All Good Things...

With 2009 fast coming to an end...

A Late Night Rendevous With My Pen

Oh snowy Minnesota nights, how you comfort me so.

There is storm coming, and I can't help but feel calm.

I will be home. For good. : ) No more tears, no more harassment. Just love, and warmth and family.

Merry Christmas everyone! Snuggle up to a loved one, or a lucky dog.

And enjoy the coming snow.

Underneath that snow is new life. A New Year...waiting to happen.

Unable to Sleep Yet Again

I forgot how much I loved this song...

that was silly of me.

As always...here is a Kina version. : )

A Little Christmas Cheer

...from everyone's YouTube fave: glowpinksah!!!

Holy December!!!

Whoa...Holy December, Batman! It is officially mid-way through December and I'm now just updating this? Uncool.

In celebration of this excellent month, I would like to share with people that this is my 50th post in this here blog. So what shall I do?

Making a list sounds like a capital idea.

My List of Awesomely Excellent Things About December In Minnesota:

10. 12 degrees is considered "Not too bad outside." 21 degrees is considered warm.
9. You get to have either quality thinking time, or quality time conversing with people while you warm your car up.
8. It is now socially acceptable to put a hint of peppermint in your hot chocolate.
7. Snow football. : )
6. Getting fat is allowed.
5. Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say...
4. Flannel bedsheets keep you in bed just a little bit longer than they would in any other month.
3. Ugly sweaters come out of hiding.
2. Autumnwood Farm egg nog is back on the shelf!
1. Celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus each and every year is the most fantastic thing about life. a) I love birthdays b) I love Jesus c) it's a wonderful way to end the year.

If I don't get to you before then, Merry Christmas everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's a little bit late, but I wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to give thanks, not just today, but every day.

See How They Resemble One Another, Even In Their Plastic Little Covers

It would seem that November is just music month for me.

Because we all know how I feel about Kina Grannis, and we all know how I feel about Bon Iver, I feel this video needs no explanation.

Hello Switchfoot, My Old Friend

I have never been more in love with an entire album since I don't know when. In a world full of singles it's never been worth it to purchase an album by an artist anymore. With the exception of Lady Gaga, who has a cd STACKED with hit after hit, there just hasn't been that pull for me to buy an album.

Until now.

Hello, and meet Hello Hurricane.

After the release of Beautiful Letdown, Switchfoot I'm sorry to say has released two very sub-par albums in Stars and Oh, Gravity. They sort of redeemed themselves with "This Is Home" on the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Soundtrack, but the Switchfoot I knew seemed to be lost.

But not anymore.

This new album makes me so happy I could burst. It is definitely the Switchfoot that I love and remember from New Way To Be Human (which was my all-time favorite of theirs.)

And in the words of one of my favorite songs on this album: it is no accident we're here tonight. We are once in a lifetime.

Enjoy.

New Song...But Kind Of Old...Still Love It Any Way

Heelloo November!!

I was in the grocery store yesterday (more commonly known as Target) when I happened upon the free sample table.

The man offered, I said no at first...he gave me a look, and then I accepted.

Corn Flakes with a touch of Honey!!!

May I just say...it is about TIME that Corn Flakes got some honey on it!! I mean, we have Honey Nut Cheerios, Honey Bunches of Oats, I think Raisin Bran even has some honey variety in their new and exciting boxes of Raisin Bran...but Corn Flakes? The idea is so simply ingenious I wanted to throw a party!

I explained this all to the check out lady and to Luke (who was shaking his head), but I stand by my convictions. They've frosted Corn Flakes before they put honey on it...

Wecome to 2009 Kellogg's.

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I also met a bilingual three year old yesterday. I might have been a little jealous, but he told me all about his coloring with his buddy, his trick-or-treating extravaganza and then told his father I went to the hospital?

lol.

I love three year olds.

Somewhere Along The Way...

...I lost it.

And I'm trying my darndest to get it back.

But in the meantime, I'm still a little bit lost.

...

Four tests this week.

One More Time

I've posted this everywhere, so I might as well do the same here.



I wish I could play like Kina.

Whaaaaaat???

Check this out!! Just do it!!

A Freak Like Me Just Needs Infinity

I'm in a sour mood.

This helps a little bit. (Not the actual video...just the song)

Downside To A Warm Bed

I never thought there could be a downside to curling up into your comfy bed/nest of blankets in a warm apartment. I never thought there could be a downside to having a dark bedroom. I never thought there could be a downside to having a quiet apartment building. But...there actually is...

When I add all those factors in to the equation, and add a late bedtime, I tend to sleep a little bit past when I should be. Mind you, it's not a huge amount...but if I sleep ten minutes past my alarm, it throws me way off. I live ten minutes away from campus driving, and so if I sleep in just a little bit - there is no way I could possibly make it to class on time (and with this snow...safely). I experienced that for the first time today. This is the second day where I had to scrape off my car, and warm it up before getting to school.

So the moral of the story is:

If you have a warm bed, a warm apartment, a dark bedroom, and a quiet apartment building...get to bed on time. Because otherwise you will be late for class because you want to roll over and continue being comfy.

Dear October...

It is officially October and it is COLD!!! It is way too cold for it still being in the single digits of days in the month!!

However, I do have some things to ask of you (dear month..)

1. A Twins win in the AL Central that will bring them to the playoffs.

2. A Vikings win tonight against the Packers (sorry Cait).

Thank you, and that is all.

Love,

Cassie.

p.s. I would like it to warm up just a tad so that I can go back to running and jumping in leaves without them being wet and cold. Thank you.

She Did It Again

My new bff Gloria, back in action!

The List

Friends, it is time for my annual List.

The List of People Who Annoy Me (And/Or Give Me Something To Talk About) In Class.

I just enjoyed a lunch with quite a few friends, and I realized that it took me such a long time to compile this list, but it's definitely a good one this year! It also helps that I have class with the same people over and over again, and so the crop of students to choose from is limited, but concentrated.

Here goes:

1. Creepy Stare-y Girl: Most people will say they have this girl in EVERY one of their classes, but I would like to disagree. They generally just have a Creepy Girl. But very rarely do they see the Creepy Stare-y Girl. I discovered her the other week in Microeconomics. She sits in the front row, and instead of staring diligently at the black board taking notes, she sits and stares at you. She just stares. And she stares for awkwardly long amounts of time. She could be staring and contemplating economics, but I doubt it.

2. Freakishly Tan Guy (A.K.A. The Guy Who Wears Every Clothing Cliche On The Planet): Now, I don't have a problem with this guy as a person. He's actually a cool guy. But he's just really freakishly tan. He's more tan than I am, and I was BORN this way. He also wears every clothing cliche on the planet...his favorite you ask? The plaid baseball cap with the bill folded over waaaay too much, with plaid shorts. They are cool items of clothing separately...but not together.

3. The Blond: I feel like most people have this guy. He has perfectly coiffed blond hair and pops his collar. There are a lot more derogatory names for this gent, but I'd prefer not to say them.

4. Gay Guys Who Think They Know All: They talk a LOT. A LOT. And scoff at the professor. A LOT. Please...please, give the lecture if you know so much.

5. The Old Guy In Class Who Talks Way Too Much: I've been through this guy before. He's just your token older gentlemen (or woman) in the class who is coming back to school and insists on spewing their wordly knowledge at the expense of 200 other people.

6. Girl With A Beard: 'Nuff said. And yes, she does exist. In my Agronomy lab.

7. Hippy Pretentious Girl(s): Also in my Agronomy lab.

I think by far this list exceeds most others I come up with. But I think it's because I finally have "Girl With A Beard." I've never seen that before in all my time at the University. I had never seen that before when all my classes were in Minneapolis! It's just ten times funnier that my classes are all in St. Paul this year and I have a "Girl With A Beard" on my list.

A Blustery Day

Today friends, I sit here in my apartment ready to venture out into the world with a sweater and my uggs..

That's right - it is officially autumn in Minnesota!!

If only there was enough time for me to talk about why this is THE most amazing season of all time, but there isn't so I've compiled a short but very enthralling list:

1. It's football season. No more sweating profusely at baseball friends, it's time to bundle up with just a sweater and a scarf. Maybe some mittens if the timing is right. But it's time to get out there and let your nose run for this great sport!
2. It's sunny yet chilly. Not like spring...where it's still really chilly but the sun tempts you with it's rays. Plus it's all mushy in spring.
3. Harvest. 'Nuff said.
4. Everything's crunchy. Crunchy leaves. Crunchy apples. Crunchy stacks of hay you ride on during those haunted (or not haunted) hay rides. EVERYTHING is crunchy!!
5. The colors. I saw red leaves today folks. Red leaves that were falling.

Oh yes...this is my favorite time of year. If I could find a place to live like this all year round, I will go there with no delay!

In other news, if you haven't EVER watched "How I Met Your Mother"...shame on you. FOR SHAME!! It is definitely fast becoming my favorite sitcom. Thirty minutes of clever banter and humor is all you need on a blustery day when you should be doing your homework...

Things of Epic Proportions

When you've been waiting for your cousin to get married to his girlfriend of 6+ years, you just know that the wedding is going to be quite the party!

And that, my friends, is what the Petrulo gang set out to do yesterday.

I didn't mind one bit that I wasn't at the 1st game in TCF Bank stadium, because there will always be more, and the Gophers will always be lukewarm.

I know these aren't apartment pictures, but they are still legendary.

Reasons Why...

...I win today!

1. I installed my wireless network in my apartment finally!! I barely made it through the first week without wanting to throw my computer out the window in attempts to channel my frustration. I had homework due already this week and couldn't get the information I needed. I felt like a bum sitting in the corner of my room trying to pirate some neighbors unprotected wireless network (suckers!). However, all of that didn't need to happen since I now have wireless in my apartment, and I'm free to use my computer where ever I feel. : ) I got the AirPort Express from Apple, and I can't wait to use all the cool features that come with it! You can play your iTunes library through a stereo using the software, print wirelessly by plugging your printer USB into it and so much more!

2. I finally trashed my old printer and have a new one. Again, I barely made it through class this week with all the things I already needed to print out. I knew I needed a new printer last year when I was writing my senior thesis, but I just didn't go and get one. But I did today. And let me tell you...they make quiet printers now! Who knew? lol. I had the old one since I was a freshmen, and I put it through the ringer. Thanks for the many many papers HP 1400, but you've been replaced! I won't be using the wireless printing through my AirPort Express, just because I don't want to have my printer sitting out in the middle of the living room.

3. I discovered that I actually like AGRO 1101. It's Biology of Plant Food Systems, and I never thought I'd see the day where I actually like biology, AND where I understand what's going on when we talk about Dead Zones...and WHY they're...well...dead. It just dawned on me in lecture today how crazy it is that every thing connects together, and I would have never discovered all this if I kept my nose stuffed in works of dead British men. (Not to say that I didn't enjoy our adventures together, and I still am in the midst of reading The Picture of Dorian Gray). My love for reading will never go away...I'm just making room for my new love for agriculture.

4. Twitter/Glowpinkstah introduced me to the new Michael Buble song. And in true fashion, I've posted it for you all to enjoy as well. Every single time he comes out with a new love song, I think to myself... "That is a good love song."

And so:



Good night everyone!

In A Weird Spot...Torn Betwixt Love and Hate

There is a new song that I heard on the radio...and I'm really torn between throwing it on and jamming, and turning it off and never listening to it. I feel like Imogen Heap is so so so much better than this...

But...listen for yourselves, and you be the judge.

I, myself, have given into jamming out to it.



---

On a completely different note, I have completed 2 days of Agricultural Education...and I have to say that I feel like somewhat of a poser. When people ask my major, it's super weird to give them that response, like they're going to look right through me and be like..."You don't know anything!"

But nevertheless, I have survived my first day of learning about small gas engines, I'm going to start on nutrient cycles in soil, microecon, accounting, and am preparing for the worst in food safety.

I also promise to put pictures up of my room soon, but I just got my bed in here after the fair, and still don't have a desk. So it's still very much in the boxes and bare walls stage. Soon enough I'll have enough time/money to put it all together. :)

Keep it classy.

Digging Up

I recently un-earthed this video, which is funny since I've posted the link to it on my Facebook profile for forever.

But it's truly one of my favorites.

Enjoy.



Also...just a wanted to send a reminder that sharing drinks and making out with sick people is NOT a good idea...

Wash your hands if you are sick!

Ooh Girl, You Shock Me Like an Electric Eel

I'm officially in the new apartment!!

I don't have my bed yet so I've been making a little love nest amongst my blankets and pillows, but it's actually not half bad. If my dad and his friend can connect some time tomorrow, then my bed should be here tomorrow! Whoo!!!

I promise I'll get some pictures up, but they might be after the fair. I start work there tomorrow as well, and I'm not exactly sure what kind of hours that will be. But if you're in the area, make sure you stop by the 4H building to say hello!!!

My room is looking immensely bare! I cannot wait to get decorations up, and I still have yet to buy a desk/bookshelf! I have all my desk stuff still in boxes, but I don't mind. It's pretty roomy in here with my love nest.

Au revoir!

Woes and Laments of an English Degree

I'm completely pumped about a new film coming out, Dorian Gray, which is an adaptation of the Oscar Wilde novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Also more reason to be pumped about it, Colin Firth (dreamy) and Ben Barnes (who also plays Prince/King Caspian in the films...also dreamy) are starring in it and it looks phenomenal.

The ONLY downside to this film?

The fact that it won't be released in the US!!

Bah!!

I blame the American public school system for not teaching about more British literature. (I suppose I really can't blame them...but Caitlin - you better have some Brit Lit in those lesson plans of yours! lol).

I just know for a fact that if this movie were to be released in the US...American audiences wouldn't really get it.

So yesterday I spend a good chunk of my time at Borders reading the Oscar Wilde tale, and you know what? It's simply marvelous!! It's so witty and unbelievably good that when I get $7.95 to spare, I'm going to buy it! I got about a fourth of the way through the book before I realized I should probably leave the store.

But in true Cassie blog fashion, here's the trailer for the film. I REALLY want to see it.



Also...I move into my new apartment TOMORROW!!! Too excited!!!

Sneak Peek!

Here are some pictures of my new place! I move in on Sunday officially, and when I actually have time to set my room up, I'll post some of those pictures too!





I also applied to Banana Republic (w/ the help of one Chris Sheehan) so I'll also let you know how that goes. How sweet would that discount be?

Gloria, My New BFF

I really can't get enough.

A Little Crude Humor Never Hurt

Oh my goodness. I cried I laughed so hard.

Dear Pandora, Thank You

Oh my oh my oh my...

I have already had such an eventful time at work that I really had to update. I'm working from my own labtop today because our Temp worker (more detail on her later) absolutely had to use the desktop with the shared network on it...(I wish I could convey sarcasm through these posts, but alas, I cannot).

But this morning, I was getting trained in to update the Physical Therapy website and I was almost late to that. Picture me running through campus in a dress and flip flops to make it on time. I was super attractive and sweaty when I finally made it to the class because I had missed the 8:45am bus from St. Paul. However...I was not the last person to arrive in the class.

Enter: Late Guy.

Late Guy was late by about...15 minutes. That's a pretty substantial amount to be late, especially when we're getting paid to train in this website content database...AND the U paid for our training. But any way, he had to sit in the front row because those were the only spots left. I immediately knew this guy would be borderline d-bag only because of what he was wearing (just think a recent Carlson grad...but maybe 45). However, instead of respectfully sitting down and apologizing for being late, he just says:

"Oh. I'm late."

Yes indeed, sir.

So as this class (which was three hours mind you) continues, Late Guy got on my nerves real quick. You know that guy (or girl) who always has to ask annoying questions to show off their knowledge? Late Guy was not only late...but he was THAT guy. He kept interrupting the presenter with useless questions about web formatting, when the U has already formatted everything for us, so he was just being obnoxious. And then at the end (when it was already lunch time), the presenter went a little behind, and then Late Guy ruined everything for me.

He asked yet MORE questions right at the end that the presenter had to address before we all left.

Not only was he late, rude, and THAT guy...but he made me late for my lunch.

Boo.

However, there are some perks to working in an office all by myself (Unless our Temp worker is in there with me...which like I said...more on her later. Another story for another time). I genuinely love Pandora. But Pandora has pulled through for me on many occasions these past two weeks of my employment.

1. It allows me to drown out the Temp
2. It keeps me sane while I do ridiculous amounts of data entry
3. It introduces me to so so so many good songs.

And so, I have left a little treat at the end of this post. My new musical obsession from Death Cab's "Narrow Stairs" album.

Enjoy.

I know I certainly do.

The Big Announcement!

Whoo hoo!! The news is finally OFFICIAL!!!

I am officially becoming an alumnae of the Kappa Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta. :) I was going to stick around this upcoming year, but after much deliberation I decided it was best for me to take a new step in my life. I'm feeling pretty good about this decision, and I'm very excited!!

ALSO -

I'm moving into a new apartment in Roseville!! I'm moving into a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom place and the girl I'm living with is sweet. There is even a pool in the building. I'm pumped to be close to St. Paul where all my classes are located and have my own bathroom again (ha ha), so things are finally starting to slot into place. New job, new place, and new steps in life! :)

So hit me up!! August 23rd I'm moving in!!

New York, I Love You

Okay...FORGET what I said about being excited for movies before!! (Okay, "Where The Wild Things Are" I can still be excited for).

I just saw this preview and literally squealed, silently screamed, giggled, lots of hand gestures...the works.

Watch. Enjoy.

Get excited to fall in love!



And if you haven't already, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go and watch Paris, Je T'Aime...which was the inspiration for this movie, and the inspiration for all of my excitement.

I Think We'll Just Camp With the Flamingos Tonight

I believe that no wedding is complete unless a drunken older woman loses her shoe on the dance floor, slips in beer, and flashes half of the reception.

And that is exactly what I saw happen last night.

Ha ha - my old friend from long ago church/YIAT/camp days got married yesterday! It was a hoppin' reception to say the least and took place at the Como Zoo.

But any who, enough chit chat:

I finally have pictures of my new haircut! (I took off 5 and a half inches!!) And I have a larger update, but I have to wait to post that until all bases are covered and THEN I can run my mouth. But until then, I hope you will all be patient with me! :)

Peace out, girl scouts. An early morning awaits!

p.s. NEVER eat cheese right after you brush your teeth. Ugh..

What a Waste of Time?

I start my new job today, but that's really not what I'm writing about.

I actually don't start for another two hours, but had to get up at the crack of dawn to carpool with Luke. I had the craziest dream that I was on a deadline, and had to be ready in an hour. So when I finally wake up from this dream, I think it's time to get up since my dream has been telling me that I should be ready in an hour. But when I look at the clock, it is 4am. B...u...m...m...e...r! I set my alarm for 5:45 and couldn't for the life of me get back to sleep.

So when I found myself with two hours of free time before heading to work, I decided taking the bus to Coffman would be just the thing for me. I could surf the web, and even nap on one of the many couches that are a little less full during the summertime.

However, as I am literally sprawling out on the couch I have found in the back, some dude plops himself down at the piano! I mean, there are more than just me in Coffman taking naps on the couches, and I'm sure they all wanted some peace and quiet this fine morning. What made it worse, was that he wasn't even good. He was just plunking on the keys like a socially inept bum.

And then minutes later, further evidence came about to PROVE that he was a lame-o.

His phone rang, and what sounded like his girlfriend was calling him. The first thing he says into the phone, "Are you mad at me?"

What a chump.

"Oh, I thought you were mad at me..."

Groan.

"Okay...you're sure you're not mad at me?"

What a waste of time.

So now instead of taking a much needed nap, I am awake, and he is no where to be found, probably blabbering on about how he thinks she was mad at him, and she is assuring him she's not...although we all know that she is. And the piano remains quiet but the damage has been done.

I'll probably write about work later, and I'm sure that will be much more educational.

They Do It To Me Every Time

No words necessary.

New Adventure

I start my new job on Monday!! The one that I had the job interview with my inconvenient loss to Deli Express...they really liked me there and want me to start!!

Whoop whoop!!

I am now going to be working for the Physical Therapy Program at the U of M, and I get my own office/desk! Excitement!!

Now to just make loads of money that will keep sending me to school, and hopefully allow me to escape this second degree with minimal damage/debt.

I feel like that's a good goal.

A Question of Convenience

I write today to ask you all, why is it that gas station convenience items are the exact opposite of what they advertise? Especially their sandwich line? (I'm talking to you Deli Express!) Do they honestly think that these items are the least bit convenient to eat while driving? Because they certainly aren't!

Yesterday, I had a job interview on campus, and I hadn't eaten before I left to fill gas. So I decided that I might as well stock up on food as well as gas in one handy stop...as these gas stations so ingeniously lure most of their customers. I figured that I didn't want to go into an interview smelling of McDonald's and have fry breath.

However, as I'm trying to turn onto the freeway, I was also trying to open my sandwich. And let me tell you...it was the hardest thing I've ever had to open! There was no handy peel to open my sandwich, but rather, I had to pop the plastic open with my teeth. The people next to me at the stop light must've thought I looked pretty ridiculous, because I certainly felt that way.

So in short:

Deli Express - 1
Cassie - 0

Where the Wild Things Are

My childhood has come back to me in the most complete of ways.



Words cannot even begin to express how excited I am!

And on top of it all, there is a rumor floating around that Guillermo del Toro is slated to produce Frankenstein. If this is true, I'm totally pumped. My literary favorites are coming to life.

Bemidji Bound

I'm in Bemidji!!!

I'm going camping today!!!

And...

I'm loving it.

The Mouth of the Mississippi

I'm 99.8% sure I'm going to visit Sid in Bemidji this weekend!!

I'm way too excited for my own good!

And it will definitely give me something to do!!

Hooray...the first actual part of summer vacation is about to commence!!

When You Were Young

There are often times in my day where I wish I were friends with hippie musicians, and we could just sit around and play and sing.

Frustrations and Ambitions

Today has been quite a revealing day. Not for anything of significance...but enough to push my buttons. My buttons have definitely been pushed for good and for evil.

1. Evil Button:

I discovered that the two dresses I purchased at the end of the semester cannot be used for recruitment in the fall. UGeoitgrgiohgsr0nwi gf!!! Granted, they weren't purchased with that idea in mind, but I thought since they were both the right pattern I could use them, and save money this summer. I bought these dresses for graduation and for formals next year. I thought in hindsight that I could also wear them for recruitment. My lack of job requires me to think outside the box in where I can save the most money, and NOT shopping is my number one rule. However, I found out that our recruitment dresses are supposed to be cotton. These dresses I own are slightly fancier than a cotton sundress.

So now I must go out and spend money that I don't have on a dress that I really don't need.

And I NEVER thought I'd hear myself say that I don't need a dress.

Boo.

2. Good Button:

I want to go to Hawaii for spring break. It has been almost 10 years since I have been back to Hawaii, and I've never gone on a spring break trip. What better way than to visit with relatives in the sun and surf of my birthplace?

That's exactly what I thought.

So now I must look to the future and budget for this hopeful trip. Because it would be so awesome if I could actually make it there!

A Chocolate Thing

I laugh at inappropriate moments. I was revealed something today, and in the midst of crying...I started giggling.

Jesus is funny some times.

Thought I'd share.

Free Fallin

It has been quite a few weeks. I'm in one of those places in life where things are going warp speed everywhere except for where I am. Needless to say, I've entered into massive amounts of prayer for massive amounts of time. It's to the point that all I can say is, "Jesus...I'm out of words." And then I hope he gets me.

So...in search of...only God knows what, I've taken to reading once again. I've read passages of the Bible, passages of this book Captivating, and passages within Blue Like Jazz. I've read and read and read until maybe I have something to say to God when next He and I chat.

Until next time folks...here are some things I've highlighted from Blue Like Jazz. Whether or not they speak to you, I find them to be intriguing:

"She would talk to God as if she knew Him, as if she had talked to Him on the phone that day" (46).

"We would eat chocolates and smoke cigarettes and read the Bible, which is the only way to do it, if you ask me. Don, the Bible is so good with chocolate. I always thought the Bible was more of a salad thing, you know, but it isn't. It is a chocolate thing" (47).

"And a beggar's kingdom is better than a proud man's delusion" (86).

"Something got crossed in the wires, and I became the person I should be and not the person I am. It feels like I should go back and get the person I am and bring him here to the person I should be" (98).

"There is something beautiful about a billion stars held steady by a God who knows what He is doing. (They hang there, the stars, like notes on a page of music, free-form verse, silent mysteries swirling in the blue like jazz)"(100).

"I imagined Him looking down on this earth, half angry because His beloved mankind had cheated on Him, had committed adultery, and yet hopelessly in love with her, drunk with love for her" (100).

"My most recent faith struggle is not one of intellect. I don't really do that anymore. Sooner or later you just figure out there are some guys who don't believe in God and they can prove He doesn't exist, and some other guys who do believe in God and they can prove He does exist, and the argument stopped being about God a long time ago and now it's about who is smarter, and honestly I don't care" (103).

"It is always the simply things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. You feel like running, but life is on a stroll. This is how God does things" (217).

Get Plugged In!

Get plugged in to agriculture! The moment you do, you won't regret it.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Minnesota Grown

Minneapolis Farmers Market

And while you're at it, continue to pray for rain. : )

Teeny Tiny Post

If you don't already listen to Kina Grannis...shame on you.

Sweet, Sweet Sunshine

After what seems like forever, the sun has finally decided to show it's face! About time! It's been almost an entire week in JUNE where the sun was not out. Nothing gets under my skin more than dreary days in the summer time.

For the first time in awhile, I had to wear sweaters and sweatshirts. Even those did not keep me warm.

But all seems well in the world...for the sun is out and I'm wearing shorts!

I finished The Shack just last week. It was every bit of wonderful as it started out as. The language itself was enough to keep me drawn in. I should preface this review in saying that while it has a theological message, I mostly read it as an English major would. I accepted the major themes and motifs, delved deeper into the characters, and just enjoyed the book overall. I would recommend this as a read to anyone who wants something refreshing to read.

The theological points served interesting as well. Without revealing too much (since it's one of the BIG surprises within the story), I felt that these were not decisions made as to change a world view. I simply believe that the theology in this story were presented in a way so that the main character, a broken and raged man, would be able to accept. If the theology were presented to him in any other way, he would have certainly turned away from God altogether. While again, that is a simple English major answer, I think there is some truth to it. I do not think the main message is meant to offend anyone.

Other than that, I have also made the discovery for audio books. I have listened to HP before I go to bed almost every night last week.

Now...to enjoy the sunshine!

Graduation!!

Nothing feels more satisfying than fifteen pounds of leis draped around your shoulders, an empty degree cover signifying that you have done it: accomplished a B.A. in English. : ) You should try it.

With the commencement of summer, I have moved back to Forest Lake, started/finished unpacking my room. However, since my best friend is in Switzerland for a couple of weeks, I have developed a few new additions to my schedule:

1. Work out more
2. Become addicted to Grey's Anatomy
3. Take care of my car
4. Nanny
5. Start summer reading list (a.k.a. The Shack. SUPER good thus far. I'll review it later.)

This summer is going to be awesome, and then it's back to the (school) books.

Texts From Last Night

I have finished two of my finals already, and the ever-looming Personal Finance final is on Friday! Aah!!

But in the mean time, I will be packing, visiting with my wonderful family, and getting ready to graduate!

Also, I will be reading multiple useless websites because I have no homework. Sweet victory.

http://www.textsfromlastnight.com

Day at the Zoo

I am officially done with classes!! Aah!!

So to celebrate, I went to the zoo! And Punch Pizza!! And on TOP of it all, watched FarmHouse bring home the Cup in a 8-4 softball victory over AGR.

Yesterday was a good day! : )

Now to pack, study, graduate, then move.

The Borders Rewards Card

This is not a good sign....not at all.

Today I turn in the final final draft of my senior thesis, and then our professor is taking us out to the bar! Aaah!! Yes!!!

I began thinking about what I would do once I turned in my senior thesis, since it will now free up so much of my time. Naturally, I've started to compile the Summer Reading List 2009. I went to Borders yesterday at the mall, which was a bad bad idea. I came out with a new book, and a Borders rewards card...NOT TO MENTION the 40% off coupon a $20 purchase.

I love when life is grand like this.


So here it is:

Summer Reading List 2009 (*subject to additions):

1. The Shack
by: WM. Paul Young

Luke bought me this book for my birthday, and I haven't yet had the opportunity to read it yet. I think this will be the first one to knock off the list.

2. P.S. I Love You
by: Celia Ahern

After seeing this movie, I knew I had to read the book. I think this is one of the first love stories that I have been engrossed in in awhile, and I'm totally pumped to read this.

3. Sense and Sensibility
by: Jane Austen

Just because I am done with my English degree in a week and trading it in for Agriculture does not mean that I have to put my love for classic literature aside. Besides, I have yet to read ANY of Jane Austen, and I'm not quite sure how they are giving me a Bachelor's degree in English Literature without having done so. I'm reading this so I can earn my chops.

4. Brisingr
by: Christopher Paolini

No...I still have not finished this book and I bought it in SEPTEMBER! Aah!! I really have to know what's going on in
Alagaesia, however school got in the way.

5. Love Letters of Great Men
Compiled by: Ursula Doyle

Yes...it's from Sex and the City. Don't judge me.

So that's it...off to drink and then study for finals. Almost there!

Boo.

As an aside:

it makes me sad that Kina Grannis did a Miley Cyrus cover.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QUEkN2BttQ&feature=channel_page

My Days Are Limited

1. Geez...I don't know why I continually change my password. It took me at least four times to log in. Embarrassing.

2. I just realized today that my days are becoming increasingly limited. I graduate on May 17th, 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Oh my. One week of class, finals, and then an entire weekend of entertaining out of town family members. Can't wait. Tomorrow we turn in our final copy of our Senior Theses to be judged and then we're all going out for a drink. If there are ever times when I absolutely LOVE being an English major, this would be one of them. It makes me miss London times a thousand, because that was the only place that was appropriate to sit over a pint and discuss literature. My friends here just wish I would stop talking about books since they hadn't read them yet.

3. My thoughts are rather scattered today, which I find befitting the scattered thunderstorms found outside of my window. Oh well, I find this to be a fantastically fine week to break in the new umbrella. : ) I had only been searching for an umbrella like this one for about a year. I think this has to be the first impulse purchase I've made in awhile, and I'm proud of that fact. Now if I could just stop going out to eat with Luke, I'd be set. I should probably research free dates.

4. I have a job interview tonight. Actually the second interview. We'll see how that goes.

The Greatest Feelings in the World

The Greatest Feelings in the World:

1. Standing on the top of the Eiffel Tower
2. Drinking ice tea on a porch
3. Taking a nap in a park
4. Throwing a graduation cap into the air
5. Wearing shorts and flip flops
6. Cheering on a winning baseball team
7. Having a conversation over a pint in the pub
8. Licking cake batter out of a bowl
9. Love
10. Finishing your senior thesis

: )

Guess what I just turned in today?