And I'm proud to be an American...

This week has obviously brought a historic moment in our Nation's history. I am glad to say that regardless of the outcome, I had the freedom to vote! And for that I am forever grateful. (If you are 18 or older, eligible, and did not vote, that is a SHAME!)

My boss gave me until 9:30 a.m. (usually start at 8:30 a.m.) and Jim got an extra half hour if we needed it. It was our first year voting in Indianhead Park and we heard about long lines. We also wanted to snag breakfast together, so we got up EARLY (5:10 a.m.) and got ready. I asked Jim if he thought anyone would really get up this early and he said that he could hear our condo neighbor up and about...

By 5:45 a.m., we were at our polling place (in Village Hall and Police Department). I was convinced I'd have to use prego status, just to get ahead, but to my surprise, this polling place comprised 2 precincts and we were number 5 and 6 in line! We happened to line up right behind our condo neighbor and got a chance to learn more about each other and have a good laugh about the day. (Her name is Jennifer by the way!) Once inside, I was determined to take whatever was open (paper or electronic) and after much trouble behind the table, they finally found my name, gave me my ballot and I was off with my Judges' Cheat Sheet. Jim comes over shortly after and says, "They didn't sign your ballot." After filling out the ENTIRE thing, the 102-year-old woman glanced over my ENTIRE ballot to find the spot to initial, did so and I was on my way to the Counter. (So much for a secret ballot!) My ballots both went in without a hitch as did Jim's a few people later. I'm glad I still chose to stick with paper and baby was bouncing all around while we voted!

By 6:25 a.m., we were out the door, on our way to breakfast, and were leaving a line of about 50-60 people now! Thank goodness we got up early! We ate at the Honey Bee and then parted ways by 7:30 a.m. and both made it early for our typical 8:30 a.m. start times (without using ANY time given by our bosses). I was proud of myself and our country that day - to see people doing their civic duty. I thank God each day to live in a country like this with the freedoms I experience.

I can hardly wait to share this experience with my little one in the years to come! (And apparently I was SO concerned with the results that I fell asleep at 9:00 p.m. - that's what you get for getting a pregnant woman up early!)

What can I say?

It's been a while and I haven't felt that much in my life is very passionate to write about...until now.

To say the Cubs have looked sad and pathetic the last two days....would be an understatement. The first game, Lou made a HUGE blunder when he didn't even START warming up the bullpen until the grand slam almost came - bad considering Dumpster was not having the night of his life. The second game was filled with errors from all angles and downright pathetic playing - does ANYONE remember how to hit?

How can a fan continue to root, root, root for a team that doesn't look like a playoffs team and quite frankly, looks disinterested to even be there? I don't think this has much to do with a "curse" this year, but rather with the overconfidence that surely this being the 100th anniversary this WAS the year of the Cub. Unfortunately, these wallopings give no indication that the Cubs can ACTUALLY go to the World Series, but I guess they get at least one more chance on Saturday.

It also should come as no surprise that my friend, Bethany, and her sister, have both been pregnant during previous Cubs postseasons, only to find that the Cubs lose. I may not be related, but it sure seems like the trend is continuing. Bethany is convinced that if the Cubs do lose, the least I can do is name one child after the team...Addison or Wrigley - here we come! Unfortunately, I wonder if the team even deserves such a namesake...

From the Inside Out.

"Lord I give you control, consume me from the inside out,Lord. Let justice and praise become my embrace to love you from the inside out."

Lord,

Help me to give you complete control over the situations in my life that I can't handle on my own. Help me to feel strong in you and in your love. You know what's best for me, even if I don't always know for myself. In your grace and mercy,

Amen.

Short and Sweet.

Jim and I went on a short vacation these past few days to Milwaukee. Here is a just a short list of the things we did, but not a long post on memories:

2 stays at LaQuinta - pricelined - great bargain
1 stay at Extended Stay - pricelined - good price, bad place - so I guess bad price for the place
Cracker Barrel stop
JELLY BELLY FACTORY and watching Jim try gross ones
Prime Outlets "tour" and purchases
Dinner at a "famed" german restaurant, Mader's in downtown Milwaukee
Using a GPS (Mandy), finding she has us lost, we decide it was to keep us AWAY from Maders, but we did not listen (we should have)
A swimming pool in our first hotel.
A first hotel with double beds!
Apple Holler: amazing restaurant, apple picking, and feeding cute baby goats
Chillaxing at the hotel
Our second try at dinner: Tumbleweed, just so-so
Watching Iron Chef
Going to bed both nights by 9:30 p.m....but sleeping until 8:30 a.m. and getting continental breakfast!
A Milwaukee Brewers game with HOT BOILING tailgating (I almost fainted) - they're serious about tailgating in Milwaukee
Another mall stop for Milwaukee gear
Denny's Brunch sort of
Spending time at a "Safehouse" and lunching there (BEST place in Jim's opinion)
Walking around Gurnee Mills
Laundry, suitcase cleanout
Trying to figure out what to do for dinner at home because we are still on "vacation"
Papa Johns - new location near our house - even getting lost then with a GPS because the clerk DOESNT KNOW HIS OWN ADDRESS!

All in all, a great weekend and something we are sure to try and repeat in the future!

Happy Anniversary!!

We celebrate four married years together today and I can't believe how time has flown. I love this man and can hardly believe the journey that we have traveled together. There isn't anyone I'd rather be side-by-side with than my amazing husband...through the ups and downs, he's held my hand, comforted me, lifted me up, and loved me. For that, I am forever grateful!

Our plans include(d) card exchanging, dinner at a casual place and just being together. In a few weeks, we'll do the whole fancy schmancy dinner thing, but for now, we're saving our dollars for the new addition: a baby!

I love you, hunny! Happy 4th Anniversary!

How...

Disclaimer: The story below is horrifying and not for the weak-stomached. I heard this on the news this morning and could not even believe that someone could do this.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7535840.stm

How could this happen? Why would someone do this? Without purpose, without motivation.

My heart is saddened at the thought of people in our world like this. These stories are what make me believe in the death penalty. With a number of witnesses, there is no doubt as to guilt.

In death

Have you ever noticed that in someone's death we realize our own mortality? How we are all just a moment away from it?

In the moments and days after a person's death, we speculate about what ifs, whys, why nots, and all the things that made this person who they were. We find ourselves drawn to the fact that we didn't get a proper goodbye, that unfinished business remains, about the last words we spoke to someone and we cling to this because we believe it's all we haev left. We have guilt, shame, anger, denial, and sadness all rolled into one. It's weird how in one person's death we find ourselves being self-reflective.

I received some disturbing news this past Monday. A thirty-year-old cousin of mine had committed suicide, leaving behind a wife and children. Although distance separated him from our family for a time, we all feel this loss deeply and mourn his loss and his family. I realized that we spend a lifetime analyzing a person's life, scrutinizing their every move, and upon their death, turn to all the shouldas, wouldas, couldas of our own life. Why don't we do this self-reflection all the time? Living each moment as if it were our last, cherishing those around us in the moments we have WITH them rather than in the days we have without.

To my dear cousin, Joey Pizur. Gone, but not forgotten.

Random Thoughts...

I thought I would post some random thoughts since I don't really have anything collective to say...

Things or People I wish would go away:

MLB Baseball, particularly the self-aggrandizing All-Star game (okay, maybe ONLY the All-Star game should go away)

Brett Favre

Tammy Sousa, the weather lady on Fox News...cannot STAND her, truthfully

Clutter in my house

Recent Movies I have watched:

Legally Blonde (good, even Jim laughed)

Legally Blonde II (turned off near the end, NOT good)

Meet the Spartans (funny, but jokes are slightly overplayed and it was a LITTLE on the ridiculous side)

Alvin and the Chipmunks (What I saw of it, FUNNY)

The Bucket List (okay...my parents happened to also be watching it at their house on the same night Jim and I were)

Definitely, Maybe (In short, I...Love...Ryan Reynolds)

Things I have done in the last 24 hours:

Worked for 7.5 hours

Cleaned the kitchen (but not the floor or stove yet)

Laundried the bathroom towels

Watched Legally Blonde II

Made Dinner (Frozen Pizza and Salad)

Slept for 11.5 HOURS!! (FOR REAL)

Best Dawgs in Town.

During our Sunday School class yesterday, we got into a bit of a debate. Actually, prior to Aldo walking in, we were all in general agreement: Portillo's food rocks! Virtually anything you get from Portillo's is an experience that makes the slightly higher prices worth it. The only thing I begged Portillo's to remove was the Grilled Tuna steak sandwich, which I likened to McDonald's and their filet-o-fish sandwich during Lent.

Then, Aldo put a kink in our plan. After heralding Portillo's as the king of all things dawgs and food, Aldo mentions a place called Fat Johnnie's Daughter (south of I-80 and FAR from Chi-cawgo). He swears by the dawgs - that they are the best and that Portillo's is "okay," a little higher priced and the food is decent. I guffawed and vowed to have a "dawg-off." However, this becomes a little difficult because Portillo's uses the infamous poppyseed buns (which assist in making "the dawg) and so it would be clear to any user which was which.

Two weeks from yesterday, we're heading to BOTH places and surveying them within a few hours. We will have our own virtual taste test and see just how they match up...something tells me Fat Johnnie's Daughter may not be up to snuff. If you're interested in attending our feast, let me know and I'll be happy to include you!! Your thoughts on this debate?

Oh and the afternoon was topped off when Pastor Flattery came in - surely he would agree that Portillo's was the better choice! I asked him what he really enjoyed at Portillo's - his choice? The tuna steak sandwich...we all make mistakes sometimes!!! just kidding.

Date Night.

Jim and I go out together frequently. That's what happens when you're married. However, it's not very often that we go out for a "date night." I decided to take my husband out for a movie last night and he picked up the tab for dinner.

Our adventure started at Subway. With a footlong, a six-inch, and two bottles of water (one to sneak into the theater), we were all set! We then went to the movie theater. I was set on seeing Wall-E, but we also wanted to see Get Smart. I made a split-second decision and opted for Get Smart...a few minutes later, we regretted this decision (a few steps from the ticket booth) and so Jim went to exchange our tickets for Wall-E. It was 6:08 p.m., but the cashier gave us the tickets for the 6:00 p.m. showing...I had wanted to see the previews and not miss a thing!!

Jim went back to the cashier and exchanged our tickets AGAIN for the 6:45 p.m. showing. With time in hand, we ran to Target and picked up a box of nerds and our favorite, a bag of peanut butter M&Ms and snuck them into my purse. We made it back in time for a quick bag of popcorn and headed to our usual seats (right behind the handicapped railing). We saw only ONE movie in the previews that peaked our interest, "Bolt," an animated flick with John Travolta and Miley Cyrus as the voices.

In short, our evening was fun-filled and exactly like us! We both agreed Wall-E was a great choice, but understandably, portions of it would go over a child's head. (As we could tell, when one child repeatedly asked, "What happened? What happened? What happened?") An adventurous evening capped off with an 8:55 p.m. bedtime for me - what could be better?

Oh...

and Happy 30th Birthday, PErik!!

H2No.

Think about what you do every day with water. Drink it. Flush it. Bathe in it. Brush with it. Wash with it. It’s probably the most essential item for human existence (next to air). Now imagine if you didn’t have ready access to that water. What would you do?

Imagine our surprise when after a long, sweaty day we got home to a note on the front door of our condo building. “Water has been turned off due to a leak in Unit 7. Should be turned on sometime Thursday.”

It’s Wednesday evening.

We go upstairs to find drips coming out of our faucets. Jim quickly fills two plastic cups with the remaining water left in our pipes. Jim uses the toilet, flushes, and it goes down. I use the other toilet and nothing happens. Our water is officially gone. With ½ cup of water, we each brushed our teeth (badly) and quickly fell to sleep. I work up early to find that, of course, the water was not turned back on. Jim woke up early to head off to work since his office has a gym with a shower and he planned on showering and shaving. He used the remaining ½ cup of water to brush his teeth. How nice!

We were down to one cup of water. I said goodbye and burned some time before work. I used ½ my cup of water to wash my face and suffered soap in the eyes and a thin filmy residue on my face. I had to resort to using filtered water from our refrigerator to again brush my teeth terribly.

The final step in this madness was my hair. My hair does NOTHING if it is not washed and I’m one of those unfortunate people who have to wash their hair every single day. My only choice was to stick all of it up. Somehow. My hair is still pretty short so this requires two things: bobby pins and hairspray. After carefully getting each hair in place (trust me, it still looked awful), I reached for my hairspray…only to find that it had gone missing. I searched everywhere. The hairspray was not to be found. I smirked to myself and called my lovely husband. Lo and behold, he had taken the hairspray because his “hair has gotten too long, [he] needs a haircut, and [his] hair will not stick up without it.” Needless to say, I was furious and hung up the phone.

I traipsed off to work looking terrible, called said husband again, and said the following, “I’m going to say something out of love and then that will be it. I am very angry right now. Not only did you get to go to work, take a shower, shave, and use water, you also took my hairspray because your ‘hair won’t stand up’ without it. As a result, I look terrible on all fronts because of you! Next time, buy your own hairspray and STOP USING MINE!” I then hung up the phone and went my merry way.

Life lesson: Water is important and hairspray is a close second.

Go Cubs Go!!

Ah, the smell of BBQs and sweet victory!!! Last night was a rousing good time as the Cubs took the White Sox once again for a three-game sweep. Although the game was a bit boring, I was still happy they one and gladly swept a pair of Jim's white sox across our living room floor!

Aldo won our Cubs trivia handily and the Cubs' peanuts were never busted open (perhaps to save for next weekend). We had burgers and dogs, chips, dip, fruit and delectable brownies (if I do say so myself). Delish!!

What a wonderful evening!!! (Apart from the million hours of cleaning we had to endure before that...yikes!)

What's Trendy?

In an effort to keep my public aware of my life, I thought I’d take a minute to talk about some recent trends that people have tried to introduce me to and whether or not those introductions have been successful.

Lost

Aldo told me from the beginning – you’ll love the show. For days into the first season, I had my doubts and thought the show definitely had its negative points (i.e. Hurley, Juliet, bad dialogue, some bad acting, Hurley, surreality and did I mention Hurley and Juliet?) However, I stayed the course and soon realized that the show was also intriguing and since then, I’ve been pretty much hooked. I don’t think I’ll go crazy not getting answers until January, but it’s definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.

As a quick comment, the finale was good, but not quite as “shocking” as I expected it to be. I saw Penny’s Boat coming from a mile away (I predicted it weeks ago to Aldo and Jim at Bakers Square) and the John Locke thing just wasn’t surprising (the group I was with guessed it right away). I’m definitely excited to see what happens in the next two and final seasons.

Webkinz

A few weeks ago, Bethany blessed me with my very own pet/baby: a Webkinz. He’s a cross between a platypus, a duck, and a kiwi bird. However, the website refers to him as a “googles” – whatever the heck that is. I named him Peanut and am already (hehe) having loads of fun dressing him, buying him food and getting him jobs. I have to admit – the game is pretty addicting. Bethany and I thought it would be a great idea for my Webkinz and Parker’s to “meet” in one of the rooms online. We finally found each other in exercise room 2,586, but their little Webkinz just wouldn’t stop to talk!!! Several times, Parker even left the room. I guess it was okay since rather than communicating with standard phrases, Bethany and I then proceeded to actually talk on the phone for 20 minutes!! If you don’t have one already, I strongly recommend jumping on that bandwagon. Does this make me a loser? Yes. Do I care? No.

Twitter

In short, the bane of my existence. We already have Gmail, Google Chat, Blogspots, Facebook, Myspace, AIM, AOL Mail, MSN, Outlook, Yahoo talk, cell phones, and texting. What else could we possibly need? Oh wait, I forgot. We need a way to CONSTANTLY inform the world around us of what we are doing. Why not have a play-by-play of our life? I know why we shouldn’t – because it’s just another thing to check and to plug in a username and password. In an effort to de-username myself, I plan to streamline things. I’m sticking with my blogspot and networking sites (for students from the Crew). I will never Twitter. Not because I don’t want to be trendy, but because I just won’t become a slave to yet another website on this sick little machine. What’s next? The mark of the beast.

Enough rambling. What “trends” can you just not get enough of? And which do you wish you could just turn off?

Three Day what?

As most of you probably enjoyed, we had a three day weekend because of Memorial Day. It started out gloriously on Friday afternoon – my boss graciously let me off at 3:00 p.m. Generally, the evening was uneventful. Jim and I bought some presents and grabbed some dinner at Chili’s (I love, he hates).

On Saturday, the day began as a whirlwind. We helped Chris and Alicia with their garage sale (and broke even with what we sold and bought!) We enjoyed a Panera Bread lunch and then picked up Xander and Mari for Jonathan’s (my nephew’s) fourth birthday party at his house! The theme was a superhero mix!! We had a lot of fun, talking, relaxing, and I’m sure Jim enjoyed the 87 hours he was outside with ALL the children (almost 10 of them!) We were exhausted. That same night, David (my other nephew spent the night) and he and Jim were up until midnight playing the Wii!! (David beat Jim a few times).

On Sunday, we woke up early, stopped at McDonald’s for breakfast and headed off to church. Then, Jim, David, and I sat in Walgreens pharmacy for an hour, David and I went shopping for stuff for a fruit salad, and we picked up ten balloons for Aunt Lois’ birthday party. At 2, we headed to Rhonda and Bill’s for my aunt’s 60th birthday party and had a TON of fun playing bags, ladderball (new favorite), baseball, running around, and ending the LONG day at a campfire with s’mores made especially for us by David. As if we hadn’t “punished” ourselves enough, Kaeli (my niece) spent the night and Jim stayed up with HER until 1:00 a.m. playing the Wii (unfortunately, he crushed her in almost all the games, but she did get a bulls eye in darts!)

Kaeli and I slept until 8:00 a.m., then graciously let Jim have the bed for another hour. We played some Wii and she helped me to figure out my Webkinz that I got from Bethany. (It’s an animal called a Googles. I named him Peanut). She was easily exasperated by my inabilities to listen to her directions. We then grabbed breakfast (scratch that, LUNCH) because we got to McDonald’s late and we dropped her off at home. Giving hugs and kisses as we left. THEN, we stopped at the grocery store for some Memorial Day fare (saving a whopping $50.00!!) and then proceeded to my parents’ house for some fun in the sun. After a thousand different Badminton tournaments, Dad champs in singles division, and Jim and I in couples division, we relaxed on the couch with a few rousing games of Yahtzee and episodes of Jon&Kate plus 8. We had burgers, salads, and turtle pie! Yummy!!!

We collapsed in our bed at 10:00 p.m. last night!! Boy – were we exhausted!!! I echo Erik’s sentiment – so much for a three-day weekend!!

Thank God, America.

In one moment, you've convince me to watch Idol again.

If you live under a rock somewhere and didn't know, David Cook WON American Idol (Personally, I was stunned!) After Tuesday's shenanigans, I went online and saw that a LOT of people felt the same way that I did. Bethany and Aldo said David Cook and Jim said that a company predicted David Cook by a landslide!!! Shocker of Shockers - he won a COMMANDING victory winning by 12 MILLION votes - if that's not a mandate, I don't know what is.

Chris Daughtry is avenged, life is good and all is right with the world.

Sorry David A....NOT!

WooHoo!!!!

Thoughts on American Idol.

People have thought for years that American Idol is "rigged." From the year of Ruben Studdard winning to Chris Daughtry getting kicked off instead of Katharine McPhee, the show has been shrouded in controversy. Unfortunately, this year for me has perhaps been the straw that has broken the camel's back.

If you don't know already, I love David Cook and have always imagined him coming along to avenge Chris Daughtry. After last night's ridiculous display by the show, however, this will not come to pass.

Let me just say, I cannot STAND David Archuleta. He was on Star Search and his voice is Celine Dion-esque. Yes, he has a good voice, but NO, he is in now way an American Idol. He lacks personality, versatility, and strong stage presence.

The judges were relentless on David Cook and took every opportunity to use the ridiculous boxing analogy. "David Archuleta, this night was a knockout for you." Could they be anymore obvious about who they want to win? Also, a newspaper made a point that Idol has been behind Archuleta from the get go - in fact, Archuleta screwed up the words on THREE separate occasions, but conveniently, the judges didn't harp on that. Yes, America is the one that votes, but what they judges say (mainly Simon) makes a difference.

Forgive David Cook for doing something (gasp!) different and not choosing some ridiculously sappy song for his finale that talks about living to his wildest dreams and having "his moment." He tried something different with Collective Soul and shows what has made him great all season - a willingness to try something new and make it his own.

Instead of David Archuleta's sappy eyes and ridiculous voice, I'd rather see David Cook crowned, but of course, the producers at American Idol have already obviously spoken. What's the point in watching a show when the behind the scenes people have already made your decision for you? What do you think?

Find David A. take the title, but I'll just be glad when this is another year of Chris Daughtry and you drift off into obscurity while David Cook continues to make a great CD and awesome music. After all, it doesn't seem lately like it's that great to be an American Idol anyway.

American Gladiators.

Can I just say how much I absolutely ADORE this show? Not only does it have amazing gladiators, it also actually made me cry out of inspiration from it last week. Yes, I know, I’m pathetic.

On a different note, we are doing laundry tonight….laundry that we’ve put off for sometime now. God help us.

I enjoy these days, just the two of us, folding and washing clothes, watching gladiators rip people to shreds and usually a homemade meal from the grill!!! I just love chillaxin’ and spending time with my hubby.

What “ordinary” things do you like to do that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?

Expect the Unexpected.

Sometimes, life changes without even knowing it and you look around and wonder how you got to where you are!! With all life's unexpectedness (I know it's probably not a word), I love it.



Question of the Day:

With a win in West Virginia, should Hillary jump out of the race?

Bicycle Built for One.

I came to a realization this morning as I watched the news. With gas prices soaring and more people turning to alternative means to get to work, I figured I could do my part to save money, get fit and help the environment in the process.

If you don’t already know, I work just about a mile from home (lucky me!!). I talked to Jim this morning and I think I’m going to start garage-saleing looking for a bicycle. If you know anything about bicycles, let me know where the good ones are, what to look for, and on the off-chance, you or someone you know is selling one!!

Road Trip.

I need some advice. A few close friends of mine have decided to road trip it with me this summer. We don't have a TON of time because we all work or will be working. We're looking for easy, cheap weekend road trips. Any suggestions?

Grilleration, Take 2.

As you know from previous posts, we LOVE grilling!! I thought I'd add a few more things that we have grilled or are planning to grill

Taco Burgers
Bruschetta Burgers
Italian Sausage
Brats
Cheddarwursts (the best!)
Grilled Potatoes and Onions

The old standbys of course are corn on the cob, garlic bread, and buns for the burgers! Any other different unique suggestions??!?

_______________________________________________

Who are you predicting to win American Idol and who would you LIKE to win American Idol?

Unspoken.

Remember when you were a kid and everyone had a prayer request? And all of them were unspoken? If you have any prayers requests today, feel free to add them to the list.

Friend, Jen: Diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, but now in remission. Diagnosed with liver cancer last year and although the tumors are shrinking, her body is unable to clot blood and she needs an entire blood and platelet transfusion later this week. She still receives weekly chemo treatments. She has a nine-year-old daughter.

The Flowers of May

This blog entry is random and a stream of conciousness.

I had an old friend over from high school last night – I LOVE having him around – he makes me laugh and we can always reminisce about life – PLUS, he’s intelligent, so our conversations CAN be educated. Here was our menu:

Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon (Don’t tell my parents!)
Garlic-buttered Shrimp
Corn on the Cob
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Grilled Garlic Bread
Strawberries
Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yummy!


“It’s just noise coming out of an ugly scientist.”Last night’s Office – you HAVE to love that show.
___________________________________________________

Finding friends over the internet through other friends – yes, Megan, I’m talking about you! (wink, wink!)

Trying to sing for worship...on the stage…and finding myself actually LIKING it.

Waking up and actually feeling better about my day…and my life.

Struggles.

Have you ever been at a point of desperation in your life? At a point, when you just want something to give way, but it seems like everything is battling against you? You're suffocating under the weight of life's burdens.

I've been there recently - something has to give, break through and I'm not sure how much longer I can keep trudging along in this direction. Is freedom just through the trees, just steps away? Or have I been heading in the wrong direction all along?

As a human being on the swirling planet, I find myself craving just ONE other person who's exactly where I'm at - who knows exactly what I'm going through, what I'm dealing with. Who knows what it's like to feel this way. I think that's why we struggle so much - because no one is just like us, no one knows just what we are dealing with - they just don't get it.

Not for lack of sympathy, but they lack empathy - the ability to know how we feel and justify how we're feeling about life. Why is it so hard to hear advice and suggestions from someone who hasn't been there?

Why do we weigh and measure our burdens against each other? Let's see who is suffering more today. There will always be someone worse off than you, but we only seem to see those ahead of us. Why is that?

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to face my weaknesses. Help me to realize that there is no other person on this earth who knows where I've been or where I'm going, but you do. Help me to fully and wholly place my trust in you when I feel at my lowest point, but also when I'm soaring with the eagles. I need Your help.

What do you get...

when you have an afternoon with one mom, one youth leader, one senior high girl, two minivans, and TEN junior high girls?!

A crazy time that you're often scared to repeat.

After making mounds of pasta and red sauce, 2 loaves of garlic bread, a few trays of ice, and one burned hand later, the girls settled down for "skit" time. While we finally landed on "Betty Punctuation," we had fun doing imitations of couples within the church (Mollie & Heather did a spot-on impersonation of P.Erik&Bethany). We were tempted to play a 100-year old version of Mall Madness and we had the Cubs and Sox games on dueling televisions.

We thought about playing Mafia, Hide n Go Seek, Truth or Dare, and the like. They also spent time "discussing" the numerous options for menfolk in the youth group (we don't tell!) Mollie and Bethany led us in some cheers and the girls helped make an appetizer for that night.

Nobody cried, at least I don't think so - nobody got too angry with one another and all in all it was an interesting time had by all...

I'm just hoping I didn't scare Christina C. away...actually, I'm hoping THEY didn't scare her away...

JUST KIDDING, girls!

Messy.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.”
- Nelson Mandela

We all struggle with this – the ability to reach our full and real potential. I have been reading an amazing book that I got at the Youth Leaders Conference – “Messy Spirituality” by michael yaconelli. The entire concept, in a nutshell, is how we as Christians lead messy live, but that doesn’t make us less in God’s eyes. Obviously, I have shrunk this book down to one sentence and I would encourage you to read it for yourself.

As human beings, we’re like that – we cling to darkness because everyone else is in the darkness with us and no one can see our flaws. When we move to lightness, we are exposed for who we are and others around us can see that – that is what scares us.

I don’t typically talk about my “feelings” or express myself. Instead, I let the emotions simmer inside of me until the proverbial pot just boils over. I struggle daily to share myself, not only with those around me, but with myself and with God.

On this day, I encourage you to reach for the sun, the moon and the stars that they might bring you into the light. Let’s stop asking God, “Why me? Why now?” rather “Why not me? When?”

I will not be twittered...

so instead, I thought I'd generically "twitter" my life for one day. Here goes nothing...

6:19 a.m. crack open my eyes to see the blazing sun and then realize I must awaken.

6:31 a.m. walk to the computer that takes 30 min to load so i can do this.

[note: since I cannot do this via txt, the updates will not be nearly as often, my apologies]

7:19 a.m. say goodbye to jim and ask him the exact time so that I can "twitter" about it.

[note: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Katie! I forgot to "twitter" the exact time I myspaced you, so now I can't remember!]

7:33 a.m. wrote Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday on Katie's facebook wall. who reads that anyway?

8:07 a.m. stroll into work and do the morning ritual: door, alarm, phones, blinds, tape.

11:34 a.m. drafted requests to produce on one of our biggest cases.

12:22 p.m. headed out the door to grab some lunch and get some air.

1:36 p.m. conducted a people search on one of my long lost uncles.

5:34 p.m. eating dinner with the hubby - $5 foot long subs! w00t, w00t!

8:04 p.m. Watching the office and the group talking about social networking on the dunder mifflin site. Wonder if they twitter…probably not.

8:59 p.m. interview with cousin for a school project she's doing about my job.

9:37 p.m. just watched ben allow his "daughter" get blown away on Lost. i'm mad!!

10:07 p.m. laying my head down for sleep. Lost, in short, amazing.

Grilleration.

Last week, Jim busted out our grill. Although it is on its last legs, the grill serves an awesome purpose.

Here's what we've grilled so far:

Corn on the Cob
Chicken Breasts
Mesquite chicken with cheddar cheese and smoked turkey bacon (on the grill)
Homemade Sirloin Turkey Burgers
Homemade Hamburgers
Bacon

Any suggestions for widening our grilling capabilities?

Friends are Friends Forever...

I had the opportunity to talk to two of my favorite friends last night. I went to dinner with one of them and then called another after I was done. They both minister to me in different ways and I appreciate their honesty and humor.

In this big old ball of life, it's nice to know that there are people who are on the sidelines cheering you on and who at times help to carry you over the finish line.

I've been in a funk lately. I've taken a trip to Negative Town and can't seem to get off the train. Jim gave me some great advice, "Samantha, what if you're walking through a thick forest and freedom is just through the trees, just a few steps away? If you stop now, you'll never get out; but perhaps if you just keep walking you're actually almost there."

Something's gotta give. I know too many people in my life that are just waiting for the big release, the big break. My prayer today is that our big break is coming and that we have the courage to just keep walking.

Today, I choose to step off that train. in faith. and with Him.

100th Anniversary.

Since this marks my 101st post, that means I have written 100 blog entries!! Because of that, I thought I'd list 100 things about me!

Christian;
Soon-to-be attorney;
Bar passer (as in Bar Exam);
Wife to Jim;
Daughter to Julie and Randy;
Sister to David and Dan;
Sister-in-law to Marisa, Jessica, Laura, Sarah, and Sara;
Aunt to Kaeli, Holly, David, Elizabeth, Jonathan and Malachi;
Cousin to many;
Youth Leader;
Funny (in my opinion);
Chris Farley fan (God rest his soul);
LOVER of the Office;
Recent recruit to LOST;
Messy;
Driver of the yellow/green/who knows what color? car;
Twenty-Five;
Exercise Hater;
Part-time Decorator;
Usually happy;
Hair chameleon;
Biggest Loser watcher;
Chris Daughtry supporter;
Sometimes cook;
Classmate of Dwayne Wade (plays for the Miami Heat).

Master reciper;
Cubs afficionado;
Member of Myspace;
Facebooker;
Adventurous;
Big Foot;
Blahger;
Mathletic;
Argumentative (in a good way);
Generous;
Daughter-in-law to Kathleen and Jim;
Former waitress;
Used to be chef;
Weight watcher;
Cell phone junkie;
Expert texter;
Enthusiastic scrapper;
Dancing machine;
Magazine hoarder;
Martha Stewart's clone;
Bargain hunter;
Clearance Queen;
Garagesaleaholic;
Party hostess;
Tired.

Finley Junior High graduate;
H.L. Richards graduate;
Olivet graduate;
Loyola U Law School graduate;
Teacher's pet;
Troublemaker;
Class clown;
Nerd;
Short and sweet;
Reality TV watcher;
Smarter than a 5th grader (mostly);
Sentimental;
Consequential;
Environmental (or at least I try to be);
Spiritual;
Coupon Cutter;
Long-distance friend;
Easily discouraged;
Self-deprecating;
Pity Partier;
Low-self esteemer;
Wallower;
Feel sorry for myself too often;
Honest;
Open.

I am...
Ready for a Change.
Ready for the Future.
Looking for the Answer.
Looking for His Way.
Scared of moving forward.
Scared of finding failure.
Nervous for His Plan.
Anxious for its Arrival.
Tired of being sad.
Exhausted.
Happy with my blessings.
Trying to be satisfied.
Waiting for a breakthrough.
Hoping for a change.
Striving to build bridges.
Reconciling relationships.
Moving towards His Love.
Basking in His Grace.
Angry.
Hoping,
Waiting,
Praying,
Wanting,
Being.

The Office.

I. love. the. office.

Jim Halpert - you amaze me. How sweet when he pulled out the ring and said he had bought it after only one week of dating her!! It melts my heart! I love a little bit of romance in the comedy...

Ahh...the laughs never stop coming...

Time for a change...

Throughout my entire life, I’ve always gone back and forth with my hair. I’ve had it almost every color of the rainbow – dyed, highlighted, lowlighted. I have had it long, chopped it off, got the expensive cut, got a trim, had bangs, no banged it, worn it up, worn it down and these changes seem to come at times in my life when I am just itching for something different.

When my hair begins to get longer and I can finally do something with it, I usually do nothing with it except throw it up into a ponytail or jumbled bun mess. My thoughts are: if I’m not going to bother to do anything with it, why do I have it long? And then I go through this personal debate about what to do with my hair.

I want some advice. I’m nearing that point where my hair’s growing out...any suggestions? Should I take the plunge and chop it? What do you suggest?

Happy Birthday, Kristine!

April 11, 19--. Kristine Nicole S. was born (I did not use your last name because this is the internet and people can find you – at least according to Aldo!).

You are a loved friend and confidante. You have amazing ideas and I have loved seeing you enjoy life at my alma mater. You are a talented actress and writer (even if you use my name as a crazy person in a piece).

On this day, we celebrate you and your awesomeness. Your ability to make people laugh and to laugh with people through an episode of the Office. The ability to become addicted with us (we know you are) to the show that we were so stubborn about.

Your awesomeness spills out of you like “angel-hair pasta” and I can only hope that one day you meet someone with hair like Hurley. We love you, KrisTYNE! Happy Birthday!!!

Spring is in the Air...

If you know anything about me, you know I am a messy, cluttered person. My condo is typically in shambles unless I am suddenly spurred on to clean it (usually when company is on its way over). I want to know how to get everything organized and help to KEEP it that way. With only two of us living there, it shouldn’t be a problem, but for some reason, it usually is! Any helpful tips for keeping your home straightened and organized?


On another note, Jim and I have also considered the possibility of renovating some aspects of our condo. Does anyone out there have any handy tips OR do you have any skills you could lend us when it comes time to do a project?


Jim and I are garagesaleaholics. Please let me know if you are interested in going with us – we go often.

Blogspot: Current Events Edition

I have always been interested in discussing the news. I thought I’d start by listing a few news pieces and then allowing comments on whatever issue strikes your fancy. If it seems popular, I’ll push it into its own blog for further discussion.

1. Pregnant Man. If you need more information, check the internet – although it basically speaks for itself.

2. Yesterday in the Sun-Times, I read that a man (about ten years ago) received a heart transplant from someone who had killed himself. About five years ago, that man married the heart donor’s widow! Most recently, this man (the donee) killed himself in his backyard. Eerie!

3. Anything and everything having to do with the polygamy compound.

4. Any and everything about the upcoming 2008 election: ranging from candidates to issues to favorites.

Let’s go to town people. I want to hear about your thoughts on these issues.

A rabbi, a nun, and a priest...

all walked into a bar, but Samantha didn't. She PASSED it!!! w00t, w00t!

If you didn't already know, I passed the Bar Exam for attorneys. I move on to a Character and Fitness Interview-type setting and then see where I go from there. I should be getting sworn-in sometime in May, so I'm very excited about that.

Last night to celebrate, my boss took the entire office (including Jim) out for dinner at a local restaurant. He spared no expense - ordering dinner, appetizers and gasp! even champagne! Jim and I played a Wii free throw challenge in honor of the NCAA tourney - I won a sweatband and Jim won a sweat towel - unfortunately, Jim beat me...badly...in the game. I felt so honored that my boss thought of me (even on the spur of the moment) and am truly happy that I am able to work in such a great office!!

More on the pregnant man later...

Pregnant Man?

For those of you who may not have heard, a pregnant “man” was recently on Oprah. I don’t have time to post terribly long on this issue, but trust me - a much longer post is coming. If you haven’t had the opportunity to dive into this story, take a moment to check it out online. I have a few main points and then I’d like to hear your opinion on the whole thing.

1. This person is not a man. Yes, they have physically manipulated their physical body and hormonal make-up to reflect that of a man, but on the inside, he is definitely a woman.

2. He was born biologically a woman and arguably, after his “changes,” he is now a hermaphrodite, not a full-fledged man.

3. If I look at my computer and call it a phone, it does not make my computer a phone – even if I modify it to look like one.

All for now. What do you think?

Life Goes By...

It has been a while since I have blogged. I have not purposely been away, but with my new job – I find myself very busy. Not to mention the fact that a certain Aldo has now forced Jim and I to watch Lost, we have little time in the day for else. In short, I thought I’d catch you up on my life in the past month. Ready, here it goes:

1. I started a new job at a law firm about 4 minutes from our condo. I love it, love the people and am celebrating my one month anniversary today.
2. My precious niece, Kaeli, turned 8 in March and I can hardly believe that time has gone so quickly with her. Piggy-backed on that, Jim and I have now been together for 8 years – time flies when you’re having fun (choke, cough, gasp).
3. Jim and I went to Pennsylvania this past weekend for Todd and Alisha’s wedding, which was a blast and a TON of driving (Thanks, Jim!) We stayed at a quaint B&B, met a couple from New Yawk, and had fun getting lost in downtown Lancaster.
4. My house is still a mess – I have done nothing to improve this.
5. Jim and I got “taken” for a ride by some friends of ours – we’re more than happy to share this privately.
6. We have imagined what it will be like in a few months to begin planning and changing things in our home – now all we need is this “money-thing” everyone keeps talking about.
7. We enjoyed 2 St. Patrick’s Day parties, 2 Easter celebrations, 1 babysitting session with my favorite Sam, a joint birthday party for Marisa and Bill, and a few mental breakdowns in between.

As we embark on April, I am excited for what the future holds, frustrated at the way life seems to keep moving and yet stands still at the same time, and hungry for something more. My hope is that for all these March/April showers, the end of April and May will bring new flowers.

I wish...

i wish sometimes that life weren't this way. that it wasn't a big jumbled mess. that life could just sort itself out. but alas, thats not the case.

why does it feel, like sometimes, everything gets heaped on you? like life's bad luck comes knocking at your door and manages to stay awhile? why doesn't it stop? why doesn't it just leave? that's what i want to know. i want to know why.

i wish that i could just wake up and snap out of it. i wish i just felt better. i wish...He would hear me.

New Job, Fresh Start.

It's March already! I can hardly believe it and I'm looking forward to what the spring may bring! (wink, wink). At any rate, in the past few weeks, God has truly blessed us and those around us. We prayed for numerous jobs and virtually all of our requests have been met.

Jim's Dad
Sara (jim's sister-in-law)
Sarah (jim's sister)
Sera (my sister/cousin)
Me!

I know, that's a lot of Sara(h)s, but they are all gainfully employed. Jim's dad started last Monday, Sarah started a week and a half ago, Sara is starting next Monday, and Sera and I start today! I'm nervous, but excited for this new adventure.

What has God blessed you with lately?

Just a thought...

what is your favorite physical activity?

and, what is your ONE craving that you can't seem to curb?

Winter Retreat 2008.

Since everyone else included their memories, I thought I would list mine. Here they are in no particular order:

1. Aldo coming on the coach instead of the van.

2. Numerous hand checks conducted on the coach.

3. Passing around the chocolate fish on the coach to see if it could feed us all...the biblical story which was later addressed by P. Paul.

4. Hearing about Kenny and his crazy exploding cat story...looking at Aldo when P.Paul asked us to imagine and hope for things we could never imagine (we both thought of the cat story).

5. Making up games on the coach - like the "tickle surprise" and "Whose hand?"

6. Screaming at Aldo and P.Erik for their ridiculous music choices and constantly referring to P.Paul's sermon about serving others.

7. Snow.

8. The brown pizza...that we believe the brown team should have to eat again after its loss.

9. Hearing Jim talk about how hard it was to sleep one night...when someone was sick in the bathroom.

10. Hearing Jim talk about "ranking" girls with the guys in his room.

11. Aldo suggesting "would you rather" to the boys.

12. Playing truth or dare with the girls and the Val/Heather incident.

13. Red - soaring to victory: the Blood Clots aka the Blood of Christ

14. Dodgeball, nuff said.

15. Joyce SCREAMING during the blindfold game.

16. Snow.

17. Joyce SCREAMING again during the blindfold game.

18. Having the students pray over us.

19. Four girls, in my room, who shall remain nameless, talking about ridiculous things at 3:30am, waking me up and keeping me up.

20. Anna hitting her head.

21. Val hitting her head.

22. Amy "falling" out of bed...and then ending up about 20 feet away.

23. Everyone using our bathroom since theirs was out of toilet paper.

24. Jacqi winning the lifesaver game.

25. Belly Bumping - the whole thing.

26. Four on the couch game: my first and LAST time.

27. Talking about who would be the first to go or be eaten if we should get snowed in.

28. Getting the guys to do dares at dinner:
-Aldo refusing
-Jim of the Jungle, then howling like wolf
-Doug giving some girl a random pick up line

29. Long talks about Betty Punctuation and everything that goes with that.

30. Joyce, Carissa, and Heidi interpreting the leaders.

31. Having the students pray over us.

32. Snow...and being reminded that we didn't have to shovel ANY of it.

33. Amber falling knee deep in the snow during picture time.

34. Val and Spelling: enough said.

35. The challenges that came from P.Paul during both of the services.

36. Honestly, lectio divina.

37. Aldo and his crinkly coat, even after P.Erik's reminder.

38. Forcing the girls to tell me if Jim is hot.

39. Comparing gentlefolk.

40. Fun and friendship with people I love!

Feel free to share yours!

A Valentine's Tradition.

The question for the blog today is does twice make something a tradition. After tonight, I think so.

For those of you who don't know, five years ago, Jim proposed to me on the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier (which he personally had turned on since they don't run it in the winter). Since that time, we always go back to Bubba Gump Shrimp for dinner. Unfortunately, because of timing, we didn't get there this year, but instead went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner last Friday.

Last year, Valentine's Day fell on a Wednesday and we decided to try something different: White Castle. We made reservations (you must!) for us and my parents. Luckily, we were able to carry on the tradition this year.

The tables are lined in red vinyl and the workers wear red and pink. They have no skills as a waitstaff, but it's absolutely adorable. The menus are printed, they take polaroid pics of you (we now have two). The tables have votive candles, fake flowers, and the place is decorated!

My mother's chicken sandwich wasn't completely cooked (honestly), we got two extra cheeseburgers (only to find out we had been charged), and the evening ended with four hershey's kisses submitted with our bill. My sweetie was nice enough to pick up the entire tab - and that's even including the 10 pc. mozzarella stix appetizer! My parents did the tip.

The first year we went, there was an older couple there dressed in a tuxedo and evening gown - I want to be that fun when I'm their age.

Before hand , we had time, so Jim and I ran over to Aldi, just to see what they had. We were able to snag a dozen beautiful roses (1/2 for me; 1/2 for mom) since it was closing time! We only paid $3.23 for the whole bunch!!

Honestly, apart from my engagement, this night goes down as one of the most memorable in a long time. Perhaps you'd like to try reservations at White Castle next year - it's a night you won't soon forget...

Recipes...

Just throwing it out there and wondering if anyone has some recipes that are quick, easy and healthy?!?

Thanks!

Edit:

Since Mike is a smart-aleck, I'm editing my post.

Just throwing it out there and wondering if you can SHARE some recipes that are quick, easy and healthy via the comments on my blogspot? If you know of them, please include them on this site.

Again, PLEASE include the recipe on the site.

Gracias.

Congrats...

the only person who was even CLOSE was Megan - and she just really HOPED the Giants would win!

So for that, kudos to you, Megan, on this snowy day in Chicago!

The Giants pulled it off, something I said they would do the moment they made it into the Super Bowl - Jim never believed me.

Now on to a new poll:

Give your thoughts on the following:

1. The Ads

2. The halftime show with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Go.

Why do I...

Bother?

Why do I bother to do the things I do, when it doesn't seem to matter?

Why, when I reach out in friendship and love, do people assume I'm pushing them away?

Why do people feel like they have been pushed away when I see it as they walked away?

Why?

Happy February!

Yay...I wish this snow would leave!

At any rate, thought I'd create a sounding board today for anyone who has any prayer requests.

Just feel free to post them and I'll remember to keep them in mind.

Here's a few of my own:

For stable employment
For health issues (some of you know what this is related to)
For continued family connections

Much love!

Daily Prayer.

Dear Lord,

This is my daily prayer. That those around me who are suffering for employment or offers after interviews, that you would give them rest. For those that struggle financially, that you would give them peace. You know the jobs and situations of those around me and I ask that you hear their requests and respond. Thank you for being the God of the universe, our strong tower, even when we are weak. I have learned of your faithfulness and can hope this extends to those around me.

Amen.

It's been awhile...

but alas, I am back.

Just wanted to let you know I'm still alive and kicking!

To kick off this new post, I was wondering what predictions people had for the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Patriots v. Giants

Don't Know Why.

I don't know why I feel the way I do. Sometimes, God hits us over the head with a hammer. Other times, He just whispers.

I felt God whisper to me the other day. Now I just pray for patience.

Closed Eyes.

Sometimes, I want to close my eyes and be somewhere else. Anywhere else.

Other times, I want to close my eyes and not see the nightmare that lays before me.

Sometimes, I want to open my eyes and finally see the sun shine again.

Other times, I just want to close my eyes and pretend I don't exist.

Crazy World.

A couple of news pieces that I'm particularly interested in:

1. Daughter writes essay for concert tickets to see Hannah Montana concert. Opening line, "My daddy died in Iraq this year." Girl wins tickets. Mother reveals that the line was a lie. No father in Iraq, No father died. She says she did what she had to do to make her daughter's dream come true. In a statement this morning, she said, "I never meant to deceive anyone." Are you kidding me? That's EXACTLY what you meant to do. Your life story wasn't "good" enough, so you made one up. Thoughts?

2. Britney Spears. Custody Battle. Refusing to give kids back to the "better" parent, Kevin Federline. Are you serious? She's gone off the deep end (like we didn't know that). With having first-hand knowledge of situations like this, I'm disturbed. These kids should be removed from her care and visitations should be canceled for now! Yikes, 2007-2008, the year Britney completely broke down. I can only hope that things don't end tragically for her...

Discuss.

Happy Birthday, Jessica!

I'd like to take this short post to give a "shout-out" to Jessica on her birthday!

I am happy to call Jessica, not only a close friend, but now family member. In July 2006, she married my husband's twin brother, Jason. I like to think that I introduced and set them up. They've come a long way since that first time after choir at Bakers Square! They actually started liking each other.

I can tell her anything and love our lunch "meetings" downtown. I hope this year of her life (2008) brings many blessings and much happiness.

May God richly bless you in this year!

Happy Birthday, Jessica!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holler 2008!

On New Year's Eve, I was exhausted! We had a few close friends over, played games, and made paninis with Jim's Christmas present. I couldn't seem to get enough sleep and it didn't help that I got to sleep finally, but it was well past midnight. I woke up at 7 am!!! Needless to say, by the end of today, I am tired!

Some New Year resolutions:

1. Lose weight
2. Save money
3. Lessen debt
4. Pay off car
5. Get a new car
6. Redecorate one more room in our condo

Care to share any of your resolutions?!