just another day.

I got it!!

My new Asus Eee 1005HAB! I am IN LOVE with its cuteness (and function, of course). Dave feels like he has a new laptop too since I’m not hogging his anymore!

It’s so tiny- 10.1” screen and 2.64 lbs…and blue! I realized that I tend to turn to blue as my “safe” color… my car, iPod, running shoes, livingroom, and now laptop are all blue!

If I’m not careful, I’ll be pulling a Tobias Funke and “blue myself”.

[Source]

But Dave says thats ok as long as I don’t become and Analrapist.

Ok, enough with the Arrested Development quotes…and onto something a little bit more serious.
*****

Who watched the Superbowl last night? (Go Saints! )

And who was disgusted by the advertising?

I was. I was disgusted because I realized that companies don’t sell their products anymore. They sell something else, various things, things that tend to play to the emotions (humor, sex), but they DON’T sell their product.

Take Doritos, for instance. They know that Doritos aren’t good for people, so they can’t stand their stating all the ingredients without people thinking, “that doesn’t sound edible…”. No. They have some cute little kid threatening his mom’s new boyfriend lest he touch his mama OR his MSG-laden snack. We need to educate ourselves to be guarded against mere humor. But Doritos are HUGE… they sell chips, so maybe Americans are as naive as they think we are. Let’s change that.

There’s a bigger issue though. I’m talking about companies trying to sell us sex. You know what commercials I’m talking about, I’m sure.

Ladies, this is a problem that started with us and we need to fix it. We don’t respect ourselves and therefore we’re not respected by others. It reminds me of the quote from Mean Girls when Miss Norberry says to the girls, “You have got to stop calling each other sluts and whores! That just makes it ok for guys to call you sluts and whores.”

We need to stop obsessing about our pants sizes and boobs, and imaging that it’s possible that we’ll look like Megan Fox in that bathtub. When we act like that’s all that matters, then guys start acting like that, and companies start exploiting that misconception.

We need to focus on the things in life that truly do matter, like relationships, kindness, intellect, and being healthy (not necessarily skinny)… when we start showing what is important to us and what really matters in our lives, then companies, advertisements and people in general will start reflecting those priorities, too. They will start explaining how their product will encourage us, or they will change their product to be something with that ability.

I know on Twitter a lot of us seemed insulted by the themes of the commercials, but these themes are echos of a larger problem.

Please, let’s start showing our world what really matters!

What did you think of the commercials? Did you find them offensive at all? Sexist?

Ok, the snow day didn’t quite go as planned. Thanks for all your well-wishing tweets. It was an adventure to say the least!

Shortly after David and I went to bed Friday night, we lost power! And upon rising Saturday morning, we still didn’t have power. And when I say that we didn’t have power, I mean we had nothing. No electricity, no heat, no hot water…and the temperature in our apartment was quickly dropping. Normally I’m cold the minute it drops below 67 degrees. So I did what any other self-respecting, selfish, young urban professional would do..I found the nearest dog-friendly hotel that could offer us electricity and heat.

Dave was a little hesitant and finally blurted out that he was planning on taking me to a hotel next weekend for Valentine’s Day.. I said, “Valentine’s Day came early this year.” I have a great Hubby!

Dave’s computer crapped out on us, and we all know how important it is for us bloggers to stay connected, so my phone had to be charged a few times while we were there! Thankfully, we had the electricity! Oh my, a blogger without electricity. What a nightmare!!!

Dex was so excited for his first mini vacation and he certainly acted like the king he thought he was.

I had a long run of 8-9 miles on the schedule for this week, and let’s just say this long run is not happening. I attempted it with a trip to the hotel gym only to find that the treadmills were in the same room as the pool and hot tub. Obviously whoever came up with that set-up either doesn’t workout or doesn’t sweat. The only form of air circulation was a little overhead fan. I ran until I couldn’t tell if I was on the treadmill or actually in the pool, and hopped off. No complaining…it just wasn’t going to happen and I’m not stressing about. My foot has been slightly more sore than usual this week, so I don’t want to exasperate it. I’ll get back on track this week, and if I’m not ready to run a marathon, then I’m not ready to run. My foot is my priority.

Back to the snow day vaycay…Food was a problem. You see, we signed a form that said we wouldn’t leave our dog alone in the room and Room Service was so expensive. We did order Pizza for lunch (oops)…And for dinner, Dave said he would go to the hotel restaurant and get take-out. However, it seemed as though all of Pittsburgh’s 130,000 residents that were left powerless had travelled to same hotel and were trying to eat dinner at the same time.

Thankfully, in our rush to leave our apartment, my stomach reminded me to pack healthy snacks…and lo and behold, those snacks became our Valentine’s Day feast.

They included pineapple Chobani, a grapefruit, Nut Thins with Laughing Cow cheese. Dessert was nothing short of amazing: oreos topped with Dark Chocolate Dreams PB.

I know. You’re jealous. And you should be.

Around 11 am we heard that our power was back so we high-tailed it out. However, I think our speed of departure was due to the fact that David had just clogged the toilet and caused it to overflow all over the bathroom floor. The perfect end to our spontaneous “Valentine’s Day” getaway. Dave says that if you’re not going to stock your rooms with plungers than you have to deal with the consequences.

We arrived home to a lot of work ahead of us…

…and a rather chilly apartment.

Dave had also emptied the contents of our fridge and freezer onto the back porch, so we had to restock and throw out all of our veggies. It was a sad, sad moment.

Tonight we’re heading to my cousin’s house for the Superbowl. It’s a good thing Pittsburgh isn’t in it this year, or there would be 130,000 fans not able to watch! All things DO happen for a reason. Anyhow, my cousing has assured us that there are plenty of snacks, so I won’t be making anything…I’m ok with that. I’m much better at eating than cooking!

Since neither the Cowboys nor the Steelers are playing this year, I have to pick a team. I’m cheering for the Saints! I tend to side with the underdog, but I’d really be happy if Drew Brees would cut his hair. How about you? Do you have big plans or Superbowl traditions? Is your team playing this year?! Can we all agree that Mr. Brees needs a stylist?!

Fact #3–I HATE FEET. I think that there is nothing more disgusting on the human body than the feet. I think it’s because I have really gross feet (as do most runners). Dry skin, bruised toenails, NO toenails, bunyans, broken bones. Gross. Gross. GROSS. I don’t think ANYONE has nice feet and I won’t touch them..and I freak if someone’s feet touches me. My husband is still waiting for a foot massage, but I keep telling him that it’s “optimism to the point of foolishness”. Not going to happen.

I’m going to send this award to Lauren at Reading and Running! I think she has a beautiful soul and I love that her blog combines my two favorite pasttime-reading and running!! You’re beautiful, Lauren!

Dave, Dex and I are settling in for the evening. We had grand plans to head home for the weekend for my father-in-law’s birthday, but the snow doesn’t take birthday parties into account. But I’m not complaining. I like it here! I do miss my family, but after a wonderful video G-chat with my big brother, I think I can last for another 2 weeks.

We might even play in the snow tomorrow! Dex loves to play in the snow! He also loves to watch it snow! We keep his bed by the glass doors all day so he can watch outside. HE LOVES to watch outside. He probably dreams all day long about running wild, running free. But he’s not complaining. We feed him and give him love.

Earlier in the week I decided to take the afternoon off to pack for the weekend, and even though we decided that “braving the weather” would really be “ignoring common sense”, I still took the half day. Around 3 pm, as I was sitting on my couch, I received an email saying that the college would close at 3:30. But I’m not complaining. An afternoon off is nice regardless of what the college decides to do!

I stopped at the store to pick up some ingredients. If Dave has to be snowed in with me all weekend, I might as well make him happy and cook for him.

Look at this loot! Tonight will be black bean burgers a la Mama Pea, and tomorrow will be lentil tacos. I even picked up tofu to try an appetizer for the Superbowl…because we have no friends here, so we’ll be watching it at home. But I’m not complaining. We have a nice 42″ flat screen and my boys are all the company I need!

Dave also stopped at the store on his way home and snuck these criminals into my house!

But I’m not complaining. Actually he just opened the Pringles and man are they good. I’m a sucker for anything jalepeno. And he tried justifying the 7up by saying it was the one with “antioxidants”. I bet it’s good. I’m also a sucker for all things pomegranate.

What are your plans for the weekend. Is anyone else going to be snowed in?! Do you play in the snow or stay inside where it’s warm? I’m more of an inside girl. I don’t handle the cold well. But I’m not complaining!

Fact #2- Although my official title is “Enrollment Counselor for Adult and Continuing Education”, I also do a ton of work on the PR side. I am the writer/editor for our department’s quarterly newsletter, Progression. I write profiles on our students, write the bi-weekly email blast that we send to alumni, faculty, current and prospective students. I also manage our department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts! And I’m a member of the college’s Social Media Committee. I LOVE that my boss lets me use these gifts of mine even though they aren’t in the job description. I am so blessed!

I’m going to pass this on to KAT! Kat, you are a wonderful wife and mother and I hope someday to be able to do all that you do with the sense of humor and grace that you have! You are beautiful!

I love challenges. Especially ones that I think I’ll succeed at and enjoy…because if I don’t think I’ll do well or like what I’m doing, I just don’t do it (I don’t like failure). I came across a great one today, and the unique thing about this challege is that I’m not going to like it, and I’ll probably fail, but I think it’s worth the effort.
Paige at Running Around Normal suggests a complaint-free February! I’m jumping on the bandwagon for the following reasons.
1) Phillippians 2:14 says, “Do all things without grumbling or questioning” (English Standard Version). Mybeliefs should be evident in my actions. This means I should not be complaining. Even more poignant is Luke 6:45: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Ouch. What I say speaks VOLUMES about the posture of my heart! But God shows love and grace to me that I don’t deserve, what do I have to complain about?!
2) My heart is clearly full of something negative because I feel like most things out of my mouth that may or may not appear on this blog are negative. It’s been weighing on me about the past few posts being slighty downer-posts. I was so happy to see Paige’s post today because it gave me the impetus that I needed to fix this. I want this to change!
3) I haven’t been feeling my best lately and it’s because I haven’t been treating my body that well. I have been eating crap and therefore feeling like crap. That is becoming apparent in my attitude. I am a firm believer in the “garbage in, garbage out” principle. I’m going to try much harder to stop my incessant snacking and make smarter, healthier choices so that I feel better and portray a much more positive Abby. Because normally, Abby is positive (just don’t ask my family!).

Who is with us?!

I’m happy to report that there is no more pain in my Achilles! After I iced it and massaged it a bit it was a little tender, but by morning it was 100% better! Woot! My body still functions after all! I was beginning to wonder.

I also went for a test run tonight to see how my foot was holding up. I did a 2 mile run with no pain or soreness, and then I came home and jumped on the bike for another 10 minutes. This was followed my some serious stretching, abs, and icing!

Julie, my Lost blend, has sent me the Blogger Beautiful Award! Thank, Julie! As part of this award, I’m going to share seven things you probably don’t know about me, then pass this on to seven other bloggers. However, I’m going to do this one post at a time. So over the next seven posts, look for seven facts and seven beautiful bloggers!

Fact #1- I began college as a Nursing major! I knew that I loved science and I loved books, so my mom suggested being a well-read nurse and I ran with it. I was accepted into the Pitt School of Nursing and loved all of my sciences courses but none of the nursing ones. I even had a semester in clinicals. I knew it wasn’t for me. So many nurses are unhappy and overworked and take it out on their patients. I did not want to be that nurse, and I knew that I would be if my heart wasn’t in it. And then I ended up in Classics and Philosophy.. I know it’s misleading, but these are not creative fields of study. Think ancient history and logic…and really they are all-encompassing degrees because so much of our society is influenced by Classical cultures, and almost all of our subjects and areas of thought began as the “simple” study of philosophy.

Today, I’m sending this award to PAIGE because she has a beautiful heart which is apparent in her challenge for a complaint-free February!

Speaking of Nursing, Mish, a nurse in training, the soul and personality behind Eating Journey, is hosting Self Love month and she asked me to participate! Mish has such a heart for all people and a strong desire to promote positive body image and self awareness as she shares her struggles. She is so insightful and has much to offer her readers. I love her blog, and if you’re not a reader I highly recommend becoming one!

Wow, no pictures? I’ll leave you with this one, because I think my dog is just so darn cute! This picture was taken just a few days after I got him in January of 2008! Since then he’s gained about 75 pounds..CRAZY!

Did you do anything special to celebrate the season 6 premier?!

Dave and I began our Lost bash with our favorite dinner.. MOE’S take-out! Nothing says Epic TV drama like a soutwestern vegetarian burrito…can I get an ‘Amen’?!

Another great way to celebrate? Cardio and Twitter! I parked my rear on Dave’s bike and spent an intense hour watching the re-cap and tweeting because I couldn’t contain my excitement! Dave got an action shot.

Wow, I’m really pathetic.

Dave celebrated by telling me that I wasn’t allowed to talk or do any verbal theorizing about the show. Thankfully, Julie is just as obsessed and we did all of our own chatting and theorizing (and talking about all the hot actors) via G-Chat. Ahhh, I love my blog friends. I think Julie and I will have a lot to talk about at Fitbloggin’. In fact, we’re rooming together…with 3 others, too. They might get sick of Lost and kick us out. But I don’t even that could keep us from talking about it. THIS IS EPIC.

In other dramatic news. My body is falling apart. My achilles’ tendon randomly tensed up around dinner. I figured it was some way I was sitting or walked on it. Anyhow, after my bike workout it spazzed on me and I was limping around like John Locke (ok, we all know that’s not true). So, all good athletes know the importance of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), so I limped to the kitchen only to find all of our ice trays on the counter EMPTY.

Frozen Pineapple Chobani was my ice pack stand-in and it’s now feeling almost 100% better, but I really need Jack to look at it, don’t you think?

And speaking of skilled men and their useful talents… If you could choose one Lost character to be with you on a deserted island, who would it be and why? I asked this question on Twitter and got some interesting responses. I’m anxious to hear what you have to say! I would totally pick Sayid! He’s the one character that doesn’t seem to play any angles and would definitely keep me safe and warm (..oops, did I say that?). And I think he knows EVERYTHING.

Ad Nauseam…what a perfect phrase to sum up my weekend, and not just because it’s latin. I felt like the weekend was suffered with an upset stomach for one reason or another.

To begin it all, I woke up with the worse knot underneath my shoulder blade that created nausea-inducing pain if I turned my neck the wrong way. Happy Saturday, Abby. Bleh.

Dave and I took our grocery trip into the city. We made our normal stops in the Strip District and of course up to Trader Joe’s. On my list, among other things, was the staple Raw Crunchy Unsalted Almond Butter..and they didn’t have it! A wave of nausea hit as a crouched in the aisle searching the back of shelves for ONE overlooked jar….to no avail. I had to settle for CREAMY. I’m distraught! I love a little almondy cruch in my breakfast cookies. What a shame. Anyhow, Trader Joe’s, I still love you.

Saturday night didn’t get much better because Dave and I decided to go see Avatar in 3D. It ended up that Dave was the only who could see it because our front row seats and super-trendy glasses gave me a serious case of motion-sickness. I found that I could manage to watch the screen without the glasses and I didn’t mind the blurriness UNTIL they used subtitles, which was most of the movie. So needless to say, it was not a very happy date night.

Sunday didn’t begin much better. Dave and I are taking the New Members’ class at our church and we have to leave our apartment at 9 am to be there on time. David accidently set his alarm for 7:50 pm, and my nausea returned when I looked at my phone at 8:33 am. Oops. No shower for this girl. I probably caused serious stomach turning for anyone sitting near me. My sincerest apologies, but you can take it up with my husband.

Once we arrived to sunday school on time, I figured my day would settle down and brighten for many reasons: the sun was shining, it was about 10 degree warmer than Saturday, and my college roommate was coming to spend the afternoon with Dave and me. I was so excited to see her that we even had a spaghetti dinner! I ate the leftover spaghetti squash (important equation: two squash are too much for two people). Anyhow, all was going smoothly and my stomach was sedated until my roommate asked me if I was taking any classes this semester. “Yea, I’m taking Greek…OH MY GOSH I HAVE A TEST TOMORROW!!” I don’t think that I need to say that a new wave of nausea hit, but I will. A NEW WAVE OF NAUSEA HIT MY WITH A FIRY PASSION. It was awful. And I couldn’t devote my entire afternoon to studying because I had a 7-8 mile run lingering that I had avoided on Saturday. Long runs during marathon training don’t disappear, despite how much we try to ignore them.

So as soon as my roommate left, I bundled up and trekked out for my long run. Most of this run was spent wiping my nose on my sleeve and battling the 3 days worth of spaghetti squash that was threatening to make a grand reappearance. Seriously? What did I do to piss my stomach off so badly?! Oh, I managed to win the puke battle, but there was walking. A lot of walking. I wanted to puke when I uploaded the data from my Garmin. So disappointing.

Distance: 7.27 miles
Time: 1:22
Avg Pace: 11:23/mile

Mile 1: 10:19
Mile 2: 10:34
Mile 3: 11:42
Mile 4: 11:33
Mile 5: 12:38
Mile 6: 11:24
Mile 7: 11:55
0.27: 2:37

Oh well, we all have days like that. I was really happy with myself because I didn’t quit! Which is really all that I wanted to do. But when I got home, I just plopped my naueous body on the couch and sent a distress call to my Twitter friends. Sana suggested soda and I really didn’t think I had any soda…however, my wonderful husband had just cleaned out the fridge (I don’t do it–the smells of bad food make me nauseous) and remembered THIS lurking in the back! I can’t ever remember being happy to see a diet beverage. It cured my nausea in about 2 sips!

My foot is pretty sore today, so I’m a little concerned and i’m going to cut my Tuesday run out of my schedule this week and replace it with cross training. Hopefully by Thursday it will be feeling good enough for a tempo run, which probably won’t be a tempo run but an “easy, make-sure-I-didn’t-rebreak-my-foot” kind of run (please note this is a nausea-inducing thought). Running is such a glamorous sport.

And with that, I’m happy to report that Monday has greeted me with a happy and calm stomach. Unfortunately, I now need to go clean the hallway which is currently bearing proof that my dog has been battling his own nausea. Le sigh.

Dave’s return from his business trip gave me an excuse to whip up a fancy dinner Friday night. It was perfect: Dave thought I was cooking for him, and I got to try healthier options.

So what did I make? Chicken Parmesan! Can you believe it

Although I substituted the Chicken with Morningstar Chik’n patty (for me), and the pasta with spaghetti squash. Clever, huh?

Since I really don’t like to cook because of the work involved both before and after the meal, I was a little nervous about this undertaking of mine. If I ever feel pressure or rushed to cook, I get really crabby (I should use my crockpot more often). I was pleasantly suprised about how easy and DELICIOUS it ended up being.

First thing to do is to find an apron that lends to the appearance of “Happy Homemaker”.

Oh, and yes that is Vera Bradley. It’s been an obsession of mine since college when I worked at Vera retailer. It’s a good way to blow money that could be going towards student loans.

ANYHOW. Next is to think of the most frustrating, irritating person, place or thing, and take that aggression out on the sqaush with a fork. Should look like this:

Clearly I have anger issues.

To add insult to injury to the innocent squash and stick in in the microwave until it’s soft enough to slice in half.

Cook the halves in a little bit of water then take fork back to it–this time, like your metal detector alterted you to some major treasure lurking within the strands. Think serious fortune here, people. Keep digging until all the spaghetti strands are out.

Look, aren’t I cute? His and hers chicken!

Add some salt, pepper and a hometown favorite…

Voila!

And Dave provided dessert….

This stuff is amazing. I’m actually eating it as I type. Ooohhhh soooooo goooooood.

Oh, and that treasure? A delcious, healthy meal with your favorite person. Life is good!

Greetings from the snowy highlands of Pennsylvania (and my Blackberry)…

For the most part I keep a consistent eating schedule during the week: stuff something in my face as I’m running out the door, light snack around 10, lunch at 12:30, light snack after work, and then dinner around 6:30. Unfortunately for me, my schedule can get really messed up when travel season rolls around twice a year.

Travel season? You ask. Yes. For those of you who don’t know (many of you, I’m sure), I’m an enrollment counselor. But unlike traditional counselors who fly all over the place, I work exclusively with adult students looking to complete their bachelor’s degree. Our program isn’t online, but we do have locations all over western Pennsylvania, so I do day trips–looong day trips. For example, today I’ll be logging a 13 hour day… Most of it sitting at a community college or travelling on snowy roads. Usually I have a two-hour break for lunch during this particular trip, but I have a tempo run scheduled for today. So, being the “dedicated” athlete that I am, I’m spending that time at the adjacent recreation center to log some miles.

So today is pretty busy, and because I’m sitting at a table to talk with students who pass by and fancy meals aren’t accessible, it begs the question, “when and what am I going to eat?!”

I thought this would be a good time to share with you how I keep a healthy diet when my travel season comes around because, quite frankly, McDonald’s and Taco Bell just aren’t options for me!

The key for me is healthy, fresh and satisfying (and unobtrusive) snacks!!

Breakfast:
Breakfast is usually consumed in the car on travel days. Now, I’m not going to be eating scramble eggs as I ride down the turnpike, so I have to think “convenient” and “safe”. I also have to consider that days like today aren’t going to be filled with fresh greens, so I turn to every girl’s best friend: chocolate, wait, I mean, green monster. Ok, both. Today’s mix:
- approx. 1 c. Baby Spinach
- approx. 1 c. Soy Milk
- 1 frozen banana
- approx. 1 Tbsp ground flax
- approx. 2 Tbsp Dark Chocolate Dreams PB
- 1 pkt. Amazing Grass Chocolate Infusion
- Ice until desired consistency
This was mighty tasty and filling, I wanted to add some oats to it, but I forgot! Shame! It was also accompanied by a travel mug’s worth of Prestogeorge Holiday Blend coffee. And lots and lots of Dustin Kensrue. Delish.

Lunch:
Keeping in mind that I have to pound out 4ish miles around 2pm, I wanted a portable lunch with serious staying power. I turn to another favorite: breakfast cookie “with wheels”.
- approx. 1/2 c. Rolled Oats
- approx. 1/4 c. Unsweetened applesauce
- approx. 1 Tbsp ground flax
- approx. 1 Tbsp crunchy AB
- handful dried cranberries
I mix this sucker up in a small tupperware container and in the morning a top with one small apple, cinnamon, and a generous spoonful of Crofter’s Superfruit Spread (Europe). This definitely could have been bigger…oops. But it tastes like dessert. No joke. I also ate a healthy portion of green grapes (for even more satiety).

Dinner:
After morphing into Wonder Woman while on the treadmill, I need PROTEIN. So, being the planner that I am (yea, that’s a joke), I packed a frozen pineapple Chobani (aka crack) in my gorgeous Vera Bradley lunch tote this morning. There are 13 grams of protein in that bad boy. Also along for the ride were some green pepper slices and a kiwi! I also packed Nut Thins (the pecan ones) and a Laughing Cow! That is an amazing combo. If you can’t do gluten, try Nut Thins!! I go through boxes of them like Lifesaver Wint-O-Greens!!

Dessert (not including the lifesavers):
Jessica’s (www.howsweeteats.com) Whole Wheat Peanut Butter and Jelly muffin. Oh. My. Goodness. Go make them. They are delicious.

Hydration: 2 liters of water! It makes my bag heavy, but I need it!!

I will probably eat a little something when I get home while I’m unwinding from the travel, but I am happy that I kept my options clean and healthy throughout the day (although there was some wheat, it was worth it). I didn’t have to rely on some drive-thru menu, or Starbucks to keep me going throughout the day. Plus, I helped save the college money!

I would like to add that it’s not a good idea to wipe your lunch box out with a disinfectant wipe before using it. Everything tastes like Lysol- which brings a whole new meaning to “clean eating”!!

My wonderful Blogging Friend (or “blend”), Yasmin, has tagged me in the 10 things that make me smile post!

And so, without further adieu, here are 10 things that make Abby smile (normally).

10. C.S. Lewis: I’m obsessed. Ain’t no secret. I’ve read it all and re-read it all. No one can say it like him. And he writes it ALL. Philosophy, Theology, Academic, children’s fiction, science fiction…. and it’s all beautiful! Who else can do that?!

9. The Reformation: I love the reformation and any kind of reformation offspring. Martin Luther, John Calvin, the Puritans, modern Reformers like Boice, Sproul, and Dever, the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and the Trinity Hymnal. The theology that was taught at this time is untouchable. It seriously gives me chills. What a wonderful, Biblical, logical expression of the truths of Scripture. I know when my dad sees this, he will smile and say, “I’ve done well.”

8. The Classics: I have been so blessed to have received the education that I have. It’s amazing to be educated on ancient cultures and realize that we are so much like them. We pull almost every part of our way of life from these people: our language, our government, our architecture, our philosphies… The Classics open a beautiful window of insight into our own culture. It also reminds me that there once were societies that prized bravery, honor, chivalry, and hardwork. On one hand we’re not that different, yet on the other, we have fallen so far.

7. Running: I really don’t think I need to say anything about this one.

6. My Puppies: Dexter and Amos! Amos was my first love…he’s my little bro’s dog and I swear he’s part human. The best part is that he LOVES to sing! It never fails to make me laugh when someone tarts singing or playing the piano and he just joins in. Sometimes it’s annoying because you’re trying to watch TV, but really it’s so cute.

Dex is my baby…I got him about a month after I graduated from college so it was just the two of us before Dave and I got married. He’s so goofy and you can tell he just wants to be loved. He also is the most obedient dog I’ve ever known.

5. My College Roommates: I miss these girls! They were such a strong support for me in college. We had so much fun doing goofy things, and making crazy trips to Mad Mex for half-off margaritas in the middle of the week. In the big picture, we spent such a small time as roommates, but I feel like they are my sisters. And since I’m the only one who stayed in Pittsburgh, I never get to see them! My heart hurts sometime.

4. My Better Half: Stacey has been such a wonderful friend to me! She’s the kind of friend that you can be your goofiest self, cry your eyes out, or scream at the top of your lungs and know that she’ll always, ALWAYS have your back. And just like all my other friends, she moved away. But we have a friendship that can’t be shaken by 3000 miles.

3. My Family: My dad is my head, my mom is my soul, my older brother is my courage, and my little brother is my laughter. These people made me who I am and I thank God everyday for them! We are all so blessed with the wonderful relationships that we have with each other. We might be overwhelming to others, and I admit that we’re all a little crazy, but that’s what makes us us. And, I have an amazing, sweet sister-in-law too! My cup runneth over!

2. My Highschool Sweetheart: He married me, why would he not make me smile? Anyone who can put up with my emotions, absent-mindedness, and MESS has to be the most wonderful person in the world. I’m blessed enough to have not spent much time looking for THE ONE, because I met him during my junior year of highschool. Five years later we were married, and here we are almost 2 years after that…still madly in love!

1. My Salvation: It’s not a part of me, it is WHO I AM. I am not my own, I have been bought with a price–the precious blood of Jesus Christ. I am a child of God, called to be His for no merit of my own. What a gracious God I serve!
“What can separate my soul
From the God who made me whole?
Wrote my name in heaven’s scroll?
Nothing! Hallelujah!”
~James Boice

I’m passing this along to… Kat, Caitlin, Katie, Jessica, and Pam. Get crackin’ ladies!

Dave left for a 4 day business trip this morning…at first I thought, ” A little me-time will be a nice change of pace. I can do whatever I want!” But as soon as he walked out of the door this morning with his carry-on looking really nice in his khakis and sweater, I thought, “I miss you! Come back! What am I going to do without you?!”

Well I haven’t figured out what I’m going to do, but I can let you know things I won’t be doing in his absence:

I won’t be taking out the garbage. I tend to shy away from stinky jobs. I’m very sensitive to odors.

This means I probably won’t be taking the dog out to poo. Which kinda puts me in a tough situation because the apartment will start stinking eventually. 85 pound dogs tend to create A LOT of stink.

I won’t be arriving at work on time. Without David to drag me out of bed in the morning, I have no hope of getting there on time.

I won’t be cooking! Not that I do it when he’s around, but at least now I won’t have wife-guilt.

I won’t be watching LOST. He made me promise, and I would like for my husband to think that I’m trust worthy. Maybe I’ll watch older episodes to get my Jack-fix for the week (kidding, Dave.. I won’t).

I won’t be watching chick flicks! This is something that won’t change in his absence. On-Demand comedies and ESPN it is. I like college basketball! P-I-T-T! Let’s go PITT!

Dexter will only be eating once a day, because I won’t remember to feed him at night. I’m a bad dog mommy.

I also know that I won’t be smiling as much, and I won’t be as content, and I won’t be as happy because my best friend won’t be right next to me.

….I won’t cry (well, maybe just a little).