October 30, 2008

The One with the Ice Cream

As I mentioned yesterday, Kevin and I had plans to stop by Coldstone in the afternoon to cash in his free treat birthday coupon.  Well, lo and behold as I'm watching the 12:00 news I hear about a big time movie that is calling for extras for their filming in Greektown.  Ok, ok.  This is cool.  A film taking place right around the corner from my house.  (Wait a sec...why didn't I go out for that?  I totally could have starred in a movie!!!)  Anyways, I decided to pay close attention to the precise location of this filming because I knew Coldstone was right near Greektown.  Sure enough...Monroe St. was completely closed for the day.  I could even see the Creamery in the background of the News footage as if mocking my desire for the lactose goodness.  Well.  That's just great.  

I tell Kevin of this irony and he discovered there was another Coldstone right over by Meijer.  A bit of a longer drive (15 minutes versus 2) but no trouble finding parking and no need to pay for that spot.  (Paying for parking=my least favorite thing about the city.)  Despite the potential destruction of our plan, we were able to thoroughly enjoy our ice cream date.  I ordered a "Like it" (small) of Ghiradelli chocolate ice cream with Snickers folded in and Kevin ordered the "Gotta Have it" (large) of the specialty creation "Mud Pie Mojo" (=coffee ice cream, oreos, peanut butter, roasted almonds, and fudge).  I had a hard time ordering such a small size, but I went away saying, "That was just the right amount of ice cream."  (Normally, I'm moaning and groaning...)  It was perfectly creamy and chocolately and lovely.  

Today I plan on driving to Monroe early afternoon to spend a few hours cleaning like a mad woman in the time I have before the Light the Night (halloween alternative).  

October 29, 2008

The One Where Melanie Wore Socks to Bed

It's official.  We're living out of boxes.  I don't even want to count the number of times I've had to dig through a taped up box to find one little item that is necessary at the time (particularly in the kitchen.)  *sigh* oh well.   I can hardly believe that we are moving this Saturday.  We're both getting really excited...especially since we were given the first ever tour of our new home on Sunday evening (the people finally moved out!)  It's going to be a wonderful place to live and entertain.  Also, I got a call yesterday from a church member who knew of a family getting rid of some furniture.  So sometime this week he's going to be delivering a king sized bedroom set (including mattress/springs, 2 side tables, a long mirrored dresser, and a chest of drawers...evidently "like new"!) and a couch and chair (which will certainly be useful in the youth room of our finished basement!)  How cool is God?!  :)  

Despite all the wonderful aspects of this move, I admitted to Kevin this morning that I'm feeling a little bittersweet about the whole thing.  Mostly because this apartment was our first home together.  And for the first time in 4 years I really felt like I had a permanent home.  We loved this place.  I have even come to love the city, the freeways, and the entertaining characters in the area.  Though I'm loooking forward to feeling more free to roam about the neighborhood in Monroe, I will be sad to say goodbye to our Detroit apartment.  

Also, I finally gave in.  Up until last night at 10:30, we had yet to turn on the heat in our house.  The temperature remains around the 65 degree mark which was tolerable until I was getting ready for bed.  You see, our bedroom window lets cold air basically blow through our apartment, so yesterday I decided to keep the door closed to preserve what little heat was left in the rest of the dwelling.  That was great.  during the day.  But at night, I had forgotten to turn on the wall heating unit in our bedroom so it must have been below 60 degrees.  brrrr.  So the heat is now on (though set at 68).  The unfortunate part is that the vents in our room don't seem to blow any air (ac or heat)...so the door is closed again today.  *sigh*  At least we were cozy last night.  

In about 3 hours I'm picking my Love up from work so he can have the afternoon at home to study.  But before that...we're stopping by Coldstone Creamery downtown and cashing in his birthday certificate for a free sundae!  Yay ice cream!


October 24, 2008

The One with the Pies

A little update, anyone?

Yesterday I went running for the first time in a long time.  Today, I feel it.  I'm sore, I cannot lie, but it feels so good.  (expect for the scrapes and cuts on the palms of both of my hands where I tripped and fell.  Yes, I'm ridiculous.)  Never in a million years would I have guessed that I would miss this form of exercise that tears you body apart, but I do.  It's the most encompassing work out I have experienced as of yet.  Sure, there's biking, walking, and ellipsing, but none of those reap the same total-body results.  (No, I'm not implying that I'm suddenly a rock solid piece of flesh, but I can feel the impact of the jog.)  Winter's coming, we're moving and that poses a little exercise problem for moi.  I think I'll try to jog whenever I can (i.e. when it's not pouring rain or snow and the temp is about 25 degrees F), and on other days I'll use the handy ellipse.  Some day I'd love to have the luxury of a gym membership and/or a treadmill of my own.  (I just think having a treadmill set up in our "exercise room" would be great to have around...whether it be running on or just taking a stroll to stretch while keeping warm inside and watching some T.V.)  In any case...

This evening marks the start of Kevin's birthday weekend.  No, he didn't request days and days of celebration, but I just think he's worth it.  His birthday is officially Monday, but Mondays are pretty much the worst day for a birthday to fall on.  Nonetheless, I'm baking a chocolate cake for him to take into lab to share with the group at their weekly meeting.  (Reminds me of elementary school...but everyone likes cake right?)  I think he might get his birthday presents from me that morning before he leaves, because he's trying to convince me that he shouldn't have to wait until the day is nearly over.  :)  Sunday is youth group day and one of the students offered to bake a special treat in honor of him.  

Saturday, my husband is thrilled to have nothing to do.  Now, this may sound lame, but seriously folks, for the last...um...we can't remember how long...we have spent the weekend away from our apartment.  Not that those mini-trips weren't great, but it'll be nice to wake up in our own bed on Saturday morning whenever the heck we feel like it. :)  There will probably be some UofM v Mich football action happening in the afternoon, but that's about it.  

Tonight should be kinda fun too!  I sent Kevin a really colorful (literally) email this afternoon inviting him to join me at the movies tonight.  I found a dollar theater nearby that's showing some pretty decent shows (from the summer) and he's chosen Hancock.  I'm not at all disappointed considering Will Smith is awesome no matter what film he's in. :)  This little night on the town will follow a stop for pizza and a taste of the strawberry rhubarb pie that just came out of the oven. =D  (note on the pie:  a few weeks back you may remember me trying my hand at apple pies.  Well, the whole crust procedure was quite a challenge for me so I was glad to have this "practice" before Thanksgiving rolls around.  Well, in case you're wondering, I was able to get the crusts perfectly rolled out on the first try!  The 30 min. refridgeration tip really helped!  Now let's hope it tastes as good as it looks!)






October 22, 2008

The One with a Tired Girl

Right now High School Musical is on the Disney Channel.  And I'm very happy about it.  Mostly because there was nothing else good on between 8 and 9 when my favorite show ever {Criminal Minds} comes on.  But no, seriously.  It's been to long since I let down my guard and enjoyed the good ol' cheesy musical.  (With Kevin nonetheless.  Poor guy.)  I think I need to see the third one eventually.  I'm secretly excited about it's theater appearance.  Although, maybe I should view the entire second movie first.  lol.  

In other news, I was awesome at Wheel of Fortune earlier tonight.  The category was "Before and After" and there were 2 Ss and 1 M on the board.  Typically I dispise this category, but out of nowhere I shout, "Simple Simon Cowell!"  Woot!  It took the rest of the people all but 2 letters to figure it out.  Kevin was mighty impressed with me.  *proud*  

Then I napped.  I was tired.  And my head has hurt for a few hours.  And I didn't get my nap this afternoon.  

But you know what I did get this afternoon?  I surprise from my love...who decided to come home at 2:30!!!  Yay!  He came along with me on my Meijer trip and we enjoyed the little "date"...particularly the amazing deal on Doritos. :)  

October 20, 2008

The One with a few Photos

After spending a wonderful Friday evening eating delicious food with family to celebrate Brian and Kevin's birthdays and playing a rousing game of "personal preference,"  Saturday dawned the perfect fall day for a wedding.  Kevin and I took off for Battle Creek at 11:30, looking quite lovely I must say (*smile*), and made it perfectly on time for the wedding of our dear friend Erin Joy to her love Peter.  We got to catch up with some long lost friends and we have a nice time celebrating their wedding day with them.  Enjoy a little look into the afternoon. :)




October 18, 2008

The One Where Melanie Gets to the Point

So I just realized that I never actually got around to writing about the blog title in yesterday's post. sheesh. I must be getting old. Anyways, the point of the "sponge" was to describe to you the conclusion I had come to the other day. If you know me well, you must have realized by now that much of what I like and do and say is often influenced by those I spend most of my time with. Now, this is not to say that I am a victim of peer pressure. There is no way that anyone would ever convince to do anything I didn't want to or didn't think was right. Ok, now that that's cleared up...this is what I mean.

In reference to my television habits, I have come to the conclusion that I am an eclectic viewer thanks to my family and friends. Specifically: I watch shows on HGTV and TLC and Discovery Health thanks to my mom. I enjoy some reality t.v. and sitcoms mostly because of my sister. I am a sucker for Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy because that's what my grandma Mary always watched when I was with her. I stopped mocking and started loving MacGyver thanks to my Kevin. I have just recently gotten addicted to Food Network and I believe this is rooted in my Grandpa Nick's "obsession" with cooking shows. I, of course, love all crime shows thanks to my Daddio. I now religiously watch Gilmore Girls because of my college girls' influence. And I keep up with shows such as Heroes and Survivor due to Magan.

The same of course is true of my music habits. I get tastes of various artists, albums, songs, and genres from so many people and I think that's great, but in case you're worried that I an unopinionated "sponge" I would have you know that the final decision on my "favorites" (music, television, movies, etc) is made my MOI.

So thanks, people. I like what I like because of you.

October 16, 2008

The One with the Sponge

So many exciting things.  Ok.

First, I'm eating applesauce.  Out of the jar.  And enjoying every uncultured minute of it.  (Yes, I do have manners.  And yes, I do know when to use them.  But I'm also not a hard-nose about it.  the end.)

Second, I've finally organized the iTunes on this desktop.  (Oh speaking of which, a word of explanation for those of you who haven't heard.  My baby iBook [my Mac laptop for those of you not so technologically savvy] is officially dead.  Nothing can be done to save it or anything contained on it's harddrive.  It was hard news to take, but the truth must be accepted.  I have mourned and moved on with my life.)  Back to the music.  I love that I can actually find the songs I want to listen to and that I have my lovely playlists formulated once again.  *happy sigh*

Third, my birthday present from my husband is sitting beside me on my desk.  We ordered it off Craigslist and went to pick it up last night.  Yes, I know, not much of a "surprise" for me, but just to keep with the spirit of the more-than-a-month-away "holiday" I'll keep it a secret from all of you.  (Don't spill the beans if you know.  lol.)  

Fourth, I had forgotten all the goodness of Subway.  Oh, and Kevin and I have a new pasttime...call it "Would you rather" or something along those lines.  He comes up with some sort of ridiculous comparison (such as "Who would win in a fight? Batman without his utility belt or Superman with a kryptonite necklace?")  and I have to make a decision and give reasons.  We played it for a full half hour on our ride home last night.  It was hysterical.  Topics ranged from "Who would you rather play you [Mel] in a movie? Martha Stewart or Hilary Clinton?" to "Which would you rather disappear forever? All fastfood or Panera?"  (In case you're wondering, Kevin went with Panera "hands down" and I chose fastfood.  I figure, you can always find a good sandwich or soup, but you can't find that satisfying grease just anywhere.)  

Fifth, we were informed of an apartment inspection occuring today.  (Not much to inspect here when 90% of our stuff is in boxes in the loft...) I got back from biking, cooled down to a little Ellen and The Doctors and hopped in the shower with this funny inclination that Mr. Inspector would arrive when I was doing just that.  Sure enough through the water running and the loud exhaust fan, I heard a man yelling something or other (probably informing the occupant of his entrance.  I'm still not sure if he inspected anything, but he left me alone and was gone by the time I was done in the bathroom.  oh dear....)

Well, I hope I have sufficiently entertained you for today.  In a few hours I'll pick up Kevin from school and we'll drive to Steaks Eatery where we're meeting his family to celebrate his 22nd and Brian's 15th birthdays.  Yay!  We're staying the night and heading to Battle Creek Saturday to the wedding of some wonderful friends.  (Will I cry? Hmmm.  Bets anyone?)

October 15, 2008

The One with the Visual Aids

The following is a photo documentary of our weekend of Canadian Thanksgiving.  Descriptions found above image.  (Yes I'm a professional, in case you were wondering.)

Kevin and Mel chilling before Thanksgiving dinner:::
Mel & Kevin showing off their marksman skills (Mel was a first time genius at it.):::
Mel's expression tells it all (That is, she GOT the clay pigeon):::
Friday night burger dinner and the laugh-to-tears that ensued ("I do TO get up at 6:30!"):::
Mel & Kevin enjoying the sunny downtown while Britt & Nick do their photo shoot thing:::
Sometimes he catches her off guard and throws her over his shoulder:::
The Four Amigos (aka catelog models):::
Mel & Britt being ridiculous as always:::


post script.  if you're just checking my blog for today....please take note of the actual writing that took place this morning. :)

The One with the Pastors

Despite the fact that my alarm went off at 6am yesterday morning, the day was quite delightful.  I drove off toward Spring Arbor while the skies were still dark and thoroughly enjoyed the rising sun showcasing the changing leaves.  I arrived at the Pastor's meeting right on time and had plenty of time to meet some new faces and partake of the fresh fruit and other breakfast foods.  I'm not gonna lie, I was a little intimidated at the thought of participating in a pastor's event where I was the "young" girl who just became a youth pastor and still doesn't really know what she's doing. But it was good.  And not at all scary.  Meeting with fellow conference youth pastors was great and we are talking about developing a wiki website in order to more effectively share materials, plans, ideas, etc.  

When noon rolled around, I met my father in law for a really tasty lunch in the d.c.  (funny how good the food is when you don't have to eat it 3 times a day for an entire school year.)  As anticipated, I got stopped numerous times on my way to the table by friends who were shocked and excited to see me on campus.  It was a really fun little reunion day. :)  After I had finished my vanilla ice cream, I stopped by the choir room where Chamber singers were just finishing up.  I succeeded in thoroughly distracting the group but was nonetheless warmly welcomed by Dr. Livesay and the others that I knew well.  (Let me just say how much I miss singing in a group of us high caliber.  Never again will I have such an opportunity.)  Once we singers had reminisced sufficiently, I ventured over to Dr. Brewer's office (since we hadn't caught up since May).  He was in a staff meeting so I popped a squat on the front porch bench in the sun and waited.  Two of Kevin's chemistry profs stopped by to chat for a while and I already have them brainstorming 5 years into the future (trying to figure out how they might best be able to use him as a new PhD in their department.)  Who knows. :)  

By this time, I had visited as many good friends as I could and was ready to head out.  I got a call from Britt that she and Nick were basking in the sun nearby.  I stopped by for a visited and soon after I had popped a squat, Dave, KD, Gavin, and Chris were all joining us.  An hour later, and only after a really great visit, I drove away to head back to Detroit.

I made it home in time to hop on my bike and meet Kevin on campus after his last class of the day.  His face glowed a bit when he saw me waiting for him and that made my trip well worth it. =D

October 13, 2008

The One Where I Feel Like Overviewing

1)  I'm watching Pearl Harbor on t.v. (you're welcome, Kevin.)  

2)  Canadian Thanksgiving is the bomb!  ;)  Between a trip to Bulk Barn for a "sweet" fix, a walk in the park, laughing so hard I cried at the dinner table, eating the most amazing homemade burgers I have EVER had (seriously...), shooting a shotgun for the first time (and hitting one clay pigeon out of 5), trying moose & bear & venison cooked in various ways alongside the rest of the traditional thanksgiving foods, and hanging out with really really good friends and "family"...yeah...it was great.  

3)  Tomorrow is the first FMC "Salt & Light" monthly pastor's meetings I will be attending.  It's from 9-12 at Spring Arbor and I'm looking forward to it.  

4)  I'm not sure what to fix my love for dinner, but I want it to be delish.  

5)  Last night was my second time leading youth group and it went wonderfully.  I just love those kids and I am already loving what I get to do for a living.

6)  We're moving from here to there on Saturday, November 1st if anyone's interested. :)

October 10, 2008

The One with the Furniture

ok, before we get to the furniture topic, I have to pay my respects to a very trustworthy pair of jeans.  Just this morning I pulled my favorite old pair out of the bottom of my drawer.  I had been ignoring them for a while cause I wasn't in the mood for their semi-tightness.  Anyways, I thought today was a good day to try them out again.  That said, as I wiggled my way into their spandex-infused denim I heard a very distinctive "rrriiipp."  Yes, the jeans that had actually worn out in the bottom of both pockets and had nearly no bottom hem left are officially hole-y in a must in appropriate spot.  I guess that was a sign that it's time for "grown up" pants.  :) So long, favorite jeans.  So long.

You may have noticed the post a few days back listing all the great items of furniture that have been passed on to Kevin and I in preparation of our move.  Apparently there are still more wonderful people in the world who are curious as to our other needs.  I thought I would publicly share them here so that if you know of anyone who's looking to get rid of an item you can let us know. :)  (No, I'm not pleading just informing for those curious folks.  hee,hee.)  thanks, friends.

-Office desk 
-futon
-bean bag chairs (or other comfy seating for youth area downstairs)
-bed(s) for guest room
-Lamps

Now, I must prepare my stomach for a weekend in Canada for thanksgiving.  

October 9, 2008

The One with the [not so] Secret Recipe

Yesterday at this time I was in the middle of pulling fresh chocolate chip cookies from the oven.  mmm.  There wasn't much of a reason for this particular baking frenzy...other than I was just really craving chocolate chip cookies.  I have tried out a variety of recipes for this timeless cookie.  (It amazes me how many alternatives there are.)  Well, I believe I have finally decided what the absolute BEST ever chocolate chip cookie recipe is.  After they were sufficiently cooled I decided Kevin definitely deserved to partake of the delightful bites during his extremely long day at school (9am-8:45pm).  Around 4pm I drove to campus and dropped off a good amount of cookies for him and for those I knew he would be working with.  Apparently they all agreed that these cookies were fantastic.  Kevin said they were the BEST "ccc" he had ever tasted.  (And he's normally not that direct when referring to foods.)  

Now that I have your tastebuds perked up, I thought I'd go ahead and share the secret.  (You must credit this recipe to a woman named Marcia--the wife of one of my dad's coworkers--who became famous for these cookies.)  

[The Perfect] Chocolate Chip Cookies 

Cream together:
2/3 C softened margarine
2/3 C Crisco shortening
2 eggs
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar
1-2 tsp vanilla (I added 2 tsp.)

Then add (I stirred in by hand):
3-4 C flour (I added ~3 1/2 C)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp salt
 
Stir in one bag of chocolate chips

Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes (Do NOT overbake.  They will not look done in the oven.)  
Yields: 4 dozen (using a 1 1/2 Tbsp scoop)


October 8, 2008

The One That's Short

I completely forgot how great Chips Ahoy! cookies are.  Yesterday I dropped off the "we're moving out" paperwork to our apartment manager (who's fantastic, in case you were curious) and on my way out I decided to grab a cookie.  There's always cookies out in the office and I have never taken them, but yesterday was the right time to try.  I was thoroughly satisfied with that cookie.

As was I with the Cottage Inn pizza.  Three cheers for "buy one large get one free" coupons.  That stuff is great.  

Kevin and I are getting so much wonderful furniture donated to us for our lovely new home.  My parents are giving us their entire bedroom set (they're finally getting new stuff after 25 years...but in case you were worried it's dark wood and not at all out of style.  lol.  But would I really care?  Probably not.)  Also, we're getting a couple end tables from them, a back porch table and chairs, an upright freezer, and a 3 shelved glass entertainment unit.  A friend of my dad's is giving us a leather Layzboy and we just found out my mom's friends is sending us their sturdy beautiful light oak entertainment center (5 feet across, 4 feet high, decorative shelves enclosed in glass...the whole nine yards.)  

Ok this was supposed to be short.  Oops.  I have a continually growing loft of boxes that are packed with all the items we won't be needing in the next few weeks.  It feels good.  Also, I have awesome packing skilz.  

ooohooohoooh...one more thing.  Canadian Thanksgiving.  This weekend.  With friends and "family."  We're stoked.

October 6, 2008

The One with Too Much Goodness

This is going to be an account of the absolutely incredible weekend I had.  With one exception.  My precious little Mac iBook that was oh so tired a few months back has been officially declared "dead" as of Friday by the tech department.  *sigh*  I was holding out hope for a while that some of the pictures I hadn't backed up would be retrieved, but alas that was not to be.  I have grieved this loss.  I have convinced myself that the memories are still there and there will be many more to come.  It's ok.  It's ok.  Really, it is.  

In other news...Friday morning began after a wonderful night's sleep in Kevin's old bed as his parent's house.  (That mattress is seriously magical.)  I went for a walk/run down the hilly-est road in the area :) and spent the morning getting clean, eating oatmeal, and finishing our laundry.  Mom E, Grandma A, and I set off for Gull Lake at 10am.  We made great time and stopped at a lovely little cafe nearby for a leisurely lunch.  Three cheers for huge mugs of steamy whipped cream topped hot chocolate.  We arrived at the Women's Retreat well in advance seeing as how my mom-in-law is Women's Ministry President and all.  I was more than willing to help out where I could, and Grandma and I ended up nearly in charge of setting up for the silent auction.  When the time came to check into our rooms, we found our accomodations absolutely beautiful. 

There were two hours set aside for spa treatments and I excitedly participated.  I had my hands pampered in parafin wax, learned more than I already knew about breast cancer and prevention (seeing as how my mom is a survivor I'm very in tune to this), and sat around laughing at a Mark Gunger dvd while massaging my feet with foot rollers.  Sometime before dinner, Noni Ramundo (the Conference superintendent's wife and leader of worship for the retreat) chased me down.  She said she heard I was a singer and asked if I'd be willing to be the 3rd vocalist on the worship team during the 3 main sessions.  I more than willingly accepted.  I'm getting used to be thrown into things and am so glad I joined the team!  I felt so involved in the whole weekend and not just crowd participant.  After the great evening session, I walked back to the fellowship hall for snacks and who did I happen to see....??? None another than a wonderful friend and housemate from SAU--BETSY!  Earlier I ran into my friend Kristi's husband who pointed Kristi my direction and we had a wonderful little reunion.  Then she passed the word to Betsy who was housekeeping for the weekend and Betsy was waiting for me outside on her cellphone trying to get a hold of me.  We had an absolutely fabulous time of sharing for an hour or so.  It was very refreshing and I think both of us were so thankful for the time together!  

I was able to call my husband for a bit while curled up in a big comfy chair by the condo's fireplace and went on and on about all the blessings God had been pouring out on me.  When Mom and Grandma got back we all crawled into bed and giggled for a bit before dozing for the night.  I woke up at 6:45 and went for a dark yet refreshing jog and we all headed to a warm breakfast at 8:30.  The rest of the day was spent going from main session to break out sessions (where I had fun in a marriage session and learned how to stamp 3 greeting cards) and back again.  I couldn't possibly express all the details of the way God used people and words and circumstances to touch my heart, but trust me...HE DID.  

Mostly I was so very thankful for all the connections I made with so many women from around the conference.  I wasn't sure what they would all think of me...being so young and all...but I was embraced openly.  I met some women closer to my age and/or in similar circumstances and they were able to offer me much wisdom and encouragement.  The networks that I've been added to will be very helpful as I start out in ministry in the Free Methodist church. 

Speaking of which...last night was my first official leading of the youth group!  It went better than I could have imagined.  There were definite attacks from Satan before the kids arrived trying to tell me I couldn't do it...I shouldn't do it...etc.  But Kevin pulled me aside and pointed out those lies and spoke God's truth to me.  Before you knew it, I was back on both feet standing strong and ready to use the gifts God has given me.  The kids were very receptive and involved in the message I brought then and the Lord touched my tongue by bringing thoughts and questions easily from my mouth.  I'm certain I could go on and on with the details, but just know we were blessed.  Keep Kevin & I and more importantly those TEENS in your prayers!

In Christ,
Melanie

October 2, 2008

The One with All Women

1)  Our car's muffler decided to stop functioning Monday.  I heard the noise of a loud car driving near me on 94 and suddenly I realized it was ME.  Yeah, not so happy about that.  We got it in to the auto service station (where the two guys probably can't believe they were seeing me for what seems like the millionth time this summer) and found out it certainly needed replaced.  *sigh*  $260 later, our car runs smoothly again.  (Now we're just praying it survives the long drives and the Michigan winter ahead.  Either that, or God will be proving his providing qualities to us once again.)  

2)  I started a super awesome blog for my youth group.  (Idea trademarked by my very own totally cool husband.)  We wanted an online environment where we could keep the kids up to date with events and previous week's studies as well as get more connected.  Let's pray it all goes well!

3)  I'm playing Uno online with Kevin right now.  Very fun.

4) When it was necessary that I drop off the car at the auto place and walk home...then walk back to pick it up...I had a sudden epiphany:  there was no need to take the various turns on the "main" roads to walk for 20 minutes.  Instead I was able to take an almost straight shot there and made it in 10 minutes!  I was excited...but also embarrassed at my stupidity the last million times I've had to walk there.

5)  My second round of the Amish friendship bread has turned out wonderfully!  I love the stuff and we'll keep a loaf to enjoy and I'll be bringing the other with me to Women's Retreat for the Auction.  

6)  Speaking of which, I'm really truly looking forward to this Women's retreat.  It's a chance for me to spend some quality time with a few of the women from Monroe, as well as those from various other FM churches I know.  Also, I'll get lots of "girl time" with my "other" mom (mother-in-law sounds so distant...she's much closer than that!)  and grandma. :)  I have no problem fellowshipping with lots of women even if most of them are going to be older than me.  I've always enjoyed time spent with my mom and her friends and now I'm "old enough" to join the women officially. :)

7)  The pasta casserole I'm getting ready to bake is going to be amazing!  I threw cooked penne in with pasta sauce and sauteed green peppers, onions, garlic, and sausage.  Topped off with melted cheese is just divine!  

8) This week has made me feel like I'm officially grown up--employed and involved in the most inner workings of the church and denomination.  *whew*  super cool and super crazy.  

9) The end.

10) Or maybe this is the end officially because it's an even number.