Bare Necessities

On Sunday, I made a Facebook comment requesting a snow day.  I hadn't looked at the forecast in a while and had no clue what was to come.  I checked out Weather.com and couldn't believe the future.  Our predicted snow days are mostly false.  By Monday, I was convinced and totally bet that the world would not function until Saturday.  Well folks, this girl was right, and I apologize.  I'm no wizard, I promise I wasn't trying to make it happen.

I've always dreamed of a 4-day required vacation to my house.  I love snow days.  I guess I never realized how much I would NOT love FOUR snow days.  I'm as lazy as they come, but I am going insane.  We have made it out of the house 2 times.  I only went because I figured that if Brian were to die in a terrible car crash, I would rather go down with him.  Brian just HAD to take a trip to Rosa's, Family Video, and Whataburger.

Like I said, I predicted this war with Santa Claus and his North Pole weather, so I prepared.  I bought groceries to prepare meals at home for the entire week.  Well, I didn't really consider that Brian can't go more than a couple of days without Whataburger, so we still had to get out.  When we went to Whataburger, Brian ordered our usuals, #1 with cheese plain and dry.  Then I was unprepared and he threw in strawberry and apple fried pies.  Of course I had to jump on that train and joined the strawberry fried pie of goodness. 

If you know me, you know that I need some Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla scooped onto pie. That led us to pick up a few bare necessities at Walmart Neighborhood Market around the corner.  That place was insane.  It was very interesting looking around at the panicked shoppers in line trying to get in and out as quickly as possible.  That joint was packed.  Most people just had an armful of groceries.  Some folks had a cart with a good amount.  Then SOME people had a cart completely full. 

As I waited in line, I judged these people.  Really?!  This family just HAD to have a cart completely full of junk?!  I mean, sure, my checkout only consisted of a pint of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla, a pint of their newest flavor Krazy Kookie Dough, and break and bake Chocolate Chip Lovers Cookie Dough, but my stuff was REALLY needed.  I looked at everyone's items, Psshhh waffles? Psshhh chicken nuggets? Psshhh toilet paper? Really guys?  You just HAD to get these items in terrible conditions?  Then I finally got a look at the guy in front of me as he stepped up to the plate.  He had 3 items. 2 Liter of Pepsi (yuck), frozen shredded hash browns (I could go for that)...and...a pregnancy test.

Alright, he wins.  If there is any Bare Necessity that is worth fighting the ice skating rink of a parking lot, I would say a pregnancy test would be at the top of the list.  I guess my Krazy Kookie Dough pint of ice cream could have waited till Saturday.  So here's a shout out to the Neighborhood Market dude in scrubs, I hope you got the results you wanted.

After I picked up a package of chocolate chip cookie dough...only oatmeal raisin packages were left. 

I guess we weren't the only one with an emergent need for chocolate chip cookies,
Lindsey

Just a Memory

Like many of my 28 year old friends, this year is my 10 year high school reunion. Unlike many of my 28 year old friends, I had less than 30 people in my graduating class. We had one hallway in our school. I was third in my class academically but wasn’t in the top 10 percent. I knew everyone’s name in our whole high school. I probably even knew their siblings’ and parents’ names as well (I wasn’t a stalker, I promise). It was a small high school experience, but I loved it.

As I approach this 10 year mark, I reflect on my experiences and my perception. I recently ran into an old high school friend. I asked her about our upcoming 10 year and her attendance. Her response was, “High school is over and I’m thankful for that. I don’t need to relive those times.” That statement stayed with me. I explored my thoughts on the subject and she was right. As much as I thought I loved high school, its high school, and it’s just a memory.

Diving back into those memories surprisingly brought insecurities I didn’t realize ever existed. I never felt like I was cool enough or rich enough for people (like EVERY teenager). I wonder, did the people who WERE cool enough and rich enough, ever feel like THEY were? Probably not. Today, as I step back into that world, I know I’m still that girl. I’m still that girl that everyone views as a Goody-Goody. I’m still that girl who puts her heart into everything and gets hurt when rejected. I’m still that girl that will wear an ugly costume because it just fits the theme too well. I’m still that girl who may put more into the friendship than the other side. I have no idea exactly the view people had of me in high school, but I can guess. Well, and that’s fine, because I know who I am.

As I’ve been looking forward to my 10 year for a while now, I think everything happened exactly the way it should have. It played out like high school, I just didn’t realize it till now. I had such fond memories of high school, because of the people I shared it with. Sure there were teachers and activities that were a huge contribution, but it was those dear friendships that kept me going. I wasn’t “cool” then and I’m DEFINITELY not now! I was completely awkward and felt out of place as I stepped on the campus, but walked out in laughter as I spent a couple of hours at a table with two of my closest high school friends. That WAS my high school experience. I loved high school because I had some great friends that kept me laughing through any awkwardness. Thanks for the memories folks, I love to look back but happy to move on.

Brian may have hurt his broken arm by giving in to the Right-Handed Handshake,
Lindsey

The Great Film Retrospective

By the age of 15, I realized that there are some popular movies that every teenager needs to see in order to be cool. "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and "The Princess Bride" are two movies that every teen (in my day) quoted. They were older movies that were just cool. I watched both of the movies, mainly because I wanted to be cool and they were pretty funny. Along with those two movies, "Top Gun" makes the list. I never saw "Top Gun" and I didn't care enough about being cool to watch that movie. It had zero interest to me, except it would increase my pop culture knowledge. Since I realized this rarity, I purposely tried to not watch that movie. I attended parties and gatherings with "Top Gun" in the background. I've had my chance at least 20 times, but I wanted to keep this accomplishment. I could always find a small group to play spades in the other room or talk to a group of girls enough to distract them from the main purpose of the gathering. So today, I am 27, and I have never seen "Top Gun," along with many other classic movies that I should have seen by now.

On July 3, 2009, I married a guy that is obsessed with the movie world. I don't love movies. I love TV, not necessarily movies. It's all about my attention span. I appreciate movies, but I will pick a TV show over a movie any day. Througout our dating career and now marriage, Brian continues to say "WHAT?! You haven't seen......?!" Just fill in the blank with any classic drama or action movie. I'm all about comedies, but get insanely bored with action and drama. I can't follow the stories. Everyone looks the same to me and I never have a clue to what is happening.

While I may not know anything about some of these "classic" movies, Brian somehow missed a huge chunk of pop culture during their 80s and 90s. I think he refuses to acknowledge that the 80s ever occurred in pop culture. I could live in the 80s for the rest of my life with complete happiness.

Due to our differences in movie taste, Brian and I have compiled a list of about 30 movies each that the other has not ever seen. I have included all my favorite movies as a kid (and today). I admit, a lot of these are TOTALLY lame, but I still quote from them, so I want Brian to be able to get my jokes. Seriously, I know that a lot of my list is by no means considered to be a "good movie." About 3/4 of his list appears to be complete torture. I need to take up knitting or something, so that I have something to do while trying to pay attention to these movies. Over the next months, we will tackle our two lists and discuss the experience on a new blog that we are writing together. We would love for you to join in on our discussion or even sit in on a viewing. Our movies include:

Brian's List: 300, 61*, Blues Brothers, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Crash, Die Hard, Friday Night Lights, Heat, I Am Legend, Into the Wild, Iron Man, L.A. Confidential, Memphis Belle, Monster, Inc., Raising Arizona, Road to Perdition, Rounders, Serenity, The Alamo (2004), The Ghost and the Darkness, The Goonies, The Incredibles, The Legend of Bagger Vance, The Shawshank Redemption, The Sting, The Untouchables, The Usual Suspects, Tombstone, Unbreakable

Lindsey’s List: April Fool’s Day, The Babysitter’s Club, Better Off Dead, Big Business, Breakfast Club, Burnt Offerings, Camp Cucamonga, Camp Nowhere, Can’t Buy Me Love, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Ever After, Godspell, Grizzly Man, Happy Birthday to Me, Life is Beautiful, Rockin’ with Judy Jetson, She’s Out of Control, Sixteen Candles, The Chipmunk Adventure, The OC, Troop Beverly Hills, Waiting for Guffman, Whatever it Takes, White Christmas, Wish Upon a Star

View our blog http://thegreatfilmretrospective.blogspot.com/ to check in on this project.

Brian may die after watching "The Babysitter's Club,"
Lindsey

I'm ENGAGED!

The day has FINALLY come. I am an engaged woman. That's right folks, off the market, I have promised to marry Brian Gill. So I'm totally not the type to write all over the internet about my relationships, I like to keep my romantic life a little more on the private side :)

I'm not going to give you the whole history of our relationship, I'll just cut to the exciting part. I know all you people don't like to read blogs longer than like 20 sentences. So, since day 1 I've been really attracted to Brian through his writing. It was one of our many common bonds. Our relationship totally started because of our desire to write. I secretly blog stalked him, he secretly blog stalked me. I found myself completely absorbed in every email he sent me. Throughout our whole relationship, we've spent a lot of time expressing our love through notes and such.

Earlier on in our relationship, Brian left to go out of town for a weekend so he left me a little present to remember him while he was away. I was supposed to open it that next morning, but I totally opened it that night once the door closed. He gave me a journal with a letter written to me every day in it. The journal was completely full of our whole story. I finally got to find out what he was thinking during those times when we were just "talking" and then as it progressed to more. Here's the weird part, I did the exact same thing. We started writing letters secretly to one another on the EXACT SAME DAY. I had been keeping a journal for him. I kept my journal a secret from him forever so that I could give it to him for Christmas. I was just so incredibly shocked. When I received that journal, I knew without a doubt that he was the one for me.

So, writing has played a huge part in our relationship. Today I came home from work and there was a box sitting on my apartment floor. Inside the box were all of these envelopes with dates on them, starting with the day that we first had our "I want to marry you" talk. He had written me letters all along the way. I read through all the letters. Then when I got to the end, he arrived at my apartment. The last letter was dated today and inside it said "Will you marry me?" He proposed and put the ring on my finger and of course I said "Yes!"

I'm just so incredibly thrilled. Brian is my best friend and has just made my life a million times better since he stepped in it. I've never had anyone care for me like the way he does. I never believed in soul mates, until I met Brian. He is perfect for me in every way. God definitely knew the desires of my heart better than I did, I couldn't have created a person more perfect for me. Praise God for His blessings! Keep us in your prayers as we begin planning a wedding and begin that journey towards marriage. I love you all and I so appreciate the prayers from many of you as I've waited for God to bring that right person into my life.

I'm SOOO not used to wearing a ring,
Lindsey

Yay! Happy Engagement!

I had no girl to admire my ring, so Jason volunteered for the job.

Dancey Dance

Back in October, I visited the dance studio that I had been taking dance for the past year over in my area. It was my first and only time this school year to go to dance class. It was a new group of people in the class and the same combinations that were taught last year. I left the studio and for the first time, really did not love dance.

That next day, I just sucked it up and called the dance studio that I grew up going to, Nancy Brown's Dance Connection. I never considered even searching out their classes because it's a good 30-45 minutes away from my apt on a weekday. I just left a message, didn't really expect to hear anything. It's been 12 years since I've taken dance there. I never really think that people will remember me if it's been longer than 5 years since I've seen them last. Later that day, Nancy called me and I talked to her for at least 30 minutes on the phone.

I always loved my dance teacher Nancy. Now that I'm 27, I have a whole new respect for her. She remembered everything about me. She talked to me like I was a long lost friend. She asked so many details about my family, my home friends, my old neighborhood, etc. She remembered it all and I haven't seen her in 12 years. I don't think she will ever know the impact she has made on the lives of her students. If it wasn't for her, I would be such a different person. Her genuine spirit kept me in dance class. I was surrounded by snobby girls, but Nancy always made me feel welcome. She wasn't strict, she was encouraging and motivating.

Last night I was able to take a visit to my old dance studio to take a hip-hop class. It was a long drive, but it was worth it. I wish I could go every week. I love the challenging dance moves.

I think every kid needs a hobby. Dance, was my thing. Dance has opened up so many activities for me. My training gave me the ability to lead others and to constantly work to achieve a goal. I was such a shy girl growing up (well I'm still shy in some settings) and dance helped boost my confidence. My heart is pretty happy all the time, but man does it get happier when I'm dancing.

I'm ready for technology to move to Jetson's Cars,
Lindsey

The Wheel

In college, I was often called "Grandma". There are many reasons that led my friends to call me Grandma, but one reason, was my love for Wheel of Fortune. Before the days of DVR, my life revolved around The Wheel. If at all possible, I wanted to be home to watch Pat and Vanna. Today, I still love this show, but thanks to DVR, I can watch at my convenience.

Brian and I are huge nerds we watch Jeopardy and The Wheel every night. Fine, laugh at us, but we're working our brains and when we're old, we will be less crazy than you. I love these shows for the competition, because I love to win. BUT now, my favorite thing about these shows are the interesting lives of these contestants.

Some of the oddest humans come on these shows. I'm amazed by their craziness. Brian and I are a little mean, so we like to have a good laugh at some of these crazies. We rarely call them by their real name, we quickly give them a nickname and it is used the rest of the thirty minute segment. I love it when the craziest contestant on The Wheel gets to the finals, because THAT'S when we get to see their closest friends and family in the audience, as they cheer on their loved one. Sometimes it's shocking because the group is nothing like the individual or most of the time they are very fitting. Then there is the rare occasion (like tonight's episode), that makes me like THE hugest jerk, The Crazy...has no one. Man, do I feel bad when I've been laughing at The Crazy the whole segment, then they don't have a single person in this world who wants to come and support them on The Wheel. Who in the world would pass up on that event?! Exactly, no one. So it must mean, that The Crazy has no friends, and I'm a terrible human for laughing at The Crazy with no friends.

I never want to be alone in a room with Pat Sajak,
Lindsey

Six Flags

Brian and I went to Six Flags with Josh and Suzie a few weeks ago. It was the best day ever! There were no lines, except for chicken tenders. Every year when I visit the beloved Six Flags, I consider getting a season pass. I stare at the website, I think about the prices, and I never get around to it. One of these days, I'll get one again, so that I don't have to stay the entire day. I get tired after three hours.

There are so many great improvements at Six Flags, compared to the Six Flags experience that I had as a teenager. Now there is a rule that you have to wear all clothing items, no more gross women walking around in a bikini top. I also love those misters, they make the heat just a little better. Now I also have the confidence to not give in to peer pressure. I'm never riding the Texas Giant again, for as long as I live. You heard it, never again, even if all the cool kids are doing it. When I ride the Texas Giant, I feel like I've gone through about 10 car crashes, in 20 seconds.

Six Flags will always have a special place in my heart, even if their mascots creep me out. Tweety over there, I believe was trying to hit on Brian. Not cool. Maybe this next year, I'll actually get a season pass. Anyone up for Holiday in the Park?

Six Flags has about 3 layers of ABC gum on all tress and rides,
Lindsey

New Baby!!!

Kim and John had their baby boy on Tuesday! Here as some pictures of their precious Baby Gev to enjoy. I'm off to bed! :)

Upward Football

Brian is the director for Upwards at our church. So this weekend, we wrapped up football season with a coaches game. My friends and I were the cheerleading coaches so we switched places too. Umm...I definitely can't fit into my cheer uniform anymore. I'm going to throw a big party if I'm ever able to fit into that thing again. Maybe next year ;)

As you can see from the pictures, my sister and her family came to cheer us on. I think this may have been Ivy's first sporting event. She didn't care much for the football game, she just wanted to play with my megaphone or hold onto my leg.

Saturday felt like July,
Lindsey

Halloween Party

Happy Halloween folks! If you are my friend, you know that I love to dress up and I have a million costumes. Well this year, I've been so busy, that I really didn't care about dressing up for Halloween. So, Brian and I went as the fall-back 80's Nerd Costume. We worked up at the church for the first half of the evening. Then, I hosted a party with a friend, for our singles group during the second half.

All night, after people saw me, they made some kind of joke that was an attempt to say that I'm a nerd in real life and didn't have to wear a costume. It's not like I heard 3 jokes, I heard at least 10. I wasn't annoyed, I just felt sorry for the people. Some people just can't pull of being the Joker. I could tell what they were trying to say, but their joke was not funny, in the least bit. It's sad when I feel the need to give the pity laugh to someone who's making fun of me, because I feel sorry for their attempt and I want to avoid awkwardness.

Some of these costumes from the evening were pretty amazing. My favorite were Kid Sister, The Robot, and Strawberry Shortcake. Maybe next year, I won't be so busy and I'll take the time to actually plan a costume.

Fanny packs are so convenient,
Lindsey

NKOTB

So, I've been away from the blog world for a long time. I doubt anyone even looks at this thing anymore, but in case you do, I'll be posting for a little while.

My dream finally came true, New Kids on the Block are back together. I thought this day would never come. I thought I would never see Jonathan Knight on stage ever again. I was wrong, it happened, and I got to witness it.

I went to their concert last week and it took about 48 hours for my hearing to be restored back to its normal state, which is only deaf in one ear, not both. I've never heard so many screaming women in my life. The last time I heard such noise, was when I saw their concert in elementary school, but those were half screaming girls with the accompaniment of their parent (not screaming).

I'm always so interested to hear about a girl's favorite New Kid. Everyone had their favorite. No one just liked the New Kids. If you find out that one of your friends was a fan as a kid, your first question normally is "Who was your favorite?" Then you have a whole conversation about why you voted for him. Mine was Jonathan Knight, which is rare. You can tell a lot about a person by which New Kids were their fave. I should test that theory. Now that I've grown up and my personality has changed a bit, I've switched over to Joey.

I've been dreaming that Joey proposed to me,
Lindsey

A Day at French Lake

When I was little, we went to French Lake just about every day during the summer. My mom would run, while my sister and I rode our bikes with bags of bread in our hands. I have many memories at this "lake".

Back in January we had a Day of Solitude at church. I decided to spend my day by myself, at French Lake. I sat there next to the pond praying and sharing a day in conversation with God. I was so joyful just thinking about past memories and those that I hope to have in the future.

Today we took Ivy for her first French Lake experience to feed the ducks. She was adorable as she said "duck" numerous times and ate their bread. I can't wait to bring my own children to this park one day, but until I have a family of my own, I'm blessed to share a new memory with my favorite niece.

Why would you ever go fishing at French Lake,
Lindsey