Wranglers, Buckaroos, and other ambiguous bathroom signs

I went to dinner with my 2 newest roommates Friday night...my mom and my dad. I could be the poster child for "moving back in with parents post college". My mom jokingly called me a "boomerang" one night to some friends that were over for dinner. "She leaves and then she just comes right back!" were her words exactly. She thought her joke was hilarious. I refuse to let her live it down. Her response is always the same "you know i didn't mean it like that sweetie!" Ah yes, they are thrilled to have me back. I dine with them regularly, find myself sitting in the den with them chatting on week (and weekend) nights, making occasional grocery trips with them, and attending park concerts. One night we were at the grocery store, after eating dinner out just the three of us, and my dad looks at me and says "You know you've hit a new low when the highlight of your night is going to the grocery store with your parents". Thanks Dad. Love you roomie.

Back to my original start of the story--dinner Friday night. We went to a new restaurant that just opened in this area called Tazikis. They have locations in Birmingham and it has always been one of my favorite places to eat when I'm there, so I was thrilled when I found out we were getting one. I highly recommend it if you like Greek/Mediterranean food! Anyways...before we left I went to use the restroom. The first door I come across says "GODS" with a very vague picture of some Greek figure in the clouds. I decided I needed to see what the next door said, not sure if the "GODS" door was for me. The next door read "GODDESSES". Thinking this must be my door, I see a similar picture to that of the "GODS"--a very indistinct Greek figure in clouds. Now I know I should have obviously known I was considered to be a Goddess, but why the need for themed gender signs? When I have to use the restroom, the last thing I want to have to do is stand in front of two doors and analyze words and pictures to determine which door I am to enter. There are some things in life that are just better off simple.

Gods and Goddesses...you're probably thinking "that isn't all that bad, anyone would know that". Let me just say this, when you come to two doors, and when you have to go to the bathroom, expecting to see clearly marked "MEN" and "WOMEN" signs, with no expectation of having to think about what gender you might be, the pressure amounts. The consequences of choosing the wrong door would not be fun...for you, or for the God or Goddess already inside. I am convinced they have hidden cameras above some of these confusing door signs and at the end of the day, staff gathers to view and laugh at very confused people.

Some restaurants even use different languages. I won't get political here, but this is America. If restaurants choose to label their doors with foreign words, they should at least use very distinguishable universal gender pictures that give an obvious sign to the (already stressed out and confused, English speaking) customer.

There really isn't a solution to this occasional dilemma for the public bathroom user, just a word to the wise; Use good "gender judgement" when determining your respective bathroom verdict. Some doors don't even provide words, only pictures. So be prepared to use your best artistic abilities to decide which picture best depicts you. You never know when you might have to decide if you are: a lad or a lass, a prince or a princess, a chica or a chico, and my personal favorite--a wrangler or a buckaroo. If I came to two doors labeled with those last two "genders" I would walk out, find my nearest gas station and give a huge sigh of relief at the sight of two familiar words: MEN and WOMEN.

Here are some pictures to give you an idea of just what I am talking about.

We aren't even a living thing...we must decide which shoe we are.

Lions....really?

Beetles must be men because they aren't as pretty as butterflies...naturally.

I've always wanted to decide which accessory I'd be!

Sooooo obvious....

I'd love to know how many people have gotten this one wrong...

No "hens" just "chicks"...hmmm

I mean really...

Because women always wear hair bows and all men wear bowties, this should surely be obvious.

The way it should be. Simplicity at its finest.

Take a dip...yummm!

Coming from a family that loves both football and food, we are always looking for new and delicious recipes that are great for tailgating. This recipe comes from my favorite Food Network celeb, Paula Deen. And believe it or not, there is not a stick of butter in this recipe! I made it for a tailgate for my older brother and his friends last year and they loved it. I changed it up a little bit and added a few things. This is an easy dip that is great with chips as an appetizer and also delicious served over grilled chicken as a meal. It is also good even just eaten by the spoonful! I love it because two of my favorite ingredients are in it--black beans and avocados! There is nothing I love more than chips and salsa!

Here is Paula's recipe, and at the bottom how I change it up...

Black Bean Salsa

2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (17-ounce) package frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
2 large tomatoes, peeled and diced
1 large avocado, peeled and diced
1 small onion, diced
1/8-1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespooon red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl. Cover and chill overnight. Taste and add salt, pepper, or more lime juice as necessary.

*I like to add different kinds of beans. I will add a can of garbanzo beans or kidney beans, or both. You just have to add a little more lime juice and red wine vinegar depending on how much you add to the basic ingredients. Also, to prevent the avocado from browning, chill the dip without the avocado and add it right before you serve it. That way it stays fresh and won't brown. Enjoy!

A Dream (isn't always) a Wish Your Heart Makes...

There is a song in the Disney classic, Cinderella, called "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes". The first lines of the song go like so:

A dream is a wish your heart makes,

When you're fast asleep.

Well to put it simply, I beg to differ.

I have been known to be an "unusual sleeper" by my family and friends ever since I was little. I have always had a personal goal of going to sleep in one position and waking up the same way with no sign of movement. I have placed my pillows certain ways and tucked my comforter underneath me to test this. When I wake up, if everything has remained still, I have done it. I have yet to achieve this goal. As a matter of fact, when I went to college I finally stopped using a top sheet and just used my comforter. It has been a battle I've been trying to win with my mom for years, but she has always insisted when making beds a top sheet is necessary. For me it is more of a hassle. There is nothing fun about having to retrieve it from the heap that it is in at the end of my bed on the floor every morning and tuck it back in. It is cyclical. And annoying.

I also slept with my parents quite a bit when I was younger. I can remember laying in bed trying to come up with excuses as to why I needed to get in bed with my mom and dad. I guess you could say I've never been good at making up excuses. Every night was the same story; "Mom, Dad, I had a nightmare about sharks can I sleep with you?" Original, huh? After sleepless nights (for them), giving occasional bruises to both of them from my active sleep, and of course the final straw; giving my mom a bloody nose from a violent (innocent, mind you--I was asleep) punch in the face; it was time to do something.

My mom took me to a "sleep doctor" (not sure of the medical terminology) where they ran some tests and monitored my sleeping behavior. I don't exactly remember what was decided, but they prescribed me to some pills that I was to take every night before I went to bed. Finally, things calmed down a little bit and we had no more casualties.

I stopped taking the medicine and as I got older I was still a mover in my sleep, but not nearly as violent.  Talking in my sleep was the new thing. And it came at the age when sleepovers were the thing. From giving step-by-step lessons on how to play baseball, to performing a Backstreet Boys concert from a sleeping bag, my sleep talk was always the topic of conversation the following morning. I thought I had outgrown this as well, but in college when 4 of us slept in the same room, 2 of us (both sleep talkers) would actually have conversations in the middle of the night. The 2 non sleep talkers thoroughly enjoyed these nonsense exchanges.

Fast-forward to high school. My senior year I took Psychology, one of my favorite classes ever taken. I was excited when I found out we would do an entire unit on sleep. Maybe I could make sense of some of my behavior. We were required to keep "dream logs". I have also been known to have very strange dreams, and I can almost always remember them down to every last detail. She told us to keep the log beside our bed with a pen. If we put it there every night, we would be more likely to remember the details of the dream because subconsciously we would remember we needed to write it down. (Do this if you want to remember your dreams, it really does work). We were to write down everything we remembered when we woke up. We did this for one week. We spent class time using books and other resources to analyze our dreams and try to find hidden meanings. My pages were filled. After turning in our logs and after our teacher reviewed them, upon returning them she stopped at my desk and told me that I had some of the most odd dreams she had ever read in her teaching career.

This is what brings me to the Disney song. A dream is not always a wish your heart makes, Cinderella. My dreams aren't always about happiness, love, pretty things, and people I care about. More often than not, they are weird, random, have people in them that I am mere acquaintances with, and just all over the place. My heart didn't wish for those things, nor do I want these strange dreams/occurences to come true.

Here is the type of dream I am known for. I am known for it because it doesn't just affect me, it affects the person who plays the role in the dream. I will have a dream in which a certain scenario takes place and one of my family members or close friends will do something that irritates me, hurts my feelings, or makes me angry. These dreams never end with closure. I always wake up right when the irritated, hurt, or angry emotion hits me. You know that feeling when you wake up and you sort of feel like you're in limbo or in two places? You don't know what is a dream and what is reality. You're not sure if you actually kissed Brad Pitt, or if you dreamed it. This means when I wake from the slumber after this non-closure kind of dream, there is a poor, innocent, person; someone that is dear to me, that I will feel hostility towards until I realize that it was a dream. Sadly, the person involved is always a close someone: family or good friend.

Example. (You're about to understand how ridiculous my dreams are) I had a dream that in order for my friends and I to go on a roadtrip to an away football game, we had to have a variety of different vaccines. Needles. Shots. A.K.A. my worst nightmare (pun intended). After finding out from Auburn's football coach that the vaccines were optional, I was ecstatic. My mother still insisted I get them. None of my friends had to, but I would be getting 35 shots. Excessive much? She dragged me to the doctor's office, with me screaming and flailing my whole body behind her (that part isn't entirely dreamed up, that situation actually happened once). We got in and all I could see was the needles. I was furious she was making me do this. How dare her. Then I woke up. I woke up angry with her and it actually took a while for me to remember why I was mad at her, and unrightfully so. She is a saint for putting up with my sleep antics. I guess she learned to accept it after the surprising fist in face mid-sleep years ago.

Sadly, it doesn't stop with my mom. I actually went an entire day once ignoring one of my good friends, because I was under the impression she had told me she wouldn't hang out with me if I wore purple nailpolish. Some friend.

Ok so for real, my purpose for writing this...Family, friends, loved ones; take note. I am known to have very bizarre, nonsense dreams. If I think about you regularly or spend time with you often, you may very well be involved. Sometimes it may be happy thoughts, other times not so much. Just remember, it was only a dream. Oh, and if you think I'm acting unusually bitter or angry towards you, maybe ask me what I dreamt the night before. You could have been the innocent, involuntary source of my emotions.

And don't listen to Cinderella, those are not the wishes my heart is making, I promise. I mean let's be serious, she wore glass slippers. That isn't even practical.

They went to the chapel...and they got married!

After 22 years of being the only McKinney sister (in the middle of two boys), I was honored to welcome another on June 18th when Krista married my older brother, Daniel.

I’d like to first brag on myself for a second and say that 4 years ago, when I was a freshman at Auburn, I predicted the future and foresaw the ceremony that took place a couple of weeks ago. It is actually written and signed on a piece of paper somewhere...let me explain. My senior year in high school, on my 18th birthday I was in Auburn for a football game. Daniel and some of his buddies were having a bonfire that night at their house. I was immediately greeted with a hug and a birthday cake by a girl I didn't recognize. This mystery girl introduced herself as Krista, one of Daniel's good friends. Gifts and a very impressive introduction...I was onto her. My suspicions rose once I got to Auburn. My freshman year I got accepted to a freshmen program joined with the SGA called Tiger Tuesdays. None other than the mystery birthday cake girl, Krista, was the director of the group. At the time she and Daniel were not dating, but i had a slight inkling that something was in the mix. The year went on and she and Daniel were hanging out more, I went to lunch/dinner with her often (again, earning my love I'm sure) and sure enough, by Thanksgiving, they were dating. 

At our final meeting in April, Krista had our freshmen group fill out a “Life Goals” form, which of course caused everyone except for the over achievers to roll their eyes. One of the blanks read “In 10 years I______”. Just to be funny I filled in the blank and the sentence read “In 10 years I will be at Daniel and Krista’s wedding and I will call Krista my sister in law.” I may have been a little off with the years, but my prediction has been proven correct. She doesn't have to earn my approval anymore, she's in.

All of the wedding festivities were wonderful and it was such fun celebrating Daniel and Krista. I believe they are two of the most humble and selfless people I know and having the opportunity to show them the love and respect they deserve, and shower them with encouragement and blessings was so special. It was only fitting of course to get the party started on Thursday with a wedding weekend kickoff at the Nashville Sounds Game. Friday was full of bridal and groom activities with golf and luncheons respectively. Friday night was rehearsal, which was the first time it actually sunk in that this was happening. Being in the church and practicing walking down the aisle was the slap of reality. Rehearsal was followed by a lovely dinner which consisted of delicious food, a slideshow, and memories and toasts for Krista and Daniel. It was a true testament to both of them to hear words from their friends and family, and even moreso when they spoke on behalf of themselves thanking everyone for being there and being a part of their special day. As I mentioned before, they are always thinking of others and wouldn't have it end on any other note, but one that was thanking others for sharing this with them.

I told my parents I didn't want to go to bed that night, because I knew when I woke up on the day of the wedding, all of the day's festivities would begin instantly, just as they would end. However, our goal for the weekend was to enjoy every minute. And as my dad had said, there would be no "joy robbing". I'm happy to report I believe we came out with all of our joy that we began with, and then some. The ceremony was perfect. They are the most well suited couple and it was so obvious when you saw their beaming smiles and the look in their eyes. I am very thankful for the way they positioned the bridesmaids on stage. I had a prime time spot. Not only did I get to see Krista gracefully walk down the aisle with her sweet dad, but I also got to see the look on my brother's face when the doors opened and when he saw his bride. I'll never forget that moment. 

After a beautiful ceremony, they were pronounced man and wife, and it was time to celebrate! All of the wedding party piled onto a shuttle and we headed to the reception. Of course there was the traditional announcement of the wedding party, the first dance, father-daughter, mother-groom, the cake, the throwing of the bouquet and garter, and all that jazz. But the send-off really was the best part. Daniel and Krista had requested Auburn shakers to be used as they drove away. I'm not sure what my expectations were for this, but they were far exceeded. For any Auburn fan, you would have truly felt like you were in Jordan Hare (okay...maybe an exaggeration, but you get the idea). The send off was a party in and of itself. One of the groomsmen took the role of the mic man, and led us in Bodda Getta, Two Bits, the Fight Song, and any other Auburn cheer you can thing of. And with the grand exit of the bride and groom, a big "WAAAAAAR EAGLE, HEY!" that Daniel, so appropriately ended before he got in the car and was off with his new wife. 

The photographer was UH-MAZING, and actually just posted some pictures (Part One) and can be seen on her website. Katie Painter Photography: Daniel+Krista Pt. One and below are a few of mine from the weekend. Enjoy, these precious newlyweds are sure to bring a smile to your face!

WAR EAGLE!

My Life: The Musical

I'm one of "those people" that hums at really inappropriate times; like at the dinner table, a meeting, class, etc. (unaware that I am doing so of course). I never just have one song stuck in my head, I have multiple. On any given day I could easily be compared to an iPod shuffle. My roommate walked in one time and I was singing a Bob Marley song while cooking dinner, later that night I was in the shower singing Garth Brooks. You never know what song I will start singing next, nor do you know which verse I will begin with. If I start in the middle of a song, or even in the middle of a verse, it is most likely due to the fact that I don't know the words. I am terrible with lyrics. I turn up my music in the car so that I can sing and pretend to know the words. With the security of the increased noise level, my voice is dulled and I can simply mumble and move my lips. As long as I know the tune, no one will ever know...until they turn the music down, which has revealed some funny lyric misconceptions.

There is a recent song by The Band Perry called If I Die Young. The first line, that is also sung repeatedly throughout the song goes like this: "If I die young, bury me in satin." For the first few months I was singing "....bury me in silence"...yeah Maggie, that makes sense. But let's be honest, being buried in satin doesn't make a whole lot of sense either. Or the line of that same song that says "the sharp knife of a short life". I was singing..."the sharp night of assured life". I could go on and on recalling countless songs and lyrics that have never quite settled in my brain. Its a mental block, I can't help it. I also have what has been called by my friends, "Song A.D.D.". I usually click "Next Track" before the chorus has begun. I just like to hear a little bit of everything. This annoys my friends to no end. This habit probably explains my mental block, and my shuffled singing throughout the day. Maybe I should listen to the song in its entirety for a change.

That being said, and having a brain full of music, I find that I can always take any given situation and put a song to it. For instance, just the other day I was telling someone I'd say a prayer for them. Immediately insert song in head. The rest of the day I had I Say A Little Prayer For You stuck in my head. ALL. DAY. LONG. If any phrase is spoken that may have a parallel to a song I know, I'll start singing, or at least store it away to sing later that day. There must be a jukebox in my head that just rotates songs based on subject matter.

Music makes things more fun. It sets a certain tone and instills more emotion than silence does; although silence sometimes serves as equally important. We watch slideshows that have music because it evokes feeling from the audience, we listen to music when we run because it gives us a beat and motivates us, movies have music that give life to the film and create suspense and excitement for the viewer, and there is music at most events we attend in order to set the mood; whether it be joyful or somber.

I have a list in my head of random wishes. And when I say random, I mean random. For example one of them is that I wish driving burned calories, especially after long roadtrips. Another is that I wish I could have a lifetime supply of Goldfish and peanut M&Ms (combined of course). Another is that I wish my life had a Maestro and a soundtrack. I wish there was some invisible director that followed me around 24/7 and could cue the (again, invisible) Maestro to play a song that paralleled with my current situation, whatever it may be. If I'm feeling mellow, play me some soft Jack Johnson. If I'm angry or feel betrayed, give me Rolling in the Deep by Adele. When all of my girlfriends are doing something fun, all of a sudden Cyndi Lauper's voice comes out of nowhere and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun adds a little more excitement to the picture. You're running towards a finish line and maestro plays Chariots of Fire, the ultimate slow-mo song. Tell me you wouldn't have more fun in life if everything had music to it.

One of my all time favorite movie scenes comes from a movie called 500 Days of Summer. Its a bit of a quirky movie and definitely not what you'd expect, from what is supposedly a story about two people in love. I actually am shocked I like it. I like the predictable, sappy, not so original chick flicks. Definitely not my type of movie, but I highly recommend it! Very realistic and accurately portrays relationships, while at the same time contains wit and sarcasm that will have you laughing throughout. This particular scene is the morning after an evening he has spent with a girl he has fallen absolutely head over heels for. After seeing this clip, if you haven't seen the movie, you'll probably assume this movie is a musical. Don't be fooled, it is not. He was simply feeling ever so chipper and felt that he needed dancers, a marching band, and even an animated bird to join him and celebrate to start his day and share the sheer joy he felt. Now all I asked for was a song, but next time I have a really spectacular day, I'm thinking I'll look into choreographing a routine to show the public just how happy I am. Tell me you wouldn't join in if you saw this guy in the park.

Another Turning Point

Almost everyone has heard that oh so catchy Green Day song. The song is entitled Good Riddance or more commonly called Time of Your Life. The clever songwriters of this well known tune are sitting pretty as they accomplished just what they set out to do; write a song that pulls on listeners' heartstrings and makes them want to push the repeat button and soak in the lyrics. It was probably on Top Hits Lists and music video countdowns. It has also probably been played in countless slideshows at gatherings such as rehearsal dinners, weddings, graduations, birthday parties, or any finale type deal. I guarantee you if you go to Google and type in "songs for... _______" and insert any of the above events in the blank, Green Day's one hit wonder (in my opinion--not a big Green Day fan, but to each their own) would pop up a good number of times on that search engine. Others might include Graduation by Vitamin C, Butterfly Kisses, I Hope You Dance, God Bless the Broken Road, 100 Years, My Wish, almost any country song, and many many more.

I have a weird thing about cliches; those that know me well already know this. As a matter of fact, my mom, brother, and I were sitting at the table today after lunch conversing about what song they should dance to at his wedding. I feel like we've been on this topic for quite a few months now, but my sweet mom just wants it to be the perfect song. Unfortunately by the time the groom is dancing with his mom, most people are more interested in what's in the buffet line than who is on the dance floor and the song that is being played. BUT, we still need a good song for the occasion. She told us she thought she had decided on a certain song. I won't give the title to avoid offending anyone. I can name a few people that have used it. After naming this particular song, my brothers reaction needed no explanation as to how he felt about the selection. The song was quickly turned down. Too cliche for him. We are still on the song search. If you've got ideas feel free to share.

Anyways, back to my reason for bringing up all of these cliches. As much as I do get a little tired of the sappy songs, the overused phrases, and the ridiculously "cheeseball" lyrics; the past few months nearing graduation have totally turned me into a sap for all of the above. My emotions have been on such a high that when I drove home for Easter, my iPod that was on shuffle started playing (probably one of THE most cliche/cheesiest songs ever) Friends by Michael W. Smith. Any cars that passed me probably guessed that I had just found out my dog died or I had just had my heart broken. No, no--just a song that did me in. I boo-hoo'd in the car by myself for a good hour driving down I-65. The first few lines of the song go like this: "Packing up the dreams God planted in the fertile soil of you. Can't believe the hopes he's granted. Means a chapter in your life is through". I mean come on how do you expect me to survive this song when I'm so close to leaving my friends and all I've known for 4 years? Thank you Michael W. for causing me to almost go off the road from tears streaming down my face.

Returning to Auburn after Easter, I knew the pace was going to pick up and things were going to get very busy. I completed my final week of my internship and said goodbye to my sweet 2nd graders with tears in both my eyes and theirs. I couldn't have asked for a better school, "cooperating teacher" (as they were called by the University), faculty, or class of students. I know I will succeed in teaching (once I find a job...) and I can honestly say that a huge part of my success will be thanks to my experience these past 4 months.

I spent the last week and a half packing up my room and all of my belongings, turning in final paperwork, and saying goodbye to lifelong friends I made just a few short 4 years ago. All of our friends also received a rather huge shock at our last chapter meeting when our friend, Allison, surprised us with her engagement! When I say shocked, I mean shocked. She kept it a secret from all of us and we were so excited to get to celebrate her big news!

On the Thursday before graduation weekend, our girlfriends packed up and headed to Highlands, North Carolina for our friend Georgia's wedding and to stand beside her as she tied the knot. We realized this would be our last weekend all together for a while, but with all of the hustle and bustle of wedding festivities, we thought emotionally we'd be fine....wrong. All it took were words from the bride at the bridesmaids luncheon to set us all into emotional heaps. The words she spoke to each of us about our friendship and our lives couldn't have come at a better time. I looked around the room and realized how truly blessed I am to have each of these girls in my life. Georgia chose a single word and a verse for each of us; one that embodied who we were and expressed our personalities. She must have been thinking about these for a while, because she nailed us down to a T. After washing our faces of running mascara and composing ourselves, were off to the rehearsal dinner. Bring on the tears again. We got to hear family and friends share about Scott and Georgia and listen to countless stories about their lives; some serious, some hilarious. Then it was wedding day! And what a beautiful day it was; perfect weather, not a cloud in the sky, and a truly beautiful bride. I think we were just about out of tears once it came time for the ceremony and the reception was a huge celebration honoring two wonderful people. The food was delicious, might I add. After the wedding all of the girls retreated to the house where we were staying and just as we always do, changed out of our nice clothes into comfy ones and congregated in the kitchen. It wouldn't have been a normal weekend for us had it not ended in the kitchen, around the table, laughing, talking, drinking Diet Coke, eating leftovers, and using words and phrases that we realize no one outside of our little circle will understand or appreciate once we part ways.

We piled in the car bright and early Sunday morning to head back to Auburn, as a few of us prepared to graduate the next day. You may be wondering, the next day...wouldn't that be Monday? Why yes, yes it would be. Auburn decided to change things up a bit this year. Not only did we graduate on a Monday morning (my little brother could not attend because, duh-Monday is a school day), but we also graduated outside in Jordan Hare Stadium, with students from all colleges walking at the same ceremony. Now if you haven't been to Alabama in May, you may be wondering what the big deal is. Really the only word I can use is HOT. When I checked the weather and saw that the high was 90, I considered paying my parents to not make me walk. I'd be doing them a favor not making them sit in the heat in those metal stadium seats. But after 4 years of out-of-state tuition, they were going to see me walk across that stage and get that diploma. And I'm so glad that I did. The ceremony started at 9:30 AM. I started sweating at 8:30 AM when I walked out of my house. I looked like a wet dog by the time I walked across the stage. A proud wet dog at that. Although sitting in that (National Championship) stadium in 90 degree heat and Lord knows what percentage humidity; when I made my way up the ramp to walk across the stage I was overwhelmed with a sense of excitement. Four years ago I walked across a stage at a very similar ceremony and received a degree knowing that in the next few months I would be attending college. Now here I was, having come full circle, walking across a stage receiving a diploma, with not a clue in the world as to where I would be or what I would be doing in the next few months. I'm not sure if the uncertainty, the accomplishment, the fear, the excitement, or maybe even the heat was what struck me; but I realized at that moment that this was a huge turning point. My name was announced, I shook a few hands, I received my diploma (actually it was a fake one-I picked up my real one later), and I moved my tassel to the other side of my cap. That was it. I was finished. Funny how quickly things can change. All it took was a few steps across a stage and a handshake or two and I had reached Alum status.

I received a card from someone for Graduation and at the bottom was a verse.

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.

Philppians 1:6

If I ever needed more assurance to know that my future was secure, this card did the job. I think most college graduates, especially now, leave with a fear of uncertainty and doubt. Guilty. I know I want to teach, but am terrified of not finding a job and also of beginning this new life separate from everything I've known for 4 years. I guess they call it faith? We all need a little.

This past Sunday at church our pastor talked about what it means to be "blessed". We tend to overuse that word here in the south without really giving credit to its meaning. But I gained a new understanding of the word. Up on the screen it said this, "BLESSED: We are a privileged people no matter what our experience tries to tell us." So no matter what experiences may be, some will be good, some will be bad. But regardless, we are blessed. The word "blessed" also tends to fall into the cliche category that I mentioned earlier. But if I think about a word that I could use to describe my life, my experiences, and my relationships; blessed really is the word that encompasses them all. 

And while you've caught me in this vulnerable state and I'm allowing cliches; I might as well go ahead and say that Green Day got me hook, line, and sinker. With a compilation of some cheesy lines and a few mellow guitar strings; consider me one of the millions that have put this song to pictures. For your viewing pleasure, here's a look back at the last few months and the finale of my college career.  (<Click to see video!)

War Eagle.

He is Risen. He is Risen, Indeed!

Easter is one of my favorite holidays. It is a perfect welcome to spring, but more importantly a time for us to honor our Lord and celebrate His resurrection. I can remember all of the Easter traditions from when I was little; waving palm leaves on Palm Sunday, Resurrection eggs (each egg containing an item and a verse symbolic from the Easter story), wearing a brightly colored smock dress that coordinated with my brothers’ outfits, Easter hat parade at school, visiting the Easter Bunny at the mall, Cadbury eggs (even though my older brother is the only one that eats them, we still get them in our basket), Mom’s Easter tree, dyeing Easter eggs and going on the hunt Sunday morning before church.

My favorite Easter tradition of all, however, is Easter breakfast. And I don’t mean the one piece of candy we are allowed to eat out of our basket before church. For as long as I can remember my mom has made what she calls “Empty Tomb Rolls”.  These rolls are intended to symbolize the empty tomb that was seen after Jesus had been crucified and His followers found that the tomb where He had been buried was empty. He had risen, just as He had said.

Every Easter Sunday at church we greet each other with the standard phrase “He is Risen!” and the other responds “He is Risen, indeed!”. We also end the service with one final “He is Risen, indeed!” in unison. Four powerful words that after sheer familiarity tend to lose their luster. Easter shouldn’t be the only day of the year that we take the time to honor the crucifixion and resurrection. We are alive today and everyday because of Him. He died for us.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. -2 Corinthians 5:21

Empty Tomb Rolls

Frozen yeast rolls

Large Marshmallows

¼ cup Cinnamon

¼ cup Sugar

1 stick melted butter

Let the rolls thaw but not rise.  Form a roll around a marshmallow (be sure it is sealed over the marshmallow). Melt butter. Mix cinnamon and sugar together in a bowl. Roll the rolls in melted butter and then in cinnamon and sugar mixture. Place in a lightly buttered or greased muffin tin, cover with a dish towel and let rise at least a couple of hours or over night. Bake according to package directions for the rolls. 

The marshmallows will melt and stick to the roll when baking so when you bite into the roll it is “empty”!

Matthew 28:1-9

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.

He is Risen. He is Risen, Indeed!


Happy Easter!