The American Way

There are times in life when you just have to stop and appreciate the ridiculous conveniences that surround us. Sometimes it's when I get a freakish craving for french fries at two in the morning; today it's the wonders of late night grocery shopping. It turns out that I much prefer this kind of shopping. There are no crowds. There are good parking spots and available carts with non-squeaky wheels. I can compare brands for as long as I like without feeling someone breathe down my neck or hearing the impatient tapping of toes. I can stop in the middle of the aisle to review my list and stand on my cart. I can even stare confusedly at the frozen meats for as long as I want without feeling slightly embarrassed. It's actually relaxing. Grocery stores frequently stress me out, but not at 1am. At 1am I just breeze up and down those aisles, sometimes even singing along to the grocery store radio. Thank you America.

For the beauty of the earth

So, I know that I have already posted my share of I love fall pictures, but that doesn't change the fact that today is beautiful. Things are feeling stormy outside and as I walked home from campus the wind was blowing hard and the world was raining leaves. And it was wonderful. And as I stopped and stared up into the beautiful oranges and yellows falling all around me and staying on my shoulders, I wanted to share it with all of you. Especially with Angelica because she lives in Phoenix and doesn't get to see this. She does get to see Layla and Weston every day though and for that I am eternally jealous.

Greetings

The other day Christian and I went to Borders and I saw the coolest greeting cards by the counter (because everything by the counter at those fancy-dancy bookstores is by definition cool). They were super artsy and had a sort of semi-3D thing going on. Pure inspiration. Of course they were way overpriced, and of course after I saw them I could think of nothing but making cards. Unfortunately, it was already too late to go to the craft store and get fancy-dancy supplies (which would probably end up costing me more than just buying a card), so I had to make do with what I had. It was fun. I want to make greeting cards as a career. And cookies. And stuff with cheese in it.

Why God Created Sundays

Where There's a Will There's a Way

WE have faith in old proverbs full surely,

For Wisdom has traced what they tell,

And Truth may be drawn up as purely

From them, as it may from "a well."

Let us question the thinkers and doers,

And hear what they honestly say;

And you'll find they believe, like bold wooers,

In "Where there's a will there's a way."

The hills have been high for man's mounting,

The woods have been dense for his axe,

The stars have been thick for his counting,

The sands have been wide for his tracks,

The sea has been deep for his diving,

The poles have been broad for his sway,

But bravely he's proved in his sriving,

That "Where there's a will there's a way."

Have ye vices that ask a destroyer?

Or passions that need your control?

Let Reason become your employer,

And your body be ruled by your soul.

Fight on, though ye bleed in the trial,

Resist with all strength that ye may;

Ye may conquer Sin's host by denial;

For "Where there's a will there's a way."

Have ye Poverty's pinching to cope with?

Does Suffering weigh down your might?

Only call up a spirit to hope with,

And dawn may come out of the night.

Oh! much may be done by defying

The ghosts of Despair and Dismay;

And much may be gained by relying

On "Where there's a will there's a way."

Should ye see, afar off, that worth winning,

Set out on the journey with trust;

And ne'er heed if your path at beginning

Should be among brambles and dust.

Though it is but by footsteps ye do it,

And hardships may hinder and stay;

Walk with faith, and be sure you'll get through it;

For "Where there's a will there's a way."

Eliza Cook

Urban Spoon

I love to eat. I love to eat out. I love to eat out at delicious food establishments. That is why, my friends, I love Urban Spoon. My now favorite friend Camille introduced me to this magical site at work the other day and I am addicted. I have more than once attempted a google search to find new/well-reviewed restaurants (I'm not cool enough to have an i-phone with fancy restaurant apps), and let me tell you, it has never ended well. Compound that with the fact that I have recently decided that I must branch out from my usual restaurant rut and discover new and original restaurants--I have spent too long chain-frequenting and succumbing to the mass-production-profit-greedy man!

So, back to the point. My problems have been solved--or at least quelled somewhat. Urban Spoon is a website where users in various cities rate local restaurants and/or write reviews. My favorite part is that the reviews are organized by genre so it's easy to find whatever kind of food you're craving. Although I should say that there are some restaurants listed which don't need or deserve to be renewed (Wendy's, really? Do we need to review Wendy's?), but it's nevertheless a great way to find the best in your city. So, all of you get on there and get reviewing so that I can find more yummy restaurants! Get eating!

[NOTE: I don't mean to brag, but I just want you to know that I take secret and great satisfaction when I click that little abc check button on the top of my post box and it brings up a little green message that says: No misspellings found. It makes me feel independent of machines.]

Cooky

I really like decorating sugar cookies. I REALLY like it. So, figuring I'd seize the last few drops of summer time, I headed to the cooking store to find some non-holiday-themed cookie cutters. I then proceeded to spend all night. . . and a good way into the morning decorating. I think I might be a little mental, but look how pretty!