Thursday, January 31, 2008

Copy Catter/Song List

I'm going to be a big fatty copy catter. I really liked Jeanettes blog where she listed some of her favorite songs of the moment. I was able to find a couple new songs that I enjoyed…so I thought that I would share my current favs. Maybe I will lead somebody to some sweet new tunes.

Most listened to tunes on my iPod at the moment…

Call to Arms by Angels & Airwaves
Angels & Airwaves are very enjoyable. They are a softer version of Blink 182 (actually Tom Delonge was a member of both bands). I would say they are like Blink 182 meets Dashboard Confessional. Call to Arms is one of my favorites off of their I-Empire CD.

The Funeral by Band of Horses
Some good chill music. Actually I think this song has been featured on many television shows such as One Tree Hill, Criminal Minds, and Numb3rs. It's a good listen. Artsy.

First Week by the Graham Colton Band
Old song, from 2004, but makes me smile every time. Can't help it. I actually like his whole CD, but this one stands out the most to me.

Benny & the Jets by The Hit Crew
Just saw 27 Dresses and this was part of probably the cutest montage of the whole movie. Have heard it before, but now I really like it. Asked my Mom if she new it…she said yes. So there you go…a song for all generations.

Snow (Hey Oh) by the Vitamin String Quartet
Can't say that I usually am that into instrumental stuff, but this is really fun to listen to. This band remakes famous/popular songs into instrumental pieces. I enjoy it! Not for everybody. Snow is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Hey Katie by Josh Kelley
I guess Josh Kelley is getting pretty popular. I just heard of him though…and this is one of only 2 songs I've experienced so far. I like it though. Can't help but sway back and forth to this song.

Misery Business by Paramore
This has been on the radio a bit, and let me tell you that I'm a huge sucker for pop punk music. Can't help it. I love Fall Out Boy, Taking Back Sunday, Good Charlotte, Boys and Girls, etc. Even though a lot of it sounds the same. Just love it! I like to pretend that I'm playing the guitar when I listen to these songs. It's pretty brutal to watch, but fun for me to do!

Undeniable by Mat Kearney
I told Ben this is a song for both of us because he sings a nice catchy chorus and then rap/talks a bit and then goes back to the nice catchy chorus. It’s a win win situation.

Ballerina by Leona Naess
Nice simple song, great voice, it’s relaxing and a good listen. Her whole CD is good. She reminds me a bit of Colbie Caillat, but I have to admit that I like Leona more. Plus my Grandma’s name is Leona. Sorry Colbie.

What Light by Wilco
This band is starting to grow on me. I could see some of their stuff being on a Grey's Anatomy Soundtrack...if it isn't already. I think this album was ranked towards the top of 2007's best releases. I don't know if I'd say that, but they are good. What Light is my favorite off the CD.

THE END.

If anybody else wants to list some of their tops right now. That would be Awesome!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Nice Socks

While we are on embarrassing stories…I went into work last week and said hello to everybody as I made my way to the back of the building. When I got to my office, my co-worker informed me that my pants were tucked into my socks. Both sides! All the way tucked in. I pretty much looked like MC Hammer. How does that happen? And how did I not feel it? I’m sure everybody saw it too. So once again…I had to convince myself that I really am cool. Dang it!

7/8ths

A bit of a crazy past few days. Saturday I was throwing up. Blah to that. I feel a lot better now though, so no complaints there, except that I missed going out to eat, playing soccer, and hanging out. I did have a wonderful husband who was very nice to me Saturday morning when I didn’t feel well. He even watched part of Blue Crush with me.

Sunday I took like a 3 hour nap, which was glorious! That night a bunch of girls went to see 27 Dresses. It was a cute movie, but I was a bit disappointed. I just had my expectations so high for it, not sure why, but I did. I wouldn’t recommend spending 9 bucks to see it, but it’s worth a view at the cheap theatre or when it comes out on video. Actually go see it, because almost everybody else loved it. So don’t listen to me.

Oh, but there were around 50 people or so in the theatre we went to. 49ish girls and 1 boy. Ha. Everybody clapped for him and at the end of the movie he said, “Great flick!” I give him mad props for going. Plus it was hilarious for me! Something that wasn’t hilarious, was that I spilled 7/8ths of my hot tamales on the floor of the theatre before it even started. I was trying to share…look where that got me.

It did remind me of a funny story though. Once in the 8th grade me and my friend Stefine went to a movie with our boyfriends. You know, the type of date that your parents drive you to. So grown up! Anyways, her date went to kiss her like half way through the movie and he spilled his Skittles as he was leaning over. They rolled all the way down to the front of the theatre for what seemed like a good minute causing people to turn and look at him. The only lucky thing for him was that it was too dark to see just how red his face was. I sure got a good laugh out of that one and he never got to live it down. Sucka!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Mom's Hyperventilating

So I made the mistake of telling my mother that me and Ben thought that it would be fun to live in California for awhile. Ben has thought of possibly applying at Point Loma just to see what happened. We only have about an 8% chance of actually doing it, but that didn't keep my mom from freaking out. Here's a little chunk of our emailing today.

ME: Not sure about where. We have JUST talked about Champaign, Greenville, he might apply at Point Loma, a Christian college, in California. (don't freak out)

Mom: CALIFORNIA!! Are you serious??? I hate to fly..how would I ever see you???? I will start checking around here and see what we can find in Springfield..you could always visit California! Champaign is too far away..Greenville is ok but again..a bit far..I say Springfield or St. Louis are good options for you.

ME: Mom I told you not to freak out. We are just talking about it.

MOM: Ha you are too funny..do you want me to have a nervous breakdown.??
I'm calling Ben!!

ME: Did you look at the pictures?

MOM: Now, don't you think I have already checked it out? and..I emailed Ben! It's beautiful! I agree..but so is St. Louis!!

MOM: I think I'm hyperventilating!!

I finally convinced her that we really do want to stay in Springfield and that Greenville is probably our second choice if anything. She calmed down. I think she loves me! I cried a bit when I thought about actually leaving. I don't think she has too much to worry about.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Slacker & Winter-een-mas

So I noticed today that I just like the photo blog better. It is hard for me to blog daily, but I will try to do a better job of it.

Some things that have happened lately that were even semi-interesting.

- Went to Indiana this past weekend and stayed at Kacey's house. Stacey, Kendra, and Ashley also stayed & Bruce met up with us on Saturday. We played a lot of games, went to an outlet mall, laughed, ate too much, and caught up on each others lives. I've come to the conclusion that I have Amazing friends! I already knew this of course, but it is always nice to see those certain people who touched your life. It is too bad they ALL couldn't be there. I am just bummed that a lot of them have to live so far away...Chicago, Michigan, Indiana, Colorado...you guys are killing me! We are also very blessed to have such great friends in Springfield as well. Brad, Christen, & Benson....we can't seem to get enough of you guys! Hopefully all of you never figure out just how nerdy me and my husband are, keep thinking we're cool or at least not nerdy...okay!

- The Youth at our church are going to Haiti this summer and we have the chance to go. BUT we can't because I won't have enough days to take off yet and we aren't sure what Ben will be doing come June. How much does that suck!!

- Two mornings ago I was saying goodbye to Ben only to hear him say "Bye Mom"! Thanks for that! ha.

- I locked my keys in my car this month...with it running. I luckily realized it was locked as I was shutting the door and managed to keep it from shutting all the way. Ben finally was able to roll down the window using a hotdog roaster. Yes a hotdog roaster, you know that you use at a campfire. When he finally got the door unlocked...he javelin tossed the roaster across the yard in excitement. Nice toss hun! It must be a record breaking roaster toss!

- Heather and Ben are cool...Heather and Ben are cool. Keep saying that to yourself as you read this next part. So Ben wants to celebrate Winter-een-mas. What is it you ask? Here is what the website says:

What is Winter-een-mas?

Winter-een-mas is a holiday of sorts. More specifically, it is a celebration of video games and the people that play them. Video games allow us to do things, go places, see stuff, that we couldn't do in real life. They can be an escape from reality, a release after a long day, a fun activity with friends, or just an enjoyable way to pass time. They give us a lot of entertainment. So why shouldn't they be celebrated?

When exactly is Winter-een-mas?


Winter-een-mas lasts for a whole week, which is always the very last week in January, the 25th through the 31st. The entire month of January constitutes the Winter-een-mas season, very similar to the "christmas season", where people begin to gear up for the holiday, and get into the spirit of things.

To read more about Winter-een-mas & how you can celebrate click here

Basically, Ben wants to throw a party where we play video games all night. At first I thought it was nerdy, but now I am a little excited to try to make Nintendo controller shaped cookies! Don't Judge!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Another Catch UP

I am slacking with my blog.
Here is another catch up attempt.

Friday night I met up with a bunch of my high school friends. It was a really good time of catching up and playing games. I was able to talk them into playing Singstar and Buzz Trivia. So of course I thoroughly enjoyed that! It is a lot of fun to see where everybody is at now, what they are doing for a living, and to see how things really haven't changed that much.

Saturday I took my Grandma Bili to the Casino. It was a really good time even though we both didn't win anything. I did manage to play close to 3 hours on 25 dollars...I was pretty proud of that. I basically stuck to video poker...mostly because I am too cheap to shell out 5 dollars per hand of Black Jack. pshhh. Saturday was also my Dad's birthday so we ate appetizers, played scrabble, I helped my Mom set up her blog, and Ben, my Dad, & bros played video games. Also a great time!! Oh and Ben went hunting with is Dad during the day, but didn't see a darn thing...except one rabbit. That kind of stunk for them, but at least they got to spend some quality time together.

Sunday we had church, went out to lunch with our Young Adult friends, I napped for 3 hours, and then played Rock Band with Christen, Megan, & Chad. Not a very productive day, but was relaxing and fun. You need those every once and awhile.

Last night we had our neighbors over for some Taco Bake. We really lucked out with them...we like them both, they are Christians, and they are very considerate. Doesn't get much better than that.

I know I am just rambling and that I'm not very interesting to read tonight. Maybe I should just end it with this. Tonight was also relaxing for me and Ben. We watched some old Office episodes (can't wait for some new ones again), made some homemade snack wraps, and had a chance to talk for awhile. What a great night with a great guy...I am very blessed to have him in my life.

Last thing...I am very excited about this weekend coming up. I get to go visit some of my college friends in Indiana. We are staying at Kacey's place and have a whole weekend full of fun! Should be a blast!!

Hopefully it won't be a week before I write again. At least I am good with my photo blog right?

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Amazing Sculptor



To see more of his work go here. The link is a bit weird though...sometimes you have to click twice on the heading of the page it takes you to. Sorry. It's worth it though.

I thought his work was Amazing...I would definitely pay to go see his stuff in person. I'm not going to lie though...I would constantly be checking out the eyes to make sure they didn't open or something.

Shower Invite


Here is the invitation that I made for a co-worker of mine. She likes monkeys...and is prego. I think that is all you need to know to understand it.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Catch Up

I have actually had a lot to write about lately, but haven't really had the time. So here is my update.

I started reading Velvet Elvis about a week or so ago. I love it so far. I don't necessarily think that I will agree with every piece of information that Rob Bell writes, but it definitely has me thinking and has started up some conversations. I'd say that's a success so far. Plus it is an easy read...an easy read that is some what comparable to Blue Like Jazz in the fact that I can read chapters and chapters at a time. I'm not a huge reader, so that's saying something.

Sunday I went with Christen and her cousin to see Dan in Real Life. It was done by Focus films which has entertained me in the past with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. This movie wasn't quite as artsy, but was still very enjoyable. I was pleasantly surprised by Steve Carell's amazing ability to be a believable, serious actor. I thought he had an outstanding performance. The movie was a bit slow at times and quite dry, but that made the witty moments that much more enjoyable! I definitely recommend seeing it. Since I just saw it at our cheap theatre, that means it is either already out or probably coming out this next week.

Yesterday we decorated around our house. We finally hung up our art frames in our office, the Bears poster & pennants in the basement, and Ben is working on our new dart board. We still need to hang The Simpson's movie poster (it says Springfield, IL on it just in case were were the Springfield chosen for the premiere)...our new neighbors got it for us this Christmas. Awesome huh? Plus we have some more Greenville stuff to decorate the basement with and of course some anti-Lincoln Christian College memorabilia. just joking.

Last night Ben's siblings and their spouses got together for dinner. As always...it was a good time. Simon was already sleeping, so we didn't get to promise him any candy while we were there. Maybe next time.

Here is also a list of things that have consumed a lot of our time lately
1. Rock Band
2. Cleaning up from Christmas
3. Work
4. Singstar
5. Photo a Day ( I feel like I'm running out of ideas)
6. Watching Illini lose
7. Hanging out with friends
8. Procrastinating on going grocery shopping
9. Trying to find a new haircut
10.XBOX
11.Velvet Elvis

Saturday, January 5, 2008

All of His Beauty

Tonight we went to Christen's brother's wedding. It was a good night...beautiful wedding, fun reception, and great friends. I was going to post a few pictures from the wedding, but maybe I'll do that another time.

I will post one picture though. After I viewed this photo...I realized that I no longer need to take anymore of Ben. This one totally captures all of his Beauty.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

A Salute to Tetris

Today's theme is Tetris.

Why you ask? I will tell you why,because it is one of the greatest games ever invented. It appeals to all ages and to both genders. It is Amazing! Plus, it has very catchy music that stays in your head for days. You know what I'm talking about...da dadada da da da da dadada da da da. I'm sure the da's helped you.

I have found some really sweet stuff that has been inspired by the game of Tetris. You have to watch Human Tetris. Make sure you watch all the way until the end...because that is one of the funniest ones. If you have ever heard of MXC this show is just as great...if you haven't you should youtube it as well.

Another good video I found to represent Tetris in all of its glory is one that claims to be the largest version of Tetris ever played. Students use an entire dorm hall to play. Here is Dorm Tetris.

Here is another example of Human Tetris, it is neat...but I still enjoy the game show more.

And here is my photo of the day. Post-It note Tetris


Please feel free to inform me of any Tetris art forms that were not mentioned above.