Cute Cookies

I subscribe to the Betty Crocker RSS feed (I know, I'm a dork, but I need all the help I can get!) and sometime last week a recipe for Candy Corn Cookies came up. They used a cookie mix I already had in the house, so I couldn't resist trying to make them. They were so colorful and season-appropriate, I had to try them.

My results didn't turn out as perfect as Betty Crocker, but I was happy with them. They are so much fun! Josh took some of the batch to work, I took some to my mom, and Matt had some when he was over for dinner yesterday. Everyone was pleased.

A newfound hobby

I've been interested in photography for a while, but it wasn't until this summer that I've gone nuts. I've loved taking pictures of whatever I've been doing every weekend for the last few months. I loved even more going out and finding events that afford good picture taking opportunities. This weekend I got some shots at Conner Prairie, but finished the roll at my husband's aunt's birthday party, where I think I took one of my best photos ever (This is a scan. I apologize if it looks a bit dusty.).

I think a good photo has depth to it. It tells a story with just one image. I caught a moment with my 5 year old nephew that did just that. He quickly finished the shrimp he had for dinner (you can see the empty plate), then asked over and over again for dessert. Dessert wasn't coming fast enough! His parents knew better, and shrugged off his pleas and gave him a coloring sheet to keep busy. They can be seen in happy conversation in the background. He is not so easily distracted. Here my nephew sits, forlorn and pining for the cake that was on its way.

From A Fall Weeken...

It's Blogger's birthday. Happy birthday, Blogger!

I've been bad about utilizing this blog this summer. Finally, things are getting into a routine, and I'm starting to get the hang of Thursdays again, so maybe I'll have something to say.

Speaking of Blogger, I can't wait to try out all the new features I keep hearing about. Unfortunately, the only thing stopping me is this blog, the fact that it is a team blog- my whole account, including my primary blog can't be migrated because they're not done with the team blog functionality. :-(

I'm not bitter, really. And, I miss Kristen. And, rumor has it, she misses someone else :-P

Minority

I was in a minority tonight. I have been in the same place before, but I didn't feel it like I did tonight. I went to the YMCA tonight to lift weights. I have lifted fairly consistently since January, but most of the time it was at school, where the wellness center is smaller, and after chapel, so there were few people in there. Tonight, there were about 8 or so guys in the free weights area as I was lifting. I felt very out of place and conscious of being me: a little weak female.

But then again, I have found that I tend to be more self-conscious in general. And due to the situation, this was the night I felt it the most.

Because I "have to"

I don't feel like letting this week get passed up for blogging. And since I know Joanna will not be writing anything (something about a honeymoon), I figure I ought to. The only problem is I don't know what to write about and don't have much time- I need to get to bed.

I guess this will be my post- a few verses that I read today that I feel are important to remember:

"'Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?'
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

The Rollercoaster

**Wednesday, 11pm- I find out that the story of the TU crash from over a month ago is not finished (see www.taylor.edu). I spend the next few hours crying and trying to process, which is hard with no friends around.
**Thursday, 8a-4p- I work at Staples, trying to be friendly and smile, but it isn't easy.
**Thursday, 5-8p - My sister's graduation party. Entertaining her friends, a few of which I know, and talking about the latest on the accident with some people.
**Friday- Saturday- Heading to Indy for my fellow blogger's wedding.

Yes, it has been and will be a crazy time emotionally.

My Summer '06- a preview

This summer I am doing many things I didn't expect. First off, I am living at home- one thing I didn't want to do since I enjoy living on my own. Also, I didn't want to live at home because I wanted an internship related to psychology somewhere. But I was lazy and didn't start looking until late and found nothing (I did get one offer, but I turned it down once things at home fell into place).

The things at home that fell into place, which were unexpected: I have a job at Staples, where I have worked in past years and I am leading a college sunday school class at my church. Also, it will be good to be home this summer in order to attend most of my friends' weddings and be home for my brother's second ACL surgery, on the same knee.

And the last unexpected thing is my friendship with Jeff- not sure where it's going, but I am enjoying getting to know him as best I can through IM and email.