I am so excited about this weekend! It is going to be so much fun!
This week has been really amazing. It started off with a wonderful Sunday. Joshua and I had a very worshipful time together at church which was followed up by lunch and fellowship with Ryan and Lizzie Kirk. Lizzie is a friend from Knoxville who has recently moved to Louisville so Ryan can attend Southern Seminary. Ryan and Joshua have really hit it off (they even went running together this morning!) so it's pretty terrific.
Monday I was up bright and early to attend a boot camp-style workout at the Seminary's health and recreation center before putting in a full day of work and class. It was awesome! I need to talk Maristela and Lizzie into doing it with me. The rest of the week was uneventful but fun and productive. Last night Maristela and I got together while Joshua was teaching his class. We went to a step aerobics class together and worked up a sweat! I typically run and do a weight routine, but it's fun to mix it up and keep my body guessing a little bit too.
Tonight Joshua and I have a Halloween party to attend. I cannot decide whether or not to dress up. If I do dress up, what will I go as? Still, we won't stay very long because I need to get ready for TOMORROW! Tomorrow is our big Harry Potter party! I am so excited! I am making treacle fudge and butterbeer. In addition I will have pulled pork sandwiches, spinach and artichoke dip and chips, peach cobler and assorted beverages. Daniel and Maristela are bringing pumpkin pasties. Lizzie and Ryan are bringing something too but I am not sure what.
It is supposed to be raining and cold - the perfect day for staying in, hanging out with friends and having a Harry Potter marrathon. If you are around you should stop in!
Friday, October 23, 2009
This and That and Dr. Cutrer's Sex Talk Too
So, it has been more than a week since I posted last. I didn't mean to be gone so long but this past week has been a hectic one. Busy, busy, busy! My weekend was kinda - ok, TOTALLY - ruined by my period. Joshua really doesn't understand what a tremendous sacrifice getting off birth control is. I went from 1 period a year to having one every three weeks. And he just doesn't understand why I am so pale and tired, in so much pain and unable to do much. I always want to say: "Well, let's take a few pints of your blood, give you some good, gut-wrenching cramps, lower back pain and migraines and see how much you feel like doing, honey." But I don't. Because I'm sweet.
By Monday things were much better. We had our Marriage Enrichment class with Dr. Cutrer. The class had finally reached the section Joshua has been waiting for (panting for) all semester: Physical Intimacy, or, as I like to call it, the Sex Talk. It was pretty interesting. I do not think Joshua got all the information he was hoping he would get but Dr. Cutrer handed out note cards to everyone and asked that we all write down - anonymously - any questions we have. Next Monday he will read these questions and answer them. Needless to say, Joshua was in a very... ahem... loving mood when we got home that night. Thank you, Dr. Cutrer!
Aside from the fact that I was a little under the weather the past few days, it has been pretty routine. Except for one thing: I have decided to take a knitting class! I am very excited about it. I am an avid crosstitcher and have always wanted to learn how to knit (I did, in fact, teach myself how to do the basic knit and purl several years ago but couldn't get beyond that so I had about 20 feet of... well, yarn that was knitted and purled). I am leaving in a few minutes to go OFFICIALLY sign up for the knitting class and get the materials I will need. The class will start in a week and a half and our first project will be to make a hat. I will have to keep you updated on my progress. I'm sure it will be amazing! And Bentley, my boxer, is sure to be infinitely fascinated by the needles and the yarn. He is always very interested in everything I do - it is one of his most endearing qualities. I will have to knit him a new LSU sweater... BUT that's for later. I have to learn how to do all the basics first.
If you are a knitter and have any tips or hints for me I would love to hear them so please share! Or if you live in the Louisville area and have, like me, always wanted to learn how to knit, send me a message and I will give you the details on what I found out about knitting classes and groups in the Louisville area.
By Monday things were much better. We had our Marriage Enrichment class with Dr. Cutrer. The class had finally reached the section Joshua has been waiting for (panting for) all semester: Physical Intimacy, or, as I like to call it, the Sex Talk. It was pretty interesting. I do not think Joshua got all the information he was hoping he would get but Dr. Cutrer handed out note cards to everyone and asked that we all write down - anonymously - any questions we have. Next Monday he will read these questions and answer them. Needless to say, Joshua was in a very... ahem... loving mood when we got home that night. Thank you, Dr. Cutrer!
Aside from the fact that I was a little under the weather the past few days, it has been pretty routine. Except for one thing: I have decided to take a knitting class! I am very excited about it. I am an avid crosstitcher and have always wanted to learn how to knit (I did, in fact, teach myself how to do the basic knit and purl several years ago but couldn't get beyond that so I had about 20 feet of... well, yarn that was knitted and purled). I am leaving in a few minutes to go OFFICIALLY sign up for the knitting class and get the materials I will need. The class will start in a week and a half and our first project will be to make a hat. I will have to keep you updated on my progress. I'm sure it will be amazing! And Bentley, my boxer, is sure to be infinitely fascinated by the needles and the yarn. He is always very interested in everything I do - it is one of his most endearing qualities. I will have to knit him a new LSU sweater... BUT that's for later. I have to learn how to do all the basics first.
If you are a knitter and have any tips or hints for me I would love to hear them so please share! Or if you live in the Louisville area and have, like me, always wanted to learn how to knit, send me a message and I will give you the details on what I found out about knitting classes and groups in the Louisville area.
Monday, October 12, 2009
What Kind of Football Fan Are You?
Something has happened. You can see it as you walk along the streets: leaves are turning beautiful hues of red and orange. It is felt in the air - a fresh crispness, a smell of spices and firewood. People are wearing sweaters and jackets as they bundle up to head over to the pumpkin patch or out for a hayride. All these things add up to an undeniable truth: Fall is here!
I love fall! I love the feel of it, the sights and smells... all of it. I especially love it because it means that, once again, it is football season. It's a funny thing about football; there are different kinds of football fans. Have you ever noticed that? Everyone has their own little traditions when it comes to watching the big game. These little football quirks, while amusing to some (irritating to others), actually say quite a lot about a person.
1. Legalist Larry: this is the guy who has the football rulebook memorized. He likes a clean game, by the book. He knows keeps a close eye on all the players from both teams and especially on the referees to make sure they make the right calls. Any mistake, however small, will have Larry up in arms, red in the face and screaming at the TV, his wife, the dog or anyone he thinks might possibly be responsible for the error. And if you happen to be a fan of the opposing team.... look out! Legalist Larry is not a very forgiving guy. An ill-timed joke about his team can start a football feud that will last decades with Larry. When his team wins, Larry is one happy guy, but when they lose he can sulk about it for days.
2. Hedonist Harry: is every bit as into the game as Legalist Larry, but derives most of his enjoyment from the entire experience. While he loves the game and his team, most of the pleasure he gets from football games actually comes from sharing the experience with friends and family. Sure, he wants them to win, big and often, but his biggest rush is from having his loved ones around him enjoying snacks and burgers and soft drinks as they laugh and holler throughout the event. Like Larry, he loves it when his team wins, but he does not sulk or pout for days on end when they lose. "If they lose, oh well," says Harry, "they will do better next week. Who's up for another party?"
3. Silent Stan: as his name indicates, does not say much. Stan likes to sit back in his favorite recliner with his snack and soft drink of choice and relax as he watches the game. He will not scream or holler at the TV; at most he might grunt every now and again. Stan might even take a nap during the game (something which would cause Legalist Larry to nearly have a stroke). Although he can watch the game with others, football for Stan is usually (and preferably) a solo affair. So... as we are not really sure if he even watches the whole game, no one really knows how he feels about his team's winning or losing.
4. Chatty Kathy: does not care about football at all! The most irritating of all the football personalities (in my opinion), is almost always a girl, a member of a singles group who is trying to find a guy. Kathy will attend any and every football party she gets invited to and even feign an interest in the sport in the hopes of meeting and attracting available single men. She will not watch the game unless the object of her interest happens to be watching the game, rather, she will snack and flirt and talk the entire time.
What kind of football fan are you? Do you see yourself in any of the above individuals? I am very much a Hedonist Harry. I LOVE my LSU Tigers, but I REALLY LOVE getting friends (even non-LSU fan friends) together to watch the game and hang out. Of course, I DO like it when they win too...
What is your favorite football team? How are they doing this season? E-mail me and let me know...
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I love fall! I love the feel of it, the sights and smells... all of it. I especially love it because it means that, once again, it is football season. It's a funny thing about football; there are different kinds of football fans. Have you ever noticed that? Everyone has their own little traditions when it comes to watching the big game. These little football quirks, while amusing to some (irritating to others), actually say quite a lot about a person.
1. Legalist Larry: this is the guy who has the football rulebook memorized. He likes a clean game, by the book. He knows keeps a close eye on all the players from both teams and especially on the referees to make sure they make the right calls. Any mistake, however small, will have Larry up in arms, red in the face and screaming at the TV, his wife, the dog or anyone he thinks might possibly be responsible for the error. And if you happen to be a fan of the opposing team.... look out! Legalist Larry is not a very forgiving guy. An ill-timed joke about his team can start a football feud that will last decades with Larry. When his team wins, Larry is one happy guy, but when they lose he can sulk about it for days.
2. Hedonist Harry: is every bit as into the game as Legalist Larry, but derives most of his enjoyment from the entire experience. While he loves the game and his team, most of the pleasure he gets from football games actually comes from sharing the experience with friends and family. Sure, he wants them to win, big and often, but his biggest rush is from having his loved ones around him enjoying snacks and burgers and soft drinks as they laugh and holler throughout the event. Like Larry, he loves it when his team wins, but he does not sulk or pout for days on end when they lose. "If they lose, oh well," says Harry, "they will do better next week. Who's up for another party?"
3. Silent Stan: as his name indicates, does not say much. Stan likes to sit back in his favorite recliner with his snack and soft drink of choice and relax as he watches the game. He will not scream or holler at the TV; at most he might grunt every now and again. Stan might even take a nap during the game (something which would cause Legalist Larry to nearly have a stroke). Although he can watch the game with others, football for Stan is usually (and preferably) a solo affair. So... as we are not really sure if he even watches the whole game, no one really knows how he feels about his team's winning or losing.
4. Chatty Kathy: does not care about football at all! The most irritating of all the football personalities (in my opinion), is almost always a girl, a member of a singles group who is trying to find a guy. Kathy will attend any and every football party she gets invited to and even feign an interest in the sport in the hopes of meeting and attracting available single men. She will not watch the game unless the object of her interest happens to be watching the game, rather, she will snack and flirt and talk the entire time.
What kind of football fan are you? Do you see yourself in any of the above individuals? I am very much a Hedonist Harry. I LOVE my LSU Tigers, but I REALLY LOVE getting friends (even non-LSU fan friends) together to watch the game and hang out. Of course, I DO like it when they win too...
What is your favorite football team? How are they doing this season? E-mail me and let me know...
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Twilight
Last night Joshua and I hosted our friend Brent. We had not seen Brent since our wedding. I can't believe we went that long without seeing him. He needed a place to stay for the night so he stayed with us. Btw, ladies, he is single!!
He joined us for dinner and then we watched a movie. Joshua and Brent went to Redbox and picked out the movie. You won't believe what they picked out. Twilight! Funny, huh? Well, we settled in to watch it: lights out and peach cobbler in hand... It was actually good. I enjoyed it. However, it was totally unrealistic. I thought the most realistic thing about the movie was the whole vampire angle. I mean, honestly, a 17-year-old finds her eternal, true love? What do 17 year-olds know about love? Nada, rien, zip!
Harry Potter is much more realistic. Still, Twilight was entertaining, but not enough to such you in like Harry Potter does. Which brings me to another point: I'm kinda sad thinking that we have two HP movies left and then.... what? No more Harry Potter ANYTHING! Argh!!! That will be a tragedy of Greek proportions. Joshua doesn't really get it, but I know some of you do and share my pain.
This October, in the spirit of keeping the magic alive as long as possible, we will not have a typical Halloween party - we are going to have a Harry Potter theme party. I found recipes online for some of the treats they eat and drink at Hogwarts such as Butter Beer, Pumpkin Juice, Treacle Tarts, and so on. There will be a Hogwarts-themed meal and a Harry Potter movie marathon and someone is bringing Scene It - the Harry Potter edition. If that sounds like fun you should join us! Now, I just need to figure out what to wear... email me if you have any suggestions. Tchau for now!
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He joined us for dinner and then we watched a movie. Joshua and Brent went to Redbox and picked out the movie. You won't believe what they picked out. Twilight! Funny, huh? Well, we settled in to watch it: lights out and peach cobbler in hand... It was actually good. I enjoyed it. However, it was totally unrealistic. I thought the most realistic thing about the movie was the whole vampire angle. I mean, honestly, a 17-year-old finds her eternal, true love? What do 17 year-olds know about love? Nada, rien, zip!
Harry Potter is much more realistic. Still, Twilight was entertaining, but not enough to such you in like Harry Potter does. Which brings me to another point: I'm kinda sad thinking that we have two HP movies left and then.... what? No more Harry Potter ANYTHING! Argh!!! That will be a tragedy of Greek proportions. Joshua doesn't really get it, but I know some of you do and share my pain.
This October, in the spirit of keeping the magic alive as long as possible, we will not have a typical Halloween party - we are going to have a Harry Potter theme party. I found recipes online for some of the treats they eat and drink at Hogwarts such as Butter Beer, Pumpkin Juice, Treacle Tarts, and so on. There will be a Hogwarts-themed meal and a Harry Potter movie marathon and someone is bringing Scene It - the Harry Potter edition. If that sounds like fun you should join us! Now, I just need to figure out what to wear... email me if you have any suggestions. Tchau for now!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Home Sweet Home... Sort of
"In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony." Eva Burrows
It has been a while since I have updated you on what has been going on in my little world. The reason for that is something quite wonderful - a trip! Joshua and I went on a very, very quick trip to Louisiana to visit Mom and Joe. We left last Thursday and spent the night in Birmingham with my birth mother, Becky. It was a fun night. Becky, Brad (my brother) and Ashley (my sister) and Joshua and I all had dinner at a historic Birmingham restaurant called the Bright Star, the purpose of which was to meet Ashley's new boyfriend, Matt. Although he is a Catholic and, worse, an Alabama fan, he seems like a very nice young man and he passed the first round of inspections with flying colors.
On Friday Joshua and I left Bentley behind for some spoiling with Becky while we went on to Louisiana. It was a 9-hour drive! We took our time and enjoyed talking with each other and listening to C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce on CD as we drove. We arrived in DeRidder, Louisiana, around 7:00 p.m. local time to find Mom and Joe and my sister Jodi waiting for us with some fresh Louisiana style fried fish, hush puppies and barbecue baked beans! It was wonderful!! It was a lively dinner as Joe and I immediately launched into a discussion of the day's politics. But, as tired as everyone was it was soon off to bed as we had a long, busy day on Saturday.
Saturday dawned all too soon. I got up and walked outside to find Mom in the backyard. We sat on the deck swing and talked for a while, enjoying the outdoors and each other. It was a special time. In the constant business of life I find that I so rarely have time to just sit down face-to-face and really talk to people in a leisurely fashion anymore - especially the people that mean the most to me like my mother or my siblings. So, I have to say that was my favorite moment of the entire weekend and worth the 30 hours in the car. Absolutely. But, it was over all too quickly and soon we were all rushing off to shower and primp and get ready for the day ahead.
Our first order of business, at least for the girls, was to attend a shower which some of the kind ladies at New Life Baptist Church (Mom and Joe's church) threw for me. It was so much fun! The food was really delicious. They had sausage balls, mini-quiche, fruit salad, fresh fruit, muffins with orange butter, and cake. There was also a wonderful frozen mocha punch which was incredible! I was so excited that Aunt Pam and Ashley, Aunt Becky and Mrs. Jeannette got to come. That just made my day to get to see them and spend some time with them. We got some really sweet and special gifts. It was really so special. Now I need to get busy with my thank you notes!
When we got home poor Joshua got a taste of what football season means in the south. He probably thought we were all a bunch of lunatics yelling at the TV - but LSU DID come pretty close to giving the game away at the end. Still, it was loads of fun and it was the first LSU game I have gotten to watch this season. Yea!
That night Joshua and I got a real treat! Mom was the main speaker at a large women's event, appropriately named The Big Event, at a nearby town. He got to experience a women's event for the first time! The southern cookin', the southern music, and even a Southern Baptist-style fashion show! It was also neat that he got to hear Mom's testimony and learn more about her life and our family's life from a perspective different from mine. She and Joe also sang a duet together before Mom closed out the night with a really nice Medley. She really did a great job!
We had another long 15-hour drive back. But it was a great time spent with family, friends and loved ones. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives.
It has been a while since I have updated you on what has been going on in my little world. The reason for that is something quite wonderful - a trip! Joshua and I went on a very, very quick trip to Louisiana to visit Mom and Joe. We left last Thursday and spent the night in Birmingham with my birth mother, Becky. It was a fun night. Becky, Brad (my brother) and Ashley (my sister) and Joshua and I all had dinner at a historic Birmingham restaurant called the Bright Star, the purpose of which was to meet Ashley's new boyfriend, Matt. Although he is a Catholic and, worse, an Alabama fan, he seems like a very nice young man and he passed the first round of inspections with flying colors.
On Friday Joshua and I left Bentley behind for some spoiling with Becky while we went on to Louisiana. It was a 9-hour drive! We took our time and enjoyed talking with each other and listening to C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce on CD as we drove. We arrived in DeRidder, Louisiana, around 7:00 p.m. local time to find Mom and Joe and my sister Jodi waiting for us with some fresh Louisiana style fried fish, hush puppies and barbecue baked beans! It was wonderful!! It was a lively dinner as Joe and I immediately launched into a discussion of the day's politics. But, as tired as everyone was it was soon off to bed as we had a long, busy day on Saturday.
Saturday dawned all too soon. I got up and walked outside to find Mom in the backyard. We sat on the deck swing and talked for a while, enjoying the outdoors and each other. It was a special time. In the constant business of life I find that I so rarely have time to just sit down face-to-face and really talk to people in a leisurely fashion anymore - especially the people that mean the most to me like my mother or my siblings. So, I have to say that was my favorite moment of the entire weekend and worth the 30 hours in the car. Absolutely. But, it was over all too quickly and soon we were all rushing off to shower and primp and get ready for the day ahead.
Our first order of business, at least for the girls, was to attend a shower which some of the kind ladies at New Life Baptist Church (Mom and Joe's church) threw for me. It was so much fun! The food was really delicious. They had sausage balls, mini-quiche, fruit salad, fresh fruit, muffins with orange butter, and cake. There was also a wonderful frozen mocha punch which was incredible! I was so excited that Aunt Pam and Ashley, Aunt Becky and Mrs. Jeannette got to come. That just made my day to get to see them and spend some time with them. We got some really sweet and special gifts. It was really so special. Now I need to get busy with my thank you notes!
When we got home poor Joshua got a taste of what football season means in the south. He probably thought we were all a bunch of lunatics yelling at the TV - but LSU DID come pretty close to giving the game away at the end. Still, it was loads of fun and it was the first LSU game I have gotten to watch this season. Yea!
That night Joshua and I got a real treat! Mom was the main speaker at a large women's event, appropriately named The Big Event, at a nearby town. He got to experience a women's event for the first time! The southern cookin', the southern music, and even a Southern Baptist-style fashion show! It was also neat that he got to hear Mom's testimony and learn more about her life and our family's life from a perspective different from mine. She and Joe also sang a duet together before Mom closed out the night with a really nice Medley. She really did a great job!
We had another long 15-hour drive back. But it was a great time spent with family, friends and loved ones. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives.
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