Here's what I've been doing this week...

Reading...finally finished Prince Caspian...now starting Memoirs of a Geisha....

This is pretty much the position I've been in all week. New slippers on, in front of the TV watching...(see next photo) note: I did change spots on the couch a couple times.

Yup, more TV. I told you it's like a drug addiction...I'm seeking help...

But that's not all...there's more...



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Mourning the loss of the forest next to the house I grew up in.

Raking leaves...
Playing with my parent's crazy dog, who decided to be shy and hide under the table near my dad when I decided to take her picture. Usually she is HYPER CRAZY!
Knitting, which also includes buying new needles and finding a great yarn store down the street!
And more still....

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It's a game my brother got for Christmas. We've both been doing it...

I organized the 3,000 pictures from my sister's wedding. How many were there really? Well, they wouldn't all fit in this photo box.

Lotion on my face too many times to count. City water is full of chlorine. Chlorine=peeling skin.

Eating way to much of this...

While thinking that I should be doing this....

Happy week between holidays, everyone!

2005 review

2005 fun memories...

Having friends over constantly. (if only I had a guest room for them to enjoy)

Seeing the sunset over the river (it never gets old)

Laughter (there is nothing better in life that laughing with friends. you know the kind where you laugh so hard that you can't breathe and you just can't stop!)

The sound of children having fun and laughing, the slashes in the pool, the loud voices over the megaphone, the boat pulling away from the floating pier with a banana boat full of the screams of delighted kids (the property feels so lost and empty once the kids leave)

Re-reading my journal throughout the year to see how I've changed and the answers to my prayers.

Listening to music in my car. (sometimes it's the best release ever. makes me feel like I should be on Broadway when I sing along in the confines of my little car)


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A day in the life of Jack Bauer

About 3 years ago, we started a new tradition for the week after Christmas. It has become one of my favorites...you will see why...
Every year for Christmas, someone seems to get at least one movie. They are such fun and easy gifts to give. So, every year, we end up watching at least one or more movies throughout the lazy week between Christmas and New Years.
About 3 years ago, I decided to try the show Alias after seeing a few epidsodes here and there. I went to Blockbuster and rented the first 2 seasons, 2 discs at a time. We, my brother, mom, dad (for some reason, I don't remember my sister being there. She is the normal one among us with an actual life outside the house during the Christmas/New Years' week), and I sat and watched 2 whole seasons in just a few short days. The next year, we tried another show (I think it was 24, but I wasn't intrigued at the time) and got up to date on Star Wars behind the scenes since it had just come out on DVD.
This year, it's a sci fi spectacular. My brother got 24 season two. My dad got Firefly. Both have almost constantly been on out TV for the last 2-3 days. It's really ridiculous. My dad said today as we sat down for lunch (in front of the TV of course to continue the viewing and save time while eating as well) that the episodes are like chips. We can't just eat one. We sit down to watch one episode and 3 hours later we are sitting there realizing that it's now almost time for dinner.
At least now I know my TV addiction is hereditary....isn't that an excuse?

For the record...I'm enjoying 24 even though I can't stand the actor who plays the president (most annoying man ever to have no emotion) and the story lines are crazy (so now the woman who killed Jack's wife is getting immunity for everything she's done and has survived a plane crash and can talk to the President any time she demands it) but it does keep me watching. Season one I gave up after 5 episodes. I'm told if you hang on, you will love it. Okay, Keifer, make me a believer....

sunset

God was painting the other night in pinks and oranges....

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wreath o' Winnie

This is what we did to my parents poor dog for Christmas. Someone made her this Christmas wreath with jingle bells on it. Needless to say, she didn't get the Christmas joy out of it that we did.


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my black and whites

Before I left for Europe, I was having problems trying to decide what shoes to take with me. They had to be comfortable to walk in cause that was my #1 means of transportation. I carefully evaluated each pair of shoes that I owned and tried to pick one to no avail. I have lots of shoes, but none that I felt could withstand the beating I was about to give them. Plus, all my travel books said that "to stand out as a tourist, locals need only to look at your shoes." They rarely if ever wear tennis shoes out and about.
I was caught at a cross roads of fashion and comfort. I shopped, somewhat half heartedly, hoping to find something to fit the bill. I found a pair of shoes a TJMAXXXX (oh, how I love you) for an unbelievable deal. Almost half off the regular price (oh, how I love a good bargin even more). I packed them away in my suitcase complete with a set of $2.99 WalMart insoles just for fun.
These black and whites became my favorite shoe after just one wearing. They were literally like slippers. I took them off only to go to bed. I wore them with everything and threw fashion to the wind because they were so comfy. We were a match made in discount store heaven.

Hats off to you Mr. Jackson

He may be the only person in the world that will make me run to the theatre opening weekend and happily lay down my $9 for a 3 hour sit in the theater. 4 times now, he has persuaded me that long doesn't necessarily mean that it will be boring, no special effects can take the place of a well told story (even though his stories are full of them), storytelling at its best can make you cry over the oddest things, and good casting makes the picture.
Keep the stories coming. And don't forget the hours of behind the scenes gems for the DVDs.
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La Tour Eiffel

I found this picture as I was looking through my Europe pictures. I just love how massive the Eiffel Tower looks.
 

it's a little tree....

but it brings so much Christmas cheer!


















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to wrap or not to wrap

I have a friend who thinks wrapping presents is the most stupid thing ever. Why do all that work, when it's just going to get destroyed? It's just like throwing your money away.
Must say that I COMPLETELY disagree! Last night, I spent a whole hour happily wrapping presents for friends and loved every minute of it. There is just something about someone seeing their present looking beautiful. It may even hide how small or insignificant the gift may be. I love using ribbon and wire garland and colors. This year I found some Chinese take-out food containers in Christmas colors! It's such a fun way to let someone know you care.
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ho-hum

I've been debating whether to post or not because nothing all that adventurous has happened lately. After posts about London and the Eiffel Tower, writing that I went Christmas shopping at Sam's club last night just seems rather pathetic.
So, I've been trying to think of a fun spin on my life. How do I write down my day to day events without making them seem as stupid and silly as they really are? These are the reasons that I think that writers, truly good writers are among the most talented minds in our world. I read a blog from a lady who just seems to have this really fun life. There isn't anything really that over-adventurous about her day to day life, but she they way she writes, it's just so much fun to read. She writes about what she's feeling that day and doesn't apologize for it either. Love it.
So what do I feel like today? I'm excited to pick up my Christmas cards that I made and mail them out to friends. I'm excited to watch Alias tonight cause Micheal Vartan is going to be on it. I read a really great passage of scripture last night in Romans that been rolling around in my head all day conviciting me of stuff in my mind and heart lately. Love that. Knitting is on the agenda tonight as well. This is my new craft for the winter. I'm slowly improving.
There you go. See, not so exciting, but then again, it's my life. Some days are the Eiffel Tower at sunset. Some are Sam's club at Christmas. Now that sounds like the title of a book.....hmm...
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Things I don't like...

Since I've posted things I do like, here's a list of the opposite. In no order of reason...

Cold weather ( I miss my flip-flops and tank tops and it's only the beginning of winter here. Arggg.)

Reconciling myself to the fact that my college professors where right when they said "you may have to use graphic design in the future even though your major is video" (to which my response was always "heck, no! I hate design!!" Double arggg.)

Favorite TV shows becoming a mere shadow of their former glorious selves (see Alias and West Wing. Are they even the same shows? It's not really Alias without Vaughn, everyone knows that.)

Small talk with people I don't know (I'm in awe of people who can do this. It's like a superpower or something.)

My own clothes (not all the time, but definately today)

When people read the end of the book before they finish (it drives me insane, especially when they tell me about it. or ruin a movie by giving away the twist. There should be a special place of punishment for these ruiners.)

Being asked "So when are you getting married? You aren't getting any younger you know" (Oh, right, I forgot about that whole area of my life. Really should be working on that, shouldn't I? (sarcastic undertones heavily implied))

Living far from my friends (college dorm life did have it's advantages. Best friends a step across the hallway at anytime)

Not being able to write in words what my brain is thinking and how I'm feeling

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Narnia remembered

I have been to the movies 3 times in less than a week. It's really rather ridiculous. I hardly go anymore because the price is almost $10 for a nighttime movie around here. Thank goodness for twilights when it's still under $6.
Narnia was amazing. My teacher in 3rd grade was a sweet older woman who loved her students. Everyday after our lunch, she would pull her rocking chair up to the carpet in the center of the room and read us a story as we all sat in a circle around her feet. That was the first time I heard The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. As a child, I adored anything that let my imagination run free. Having a story read to me and picturing the characters in my young mind was like opening up that wardrobe to a new world.
I'm so thankful for teachers that I had as a little girl. And for my mom who was the best teacher any girl could have at home.
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Give this Christmas

We are so blessed in this country. Most of us have an abundance of "things." We have more than we need and yet there are so many without. Here are 2 organizations that I believe in and support throughout the year. Check out their websites to see what they are all about. Remember all the children in the world who still need so much.

Shaohannah's Hope was begun by my favorite recording artist. He has adopted 3 little girls from China. This organization is a way to support families who want to adopt, but don't have the funds. It's Christian based and I have loved seeing God use families in the US to change little kid's lives in other countries. It's a great thing to be involved with if you have a heart for adoption (which I greatly do!)
I've been involved with Compassion for a couple years now. The way the organization is set up: you can choose a child to sponsor. You send in $ every month (this goes to help with food, clothes and schooling for your child) and you get pictures and letters from your child. You can see how they grow and change through the years. This has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. My little girl lives in Indonesia, but you can pick from dozens of countries. This is also a Christian organization. I've loved watching her grow and change in each letter and photo.


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The white way of delight

The magic of a world turned white. We get to have it a little bit earlier than usual this year!


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Let it snow

I've lived in my cottage for almost 5 years now. We have this holly type bush outside in the flower bed. It's a beautiful plant, but has never had had berries in the 5 years I've lived there. One day I was opening the curtains and low and behold...
It's loaded! And beautiful! And today it's getting snow all over it. That's right everyone, we are having a very early snow this winter. It won't amount to much, I don't think, but it's beautiful to look at. It reminds me of the 1st and 2nd time I've seen snow this year. #1 camping in the snow a couple weeks ago (see previous entry of aforementioned activity). #2 the Highlands of Scotland. That was a sight to behold! Can you tell I'm still missing it over there?
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Finally over jetlag

I think I had jet lag worse when I came home. All in all it wasn't terrible though. I'm just still so glad that I never got it while I was over there. Now, I just wake up early every morning, which is kinda nice cause I'm a morning person anyway.
Yes, I still miss it over there. Shannon called yesterday to say hi and I loved that I could picture in my head where she was while she was talking to me. I love that I can't stop looking at my pictures and wishing that I was back in Paris. I love that I will forever have the memories of that trip. I've always thought that our memories were one of the best gifts that God ever gave us. Imagine not being able to remember all the great things that happened in your life. That would be devastating to me!
Everyone keeps asking me what my favorite part of the trip was. (mostly because no one except a few dear friends have time for the long drawn out recap. Bless my roommate for wanting to hear everything! She's a dear!) I usually say Paris. And when I look back at my pictures, I see how true it is. There was something in that city that I just fell in love with. It's true what people say about how romantic Paris is. Much of it is just because of the city itself. I've never been anywhere like it. Nothing else really compared to the feeling of that city. So that was my favorite part, I guess. But it feels like I'm leaving so many things out when I say that. I loved each country for it's own special, peculiar things. That's what makes that part of the world so unique, I suppose. Every country, even though they are as close as the states in the US, is so different. I've never experienced that before and I just loved it!
I'm ready to go back in the spring and walk around Paris and London without being bundled up like Randy on A Christmas Story! Which, by the way, is on the schedule of movies to watch in the next few days. That along with the 35 shows that I missed while being gone from prime time television for over 2 weeks. It really is pathetic. But it's so fun to watch now. What if I had missed seeing the raft crew being reunited with the rest of the survivers on LOST! Or seeing Rory and Loreli finally bury the hatchet. Like I said, love TV to the point of being a total loser....must work on that in the New Year.....
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Home Sweet Missing Great Britain Home

Been home for a few days now. Forgot to put up some pictures of London. They didn't turn our as well as the others because the weather wasn't too great. It was dark by the time we got to almost everything too. I definitely want to go back to London. There is so much that I didn't get to see!
Tower of London. I thought it was a little funny, yet creepy that people were ice skating at the former house of torture and imprisonment.




Platform 9 3/4. If you don't know why this is a big deal to me, than, well, that's sad...





Tower Bridge, although many(including me until I went there) confuse it with London Bridge. It's majestic at night.







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