one hundred and one things #4

#4 I always order the 6-inch turkey at Subway.

yeah, a little boring, I know...but I've always been one to stick with what I like. ;) The toppings I choose are always the same as well: spinach, tomato, pickles, green pepper, onions, and spicy mustard. The coolest thing about this is that a whole Subway meal--my sandwich, baked lays, and a diet coke--is a total of 10 Weight Watcher points. 10 points! :)

another thing I always order...Southwest Eggrolls at Chili's.

hey, predictable may be boring...but makes decision-making a whole lot easier! ;)

published!

During the middle of February, it's often difficult for me to plan ahead for the summer...much less get excited about anything that may happen during that time. But, this week I received some exciting news that will occur later this summer...

I will be a published author!!!!!

How cool is that?!? :) About a month ago I submitted an article to the Journal of Christian Nursing and I learned that they decided to print my writings on school nursing in the summer issue!!! I'm so geeked about it, I can hardly stand it! I've been writing stories, papers, and various other thoughts down on paper for years...my poor mother can attest to this as she was--and still is!--always my unofficial editor. And now, finally to have something actually printed in an official nursing journal............so cool.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the little people that helped me acheive this goal....*ahem* ;) no, seriously--my mom deserves a lot of my writing skill credit as she has always been my biggest supporter, fan, and editor-in-chief. I officially dedicate this article to her!

the park

For those of you familiar with where I live, you probably also know that one of my favorite places to be is Riverside Park. Being the very "outdoorsey" girl that I am, I love the fact that there is a small haven of nature for me to retreat to as I live in the city. A half mile down the road from me, I can find a peaceful bench to read a book or a quiet path on which to walk or even take a jog. Having lived in my house for almost 6 years now (wow!), this park has really become just an extra backyard for me.

As I made a trek down there this afternoon--I love going there year round--I reflected on all the important life moments that have happened to me in that park. Too numerous to mention, but all significant enough to know that park will forever be a part of me...

I believe it's important to have a special place to retreat to...a place to renew, refresh, find perspective on life when it's becoming unclear...

where is that place for you...?

i'm listening!

So, I believe God moves in mysterious ways...but I also believe that sometimes he speaks LOUD and CLEAR to get His message across. Well, this weekend He did that with me...

It all started innocently enough. My dad had a couple free tickets to go to a Dave Ramsey event, and asked me if I would like to join him as my mom didn't want to go. I was mildly interested as I've heard that his message is a good one about how to manage your money and become debt-free. I know my church holds the Financial Peace University, but I've never attended. I know he has authored several books, which I've never read. Honestly, I was a little nervous about attending, simply because I thought it would be boring to listen to someone speak about money for 5 hours on a Saturday afternoon...so when my dad called back to say he had acquired a couple more free tickets to go to a private luncheon with this man before the event even started, I thought, great! let's make the toturously long day even longer! But, I figured, at least I'll be spending time with my dad, which I haven't done too much of lately...so I accepted.

So, we arrived at 11:30am to discover that the luncheon was part of a Platinum ticket package in which we were able to partake in a deliciously catered meal, shake Dave Ramsey's hand, and be part of a small group (50 or so people) who had the opportunity to have a question & answer session with him. And, to my amazement, the ticket also included a free gift bag full of all of the books Dave has ever written! Then, to top it off, we got to special front row seating during the event and special catered breaks up in our very own break room with all of the other back stage pass people!

Seriously, I was feeling a bit guilty as I had barely ever heard of this guy and his message and here I was being treated to a steak dinner and sitting in the front row of his event that had over 7000 people in attendence!

Needless to say...his message is a powerful one and God used him to speak to me about an area of my life that I would rather just ignore at times. There was no mistaking the fact that I was supposed to be there that Saturday afternoon.

Then, just in case I didn't get the message...my pastor spoke on the power of money in our lives today. He not only used the same Bible verses that I heard D.R. speak yesterday, he even referred to D.R.'s message in his own sermon!

Yup, got it, Lord! There is no mistaking this one............time to cut up the credit cards and live like no one else so later I can live like no one else!

One hundred and one things #3

#3 I like Star Wars.

Okay, it's as simple as that really--but it amuses me what kind of opinions of me that statement can often bring about...so I'll clarify for those who may be concerned. :)

My dad is a fan of science fiction and being that as it may, it seemed only natural for him to make sure his children are also fans of the same. I honestly don't remember a time in my life when I did not know the words to all the Star Wars movies. I've read all the books, I've played Star Wars Trivial Pursuit and done pretty well, I even own a Star Wars version of Monopoly. I've seen all six movies in the theatre--even a couple at a midnight opening--and one in an IMAX version. I admit that I probably have a pretty unusual amount of Star Wars trivia in my head for someone my age/gender...

But, having said all that, I also want to say that I enjoy the stories for the pure entertainment value. I don't go to Star Wars conventions, I've never dressed up as one of the characters, and I don't really believe there is a "long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." Fiction stories are just that--fiction. It really is just a fun story.

So, does anyone know how many people fall into the sand pit monster on Tatooine? ;)

lap dog?!

I love this picture...it reminds me of what the phrase "stress-free" should really be like. :)

I would like to introduce you to Jason's dog, Harley. He is a 6 year old, 130 pound American Bulldog who thinks he is a lap dog. He probably has the strength to knock over tall men, yet one of his favorite things to do is cuddle on the couch--even better if there is a blanket to cover him. He loves any toy that squeaks, chasing squirrels up trees, and playing tug-of-war. He'll rumble with the best of anyone who wants to wrestle--yet, I've seen him lick the head of a small baby. He believes it is his mission in life to tear out the stuffing of his toys, yet he loves his pillow bed.

Funny story--and I won't be ashamed to admit it!--but we recently bought Harley a coat and boots for his winter jaunts in the outdoors. For being such a large dog, he really doesn't have a very thick coat of hair--so even though he loves the snow, he would be ready to go back inside much too quickly for our tastes. The first time we dressed him up, I was laughing so hard that I was crying! But, after a couple of runs with it in this very wintery winter, he absolutely loves his new snow gear. He even was complemented on his boots by one of the neighbors down the road!

Dogs really do make me smile. :)

valentine's challenge

so I received my valentine's day present last night...and I have to say, by the end of receiving it...I teared up. Jason took me to see the opera version of Romeo & Juliet. It was definitely a moving experience. The entire thing was sung in French (english subtitles were shown), but just the passion and the emotion in the characters' singing and portrayal of such a tragic love story literally had me in tears at the end.

why is it that we've moved away from such passion and depth of emotion in relationships today? With the divorce rates higher than ever before and the number of single people now higher than the number of married people in the US--it saddens me to think of how few people probably ever get to experience the depth of love that Romeo & Juliet shared.

some may say I sound rather cynical, and perhaps I am...and don't get me wrong, I know this is a fictional story (blah...blah...), but I still think it could present just a small challenge to all of you who love someone: when was the last time you were passionate about the love of your life? ;)