In Review...

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o' lang syne ?

Oh, 2008. You've been interesting.

For me, you started in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: snuggled up on the couch with Jonathan and the Down Under chapter of our family. We had come in from a lazy evening of sitting on the back porch, in the dark, around the pool, soaking up the last little bite of a dreamy vacation; bedtime came just after the Sydney ball drop due to our early flight to New Zealand the next day...and so it began.

January: We enjoyed a week in New Zealand, tooling around the North Island in our Nissan Bluebird; we hiked Mount Doom, coasted through underground rivers lit by thousands of glow worms, sailed through the Bay of Islands as baby dolphins swam below, and stood beneath the tallest known tree in the world.

February: I started my first adjunct teaching position at the university level and caught the professorial bug; still trying to figure out what to do with it. We were shocked (but I was not suprised) to find out that Jonathan had been offered interviews for optometry school, a whole year before he was eligible. Though we knew he would never get in since his prerecs were still in progress, we were excited for the early opportunity to test out the admissions process and get a glimpse of our potential new homes.

March: We were shocked (and this time, very surprised) to find out that Jonathan was accepted to SCO in Memphis. They called the day after his interview, offering him a spot on the condition that his prerec transcripts were sent to them as soon as they were completed. No explanation other than God's providence and provision. I cried; not quite ready to leave OBU so soon. But I was cheered by a trip to Boston with my two best friends from high school, Meredith and Julie. We ate, we drank, we laughed, we trudged through the rainy streets of Boston, we marveled at modern art (and by marveled I mean: "What the heck is that!?!"), and generally enjoyed the fact that at 25 years old and spread across the map, we still enjoy each other.

May: Through teary eyes, I broke the news of our move to my beloved OBU students. I was a bit of a rollercoaster that month; excited for Memphis, thrilled for my husband, sad to leave a place and a job that I loved.

June: Jonathan kept his nose to the grindstone with more prerecs, while I withered away in an empty residence hall. The RD staff road-tripped to Ohio where I got my first taste of chili on spaghetti (and my last).

July: The Horn family lived it up in Las Vegas, celebrating Dad's 60th birthday at Tao in the Venetian and Ramsey's graduation from Air Force weapon's school. I developed an unhealthy obsession with the Bellagio fountains. Jonathan and I made the 7 hour trek to Memphis in search for a home; though it was a weekend of tears, frustration, and a few "Why God!?!" moments, we were unbelievably blessed to find our sweet little home. Of course, as soon as we discovered that it had a fenced in yard and pet-friendly landlords, we added to our family with the adoption of a 3 month old German Shorthaired Pointer named Weber. I drove to Tulsa to take advantage of soon-ending close proximity to Meredith.

August: We left our mansion in Shawnee (aka, Kerr Residence Hall) and moved to Memphis. Since Jonathan didn't officially begin classes until September, we had the month to explore our new city together and were overwhelmed by what a perfect fit Memphis is for our personalities, interests, and lifestyle. Our friend Mike came to visit and along with our one Memphis friend, Emily (what would I have done without you, Emily!?!), we kicked off the Beijing Olympics with Chinese food in our box-filled home! Pretty sure Jonathan and I watched EVERY broadcast moment of the Olympics this year!

September: Jonathan began optometry school, while I began a season of job-hunting/unemployment). He received his white coat, we made some friends, and I settled into the life of a stay-at-home wife. While it had its dark days, I definitely enjoyed having entire days to fill with exploring Memphis, doing things around the house, and hanging out with Weber. My parents came to visit.

October: Desperate for a job, I was about to head to the mall and apply for a job in retail. The day before I had planned to go pick up applications, I got a call from the U of M, offering a temporary position that I had not even applied for! My networking had paid off, and God had provided. Tom and Anne came to visit, giving us a great excuse to do touristy things like the Mud Island river walk and the Gibson guitar factory.

November: To Birmingham we go! Our dear friend Graham married the sweetest Southern belle, and we were able to join in the festivities with some of our closest friends from OBU. The visit came at just the right time; it provided a getaway for Jonathan, familiar faces for me, and a crazy good time for us all! We celebrated Thanksgiving in Midwest City with the Poes and were able to get a sneak peek at the almost-open Cuppies and Joe.

December: We survived our first round of optometry school finals (and by "we," I mean "we!"), got a visit from the Rimmers, spent a few days at Beaver's Bend, celebrated Christmas in Midwest City, and are about to ring in the 2009 in Fort Smith!

Whew! If you stayed with me that, you should get a prize. I have to prize to offer you, but still, you've earned one. Sometimes blogging is for you, sometimes it is for me. Today it was mostly for me. ;)

Who knows what 2009 holds? (I'm just glad that we're pretty much guaranteed that it will not hold another move!) A few things that are guaranteed: a good God, good family, good friends, and--if I have anything to do with it (and I'm pretty sure I do)--good food.

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give us a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

Christmas Recap

I promise I will get back onto the post-holiday blogging bandwagon soon, but until then, a brief recap of our holiday festivities!

• Our dear friends The Rimmers made the long trek from Oklahoma to Memphis, and they even brought Cuppies! Terry and Jonathan had both just finished finals, so there was lots of relaxing, lots of movie-watching, and lots of lounging around and talking. Of course, we did muster up the energy to make a trip to the Pottery Barn/Williams Sonoma outlet where Jess and I scored some major steals. It was so refreshing to spend time with sweet friends.
• Jonathan and I made our way over the river and through the woods to a cozy little cabin in Beaver's Bend State Park. Jon kept the fire going, we gorged on cheese fondue and smores, took lots of hikes and naps, and did lots of reading. It was great to just be holed up together with nothing to do.
• In reference to the reading mentioned in the previous bullet, I have officially become addicted to the Twilight series. I wolfed down the first book in a day at the cabin, and started New Moon yesterday on the drive home from Oklahoma and have almost finished it. Now I know what all the fuss is about! I highly recommend it for some mindless yet fun and thrilling holiday reading. Now I can't wait to go see the movie!
• On Christmas Eve afternoon we made the trek up to Midwest City to spend Christmas with the Poes. We did lots of cooking and eating, lots of present-opening, a bit of shopping (Everything in Harolds is 70% off! Trouble!), and some friend-and-family visiting. I got to see one of my dearest friends, Christina, and her husband and little boy. 'Twas heaven.
• I was FINALLY able to make it to my new favorite place, Cuppies-and-Joe! Let me tell you, this spot deserves another post of its own. Aside from the fact that it is perfect for running into old friends from OBU (shout out to Denise, Cari, Mica, and Jamie!) I cannot even describe what deliciousness those Little Women whip up. I highly recommend The Don (italian cream cake), the orange brownie, the Neverland (peanut butter cupcake with chocolate ganache), and their coffee.
• Jonathan and I drove out to Shawnee to visit Carrie, Steph, Canaan and Ainsley (bearing a half-dozen Cuppies for good measure; as if they didn't already love me! Did I mention that Cuppies make a fabulous gift?) It was so good to see them, but it definitely drove home how much I miss those friendships.

We got home last night, and boy was it good to be back in our own little home. We won't get too settled, though, because its off to Fort Smith for New Years on Tuesday night! Let the fun continue!

A little slice of perfect...

This morning, when the alarm went off, I opened my eyes just a sliver and looked around. On my right, my peacefully sleeping husband. After three weeks of him waking up at 5 a.m. to study it was pretty nice to actually have him in bed. On my left, my adorable Puppa, sprawled out and taking up more than her fair share of the bed. To her advantage, she's pretty cute when she's sleeping, so I let her.

There we were. Just the three of us. Our little family. All snuggled up and warm. Just a little slice of perfect on this rainy Friday morning.

Now tell me...how is a girl supposed to get out of bed on a day like this!?!

Well, you weren't there to give me an answer, so I didn't.

I just laid there and soaked it up until the last possible second...8:05 a.m. to be exact. And I was out the door by 8:30. I might not be looking so hot on this last day of work before Christmas, but, man, was it worth it!

Cuppies and Joe

Do you live in the Oklahoma City area?

Are you looking for a quaint, cozy little spot to meet with friends or enjoy some alone time?

Would you like to enjoy that friend/time alone over a hot cup of coffee and a delicious cupcake?

Then have I got news for you!

TOMORROW, Friday, December 19th, two of my college roommates and most dear friends (who just so happen to be the most adorable set of twins you will ever meet) are opening a dessert and coffee shop in Oklahoma City!

CUPPIES AND JOE is located in a renovated house on 23rd and Shartel. Each room is decorated in the Dief's creative, warm style, complete with a cozy reading room wall-papered in the pages of Little Women, a rich plum-colored room that would be perfect for a birthday celebration with your girlfriends, and a beautiful fireplace in the middle of it all! It feels like home, if your home were a place where beautiful little twins bring you steaming beverages and delectable cupcakes.

Tomorrow is opening day, so if you're out and about, stop by for a cupcake and tell them that Leslie sent you! Please spread the word to your friends. They also make cupcakes, pies, and other desserts for all of your entertaining or gifting needs, so if you just don't have time to bake one more thing for a party or dinner, let them take care of you! (I hear the apple praline pie is to die for!)

So there you have it...a shameless plug for two of my favorite people who are finally making their dream come true. Don't miss out on this little OKC treasure!

MIA, Strangers, and the Light at the End of the Tunnel

I have been bad blogger lately.

No real excuses. Not that busy.

Just haven't felt like it.

But that will change soon, my friends.

I have pictures for you. Pictures of decorations. Pictures of the yummy goodies I've been whipping up for guests, road trip munchies, and family. Just you wait...it'll be fun.

Today at 12:15 p.m. I hopped on the elevator, dropped down 8 stories, walked out the front door of my office building, and hopped into a car where I was greeted by a handsome man who looked strangely familiar.

"Hello," he said. "My name is Jonathan. I will be your husband for the next few weeks."

"Well, hello Jonathan!" I replied. "So nice to finally meet you."

So I went to lunch with this lovely gentleman. We talked, we laughed, we ate burritos. And gradually we were reminded that, yes, we do know each other. We even like each other. Heck, I think I love the guy!

We survived two and a half weeks of non-stop exam preparation, of living life like passing ships, of reassuring each other that in two more weeks, one more week, two more days, 24 more hours things would be back to normal.

And now it is time to celebrate!

Headed South

Why does Blogger not want me to post large pictures? I don't know. But if you get out your magnifying glass, you'll see where Jonathan is headed in March...Nicaragua!

When he was looking to change careers, one of the things that really drew him to the field of optometry was the opportunity to do medical missions and humanitarian work. We assumed that he would have to wait until after graduation to begin his involvement in that area, but thanks to an organization at SCO, he will be able to start now! This will give him the chance to practice what he is learning and to gain experience in planning these trips for when he's an actual O.D. They will be providing vision screenings and glasses for children; something we take for granted in the states but a huge need in other countries. Pretty awesome.

(Thought: Do you know how badly I wish I could be a fly on the wall watching my handsome husband in his hottie white coat loving on precious little Nicaraguan kids and helping them see???? Sigh....)

Jonathan and the other members of his team have been fundraising for the past semester to pay for their trip. Don't worry...I've been keeping those bake sales stocked! ;) They will each have to raise $1000 on their own, so please pray that Jonathan will be able to raise all of the support he needs to serve on this trip, and a possible second trip in May. And if any of you have a heart for missions and feel led to give, feel free to email me for more information! (lesliepoe@gmail.com)

Finals Week

It is finals week. Here at the UofM, our offices are very quiet. On the home front, my husband spends copious hours cooped up in his study. I have made a little pact with myself to keep the house clean, the laundry done, and the kitchen cookin' for the next two weeks, just to ease his load a bit. My grad school days are only a short year and a half behind me, so I vividly remember how an empty pantry, absence of clean clothes, or scattered home made my stress level escalate during a demanding few weeks. (I cured that stress by single-handedly polishing off a 9x13 pan of brownies in the two days leading up to my final capstone/thesis presentation. True story. Healthy for body and mind, no? I don't want Jonathan to reach that low!)

As I was walking across campus to the office this morning, the harsh cold wind reminded me of one of my funniest finals memories. Funny now, yes, but then? Awful.

It was the end of the first semester of my freshman year at OBU. I had been struggling through College Algebra all semester (half because I hate math, half because I was a college freshman with better things to do!). That course was my first final of my first-ever college final exam week. Monday morning, 8 a.m. I stayed up late studying, calling my dad in tears at one point out of sheer frustration, and decided to get up early the next morning to firm up a few concepts that were still a bit shaky in my mind.

I woke up the next morning, looked at the clock... 8:45 a.m.

I stood up in the center of my little WMU 417, jaw gaping in utter horror for a few silent moments before the screams began to pierce the quiet morning.

In complete panic mode, I was concerned enough to squeeze a glob of toothpaste in my mouth, throw a coat on over my pajamas, and grab my backpack.

Down the 4th floor hallway of WMU...Down the four flights of stair...Out the side door of the building into the December cold.

That's when the tears started.

I ran from WMU to Shawnee Hall, face red and blotchy, tears streaming, snot flowing.

By the time I reached my classroom it was about 9 a.m., only 30 minutes left in the exam block. I threw open the door to the classroom with a fervor that a friend later told me resembled Kramer's famous entrances on Seinfeld. With a look of pity, my grandma of a professor looked up with a smile, "I thought you'd never come!"

I took the exam, sniveling and sniffling the entire way through. Needless to say, I didn't do so hot. It was the only C I ever received on my transcript. But it made a darn good story.

So to all of you final exam takers out there, a word from experience: Set two alarms, sleep with your clothes on (and maybe just a dab of lip gloss), and be sure to stick a piece of gum in your pocket before you turn out the light.

Ear Muffs, Please

My new work environment is a village of cubicles. I have never been in a cubicle before (though I have once worked in a tiny room with five other graduate assistants, so I have a bit of experience with sharing a work space with others).

But here's the deal: something about cubicles makes people irrational. It is as though they suddenly forget that the cubicles are open at the top, instead thinking that they are in a soundproof booth. They hock loogies (not quite sure how you spell that disgusting phrase, but you get my drift), they play loud music, they talk loudly on the phone.

Seriously, people...I CAN HEAR YOU! And I throw up just a little every time you clear phlegm from your throat! And I can't hear myself think when you're blaring obscure alternative and R&B music over your speakers! WHY DO YOU TORTURE ME SO???

Oh, and have I mentioned that my biggest pet peeve in the world is two competing sounds: for example, the tv and the radio on, two different sources of music, etc.? So most of the time it is not just one culprit. It is the combination of Pandora stations, conversations, and bodily functions that kills me. So it's not like I can just turn on my own tunes in attempts to drown out the others. That would just make it worse.

Perhaps tomorrow is the day that I bring my Ipod to work, put in those earbuds, and work in peace. I think it is time.

Or I could follow my hubby's passive-agressive recommendations: "Hey, are you getting sick over here? I've got some yummy tea and cough drops in my cube!" (AKA: Hey, sicko...you're grossing me out with all your hacking. Get a hint!).

Its a good thing I really love my coworkers!

Tagged: 8 Things

I was tagged by Danielle over the weekend and am just now getting around to figuring out my "Lists of 8" Here it goes...

8 TV shows I love to watch:
1. The Office
2. How I Met Your Mother
3. Lipstick Jungle
4. Desperate Housewives
5. Brothers and Sisters
6. Ghost Whisperer (I know...its ridiculous)
7. Jeopardy
8. Barefoot Contessa

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Ted's in OKC
2. Baris in Waco
3. Irma's Burgers in OKC
4. Rolando's in Fort Smith
5. Green Papaya in Fort Smith
6. Kim's Place in Shawnee
7. Rendezvous in Memphis
8. Young Avenue Deli in Memphis

8 Things that Happened Last Weekend:
1. Had a "serendipity" moment when I ran into the Dief's at Cuppies and Joe!
2. Stocked up at Super Cao Ngyuen market in OKC
3. Watched Elf
4. Enjoyed the first fire of the season
5. Bought some awesome Created products from Stacey Canfield Russell (Go here for AWESOME Christmas gifts!)
6. Got my hair cut and colored
7. Watched the OU v. OSU game
8. Visited my parents in Fort Smith

8 Things I Look Forward To:
1. Three days in a cabin with Jonathan over the Christmas break
2. Jonathan being finished with Optometry School (long term, I know...)
3. Having my yard work finished for winter
4. Getting my house decorated for Christmas
5. The opening of Cuppies and Joe in Oklahoma City (more info on that to come!)
6. Hosting a holiday celebration in my own home
7. Going to New England this summer
8. Getting a gym membership

8 Things on my Wish List (For Xmas?):
1. Winter boots
2. Rain boots
3. A new Crock Pot
4. A car adapter for my Ipod
5. Yoga classes
6. Gift cards to Target, Victorias Secret, and ITunes
7. An artificial Christmas tree
8. Jeans

Home Sweet Home

We went here...

Then here...

And now we're back here...

I kind of feel like I need a vacation to recover from my holiday break. Back to the grind I go...

Stay tuned for pics from Thanksgiving!

A Warning to Our Future Sons

So I was reading this lady's blog the other day. She is a mother of four who shares wonderfully entertaining stories about her little brood of rugrats. She also is very natural, opting for cloth diapers, organic food, and delayed/limited vaccination of her children. I have heard of all of these things, and though I am not sure what we will do on these issues when we have children, I've enjoyed her perspective. But one 'au naturale' choice of hers made me pause...

They do not circumcise their sons.

You can read her blog for yourself to get the nitty gritty on why they have made this decision, but in a nutshell they didn't think anything of it until assigned a research paper on the topic for their childbirth class. They began thinking they'd write a paper on why you should circumcise, yet through the process of their research their minds were changed.

Now, I haven't given much thought on the "to circumcise or not to circumcise" issue. I just assumed it was a given. So I asked Jonathan what he thought about it, and this is how it went:

ME: Jon, how do you feel about circumcision?

JON: What do you mean?

ME: Like, is it a big deal for you to have your son circumcised? 'Cause I was reading this lady's blog and she said that basically there is no medical point to it and it's just removing a piece of the body for no good reason...so I was just wondering what you thought about it all.

JON: Well, I'm not sure what the big deal is. I mean, you just tie it off and wait for it to fall off.

ME: WHAT!?!

JON: Isn't how they do it? They just tie it off, it turns black, and you wait for it to just fall off, right?

ME: Umm....honey, I'm pretty sure you're thinking of the umbilical cord.

JON: Are you sure?

ME: Yep. Pretty sure circumcision is when (detailed explanation of circumcision that I will spare you) and the umbilical cord thing is when (ditto).

JON: Oh...yeah, that does sound right.

TOGETHER: Laughter.

Our poor baby boys. So glad we've cleared that one up.

IT

I know I'm jumping the gun just a bit on the giving of thanks. Of course, I'd like to say that I have a regular habit of acknowledging my blessings and giving thanks for them in the moment. And sometimes I do. But sometimes, IT takes over.

You know IT, don't you?

That discontented, jealous, covetous, grumbling brat of a little child that sometimes takes root in your soul, reminding you of everything that you don't have/should have/will have/have and don't want?

I wish I were alone in my struggle with IT, but I'm afraid that the very core of our being, when it's all said and done, is IT. IT took over my head for a bit last night, and she wasn't pretty. And as IT reared her ugly head, I was reminded of a truth that came into my life recently. There in the middle of my kitchen, I yelled at IT. I told IT the truth:

"GRUMBLING AGAINST CIRCUMSTANCES IS GRUMBLING AGAINST GOD!"

I heard a reply...

"What???"

No, I'm afraid IT doesn't actually have a voice. That was just Jonathan, wondering why in the world I was yelling random self-help statements from the kitchen.

I yelled it again, partly to repeat myself for Jonathan, and partly to make sure that IT heard me.

IT did. And IT is not gonna like what else she has coming. So forgive my premature giving of thanks; I just need to give IT a piece of my mind:

I am thankful for...

The Big Things...

• God's provision of a job in my field, just in time
• God's sovereignty in opening the way for Jonathan to attend optometry school in Memphis. I cannot tell you how often I thank the Lord that I am not in Talequah, Oklahoma! God knew that this city would be a perfect fit with our personalities and interests. And that I would waste away in a town like Talequah!
• God's guidance to a new church that challenges us in new ways
• God's goodness in rewarding Jonathan's obedience to leave his career in finance and trust his leading into a new career in optometry. It is such a blessing to see him so fulfilled, challenged, and successful in this new chapter of his life.
• God's sustaining grace in our marriage as we explore what it means to be in new roles, in a new place, and in a new income bracket!
• God's provision of an adorable, cozy little house that is just perfect for us. And landlords who take amazing care of us and who we genuinely enjoy spending time with! Double score!
• God's blessing of precious friends who still manage to keep in touch, and sweet families who support us and never pressure us to do life in a way other than what is true to us.

The Little Things:

• Little Weber Poe. In a time in my life when I needed a buddy, a purpose, and a few laughs, Weber bounded in (quite literally) and stole my heart! She keeps us active, disciplined, and entertained.
• Cafe Eclectic. Pumpkin donuts, brie and pear sandwiches, and the best darn cafe au lait a girl could ever drink. A cozy interior, and a sunny porch where Weber can join us and all the waitresses and patrons can google over her. All within a 5 minute walk from my front door.
• Shelby Farms and Overton Park. I love having such beautiful land to enjoy so close to our home!
• My bedroom has a fireplace in it! And I have a walk-in pantry. Bliss.
• Bible Study Fellowship. I have been so blessed to study God's Word each week with such a diverse group of women.
• Tivo.
• Google Messenger, Facebook, and Blogging. It is such a gift to be able to stay connected with friends and loved ones, and to meet new people who give me wonderful ideas for cooking and decorating, challenging perspectives on being a wife and mother, and who remind me that I am normal. Nasty as the Internet may be at times, I am very thankful for these little perks!
• My snakeskin pumps.
• Super Target, Fresh Market, and the Williams Sonoma/Pottery Barn Outlet.
• My local public library, NPR radio, and PBS. I hereby swear that someday, when I actually have some extra cash flow, I will finally call in and become a supporter of these wonderful organizations that keep me learning and entertained.
• www.pandora.com

So there. I am blessed. I am thankful. I have all that I need and am exactly where I need to be. How'd you like that, IT?

Today...

...Included:

• Coffee and Donuts (I know, I know...two days in a row...don't judge)
• An hour and a half at the dog park (chilly but sunny)
• Catching up on my Tivo stash (Ugly Betty, King of Queens rerun, Cook's Country)
• A two hour nap (three blankets, two pillows, multiple wake-realize I don't have to get up-roll overs)
• Watching The Whole Ten Yards (quirky, funny)
• A long, hot shower (with Sensual Amber body wash...yummy)
• Sweat pants, no make up, ponytail (the only thing better than a long, hot shower is not having to get ready afterward)
• Quality time with my man (laughs, hugs, talks)
• Mexican food (Paula Deen's Mexican chicken casserole with green chile corn, oatmeal peanut butter bars...so those aren't Mexican, but whatever)
• Boomer Sooner (7-0 in the first)
• And I'm feeling an early bedtime coming on...

Disappointment

This morning, as Weber began to stir and I gradually began to wake up, I realized that I didn't have to go to work. Joy and rapture! It's Saturday!

I hopped out of bed to let the dog out, grabbed a blanket, and snuggled up on the couch to begin my day, MY day, with a tivo'd episode of Oprah. My mind was spinning with all the things I wanted to do: stop for pumpkin donuts at Cafe Eclectic on the way out to the dog park with Weber; come home, shower, clean up the house a bit, and head out for an afternoon of shopping at all of the places that are too far for me to drive on a week day. Maybe watch a movie, do some cooking. No work, no obligations.

The weather was on when I turned on the tv, so I stopped to watch before clicking over to Oprah. Our local weather dude (we are not on first-name basis quite yet) was giving the 7 day forecast.

"I wonder why he listed Friday?" I thought to myself. "They usually don't list the day before on these things...that's weird....I guess it is kind of nice to be able to compare."

And then it hit me.

And the most mournful, distraught voice came forth from my mouth: "It's FRIDAY!!!!!!"

Jonathan, disturbed from his last few minutes of snooze-button induced bliss, yelled back from the bedroom, "Yeah......so???? Is everything ok????"

"I thought it was SATURDAY!!!!"

Laughter from the bedroom.

Not a fun way to start the day. But I still zipped through that episode of Oprah and stopped by Cafe Eclectic for a cafe au lait and a couple pumpkin donuts. Just to ease the pain.

Not a bad for a consolation prize. But tomorrow morning will be sweet.

Dah-rah-mah!!!

Today is nuts. Today I want to pull out my hair. Or someone else's.

Why?

See yesterday's post. Section Two. Bullet Two.

Darn confidentiality laws and ethics, 'cause I could write a good post about today.

Kids these days...

In other news...I am wearing a cute new turtle neck that makes me happy, I just ate a cream cheese brownie, my husband doesn't have to study tonight, and we get to go hear Cornel West (!) speak on the recent presidential election and the state of diversity in America. For free.

So it's not all bad. And I've been able to laugh at the situation all day. I mean, if you can't laugh at the junk, you might as well just give up on life altogether, right? (And honestly, some of the junk is really funny when you stop being hacked off long enough to see the big picture). Off to control the damage, pick up the pieces, and faciliate the life lessons of developing, mistake-making young people...it's a charmed life, isn't it?

An Analysis...

I feel like an anthropologist these days. You see, I am employed by my third institution of higher education, and at this still-early point in my career I feel like I could write a book on the differences between these places. Their sizes, campus styles, insitutional missions, student demographics, and subtle student cultures are so vastly different from one another, and I am still absorbing all the new elements that make the U of M unique from OBU or Baylor.

Somethings I am observing/learning...

What is considered to be cool changes drastically from one student body to the next.

• At OBU, it was very cool to wear your vintage-looking duds while chilling to the latest, obscure emo music on your Ipod and researching the latest social justice issues on your laptop for fun. It was cool to be intellectual, and not cool to be a conservative Christian who used black-and-white, church-campy language. Relationships between the opposite sex were automatically assumed, quick to develop, and often led to serious long-term commitment (often engagement before graduation).
• Here, it is cool to wear sunglasses on a strap around your neck (what!?!), to dress casually (with the exception of a few students I know who intentionally dress up every day) to listen to the latest rap/r&b music (regardless of the color of your skin), to have school spirit, and to go downtown on the weekends. Students rarely date exclusively, preferring to "just talk."

The politics of the core group differ.

• At OBU, "in-group" status often depended on your relationships with faculty and staff. However, once those groups are established they are fairly cut-and-dried in their operations with very little political interplay between officers and members.
• Students here are much more political in their interactions and organizations (just ask me about last weekend's Panhellenic Exec elections...yikes!). I like to believe what people tell me. I like to think that people have good intentions, that they do not manipulate people or circumstances for their own gain, that they do not lie or twist the truth. This is not always so. I am quickly learning to question most of what is told to me and to not take anything as the gospel truth.
• In regards to the above statement, not all students who appear to be untruthful or manipulative are meaning to be so. Perception is everything, and perception creates our reality; our reality leads us to speak and act. Whether those words and actions eventually end up reflecting what is really happening is not always reliable. And that is true no matter where you go!

Diversity is a beautiful thing.

• Unfortunately, OBU is still in the Dark Ages when it comes to the support of minority students. Not only do students of color go without specialized groups and services unique to their experiences of college, but so do first-generation college students. Students of color rarely serve in leadership positions and topics like diversity and white privilege are rarely discussed in or out of the classroom.
• U of M, however, is incredibly diverse, and minority students are often taking the lead in the major workings of the student body. I am often the only white person in the room, and I am daily working with people who have different cultural backgrounds, faith affiliations, and sexual preferences. It is a fun challenge to have to think outside of the box of my own experiences and assumptions.

I'm know the learning will continue, but there is the initial outpouring of my thoughts and impressions as of late. This is one of those posts where my blog is more "personal reflection/preservation of thoughts journal" than "cute, funny way of keeping in touch with friends and meeting random people with whom I share things in common website." Hope you don't mind!

Temptation Island...or Parking Garage

It is a well known fact that coffee these days is entirely overpriced, and that one easy way to whittle down on the spending is to eliminate these fancy-shmancy java beverages from your daily/weekly repertoire. I am normally very good about that. Normally. And normally I avoid Starbucks as much as possible, preferring that my money go to the local (and far more tasty) Cafe Eclectic in my neigborhood. But when those red cups come out, and that Starbucks menu starts dancing with words like "Gingersnap," "Eggnog," "Peppermint Twist," and "Pumpkin Spice," all will-power is abandoned.

To add insult to injury, my daily parking garage of choice (actually, it is my parking garage of demand, since I am paying $30/month to park there, and only there, on campus. OBU students who complain about parking: shut it) has a Starbucks in it! So on a morning like this, when I ran out the door without my home-brewed mug o' joe, how is a girl to resist the siren call of a gingerbread latte that is right smack in the line of her daily stroll to the office? I have yet to figure that out. But I have been enjoying my latte this morning. I'll try not to make it a habit.

New Couch

So I wrote a post...with pictures...about my new couch, but for some reason it posted it

way

down

here....

Below the post about my dairy-loving Puppa.

Not sure why...

But go look!

A Public Service Announcement from Weber

Have you had your daily serving of yogurt?

I have. Yogurt is full of good proteins and healthy bacteria. Sometimes my mom puts a scoop on top of my kibble, but today I decided to help myself from the container on the counter.

I usually just like to eat it--it's good for a girl's digestive system, which is very important when someone else is scooping up your business or picking it up in a nice little bag--but today I decided to use it as a face mask. It makes my fur soft and shiny. I had already whiped off a bunch of it before this picture was taken (mom's pillowcases worked great for that), but you get the idea.

Now, you might not be able to tell in this picture, but I also have a half a stick of butter in my mouth. I hear the added fat will make my coat extra pretty. Unfortunately, my mom is insecure and doesn't want me to become more beautiful than her, so she witholds these valuable beauty items from me. But that's ok. I just steal them off of the counter.

This public service health and beauty announcement has been brought to you by Weber Poe.

Love at First Sight

I know you all have been in suspense over the past week, but wait no more! My new baby...

Weber is officially not allowed on the couch, and she really is doing well at resisting the urge to jump up on it. I'm determined to keep it as beautiful as possible for as long as possible! Picture it with some cute patterned pillows (the green ones are from the old couch and will be replaced eventually). The ultimate vision is to reapolster the plaid chairs to something a bit more up-to-date, and to get new end tables and lamps. One thing at a time!

I wish I had a nice camera that could convey how warm and cozy our living room is. The darn flash makes it look so harsh, but no-flash is too dark. I guess you'll just have to come visit and see what it looks like in real life!

Reunited and it Feels So Good

Don't you just love weddings? I love taking in the romance, analyzing the couple's chosen traditions and decorating style, noticing all the details that make their day special, oo-ing and ah-ing over the bride's gorgeousness, and--most importantly--enjoying my fair share of free hors d'oerves, cake, and wine. Since moving further away from my friends, however, weddings now have one important purpose: REUNION!

This past weekend Jonathan and I dropped Weber at the boarder, grabbed our first red-cup holiday beverages at Starbucks (gingersnap latte for me, eggnog latte for him), and hit the road to Birmingham, Alabama for the wedding of one of the nicest guys I know, Graham Hill, to the sweetest little Southern belle, BethAnn Watson. It was so nice to have Jonathan alone in the car for 4 hours; no books, no studying, no talking about school. 'Twas divine. Oh, and the rolling hills and fall leaves didn't hurt either.

I won't bore you with the play-by-play of the weekend, but in a nutshell the weekend included lots of catching up, lots of laughing, lots of good food, and lots of silent little prayers of thanksgiving for the blessing of friendship. My friends from my OBU days have managed to stay in touch for going on 5 years post-graduation, and our relationships are still as deep and meaningful as they were back on Bison Hill. For those of you who couldn't make it: you were missed!

Graham and Beth Ann sure know how to throw a party! Our entire crowd kept the party going all night; the band was incredible and we danced as long as they played. And of course, our awesome boys (Todd, Jase, and Mike in particular) kept all the old ladies and bridesmaids happy by swinging them across the dance floor as if they were the only girl in the room. It was quite a night! After sending off the bride and groom, we all headed out to a local bar and continued the catching up over drinks; we didn't call it a night until 1:30 a.m. (and the boys kept the party going at Waffle House!). Way past my bedtime, but entirely worth it.

Here are a few pics. I really need to get better about taking pictures because these don't do the weekend justice!

The girls, all hot and sweaty from dancing, but still lookin' hot!

My handsome date and dancing partner...we're looking a little weary from the dance floor!
Sweet Matty and the cutest 1 year old on the planet, Mattox! (Sorry it's sideways...I'm lazy)
The girls in downtown Birmingham before breakfast on Sunday.

What do you say we do it again this weekend...who's in???

Yummy

Check out the recipe for one of my favorite snacks here. Stay tuned for a weekend update! It was a doozy.

Progress

I did it. Last night after dinner, that old familiar feeling kicked in. You know, that "I'm gonna disregard my disgusting house and go plop this bootie on the couch to settle in for an entire night of pointless television while falling in and out of sleep" feeling?

But I resisted. I reached deep down within, grabbed ahold of my inner Suzy Homemaker, and got to work. I cleaned the kitchen, did several loads of laundry, dusted, vacuumed, changed the sheets on the bed, deep cleaned the bathroom, washed our shower curtain and put it back up with a brand new liner, and still got in bed at 10:45. Man, I can accomplish a lot when I just make myself get to work!

I didn't get to mop the floors and I didn't get to our bedroom, but I'm ok with that. Those will get done tonight or tomorrow. And then I'll be able to enjoy my entire weekend with only grocery shopping left to be done! Now that everything is in good shape, I'll be ready to start a new schedule of doing one chore per day. I'll let you know how it goes!

In other news, remember that couch that I mentioned purchasing TWO MONTHS AGO? Well, it finally arrived and we are picking it up tonight. If you want some fun tonight, you could come over and warm yourself in my backyard as I ceremoniously burn my old loveseat and slipcover! We could even roast some marshmallows if you like. It's a big day. I'll try to post pictures.

And now, I need your advice, related to both cleaning and my new couch. We have a little problem with our sweet little Puppa and her paws. You see, our backyard has two problems: 1) patchy grass 2) 24/7 shade. Put these two things together, and we pretty much always have a damp, dirty yard that clings to little puppy feet. We try to stop her when she comes to the door and wipe her feet on the mat, but most of the time there is still enough dust left on her paws that we are left with puppy prints on the furniture, bedding, etc. Oh, and if the bathroom floor is wet, that means actual muddy paw prints appear. My only idea at this point is to go get a box of baby wipes and leave them at the back door in hopes that their cleaning properties will cut the dirt better than just a rag or towel. Advice from other dog owners is desperately welcomed!

History

It's a big day. I need to go buy a newspaper. Of course, I recognized the gravity of this election as it was happening, and last night as I got a little teary watching Obama address the crowds at Grant Park. Perhaps it is because I live in the city in which--around 40 years ago--a great man was shot for a dream of equality. Perhaps it is because I work with many black students who remind me that the opportunities in this nation are not always equal and availble to them. Politics and policy aside, you must agree that in the arena of sheer progress, last night was monumental.

This morning, as I heard my African American colleagues share their feelings about watching Obama last night, I realized that there is an element of the sacredness of this day that I will never fully be able to feel or grasp. I can appreciate, I can marvel, I can applaud, but at the end of the day I cannot pretend to understand what a gift it is to finally see a black American hold the highest office in our nation; to finally be able to tell my children that, yes, you too could be the President of the United States. In a land where racism and prejudice are still alive and well, that's a big deal.

No matter which candidate you supported, no matter how you are feeling this morning after, I think we all have reason to celebrate.

Election Day is Heating Up

I typically bring a lunch from home and spend my lunch break at the office, but today I ventured outside for a little trip to Target (hooray!). Imagine my dismay when the sliding doors opened and I prepared for the cool fall breeze by pulling my cream coat a little tighter around myself, only to be greeted by HEAT! It wasn't just warm, people. It felt downright hot!

I suddenly had horrible flashbacks to the disappointing fall seasons of our Waco years. While the green leaves of a Texas November at least allowed you to pretend, the gorgeous reds, yellows, and oranges of the UofM landscaping made it impossible to deny that this was just WRONG. Fall + Leaves of Gold = Cold. To everything there is a season, and fall is the season for cool breezes and crisp, sunny afternoons.

Dear Mother Nature, I am giving you two--count 'em--two days to get your rear in gear and drop these temperatures back into a reasonable 50-60 degree range. Please and thank you.

(According to my weatherman, my threat to Mother Nature has her nervous. She'll probably give in by Thursday).

Little Cabin in the Woods

I just booked two nights at a cabin at Beaver's Bend for a little getaway during the week of Christmas. Just the two of us. And Weber, of course. With nothing to do but read, watch Christmas movies, hike, fish, and snuggle up by the fire. We will rest, I tell you. Just rest.

How's a girl supposed to get any work done when she has visions of sugar plums and log cabins dancing in her head?

Just one...ok, five....

I am making the most spectacular cookies...

I have already eaten at least 3 of them and I haven't even finished making them...

You can make them too...

Just go to this lovely blog and scroll down until you see the recipe for PUMPKIN COOKIES.

That's right. Pumpkin Cookies.

With brown sugar caramel icing.

If you sneak a pre-icing cookie, you may think they are so good that they don't need the icing.

But the icing is the best part. Trust me.

They are easy.

And they make my husband think I am the most amazing thing on the planet.

Which is always a good thing.

Content

Saturday night.

9:52 p.m.

One OBU hoodie.

One glass of vino.

One magazine.

One hubby downtown enjoying pigskin and beer with his brother.

One girl on a couch.

One puppy by her side.

Not too shabby.

(P.S. I must add that said puppy is a drugged puppy. Turns out that even a major surgery can't keep this girl down, so the vet had to prescribe some sedatives so that she would stop running and jumping in her usual energetic style. The poor girl's eyes are all bloodshoot, she can barely stand on her own two legs or walk without looking like a drunk doing the line test on the side of the road. It is sad. But it is for the best. And it sure makes for good snuggling.)

H-A-Double L-O-Double U-Double E-N...

I learned a little ditty in 2nd grade with the above lyrics. It was a great tune. To this day it still runs through my head on Halloween.

My big, crazy plans today?

Work this morning, finalizing my preparations for a presentation on the Social Change Model of Leadership Development at tomorrow's Leadership Summit. Fun times.

Accompany the Students Advocating Service group to the Humane Society this afternoon to get all the puppies prettied up for adoption day tomorrow. (I hereby commit to resist the urge to bring one home with me).

Hand out some candy if any lucky trick-or-treaters happen to come my way. They'll be glad they knocked on my door when they find their little paws in a bowl of peanut butter M&Ms! That's right...coolest house on the block.

Join my husband and fabulous brother-in-law, Todd, for drinks and dinner. Have I told you about ole' Toddy yet? No? Well, he's pretty awesome and we are very thankful that the Association of Marriage and Family Therapists chose Memphis as the site for their annual conference so that we can snag some time with him. Yesterday I got him all to myself for lunch. Twas lovely.

Eat ridiculous amounts of candy. I'm already working on this one and it's only 10 a.m.!

Little Patient...

Poor little Weber had "the" surgery yesterday. Contrary to Jonathan's reassurance that spaying is like getting your tubes tied ("They just snip 'em," he said...), my internet research has confirmed that the poor little girl did, in fact, have an overiohysterectomy. Thought so. I didn't think the vet would keep her overnight and require her to not jump, run, or play hard for 10 days for just a little snip, snip.

Though I know this is the most routine veterinary surgery on the planet, I have to admit that I've been a little nervous! The vet called me at the office yesterday morning, just a few hours after I dropped her off. I recognized the number on my caller i.d. My heart sank. A lump creeped its way into my throat. Why on earth would the vet call unless something horrible had happened? Turns out I just have a good vet who was calling to let me know that she came out of her surgery beautifully and has just a tiny ear infection that she needs meds for. I had to laugh at myself for being so anxious!

Funny how that little creature has only been in my life for 3 1/2 months and has managed to turn me into a doting, worrying, missing-her-when-I'm-gone "mother." I downright missed that little girl last night! You know how Covey always speaks of the 30 days it takes to develop a habit? Well, in the past 3 1/2 months I have developed a habit of being greeted by a wagging tail every time I walk in the door, having my feet kept warm by a furry little heating pad, having paws to swat off the counters while cooking dinner, having a little mouth to feed each morning and evening, and being delightfully entertained by the boundless energy and antics of a little german shorthaired pointer. Our home just wasn't the same without her.

So this afternoon I'm going to go pick up my little patient, take her home to her nice warm bed, and let her eat all the treats she wants.

I Repent...

Dear Amy's Burrito,

Remember the post I wrote about the things I value and do not value? Remember how I said that I do not value processed convenience foods?

I'm sorry.

I hope that you did not think I was talking about you.

Of course, it is true that you are frozen. And it is true that all you require is a few short minutes in the microwave. And it is true that I can grab you from my freezer, throw you in my purse, and call you "lunch." However, you are also full of lovely organic ingredients that actually look like real food that comes from the earth. I can see your black beans, your grains of rice, your tiny bits of green chilies. I can eat you and feel satisfied and energized, not like I am drifting into a chemically induced coma. It's a nice feeling.

So, Amy, my apologies for grouping you into the realm of all those companions of yours in my grocer's freezer. You are one of a kind, Amy, and I can hardly wait until we meet again.

Lazy...

I hope you sang that title to the tune of Patsy Cline or LeAnn Rimes singing "Cray-zeee..." 'Cause that's how it sounded in my head...

Laziness. Slothfulness. Sleepiness. Whatever you want to call it, I've got a bad case of it. I just can't seem to get myself jump-started to do much more than watch tv, surf the internet, or read. After a day at work, I can usually manage to whip up dinner (because I enjoy doing it), but as soon as I take one look at the pile of dirty dishes that remains, I say to myself, "I'm just going to sit down and rest for a minute." It is at this point that I fall into the Black Hole of Laziness. Next thing I know, it's 10:30 p.m. and I'm ready to head for bed. Dishes still waiting...laundry still piling...miscellaneous items still straying around the house. And the cycle continues.

It's shameful, really. My job is not that stressful. My life is not overly full of commitments. My time is relatively flexible. As you can see, my barrel of excuses and justifications is fairly dry. I just don't wanna.

But I gotta.

I am attempting to calculate a game plan for next week in my head. Potential solutions include:

• Not allowing myself to engage in the forementioned lounging activities until the house is in decent, liveable shape. (Note that I did not say "perfect" shape. By "decent and liveable" I mean dishes done and counters wiped, bathroom not disgusting, house picked up, lunch made/clothes ironed for tomorrow, the end).


• Making a schedule of some sort that has me doing one household chore per night so that I don't get stuck doing all my cleaning at once (Laundry on Sundays, dust on Monday, floors on Tuesday, bathroom deep clean on Wednesday, etc.)


• Hiring a maid. A maid who will work for free out of the goodness of her heart. And who will use Caldera Ginger Plumelo cleaners to make my home smell divine. Know anyone?
  

Now don't you worry. I'm not being too hard on myself. I know that at the end of the day I am a very productive person. I'm just in a bit of a rut and have not quite fallen into my back-to-work groove yet. Until then, suggestions from all of you motivated, industrious folks with tidy houses and non-sticky, non-crumb-laden floors are eagerly welcomed. Now off to my unmade bed I go...

Favorites...

LyndsAU tagged me to list my favorite things. While I was going to be all fun and creative by using pictures like she did, my computer is acting funny and all of my pictures are bitsy. So I'll just tell ya!

Clothes: Ann Taylor Loft, Target, and Old Navy. Not ashamed of a bargain!

Furniture: Can't say I have a favorite, so I'm going to say Anthropologie for home inspiration in general. Love their clothes too.

City: This is tough for a travel junkie like me. My first thought was Vernazza, Italy. Second thought was Gimmelwald, Switzerland. Both of those are tiny towns though, so if you're looking for a real city, I'm going to have to say Barcelona. But I'm kind of diggin' Memphis these days too...

Sweets: Sour Patch Kids or good quality dark chocolate

Drink: Diet Sprite with Strawberry at Sonic; red wine or prosecco

Music: Counting Crows...you have held my heart since the 8th grade.

TV Series: Typical, I know, but I love the Office.

Film: Ooh...no solid favorite, but a few of my tops are Singin' in the Rain, Somewhere in Time, and Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion (Just for the record, Merdi and Jules: I'm the Mary!)

Workout: Lately those have been non-existant, but I do love Pilates and any group aerobics class that keeps me from wimping out in front of a crowd.

Pastries: Bring on the lemon bars or flourless chocolate cake

Coffee: I'm a new fan of Illy coffee, cafe au lait in particular, but if I'm not in a coffee mood I go for chai latte or Yogi Tea (Sweet Thai Delight, please!)

Are you singing Julie Andrews' These are a few of my favorite things.... yet?

I am not going to tag anyone, but if you thought these last two posts were fun, do them on your own site!

Tagged!

Goodness gracious, I am popular! ;) Both Mojito Maven and LyndsAU have tagged me in the past week and I am just now getting on Blogger at home. So with no further ado...

The first tag from Mrs. Mojito had the following instructions: 1. Pass it on to five other bloggers, and tell them to open the nearest book to page 56. Write out the fifth sentence on that page, and also the next two to five sentences...The CLOSEST BOOK, NOT YOUR FAVORITE, OR MOST INTELLECTUAL!!

The nearest book to me is an old copy of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland that is on display on my end table.

"But then," thought Alice, "Shall I never get any older than I am now? That'll be a comfort, one way--never to be an old woman--but then--always to have lessons to learn! Oh, I shouldn't like that!"

Pretty profound, that Alice.

The second part of her tag asked me to list six things I value and six things I do not value.

THINGS I VALUE:

• Travel and adventure: I would be a sad girl if I never had the opportunity to pack up and explore every year or so. An offshoot of that value is that I want to live an adventurous life that does not choose security over opportunity; I want to be willing to take risks and go out on a limb to live the life that God has planned for me.
• Diversity: I really enjoy being around people who are different from me, even though that is often a challenge. The city of Memphis, the UofM, and our church are very diverse and I am very thankful for that.
• Girlfriends: I don't care if you are married, single, or anywhere in between. You need girl time! I am very blessed to have made and kept wonderful girlfriends from each chapter of my life.
• Local Living: I love shopping at my farmer's market, dining at local restaurants, and discovering the things that make my city unique. I try to always choose to spend my money locally before spending it at a chain.
• Sabbath: I really try to keep my Sunday a day of rest (which is going to be a challenge now that my new job includes some Sunday meetings with Panhellenic). It saddens me that many churches have become so program-oriented that their congregation is exhausted, stretched thin, and hardly has a free hour on Sundays to enjoy a meal with family, a nap, or a hobby.
• Learning and Education: I really enjoy reading, watching educational television shows, and all other dorky methods of learning new things. And I love guiding students through the learning process and finding new ways to make things click.

THINGS I DO NOT VALUE:

• Packaged convenience foods: I don't know why this was the first thing that came to my mind, but it bugs me how marketers of the world have convinced us that simple homemade meals are frivilous and that the majority of the things we eat should be microwaved or toted along in convenient little single-serving pouches. It is not cheaper, it does not taste better, and it is often not easier.
• The Social Clock: Yes, this is an actual term in developmental psychology! I am fascinated by the recipe for life that we assign to everyone of a given age group. If you are dating, people ask about marriage; if you are married, people ask about babies. Sadly, these expectations are accelerated and intensified in the southern Christian community. Just let people do their thing and be excited for them when they have a new life milestone to celebrate!
• Bad Etiquette: While I recognize that times are a'changing, I feel like more and more things are becoming acceptable that are just bad taste. For example (my apologies in advance to those who have done this): including your registries in your wedding invitation, not RSVPing, texting during meetings or conversations, wearing white to a wedding when you are not the bride, etc. Let's be classy, folks.
• Political Incorrectness: Now I'm not saying this in the sense that we tiptoe around everything for fear of saying something offensive, but I do think that there is a certain amount of sophistication that is necessary to live in this modern and diverse world. There are certain things that you just cannot say in this day and age!
• SUVs and Big Trucks. Wake up people!
• T-shirts. I don't like wearing t-shirts. Weird, I know. I do it on occasion, but I don't like it.

Can you tell I had a hard time there at the end?

LyndsAU, I'll get to yours in my next post!

Something Yummy...

I've posted a new recipe here.

TGIF

Not quite sure what to write about today, unless of course you would like a lesson on the ins-and-outs of the Panhellenic, Interfraternity, and National Pan-Hellenic greek systems. I'm going to make the assumption that you would pass on that little schpeal. You're welcome. But really, I have enjoyed learning the ropes of a new area in my field and am looking forward to getting to know the students as I work with these organizations. UofM's homecoming kicks off on Sunday, so I arrived just in time to get a glimpse of some of the institution's traditions. Go Tigers! (And Sic Em, and Go Bison...my heart is green and gold for both of you still).

Tom and Anne, my fabulous in-laws, are visiting this weekend. We enjoyed some take out pizza and chocolate chip cookies last night and today they are touring Jonathan's school and spending the afternoon at Shelby Farms. I'm sure we'll snag a wonderful meal out tonight and spend tomorrow playing tourist around town. My father-in-law is quite the musician, so he is particularly excited about the Gibson guitar factory! And of course, I will drag them to the Farmer's Market. A Saturday is not complete without the Farmer's Market.

Oh! And did I mention that I was paid a wonderful visit by some of my precious OBU students last Wednesday night? The residents of Howard 7, with whom I spent numerous hours watching Grey's Anatomy and talking about girl things, decided that I was worthy of a stop on their Fall Break Road Trip! I could not have been more lucky. They showed up around 7, we snacked on some appetizers and drinks and caught up, and then headed to Rendezvous for Memphis' finest ribs. After strolling Beale Street and driving through Mud Island we were all pooped! I was able to come into work a tad late in order to have breakfast with them, and then they were on their way to leg two of the trip. It was so refreshing to see some familiar faces and to laugh hysterically with some of the most wonderful girls I know. Come back!!! Weber misses you.

Workin' Girl

A few thoughts on my first two days at my new job:

• Most importantly: I wore the pencil skirt and blouse with a cute little cardigan and my new $8 shoes. Thanks, girls!
• So far everyone seems very nice, very laid back, and pretty fun. Good sign.
• I have a lovely cubicle, which is a bit of an adjustment after being all alone in big ole Kerr Residence Hall last year (though it undoubtably had its loud and crazy moments!). I am going to have to re-learn how to focus in the middle of other conversations, music, and assorted office noises. My fellow grad assistants from Baylor will know that I did it once and I can do it again! (Nutshell: all 6 of us Student Activities GAs had to share one office!)
• I have a space heater under my desk, courtesy of our sweet administrative assistant. It keeps my tootsies toasty. A nice perk.
• I have had my nose buried in the manuals for National Panhellenic Conference, Association of Fraternity Advisors, and National Pan-Hellenic Council for two days straight. While I have known these systems on a big picture level, I now have to know the details, which is going to take a bit of time to process. Lucky for me, I enjoy reading and learning new things, so I'm kind of enjoying the new challenge.
• Students come back from Fall Break tomorrow, so I'm excited to meet a few new faces and start getting to know the Greek leaders I will be working with this year.
• Office hours are 8:30 to 4:30!!! And if I have an evening meeting or event to attend, I can come in late. Once again, my fellow student affairs professionals will understand the chronic workaholism of this field and what an absolute BLESSING this is! I've always been one to work smarter rather than longer/harder so its nice to work in an environment that advocates that (or at least says it does...we'll see!).
• Weber is handling the transition well. No accidents in the crate. No sadness or dejection when I get home. After growing up with cats I am used to animals holding a grudge, so I'm enjoying the fact that dogs are just glad to have you home!
• I had forgotten how absolutely pooped you are after a day of work. Seriously, how do working mothers do it? All I want to do in the evening is lay around and watch tv! Not good. I'm going to have to figure out how to get a second wind after 5:00!

Those are my first impressions thus far! Thanks for all of your well wishes, prayers, and wardrobe consultations :)

What to Wear...

One more thing...

What should I wear on my first day of work???

1) Cute but professional dress

2) Wide leg pants and a cute top

3) Pencil skirt and a blouse

The Final Days...

Considering that my new job begins tomorrow, I have felt an overwhelming urge to fill the past few days with all of the things that full-time employment tends to keep you from. It's been pretty nice, except for that nagging feeling of "only three/two/one more days." I tend to get a little anxious about new begginings, new people, new responsibilities. So while at one moment I find myself vey excited for a new challenge, at the next I find myself fearful and anxious. I don't like that feeling, but I guess it comes with the territory. How good to know that we can be confident that God's plans for us are good and that he will equip us to rise to the occasion! Sometimes that is the only truth that keeps me from being a basketcase.

But enough with vulnerability! Let's recap my final days of unemployment!

THURSDAY
Woke up relatively early, enjoyed a cuppa joe and a bit of the Today Show and headed out to Shelby Farms with Weber. It was a gorgeous morning; crisp fall air, clear blue skies, and very few people out on the trails. Weber and I hiked and practiced her water retrieving for about an hour; even after that I was not ready to leave, so I sat on a bench next to a pond, Weber at my feet, and just enjoyed the quiet for awhile. Not a bad way to spend a morning.

That afternoon I had to swing by UofM to complete some employment paperwork, so I decided to spend the afternoon out and about. I hit up the mall for the first time since moving here and celebrated my new employed status with a pair of $8 shoes at Payless, a cute winter hat, and some Sensual Amber body cream from B&BW. It is my new favorite scent for fall, and I was pumped to find that all body creams were $5 that day! Score!

After the mall I ran by our Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma outlets (seriously, you should come visit me just for these outlets!) and used my gift card to snag a new chocolate brown throw for the living room (Thanks DC girls!). Then it was off to Target for some new lampshades and a throw pillow, also courtesy of a gift card. I love free shopping (Thanks Ramsey, Ashley, and Anna!).

If that doesn't already sound like a fabulous day, it gets better! After my errands I stopped by a local joint that I have been dying to check out: Dinstuhl's Candies. It has been around since the early 1900s and is a Memphis favorite. After drooling over the truffles, candies, and other treasures, I snagged a turtle apple: a granny smith drenched in caramel, chocolate, and nuts. I arrived home just as Jonathan did and we proceeded to down the entire thing! It was a wonderful kick off to our date night.

We headed to Celtic Crossing, a little pub in the Cooper-Young district, and enjoyed some Sam Adams Oktoberfest and Smithwicks on the patio. We capped off our brews with a pie at Memphis Pizza Cafe and then came home to watch The Office.

Now I ask you: with the exception of world travels or other outrageous adventures (ie: limited to things you can do in your immediate community) can you imagine a better day? I think not.

FRIDAY:
Got some things done around the house in the morning and then headed to Fino's, a little Italian deli and grocery store near our house. I picked up two sandwiches and a cannoli and headed to SCO to have lunch with Jonathan. UofM is just far enough away from SCO that we probably won't be able to meet up for lunch, so I figured I should take advantage of my last lunch with the hubster! When he got off of work that evening we headed to Shelby Farms again to meet Natelie and Jed and their pug Roxy. The four of us hiked around for awhile and fun watching Weber attempt to play with Roxy. Afterwards we grabbed some Sheridan's custard (Hey, Linders! We've got a Sheridans!!!) and hung out at their apartment park. Gosh, it's nice to have some friends!

SATURDAY:
Jonathan geared up for the OU/TX game while I headed out east to attend an SCO women's bible study at the home of one of Jonathan's professors. It was such a sweet time of getting to meet some of Jonathan's fellow students and some other wives. After that I went to Petsmart to pick up a few new treats for Weber to ease the transition of being alone all day. I am a bit anxious to leave her in her crate for the entire day, but at this point I'm not sure we can trust her in the house alone. I'd love any advice from you dog owners out there on what you do with your furry child while you're away! After PetSmart I hit up Target and Walmart and then headed home to relax for a bit.

Last night Jonathan and I ventured downtown for the first time to meet some friends of ours who are OSU and LSU fans. We hit up Jillian's, a bit bar/restaurant with multiple televisions so that everyone could watch their game of choice. It was fun to be out on the town late at night, but Jonathan and I were definitely reminded why we don't make Beale Street a regular stop on our weekends! It was CRAZY out there last night! Not exactly our scene.

SUNDAY
Church. Laundry. Cleaning. Cooking ahead for company this weekend. Baking bread. Organizing closet and work clothes. Home manicure and pedicure. Working in the yard a bit. Getting prepared for a new week of new things.

If you think of it, please pray that I will sleep well tonight, that my mind and heart will be at ease about this transition, and that I will wake up tomorrow feeling peaceful and confident. I'll let you know how it goes!

Comfort on White, Please

I was just sitting down to one of my favorite comfort foods of all time and it struck me that you might be living life without it. You see, it's not that popular of a food, and if you haven't heard of it, then it is absolutely imperative that I introduce it to you. There is no time to waste (well, time enough for me to polish mine off before beginning this post; some things just can't wait).

The food I speak of is a New England classic, so some of you Northerners may have had one. My mom was born and raised in Maine, so she brought this little tidbit of her homeland into my life at a very young age. You probably have two of the three ingredients, but the third might require a quick trip to the store. It's worth it. Get out your bread. Get out your peanut butter. Now, the magical ingredient: marshmallow creme, more affectionately known as "fluff." Smooth the creamy peanut butter and pillowy fluff on the bread like a good ole pbj (I like equal proportions of both, Jon just likes a smear of pb, some like more fluff). Then cut it up (I like mine in four little triangles, just like mama did it), grab a glass of milk, and enjoy.

There you have it friends: the fluffernutter sandwich. One of the loves of my life. Some of you might be grimacing with disgust right now, but please promise me you'll try it. I'm willing to bet that you'll fall in love, but if you don't, put that jar of fluff in the mail and send it my way!

Here Ye, Here Ye!

Well, friends...it's official.

I am once again employed!

This afternoon I accepted the position of interim Greek Life and Community Service Advisor at the University of Memphis.

Remember how I wrote last week that I was going to have to go get a random job? Well, two days later I got a call from the University of Memphis asking me to come interview for a job that I did not apply for. Turns out that my connections and shameless resume peddling paid off! There are a couple of drawbacks, one that it is a temporary position, only guaranteed through next spring, and two that it does not include benefits. But of course, just when that one detail made me question God's leading, a friend of Jonathan's at school mentioned the amazing insurance plan that he and his family are on. Wouldn't you know that the montly payment is exactly what we have paid in the past when we've been covered by our employer??? God is good.

So I start on Monday. I think this is going to give me some really good experiences that will fortify my career, and potentially provide a foot in the door for a permanent job next spring. Please pray that I will feel peace and confidence as I approach this transition. Until then, I'm going to enjoy these last two days as a lady of leisure!

Meals on Wheels

Memphis is a diverse city in cultures, ethnicities, and socioecomics. On any given day as you drive through the city, you see this variety represented on the streets. On Monday I hopped in the car to head to bible study. Our group was having a fellowship before class, so I had brought along a still-warm pan of symphony bar brownies. As I sat at a long stop light not too far from our house, I noticed a homeless man standing in the median with a cardboard sign. I had a one dollar bill in my pocket, but I found myself wishing that I just had food to give him so that I didn't have to wonder what my money would later purchase. Then, in a lightbulb moment, I remembered my brownies; the spatula and napkins were right on top of my bag; the light was long.

I rolled down the window.

ME: "Hey, you wanna warm brownie?"

DUDE: "Are you serious??? That sounds awesome!!!"

As quickly as I could, I removed the foil from the brownie pan on the passenger seat, cut a big square, put it on a napkin, and handed it out the window.

DUDE: "This is incredible! I can't believe this!"

ME: "Enjoy!"

As soon as I made my transaction, the light turned green, and off I went. I couldn't help but laugh at what a random, delightful surprise that must have been for him. Looks like I should drive around with hot baked goods more often! Could come in handy in this town.

Politics, Schmalitics

John McCain just called Americans the "innocent bystanders" in this economic crisis. Both candidates have made multiple references to Washington and Wall Street as the culprits in this financial mess we are in. I suppose it won't bring much affection from potential voters if they say:

"Actually, while there are particular flaws in the fundamental structures of our financial system, much of the financial crisis that we are currently experiencing can be traced back to your greed. Have you purchased a home that you cannot afford? Are you building your life on credit cards that you will never be able to pay off? Have you saturated your budget with car payments, an outrageous mortgage, unrealistic loans and gobs of stuff that you just can't stand to live without? Are you driving your gas guzzler all over town with no thoughts of conservation? Unfortunately, the majority of Americans would probably answer yes to at least one of those questions. We are a nation of excess, a nation that stretches itself to its absolute limits and beyond in order to keep up with the Jones. We are a nation with little understanding of simplicity or sacrifice. As president, I will call upon the American people to take stock of their personal contributions to the crises of our world, environmental and economic. This will not be comfortable and this will not be popular, but this is what is necessary for the health of our citizens as individuals and our nation as a whole."

NOTE:

• Just after I finished typing this, Obama started to hit on some of these ideas


• McCain and Palin need to watch the catty Obama put-downs. As an undecided voter, it really pushes me toward Obama rather than deterring me from him. At this point in the race, they need to concentrate more on informing me of their plans and assets rather than spending all of their air time pointing out Obama's flaws.

Rainy Morning

Sleep lasted a bit longer this morning due to the extra darkness, the low rumble of thunder, and the gentle pattering of rain on our big bedroom windows. Even Weber snuggled into bed with me, ignoring Jonathan's last-minute studying and getting ready that she typically cannot resist tagging along for. Rain has a habit of doing that to a girl. A little coffee. A little extra time in the Word. A little laundry. A little quiet. It's that kind of morning. Now if only my man were home to share it...

Speaking of my dreamily handsome heartbreaker of a husband, please say a little prayer that this vicious, ruthless, persistent case of poison ivy will go away. He is miserable and distracted, which really does not partner well with massive amounts of stressful studying. Maybe he should just come home and enjoy this rainy morning with me; I think it's just what the doctor ordered.

Home Tour: Part III

Welcome to one of my favorite rooms in the house! I was a bit sad because these pictures turned out kind of dark, but you can at least get the idea. This is what you see from the living room. (And in case you were wondering, I took this picture squatting so that you could see how tall the ceilings are. All the ceilings in the house are 12', so even though it is a 100-year old cozy little place, it feels bigger than it is. Love that!).

Still waiting for the hubster to hang three of my Butler's Pantry platters in this empty space on the wall. Won't that be nice?



I'll go ahead and throw in pictures of the kitchen's two "assessories." When we were looking at houses to rent, Jonathan told me to play it cool, you know, "hard to get." Don't get too excited. Well, this was the last house at the end of a very long, disappointing (tears on the front porch while waiting on landlords kind of disappointing) day. By the time we found this gem, I was done playing hard to get. I didn't want any games, I just wanted the house! So as Jonathan and Thomas (our wonderful landlord) stood in the kitchen, I meandered back here....

(Yeah, that's right...you're seeing my dirty laundry. I wanted to give you a realistic picture of what our home looks like! Did you see the dishes in the sink up there too? They're there, I promise!)

That's when I looked to my left and saw this....

A walk-in pantry! As the angels began to sing, I snapped out of it when I realized that Jonathan was still playing hard-to-get over MY house! So I stood in the laundry room where Jonathan could see me but the landlord couldn't, and started waving my arms in the air (think jazz hands) and mouthing, "I WANT THIS HOUSE!" (Can you picture it? A woman in love and desperation, leaving pride at the door and begging...it was classy...good thing the landlord didn't turn around!).

I think it worked...

Bedrooms and the Living Room to come!

Home Tour: Part II

Welcome to the Throne Room. Actually, it's just the bathroom, but there's something strange about saying "Wlecome to the Potty" on your blog. Throne Room sounds much more fun. As you can see, I decided to leave this room pretty simple. You can't tell in this pic, but the room gets a lot of natural light, so Idecided to embrace the airyness. The frame on the wall says "Life Life Simply." It has been a good reminder for me now that we are living the one-income life (well, not even that at the moment, but soon, very soon).

I was all prepared to show you pictures of our living room today, but once I got them uploaded I realized that all but this one were too dark. So you'll have to settle for one side of the room today and then wait for the rest. You already got a sneak peek of the mantle last week, though, so no complaining! Please excuse the bare walls in the living room...we are waiting on some furniture to arrive, so until then the living room is staying open to rearranging!
And, in honor of the weekend, I'm jumping to the back of the casa to show you were I will be spending a lot of time. Something about the lighting in this pic makes it look a little CocaCabana-esque, but I promise it is a very serene little nook. The lanterns light up too, I just haven't purchased any 3A batteries yet. I'm still on the hunt for some cute throw pillows and a fun rug, but those will come in time. Remember how we are going to sip lemonade on the porch? Well, this is where we sip margaritas! Happy Weekending!