I few years ago, I was returning to my hometown after being away for a while. I was excited to see my family, meet up with old friends, and hang out at old spots. It was familiar and refreshing, and more than a little strange. In the process of reconnecting with some people, I met up with an old friend named Meghan. We had been so close before I left, so I suppose it was surprising when something seemed off as we talked. I could tell something was really agitating her, and I was validated when she finally blurted, "Wow, it's just too bad. You've really changed."
I was really thrown off when Meghan lobbed that one at me, because from where I sat, I was just being myself. I mean, I suppose I saw things a little differently than I once did, but isn't that just a natural occurrence of life? I was still me. I had just gone through a bit of refining. But to Meghan, because I was not the me she was used to, I was not me at all.
Have you, dear reader, ever been accused of "changing" before? As if it was some deplorable act? I mean, how dare you.
As we move into each new phase of our lives, it is necessary for us to adapt. Sometimes that is really difficult.
For example, when I first got married, I came to realize that I didn't have the same passion for certain things I once did. I used to love dancing, acting, and playing the ukulele. Not that I still don't love those things, but they simply aren't as high on the importance scale anymore. This rearrangement of things confused me for a while. I simply didn't feel like myself. That is, until I accepted my new self.
Isn't it ironic that all the little clichés we learn as children end up being completely true? What was the advice every kid heard from their parents a thousand times or more? "Just be yourself!" I used to think that being myself just meant being honest. You know, saying my favorite color was orange, even though everyone else said they like blue. Time has given me a new perspective.
Being yourself is a far more inward pursuit. It is accepting yourself the way you are, and not being afraid to let the world see it. Through the changes. It is wanting the best for yourself, and finding the right ways to get it.
I guess what I mean is, only you can decide who "yourself" is. It takes a little self examination once in a while. You can't fixate on the past and continue being the same person your whole life. People just don't work that way. I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason. Usually not the reason we think, but still.
This isn't to say we shouldn't care at all what others think of us. Perceptions are still important. There is a fine line between confidence and ignorance. Don't compare yourself and your progression with others. No one is perfect, and they have their own demons you don't even know about.
I thought I would share all this, because one of my recent goals is to be more comfortable being me. It seems like lately there have been a lot of situations where I feel I need to adjust to someone else's definition of myself. Every time it happens, I can't help but get taken back to that conversation with Meghan years ago... I don't like how it makes me feel. So honestly, I'm stepping up and out.
Watch out world.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Blogtober Day 3: Faith in Fear
Today's post could get a little layered, so you know.
The reason is, this post is about my children, and their children. Maybe even your children, living or yet to come.
I spent a lot of time watching my son grow. Watching him crawl, learn new sounds, places, foods, and people. I have watched him learn how to roll, get new teeth, and stand up. Right now, things are about as basic as they'll ever be for him. Lately, I've felt this dull ache in my chest spawned from the vain hope that things could stay this way. Uncomplicated, happy, and simple. Because the world is changing, and I don't like it.
It isn't that I'm afraid of change. I've come to understand that change is a necessary and important part of life. I'm simply conscious of the fact that the world we currently live in, is significantly more frightening than the one I grew up in.
I'm about to sound like kind of a geezer, but when I was a kid:
-My parents didn't have to worry about gunmen when they sent me to school.
-I was taught to respect my elders.
-We sat down and had dinner as a family every night.
-If someone was different from me, they were to be accepted, not compartmentalized.
-My 1st grade classmates didn't pass around playboys in class.
-Our President was not a decietful coward.
-Education meant something.
Well, that's a start anyway.
How can I protect him, when it seems the whole world is planning for his failure?
Will the things I teach him be enough?
I'm sure every parent has these worries. I'm sure I can't be alone in this.
But our children are.
Because for all that we do, when they leave our houses, they have to choose for themselves who they are.
My one comfort is knowing that my Heavenly Father is on my side.
Without him, we would all surely fail.
I am writing this post with a frustrating lack of solutions. It's not like I can "fix" the world for my children.
I just have to believe that God will not put us up against more than we can handle.
More than they can handle.
“Faith in something greater than ourselves enables us to do what we have said we'll do, to press forward when we are tired or hurt or afraid, to keep going when the challenge seems overwhelming and the course is entirely uncertain.”
-Gordon B. Hinkley
The reason is, this post is about my children, and their children. Maybe even your children, living or yet to come.
I spent a lot of time watching my son grow. Watching him crawl, learn new sounds, places, foods, and people. I have watched him learn how to roll, get new teeth, and stand up. Right now, things are about as basic as they'll ever be for him. Lately, I've felt this dull ache in my chest spawned from the vain hope that things could stay this way. Uncomplicated, happy, and simple. Because the world is changing, and I don't like it.
It isn't that I'm afraid of change. I've come to understand that change is a necessary and important part of life. I'm simply conscious of the fact that the world we currently live in, is significantly more frightening than the one I grew up in.
I'm about to sound like kind of a geezer, but when I was a kid:
-My parents didn't have to worry about gunmen when they sent me to school.
-I was taught to respect my elders.
-We sat down and had dinner as a family every night.
-If someone was different from me, they were to be accepted, not compartmentalized.
-My 1st grade classmates didn't pass around playboys in class.
-Our President was not a decietful coward.
-Education meant something.
Well, that's a start anyway.
How can I protect him, when it seems the whole world is planning for his failure?
Will the things I teach him be enough?
I'm sure every parent has these worries. I'm sure I can't be alone in this.
But our children are.
Because for all that we do, when they leave our houses, they have to choose for themselves who they are.
My one comfort is knowing that my Heavenly Father is on my side.
Without him, we would all surely fail.
I am writing this post with a frustrating lack of solutions. It's not like I can "fix" the world for my children.
I just have to believe that God will not put us up against more than we can handle.
More than they can handle.
“Faith in something greater than ourselves enables us to do what we have said we'll do, to press forward when we are tired or hurt or afraid, to keep going when the challenge seems overwhelming and the course is entirely uncertain.”
-Gordon B. Hinkley
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Blogtober Day 2: Jubilant Nuptuals, A How-To Guide
I remember when my fiancé-now-husband proposed. September 3rd, 2011. He took me to the lake at sunset, and led me out to the end of the docks. We had a perfect view of the water expanding out to the hills, and the sky was lit up in oranges and pinks. He knelt down, delivered a lovely little speech, and pulled out the ring. I stood there, smiled like an idiot, nodded yes, and received cheers from several families camping along the beach who had decided to watch. Then the lake patrol guy came up and yelled his congratulations, before noisily speeding away. The little things you remember, you know?
But as I woke up the next morning, I realized I was now responsible for the biggest event of my life. Like the very well thought out people we are, we chose December 17th as our wedding date. Yes. 3 months for me to plan a wedding. Yikes.
Long story short, I had a very lovely wedding day. It had all the important things, and I was helplessly, hopelessly happy. That's the goal, right? Was it an absolute fairy tale? Maybe not. But after going through the insanity of it all, I decided there were a few things I wish I would have understood.
Unless you are from another world where stress does not exist, every bride gets a little freaked out while wedding planning. Whether you are worried about the budget, decorations, venue, guests, bridal party, or all of the above... you've got a lot on your plate! I get you girl. Oh, how I get you.
So this is going out to the engaged ladies everywhere.
Don't sweat the small stuff. There is often a point in the planning where it all becomes one big blur. Flowers and colors and food and lighting... learn to separate. Are the name cards as important as the playlist? Take it one task at a time, and put the big stuff first. All the tiny odds and ends? Either delegate or put it aside, because it isn't worth a breakdown (or three).
Give yourself time. Probably my biggest/only regret is having such a short engagement. If you are thinking in that direction, stop. Allow yourself at least 6 months to put all the pieces together. There are so many aspects to a wedding you forget, or issues you didn't expect. If this is going to be a sweet memory instead of blatant chaos, trust me. Take it slower.
Delegate. The most stressful thing you could do is try to take it all on yourself. If you are a perfectionist, or a bit of a control freak (like me), this is going to be hard. Know it's ok. Your loved ones want you to have a beautiful day too. Get a group together that you trust and give them each one task. Simplify.
Stick to your guns (and budget). There are going to be a lot (and I do mean a lot) of people that want to give input for your big day. Depending on who those people are, it can really confuse you and cause you to lost track of what you originally wanted. Be courteous and kind, always, but stay true to your vision. Be open to ideas (who knows what you'll come across!), but don't feel obligated to let other people take the reigns. As always, money will be a big factor in play. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT go over budget. The end.
Enjoy the process. Set apart at least one day a week for you to get away from the planning. Take your man out on a hike, take a spa day, binge watch a new show on Netflix (my usual favorite). If you are always planning, you quickly lose enthusiasm.
Tone down your inner bridezilla. Not all girls become one, but there are moments... before you implode like a dying star, ask yourself what is important. No one can ruin your day but you.
Make it about the two of you. I save this for last because it is the most important thing to remember. This is not "the bride's" day. I don't care what the stigma is. This day is about you and your beloved, and the love you share. Let him be part of the planning if he's willing (even if he isn't, make him feel special too). Let him pick things he likes. You can't be selfish about your wedding. We, not me.
A little helter skelter, but that is my two cents. Take it or leave it.
(take it)
But as I woke up the next morning, I realized I was now responsible for the biggest event of my life. Like the very well thought out people we are, we chose December 17th as our wedding date. Yes. 3 months for me to plan a wedding. Yikes.
Long story short, I had a very lovely wedding day. It had all the important things, and I was helplessly, hopelessly happy. That's the goal, right? Was it an absolute fairy tale? Maybe not. But after going through the insanity of it all, I decided there were a few things I wish I would have understood.
Unless you are from another world where stress does not exist, every bride gets a little freaked out while wedding planning. Whether you are worried about the budget, decorations, venue, guests, bridal party, or all of the above... you've got a lot on your plate! I get you girl. Oh, how I get you.
So this is going out to the engaged ladies everywhere.
Don't sweat the small stuff. There is often a point in the planning where it all becomes one big blur. Flowers and colors and food and lighting... learn to separate. Are the name cards as important as the playlist? Take it one task at a time, and put the big stuff first. All the tiny odds and ends? Either delegate or put it aside, because it isn't worth a breakdown (or three).
Give yourself time. Probably my biggest/only regret is having such a short engagement. If you are thinking in that direction, stop. Allow yourself at least 6 months to put all the pieces together. There are so many aspects to a wedding you forget, or issues you didn't expect. If this is going to be a sweet memory instead of blatant chaos, trust me. Take it slower.
Delegate. The most stressful thing you could do is try to take it all on yourself. If you are a perfectionist, or a bit of a control freak (like me), this is going to be hard. Know it's ok. Your loved ones want you to have a beautiful day too. Get a group together that you trust and give them each one task. Simplify.
Stick to your guns (and budget). There are going to be a lot (and I do mean a lot) of people that want to give input for your big day. Depending on who those people are, it can really confuse you and cause you to lost track of what you originally wanted. Be courteous and kind, always, but stay true to your vision. Be open to ideas (who knows what you'll come across!), but don't feel obligated to let other people take the reigns. As always, money will be a big factor in play. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT go over budget. The end.
Enjoy the process. Set apart at least one day a week for you to get away from the planning. Take your man out on a hike, take a spa day, binge watch a new show on Netflix (my usual favorite). If you are always planning, you quickly lose enthusiasm.
Tone down your inner bridezilla. Not all girls become one, but there are moments... before you implode like a dying star, ask yourself what is important. No one can ruin your day but you.
Make it about the two of you. I save this for last because it is the most important thing to remember. This is not "the bride's" day. I don't care what the stigma is. This day is about you and your beloved, and the love you share. Let him be part of the planning if he's willing (even if he isn't, make him feel special too). Let him pick things he likes. You can't be selfish about your wedding. We, not me.
A little helter skelter, but that is my two cents. Take it or leave it.
(take it)
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Blogtober Day 1: 25 Things About Me.
So this is hideously, impossibly stereotypical. But there are 31 days of Blogtober, and not all of my ideas are going to be winners. Nonetheless, I hope someone finds this interesting. Maybe.
1. My 3 favorite words are probably: shenanigans, quixotic, and indubitably.
2. I was born on Friday the 13th.
3. My dreams are very vivid, and I remember them really well. 2 weeks ago I dreamed I was a first
grade teacher whose students were being kidnapped by an evil genius with a floating pet shark.
4. Along with peanut butter cups, I also don't like white chocolate.
5. Musical theatre is my not-so-guilty pleasure.
6. Adoption is something I have always hoped to do. My mom was adopted, and I also have a few aunts, uncles, and cousins who were as well. I'm not sure if that is where my attachment to it stems from, but if I'm ever able to provide a family for a child that might not get the chance, I'd love to.
7. Feet gross me out.
8. I did not go to a real concert until I was almost 18.
9. When I was younger, one of my brothers would tease me about having a "horse face". I am still sensitive to that to this day, even though it isn't true. Sarah Jessica Parker has a horse face. I don't. Seriously, let's compare:
<--- Normal face.
Actual horse face ---->
10. I can pop my jaw and my ears.
11. No movie can make me cry. I mean it. Just to give you a reference point, Cast Away. The part where Wilson is floating away from Tom Hanks? I laughed.
12. I can play/have played the flute, saxophone, piano, and ukulele. Also, I am a beast on the kazoo.
13. My "in-front-of-the-mirror-singing-into-a-hairbrush-song" is Here (In Your Arms) by Hellogoodbye.
14. If I could, I would absolutely drive a classic roadster.
15. Those dolls that have the eyes that move when you tilt them back terrify me.
16. I love being a spectator to a great prank.
17. A few months ago I chopped off most of my hair, and I swear, never EVER again.
18. I would not by any means call myself a "fashionista", but I do love good fashion.
19. I've been legitimately stalked before.
20. Ancient history is totally fascinating to me. The Crusades, Rome, Egypt, Greece, Persia, etc.
21. I drink hot chocolate year round! LOVE IT.
22. Scary movies and I don't mix. Ever.
23. I've never found Brad Pitt attractive.
24. I suck at math. Understatement of the year.
25. I am aware that I brag about my adorable son constantly. I can't help it. He's perfect.
1. My 3 favorite words are probably: shenanigans, quixotic, and indubitably.
2. I was born on Friday the 13th.
3. My dreams are very vivid, and I remember them really well. 2 weeks ago I dreamed I was a first
grade teacher whose students were being kidnapped by an evil genius with a floating pet shark.
4. Along with peanut butter cups, I also don't like white chocolate.
5. Musical theatre is my not-so-guilty pleasure.
6. Adoption is something I have always hoped to do. My mom was adopted, and I also have a few aunts, uncles, and cousins who were as well. I'm not sure if that is where my attachment to it stems from, but if I'm ever able to provide a family for a child that might not get the chance, I'd love to.
7. Feet gross me out.
8. I did not go to a real concert until I was almost 18.
9. When I was younger, one of my brothers would tease me about having a "horse face". I am still sensitive to that to this day, even though it isn't true. Sarah Jessica Parker has a horse face. I don't. Seriously, let's compare:
<--- Normal face.
Actual horse face ---->
10. I can pop my jaw and my ears.
11. No movie can make me cry. I mean it. Just to give you a reference point, Cast Away. The part where Wilson is floating away from Tom Hanks? I laughed.
12. I can play/have played the flute, saxophone, piano, and ukulele. Also, I am a beast on the kazoo.
13. My "in-front-of-the-mirror-singing-into-a-hairbrush-song" is Here (In Your Arms) by Hellogoodbye.
14. If I could, I would absolutely drive a classic roadster.15. Those dolls that have the eyes that move when you tilt them back terrify me.
16. I love being a spectator to a great prank.
17. A few months ago I chopped off most of my hair, and I swear, never EVER again.
18. I would not by any means call myself a "fashionista", but I do love good fashion.
19. I've been legitimately stalked before.
20. Ancient history is totally fascinating to me. The Crusades, Rome, Egypt, Greece, Persia, etc.
21. I drink hot chocolate year round! LOVE IT.22. Scary movies and I don't mix. Ever.
23. I've never found Brad Pitt attractive.
24. I suck at math. Understatement of the year.
25. I am aware that I brag about my adorable son constantly. I can't help it. He's perfect.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
BLOGTOBER
For the entire month of October, there will be a blog post every day, which is quite the challenge, as you can imagine.
I have a lot of ideas, (some better than others), and I would appreciate lots of support and feedback as I crank out as much as my brain will allow.
Most of my writing takes place outside of my blog, but blogging is a great way for me to keep the creativity flowing, and feel in touch with my readers (few as you may be).
To those other bloggers and writers out there, puh-leaase join me! It's going to be fun, and we can feed off each other as the month progresses. If you don't blog, but want to give it a try, maybe this is the time to start! Create whatever you want! Writing is one of the best ways to get in touch with yourself.
Only ten days left!
I have a lot of ideas, (some better than others), and I would appreciate lots of support and feedback as I crank out as much as my brain will allow.
Most of my writing takes place outside of my blog, but blogging is a great way for me to keep the creativity flowing, and feel in touch with my readers (few as you may be).
To those other bloggers and writers out there, puh-leaase join me! It's going to be fun, and we can feed off each other as the month progresses. If you don't blog, but want to give it a try, maybe this is the time to start! Create whatever you want! Writing is one of the best ways to get in touch with yourself.
Only ten days left!
Saturday, September 14, 2013
He's Harry Freakin' Potter
I'd like to take a moment and dive headfirst into what is probably my most ardent obsession:
Harry Potter.
I could probably devote a separate blog to this phenomenon by itself, but for now, this will have to do.
Harry Potter was my childhood. The characters were so real to me, Hogwarts was never a place of fantasy in my mind, and the existence of magic was never something I questioned. As an adult, I still feel very much the same. Of course, I now know that hanging out at King's Cross station will not guarantee a run-in with an actual wizard-in-training. I understand that as many times as I look it up on Google Maps, the location of Hogwarts will not be revealed to me. However, I am convinced that magic is real, although perhaps not in the manner it is written about in books.
I believe that magic is an untouchable quality within each of us that enables us to do incredible things. Maybe things that we were told couldn't be done. Things we tell ourselves we will never do. Even things that never occurred to anyone, but take place all the same. Impossible things happen all the time.
As my son grows older, it is so important to me that he grows up with a rampant imagination, and a healthy belief in things most grown-ups will tell him are only make-believe.
Please don't mistake my views as childish or naive. I have experienced reality, and live a part of this world as much as anyone else. I also believe in rational decisions, and keeping a clean house. I believe in working a job I don't like to help support my family, and I believe in education very much. I just don't understand why or when it was decided that believing in fantastic things is a useless endeavor.
But back to my dear Harry.
Now as splendid as the movies are, I am first and foremost a fan of the books (which are better than the movies, as books do tend to be) being as they were my first introduction to the wizarding world. So please keep in mind that if you read parts of this post that sound unfamiliar, run to the nearest bookstore near you and educate yourself.
Joanne Rowling (fondly known as J.K. Rowling) set out to write a series of "children's" books. At least, that is what her publishers assumed after the first installment. However, these books proceeded down a much darker, more adult path. They needed to. Even in tales of magic and enchantment, there must be a rationality within. Things have to make sense.
And we are dealing with issues not all grown-ups I know can wrap their head around. Abuse, racism, sexism, prejudices of all kinds, war, death, sacrifice, the fickleness of fame, mental health, inner demons, competition, evil, remorse, temptation, selfless love...
There is a depth in the Harry Potter books that I believe will never be seen again.
Because after a childhood of abuse and neglect, after experiencing so much death and turmoil, did we really expect Harry to persist with a smile on his face? He had every right be get angry every now and then. And Ron? What normal teenage boy would not have jealousy issues with a famous friend? I probably would have left too if I had been camping for months without progress. Hermione? Is it so surprising she struggles with self esteem, that she is always looking to prove herself? It takes some time for her to grow into the self assured, no-nonsense heroine we all love in the end.
Even the most seemingly irrelevant characters contribute so much to the story. Madame Pomfrey, for example. Can we all take a moment to appreciate how awesome she is? The castle can come under attack, students can lose bones, become petrified, drink a botched potion, and she keeps a level head and takes care of it. No complaints, so questions asked. Pomfrey is a boss.
I can revisit these books over and over again and take away something new. Every time.
Also, Voldemort's progression as a villain is this beautiful tragedy. He was basically raised in similar conditions to Harry, and yet, his humanity was more of a hindrance than a help. Evil is ultimately a choice we make for ourselves. To use our situations to drive us to both extremes.
We see examples of how acutely choices affect our character, literally, everywhere in these books. Another example is the Malfoy family and the Weasley family. Both pureblood, but separated by class. The Malfoys being very wealthy, and of course, the Weasleys being quite poor. And yet... who do we love more? Arthur and Molly chose to keep love over status within their home. Something we can learn from. What's really important? Happiness or money?
I could go on and on. Guaranteed, there will be more posts about the miracle that is Harry Potter. For today, let's all take a moment to appreciate the boy who will always live.
"No story lives unless someone wants to listen. The stories we love best do live in us forever, so whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home"
J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter.
I could probably devote a separate blog to this phenomenon by itself, but for now, this will have to do.
Harry Potter was my childhood. The characters were so real to me, Hogwarts was never a place of fantasy in my mind, and the existence of magic was never something I questioned. As an adult, I still feel very much the same. Of course, I now know that hanging out at King's Cross station will not guarantee a run-in with an actual wizard-in-training. I understand that as many times as I look it up on Google Maps, the location of Hogwarts will not be revealed to me. However, I am convinced that magic is real, although perhaps not in the manner it is written about in books.
I believe that magic is an untouchable quality within each of us that enables us to do incredible things. Maybe things that we were told couldn't be done. Things we tell ourselves we will never do. Even things that never occurred to anyone, but take place all the same. Impossible things happen all the time.
As my son grows older, it is so important to me that he grows up with a rampant imagination, and a healthy belief in things most grown-ups will tell him are only make-believe.
Please don't mistake my views as childish or naive. I have experienced reality, and live a part of this world as much as anyone else. I also believe in rational decisions, and keeping a clean house. I believe in working a job I don't like to help support my family, and I believe in education very much. I just don't understand why or when it was decided that believing in fantastic things is a useless endeavor.
But back to my dear Harry.
Now as splendid as the movies are, I am first and foremost a fan of the books (which are better than the movies, as books do tend to be) being as they were my first introduction to the wizarding world. So please keep in mind that if you read parts of this post that sound unfamiliar, run to the nearest bookstore near you and educate yourself.
Joanne Rowling (fondly known as J.K. Rowling) set out to write a series of "children's" books. At least, that is what her publishers assumed after the first installment. However, these books proceeded down a much darker, more adult path. They needed to. Even in tales of magic and enchantment, there must be a rationality within. Things have to make sense.
And we are dealing with issues not all grown-ups I know can wrap their head around. Abuse, racism, sexism, prejudices of all kinds, war, death, sacrifice, the fickleness of fame, mental health, inner demons, competition, evil, remorse, temptation, selfless love...
There is a depth in the Harry Potter books that I believe will never be seen again.
Because after a childhood of abuse and neglect, after experiencing so much death and turmoil, did we really expect Harry to persist with a smile on his face? He had every right be get angry every now and then. And Ron? What normal teenage boy would not have jealousy issues with a famous friend? I probably would have left too if I had been camping for months without progress. Hermione? Is it so surprising she struggles with self esteem, that she is always looking to prove herself? It takes some time for her to grow into the self assured, no-nonsense heroine we all love in the end.
Even the most seemingly irrelevant characters contribute so much to the story. Madame Pomfrey, for example. Can we all take a moment to appreciate how awesome she is? The castle can come under attack, students can lose bones, become petrified, drink a botched potion, and she keeps a level head and takes care of it. No complaints, so questions asked. Pomfrey is a boss.
I can revisit these books over and over again and take away something new. Every time.
Also, Voldemort's progression as a villain is this beautiful tragedy. He was basically raised in similar conditions to Harry, and yet, his humanity was more of a hindrance than a help. Evil is ultimately a choice we make for ourselves. To use our situations to drive us to both extremes.
We see examples of how acutely choices affect our character, literally, everywhere in these books. Another example is the Malfoy family and the Weasley family. Both pureblood, but separated by class. The Malfoys being very wealthy, and of course, the Weasleys being quite poor. And yet... who do we love more? Arthur and Molly chose to keep love over status within their home. Something we can learn from. What's really important? Happiness or money?
"No story lives unless someone wants to listen. The stories we love best do live in us forever, so whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home"
J.K. Rowling
Monday, September 9, 2013
Tops of the Tens
Apparently I have good taste, or so I was told recently. Obviously this was extremely flattering, so I decided to put out some of my "favorites" in various categories.
I might rank my favorites a little differently though. I determine my favorites by longevity. Kind of like the game desert island. If I had to only listen to ten songs, read ten books, watch ten movies, have dinner with ten people, etc., these would be the ones.
Like, I love brownie based ice creams, but I would get tired of it. This is the stuff I could have every day and survive happily with. I challenge you to make your own!
Top Ten Books
1. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
2. The Inkheart Trilogy by Cornelia Funke
3. The Kingdom & The Crown by Gerald N. Lund
4. His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
5. The Bartimeaus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
6. Ariana: The Trilogy by Rachel Ann Nunes
7. Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher
8. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
9. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
10. A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck
Top Ten Movies
1. The Phantom of the Opera
2. The Count of Monte Cristo
3. Gladiator
4. The Princess Bride
5. Sherlock Holmes
6. Anne (Green Gables, Avonlea, and Continuing Story)
7. The Sound of Music
8. Titanic
9. Tangled
10. Easy A
Top Ten Places (That I've been to)
1. Budapest, Hungary
2. Gyor, Hungary
3. London, England
4. Paris, France
5. Venice, Italy
6. Vienna, Austria
7. Prague, Czech. Rep.
8. Salzburg, Austria
9. Piney River Ranch, Vail,CO
10. Krakow, Poland
Top Ten Foods
1. Steak and Potatoes
2. Crepes w/fruit
3. Don Hilberto's Super Fries
4. Cowboy Caviar (with tortilla chips)
5. Paprikas Csirke
6. BACON (The food of champions)
7. Cereal
8. Zeppoli
9. Pecan Pie
10. Wontons (Rangoons)
Top Ten People
1. Jesus Christ
2. J.K. Rowling
3. Julie Andrews
4. Charles Dickens
5. Barbra Streisand
6. Emma Stone
7. Walt Disney
8. Taylor Swift
9. Hugh Jackman
10. Marie Antoinette
I might rank my favorites a little differently though. I determine my favorites by longevity. Kind of like the game desert island. If I had to only listen to ten songs, read ten books, watch ten movies, have dinner with ten people, etc., these would be the ones.
Like, I love brownie based ice creams, but I would get tired of it. This is the stuff I could have every day and survive happily with. I challenge you to make your own!
Top Ten Books
1. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling2. The Inkheart Trilogy by Cornelia Funke
3. The Kingdom & The Crown by Gerald N. Lund
4. His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
5. The Bartimeaus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
6. Ariana: The Trilogy by Rachel Ann Nunes
7. Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher
8. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
9. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
10. A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck
Top Ten Movies
1. The Phantom of the Opera2. The Count of Monte Cristo
3. Gladiator
4. The Princess Bride
5. Sherlock Holmes
6. Anne (Green Gables, Avonlea, and Continuing Story)
7. The Sound of Music
8. Titanic
9. Tangled
10. Easy A
 |
| Vienna |
1. Budapest, Hungary
2. Gyor, Hungary
 |
| Gyor |
4. Paris, France
5. Venice, Italy
6. Vienna, Austria
7. Prague, Czech. Rep.
8. Salzburg, Austria
 |
| Piney River Ranch |
10. Krakow, Poland
Top Ten Foods
1. Steak and Potatoes
 |
| Paprikas Csirke |
3. Don Hilberto's Super Fries
4. Cowboy Caviar (with tortilla chips)
5. Paprikas Csirke
6. BACON (The food of champions)
7. Cereal
8. Zeppoli
9. Pecan Pie
10. Wontons (Rangoons)
Top Ten People
1. Jesus Christ2. J.K. Rowling
3. Julie Andrews
4. Charles Dickens
5. Barbra Streisand
6. Emma Stone
7. Walt Disney
8. Taylor Swift
9. Hugh Jackman
10. Marie Antoinette
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