From Me To You

Community and How It's Unexpected

2012-01-15T01:00:00.001-06:00

I just have to get something off my chest and it's not even a bad something to speak about at all. It's just that right now in this very moment I am so overwhelmed by how the Lord has provided Dusty and me with community no matter what our position.In the loneliest two-and-a-half years of our life we found a niche and it was precious. In the current newest season of our life he's given us an old community to reconnect with. He's given a new community to bond with. We've never done without and we never will. I'm so so thankful.

A New Year

2012-01-05T16:44:00.002-06:00

I really would like to try to blog more. I'm not being all "New Year's Resolution-y" or anything. It's just that life is so interesting right now and I need as many outlets as I can get to process things.

Speaking of the New Year, I have to say it's my second favorite holiday behind Christmas. There's something so special about this time of year. You reflect on the old and look forward to the new. I'm somebody who is constantly evaluating myself; from job performance to how I have things organized at home. I'm constantly looking to improve and streamline.

Our tiny Snyder household is really looking forward to 2012!

Whereas 2011 was a year of change (moving, new jobs, newer job, moving again!) this year we're all about maintenance. That's the word I felt the Lord speak over us for 2012.

Maintenance has a two-fold meaning here: (a) remain steady in the new things we were given in 2011 and (b) do some maintenance on things in our life that took a backseat in the chaos of 2011.

Our church is big on new years and the chance to dream about the coming year. It's not too late for you, my dear procrastinators! What would you like to see happen in 2012?

The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer

2011-11-27T17:27:00.001-06:00

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is staying up all night to get your homework done so you can start making Christmas cookies the rest of the week!"

Seriously, so excited!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T16:10:00.001-06:00

There's this running joke in my family about how sometimes holidays for us turn into Festivus.

What? You don't know what Festivus is?

So, back on track: this year around Thanksgiving I feel a little Festivus growing in my heart. Maybe it's the rainy weather or the fact that we're in the middle of yet another big transition but I feel like I want to Air Some Grievances and participate in the Feats of Strength.

Or look at this, because it just makes me laugh:

Another great way to get out of the Thanksgiving doldrums is to watch one of the only known movies specifically centered around Thanksgiving:

And of course, there will come that time around 11 pm on Thanksgiving night where I drag Dusty out into the cold and begin our Black Friday tradition: Dusty complaining in a half serious/ half joking way about how miserable he is and me silently cheering on the people in front of us who start to fight those jokers trying to cut in line at Old Navy.

New New Beginnings

2011-11-18T16:54:00.000-06:00

Well hello to the small handful of folks who read my blog! It has been a whirlwind of a past few weeks. OK, months.

Here's some crazy awesome news: remember that new job I started in August? Well, I'm starting another new one! I've been given a "promotion" so to speak to a full time Resident Director of the freshman girl's dorm. This means a few things:

1.) We have to move. Again. Luckily, it's only across campus
2.) We have to put even more stuff in storage. I am a-ok with this, for the most part.
3.) Dusty will be living in a girl's dormitory. He's a-ok with this, for the most part.
4.) I'll get to start learning an entirely new job. So far, on day 2 in the office, Post-it notes are my best friend. I mean they're everywhere. To the point where it's sort of embarrassing.

Stay tuned for hopefully more regular posting. I mean, after I move, and finish out my first semester in grad school. Then I'll do it. Probably.

Bumble-Ardy

2011-09-20T21:13:00.000-05:00

I was listening NPR's Fresh Air on the way home from class tonight and Terry Gross was interviewing author Maurice Sendak, best known for writing Where the Wild Things Are.

This interview was one of the most honest, raw, heartbreaking, and beautiful interviews I've ever heard.

You can look at some samples of his new book Bumble-ardy here.

Listen to the interview. I know it's 20 minutes long but it's so, so worth your time. Here's one of the more haunting quotes from the interview; he's looking back on his life and in his current position: he's just lost two of the people that he loved most in this world within the past few months:

"I have nothing now but praise for my life. I'm not unhappy. I cry a lot because I miss people. They die and I can't stop them. They leave me and I love them more. ... What I dread is the isolation. ... There are so many beautiful things in the world which I will have to leave when I die, but I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready."

10,000 Reasons

2011-09-20T13:00:00.002-05:00

This song is rocking me right now.

Good Stuff

2011-09-08T21:08:00.002-05:00

Goodness

2011-08-24T23:31:00.000-05:00

Tonight I just feel a little overwhelmed with the goodness of the Lord. I've spent some time just sitting and reflecting on my life in the past few years and the only conclusion I can come up with is that I am a product of a good Father.

I'm loving this passage from Psalm 40 out of the Message:

"But all who are hunting for you -- oh, let them sing and be happy! Let those who know what you're all about tell the world you're great and not quitting. And me? I'm a mess. I'm nothing and have nothing: make something of me. You can do it, you've got what it takes -- but God, don't put it off."

So much more is swarming through my head and heart tonight so I thought I'd share a small portion of it.

A Long Obedience

2011-08-06T19:06:00.000-05:00

I recently started reading the book A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This is long overdue since my Too Cool Friend Andi recommended to me the chapter on Community many moons ago. However, I feel like my choice in reading it is very timely.

Here is a passage that really struck me today:

"The truth about me is that God made and loves me.

The truth about those sitting beside me is that God made and loves them, and each one is therefore my neighbor.

The truth about the world is that God rules and provides for it.

The truth about what is wrong with the world is that I and the neighbor sitting beside me have sinned in refusing to let God be for us, over us and in us.

The truth about what is at the center of our lives and of our history is that Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross for our sins and raised from the tomb for our salvation and that we can participate in new life as we believe in him, accept his mercy, respond to his love, attend to his commands."

Today

2011-07-29T13:00:00.002-05:00

Dear Auntie,

Today would be your birthday, wouldn't it?
Today, I choose to remember you in your health.
As the lady who loved her obnoxious dogs.
Who used to tell me as a child when we were eating potato chips together that the folded-over ones were especially made for her, so not to eat them when I found them.
Who gave me my first car.
Who was perpetually "sending me a package."
Who took notice of my love for Beanie Babies as a kid and proceeded to inundate me with them on into my teens.
Who made sure that we got the loudest, most complicated toys for Christmas... just to irritate my dad.
Who taught me to love Black Friday shopping and how to check out at the jewelry counter in order to eliminate waiting in line.

Because really, aren't all these things (and many more) what being a good aunt is all about?

So yes, today would be your birthday. And I choose to remember you in your health.

Alone

2011-07-28T12:04:00.000-05:00

Dusty is still up in Meade Co, which means I have a lot of time to myself right now.

I'm partly OK with this because life is about to get insane come Monday. But I also find myself just wandering around the apartment, randomly rearranging things, opening the fridge but not getting anything, checking emails, checking Facebook, looking out the window, then starting the whole cycle over again.

I'm fully aware of how corny this sounds but I feel a little lost without him around here to talk to.

When I'm alone like this I get really impulsive. Right now I'm simultaneously wanting to:

1.) Make this grilled veggie pizza I saw on PW this morning
2.) Go see my grandparents
3.) Get some ice cream
4.) Drive out to the lake
5.) Go swimming
and
6.) Buy some nails so I can hang some shelves in the bathroom

Pretty sure that ice cream one is going to win out in the end.

Young Blood

2011-07-27T17:05:00.000-05:00

There's some songs that remind me of a certain season in my life. Like Andy Davis' Please Turn Red reminds me of my favorite years from college (so what if it's a break up song?)

Desert Song by Hillsong accurately sums up the past two and a half years of my life in Meade County. Actually, there was a lot of Hillsong/Jesus Culture happening at that time.

The Mumford and Son album Sigh No More (specifically the song The Cave) reminds me of dredging through life at Bluegrass Cellular, when I hated my job and lived for the weekends.

As I start this new season in life at Lindsey Wilson, I wonder what songs will take center stage? Right now, I'm really digging this song by The Naked and Famous:

Empty Room

2011-07-20T10:00:00.002-05:00

This little song is a gem.

Garden of Love

2011-07-18T14:54:00.000-05:00

In the midst of moving, changing addresses, requesting records, packing, cleaning the old house, cleaning the new apartment, unpacking, driving, dropping things off, picking things up, and general mayhem, today I received a little pick me up at one of my least favorite places on earth: the post office.

Aren't these stamps adorable?

Farewell Feline Friend

2011-07-07T11:21:00.000-05:00

Now comes the time in our move where we are desperately trying to find a home for our feral barn cat not so feral, inside/outside house cat.

Before all you haters gonna hate, it was either a cat or a mice-infested home. Clearly we chose wisely.

We've literally asked anyone we could think of if they'd be interested in a cat with extra toes and a slight eating disorder. So far, no takers.

We even asked my parents, and they live 600 miles away.

Rudy came from Dusty's parent's stock of (at the time) 4 cats with the condition of "no givesy backsy" which, in all actuality is exactly what we're going to have to do while we try to find someone to take him.

He is hilarious! How can this not make you laugh:

I've never seen an animal that literally looked like it would kill you, if only it could.

And really, his favorite past time?

As much as we hate (hate) admitting this, Dusty and I have grown rather attached to this little guy over the years we've been in Meade County. We always joke that one of our favorite past times is making fun of our cat, but deep down we know it's not a joke. He's infamous around our circle of friends for his curmudgeonly old man cat-itude!

So! Who wants him? No seriously, he's got to go. Santa hat not included.

Boxes, Thanksgiving Feast, and Standardized Testing

2011-07-05T16:30:00.002-05:00

Well, we're getting into that part of the move where things start getting real.

Up until now, it's just been this big plan that we've had in our heads. We have a course of action but it just seemed so far away!

This was taken last week. Things are looking much, much worse.

But, of course, life can't be as simple as just packing a U-Haul then unloading it again.

While cleaning out the chest freezer in our garage we found, buried at the bottom, a 14 lb turkey.

Naturally, Dusty thought this would be an ideal time to cook up the bird. So while I'm (still) packing stuff up today, he's preparing a Thanksgiving feast, which involved re-opening boxes that were already taped up and ready to go. ("Where's my carving knife?" "Where's the olive oil?") Do you think I'm joking?

On top of that mountain of poultry, today I found out that in order to get my scores in time to apply for grad school, I will have to take the GRE next Tuesday. This was not negligence on my part; the GRE is being revised and test scores starting in August will be delayed by three months.

Jesus take the wheel!

What am I doing to combat the grumpies? Playing Tiny Tower on my iPad in between boxes, listening to a little Flo+The Machine, and enjoying the turkey aroma that will soon be permeating my home. Possibly some light cardio, and definitely a glass of wine tonight.

BIG News

2011-07-03T23:43:00.001-05:00

I can finally write a post about what's been going on around these parts lately! Freedom, sweet freedom.

For a short, short exposition:

Last year I decided I wanted to start my Master's degree. There were two problems with this:

The program I wanted to attend is at WKU in Bowling Green (which trusty Google Maps says is about 2 hours from where I live)
We're broke.

So I kind of put it on the back burner. It was one of those, "Maybe I'll do that some day," kind of things. That is, until the Lord brought it to the front.

As of August 1st I will be an employee at Lindsey Wilson College, in Columbia, KY! I will be joining the Residence Life and Student Activities departments as an Apartment Manager and Assistant Student Activities Director. Dusty and I are so incredibly excited about joining the LWC community! We've been looking for jobs since about January, and this was the first one that we both felt we really, really wanted.

So- what does getting my Master's degree and getting a new job have in common? As it turns out: everything!

Usually when someone gets hired at a college or university, they also receive as a benefit free tuition at that establishment.

Listen to how good the Lord is right now: as an employee at Lindsey Wilson I can choose to go wherever I want! And guess what program is a mere hour away from where we'll be living? None other than the one at WKU, where I've been wanting to go all along.

Did you catch that? God took my two biggest obstacles and demolished them, like completely.

Currently, our house is in shambles, I don't know where anything is, and Rudy is starting to have crazy eyes all the time. (Incidentally if anyone would like a cat with 7 toes on each paw and a slight health condition that is completely taken care of with a certain kind of food quite easily located at your local Wal-Mart, you're in luck!)

In my first draft of this post I had written out a very detailed bulleted list of our Relocation Timeline, but who cares right? Just know that we will be between Columbia and Meade County a lot, a lot, a lot this month and our last day at Buck Grove (and, consequently, Dusty's job) is July 31.

Dusty is still looking for employment down there. Are we worried? Hello! Have you read the rest of this super long post? Of course not! The Lord is good and he will not leave us destitute.

Phew! It feels so good to get all this out. The best part about waiting so long to tell everyone is I've largely avoided Tweeting/Facebooking in a very whiny fashion every step we've taken in packing the house so far.

More to come! (Fun news, not whiny news. Promise.)

Neglect

2011-06-26T16:45:00.000-05:00

I have really neglected the ole Bloggy lately.

I mean really, it's just a season of busyness.

Of summer, of youth camp, of Vacation Bible School, of... of lots of stuff.

I wish I had something fun or witty or entertaining to share with my two readers. But I don't. Fact of the matter is even if I did I've been so busy lately I probably wouldn't remember what it is.

Soon, like this fall, things will slow down. Until then, I'll have much, much more to type about this time next week.

Come back soon!

Today

2011-06-06T14:05:00.000-05:00

Today my brain is full of about 15 different to-do lists.

I'm grouchy about gas prices and the amount of driving we're going to have to do this summer.

Money, I just keep thinking about money (or the lack thereof!)

Today, I helped a woman whose brain is full of "how am I going to feed my children?"

She's grouchy because she doesn't have a car and has to walk everywhere this summer.

Money, she's just not sure how much longer she can survive the lack thereof.

Isn't it funny how someone's "lack thereof" is another person's abundance? Today, I recognize that the Lord is the giver of my abundance, and today, I remember that with abundance comes the great and wonderful responsibility to give it away.

And I will do just that. Today and always.

Yard Sale, Oh my Gah

2011-05-26T10:46:00.000-05:00

It happens every year. Every single year!

I don't know if it's due to my compulsive need to constantly de-clutter or if it's the prospect of making $10, but every year I feel the need to organize a yard sale, and every year I do and I hate the process, and then the yard sale day comes and at the end I whine to anyone who will listen,

"If I ever say I want to do another yard sale again, you have permission to slap me."

Yet as a new summer rolls around Dusty graciously declines to take me up on my offer as I'm sending him texts such as,

"How attached are you to our popcorn maker?"

"When are you going to go through your clothes?"

"Can we sell the cat?" (That one was a joke... mostly.)

I mean look at this pitiful creature:

At any rate this really is all Cousin Hannah's fault. She's the one who tempted me into doing a yard sale with her. I blame her. For everything. Amen.

Close Call

2011-05-11T13:27:00.000-05:00

Try as I may, I cannot even accurately describe how much this Facebook notification annoys me:

Facebook, if it weren't for being in youth ministry, we'd have to break up.

Three

2011-05-10T17:16:00.000-05:00

Three--count 'em--- THREE years ago today I graduated from college.

These two graduated with me. I sure do miss them!

This is my favorite picture of Garrett & me, because look at him striking a pose! Get it!

My Dusty did not graduate with us, but he did graduate early, only 7 months later. It's because I'm a cradle robber.

I was actually on campus today with a friend, and I didn't realize until we had left that today was my three year graduation-versary. I should've known considering I did not recognize hardly anyone and thought it was cute when I saw kids cramming for finals.

Tina Fey is I-Am-Not-Kidding One of My Heroes

2011-05-09T15:21:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to post this ever since I heard Tina Fey's interview on Fresh Air a while back.

In honor of Mother's Day yesterday and being a daughter who will one day be a mother who seriously, really only wants to have girls (I kid!) I love this excerpt from Tina Fey's new book Bossypants which I do not own yet, but hopefully may receive as an anniversary gift. Dusty, are you reading this?! [Note: There is cussing in this, so if that sort of stuff offends you, don't say you weren't warned.]

“First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, may she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her when crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels. What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it!

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, that she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back. “My mother did this for me once,”she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.”

-Tina Fey

What's Inspiring Me Today

2011-05-07T16:52:00.000-05:00

I did a photo shoot today and it seems like everything went wrong.

It was cold.
It was muddy.
It was threatening to rain.
The batteries in my flash died mid-shoot.

Not only that, but I felt like I had hit a creative wall. My head and my heart just weren't into it today, yet I was getting paid to take these photos. I had to capture shots that would deliver good results.

What inspired me and kept me going was this quote I read this past week from Ira Glass. I'd love to share it with you. It's a little long but so incredibly good:

"Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it's just not that good. It's trying to be good, it has potential, but it's not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn't have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know it's normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only be going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I've ever met. It's gonna take a while. It's normal to take a while. You've just gotta fight your way through." ~Ira Glass

I could not have put it better myself! What draws me to photography is beauty. I want every shot I take to end up looking beautiful. Right now, I'd say 1 out of every 100 shots I'm taking right now are ones that I'm super proud of.

The hard part is that the only way for my "work to be as good as my ambitions" is to practice a ton. In this case it means being willing to shoot, shoot, shoot and end up with crappy shots day after day, week after week.

Giving In

2011-04-27T09:58:00.000-05:00

I have held out as long as I could. I was inches away last year from buying a Kindle, but I ~~resisted~~ bought an iPad instead.

Which has a Kindle app.

This is all happening concurrently with a challenge I've issued myself to finish all the book series-es I'm in the middle of. The list is quite staggering, but since most of it is "nerd fiction" I'll resist the urge to share with you.

What brought me to purchase my first e-book last night for use on my iPad's Kindle all was that I needed to read the next book of an unidentified series.

My local library had it, but it was due weeks ago and I'm third in line to get it, if and when it's ever returned. I began scouring my various book-buying websites (half.com/amazon.com/bookfinder.com) and realized that with what was available, factoring in shipping & handling, purchasing an e-book was going to save me 40 cents. Other perks: I could get it immediately and wouldn't have to pack it up someday if and whenever we move.

My kingdom for 40 cents!

So I gave in. I haven't started reading it yet, but I don't know how I feel about not having the physical copy of a book. As a life long bibliophile I feel like last night an almost imperceivable shift occurred in the atmosphere of our tiny bedroom. Could I be spending my night glued to my iPad instead of a library book?

Could it be both?

What a Difference

2011-04-24T23:41:00.001-05:00

What a difference a year makes, am I right?

Don't answer that: of course I am!

While I don't always notice myself changing year to year, I am constantly seeing it in my niece. I guess that happens when you're two.

I dug around the archives for some pictures from last year, and I was blown away by the changes I see in her!

She is still all about baskets, eggs, and candy, except this year she can actually tell you (demand from you) what she wants!

(Easter 2010)

(Easter 2011)

I am all about little girls with big hair accessories! However, Gabby's fashion sense is starting to take on a life of its own, and if there's one thing I love more than over-sized flowers it's the perfectly matched mis-match of a little girl accessorizing herself!

(Easter, 2010)

(Easter 2011, with a mouthful of candy)

I have no caption or little intro for these next two pictures; I just love how much older she looks yet still maintaining her, umm... Gabby-ness!

(Easter 2010)

(Easter 2011)

Senior Flair is in the Air

2011-04-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I got to spend some time with my sister-in-law Aubri. Mainly, I had a camera stuck in her face the whole time and she was managing all types of terrain in super pointy heels but we did get some wonderful photos!

Here's a sneak peek:

2011-04-10T00:04:00.000-05:00

I am so tired I cannot even think of a title for this post.

Titles annoy me anyway.

It has been one of those weeks that was so busy I didn't even know I was busy. Then I looked back and thought, "What in the world have I been doing all week?"

My Google Reader is up to 1000+ posts.
I have photos that need editing stat.
I'm leading not one but two bible studies this week, both of which need significant amounts of preparation.
I haven't cooked in I-don't-know-how-long.
I've been reading the same book for almost a month now.
My face is breaking out, I have unseemly dark circles under my eyes.
I haven't been eating right, I haven't been sleeping right, I have been exercising right.

And really, I hate being busy. Well, this kind of busy. This sneaky kind of busy that comes disguised as the month of April.

Huh, I just thought of a title for this post:

Today I Am...

2011-04-04T15:13:00.000-05:00

exhausted.

sitting on my bed, not in it.

listening to the storm drone on and on and on and...

editing my sis-in-law's senior pictures.

thinking about the future, about what I thought was far a week ago may indeed be drawing near.

enjoying my new favorite music playing site, Grooveshark.

thanking the Lord for Dusty because he's not only an all around wonderful guy, but he does laundry, too!

making plans for our trip out West in May: water Zumba, Royals games, Charming Charlie, family, friends... it's shaping up to be a perfect time.

positively glowing from being able to sit in with a new friend during her ultrasound--what a great way to kick off my week!

thinking about what to wear to Cincinnati this weekend for our Welcome Tour of Spring.

semi-stressing about our youth group's D-Now happening next weekend-- how did that sneak up so quickly?

Not bad for a Monday, huh?

Even The Bad Ones

2011-04-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

I love the first answer: "You love all your children, even the bad ones."

Thanks, Lord.

Let's Get Rich

2011-04-01T10:49:00.002-05:00

This song is flawless and is my solo soundtrack for the day:

Still

2011-03-30T18:26:00.000-05:00

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Hymn #651
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Psalm 46:10
Author: Catharine Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel, 1752

Spring

2011-03-21T17:21:00.000-05:00

As I sit here with a used to be a migraine but now downgraded to just plain bad headache I can't help but be happy. Mainly this is because when I go to my handy dandy weather checking website it says that it's a balmy 76 degrees outside.

Are you kidding me?!

Spring is definitely here! (I'm ignoring the fact that Thursday's high is only 48.)

Here is a top ten list of things that I love, love, love about Spring:

10. My car runs better when it's warm outside. Don't ask me why, perhaps it's because we have this weird telepathic link. You see, I've found that I myself run better when it's warm outside too!

9. Two words: Open Windows. Because Spring in the Ohio River valley guarantees a constant breeze which I love having swirl around in my house.

8. Colors! Right now some of my favorite colors to wear are coral, purple, and any shade of green.

7. Speaking of green, let's hear it for green! The grass is growing and, more importantly, the farmers are sowing. One of my favorite things about living in Kentucky, and in rural Kentucky at that, is the way the fields seem to come alive in a matter of weeks.

6. Easter is upon us! Christmas is great but Easter has it's own feeling, you know? It's a feeling that encompasses the entire spectrum of emotions: from the despair of Good Friday to the jubilee that comes with Easter Sunday.

5. Produce: call it wishful thinking but I was at the grocery today and the produce section looked more vibrant than it has in months. And for that, I am very thankful, even if it is just my imagination.

4. Energy. I have more energy when it's warm. Taking walks, cleaning my house (which, oddly enough, I enjoy), cooking, baking... life is just so much easier when it's 80 degrees outside.

3. Blanket nights, in which we lay out in our front yard in the evenings on a blanket. Again, because I live out in the middle of nowhere it is for the most part quiet, peaceful. On top of that the stars are so bright! I definitely could not get used to life in or even near a big city.

2. Sandals. I mean I really love wearing sandals! On top of that I love getting pedicures. It's a win, win.

1. The number one thing I love about Spring? Spring brings hope. Let's face it, I am the eternal pessimist. But something about Spring seems to diminish that inclination in me, even if just for a while.

Sprout Some Wings and Fly(ing Lesson)

2011-03-19T23:17:00.000-05:00

As promised forever ago, here's a conversation I had with Dusty involving his semi-recent flight lesson. But first, here's one of the three pictures I took:

(Editor's Note on the photos: When I was a kid my mom would take pictures on our first day of school. It was always by the bus and really embarrassing. Let's just say, that's probably about how Dusty felt posing for these pictures after the flight.)

Emily: "So Dusty, what did you think about receiving this as a Christmas gift this past year?"

Dusty: (insert smug chuckle here) That's a little bit of a selfish question isn't it? No, I mean, I was really excited... I had suspicions that that's what I would be getting this year but that didn't diminish my anticipation and my uh... thrill.

Emily: "Harrumph! Anyway, tell me a little bit about your relationship with airplanes and flying in the past?"

Dusty: Well really back when I was a kid and even through most of high school I wanted to be a pilot. One of the things that diminished that desire in me may have been when I discovered I couldn't be an air force pilot because of my poor vision. I know as a kid the thought of flying was always something that excited me. I used to study different kinds of planes and learned how to make all kinds of paper airplanes...

Emily: "So you were a nerd?"

Dusty: Hush! Anyways, I guess you could say that finally getting to fly an airplane was part of fulfilling a childhood dream of mine.

Emily: "What were you thoughts leading up to your flight experience?"

Dusty: I was looking forward to it. I was definitely keeping close tabs on the weather; just trying to prepare myself mentally to enjoy the experience.

Emily: "Did you have any reservations about taking to the skies?"

Dusty: Not for safety or anything like that... I felt like it would be a good experience. The only reservations I had was knowing I couldn't afford to continue taking lessons.

Emily: "Tell me about the flight experience. What was your favorite part?"

Dusty: It wasn't as stressful as I thought it might be. It was actually quite simple, of course I wasn't learning anything intricate at all, mostly just basic turns and keeping the plane straight and level. My favorite aspect of it was getting to fly over the Ohio River and seeing all the landscape from that perspective.

(Sorry for the exposure in this shot. As you can tell by his face, he was growing increasingly annoyed/embarrassed and I got flustered. Rookie mistake.)

Emily: "Speaking of the Ohio River, what was your flight route?"

Dusty: Well we took off from Bowman Field, and by we I mean the instructor pilot took off from Bowman Field; we flew in the direction of Churchill Downs past the Louisville International Airport. Once we got past the air traffic there he let me take over. We headed North towards the river and once we got to the river he let me turn in and follow the it up about thirty minutes. Then we did a u-turn and headed back to Bowman Field where he took over and landed.

Emily: "What kind of plane did you fly in?"

Dusty: I think it was a Cessna.

Emily: "Was it awkward flying with the flight instructor?"

Dusty: Yeah I feel like the flight instructor was about the same age as me. And that might have been a little bit awkward. We got to talking while we were up there and I learned a little bit about him and he told me his ultimate goal was to be a missionary pilot, so it was cool to be able to share that experience with someone I knew was another believer.

Emily: "Would you do this again? Do you desire to continue pursuit someday of a pilot's license?"

Dusty: Umm... yeah I would definitely love to be able to get my pilot's license some day so that option is definitely still on the table.

Emily: "Any final thoughts or words?"

Dusty: Thanks to my beautiful wife for the experience!

Emily: "Awww thanks honey, way to suck up."

Bad Bloggy, Bad

2011-03-17T09:46:00.000-05:00

The month of March has been horribly busy in a way that means it seems I'm going a thousand miles an hour and literally not doing anything at all.

I dread what April will bring- I don't have a free day until mid-month. The weekends are also getting a little crowded.

I'm actually even too busy to be posting at-this-very-moment but I will share an awesome photo my sis-in-law took of her daughter, known around these here parts as Gabby.

Classic!

First Times

2011-03-07T12:27:00.000-06:00

I have never been able to successfully make my favorite breakfast treat, monkey bread.

Oh you've never heard of monkey bread?

Why it's just raw dough dipped in butter, rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked in a Bundt pan!

It's just fuh-reakin' delicious!

And today was my day, folks! I did it!

Behold:

February Loose Ends//Here We Go March!

2011-03-01T16:09:00.001-06:00

Time just really gets away from me sometimes. I cannot believe it is already March, month Trois of an already topsy turvy year.

Looking back on what I originally planned to post for February, I've noticed there are several loose ends that need tying, namely things like the questionable decision to let a student hairstylist dye my hair and our all-girl middle school retreat.

All of things could be a blog post in and of themselves, I promise you.

So! As far as the questionable decision to let a student hairstylist dye my hair I am happy to report I love the results! The student hairstylist in question is none other than my sweet friend Jackie Patty, girlfriend of Cousin Luke.

She's quite wonderful really. I will definitely be going back to her to get my highlights touched up:

Dusty and I missed severe weather spotting training, but rest assured we'll be going to the make up meeting either this month or in April!

How did I spend my Valentine's Day? We went to Green Bamboo. Not beause it was Valentine's Day but because Dusty was going to make me dinner and I dropped a giant crap ball on him when I said, "That's fine honey, as long as it's not Indian. I'm not really feeling curry today."

Our all-girl middle school extravaganza was a success! I fairly often comment about that particular age group's lack of self-awareness, but who else would have a dance-off to Cotton Eyed Joe in a DQ?

So, here's what's coming From Me to You this month:

~ A review of some of my current favorite things, including but not limited to music, books, movies, and food. Mmm... food.

~ My wonderful love Dusty will check in with a guest blog telling everyone about his recent flying lesson at Bowman Airfield. Here's a hint: it was quasi-awkward as only things involving Dusty can be.

~ Jury Duty picks up into full swing this month. Will I get chosen to serve? We'll find out!

~ What do you do every Wednesday night? I'll have a post about the phenomenon that is Game Night, in which myself and a few select friends find ourselves playing cards until 1 in the morning. It's legit, ya'll!

~ We are getting a special delivery at the end of this month, all the way from Kansas City, Missouri! You'll see what it is along with a list of reasons why it's so awesome.

~ Spring is coming and I can hardly contain myself! (!) I'll post about things I love doing when the weather gets warm.

~ Did you know I also have another blog running in which I post my pictures involving all-things Kentucky? You can check it out here. Follow me or add me to your RSS readers! I don't post all the time but I also plan to change that.

Happy March to you!

Truth

2011-02-28T14:05:00.000-06:00

My mom is awesome.

All while my brother and I were growing up she worked a full-time job, kept a spotless house, made a hot dinner every night, and was active in participating in ministry with my dad.

But all those reasons put together aren't why I say today that my mom is awesome.

You see, she took to heart the verse in Proverbs that says, "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older they will not leave it."

I've been feeling pretty down lately, and yesterday seemed to be what it took to push me over the edge. I emailed my mom about it, and her response, while it may not have been exactly what I wanted to hear, was way better than that: it was Truth itself.

Today I am thankful to have a mother that recognizes truth and still speaks it into the hearts of her kids. I want to be a mom like that someday.

So, from her speaking truth to me I began to write out truths of my own. If any of my five or so readers needs encouraging, here's some truth that the Lord encouraged me with today:

"The Lord is not an unreasonable king. He will not fly into a blind rage when you are honest with him about your feelings. He does not seek our destruction, but in fact gave of Himself to avoid it. The hidden things in the Lord are good things; He tells us exactly what our hearts need to know. He does not play the cat-and-mouse game with his kids. He has a reason and motivation for everything. His intentions are perfectly aligned with his actions and his actions are perfectly aligned with His heart."

We Still Got It

2011-02-27T13:36:00.000-06:00

I love us.

**sidenote: the bottom middle picture of us grimacing begs some explanation; one day while eating dinner we got to talking about what the world would be like if everyone had really creepy, terrible smiles. if we lived in such a world, this is what our smiles would be.**

**sidenote2: the finger headed for my nose is not dusty's...**

I Want, I Want, I Want, I Want

2011-02-25T14:43:00.000-06:00

I want one of these:

The Fuji X100

I have really expensive taste, huh? Maybe the reviews will be horrible and I won't want one anymore. But probably not.

Check it out here.

Non-Fiction: It's Making a Come Back

2011-02-22T13:18:00.000-06:00

Sadly, I still need to compile my list of the books I read last year to share on the ole Bloggy.

However, I'm pretty sure this year I've already read more non-fiction than I did in 2010, and for that I'm proud.

I'm currently reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Here's what the cover looks like, so you can judge the book:

First let me say that I know a lot of people had reservations about this book because it's about science-y stuff. Luckily, I'm a total science nerd when it doesn't involve me actually doing the science (a.ka. chemistry homework, A&P lab, etc.)

This book is about the HeLa cell, and about the woman they took those cells from. I love that Ms. Skloot not only dove into the science of what actually happened with her cells but took time to search out the Lackses themselves and to dig deeper into the story, making it much more touching and, well, human.

I'm only on the third chapter, so a glowing review may be premature but I. Love. This. Book.

Read it! Except don't expect to get it from the Meade County Public Library right now, because yours truly has the only copy in her purse.

Stuck Inside No More!

2011-02-16T09:49:00.000-06:00

So today I get to hang out with that adorable niece of mine, Gabby.

You know, the one who saw the sweater I picked out for her this morning and exclaimed, "Oh, cute!"

The one who is obsessed with Tinkerbell.

The one who saw me write her name and proceeded to "write" mine next to it, pointing and saying, "Gabby. Emmy. Gabby. Emmy."

I digress.

Hanging out with Gabby on any given weekday involves watching Sesame Street, especially the half hour that Elmo's World is on. That and watching her "play" her recorder. Again, I digress.

I say all this to explain that I normally wouldn't even know that Jason Mraz ever sang on Sesame Street, let alone performed a perfect let's kick winter in the face song. And I realize by posting this on my blog I must automatically sacrifice my "coolness" card.

Luckily for me, I was forced to give that up years ago!

That's it! We're headed to the park.

Who is Arcade Fire?

2011-02-14T18:57:00.000-06:00

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of the Grammy's. It has become a "sinkhole that rewards glitter over talent and now spends more time showing off than handing out trophies." I couldn't have put it better myself.

However, I see a ray of hope what with Arcade Fire's win last night for Album of the Year.

I realize this has created a tidal wave of backlash from haters/Lady Gaga/Eminem/Katy Perry/Lady Antebellum fans.

Fortunately, I'm not a fan of any of these other "artists," so I couldn't care less.

Here's something I've posted on the old Bloggy before, but just goes to further my point about how awesome this band is:

I've been pouring over this Tumblr today, looking at all the people who are upset about Arcade's win. They're all really classy, let me just say. If you're a fan, take a look. It's quite comical and I only chose ones that I didn't have to edit. Apparently Arcade Fire's win and the "F" word go hand in hand. Here are a few gems:

Gah!

Too, Too Good-- The Eternal Pessimist's Point of View

2011-02-08T15:03:00.000-06:00

Some Big Things are happening around the Snyder household!

I was texting back and forth with my cousin today about some of these Big Things. Here's a little snippet of the conversation:

Cousin: "It seems like everything is lining up in your favor!"
Me: "I know... almost sounds too good huh?"
Cousin: "Almost, but not quite. :)"

You see, I'm an eternal pessimist. I remember being that way ever since I was a little kid. But now I'm asking myself a question:

"If good things come from the Lord, and the Big Things happening in the Snyder household are good things then how can I shoot down something from the Lord so quickly?"

The fact of the matter is, when the Lord starts moving and doing stuff in your life, he is the embodiment of Good. And he is too good to us. Too good to be true.

While the Wound is Still Fresh

2011-02-06T22:03:00.007-06:00

Oh the agony of defeat. It stings. It burns.

(Melodramatic much?)

You see, I married into a Steelers lovin' family. And tonight they lost the Super Bowl.

So you can understand my dismay.

Instead of lamenting the coulda, woulda, shouldas I'll instead let my photo montage speak for itself.

I've titled it Faces of Defeat.

Prepare yourself folks, this is perhaps the saddest of them all:

Poor Dusty, lovingly folding the Steelers quilt his mother made for him when he was a child.

(OK seriously, how dramatic! I should win an award.)

This Will Be My Child

2011-02-06T15:25:00.003-06:00

I love this video.

Maybe I'm behind and everyone has already seen it but I don't care, I just have to share!

This is especially near and dear to my heart because of Dusty's undying and secretive love for all things Star Wars.

I'm sure this will be my child someday. And that we will own a Volkswagen.

Maybe There Is, But Yes, Definitely There Is

2011-02-05T10:00:00.000-06:00

I'm Captain Youtube lately huh? Well that's fine with me if it's fine with you'ins.

I've been re-visiting my collection of Sara Groves' music as I do pretty much once or twice a year. (Is it really re-visiting then? Who knows.)

If you don't have any of her albums you should get you some. Like now.

I remember coming across this song of hers while in high school called "Maybe There's a Loving God." Here, listen to it while you read this rest of this post so your random two minutes on my blog won't be an utter waste of time:

So this song used to make me a teensy bit uncomfortable back then. How could a Christian singer write lyrics about doubt and her wondering as to whether there maybe is a loving God somewhere out there?

She must be referring to someone else right? That's the thought I conjured to allow this song passage into my heart. For what it's worth, I'm glad I did.

Because now, ten years later, I've definitely had those doubts and I'm not too proud to admit, some lately.

I mean we're a month into 2011 and already:

Not to mention hitting the one year mark from the earthquake in Haiti, bombings in airport, unrest in other parts of the Middle East (Lebanon, Tunisia anyone?), and the list could go on and on.

I totally understand where this song is coming from. It may not even have been her intent when writing it, I don't know. But it is how it speaks to me.

There is nothing wrong with "thinking, reasoning, questioning, and praying." If there were I'd be in a heap o' trouble.

I feel like the mark of a mature walk with the Lord is one that has questioned and wondered if this whole Jesus/God/Christian thing is really all it's cracked up to be.

John the Baptist did it. And so can we.

However, I think we're secure in those questions because I've always, always come back to yes. Yes, there is a loving God.

And he's way better than we could ever imagine.

Photography Class, Part Deux

2011-02-03T23:09:00.010-06:00

As part of my photography-themed Birth-mas gifts, Dusty got me a new photo editing software.

We got it loaded on my Lappy where it has remained virtually untouched ever since.

To be honest, it's because I just have no clue what I'm doing when it comes to this kind of stuff.

But tonight in photography class, someone mentioned that they had been able to learn all kinds of neat tricks using tutorials they had found on the YouTubes.

I tried my hand at it tonight and came up with two successes! Unfortunately, I'm tired, so I'll post the most obvious success story.

Disclaimer: I in no way, shape, or form condone the kind of photo editing I'm about to show. I'm not a fan at all. However, a surprising number of folks have asked me if I know how to do it. Up until now I happily said "nope!" But now, well... gah!

Before:

After:

I specifically remember telling my wedding photographer, the lovely Brenda A., that this was one editing trick I did not want up her sleeves.

What say you? Is there a time and a place for selective coloring?

Happy Birth-Hog-Day!

2011-02-02T10:00:00.000-06:00

Groundhog Day- the most frivolous holiday on the calendar!

Will he, won't he, will he, won't he? The anticipation is enough to make me edgy for about half a second then forget about it!

Something else rather significant happened on this day eighteen years ago.

I'll give you a hint: it's not the release of Bill Murray's cult classic Groundhog's Day although that was released in 1993.

No it's something much better! On this day 18 years ago Ms. Lauren Barr was brought into the world! I recently chatted with Lauren about all-things eighteenth birthday. Here's what she had to say.

So Lauren, you're turning the big One Eight! How do you feel about your teenage years winding down?

I'm pretty ecstatic about being 18. I will be considered an adult and I can apply for WAY more jobs, so I hope I get one. It's a bittersweet moment really. More sweet than anything!

You happen to be born on a pretty important national holiday. Tell me how you feel about sharing your birthday with the world's most famous rodent.

It's exactly what you say, a rodent. I like the fact that most people remember my birthday because its super easy to remember. But I do not like to find a farting groundhog in my bed! (This is a reference to a prank her mom played on her one year.)

How do you plan to celebrate your big day?

On the big day I will be getting my first tattoo! Then I will be coming home to my family and eating S'mores pizza.

What's the best birthday gift you've ever received?

I have many favorite gifts. In a top two, one was my first bible and another would be my great grandma's sewing basket- even though I don't sew, I love that it's a hand-me-down.

What's one thing you want to do while you're 18?

There's nothing really spectacular I want to do while I'm 18, probably the biggest will be getting my tattoo.

So there you have it, straight from the birthday girl's mouth. Lauren, I hope you have a wonderful day and here's to a new and adventurous 18th year!

It's February, with an "R"

2011-01-31T16:10:00.006-06:00

Ah February, the month of love! Month Deux of an already topsy turvy year.

I absolutely love February in that it's full of adorable pinks and reds and hearts and chocolate and flowers.

I absolutely loathe February in that it's a continuation of winter and can bring some pretty wild weather.

It's a give and take really.

Here are some things coming from me, to you this month:

~ An interview with my favorite almost eighteen year old about birthdays and a certain groundhog

~ A review of the Super Bowl, along with my favorite commercials and an update on the atmosphere of my home depending on the outcome of the game

~ A tattooing

~ Our trip to a middle school conference with an all girl entourage

~ Mine and Dusty's experience becoming trained as professional severe weather spotters

~ How I spent my Balumtine'th Day

~ Random thoughts about a song that made me uncomfortable in high school

~ The results of my (questionable) decision to let a hair-stylist-in-training use me to fill her practice highlighting quota

~ An update on my photography class

~ Several birthday tributes

And (maybe) much more!

The Rural Juror

2011-01-31T15:25:00.003-06:00

So I reported to jury duty today.

And man, was it ever boring.

When I got the summons back in December (Merry Christmas to me!) the first things that came to my mind was good ole Liz Lemon's Princess Leia get-up.

I couldn't find a good clip that wasn't a full episode, so you'll have to make do with this version that someone recorded from their TV screen. Luckily for us, it's still hysterical.

Capital "L" Love: A Pre-Valentine's Day Meditation

2011-01-29T23:08:00.006-06:00

This has been quite the weekend. And it has me thinking.

Dusty has this stealthy game he plays with me in which I will innocently be sitting beside him and the next thing I know he's karate chopped my knee, right in that place that makes my whole leg fly up and hit the coffee table.

I promise I'm going somewhere with this.

When I happen upon one of these "quite the weekends" or "hectic seasons of life" or "did you hear what so and so did scenarios" what is my Dusty-just-hit-me-in-the-knee jerk reaction?

Because let's face it, we all have a reaction to these kinds of things that is automatic, thoughtless; like a reflex.

And I mean this on two levels. The level of Personal Life Circumstances, when something tragic or stressful or unexpected happens (a death in the family, loss of a job, house fire, destructive meteor crashing into your backyard, etc.)

And the External Life Circumstances when perhaps something tragic, stressful, or unexpected happens to a fellow believer (Mr. So and So's big, public fall from grace, Ms. What's-Her-Name's family member's death, destructive meteor crashing into your neighbor's backyard, etc.)

I want, more than anything, for my first instinct to be love. Not love because Jesus said to love but love because Jesus loved me first love.

Capital "L" Love.

Photography Class, Part #1 // Camera Nerd Talk Ahead

2011-01-28T12:44:00.003-06:00

Last night I went to my first photography class.

It was supposed to be my second, but Old Man Winter had other ideas.

It's a class open to the entire community, so there was a plethora of people in attendance. I was probably the second youngest person in there.

I feel like what happened was a bunch of people got new camera for Christmas, tried to learn how to use them for a week, and then gave up when they saw they could take a Basic Photography class.

**Disclaimer: I am by no means saying I've got this all figured out, because I don't. Up to this point anything I've learned has been self-taught, without even the benefit of knowing whether it's correctly self-taught!**

However, I have been experimenting and familiarizing myself with my camera for well over a year now.

So when the instructor (who seems like a really neat lady, may I just add?) got into the following discussion with an older gentleman in my class, I felt like clawing my hair out:

Instructor: "OK, so does every one know how to change their image quality? I shoot in JPEG 100% of the time, but you may also choose to shoot in RAW."

Older Gentleman, shouting: "What's the now? J Tag? What's J Tag?!"

Instructor: "J... what? Sorry, what did you say?"

Older Gentleman, still shouting: "I don't know what you're talking about! What's J Tag?"

Instructor: "Oh, no sorry, it's actually JPEG."

Older Gentleman: "What?!"

Instructor: "J-P-E-G. JPEG. It's one format your camera can save photo files. JPEG takes up less space on your computer than RAW would."

Older Gentleman: "Computer! I don't mess around much with those machines."

Harumph!

Other incidents in the class:
--5 minutes for instructor to help a lady find the ISO setting on her camera (this mystery was never solved...)
--about 5 minutes for instructor to have a conversation with a woman who wants to buy her step-mom a new point & shoot (save it for after class folks!)
-- Couple minutes for woman who "always carries multiple memory cards, to get that perfect shot," and, "when I'm editing in Photoshop, when I'm doing _____ in Photoshop," learn how to change her aperture.

Enough complaining! Things I learned:

-- Photography is really all about documenting light. How is the light falling on your subject and how can you tell your camera to capture said light.

-- ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed can really be looked at as a trifecta. Higher ISO means more light but not as saturated of a photo. A slower shutter speed means more light but more change of having a blurry finish. And a wider aperture means more light but you sacrifice depth of field (which, I've found, is sometimes a good thing, depending on what you're going for.) I knew these things individually, but I like to see how they all affect each other.

-- I've done well to make myself always shoot in Manual mode. The instructor's mantra is to learn how to "take control" of your camera. I like that!

I was unsure about how I felt about the class after leaving last night, but now I can say I'm definitely looking forward to next week!

Tax Time

2011-01-27T10:00:00.001-06:00

I opened my inbox today and had three tax-related emails.

That's not a fun way to start the morning.

Every year when tax time rolls around I start thinking back to my second favorite Disney animated film, Robin Hood. ("What's your first favorite," you ask? Peter Pan.)

I have been singing this song all day and luckily one of my favorite musical ensembles, Mumford and Sons think that it's a pretty rad song too. Enjoy!

ReadItLater

2011-01-26T10:13:00.004-06:00

So I love the Read It Later app on my iPad.

For reals.

Here are the links that I'm currently intending to Read Later.

An NPR story on the achievement gap in early childhood. Very interesting.

A New York Times article about a doctor's collection of items his patients had swallowed throughout his medical career. Fascinating!

An interesting "think piece" about whether or not it's okay for "Christian" art to be offensive.

A review of a book I must needs read this year.

This guy took a trip to Haiti one year later and beautifully photographed his time there, all from his iPhone 4. (Take that Android!)

I need to go listen to the previews of this album, but anything tributing the genius of Shel Silverstein is worth purchasing, in my humble opinion. Added bonus, Andrew Bird is a contributing artist.

This article only caught my eye because Jack White is collaborating with her and anything Jack White does is a-okay with me. While Dusty will vehemently disagree with this statement, The Jack White Factor is the only thing that kept It Might Get Loud afloat for me. The rest was a SnoozeFest. (Sorry to all my way cooler friends who totally dug that documentary. Maybe I was having an off day?)

See any articles here that peak your curiosity? Read anything good lately that I need to add to the list?

**Update: I did indeed go listen to the Shel Silverstein tribute album and promptly purchased it. Get it on Amazon.com before the end of January for $5!**

The 12 Hour Window

2011-01-25T14:08:00.002-06:00

Because my life is boring and I have nothing neat to blog about I will let you in on a little conversation my Dusty and I had last night about Bed Times and Waking Times. You see, we were both oh-so tired yesterday and I was ready for bed around 8:00 in the PM.

"I feel bad about myself if I go to bed before 10 in the PM," said Dusty.

"Yes my love that is a good point," I yawned, " And I also feel and about myself for waking up after 10 in the AM."

"I see," said Dusty, "Yes, we are adults after all; there's no reason to go sleeping in past 10 in the AM. We've important matters to see to, and things to discuss."

"Quite right," I concurred, "But you're forgetting something. We are not so Adult as to feel the need to retire before 10 in the PM. Which is to say, we are neither Young or Old anymore."

"Hmm," Dusty thought to ourselves, "It seems we've created our own 12 hour window."

Just Because

2011-01-23T22:43:00.002-06:00

I have absolutely nothing really "worthwhile" to post about.

I mean I could post about the Steelers fantastic win tonight and how they're headed to the Super Bowl, yay!

Or how my cat's breath smells unusually bad which has caused me to suspicion that he had a late night mouse snack.

Or how I'm really thankful to have a cousin-in-law that a.) lives really close and b.) is a super nice guy because c.) he's a mechanic and d.) came to look at my car even though it was 12 degrees outside. He knows things.

Or how about the fact that I've been feeling a total meltdown come on for quite some time about an issue-I'd-rather-not-discuss-with-you and how that meltdown came in the shower but only lasted for a few minutes but I was crying and got soap in my eye.

And how it still hurts.

Oh, I can also brag about my bowling scores from Saturday: 48-46-54. It's like golf, right? The lowest score wins? (Or should I just play those numbers in the lottery sometime?)

How about my complete and utter befuddlement over the psyche of a middle school girl. Not any specific middle school girl. Just all of them, the entire millions that are out there. I used to be that, but was I really?

But like I said, nothing really "worthwhile."

I think.

Facebook is Dumb but...

2011-01-21T16:33:00.001-06:00

...this is awesome!

The Exceptionally Simple Theory of Everything

2011-01-20T13:28:00.003-06:00

Dusty and I are starting a new series that he just ordered on DVD that was on the Science Channel last year:

Dusty is really, really into learning the concepts, thoughts, theories, and history of physics. I'm interested because he's interested.

I was skeptical when I saw the title of the first episode: "Is There a Creator?" But you know what, my skepticism is unfounded! I'm totally digging this show, even if at times I space out and have no idea what's they're talking about.

Things I'm Diggin'

2011-01-13T11:21:00.004-06:00

I realize that my last few posts have been quite wordy and somewhat heavy. So it is with gladness that I present a couple Things I'm Diggin' so far in 2011:

This is an awesome little book that I read about on You Are My Fav (which is also, probably, something I dig, but have been for quite some time.) I especially love that you can scroll through and read the whole book! Do it! Now!

Something else that I dig is some new music Dusty got while I was in KC. I realize their most recent album came out back in '09 but I've never claimed to be caught up with the times, so forgive me. Online job searching is the bane of my existence but these guys make it *almost* enjoyable!

I really love this blog. It's really helping me branch out in what I make for dinner on any given night. The real challenge is to "healthify" some of those recipes though, while still serving food that is edible!

4-8-15-16-23-42: The summer of 2008 Dusty and I, along with a slew of friends, discovered our love for all things LOST. Since then we've followed the group through their adventures on the Island. My friend Charity, however, was out gallivanting around the world during season 6 and HAS. YET. TO. LEARN. HOW. IT. ENDED! (For better or for worse.) So we're re-watching all six seasons. I truly had forgotten a lot of what happened. It's almost, though not quite, as good as watching it the first time.

So! That's what's in my little life this cold, cold January in 2011. I must say, I've been feeling a little boring lately. I was actually kind of hard to come up with even 4 things, which is sad. Maybe some day soon something noteworthy will happen.

Really, Really Good

2011-01-12T22:48:00.003-06:00

Last night the Lord spoke a word to me that was so sweet and so near and dear to my heart.

This is something that I pray about a lot, but hadn't really thought about yesterday.

Yet he knew I needed encouraging, probably more than I knew it myself.

It reminds me of what Jesus said in Luke 11:

^10-13"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing—you're at least decent to your own children. And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?" (Luke 11:10-13, The Message)

He gives really, really good stuff because he himself is really, really good!

D-Day

2011-01-10T10:00:00.000-06:00

Unlike all the rest of you suckers I'm starting my diet today. I figured if I started right at the new year I'd give up and count myself a loser like everyone else who has, by now, given up. Instead I gave myself another two-ish weeks of freedom, had an awesome BBQ feast prepared by my brother, and I'm ready to go!

I am not confident enough to tell you all my actual weight goal- that would be T.M.I. my friends. But here are some non-incriminating goals that I am also working towards:

I would like to feel a little less self-conscious at the pool this summer. Note that I said a little because anytime I'm in just a bathing suit I will, no matter how much I weigh, feel weird.
There's this pair of jeans that I have that I really, really, really like. They haven't fit since high school. But I still have them, for some reason. If those fit, I'd be mighty happy!
Sometimes I go into places that teenagers typically shop at because I like the accessories and I feel like everyone is looking at me, wondering why a fatty is in a teeny bopper mall shop. I'd like to not feel out of place at a store like that, even if I'm just there because they're having a sale on purses.

The list could probably go on and on. However I'm afraid the more of my goals I reveal the more you'll be able to really nail down my approximate actual weight.

And that's just not a risk I'm willing to take... yet. :)

Stretching and Grinding

2011-01-08T17:55:00.003-06:00

After a day like today I have a lot to process.

I am officially a volunteer at Crossway Pregnancy Resource Center. It's a pretty intimidating/exciting opportunity.

You see, last year the Lord really spoke to me about a certain change of heart that needed to take place. Those are always awkward conversations. But, my theme for 2011 is that I want to "do right by the Lord" and one way to accomplish that is to take him up on his opportunity to change.

I'm still trying to take it all in. I've never been someone to be extremely vocal on the pro-life/pro-choice debate because I think that it quickly leads many but not all religious folks to fanaticism, which never yields a productive debate. I find the actual procedure of having an abortion just as abhorrent at the Christians that picket outside the clinic.

But, I do firmly maintain that when the Kingdom of God breaks into someone's situation it comes with life, not death. And that is the first and foremost reason that I'm pro-life-that-the-Kingdom-brings.

I'm not sure where I'll find my niche while volunteering at the center; it could be that I do a lot of behind the scenes work or it could be that I really stretch and grind and begin to counsel women intent on abortion.

Either way I'm content with the reassurance that when the Lord reveals to us a poor posture in our heart he will also provide ways to remedy the situation.

Whatever it is.

Every Minute

2011-01-06T22:00:00.000-06:00

Ho hum.

That's how I feel right now.

I spent the first few days of 2011 at home. Not in my house home but home home. The place with my parents and brother and good friends.

My trip was way too short. Four days is not enough to be home. I feel like you do when you have to wake up from a deep, deep sleep. It's hard to drag yourself back into the waking world.

Every time I come home it gets harder to leave. Yet I don't feel like I will ever live in Missouri again--and I'm fine with that.

My "pal" Sara Groves sang it best in her song entitled, "Every Minute":

And I wish all the people I loved the most

Could gather in one place

And love each other and know each other well.

And I wish we could all go camping

And lay beneath the stars

And have nothing to do and stories to tell.

Sounds like perfection to me.

011 Bar-B-Party

2011-01-05T17:44:00.008-06:00

My brother is becoming famous (from my mother's perspective maybe infamous) for his prowess when it comes to barbecue.

And why shouldn't he? After all he lives in Kansas City!

When word got out that I would be in town this week he arranged for a dinner party, Kansas City style, complete with his home smoked meat and sauce made by Brother's partner in culinary crime, Clayton. They even have a name for their "company": KC Royale.

Here's what was on the menu:

Smoked Brisket
Smoked Pork
Bacon Wrapped-Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños
Home Cut French Fries
Corn Casserole (my contribution)

Kyle started smoking the meat this morning and managed to keep up with everything with the help of Jeremy and Clayton.

Listening to the guys in the kitchen all day was quite entertaining. Topics ranged from Clayton's (some may say "weird") fascination with Michael Jackson to how to get the perfect smoke ring on a piece of meat. My favorite conversation was when they reminisced over Clayton's "Men Only, No Women Invited, No Food, No Movie Dark Knight Dance Party."

In between all the fake bickering (and believe me that was aplenty!) they pulled together a fantastic BBQ! Feast (no pun intended) your eyes on what happens with nine adults and one toddler cram into my parents eat-in kitchen/dining room:

For What It's Worth, My Thoughts on a New Year

2011-01-03T00:11:00.002-06:00

I remember ringing in 2010. I was so excited to embrace a new year. There was not an ounce of apprehension, fear, or questioning in my bones. In fact, I knew from the start that 2010 was going to be a great year. And you know what? It really was. From the beginning 2010 was like a kindred spirit who I meshed with immediately.

I cannot say that I have the same sort of well-wishing optimism about 2011. I'm coming into this new year (and in fact new decade!) with a lot on my mind.

I have something in my life that is broken and in desperate need of supernatural repair.
I've got a sense of my calling but no framework to see how it can be put into practical, day to day use.
Dusty and I have bills to pay and very little money to pay them with.
I'm burnt out with the whole church scene; more burnt out than I've ever been before.
This is the year that one of mine and Dusty's deepest desires can be fulfilled, but there's the ever-looming question of, "will it?"

For me 2011 is like a new acquaintance: I'm not too sure how we will get along. I'd rather have my old friend 2010 back. She was so pleasant and easy.

At any rate, I feel the Lord has directly spoken to me out of Philippians 4 today and given instructions for how to deal with the unfriendly terms I've found myself on with 2011:

"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." (from The Message)

I don't think I could ask anything more from the Lord this year than to experience his wholeness. If that's all 2011 were to bring me I will find myself very full indeed.

Opening the Vault

2011-01-01T21:56:00.005-06:00

I'm not really sure why she's doing it.

Maybe she feels the need to de-clutter her closets.

Perhaps she gets melancholy when looking at old pictures.

Whatever her reasoning, my grandma recently gave me a sackful of old photos from when I was a kid. And I love looking at these old photos. There's so much history behind each shot-- back when us kids were young and my dad had a rockin' mustache. Here are some of my favorites:

This is a shot of my momma and Baby Me. I love the look of new motherhood all about her. So sweet.

And who couldn't love this little bundle of joy?! I was a cute baby!

This is a picture of me and my dad that I've never seen before today. Dig the 'stache?

This is my all-time favorite picture of me from my childhood. It just speaks volumes...

This picture is my mother's all-time favorite shot of her two kiddos. In her words, she took it because she felt is just gave such an accurate portrayal of an ordinary day in the Hamlin household. I don't know what I'm wearing on my head, but apparently it was crucial for being able to eat my Spaghetti-o's!

And finally, perhaps one of the dorkiest pictures of me, ever. I'm rockin' the bangs and my Reebok Classics.

Back from the 'Burg

2010-12-29T23:39:00.004-06:00

We rolled into town today from our 5 day trip with Dusty's family to Sevier County, TN. I'm simply exhausted from the trip so will post more pictures later.

However, I'd really like to make a big deal out of the WHITE CHRISTMAS we had up on Rocky Top Estates. Because we were so high up (and believe me, I have a video documenting our treacherous climbs and descents in which I am making all kinds of terrified, animated sounds that I might post later) we got over a foot of snow and it stayed that way for two days. Not that I'm complaining: I could be a recluse if I let myself and was perfectly content to sit by the fire and read my book!

This is a shot I took when we first got to the cabin on Christmas Eve:

This was taken sometime on December 26th, a mere not-even-two-full-days later:

Looking at the pictures side by side I cannot believe how much of a difference there is! Our cabin was named "A Dream's View" and while it's a little cheesy, one can definitely see why.

Currently Reading

2010-12-20T23:44:00.003-06:00

I'm really diggin' this book.

It took me a while to get into it, but it was well worth the fifty cents I paid.

(On another note, I love scouring flea markets for good deals on books that are already on my list to read.)

25

2010-12-19T10:00:00.000-06:00

Today I turn 25.

Bully for me.

I will be spending my birthday going to church then singing in a Christmas program. Not my ideal way to celebrate.

In fact, I'm pretty melancholy about this whole stupid

birthday.

25 sounds so old but I'll be wishing I was only turning 25 when I turn 50--that in and of itself is also a pretty depressing thought.

So here's to my 25th year. I have a lot of things I'd like to happen this year. Maybe I will have a more eventful post to write when I turn (gulp) 26.

Preparation

2010-12-15T11:36:00.003-06:00

Well the ice is still coming and this time I'll be ready! Here is my to-do list for the day:

1.) Charge all electronic devices, i.e. iPad, iPods, cell phones, etc. That way we can still have some entertainment if the power goes out.

2.) Finish laundry: during the ice storm of 2009 the power went out while we had a load that was in the rinse cycle. Two days later I dragged a trash bag full of sopping wet clothes to my cousin's house (who had the fortune of getting electricity back fairly quickly) and the clothes were mid-rinse cycle when AGAIN the power went out! I'm not willing to let that happen again.

3.) Find all flashlights in the house and put them in living room.

4.) Make sure board games are accessible. We've really been diggin' Scrabble on the iPad but that's not very battery efficient. See #1.

5.) Make Dusty go to Wal-Mart to get Rudy his cat food. Wal-Mart is the only place that has the special food Rudy needs for his, erm... "condition."

6.) Wash sheets in guest room/ prepare guest room. This is just in case we need to house anyone whose power is still out. Rumor has it that during the last ice storm our little house (which we did not live in yet) didn't lose power at all! I find this hard to believe since just using my hair dryer causes a breaker to flip, but what do I know?

7.) Make Dusty fudge. I would do that anyway today because he said he wanted some but it would also be nice to snack on while sitting in a dark, cold house that's been encapsulated in ice.

So, ok maybe some of these actions are a little over the top. I just don't want to get caught with my proverbial pants down. And maybe since I'm going through all the hassle of of battening down the hatches, just maybe, we will hardly get any weather at all.

Winter Destruction, Take Deux

2010-12-14T17:15:00.004-06:00

About two years ago Kentucky saw the storm of the century. In the aftermath we were left without power and water for days (for some, weeks into months), businesses shut down, trees fell, roads were blocked--it was mayhem.

Dusty and I affectionately coined it Winter Destruction 2009.

Here are some photos, just for old time's sake:

This was the view of some of the trees from my in-law's backyard. They look so droopy and sad.

This photo is courtesy of my pal Erika, who lives in Western Kentucky. They got hit way worse than we did, but some of the roads around here looked about the same! Treachery!

Gabby was about two months old when the storm hit. What a way to enter the world! This is one of my all-time favorite pictures of her-- her expression is priceless! To me it says, "Why is it so cold?!"

I bring up all these terrible, horrible, no good, very bad memories to say that tomorrow they are predicting another whammy of a storm. I really don't think it's supposed to be anywhere nearly as bad as Winter Destruction '09 but it is supposed to be bad enough that my grandmother felt the need to call all her grandkids to sound the alarm! Her advice: "Honey, you need to get to the store and buy some milk and Diet Cokes, and make sure you have plenty of blankets and batteries."

My grandma is awesome!

To be fair to her though, a lot of us around here still reference that terrible storm and I think we're all still a little gun shy, especially with a special weather statement that reads like this:

See that last part: a significant coating of ice on power lines...trees...

Yeah, this is going to be an interesting rest of the week.

SNOW! ICE! CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-08T15:00:00.005-06:00

I have to admit, writing the previous blog post was super difficult. I sat on it for a day or two. Then I went to post it, but hit the "save" button. Then a little later I went to post it and did an online crossword puzzle instead. But then I posted it. And I feel a little better, I do.

To cut the heaviness of the aforementioned post I thought I'd blog about something VERY EXCITING I'm doing this weekend!

About ohhh... 5 years ago my friend Devon and I hatched this plan that involved trooping down to Nashville and going to the ICE! exhibit. I say exhibit because I'm not really sure what to call it. Perhaps spectacle would be a better word. Here,

According to the kind lady at About.com this exhibit is made of almost 2 million pounds of ice, carved into holly jolly Christmas characters.

There is an ice slide. Enough said.

Sadly, our plans never worked out and they stopped doing the exhibit. However, we discovered that this year, it's back! And they're not even doing the ultimately less cool Grinch theme. Score! So we've convinced the husbands to join in our venture and we're leaving on Friday.

Another exciting thing we will be doing is going to see these lovely ladies kick their legs in uniform fashion:

We will also be going to SNOW! and eating at the Pancake Pantry.

I'm coining this trip Mini-Cation 2.0, Holiday Edition. Our last Mini-Cation was a complete bust: I got sick at Six Flags, we blew a tire on the way back, and so on. This Mini-Cation will be better. I can just feel it.

It helps that we will be in the company of two of my favorite people!

Compassion: Has and Has-Nots

2010-12-07T15:09:00.005-06:00

I bought my first "legit" camera around this time last year. I was incredibly excited because I'd be wanting a DSLR for a long, long time.

Since then I've tried really hard to learn the basics of such an advanced device. I have absolutely no formal training. Most of the time I feel like I've been put in a maze blindfolded and told to find my way out. Yet somehow, the Lord has really blessed my bumbling, fumbling efforts.

One such blessing came last week when I was able to use my bumbling, fumbling semi-talent to do family Christmas portraits for some of the women who are clients at Crossway Pregnancy Resource Center in Radcliff.

I had a blast getting to meet some of the moms and dads, and of course interacting with the children. Some of their stories broke my heart, and some were inspiring. At the end of the day I was happy with how things had gone but I also realized that what I had done had vast amounts of spiritual significance for myself.

About a month or so ago the Lord revealed to me that I am not as compassionate as I think I am. Truth be told, I have compassion for homeless people because I have a home. I can be compassionate and send money to Mukti because I have the money to send.

You see I realized that for me compassion has really become about the has and the has-nots. This is not true compassion, is it?

And this brings me back to the topic at hand. Dusty and I are not actively trying to have children, but we've been told by medical "authorities" that it will be difficult. (That is a whole 'nuther topic for a whole 'nuther day. God can do anything, things happen for a reason, blah, blah, blah. I know these things.) I have another set of dear, dear friends who are trying to conceive and are having a hell of a time. In my head, I've categorized myself as a "has-not" when it comes to having a family of my own. This begs the questions: "Who are the 'has?'"

The "has" in this area is the single mom with four children by four different dads. The "has" in this area is the woman who opted for abortion, thinking that would make her problem go away, not thinking how many women have tried for years to get pregnant with no results. And this is who I'm supposed to have compassion for? Me, the girl who has been told by her doctor that having children is going to be hard, perhaps even impossible? I'm probably going to sound like a terrible person, but that is a hard truth for me.

The difference is, I know I have this issue. I know my heart's position is not in line with the Lord's. And I want to change it.

If the formula for compassion is that the "has" take pity on the "has-nots" then being compassionate like Jesus was would be pretty easy. In fact we probably wouldn't have to rely on him at all.

But Jesus told us to love like he did and his love was equal. It knew no category and didn't care if you had a carefully planned out family or three kids and another on the way while being unemployed living off welfare.

And if it didn't matter to Jesus, logically, it should not matter for me, even when it comes to the areas that keep me up at night, that make my heart ache.

I had been praying for the Lord to begin changing my heart about this issue and not long after was asked to do these family photographs. And the indicator to me that mine is not a hopeless, unchangeable heart is that I was incredibly excited to get this opportunity. Now, I'm planning to attend the volunteer training meeting next month and to become active in ministering to the ladies who are clients there.

I feel like the guy in the Bible who said, "I believe; help me with my unbelief!" Lord, I have compassion; help me in my un-compassion!"

More Advent

2010-12-04T14:35:00.001-06:00

Not a lot of time to post today, but I ran across this on my Google Reader and thought it was too cool! Check it out, especially if you're a space nerd.

Freedom and Advent and Stuff

2010-12-03T15:28:00.003-06:00

Today I bit the bullet and did my last bit of homework for the Fall 2010 semester. I'm experiencing FREEDOM for the first time in months!

I really have mixed emotions on how this semester has gone, if it was worth it, etc. I imagine it was worth saving my sanity, because as much as I felt stressed about turning assignments in on time, I was not forced to sit in a tiny cubicle calling people all day. That, in itself, makes all the difference in the world.

And, I'd say it was worth it because this is one of the first things in a long, long time that I didn't quit halfway through, deciding it just "wasn't for me." (Ahem, CNA, waitressing, working in a collections department, etc.)

However, the other side of this coin is that I'm not returning to ECTC for the spring term. I'm feeling my way though where I should attend graduate school instead. This seems like a behemoth task, let alone actually taking (and passing) the classes.

This all brings me around to the Advent season, because incidentally I have yet another thing to be looking forward to. And isn't that what Advent in the Christmas context is all about?

It seems like every year around this time I have some tangible reminder in my life of what it's like to be "adventing." Last year it was the impending visit of my family. This year it is what comes next for Dusty and me in the coming months.

And make no doubt, we feel like big things are coming our way in 2011.

In looking forward to our position in the coming months I feel hope. I feel happiness. I feel included. I feel new.

And isn't that just the way we feel about that baby who came 2000 some odd years ago? Hope because he brought with him the key to death. Happy because he is on our side. Included because he came to us, the marginal ones. New because that's what he makes us.

Advent. Quite possibly my favorite season.

Been a While

2010-11-30T18:16:00.006-06:00

Oh, it's been a while since I posted. Like a long, long while. Like a month's long while. A lot can transpire in a month.

First things first I'd like to thank my friends and family members who have been so kind in offering encouragement to me these past few days. For those who don't know, my Aunt has passed away after a two year long fight with cancer. She is surely missed.

This picture was taken during my visit with her over the summer. Cancer is a wicked, wicked thing, huh?

On a brighter note, I'd also like to take the chance to welcome home my friend Charity! After gallivanting around the globe for a year she was finally returned to the old Meade County. I'm so happy she's home, and that she lives just a hop, skip, and a jump

down the road from me! Here is an extremely unflattering photo of Charity and me from back in our college days, about four (could that be right?!) years ago:

I think it's only fair after showing this dreadful late night picture to show you something like this, which just proves that I have the prettiest friends a gal could ask for:

Two

2010-11-05T14:49:00.003-05:00

While the rest of the country tuned in to their televisions on Tuesday night to keep pace with the election results, I gathered with my family to celebrate a very special little girl.

Gabby, I know you can't read this yet, but you'll never know how much joy you've brought your family the two short years you've been with us. Three is going to be a good year, I can tell.

Homework Cat

2010-10-26T18:09:00.000-05:00

Rudy is the opposite of helpful during my all night homework marathons.

Catching Up

2010-10-22T22:16:00.006-05:00

I am currently trying to keep my head above water in one of busiest seasons of my life. Between school, youth stuff, and my "bustling" social life I haven't had time for much else! So here's a breakdown:

I'm reading this book. It's a winner. You should get you one.

A few weeks ago our youth had a free car wash. It was great fun, but everyone got a little whiny towards the end. And there was a leaf tornado. Not kidding, this huge bunch of leaves slowly started swirling till it was full speed throwing stuff all over the place. It lifted a bike helmet, a bucket, and a trash can and carried it all into a nearby field!

Note how everyone is just watching Dusty wash the car...

The leaf tornado-- you kinda just had to be there for this but it was the craziest thing I've experienced in a long, long time!

Also in this month we've had a wedding:

Frankly, just thinking about the rest of the stuff that I have to post about from this month is making me sleepy. And since I already have my computer in bed because I'm supposed to be doing online homework well... it's too good of a scenario not to rest!

More later, to be sure.

Simply Put, Pumpkin Vol. 1

2010-10-13T16:00:00.008-05:00

This is the first installment of my experiments with pumpkin recipes. Enjoy!

The Recipe: Pumpkin Angel Food Cake

The Process:

So I did a really poor job of documenting the "process"--could be because the basis of this cake is semi-homemade at best, using a boxed angel food cake mix. Let's just say that about ten minutes after this pictures was taken, my house smelled lovely!

The Result:

The Test:

This was Dusty's reaction after taking the first bite. Actually probably the fourth bite. He hates having his picture taken. Also, considering he has not gone back for more, he was not a huge fan of this cake.

In all, I was not a huge fan either. The recipe called for a creamy ginger filling, but I didn't have any whipped cream so I had to skip it.

To be fair, I'm not a lover of angel food cake in general. This cake wasn't bad at all, but it was definitely not the best thing I've ever made.

It did, however, pair nicely with a cup of Harden's Vienna Roast Medium Dark Coffee!

24

2010-10-11T07:22:00.003-05:00

Happy birthday to my

first love,

best friend,

one,

only,

companion.

24 will be a good year

Cancer-- This is a Depressing Post

2010-10-08T22:10:00.003-05:00

Today we got the news that we've been dreading for a year and a half.

The news that chemotherapy is now ineffective, that cancer has spread, and that my aunt is on the downward slope.

Cancer is the scariest thing I can ever imagine facing. Everything about this news frightens me, down into places that I didn't even know could be scared. Scared that my aunt is alone, scared the she's not a believer, scared that my mother could get cancer someday, scared that I could.

When you get news like this it's uncomfortable. Like a weight has descended onto your chest that makes breathing difficult. You know that you've got to get the weight off but you know this is a heavy weight to move. How can I fit this weight into my everyday life, because I'm not strong enough to move it?

And part of me hates that right now I'm also thinking about myself: how I'm bad with hospitals and with silence and with finding the right words to say. I'm bad at comforting and I'm bad with tears.

This whole death and dying thing is really quite awkward, wouldn't you agree?

I wish I had all the time in the world; I would go to Ohio and sit with my aunt and talk and keep her company and make her smile and maybe even laugh and I would take her shopping and feed her ice cream.

Because more than I dread the awkwardness, I dread being alone. And I dread loneliness not just for myself but for those that I love. Being alone is one of the most hollow feelings on the planet, and being sick is also hollow so that makes for a lot of emptiness.

And as a Christian I've heard that we should not fear death and that we should celebrate a person's life when they die. But what if I'm afraid of death both for her and for everyone else and what can I celebrate knowing that if she goes in her present state she will go not knowing the Lord?

What is there to celebrate with that? Nothing.

Simply Put, Pumpkin

2010-10-06T16:11:00.004-05:00

I was having a chat with my friend Devon today and as tends to happen when we talk, our conversation turned to wonderful, glorious, food!

I mentioned that I had a bunch of recipes that I'd been collecting all year involving baking with pumpkin.

May I digress for just a moment? Yes, I can bake with pumpkin any ole time of the year. But I just don't feel right about it unless I'm well in to the month of October. And by "well in" I mean about six days.

So, I weeded through my pumpkin recipe collection and made it a more manageable endeavor. I'm going to do one a week and document my progress. Here are the recipes, in case anyone would also like to take a stab at them!

Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream (Adam T., if you are reading you will be treated to this in a few weeks!)
Pumpkin Butterscotch Nutella Bread
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Pumpkin Angel Food Cake with Creamy Ginger Filling
Pumpkin Truffles
Pumpkin Pie Pancakes with Pumpkin Maple Syrup
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
Pumpkin Spice Donut Muffins

That's ten week's worth of pumpkin recipes! Hopefully I will get so tired of pumpkin by the end that I won't want to venture back into that realm for a long, long time.

Or I will just keep doing it because I love it so very, very much!

Probably that one.

Reason Number Infinity

2010-09-27T21:14:00.002-05:00

I totally stole this video from my friend Andrea's twitter/tweet. I'm lazy and never find cool YouTube stuff but

this

awesome.

As one person in the comment section wrote, "this is the height of bad-assery."

And it's true!

Books, Books, Books

2010-09-22T22:30:00.000-05:00

I went on a book buying binge today. Behold the spoils:

This is a book I first read about here. I've been wanting to read it but kind of forgot about it for a while. I found it at Peddler's Mall for $.50!

I had to buy this book because I didn't have cash with me to purchase the first book and for some crazy reason they didn't allow $.50 debit card purchases! But it looks good and I like to read about travel writers.

I also had to buy this book along with #1 and #2 to beef up my total so I could use my debit card but I can't say what it is because I'm going to give it to Kid Brother for Christmas!

My friend Tony was talking about this book over the weekend and even though it sounds totally creepy I'm trying to read more worthwhile, weighty fiction. (Hence, I am currently reading--and really enjoying!-- Wuthering Heights.)

This book was actually a freebie that I got from this website. I haven't read it yet, but part of the deal for getting it for free was that I write a review about it on my blog so be looking for it hopefully soon!

What I Should Be Doing vs. What I'm Actually Doing

2010-09-21T22:07:00.004-05:00

What I Should Be Doing:

(i.e. homeworks)

What I'm Actually Doing:

(i.e. wasting time before I'm "too tired" to do homeworks)

Smirk

2010-09-20T22:21:00.003-05:00

Here is a shot from some pictures I did for friend Devon last week. Her baby girl makes the most hysterical, wrinkly-nosed face, and I think it can accurately be described as a "smirk!"

I'm entering this in the I Heart Faces photo challenge this week, so click on over to see some more great entries!

The House of God, Forever

2010-09-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

Doppleganger

2010-09-14T19:58:00.005-05:00

A friend of mine here in Meade Co. just posted this on my Facebook wall:

Not having cable but loving the few times that I have watched this show, I had to investigate further.

I present to you the evidence:

I see it, I definitely see it. If D had darker hair, maybe even more.

At any rate I wish Dusty had this guy's baking abilities:

Thoughts? Do you see it or are we waaaay off?

Gabby Dances About It

2010-09-09T20:59:00.005-05:00

I almost titled this post "Cute Baby Vid" but then I realized that our little Gabriella Grace isn't *sniff* a baby anymore! In fact she will be two in November!

A few things about the following video:

1.) She had just woken up from her nap, hence the multiple yawns.

2.) She loves, loves, loves when Dusty puts his Photo Booth to the mirror effect, hence some of the hysterical facial expressions.

3.) Doesn't she just have the most captivating smile ever? *Insert mushy grin here*

Enjoy!

Change

2010-09-04T01:00:00.003-05:00

Fall is in the air and this is one change that comes every year that I genuinely don't mind.

Not only don't mind, I genuinely crave this kind of change. But it does funny things to me.

I want my next tattoo and I want it yesterday.

I miss my nose piercing and I'm considering getting it done... third time's a charm right?

I'm dying the underside of my hair tomorrow I sweet shade of Cherry Creme.

Fall just makes me want to change myself and it always reflects my state in life. And right now, I'm wanting to make a ruckus.

A Day Off and Looking Forward to the Weekend

2010-09-02T09:17:00.003-05:00

I woke up with quite the headache today, after going to bed with quite the fever last night.

So, I took the day off school. I feel "un peu" bad about this since I am now puttering around the house aimlessly. And I don't like to miss class. But my head, oh my head this morning!

It was like the whole world crashed into my brain when I got out of bed.

One thing I am very much looking forward to this weekend is our little trip to WKY to see some pretty rad friends:

This picture was taken many moons ago in a county far, far away. Three years, two weddings, and multiple moves later, they're still some of our dearest friends and a visit with them is long overdue!

Gilkeys, be prepared for Snyder Awesomeness to descend upon you this weekend!

Observation Confirmation

2010-08-30T17:53:00.003-05:00

Occasionally someone at church will ask me how I'm liking school. My response is somewhat akin to a B-12 shot of joy for my heart.

Let me rewind for a little bit to my days (almost exactly one year ago) working at an unnamed cell phone company.

Someone would ask me how I liked work, and I would respond:

Oh, you know... it's work.

Or toward the end of my tenure:

I hate it. I absolutely hate it, but thanks for asking.

They would give me a sad little face or a reassuring clap on the back and I would go back to dreading mornings, dreading Mondays, and dreading life.

But now when someone asks me how I like school I've found that I can say with all honesty:

I love it!

I know I'm on the right path.

I know this is what I'm supposed to do with my life.

And I couldn't be happier!

The first time someone asked me I felt the old urge to give that "it's okay" or "it's not my favorite thing in the world" answer, but then I realized that urge is completely unfounded!

Today I observed in my first classroom. I can't even tell you how much I missed kids coming up to me and asking for help putting on their paint smock or showing me their latest Lego creation.

Today the Lord brought confirmation in the form of little kids asking me, "What is your name is?"

I Don't Know What This Says About Me

2010-08-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

While meandering around B&N on Saturday I ran across this book:

I can't help it, and I promise I'm not a Twi-hard, but I love this book! Would I buy it for my theoretical children or real life niece...? Probably not. Would I buy it and display it on my coffee table.

Absolutely.

To read more about it and see some other pictures inside click here.

Got My Hair Did

2010-08-28T16:58:00.004-05:00

Today I went with my cousin and got a hair cut--just on a whim. It's still long; I went back and looked at old pictures of me with short hair and me-oh-my! I'm pretty sure the ages and stages of my hair could take on a life of its very own!

Exhibit A:

YIKES! That's short! And that's not even the shortest it's been in the past few years. Feast your eyes:

I mean hey now! I'm a pansy about a lot of things, but one thing I've never been afraid to do is experiment with my hair (hence the summer of 2006 when I spent three months with fire engine red "highlights." Ugh.)

So behold, my latest stage:

(Please excuse whatever random face I'm making in this photo. I'm just not photogenic!)

Verdict? Love. It!

Seriously.

Toe Tapper

2010-08-26T15:24:00.001-05:00

This song has kept me dancing through a pretty ugly week!

Frumpy Mom-Me

2010-08-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

I've thought that I would be a lot of things in my life, but one thing I never thought I'd be is a youth minister's wife. Even when I married Dusty, I never figured the first place we'd end up would be a church.

The thing is, as much as I enjoy the students I don't feel like I get properly "fed." I'm like a frumpy mom of 8-15 teenagers, putting her own children's needs in front of her own--complete with iffy home-done haircut (Hello Bangs!) and clearance priced clothes. Ladies like that either end up in a padded room or on What Not To Wear.

Part of my conundrum is busyness on my behalf and poor time management skills. But another part of it is really a product of my desire to always be hands-on with the students and help Dusty as much as I can; my desire to serve along side Dusty and be open and available to the kids.

Here's a scenario: instead of, say, going to the women's small group Bible study on Sunday nights I make snacks for the youth and then clean up the kitchen while Dusty leads their study.

Here's another scenario: youth worker volunteers at our church are scarce at best so when it comes down to it, it's Dusty and me planning the trips, driving the vans (or dreading driving the vans as I'm wont to do!), doing the Bible lessons, answering the hard questions or whatever. I feel worn just a little thin.

Am I sounding too whiny? I don't think so. Because when it comes down to it, I know that I'm in a leadership position and ultimately I am responsible for my own spiritual well-being.

I guess it's just that being a youth minister's wife is different than I thought it would be in a lot of ways, but I never really expected this kind of dryness.

Who ministers to the ministers, you know?

Happy Monday!

2010-08-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

How do you spend your Monday mornings? Having fun like Dusty and Gabby? Or sitting in class, like me?