engaged

approximately 25 people have asked me if I'm getting an engagement ring this Christmas. Seriously?! It always seems like such a silly question to me. But I suppose that's only natural when you are my age (which according Josh's dad...my clock is ticking...awesome).

And I suppose everyone just always asks about the next step. When I was single people would ask me if I had "Meet anyone interesting lately." (and by people I mean all the ladies who are older than me that I work with at the children's home AND hallmark). Now that I have met someone I consider interesting they have instantly moved on to asking about the wedding....this was the week after I met him, by the way. And I've heard my married friends talk about how everyone always asks them when they are going to have a baby...and if they have a baby, when the next one will come along...and so forth. So I suppose that's just what we nosey people do...but it still surprises me every time.

Just for the record....NO RING this Christmas...at least there better not be.

my utmost

"If you are going to be used by God, He will take you through a number of experiences that are not meant for you personally at all. They are designed to make you useful in His hands, and to enable you to understand what takes place in the lives of others."

Oswald Chambers

the garden

yesterday at church I heard the pastor make this comment about creation and The Garden of Eden:

"Eden wasn't created for a 'happyily ever after' but for worship."

i've got a snake in my boots

So, of the many common traits that my mom and Indiana Jones share...there is one that stands out. The fear of snakes. For as long as I can remember my mom has been petrified of snakes.

Last night I get home and I hear my neighbor say, "Emily, it's Steve, your neighbor, don't be scared," as he is coming up from our basement. Rosie had started barking and mom went to go see what all the fuss was about and saw a snake coiled up at the bottom of the stairs trying to strike at the dogs. So she called Steve and he went down to try and find it...only he couldn't.

So Rosie had all her dreams come true last night and got to sleep upstairs because mom was afriad it would bite her. However, with Rosie being the outside dog that she is, we couldn't keep her inside all day. So this morning I went to the basement one more time to try and find it. There is was, on the wall. (which all night I told my self I was safe b/c snakes couldn't climb stairs...apparently they climb walls, so turns out...wasn't so safe). Mom and I both took our turn hacking it with a hoe. It's dead now. Still a bit nervous though...are there more?

I think it was a common king snake which is not venimous and actually kills other snakes. Either way...I will always kill all snakes.

wizard of oz

I was joking with Josh the other day that my heart was made of stone.

Josh: Oh...maybe you should be like the lion...no wait...who needed the heart?
Emily: Really? (we just saw WICKED)
Josh: Oh wait...I know this. You know how I know this? It's in a Kenny Chesney song.

One of my other favorite things about Josh is how without fail, he will bring song lyrics into EVERY conversation. It's quite a talent. more than likely it's a country song, and most of the time it's a Chesney song. Don't worry...I don't think he has any concert t-shirts, but maybe I'll get him one for Christmas.

Josh: It's the Tin Man (insert singing of country song here) he needed a heart.
Emily: yes.
Josh: The lion had no courage. I don't know what body part that is.
Emily: What about the scarecrow?
Josh: The scarecrow had no skin.

boyfriend

6 weeks ago I went on a date with this boy. His name is Josh and I think he's pretty great. One of the things I think is pretty great about him is his honesty. No matter who you are or how long you have known Josh, he is going to tell you exactly what he is thinking...regardless of its relevance, correctness, or seriousness.

On our second date one of the first things I heard Josh say as he was looking at the pictures on my mantle was: "Oh, your grandparents look nice!" My response: "Those are my parents."

Let's move onto to dinner, on the same date. He proceeds to tell me that the song goes, "Just a spoon full of cinnamon helps the medicine go done..." Really Josh?! Really? A. have you ever seen the movie (which happens to be #1 of all time)? B. have you ever tried to eat a spoonful of cinnamon? b/c it's impossible...ask sarabeth!

How about after dinner when he argued with me that Noah Wylie was in the Notebook. Really Josh?! Like, ER Noah Wylie...he finally admitted his mistake.

A week later he tells me I'm at child bearing age. Really Josh?

Skip ahead a few weeks where I meet his entire family (he is the oldest of 5 children...so it was quite overwhelming). His dad tells me my clocks ticking. score.

so...stay tuned. I have a hunch there will be more to come.

seeing vs. hearing

When I decided to start a blog it wasn't for the sake of keeping people current on the goings on of my life. Though some of posts have provided that...it wasn't the main idea. I decided I would write blogs based on something I heard during the day. Well...I think I might be changing gears with the start of the new year.

Turns out, I really like taking pictures. My job pays to me take have a nice camera and take lots of pictures so I've kind of just picked up the hobby b/c I need to keep a salary but it turns out, I kind of like it. So, I think starting January 1, 2009 I will change my blog to, Today I Saw... The web address will be http://emilylamkin.blogspot.com for those of you interested. I'll probably keep this blog up for documentary purposes and may post to it occasionally, however, the other one will be my main door to the blogging world.

For instance...when I capture something like this, how can I not let the masses of the world see it?!?!

families and friends together

oh the holiday season. it's been an eventful one already.

Thanksgiving started with Bauer knocking my cousin (who is older than me) to the ground, flat on her back, right when they got there. That week also included her husband getting burned in the face with steam from some pots he was trying to unstick that exploded...dented the ceiling, and crashed to the floor. The festivities continued as we took everyone, including my 85 year old grandfather, to the Wildhorse. Thankful for family...and thankful for it all to be over. Onward and upward to the manger I suppose.

Yesterday I heard a friend discribe me as the Jerry Meguire of women. I didn't understand. He was referencing my desire to never be alone. While it's true, I don't require a lot of "emily time" I have certainly grown to appreciate my space over the past year. I will admit to always needing to be busy in the past. But I feel like I have healthy boudries at this point. Anyway, all that to say, one of the main reasons I love Christmas and the holidays is all the togetherness. The parties, the shows, seeing the lights, going to Christmas concerts, parades, etc. What better time to get together and spend time with those you love than celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ!!! AND you get to do it with the flavor of peppermint in everything. BONUS!

Last night I went to my second most favorite thing to do at Christmas, the Hanging of the Green service at FBC. I just love it. When you are a part of something for 12+ years, it just has a way of growing into your heart like few things can. Some people knock tradition and routine, however I think some of that is actually good for the soul. There's a song all the choirs sing at the end together. It's just about the most precious thing ever to watch the little ones in their robes doing their best not to just sit down or make funny faces at their parents. I won't make you read the whole thing...just the chorus:

Families and friends together share a special kind of love and cheer.
Sharing all the joys of Christmas time, the very best time (that strange enchanted time) of year.

now go get your favorite christmas drink and spend time with people you love!

want to hear the most annoying noise?!

If you ever met my dog, you've more than likely been introduced to his ability to make what I think is possibly the worst noise ever. Somewhere between a howl and whine it's really awful and high pitched and just completely unnecessary most of the time if you ask me. Despite this flaw he can be pretty funny at times. Here are some of those times I captured the other day.



updates from my crazy thanksgiving to come soon.

fall "play" list

Fall (labor day-thanksgiving) Play List:

1. Chips and Salsa party - a given

2. State Fair - LOVED IT! highlight: diving pigs

3. 5K - maybe the least "fun" activity, but for a good cause, and our health appreciated the effort

4. Apple Orchard - fun, cheap, "green"

5. Mary Poppins - it all started with a discussion about my favorite song ever, you can read this post to learn more and understand why I was sad to learn that my best friends fast forward through this part. thus, we had to watch the ENTIRE thing.

6. Pumpkinfest 2008 - Downtown Franklin is just about the cutest thing in Nashville, especially during holidays. It's the closest thing to Stars Hollow that we have.

7. 80's Party - Halloween was like, totally awesome this year!

8. Dinner Party - sometimes it just fun to get dressed up and eat a nice dinner with friends.

9. Bonefish - bang bang shrimp...enough said.

10. Atlanta - shopping, friends, and family make for a great road trip to conclude the season!


thank you so much to all of those who participated in any of the various play events. you certainly helped make this a fabulously fun filled fall! looking forward to the winter list (except for all the goodbye cait parties it will include...)

below are other fun fall highlights that contributed to the extreme fun had, though they were not necessarily on the list:

the lake - thank you platts for hosting such a wonderful get away weekend!

lele and eric's wedding shower

anna and noah's wedding shower

thanksgiving dinner with friends - thank you to haley, lindsay, and sarah for hosting this always fun and festive and dinner

fire pit party - testing out allison's new fire pit...I think it works

trunktacular
me being santa
Marissa's wedding

and they're like...it's better than your's

Hopefully by now you have all been able to experience the greatness that is the Chickfila Milkshake at least once in your life. Though a bit pricey and completely unfinishable (unless you are Scott who can finish his and yours) I really think they are some of the best.

Well....two weeks ago I heard that they are introducing a Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake for the holidays!!! (granted I love the holidays as a whole...but peppermint flavors galore are at the top of my list for loving the Christmas season) I got so excited I immediately went to go get one...bummer. they didn't have it. still had that crappy coffee something. BUT as of yesterday they should be in stores!!! WOO HOO!!!! Happy Peppermint Milkshake Day!!! I'm going there for lunch today solely for this purpose. you should probably all do the same!

EDIT: I did indeed have one at lunch yesterday and it was fabulously delicious!!! I will say that I can only finish about half of it...so if you go, bring along a friend to share it with!

I'll vote for that

Today I heard, from my friend Jessica, that if you go into Ben and Jerry's on election day with your "I voted" sticker (which I am proudly sporting today!) you get a free scoop of ice cream. Hello folks?! I'm not even going to go into all the other reasons you should vote, this one takes the cake...or the ice cream! happy voting!

just because I think he's awesome

cait

Today I heard that my friend, confidant, fan of donkeys, lover of pei wei, partner to Tim Gunn, supporter of all things awesome, and co-founder of the seasons list CAITLIN PALM joined the blog-o-sphere. HOORAY!!!

I think most of you know this little treasure or at least remember her from days gone by. I'm here to say that she is terrific. Funny, creative, bargain shopper, smart, and faithful Caitlin brings joy to the masses on a fairly constant basis. The bummer is she's leaving the country in a few months...for a few months...to help the poor in Romania. Heart of gold this gal.


So, add her to your RSS feeds, google reader, daily "bored at work" list of websites...whatever you have AND prayer lists. Though a bit uneasy about the whole thing, she promises to update often.

Holla atcha boy, see ya later decorator, I miss oshun.
em

no better place

Trust. It's a constant battle for me. Ultimately I know it's OK to do it, but I'm far from being great at it. The Lord has made it a pretty clear theme in my life lately and so I'm doing my best to act on His call.

Monday morning I heard my boss and president of TBCH talk about stewardship...particularly as it pertains to this ministry (the Children's Homes) and the local church. (For you Baptists out there: When you give money to your church, you give money to the Children's Home in your state. I won't get started on a lesson about the cooperative program, just know that I support tithing!) He went on to talk about our new budget and the steps of faith we as a ministry are taking. Times are hard for everyone, even the Children's Home. We are now in a place where we are completely trusting on the Lord's provision when it comes to funds. It's never a good thing when your boss is telling you we are all out of money, but in this case, it seems to be. Though the future is uncertain God's provision for His ministry and His children is far from it. I felt my faith spring into action as he boldly said, "We've been trusting our savings account for too long. It's time to trust the only person worth trusting. God's provided for 118 years and think it's about time we trust Him to continue to do that." He went on to talk about how there is no place he would rather be than in a position of absolute trust and reliance for the Lord to provide.

Wow. If only I could say the same for my life. I agree with him 100%...no better place than only trusting Him. Do I live like that? no.

Last night in Bible Study we looked at Luke 9 when Jesus is sending out the 12. He is instructing them and empowering them. Here is what He says:

1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3He told them: "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." 6So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.

You want to talk about a position of absolute trust. No money? no extra clothes? No food? For a person who likes to be in control and likes to pack with options this seemed like a lot to ask. I can see how He wanted them to have nothing but Him.

Reading this made me think about my friend Caitlin (soon-to-be blogger, get excited). She's going to Romania for 4 months to work with people in poverty. Besides various restrictions on make up, hair dryers, etc. she's been asked to only bring 3 pairs of pants...for 4 months ...and that's a with a season change. Though I'm not sure this is as much a matter of trust but about relating to those she is working with...it still hit me all the same.

When God sends us out (which I believe He does daily) He wants complete trust. Trust regarding money, food, clothes, the future, you name it. There's no better place. Now I just have to get there.

officially an adult

I once had a conversation with a friend where we tried to figure the exact moment that someone becomes and adult (I may have blogged about this before...but I can't remember). It seemed like turning 18 wasn't really it...nor necessarily 21. Was it moving out from your parent's house? Buying a home? Living by yourself? Graduating from college? Paying your first utility bill? Landing your first "real" job? So many factors for each of these.

I'm not sure we ever came to a conclusion. As I get older and the more "adult" I become I think I would land on the answer that it's more a process and a culmination of various events than just one in particular...cop out, I know. Now that I have lived by myself for awhile, owned a pet, paid my bills, graduated college, for a few years I'm pretty certain I am indeed an adult. If I wasn't certain, today confirmed it.

Today, I heard my HR person at work knock on my cubicle, "Hey! Since you've been here 3 years we will now start putting money into your retirement fund..." First of all...I've been at TBCH for 3 years?!?! That just seems crazy. Secondly, retirement?! even more crazy but also equally awesome! If I wasn't before I'm pretty now I'm officially an adult.

a birthday KISS

Last night I show up at the Loveless (a historical Nashville Restaurant) for my friend Whit's birthday. Upon arriving we quickly found out that Gene Simmons (of KISS) was not only at the Loveless as well but sitting behind us! Our sweet, though mathematically challenged waitress, told us he is filming some sort of show.


Come to find out, he was filming an episode of GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS that is starting it's 3rd season on A&E (who knew?!).

After celebrating and filling our stomach's with the deliciousness of the Loveless we walked outside just as they were getting ready to film another portion of episode (the country jam session around the fire pit portion). We were told to fill in a gap and join in the party. Those who know me well know that I never turn down an opportunity to be in front of the camera. So we all stood there clapping, singing, and doing our best to get on camera for about 20 minutes. Afterwards we signed a release form and then took pictures with Gene. So, check in with Gene and his fam on A&E and you just might see some familiar faces!


What a great birthday Whit!

johnny and june

Last week I hear Heidi Newfield's (formerly of Trick Pony) new single Johnny and June.

It's such a sweet song. I listen to a good deal of country music. I like Johnny Cash. I think the lyrics are just so sweet. I'm not typically one to recommend music (if you've seen my CD collection, you are grateful for this). However, I really like this song and I hope it comes on every time I'm in the car! If I bought Cd's or music on iTunes I would totally buy this one!

one, or two? three better than four?

Today I heard the eye doctor tell me that my eyes are healthy, they just need some help. I think that's the nicest way anyone has ever told me I have horrible vision.

This appointment has been about 3 years over-due and my contacts just weren't doing the trick these days (ask anyone who has ridden with me after 8:00pm and they will confirm this to be true). I realize that out of the all the doctors the eye doctor should be the less threatening. No needles, no gagging, etc. However, I get really nervous about the eye doctor. Particularly when they are figuring out your prescription.

The light goes out. The letters are blurry on the wall in front of you and it begins....

DR: "Better with 1 ...or 2?"
em: 1
DR: "how about 3...or 4?"
em: ummm, 4
DR: "Now with 5 or 6?"
em: "oh, um 5"

...for some reason I feel like there is an actual right or wrong answer. like the doc is trying to trick me or something and I'm terrified I'm going to mess up my contact order. Am I alone in this fear?

keep 'em coming

Hershey Kisses must be bored with the plain old normal milk chocolate ones with the occasional almond. I'm not complaining...but they are coming out with new flavors left AND right...

you had the hugs, and then the peanut butter, then there was mint, Cheesecake has by far been my favorite...and now they have the latest and seasonally appropriate flavor....

PUMPKIN SPICE

I'm not the world's biggest pumplin flavor fan but I have tried these and they aren't bad.

happy harvest!

em

EDIT: my boss just gave my $20 to make sure these stay in stock at my desk. apparently they are pretty good!