2011 Book Review....so far....

I made a goal last year to read more and so far I am already accomplishing that goal. My problem is that I forget what books I've read & what they're about. So, I'm writing book reviews here what I've read since January. Here we go!

LIttle Women by Louisa May Alcott
This was a re-read of one my favorite childhood books. I always enjoy escaping into the simple world of the March sisters....although Beth's death breaks my heart every single time. It's a lovely story centered around family devotion and the trials of growing up and finding true love. Adore this book. The end.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Funny little short story. I saw the movie before I read the book. That's usually against my better judgment, but I didn't realize it was a book! Fitzgerald has quite the imagination to conjure up a story about a man who grows backwards! It held my attention the entire time and gave me plenty to dream about later.

Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld
Excellent cookbook filled with great ideas on how to hide vegetables in "normal" food. Chris and I have trouble fitting veggies into our diet and this book has helped alot. The only drawback is that the recipes require more involved cooking than I'm used to but I can manage.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
I could not put this book down. It was a fun read from an old man's perspective of his former circus life....chalk full of touching moments, action, and a bit of humor. I'm ready to see the movie...especially since my favorite actress (Reese Witherspoon) is starring!

Sweet Valley Confidential by Francine Pascal
This was a guilty pleasure. I read a few of the Sweet Valley books when I was younger. I mostly read this out of curiosity since it got so much publicity. It was trashy and unrealistic but fun.

Those are the books I've read this year and hopefully the list will continue to get much longer in the coming months.

A Hairy Situation

I have an unnatural fear of beauticians. This most likely stems from my need to keep a physical distance from strangers. I even tried in vain to avoid Grandma hugs as a kid. I have a radius of about two feet of comfort zone. Cutting my hair definitely breeches these boundaries; yet another unfortunate side effect of being an introverted extrovert. This ridiculous paranoia drives me to avoid necessary trims until my split-ends turn into a bird's nest, complete with chirping birds. By that point, I'm too ashamed to let a beautician attempt to comb and cut through the mess. I was lucky in college to have a dear friend in beauty school who cut my hair. I'm not such a creep if I know the person wielding scissors dangerously close to my head. Now we live in different states. So here I sit; trying to force myself to let a stranger attempt to tame my unruly mane. My hair is getting so long, I feel like Rapunzel. Once your hair gets to a certain length, it's ok to trim it yourself, right?

Let It Be.

I am a worrier. There. I said it. I try to disguise it as "being realistic" and "not getting my hopes up," but I have trouble with heartache; I take rejection of any kind very hard. I think it's all part of being the sensitive artist kind. I have thin skin so over the years, I've been putting on this coat of cynicism to cover it up....then I hide and cry it out later. I blame my parents; I inherited my dad's critical, realistic mind and my mother's wild, often hilarious emotions. These two coupled together in one human being is a hurricane waiting to happen. I contradict myself all the time! My head says, "distance yourself and stay logical" while my heart screams, "but you know you'd love (insert random object of desire here)!!" This has been taking a toll on me lately, in all aspects of life. I want to trust God with all my heart but sometimes my brain wants to stop and analyze it. I want to have blind faith and leap into things, knowing God's in control; but my head begs for evidence that everything will be ok. Sunday, my mom texted me, "Have faith." Two simple words that pack such a punch. Have faith. Jesus said faith the size of a mustard seed could move a mountain (Matt. 17:20); yet here I sit worrying about trivial things. There are starving, homeless people all over the world; yet here I sit whining on my iPad. My faith probably couldn't move an anthill but God loves me anyway. I am blessed to have so much. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1 ESV). It's sobering to think that God expects us to just believe in what we cannot see. He tells us, "don't worry; I take care of birds & they don't work for it; aren't you more valuable? (Matt. 6:26)" God cares for every creature, from bird to flower; yet here I sit pondering faith. I pray that someday soon, I'll let go of all my fears and inhibitions and live in peace. We as humans, are so far from perfect. Thank God He sent a substitute to take on my sin. This has been a weighty post, so I'm going to end with words of wisdom from the Beatles, "And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be. For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see, there will be an answer, let it be."

The Year in Review

In the spirit of the new year, I'm going to look back and dwell on the past; since I'm no good at making and keeping resolutions. This was definitely a year worth celebrating! I'll just take it month by month, so buckle up for a bumpy ride!

January: We were buried under snow but we dug out occasionally to sled. It was a blast. Some neighbors built a pretty amazing igloo. We also hosted a Super Bowl party and didn't cut out the commercials like churches do.

February: I got fancy new glasses. Chris and I celebrated Valentine's Day by eating a heart-shaped pizza at Minsky's; delicious. We're so romantic.

March: This is always my favorite month because of my birthday and anniversary. Chris and I celebrated our second year of marriage. Chris really made it the best weekend ever for me. He took me ice-skating, to the art museum, and to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D Imax; and I became a Monopoly slum lord. As if all that wasn't enough, Chris also bought me a Wii and Wii Fit which I promptly became addicted to. I also got a birthday visit from Mom, Dad, and Mike which included a trip to Buca di Beppo (a quirky Italian restaurant) with a complementary giant (as in world's biggest) cupcake. We ended a fabulous month by celebrating Palm Sunday at Redeemer Fellowship with a moving reenactment.

April: We began April with Easter at Redeemer followed by flag football with friends. It was finally warm outside! We took a spring visit to Arkansas and got some great photos. I threw Bobby a surprise birthday baseball party. The shock on his face was priceless.

May: I'm thankful to say I got a new job that I don't hate.

June: Hectic, busy month full of trips to Arkansas for marital ceremonies. The best part was getting a new dog, Chipper; my furry friend!

July: I got a dramatic haircut and have not cut it since. I always do that. We spent alot of time outside; on picnics, swimming, and hanging out with friends. Mom, Dad, and Mike came for another visit. It's always great to see family.

August: We spent almost every weekend playing flag football and kickball in the park with our Redeemder friends. We ate alot of yummy fresh fruit from the City Market. My aunt and uncle came to visit Bobby. We all went shopping; a favorite pasttime of mine. On Chris' birthday, I got him an iPad; quite a nifty invention. I happen to be typing on it right now.

September: Chris' side of the family came for a visit! We loved showing them around the city and our church. I hope they come back soon. My parents came again....they must really like Kansas City. During this visit, we ate at a restaurant where toy trains are your waiter; neat and cheap (since you don't have to tip). I also saw a pink fountain.

October: We bought a new car; a 2011 green Kia Soul! We like it alot! Dixie and I threw a phenomenal Dexter/Harry Potter themed Halloween party. I hope that's a tradition we can continue.

November: We went to Arkansas for a visit. It was colder there than in KC. I liked watching Mike in his silly band uniform. It was worth the trip. We saw the new Harry Potter movie....spectacular. I can't wait for the last installment.

December: It was a whirlwind of family, friends, Christmas lights and decorations, festivities, food, and parties. I loved every minute. Chris and I also got a new niece, Payton. She's cute.

This has been a wonderful year. I can only hope that 2011 is as good.

A Crowded Newsfeed

I should stop reading Facebook newsfeed. I just get annoyed by reading everyone's last meal and random thoughts that just are not interesting. And what is it with people talking about "him" or "her" all the time? Who are these nameless, faceless people? A curious girl like me can't stand it! Grown people (well in their 20's anyway) are putting things like "so in love with him" on their status. This whole "missing her" business is just crazy. Post on "her" wall that you miss her and leave the rest of us alone. We're not in middle school anymore. Don't be shy. If you're really in love, put a name on the love of your life and shout it from the rooftops! Come on people; be bold and be brave! Admit who you're talking about because mysterious statuses are just as ridiculous as what you had for breakfast. Be creative with your status. Update us on funny moments or observations from your worldview. Consider if anyone else would find what you have to say intriguing/hilarious/informative/enlightening before you post.

Where Did Fall Go??

It's a good thing I took lots of pictures of the colorful trees this year because I blinked and fall was gone. Everyone else is rushing and bringing out the Christmas decorations. Not me, I'm going to savor this last week or so of autumn. I think it's strange to have out Christmas decorations at Thanksgiving. No one gives that holiday its due. This is still a time for turkey and pumpkins and candles that match the leaves outside. Why people don't enjoy the season they're in? All of you that already have your trees out will be the first to wish for spring. What makes Christmas decorations special to me is that they're up for such a short time. My tree is reserved for after Thanksgiving. I bought a new wreath but dutifully put it in the garage and left out my orange rose wreath until the time comes. I'm no Scrooge; I just like every season equally. When the time does come; it will look like an elf vomited Christmas all over my home. Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Home Sweet Home Away From Home

We made it back home safely and efficiently today. I'm going to really impress you now; I've already unpacked and put away the luggage. However, I have not done any laundry and I only did the dishes because they smelled. Our trip went really well. The weather was unusually colder down south and I got to see brilliant stars in the beautiful southern sky. The city lights outshine our stars. Visiting Arkansas is strange now. When we first moved to Kansas City, going back to our home towns felt like, well, going back home. Now I feel like I'm vising family and I'm actually from Kansas City. As we drove into the city today, I felt more at peace than I have after any of our other Arkansas trips. This is where God wants us right now. Kansas City is our home now. I really felt like a foreigner at times this weekend; especially when my grampa introduced me as his "granddaughter from Kansas City." I had also forgotten about Jonesboro's dry county law until we had to sign in at Olive Garden. Ha! What a silly procedure! In case you don't know the law, restaurants who serve alcohol are required to be "private clubs" so they have their diners sign up for free "memberships." It seems pointless since most restaurants don't keep up with their list of "members." Gotta love that small town charm! I loved seeing my family and friends this weekend. I've missed each and every one of you so much! And to the ones I didn't get to see; we'll back for a week right after Christmas. Hope to see you all then!