Monday Medley

• Last week my husband and I received an updated copy of our house plans. The house was exactly as we wanted it, down to the smallest detail, only it was a mirror image of the house we had discussed. We asked about this change and were told that due to the slope of our lot, the house had to be flipped. Well, I'm what you could call "particular" so this little situation is throwing me for a loop. I was picturing our house one way and now I have to change my whole way of thinking. At first I was upset (I realize it shouldn't make a difference), but now I'm just concerned. I don't think I have the brain power to redo my visions!
• "The Kite Runner" left me speechless. I can't even begin to describe how amazing I found this novel to be. I can't remember the last time I read something so beautiful, so heartbreaking and moving. I watched the movie over the weekend and while I knew going into it that it wouldn't, and couldn't, do the novel justice, I was still disappointed. Apparently there was a tiny bit of hope lingering in the back of my heart. There was no way the true beauty of this story could have been expressed on film, but I think they did their best.
• In other books news, I'm about halfway through "Nickel and Dimed" and I'm not sure I can continue. I hit a page in which the author lost my respect and I don't think I can take the rest of the book seriously. I'm trying to tell myself that this small detail doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of the book, but it's been difficult. I hate not finishing books, so perhaps I will mull over my situation for a day or two and read something else in the meantime.
• I had a dentist appointment this morning and while I could list dozens and dozens of reason why I hate these visits, I will focus on just one from that list. Assumptions. My dentist informed me today that I should think about having a crown put on in the near future. He told me the sooner the better since they've noticed that when women have children, they don't make it in as often because of their busy schedules. I never told my dentist I was planning on having children. Why is it that people equate marriage with children? Just because you marry does not mean you want kids. My husband and I want kids, but there are plenty of couples that do not want children or cannot have children. How did my dentist know that I didn't fall into either of those categories? I hate assumptions. Plus, the topic of having a family is quite personal and should be left out of chit-chat at the dentist office.

Friday Finds

July 7th is Chocolate Day. (Or if you're me, then chocolate day is every day). July 15th is Gummy Worm Day. July 20th is Lollipop Day.

The National Confectioners Association decided to make life even more fun than it already is and developed Candy Holidays. You can find a list of the year's events here.

I don't know about you, but these are definitely holidays I will not miss. Time to start preparing for July 7th!

For more Friday Finds, visit Amber at Viva Voce.

Monday Ride

Every Monday my dad rides with a local motorcycle group. This group rides out to small town, eats dinner and visits, then rides back. While I think motorcycles are dangerous, I do enjoy riding on them so I joined my dad for the evening.

Other than feeling like a bobble-head for the first half of the trip, the ride was wonderful. I completely understand the appeal of motorcycles; it's just you and the open road, surrounded by the sights and smells of mother nature. It's hard not to feel inspired. I was so inspired for 30 seconds that I thought it might be great fun to live out in the middle of nowhere, among the green rolling hills and the peaceful quiet. Then I came back to my senses, had a panic attack, and realized that I am a city girl and will always be. I could never live that secluded. It was a nice thought, though.

My favorite part of the evening was being able to do something with my dad that he loves. He, too, is an inspiration. May everyone find something they're as passionate about as my father is about riding.

Greatest Place Around

Every time I visit the library, I get a little giddy. I want to run up and down the aisles and scream "isn't this the greatest place around?" The excitement of having so many books in one area is enough to make me a little crazy. It amazes me to think of all the words that are in one building and I, for no charge, can read any of them.

I remained in control during my visit to the library yesterday, but that is only because my mode of transportation was a bike and my backpack could only hold so much. I got three books, two on my list to read ("The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini and "Nickel and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich) and one 'just because' book ("Oh My Stars" by Lorna Landvik). Now all I have to do is figure out which book to start first!

What are you reading?

First Day of Summer

I learned last night that I will not be making it big with my croquet skills. Another lifelong dream shattered.

My husband and I celebrated the first official day of summer with the parents and a few games of croquet. The first game was played as individuals and I'm happy to report that I did not finish last. Second to last, but not last. I'm blaming it on the length of the grass. Had the lawn met official standards, I have no doubt that I would have been unstoppable. Being behind (WAY behind) did have it's pros, however. I learned I could hold my mallet with my feet. I may be able to make it big with this trick. Can anyone say "America's Got Talent?" Watch for me!

The next two games were played as couples and I have to admit that I think I may have chosen the wrong husband for a lifetime of this game. We definitely have a few things to learn about playing together on a team. We came in last both games (I'll take the fall for the first game, but I brought my A-game the second round and my husband was nothing short of a disaster) and now we don't get to display the trophy at our house. I see counseling in our future.

Friday Finds

I bought this book for my husband (then boyfriend) a few years ago. It's a book of questions about you, your significant other, and the relationship the two of you have. It's a lot of fun to fill out and interesting to look back at a few years later.

For more Friday Finds, visit Amber at Viva Voce.

Summer Skies

We had severe thunderstorms and even a few tornados in the area last night. Beautiful skies remained after everything passed through.

One Week Down

I recently read an article that stated a woman's daily caloric needs can increase by up to 200 calories the week before her period due to hormonal changes. What can I use for an excuse the other three weeks of the month?

Summer is Here

I've complained quite a bit about the weather this winter and spring so I thought I would turn things around and report on the nice weather we've had the past few days.

It's finally starting to feel like summer here. Today was sunny and 80 degrees with just a light breeze. I spent the afternoon out on the deck reading (and working on a sunburn) and this evening my husband and I enjoyed a bike ride on one of the city's beautiful trails. It's days like this that remind me why I put up with the cold and snow.

I hope everyone had a wonderful day and is able to enjoy some nice weather this evening.

Lot #17

While there is nothing but dirt and weeds to look at right now, this plot of land manages to fill me with an excitement and happiness that I've never known before.

This is Lot #17, my future. This is where I will pay my first mortgage payment, paint my first wall, and learn how to use a dishwasher. This is where I will play with pets, raise children, and grow old with my better half.

This is where I'll call home. I can hardly wait.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there! I hope you had a wonderful day!

365 Days

My blog is 1-year old today! Despite the hesitation at starting a blog in the first place and the frustration I felt when struggling with my thoughts and words, I'm so very happy that I have this little piece of the online world. It's exciting to have the past year documented, good and bad, exciting and boring. I've had a lot of fun with this blog and I look forward to the next 365 days. Thanks to all of you who visit!

Friday Finds

Check out Young Me - Now Me, a website in which people post photos of themselves as children and then as adults copying the old photo. They strike the same poses, use the same props, and wear similar clothing as they did when youngsters. There are some very funny submissions.

Fore more Friday Finds, visit Amber at Viva Voce.

Mowing for the County

This morning I took a little road trip out to my new school to get the textbooks and other resources for my future classes. The material I'm heading into is actually going to involve some thinking on my part (gasp!), so lesson plans will actually take more than ten minutes (boo!). Needless to say, I wanted to get a jump start on things. I figured I'd try something new and be a productive person over the summer. Kudos to all of you who work year round!

Sixty miles later and a quarter tank less gas, I am no further along in getting ready for next year than I was this morning. The superintendent, who told me I could stop out any time, was obviously not ready for my visit. Not only did he not know which resources to give me, but he couldn't even locate some of the books I needed. He tried contacting the former math teacher, but apparently that gentleman was out "mowing for the county." Sounds like a great way to spend retirement! I don't think I will be going that route when I retire - only because I'm allergic to grass. Otherwise, I'd be all over that.

So, after having myself a couple of venting sessions, a 'Georgia Mud Fudge' Blizzard from Dairy Queen, and making my own phone call to the math teacher (I hope I left a message at the correct number!), I'm feeling much better. Hopefully things get worked out soon - I have to work with those productive vibes whenever I get them!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

While I enjoy curling up with a good book on rainy days and I'm always thrilled to witness the energy of a thunderstorm, a week and a half with no sun (or warmth) is just too long. The rain can take a break at any time, I won't mind.

What do you do to cure your rainy day blues?

27

I turned 27 a week ago today. While it wasn't surprising - 27 does come after 26, after all - it is still hard to believe I'm this age already. I remember thinking when I was young that those in their late 20s seemed so grown-up and sophisticated. I do not think I could be classified as either. Maybe that's what happens when you turn 28. We'll see. (Don't hold your breath.)

While things are definitely different than I ever thought they'd be when I turned 27, I'm enjoying the path life has taken me down. I'm happier than I've ever been and look forward to what the next year has to bring.

Moving Day!

Yesterday's move was a success!