Day 3 (Wednesday 21 Nov)
We went in to London today, Lisa and I. We went and had a light lunch and tea at the Orangery at Kensington Palace, and then spent the afternoon walking through the exhibits and the un-inhabited sections of the palace. SO cool! After, we walked down to Brompton to see Holy Trinity Brompton (home of Alpha and Tim Hughes!), and then over to Harrod's to drool, pick up a few gifts, and of course, some chocolate to eat at the theatre. Of course it started raining at that point, so we ducked into a coffee shop for a sandwich for dinner before we walked swam over to the Queen's Theatre to see Les Miserables. Such a great show! I had not seen it before, though I was familiar with a few of the songs. It was so good! It was a late night, but overall a very nice day.
Day 4 (Thursday 22 Nov; US Thanksgiving)
I slept in today, which was SO nice and very needed. Spent the afternoon market shopping and cooking dinner. Lisa and I have decided to take over Christmas dinner back in Texas.. we make a good team!
Day 5 (Friday 23 Nov)
I wandered London today... literally. I had no set agenda, I just walked. Shopped a bit in Covent Garden, and walked past Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Cathedral, and a few other spots. It was really a nice day. Now we're putting up the Christmas tree and watching Wizard of Oz with Catherine. I'll pack shortly, and then get a quick drink at the pub with Darryl (I haven't been to a pub yet!) before going to bed early, since I have to get up and catch a train around 0615.
It's been such a quick trip, but I'm glad I was able to come. See you all when I get back!
23 November 2007
20 November 2007
A British Thanksgiving: Days 1 & 2
Day 1 (Monday 19 Nov)
After an insanely long flight (made longer by the people in my row who kept switching seats, standing in the aisle talking all night, or falling asleep with their elbows in my seat), I finally arrived and flew through customs (seriously, from plane to arrivals in like 20 minutes!). Lisa picked me up and we made the drive back to Stortford in the rain. Dropped off my stuff, and went back out to hit up the newly remodeled/relocated Sainsbury's to stock up on groceries for the week. Had tea and biscuits. Picked up Cat from school. Blah blah. Sat around, read a book, had dinner (fresh chicken and dumplings.. YUM!), and watched some late night tv with Lisa accompanied by Mint Bailey's on ice and chocolate covered tea biscuits. Lovely!
Day 2 (Tuesday 20 Nov)
Slept in a bit before getting back in the car to head to St. Alban's to see the cathedral of this diocese. Got to attend a noon communion before walking around a bit and having lunch in their cafe. Walked around some pond, saw a lot of birds (which flocked on Darryl... funniest thing ever.. I'll have to put up a picture..), and what claims to be the oldest pub in England. We didn't have time for a pint however, as we had to get back to pick up Cat. Sat around some more. Planned our trip for tomorrow. Made pizzas for dinner with munchkin child so L & D could go out for their 14th anniversary. Watched tv with tea and aforementioned chocolate biscuits. Currently can't sleep..
I know it sounds so boring.. but it's been pretty restful.. and since I arrived feeling rather sick-ish, that has been nice. Tomorrow is 'Girls Day Out' in London... shopping, tea at Kensington Palace, and catching Les Mis at the Queen's Theatre.... should be a good day.
Cheers y'all. Miss everyone.
After an insanely long flight (made longer by the people in my row who kept switching seats, standing in the aisle talking all night, or falling asleep with their elbows in my seat), I finally arrived and flew through customs (seriously, from plane to arrivals in like 20 minutes!). Lisa picked me up and we made the drive back to Stortford in the rain. Dropped off my stuff, and went back out to hit up the newly remodeled/relocated Sainsbury's to stock up on groceries for the week. Had tea and biscuits. Picked up Cat from school. Blah blah. Sat around, read a book, had dinner (fresh chicken and dumplings.. YUM!), and watched some late night tv with Lisa accompanied by Mint Bailey's on ice and chocolate covered tea biscuits. Lovely!
Day 2 (Tuesday 20 Nov)
Slept in a bit before getting back in the car to head to St. Alban's to see the cathedral of this diocese. Got to attend a noon communion before walking around a bit and having lunch in their cafe. Walked around some pond, saw a lot of birds (which flocked on Darryl... funniest thing ever.. I'll have to put up a picture..), and what claims to be the oldest pub in England. We didn't have time for a pint however, as we had to get back to pick up Cat. Sat around some more. Planned our trip for tomorrow. Made pizzas for dinner with munchkin child so L & D could go out for their 14th anniversary. Watched tv with tea and aforementioned chocolate biscuits. Currently can't sleep..
I know it sounds so boring.. but it's been pretty restful.. and since I arrived feeling rather sick-ish, that has been nice. Tomorrow is 'Girls Day Out' in London... shopping, tea at Kensington Palace, and catching Les Mis at the Queen's Theatre.... should be a good day.
Cheers y'all. Miss everyone.
28 October 2007
At the End of the Day...
Well, another month has gone by. And a crazy month it has been. No joke.
Add to that the fact that November comes on Thursday.. with Thanksgiving and Christmas and REST on its heels. I think November-January will always be my favorite time of year.. bring on the parties and family visits and hot cider and ice skating and CHRISTMAS MUSIC and Midnight Mass and cold air and Christmas baking (and chocolate pound cake batter...) and lots of sleep and rest and time to reflect. Yes, it is a most wonderful time of the year.. not to be punny or anything..
To be honest, September and October were largely one large blur. I feel like I've been pushing just to get by and make it to the next day, only to get there just in time to start the next one.. vicious cycle. This weekend was really the first downtime I've had in a very long time. It was blissful, really... Friday was Lainey's birthday party, which was the most I've laughed in quite some time.. the rest of the weekend was made up of quiet walks on the Katy Trail, with me and my iPod.. catching up on reading, studio projects, research, cleaning, laundry..
And today, I held a beautiful, sleeping baby for close to an hour... and I perhaps realized why I'm fighting to find motivation to finish school.
I'm trying to psyche myself up for another week. It should be a good one, if a tad busy.. but busy is good, as it keeps me from over-analyzing my life.. which I'm sure you are all grateful for, ha. I leave for England three weeks from today. That is both super exciting and super scary.. I have SO much to get accomplished between now and then... but I just have to make it to the plane, and then it will be 6 days of blissful England... ah, how I long for tea and biscuits, train rides, old music stores, walks to the pub, listening to the bells of St. Michael's.... sigh, can I leave now?
Well, sleep calls yet once more. Take care dear ones.
Add to that the fact that November comes on Thursday.. with Thanksgiving and Christmas and REST on its heels. I think November-January will always be my favorite time of year.. bring on the parties and family visits and hot cider and ice skating and CHRISTMAS MUSIC and Midnight Mass and cold air and Christmas baking (and chocolate pound cake batter...) and lots of sleep and rest and time to reflect. Yes, it is a most wonderful time of the year.. not to be punny or anything..
To be honest, September and October were largely one large blur. I feel like I've been pushing just to get by and make it to the next day, only to get there just in time to start the next one.. vicious cycle. This weekend was really the first downtime I've had in a very long time. It was blissful, really... Friday was Lainey's birthday party, which was the most I've laughed in quite some time.. the rest of the weekend was made up of quiet walks on the Katy Trail, with me and my iPod.. catching up on reading, studio projects, research, cleaning, laundry..
And today, I held a beautiful, sleeping baby for close to an hour... and I perhaps realized why I'm fighting to find motivation to finish school.
I'm trying to psyche myself up for another week. It should be a good one, if a tad busy.. but busy is good, as it keeps me from over-analyzing my life.. which I'm sure you are all grateful for, ha. I leave for England three weeks from today. That is both super exciting and super scary.. I have SO much to get accomplished between now and then... but I just have to make it to the plane, and then it will be 6 days of blissful England... ah, how I long for tea and biscuits, train rides, old music stores, walks to the pub, listening to the bells of St. Michael's.... sigh, can I leave now?
Well, sleep calls yet once more. Take care dear ones.
29 September 2007
I'm Not Dead Yet...
Yes, I know I've been away from the blogging thing for a while. The past month and a half since school started has simply disappeared somewhere into never-neverland... Today is the first day I've really been able to look up long enough to breathe and sort things out. The past few weeks in particular have been very difficult for me, and those around me.. I've had the longest stretch of "bad" work days I've ever had in the time I've been there.. school has been super busy, with lots of extra teaching and projects.. my health largely continues to be a medical mystery.. dear friends have had their worlds implode.. and I've just been trying to keep myself pulled together long enough to help everyone else. I've had a few moments of quiet and unexpected happiness.. a few laughs, a random pedicure, some dancing, an afternoon of junk food and Pride and Prejudice with great girls, and a late night piece of chocolate cake..
But it's interesting.. how God plants seeds from conversations.. that you are able to see take root later. Not yet a week ago, at Growth Group, I sat in a small circle of close friends, and discussed being alive in Christ and being workmanship of Christ.. and even as I shared thoughts.. I felt disconnected from my words. Until tonight, as I sit in the quiet of my apartment, reflecting. And I can see God's hand throughout the week, helping me get through. And even though I felt like I was just getting by, I can see now how I was used in the lives of others.
And that, makes everything worth it. So I'm not dead yet.. in fact, I've never felt so alive.
Currently Listening to:
Album: Hopes and Fears
Artist: Keane
Track: This Is the Last Time
But it's interesting.. how God plants seeds from conversations.. that you are able to see take root later. Not yet a week ago, at Growth Group, I sat in a small circle of close friends, and discussed being alive in Christ and being workmanship of Christ.. and even as I shared thoughts.. I felt disconnected from my words. Until tonight, as I sit in the quiet of my apartment, reflecting. And I can see God's hand throughout the week, helping me get through. And even though I felt like I was just getting by, I can see now how I was used in the lives of others.
And that, makes everything worth it. So I'm not dead yet.. in fact, I've never felt so alive.
Currently Listening to:
Album: Hopes and Fears
Artist: Keane
Track: This Is the Last Time
12 August 2007
A Week (or two) In Review
What a week it was.
Work just might kill me one of these days. But that's a post for another day. Other than work, I got to see Nessa (one of my old roommates) who was in from Houston. It was good to hang out again with the 'family unit.' Good times, of course :) Saturday night was dinner for Steve's birthday at Il Sole, which was a very nice evening.
For those in the know, I'm feeling better. The reader's digest version for those who aren't: about a week ago, I had some health issues again, mostly extreme fatigue and some weird weakness/tingling in my left arm. Dr. still has no idea what was wrong, but I'll see a neurologist at the end of the month. In the meantime, I'm finally feeling mostly up to par, and I'm back at my apartment. The show must go on! I'm fairly convinced it's stress.. (note to self: reduce stress)
The week to come is of course just as busy. Monday is Growth Group, Tuesday I'm taking off work to wrap up the recording with the band at church, Wednesday is dinner out with some old friends, Thursday is a handbell gathering, Friday is dinner for my brother's birthday, and Saturday.. Saturday is just plain full with wedding showers, reception site scoping, and drinks at the G-man. Sheesh, I'm getting tired just looking at that. Hopefully I will be able to squeeze in dancing one of these weekends... my dancing shoes are gathering dust! Tragic, really.
Well, the hour grows late, and the rest of the teachers come back to work tomorrow (translation: crazy day). Add to that my day off on Tuesday... and tomorrow will be interesting and long. And next week... it's back to the books. Here we go again! Hope y'all have a good a week! Hasta!
Work just might kill me one of these days. But that's a post for another day. Other than work, I got to see Nessa (one of my old roommates) who was in from Houston. It was good to hang out again with the 'family unit.' Good times, of course :) Saturday night was dinner for Steve's birthday at Il Sole, which was a very nice evening.
For those in the know, I'm feeling better. The reader's digest version for those who aren't: about a week ago, I had some health issues again, mostly extreme fatigue and some weird weakness/tingling in my left arm. Dr. still has no idea what was wrong, but I'll see a neurologist at the end of the month. In the meantime, I'm finally feeling mostly up to par, and I'm back at my apartment. The show must go on! I'm fairly convinced it's stress.. (note to self: reduce stress)
The week to come is of course just as busy. Monday is Growth Group, Tuesday I'm taking off work to wrap up the recording with the band at church, Wednesday is dinner out with some old friends, Thursday is a handbell gathering, Friday is dinner for my brother's birthday, and Saturday.. Saturday is just plain full with wedding showers, reception site scoping, and drinks at the G-man. Sheesh, I'm getting tired just looking at that. Hopefully I will be able to squeeze in dancing one of these weekends... my dancing shoes are gathering dust! Tragic, really.
Well, the hour grows late, and the rest of the teachers come back to work tomorrow (translation: crazy day). Add to that my day off on Tuesday... and tomorrow will be interesting and long. And next week... it's back to the books. Here we go again! Hope y'all have a good a week! Hasta!
23 July 2007
Weddings and Music and Theses, Oh My!
What a day. Or week. Or month? Whatever.
After coming off a mostly-awful week of work and life stress and busy-ness, church this morning was a refreshing, renewing time of worship. We finally had the whole band back together after a few weeks of various people being out. While we generally are always in sync and "gelled" as a band, every now and then, there are moments where the energy is electric and the worship is particularly intense.. today was one of those days. In times like those, I feel like the songs could go on forever and that would be just fine. I forget about notes and chords on a page, and just play.. and it is incredible. There is really no good way to explain it. But wow.
I have so much to learn, and I want to learn it all now. I want a new keyboard (or two), and I want to be better at what I do. I want to learn jazz and to play by ear. I want to play classically again. Basically, I want to sit in a room with a grand piano and a nice set of keyboards and just learn and play all day long. That would be great. This week, I think I may hike up to Penders to get some new music (since freaking Brook Mays closed!). And maybe to Guitar Center to look at new keyboards.
In other news, one of my best friends is getting married next year. And I'm excited. Weddings are fun :) Mom told me that someone once told her that I should be a wedding/party planner. Go figure. Getting paid to do something I do anyway.. novel concept! Anyone know how to break into that business? heh.
Some things are not turning out quite like I thought they were going to. Or at least hoped they were going to. But I think I'm ok with it. This journey called life sure stays interesting, that's for sure. I just wish some of the destination points didn't seem so far away at times.
Cryptic much? ;) Sorry. It's late, and my eyes are tired. Which has nothing to do with me being random, but whatever.
School starts in about a month. For someone who hasn't registered for classes, figured out her TA schedule, chosen an ensemble credit, or picked a thesis topic, I am remarkably not freaking out. For now. Try me again in two weeks.
So, it wasn't much. But I updated. And I think I see the light at the end of my very long tunnel of my work busy-ness, especially with some more vacation days coming up.. which means a happier, much more relaxed Adrianne for the last (very) few weeks of summer. If I haven't hung out with you yet this summer, remind me so I can make sure to see everyone! I do hope everyone else is having a quasi-relaxing summer. Hasta!
After coming off a mostly-awful week of work and life stress and busy-ness, church this morning was a refreshing, renewing time of worship. We finally had the whole band back together after a few weeks of various people being out. While we generally are always in sync and "gelled" as a band, every now and then, there are moments where the energy is electric and the worship is particularly intense.. today was one of those days. In times like those, I feel like the songs could go on forever and that would be just fine. I forget about notes and chords on a page, and just play.. and it is incredible. There is really no good way to explain it. But wow.
I have so much to learn, and I want to learn it all now. I want a new keyboard (or two), and I want to be better at what I do. I want to learn jazz and to play by ear. I want to play classically again. Basically, I want to sit in a room with a grand piano and a nice set of keyboards and just learn and play all day long. That would be great. This week, I think I may hike up to Penders to get some new music (since freaking Brook Mays closed!). And maybe to Guitar Center to look at new keyboards.
In other news, one of my best friends is getting married next year. And I'm excited. Weddings are fun :) Mom told me that someone once told her that I should be a wedding/party planner. Go figure. Getting paid to do something I do anyway.. novel concept! Anyone know how to break into that business? heh.
Some things are not turning out quite like I thought they were going to. Or at least hoped they were going to. But I think I'm ok with it. This journey called life sure stays interesting, that's for sure. I just wish some of the destination points didn't seem so far away at times.
Cryptic much? ;) Sorry. It's late, and my eyes are tired. Which has nothing to do with me being random, but whatever.
School starts in about a month. For someone who hasn't registered for classes, figured out her TA schedule, chosen an ensemble credit, or picked a thesis topic, I am remarkably not freaking out. For now. Try me again in two weeks.
So, it wasn't much. But I updated. And I think I see the light at the end of my very long tunnel of my work busy-ness, especially with some more vacation days coming up.. which means a happier, much more relaxed Adrianne for the last (very) few weeks of summer. If I haven't hung out with you yet this summer, remind me so I can make sure to see everyone! I do hope everyone else is having a quasi-relaxing summer. Hasta!
29 June 2007
Late Night Ramblings (no, really...)
My long anticipated "summer break" has turned out to be just as busy the rest of the year. How does that work? No clue. Other than work is insanely busy. I hope I'm able to catch up when the rest of the admins go on vacation.. I have too much to do!
It was a good week, even with a bit of work stress. Monday was the last Theology Live of the summer. I wish they would space them out over the summer.. they are such neat events. Good time to hear some interesting discussions, drink some good beer, have some really good conversations with good friends.. yes, good times, those. Very good times.
In random girl news, I got a pedicure today with Lainey. We loves our pedicures. Even when we try random shady nail places in random neighborhoods. And tomorrow... shopping with mom!
In about 17 minutes, I will officially be older. I don't know why 23 sounds so much older than 22.. but it does. And that makes me happy. Not that I want to rush life.. but.. I'm just ready to see what happens next in this grand life journey of mine. It's been an interesting road so far. And an incredibly blessed road, for that matter.
I think my favorite part about birthdays in general is the excuse to spend time with my dear ones. The cards and texts and all of that are definitely wonderful and very appreciated.. but one of my favorite things in the world is to just spend time with my friends and family. I know I've harped (ha!) on this a lot in the past month of so, but I really do continue to be amazed at the incredible people that are in my life. I feel like I can never say it enough.
Well, I've run out of words for tonight. Or rather, I've run out of the ability to coherently assemble my words into sentences that remotely make sense. Which is why I should really already be in bed. But it's just too hard to get my brain to be quiet sometimes...
At any rate. Good night, friends. Hopefully I will see you sometime soon. And if we don't already have something lined up, give me a shout and we'll make sure to get something in the schedule before my thesis insanity begins in a little less than two months!
It was a good week, even with a bit of work stress. Monday was the last Theology Live of the summer. I wish they would space them out over the summer.. they are such neat events. Good time to hear some interesting discussions, drink some good beer, have some really good conversations with good friends.. yes, good times, those. Very good times.
In random girl news, I got a pedicure today with Lainey. We loves our pedicures. Even when we try random shady nail places in random neighborhoods. And tomorrow... shopping with mom!
In about 17 minutes, I will officially be older. I don't know why 23 sounds so much older than 22.. but it does. And that makes me happy. Not that I want to rush life.. but.. I'm just ready to see what happens next in this grand life journey of mine. It's been an interesting road so far. And an incredibly blessed road, for that matter.
I think my favorite part about birthdays in general is the excuse to spend time with my dear ones. The cards and texts and all of that are definitely wonderful and very appreciated.. but one of my favorite things in the world is to just spend time with my friends and family. I know I've harped (ha!) on this a lot in the past month of so, but I really do continue to be amazed at the incredible people that are in my life. I feel like I can never say it enough.
Well, I've run out of words for tonight. Or rather, I've run out of the ability to coherently assemble my words into sentences that remotely make sense. Which is why I should really already be in bed. But it's just too hard to get my brain to be quiet sometimes...
At any rate. Good night, friends. Hopefully I will see you sometime soon. And if we don't already have something lined up, give me a shout and we'll make sure to get something in the schedule before my thesis insanity begins in a little less than two months!
12 June 2007
Have I Told You Lately....
....that I love my apartment.
No, seriously. It's wonderful. Its pretty and quiet and it suits me. I have a multitude of dining and shopping choices within walking distance. I finally have a Starbucks where they know me, and what I drink, and I can walk down and enjoy an evening latte (decaf, of course) and read and catch up on correspondence and just be be. I love it! I will definitely be hanging around this area for quite a while.
....that I have the best friends in the world.
No lie. I have spent the past few weeks (and will continue through the next month) in a non-stop blur of parties, showers, dinners, musicals, pub nights, and coffee dates.. and I never cease to be amazed at the incredible group of people that are my friends. The countless text messages, calls, e-mails, e-vites, and random conversations make me realize just how blessed I am to love and be loved by so many great people. Some challenge me to grow intellectually and spiritually, others are there when I need a break from it all, and some are just there to make me smile.
....that I pretty much haven't been this happy in a long time.
I mean, yea, I have my moments of wishing and dreaming for a different stage of life.. but overall, I am really happy. I am part of a wonderful church, I'm healthy, I have a good job, and an incredible network of friends and family.
....seriously. What more could a girl want?
Currently Listening to:
Album: Hopes and Fears
Artist: Keane
No, seriously. It's wonderful. Its pretty and quiet and it suits me. I have a multitude of dining and shopping choices within walking distance. I finally have a Starbucks where they know me, and what I drink, and I can walk down and enjoy an evening latte (decaf, of course) and read and catch up on correspondence and just be be. I love it! I will definitely be hanging around this area for quite a while.
....that I have the best friends in the world.
No lie. I have spent the past few weeks (and will continue through the next month) in a non-stop blur of parties, showers, dinners, musicals, pub nights, and coffee dates.. and I never cease to be amazed at the incredible group of people that are my friends. The countless text messages, calls, e-mails, e-vites, and random conversations make me realize just how blessed I am to love and be loved by so many great people. Some challenge me to grow intellectually and spiritually, others are there when I need a break from it all, and some are just there to make me smile.
....that I pretty much haven't been this happy in a long time.
I mean, yea, I have my moments of wishing and dreaming for a different stage of life.. but overall, I am really happy. I am part of a wonderful church, I'm healthy, I have a good job, and an incredible network of friends and family.
....seriously. What more could a girl want?
Currently Listening to:
Album: Hopes and Fears
Artist: Keane
16 May 2007
Livin' in an Uptown World
So.. I'm sappy right now. Forgive me. I think it's exhaustion combined with many long nights with good friends, and the feeling of freedom that comes with summer. But gosh darn it, if I don't have the best friends in the whole world. And family. My family is incredible too. Even if my life seems like a soap opera sometimes, I sure am blessed more than I deserve.
My place is shaping up nicely. Got rid of a lot more boxes this evening. Finally bought real, fresh food yesterday. Having a picture/shelf hanging day on Saturday, which is also when my dining room set is to be delivered. My couch comes on Tuesday, and then, I will pretty much be complete, sans some sort of desk-ish area for my files, mail, etc., and some bookshelves for my closet. Have I mentioned just how much I love it here? I shall mention it again. Everything is falling into place.. and it's becoming my haven, finally. I just want it all to be done, so I can get on with things! I have SO many plans of nothingness and fun for the summer.. work a little, read a little, have a few parties, see a LOT of movies, and just overall hang out with everyone I know and love. Oh, and there's the small matter of having all of my wisdom teeth taken out. Heh. We'll see what the dentist says on Monday.. but from the intensifying jaw pain and clicking noises, I'm guessing they're either impacted or something else is up. Fun! Hey, at least it will be a mandatory "vacation" of staying home, eating soft comfort food, and watching movies. Of course, I will fully expect all of you to come keep me company, ha.
Well, the hour grows late once more, and I still have a few things to accomplish before bed. I do hope you are all doing well. Please call me if you haven't heard from me in a while.. I'm back in full force, but it might take me a few days to fully catch up to everyone! Love you all. Hasta!
Currently Listening to:
Album: The Holiday (score)
My place is shaping up nicely. Got rid of a lot more boxes this evening. Finally bought real, fresh food yesterday. Having a picture/shelf hanging day on Saturday, which is also when my dining room set is to be delivered. My couch comes on Tuesday, and then, I will pretty much be complete, sans some sort of desk-ish area for my files, mail, etc., and some bookshelves for my closet. Have I mentioned just how much I love it here? I shall mention it again. Everything is falling into place.. and it's becoming my haven, finally. I just want it all to be done, so I can get on with things! I have SO many plans of nothingness and fun for the summer.. work a little, read a little, have a few parties, see a LOT of movies, and just overall hang out with everyone I know and love. Oh, and there's the small matter of having all of my wisdom teeth taken out. Heh. We'll see what the dentist says on Monday.. but from the intensifying jaw pain and clicking noises, I'm guessing they're either impacted or something else is up. Fun! Hey, at least it will be a mandatory "vacation" of staying home, eating soft comfort food, and watching movies. Of course, I will fully expect all of you to come keep me company, ha.
Well, the hour grows late once more, and I still have a few things to accomplish before bed. I do hope you are all doing well. Please call me if you haven't heard from me in a while.. I'm back in full force, but it might take me a few days to fully catch up to everyone! Love you all. Hasta!
Currently Listening to:
Album: The Holiday (score)
30 April 2007
Everything and the Kitchen Sink
Oy, I'm not great at this updating thing, am I?
So I moved. Technically, anyway. I'm not staying there yet, ha. But in a way, it's kind of nice. I go spend a few hours each afternoon unpacking and getting things like I want. Things are coming along! Still waiting on the big furniture (couch, bookshelf, and dining room set) to be delivered. The cable guy comes on Saturday (which is was the reason I am still staying at my parents.. NBA Playoffs, you know!), which will be nice. In other news, my kitchen is completely finished :) It looks so beautimous! Now I just need to buy real food to cook, haha. Lots of things coming in this week.. I should be completely moved in by Saturday. Then I just need to wait on my furniture, then it's party time! June will basically be one long month of dinners and parties ;) Get excited!!
Other than moving.. things are just kind of plugging along. Today was my last day of class at SMU for the semester. Now I just have a final presentation and project, and one final lesson to prepare.. then.. SUMMER baby! I can't wait. Especially for June, when the kids are out at Providence. Should be a nice summer. Taking a long weekend to go see my cousin get married in Baton Rouge.. and trying to figure out what other vacation I'm going to take this summer.. mostly, all I can think about now is sleeping and reading books all summer, lol. I'm perpetually tired...
Speaking of that.. I am exhausted. These late night playoff games are killing me.. especially when we lose! Seriously. Well, I'm out. Y'all have a good week! Good luck to everyone finishing finals, etc. in the next few weeks!
So I moved. Technically, anyway. I'm not staying there yet, ha. But in a way, it's kind of nice. I go spend a few hours each afternoon unpacking and getting things like I want. Things are coming along! Still waiting on the big furniture (couch, bookshelf, and dining room set) to be delivered. The cable guy comes on Saturday (which is was the reason I am still staying at my parents.. NBA Playoffs, you know!), which will be nice. In other news, my kitchen is completely finished :) It looks so beautimous! Now I just need to buy real food to cook, haha. Lots of things coming in this week.. I should be completely moved in by Saturday. Then I just need to wait on my furniture, then it's party time! June will basically be one long month of dinners and parties ;) Get excited!!
Other than moving.. things are just kind of plugging along. Today was my last day of class at SMU for the semester. Now I just have a final presentation and project, and one final lesson to prepare.. then.. SUMMER baby! I can't wait. Especially for June, when the kids are out at Providence. Should be a nice summer. Taking a long weekend to go see my cousin get married in Baton Rouge.. and trying to figure out what other vacation I'm going to take this summer.. mostly, all I can think about now is sleeping and reading books all summer, lol. I'm perpetually tired...
Speaking of that.. I am exhausted. These late night playoff games are killing me.. especially when we lose! Seriously. Well, I'm out. Y'all have a good week! Good luck to everyone finishing finals, etc. in the next few weeks!
14 April 2007
I Don't Think We're in Kansas Anymore, Toto...
So I was driving home from Target, after leaving work quite late for a Friday afternoon. I was sitting at a stoplight, watching the clouds. As I was watching.. the clouds were blowing in one direction.. then, they were going in the OTHER direction. Seriously. Freaky. All I could think of was Lewis Black... "Tornado Timmy's coming! Flee! Flee!" It made for an interesting drive home, haha. I made it home and started pulling into the garage approximately .002347 seconds before the first of the marble/quarter sized hail started falling from the sky. Then the tornado sirens went off. And then... nothing. The rain died/slowed.. and that was it. Luckily, my Mavs game was not preempted by OLD weather news, like most of the prime-time channels. Seriously. They kept showing the same Minyard's with roof damage.. even after most of the bad weather was WAY off to the east! Silly weatherpeople. Even tho the Mavs lost, it was still an interesting game, mainly because most of the big names were out tonight.. which gave some floor time to some decently impressive rookies.. they still need a little work, but they definitely show promise! I was only slightly freaked out that two of them are within a few days or months of my age. I dunno.. just weird!
In other news... I'm exhausted. I was out of commission all day Wednesday with a sinus infection (which I am still technically battling), which left me scrambling to catch up the rest of the week. Oy! So much to do before the end of the semester.. and so little time! This weekend, I'm organizing (and throwing away!) the boxes of solid PAPER that I brought home from the move. Seeing as how I'm moving again in a week or two, I figured I should get on that.
EEK. I can't wait to move. Like.. seriously. I'm so excited about the new place. And my colors! The walls will be lovely! A nice cafe brown color for the living room, and a color called soft jazz (blueish) for the bedroom. Yay :) I should get my mail key on Monday!
Well, tomorrow should be busy.. going to Joelle Keith's wedding at 1, playing in a different wedding around 5 at Perkins with Steve from church, and then more sorting/organizing/resting. Because this stupid sinus infection is really taking it out of me. And the stupid antibiotics give me headaches and make me queasy. But hey, it kills the infection, right? Ha.
Ok, I'm out. Have a great weekend, y'all!
Currently Listening to:
Album: It's Time
Artist: Michael Buble
Track: Save the Last Dance for Me
In other news... I'm exhausted. I was out of commission all day Wednesday with a sinus infection (which I am still technically battling), which left me scrambling to catch up the rest of the week. Oy! So much to do before the end of the semester.. and so little time! This weekend, I'm organizing (and throwing away!) the boxes of solid PAPER that I brought home from the move. Seeing as how I'm moving again in a week or two, I figured I should get on that.
EEK. I can't wait to move. Like.. seriously. I'm so excited about the new place. And my colors! The walls will be lovely! A nice cafe brown color for the living room, and a color called soft jazz (blueish) for the bedroom. Yay :) I should get my mail key on Monday!
Well, tomorrow should be busy.. going to Joelle Keith's wedding at 1, playing in a different wedding around 5 at Perkins with Steve from church, and then more sorting/organizing/resting. Because this stupid sinus infection is really taking it out of me. And the stupid antibiotics give me headaches and make me queasy. But hey, it kills the infection, right? Ha.
Ok, I'm out. Have a great weekend, y'all!
Currently Listening to:
Album: It's Time
Artist: Michael Buble
Track: Save the Last Dance for Me
07 April 2007
I'm Dreaming of a White.. Easter?
Seriously. Snow the day before Easter? Only in Texas.
This sleeping in thing is really wonderful.. I feel so rested! Today was rather relaxed. I bummed around the house until rehearsal up at church for tomorrow. We're playing a lot of the same music from last year. Should be a great service! (Or services, I should say! We're trying out the two service thing tomorrow!) After that, I went by Pottery Barn to drool over the duvet cover I want, and then to the mall to search out clothes to wear tomorrow. I never quite remember just how much I hate going to the mall on the weekend until I'm there. SO crowded. And slow moving people. Ugh. I finally ended up with a pair of pants (which I will probably take back) and a shirt. Oh well. I tried! Now I'm just making a pie for Easter dinner and getting ready to go to bed early (7am call tomorrow!)
Last night was the Good Friday service at Christ Church with the DBU Chamber Singers. Since I know the director up there, I was invited to sing with them. We did the Faure Requiem and a nice Bruckner piece that Dr. Holcomb conducted. It was beautiful music. And I got to see a lot of people I haven't seen in a while. Afterwards, went to dinner with the Tomkins and the Blackstocks. It was really nice to see them! I've been rather out of the loop with the move last weekend. My GOSH, I can't wait to have my own place again, ha.
Ok, my pie is calling.. time to add the meringue! Have a blessed Easter Sunday, everyone!
This sleeping in thing is really wonderful.. I feel so rested! Today was rather relaxed. I bummed around the house until rehearsal up at church for tomorrow. We're playing a lot of the same music from last year. Should be a great service! (Or services, I should say! We're trying out the two service thing tomorrow!) After that, I went by Pottery Barn to drool over the duvet cover I want, and then to the mall to search out clothes to wear tomorrow. I never quite remember just how much I hate going to the mall on the weekend until I'm there. SO crowded. And slow moving people. Ugh. I finally ended up with a pair of pants (which I will probably take back) and a shirt. Oh well. I tried! Now I'm just making a pie for Easter dinner and getting ready to go to bed early (7am call tomorrow!)
Last night was the Good Friday service at Christ Church with the DBU Chamber Singers. Since I know the director up there, I was invited to sing with them. We did the Faure Requiem and a nice Bruckner piece that Dr. Holcomb conducted. It was beautiful music. And I got to see a lot of people I haven't seen in a while. Afterwards, went to dinner with the Tomkins and the Blackstocks. It was really nice to see them! I've been rather out of the loop with the move last weekend. My GOSH, I can't wait to have my own place again, ha.
Ok, my pie is calling.. time to add the meringue! Have a blessed Easter Sunday, everyone!
04 April 2007
Life After the Move
So I've been home for all of four days, and I'm already going a tad stir-crazy. But I'm adjusting. At least it's temporary! It's pretty much been an awful week, with my car dying twice, work being exceedingly busy/stressful, and feeling rather like crap overall. Between the car situation and my mom's plane coming in a few HOURS late, I've had two very short nights of sleep in the past few days, which made for a very long day today as I fought to stay awake. Luckily, once I get through work tomorrow, I can rest a bit on Friday before taking off running once again. Should be a good Easter weekend. The contrast between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is always particularly moving for me.
Well, I should finish the work I brought home and then maybe watch a show or two before I crash early. Love you all. I should be back in the real world again sometime soon!
Well, I should finish the work I brought home and then maybe watch a show or two before I crash early. Love you all. I should be back in the real world again sometime soon!
31 March 2007
Catching the Trade Winds
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
-Mark Twain
I apologize for my two-month, unannounced hiatus from blogging. Between internet issues, work/school schedules, health issues, and other misc. circumstances, I have not been using the internet nearly as much as I used to. Which has turned out to be a rather good thing, in many respects. Primarily, I sleep more (sort of), plus I have been able to do more non-school reading, which has been great.
I would try and recap the last two months, but really, too much has happened. TMEA came and went, as did spring break. My health is finally returning to something like its pre-February state. To those who missed that whole fiasco, I will just say that I suffer from stress migraines, which, left untreated, evidently cause some stroke-like symptoms. My MRI came back clean, and that's pretty much all I know at this point. I just have to work on keeping my stress levels down... which is fun. Heh. But yes. It's nice to finally have energy to make it through the week again. The Mavericks continue to dominate the entire fricking NBA, which is very exciting to me. Church is going well, and Uptown is even doing two services on Easter (9 and 11am).
I suppose the biggest news of the hour is that I moved today. At least temporarily. I'm really more like a nomad, when you think about it. The lease on the Henderson apartment is up on Wednesday, but I won't be able to move into my (wonderful, perfect, lovely) new apartment on Travis until, at the earliest, April 15th. And it could be later. We just don't know yet. So, in the meantime, my furniture is living in a storage unit, the rest of my crap is in my parents' garage, and as for me, I'm splitting my time between home and the Blackstock's, who have graciously offered their second bedroom whenever I need it. And so, I wait. Which, we all know, is not one of my strengths. But, it's a good thing. It's giving me the time to be able to go through all of my superfluous crap and finally be able to get it organized, like I was before I moved out two years ago. And, of course, I'm saving money.
Today was long, but the move went smoothly. Jenny and donna came over last night and basically packed my entire apartment. Seriously, I think I might have had a nervous breakdown if they had not come over. Between being sick and having a particularly busy few weeks at work, packing kept getting bumped on the priority list. But they were wonderful and tireless and we (they) got it all packed around 2:30 this morning. I am forever in their debt! Once everything was packed, Dad showed up this morning with the truck, followed closely by Evan and his friend Andrew with the last of the boxes I needed. The other Andrew showed up not too long after that, and once we got moving, the whole process only took about 6 hours, including a pizza break. I have the best friends. And family. Seriously. What else can I say?? They were great. And so here I sit, only slightly dreading having to clear off my old bed, and very much desiring to sleep.
It's going to be an interesting April. I'm playing in one wedding, attending yet another, singing at Christ Church for Good Friday, playing both Uptown services on Easter, wrapping up my second semester of grad school, moving to (and possibly painting!) my new place and getting settled, celebrating many important birthdays, and basically waking up one morning and realizing that it's May.
But I'm excited. And I'm content. Some days I think that I am not, and wish for things that only cause me grief; but then a new day dawns, and I remember what it's all about, and how incredibly great my life is right now. Because I'm catching my own trade wind, and sailing off, ready to tackle the waves ahead and discover what God has in store next.
Currently Listening to:
Album: Awake
Artist: Josh Groban
Track: So She Dances
-Mark Twain
I apologize for my two-month, unannounced hiatus from blogging. Between internet issues, work/school schedules, health issues, and other misc. circumstances, I have not been using the internet nearly as much as I used to. Which has turned out to be a rather good thing, in many respects. Primarily, I sleep more (sort of), plus I have been able to do more non-school reading, which has been great.
I would try and recap the last two months, but really, too much has happened. TMEA came and went, as did spring break. My health is finally returning to something like its pre-February state. To those who missed that whole fiasco, I will just say that I suffer from stress migraines, which, left untreated, evidently cause some stroke-like symptoms. My MRI came back clean, and that's pretty much all I know at this point. I just have to work on keeping my stress levels down... which is fun. Heh. But yes. It's nice to finally have energy to make it through the week again. The Mavericks continue to dominate the entire fricking NBA, which is very exciting to me. Church is going well, and Uptown is even doing two services on Easter (9 and 11am).
I suppose the biggest news of the hour is that I moved today. At least temporarily. I'm really more like a nomad, when you think about it. The lease on the Henderson apartment is up on Wednesday, but I won't be able to move into my (wonderful, perfect, lovely) new apartment on Travis until, at the earliest, April 15th. And it could be later. We just don't know yet. So, in the meantime, my furniture is living in a storage unit, the rest of my crap is in my parents' garage, and as for me, I'm splitting my time between home and the Blackstock's, who have graciously offered their second bedroom whenever I need it. And so, I wait. Which, we all know, is not one of my strengths. But, it's a good thing. It's giving me the time to be able to go through all of my superfluous crap and finally be able to get it organized, like I was before I moved out two years ago. And, of course, I'm saving money.
Today was long, but the move went smoothly. Jenny and donna came over last night and basically packed my entire apartment. Seriously, I think I might have had a nervous breakdown if they had not come over. Between being sick and having a particularly busy few weeks at work, packing kept getting bumped on the priority list. But they were wonderful and tireless and we (they) got it all packed around 2:30 this morning. I am forever in their debt! Once everything was packed, Dad showed up this morning with the truck, followed closely by Evan and his friend Andrew with the last of the boxes I needed. The other Andrew showed up not too long after that, and once we got moving, the whole process only took about 6 hours, including a pizza break. I have the best friends. And family. Seriously. What else can I say?? They were great. And so here I sit, only slightly dreading having to clear off my old bed, and very much desiring to sleep.
It's going to be an interesting April. I'm playing in one wedding, attending yet another, singing at Christ Church for Good Friday, playing both Uptown services on Easter, wrapping up my second semester of grad school, moving to (and possibly painting!) my new place and getting settled, celebrating many important birthdays, and basically waking up one morning and realizing that it's May.
But I'm excited. And I'm content. Some days I think that I am not, and wish for things that only cause me grief; but then a new day dawns, and I remember what it's all about, and how incredibly great my life is right now. Because I'm catching my own trade wind, and sailing off, ready to tackle the waves ahead and discover what God has in store next.
Currently Listening to:
Album: Awake
Artist: Josh Groban
Track: So She Dances
21 January 2007
Suddenly I See...
This is what I wanna be...
So. Yea, it's been like a month. Almost exactly. Tomorrow in fact.
Sorry about that. SO much has happened. Well, in the sense that I'm busy a lot. Not so much in the sense that there's a lot new in my life. Well, not really. Maybe.
First off, I suppose I should summarize everything that's happened since December 27th in a quick, easy-to-read, Reader's Digest format. So...
DinnerwithFriends.Sleeping.ALot.Happy2007.
MoreSleep.MoreFun.Girl'sNight.HotDresses.
Salsa.BackToWork.MavsRule.WeddingNo1.
BackToSchool.LotsToDo.Grey'sAnatomyResumes.
There, wasn't that fun? So seriously. Life is good. Yesterday, helped moved the Blackstock's to their wonderful new apartment in Dallas (cue the Hallelujah Chorus). Between that and the Pilates/Kickboxing I started this week, I'm a tad sore. But.. I feel great! Today was an AWESOME day at church, will really good music. I mean, it's good every week, but some weeks, we just really click and things are on fire. Yea, that was today. SUCH a high. I love it! Went to lunch with the entire church group, and it was really just a nice day overall. Aside from the lovely weather, I got to rest for a while, go see my mom, pick up some piano books, and get all of my studying for tomorrow finished at the library. Whew! Ready to start a new week!
In store for this week... I'm playing in a wedding on Friday, so that is occupying Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. School, work, and the gym will pretty much fill the rest of the time... maybe a dinner or two with friends! And Saturday? I finally get a hair cut and spend the afternoon at the spa with some friends... yea, maybe just a tad excited about that!!!
Three weeks till TMEA! I'm oddly excited about it this year.. maybe because I couldn't go last year.. or maybe because I'm just excited about teaching? Who knows.
So. Seriously. Life is good. God is good. My friends are good. So I'm happy.
So. Yea, it's been like a month. Almost exactly. Tomorrow in fact.
Sorry about that. SO much has happened. Well, in the sense that I'm busy a lot. Not so much in the sense that there's a lot new in my life. Well, not really. Maybe.
First off, I suppose I should summarize everything that's happened since December 27th in a quick, easy-to-read, Reader's Digest format. So...
DinnerwithFriends.Sleeping.ALot.Happy2007.
MoreSleep.MoreFun.Girl'sNight.HotDresses.
Salsa.BackToWork.MavsRule.WeddingNo1.
BackToSchool.LotsToDo.Grey'sAnatomyResumes.
There, wasn't that fun? So seriously. Life is good. Yesterday, helped moved the Blackstock's to their wonderful new apartment in Dallas (cue the Hallelujah Chorus). Between that and the Pilates/Kickboxing I started this week, I'm a tad sore. But.. I feel great! Today was an AWESOME day at church, will really good music. I mean, it's good every week, but some weeks, we just really click and things are on fire. Yea, that was today. SUCH a high. I love it! Went to lunch with the entire church group, and it was really just a nice day overall. Aside from the lovely weather, I got to rest for a while, go see my mom, pick up some piano books, and get all of my studying for tomorrow finished at the library. Whew! Ready to start a new week!
In store for this week... I'm playing in a wedding on Friday, so that is occupying Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. School, work, and the gym will pretty much fill the rest of the time... maybe a dinner or two with friends! And Saturday? I finally get a hair cut and spend the afternoon at the spa with some friends... yea, maybe just a tad excited about that!!!
Three weeks till TMEA! I'm oddly excited about it this year.. maybe because I couldn't go last year.. or maybe because I'm just excited about teaching? Who knows.
So. Seriously. Life is good. God is good. My friends are good. So I'm happy.
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