...a few firsts...

This year's Thanksgiving had a few firsts...

*we didn't go around the table and say what we're thankful for

*I didn't take a Thanksgiving day nap

*My favorite dish was the sweet potatoes

*The homemade yeast rolls were a disappointment (usually a fave)

*my sister made a delish pecan/choc chip/coconut pie!!!!!!!!

*we played a new game, Whoonu, not dominoes

*created necklaces with my sisters' new business, Klassy Kreations

*Kelly & Katy & I woke up and did 5am Black Friday shopping...quite the experience

*The cousin parade was outside, and all 5 cousins participated

*we had a non family member join us - Brandon's mom

Sorry, I know I should add pics...maybe later...

Super Duper: already sold one of my sisters' necklaces
Super Pooper: not motivated to study

...just in case...

I think I'll make it back in time, but just in case, here's my post for today.

Today was a traveling day, headed back to Houston. I stopped in College Station to see my friend, Bronwyn and her newly adopted little boy, Grant!

I'll do my best to post pics of Thanksgiving soon!

Super Duper: let the Christmas madness begin
Super Pooper: finals on Thursday :(

...black Friday...

It's the Friday after Thanksgiving. Here's a guess at things I might do today:

• be woken up at the crack of dawn by some child jumping on me
• make some necklaces with my sisters (Kristy & Katy), who have started a new jewelry company, I'll post pics when I get them
• possibly shop early bird specials with Kelly
• head to Waco to do some more shopping
• take the kids to the park to play
• eat leftovers :D
• stay up late playing dominos
• make a trip to Salado, where my sisters get a lot of the beads for their jewelry, and also look for ornaments for ornament exchanges I'm a part of
• give zurberts (sp?) to all the kiddos

Super Duper: almost done with NaBloPoMo and have posted every day!

Super Pooper: so many gifts, so little time, so little money

...Thanksgiving menu...

Here's a rundown of what my family is most likely eating today:

Fried Turkey
Ham butt
Stuffing
Gravy
Cranberry sauce (from a can - my mom is the only one who eats is)
Green bean casserole
Jeanie's potatoes (like a 2x baked potato, but not stuffed back in the skin)
Pineapple, cheese & Ritz dish - sounds disgusting, tastes DE-LISH
Asparagus
Strawberry pretzel salad (has a strawberry jello layer, cream cheese&whip cream layer, then a baked pretzel layer)
Lime congealed jello
Homemade yeast rolls
Deviled eggs
Pumpkin roll
Coconut meringue pie
Chocolate cake (someone is bringing this from a fancy bakery)

I think that's it...I may have left something out...but its probably not a crucial element

Super Duper: family time
Super Pooper: miss sleeping in my own bed

...things I'm thankful for..

tis the season, and if you don't give thanks at thanksgiving, then you never will, I suppose. So, at the risk of being tooo cliche, here are things I'm thankful for this year:

• Of course, my salvation! Thank you God for saving my soul!
• A wonderful church to serve in and be a part of
• Being 1 year away from graduation...i hope!
• Ashlyn
• Brady
• Blake
• Cole
• Bradley
• a loving and supportive family
• a patient dad
• a great brother-in-law to be
• fun family trip to Puerto Rico in March for my sister's wedding!
• my somewhat rent controlled apartment
• my car...may it last 2 more years!
• wonderful friends whom I love to laugh with, both new and old
• a beautiful new sanctuary to worship in!

I didn't post about being thankful last year, but here's a comparison of thing I was thankful for 2 years ago and 3 years ago.

Super Duper: 3 days off
Super Pooper: does there have to be one every day?

...thanksgiving traditions...

Here are some things that my family traditionally does on Thanksgiving...

...watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade

...I know this is typical, but yes, the guys watch football, the girls cook, and I often am the one that entertains the kiddos

...make homemade place cards, often looking like turkeys or pumpkins or something like that

...while my dad has probably already made 2 grocery hauls, inevitably, he has to go back on Thanksgiving day, at least once.

...go around the table and say what we're thankful for, nice and cheesy, I know, we all complain about it every year, but we secretly love it

...go through the paper, looking for coupons and shopping deals on Black Friday

...fall asleep all throughout the house

...eat around 3, then desserts around 5, then revisit the main course around 8

...last year for the first time I helped the kids put together a "Cousin Parade", the kids have already informed me that this is a new tradition and we will be doing it again this year!

...play dominoes late when we're all stuffed and tired

and that's what my Thanksgiving Day will most likely look like.

Super Duper: still need to write one last paper
Super Pooper: Taco Bell gave me a real fork tonight instead of the normal spork they usually have

...photobooks...

A friend of mine posted about photobooks a while back. I may have told ya'll about these before, but I'm a real fan! A friend of mine introduced me to them about a year ago by giving it to me as a gift to commemorate a trip we took together! What a fun way to preserve a memory! So, I looked into it and its really fun!

The website that my friend used, and that I prefer to use is mypublisher.com. The main reason I like this is they have the best prices. A small paperback book is only 12.95! AND if you click on the red button on the website, you can print 2 of the same book for the price of 1!!! So make a book, and then keep a copy for yourself! They also have larger, nicer hardbound books that range from $29.80 to $89.75, depending on number of pages in the book and the type of cover you choose. And yes, I believe you can still use the coupon and print 2 for the price of 1!

There are several other websites and companies that offer this service. I'm not sure what their prices are and what the differences are in the products, but here are some other options:

Inkubook

mpix

Kodak

Shutterfly

winkflash

I know people that have used this as their primary wedding album! I'm planning on making one for my sister's wedding in Puerto Rico!!!

I will tell you it takes some time to put it together, get the pictures just right, etc. Of course, it depends on how much of a perfectionist you are, but plan to invest some time. Also, get your order in early, they say December is a busy time for them and you need to get it in soon if you want it to come in time for Christmas! Hope this helps for a Christmas gift idea!

Super Duper: the next month is going to be crazy madness fun (similar to December 2007)
Super Pooper: the next month is going to be crazy madness fun

...my addiction...

Hi, my name is Kasey, and I'm addicted to Spider Solitaire.

If you don't know what I'm talking about go to your start menu, click on programs, then games, and I feel confident you have it on your computer. I started playing a few years ago in a boring class that I didn't have internet connection in, so I entertained myself playing Spider. Now if I'm not terribly interested in a TV show or just want to unwind, I play Spider.

For those of you familiar with the game, you know that there are 3 levels. You can play with 1 suit, 2 suits or 4 suits. I started with 1 suit, of course. I remember thinking it would impossible to play and win with 4 suits. Well, I am proud to tell you that some time ago, I won playing with all 4 suits! I know, you all respect me more (or maybe less) because I have accomplished this goal.

I think I like this game because it is challenging. Its not very fun if you know you can win a game every time, which I definitely don't! But I do still feel a great feeling of accomplishment when I win! I must confess though, I have a few "cheats" that I allow myself to use. The first one really isn't a cheat because the game is set up for this, but I use the "show next move" button. The other cheat I have no qualms about using is, the "undo" option. I figure, if it wasn't legal they wouldn't allow it. I am fully confident that I could NEVER win if I didn't allow myself to use the "undo" button. And, yes, I use it a lot, without guilt!

Are there any fellow addicts out there? Have you ever won a game using all 4 suits without using the "undo" button? Do you have another computer game you are addicted to and might recommend?

Super Duper: ran into a family I know at lunch today and they bought my lunch!
Super Pooper: only got a 30 min Sunday afternoon nap today

...Christmas decorations...

Just wondering if its worth putting out Christmas decorations for yourself? I have decorated my apartment for the past 3 years, and I guess every year someone ends up coming over at some point, but for the most part I'm the only one that sees them. So, do you think it's worth it? Since Thanksgiving is so late and then I'm going to be out of town the first weekend in December...so, what do you think? Should I go through the effort of getting out the tree and decorating it? Is it part of the holiday season and I'll feel like its just a normal month without it? What are your thoughts?

Super Duper: getting sick of my titles "Super Duper" & "Super Pooper"...any suggestions?
Super Pooper: lack of things to post about

...I <3 getting my haircut...

Some of you may already know this. This has not always been true of me, but since I moved to Houston and found Josephine's Day Spa & Salon...its a treat to get my haircut! I'm not sure if I've shared this as a blog post before...I hope not, if so, sorry!


Anywho, let me walk you through the process.


When I get there I check in and someone walks me to my stylist's chair (even though I know where it is). As I am walking back, they offer to get me something to drink and take my coat. I sit and Svetlana and I talk about what I want my hair to look like. We talk about length, layers, bangs, etc. Then she walks me back to the shampoo lady. The lighting is dimmed and serene music is playing. I close my eyes and enjoy the experience. The shampoo lady is more than a shampoo lady. While she is shampooing your hair its more like a head massage, not too rough though, nice and relaxing. After shampoo she sets some kind of conditioner in my hair and then wraps my head in a warm wet towel. While that sets, she puts some kind of mint oil in the palm of my hand and tells me to rub my palms together and then breath it in with 3 deep breaths. Next she comes over and gives me a hand massage using lotion. Then she unwraps my hair, rinses and sends me on to get my hair cut.


Svetlana is very nice and has a great Russian accent. She loves my hair and ALWAYS tells me what great hair I have. I have no clue if she tells everyone this...but who cares? I feel like she really means it, and that's enough for me! She always styles my hair, asks me what I like, or if I want her to show me something different. Of course, it always looks awesome, the only problem is I can never make it look that good.


A few other things I love about Josephine's:
-They refuse gratuities!!! Such a simple thing, but always hated figuring out how much to leave, and I hated having to leave a tip at all, I am paying for the haircut, why should they need even more of my money?
-If you refer a friend, they send you a gift certificate worth $25, which I think is awesome!
-If you don't go in for several months (which I often don't), they also send you a card for $25!

If you live in Houston, you should try it! Oh, and tell them Kasey sent you, I'll get that $25! If you don't live in Houston, I hope you have a place that you love as much as I do!

Super Duper: wearing jackets and scarves!
Super Pooper: feeling like I don't have many warm clothes

...my day today...

wake up get ready for school

not go to work because I have to go to Conroe for a special lunch with my Evangelism class - an estimated 1 hour and 20 mins in the car

haul all the blessed way to my seminary - another estimated 1 hour and 20 mins in the car

do a big presentation in my 3:00 class

drive back to the West side of town, but not only to my apartment, but to a friend's house at 290 & Hwy 6 to celebrate her birthday - another hour in the car

back to my apartment late tonight - only about 25 mins in the car

Grand total driving time today - over 4 hours in the car, all while staying in the Houston metroplex! oh the joys of living in the 5th largest city in the US

i'll let you know how it all went tomorrow!

Super Duper: got all my homework done that I didn't know was due today
Super Pooper: called to get a haircut appt and had a horrible time finding a time that worked with my weekend schedule, so they had to squeeze me in and supposedly my lady's not going to have time to blow dry and style my hair...booooo...that's almost my favorite part, after the hair washing/head massage part of course

...the worst news in the last 24 hours...

I wish I could just copy the chat conversation I had last night...but it seems to have disappeared. Here's the reader's digest version:

guy in class: how are your reports coming for class?

me: not working on them til after Thanksgiving

guy: um...they are due this Thursday

me: you have GOT to be kidding me, don't kid about something like that

guy: I'm not kidding

me: well then I'm freaking out

guy: don't freak out

me: I think I might cry

guy: don't cry, it'll be alright.

#1 - this guy is married so stop thinking what you are already thinking
#2 - I already have a huge presentation over a large book on Thursday that has been taking all of my time for the past 2 weeks
#3 - now I have 2 book reports over 2 books I haven't read, plus 3 little evangelism report things ALL DUE ON THURSDAY!!!!!!!! YIKES!!! Guess what I'll be doing for the next 24 hours! UGH!

Super Duper: a job that allows me to cram stuff in like this
Super Pooper: driving to Conroe for lunch with my class tomorrow, then having to haul all the way to the COMPLETE opposite side of town for my 3:00 class in which I have the presentation.

...they let people like me be mentors???

That's right. I'm a mentor and today I met my mentee for the first time. I can't really tell you about her, everything is confidential, so don't anticipate future anecdotes, but I do think its commical that I qualify as a mentor! hahaha

Funny, sometimes I still feel like one of the kids...but this title of adult keeps creeping in and apparently they think I am suitable to meet with, listen to, guide, encourage a 7th grade girl. We'll see how this goes. Our first session was good and easy conversation, I anticipate they should only get easier...time will tell.

So, that's my new experience for the day.

I'll be glad when this blogging every day is over. My life really isn't that exciting!

Super Duper: ordered Papa John's online!
Super Pooper: feeling like I don't have many warm clothes to wear

...dumb tech support people...

I won't bore you with the details, but I have been in charge of implementing a new electronic check-in system for all preschool children and workers on Sunday morning. It is a system that is linked to our membership database, called Shelby. I often say that Shelby is my best friend and loves to gossip because she knows everyone's birthdays, addresses, how often they come to church, etc. She has a lot of different capabilities, like printing labels for specific groups of members, she can send mass emails, I think she can even call people through using a phone tree system. Yeah, she can be pretty amazing. She can also be super annoying! Part of the problem is though that much of what she can do is pre-set so its hard to customize something if you want to tweak the system for your specific needs.

All that to say that yesterday was the first time we attempted to use the new electronic check-in. It went pretty well, but there were a few things that I wanted to call the Shelby tech support and ask. When I did so today the lady was less than helpful and I really felt like I knew more about Shelby than she did. When I explained my problems or questions she just said, "Hmmm...that's weird." or "Um, I'm not sure there's a solution for that." Come to find out my smarvelous friend Claire is a Shelby expert and fixed one of my problems...Shelby should hire her! Grrr to incompetent tech support!

Super Duper: I finally won a fantasy football game!
Super Pooper: need to clean out my refrigerator...reeeeally badly!

...television series'...

Here's a list of the key shows that I try and watch/look forward to watching each week:

• Dancing with the Stars
• Biggest Loser
• Without a Trace
• Criminal Minds
• Survivor
• Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
• Amazing Race

I don't have cable but if I did, here are shows I would watch:

• What not to Wear
• John & Kate plus 8
• Project Runway
• Many many other home renovation/decorating shows

Do you notice a trend? Lots of reality shows & a few crime shows sprinkled in. Do you notice anything missing? A good comedy! Of course we all mourned the day Friends went off the air, and I personally have not been the same since Gilmore Girls said goodbye, and even thinking back to shows like Seinfeld, Felicity, Dawson's Creek...Yes, I miss those shows, but more than anything I want a new comedy to be taken with. Yes, I also know you are all going to tell me to watch The Office, but I'd like to hear some other recommendations, although let me warn you, I'm skeptical. I look forward to hearing your suggestions.

Super Duper: this is the most posts ever in a month

Super Pooper: didn't read much today

...the past 36 hours...

Friday

8:46am - woke up (yes, this is somewhat sleeping in for me)

10:14am - read my thrilling Intelligent Design book for class

12:53pm - threw on clothes, went to get lunch at The Q, took my book with me and read some more

2:04pm - took a break and shopped around Hallmark...looked at several things for my sister's stocking...didn't buy anything

2:44pm - went to S-bucks, ordered a tall Vanilla Latte, read even more

4:01pm - went back home, chilled, then read some more (are you noticing a trend?)

6:59pm - went to play flag football with FBC Singles, they ended up having enough girls, so I didn't play

9:16pm - headed home after the game, picked up "P.S. I Love You" from a redbox location (my new craze)

9:46pm - realized this was a really sad movie, not quite what I was looking for

12:31am - hit the sack

Saturday

9:07am - rolled out of bed

9:36am - read even more...

11:07am - got ready to have lunch and head to the Nutcracker Market with a friend

2:00pm - experienced the amazingness that is the Nutcracker Market

4:02pm - walked out empty handed from the Nutcracker Market

4:36pm - got to church where I supervised Saturday Night Preschool and read some more

8:00pm - back at home, snuggled up in my sweat pants and thermal shirt since its chilly out and I refuse to turn on my heater, and preparing to read some more

Yes, I realize I just admitted to being home alone on a Saturday night, worse yet, wearing sweats, but I'm 100% comfortable with that and don't mind admitting it. Now, if this were my life every Saturday night it might be a different story, but every now and then I embrace it!

please note: the timeline of the events given are an estimation and not precise times, and therefore would not hold up in a court of law as an alibi.

oh, and all of you out of school should be very very glad. The next 3 weeks of my life are going to be dictated by reading and studying for finals...woo. hoo.

Super Duper: BAYLOR BEAT A&M...correction BAYLOR KILLED A&M!!!!

Super Pooper: feeling behind on my Christmas shopping

...the blogging community...

I've told ya'll about my love for Google Reader. I think I may have even converted some of you! If you haven't tried it...go, right now! It's life changing! Sorry, that was just a random commercial!

The real reason for this post is to announce that I am going to be part of a blog ornament exchange!!! How awesomely hilarious is that? My dorm/KXA friend Lauren, whose blog I follow, introduced me to it! I figured, what could it hurt?

So, I signed up and now I will be assigned a person that I don't know and have to send them an ornament. Then someone who I don't know will send me an ornament! Fun and random, huh?

I would like to challenge you to join me!!! C'mon, it'll be fun! DO IT!!! The lady who started it is Modern Eve, go check her out! Here's the info on the exchange, and here's whare you go to sign up! You have to sign up by Sunday...so go on, do it now! Oh, and let me know if you sign up!

Thanks for the fun idea Lauren!

Super Duper: hopefully headed to the Nutcracker Market tomorrow with an old college friend!
Super Pooper: Need to be SUPER PRODUCTIVE today on my day off!

...cooking for one...

OK, a little bit of self disclosure here...I'm really really bad at making myself eat at home. I'm convinced that I spend just as much or more money at the grocery than I would eating out! I'm not opposed to the idea of eating leftovers...but usually am only home enough to actually eat leftovers once, then the food is bad. When it comes to cooking I want quick, easy, cheap and yummy (healthy is a perk)...all that but only feed 1 or 2 people. Here's what I have in my repertoire...prepare to be impressed:

• Mac n Cheese
• Tacos
• Nachos
• Hot Dogs
• Grilled Chicken Breast w/ veggie
• Digorno's pizza w/ Spring Mix salad
• Tuna & Queso
• Spaghetti

I challenge each of you to suggest one meal that fits my requirements...no repeats please!

Super Duper: I skipped my classes today!!!

Super Pooper: Miscommunications through voicemail!

...things I do at work...

I think most of you know I'm a Preschool Minister (well, really an Associate, but its all the same, right?) So, I thought I'd just lay out for you what some of my responsibilities are...yes, its a full time job!

• Coordinate Sunday School classes and leaders
• Supervise and Coordinate Preschool area during Saturday night worship
• Encourage Outreach and contact prospects
• Inventory and stock all resources (2 Resource rooms - one is 800 sq. ft. and 2 kitchens)
• Plan special events: VBS, splash day, Picnic with the Pastor, mission projects, etc.
• currently I'm heading up a new electronic check-in system...huge project
• meetings meetings and more meetings (minimum of 3-4 on an avg week)
• mail outs, letters, post cards, emails, communication with parents & teachers
• help coordinate childcare curriculum
• Keep information, brochures, publications up to date

I'm sure there's more that I'm not thinking of right now...but that's the bulk of it, and yes, I'm always, always, always busy, never in want of something to do! Again, sorry if this was boring...posting every day for 30 days is challenging.

Super Duper: starting to mentor a middle schooler next week

Super Pooper: I forgot about my turn in the prayer room this morning...oops!

...random picture...

a few weeks back people were posting the 6th picture of the 6th album on their computer. Since I have nothing better to post about...well, actually I do, but I can't post about it on the www (um...that sounded waaaay more scandelous than I meant it to, I just meant that I can't tell the whole world). Anywho, I am resorting to this random source of something to post about. Now, mind you, I don't have very many pictures on this laptop because I've only had it about a year and a half and I put ALL of my pictures on my hard drive at work. But, for what it's worth...here's the 6th picture of the 6th album on my computer...

My handsome life long friend, Jeff & I at Elaine & Brian's rehearsal dinner.

I love that Jeff & I have known eachother our whole lives...there are very few people outside of my family that I can say that about, especially people my age. I love Jeff, and Jeff knows I love Jeff (and Erin does too), and whether or not he always wants to admit it, Jeff loves me. Jeff is the closest thing to a brother I've ever had.

He has seen me cry (which only a few people can say)

he has thrown me in the back of his truck after someone smothered me in shaving cream and hosed me off at a gas station

I have set my hair on fire praying over Jeff

Jeff & I can honestly say neither one of us has ever been attracted to the other (side note: you know the whole theory that one person in a boy/girl friendship is always attracted to the other, well we have always accused the other one of being the one who is attracted to the other because we each know its not us...did you follow that? haha....well, its irrelevant now since he's married to the ever wonderful and loverly Erin!)

Jeff has refused to talk to me for months because I burped in his ear once

Jeff and I spent countless hours playing spades, hearts, chicken foot, etc in high school

Jeff humored me and was my date to a KXA event and attended CRUSH many many a time

Jeff makes some of the most amazing fajitas you have ever put in your mouth...its been yeas since I've had them and they still hold a special place in my heart

and one of my favorite memories with Jeff, he honored me by taking me to my prom!!!

Trust me, the list could on an on an on...but that gives you a good idea about why I love Jeff! I'm glad that picture came up, since Jeff will be leaving the states soon, I'm glad to dedicate a post to him so that he knows how grateful I am for his friendship and his heckling me for the past 25.5 years. Funny, I thought this was going to be a lame post, but I'm actually really glad for the 6th picture of the 6th album!

Super Duper: holidays are upon us and I love the holiday spirit

Super Pooper: soooo sick of eating out!!!

...writers block...

I am sad to admit that in the attempt to post every day, I have come to a point where I feel like I have nothing exciting to tell you about. Let's see...I could tell you about...

...how I'm babysitting for a sweet little 2 year old girl right now who I taught to say "Go Bears" and right now she's singing herself to sleep

...how there is junk in my throat and I'm having trouble swallowing lately

...how I'm excited to get to watch a full episode of DWTS tonight, which I haven't done in weeks because of my new Bible study.

...how greasy my hair is right now because I didn't wash it this morning

...how much trouble the Jr. Staff is having trying to find a date to have our Christmas party on

...how I wish I had already started my Christmas shopping this year

...how I'd love to see HSM3!!!

sorry guys, that's all I got...lets hope tomorrow's a more exciting day! Feel free to leave comments with ideas of things I could post about!

Super Duper: breakfast for dinner! yummm
Super Pooper: I've been waking up between 6:30 & 7:00am on my own...a good hour before my alarm goes off!!! yuck!

...a love/hate relationship...

I have a love/hate relationship with my philosophy class. I have subtly mentioned this before...complaining about how hard it is. But after 2 months of being knee deep in philosophical issues like "The Existence of God" and "Good vs. Evil" and "The Existence of Evil," I'm beginning to have an appreciation for these concepts.

I know, don't get too freaked out! I still hate the reading and wouldn't ever dream of taking another philosophy class, and for sure not interested in a Masters of Philosophy. But, all that to say, this class has broaden my thinking process, my awareness of people's world views and how they approach the existence of God.

If I'm being honest, I hadn't really ever questioned the existence of God or the existence of Evil. Having been a Christian my whole life, it was something I had always just accepted and taken for granted. I remember being challenged as a High Schooler in my belief of Jesus Christ as God's son...and I thought this was foundational, which it is. But it never occurred to me that people wondered where God had come from, who created God (no one or nothing, He has always been), or why there is evil in our world (God gave us free will in which we then chose sin and evil).
Now I consider myself well thought and well informed. I don't always agree with all the historical philosophers, but I am learning how they thought and the arguments they made.

My concept of God has been challenged in that I always have related him to my human mind and understanding. He is so much more than that. I know He is not restrained by time or space, He is not confined to a human body. While I have always heard these things, it is finally sinking in and I realize how HUGE He is and how small I am! Eye opening to say the least!

Let me tell you the greatest thing I have learned though: IT ALL COMES DOWN TO FAITH! We can discuss the fact that God is and always has been, that God created all and nothing created Him, He is an UnCaused Cause, etc, but at the end of the day it all comes down to faith and you have to choose to believe in God as your Creator, Savior, Omnipotent Being, Benevolent and Just, and choose to serve Him with your life that He gave you!

Sorry if that bored you!

Super Duper: got some reading done this weekend
Super Pooper: still have tons more reading to do!

...then they locked me up and threw away the key...

mwahahahaha...just when you thought I wasn't going to make it Cliff...this post is getting in just by the skin of my teeth...an unexpectedly super crazy day almost prevented me from posting, but alas, I shall get it in...my computer says it is 11:01pm CST.

So, tonight it was brought to my attention that I apparently have another habit that may or may not make me a little bit crazy, unique, whatever you want to consider it.

I sleep with a sleep mask.

Many of you already know this. But tonight it came up in conversation and all 3 of the people I was talking to thought it was weird that whether or not I sleep well at night is dependant on if I have my sleep mask or not. I have slept with a sleep mask for over 4 years now, and if I can't find my sleep mask or leave town without it, odds are, I won't sleep very well. I guess it is my grown up security blanket. Something about the pressure of the mask against my eyes that I have gotten used to, also the added darkness allows me to sleep very deeply. Also, this is a bit more obvious, but I have become more sensitive to morning light and am unable to sleep in after the sun has come up if I don't have a sleep mask to block out the light.

So, yes, I sleep with a sleep mask, and I guess I am somewhat dependant on it.

Oh, and Elaine, I was hoping everyone had forgotten about that incident (see her comment about my other crazy habit)...

Super Duper: mom is doing better, not 100%, but better!
Super Pooper: throat hurting

...things to do in 2008...

posting every day is a bit challenging...so, at the risk of being random, here's a list of things I need to do before the close of 2008...

• order my HDTV converter box thing
• read 4 books for seminary, and write papers over each of them
• study for finals
• turn 26
• Christmas shopping
• brainstorm and begin working on the guest bags for my sister's wedding...supposedly I'm in charge of these...lucky me! do my recently married readers have any creative suggestions?...think tropical!
• go on a date - HA!
• register for classes for Spring 2009
• start planning VBS 2009!
• get a hair trim
• decorate for Christmas...the only holiday I actually bother to get extra decorations out for!
• Thanksgiving with the fam (I know its a given, but still, its something I'm going to do, so it merits being on the list!)
• attend an estimated 12 Christmas parties!!! I LOVE CHRISTMAS AT TALLOWOOD!

That's the bulk of what I can think of for now...

Super Duper: random phone calls from my nephews just because they have begged their mom to let them call me!!! now that's love!

Super Pooper: my dad and I were talking today about money, loans, car payments, budgeting, time lines, salary, stocks, retirement...all of it is gross and can be overwhelming, so I choose not to think about it!

...crazy, I was crazy once...

Allow me to start by extending congratulations to Elaine and Sara for passing the TX Bar!!!! I know this is a huge sigh of relief!! Way to go SMARTIES!!!!

Well, I've been encouraged to do a "crazy" post. Things about me that might make me a little bit crazy. I think since I'm attempting to post for 30 days straight I thought I'd just insert randomly a post here and there about things that might be unique or make me "crazy."

The first thing I can think of is that when I get home I like to get comfy. Even if its 5:00pm. If I know that I am in for the night, I put on a t-shirt and usually gouchos. Even though I'm not going anywhere, I don't like to put on my pajama pants or especially pajama shorts (boxers). I like to lounge in my gouchos, and then only allow myself to put on pajama pants right as I'm getting into bed. Oh, and the t-shirt and gouchos have to match or at least compliment each other...no clashing allowed!

Now you might think that this is not that crazy, but I am very committed to this pattern, and do not let myself stray from it. Also, keep in mind that I live by myself. There is noone there to impress or be proper for. I don't have to worry about looking good or presentable. Noone ever comes to my door by accident or just to stop by. My neighbors can't see in and I think only once have knocked on my door needing something. Trust me, when I'm in for the night, I'm not going to see anyone! But for some reason, this is my system and I like it. I only have 2 pair of gouchos that I really like to lounge in, so I am very careful to only wash one at a time so that I always have a pair to wear.

Ok...sorry that wasn't very exciting, maybe I'll come up with something more "crazy" next time.

Super Duper: Mom's doing better! Thanks for the prayers!
Super Pooper: behind in my reading for both classes!

...Brady's baptism...

THE PROUD CHRISTIAN!!!

Along with this past weekend being Baylor Homecoming, my nephew, Brady, was also getting baptized. HE WAS SOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!! It was precious!!! I didn't think I was going to be able to be there, but my boss insisted and made it possible for me to be out on a Sunday! I didn't realize how much I was going to want to be there, but man, I'm so glad I was able to be there! When I told him I was going to get to be there he shouted, "Woooohoooo!!!!" Glad he was so excited! Part of me doesn't want him to get much bigger, he's still in the sweet lovable and loving stage...soon to be in that tooo cool for hugs and possibly a little sassy stage...we'll see I guess.

Like I said, he was super excited about becoming a Christian, getting baptized, and the fact that so many people had come to see him get baptized! It was really great because all of my sisters and Ashlyn & Cole, plus Brady's other grandparents were able to be there! At the house before we left for church I took a few pics of Brady, to commemorate the day, and he said, "Wait, let me get my Bible. I have to take a picture holding the Bible." Who knows where he comes up with this stuff! Love it!

So, since I love posting pics, and I assume ya'll like seeing pics...here are a few from that morning!


I told you, he was excited about posing with his Bible. haha, such a funny kid!

had to put one in of my Blakers! Such a funny little bro!

soooo sweet, Brent (my bro-in-law) got choked up as he started to baptize his oldest son! There wasn't a dry eye in the crowd!

gettin dunked
family photo...with the pastor too, haha

like I said, he's a poser, look at that hand on his chin, sweet photo with the p's

with his "favorite Aunt"
Super Duper: easy smeeezy test tomorrow, then the rest of that class and my other classes are canceled! basically a free day from class!

Super Pooper: Cliff doesn't think I can keep up this blogging every day for 30 days...thanks for the vote of confidence Cliff...just because you couldn't do it, doesn't mean other people can't...and thus begins my persistence to prove you wrong!

...the biggest University parade in the nation...

atleast I think that's true...

Well, Saturday morning started off frustrating when I called my sister (Kristy) to see where she wanted to meet up for the parade and she informed me that her kids were exhausted from Halloween and they weren't going to make it! I was super upset...but that's pretty par for the course for my family. So, a few weeks ago my entire family, and even some extended family were going to be at the parade, and it ended up being just my sister Kelly & I...typical. I quickly got over it and was glad to spend a few more mins with friends before meeting up with my sister to work the crowd and end up in the "Corpus section" of the crowd on Penland lawn. Sadly, I didn't see much of the parade though because I was busy seeing old friends...which is my favorite part anyways! So here are some pics, even though there aren't any of floats or balloons or anything of that nature....ooops!

Sorry if these pics get a little redundant...me and a friend, me and a friend, me and my sister...

Super Duper: voted in my first Presidential election

Super Pooper: I have tons of homework and studying to be doing...but I'm addicted to the election coverage...

...bonfire...

To spread things out, I'll start with telling you about this weekend in pieces. Friday I got to Waco and met up with my prego friend, Emily! We were good little alumni and went to a Homecoming reception for FCS majors. I had never been, and had never really cared to go, but 2 professors that I had worked for were retiring, so it was good to see them one last time. I saw several other profs that I had worked for. It was fun to be in that building again, remembering what it was like to be a student, sitting in those chairs, doing crossword puzzles during class, oh, what fun times we had!

Then we hit Spice & the Bookstore, made a few small purchases and then headed to Rudy's for some yummy BBQ with Brian, Elaine & Sara.

Then we all headed to the bonfire! We got there apparently after most of the "pep rally" portion, but just in time for the lighting of the fire. My favorite part was when the flames got so big and so hot and people starting running and trampling over eachother to back up because they were too close...it was commical! Of course it was great to see friends! Not as many as in years past...guess fewer and fewer of my friends return for HC...one of those "you know you're old when...." moments.

Here are some pics from Friday night...

more to come on the parade...

Super Duper: sweet potato fries at Fuddruckers

Super Pooper: its going to be challenging thinking of a super pooper every day for 30 days!

...a day late...

I just found out that this month is some "blog posting" month...you're supposed to blog every day of the month. So, maybe I missed yesterday, but I was out of town!!! I'm gonna join the madness and maybe I'll tag on Dec 1 to make up for missing Nov 1. So...buckle your seatbelts, and brace yourself for a lot of posting. I promise...Homecoming and other updates to come soon!

Super Duper: Brady's Baptism was today!!! Sweeeet moment, his dad (my b-in-law) baptized him and got choked up doing it!
Super Pooper: Um...just pray for an unspoken in my life right now! Please, pray!