these are a few of my favorite things...

I had various ideas on what to blog about today:

Vandy beat UT and it was a fabulous game. I love basketball and more so I love a good upset! march madness here we come.

I'm on week 2 of a commitment detox. I've gotten so much support through this time. I've also heard many things from the Lord. Still haven't really processed it all.

I've been re-reading some Shel Silverstein favorites. Such great stuff there.

I just read my brother's remarks on this article about how often people present false selves. Very interesting...both the article and his thoughts. Because I read this just before writing a blog I couldn't help but think about why I was writing what I was. Did I want people to think I was smart? Did I want them to think I was funny? or loved Jesus a lot? or was sad? or was loving life? so ....I decided to go with the following, just me...hopefully...

My missionary world-traveler extraordinaire friend Mary Frances recently "tagged" me on her blog to fill out this list of favorites. It's beautifully snowing outside and let's be honest, I'm not doing much work today. So here ya go:

My favorites:
Book: 1984 - I read this my sophomore year in high school. I felt like it was the first book that really made me think about the government (past and present) and how I felt about life. And as mentioned earlier anything by Shel Silverstein. He presents great lessons in ways a child can understand but deep enough for adults to ponder over.

Movie: I always say Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Good music, good acting, good story...though the Sound of Music was probably my first love and Julie Andrews continues to keep a special place in my heart (my movie heart, that is) because of that and Mary Poppins.

Color: it used to be purple...now I don't have one. kind of makes sad, but I really don't have a default color that I always choose...

TV Shows: in order of becoming "favorite" worthy: The Wonder Years, Dawson's Creek, Gilmore Girls

Guilty Pleasures: sleeping and having my picture taken

Outfit: I thought this was hilarious...I've always had favorite outfits and thought I was weird. It used to be denim jacket with black pants...and it might still be...

Kitchen tips: Clean up as you go. I rarely do this and always wish I would. I never want to clean up once I'm done, so its better to clean as you go.

Life Lesson: Life isn't about me.

Activity: I love to play basketball and go out to eat with friends.

Food: I love any form of potatoes.

Child Raising Tips: Keep socks and underwear in a place where they can't find them and eat them (I've only raised my dog...so this is all I know). I'm sure there is something you moms can take from that as well. maybe?

Pet Peeve: when you have to backtrack to get somewhere

Game: catch phrase, and most forms of dominoes.

Amy vs. Isla

ok...I love movies...I love music...but I'm not one to learn artist names, know every actors list of creditionals and acting history but you would think I would be able to tell one person from the next. however, at the oscars Sunday night I was very surprised to learn that these are two very different people. Does anyone else get them confused...or is it just me?

the real test...do know which is which?

top ten weekend

10. I saw this movie. I liked it. It got really built up to me by some not-necessary reviews, but still a good flick.

9. I got to sleep in on Saturday morning.

8. I saw the preview for Baby Mama...Tina Fey and Amy Poehler...dynamic duo! SOOO funny!

7. I saw this movie. I was entertained. I was glad a saw it, since it is a "classic." Again, I had high expectations. Woody Allen is awkward. It was ok, let's just say, I didn't lurve it.

6. I got to go to the Pred's game and sit in a sweet suite!!! And get cool hats!

5. Friday afternoon was GORGEOUS...as was part of Sunday!

4. I saw this preview and absolutely CAN NOT WAIT! there's just something about the theme song that makes me want to go out and be adventurous.

3. The American Gladiators championship was Sunday. Congrats MoJo! Part of me is a bit sad and will miss the show....but have you seen the previews for My Dad is Better than Your Dad?!?!?!

2. I saw this preview and absolutely CAN NOT WAIT for May. What's the plot line? How much, if any, time has passed between the movie and the end of the show? Is there really a wedding? Are they still as fabulous? seriously, may needs to hurry the heck.
"Friendships never go out of style." Carrie Bradshaw

1. For the first time, in a long time, I actually had a weekend. Even though I worked a bit, I still had a weekend. I hung out with friends, I rested, I browsed through Target and the likes. I said "no" to some committments (which is huge) and freed my life up. All in all...good weekend. Hope there are more to come.

jealous?

tough sayings for tough times

A good friend, teacher, and former "boss" of mine, Michael Kelley, recently published his second book. The Tough Sayings Of Jesus II. Both books look at somewhat common stories of Jesus or parables that He told that have a good message...but to get there we tend to brush over the tougher parts of the story. A lot of the stories are those that if you have been a Christian for awhile you've heard before. Its those that when you begin to read them, you kind of just want to skip ahead because you already know what God wants you to get out of it. But Michael encourages his audience to spend more time in the middle, more time in the waiting, more time in the uncomfortableness of the situations to see what the Lord is really getting at. I apprecaite Michael's desire to never keep God in the pretty wrapped up box it can be easy to put him. If you are looking for something challenging, a new perspecitve on some things, and thought provoking questions relating stories from the Bible to our lives today I would highly encourage you to check this out. It would be great for a bible study as well!

I just read a session from the book dealing with a "waiting Jesus." Its an interesting concept that God would wait to "answer" our prayers in order for Him to recieve glory. My life is quite interesting these days (thanks to a friend who encouraged me to never answer the quesiton, "What's going on with you?" with "nothing") and I feel as though I'm in a place of waiting. I have friends that are hurting, family members that are sick, and questions of future plans are unknown as well as countries being at war, new leaders being elected, so much poverty, aids, orphans, etc. There are so many things going on that I feel like I have all the answers to and I'm curious as to why God doesn't seem to. Oswald Chambers describes this as "spiritual lust" - when we demand an answer from God instead of seeking after God Himself who gives the answer. My faith tells me to hold on. In efforts to seek God instead of just an answer I find myself waiting...along with God...and there is an odd sense of peace.

***please note the actor/model dear friend of mine on the cover, one Scott Lee Van Dusen!

how the heck?!

I went to the kitchen at work today to get some water (the drink of choice since training began) and a co-worker sees me staring at the birthday cake someone brought in. She says, "Oh, fresh hot doughnuts will be here in 5 minutes!"

How the heck am I supposed to eat healthy and train myself for the 1/2 marathon when people bring these to work at least twice week?!

I shouldn't compain...I consider these to be one of life's most precious joys...however, I know about their absolutel lack of nutritional value and I know it absolutely does me no good to eat them. All this is to say...if you are ever one to enjoy doughnuts, cake, cookies, brownies, etc. for breakfast, TBCH is the place for you. We ALWAYS have dessert waiting in the kitchen!