71. I wrote for my high school’s newspaper, and loved it.
72. I don’t really care too much about politics, and usually vote for the person who is cutest, has the best outfits, etc.
73. I love remembering great times gone by with friends and family.
74. I also love to look towards the future.
75. I have trouble living fully in the “now.”
76. I love cookbooks! I have gobs of them, but hardly cook from them.
77. I get most of my food ideas from food blogs (my favorite? Smitten Kitchen)
78. I’m trying really hard to not be one of those people who peaked in high school.
79. Magazines I subscribe to: Real Simple, Everyday Food, Entertainment Weekly
80. I hate folding laundry.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
100 Things - Part Seven
61. I have gobs of earrings, but usually only wear hoops.
62. I have a cross necklace my parents got me for my high school graduation that I still wear almost every day.
63. I love music! Everything from classic rock to eighties pop to classical to Christian…I even like a little country!
64. I have an almost uncanny knack for identifying thumb-suckers. There’s something about the way a person’s mouth is shaped that tells me if they sucked their thumb a lot as a child. Maybe it’s my superpower.
65. I’m pretty good at pop-culture trivia…especially music, TV and movies.
66. I’m jealous of all the gals who went to BlogHer, but feel like I would never be part of the “cool club” that is expected to show up!
67. I wish I could get a job daydreaming…I think I’d be really great at it.
68. I have been married for 6 years, and have had at least 6 different bedding ensembles. I’m currently shopping for another set…
69. Shows that I record on my DV-R: American Gladiators, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, House, Top Chef, Shear Genius, The Office, My Name is Earl, Pushing Daisies, Heroes, What Not to Wear, Good Eats, The Soup, House Hunters, My Boys and The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
70. It drives me crazy when people say “supposobly.”
62. I have a cross necklace my parents got me for my high school graduation that I still wear almost every day.
63. I love music! Everything from classic rock to eighties pop to classical to Christian…I even like a little country!
64. I have an almost uncanny knack for identifying thumb-suckers. There’s something about the way a person’s mouth is shaped that tells me if they sucked their thumb a lot as a child. Maybe it’s my superpower.
65. I’m pretty good at pop-culture trivia…especially music, TV and movies.
66. I’m jealous of all the gals who went to BlogHer, but feel like I would never be part of the “cool club” that is expected to show up!
67. I wish I could get a job daydreaming…I think I’d be really great at it.
68. I have been married for 6 years, and have had at least 6 different bedding ensembles. I’m currently shopping for another set…
69. Shows that I record on my DV-R: American Gladiators, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, House, Top Chef, Shear Genius, The Office, My Name is Earl, Pushing Daisies, Heroes, What Not to Wear, Good Eats, The Soup, House Hunters, My Boys and The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
70. It drives me crazy when people say “supposobly.”
Friday, August 29, 2008
100 Random Things...
A lot of people on Facebook are posting the "25 Random Things" note. I hate to disappoint my friends and not jump in when they've tagged me in their notes, but I've already done a list of 100 Random Things! I originally posted this list of 100 things in ten separate blog posts, so I have compiled the list here in one post to make it easier for any friends who might want to come over and read it. Here we go...
1. I have 5 beauty marks on my left ankle that form the shape of a cross.
2. I have two tattoos, and am thinking of getting another when I turn 30.
3. I hate talking on the telephone. I would much rather e-mail.
4. My all-time, Top 5 favorite movies are: West Side Story, Dirty Dancing, High Fidelity, Beauty and the Beast and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
5. I am the wife of a United Methodist pastor. This fact surprises no one more than it surprises me.
6. I love to cook, sing, craft, write, design, etc., but am not outstanding in any of these areas. I am a jack of all trades, but a master of none.
7. I know each of my 258 Facebook friends in real life, but I still often feel very, VERY lonely.
8. I have known my husband, Matt, since I was 7 years old.
9. We dated twice in high school, and I broke up with him both times. (I think I’ve made it up to him by now though…)
10. I have a half-sister who is ten years older than me. I didn’t meet her until I was almost 16. We keep in touch, but are merely casual friends at this point.
11. Twins run in my family, but I am having trouble conceiving.
12. For almost 15 years, my toenails have not been naked for more than 10 minutes or so between color changes. I only just recently wore them naked for almost an entire day, and felt like I was walking around with no shirt on.
13. I rarely make my bed.
14. I have two cats named after characters on Arrested Development – Buster and Lucille.
15. Because of the gracious nature of my husband, I rarely have to clean the litter box.
16. I also rarely have to take out the trash.
17. Or do dishes.
18. And he kills bugs without complaining.
19. Also – he cleans up the mess when the kitties hack up hairballs.
20. I have an awesome husband!
21. I cuss like a sailor sometimes…but I’m trying to get better!
22. I love to get the mail. I live for days when I receive things that aren’t bills or junk!
23. I have a serious crush on Jim Halpert from The Office.
24. I wear a size 12 shoe. I love shoe shopping, but rarely am able to find shoes in my size.
25. I have only seriously dated three guys in my life, and that’s two too many!
26. I drive 18 miles to get to my office, and hate every mile of it. I wish I could work from home!
27. I used to think I was a really interesting person, but as I age I meet lots of people who make me feel otherwise.
28. I have lived in three states: Indiana, Alabama and Kentucky. I feel most at home in Indiana, but sometimes wish for the other two as well.
29. I think I was a southerner in my former life. I love to drink sweet tea and eat fried pickles, collard greens and cornbread.
30. I love to read, but sometimes go through phases where I don’t read at all. At any given time, I could have up to three books on my nightstand that I am trying to get through. Right now I’m reading Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl’s Guide to Why if Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Who Do They All Live Next Door to Me? by Jen Lancaster. I have an eclectic taste, no?
31. I don’t really eat ice cream a lot, but you can always find at least two different flavors of ice cream in my freezer. In Kentucky our friend MK would sometimes come over and head straight to the freezer, so I think I keep it stocked just in case she pops by (you know…all the way from Texas).
32. I love to do my hair and makeup, but rarely feel like doing it in the morning before work.
33. If you say something that could in any way be construed as dirty, I laugh like a teenager in my head.
34. I don’t floss as much as I should, even though I know and realize the benefits of doing so.
35. I sometimes miss my maiden name: Kermeen
36. I have been using Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers since I was a kid, and I still love it to this day! My favorite flavors, peppermint and apple, have disappeared, but I still love strawberry, tropical punch, kiwi, pink lemonade and (most of all) Dr. Pepper. Starfruit and orange pop are great too, but hard to find.
37. That being said, I DO NOT use any of the sparkly Lip Smackers.
38. And I do use other lip items – I have more lip gloss, lip stick, lip spackle than anyone else I know.
39. My bedroom is a mess! I have stuff all over my dresser, books and magazines on the floor, cat fur everywhere, etc. Don’t even get me started on my piles of clothes and shoes…
40. Speaking of shoes, there are always at least three pairs of shoes kicked off under the coffee table in our living room. They’re usually mine, but Matt often has a pair or two there as well.
41. I am quickly falling in love with The Container Store…
42. I count things in fives. If I tap one finger, I have to tap it five times. Then (in an effort to not leave anyone out) I tap the remaining four fingers five times. If I accidentally tap one six times instead of five, I go ahead and tap four more times to bring it to ten, then tap the other fingers enough times to bring them to ten as well. I used to count my steps in groups of five when I was younger, but then marching band happened, and threw me off my game.
43. I’m not as neurotic as #42 makes me seem.
44. I played flute through middle and high school, and even played a little in college too. Marching band, symphonic band, jazz band, orchestra, musicals, pep band…you name it, I did it, and loved every minute of it.
45. I have hardly touched my flute since Matt and I got engaged. I don’t know why, but I lost the desire for some reason. Maybe I’ll pick it back up someday, but I think I’m okay if I don’t.
46. I love to sing, but I’m not that great at it. If I had my way, I would be the Christian version of Bonnie Raitt. Is anyone else out there in agreement that Christian music needs more blues?
47. I will eat anything once. (Just ask my friends from SIFAT. We experienced lots of weird food together – pork brains, gopher, rabbit, etc.)
48. I really hate the Times New Roman font…
49. I love shopping at Trader Joe’s. Not only do they have fun food to buy at great prices, I also feel about 25% cooler when I walk in the door. Don’t ask – I know it’s stupid.
50. I have had a hard time coming up with 50 things. I can’t imagine how long it will take me to finish this list!
51. I use two Q-Tips every day when I get out of the shower. I use one whole swab to clean each ear: one end for inside, and one end for outside.
52. I ONLY use Q-Tips…no other cotton swab will do.
53. I am a ranch dressing snob. I will only buy Hidden Valley…no other ranch will do.
54. I’m also picky about my Caesar dressings. My favorite is Cardini’s (but not the lite…that sucks).
55. I love talking about cooking and food. I really like bringing interesting food to gatherings where I know people will ask me what the dish is. Sometimes this blows up in my face though. (For the 50th time, it’s not rice Grandma…it’s COUSCOUS!)
56. As much as I love to cook, I really don’t do well with baking. I think it’s because I don’t really like to measure things…that’s baking suicide!
57. I spend a lot of time at work taking care of personal business.
58. I clench my teeth when I sleep…so much so that I have broken parts of teeth off in my sleep, and not even known it. I have to sleep with a sexy little Mouth Guard to keep me from breaking more.
59. I have a closet full of clothes, and nothing to wear.
60. I love to buy purses and shoes. It seems like no matter how much weight I gain or lose, purses and shoes always fit.
61. I have gobs of earrings, but usually only wear hoops.
62. I have a cross necklace my parents got me for my high school graduation that I still wear almost every day.
63. I love music! Everything from classic rock to eighties pop to classical to Christian…I even like a little country!
64. I have an almost uncanny knack for identifying thumb-suckers. There’s something about the way a person’s mouth is shaped that tells me if they sucked their thumb a lot as a child. Maybe it’s my superpower.
65. I’m pretty good at pop-culture trivia…especially music, TV and movies.
66. I’m jealous of all the gals who went to BlogHer, but feel like I would never be part of the “cool club” that is expected to show up!
67. I wish I could get a job daydreaming…I think I’d be really great at it.
68. I have been married for 6 years, and have had at least 6 different bedding ensembles. I’m currently shopping for another set…
69. Shows that I record on my DV-R: American Gladiators, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, House, Top Chef, Shear Genius, The Office, My Name is Earl, Pushing Daisies, Heroes, What Not to Wear, Good Eats, The Soup, House Hunters, My Boys and The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
70. It drives me crazy when people say “supposobly.”
71. I wrote for my high school’s newspaper, and loved it.
72. I don’t really care too much about politics, and usually vote for the person who is cutest, has the best outfits, etc.
73. I love remembering great times gone by with friends and family.
74. I also love to look towards the future.
75. I have trouble living fully in the “now.”
76. I love cookbooks! I have gobs of them, but hardly cook from them.
77. I get most of my food ideas from food blogs (my favorite? Smitten Kitchen)
78. I’m trying really hard to not be one of those people who peaked in high school.
79. Magazines I subscribe to: Real Simple, Everyday Food, Entertainment Weekly
80. I hate folding laundry.
81. I always think that it would be really great to open a little café/restaurant. I would have a little bookstore area, plenty of comfy seating for people to read and eat and meet. I would even have cooking classes sometimes. I get so excited thinking about it, but then poop out from exhaustion just thinking about all the work I’d have to do.
82. I think I’d be a great graphic designer, but really don’t want to spend the time and money going to art school.
83. I wish I was in better shape, but have trouble motivating myself to work out and eat better.
84. I think I have issues with discipline.
85. My husband and I have the same wedding band. Mine is a man’s ring, but it looks just fine on my huge hands.
86. I don’t iron. If something is wrinkly, I just throw it in the dryer.
87. I chew gum like it’s my job.
88. I love to drink tea. Hot tea, iced tea, black tea, green tea – I love it all. My all time favorite tea is Bigelow’s Constant Comment. It always reminds me of my mother.
89. My favorite flower is the gerber daisy. I also love calla lilies, morning glories, tulips and irises.
90. I hoard pens. It’s shameful, really. I love them!
91. Since I was a child, I have wanted to be no less than fifty things when I grow up. Doctor, astronaut, teacher, musician, graphic designer, journalist…the list goes on and on. As I near that “grown up” stage, I realize that what I want to be most in my life are these three things: 1) A woman of faith, 2) A wife and 3) A mother.
92. My parents have been married for 34 years. Their marriage hasn’t always been great, but they love each other. I’m proud that they have stuck together through (most of) the hard times.
93. I am the oldest of three children. My sister, Kelly, is three years younger than me. My brother, Robert, is 6 years younger. We grew up fighting hard, playing harder and loving each other most of all. (I do have an older half-sister, but we haven’t known each other for very long.)
94. I have 2 nieces and 1 nephew (and 1 niece on the way). Tayla and Damon are the oldest, and belong to Matt’s sister. She is having another girl later this year, and we can’t wait to meet Clarissa! Kamryn is my sister’s daughter, and she brings more joy to my life than I ever expected her to. (My half-sister has twin girls that are so lovely and sweet. They don’t know that we’re related though. They’re pretty young, and explaining the whole situation would be rough.)
95. I have had trouble keeping in good touch with some of my best friends from my youth. These people were crucial to my life at one point, and I hate that we don’t see each other more. I think it’s my fault, and that makes me sad.
96. I have lots of great ideas, but have trouble seeing them all through. I know that at the end of my life, I will have lots of projects that I never finished.
97. My husband is my best friend, a great lover, a strong man, always patient with me, supportive, too smart for me, and super-handsome! He is opposite from me in so many ways, but perfect for me in every way. I love his gentle smile, and I love the way he looks at me. He makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world (and he might just be love-struck enough to actually think that I am!)
98. All of that being said, it took God smacking me on the side of the head with an epiphany to realize that I needed to marry that man. I was too caught up in myself to really see how much of a gift Matt was. I know – I’m a recovering idiot.
99. I have issues with fear. I fear death, even though I know where I’m going.
100. I believe that God is our creator, our father, our friend, our life. I believe He lives and works and breathes and speaks today – right now. If you don’t know Him, seek Him. He is pursuing us all, and longs to be in relationship with us. That is definitely the most important entry on this long, random list of mine.
100 Things - Part Six
51. I use two Q-Tips every day when I get out of the shower. I use one whole swab to clean each ear: one end for inside, and one end for outside.
52. I ONLY use Q-Tips…no other cotton swab will do.
53. I am a ranch dressing snob. I will only buy Hidden Valley…no other ranch will do.
54. I’m also picky about my Caesar dressings. My favorite is Cardini’s (but not the lite…that sucks).
55. I love talking about cooking and food. I really like bringing interesting food to gatherings where I know people will ask me what the dish is. Sometimes this blows up in my face though. (For the 50th time, it’s not rice Grandma…it’s COUSCOUS!)
56. As much as I love to cook, I really don’t do well with baking. I think it’s because I don’t really like to measure things…that’s baking suicide!
57. I spend a lot of time at work taking care of personal business.
58. I clench my teeth when I sleep…so much so that I have broken parts of teeth off in my sleep, and not even known it. I have to sleep with a sexy little Mouth Guard to keep me from breaking more.
59. I have a closet full of clothes, and nothing to wear.
60. I love to buy purses and shoes. It seems like no matter how much weight I gain or lose, purses and shoes always fit.
52. I ONLY use Q-Tips…no other cotton swab will do.
53. I am a ranch dressing snob. I will only buy Hidden Valley…no other ranch will do.
54. I’m also picky about my Caesar dressings. My favorite is Cardini’s (but not the lite…that sucks).
55. I love talking about cooking and food. I really like bringing interesting food to gatherings where I know people will ask me what the dish is. Sometimes this blows up in my face though. (For the 50th time, it’s not rice Grandma…it’s COUSCOUS!)
56. As much as I love to cook, I really don’t do well with baking. I think it’s because I don’t really like to measure things…that’s baking suicide!
57. I spend a lot of time at work taking care of personal business.
58. I clench my teeth when I sleep…so much so that I have broken parts of teeth off in my sleep, and not even known it. I have to sleep with a sexy little Mouth Guard to keep me from breaking more.
59. I have a closet full of clothes, and nothing to wear.
60. I love to buy purses and shoes. It seems like no matter how much weight I gain or lose, purses and shoes always fit.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
100 Things - Part Cinco
Trudging along down this 100 Things road...
41. I am quickly falling in love with The Container Store…
42. I count things in fives. If I tap one finger, I have to tap it five times. Then (in an effort to not leave anyone out) I tap the remaining four fingers five times. If I accidentally tap one six times instead of five, I go ahead and tap four more times to bring it to ten, then tap the other fingers enough times to bring them to ten as well. I used to count my steps in groups of five when I was younger, but then marching band happened, and threw me off my game.
43. I’m not as neurotic as #42 makes me seem.
44. I played flute through middle and high school, and even played a little in college too. Marching band, symphonic band, jazz band, orchestra, musicals, pep band…you name it, I did it, and loved every minute of it.
45. I have hardly touched my flute since Matt and I got engaged. I don’t know why, but I lost the desire for some reason. Maybe I’ll pick it back up someday, but I think I’m okay if I don’t.
46. I love to sing, but I’m not that great at it. If I had my way, I would be the Christian version of Bonnie Raitt. Is anyone else out there in agreement that Christian music needs more blues music?
47. I will eat anything once. (Just ask my friends from SIFAT. We experienced lots of weird food together – pork brains, gopher, rabbit, etc.)
48. I really hate the Times New Roman font…
49. I love shopping at Trader Joe’s. Not only do they have fun food to buy at great prices, I also feel about 25% cooler when I walk in the door. Don’t ask – I know it’s stupid.
50. I have had a hard time coming up with 50 things. I can’t imagine how long it will take me to finish this list!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Three Years...
Three years ago today, my little sister transitioned beautifully from a Miss to a Mrs. From the moment we met him, we all were convinced that he was the one for her, and the look on his face as she walked down that aisle made it obvious to all that he was convinced of it too.
I love you Kelly & Brandon. Happy Anniversary!
100 Things - Part FORE!
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Let the fun continue!
100 Things About Katie
Part Two
Part Three
Let the fun continue!
100 Things About Katie
1. I don’t really eat ice cream a lot, but you can always find at least two different flavors of ice cream in my freezer. In Kentucky our friend MK would sometimes come over and head straight to the freezer, so I think I keep it stocked just in case she pops by (you know…all the way from Texas).
2. I love to do my hair and makeup, but rarely feel like doing it in the morning before work.
3. If you say something that could in any way be construed as dirty, I laugh like a teenager in my head.
4. I don’t floss as much as I should, even though I know and realize the benefits of doing so.
5. I sometimes miss my maiden name: Kermeen
6. I have been using Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers since I was a kid, and I still love it to this day! My favorite flavors, peppermint and apple, have disappeared, but I still love strawberry, tropical punch, kiwi, pink lemonade and (most of all) Dr. Pepper. Starfruit and orange pop are great too, but hard to find.
7. That being said, I DO NOT use any of the sparkly Lip Smackers.
8. And I do use other lip items – I have more lip gloss, lip stick, lip spackle than anyone else I know.
9. My bedroom is a mess! I have stuff all over my dresser, books and magazines on the floor, cat fur everywhere, etc. Don’t even get me started on my piles of clothes and shoes…
10. Speaking of shoes, there are always at least three pairs of shoes kicked off under the coffee table in our living room. They’re usually mine, but Matt often has a pair or two there as well.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
100 Things - Part Three
Part One
Part Two
Keep reading for more randomness!
100 Things About Katie - Part Three
21. I cuss like a sailor sometimes…but I’m trying to get better!
22. I love to get the mail. I live for days when I receive things that aren’t bills or junk!
23. I have a serious crush on Jim Halpert from The Office.
24. I wear a size 12 shoe. I love shoe shopping, but rarely am able to find shoes in my size.
25. I have only seriously dated three guys in my life, and that’s two too many!
26. I drive 18 miles to get to my office, and hate every mile of it. I wish I could work from home!
27. I used to think I was a really interesting person, but as I age I meet lots of people who make me feel otherwise.
28. I have lived in three states: Indiana, Alabama and Kentucky. I feel most at home in Indiana, but sometimes wish for the other two as well.
29. I think I was a southerner in my former life. I love to drink sweet tea and eat fried pickles, collard greens and cornbread.
30. I love to read, but sometimes go through phases where I don’t read at all. At any given time, I could have up to three books on my nightstand that I am trying to get through. Right now I’m reading Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl’s Guide to Why if Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Who Do They All Live Next Door to Me? by Jen Lancaster. I have an eclectic taste, no?
Part Two
Keep reading for more randomness!
100 Things About Katie - Part Three
21. I cuss like a sailor sometimes…but I’m trying to get better!
22. I love to get the mail. I live for days when I receive things that aren’t bills or junk!
23. I have a serious crush on Jim Halpert from The Office.
24. I wear a size 12 shoe. I love shoe shopping, but rarely am able to find shoes in my size.
25. I have only seriously dated three guys in my life, and that’s two too many!
26. I drive 18 miles to get to my office, and hate every mile of it. I wish I could work from home!
27. I used to think I was a really interesting person, but as I age I meet lots of people who make me feel otherwise.
28. I have lived in three states: Indiana, Alabama and Kentucky. I feel most at home in Indiana, but sometimes wish for the other two as well.
29. I think I was a southerner in my former life. I love to drink sweet tea and eat fried pickles, collard greens and cornbread.
30. I love to read, but sometimes go through phases where I don’t read at all. At any given time, I could have up to three books on my nightstand that I am trying to get through. Right now I’m reading Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl’s Guide to Why if Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Who Do They All Live Next Door to Me? by Jen Lancaster. I have an eclectic taste, no?
Monday, August 25, 2008
ChaCha
Have you heard of ChaCha yet? If not, I don't know where you've been. This little service seems to be making its mark everywhere!
I'm the girl who flies by the seat of her pants when picking restaurants. Hubby and I will be on our way to one place, when I think of something else that's way better. "OOOH! We haven't had Q'Doba in a long time! Let's go there instead!" (That is a total lie, by the way. We eat at Q'Doba all the time. I have a minor obsession...) Hubby then will look at me and say, "Okay, where's the nearest one?" We usually don't know, so we end up going somewhere else instead. Frustrating? You bet! This is where ChaCha now thrusts itself immediately to the top of my BFF list. I simply send a text to ChaCha (242242) that says, "Where is the nearest Q'Doba to this intersection?" Someone (a real person) texts me back to say, "It's here...do you want directions?" Isn't that awesome? Best of all, it's FREE! (Standard text fees apply.) I love it.
And you can use it for anything! Want to know who the prime minister of Malaysia is? Ask ChaCha. Need showtimes at your local theater? Ask ChaCha. Hours of that favorite store towns away? ChaCha. I know...I'm amazed.
Check it out, and start using it! I love it...
I'm the girl who flies by the seat of her pants when picking restaurants. Hubby and I will be on our way to one place, when I think of something else that's way better. "OOOH! We haven't had Q'Doba in a long time! Let's go there instead!" (That is a total lie, by the way. We eat at Q'Doba all the time. I have a minor obsession...) Hubby then will look at me and say, "Okay, where's the nearest one?" We usually don't know, so we end up going somewhere else instead. Frustrating? You bet! This is where ChaCha now thrusts itself immediately to the top of my BFF list. I simply send a text to ChaCha (242242) that says, "Where is the nearest Q'Doba to this intersection?" Someone (a real person) texts me back to say, "It's here...do you want directions?" Isn't that awesome? Best of all, it's FREE! (Standard text fees apply.) I love it.
And you can use it for anything! Want to know who the prime minister of Malaysia is? Ask ChaCha. Need showtimes at your local theater? Ask ChaCha. Hours of that favorite store towns away? ChaCha. I know...I'm amazed.
Check it out, and start using it! I love it...
100 Things - Part Deux
The best place to start this list is at the beginning...
Onward to part two!
11. Twins run in my family, but I am having trouble conceiving.
12. For almost 15 years, my toenails have not been naked for more than 10 minutes or so between color changes. I only just recently wore them naked for almost an entire day, and felt like I was walking around with no shirt on.
13. I rarely make my bed.
14. I have two cats named after characters on Arrested Development – Buster and Lucille.
15. Because of the gracious nature of my husband, I rarely have to clean the litter box.
16. I also rarely have to take out the trash.
17. Or do dishes.
18. And he kills bugs without complaining.
19. Also – he cleans up the mess when the kitties hack up hairballs.
20. I have an awesome husband!
Onward to part two!
11. Twins run in my family, but I am having trouble conceiving.
12. For almost 15 years, my toenails have not been naked for more than 10 minutes or so between color changes. I only just recently wore them naked for almost an entire day, and felt like I was walking around with no shirt on.
13. I rarely make my bed.
14. I have two cats named after characters on Arrested Development – Buster and Lucille.
15. Because of the gracious nature of my husband, I rarely have to clean the litter box.
16. I also rarely have to take out the trash.
17. Or do dishes.
18. And he kills bugs without complaining.
19. Also – he cleans up the mess when the kitties hack up hairballs.
20. I have an awesome husband!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
100 Things - In the beginning
Since I'm starting to get a little more serious about my blogging, I thought I'd would go ahead and do a little "100 Things" post. I know, every blogger in the universe has done one of these, and they're like, SO five minutes ago - but give me a break. It's been kinda fun to put this together, and it really makes me see how uninteresting I am.
In an effort to not bore you to tears all at once, I am breaking this list up into 10 installments. Hubs suggested I might make the last one my "Top Ten" list or something. I immediately scoffed at the idea, but now I think it's not so bad. (Thanks for the tip babe!)
I know you're excited about getting started, so without further ado...
100 Things About Katie
1. I have 5 beauty marks on my left ankle that form the shape of a cross.
2. I have two tattoos, and am thinking of getting another when I turn 30.
3. I hate talking on the telephone. I would much rather e-mail.
4. My all-time, Top 5 favorite movies are: West Side Story, Dirty Dancing, High Fidelity, Beauty and the Beast and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
5. I am the wife of a United Methodist pastor. This fact surprises no one more than it surprises me.
6. I love to cook, sing, craft, write, design, etc., but am not outstanding in any of these areas. I am a jack of all trades, but a master of none.
7. I know each of my 258 Facebook friends in real life, but I still often feel very, VERY lonely.
8. I have known my husband, Matt, since I was 7 years old.
9. We dated twice in high school, and I broke up with him both times. (I think I’ve made it up to him by now though…)
10. I have a half-sister who is ten years older than me. I didn’t meet her until I was almost 16. We keep in touch, but are merely casual friends at this point.
In an effort to not bore you to tears all at once, I am breaking this list up into 10 installments. Hubs suggested I might make the last one my "Top Ten" list or something. I immediately scoffed at the idea, but now I think it's not so bad. (Thanks for the tip babe!)
I know you're excited about getting started, so without further ado...
100 Things About Katie
1. I have 5 beauty marks on my left ankle that form the shape of a cross.
2. I have two tattoos, and am thinking of getting another when I turn 30.
3. I hate talking on the telephone. I would much rather e-mail.
4. My all-time, Top 5 favorite movies are: West Side Story, Dirty Dancing, High Fidelity, Beauty and the Beast and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
5. I am the wife of a United Methodist pastor. This fact surprises no one more than it surprises me.
6. I love to cook, sing, craft, write, design, etc., but am not outstanding in any of these areas. I am a jack of all trades, but a master of none.
7. I know each of my 258 Facebook friends in real life, but I still often feel very, VERY lonely.
8. I have known my husband, Matt, since I was 7 years old.
9. We dated twice in high school, and I broke up with him both times. (I think I’ve made it up to him by now though…)
10. I have a half-sister who is ten years older than me. I didn’t meet her until I was almost 16. We keep in touch, but are merely casual friends at this point.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
100 Things Every Omnivore Should Try...
Here’s a chance for a little interactivity for all the bloggers out there. Below is a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore should really try it all. Don’t worry if you haven’t, mind you; neither have I, though I’ll be sure to work on it. Don’t worry if you don’t recognize everything in the hundred, either; Wikipedia has the answers.
Here’s what I want you to do:
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.
The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:
1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile (does alligator count?)
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare (does rabbit count?)
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake
I'll try anything once, but apparently I haven't tried much! Enjoy the fun...
Here’s what I want you to do:
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.
The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:
1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile (does alligator count?)
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare (does rabbit count?)
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake
I'll try anything once, but apparently I haven't tried much! Enjoy the fun...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
In which I make a complete jerk of myself...
Almost three years ago Matt and I decided that we wanted to start a family. We quit our birth control methods (which were at best questionable anyway), talked about baby names and had sex a lot. A couple months passed by with no pregnancy, but we weren't worried. Then one night my little sister (who had only been married for three months at this point) called us at home to break the news. "Hi Aunt Katie!" I was going to be an aunt.
I was flabbergasted, excited, shocked, all of the things that people usually are when their sisters get pregnant, but I was also really jealous. I am the oldest child! I have been married the longest! I should get to have the first baby!!! I got over that fairly quickly (after all, I was the first to do everything else in our family - I could let her have this one thing, right?). Kamryn came along a few months later, and she has been a huge blessing to us.
Matt and I have continued to try to have a baby of our own with no luck. Now and again I can't help but look at Kamryn and think, "If we had conceived when we first started trying, our child would be her age/her height/saying those cute things/wearing that outfit/etc." It's so hard to love my niece so much, and at the same time grieve the situation we find ourselves in. Every milestone for her is a milestone for the baby that hasn't been introduced to us yet.
I have asked Kelly when she thinks they might have another. "When Kamryn is potty trained, I think we'll be ready for another," has been her response. I love my sister, and am genuinely curious about her life and want to invest in her family, but I recently realized that I have been counting down my reproductive cycles to the day when Kamryn is potty trained. Somewhere inside, I have turned this into a goal - to be pregnant before my second niece or nephew is on the way. Maybe if I can reach this goal, I won't feel like a complete fertility failure.
These past three years have been SO. HARD. I have sat back and watched as countless friends and family members have had babies, and I have always been excited and supportive of them. I have to admit, though, that at the same time, I am completely jealous, and each one of their joyous announcements sends my heart reeling into a dark place I don't like to visit very often. The last few pregnancy announcements I have been given, have been followed by, "I'm so sorry - it will happen soon for you. I'm praying for you!" I don't want to be that person. I don't want people to feel like they have to do that for me!
Anyway - on to how I made a jerk out of myself. We were at my mom and dad's last night celebrating Kamryn's second birthday. My sister was wearing a really cute jersey cotton dress that had a rouched empire waistline. I was sitting on the floor, and she walked in front of me, stepping over my leg to get to her spot on the couch. Some combination of the lighting, the rouching on her dress and the growing desperation in my uterus made me think she might be pregnant. Not one to keep things to myself, I mouthed to her, "Are you pregnant?" She quickly said "No, but thanks...now I feel really confident." Shit. Now I'm not only deranged with baby fever, but I'm that jerk that thinks non-gestating women are pregnant! I'm such an ass...
I don't think my sister reads my blog, but if she does, SORRY KELLY...I'm sick in the head, and you're beautiful.
I was flabbergasted, excited, shocked, all of the things that people usually are when their sisters get pregnant, but I was also really jealous. I am the oldest child! I have been married the longest! I should get to have the first baby!!! I got over that fairly quickly (after all, I was the first to do everything else in our family - I could let her have this one thing, right?). Kamryn came along a few months later, and she has been a huge blessing to us.
Matt and I have continued to try to have a baby of our own with no luck. Now and again I can't help but look at Kamryn and think, "If we had conceived when we first started trying, our child would be her age/her height/saying those cute things/wearing that outfit/etc." It's so hard to love my niece so much, and at the same time grieve the situation we find ourselves in. Every milestone for her is a milestone for the baby that hasn't been introduced to us yet.
I have asked Kelly when she thinks they might have another. "When Kamryn is potty trained, I think we'll be ready for another," has been her response. I love my sister, and am genuinely curious about her life and want to invest in her family, but I recently realized that I have been counting down my reproductive cycles to the day when Kamryn is potty trained. Somewhere inside, I have turned this into a goal - to be pregnant before my second niece or nephew is on the way. Maybe if I can reach this goal, I won't feel like a complete fertility failure.
These past three years have been SO. HARD. I have sat back and watched as countless friends and family members have had babies, and I have always been excited and supportive of them. I have to admit, though, that at the same time, I am completely jealous, and each one of their joyous announcements sends my heart reeling into a dark place I don't like to visit very often. The last few pregnancy announcements I have been given, have been followed by, "I'm so sorry - it will happen soon for you. I'm praying for you!" I don't want to be that person. I don't want people to feel like they have to do that for me!
Anyway - on to how I made a jerk out of myself. We were at my mom and dad's last night celebrating Kamryn's second birthday. My sister was wearing a really cute jersey cotton dress that had a rouched empire waistline. I was sitting on the floor, and she walked in front of me, stepping over my leg to get to her spot on the couch. Some combination of the lighting, the rouching on her dress and the growing desperation in my uterus made me think she might be pregnant. Not one to keep things to myself, I mouthed to her, "Are you pregnant?" She quickly said "No, but thanks...now I feel really confident." Shit. Now I'm not only deranged with baby fever, but I'm that jerk that thinks non-gestating women are pregnant! I'm such an ass...
I don't think my sister reads my blog, but if she does, SORRY KELLY...I'm sick in the head, and you're beautiful.
How the Bitch Stole Christmas
We went to my mom & dad's last night to celebrate Kamryn's (my neice) 2nd birthday. We had pizza, ate a giant cookie cake thing, and looked at Kelly and Brandon's pictures from their recent trip to Disney World. It was a great night with family that I've really been missing lately.Dad and Kamryn have this weird little game they play where she will grab the "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" DVD off the shelf, run to Dad, smack him in his knee with the case, and he'll smack his other knee. She laughs and laughs and LAUGHS, and then Dad laughs and laughs and laughs while we all look on wondering what the heck is so funny. It's really kind of cute...
Last night Dad was the first to get the DVD out, and he brought it to Kamryn, obviously wanting to play (isn't this adorable?). She then proceeded to tell us all about the "Bitch" who stole Christmas. Um...WHAT?
Of course, we kept asking her to repeat herself. (Some said they wanted to make sure they were hearing her right, but I just wanted to hear that sweet little voice say "bitch" over and over!) We soon corrected her, and after a few tries, she finally got it.
Have any fun cussing kids stories? Do tell...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Growing Pains
This is a hard post for me to write. I am always so open and honest with you guys, but I have to admit that this is a tough one. It's been stewing for a few weeks though, so I think it's best to go ahead and write the darn thing. Here goes...
About a month ago, Matt and I took a trip with some of our youth group kids to Kings Island for Spirit Song, a Christian music festival. We camped for three nights, went to the park every day, enjoyed the music and all came home with sunburns. It was EXHAUSTING for the adults, but I'm sure the kids thought nothing of it.
The youth that were there seemed to be so amped up - acting crazy, doing everything EXCEPT what they were told, being mean to each other, running, yelling, AAAAHHH! I felt like I was just chasing after these kids scolding them, keeping order etc. Towards the end of the trip, I had a SERIOUS. MELTDOWN.
I remember sitting in one of the only air conditioned buildings in the park, saying to Matt, "I don't think the kids like me very much." I was expecting him to tell me that I was just being paranoid, that I shouldn't be silly - of course they like me! That is not what he said. Instead, he said, "Well, you ARE being pretty bossy." Oh yeah. He did. That's when I got up, and marched right out of that amusement park. (Can I just say, that this was no small walk of shame here...it's probably at LEAST 1/2 mile or so from where we were to the car. HUGE walk of shame...HUGE!)
We got to the car, got in, and I proceeded to FLIP OUT! How DARE he side with THEM and not ME? I am his WIFE! Doesn't he understand how much I have sacrificed for HIM to be in ministry? Doesn't he remember that I am giving up PRECIOUS vacation time from work to be subject to this CRAP? Blah, blah, more "woe-is-me-I'm-such-a-victim" crap, blah...
That's when he let me know that he didn't ask me to come on this trip to be "the enforcer" - he invited me to be a presence in the lives of our youth for a few days. To enjoy them. To have fun with them. To let them be themselves, and be okay with it.
OUCH. He was right.
He also made it clear that I had been mean to HIM on this trip too. Oh yeah...I bossed him around just like I did those kids. He let me know that it pissed him off when I did crap like that. That every time I did something like that, it underminded his authority to the youth group.
OUCH. Right again. I hate it when he's right (but I secretly think he's sexy when he stands up for himself...don't tell him I told you that).
I realized that this hell I was living in was mostly my fault. I WAS being a pain in the butt. I WAS being mean and bossy - to everyone! I straightened up pretty quick.
The next day I had some of the more challenging guys in my car. I was a little worried about how the two hour trip home would go. I just tried to keep in my mind that I am there to enjoy them, to be Jesus for them, not to be a drill sargent. I decided that I was going to talk to them about what they liked, listen to the music that they listened to, etc. And wouldn't you know it...
...I had a GREAT time!
It's been a good summer ever since. Youth ministry is HARD. I mean...HARD! But these youth are so enjoyable - I just can't help but love them all.
Growing like this is really painful, but it's really worth it too.
About a month ago, Matt and I took a trip with some of our youth group kids to Kings Island for Spirit Song, a Christian music festival. We camped for three nights, went to the park every day, enjoyed the music and all came home with sunburns. It was EXHAUSTING for the adults, but I'm sure the kids thought nothing of it.
The youth that were there seemed to be so amped up - acting crazy, doing everything EXCEPT what they were told, being mean to each other, running, yelling, AAAAHHH! I felt like I was just chasing after these kids scolding them, keeping order etc. Towards the end of the trip, I had a SERIOUS. MELTDOWN.
I remember sitting in one of the only air conditioned buildings in the park, saying to Matt, "I don't think the kids like me very much." I was expecting him to tell me that I was just being paranoid, that I shouldn't be silly - of course they like me! That is not what he said. Instead, he said, "Well, you ARE being pretty bossy." Oh yeah. He did. That's when I got up, and marched right out of that amusement park. (Can I just say, that this was no small walk of shame here...it's probably at LEAST 1/2 mile or so from where we were to the car. HUGE walk of shame...HUGE!)
We got to the car, got in, and I proceeded to FLIP OUT! How DARE he side with THEM and not ME? I am his WIFE! Doesn't he understand how much I have sacrificed for HIM to be in ministry? Doesn't he remember that I am giving up PRECIOUS vacation time from work to be subject to this CRAP? Blah, blah, more "woe-is-me-I'm-such-a-victim" crap, blah...
That's when he let me know that he didn't ask me to come on this trip to be "the enforcer" - he invited me to be a presence in the lives of our youth for a few days. To enjoy them. To have fun with them. To let them be themselves, and be okay with it.
OUCH. He was right.
He also made it clear that I had been mean to HIM on this trip too. Oh yeah...I bossed him around just like I did those kids. He let me know that it pissed him off when I did crap like that. That every time I did something like that, it underminded his authority to the youth group.
OUCH. Right again. I hate it when he's right (but I secretly think he's sexy when he stands up for himself...don't tell him I told you that).
I realized that this hell I was living in was mostly my fault. I WAS being a pain in the butt. I WAS being mean and bossy - to everyone! I straightened up pretty quick.
The next day I had some of the more challenging guys in my car. I was a little worried about how the two hour trip home would go. I just tried to keep in my mind that I am there to enjoy them, to be Jesus for them, not to be a drill sargent. I decided that I was going to talk to them about what they liked, listen to the music that they listened to, etc. And wouldn't you know it...
...I had a GREAT time!
It's been a good summer ever since. Youth ministry is HARD. I mean...HARD! But these youth are so enjoyable - I just can't help but love them all.
Growing like this is really painful, but it's really worth it too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
