Literally Lauren

2006-07-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

no offense Ruth

2006-05-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

I finally saw the new Pride and Predjudice, and I have to say that was one of the WORST adaptations I've ever seen. I knew going in that it could never hold a candle to the BBC version, because they had done it to absolute perfection. However, I was hoping for the gentle and thoughtful such as they had done with Sense and Sensibility and Emma. In both of those they were forced to simplify and shorten, but there was a noticable effort by the screen writers and the actors to keep Austen's prose intact. I'll even say that both movies had been well cast. (though I had my doubts of Gwyneth Paltrow's abilities she surprised me) The end result being that Jane Austen's story was the highlight of the movie.
This Pride and Predjudice had NONE of those attributes. The only actor who even tried to make the character more than its surface value was the actor who played Darcy.(however he made Darcy a rather weaker character in my opinion so there is no need to remember his name) The rest of the players quite frankly just sucked. It was like they watched the BBC version and tried unsuccessfully to imitate them. Elizabeth Bennent lost all her intelligence, grace, and wit in the hands of a 3rd rate actress who plays EVERY role the same her performance of Lizzie was the same as the bounty hunter, pirate lover, and soccer player.
The screen write felt no need to keep most of the original prose and interjected explainations EVERYWHERE. What was with Charlotte's scene in the barnyard??? It was like watching Jane Austen for dummies.
To add to this violating of one of the best stories ever written was an over zealous cinematographer who fill up most of the time with pretty but useless shots. And for some reason they thought it best to make the Bennets look truly poor despite the fact that they were just poor in inheritance. The house and family looked absolutely slovenly!
All in all a horrible movie Keira Knightly should be banned from movies for that.

Yawn!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-05-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

I am bored by my own blog.

new survey

2006-04-11T14:43:00.000-07:00

new survey

1. WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR KITCHEN PLATES? a wild variety, I've never bought a set of regular plates though I do have a set of fancy ones....go figure

2. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING? Hoot by Carl Haissen

3. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? stains from what I'm not sure

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOARD GAME? Life with the Unthank's rules

5. YOUR FAVORITE MAGAZINE? I rarely read magazines, normally what looks the most interesting in the waiting room

6. YOUR FAVORITE SMELL? Men's cologne.

7. WORST SMELL? chicken houses on a hot summer day

8. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? Why? Why? Why?????

9. FAVORITE COLOR? red always

10. LEAST FAVORITE COLOR? don't know ugly ones

11. HOW MANY RINGS BEFORE YOU ANSWER THE PHONE? 2 or 3.

12. FUTURE (or first) CHILD'S NAME: Electra

13 WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN LIFE? God and family

14. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? Chocolate

15. DO YOU LIKE TO DRIVE FAST? depends on if I'm paying attention

16. FAVORITE TV SHOW? NCIS though I never get to watch it because for some reason Tuesdays are really busy

17. DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? not since I was 5

18. STORMS - COOL OR SCARY? Both, I love sitting on my porch when its raining

19. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? don't know what it was but we called it the green bomb

20. IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON ( LIVING OR DECEASED)? there are very few people I admire before I get to know them, so I can't say one person really jumps at me. But I will say that I can imagine that if I met and got to know Paul from the Bible (that one that wrote 1/2 the New Testament) I would probably like him and get angry at him alot.

21. FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK? semisweet wine

22. WHAT IS YOUR SIGN & BIRTHDAY? Aquarius January 26, 1979

23. DO YOU EAT THE STEMS OF BROCCOLI? yes

24. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY JOB.. WHAT WOULD IT BE? college professor or archeologist

25.IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY HAIR COLOR, WHAT WOULD IT BE? blonde

26. IS THE GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY? I don't know. What's in the glass and do I have to drink it?

27. Favorite Movie? Who can choose just one???? Ok The Spitfire Grill

28. DO YOU TYPE WITH YOUR FINGERS ON THE RIGHT KEYS? Yes

29. WHAT'S UNDER YOUR BED? nothing

30. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? none.........I mean football, Love ya Steve

31. WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST FEAR? Death of a loved one.

32. SAY ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? A sweet lady with a lot of patience ( 3 kids AND Kenny)

33. KETCHUP OR MUSTARD? on what?

34. HAMBURGER OR HOTDOG? Hot dog.

35. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SOFT DRINK? vanilla diet coke from Sonic

36. THE BEST PLACE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN? Washington DC

37. WHAT SCREENSAVER IS ON YOUR COMPUTER NOW? none it goes to black

38. PERSON MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? putting this on my blog so probably no one

39. PERSON LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? see above

growing up

2006-03-27T17:23:00.000-08:00

I went to a high school musical this weekend. I had wanted to go to 2, but alas one was all that I could make it to. So I went to the one my students were in. I teach at this school every day, but I'm in the part of the school that was not there when I went to school there. So I usually don't spend much time contemplating my past. Last Friday though as I sat watching my students perform on that stage that I knew so well I couldn't help it. I saw the girl that starred in Anything Goes (the musical we did my senior year), of course being myself I avoided her completely. The sad thing is I automatically thought of her in respect to all the problems we had with her in the production. 1. the part was of a vivacious outgoing lounge singer, and though it was as close to type casting as you can get she couldn't even act like herself on stage. 2. she was an amazing soprano, but the part was alto....ouch.
So here's this to ya'll am I the only one out there that can't help but take part of their identity from who they were in highschool? I'm not anything like that slightly confused artsy freak that wore neon polyester and lived on the stage, but part of me still sees myself like that. I suppose that applies to college too, but college was more a means to an end than a life style...at least for me anyway. Now I find myself watching my students with more interest, wondering if I can predict their outcome or will they be surprises??? Compare yourself to what you were. Would you have been surprised by what you are now???? I think I would have been. I'm glad the path changed from where I thought I'd be.

the nastiest oven in the world

2006-03-19T17:04:00.000-08:00

We have completed the move into our new house, everything is unpacked and set up. So now comes the serious defilthing. When we looked at the house I completely missed the nastiness. Why because the woman who owned the house before us was an excellent surface cleaner. Everything was straightened and decorated so that you wouldn't notice the grime. To be honest maybe she didn't either. Its okay to keep things surface cleaned most of the time, because lets be honest none of us have time to clean EVERYTHING all the time. BUT, you've gotta keep things to a decent level in the deep cleaning department. Nothing in the house was deep cleaned. Midew in the showers, grime on the kitchen cabinets, and the oven, the oven well that was my whole weekend.
This oven and stove top looked as if they hadn't even been wiped down in the 2 years that they lived here. The remains of every meal that had ever boiled over on the stove were still there just burnt now, and I think she must have spilled things very often. Yuck! There was grime holding the stove pans on to the stove so that I couldn't tell how to remove them till halfway through the process. And the oven racks were apparently used as grills. Everyone out there Please don't EVER use your oven as a grill BBQing is an outdoor thing, and should never be attempted in your oven. I guarentee the sauce will be hard to get out of the oven.
So after all weekend, my skin is peeling off my hands and my whole family is high on oven cleaner, but I can now say for sure that my stove is steel. So for future reference demand a clean oven before you sign papers.

I told ya'll I should have been nice

2006-03-13T04:19:00.000-08:00

So now that we're moved in I find out why it was so hard to move in. The people we bought the house from were planing to take their money and move to Florida. They knew some people down there and they had done some inital research on rental properties. They went down immediately after the closing and tried to find a place. Well the government has just forced the Katrina victims out of the hotels and they have 1st right to any low cost rental properties. So the only places they could find were the expensive rentals. So now I don't know what their going to do. They might stay here in town, but for now they're living with his mother and I'm feeling really guilty. But can I say that had I know this prior to the move that I would have wanted to wait until they got everything figured out before we took possession. I doubt it thats why I'm feeling guilty today, but truth be told I'm reminded of a line in Pride and Prejudice (BBC version)"Don't worry it will pass and probably more quickly than it should." But, new prayer request for the Princes and their unfortunate situation, also my sister-in-law I can't really tell whats happening with her because I don't think she'd like me too, but she needs prayer even though she doesn't believe. So make that alot of prayer. Love you all!

moving

2006-03-06T17:37:00.000-08:00

We are scheduled to move this Friday, and I need prayer. I have been having really hateful thoughts toward the people who we bought from. We gave them 10 days after closing to move out, and they called today asking for another week. Well, Steve stood his ground and reminded them that they signed a paper saying they would be out and that certain things would be fixed. Now they're mad because we're enforcing it. They've promised to be out, so we should get possesion at 12pm on Friday. Now that its worked out I just need prayer to help me get rid of the anger I feel towards them for this. Even if they were wrong I shouldn't be all mean about it. So if you think of it send up a prayer that I'll become a nicer person.

lyrics

2006-03-01T17:13:00.000-08:00

Music has been rolling over my spirit lately. To me unless your listening to a lyric that is touching your life it doesn't matter how good the music is, you might as well chuck the CD. Right now I'm listening to one of my favorite albums of all time, Everyone's Beautiful by Waterdeep. I was just listening to the song Sweet River Roll, and one of the lyrics just hit me like a ton of bricks. The song is a witness to someone going through a hard time in their life and the singer is interceeding for them. Lately we've been truly blessed, but so many people I or Steve know are going through truly hard times and this song made me stop and pray for them. There is so much truth in these lyrics and a longing to help someone when there is no way that you can. Being not blessed with the gift of gab, so to speak, I very rarely have the right words to say to bless a friends heart, but I am comforted in the fact that I can pray for them and He will hear and bless and comfort them.
here's the lyric that stopped me

Right now it's mornign
You're prob'ly sleeping
I bet you're totally unaware of
the flood of kisses you hold back
by the way that you despair
It ain't me I'm talking about here,
or anybody else you can touch
That's all I'm gonna say right now
I don't wanna say too much

except Sweet Jesus Roll
All over me
Sweet Jesus Roll
All over me

2006-02-25T10:14:00.000-08:00

You Passed 8th Grade Science

Congratulations, you got 7/8 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

That was hard

Your Hair Should Be Purple

Intense, thoughtful, and unconventional.
You're always philosophizing and inspiring others with your insights.

What's Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

You Are 50% Weird

Normal enough to know that you're weird...
But too weird to do anything about it!

How Weird Are You?

The Movie Of Your Life Is A Cult Classic

Quirky, offbeat, and even a little campy - your life appeals to a select few.
But if someone's obsessed with you, look out! Your fans are downright freaky.

Your best movie matches: Office Space, Showgirls, The Big Lebowski

If Your Life Was a Movie, What Genre Would It Be?

STEVE I'M THE BIG LEBOWSKI!!!!

Who Should Paint You: Andy Warhol

You've got an interested edge that would be reflected in any portrait
You don't need any fancy paint techniques to stand out from the crowd!

What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?

snow day

2006-02-09T07:15:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you noticed, but there were a couple of flurries last night, sooooo since we live in the south everyone freaked out and there is no school today. I love living in the south. My school was closed last night at around 9:00. So today Electra and I are going to spend the day away from the house. Honestly, the main reason we're not just chillin' today is that our house is getting appraised today and I would hate for the value to go down due to 2 slobs sitting on the couch drinking hot chocolate.
Tomorrow its supposed to snow alot more starting around 6. I've got my fingers crossed against this one, because we've gotta babysitter for the Olympic party at the Harrison's. Last time we used this babysitter we had the tornado weather at PF Chang's. I really don't want her to think we're jinxed.
I must say the blogs have been disappointing lately (and I'm including myself in that, as if ya'll couldn't guess that I'd get Belle in the Princess test) Maybe we're all too cold to write. Steve's very close to proclaiming the death of blogging, which of course he will blog about. ;)

im a princess

2006-01-26T18:37:00.000-08:00

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Belle

You are bookish but incredibly pretty. Belle was first seen in Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Click Here to Take This Quiz
Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests.

its getting closer

2006-01-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

What is the one day that women everywhere despise? Come on girls you know what it is, the birthday. To be honest I’ve just started dreading this day in the past couple of years. For a long time I claimed that I would never be ashamed of turning a year older, that each new day was a badge of achievement. Of course, I was 22 at the time and never understood that each day was a mark closer to the dreaded 30, then 40 and onward up and up. I didn’t even think about it until I hit 25, suddenly I rounded up to 30! I was shocked. So I started a campaign to “forget” my birthday around everyone except family members (darn mothers and their long memories). Very effective, I wouldn’t tell anyone I’d aged until at least a month afterward. Except, the year that the office included it in the school announcements. “Everyone be sure and wish Ms. Ring Happy Birthday today!” Then all the student start asking you what you’re planning to do, and since I was going to try to ignore it I looked really sad. By the end of the day I had 5 different offers for blind dates. “Really, you’ll like my DAD, he’s a great guy.”

Sadly the era of forgetting I was ever born is over. Ok sadly is a bit strong, but my loving husband, who just last month on his birthday insisted that we not make a big deal of it, is insisting that we acknowledge the day. Perhaps so that he can remind me frequently that day that he is 26 to my 27. I cannot actually say for sure, but here’s the kicker everyone. After all this time attempting to forget that I am aging, I find I’m actually looking forward to celebrating. We’ll see if that continues when in 2009 I hit the big 30, I hope so because Steve’s not used to me crying. He might go into shock.

I don't know why women are so effected by their age, surely just because we lose youth doesn't mean we lose brains, personality, or even beauty. That's right, lets stop claiming that we're losing something by aging. If men can get better with age, why can't we?

dumb laws

2006-01-04T18:52:00.000-08:00

In honor of my home state and for my own amusement I give you Dumb Laws from Tennessee.

You can't shoot any game other than whales from a moving automobile.(Alrighty then)
Hollow logs may not be sold.(are they filled with moonshine? I'm mean really what's that all about)
More than 8 women may not live in the same house because that would constitute a brothel. (Keep your roommates to a minimum ladies, we don't want to give the wrong impression)
It is illegal to use a lasso to catch a fish.(and very difficult)
"Crimes against nature" are prohibited.(???????????)
Ministers are to be dedicated to God and therefore are not eligible to hold a seat in either House of the Legislature.(Where's the ACLU on that one?)
Any person who participates in a duel may not hold any public office in the state.(Something no one apparently bothered to remind Andrew Jackson every time he dueled)
Giving and receiving oral sex is still prohibited by law.(WOW! Can you just imaging the debate on the floor that day????)
Stealing a horse is punishible by hanging.(especially in Shelbyville, I hear they might even disembowel)
Driving is not to be done while asleep.(and they made a law about it.....common sense not to prevalent round here)
It is legal to gather and consume roadkill.( I know a restaurant in South Pittsburg that will actually clean and cook it for you!!!!!!!!!! Visit The Pirate, eat ours or bring your own!)
This one is so bad I had to include the actual text from the Tennessee Constitution
Article XI: Miscellaneous Provisions: Section 14
The intermarriage of white persons with negroes, mulattoes, or persons of mixed blood, descended from a negro to the third generation inclusive of their living together as man and wife in this State is prohibited. (That is still on the books.)
City Laws in Tennessee
Dyersburg
It is illegal for a woman to call a man for a date. (because you know when a woman calls a man she's just asking for it....wink, wink, nudge, nudge)
Fayette County
You may not have more than five inoperable vehicles on a piece of property. (Cause after the 1st 5 its just tacky)
Memphis
Illegal for a woman to drive a car unless there is a man either running or walking in front of it waving a red flag to warn approaching motorists and pedestrians. (Come on we're not THAT bad)

christmas and serial killers

2005-12-29T07:01:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas I really do, but the last of the Christmas parties is over now and I'm so glad. I feel as though I'm coated in chocolate and stuffed with turkey. Electra got so much stuff that I'm fairly sure we'll never see her bedroom floor again. But it was so much fun watching my family this year. We had our best Christmas ever, not because of the awesome gifts that we gave or recieved. We had the best time because (caution severe cheese incoming) we had each other and everyone was safe and healthy.
Now I'll move on so that I don't lose the bulk of my readers to sugar shock. If you haven't taken the quiz on Leah's blog you should jump on over. I've always been fascinated with the causes of psychopathic behavior. What would make someone kill and torture others? The scariest part of it is that psychopaths look just like everyone else.
"America's 1st serial killer was a man called H. H. Holmes (his real name was Mudgett). Estimates of the number of his victims range from forty to one hundred and upwards, most of them women eager for marriage whom he killed for their money. He himself confessed to the murder of nearly thirty victims.
Since Holmes was an inveterate liar as well as a swindler and murderer, the true details of even the killings to which he confessed will never be known, but the physical evidence found in his building in Chicago, known as "Holmes' Castle," left grim implications. Detectives searching it after his arrest found trapdoors, hidden stairways, concealed panels, and blind hallways. Especially sinister were several sleeping chambers which lacked windows and were capable of being sealed air-tight. The gas piped into them was controlled from Holmes' bedroom, whereas the valves on the gas fixtures within the guestrooms were dummies which could not be shut off by the occupants. In the basement of the Castle were a dissecting room, a crematory, and several mysterious machines, one of which bore a disturbing resemblance to a medieval rack. Traces of human remains were in evidence." (source)
CREEPY!!!!!!!!!!!

christmas

2005-12-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

I got tagged.
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate, with caramel! and whipped cream...great idea Tiffany
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa is not real, but I love wrapping gifts. What's the fun of Christmas without large amounts of paper to clean up
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I've got white because its classier, but colored also makes me think of growing up. We always had colored lights
4. Do you hang mistletoe? If I can get some, someone in my redneck family usually takes shotgun or tractor out to get some. However, as to the tradition of cornering someone under the mistletoe, never done that.
5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually the day, or at least the weekend, after Thanksgiving. Me too! Tiffany
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Everything, I love holiday food, but I have a special place in my heart for Danish Butter cookies (excepting the ones with the raisons in them, yuck)
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Putting up the Christmas tree, we always went out looking for the perfect tree (always cedar) cut it down, and decorated with a hodge-podge of ornaments made or collected over the years. Then when we were younger we would sleep under the tree with the lights on all night.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Birth, My parents never lied to me in the name of creating an imagination. Funny I still somehow have an imagination.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Actually we usually went to my grandma's on Christmas day and to the Ring family christmas on Christmas eve (until the family got older and stopped getting together) so my family always made enormous sandwiches and opened presents on the 23rd.
10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? None you see he's not real <>
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love it,NO SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12. Can you ice skate? NO, Last time I went ice skating I twisted my knee very badly and it never really recovered.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My hope chest, solid wood, very useful.
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family, I love them
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Danish butter cookies.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Sandwiches on the 23rd, though its hard to schedule now adays
17. What tops your tree? a star Electra picked out
18. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? Giving
19. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? Carol of the Bells
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum.

well well well

2005-12-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

So apparently I have made the single people I know either ticked at me or at least mildly uncomfortable, shocking that I would say something controversial, but I must admit that when I wrote it I didn't actually think it was controversial. Honestly the whole blog grew out of enjoying a lunch with another couple, and the fact that since we've been married Steve's friends have stopped coming around as much. I didn't mean to imply that singles aren't as fun or that I like them any less, its just that apparently they seem to think we aren't as fun. And none of that was directed at anyone at church, ya'll are awesome, and we love you!

the Largeness

2005-12-01T04:41:00.000-08:00

Last night we got an addition to the family, or at least thats how Steve talks about it, and while it doesn't eat it does take up as much room as all three of us put together. We are now the proud owners of a 37 inch TV and the entertainment center to put it in. To me to be honest this is awesome because I love movies too, but I find that this not as endearing to me as it is for Steve, nor is it likely to ever be. I could go Freudian on ya'll and pull out all the reasons why men love to have a big TV, but then who really wants to go there?

Marriage is great, I love it, but I'm finding that the friends issue changes. Not that you have to go out and find new friends, but you want "couple friends". I have my friends, Steve has his friends and they overlap alot, but we get excited if we find out that there's a married or dating couple that we both like. We even have tried to set one of Steve's friends up in hopes of gaining "couple friends" in our home town, and truly if we knew anyone who deserved some of the lovely ladies at church we'd be setting them up. I think that once you are coupled up yourself the natural thing is to seek out like people. We had lunch with another couple recently and because they were also newly weds with children we had tips to trade and stories to tell that we all could identify with. I don't want to sound like I want to dump all my single friends, I don't I just want to marry you off. Is this just the natural order of things? Is this why people tend to marry in herds????

SO FAR BEHIND

2005-11-28T04:56:00.000-08:00

The last couple of weeks have so hectic that I've not had time to come up with any interesting blogs. Honestly I don't even have one now, but after complaints I must oblige. I have however read a couple books. How is it possible to read books and yet not have time to blog? I guess because you can sit with a sick child asleep on your lap while reading or watching TV, but typing is nearly impossible. Then once the small one started to feel slightly better despite missing a few body parts (tonsils and adnoids) Thanksgiving hit and then Christmas decorations and cleaning the house that had been basically ignored.
The new books I've finished are Memoirs of a Geisha and The Thin Woman, both enjoyable in very different ways, I'm currently reading Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and getting no end of grief for it either. But I need something light after reading all that nonfiction (Class and The Working Poor)
I love Christmas, in small bits that is, I love the smells, the lights, the movies you watch once a year, the food, the music, the people. Everything else can get on my nerves after awhile. My wonderful husband claims to despise the holiday with a loathing he normally reserves for Walmart, but I happen to know that he enjoyed decorating the tree the other night.
I'm getting evalutated on Thursday by my principal, she's coming in to watch my worst class. I'm about to jump off here to prepare, but please pray for me. I shall write again, hopefully sooner this next time.

new book

2005-11-08T21:25:00.000-08:00

I'm reading a new book lately called Class. I've been enthralled by what is important vs. unimportant in the eyes of the various classes in America, there is such a cool little test at the end of the book that gives you an idea of what your class is. I'm apparently a high prole (proletariate or working class) where as Steve is middle class. I'm going to attach the test, so that you too can discover your social class in America.

THE LIVING-ROOM SCALE
(With minor revisions by Robert Keel, 1999)
From: Paul Fussell, Class: A Guide Through the American Class System, 1983, Summit Books, pp. 194-197
(An earlier form of this was promulgated in 1935 by F. Stuart Chapin in his book Contemporary American Institutions.)
Begin with a score of 100. For each of the following in your living room (or those of friends or acquaintances) add or subtract points as indicated. Then ascertain social class according to the table at the end.

Hardwood floor (solid wood)
add 4
Parquet floor (solid wood)
add 8
Stone floor
add 4
Laminate floor
subtract 4
Vinyl floor
subtract 6
Wall-to-wall carpet
add 2
Shag carpet
subtract 4
Working fireplace
add 4
Gas log fireplace
subtract 5
New Oriental rug or carpet
subtract 2 (each)
Worn Oriental rug or carpet
add 5 (each)
Threadbare rug or carpet
add 8 (each)
Ceiling ten feet high, or higher
add 6
Cathedral Ceiling (with or without skylights)
subtract 5
Original paintings by internationally recognized practitioners add 8 Original drawings, prints, or lithographs by internationally recognized practitioner
add 5 (each)
Reproductions of any Picasso painting, print, or anything
subtract 2 (each)
Original paintings, drawings, or prints by family members
subtract 4 (each)
Windows curtained, rods and draw cords
add 5
Windows curtained, no rods or draw cords
add 2
Window Blinds, mini, plastic
subtract 2
Window Blinds, mini, metal
subtract 1
Window Blinds, mini, wood
add 1
Window Blinds, vertical
subtract 3
Wooden venetian blinds
subtract 2
Metal venetian blinds
subtract 4
Genuine Tiffany lamp
add 3
Reproduction Tiffany lamp
subtract 4
Any work of art depicting cowboys
subtract 3
"Professional" oil portrait of any member of the household
subtract 3
Any display of "collectibles"
subtract 4
Transparent plastic covers on furniture
subtract 6
Furniture upholstered with any metallic threads
subtract 3
Cellophane on any lampshade
subtract 4
Ashtrays (origninal list deducted for not having ashtrays--time change, social class doesn't!)
subtract 4
Refrigerator, washing machine, or clothes dryer in living room (includes "great rooms")
subtract 6
Motorcycle kept in living room (unless inner city loft)
subtract 10
Periodicals visible, laid out flat:

National Enquirer
subtract 6
Popular Mechanics, or any vehicle related periodical
subtract 5
Reader's Digest
subtract 3
National Geographic, Time, Newsweek, Life, etc.
subtract 2
Smithsonian
subtract 1
Scientific American
subtract 1
Town and Country
add 2
New York Review of Books
add 5
Times Literary Supplement (London)
add 5
Paris Match
add 6
Hudson Review
add 8
No periodicals
subtract 5
Each family photograph (black-and-white)
subtract 2
Each family photograph (color)
subtract 3
Each family photograph (black-and-white or color) in sterling-silver frame
add 3
Potted citrus tree with midget fruit growing
add 8
Potted palm tree
add 5
Fresh cut flowers
add 3
Artificial flowers (plastic)
subtract 5
Artificial flowers (silk)
subtract 3
Bowling-ball carrier
subtract 6
Fishbowl or aquarium (fresh water)
subtract 4
Fishbowl or aquarium (salt water)
add 1
Fringe on any upholstered furniture
subtract 4
Identifiable Naugahyde aping anything customarily made of leather
subtract 3
Any item exhibiting words in an ancient or modern foreign language (Spanish excluded)
add 7
Tabletop obelisk of marble, glass, etc.
add 9
Fewer than five pictures on walls
subtract 5
Each piece of furniture over 50 years old
add 2
Bookcase(s) full of books
add 5
Overflow books stacked on floor, chairs, etc.
add 6
Hutch bookcase ("wall system") displaying plates, pots, porcelain figurines, etc., but no books
subtract 4
Wall unit with built-in TV, stereo, etc
subtract 4
TV, stereo, etc
subtract 6
Piano (grand or baby grand)
add 4
Piano (upright)
subtract 1
Computer
subtract 3
Fax machine
subtract 4
On coffeetable, container of matchbooks from funny or anomalous places
add 1
Works of sculpture (original, and not made by householder or any family member)
add 4 (each)
Works of sculpture made by householder or any family member
subtract 5 (each)
Every item alluding specifically to the United Kingdom
add 1
Any item alluding, even remotely, to Tutankhamen
subtract 4
Each framed certificate, diploma, or testimonia1
subtract 2
Each "laminated" framed certificate, diploma, or testimonial
subtract 3
Each item with a "tortoiseshell" finish, if only made of Formica
add 1
Each "Eames chair"
subtract 2
Each recliner
subtract 3
Each recliner sofa
subtract 4
Each sofa with "hidden" compartments
subtract 5
Anything displaying the name or initials of anyone in the household
subtract 4
Curved moldings visible anywhere in the room
add 5
245 and above: Upper class
185-245: Upper-middle Class
100-185: Middle Class
50-100: High prole (working class)
Below 50: Mid- or low prole (lower class)

quizical

2005-10-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

1. When you look at yourself in the mirror, what's the first thing you look at?
I try not to look to closely until work has been done
2. How much cash do you have on you?
None currently I've been refusing to carry money in an attempt to save it....kinda sucks sometimes
3. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST?"
best
4. Favorite flower?
cactus
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed/received call list on your cell phone?
Leah
6.What is your main ring tone on your phone?
If I Only had a Brain
7. What shirt are you wearing?
Steve's Dewey and Eva's shirt
8. Do you "label" yourself?
as.....I guess it depends on the mood I'm in that day
9. Name the brand of your shoes you're currently wearing.
bare feet
10. Bright or Dark room?
cold that's all I notice
11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?
Chris is a big teddy bear, if teddy bears made sacasmism an Olympic sport and didn't like "touching"
12. Ever "spilled the beans?"
to several parents at the parent-teacher conference Thursday, yeah those kids won't talk to me now
13. What were you doing at 2 this morning?
I was in bed
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell phone say.
From Leah I canceled girls night and she replied
15. Do you ever click on "Pop Ups" or Banners?
Yuck. No.
16. What's a saying that you say a lot?
That's all kinds of Special
17. Who told you they loved you last?
Steve he's off shooting Clint....with paintballs
18. Last furry thing you touched?
Baxter
19. How many drugs have you done in the past three days?
None, well chocolate
20. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed?
I just sent them in ;)
21. Favorite age you have been so far?
now if I could just lose some weight
22. Your worst enemy?
people who talk loudly about politics and tell you your evil if you disagree with them in anyway. thats both parties and occaisionally myself.
23. What is your current desktop picture?
Electra dancing
24. What was the last thing you said to someone?
I'll make the muffins in just a minute
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to change a major regret?
a million dollars, there's nothing I regret THAT much
26. Do you love/like someone?
Yeah, but its a long list and I don't want to bore you, so short list: Steve and Electra

new look

2005-10-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

So I changed the look of Literally Lauren, I got bored with the library look. I was planning to have a new entry to go with the look but just before I started to write Electra came in yelling that Hank was gone. Our lovely big dog, the best dog in the galaxy has ran away. We heard a few reports on Sunday, but nothing since. We're very scared that he's been hurt, or is being loved by someone else. Either concept is heart-breaking, but with a choice we'd much rather the 2nd option.
I watched The Ring 2 and it sucked. What was up with the deer???? That was some of the worst special effects I've ever seen, not to mention, how is Rachel supposed to worm her way out of connection to 2 dead bodies? The kid is still creepy with or without Samara, who by the way if Sissy Spacic's (can't spell her last name) baby was Samara and told her to kill it, then why is the thing Samara? Now that its dead shouldn't it go back to being a demon? And how is a rock in a video supposed to stop it when death, time, space can't? Basically the movie was laughable. So we did get some enjoyment out of it.
Pray for Hank

I'm gonna let you in on a secret

2005-10-20T16:39:00.000-07:00

Wanta know something terrible? Teachers slack off sometimes. I know that every profession does it. But for some reason it seems so much worse when you involve young minds just waiting to be trained in the oh so complicated things of world geography. Now I'm not as bad as some teachers who've been known to show 6 hour long miniseries over a period of 8-50 minute classes. But I have been TIRED this week and I've been giving alot of book work. Book work is great because you don't have to make copies, just grade it, here's where it gets bad I barely even look to see if they did it....Yes I'm a horrible person. But tomorrow I'm back to being the note Nazi. Many many lecture notes to go along with all that work they've done this week.

Then tomorrow I've got a babysitter lined up and I'm going to the TNT game night. I'm REALLY looking forward to this. One I love games, granted most people hate playing them with me, but I love playing them. Two, I like just about anytime that I'm not responsible for either teenagers, cleaning, or Electra, not because I don't love my job, my home, or my daughter, but breaks are soooooo needed.

Watched the Ring last night, never seen it before. Very creepy, thought the scene of her coming out of the TV was strikingly similar to the Grudge's big scene, and she looked HUGE, wasn't she supposed to be a kid???? Tonight if the Steve is without objection we're going to watch #2. I've heard mixed reviews. Maybe I'll give ya'll a random review over it....its been a while since my last. Well that's all for now, till the time when we shall meet again.

I'm a homeowner

2005-10-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

That's right today my wonderful husband came to my class during my planning period, bringing with him an enormous stack of paper that represented the home that we bought. Slightly sickening to give up the down payment, but I believe we've got a really good investment in this duplex. Not only is it a great size for a starter home, but we've also got renters helping us make the payment. How cool is that???

Poor Steve has had a huge adjustment when it comes to living with a school teacher and a 7 yr old. , normally his day would begin anywhere from 7:30 to 9:00(....uuummm...... sorry if this offends anyone) by rolling out of bed, naked and getting ready for work. Now my alarm goes off at 5:30 and Electra gets up 15 minutes later. He doesn't get much real sleep after that, and the poor thing has to keep clothes on to!!! I feel for him I really do.

Tomorrow we're off to Dave Ramsey, followed by group date with Steve's cousin Charlie and his soon to be fiance and Steve's friend Chris and his first time date Rosie. We're going to eat and go to a haunted house, should be fun. I haven't been to a haunted house since before Electra was born and I was dating Mike Reed, who is now at best an extrucker with drug problems. Wow thank you God that I didn't marry him. Think I'll go kiss my husband and remind him how awesome he is. C-ya!

just thought i'd share

2005-10-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

Weird facts that you would rather not know(found at a weird site you'd never visit....err, so I brought them to you)
....Did you know?...It is impossible to lick your elbow.
Did you know?...Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
Did you know?...Coca-Cola was originally contain cocaine.
Did you know?...23% of all photocopier faults worldwide are caused by people sitting on them and photocopying their butts.
Did you know?...In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere.
Did you know?...Wearing headphones for just an hour will increase the bacteria in your ear by 700 times.
Did you know?...More than 50% of the people in the world have never made or received a telephone call.
Did you know?...The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.
Did you know?... In 1879, a mail service in Belgium employed 37 cats to carry bundles of letters to villages around the town of Liege, this experiment was shorted-lived as the cats proved thoroughly undisciplined.
Did you know?... The greatest recorded number of children that have been born by one mother is 69! The poor lass gave birth to 16 pairs of twins, seven sets of triplets and a measly 4 sets of quadruplets. Even in the days before IVF!
Did you know?...13% of Americans actually believe that some parts of the moon are made of cheese...yummy
Did you know?...The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.
Did you know?...If you could count the number of times a cricket chirps in one minute, divide by 2, add 9 and divide by 2 again, you would have the correct temperature in celcius degrees... How do they know that?
Did you know?...Duelling is legal in Paraguay as long as both parties are registered blood donors.
Did you know?...Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history.
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs - Alexander the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
Did you know?...In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak.
Did you know?...If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds recieved in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
Did you know?...101 Dalmatians and Peter Pan (Wendy) are the only two Disney cartoon features with both parents that are present and don't die during the movie.
Did you know?...To "testify" was based on men in the Roman court swearing to a statement made by swearing on their testicles.
Did you know?... In York, it is perfectly legal to shoot a Scotsman with a bow and arrow (except on Sundays)
Did you know?...On average, 90% Dutch teenagers can speak fluent English whereas only 80% American teenagers can speak fluent English. (Just incase you didnt know, English is not the first langauge of The Netherlands.)
Did you know?...No piece of square dry paper can be folded in half more than 7 times
Did you know?...The people who make school kitchens, also make electric chairs.
Did you know?...1 in every 200 people are a psychopath and they look just like everyone else.....
Did you know?...You are most likely to be murdered or raped by a family member or a close friend (98% of all murders). Whereas being murdered by a derranged lunatic down a dark alley is very rare.
In France, a five year old child can buy an alcholic drink in a bar

so i'm married

2005-10-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful ceremony, set against the Smoky Mts. we pledged our love to one another forever.......... WoW!!!! That much sentiment requires alot of effort. Seriously, I love being married to the best man on the planet. We had alot of fun making fun of all the other newly weds in Gatlinburg, and our calm little cabin was the best part of the trip. We were supposed to leave on Tuesday, but Monday morning we decided that we just suck as tourists since we had no desire to play mini-golf or check out Dollywood. So we came home early and snuck to Murfreesboro Monday night to see Serenity. Excellent movie based on the prematurely cancelled Firefly series. I encourage everyone to go see it. The next morning we went to pick up Electra, and soon after the happy surprise of seeing us wore off she started crying and asking why we were there a day early and wouldn't let her play with her cousin. AWWW such love.......
But life is slowly returning to normal. We think we may have resold Steve's house ( pray it goes through), school starts back on Monday, and Steve's kicking butt and taking names in the world of real estate. My goal now is to be the woman of his dreams for say the next 60-70 years. Love you all and its great to be home.

ouch!!!

2005-10-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

dogs and fruit

2005-09-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

The above pictures are of the two other men in my life. The first is Hank, he's an American Mastiff and a huge lazy dog. Hank is awesome easily takes the cake when it comes to loyalty and just being the most awesome dog in the world. He's huge at 130 lbs, and still as gentle as a kitten. The one I'm holding is my new baby, Baxter. Baxter is a border terrier, and he thinks he's the guard dog of the house. He's just a 6 month old puppy and I'm working on house breaking him. He's not doing too badly really. As for living up to the example set by Hank. That's a hard sale for a little dog, but he's trying really hard. Their wonderful dogs, definitely doggie pineapples.

Which brings to mind the onslaught of debate over whether all the fruits of the world can find love. To be honest I have no clue what the secret is. I've heard every theory and when I was single people were always more than happy to tell me exactly why I was. (who gives people this right????) I was told: lose weight, get out more, be nicer, don't be too nice, be aggressive, don't call him let him call you, etc. None of it made any difference. When I met Steve, I didn't want to let him out of my sight for fear someone would grab him 1st (not an unsubstantiated fear in estrogen church), but when I was with him I didn't feel stressed or anixous I felt comfortable. He was just right for me, I guess that all this kumquat needed was the willing pineapple to come along. When your an exotic fruit be careful, some people will pick you up, squeeze you, shake you, & smell you, but their not planning to buy their just curious cause your a fruit that they've never seen before. Have a grocer screen for you, use the advice of people wiser than you. They may protect you from bruises.

As for the battle of the sexes on Sam's blog....can't we all just get along with out turning dating into an Olympic event??????

comment spam

2005-09-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else as annoyed by the concept of comment spam as I am? Advertising is hitting a new low. Not only is it flat out annoying, but seriously does it work? Are they really seeing people buying this garbage? Well I just turned on a spam prooffer thingie, so ya'll let me know if thats even more annoying.

sooooo much

2005-09-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm running in circles lately. Everyday seems to be crammed full of things to get done, so much so that I'm really cheating by taking time to blog, but I can't disappoint my one faithfull reader out there. (Admit it you thought it was you didn't you! LOL some ego you got there.)
Tomorrow continues the maddness that is Homecoming, though bonus for making it this far into the week without borrowing that new gun of Steve's is that I get to wear pajama's to work tomorrow. Now I know to the self employed this is a laughable perk, but to those of us who must look authoritative every day this ROCKS! It's also "Constitution Day" I have no clue what I'm going to do, but I hope it'll be fun and not require much grading. I guess I'll figure that out after I finish here.
Then on Friday we have the Homecoming Day activities which mean that for half the day there are no classes and the students roam the school eating junk food and causing minor amounts or substantial amounts of trouble. I have managed to get out of supervising the little "darlings" by offering to be a judge for the Battle of the Bands. Which I believe to be a highly superior waste of time when compared to roaming the food court.
After that its the weekend and I've got Jonathan and Melissa's wedding, Steve's stepbrother (the lake turned itself into a football game can I get an AMEN!), and on Sunday I've got sound. Then cruelly another week begins and I will probably still not REALLY cleaned my house.

swimsuits

2005-09-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

I need to buy a swimsuit. I threw out all my old ones when I moved, because I was throwing out a bunch of stuff and looking at them always made me want to hit something. But I've been invited to spend next Saturday at the lake with Steve's stepbrother. So now I've got to go find a bathing suit and spend money to cause myself deep psychological pain. Not that I dislike spending time with Steve or his brother. I'm looking forward to that, I just dispise the entire concept of looking fat around Steve. So anyone know any crash diets to make you lose 40 lbs in a week??

I hate flies

2005-09-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

I hate flies! Not just alittle, but hate the size of TEXAS. They have taken over my house and I have no clue as to how to free myself from their buzzing tyrany. I've started actually vacuuming them up. The trick is to set up the vacum near a window attach the hose attachments and quickly suck them up before they fly away. Its much more effective than chasing them with a fly swatch and much more satisfying. Problem is I've sucked up hundreds and they keep coming back, downright disheartening.
This Friday night is the Coffee Pot game and for those of you who have not the first hand knowledge of the rivalry between Manchester and Tullahoma let me put it to you this way the kids are already discussing the best time to fight and the different areas around the stadium where your least likely to get caught. Yes they were stupid enough to talk about it in front of me...really whats to come of this generation if they can't hide something from their teachers. We'll have no politicians or lawyers at all!!!! But anyway there will be much saddness in school on Monday should we lose this Friday.
My daughter just came in with a little girl from down the street and said they were going to play a game. The little girl immeadiately asked where the game boys were. She didn't introduce herself or for that matter even say hi. This worries me 1. because why are kids assuming that games will be computerized? 2. Who doesn't introduce themselves when they come into another person's home or at least act deferential to the parent????
I know my daughter is a social creature who wants to have friends, but yuck....I REALLY want to pick them. I would hate to see her become that.

uh yeah ok

2005-09-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

Well so the comments last time were abit crazy, have to say though the Brain Bullet sounds like an effective means of changing your life........OK, put down the gun and walk away....WALK AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok I'm find now, glad to hear I was missed by the Steve even if just alittle.

Well I've not done a survey in years and this one is just odd enough to grab my attention so here we go.

A sort of oddball name someone has given you:
Mommy, definitely not a name that tended to go with my personality, but she is so very cute.
In your opinion, where is the weirdest place to have an itch?
hmmm.....on someone else's face. I think that if I felt an itch on someone else's face I would be incredibly freaked out
(In you opinion) where is the most annoying/oddest place 2 have A pimple?
in the curve between your nostril and your cheek. you can't pop it. which brings up the whole to pop or not to pop question...and I know I'm flying in the face of teenage wisdom (which oddly enough is what I do for a living), but I am pro-pop think about it...if it where slightly bigger and on your arm everyone would tell you to "lance" it, which is just a fancy word for pop.....so I ask you what is the difference??????
What would be an odd color for someone to dye their hair?
flesh
What would be an odd name for someone to name a virus?
me
What to you is the weirdest/ugliest looking color?
asparagus
Where is the most painful place to be bleeding?
does the actual process of bleeding hurt???? I don't know......I guess your eye....yeah that'd suck.
The most painful place to be itching?
anywhere that doesn't stop itching and you can't scratch
The oddest time to go to sleep?
there is no odd time....well I guess if I were setting up dynamite or working with a potentially deadly virus or something......but I don't see this happening
Are you awake?
thats an emphatic YES
Are you sure?
please look up emphatic http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=emphatic
What gender are you?
Why are people always asking me this!!!!!????????????
How old are you?
yeah like I'd tell you
Did you enjoy this short odd survey?
why yes, yes I did
How much wood would a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?
that is a question of great importance for the future of the lumber industry

hmmm

2005-08-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

So most of my best friends are far far away enjoying themselves...I'm home....I didn't grade any papers....yeah procrastination is the best I've got. I must admit that I'm missing all those folks, but I am glad that their having fun. Yep I'm glad......no where to go from there so I'll post a joke that my sister sent me the other day. Hope ya like it.

Tennessee's Version of Survivor
Due to the popularity of the Survivor shows, Tennessee is planning to do its own, entitled "Survivor-Tennessee Style."
The contestants will start in Jackson, travel up to Big Sandy and on to Grinders Switch and Hohenwald. Then they will head over to Pulaski and down to Fayetteville and over to Monteagle. From there they will proceed up to Tracy City, then back around through Rock Island, Smithville, and finally end up in Carthage.

Each will be driving a pink Volvo with Yankee license plates and a large >bumper sticker that reads: "I'm gay. I'm a vegetarian. Beer is harmful to your health. The Vols suck. Vote YES to an income tax. Deer hunting is murder, and I'm here to confiscate your guns!"

The first one that makes it to Carthage alive, wins. Good luck to all contestants.

attitude

2005-08-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

Wow I'm getting an attitude. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but here's the deal. Last night I'm chaporoning the Freshman Howdy Dance, and there was a group of 4 students that tried to come in the back door. One of the girls said she was a member of the Student Council and that the others were her date and two of them had a couple ticket. The other teacher at the door and I didn't know them and told them to go around to the area they were supposed to show there tickets at and Student Council girl threw a fit! She didn't want to walk all the way over there. So the other teacher went to get the Student Council advisor while I held the kids there. Mean while this girl calls over another S.C. member to tell him to tell me that she could come in, by this time she's got a serious this "woman" can't tell me what to do attitude, so I looked at her and got an attitude right back. I told her she could drop her attitude and wait for the advisor because it wasn't hurting her to wait and that it was our job to keep EVERYONE safe. Then I told her that if she came back with any more attitude I'd throw her out. (Chris you would have loved to seen it, I had the hand motions and everything) It shut her up till he got there and he said he'd talk to her about her attitude.....we'll see.

So ya'll tell me was I wrong??? Seriously tell me if I should have handled this differently, since this is my career here.

top ten

2005-08-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

Wow I've been mentioned by the Blog King! The Chris ranked me as #9 in his top ten list. Apparently the random nosense and sparatic up dates are working for me. Woo Hoo!!!
So this weekend is racking up to a flurry of activity, Friday night I'm dropping off the everadorable Electra to spend the night with Grandma. Then I'm meeting up with Steve and his friends to go to the first football game of the Red Raider season. Looks like we'll probably be having our butts handed to us by the end of the night, because we'll be playing Brentwood. I just pray there won't be too much bloodshed involved. Then I've got to leave the game earlier to be at the school by 9:30 to chaporone the Freshmen Howdy Dance till 12:30. After which I will crash for the night and sleep in the next morning because Electra WONT WAKE ME UP!!!!! Yay!!!!! Then I've gotta pick up Electra that afternoon to get her ready to see Beauty and the Beast at the Manchester Arts Center. It's being put on by the Teen Actors Guild (of which I was a founding member) thats celebrating its 10th anniversity as an acting group. Then I get to run sound on Sunday! I'm really looking forward to this weekend, next weekend will be quieter since everyone will be in Gatlinburg and I won't. I must say that doing the responsible thing sometimes really sucks.

MRE's

2005-08-17T04:56:00.000-07:00

So I'm back in school these days and still getting in to the routine. Thus the reason updates are few and far between. But interesting thing I got a present yesterday from a man in uniform. Steve has been teasing me about this man since last Thursday. Why because he's an army recruter (spelling??) that I invited to my class to teach my kids military style map reading. I thought that I would use the time he and his assistent were teaching to get all sorts of beginning of the school year teacher work done, but I couldn't do it(I mean really ya'll know me I can't really hand my class over ever). It was too much fun to crawl around on the floor with my kids figuring out where the water was in the middle of this huge map of the desert. So I spent the day flitting from group to group and having a blast. Well yesterday they came back to our school to talk to the Food and Nutrician classes (er........ home ec). They brought MRE's (meals ready to eat) for all the students, and tried them out in class. So at the end of the day they walk into my room and drop off 4 MRE's. I got Hamburger steak, veggie burger with bbq, beef stew, and chicken and salsa. Very amusing little things, I let Electra open one last night and SHE ACTUALLY WANTED TO EAT IT FOR DINNER! They have a heat source that heats your food in one minute without fire. It startes heating when it is exposed to water, very cool! The cutest thing in them is the little miny bottles of Tabasco, but they are full of cool little things. Later when Steve came over I opened one for him to see too (much more teasing, ensued!) Sadly though 1 whole MRE is worth 1200 calories!!!!!! So I don't think I'm going to be shoping at the army supply store, well that and the fact that the meat looks at best questionable. I'm going to take the last 2 over to my mom. I think my dad'll get a kick out of them and I want to show one to my nephew, he'll be impressed, granted he's 3. Gotta go to work now, talk to ya later.

you know what

2005-08-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

So I'm discovering slowly that I'm not perfect. Yeah, yeah laugh all you want to, but its true. I've been looking at myself at the way I relate to people, and I have to say that quite often I truly suck as a human being. It's not that I'm trying to be sucky I'm just good at it. So most of my life I've lived in the world of denial by avoiding prolonged contact with people. That doesn't really work due to the EXTREME boredom that occupanies it. So here I am working on being socially acceptable, and mostly failing. Those of you out there that know me I'd really appreciate your help. If you could just tell me (and hopefully forgive me, wink, wink) when I'm behaving like a stupid head I'd really appreciate it. I'm going to be asking God to help me with this as well, which I predict will be painfully. BUT, if I can become a better person and witness for Him it'll be worth it.

I'M BACK!!!!

2005-08-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

Let's all take a moment to praise the Lord for the restoration of my internet connection!!! I have missed it soooo much.
Last time I was on I told ya'll about my trip, well the trip was amazing. Caleb and I drove all the way out to the Grand Canyon and back. I ran over a tumble weed, saw an Indian blanket worth $325,000, climbed up into the Prayer Tower at Oral Roberts Un. (while it was closed,ssshhh, only slightly illegal), of course looked over the edge of the Grand Canyon. I thought about actually hiking down into the gignormous ditch, but it was hot and well hiking is execise....sooooo... I just took lots of pictures. The scenery out West is gorgess (I can't spell) and there are some weird little towns in Kansas. There is a town that actually stays decorated for Christmas year round!!??? We got back into town really late Friday night and early the next morning I moved into my new apartment. Then started my new job on Tuesday, so I've been extremely busy the past few weeks. Now that I'm back I hope to update just a little more frequently.

surprize

2005-07-16T22:23:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been feeling pentup...frustrated...ineffectual. It isn't about one situation or one problem, just general feeling. It's as if I'm right on the edge of something marvelous, but I'm chained to a tree and no matter what I do I can't reach it. Well I came home today and found my younger brother at the house, he asked me to take a trip with him. So I am. Tomorrow after church I'm leaving out for a week long road trip. Don't know how far we're going to go, but I know I'll be back for church next Sunday. My mom actually offered to keep Electra the whole week!!! It sooooooo irresponsible, I LOVE IT!!!!! Pray for me and I'll fill you in on the trip next week!

summer slump

2005-07-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

I have reached the point in the summer where I've got less than 2 1/2 weeks left, and I have not moved. I know that people who have been watching me try to moved for the last year have probably reached a state of bemused unbelief at the concept of me actually completing this ever present goal of mine. Seriously I was thinking about it the other day, and I realised that after I move I'll have to find a completely new "unto" for my journey, that pastor's been talking about. Unfortunately, I either have to find a new place to try to rent (though to be honest there is NOWHERE that will have this good of a deal) or just be patient with yet another delay in moving time. Truthfully though the woman moving out is probably even more anxious than myself, since she is building a new home and that has to be exciting. So pray for both of us to stay patient, because after all what a couple of weeks here and there??

the 4th

2005-07-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

Last night Steve got to meet my family at our annual redneck fest also known as the 4th of July. This year wasn't as bad as years past, mainly due to the fact that no one ended up drunk and playing with fire. LOL Amazingly he fit right in. He managed to not be intimidated by my large, loud, and happily sacastic family. We love each other but insults will ensue at every availble moment. (the ones who can't take it just don't come back, those who can hit back with their own rhetoric)
We ate a TON of food, in my family if you can't feed the whole group for that meal and 6 more your slacking in the food department. Then we played badmitten till it got dark. Yeah, yeah I know that badmitten is a dorky sport, but who wants real competition when you can spend the game in trash talking people who can't hit a little plastic birdie. My team took Steve's down several times before we stopped taking score.
Then it got dark and the fireworks came out. My cousin Jesse has been in charge of the fireworks purchasing for a good 5 or 6 years now, and there where literally conference calls that took place between the younger males in the family discussing the various fireworks to buy. All together we spent a little over $300 on fireworks. Then in order to ensure that we wouldn't have to worry about the lighter being blown out by the wind, we brought out a torch. It was about the size of a small fire extinguisher (which by the way we didn't bother with having around) We went through the fireworks having alot of fun, when about halfway through one of the fireworks sent a stray not into the air but straight past Steve's head!!!! Luckily he wasn't hurt and made a joke about how he got the hint and that he wouldn't come back again. Everyone laughed and then we got to our 2 finale's Jesse sets up the first one and runs back to watch it. A couple shoot into the sky, when suddenly another one shoots by Steve's head and I'm thinking AGAIN??? That's weird, but then another and another came. Everyone jumped out of their seats and ran to hide. For 2 minutes or so fireworks were EXPLODING IN THE YARD AROUND WHERE WE HAD BEEN SITTING! Apparently the bucket that it had been on fell over pointing the firework at the audience. Luckily, noone was hurt and we all laughed about it, but I'll admitted I was scared for a minute there.
After that things went to their redneck best because like they do nearly every year they lit a bucket of gas on fire and started throwing in the rest of the bottle rockets and M-80's. Ya'll wanta come next year??????

Lauren’s Top Ten Movies of All Time

2005-07-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

I know that these will spark debate, but hey its just my opinion like that's never been attacked. ;)

1.Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
I know that many people will have no clue what this Stanley Kubrick classic is, but I assure you that it is one of the most finely crafted movies of all time. Peter Sellers plays 3 hilarious roles in the movie. This movie that will leave you laughing and shaking your head at the stupidity of the human race at the same time, I have never seen a more enjoyable and stimulating movie ever.

2.Fiddler on the Roof
This movie has been one of my favorite movies for at least a decade now. Why you may ask, well because it combines some of my favorite things. 1. History, while this movie is localized to Anateivcha, (I have no clue if that’s spelled right) it’s a fairly accurate portrayal of the conditions the Russian Jews were facing on the eve of the Communist Revolution. 2. It’s a musical! 3. It’s funny and sad, nothing like a movie that makes you run the gambit of human emotion.

3.The Muppet Movie
This is my favorite Muppet movie, though I’m also partial to Muppet’s Take Manhattan and Muppet Treasure Island as well. No one will ever be able to fill the shoes of the Muppet’s in the world of American comedy. Good sarcastic fun for the whole family.

4.Steele Magnolias
I don’t know a Southern woman who doesn’t love this movie. We identify with it, too completely. And there’s nothing more that can be said about it.

5.The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Yes, I know there were 3 different movies, but they were all filmed at the same time and they’re really all one story. Well directed, well acted, beautiful scenery, and an incomparable story. In just one word…fabulous.

6.Pride and Prejudice (BBC version)
If you are a woman, and have not fallen in love with Mr. Darcy yet I must insist that you watch this movie. One of the greatest love stories of all time, and one of the few movies that holds its own against the book. It’s so good that I already know that the new adaptation coming out can only disappoint in comparision.

7.Rocky
This movie is one of the many reasons why I wanted to write this list. Steve continually shushes me when I try to explain its superiority to the later Rocky films. He can’t shush me now. ;) The 1st Rocky won an Oscar for best picture, and a couple months ago when I rewatched it after nearly 10 years I was floored. It is a VERY low key and minimalist love story between two washed up people who find purpose and hope in each other. It is beautiful in every way.

8.Gone With the Wind
Every Southern must watch this movie, actually they should read the book and find a better understanding of the South’s position before, during, and after the Civil War. Trust me its not the history that the winners wrote. But since I’ll never convince ya’ll to read this fine piece of literature. Watch the movie and get a pale glimmer of the intellectual masterpiece that Margaret Mitchell wrote.

9.The Princess Bride
One of the most quotable and fun movies I’ve ever seen. It’s one you’ll never tire of veging out to.

10.The Gods Must Be Crazy I&II
These 2 movies are some of the funniest things you’ll ever see, and their clean humor too, which makes them unusual. I love them immensely. Once again, not one that many of you have heard of but I’ve never shown them to ANYONE who didn’t love them.

Honorable Mentions
•M. Night Shamalan’s movies with special note to The Village and Signs as his best work. I believe he is the closest we have to a modern day Hitchcock, very methodical and patient yet daring films.
•Many many different musicals, there were too many to mention. A stand out among the crowd would be Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Sentimental favorite, collective sigh all you girls out there?

and now for something stupid

2005-06-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

The Prioress
You scored 10% Cardinal, 58% Monk, 52% Lady, and 48% Knight!

You are a moral person and are also highly intellectual. You like your solitude but are also kind and helpful to those around you. Guided by a belief in the goodness of mankind you will likely be christened a saint after your life is over.

You scored high as both the Lady and the Monk. You can try again to get a more precise description of either the Monk or the lady, or you can be happy that you're an individual.

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 2% on Cardinal

You scored higher than 84% on Monk

You scored higher than 85% on Lady

You scored higher than 50% on Knight

Link: The Who Would You Be in 1400 AD Test written by KnightlyKnave on Ok Cupid

You speak eloquently and have seemingly read every
book ever published. You are a fountain of
endless (sometimes useless) knowledge, and
never fail to impress at a party.
What people love: You can answer almost any
question people ask, and have thus been
nicknamed Jeeves.
What people hate: You constantly correct their
grammar and insult their paperbacks.

What Kind of Elitist Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

I am:
63%
Republican.

"I bet you'd like Democrats okay if they wouldn't keep handing out your paycheck to urban welfare cheats, right? (And you probably don't want me to be saying anything about 'urban' being some kind of code word, I bet.)"

Are You A Republican?

You are Woodstock!

Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

You are: THEODORA (c500-548). The ultimate Empress,
who rose from bawdy actress to champion of the
oppressed. Her marriage to Justinian was
arguably the most loving and enduring in
history. She had many enemies at court, but was
a brilliant strategist and incredibly charming.

Which Byzantine Empress Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Conundrum

2005-06-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Most people would like to be delivered from temptation but would like it to keep in touch.
Robert Orben

I'm going to open up here and admit something that I have faced for years. It's a problem that many people face, but truthfully in my opinion its a manifestation of something deeper. When I get stressed out I smoke....(collective gasp). Now I know all the dangers of smoking, I'm aware of the fact that doing it is not helping the situation but instead is futher complicating things. Why, because now on top of the stress I was already facing I tack on guilt. I have never met a person who doesn't have something like this, some private sin that they return to again and again. And in facing my own sins I find that knowledge both comforting and sadly licensing. I like to know that everyone else is struggling, but part of me looks at it and says well if we can't be perfect might as well keep doing it. (of course noone else thinks like that, right?) ;) Even Paul said that he found himself not doing what God asked of him and doing those things he should not. (I would love to tell you the reference on that, but I couldn't find it and I really need to get a concordance) ;)

So here we are at an impass what do we do with these private sins (ok so mine's not that private anymore), and should we conquor them will we have to admit that new struggles will take their place? Will we fight ourselves for the rest of our lives?

Sherlock Holmes

2005-06-26T23:19:00.000-07:00

I've been reading The Hound of the Baskervilles lately, because I saw it at the library the other day and thought it seemed like a good time to mark that one off my list. I have a list of books that I want to read in life, I may have actually mentioned it before. It's a sad list really because there are around 180 books on the list and I never actually seem to get around to reading them. Some like Frankenstein I've been working on a while, doubt I'll ever finish that one. (seriously one of the few books in the world where I would say just watch the movie cause the book sucks...really preachy and long winded)

But Sherlock Holmes is just the bomb. (wow I can't even feel comfortable typing slang, I'm so not cool)He is always noticing all the little things that the rest of the world looks over. I want to have that skill! Who wouldn't love to walk into any situation with a leg up on everyone around simply because your able to notice the small things. They made a major break in the case by noticing that cigarette ash fell twice in the same area....WHO NOTICES THINGS LIKE THAT????? Me I barely notice things smacking me in the face and because of it I'm continuely surprised by life. So the question I would ask.....(and I'm hoping for a record number of comments so come on folks think and reply)

What would you prefer: the confidence of superior intellect and observational skills, so that you would always be prepared with well thought out plans and logical conclusions and of course the apathetic cynicism that would go with such an intellect.
OR
a happy-go-lucky attitude, yeah you may have no clue what's happening most of the time, in fact just about anyone can shock the *beep* out of you, but despite that you have an innate trust of everyone around you and you can afford to be apathetic because your still trying to figure out whats going on.

Which is better????Please comment.

I'm so predictable, shoot me now

2005-06-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Just Three Things...

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY:
1.) Lauren
2.) Ms. Ring
3.) Momma

THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD:
1.) starring42
2.) litrlaurn
3.) lring

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1.) hair
2.) wrist
3.) mmmm....running out of options

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1.) fat
2.) can't tan
3.) not tall not short....average....boring

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1.) English
2.) German
3.) Cherokee and Seminole (its sooo obvious isn't it???)

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1.) Snakes
2.) stupid people in government
3.) deer on the side of the road

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1.) caffine I don't care what form
2.) something to take away the monotony
3.) stuff????

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1.) navy tank
2.) jeans
3.) and nothing else that you need to know about

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS OR MUSICAL ARTISTS:
1.) Salvador
2.) Cindy Morgan
3.) Matisyahu (not really a favorite but currently an amusing sidestep from the norm find him at www.hasidicreggae.com)

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS (of today):
1.) i
2.) don't
3.) know (whatever I'm in the mood for)

LAST THREE SONGS YOU'VE LISTENED TO:
1.) I
2.) don't
3.) remember (been listening alot to 99.7)

LAST THREE SHOWS YOU WENT TO:
1.) something
2.) that didn't
3.) thrill me, or else I'd remember

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP:
1.) love
2.) marriage
3.) ahmmm, that other stuff you don't want to hear about, in that order please ;)

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE:
1.) I think Barbara Streisand is a great political mind
2.) I think that the movie of Gone with the Wind in no way measures up to the book
3.) I like music that doesn't sound like a carbon copy of EVERYTHING else on the radio

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE PREFERRED SEX THAT APPEAL TO YOU:
1.) eyes
2.) broad shoulders
3.) taller than me

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1.) movies
2.) psychology
3.) randomness, oh and quotes

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1.) MOVE NOW, Everyone pray that this woman's house will get finished being built quickly
2.) be finished stripping and painting my furniture
3.) watch a movie, any movie

THREE CAREERS YOU'RE CONSIDERING/YOU'VE CONSIDERED:
1.) surveyor
2.) psychology
3.) archiology (spelling????)

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:
1.) Washington D.C.
2.) Europe: preferably England, Scotland, Ireland, and NORWAY
3.) Lousiana

THREE KIDS NAMES YOU LIKE:
1.) Electra
2.) Luke
3.) 3 kids is alot

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1.) Make good money, I know wrong profession
2.) finish at least my Masters hopefully my PHD
3.) stop being a dork...ok that's just wishful thinking ;)

THREE WAYS THAT YOU ARE STEREOTYPICALLY A BOY:
1.) I want people to use logic and stop crying all the time
2.) I hate shopping
3.) I can get a shower, shave, get dressed, and look totally awesome in less than 30 minutes

THREE WAYS THAT YOU ARE STEREOTYPICALLY A CHICK:
1.) I am athleticly challenged
2.) I love to cook
3.) Despite the fact that I hate crying, movies make me cry...cemetary scene in Steel Magnolias anyone????

THREE PEOPLE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE TAKE THIS QUIZ NOW:
1.) anyone
2.) who
3.) wants to......LEAH YOU NEED A BLOG!!!! GIVE UP ON XANGA ITS EASY HERE!!!

new site

2005-06-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

My sister told me about this site this morning, www.futureproofyourcareer.com
Its a decent little career site, she's thinking about getting the whole profile. I don't know about that but I took the test and here's what they told me about me. All pretty accurate really. My sister claims that if you buy the whole analysis they give you something like 30 careers and tell you how you would work in them. Sounds good for people who know not what they wish to do. Me, I'm a teacher, I like it alot. Speaking of which I'm developing a new set of rules for my classroom and general principles of life. If anyone has any suggestions of things that bothered you as a student or in a teacher role such as camp counselor or something let me know. I've been amazed to find that my kids are annoyed more often by the behavior of the other kids than I am. Strange but true.

FPYC Personal Profile for Lauren Ring

FPYC temperament type: IITS - Desire for mastery, highly creative and innovative, an ideas machine. Likes to come to decisions and achieve closure.

Dominant intelligences: Logical Mathematical, Linguistic and Intrapersonal.

Dominant abilities: Scientific, Teaching and Coaching, Logical, Self Awareness, Proactivity and Written Language.

Knowledge worker status: Level 1 Knowledge Worker - Knowledge User

Knowledge age skills: Communication - Reasonable
Adaptability - Strong
Business - Reasonable
Team Work - Room for improvement
Computer - Strong
Learning - Strong

First and foremost you are an ideas person and you like to work systematically to bring your ideas to completion. You tend to be reserved and reflective, but someone who has a decisive, self-assured, confident and independent style.

You have a strong desire for mastery and you are highly creative and innovative. You are more comfortable working in situations where there is a measure of order and predictability.

You tend to be very definite about your ideas and argue from logical principles in putting across for your point of view. However you can sometimes be seen as dogmatic and you can be insensitive to others who take longer to make up their minds.
Sometimes your temperament type can become remote and distanced from work mates and colleagues because of your single minded pursuit of your vision.

the meltdown

2005-06-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

So last night after church, Steve and I appointed ourselves as those incharge of the attempted kidnapping of Chris. As those who know Chris can easily imagine the kidnapping went awry due to the fact that he's stubborn and well bigger than me. But the real problem began when I was I the door attempting puppy dog eyes (as if I could do them and they would work LOL), I left Electra in the car with Steve where she began a meltdown. By the time I got back to the car she was whining about how much time I spend with him vs. time with her. Basically she was claiming that I didn't love her as much as Steve. So I had to calm her down and reassure her that Mommy loved her lots and lots and lots. Even though to tell you the truth I wanted to tell her to be logical about the whole situation. I have actually made an effort to spend as much time as possible with her and I refuse to have more than 2 alone dates a week and usually its 1 date, the rest of the time we talk on the phone or have Electra with us. I felt bad for Steve because I know it hurt his feelings(granted he never admit it), because he has been working really hard to win her over as well. Later on when I had her alone I told her as much and she seemed genuinly shocked that she hurt his feelings. She says she likes him though, so we'll see.

crystal's wedding

2005-06-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

Crystal's getting married today. I made the cake yesterday and I'm praying that it will not melt or slide before tonight. I love making the cakes but they ALWAYS make me nervous. If its not beautiful or it tastes bad I know that I can depend on Chris to let me know.

I found the place I'm moving to yesterday, but its not availble till mid July....which I hate, but this place is a really good deal. ($375 a month no deposit and no lease because I know the owner, I saw the place too its really nice) So if I can just keep myself and everyone I live with chilled out until then...then we'll be good.

I have much to tell, I sent Leah a text message on Wednesday, but she never responded sooooooooo I'll be telling people at the wedding tonight. Till then the blog can't know. Love ya'll

coolquiz.com

2005-06-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

Your GQ (Geek Quotient) is....
21.6
(this puts you in the 13.78 percentile.)

Your GQ is far below average - you should be congratulated on your coolness!

Yeah Baby!!!! I always knew I was one of those cool people.....yep I'm deluding myself....sigh

Your Friend Quiz Score is...
2

You need some work as a friend...

Ahmm , yeah ok anyone need a hug????

Summer time

2005-06-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

I've gone straight into slug mode. I don't have a clue how all ya'll who work at home get anything done. I've been sleeping in till 8 o'clock every day and when I do get up it takes me a good 2 hours before I'm motivated to do the menial tasks set before me for the day. Right now I'm still in my pajama's checking out my email and the blogs and its nearly 10!!!!! It doesn't help that I didn't get home till 1 last night.

I saw White Noise last night....freaky little movie. I was rebuking those 3 shadows by the end of the movie. It's so sad that the majority of people have no clue that in Christ they have the power to defeat demons. To watch Michael Keaton's character try to fight them in his own strength and get completely crushed was frustratingly sad. Yes, I know it was a movie, but this is why I don't normally watch horror films they make me sad for the ignorance of the human race, and lead me to question what I would do in the same situation...What would you do? Would we remember the awesome power of our Savior and King or would we try in our own power to defeat the enemy or to run away in fear. I do not know....personally I think I wouldn't mind living my life without EVER seeing a manifestation of demonic activity such as the one in the movie. Hey I got it, get in the word, get seeped in His greatness and the demons will flee in terror. Amen!!!

I've been sooooooooo lazy that I haven't even begun to look for a place to move to. Maybe after Crystal's wedding I'll get busy. I've got to cook 2 cakes for her. The groom's cake...2 tiered yellow cake with ganache filling and buttercream icing, and Ben's birthday cake (their getting married on his birthday and this is a surprize for him, he thinks he didn't even get to pick the groom's cake, which is actually true...if your reading this Crystal you should have let him pick HIS OWN CAKE!!)His birthday cake is going to be Spider Man. I'm hoping to have all my furniture painted and everything packed by the end of next week, and them I'm outta here. I hope ya'll will come visit my new place. I'm promising another Muppet night to see The Muppet Movie.
I'm gonna go paint some more I'll see many of you tonight!!

bonnaroo

2005-06-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

Anybody caught selling macrame in public should be dyed a natural color and hung out to dry.
Calvin Trillin

For those of you who are not privileged enough to live in the land of hippy, let me tell you what this week means to my hometown.
First of all, many people will make a TON of money this week and Bonaroo will give money to various charities and organizations in town for the rest of the year. This is why the town lets them come back.

Beyond that, however, Thursday you'll be lucky to get out of your house. Because traffic will be lined up EVERYWHERE. And I do mean everywhere, back roads around my house will be stand still traffic. This sucks for me because I have an appointment in Manchester that morning, that I may have to leave out before the sun rises to get to.
There will be nothing sold in any store excepting: Beer, water, Beer, sunscreen, Beer, tank tops, Beer, ice, oh and Beer...so any shopping (assuming you can get to the store) will be completely pointless...unless you REALLY need alot of beer. You think I'm joking but Walmart will have kegs piled by the cash register.

Then of course with all the hippies comes the strange behavior: half naked or even naked dancing in odd places like the funeral home fountain. Or just wandering around looking very confused....sometimes for the rest of the summer.

The concerts don't start till Friday, but the people are already filtering in (actually saw the first ones around a month ago.) Its gonna be a CRAZY week.

lovely little spot of maddness

2005-05-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't done any quizzes for a while so here we go.

Cor blimey, I taste like Tea.

I am a subtle flavour, quiet and polite, gentle, almost ambient. My presence in crowds will often go unnoticed. Best not to spill me on your clothes though, I can leave a nasty stain. What Flavour Are You?

I am a Hood.

I'm a dark horse, mysterious and sinister. People are never quite sure what to think of me, but at least I make them think. What Sort of Hat Are You?

OR (YES THIS IS WHAT IT TOLD ME)

I am a Bowler Hat.

I'm very proper, often politically correct, precise and dapper. I generally look down on the masses, but I usually try not to let it show. What Sort of Hat Are You?

Who I'd like to hear sing more: Leah or Chris....

2005-05-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm.... I can't decide guess we'll have to move on to other subjects. LOL Love ya Leah. :)

SCHOOL IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My room literally looks like its been ransacked by people who want to throw everything around before putting it in a box, labling the box and stacking it in the corner. It's quite frightening really. Plus I've been avoiding folding clothes, so tonight might just be a late night.
I love being out of school for the relaxation factor, but I'm already getting bored. Today I used metallic permanent markers to give myself purple toe nails with gold polka-dots. It worked really well, even stood up when I put a clear coat over it. Ladies I think its time we raided the pen aisle at Walmart, just to see what we can come up with.
Well I'm off to fold clothes....really I need to get more exciting or else stop writing for the 3 people who read this thing.

steve's grandfather

2005-05-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

I was just over at Steve's house when he got a call that his grandfather had pasted. I want to be with him right now, but well he's a guy.... We had just been talking about his grandfather and the fact that he didn't have much time. Praise God, though, Steve had recently heard that his grandfather accepted Christ, I know that has to be a comfort for him. I feel so helpless, all I could do was hug him and let him go. He said he didn't want to expose me to the family at this time. So instead I'm sitting here at home WRITING A BLOG AND BEING NO HELP TO HIM WHATSOEVER. I know where he is, this numb feeling of...just get through. You think you should be feeling these great deep emotions, but you just shut down...can't think or plan...you just move. I wish that he trusted me enough for me to be there with him, I know I can't do anything, but my heart is aching to make sure he has everything he needs. Please God give me the wisdom to be there without being in the way.

lame post written while talking on the phone

2005-05-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

So I stole this from Chris.

CURRENT
- Current Clothes: work clothes
- Current Music: Shawn McDonald
- Current Hair: ponytail
- Current Smell: nothing
- Current thing I ought to be doing: talking to Steve (he's making fun of my blog right now)
- Current Desktop Picture: Electra dancing
- Current Favorite Artist: Cindy Morgan
- Current Favorite Group: Salvador
- Current Book: The one I'm reading now, Prince Caspian
- Current CD in CD Player: Shawn McDonald
- Current tape in VCR: VCR? something of Electra's
- Current Worry: moving

LAST PERSON
- You Touched: Electra
- You Talked to: Steve
- You Hugged: Electra
- You Instant messaged: don't remember
- You Yelled At: my students
- You Kissed: Electra

FAVOURITE
- Foods: Mexican
- Drink: Diet Coke
- Color: red
- Album: Cindy Morgan's Elementary
- Shoes: flip flops
- Candy: heath bar
- Animal: Hank
- TV Show: Firefly
- Song: In These Room
- Vegetable: lettuce
- Fruit: anything but bananas
- Shampoo: anything that smells good
- Toothpaste: i don't
- Soap: dove
- Room in your house: my room

ARE YOU
- Understanding: yes
- Open-minded: yes
- Arrogant: err...
- Insecure: occasionally
- Interesting: of course
- Easily Amused: a little too easily
- Random: bikes
- Hungry: no, I just had a hamburger
- Friendly: typically? yes if not distracted
- Smart: sure
- Moody: ummm maybe
- Childish: I can be
- Independent: YES
- Healthy: trying to be
- Emotionally Stable: I think so
- Shy: only to some
- Difficult: not really
- Bored Easily: nope
- Messy: definitely
- Thirsty: not currently
- Responsible: yep
- Obsessed: with?????
- Angry: not often
- Sad: nah
- Happy: very
- Hyper: nope
- Trusting: depends who
- Talkative: depends who

WHO DO YOU WANT TO
- Kill: scary
- Slap: a couple of students
- Get High With: Please do I look stupid...don't answer that
- Tickle: Electra???
- Look Like: someone skinny
- Talk To Offline: Steve

HAVE YOU EVER
- Done Drugs? yes, but a VERY long time ago
- Eaten an entire package of Oreos? no
- Been on stage? yes, but a VERY long time ago
- Dumped Someone? Yes.
- Gotten in a car accident? a couple
- Been in love? I thought I was at the time.....

EITHER/OR
-Coffee or hot chocolate? COFFEE
-Big or little? big
-New or old? new
-Jeans or cords? Jeans
-Sweater or sweatshirt? Sweater, much cuter than sweatshirts
-T-shirt or tank top? tank top.
-Skirt or dress? skirt, more options
-Wool or cotton? cotton
-Rose or Lily? Lily...exotic
-Oldies or pop? define pop
-Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? yes.
-Do you have a best friend? yes.

IN THE LAST 24 HOURS, HAVE YOU
- Cried? umm no, well I did get something in my eye.
- Helped Someone? yes
- Bought something? GAS, I'm always buying gas
- Gotten sick? I was last Monday
- Gone to the movies? nope
- Gone out for dinner? yes - Cracker Barrell after church yesterday afternoon, and Moe's after church last night
- Said "I love you"? To, Electra.
- Written a real letter? no, but I need to write Rachel.
- Moved on? moved on? moved on from what?
- Talked to an ex? nope
- Missed an ex? no.
- Talked to someone you have a crush on? does it count if your dating them?
- Had a serious talk? yep
- Missed someone? yes...giggle...oh I'm making myself sick
- Hugged someone? yes Electra and Steve
- Fought with your parents? nope
- Fought with a friend? no
DO YOU
- Wear eye shadow? every time I leave the house
- Put on a "front"? Huh?? I guess so, but if I was would I own it??
- Have a crush on someone? once again does it apply to people your dating???
- Eat with your mouth open? ew
- If you got a tattoo, where would you get it? Lower back
- What color is your floor/carpet in your room? light green
- When's the last time you showered? this morning.
- Are you lonely? no currently
- Are you happy? yes
- Are you talking to someone online? not currently maybe later
- What is your astrological sign? Aquarius

elopements

2005-05-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

So thanks to Chris's little comment about my future wedding at church this morning, I found myself in a conversation about weddings with Steve. We both agreed that elopement was the way to go. You just run off and come back to a big party. Chris and Leah can sing at the party. I'll even let you decide what to sing (within reason, White Wedding wouldn't cut it Chris). Now before ya'll start predicting things, WE HAVE NOT EVER TALKED ABOUT US GETTING MARRIED. So PLEASE don't start implying things around him. Its been a week and a half, so far he's coping extremely well in the church. But we don't want to scare him. Still he is great, if he weren't living in Manchester he'd be real close to perfect. However, cute as he is, I'm still planning my move unless we go insane and get married in the next month....yeah thats a strecth for me.....don't see it happening. Luckliy, God is good, and His plan is good.....I don't have a clue what it is in this particular situation, but I'm praying He'll show me. Well I need sleep. Hope you liked my mini update, Leah its all for you. More to come later, suggestions...

here ya go

2005-05-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

Need to be unique: 60%
Need to NOT conform: 35%
Willingness to express dissent: 75%
Overall score: 54%

How do I read my score?
Your scores are percentile between 1 and 100. The higher the number, the more your personality agrees with the associated comment. Your percentile indiciates how you compare against others who have taken this test. Since you have an overall score of 54, this indicates that you have a higher need-for-uniqueness than 53 out of 100 people.

Your results are split into these three catagories:

Need to be unique: You like to be a somewhat different than others.
Need to NOT conform: You prefer to conform to others' standards, but don't mind acting differently occasionally.
Willingness to express dissent: You speak your mind freely, without giving thought to how others will react.

cars and colors

2005-05-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

I just took a crazy little quiz from Leah, the color quiz. Sent my result out to those I thought might be interested (and trustworthy). Must say it eerily (sp?) accurate, though I'm not posting it here for that very reason.
Bought a car today, the Daewoo is more or less dead. Needs a new engine, no idea what to do with it. Any suggestions? My new car is not a grocery getter. I didn't get the truck I wanted in my heart, but instead went with the little red Grand Am that had a touch of attitude to it. Steve went with me, he is really being nice to me, he's also making me dinner tomorrow {giggle}. And as the days progress I'm gettin all mushy. Ok we're not calling each other pet names or stupid crap like that but I'm more than willing to hug him...often....ya'll gotta know thats major!!!! Plus MY LAST 3 BLOGS HAVE MENTIONED HIM! What's up with this? I'm sooooooo acting like a girl, yuck. I'm gonna go take a quiz and post it or something.....

crazy week

2005-05-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

I think that I have well established myself as an independent woman. I like to be relatively in control. I know what I doing and I'm in control of my life. But this week has been a study in helplessness. Is God playing a joke on me? Is He deliberately putting me into situations where I have to ask a man I barely know to help me? And is He making me ENJOY it?! Let's just look at the facts shall we.
1. My car breaks down, when I'm talking to him on the phone. Normally I would just call a family member, but they are down in Florida so when he offers to come help I say yes.
2. How do I get to work? There is nothing else to drive, I'm thinking rent a car, but I get offered his. Do I refuse? No. I gladly take his car.
3. Sunday comes, still no car. I ask him for yet another favor, to take me to church and leave me there only to be picked up when he comes to night church anyway.
4. While at church, my daughter decides this is the perfect time to become sick...all over the church, (I'll be making cookies for the ushers next Sunday). So once again he takes me home, missing church and seemingly GLAD TO HELP.
There is something strange going on. I don't know what God is up to, but I hope to find out why He thinks this is the best course of action soon, before something really bad happens. What are You saying God?????????

flat tires and bad alternators

2005-05-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

So I've had many requests for the full story all day, and rather than try to explain it again and again, I'm gonna write it out in total here on the blog. (he doesn't have this address yet)
It's Wednesday night 5:55, Steve is supposed to pick me up at 6, but this is me so I've been ready for a good 45 minutes. I know that he tends towards early arrival, though so I'm beginning to get nervous. Suddenly the melody of If I Only Had a Brain tinkles through the living room. I reach for my cell phone, I answer, its Steve. "I'm driving down J.D. Ring rd." he says. "That's my grandmothers road" I reply and then proceed to get him unlost and to my house. I walked out to the drive way to help him to find the dairy farm with the big red barns. My father drives up on the Gator and decides to wait and meet Steve. (This I later learn has never happened to Steve on a 1st date since highschool, and he thought it was sweet!)
He meets my dad, we get in the car and drive up to Sewanee (taking the backroad which is such fun to drive). Conversation flows easily through out the drive up and through dinner and through the drive down.
We were then planning to go to a coffee shop to feed my addiction, and talking about Christian music he might like, when we feel a bump. A few minutes later as we reach the Hillsboro city limits the front tire on the drivers side goes flat. We pull over and get out to survey the damage. I'm sorry to say that I was insensitive enough to find the situation extremely funny, and proceeded to giggle about it on and off through out the rest of our hour or so they we were stuck.
Now why didn't we just fix it and go? Well that's a special kind of Greek tragedy there. the spare tire is attached to the underneath of the car, and we could not figure out how to remove it untill I suggested that we check the manual.
we check the manual, to get to the spare you have to open the back door, but the back door is broken and won't open. So we begin to mess with the door trying to get it to open, finally luck and persistence win out and the door opens.
Once the door is open Steve manages to get the tire down and over to put on to the car, but the jack is tiny and won't really work to lift the car, so we wait for the wrecker service to come with a jack that works.
Finally he comes the tire gets fixed. Steve comes over to hug me and then kisses me. Sorry Crystal I know what you said, but the man had the stress of a flat tire and he was very cute in his dejectedness. And well it was a good kiss.
After that I met his dog Hank then went home and barely slept all night.
Then we had today, I was driving to Murfreesboro, thankfully not far from home when my car breaks down with what appears to be a bad alternator. I just happened to be on the phone with Steve when it happens and he rushes to my aid. We get the car towed and I talk to my mechanic. Then I realise that I've got nothing to drive to work in. So he offers me the use of his which is outside my house right now. Tomorrow we're going to a Sounds game for ironically Faith night. Electra's coming with us so this should be interesting. Hopefully nothing will break down. We'll just have to see.

date

2005-05-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

LIFE IS GOOD, PEOPLE, LIFE IS GOOD!!!!

home sweet home

2005-05-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

Did you know that most Americans live within 50 miles of where they were born? This reminds me of a quote from the Godfather. Don't know the exact phrasing, but you've all heard it Al Pacino and something about them pulling him back in. I know alot of people who don't live anywhere near where they grew up, but I know more who do. I've never been the type to attach myself to people, though I'm working on that. But even I find myself relating to people from my home town in a different way than I relate to others. There's always that shared history, the "you know that street behind the blah, blah, blah" and "I remember when that happened". Its inescapable, I both scared of it and intrigued by it. What role does our past play in our future? Is it a key determinent? I don't know. My home town has a hold on parts of me, but is the hold strong enough to change my plans for the future? I don't know.

ahh...why not?????

2005-05-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

Last Cigarette:: ;)
Last Alcoholic Drink:: Don't freak out everyone, but I drink wine on occaision, just can't remember the last time I guess a month or two ago.
Last Car Ride:: home from the TNT cookout
Last Kiss:: let's not get depressed ok?
Last Good Cry:: the Thursday of the Pastors Conference, GOD IS GOOD!!!!
Last Library Book:: The Thin Woman by Dorthy Canell, hilarious murder mystery/love story with sarcasim
Last Movie Seen in Theatres:: The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Last Book Read:: The Unauthtorized Autobiography of Lemony Snicketts
Last Movie Rented:: I {heart} Huckabees, watching it later tonight
Last Cuss Word Uttered:: probably something muttered under by breath at a student, yea, I know, bad teacher
Last Beverage Drank:: apple juice
Last Food Consumed:: vinegar and salt potatoe chips
Last Crush:: I'm alittle old for that
Last Phone Call:: Leah....Stop Gossiping about Me!
Last TV Show Watched:: Trading Spaces, bored me, left to play on the computer
Last Time Showered:: This afternoon after giving away puppies all morning, sweet little fluff balls :)
Last Shoes Worn:: flip-flops
Last CD Played:: Steve Taylor, Squint
Last Item Bought:: lettuce, tomatoe, and onion for the cookout
Last Download:: no clue
Last Annoyance:: my lovely friends and the MMMMM's
Last Disappointment:: the students and their end of the year motivation
Last Soda Drank:: Diet Coke
Last Thing Written:: this
Last Key Used:: . “s”
Last Word Spoken:: have I talked in the last hour??? Don't remember
Last Sleep:: catnap after TNT, about 5 minutes
Last IM:: Rocky
Last Weird Encounter:: I met someone for the first time that I went to highschool with and who knows people I know, that of course is only weird if your as antisocial as I am
Last Ice Cream Eaten:: don't know sounds like a good idea
Last Time Amused:: constantly amused
Last Time Wanting To Die:: who wants to die? sad little people
Last Time In Love:: when I'm in love you'll know it
Last Time Hugged:: I don’t like hugs, a student came up behind me and hugged me the other day, very disconcerting. But I don't mind hugging close friends and of course ELECTRA!
Last Time Scolded:: I don’t get scolded – I do the scolding
Last Time Resentful:: of????????
Last Chair Sat In:: my desk chair.............
Last Lipstick Used:: Sally Henson Lip Quencher Daily Lip Moisturizer
Last Shirt Worn:: white, pink, and green striped 3/4 lentgh cowboy shirt
Last Webpage Visited:: this one

SOMEONE ELSE PLAY NOW!!!!1111!!!1!!1!11!!!

lack of thought leads to many quizzes

2005-05-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

So we're closing in on the end of school and what does that mean? Stress in unbelievable amounts. Therefore I've not been waxing philosophic because I've no mental strength left at the end of the day. But every time I go to check out the blogs I find another couple of quizzes to take, and those have links to others.....sigh I have to take them. Why? Because they require no thought what so ever. Although this first quiz did. My score wasn't surprizing(I know NOTHING about the music industry), but I felt the need to display my score because of the irony of description that goes with it. I own old Russ Taff, and Steve Taylor is one of my all time favorites....seriously if you've never heard him, but like Christian music thats not afraid of stepping on toes in well nearly every musical style available you should give him a try. He was ground shattering!

CCM Beginner
You Scored 37% CCM Trivia Correct!

You're a CCM Beginner. You know your way around Christian music enough to not get lost but you haven't been reading CCM Magazine for very long and you don't own any old Russ Taff records. Learn about why Steve Taylor is more than just the Newsboys' producer and we'll talk again sometime soon.

My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 0% on knowledge

Link: The Christian Music (CCM) Trivia Test written by MikeknaJ on Ok Cupid

this one I liked the answer because I have actually been told before that I act that someone from Austin. (who knows why)

>

American Cities That Best Fit You:

65% Austin

60% Denver

55% Miami

50% Atlanta

50% Washington, DC

Which American Cities Best Fit You?

This is so NOT TRUE, I have NO business sense or persuasivness (unless you count just telling people they're wrong and why)

Your Birthdate: January 26

Your birth on the 26th day of the month (8 energy) modifies your life by increasing your capability to function and succeed in the business world.

In this environment you have the skills to work very well with others thanks to the 2 and 6 energies combining in this date.

There is a marked increase in organizational, managerial, and administrative abilities.

You are efficient and handle money very well.

You're ambitious and energetic, while generally remaining cooperative and adaptable.

You are conscientious and not afraid of responsibility.

Generally sociable and diplomatic, you tend to use persuasion rather than force.

You have a wonderful combination of being good at both the broad strokes and the fine detail; good at starting and continuing. This birthday is practical and realistic, often seeking material satisfaction.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

but this is freakly me!!!!! Ok except for the social part, and January IS my real birth month

Your True Birth Month Is January

Loyal

Social

Logical

Easily jealous

Loves children

Rather reserved

Highly attentive

Likes to criticize

Needs close friends

Ambitious and serious

Smart, neat and organized

Hardworking and productive

Loves to teach and be taught

Quiet unless excited or tensed

Sensitive and has deep thoughts

Knows how to make others happy

Searches for the greatest romance

Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds

Romantic but has difficulties expressing love

Always looking at people's flaws and weaknesses

What's Your True Birth Month?

Maybe after school ends I'll be to be a thinking person again and drop these crazy quizzes that are eating my brain.

quiz for Crystal and Ben

2005-05-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

I just took this and promised Crystal and Ben that I'd post it so that they could take it too. However, when I first took the test I was somewhat confused by the scoring and told someone that they were smarter than me. Now that I look at the way the scores run I wasn't, but I believe that the very fact that I couldn't figure the scoring out doesn't bode well for my intellectual capacity. :(
82% scored higher (more stupid),
4% scored the same, and
14% scored lower (less stupid).

What does this mean? You are 14% stupid. This means...

You are far from stupid. Congrats on a great accomplishment!

catch up

2005-04-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

So I've not posted anything of any kind of substance in a while. Possibly because all the questions I've got mulling around in my mind have to do with one of my readers, (no Chris not you, not EVERYONE is stalking you). And rather than muss about this person online I will have to talk on subjects slightly less intriguing to me at the moment.
I just took another one of those little quizzes, if you will remeber when I took the Sesame Street quiz I turned out to be the suicidal and imaginary Snuffy. Well, this time I turned out to be a loner. I would ask my friends to stage an intervention to get me out of this antisocial behavior, but apparently I'm a loner and have no friends. I'm sensing this is a self defeating cycle that I've found my way into.

Random Review
Also watched Donnie Darko today. Gotta say that it scored a 2 1/2 out of 5 stars, in my book. The whole movie was very low key which I usually love because it gives me more time to overanalyze everything, like I love to do. But the movie just didn't live up. First of all points for casting, everyone was well placed and played their roles with excellence. Problems came in the script. Every character was SOOOO serious, but their actions didn't pan out to be that grand. There's this ominious countdown the whole movie, and you can't help but assume that something monumentous is going to happen. When the event actually takes place the audience feels somewhat cheated. This is a situation that could happen to any person, not just this "special" Donnie Darko. This is not to say that the occurance was not tragic, but I at least felt that if Darko was supposed to sacrifice himself for these people it only stands to reason that he should be more involved in the situation instead of the situation happening to him. But then that is my opinion take it for what its worth.

I ain't as Southern as I thought

2005-04-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

Your Linguistic Profile:

65% General American English

35% Dixie

0% Midwestern

0% Upper Midwestern

0% Yankee

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

personality

2005-04-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

take the test http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

My Type is
INTP
Introverted 67% Intuitive 75% Thinking 75% Perceiving 11%

Qualitative analysis of your type formula

You are:
distinctively expressed introvert

distinctively expressed intuitive personality

distinctively expressed thinking personality

slightly expressed perceiving personality

Good Description of the types. http://www.personalitypage.com/high-level.html

various

2005-04-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

Where to begin? Well just got home a few hours ago from visiting Rachel, and for Leah since I keep forgetting to tell you she said thank you for the interaction with relatively normal people her own age, she appreciates it more now than she did then. Apparently though she never wants to be involved in another game that involves thinking and being on the same team with the Unthank brothers, something about an intimidation factor.
The service at Rachel's church was awesome, though they needed to cut the bass guitar down alot, and you could barely hear the choir over the piano. (Darn sound board, I barely know what I'm doing and still I analyze!!)

They had a guest speaker, who's name I can't remember, but he spoke about change. Since I felt very much in a rut for awhile I took notes. There were 7 steps that he outlined, now before I outline them for you, let me say that generally a step by step program is a BIG warning sign for me that this person is trying to methodize God. However, in this particular incidence I think that all of these "steps" will have to happen simultaneously, thus making the method more of a lifestyle.
1. What lives in your mouth lives in your life.-----if you want peace you speak peace, "God doesn't confer with your past about your future, so stop talking about your past and concentrate on speaking good things into your future.
2.Think the right thoughts----don't think about bad things that don't glorify God, or you'll find yourself doing them. If you want to change, think it through and do it.
3.Capture the righ atmosphere----if you are around people who's attitude and way of life hurt your walk with God, remove yourself, ask Him for help if you need to. Or change the atmosphere to be in keeping with Him.
4. Deal with disorder----this one hurt me alot. God is a God of order, He created this world to follow order. When you live your life in order, then you will accomplish more
5.Find your focus-----what you look at the longest becomes the strongest
6. the law of association-----who do you associate with?
7.Embrace change---be ready for it cause it will happen

Pray and seek Him and He'll show you the way.

again with the weddings

2005-04-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

I predict that this will be a popular subject on this blog for awhile due to the fact that people just keep getting engaged. The thing I want to think about is the different reactions to it that men and women seem to have. I think that secretly both sexes share the same thoughts but their outward reaction is different. Lets start with the men. Most single men faced with this many weddings will react by talking about them as little as possible, and in extreme circumstances try his very hardest not to be left alone with any single women for more than two seconds. And when they do talk about them they feel the need to make everyone aware that they are NOT interested in anyone thank you and no they will not be next. :) Women however react in a completely different way. Single women will ohh and ahh over everything involved in the wedding. Then they will talk to their other single friends about how hard it is to watch ANOTHER person get married and where are all the guys anyway (ahem...they're all hiding over there trying not to make eye contact)

Personally, I'm a girl so naturally I've done the girl thing, but as you know (all three who read this should know me)I don't always think like a girl, so quite often I'll find myself doing what the guy's do. Which makes me wonder, are both reactions from the same original line of thought??? I believe that they are. I think at our core both men and women want the same thing.

So what is it that we both want? We want that wonderful security of love. We want someone we can trust, someone we can laugh with and share good and bad times with. I know it sounds like a Hallmark card minus the eloquence, but its true. Both men and women need each other God made us to. Watching other people find their one makes us think of the one we want someday.

So if we start out with the same thoughts why the different reactions. Personally I think its societal. Men are expected to choose a wife, they have control, they ask they recieve. Therefore if they're still single, society says they are because they have choosen to be single. There is no shame in choosing to be single. Women, however, are supposed to wait. We're taught our whole lives to sit back look pretty, and someday Prince Charming will come along. When he hasn't come its not because we chose to be single its because we haven't got what it takes to flag him down.Thus for women weddings are a reminder of their failings.

Personally, I want to get married, but I've waited so long now that I don't care how much society sees me as a failure, I want my dream guy, and I'll get him to...just as soon as I figure out who he is! ;)

I'm an 8 what are you?

2005-04-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Birth Test

Once you have discovered your Birth Number, forward this email to the rest
of your friends, including the one who sent this to you. Put your "number"
in the "Subject" and Pass it on! Have fun! Your birth date describes who we
are, what we are good at and what our inborn abilities are. It also points
to what we have to learn and the challenges we are facing. To figure out
your Birth Number, add all the numbers in the birth date together, like in
the example, until there is only one digit. A Birth Number does not prevent
you from being anything you want to be, it will just color your choice
differently and give you a little insight.

Example March 20, 1950

3 + 20 + 1950 = 1973

1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 20

2 + 0 = 2

Keep going until you end up with a single digit number. 2 is the Birth
Number to read for the birth date in the example.

1 THE ORIGINATOR

2 THE PEACEMAKER

3 THE LIFE OF THE PARTY

4 THE CONSERVATIVE

5 THE NONCONFORMIST

6 THE ROMANTIC

7 THE INTELLECTUAL

8 THE BIG SHOT

9 THE PERFORMER

1 - THE ORIGINATOR 1 's are originals. Coming up with new ideas and
executing them is natural. Having things! their own way is another trait
that gets them as being stubborn and arrogant. 1's are extremely honest and
do well to learn some diplomacy skills. They like to take the initiative and
are often leaders or bosses, as they like to be the best. Being
self-employed is definitely helpful for them. Lesson to learn Others' ideas
might be just as good or better and to stay open minded. Famous 1's Tom
Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk Hogan, Carol Burnett, Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan,
Raquel Welch.

2 - THE PEACEMAKER

2's are the born diplomats. They are aware of others' needs and moods and
often think of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and very
intuitive they don't like to be alone. Friendship and companionship is very
important and can lead them to be successful in life, but on the other hand
they'd rather be alone than in an uncomfortable relationship. Being
naturally shy they should learn to boost their self-esteem and express
themselves freely and seize the moment and not put things off. Famous 2's
President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Whoopee Goldberg, Thomas Edison, Wolfgang
Amadeus Mozart.

3 - THE LIFE OF THE PARTY

3's are idealists. They are very creative, social, charming, romantic, and
easygoing. They start many things, but don't always see them through. They
like others to be happy and go to great lengths to achieve it. They are very
popular and idealistic. They should learn to see the world from a more
realistic point of view. Famous 3's Alan Alder, Ann Landers, Bill Cosby,
Melanie Griffith, Salvador Dali, Jodi Foster

4 - THE CONSERVATIVE

4's are sensible and traditional. They like order and routine. They only act
when they fully understand what they are ! expected to do. They like getting
their hands dirty and working hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and
feel an affinity with nature. They are prepared to wait and can be stubborn
and persistent. They should learn to be more flexible and to be nice to
themselves. Famous 4's Neil Diamond, Margaret Thatcher, Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Tina Turner, Paul Hogan, Oprah Winfrey

5 - THE NONCONFORMISTS are the explorers. Their natural curiosity, risk
taking, and enthusiasm often land them in hot water. They need diversity,
and don't like to be stuck in a rut. The whole world is their school and
they see a learning possibility in every situation. The questions never
stop. They are well advised to look before they take action and make sure
they have all the facts before jumping to conclusions. Famous 5's Abraham
Lincoln, Charlotte Bronte, Jessica Walter, Vincent Van Gogh, Bette Midler,
Helen Keller and Mark Hail.

6 - THE ROMANTIC

6's are idealistic and need to feel useful to be happy. A strong family
connection is important to them. Their actions influence their decisions.
They have a strong urge to take care of others and to help. They are very
loyal and make great teachers. They like art or music. They make loyal
friends who take the friendship seriously. 6's should learn to differentiate
between what they can change and what they cannot. Famous 6's Albert
Einstein, Jane Seymour, John Denver, Merlyn Steep, Christopher Columbus,
Goldie Hawn

7 - THE INTELLECTUAL

7's are the searchers. Always probing for hidden information, they find it
difficult to accept things at face value. Emotions don't sway their
decisions. Questioning everything in life, they don't like to be questioned
themselves. They're never off to a fast start, and their motto is slow and
steady wins the race. They come across as philosophers and being very
knowledgeable, and sometimes as loners. They are technically inclined and
make great researchers uncovering information. They like secrets. They live
in their own world and should learn what is acceptable and what not! in the
world at large. Famous 7's William Shakespeare,Lucille Ball, Michael
Jackson, Joan Baez, Princess Diana

8 - THE BIG SHOT 8's are the problem solvers. They are professional, blunt
and to the point, have good judgment and are decisive. They have grand plans
and like to live the good life. They take charge of people. They view
people objectively. They let you know in no uncertain terms that they are
the boss. They should learn to exude their decisions on their own needs
rather than on what others want. Famous 8's Edgar Cayce, Barbara Streisand,
George Harrison, Jane Fonda, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, Nostrodamus

9 - THE PERFORMER

9's are natural entertainers. They are very caring and generous, giving away
their last dollar to help. With their charm, they have no problem making
friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different
personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them.
They are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in. They have
tremendous luck, but also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood. To
be successful, they need to build a loving foundation. Famous 9's Albert
Schweitzer, Shirley MacLaine, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, Elvis Presley and
Ronnie Harris

random review

2005-04-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

Random Movie Review
SPANGLISH

When I first saw the line up for this movie, I was uninterested. I have never been a big Adam Sandler fan, but after watching the preview I thought that this might be a movie worth my time. The movie opens with narration by way of an entrance essay to Princeton. The essay's author begins to tell us the story of her Mexican mother. The hardworking mother moves her daughter to America to give her opportunities. When they get there she works two jobs until her daughter turns 13 and she decides she must be home more to save her daughter from the possiblities that come from being at home alone too much ;) ;). So the mother gets a job working for a rich Los Angelos family. Tea Leone plays the mother, a recently downsized overachiever and control freak. Cloris Leachman her alcoholic former jazz singer mother. And of course we have Adam Sandler playing the role of the devoted father, and painfully understanding husband.
Agnst galore as we see that everyone in the family is either a disappointment to the mother (her slightly pudgy and just averagely intelligent daughter) or a competitor (her husband for whom life and success just come easily). The interaction of the charactors as they try to find reason and purpose for their lives is shockingly realistic. The dialog feels natural and the acting is superb. Adam Sandler has a few moments where he reacts in a all too familar way, for him any way, but there are a couple scenes that are close to perfect. You will find yourself as conflicted as the two main characters, as the father bonds with the housekeeper who shares his outlook and life passions you will sincerely want them to be together. All the while knowing that if they go through with it, they will destroy exactly what you admire in them. I was truly impressed and it made me cry, so if a nongirly girl like me can be affected by this movie it'll affect you too. Oh and for one reader who shall remain nameless. (There's a KISS, you'll like it) ;)
I give it 4 out of 5 stars * * * *

family driving me crazy

2005-04-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

Let me start off by saying that I love my little sister, I really do, but today and actually quite often I had thoughts of violence in her presence. Let me continue to say that if you have no children you still need to hear this because you might someday and if you do this to other people you will be evil. (ok not evil but very inconsiderate)
If you ever go over to someone's house with your children, find out first what they are doing!!! My sister came over right before Electra's bedtime tonight, let her son mess up Electra's room, and kept Electra up an hour after her bedtime! I was averaging grades and Electra was tired from a long day of play. My sister just showed up and settled in. No call, no reason, just came and stayed. Also when you have children, if you ever let them talk back to anyone without punishment I'll be upset with you to. Roman doesn't just talk back he YELLS back EVERYTIME Grandma or I tell him what to do, and all they do is say "don't do that Roman". I tell you what, I have a strong willed precocious daughter, and I've had to talk to her about disrespect before, but if she ever looked her Aunt in the eye and told her "no I don't have to listen to you" she would feel WRATH OF THE MAMA! If she ever talks back to any of you let me know, because that REALLY makes me mad. I love my nephew, but Lord help me cause I'm gonna spank him next time. I'm tired of every difficulty being blamed on Electra. Most of the time, I make her take it even if it isn't her fault because she is the oldest, but once I'd like my sister to admit that her little angel is at fault too.
Ok rant over, resume daily life.

dag nabbit addictive surveys!!!!

2005-04-06T22:11:00.000-07:00

I can't help myself these things are like blog candy, sweet, easy, and mindnumbing...errr thats not good but here I go. I make a promise not to do another for awhile.

name Lauren

age must we meantion this??? 26

birthday January 26, 1979

fav. color red or pink

Fav. artist/band Salvador

fav.song currently #13 on Cindy Morgan's Elementary (don't know song titles too well)

fav. sport is that the thing with all the sweat and yelling??? Hmmm...wanta watch a movie?
- - - - - - - - -
Freinds

do u have a best freind yes I do thought she has been captured at present by the wedding planning monster and I hope to maybe have her back by early fall

if so what`s their name ...Crystal

how long have you known this person I met Crystal the day I found out I was pregnant. January 1998

who reminds you most of this freind Leah

what friend have you known the longest Outside my family it'd be Tanya though I hadn't talked to her for 6 yrs till she started coming to church

What`s the best thng you have done for a friend anything they need or ask me to do

have you ever gotten into a fight with a friend LOL if you think I haven't then you haven't talked to me for very long

if so was it a fist fight heavens no, I'm a weakling by nature, and I'd like to continue that way, I heard there's less blood

what`s the worst thing you have ever done to a friend <<>> let's not talk about that it was a LONG time ago

have you ever liked a friend I like ALL my friends thats why their my friends

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
this or that

pink or orange pink, who'd pick orange...except Matthew???

black or white black's classic slimming and harder to stain

banana or cherry I despise banana's with every fabric of my being, they never taste good, even fresh, and fake banana is the most repugnant flavor in the world, so I'll go with cherry

Truck or van TRUCK!!!!!

Cadillac or Lexus I don't have an opinion, those are cars right??

Computer or phone Computer....typing is much better than actually talking

Boyfriend or girlfriend boyfriend none I'm way too cantankerous for the average man ;), girlfriend not really my thing I guess I'll leave that to Queen Latifah huh Chris???

skirt or shorts I don't wear shorts.

Tank Top or T-shirt T-shirt, no way to make that funny

Bikini or tankini Lets just avoid those all together shall we??

Fish or chicken chicken, does this actually say anything about me???

spring

2005-04-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

Today was so beautiful that I was even happy while filling my car with gas, an activity I've come to despise in recent weeks. The air was that perfect temperature, that feels so wonderfully beautiful. During two short times a year the air gets just warm enough that it feels like your skin and the air are one. I love it. Spring and Fall are the two most wonderful times of year. Perhaps I feel that way because their the shortest, and therefore slightly magical. Summer and Winter extremes stretch themselves out for tedious lengths, but in Spring the buds on the trees will scarcely be in full bloom before they begin to blow away to make way for the more resilent leaves. Those same leaves monthes latter will end their lives in flamboyent and transitory colors. I had to put on happy music and try to whistle ;) I was singing at the top of my lungs, and enjoying every minute of the beautiful day that my God sent us today. Thank you Lord!

Jimmy Little & C.S. Lewis

2005-04-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

I love Saturday night at 9 o'clock, why, you ask? Because at that time I know that I have a whole hour of Town Haul, and the beautiful Jimmy Little. Jimmy is the master carpenter for the show and he needs more air time. The man embodies what my ideal man would look like. Eccentric, but not flasy. Nordic coloring: slightly crazy blonde hair, average height, piercings and or tatoos while not exactly neccessary in my fantasy are rather irrestible. Clothing once again eccentric, but still practical and appropriate. Jimmy for instance wheres alot of cowboy shirts, with Carhart jackets (if ya don't know those their basically a heavy canvas jacket common around here in the sticks), and Converse sneakers. Then of course we have his attitude: easy to be around, sacastic, and honest. If only he didn't have a girlfriend and liked, hmmmmm.......pleasantly plump, single moms, I'm afraid ya'll would see me waving good bye to move to whatever town their going to next. ;) (here's the shocking part so if you have a weak stomach or are Chris and don't like to think about "touching" skip this and go to the next paragraph) Watching men like Jimmy make me really want to get married, because quite frankly they make me miss sex alot.

Now on to something that doesn't make me drool, and just might say me from my last remark. I was reading today in Mere Christianity and I found something that was remarkable. This comment was actually in his section on marriage, but while perfect for that topic, I think this is applicable to everything we see or do in life.
"This is, I think, one little part of what Christ meant by saying that a thing will not really live unless it first dies. It is simply no good trying to keep any thrill: that is the very worst thing you can do. Let the thrill go--let it die away--go one through that period of death into the quieter interest and happiness that follow--and you will find you are living in a world of new thrills all the time. But if you decide to make thrills your regular diet and try to prolong them artificially, they will all get weaker and weaker, and fewer and fewer, and you will be a bored, disillusioned old man for the rest of your life."
We have to face this life as is, not try to change it to fit OUR desires. (Even if they are as fabulous as Jimmy Little) When we try to make the good things they will always run out. But when we accept, our home, our family, our job then we will begin to see their beauty like never before.

songs of me

2005-03-31T21:05:00.000-08:00

Choose a band and answer only in song titles by that band: Salvador

are you male or female: "So Natural"

describe yourself: "Ain't it Good" ;)

how do some people feel about you: "You are There"

describe your ex boyfriend/girlfriend: "Now It Moves"

describe your current boyfriend/girlfriend: "Fabricated"

describe your friends: "God People"

describe what you want to be: "Worthy"

describe how you live: "Lord I Come Before, You"

describe how you love: "For More Than Ourselves"

describe your roommate: "Can't Keep it In"

describe your parents: "It Comes Back to You"

describe your dreams: "Can You Feel (The Supernatural)"

Rain

2005-03-30T22:12:00.000-08:00

It's raining outside. I love the rain, most of all during the summer. The rain always makes me think of my own place. I know that I am covered in this home, as well (or perhaps better) than I will be in my own home. However, I look forward to that first raining night under the roof that I am able to provide for my daughter. I know that I'll never be able to do anything without God, and I'm not trying to steal His glory. I'm simply anxious for the opportunity to be a real adult and provider to my baby. When I hear the rain on the roof that I pay for I will be proud.

Rachel and Cindy

2005-03-27T23:19:00.000-08:00

Easter Sunday! I've always loved this holiday because its right when the weather is starting to get good again, and as I've mentioned in the last blog its also my one competitive sport. :) Growing up it was the one Sunday we didn't go to church, odd reversal of societal norms, I know but then how do you think I got this way??? Instead we went and ate tons of food and hung out with the family. This has been the best Easter I've had in years, the past few have been troubled. Rachel came home this afternoon, its nice to have her here, she's one of those very few good friends and my second little sister. We didn't start to get close untill a few years ago when God began His work on her, and I should say me too. I had avoided her for years because I didn't feel I could trust her. But then one night she had a wreck, on the side of the road 2 minutes from my house. Noone knew she was there, her cell phone had gone dead when she tried to call my younger brother. She laid there for 6 hours, before he found her. Her ankle had been crushed her car totaled. That night she lost everything. She was not able to go to her mother's house, because my Aunt was so unstable she wouldn't or couldn't take care of her. So Rachel stayed with us for 6 months, God quickly rebuked me for my pride, and forced me to look at her anew. She began to go to church with me, and looked to be on the right track, but after her ankle healed she went back to live with my Aunt, and on an Easter 2 years ago, Rachel decided she didn't want to go to church (she was supposed to get baptised that day). I went up there, and ended up in a huge fight with my Aunt. Rachel never came back to church. Last years was more drama when my Aunt tried to set our barn on fire. Later that summer my Aunt died, and Rachel joined Teen Challenge in the fall. Its been such a relief to hear my "little sis" on fire for God. He's teaching us so much, I don't know why I'm writing all this....its uncharacteristic of me to say the least, but each time I go to delete I can't. I'm thankful for this day of hope. I was given some music this morning which I LOVE!!! One of the best artists I've ever heard, extremely versatile. But one song has captured me and permeated every thought I've had about today's and past day's events. If you can sing PLEASE do this song its fabulous, I'd sing it myself if I wouldn't do it a disservice. The song is Take My Life "Mary Magdalene's Song. I have to give you the lyrics they stopped my heart even before I heard the song.

Who can say/ When life is over/ the silver cord breaks/our breath returns to God/will we walk through fields of clover/or soar up high/ through valleys deep and wide/ I cannot know/ all that's waiting there/ but until that day Chorus: Take my life / Take away all the shattered dreams in me/ and give me love that will last forever/ take my life/ give me the Love that makes me free/ cause I believe/ that Your Love can save/ Even a wretch like me/ This race is not/ just for the runners/ some of us walk/ while some of us barely crawl/ we make our way through spring and winter/ leaning on strenth/ that strenthens all/ and when the sunlight fades from morning/ You'll stll be burning in my eyes.

Every part of that song is beautiful and perfect. My God takes these broken lives and makes them beautiful and useful. The hurt and shame of the past cannot stop HIM from being God!!! Not yours or anyone who you love. Even in the darkness, when you can't see the hope the reminder of His light is burned into your eyes, so that you cannot ever truly forget Him. He has made His mark on you. He will never leave you where you are, ;) even if its a good place. There is always more to find in Him. I thank Him today for His mercy and His divine healing. He's good to me!!!!

Easter egg hunting

2005-03-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

We had Easter today. Three kids we hid 101 eggs! Electra ended up finding about 45 of them. She's a terror in an Easter egg hunt! She ran out of the door ready to kick butt. The other two kids were Roman my nephew, and my cousin Jesse's stepdaughter Kristiyana. They were just lackadaisically wandering around with at least one adult helping them, and Electra is just zooming all over the lawn. She's had too much practice, the curse of being an only child in a family of professional egg-hunters. We gave her practice rounds for years before another child came along. She'd have 3 or 4 hunts in an Easter, and we'd teach her all the places to look. Clumps of grass, up in trees, in a hole covered with sod....yeah we're demented. But at the end of the hunt she gave most of her candy away, so I didn't have to be worried that she was losing her sweetness. But I couldn't help but be glad that she has the Ring gene for competitive egg hunting. Sad to say but we were still hunting eggs when I was 17. It was like an Olympic sport in our family. Luckily for all of us Electra was able to hunt eggs a few years later. I guess by the time I was 21, cause I was 20 her 1st Easter and she wasn't old enough. We didn't get Kristiyana till Electra was 4, and Kristiyana and her mother Rossitsa are from Bulgaria where they hit eggs together (like in My Big Fat Greek Wedding). So Easter egg hunting was tramatic for her at first, she had no clue what to do and she was up against the WELL trained Electra. Luckily she's getting better and Roman who's about to be three is showing the Ring gen as well so I think the egg hunts will start to be REALLY fun to watch.

amusing idea

2005-03-23T20:30:00.000-08:00

I would like to live in a world where honesty is truly appreciated. I know in my own life I often find myself saying or doing things simply because they are the acceptable thing to say, and not because I really mean them. I don't want to hurt peoples feelings anymore than the next man, though come to think of it I don't think I've got a single friend who've I've not offended. Maybe I should play the loner more often....I don't offend me. But seriously, we pick a personal that is generally acceptable and we play that part. I would prefer to just have the chance to be truly honest, and get an honest answer in return. Now I do try to answer any direct question with a direct answer (something I also get in trouble for, sorry Leah). Wouldn't it be great to go through life without offense, because you were honest and they were honest??? I'm so interested in this idea that I will put out a challenge, that I'm very certain noone will take me up on ;)! My challenge is for anyone who cares to try ask me any question you want I'll give you a full and honest answer, but in exchange I get to ask you a question and recieve the same. I can see the eyes rolling now, but I don't care, mock me if you will this is my fantasy for today! :)

silly questions

2005-03-21T18:58:00.000-08:00

ok last blog, though tongue in cheek, still alittle heavy so here's some silly questions and their silly answers

FIRSTS
First job: dairy farm I was up milking cows at 4 in the morning in 4th grade
First screen name: Star-ring (nickname Munday called me Star, ah sentimental schmuck)
First kiss: 8th grade, Gabe Walls
First self purchased CD: Matchbox 20, still can't listen to them without strong memories
First funeral: My grandfather
First true love: If I had had one I wouldn't have posted that last post
First big trip: Band trip Washington DC, mmm good trip I love the Smithsonian!
First musician you remember hearing in your house: Johnny Cash or James Taylor

LASTS
Last big car ride: I guess the 20's trip
Last kiss: way too long ago, the word years comes to mind.
Last library book checked out: Can't remember probably an audio book for driving
Last movie seen: Rocky
Last beverage drank:Sweet Tea
Last food consumed: Carmel Cake
Last phone call: Crystal checking on the house buying, wedding planning, weight losing diva
Last CD played: the Issacs, their REALLY good
Last annoyance: My 6th period class and answering the question about the last kiss
Last soda drank: Diet coke
Last ice cream eaten: chocolate chip cookie dough with hot fudge
Last time scolded: I do the scolding, 6th period
Last website visited:http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3

I
I am...weird
I want... to move
I have...odd thoughts
I wish... everyone else did too?
I hate... shopping
I fear... people from my past
I hear... the whir of my computer....I should put on some music
I search... for Easter eggs?????
I wonder... where oh where did my little dog go
I regret... not keeping some of my odd accessories
I love... my baby girl
I ache... when I stub my toe
I always... like to eat with chopsticks
I am not... afraid of getting mocked
I dance... like a crazied hippy
I sing... loudly and off-key
I cry... only when God makes me
I am not always... listening, sorry....
I write... random things that I think about
I confuse... people in general
I need... an extra income

YES or NO:
Do you keep a diary: just this
Do you like to cook: yes
Have you a secret you haven't shared with anyone else: yes

DO YOU...?
Have a boyfriend: no
Want to get married: marriage yes wedding he'll have to talk me into
Get along with your parents: yes
Like thunderstorms: yes, I love them

FAVORITE:
Number: 42 the secret to life the universe and everything
Color: red
Day:pay day
Month: September
Season: Fall
Drink: sweet tea

IN THE LAST 24 HOURS, HAVE YOU...
Cried? Good Lord no!
Helped someone? yes
Bought something? yes
Gone to the movies? no
Gone out to eat?yes
Said 'i love you'? Electra needs to be told several hundred times a day :)
Written a love letter: yeah right!
Talked to an ex? no
Missed an ex? no
Had a serious talk? yes and no parts were serious most were inconcievable! (yeah I'm talking about your "theory" Leah!)
Missed someone? sure alittle
Hugged someone? baby girl

WOULD YOU EVER
Eat a bug? Why?????
Bungee jump? YES!!!
Kill someone? demented question
Parachute from a plane? YES!!!
Walk on hot coals? if it was done right
Go out with someone for their looks? Who has this option?????
Be a vegetarian? why?????
IM a stranger? I don't IM, not signed up on one....What's a good one?
Sing Karaoke? only if all the singers I know weren't there to sing too
Dye your hair blue? on summer break?? maybe
Wear makeup in public? I think the public would feel better if I did
Make someone cry? I do everytime I tell Electra to clean her room
Date someone more than 10 years older than you? yes
Stay up all night? yes

what do you want in the opposite sex

2005-03-20T22:53:00.000-08:00

So I was just driving home and talking to Leah on the way home (insanely long drive, may I request some prayer and fasting towards changing God's position on me moving, He seems to want me to stay) She was reading Chris's latest blog to me, and we got to the part where he was forced to list the things he finds attractive in the opposite sex. First of all, Chris you can not possibly be attracted to hair you never notice it. Second and more generally I realised that were I to answer that question I would say the exact same thing. Now before I get comments about a mind meld with Chris, I would argue that a good 70 to 80% of people would say the same thing. Everyone says sense of humor, because obviously talking to a stoic is no fun, and hair and eyes are nonoffensive body parts. So I'm feeling saucy, I'm going to really say what I want, and by the end of it I think we'll know why I still single.
I want a spirit-filled, sexy man of God (apologies to Raising Helen), who goes to my church or will switch to my church, because I like my church and I don't want to change. I want an intelligent man who doesn't stop me every two seconds to ask me what some word or another means, but who is not so intelligent that he won't allow me to be my occainsionly ditsy self. As for education I care only minutely, not for the intelligence factor(I don't think education really affects that), but I do think it says alot about a person if they finish things, like an education. I want someone blunt, who have no problem arguing and debating with me whether he or I win the debate. I want someone who will fit into my loud and somewhat clannish family(he must like food ALOT we always make enough for a small army, enjoy playing all kinds of games, and not be afraid to be loud and obnoxious like the rest of us. We love each other...we're just VERY sarcastic). He has to love my child .....hopefully enough to not want more....yeah, yeah I know I'm selfish. He absolutely must love movies, and come with a movie collection full of DVD's that I do not yet own. (I don't really need duplicates) He must understand and like the fact that I will never want to go out every night of the week, I will always prefer a small group of friends to a large group, and I will always be tacitern, cantankerous and an introvert. I want him to be the dominate member of the relationship, in other words I would prefer to help him with his career or ministry, rather than being the outfront or spokesperson. I don't however care what he does for a living or how much money he makes. Must say that I can't see myself marrying a teacher though, that'd bring too much of work home. Aside from all that I want someone who wants me, thus the kicker and why I am still single.

sad snuffy

2005-03-19T09:57:00.000-08:00

Snuffy's Suicide Attempts

Poor baby, life is rough for you, huh? No one
seems to see you, no one notices your
pain--except for your friend Big Bird, but he's
alway off hanging out with his other friends.
You wish you were him, all happy and curious
and popular and bright yellow. You feel like
his shadow anymore, like the only reason you
exist is to amuse him. It's hard being
somebody's imaginary friend. But stop trying
to kill yourself--imaginary people can't kill
themselves. Sorry. And hey, maybe tomorrow
you'll feel better!Someday people will see you, I promise.

Which Sesame Street Muppet's Dark Secret Are You?
brought to you by

Citzen Kane

2005-03-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

I was watching Citizen Kane the other night, and before I go into my actual subject for this post let me say that the movie is wonderful, but seriously overrated. I've seen list after list of the top movies of all time and its always #1. I thought it was very good, but hardly worthy of #1 spot. What was good was that it made me think, granted its not hard to make me think, but here's the question.
The whole movie was about Kane trying to find love and happiness. But we are taken on that journey through the eyes of the people who are trying to find the "real" man. My question is what is our real? Is it the caricature that people who don't know us very well draw of us? The single word or impression that they have of me. In their eyes I could be any number of things: intelligent, crititcal, mundane, or a plethora of nice or nasty thoughts. Are these impressions that people draw of me more important than the "real" me that very few people know or for that matter care to know. Outside of my family, there have been less than five (actually closer to 2) people that I trusted enough to show my true thoughts to. Now I'm working on expanding that #, to become a more trusting and open person, but I've got years of pessismism to work through. We'll see. But is the knowledge of these few more important than the impressions of the world in general? Especially if we take into consideration that I, as a Christian, am supposed to be a light to the world. However, I must admit I like who I am (dispite the suicidal Snuffy thing) I think God knew what He was doing when He made me like I am. I will never be the bouncy cheerleader type. Nor do I EVER want to try!!! I am my own tacitern, cynical, cantankerous self. He did that on purpose, right???

stolen a-z

2005-03-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

I stole this from Chris who stole this from Hiram, who in turn stole it from his friend Dana…
A TO Z WITH Literal Lauren
A - AGE: 26 so sad
B - BAND LISTENED TO MOST RECENTLY: David Crowder Band
C - CRUSH:Lauren....blushes..... then remebers that there are no men on her planet, smirks
D - DOG's NAME: none of my own but currently 4 bird dogs named Star, Lead, and two unnamed Britney puppies that are soooooooooo cute
E - EASIEST PERSON TO TALK TO: Chrystal, she knows the good the bad and the ugly and still loves me
F - FAVORITE BAND/ARTIST: Is there anyone better than Salvador??? That's resounding NO!
G - GUMMY: Bears always eat the head first its less cruel
H - HOMETOWN: Hillsboro, TN so small I usually just tell people Manchester since its actually on most peoples maps
I - INSTRUMENT: flute, and choir....no good at either
J - JUICE: Grape
K - KIDS: The most beautiful and brillant child in the world the lovely Electra Ryna Ring (her middle name is pronouced Renee, but its a family tradition to misspell it)
L - LONGEST CAR RIDE: Can I go for accumulated time and say my drive to and from work??
M - MOM'S NAME: Sharon
N - NUMBER OF SIBLINGS: 2 brothers and 1 sisters (Abram, Alison, and Caleb)
O - ONE WISH: to get out of my current rut!
P - PHOBIA(S): snakes!
Q - QUOTE:"I don't neccessarily agree with everything I say."
R - REASON TO SMILE: someone turned in their homework
S - SEXIEST FEATURE: I spend alot of time avoiding mirrors
T - TIME YOU WAKE UP: 5:30 should be 5 but that snoose buttons awfully tempting
U - UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU: When I was 13 my parents were worried about me, because I wasn't very social and I wasn't normal in the way I liked to dress and do things. (funny thats almost still me) They thought I might have a self-esteem problem and so they enrolled me in charm lessons. Yes I learned the model walk!
V - VEGETABLE YOU HATE: can't think of any
W - WORST HABIT(S): Forgetting everything
X - X-RAYS YOU'VE HAD: I fell off a table last spring and ended up with 11 stitches in my head. They took 15 x-rays of every possible angle of my head and spine.
Y - YUCKY FOOD: Oatmeal
Z - ZODIAC SIGN: Aquarius, and I can't say it without hearing the song.

change

2005-03-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

I've been talking lately about how I'm percieved and whether or not I'm getting old. I'm not sure, but I think I might be going through an early don't want to head towards middleaged crisis. I've got an appointment to change my hair, I haven't started to think about dyeing it again, but who knows? Rasberry highlights??? I'm thinking about trading in my car for a truck. I'm getting some more earrings second set on earlobs and single on top. And my cousin is going with me to get a tatoo when she comes to visit!! Maybe I'll start feeling like myself again! Or maybe I'm delusional!!!!!??????

this sucks

2005-03-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

I was checking out Chris's blog and followed his link to the left-brained/right-brained quiz, which I'm 30% and 70% respectively (NOT what sucks, but pretty predictable), but then I just had to take the other quizes, and I took the What age do you act? quiz. I SCORED A 34 at 26!!!! This combined with a conversation I had with Leah yesterday, has convinced me that I need serious help. Any advice will be accepted on how to actually act my age. Is it possible to turn back time???
What Age Do You Act?
You Are 34 Years Old
Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.
13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.
20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.
30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!
40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

this is what my name stands for

What Does Your Name Mean?
LAUREN
L is for Luscious
A is for Adventurous
U is for Upbeat
R is for Rich
E is for Extraordinary
N is for Nutty

too many sacastic remarks can come from that

weddings

2005-03-05T22:51:00.000-08:00

(Disclaimer to Crystal don't read this you might get mad at me.... I'm sure your wedding will be beautiful)

I hate weddings!!! Why does everyone feel the need to do them??? What are they for? I like the idea of a marriage because that to me means partnership, friendship, and sex all of which make sense and sound really good to me. I think that marriage sounds great, living alone would be boring, I just don't like weddings. No offense to the wedding I went to today, it was cute, and I'm extremely happy for them. I just wanta pray for more elopements. Yeah, yeah we like traditions, humans thrive on doing the same thing over and over and over, and not just what we do, but what our parents did and their parents. At the end of the day are you anymore married because you had a white dress and a candle lighting ceremony. However, to todays wedding I must give them serious props, because their wedding took only 13 minutes according to the official timekeeper. I went to one wedding where the cermony took 2 HOURS and the reception 5. Who wants to take that long??? Ditch the people and get to the wedding night and honeymoon, which in my opinion is the only tradition worth keeping. Some people have argued that they get more presents with a wedding and while that may be true, with the $$$ saved from not doing a wedding BUY YOUR OWN. I think that a wedding with the matching bridesmaids (which are a paegan tradition and an evil thing to make your friends buy since there is NEVER any other use for them) the bouquet toss (thank God we left early), and the predictability of EVERY last part is boring and purposeless. Should I ever get married (and I'm seriously having doubts that there are any guys that can successfully fullfill the partnership and friendship part of marriage) ...God Please don't make me have a wedding. VEGAS, BABY VEGAS!!

trust

2005-03-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

Who do we trust? I've often envied various people in my life because of their ability to trust, to have faith in another human being. Way back when (ok about 6 years ago), I spent a good deal of time questioning other people's motives. Granted I had suffered at the hands of more than one person, but my favorite phrase at the time was "What do you want from me?" It would scream through my mind nearly every moment of everyday. I refused to go to church, instead arguing that I couldn't trust the Bible because it had been written by men. I have tried numerous times to track down the moment when the screaming stopped, when I was able to pick up my Bible and trust in HIS word, but like in all things with my Father He gently coaxed me to His side. His love for me so strong, that He waited for me to turn to Him. This week I've been enamored with a verse, I Corinthians 13:7 in the New Century Version. Love patiently accepts all things, It always TRUSTS, always hopes, and always remains strong. God is Love, therefore everything that love is, God is. But if you stop and think about what that means you will find something worth knowing. God TRUSTS, the master and creator of the universe TRUSTS. Why???? He made everything, He can change the course of time, defy law, and ANYTHING else He wants. What does He trust??? He trusts us. Everyday he trusts me to feed and take care of my daughter, to teach my students how they should be taught, to love my family and friends and enemies as He does. He could force me, He could move my hand and my mouth and sometimes I wish He would, but He doesn't because He is trusting me to do all of these things by choice. We don't deserve that right, but we should learn by his example.

memories and futures

2005-02-28T19:37:00.000-08:00

There is an absolutely brillantly written conversateon in the book Where the Heart is. Novalee has just won an award for a picture she took of a young Indian boy (a character they cut out of the mediocre excuse for a movie they made of the book...and yet I still own it!). She's talking to Forney, and she askes him if he has ever found himself doing something that adults do. Forney of course is a little confused by this and askes her to explain. She tells him that as she was packing for her trip it occured to her that packing for a trip is something that adults do. As she realised that she felt like she was outside of herself watching herself play the part of an adult even though she wasn't.
I was driving through Sewanee the other day, for those of you who have never visited the campus of the University of the South (Sewanee) I highly encourage you to, its the closest we have to Ivy league in Tennessee. Electra's pediatrican is on the outskirts of the campus, and I took her to the doctor for an ear infection. As we left the doctor's I took the long way out, so that I could see the campus again. I never went to school there, but my older brother did and I used to go up to the campus very frequently.
Many of the memories of my youth are found there. I went alone and with friends, to the library, and the coffee house. One night I went up with a large group to take part in a poetry reading. I was very excited, because I'd been practing a piece of Jack Keroac prose. But by the time we arrived the reading was over. So I took my friend Tanya over to another place on campus that I knew had an art gallery in the back that I wanted her to see. Unfortunately, we were too young to be in that bar, and I believe I am still the only person to get Tanya thrown out of a bar. Another night I went up with my goth friend Monica to check out the cemetary (it's one of the oldest in the South), we found a way into the cathedral that night and sang showtunes at the top of our lungs. The acoustics were so good I actually sounded good! I took every boyfriend I ever had up there. Munday proposed to me the day I took him up. While our relationship didn't last the memories of that perfect day still curl around my mind.
I had more life happen to me on that campus than at the college I actually went to. All my life the students were always the older ones, or at least my age, but now my first students could be Juniors in college. As I drove through there again, I realised that Munday's memory was the last I had there. Five years have past, and now as I see the campus I see my age. Yes at 26 I'm still young, but in these moments that Novalee described you don't see your age you see your change that snuck into to your life. Noone can stay the same, in another 5 years I'll have pasted 30 will that woman have anything in common with the Sewanee girl? What places, sights, or smells will bring back this present time to my thoughts? Will I remember it fondly or will I brush past it for more poignant recollections?

I just wanta know

2005-02-25T19:38:00.000-08:00

I've been a girl now for a shocking 26 years, and I had a conversation or 2 lately that have brought some questions to my mind. My daughter is desperately trying to keep the boys that are chasing her around the playground from catching her. Now she's 6 ok, she has NO NEED for male attention outside a father-figure and she's beating them off with a stick. (Literally--just glad the teacher didn't see!!!!) Whereas, I know a good half-dozen women who are in their 20's and 30's (and I'm an anti-social who doesn't even tell her friends she's blogging)who are actually in need of some male attention, that can't find it. So the question is WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MEN'S INNER CLOCKS??? When in the course of daily life did they turn them off? All these women, desperate for them and they'd rather play video games, or sit around and twiddle their thumbs. Its just bizarre. Maybe I should read that book Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus. Could it be that for women, marriage means protection, and for men marriage means responsibility? Can it be that ridiculously easy? Perhaps, I should tell people about this blog, maybe I could get some insight, or at the very least some heckling of my pseudointellectual mussings.

books

2005-02-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

So I'm reading three different books at present, excepting the Bible. None of them are similar, so I bounce back and forth as I get the erge. 1st is Frankenstein, honestly been reading it for months, kinda hit a dry spot and I'm wishing the monster would just shut up already and get back to the story. 2nd is the 3rd book out of 5 of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy triology (yes, its a 5 book triology, you just have to read and you'll understand) which is laugh out loud funny, but mind boggling at times. 3rd there's Mere Christianity, also mind boggling, but in a VERY different way. I've got so much highlighted that I have to go back time and time again to relive the aphiney (spelling?). Here's my latest highlight, the man was a GENIUS. He's talking about the end of the world, and how so many people say that God should either force Himself on us or allow us to choose whether or not to trust Him when He comes back.
"It will be too late then then to choose your side. There is no use saying you choose to lie down when it has become impossible to stand up. That will not be the time for choosing: it will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen, whether we realised it or not."
What I find so amazing about that is that God is in that. He knows us and loves us so much that He has allowed us to choose on Earth whether or not to love Him. Because after this world when you stand before HIM you don't have a choice, you will love and fear Him. The difference will be, will you because of your choice on Earth be separated from Him after you realise your love for Him, or will you because you heard His voice and answered His call with hope and faith, be allowed to spend forever with Him and all that HE is??????????

disappointments

2005-02-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

there isn't a woman I know that doesn't want to change. We add to ourselves, analyze our actions their actions. A glance, a dessert. We talk until every word has been said so many times that they are all meaningless. To be honest, on a whole men are more sane. I've been sad because a guy didn't write me back, and my friends sad because her boyfriend is worried about their relationship and where its headed. Everyone suffers disappointments constantly, but how do we choose to react to them? I know that sounds cliche, but its something to stop and ask yourself.

an experiment

2005-02-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

I have several friends who publish blogs or even several, but this blog I don't plan to tell anyone about. I don't know who will show up or how often I'll write, but I think it will be interesting just to see. I'm thinking about relationships today or in my case the lack of the same. I've not dated in the last 5 years, and while I want to start again the process of how to get started and the logistics of actually doing the dating are enough to boggle the mind. Where do you find them, what do you talk about, what are the rules? Are there any answers? Now I'm aware that my mussings on this subject are hardly new or even really very interesting...maybe that's why I'm keeping this a secret. Facing public ridicule for my unoriginal conundrum will hardly help the matter. Well I must get to work, untill we meet again my fictious audience...