Tag! I'm it!

I've been blog "tagged" by my sister, Carey. The rules are:
1. I need to link her blog. Here is her blog. I love it!
2. I need to give 10 random facts about myself. Those will be below.
3. I need to tag other bloggers. I tag Erika and Jenny.

Okay, 10 random facts...this is hard! But here:

1. I make faces that I am unaware of making. My face has a life of its own.2. I can lick my elbow. This is supposed to be physically impossible, but I have an unusually long tongue. Sometimes, I literally have to fold it up in my mouth to make it comfortable.

3. I got sent to the Principal's office in Kindergarten for slapping a boy across the face. But he made fun of me first! And he punched me in the nose after that!

4. I looked like a boy for a good chunk of elementary school/Jr. High. I still think I look like this.5. I was in 8 plays and musicals throughout my school years.6. I knew I wanted to go to Northwestern after I watched the tape of my dad as Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof." I was probably 4. I went! And I loved it!
7. Once I have an idea in my head, it's stuck. I'm stubborn and obsessive compulsive!

8. I think my family is made up of the greatest people ever. They are all so special in their own very different way. (I don't think they know that though, so don't tell them!). I love them. (And my in-laws too!)9. I secretly sniff Gerrit's neck when he hugs me.10. I have a pumpkin spice cheesecake in the oven RIGHT NOW!

I hope you enjoyed this! I know I did. Erika and Jenny-go for it!

The Good and the Bad of a Night With the Girls

Tonight was girls' night. We try to meet once a week with as many of us as possible. We especially wanted to get together tonight because MANDY'S ENGAGED! Congrats to her! She got to tell us the story of the proposal and share her excitement about wedding planning. We were all happy to hear her story (GOOD). We were happy to hear at all because the restaurant had this incredibly loud machine that was hummmmmmmmmming constantly (BAD). The food hit the spot. Whoever came up with the soup and salad combo idea is a genius. Perfect for fall weather (GOOD). The person who spilled her red soup on her green sweater is not a genius (BAD). I am my mother's daughter.Our jobs were a big topic of conversation. We're just glad we have them most of the time (GOOD)! But Rachel had a hard day at work and shunned the work conversation (BAD). I don't blame her. Teaching eleven-year-olds is tough! After we ate, we headed to Jess' new place. On the way, I was trying to take candids of our night. I clearly need to learn how to use my camera. And my camera clearly needs to learn how to use its flash appropriately (BAD). But as Delani and I were trying to take a silly, funny-faced picture, we took a cute one (GOOD)! The night was a GOOD reminder that I've been blessed with some wonderful, fun, Christian girlfriends and there's nothing BAD about that! Aw, wasn't this cheesy?

Gross.

This afternoon, I was about to clean the bathroom. I took the rugs out, put dirty towels in the basket, and put items back in drawers. Then I sprayed the whole bathroom down with my handy-dandy multi-purpose cleaner. I mean everything; I sprayed the mirrors, the sink, the toilet, the tub and shower walls. I like to let the cleaner settle. Next, I was getting ready to use the brush on the toilet. I got into position, ready to do the job I hate, when the whole paper towel roll fell into the toilet! Not only was the whole roll ruined, but I also got splashed IN THE EYE with toilet bowl water. I think God is punishing me for working on the day of rest. I've learned my lesson.

Modern Love

I was just now looking at an old book of poems my mom gave me one year for Valentine's Day. I came across one titled: To My Dear and Loving Husband (written in the 1600s by Anne Bradstreet). You can skip to the end if you wish, but it goes:

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee.
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompetence.
Thy love is such I can no way repay.
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persevere
That when we live no more, we may live ever.

I finished and thought, "How nice. I will show this to my dear and loving husband" Gerrit took the book, read the poem, and when he finished he said in monotone, "What's this say? That you love me?"
Yup...that's what it says. I love you....dearly.

From Coffee Shop to Cubicle

I have served my last cup of coffee at Caribou! Good-bye "large-extra-hot-no-froth-skinny-latte-with-a-half-shot-of-hazelnut-hold-the-lid." Hello computer software testing!
Of course, I will miss Caribou dearly. I had some great co-workers and customers that I enjoyed seeing daily. One customer actually cried when I told her I was leaving. "There are just some people, like you, who bring a little joy back into my life," she said. I'll definitely miss her and others.
But alas, it is time to move on. For the past week or so, I have been in training to test computer software at the same company where Gerrit works. So far, it's Greek to me. But they tell me I'm catching on fast. I even broke some software today! In testing land, this is a good thing. At Caribou...not so much. Anything I can do to help!
Looking at a computer screen is certainly a change from making mochas. The change in attire is a nice change, too. Instead of coffee stained, frumpy, black shirts, I get to wear pretty, fitted clothes...in color! (Though I'm not diggin' the heels all day.)
I will miss the interaction with customers, but it is nice to back in an office. It's a step in the right direction.
And I get to work with Gerrit! (He's this super hot guy in the next cubicle!) I think I see an office romance in my future!

My Birthday!

Welp, it was my birthday on Thursday. The day was just what I wanted it to be. Gerrit had the day off of work. He told me he would have to go in for a couple hours to get some things done. So, he got up as usual and left. While he was gone I got up and put the chain on the door (just for the extra feeling of safety). I woke up an hour later to someone breaking in! Don't panic! It was Gerrit surprising me with a dozen roses and....McDonald's breakfast!!! I was so happy and relieved. I nearly wet my pants when I heard the chain stop the door from opening. Anyway, we spent the day relaxing, playing scrabble (of course!) and going to the movie "The Women." Gerrit's a keeper, I tell ya. Not only was it an extreme chick flick, it wasn't even a good one! Ialso got phone calls and cards from my wonderful parents and sisters! (We celebrated together when they were here for Owen's dedication.)On Friday night, my dear friend Mandy took me shopping as her birthday gift to me. She bought me some cute clothes that I'm very excited about. Oh, and purple is the new black. It seemed that everything in the store was purple.On Saturday, Gerrit's family came over. We went to lunch, played games and had cake! Gerrit and I dominated in the game Cranium. That night I went to my friend Amy's house for dinner and a bonfire with our group of friends. Bonfire's bring out the best conversation topics, I think. We talked about our obsessive compulsive habits (everyone has them!), Britney Spears (why???), geneology and old college memories.
I've been blessed with some great birthdays.
All this to say that I feel very loved by everyone in my life.

S-C-R-A-B-B-L-E (14 pts)

Gerrit and I have been playing A LOT of Scrabble lately. I have been avoiding playing Scrabble for over a year and a half (since we registered for the game for our wedding). When the time comes to play board games, I suggest LIFE or a card game. But alas, I could not tip-toe around it forever...Gerrit asked to play Scrabble. And here I am a week later--slightly addicted to the game. We've played every night. I even won once! :) And this is the excitement in my life! This is why I don't blog, people!