The title really has no relation to the topic of this particular blog post, but I just finished watching the original Halloweentown (which was completely the best), and it is almost Halloween. Therefore, you have no place to complain that the title and topic aren't equal.
So much is going on this week (most of it good), and I just wanted to share the excitement with all of you.
The thing I'm most excited about is that I get to devote three nights of my life this week to the combination of two of my favorite things ever: BALLROOM AND BROADWAY! The genius behind this marriage of the greatest hobbies ever is Harley Medcalf. I'm so incredibly pleased to say that I get to meet this man this week and get to pick his brain a little bit. The best part is that I'm writing a paper for a class about family-friendly Broadway shows and then an actual Broadway producer is handed to me on a silver platter.
Which leads me to the real topic of the day: God provides. I'll admit that I've been feeling really sorry for myself a lot recently. This is ridiculous of me, and I know it. Even when I can't see God jumping through hoops to please my every whim (as if He wanted to do that anyway...we all know that my ways are far inferior to His) I should still be praising Him for everything He's blessed me with and looking for the lesson in the situation instead of complaining incessantly. Today I've been listening to a ton of songs about surrendering your burdens, and I think since I haven't been listening lately God decided to just drill it into my head. So I've decided to listen and do as I'm obviously being commanded to do.
Rhetorical Questions: Is it incredibly lame that the preview for the one hour Hannah Montana special made me almost cry? Is it sad that I find Sonny With a Chance's commedy skits to be occasionally more entertaining than Saturday Night Live skits? Am I referencing the Disney Channel entirely too much tonight?
Currently Anticipating (Impatiently): http://www.burnthefloor.com/
Witticism of the Day: When we're learning to draw, we make what we think is a circle on a piece of paper. Later in life we look back at that drawing and realize what we thought was a circle is really just some semblance of one and more scribble than actual shape, but we know how to form a circle now. It is in the same way that we learn from our situations what God planned for us. (I can't take credit for this because I heard this at Sunday School today, but I felt it should be passed on because I really enjoyed the analogy. It's still witty.)
10.24.2010
10.21.2010
Here's a list of reasons why I don't write a gossip blog:
Witticism of the Day: When given a task for a leadership position, take care of it in a timely fashion or at least make an effort to. People are much more willing to help you out if they can tell that you're completely overwhelmed as opposed to just claiming to be too busy to take care of things.
- Speading gossip is a sin.
- I don't know enough people to keep it interesting enough for very long.
- I'd basically be mirroring Gossip Girl, and I'd hate to be sued by Cecily von Ziegesar.
- Word travels too fast around here for me to get it out and be relevant.
- I don't blog enough for it to stay interesting.
- It would be immediately traced back to me.
Witticism of the Day: When given a task for a leadership position, take care of it in a timely fashion or at least make an effort to. People are much more willing to help you out if they can tell that you're completely overwhelmed as opposed to just claiming to be too busy to take care of things.
10.13.2010
He Never Failed Me Yet
There's never a moment in my life when I'm not thankful for God's presence in it. I may not always take the time to stop and thank Him for everything He's blessed me with, but I definitely did today.
Today wasn't exceptionally good or bad; it was an average day in the life of a college student. Waking up early after staying up late for homework purposes, staying on campus to help promote both organizations I hold dear, and rushing around to finish the homework before the deadline. However, I got an email while I was doing my homework in the lab that reminded me of where my priorities should lie.
Every week I get an email from my discussion group leader from my Sunday School class. It never ceases to make me smile. Today she included something about being stressed and the business in our lives and never forgetting to take time to be still and know that He is Lord. Even in the midst of the insanity He's there, watching over me. Now, I don't know about you, but this is really reassuring and although I still have a million and one things to do, I have a peace within my soul that I cannot express to you here.
So I sat down and read from Deut. 1. One of the things I've been struggling with lately is trying to control the outcomes of my future. I know it's not in my hands, but it never stops me from trying. But tonight I was reassured in my quiet time that God has a place for me after graduation and as long as I do my best, He'll take care of the rest.
I hope this gives you peace if you're as stressed and busy as I've been lately!
Current Hope for Hollywood: Selena Gomez! Stay pure, sweetheart. S and I are pulling for you and quite regularly rock out to your catchy pop as we cook dinner or get ready for a dance.
Witticism of the Day: Keeping a book of quotes is an excellent way to remember that really witty thing you read in a book or heard on a sitcom or that your prof says at random. Try to fill it up as you proceed in life.
Today wasn't exceptionally good or bad; it was an average day in the life of a college student. Waking up early after staying up late for homework purposes, staying on campus to help promote both organizations I hold dear, and rushing around to finish the homework before the deadline. However, I got an email while I was doing my homework in the lab that reminded me of where my priorities should lie.
Every week I get an email from my discussion group leader from my Sunday School class. It never ceases to make me smile. Today she included something about being stressed and the business in our lives and never forgetting to take time to be still and know that He is Lord. Even in the midst of the insanity He's there, watching over me. Now, I don't know about you, but this is really reassuring and although I still have a million and one things to do, I have a peace within my soul that I cannot express to you here.
So I sat down and read from Deut. 1. One of the things I've been struggling with lately is trying to control the outcomes of my future. I know it's not in my hands, but it never stops me from trying. But tonight I was reassured in my quiet time that God has a place for me after graduation and as long as I do my best, He'll take care of the rest.
I hope this gives you peace if you're as stressed and busy as I've been lately!
Current Hope for Hollywood: Selena Gomez! Stay pure, sweetheart. S and I are pulling for you and quite regularly rock out to your catchy pop as we cook dinner or get ready for a dance.
Witticism of the Day: Keeping a book of quotes is an excellent way to remember that really witty thing you read in a book or heard on a sitcom or that your prof says at random. Try to fill it up as you proceed in life.
10.11.2010
The High C's
Today we're going to discuss the five C's. I know you've heard of the four C's, but there's an extra C you should be aware of. I'll also include a discussion of the other elements that complete my ideal band, just in case you were wondering.
For those of you who are lost right now, these C's relate to purchasing a diamond. I should put the disclaimer on here that I am not obssessed with diamonds (although they are a girl's best friend), but that I've recently spent a lot of time glancing at one and I felt I should share my wisdom on the subject with the world.
The typical four C's (in order of importance) are Clarity, Cut, Color, and Carat. The fifth C that I abide by is Cost (which is really number one but is not conventionally included in the C's). I'm sure many of you are surprised that Carat isn't first on this list, but my in depth explanation will shed some light on why this is a false assumption.
I am HIGHLY distracted by things that sparkle. This is why clarity takes the cake every time. For those of you who are unclear on what this means (punny!), clarity relates to the muddiness of the diamond's appearance. A cloudy diamond will not deflect light in all directions and will appear dull which will restrict the sparkle of the diamond, which is the unacceptable^infinity. Diamonds with imperfections will have brown spots when viewed under a microscope. This is also unacceptable. (P.S. A flawless rating is the only way to go in my opinion.)
Cut comes second on account of the way it looks on my finger. This is typically a personal preference, and mine rests on round cuts. (Cut relates to the shape of the diamond as it sits in the setting in case you didn't know.) If you know me then I'm sure your assumption was that I would prefer a princess cut, but you would be wrong. Princess cuts are too pointy for my preference, but I do enjoy the name. The round cut wins my vote on account of its ability to reflect light with ease even if it fails to pass my clarity and color test. I've included a diagram of cuts above to ease your personal decision.
Under the category of color I choose to include two topics. There's the conventional color which relates to the color of the diamond. I also include the color of the band and setting which case the diamond (I'm sure you already caught on that we're discussing engagement bands and not just diamonds in general. If not, SURPRISE! Now you know.). For the diamond color, less is more. The more colorful a diamond is, the more yellow it appears. The more yellow it appears, the less it sparkles. The less it sparkles, the less I smile. Thus a colorless diamond is the only way to go. As for the band, I have a personal preference. My father keeps telling me that yellow gold is about to come back into style. However, I have never been one to keep up with trends, especially not in jewelry. I am not a fan of yellow gold, and I will be wearing some on my right hand for the rest of my life due to my dedication to the traditions associated with my school, but my left hand is completely my choice. White gold/Platinum is my personal preference. Yes, it's more expensive, but only slightly, and isn't it worth it to put a smile on my face?! (If your answer was no, see me after class.)
Then there's the C that most women place high priority on, and I claim to place high priority on in casual conversation. However, if a diamond is chosen properly, this should be the least of the purchaser's concerns. A high carat, cloudy, yellow diamond may look impressive from quite the distance, but if you're easily distracted then you'll be quite disappointed with its lackluster appearance. It's better to have to have a modest-sized, flawless, colorless diamond than a large lackluster one. Keep this in mind.
Finally, there's the cost. The fifth C that everyone worries about but few include in the C's listing. It's true that designer diamonds are all the rage these days, and I'll admit that I have a Tiffany's catalogue page on the fridge beside my bed. However, I do not want a diamond that costs more than my car, and I do not want to be in debt because of the ring when I get married. Also, beware that not all designer diamonds are created equal. The prestige that follows the jeweler is grand without doubt, but there are other jewelers that will supply a much more spectacular diamond in a similar setting for approximately one-third of the price. I'm not saying by any means that I boycott designer diamonds; I encourage these if you have the funds to ensure the properly perfect diamond. For those of you who can't afford this, however, I must recommend the lesser-known jewelers who supply magnificient stones. Take for example my comparison of solitares from three different jewelers:
Just in case you missed the last important element of the perfect ring, it's setting. I prefer a solitare because of its simplicity. However, this is again a personal preference, and you are by no means obligated to share this view. Not only will a solitare be a nice transition from my True Love Waits ring (which I wear around my heart as well as my finger and the physical ring is simplistic and dainty), but there is more room to focus the fifth C on the fourth C without compromising the other three C's in the process. Something similar to the Tiffany setting is my ideal, although I recognize that the actual ring will likely not come from Tiffany's. This is perfectly acceptable to me.
I hope this overview has helped you in focusing on your ideal ring, and I hope that all the gentlemen who have read this far know what it is their future wives hope to obtain on their left finger at the time of proposal (and keep in mind that just because she knows what she wants her ring to look like does NOT mean she's ready for you to purchase it and pop the question, but it doesn't mean she's not).
Witticism of the Day: All girls over the age of 18 fantasize about their wedding day, and many already have most of the details hashed out in their minds. Don't freak out if you (as a gentleman) overhear a conversation about such things when your lady is among other women her age. This is perfectly natural and in no way means that she's waiting for you to pop the question. A lady always waits until the time is right.
For those of you who are lost right now, these C's relate to purchasing a diamond. I should put the disclaimer on here that I am not obssessed with diamonds (although they are a girl's best friend), but that I've recently spent a lot of time glancing at one and I felt I should share my wisdom on the subject with the world.
The typical four C's (in order of importance) are Clarity, Cut, Color, and Carat. The fifth C that I abide by is Cost (which is really number one but is not conventionally included in the C's). I'm sure many of you are surprised that Carat isn't first on this list, but my in depth explanation will shed some light on why this is a false assumption.
Then there's the C that most women place high priority on, and I claim to place high priority on in casual conversation. However, if a diamond is chosen properly, this should be the least of the purchaser's concerns. A high carat, cloudy, yellow diamond may look impressive from quite the distance, but if you're easily distracted then you'll be quite disappointed with its lackluster appearance. It's better to have to have a modest-sized, flawless, colorless diamond than a large lackluster one. Keep this in mind.
Finally, there's the cost. The fifth C that everyone worries about but few include in the C's listing. It's true that designer diamonds are all the rage these days, and I'll admit that I have a Tiffany's catalogue page on the fridge beside my bed. However, I do not want a diamond that costs more than my car, and I do not want to be in debt because of the ring when I get married. Also, beware that not all designer diamonds are created equal. The prestige that follows the jeweler is grand without doubt, but there are other jewelers that will supply a much more spectacular diamond in a similar setting for approximately one-third of the price. I'm not saying by any means that I boycott designer diamonds; I encourage these if you have the funds to ensure the properly perfect diamond. For those of you who can't afford this, however, I must recommend the lesser-known jewelers who supply magnificient stones. Take for example my comparison of solitares from three different jewelers:
- Tiffany 1C Solitare Starting at $9200 http://www.tiffany.com/Engagement/item.aspx?GroupSku=GRP10001&selectedSku=23281732#f+0/0/0/0/0/0 vs. A 14K White Gold 1C Solitare at Jared at $2899.99 http://www.jared.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryProductsView?No=12&Ne=1&Ntt=20806&Ntk=Category&langId=-1&topCatId=19061&bcCatIds=19061&storeId=10451&N=+0&catalogId=10001&categoryId=19061&viewTaskName=CategoryProductsView
- De Beers .3C Solitare Starting at $1800 http://www.debeers.com/Engagement-Rings/Forever-Engagement-Ring/invt/j1eu01b10p&bklist=icat,6,shop,toprings,ncrings,ringsengagement,j1eu01b10p vs. A 14K White Gold 1/3C Solitare at Jared at $499.99
Just in case you missed the last important element of the perfect ring, it's setting. I prefer a solitare because of its simplicity. However, this is again a personal preference, and you are by no means obligated to share this view. Not only will a solitare be a nice transition from my True Love Waits ring (which I wear around my heart as well as my finger and the physical ring is simplistic and dainty), but there is more room to focus the fifth C on the fourth C without compromising the other three C's in the process. Something similar to the Tiffany setting is my ideal, although I recognize that the actual ring will likely not come from Tiffany's. This is perfectly acceptable to me.
I hope this overview has helped you in focusing on your ideal ring, and I hope that all the gentlemen who have read this far know what it is their future wives hope to obtain on their left finger at the time of proposal (and keep in mind that just because she knows what she wants her ring to look like does NOT mean she's ready for you to purchase it and pop the question, but it doesn't mean she's not).
Witticism of the Day: All girls over the age of 18 fantasize about their wedding day, and many already have most of the details hashed out in their minds. Don't freak out if you (as a gentleman) overhear a conversation about such things when your lady is among other women her age. This is perfectly natural and in no way means that she's waiting for you to pop the question. A lady always waits until the time is right.
10.07.2010
I Will Life My Eyes
Some weeks are just awful. This has been one of those weeks for several people I know, myself included. You have back to back meetings and then the people at the pharmacy complicate things. Here are a few things I know can make me smile on weeks like this.
Witticism of the Day: If you're one of those environmentalists, don't start a major in mathematics or statistics or related fields. There's a lot of wasted paper associated with these courses.
- Jesus
- Chocolate
- S's cooking
- Solving long-standing issues
- Blogging!
- Chocoalte
Witticism of the Day: If you're one of those environmentalists, don't start a major in mathematics or statistics or related fields. There's a lot of wasted paper associated with these courses.
10.05.2010
How To Woo a Lisa
I'm sure you're all wondering by now what it takes to win the heart of a Lisa, so I've compiled a list for you.
Witticism of the Day: Baking is the best stress reliever. You get to pound your ingredients which can help you refrain from pounding other people.
Things TO Do:
- Be as nerdy as possible without really trying. Lisas love nerds!
- Call your Lisa a princess because she is.
- Take your Lisa to a show of the Broadway variety. She'll never leave your side after this.
- Wear a purity ring. Don't just wear it around your finger, though, wear it around your heart as well.
- Make random gestures of affection to your Lisa. The small things really make Lisas smile.
- Serenade your Lisa with a song.
- Go to church with your Lisa.
Things NOT To Do:
- Don't make promises you have no intention of keeping.
- Don't cease making conversation. Lisas love to hear about you, therefore, you can never talk too much.
- Don't ever breathe the following phrase: "It's a full half-carat pear cut cubic zirconia!" (Courtesy of our friends that write Chuck at NBC)
- Don't put up a wall to keep your Lisa out of your life. Lisas love knowing what's going on in your life and are ready and willing to help with whatever it is you need assistance with.
Witticism of the Day: Baking is the best stress reliever. You get to pound your ingredients which can help you refrain from pounding other people.
10.04.2010
The Month of Fear
If the weather's getting cooler and your schedule is filling up so that you have no time to yourself then you know it's October. I know it's not just me who feels this way. High school students are busy with football season or their respective activities (but we all know they revolve around the football season anyway), parents of students are busy driving them around everywhere they need to be and supporting their children in any way they can, college kids are revolving their schedules around football.
The thing is, it's not the football that fills up the month. It's the activites. There's something important every weekend and you have to pick and choose or you get to be the social butterfly of the season trying to get around to everything. I'm the type that likes to make an appearance at everything I can, but I don't like to miss out so I stay as long as I can. My advice is to pick your activities and be sure to schedule some time to yourself so that you don't lose your mind completely. November's just around the corner, so take heart.
Witticism of the Day: Naps are not just for children. They're fantastic, and you should have one tomorrow. You'll love it; I promise.
The thing is, it's not the football that fills up the month. It's the activites. There's something important every weekend and you have to pick and choose or you get to be the social butterfly of the season trying to get around to everything. I'm the type that likes to make an appearance at everything I can, but I don't like to miss out so I stay as long as I can. My advice is to pick your activities and be sure to schedule some time to yourself so that you don't lose your mind completely. November's just around the corner, so take heart.
Witticism of the Day: Naps are not just for children. They're fantastic, and you should have one tomorrow. You'll love it; I promise.
10.01.2010
The (Near) Death of Chivalry
If you know me well then you know it is not uncommon for me to use the commonly heard phrase "Chivalry is dead." However, this is not entirely true. You may not see it in industrial America, but out here in the woods, it's easy to see. I admit to sometimes using this phrase in reference to my frustration with members of the opposite sex. This is wrong of me, and I'll explain why.
It's the small things, really. Just the other day I boarded the crowded bus and was prepared to stand the entire drive home when a man offered up his seat to me so that I could sit. Every day I see boys holding the doors for girls when they enter or exit a building. There are entire organizations devoted to random acts of kindness. I recommend dropping the mindset that there are zero human beings left who have a single kind bone in their body. I know I'll do my best to try : )
Things I'm looking forward to this weekend:
Witticism of the Day: Living alone sounds like fun (singing at the top of your lungs with no one around to hear, dancing like a moron with no one around to judge you, sitting around dressed in the bare minimum), but if you're skirmish, keep in mind that the tigers come at night. Live with a close personal friend that will dance like a crazy person with you, sing at the top of their lungs along with you, and won't mind your weird dressing habits.
It's the small things, really. Just the other day I boarded the crowded bus and was prepared to stand the entire drive home when a man offered up his seat to me so that I could sit. Every day I see boys holding the doors for girls when they enter or exit a building. There are entire organizations devoted to random acts of kindness. I recommend dropping the mindset that there are zero human beings left who have a single kind bone in their body. I know I'll do my best to try : )
Things I'm looking forward to this weekend:
- Having the bird delivered for lunch tomorrow afternoon with J!! They can't stop that service without us using it first.
- Spending sixteen hours of my life around a crazy bunch of performing artsy people (who are super incredible!)
- Sleeping all day Saturday
- Gene Kelly movie marathon with a completely different set of incredible people including but not limited to B and H
- Sunday School!! / Choir!! / Service!!
- Ensemble rehearsal with an even more awesome set of people!
- K COMING TO VISIT!!!!!!!!!
Witticism of the Day: Living alone sounds like fun (singing at the top of your lungs with no one around to hear, dancing like a moron with no one around to judge you, sitting around dressed in the bare minimum), but if you're skirmish, keep in mind that the tigers come at night. Live with a close personal friend that will dance like a crazy person with you, sing at the top of their lungs along with you, and won't mind your weird dressing habits.
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