Lists of Varying Moods

I was telling boyfriend today that lists always make me feel better, even stressful ones. Does anyone else feel this way? Making lists was a technique discussed in my pyschology class last semester. Apparently they make you feel in control (even if you're not, haha). So, due to a rough day and lots of mixed emotions, here are some lists.

People And Things That Are Making Me Happy:
~Nathan
~The lovely snowstorm
~The album Flaming Red by Patty Griffin (especially the tracks "Mary" and "Christina")
~Not having anywhere to be today
~Spring semester starts on Monday (I'm excited to be back in classes, learning new things and meeting new people)
~Writing letters that will probably not be read by the people to whom they are addressed (more about this in another entry, maybe)
~My new job at school
~Knowing that God provides for all my needs in His perfect time

People And Things That Are Making Me Sad:
~Mom
~My physical health (My skin, specifically. Getting over the last outbreak of eczema has been a frustrating and uphill battle)
~Not remembering the last time I slept all the way through the night without being restless or uncomfortable
~Spring semester starts on Monday (A new and busy schedule always makes me a little nervous at first)
~Barely having enough money for bills

It's good that the happy list is longer than the sad list! Hope you all are enjoying your weekend. :-)

Retreat

On Martin Luther King weekend I had an impromtu respite from home. Things had gotten particularly stressful, and I called the Stieglers just to talk and get some advice (the couple that I mentioned had some of the City On The Hill staff over for dinner). Mrs. Barb invited me to spend the night with them, just so I could get away and relax, and after some coaxing I gave in and joined them for the night. The 24 hours that followed were full of blissful peace, home cooking, sympathetic and wise conversation, and deep thinking. I took time to walk, rest, listen, talk, pray, and soak in the atmostphere.

The pictures are of the farm house they live in, the cozy little room I slept in, and an old gazebo by a hidden pond. My time there lifted my spirits and gave me a renewed sense of hope for my life and plans. I was so blessed by friendship and God's love that weekend!

Factories, Photo Ops, and Artifacts

I need to get back on track with posting! Things have not been boring, and now I have at least three post ideas in my head! It's just a matter of time and attention span.. :-p

I'll start off with boyfriend adventures. Yesterday Nathan and I took our first roadtrip! It was just a day trip to York, Pennsylvania, which is about an hour from where we live. But we had a blast! On the way there and back we listened to the mix CD he made for me, which is an electic sampling of the music we've enjoyed together, or songs I have mentioned I like. It's a truly odd compilation..some of the selections are songs by Daft Punk, Peggy Lee, Dashboard Confessional, Alice Cooper, Beastie Boys, Justin Timberlake, and The Killers (just to name a few; it's a 20 track CD! :)

The first stop of the trip was the Harley Davidson Factory and Visitors Center in York. Nathan is obsessed with motorcycles, and I thought he would enjoy seeing how they're made (he did!) I'm not as big of a fan, but I like learning about pretty much anything, and had never been in any kind of factory before. It was a cool experience! After seeing the actual assembly line we took pictures of and sat on some motorcycles, then wandered around the gift shop. We didn't buy anything 'cause we're tourists on a budget and because they give you a free postcard and button. :-p

After the factory we drove around York and found the Industrial and Agricultural Museum. This place had a ton of interesting things to look at that were used in York throughout the centuries, and provided many amusing photo ops.

Our final stop was the home of some friends of my family that live in York. They took us out to dinner and afterwards we chilled at their house and played card games. I've known this family all my life, and it was neat to introduce Nathan to them for the first time as someone important in my life.

That's my latest adventure! More to come.

My New Treasure!

(First version of this post gave me a lot of crap; hope this one looks better.)

For over year I've wanted these, but could not justify spending over $100 on a pair of sneakers:













Despite the fact said sneakers were extremely cute, classy, and the child of my most coveted designer brand. Now thanks to T.J. Maxx and Mom, I am the proud owner of these:

I can't wait to rock them somewhere! They are extremely comfy. :D (This from the girl that is most comfortable in heels, flip flops, flats, or shoes of the general characteristic of not completely enclosing my feet!)

100 With Sugar On Top!

How perfect is it to mark my 100th blog post with my first blog award, and furthermore to celebrate by passing it on to other bloggin' friends?! :-)

Lisa, my friend from across the pond and the mistress of The Syle Mansion, gave me "Happy 101". Thank you!

The rules of this award are to list ten blogs and ten things that make you happy. I'm bending the rules a bit because the list I follow is small and I want to show off my absolute favourites :-)

I award:

Oh, Mishka for inspiring me every Monday.

Nifer Musings for having an interesting and eclectic blog.

Why Men Can't Cry for being thought-provoking and insightful.

My (Stylish) Pursuit of Happiness for being one of the sweetest gals on my blog list.

The Style Mansion for praying for me and following my blog so devotedly.

And now for ten things that make me happy:

~Talks with my gorgeous and patient best friend.
~Snuggling with my extremely cute and wonderful boyfriend.
~Walks on sunny days.
~The knowledge that nothing I can ever do or say can separate me from God's love and provision.
~Getting comments on a well-written blog post.
~Taking a picture that makes me feel warm inside every time I look at it.
~Soups and sandwiches from Panera Bread.
~The discounted Coach sneakers Mom bought me yesterday (pics later!).
~The satisfaction of a completed project.
~A soft bed to sleep in.

There it is; sweet and simple, my 100th blog post! Thanks Lisa for the inspiration. :-) I have lots of other news to share with you all, so more posts are coming soon.

Acting Out

I have returned from my week of theatre immersion! Late on Friday evening I came home from the Region II Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. It was held at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, which is in Indiana, PA. The town of Indiana is the Christmas Tree Capital of the World and the hometown of actor James Stewart.

The week was extremely tiring; I actually drank way too much caffeine and was feeling the effects of dehydration on the way home (I almost never can seem to take good care of myself on trips). The festival, though packed with some amazing content of workshops, plays, and speakers, was organized in such a way that unless you were participating in one of the competitions (for acting, directing, design, or stage managing) it was hard to keep in a constant flow of things to do. The shuttle service to and from our hotel was highly inadequate, and all the workshops and shows happened at the same time, so you had to pick just one thing to do and then experience two hours of dead time. As a result, my friends and I spent a lot of time exploring the campus and the town, doing non-festival related things.

The only highlights related to the festival that stick out are: sitting in on a round table discussion led by the Broadway stage manager of "Wicked", and acting out a scene from "Buried Child" in a workshop. I got tips from the teacher/director on how to produce that show (this is the play Barnstormers will be putting on in the spring). Being at the fest made me realize how much I have to learn about theatre.

The group that came from our school is not the most close-knit, and that took its toll on the trip. Our actor that was participating in the Irene Ryan competition did not make it to the semi-finals, but he performed very well in the scene our school had been invited to put on in a showcase. The trip brought me a lot closer to Mara, who I roomed and spent most of my exploring time with.

I was very grateful to get home and sleep. I'm so ready to be done with traveling, but next weekend Mom and I are going to spend a night with Aunt Lori up in PA. After that, I hope that's truly it for going away from home for awhile. :-p And then a week later, spring semester starts...

Life Made Better

My best friend and I have been reading this book since the start of the year. Each morning (or evening, depending what our individual schedule is that day) we read the page for the day and reflect on the verse. Then we usually text message the other a thought or a word from it that sticks out to us. I've been blessed and surprised to find that each day's writing perfectly fits whatever I'm struggling with or thinking about!

In the past few months I've come to strongly believe that even though God wants to know us on a personal level, faith is not a road that was created to be walked alone. It was designed with fellowship and companionship in mind. And if you don't practice a religious faith, the experience of life is still much more richly lived when you share it with others on an honest, open, and challenging level. Don't be afraid to share a piece of yourself with someone today. :-)

P.S. In two more posts I will reach my 100th post mark! Any topic suggestions?

Bulletin Board Makes A Comeback!

Here's the start of my 2010 bulletin board series! If you're new to my blog: once a month I post a picture of the bulletin board in my bedroom. I almost always have a wide assortment of items tacked to it, reflecting my academic, social, and personal life. It makes an interesting way to share things I might not otherwise think of posting about. (Click to enlarge.)

1. Christmas ornament I got at a church ladies luncheon It was made by girls in a rehabilitation home.

2. Thomas Kinkade calendar. I thought about going Audrey again, but couldn't find a really interesting one.

3. New paper on the board (its plain cork and a mass of stickers and glitter underneath.)

4. A note from Shannon (written on Lisa Frank stationary!) and my favourite picture of us.

5. Cut outs from the latest White House Black Market catalog. I love both the tops but can't afford them.

6. iTunes gift card, a christmas present from Mom.

7. Still, a card I found last summer that says "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."

I like that the board is a little bare..represents the fresh start of a new year. I promise it'll be back for February!

Winter Daze

Sorry for the lack of substantial bloggage. I finished out my week of personal vacation time by mostly just sitting on my butt with the laptop for company all day long. The week was punctuated by a great dinner at Mr and Mrs. Stiegler's house. They invited myself and some fellow City On The Hill staff members and we had a cozy evening of catching up and fellowship in their beautiful home. I also went on a couple Nathan dates, which I've already mentioned. I had girl time with Shannon watching My Best Friend's Wedding and Glee, eating chocolate and Chickfila, and talking about anything and everything. <3

On Monday CCBC reopened and I went back to work, and I am presently here. I'm going to be working Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays on campus. I'm bummed because due to closing on Martin Luther King Day and a trip I'm taking, I will be missing three days of work this month. That wouldn't be so bad, except that I temporarily do not have my cleaning job. So my hope of earning book money and building up my savings are quickly escaping my grasp. :-\

In regards to the trip I mentioned, I will have new adventures to share with you guys soon! Next week I'm going with a group from my school to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. I'll be attending all sorts of workshops, auditions, and shows, plus just chilling in the hotel and seeing whatever there is to see. I'm sharing a room with my good friend Mara, and my dear Anderson is going as well, so I'm pretty syked about the sights and the company!

The whole moving on and healing process is something I'm working on slowly but surely. I want to thank those of you that have been so encouraging for your comments, prayers, and love. Some days are so much harder than others, and I wake up each day with a small, quiet lump of dread in my throat. But I'm determined to woman up, learn my lessons, and reach for the joy that has been offered me.

Firsts for 2010 - A Survey

I feel lame doing these survey things on Facebook, but I'm really bored and somehow feel better about putting it in here!

First off, Where were you when the ball dropped?
-- in my living room



First Movie?
-- Breakfast At Tffany's



First Song listened to?
--Viva La Vida by Coldplay



First Hug?
--Idk..My brother Josh, maybe.



First Kiss?
--Nathan



First Person to call you?
--JJ, a friend from school



First Person to text you?
-- Nathan or Shannon



First Person to hit you?
-- I don't remember the last time someone hit me. :-p (No volunteers, please.)



First Place you slept?
-- my bed



First Drink?
--Peach wine cooler



First Thing to eat?
--Cheddar cheese, then chips and salsa



First High Five?
-- Also cannot remember the last time I high-fived someone. :-(



First Person to say 'I love you" to you?
-- If it wasn't a family member, definitely Nathan



First Person to yell at you?
--haha...I think I've made it four days into the new year without someone yelling at me. :-)


First Picture you took with someone?
--Haven't taken any pictures with other people yet! But Josh and I made a video on New Year's morning.

Lines That Ring True

I've been sorting through months worth of ticket stubs, receipts, hair pins, mints, reminders, perfume bottles, and sundry other items cluttered around my room while watching "Breakfast At Tiffany's". :-)

There are so many quotable quotes in that darling flick, including:

"It pays to be top banana in the shock department."

"It should take you four seconds to walk out that door...I'll give you two."

"He's not just a rat, he's a Super Rat!"

"The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?"

The one about the mean reds pops into my head from time to time. But my favourite line from the movie is undeniably, "no matter where you run, you're always going to end up running into yourself."

Viva La Vida

I am both jubiliant and sorrowful that 2009 is over.

I feel quiet this evening, and spent it accordingly; dinner with Nathan, watched a movie, watched the Times Square ball drop, and now I might...clean my room and go to bed? It sounds slightly pathetic, but indicative of what I need these days..rest for my soul and body.

The first song I listened to in 2010 was "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay, and so I think with hope I must echo: long live life. :-)

Much love and blessings to you all. <3