Day of the Decade, Part II

2005
Graduated from college in three years in the spring. My majors were journalism and English. Planned to go to seminary in New Orleans.

Hubby graduated in the summer. He also planned to go to New Orleans.

We moved our belongings to Metairie, La.

Hurricane Katrina blew us away.

Five days later, we got married.

Three weeks after we came back from our honeymoon, we found our first home: a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment.

Started grad school, seeking to get a master’s in English. Hated. Every. Moment.

Started my first “grown-up” job as a reporter. Hated my boss.

Worked on Christmas Eve. Realized I needed to get out of the reporting biz. That wasn’t flying for me.

2006
(My memories are getting better…)

Hubby bought me a puppy – the Superdog.

Got basically kicked out of grad school. Thought life had ended for me. Suffered with feelings of guilt for about a year.

Received a second chance from The Man, who suggested I get my master’s at a nearby HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in something I liked more – mass communications.

Loved my classes.

The Man offered me a job, which would start in 2007.

I pounced.

2007

Began a new job at my alma mater – the third option five years previously.

Loved it.

Hubby started having doubts about his job, due to the lack of pay and ridiculously long hours and travel.

2008
Graduated with my master’s. It was one of the most joyous celebrations of my life.

Started teaching. Felt like a fish out of water (still do).

Hubby announced that the 2008-09 year would be his last with his employer. I was terrified, but I knew he was making the right decision.

Turned in my application for my Ph.D.

2009
Started my Ph.D. work. Was more terrified than ever based on past experiences. Succeeded in my first three classes. Am unimaginably thankful.

Hubby quit his job and started pursuing his master’s. We realized even more how blessed we are that we can make that situation work.

Started running to decrease stress and help me sleep. Signed up for a half-marathon.

Am blessed.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Day of the Decade, Part I

I got this idea from Sommer, who’s doing a Dedication to the 00 Decade. Because I steal ideas. I’m like that.

Anyway, this is probably going to age me slightly, because it seems so long ago since I rang in 2000, which leads me to…

2000
I had a New Year’s Eve party in the shed in my parents’ backyard. Totally redneck, but it worked. We hung Christmas lights throughout the shed, set out my boom box (because boom boxes back then were cool), and partied like it was 1999 (because then it was). We also buried a time capsule on one side of the shed…probably should dig that thing out now, whatdaya think?

I think I started playing tennis in 2000. My brain is fuzzy (mixture of lack of sleep and lots of caffeine). I fell in love with tennis. And I went to prom that year with the dude who ended up being my one of my best friend’s husband – and my hubby’s best friend.

2001
Played in a tennis competition in Lafayette, La. Had a blast but froze like never before. I started looking at colleges around this time, as college applications were coming up. I scored a 28 on my ACT with a 35 in English. Ballinous (which is a word that had not been invented yet). I wanted to go to a Christian college four hours away, but my parents wanted me to go to the college that EVERYONE PLUS THEIR MOTHA’ went to, and it was an hour away. And I would be living with my parents. Still.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my parents. But it was time for the birdie to fly the nest. So, as I debated my options, a third option – a school I’d never considered – somehow came into view, thanks to one of my teachers. And I chose colleges based on a coin flip (no joke). The third college won.

2002
Graduated high school. Participated in the school play. Went on my first mission trip, which was to the Bahamas.

Jumped off a cliff in the Bahamas into a bottomless pool of water. That rocked.

Went hang-gliding. Dad made me pay for it myself. He said he refused to pay for anything that might kill me.

Started college in the summer. Took six hours in three weeks and had a blast. Couldn’t wait for the fall.

Fall came and went, and I became heavily involved with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. For the first time in my life, I felt that I finally fit in with my peers. Met the man who would be my husband the first day I entered the BCM. Fell in love with his adorableness immediately but pushed it aside. Figured he’d want to date a more awesome girl than me.

Went on another mission trip to Jamaica. That’s a whole story in itself, but I discovered several things about myself and others during that trip. I grew up a little that week.

2003
Got my heart broken – thankfully.

Thought about changing majors that summer – hated hated hated journalism. Considered changing to a major which is basically considered a MRS degree. Thankfully, my parents talked me out of that one.

That fall, I fell back in love with journalism. My best friend, a dude, broke up with his girlfriend. I consoled him as I walked along the streets of New York City. But secretly I was happy – not for me, but for him.

2004
Started dating my best friend Feb. 2, 2004.

Moved into the BCM house with four other girls. It was a ridiculously fun time.

Got engaged Oct. 19.

Went on my fourth and (currently) last mission trip, which was to Canada.

Spent my first Christmas with my fiancé.

Three more hours until Christmas break...

It's a Merry Christmas time

Oh, homemade gingerbread biscotti and snickerdoodle coffee...yum, yum, yum...

Today is a tour of the Super Cottage!!! But, wait, there's more! For our Houston friends, if you're interested, check out The Satellite Room tomorrow night. Superman and Grant Terry are playing there! YEA!! I'm so proud of my hubby -- and Grant, too, of course!

Now, for the tour of our house.

Welcome to the Super home!


Our stockings are not hung by the chimney with care...


Our three-foot LIVE (for the first year) tree. I've used an artificial white tree in previous years...and neglected to put lights on this year's tree. Sigh.


But that's okay, because I have TWO trees!!




More Christmas cards rest on the mantle, with our nativity scene...which is missing two wise men...


I'm a candle fiend...


Several of you have these two cute snowmen. This was a gift one year.


On to the kitchen!

I do not use sugar or cream (unless it's eggnog creamer) in my coffee, so they rest empty. As does the cookie jar. Much to my chagrin.


I won Santa at a bingo game when I worked at the paper. And, if you noticed from the stockings, I procrastinate. That's why I have no chalk at my house and why Santa's board is blank. Put in whatever you wish.


You may notice our Christmas photo wall on the fridge. These pictures will stay up throughout the year, and, at next Christmas, we'll put the pictures in albums to store.


Our Christmas table.




And out the side door you go!!! Merry Christmas and thanks for visiting the Super house!

The Holiday List

Things I would like to get accomplished during my holiday break before I leave to see family:

* Make pancakes for breakfast

* Make this delicious biscotti, recipe courtesy of Misti

* Go to Natchitoches and see the lights

* Have Christmas dinner with friends

* Buy (small) Christmas gifts for our new Sunday School class

* Run a total of 24 miles in four days (WHHHAAATT??! Did I add that correctly? Geez, Louise, SERIOUSLY???!), as I will be out of town starting Dec. 24. Gotta get that running in somehow.

(I'm starting to notice that most of my list revolves around food...)

The one where we learn how to cook

Oh, a Coke Zero tastes so good early in the morning...

For those of you keeping track, so far I have received from my work Secret Santa...a day planner, an apple, a coffee cup, a candle, a flashlight, a scarf, a food container (really awesome!), earrings, and a nail file. Thank God only three more days left.

Rindy and I ran three miles this morning. We were supposed to run 4.5 but we didn't have time. I got to work right at 8 a.m. Plus, we were huffing and puffing like this was our first time running, so it's probably good that we ran only three miles (in less than 35 minutes, so that wasn't TOO bad...).

But that's not the exciting part. We had our weekend getaway to the Alluvian this weekend and the Viking Cooking School!!!




The Alluvian hotel itself was AAAWWWEEESSSOOOMMMEE. Okay, truth be told, Superman and I usually stay in rinky dink hotels when we vacation because we would rather spend our money on cooler things like Red Sox tickets or to see a museum. However, during our Boston trip (which, really, was our last big trip together), we decided that we were going to start splurging on our hotel more. This was the first example of that.

Truffles on the bed during turndown (there were also chocolates and a happy anniversary card waiting for us on arrival)...

(BTW, our anniversary was in September...we've had to reschedule this trip at least twice, but it was well worth the wait.)

I don't have the picture of me devouring the truffle in the guest robe (which I wore practically the entire time we were in the hotel room), but I did decide that the robe wasn't nearly as nice as the one I have at the house, courtesy of Bath and Body Works. Yes, the Alluvian robe was warm, but the BBW one is so, so soft.


And, of course, the Viking Cooking School!!! Crabcakes, fantail shrimp, avacado sauce, beef tenderloin, creme brulee, oh my!!







Sigh. My stomach is already growling.

Oh, and it almost got renamed the Superman Cooking School, haha!! So Superman was cooking the beef tenderloin, and my husband is a tall guy. He leaned up from the stove and slammed his head on the stove vent. A huge tuft of his hair was hanging from the stove vent, and he jerked it down quickly, mortified. I was laughing (sorry, couldn't help it!) and I joked that I hoped it was those gray hairs he pulled out and not the brown ones. Well, he was being all manly and not saying how bad it hurt (though with more than 100 hairs being yanked out, you KNOW that hurt like a mug. I would have been bawling my eyes out.). When we sat down to dinner with the rest of the nine people in our group, he put his hands up to his head and whispered to me, "I think I'm bleeding."

Well, of course, I had to look. I'm sure we looked like monkeys picking ticks off of each other as I scanned his head...and found a HUGE cut.



Of course, after I gasped from shock, everyone else had to look, too...

He still has a nice little nick in his head. And it probably didn't help that he knocked his head on something AGAIN at the Indianola Pecan Factory the next day.

But it was still a fantastic weekend.



(view from the cooking school area into the store)


Ten more days til Christmas!!!!

Caffeinated Ranomness: I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus....

So that is the song in my head today...

BTW, how do you like the new layout? Courtesy of the ah-maz-ing Rachel. She's quite talented, that's for sure.

Hubby played at the university for a Christmas celebration Tuesday night. The lines were long, my shoes were uncomfortable, but the music was great. AND it was a bonus that Grant Terry and the band (Superman is part of "the band") festively dressed up for the occassion.

Hubby's in the red vest wearing the Santa hat.






Sigh. I love him.

Our Sunday School class (the one we "were" in, not the one we're teaching) got together for a Christmas party last night. It was a dirty santa/white elephant $5 gift card one. LOVE dirty santa. That's when things get fun. We had dozens of steals, but, in the end, Superman ended up with a Sonic card, and I had Starbucks this morning. A tall double shot, nonfat, no foam, peppermint mocha. I have 50 cents left on the card. No joke.

Running has not gone well this week. I think we've only run twice. And that'll be it. UGH!! Work schedules (for both of us) are driving me crazy!!! BUT we both agreed that we're just going to deal with it next week to get back on track, running early in the morning (*tear*) if we must. But perhaps, to make those days better, we can stop at Starbucks on the way home...

In happier (and more calorie-laden) news, we have a trip to the Alluvian and the Viking Cooking School planned very, very soon...SO EXCITED!!

Anyway, enjoy your weekend, enjoy your caffeinated randomness, and visit Andrea for more randomness!!

Questions, questions, and a DILEMMA

A. Yes, this is a long post.
B. Yes, I know everyone did the Dozen and the WYAW YESTERDAY. So sue me.



1. Which physical trait do you now accept--maybe not love, but accept--and no longer feel extremely self-conscious about?
My nose. I HATED my nose growing up – to the point where I told myself, “When I grow up, I’ll just have a nose job.” Crazy stuff for a junior high/high school kid (I think), but I’ve come to accept it. Mainly because I’m a little anti-needles/surgery.

2. This week Meredith Baxter Birney, best known as the mom on the favorite 80s sitcom "Family Ties" came out of the closet, which led me to formulate this question: Who do you think is/was the best TV mom?
Someone else had this answer yesterday, but I think Claire Huxtable hits a home run.

3. Do you speak any foreign languages? Are there any you'd like to learn?
I took three years of Spanish, but, as my dad likes to point out, it really didn’t do me much good. I’d love to speak a foreign language, for the pure fact that I’d love for me and the kids (because they would be bi-lingual, too) to talk about surprises for Superman in front of him without him knowing what we were saying. HAHA!

4. Who is your personal hero?
That’s here and around me? Um…I don’t know. I’m highly disillusioned, and everyone in this world is going to fail you – but that’s okay. I’m going to fail others, too; we’re human. But we repent, ask forgiveness, and just try to do better next time.

5. What is one holiday food that you find extremely difficult to resist over- indulging in?
Pretty much anything chocolaty. I have a sweet tooth.

6. Tell me about a Christmas decoration that has special meaning or sentimental value.
Our tree ornaments. We try to buy an ornament from each place we visit, so it’s fun to put them on the tree and see where they came from. My mom started this tradition, and I’m continuing it!

7. How do you feel about snow?
We don’t see it much here in Louisiana. If we get half an inch, you’ll see people trying to make snowmen. NOT kidding.

8. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Not that I'm jealous of any number over three or anything.
I’m highly cranky without my sleep, so I try to get at least seven a night. More if possible.

9. Tell me about your first crush.
Oh, geez. I was never the girl who fawned over boys, and, when I did have a crush, I was usually embarrassed about it. I do remember crying my eyes out one night over a boy in seventh grade…*rolls eyes in disgust*

10. You're stuck in a room for 2 hours with only a chalkboard and chalk. What will you write/draw?
Lists…doodles…flowers…

11. Do you dress for the current temp or for the day's forecast?
The day’s forecast. If I tried to dress for winter, I’d probably sweat to death here.

12. Favorite Christmas movie is?
ELF!!
Smiling’s my favorite.



WYAW (or Thursday): Of course, holiday themed

1. What was your favorite Christmas gift and why?

2. Do you find mistletoe annoying or funny?

3. Do you go caroling?

4. Do you wrap your gifts or bag them?

Answers:

1. Two actual: one sweet and one girly. First one, a Bible, from my parents, in 2000. I still have it, even though it has my maiden name on it, and I love it. I have favorite passages marked and remember events in my life where certain Scriptures just spoke to me louder than before. Next, diamond earrings from my then fiancé. ;)

2. Funny, if Hubby’s around.

3. We used to have a Christmas Eve party every year at my parents’ house where we’d go caroling. It was lots of fun – even if it was cold!

4. Bag ‘em if I do anything at all, ha!! But this year I really am trying to do better, so many gifts actually got wrapped…even if I am a horrible wrapper.

Okay, bloggy buds, I have a serious dilemma on my hands as well. I start Christmas shopping in June (seriously), and this fall, I bought my mother-in-law a Bible. She just joined our church this summer, and I was so excited about the gift. I had it engraved with her name and everything.

So she comes over the other day and mentions that she wants a new Bible, and I’m just inwardly grinning. I mean, I was the cat who ate the canary. And then she says, “I really need a large print Bible. That’s why I don’t bring mine now – I can’t read it.”

My heart went from jubilation to desperation in about two seconds flat. The Bible is ENGRAVED. We are PO’!!! But now my good gift just went to a bad one. I’m thinking about just buying her a big magnifying glass to go with it. Any better ideas? Can engraving be removed…????

Pedestrians

Some of these pedestrians think they have a force field around them... -- Anonymous Journalism Student

It was a good morning. Snickerdoodle coffee (breaking the Monday mold, I decided on a whim to have it on Wednesday), Bible study, and even time to read some of Francine Rivers' Lineage of Grace series (I have all five in one book -- right now I'm reading Tamar's story.). And, to continue my happy morning as I drove to work (aka The Place Where Happiness Dies), I turned my iPod to Trans Siberian Orchestra's "That Christmas Day." Which will be playing on my blog, probably next week. It's fairly fabulous.

I had the volume turned up aaaalllllllll the way as I swerved through the curves of our insane, construction-ridden parking lot. And almost hit a student.

This is twice in two days I've come close to hitting a student. And today it was a student that I liked!! Seriously, though, these students act like no cars are coming (and, granted, at the beginning of their collegiate career, they are told that cars are supposed to stop for them...and vehicles should...but sometimes, in the dead of night, it's hard to see students wearing all black!). There are rumors circulating on campus that if you get hit by a car, you get straight As that semester, and I think some of these pedestrians are going for the As. Hate to break their little hearts (and bones), but that's nothing more than an urban legend. If you get hit by a car, you're on your own.

Anyway, after I joked with the student that she better watch out because I have been known to almost hit people (like her), I got to thinking...would I truly be upset if I hit (with my car) a student that I did not like?

.....

Thinking...

......

...It might damage my car...

...And the police, after finding out that I didn't like a student I hit, would probably classify it as attempted murder, not accidental hit and run (because, in this scenario, it would be a hit and run)...

...And there'd probably be a fine, and my insurance would go up...

...And my poor car's not good with accidents, as we have learned from oh so many experiences...

...So...no...I think I'll try to refrain from hitting any students, liked or disliked.

(Police, please note that this entire blog is written tongue in cheek and with all sarcasm available, and I in no way wish ill on any person.)

On the fifth day of Christmas...

As of today, I have received the following gifts from my Secret Santa at work:

On the first day of Christmas...a day planner

On the second day of Christmas...an apple

On the third day of Christmas...a coffee cup

On the fourth day of Christmas...a pumpkin spice candle

On the fifth day of Christmas...a flashlight

(Remember, all our gifts have to be $1 or less.)

It is really fun to get a little something every day, a little surprise to brighten a cold, wet day (maybe it's not cold and wet for you, but it is for me).

So I heard the best quote from my husband last night. Made me kinda tear up:

"I love it when the house smells like your snickerdoodle coffee."

Be still, my beating heart.

I was thinking of said quote this morning when I made my coffee (not the snickerdoodle kind -- it's only for Mondays, and yes, my coffee drinking has a schedule) and started walking over to the couch for my morning Bible study. For some horrible reason, the coffee cup (the large coffee cup my BFF brought me back from Disney World) slipped from my fingers.

It was like watching it in slow motion -- the coffee cup falling, my face cringing in pre-pain from the broken glass I knew was going to come, and my dog's eyes widening, knowing that disaster was about to befall her (pun so intended).

The glass fell...and bounced.

God bless my husband for making sure we had laminate flooring put down two years ago.

Seriously, how does a coffee mug BOUNCE??? Granted, the spill from my coffee spread all over my living room floor (that was JUST cleaned last night), but seven towels will fix that problem. And the coffee mug, after it's initial bounce, rolled under the coffee table (oh, the irony) and rested -- unbroken.

WHEW.

After that bout of thankfulness, I need some help: I have a Christmas playlist on grooveshark, but...I need additional songs. What are your favorite Christmas songs that I can add?

Feliz Navidad!

(And, yes, that one is on my list.)

Have a holly jolly Christmas

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE being out of school? It's like an early Christmas gift.

I am slightly concerned about my grades, as one of the classes drove me crazy. I sent the professor an e-mail telling her how much I had enjoyed her class and learning the material, blah blah, and how much I was looking foward to having her in the spring (Yep, that's right. I'm taking ANOTHER ridiculously hard class in the spring. YEA.). In other words, I was trying to say "Don't fail me" (Which, in grad school, is a C.). Her response? "I really enjoyed having you in my class as well." Yeah, I bet she did. I'm sure I rounded out her bell curve juuuuusssstttt right.

I plan on putting up some pictures of my semi-decorated house just for funsies. It's a very non-traditional Christmas at the Super house this year. We have two 3-ft Christmas trees, side by side in front of the fireplace. My stockings have yet to be hung (they're still on the couch). My nativity scene lost a couple of members, one to apparent beheading (and I wrapped the glass pieces so well!!) and absentmindeness (I think one of them ran away, probably in hopes not to be beheaded), so now I have only one wise man. It's about time for a second one to be purchased in an after-Christmas sale, I suppose.

We're doing the 12 Days of Christmas gifts at my workplace. We each drew a name, and we have to get said person a $1 gift for 12 days. I'd rather have one $12 gift, but, hey, if people want to get creative, who am I to judge? I have all of my gifts for my secret person (minus one) purchased and wrapped...including a $1 bill, a coke, and a whoopie cushion...

Speaking of which, it's about time to put that wrapped can of coke under the Christmas tree...

Raves and rants

Did I mention that I ran seven miles Saturday in less than 80 minutes?

I was a little excited. Okay, that's a lie. I was so excited that I bragged to everyone...including everyone in Internet world, now. LOL. And I didn't even mind the blister that popped up on my foot as a result of the running.

Three miles last night nearly killed me, though.

Anyway...

WHO DAT!!??!!!


(No, not a pic from last night's game, though I -- along with everyone else and their mama -- will be attending the Dec. 27 game. CAN'T WAIT!!! What's better than a Saints game? A Saints game with all your friends!)

11-0, BABY!! Even though Superman refuses to cut his hair until the Saints lose (he now can pull it in a small ponytail, much to my chargin), it's (almost) WORTH IT!

Superman and some of our friends have a Facebook status post thing they do each game -- they update on the game with some humorous ancedotes to the side (though obviously some people are too dumb to get the humor -- another story, another time, lol!!). Before I get in to the best ones from last night, here's an ID list for non-sports fans. =)

(Bill) Belichick: Patriots head coach
Sedrick Ellis: Saints defensive tackle
Kevin Faulk: Patriots running back
Darren Sharper: Saints safety
Drew Brees: Saints quarterback
(Tom) Brady: Patriots quarterback
Pierre (Thomas): Saints running back

Anyway, here are some of my favorite posts by the Saints posters last night:

FIVE TD passes!! Where does that rank on your resume, Belichick?

I have some choice words for Sedrick Ellis that aren't Facebook/Twitter appropriate..

Dear Kevin Faulk, I don't care for you. Sincerely, Darren Sharper

Chuck Norris wants a Drew Brees jersey for Christmas.

Brady to Belichick: "So, uh, you wanna go fishing tomorrow?"

Gotta love seeing Pretty Boy Brady on the turf. Way to go defense!!!

Oui, oui, Pierre! Who Dat?

INT. God bless you, Sharper!

11-0. That. Is. All.