...how blessed I am. Right now I'm sitting out on the deck. It's a beautiful day -- hot, but not unpleasant. It's about 86 degrees right now, with a projected high of 94. It would be a perfect day for the beach.
Last night Josie, Omar, and Andy came over from Galveston to hang out and play in the pool. They were amazed at my house -- I'm still amazed at my house. We got dinner (Fuddrucker's, in response to Andy's demand for a burger and a milkshake), played in the pool, relaxed in the hot tub, and all fell asleep around midnight. All in all, a great night. They left just a little while ago, and now I'm thinking about all the things I could do today.
The pool house is clean already....the doors of potential are wide open!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
I heart...
...Panera. One of the perks of traveling for work today. Thank goodness my mileage check is going to be big. Eating out is a luxury nowadays...or ought to be. It's on my list.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Dear Eve,
I really wish you hadn't bitten that piece of fruit in the Garden of Eden all those years ago. I realize that the serpent is a slimy yet winning creature with the ability to make us do things that we shouldn't -- he's done it to me more times than I can count. My own failings aside, I'd like to note that your disobedience is directly correlated to the pain I now feel. Remember all that "pain in childbirth and woman will crush his head" stuff? Yeah, that's your fault. I'm certainly not in childbirth now...but my body is ridding itself of the potential for another month. And dang it, it hurts.
As my elder, I should respect you. I've never been one to follow the rules exactly, and I'm shaking my fist at you instead.
Love, your great^infinity granddaughter,
Carolyn
As my elder, I should respect you. I've never been one to follow the rules exactly, and I'm shaking my fist at you instead.
Love, your great^infinity granddaughter,
Carolyn
Friday, July 17, 2009
Oh yeah, and....
...I got my tragus pierced. This is what happens when you're not in a great mood, and you get talked into going with friends who are getting their noses pierced. I'm not really a nose-piercing kind of girl, but in a spurt of bravery and spontaneity, I gained a hole as well.*
If you ever have it done, just be warned: You can hear the needle crunching through skin and cartilage. Other than that, it's not too bad.
The tattooed arm belongs to our big, burly piercer who was more than happy to have six girls come traipsing into his shop late on a Thursday evening. He was great, and if I ever decide to do anything crazy like have eyeliner tattooed on, he's totally my man.
*Despite the lack of wisdom and the delayed-onset regret that can often accompany this frame of mind, I'm actually really happy with the decision. I like my new sparkle.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
I'm mad.
Mad at Northwest Airlines for wanting to charge me $150 so some kid can push a few buttons.
Mad at Access flight insurance for only paying for my changed flight if I'm on my deathbed.
And mad at myself for not realizing three weeks after moving to Texas just how desperately homesick I'd be four months later.
Mad at Access flight insurance for only paying for my changed flight if I'm on my deathbed.
And mad at myself for not realizing three weeks after moving to Texas just how desperately homesick I'd be four months later.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
I promised photos, yes...
...I did. So here they are:
The tea strainer is snug in its bed, though it seems to have had a bit of an oopsy-doo:
Oh, bedtime leaks are no good. Unless you're a tea strainer and we're talking about leaking herbal goodness.
Alas,without warning, the slumbering tea strainer is plunged into the not-quite-steamy microwaved water:
...
...
...
This is the part where we break from the action to allow the leaves to steep. Nothing exciting is happening. I could sing you a song?
...
...
...
And then, with a dramatic POP of the strainer doohickey disappearing once again, we can announce with a fluorish:
Ladies and gentlemen, we have TEA!
Okay, I'm a nerd. Don't hold it against me.
The tea strainer is snug in its bed, though it seems to have had a bit of an oopsy-doo:
Oh, bedtime leaks are no good. Unless you're a tea strainer and we're talking about leaking herbal goodness.
Alas,without warning, the slumbering tea strainer is plunged into the not-quite-steamy microwaved water:
...
...
...
This is the part where we break from the action to allow the leaves to steep. Nothing exciting is happening. I could sing you a song?
...
...
...
And then, with a dramatic POP of the strainer doohickey disappearing once again, we can announce with a fluorish:
Ladies and gentlemen, we have TEA!
Okay, I'm a nerd. Don't hold it against me.
Monday, July 13, 2009
I bought myself a new...
...mug last night. That's not a clothing item, a shoe, or an accessory, right?
I was at Kroger doing my grocery shopping, and wanted a particular kind of tea, Yerba Mate, for its metabolic stimulant and antioxidant qualities. They only had it in loose-leaf. So I bought the full one-pound bag of fair-trade tea for just $5.00. I have a tea kettle I can use to steep the leaves.
Except I have NO IDEA where it is. Probably in Michigan, which is a danger when your stuff is strewn across two far-flung states.
So I went to Target. I needed a new travel mug anyway, as the lid to my Bellevue Baptist mug has died with no hope of resurrection. That cup held so many memories. I got it on my way to Mississippi for Hurricane Relief Round 1 more than three years ago.
Moving on. I found the travel mug and a tea strainer ($3 for the ball, $10.00 for the mug) and was just deciding on aesthetics (style and color are VERY important), when I saw it...
A marvel of drink engineering: The Aladdin Tea Infuser Mug.
Inside the lid is a tea cage. It stays tucked in its cozy home until you push down on the lever, plunging it into the hot water and disbursing rich herbal flavor throughout the mug. When the tea is strong enough, POP! Flip the lever back up and the built-in strainer hides under the lid again, out of the reaches of the now-perfect tea.
It was $15.00 -- more than both of the other pieces combined -- but how could I resist its brilliancy, it's simple-yet-sleek styling?
Tomorrow I'll add a photo. However, my phone is (I'm praying) in the pool house today. No pictures, no texts, and no phone calls for me. But I have tea, glorious tea.
I was at Kroger doing my grocery shopping, and wanted a particular kind of tea, Yerba Mate, for its metabolic stimulant and antioxidant qualities. They only had it in loose-leaf. So I bought the full one-pound bag of fair-trade tea for just $5.00. I have a tea kettle I can use to steep the leaves.
Except I have NO IDEA where it is. Probably in Michigan, which is a danger when your stuff is strewn across two far-flung states.
So I went to Target. I needed a new travel mug anyway, as the lid to my Bellevue Baptist mug has died with no hope of resurrection. That cup held so many memories. I got it on my way to Mississippi for Hurricane Relief Round 1 more than three years ago.
Moving on. I found the travel mug and a tea strainer ($3 for the ball, $10.00 for the mug) and was just deciding on aesthetics (style and color are VERY important), when I saw it...
A marvel of drink engineering: The Aladdin Tea Infuser Mug.
Inside the lid is a tea cage. It stays tucked in its cozy home until you push down on the lever, plunging it into the hot water and disbursing rich herbal flavor throughout the mug. When the tea is strong enough, POP! Flip the lever back up and the built-in strainer hides under the lid again, out of the reaches of the now-perfect tea.
It was $15.00 -- more than both of the other pieces combined -- but how could I resist its brilliancy, it's simple-yet-sleek styling?
Tomorrow I'll add a photo. However, my phone is (I'm praying) in the pool house today. No pictures, no texts, and no phone calls for me. But I have tea, glorious tea.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
It's the type of evening...
...that would be perfect for late-night beach adventures, or a bonfire, or just lounging outdoors, staring at the beautiful sky. I'm sitting out on the patio. The filter must be on; I can hear the water pouring from the hot tub into the pool. It's calming and comforting in a way.
It's nights like this, when there is joy in simply being, that I think life truly can be simple. I sit here, and I realize that I'm not striving for anything, I'm not fighting for anything, and I'm not working to be better, but I am happy.
This is, I think, to live well: To enjoy life simply for what it is: an opportunity. To love friends and family and the people you pass on the street, and to love God. To slow down and rejoice in the things that truly matter, the things that are often tossed aside or neglected in the hustle of life.
In a few minutes I will close my computer and crawl into bed, early by nearly anyone's standards. I'm looking forward to a full, luxurious night of sleep. This moment, of quiet reflection, has been a wonderful end to a great day.
It's nights like this, when there is joy in simply being, that I think life truly can be simple. I sit here, and I realize that I'm not striving for anything, I'm not fighting for anything, and I'm not working to be better, but I am happy.
This is, I think, to live well: To enjoy life simply for what it is: an opportunity. To love friends and family and the people you pass on the street, and to love God. To slow down and rejoice in the things that truly matter, the things that are often tossed aside or neglected in the hustle of life.
In a few minutes I will close my computer and crawl into bed, early by nearly anyone's standards. I'm looking forward to a full, luxurious night of sleep. This moment, of quiet reflection, has been a wonderful end to a great day.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Minute Maid Park...
...is where the magic happens.
Thank you boys for a great -- and nerve-wracking -- game!
You know you're jealous...
...of my Astros tickets and star shoes. I went all-out for the game. Though I did end up changing into jeans...thanks to Josie's decision to wear khaki shorts. It was a little too matchy-matchy for me. :)
Life Lessons...
...from living in Texas (just off the top of my head).
1) Homemade falafel makes your apartment (and you) smell really funky. If you are going to cook it, leave the windows and doors open and allow time for a shower.
2) Southeast Texas is ridiculously hot and humid. It steams up your windows and your sunglasses when you walk out the door of a cool building.
3) Living under the guidelines of a budget is really really hard.
4) I really really like baseball. I mean, I'd always enjoyed the sport, but now I'm tempted to step up my fan game and actually follow it when I'm not at the ballpark.
5) If you're playing Trivial Pursuit Guys vs. Gals style and decide that you're going to prevent the ladies from winning by pulling a sports question, make sure it's not a question about Tigers Stadium with a good little Michigan girl in the room.
6) Everything is not only bigger in Texas, but better. According to Lauren.
7) You really can survive Texas heat without an air conditioned car. You just wear less clothing and stay hydrated. And plan your trips around available showers.
8) Life is hard. Sometimes your job is hard. Sometimes it can change, and sometimes it can't. And while I hate to admit it, they might be right in saying that you have to change your perspective on it. I'm not giving up on pushing this committee, but I'm willing to try a new approach.
I'm off to eat a little leftover falafel, watch the Astros whomp on the Washington Nationals with Josie and Maggie, and take A.J. up on the offer of an appletini before he heads back to Washington. Then, tomorrow it's monkey bread, a river party, and welcoming our friends back from Kenya!
Have a fantastic weekend!
1) Homemade falafel makes your apartment (and you) smell really funky. If you are going to cook it, leave the windows and doors open and allow time for a shower.
2) Southeast Texas is ridiculously hot and humid. It steams up your windows and your sunglasses when you walk out the door of a cool building.
3) Living under the guidelines of a budget is really really hard.
4) I really really like baseball. I mean, I'd always enjoyed the sport, but now I'm tempted to step up my fan game and actually follow it when I'm not at the ballpark.
5) If you're playing Trivial Pursuit Guys vs. Gals style and decide that you're going to prevent the ladies from winning by pulling a sports question, make sure it's not a question about Tigers Stadium with a good little Michigan girl in the room.
6) Everything is not only bigger in Texas, but better. According to Lauren.
7) You really can survive Texas heat without an air conditioned car. You just wear less clothing and stay hydrated. And plan your trips around available showers.
8) Life is hard. Sometimes your job is hard. Sometimes it can change, and sometimes it can't. And while I hate to admit it, they might be right in saying that you have to change your perspective on it. I'm not giving up on pushing this committee, but I'm willing to try a new approach.
I'm off to eat a little leftover falafel, watch the Astros whomp on the Washington Nationals with Josie and Maggie, and take A.J. up on the offer of an appletini before he heads back to Washington. Then, tomorrow it's monkey bread, a river party, and welcoming our friends back from Kenya!
Have a fantastic weekend!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Why is life...
...so complicated? Why are there decisions to be made, thoughts to think, hearts to break, and twisted webs to weave?
I suppose we may never actually have the answer to that. I suppose it only gets harder as you get older. I suppose, at 23, that I really do have much to learn (though I still resent typecasting based on the rings in my tree trunk).
I pray that God will reveal something to me tonight -- anything would be good, but particularly in the area of my complications.
I suppose we may never actually have the answer to that. I suppose it only gets harder as you get older. I suppose, at 23, that I really do have much to learn (though I still resent typecasting based on the rings in my tree trunk).
I pray that God will reveal something to me tonight -- anything would be good, but particularly in the area of my complications.
The infamous...
...shelves of shoes. And no, that's not all of them. There's six or seven more pair in a shoe organizer and at least two pair in my car. You know you're jealous.
The past month...
...and a half have been a rollercoaster ride. I refuse to acknowledge that my brother may have been right, but he may. Don't tell him that, though. Please. For real.
You know when my blog posts get vague that something is stirring. And it is. And I'll tell y'all about it when I can.
On a side note, I've successfully gone eight days without purchasing clothes, shoes, or accessories. I also organized my closet the other night, which forced me to arrange all of my shoes on their nice little shelves. Dang, but there's a lot of them. I may have been told I have "a problem."
I mean, 34 pairs isn't too many, right?
You know when my blog posts get vague that something is stirring. And it is. And I'll tell y'all about it when I can.
On a side note, I've successfully gone eight days without purchasing clothes, shoes, or accessories. I also organized my closet the other night, which forced me to arrange all of my shoes on their nice little shelves. Dang, but there's a lot of them. I may have been told I have "a problem."
I mean, 34 pairs isn't too many, right?
Monday, July 6, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Sweet beach...
I got off work early today, so Lauren and I hit up the beach. You can't get much more beautiful than this....
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Apparently, texting a post...
...doesn't always work the way I'd hope.
Here is what that garbled mess of characters should have said:
I went to the mall last night with the intention of buying running shoes. And walked away with a pair of shorts, a new sports bra, two new regular bras, socks, and a pair of sandals (thanks to BOGO). I'm a sucker for a good deal (and I got GREAT deals). But those good deals mean that I've accumulated a lot lately...no poor purchases in themselves but not wise necessarily when we look at the extent of my spending. So I'm instituting a No-Buy Double Month: No clothes or shoes or other accessories for two months. I talk a lot about living simply. It's time to put my money where my mouth is.
Here is what that garbled mess of characters should have said:
I went to the mall last night with the intention of buying running shoes. And walked away with a pair of shorts, a new sports bra, two new regular bras, socks, and a pair of sandals (thanks to BOGO). I'm a sucker for a good deal (and I got GREAT deals). But those good deals mean that I've accumulated a lot lately...no poor purchases in themselves but not wise necessarily when we look at the extent of my spending. So I'm instituting a No-Buy Double Month: No clothes or shoes or other accessories for two months. I talk a lot about living simply. It's time to put my money where my mouth is.
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