Mile Marker

On our recent trip to Kansas City, our car reached this mile marker in its history:


Incidentally, this mile happened to be the curviest part of the drive, but Hubsy handled both the camera and the car very well.

This car and I have been through a lot together. She had 32,000 miles with a previous owner, but the last 68,000 were quite the journey for us - full of hardships, lots of quality time together, and memories.

We started our journey in Hutchinson, KS during college. I searched for the perfect 4-door car within my price range for weeks. The entire purpose of buying her was to have a reliable vehicle to get me through Medical School. Obviously, that plan has been long gone, but she was a good purchase anyways.

Our first hardship was due to a LOT of rain. One Wednesday evening, I was driving on dark, neighborhood streets and had no idea there was flooding until it was too late. The water was about 2-3 feet high and she almost drowned! After a little set-back and a visit to the doctor, she jumped right back to normal.

My little red neon and I have travelled quite a bit over the years: all over western Kansas, many trips to and from Lincoln, Hutchinson and Kansas City, and a trip to Texas. Thanks to some great gas-mileage, she is a good little traveler and we take her everywhere.

When she and I moved to Lincoln, we drove around almost everyday to grow accustomed to our new surroundings. One day, in the parking lot of Target, she and another car had a little fight and she lost. She got her first new bumper, and in no time was back to her normal self.

Since then, she has seen a lot of bumper action. This past fall she had a run in with another car because she was in such a hurry. Once again, she got a new bumper. Unfortunately that bumper had to be replace the next day due to a mishap at the body shop. Then, just this past February, she must have said something mean to the car behind us. Sure enough - we were back to get another new bumper.

Recently, she went in for a physical. It had been awhile since she had been looked at inside, and we found out she was not feeling well at all. She's feeling back to normal and driving well.

So, 4 bumpers, a few flat tires, and 100,000 miles later, the Little Red Neon That Could is still chugging along saying to herself, "I think I can. I think I can."

Family Visit

This weekend was spent with the Taylor Family. We were greeted with a bonfire on the deck and made s'mores. Saturday night we watched the Nebraska game together, and Sunday we went to church where my dad, my brother Tim, and I sang together for special music. We had never done that before and it was a lot of fun.

We spent a lot of time out on the deck.

This summer Dad, Pop-pop, and my brothers added on to the deck. I heard my Gram had a hand in it, too. It turned out to be very nice. This could definitely be considered my family's favorite "room" of the house. We ate every meal (including breakfast) out here.

And see that cute little dog on the deck? Holly has been a little on the naughty side as of late. A characteristic of Cocker Spaniels is their stubbornness and my parents have seen that side of her in full bloom. For instance, my parents left early on Saturday morning while the rest of the house slept in. Not 10 minutes after they left (appr. 6:50am), Holly begins to howl from their bedroom. Thinking it would soon stop, we try to ignore it. Ten minutes later the howling has been constant. I get up, intent on finding the shock collar to shut her up. Can't find it, so I put her outside and head back to bed. Five minutes later she is standing outside our window, howling. Giving up, I get up and watch TV. She didn't make another peep.

Eating on the deck.

Jake requested all of his favorite dishes for the weekend and boy did we eat all weekend! Everything was delicious, especially the pumpkin cake!

Apple Cider Slush

Here I am. Drinking my apple cider slush.

I hate apple juice. But, I love ice cold, thick, apple cider. It's even better when it is in a slushy consistency. About this time of year, you start to see jugs of apple cider in the produce section of your grocery store. Most of them (and the yummiest) are from the Louisburg Cider Mill.

Each year, my parents go to the mill during their CiderFest weekend and I am always so jealous to hear about it. This year, we planned a visit during that weekend so we wouldn't miss out. They have all sorts of craft booths, a corn maze, giant inflatable slides, a pumpkin patch, yummy food, entertainment and more.


That's a LOT of apples!

We went through the cider mill to see how it was made - note to self: sometimes those things are better left unknown. We bought some gifts at the store. Dad and Mom bought us a pumpkin, slushies, and donuts. It was a fun time. The weather was a little warm for the outing, but not unbearable.


Finally, a new family picture!


Yes, we did see this sign prior to climbing.

I love these little festivals. From the random crafts to the food; from the banjo band to the crowd of people. It is just something fun and out-of-the-ordinary. But, most of all, it probably just reminds me of Findley Lake.

We're off!

We're off to Kansas City for the weekend for a visit with the Taylor fam.

May your weekend be relaxing.
May the weather be nice.
May the Huskers beat Virginia Tech.
May the apple cider slush be worth the anticipation (oh, that's for me).

See YA!

Time of Day

As I was leaving the apartment this morning, it was still dark out. I told Hubsy good-bye. He said, "What time is it." I told him, "6:26," to which he responded, "I don't know how you get up so early." I chuckled, but as I walked outside I knew: This is why I get up early.

Don't get the wrong impression. I do enjoy sleeping later than 5am, but I get clausterphobic if I am under the covers after 7am. The problem consequence is that I fade fast after 10pm.

In college, I planned all my classes as early as possible. On vacations, I tend to rise before everyone else for some quiet time. I didn't plan to be a morning person - it just worked out that way.

The morningtime is when I do my best learning, thinking, and am most productive. I think of sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee, listening to the birds chirping, marveling at the colors of the morning sky, feeling the chill of the morning air. I think of the smell of breakfast being cooked (in specific, Gram's house in NY: bacon, eggs, toast, pancakes, and coffee). I think of reading God's word and thanking Him for a new day. I think of early morning walks with Hubsy talking about whatever comes to our minds. I think of waking up to see fresh snow on the ground and the stillness outside.

I would rather meet people for breakfast than lunch or dinner. I would rather eat breakfast than lunch or dinner. I would rather rise early than stay out late. I am a full-fledged morning person.

What time of day is best for you? I did not ask, what kind of person you wish you were, but when are you truly most productive and in your element? And, why do you like that time of day best? I'd be interested to hear.

Tasty Tuesday

Tis the season for apples, right? We are going to an apple festival this weekend. I can already taste the apple cider slush and apple cider donuts.

My favorite recipe for Apple Crisp happens to be simple, easy, quick, and yummy. I thought it was mistake-proof too, until this afternoon*.

Quick Apple Crisp

5 Granny Smith Apples
1 package yellow cake mix (9oz)
2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon (I add a little extra cuz I like it)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup nuts (I don't do this)
Ice Cream

Peel, core, and slice apples. Place in a baking pan (stoneware, if you've got it).
Combine cake mix, sugar, cinnamon, and butter (and nuts) in a bowl. Mix until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over apples.
Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender.
Serve warm with ice cream (duh).

*I may have been in a hurry this afternoon and used a whole stick of butter instead of half, which ruined the crumbly effect.
I also may have had to then use half of a white cake mix to fix the mistake.

We'll see if our friends think it is good tonight, despite the mistakes!

PS - I have no idea why I keep posting about food!

Mom's "Fill-in-the-blank"

We've all heard it. We look forward to it. Grandmas and Moms have these great recipes that are named after them. For instance: "Mom's Zwieback," or "Grandma's Apple Pie." And, it should be like that. It doesn't matter that they didn't make these recipes up themselves - they made these recipes famous. These aren't the "throw it all in the Kitchen-Aid mixer and then pour it in the pan to bake" type. These ones require some time, effort, and expertise.

I've often wondered, Will I have a recipe named after me someday? I make some pretty awesome banana bread, but it takes very little effort. And, you can't take Grandma's recipe and stick your name after it...that's just cheating!

Sunday, I was thumbing through my numerous cooking magazines to find some new recipes and I stumped across "Grandma's Pecan Sticky Rolls." I thought, Well, this isn't my grandma, so stealing it would be acceptable. Plus, nobody will know that the recipe was a grandma's as long as I don't post it on my blog.

After a quick read of the recipe, I decided to try it out - I mean, this would be way better than doing the cleaning that was calling my name.

I think this was my very 1st "from scratch" recipe (besides banana bread, but that just doesn't count). I mean, I used yeast - how much more basic can you get? So, I started out making what I hoped would be the future recipe of "Heather's sticky rolls."

I learned a few things along the way:

The smell of yeast makes me think of BIOS 206 Genetics Lab. We mated and grew yeast cultures. Definitely puts a small damper on the thought of ewwy guewwy rolls.

Warm milk (90-100 degrees)...am I really supposed to use a thermometer on that?

They should add to the instructions: Take of any rings before picking up the dough, to prevent clumps of sticky dough getting in between the prongs.

Dough should be tacky and soft...I guessed on what that means. Isn't all dough soft and tacky?

Next time, while waiting 45 minutes for the dough to rise, then 45 more minutes for the dough to rise, then 30 minutes for the rolls to double in size; plan to read a book or clean. Watching the timer makes it last forever!

The verdict? They were good. The filling is superb, but they weren't as guewy I was hoping for - mostly due to my error of using the 1/3 measureing cup instead of the 1/4 measuring cup. Richard said they were great, and he is usually honest about these things. Probably not the recipe I want to be "famous" for. We'll keep trying.

Relax, finally

I spent a lot of time alone this weekend, and I am NOT complaining. I have wondered what a weekend without absolutely any plans feels like - now I know. Here is what I was able to do:

I woke up without an alarm.
I leisurely shopped for belated birthday presents.
I drank coffee while studing, in depth, for one of my Bible studies.
I was able to read up on a hobby I'm thinking about pursuing.
I baked some pecan sticky rolls.
I sort of cleaned.

It was nice to spend time doing relaxing things. I might have to start making this a habit!

Have I mentioned...

...that I am so glad Fall is here?

Don't Let Go

From, Streams in the Desert: September 18:

The day closed with heavy showers. The plants in my garden were beaten down before the pelting storm, and I saw one flower that I had admired for its beauty and loved for its fragrance exposed to the pitiless storm. The flower fell, shut up its petals, dropped its head; and I saw that all its glory was gone. "I must wait till next year," I said, "before I see that beautiful thing again."

That night passed, and morning came; the sun shone again, and the morning brought strength to the flower. The light looked at it, and the flower looked at the light. There was contact and communion, and power passed into the flower. It held up its head, opened its petals, regained its glory, and seemed fairer than before. I wonder how it took place--this feeble thing coming into contact with the strong thing, and gaining strength!

I cannot tell how it is that I should be able to receive into my being a power to do and to bear by communion with God, but I know It is a fact. Are you in peril through some crushing, heavy trial? Seek this communion with Christ, and you will receive strength and be able to conquer. "I will strengthen thee."

I read this today and thought, What a wonderful picture of how we can be lifted up through communion with God even in the worst storm. In the words from from a friend, "Hold on to Him. Don't let go." This is the only anti-depressant that cures (but that is a totally different conversation).

"They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn and grow as the vine." -Hosea 14:7

The Story of Hair

Have you ever looked back through pictures and realized you could determine everything about your life then just by the color/style of your hair?

I started out with very blond hair. As I have gotten older, my hair has darkened and faded. Technically, the term is dirty blond. I affectionately describe it as a mixture of diarhea and vomit.

So, I started coloring my hair when I started college. I loved the texture of my hair after it was done; I loved the feel of getting it colored; I loved the smell of it for the next few days. Every 8 weeks, I would go in, look through a book of hair colors, and pick what I wanted. Usually, I picked at least 2 different colors - it was so fun to see how it would turn out.

After I got married (and Marth moved away), the hubs we decided the money spent on hair coloring could be used for better things. I completely agreed and was anxious to see the natural color of my hair (hoping it had changed to a normal, pretty color). Not so much. A few weeks ago I thought, I should color my hair again. I must seem so boring to Emily (who cuts my hair). The hubs reminded me of the practical reasons to not color my hair, and I once again agreed, but it still in the back of my mind to go back to even some highlights in the future.

So, as I looked through some pictures last night, I laughed at how many different colors my hair has been over the years. I'm not going to take you through the 7 (yikes!) years since I started college, but here is a little sample of the different hair colors in just one year!

March 2006: Starting to color my hair for the wedding. Can't even tell, huh? I quit going to that lady.

May 2006: If you make this one bigger, you'll see it's pretty blonde here. This is right after Martha started doing my hair. Seeing this picture makes me want that hair back.

July 2006: Wedding hair. I liked the blonde, but after a while, it started to dry out and break.

Another so you can see the side view. BTW, doesn't Richard look young?

December 2006: Whoa! Good-bye dry, blonde hair. Hello dark brown.

I think I would have liked this look better if I weren't so white (Richard agreed).

July 2008: Two years later and completely natural. It doesn't look as musty in this picture and I am attributing that to the awesome Hawai'i sun, which gave me some natural highlights.

I get my hair cut, not colored, on Friday. What do you think for the future: super blonde, super brown, somewhere in between, or stick with the natural?

Oh my!

I didn't post about our weekend at all. It is much easier to have you check out Steph and her Boys for the pictures. I only stole one (thanks Steph) for my page.

Have you ever wondered what happens when three dentist's get together? Steph, Marth and I observed this Friday night:



Maybe if we all got together more frequently, the tooth-talk wouldn't last so late...I didn't mind too much. It was great to hang out with such great friends.

Crash

You know that lovely white-board in this post that I was all excited about?

Sunday morning, while it was still dark and we were still in the middle of REM sleep, we awaken to a loud noise. The first thing I think of is that the door to our apartment just closed (it is a loud door).

The hubs whispers, "What was that?" I said, "I have no idea."

Fearless hubsy gets up to investigate while I lay motionless in bed. When I hear him picking up pieces to something, I turn over and see 1 lone tennis shoe lying in bed with me. Thats odd, I think.

Hubs comes in, "It was that white-board you bought. It broke."
I reply, "But honey, my shoe is on the bed."
Hubs says, "You must have put it there."
I reply, "You don't understand. Somebody must have put it here. I just woke up and here it was!"

Hubs gets back in bed as I continue to stare into the dark bathroom, which leads to the closet, which is home to all the shoes. Hubs says, "Do you want me to go check the closet." "Yes, please," is my whisper.

The closet was clear. It's a mystery as to how the shoe ended up on my bed.

Oh, and the whiteboard? I need some heavy-duty glue to put that thing back together.

Organizing again

This is the newest addition to our apartment. It is an attempt to organize our lives better. Constantly, we are reminding each other of "something" that is going on. This has caused frustration, annoyance, double-planning, and confusion. To eliminate lessen this, I purchased a white board that has each day of the week pre-printed. Now, we can write out our schedule on this white board - which is located in a very prominent, well-traveled area (the fridge). Whenever we pass by, we can be reminded of the week's events.

I have wanted to buy this for a while now. But, we decided to try out the idea on a piece of paper for a couple or weeks (so we didn't waste money). After 2 weeks, the piece of paper was irritating my anal-self (if plans change, I can't just scribble out the event, I need to re-write the entire week so it looks pretty again), so I made a trip to BB&B. This board was originally $9.99, on sale for $7.49. I pulled out my stash of 20% off coupons and bought it for $5.99!

On the packaging, very prominently displayed, were the words "Magnetic." Being in a hurry, I grabbed and bought. Only to realize, when I got home, that it isn't stick to the fridge magnetic. It's stick a magnet to the board magnetic. Oh well. It isn't anything magnetic tape couldn't fix.

Dear Mr. Obama

I saw this at Our Lives in a Nutshell and wanted it to share it with you because it is something we need to hear. The following video was NOT paid for by McCain, but by the speaker in the video.



It would be grand if we could vote based on what we hear on the news, in the paper, and online. It would be shocking if candidates would only speak on what they were going to do and why; instead of demoralizing the opponents and the other party. It would be comforting if we thought the candidates were going to do what they said they were. Since we don't have those guarantees, we vote based on our convictions, opinions, and the information we gather to educate ourselves on who, of the two, would lead our country better. I have formed my stance. All I plan to do now, is provide information to those who may not be informed, so they can also vote for the best candidate.

It is comforting to know God will not be surprised with our new choice in President. Please remember to pray for our country.

Help - Cooking Woe

This is the hubs plate after last night's supper. It is completely clean (besides the leftover butter). I cooked supper for the first time this week and the first well-balance meal in quite a while. It consisted of steak, seasoned potatoes, my favorite veggie blend from Hy-Vee, and some bread.

A clean plate infers a good meal (I have Dale and Lipton to thank for helping me out). I have been cooking on a regular basis for 2 short years and am a pretty mediocre cook. I have a few good recipes, but my recipe repitoire is not built up yet. We have a lot of the same ol' recipes and when I try a new one that isn't good, I get bummed. Whenever I get a clean plate or a compliment, I get re-energized to continue cooking and trying new recipes. I heard the following sentences last night:

After tasting the potatoes, "These are really good! I don't know what you did to them - and I don't want to know - but they are really good."
About the steak, "Babe, this is really good," and "You cooked this steak perfectly. Look at this - it's perfect."
And the veggies were gobbled up too (cooked in olive oil with sea salt and ground pepper - pretty sure all nutritional value was lost).

Now, I'll admit that the steak was very flavorful, however I have a problem and I don't know what to do:

I can be starving. I make dinner; it smells delicious. I put it on the plate and can't eat the meat. The hubs can gobble it up, and sometimes I will taste it - but it almost makes me gag. What is wrong with me?

I love meat. I eat it when other people cook it. I eat it at restaurants. I just can't eat it when I cook it. This has become a growing trend, and it happened again last night. I ate half the steak but couldn't force the rest down (fortunately, I have a brother who gladly accepts leftovers).

Suggestions? Advice? I'd love to hear them.

An addiction?

Don't laugh. I had a tiny freaking-out moment last night (which happens often when I am alone with only my thoughts). I thought, I've been blogging too much and people are going to stop reading! They are going to get tired of it and stop reading my blog! Yes, I know that is a ridiculous thought (not because my blog is enlightening by any means), but because it is such a selfish thing. However, right then and there I decided to take a break from blogging for a few days.

But, I can't - it has become a addiction hobby for me. I love getting my thoughts out in words. I actually plan out what I am going to blog on days ahead of time and think of what I will write long before I actually do. At first I thought, Blogging is a lame hobby, Heather. But I have thought about it more, and realize that the hobby is writing and the avenue in which I accomplish this is through my blog. Although I could write in a journal, I just have never gotten into that and I really do like the thought that someone might read what I have to say.

And so, I even resorted to blogging about blogging.

It means a lot to me that you would read my blog and even comment about it. I feel supported and encouraged every time I read what you write. I also love to read other blogs - it is a new pastime that I thoroughly enjoy.

100 things for the 100th post

Here goes. Better grab some coffee to keep you awake.

1. Love to burn candles while I’m at home.

2. When I was a child in Tennessee, there was a dogwood tree in our yard. I would put all my books in a basket, tie a rope around the handle, climb the tree, and pull my books up to read. Nerd alert at 4 years old.

3. I get bored with the same-ol' thing. I like to rearrange my desk a lot, and someday, my house.

4. S'mores and bonfires

5. Hate hate hate belly buttons - mine and everyone else’s. And I cringe when people touch theirs.

6. 5 foot 0 inches

7. Love Richard

8. Not a big frosting fan, or cake for that matter. There are only two cakes I really enjoy eating: Angel Food and my mom's Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese glaze.

9. Like to rake leaves

10. I met and remember most of my great-grandparents

11. I feel the urge to jump up and cheer when "Sweet Home Alabama" comes on

12. My dream house has a huge front porch, with a porch swing, inviting all friends, family, neighbors, and strangers to come over

13. Adventurous and like to experience new places and things with Richard

14. Favorite color is blue. But too much blue is not a good thing

15. Love the eastern United States. It's full of history and beauty.

16. Despise lying...no matter how big or small. The truth will never hurt as much as being found in a lie.

17. Really crooked pinky fingers. My dad and my grandma have them too.

18. Saved by the grace of God through faith alone

19. Love school

20. Would rather be comfortable than cute. Love it when cute clothes are comfortable.

21. I used to have a good ol' southern accent. With my high-pitched little girl voice, I heard it was pretty cute. Still have home videos if you don't believe me!

22. Believe loving others is a choice we make.

23. Book lover

24. Blue eyes

25. Am the oldest of 3 children

26. Hope to visit all 50 states and as many countries as possible in my lifetime.

27. Have been to 28 states and 4 countries so far.

28. Like our apartment complex
29. Believe that God is sovereign

30. Am not a natural athlete.

31. Mmm, popcorn

32. Christmas doesn't feel right unless the ground is covered in snow.

33. Ice cream. Need I say more?

34. I love to watch musicals. I love how everyone just randomly starts singing in the middle of a scene!

35. Been planning Richard's graduation party for 2 years now.

36. Love all animated Disney movies

37. Want at least 3-4 kids...I think

38. Cannot sleep in

39. Have a problem eating cooked meat, after I have handled the same meat while raw.

40. Would rather read a book than watch TV, most days

41. 1st job was at a greenhouse

42. 2nd job was at a medical clinic

43. 3rd job was as a waitress - for 5 years

44. 4th, 5th, & 6th jobs were at banks

45. Hate lying - the truth never hurts as much as being found in a lie.

46. Enjoy history

47. Have already named my future Labrador retrievers.

48. One cable channel I wish I had - Fox News

49. Love hot drinks - coffee, tea, cocoa, chai

50. Am a list maker

51. Love to travel

52. Love spontaneity, but also love to plan

53. Pet peeve: repeating myself because someone wasn't listening

54. Pet peeve #2: someone repeating themself to me thinking I might not understand

55. Running

56. Have no creative ability whatsoever

57. Lived on a dairy farm as a child

58. Can sit at a coffee shop for hours

59. Like to play games

60. Have a tendency to be bossy. I think it comes with being the oldest sibling.

61. Love to study science because it reminds me of the awesome greatness of God

62. Work full-time

63. Could very easily become addicted to blogging.

64. Not moody very often. Believe that we can control our moods, even though it is harder sometimes than others.

65. Iced tea - both sweet and un-sweet

66. Would rather be outside than inside

67. Have a passion to know God more

68. Get bored when sitting for long periods of time. I have to always be moving something.

69. Long sleeve t-shirts

70. Can shop best when I am with Ruth. She knows how to deal with me.

71. Camping

72. Met the hubs at church

73. Competitive

74. Lived with 2 horrible roommates in college and then 2 awesome roommates.

75. Love to watch the US Open (tennis, not golf)

76. Like freezing cold apple cider – not a big fan of the warm stuff

77. Reasons I like Autumn the best include: football on Saturdays and Sundays; the beginning of a new school year; jeans and sweatshirts; pumpkins and leaves; and chili and caramel apples.

78. Like to be 5 minutes early to everything (except work)

79. Had a chance to go up in a hot-air balloon once and turned it down because I was scared. I wish I would have done it.

80. You had to know this one was coming: love BIG trees

81. I have braces

82. I wish that I would have practiced piano more.

83. My grandparent’s old house is a Bed and Breakfast. I have great memories of that house.



84. October 31st, 1983

85. Don’t like to be around amphibians or worms. They give me the heebie-jeebies.

86. I am impatient

87. I don’t really like fruit juice. And, the smell of apple juice makes me gag.

88. I love antiques and old "looking" furniture; which is different than old junk that needs to be thrown away.

89. Hope to have a vegetable garden someday

90. I love those friends that you can call anytime with the most random of information and they will listen and be excited with you.

91. Rainbows

92. Love most types of music

93. It is my natural tendency to “talk-back” or argue with whatever anyone says. I really have to work at keeping my mouth shut.

94. Go Big Red!

95. I have 14 cousins – all younger than I

96. Have a great hubs!

97. Have not graduated from college, yet.

98. Fresh fruit

99. Laughing until I cry: have only had this happen a few times, but I love it when it does!

100. I like surprises (usually).

That was exhausting and nobody needs to know that much information about me! It's done. I've reached 100 posts and I am going to keep going! Thanks for reading.

Candid Shots

This past Sunday was our annual "Worship on the Green." Our church has 2 services on a normal Sunday, but this is the one Sunday each year that we have church outside with both services combined. Afterwards there are lots of fun activities and lunch. This Sunday started of a little chilly, but ended up being a perfect day. It is one of my favorite Sundays and Jake was able to come over for a while, too!

My dear friend J'net took some photos throughout the day and she happened to get a few of me, when I definitely wasn't looking.

So this one's not too bad. I should explain the odd "tail" on my t-shirt, though. Put the size small on and it still went down to my knees, so I tied the extra fabric up with rubber band.

My brow is furrowed for some reason. Am I lost? Confused? Who knows.

I look like my brother, Tim, in this picture. I have no idea what was going on in this picture.

Am I yawning, laughing, or a combination of the two?

Purpose of a Weekend

Our weekend was a busy one. If the purpose of a weekend is to get rejuvinated for the week to come, I do not feel that way. If the purpose of a weekend is to cram all sorts of activities in 48 hours - accomplished.

Husker Game Day

I think this was my first experience watching a Husker game and not being in the student section (or around the student section). And, it was so enjoyable. We were able to stand when we wanted, we were not squished on the bench, and the air did not reek of alcohol. Plus, the seats were right on the 46 yard line, 29 rows up. Not too shabby!

There were chances of rain, but all we got were a few sprinkles. The temperature was perfect. If only the game had been a little better. We won, but I didn't feel like I was at a Husker Football game until the last quarter, when we finally started to play. It was a lot of fun, as always!

Woo Hoo!

I just won tickets to the Nebraska vs. San Jose State game tomorrow! And not just any tickets. These are in West Stadium on the 45 yard line - primo heighth. Just another thing to add to an already busy weekend, yet something I wouldn't think of declining! Looks like I will have LOTS to post about on Monday!

A New Woman in the Game

I honestly didn't know how I felt when Sarah Palin was announced as McCain's pick for VP. I honestly don't really know how I feel about John McCain. This probably is why I am just now posting anything on such a popular topic.

After some talk around the office, I read Sarah's speech at the RNC this week. Loved it. Click the picture to read the transcript.

Let me know what you think.

Random, Boring, Friday Post

The view from our apartment balcony this morning. I love the color of the morning. The sun rises behind our building and creates amazing colors. Slowly, I start to see slivers of sun on the grass that grow bigger each time I glance outside. The morning is my favorite time of day. The weather has gotten cool; I can smell and feel that fall is coming soon!

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I'm off to start a busy weekend by chilling with the hubs for the evening.

One of those weeks

This is one of those weeks where I am holding on tight because it is flying by. I have been at work in the 7:00 hour every single day and have not left until after 5pm. While I am at work I pretty much run around like a chicken with my head cut off. I take a short break for lunch (and to blog), then run around some more. Let me just give you my morning.

This morning I get up, with plenty of time to spare (5:50am), until I realize today is the day they are cleaning our carpets (6:10am). So I frantically run around moving everything into the kitchen and bathrooms so the cleaners can get most of our extremely dirty carpet, clean. Finally, I can start with the normal routine of making Richard's lunch and getting ready for work (6:30am). Then I remember that tonight is our company picnic party so I pack a bag with stuff so I can "freshen-up" before heading over there (it would be ridiculous for me to drive home, and then across town to be at the party by 6pm when I probably won't be done with work until after 5pm, again). Oh, then I remember that I have about 300 lbs of boxes to pack up for UPS at work, so I add some sweat-able clothes to the bag, since I want to wear the cute new skirt (that I was already dressed in) to the party tonight (6:55). I continue getting ready for work (7:00am) and then realize that the hubs alarm hasn't gone off (7:03am). He needs 15 more minutes of sleep, so I finish getting ready. The alarm goes off (7:15am) and I start making the bed. The hubs helps and we clear the last items off the floor for the carpet cleaners. Only 10 minutes late, I walk out the door and head to work (7:25am).

Did I mention, the hubs is sick? Poor guy can barely breath at night. What a week.

On the plus side, one of my co-workers just brought me a grande, non-fat, iced caramel macchiatto. I'm sipping it right now.

Good Read

I can't believe I haven't posted any of my favorite books on my blog! Each week I plan to post about a "good read."

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One of my all-time favorite books is The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. Written in the 17th century, it is amazing how it relates to today. As I am reading it - each time I read it - I mark up the pages and realize I have been in some of the very same places that Christian walks through. It is a great allegory to the Christian walk, and I know you would enjoy this read. John Bunyan was in prison for preaching the Word of God when he wrote this great book. My mom read it to me as a child, I read it on my own a few years back, and now Richard and I are reading through it. I suggest reading only a chapter or two a night. They are short chapters, but even in the new English version, it can be a lot to take in.

Wednesday already?

Let me tell you about my weekend.

Saturday night we watched the Husker game at a sports bar across the street. Richard and I went over 1 hour early to save a table - there was only 1 table left! Justin, Laura and Laura's brother Alex met us there. It was a good first game and it was a fun evening.

Monday Richard and I went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Somehow I ended up with a horrible headache, so we went home and napped. I hadn't been clothes shopping for a full month, so I went to the mall to check out the sales at one of my favorite stores. Bought a new skirt and top to come home and model for the hubs - verdict was good and I got to keep it all! That made for a great day and the clothes budget is monopolized by Heather for another month, on the very first day of the month. Wow. The Clabaugh family grilled out Monday evening - YUM - and I of course, took no pictures. I need to get better at that.

Milestone

Remember this post?

145 days later, I ran my fastest mile ever: 7 minutes, 15 seconds.

Not only that, but I ran 2 miles in under 15 minutes - a 7:30 pace. It is necessary to take into account that it was probably not a full 2 miles due to where our apartment complex is located and I did stop after the first mile, before turning around and completing the second.

How did it feel? It hurt. Did I mention there is a ginormous hill to defeat both directions? I'm such a whiner.

I have to say that I am surprised and happy with the accomplishment; however, there is a down-side to this. When I come back from a run, I have no excuse to tell Richard I ran anything above a 9-minute mile. He says that when I go out for a 3 or 4 miler, I should continually be in the 8-minutes. That means agonizing pain every single time I work out. Needless to say, I still do not have the "drive" and motivation that a competitive runner needs.

I will have to say that this proves what I said in my very first post - everyone can run and can inprove. I hated, despised, loathed running more than anyone else I know. It hurt; it felt like I was dying with every single step. Each person has to set a goal, determine a schedule and work towards it. Whether it is starting out on the treadmill by walking 5 minutes and running 1 minute for 30 minutes and working up to running a full 30 minutes; whether it is finding a running partner and scheduling a time to go together each week; whether it is signing up for a race with friends and setting a goal for that - I truly believe that each person (without disability or ailment) can learn to run.

I don't love to run, but I enjoy it and the physical activity. I love the feel that I get when I am back home from a run. I feel like I accomplished something great and I feel healthy.