Attempting to get back into the swing of things by linking up with Jen and the other faithfuls. Here's hoping I can come up with 7 things that have been going on with me lately!
1. Work started about a month ago, and it's going really well! I've had plenty to do to keep me busy, which is a huge blessing because my manager originally told me that they probably wouldn't have much for me to work on. I'm just glad I'm not reading software manuals like I was during the internship! Plus it's been a huge joy getting to know my coworkers more. I've been trying to challenge myself to learn more about each of them and have a more substantial conversation than "Hi Jessica, how are you? I'm great, how are you?" Fridays are really slow in the office and hardly anyone actually comes in, so I spent a good chunk of the morning basically hanging out in one of my coworker's offices and discussing what it's like having 9 bosses and how that really works as a staff accountant.
2. Enough about work (though I really am glad it's going well). After a year of being back home, I've finally managed to find a young adult group!!! Talk about an answer to a prayer. I could probably write a whole post about it, and maybe one of these days I will, but I'll just stick to the basics for now. I went on a retreat the last weekend of July, got to know a couple of the girls, and started going to the young adult group they're a part of every Thursday night. I can't even tell you how much of a difference this has made; I've become pretty close with two of the women and have been invited to so many different activities as a result. I had been longing for that community and that feeling of being included in a group for so long, and I couldn't be happier with how God answered that prayer.
3. I think I'm finally in the last college course I'll ever have to take and I'm so ready to be done! Taking all these classes post-graduation has confirmed that I don't desire a master's degree. College was great for those first 5 years, but I'm perfectly content never to pay for another textbook again! Though this is probably due to the fact that my current class isn't going so hot. I guess that's what I get for signing up for a course called "Advanced Accounting," right? ;)
4. I started reading The Underland Chronicles last week. It's a five-book series written by the same author as The Hunger Games, and I really like 'em! Basically, it's the story of this young boy who discovers a land under our own and somehow finds himself constantly tangled up in the affairs of this Underland. They're young adult books (or maybe younger....haha), but they have some pretty profound messages in them, like self-sacrificing love, compassion, forgiveness, etc. If you're looking for a quick, easy read, I highly recommend them!
5. I seem to be running out of things to talk about...(which is why I haven't been blogging lately). Every time I sit down to start typing about something, nothing comes out the way I want it to or I simply can't think of anything to say. Not sure what the deal is but that's the way the cookie is crumbling.
6. Oh! I'm running in my first 5k ever on Sunday (unless you count the time when I was 9 or 10 and my mom signed us up for one and I had to quit probably less than a mile in. hahaha. I do not). I'm not sure I'll actually be able to run the whole thing since I had to put my training on hold due to the whole sprained-ankle-ligaments debacle, but I think some of my friends will have to walk too so I'm not too worried. Plus it's at the zoo so we'll get to run past all of the animals!
7. Now go watch this video and remember how amazing you are :)
Showing posts with label quick takes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label quick takes. Show all posts
Friday, September 20, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
7 Quick Takes (12)
Linking up with Jen and her minions for another round of Friday fun.
1. I started two more classes this week, for a total of 3 for now. Next week I'll add another, and the week after that, I'll tack on one more. I'm verrrrrrry quickly beginning to question what the heck I was thinking when I signed up for all this work...tax research takes up way more time than I'd like it to!
2. I somehow managed to get myself on the elliptical every day this week! How did I do it you ask?Well, I've taken to rewarding myself for exercising of course. Though I think I need a new system because eating a bowl of ice cream after using the elliptical for 45 minutes feels like it's negating any sort of progress I may have made...
3. My love of SVU has been rekindled. It's not that I ever didn't like it. I just got a little burnt out after taking part in every marathon the show had one year (read: anytime I turned the TV on, SVU was on). Oddly enough, this behavior led to a little thing I like to call burn out, so I did the only sensible thing I could think of--went on a two year hiatus. (Oh, you know how to do things outside of the extremes? Do share.) But now it's back and I feel another addiction starting.
4. I just got a text from a friend asking me if I want to read an encyclical with her each week. Um yes. Yes I do. First up: Mulieris Dignitatem. I.Can't.Wait.
5. If you're looking for a good book to read, I definitely recommend And the Mountains Echoed. It's by the same author as The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, neither of which I've read but I've heard they're both great, too! I would try to describe it, but that's not something I excel at...my summaries usually go something like this: "well, it's a story. And it's about a family. And how that family interacts with each other. And it's a little sad but also really endearing." That doesn't make you want to read it? How odd. (but still go read it!!!)
6. Is candy crush saga something I should be playing?
7. My family and I played this game at my uncle's party this past weekend and couldn't stop cracking up. Well worth the 99 cents!
1. I started two more classes this week, for a total of 3 for now. Next week I'll add another, and the week after that, I'll tack on one more. I'm verrrrrrry quickly beginning to question what the heck I was thinking when I signed up for all this work...tax research takes up way more time than I'd like it to!
3. My love of SVU has been rekindled. It's not that I ever didn't like it. I just got a little burnt out after taking part in every marathon the show had one year (read: anytime I turned the TV on, SVU was on). Oddly enough, this behavior led to a little thing I like to call burn out, so I did the only sensible thing I could think of--went on a two year hiatus. (Oh, you know how to do things outside of the extremes? Do share.) But now it's back and I feel another addiction starting.
4. I just got a text from a friend asking me if I want to read an encyclical with her each week. Um yes. Yes I do. First up: Mulieris Dignitatem. I.Can't.Wait.
5. If you're looking for a good book to read, I definitely recommend And the Mountains Echoed. It's by the same author as The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, neither of which I've read but I've heard they're both great, too! I would try to describe it, but that's not something I excel at...my summaries usually go something like this: "well, it's a story. And it's about a family. And how that family interacts with each other. And it's a little sad but also really endearing." That doesn't make you want to read it? How odd. (but still go read it!!!)
6. Is candy crush saga something I should be playing?
7. My family and I played this game at my uncle's party this past weekend and couldn't stop cracking up. Well worth the 99 cents!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Quick Takes (11)
Can't seem to find anything to write about lately, so I figured I'd get my quick takes done early for a change and actually link 'em up with Jen and all the Friday faithful.
1. Despite the fact that I've already done the whole graduation thing, I find myself feeling oddly nostalgic and senior-y this time of year. I blame it on the fact that some of my closest friends are a couple years younger so they're in the midst of finishing up school right now. It's not fun to think about all of us being in different cities next year with completely different schedules. It was hard enough coordinating schedules this year when they were all still in school. It's definitely going to take a lot more intentional acts, like scheduling times to talk and finding times to visit.
2. In an attempt to become a better friend, I've been trying to spend less time "liking" things on Facebook and more time emailing/texting/calling my friends. As much as I enjoy being able to keep up with the people I care about via their status updates and pictures, I started to notice I was using it as an excuse for not actually communicating. I'd see pictures of their vacations or read their statuses about plans after graduation and think I knew what was going on in their lives. And I guess in a way I did...but there's so much more to our lives than what we post on Facebook. I wanted more than that false sense of connection, so I cut my brain's vacation short and made plans to reconnect with friends I've lost touch with. I read an article today that brought up some of the same points but in a much better way--here ya go!
3. Confession--I started watching Revenge last week and I'm already caught up on the most recent episode...I would feel more guilty about this if the show weren't only in its second season. But still...I can't say I'm proud. Haha
4. I was walking through town the other day and spotted this little guy. Gotta love the country :)
6. Last weekend six of my friends came to visit!! I don't think I need to explain how needed that was...One of the interesting things that came up was a conversation one of the girls had with a Jewish rabbi who was speaking at an interfaith gathering. Apparently during the event, the Christian representative mentioned something about Catholics praying for the conversion of Jews on Holy Thursday (or is it Good Friday...?). Anyway, the rabbi said that he insulted by that. My friend explained to him that we do it because we believe we have the fullness of the truth and we want others to have it as well. She said it's like parents praying that their children grow up to embrace their faith, too. And then he shared something we were all a little confused by. He said that he wouldn't want to encourage his kids to practice Judaism if they didn't want to, even though he wholeheartedly believed it was the right religion. Hmmm...
7. Despite the fact that I haven't been helping out with Religious Ed classes since December (so many things I slacked on due to my internship... :-/), I like to think I made up for it by making it to our last class. Haha wishful thinking I'm sure. Though my guilt lessened slightly when I found out that my co-teacher's mom ended up taking over the class because M didn't have time to teach either...but she was there Wednesday too! Two of the kids acknowledged my re-appearance with a hug, while the rest didn't seem to remember me every being there in the first place. Perhaps that's why none of them listened to a word either of us said the entire time. They make look cute but they sure know how to push buttons.
1. Despite the fact that I've already done the whole graduation thing, I find myself feeling oddly nostalgic and senior-y this time of year. I blame it on the fact that some of my closest friends are a couple years younger so they're in the midst of finishing up school right now. It's not fun to think about all of us being in different cities next year with completely different schedules. It was hard enough coordinating schedules this year when they were all still in school. It's definitely going to take a lot more intentional acts, like scheduling times to talk and finding times to visit.
2. In an attempt to become a better friend, I've been trying to spend less time "liking" things on Facebook and more time emailing/texting/calling my friends. As much as I enjoy being able to keep up with the people I care about via their status updates and pictures, I started to notice I was using it as an excuse for not actually communicating. I'd see pictures of their vacations or read their statuses about plans after graduation and think I knew what was going on in their lives. And I guess in a way I did...but there's so much more to our lives than what we post on Facebook. I wanted more than that false sense of connection, so I cut my brain's vacation short and made plans to reconnect with friends I've lost touch with. I read an article today that brought up some of the same points but in a much better way--here ya go!
3. Confession--I started watching Revenge last week and I'm already caught up on the most recent episode...I would feel more guilty about this if the show weren't only in its second season. But still...I can't say I'm proud. Haha
4. I was walking through town the other day and spotted this little guy. Gotta love the country :)
5. Super intrigued by what can only be described as the newest addition to our grocer's produce aisle.
7. Despite the fact that I haven't been helping out with Religious Ed classes since December (so many things I slacked on due to my internship... :-/), I like to think I made up for it by making it to our last class. Haha wishful thinking I'm sure. Though my guilt lessened slightly when I found out that my co-teacher's mom ended up taking over the class because M didn't have time to teach either...but she was there Wednesday too! Two of the kids acknowledged my re-appearance with a hug, while the rest didn't seem to remember me every being there in the first place. Perhaps that's why none of them listened to a word either of us said the entire time. They make look cute but they sure know how to push buttons.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Quick Takes (4)
I feel like I've been very lacking in the picture department lately, so be prepared to be bombarded! (okay I thought I had more relevant pictures, but after looking through my phone, I see that the options are preeeeeetty lacking. So bear with me here...)
5. Aaaand that's the end of my picture slideshow. Not impressed? Story of my life. Speaking of stories of my life, a new theme seems to be a-brewin'. I don't know what it is about college students (or maybe just people in general) and their inability to commit to plans, but it's been a big problem for me the past two weeks. I've had plans with several different people who have confirmed plans days or even hours before said plans were to take place, only to text me later and say they can't make it. Do people not consult their schedules before making plans? I have a hard time believing that something else can come up so often, and I'm beginning to develop a complex over here, as I seem to be the common factor!
6. I think my town may have cancelled trick or treating...I didn't hear any kids outside the whole night. But Morgan's didn't!
7. This weekend will be my last one in Champaign for at least a month. I know you're all very sad for me and I appreciate the condolences. (hahaha) Although I'm not sure what I'm going to write about if it's not my adventures down here. I'll actually have to go out and find friends at home! But never fear, I have many episodes of Gilmore Girls to keep me company ;)
Wow talk about lame quick takes. Luckily Jen's got what you need!
1. This past Sunday I had to babysit from 4:30am to 6:30pm. Needless to say, it was a very long day, so I brewed myself some Keurig coffee (and tricked a pumpkin spice latte for the very first time ever!). As I was getting ready to take my last sip, I noticed this little guy in there...apparently the baby didn't want her grape and thought I might be interested. I wasn't.
2. Yesterday was my last day of pet-sitting. I had been going over to take care of them every other day for a month. I wish I could say they were happy to see me, but I think the cowering in the first and third picture gives away their true feelings...
3. I've been going to mass each morning this week. I don't know how all you mothers and working women get up at the crack of dawn every day because 7:30 has NOT been easy! Buuuut God gave me this beautiful sunrise on my drive yesterday, so that helped :)
4. I thought I would try and get a little artsy one night. Turns out professional photography may not be my calling. But I do enjoy a pretty scenery picture.
6. I think my town may have cancelled trick or treating...I didn't hear any kids outside the whole night. But Morgan's didn't!
7. This weekend will be my last one in Champaign for at least a month. I know you're all very sad for me and I appreciate the condolences. (hahaha) Although I'm not sure what I'm going to write about if it's not my adventures down here. I'll actually have to go out and find friends at home! But never fear, I have many episodes of Gilmore Girls to keep me company ;)
Wow talk about lame quick takes. Luckily Jen's got what you need!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Quick Takes (3?)
This has turned into a fantastic week so I apologize if some of these are a little longer than they need to be. I'll try and keep it quick!
1. My friend and I decided to become pen pals a few weeks ago because we both love getting fun mail! I haven't had a pen pal since I was in grade school, but it's been a ton of fun (mostly because I used to just exchange letters with my aunt where I'd ask her a million very thought-provoking questions like "what's your favorite color?"). Anyway, I got a letter yesterday and it made my day :) Anyone else have a pen pal?
2. My town isn't big enough for a library so, instead, we have a bookmobile from a neighboring town that comes twice a week. This week it brought me a ton of the CDs I reserved so I've been listening to new tunes. My favorite so far has been the new Keane album.
3. I was doing a general perusing of all the blogs I follow this week and just happened to notice that the vast majority of them are written by moms. At first I thought it might come off as a little creepy since I don't even have a boyfriend, much less a husband and kids. Then I read all their latest posts and decided everyone can take something away from their hilarious, heart-warming, and helpful posts. So thank you moms for sharing your stories with us :)
4. I got my first two comments this week from new visitors, and they both put the biggest smile on my face! Thank you, ladies. I'm always a little hesitant about posting a comment, but now I'd love to give someone else the joy that these women gave me so look out!
5. Before Wednesday's religious education class started, we were sitting in the gym with all the students. One of the little girls came up to me and the other teacher and said "so and so just asked me if I wanted a wet willy and then she stuck her finger in her mouth and put it in my ear." Okay, how the heck am I supposed to respond to that!? I tried really hard not to laugh because I definitely wouldn't want a wet willy, but I wasn't expecting to ever have to scold someone for something like that! Luckily it didn't turn into an on-going problem since I saw the girls playing together later.
6. If the stat-checker is right, I've got readers in Germany, Russia, China, and Canada! (and if it's not right, don't tell me). Hahaha!
7. I started reading The Brothers Karamazov again. I think this is the 3rd time I've attempted to read it. A friend told me it's her favorite book so I figure it must be good. It's just reeeeeeeally long. So far I've enjoyed it, though! I'll let you know how it goes.
Have a wonderful weekend! Head on over to Jen's for much more stimulating posts!
1. My friend and I decided to become pen pals a few weeks ago because we both love getting fun mail! I haven't had a pen pal since I was in grade school, but it's been a ton of fun (mostly because I used to just exchange letters with my aunt where I'd ask her a million very thought-provoking questions like "what's your favorite color?"). Anyway, I got a letter yesterday and it made my day :) Anyone else have a pen pal?
2. My town isn't big enough for a library so, instead, we have a bookmobile from a neighboring town that comes twice a week. This week it brought me a ton of the CDs I reserved so I've been listening to new tunes. My favorite so far has been the new Keane album.
3. I was doing a general perusing of all the blogs I follow this week and just happened to notice that the vast majority of them are written by moms. At first I thought it might come off as a little creepy since I don't even have a boyfriend, much less a husband and kids. Then I read all their latest posts and decided everyone can take something away from their hilarious, heart-warming, and helpful posts. So thank you moms for sharing your stories with us :)
4. I got my first two comments this week from new visitors, and they both put the biggest smile on my face! Thank you, ladies. I'm always a little hesitant about posting a comment, but now I'd love to give someone else the joy that these women gave me so look out!
5. Before Wednesday's religious education class started, we were sitting in the gym with all the students. One of the little girls came up to me and the other teacher and said "so and so just asked me if I wanted a wet willy and then she stuck her finger in her mouth and put it in my ear." Okay, how the heck am I supposed to respond to that!? I tried really hard not to laugh because I definitely wouldn't want a wet willy, but I wasn't expecting to ever have to scold someone for something like that! Luckily it didn't turn into an on-going problem since I saw the girls playing together later.
6. If the stat-checker is right, I've got readers in Germany, Russia, China, and Canada! (and if it's not right, don't tell me). Hahaha!
7. I started reading The Brothers Karamazov again. I think this is the 3rd time I've attempted to read it. A friend told me it's her favorite book so I figure it must be good. It's just reeeeeeeally long. So far I've enjoyed it, though! I'll let you know how it goes.
Have a wonderful weekend! Head on over to Jen's for much more stimulating posts!
Friday, October 19, 2012
7 Quick Takes
I've been a little MIA for a few days since nothing post-worthy has been happening, but what better way to make a comeback than by joining Jen and company for some quick takes??
1. I've been watching a lot of Gilmore Girls lately. I forgot how much I love the early seasons. Plus Rory is pretty much the epitome of modesty in the all the episodes I've watched so far. Gilmore Girls for the win! *
2. On Wednesday, we had our first religious education mass for all the students. It went about as well as you would expect a mass with a church full of 100+ kids younger than 13 would go. And it ended with me being spit on by one of my 1st graders...
3. After the aforementioned mass, we asked the kids what they remembered the priest talking about. Most of them raised their hands and said "God!"or "Jesus!" (Good answers, kids, but let's try and be a little more specific here.) But then one of the little boys who usually doesn't talk (except of course when we're in the middle of explaining the next activity) says "it's good to be on God's team so that we're never alone." And that's exactly what the homily was about :)
4. Did anyone else watch Grey's Anatomy last night? I do love me some good drama. On TV of course. I can't say I'm a big fan of it in real life. (Half of my post is about TV so far. Clearly I've had a very busy week).
5. I just finished week 2 of cat sitting. The cats still refuse to be within a 10 foot radius of me. I'm going to start taking it personally soon. I even showered before I went yesterday! Maybe they don't like my soap.
6. It's beginning to look a lot like hot cocoa season! Especially when the heat is set at 63 in the house. Eek!
7. I renewed my library card yesterday. And yes, that's the only other exciting thing I can think to add...don't judge me! (Do provide some book recommendations though :) ) How did I use newly renewed card you may ask? By reserving 20 new CDs! including Mumford and Sons "Babel" because I think I may be the only person in the universe who hasn't listened to it yet. Probably.
7.5 (Because no post is complete without a picture).
Have a wonderful Friday!
*As I was writing this post, I was watching Scrubs (another great show) and Ted referenced Gilmore Girls! What are the odds?
1. I've been watching a lot of Gilmore Girls lately. I forgot how much I love the early seasons. Plus Rory is pretty much the epitome of modesty in the all the episodes I've watched so far. Gilmore Girls for the win! *
2. On Wednesday, we had our first religious education mass for all the students. It went about as well as you would expect a mass with a church full of 100+ kids younger than 13 would go. And it ended with me being spit on by one of my 1st graders...
3. After the aforementioned mass, we asked the kids what they remembered the priest talking about. Most of them raised their hands and said "God!"or "Jesus!" (Good answers, kids, but let's try and be a little more specific here.) But then one of the little boys who usually doesn't talk (except of course when we're in the middle of explaining the next activity) says "it's good to be on God's team so that we're never alone." And that's exactly what the homily was about :)
4. Did anyone else watch Grey's Anatomy last night? I do love me some good drama. On TV of course. I can't say I'm a big fan of it in real life. (Half of my post is about TV so far. Clearly I've had a very busy week).
5. I just finished week 2 of cat sitting. The cats still refuse to be within a 10 foot radius of me. I'm going to start taking it personally soon. I even showered before I went yesterday! Maybe they don't like my soap.
6. It's beginning to look a lot like hot cocoa season! Especially when the heat is set at 63 in the house. Eek!
7. I renewed my library card yesterday. And yes, that's the only other exciting thing I can think to add...don't judge me! (Do provide some book recommendations though :) ) How did I use newly renewed card you may ask? By reserving 20 new CDs! including Mumford and Sons "Babel" because I think I may be the only person in the universe who hasn't listened to it yet. Probably.
7.5 (Because no post is complete without a picture).
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| Will he catch them or not?? |
Have a wonderful Friday!
*As I was writing this post, I was watching Scrubs (another great show) and Ted referenced Gilmore Girls! What are the odds?