Halloween and Christmas!

Happy Halloween! Even though today is Halloween, I put up my Christmas tree with colored lights. The sad part is that I put it up before I even finished carving my pumpkin. I'm ready for the holiday season!

Today was also Christopher's and my 5 year anniversary. We finished carving our pumpkins today. He carved a script A (which looks really good) on his old-timey pumpkin. I'll have to post pictures. I carved a really weird looking jack-o-lantern. I tried to carve a schnauzer, but that didn't work. After I put the pumpkin out on display Chris told me that I could carve something in the other side. So I went to go get it, and I actually carved a schnauzer that looks like one. This is the first time I branched out and actually carved something other than two eyes, a nose, and a mouth. We did forget to buy candles though, but that's okay. They're still pretty.

After the carving, we saw the babies! They were so excited...so was I. Then we went to Cypress Inn for dinner. It was really good! Now it's time for November and homecoming. 

-Christie

5 Things (That a Lot of People Don't Know) About Me

1.) I grew up terrified of E.T. I couldn't sleep at night because of him. If I woke up in the middle of the night, I couldn't get back to sleep because I thought E.T. would come into my room. My friend said that if I kept my room messy, he wouldn't come visit me, therefore, I tried to keep my room messy. I wouldn't look at the night light in the hallway because I saw E.T.'s shadow on the wall. 

2.) I have some symptoms of those with OCD. For example, the volume on the tv and radio and the temperature of the air conditioner must be on even numbers. If my leg touches something (like a table or any object) accidentally, I have to make sure my other leg touches it so it will be even. If one of my eyes has something in it, and it twitches, then I have to blink the other one as many times as I did the other one to make it even. I never touch door handles or sink handles with my hands because of the germs. I wash my hands frequently when I go to the doctor for allergy shots and have Purell in my car for emergencies. I also have things very specific ways. In my kitchen, everything goes in a specific place. I like to load dishes on my own because people either put them in the wrong place or don't rotate the dishes. I want every dish to be used the same amount of times. 

3.) I found out 1 1/2 years ago that I am allergic to dogs (along with cats, hickory trees, pecan trees, and oak trees) after having one since I was 5. I now get allergy shots twice a week and take 5 daily medications so that I can have Kona and not be miserable. 

4.) I love cold weather! I love drinking coffee, eating warm soup, and snuggling up to watch a movie. I get sad when the weather starts getting warmer.

5.) I an a wannabe world traveler. I want to travel the world really badly but don't have the money to do it. I live my traveling dreams through Christina who has gone more places than anyone I can even think of. I should be a cruise director like her--then I will travel the world while making money...the best of both worlds!

-Christie

A Survey

i am: watching the Today show.

i think: that i will get a lot of work done today.

i know: that God will never leave me and that He is the only one who will always and forever love me.

i want: to have the ability to be able to decorate my house in a beautifully, casual and modern way. 

i have: finally turned the heater on...the house was 63 degrees.

i wish: i could move to chicago right now.

i hate: being in tuscaloosa right now.

i miss: kona.

i fear: not being happy and criminals.

i feel: hopeful.

i hear: the tv and the tranquil waterfall in my turtle aquarium.

i smell: the aroma of my perfume and hair.

i crave: coffee and muffins.

i search: for puppy breeders and available puppies in rescue shelters way too often.

i wonder: what life will be like in 5 years.

i regret: some things i did in the past.

i love: fall and winter because that means cuddling with special people while drinking coffee and hot chocolate and watching Christmas movies (like Home Alone).

i ache: when i kickbox for over a week (my back) and when i see people that are suffering.

i care: about people’s feelings and their circumstances.

i always: am breathing and eating something.

i am not: a simple person.

i believe: God.

i dance: to michael jackson.

i sing: really loudly in the car and shower to anything and everything.

i don’t always: exercise everyday, but i do try to.

i fight: with Christopher and my dad.

i write: papers, blogs, and to do lists. 

i win: tennis matches (sometimes).

i lose: yahtzee.

i never: want to become a bridezilla.

i confuse: myself by thinking to hard about simple things.

i listen: the home alone soundtrack and other Christmas music at inappropriate times of the year.

i can usually be found: in my house.

i am scared: of scorpions in my house...especially in my bed. i check every night.

i need: to get away to develop into the woman God wants me to be.

i am happy about: our wedding, honeymoon, and new life together.

-Christie

Escape

As I'm writing this, my turtle is trying to escape from his aquarium...

We had a great weekend! We went to Gatlinburg and Knoxville, TN for the amazing Tennessee game. It was a great win! 

We drove to Gatlinburg on Friday, ate, walked around the town, and played putt-putt. Christopher was the big winner, with Dad coming in 2nd, then me, and lastly was Mom. We went to bed shortly after that. We woke up early on Saturday to get coffee and to go to the Pancake Pantry. I had to order the sweet potato pancakes, which I finished eating this morning. After that we shopped around for a little bit, then left for Knoxville. I took a nap in our new hotel, and then we left for the game. We all got to sit together, thanks to the fans who didn't show up. We definitely cleared out the stadium quite early. We got McDonald's for Christopher, and everyone else but me after the game. We got to sleep around 1 a.m. We didn't all wake up until 11:00 a.m. the next morning, with me being the first up. We ate at Moe's, looked for coffee for way too long (at least 30 minutes) with no success until we found Starbuck's, then we left for home. We got home last night around 5:30 p.m. and went to Hokkaido for sushi. 

It was a fun weekend in which no work was accomplished, so I'm sure this week will be a long one. 

-Christie

Longing for Something More...

I'm very ready to be done with school and move out of this town. At least I just registered for the last time ever today. I want to be in a big city right now. I want to be able to walk out my door and go somewhere. Unfortunately, the only jobs that Christopher is able to attain are ones located in small cities. I guess I have unrealistic "dreams" if you can call them that. 

If I could live anywhere, I would live in a large city with four seasons (which eliminates a lot of places like Hawaii, Texas...well Houston and the other cities in the south, all southern cities and northern cities, Alaska, anywhere in Canada). I like mild summers that don't get so hot that I get a heat rash every time I step outside. I want to live in or very near to a big city. I don't mind a suburb like Alpharetta since it's safer, but I really just don't want to live in the country. I also want to live in a state that has fairly good schools so that the state would just let teachers do what they're certified to do...not Mississippi or Alabama (right now). I want to live somewhere that is beautiful, close to some body of water or mountains. I also want to live in a place that is close to a lot of other places that are good vacation/getaway spots. 

Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to get away for a little while to establish a life of my own. I guess this is a dream. That's what some would call it, while others call it stupid. I feel like the only way I can truly live out God's will is to do it in a new place with new faces with Christopher, of course. 

-Christie

Avoiding School

I'm writing now to avoid school work because it is the most pointless and boring assignment I've ever had to do. Thanks Dr. Shwery for teaching me how to procrastinate.

I have made a collage (if you want to call it that) of hairstyles that are similar to something I would want for the wedding. This is one thing I've done today. I don't think I can post it because I put it in a word document, so too bad.

Another thing I've done is researched miniature schnauzer and westie breeders. Yes, I want another dog, and it's not because I miss Kona. I do miss her, but she needs a playmate and a sibling. In my opinion, everyone needs a playmate and a sibling. I'm not writing a persuasive paper or anything, but there are two people in particular who do not want me to get another dog, and those people just don't like to take care of dogs, but I don't mind. They also have siblings. I don't, so I know how Kona feels. It sounds like an 8 year old is writing this, so I'm going to stop...

I probably need to start working again or else I'm going to do it during class tonight, which doesn't sound too bad...But I don't want to be stressed tomorrow and the next day because I hadn't done an assignment that is past due. 

-Christie

Life is Busy. I miss Kona.

Today I have been thinking how drastically Christopher's and my life are going to change. In the next seven months, we will be married, graduated, and (hopefully) working. We will most likely be living in a new city, maybe in a new state making new friends. It's exciting but scary at the same time. I'm really not very scared because I am excited for change. I like being comfortable but I think it's time for a change. It makes it easier knowing that I won't be alone; Christopher (and Kona and maybe even another baby...by baby, I mean dog) will be with me. I know God will provide us with everything we need, whether it be money, shelter, food, etc. I'm really now worried about money because I'm pretty certain that we will both have jobs and will make plenty to survive. Even with the bad economy, teachers and engineers are always needed. 

I have been trying to live my life according to Isaiah 26:8--"Our desire is for Your name and renown." God is most glorified when He is able to show his great power and glory. If we have pride and are too busy talking about how great we are, then how can He show his glory? It's simple--we have to get rid of our pride and look to God who is able to do" immeasurably more than all we can ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)." Even during football games, I pray that the team and/or fans that glorify God the most will win (Alabama fans, don't try to kill me for that). It's not that I want to lost the game, but I want God to win more. I want to make God's name famous, but to do that, I need to act more like Him. I try but am often not successful. I will strive to do this for the rest of my life, with the help of God, Christopher, and my friends and family. I will continue to pray that the journey that Christopher and I will be taking soon will allow us to make God famous, and I know that God will take care of that because He is in control. 

P.S. I miss Baby Kona! It's way too quiet here, and I have no one to walk or cuddle with at night...except my turtle, but that would be nasty.

-Christie

Sushi Tonight??

I got out of class early, so Christopher and I are going to go to Chuck's to get sushi! 

So, since fall break not too much has happened. We accomplished all that I had planned during the break, which was amazing and busy! It was a great break! 

Now that I'm back, it's time for work. It's not too busy yet. Everything is going really well...God is good, and life is good. (We set a date for our engagement session--November 2nd. Hopefully the campus isn't too trashy the day after the homecoming game. Look at the Gresham's blog...they're amazing!) The only thing that's not too great is my car. It smelled like something was burning, but then it went away. And the air conditioning is out. At least it's cool outside. I wish it got dark earlier in the summer and was dark later in the winter, but I don't think I have any control over that. 

My thoughts are always really scattered. With that said, I want a puppy, not only for my sake, but for Kona's sake. She is so sad now that Chloe is in Alpharetta. She just sleeps and mopes around all day long...poor little girl! 

I'm so proud of Christopher and me for all that we have done for the wedding, so I'm going to list everything we've completed. We have the date and venue for the ceremony and reception, the food, the dress, shoes, photographer, bridal hair appointment, bridesmaid dress colors, and registries for Macy's and Target. That's all I can think of now, but it's a lot to me.

Happy (79th) Birthday Grandma and Happy Birthday to Mimi (tomorrow and it's the 80th)!

P.S. Here's the wedding website. It has pictures, wedding info, and other important stuff.

-Christie

Bridesmaid Dress??

Okay, so I think this is going to be the bridesmaid dress colors...

And this is the actual style of the dress (it wasn't in the latte color--it was cornflower, but it does have the watermelon sash on)...

I actually liked this color, but it seemed like it may be too flashy, and the last thing I want is a tacky wedding.

P.S. My wedding shoes came in yesterday. They were supposed to be dyed ivory, and I guess they were (I haven't seen them yet). My mom opened the box to look at them and said they were kind of a champagne color...awesome. And it is obvious that they are darker than my dress. Well, I can't return the shoes, so I hope my dress will cover them up. I have to defend myself quickly...I went to a wedding boutique and tried on the same brand of the shoe that I ordered in ivory. I told them what brand my dress was and the color, which they had in the store. The ivory matched that, therefore, I wasn't too worried ordering my shoes online since I had seen the ivory color before. So it's not really my fault that they don't match.

-Christie

Rainy Wednesday

It really hasn't rained in months since yesterday and today. I really don't mind it, because I like to exercise outside, and it's hard to do that when it's wet.

Today I need to do some work for my two online classes, so I don't have any work to worry about this weekend. Other than that, I guess I need to do laundry and pack. I think we're leaving tomorrow morning...extra early. Christopher doesn't like driving at night, and I chickened out about skipping class. At least this way I'll get full attendance and participation points. 

And now, for the most exciting news in a long time (like two months)...I'M GRADUATING IN MAY!!! How exciting is that?! That means graduation ceremonies all day long--mine and then Christopher's...that's like 6 to 8 hours. Now I have to worry about taking the comps...scary. I guess I'll take it in the spring just in case a problem arises...then I can take it in the summer if I don't pass the first time. This is great though because now Christopher and I won't be separated for a month or so after we get married. 

So I recently realized that I have never really talked about God and my friends on here, which is so sad. God has blessed me with some of the best friends anyone could ask for. Rebekah and Tom threw us a surprise engagement party and invited all of our close friends. They are so sweet! I never talked about that, but it was a lot of fun. We ate, talked, and played games (men vs. women style). And of course, the women won! We played Cranium and Taboo. And by the way, Christopher and David Potter need extra help with that game...they were struggling very badly.

-Christie

2 days...

It's only Monday. I can't wait to go to Atlanta on Wednesday or Thursday (should I skip class or not??) for fall break! We have so much exciting stuff planned! 

On Thursday, Christopher and I are going to register at Macy's and Target. Those are the only places we're going to register at for now. We really don't need much stuff. We need furniture, but obviously, that's expensive, and the average person cannot afford that. We wouldn't want anyone buying us furniture anyway...too much money. Hopefully we can afford it because the only thing we have is everything that I have in my current house, which is plenty to start off with. I really want a king bed because I like my space, but we may have to wait for that. I think a house should come first. 

Wow did I get sidetracked...after registering (and who knows how long that will take), we really don't have any plans. I did make a list of things that I wanted to register for, so that should make everything go quicker, but I'll probably want to shop afterwards...poor Christopher. I'll probably visit with all of the family that will be in town due to Mimi's surprise 80th birthday party. 

On Friday (what a big day), we have to take the dogs to the vet to get groomed. After that, Christopher and I are going to Burt's Pumpkin Farm and Amicalola Falls! We will each get a pumpkin to carve on Halloween (aka our 5 year anniversary), then we will go hiking at the park. We have to be back by 5:00 so I can get my bridal makeover. I know it's early, but I'm worried that I will not be able to recreate the look, so it may take a lot of practice. But the savings of doing my own makeup is amazing, therefore, I'm doing my own makeup even if it looks like poop. Good news though, I got some sun this weekend, so I won't get pasty makeup (which I've currently been using thanks to the pastiness of my skin)!! 

On Saturday, I'm going to finally see Lauren!! We're going to have brunch/lunch. Then I have to bake a cake for Mimi's party. I really have the whole afternoon free until 6:00--I have to pick up food from Primrose Cottage so I will know what it tastes like (I really hope it's good!). Then, I have to rush home for Mimi's party. I know I'll miss the surprise thanks to Primrose...thanks Primrose Cottage for being so accommodating. 

Sunday is church, and then Christopher and I are coming back to Tuscaloosa with Sandra, and that will be the end of our break. It's going to be really really busy, but it should also be lots of fun. 

For today, I've only accomplished drinking a latte and eating a sticky bun. Now I must exercise and do work before the busy afternoon. I have allergy shots at 3:45, but I'm also supposed to meet Rebekah at David's Bridal at 4:00. I'll get to the SHC early, and hopefully they will give me my shots early so I can meet Rebekah. I'm so excited to finally be looking at colors and the bridesmaid dresses!! We'll be there for about an hour, and then I am meeting Natalie for dinner somewhere of my choice--wherever that may be. Then I'm done for the day. Maybe I'll pack or clean. I just learned that vacuuming and dusting burns about 300 calories, so fire that maid, and start cleaning/exercising!

-Christie

Forgetful Friday

So I meant to post yesterday, but I forgot until now. I have also forgotten to do some things that I should have done today, hence the name Forgetful Friday.

Yesterday was kind of productive. By productive, I mean that I was successful at one thing, and that one thing is not necessarily important by any means. I baked the best sticky buns ever! I found a recipe on the food network a couple of months ago from a bakery in Boston. Well, yesterday I was really craving a cinnamon roll, and I had just exercised, so I wasn't feeling any guilt. Well, I kept putting it off because I was busy doing nothing until 3:00 when I went to the bank and the health center for my allergy shots. (I did make a chicken cheesy rice casserole for lunch though.) I got home and watched last week's office episode (season 5 opener) and did some sudoku (I know, really productive so far). So after that, I had to get ready for tennis and leave. I came back home and was still craving the sticky buns, so I had an ingenious idea--make the sticky buns. Well, the recipe from the bakery made their own brioche dough, which takes about a whole day to make (at least 9 hours plus preparation and baking time). So I thought I would be creative and make my own recipe. I used a pre bought Pizza Crust as the dough. I rolled it out, and put brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans on the dough. Then I rolled it up and sliced it into 12 buns. After that, I made the yummy gooey stuff. I melted butter and brown sugar together, then I took it off of the heat and whisked in cream, water, and honey. I poured the goo into the pan and placed the buns on top of the goo. I baked them for about 40 minutes and inverted them. Then I poured the gooey sauce all over the buns. I had to eat a hot one, but I couldn't without my coffee, so I made a cafe au lait. It was a great night! The only thing missing was a little French cafe. 

I can guarantee you that according to my standards, today will be nowhere near as productive, except for the fact that I've already eaten one sticky bun and probably will eat another one before the day is over--with a latte of course.

-Christie

Weekly Post??

Apparently I only post weekly, and only on Wednesdays. I don't plan this--it just happens. That would be an interesting thing to research (I have a research class on Wednesdays...how ironic).

Last weekend was amazing! Athens was fun--the game and seeing old friends. We went to a pub, Trappeze. I was kind of bummed out considering I don't like beer, and then I saw that a coffee bar was attached, so of course, I got a latte. It reminded me of a latte I had in Chicago at Intelligentsia. Oh how I miss Chicago. One day I would love to live there for a little while...maybe longer. I get sidetracked so easily. After the bar, Christopher and I went to find friends. He saw Steven, and I saw Mindy. We got to hang out for a little while, then it was time for the amazing game. 

I left out an exciting detail about the weekend--my dress came in!! I now officially have my wedding dress. The next thing I need to find are shoes. We have also picked our wedding photographer. We just have to pay and sign the contract...yay! I'm getting really excited about the wedding since it actually feels like it's happening. We're also planning the honeymoon. It's going to be in Cape Cod/Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard and Boston. It's going to be so much fun! I've never been to any of those places, but Christopher has been to Boston. They have great coffee shops there...already done the research. 

Another exciting thing is that today is the first day of October!! The weather is amazing, with a high of 75 today. And next weekend is fall break. That means Burt's Pumpkin Farm, Amicalola Falls, shopping, and Mimi's party! Hopefully I'll post again before that, but we'll see...

-Christie