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!

bring it on!

well I did it. I have officially registered for the 1/2 marathon. This is something I've been wanting to do for a few years and after seeing some of my friends do it and come out alive I'm hoping for the same results! If anyone wants to buy me an ipod to get me through it...I fully support that. I also support you coming out to cheer me on...you can even do that while I train if you think it will help me! (just kidding...kind of). So everyone mark your calendars for April 26th and I'll have sign up sheets for 30 minute prayer segments that morning for each to sign up so that you can pray I don't die during it...cool? thanks!

anna's engaged!

Meet my friend Anna...

Anna and I have known each other since junior high but became official friends sophomore year in high school. It has been a joy to be her friend all these years. She loves life and is certianly a go-getter. Anna loves Jesus will all her heart and is such a strong advocate for missions! She loves her family and her home-town! Anna has been a solid rock in my life...she's accepting, loving, encouraging, and can be crazy just when I need her to be! She keeps me up-to-date on current pop music as well as making sure I'm classy and fashionable. Anna's love and concern for others has always been and will continue to be a huge encouragement to my life.

Sunday I heard Anna tell me she was engaged!!! I couldn't be happier for two people. Anna and her now finance, Noah, are college sweet hearts and have a wonderful love for each other. They are truly best friends and compliment each other well.

Anna, I'm extatic! I couldn't be happier for the two of you. You are both two of my favorite people and I can't wait to share this special day with you!

watch what happens

I've heard project runway being discussed by several different people lately and it tends to suprises me whenever it comes up. I will admit that I watch A LOT of Bravo. It started with Celebrity Poker Showdown. I simply could not get enough. At that time I was fortunate enough to have a roommate with TIVO and it was fabulous. I would know who would win but would continue to watch it over and over. After Showdown, the top whatever hollywood moments were highly entertaining. Then I got into Top Chef, picked up Project Runway on season 2, LOVED Shear Genius, and I am now hooked on the real housewives (pathetic, maybe...but it's how I roll). Next thing you know they give Tim Gunn his own show (FABULOUS!) and you can usually catch some Kathy Griffin most any weekend.

Though I love to watch TV there have been and continue to be very few shows that I feel are a MUST SEE every time there is a new episode. Maybe I've become too dependent on DVD's or friends with TIVO but there's not really a show out there that I have to see what happens next. I love The Office, but will go a month without seeing the new ones (granted I know there aren't anymore...but go with me). 24...in love with...I named my dog Bauer...but I've yet to finish season 5. I find LOST to be highly entertaining but my life would be fine if I never figured out what the heck they are doing there. The list can go on.

HOWEVER, Bravo reality shows have developed this special place in my heart. It's the craziest thing. I feel like Bravo plays re-runs more than VH1 but I still feel the need to be there when the new episode airs. Call me crazy, but its true. I think for a long time I really thought I was the only one who watched these things. I kind of kept this addiction quiet and didn't really discuess it. But apparently the rest of the world is just as crazy as I am and the discussions of the week by numerous people in my surroundings have been about Lauri's wedding, Christian's fierceness, Tim Gunn's gay-ness, the new season of Top Chef, and how Nashville has been well represented on making people super models. Its kind of free-ing to know I'm not alone.

Braynt Park is sooo close...who's it going to be? And do we really think Chicago can bring more heat than Miami did?

"I do it for love."

Well, either I have a problem saying "no" or the Lord really wants me to go back. Probably both. The more time goes by the less I second guess my decision. I'm talking about Moldova. After returning to the states last summer I was almost confident I wouldn't be returning this year. I knew I wouldn't be going to be the same orphanage I had been to the times before. It was an odd feeling, but one that I trusted the Lord's timing on. I wasn't sure where to spend my time this summer. I had two options very near to my heart. After going with my gut and LOTS and LOTS of prayer I am confident in my decision to go back to Moldova.

I am excited about working in a new orphanage...one my church has only visited once and that was about a month ago. Straseni is located just outside of Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. We will be doing a day camp for the children there. I'll be leading a team of around 15 (hopefully). Its going to be a time of learning and growing for me...but I think it will be good. I am looking forward to meeting new kids and showing them the love of Christ. I can't not go.

NERD ALERT!

(I know what you are thinking..."wow, em posted two blogs in one day, she must be bored at work!" quite the contrary, this is my busy season...but I'm taking a break since I've worked so much)

My boss was just over at my desk and he was trying to make a correction on something I had written so he picked up my fine point sharpie to use to mark through some things. He tried to write with it like a pencil and said, "This is bad Sharpie!" I said, "No, its a really good sharpie you just don't know how to use it." After finishing making corrections and the work related discussion he looked at me said, "You really like these things don't you?" as he pointed to the Sharpie. "Yes, I do," I replied.

I'm not much of one for name brands. It doesn't really matter to me either way. I get lots of generic brands at the grocery, I shop a lot at target and tjmaxx. It's just not that big of deal if it's really pottery barn, or the look-a-like or if it's chanel or china town. HOWEVER, put me in an office max or send me to buy school supplies and stationary and this is a whole other matter. I refuse to buy any other marker or crayon other than Crayola...Rose Art just gives me a headache. And I only buy Sharpie or Pilot pens. Snobby? probably, but I'm ok with it. I've always been one to spend more money on writing utencils and organizational items then any shirt, purse, or CD. Nerdy I'm sure...but its just how I roll.

I got markers one time for my birthday...best gift ever. Another Christmas a friend gave me scented glitter pens and fun stationary...still using both! What is wrong with me?! apparently I love to doodle with high quality pens and enjoy watching people get their throats cut while pretty music is being sung. good grief!

There's a whole in the world like a great black pit...

Last night I heard the amazing music of Sweeney Todd for the second time! I LOVE IT! but the funny thing is, I can't even watch all of it. The first time I saw it I didn't really know what I was getting in to. I LOVE musicals and so of course I wanted to see it. However, I closed my eyes everytime the razor got close to a neck. The music is FABULOUS and the acting is really good and so of course I was up to see it again. This time I had told myself that I would watch the whole thing...every scene. Nope...didn't happen. but I still love it and would probably see it a third time. Does that mean I'm wierd? Or that I just really like the music. Probably both.

Anyway, if you can get past all the blood and appreciate it for the acting, music, directing, and over all great film and golden globe winner that it is I really encourage you to see it. Its a great tale of people who love too much verses not loving at all. Interesting sides to the story and a very good show. AND its fun to picture Angela Lansbury playing the role of Mrs. Lovette.

music to my ears

ok, so one night a week (sometimes more b/c I like it) I work at a local gift/home goods/stationary/hallmark store. The month of January is a terribly slow month for us b/c people are done with Christmas and don't want to get too excited about Valentine's Day too early (though we already have all our stuff out...crazy, I know, but I love it).

Last night the weather in Nashville was nasty and windy and rainy. You add bad weather to a slow night anyway and it makes it REALLY slow. To pass time I usually walk through our card aisles getting ideas and reading all the cards. I'm walking down the back aisle and I see a new section. "Seriously?" I think so myself. "No way!" I actually say out loud and burst into laughter.
Dayspring, which is the Christian Expressions line of Hallmark cards, has come out with Christian music song cards. OH YES! And the line up is A-MAZING! You've got some good ole MWS classics: Friends and I will be here for you. Then there is some POG, Twila Paris and 4Him action as well as some contemporaries with Chris Tomlin and Casting Crowns. "My Father's House" by AA is also one of my favorites as well as the fact that they use "Kiss Me" by Sixpence for one of the "love" cards. The cards are $4.99 which in TN makes it $5.45 but it is soooo worth it. Not only is the song choice fabulous but the wording on the cards makes it even better. I think my favorite thus far is the one that says on the front, "What a friend we have in Jesus...what a friend He gave me in you." You open it up to Smitty singing the ENTIRE chorus of Friends are Friends Forever...CLASSIC!

I'm in love...

...with my job! Its taken me some time, some bad jobs, and some self assessment to get to this place, but I can truly say I love my job. I'm so thankful for it.

I by no means consider myself a designer. However, part of my job is to communicate with our designer (the fabulous Charlie Wetherington!) and tell him what to create. It's taken me about a year to feel brave enough to really try out my ideas and push the children's homes to the next level. But, by the grace of God and the baby steps we've taken we are slowly getting there. I'm really excited about the new stuff we are doing for the Mother's Day Offering this year. I got the nerves up to suggest some ideas and they were a big hit. Below you will see our super cool poster and new MDO stickers...who doesn't like stickers?!

seriously though...mad props to my boy Charlie...couldn't do it without him!

whirlwind weekend

here is how you have a weekend o' fun:

STEP ONE: Road with a best friend!

my dear friend anna was gracious enough to accompany me to the ATL this weekend to visit my dad and family. We had some good times together...as always. (seriously, anna gets major kudos for coming with me!)

STEP TWO: spend time with the cutest nephew ever!

Sean, my nephew, is almost 8 months old and is too cute. He loves to crawl and pull up on anything he can!

STEP THREE: watch high quality entertainment with friends!

AMERICAN GLADIATORS is back friends!!! Get excited! ok ok...so the budgets pretty low, the competition is par, but somehow it still manages to be highly entertaining! Wolf is by far my favorite (see Scott's portrayal of him below) but the contender getting stuck at the top of the reverse escalator...did anyone else see this?!?! it was AMAZING! (see Andy's reenactment below). With the help left over Christmas garland (thank you Caitlin) and yummy treats you too can make American Gladiator night a weekly night to remember! I probably heard some of the worst commentary of my life during this show but I laughed harder than have in a long time so it all evened out!

Christmas is all in the heart...

thank you SCC! Though I think it might be true. I'm not quite sure my heart was completely in the Christmas spirit this year...but it happened none the less. Maybe my age...stage...busyness of life...and what not but it made for a very unexciting holiday season this year...maybe that's a good thing though. Either way I really enjoyed the time off, the chance to relax, and spend time with family and friends.

below are pictures of my holiday season...

First, was the comfy cozy christmas party!

Then we celebrated Baby Sean's first Christmas...adorable!

Then it was Dunn Family christmas time...

the closing celebration was IC5 night...rememerable as always!

fake jake

BACKGROUND: This is my friend Jake. I met Jake last year in my hometown of Pineville, LA. Our grandparents are friends and our parents grew up together. He moved up to Nashville at the beginning of year and lived with my parents for a bit. Jake has a way important job managing bands and is SO important that he has two cell phones. One for work, and for his personal life.

THE STORY: Last Friday I was chillin at my A.P.T. watching some Gilmore Girls (I'm about to start season 6...I haven't watched anything else but GG since Thanksgiving!). I get this text message from a phone number not saved in my phone.

Text: Hey, it's Jake. What are you up to?

I instantly assume its my Jake and he's texting me from my work phone.

Response: just chillin at my apt

His response: You didn't have to work today?

My response: duh, half day Fridays. what are you up to?

Half day Fridays are the greatest thing about working for the Lord, by the way

His response: just waiting for some doors to be installed

My response: Doors? well just call me later.

His response: Ok

Well later came by and I didn't hear from Jake so I texted him (I used the number for Jake in my phone) and asked...
My text: Did you get the doors?

Jake: Doors?

My text: yeah, the ones you were talking about earlier

Well a bit later, my phone rings and its the number from the first set of text.
Emily: Hey!
fake Jake: Hey, this is Jake.

IT'S NOT MY JAKE! It's Jake, the new guy that came to my community group the Wednesday before. I try not to laugh. I try to make small talk but in my head I'm thinking, "Why is he texting me in the middle of the day?" and then I think, "Crap! I told him to call me later...that's all he was doing!" Needless to say I end up telling him I thought he was another Jake and apologized. Its a very uneasy feeling to hear a different voice than the one you are expecting.

***if you happened to grow up at FBC I can fill you in on part 2 of the story!

that's it?

a few days ago I was feeling a bit under the weather. I had a big weekend last weekend so I wanted to make sure I would be OK to get everything done I needed to get done. So I went to the walk-in clinic in cool springs I've been going to for the past 4 years.

The nice male nurse took me back to my room and asked me what was wrong. I began to run through your basic "common cold" symptoms....running nose, drainage, soar throat, etc. He asked me if I smoked and I and said, "No."

He left and the nice doctor came in. He asked me what was wrong (which by the way...I always feel like its a test. I just told the nurse and he wrote it down for you to read. And he asks you all this follow up questions...like if you don't answer those right then you aren't really sick...I get so nervous!). I told him the same symptoms and like the nurse he asks, "Are you a smoker?" "No." I replied. He went on to check my throat and nose and breathing and such. Tells me he is going to prescribe me something for the drainage and his final words were, "You're a 25 non-smoker...you should be fine."

That was it. That was my diagnosis. Apparently not smoking is the cure all non-habit!

the sounds of christmas

Last night I heard some amazing music (one of the many reasons why I so enjoy the Christmas season!). Forest Hills Baptist Church had a piano concert. They had 5 grand pianos on stage that were all played at the same time. They had 10 pianist that would rotate out on various songs. There was darn good piano playing going on in that sanctuary. I've always loved the piano and when I hear pieces played as well as they were last night, I'm continually entertained, inspired, and amazed. I knew a few of the pianist and some of the people who arranged the songs so it was extra neat. ...thanks to my friends who came along...I think it was a great night for all!

I also heard LOTS of conversation this weekend. Saturday night I had a Christmas party at my parent's house. It was fantastic! When I began planning and putting the invitation list together I started to stress a little bit as the numbers kept getting bigger and bigger, but it dawned on me...this is what Christmas is about..."families and friends together..." (if I may steal a line from a very beloved FBC Christmas tradition). Though I baked for two days straight and was still getting last minute things out on the table as the first few guests arrived I felt nothing but joy...holiday cheer...friends and family were all there together. It was nice...and fun.

If you've read my blog before you've probably picked up on my love for holidays. Besides the fact that most give me a reason to decorate and host parties I think I love them because they bring people together. Christmas is a time of togetherness, that's why I like it. There is a song in The Muppet's Christmas Carol where the ghost of Christmas present is equating the feeling of love to the spirit of Christmas. One line says, "It is the season of the Spirit. The message if we hear it, is make it last all year." We get so many phone calls about people wanting help during Christmas at the children's home. Our kids our truly blessed this time of year. We always tend to say, "If we only got this many people wanting to help the rest of the year." My prayer for myself this Christmas is to enjoy this season of togetherness, the season of family and friends, this season of joy and hope, this season of celebrating Jesus, and to make it last all year. Maybe each of you will do the same.

Merry Christmas!

it can't be true...tell me it's not true

so last night, I was informing my community group about my Christmas card photo shoot that Bauer and I had this week. (Thanks to Mary Rosenbaum of www.maryrosenbaum.com) The second I said it everyone started laughing. Well...I say everyone...it included two of my good friends and 1 guy I had never met. One of my friends said, "You are becoming a border-line cat lady!" Now...it would take a lot more than that for me to get offended but I certainly began to defend my case that never would ever become a cat lady.

Let's talk about the "Cat Lady":
1. I think you have to be at least 50 to be given this term
2. and you have to have at least 3 cats

3. and your house has to be full of those climby things and fake little mice
4. and you have to have only 3 human friends.

Let's talk about me:

1. I'm 25 and hip and very happenin' (that's right...i'm too cool to have a "g")

2. I HATE cats and will never have one.

3. I have dog toys...but just bones.

4. I have lots of human friends and just happen to live by myself (because I'm a responsible adult) and choose to have a dog...a cool dog...for a pet.

Just because I love to have my picture taken and feel like adding my dog to the picture gives me a better excuse to send out christmas cards does not make me a border-line cat lady...right? right?