Project 31 Day 23: Strong and Weak

Day 23.  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?

Oh golly . . . these are the questions I dread on those annual self-reviews. If I talk about my strengths, do I look like an arrogant jerk? What if I have them wrong? if I talk about my flaws, is that all people will see? It's quite the conundrum (fyi, that's our favorite word in first grade along with "renegade," "murmur," and "cacophony"--I believe in a diverse vocabulary . . . is that a strength? ;] )

Strengths

• I'm devoted--once you really have my friendship/commitment whatever, you're not getting rid of me easily. It can be hard to get in. I may waver on small decisions, but I stick to my guns when it comes to big time commitments and people. You just can't get rid of me.
• I'm constantly learning.--I want to know everything. I know I can't, but golly, it's nice to try. :] Plus, I like sharing these weird tidbits.  Chris likes to tease that he didn't realize he was marrying an encyclopedia.  Most of it is useless info, but I still love it. It also ties into taking care of my animals, decorating/caring for my home, health, and my cooking--I'm always on the hunt for new tidbits to make things better and a new recipe.
• My imagination is insane. -- This can be a good and bad thing. It's great if I'm trying to be creative or resourceful. I wrote a 300 book when I was sixteen, and am still working on it. Imagination helps lots there. It's pretty awesome when you're trying to fix something or solve riddles and you come up with wacky solutions. It's dreadful when I start worrying.  Or when I'm unconscious and my dreams rival those of an LSD overdose. And sometimes, when I'm in the shower and the curtain starts to move and suddenly I'm convinced it's a flesh-eating zombie and AH! Oh wait, it's just the cats.  
• I can communicate -- This goes beside the learning thing.  I love words. I love learning how people tick. I like putting all these things together to communicate well. I tell great stories. Sometimes, I talk waaaaaay too much or get so caught up in the story, I lose the point, but, in the end, I can get my point across via mouth or paper . . . and, dang it, sometimes I might even turn out funny. 
• I care -- sometimes too much, but I'm empathetic. I'll listen if you just need to unload.  I want to make people happy. I want to serve to make someone feel loved and valued.  Stories of suffering and abused children make me cry, ache, and do whatever I can to try to help. I want to take care of animals, yes even the creepy crawlers . . . minus the demon cockroach. Heck, I even get onto Chris if he says something unkind about an electronic. I just care. 
• When I commit myself, I work hard and I do well -- I do . . . and, in the past, I succeed at almost everything I put my mind to. It just turns out well. The problem is getting me to start . . . see below . . . 

Weaknesses

• I'm lazy -- there, I admitted it. I have days of uber activity and I can be such a hard, hard worker, but there are things I just can't stand and put off and put off and put off. The hardest part is actually getting started because once I start, I work hard and I enjoy it. This is something we're working hard on. I've started exercising and cooking healthier, even though it's not easy.  
• I'm insecure  --  I replay conversations over and over again until I blush because I'm so humiliated about what I said or did, even if no one else would have noticed. I feel unfashionable, uninteresting, and awkward, so I'm always shocked when people like me and terrified that they won't. For extended-in-law events, I always try to make something fabulous to get over my own insecurities about being a good cook. I used to cry all the time at the beginning of the school year because I was terrified that my students' parents didn't like me.  I almost didn't join a small group at church because I was afraid I wouldn't fit in. All of these things are ridiculous, but it's been a struggle of mine my entire life. No excuse, it's just an on-going process.
• I like other people to make decisions for me -- Why? Because I don't want to choose something that would make someone else unhappy. It doesn't matter what I want--it should--because I'm more worried about what they want. It drives the hubs batty. 
• I hate spending money and fear that there's never enough. 
• I'm impatient -- I read spoilers. I beg for answers. Doggone it, I need to know noooooooooooooow. I love planning things, and in order to properly plan, I need all the info, pronto. I need to know the names of our future children, the place we'll live, the color of the walls, the whole shebang. Years down the road? Yes, but I need a plan NOW.

 
 And yup, that's me in a nutshell. Hm. I can't decide if bearing my soul--the good, the bad, and the ugly--was fun or not ;]



Ta-ta, lovies!

Project 31 Day 22: See a Need, Meet a Need

Day 22.  What are some needs that need to be met in your community?  Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.

Wow, I'm out of the loop here. Need to get back in it. Only nine more posts, can you believe it? Wow. 

 Needs in my Community . . . there are so many. 

You find them in every city, really. The same ones over and over: homeless, troubled teens, troubled adults, low-income areas, kids without parents or present adults, the list goes on. We were told we would always have the poor, that no matter how hard we try, we can't demolish global poverty. 

But that doesn't mean we don't try.  

  
The hubs and I donate money monthly to sponsor a little girl in India--with this money she is able to go to school, provided with school books and uniform, and a meal at the school (very likely the only meal she receives that day).  We love having this opportunity to reach beyond our immediate community and help a precious little girl who might otherwise never have the privilege of learning and escaping the slums of New Delhi.

In our community there are several homeless shelters, donation organizations, and youth programs to help those in need.  Growing up, I did quite a bit helping with VBS programs at YMCAs and serving at Second Harvest Food Bank. Now, with the school I work for, I've taken my class to help sort various donated goods at Harvest Time International. Our church is involved in helping at the Edgewood Children's Ranch (a home program for troubled kids and teens) and PACE Center for Girls (a service for girls in need). I would especially love to become involved with PACE and get to know some of the students there, because you see, it's not really just about what I can do for them but what they can teach me because, honestly, I have a whole lot to learn.

Another need that the hubs and I both feel passionate about  is the underground sex trade. You don't really think about it happening in your own neighborhood, but, recently, the Feds found a Russian sex trade ring in my home town. WOW. Chris and I are actively searching for ways to get involved to help break this vile cycle that is not only overseas but right here. 

And above all else, there's the power of prayer. I can always do a little of that, can't I? :]

How about you? What ways can you meet the needs in your community? 

Project 31 Day 21: Day 21: Letter to the Hubs

 Day 21.  Write a letter to your husband to encourage him

Hey, kiddo.
You already know you're awesome. I've said it before, and I'll say it again.
No really.
You are more and more becoming the leading man you believe God wants you to be.
Thank you for keeping me on track and challenging me to have faith in a God who is so much bigger than my worries.
Thank you for working so hard at work and in school--even when it's hard, frustrating, and seemingly pointless. You're going to get there. Your dedication makes me so proud.
Thank you for being my helper and my leader.
Thank you for not giving into your own fears and plunging ahead, no matter what. 
Thanks for making me laugh and think.

I could not have asked for anyone more.
You are my soulmate, and I love you so much.

P.S. Gators are totally scarier than sharks. Just sayin.

Project 31 Day 19: Comfort Food

Day 19.  Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)

At the moment, if it's not hummus (my healthier choice) it's these babies:

Smothered in Peanut Butter. Oh gee oh golly. Yum yum yum.  I can feel my arteries sputtering, clogging, and choking, but golly it just tastes so good!

Project 31 Day 18: Describe Your Personality

Day 18: Describe Your Personality

Creative.
Imaginative.
Communicator.
Scatter-brain.
Balancing act--I'm calm when you're not and a nut when you're calm.
Introvert that won't stop talking.
Shy unless you are.
Helper and nurturer.
People-pleaser.
Hypothetical
 Comedy act that wasn't

Trivia Collector

Sympathizer

Change lover but constant dweller

Planner

Psychologist that wasn't

Over-analyzer

Punctual . . . half of the time

Organized mess

I wanna go FAST!!! Sophomore year of college, 2006

Project 31 Day 17: Happiness

Day 17.  Write about 3 things that make you happy.

1. The people in my life--the hubs, the fam, the pals. The lot of 'em. They bring me such incredible joy, challenges, love, and encouragement. I just can't imagine life without them.  I guess you guys are stuck with me.
2. A good book. No really, you don't understand. A brilliant piece of written word can make my day . . . nay, my week . . . or dare, I say it? My month? Some of them just stick with you for years. I can't pick up Til We Have Faces and not fall in love with it all over again, uncovering another little nugget of wisdom. Or The Hobbit . . . or . . . well, there are lots of books that stick with me.  
3.  Outdoor beauty. There is nothing like the perfect beach day to restore and inspire joy. Stunning forests put me in that peaceful awe that only beauty can. Then, of course, there are those fantastic creatures milling about that inspire my curiosity and spunk. I love it all. Until you step in something unpleasant. That's just not cool. 

I'm going to take this a step further and talk about three things that will just kinda ruin my day. Too much info? 

1. People.  Especially the super popular, put-together, successful people. I have never, ever, EVER been that person.  I've had my little successes and lovely outfits here and there, but I totally clam up and break into a sweat when I encounter perfect people, especially people I knew when I was younger and happen to run into now and again. I dread seeing people from my high school years. Why? They were in, I was out, and not much has changed, except for my weight. It's ridiculous, I know. No, trust me, I know, but it's a struggle I've had from first grade on. It's a hard leech to peel off. Are we working on it? Sure. It's just a LOT of work to get rid of a boogie man who's followed you forever. What do you do without him?
2. Failure--more really the failure to be "enough." To not make enough money, to not write enough, not cook well enough, not clean well enough, not work hard enough, not email enough, not correct papers enough, not outgoing enough, not healthy enough, not strong enough, not enough not enough not enough. Has anyone told me I failed? Nope. Do those voices whisper so a little mistake suddenly grows to a catastrophe? Oh my lanta, yes it does. 
3.  Money. I guess this goes under the "not enough" thing. Money's been a little fly in my ear since I was old enough to recognize what it was. I shouldn't have any worries, but they are there, mostly about the future. I think my mind just gets bored if I'm not worrying. 

BUT!!! Fears and joys all together, they are part of what makes me me. Are fears things to work on? Oh golly, yes. But that just makes the journey all the more interesting, right? ;]

I like interesting.  

Honeymooning! October 2009

Ninja Blogging and Project 31 Days 15 and 16

I am totally the blogging ninja.
My husband sits unsuspecting in his game room, annihilating some pixelated mighty foe, while I am "doing the dishes." That's code for "finding every possible distraction to keep from doing the dishes." Oh no, they'll be cleaned before bedtime. Just not right now. I'm not feeling dishes now. I'm feeling blogging now. We've been apart for so long, after all--isn't it time for a reunion?
As Chris says, I am a master at distracting myself. The only person who could have done it better was my sister Catherine at age four--bedtime would roll around, and this little red-headed snippet would suddenly wander back into the kitchen with every possible excuse to not go back to bed.
I'm thirsty. Can I have a drink?
Ok.
I need to go potty, now.
. . . ok . . .
SARAH!! HELP!! THERE'S AN ANT IN THE BATHROOM!!!!
You have got to be kidding me.
Tuck me in?
Uh-huh.
You didn't tuck me in right. . . .
 Seriously?!
I need to go potty again.
Oh good Lord. If you give a mouse a cookie . . .
You think I'm exaggerating? Ask my mother. 

Anywho . . .  On with Project 31 (Do ya think I'm a little behind? Just a little? Shame on me).

Day 15.  Write to encourage a friend.  Inspire her beauty.
  and

Day 16.  Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life.  Tell her what beauty means.

All right, Cat. 
Everyone else has been featured on here, and now it's your turn. 
Brace yourself, little sis. 

 First off, you're awesome. 
You start random move-quote text wars with me. You are a worthy opponent, young Padawan. 
You know how to put an outfit together. How did you get that gene? I have no bloody clue. But I'm glad you have it. Not only do you always look super duper cute, but you help me tie my scarf correctly. Tis muchly appreciated. 
You're a great photographer and a fantastic shopping buddy. Girl date soon?

You're athletic and talented, even if you don't think you are.  Do that cross-country thing and love it. And never, ever, EVER stop dancing. You are a stunning ballerina/interpretive dancer/lyrical dancer and whatever else you did while you were in company. I always loved watching you perform. Even when you were little and all you could do was position one and wave a cute little wand while looking beyond adorable with your red curls and that gawdy little princess tutu. You rocked it. You still do. Keep it up. 

You've taken a stand for what you believe in, even when it's hard. You stuck with it, used your brain, listened to the Spirit inside you, believed the Word, and kept going, even when people were short-sighted and mean about it. Remember, in the words of the oh-so-wise Dr. Seuss, "The  people who care don't matter, and the people who matter don't care." Find the people who love you for you--which is someone EPIC--and kick the dust off your feet when people want to change you to fit themselves. Don't let them tie you down or change you just because they might like you better. They'll forget about you in a week--or as soon as you say "no." I've been there. I know.  But you've already figured that out. You're a smart little thing. I'm proud of you. 

Remember that that prettiest person can be an ogre, and the plain jane can be a princess.  Beauty is in word and action, not the clothes, the money, or the entourage. But you already knew that. You're living it, right? ;] 

Christ will love you more than any cute boy.  He has pursued you, wooed you, and is committed to you no matter what. He's there when time's are tough, and He's there when times are good. The feet who follow Him are lovely, the hands that serve Him are stunning. Even if the nails are broken, the callouses are rough, and everything's covered in dirt. The heart sings when it's serving it's One True Love. Even if there's no friends, fame, or fortune. It's better to be joyful in His work then successful and miserable in your own. 

Lastly, go buy yourself a "supa size." I think you've earned it. 

Love, 

Sarah 

Project 31: Day 14 Style 31

 Day 14.  Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!

All rigthy then . . .
Another style post . . .

Taking pictures of your outfit by yourself is harder than it looks on stylish blogs . . . the hubs was busy taking on online test so I was on my own . . . and yes, I took it by my front door, haha.

Stole the plaid shirt from the hub's side of the closet, with just a black tank underneath and jeans. Nothing fancy--I didn't feel fancy today. It's dreary, gray, and damp out--perfect book reading and tea-drinking weather.

I had totally forgotten I had these shoes until I was in a rush Friday morning and couldn't find my converse. These Vans were a thrift steal about two years ago, and I love them! Nothing like a fun black shoe.

Can you tell I'm partial to blues and black? It's not like I wear them all the time or anything . . .

Project 31 Day 13: Better Me

I find it almost ironic that I'm writing about how to make a "better me" while watching a movie by the title of "Despicable Me."
Coincidence? I think not.
Ok, so maybe it is, but I think it's funny.
That and a kid in my class yesterday would NOT stop quoting this movie, so, you know, I'm just following the trends . . . even if they are set by seven-year-olds.(P.S. I need--not want, but need--Gru's scarf. K, thanks).
Speaking of seven-year-olds, today was our school's weekly extracurricular day . .. and our monthly ice-skating day . . . oh, and the kids did paper mache in class . . . So how was my day? Well, let's just say that reading World War Z made me realize how much simpler life would be if it involved a zombie apocalypse. Love the kids, love the school, not a big fan of Fridays.

Anywho, on with Project 31.

Day 13.  Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.

Oh, the list I have . . . but I'll summarize. 

• Develop a faithful and regular workout routine--not so I like lose a ton of weight, but so I have a healthy body and habits for before, during, and after pregnancy. I've heard the healthier you are before pregnancy, the better it is. Not that we're trying or expecting. Like I've said before, I'm just a planner. 
• Continue to learn that the world does not end if everyone isn't happy with me--I can't please everyone, and that's normal and doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with me. Some people just don't mix, and that's okay. When I first started working as a teacher, I would cry all the time--and I am NOT a crier--because I would receive emails texts, and comments about things I was doing wrong. They weren't malicious in nature, just making me aware that I had forgotten to send home a worksheet or instructions were confusing or whatever, and I just fell apart. I love constructive criticism, even if it's hard to hear, because then I can improve, but it was just all the time and I felt like the world's biggest failure. It was a good thing because I'm coming to terms that no matter how hard I try, some people will still have issues with me. 
• Lose some of my competitive streak . . . or at least learn to control it ever so slightly.
• Be completely and totally content in my circumstances and live in the present. We will be totally ok if we never make enough money for me to be a stay at home mom, that's ok (p.s. if anyone has any tips on the kinds of companies that will hire you to work from home, I would be grateful). I'll be ok if we never own our own home or spend a year overseas. I don't need to worry about the future because, it's not here yet. But the now is. We're living in it, might as well enjoy it and make the most of it. Now is awesome :]

Project 31 Day 12: What exhausts me

Day 12.  Write about what wears you out as a woman.

What's currently wearing me out is this to-puke-or-not-to-puke cat battle. (see previous post)

But what wears me out as a woman? Expectations. 

We live in the world that wants to wipe out gender roles. I can understand that. So, as a woman in the 21st century, I am expected to  take charge, put my career first,  wait to have children, wait to get married . . but wait, we've evolved beyond the primitive restraints of marriage, right? Move far away from home, travel extensively, be passionate about saving the world, be a health-food fanatic, vegetarian, or vegan, workout so I'm super trim and buff, dress like a supermodel. Because I'm a modern, intelligent, independent woman, right? 

Then you have the other spectrum . . . As a woman, I basically emulate June Cleaver in every aspect, cook from scratch, raise oh so many children, be involved in Sunday morning classes, teach children's church classes, do Bible studies, and bring the best casserole to church pot lucks, live next door to my family, always be perfectly pressed, and have dinner waiting on husband in a prestine home so I can pamper him the moment he walks in the door. Because I'm a good, domesticated, Christian woman, right? 

First off, I'm honestly not making fun of or criticizing either spectrum. I promise, I'm not. 
I so admire people who are driven and committed enough to be vegans and keep up an intense daily workout routine. I am amazed by wives and mothers who are absolutely incredible at caring for their families. It's awesome when anyone finds a career they love and are committed to.  I admit, I'm jealous of the woman who makes every outfit look like a superstar. Women who are so committed to Christ and His work that they are prominent in their Church Body or even move overseas in ministry astound me. But I can't be all of those things at once.  I just feel like I'm supposed to fit in one cubby or another--not a mixture of the two, and if I can't fit, I'm wrong.

I'm a Christian woman who wants to become involved in her new church and minister to the community, but I can't do every activity because of scheduling conflicts. Does that make me a bad Christian? 

I want to travel all over the world, but I just haven't yet. Does that mean I'm never going anywhere? 

Sometimes, when crunched for time, I cook recipes out of a box. Does that mean I'm poisoning my husband, that I'm a terrible cook, or that I don't believe in health or animal rights? 

If I live only 40 minutes from my parents and 20 minutes from my in-laws, does that mean I'll never be independent?

 I was married at 22, does that mean I threw my future away for some retro ideal?

I married at 22 because I loved a man and didn't want to spend my life with anyone else. 

I want  a career that I love, and that may be in an office, that may be as a novelist, that may be as a stay-at-home mom. They're all fabulous. 

I want so badly to be involved in my church and to make a difference in the world either by traveling, ministering, or donating. No little act of love is insignificant, even if it doesn't end up on CNN. 

Home is wherever God places us, and that may be the city I grew up in, even if that's not my ideal location and I want to move across the country or across the globe. 

I am trying to be healthier and create a regular workout routine, but it is ok if I'm not skinny or don't make everything organic. Are those things great? Yes. But they're not the only way to live a full and healthy life. 

God made me to be only one person, and the only expectations I need to worry about fitting inside are His my own. 

Period.  

Project 31 Day 11: Recipe -- Almost White Chili

 Ok, so today we're supposed to post a new recipe . . . I'm kind of on a soupy trend, so we're just going to keep that going. Why stop when you have a good thing?

 Unfortunately, my camera died just as I set up the prettiest little bowl of chili you've ever seen . . . so, alas, no pic on my end, but if you would like to see photos and the original recipe, look here. Original recipe by Jenna from Eat, Live, Run. 

Ha! I did get a picture! Recharged the camera and snapped a quickie of next night's leftovers! :]

Almost White Chili

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 medium onion, small diced
• 1 T vegetable oil
• 1 can black beans (or 2 cans if you love them like I do--Chris is not a bean dude, so we compromised)--or 2 cans cannellini beans for a true white chili
• 14.5 ounces chicken broth
• 1 4-ounce cans chopped green chilies
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pint half and half
• 8 ounce reduced fat sour cream
• Grated Parmesan to taste (optional)
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)

Recipe: 

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the chicken and chopped onion and saute for about six minutes, or until the chicken is seared and the onion is translucent. 
2. If you like, add a splash of white wine--I pretty much never cook chicken without it because it gives it a nice little kick while keeping it moist. I'm probably breaking some culinary rule, but my chicken is always oh so yummy! And it smells FANTASTIC cooking with wine.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another three minutes.
4. Add the beans, spices, chicken broth and green chilies and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for thirty minutes.
5. Turn off the heat and add the sour cream and half & half. 
6. Serve with cheddar cheese and additional sour cream to top. Tortilla chips are a must :]

This was way spicier than I had anticipated . . . but that was mostly my fault--I read 1 tsp cayenne pepper and not 1/4. Ai yi  yi! HOT!!! But, I added a little milk and some grated Parmesan--if something is too spicy, dairy is the best way to battle it, so I dairied away! The result was absolutely FABULOUS!!! Rich, creamy, spicy, and oh so filling.

Chris loved it, despite the fact that it contained beans and green chilis (not his fave), which, you might say, is a big deal :]

Project 31 Day 10: Challenges and Growth

 Spare no expense to save money on this one. 
--Samuel Goldwyn

Ok, so I'm going to be a day behind from here on out . . . but that's ok, right? Busy-ness can just eat you up.

Day 10.  What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)

My gender pretty much has nothing to do with it. 

Pretty much. ;] 

From the time I was in preschool, I have always been concerned about money. I'd count my piggy bank diligently, ask Daddy how much his pay check made, and then promised if I won the lottery, I'd pay off the house mortgage and buy him his dream pick up truck. I haven't stopped counting every penny in the bank, but I've never bought a lottery ticket. Maybe I should try that sometime . . .

Now, Chris takes care of the bills, but I'm the one that tracks our dollars: where do they go? how much are we making? how much are we spending? How much are we saving? Will we survive the summer when school's out and I'm not getting paid? How much are we tithing? How much should we be tithing? Are we eating out too much? Should I get a second job? Blah blah blah the list goes on. 
Money keeps me awake at night, and my dollar-bill ramblings give Chris a headache. He finally just puts his finger to my lips and says, "Honey, I love you, but be quiet. God will take care of us, all right? We're doing well, we're okay, and God is in control. So stop worrying. For the sake of all that is good in the world, STOP WORRYING."

Don't you love it when God uses another human being to speak his truth? 

So long as I have clothes on my back, a roof over my head, and food in my stomach, I'm okay. God promised to take care of the sparrows, so I know He'll take care of us, even if the economy is scary, the job hunt is terrifying, and the bank account shrinks. God is in control, and He will make it all okay--it may not be fun, it may not be pleasant, but somewhere, somehow, we will make it through. 

Sometimes, God does little things just to smack me upside the head and remind me He's really in control. Last week, one of our cats started vomiting  nonstop. We took her to the vet--which is NOT cheap. She seemed just fine after her visit Friday, but Sunday night she started vomiting again. So we call the vet--they want to run x-rays, blood work, the whole kit and kaboodle. It's not cheap. It's not an arm and a leg yet, but, golly it is the farthest thing from cheap. And I don't feel like I can put her down yet--not without just cause like cancer or something. Even putting your pet down costs though. Lots. Golly. So we agree to trying to find the ailment, and I start to panic that we won't have enough money. I check our account, and there is MORE than enough to cover this. Chris's boss recently gave him a raise, and the last two paychecks were higher than expected. We can at least, now, pay to find out what's wrong with the cat and then, hopefully, afford to fix it. Maybe.

Honestly, if someone at the humane society would have told me that in ONE YEAR this cat would have costs me the hundreds and hundreds of dollars, I would have sadly turned away from that cute little kitten and moved on, but no, no one warned me of her flea issues, tape worms, feline respiratory infection, and now the puke machine . . . So I brought her home, fell in love . . . and now God is taking care of it. Taking care of my worries.
They really shouldn't exist--my worries.
I think I keep them around because it gives my brain something to do at all times. You know, keeps life interesting and in a moderate panic.
Energizing, ya know? ;]

Project 31 Days 8 and 9

Whew. Sorry I'm behind.
Yesterday was uber busy . . . The good news is that my cat has finally stopped puking and it's not a blockage. The bad news is that the vet has no idea why she started puking. Oh well. Pets, what can you do with them?

Whoever said that a pj day in first grade was a good idea . . . Don't listen to them. Unless you have a gallon of Red Bull available to outweigh the sugar you feed them. Ours was Thursday, and I'm still recovering. Tons of fun for the kids, but for me . . . wow . . . wipeout. You know what's funny about first graders? The more tired you become, the wilder they get . . . and louder . . . and the attention span gets shorter . . . until finally, you're collapsed at your desk, that gosh-awful children song stuck in your head, listening to the nonstop whir of the pencil sharpener because six-year-old pencils are always dull, and trying to remember what 10-7 is so you can teach the class. All you want is your warm bed and a good book, silence, peace. Still it has it's good sides--I'm never short of laughter.

Anywho, on with Days 8 and 9!

Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!

Hm . . . Like I said before, I'm not a fashionista, and when it comes to hair and make-up, I'm kind of a minimalist, but I will pass on a hair tip my stylist told me:

In your final rinse, use cold water

Warm water opens up pores (which is why it's a good to rinse your face in warm water or hold a warm wash cloth over it before washing your face--it opens pores so they can be cleaned and flushed). Using cold water in a final rinse snaps those pores shut. When you rinse your face in cold water, it closes the pores, minimizes their appearance. When you use it on your hair, the pores close tightly around the hair follicles, helping reduce frizz and makes your hair shiny.

I also recommend any hair products by Aveda.

One of their cosmetology schools is just down the road from our apartment, and, since hair cuts are only $12 and nothing short of fabulous, I love going in. At first, I was wary of the styling products the stylists were trying to sell me, but I gave them a try, and they are awesome: really lightweight so your hair feels soft and looks natural but the style holds wonderfully. What I also love: they're relatively inexpensive for organic salon products. Not cheap, but they won't kill your wallet either. Plus, they're so totally worth it, and that's coming from a cheapskate.

Here are the ones I keep and use whenever I want to do more than throw my hair in a pony tail:

Smooth Infusion

When I'd rather my hair look smooth instead of choppy, I use this stuff. It's really light, and, if you don't use it directly on the roots, it calms any frizzles and brings out the shine without looking greasy.

Volumizing Tonic

This baby has pretty much become my best friend. On top of having really straight hair, mine is thick, heavy, and not big on the volume department. A couple spritz of this miracle, and I have all the bounce I need and then some. Just spray a little on the roots of damp hair and then blow dry upside down, and wow. Love.

Light Elements Shaping Wax

I was not into the idea of wax. I sort of anticipated that my hair would look like someone had sneezed in it, and boogers are just not my style. Then, my stylist introduced me to my new favorite. Hello Light Elements Shaping Wax. You and my hair . . . you're going to be buds for life. When I want my layers to stand out, look choppy and defined, I rub a little of this on my fingers and then short of "fluff" my hair, pinching/brushing the layers in my hair so the wax sticks. You really can't tell that I'm wearing wax. No snot-look for me :] Fabulous.

All righty then . . . on to Day 9 . . . 

Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?

I had no idea that there were so many different virtues. I wanted to look them up to try to make sure I wasn't making anything up about myself . . . Golly. 

I know I thrive in helping people. I have a desire to make things better, to help make other people happy. Part of it is because I'm a people-pleaser (which has HUGE downsides--I get hugely stressed and upset if I can't make everyone I'm around happy), but the other part is I just like it. Youth group and school pegged me as a leader the person directing everyone in how to do things, where things go. I'm not. I'm the kid behind stage making sure everyone has water, that the costumes are pressed, that snacks are ready, and the props are where they should be, who ask what needs to be done so she can do it. When I went on mission trips, my favorites weren't the door to door evangelism or even playing with kids--it was helping out in a classroom, sorting and distributing food goods, and laying the foundation for a new church building in an impoverished Christian community.  I miss being able to do things like that. I love community service. I love helping my mom clean the kitchen after we've come over for dinner or take care of my siblings over the weekend. I love helping friends clean or set up for a party or a big move. As a little girl, I used to make my daddy lunch and keep his glass of gatorade full when he did weekend yard work. Those little things are my favorites. 

The virtue other people have told me they respect is that I stick to the things I believe in. In college, most of my friends had different beliefs than I did--little, small beliefs or big ones. I decided early on I wouldn't drink underage. It's not that I have an issue with alcohol or think it's sinful. I just didn't want to drink before I was 21. I decided I wouldn't date my freshman year of college.  I didn't think dating was a bad thing to do--I just knew I had a tendency to get too attached too quickly and dating, for me, wasn't going to be a light thing. I had a huge crush on a friend of mine freshman year, and several people told me to go out with him, kiss him--something, anything at all--to get him out of my system. I didn't, and that was for the best. My good girl pals that year each came back to me, at different times, saying, "I don't agree with your decisions, but I am so impressed that you didn't change your mind, and I respect your commitment."

So, yes, those are my virtues. I so look forward to reading about yours! :]  

Project 31 Day 7: Pretty Woman

Day 7.  Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.

Bozz aka Mattie aka Martha aka . . too many nicknames. 

 You're awesome. Period. 

You took me under your wing when I was twelve and you were thirteen. Why? Because I seemed lonely Then my parents built a house right next to yours. Thanks for checking out the framework--good to know it was sturdy enough to hold you swinging around on the beams.

You taught me almost everything I know about art. You say you're not any good, but, girl, your work blows me away. Every piece is epic.
You made me go running with you when I hated it; even went so far as to make me chase you for the walkman cd player, my only piece of sanity in an insane pastime, and bribe me with "How to Speak Gaelic" cds when I finally ran a ten minute mile.
You got me into soccer, even let me play with you a bit . .  . even though I sucked . . . a lot.

Even though we live far apart, now, we still talk on the phone for hours. I love it that we pick up right where we left off.

Has anyone told you that you are a gem? Cause you are. You really really are. Beautiful inside and out, sweet, smart, witty, and strong. Don't let anyone ever tell you that you're not enough or that you're too much. God made you just right, and He wouldn't change you for the world. Don't settle for less, girl, because you deserve the best.

I miss you. Hope to see you soon.

I still wrap my gifts in tinfoil in your honor. And I never watch "The Last Crusade" without noticing that missing flower in the zeppelin scene. We still need to finish the "Taken" series. Just a thought ;]

Day 6: Jaded Beauty

Day 6.  Jaded beauty.  Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?

Meh, I'd have to say every time I go shopping. 

No really. 

I'm not the tiny, stick-thin kind of girl you see strutting the runways. There's nothing wrong at all with being thin or being a super model, but it often feels like clothes are MADE for that body type and not any other. Thin is a matter of perspective, and the super-model figure seems to be the only point-of-view designers take when putting new creations on the sales floor. They should come with a label: 

Do Not Try On if You Have Any Fat On Your Body at ALL. Your Self Esteem Has Been Warned.

It took me a year to find a new pair of jeans that fit both my waist, my thighs, and the honky tonk badonkadonk. A. Year.

It seems we woman are obsessed with our weight, even if we're tiny we still worry about being fat. My sis-in-law is 5'2", 95 pounds, and worries about gaining weight.  What happened to the Renaissance beautiful woman who had curves? Who had cellulite? And was portrayed in every form of art as the ideal. WHERE DID SHE GO??? 

Then, the clothing industry assumes (and we all know what they say about what happens when you "assume") that if you've got it, you want to flaunt it. Modesty? That was for Laura Ingalls Wilder and her Little House on the Prairie. A Dead Concept. Grow up, move on. It's the twenty-first century for gosh sakes. Show a little skin . . . or all of it. Take your pick.

And if I believe in a thing called modesty? What do you have to offer me?

In high school, my self esteem was outrageously low. Why? Because God gave me curves, and I hated them. None of the boys at school would look at me or talk to me. Unless, that is, their English homework was in jeopardy. I blamed my body. I blamed the fact that I had a booty where the other girls did not. I thought if I could just get skinny, just loose that offensive behind, I would win the favor of high school males. Now, we all know high school males are not at all the most evolved of human beings, but don't tell that to a fifteen-year-old girl. Staring in the mirror, trying not to cry, trying desperately to figure out what was so wrong that no one would give her a glance.

Here's the bottom line: God made each of us an individual, a beautiful wonderful individual who doesn't look like anyone else. Who has a purpose no one else can fill. I find it humorously ironic that society's biggest war cry is "BE AN INDIVIDUAL!!!" and yet it demands "But make sure you're doing the just like everybody else." Double standard? Maybe?

God looks down on you and cries, "Look! Look what I made! Isn't she fantastic! Have you ever seen anything like her! It's perfect! I love her!"

My husband looks at me and tells me that I look like a woman. He actually sulks when I talk about dieting.

So, forget the clothing industry. Forget Hollywood. Listen to the people who love you. They're not just saying it because they have to. They are speaking beauty to you because you are.

Project 31 Day 5: Someone Who Has Made Your Heart Come Alive

Thanks again everyone for all of your sweet comments! You guys are awesome! Thanks to you, I don't think I'll be scared of fashion pics any more  ;]

All right kiddos, I think you knew this was coming . . .

Day 5: Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive

Oh, Hubs, was there ever any doubt?

When I met you oh so many years ago, when I was 15 and you were 19, you were, by far the cutest boy I had ever seen . . .

You will KILL me for posting this super old pic. . . but I'm taking the risk. Oh, and that cutest guy ever thing? Not changing :]

We've known each other for almost ten years, and you still light up when I walk in the door, still wrap your arms around my waist and kiss me like it's the first time. Still tuck me in at night when I'm asleep before you, still read a Bible passage and pray with me before bed, just like we did over the phone when we were dating 1000 miles apart.

You listen to my crazy rants, and laugh at my antics when I'm feeling silly. You make me feel beautiful even when I'm in my crummiest pjs, no make-up, hair in a sloppy top-knot--You make me feel like a super model.

You take me on adventures. You love dreaming up adventures. I feel safe with you, even if we plan on doing risky things like moving out of town, out of state, out of country. Even if we never do those things, I know life with still be an adventure with you. I know you are a Godly man who wants to follow His direction, and your unfailing faith in His provision and protection eases my frightened heart. I know if you say, "We should go," I can go with you because you're following the guidance of the One in charge of it all. I don't need to be afraid--you're looking out for us, and so is He. You remind me of that when I need it so desperately.

You're smart and witty, and we laugh so much together. I love that we laugh. I love that we can still talk about everything and nothing at all or sit in silence and still treasure just being in each other's presence. I love that you're a nerd--that you play video games, watch sci-fi movies, and read Lewis and Tolkien. I love that you let me love those things with you. That you encourage me in my own nerdiness, that you are both my harshest and most encouraging, helpful critic when I bring you my writing. You're the best editor.

 Thank you so much for just getting me. You know everything about me and still love me, treasure me, and you don't try to change who I am. You don't think I'm weird, that I need to be anything but the person God made me to be--and you thank me for being just that every day.

Thank you for growing with me -- for taking on more responsibilities and learning to do un-fun things like clean up cat puke and clean the kitchen. Thank you for being my helper and my leader. Thank you for holding me, hugging me, kissing me, and telling me I'm stunning every chance you get. Thank you for all our funny random little times together. Thank you for challenging me: for helping me out of my ruts, for sticking with me when I beg to be isolated, for not giving up when so many others would have walked away. Thank you for encouraging me, even when things get tough you help me see God might want to use the nasties to make me stronger, to make me bigger for Him so I can serve greatly.

Thank you for waiting me for me--for not rushing into things, for saving yourself for the woman you'd marry, then waiting until that day she became your wife. Thank you, thank you.

 Oh, and most of all, thanks for just being you. Because "you" just as you are, well . . .

You're pretty much epically awesome.

Love you with all of my heart :]

Project 31 Day 4: Style 31

Check out this awesome post Branson at Reflections of Something has started! She is collecting stories of inspiring women in others' lives, so, if you've written about someone important to you, link up!

All righty, so on to day 4 . . .

I am going to be completely and totally honest with you peeps: today's assignment scared the willies out of me.  

No really. 

Not only am I not super-model tiny (is it just me, or does it feel like all clothing is catered towards super-models and not at all towards curves?) , I'm not at all a fashionista. Not even the tiniest bit. So when people ask me to take take pictures of what I wear, my heart and stomach decide they want to perform an unnerving tango. I'm creative on paper, not with my wardrobe, much to my dismay. It's not that I can't pull a cute outfit together, I'm just not one of those who can throw t-shirt and shorts on and it look like it stepped off of runaway. That's not my gift, and that's ok. :]  At least think my outfit is on straight in the picture . . . I think. I'm infamous for having things crooked because I'm too impatient-- I just want it on my body so I can go! haha.

Anywho, here's the outfit for the day . . .

• Top:  H & M . 
• Jeans: Express Stella Slightly Boot Cut (the only jeans I've ever found that fit both my waist and the ghetto booty ;] ) 
• Accessories: 
• Homemade black choker (I'm pretty much never without a necklace, and chokers are my favorite)
• The bracelet was a gift from my mom--the funds from the bracelet pay to have girls from the slums purchase a birth certificate so they can go to school. I wish I could remember the name of the company, but I've misplaced their card :[ 
• Shoes: a great steal from Ross ($12!). I wear them all the time

 So, yup, that's me on a good "fashion" day, haha.My sweet hubs was the photographer, and he was Mr. Uber-Perfectionist with the camera--so cute! :] He makes me smile.

I hope you're having a simply fantastic day! God bless!

Project 31 Day 3: Inspiring Beauty

Thanks everyone so very much for all of the sweet comments! I loved reading all of your posts :}
All righty . . . starting up Day 3 . . .

Day 3: Who is someone you know who inspires beauty? 

I feel like I know several people who really "inspire beauty" and bring joy to others.

• My husband
• My three younger sisters
• My brother
• My godparents
• My parents
• My parents-in-laws and grandparents-in-law

Really the list goes on. All of the people listed have such hearts of service and a radiance about them that it's hard not to feel loved in their presence. 

I did want to focus on two people, though, who really stand out in my mind.

My mom, Jackie
 I know, "My mom" is something totally expected and almost cliche, but, you know, people say it for a good reason. Here are some reasons my mom has helped inspire beauty in my life:

•  I know, without a doubt, that no matter what has been going on, I can always count on her to be there for me. 
• If we ever argued, my mom always stepped up and apologized. She always wanted to resolve the problem so that hard feelings didn't fester. She admitted what she had done wrong, her desire to fix it, and then challenged me to to the same. It helped our relationship grow and taught me very important lessons in conflict resolution and how vital it is in a healthy, growing relationship. 
• She practiced what she preached. If you come and lecture me "Do as I say, not as I do," well my little passive aggressive self rears up and does the opposite quietly and felt like the words had no value because there was no action. If mom challenged me in some way, I knew it was sincere--that she was challenged herself, striving towards bettering herself and those around her. She was very honest about her own struggles, flaws, and her battles against them. She was humble and honest and never, not even once, assumed anything near perfection or tried to lead you to believe she was perfect: the woman was and is completely honest and transparent.When she came to you about something, you knew you could trust her, that they weren't just empty words tangled around some untouchable ideal. They were, "Listen I see this in you, I see you struggling with it--I am, too. Let me encourage you and challenge you as God and others have encouraged and challenged me."
• She is so much fun! My mom loves a get-together with good food, good people, and great conversation. We can talk about literally anything, and I love hanging out with her. 
• She has a heart of service. Everything I learned about serving in the church, the community, and internationally, I learned from my parents, and especially my mom. I grew up with both parents serving in the church and the family at home. My mom had a heart for missions and international adoption. She introduced all of us to that love and stirred the fire inside us. 
• She loves collecting memories. Some people collect stamps or figurines, my mom collects memories. She has scrapbooked so much of our family history and fun. Now, as a family, we love talking about things we did together years ago, last week, or whenever, and laughing about it. 
• She taught me to laugh at myself . . . because really, life is funnier that way :]

Person Number 2 is a woman I only met recently, but her ministry has changed the lives of countless others, and touched my husband's and my hearts.

Dr. Ananthi Jebasingh 

This summer, my mom had a wonderful opportunity to serve at the Good Samaritan School in New Dehli, India. The school began twenty years ago when a little boy knocked on Ananthi's door begging for bread. She didn't want him to turn into a beggar, so she agreed to teach him as if he were in school. The next thing she knew, she didn't have room for all of the children asking to learn. So she began a nonprofit school for the beautiful children in the slums, giving them a chance to escape the slums and hear the beauty of the Gospel. You can read more about her story here and the school's website. They are always in need of donations to help pay for teachers and meals for the children. They are also looking for monthly sponsorship of children--for $35 a month you can help pay for  child to go to school, a school-day meal (often the only meal they receive that day), and medical care. My husband and I are sponsoring a little seven-year-old girl named Esther, and we pray for her every night. We may not be able to go to India, but we can make a difference for a precious jewel there.

These are all pictures my mom took of the school children during her visit Summer '10