Cat-tastic!

I have 20 days left of this semester. Oh, gosh. That sounds like way too many. Let’s say three weeks instead. Still too many.

This weekend was pretty great. I got a minimal amount of work done, but I spent time with friendsies.

Some friends came over on Friday and we made pasta and watched a movie. 500 Days of Summer. Zooey and JGL. Get on it.

Then Diana fell asleep on the couch and decided it was way too hard to drive the five minutes back to her apartment. So we had a sleepover! In the morning we watched Friends and drank coffee. And I watched videos on my iPhone. Clearly Saturday was off to a good start. Then I was supposed to do all kinds of work and homework, but it was nice out and sunshine is distracting, you guys. So I went to dinner with my friends Micah and Jarred from the Springs, and then went over to spend some time with friends around a campfire. Campfires are distracting too.

Also, Micah and I have been kindreds for many years now, and there are just some things we know to point out to one another. Whilst we were at the restaurant on Saturday, we noticed a grandma-type person showing her granddaughter to the table. The little girl was cute, so we smiled at her. Then my eyes moved up and I noticed the grandma’s shirt. I immediately grunted oddly, cleared my throat, and kicked at Micah underneath the table. Because Grandma was wearing a shirt that looked something like this:

Except that it was actually about 80 times better/worse than that picture because it was a normal t-shirt that had been tie-dyed green. And then the cat picture was there, taking up that whole shirt. It was the best. I wish we could’ve gotten a picture for you. We tried. So hard. But then the restaurant staff asked us to leave because they thought it was rude for us to be pointing and laughing and trying to take pictures. (Also, I just spent a lot of time on Google image search trying to find a cat shirt for you guys. You should appreciate my commitment to excellence.)

On Sunday it was so beautimous, so we went to Wash Park and had a picnic and played volleyball.

Since we’re super brilliant, we set up our net right next to a creek that runs through the park. So there was a lot of going into the creek to get the ball because I am bad at serving.

So, it was a good weekend. But unfortunately, I still have three more overwhelming weeks of school. So much to get done.

Question for LOST fans: Jack or Sawyer? I think you know the correct answer.

Remember that song “Hallelujah” which was made popular by Jeff Buckley? It goes like this. It’s pretty. Song of the day — you’re welcome.

OK, I am on it at school this week, you guys. I’m on a rampage. Have a good Monday!

Happy Everything

Have I ever told you that Wednesdays are my longest day? Oh, wait. I tell you that every single week. It’s still true. So, let’s rejoice that the long day is over, as old Norah Jones would croon.

So, my friends and I are rewatching Lost. It is just the best. Also, I had forgotten that Clair from Modern Family is Jack’s ex-wife. And that Jack is so perfect that he operated on Boone while giving him a blood transfusion. From his own body. Oh, Jack. Even though you’re perfect, I still like Sawyer better.

I got a card from my Grandpa Dale yesterday. It was a cute vintage one and it said “A cute card for a cute girl. Happy Everything. Love, Grandpa.” He is the very bestest.

As was expected, I forgot to do the photo challenge yesterday. But apparently I was supposed to take a picture of “where I ate breakfast.” So, here’s the logo of Lucile’s, which is a Creole restaurant where I had poached eggs and eggplant and grits yesterday. I ate Louisiana cuisine with a Canadian. It was super great.

Yesterday in Aramaic we translated part of the passage where King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream and Daniel tells him that he’s going to live like a wild animal for seven years. That would just be some bad news to receive, don’t you think? But it happened so that Nebuchadnezzar would know that God had dominion over everything — even though old Nezzi was a powerful king, Yahweh God was the one in control. At the end of those seven years, Daniel 4 says that Nebuchadnezzar raised his eyes to heaven and blessed the Most High. He recognized God’s dominion, and he was restored.

He is in control, you guys. And he loves us. And has plans for us. He is good and he heals and he restores.

Have the best Thursday, OK?

Friends > Library

Hi, sweet pumpkin-faces.

Thank you for allowing my post of serious seriousness yesterday. It was on my chest. It needed to be off of it.

Remember how this is the week of totally getting my thesis proposal figured out? Well yesterday I accidentally did not make it to the library because I had to do important things like coffee dates and wine dates and LOST dates. It is called priorities, you guys. Mine are in the right place.

My dear, sweet former roommate Sarena met me for coffee in Castle Rock. We talked for three hours. Oops. Mainly I blabbed on and on about the Old Testament and she was sweet enough to nod along. But I think we should maybe consider this “thesis research” because we talked about my idea and I was able to get those creative juices flowing. (I have to lie to myself in order to go on, you guys.) It was so good to catch up with Sarena. I think I’ve mentioned this before, but we lived together when we first moved out to Colorado — our first real apartments, our first real jobs, new cars, new boyfriends, new life in the mountains. We share a unique bond because we kind of learned how to be adults together. Those were good, good years.

Then I had to rush back up to Denver to meet my charming, cheery, sweetie friend Kim. Every once in awhile, we are patrons at Kate’s Wine Bar in downtown Littleton. It is our favorite because the only people who go there are fifty and up. We feel young and fresh-faced. We are hoping to make some friends and gain some life wisdom and maybe some advice on blazers and 401k plans. But so far, we just smile at the nice older gentlemen in their corduroy jackets and we eat hummus and drink wine and chat about life and The Bachelor and heaven.

See all the gray hair behind Kim?

You can tell Kate’s is classy because of the exposed brick.

Then after Kim and I hung out, I had to come back to the house for LOST with the friendsies. Courtney has joined us and she’s never seen it before. She is loving it, of course. Also, it’s her birthday today! Courtney, this is for you — happy birthday!

Clearly I had a very busy and productive day. Today, however, I am really going to be in the library thesis-ing it up. I actually feel like I’ve made a bit of a breakthrough, so I’m kind of excited to get some stuff done. That excitement will soon turn into whining. Don’t you worry.

Have a good day!

Friday Snowday Funday Listday

OverTheTopTitleDay.

1. Apparently it’s the storm of the freaking century outside. It hasn’t snowed in Colorado pretty much all winter, but the day that Jaci and I were going to drive up to Vail and stay at a fancy hotel and pretend to be rich is of course the one day that there is a momentous blizzard of death that closes all roads and mountain passes. Boo. So, you guys, it’s not our fault that we’ve watched so much Lost. Nature made us. The island wanted us to. It was our destiny. We want to avoid going stircrazy/being eaten by the Smoke Monster, though, so if the roads are good enough today, we’re going to head to the spa!

2. Exciting news: I am having a giveaway on the bloggy next week! I’m still working out what’s for grabs, but it will probably include awesome things like gift cards, books, vintage treasures, and Jewish stuff. So, make sure to be back Monday for giveaway details!

3. Jaci and Ashley and I visited the American Girl store here in Denver yesterday. It was wonderful. We both grew up reading the books and yearning for the dolls. Neither of us ever got any of the dolls because our moms were mean/the dolls were ridiculously expensive. But we’d get the catalogs each month and wish and wish, pretending we could get a doll and pick out her outfits. Being in the store today brought up feelings of sweet nostalgia … and a tiny bit of bitterness toward our mothers. But we forgive.

Do you see Kit’s darling little ringer washer? I learned so much about different historical eras reading those books. I learned about Colonial times and rationing during World War II, and the Underground Railroad and Victorian treats and pioneer living. You guys, no wonder I always wanted to live in an earlier era — it’s all I read about as a kid. I was into American Girl back when there were just three girls — Kirsten, Samantha and Molly (I wanted Samantha). Now they have these silly modern-day dolls that you can make to look like yourself. What do you learn about history from those dolls?! Bah hum bug. They have added a lot more historical girls, though. A Native American girl (probably should’ve been the first one anyway), two girls from New Orleans (they wear real hoop skirts!), a 70s-era girl, and a Jewish girl from New York, you guys! She has a tiny menorah! I need to read her books!

American Girl was a such big part of my life growing up. I even had a story published in their magazine when I was 12. They did not give me a doll, though. I got a stupid watch. OK, let’s move on. I’ve spent way too much time talking about dolls…

4. Umm, I think this is awesome. Because it is true.

5. Yesterday I was reading Job 1 in the Bible. Job has lost his possessions, children, everything. He is ruined. Satan has caused him unimaginable pain, and he is devastated. When he hears the news of his children, he falls to the ground in worship and says, “Yahweh gave and Yahweh has taken away. May the name of Yahweh be praised.” How? How did he do it? My prayer today is for the Lord to give us strength to praise him in the difficult times and bring comfort and peace and joy to those who need it today.

6. How do you solve a problem like Maria?

7. (This is Jaci) Clearly, Denise ran out of things to say at number 5, but she continued on with her list anyway and then handed the computer off to me. I don’t actually have anything to say, but am being “forced” into contributing. Sorry. I love reading Denise’s blog every day though, and I always check back late in the day to see if there are any clever/interesting/fun comments, but I don’t know who a lot of the commenters are, so let’s do an experiment. If you read this and if you ever comment, I would like you to tell me who you are. How do you know Denise? If you don’t know her, how did you find her blog? It’ll be a fun, like a get-to-know-you game that doesn’t involve choosing a fruit or animal or super hero. Please play along. (Aren’t you glad Denise ran out of things to say and let me write number 7?)

OK, have a lovely weekend, friends! Make sure to hustle back on Monday to enter the drawing for the Awesome Giveaway of Awesome Awesomeness!

Whatever Happened, Happened.

You guys, I really don’t have all that much time to blog because Jaci and I are busy watching season 5 of Lost. I haven’t watched it in years, and it’s pretty awesome to jump back into it in the middle, trying to figure out what is going on all over again. It’s also pretty awesome to spend time with Sawyer and his dimples and his nicknames.  I love this show.

I had teaching practicum and Aramaic quizzes to fail yesterday, but after that Jaci and I went to Cherry Creek Mall to pretend we could afford things there. We looked at all the expensive things at Anthropologie and wished and wished. Also, apparently neon is in again folks because Express and J. Crew and Gap could not get enough of the blindingly bright colors. After we tried on clothes, we felt badly about ourselves and decided to make it worse by eating delicious hamburgers at The Cherry Cricket. Then we met some friends for a round of trivia and we did not do so well with the correct answering of the questions. But we did have fun.

In my teaching practicum, everyone in the class has been sharing about their favorite and most memorable teachers. They range from grade school to jr. high to high school to undergrad, but so many of these favorite teachers have one thing in common — their character. These teachers weren’t memorable because they taught math well or they were really excellent at diagramming sentences. The teachers who stood out were people who practiced what they preached. They cared about students, they took extra time to help and nurture and be genuine. This is what sticks with people. Who was your favorite teacher and why?

OK, I best be going. It’s supposed to snow the next couple days, which is not good because we’re driving up to Vail on Friday so as to keep up with the theme of pretending we can afford things.

Have a good Thursday, friends! Loves!

Live Together, Die Alone

The title is a quote from what totally awesome TV show?

You guys, Jaci is coming to visit tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (It deserves lots of exclamation points.)

She’s just coming to hang out so that we can both avoid all the school and work we should be doing. We’re going to eat and go to trivia and spend some time up in Vail pretending that we are rich. You never know what kind of crazy will go down, you guys. We may even watch Lost. And by “may” I mean “definitely will.”

This is Jaci and me visiting Tim Riggins' house. He wasn't home. We were sad.

Speaking of Jaci, she got me a book called The Wilder Life last time I went to Austin and I’m still reading it because school is so rude and prevents me from reading important books about modern-day people who travel around the country visiting the sites where Laura Ingalls Wilder lived in the 1800s. Anyway, the book is really making me want to visit Walnut Grove again to see the Laura pageant that happens every summer. Also, I kind of want to spend a night in a dugout. Also, yes I realize that I am insane. Oh well. Where’s my bonnet?

Anyhoo, it is just a good friends week. Yesterday I got to have lunch with my friends Steve, Ginna and Matthew. Steve and Ginna used to live here in Colorado, but then they were mean and moved to Wisconsin. They were in town this weekend, though, so we got to hang out and I got to be friends with their sweet baby Gwyn.

I’m so behind on season 2 of Downton Abbey, you guys! I’ve only watched the season premiere. Who even knows what’s happening with the Crowleys and old Bates and horrible Thomas?!

So in this semester of Hebrew, we’re translating big chunks of the book of Joshua. We’re going to see how the Israelites entered the land and how God provided for them. We’ll probably see them succeed and fail and be rebellious and repent. Kind of like us. In the first chapter of Joshua, Moses has died and Joshua has taken over leadership of the Israelites. Throughout the chapter, Moses is referred to as the “servant of the Lord” and Joshua is referred to as Moses’ servant. My professor pointed out that it is not until the very end of his life (in chapter 24), that Joshua gets the title, “servant of the Lord.” What a great honor — to be someone who has lived their life in service of the one, true God in whatever role he has called us to.

OK, gots to go. I have about ninety million things to do today, and I am very lazy, so it’s going to be a tough one. Luckily the kindred will be here this evening to cheer me up!

Finally Friday!

Oh, hi. It’s Friday — did you know?! Let’s celebrate with an ordered list.

1. I’m done with finals! It feels so good, you guys! I’ve completed all my tests, turned everything in, and I’m done until late January. Let the laziness begin!

2. In celebration of my newfound freedom I am in Colorado Springs from 8-5 today (not my idea). I’m attending a board meeting for Axis, a non-profit that goes around the country speaking to people about moving from apathy to compassionate action in the name of Jesus. They’re lucky I love them so much — otherwise I would not be willing to be up at 5:30 a.m.

3. I thought this article about Isaiah and his message was fascinating. Thoughts?

4. Have you all seen these Ryan Gosling photos on Pinterest? He just loves those mason jar lamps.

5. I’m going to see The Muppets movie tonight! Has anyone seen it? I’ve heard it’s really good and I’m so excited to see Kermit and Miss Piggy! I’m secretly hoping there’s also a teacup piglet making a cameo.

6. Have you all been watching Once Upon a Time? I don’t think the acting is that great, and I can’t see how they’re going to move the plot past one season, but some of the Lost writers are working on that show, and they keep putting in little Lost references. It’s worth watching just to spot Apollo candy bars and clocks stuck at 8:15. Also, I think I may need to watch Lost again during my free time in January. Anyone want to join me?

7. On a somber note, Christopher Hitchens died yesterday. He was an atheist who spent time debating Christians. He wrote the book “God is Not Great” and considered the Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam) to be evil and a source of hatred. He died yesterday of cancer in his esophagus. It’s sombering — this man will now meet the maker he has denied. There is no triumph or vindication in this, if anything, as my friend Esther put it on Facebook, “Lord, have mercy.” God is real. He is true. We need him — we will all meet him one day. Lord, have mercy, and help us to share your truth with love and clarity.

Have a great weekend, friends! I’ll try to write some more interesting stuff next week now that I’m not sick and not being killed by finals!

Blog 9 3/4

OK, I have to feel better today, you guys. There are things to do and I’ve got to get going. Someone bring me a sudafed.

So the other night I finished the sixth Harry Potter book. I’ve read them all before, but they’re so great that I like to go through them again every once in awhile. After I finished, I picked up book seven and read the last chapter. (I’m speaking in very general terms because I don’t want to give anything away in case you are very behind at being awesome and haven’t read the books yet.)

Each time I read the books, I am more and more impressed with J.K. Rowling. She is brilliant (said with an English accent). She knew what she was doing with that series the entire time. After I read the last chapter of book seven, I went back and looked at the end of book four. Yep, a clue to the whole series. Sitting right there. Waiting to be discovered. Rowling was on it.

Some people hate the Harry Potter series on account of how they’re Satan’s favorite books. But there are such redemptive, Christian themes in this series. Just like Narnia, just like Pilgrim’s Progress. I think part of the reason I love Harry Potter is because — like Narnia or LOST — it tells a detailed, beautiful story. There are things to figure out, clues along the way, an ultimate plan and purpose. It’s like we talked about last week; story is powerful.

The themes of sacrifice and redemption in Harry Potter or any other good series remind me of the One True Story. God’s story. It reminds us of how we sometimes have to choose between what is right and what is easy (Albus Dumbledore) or how the last enemy to be defeated is death.

This guy puts it well (spoilers about the Harry Potter series, so don’t watch it if you plan to read the books!).

Good stuff. So yes, after all this time, I still love Harry Potter. Always.

Sorry if you’ve never read HP and had to read this post. You were probably very bored. Maybe this little guy will make amends?

OK, have a good Wednesday. Read Harry Potter. Read God’s Story. Eat some Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. Say hi to Dumbledore for me. Steer clear of Snape. Find a golden snitch. Free a house elf. … I’ve got to stop … Visit Zonko’s. … Seriously, I have to go. … Accio end of blog post!

Of Concerts and Copycats

What up, players?

I just finished two horrible midterms yesterday, so I thought I’d take a break and write a little posty. Nevermind the fact that I have two 20-page papers due next week that I’ve not started yet.

All throughout high school and undergrad, I cared a lot about grades. But as I’ve entered grad school, I’ve come to realize that I was focusing too much on finding my worth in good scores, and I’ve decided I need to let that prideful issue go. (Translation: I am trying to trick myself into thinking I don’t want good grades, because full-time school and full-time work makes it nearly impossible.)

Anyhoos. If anyone would like some info on how to parse a Hebrew verb in the past tense, imperative, narrative preterite or imperfect, let me know. I’ll be sure to go find someone who can help you with that.

So, in celebration of midterm tests being done, I went to a Dave Barnes concert with my friends Ashley and Jenn last night. It was at a super cool venue in Denver called The Rusty Pigeon or something like that. Very chill.

The concert was great for these reasons:

1. We ran into Leanna and Mary Claire, some friends from the Springs.

2. The opening act  was weirdo. They may have been drunk or high or just not good at doing concerts. The lead singer — Joe Frontface or something like that — kept talking about how he was wearing waterproof shoes because they traveled up from New Mexico in a snowstorm to get here. Umm, OK crazy Frontface. Each of his songs were about 30 seconds long and the topic was usually wine. Also, I think Joe Frontface may have been wearing a hairnet. Either way, he wasn’t that great, but he did provide some entertainment.

3. Third, we managed to snag a table in the standing room only area. We’re not sure if the people just never showed up, or if the table wasn’t actually reserved, or if the ticket-holders were just intimated by the beautiful ladies at their table. Either way, that’s how we do. Brush your shoulders off.

4. Dave Barnes’ songs are the bestest. They are so sweet and romantic and beautimous. And I just love his voice.

5. Also, he is basically the most hilarious man on earth. Seriously, we paid $15 for a concert/stand-up comedy act. Dave Barnes/DJ Donkey Mouth cracks me up to no end. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you should watch this video. And then check out the Joo Toobs for even more goodness.

So, it was a great concert. I recommend you check out Mr. Barnes if he comes to a city near you.

In other news, my Hulu time has been majorly suffering because of all the schools and works. But, I’ve decided I should make an attempt to stay loyal to TV and catch up on the new NBC show, “The Event.”

Umm, I’m only two episodes in, but so far I’ve seen pretty much nothing original. First of all, it picked up some ideas from the show “V.” Secondly, the plot devices seem suspiciously similar to a little-heard-of program called LOST. Here’s the plot so far:

Something mysterious is going on. There are some weird people and no one can quite figure out what they’re about. We do know that they’re different, though. In fact, if I wanted to come up with a label for them, I might call them “Others.”

Crazily enough, there are flashbacks to help us get to know the characters better. They’re not really cool or useful flashbacks like in certain shows, but they do happen. Coincidence?

Then there was a plane crash. But, viewers, pay attention — it crashed in a desert, not on an island, so it is totally different. Then some people killed a bunch of people and left their bodies lying around — I’m pretty sure I saw Ben Linus walking through the scene with a gas mask on.

I think next week they’re introducing a new character named John Locke who used to be in a wheelchair.

There are a few slight differences in the show, though. And there’s also one huge difference — the plot and acting is way crappier. So, no worries.

In conclusion: I miss LOST.

OK, seriously. I’ve blabbed on about nothing for way too long. I have to get to the library to start these papers. I hope you have a wonderful day and don’t have to spend any time looking up the Greek grammar structure of verses!

Bye, friends!

Not Penny’s Tote

Oh my gosh, you guys. I was having a tough evening last night, but then Sarena brought in the mail and my joy was restored. Because look what Jaci sent me!!!!!

Not Penny’s Tote!!!!!

It is my new favoritest gift ever, and I will carry it with me shamelessly and embarrass everyone I am with. Oh, Charlie. We miss you. Thanks for the warning.

So, what is new with you all? I have a new tote. I also have a new app on my iPhone. My friends and former coworkers created the only C.S. Lewis trivia app on the market. Isn’t that sweet? I know people who have created an app that can be used on Apple devices! I think that ups my coolness by a huge percentage. It also makes me realize that I don’t know as much about old Narnia as I thought I did. I do know that there is a lion named Antwon, a magical world where it is always summer but never the 4th of July, and I think there is a witch named Glenda who gives children Turkish coffee to bribe them. I’m totally gonna ace that trivia app.

So, I got my oil changed at Grease Monkey yesterday. They totally tried to woo me. It worked. Seriously, though, they had great customer service. They came outside to greet me when I pulled up. And when I came back to get my car, there was a coupon for a free car wash, a coupon for $10 off of my next visit, and a red carnation on my dashboard! Also, if I get four more oil changes there, I get the fifth one for free. It did cost a little bit more than Firestone, but they also vacuumed my car and washed my windows. And Firestone is always trying to cheat me out of money, and don’t even get me started on the brake issues I’ve had with them. Don’t even get me started. Anyway, I jove Grease Monkey and have apparently fallen for all their tricky tactics. Girls are suckers for flowers. Even if they’re cheap carnations.

Have you all read Peace Like a River? It’s so great and I am rereading it at the moment. Leif Enger is a fabulous author and has such a subtle, clever way with words. And he’s from Minnesota. You should read it. It’s probably one of the best fiction books I’ve ever read.

This is not Mr. Stubbs, but oh my word, have you ever seen anything so darling?!?!

The other day I was on a run (because I love to run), and a jeep carrying two dogs drove by me at about 30 mph. Suddenly, I saw a wobbly mass of stubby legs and long ears soaring through the air. A basset hound had jumped out of the moving jeep! I don’t know if he was suicidal, or if he saw some bacon on the side of the road, or if he had a Superman complex, but that dog was like, “peace, suckas,” as he lept out of that car with his two-inch legs. The dog, whom I’ve named “Mr Stubbs,” did not get very far. He staggered over to the curb and laid down. His owner stopped the jeep and went to rescue him. Keep in mind that I was on a run, so it took me about 40 minutes to jog the quarter block up to where all the commotion was happening. Mr. Stubbs was walking, so I guess his tiny little legs weren’t completely broken, but he didn’t look quite right either. He kept lying down in the grass, and then getting up, and then looking confused. I don’t think he could find the bacon.

Anyway, I continued on my run because I figured that me trying to catch my breath and starting woefully at Mr. Stubbs wasn’t really helping the situation any. I don’t know the fate of the tiny little Mister, but I’d like to think that he found that bacon and hopped back into the jeep and took a little nap on the way home. Or maybe that was my wish for myself so that I wouldn’t have had to keep running another mile.

Alrighty, folks. I had better be on my way. I’ve got a new tote to show off. Have a lovely day!