American Idol

So, all along I wanted Danny to win. Since that ended up not being an option, I wanted Kris to be the new American Idol - but really, I just knew that Adam was going get all the votes. When Kris ended up winning, I was happy-sad. And yes, that is an emotion.

This is going to upset some Braves fans (I love the Braves, so don't be gettin' all crazy on me yet), but I remember when they won the World Series. My whole family was piled on my parents' bed, we got to stay up late, watch the game, and be cool. Well, we freaked out when the Braves won, but even then I can remember the camera showing the other team and I felt so happy-sad. I hated seeing the other team so crushed and let down.

Anyways, I'm happy for Kris.

But, I'm sad for Adam.

I am happy-sad. The End.

After this post, I totally understand if you won't be able read this blog again. I am ridiculous.

Truck Woes

In case you did not know, Zach sold his beloved truck while he was deployed last year. With that money, we bought the car I drive now and Zach drives my awesome Civic. Everything sounds normal, right? Wrong. Zach is not quite complete without a truck. I am reminded of this everyday.

While we were out driving today we passed a huge farm-tractor-farm-tilling thing. Zach waved to him. The farmer did not wave back. (He did not even look friendly.) Zach's explanation of the incident: "If I had a truck, he would have waved back. Ugh, because we are in a car he ignored us."

And so, I'd like to share with you reason #234 why Zach needs a truck:

People driving farm equipment will wave back.

Should I Stay or Should I Go??

Wellllll it is very likely that Zach is going to stay in the Army. Which makes another deployment (this time to Afghanistan) unavoidable. All decisions haven't been made and I'm not going to let myself get upset about Zach possibly leaving next April just yet. BUT the first thing my mom said when I told her was: "You stayed alone in TN already, JUST COME HOME."

It is so tempting.

I love my parents and my sister (who is still at home) and it would be wonderful to have people I love around 24/7 for the possible next deployment. Last deployment I just knew I was supposed to stay in C-ville. Now I am not really sure what I am going to do, but here is why I am already thinking about it:

Nightmares.

Every single night for about the past two weeks I have had nightmares about being attacked by intruders. (Well, one night I was being chased by a pit bull and no one would get him away from me. Thanks a lot dream-friends.) Don't get me wrong - I am aware that I can't make a decision like this based on nightmares. AND I shouldn't even be stressing about this right now. Who knows, I may very well find the Lord leading me to stay here again.

Please be praying for Zach and me while we are making these decisions! Love ya'll!

Watch This

Ya'll, Grace Community Church showed this clip in church this week and I LOVE IT. WATCH IT. (okay, I'm done with the all caps, I promise. It stresses me out too.)

Deux

Wow, two posts in one day. This is crazy! (Although, I had wrote most of my other post last week, but didn't finish until today.)

I do not usually cook and I (sometimes) feel guilty. But, it is tough because I am vegan and Zach is not. (I am not hard-core vegan. Last week I took a break and ate dairy. I seriously went crazy. I blame the lactose and delicious cheese.) Anyways, tonight I made a vegan quiche so Zach wouldn't have to have another taco, avocado sandwich, or out-of-the-box Thai noodle meal for dinner.

Here is what I used for the quiche:

- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1/2 onion
- 10 oz spinach
- some artichoke
- 2 cloves garlic
- handful of vegan cheese
- The equivalent of 4 eggs of egg-substitute

The last two ingredients are not always fun. I didn't use a lot of the cheese because it usually grosses me out. But, next time I am going to use a little more. As for the egg substitute, it sort of let me down, but it was my first time using it. I mean, I knew I wasn't going to get the same consistency of regular quiche, but I was hoping to get close. Next time I am going to add more egg substitute, but aside from the not so quichey consistency, it was really yummy. And one day I will upload a picture, but my lap-top is d-e-a-d at the age of 1.5 years and Zach's computer is a dinosaur, so I am having some issues. Oh, how I would love a Mac.

Well, I should go because Zach thinks that just because his foreign co-worker pronounces "focus" as "fu-cus" (Don't say it out-loud!!! It sounds like a very bad cuss word!!) he can say it that way too, but he shouldn't.

Nighty night.

Livin' the Thug Life

I mentioned in my last post that I am just fascinated by gangs these days. I started watching "Gangland" on the History Channel and could not get enough. So then I read Monster by "Monster" Kody Scott. I was simply floored by the violence and mindsets. Now, I can understand how a child living in poverty and in a broken home seeks out the gang life for a sense of family. What is crazy to me is that these children transition so quickly to violence. Not only that, but gangs recruit from elementary schools! AND, usually those children already have a glorified idea about that gang. It is crazy and leaves me wondering "what can be done?" Obviously they desperately need Jesus, but the ideals in "gang life" are so opposite of Jesus' teaching, I wonder what it is like to try to reach them. Not hop. Any one have ideas/thoughts? (Becca - I am sure you do, and I would love to hear them!)

And now, I would like to interrupt this blog post for a vent about.... ARMY. Zach just switched jobs or went back to another battalion or something - whatev, not important. What is important is this: in his old position he got up around 5:45 to make it to work for PT and got home around 4ish. Now, he has to BE AT WORK at 5:45 for a meeting. And yes, I mean 5:45 AM. His alarm is now set at 4:40 AM. But it gets better. They also have another meeting in the afternoon that keeps Zach from getting home until 6 or later PM. This. Is. Every. Day. GROSS.

My sweet mother tried to put things into perspective by saying, "Well Steph, if he was working in NYC*, he would be leaving that early AND wouldn't be getting home until 8 or 9 at night."

And she is right, most business men in NYC are workaholics. However, they do not deploy and they make at least 4 times Zach's salary. Um, good try, Susan, but you are going to need to try harder than that :)

*My mom is from NJ and both my parents started out working in NYC, so that comment really didn't come out of left field. Just so you know, my Southern friends :)

And PS - I am aware that many people have to work longer hours than Zach and may make even less than he does. I am thankful for what we have, don't get me wrong. Really, it is not about money. I am just in an iwantmyhusbandhomeplease sort of mood. The Army has a unique way of annoying me. Story of my life. Well, my life for the past 3 years. OMG I have to stop now. I am thinking in crazy circles.

Okay, peace out.

"I DO know, I KNOW" - that was for you, Kara Grimes.

Martha, Martha, Martha

Tonight is a big night, blog world. Tonight, for the first time ever, Zach and I are hosting our community group.

I'm feeling a little "Martha" right now (Luke 10:38-42). Here is why: there is a good chance that all night (and all day up til tonight) I will be distracted with thoughts like this:

- My little condo is so small, people are going to be sitting on top of each other
- My breakfast nook is not finished and people are going to judge my bare wall
- My little dog is going to be so annoying (that is a pretty legitimate concern haha)
- I will miss a spot dusting and it will gross someone out
- And the list goes on and on...

Um, how ridiculous am I? Pretty ridiculous. First of all, I have never had any of those thoughts about anyone's house. Second of all, I don't want to miss out on what I might learn tonight - or any time today! So, right now in this moment, I am going to take a deep breath....Check. Say a little prayer..... Check. And re-group.... Check. Okay, I am feeling better already!

Anything distracting you today, or am I the only one? :)


(PS- Later this week I am going to blog about my new fascination... gang life. Brace yourself. Or yo 'self. Whatev.)