Quite Speechless

2012 Wante-lutions

2012-01-05T19:50:00.002-06:00

Save $1,000 up for Le Trip of Awesome to England

Actually finish a NaNo novel

Finish my first two semesters of college with decent grades without losing my sanity

Read The Hobbit

Read all C.S. Lewis books not previously enjoyed

Keep track of all books read this year. At least 52.

Be less self-absorbed

(Because everyone and their Uncle make resolutions and I have this thing about going against what's popular. Some call it being stubborn, I call it healthy independence)

"A Ball? I long for a Ball!"

2012-01-02T22:26:00.004-06:00

This weekend I was lucky enough to spend a magical evening with some dear friends at a Regency Christmas Ball.

We were all dressed to the nines and quite snobby about it ;P

Not everyone was overly excited to be there (or at least he claimed so with his "just shoot me now" pictures)

There were hours of lively dancing

In a beautiful hall

And some of my favorite people to chat with while nibbling on scrumptious food!

All in all we had a lovely evening of fun, beauty and elegance...

Well... mostly elegant.

We tried at least.

My First Christmas Tree

2011-12-04T18:35:00.006-06:00

Why should it be traditional?

I spent all weekend putting my “Book Tree” up at the library. A lot of carting old encyclopedia sets up from the dungeon, stacking, re-stacking, and yet again repositioning to try to make them look like a short squaty red Christmas Tree.

Then I precariously balanced a star atop of it all.

It didn’t turn out exactly how I planned, but I’m pleased. Besides, what other job would I be allowed to cut paper snowflakes out to my heart content?

That's right people, a lot of sweat and (possibly tears) went into this, don't you dare destroy it.

I love my job :-)

In Defense of Happiness.

2011-11-12T19:56:00.005-06:00

I'm a happy person.

It's a simple truth. I've never actually poled my circle of acquaintances and friends, but I'm confident that if I did, the majority of them would agree. Lydia is a happy person.

I used to be proud of this fact. Or at least I took it for granted. I knew there were not-happy people in the world, I knew depression is a serious problem for many. But I was secure in my identity as someone who didn't deal with that, and I have to admit there was a measure of "What is their problem?" in my attitude that I'm ashamed of now.
Time has gone by, I've grown up. And while I'm still a happy person, it's not the same simple truth. It's not simple at all. I've realized how much work I've had to slowly begin putting into my optimism. It's not as easy as it once was. But it's still worth it to me for a lot of different reasons.

I wish I had more even keeled emotions. I wish I could not take everything so much to heart. I wish I wasn't so determined to find the silver lining. Sometimes I wish I could be grumpy all day long. That I could actually go a couple of hours without laughing. That I wasn't wired to act happy when I'm really not. Because... it gets tiring, and it's hard.
Lately in my reading and observing I've noticed a surprising prejudiced against happy people that I took (probably too much) to heart. If you go by popular culture's definition, happy people are naive, annoying, get in the way and are just plain useless. If anything, they're cute, comic relief. A general misconception about happy people is that we have it easy, we have no worries, otherwise we'd wouldn't be happy. Believe me, that's not the case. Now I'm just fine with being thought cute, and I believe this world wouldn't suffer if comic relief was valued a tad more. But do people find my general optimism annoying and unrealistic?

I certainly hope not, but I honestly don't know.
I heard someone say once that we live in the age where we are drowning in information and starving for knowledge. Kids grow up so fast, they learn of the horrors of the world and lose their wide-eyed innocence and replace it with world-weariness much too soon. I'm not saying I can scientifically prove this but it seems to me the more horrors a person knows the less happy they're likely to be.
I'll freely admit I've led a sheltered life, that I'm blind to many things normal people deal with daily, but I'm twenty years old, I'm not a child anymore. I've known sadness. Some of the sadness was obvious, the death of a family member, a public humiliation. Some of it was deeply personal, life ruinous difficulties that I never talk about, and kept a secret. Secrets I'm planning on keeping it that secrets.
I can't speak for all optimists but I know for me happiness really is a choice. I get up in the morning. I look in the mirror before starting my day and I put a smile on. Because that's who I am, and always have been, if I feel like it that day or not. I choose to bury my sadness and not dwell on it. And mostly it works out okay. Optimists aren't happy because we don't have anything to be sad about. We're happy because that's how we deal with sadness. And when we do get upset, it's something serious, so pay attention.
We all have bad days, I am no exception. When things build to a head for me I'm suddenly reminded of all the things I've been being happy about, that I didn't want to be. The things I bury in order to present the smile everyone is accustom to. Things I don't want to be happy about, but do anyway for no better reason than the fact that I'm a happy person. I don't get depressed, I'm not allowed to.
But when I do...
Boy it's drastic.
Because it scares me to confront it all, because I'm not good at being depressed, I honestly can't handle it. I usually go on a cleaning spree (and I HATE cleaning) as an effort to distract myself. (In case you were wondering, my room is currently spotless.)
My point with sharing this is to start a defense for happy people against prejudiced. If you have a happy person in your life that you find a bit too happy, if you ever rolled your eyes and thought "Have they got a shock coming..." try and consider that maybe the shock has already come, there's a good chance they don't always feel as cheery as the smile on their face suggests.

So basically: Hug a happy person today. They need it just as much as anyone.

(I should point out that I have nothing agasinst pessimistic people, I just don't like when they hate on optimists)

9-10-11 12:13

2011-10-09T00:13:00.001-05:00

Did I Mention I Write for a Magazine?

2011-10-04T11:02:00.002-05:00

Well, it's an e-zine, and it's called Femnista, it's amazing, and the new issue just came out this weekend!! You can find the link to read or download it here: http://www.charitysplace.com My column is on page 16, but I encourage you to read all the other lovely articles covering Austen, Dickens, Bronte and To Kill a Mocking Bird.
Enjoy!

Who Am I?

2011-09-24T11:02:00.000-05:00

I’m a Christian.

Did you know that? It’s a serious question, did you know? Not the “Oh her? Yeah, she goes to church regularly.” or “She doesn’t swear or drink or sleep around so she’s probably religous.”

I’m talking about being a person that people call a Christian without being told to, not just where I do go on Sunday mornings or what I don’t do during the week.

Did you know that the term “Christian” was coined by so called “Heathens”? To classify people who believed in Jesus Christ. And back in the day when the word was invented, being called one wasn’t exactly a safe occupation, and yes, it very possibly meant death.

Now it’s... “I’m better than you.”

And honestly, sometimes that makes me cry.

When I say that I’m a Christian, is that what you think I mean? And more importantly, is this idea supported by my actions?

I have, in my younger years given my life to God. I know that sounds like a religious statement. Hearing it often evokes mental pictures of Mother Theresa or one of those crazy curbside yelling fanatics who screams scripture all day long at passing cars. I hope when I said it I meant that I realized that my ideas for my life are useless, shallow and worthless, and I saw that God’s plan for me was better, the best, cause he’s the best, and I wanted to be like him, like Christ. In essence, a Christian.

My realization was a very long time ago. I’ve spent over a decade comfortable in the knowledge that God loved me and I was going to heaven. But, have I been a Christian? No, not always, and mostly... not at all. Whether or not a person grows up in a envorment where church is present most understand somewhat the concept of Jesus. Jesus was that guy on the cross. He feed the poor, he talked to people, all people. And he talked about love a lot.

Love.

Gracious goodness, what a word. Poets have only been striving for thousands of years to figure that one out. It’s beyond complicated. The Christian community claim to love their fellow Christians, yet they are all too eager to call attention to their faults. That they don’t have enough love. I find myself privately thinking like that more often than I care to admit “Those Christians think this about me, they think they’re so much better... “ They... they.. THEY!

But what about me? In my “Christian-ness” am I loving people? And I’m not just restricting this to my fellow believers, approving of their Christian-ness and loving them, it’s easy enough to put on one’s “Church-face” at church and in my public life as the good girl who does (and doesn’t do) the right (or wrong) things.

But you know what? I’ve lived with my “Church Face” long enough to know that the man I claim to serve would hate it. Really really hate it, like spew thee out of my mouth type of hate. Because no matter how holy looking my church face is, it doesn’t love my fellow men like Jesus did. Jesus didn’t judge people, and he commanded us not to, to look at our own selves first, and the one who has no sin to cast the first stone. When I head to church on Sunday mornings and see a drunk stumbling down the street, as I subconsciously straighten my appropriate church clothing and walk past I judge that person if I mean to or not. If I was a true follower of Christ I would love that person. I would hug my fellow human being and, yes, it would dirty my stuck-up church clothes. And I wouldn’t notice. I would give of my money and my time to make sure this person, knows that someone cares. And I wouldn’t give it a second thought. And I wouldn’t do it to look good or because somebody might be watching.

But I don’t.

I don’t give myself to these wonderful human beings that God made and God loves. Not in the way I’m suppose to.

Now I’m about to say something you’ve heard before. Several thousands times. I know I’ve heard it enough times to desensitize myself myself from the magnitude of it. And I’ve heard it from the lips of enough people who said it for the wrong reason. Their church face plastered so obviously on that it makes me want to avoid it all together. But all that doesn’t make it any less true. So please, bare with me.

Jesus died on the cross for us.

So many times it’s me, not us. People say it with an air of importance as if since you acknowledge that it makes them better. So called “Christians” treat it like it’s a high quality insurance company “I have State Farm. I’m in good hands. You’re not in good hands. Poor you.”

What about the fact that Jesus dies for EVERYBODY? And that he did it because he loves them? And what about the fact that he commanded us to do the same? To love people who don’t deserve it and give our lives for them.

I’m very good at talking about the concept of love. I can wax on and on about it without moving an inch out of my comfort zone to actually do some really loving, the kind that’s hard to do.

So basically, I’ve been lying to you.

I’m sorry.

I say I’m a Christian but... I’m not. I don’t follow Christ. I follow me. I follow my comfort zone and what makes me happy. I don’t love my fellow man like I should. I don’t give of myself enough to the people I approve of, much less the ones who it would be a little harder to love, I judge them. I look down on them. You would not believe the thoughts I’ve had about people that God loves enough to die for them. I lie. I cheat. I think myself better, smarter, prettier. I elevate myself to a special position just because I... grew up in Sunday School?

That’s wrong... so so wrong. It’s sin. It’s worse than drinking or swearing or anything else. I have misused the name of my Lord by saying I represent him when I have such hate in my heart.

I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.

I’m sorry for putting my puny problems above the poverty and pain of humanity. I’m sorry for not being Jesus to you.

I’m a Christian.

And the real question is: Do I know that? Do I try to actually be like Christ to everyone I meet? I think maybe I should have anew dream of “When I grow up I want to be..” and I want to be a Christian. The real deal. The way it used to be. I want people who don’t believe in God to see my (probably disastrous, but hopefully sincere) attempts to follow him and think “That girl right there is someone who loves without judgement, without holding back, without pretense or a Church face. Kinda like a man once known as Jesus Christ.”

I know I’m not perfect like him and that I can’t be. And this is my confession. That I’m not. I’m not Christ. But I want to be, with everything in me, I want to be a Christian.

Did you know that?

Frigidarium: A True Story (Of Sorts)

2011-05-15T21:30:00.001-05:00

I was trying to compose in my head

A poem, on my way to the shed

(Or garage, but that's hard to rhythm)

And I was taking my precious time

Being optimistic poetic me,

Not knowing what was going to shortly be.

The male members of our home

Wanted cake, frozen and under a dome

Of the ice cream variety

So I'd gone with female piety

To fetch it from the freezer

(I've been told I'm a people pleaser)

My mother told me to surely go

Making sure not to stub a toe

Through the back door since it wasn't locked

As the normal way between the cars was blocked.

My new poem was meant to rhapsodize

On how the magnolia petals lie.

How they crunch beneath my feet

As I walk on their soft, unblemished sheet.

I wanted to rhyme how the night air

And the cricket's beat transports me somewhere.

While my mind was on that

I pulled the door close so it didn't bat

And bang in the wind annoyingly

And bother my mother worry-ingly

I picked my way over garage-y stuff

Which I can tell you, is tough

When one is in pitch darkness

With only a small light in the mess.

I opened the freezer to discover

There wasn't light there neither!

I exclaimed my displeasure

And then felt around for good measure.

But it was a bigger than normal ice box

And I felt out smarted by the fox

Of my own absentmindedness

It was silly of me, I must confess

Not to remember a flashlight

Yet on went I with all my might

And stuck in both my arms

Never thinking of the harms

But I lost my footing

Horizontally positioning was my ending

And then my wandering hands

Came up empty... oh my Lands!

I was stuck in the cooler

Could I be more of a fooler?

Stuck like Pooh, half in half out.

I was most definitely a lout

And believe me, it hurt

As cold began seeping through my night shirt.

I struggled for a moment

And only manged to get more bent

I stopped and started considering

If nosily yelling and bellowing

Was in any way dignified.

If I told myself it was, I would have lied.

In this moment of self reflection

To my amazement and fun

Found the cake that I'd been sent for

Only to end up stuck in the freezer door.

I pulled at it much too promptly

Considering my task fait accompli

Then the lid came off, and with it the cake

How much more of a mess could I make?

I somehow caught them both right side up

But felt most unhappy and cutup.

I was stuck, in the dark

Balancing ice cream cake, what a lark!

Then, Oh rapturous joy unbound!

The wondrous mother of mine had found

Her daughter gone quite long

And worried something might be wrong.

She called from the entry way

To hurry and not delay!

I begged her to turn on the light

And to aid me in my desperate plight.

But alas, my muffled voice

Did not transport, she had no choice

But misunderstand me

And although I could finally see

For, the light she switched on

But to my aid, came none.

I urged myself out with relief

Happy to get past it with my teeth

Deciding not to go the way I came

In truth, I felt rather lame.

I snaked my way between the cars,

Almost like prison bars.

It was not nice going, I admit.

I was near on at the end of my wit

When on the hitching post

My Pj's caught, (this is not a boast!)

I tugged them free at last

And made my way fast

To the door to get inside

And I do not think I cried.

But then, of course, it was locked,

And I sighed and (loudly) knocked.

Only to have it opened to hear

After everything "The cake is not needed, my dear.”

…

So instead I ate Greek yogurt

(Healthier by far) but I still wanted to blurt

Out my woes to you, my friends

To the trivial my life does tend.

Yet it has it's almost charming in the end,

A funny story, is how I defend.

Such horrid rhythms and no meter

I apologies most humbly dear reader.

At the last you must know

The moral to this unnecessary show

Is that poetry is dangerous

And always cause a ruckus.

Ignore poetic magnolias soft and sweet

If you want to keep your feet!

(*Disclaimer* I have never professed to be anything close to a poet. Mostly I just like thought in short verse and capitalizing words in the middle of sentences ;-P)

*Much thanks to Merrill for her awesome-ness!

Fools In Love (Or: A Post In Which Lydia Gives Her Opinion On A Subject She Knows Absolutely Nothing About: Love)

2011-04-01T22:42:00.003-05:00

People, in general, are idiots.

My mother, if she read that last sentence, would undoubtedly give me one of her well weathered “looks”. It's well weathered because I have a tendency to blurt out unfinished thoughts bluntly and without sufficient logic to back them up, and most of the time, I deserve the looks, and am smart to heed it by shutting my big mouth, but this time it's different, this time I've thought long and hard about it, asked opinions of several different people and spent an entire life time researching it.

I, as most of you know, am an incurable romantic. I believe there is a perfect someone out there for everyone, that true love exists, and yes, that 'happily ever after' is achievable. From this description it would be safe to assume that, paired with my occupation, as a librarian, and my love of enjoying stories I would be a devoted fan of literature and the silver screen's greatest love stories and couples,

Nope.

Can't stand them.

(I should note here that I complied this list from a sampling of several different opinions on the internet, and I don't hate all the stories on the lists. Jane Austen does, and always will have a special place in my heart, but stories like hers, although on the list, are a definite minority.)

Basically because the characters in theses stories (or at least the main guy and girl) are ridiculously idiotic. Why? Because, this being a love story, they're in love, and if stories are to be believed (they say life imitated art after all) love is neigh on insanity.

"When two people are under the influence of the most violent, most insane, most delusive and most transient of passions, they are required to swear that they will remain in that excited, abnormal and exhausting condition until death do them part." ~George Bernard Shaw

I rarely agree with George Bernard Shaw (after all, Pygmalion, which was on some of the lists, has a rather unsatisfactory ending, although I love Freddie, I can't help but get the feeling that Eliza doesn't really love him) but here he seems to capture my thought exactly.

Now before all the other incurable romantics have me drawn and quartered let me provide evidence for my case:

Romeo and Juliet:

The mention of this Shakespearean masterpiece always seems to entice sighs from the present female company, I have no idea why. Sure, it's Shakespeare. Sure, the title characters are a cute couple, they love through family disapproval, they remain true and dedicated to each other, they are poetically, fully and deeply in love. Despite the fact that they're closer to FOURTEEN then twenty, it's adorable... that is until they both go and die because they think the other is dead. I understand that when in love at 14 one is never thinking straight but isn't it slightly ridiculous that it never crossed either of their minds to verify the information or even check for a pulse! Never mind that if the other one truly loved them that they would want them to stay alive! Some might find the “I can't live without you” sentiment to be true, but I find it a trifle uncaring, and selfish. I know I don't know what it's like to lose someone you love more than life itself, but from my own point of view if I died tomorrow the very last thing I would want my love ones to do would be to follow me. I love them, and I want them to live.

Various Couples of the Arthurian Legend:

Arthur and Guinevere and Lancelot. Ugh. I hate love triangles. The story of Camelot is one of the oldest we have, proof that the “love means I can take leave of my senses and do stupid things” excuse is nothing new. Guinevere has an affair with her husband's best friend which results in the down fall of Camelot. And her reason? Her husband was too perfect. Seriously Lady? You're excuse for bringing about the destruction of the greatest kingdom of all Myth and Lore is the annoying perfection of your royal husband, who, by the way, forgave you for ruining his life and kingdom before going of to die in the war YOU started. Oh I can totally see where you're coming from there. And Tristan and Isolde? She's married, to the man who raised him. And he dies. I really don't see how that's romantic.

Wurthuring Heights:

Both Catherine and Heathcliff marry other people who neither of them love as revenge on each other, and the then they die and become ghosts.

Gone With The Wind:

The film has rather gorgeous costumes... other than that... ugh.

Anna Karenina:

She commits suicide by throwing herself in front of a train. Pleasant.

Casablanca:

Two years later... “Oh look we've all managed to meet up in a charmingly named town and spend the rest of the movie giving each other meaningful looks and not talking about anything important.”

*close up of Ingrid Bergman crying cause she can't decide which man she loves more*

Which man will she end up with?

Her husband, or Humphrey Bogart?

And most importantly: Why Do I even care?

Believe me... I could go on and on and on about how stupid these people act in the name of love, and I just don't understand it, I guess because I'm a romantic, but a practical one. And while I understand that happily ever after isn't very practical I still don't understand why it has to go the complete other direction into death and tragedy , and why the tragic love stories are the one's society remembers and upholds as “true love”.

. How do we even know if their love was going to last longer than a week? Also, when they die, there's no point in their senseless death. Yes, their families reconcile when they die but I have a feeling eloping and bringing home an adorable grandchild a year later might have done the same. Grandparents tend to melt into piles of butter around cute babies. If they'd actually thoughts things through, it could have worked out better. Instead they make a bunch of stupid decisions, is stupidity romantic?In the heat of conversation a couple of weeks ago I declared to a friend that when one half or both halves of a couple dies I did not considered their story to be romantic anymore. At his obvious confusion at my words I've now taken time to rethink what I meant by them. You see, if a person dies to save another, it's the greatest sacrifice they can give, and that's very admirable. But I think death, as well as life, should have some type of meaning. I don't consider the death Romeo and Juliet to be romantic, somewhat because there was no life before the death, they'd known each other all of

So why is love acceptable excuse for being an idiot? Just cause one's senses are dulled with raging emotions it doesn’t mean taking leave of common sense should be considered the norm. Love is one of the reasons that make life worth living and a precious gift from God, it should be cherished -not misused.

Once, a young mother I know told me that when she and her now husband were engaged they'd stay up into the wee hours of the morning talking on the phone every night, and because of her job at that point in time she'd only get four or so hours of sleep a night before having to be up in the later wee hours of the morning, and she survived on that for a while with no bad effects. When asked for an explanation of this phenomenon she laughed and said with an eye roll “I was young and in love!” Now I'm know she didn't mean that she and her husband are no longer in love, but that it's different now, she's a mother of several young children I'm sure she covets every hour of sleep she can muster. Now that, I consider to be romantic. Yeah it was completely goofy of them to deprive themselves of sleep, their fiancee would still be there at a decent hour. Personally, I love my sleep, we're best buds, and I can not imagine giving it up willing like that, no matter how handsome and witty he is, so, for me that would be a simple, yet adorable form of crazy in love.

One of my dearest married friends reiterated the other day how uncomplicated she and her husband's per-marital relationship was compared to most people, and pointed out that nobody remembers the sweet simple couples, just the messy complicated and often horrible relationships. That lead me to ask:

Why?

Why do we as a society revel in the swirling dating lives, marriages (plural) and messy divorcees of celebrities? Is it so we learn not to repeat their mistakes, or because we find it, of all things, entertainment? This is these people's heartbreak, why should we revel in it? Why should we find Scarlett O'Hara's stealing of her sister's fiancee for his money to be “epic”? Why is Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart's kiss in Casablanca considered to be the most romantic ever when Ingrid Bergman's character is married to another man? Why isn't Albert and Victoria's loving happy fairy tale marriage as famous as Charles and Diana's dramatically tragic one? People tease me for being a romantic, but I don't really see what there is to tease about. As defined by our culture romance is... sad. Is it good that we uphold this sadness as the greatest we can have in life?

I'm still a proud romantic, and I do love a good sappy boy-meets-girl. The ones I tear up over, they aren't perfect, people make mistakes, people die, life happens. That's what I expect someday when I fall in love. I'll make mistakes, yeah, I'll say things I don't mean, and completely mess up. But if it's God's will and I'm going to do my best to steer clear from being a complete idiot. I think my guy and I, we'll be good, and it'll be my kind of romantic, basically: the non-needlessly tragic kind.

2010-10-23T21:41:00.002-05:00

'Men and women can't do housework together without quarreling. Different methods, my dear. Men can't help in a job, you know. They can be induced to do it: not to help while you're doing it. At least, it makes them grumpy.'

'The cardinal difficulty,' said MacPhee, 'in collaboration between the sexes is that women speak a language without nouns. If two men are doing a bit of work, one will say to the other, "Put this bowl inside the bigger bowl which you'll find on the top shelf of the green cupboard." The female for this is, "Put that in the other one there." And then if you ask them, "In where?" they say, "in there, of course."'

--C.S. Lewis, That Hideous Strength

Life Is Like An Amusement Park

2010-10-08T23:57:00.003-05:00

People often compare life a roller coaster. Up, down, twists and turns, you go upside down, right side up, you never know what coming or what just went, a short 90 second ride and by the time you catch your breath... it's over.

A couple of weeks ago I had the most interesting experience of visiting my first real amusement park and riding my fist roller coaster, and for some odd reason it effected me deeply, and although I didn't intend to discredit "those who who know" I now disagree, let me explain:

Life experiences have ups, downs twists and turns, yes, but life, at least mine, seems to be comprised solely of impossible to make choices and then slow, and agonizingly long waits. Strange as it may sound, but during my fist amusement park visit I noticed several uncanny resemblances to my current situation.

We were lucky enough to be at Six Flags with a private party and compared to normal summer nights the park was relatively empty, and lines positively nonexistent. We had 6 hours to do what ever we pleased as many times as we wanted, a safe thrills seeker's dream come true! As I gleefully ran past long empty waiting areas, hearing horror stories of three hour waits, and of spending an entire day there only to go on a couple of rides. I freely expresses my opinion : I would never do that! I would die of boredom if I tried, and I wouldn't even try to ride if it wasn't as easy to get on as our current 10 minute wait.

And I then considered that to be true, in theory.But... I know deep down that I would wait.

I would complain like crazy and regret my choice like mad, but I would study the twists and turns from afar and know that the adrenaline rush would be worth it because eventually, I would make it to the front of the line, because that's what one does. Like the patient perspective rider you see your life dreams from a distance, excited and anticipating, waiting to live them. But there's nothing you can do, you can't make life move any faster than you can make that line move any faster than it is, and no cutting in line. One is essentially powerless.

You dream of the day when you finally get to the head of the line, strapped in and then off you go! It takes your breath away, everything that was expected but nothing like it! Frightening and entertaining, thrilling and wonderful. No matter how hard you studied it from the ground, and thought Boy, that's high! when actually up there all one can think is, Boy! That IS HIGH! Then the drop... and BAM!

It's over.

You move on laughing, talking, reliving it, on to the next ride, the more wait and then the next adventure. That's the dream anyway... but that doesn't really seem like my life, with all the thrill and adventure. I'm still the person waiting in line.

I think the worst job in the world would be to work at an amusement park. Here is a group of people who spend all day watching other people have fun. The attendants move quickly in, out and around securing harnesses, wishing us, by words and actions a safe and exciting ride. Then watch us go, hear our cries of happiness, see us return, help us out and then do it all over again. It's a worse fate then those waiting in line because there's nothing for them even to wait for, because they never ride. As my favorite author once said, their "Life is a succession of busy nothings."

Yeah. That's sounds a bit like me.

I always seem to be watching the ride up close. Always seeing everyone I know getting on, but never me, never fulfilling dreams, never actually experiencing anything, only living vicariously through other people's happiness because, for some unknown reason, I'm not allowed on the ride until every thing's right. The right day, the right time, the right seat, the right person to ride with... and I don't ever see all those things coming together. Nothing is ever just... right.

I want to be able to "ride" life the way I treat an amusement park. I run from ride to ride, screaming, laughing, planning, always moving, always trying things. Not sticking to the tame thrills, but going boldly toward what scares me, and doing it several times. And when I get to the top, hundreds of feet in the air I was to be sitting with someone who I trust, who's hand I can grab and yell "This is SO frightening, but BOY is it FUN!" And most, importantly, when I leave the park I want to know that I rode every ride I could, that I did things that thrilled me with people who I care about. But first, when every things finally right I’ll get out of line, strap in, and finally go on my ride. I can't wait.

Interesting...

2010-09-18T19:51:00.000-05:00

ENFP - "Journalist". Uncanny sense of the motivations of others. Life is an exciting drama. 8.1% of total population.

Free Jung Word Choice Test (similar to MBTI)
personality tests by similarminds.com

This is for you Elizabeth! :-)

I'm One of Them :-)

2010-09-11T22:44:00.001-05:00

This afternoon while innocently watching the Dilly Bar eating contest, I unintentionally overheard the conversation of the three people standing next to me:

Guy: "So the man that owns Dairy Queen has like 20 Kids."
Other Guy: "Really?"
Lady: "No, that's the family on TV."
Other Guy: "There has to be at least 15 of them then."

Me: "It's 9." all turn to stare at me "He has 9 kids."

Guy: "Oh yeeeaaah! I knew that."
Lady: stares at me for a moment "OMG, aren't you one of them??"

Me: smiles

awkward silence

they walk away

"Anything real has flaws."

2010-09-09T23:01:00.003-05:00

"He remembered hearing once that it was hard for people to ever know what they really looked like. Reflections in mirrors weren't accurate, because when you stare at yourself in a mirror you subconsciously composed your face in a way that wasn't your natural expression. He wondered if it was that way with strangers too, maybe you only looked like your true self with people you loved. And maybe that was a face you yourself hardly ever get to see."

~Elise Broach

"That Looks Like Something Lydia's Family Would Do." "Umm... that IS Lydia's Family."

2010-09-07T22:29:00.005-05:00

The quote in the title was said by two co-workers of mine who just happened to be passing by a local park on Labor Day afternoon and noticed a group of people oddly posing like famous paintings, eating, laughing, talking and in general, just having a ton of fun.

In other words:

BEST. LABOR DAY. EVER.

Enjoy!

Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte Originally by Georges Seurat

Us:

"Opening of the Mouth Ceremony" from The Book of the Dead of Hunefer

(Sarah Beth is suppose to be Pharaoh Tom's head)

The Creation of Adam Originally by Michelangelo

(Sorry about Adam's clothing, or lack thereof,but I guess it's biblical!)

"The Hands"

Silly Adam, if he would stretch just a little it would work! Something I guess I could learn huh?

Huh?

2010-09-03T20:55:00.002-05:00

1) Why does the sun lighten our hair but darken our skin?
2) Why is “abbreviated” such a long word?
3) Why do doctors call what they do “practice”?
4) Why is it that rain drops but snow falls?
5) Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor and dish-washing liquid made with real lemons?
6) Why isn’t there mouse-flavored cat food?
7) What hair color do they put on the driver’s license of a bald man?
8) Why is it called “tourist season” if we can’t shoot at them?
9) Why isn’t “phonetic” spelled the way it sounds?
10) If a firefighter fights fire and a crime fighter fights crime, what does a freedom fighter fight?
11) If you squeeze olives to get olive oil, how do you get baby oil?
12) Why don’t sheep shrink when it rains?
13) Why are they called “apartments” when they’re all stuck together?
14) Is there another word for synonym?
15) If you try to fail but instead succeed, which have you done?
16) Whose cruel idea was it for the word “lisp” to have an “s” in it?
17) Would a fly without wings be called a “walk”?
18) Why aren’t eyebrows considered facial hair?
19) If slices of bread are square, then why is sandwich meat round?
20) If milk goes bad when not refrigerated, why don’t we refrigerate cows?
21) If parents tell their kids “Never take candy from strangers” then why do they celebrate Halloween? (I have a smart family, we never went out on Halloween, and were thus saved the expense of costumes, but we've discovered that the candy is 1/2 price about two days later, JACKPOT!
22) If Mars had earthquakes would they be called marsquakes?
23) Do glow-in-the-dark objects stop glowing when someone turns on the lights?
24) Do you wake up or open your eyes first? (I think it depends on the person, but I know I wake up and then spend a while trying to convince myself to open my eyes.)
25) How much deeper would the ocean be if sponges didn’t grow in it? ( I don't think those type of sponges, ya know... sponge at all. But I could be [read: probably am] wrong.)
26) Why are dog’s noses always wet?
27) Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use, the bubbles are always white?
28) Why doesn’t Winnie the Pooh ever get stung by bees?
29) If someone owns a piece of land, do they own it all the way to the center of the earth?
30) In libraries, do they put the Bible in the fiction or non-fiction section? (I am most proud to report that our library has it in non-fiction)
31) How old do you have to be before people can say that you “died of old age”?
32) What happens when you put a light saber in water?
33) If nobody buys a ticket to a movie, do they still show it?
34) Do butterflies remember life as a caterpillar?
35) If you soak a raisin in water, does it turn back into a grape?
36) How important does a person have to be before they are considered “assassinated” instead of just murdered?
37) Why is it that people say they “sleep like a baby” when babies wake up every two hours?
38) Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
39) Did you just try singing the two songs above? :)
40) What is the speed of dark?
41) Why didn’t Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
42) Why ARE Trix only for kids?
43) Why do people talk about ‘girlie’ things but never ‘boyie’ things? (It's boy-ish)
44) If Pinocchio said “My nose is about to grow”, what would happen?
45) Who copyrighted the copyright symbol?
46) Can fish drown?
47) Can you get cornered in a round room?
48) What does OK actually mean?
49) What came first – the fruit or the color orange?
50) If a person suffered from amnesia and then was cured, would they remember that they forgot?

Perks of the Job, August 31st, 2010

2010-08-31T19:59:00.002-05:00

Gleefully introducing patrons to my favorite costumes dramas when the ask for recommendations. I like to think I'm helping America become more classically cultured, if they tend to think Jane Austen is an actress who looks like Anne Hathaway or not.

When a bird somehow manages to deposit it's *ahem* business on my shirt between the car and the door (NOOOOOO!!!) My official "Lydia S. Platteville Public Library Technician 1" name tag thankfully covers the spot nicely saving my from a potentially embarrassing workplace wardrobe malfunction.

When people actually answer the phone when I call them (I've heard every single answering machine message in town. No joke.) they assume that I'm a recording, and hang up in the middle of my well rehearsed speech. Is my voice really that non-descript?

Noticing that Amish women tend to secretly read trashy romance paperbacks.
Actually I find that rather disturbing...

Me stupidly assuming that the bell sounds and pounding I was hearing were coming from the rather loud construction site next door, not (as it turned out to be) a young and by now hysterical child stuck in the library elevator.

I am constantly surprised by the ironic human-ness of humanity.

Apparently I Like To Randomly Point at Signs....

2010-05-24T21:54:00.006-05:00

Next to home sweet home, my favorite place in the world just happens to be:

Actually it's Bellwood and the surrounding country side including the completely adorable town of David City (From East to West there's only one...)

This week was flurry of all my favorite things, like...

Books!

Shopping (with amazing sales!)

Fun Food,
(I don't mean to be disloyal or anything, but I happen to ADORE Arby's *hides*)

Movies,
Note: I give Letters to Juliet two thumbs up, Erica and I loved it!

and my absolutely wonderful family and friends :-)
I love my peeps!!

I Officially have the Awesomest Grandparents EVER.

2010-04-28T18:07:00.005-05:00

Really.

In September 2007 my Grandpa said he wanted to get started on my hope chest. (My Grandpa makes hope chests as Graduation presents for all of his granddaughters) I did some brainstorming and googleing and decided I wanted trunk-ish chest that looked like it was a hundred years old.

Two and a half years later:

And it's just what I wanted! I love it!

The side, aren't the handles totally vintage?!

The lid open.

The lid closed.

The front

My Grandpa made the whole thing, by hand, just to suit the whim of his fanciful granddaughter.

I lovely him much-o.

... and me, goofing around with my webcam.

Outfit Six: "...And Something Blue"

2010-04-03T18:01:00.012-05:00

I firmly believe that one of the key elements of frugality and practicality is knowing not how much to spend but WHAT to spend. I admit, I'm prone to buying something just because it's cheap, or because it's fits me. NOT because it's something I need, or even like.

Two weeks ago, my best friend and went shopping in the closest big city (a rarity for me!) We went to a huge (and I mean HUGE) consignment shop just for fun. (Fun here means: We tried on $80 dresses and took pictures, then we put them back!)

While I was aimlessly wandering through some $20 dollar items I saw lots of cute dress, some skinny jeans that would never, ever fit me. And... this skirt:

I loved it instantly, and guess what? It fit!

Now I had to decide if it was worth the $20. I knew that I would wear this skirt all the time. Nice enough for church with the right top, and fine for work or just having fun. The type of skirt I could wear once a week no problem, which is much better than buying 8 or so cheap jean skirts for 4 or 5 dollars that you only sort of like.

Considering that I have always wanted a practical trench coat (It's so African safari-ish) and that it was in perfect condition and only $10 made it completely worth it!

And finding a blouse that goes with the outfit just makes my second hand shopping day about perfect :-)

Merona Coat: Consignment Shop
Talbots Jean Skirt: Ditto
Blouse: Ditto
George Yellow Sweater: Thrifted

I had lots of fun putting these outfits together this week! I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did!

(To my regular blog readers : sorry to post these pictures twice!)

Outfit Five: A Spoon Full of Sugar

2010-04-02T17:06:00.013-05:00

"Helps the medicine go down,
in the most delightful way."

And having just purchased a brand-new antique umbrella,
($3.50)
certainly helps me weather the first rain storm of the year.

(I love how brand-new antique sounds like an oxymoron, but it's not :-) )

Today I wore:
Piper and Blue Blouse: K-Mart Clearance $5.00

Faded Glory Sweater: Borrowed from Debi

Van Heusen jean skirt: Consignment Shop $4.00

^same red shoes from Outfit Two

Oh, and I got my hair cut today.

Good?

Bad?

Horrible?

Outfit Four: What (not) To Wear

2010-03-31T21:45:00.006-05:00

This is what I wore today.

Or not ;-)

(April Fools!)

One of the most wonderful things about second hand shopping is the vintage finds. This particular retro top is a favorite of mine. But after I first got it I couldn't figure out how to (and how NOT to) wear it. After my failed attempts (such as the outfit above) I learned several things about wearing vintage and empire waists:

a) Do not pair long shirts with skirts. You end up looks like a shapeless blob. Pair with pants or capris.
Also, mix modern with retro, you don't want to look extremely too out-of date, but still unique and creative.

Top: Tag-less. Goodwill.

Capris: (Actually they're technically shorts, but on me they're capris :-) ) Walmart clearance

b) Wear cute shoes with vintage, they deserve it.

^cute shoes, what TO wear: Khols

^What NOT to wear: Lands End Bargain Shop
These are great shoes for hiking and such, but just not with this outfit.

c) Don't mix too many waists into a single outfit.
High Waists = Cropped Jackets

The problem the first outfit has is WAY too many waists and layers. It's confusing and does not in any way contribute to slimming the mid section.

Jacket: Lands End Bargain Shop
This is also a favorite jacket, just not with this ensemble!

So instead, put the bow in your hair, and toss the jacket, it's spring people!!! :-)

I love the dramatic flare that a fun vintage top can add to the jeans and sneakers look!

Outfit Three: A Purpleicious Day

2010-03-31T19:30:00.005-05:00

Today I took off my Librarian hat (commonly known as a sensible bun) and put on my Nanny hat (commonly referred to as the "pony tail".)

Two days a week I spend 9 hours with one of the world's most adorably sweet one year olds. We play peek-a-boo, sing the ABC's, go on walks and generally have fun. I get paid for to do this, what a life huh? :-)

I admit, most of my "Nanny outfits" this winter comprised of a) old worn out skirts b) a sweatshirt c) tights with holes in them. Things that I could do anything in and not worry about getting them stained or ripped.

:-(

Now that it's getting warmer (72 Degrees today! YAHOO!!!) we've been going outside more, for long walks and playing in the yard. Which means people, and people are known to stare at things like stains and rips etc. So lately I've been trying to come up with some comfy, can-chase-after-baby-in clothes that I can actually wear in public. :-)

Blue No Boundaries T-shirt

Hand-Me-Down

Purple Kathie Lee Sweater

Borrowed from Debi

Blue Flip-Flops from Last Summer.

(Great for Baby chasing :-) )

Bargain shop $0.50

My "golfer" capris

Local Consignment shop $3.00

Total cost of outfit: $3.50

Checking on my (invisible) ball.

Hitting my (invisible) ball with my (equally invisible) golfing stick thingy.

(Note: BTW I know next to squat about golf)

Watch out golfing world here I come!!!

Oh yes, it is also very important to pair Nanny outfits with the proper Nanny accessories:

Bag to carry necessary baby things around.

My awesome birthday present from my equally awesome family: a brand-new bright pink ipod nano to listen to during naps.

:-)

I love my job...

Outfit Two: Dress on a Dime (Sorta)

2010-03-30T22:17:00.010-05:00

I love dresses.

Seriously, I sometimes wish I could've lived 50 years ago when it was still the norm for a girl to put on a dress or at least a cute skirt every single day. *sigh* It would be lovely to have an entire wardrobe of dresses wouldn't it?

The "one time wear" is the down fall of most adorable dresses. It might work perfectly for the event you're shopping for, but, more often than not, you spend $50 on a dress you might wear twice. Not a very good use of my hard earned money (yes I am guilty of this *hides*).

Last spring I bought a dress to wear to my graduation party. I wanted something that would stand-out and be special for my special day, but I also wanted something I could wear again. This weekend provided me with a perfect opportunity to wear this dress again in a new way.

Sunday was a library day for me. Basically this means I sneak out of church early, rush home, eat as fast as I can, open the library doors for the waiting crowd, work the rest of the day and then come home. There's no time to change so I always try to dress in a professional, yet church appropriate outfit that's comfy enough to work in. It was nice to easily thrown on my versatile comfy dress Sunday morning, pair it with different accessories than at my party and be ready in no time for a long crazy busy day.

For Church: Red Chadwicks dress I bought at the local Consignment shop

$10

For Professionalism: Black mymicelle Suit Jacket,

Borrowed from Debi

For Warmth: Black Leggings from Claires.

Birthday Present

Just For Fun: Red Sash for my hair and my "Dorthy Shoes" from Target
(Note: The whole "There's no place like home" spell doesn't work with these particular red shoes, I tried ;-) )

$20 Bought With Gift Card (Thanks Aunt Elaine!)

Total Cost of Outfit for me: $10

Day One: Lend-me-please?

2010-03-28T17:56:00.009-05:00

In my own personnel world of clothing and fashion three words reign supreme.

Hand-me-downs.

or

Lend-me-please?

I don't like to spend huge amounts of money on clothes. I might see an adorable dress in the store window and absolutely LOVE it, but generally one glance at the price tag squelches my love post haste. An experience I don't like to go through.

If department stores were all there was in life I would be a strangely and saddly dressed young lady. Therefore I must thank the good Lord for two thing:

Secondhand Shops

and

Older Sisters

For a girl who is tight-fisted when it comes to clothes I have a rather large wardrobe. In fact, it's been called huge by some people. Even gigantic. This is because, a) I love clothes and b) I love my older sister's old clothes. I love going through my sisters cast-off clothing and pairing Debi's old skirt with Susie's shirt and they both match perfectly with one of Rebecca's many old handbags. It's even better than seeing the adorable dress in the store window, and the best part?

It's free :-)

Even with 5 older sisters, my entire wardrobe is not hand-me-downs. Some of it still belongs to them. Although I know I should weed through my closet more often it's true that my wardrobe must seem so extensive because I am always and forever borrowing clothes from my sisters.

And I love it :-)

A perfect example of my (I hope frugal) wardrobe is this spring outfit.

Jean Jacket from Gap: Hand-me-down from Susie. (Basically I borrowed it enough that it found a permanent home in my closet)

Pink No Boundaries Shirt: Hand-me-down from Stephanie.

Necklace: Birthday Gift

Saddles, Montego Bay Club: Borrowed from Susie

Skirt: Handmade, material off the Wal-Mart $1 a yard sale.

Total Cost of outfit: $3.00

"I'm sure when I'm older, I'll understand." "I'm older and I don't think I want to understand... "

2010-03-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

My Birthday Present to Myself

2010-03-21T20:27:00.003-05:00

Yesterday my friend Lillie's mom took her and I to Madison for tea and shopping. While we were there I bought myself an outfit as a birthday present.

Church this morning:

A new jacket:

New skirt. I just know I will wear this ALL the time, it's VERY comfy and versatile.

A fun plaid shirt. Ruffles are in this year!! Or so I'm told...

Pictures of tea and shopping coming soon!!

The Numbers

2010-03-09T10:10:00.000-06:00

Hours Worked: 8
Number of time I regretted wearing my most on uncomfortable pair of shoes: 7
Number of time I compared my head with a steel drum being played by a 3 year old: 6
Number of nice people who told me I was doing a good job: 5
Number of people who called me names other than Lydia e.g.'Hey you' 'Staff' 'Leanne!': 4
Number of rude people who told me I was doing a bad job:3
Number of times a creepy guy stared at me: 2
Number of hugs my Mummy gave me after a long hard day: Priceless

"That does put a damper on our relationship..."

2010-03-08T21:57:00.001-06:00

3...2...1... SMILE!

2010-03-05T11:55:00.006-06:00

I love photo booths

...and I love the indulgent sisters who willingly join in on my photo booth loving goofiness :-)

2/20/07 - 2/26/10

2010-02-26T14:08:00.003-06:00

Yep, it's my blogiversary!!

Actually Saturday was.

And it's been three years, not one.

And there's no cake.

But I'm still celebrating it by *gasp* POSTING on my blog!!! :-O :-O

YAY ME!!

*throws confetti and sings to self*

Some Handy Tips

2010-02-22T22:42:00.005-06:00

If you know me well you know I'm not a big fan of the whole dating thing. In fact I'm an honorary of member of the famous IDD forum. But I am a HUGE Jane Austen/Elizabeth Gaskill/Period Dramas films fan, so when my Significant Other shows up, he'll probably find these handy tips useful :-)

(A sense of humor is a priceless accoutrement IMHO.)

(Sweet gesture, but not for me!
Now some lovely roses would be a different matter entirely...
I suppose it's the thought that counts:-)

(Good piece of advice, bad example!)

(That is... if you HAVE sword-fighting skills, if not, please no!)

"Is there an felicity in the world comparable to this?"

*sigh*
I love happy endings...
:-)

Motivational Posters Credited to: Enchanted Serenity of Period Films .com

Things That Make Me Happy/Things That Make Me Sad

2010-02-20T17:19:00.004-06:00

Happiness
1. Pushing Daises (Absolutely adorable TV show!)
2. My little pink laptop
3. My jaunty yellow sports car
4. Lightly falling snow
5. Boots so my poor little feet don't freeze in said snow
6. Warm temperatures in February (40 degrees!!! Spring can not come soon enough for me!)
7.An American guy winning Gold in the 2010 Olympics (Evan Lysacek = Amazing)
8. My lovely wonderful jobs (that's right people, I have two jobs, and I absolutely LOVE both of them, I'm a lucky lady!)
9. Texting
10. Laughter, even at one's own expense, is still terrifically calming and wonderful.

Sadness
1. My stupid inclination to procrastination
2. My complete inability to be patient
3. People who think they know everything
4. People who feel the need to let me know that they know everything
5. Never having a clue about how to do anything
6. Premature death
7. The fact that I will never be able to sing the way I'd like to
8. My hair
9.How superficial I can be sometimes
10. How life is made up of so much sadness, although it always seems as if there's just enough happiness to make it all worth while...

Just Because I Love Them :-)

2010-02-17T23:13:00.002-06:00

Sixth Sense

2010-02-13T12:02:00.002-06:00

Are there colors we can't see?
Are there sounds we'll never hear?
Are there things, do you fancy
That stand behind a barrier?
Are there worlds we'll never know
'Cause there's a sixth sense we don't own?

How can I know
If green is to you
What green is to me?
Who can say
That we all perceive
In the exactly same way?

Do our senses free us
Or are we caged?
Do they enlighten
Or is it staged?
How can I tell
If we know it all
Or if what I know
Is what you know?

What would those colors look like?
And the unheard sounds
Might break all bounds
My mind can't fathom
Can't comprehend
Do we know if there's more
Than what our senses send?

E.G.K. | 2009

thereisbeautiful.blogger.com

My friend wrote this, isn't she amazing?

18 Pictures

2010-01-17T22:43:00.013-06:00

1. A picture of a time in your life that is over, but you wish wasn’t.

Mom and I at last years NCFCA WI tournament

2. A picture of the good old days

I was a pretty adorable baby, if I do say so myself.

3. A picture of a time you were nothing but happy

Bowling with the Woodwarths!

4. A picture with someone you love

My kiddies and I.

5. A picture of how you’d like to spend every day

If I could go to a ball every night I would be happy :-)

6. A picture of a time when everything was changing

Graduation

7. A picture of a time that makes your heart smile

We are very Norman Rockwell-ish, aren't we?

8. A picture that makes you laugh

Umm.... yeah.

9. A picture when you are laughing

"Your true love has a BEAK???"

10. A picture that speaks for itself

No comment ;-)

11. A picture of a night that you’ll never forget

Wendy, Michael, John and... Katie???

12. A picture of a start to a new year

Attempting a decent self portrait at the beginning of January

13. A picture you couldn’t leave out

^This was WAAAAY too much fun.

14.A picture of you being yourself

Erica + Me + Camera = This picture

15. A picture of someone you miss

Heather and I

16. A picture of some of your favorite people

"We're so cool, ice cubes are jealous"

17. A picture with my best friend

Erica and I

18. A picture of the present

My new hair cut.

Life

2010-01-11T11:54:00.003-06:00

HI PEOPLE!

*waves*

Let's talk about life... mine in particular.

It's been... interesting

and very, very boring

all at the same time.

It reminds me of a quote from Jane Austen "Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings."

^ that pretty much sums up me these past few months. I work, I eat, I sleep, I read. There were moments of uncontrollable laughter, moments of just plain misery, and moments of what-on-earth-is-going-on-will-everything-please-pause-for-a-second-so-I can-figure-this-all-out????

(BTW, please may be the magic word, but it didn't work for me at that ^ time)

There are things to be thankful for of course, so I'm not doing that awful.

First: I am alive, breathing, I am clothed and fed (probably TOO well)

Second: I have two jobs, so I am making a pretty respectable living. One of the jobs is currently driving me nuts... but hey, it's a job!

Third: I am enjoying being graduated, no more school, but more importantly: no more algebra!!!

Forth: It's a new year, I am very hopeful that 2010 will be the best year ever!

Fifth: It might be freezing cold right now, but it will be warm eventually, spring can not come soon enough!

Thank you God for the promise of spring, the passing of each year, and your provisions. Help me to see the blessings in the boredom and please help me to never forget that an amazing thing happened when you died on the cross for my sins. Help me to be worthy of the priceless gift you have given me: eternity with you. Help me to keep my eyes on you and not on me. Amen

I Believe In Someday

2010-01-06T19:06:00.003-06:00

I believe someday I might simply die of happiness...
today was not that day,
nor will tomorrow be...
but I have hope.
I believe in someday.

25 Random Facts About Yours Truey

2010-01-04T10:47:00.006-06:00

1. This is the first time I've ever done a random fact thing about myself.... I don't quite get the appeal but here goes!
2. I am really not a pet person, Cats are too haughty, Dogs are too slobbery, and reptiles as pets are just plain... gross. Please don't call the ASPCA on me!
3. Up until 3rd grade I absolutely LOVED math, numbers, adding, subtraction, I ate it up. Then I hit long division, and my love quickly died, it has never re-blossomed.
4. I am not all allergic to anything and have perfect eye sight.
5. I love making footprints in untouched snow, it makes me feel all explorer-going-where-no-man-has-gone-before-at-least-since-it-snowed-last-ish
6. According to the Doctors and nurses at my birth I was a very beautiful baby. Oh the despair of beauty lost and gone forever!! :P
7. I have seen almost every movie made based off of a Jane Austen book, even the really awful ones made in the 70's. And I can pretty much quote them word for word.
8. I dearly love to laugh!
9. I took French for 3 years, and all I remember is is the word for apple, which is... ummm.... let me get back to on that one.
10. I love thunderstorms. I'm more creative and do my best thinking when it's raining.
11. I have a secret obsession with polka-a-dots, if I didn't excersize self-control my entire wardrobe would be dots, I kid you not.
12. My personnel motto is "If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write something worth reading, or do something worth writing." ~Ben Franklin
13.I like to call myself a writer. I am not a writer, because writers usually finish stories, I have a grand total of two finished short stories, two unfinished novels and a million ideas floating around in my head.
14. I have not-so-secretly been in love with Jimmy Stewart my entire life.
15. I have been delirious with fever several times, it was not a nice experience.
16. I love to give advice. I admit... I'm not very good at taking advice from others... I'm working on it.
17. I cry at the weirdest things, movies that aren't sad, a random memory, if someone chokes-up, I get teary-eyed.
18. I used to eat chewable vitamin C like it was candy.
19. To quote Sam: "I do not like sparkly vampires, and am proud of it."
20. Calvin and Hobbes is my favorite comic strip, it's ADORABLE!
21. I really do love children, a lot, my job as a Nanny is way too much fun to be called "work".
22. Someday I am going to visit England. I am. Really. It's one of my life goals.
23. My dream job is to work for Sherwood Pictures. I don't actually believe it could happen, but I believe in dreaming :-)I
24. I am a hopeless romantic, I believe in love at first sight, "the one" and that true love's first kiss "is the greatest power in the world"... well not the last one.... not exactly.
25. I randomly narrate my life out loud when I'm alone, for instance I give myself long stern lectures about the many stupid things I do while shelving in the basement for hours on end.

"Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole..."

2009-12-29T21:24:00.009-06:00

Those of you who read my siblings blogs will know that our family watches It's a Wonderful Life every Christmas Eve, this year was no exception.

Those of you who know me well also know that I am a Jimmy Stewart fan, he's my all time favorite actor, probably because I was routinely exposed to his movies at an early age. Never the less, Stewart isn't the only reason it's one of my favorites, neither is the fact that it's tradition. I love it because every time I watch this scene I tear up. "Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole..." Every time I watch it I want to hug my parents and thank them for bringing me into the world. The story is amazing and so true.

This year I laughed and cried at the same places as before, but this year, 2009, has been different than others. Somehow, the movie I've seen a millions times, and pretty much have memorized, seems different, like I'm looking at it in a different light.

All of us have been born with a handicap, we have only one pair of eyes, and no matter what technology does (camera, video) we will never see life through any other eyes but our own. George Bailey's reeling mind was intent on seeing only self-pity and depression, he had he wanted to build things, make his mark on the world and travel. Instead he was stuck in a small town struggling through the business of "nickels and dimes" he hadn't got what he wanted and he couldn't see all the good he had done. George Bailey saw himself as a failure he felt under appreciated, overwhelmed, and hopeless.

When we watch George stare at the rushing river desperately we want to pull him back and yell at him to stop, to tell him he has friends and purpose, people love him and need him. We wonder why he doesn't see this, and it ends up taking a Heavenly intervention to show George how other people viewed his life, how God viewed George Bailey. For a few moments his handicap was taken off, and it makes for an amazing experience and a wonderful movie.

There are two types of people in this world: A) people who LOVE It's A Wonderful Life and voted it the the #1 Inspirational Movie of all times B) those who think it's a sappy depressing movie and unrealistic, they hate it.
(For the record there is a third group C) Those who couldn't care less. For simplicity's sake we're leaving them out of the equation.)

I think most of the people in group B only remember the part of the movie I was just talking about, they remember George as the hopeless man, the man who we all at some point in our lives have all felt like. We wonder if we've ever done anything right, if our lives will ever improved, if God is really out there, if it was all really worth it, we wonder if maybe... it would have been better it we had never been born.

Now I know I'll never make the wish George did, but this year I surprised myself when I realized I was watching through eyes green with envy. I was envious of George's experience. I want to know how God sees me, I want to know if other people really care that much about me. I certainly am not and thousands of dollars deep in debt and about to be arrested for a crime I did not commit after being set up by the villain of peace and happiness in my town, but lately it's felt like my own little world and my own little life has been falling apart.

I guess I've not been feeling of much worth, I'm just one of Tom's many daughters, I'm just a girl walking a baby by the side of the road, I'm just the girl who shelved that book in your hands so you could find it easily, and when you bring it back, I'll just shelve it again. I am not the type of person who will discover a cure for cancer, or save millions of lives. I don't expect that, but I confess, I'd like to be needed, I'd like to think that if I didn't walk the baby nobody would, but I know someone will. I'd like to think that if I didn't put the book away nobody would be able to find it, but I know someone else will take care of it, it's not hard. And while George Bailey ran the family business because no one else could, I have a lot of family, if I don't do it, someone else will.

Those in group A) remember that at the end of It's a Wonderful Life George Bailey's friends and family come out in an amazing show of love and support, trying to give back to him some of their livelihood, just as he had spent his life helping them. It's a tear-jerker, miraculous and a lovely display of love.

This is where I'm jealous at this fictitious character played by m favorite actor. This is the end of my story so far, I don't have a "Auld Lang Syne" ending... not yet. I'm still stuck on the bridge wondering if my life is worth anything, wondering if I really make an impact on other people's lives. Like I said, I'm not stupid enough to wish I'd never been born, but it still leaves me wondering, how big of a hole would I make?

How big?

"...Dreams are dangerous things - they look solid in your mind, but you just try to reach for them. It's like gathering clouds." ~Hattie Big Sky

2009-12-23T22:12:00.004-06:00

I used to be a good blogger, correction, I used to be an amazing blogger.

At least compared to the blogger I am now, which is a lowly, idiotic, lazy, I'll-do-it-next-week-probably blogger.

I am sincerely sorry.

But really I'm not all to blame. The big culprit?

This dude:

I admit, it does steal my time some, but more than that, it uses up my creativity. I prefer my statuses to be a bit on the witty side, or at the very least somewhat amusing, and hopefully never boring. It my fb status is ever as dull as "I'm going to bed now." You have my permission to fine me for dullness. It seems these past few months when ever I would have a creative urge, I would sit down to write a post, (and since it had been so long since I'd updated it would have to be a good long one) I'd eventually run out of time, and rather than publishing a half-finished or fragmented post I'd post the gist of my idea on fb.

For instance, the name of this post is my current fb status, I thought about writing a review about the book I just finished Hattie Big Sky, but I didn't have time, so instead I published one of the my favorite quotes from it. (BTW, I highly recommend the book, it's a Newberry Award winner!)

Since Facebook is daily stealing from my blog I thought it was time for my blog to steal back (considering it's all in the family anyway). Here are some of my status in no order at all since... as far back as I decide to copy/paste before I get tired.

Enjoy!

Lydia Margaret hates getting her hopes up only to have them dashed... :-(

I'm the type of girl who will walk 4 blocks in the pouring rain to avoid parallel parking.

Luke has renamed the Big Pond, it is now the Athletic Ocean.

IMHO middle aged women should NOT have Hannah Montana ring tones.

Sometimes I forget that when I'm talking... people listen to me occasionally.

Our house is currently layered gray over yellow with orange dots with the occasion patches of white. Seriously.

Apparently Grace University thinks I should try out for a music scholarship. ME! The girl who plays piano by ear, and can't carry a tune in a bucket with a handle. *dies laughing*

Sometimes all I want is be ultimately special to someone....

My "oh-so-strong-oh-so-superior" little brother just asked me to open a jar for him. *savors this wonderful moment*

Soup: It's what's for lunch.

A warmed-up car, cute tights and stylish boots, a little coffee in my cream.... I'm ready to start my day! :-)

I pride myself on being a person who can laugh at her own mistakes (and believe me they many and often) but I'm afraid someday soon I'll do something incredibly stupid, something that won't ever be funny, something I can't laugh off. It scares me....

"Do you ever feel like the whole world is a tux and you're a pair of brown shoes?"

I had the whole gas station and the cafe next door laughing at my attempt to back my car to where I could pump gas.... *sigh*

"TEA." = The Jane Austen equivalent of "How about them Cubs?"

"I'm like a facebook flair, little, round, and occasionally goofy."

Seriously, I have the most selfless, strong, caring, loving, understanding, sweet Mother ever. She's the BEST!

EMMA '09!

2009-12-05T23:26:00.002-06:00

I've already watched this online, and let me tell you: it is AMAZING! My new favorite Austen Adaption. I can't wait for it to show in the U.S. on TV!

On Avoiding Writing

2009-12-02T08:00:00.003-06:00

"Usually, writers will do anything to avoid writing. For instance, the previous sentence was written at one o’clock this afternoon. It is now a quarter to four. I have spent the past two hours and forty-five minutes sorting my neckties by width, looking up the word “paisly” in three dictionaries, attempting to find the town of that name on The New York Times Atlas of the World map of Scotland, sorting my reference books by width, trying to get the bookcase to stop wobbling by stuffing a matchbook cover under its corner, dialing the telephone number on the matchbook cover to see if I should take computer courses at night, looking at the computer ads in the newspaper and deciding to buy a computer because writing seems to be so difficult on my old Remington, reading an interesting article on sorghum farming in Uruguay that was in the newspaper next to the computer ads, cutting that and other interesting articles out of the newspaper, sorting—by width—all the interesting articles I’ve cut out of newspapers recently, fastening them neatly together with paper clips and making a very attractive paper clip necklace and bracelet set, which I will present to my girlfriend as soon as she comes home from the three-hour low-impact aerobic workout that I made her go to so I could have some time alone to write.”
— P. J. O’Rourke
The Wit and Wisdom of P. J. O’Rourke

That Day that Comes But Once a Year...

2009-11-26T10:53:00.007-06:00

I am currently in my own personal heaven on earth. Just stepping over the doorstep of the farm house makes me blissfully happy :-)

It's because this big farm house surrounded by never-ending fields is home to some of my favorite people.

And when we all get together once a year we're bound to have at least a little fun.

For these faces, and my friends and family

I am truly Thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Right? Of course right!

2009-11-23T12:29:00.003-06:00

"People only think I'm wrong because my path of logic is illogical to every logical person."

New Look

2009-11-10T22:05:00.003-06:00

I did this all on my own, so there's bound to be some tech problems... but anyways...

Do ya like it? Hate it?

Hopefully a new look will inspire me to post more... ya never know.

Just to see how pictures look with the new backround...

Maid Marian the Herione

2009-10-24T12:30:00.005-05:00

Cloak: Home Made
Scarf: Gift from Israel
Pants: Second Hand
Boots: Payless
Vest: Maurices
Shirt: Wal-Mart
Sword: Civil War Replica

A modern-looking Maid Marian on the look out for evil in her disguise as the nightwatchman.

"Drop Your Sword."

Maid Marian in Purple

2009-10-24T12:29:00.013-05:00

Dress: Banquet from Junior Year
Hat: Antique
Scarf:Gift from Israel
Sweater: K-Mart
Cloak: Home Made
Boots: Payless

Maid Marian listens to the evil Sheriff and Sir Guy dastardly plotting the murder of Robin Hood.

Marian sneaks away to warn Robin Hood.

Maid Marian The Lady

2009-10-24T12:29:00.007-05:00

Dress: Local Theater's Costume Sale
Head Scarf: Czech Republic
Head Band: Wal-Mart

Me and The Lord of the Rings

2009-10-18T17:25:00.002-05:00

I have officially watched The Lord of the Rings. Yes, all three movies, The Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers and The Return of the King.

It was quite the experience.

What really made LOTR interesting for me was the massive (and at times conflicting) amounts of information I heard about it before actually viewing the movies or reading the books.

Pictures, music, movie posters, interviews, books, snatches of silly conversations discussing who of my friends were biggest fans, and lengthy discussions on whether or not LOTR was a Christian allegory, or even supportive of the Christian faith at all.

I’ll never forget the first time LOTR was “explained” to me. I came upon two teenage male friends of mine discussing Eomer’s cry (or should I say roar?) of anguish when he thinks his sister is dead. Concerned for the poor boys' sanity, I asked what on earth they were talking about. I was then treated to twenty minutes of both boys explaining all three movies, all the characters (by their various names) and all the plot lines in no particular order while interrupting each other to debate which battle was the bloodiest. From this crash course I understood that LOTR contained the following: LOTS of bloody battles, no girls, a ring,the main character reminded me of a dog, and there was a really creepy deformed obsessed ... um, thing that said " MY Preeeecious!!!" constantly.

I would have continued in this misconception if Debi had not succumbed to the ranks of LOTR fandom about a year ago. It didn't take long for her to set me straight on my misgivings. For instance I though the Ring was good.

Debi was appalled, and that's putting it mildly.

I reasoned that anyone could make that mistake, after all they are called "The Lord of the RINGS"! Debi also informed me that there were girls, THREE in fact. I had always thought there were two girls, a blond and a brunette, somehow to me Miranda Ott and Cate Blanchett looked alike, don't ask how.

Also, it was Frodo, not Frofro, thank Goodness.

I do have to admit, my one big bone to pick with J.R.R. Tolkin is is names. What on earth did he mean by naming two out of the only three girls almost the EXACT SAME SOUNDING NAME??? Really! To be honest I'm still not sure which is which... and don't even get me started on Sauron and Saruman.

My favorite part? Hobbits. Hands-down, Merry, Pippin, and Sam will always be my heroes. If I could chose another life, I would be a hobbit. Minus the big feet of course, but plus the adorable houses with the round doors.

Oh and Aragorn is awesome, Gimli maked me laugh until my sides ached, and I think the Rohan horses are beautiful!

When asked, I will say that I like Lord Of the Rings. Decent movies.

But do I LOVE them? Do I think they are most awesome movies ever made? Do I think they are good christian allegories?

I dunno.

Right now, I really have no idea. I'll never really be able to answer that last question. After all it's a lot to take in all at once, after all, all together I probably watched over 20 hours of Middle Earth by watching both the Regular and Extended additions. But I thought by writing all my LOTR-ian thoughts down I might end up somewhere. As long as that somewhere isn't Mount Doom, I'll be happy.

P.S. If you were wondering, no I am not going to read the books, my main reasons being:

a) I really don't have the time.

b) I really don't have the necessary interest.

c) Why bother when I have a walking, talking All-Things-Middle-Earthian

dictionary (a.k.a. Debi) available 24-7?

I think I'm Enjoying Being a Nanny...

2009-09-15T19:27:00.003-05:00

Who wouldn't adore taking care of this little sweetheart?

9, Nine, Nueve...

2009-09-09T09:09:00.003-05:00

It's 9/09/09

September Ninth Two Thousand and Nine

The 252nd day of the year

2+5+2= 9

I am posting this at 9:09 AM

I remember 01/01/01 like it was yesterday.

And in the 8 years since then I have always enjoyed the days when the month/day/year correspond. I don't know why, I just always have.

It won't be like this again until 01/01/2101.

So I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts :-)

This Weekend

2009-08-31T13:28:00.001-05:00

I was going to:
Work Friday afternoon.
Spend the Friday night and Saturday at the home of one of my very dearest friends.
Go to my little brother's baptism on Sunday.
It would be a fun weekend spent with family and friends.

I ended up:
Calling in sick Friday.
Instead I spent the next 3 days doing variations of the following:
Coughing
Blowing my nose
Wishing I could breath normally
Attempting to talk
Not being able to talk
Taking my temperature
Taking it again
Taking vitamins
Drinking honey lemon water
Not really sleeping
Not really eating
Wishing I was at Lillie's
Wishing I could go to Luke's baptism
Wishing I wasn't home alone

Oh the irony of a sudden summer cold.

Women Of Fath

2009-08-30T18:18:00.003-05:00

Like
Deborah,

I will serve the Lord in power and speak His Word without fear.

Like
Esther,

I will intercede for God's people before His throne.

Like
Abigail,

I will humble myself to wash the feet of the servants of the Lord.

Like
Sarah,

I will respect my husband and his ministry to the Lord.

Like
Hannah,

I will dedicate my children to the Lord.

Like
Priscilla,

I will explain the way of God more perfectly to those who are seeking.

Like the
Shunamite widow,

I will trust God in the day of adversity.

Like
Lydia,

I will be a worshiper of God and open my home to his ministers.

Like
Tabitha,

I will always do good and help the poor.

Like
Joanna,

I will use my wealth to support the ministry of Jesus.

Like
Mary, the mother of Jesus,

I will hear the word of God to me and answer, "Be it unto me as you have said."

Like
Mary, the sister of Martha,

I will know the voice of Jesus and hear His words.

Like
Mary, the mother of Mark,

I will make my home a haven for the followers of Jesus.

Like
Mary, the Magdalene,

I will keep at the feet of Jesus and love Him unto death.

~ Anonymous

I saw this on The IDD Blog and thought it was lovely and though provoking. I hope you agree!

Very True and Terribly Sad

2009-08-25T19:33:00.000-05:00

Hey

2009-08-22T21:55:00.002-05:00

How ya doin'?

I'm not bad... nothing to complain about.

A little news but not much:

I won 2nd place in a local writing contest.

I'm starting full time work this week.

As usual, no pictures, sorry!

But I thought I should post because it's been awhile.

So here I am, posting.

That's about it.

Bye.

Oh, just for fun:

Why do We Write? Evil Laugh

2009-08-11T12:21:00.005-05:00

"Some people assume that authors write books because we have vivid imaginations and want to share our vision. Other people think we write because we are bursting with and therefore must scribble those stories down in moments of propondenty. Both groups are completely wrong. Authors write books for one and only one reason. Because we like to torture people. Now actual torture in frowned upon in civilized society, fortunately the authorial community has discovered in story telling an even more powerful and fulfilling means of causing agony. We write stories, and by doing so we engage in a perfectly legal way of doing all sorts of terrible things to our readers. Take for instance, the word I used above, "propondenty", there is no such word. I made it up. Why? Because it amused me to think of thousands of readers looking up a nonsense word in their dictionaries. Authors also create wonderful loving characters, then proceed to do terrible things to them. This makes the readers feel hurt and worried for the characters. The simple truth is: authors like making people squirm. If this weren't the case, all novels would be full of cute bunnies having birthday parties. So now you know why I would write a book. Ask yourself this: would any kindhearted individual become an author? Of course not. So there.

~Alcatraz Vs. the Evil Librarians
By Brandon Sanderson

NOTE: I am posting this quote purely because it makes me laugh, I do not in any way agree with the statement above and I can't actually recommend this book out right. It mentions magic and can be quite silly. I enjoyed it as a light read, but I can guarantee that not everyone will.

The Distortion of Beauty

2009-08-02T19:55:00.003-05:00

I've seen this video a couple of times, every time I get this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. These people are debasing God's greatest creation. Stripping it of it's gorgeous uniqueness and degrading to man's low standard of so called "beauty". Ugh.

I'm off!

2009-07-31T20:33:00.003-05:00

Vacation. Boston. Cute Old Towns. Forts. Nigra Falls. Canada. Spending time with my family.

That's what I call fun!!

Driving more than 40 hours with family. Hotel rooms. Eating out of an ice chest.

Not so much.

On the other hand... I'll whittle away the hours with two new books and two old favorites (YEAH!) I'll soften the uncomfortableness of a hotel bed with a few hours in the hotel pool, and eating out of an ice chest isn't so bad when the ice chest is stuffed with goodies :-)

So over all, it'll be a nice vacation.

See you next Monday!

Faces Of Camp 2009

2009-07-27T11:34:00.007-05:00

These are a sample of the lovely faces of the wonderful people at camp this year.

WARNING: Picture Heavy!

I Have A Double LIfe

2009-07-26T16:07:00.004-05:00

By day, most of you know me as a sweet-tempered Librarian.

But sometimes, at night, when the wind is right (aka, when I'm in the mood) my secret life calls me...

and I travel back to the 1940's and my life....

... as a Vogue model.

John 3:16

2009-07-16T15:54:00.003-05:00

"For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him
shall not perish,
but have everlasting life."

Squeal

2009-07-13T16:29:00.002-05:00

Here's a trailer/promo for the new BBC adaption of Jane Austen's Emma. One of my favorite actresses is playing Emma so I'm really looking forward to seeing it!

Eleventh-hour faith What comes when all hedge funds run dry | Amy Henry

2009-07-08T14:46:00.002-05:00

WORLD Magazine July 18th 2009

Desperation has a way of forging a greased path from my mouth to God's ear. It is a cable connection, lightning quick: God, help us. We have no job. The house will not sell. The mortgage payments keep coming. The money is running out. Hurry. Please.

His response, however, comes via dial-up, with finger-tapping, stomach-churning slowness. We are the Hebrews, perched on the banks of the Red Sea, camped between Migdol and the water, horses' hooves thundering, doom imminent. We cry out, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt?" That land of abundance where at least the children's bellies were full. Where we, despite occasional beatings, had homes and occupations and some semblance of comfort. Why?

Who needs faith when the checking account tops five digits, the children are healthy, and the job is "recession-proof?" When everyone is covered 80/20 by a head-to-toe health insurance policy? When business is good and clients abound, when the furnace is working and the pantry is stocked? When transmissions work and no one is in the hospital and the 401K is fully vested and all the disks in our backs are unherniated and no one is complaining of mysterious stomach pain? Faith is a frosting. A fringe benefit. An overly abused nicety that we talk about while sitting on padded pews in warm church buildings.

So, we wonder if we have been brought here just to die in the wilderness. A windy, hot prairie of suffering, with absolutely no hope on the wheat-filled horizon. What comfort now are those mutual funds, those stocks, that perfect credit rating? They offer no comfort now, no hedge against disaster. They are a quilt, wrapped around us on an icy day that, as it turns out, is mildewed and chock-full of moth holes.

The extra bedrooms, the fat layer of space between our neighbor's property and ours, the tax bracket of our particular street bring nothing now but mockery of the faith we put in status and excess and a garage full of a year's worth of toilet paper. Life really can't be that bad if the chest freezer is chock-full of briskets and shredded cheese and containers of last year's raspberry freezer jam, can it?

Whilst chomping on the fatted calf, however, the illusion persists, that somehow it all will save us. That the flat screen TV and the Restoration Hardware couches and the hardwood floors will, really, truly be enough. God is our Plan B, the cream, the juicy red maraschino cherry on top of an already delightful sundae. Not the coarse brown bread, the vegetable stew of necessity. He is the expected, the taken for granted. The water flowing effortlessly through our pipes. The electricity humming silently behind walls.

In the eleventh hour, the walls of the sea parted, the path of safety appeared for the Israelites. Perched on the edge of financial ruin, will He do the same for us? He who could have kept Pharaoh's heart soft. He who could have kept us employed. He who could have opened the seawaters a week before.

The way out, the provision, comes cloaked. Nopillar of fire meets us at the front door. Manna does not rain from heaven, nor water from rocks. But odd jobs appear. Meat goes on clearance. Costco sends a $400 rebate. We winter without a single doctor's visit. Donuts mysteriously appear on the front step. All things we are thankful for, but a question remains: If these physical provisions did not appear, would God still be our Jehovah Jirah, our Provider? How can I sit at my children's bedsides at twilight, hearing their sweet lisped prayers of absolute rock-solid confidence that God will take care of them without resorting to cynicism?

They, in their childlike faith, know the answer, and it is embarrassingly simple: He Himself is the provision. He will not leave us nor forsake us. Perhaps being removed from numbing abundance will be the very thing necessary for the adults in the family to seek the Giver rather than His gifts. For us to feast on Him, and for that feast, even in our time of deepest hunger, to fill us.

What this looks like I do not know exactly. But I suspect I will spend the rest of my life finding out.

This is Pitiful and I Know it

2009-07-07T10:16:00.001-05:00

40 words

Typingtest

I Don't Tweet, Twirper or Have Tweeps.

2009-07-02T14:03:00.001-05:00

But this article about Twitter made me smile.

The Day I Almost Died

2009-07-01T11:33:00.000-05:00

Wait, I am alive, right?

*checks pulse*

Okay, I'm good.

Anyway...

I almost died the day I had to face this.

Scary huh?

To borrow from Fanny Squeers's quotableness "My heart does SO Palpitate!" Only mine was more of the hammer-again-a-steel-wall-I-can't-hear-anything-over-the-noise type of palpitate rather that the pitter-patter of a love sick heart. Personally I would have preferred the latter...

It was a bad morning, (bad being the mildest term I could use here) Try attempting to control your emotions so you don't burst into tears in a so-silent-you-could-hear-a-pin-drop room of 30 kids who look madly smart and confident. During this time also try to imagine being aware that you're whiter than a sheet and struggling how to do simple things like spelling "concentration" (it's a c, right???) and figuring out what on earth what 6 divided by 2 is. (3?? 2?? 12???). Then you'll know how I felt, sort of.

Like I said, it's was bad morning. I left the test building accompanied by a tsunami size wave of despair a headache the size on Montana. I was angered by the injustice of it, just because I'm not a very apt tester (I do NOT work well under pressure) I was going to get the most embarrassing score of my life and I'd have to take the test again this fall. I was just thrilled. (The former sentence is just dripping with sarcasm.)

I got my test scores on Saturday.

I stared hard at the envelope that I was sure held my doom, I wasn't even sure I wanted to open it.

But I did, because among all my faults the greatest is a maddening inclination towards curiosity. It killed the cat, and I was sure it would kill me too.

*reads score*

*re-checks pulse*

*pinches self*

*re-reads the name at the top of the results*

*re-re-reads MY name at the top of the results*

*blinks eyes*

*screams*

*jumps up and down*

This proves that there is a God in Heaven.

This proves miracles to happen.

(FYI the ACT is scored 1-36, 21 is the national average.)

New Title and Backround!

2009-06-28T20:29:00.000-05:00

Whatdaya think?

My Blog is Dying.

2009-06-22T23:09:00.001-05:00

Is there a cure?

18 Year Olds Shouldn't be Excited about Cartoons Coming Out in over a Year.

2009-06-19T17:37:00.001-05:00

... but I am :-)

"You will do nothing of the sort."

2009-06-10T17:31:00.002-05:00

If-By Rudyard Kipling

2009-06-03T09:29:00.003-05:00

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

Just Because It's So Cool

2009-05-29T10:14:00.001-05:00

I know other people in our blogosphere neighborhood have shared this, but I just have to too.

2009-05-24T11:58:00.002-05:00

Sheriff: Your rear end's on fire, Theodore.
Theodore: Oh. Thank you.
[Jumps and frantically slaps fire out; glares at Amos]
Theodore: Why didn't you tell me my rear end was on fire?
Amos: Well, you said not to do anything to attract attention.

Tri-State Homeschool Group's Class of 2009

2009-05-18T11:15:00.003-05:00

I'M DONE!!
(sort-of)
*SQUEALS*

Yes it was very windy.

More pictures to follow...

(I am aware that lately I've been an awful blogger, but I hate it when people lament their lack of blogging on their blogs, so I'll refrain :-) )

Banquet 2009

2009-05-09T12:10:00.007-05:00

Opinions ~ Movies

2009-05-02T19:15:00.007-05:00

This is the first in a series of post about my opinions on just about everything. Movies, books, music, etc. This addition is movies that I don't like, or just don't care very much for.

(Note: I have not actually seen all these movies in their entirety.)

King Kong
Love triangles are weird enough. But when you have an overgrown mutant gorilla thrown in the triangle it's just plain gross.

Lord Of The Rings Trilogy
Highly overfaned and slightly overrated.

Daniel Deronda
Daniel: "I'm in love with two girls, who should I marry? Wait-I'm Jewish? Okay I'll marry the Jewish girl."

Oklahoma
Please explain to me how a simple farm girl and a rough cowboy manage to sing soprano and bass in perfect high class accents.

Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy
Living skeletons, Orlando Bloom with swoopy hair, really corny jokes, Octopus/human pirates and enough plot holes to be mistaken for Swiss cheese. And people are surprised that I don't love these movies.

Wurthuring Heights
I don't care if it's a classic. IT'S GROSS!!!

The Godfather
"Go to the mattresses" Wha-????

Titanic
Has anyone ever heard phrase "historically accurate" attached to this movie? I didn't think so.

The Tale of Despereaux
Hollywood insists on ruining sweet books. Drives me nuts

Ella Enchanted
Lillie and I loved this movie until they fell in love, then it was just mushy. We liked it better when they were at each other's throats, much more fun.

Loves's Unending Legacy
They killed Willie. What is their problem??????

The Phantom of the Opera
The singing is amazing. The story is atrocious.

Pride and Prejudice. (1940)
Producers: "I don't care it's a classic, let's change the story by making everybody 10 years older, and Lady Catherine nice in the end. Oh, and let's use left over costumes from Gone With The Wind."

Gone With the Wind
I have never seen this movie, but the plot summery on Wikipedia is enough of an explanation for me to keep it at arm's length.

All Arnold Schwarzenegger Movies
I will never understand how he got to be Governor of California.

I Love Wikiquote!

2009-04-29T09:18:00.004-05:00

Wikiquote

Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. ~Dale Carnegie

There have to be clouds for there to be silver linings. ~Emily Potter

I don't believe in miracles — I rely on them. ~Karl Rahner

Life is not easy for us, but what of that! We must have perseverance and confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing at whatever cost must be obtained. ~Marie Curie

Nothing Is Ever Easy

2009-04-23T15:59:00.002-05:00

At least not with me.

Yesterday in the car I spent 10 minuets searching for my CD player, only to have Dawn (a girl we're traveling with) point out that it's been on my lap this whole time.

Then someone from the tournament called telling us we didn't make the deadline so we couldn't compete.

Us: "But we got permission to arrive late.... right?"

*phone tag for an hour*

Them: "Oh yeah... never mind. But you have to come in extra early tomorrow."

Us: "Whew! We'll have to get up at 6 tomorrow which will feel like 5 to us, that'll be fun."

About half was through the drive I started to feel sick. Lots of fun in an 8 hours drive.

We got to our hotel and I took a relaxing warm shower.

I'd left my clothes and pajamas on the floor of the bathroom and as I got out of the shower I stepped on my pajamas ... my wet pajamas. It seems I didn't close the curtain far enough on the shower so there was an inch of water on the floor. I wrung my clothes out several times before giving up and leaving them to dry over night. I patched together something to sleep in and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

Sort-of.

Between 9 and 10 our time (8 and 9 Midwest time) all off our family called or texted us at one point or another. Just as we would drift off mom's phone ring. We were near the point of sending out a general text. "We are trying to sleep, please leave us alone!"

This morning seemed to go a little better. My clothes weren't dry but my hair behaved (wonder of wonders) and I went to register with renewed confidence.

Registration Lady: "Lydia where are your copyright and title pages? You can compete if you don't have them."

I went weak at the knees. We'd forgotten something we really, really shouldn't have forgotten, and if we didn't fix it we would have come all this way for nothing.

Mom spun into action calling home. At home it was 6:30 in the morning and nobody was answering the phone. We called and it rang and rang and rang. Susie told us later that she was having a dream about a phone that wouldn't stop ringing.

Finally we called sisters and they went over a woke Susie up, then after much trial and error (and Lydia almost fainting) we (somehow) got the pages scanned e-mailed and printed out in less that 15 minuets.

According to the Registration Lady we were good to go, but Mom and I both said we felt like crying from relief.

Me: "Finally I can breathe easy."

Then I got a nose bleed.

A Clarificatioin and Some Random Thoughts.

2009-04-22T08:33:00.004-05:00

Clarification: Joe didn't not "hack" my blog. I accidentally left myself signed in.

What can I say? Brothers make life interesting.

Randomness 1: Mom, Luke Joe and I are leaving (ideally) at 9 to go to Ohio for a speech and debate competition. This is regionals and I'm really hoping to qualify for Nationals, but if we don't I'm sure we'll still have an amazingly awesome time.

Randomness 2:We got a video camera so you can go to Joe's Blog: http://southpawinthehouse.blogspot.com for video updates.

Randomness 3: Mom, Susie and I just answered all three of the phones at the same time.

Randomness 4: Speaking of Susie, it's her birthday today! Happy Birthday Dear!

Randomness 5: Another one of my classmates is engaged. That makes 5 (I think). I'm super happy for them, but it's weird. We're all growing up so fast.

Randomness 6: Cowgirl_E is in TX. We made a grand scheme for me to go down there with them.... it sounded lovely but it was not meant to be. *sniff*

Randomness 7: This is my new favorite song from a musical:

Randomness 8: I'll be home Sunday night in time to see the last episode of Little Dorrit (my new favorite mini-series) I love Dickens, but sometimes he drives me bonkers. I have NO IDEA what's going to happen. All I gotta say is Arthur and Amy better end up together or I will be MOST DISPLEASED!

Non-Randomness 1: I promise someday soon this blog will become less random.

Ha Ha

2009-04-19T18:06:00.000-05:00

This blog has been hacked

So...

2009-04-15T18:48:00.004-05:00

I haven't been blogging much in the last 3 weeks... not since I turned 18. Not that I think I'm too old for it now or anything, don't worry. Some of my non-blogging has been due to play practice and performance taking up most of my creative energies. Some because I haven't had much to blog about since the play ended. Mostly it's probably because I have a facebook now so when I want to spout about something I put it on my facebook. But I still miss blogging, I miss getting the brilliant post ideas, the hammering out of the words, the anxious wait for comments, I really just adore it. The writer in me loves the words and the and the freedom to express myself, and the sister in my loves the opportunity to express an entire thought without being interrupted. :-)

I have anything of terrible interest to tell you about but here's an update of my life:

What's happened this week:
After a long search (I've been keeping an eye open since fall)I finally bought a dress for Banquet yesterday. It was agonizing because I found a dress I LOVED but well... I'm too practical to spend $200 on a dress I'd wear once :-( I found another one that I liked a lot but there was one problem: I had vowed to not wear pink, it seemed too typical for me. Guess what color this dress was? Pink guess which dress I bought? You guessed it, the pink one. It's princessy and poufy and all around fun. I'll post pictures after banquet on May 8th.

What happened today (or more appropriate, what failed to happen):
Geometry. Why can I not understand axioms and postulates???? ARRRGHHH! *pulls hair out* I also looked at maybe taking some classes next year at a local tech school. School never ends does it??

What's up for me in the coming weeks:
Next week Joe and I will be in Cincinnati, Ohio for NCFCA Region 6 Regionals competition. If you didn't see our duo before here's the video of it (this was taken a couple of months ago, we're much better now.)

What I've been Reading:
Now that I've actually had time to read I've devoured 2 books for history and 4 for pleasure in the past 2 weeks. For School I read: Journey to Topaz, which was an interesting story about a Japaneses family during WWII it amazed me how honorably they stood up to such
injustice: being imprisoned when innocent of any wrong doing. I'm also reading about the Vietnam War which is very interesting and very sad. For fun I read the first book in the Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events I have a feeling I'm going to become as addicted to them as Becca is. I just finished The Highwayman's Footsteps which was an interesting spin of the poem The Highway Man by Alfred Noyes well written, good story, clean, my only problem was the author's addiction to ending chapters with cliff hangers and foreshadowing. It's wouldn't be so bad except that every single chapter ends that way and there are 60 chapters, usually about 2 pages long. Drove me nuts.

What I've been Learning:
I learned that sometimes God answers right away, even before you had know that you asked. Sometimes when you ask for something and are very specific and lay out your entire little plan for God he smiles and nods and then says politely "No, I know better than you do." Sometimes you wish for something and then you forget about. Of course low and behold months later you get it you wanted and complain to God because of course it's NOT what you thought it was. Then God reminds you in his own ironic way. *sighs* Be careful what you pray for...

What I've Been Thinking About:
How odd being 18 is. I was going to blog about it the other day and Joe said: "You're blogging about that AGAIN??" Have I been obsessing over it? I just thought that this is a pivotal point in my life and I thought my dear blog readers might like to share it with me. I have been 18 for over 3 weeks now. A jam packed 23 days of new experiences, new feelings, new knowledge and a better understanding of God. I guess I've just realized that I can't stop time. The play is over and as far as I know I will never act on the stage again, this is something I just have to hand to God. I do have to Graduate on May 16th and I do have to move on after that and agree with the noble (ha!!) lyrics of High School Musical 3 "High School won't last forever". I have a life waiting for me planed out by God. I need to move into it. I might put my heels down but I'll move slowly and surely.

Fact:
This post is too long.

Don Knotts as Barney Fife

2009-04-08T20:16:00.001-05:00

I Had 62 Bobby Pins In My Hair Last Night

2009-04-05T13:08:00.005-05:00

Here's some of my favorite pictures from the weekend. Captions above pictures.

Joe and I.

Sam and I (a.k.a. Mr. and Mrs. Kirby)

My "family" L to R: Alice (by the end of the play my "daughter-in-law") Tony (my "son") Anthony Kirby (my "husband") and me ("Miriam Kirby")

Tony demonstrating how he yells his head off and gets everything he wants.

I faint once.

Make that twice. This is personally my favorite picture of the 2 nights.

Or three times. I admit it, I love swooning.

To be continued...

;-)

The Day Has Arrived

2009-04-03T10:00:00.004-05:00

I'll post pictures from the performance tomorrow or Sunday then I PROMISE to stop blogging about You Can't Take It With You:-)

The Original:

Us:

Wish me luck!
(Or break a leg whatever you prefer.)

Better Late Than Never

2009-03-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

A week ago was S.B.'S 3rd birthday. Captions above pictures.

Our Princess

She expertly unwrapped her many presents.

Most were clothes.

An apron from Katie. I love this picture.

"Mom, it has POCKETS!

There were some books from Mommy and Daddy

Her favorite present was her dolly.

Hugs all around.

Blow out the candles!

One happy 3 year old.

My Weekend Project

2009-03-30T11:12:00.004-05:00

Creating an sophisticated (in an ugly way) hat for Mrs. Kirby.

I Need a New Profile Picture, Please Vote!

2009-03-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

1.) A very close shot

2.)The Classic Fork in Mouth

3. )I'm going for the more serious pose here

4.) I love weirdish lighting.

5.) I love weird angles too :-)

This Evening I Said...

2009-03-27T20:22:00.006-05:00

Me: Mom, I have to run to Wal-Mart to get some feathers for my Mrs. Kirby hat. Debi, can I borrow your keys, car and cell phone?

Debi: Sure

Joe: Can I go too?

Since I am a very kind and benevolent sister I said: Yes.

Fast-forward about 10 minuets as Joe and I pull out of the Wal-Mart parking lot.

Me: Joe will you check the cell phone?

Joe: There's a text from Debi, it says "Come Home quickly..."

*What???*

Joe: "...Sarah B. is doing complex mathematical formulas."

*sigh of relief*

Me: "It says that?"

Joe: "Yep."

Me: "She must have said 2+2=4 or something like that."

Joe: "I don't know... it said complex."

We discuss the possibilities of the meaning of the text during the short drive home.

Me: "Hi Mom, so what's up with Sarah?"

Mom: "Sarah?"

I repeat the messages I received.

Debi: "I didn't send that, besides YOU have my cell phone."

All eyes turn to Joe.

Joe,

who is laughing

hysterically

at me.

Me: *sputters*

Susie: "You mean... you were pulling her leg??"

Mom: JOE!!!

Joe: *laughs more*

Me: *sputters more* *hits Joe with bag*

Debi:"I can NOT believe you."

Susie: "Lydia how could you be so gullible?"

Mom: "Joe how could you be so mean? Apologies!"

Me: "I'll forgive him on one condition."

Joe: *still laughing* "I'm sorry, what's the condition?"

Me: "I have to blog about this."

Bittersweet

2009-03-23T09:09:00.005-05:00

The Good News: Today is my birthday. Ta-da!

The Bad News: I've been dreading this particular birthday for a long time.

The Good News: I'm an adult now, and I get to vote.
The Bad News: In the adult world you have to work on your birthday. Rats.

The Good News: I have a spring birthday.
The Bad News: It's a rainy, windy, and generally bleak day.

The Good News: I have Facebook now! If you have it and want to friend me you can!
The Bad News: Facebook is CONFUSING!

The Good News: I've had my promise ring for 2 years and I haven't lost it.
The Bad News: I have come very close to losing it a pitiful amount of times.

The Good News: Studies show that the more birthdays you have the longer you live.
The Bad News: I bet they paid somebody to study that.

The Bittersweet News: I'm 18.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-18T22:10:00.002-05:00

I am too TIred To THink of a Decent Title... and too tired to fix all my grammer and spelling mistakes... so bare with me.

2009-03-15T22:25:00.005-05:00

Monday 8:00 to Noon: Do school and clean my room like crazy to get ready for my Grandparents coming... at the same time.
Noon to 5:00 Work.
7:00 Church meeting.
Tuesday morning: Do Tuesday's school and all the Monday school I didn't get done because by experience I know I can't clean and do geometry at the same time.
Tuesday Afternoon: Play practice.
7:00 Church meeting.
Wednesday morning: School
Wednesday Afternoon: Work
Thursday Morning: School
Thursday Afternoon: Work
Friday Morning: Do school WITHOUT mom!!! Horror of all horrors!!!
Friday Afternoon: Play Practice
Friday Night: My friend Monique's Bachelorette/Slumber Party (!)
Saturday: Nursing Home
Sunday: Nothing besides church.
Monday: Work and my birthday (18... I'm getting old!)
Tuesday: Play practice and S.B.'s birthday.
As you can see I shall be quite busy, so don't expect too much posting:-)

Besides all this I should exercise, scrapbook, fix my dress for the play, write 3 or 4 e-mails, decide what I want for my birthday, get S.B. a present, write something for my March assignment in my writing class and half a million other things.

BTW I have a question: Should I work on my birthday? I'll just have to work a different day that week... Opinions?

This Says It All.

2009-03-12T11:09:00.000-05:00

:-)

Hicks, Cow Tippers and other Unpleasent Nicknames

2009-03-11T09:23:00.003-05:00

I noticed a funny thing yesterday when we were flying back from Florida. To be precise I noticed it when I climbed on the plane that was going to Milwaukee. The problem was: I wasn't quite sure what I was noticing.

"Something's different... what is it?"I thought.

The plane was smaller than anything else we'd traveled in this trip, It was very small and crowded full of a bunch of normal people.

"People... ummm."

By nature I am a people watcher. You may thinks weird and rude but I don't think it's weird and I try not to be rude. I do it because people, God's greatest creation, fascinate me. The different personalities, opinions and looks, most of all I wonder about what makes people think the way they do? What makes them tick? Now I'm not into psychology, I'm just into people. And when I climbed onto the plane yesterday my inner "Person Identification Meter" went off. I was now dealing with an entirely different group of people than I had been in the last week.

We'd been in Florida, Palm Beach to be precise. We passed by Donald Trump's gate house, I saw Tiger Wood's residence from a distance. It's a snazzy, high-class part of the country. Everywhere we went the majority of the people were fit, fashionable dressed, good-looking people. To tell the truth it's a bit daunting. When I was packing last week I was in a tither over my clothes. I lamented to several of my sisters "I have nothing to wear." (NOTE: If you haven't seen my closet I should let you know I'm not destitute in that arena, I have plenty of articles of clothing.) It wasn't that I didn't have clothes, it was that I didn't have clothes that I thought would make me look up to the Palm Beach standard. I finally had to decide I didn't have time to buy a whole new wardrobe so I just wore my normal clothes, which haven't in a while been (or never were) fashionable.

At the airport the morning we left someone asked:

"Why are you going to Wisconsin?" Translation: Who on earth would visit Wisconsin for fun??? We answered that we were going home.

They said "Oh!" Translation: Oh! They're Hicks, that explains it!

Half-way through the flight home I realized why my "Person Indenification Meter" had gone off. These people were going home to, because, honestly, who does visit Wisconsin for fun? My fellow passengers were much different from the Palm Beach crowd, most of them were not quite what you'd call "fit" or "in shape" their clothes were nice enough, but not what you'd call "fashionable" mostly sturdy jeans and comfortable shirts. A couple of the ladies seemed to have forgotten the 60's and the 80's are over. These people are the down-to-earth, hard-working type. They can't believe the enormous amount congress is rapidly spending and they think that 50 degrees in March is "beautiful". (NOTE: Both of these examples are from conversations I actually overheard on the plane.)

When we disembark in Milwaukee the atmosphere was so startling different that I dropped my suitcase. (Okay, that might have resulted from me being a klutz.) Besides the fact that it was 30 degrees cooler than Palm Beach and there was no salty sea air, it was just different, less hurried, and, dare I say, happier. Right away I saw a guy in a pair of overalls. (I prefer them to the skinny jeans *gag* I was seeing in Palm Beach.) Then a total stranger and I shared a laugh over a towel dispenser, (I got too used to the eclectic kind while on vacation, and was violently waving my hand at a hand operated one until the stranger pointed my mistake of to me.) nothing like that happened to me on our trip.

I had been a little annoyed at the tone the person at the airport had used earlier when speaking of my home state. When we touched down in my I was appalled to realize how many people seem to agree with that person. The souvenir t-shirts in the airport gift shop all had to do with cow-tipping! For goodness sakes, Cow-tipping is a myth! It doesn't exist!We're not all red-necks!

Maybe it's just because Wisconsin is my home now, but I have decided I will always try to live here, in a small Midwest town, where old-fashioned values still have a place, and life is slow, where people are down-to-earth and good-natured. They're not millionaires and big sport celebrities, but I'll take them over the millionaires any day.

It's good to be home.

I hope none-Midwesterners aren't offended by this post.
I think that there are wonderful people in every part of the U.S.A., including Pam Beach
(I know some absolutely wonderful people who live there.
I just prefer Midwesterners to Millionaires.

Fashion Alert: Sunburn is the New Tan

2009-03-07T09:57:00.003-06:00

After sitting in the full sun for 3 hours at a spring training game yesterday we are so in on the newest fashion!

Today I Climbed to the Top of Jupiter Lighthouse...

2009-03-05T21:23:00.000-06:00

...and it was totally cool.

Gasp of extreme joy

2009-03-03T19:13:00.004-06:00

Monique:"Lydia, Sarah Beth is here! Your little sister is SO cute!"

*Proud Smile*

"Yeah, I know."

I climbed off the stage, go to S.B. and give her a hug.

Katie W.:" Hi Sarah!"

*Sarah hides her face in my shoulder*

Katie W.: "Oh my word Lydia, she is SO adorable!"

*Proud smile*

"Thanks, we think so too."

I put Sarah down and cross the auditorium.

*Another gasp of extreme joy*

Katy J.:"Lydia is Sarah Elisabeth here?"

"Yep."

"Oh GOOD! She is the Cutest thing ever!"

*Yet another proud smile*

Repeat 4 or 5 times and you'll get the general idea of my afternoon.

Apparently my little sister has a fan club... my friends.

I'll be in sunny Florida until next Wednesday. See you (on the blog sphere) then!

L. I. I. L! A.F.U.L.F.L.

2009-03-01T15:50:00.002-06:00

If you all are wondering what that anagram stands for see The Blank Page for the answer!

Jak

2009-02-27T17:57:00.007-06:00

I love the name Jack.

It's a name of heroes like Jack Hudson from Sue Thomas F.B. Eye
Jack Kelly from Newsies

Jack Derwood from Derwood Inc.

and Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean (hate the hair)

There's also girls with names like Jack:
Djaq from Robin Hood

But I still haven't mentioned my favorite.

Jak, my sister.

Love you! Happy birthday!

New Year+ New Title+ New Backround=New Blog

2009-02-21T21:00:00.003-06:00

What do y'all think?

Any suggestions for me about what I should do with my blog? Do you like it the way it is? Should I write on more serious subjects? More silly ones? Post more pictures? Write more about my life?

I'm optimistically open for opinions :-)