I sat down to blog a little while ago, and my doorball rang (I'm at home in TX). My little sister went to answer it, and it was a UPS guy with a box. She brought the box in, and it was from 1-800-flowers and addressed to me. Confused, I opened up the box, which had a card inside. The card said something about "I hope you're having a good Christmas with your family. Hope to see you back in Manhattan!" but there is no name on the card. So I have no idea who sent them to me. They must be from someone in Manhattan...but no one in Manhattan should know my home address. So needless to say, I'm appreciative and surprised--they're lilies and I love lilies--but I can't lie...I'm a little freaked out. So therein lies the Christmas Mystery. Any clues are appreciated, haha.
So now I don't even remember what I was originally going to write about. It probably had something to do with how much family I've seen in the past week, and how happy I am to have done so. I got to see my dads parents, aunts and uncles, cousins, Renee's parents, my Nan, sister and brother...so many!! I'm so blessed to have so much family and have had the opportunity to see all of them in such a short period of time. I love being at my Nan's house so much. I feel my mom there...as weird as that may sound. It's the same house that she grew up in (well, like 8th grade through when I was about 3, minus the brief period that Mom and Dad lived together when they were married) and it is the only house I've ever known my Nan to live in. It's cool to sit in the same chair that my mom used to sit in to eat breakfast at that table. And it's cool to sleep in the same room that she slept in in high school, even though Nan has painted and gotten all new furniture in most of the rooms. I just like being there and knowing that at one time, she was too. I miss her so much...especially around Christmas because it was her favorite season.
Well, it's Christmas Eve Eve and I'm watching the Santa Clause (classic!) and about to make some sugar cookies, so I guess I will go. Hope everyone's holidays are going well and that y'all all have a very Merry Christmas!
Always remember, the reason for our celebration isn't Santa, presents, or money. It's about the birth of our Savior. HE is the reason we celebrate. Hug your family, tell your friends how much you love them, and be ever grateful that God sent His Son to save us :) Merry Christmas!
Until next time...
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." --Matthew 1:21
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Geminids!
Hey! So it's been a while...sorry about that. My last week or so was a little rough...but then I graduated from Kansas State University on Saturday, so it's all good! Several members of my family made the 8 hour drive up to Manhattan, KS and watched me walk the stage :) Yay family! My roommates went too, so it was a great day! Now I just have to take my English content exam on Jan. 15, apply for my KS license, apply for my TX license, and work on finding a job....yeah, so, that's a lot. Dangit. Just when you think you've finished, you haven't. Haha :) But it'll all get taken care of! As soon as I'm finished with this I'm going to go apply for my emergency sub license so that I can work for the next few months and make some money, so that I can turn around and spend it on bills. Wow...being an adult is fun already :\
Last night I went a little bit crazy and decided to get up at 4 a.m. to watch the Geminid meteor shower. Apparently it's one of the best meteor showers of the year and since I didn't have to worry about getting up for anything in the morning, I decided to get up and watch it. We live out in the country so I might as well have. It's probably the best idea I've had in a while, actually. So, I geeked out and woke up to my alarm for 4, put on my trusty Ugg boots (yes, I have some, and yes, they are VERY toasty for the toes!), my pink coat, grabbed some gardening gloves (couldn't find my real gloves...go figure), grabbed a couple blankets, and went to the back porch. I pulled out our rocking bench, set my eyes to the northeast, and started looking! It was awesome. But really, it was awesome in the truest meaning of the word that says "inspiring great admiration." I'm sure my dogs were talking about me behind my back, saying to each other "what in the world is she doing out here at 4 a.m. and 30 degrees?? Crazy human..."
I sat outside for 45 minutes in the cold, just staring at the sky with the wonder of a child (Jokes about my childishness aside...I know I'm like a little kid all the time, haha, but this was different). While I was outside I saw about 50-60 meteors! I felt like a little kid because just when I thought I might be ready to go in, I would talk myself into staying for "just a few more." Well, a few more would come and go, and still, there I sat. I just couldn't get enough! What an amazing gift of beauty from God. How perfect that He had me right there, in our country yard where I didn't have to drive anywhere to get away from the city lights, right then, on the night of the peak, and kept me from freezing to death by keeping the wind completely gone so that I could witness one of His great wonders! Thank goodness my stepmom said something about there being a meteor shower last night or I might have missed a great opportunity to be reminded just how great our God is and how beautiful His creation is. I'm always humbled by things like this, and am so grateful to have had the chance to be reminded how big He is! Awesome!
Now, the day I have been counting down to has finally arrived, and at last I am watching my new favorite movie, Despicable Me, in the comfort of my own home :) I'm watching it as I type, and it just got the the part where Gru reads his story to the little girls...and I teared up, again. I can't help it! I love it! Some of my favorite quotes:
"Yeah, Swan Lake!"
"Why are you wearing pajamas?"
"I'll stuff all of you in the crust!" (I'll probably use that one a weekly or more basis...)
"I like him; he's nice." "But scary." "Like Santa!"
Okay, enough for now. My sister wants to read what I've written and it getting anxious because I told her she had to wait until I was finished. Alrighty, well, until next time...
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 36:5)
--Taren
Last night I went a little bit crazy and decided to get up at 4 a.m. to watch the Geminid meteor shower. Apparently it's one of the best meteor showers of the year and since I didn't have to worry about getting up for anything in the morning, I decided to get up and watch it. We live out in the country so I might as well have. It's probably the best idea I've had in a while, actually. So, I geeked out and woke up to my alarm for 4, put on my trusty Ugg boots (yes, I have some, and yes, they are VERY toasty for the toes!), my pink coat, grabbed some gardening gloves (couldn't find my real gloves...go figure), grabbed a couple blankets, and went to the back porch. I pulled out our rocking bench, set my eyes to the northeast, and started looking! It was awesome. But really, it was awesome in the truest meaning of the word that says "inspiring great admiration." I'm sure my dogs were talking about me behind my back, saying to each other "what in the world is she doing out here at 4 a.m. and 30 degrees?? Crazy human..."
I sat outside for 45 minutes in the cold, just staring at the sky with the wonder of a child (Jokes about my childishness aside...I know I'm like a little kid all the time, haha, but this was different). While I was outside I saw about 50-60 meteors! I felt like a little kid because just when I thought I might be ready to go in, I would talk myself into staying for "just a few more." Well, a few more would come and go, and still, there I sat. I just couldn't get enough! What an amazing gift of beauty from God. How perfect that He had me right there, in our country yard where I didn't have to drive anywhere to get away from the city lights, right then, on the night of the peak, and kept me from freezing to death by keeping the wind completely gone so that I could witness one of His great wonders! Thank goodness my stepmom said something about there being a meteor shower last night or I might have missed a great opportunity to be reminded just how great our God is and how beautiful His creation is. I'm always humbled by things like this, and am so grateful to have had the chance to be reminded how big He is! Awesome!
Now, the day I have been counting down to has finally arrived, and at last I am watching my new favorite movie, Despicable Me, in the comfort of my own home :) I'm watching it as I type, and it just got the the part where Gru reads his story to the little girls...and I teared up, again. I can't help it! I love it! Some of my favorite quotes:
"Yeah, Swan Lake!"
"Why are you wearing pajamas?"
"I'll stuff all of you in the crust!" (I'll probably use that one a weekly or more basis...)
"I like him; he's nice." "But scary." "Like Santa!"
Okay, enough for now. My sister wants to read what I've written and it getting anxious because I told her she had to wait until I was finished. Alrighty, well, until next time...
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 36:5)
--Taren
Monday, December 6, 2010
I've been thinking...
Why are some people cynical and selfish? I've just felt some negativity around me lately, probably dabbled in some myself since my portfolio and all that was due last week, but I just feel like some people take it to extremes. With all the beautiful and good things there are in life, why be so grouchy and unhappy all the time? Yes, I understand not everyone's life is all peaches and cream, and we all go through our difficult times, but you don't have to let the bad overcome you and become your whole attitude. Not to strike up the band and let the pity-party begin, but I feel like I have had the opportunity--and the excuse, some would say--to let negativity swallow me up ever since my mom died two years ago. But I haven't. God blessed me with too many wonderful things and people in life, including the 20 years I got to spend with my mom, to let the loss of her ruin my life. No, I will never get over her death, but you learn how to be strong and continue on with your life. I feel some people develop terrible attitudes over much less, and it's so selfish.
Maybe I am naive, and I'm sure I am to some extent, but I feel like there's just no room for so much selfishness in the world. I know everyone has to take care of and look out for themselves, and that is fine, but that doesn't mean you should neglect others who may need help once in a while. I don't mean you have to go out and pay off people's cars and houses and whatever else, but be encouraging when you know someone is going through something hard. Listen when someone needs a shoulder. Share the things you have that someone needs for a little while. God created us to be generous and loving people...so do it! So many good Bible verses come to mind for this idea, which proves to me that God truly cares for us and wants us to be the best people we can be, and that includes loving each other as He loves us and helping one another out. Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” With this in mind, why would you be grumpy and unwilling to help when someone, especially a friend or someone close to you, needs it? Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and did it without an ounce of selfishness in his heart when doing so! Why is it so hard for some to let someone borrow something for a little while without being bratty about it, or opening up your mouth with simple words of encouragement when someone needs it? The world has enough bad in it without the contribution of another bad attitude. Be humble! Be happy!
Anyway...any thoughts you have on all that are appreciated.
Whew. So anyway, other than that depressing thought I've had a good day, haha. Went to the East campus and saw the little 9th grade kiddies in action in school. They're different than seniors, for sure, but seem like fun :) I still think I want to teach middle school. They're just so awkward, cute, and still want to please, that it's hard not to love them. I guess I just hope I can find a job, no matter the grade! Fingers crossed!
So, I promise not all my blogs will be so debbie-downer. I'm a really happy and optimistic person, so when something so negative gets on my mind it really starts to weigh on my heart and I have to talk about it somehow...so now my two little blog followers can read it, haha.
I'm going to get back to grading senior projects...I love that I'm doing it with sweats, Christmas Pandora, and the Christmas tree all lit up :)
Until next time...
Maybe I am naive, and I'm sure I am to some extent, but I feel like there's just no room for so much selfishness in the world. I know everyone has to take care of and look out for themselves, and that is fine, but that doesn't mean you should neglect others who may need help once in a while. I don't mean you have to go out and pay off people's cars and houses and whatever else, but be encouraging when you know someone is going through something hard. Listen when someone needs a shoulder. Share the things you have that someone needs for a little while. God created us to be generous and loving people...so do it! So many good Bible verses come to mind for this idea, which proves to me that God truly cares for us and wants us to be the best people we can be, and that includes loving each other as He loves us and helping one another out. Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” With this in mind, why would you be grumpy and unwilling to help when someone, especially a friend or someone close to you, needs it? Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and did it without an ounce of selfishness in his heart when doing so! Why is it so hard for some to let someone borrow something for a little while without being bratty about it, or opening up your mouth with simple words of encouragement when someone needs it? The world has enough bad in it without the contribution of another bad attitude. Be humble! Be happy!
Anyway...any thoughts you have on all that are appreciated.
Whew. So anyway, other than that depressing thought I've had a good day, haha. Went to the East campus and saw the little 9th grade kiddies in action in school. They're different than seniors, for sure, but seem like fun :) I still think I want to teach middle school. They're just so awkward, cute, and still want to please, that it's hard not to love them. I guess I just hope I can find a job, no matter the grade! Fingers crossed!
So, I promise not all my blogs will be so debbie-downer. I'm a really happy and optimistic person, so when something so negative gets on my mind it really starts to weigh on my heart and I have to talk about it somehow...so now my two little blog followers can read it, haha.
I'm going to get back to grading senior projects...I love that I'm doing it with sweats, Christmas Pandora, and the Christmas tree all lit up :)
Until next time...
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
--Matthew 23:12
--Matthew 23:12
Friday, December 3, 2010
School probably isn't the best place to blog...
Oh...hello there, little blog. I'm not exactly sure what to do with you yet.
So, like the title says, I'm at school right now, haha. This first blog probably is going to be the lamest of the lame because I kind of just decided to make a blog half an hour ago without really having anything in particular to write about. (I just realized that sentence has almost nothing definitive in it...so non-committal! But, I am going to try to keep up with this and find things to blog about!)
One thing I do want to write, though, even though it won't really be in context for most people who read (well, maybe it will seeing as I'll probably only have like 2 people who ever even read this), is that I'M FINISHED WITH MY STUDENT TEACHING PORTFOLIO! Stick a fork in it! Well, I already did, and now it's turned in! Yay me! *self pat on the back*
Alright, well since the bell rings in 3 minutes, I should probably round up my teacher stuff. I'm going to the Air Force Ball with Ben tonight, so I need to get home fast so I can look purty!
Until next time..(which will hopefully be better)
--Taren
So, like the title says, I'm at school right now, haha. This first blog probably is going to be the lamest of the lame because I kind of just decided to make a blog half an hour ago without really having anything in particular to write about. (I just realized that sentence has almost nothing definitive in it...so non-committal! But, I am going to try to keep up with this and find things to blog about!)
One thing I do want to write, though, even though it won't really be in context for most people who read (well, maybe it will seeing as I'll probably only have like 2 people who ever even read this), is that I'M FINISHED WITH MY STUDENT TEACHING PORTFOLIO! Stick a fork in it! Well, I already did, and now it's turned in! Yay me! *self pat on the back*
Alright, well since the bell rings in 3 minutes, I should probably round up my teacher stuff. I'm going to the Air Force Ball with Ben tonight, so I need to get home fast so I can look purty!
Until next time..(which will hopefully be better)
--Taren
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