CD's I'd like to hear:
Keane's "Under the Iron Sea"
India Arie's "Testimony: Volume 1, Life and Relationships"
Dashboard Confessional's "Dusk and Summer"
Guster's "Ganging Up on the Sun"
I think I'll stop by Best Buy tonight and pick up the new India Arie CD...I feel like I owe it to her to actually buy her album this time since I've burned her last two. Her music is just so uplifting--I look forward to hearing her new songs!
Here's another update from the Sholer Shire. We did the frame walk-through last Friday, which is basically walking through the house to get a good look at it's innards before they put the sheetrock on. It was really surreal going through all these wires and pieces of wood knowing that in a few months, we'll actually be living in it!
Mid-September is the estimated move-in date they gave us. That would be perfect, considering our lease at our place ends October 1st.
I'm so excited to decorate our house!! It's weird, but taking trips to Home Depot are now fun because we get to look at all the possibilities for what we could do to the backyard, kitchen, bedrooms, etc.
My random ramblings are as follows:
-I love love LOVE making CD compilations for people. And this weekend I was definitely productive in my CD mixing. I made a new "catchy songs" mix of all the songs currently stuck in my head for myself, a Father's day mix for my dad, and a summer rock mix for bro to send to him in Santa Cruz. I've said this before, but if there was a full-time job making specialized musical mixes for people, I would be in heaven. I'd like to think of it as my artistic contribution to the world---so please don't hesistate to ask for me to create a playlist for you!
-This weekend was another wedding, Mindy and Cory's. It was fun and ADX dominated the dance floor (see picture above for example). Another one bites the dust, folks.
-So in our bible study, we're going through the book of Mark. We only go through about one chapter each time we meet, so that there's enough time to discuss the meaty questions. Well this week, we read the passage of Mark 26:36-74 and then split up into two group to discuss. Our group ended up being all the girls in our study, and two guys: Bill, the international ministries director at our church, and Frank, the post-doc from China who just became a Christian last fall. Frank immediately wanted to talk about the part of the chapter where Peter disowns Jesus three times.
You see, Frank is going to go back to his job in China soon. His job working for the government---the Communist government that isn't so keen on Christians. Frank wanted to know what he should tell his boss and his co-workers when they asked him if he became a Christian during his visit to America. It's a tricky thing, because if Frank answers 'yes' to this question, he has the strong potential of losing his job. And by losing his job, he wouldn't be able to be an example of Christ's love to his co-workers. And it's not an issue of Frank being ashamed of being a Christian because he is so desperate to share Jesus with his peers in China. But he was just openly asking if it would be the equivalent of disowning Jesus if he didn't give his co-workers a direct 'yes' when they asked if he was a Christian.
Bill had an interesting view on the whole scenario. He asked Frank what the members of the Chinese Communist party think of when they hear the word "Christian". Frank, in his broken English, said that Christians are viewed as a large organization. Bill asked if this 'organization' was seen as a threat to the government. Frank replied that the government thinks it could be a threat and that Christians want to overthrow the Communist party. Bill then asked if Frank wanted to overthrow the government and the answer was a definite no. So Bill then concluded that it wouldn't be wrong for Frank to say he wasn't a Christian, because the concept of a Christian in China isn't what Frank resembles. Rather, Frank is a Jesus follower--no religions or organizations involved.
This conversation prompted me to think of how in similar, yet different way, the term "Christian" in America has so many organizations, people, and doctrines associated with it that it has become a distorted term to label people who actually just want to follow Jesus. Plain and simple. I wonder how someone's reaction would be different if they asked you if you were a Christian and you answered, "Actually no, I'm a Jesus follower." Even though this would be redundant, since the term Christian translates into 'disciple of Christ', I think people would react differently. It would maybe clarify things ("Oh, so you want to try and love people like Jesus did?") instead of distorting them with an inaccurate term ("So since you're a Christian, that means you hate gay people and always vote Republican, right?")
But despite whatever we say we are, it will all mean nothing if we don't follow through with our actions. So I guess the best thing I can hope for is that people know I'm a Christian, or a Jesus follower, or whatever you want term you want to use, by how I act and not by what I call myself.
And thus completes my random ramblings. Peace.
Today was a good day, plain and simple.
First, we went to Knights Landing (a small town of about 800 people 10 miles outside of Woodland) to help Cody and Diana paint their house. This couple is ambitious folks---not only are they painting the entire exterior of their house, they are ripping out a few walls in the bathroom, redoing the flooring in their bedroom and living room, and converting a small storage shed behind their house into a guest cottage. Holy crap, I'm glad we're buying our house new because I'm just too lazy and impatient for a bunch of house projects. Anyway, they treated us to a meal at the local Mexican restaurant, Los Yaquis, and I got a delicious burrito with marinated pork...mmmmm.
Then David and I took a trip to Trader Joe's, which always brightens my day. We hadn't been in a while, so we ended up buying a good amount of things we needed, but mostly things we didn't need but really wanted. The Cuban Mojito Simmering Sauce sounded too yummy to pass up. And I had to buy another box of the Vanilla Cake mix because honestly it is the best tasting white cake I've ever had. Throw in some tomato/basil hummus, Frenchberry lemonade, gorgonzola gnocchi, and butterscotch morsels, etc. and we finally dragged ourselves out before we did anymore monetary damage.
Later in the evening, I went to Mindy's bachelorette party and it's always fun to see a random assortment of ADX girls. I can't believe Mindy will be Mrs. Champagne next weekend!
So all these things together amounted to a great day. And now, on to what the next day brings...
DAVID AND I ARE BUYING A HOUSE!
That's our big news. And yes, it's ridiculous that I'm just posting this here now since we reserved the house in April, but better late than never right? To make a long story short, we were not at all expecting to buy a house this soon. We were thinking that we would start looking for a house maybe in a couple years. But David just happened to be at the KB Homes sales office at the right time, learned of a cancellation of a house in our price range, and we decided to snatch it up since it was such an amazing deal. Seriously, this was a toal God thing, such a blessing. I still can't even fully believe it. Like when we had to go to the KB home studio to pick out countertops and carpet and tile, it didn't feel like we were picking out things that were going to be in our very own house.
So the specs on the house....3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a combined living room/dining room area, a good size kitchen, an attached garage, and a cozy (aka tiny) backyard. It's located in east Woodland, where all the new housing developments are going up, so that will make both of our commutes shorter...a huge plus. I'm just excited to be able to have more than 6 people over without feeling totally crammed. I'm excited to have a guest room to offer people to stay in when they come to visit us. I'm excited to have a separate room where we can put the computer in, so I can be online while David is asleep. And most of all, I'm excited to have a place of our own.
As the house goes through it's different building phases, I'll be posting more pictures. Here's a few pics of what our house looks like now!
Kate's wedding was beautiful! It was so awesome to celebrate another one of my closest friends tying the knot....her and Chris were absolutely radiant the entire day, despite the rain. Of course, that would be the one day it would rain, but the photographer was great and got some really artsy shots of us with umbrellas! It was also really fun to get to know the rest of Kate's bridesmaids. The night before the wedding, Kate wanted to have 'girl time', so the six of us all cuddled up on a bed under a blanket and talked for hours, like we all grew up together (even though I had just met some people for the first time that weekend). It was something straight out of "Little Women". Overall, it was a fabulous weekend. David and I took a quick tour of downtown Santa Barbara and had one of the best meals we've had in a long time at Pascucci on Friday, we had a wonderful bridal luncheon and rehearsal dinner on Saturday, and of course, the wedding on Sunday. Pictures of the Kate and Chris Schwass weekend below:
Who would've though we'd all be married within one year of each other?
Awww, Kate is such a gorgeous bride!Kate's wedding is only a few days away! She got engaged right before my wedding, and it felt like her engagement was dragging on forever...and then the last two months flew by and she'll become Mrs. Schwass on Sunday--I'm so excited for her!!! David and I decided to make the occassion into a mini-vacation down to Santa Barbara, so we leave tomorrow and will be back on Monday. It'll be good to see Ashley and Mark, Amy, Susan, and of course, the newlyweds! Here's a pic of Kate and I from my bachelorette weekend in Laguna Beach last August (back before I was married and she was even engaged):
I went to ADX meeting yesterday, and it was a good time. But it does feel like the group has changed so much in a year, just with new faces and all. It's weird that in just a couple years, there won't be anyone in the group that was part of ADX the same time I was in the group....it will be a whole new era.
So after meeting, Laeya and Laura tried to convince me to participate in the "slip-n-slide" activities in their front yard. So after debating for a minute about whether I should go to the gym like I had planned or if I should ditch the gym for some slip-n-slide fun, I went with the most logical choice. The Walmart slip-n-slide of course!! I don't have the pictures yet, but until i get them, here's what we looked like (sort of, not really at all):
I first started playing piano when I entered 1st grade. I think that's where my love for music was born---playing "Hot Cross Buns" on a Casio keyboard. Several years later, my piano teachers would suggest that I train to play professionally, but I never wanted piano to become a job or an obligation. I just loved to play. So while several of my friends learned to play difficult classical pieces through the Suzuki method, which emphasizes repetition and memorization, I just played whatever I wanted: classical, new age, jazz, songs from Broadway and movies, etc.
I think just having the freedom to learn and play songs in my own way, instead of following a certain technique, really allowed me to connect with the music.
I stopped going to formal lessons in high school, and I definitely didn't play as much in college, since I was more into playing the guitar. But occasionally, I would get the urge to revisit certain songs, so I would get out the books of sheet music and start playing and realize that piano will always be my first love musically.
Now I'm waxing nostalgic here for a reason--I'm usually not this much of an emotional sap. My parents decided to sell their piano, and like Joni Mitchell sang "you don't know what you got till its gone". I mean, it makes sense, I didn't really come over to play that much and my mom wants their to be more space in the living room where the piano was. But now knowing that I won' t have anywhere to go play, when I do get the urge, is kind of sad. Fortunately, my parents were generous enough to give me the money they made from the piano...unfortunately, I think they under-sold it on Craigslist for $300. However, my parents said they would give me the money if I promised to put it towards a nice digital piano when David and I eventually move in to a house. So until then, maybe I'll just have to sneak into music stores with my sheet music and play a few tunes.
Here's a picture of the piano we had since I was 6:
Earlier this week, I wore my peacoat to work. Now, I'm in a short-sleeved shirt and a skirt. Spring has finally arrived. As glorious as this is after what seemed like non-stop rain for a few months, I remember why spring and I have a love/hate relationship. Spring brings everyone out from their caves and makes the quad a happy, lively place. Spring brings out all the cute capris and tank tops I've been wanting to wear. And spring also brings out the allergy demons (aka the itchy throat, watery eyes, runny nose demons). I'm taking action this year however, I've made an appointment to see an allergist next week! Its actually quite ridiculous to avoid being outside in this beautiful weather because I'm afraid of becoming incapacitated by all the pollens floating around. I think this would come in handy. Anyhow, that's my rant on allergies.
So last weekend was absolutely delightful. I held out hope, against everyone else who was sure it was going to rain on Picnic Day, and it turned out to be a perfectly sunny day. Besides the weather, it was just so fantastic to see so many people I haven't seen in a while. Aubrey hosted a wine and cheese soiree at her place on Friday, and it felt like an ADX reunion. Rachel and I talked later about how it is such a blessing to have a certain group of girls that you will always have a connection with, no matter what different paths our lives all take. It was really cool to hear where life is taking everyone---some to the city, some across the country to nursing school, some to marriage. I really enjoyed getting to catch up with everybody.
This weekend looks promising as well. We're taking off to San Francisco tomorrow afternoon to hang out with David's brother Jeff, and his cousin, Katie. Somehow we're going to cram in Jeff's apartment for the night, and then David and I are hitting up the ADX semi action and going to see "Fame Becomes Me", the pre-Broadway run of the new Martin Short musical. I'm excited!!
Oh gosh, I feel another sneeze coming on......why must you tease me this way spring?!
This post was inspired by Google Calendar, the latest invention from the masterminds of Google. After Krystle informed me about this wonderful creation, I of course had to add everything into my calendar right away.
And it hit me. The next two months are going to be crazy busy--but in a good way. It just wouldn't be spring if every weekend wasn't packed now would it?
The main events of April and May include (in chronological order):
*Aubrey's wine and cheese soiree
*Picnic Day (no rain please)
*Bronwyn's birthday dinner
*SF hang out with Jeff and Katie
*ADX Semiformal (can't resist a Broadway musical)
*my mom and dad's 25th anniversary party
*Katie Shockey's bridal shower
*Kate and Chris's wedding weekend (so excited)
*Memorial Day weekend is still unbooked--I'm thinking it'd be cool to take a day trip somewhere outdoorsy
On another completely random note, I've been checking out different musicians and bands on MySpace since this week has been slow at work. Here are my current findings:
Schulyer Fisk
Molly Jenson
Sonya Kitchell
Enjoy!
dear rain,
go away. it's utterly impossible to enjoy SPRING when you're still around. you have had your time to be the center of attention all throughout March, and you need to leave April alone. thank you,
me
David and I went to go see 'Thank you for Smoking' with Dan and Krystle in the newly renovated Varsity Theater in downtown Davis this weekend. I was especially excited about the gelato that was being served inside the theater---at least that's what I thought was indicated by the marquee that had "Gelato"written on it. However, no gelato did we find. I guess they will be serving it at the theater 'soon', whatever that means.
The movie, though, was great. Definitely a witty, comical take on the world of lobbyists. And the cast, for the most part, is stellar. I think Katie Holmes was totally miscast, but it doesn't ruin the film.
So go see this film and support smart cinema instead most of the mindless crap (I mean really, did they need to make a Scary Movie 4?) they are showing right now.
David and I took a 4-day trip to Las Vegas last week, since neither of us had been before. We had gone expecting it to be a mini-vacation, and came back exhausted and sick. Not to say that the trip wasn't fun-- I'm glad we went and got a taste for the Vegas experience. However, after 4 days, I got tired of the smoke constantly blowing in your face, annoyed with all the people on the street handing out stripper fliers, and sick of the incessant "bling bling" sound of the slot machines. It was one of those trips that you were happy to be home at the end.
Main highlights:
-Getting free tickets (from one of my dad's friends) to Lance Burton, an amazing magician performing at the Monte Carlo
-getting to visualize what the Eiffel tower looks like at the Paris hotel
-walking through the 'Italian streets' at the Venetian hotel
-playing for 30 minutes on TEN CENTS at one of the penny slot machines
On a more serious note, I have to say that spending time in Vegas really made me realize how easy it is to fall in the materialism trap. I found myself envious of the couples who were eating at all the posh restaurants we passed (we ate at the fast food court instead), or wishing we had endless money to spend at all the shops we walked by (our only purchase was a $1 souvenir magnet). Even though these thoughts were fleeting, I had to remind myself that all of it is temporary--and why invest in temporary things?
In the book of 1st Timothy, Paul sums it up quite nicely:
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Hey all,
Here's my newest compliation creation, entitled "Songs you'd listen to...while chillin at your favorite coffeehouse". Let me know if you'd like me to burn you a copy!
1. Stiched Up -- Herbie Hancock w/John Mayer
2. What Did I Get Myself Into -- Kyle Riabko
3. Upside Down -- Jack Johnson
4. Breathe In -- Frou Frou
5. The Sound of Settling --Death Cab for Cutie
6. Closer to Mercury -- Wheat
7. 1963 -- Rachael Yamagata
8. The Remedy -- Jason Mraz
9. Catch my Disease -- Ben Lee
10. Best Imitation of Myself -- Ben Folds Five
11. Hey Julie -- Fountains of Wayne
12. Sometimes -- Abagail Washburn
13. Top of the World -- Marcus Eaton
14. Black Sheep --Martin Sexton
15. Son's Gonna Rise -- Citizen Cope
16. Fools like Me -- Lisa Loeb
17. Tell Her This -- Del Amitri
18. Winter -- eastmountainsouth
19. She Says -- Howie Day
20. Trouble -- Ray LaMontagne
21. Boston -- Augustana
22. Poetry and Aeroplanes -- Teitur
23. Closer -- Joshua Radin
24. Lonelily -- Damien Rice
25. I Was Just Thinking -- Teitur
26. Fair -- Remy Zero
So the first entry in a new blog can be intimidating. "How will I draw people in?" is usually the main concern. Well, since I already know that probably only a handful of peeps will read this, I'm not too worried about keeping people entertained. I just wanted to take my shot at the whole blog scene. So here it is....
