I'm writing this as I wait for bulletins to finish printing, so this is going to be short — I have to be done in time for us to leave for Ian's cousin's graduation from Pitt State, then it's back home to see Caleb in the fall play (usually it's in November, long story).
This past week has been pretty crazy. Monday I was sick. Monday night was a crazy ice storm and our power went out, early Tuesday morning it came back for two hours, then went out again. Meanwhile, I was still sick. The power came back on later Tuesday, but so many people still don't have electricity, and might not for another week or so. It's crazy, and not that I like it, but it's amazing to see a community of our size come together. Friends offer places to stay, media works hard to make sure everyone has information they need, electric companies work day and night to fix everything, and people from other states come in to help. And it's beautiful outside. Yesterday the sun was shining and melted a lot, but it looked like the world was encrusted with diamonds. A little cliche, I know, but I don't have time to think of a more unique description. And no matter how you say it, it was gorgeous!
Point two. WE HAVE AN APARTMENT IN PHILLY! Right near the museum... THE museum with the Rocky stairs. 8th floor, great view, so who care's if it's a small studio apartment. It'll be cozy!
Well, bulletins are calling. Have a lovely day, and appreciate your energy sources.
12.14.2007
12.08.2007
Life is so fast
It's getting close to a month since I last blogged. And not for lack of thought, but lack of time. It's funny how life comes at you so fast. I thought, oh, graduation, no homework, I'll have more free time, because I can leave my work at work. But things expand to fill your time, and unless you're intentional, you're never less busy. You just need to make sure what you're occupying your time with is worthwhile. Following God, investing in people, appreciating the world. I feel like these past few weeks have been a loss of that intentionality. I've let myself become overwhelmed with wedding preparations, moving plans, instead of enjoying all of it, and the last moments I have with everyone here before we leave, and the joy of preparing for Ian and I's new life together.
I could tell you all the updates... we bought wedding rings, the bachelorette party was so much fun (thanks to my amazing bridesmaids, and also to everyone who came! You girls all mean so much to me, and I am so thankful you are in my life — no matter how busy life is, no matter how long it's been since we've seen each other, I know I can count on you when I need it. There are not words to thank you enough for that, I love you all!), we ordered napkins just in time, as plum is being discontinued, so not only did we get the right color, we got them on sale, we're plugging away at all the little details. And not that it is all meaningless, because it's not — all of it enables us to enjoy celebrating our wedding with everyone we care about. But I want to make sure I'm taking time to appreciate family, friends, the time I get to enjoy with everyone, and most especially Ian. With the overwhelmingness of everything, it's very easy to snap at each other, and forget the big picture, and how lucky I am. And, even bigger than that, to continue my walk with God. It's very easy, especially when we are busy, to push it to the back burner. To worry about the urgent details, and forget about what is important. I can feel the difference when I make that ever so slight shift. It's not so much a matter of a radical shift in the way I spend my day, but the attitude of my heart. I understand more and more that book title, "Too Busy Not To Pray."
Life is good, but we've only got one to enjoy and make a difference with. Don't forget that, no matter what you're doing or where you're at in life. Chase after God, make time for people, and the rest will fall into place.
I could tell you all the updates... we bought wedding rings, the bachelorette party was so much fun (thanks to my amazing bridesmaids, and also to everyone who came! You girls all mean so much to me, and I am so thankful you are in my life — no matter how busy life is, no matter how long it's been since we've seen each other, I know I can count on you when I need it. There are not words to thank you enough for that, I love you all!), we ordered napkins just in time, as plum is being discontinued, so not only did we get the right color, we got them on sale, we're plugging away at all the little details. And not that it is all meaningless, because it's not — all of it enables us to enjoy celebrating our wedding with everyone we care about. But I want to make sure I'm taking time to appreciate family, friends, the time I get to enjoy with everyone, and most especially Ian. With the overwhelmingness of everything, it's very easy to snap at each other, and forget the big picture, and how lucky I am. And, even bigger than that, to continue my walk with God. It's very easy, especially when we are busy, to push it to the back burner. To worry about the urgent details, and forget about what is important. I can feel the difference when I make that ever so slight shift. It's not so much a matter of a radical shift in the way I spend my day, but the attitude of my heart. I understand more and more that book title, "Too Busy Not To Pray."
Life is good, but we've only got one to enjoy and make a difference with. Don't forget that, no matter what you're doing or where you're at in life. Chase after God, make time for people, and the rest will fall into place.
11.16.2007
a wedding nightmare.... and updates!
First off, good news! Mom finally had her last chemo treatment! Now it's just herceptin for a year, which is considerably less stressful. Oh, and her wig looks better than my hair... lol!
Second. The wedding is only 45 days away! Exciting, but scary at the same time. Micki is down here running wedding errands for me, and we're going to do practice hair tonight! It's coming together... We're on schedule, but there's so much to do. Name change things, planning out the ceremony, pulling together reception details, fitting, alterations, and more fittings, picking up dresses, tanning, teeth whitening, getting the wedding bands, and that's just what I remember at the moment!
We're also still looking at apartments. Some promising things, but we found out in most places, studios cannot be occupied by two residents, ergo we probably need to rent a 1-bedroom apartment, which translates into a lot more money. And there's this requirement that you look at the apartment before you sign... we need to figure out how to avoid buying a plane ticket while still managing that one!
All this has caused another wedding nightmare. Last night, I dreamed we had the wedding (which was here, but the building was the same as the Christian Church back home). We were in the basement, for something post ceremony... but it wasn't the reception, despite the fact that there was cake. A sheet cake with teddy bears airbrushed on with "Bonjourno!" written across the top. Don't ask why it was Italian. No idea where that came from. Ian told me to get my own piece, instead of sharing, because he thought he'd eat it all. So I ask for another one, but they said they weren't sure they'd have enough for everyone. I pointed out, "We're the bride and groom!" So they chopped it smaller and gave me a piece. We went to sit down and I asked my mom something about when are we were heading over to Houston Street, and she said, basically, we ran out of time getting it ready, so we'll just have the reception tomorrow. I freaked, because who could stay for a two-day wedding, right? Plus we had honeymoon reservations. It was too late to pick up the tablecloths, and Houston Street didn't have the tables set up. I almost woke up, because I realized, wait, none of this is ready yet because it's November, not December (because November has a 31st, right? hah!) and then I freak out again, because Ian and I accidentally got married a month early, not getting to enjoy the wedding we planned out. This is definitely my weirdest wedding nightmare to date.
One more thing, and I'll try to keep this short. I read on the KC Star online, Joe Posnansky thinks that "Daniel, Reesing worthy of Heisman." That's Missouri's and KU's, respectively, quarterbacks for those of you not keeping up with Big XII football. No idea how good a predictor he is, but knowing how the media is jumping on the KU bandwagon (gag me!), I can see it. If KU is the first Kansas school with a Heisman winner, I think... well, I don't know what I'll do. But seriously, something is wrong with the universe. KU IS NOT A FOOTBALL SCHOOL! Well, at least we've got basketball this year... maybe we'll finally beat them at home. Ranked 22 in the AP poll, baby! Go State!
That's all I got. Except I'm going to plug "Pushing Daisies" again. Watch it. Scroll down, on the right side, you'll find the RSS feed for the online episodes. It's worth it, promise!
Second. The wedding is only 45 days away! Exciting, but scary at the same time. Micki is down here running wedding errands for me, and we're going to do practice hair tonight! It's coming together... We're on schedule, but there's so much to do. Name change things, planning out the ceremony, pulling together reception details, fitting, alterations, and more fittings, picking up dresses, tanning, teeth whitening, getting the wedding bands, and that's just what I remember at the moment!
We're also still looking at apartments. Some promising things, but we found out in most places, studios cannot be occupied by two residents, ergo we probably need to rent a 1-bedroom apartment, which translates into a lot more money. And there's this requirement that you look at the apartment before you sign... we need to figure out how to avoid buying a plane ticket while still managing that one!
All this has caused another wedding nightmare. Last night, I dreamed we had the wedding (which was here, but the building was the same as the Christian Church back home). We were in the basement, for something post ceremony... but it wasn't the reception, despite the fact that there was cake. A sheet cake with teddy bears airbrushed on with "Bonjourno!" written across the top. Don't ask why it was Italian. No idea where that came from. Ian told me to get my own piece, instead of sharing, because he thought he'd eat it all. So I ask for another one, but they said they weren't sure they'd have enough for everyone. I pointed out, "We're the bride and groom!" So they chopped it smaller and gave me a piece. We went to sit down and I asked my mom something about when are we were heading over to Houston Street, and she said, basically, we ran out of time getting it ready, so we'll just have the reception tomorrow. I freaked, because who could stay for a two-day wedding, right? Plus we had honeymoon reservations. It was too late to pick up the tablecloths, and Houston Street didn't have the tables set up. I almost woke up, because I realized, wait, none of this is ready yet because it's November, not December (because November has a 31st, right? hah!) and then I freak out again, because Ian and I accidentally got married a month early, not getting to enjoy the wedding we planned out. This is definitely my weirdest wedding nightmare to date.
One more thing, and I'll try to keep this short. I read on the KC Star online, Joe Posnansky thinks that "Daniel, Reesing worthy of Heisman." That's Missouri's and KU's, respectively, quarterbacks for those of you not keeping up with Big XII football. No idea how good a predictor he is, but knowing how the media is jumping on the KU bandwagon (gag me!), I can see it. If KU is the first Kansas school with a Heisman winner, I think... well, I don't know what I'll do. But seriously, something is wrong with the universe. KU IS NOT A FOOTBALL SCHOOL! Well, at least we've got basketball this year... maybe we'll finally beat them at home. Ranked 22 in the AP poll, baby! Go State!
That's all I got. Except I'm going to plug "Pushing Daisies" again. Watch it. Scroll down, on the right side, you'll find the RSS feed for the online episodes. It's worth it, promise!
10.23.2007
Apartments, invitations, politics, and fake love
I've been meaning to blog all week, but haven't gotten around to it until now... so... this may seem like a random collection... it's basically my thoughts and events this week.
First, apartments. Ian's been looking for apartments in Philly for us, and he found one that seems very promising! It's called The Cosmopolitan. Flexible lease lengths, good location, safe, and, in our price range (he called and it's cheaper than listed on the site), all things considered (location means less gas, washer/dryer means less travel and less laundromat, etc. etc. etc.). No definites yet, but its pretty exciting! We'll see how it pans out.
Second, invitations. We got the invites printed at Copy Kats, after a week of issues with the files printing funny and lots of tweaking, they still got them finished when they said they would! And with the help of some of my lovely bridesmaids, they are addressed, sealed, labeled, and stamped, ready to go. It's so crazy to think we're at this point in everything... 68 days away, sending out invites, getting ready for dress fittings, the bridesmaid dresses should be in in a couple of weeks... We're both so excited though!
Third, politics. I just have to say, I'm incredibly saddened by Sam Brownback leaving the presidential race. I admire him — he lives and votes his values, and I agree with the ones that I care about... human rights, Africa, abortion. I think he would have made a solid president... We'll see where his political career takes him, but I hope he is able to continue effecting change in big ways. I wish we had more politicians that cared about people and making a difference. I'll have to do some serious research and evaluation to pick a candidate now... Hard to find someone that fits what I care about... I've realized I'm a blend of many parties. Although Jonas informed me in the newsroom last year he thinks I fit the Libertarian party (mainly because I said people should be more responsible for themselves, like saving for retirement, instead of spending so much extra money to have the government do it for them, and this is just one example...) ... and then my core issues also fit into Republican (moral conservatism, a.k.a. my views on marriage and abortion), Democratic (social justice, for example, although I think this is more personal — everyone should care about others because Jesus told us to, instead of government-mandated [so this doesn't exactly clash with my personal-responsibility ideas]... but in our fallen world, that doesn't happen), and Green (I believe God wants us to be responsible and take care of the environment, not just roll over it because "He made it for us to use" although I refrain from the whole don't-pick-fruit-because-it-hurts-trees extremism) parties, and I don't even think my issues fit together realistically. Ahhh, so complicated.
Fourth, fake love. I've been watching The Bachelor this season with Meg. It's great bonding... and great comedy entertainment. People think they're actually going to find true love in 6 weeks when a guy has millions of dollars and event planners for their dates... seriously. The people on the show make comments like "it's surreal" ... which nails why the relationship crashes with reality. But this time around, I realized it's tragic. They are looking for fulfillment in another person, and they won't find it, not really. They think they know what they want, but it's not what they need. God is the only one who can completely fill that void and give our lives meaning and fulfillment. A special someone is just icing on the cake. Not to take away from true love, obviously, it's huge and so amazing (yet so hard at the same time and worth everything!). I will also semi-connect this to a commercial Ian and I saw the other day for some car, talking about how society forces instant gratification on us, and then when we aren't happy we do something new. One example was a spouse, and if you stop being happy, you divorce. "What happened to commitment and standing by our decisions" it cried. Of course, this was to tout the car's extended mile warranty. But I admire it — a company who stands by the product in the long run.... and the message stuck with me. People think they should perpetually be "happy" and drop something as soon as the rush is gone. The Bachelor would definitely provide a huge infatuation high and immediate perceived happiness, but relationships (I include friendships in this too), ones that matter, ones that last, take hard work and time. They are infinitely more rewarding, as is anything you spend time, energy, and money on. On the whole, America has lost that, I think... work ethic, commitment, honesty, patience... But I hope and pray that those of us who realize this take the time to pass it on, and let it reflect in our lives. God has a higher purpose for us, and a much deeper joy, when we are who we ought to be, instead of just self-satisfaction junkies. And this really came out rather jumbled, all just to say, life can be better, it is supposed to be better, and I hope that God can use me to share that with others.
I'll conclude by saying I enjoy the new show "Pushing Daisies." Quirky, a little morbid, funny, Seussian (according to Steven, and I agree), but delightful.
First, apartments. Ian's been looking for apartments in Philly for us, and he found one that seems very promising! It's called The Cosmopolitan. Flexible lease lengths, good location, safe, and, in our price range (he called and it's cheaper than listed on the site), all things considered (location means less gas, washer/dryer means less travel and less laundromat, etc. etc. etc.). No definites yet, but its pretty exciting! We'll see how it pans out.
Second, invitations. We got the invites printed at Copy Kats, after a week of issues with the files printing funny and lots of tweaking, they still got them finished when they said they would! And with the help of some of my lovely bridesmaids, they are addressed, sealed, labeled, and stamped, ready to go. It's so crazy to think we're at this point in everything... 68 days away, sending out invites, getting ready for dress fittings, the bridesmaid dresses should be in in a couple of weeks... We're both so excited though!
Third, politics. I just have to say, I'm incredibly saddened by Sam Brownback leaving the presidential race. I admire him — he lives and votes his values, and I agree with the ones that I care about... human rights, Africa, abortion. I think he would have made a solid president... We'll see where his political career takes him, but I hope he is able to continue effecting change in big ways. I wish we had more politicians that cared about people and making a difference. I'll have to do some serious research and evaluation to pick a candidate now... Hard to find someone that fits what I care about... I've realized I'm a blend of many parties. Although Jonas informed me in the newsroom last year he thinks I fit the Libertarian party (mainly because I said people should be more responsible for themselves, like saving for retirement, instead of spending so much extra money to have the government do it for them, and this is just one example...) ... and then my core issues also fit into Republican (moral conservatism, a.k.a. my views on marriage and abortion), Democratic (social justice, for example, although I think this is more personal — everyone should care about others because Jesus told us to, instead of government-mandated [so this doesn't exactly clash with my personal-responsibility ideas]... but in our fallen world, that doesn't happen), and Green (I believe God wants us to be responsible and take care of the environment, not just roll over it because "He made it for us to use" although I refrain from the whole don't-pick-fruit-because-it-hurts-trees extremism) parties, and I don't even think my issues fit together realistically. Ahhh, so complicated.
Fourth, fake love. I've been watching The Bachelor this season with Meg. It's great bonding... and great comedy entertainment. People think they're actually going to find true love in 6 weeks when a guy has millions of dollars and event planners for their dates... seriously. The people on the show make comments like "it's surreal" ... which nails why the relationship crashes with reality. But this time around, I realized it's tragic. They are looking for fulfillment in another person, and they won't find it, not really. They think they know what they want, but it's not what they need. God is the only one who can completely fill that void and give our lives meaning and fulfillment. A special someone is just icing on the cake. Not to take away from true love, obviously, it's huge and so amazing (yet so hard at the same time and worth everything!). I will also semi-connect this to a commercial Ian and I saw the other day for some car, talking about how society forces instant gratification on us, and then when we aren't happy we do something new. One example was a spouse, and if you stop being happy, you divorce. "What happened to commitment and standing by our decisions" it cried. Of course, this was to tout the car's extended mile warranty. But I admire it — a company who stands by the product in the long run.... and the message stuck with me. People think they should perpetually be "happy" and drop something as soon as the rush is gone. The Bachelor would definitely provide a huge infatuation high and immediate perceived happiness, but relationships (I include friendships in this too), ones that matter, ones that last, take hard work and time. They are infinitely more rewarding, as is anything you spend time, energy, and money on. On the whole, America has lost that, I think... work ethic, commitment, honesty, patience... But I hope and pray that those of us who realize this take the time to pass it on, and let it reflect in our lives. God has a higher purpose for us, and a much deeper joy, when we are who we ought to be, instead of just self-satisfaction junkies. And this really came out rather jumbled, all just to say, life can be better, it is supposed to be better, and I hope that God can use me to share that with others.
I'll conclude by saying I enjoy the new show "Pushing Daisies." Quirky, a little morbid, funny, Seussian (according to Steven, and I agree), but delightful.
10.12.2007
An interesting week...
And I mean interesting in a good way! I meant to post on Wednesday, because it was an exciting day, but I got carried away working on bulletin and newsletter stuff, and then there was small group... so, you'll get a recap. But first, today!
Today is a beautiful, cool, rainy fall day. I was going to crack out a sweater, but decided not to because of dance class later tonight... I love fall, and I love rain! I want to curl up tonight with the brown blanket (micro-fleece at Target, AMAZING!) and Ian, and read Pride and Prejudice, or watch Casablanca or something. And today's wedding update: I picked up proof copies of our invites... we'll have a little tweaking to do, but we should have final copies, cut and everything, by next Friday! Then comes the addressing... *sigh*
On to this past week.
Tuesday. Ian and I got our TV from the Herringtons. It's fun to add to our "our stuff" collection (which grows with every wedding shower!)... and it's nice to have a TV again... we can actually do group movie watching! And we get 6 channels with our antennae. CBS, FOX, ABC, a couple channels I couldn't rapidly identify, and something I can't remember what it is now. We got the armoire for it, but it wouldn't easily go up the stairs, and since it's only for 2.5 months... and the Herringtons are letting us keep it in their garage, it works well.
Wednesday. I got up from my desk to grab something from the closet, then came back to see the craziest bug behind my chair... actually right behind where my head usually is. After freaking out a little, I got Ben to come check it out. It had so many legs, and started moving. We decided it was too amazing to kill, so we herded it out the front door. And then we found it online — it's a house centipede.
According to Wikipedia, "Unlike its shorter-legged but much larger tropical cousins, the house centipede can live its entire life inside a building. Because they eat household pests, house centipedes are considered among the most beneficial creatures that inhabit human dwellings, but because of their alarming appearance, frightening speed, and painful bite, few homeowners are willing to share a home with them." But they apparently don't bite people often. And they can live 3-7 years depending on the environment. God is incomprehensibly creative!
The second exciting thing that happened Wednesday is wedding related. Ian and I had a Google chat with Micah, who has so graciously agreed to use his artistic film-related talents to capture our wedding. His ideas: "what I'd like to do is use the wedding service as kind of the base of the video but not just go right through it with just footage from there. I'd like to put in a "B roll" of stuff surrounding the day and maybe even get some shots of places in Manhattan that are important to you." Ian and I both are so excited! We don't want a boring, rather-have-teeth-pulled video to watch. I know, with Micah, it's going to be incredible and we'll watch it over and over!
Anyway, I shall leave you... the bulletins are done printing, and I must attend to Dorothy (the newly renamed folding machine, that is now working beautifully!).
Today is a beautiful, cool, rainy fall day. I was going to crack out a sweater, but decided not to because of dance class later tonight... I love fall, and I love rain! I want to curl up tonight with the brown blanket (micro-fleece at Target, AMAZING!) and Ian, and read Pride and Prejudice, or watch Casablanca or something. And today's wedding update: I picked up proof copies of our invites... we'll have a little tweaking to do, but we should have final copies, cut and everything, by next Friday! Then comes the addressing... *sigh*
On to this past week.
Tuesday. Ian and I got our TV from the Herringtons. It's fun to add to our "our stuff" collection (which grows with every wedding shower!)... and it's nice to have a TV again... we can actually do group movie watching! And we get 6 channels with our antennae. CBS, FOX, ABC, a couple channels I couldn't rapidly identify, and something I can't remember what it is now. We got the armoire for it, but it wouldn't easily go up the stairs, and since it's only for 2.5 months... and the Herringtons are letting us keep it in their garage, it works well.
Wednesday. I got up from my desk to grab something from the closet, then came back to see the craziest bug behind my chair... actually right behind where my head usually is. After freaking out a little, I got Ben to come check it out. It had so many legs, and started moving. We decided it was too amazing to kill, so we herded it out the front door. And then we found it online — it's a house centipede.
According to Wikipedia, "Unlike its shorter-legged but much larger tropical cousins, the house centipede can live its entire life inside a building. Because they eat household pests, house centipedes are considered among the most beneficial creatures that inhabit human dwellings, but because of their alarming appearance, frightening speed, and painful bite, few homeowners are willing to share a home with them." But they apparently don't bite people often. And they can live 3-7 years depending on the environment. God is incomprehensibly creative!
The second exciting thing that happened Wednesday is wedding related. Ian and I had a Google chat with Micah, who has so graciously agreed to use his artistic film-related talents to capture our wedding. His ideas: "what I'd like to do is use the wedding service as kind of the base of the video but not just go right through it with just footage from there. I'd like to put in a "B roll" of stuff surrounding the day and maybe even get some shots of places in Manhattan that are important to you." Ian and I both are so excited! We don't want a boring, rather-have-teeth-pulled video to watch. I know, with Micah, it's going to be incredible and we'll watch it over and over!
Anyway, I shall leave you... the bulletins are done printing, and I must attend to Dorothy (the newly renamed folding machine, that is now working beautifully!).
10.08.2007
Anna is tired....
Last Thursday, I started feeling a bit sick. Concerned that I was getting something more serious that's going around, I went to be ridiculously early, and drank lots of water on Friday, and felt much better — just residual throat gunk. Saturday came around, with the Sunflower State Showdown. And Anna can't not yell at a football game, especially at a huge and frustrating game like Saturday's. So I lost my voice. Audible after the game, and completely gone Sunday morning when I woke up. I went to bed at 8, woke up at 10 to see Ian, slept again until 8:15 for church, and just couldn't make a noise... except a kind of honk when I tried to say "huh." I thought the only thing wrong was I couldn't talk... no soreness, no fever, nothing. But Sunday afternoon, after seeing Sydney White, which was entertaining and lots of fun to see all the girls, I passed out in my bed for 1 1/2 hours. Now, 3:06 in the afternoon, and I think I might fall asleep at my desk. And it can't be the I-need-energy-because-it's-been-too-long-since-lunch thing, because I'm still snacking. So, apparently, no voice = drowsy Anna.
At any rate, as I wait for the kids Sunday school pictures to finish downloading so I can get them on the church web site, I'll give you a quick wedding update... *cue cheesy music!* Hah! After a wonderful chat with Micki post-game (while I still had some voice left), we figured out how to make the Arrington's flowers work, while still being very cost effective. Yay for pretty flowers! We still have to work out details, but its moving forward. The next big things on the list are getting the invites printed and addressed, hopefully this week/weekend. I cringe at the cost of postage... which I think could actually outweigh the printing/envelope costs... *sigh.* We also need to pick ceremony music so we can get it to Ben to arrange... because he's talented like that... yes, talented, even in the John-sense of the word (this is post-hour long discussion on music/art and what it's primary purpose should be... art or function, ahhh, engaging intellect). Then we have to figure out where we're getting sound equipment for the reception. We've got a lot on the to-do list this week, while Ian has a lighter school load. Yay for the break after the project! :) Yesterday, we picked out engagement pictures for our order. I'm so excited to get them! And Ian is focusing on looking for apartments in Philly for us to live... I suppose we should start researching for August, as well, since we have to pick out our apartment for when we come back before we leave. If you've got any recommendations for property managers, let us know!!
Last, but not least, a mom update. She's doing great! They switched her chemo program... they bumped down the dosage and changed it to weekly, instead of bi-weekly, so Friday was the second of those, and she's doing better. She has to take white blood cell booster stuff right after, but this way she should stay on track, instead of having to continually bump treatments back for low counts. The last time I talked to her, she sounded good! However, I haven't been able to call since then, due to lack of voice...
I shall sign off for now... the pictures are finally done downloading. I leave you with a visual of what my voice sounds like right now...
At any rate, as I wait for the kids Sunday school pictures to finish downloading so I can get them on the church web site, I'll give you a quick wedding update... *cue cheesy music!* Hah! After a wonderful chat with Micki post-game (while I still had some voice left), we figured out how to make the Arrington's flowers work, while still being very cost effective. Yay for pretty flowers! We still have to work out details, but its moving forward. The next big things on the list are getting the invites printed and addressed, hopefully this week/weekend. I cringe at the cost of postage... which I think could actually outweigh the printing/envelope costs... *sigh.* We also need to pick ceremony music so we can get it to Ben to arrange... because he's talented like that... yes, talented, even in the John-sense of the word (this is post-hour long discussion on music/art and what it's primary purpose should be... art or function, ahhh, engaging intellect). Then we have to figure out where we're getting sound equipment for the reception. We've got a lot on the to-do list this week, while Ian has a lighter school load. Yay for the break after the project! :) Yesterday, we picked out engagement pictures for our order. I'm so excited to get them! And Ian is focusing on looking for apartments in Philly for us to live... I suppose we should start researching for August, as well, since we have to pick out our apartment for when we come back before we leave. If you've got any recommendations for property managers, let us know!!
Last, but not least, a mom update. She's doing great! They switched her chemo program... they bumped down the dosage and changed it to weekly, instead of bi-weekly, so Friday was the second of those, and she's doing better. She has to take white blood cell booster stuff right after, but this way she should stay on track, instead of having to continually bump treatments back for low counts. The last time I talked to her, she sounded good! However, I haven't been able to call since then, due to lack of voice...
I shall sign off for now... the pictures are finally done downloading. I leave you with a visual of what my voice sounds like right now...
9.28.2007
the studio bat
I had a wonderful time hanging out with Karen last Sunday, making dinner, being "momma Anna" as she says, hah! I feel so old! But she told me she's disappointed I don't update my blog anymore. And I decided that I should get back in the habit. One, I can keep everyone posted on wedding planning/interesting things, and two, I'll keep doing it when we get to Philly for Ian's internship, post-wedding, since we'll be leaving (but only for 8 months, don't kill us!)
So I guess that's big news number 1 — Ian officially got the internship at Olin Partnerships in Philly, which is a big deal if you know landscape architecture (if you don't, don't feel bad, I only know this because I'm marrying one!). He's a big name, and someone Ian hugely respects and admires.
Wedding update
I have a dress... but I can't show you or tell you, because it's secret from Ian.
We have locations (UCC/Houston Street Ballroom).
We have a caterer (Edesias).
We have bridesmaid dresses ordered and tuxes picked out.
We have flower girl dresses...
and fill-in bride doubles for me... hah!
We have an AMAZING photographer, Gina Dreher (ginadreherphotography.com), and you can see some of our engagement pictures from last night... they're on her blog, which is linked from her Web site.
We're currently working on flowers... which, fyi, are so much more expensive than you would guess...! I've got an appointment after work to talk to a florist in town, but a big possibility is using Acme (where Ian buys me flowers from... very sentimental), and having a florist Ian's family knows in Burlington to come and arrange them for us. We'll see what works out!
Now, hopefully you've continued reading because you're curious about the studio bat. A week or two ago, Ian had some work to do, and I'm making a scrapbook that will double as our guestbook. I went to studio with him to keep him company and work on that. There was one other guy, John, up there, and he was over at Ian's desk talking about a virus his computer had, and all that. Suddenly, Ian stopped and said, "Did you see that? Something's in here!" We had left the big overhead lights off, so the high ceilings weren't illuminated. John and I watched, and sure enough, after patiently waiting a few moments, we saw something dark swoop across studio. Well, a few weeks before that, a student downstairs was bitten by a bat and he had to get a rabies shot. We decided to get the bat out. We turned the lights on, and the bat settled on a rafter. I was actually a little excited, because I'd never seen a live bat in person before. We turned the light back off, and Ian and John started throwing things at it, just to get it to fly. We had opened all the windows, and had brooms to shoo it, but, it didn't fly low enough to ever make it out. Eventually, we gave up. But apparently, if I remember right, Nathan said they spotted a bat downstairs in studio... I guess the thing loves Seaton. Maybe he'll learn to design amazing spaces! Either that, or the building has a tasty bug population...
So I guess that's big news number 1 — Ian officially got the internship at Olin Partnerships in Philly, which is a big deal if you know landscape architecture (if you don't, don't feel bad, I only know this because I'm marrying one!). He's a big name, and someone Ian hugely respects and admires.
Wedding update
I have a dress... but I can't show you or tell you, because it's secret from Ian.
We have locations (UCC/Houston Street Ballroom).
We have a caterer (Edesias).
We have bridesmaid dresses ordered and tuxes picked out.
We have flower girl dresses...
and fill-in bride doubles for me... hah!
We have an AMAZING photographer, Gina Dreher (ginadreherphotography.com), and you can see some of our engagement pictures from last night... they're on her blog, which is linked from her Web site.
We're currently working on flowers... which, fyi, are so much more expensive than you would guess...! I've got an appointment after work to talk to a florist in town, but a big possibility is using Acme (where Ian buys me flowers from... very sentimental), and having a florist Ian's family knows in Burlington to come and arrange them for us. We'll see what works out!
Now, hopefully you've continued reading because you're curious about the studio bat. A week or two ago, Ian had some work to do, and I'm making a scrapbook that will double as our guestbook. I went to studio with him to keep him company and work on that. There was one other guy, John, up there, and he was over at Ian's desk talking about a virus his computer had, and all that. Suddenly, Ian stopped and said, "Did you see that? Something's in here!" We had left the big overhead lights off, so the high ceilings weren't illuminated. John and I watched, and sure enough, after patiently waiting a few moments, we saw something dark swoop across studio. Well, a few weeks before that, a student downstairs was bitten by a bat and he had to get a rabies shot. We decided to get the bat out. We turned the lights on, and the bat settled on a rafter. I was actually a little excited, because I'd never seen a live bat in person before. We turned the light back off, and Ian and John started throwing things at it, just to get it to fly. We had opened all the windows, and had brooms to shoo it, but, it didn't fly low enough to ever make it out. Eventually, we gave up. But apparently, if I remember right, Nathan said they spotted a bat downstairs in studio... I guess the thing loves Seaton. Maybe he'll learn to design amazing spaces! Either that, or the building has a tasty bug population...
7.24.2007
Engaged!
It's been over a month since we got engaged, but I have been so busy! So, here is the story in all its glory.
Ian proposed June 21 (we started dating August 21 almost 3 years ago, so it was an anniversary, of sorts), and he completely surprised me! He sent me flowers at work, which was, while not an every day event, not out of the ordinary either. He had suggested we make dinner that night, so after work, and after he did some things in studio, he came over, we made some supper, and decided to go over the last lesson in the financial study my parents gave us. Since it was beautiful outside, Ian said we should enjoy it, and I suggested a walk. We gathered everything, put it in his book bag (which I later learned was also ring transportation), and headed out. He went the opposite direction of the park, but I didn't think about it... after all, the walk was my idea! He suggested Manhattan Hill since it had "been a while." On the way, we went over the study, and also saw a ginormous cricket!
We got up to Manhattan Hill, where we had our talk to officially start the relationship, and finished up the lesson. Then I started reminiscing about sitting up there when we started dating (the perfect segue, he informed me later). He reached into his book bag, but I thought he was just putting the pen away or something. And then he started talking about how amazing he thinks I am, and how I make him a better man, and at first, I thought, "is he going to propose?" Then I thought, "nah..." but he kept talking, and then it clicked, "wow, he's going to propose! It really was a ring he grabbed!" He got up to turn around and get on one knee. I reminded myself to say yes, so I don't remember his words perfectly, but something along the lines of "will you be my wife?" Then he slipped the ring on my finger. We hugged... a lot! And then we prayed, and that's when I cried. After, I told him how movies gloss over the unromantic bits, like how you get the sniffles when you cry. But the fireflies were amazing up on the hill that night!
And afterward, we walked out to the parking lot, and a huge group of our friends were there to help us celebrate! It was so amazing! We went back to my apartment to all have a toast with the wine Ian got for all of us.
We're planning a New Year's Eve wedding (weekday, not an official holiday, so the reception place is half the weekend rate, whohoo!). You can check out our wedding Web site at theknot.com
4.28.2007
Micah has talent
I have tons of talented friends. But in today's blog, I would like to highlight Micah Kafka's extraordinary penchant for film...
Okay, seriously. He's starting this youtube show, and it's pretty hilarious. Go check it out: Apartment 20 – Episode 1! And he's working on a movie... I await it with great expectations... and that was me inadvertently channeling Dickens...
Okay, seriously. He's starting this youtube show, and it's pretty hilarious. Go check it out: Apartment 20 – Episode 1! And he's working on a movie... I await it with great expectations... and that was me inadvertently channeling Dickens...
1.29.2007
another night in the newsroom
So I'm sitting at the sports desk, waiting for pages to read/t-copy and watching Star Trek with William Shatner while reading my homework and discussing, on and off, passive voice. In journalism, passive voice is unacceptable, apparently in any context.
Passive voice, generally, in fiction, is good to avoid. You want to show, not tell, and passive voice hinders that. However, we discussed in class, it's acceptable when making a character feel not in control. For example, If Jack is frustrated at the way Jill is planning their weekend, you could write, "plans were made" to give the reader that same sense of feeling others are acting on you.
In journalism though, I can't write "Billy was trampled by the bull." I have to say "the bull trampled Billy." Even though I think that Billy should be the main focus. And the article is not about the accident. It's about how a rodeo is in memoriam of him. So I don't think the accident should be jumping out at the reader. *sigh* I understand, but it's going to take some getting used to. Journalism rules, unlike English rules, generally aren't made to be broken. And, as most of your aren't English majors, I'm sure you've quit reading by now. But I just feel I need to share how complicated paper-making is. Everyone complains about all the problems and errors, but seriously, it's tough.
On another note, a weird she/he person passed out/died on Star Trek, and his temple had a red glowing dot that appeared, then quickly disappeared. And there's a lady in a shiny dress. But I don't know what the heck it's about. But hey it's got Spock!
Well, I'm going to get back to reading about film adaptations. Oh, and Trading Spouses is an evil show. Don't watch it.
Passive voice, generally, in fiction, is good to avoid. You want to show, not tell, and passive voice hinders that. However, we discussed in class, it's acceptable when making a character feel not in control. For example, If Jack is frustrated at the way Jill is planning their weekend, you could write, "plans were made" to give the reader that same sense of feeling others are acting on you.
In journalism though, I can't write "Billy was trampled by the bull." I have to say "the bull trampled Billy." Even though I think that Billy should be the main focus. And the article is not about the accident. It's about how a rodeo is in memoriam of him. So I don't think the accident should be jumping out at the reader. *sigh* I understand, but it's going to take some getting used to. Journalism rules, unlike English rules, generally aren't made to be broken. And, as most of your aren't English majors, I'm sure you've quit reading by now. But I just feel I need to share how complicated paper-making is. Everyone complains about all the problems and errors, but seriously, it's tough.
On another note, a weird she/he person passed out/died on Star Trek, and his temple had a red glowing dot that appeared, then quickly disappeared. And there's a lady in a shiny dress. But I don't know what the heck it's about. But hey it's got Spock!
Well, I'm going to get back to reading about film adaptations. Oh, and Trading Spouses is an evil show. Don't watch it.
1.21.2007
Anna's first Collegian night shift
Ahh... 10:30 and things are going well, I think. T copied a couple pages already, I'm still awake, a bonus. I really do enjoy working at the Collegian. The people are fun and interesting, and discussions always pop up about weird topics. Everyone has an opinion of course, it is a newspaper, but people respect each other (for the most part) when opinions differ.
Tonight however, has united the newsroom occupants against Cyndi Waite, a writer for the Daily Nebraskan (chalk up another reason NU is evil). If you'd like to read her article — I'm fair and won't criticize someone without providing a way for her ridiculous opinion to have a slight glimpse of sun — check it out here: Waite birth control article. Waite basically argues against the government's decisions that ultimately result in an increase in the cost of birth control, because, apparently, consequence-free sex is a right.
It's preposterous! No matter what your moral position on sex outside of marriage (which I feel strongly about, but won't argue about here), I don't understand how you can justify this belief. I mean, do I have a right to drink fancy coffee every day? Should daily coffee be subsidized by the government so my beloved iced raspberry hazelnut latte is a mere 99 cents? Should the government pay for me to enjoy something? Seriously.
Sex without "consequences" — because apparently life, when it is not your own, is a nuisance — is ridiculous. One, there are several other risks created by the kind of sexual behavior Waite refers to — STDs for example. Two, there are consequences for ALL of our actions, period, and our decisions should factor in those consequences. I don't have a parking permit for campus. The ticket price went up and I can't afford to pay $50 to park in the O lot. I can't handle the consequences, so I don't take the risk. If I can't afford birth control and I can't afford a kid, I don't have sex. It's that simple.
Sex without "consequences" merely means sex for pleasure. Should the government be required to cover the cost of enjoyment? No. We have the right to PURSUE happiness. The government doesn't provide it. Nor should we expect the government to eliminate any and all consequences of our actions in the pursuit of self-satisfaction. There are more important things for the government to take care of. Waite should consider thinking of others, and instead of wasting that $38 on her vagina and fleeting pleasure, perhaps she could use that money to cover the cost of living for an orphan in Africa for a year. Something that really matters.
Tonight however, has united the newsroom occupants against Cyndi Waite, a writer for the Daily Nebraskan (chalk up another reason NU is evil). If you'd like to read her article — I'm fair and won't criticize someone without providing a way for her ridiculous opinion to have a slight glimpse of sun — check it out here: Waite birth control article. Waite basically argues against the government's decisions that ultimately result in an increase in the cost of birth control, because, apparently, consequence-free sex is a right.
It's preposterous! No matter what your moral position on sex outside of marriage (which I feel strongly about, but won't argue about here), I don't understand how you can justify this belief. I mean, do I have a right to drink fancy coffee every day? Should daily coffee be subsidized by the government so my beloved iced raspberry hazelnut latte is a mere 99 cents? Should the government pay for me to enjoy something? Seriously.
Sex without "consequences" — because apparently life, when it is not your own, is a nuisance — is ridiculous. One, there are several other risks created by the kind of sexual behavior Waite refers to — STDs for example. Two, there are consequences for ALL of our actions, period, and our decisions should factor in those consequences. I don't have a parking permit for campus. The ticket price went up and I can't afford to pay $50 to park in the O lot. I can't handle the consequences, so I don't take the risk. If I can't afford birth control and I can't afford a kid, I don't have sex. It's that simple.
Sex without "consequences" merely means sex for pleasure. Should the government be required to cover the cost of enjoyment? No. We have the right to PURSUE happiness. The government doesn't provide it. Nor should we expect the government to eliminate any and all consequences of our actions in the pursuit of self-satisfaction. There are more important things for the government to take care of. Waite should consider thinking of others, and instead of wasting that $38 on her vagina and fleeting pleasure, perhaps she could use that money to cover the cost of living for an orphan in Africa for a year. Something that really matters.
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