25 Things About Christie!

1.) I like to cook, but I'm usually stressed out when I cook. 

2.) I love to bake because I've never messed up a baked item...one of my greatest accomplishments.

3.) I am sarcastic, but I wish I weren't. I guess that means I'm negative.

4.) I hate to admit it and rarely do, but I love girly tv shows like The Bachelor, The Hills, etc.

5.) I'm very sensitive to smells. I can't stand stinky things, but I love smells like clean laundry and some floral perfume. I like to smell people that smell good.

6.) I hate wedding planning, but I'm so excited about the wedding and the marriage!

7.) I love to eat...a lot!

8.) I have a passion for muffins. I am on a lifelong quest to perfect the triple berry muffin. The best muffin I have ever had is from the Bougeois Pig Cafe in Chicago. It's amazing...really! I've made some good muffins, but none that can compare to theirs.

9.) I really really want Guitar Hero World Edition, Band Edition for my Wii! It's so much fun, but it's so expensive.

10.) I love my dog so much! I am allergic to her, but I get allergy shots once a week and take medicine daily so I can have her. 

11.) I don't just love my dog, but I love all dogs so much that I get a dog magazine monthly. Yes, I receive Dog Fancy. Go ahead and make fun of me. My schnauzer can take you.

12.) I want to have a big family. This is probably because I had such a small family and had always longed for a sibling. 

13.) I love coffee, mostly lattes. I have an espresso machine and make myself a latte with 2% milk daily. Lately my favorite espresso is Jittery Joe's, though I have many favorites.

14.) I was born and raised in Houston, TX.

15.) I love the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! I haven't been to the rodeo since 6th grade, which makes me really sad...I can't wait until I can go again.

16.) When I was in elementary and middle school, I was obsessed with basketball. I went to many Houston Rockets games and knew every player.

17.) I've always had an obsession with Charles Barkley. I think he is hilarious and says the most random things. He calls everyone a knucklehead and does some great commercials. Look them up if you don't believe me. I also thought his temper was funny...not a normal comment, I know.

18.) I love big cities and always want to live in one, though I would learn to be happy anywhere I end up.

19.) I want to live in Chicago at some point in my life, probably earlier rather than later. It's a great city with so much to do and see!

20.) I never thought I would say this, but I love my Wii.

21.) My favorite flowers are gardenias, tuberose, hydrangeas, and roses. Smell has a lot to do with it, of course.

22.) I would rather buy something for my dog than I would for myself.

23.) I have never been camping. The closest I've been was sleeping in a tent in Shannon's living room because we were too scared to sleep in her backyard. 

24.) I am a travel wannabe. I really long to travel, but it's expensive and I don't do it much. When Christopher and I retire, there's no stopping us!

25.) I love Oreo Blizzards from Dairy Queen. I also love surprises!

Crazy Love

It's been a while since I have written on here. I wanted to share a book that is transforming my thinking and hopefully, my life. Crazy Love by Francis Chan is so relevant to life today. God has this crazy love that is unconditional, everlasting, unchanging, etc. There is not way I can accurately describe God's love for us in words. I highly encourage everyone to go to this website and watch the videos (everything but the chapter ones first unless you're reading the book). After reading this book, you will never be the same again. You will go from a "lukewarm Christian" (if that is even possible) to a passionate Christ follower. I want people to think I act at least a little like Jesus, and I have to transform my life to do that. I can't wait to finish the book! And if you ever get a chance to see him speak, go! God shines right through him.

On another note, the break was good. Christmas time is always really busy and stressful. Next year, I'm going to be prepared and will learn to enjoy Christmas. We also went to Houston to visit family and friends, which was really fun! I saw some old friends, and Christopher was able to meet them along with my family. We also ate lots of great barbecue, Tex-Mex, and Shipley's! Then we went to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl...enough said.

I'm glad to be back, but a lot of going on. The final touches to the wedding must be made. I have to make lots of appointments and decisions, which as many close to me know, is really difficult for me. I really don't enjoy planning, but I am beginning to get excited since a lot is coming together. I can't wait for the day to come, but I'm not looking forward from now until May 16th because of the planning and school work. I have to take the COMPS on February 16th, and I just found out two days ago, so that was scary news. I've got lots of studying, traveling, planning, and celebrating to do, so I better go do some work so I won't fall behind.

-Christie