Last night....

For my second post of the day ('cause I'm on a roll), allow me to present: The Perfect Evening (a.k.a.: Last Night).

1. As he walks in the door from work, Hubby takes a big whiff of this season's first pot of Chicken Stew which is just coming to a boil on the stove.

2. For 30 minutes, Hubby, Mommy, and Little Girl lie on our big bed and talk/read a book/sing.

3. Everyone sits down for dinner (did I mention it's our first pot of Chicken Stew? Yum, Yum!)

4. Chloe gets up and watches Emperor's New Groove while mommy and daddy finish dinner and have first adult conversation of the day.

5. Mommy decides Baby #2 is craving some chocolate chip cookies.

6. Hubby and Mommy decide that, in order to counteract the cookie calories, everyone will walk to the store to get the chocolate chips.

7. The Perfect Walk commences, complete with cool Fall Breeze, the smell of campfire smoke, and lightning in the distance.

8. Everyone arrives home and begins to make preparations for cookie baking.

9. Mommy helps Chloe make her first batch of cookies, while Daddy takes pictures.

10. Chloe and Mommy eat too much cookie dough and only have enough room in their bellies to share one baked cookie. Chloe announces it is too hot but tasty enough to smear all over her face.

11. Chloe kisses Daddy g'night and cuddles with Mommy a few minutes before bedtime.

12. Mommy hears Chloe pray for the first time - the sweetest moment of my life.

13. After Chloe is in bed, Mommy and Hubby cuddle on the couch with some cold milk, warm cookies, and a good movie.

14. Mommy's bedtime prayers are extra thankful.

On Marriage...

I've been evaluating some things recently. Namely - the concept of marriage. I suppose every individual enters into marriage with a truckload of ideals, assumptions, preconceived notions, and theories about how marriage should look and feel. And while we would all hope that most of those assumptions are based on the Word of God and our relationship with Him, the truth is that many of our ideals and notions come from previous experiences in this sinful world. We enter into our marriage contracts with baggage. Baggage that we chose as we made unwise decisions in our dating years. Baggage that was chosen for us as our parents made unwise decisions in our childhoods.

Relationships we have had. Relationships we have observed. Weddings. Affairs. Divorce. Sappy movies. Country music. All of these things serve as building blocks, that range from tiny pebbles to cornerstones, in the foundations of our ideals about love and marriage and Happily Ever After.

But what happens when we feel the floor trembling beneath our feet? What do we do when, suddenly, one of those cornerstones begins to crumble underfoot and all we can do is watch it slip away into oblivion? Do we finagle the other stones in such a manner that they replace what has been lost? Do we try to regain what has turned to dust beneath us? Or do we look for new footing - a new foundation - in the Word?

These have been my thoughts over the past few weeks as Hubby and I struggle to find our footing in the midst of this life-changing upheaval.

But last night, the Lord led me down a very vivid memory lane. He took me back five years ago, to our engagement, and then through our first year of marriage. He walked me through our financial problems and our infertility scares. He reminded me of the emotional struggles I had, and of the grace He gave my husband during those times. Over and over He showed me how faithful He has been to me... to us. And so, in recognition of the goodness of the Lord and His ability to be our only foundation when all earthly foundations crumble, here is a list of Lessons Learned in four years of marriage:

1. The one spice that improves every dish is Grace. Every conversation, every confrontation, every imperfection, every inadequacy, every part of our marriage needs a little (or a big) sprinkle of Grace. And where there are big mistakes and imperfections that threaten to sour the whole pot, add a whole cup of Grace. Seriously, you just can't put too much. But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. Romans 5:20

2. Don't sweat the small stuff. Hubby and I have had our share of major struggles during the short four years we have been married. So we learned very early on that, if a towel doesn't get hung up or if the dished stay in the sink one night (or two or three), don't sweat it! There are much bigger things that will drain your time and energy; so why waste it all on little things like that?

3. Housework is design to make my life better, not more miserable. I lived most of our first three years in a housework pendulum swing. If company was coming over, our house would be spotless. Every candle lit, cookies in the oven, matching towels hanging in the bathroom, floors shiny, temperature perfect. But when I couldn't maintain that all the time, I would just give up completely. I was always amazed at how quickly our house would go from perfection to utter C.H.A.O.S. ("Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome" - flylady). But since January of this year, the Lord has been teaching me about making our house a home all the time. It never has to be perfect, but it always has to be livable. Sure there are dirty clothes in the hampers, and of course last night's supper dishes are still in the sink. But there is a large empty floor with room enough for me and my daughter to play. The sheets are clean and comfortable when hubby and I crawl into bed at night. We have clean clothes to wear and food on the dinner table. My house hasn't been "perfect" in almost a year, but our family is happier and more comfortable in our own home than we have ever been.

4. Hubby cannot complete me or meet my every need. And believing that he is called to fulfill my every need holds him to an impossible standard and sets him up for failure in my eyes - every time. But my Jesus can "meet all my needs according to His riches and glory." And when I turn to Him for fulfillment, I am able to look at my Hubby and see the amazing man that God has created just for me - the man designed, not to complete me, but to be my partner and my friend.

5. Laugh. A lot. Anything and everything is bearable when it's tempered with a little humor.

And on that note, allow me to end with a Joke Of The Day:

Confucius say: “Beans in sandy soil causes Dust in the Wind”

For any would-be detectives out there...

Wanna know the clues to look for if you're wondering if someone is pregnant?

1. The subject is female.

2. She's snoring in a not-so-comfy chair in the middle of a very public place.

3. Next to the chair you find the cheese scraped off some vending machine crackers, but no crackers to be found.

4. She's holding a half-empty bottle of Ginger Ale or Sprite.

Should you stumble upon said subject, do not - I repeat, DO NOT! - wake her up to ask if she is all right... unless you have a death wish. I'm just sayin'...

So... everybody knows....

We told the grandparents yesterday, and everybody else today.

There were several mixed responses: Some were really happy, others were tinged with sadness because of The Big Move, most simply replied "Congratulations!"

But my favorite response, by far, came from our two-year-old little girl:

me - "Mommy has a baby in her belly."

Chloe - "Two babies?"

me - "Noooo, ONE baby in mommy's belly."

Chloe - "One, Two."

me - "Is it a boy or a girl? What do you think?"

Chloe - "Two babies. A boy... and a gull... and a SCHOOL BUS!"

I'm not sure we've grasped the concept yet...

Wanna know a secret?

Psssst. Hey...you. Yeah, the one sitting at the computer. I have something to tell you.

Come a little closer 'cause I have to whisper.

... I don't know why! It's just one of those things that people whisper about.

Are you ready?

You sure?

Here it goes...

I'm having a baby!

Due May 24.

*smiles*

The 411...

So, here's where I'm at, ya'll:

I have LOTS to write about. I mean LOTS. But most of it is still "secret" - not for public knowledge. And while I don't consider ya'll to be "the public," a few members of "the public" may stumble across this here little bloggy and then all would be lost. The world as we know it would end.

Okay, maybe it's not quite that dramatic. But I just wanted to let you know why I haven't been writing anything of significance over the last week or so. Mainly, my thoughts and prayers are consumed with some Big Happenings in my life. So, I promise promise promise that as soon as these things become "Public Knowledge" I'll be heading straight for my laptop to tell ya'll AAALLLLLLL about it.

In the meantime, I am not abandoning you. (Calm down. Breathe.) I'll be around - here and there - with some lighthearted posts and more Coffee Buzz on Friday.

Peace out, ya'll.

Friday's Coffee Buzz: PSL

All right, ya'll. It's time for me to tell you about the greatest drink that ever existed. In fact, it is so fabulous that I am convinced it should be included in the End-Times Wedding Banquet; therefore my request for such a drink in Heaven is a regular part of my prayer life.

Of course, I jest. But... ya'll... if you have to pick one time of year to splurge on a scrumptrulescent latte, this is it.

It's only available at Starbucks 6 weeks a year - usually mid-September to the first of November (at which time the not-so-scrumtrulescent gingerbread latte takes its place).

And now, introducing, the creamy, comforting, fall-flavored...

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Pumpkin? And coffee? In the same drink?"

For those of you who may doubt my word, allow me to paint you a picture. Imagine beautiful Fall day. The warm sun on your cheek is only countered by the crisp breeze that brushes past your nose. Leaves crunch beneath your feet, and the aroma of fresh-baked pumpkin pie floats on the air. Now, imagine if you can, pouring that perfect fall day into a paper cup and feeling its warmth as you put it up to your lips for your very first sip of Fall.

That, my friends, is the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Think I'm exaggerating? Go to Starbucks. Fork over the four bucks. Close your eyes. And sip (don't gulp) just sip.

Mmm...

If, however, a trip to the local Starbucks is out of the question (or the budget), do not lose hope! There is a substitute that is almost as good...

Ingredients:

International Delight Creamer in Pumpkin Pie Spice (Usually found in the dairy case this time of year)
Smooth, Bold, Dark Roast coffee (Starbucks Sumatra works great)
Whipped cream
Ground cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice (optional)
Cinnamon stick (optional)


Recipe:
Brew coffee as normal (or a little bit stronger if you like a strong coffee taste in your latte).
Place coffee and desired amount of Pumpkin creamer in blender of choice. (I prefer the Magic Bullet.)
Blend on "whip" setting for 20-30 seconds. When blender stops, a nice foam should rise to the top.
Pour into desired cup and top with whipped cream.
Optional:
Sprinkle ground cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice on top of whipped cream.
Drop in a cinnamon stick and use to stir.


Chances are that you have most of the ingredients in your house, except for the creamer. But a large bottle of that creamer is $4 or so; and it will last you through several scrumptious home-made lattes. (For our budget, I sometimes go with a cheaper coffee to make up for the $4 difference.)

All right, ya'll. I'm really interested to hear what you think. Am I completely off in my description of the PSL? Did you enjoy it as much as I said you would? Did you try the home-made recipe and join me in my prayers for a PSL drink in Heaven? Let your taste buds do the talking!

Bathroom Wisdom...

The girls bathroom in the UGA Journalism building holds more words of advice than a fortune cookie manufacturer. Here are a few of my favorites...

Not all those who wander are lost. - JRR Tolkein

If we could hang our sorrows on pegs and choose those we liked best, each of us would take back his own, for the others would seem hard to bear.

My personal favorite: Idiots! You all are in college - get your degrees and move up in life!

Why waste all the money and someone else's chance to better themselves in order to just get your MRS degree and be a mom?!

(and underneath that)

Hold your newborn baby in your arms for the first time. Then you have the right to ask me that question.

On waiting...

It has been a week of waiting. Waiting in the looooong line at the coffee shop. Waiting on the curb for my late ride. Waiting on the phone for the customer no-service rep. Waiting in doctors' lobbies. Waiting on test results. Waiting to hear from the Lord. Waiting for someone I love to make a very important decision. Waiting.

I expect to have some periods of waiting in life. I am human, and I deal with other humans daily. We are finite in our ability to multi-task, and therefore, some things must wait. I understand this at the grocery store, at the coffee shop, at the doctor's office.

My daughter is also learning this truth. She wants a peanut butter sandwich. I have my hands elbow-deep in soapy dishwater. So she waits. She waits for me to rinse that last dish, to wipe off my hands, to get out the bread and jar, to spread the PB on the wheat bread, to cut it into little triangles, and (finally) to place it in her "spot" at the table.

I understand that waiting is all a part of living in this fallen world. But here's what I don't understand: waiting on God.

He's not human. He is not finite in His abilities. If he wanted, he could examine a patient, ring up some apples, steam a cappuccino, wash dishes, and cut the crust off a Peanut Butter sandwich - all at the same time! (Not to mention raising/setting the sun, giving me breath, and preparing the earth for His return.)

But if that is true - if He is able to do everything at once without delay - that means that He chooses to delay His answers. We wait on Him because He has decided that we should wait.

That's a hard pill for me to swallow sometimes.

Why would a God "who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" choose to delay His answers... to make us wait?

And the thing is this - many times, when I am called to wait on the Lord, it's not a pleasant place. Here's what I mean: in a Christian walk, there are times that are refreshing and restful. There are times when our walk is easy and there's soft grass beneath our feet. But these are rarely the places where the Lord chooses to tarry. No, He usually chooses our waiting room to be in the desert - where it's hot and difficult and painful beneath our feet.

But why? Is there purpose in the waiting?

For this answer, I think of a time in my life when waiting was perhaps the scariest thing I have ever done. I was 5 months pregnant in a plane on my way back from Memphis. We had arrived at Atlanta ahead of schedule, but as we began our decent into the city, the engines revved up and we began to climb again. The pilot came over the intercom and said, "It looks like we're going to be circling for a little while. Please remain seated and keep your seat belts fastened as we may be experiencing some turbulence."

Turbulence, my friends, was an understatement. That plane jumped and shook and plummeted and climbed. It was impossible to see how far up we were because, upon looking out the window, all we could see was the black cloud of a storm front that had just rolled into our area.

For over an hour, I prayed and quoted scripture as I white-knuckled my arm rest and tried to think of anything other than my current situation. While the plane jerked and groaned, I kept waiting for the captain to come over the speaker. I wanted him to say something - ANYTHING - to let me know that we were almost out of this. But there was silence over the entire plane, except for those occasional dips that would cause the entire cabin to let out a collective gasp. In those moments, I watched - with fervent focus - the faces of the flight attendants. They were talking calmly, reading magazines, and acting completely oblivious to (what I thought was) our impending doom. Throughout the entire occurrence, their faces were my sole source of comfort. Apparently, they had been on flights like this before.

Of course, in the end, because of the capable hands of our pilots, we landed safely and without incident.

In this place of waiting on the Lord, I am so often reminded of that trip home from Memphis. I'm uncomfortable, and scared. My world is rocking and shaking, and nothing is in my control. I don't hear the voice of my Pilot reassuring me. I just have to trust that He knows what He's doing. He doesn't give me a reason for the delay, but I know it's for my good - so I don't crash into other planes or get struck by lightning on my way towards a landing. In the meantime, I turn to His Word, worship, and the faces of Christian friends who have been here before - because knowing that they survived and therefore are not phased by my panic, is a source of comfort to me in this place.

Psalm 130:5
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.

Things That Make You Feel Like a Jedi....

A conversation between me and Starr...
shunamite84: automatic doors make me feel like a Jedi
Superstarrfab: that is random!!
Superstarrfab: Good job
shunamite84: haha!
shunamite84: thanks
shunamite84: hehe
shunamite84: I stole it
Superstarrfab: huh?
Superstarrfab: who'd you steal that from?
shunamite8: a button on facebook
Superstarrfab: that would be a great blog
Superstarrfab: things that make you feel like a jedi
Superstarrfab: I love it!!!
shunamite84: AWESOME!
Shunamite84: we should work on it together!
Superstarrfab: we really should
shunamite84: ok
shunamite84: lets try
shunamite84: - automatic doors
shunamite84: vacuum cleaners
Superstarrfab: clap on clap off lights
shunamite84: ...
Superstarrfab: the car windows that you just push once and they keep going down
shunamite84: automatic flush toilets
Superstarrfab: good one
Superstarrfab: automatic towel dispensers
shunamite84: hehe
shunamite84: auto water spouts
Superstarrfab: I walked by one of those in the church bathroom and out popped some towels
Superstarrfab: I didn't even need one
shunamite84: haha!
shunamite84: elevators
shunamite84: maybe?
Superstarrfab: no that's good
shunamite84: electric knives make me feel that way
shunamite84: 'cause you don't even have to go back and forth
shunamite84: it's like one of their cool swords
Superstarrfab: exactly
Superstarrfab: those curvy mirrors in gas stations
Superstarrfab: I don't know why
shunamite84: um
shunamite84: curvy mirrors?
shunamite84: elaborate
Superstarrfab: you know
Superstarrfab: they're all--- I see EVERYWHERE and EVERYTHING
Superstarrfab: they really are!!
shunamite84: ooo
shunamite84: good one
Superstarrfab: escalators
shunamite84: oooooo
shunamite84: better than elevators
Superstarrfab: they are awesome!
Superstarrfab: moving sidewalks
Superstarrfab: oh yeah!!
shunamite84: YEAH!
shunamite84 yo-yo's
Superstarrfab: o...kay
Superstarrfab: heehee
shunamite84: 'cause they just come right back up
Superstarrfab: yo yo's are cool
shunamite84: like you have the power to pull them into your hand
shunamite84: whatever
shunamite84: they make ME feel like a jedi
Superstarrfab: magnets
shunamite84: yeah!
shunamite84: magnets!
Superstarrfab: good!
shunamite84: the evil eye
Superstarrfab: good one!
shunamite84: it's a method of mind control, I'm pretty sure
Superstarrfab: hairy men make me think of star wars, but not jedi's
Superstarrfab: Chewy
Superstarrfab: and poofy hairy dogs
Superstarrfab: I hope you are transferring this to a blog right now!
shunamite84: totally

Coffee 101

Can I just say.... I LOVE the whole coffee house culture?

I love sauntering up to the glass counter - filled with pastries and power bars and bananas - and ordering my Skinny Extra-Dry Cinnamon Dulce Cappuccino at 180. (Yeah, I'm one of those people.)

Some days it's not that complicated (or expensive). Some days it's just "Large, Dark Roast, Room for Light Cream."

I love all the different flavors and smells and sounds. I enjoy talking over the espresso machine to place an order. I like knowing what flavors go with what coffees from what areas of the world. And I LOVE it when my barrista knows my name - and my regular order.

If you are one of those people who never knows what to order, I'm the person you want next to you. I have, on more than one occasion, ordered for a perfect stranger who knew what they wanted, but didn't know how to order it.

It is because of this passion for the drink of bean, that I am initiating a new Friday theme: Coffee 101.

Basically, each Friday, I will highlight a coffee shop, or drink, or flavor that, I believe, can make all our lives a little more pleasant.

Today's Topic: Starbucks Coffee - Why You Shouldn't Feel Guilty About Expensive Coffee.

About three years ago, I chose Starbucks' Sumatra blend as a subject of an entire research paper. I traced the source of the bean (in Sumatra, Indonesia) from the farmer's fields all the way to my paper cup in the coffee shop in Athens, GA. And it was in the process of this research project that I discovered something:

Starbucks is the best coffee place on earth. Allow me to explain why...

Have you ever heard of "Fair Trade" coffee? Starbucks has.

In fact, they are the single largest purchaser of "Fair Trade" coffee in the U.S.

What does that mean? Starbucks pays third-world farmers above and beyond the "market value" for coffee in their region.

Example: "In 2003, when commercial-grade arabica coffee ranged from $0.55 - $0.70 per pound, Starbucks paid an average of $1.20 per pound for all our coffee."

Because of Starbucks' decision to participate in the "Fair Trade" program, farmers that harvest coffee beans for Starbucks very quickly become the wealthiest farmers in their region. In the case of Sumatra: "Originally, membership [in the Fair Trade organization] consisted of 100 small-scale coffee producers located in two villages. By the end of last year, there were 455 members from five villages." Not only that, but the Fair Trade Certified coffee is also organic, which means fewer harmful pesticides or toxins in those villages.

Granted, Starbucks isn't the only reason for this growth, and it certainly isn't the largest purchaser in every region.

But... it is the largest coffee chain in the U.S. that deals regularly with Fair Trade Farmers.

So, the next time you treat yourself to a Pumpkin Spice Latte, extra whip... or a Java Chip Frappuccino... or a plain ol' cup of joe, ask your barrista if it's Fair Trade coffee in your cup today.

If it's not, let them know you'd like to see that stuff brewed more often.

If it is, you don't have to feel so bad about spending $5 on a cup o' Joe, because that cup of Organic Fair Trade coffee in your paper cup means a better life, more food, higher education, and so much more to farmers in third-world countries around the world.


So, that's it, ya'll. Now I'd love to hear from you. Do you have any more creative names for Friday's theme? Coffee 101 is a little blah, in my opinion. Second, what's your favorite coffee? Coffee shop? Anything you always wanted to know about coffee, but you were too afraid to ask? This is your chance...

Sources are here and here.

Make it all better...

Sitting next to my little girl at the lunch table today, I saw (on more than one occasion) her pleasant no-cares facial expression turn to a slight frown and then suddenly to a full-out bawl-her-eyes-out cry.

It's something I have seen before. As a matter of fact, it's an almost daily occurence.

Something had hurt her, injured her, offended her.

Just like every other time, I put her tear-streaked little face in my hands, let her know that she has my undivided attention, and I ask, "What happened to mommy's baby?"

And just like every other time, she tells me - between her sobs - exactly what had happened. Today, it was:

"Table 'n' Kneeeeee!" - The table hit my knee

or

"Chip 'n' mouuuuuth" - The chip hurt my mouth or (more likely) I bit my tongue.

or

"Lemon 'n' haaaaaand!" - The lemon burned the cut on my hand.

And each time, after she tells me all about what's wrong, I put my arms around her and hold her head against my chest. I say, "Shhh, I know it hurts, but Mommy will make it all better." Then I kiss whatever area has been injured and, finally, turn my attention to the culprit.

"NO! NO! Table! You get a spankin' 'cause you hurt my Chloe." Then the table gets a spanking.

She especially finds delight in this last action, and usually joins me in teaching the guilty party a lesson. It doesn't take long for her to completely forget about her injury and continue on with her previous conversation or activity.

But it's not always that easy, is it?

Sometimes the people we love are hurt in ways that we cannot fix.

We can't always kiss the boo boo and make it go away. We usually can't punish the person or situation which is causing the pain.

We feel helpless. Sometimes, in our own effort, we are helpless.

Today is one of those days for me. I don't have answers. I don't have solutions. I don't have magical healing powers. I can't erase what has been done. I can't fix it.

So I pray. I pray that Daddy God will take their face in His hands, so that they know they have His undivided attention. I pray that they can pour out their hearts to the One who asks, "What happened to my little one?" I pray that, even now, His loving touch begins to bring healing and restoration.

Then I pray that He kicks the Devil in the teeth! Because this battle ain't against flesh and blood, ya'll.

But above all, I pray that they can see that He understands, that He is intimately acquainted with pain... with suffering... with injustice. And He is working on their behalf. He's not sitting idly by, waiting for someone down here to do something. He is petitioning at the Throne. He knows their pain, and He's all about the business of restoration.


It's obvious, of course, that he didn't go to all this trouble for angels. It was for people like us, children of Abraham. That's why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people's sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed....
Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.
Hebrews 2:16-18, 4:14-16 (The Message)

Memorably Random...

I'm back, ya'll, and while I still don't have anything spectacular to talk about, I figure something is better than nothing.

So, I present to you (in none other than List Format) memorable and random moments of my college career:

Fall 2002: Met Christan, my new college roommate and soon-to-be lifelong friend. Before I officially met her, my mom and I *glanced* in her closet to take a gander at her clothes "to see what kind of girl she is." Yeah, can't believe I just admitted that on the internet.

Spring 2003: Discovered "Phase 10" which has forever changed my college experience.

Spring 2003: Went to class every morning in my pajamas - a cup of coffee in one hand and an umbrella in the other. Wish I had a picture...

Spring 2004: Learned that, sometimes, I know what's best for me even if it doesn't make sense. In the future, I will listen to that little voice inside...

Fall 2004: Discovered that ministry can sometimes mean watching my best friend eat crickets.

Spring 2005: Realized that Athens is home, no matter where I live.

Fall 2005: Realized that no amount of schooling could teach me as much as a day at home with my little girl.

Fall 2007: Determined that I probably need to graduate in this decade.

Fall 2007: The coffee shop girl sees me every morning and asks, "Daddy's favorite today?" - which I interpret to mean, "Large Dark Roast with a Shot of Cinnamon and Room for Cream?" - my dad's favorite coffee, and my regular order - a fact I may have mentioned to her on a previous occasion.

Fall 2007: Met Peter Pan in the elevator...seriously... oh, did I mention it was Halloween?

Spring 2008: Found a nook in the library which remains, to this day, my favorite study spot on campus... ESPECIALLY during a thunderstorm!

Spring 2008: Realized that I REALLY hated my major, and decided to change with only two semesters to go before graduation. My adviser blank-stared me for a full minute when I told him. I think that meeting really made him happy (note the sarcasm, please).

Spring 2008: Stood in the rain a full 7 minutes because I forgot my umbrella...was in my hand.

Summer 2008: Thought a student in front of me was going to poke me in the eye with his pencil when I said, "The U.S. should have an alliance with Israel. Bush is right." (Note to self: Do not discuss International Affairs in International Affairs Class.)

Summer 2008: Did not open my mouth again in said class until the day before the exam, when I said, "I'll bring cookies if everybody will come to study group." Needless to say, I was quite popular at study group.

Fall 2008: Met masculine man with feminine voice at Jittery Joe's. Still not sure what that was about...

Yesterday 2008: Tripped over my own two feet and almost fell flat on my face. Caught myself before more than my pride was hurt. Wanted to punch petite blondie who laughed. Bring it on, Barbie! (Ended up laughing right along with her... you know, 'cause I'm cool like that.)

Today 2008: Finally got nailed in the back of my head with a racquetball. I had it comin', ya'll, I had it comin'.


So, there you have it. Memorably Random Moments of the good ol' college variety. What are some of you favorite moments in high school/college?

Be back next week....

Ok, ya'll, I'm feeling a bit dry today. Nothing extraordinary to report - nothing funny, nothing deep, nothing new.

BUT... I have been all over the web this morning and, let me tell you, there's some GOOD stuff out there today. So check these out:

Inside Out at Plunderful Life
The Food Stamp Challenge at Embracing and Being Embraced
Skeptic... over at To Know Him

I'll do my best to be back on Monday with some fabulous post that I have yet to come up with!

You have reached my12hats, please leave a message after the beep.

Beeeeeeep. Hey ya'll. I'm over here today. Come back tomorrow for wild and whacky tales. Or something like that.

Whistle while you work... toodle doo tooo dooo dum dum

Well, ya'll, it's working. The HCG, the funky power vitamins, the 600 calories. I don't want to go into all the boring details, but suffice it to say that my metabolism is ahead of the game.

It's working, ya'll. It's working.

Wooo hooo!

BFF How-To Video

Here it is ya'll. From yours truly and Starr.

Even though it's not part of the contest, might I suggest you check out our PRELUDE first.

And if you'd like to know what inspired our genius, check this out:


And now, for your viewing pleasure...

BFF HOW-TO: HOW TO TALK TO YOURSELF WITHOUT LOOKING CRAZY



Shoot, ya'll. I put the wrong web address. Natalie is actually at nataliewitcher.blogspot.com NOT nataliewitcher.com. I hope this doesn't deduct points...

The PRELUDE

This video is NOT for Natalie and Kim's BFF How-to Video Contest, but it IS the prelude to the "submitted" video.

Enjoy...



Shoot, ya'll. I put the wrong web address. Natalie is actually at nataliewitcher.blogspot.com NOT nataliewitcher.com. I hope this doesn't deduct points...