Before a few months ago I had never heard of Ree Drummond. For those out there that have also not heard of her she is the Pioneer Woman. Every time I hear the word pioneer, my mind immediately goes to two things, the Little House on the Prairie series and Oregon Trail. When I was younger, I loved Little House on the Prairie. I actually still do. I just started rereading the series. It is excellent.
My roommate Natalie recently purchased The Pioneer Woman cookbook. She has made several different recipes, all delicious, and I am now inspired. Ree's cookbook as well as her website are filled with recipes that look so amazing you want to eat your computer. Not only does she have step by step instructions, but also step by step pictures of whatever it is your are making should look like along the way. This seems genius, but so simple in the cooking world. I am always wondering if something looks right while I'm making it.
Anyway, my point to this is, I bought into the craze here among a lot of women in Norman. I made my first pioneer woman recipe, "The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake. Ever." It's sitting on the table cooling with all of it's chocolatey goodness. I'm excited to try it. I'll let you know how it is...maybe.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Last Year, This Year and Beyond...
As most of you know, I'm engaged (to be married). For those that didn't know, I'm sorry I haven't blogged about it yet. On December 29th, 2009, Michael asked me to marry him and I said yes!! I am really excited to get to marry my best friend and the greatest guy I know.
After getting engaged, we entered into a whirlwind of wedding planning and life planning. It is strange to actually have to decide what I am going to do with the rest of my life and that whatever it is affects someone else. I am already learning that I am terribly selfish and not a great person. Those are probably good things to be aware of.
So, we got engaged. Set a date. And are now deciding life after marriage. Michael and I are hoping to go to seminary and are in the process of applying and getting things lined up to do that. It is scary, but exciting. I am trying to trust Jesus in all of the planning and preparations for so many life changes. I fail every minute. I am thankful he is gracious and patient and is changing me.
In light of planning a wedding, we will undoubtedly have music and dancing. Which means there will need to be good music so that people will dance. I love dancing...others do not...that is ok, I guess. In your opinion, what are your top 5 songs to dance? They can be anything. We'll more than likely use them.
After getting engaged, we entered into a whirlwind of wedding planning and life planning. It is strange to actually have to decide what I am going to do with the rest of my life and that whatever it is affects someone else. I am already learning that I am terribly selfish and not a great person. Those are probably good things to be aware of.
So, we got engaged. Set a date. And are now deciding life after marriage. Michael and I are hoping to go to seminary and are in the process of applying and getting things lined up to do that. It is scary, but exciting. I am trying to trust Jesus in all of the planning and preparations for so many life changes. I fail every minute. I am thankful he is gracious and patient and is changing me.
In light of planning a wedding, we will undoubtedly have music and dancing. Which means there will need to be good music so that people will dance. I love dancing...others do not...that is ok, I guess. In your opinion, what are your top 5 songs to dance? They can be anything. We'll more than likely use them.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Only Recently Well Read
Growing up I tried lot of different activities. I danced, I sang, I played sports. There is a long list of hobbies that I took part in, but listing them here would bore you to tears. I tried just about everything. With every new opportunity, I knew it was going to be the one thing I would do for life. It never was. I enthusiastically persuaded my parents allow me to take piano lessons. I quit two years later due to lack of interest and talent. I begged to take dance. I quit that too due to lack of interest and talent. I tried out for cheerleading, made the squad and asked for parental sponsorship for all of the uniforms and fees required. I quit after a year. The list goes on and on. Somethings lasted a month, others last years, but in the end. I did not seem to be as interested in them as I thought I would be in the beginning. I would guess a lot of kids were like this. Some were forced to stick with what they asked for. I pitched fits frequently. So eventually, I was always allowed to give up.
Of all the things I "loved" doing as a child, reading was not one of them. I hated it. I liked being read to. I liked the stories. The act of reading myself was miserable. I learned to read pretty early, but it was not my great passion. Reading was what the kids that were socially challenged did. I was socially inclined. Reading was not for me. Fortunately, my parents made me read anyway. In elementary school, all I wanted was to get my ears pierced. But getting them pierced would cost me. 11 chapter books. I tried negotiating a low price, but was denied. The parents held firm to their price. So, I quickly skimmed through them and received two holes in my ears. In high school, I read one book per summer of my summer reading and spark noted the rest. Reading was slow, uninteresting and antisocial. After graduating, I picked up a copy of Pride and Prejudice. I was no longer forced to read. I would not be test on any material. I figured it was worth a shot. Something changed. I loved it! I immediately started reading everything I could get my hands on. All of the books I skipped reading in high school I read. I bought new books. I read and read and read. I had found what I loved to do and it was wonderful. Every book opened up a new world and new adventure. Each one was different. It didn't get old. So far, I still love to read. I'm hoping this is one of those things that sticks around for life. I don't consider myself a well read person. There is so much more to read and know. It's difficult to know where to begin. Books are like people. Each one is so uniquely different. You can't just lump them all together and define them. You have to get to know them. You can judge a book by its cover, but you might be horribly wrong.
Of all the things I "loved" doing as a child, reading was not one of them. I hated it. I liked being read to. I liked the stories. The act of reading myself was miserable. I learned to read pretty early, but it was not my great passion. Reading was what the kids that were socially challenged did. I was socially inclined. Reading was not for me. Fortunately, my parents made me read anyway. In elementary school, all I wanted was to get my ears pierced. But getting them pierced would cost me. 11 chapter books. I tried negotiating a low price, but was denied. The parents held firm to their price. So, I quickly skimmed through them and received two holes in my ears. In high school, I read one book per summer of my summer reading and spark noted the rest. Reading was slow, uninteresting and antisocial. After graduating, I picked up a copy of Pride and Prejudice. I was no longer forced to read. I would not be test on any material. I figured it was worth a shot. Something changed. I loved it! I immediately started reading everything I could get my hands on. All of the books I skipped reading in high school I read. I bought new books. I read and read and read. I had found what I loved to do and it was wonderful. Every book opened up a new world and new adventure. Each one was different. It didn't get old. So far, I still love to read. I'm hoping this is one of those things that sticks around for life. I don't consider myself a well read person. There is so much more to read and know. It's difficult to know where to begin. Books are like people. Each one is so uniquely different. You can't just lump them all together and define them. You have to get to know them. You can judge a book by its cover, but you might be horribly wrong.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Oklahoma to Alabama to Oklahoma to Alabama to...
Living over 700 miles from where I grew up sometimes gets a little complicated. I love my family and want to be there for every activity that happens. But I love my friends in Norman and want to be there for every activity that happens. This can be difficult when there are things going on in both places. Especially around the holidays. As of Tuesday at 1:30pm, I became officially unemployed. That's exciting. I was offered a job at Republic Bank and Trust, but regretfully turned it down due to family commitments and weddings I am involved in and promised to be in or at. I am happy with that decision. (I guess I shouldn't have said regretfully then). Over the past couple of days I have been concerned with how I am going to make it financially until I return to Norman in mid-January to see what other job opportunities I could find. I have brainstormed different part time seasonal businesses I could start...Annie Mac's Holiday Snacks seemed to be the best of all. Basically, I would send out something to people that have Christmas parties in Huntsville and see if they need someone to bake things for them. And then they'd pay me. Simple right? I think so. I will still potentially do that.
Today, my dad called me and told me some happenings at ministry he runs in Huntsville. They are in need of someone to work at their preschool from now until the holidays. I said that I could do that. It seems like a pretty good deal. I will get to be at home for the holidays, getting paid and directly working with people. The downside, I already have a lot of plans in Oklahoma between now and Dec. 25. So, I will be in Huntsville for a week then drive to Tulsa for a few days then back to Alabama and stay for a little bit then back to Tulsa then back to Alabama then to Georgia and back to Alabama and then finally back to Norman. I'm going to need some good music. Suggestions?
Today, my dad called me and told me some happenings at ministry he runs in Huntsville. They are in need of someone to work at their preschool from now until the holidays. I said that I could do that. It seems like a pretty good deal. I will get to be at home for the holidays, getting paid and directly working with people. The downside, I already have a lot of plans in Oklahoma between now and Dec. 25. So, I will be in Huntsville for a week then drive to Tulsa for a few days then back to Alabama and stay for a little bit then back to Tulsa then back to Alabama then to Georgia and back to Alabama and then finally back to Norman. I'm going to need some good music. Suggestions?
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Etsy
I've heard about Etsy for a long time, but have not spent a good deal of time looking through the stuff talented people all over the country make by hand! It's great! I am a sucker for hand crafted, one of a kind (or at least not mass produced) stuff. It is inspiring. I want to start painting again, learn to sew better and just do awesome stuff. I would also love to learn how to make pottery. Become a potter, as it were. Here are some of my favorite things I've seen on so far.
This is a watercolor print. You can buy it for $12. I really like the style of the trees.
This is a ceramic mug. ha. I like that it is just "brown" but there are so many other colors making it just brown. It can also be bought, but for $20.
This is a rubber stamp to put in your books. I would probably get it to say Anna McDowell rather than Stacey Burns. I think that could get confusing. $13.50
This seller has a lot of cute post earrings. I really like them. And they are only $4.50-$6.50. Right there is a deal for buy 3 get 1 free on all of the seller's stuff. Woot.
I guess that wraps up this post.
This is a watercolor print. You can buy it for $12. I really like the style of the trees.
This is a ceramic mug. ha. I like that it is just "brown" but there are so many other colors making it just brown. It can also be bought, but for $20.
This is a rubber stamp to put in your books. I would probably get it to say Anna McDowell rather than Stacey Burns. I think that could get confusing. $13.50
This seller has a lot of cute post earrings. I really like them. And they are only $4.50-$6.50. Right there is a deal for buy 3 get 1 free on all of the seller's stuff. Woot.I guess that wraps up this post.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Job Update #3
I have a second interview on Wednesday for the bank job. That seems like good news. That's all I have at the moment.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Job Update #2
I have officially put in my two weeks notice at La Baguette. My last day will be November 10th. I'm pretty excited about this! No, I do not have another job at the moment. You might be thinking, "That's crazy!!" It probably is. But I do have two interviews this week. So, I am hoping that something great comes from one or both of those. The first one is today (Thursday) at a consulting company for a receptionist job. They work with companies to help them reduce the amount of energy they use. That seems pretty great of them to do that. Ha. The second one is tomorrow (Friday) at Republic Bank and Trust for a teller position. A bank is where people deposit and withdraw money...along with many other things. I am pretty excited that people are at least interested in talking in person with me. That seems promising. I am trying to trust God in all of this. He is faithful and good even when I am not. I am thankful for that.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Fictional Couples.
Over the past month or so the topic of fidelity among "fictional couples" has been addressed briefly several times. I am amazed at how in television and books we often hope the heroic person cheats on their tyrant of a spouse because the "other" person is SO much more likable. I think this all the time. For instance, in the television series, Glee, Will Schuester the show choir director is married to a woman, Terri, who outwardly lies to him about being pregnant, demands a better house and nicer things that are way out of their means of living, and manipulates his every move. The show does a good job of portraying as a terrible person to be married to. Will does his best to provide for her, takes on a second job but still does not reach her expectations. So, we don't like Terri...she's terrible. But we do like the guidance counselor, Emma. She is sweet and caring and is totally in love with Will Schuester. They are friends and talk often. The entire time I am watching this show I find myself wanting them to end up together, completely forgetting that he is MARRIED and she is engaged to someone else. This is something I feel like no one would be pulling for in real life. But for some reason in television, movies, books, theater or other made up media and art forms I find myself wanting things to happen to people that in real life would be awful and forever damaging to people. We hope people have affairs. We want people to get killed. We want what seems like will make that person happy in that moment, but neglect the overall affects of their decisions and the last results that it would have on the people if they actually existed. I find this interesting. And all the more evidence to our total depravity. I am not saying that we should not necessarily be watching or reading things that contain these things, but that I have become aware of what I am apparently hoping for with these people it completely contradicts what I believe in actual life. I don't feel like there should be such a divide. I could be wrong. This entire blog could be completely incomprehensible. My bad. Thoughts?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Job Update #1
My second round of job searching has begun! I spent all afternoon researching and applying to jobs personally and electronically. I am really hoping something materializes soon. I traded shifts with a girl at La Baguette, so I am not working on Thursday. That is good news because it gives me the whole day to beat down the doors of potential employers. My thought process is this...I'm not making much and my job is really not great, so I feel like I can find and easier job for the same amount of money. I am hopeful. I'll try and keep this updated. We'll see how that goes.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Kind of depressing and Concerts!!!!!!!
To update those that actually read this blog, my life is different than I expected. It has been a surprising roller coaster of trying to make life everything I want it to be. I think that is the problem. I need to let go of trying to MAKE it something it is not. I am trying to be everything to everyone and I feel like I am failing miserably. I think more than anything I am worn out. I wake up too early and go to bed too late and work really hard the 8 hours I am at work everyday. I am constantly wishing for a slow day or an early out...those usually don't happen, but it's a great day when it does! I am still looking for other jobs. I am hoping something more consistent and "real job" like comes up. I am praying. I am realizing that not getting enough sleep or rest makes me crazy. I have WAY over reacted to things that are definitely not big deals and really under reacted to things that are. It seems like in the past 5 years I have been pretty consistent in my reactions to things and I am unsure of my sanity.
On a good note, I am going to a lot of concerts this semester! Michael and I recently went to go see Blink 182. It was at least interesting. We were stuck in traffic for two hours in Dallas and missed the first two bands, but it turned out ok. Blink 182 are definitely entertaining in one way or another. ha. Also, on the line up there is U2, Brian Regan, Ben Folds, hopefully Regina Spektor and Jon Foreman with Switchfoot. I have decided I really like concerts and seeing bands and hearing music I listen to in my car on on my ipod. It seems like a worthwhile experience.
Things are going to get better. I am hopeful.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
I'm no good at blogging
The last blog I wrote was all about how worried I was to move back to Norman and find a job. I have to tell you, it was pretty stressful. It's definitely possible that I made it more stressful on myself. I have good news though, I got a job!!! Praise to God for that! I basically spent half of every day for the first week I was back putting in job applications and talking to managers and driving around trying to find other places to apply. I just wanted something to start out with. I fortunately walked into La Baguette, a local french bakery and cafe, on a day that they were about to start sorting through applications for a new employee. They hired me that Friday and a started the following Monday. Not bad for 5 days worth of looking. I am not completely done searching for a job...I am going to stick with this one for awhile. A job with some money coming in is better than no job at all and no money at all. But I would like to be working somewhere with more of a set schedule. It is difficult to make plans for anything when your schedule for the week is set 12 hours before it starts. But I am thankful. God is good and he has provided!!
I also got a new roommate!! Her name is Natalie and she is awesome! She is the new OURUF intern. I am so excited about the year she has ahead of her and I am even more excited that I get to live with her and be her friend! She arrived on Sunday after 32 hours of driving from Florida. She spent yesterday unpacking and we rearranged the entire living room. I really like it! Sally won't even know her own house when she gets back. I miss Sally, but I am very happy to have someone here. The past three weeks of living by myself have been strange, quiet and at times a little scary (I can pretty much psych myself out over nothing). So, yay for new roommates!! It seems like people are slowly starting to return to Norman. I am looking forward to everyone coming back. So, hurry back please!!
I also got a new roommate!! Her name is Natalie and she is awesome! She is the new OURUF intern. I am so excited about the year she has ahead of her and I am even more excited that I get to live with her and be her friend! She arrived on Sunday after 32 hours of driving from Florida. She spent yesterday unpacking and we rearranged the entire living room. I really like it! Sally won't even know her own house when she gets back. I miss Sally, but I am very happy to have someone here. The past three weeks of living by myself have been strange, quiet and at times a little scary (I can pretty much psych myself out over nothing). So, yay for new roommates!! It seems like people are slowly starting to return to Norman. I am looking forward to everyone coming back. So, hurry back please!!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The Same As Usual
So, I have done a very poor job keeping this thing updated on my life. Honestly, there isn't a whole lot to update. I've been living in Huntsville with my parents, working for my dad about 30 hours a week, visiting friends whenever I can, reading books, and searching for jobs back in Norman the best I can from 700 miles away. So far nothing has come of the job search. I have received a few leads on jobs, but they don't seem to materializing into anything. I am heading back to Norman next Friday (July 17th) to hopefully be reunited with one of my favorite roommates and possibly some other friends. After the weekend I will begin my job search in person and make these people want to hire me!!...or at least I hope that's how it will go. If any of you know of anything or anyone that is looking for someone to do work for them, even babysitting or whatever just to keep my going for longer, I would appreciate it.
I've recently started reading a book on prayer, A Praying Life by Donald Miller, which has made me think about prayer a lot more. I don't understand it. I know that I am supposed to be praying, but I have no idea how it works. I am cynical when things happen and I have prayed for them and I am angry when things don't happen and I have prayed for them. This doesn't seem like a good place to be in my prayer life. I feel like them more I read and research prayer, the less I understand about it, but, also the more I know that I need it. I know that God calls us to pray and that he works through prayers, but I don't know why or how. I want to know more and I am hoping to continue reading scripture and books about the reason for prayer, but I am almost certain this is one aspect of the Christian life I will never understand. Thoughts?
I've recently started reading a book on prayer, A Praying Life by Donald Miller, which has made me think about prayer a lot more. I don't understand it. I know that I am supposed to be praying, but I have no idea how it works. I am cynical when things happen and I have prayed for them and I am angry when things don't happen and I have prayed for them. This doesn't seem like a good place to be in my prayer life. I feel like them more I read and research prayer, the less I understand about it, but, also the more I know that I need it. I know that God calls us to pray and that he works through prayers, but I don't know why or how. I want to know more and I am hoping to continue reading scripture and books about the reason for prayer, but I am almost certain this is one aspect of the Christian life I will never understand. Thoughts?
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Not Sure
My year of interning has come to a close, as most of you know, and I will not be returning for a second year. However, I will still be living in Norman and sticking around the RUF community. I feel as if an era of my life has ended. The end of the school year and Summer Conference was extremely difficult for me. For the first time in five years, I am not expected to show up at RUF or really have to be involved at all. Of course, I still want to be there and will be, but it is not necessary since it is no longer my job and I am not a college student. I got my degree. (though it's not helping me out very much at the moment). RUF has been an huge influence in my life and I am sad to not be directly involved. I signed up for the internship and moved out to Norman expecting to do an amazing job and change lives and show people the Gospel, but instead I was shown the Gospel, my life was changed, and the people that I was hoping more to minister to ended up ministering to me. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have had to love and be loved by the students of OU. So many people have reached out to me and loved me and welcomed me into a wonderful community. Thank you to those that have done that.
The next couple of months I will be in Huntsville working for my dad and searching for a job out in Norman. I am hoping to return in the middle of July to seriously look for something to do. To be honest I have no idea what that will be and that is terrifying. I am not sure what is next for me in life. It will be different. People say different is okay, but I'm not sure.
The next couple of months I will be in Huntsville working for my dad and searching for a job out in Norman. I am hoping to return in the middle of July to seriously look for something to do. To be honest I have no idea what that will be and that is terrifying. I am not sure what is next for me in life. It will be different. People say different is okay, but I'm not sure.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Day of Fun
It's so nice to be back into the swing of things now that the semester has started. We had almost a full or week of normality, but this week OU has been closed for the past two and a half days due to ice and snow. I would definitely say there is more ice than snow though. It's white, but very VERY slippery. I think there is something so comforting about being inside and bundled up with a blanket and some tea. I almost feel as if time has stopped over the last couple of days. Groups of people have been getting together and hanging out, playing games, watching movies. Typically, my days are filled with meeting with people at specific times and a variety of activities that require me to show up relatively close when they start. It's freeing to not be constrained by time and have the ability to just go with whatever comes up and stay there as long or as short as I want. Timelessness. It's awesome. I feel like I have experienced that several times this week. I would like my whole life to be like that. I think being on time and setting times for things is an important and necessary thing to do for life. But ideally it would be great to live life as things come up and enjoy the moment you are living for what it is. I think I generally am somewhere else wherever I am. I can't say that the past two and a half days have been altogether impressive with what everyone did or conversations people had, but they have been so fun, unrushed, and low key. It has been great. I'm assuming the ice will be mostly gone by tomorrow and everything will be back to normal. That is exciting too. Woot. It's definitely been several days of fun.
Monday, January 12, 2009
2009
I am twelve days late on posting a new year's blog...but here it is. Yay 2009!!! 2008 was a great year for me...or the second half of it. Actually all of it had good things and good learning experience. I am excited to start another year and so far 2009 has been fantastic! I just got back from Winter Conference with RUF. There really isn't a better way to start your year than hanging out in Colorado with great people, great teaching and great scenery. It was beautiful. The only downside was the result of the National Championship game. I've gotten over it now. Actually, I was over it within 5 minutes once I realized that Ole Miss is actually the number one team in the nation, since they were Florida's only loss of the season. Woot! Hotty Totty!! I know that that is poor logic, but just let me be deluded into thinking that.
Also, in 2009 I got two new roommates. They two and a half days I have lived with them have been awesome!! It's going to be a great semester. I am so excited to see what this semester brings. I feel settled in Norman and hopefully interning will be ballin' this year. I am going to Peru for spring break with a couple of students and the RUF from the University of Texas. I'm really excited, but I have no idea what I am getting myself into. Peru Mission, the organization we are going to volunteer for, seems like an incredible organization. I can't wait to find out more about it and see how God is using the people in Peru to advance his kingdom.
Honestly, 2009 has a lot going for it right now. That's exciting. It's totally going to chumpatize 2008.
Also, in 2009 I got two new roommates. They two and a half days I have lived with them have been awesome!! It's going to be a great semester. I am so excited to see what this semester brings. I feel settled in Norman and hopefully interning will be ballin' this year. I am going to Peru for spring break with a couple of students and the RUF from the University of Texas. I'm really excited, but I have no idea what I am getting myself into. Peru Mission, the organization we are going to volunteer for, seems like an incredible organization. I can't wait to find out more about it and see how God is using the people in Peru to advance his kingdom.
Honestly, 2009 has a lot going for it right now. That's exciting. It's totally going to chumpatize 2008.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Seriously.
To return to my original purpose of this blog (which is updating people on my internship), I need to write about the first semester as a whole. I was briefly sidetracked for about 3 months with randomness and trivial posts. For the more serious followers of my blog, I apologize. For sillier reader, I am sure I will digress again. But for now I am completely serious.
I cannot explain what it was like to move to a completely new place, knowing practically no one and having to instantly be friends with people, to pursue them and initiate all points of meeting. That was definitely new to me. I don't think I understood what that meant (and probably still don't) when I first moved to Norman. Looking back over the past 4 months I can honestly say there was not a collective time where I thought I had made a bad decision in going through with the internship. At each point I have been thankful for what I was learning and the relationships that were forming. And I have so much joy in talking with the girls I have had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with. I honestly cannot imagine myself doing anything else at this time in my life.
I did not notice any significant change as the semester progressed, but thinking of all that has happened so far it is really interesting to see how the students have changed, how I've changed and the overall experience of being an intern has changed. I feel like the Norman/RUF/Christ the King Pres community is a 3rd home. Third only because Huntsville and Oxford are homes too. I was telling a couple of people the other day that I am extremely excited about going home for Christmas. I get to see some friends and my family, there really isn't a better time than that, but I am sad to leave for two weeks before coming back for Winter Conference. I am happy here, I am also happy at home or in Oxford. It's strange but such an amazing feeling. Originally, I would have never thought that living in Oklahoma and being an intern at OU would have been a great fit for me. Now I couldn't imagine anywhere better. I am so thankful for the people that God has put in my life here, for the people I get to work with and the friendships I get to invest in. I love being involved with the people here and most everything about my job. I am looking forward to coming back to Norman and OU in January for another semester. I am so glad that God is at work and that he is in control of things. That is a hard concept for me. I cannot wait to see what 2009 is going to bring. It will definitely bring back the exclamation, "HOT DOG!!" I'm bringing that back. Get excited! It'll be awesome.
I cannot explain what it was like to move to a completely new place, knowing practically no one and having to instantly be friends with people, to pursue them and initiate all points of meeting. That was definitely new to me. I don't think I understood what that meant (and probably still don't) when I first moved to Norman. Looking back over the past 4 months I can honestly say there was not a collective time where I thought I had made a bad decision in going through with the internship. At each point I have been thankful for what I was learning and the relationships that were forming. And I have so much joy in talking with the girls I have had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with. I honestly cannot imagine myself doing anything else at this time in my life.
I did not notice any significant change as the semester progressed, but thinking of all that has happened so far it is really interesting to see how the students have changed, how I've changed and the overall experience of being an intern has changed. I feel like the Norman/RUF/Christ the King Pres community is a 3rd home. Third only because Huntsville and Oxford are homes too. I was telling a couple of people the other day that I am extremely excited about going home for Christmas. I get to see some friends and my family, there really isn't a better time than that, but I am sad to leave for two weeks before coming back for Winter Conference. I am happy here, I am also happy at home or in Oxford. It's strange but such an amazing feeling. Originally, I would have never thought that living in Oklahoma and being an intern at OU would have been a great fit for me. Now I couldn't imagine anywhere better. I am so thankful for the people that God has put in my life here, for the people I get to work with and the friendships I get to invest in. I love being involved with the people here and most everything about my job. I am looking forward to coming back to Norman and OU in January for another semester. I am so glad that God is at work and that he is in control of things. That is a hard concept for me. I cannot wait to see what 2009 is going to bring. It will definitely bring back the exclamation, "HOT DOG!!" I'm bringing that back. Get excited! It'll be awesome.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Hey Buddy, wanna go pick some snowberries??
It's officially after Thanksgiving, which means it's CHRISTMAS!!!!! or well the Christmas Season. Christmas isn't for another 26 days. I have a rule for my life that there is NO Christmasy things before Thanksgiving...mainly because I get sick of Christmas music and Christmas movies and Christmas clothes and Christmas decorations if it starts before Decemeber. But tomorrow is December 1st and in case you were not aware of this...Christmas is in December. Woot.
The past four years, my friend Leah and I have always watched Elf and have continuously quoted it throughout the season. We're still planning on watching this movie together even though she lives in Knoxville, TN and I live in Norman, OK, but we'll see each other in Oxford before Christmas...and thus the Elf screening will happen. I'm planning on watching it before then though. Maybe every day...or every other day. We'll see...I am also looking forward to watching Little Women, A Charlie Brown Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, and many others...I might even try out White Christmas...I've never seen it, but I hear it's pretty classic. Yay ELF!!!!!
The past four years, my friend Leah and I have always watched Elf and have continuously quoted it throughout the season. We're still planning on watching this movie together even though she lives in Knoxville, TN and I live in Norman, OK, but we'll see each other in Oxford before Christmas...and thus the Elf screening will happen. I'm planning on watching it before then though. Maybe every day...or every other day. We'll see...I am also looking forward to watching Little Women, A Charlie Brown Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, and many others...I might even try out White Christmas...I've never seen it, but I hear it's pretty classic. Yay ELF!!!!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Oxford and More
I've been rockin' the Thanksgiving break for about six days now. It's been awesome! Though it hasn't been as restful as I wanted, I have been able to go a lot of places and see some people I have missed over the past few months.
My break started with a brief visit with Lauren and Walt Jones who so graciously let me stay at their house in Ft. Worth before my flight left Friday morning. It was great to see them and catch up on what's going on in their lives and everything.
I made it home the next day with no flying problems whatsoever. That restored my faith in the airline industry...for now.
Saturday, my parents and I went to Tupelo. I kicked them out of the car at my brother and sister-in-law's house and continued on my way to the beautiful Oxford, Mississippi. Home of the Ole Miss Rebels! Who aren't doing so bad in football this year...not great...but better. I'm proud to be a Rebel. It was so nice to be back, even with most of the people I know gone, it felt like I was home. Bottletree was still kickin' and Square Books was just as great as ever. I loved seeing Lauren Babbitt and Whitney Williams and catching up with them. Check out why this place is so great...
Bottletree Bakery...as the sign clearly states...Best Coffee and Triple Berry Muffin EVER!!!
The inside of Bottletree...It's pretty much perfect...and where I spent about half of my money while I was at Ole Miss
Still Bottletree...that's the coffee...I bought some. Drink it with me...
Square Books...beautiful...*sigh*
Upstairs at Square Books...Where I spent the other half of my money...
Downstairs at Square Books...I love books. They're so great.
After going to Oxford, I spent some time with my brother and sister-in-law in Tupelo. And then came back to Huntsville. On Monday, my friend Shelton and I drove to Cullman, Alabama to have dinner with our friend Victoria. It was great!! I love seeing friends and being able to pick back up right where you left off. The rest of the week for me should be lower key. Tomorrow we'll get together with family and do the whole turkey and pumpkin pie thing and then I don't have anything planned. I'm not gonna lie, I'm really looking forward to doing nothing. It'll be so great!! While I love being home with family and friends, I am definitely missing my new friends and my new home in Norman. It's weird how quickly you can grow to like a place. I think that is a good thing. Woot! Thanksgiving.
My break started with a brief visit with Lauren and Walt Jones who so graciously let me stay at their house in Ft. Worth before my flight left Friday morning. It was great to see them and catch up on what's going on in their lives and everything.
I made it home the next day with no flying problems whatsoever. That restored my faith in the airline industry...for now.
Saturday, my parents and I went to Tupelo. I kicked them out of the car at my brother and sister-in-law's house and continued on my way to the beautiful Oxford, Mississippi. Home of the Ole Miss Rebels! Who aren't doing so bad in football this year...not great...but better. I'm proud to be a Rebel. It was so nice to be back, even with most of the people I know gone, it felt like I was home. Bottletree was still kickin' and Square Books was just as great as ever. I loved seeing Lauren Babbitt and Whitney Williams and catching up with them. Check out why this place is so great...
Bottletree Bakery...as the sign clearly states...Best Coffee and Triple Berry Muffin EVER!!!
The inside of Bottletree...It's pretty much perfect...and where I spent about half of my money while I was at Ole Miss
Still Bottletree...that's the coffee...I bought some. Drink it with me...
Square Books...beautiful...*sigh*
Upstairs at Square Books...Where I spent the other half of my money...
Downstairs at Square Books...I love books. They're so great.After going to Oxford, I spent some time with my brother and sister-in-law in Tupelo. And then came back to Huntsville. On Monday, my friend Shelton and I drove to Cullman, Alabama to have dinner with our friend Victoria. It was great!! I love seeing friends and being able to pick back up right where you left off. The rest of the week for me should be lower key. Tomorrow we'll get together with family and do the whole turkey and pumpkin pie thing and then I don't have anything planned. I'm not gonna lie, I'm really looking forward to doing nothing. It'll be so great!! While I love being home with family and friends, I am definitely missing my new friends and my new home in Norman. It's weird how quickly you can grow to like a place. I think that is a good thing. Woot! Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Because I said I would?
I was tagged in a note of facebook that said I had to write 16 random unrelated facts about myself and tag 15 people in it. Normally, I don't participate in these things. But who doesn't like to talk about themselves? So, I am letting you people know as well.
1. I hate peanut butter, you can be offended, horrified, surprised or whatever emotion you want , I think it tastes, looks and smells super gross.
2. I was in a show choir in 6th grade that made me dress up like a clown and sing and dance...I never realized how creepy that was until I found out everyone's irrational fear of clowns
3. I sleep with a stuffed lion that I've had since I was two. His name is Azzie. He rocks. Most people think that he looks like a weasel or ferret or some other creature besides lion, but they are wrong.
4. I'm awake for approximately 18 hours every day.
5. I love coffee--just black coffee--non of that latte stuff. I'm done with that.
6. I used to only drink something with three ice cubes in it. Not two, not four, just three. I grew out of this. Don't worry I have other weird things to keep my OCDness going strong.
7. The sound of any kind of smacking or noise made with a mouth makes me feel like I'm going to throw up.
8. My third biggest fear is of sharks. They are terrifying. I don't get in the ocean due to this. They are in there and will more than likely find me and take an arm or two. I also hate sand. But I like going to the beach and not actually being near it. So maybe I don't like the beach. I like the mountains.
9. I used to iron my money. And occasionally wash it if it was excessively dirty. I don't do that anymore either.
10. My parents made me write all the verses in the Bible about honesty and deceit when I lied to them one time. I did that a lot when I was younger. Apparently it's not a good thing to do and honesty is a big deal in the Bible. Lying is bad. Don't do it.
11. I love the South and the charm it has...especially Oxford. I don't know if I could live there forever, but the four years I spent there were definitely worth while. I think I have idealized it since I've left. I love the trees and the quaintness of everything. The manners and the style. Bottletree, Square Books, Faulkner's Woods... I miss it.
12. Writing letters is my favorite. I would write anyone a letter especially if they would write me back. I think it is a lost art. There is something so much more personal about a handwritten letter than an email or text message or even a phone call. Feel free to write me anytime. 813 East Hayes Street Norman, Oklahoma 73071
13. I insisted on people calling me Romona when I was in preschool. It was a ballin' name back then...I don't think so anymore.
14. My family is awesome and hilarious. Really you should hear the stories. They are probably some of my most favorite people in the world. I love spending time with all of them. There is never a dull moment. Mary is always doing something or Bill is saying something that is not quite what you would ever expect from them. Unless you know them of course and then it is totally typical. Love it.
15. My favorite tv show is Friends. Thought Arrested Development comes in at a close second maybe even infringe on the number one spot. The Office and Seinfeld are also in the running. Those are my top 4 favorite shows. I guess if I'm completely honest Lipstick Jungle would fall into the number 5 spot, I know, it's a really really dumb show. I got sucked it.
16. I like learning and reading. Especially about things that interest me. If I could choose between books, movies, and television. I would choose books. But I would miss movies and my top 5 favorite shows.
So there you go. Anything else you want to know. You can ask, I'll probably tell you, but no promises.
1. I hate peanut butter, you can be offended, horrified, surprised or whatever emotion you want , I think it tastes, looks and smells super gross.
2. I was in a show choir in 6th grade that made me dress up like a clown and sing and dance...I never realized how creepy that was until I found out everyone's irrational fear of clowns
3. I sleep with a stuffed lion that I've had since I was two. His name is Azzie. He rocks. Most people think that he looks like a weasel or ferret or some other creature besides lion, but they are wrong.
4. I'm awake for approximately 18 hours every day.
5. I love coffee--just black coffee--non of that latte stuff. I'm done with that.
6. I used to only drink something with three ice cubes in it. Not two, not four, just three. I grew out of this. Don't worry I have other weird things to keep my OCDness going strong.
7. The sound of any kind of smacking or noise made with a mouth makes me feel like I'm going to throw up.
8. My third biggest fear is of sharks. They are terrifying. I don't get in the ocean due to this. They are in there and will more than likely find me and take an arm or two. I also hate sand. But I like going to the beach and not actually being near it. So maybe I don't like the beach. I like the mountains.
9. I used to iron my money. And occasionally wash it if it was excessively dirty. I don't do that anymore either.
10. My parents made me write all the verses in the Bible about honesty and deceit when I lied to them one time. I did that a lot when I was younger. Apparently it's not a good thing to do and honesty is a big deal in the Bible. Lying is bad. Don't do it.
11. I love the South and the charm it has...especially Oxford. I don't know if I could live there forever, but the four years I spent there were definitely worth while. I think I have idealized it since I've left. I love the trees and the quaintness of everything. The manners and the style. Bottletree, Square Books, Faulkner's Woods... I miss it.
12. Writing letters is my favorite. I would write anyone a letter especially if they would write me back. I think it is a lost art. There is something so much more personal about a handwritten letter than an email or text message or even a phone call. Feel free to write me anytime. 813 East Hayes Street Norman, Oklahoma 73071
13. I insisted on people calling me Romona when I was in preschool. It was a ballin' name back then...I don't think so anymore.
14. My family is awesome and hilarious. Really you should hear the stories. They are probably some of my most favorite people in the world. I love spending time with all of them. There is never a dull moment. Mary is always doing something or Bill is saying something that is not quite what you would ever expect from them. Unless you know them of course and then it is totally typical. Love it.
15. My favorite tv show is Friends. Thought Arrested Development comes in at a close second maybe even infringe on the number one spot. The Office and Seinfeld are also in the running. Those are my top 4 favorite shows. I guess if I'm completely honest Lipstick Jungle would fall into the number 5 spot, I know, it's a really really dumb show. I got sucked it.
16. I like learning and reading. Especially about things that interest me. If I could choose between books, movies, and television. I would choose books. But I would miss movies and my top 5 favorite shows.
So there you go. Anything else you want to know. You can ask, I'll probably tell you, but no promises.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Hypothetical Ben
So...my beloved brother called me today and told me some very good news. For some background that don't know, I LOVE my brother and sister-in-law's dogs, Pippin and Lola. I have half-heartedly been entertaining the idea of getting a dog, but all the ones I have looked at have been substandard to Pippin. He is such a sweetheart and sooo cute. He is a pomchi. Well, Jonathan, my brother, called me and told me that the parents of Lola are having another litter of puppies and that they would be ready right after Christmas. AND they are FREE!!! even better! So, my half-hearted thoughts have turned into whole hearted ones. And I'm thinking about getting one. I will possibly name him Ben. I love him already. I love Jonathan and Amy too. Aren't they pretty?
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