seven chocolate covered espresso beans

Right now I'm watching drips of slush leap off the gutter and then merge with all the other drips into a gushy puddle. I don't like this weather at all. It's a wraith that sucks up any positive feeling and upbeat energy and laughs as we wither in self pity, wishing for a glimpse of a better, warmer future. This morning I even tried picking up my mood by drinking a cup of caffeinated tea and chowed some chocolate covered espresso beans. I had seven in all. Three just didn't cover it, and then one more, and then I was like "whatever!" and decided to have three more. So yup, I should have been little miss sunshine, but I'm not. Although I'm not grouchy, or even depressed, just drained of this weather. If you haven't noticed by now I really don't have anything important to write about, I just felt like typing. So if you were looking for some exciting story, go read a book because from here on out all I'm doing is rambling. Umm.... now that I admitted that I don't have anything to write about my brain just had creative meltdown, maybe I should go back and delete the last paragraph.... Well, if you are reading this, I probably didn't:) I made a really yummy sweet sauce for dinner tonight and left it in the crock pot while I went to music theory with some stew meat, onions and mushrooms. I thought it tasted fantastic, but all three of the other opinions in the the house didn't really like it. Ergo, that meant finishing up my brothers plate, which now sitting here probably wasn't the best idea I've ever had (not that my good ideas come in abundance). I really should be practising my speech right now for tomorrow. But I'm not. No excuses, just not. Oh, I decided I wanted to learn how to do the Melbourne Shuffle! I was on ehow and I found this instructional series and after watching one was like *gasp* "I want to do that too!!!". So from 11:30 to a little after midnight, I was in my room trying to do the running man. Learning a new type of dance really isn't a seldom occurrence in my life. Like just a few weeks ago I was at the college's talent contest and after watching one girl I knew do this funny little dance, came home and learned it in around two days. Then I was on YouTube (wow I sound like I spend my time productively;) and I watched this other dance that is like a cross between the bunny hop and macarana. So I took a evening and learned that too! Or for another example about 9 months ago I learned the Charleston, around 10 months ago the Lindy hop (hard without a partner), oh, and I almost forgot the robot around 5 months ago. Even though I do like to learn all these dances, I seldom ever master them and I go through long stunts of doing nothing. Ugh, I wish that there was like a dance studio right next door that had an instructor that knew every form of dance imaginable and would customize styles personally for you. But there is not, so I will just have to be content with YouTube and ehow. *sigh*

Well, look'e here, I actually did a whole post on practically nothing! This post actually looks a lot like all my journal entrees, so if you ever wondered what I write about in my little green book, here is an example; pointless, disjointed, and climaxless (is that a word?).

on and on and on and on....

Sorry I haven't been posting much, but life has been really busy lately. Between classes and then homework (which honestly I should be doing right now) I don't have much time to just do whatever. I actually probably wont be posting much for the next few months, especially in April, but I should pick it back up in May.
I really meant to do this big post on the concert I went to a few weeks ago, but it just seems too late now. It was really fun though. James and Stacia took Rachel and I down to Missoula and we spent the day shopping at the mall before the concert that night. The concert was fantastic! Mercy Me, Jars of Clay, Lecrae, TFK (which personally was a little much for me), and quite a few others played. We spent the night in Missoula and after stopping at a few more stores got home around 5ish.

(For those of you who don't see me much, my hair really isn't straight, I just didn't want to have to worry about it being curly in the hotel)

A week ago I got my hair cut *Yippee*, and as of today I'm completely done with midterms *even bigger yippee*. I also have my 24 hour heart monitor on, so I feel like a cyborg or something with all these wires attached to me. I hope I'm not miserable tomorrow during classes with it on. One positive thing is that even though people are curious, they tend not to ask about stuff like that. Oh, I also got my learners license again and didn't go through the back of the garage while driving!!!

Lonesome Rowan (Chris Upson) / CC BY-SA 2.0

I hope everyone has a happy St. Patrick's Day tomorrow!

my life wrapped up for the year

As the year is starting to come to a close, I was reminiscing about everything that I have done over the last year. I thought I would make a list of not necessarily personal accomplishments, or spiritual growth, but things that have changed or I have learned since January 1st. I'm sure I'll forget hundreds, but I'll just start and see how far I can get.

1. I went skiing for the first time in three years.
2. Made a pound cake, vanilla wafers, banana cookies, a lemon chiffon cake, a three layer German chocolate cake with chocolate fudge frosting, and many other new things.
3. Finished my Kimono.
4. Made myself do the splits with my right leg all the way down.
5. Found out that I have Ehler's Danlo syndrome.
6. Went to physical therapy for a few weeks.
7. Burnt my fingers on fudge and went to the ER.
8. Finished my log and lace pillow.
9. Went to a coffee shop and ordered a coffee for the first time ever.
10. Went paddle boarding.
11. Felted a sweater.
12. Went to 2 different swing dances and enjoyed both thoroughly.
13. Made a duct tape slingshot.
14. Decided to go to college.
15. Taught myself how to wire wrap.
16. Discovered many new songs that I really like, as well as some new artists.
17. Graduated High School.
18. Went camping three times.
19. Went rafting three times.
20. Jumped off a bridge into fast moving, frigid water.
21. Took a tour of the Libby Dam.
22. Dressed up as Genghis Khan and went to Hu Hot to get a free meal.
23. Sat on a Vespa, and rock climbed on the army wall, at the fair, in a short skirt.
24. Went to my first concert.
25. Used dad's power tools to make a wall hanging.
26. Started college.
27. Had my wisdom teeth removed.
28. Changed what I have for breakfast every morning.
29. Hosted a bridal shower for my best friend.
30. Got my first cell phone.
31. Did hair for many different people at multiple weddings.
32. Saved enough for my braces and finally got them.
33. Went to Deaf bowling nights, and helped with the Wha(D)t Deaf World.
34. Signed a song during the Valley Voices choir.
35. Gave a power point presentation.
36. Was a MOH in my best friends wedding.
37. Had my 79th-61st birthday.
38. Brought and carried a pathetic gingerbread house around college all day with me on a dare.
39. Found out that Dystopian is the name for my favorite genre of books.
40. Wrote 2 five page papers for college.
41. Finished my first semester of college.
42. Taught myself how to make an origami butterfly and Ninja throwing star.
43. Registered for my next semester of college.
44. Taught myself how to do Chinese brush painting.
45. Crocheted a panda.
46. Finished my Nocturne on the piano.
47. Wrote many poems.
48. Started and then gave up on a novel I was writing.
49. Did all my Christmas shopping in one day.
50. Can give you a limited life story in sign language.
51. And had my fist manicure since moving to Montana.

And here is a list of things that haven't changed or I've not done yet.

1. My spelling has not really improved at all.
2. I still have never been on a four wheeler.
3. I never did make up that exercise routine.
4. I haven't donated blood yet.
5. Haven't made a lemon meringue pie.
6. I'm still awful at e-mailing or calling people back.
7. I'm still not on Facebook.
8. I still plan on sky diving someday.
9. And I still don't know what I'm going to work towards in college.

Like I said I'm probably forgeting lots and maybe I'll add more as I think of them throughout these last few weeks.

If life gives you lemons, make a lemon chiffon cake!

Today was the first day in what seams like forever, that I didn't have anywhere to go. Life right now jumps from one place to another, one week to the next. Everyday I feel like I have to put thought into what I'm going to wear and do, asking myself "will I get cold? does this even match?". But today I grabbed an old tee shirt, let my hair go wild, and *gasp* didn't put any makeup on.
It wasn't a boring day though. I started off playing piano, doing a face mask, and then making a lemon chiffon cake for my dad's birthday. While it was baking I did my music theory homework *yuck*. After letting the cake cool, it was successfully inverted:) I then made up the lemon frosting (which was sinfully yummy) and overall it turned out great. It had a nice consistency, not heavy, but light, sweat, but not overpoweringly so.

For once I really don't have much more so say. School went pretty well yesterday. I did much better on two tests than I thought I would, and I got an hour and a half of lab time in for ASL (because the teacher was absent). I don't think I did good in Aural P, but oh well, I didn't really practice much anyway, so it's my fault.
For World Music I have to write a contemporary music paper about once a week on a certain country, and I'm getting horribly tired of it. At first it was sort of different, now it's just *blah*. And now I need to start preparing for my midterm presentation. We were given a list of places to chose from and were put on the spot to chose one to do it on. I took Argentina (tango) I hope that was a good choice. But as you can probably tell from my playlist, I like tango music. It's hard to believe that I'm already half way done with the semester. Where does time go? If you find it please bring it back. It's hard to even think of the future. When people ask me what I'm planning on doing I'm like "Um, maybe this, but I'm now thinking that, but I still want to do...." I'm trying to just live day by day. Having a ruff draft for the next year or so, but ultimately leaving it up to God. I'm so glad it's God's decision, because if it was all on my back, I would be so, so lost. Well, I have more homework, and some hooks and eyes to sew, so ta ta. I guess I had more to say after all.

In my state of blah

Last night, after a very long day, was the first night that I didn't have way too much homework to do. So before I did my ASL assignment, I well, wasted some time on the computer. My brother will play a game to relax, but me, I look at clothing. I try not to do it in an "I want that" uncontent way. Just oh, that's cute. I think I'm not alone, but I confess I'm an avid picture saver. I like to go back and look at what I saved later for fun, and sometimes for sewing inspiration. It's nice because then I have a folder of only items that I really like, instead of scrolling down a site going, yuck, cute, umm, cute, adorable, why would someone wear that?, cute, and so on.

So, last night while I was in my much missed state of blah, I went to modcloth. If you go there you know what I'm talking about, if not. I recommend it. I was looking at their new items, and I could post probably around thirty pictures of misc items that struck my fancy. But to save on my time and your sanity, I decided just to use pictures of boots.

I really like the buckles on the first pair and how high they come up in the leg. The heal is also just right for everyday. Not too high, but not too flat.

The next three I think are just too cute. A little on the high side, but still so cute. Isn't all the crisscrossing fun? The last black boots are actually from sears. The brand is mudd (my absolute favorite shoe band!). I like how cute yet practical they are. Different but not overpowering.

If you want to feel better about your drooling, do you want to know the best part about every one of these boots? They are all under $56.

Day 28: Doughnuts aren't only harmful to your health

I really don't have that many scars, but I do have a little one above my lip on my right side. Pounce, our dog, bit me when I was almost two. I was eating a doughnut, and I guess he wanted some too. We had to put him down soon after. Sorry this post is so short, but I have stuff to do before tomorrow and just wanted to keep up with my last few days of the challenge. Sad, I only have two days left to go. I'll have to figure out something else to do to give me an excuse to keep blogging on a regular basis.

Day 27: My first day, and the first time I really can't think of a good title.

Well, today was my first day of college. I think it went pretty well. My first class was Sign Language which was interesting. The teacher didn't talk for practically the whole class. It was a little confusing, but I think it will grow on me. My next two classes were Music Theory, and World Music. Music Theory was well, music theory, but I think I'm really going to enjoy World Music. Sadly, I think the hardest part of the day is going to be the hour and a half break in between sign, and music. I might need to take up crocheting on a regular basis to pass the time, or something of the like, but I'll probably just end up doing homework during that time.
I guess for a feature I love It might be hair (is that considered a physical feature?). Although I have a love/hate relationship with my own, it's really neat to see how other people do their hair. I don't really have a preference for hair type, style, or cut, it's just neat to see how other people communicate with the stuff growing out of their head.

Day 7: Pina Colada, outrageous, and a white lie

Five things I couldn't live without is a little to easy. It would be God, Air, Food, Water, and the sun. So I'm going to stretch the truth a little and blog about five things that would make life a little harder and less enjoyable to live without.

1. Fruit! I love fruit. I would choose a smoothie over a milk shake, a juicy pineapple over chocolate, and watermelon instead of candy any day.2. Denim skirts. knee length jean skirts are my everyday staple. I wear them just about 90% of the time. They are like jeans but more comfortable, versatile, and cute.

3. Dancing. When I'm dancing I feel wonderfully energetic. Like the world stops around me and it's just me, the music, and if I'm dancing with my brother or someone, them. It's one of the only things that I do and don't feel restrained, and that I can go a bit on the wild side. 4. This is a though one but it would probably be makeup. I'm sad to say that I really do enjoy my mascara, lip gloss, and eyeshadow. Don't worry I never go as crazy as the picture. I think my favorite part about it is not how it makes me look or feel, but the creativeness of applying it. Will this match this? Can I do silver and pink together? 5. This one struck me funny. Gum. I love my gum. Especially fruit flavored. Every time I get into a car I need gum. I don't carry it around in my purse, or even have a piece in my room, but I can't go without it on the road.

Day 2: Secrets, Pirates, and the Unknown

Today's question was much harder then yesterdays. I was thinking like "what is my favorite move?". I started going over like historical documentaries and whatnot, but then got to thinking although I really enjoy movies like Pride and Prejudice, they definitely aren't my favorite. I figured a favorite would be one that you can watch over and over and not get tired of. This also was hard because if you know me I don't really like to watch movies more than once. And then it struck me, I could watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy over and over! But on second thought, no way is that my "favorite" movie. After some more pondering I came to an conclusion. OK, I know a lot of people think this movie is stupid, and I would agree about the sequels, but I would have to say my number 1 sorta favorite movie would have to be Pirates of the Caribbean Curse of the Black Pearl. So there you have it, my secret is out and I hope it's not too shocking.

Day 1: Thunder, Light, and a Fro

Today was my first day of the Thirty Day Challenge, and it asked me what my favorite song is. This question wasn't to hard.
I woke up this morning to the sound of thunder. What a powerful noise, especially when it is right over you. It's just mind boggling to think of how God creates monstrous bangs by clashing clouds together. Clouds look so Innocent and fluffy. I couldn't get evaporated water to clash together if my life depended on it, let alone make electrical bolts at the same time.
So needless to say my favorite song (at least for right now) is MR. Blue Sky by ELO (electric light orchestra). I don't have the video, but if you do watch it they have some great fros and facial hair. But what else can you expect from the 70s?
I had some trouble with my playlist, so I'll just stick the song on the playlist on the bottom of my blog and you can listen to it if you want.

On the Road Again

Just about every day now when I do my blog rounds, I noticed that I haven't been posting enough. Unfortunately I've been monstrous (my new favorite adjective) uninspired lately. It seems like the blog world has been very slow lately too, and I've been enjoying reading Laurel's posts every day. So I decided to give the thirty day challenge a try. I hope I don't completely bore you all, but it is more for me (not in a selfish way) than for you anyway. I just think it will be neat to look back in a year or so time and see what my likes and some ideas were at that time. So here I go on my newest quest!

Day 1: A favorite song

Day 2: A favorite movie

Day 3: A favorite book

Day 4: A favorite television program
Day 5: A favorite quote

Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive

Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without

Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life

Day 9: A photo you took

Day 10: A photo of you taken over 10 years ago
Day 11: A photo of you taken recently

Day 12: A song you want played at your wedding (or was played)

Day 13: A guilty pleasure

Day 14: A vacation you would like to take

Day 15: A person you admire

Day 16: A song that makes you cry

Day 17: An art piece

Day 18: A time when you felt passionate and alive

Day 19: A talent of yours

Day 20: A hobby of yours

Day 21: Someting you know you do differently then most people

Day 22: A website

Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered

Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love

Day 25: A recipe

Day 26: A childhood memory

Day 27: A physical feature you love

Day 28: A scar you have and it's story

Day 29: Hopes, dreams, and plans you have for the next 365 days

Day 30: A motto or philosophy

A penny for your thoughts

I recently heard this song Goodbye, Goodnight, by Jars of Clay and it really intrigued me. I know if any of you are like me, posts that have song lyrics are, well, to be honest really boring. But not to fear like always my blogger won't let me copy and paste and I'm to lazy to do it manually. So I have it on my playlist on the bottom for you to listen to.

Besides just really liking the sound of the song (I love accordions) the words interested me. I had my idea of what they might mean, but I wanted to find out more. When I googled the meaning I found some very conflicting results.

The first one I found said that it was a song about the Titanic sinking from the perspective of the band.
"Strike up the band and play a song, and try hard not to cry, and fake a smile as we all say goodbye"

I hadn't expected that at all. Rereading the lyrics, it fit, and now seemed like a really sad song. I've always admired the band on the Titanic, how they stayed.

The second one said that it was about the saved leaving the unsaved. How sad it was that they don't know the truth, and are heading for hell, and the need for Christians to preach the gospel. This one fit very well too. Being by Jars of Clay I thought this one is more likely.

But reading more I came to think that it might be both. Using the story of the Titanic as an allegory about how Christians can be. It's sad but we do tend to be that way. Going about our lives, not caring about the unsaved unless they directly influence us. We can be so busy worrying about ourselves, or problems with other believers we forget about our true mission. I believe we can be missionaries just by going through our daily lives. But are we going through are daily lives trying to be a good example for Christ? I know I fall short of that more often than not, living to live, not living for God.

What do you think?

Oh, so boring

So, I was looking at my blog and wondering "why is my blog so boring?". Is it because I don't stick to a single subject, like clothing, crafts, or cooking? Maybe it's just because I write only about normal daily things that every one is sick of because they live with the same things? Is it because the people who mostly read my blog see me on a constant basis and are just plain bored with my ramblings? Do I always say and do the same things? Do I not post enough? Is my life boring?

Well, I been thinking about this for a few days now (don't worry I haven't been obsessing) and I still haven't come up with an answer. So here is a few steps for you all to help me.

1. Please, please, please, give advice.
2. Don't be shy in your opinions and comments. I love to read what people actually think.
3. Vote on my new pole on the side. (I'll allow multiple answers)

Thanks

Sorry

Hi, I just wanted to thank Nora and Hannah for tagging me! Unfortunately my blog wont let me copy things to post, so it's really hard for me to do tags (I have to retype everything). So it's not that I don't appreciate being tagged, it's just hard for me to find time to get around to it retyping it.

I'll leave you all with (what I think) a really cute pair of flats from ModCloth

Life could be a dream

I love this tag it is always so funny.

You put your ipod, or playlist on random shuffle and use the titles that come up as the answers to your questions.

If someone says "This is okay", you say: Chim Chim Cheree (Ok, I'm a very happy go lucky person)
What would best describe you personality? Fish heads (I sure hope not)

What do you like in a guy/girl? Upendi (Not sure about that)

What is your life purpose? Rock around the clock (Like it!)

What is your motto? Belle Notte (Very romantic)

What do your friends think of you? I feel pretty (I'm glad I make everyone feel so good about themselves!)

What do you think about very often? Chicken fat (True)

What is 2+2? There coming to take me away (It's not that hard of a question, I don't have to get all paranoid)

What do you think of your best friend? Squirrels (Girls?)

What do you think of a person you like? Come thou Fount of every blessing ("Bless me")

What is your life story? Whipped cream (Doesn't feel like that)

What do you want to be when you grow up?Be thou near to me (Humm)

What do you think when you see a person you like? The face of Boe (NO, No, don't take that seriously please!)

What do your parents think of you? In the mood (I can get moody)

What will you dance to at your wedding? Panis Angelicus (Sweet)

What will they play at your funeral? The Chicken dance (I can't believe that came up again It must be a sign!)

What is your hobby/interest? Angel of music (Not sure what that means)

What is your biggest secret? End Creditouilles (But remember, you don't know anything...)

What do you think of your friends? Somewhere over the rainbow (Happy?)

What is the worst thing that could happen? Jesu, Joy of mans desiring (No, that would be the best)

How will you die? Oh the Deep Deep love of Jesus (The most perfect way to die!)

What is the one thing you regret? In the Jungle (I've never went to the jungle so I guess I could regret that)

What makes you laugh? Talking bird (That is funny)

What makes you cry? Daylight Hymn (Songs don't make me cry)

Will you ever get married? The Runaway Bride (ok so I was so shocked when this song came up, I mean what are the chances I have like over 130 songs on my playlist and the only one that mentions marriage comes up! So I guess I'm will get married but not for long?)

What scares you the most? Hi Ho it's of to work we go (Work can be scary)

Does anyone like you? Who put the bop in the bop (Not sure is that's a yes)

If you could go back in time, what would you change? Caruso (Humm)

What hurts now? Rockin Robin (Well, I do hurt myself dancing a lot)

What do you often exclaim? We go Together (Ok)

Where is paradise? Purple People Eater (The 50s?)

What did you first say as a baby? The Phantom of the Opera (Vocabulary, nice)

If you had a pet what would you name it? In the Still of Night (To complicated)

What is your favorite sight to see? Hideaway in the Love of Jesus (Again not sure what that means)

What makes you gag? Ich hab dich lieb (Ugh all those dancing bunnies)

What are you best at? Nearer my God to Thee (That's nice)

If you wrote a book, what would you call it? Robin Hood Theme (Already taken)

What did you last wish for? Band of brothers (I have three how many more do I need?!)

What would your superhero name be? Just you Wait ("I'll save you on my time, just hang on till I finish lunch")

How soon will this be over? Ugly bug Ball (Does that mean never?)

Where are you sitting? Gota de lluvia (Um, ok)

What do you hate? Hakunamatata (No, never!!!)

What do you most love? Bittersweet Samba (no comment)

What do you not much care about? Rose (I actually don't even really like roses)

What is your secret name? 99 Luftballons (You probably didn't know that did you?)

What will you post this as? Life could be a dream

Crazy sitters

I just love interesting chairs and benches.

Here are some of my favorite.This bench is just amazing, I can't believe someone actually made this.I found this rocking chair on etsy, very comfy looking.Isn't the wood gorgeous!

This chair from anthropology is so cute! I love the colors and it looks very hugable.

Tagged!

Well, I guess I've been tagged, so here it is.

What is a very interesting fact about you?Um, I'm hypermobile (I bend in funny directions)

What are two things in this world that you love very much?Jesus, and my family.

What was the last thing you ate? Slices of toffee, chocolate, carmel apple. Yumm...

Who is your favorite movie/book character. Tally

What is your favorite color? Bright green, Yellow, Brown, Black, Blue, Red (I know that's more then one, sorry)

Are you random? I would say?.... Yes.

Do you have a totem animal?
Um, no, but if I did it would be a moose.

How many people follow your main blog? I think eight.

What is your favorite animal? Dogs, Yaks, Moose

Downhill or Cross-Country skiing?Downhill, all the way (pun intended)

Soda or water? Water. I don't like caffeine.

Weekends vs. School days? Depends on what I'm doing.

Trees or flowers? Trees. You can find pictures of me in them just about at any age of my life.

REGULAR QUESTIONS

What is your favorite movie? I am Legend, Cranford, The Day after Tomorrow,

What is your favorite book?The Bible, Pirates, Historical, or futuristic.

How long have you been on blogger for?
April 2008

Now I get to tag someone!

Luke

Sir Dancelot

This is my knight in shining blue armor. His name is Sir Dancelot because, well, he loves to dance a lot. He may be small but he knows how to Paso Doble through battle, Tango with the enemy, and waltz away with the fair maiden.He loves braving the outdoors!He fights evil in gloomy dungeons.

I think Garbina is smitten with this cute little dancer!

Answers

Well, choir went well for our first day. Though our carpool is much quieter without Josh. This year we have Hannah, Rachel, Nora, Aaron, and me. So my mom entertained us with stories of when she was a paramedic, you know, decapitation, blood, guts, goor.......... girly stuff like that! I decided to sing One Eye, One Horn, Flying, Purple, People Eater for my addition.
Wow, the wedding is in 2 days!!!!!! I finally figured out what I was going to do with my hair!

Blog starting season

OK, I know it must seem like the trend or something to start new blogs, but I have another blog at http://patternreviews.wordpress.com/. This blog will be for reviewing sewing patterns. If you would like to be an author on this blog tell me and I will sign you up! Don't worry though I will still continue my other two blogs!