Let it rain. Why not?

**NOTE TO GINGER: For some reason, I am unable to access your blog. I click on your profile to get to it and am unable to. Send me the link, and let me see if I can get to it that way. Thank you!!!***

Who has two thumbs and will stand out in the pouring rain and tornado warnings to write a story about a building groundbreaking? This girl.

The exciting life of journalism.

The good news (depending on how you look at it) is that misery loves company, and all my students are required to come as well (they receive 10 bonus points if they do). A bigger crowd will look better for the visiting media, especially if they see so many students.

Carrot versus the stick, works every time.

Also, I'm doing a poll about Demotivator posters. Don't know what they are? Go to www.despair.com. Trust me. It's hilarious. I'm trying to pick out my favorite poster for my office. My current favorite is Worth. I wanted Potential, but the fries on the poster would make me constantly hungry. Yes, my sense of humor is slightly skewed. But, then again, you haven't met my students...

So head over there and let me know what you think!

In a lighter mood, I rediscovered (seems like I'm constantly rediscovering this little jewel) how much Bible study in the morning improves my mood. Yesterday, I was just so down. No particular reason. I deal with the same things over and over, so it's not like the day was much of a surprise. But my attitude was. Then it hit me. I hadn't read the Bible in about 10 days. Snap. So this morning, I woke up early, made some coffee (added some pumpkin spice creamer, YUM!) and had some one-on-one time with the Big Man.

My entire perspective changed.

Which brings me round to the top again. Who has two thumbs and has to take notes outside in the pouring rain today? This girl. And who's okay with that? THIS GIRL.

W00t.

WYAW: Smile, in bullet points

Soooo...my 26th was fabulous, thank you. No pictures, unfortunately. I feel awkward most of the time taking pictures at a restaurant, especially when it's a chain like Olive Garden. But Olive Garden wasn't the only reason why my b-day can be classified as "super-amazingly-awesome"...

* I got to go home and visit with my parents this weekend.
* We had a fantastic birthday celebration at Olive Garden.
* I ended up with three and a half birthday cakes. Yes, that number is correct.
* I won't have to buy coffee for three weeks (if I work it right) thanks to the McCormicks and Sara (courtesy of a giveaway, which also came with the softest socks in the world and an awesome book).
* I learned how well my hubby knows me. He got me a shirt with a Twitter bird that reads "Nobody Cares" (among other things). He knows me well. ;)
* THE SAINTS ARE 6-0!! THANKS DREW AND REGGIE FOR SHOWING UP FOR MY BIRTHDAY!!!
* I got to see Rachel and her hubby and sweet daughter this weekend!!! =D

My hubby was actually the first person to wish me happy birthday. =) We stayed up late the night before visiting with Rachel, and, once we were home, decided to stay up until midnight.

Overall, it was a great weekend, as predicted, lol.

OH!!! AND just to round it off, I have some smiles for class, too!!

* I made a higher grade on my midterm than originally thought. WHEW.
* My final for that class is a TAKE HOME final, which we have two weeks to work on. Double WHEW.
* Since I won't have to go to that class on the last day, my other professor agreed to let me take my final for her class early. Oh, what was that? It's ANOTHER TAKE HOME FINAL.
* I only have four weeks left in this semester. You have no idea how ridiculously excited I am.



Soooo...we're pulling this into a What's Your Answer Wednesday edition, too!!! Haha! You answer -- I think I pretty much have. ;)

1. What was the hardest class (high school or college) that you had to take?
2. What do you think about take home finals? Blessings or a curse?
3. What was the best birthday you had?
4. How did you spend your last birthday (or, if your birthday is coming up, how are you planning on spending it)?

Are you down?

Why, hello, Friday. It's so nice of you to drop by. Yes, I do plan to enjoy you, despite the million small errands which must be accomplished today. But I do plan on having my cake and eating it, too -- twice. One at a bridal shower, one at work for birthday celebrations. But that's just today.

And, what's that, Friday? You invited fiends and family to come over? No, that's not a problem at all. The more the merrier! I look forward to a late night filled with hot chocolate and loved ones, thank you! Aren't you kind?

Oh, and then you'll leave and bring Saturday? Well, Friday, I will miss you, but I do think I'll enjoy your friend Saturday...and more cake, especially since Saturday, Rindy, and I will be running a good five miles early on to counteract those slices. And the delicious meal at my parents' house to celebrate my dad's birthday (which is Saturday's BFF).

Then Sunday will come? Okay, I'm fine with that. Yes, Saturday, I will mourn your passing, but Sunday will bring worship at church, a matinee with my sweet husband, and...you guessed it: pumpkin cheesecake. And Maggie Moos ice cream cupcakes. Who said you need an actual cake for birthday celebrations?

So, welcome, Friday, I am so glad you are here. You're absolutely fabulous, and I will treasure each moment.

Enjoy.

Random Dozen

(This is my highly lazy random dozen, as I don't even have a photo...and bold also hates me now...)

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?
Let’s put it this way. When I was shopping for candy for the trick-or-treaters, I passed up the candy corn for ONE reason: it would be gone by Halloween.

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)
He doesn’t remember meeting me. I remember meeting him – thought he was CA-UUUTTTEE! He was my survival group leader in the BCM. I ended up dating a friend of his for a while until he wised up and realized I was amazing ;). Now he’s best friends with one of my ex-boyfriends from high school. Who’s married to one of my best friends. Lol!!

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?
I love hamburgers too much. And Wendy’s chicken (and KFC’s…and Popeye’s). And FISH. And I’m hungry now…

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?
Seriously? You’ve seen the pictures. She’s so entering a Halloween costume contest this year, too.

5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).
I miss having no stress. I didn’t worry about anything as a kid. Now I worry about everything. And, yes, I will be competing in the 2012 Olympics in Rio as a Champion Worrier. If I don’t win first for Procrastination.

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?
Yes, for worrying. Just kidding!!

I got a lot for dancing when I was little (I think you “received” those, not really “won” them), but I did win a couple of trophies for (gasp) singing.

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?
Whenever you feel like it.

8. What's your favorite board game?
Not really a board game person. I’ll give it the ol’ college try, but I’d rather play something else. Like tennis. I’ll smoke ya (I like trash talking apparently).

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?
LOVE THEM! Surprise me now! =D

10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"
A few questions must be asked.
1. Do I REALLY feel sorry?
2. Am I apologizing to someone I like or dislike?
3. Is it in person or via e-mail/letter/etc?

11. What is your favorite candle scent?
I love Bath and Body Works’ candles – the pumpkin smells, the winter candy apple smells…ahhh…Must light one now!

12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?
I would serve cupcakes, cookies, and sausage balls, because that’s what I like. As for what represents me…maybe photo albums? Or our extensive book collection (in three separate rooms)? Or books that we’ve written but are unpublished? =D (We also have published works; both of us served in the media for some time.)

Funsies! For MORE funsies, go see Linda!

*Untitled*

I’m trying not to become one of “those” people.

You know the ones: the complainers, the whiners, the “Oh-my-story-is-so-much-worse”ers. I can see the potential in me to become THAT person. “You think being a college student is hard? Try going for your Ph.D.” Or “You drive an hour to class? Try 3.5 hours there and 3.5 hours back.” Or “You don’t even KNOW busy. Busy is my BFF.”

I HATE that person.

I’ve also noticed that people I work with/students/random-ners (love all the made up words in this blog so far) don’t catch my sense of humor. And, granted, it’s very dry. But, after working with me for over two years, you’d think they’d pick up on it by now.

Like my co-worker. He came in my office the other day and mentioned something how we were having to do extra work and not being recognized nor receiving additional pay for it. And I said, “Yeah. I’m not bitter or anything.” NOT serious (well, not totally). He didn’t catch the joke, though.

Or my student. When I smiled sweetly and told him, “You have to do the work or I’m going to fail you.” I’m not kidding. I may be smiling, but inside I’m going to mark a big fat F on your paper. Just saying.

Oh, and for additional funsies, tar is dripping through the roof at work and has made a big puddle on my floor and on my desk. Yes, that’s right: TAR. And it’s wrecking havoc on my asthma, so I’m being forced to move from my office to the student center, which is right beside a coffee shop. Oh, the horrors!

Catch the sarcasm. ;)

FYI, Sunday is my 26th birthday. I’m excited, if for no other reason than I get to say all week, “It’s my birthday week!” And, yes, I believe some Maggie Moos ice cream cupcakes will be involved. And possibly pumpkin cheesecake. Oh, who am I kidding? It’s my birthday, I’ll have both.

(Is it sad that I’m mainly excited about the food for my birthday?)

This is totally random, I know. I apparently love bouncing from subject to subject. I wish I had something super amazing to say, but I really don’t.

Oh, apparently now I twitter. Go figure.

WYAW: Fall time

Oh, Wednesday.

I’m taking a page from Linda’s What’s Your Answer Wednesday questions and focusing on that most fabulous time of the year, fall.

1. What’s your favorite fall/winter comfort food?

2. Which is better – apple cider or hot chocolate?

3. Have you ever played pranks on trick or treaters?

4. Are you dressing up for Halloween?

~My answers ~

1. There are so many…chicken pot pie, gumbo, chili, pot roast, potato soup…and my stomach growls again…

2. I usually stick with hot chocolate (my favorite being Starbucks’ salted caramel hot chocolate; trust me, it’s heavenly), but when my throat’s sore, I love some hot apple cider.

3. Yes. It’s my favorite thing to do. My best prank was when I was in high school and I hid on my parents’ roof dressed all in black, including black gloves and a black ski mask (I’m hardcore, seriously). When trick or treaters would come to the door, I’d lean over and drop down this “ghost” (a sheet over a balloon and tied to a fishing pole) behind them as they were getting their treats so that when they turned around, the ghost was right there. Ah, the joys of the fall season.

4. If there’s a party. Superdog’s definitely dressing up. Going to enter her in a pet costume contest, too. See, I can do this with my dog. I’m going to try to hold back with the kids. Key word there being “try.”

For more WYAW, visit Linda!!!

Bad weather

Superdog hates the rain.

I bet she hates tornados even more.

Friday, Superman was taking a shower, and, when he got out, he noticed a text from our preacher’s son: “Are you okay? I just heard a tornado touched down in your neighborhood.”

That’s right. OUR neighborhood. Our 40-house, maybe half-mile encompassing neighborhood. And Superman was taking a shower.

I’m sure my dog was catatonic under the bed.

The next day we checked the damage to our neighborhood, which was extensive. Our house, thankfully, missed all damage. Which is good since we’re already dealing with the ceiling issues and a non-working toilet. I think that’s enough for now. However, across the street from our house, our neighbors’ tree was struck by lightning, and another neighbor has horrible roof damage.

But less than a mile away…







This is not even the brunt of the damage. About three miles in the opposite direction is the true damage. Fences and trees collapsed, power down for three days, trees in the road…it’s insane. I don’t remember when I’ve seen anything like it before.

And it's STILL raining. It's been raining about two months now. We've had just a few days of sunshine. I'm starting to feel like I live in Seattle...or need to build an ark.

Maybe we can use some of those trees that fell down for lumber...

Trying the Random Dozen AND links to a giveaway

1. On an average, how often do you splurge and buy something for yourself?
Superman would say ALL THE TIME, but, really it’s not that often. About once a week I splurge with a pumpkin spice latte or a white mocha, so let’s go with once a week.

2. Are you more like Hall or Oates? Just kidding. Real question: What is the last creative project you began/finished? Feel free to post a pic of it.
Wow. Has to be last Christmas when I “sewed” Superman a blanket. Misti taught me to do this no-sew blanket, and it’s one of our favorites.

3. OK, Goldie Locks, do you consider your house too big, too little or juuuust right?
Too little!!! Our kitchen in our apartment was bigger than the one in our house! I have mental images of my dream kitchen and dream bathroom. Those are my two “must have” areas.

4. What is your favorite outdoor chore?
I HAVE a favorite outdoor chore? Um…putting bird seed in the bird feeder. Lazy, I know. But I love watching the birds from my window.

5. If you knew that cigarette smoking was not bad for your health but would be a weight loss tool, would you use it? Why or why not?
Ew, no. I hate the smell of cigarettes, and they make your teeth yellow!

6. On a road trip, would you rather drive or ride?
Depends on my mood. Sometimes I LOVE driving, but most of the time, I’d prefer just to ride.

7. What do you consider a trivial pursuit?
Solitaire.

8. This weekend, we downloaded the movie "Duplicity" with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Within 5 minutes, I was bored and annoyed, but I kept watching 5-10 minutes at a time hoping it would get better between small chores. I finally gave up and Jorge watched it alone, and then regretted wasting that time because he disliked it intensely, too. So ... how long do you watch a movie or read a book before giving up on it?
I started watching some movie, can’t even remember the name, recently, and the stupidity of it and the lame attempt at jokes made me give it up about 10 minutes in. I was so disappointed, too, because it had Will Arnett in it!
Books? First chapter. I need to be hooked early on.

9. Is there a song that you really love but are embarrassed to admit because it's not cool or it's racy or because it's by Hall and Oates?
We’re on a Hall and Oates kick today, aren’t we? ;) I like Paramore, even though it sounds like a silly high school band.

10. On a scale of 1-10 (10 = extremely) how spontaneous are you?
Probably a 7. Before we got married, I was HIGHLY spontaneous, so much so that I often scared my boyfriend-turned-hubby (seriously). I’ve calmed down, though, and I think it’s for the better, lol!!

11. Are you a food and/or beverage snob?
*Cough* Um, yes. Especially when it comes to my coffee. My co-worker mentioned that since all of us drink coffee, we should start using the big coffee pot in the break room for everyone. I smiled, but I didn’t mean the smile. I will continue to make my coffee using my specially-bought beans and the way I like it.

12. Who/What are you trying to control in your life?
I can’t anymore. I recently came to that conclusion, and I said, “Okay, God, I OBVIOUSLY can’t do it, so You have to.” Silly, I know, but it made me feel so much better because I realized, “Oh, wow. I don’t have to worry about this anymore.” Not that it took all the worry away, but I’m much less panicky now.

Okay, on to another subject: You MUST visit Sara at Interpret Sass today! She's hosting an amazing giveaway -- coffee, a book, AND warm, fuzzy socks. What more could a girl need? Anyway, if the link's not working, click here: http://interpretsasscox.blogspot.com/ Oh, and tell her I sent you, too! =)

Top 10 for weekends, by far

This weekend = epic win.

Rindy and I did the Bark in the Park 5K this weekend (more on that at a later date), and we beat our previous time by 1:30!! I was completely impressed, especially since we really didn't have too hard of a time running it this time, either! But today, let's focus on the love of my life (I probably should include this with Rachel's MM&M...and probably will...).

He and Grant performed a concert Saturday night, after the 5K, and, I've got to say, it really put a good weekend over the top.



Sigh. I love that man.

Some more fun pics from the evening:








Me and my rockstar husband.

For more MM&M magic, visit Rachel!!

No mas

I'm putting my foot down and taking a break from work. Yeah, that's right.

I could tell you all the unnecessary (I feel) junk I'm dealing with, but then I feel like I'd just be working all over again. So I'm not going to do that. I'm going to write and post this blog, and then I am going to read other blogs. It's called a necessary break to rid me of the headache. So there.

I've figured out what Superdog is going to be for Halloween. I had an idea, but it was a little...let's go with unorthodox, so I decided to go for a so-called better costume idea. She's going to be a runner!!

See, here's the deal. Rindy and I are running another 5k this Saturday, and in this one, you can bring your dogs. Well, let's be honest. Superdog would HATE MY GUTS if I made that 6-lb Chihuahua run a 5k. My dad and Puddin' are doing it, but Puddin' is 27-lbs and is used to walking about 3 miles a day. BUT Superdog will be at the 5k cheering me on, and since she is, I registered her as well so she can get a shirt. That's right. Human runners get shirts, and the dogs do, too. So for Halloween, we're dressing her up in the shirt and getting some of those thick ponytail holders to use for leg warmers.

I know. She's going to hate my guts anyway. HAHAHAHA!!!

For your viewing pleasure, the following has been Superdog's Halloween costumes in the past:

A lady bug (last year)


Herself, hehe (2007)


Also, some really cool news on Superman's front. A friend of ours, Grant Terry, opened for Eric Church's concert last week (Church is a country singer, but as I rarely listen to country, I don't really know who he is). Anyway, Grant is singing at an art studio this Saturday, and he asked Superman to play the piano for him!! I'm so excited! I've embedded the pic, but who knows what's up with my blog stuff and why it's not working right, so the URL to listen to Grant's music, in case it doesn't show up, is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biVCSGGp2hQ.



I hope each of you have a beautiful, blessed day!