Tuesday, October 30, 2007

You just never know

If you don't already know, I am not a big fan of Christian music. I enjoy some really good worship stuff and maybe a few others, but that is about it. (I won't go into why I think this way.)

To my surprise, Christian music and even Christian radio helped me keep the right perspective and attitude this past week. Let me explain.

One day last week I showed up to work and found out that I was going to have a difficult day ahead of me. A million negative thoughts were running through my head...I was trying to reorganize my thought pattern. And then I heard a familiar song. The family had a Christian radio station playing in all of the rooms of the house. It was great hearing some "words of wisdom" to help me and not allow me to let my thoughts and frustrations take over how I was thinking or acting. And for the record, this family isn't a "church" family.

Over the weekend I decided to have my "worship" play list from my ipod going while I studied or worked at my computer. This brought such a calmness to me and helped remind me what life and circumstances is all about.

I guess what I am saying is that despite my thoughts about Christian music, there is a definite time and place that it can minister to my soul, help me control my thoughts, and just remind me that there is more to life than what we have here.

I am going to try to be more open minded about Christian music. We'll see what happens.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Is this your dad?

I saw this clip on T.V. yesterday and was laughing so hard. I would be terrified if my father decided to do this (which he would only participate in to embarrass us kids). They go around performing at parades. Watch the video below and you will see what I mean.


Since they are in Illinois, next time there is a parade, I may need to go check this site out!

Guitar Hero for the Wii

Today my brother got guitar hero. I have not really been into video games since super mario brothers and contra which was back in junior high. But, I have enjoyed playing the wii here and there. Something I always wanted to learn how to do was to play the guitar. Unfortunately, I just don't have the patience to do it.

As my brothers were glued to playing guitar hero for most of the afternoon, I thought I'd give it a try. I had a lot of fun playing it, man even my fingers were a bit sore. A lot of the music is good because it is from when I was growing up or songs that I enjoy like "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" or songs from "Smashing Pumpkins" and "The Killers".

I don't see myself playing this on a regular basis, but it is fun to act like you really know how to play the guitar. Considering that other interactive games like Dance Dance Revolution are nearly impossible for me to get the hang of.

Friday, October 26, 2007

I miss it

This morning while I was working out, the video for "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers was playing. Whenever I hear any songs from that album I sing along and never get tired of hearing them. While I was listening, this song brought me back to a place.

I was in culinary school when this album came out. I purchased it and can remember playing it at school while we planned a culinary event. Then those thoughts led me to when I worked in Atwaters. The following are many thoughts I had while thinking about working in that great restaurant: There were so many firsts for me while I was there, ipod, shot, working in a restaurant...I remember getting a second after preparing a few dishes and running out into the bar to check on the score of the White Sox World Series, or taking the blame for a co-workers dumb mistakes or wondering how did I ever get the opportunity to work in a 4 diamond restaurant or just getting off work super late and going out or getting my new car or practicing my spanish and learning all kinds of new words.

The thing I miss the most is working with such a uniquely talented, diversified group of people who loved and accepted you.

It made me sad to think about these good times and to not be a part of them any longer. Maybe some day I will be back using my talents in the kitchen, but for now I am on another journey.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Blog tagged?

I have never heard of such a thing, but because my friend Sharon tagged me, I am responding to her challenge. And in return, I am tagging Angela. (Some of my friends need to get blogs or personal blogs so I can tag them too.) I am suppose to share 7 facts about myself that you don't know.

1. I broke my arm 2 times in elementary school.

2. Two of my favorite shows to watch when I was in high school were "Ricki Lake" and "A Different World".

3. A few days ago I took my 14 year old sister driving in my (stick shift) car.

4. I want to try parasailing so bad!!!

5. I am scared and nervous to date and get married.

6. I will probably never have pets in my house unless its a fish.

7. I am not ready to turn in my flip flops for the fall and winter weather we are having.

Monday, October 22, 2007

A fresh start

Oh YEAH!!!!

I am so excited, thankful, and relieved that today is a new day and the beginning of a new week. Last week was completely out of control in so many ways, shapes, and forms. I am refreshed and have a new outlook, hope, and excitement (which to be honest, I am a bit surprised). I am expecting great things to happen today and this week despite being in the midst of my last 2 weeks to study and prepare for my tests.

Thanks God that you care about all the details of my life, you pour out your favor, and are willing to carry me through this season!!!

Friday, October 19, 2007

Movies

I am suppose to watch these movies from school for one of my classes. When my prof handed them to me, one of the was a VHS and the other was a DVD. I was thinking in my head, are you kidding me? Who the heck has a machine to play a VHS tape? After racking my brain I recalled an old T.V. that I got when I graduated from highschool, it was one that had the tape thing built into the T.V.. I gladly found this unit at my parents house.

Can I just tell you how weird it was watching it. You can hear the tape moving forward and then when you stop it, it makes a big noise. I forgot how noisy it was. And then...you have to rewind it and man that takes a long time.

One week from tonight "Run's House" is back on...YEAH!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

A dreaded day

I didn't think my day would be so frustrating, overwhelming, and full of emotion.

I am in the midst of studying for 2 huge exams. They are each 5 hours long and I will take both of them in about 3 weeks. I have studied for the first test and today I began reading the objectives for the 2nd one. I began to realize that I really have to study A LOT for this test because they are covering information that I am not very familiar with.

I began highlighting all of the things that I needed to get books on or research online so that I could refresh my memory. I began to wonder how I was to get all of this accomplished let alone study for the test. I began to doubt my ability. I have never considered myself "smart", people say oh well you have 2 degrees. That doesn't mean a dang thing, I had to work really hard for those, school/learning does not come easy to me. Plus things don't stick, I can learn something for a test and then it goes in one ear and out the other.

Here's the other problem, I have to know all these concepts...but I don't have a clue of the specifics. How indepth do I study these topics? Is it a general overview or what? So needless to say I lost a little control of myself. I was feeling overwhelmed and wondering how I would get all of this crap done plus all the other **** I have to do. I was pissed, angry, sad, confused, irritated...just emotional.

I hung out at the library this afternoon, oh that is my favorite place (not) searching for books, until I decided to ask for help. To my surprise this woman found some helpful study guides for me to purchase. Borders here I come. I was thankful to find a book, I don't even care that I don't have the money to get it. It will be well worth it.

Yes, I am still overwhelmed, but I feel now as though I have a direction and a map to follow. These next few weeks will be hell. I keep reminding myself that this is only temporary, God will help me, the Holy Spirit will guide me, and I will make it!!!!

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Don't do enough

One of the things that I really enjoy doing is traveling. There is nothing better than seeing a new part of the world, experiencing a new culture, tasting some delicious cuisine...Unfortunately I don't get to partake in this hobby very often. What hit me tonight was that if I wait around for the right friend to take a trip with me or when I have enough money or whatever, precious time is wasting away. In a book that I am reading the author talks about how she has taken several trips by herself and how rewarding and healthy it is. I have taken one trip by myself (to Vegas) and enjoyed it. I was able to eat whenever, whatever, and wherever I wanted, relax when I wanted, and do whatever the heck I wanted. With that said, I am being encouraged to do the unthinkable and go on my own vacation. Off to look for flights!!!!

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Oh the weather outside is....

I am trying to get some studying done for these HUGE tests that I have to take in a few weeks. I really do love being in my sweats with a blanket on in the midst of this abrupt cold weather we are having. With these chilly temps, I can't help but think of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I just love those times of the year. So many houses are decorated with their fall leaves, pumpkins, and harvest signs...I am definitely in the mood for these holidays. Oh the great food, good feelings, terrific shopping, being with family...but I need to also just enjoy the moment I am in right now and not wish it away.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

A funny from a 2 year old

So today I started nanying for a family that I had worked for earlier this year. It was great to see the kids, they gave me such a GREAT welcome...I felt so loved. The boys were showing me all the new things in the house. One of them being a new refrigerator in the bar. I was talking with the two year old and I said wow, everything lays down in this fridge, none of the drinks stand up. His reply was, they are lying down because they are tired.

What a cutie!!!

Monday, October 08, 2007

SNF

Tonight I had a blast watching the Bears game with some of my most dear friends! What a game. The first half seemed a bit depressing to watch and to be honest I didn't think the Bears would turn it around, BUT they sure did. What was it, twenty points in the 4th qtr and we held the Packers to only 12 rushing yards after the 1st quarter. WOW!!!!! The last play of the game was a nail biter. I am so glad that we are 2-3 and not 1-4. Come on Bears, lets continue to win!!!!

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Degrees

As I begin my adventure back to school I can't help but think...I am in school again? Then I look at the big picture and say that after school I will be able to get a job, have more opportunities, and be back on salary. (This will be great!!!) There is this little bit in me that makes me annoyed to think that after going to college, a couple of times, there are people who have never finished or even attended college who make more money than I will ever make. How does that work? Am I just in the wrong fields? It just doesn't seem fair...but I am sure that most of them have worked really hard to get where they are at so I have to acknowledge that fact.

Friday, October 05, 2007

Personal Space

I am confused why people don't understand or respect the concept of personal space. Lets say I go outside to make a phone call, I am removing myself from others to have some privacy. What happens when people don't follow give me my privacy? How do I make this boundary clearer??????

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Empty void

Over the summer I had the opportunity to go to California for 2 1/2 weeks. We hung out in southern part just outside L.A., Thousand Oaks. Most of our days were spent at Zuma Beach in Malibu. We also went to Beverly Hills, Redondo, and Santa Monica. It was absolutely gorgeous there!!! In one place there was the ocean, warmth, and the mountains. I loved how different it was from here.

There are multiple times a week I think or dream about going back to California. I have contemplated moving out there and maybe I will after I am done with school. It would be sad to leave my family and friends but I don't want to live in a state of fear or regret. What is a girl to do?

A missing part

This past weekend I was making cupcakes for a birthday order that came in. My cupcake business has been quiet lately since I am taking a break from it to focus on school stuff. I just have to say that I really missed making my crazy delicious treats. It made me sad to put this on hold. I do love the culinary side in me and I wonder how after I complete school my teaching degree and culinary degree will mesh!!!!!

Monday, October 01, 2007

It's been a long while

If you've checked this blog recently, you will find that I have been non-existent for 3 months. I truly thought the blog had died, but I am going to give it a shot again. Sometimes I feel like there is just nothing to say.

After having a relaxing summer and an unusual start to the fall here I am. I was in a place of uncertainty and confusion. I don't think I am out of it, but what I do know is that for the next 9 months I will be a college student. Yes, back to school I go. I will be attending Judson University (used to be Judson College) to obtain my state teaching certificate and credentials. The staff, that I have met, and the program seem to be great!

I feel like Billy Madison..."back to school, back to school"!