tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62127302012-01-26T19:51:40.062-06:00Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.comBlogger5801100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-44504869934624581622012-01-03T19:04:00.006-06:002012-01-03T19:19:21.224-06:00

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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-46137538484681553052011-12-06T15:43:00.004-06:002011-12-06T16:41:53.195-06:00

I'm completely convicted. Lately, the Holy Spirit has been bringing to light so many areas of my life I need to be more aware of, and many of my character flaws that need to change. They're still not changed, but I'm very aware.One of the areas I'm very aware of is this: Sometimes my passion turns into frustration. If something is not as I think it should be, I get frustrated. This happens most

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-31367523759907186212011-10-10T17:24:00.002-05:002011-10-10T18:14:00.801-05:00

"I know you can be overwhelmed and underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?"Anyone remember this quote from the movie 10 Things I Hate About You?This is totally how I feel right now. I'm usually underwhelmed or overwhelmed, but rarely am I stuck somewhere in between the two. When I'm underwhelmed I'm fairly apathetic, halfhearted, passionless, lackadaisical about life in general. And then

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-88979622795038239292011-07-05T18:51:00.003-05:002011-07-05T19:27:21.613-05:00

Since there's so much that has been going on since the tornado in Joplin, I'll be honest: I've lost some perspective. I think most of America has by now. Anderson Cooper is no longer there, the news cameras are gone, and the reality of it all has settled in.Sadly, the reality for those of us not living there is this: we're not really affected.The reality for those who live in Joplin is this: life

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-46289228762116048212011-05-31T20:11:00.004-05:002011-05-31T20:47:11.950-05:00

I don't even know where to begin...It was Sunday night, May 22nd, and our High School ministry at church, Collide, had just ended. I overheard my boss/friend, Cody Walker, talking to 2 other leaders about how he hadn't yet heard from his mom. I asked what was going on, and he said that there had been a huge tornado in Joplin, MO and they hadn't heard from his mom or brother. The next hour or so

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-53983120440888708842011-05-19T16:25:00.001-05:002011-05-19T16:28:27.823-05:00

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”--Proverbs 14:30This verse stopped me dead in my tracks tonight as I was reading through the 14th chapter of Proverbs. Just yesterday at church, one of our teaching pastors preached a sermon about guarding the heart rather than modifying behavior, which is so often the route we choose. We’ll take care of the outside of our lives,

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-6549000201566551162011-04-06T08:47:00.002-05:002011-04-06T08:53:35.967-05:00

Oh God, one thing I know: You are good.The other day someone texted me regarding something great that had happened, and at the end it said, “God is good.” When I read it, I thought “Well duh!” And then it hit me how often we praise Him for His goodness when things truly are good as we see them, but what about when we don’t see the good?There are things in life that don’t look good on the outside.

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-33364429201341289532011-03-29T19:29:00.004-05:002011-03-29T20:50:49.891-05:00

"Your love is deep; Your love is wide. Your love has breathed in me new life." (Forever - from the Oaks Worship album Lift Up the Light)Have you ever noticed the change in people when they find love?It's like their lives completely change. The way they use their time, the things they think about, the way they just ooze happiness?It's evident in newlyweds as they begin a marriage. Two people who

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-27475977854427894212011-02-08T12:18:00.003-06:002011-02-08T12:30:19.625-06:00

I feel immensely burdened to take 5 minutes out of my day to spread the word asking people to pray for this sweet little girl, who I don't even know, who has been battling cancer for the past 2 years with more grace and maturity than I could ever hope for in her situation. I'm moved by her story every time I read it, and last week I sobbed on my couch for quite awhile reading their latest update

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-22528365958389671632011-02-06T15:43:00.002-06:002011-02-06T15:47:15.271-06:00

Just yesterday, Feb. 5th, 2011, God blessed the ministry of Scarlet Hope with a new house!!! This is a huge blessing. We have been praying about houses, buildings, locations to become the home for Scarlet Hope, and God has answered our prayers in a big, big way beyond what we'd ever imagined. A local organization had been praying about who to give their building/house to, and we were one of

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-79750136217347557052011-02-04T16:04:00.003-06:002011-02-04T16:34:18.624-06:00

Because I'm too unfocused lately to sit down and write anything substantial, I'll just share some music y'all should check out these days:Adele's new album, 21. My favorite songs: Rolling in the Deep, Rumour Has It, & One & Only (In fact, I'm dying to see someone on next season's So You Think You Can Dance do a contemporary routine to One & Only--I can see it in my head, but unfortunately I am

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-72105288982098393922011-01-20T17:13:00.001-06:002011-01-20T17:13:19.948-06:00

Today is one of those days when I've felt bogged down in my own sin. I'm wallowing around in this pool of myself, and I keep spitting out more of this substance I'm already drowning in called pride. And as soon as I open my mouth to speak once more, I hear these prideful things come out of my mouth and even more, my heart. But I'm thankful that I'm aware. There are days when I don't think about

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-63344423300208737522010-11-12T11:45:00.009-06:002010-11-12T11:56:27.225-06:00

As you can see from my post below, I've got Christmas on the brain already. From brainstorming gift ideas to downloading the new Dave Barnes Christmas album, I'm feeling the spirit already. I'm halfway tempted to put up my tree just so I can see all the sparkly ornaments in my living room. :)However, I've gotta post this as an option for Christmas gifts. Check out this video:I love gifts with

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-53616491630474098102010-11-03T19:32:00.002-05:002010-11-03T19:37:57.544-05:00

Christmas time is coming!!! I know so many people who are reluctant to agree that 'tis the season until after Thanksgiving, but I disagree. Thanksgiving is just a hurdle to get through until we can begin the magical feeling that comes with Christmas. While I hate winter and the cold darkness that comes with it, Christmas time is, strangely, the light in the midst of that darkness.And because

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-46807956506198509892010-10-07T21:46:00.002-05:002010-10-07T22:01:44.532-05:00

So, I've had that lump in my throat all day at Catalyst...the kind that could easily turn into weeping if I were alone, and the kind that only remains a lump through which no words can escape and only a few tears make their way out of my eyes. The Spirit is moving. I'm moved. Where? How? I'm still not even sure.After hearing a bit about narcissism a little today, I relate in this very moment

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-70514389267366277802010-09-14T19:40:00.002-05:002010-09-14T19:50:52.234-05:00

So...I'm really terrible at writing lately, but I do need to share this.There are 13 days left to buy tickets for an upcoming event that is very near & dear to my heart for a ministry that is very near & dear to my heart: The Scarlet Hope Gala - An Evening of Hope.On Friday, Oct. 1st, we're having a formal night at The Grand theater in downtown New Albany, IN that will include dinner, a silent

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-47046002512056238922010-08-17T09:08:00.001-05:002010-08-17T09:09:24.534-05:00

Congrats to Sheri for winning the copy of Bittersweet!!! I drew your name first! :)For the rest of you, if I had more $$, I'd buy you all a copy and send you one as well!!!

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-30436585807896223862010-08-03T20:25:00.012-05:002010-08-04T16:29:06.064-05:00

I have a deep, deep love for Ghirardelli’s dark chocolate squares with caramel. There’s something about that little square (much too small, if you ask me) that brings bliss to the very moment I’m inhaling it…each bite cracking the outer shell until the sweet caramel comes oozing out the edges. In that instant dark chocolate meets caramel, and bitter meets sweet. Shauna Niequist's newest

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-3244175710002704352010-06-11T17:36:00.003-05:002010-06-11T17:56:45.864-05:00

I've got a lot of things on my mind lately concerning the Holy Spirit, especially after reading Frances Chan's book Forgotten God. But I'm not even sure where I'd begin sharing some of that, so I'm going somewhere else with this post...because I feel like the Spirit's leading that way anyway, and it's heavy on my heart. Some of you know I've been serving with a ministry here in Louisville

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-69720489265091196902010-05-11T23:25:00.004-05:002010-05-11T23:52:19.490-05:00

I'm spending this week on a team retreat in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN with the rest of the student ministry team at Southeast. Above is our view from the cabin. It's pretty incredible having meetings overlooking that! We're planning, brainstorming, vision-casting, dreaming, scheduling, laughing, resting, and renewing. It's much needed for everyone on this trip (there are 16 of us).While I'd

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-64788195192944192942010-04-01T15:43:00.002-05:002010-04-01T15:47:36.391-05:00

"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." -Martin LutherThis makes me happy.And not only happy, but joyful.I pray we won't get lost in Easter eggs and baskets this year but that we'll keep the newness of life in Christ and His life in us alive. (Also, I realize I haven't written much in a long time, nor do I write very often lately.

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-25316764095813007352010-03-02T19:29:00.004-06:002010-03-02T19:50:24.301-06:00

I've been moved by the Psalms these days. As a lover of songs and words and music, the Psalms have always been my favorite. But it's like I just rediscovered their beauty again recently. My church, Sojourn, has been going through the Old Testament for over a year, and they just finished up with the Psalms. Sunday morning I had some extra time before the 11:15 service (a rarity, this is,

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-59827035772416321792010-02-10T19:48:00.004-06:002010-02-10T20:27:18.234-06:00

I had to stop reading and get these words out in front of me.I just started to read Donald Miller's A Million Miles in a Thousand Years a few days ago, and I'm already halfway through it. If I'd really wanted to, I could have finished it by now. I just like to read a little more slowly, almost as if to savor the words, when I really like a book. His words are an easy read, and mostly because

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-3262622354150743612010-01-13T21:41:00.006-06:002010-01-13T22:08:48.040-06:00

So hard to believe I took this photo almost 7 years ago of the Presidential Palace in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and today it looks like this:I'm not even completely sure what to pray today after seeing these pictures, but if it's not very real to you, these pictures will make it that way. I just keep thinking about how shameful it is for us as Americans, as Christians, as humans to overlook great

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-26727804486654553482010-01-02T16:16:00.006-06:002010-01-03T21:47:12.836-06:00

"For last year's words belong to last year's language And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." ~T.S. Eliot(via Christine's blog...loved the quote so much I had to use it!)There are a million things I want to do in 2010. Projects I want to start and finish, accomplishments I'd like to make, relationships I want to build upon, decisions I hope to make

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-1767840943757464152009-12-02T18:20:00.003-06:002009-12-03T09:49:28.934-06:00

This is one of the simplest, most beautiful songs I've heard in a long time. I need to hear songs like these more often. I need these words. I need to hear the still, soft voice of the Lord singing through an audible voice like Audrey Assad's. Songs like this stop me in my tracks, force me to forget my distractions, and grab onto my heart until I'm completely consumed with their

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-33145004583304606432009-11-11T19:48:00.003-06:002009-11-11T19:51:50.899-06:00

Just a promise of things to come...I am alive. I will write again. Someday soon...

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-61604128492285809002009-10-13T18:59:00.007-05:002009-10-13T20:07:45.193-05:00

If I've learned anything about myself lately it's that my heart is growing more passionate for the people who might never step inside the doors of the church. I'm quickly and easily frustrated by Christians and churches who simply develop and maintain programming or products that aren't reaching outward. I realize there are organizations and ministries that are needed to encourage and edify

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-16363669179320248232009-10-06T11:09:00.003-05:002009-10-06T11:19:55.534-05:00

thinking: It has been way too long since I've written anything on here...and that no one probably reads it anymore!smelling: Germ-X on my hands...the smell of which reminds me of being in Romania...eating: leftover chicken & noodles, fresh raspberriesdrinking: the tropical citrus Vitamin Water, but disappointed in myself for accidentally buying the 10 calorie kind...I hate the aftertaste of the

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-6272477591745868102009-09-01T19:45:00.003-05:002009-09-01T20:07:55.013-05:00

Well, I've realized that every time I turn on my oven in this apartment, the smoke detectors are going to go off. That doesn't inspire me much to cook or bake at home, but I like baking too much to let that keep me from making things, so I took the batteries out. :) Don't worry, I'll put them back in when the oven is off. Trust me, my dad was a fireman, so I wouldn't leave them out.Since I'm

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-18511384497123360232009-08-30T13:14:00.005-05:002009-08-30T13:29:27.304-05:00

It's absolutely gorgeous outside today, so I'm sitting on my back patio in my lonely pink lawnchair looking at my backyard. Just thought you should see it too. :) Unfortunately, my sister took these pics when the pretty flowers were fresh and new in the baskets, but either the sunshine, the flood, or my lack of green thumb kind of destroyed them. Slowly a few of them are coming back, but I'm

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-83729913883676218152009-08-17T21:07:00.003-05:002009-08-17T21:16:34.196-05:00

In the midst of scarfing down buttery, salty popcorn, which is all that is opposite of gourmet cooking, I just watched Julie & Julia with one of my best friends. And I am thoroughly inspired to cook and bake from all those cookbooks still sitting in a box in my apartment yet to be unpacked. I just need to find a place for them...It's been awhile since I've actually tried a new recipe or even

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-55914610556622262622009-08-08T22:14:00.002-05:002009-08-08T22:26:32.723-05:00

I have a whole lot I really want/need to write about, but my couch is calling my name tonight. I took a killer hard hip hop class today that's going to make me sore for days. And I barely even did anything in the class, because it was mostly a bunch of flips, slides, and jumps I'm not quite daring enough to risk. Next time I'm sticking with the beginner/intermediate class for sure. I've been

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-53071159786630513682009-08-01T20:54:00.002-05:002009-08-01T21:22:43.809-05:00

In the past 2-3 months I've been overwhelmed with new things. Beginning with a new car on Memorial Day, the ball of newness just keeps on rolling. New car. Then a new cell phone, which may seem like a small thing, but when it's something you use every day, it's kind of a big change. Then the big ones...New job. New city.New apartment (with which came many other new things inside of it that

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-46325591484996008912009-07-22T09:42:00.003-05:002009-07-22T09:48:34.534-05:00

Oh, Al Gore, I hate to say it, but you were right. It is an inconvenient truth what this world is coming to. I'm not all "green" per se, but I try to be whenever it's possible. I've been trying to recycle my plastic and paper boxes whenever I can. And as I'm moving out of my apartment, I'm sure I could be recycling things a lot more. Some I'm taking downstairs to the thrift store which is

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-89804803506166970392009-07-17T08:30:00.006-05:002009-07-17T08:43:50.898-05:00

Today is International Justice Day. Bet you've never heard of that holiday, right? Join me today in the knowledge that no one should stand alone in this world--not one person, not one family, not one village, not one entire country. Life is meant to be lived in community, and where there are both joys and suffering, they are meant to be shared and carried together. There is so much suffering in

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-15454373881698952822009-07-08T19:45:00.002-05:002009-07-08T19:49:56.584-05:00

So remember how 2 days ago I updated and said that I was sad to be moving on the date one of my best friends was due to have her baby boy? Well, little baby Clark heard his aunt Mandy and his aunt Chelsea too, and God heard our prayers, and he arrived yesterday morning! :) Preston James was born to Matt & Lindsey Clark yesterday morning. He was 6 lbs. 10 oz. and 20 inches long. He and momma

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-24033867374840861782009-07-06T22:54:00.002-05:002009-07-06T23:10:56.787-05:00

Goo, I am bad at updating and writing lately! And because I've given myself exactly 5 more minutes before I'm forcing myself to close the laptop and go to bed, this will have to be short. I've had too many late nights and early mornings lately, and too many of those leave me pretty much worthless throughout the day. I need my sleep. On top of that, I ran for the first time in weeks yesterday

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-20557193006775931532009-06-22T22:44:00.003-05:002009-06-22T23:02:59.027-05:00

I'm sad for the Gosselin family. And I'm just as guilty as the next person for being interested in their personal lives, which is possibly one of the contributing factors to their failed marriage. It breaks my heart that with them, you see the effects of the media on family relationships and marriages. The media can be a good thing, but obviously in some cases it highlights the worst of people's

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-13301141444178333692009-06-17T22:52:00.002-05:002009-06-17T22:57:02.557-05:00

So after reading Shauna Niequist's blog recently about the Enneagram test, I was immediately intrigued and paid my $10 to take the online test tonight. I absolutely love personality tests and continuing to figure out more about who God made me to be, so I'm encouraging you to do the same!I'll tell you now that I'm a 4...most certainly. Then I'm a 9, 6, and 2. Go here and take the test for

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-41438584307987689262009-06-11T23:42:00.004-05:002009-06-12T00:24:37.443-05:00

I have a love for music that just might teeter on the border of crazy and obsessive. I can do just about anything I might otherwise hate if I have music in my ears. I used to hate running (in fact, I still do), but I will do it if and only if I'm listening to music. Tonight i ironed about half of my wardrobe for about 2.5 hours (which was very monotonous and annoying) only accomplished with the

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-36371579297496278442009-06-09T18:44:00.004-05:002009-06-09T19:33:25.788-05:00

It's been awhile...so I'll try to capture a bit of what's been on my mind these days. I haven't been in the writing rhythm lately, so it may be a little muddled and incoherent. Maybe, just maybe, I'll get better at sitting down to write one of these days... Do you ever just get to that point where there's so much going on that you're just overwhelmed and don't know where to begin? That's a little

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-59856081590734511832009-05-28T23:12:00.002-05:002009-05-28T23:22:54.100-05:00

I'll be honest. Somehow simultaneously I've got very little to say and yet so much to say. I'm processing a lot these days, but nothing is at the surface. I've logged into blogger several times, started to create a post, and have just sat and stared at a blank screen. I'm not sure where to begin.My heart is heavy these days, and it's burdened and weighed down by more things than I can even

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-34259061494750511832009-05-07T19:16:00.006-05:002009-05-07T19:53:14.643-05:00

One of my favorite things in the world is to watch people. It seems I write about it here often; whenever I seem to sit in a coffee shop or Panera (my current location) or the like, I end up documenting my interesting observations. Tonight for some reason, my senses are just heightened by the scenes around me and I'm enamored by the beautiful, tangled, delicate world around me.Here are some of

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-39087123784056118522009-05-04T22:41:00.002-05:002009-05-04T22:58:17.349-05:00

I know that after time, some things or people or ideas can become a bit redundant or superfluous. For example, the song "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga is quickly becoming one of these things. Another example? The swine flu. I'm tired of hearing about it. Maybe redundant or superfluous aren't the right words. Maybe just plain overkill is what I should say. It's because our society is so

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-74219005310879346102009-04-28T18:20:00.004-05:002009-04-28T18:52:57.111-05:00

"I'm baaack!"Isn't there a little girl saying that in a famous movie? Like Poltergeist? Or was it just that she said "They're heeere..." I'm not sure. Either way, I just thought of her and how my family used to say that I looked like her when I was little. I really did. Here's her picture:Now if I had a childhood picture of myself nearby, I'd scan and upload it for you, but I don't. So just take

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-46400550340073731962009-04-14T18:01:00.002-05:002009-04-14T18:05:08.441-05:00

So I didn't have a chance to write since I returned from Romania (3 days ago), and I'm heading out early tomorrow morning for family vacation to Florida. I'm not taking my computer in effort to truly vacate, otherwise I'd promise to recap and write while there. For things to read about the Romania trip, head over to http://www.lccinromania.blogspot.com I'll write more when I get back from

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-6953952071678850282009-04-01T17:42:00.003-05:002009-04-01T18:23:28.447-05:00

In the midst of about a billion things going on today and me feeling like I'm in Jesse Spano mode, I'm taking a brief pause to write. In case I haven't updated everyone, I'm leaving tomorrow on my third adventure to Oradea, Romania. I'm taking a group of 10 students + 2 friends+ me (13 of us total) to a place that has somehow become near and dear to my heart over the past 3-4 years. We leave

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-56542220308820527592009-03-24T22:49:00.002-05:002009-03-24T22:55:56.204-05:00

So, I've made my decision. (As though the world has been waiting and watching to see what I'm going to do...)I'm gonna stick with blogger. I feel as though switching to Wordpress would be a fun change, but I'd rather simplify my life and stick with blogger. I realized I could customize my header photo on here, so I might as well stay here. Thanks Christine for your one vote. :) I considered

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-31675568492594193052009-03-19T18:02:00.003-05:002009-03-19T18:20:55.525-05:00

#1: First things first, I'm writing in orange for my BFF Bruce Weber and the Illini. Let's hope they can pull off a win tonight... (By the way, did I mention I flew with Brucey a few weeks ago when I went to Florida with my mom and friends Lindsey and Chelsea? Yep. Hung out w/ him in the airport. OK, sat by him as we waited to board. OK, just sat right behind where he was and snuck cell phone

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-31183631414403358212009-03-02T21:18:00.005-06:002009-03-02T22:35:21.536-06:00

Let's just get this out of the way. Guys like Jason Mesnik are the very reason that girls like me are afraid to trust. We're afraid to be vulnerable. Oh, love.The Bachelor is probably going to be the source of a great deal of ridicule for quite some time. What happened this week was completely unexpected, though I knew something crazy was going to happen. I hate how TV producers have to do things

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-31216045162935939092009-02-16T21:49:00.003-06:002009-02-16T22:42:22.987-06:00

I'm a sucker for love stories. I love romantic comedies like the next girl, and I get caught up in shows like The Bachelor even though I try (sort of...) not to every season. And probably like most viewers, I overanalyze every relationship "the bach" has. From my observations I can clearly tell who is the best match and who is real and who is superficial...surely I am omnipotent when it comes to

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-22849273043988665102009-02-15T22:00:00.002-06:002009-02-15T22:03:51.719-06:00

So I just found out today that the Jonas Brothers have a song called "Mandy" (and it just so happened to be their first released single). That kinda made my day.

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-52663680185802346882009-02-12T20:38:00.004-06:002009-02-12T20:52:25.239-06:00

Here's a smattering of things:I'm considering switching over to Wordpress. I'm not 100% sure. But I might. Any suggestions? Opinions?I'm in Springfield (IL) right now and it just so happens to be the night of Obama's speech in honor of Lincoln's birthday. Whoops. So of course major roads get blocked off, but I ended up pulling into the parking lot of the mall just in time to sit amongst many

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-67715528766830214592009-02-09T09:19:00.003-06:002009-02-09T09:40:54.418-06:00

Did anyone besides me watch the Grammy’s last night? This may be a bold statement, but I think last night was possibly the BEST night of Grammy performances I’ve ever seen.For starters, the collaborations were INCREDIBLE!!!Justin Timberlake & Al Green? Come on, can it get any better? and then JT again with T.I. - any double dose of JT performances I can get, I'll take...Miley Cyrus & Taylor

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-43669161709833579212009-02-04T19:57:00.005-06:002009-02-04T20:16:34.307-06:00

It's winter, and I'm officially lazy.Most nights I come home from work, put together some thrown-together meal (usually consisting of a salad, sandwich, or vegetable of choice & pan-seared salmon). I then proceed to my wonderful couch (on which I could pretty much live all day, minus going to the bathroom and getting up to get something to eat), to watch TV or reach the ends of the internet via

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-9642351721015875552009-02-01T18:27:00.006-06:002009-02-01T18:46:05.017-06:00

You probably know by now that I absolutely despise the cold. And I really love warm weather and beaches. And sunsets on beaches. And a good fruity drink while eating outside wearing flip-flops, a swimsuit, and a cover-up. With good friends. I got to do this last weekend in Ft. Myers, but not for very long. It was kind of a teaser vacation, because most of my week being gone seemed to be spent in

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-13075415669701571822009-01-21T22:53:00.002-06:002009-01-21T23:07:07.479-06:00

I realize I've neglected to write anything of substance for quite some time now...so I'm hoping to use my upcoming week of travel/vacation to actually "vacate" my mind and sit and write a bit. We'll see what happens. I have high hopes for reading and writing when I travel, but I always end up people-watching instead. Or playing spider solitaire. Pray that I get motivated to read or write!This

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-28658142084380673642009-01-20T13:20:00.002-06:002009-01-20T13:22:27.242-06:00

I think it's so interesting that CNN has now embraced the "power" of the facebook status. It's blowing my mind how the world is using facebook status to communicate about the inauguration, and really, about anything. More to come on this, but if you're interested in laughing as much as on election night, tune in to www.cnn.com and watch the ongoing live stream that shows a parallel facebook

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-72135126748344179612009-01-20T08:38:00.001-06:002009-01-20T08:40:52.105-06:00

If you remember, I posted a list after the election results of all of the ridiculous facebook statuses that I saw. I considered doing it again, but I think MSN.com captured it well enough by allowing America to share their thoughts in a 20-word-or-less thought on their homepage. I've been watching it for 5 minutes and I'm already entertained and intrigued.

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-46709309483461444172009-01-09T17:24:00.005-06:002009-01-09T17:32:11.813-06:00

I really like this song, and while posting the lyrics to a song is kind of a cop-out post, I really don't have much to say...except that Rosi Golan's voice is beautiful, and so is this song. You can listen to it here. Been A Long DayIts been a long day and all I’ve got to say is make it strongIts been a long a day and all I’ve got to say is I’ve been wrongSo take a leave of absence, tell me you’

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-1005856799526902702009-01-08T09:47:00.001-06:002009-01-08T09:52:47.548-06:00

You should go to this "website"

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-10978198070164671102009-01-06T18:12:00.003-06:002009-01-06T18:44:38.892-06:00

It's funny how a New Year comes upon us. Literally one minute--no, one second-- it's 2008 and then suddenly, it's 2009! It creeps up on you, without harm and without any room or time for slowing down and somehow along the way giving us reason to celebrate.I enjoyed the company of 2 friends of mine at a nice little piano bar on New Year's Eve as we toasted the end of 2008, which wasn't so much our

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-20347581158438067972008-12-29T16:31:00.003-06:002008-12-29T16:43:18.644-06:00

I really hate when people avoid things that need to be done, but I have to admit I'm one of those people when it comes to overwhelming projects. I am off from work this entire week, and I have a few daunting tasks that I'll eventually guilt myself into getting done. For right now, I still haven't showered for the day and I've only accomplished one load of laundry (that has yet to be transferred

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-21739357153215106482008-12-21T23:18:00.005-06:002008-12-21T23:49:31.402-06:00

A lot can happen in 2 years.People grow up. People change. Some might fall in love and get married within 2 years. Some have babies (or maybe two) in 2 years. And sometimes things don't seem to have changed much even though they have. Just today in the backseat of the car, my 5-year-old niece Maddy asked me, "Do you miss Papa?" out of the blue. We weren't talking about him, nor did we see any

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-66606105346743846092008-12-18T17:15:00.004-06:002008-12-18T18:23:04.784-06:00

It's been awhile since I've made one of these lovely little dangling participle lists, so here's what I'm up to:Eating--Vienna Finger cookies and leftover chili from last night. And some fresh walnuts...Reading/Finishing--a great little novel by Laura Dave called London is the Best City in America Listening--just downloaded today the album Advent Songs by Sojourn (my favorite church in Louisville

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-25687018127528297212008-12-10T23:53:00.002-06:002008-12-11T00:27:29.982-06:00

A few weeks ago I was reading through Hosea, and for some reason kept reverting back to the same verse over and over again. Hosea 10:12 reads:Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.I had memorized it, repeated it to myself, planned on doing a devotion

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-70689615529227405412008-12-02T23:21:00.002-06:002008-12-02T23:42:50.424-06:00

I really love my Christmas tree. In fact, for the past 2 nights I've slept on my couch (not that I don't already love to for the fact that it's so incredibly comfy!) just so I can lay and look at the pretty lights and ornaments sparkling in the corner. There's just something about having a Christmas tree in my living room that makes it so much more comfortable, takes me back to my childhood and

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-85570443113874890352008-12-01T16:32:00.003-06:002008-12-01T16:43:30.160-06:00

If you haven't read my post from last week, you might be wondering what I'm talking about when I say "I need Africa more than Africa needs me." So read on, and check out the Mocha Club website to find out more as well. They are launching a campaign to help move our hearts "from pity to partnership" with Africa. Check out their page for more info on this new campaign launch!I NEED AFRICA MORE THAN

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-89050729896610462102008-11-24T15:15:00.003-06:002008-11-24T16:41:44.502-06:00

I was asked by the Mocha Club to write about why "I need Africa more than Africa needs me." If you aren't familiar with it, Mocha Club is a community-based website where members can start a team and invite friends to join them in giving $7 a month – the cost of 2 mochas – to support a project in Africa. Mocha Club's vision is to provide a way for people who don't have hundreds or thousands of

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-82520991374057505322008-11-23T22:52:00.002-06:002008-11-23T23:00:06.832-06:00

I am still here, despite what little writing I've done lately. I've been in Tulsa this weekend for the National Missionary Convention, and I really should have worked on compiling a list of all of the crazy Christians that were there. I have been to enough conventions like this and the North American Christian Convention to be able to say that some Christians are just strange, weird, socially

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-34423721286192464342008-11-11T20:19:00.004-06:002008-11-13T16:12:48.968-06:00

I now have brown hair. :) I'll post some pictures someday soon. I'm exhausted. After several days of being very "on-the-go" I'm ready to just chillax on my couch and watch TV that doesn't involve thinking. Did you know that Chapstick was made of animal carcasses? Yeah...I just found that out. Pretty sure I'll be altering what I put on my lips from now on...In a quick trip to Louisville for a

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-79815094531781609552008-11-05T21:23:00.003-06:002008-11-13T16:13:28.561-06:00

I apologize for the mental whiplash, but this is not at all humorous like the previous post. After finding this on Kate's blog tonight and reading journal entries from complete strangers on the other side of the country, I'm sitting here crying my eyes out. Please take just a moment to plead with God on behalf of a little 3 year old boy named Ben and his mom and dad in Seattle, WA. I realize I

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-20170154332333943192008-11-05T18:07:00.002-06:002008-11-05T18:27:07.199-06:00

Well, well, well...Friends, we have certainly witnessed history with this election, but my favorite part has been the ridiculous response that many have made public via facebook. If you're not familiar, facebook allows everyone to have a "status." Your status might be what you're doing, what you're eating, some random song lyric, where you are, something really emo to make people feel bad for

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-18241704881977150952008-11-04T17:14:00.007-06:002008-11-04T17:48:44.412-06:00

I'm trying my best to avoid so much talk about the election, because I'm just ready for it to be over. But I can't completely leave it alone. I am not 100% apathetic. I do care. But in reality, it all comes down to this: No matter who wins, we ought to respect our nation's leader. I'm not sure what happened to good old fashioned respect and submission to leadership. I guess democracy. And rights.

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-17942473120249368812008-10-29T18:03:00.004-05:002008-10-29T18:35:03.915-05:00

I love being an anonymous observer.I'm used to doing a lot of things by myself, which can become boring after awhile, so I've grown accustomed to a great deal of people-watching. And it takes no genius to figure out that in general, people are weird. But then again, so am I. There is no normal. And if there was, it would certainly be boring...wouldn't it?I remember every winter when I was little

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-55393123061308447852008-10-25T13:16:00.004-05:002008-10-25T13:49:58.489-05:00

Above is one of the 4 entrances to my building. I love my apartment in Lincoln. I live above what used to be a coffee shop, but it has since closed and been turned into a thrift store. And since I've been meaning to post pictures of my wonderful new couch, I thought I'd share a few others from the place I call "home."My apartment building is obviously an older building that has been renovated by

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-69514743990147351682008-10-24T10:51:00.004-05:002008-10-24T11:33:16.200-05:00

I enjoy listening to the podcasted sermons from Southland Christian Church in Lexington, KY. For some reason, the preaching of Jon Weece seems to communicate to me in a way that few other preachers can, and since I can't make a 6 hour commute to Lexington weekly for church, I subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. This morning I listened to the last sermon in a series called "One Month to Live" and

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-49323593382021346672008-10-17T17:30:00.002-05:002008-10-17T17:41:30.660-05:00

I'm trying to embrace fall this year. I'm getting better.I'm learning to appreciate the colors of the leaves more and more every day. I just wish it would last longer before this season leads to freezing cold. The cold weather makes my soul feel cold. I'm making my dad's chili today, which of course makes me think of him and miss him. And as it grows chillier and chillier outside, it leads

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-78297987435598005222008-10-13T22:59:00.004-05:002008-10-14T00:14:55.480-05:00

God had specific requirements for how the Tabernacle was to be built. Down to the last details: measurements, colors, arrangements, decorative adornments... God was a builder. He IS a builder, I should say. And He wants things done just the right way.Take, for example, Exodus 26:3-6:Join five of the curtains together, and do the same with the other five. Make loops of blue material along the

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-89433608361852490192008-10-12T00:56:00.003-05:002008-10-12T01:09:51.096-05:00

Warning: this post has no life-alteringly-meaningful content whatsoever. I have a confession to make...I'm slightly addicted to watching One Tree Hill.I got hooked at the end of last season (season 5?) and have been watching since then, but because I never watched the first 5 seasons I'm just now catching up. I just finished the last disc of Season 2 tonight. I even found myself crying when

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-65133027925621069752008-10-05T01:25:00.002-05:002008-10-05T01:52:57.678-05:00

Have any of you ever paid $15 to get into a venue with your friends where you spent the entire evening taking pictures of yourselves in varying combinations of people whilst some singer, to whom you're paying no attention, is playing and singing his/her heart out on stage? yeah, me neither.But every time I go to a Matt Wertz concert, I seem to be a magnet for all of the college students who came

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-86787119295392863282008-09-30T22:29:00.003-05:002008-09-30T23:06:31.695-05:00

As I'm digging through cutouts of magazines, photographs, and little snippets of things trying to find what truly inspires me and qualifies for inclusion on my fun little project--my inspiration board (see post below). It's appropriate, for multiple reasons, that I mention the book Cold Tangerines as one of the deserving things that have inspired me. Or maybe the author, Shauna Niequist, herself

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-58916664719235870022008-09-27T18:21:00.003-05:002008-09-27T18:47:24.754-05:00

A few of my friends and I have a group blog that we use to share thoughts with each other and no one else, and one of my friends mentioned something that came about on the Oprah episode where she hosted author of Eat, Pray, Love, Liz Gilbert. They talked about making "hopes and dreams" boards--creative collages of things that inspire, invoke happiness, and resonate with you. My best friend Amanda

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-66439858815954362372008-09-24T17:05:00.002-05:002008-09-24T17:07:14.851-05:00

So, I've decided that my blog needed an update. After looking through tons of backgrounds and such, I decided most are way too busy and chose this one. I hope you like it! Let me know how it looks...I always need second and third and fourth opinions on things.

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-25386537278983663342008-09-22T23:40:00.002-05:002008-09-22T23:43:10.615-05:00

This is coming right out of left field...but I just have to ask.Is anyone with me in thinking that in Rihanna's song "Disturbia" it sounds like she's saying "Disturbula?" (And these are the ridiculous thoughts that keep me up at night...)

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-82852096775821707052008-09-22T20:53:00.002-05:002008-09-22T21:11:15.540-05:00

Every year on my birthday, I say "This is going to be the year." I've noticed that I actually say this each birthday as well as when the New Year begins. Yesterday (the 21st) was my birthday, and once again I've decided that this year will be the year. The year for what? I'm not sure. But it's going to be a good year, I've decided.I said farewell to being 25, and ironically, to summer. My

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-64378534339421336692008-09-19T11:20:00.002-05:002008-09-19T11:24:50.441-05:00

OH yes, my friends...this is for real. Please watch. You will be entertained.http://www.theway.org/Current/Mar07/Mar07Flash4.htm

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-27897546344906350532008-09-14T22:33:00.008-05:002008-09-14T23:20:55.270-05:00

Today. In Louisville. Right now about 230,000 people in Louisville are without power, and it's the strangest thing to drive through a city you're only semi-familiar with when stoplights and streetlights are not working. And then when you try to turn down a street but can't because there's a massive uprooted tree in the way, it gets just a little confusing. And we're still without power right now,

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-81466419579318145132008-09-11T15:39:00.004-05:002008-09-11T16:02:41.232-05:00

I just remembered the old Garbage song (circa 1995), "I'm only happy when it rains..."I'm so not happy when it rains. Unless I have nowhere to be except curled up on my couch in sweatpants, a hoody, and with good movies and ice cream and popcorn. And I'm so not a fan of the end of summer. (I'm also so sounding like a valley girl today with the way I'm writing...) I go through this, write about

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-8271539321949514042008-08-30T17:00:00.005-05:002008-08-30T17:35:21.188-05:00

I have to share this absolutely adorable video my mom recorded on her camera of me and Evan laughing. He was hitting me with the couch cushion and I'd get him back, and he obviously thought it was the funniest thing ever. And sorry it's sideways...couldn't figure out how to rotate it. :( Just tilt your head. It'll be funny. And people will laugh at you. :)

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-85397468859519968382008-08-25T18:32:00.002-05:002008-08-25T18:49:31.984-05:00

OK, so it's not quite a miracle, but let me tell you a story...About 3 months ago, while I was at work, I received a text message from my favorite (and only) brother-in-law David, who was running the show at their garage sale and trying to clear his house of all of the unnecessary things. I had been keeping my bike at their house for quite some time, and I hadn't used it in a really long time.

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-57611097657821551772008-08-16T00:21:00.003-05:002008-08-16T00:43:33.633-05:00

Since my adorable nephew has suddenly awakened from his sleep and is chattering in his crib keeping me awake, I figured I'd spout out some random information.1. I think I kind of like the Jonas Brothers. I hate to admit it. But there. I said it.2. I miss the beach. But this week's weather in Illinois has been amazing. Like, Southern California amazing. Can we please keep it?3. I can feel

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-19798072717889278722008-08-14T08:38:00.004-05:002008-08-14T08:45:59.384-05:00

I couldn't seem to get all of the pictures uploaded yesterday, so here are some more. All of them are on my facebook, but obviously not everyone has access to that. So here are some more :)And by the way, this one below cracks me up. My mom and I watched this pelican walking around in the water forever, and I couldn't figure out how he was doing it, so I called him the Jesus pelican.

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-77469556191664860672008-08-13T16:40:00.005-05:002008-08-13T16:51:32.970-05:00

I only put a few pics in the post below from Florida, so here are a few more just in case you want to revel in the beauty that is the ocean with me some more. :)

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-44779133426754539852008-08-11T20:10:00.005-05:002008-08-11T21:45:26.109-05:00

Well, I'm back from Florida and feeling quite relaxed and tan. My mom and I went to New Smyrna Beach (just south of Daytona) to stay at a condo that belongs to some close family friends of ours. We had about 5 days to do absolutely nothing but lay by the pool, go to the beach, watch the colors of the sky change over the water, climb 203 steps to the top of a lighthouse, read and listen to

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-44907320767127418942008-08-01T15:29:00.003-05:002008-08-01T15:57:11.273-05:00

I'm going to start by referring back to this blog from 2006 when I wrote about a trip to Carbondale, IL to visit our LCC camp team at a Christ In Youth Conference at Southern Illinois University. I just got back last night from visiting there again, and I realized last week that this is the 12th year I have been to CIY in Carbondale. Yes, 12 years. That makes me feel really old.I have a lot of

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-58125271683367485462008-07-16T16:37:00.003-05:002008-07-16T17:08:51.613-05:00

I'm borrowing a copy of a friend's book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I haven't made it very far in yet. What I have read, as of now, has been magical. She has an incredible ability to make you laugh in the midst of words that make you feel the depth of her emotions, dark or light as her life may be at that moment in time. If you have no idea what the book is about, it's her

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-91707614573319737172008-07-08T10:08:00.005-05:002008-07-08T10:57:48.382-05:00

This weekend we semi-surprised my best friend Amanda with tickets to see John Mayer in Indianapolis as a part of her bachelorette party weekend, and it was an absolute blast. First of all, the Verizon Wireless Music Center in Noblesville is a great venue. Loved having lawn tickets, laying on a blanket, and feeling much freer than in the seating area. Besides, John himself gave the lawn area props

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6212730.post-27033655331150248852008-06-30T16:13:00.005-05:002008-07-03T00:40:47.647-05:00

So, to share some crazy, funny, or fun sights or things from Hollywood... here is some of what I saw:Guy walking out of a Rite-Aid on a Sunday morning in a hospital gown complete with booties, pants, gown tied in the back, and bracelet. Not sure where he escaped from, but apparently he needed something at Rite-Aid...Jose Canseco came in to eat @ Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood with his brother

Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928499787047289929noreply@blogger.com1