2012 Favorites

My Three Favorite Books of 2012

3. Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage, Alfred Lansing
This book was absolutely fascinating. I just couldn't get enough of Ernest Shackleton's expedition and couldn't believe all of the hardships he and his crew went through being stranded for nearly two years (!) during their failed attempt to reach the South Pole in 1914. I really enjoyed this one.

"'It's hard to realize one's position here,' Macklin wrote, 'living in a smokey, dirty, ramshackle little hut, with only just sufficient room to cram us all in, drinking out of a common pot, and laying in close proximity to a man with a large, discharging abscess. A horrible existence. But yet we're pretty happy.'"

2. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
An absolutely lovely story set on a post-World War II English island. Compelling, sweet, heart-wrenching, hilarious, and perfect. I wanted walk along the Guernsey shore with Juliet, cook with crazy Isola, and sit quietly with the darling Dawsey. And most of all, I wanted to emulate the courage of the bold and daring Elizabeth, one of the most thrilling and inspiring literary heroines I've ever encountered. A must-read.

"I'm sorry I can't send you my notes on Charlotte and Emily--I used them to kindle a fire in my cook stove, there being no other paper in the house. I'd already burnt up my tide tables, the Book of Revelation, and the story about Job."

1. Unbroken, Laura Hillenbrand
I am having trouble finding the words to describe exactly how enthralled I was with this book. This true story of the unbelievable experiences of Olympic runner Louie Zamperini in the Pacific during World War II is gripping, entertaining, brutal, unimaginable, and ultimately (somehow) uplifting. Hillenbrand has created such a fleshed-out world, full of an amazing amount of statistics, background information, and vivid descriptions that bring this astounding story to life. I cannot recommend it enough.


"Awed to silence, forgetting his thirst and his hunger, forgetting that he was dying, Louie had known only gratitude. That day, he had believed that what lay around them was the work of infinitely broad, benevolent hands, a gift of compassion."

My Three Favorite Movies of 2012

3. The Avengers
I saw "The Avengers" three times in the theater, more than any other this year. This movie was so entertaining; I had an absolute blast every time. It's fast-paced, engrossing, and, most importantly, hilarious. Thumbs up.
"That man is playing Galaga! Thought we wouldn't notice. But we did."

2. Safety Not Guaranteed
I got two copies of The Artist for Christmas. I plan on exchanging one of them for Safety Not Guaranteed. What an interesting, sweet, funny, and unexpected little film. Put it on your Netflix queue.
"Stormtroopers don't know anything about lasers or time travel. They're blue collar workers."

1. Pitch Perfect
I've seen this movie five times and I am far from tired of it. So well-made and so FUN. Endlessly quotable, great characters, awesome musical numbers, a completely swoon-worthy guy, and... I don't know! I don't know what else to tell you! It's number one on my list, so that should be enough to convince you. GO WATCH IT.
"The Sock-a-pellas, proving it doesn't get better for everyone after high school."

My Three Favorite Events of 2012

3. Trips, particularly to New York to see NEWSIES, but also two insanely fun trips to Galveston with friends, a college roommate reunion in St. Louis, and a week-long stay with the family in Phoenix over Thanksgiving. Unreal.

3b. But seriously, Newsies. The best show I've ever seen ever. Boom. I said it. I still dream about seeing Newsies (as recently as last night). Somehow I still can't seem to properly express how incredible it was or how much it meant to me that my friends and family sent me to New York to see it for my birthday. But it was an amazing, amazing experience. I'm tearing up right now just thinking about it.

2. Moving in with my roommates. I was alone in my apartment for five years, and I honestly really enjoyed living by myself. But then the opportunity to move in with friends came along, and I'm so glad I jumped at the chance. Living with Emily and Lacey has been encouraging, hilarious, comforting, refining, and SO MUCH FUN. It makes all the difference, having people to come home to. To grocery shop and cook with. To watch"Pitch Perfect"  and "The OC" and "Chopped" with. (Oh my word, so much "Chopped." We love it.) Living life alongside these girls is SUCH a joy, and I feel constantly blessed to live with such kind and FUN people. We give out (figurative) roommate gold stars for doing dishes, go see movies in our pajamas, text each other about what the cast of Newsies has been tweeting about (honest to goodness), and make homemade marshmallows JUST BECAUSE WE CAN. I'm having the time of my life.

1. CIMI-BABY. YOU GUYS. MY SISTER IS GOING TO HAVE A BABY!!!! We found out on Christmas morning, and I might have let out an ear-splitting scream. Maybe. I'm just so excited!!! Right now the baby is the size of a lemon, or maybe an orange, depending on which pregnancy site you go with (PICK A FRUIT AND STICK WITH IT, Y'ALL!). But by July 6th, it will be a real live baby. And I will be the most rockin' aunt that ever rocked aunt-dom.

A BABY, you guys. An adorable, tiny little bundle of a crazy cool kid. It's going to be amazing.

I can't wait.

Christmas Is Coming

It's finally December, which means that Christmas is just around the corner! I'm so excited.

What better way to get in a festive mood than by looking back at last Christmas?

(Yeah, that doesn't really make much sense.)

Either way, look! I made a new video!

Happy Sarah!

I have a friend named Happy Sarah.


My mom gave her that name almost 15 years ago when we were sophomores in high school. Before that moment she was just known as Sarah to me.

We met when I moved from my small private school with 20 people in my class to the HUGE AND SCARY public high school chosen for me by zoning and a school board. Sarah was in my choir but she became my friend on a choir trip to Six Flags over Texas. I'm fairly sure we sat together on the bus and she was part of the group of friends that first exposed me to the music of Les Mis.

Sarah and I grew closer during the summer as we endured driver's ed together. The class was less than entertaining, but we both enjoyed Rolos during our breaks. I remember being invited by Sarah to join her and her family to see "Smokey Joe's Cafe" at the Dallas Summer Musicals. We dressed up and went out to eat before the show. Musicals and Rolos... not a bad way to begin a friendship.

We both drove beaters. Her car was powder blue and mine was silver. I have fond memories of both of us singing "My Heart Will Go On" from that powder blue car. School dances, choir concerts, plays, birthdays... totally memory lane moment for me right now. I'm sitting with a cheesy grin on my face remembering walking out of "My Best Friend's Wedding" and feeling like adulthood was forever away.

My mom gave her the name "Happy Sarah" because I knew several Sarahs that might call me on the phone... but THIS Sarah has the happiest phone voice. She still does to this day. I love talking to Sarah on the phone because she is a fabulous conversationalist. She has the best response to good news, the perfect amount of pauses, and the most inquisitive questions. She makes me feel valued in every conversation because my goodness, the woman forgets nothing!

Next week I will fly to the Lone Star State to watch Happy Sarah become Mrs. Happy Sarah. She's found her lobster and I couldn't be happier for her.

I missed my 10-year high school reunion... and so did Sarah, for that matter. She was here in Arizona, watching me get married. I'm so excited that her wedding is bringing about an 11-year reunion of sorts.

Cheers to the ever delightful, Happy Sarah... lover of ducks, cheese, cakes, travel, romantic comedies, good books, gardens, purple, a worthy man named Scott, and living life to the full! May your marriage bring you as much joy as you bring to the rest of the world, my friend!

They Say it's YOUR BIRTHDAY!!

Two members of our original crew are celebrating Birthdays today! 

Happy Birthday to Dad AND Val...

You are so MORBY.

Getaway

After a summer of 115 degree heat we were ready to get out of town for the weekend. We were blessed to have a free cabin to enjoy and doubly blessed to have some of our favorite people join us!

D and I left Phoenix and headed Northwest on a Friday afternoon. The hours flew as we listened to "The Giver" on CD. It's one of my favorite books and it was a delight to share it with someone who was unfamiliar with the story. It did take me almost a full CD before I realized that ARVIN SLOANE was the one reading to me.

We left the heat, desert, and work for cool weather, green things, community, and board games.

We made the most of our time, staying up late and even getting up nice and early. I'm (usually) thankful for a spouse who wants to experience everything life has to offer... even before 6am.

Waking up at sunrise to catch a glimpse. 

 Lots and lots of games!

The hike that kept going and going... (We let the guys pick the path.)

Beauty everywhere.

The Crew: Baileys, Cims, and Wiensies. So thankful for a group that plays together and prays together.

This is my personal favorite from the attempted photo shoot!

My guy.

Morning to night... God's goodness all around.

I'm ready to go again. Like now.

4th of July

The rule is that you can still write about the 4th of July as long as it's still technically July, right? Okay, awesome.

So usually I head to the beach house in Galveston with the family for Independence Day every year. I was bummed that it wasn't going to happen this summer, but my day in East Texas ended up being pretty perfect!

First of all, I took the day off and slept in until 10. HOLLA, y'all.

Second, I met up with Emily, Lacey, and Lori at Stanley's BBQ, a local favorite. As you can see, it was pretty epic.

Pictured: epicness. You need to go to there.

Lori with the famous Baby Wade

Lace is intimidated by her giant/delicious baked potato

Awwwww yeah

She is happiest when eating barbecue.

From there we headed back to my apartment for some serious pool time. Which included lots of talking, reading magazines, and sipping on sophisticated beverages.

This is how we roll.

We spent our evening with a group at Lori's house, eating way too much and looking way too cute, or at least I think so.

I mean, back me up here.

Future roommates! More on that to come...

Fireworks to wrap up the evening?

Boom. Shaka laka.

Even better: these are the fireworks from one of the best movies of all time,  THE SANDLOT.

Yeah yeah!

God bless America.

Online dating doesn't have to be awkward.

I met my husband on eHarmony.

I signed up for an on-line dating three separate times in my late twenties. Once for three months with eHarmony, one month through Match, and then a final one-month sprint on eHarmony that led to the final match with my husband. These facts don’t make me an expert on the topic. I went on dates with three different people and obviously married one of those three.

That being said – I’ve had multiple friends ask for advice when it comes to online dating. There are important things to consider before meeting a total stranger, but I think there are also some really important things to consider on the day you sign-up for an account.

Here’s my list of important reminders!

 

On-Line Dating Pros:

1.  1 in 8 marriages now start out as online dating relationship. We were hesitant to talk about it at first, but now it’s just a part of our story. I feel like every time we tell our story we hear about more and more people who are really finding success through the medium.I have no problem giving a shout-out to the matchmaking skills of a website… and more importantly to the matchmaking skills of a Heavenly Father who can use ANYTHING to accomplish His purposes.

2.  Online dating provides a "place" to meet people that you don't already have reason to meet. Very helpful in our situation… we lived almost an hour away from each other.

3.  Online dating websites are super user friendly. You get to find a service that embodies your values - which already helps you narrow the field dramatically. (So helpful.)

TIPS FOR FILLING OUT AN PROFILE:

1. Make the main thing the main thing. I set up some “must haves” for myself when I started the journey. I was personally looking for something more than someone who just went to church. I wanted someone who was following after Jesus. I was careful to use that type of language in my profile so no one would have to guess where I stood. Put out there whatever is most important to you – active vs. sedentary lifestyle, willing to attend sporting events, wanting to have kids, faith… etc. It will save everyone a lot of time.

2. Have someone who knows you well read through your profile. My girlfriend who did that for me actually changed a few things. She said that even though what I had was good, it wasn’t an accurate and full picture of me… it was too serious. She helped refine the descriptive words about me and checked for grammar and spelling. (Speaking of grammar – that’s something I looked for in every profile I came across. If you can’t take the time to proofread I’m probably done reading your profile.) She also helped me pick out a variety of pictures. A lot of guys and gals choose to put up one in a bathing suit to show off tats and what-not… but that’s not my M.O. and frankly that’s not the guy I was looking for. (In fact, a shirtless pic as the main pic was a turn off for me. I’m not dating/marrying someone’s abs or nipple ring.)

3. Fill out that “What’s one thing my friends know about me?” question. I rolled my eyes at the number of guys who answered, “Guess you will have to wait to find that out.” Not clever. Everyone answers that way. Be unique!

4. Don’t make your search too small. Again – keep the main things firm (for me strong faith, not smoking, and wanting a family were most important) – but be ready to make the rest of the search broader. Had my friend not encouraged me to change the height and age range of my search I would have missed meeting my guy! Keep your options open unless you keep getting too much of one age. Feel free to change those ranges of distance etc. on a weekly basis to see what kind of different matches you get. If you only get one a day, chances are you need to make the distance or age broader.

5. I wouldn’t jump to “fast track” open communication. Take your time and don’t get discouraged if people don’t respond as quickly as you might want. Some people only get on once a day, or even once a week – it just depends how long they’ve been on e-harmony. At the beginning I was checking 2xs a day… not so much in the weeks that followed, especially after D and I moved to e-mail.

We went through the E-harmony steps, then moved to personal e-mail, then to texting and talking on the phone before we had our first date. When we moved to open communication D asked how I thought things should progress. He asked about the timeline of each progression so that I would be comfortable… and I didn’t give him my last name until we moved to personal e-mail addresses.

6. Give a piece of info on your profile that makes you stand out. Most people say they like sports, hanging with friends, their families and “God.” Great. But what makes you “you”?

What caught our attention?

David listed my favorite book, A Severe Mercy, as the last book he had read. Major bonus points. 

D said that aside from pics and a general pleasant profile, my “one thing you should know about me” fact snagged his attention: “I have mad board game skills.” – it was comical but also something he enjoys.

GENERAL ONLINE DATING TIPS

• Ask LOTS of questions before you meet.
• GOOGLE and research. (Be smart!)
• Let friends and family know where you are going to be and when. (You might even have someone within walking distance of your first date.)
• Drive separately until you feel like you know this person.
• Involve your community in your relationship. (We didn’t want our marriage to exist on an island separated from the input of other relationships – so we made spending time with each other’s community a top priority. We double-dated with friends, watched LOST with his crew, and made sure to stay connected to both of our faith communities.)
• Pray it up. 

This is not an all-inclusive list by any means – any of the tips. So feel free to add everything I’ve forgotten today.

Worst-case scenario: You end up with some fabulously awkward tales to share at parties.

Best-case scenario: You meet someone who wants to play boardgames with you. (For always.)