If only they weren't $50... If only I had fifty expendable income dollars...

::sigh::

*If you can tell me why I titled this "Number 10", you get a gold star!

TADA!!!!

The countdown is done!
I got about 7 inches taken off at the salon last night. Along with the pedicure treatments Erin & I received, it was quite the relaxing afternoon. It doesn't quite look like the picture but I'm pretty sure I like it the way it is. Now I just have to figure out what/how to do this hair!

Aww...

Okay, I admit it. The Boy is good. Though I honestly wasn't expecting anything for Valentine's Day, he surprised me with this...

Isn't it CUTE?! It's a humidifier... the steam comes out his ears! For those of you who know me well, this is totally the best gift ever. Certainly makes my place-n-bake cookies I brought him seem not so great...

In other news, the Boy took me to dinner last night (in addition to the pig gift!) in celebration of an early Valentine's Day. I ate some yummy steak medallions and he had crab & macademia nut stuffed halibut. We finished the night off with some creme brulee and a few episodes of the West Wing-- a show to which I am now addicted. All in all, it was a great night... and it's been an even better, more blessed year! [INSERT GAGGING HERE]

Well, I hope y'all have a wonderful Valentine's Day tomorrow!!

Not The City In Alaska...

Now I want to see it even more!

T minus 5 days...

(And, no, it's not a countdown to Valentines Day!)

Heehee

WEE!

As a result of my recent business trip to Portland,

I am in love with this car.

Oh it's just so adorable... Definitely not practical car for this Alaskan landscape (or this lady's boy) but, uh, it's SO fun.
[ENTER BIG SMILE HERE]

Regarding Charlie

The truth is-- I AM tenderhearted.
And I mope. Probably too much.
But that's my normal.
Sometimes, I just have to shut-down.
Call it my introvertednessocity.
(Yes, I'm making-up words again.)
I got away for the weekend, be it a business-trip, and I'm better now.

Feelin' Like Charlie

Finally!

Some of you might know that my little sister has been working various internships for Walt Disney World in their hotels. Well, this last internship was over on January 25th, since she has officially been "temporarily assigned" to turn down beds. Exotic, huh?

Well, we got news today that Disney has hired her to be the permanent Front Desk manager here:

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

It's all very exciting and I'm very happy that she finally has a full-time job at the place she's wanted to be since she was 8 years old. Here's a few pics of the place.

Becoming

In Youth Group this past month, we've been going through a Student Life Bible Study called "Becoming". We've been looking at Paul's life and how he became Paul after being Saul. His life certainly is inspiring and, I believe, this in-depth look at it has challenged them to think about their lives and what they're becoming.

Wednesday was the last installment of the Bible study and I read the following to the kiddos. I thought it was thought-provoking enough to share here:

So here you are at the end...

You've been challenged to take a hard look at yourself... to ask the question, "Does my life tell the world that I am more concerned with me, or with Christ?"

Make no mistake about it, you have been challenged to change your identity. To become less while He becomes more.

At the beginning of this study, you were faced with a question, Who are you becoming? Do you have an answer yet? Maybe this will help...

If Christ lives in you, the answer is simple: You are becoming more like Him. And not becuase of what you are doing. But because of what He has already done.

If you're struggling with all that you must do to become like Him... stop struggling. Because the key to becoming more like Christ is beautifully simple: Commit to following Him for today. Tomorrow, when you wake up, commit to following Him for that day, too. And the next day, when you wake up, tell Him you'll follow Him that day, as well...

See the pattern? Each day you spend in the presence of Christ you become more and more like Him. Through His Holy Spirit, whom He sent to live inside of you, Christ Himself will help you become like Him.

Who are you becoming?

If you continue in your faith, and keep a firm commitment, the answer is simple: You are becoming like Christ.

A Loaded Gun

• And the winner is... Hairdo #2!! Erin & I will make our appointments for this soon-- promise!
• I've been in a weird mood ever since I started these antibiotics.
• What? Oh, perhaps I should back that up :)
• My jaw hurt so I went to the doctor only to discover the pain stems from my saliva gland that's being blocked by a stone. No, not like a rock. Like a kidney stone. Thus, I was ordered to get some penicillin and LemonHeads. (Damn.) Yes, it's painful. Yes, I think it's getting better.
• Homer Lock-In went WONDERFULLY! Despite some frustrations (thought not by my kids) it was a great weekend that culminated with an 8-hour-drive home... it was supposed to be 6.
• Saturday I'm taking 10 middle schoolers to H2Oasis, an indoor waterpark. Wish me luck.
• Next weekend I'll be in Portland for a Youth Ministry Task Force meeting. Oh joy. Not that it's not productive, it's just a long way for a short time. Tiring.
  
  
• I'm done now. More later...
  

I spent some time trying to redesign this stupid page and when I finally stopped getting errors, I was elated. Yay for pretty backgrounds. Oh, then I realized the new template deleted EVERYTHING including all my links. So, if you'd like to be added to the link at right, let me know!

Funny... but wrong?

It's funny. And probably what a lot of folks wish the Creed would be... What do you think?

I may not be Samson but...

It's been obvious for a while now that Jamie wants a haircut. And, believe it or not, it's getting closer to the inevitable day. See, today was my friend Erin's birthday. Her lovely husband, Joshua, decided to treat her to the haircut and pedicure she's been talking about for months. I have humbly volunteered to accompany her-- I'm such a good friend, huh? :) So, while I don't know precisely the day, I know it's coming soon.

Anywho, since I'm not entirely sure what I want I'd like to be brave enough to just sit in the chair and tell the stylist to do whatever she wants. However, I'm not that brave. I'd like to have an idea. So, this is where you come in. I've posted four pictures below AND a poll in the sidebar. Vote by Monday, January 21st @ Alaskan-midnight (so technically Tuesday morning!) Enjoy!

Impossible

If you can figure out THIS GAME, I'll give you $20.

Seriously.

(I googled the answer. Here it is. If you cheat, no $$ for you.)

What Teachers Make

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...) Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental. You want to know what I make? (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator. I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America. Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life." (Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make, Mr. CEO?" His jaw dropped, he went silent.

For all my teacher, DCE, Pastor friends and for all those who make a difference in what they do.

Must See This

I just heard of this movie but I can't wait to see it! Besides, I heart James McAvoy :)

Not my favorite

But evidently...

I Am Pocahantas!

Free-spirited and wise. You have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know you. The wisdom and common sense that you have is really what guides you through life. Even so, you also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

A Memorable Time

The sermon on Sunday definitely rang true to my ears. Pastor Rockey preached about how some things in our lives aren't things we choose, but things for which we are chosen. I've been chosen to many things in my life and I've chosen many things as well. But there are some things I thought I would've never chosen...

PERFECT EXAMPLE:

I never thought I would ever meet someone online.

(Never say never, huh?)

Well, today we celebrate our one year anniversary. A mile-marker that's a first for both of us. So, in honor of the Facebook messages, hyperventilation, mild-freakouts and tardy arrivals, I've gathered together a compilation of the past year.

(Yes, it's mushy. Get over it. I like him.)

January 2007

February

March

July (ish)


August


August

October


December

Here's to much more time together, babe! I love you!

HFS

Never in my life have a seen a movie like "I Am Legend"

I tend to pride myself on the fact that I don't scare too easily (at least in theatres) but this movie brought out the worst in me.

I screamed.

I jumped.

I clutched the boy's hand so tight I might've caused damage.

I cursed.

Oh, yes, I cursed.

A lot.

While Will Smith did an awesome job, and I can totally get some "spiritual battle"esque thinking out of it. It. Is. Scary. The only way I'd ever recommend this movie is if (A) I didn't have to see it with them; or (2) If they were willing to pee their pants in the theatre.

I Am Legend=Scarey @$$ movie

New Year's Resolutions

A Beautiful Day

Welcome to 2008, my friends!

I realize I'm a whole day (or two) late with the welcoming but most of you have lived in 2008 much longer than I have thanks to time zones. So I figured a day late gives me time to catch up.

There weren't any big rip-roarin' parties for me this year (or ever come to think of it) just a quiet day. I'm currently house/dog-sitting so I spent the morning caring for Bucky then drove into Anchorage to get some pictures I bought in Israel framed. Then I came home, cleaned the house, went to church (where I usherd for the first time ever!), bought dessert at the request of the boy, and had a YUMMY dinner-- champagne baked halibut, cheese risotto and salad! Nothin' better than a boy who can cook :)

He promptly fell asleep before midnight and I couldn't wake him up for the life of me so I celebrated the strike of midnight watching the fireworks through my window with him passed out on my right arm. Festive, huh?


Nevertheless, I think 2008 will be a great year-- even better than '07 I'm sure. In fact, I'm sure it'll be a beautiful year as soon as I can figure out where I can get someone to add said 'beauty'. Afterall, it was my idea first but Jules beat me to it. So if any of you are in Alaska or know a good artist, let me know! It's from my favorite Bible verse (Isaiah 52:7-- On the bottom of this page) and I've wanted it since before I graduated from High School-- nearly EIGHT years! Yikes, I'm old.


Well, I pray all of you had a blessed celebration of the end of '07 and have a wonderful '08!