Ramblings of Abigail

Lately...

2012-02-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been on an emotional roller coaster. I have been a bit out of hand. However, things are slowing down and settling down. Thank goodness!

So much has been going on between work and life and I am glad I finally feel like I am catching up.

Thank you to everyone who has put up with me, helped me, and especially those that have put up with me! Life sometimes get the best of me... just trying to make sense of it all!

Hope life is treating everyone well!

I Won't Give Up

2012-01-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks Kendal!

Operation Decluter

2011-12-27T19:01:00.000-08:00

So I have taken this week of work. Why? To CLEAN. Not really clean in the sense of a mop and broom (although that is needed too) but to DE-CLUTTER my home. But, to decrease the amount of junk I possess.

Some things I am doing: scanning old bills and shredding them, finally making my t shirt blanket (sent them off today!), taking old/unwanted books to the Temecula Library's store, taking clothes and items I no longer use to the thrift store.

It feels good to be organizing and be productive. I made a list this morning from my overall to do list and set out to ensure I accomplish that. I am finishing that up with scanning bills tonight.

Might not seem too exciting to you but if you have seen my place, it is very exciting for me. Order will be restored!

2011-12-21T22:47:00.001-08:00

Pretty sure I have posted this before but....

One of my favorite Christmas songs, introduced to me by my dad.

Ours

2011-12-02T21:59:00.001-08:00

This has instantly become one of my favorite music videos of all time. It literally moved me to tears. And Zach Gilford is one of my biggest celebrity crushes!

I Celebrate the Day

2011-11-27T23:08:00.001-08:00

Life lately....

2011-11-13T09:44:00.000-08:00

There is a reason I have been MIA.... I shall recap.

I have been out of town four weeks of the past six weeks for work. One of the weeks I was home, I stayed at a house dog sitting. The other week I was home, I headed out of town on the weekend for a Confirmation retreat for Church. So I joke, but I have been a nomad.

So I have one more week out of town. I will be with my aunt and uncle. Then fieldwork is over and I will return home... I am looking forward to it. Being home, working in the office, checking things off my ever growing to do list. And of COURSE, Thanksgiving is coming quickly and then Christmas follows. I am so excited.

Not all has been bad or negative... there has been a world series win for a friend, a wedding, dinner with my sister on Halloween, having dinner with all my moms, and finally finishing the Help (the book).

I had a blast this summer because I knew there would be a crazy time. What I am amazed about is how close it is to over already! Life is going so fast. I am just trying to enjoy it and not focus on the overwhelm feeling. Soon I should return to normal!

Thank you to everyone for your prayers and words of encouragement throughout the time!

Cardinals Win the World Series!

2011-10-31T20:50:00.001-07:00

Disney Advice

2011-10-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

Hot Chelle Rae and The Script Concert

2011-09-25T22:27:00.001-07:00

Last night, Kendal and I took a little drive to Hollywood to watch some boys play some instruments. We saw a band I have gotten into lately called Hot Chelle Rae (pronounced Hot Shell Ray). They are a band from Nashville and you may have heard their song "Tonight Tonight." They were actually the driving factor for the concert.

They were opening for the Script, who have become popular with their songs "Breakeven" and "For the First Time." Kendal and I did our homework with their music because that was about all we knew. However, after learning some of the songs, we were stoked to see them as well. (I highly suggestion Science and Faith and Kendal highly suggests You Won't Feel A Thing).

We had a blast at the concert. We had a little bit of a snafu to start the night but that didn't stop us from singing at the top of our lungs, dancing in the very small area we had, and enjoying every moment of the concert, from HCR bringing on New Boyz, to HCR bringing on Chord Overstreet, to the Script not only toasting to the crowd but chugging down beer, to the twit picture, etc.

And as if the concert was not entertaining enough, we also hung out after the concert and got to meet some people. HCR usually does a meet and greet but they didn't for this concert (no idea why). However, as Nash and Jamie returned to their bus with Nash's brother Chord, Chord was attacked by fans. Therefore, I did get a chance to meet Chord and get a hug and a picture (see below). Kendal let me do a little freak out as I do have a slight crush on him!

Then, we meet the Script. The three guys from the band spent at least two hours walking down a line of people, saying hello and thank you and chatting with fans, while signing autographs and taking pictures. They are awesomely sweet and Irish!

It was a blast and I hope you enjoy the pictures below!

Ryan Follese, lead singer, from HCR

New Boyz, singing I Like It Like that with HCR (new single)

Nash Overstreet from HCR and his brother, Chord Overstreet singing "Tonight, Tonight"

The Script

Danny O'Donoghue from the Script

Mark Sheehan from the Script

Chord Overstreet and me

Glen Power, drummer from the Script, with Kendal and I

Mark Sheehan, lead guitar and back up vocals from the Script, and me

Mark with Kendal

Danny O'Donoghue with Kendal and me
Our tickets signed by the Script members

Mean

2011-08-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

You, with your words like knives
And swords and weapons that you use against me
You have knocked me off my feet again
Got me feeling like a nothing
You, with your voice like nails on a chalkboard
Calling me out when I'm wounded
You picking on the weaker man

Well you can take me down with just one single blow
but you don't know, what you don't know...

Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city
And all you're ever going to be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever going to be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?

You, with your switching sides
And your wildfire lies and your humiliation
You have pointed out my flaws again
As if I don't already see them
I walk with my head down
Trying to block you out 'cause I'll never impress you
I just wanna feel okay again

I bet you got pushed around
Somebody made you cold
But the cycle ends right now
Cause you can't lead me down that road
And you don't know, what you don't know...

Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city
And all you're ever going to be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever going to be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?

And I can see you years from now in a bar
Talking over a football game
With that same big loud opinion
But nobody's listening
Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things
Drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing
But all you are is mean

All you are is mean
And a liar, and pathetic, and alone in life
And mean, and mean, and mean, and mean

But someday I'll be living in a big ol' city
And all you're ever going to be is mean, yeah yeah
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever going to be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?

Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city
And all you're ever going to be is mean, yeah yeah
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever going to be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?

2011-08-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

Can I go back? One of these move in days I won't feel that pull to return around move in day (which started yesterday at SMC). I just want to run to the airport and get on a flight to my other home.

College was amazing. Not all perfect or happy, but it was amazing. And as I watch my little sister and her best friend go off to college, I get uber nostalgic.

I am so blessed to have gone to such a great place, where I had the best and worse experiences of my life, made some of the best friends and met some of the worst people. This place taught me I am smart and worth it. I am forever indebted to some of my professors and friends. SMC is somewhere that changed not only me, but every friend I had there. It is our home. It is where we are together and we may have only been there four years, but the memories and experiences will last a life time (call me cliche but I am a Belle for life!).

I loved that one night we would be watching Beauty and the Beast until 2am and the next we would be out at a bar until 2am. I love the wide range of activities that we did. I love the late night decisions that weren't always smart, especially if you had class at 8am the next day. I love taking naps and working with preschool kids at ECDC (I really miss some of them). I miss having friends in the same hallway or even building. I miss (who knew!) the dining hall and never having to think about what to cook! I love that my freshman year neighbor is my Godmother. I love that I have gotten to be in two SMC weddings and will be in another one this October. I love that I got to live in Rome for a few months and travel throughout Europe. I love that I got to enjoy Notre Dame football home games for four years (the ups and the downs- senior year was the worst season in history). I love that my mom and I both went there and I could say I was walking to LeMan or the DH and she would know exactly where I was. I love when my parents visited (and other family as well). I loved so much more than I doubt anyone could ever imagine about my experience at college.

(Notice how I have yet to mention I loved the studying but even now, I miss how dedicated I was to studying and school work.)

Honestly, anyone going into college, have the best time ever. Nothing in life will every compare to those four years. I don't want to say it is the best time of your life because that creates so many expectations. So I tend to say, savor it. Make both good and bad decisions. Make mistakes and learn how to pick up yourself. Do things you never thought you would. Don't stray away from challenges but rise to the occasion. Pull all nighters. Run errands with friends at midnight. Go to diners that are open until the crack of dawn, if they ever close. Don't live inside the high school bubble. Make new friends. Learn new things. Find what makes you excited and go after it. It goes so quickly... don't let it go to waste!

A couple phrases from SMC:
"You don't go to college to meet your husband. You go to meet your bridesmaids.."
"If you are dating a SMC chick, raise your hand. If you aren't, raise your standards."

<3 SMC forever!

What is growing up?

2011-08-16T15:22:00.001-07:00

I saw this today. Something hit me today: When are we a grown up? What makes us a grown up?

I was considered an “adult” by the law at 18 and even more at 21 when I was able to buy alcohol. I was given keys to a vehicle (which I think is way more responsibility than drinking) at 16. I moved to another state at 18. I officially moved out of of my parents’ house at 22, and started a “real” job at 22. With the job and moving out, I started paying my own bills and supporting myself. But what do those numbers really mean? What MAKES a person GROWN up?

Because, in all actuality, I feel the same as I always have. I look back and so much has changed but I still have the same feelings. I still go to my parents with any big decision. I am still as scared to make a life changing decision without them walking me through the options (and even some small decisions). I still want to spend my whole day watching Disney movies with friends and having sleepovers where we don’t sleep (because I still don’t sleep well at other locations). I still get stressed and make lists and have issues sleeping. I still get my heart broken and need help moving on. I just feel more overwhelmed by the world expecting me to know how to be 25 when I don’t know what that means.

So even though the nation and most people see me as an adult (by age, maybe not when they first see me), what makes me a GROWN UP? Because, if you ask me, I feel as much like a child in need of guidance as I did at 5, at 10 at 15, etc. Yes, I have a job I go to every day, just like school I went to as a kid. I have responsibilities and placed to go, just like I had dance lessons and teaching dance at 16.

I really think life is strange. I realize I am rambling and being a little strange. But I just feel like growing up is something we are forced to do because it is time passing but that it doesn't really mean I have become a "grown up." Turning 25 was hard because there is so much 7 year old Abby thought would happen by this age that hasn’t and things I never thought would have happened that did. But, 7 year old Abby is just the same as 25 year old Abby. She just got taller (somewhat) and has lived a few extra years.

Maybe I have the Peter Pan mentality and I just never wanna grow up! Or maybe I just don't like change I can't control!

I Love to Walk in the Rain

2011-08-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

Renee

2011-08-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

I have talked about To Write Love On Her Arms here, here, here, here,here and here (a lot of the pictures have been removed at some point), so it is no wonder I am glad there is going to be a major motion picture explaining Renee and her struggles and how TWLOHA came to be. It is going to be a little less than conventional and more on the artistic side from what I have read but I am excited. I am excited to see Renee's story. I have read her diary and am excited to see this. Renee herself was on the set during filming. So was Jaime, the founder of TWLOHA. So I hope it presents the story well and shows the struggles and how just one person can make a difference.

The wedding

2011-08-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

So I mentioned before that I would share about my brother, Zack, and his wife, Laura's, wedding, and that time has come. If you don't care about, don't keep reading.
If I didn't think Google would kick me off or all of you would stop reading, I would show you detail and explain every one of these 900+ pictures... however, I went through and selected my favorites (which is still a ton!)

First off, here are pictures of the "Getting Ready." The best part of these pictures is how you don't see the crazy room we all got our hair and make up done in. What is missing (and could never be captured) is the music and the singing and the fun that took place in our prep process... it was a fun and crazy time for the girls and the moms. Doesn't Laura look like she could be a model?

Laura and Zack opted to do the "First Look." This means they saw each other before the wedding and the photographer took pictures of that first moment Zack saw Laura. It was so fun seeing Zack smile so big when he first saw Laura all dressed up. She walked down the hotel lobby and tapped on his shoulder. The immediate families and the bridal party were both there, watching and anticipating.

Following that, we hopped on a nice Limo bus and drove to parts of Seattle to take pictures of the group. Using the first picture on the left, the party is as follows: Zachary Senn (Laura's brother), Nick Throm, Jojo Meyer, Tobin Jaramillo, Stephen McKay, Charlie Spink (Best Man), Zack, Laura, Kristin Hillblom (Maid of Honor), Sarah Persitz, Sara Rasmusson, Erin Abe, Alicia Kimiai, and me.

The following are the girls only. All the girls but me were members of Delta Zeta with Laura. We had a lot of laughs and it was actually fun to take these pictures. Honestly, my favorite one of us all is the black and white one on the bottom right corner. This is the reaction to a guy biking right in front of us. It was hilarious.

Below are the boys only. Four of these guys were members of SAE with Zack. Tobin has been a friend of Zack's for as long as I can remember. And of course, Laura's brother, Zachary. All very good guys. I enjoyed getting to know them a little bit.

And some of my favorite pictures are below. The four Richardson members have never been good at taking family photos. So I love that we were forced to take some family pictures as the 5 Richardson. And that we go to take some pictures with our newest family members, the Senn family. We are really lucky to get to join with a family that is fun and so sweet. As Michelle Senn told me, we are going to have some awesome family get togethers in our future!

And below are the MOST important people in this wedding: Zack and Laura. I am so happy for them. I am lucky to get an awesome sister in law out of this whole event. She is so perfect for my brother and they definitely were made for each other. I have learned so much about my brother, about Laura and about them as a couple. They are two parts of a perfect puzzle. One of my absolute favorite things about Laura is how she smiles and laughs with her entire face. She is so beautiful when she laughs. She lights up a room. And, let's face it, she puts up with Zack! I love her for that!

Their wedding was held at a place called Sodo Park, in South Downtown Seattle. From the outside, it is a blue building with no signs. But it was SO beautiful inside. Everything fit into the idea of a wedding for Zack and Laura. It was a perfect location. And give credit to Laura for her crazy awesome creativity! She made so many of the decorations. Another reason I love these pictures is they captured things I totally didn't get a chance to see like the table for people to leave notes!

The ceremony was beautiful. There were a lot of tears from all the women (my mom, Laura's mom, me, Laura, some of the bridal party). It was such a wonderful event. The wedding was officiated by Zack's Greek big brother, Ryan Boyd, which was something very special. Zack and Laura wrote their own vows and they were superb. I was glowing with pride at the words my brother said to his wife. It was a moment I will remember forever. Standing there I realized a few things. One, my brother is getting married. And two, how big a step this is. The ceremony and the day were absolutely fantastic but that isn't what that day was really about. This is a union of Zack and Laura (and their families) forever. It definitely made me take a step back! And what was even more exciting was Zack and Laura could not have been more ready to make this step.

Directly after the ceremony, there was a cocktail hour and then the room was revealed with tables. We ALL had such a blast at the reception. It was one of the absolute best weddings I have been to (Perhaps I am a bit biased!) . There was an awesome photo booth, great food (I ditched the diet for the weekend!), good music and dancing, good friends and family and new friends and family. It was, in a word, perfect. (PS Yes, that picture is my uncle licking my mom. My family is a bit insane and I love that!). Zack and Laura's first dance was to "Blue Eyes" by the Cary Brothers. Laura and her dad danced to "Somewhere Out There" from Fievel and Zack and my mom danced to "Return to Pooh Corner" by Kenny Loggins.

I hope you enjoyed my recap. As I sit here and write this, I am smiling. I hope you are too!

Congratulations to my brother and sister in law, Zachary and Laura Richardson. I love you both!

(P.S. I should be banned from looking at these pictures as a whole. I cry every time! It was one of the best days ever and I get so chocked up every time!!)

All pictures were taken by the AMAZING and WONDERFUL Barbie Hull.

Answers

2011-07-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

I sat and thought the other day how it seems strange
That we could walk through life so blind
And how a lot of people never change.

I'm not trying to say I have the answer
All I know for sure is that we weren't put here
To serve ourselves, that's so selfish
To think that we're put on this earth just for pleasure
I know that there's much more than that.

But I won't tell you what it is; it's up to you
To decide for yourself what is wrong and what is right
And know that we all make mistakes, there's always time
To turn your life around and change
All the wrong decisions that you've made.

And I promise that I won't settle for less.

I won't write it off.

Harry Potter

2011-07-15T23:22:00.001-07:00

Bookshelves

2011-07-12T22:53:00.001-07:00

I have started a deep clean of the condo... and I started with my bookshelves. When I get a house, I am definitely going to need these sorts of shelves because I am pretty sure drawers and cupboards are not going to suffice forever!

I have always wanted a reading nook... or a window seat... somewhere that calls for books to be read and nothing else.

Perfect use of space under the stairway!

Even the doorway!

Awesome bookshelf

When in doubt, just cover the entire wall!

Would love these stairs as well!

And in all actuality, ...

Well I can always dream!

Go The Distance

2011-07-05T17:43:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T13:39:00.001-07:00

My Dork Is Showing

2011-07-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend I have been watching...

AND I LOVE IT!

(I am a dork at heart!)

Books

2011-06-26T22:39:00.000-07:00

Father's Day

2011-06-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

I think I have honestly the best father ever. He supports me in every decision I make or at least gives me guidance when he doesn't necessarily agree. He knows me so well he knew my career before I did. He is there for me to complain to and even lets me yell at him when he has done nothing wrong (just when I have a bad day). He finds happiness when my brother and I are happy and truly shows us what unconditional love is. He has given me so much, from work ethic to freckles to books. He is not without faults but I wouldn't trade him for anything! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to my Daddy!

Mr and Mrs Zachary Richardson

2011-06-12T20:27:00.001-07:00

I could gush on about how amazing the wedding was and all the details (and I probably will soon). But for now, I leave you with a picture of the beautiful bride and groom.

We are in single digits people!

2011-06-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

Keep Your Head Up

2011-05-29T22:34:00.001-07:00

In case you haven't heard this, I decided to post it.

My weekend

2011-05-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

Life has been busy. I am running around like crazy. But this weekend was so much fun that I had to share (for me and to brag a bit!)!

On Friday, Meredith and I went to the Glee Live concert. If you like the show, you would LOVE the concert. If you don't like the show, you would still LOVE the concert. It was an amazing show. These kids can SING! We sat in great seats and had people running up & down by us. We got some fantastic pictures. We met Becky (real name Lauren Potter) (see picture). It was overall an AMAZING experience. We had a blast and it left us speechless. I cannot believe how fun it was. And if you like dance, check out LXD who opened for the concert. AMAZING dancers. And we got to wave to Miss Megan during the show because she was there too!

Then, on Thursday, my two little sisters graduated from high school. Yesterday, we celebrated them both. They are such amazing people and I had a blast being with them. They are such outstanding girls and I am SO very proud of them. I cannot believe how grown up these two are and the joy I have had watching them grow up. They are going to take the world by storm. They have overcome challenges and come out standing strong. They have helped me be able to do the same.
In addition, Kendal and I are having dinner tonight and going to the movies. Hopefully Miss Maddie will join us after work. And I know it is going to be so much fun because nothing else happens when I am with these girls (one or both).

I hope you all had as good of a weekend!

Strength

2011-05-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

Music

2011-05-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

I have talked about how music is so important to me. And at work, I often listen to Pandora, which helps me find new music or rediscover old music. Today, a song by the band Acceptance came on. I just couldn't help but smile. I instantly remember seeing them live with my friend Ashley for my birthday present (18th birthday I think!) when they opened for Anberlin. In addition, I remembered seeing them and meeting them sophomore year at Legend's at Notre Dame. I love when music makes me smile and puts me into those moments.

So now the rest of the day... or the next couple hours... I will be listening to my collection of Acceptance songs.

(Ironic thing I just found out... they are from Seattle, WA, one of my favorite cities! I actually think my brother told me this before but at the time, it wasn't important!)

Thank you!

2011-05-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I turned 25 years old. To be honest, I was dreading it. It seems so old to be 25. When I was little, 25 is the age I always used as a threshold (By 25, I will _____). So, turning 25 was intimidating. However, I had a great day (and weekend leading up to it)!

I spent this weekend in a very raining Seattle with my mom, my brother and my soon to be sister-in-law. Seattle is one of my favorite cities and it was so fun to go there. We were there for Laura’s bridal shower and some wedding errands (they get married in like 24 days!!) which was a blast. And we went to Pike Place Market, my favorite place in the city!

My mom and I flew home Monday. As soon as we reached Ontario, I got in my car and drove up to Fillmore. It isn’t a place anyone would say “I want to spend my birthday THERE” but as an adult, it is hard not to encounter work on some birthdays. So I tried to make the best of it. The people I dealt with at the middle school were so sweet and very helpful. They made the work day go by fast and easy.

But the most noticeable thing for me was how often my phone lit up. I get all facebok notifications sent to my phone and it went off nonstop all day. So many people wished me a happy birthday. I got some of the sweetest comments. In addition, I got text messages all day, tweets, phone calls, etc. My Caitlyn even made me the sweetest post. I also got to have a great dinner with a friend that lives not too far. It was good to catch up and to break my diet with a Pizookie! I am so grateful not to have spent the night alone in my hotel room!

So mostly, THANK YOU. Thank you to everyone who made my birthday not something to be scared of but something that made me smile like a fool all day. And for reminding me how much I am love (it is nice t be reminded!).

Weekend Trip

2011-05-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

Yes please!

Birthday Season!

2011-05-04T21:39:00.000-07:00

I have fallen behind on blogging lately but I have something I must share. In the past week, starting with Thursday April 28^th and ending today May 5^th, three of my favorite people have had a birthday. And not just any birthday, a milestone!

First off, Miss Madeline Wilga entered into adulthood, turning 18 on April 28^th. I have know Maddie for quite some time, but have really gotten to know her the past couple years. When she was little, she played softball on my little sister’s team. I will never forget the images I have of tiny Madeline with the oversize helmet on her head walking up to the plate with no fear and all confidence. Since I have graduated from college, I have gotten the pleasure of getting to truly know this amazing woman and realize how special she is. She loves with her whole heart and is an amazing friend. I saw how good she was to my little sister as her best friend and I was grateful Kendal had someone like Madeline as a friend. Then our friendship bloomed. Madeline is a truly spectacular person. No matter what, she is there with a hug or a smile. She will sit and listen to you vent, and support you in all you do. Happy Birthday Madeline!

Next is that sister I keep hinting at. Miss Kendal Craig turned 18 on May 1^st. I know I have bragged about her before (who can blame me) so I will become crazy mush about this milestone for us both. Kendal and I have know each other further back than either of us remember (she was a mere baby). Most people know, I love children and at 7, that was no different. I literally fought to push Kendal in her stroller with at least three other girls. I always tell Kendal, I won. (It helped that our moms are great friends and we would take trips to Nordstrom’s together.) The idea of us being sisters was actually because people thought we were. They would tell my mom what cute daughters she had (poor Kim!). Eventually it stuck with us too. So much so that little preschool Kendal tried with all her might to convince her teacher she had a sister despite that her file said one brother. I remember the torture (hey she was my sister), the tag along at football games, the tears over being forced to wear a dress, the sweetest cards while I was at college and her outgrowing me when she was 13 (argh!). However, if the past years haven’t been enough, Kendal and I have developed into not only sisters but friends. Being with Kendal is a treat and a gift. I love how much she can make me laugh and reminds me enjoy life. She has let me cry on her shoulder, let me pick on her relentlessly, and loves me anyways. So her turning 18 was rather hard for me because it means my little sister, my butterball turkey, is growing up into an adult. Happy Birthday Kendal!

And last, but not least, Mrs. Caitlyn Buttaci turns 25 today (May 5^th- eastern standard time)! If there was ever a random act of friendship, it would be Caitlyn and me. We shared friends for two years before even knowing who the other was. Our accounting classed brought us together (and that ugly comp project!). It was an act of God. We became fast friends. We even had a moment in college that our professor had to pull us aside for chit chatting too much! We had a lot in common and she supported me in my journey of faith, always providing me with answers to my questions. We could go out to a bar together or spend the night watching Beauty and the Beast (and we did both). My favorite story of her was when she introduced me to her dad: she left out friend and said “This is my Abby.” Ours is a friendship that flourished beyond a simple encounter to a deep and strong relationship built on trust and love. I am grateful for this friendship and am so glad that despite the entire country being between us, it is still going strong. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY CAITLYN!

Madeline, Kendal and Caitlyn, I love all three of you and am so grateful for your birthday because it set into motion friendships that are so important and special to me. I hope you all enjoy/enjoyed YOUR day!

4 years ago...

2011-04-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this was already 4 years ago (actually 4 years ago back on April 7th). I am just sitting here remembering that Vigil mass on April 7, 2007 that I was baptized, confirmed and received the Eucharist for the first time. We were surrounded by so much love and support. It was such an amazing night.
I hope you all had an amazing Easter. God bless you and your families!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

Everybody crys...

2011-04-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

The road to happily every after is not free of tears and struggles.

White Blank Page

2011-04-05T11:38:00.001-07:00

So this has become one of my new favorite songs:

And now one of my favorite artists has covered it!

Throwback, 2006

2011-03-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

In front of Notre Dame in Paris, France

Top of Notre Dame in Paris, France

PNAC (Pontifical North American College)'s roof in Rome, Italy
(with Jackie and Katie)

Palermo, Sicily, Italy
(with my mom and Mary)

New Show

2011-03-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

I love Netflix because of their instant watch of all sorts of TV shows. My most recent one I have been watching is Bones. I am a couple episodes into the second season and I love it! It is such a great show. I love the relationships (Bones and Booth, Angela and Bones, etc). The stories are intense. It may have taken awhile, but I am now addicted to this show.

(This also happened with the TV show Friday Night Lights. Who knows what will be next?)

Awesome weekend

2011-03-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

So I have been pretty absent from the blogging world. Life has been slightly overwhelming. Although I spend all day on a computer, it has been typing up internal control narratives or testing payroll or what-not related to my job. When I come home, I have wanted to nothing to do with the computer or anything related to a computer. On top of it, last week involved a Revival at my church which included me being at the church Monday through Wednesday. It has been crazy busy but my driving factor was this pass weekend: Going to see one of my best friends in Orlando. And I had to tell you, it was EXACTLY what I needed.

I had an awesome weekend. I got to sleep in, see a very cool basilica, go to Epcot and the Magic Kingdom, go to Downtown Disney, and BEST of all, catch up with Chrissy. It was the perfect weekend (minus the travel back and the bad weather). There is something so awesome about being with someone who really lets you be yourself and loves you pretty much no matter you faults (in fact, we shared them this weekend!). She was a gift from God in so many ways in college and it continues to this day. I am so extremely grateful I got to see her this weekend. I cannot wait to see her in California in June!

Prayers for Japan

2011-03-13T20:41:00.000-07:00

Trouble

2011-03-11T18:20:00.001-08:00

(I am not advertising. I just think this is the cutest video.)

Library

2011-03-10T21:50:00.000-08:00

Best library ever.

Happy 105th Birthday Greatie!

2011-02-24T13:59:00.000-08:00

Today is my Great Grandmother, Kathryn King (aka Greatie)'s, 105th Birthday. Amazing huh?

This was on a Fall Break during junior year. This will probably be the last picture I ever take with her as she isn't as sprightly as she used to be. I love this picture because it shows a lot about Greatie, even at a lady of over 100 years old. I am wearing her sweater because she didn't want me to be cold when we went to dinner. In the last couple seconds before my dad took the picture, she leaned into me. Greatie is so full of love. She always wanted to see people smile. She always enjoyed just watching Zack and I play a game and laugh. For the longest time, she would cut out articles for us and crossword puzzles becuase she knew we liked it. When you walk into her little room at Rydal, you see pictures all over of her family, including my own. It is also decorated with a lot of Chinese art, capturing the time she was in China as a missionary's daughter.

So today, I am wish this amazing woman a VERY Happy Birthday from thousands of miles away and making sure everyone is aware of how lucky I am to have her. I love Greatie and very much wish she was closer to us (she is out in Philly). I hope she knows we are always thinking of her.

Faith Rentar

2011-02-23T22:58:00.000-08:00

Radical Brain Surgery is the Answer for Murrieta Girl

Major portions of Faith Rentar’s brain are removed in a new effort to stop her constant seizures.

By Amy Bentley

Faith Rentar is 5 but has the cognitive skills of a 2-year-old, her parents said.

Hoping to improve her cognitive growth and stamp out damaging seizures, doctors last week removed large portions of Faith Rentar’s brain in a major operation.

Five-year-old Faith, the daughter of Chaparral High School P.E. teacher and athletic trainer John Rentar and his wife Dawn, suffers from tuberous sclerosis, which she was diagnosed with at 19 months. The disease has caused tumors to grow throughout her body, including on Faith’s brain and heart.

Many people in Murrieta and Temecula and the local education community have been cheering the family on, raising money for the Rentars and keeping tabs on Faith’s condition as her parents search for answers--and medical help.

Faith’s brain tumors caused constant seizures and slowed her speech and cognitive development. The hope is now that the brain tumors have been removed and the seizures reduced or eliminated, Faith’s development can progress.

The family makes their home in Murrieta, where Faith attends a special day class at Rail Ranch Elementary School.

Faith had surgery Friday and is recovering in the pediatric Intensive Care Unit at UCLA Medical Center. Her surgeons had to remove more of her brain than they had anticipated to extract the tumors, her mother Dawn said. Surgeons removed her entire right occipital lobe, her entire right temporal lobe, part of the right parietal lobe and a tumor from the right frontal lobe.

None of Faith’s major speech or information processing centers should be affected, but she will lose sight in the left field range of vision from both eyes, explained Dawn Rentar, who is staying at the hospital until Faith can come home, hopefully in about two weeks or less.

Faith’s mother said she, her husband and the doctors had to weigh the negatives and risks of such a major surgery against the benefits. A large tumor was tangled in Faith's brain and there were other tumors too, endangering her life.

“The goal was to remove hot spots without being overly invasive,” Dawn said. “Hopefully with this, over time she will have a chance to live.”

Until Faith recovers more and therapists can assess her, it’s uncertain how Faith’s development will progress in the future. However, her parents are optimistic.

“We might not know for a few months where she will be at, but we have hope," Dawn said.

Original source: http://murrieta.patch.com/articles/radical-brain-surgery-is-the-answer-for-murrieta-girl#photo-4759841

Please Come Home

2011-02-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

So I was making a CD for a friend and I put this song on it. And I have since then been listening to it non-stop. It is really a great song, telling the story of the Prodigal Son. It just made me feel really good the past few days. So I thought I would share.

Inspiration

2011-01-30T22:04:00.001-08:00

The past...

2011-01-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

Disney Love

2011-01-22T21:35:00.001-08:00

So I am so excited that I am going to Florida in March and I am looking forward to seeing my best friend Chrissy and hopefully some fun Walt Disney World. I am getting uber excited and I haven't even made my flight! However, here are some fun pictures:

Because's I'm a lady

2011-01-22T20:28:00.001-08:00

More random pictures...

2011-01-21T14:46:00.001-08:00

Winnie the Pooh

2011-01-20T11:20:00.000-08:00

Finishing the Disney Princess Challenge

2011-01-19T14:25:00.001-08:00

Day 25- Favorite Lyrics

Well since I already mentioned a couple other songs I like, I am going to have to go with this one:

Day 26- Favorite Magical Moment
To pick just one and just a princess moment would be impossible. It is what makes Disney so special are those magical moments

Day 27- Favorite Wardrobe: all of them

Day 28- Favorite Sequel
None. No sequel has yet appeared as worth the time and effort. The originals are so much better and cannot be rivaled.

Day 29- Favorite Overall Moment and Day 30 Favorite Happy Ending
Again, see notes on Day 26 and video above.

DONE! I kind of got tired of it and then the end few are just too hard to pick. They are the defining things of of Disney.

However, as I told my cousin this year, every girl loves Disney. Watching the princesses was such a part of my life and I still love them and all they stand for. All the adventure and the events and the differences. You can choose to see that they are teaching every girl wrong values, but I don't see that. I see the strength they showed. I see the obstacles they over come. Call me a romantic but I love their stories as well!

Music Experiences

2011-01-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

So yesterday driving to Corona and Covina, I was listening to some of my older songs thinking about how I could remember one moment distinctly in my life with each song. And then my little sister goes and posts this and I though, wow, clearly I am not the only one. So here are some songs that have a meaning to me (the chosen songs are the first 20 to come up on my shuffled Itunes with this purpose)

Wish It Would Break by Dierks Bentley- Wagon Wheel with Meredith right after that moment that changed everything
Footloose by Kenny Loggins- Taste of Saint Mary’s, dancing with other new freshman after eating all the food South Bend had to offers before we started classes
Dynamite by Taio Cruz- Zumba with Kendal
I’ll Be Coming Home Next Year by the Foo Fighters- Being abroad in Rome and preparing to return home.
Singing in The Rain from the movie of the same name- doing a tap dance in these horrible little yellow rain coats with these awesome parasol umbrellas and in the last show, Kylie’s flipping inside out and laughing SO hard during the dance that my mom could clearly hear us in the back when she came in to watch.
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing by Jack Johnson- visiting Niki in DC when she used to live there for my fall break of my sophomore year in college
Norwegian Wood by the Beatles- one of my college classes, History of Rock Music, when I first hear the song and sitting amazed there were still Beatles songs I didn’t know!
Take Cover by Acceptance- one of my first real concerts, a present from Miss Ashley Knowlton, to see Anberlin at the House of Blues in Anaheim. Acceptance was the opening band. I feel in love and then was able to see them at the Legends at Notre Dame, and meet them. Amazing experience.
Take It Easy by the Eagles- Road trips with my dad. We went to Winslow, Arizona and saw the little tribute to this song. It was awesome. I miss road trips home from college with my dad.
Stay Away by Rooney- Sophomore year in college. That is all I will say. It makes me smile though.
Reaching by Jason Reeves- When Colbie Calliat came to play at SMCTostal and Jason opened up for her. I was with my good friend Michelle Sherman and it was a great night.
Best of Both Worlds by Hannah Montana- Kendal Craig in line for the broken down Matterhorn. She did the dance without any shame! I have video evidence! It still makes me laugh.
Love Story by Taylor Swift- my first time having people over when my condo was new to me. I had some of the CORE girls over and we watched the music video (over and over). This is where I started to fall in love with Taylor Swift's music.
San Dimas High School Football Rules by the Ataris- Zack introduced me to this song and I loved it right away. I ended up loving the Ataris overall and they are one of my favorite bands because their songs always meant something to me. But this was the first of their songs. I can picture being in our old house, sitting on Zack’s bed while he played it. He continues to introduce me to new music.
Memory from the play Cats- I don’t remember how old I was but I actually took a sort of acting class at the Community Center when I was little (I think my parents were trying to help my shyness) and we did songs from Cats. We did Jellicle Cats and it sparked my interest in the whole play. I had a video I watch many times and I saw the play live. Awesome.
The Heart of Rock and Roll by Huey Lewis and the News- As it should, my first time watching Back to the Future
Bandages by Hot Hot Heat- My brother singing in the kitchen while making lunch and I was laughing hard as possible at his version.
So Far Away by Carol King- driving to North County Fair Mall with my mom to go shopping. Any Carol King, James Taylor or Billy Joel song does.
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen- In high school, doing states for the boys’ soccer team. I can picture them playing this song during the PE period, in which I was a TA for, or to psych themselves up for a game.
Bleed American by Jimmy Eat World- Animal Farm. I apparently had this song on every time I read my readings for Animal Farm for school because this song seriously makes me think of that book.

Alright that is enough… I could go on all day but I have 6066 songs so I won’t torture you or me anymore! I also definitely edited to take out any bad memories. The thing about music is it can bring on so many emotions- good, bad and anywhere in between. No need to focus on the bad… these are all good memories or funny ones to me!

Taylor Swift Lyrics

2011-01-14T15:15:00.001-08:00

1. Favorite lyric line from ‘Tim McGraw’: When you think Tim McGraw, I hope you think of me.

2. Favorite lyric line from ‘Our Song’: I grabbed a pen and an old napkin and I wrote down our song

3. Favorite lyric line from ‘Picture To Burn’: And if you come around saying sorry to me, My daddy's gonna show you how sorry you'll be

4. Favorite lyric line from A Place In This World or The Outside: I'm just a girl, trying to find a place in this world (A Place In This World)

5. Favorite lyric line from Mary’s Song, Cold As You or Tied Together With A Smile: You come away with a great little story of a mess of a dreamer with the nerve to adore you (Cold as You)

6. Favorite lyric line from ‘Love Story’: This love is difficult, but it's real.

7. Favorite lyric line from ‘White Horse’: My mistake, I didn't know to be in love you had to fight to have the upper hand

8. Favorite lyric line from ‘You Belong With Me’: Think I know where you belong; think I know it's with me

9. Favorite lyric line from ‘Fifteen’: You sit in class next to a redhead named Abigail and soon enough you're best friends

10. Favorite lyric line from ‘Fearless’: And I don't know why but with you I'd dance in a storm in my best dress

11. Favorite lyric line from any other song you love of ‘Fearless’: I know you were on my side even when I was wrong

12. Favorite lyric line from the 5 extra tracks in the deluxe version: I like the way you're everything I ever wanted (Jump Than Fall)

13. Favorite lyric line from ‘Mine’: Then you took me by surprise; You said, "I’ll never leave you alone."

14. Favorite lyric line from ‘Back To December’: It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you.

15. Favorite lyric line from Long Live, Haunted or Mean: And the cynics were outraged screaming this is absurd cause for a moment a band of thieves in ripped up jeans got to rule the world (Long Live)

16. Favorite lyric line from Enchanted, Last Kiss or Never Grow Up: THE ENTIRE SONG! But my favorite is: “I’m wonderstruck dancing around all alone.”

17. Favorite lyric line from Sparks Fly, The Story Of Us or Speak Now: I'd tell you I miss you but I don't know how, I've never heard silence quite this loud. (The Story of Us but much of it comes from how she sings this part.)

18. Favorite lyric from another song on the album, including the extra tracks of the deluxe version: Wasn't it beautiful when you believed in everything and everybody believed in you? (Innocent)

19. Favorite song lyrics of a Taylor Swift song overall: Enchanted is my favorite song currently. It changes based on my mood. See below.

20. Favorite Taylor Swift quote ~~and its influence on your life~~: Most comes from her lyrics but if I had to pick a quote (or two or four):

a. "Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but it's about how to dance in the rain."

b. "To me, Fearless is not the absense of fear. It's not being completely unafraid. To me, Fearless is having fears. Fearless is having doubts. Lots of them. To me, Fearless is living in spite of those things that scare you to death."

c. "People haven't always been there for me but music always has.”

d. "When I was a little girl I used to read fairy tales. In fairy tales you meet Prince Charming and he's everything you ever wanted. In fairy tales the bad guy is very easy to spot. The bad guy is always wearing a black cape so you always know who he is. Then you grow up and you realize that Prince Charming is not as easy to find as you thought. You realize the bad guy is not wearing a black cape and he's not easy to spot; he's really funny, and he makes you laugh, and he has perfect hair."

Random

2011-01-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

In boredom, here are some cute pictures I found:

from here

from here

from here

from here

And I highly recommend this website all about the little things. Here is one of them:

Back to December

2011-01-13T07:45:00.001-08:00

More love for books...

2011-01-09T09:59:00.001-08:00

Day 19- Day 24

2011-01-05T23:12:00.000-08:00

DAY 19: Favorite soundtrack: I really love Disney music so this was hard but I just watched this movie and I love the songs so much!
DAY 20: Funniest moment: This moment is SO classic and always makes me smile

DAY 21: Favorite quote: From Cinderella
DAY 22: Bravest princess:She kicks the Huns butt!

DAY 23: Favorite dance scene: It is so beautiful and I love the moment of her dress and the ballroom.

DAY 24: Favorite parent: From the Princess and the Frog, Tiana's parents.

LOVE

2011-01-05T12:09:00.001-08:00

Especially since I stayed up way too late finishing a book I start the day before....LOVE books!

Day 14- Day 18

2011-01-04T19:34:00.000-08:00

DAY 14: Favorite villain: Maybe not my favorite but she still scares me.

DAY 15: Favorite romantic moment: The first note of "So Close" makes my heart melt.

DAY 16: Favorite singing voice

DAY 17: Best eyes: intensity is outstanding

DAY 18: Favorite name: I will give you one guess why? Want to know my college mascot?
Go Belles!

Day 9- Day 13

2011-01-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

Day 9: Favorite Couple: I love the instant connection and the sarcasm between these two!

Day 10: Best Hair: Rapunzel

Day 11: Favorite Animal Sidekick: Pascal from Tangled

Day 12: Favorite Non Animal Sidekick

Day 13: Favorite Dress
Believe it or not, the simplest dress. I love the Belle dress. There is so much comfort in it.

Day 5 - Day 8

2011-01-02T21:34:00.000-08:00

Day 5: Favorite Kiss

Day 6: Prettiest princess

Day 7: Favorite Castle

Day 8: Saddest Moment (sorry non princess moment, but always makes me tear up)

DAY 4: Favorite song

2011-01-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

One thing Disney has are amazing songs... however, I am going to break out of the "Princess" aspect for this song. My favorite song:

DAY 3: Favorite prince

2011-01-02T15:18:00.001-08:00

I am taking the word "Day" lightly this time since I am not that patient! That is what lost my interest last time. Anyways, favorite Disney prince, Prince Philip.

Need a reason? Watch the "Kiss and Tell" episode of Gilmore Girls. Even Dean's character knows Prince Philip is the best because he can sing and dance and he's completely and traditionally heroic. Call me old fashion!

DAY 2: Favorite princess

2011-01-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

I could probably answer any of these question from the movie Beauty and the Beast but I don't want to go over the top. So I am trying to minimize that use. So my next favorite princess: CINDERELLA

DAY 1: Favorite movie

2011-01-01T14:50:00.000-08:00

In case you missed, this, this and this, my favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast.

Happy 2011!

2011-01-01T14:15:00.000-08:00

30 DAY DISNEY PRINCESS CHALLENGE

2010-12-31T09:41:00.000-08:00

30 DAY DISNEY PRINCESS CHALLENGE
DAY 1: Favorite movie
DAY 2: Favorite princess
DAY 3: Favorite prince
DAY 4: Favorite song
DAY 5: Favorite kiss
DAY 6: Prettiest princess
DAY 7: Favorite castle
DAY 8: Saddest moment
DAY 9: Favorite couple
DAY 10: Best hair
DAY 11: Favorite animal sidekick
DAY 12: Favorite non-animal sidekick
DAY 13: Favorite outfit
DAY 14: Favorite villain
DAY 15: Favorite romantic moment
DAY 16: Favorite singing voice
DAY 17: Best eyes
DAY 18: Favorite name
DAY 19: Favorite soundtrack
DAY 20: Funniest moment
DAY 21: Favorite quote
DAY 22: Bravest princess
DAY 23: Favorite dance scene
DAY 24: Favorite parent
DAY 25: Favorite lyrics
DAY 26: Most magical moment
DAY 27: Best wardrobe
DAY 28: Favorite sequel
DAY 29: Favorite overall moment
DAY 30: Favorite happy ending

A Social Network Christmas

2010-12-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

I love this!

I Give Up

2010-12-19T11:33:00.001-08:00

So I give up on the blog challenge. I lasted a while but the other items don't spark a major interest and I am so behind due to the craziness of the season. So I wave my white flag and move on!

Day 23 – A Youtube video

2010-12-17T13:56:00.000-08:00

So due to busy season, I feel behind a couple days. It got pretty overwhelming, but WE DID IT!

So I will try to catch up...

I know I have posted this before, and it is old, but it makes me smile and is pretty cool!

Day 22 – A Website

2010-12-13T21:44:00.000-08:00

This is kind of a boring one. But the two websites I am on the most are probably Facebook and Pandora.

Day 21 – A Recipe

2010-12-12T11:13:00.000-08:00

I actually enjoy backing a lot but I don't have a lot of time to do it lately. Generally, baking involved following a box and a mix lately. I made some banana muffins for my coworkers, as I have since I started working there.

Generally I get my recipes from my mom, including this one for Peppermint Meltaways. They are very yummy!

Cookie Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

Glaze Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

2 to 3 drops red food coloring, optional

1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Directions

Combine butter, powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon peppermint extract in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add flour and cornstarch. Beat until well mixed. Cover; refrigerate until firm (30-60 minutes).

Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake in preheated 250 oven for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let stand minutes from cookie sheets. Cool completely.

Drizzle glaze over cookies. To make glaze, combine powered sugar, butter, peppermint extract and enough milk for desired glazing consistency in small bowl. Stir in food color, if desired. Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy.

Serves: 4 dozen.

Day 20 – A Hobby of Yours (A Day Late)

2010-12-12T11:07:00.000-08:00

Lately, going to concerts has become a hobby. An awesome one. Last night, I went to a Michael Buble concert. It was amazing. My mom and I went this past summer in San Diego and had a blast, so when he announced he was coming back, I jumped on the chance to go. Our seats were better than I had imagined.
Last weekend, Kendal and I went to see a Catholic musician, Matt Maher. We had amazing seats there as well and had a great time (we helped break down the seat and hung out with the band-- AWESOME!)
And I am so excited for August when I get to see Taylor Swift in concert. Our seats are not too good but I am excited to see her live.

Day 19 – A Talent of Yours

2010-12-10T16:48:00.000-08:00

That is right folks, I am skipping #18. For one, I only really think about "my wedding" when I am at a wedding. The only thing I really have thought about is I love South Coast Winery and it makes a great reception area! Haha but I am not a girl who has it planned out. So I shall skip it and go onto a talent.

I used to be a dancer. So I am claiming this as my talent, even though I can no longer do it (dang injury!). I danced at a young age and I was, well lets face it, ADORABLE and AMAZING! So I stuck with it. I ended up in my life doing ballet (making it to Pointe), tap (which was my favorite for most of my life), jazz and lyrical. Starting in 6th grade, I went to Temecula Dance Company and it became a second home and family. I no longer dance. Mostly, I have hurt myself too many times. I have sprained my ankles a few times, have a stress fracture on my lower back, and my whole lower body creeks like that of a 70 or 80 year old's body does! So after about 16 years of dancing and a few years of teaching, I hung up my tutu, my excessive make up, my crazy hair spray and retired my dancing shoes.

However, I still find myself dancing around my house and tap dancing in grocery stores (that used to drive my mom crazy). I still LOVE to watch dance and still enjoy seeing my old dance studio, especially the girls I got the joy of teaching (they are growing up so fast!). The studio is doing amazing and is rated one of the top in the US.

2002 Peppermint Twist, the first group of competition girls I taught (average 3 yrs.)

2002 Conga, one of my first group of competition girls I taught (average 5 yrs)

Day 17 – An Art Piece

2010-12-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

My dear amazing friend, Caitlyn (or as I call her my Caitlyn) made me a present upon graduation at our fantastic college. So I share with you, the Saint Mary's Avenue as painted by Mrs. Caitlyn Buttaci. (Please ignore the picture quality... I took it with my phone).
In addition, she gave me this lovely painting of the word LOVE. Caitlyn is actually the friend that introduced me into To Write Love on Her Arms and this ones one of the things she gave me around the time we discovered more about it.

Thanks Caitlyn!

Cold Hands Warm Hearts

2010-12-07T14:14:00.000-08:00

The day has come to share about the Cold Hands, Warm Hearts swap. It was so fun to shop for someone you have just contacted via a couple emails. I was partnered with Sofia. We have been emailing back and forth (I have been so bad about responding however!). It was so much fun!

Here are the awesome items I got:This was something we actually both got each other!

Capitalizing on my favorite colors!

Cold hands no more!

This was such a blast and I thank much love, illy and Sandy a la Mode for such an awesome way to start the holiday off right.

Day 16 – A Song That Makes You Cry (or Nearly)

2010-12-06T21:32:00.000-08:00

I am gonna cheat and list 3 songs that can make me almost cry or full on cry EVERY time I listen to them:

I Hope You Dance (LeeAnn Womack)

Radios In Heaven (Plain White T's)

Empty and Beautiful (Matt Maher)

Day 15 – Your Dream House

2010-12-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

Aspect of my dream house:

At least ONE window seat. I have always wanted on. If we would have been able to build the house we had planned, I would have had one in my room. But thanks to the bird, we never got it. So I continue to want a window seat.
One floor. I know this kind of conflicts with the first one, but I love living in a one story house. I hate having to bring groceries up the stairs in my condo. I don't like stairs.
Comfy. In other words, a lot of me and hopefully my awesome family in it. Pictures, pillows, blankets, books, warmth, etc.
A library/office with bookshelves lining the walls. Since we are dreaming, a ladder that can slide along the bookshelves (like in Beauty and the Beast).
A double oven to be able to cook and bake all my food in one room.
A washer and dryer inside. Not in the garage... too cold.
Probably not located in this town. Either a beachy town, a mountain or a house on an island off of the Seattle coast line.
A porch with a cute porch swing on one side, big welcoming doors and on the other side, a bench.
A house with lots of different places to put Christmas decorations and Christmas lights.
Kind of old fashion looking. Not modernized in looks.

Just some of the aspects I would love!

Day 14 – A Non-Fictional Book

2010-12-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

So I am bad about reading Non Fiction books. I was looking through my bookshelf and I found the most important book on my shelf. This is a book written about my Great Great Grandfather, William Reimert. This is my still living Great Grandmother, Kathryn King's father.

William was a missionary in China and was murdered for his cause. My great grandmother was born in China. His story is amazing and I have done some research on it for a class. This is probably one of the most amazing books I have been given. There are only a couple still around and they are owned by family. I am so blessed to have this account of this man that gave way to my family that I know now.

Day 13 – A Fictional Book

2010-12-03T15:53:00.000-08:00

In honor of the movie we are watching tonight:
This is a cute book as a young reader and a cute movie that I am excited to share with some awesome people tonight! I suggest both!

Day 12 – Something You Are OCD About

2010-12-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

I have a lot of things I like a certain way and I do tend to like to be in control, but there is one thing that I am truly OCD about in my life: the way I fall asleep. I have to do certain things, like crack my back, lie on one side and then on the other. My hands have to be under my head and I have to have the pillow a certain way. I think a lot of this comes from having issues sleeping as a younger kid and now my body is kind of preparing itself. I honestly have to do this stuff to fall asleep. It actually can drive me crazy because I will be nice and comfy and ready to fall asleep but then I just sit there. I do my little routine and I will then fall asleep in seconds. So I would consider this to be a true OCD issue but I get to sleep without as many issues as I used to. So I take the lesser of two evils!!

Day 10 and Day 11

2010-12-01T18:27:00.000-08:00

Day 10 – A Photo Taken Over 10 Years Ago Of You
Waiting to go watch my Dad play softball in my awesome SMC sweatshirt

Day 11 – A Photo Of You Recently-
At Halloween 2010

Day 9 – A Photo You Took

2010-11-30T20:12:00.001-08:00

Day 8 – A Photo That Makes You Angry/Sad

2010-11-29T18:46:00.000-08:00

I don't like this one. I don't take pictures of things that make me angry or sad on a normal basis. However, this picture does makes me sad. If I had a picture of the game two years before (2005), that one makes me want to cry.

2007 meeting between Notre Dame and USC, final score

However, there was redemption this past weekend!! Took 8 years but we finally won a game!

Day 7 – A Photo That Makes You Happy

2010-11-28T21:28:00.000-08:00

Well it is Day 7 on the East Coast so I am moving forward: Day 7 – A Photo That Makes You Happy

My Caitlyn and I on a snow walk our senior year to the Grotto at Notre Dame

Day 6 – 20 of Your Favorite Things

2010-11-28T17:05:00.000-08:00

Family
Kendal (she gets her own number)
Friends from all walks of life
Books
Naps
Lazy Sundays
Saint Mary’s College and Notre Dame
ROMEO
Music & Movies
Taylor Swift
Dancing around the room, dancing in the hall, dancing in the store... just dancing.
Soccer and all the memories it has created
Football and all the memories it has created
Taking Pictures
Babies and little kids
Rainy days
TWLOHA
Sweet emails, letters, texts messages that make me smile
Calendars and planning
Diet Coke

Day 5 – Your Favorite Quote

2010-11-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

My favorite quote…this is a very difficult one for me. I have a book I continually am adding quotes to. Every time I read a book, part of why I love to HAVE a book, is to mark up the quotes I love. So quotes definitely are something I enjoy. However, when I sat and saw this list, I didn’t really have to think to hard on what was the favorite quote throughout my life. My favorite of the moment may change but this quote is always a quote that means a lot to me.

This is my favorite quote because it is SO very true. No matter what happens, no matter what event is holding me back, LIFE GOES ON. Life moves on with or without me. I can dwell, be upset, live for the future, live for the past, etc but LIFE GOES ON. For some reason, this idea brings me solace and peace, and that is why it is my favorite quote.

Day 4 – Your Favorite Book

2010-11-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

Please excuse my absences yesterday! I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving full of family, food and fun. I know I did!

Moving on in the challenge.... Day 4, My Favorite Book. If you know me personally, I absolutely am a book lover. If I could, I would read every book I could get my hands on. I currently have run out of bookshelf space and have books in drawers and all over the condo. However, it actually is not hard to pick a favorite because one book has changed my life more than ANY other book.
My favorite book is The Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens). Now, I actually am NOT a big Mark Twain fan. He is rather hilarious in his other writings, but the topics don't appeal to be that much. So when I went to my dad in 10th grade for a book to read for class and he gave me this, I was a little reluctant. However, it changed my life. Reading a book about a girl (yes a girl not a woman) who changed the course of history is pretty darn humbling. And to do it all in the name of God. It really blew me away.

In 10th grade, when we got tested on our books, Mr. Carey picked a random page in the book and we had to write an essay on it in class. He picked the passage, by the grace of God, that probably had the most effect on me. I still remember that part better than the rest of the book. It had to do with the rings that she wore. For some reason, that meant a lot to me.

So even though I haven't been able to tackle this book again, this was the turning point in my faith journey. Now, Joan of Arc is my patron saint and she continues to inspire me all the time. I have continued to read about her and watch movies.

I hope to be able to reread to book to remember that feeling and remember how in awe I was. I think of all the book presents I have given, I have given this one to more people. I hope it change do the same for others. To show them how amazing this little girl was and how she did it for the greater good and for the name of God. Amazing? i think so!

Day 3 – Your Favorite Television Program

2010-11-24T22:18:00.001-08:00

My favorite TV show is no longer on. My favorite show is Gilmore Girls. The humor, the relationship between the mother daughter, the plots, the boys, etc. I loved it and I still LOVE to watch reruns. I considered it to be one of the best written shows. I miss it but I have loved watching Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel grow into other roles. However, they will always be Lorelai and Rory to me

My favorite character was Rory. She was a dork and not a “typical” teenager. I related to her a lot growing up. It made me not feel so strange to want to hang out at home with a book on a Friday night or to be awkward in situations that normal people never sweat.

I own ever season and cherish that I will have them to keep and watch whenever time calls for an episode.

Day 2 – Your Favorite Movie

2010-11-23T16:58:00.001-08:00

My favorite movie is a movie called the Newsies and it came out in 1992.

This movie takes place in the early 1900s about a group of boys, homeless and family-less, who sell newspapers. They buy the papers and then sell them to people on the street. However, the newspaper big guys (Pulitzer is another big character) decides to increase the price of the paper for the Newsies. So the Newsies get together and strike. It is a movie based on real events. But it is also a musical with some great and classic songs. I have actually taken a tap dance class at a convention from one of the cast members.

Perhaps the main reason this is my favorite movie is the main actor: Christian Bale. He played Jack Kelly, the leader of the Newsies, striving for a family and a dream. He figured a family is out of reach but in the end, finds a family that loves him. But, that is not what I like. At 6 years old, I decided he was the man I was going to marry. I fell in love with him!

Day 1- Your Favorite Song

2010-11-22T20:17:00.000-08:00

If I had to pick just ONE favorite song, which is very difficult for me, it is “Hotel California” by the Eagles. This isn’t something that many people know about me and most people think it is strange to love a song that is really about drugs. However, there is actually very good reason for this song.

This song honestly used to give me nightmares. I used to have nightmares about being trapped in a hotel and being chased by a beast. And I can also still picture my brother and dad fighting when I was probably 8 years old about who the artist of the song was and I just wanted them to turn it off!

But through the years, I paid attention to it more. I listened to it. And one of my favorite lines is “Some dance to remember. Some dance to forget.” I don’t know why I turned from scared to death to loving this song but I think it just is symbolic of how I handle life. I get scared, I get anxious but I conquer things. And some of the worst things in my life have become the things I cherish the most. And I think this song in my life capitalized that idea.

It is kind of a weird favorite song and weird way to come to liking a song, especially since I LOVE so many songs. But in all honesty, I always listen to the whole 6+ minutes (depending on the version) and have a great appreciation for the lyrics and the guitar at the end.

Some others songs (to show my WIDE array of music tastes are and in NO particular order):

-I Hope You Dance by LeeAnn Womack

-Let It Be by the Beatles

-San Dimas High School Football Rules by the Ataris

-Mary’s Song by Amy Grant (Christmas song)

-Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx

-Round Here by Counting Crows

And honestly, I could go on and on but those are the ones that might shock people more than the Taylor Swift and Michael Buble songs. Music is incredibly important to me and my every day experience. I can’t really imagine not having the variety of music or listening to music every single day.

30 Day Challenge

2010-11-22T19:58:00.000-08:00

So lately I don’t really have much to say as I spend most of my days working, studying or cleaning. So I decided to take on a challenge: About Me In 30 Days. Hopefully I make it all the way to the end of the challenge.

Here is the set up:

Day 1 – Your Favorite Song
Day 2 – Your Favorite Movie
Day 3 – Your Favorite Television Program
Day 4 – Your Favorite Book
Day 5 – Your Favorite Quote
Day 6 – 20 of Your Favorite Things
Day 7 – A Photo That Makes You Happy
Day 8 – A Photo That Makes You Angry/Sad
Day 9 – A Photo You Took
Day 10 – A Photo Taken Over 10 Years Ago Of You
Day 11 – A Photo Of You Recently
Day 12 – Something You Are OCD About
Day 13 – A Fictional Book
Day 14 – A Non-Fictional Book
Day 15 – Your Dream House
Day 16 – A Song That Makes You Cry (or Nearly)
Day 17 – An Art Piece (Drawing, Sculpture, Painting, etc)
Day 18 – Your wedding/Future wedding/Past wedding
Day 19 – A Talent of Yours
Day 20 – A Hobby of Yours
Day 21 – A Recipe
Day 22 – A Website
Day 23 – A Youtube video
Day 24 – Where I Live
Day 25 – Your Day, in great detail
Day 26 – Your Week, in great detail
Day 27 – My Worst Habit
Day 28 – What’s in my Handbag/Purse
Day 29 – Hopes, dreams, plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 – A dream for the future beyond the next year

What would we do, baby, without us?

2010-11-15T19:43:00.000-08:00

Since the inception of the HUB television station, I have been recording and watching the show Family Ties. And I love it even more than I did before! I wish TV was still like this. I love the stories and the characters. I highly suggest it to everyone.

Books...

2010-11-13T00:09:00.000-08:00

Just a couple books I recommend...

(Or anything by her)

(Perhaps this is my tomboy side, but the book is awesome... the movie is only subpar)

(I think I have read this book 10 or so time. One of my favorites as a young girl.)

(And count the times she mentions both our alma maters, Saint Mary's College!)

(I read this in 10th grade and it will forever be my favorite book... she is amazing)

I have so many more books I could put on here, but I choose a random selection. Perhaps I will do more another time!

Tomorrow....

2010-11-11T22:23:00.001-08:00

(For more information, check out the website here.)

Never Grow Up

2010-11-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

"Do you really like kids? Every time we see you, you have one in your arms."- one of the girls in my small group

(Photo by Miss Rachel Ranalli)

Oh Emerson!

2010-11-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

(I stole this from Kendal)