grace eventually.

My friend, Rob has started a Flickr album called 365: a year's worth of self-portraits... I decided everyone should follow it. If you love creative, fun photography, it will not disappoint. Not to mention that he's not bad to look at:) I met Rob back in seminary and we became fast friends. I think it was our love of G-Love and Vanilla Ice that bonded us together. Since seminary he's traveled all over the world...he's a bit of a nomad and quite adventurous. He's by far one of my most favorite people in this world.

Check out his photos here.

I'm not sure how many of you have heard of Matt Chandler or his recent news. He's the lead teaching pastor at the Village Church in Dallas, TX...a phenomal one at that. I got the priviledge of hearing him speak at 2 conferences this fall. He's bold, he's honest, he's funny, but most importantly he stands on the truth and faith that comes from his relationship with Christ. He found out on Thanksgiving Day that he had a brain tumor that needed to be removed immediately. This is the video he made for his church pre-surgery. I'm happy to say that the surgery went well. Although he's still recovering and they're still waiting on the pathology report, he's doing exceptionally well. I hope this video blesses and convicts you as it did me.

Video from Matt

In the past few weeks I've been a little more conscious of the types of things I purchase. Although I'm certainly not boycotting corporations (I work at Starbucks for goodness sake), I have been trying to look outside the box a bit. I decided I would share with you some of my recent purchases. First, my 2010 dayplanner courtesy of Etsy. If you've never shopped Etsy, I encourage you to take a look. For the most part it's reasonably priced and the things you find there are one-of-a-kind. My friend, Corrie, is the one that introduced me. She sells amazing jewelry among other things, all made from things she just finds or picks up along the way. I decided I would check Etsy to see if anyone made planners and this is what I got! This came from Kari. I don't know her personally but I would definitely recommend her for journals, planners, or address books!

My second purchase came from here. They are nylon bags shaped just like the plastic bags you would find at your local supermarket, only they're a little bigger and stronger! Mine don't look exactly like these. I actually caught some on sale that have retro food and recipe designs on them. I love them! They came in the little pouch you see on the right so you can just roll them up and throw them in your purse or car PLUS they're environmentally friendly!

Lastly, I decided this year I would do something a little different for my Godsons this Christmas. I decided to buy them a pair of these. I've actually been wearing Toms for a couple of years now. I have 2 pairs and 9 times out of 10, that's what you'll see on my feet. If you don't know the story behind Toms, for every pair you purchase, they donate a pair to a child in need. This year we are taking part in Advent Conspiracy at Trinity. We are challenging everyone to spend 1/3 to 1/2 less this Christmas and donate the rest to one of the many ministries we support as a church. When I started thinking about this, I wanted to come up with a way to participate but also to educate my Godchildren in particular on why this is important. I have no clue how they'll respond but my hope is that they will be excited to know that not only did Cece buy them a pair of shoes, but that 2 needy children are also receiving shoes this Christmas.

For those of you who know me probably also know that I'm a tad obsessed with Don Miller. So as not to scare anyone, it's not like a stalker obsession. Okay, I follow him on Twitter...and Facebook....and read his blog, but he publishes that for everyone so the fact that he's so accessible is his fault:) Anyway, I got the honor of meeting him a few years ago in Nashville. I don't really remember much about the day except that my friends Meredith, Mindy, and Jason were with me and I was of course, nervous. He signed one of my many books, took a picture with me, and that was it. I don't recall it being awkward or weird and I remember him being genuinely nice. When I found out he was going back on tour with his latest book, "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years," I knew I had to see him again. I started looking at the tour dates. The closest he was coming was Tyler, TX. That could work. Then one day I got something in the mail from LeadNow, a group that hosts a conference for 20's and 30-somethings in Dallas. I knew that Don was speaking at the conference, but since I had just returned from Catalyst and I'm trying to be a good steward of my budget, I had decided to pass on it. However, when I looked closer I realized that they were offering a special price of $20 to attend the last part of the conference which coincidentally included Don Miller! I immediately text my friend, Jenn and told her we were going! Also at this conference were other amazing speakers/authors: Francis Chan, Kay Warren, Matt Chandler, and Susan Isaacs! You may remember me talking about Susan. She's the one that wrote "Angry Conversations with God" and she was doing a seminar on writing your spiritual memoir. Now before this, she and I had become friends on Twitter. I was amazed that when I would comment to her she would respond! Now I was getting the opportunity to see her face-to-face and hear what went into writing her own spiritual memoir. Her seminar was right before Don was speaking so afterwards I bolted out, disappointed I didn't get to meet her, but determined not to miss a second of Don. I decided to send her a quick tweet and tell her I had been there and say I was sorry we couldn't meet. After Don spoke on Romeo & Juliet and the theological implications that are found in this story (that's a whole other blog post), we got ready to leave. Since I was driving back that night I had actually resigned myself to the fact that I wouldn't have time to meet him. I did have his and Susan's book in my bag just in case. When we went out to the main area, we immediately noticed that there wasn't much of a line to meet him and yet, I hesitated. Jenn, being the good friend that she is, pushed me in that direction and told me to go for it. And here's where my adolescence kicks in. I've been a fan of Don Miller to the point that I think he could be my soul mate for oh, 6 years. I'd met him once before but I was so stinkin' overwhelmed and intimidated. When it was my turn I introduced myself, he signed my book, thanked me for coming, and that was it. I just stood there like a mute. Defeated I went to find my friends. In the meantime, I decided to check Twitter and lo and behold Susan had messaged me that she would be at her book table afterwards and to come find her...so I did! This was a much easier exchange. We hugged like old friends and chatted about her book for a few minutes. I told her I would see her in Tyler since I had to redeem my Don Miller encounter, plus I knew that they would both be talking about their books there.


So, on Wednesday, my friend, Matthew and I left Ruston around 3:30 and headed to Tyler. We got there at 6:30, found great seats, and waited for it to begin. Susan was first. She did a one-act play based on her book. It was hilarious! Even though I had read her book, I still laughed quite a bit. I swear that woman is a kindred spirit! Her journey to reconnect with the true God, not the one churches, other Christians, and our own life experiences have created, reminds me so much of my own. I can't recommend her book enough! Afterwards I got to see her again and actually got a picture this time:)
We went back in to hear Don and I mentally prepared myself to meet him afterwards. Surely this time would be different, right? I listened to him recount stories from his book and talk about our stories and how we are called to live out great stories, not just sit by and watch as bystanders. I was inspired yet again and so, it was time to go meet him. Earlier in the evening we were invited to partner with Don in his own organization, The Mentoring Project, as well as World Vision and sponsor a child. As one who grew up without his dad, Don has a heart for boys who grow up fatherless and the negative effects that can have. I was excited to sponsor a little Brazilian boy who has my birthday! In return I got a free copy of Don's book which of course, I already had but gave to Matthew AND a VIP pass to meet Don before he did his regular book-signing. There were probably 25 of us who were taken to a special room. Again, I'm scouring my brain for things to say to him this time since I flaked days earlier. Nope, I'm sad to say the ending was pretty similar to the first. I said little but I did get this lovely picture.
Yep, poor Don looks drugged. I couldn't help but laugh when I looked at this later. We have this idea of how things are going to happen and then those expectations are typically shattered. Don mentions in his book that the Danes are the happiest people in the world. Why? Because they have very low expectations. I'm beginning to think this may not be a bad principle to live by, then we can live life pleasantly surprised! I will say all in all, I had no idea that when I picked up Susan's book back in August, that I would befriend her on Twitter and Facebook and get to meet her. That was definitely a wonderful surprise! Thank you, Don Miller, for introducing me to such a phenomenal author and mentor.


They only have 4 shows left so if you live in Greenville, Birmingham, Nashville, or Chatanooga try to go out and see them! Don will also be at Youth Specialties in Atlanta this month.

Yesterday in church we sang "Shout to the Lord." I was in college when I first heard that song so it's obviously a little dated but without fail, I always get choked up when we sing this line, "Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your Name." I get this vivid mental image of this and it seriously gives me goose bumps. I realize not all my readers get this. I have a few friends who don't share my Heavenly allegiance, so they probably think I'm crazy about now, but I guess unless you've experienced Jesus Christ firsthand, you just don't get it.

Does anyone remember Fresh Ink cards that Hallmark used to put out? They were my absolute favorite! When I lived in KY and I was having a rough day I would run down to Hallmark and literally spend hours reading these cards and too much money purchasing them for friends. I thought about this a few days ago when I was at our local Hallmark looking for a couple of cards for different friends. It wasn't therapeutic at all. In fact, it was kind of frustrating with the poor selection in the midst of hundreds of cards on the shelves. I need a card that's not only funny but a little quirky. I need a card that when the recipient reads it, they're getting a piece of me. Sadly I feel defeated in this area and sad that I didn't stock up even more on these amazing cards. If I end up turning to something destructive for therapy, I will be calling Hallmark for help with rehab! Here are a few things that still work in the meantime! Do we see a trend?:)

I love October. I don't know why exactly but it's always been my favorite month just like Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I guess because Fall is my favorite season. I was talking to my cousin, Bob about it last night. He lives in CA and was commenting on how cold it is in LA right now. The weather is perfect...almost. What would make it complete would be bright reds, yellows, and oranges filling the trees, but alas, we live in the land of pine trees. I'm waiting for the Bradford Pears behind my bank to turn. They were gorgeous last year! Last week I traveled to Houston to visit friends and to see U2!!!! It was quite the experience! We had general admission tickets so we got to the stadium at 1:30pm and waited until 5:00pm for the doors to open. Did I mention it was sunny and 90 degrees??!! Yep, we definitely live in the South! Thankfully some nice people let us sit under their tent til 3:30 when we were told that we needed to put up all tents and umbrellas (we were using umbrellas as sun-blockers!). The last 2 hours were definitely the most miserable. Once we got inside, however, we scored great spots...second row behind the wrap-around stage that the band periodically walked out on. It was amazing to see Bono so close! I must admit though...by the time it was over I wanted to cut my feet off and my entire body ached. What I used to endure in my teens is not as easy in my 30's:) But I wouldn't trade it for anything...especially spending time with these girls!

~ God is not someone who has been invited to play a part in our story. Instead, we have been privileged to play a part in His.
~ It’s painful to obey. The Lord will direct us to do some things that won’t be our choice. Invariably we will give up what we want to do for the cross.
~ Focused intensity over time multiplied by God creates unstoppable momentum.
~ Faith & doubt are intertwined...like a dance.
~ All God calls us to be is ourselves so why do we get caught up in the “bigger is better” mentality?
~ We don’t need to get so caught up in what we’re building that we lose sight of who we’re becoming.
~ Confession and repentance are necessary for our spiritual health.
~ Laughter truly is one of the greatest feelings ever.
~ There are friends in this world who just “get” us like no other.
~ It’s never easy to say goodbye but it makes the
time spent together that much more precious.
~ Be careful who you start conversations with while waiting in line to get into a concert…you never know what it might lead to.
~ Running UP an escalator that is intended to go DOWN is just not a good idea.
~ Kings of Leon puts on a great show…just make sure the person you’re with knows where he’s going.

My first night in Atlanta has been quite adventurous. I got in about 3pm which was amazing because I beat the 5pm traffic. Even at 3, it was still a little crazy. I don't mind driving in big cities...in fact I really enjoy it...when I know WHERE I AM. After spending a year in Chicago, I rarely got lost and if I got turned around I could quickly get back on track. Now by nature I'm directionally-challenged. My first summer with CSM, I was always the first host to get lost but thankfully I worked with groups that were gracious and we always found our way...eventually. So tonight I decided to venture out for some take-out, watch a little tv, and go to bed fairly early since I have another early morning tomorrow. At 6pm I head out into the crazy traffic on a hunt for food. I didn't necessarily want something I could get in Ruston so I was willing to search. However, after about half an hour I decided to turn around and head back to the mall that's directly across from my hotel. There's all kinds of eateries over there. As I was driving back I realized I wasn't recognizing street names so I pulled my phone back out to check my map and lo and behold I've somehow gone off-course. I finally made it back about 7:30 and ended up at a local sushi place. If you're wondering what's in the photo, it's egg sushi:) It was really cheap and I was really just curious so I ordered it along with my rainbow roll. It's basically just cooked egg attached to a ball of rice with a piece of seaweed. Needless to say, I didn't eat it but I did laugh really hard when I opened the container:)

So I've modified my blog (yet, again). I get bored easily if you didn't already know that about me. I change my apartment up every few months. The most recent is my bathroom. I bought all new accessories (tootbrush holder, soap dispenser, etc.). I love it! It's much more uniform and truthfully, I've been using the same stuff from when I lived in Lexington so I thought it was about time. Next on the list, kitchen lighting to be purchased next week from IKEA! If you've seen my kitchen lighting, you'll wonder how I've tolerated it for the last year and a half:)

Back to my blog design. Recently I've been reading about couches. Sound strange? Well, the 2 books I've been reading, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years and Angry Conversations with God both reference the couch. Don Miller talks about getting off the couch and participating in our own story instead of watching everyone else's and Susan Isaacs talks about getting God on the couch for couple's counseling. When Don's book came in a couple of weeks ago, it halted my progress on Susan's book but as promised earlier, I still intend to update you as I read it. Ironically, these two are currently on tour together and I will be seeing them in November! I am so excited! I will have Susan's book finished by then! Anyway, I chose this blog design because one, I just thought it was cool, and two, it sort of represents where I am right now....right in-between Don & Susan's couch metaphors! More on this later...

This week I'm headed to my favorite conference ever...Catalyst! I'm always amazed at the work the Catalyst team puts into hosting this event every year! Although it's definitely geared toward pastors and those of us plugging away in ministry, it's designed to be a leadership conference so the key speakers will be well-respected men and women that speak on organizational leadership, personal leadership, integrity, character, relationships, and teamwork. I'll also get to see one of my favorite people ever while I'm in Atlanta so that's another perk! I get back on Saturday, then turn around Tuesday and drive to Houston to see U2 with 2 more of my favorite people! It's going to be a great month!

I've often pondered this. In fact, I think I've had a few conversations with different friends about it. Often when you're watching a musical, it's natural for someone to burst into song. My favorite is when others join in and just happen to know all the same dance moves...yet it's supposed to be spontaneous. My latest obsession is the new tv show on Fox, GLEE!!! If you haven't seen it, you need to! It's about a group of highschool students, mainly misfits, who love to sing. Naturally, the glee club is not seen as cool at all, so there's always some conflict that is stemmed from trying to take down the club. Of course, that never happens. I, unfortunately, can't sing and I don't really have any stellar dance moves, although I have been doing Hip-Hop Abs with Shaun T. 3 times a week, so I suppose I could incorporate that into my daily life, but I have a feeling I would get some strange looks. Last night, my friend Matt, called me from Nashville. He was standing outside the Indigo Girls' tour bus waiting to see if he could catch a glimpse of them. My very first memory of Matt was on my 26th birthday. A group of us went to see the Indigo Girls and at the last minute, one of my girlfriends couldn't go so Matt took her place! One would think that as the only male, he might be uncomfortable, however, in the middle of "Shame on You" I look over and he's got his hands in the air, eyes closed, dancing his little heart away. It was then that I knew he and I were destined to be good friends! And if I do ever decide to turn my life into a musical, he would be the first one beside me dancing, singing, and acting a fool!

I’ve been having a lot of conversations recently about perceptions, trust, vulnerability, etc. Working in a church one would think you would be surrounded by people you can open your heart up to and know that those fragile parts of yourself can be preserved. Sadly, this is not always the case. On the other hand, there are those who you consciously choose not to trust because you see how perfect they seem to be on the outside. How in the world could they ever understand? The truth is, most of us live under some type of mask. We have no idea how we will be received if we ever choose to remove it. I’m currently in a short Beth Moore Bible Study called “Measureless Love.” The first week Beth talked about how, we, women in particular, are constantly trying to measure up to something. We try to measure up to someone else or by someone else’s standards. It’s exhausting. I find myself just as guilty of it. I look at many of the women in this church who come in each week with their husband and children and think, “Man, why can’t I have that?” or I see a girl a few rows in front of me with the perfect, hair, clothes, figure, etc, and think, “Why can’t I look like her?” My mom’s generation typically believes that you can’t go outside of the house without full make-up and fixed hair. I did not inherit this…or maybe I rebel against it. My freshman year of college the trend was to wear pajama pants to class. Strange? Maybe. I typically showed up to class with no make-up on, my hair on top of my head and wearing a t-shirt, pajama pants, and tennis shoes. My mom was certain I was depressed. It was actually the opposite. It was one of the happiest times of my life because I was surrounded by people who loved me for me, not what I looked like. I found it quite liberating. Today I don’t show up to work in my pajamas, although I certainly would like to some days. I don’t always wear make-up and often you’ll see me with my hair in a ponytail. Other days you’ll see me wearing nicer clothes, full make-up, and fixed hair. Regardless, I’m still the same person and it’s my hope that people accept me as I am. And those days when I might look a little nicer, there’s probably a whole lot of chaos going on inside me that I’d prefer to mask.

The near future holds a gift of contentment.
-so says my Chinese fortune

I've been carrying this around in my wallet for the past couple of weeks. It came at an interesting time...a time when I didn't feel content, when I was questioning, when I felt unsure about who I was. Not to say that all these things have been resolved but just the sheer fact that I kept a fortune from a cookie got me thinking about where we get our truth from. I certainly don't think some fortune cookie maker had me in mind when he/she produced it. It's just meant to be fun...and depending on the crowd, not my friends:), may include such things as "in bed" attached to it. But I do believe the near future holds a gift a contentment...

Here's a band I've been listening to recently...

From Susan's therapist:

"I can't tell you how many people come in here feeling disenfranchised, disillusioned, and disgusted with church. I'm talking solid Christians, lifelong churchgoers. They don't know where their faith is or where God is. I think the American church got away from the gospel, and we took a lot of people with us. People like you." (11).

Bring on couples counseling!

If I lived in Mandeville, I know where I'd spend all my free time:)

I've recently been having conversations with different friends about "home." This tends to come up on the cusp of a big transition. We try to find our place, where we belong. Below you will find a blog I wrote on Myspace in August 2006, post graduation/pre-moving back to Ruston.

I've been thinking a lot about home lately. Where is home exactly? The place we hang our hat? The place we sleep on a regular basis? Where our stuff is? Ever since I left my childhood home 6 years ago I've questioned this. Yes, I still consider Ruston, my parents house, my home in the conventional sense, but I've come to realize that home is not really about a location but more about the people that are in that place. So I guess the cheezy saying, "Home is where the heart is" is true. For the last 4 and ½ years, Kentucky has been my home. The people I have met here have provided a haven for me as I've learned, struggled, hurt, and grown. Now that I've graduated, my home has been shaken a bit. I'm still living in the same place but things have shifted. As school gets ready to start back up next week, I'm realizing how much I feel displaced in this community. Sure, there are still certain people that will continue to be a part of my life, but to be on campus as a graduate feels weird. It's completely internal...Asbury continues to be a community that is welcoming of all people (most of the time), but I guess it's more the feeling that my purpose for being here is finished. And I find myself wondering, why the heck am I still here? God's been faithful to bring people new and old across my path to remind me that although my initial purpose may have been to get a degree, my real purpose continues to be fulfilled everyday wherever I am.

I don't typically dedicate an entire blog post to a specific person...minus you know, people I don't really know but would like to, however, my friend, Ross has just started a new blog so I feel inspired to promote it since I'm sure it will be highly entertaining:) In his first post, he states, "I will be offensive and judgmental and won’t feel bad about doing it. I will be loving and caring and will feel great about myself afterwards. I will add humor and fun and will make it enjoyable – for you and me." He will be all those things...it's who he is and although there are certainly plenty of things we don't agree on, at the end of the day I'm still crazy about him. So if you're easily offended, I would maybe suggest you not check him out.

He's also a very talented photographer. Check out his work here.

A funny story. My mom called me late yesterday afternoon from Shreveport. She tells me she's come up with this great ministry opportunity for Trinity, especially targeting all the "mature" women in the church. She continues on about how I need to advertise it in the bulletin and in the Tidings. Finally she shares this "great ministry opportunity" of hers. The Chippendales are coming to Shreveport in October!! Yep, this is my mother:)

As promised I'm going to share my thoughts on Angry Conversations with God. It may take me a few months to get through it, not for lack of entertainment but time. In the intro, Susan shares about her faith: she grew up Lutheran and for as long as she could remember had always believed in God and that Jesus loved her. That was until she had the worst year of her life: her father died, her mom had a stroke, her career was spiraling downward, her best friends were all getting married in the same summer, and her boyfriend of three years breaks up with her. To top it off, she runs into the ex lip-locked with a new girl in Central Park. A well-meaning Christian friend, tries to console her with, "Praise God, the Lord is showing you that Jack's moved on." Susan's response: "God isn't showing me Jack moved on; God's showing me he's moved on. I feel like God has abandoned me." A month later this well-meaning friend recommends the book The Sacred Romance, explaining that "our relationship with God is nothing short of marriage." Seriously?! I'm not discounting this statement or the book but when you're in the midst of intense grief, some sappy romance book about God may not be the best solution. This is when Susan gets the bright idea to take God to couples counseling. She seeks out a Christian therapist who's willing to counsel her and her immortal, invisible husband. God would never change, but if they were in a marital relationship, there were some things he needed to know about her...primarily that she was angry.

"These were nothing but middle-class white girl's tragedies. But I was a middle-class white girl, with a middle-class white girl faith. In fact, my middle-class white girl's tragedies ceased to be the tragedy at all: the tragedy was God's response--total silence. I couldn't hear God or see God or sense God anywhere or in anything. Some people call this the Dark Night of the Soul. It was dark, all right. And silent. And I was alone." (p. 6).

And so begins her journey to find a way back to what she once knew: that God was good and Jesus loved her.

A couple of months ago, Aaron and I went to see Colbie Caillat in Shreveport. Seriously one of the best concerts I've ever been to. It was at the Riverdome in the Horseshoe and not very crowded at all so it had that more intimate feel that I prefer over concerts in huge arenas where you might be able to see them if you use your high-powered binoculars:) Here's a few pics...not the greatest in quality but I refuse to use my flash at shows like this!

After we got back from California, I went on a "silent" retreat at St. Joseph Abbey in Covington, LA. I enjoyed sharing this with people because for the most part, everyone thought I was crazy! 2 complete days of silence! I, however, was excited and yes, a little nervous. I don't really like to stay in my head too long, but it did turn out to be an insightful time of praying and reading and sleeping! Yes, I chose to spend a good portion of my time sleeping. We had a schedule but following it was optional...that's my kind of retreat:) Below are 2 pictures of the chapel. We were invited to Eucharist and Vespers and really any of the prayer times that the monks participated in each day. It's quite a way of life down there!

Lately I feel like a crazy person. I literally will weep for hours on end (last weekend I cried for 2 hours & when I say cry, I mean sob). This is not normally something I like to share. As I recently e-mailed my closest friends, I hate asking for help. It makes me feel weak, but I can attest that just the sheer fact of admitting to them that no, I'm not ok & yes, I'm incredibly lonely, knowing that they're standing w/ me praying, calling, e-mailing, texting, making plans to hang out, I feel better. A couple of nights ago, Aaron & I went to Barnes & Noble. I wasn't looking for anything in particular but I always like to peruse the "Christian Living" section just to see what they have on their shelves. This particular night I found "Angry Conversations with God" by Susan Isaacs. I had actually heard of this from one of my favorites, Don Miller, but had never looked into it. Considering where I'm standing, I couldn't help but pick it up & after reading the intro, buying it. I plan to review it on here one, so maybe I'll actually get in the habit of blogging/journaling again, and two, because I know I'm not alone where I'm at. For me personally, the fact that I've grown up in the church, have an MDiv from an accredited seminary, & now work in a church, it's sometimes hard for me to be really honest with how I'm doing b/c I feel guilty, ashamed, & that I should have it all together. Yesterday I met with Andy & I must say I was surprised when he looked at me and said, "Why are you minimizing what you're feeling?" I guess I didn't really realize I was doing it, but if I think about it, I do it all the time. I try to see the bright spots which is definitely not a bad thing, but I downplay what I'm really feeling. I'm trying to work on that, however, I think there's a part of me that's afraid that if I share what I'm really thinking or feeling, it may not be received well. My views on life, God, & the church has changed over the years. I find myself asking more questions than I ever have...maybe it's b/c I finally figured out that it's okay to ask & not just accept all things as truth. I think maybe that's why I relate so well to authors like Don Miller, Anne Lamott, & Susan Isaacs. They say what so many of us are thinking but are too afraid to say out loud...

So I get on these kicks where I pick one movie or tv show and it stays in my DVD player for weeks. For the longest time it was the Gilmore Girls, but we all must take a break from Stars Hollow now and again. As of late, I've been watching You've Got Mail. I remember seeing it in theaters. I was in college (during the time of dial-up internet), it came out in December right around my best friend April's birthday. Although I don't remember the exact year, I do remember which guy she was dating, but I will refrain from mentioning as he is insignificant in her life now. Anyway, the other day I was folding laundry while You've Got Mail played in the background and my ears perked up when I heard Meg Ryan say, "On my birthday, I wandered into the over-30 (chat)room as a joke..." I froze. Did she just say OVER 30? That means that me, along with several of my girlfriends are now catching up to our favorite movie characters! Eek! Not that I mind being in my 30's. So far it's served me well minus a few unmet dreams here and there. It's just weird.

Surrounded by mountains.

I may be a terrible blogger but I'm great at finding new blogger layouts:) This one is a tribute to Maggie Moos...I do love me some icecream in the summer! And my latest obsession you will see below: a large Sonic water with extra cherries and lemons. My friend Ross actually took this picture the very first day we discovered this little treat. I'm sad to report our waters haven't looked the same since, but it doesn't stop us from trying everyday:)

Claire's 32nd birthday fell on the day of Michael Jackson's memorial so we thought it only fitting to throw her an MJ-themed party! Here are some photos from our event!