Life as I See It

Shutterfly Makes me Happy!

2011-06-06T13:24:00.000-04:00

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Another Shutterfly Creation!

2010-10-26T17:42:00.000-04:00

Classic Cherry Thank You Card

Make a statement with Shutterfly custom thank you cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Making My Life Easier this Holiday Season: Shutterfly Style

2010-10-22T21:22:00.005-04:00

As many of you know by December of this year I will be 9 months pregnant. If you’ve ever been pregnant, you know that the last trimester can be anything but comfortable. So foremost on my mind as I look towards the holidays: “How can I make my life easier this Christmas????” One way I plan to make my life easier…creating a Shutterfly photocard for the holidays.

Traditionally I am a scrapbooker, and I love making holiday cards. But do you know how long it takes to make Christmas cards? It’s not an easy task and with a very active toddler and a baby on the way, there is no guarantee I will get anything made this year. So I am getting a headstart on the Christmas cards. I’ve got a photoshoot scheduled for November, and I have already begun browsing the Shutterfly website for card ideas.

Every time look at the products on Shutterfly I am impressed by their up-to-date style and quality. I love using photos to tell stories. As I browsed this year's collection of Christmas cards I realized how influenced I was by wanting to tell a story. I am very excited that this year they have some exciting 5x7 folded options that allow you to include pictures and short paragraphs on the inside of your card—no need to write a holiday letter, just put it right on the card! Most of these designs include only one picture on the front, BUT the insides all included 4 pictures, so I will still get a total of five pictures in my card. Some of my favorites in this design were “Sweet Holly Story,” “Joyous Holiday Story,” and “Most Wonderful Story.”

I should also admit, that I enjoy looking at the sample pictures on the cards. I am also finding them very helpful as I think about my upcoming photoshoot with Nathan and Thomas. "Starlight Snowflakes" caught my eye because of the cutest little girl on the cover. I think a close up of Thomas would be adorable on this one as well (though I doubt we will have snow in the background!) Another design I liked, “Mod Ornaments,” requires some extra space on the right side of the card for the design, so the focal point of the picture needs to be on the left side. I definitely want to have some of these things in mind to let the photographer know before the shoot. This way I will be more likely to have a great photo to fit my card.

Finally, Shutterfly has a lot of adorable 5x5 photocards this year. My favorites were the “Classic Red Square” and the “Believe in Magic” card (which would be perfect for a new baby!) Unfortunately, these cards require extra postage, so you’ll have to decide if that works for you.

If you also plan to throw a holiday get-together this year check out the invitations section. You can also find lots of great Thank You cards in the stationary section.

I'm excited to create my photocards, and more excited after checking out my options on Shutterfly!

Currently Shutterfly is offering 20% off all holiday cards!

Review: You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be by Max Lucado

2010-05-03T15:26:00.004-04:00

I received a complimentary copy of the book You Can Be Everything God Wants You to Be by Max Lucado from Thomas Nelson Publishing. This book is 127 pages long and contains excerpts from another Lucado book, Cure for the Common Life. It contains encouraging passages about how each of us is uniquely created by God and He has given each of us specific gifts and talents that make up who we are. Each section has scripture and various stories to better explain Lucado's points. The sections are only 2-3 pages each and which makes the book easy to pick up and put down periodically.

I see this book as a "gift book" or a "coffee table book." I enjoyed the insights Lucado gave, and that it was a quick easy read. However there were times I was wanting more and therefore for someone struggling with who they are in Christ, I think even more could be gained from reading the original book in its entirety, Cure for the Common Life (which I have not read, but am interested in after reading this shorter book). However, as a gift book or an encouraging word for someone struggling in their job or current life situation, I think this would be great to give away or read for yourself. Max Lucado does a great job of focusing on scriptures and he has a unique, easy to follow style of writing. I recommend this for new graduates, those starting new jobs, or seeking a career change. The book itself even came with a sticker marketing it as a gift for graduations. If you are looking for something deeper and more instructive, I would recommend looking into the full version instead of this shorter version of excerpts.

Review: Gigi’s Big Break DVD by Sheila Walsh

2010-03-31T08:23:00.003-04:00

I recently watched Gigi’s Big Break on DVD. It contains two stories: “The White Lie” and “The Pink Surprise.” The first story is a lesson in honesty and follows Gigi as she tells a bigger and bigger lie, eventually admitting the truth and asking forgiveness. At the end a Scripture verse relating to honesty is shown. The second story: “The Pink Surprise” is about loving siblings. Gigi’s parents reveal they will be having another baby. At first Gigi is excited, but that soon changes. The storylines move in between Gigi’s make believe world and the real world.

The animation on the DVD is pretty basic and not very exciting. At the beginning of the story this bothered me as the characters seem incredibly stiff. However, once I was involved in the story this no longer bothered me. I liked the fact that the story includes real conversations between Gigi and her mother. Some other highlights include a family prayer before a meal, Gigi praying before bed, and scriptures included at the end of each story. The lesson is told clearly and interestingly. I do recommend this video and other Gigi products for young girls. Young girls (preschool) would enjoy the cuteness of the characters and animation while school age girls would be more likely to get something from the story.

**A complimentary copy of Gigi’s Big Break (DVD) was provided for me by Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of this review.

Learn more about this DVD at Thomas Nelson Publishing

Gifts

2010-02-18T20:31:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite parts of scrapbooking is being able to make things for other people. I love giving unique, thoughtful gifts, and if I can make the gift even better! The following I made for a friend who was kind enough to do something for me, and I wanted to say thank you.

I made an album using a BoBunny kit I had purchased awhile back at Archivers. I highly recommend any BoBunny kits you can purchase. They come with everything you need and they are awesome. They are beautiful and different then just a standard mini-album. I wish I was creative enough to create this on my own, but since I am not I love using kits!! Here are a few pictures from the album I made that can be used for pictures or just journaling.

The Cover

A cool page but quite difficult. I used a craft knife to cut the page in half and to take a square out of the page to show the pictures on either side. I don't have a great craft knife, but I did my best.

This might be my favorite page of the whole book. I think it is a beautiful design, and I love the right side and the layers it holds.

This is a fun page as well because it has a pocket with various journal pages. Pockets are a lot of fun and add a lot to a page!

As with most kits, when I finished I had quite a few leftover pieces so I decided to try and create a few cards for my friend. I was pretty pleased with how they turned out. My base was a yellow card with a slight white flowery background. Most of the embellishments are stickers with a few other embellishments I had on hand. I created a layered look on many of the cards using paper layers as a starting point sometimes finishing with an embellishment using pop-ups. Also, many of the pieces already had a layered look to them. It was great how much stuff was left from the kit!

Birthday Creations

2010-01-30T20:54:00.003-05:00

For Thomas's birthday I tried to get a little crafty. I made this sign to hang on the front door. It's great because it will double as a scrap book page! I also made some favor bags using this same truck cut out--unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of those!

I also made this display of Thomas's birth announcement. I wanted to do something to display all three pieces of the announcement and wasn't sure what to do. For this, I just attached all three pieces to a strand of ribbon.

Thomas's First Christmas Mini Album

2010-01-22T07:39:00.008-05:00

After Christmas, I wanted to make something easy and quick to guarantee I got something created to remember Thomas's first Christmas. I didn't want a lot of journaling, I just wanted to display some of the fun pictures, and have something ready to show friends and family at his birthday party. I hadn't really created in a few months. I had tried to make some cards, but just couldn't get into it because my scrap area was a complete disaster.

After Christmas Nathan and I committed to cleaning up our bonus room so that it could really become the multi-purpose room we envision. Though we hope for a lot of improvements still, it finally is a place we can all be. Thomas has a huge area to play in and Nathan and I have usable areas as well. Since then I have been in the room almost every day working on things. One of the first things I created this year was a 6x6 album of Thomas's first Christmas. It's very simple. I precut all the background papers, printed the pictures I wanted in size 3x4 (my at home picture printer does this), grabbed a few embellishments I had, and went to work. Hope you like it!

Life Gets in the Way

2010-01-22T07:30:00.004-05:00

I never meant to go three months without publishing. I really had a lot of posts in mind that just never made it from my head to the computer. A lot was going on in the past three months. Thomas learned to walk which really changed everything; he was sick and teething and fussy. And then the holidays came with lots of shopping and traveling. Then we celebrated Thomas's birthday. Finally life has calmed a bit, Thomas is sleeping through the night, and I am making myself get up early for some quiet time with God and sometimes Thomas even sleeps a little extra long. So, one of my goals this year is to use this time for my blog when possible. I do like sharing what I have created or sharing my opinion on what I have read or seen. I have read a few things over the past few months, so I will try to share those things over the next week or so. I haven't seen much. Nathan and I haven't been to the movies in months, and we held on to a Netflix movie way to long (we never did watch it). But finally we sent our Netflix back and got Star Trek. I have to say I did enjoy it! It moved pretty fast, and was entertaining. We watched some of the extras (which I recommend) and it was fascinating to see how they created certain scenes. Evidently during a lot of scenes they were manually shaking the camera! Very cool. So, if you haven't seen Star Trek, and your husband or boyfriend or guy friend wants to watch it, I'd see it with him. I don't think you will be bored, and it's a good movie everyone can enjoy.

So, my goal from now on is to make sure life doesn't get in the way of blogging. I spend too much time browsing the internet anyway when I could be posting!

Social Scrapbooking

2009-10-12T11:28:00.002-04:00

My favorite part of scrapbooking is sharing it with others. When I make something, I can't keep it to myself. I have to show Nathan or take a picture and email it to my mom or other friends. Part of this is sharing in an accomplishment, but part of it is wanting someone else to get out of the project what I got such as remembering the story or a memory associated with it. When I can share scrapbooking in person with a good friend; this is even better.

Aimee came to visit a couple weeks ago for a few days. While Thomas slept we were able to spend some time making fall cards. The Halloween card that Aimee made was "scraplifted" from a card in a the Scrapbook Etc. magazine (scraplifting is when you use or find inspiration from another person's work and is totally allowed and encouraged in most scrapbooking circles!) The Fall card was inspired by a card in the magazine Cards. I had precut all the materials for the Halloween card so Aimee was able to complete 20 of them (1o for each of us)! The Fall card I created was a little bit slower as I had to find the inspiration and then design it to work with my materials. Luckily I was able to use up things I already had at home including a lot of Fall ribbon from the One Stop Dollar Stop at Target! I was able to complete 9 cards for Aimee, and now have the design to complete cards for myself.

Other than the great cards we both now have, the best part was being together, talking, and sharing ideas. I don't mind creating on my own, but I definitely enjoy creating with a friend! Here are pictures of the cards!

Being vs. Doing

2009-10-06T19:47:00.003-04:00

To do or to be? That seems to be the question, or at least a popular sermon theme. I can remember countless sermons focusing on this theme, and I'm sure there are many I can't remember! Again, this Sunday it was the theme of the Sunday sermon. The focus was on how too often we try to grow in our relationship with God merely through what we do...we forget that God's grace is the reason for our relationship with Him, and that we actually need to focus on Being a child of God.

But with that, comes with what does it mean to "Be" a child of God. Do we sit and do nothing? Of course, the answer is no. But what do we "do" when we are "being"? This concept is confusing to write about much less figure out what it means to live it! One big conclusion I came to this past Sunday is that this concept "being vs. doing" is really important and really hard. This is why it's a constant theme...it's probably one of the most difficult things of the Christian walk and also one of the most vital aspects of the walk.

With this in mind, I realize that being vs. doing is something that needs to be ever present on my mind. As I continue doing life, I need to be still at times and concentrate on the being part. This is a challenge I am slow to take on, yet eager knowing that the results will be great. To everyone else who has heard the sermon and has struggled, I want to encourage you! You are not alone in seeking to be a child of God!

More Mini Albums

2009-09-26T20:16:00.003-04:00

The past week I was busy making a few more mini albums as well as a gift card holder. All of these were gifts, so I had to wait to publish them till the new owners received them. I think the gift card holder is my favorite that I have made so far. I just like how the colors and papers worked out! I'm quite pleased by the mini albums as well. I used my book to create them from scratch. The covers are made with covered chipboard and then the pages (one sheet of cardstock) are attached accordion style. I also learned a cool trick about hiding the ribbon underneath the pages. The mini albums are very similar because they were created for my friends Kathy and Rachel to commemorate our weekend get together over labor day. I used the same format for both albums and was able to create them over a couple days in 15-20 minute increments. Now I just need to make one for myself!

Gift Card holder for my friend Kathy for her birthday

I fully lined the inside piece (because I didn't like its color) and I love the way it turned out!

Album for Kathy celebrating Labor Day weekend

The inside can be turned like pages or...

completely pulled apart for full viewing. (Inside of Rachel's album)

Cover of Rachel's album.

Creating

2009-09-18T21:20:00.003-04:00

I actually created this mini album a few weeks ago. It's my first "coffee-related" album. The title "Life is Short, Stay Awake for It" is the theme from Caribou Coffee. I loved it as soon as I read it, because I truly feel that way. It was the perfect theme for my album on things I want to do someday. I am loving mini albums. I think they are the perfect thing for a new mom. I get 15 minutes here and there, and when I put a few together, I get my mini album. :) It's fun!

"My Cup" Overfloweth

2009-09-14T15:57:00.005-04:00

At a recent Bible study I attended, a speaker used a coffee mug as an object lesson to illustrate her relationships with other women. Immediately I realized that I would have done the same thing, and I began to ponder this. Though I do not get the opportunity as much anymore, I used to love going to a coffee shop with a friend. Occasionally a group of us would go, but the memorable times involve just one or two close friends. We would all order our coffee or drink of choice and sit and talk. Conversations would cover guys or marriage, work, family, church, and an array of other things. Sometimes there would be depth in the discussion and even confessions--things that wouldn't have been revealed in a phone conversation, an email exchange, or even a shopping trip. They were things saved for discussion at this moment over this cup of coffee.

On a bad day, I sometimes go to the coffee shop alone. Sometimes it is just a day when I need to "regroup." I need time for myself so that I can continue to be all that is demanded of me: teacher, friend, daughter, sister, a spouse and a mother.

The speaker's object lesson brought all these things to the forefront of my mind. And then I thought about Biblical descriptions and the children's song about filling our cup with Christ and letting it overflow. I love the connection between these things: between my relationships with others and my relationship with Christ. As I remembered the many wonderful times of friendship and growth and connection over a cup of coffee, I realized that my "cup of life" truly does runneth over. I am blessed by so many friendships and so many memories of friendships over the past few years, and I am encouraged to think and wonder about the cups that will be shared in the future.

Connecting: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

2009-09-01T14:23:00.004-04:00

We all find ourselves in situations where it is necessary to connect with new people. Sometimes it comes from a move, and sometimes it just comes from life circumstances. In army life (and 3 duty stations in 3 years), I have found the need to make new friends multiple times. Loneliness can be dangerous at any time, but in army life it can be devastating. Loneliness combined with fear (such as that found during deployments) is not a good combination! Today in Bible Study (PWOC, Ft. Bragg), our devotion was on connecting with others and what the Bible has to say. Four truths were presented on what the Bible says about connecting with others.

They came from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:

(9) Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. (10) For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (11) Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? (12) And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

The first truth found in verse 9 is that there is greater reward when we work together or have someone to work with. This practical truth is easily forgotten when we try to "go at something alone." But the Scripture plainly states that the outcome will be better when two (or more) face something together. The second truth presented, found in verse 10, was that connections with others bring timely support. As a wife, my husband is a wonderful source of support; however, as an army wife he cannot always be my "timely support" because I do face moments when he is not around or even unreachable. Therefore, friendship with others is necessary!

The third truth is found in verse 11, and it is mutual comfort. This picture of physical comfort, can help us remember that there are times we need emotional comfort as well. When we are faced with difficult circumstances, how wonderful is it to have a friend who understands and who can encourage us. Finally, the fourth truth is found in verse 12: there is strength in numbers. God didn't create us to face life alone. He meant for us to face it while connected to Him and to others. So many visual illustrations accompany this verse, but we have all faced circumstances that also bring light to this truth.

Today, in a new place, I was reminded how difficult it can be to connect with others, but also I was reminded of its importance. Through all circumstances I must persevere, and find the connections God has for me. In this way, I can fully realize the life that God has for me.

Addictions

2009-08-24T20:19:00.004-04:00

I might be, could be, probably shouldn't be addicted to: Netflix, Make it or Break It (on ABC family), DVR, fast-forwarding commercials, Twilight series, Hummus, FoxNews, Facebook, scrapbooking, blogs, Ohio State Football, Harry Potter, and my Camera.

Busy Weekend

2009-08-16T21:41:00.004-04:00

This weekend, Nathan's sister and her family came to visit. They have two kids, Madeline age 5 and Nathaniel age 2. We had a busy weekend including a trip the the NC zoo on Saturday. It was a lot of fun. Here are some pictures to show you!

Elizabeth and Madeline baking cookies

At the Zoo. Nathan and Thomas in front of the man made Marsh.

We visited the polar bear. Thomas enjoyed watching the bear and seeing how big he was!

Enjoying one of my favorite treats, an ICEE!

Family Photo

A Murphy Family Photo

Cousins!

Nathaniel (almost 2), Madeline (almost 5), Thomas (7 months)

The End of a great weekend.

A Scrapbook Creation

2009-08-16T21:32:00.004-04:00

I have been wanting to create one of these for awhile. It is a gift card holder. I've had the pattern since March, and have just gotten around to making it. It's a really simple pattern. You have to use thick card stock for the base and strong tape. Then decorate as desired! I love it though because I don't have enough room in my purse for giftcards, so this is great! Mine is a light blue base with purple pockets and brown/blue decorative paper.

My scrap space is about half finished, but I have enough of a work space to start creating and this was my first creation. I'm currently working on a mini album!

I'm a Photo-aholic

2009-08-12T22:09:00.002-04:00

I admit it. I am addicted to photos. I just cannot seem to say good bye to a photo. I don't know why, but I feel like I will be losing something if I don't save a photo. I have a problem, I know! This problem influenced me today when I took Thomas to get his pictures done at Sears. I have this great saver card that gets me all kinds of deals, and I had a ton of great coupons too, and yet I still bought the package. I admit it. I did. And you know why? The photo cd. I just couldn't bear that one shot of Thomas not be shared with the world! Absolutely pathetic I know. It doesn't help that the professional people's pictures are SO much better than mine (with the help of some amazing cameras and gear). I'm such a pushover though. I knew how much it would cost to get a cd, and I told myself no before I went in. Although it didn't take much convincing, so perhaps I wasn't as firm as I thought. The problem with this addiction is that I can't decide how to deal with. Most of me, just wants to ignore it, I mean after all it's not a bad thing to love photographs of your family. The bad part is, Thomas is only 7 months old and I have a couple thousand pictures of him. Seriously, I do. I don't know if my computer can handle even a few years of this! I have to learn to not be afraid of that delete button! And I have to start saving more to afford the professional photos I just can't give up! Here are a few of my favorites from today!

HPHBP Loves and Hates (Beware of Spoilers)

2009-08-11T08:03:00.003-04:00

Well, I took a break from Harry Potter to add a few other fun things to the blog, but I did want to make one final post about Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. In essence, this will be what I really liked about the film, and what kind of drove me crazy. The opening with Harry at the Underground, is a give and take for me. In some ways, I really enjoyed this creative twist, but I also really missed Dumbledore at the Dursley's. I really wanted to see those clanking glasses of mead on the Dursleys' heads! I'm also glad they kept the introduction of Slughorn relatively the same. I love when they do fun magical things like put the house back together!

I also really liked how they handled Ron and his girl problems. It was hilarious to watch his interaction with Lavender Brown, and fun to watch Hermione's reactions. I thought it was a great portrayal and I'm glad they included it; though not vital to the plot of book 7, it's still important. As for Harry and Ginny---well, I enjoyed the first part where Harry is flustered around Ginny; the scene at Slughorn's dinner party was entertaining, but the Christmas scene at the burrow and then the scene in the Room of Requirement, not my favorite! It was so strange and not well explained. It was after the room of requirement that they even mentioned that Ginny had broken up with Dean. So strange. Plus, she's such a strong willed character and I feel as if the movie has portrayed her as weak. :( So, not happy with that at all!

The scene in the cave was pretty intense, and I did like this. I thought it remained true to the book (other than Harry falling in the water), and was pretty good. However, when they returned to Hogwarts, I was pretty upset that Dumbledore did not freeze Harry. The fact that he could move during the entire scene on the tower frustrated me. If Harry could have moved, it wouldn't have gone down like that; the fact that he was immobilized is vital to that scene. This I suppose was the end of it for me. Really from that point on I was just frustrated at the movie. The lack of a fight, the death scene, and the weird scene with Harry, Hermione, and Ron at the end just didn't do it for me. Sometimes I wish I could better understand why writers and producers choose to do certain things when creating a movie from a book, and the end of Half-Blood Prince was definitely one of those times I didn't understand.

Having only seen the movie once, I look forward to the next time to "love and hate" it more!

I love this photo!

2009-08-09T10:31:00.003-04:00

I love this picture of Thomas taken yesterday! It shows off his beautiful smile!

New Book

2009-08-06T08:00:00.001-04:00

I just bought a new scrapbooking book that I am very excited about. It's called Outstanding Mini Albums by Jessica Acs. I picked it up at AC Moore (you can use their coupons on books which is great!) It's hard for me to spend money on stuff like this because I wonder if I will get any use out of it. I usually want some type of review or personal recommendation before buying this stuff. I was about to put this book back on the shelf when I saw three specific mini albums that confirmed I would buy this book. The first was the Coffee Cup Album. Here's a picture from the book. (Sorry about the backwards words, but the pictures were taken using the camera on my computer.)

The next album was a Coffee Cup Sleeve Album:

And finally the Coffee Cup Filter Album:

I figure anyone who loves coffee that much, must have written a pretty good book! And the book gives great instructions on how to cut and put together these albums. Also many of the albums use materials from around the house. I'm looking forward to making my own albums. I think I will have to make one about my love of coffee. I'll be sure to share my creation once it is finished!

Twilight Thoughts

2009-08-05T08:42:00.002-04:00

Well, as could be predicted, it didn't take long to finish reading Stephanie Meyer's Twilight. About two days actually! So, I do have to admit that her stories are somewhat addicting! I enjoyed the reading, and I enjoyed wanting to read. Not every book can hold my attention. After some thought there are two conclusions I have come to about Twilight. The first is why it is hard to put the book down. Meyer does an amazing job with her chapters. She structures them so that every one ends in this mini climax. I just had to turn the page to see what happened! And of course, once I did that, I couldn't stop in the middle of a chapter! Perhaps that is just me. Secondly, I thought a lot of what was so addicting about the story. In my mind I compared it to the Harry Potter craze, because they have had some similar reactions (midnight releases, movies, websites, etc). I don't believe the books are as cleverly written as HP; and Meyer does not help me visualize the picture the way Rowling does, but yet Twilight was still a book I couldn't put down. I decided one thing Meyer really has down is that she can tell a love story. She created two characters who love and are loved with such amazing depth and truth; this is the way most of desire to love and be loved. In a world where many of us feel we search a long time for love, we admire, even long, for love like this. For me it helps me appreciate my amazing husband all the more, and as a former teenage girl, I can totally understand their addictions to Edward and Bella.

New Look

2009-08-02T21:25:00.002-04:00

So, I had no idea how easy it was to get a new look! I'm still working on where exactly I want everything, but I hope you like it. I picked it up as a free template from LeeLou Blogs.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Part 2

2009-07-29T20:39:00.008-04:00

I read an excellent review in World Magazine on the movie Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I enjoyed Megan Basham's comments, and I was intrigued by her observation here:

What falls on the cutting-room floor are the elements that were most effective at turning a fanciful series about a boy wizard into an epic tale of good versus evil. Almost all the background on Lord Voldemort—his parentage, his seething resentment toward his own father, his early crimes against his family—are lost, as is much of the narrative that allowed Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) to grow into more than a one-dimensional school-boy rival. In essence, with an opportunity to give Harry Potter more fleshed-out enemies that will allow him to become a more fleshed-out hero, Yates sticks with juvenile preoccupations of spell-casting and romance.

Her observations coincide with what I was trying to get at in my previous post. Brasham mentions how significant this aspect of the plot is in the Harry Potter books--the importance of the war between good and evil. I think this is incredibly important. I LOVE book 7 (more on that another time!), and part of the reason behind that is the age-old story of good winning over evil. It is such an important concept that the book illustrates so well and the movie just didn't focus on. I think it is significant that Harry's life is surrounded by love and sacrifice--that of his father and especially his mother and also Sirius and Dumbledore. The "good" sacrifice that is made for Harry shapes who he is, the decisions he makes, etc. Voldermort has none of this in his life and it shapes him in a completely opposite way creating such a stark contrast between the two characters and ultimately shaping the decisions each one makes. The movie didn't bring much of this to life. Luckily there are still two movies left for this theme to be brought out more. And even luckier, we can always reread the books!

I wanted to post the link to the review, but only half of the review shows up. If you want to view the entire article, however, I was able to pull up the entire review when I googled "World Magazine Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" and clicked on the following link from the search engine page: http://www.worldmag.com/articles/15675

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Part 1

2009-07-29T20:05:00.005-04:00

I have so many Harry Potter things I want to say, so I guess I will start from the most recent and work backwards. I think it is only fair to preface this review of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, by noting that I saw the movie at 10 pm at night (after a long day!) in a theater with a broken air conditioning. I think this may have influenced my viewing from being as enjoyable as other conditions would have provided. But when you have a baby to take care of during the day, this is how it goes!

So, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is a most excellent book. It may be the most informative book in the series (other than book 7) because it includes so many important bits and pieces to connect books 1-5 and book 7. It also is the book, in my opinion, where Harry grows up the most, therefore preparing us for the tasks he takes on in book 7. I think the movie did an excellent job portraying the second part of this. The movie shows a great maturity in Harry when it comes to relationships. Not only in his growing recognition of liking Ginny (and his ability to respect Ginny's current relationship and Ron's reaction), but also in his friendship with both Ron and Hermione. I think the movie shows growth in these friendships and the ability to deal with tougher situations. Secondly, the movie also portrayed Harry as more of a "take charge" person. From the very beginning with Harry in the diner reading and flirting with the waitress, to his reaction's to Dumbledore's request to gain the memory from Slughorn, he shows control of the situation. Though, I wasn't completely a fan of the movie portraying Dumbledore as encouraging Harry to be "collected" by Slughorn, the maturity Harry faced in recognition of his task impressed me, and I believe it will make what we see in movie 7 more realistic.

As far as the movie's representation of the important information from the book, this I found lacking. I didn't feel that the importance of the horcruxes was emphasized enough. The number of horcruxes and the necessity to destroy all of them is what drives book 7, and I don't know if movie 6 really prepares the audience for it. I believe this can easily be made up in the opening of the 7th movie, but it could have been better emphasized. I'll probably have more to say on this later when I talk about one of the reviews I read.

I definitely enjoyed the movie, and I look forward to the opportunity to see it again. I will share more thoughts on it later including Dumbledore's death, Harry and Ginny, and what I loved and "hated," so check back!

Photo Freedom!

2009-07-28T20:48:00.004-04:00

I recently finished a book that has really inspired me. The book, Photo Freedom by Stacy Julian is a book for scrapbookers about organizing pictures to optimize time and creativity. Her system, Library of Memories, is amazing. It's simple--one of the simplest scrapbook things I have ever seen, and it definitely sounds like it can work! It's also a huge stress reliever because it in no way focuses on chronological scrapbooking, but rather on what is inspiring and documentation of true meaningful memories. I know it may not make sense to say there is more focus on memories when you avoid chronological scrapbooking, but if you have ever scrapped you know what I mean! It is also a great system for creating mini albums or other items beyond layouts. I am really looking forward to incorporating this system into my scrapbooking. I believe it will help me be more creative and more productive. It also encourages me to work hard on getting my scrapbook area set up! I can't wait to start scrapping again!

2009-07-27T21:39:00.002-04:00

My Family!

It's Been a Long Time

2009-07-27T21:28:00.002-04:00

I can't really explain why I left the blogging world three years ago. Honestly, that should have been the time I got serious about it since I was moving away from Lexington. I suppose I can use the traditional excuse that "life took over." It is true after all, life really did take over. New spouse, new home, new job followed by Nathan's first deployment, another new home, a new baby, and eventually another new home. That's the past three years in a sentence or two. :) So, here I am married almost 3 years (can't believe it!) and living in Sanford, NC.

Since most of you who will actually read this already know about most of my life, I'll just start with the most recent. We moved to NC in May, had to live in a hotel for 3 weeks which was not fun, and finally bought our house at the beginning of June. It's an amazing house which we just recently bought furniture for. It arrives over the next two weeks! I loved setting up Thomas's nursery. He has one blue wall and the rest cream. He already has tons of clothes and toys. My next favorite part of the house is the library. We finally have a place for all of our books! If you have seen our collection of books, you know this is a wonderful thing! And finally I'm very excited that I will soon be able to have a scrapbook space. It's a work in progress, but eventually I'll have somewhere for the stuff and a workspace. Then I will just have to find time to work in it!

Well, since it has been so long, I felt that an update on life was necessary. Hopefully I will be more diligent!

Life is Changing and it is about time I post

2006-09-21T15:07:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been ages since I have posted. I know. My "experiment" hasn't gone so well these past few months...in fact it hasn't gone at all. But there is a good reason. :) Life has been changing!
In fact the biggest change in my life maybe ever is about to happen and this whole year has been leading up to it. A year ago this Sunday I met the person destined to change my life forever. Not only did he bring an element of happiness and excitement that had been absent, but he has also brought a deeper understanding of who I am as a person and my role in God's great big world (not that there isn't a whole lot more to figure out, but it's a beginning!) Anyway, as I mentioned it's been an entertaining year and on October 15th it's going to hit a climax. Because that day I get to marry Nathan and begin a life together with him.
So, this climax, aka the wedding :) has been keeping my life pretty busy. Every day is filled with plans and decisions; phone calls and more decisions; and de-stressing time with friends at Starbucks. Then there is the whole beginning life together part, which for me involves moving from Kentucky to Georgia. So packing and preparing to move has been my life the past couple months. I'll be glad when that part is over and the setting up can begin. I have been so lucky though to have had time to travel to Georgia as well as a place to stay post-Newbury Way/pre-Georgia (thanks Kris!). In fact despite the business and the stress, God has blessed my life in so many ways. I've got time to spend with friends (thanks to the whole no-real-job-thing) and time to relax (much needed after all the decision making). And I do believe that life has been preparing me for this and I cannot wait to begin this new adventure! I promise to start keeping everyone posted a little more regularly! After all I have to tell about how exciting GA is so you will come and visit!

Katrina Hits Home

2005-09-08T23:47:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, I traveled to Mississippi today. Ever since Hurricane Katrina's destruction, I've wanted to come home to my family in Jackson, MS. It was not that I was concerned for their safety, having been able to communicate with them on a daily basis, it's just one of those things. Bad things happen, and you want to be with those you are closest to. I finally had the opportunity to come home today.
It's a little difficult to explain exactly how it feels or what it is like. Jackson is 200 miles north of the coast and did not experience large amounts of structural damage to the city and surrounding areas. However there were many fallen branches and even some trees and many people were without power for an extended amount of time. The remains of this can be seen as you drive around Clinton. Everyone has piles of branches and trees waiting at the curb. Anyone who was around during Lexington's 2003 ice storm can imagine this picture.
But it wasn't the trees that got to me today.
I arrived in MS around 2 pm central time. I went straight to the Jackson Salvation Army to drop some things off and volunteer for a few hours. I was so pleased to be able to unload two grocery carts full of donations sent down by my friends back home in Lexington. It was amazing how in less than 24 hours everyone was able to bring things by my house...I have the greatest friends ever.
After unloading the car, I volunteered in the food distribution room. I can't really describe how I feel or what it is like, so I will tell you about a few of the things I saw.
As I was unloading my car, an older couple (who looked like they could be any of our grandparents) was loading up their supplies into their car. As a Salvation Army volunteered pushed their cart full of toiletries and their food box out, the man said, "There that is our car. It's the only thing we have left." When you truly think about those words--- "It's the only thing we have left," you're floored. These people have lost everything. And you can read about it and see it on the news, but when you are standing next to them it hits home.
In the food distribution room I was handed a voucher for a family. I went around and filled up boxes of food and toiletries for them. About 1,000 people were serviced today at the Salvation Army and by 2 pm supplies were running low. There was no longer shampoo or deoderant to hand out. The food boxes consisted of an asortment of cheese and peanut butter crackers, graham cracker cookies, saltines, pudding, poptarts, nutra grain bars, green beans, corn, and peas. That's it. Each time I filled a box I just thought about how this was it. This is what these families had to eat. It's something you just don't dwell on it, because when you dwell on it, your heart aches.
It was a only a few hours of my day, and I don't feel like I have done much. I'm not going to see houses that are destroyed or a city covered in water first hand, but I am seeing the people so greatly affected by it. People who came to Jackson for a night or two and now have no home to return to, and no job to return to. Despite this truth, I saw many people smiling. They were thankful to be alive and to be with friends and family. It didn't matter that all they might have for dinner tonight was green beans. In my opinion, these people are amazing. Brave people who are living life despite having so much taken from them.

Many many people have been so generous to the Salvation Army and I know that tomorrow the food will be restocked and a larger variety of things to hand out will be available. Disaster relief takes time, resources, and money to organize. So we gave what we had today, knowing that God will provide the resources for tomorrow.

For more detials on what is going on at the Salvation Army here in Jackson, check out my Dad's blog. chuckssalvationarmy.blogspot.com His is much more complete and includes pictures.

Late Night Dating Philosophy Part 2

2005-08-14T22:20:00.000-04:00

In a previous post I compared the world of dating to dying your hair. Well, I have been inspired to continue my metaphor. You may think it is going too far, but I hope you enjoy. And if I have missed something…be sure to add it!!

The box that stays on the shelf:
This is the color that looks so good on the shelf. You think, wow I would love to try that but for whatever reason you don’t. You’re scared because it’s too bold; or maybe you just know it isn’t the color for you even if you wish it was. For whatever reason, the box stays on the shelf although you might regularly visit it on your trips to Wal-Mart. :)

The box that you take off the shelf and carry around Wal-Mart:
This is the color that looks good. You pick it up, you hang out it with awhile cause you really like it. But before you even leave the store you realize that it’s not the one for you. You just don’t feel the chemistry. And it doesn’t mean that someday you won’t come back and get that color. But for the time being you know that it’s just not you.

The box that you buy, take home, love it, and then hate it:
This is the color that you fall instantly in love with as soon as you see it. You grab it off the shelf and smile the rest of your time at Wal-Mart and all the way home. You put it on as soon as you walk in the door and it’s wonderful. You keep checking yourself in the mirror, smiling each time. And then the color fades. It doesn’t look so good anymore and you really just don’t like it. You may even regret buying it or wonder how you ever thought it looked so good. It’s not long before you find yourself back at Wal-Mart.

The box you buy, love, and then they stop making it:
This is the one that hurts the most. You finally find that perfect color. You love it. It is exactly what you wanted. It fades into a beautiful color that keeps you smiling. But then one day when it’s time to refresh your color, you go to Wal-Mart and it’s gone. It’s been discontinued or something, you don’t know. You find yourself wondering if you will ever be able to replace it and days and months later you still look back remembering. It takes a long time for you to stop looking for it on the shelves at Wal-Mart.

The box you buy, love, and keep buying: This is it. This is the one that fits. It looks great on you and you love it. Now, it’s still hair dye, so it does have to be refreshed. You may even highlight it every now and then just for a change but it’s there. It’s true to you and you are true to it. Because it makes you happy and beautiful. It’s the color we’re all looking for. And someday we all hope to find it….

A Late Night Dating Philosophy from Rachel and Heather

2005-08-07T22:05:00.000-04:00

“If only we could try out boyfriends like this.”

So quotes my dear friend Heather as she attempts to undo a recent hair mishap. If only dating was like dying your hair---if you get it wrong you can go back to Wal-mart and get a new color to fix it. How often does it feel like we “get it wrong.” I mean, the box looked great: the conversation was good, there was definitely flirting, the connection was there. And then not too long later, it just isn’t there anymore. If only we could go to Wal-mart and buy a new one.
But dating doesn’t work like that. There can be a lot of wrong colors in dating. For some people, they pick the right color immediately. And that amazes me. It’s awesome for them, but for the rest of us, we keep ending back up at Wal-mart.The interesting thing about dying your hair, is that most people always end up back to their original color, or their original color with highlights. Maybe that is what it is really all about. Being original…being yourself and finding someone who likes you for who you are. And maybe that person can be the highlight…the person who not only brightens your day but compliments who you are as well. Once that person is found, maybe we won’t have to go to Wal-mart anymore.

Heather and her Hair

2005-08-07T21:21:00.000-04:00

Heather during the hair-mishap.

Where were you?

2005-07-24T14:04:00.000-04:00

So, where were you the night Harry Potter was released and how long did it take you to read it?

I was in Lexington, KY, with my good friend Julie and we were at Joseph Beth Booksellers. Most of you know that Joseph Beth is a two story bookstore, so Julie and I had a lot of fun walking around and peering over the side looking at all the people. Inside the store it was packed with activities for everyone. Parents were walking around with their kids and teenagers were milling about. I saw a few Jessie Clark students as well as a couple teachers! One of the best things was knowing that all these people were going to go home and actually read this book.
Julie and I got to watch the parade of costumes before the book release. My personal favorites were the girl who created her own Crookshanks costume and the baby dressed up as the golden snitch. So cute.

At about 11:45 we got in line for the book release. I was SO lucky because my friend Kris had won a spot to be first in line to receive a copy of the book. It was awesome. I was the first person inside Joseph Beth to be handed a book (three books actually since I picked up Julie's and Heather's too). It was awesome! Then Julie and I left and walked by the HUGE line outside Joseph Beth that stretched all the way around the corner and back against the side wall of J-Beth. That line was for those who had reserved their copies ahead of time.
All in all it was quite a fun evening filled with people watching and anticipation. We didn't stick around though because we were eager to get home to read the book we had been waiting so long for.

I read the book by the next afternoon. I know that some of you have completed the book, so feel free to comment about any specific thoughts you have in the comment section. I am avoiding putting anything specific actually on my blog since I know there are a few readers who have not yet completed the novel (and those who we are still trying to convince to actually get on the bandwagon). So, a warning to all readers, there may be spoilers in the comment section so read at your own risk! Have fun!

My List

2005-07-24T13:57:00.000-04:00

Okay, so here is my list of the HP novels. These are likely to change so if I have ever stated something different--sorry. A girl always reserves the right to change her mind. :)

Half-Blood Prince
Goblet of Fire
Order of the Phoenix
Sorceror's Stone (or Philosopher's Stone for my British friends)
Prisoner of Azkaban
Chamber of Secrets

Walking on Water

2005-07-17T23:53:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard a story over and over and got nothing out of it and then suddenly one day the exact same story brings a completely new light onto your situation? Today I was reading in one of my “Christian self-help books” (might as well acknowledge it for what it is! :) and the author was discussing the concept “fear not.” He notes that this is a command given throughout the Bible and one that we often do not pay attention to. To illustrate his point of the importance and value of “fear not” he told the story of Peter walking on water. Here’s what he says:
“The story begins in Matthew 14 as Peter jumps out of the boat to join Jesus on the water. At first, Peter’s eyes are fixed on Jesus and he walks toward Him, but as soon as he becomes aware of his surroundings and turns his eyes off of Christ, he begins to sink.
Did Peter fail? Well, yes, he took his eyes off Christ, but…there were eleven bigger failures who remained in the boat. Only Peter knew the humiliation of public failure, while simultaneously knowing what it felt like to walk on water, to trust God completely, if only for a moment. The eleven other disciples were safe, secure, and comfortable, but had no comprehension of Peter’s initial joy. Failure is a frame of mind.”

As I read this, the thought occurred to me that the joy of walking on water, of trusting in God completely, was something that I want to experience. So often our fears keep us from taking the risks that God asks us to. Only by truly trusting in God completely will we ever experience the joy of walking on water and the joy of knowing that we are keeping our eyes on Christ. When I read this earlier today the song that came to mind was “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” It’s an old classic, but it was comforting to sing. Tonight at church one of the choruses we sang was “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” Since we don’t often sing this chorus, it was a wonderful reminder that God truly has a way of bringing His peace and confirming that He is at work.

Finished

2005-07-16T13:49:00.000-04:00

Well, it's about 12 hours after I started reading and I have finished the book. There is much to say, but then there is much reason to be silent. Those of you who read the book will understand.

12 Hours

2005-07-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

Well, everyone. It's here. The day that Harry Potter Book 6 is coming out! When I woke up this morning it was one of my first thoughts, and I know it is going to help me through this day! For a split moment I thought, "what if it disappoints me? what if I am all excited and then it disappoints me?" Luckily it didn't take long for me to do away with that thought! I know that the only thing that will disappoint is when I turn the last page and know there is going to be a long wait for Book 7.
I am so excited tonight to witness the great event of the book's release. I cannot wait to see all the people lined up to READ A BOOK. It's exciting you have to admit...I mean it brings so much hope. People may accuse Harry Potter of being a popculture thing or even an obsession among people, but the thing you need to remember is that Harry Potter has gotten people reading again. And that is exciting.
You won't hear from me again until I finish the book.

Until then,
Rachel

48 HOURS

2005-07-14T00:29:00.000-04:00

48 Hours from now I will be reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Will you?

Alright, here’s the place for your comments ladies and gentlemen! (I am a bit disappointed in everyone’s lack of comments on this wonderful subject!) So this post is dedicated to your predictions. As we are down to the last 48 hours before book six, this is your last chance to say what you hope will happen before we find out what actually will happen!

So here are some of my predictions:

Harry will hook up with Ginny
Arthur Weasley will be the next minister of magic
Hermione and Ron will finally have a DTR
Tonks and Lupin will hook up
Hagrid will be the Half-Blood Prince

So what do you all think?

2 Days and Hours

2005-07-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

More on Choices
A Lesson from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

“So I should be in Slytherin,” Harry said, looking desperately into Dumbledore’s face. “The Sorting Hat could see Slytherin’s power in me, and it—"
“Put you in Gryffindor,” said Dumbledore calmly. “Listen to me, Harry. You happen to have many qualities Salazar Slytherin prized…yet the Sorting Hat placed you in Gryffindor. You know why that was. Think.”
“It only put my in Gryffindor,” said Harry in a defeated voice, “because I asked not to in Slytherin….”
“Exactly,” said Dumbledore, beaming once more. “Which makes you very different from Tom Riddle. It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

3 Days and Hours

2005-07-12T00:12:00.000-04:00

First off, I have to give props to Kris. She made my day today by giving me her winnings! Yes, Kris one a "be one of the first five people in line to get your Harry Potter books this Friday at midnight!" Can you believe it? And she is giving up this opportunity to me. So cool. Kris, you are too awesome!!!!!!

Here's today's thoughts:

Harry and Courage
Taken from Harry Potter and Philosophy: The Courageous Harry Potter (9-21)

Tom Morris says the following in explaining why Harry Potter is able to face the many dangerous times he finds himself in throughout the HP novels.

“Courage is doing what’s right, not what’s easy. It’s doing what seems morally required, rather than what seems physically safe or socially expected. It’s doing what’s best, overall, rather than necessarily what’s best for you. A courageous person properly perceives when there is danger and then overcomes the natural urge for self-preservation, self-protection, comfort, personal gain, or even the solicitude for guarding the feelings of others that might counsel avoidance of that threat.
The great philosopher Aristotle teaches us that courage is a midpoint between two extremes in our reaction to danger: the extreme of too little, which he characterizes as cowardice, and the extreme of too much, which he labels as rashness. A courageous action is not the deed of a person insensible to danger, unaware of its presence, or reckless in the face of it. It is motivated and measured response to perceived danger by a person who is willing to face that potential harm for the sake of securing or promoting a greater good. It’s generated by a person’s values, and the depth and intensity with which they are held, and it’s to be displayed in a way that is proportionate to the needs of the situation.”

Morris continues in his essay to outline Harry’s recipe for courage page 14:
1. Prepare for the challenge
2. Surround yourself with support
3. Engage in positive self-talk
4. Focus on what’s at stake
5. Take appropriate action

Throughout the novels, as Harry grows up, you see him struggle with his identity. By book five he gets angry more often and finds himself in sulky moods. Despite these trends of all adolescents, Harry remains one of the most courageous people. Whether he is saving the stone, saving Ginny, saving Sirius, saving Cedric’s body, or saving Sirius again, it’s not about Harry. He enters those situations not with regard to himself but only thinking of that other person. That he might not survive seems to matter very little. Once again there is always something to be learned from one of literature’s favorite characters.

4 Days and Hours

2005-07-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

Dumbledore’s thoughts on the Philosopher’s Stone:

“To one as young as you, I’m sure it seems incredible, but to Nicolas and Perenelle, it really is like going to bed after a very, very long day. After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure. You know, the Stone was really not such a wonderful thing. (It gave you) As much money and life as you could want! The two things most human beings would choose above all—the trouble is, humans have a knack of choosing precisely those things which are worst for them.”

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone page 215

What are you choosing for your life?

5 More Days

2005-07-10T10:21:00.000-04:00

“Never used an Unforgivable Curse before, have you, boy?” she (Bellatrix) yelled. She had abandoned her baby voice now. “You need to mean them, Potter! You need to really want to cause pain—to enjoy it---righteous anger won’t hurt me for long—"
--Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix page 810

I want to point out a specific part of this quote: righteous anger won’t hurt me for long. I have to admit I think this line is fabulous. At this point in the book, Harry is fighting for his life against the evil Death Eaters. He has just watched Bellatrix murder his godfather and he doesn’t even know if his friends have survived the terrible fights with the Death Eaters. He is angry. And he has every right to be angry. And it is this fact and the fact that Harry has love within him that he cannot truly hurt Bellatrix. As angry as Harry is at the loss of his godfather, he cannot truly enjoy the pain of another. His righteous anger is no match for the evilness of Bellatrix.

This is a quote where the lesson is what we take from it. It is not something that I can completely explain, but I can say that this scene leaves me pondering each time I read it.

6 Days

2005-07-09T11:29:00.000-04:00

A week from today I will be deep into book 6! It is a very exciting prospect! :) The following is a quote from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone page 208. Yes I have given the British title because that it what I am copying it out of, although I believe this quote says the same thing in the American version of the book.
I love this quote because it points out that it’s not magic that makes our characters so memorable. J.K. Rowling has developed this incredibly creative magic world, but she doesn’t let magic drive he characters. She has created real characters with both good and bad personality traits that help them accomplish what they are put up against.
This quote comes at the very end of the section where Hermione has figured out Snape’s protection of the stone. Hermione is getting ready to turn back to help Ron and find Dumbledore and Harry is getting ready to go into the final room and face Quirrell and Lord Voldemort.

“Harry—you’re a great wizard, you know.”
“I’m not as good as you (Hermione),” said Harry, very embarrassed….
“Me!” said Hermione. “Books! And cleverness! There are more important things—friendship and bravery and—oh Harry—be careful!”

7 Days

2005-07-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

It’s all about community guys. All about community.

Dumbledore continued, “The Triwizard Tournament’s aim was to further and promote magical understanding. In the light of what has happened—of Lord Voldemort’s return—such ties are more important than ever before….”
“Every guest in this Hall,” said Dumbledore, and his eyes lingered upon the Durmstrang students, “will be welcomed back here, at any time, should they wish to come. I say to you all, once again—in light of Lord Voldemort’s return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak are we are divided.
Lord Voldemort’s gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.
It is my belief—and never have I so hoped that I am mistaken—that we are all facing dark and difficult times. Some of you, in this Hall, have already suffered directly at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Many of your families have been torn asunder. A week ago, a student was taken from our midst.
Remember Cedric. Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right, and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Cedric Diggory.”

The Goblet of Fire p. 627-28 British Version

8 Days

2005-07-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Those of you who have grown to love Harry Potter as I love Harry Potter, know that there is something about the books that make them special. Something that draws the reader in--making him or her care about the characters and the outcome of the story. It is not only the story of Harry Potter, but it is the story of all of us. Wandering around in a world trying to figure life out. That’s what makes a book timeless…because the story of life never changes.

Here is our first lesson from the stories of Harry Potter. The following is an excerpt from the essay Heaven, Hell, and Harry Potter recorded in Harry Potter and Philosophy. As I was reading this essay and came upon this part, I was surprised and pleased. I hope you enjoy it as well. And of course, I recommend the entire essay.

“What this means is that the nature of ultimate reality, the fundamental metaphysical truth, is loving relationship. God from all eternity has existed as a loving relationship among three persons. Moreover, God loves all His creatures so deeply that He was wiling to sacrifice himself to show how much He loves them and wants them to love Him in return. This is what is involved in the Christian belief that Jesus is the Son of God who willingly died for us on the cross to save us from our sins.
If this is true, the story about Harry Potter’s mother and the power of her blood is a reflection of one of the deepest truths about reality, namely, that all of us are loved by One who was willing to spill his blood and die for us. Furthermore, the love of Harry’s mother is a picture of the fact that love is a greater and more powerful thing than evil and death. It was her sacrificial love that protected Harry when Voldemort and Quirrell tried to kill him. In the Christian story, the resurrection of Jesus shows that love is stronger than death. Jesus offers to share his life with all who believe in him, and this life gives those who receive it the power to live forever. So understood, Christianity is a great love story and it is based on the belief that love is the deepest reality and evil cannot defeat it.” (PAGE 74-75)

9 More Days

2005-07-06T21:35:00.000-04:00

Ladies and gentlemen, the long awaited day has arrived. We are finally only days before the release of the 6th Harry Potter novel. Finally we will find out what will happen to our favorite trio, Harry, Ron, and Hermione. What will they face now that Voldemort has returned? Who will be the new minister of magic? Will there be romance for our characters? And of course, who is the Half Blood Prince?????

I hope that you will join me in the anticipation of this book by checking my blog over the next few days. My HOPE is to share some piece of Harry Potter each day. It may be a lesson learned from the book, a possible prediction, or some other HP type news. It's going to be fun stuff though. It'll help the next nine days speed by.

Also, for those of you who are wondering. Of course I'll be at a Harry Potter release party. Why wait any longer than necessary when I can so easily drive to Joseph Beth and pick it up at midnight on July 15/16. Anyone who is even a little bit of a Harry fan is welcome to join in the fun!!

Adult Conversation

2005-05-19T08:42:00.000-04:00

Adult Conversation: any conversation that involves discussing things that you don't have to worry about until you live on your own and pay your own bills; i.e. utility bills, water bills, broken anything in the house, etc.

We're adults now. How did that happen? And how can I make it stop?
--Meredith, Grey's Anatomy

Adult conversation reminds me that I am an adult. I've been an official, out-of-college adult now for almost two years. It's been a pretty crazy experience sometimes. Most of the time I avoid the adult conversations and stick to movies, books, and what are we going to do on Friday night discussions. It's just easier. There is no responsibiltiy there.
But life calls for responsibility. It asks us to take control and make decisions. Sometimes that road to decision making is more difficult than others.
I recently had a conversation with my dad where I (almost in tears) poured out what was on mind. He then told me he loved me and that I wouldn't like what he had to say. Then, in a way only my dad has, he told me to grow up. He said a few other things, but the jist was GROW UP. I guess it kind of hit me then that living in this "I'm an adult but pretending I'm not" world was just not good. Not healthy in fact, because how can you truly be who you are supposed to be if you are stuck in the middle of being one thing or the other. I realized that being an "adult" doesn't mean I have to change, it's just a different mindset and sometimes a different approach to the difficult things of life.

Since my dad's kind, but firm reminder of what I needed to do, life's been pretty good. Maybe the adult thing isn't so bad after all.

Bragging Rights

2005-05-12T14:29:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! Check out this article written a couple weeks ago in Akron, Ohio where the fantastic tour of Mamma Mia! starring Bekah Nutt was published! I always knew she was a star and now you can read this review and see it for yourself!

Massillon native Bekah Nutt shines in the pivotal role of Sophie in musical

`Mamma Mia,' she does very well

By Kerry Clawson

Beacon Journal staff writer

The current production of Mamma Mia at E.J. Thomas Hall proves that one strong characterization can bring the musical's lightweight story beyond mere fluff.

Massillon native Bekah Nutt (a Baldwin Wallace graduate) brings plenty of heart to her role as the young engaged Sophie, who is desperately searching for her father in an effort to be a ``proper bride.'' The diminutive performer is not only a likable actress, she's also a sweet singer and dynamic dancer -- a big improvement from the underwhelming vocals and cardboard characterization of Canadian Kristie Marsden, who played in the 2002 Northeast Ohio premiere of the musical in Cleveland.

In any compelling musical, the heroine has to offer an ``I want it'' song early on to make us care. Nutt's Sophie does that well, creating the thread that weaves together 22 ABBA songs from the 1970s into a new, modern-day story on a tiny, mythical Greek island.

In this story, 20-year-old Sophie learns from her independent-minded mother's diary that her father could be one of three men. She invites all three to her wedding, unbeknownst to her mother, Donna, a former rocker.

Lauren Mufson's Donna is understated -- more melancholy than feisty. Mufson's not a rock power like other Donnas have been, but she proves she has a big set of pipes in her show stopper, The Winner Takes It All.

On opening night Tuesday, the show's energy was slow to pick up in the first act. Some of the cutest staging occurs with the antics of groom Sky's scuba-diving buddies, who sneak in during an intimate moment between Sky and Sophie to literally steal Sky away. The dynamics become intense during a bachelorette party scene, where emotions run high as Sophie confronts possible dad Bill (Milo Shandel) in The Name of the Game.

In other clever staging, the three dads fawn over Donna in bed and an ominous-looking chorus of scuba divers surround Sophie during her second-act nightmare. Talk about wedding jitters.

For the most part, the show's singing is energetic and joyful. But at times, ensemble harmonies from offstage sound booths don't sound as richly layered as the cast album's.

Northeast Ohio is well represented in this show: Akron native Blake Ginther, a 1999 Firestone High School graduate and 2003 University of Cincinnati grad, joined the tour as an ensemble member right after Christmas. He's the son of Dr. William and Sharyl Ginther of Akron. Ginther, 24, is all boyish cuteness and muscular trimness as he throws himself into the fun-loving choreography.

As Rosie, the comedic Laura Ware is the biggest card in the show. Possible dads Shandel as Bill, Ian Simpson as Harry and understudy Rod Weber as Sam also are charming and lovable.

The show's big disappointment is Lisa Mandel's poor vocals as middle-aged siren Tanya. Mandel's statuesque height and elegance can't change the fact that she ruins the perfectly cool tune Does Your Mother Know. Equally mediocre are her solo lines in Dancing Queen.

Memorable lighting by Howard Harrison bathes characters in a dreamy blue aura. The story is set in designer Mark Thompson's rustic, versatile taverna.

The show, most appropriate for those high school age and older, has some double entendres, a sprinkling of profanity and adult themes. It also contains some tasteless male bashing.

The ABBA music is the true star of this show. Once again, the audience was most enthusiastic after the curtain call during the mini-concert, which in itself is nearly worth the price of admission.

Ruth: Great because God made her Great

2005-05-09T09:16:00.000-04:00

This weekend at Southland we studied Ruth. Since I got to go to both morning and evening services (which were completely different), I got a double dose of Ruth. I learned a lot though.

Did you know that Ruth is the 8th book of the Bible and that the number 8 is significant when used in the Bible because it signifies something new?
Did you know that Naomi means "cheerful one" and she changed her name to Mara which means "bitter one"?

Other life lessons from the two sermons include:
1. Leave and Go
The Christian life is all about change; if you are resistent to change you are not fully living the Christian life
2. You are either changing people or people are changing you.
3. If you want a Boaz, live like a Ruth; if you want a Ruth, live like a Boaz.
4. God's definition of Great is different than yours and mine
5. To live a life God considers Great is within my reach
6. In life, we will all go through times of trouble (see John 16:33)
7. It is in the little things that we prove ourselves capable of the big things
8. When God develops our inner qualities, he's never in a hurry.

Obviously lots of things to think about. Please note that when I post notes from the sermon on Sunday, I'm not making statements of fact. I am relaying what someone else has relayed to me; most of which I agree with and can back up with Scripture. But more and more I am realizing that there are a lot of things I don't have figured out. A lot of things that my opinions waver on, or that I don't know what Scripture says one way or the other. So I'm open to discussion.

Happy Monday!

The Past, The Present, and the Future

2005-05-02T08:31:00.000-04:00

Since I have about 5 minutes before my work day officially starts I thought I would take a few moments to share some thoughts on last night's 608 service.

Yesterday we began a new series at Southland, True Biblical Stories. We began with the story of Abraham. Well, first we began with the reminder that our Bible story heroes are just like us. I guess deep down we all know that. That our favorite Bible characters made some pretty major mistakes and yet still God used them in great ways. But we forget...especially when we want excuses as to why God can't use us. But here is a quote from how we started service yesterday:

"The next time your past tries to keep you from following God, remember you in good company."

Meaning, if you let your past stop you, it's YOU stopping you, not God. Because God will use you if you let him.

So, here's the key truths that Brad shared with us last night:
1. God's way is ALWAYS the BEST way:
Jeremiah 29:11 and Isaiah 55:8-9

2. Your past does not and will not ever disqualify you from being used by God
To go from the PAST to the FUTURE you have to remian in the PRESENT because you have to meet God in the present

3. God is ready and willing to use you right now.
God is looking for somone with an open and willing heart--the only thing that can disqualify you from being used by God is an attitude of unavailablity.

Number 2 struck a specific chord with me. Too often I find myself living in the future and making decisions based on the past. But if I want my life to not be about me and to be all about him, then I have to start living in the present because the present is where God wants to meet me. Sure, God was with me in the past and he'll be with me in the future. But today is what matters right now because God wants to be with me today. Right now.
So if you were not at Southland last night, I hope you enjoy my notes (and no comments about how I am a nerd because I take notes during sermons.) And if you were at Southland, hopefully this is a good reminder that today is the day to meet God; cause he'll be there tomorrow, but he wants to be with you today.

Spring time in KY and Monday Mornings.

2005-04-25T09:04:00.000-04:00

What the heck...I mean come on. This weekend? What was that all about? Snow? In April? I was so excited to see a high in the 60s today!

So, I think I think (?) in short sentences. I'm finding when I am excited, tired, or on a coffee overdose (such as most mornings) I type in really short sentences. Actually they aren't even sentences just groups of words put together that I decide to put a period or question mark or exclamation point after. I'm thinking that this morning it must be because it is Monday.

What is it about Mondays anyway? I mean, why do we dislike them? Seriously, they are the start of something new. Every Monday morning we get to start over. A new work week to accomplish things. Another weekend to look forward to (the number five is only a long time when it refers to the week). Maybe we dislike Mondays because it is a new week with new responsibilities and new things to do. Or maybe it's cause we are still recovering from a weekend filled with way too many things to do and not enough sleep.

I personally like this Monday because Mondays are a pretty slow day at school because the students are still tired from their weekend. :) And after this Monday...I only have four more. :)

2005-02-08T21:29:00.000-05:00

So, in case you were wondering, being sick sucks. You're tired, grouchy, your voice sounds funny, and people don't want to stand anywhere near you. You have coughing fits and your students turn around and have to ask if you are okay. Overall you just feel like crap. It's a wonderful feeling for those of you who haven't had the pleasure of the sick feeling yet this season.
Seriously though, being sick is pretty miserable and doesn't give for the best blogs, but I just thought I would share with you all how I was feeling in hopes that by the time you read this I will be completely cough-free.

2005-01-31T19:14:00.000-05:00

Other days I remember why I am looking into careers outside of teaching. Guess which one today was? ;)

2005-01-28T16:59:00.000-05:00

Some days I remember why I became a teacher. Today was one of them.

2005-01-27T13:20:00.000-05:00

Well, I had jury duty orientation today. Yep, I have been called up to serve my country. According to the judge who presided over orientation today, serving as a juror is one of the greatest ways we can serve our country. He noted that we have a unique and special system in America that allows us to be judged by a panel of our peers. I know all this of course (History teacher that I am), but it was a really good reminder that though jury duty is somewhat of an inconvience, it is something that, as Americans, we should want to do. In fact, since I have resigned myself to the inconvience of it all, I am now excited about the experience it will give me to be a better teacher. Conviently, we are getting ready to begin our chapter on how government works in my history class. So, this experience of jury duty will only enhance my ability to discuss the judicial process with my students. I think I should therefore get professional development for it. :)
I will definately keep you posted on the merits and demerits of jury duty. Today I am pleased to say that I feel I am doing a duty to my country, and therefore there is nothing to complain about. Hopefully...I will keep that in mind (it's in print now so I will have to!)

2005-01-27T13:18:00.000-05:00

Hello all you blog readers! I don't really have anything to say, but I feel as if I have neglected my blog a great deal. I get so concerned about saying something interesting and witty that I find I kind of run from the blog screen. I often think of GREAT things to say when I am as far away from the computer as posible, and then by the time I have the time and energy to blog, those great thoughts have disappeared never to return. It's a shame really cause I bet that I am a fantastic writer. It's just that the words never make it from my mind to paper, so the great ideas are stuck where only I get to enjoy them. I know, I'm so sorry that you all are missing out! :)
Oh! I just thought of something to say! (I knew it would come eventually). This weekend my roommate and I rented the movie Saved! Have you heard of it? It's set in a Christian Highschool and is mainly a satire on fundamentalist Christians who are a little over the top. As extreme as it may seem at points, this movie is reminder that our actions are being watched and that we need to daily evaluate our Christian relationship to discover who we are serving, God or ourselves. In the movie multiple characters think they are doing what God wants them to do, only to realize that they didn't go about it the right way. It's interesting, something to think about. I do recommend it, cause I think we all need something to think about, and this movie will make you think.
Okay, I better post this before I get kicked off aol and lost this entire thing. Cause that would be a shame, because I know you all wouldn't want to miss reading this blog...and there is no way I am typing it again. :) Hope you enjoy! And comment away..cause maybe that will inspire me to post more often!

2005-01-13T09:54:00.000-05:00

It’s not every day that you get to meet someone you admire. On Tuesday evening I met Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries series, All-American Girl, The Boy Next Door, and other books that I have read and enjoyed. She came to Joseph-Beth and spoke and signed books. Just listening to her, I can understand why I, and so many others, enjoy her books. She is absolutely hilarious. Her word choice, her tone, and her facial expressions kept the audience laughing. After listening to her, I can tell that she puts all of who she is into her novels. That is what makes them so great. She’s real in person and that enables her to create real characters.
It seemed like a normal night really, with just an extra stop at the bookstore. But in reality it is one of those times that you just know you will always remember. That every time I pick up her book, I’ll think of how I spoke with her and now have her signature in Every Boy’s Got One, her latest novel. This novel refers to the fact that every boy has a heart…though I sometimes wonder about this, I am willing to read and discover how her character comes to this conclusion. Who knows, maybe it will help me better understand guys!! (Unlikely, but you never know!)

2004-12-21T17:25:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

What a holiday season it has been! It's been full of parties and get togethers, time with friends, Christmas lights, and yummy food. Since it is only December 21, there is still more celebrating to be done. Since the hustle and bustle of my everyday work day is gone, I can finally relax and maybe really think about what Christmas is. Cause the parties and lights and food are fun and exciting--that isn't why we celebrate. It's easy to forget why we are celebrating this time of year. But in fact without Christ's birth, there wouldn't be a Christmas season to celebrate.

I often wonder what Christmas means to those who are not Christians. How do they justify taking time off work, eating lots of food, and buying lots of presents? Christmas just doesn't make sense to me without Jesus' birth in the center. So, if you are working hard to justify eating lots of food, taking time off work, or buying lots of presents--take a few minutes to remember that in the middle of all those things we need to thank God for giving his son to us, as a baby boy so long ago.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

2004-12-21T17:21:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to me! Today it was announced that book 6 of the Harry Potter series will be released on July 16, 2005. Hurray!!! I cannot wait! It's exciting to at least have a date to look forwards too. So, there will be months of speculation before the book comes out...and I better start rereading the series! It is a tradition after all to reread the entire series before the new book comes out. :) Merry Christmas!

2004-10-01T22:52:00.000-04:00

Some Things Never Change

The band plays the same songs. The cheerleaders do the same dances. The student section never sits down. The parents sit in the same spots. The junior highers never watch the game. The announcer still doesn't know what's going on. And everyone is still cheering for the home team.
This is Clinton Mississippi on a Friday night during football season. Tonight I enjoyed my first CHS game as an alumnus---5 years after I graduated. I had the chance to come home this fall and I took it (forgetting how long the drive actually is). Luckily is was a weekend when Clinton played at home. I am not sure what it is about football, or what it is about being a part of the home team, but the excitement doesn't seem to fade. I still wanted to cheer until the end and make sure we one. It was a close game 13-7, but ended excitingly when the Arrows kept the Gators from scoring by intercepting the last play of the game. Got to love those last minute turnovers.
I don't know what it is that makes me sensitive to things like the "alma mater." Though I only spent 3 full years in Clinton, it will always be a part of life. It has to be...it's where my first diploma comes from.
Despite living in Kentucky today I am glad that I was given the ability to feel that many places are home. It's great to be home now; and it will be great to go home on Sunday.

2004-08-24T14:48:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time since I have published, but I do have an excuse. Summer has ended and the work year has begun! It didn't catch me off guard, but it did become a whole lot of work extremely fast. I don't often use this site to complain, but the subject I am going to approach warrents being discussed.
I work in a school district that is so large and sometimes unpredictable that you never know what's going to happen. Instead there is this magic thing called "Day Four." These words are spoken with reverence, fear, and anger most of the time. These words mean that things could change in what feels like a moment.
Day Four in Fayette County refers to the fourth day of each new school year. This is the day when schools turn in their numbers--how many students they have attending their school. Depending on the numbers you can gain or lose staff to your school. Because of the new middle school in Fayette County this year, it was somewhat of a turbulent start to the new year. And now day four has come and changes have been called. At my school we are gaining a teacher and a half; but we are losing a special education teacher. It doesn't seem to make sense, I know. As it turns out one grade's special education will have to totally be redone, and one team's schedules (likely my 8th grade team) will have to be redone. It's all about the kids, I know...but it doesn't stop the frustration.
I am thankful that I still have my job...once again I escaped the horrors of Day Four. Others, were not so lucky and I can only hope that it works out for them.
Even as I sit here waiting for students to enter my room, I know that it is all about them. But I just keep wondering...what is wrong with a system that keeps hurting/frustrating its workers. The horrible cycle never seems to end in a job where security should be at its highest, you often don't feel secure.

2004-07-31T16:37:00.000-04:00

My Favorite Parts of Summer

As my personal summer is nearing to an end (I'm down to the last 48 hours), I thought I would take a trip down memory lane with a list of all my favorite parts of the summer. These are in no particular order, just what I remember!

Dutch Blitz
Mamma Mia! Cleveland
Mamma Mia! Charlotte
Sebring Camp
July 4th fireworks/cookout
Kings Island
Washington DC--The American History museum
Colonial Williamsburg teacher resource center
Melanie's Wedding
Spending time with Kathy and Heather
Renting a new townhome!
Seeing teens come to Christ/grow closer in their relationship with God
Jen's graduation
Taking pictures
Swimming
Shopping
Gulf Shores
Time with family

And that covers it briefly of course. At least I have plenty to remember while I am sitting in a workshop every day next week!! :)

2004-07-12T14:42:00.000-04:00

My Sister, the Star

Last night I had the priviledge of going to see my sister star in the number one Broadway musical, Mamma Mia! Bekah played Sophie, a soon-to-be-married twenty-year-old who longs to discover the identity of her father only to find that she has "three possible Dads." All this is to the toon of many ABBA songs. It's one of the funnest shows out there and it was exciting to see her! It was especially cool to be able to say "that's my sister" and hear people say how amazing she is.

Whenever I am not sure exactly if life will take me the way I want to go, I know that I can always think about my sister who is truly living her dream.

2004-07-08T21:35:00.000-04:00

The Last Few Weeks of Life

Well, it has been a busy last couple of weeks. I drove to Ohio, Mississippi, and back again to Kentucky. It was a really fun couple weeks in Kentucky enjoying all the best things of summer including cookouts, races, parties, trampolines, swimming, fireworks, and roller coasters. It was definately one of the most event filled and fun July 4th holidays I have ever experienced.
Another big event of the past couple weeks is the finding of a new place to live! Those of you who have ever been to my place know exactly why moving out of my apartment will be a highlight of this summer. And of course it will be too much to have roommates...I sure hope the job doesn't suffer!

Speaking of the job, I think I enjoyed July 4th all the more this year because being a history teacher now, I was reminded of all the things this country has gone through to be able to celebrate on the fourth of July. So often we seem to forget what independence really is. If we could only understand what it was like before democracy--before we had the rights that so many people fought and died for. It's easy to forget...which makes me grateful for holidays such as the fourth of July and friends who will put up with my "history lessons." =)

Another summer is half way over and the school year looms ahead but there are so many things to do before that time including more time in the car, weddings, camping, visiting, musicals, DC, Williamsburg, and North Carolina. And these are the reasons I really do love my job. =)

2004-06-16T12:48:00.000-04:00

You Know You are In Mississippi When...

We often joke about things that remind us of home. We associate certain things or certain songs or certain people with certain places or times. Well, since I moved to Mississsippi in 1996 there is one thing that I always associate with home...and today I was reminded of them once again.

In Ohio we have bugs. There are bugs everywhere. But Ohio bugs are nothing compared to Mississippi bugs. MS has three bugs that you don't find in the North including the red wasp (ouch), the red ant (double ouch), and finally--the one I saw today-- the GIGANTIC Flying Roach. I'm not kidding. They fly and they are huge.

So here is the story of how I was reminded during this visit home of the roach...
The day started off normal. Got up, went for a walk with my mom and our dog. Came in, had some water, decided to take a shower. So, I'm washing my hair wondering what I will do today and I look over. Sitting in the corner of the shower is none other than a 2 1/2 inch roach. I screamed--not because I was scared--but because they are so disgusting. Uck. Gross. So, of course I got out of there as soon as possible and then killed the roach and sent him to his (or her) grave down the toilet. If you have never experienced a giant roach, especially one who flies, you are truly missing out. If you ever visit MS beware, because they always turn up in the strangest places.

So now that I have had my official Mississippi welcome, I feel right at home. And definately encouraged to return to Kentucky soon--the roach-free land of the North.

2004-06-15T21:05:00.000-04:00

A Quote

"He (General Longstreet of the Confederacy) did not think much of the Cause. He was a professional: the Cause was Victory....The war had come as a nightmare in which you chose your nightmare side. Once chosen, you put your head down and went on to win."

From The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

I thought it was interesting.

2004-06-14T21:11:00.000-04:00

New Blog

Okay everyone...I've branched out! I now have two blogs that you can visit. You can find my other blog at rachelsreviews.blogspot.com
It's a totally different blog, so there will be updates on both. I hope you enjoy! I'm excited about this new blog and I look forward to filling it up! And as soon as I learn how to do links I will add them!

2004-06-09T23:22:00.000-04:00

Footloose

Well, I am home again. Mississippi home. Home is just where I happen to be at the time lately. =)

So, I am back in Clinton and tonight I went to see my "little" brother (who's 8 inches taller than me) in his summer musical, Footloose. Do you know what that is about? Here is a short summary. It is set in a small town in Texas where a local preacher has had dancing outlawed. A city-kid moves down there and disrupts the whole town. In the end there is a town council where the main character quotes scripture in an effort to convince the adults to allow dancing in the town. And all I could think about was...they need to do this musical at Asbury. I mean, could you imagine? I know that perhaps I am a little behind and some of you already knew this storyline, but I was wishing tonight that I had known it while attending Asbury...just because I think I could have had some fun with it.

Well, it's good to be home and highly amusing to be so distinctly reminded of Asbury tonight. I wish everyone could see my little brother though, he is fantastic!

2004-06-05T22:06:00.000-04:00

Second Time

It's just as good the second time. =)

2004-06-05T00:32:00.000-04:00

And the Critic Says...

It was fantastic. It was darker, it was deeper, it was funner. That's my summary of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Tonight I saw the third installment of the Harry Potter series. I must say Alfonso Curan does a completely different Harry Potter than Chris Columbus. However, it was an extremely intriguing Harry Potter.

As movies go, specifically movies geared towards kids, this is an excellent movie. It seems more to fit in the "teenager" category than the kids...but that makes sense since the main characters are now in their teenage years. As a story it was fantastic. The writing...blows me away. I laughed out loud; I was frightened; and I was relieved. And I already knew the story line!

A lot of liberties are taken with this movie in regards to the novel itself. But it is pleasing none the less. I have to say that my initial reaction is a bit subdued because this movie was so different than the previous two. It will take at least one or two more viewings for me to fully process the different Harry Potter world that Prisoner takes you into. So, my bet is this is not the last Harry Potter moment on the Blog. =)

2004-06-03T09:35:00.000-04:00

1 More Day
For all the Harry Potter fans reading...and those who will become one...

I am anticipating greatly the upcoming Harry Potter movie. In only one more day I will have the opportunity to see Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban!! I know that the book will always be the best, but reviews say that the movie is spectacular! Even Rowling has announced that she is pleased. And if Rowling is okay with it, than I am not going to complain.
I watched a special last night on Harry Potter...it is amazing how these books have become a dominant part of children's literature. The special included an excellent scene involving the time turner in Azkaban. If that is just a highlight of the movie...the movie will be fantastic.
I have gotton over the fact that they always stem away from the books, because i know that many many things will remain the same because why take an awesome idea and completely change it? Rowling's books are already so exciting that no movie producer needs to change the story to make an exciting movie.
I'm sure I will have an update after the movie, but those are my pre-movie thoughts! I Can't Wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =)

2004-06-01T10:35:00.000-04:00

Update on Life

Well, not too much exciting going on. Although, I'm not at work which is pretty exciting! =) Had a fun memorial day weekend hanging out with friends and now I am off traveling the country! Well, not exactly but I will be doing lots of traveling over the next few weeks and will be in and out of town. But I will always be checking my email so be sure to keep in touch!

2004-05-26T19:14:00.000-04:00

Done.

Okay, so it is totally not hitting me. I mean, it has hit my brain that school is out, but nothing else seems to realize it. When I was a kid I loved school. The last day was always a little sad for me because not only did it mean the end of school but it meant that that year will never again be. You think at the moment that something is so important and all of a sudden it's not there anymore. That's how school is. Really important for a long time and then it's not there.
So, now as a teacher it's kind of the same. It's all you think about for ever (it seems) and then suddenly it's as if someone says "Go, think about something else for 2 months and then come back and do it again." There is very little guidance for what I am supposed to do during the weeks ahead. Of course, I have plans--lots of them. But, I mean, I don't have to go to work anymore. That is a strange feeling.
Plus, I can't believe that I have been graduated a year and finished my first year as a teacher. I won't be the "first year teacher" next year. (That will be GREAT). I won't be "the new person." Both are titles I am not sorry to see go (although when you make a mistake it's great to be able to say, "sorry about that, I didn't know. I'm new") However, next year will be a whole new adventure in a new grade with new curriculum. I'm excited. Which is good...because the excitement needs to be there...and there were times this year that I thought it was gone; it's such a great feeling to have it back again.

Well, those are my reflections on my first year. Of course I could talk about my students and those that I work with and there would be lots to say...but those would just be much better told in person.

Enjoy work everyone! I'm on vacation! =)

2004-05-20T21:28:00.000-04:00

Four Days

All I have to say is... Four Days. It's great being a teacher. I love summer. =)

2004-05-15T01:29:00.000-04:00

Okay, how can no one have commented on my Harry Potter post (see below)????? I was trying so hard to spark some hot topic of debate. Do we have opinions here? Can we discuss?

What do you think about all the adolescent books that are being made into movies? Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Ella Enchanted, Princess Diaries, Lord of the Rings (kind of adolecenty), Holes, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, etc????

I find it very interesting myself because first of all it is targeting a major movie goer audience. Plus it is turning into multiple sequels, (see above mentioned listed; all but two have at least one sequel out or coming out).
I guess I find this interesting because of the age group that I teach. I don't know. I just wanted to post...strike up some conversation. =)

2004-05-03T20:41:00.000-04:00

Harry Potter

So, I couldn't think of anything to blog...but wanted a May posting. So I decided to share one of my favorite topics. Harry Potter.

See, in one month from tomorrow Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will be out in theaters. I am counting the days. So far one and two have lived up to all expectations and I am anticipating a great third movie. (You know Peter, you should see one and two so that you can come and see three with me!)

I guess you could say that I am a little into Harry Potter. Okay, really into it. I've read all the books...mulitiple times; I enjoy scholarly discussions on the books (yes, those are possible); I have read two whole books on commentary about Harry Potter (one pro and one con); and I own both movies which I watch on a regular basis. The real question is though, Why? What is it about these books that make them so...addictive?
Well, first of all, it's about the characters. Throughout each book you get to know Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They are real because Rowling created characters that everyone can relate to. So they might be in battles of good and evil that none of us will ever face, but they face all the other problems of our world including family, bullies, friendship, relationships, and other conflicts such as jealousy, misunderstandings, and confusion.

Why else do we read the books? Because within these books is a constant battle of good against evil and our inner nature desires to know that good is going to overcome. Rowling writes her books in such a way that you never know if just maybe she is going to surprise you and stray from the "normal" fairy tale ending. So far, good overcomes; but the battle is still on just as it is still on in our world today.

Finally, we read the books because they are interesting and well-written. Rowling has talent. Her books are filled with imagination and suspense. Throughout five books she has kept her readers interested and surprised. No matter anyone's opinion of Harry Potter, I hope that they will at least recognize the talent that she displays in her books.

And in closing, Harry Potter books and movies are a great form of entertainment. One where the battle between good and evil rages, and good always wins.

2004-04-29T16:48:00.000-04:00

Sometimes Stranded is a Good Place to Be

So, I am no longer stranded. I have to say it was definately a challenge to rely on others and live without a car. I have to say though the real challenge came on Monday when reality hit and I realized I had to buy a new car. I was sitting in the team room at work on the phone listening to this person I don't even know tell me how much it would cost to fix my beloved Honda. Now, as Julie commented about her shoes on Peter's blog, if only my Honda could talk. It would have some wild adventures to tell. Trips to Ohio and Mississippi. Trips to VA and the beach. Trips to Washington DC. Trips to NYC. Graudation trip to North Carolina. And not even the trips. All the things it saw and heard. But unfortunatly reality said even as attached as I am to my car. It was time to say good-bye. And so that is what I did. With my friend Melanie at my side, I set out to brave the world of buying a new car (or new to me anyway). And as always, God showed how awesome he is. Because I found a car, within my payment range, on Monday afternoon. And now I am driving that car around. It's a great car...somewhat newer than my dear old Honda. It's amazing how God's timing works actually.
Now, even though I am still terribly sad to say good-bye to that Honda that saw me through so much, I am very excited to prepare for the many wonderful adventures my new Sonata is going to take me on. And as the say goes "It all worked out in the end."

2004-04-25T22:30:00.000-04:00

Stranded

And so it happened again this weekend. I found myself stranded on the side of the road with a car that just stopped working. So fun. It's amazing how you can be driving along fine and then all of a sudden it's not so good anymore. Hopefully it is not too serious. I have been lucky throughout my many car problems. Very few of them have been serious and I have managed to get by. I am hoping that this is another one of those times as I wait for the verdict as to what happened.

I have to say that being stranded is an experience I find very difficult. The biggest challenge is that I had to depend a lot on people this weekend. Depending on others is a pastime that I try to avoid. I guess I just would rather depend upon myself. But life doesn't work that way.

I am sure that God was trying to teach me something...like branching out of my independence that I rely on more and more each day. As well as patience (the ongoing lesson of my life). I'm hoping that tonight and tomorrow are the last days of being stranded, but perhaps the other lesson God wants to teach me is that life doesn't always run on my schedule. All in all a broken down car can give many life lessons.

Finally I just want to say thanks to those of you who helped me out when I was in distress. It's good to know that before I was left "stranded" God placed in my life people who would be there for me. Thanks.

2004-04-23T10:32:00.000-04:00

Mud, Traffic, and Music

It couldn't be anything else but Ichthus. However, last night was an Ichthus I think will go down in history. As I sit here in my nice, warm, DRY apartment I recall the very cool, muddy, WET Ichthus that I attended last night. You know it doesn't get much better than kids covered in mud praising God. In fact as I was driving out of town past the multiple mile long traffic jam (at 12:30 in the morning!), I had this thought of all these people storming the city for God. Now, I don't know if Wilmore is actually the city that needs to be stormed, but it's a good start.
See the thing is, if it was me in the car for 3 + hours, I would have turned around. I just don't think my love of Ichthus extends that deep. But after last night, I think that I would definatley give it a try because if those people can do it, I can do it.
I don't know if I will make it back to Ichthus this weekend, although I hope to see Jeremy Camp on Saturday, but it has already been an eventful Ichthus year with lots of memories.

2004-04-19T21:22:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone
I am often not sure of what to write about in my blog as I find that the majority of my life is rather dull and not very exciting while the other minor part...not appropriate for publishing. So, I was thinking. If you have anything to ask, topics I could comment on. Please, add a comment so that I may expand the depths of my blog. Thanks!

2004-04-19T21:07:00.000-04:00

Communication
I had a discussion about communication with someone today. As a teacher I have learned more and more about communication this year. The biggest lesson: I have a lot of work to do on communication. It seems that there is always that student who doesn't understand, or that co-worker who took it the wrong way. Or the friend whose feelings you can tell you hurt when you didn't mean to. Communication.
It's the key to everything. It can affect a mood in a second. It can be the difference between a right or wrong answer. It can keep you from getting lost, or help you get there. Communication.
It's tricky and frustrating and confusing. Once something is said, you can't ever take it back. It's there. It's in the open. You are communicating through words, through writing, through body language, through facial expressions. We even communicate with sounds. Amazing. So, how are we to keep it all straight? How am I to know what is right or what that person said. Do they really mean that?
We live in a society where exaggeration is the key to success...just check out commercials. We live in a society where the "little white lie" is what keeps everybody happy. It's no wonder the world is full of gray. It's no wonder that my students don't know how to treat one another. They can't communicate...and I struggle to communicate back.
I have spent most of this year communicating with my two best friends solely through email. Talk about challenging. It's difficult to really explain your day or what happened over an email. The stories just aren't as funny when I write them, and the situation is just not as tense in black and white. But it's been a challenge that has helped my friendships to remain stronge--even grow.
But that still hasn't solved all my communication issues. It's still hard to say I'm sorry or to stop myself from hurting someone's feelings. It's still hard to explain to 95 different learners why the comma goes here but not here or why we study mythology.
Maybe this is why I find my day so challenging on a regular basis. Communication. It challenges me. I have to work at it. But it really is the key. It's means the difference between right and left/forwards and backwards/moving or standing still.
I just read Julie's Easter blog and I have to say that Christ's example of communication was one with nothing hidden. He laid it out. In fact he put down his life in front of everyone for me. And you. He communicated that so that there is no question. Once again he is our example. It's amazing. If I just strive to be like him...maybe I'll find that communication that will help make the correct turn or go the right direction or start moving instead of standing still.

2004-04-11T21:50:00.000-04:00

Easter

Today is Easter Sunday. A day that has come and gone for many years, 22 of which I have been a part of, and today is the first time probably since I was little that I just felt like celebrating all day long. It wasn't about candy and bunnies and eggs. It was just about joy. I can't explain it. Have you ever just experienced a time in life when it was just good? Nothing extra special. No changes. You just felt good and peaceful? This weekend, as I was daily reminded of the sacrfice of Christ, I was also daily reminded of the joy that his life should bring to mine. Because today was about Christ being alive. And it was incredibly awesome! Even getting up at 7 am wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be because I had friends to share this incredible day with. We had a lot of fun; I am so thankful for their relationships with Christ because they have helped to renew mine. I hope that everyone else had an incredible Easter as well.

2004-04-03T22:51:00.000-05:00

Vacation Ends

Despite the positive connotation that vacation holds...there comes a time when it holds that very horrible connotation of ending. In fact, my vacation has come to an end and I am very much disliking vacation. Oh, the irony of vacation.
It's amazing the difference between beginnings and endings. They hold such vastly different emotions. Which brings us to another word with vastly different connotations. Emotions. What exactly is an emotion anyway? Is it a feeling? Is it a response? Is it just part of who we are? I am very unsure of many of the words in our language. So many words can mean different things? I mean, we have words that are spelled the same and pronounced different! Whose idea was that anyway? Yet oddly enough it isn't even our words that say the most. So often it is our eyes or our body language that actually gives away the truth of what we are "saying."
If this is true, what are you saying at the moment? I am saying that the end of vacation is very near...and wondering what Monday morning will hold.

2004-04-02T16:01:00.000-05:00

Washington DC

Well, here I am sitting in the nations capital at this very interesting internet access place. But hey...at least we found one! Coming to DC always makes me wonder what it would be like to live here. I have this problem you see...every time I go to the city, I want to move there. (And no. I do not consider Lexington a "city"). I see people and I think "they live here; they are making it--I can too." But then my courage seems to falter and I accept where I am and I leave the city wondering why I am drawn to it and yet without the nerve to actually move. Sometimes I think I will do something drastic and just move...but unfortunately I am just too darn practical.
DC is such a lovely place to come though. It's so exciting...and you feel as if you are in a place where stuff happens. And the history...it's everywhere!! It's a history teacher's dream anyway. Even in the rain, DC is so much fun.
So far on this short, few day trip we have been to Pentagon City (for a lovely dinner with Melanie); Starbucks (once--soon to be twice); Ford's theater (never been there--loved it!); the Peterson House (yep I saw the room President Lincoln died); H&M (twice and counting); Old Post Office; Holocaust Museum; American History Museum (discovered a new shop); Hard Rock Cafe (excellent of course); Air and Space museum; Smithsonian Castle; National Gallary of Art (the store); National Archives (extremely cool--once again a history teachers' dream); Old Ebitt Grill (yum yum blondie!); and presently I am at Dupont Circle. Still going to hit the monuments this evening and Union Station. As you can see I have walked and walked and walked--but it's been awesome!
So DC as always has peeked my interest in thinking about my future...and just possibly dreaming about a time when I will finally have the nerve to leave the comforts of wherever I am and brave the city--whether it be DC or some other exciting place.

2004-03-30T13:06:00.000-05:00

Okay, so computers can really mess you up sometimes. I had typed in this whole deep interesting first post for my blog and I pressed some button and some screen popped up and suddenly my page was gone and I just knew I was going to be starting all over. Technology...highly overrated.
So, anyway, here I am entering the blogging world. I have heard many good things, but I am still a bit unsure of exactly what I have gotten myself into. However, I have lots of extra time this week due to that wonderful holiday known as spring break, so I thought I would experiment.
I fear that I will not be nearly as wise or witty as some of you, but I suppose it's all about being me anyway right? Which means if I am being me, there must be some hidden purpose for me to start a blog, and alas there is. You see, writing and I have this love/hate relationship. I cannot seem to get away from it (the whole teaching it thing might have to do with that), but I rarely ever enjoy it. However I WISH that I enjoyed it. So, I am hoping that perhaps creating my own blog will remind me that writing is not nearly as evil as I sometimes view it, but rather it's what I think it should be---enjoyable.
For my first post I believe that I have somewhat rambled on...a bad habit I have always had, and so I think I will actually see if this actually shows up. Does this count as being published? That would be great for my resume.... =)