I Put Ketchup on My Ketchup
Ketchup is awesome. I could eat it on anything, and I pretty much do just that. Yesterday, two of my friends (the great Wiese Duo) gave me one of the greatest shirts ever made. It says: "I put ketchup on my ketchup." This couldn't be more true. In fact, tonight I had broccoli cheese soup. It was pretty good, but I made it amazing when I added ketchup to it.
I don't think people appreciate a good helping of ketchup sometimes. They often give weird looks when they see the delectable condiment top off things like carrots, Caesar salads or apples. Where's the fun if you can't add a little (or a whole heck of a lot of) ketchup?
I once saw Miley Cyrus on Leno's show squirt ketchup into her mouth straight from the bottle. She didn't eat very much of it, and I think I could take her if we had a ketchup contest. Maybe I should start challenging people...
I remember this one time I went to a restaurant that didn't have ketchup (Who does that??), and I learned my lesson. Therefore, I always have a handy bottle in my purse, just in case. After all, you never know when you might hit up an establishment that lacks the tomato-based goodness (even if it was a Mexican restaurant...).
I think what I am trying to say is simply that I love ketchup.
IKEA-mania
I had never been to IKEA before today, and I am currently in the market for a bookcase. One of my friends suggested I go to IKEA; they would have cheap ones there. Actually, the prices were not as awful as I thought, and I found myself somewhat intrigued by this store. Usually I hate shopping, but this trip was a little bit fun. And I even found two bookcases that I like!
There were a few things about IKEA that left me in wonder. First of all, there is an escalator to take you upstairs, but there isn't one to take you back down. You either have to take the elevator or meander down the manual stairs. I'm not sure if this is a Swedish thing, but I did find it rather peculiar.
I must also take this moment to admit that I have never been to a furniture store that also had a cafeteria. I suppose some people spend so much time in IKEA that they need to take a lunch break before they go for round two. I mean, the menu is complete with pasta and whatnot. That is pretty hardcore. Is that some sort of Scandinavian tradition? Perhaps I should research more about this place.
I hope this bookcase thing works out. And next time I take a trip to IKEA, perhaps I will not eat lunch before I go. After all, I can eat it there! When at IKEA, do as the Swedes do, I suppose.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Incomplete Beach
I am at the beach right now, and the only thing missing is my family.
I came to Florida as a leader for the middle school beach camp trip at my church. Honestly, I am so thankful to get to be a part of this trip, and I am definitely having a good time. But, I really wish my family were here right now.
Over the past few years, I have become a lot closer with my parents, and I miss the trips we used to take to the beach when I was growing up. My little sister and I used to pretend like we were in a Baywatch scene, and we would run toward each other in slow motion. I'm not going to lie—it was pretty awesome. My mom always got the biggest kick out of it. We rode waves as a family; we played family tennis matches; and we always ate at specific restaurants on certain nights (my parents don't like change much).
I hadn't been to Florida (or any beach, for that matter) since the summer before my junior year in high school (I'm now 23 years old), and it's just so weird to back here without the rest of the clan. My brother sometimes brought a friend, so my sister and I were attached at the hip while my parents spent too many hours in the sun, and Chris and his buddy did whatever it was teenage boys do at the beach (so, basically, cruise the sand and try to impress chicks). Steph and I usually spent a few hours outside, then we took our reddened bodies back to the condo and vegged out watching a movie until the others got back. It was so relaxing and so much fun. And I didn't realize how much I would miss that.
All the clichés I have always heard are now coming true, and I really am starting to appreciate little things and life and value my family more than I ever thought I would. It's odd, but it's also extremely comforting at the exact same time. I love my family more than I imagined possible, and I wish they could be with me here now, basking in the Florida sun and just having some quality Merrill fun!
I came to Florida as a leader for the middle school beach camp trip at my church. Honestly, I am so thankful to get to be a part of this trip, and I am definitely having a good time. But, I really wish my family were here right now.
Over the past few years, I have become a lot closer with my parents, and I miss the trips we used to take to the beach when I was growing up. My little sister and I used to pretend like we were in a Baywatch scene, and we would run toward each other in slow motion. I'm not going to lie—it was pretty awesome. My mom always got the biggest kick out of it. We rode waves as a family; we played family tennis matches; and we always ate at specific restaurants on certain nights (my parents don't like change much).
I hadn't been to Florida (or any beach, for that matter) since the summer before my junior year in high school (I'm now 23 years old), and it's just so weird to back here without the rest of the clan. My brother sometimes brought a friend, so my sister and I were attached at the hip while my parents spent too many hours in the sun, and Chris and his buddy did whatever it was teenage boys do at the beach (so, basically, cruise the sand and try to impress chicks). Steph and I usually spent a few hours outside, then we took our reddened bodies back to the condo and vegged out watching a movie until the others got back. It was so relaxing and so much fun. And I didn't realize how much I would miss that.
All the clichés I have always heard are now coming true, and I really am starting to appreciate little things and life and value my family more than I ever thought I would. It's odd, but it's also extremely comforting at the exact same time. I love my family more than I imagined possible, and I wish they could be with me here now, basking in the Florida sun and just having some quality Merrill fun!
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Monday Mix
It's the Eye of the Tiger
I have to start off with mentioning just how incredible Tiger Woods is. Sure, Rocco put up a great fight and definitely impressed a lot of people, but he was defeated by the best golfer this world has ever seen. I mean, did anyone really think Tiger's putt wasn't going in the hole on Sunday to send this thing into a playoff? He handles pressure better than most athletes, and it's come to the point where most people expect him to pull off these amazing feats that keep making him seem inhuman. Props to Rocco for being the everyday guy to face off against the best, and props to the master for soldiering through his knee woes to make the crowds go crazy once again.
I know there are a number of people who would have liked for the underdog to capture the win, but I think an equal or even greater amount of fans were rooting for Tiger at the same time. Even he had to chuckle at some of his outrageous shots (i.e. finding the hole from a sand trap) that were ensuing results of some rather crummy tee-off shots. At least this might make less people claim that golf is nothing but a cause for boredom. I doubt there were many yawns during this tournament that only furthered Tiger's legacy as one of the greatest athletes ever to walk this continent (and the others, for that matter).
A Lovely Weekend
On a completely different note, I had such a fun weekend. Saturday, I spent the majority of my time soaking up the sun by the pool, which felt so amazing after a long week of work! Then, for Father's Day, my parents and I took our kayaks out to the lake and had a blast. My sister is working at a camp this summer, so she couldn't be there, and my brother just didn't make it out our way, but we still had a great time. It was beyond glorious outside, and the amount of wind was just perfect for us. We only have two kayaks, so my dad decided he would rather hike some while my mom and I went out in the water. He walked to some spot in a cove, and my mom knew just where he was going, so we paddled over there to meet him. While we were waiting, my mom and I just floated and basked in the sunshine beating down on us. It felt wonderful! And my dad had fun, which was good, seeing as how it was his day and all.
Compassion
We have been discussing Jonah in my Bible group at church for the past few weeks, and yesterday we really delved in on the topic of God's mercy on those who sin against Him (so, all humans, basically). Then we started talking about how we are called to have that same compassion, and Hitler and Osama Bin Laden were brought into the equation. The question was asked as to whether or not we are to love them, and I say without a doubt that we are. I know they did horrible things, but God's words are not on a conditional basis. The Bible doesn't say: "Love your enemies, except those who are considered notorious terrorists because of their inhumane actions." No, it says: "Love your enemies." No exceptions, no conditions. God first loved us, and we are called to do the same. It can be really, really hard at times, but we aren't the ones who get to decide who gets to receive love and who doesn't. After all, God's love is unconditional. If it weren't, we would be in a bigger mess than we can even imagine. But, thanks to His grace and mercy, we have hope, and we should extend that hope to everyone (including those considered the worst humans imaginable) with as much love and compassion as He showed us.
I have to start off with mentioning just how incredible Tiger Woods is. Sure, Rocco put up a great fight and definitely impressed a lot of people, but he was defeated by the best golfer this world has ever seen. I mean, did anyone really think Tiger's putt wasn't going in the hole on Sunday to send this thing into a playoff? He handles pressure better than most athletes, and it's come to the point where most people expect him to pull off these amazing feats that keep making him seem inhuman. Props to Rocco for being the everyday guy to face off against the best, and props to the master for soldiering through his knee woes to make the crowds go crazy once again.
I know there are a number of people who would have liked for the underdog to capture the win, but I think an equal or even greater amount of fans were rooting for Tiger at the same time. Even he had to chuckle at some of his outrageous shots (i.e. finding the hole from a sand trap) that were ensuing results of some rather crummy tee-off shots. At least this might make less people claim that golf is nothing but a cause for boredom. I doubt there were many yawns during this tournament that only furthered Tiger's legacy as one of the greatest athletes ever to walk this continent (and the others, for that matter).
A Lovely Weekend
On a completely different note, I had such a fun weekend. Saturday, I spent the majority of my time soaking up the sun by the pool, which felt so amazing after a long week of work! Then, for Father's Day, my parents and I took our kayaks out to the lake and had a blast. My sister is working at a camp this summer, so she couldn't be there, and my brother just didn't make it out our way, but we still had a great time. It was beyond glorious outside, and the amount of wind was just perfect for us. We only have two kayaks, so my dad decided he would rather hike some while my mom and I went out in the water. He walked to some spot in a cove, and my mom knew just where he was going, so we paddled over there to meet him. While we were waiting, my mom and I just floated and basked in the sunshine beating down on us. It felt wonderful! And my dad had fun, which was good, seeing as how it was his day and all.
Compassion
We have been discussing Jonah in my Bible group at church for the past few weeks, and yesterday we really delved in on the topic of God's mercy on those who sin against Him (so, all humans, basically). Then we started talking about how we are called to have that same compassion, and Hitler and Osama Bin Laden were brought into the equation. The question was asked as to whether or not we are to love them, and I say without a doubt that we are. I know they did horrible things, but God's words are not on a conditional basis. The Bible doesn't say: "Love your enemies, except those who are considered notorious terrorists because of their inhumane actions." No, it says: "Love your enemies." No exceptions, no conditions. God first loved us, and we are called to do the same. It can be really, really hard at times, but we aren't the ones who get to decide who gets to receive love and who doesn't. After all, God's love is unconditional. If it weren't, we would be in a bigger mess than we can even imagine. But, thanks to His grace and mercy, we have hope, and we should extend that hope to everyone (including those considered the worst humans imaginable) with as much love and compassion as He showed us.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
My Parents Rock
I don't know if I say this enough, but I have pretty amazing parents.
Sure, I may not agree with everything they do or say, but they have always shown unconditional love to me, and I have learned a lot from them throughout my 23 years. In fact, they definitely have played a huge role in making me the person I am today (more than just genetically, of course).
When I hopped around to four different colleges in four years, my parents supported me every step of the way and helped me through the arduous process. My mom was constantly on the phone with the financial aid departments making sure that I could get the best education possible. Yes, I will be paying off some debt for the rest of my life, but at least my mom did what she could to allow me to get the smarts I needed. And never once did they tell me I needed to grow up and start fending for myself. I think this is one reason why I have become such an independent person: my parents never forced me to be, but they certainly didn't coddle me.
When I moved out after college graduation and got on my feet with my first real job. My mom made sure to call me every single day, and my dad usually did, too. And they cared about me. I know they always have, but I think sometimes it takes a little maturing to realize just how valuable your parents are. It's the thing to do to disagree with them when you are in adolescence, but you have to come to terms with reality sooner or later and face the fact that you aren't always right.
My first job ended up not working out, and I needed to move back home. I didn't ask my parents if I could do this; rather, they told me it would probably be in my best interest. They couldn't pay my rent for me, and they didn't want to see me sink in quicksand. "Come home." It's that simple. I didn't have to do anything; they just accepted me and welcomed me home with open arms.
I don't like when my mom calls too much and asks me where I have been, etc. I often flash back to a high school mentality in these moments and give her mundane answers. But I guess that's how moms and dads can be sometimes. After all, they just care. But my dad always tries to play the cool role. "Just let her be," he will tell my mom. We get along a lot better than we did when I was younger. I think we've both done a lot of growing up, and I wouldn't ask for a different dad.
My parents can't give me everything I want or need, but I know they are more than willing to try. My dad always says he wishes he could give me tons of money, but I don't need it. They've given me more than I have ever deserved. In fact, my mom brought me a Subway sandwich tonight because I had to work a triple shift at work today. I didn't ask her to do that, but she did.
I definitely don't say it enough, but I have absolutely amazing parents.
Sure, I may not agree with everything they do or say, but they have always shown unconditional love to me, and I have learned a lot from them throughout my 23 years. In fact, they definitely have played a huge role in making me the person I am today (more than just genetically, of course).
When I hopped around to four different colleges in four years, my parents supported me every step of the way and helped me through the arduous process. My mom was constantly on the phone with the financial aid departments making sure that I could get the best education possible. Yes, I will be paying off some debt for the rest of my life, but at least my mom did what she could to allow me to get the smarts I needed. And never once did they tell me I needed to grow up and start fending for myself. I think this is one reason why I have become such an independent person: my parents never forced me to be, but they certainly didn't coddle me.
When I moved out after college graduation and got on my feet with my first real job. My mom made sure to call me every single day, and my dad usually did, too. And they cared about me. I know they always have, but I think sometimes it takes a little maturing to realize just how valuable your parents are. It's the thing to do to disagree with them when you are in adolescence, but you have to come to terms with reality sooner or later and face the fact that you aren't always right.
My first job ended up not working out, and I needed to move back home. I didn't ask my parents if I could do this; rather, they told me it would probably be in my best interest. They couldn't pay my rent for me, and they didn't want to see me sink in quicksand. "Come home." It's that simple. I didn't have to do anything; they just accepted me and welcomed me home with open arms.
I don't like when my mom calls too much and asks me where I have been, etc. I often flash back to a high school mentality in these moments and give her mundane answers. But I guess that's how moms and dads can be sometimes. After all, they just care. But my dad always tries to play the cool role. "Just let her be," he will tell my mom. We get along a lot better than we did when I was younger. I think we've both done a lot of growing up, and I wouldn't ask for a different dad.
My parents can't give me everything I want or need, but I know they are more than willing to try. My dad always says he wishes he could give me tons of money, but I don't need it. They've given me more than I have ever deserved. In fact, my mom brought me a Subway sandwich tonight because I had to work a triple shift at work today. I didn't ask her to do that, but she did.
I definitely don't say it enough, but I have absolutely amazing parents.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Just Call Me Miss M
When I graduated college last year, I started working as a sports reporter for an online publication. I truly loved my job, though it was rather time consuming and pretty much became my life. So, when I found out we were going out of business, I was very disappointed, but also had a weird feeling of relief.
The only problem was that now I was going to have to move back home and find another job.
I decided I wanted to pursue teaching. I have always wanted to be a teacher and a coach, but I think I had to try the sports reporting thing first. At least now I won't ever sit back and wonder what might have been. Anyway, I started working again at the city rec center where I worked while I was in college and enrolled in a teaching certification program in hopes of being able to start teaching in the upcoming 2008 school year. But, after going to a few teacher job fairs in the area, I began to get a little discouraged. Most of the representitives there told me I was pretty much leftovers and shouldn't hear anything—if at all—until late july or early august. After all, teachers with alternative certification were like the fat kids with a nose-picking problems in dodgeball: always chosen last. What made the situation even harder was the fact that I can't teach anything but journalism in my first year, because that's what my certification field is. There aren't as many journalism openings as things like math, science, english, history...well, you get the point.
I was trying so hard to trust God and His plan in my life, but let's be honest: sometimes that is so hard to do! I started to get really frustrated adn wonder if I was ever going to be successful. I knew I was on the right path, but I felt like it might have been an endless one that never actually reached anything. Of course, I was wrong.
I got called last Friday by a school for a high school journalism teaching position, and I had my interview Monday. I went into the interview with a strange confidence and peace. I wasn't the least bit worried, even though people asked me that interviews in the education profession can sometimes be tricky. But my interview went so smoothly, and I left with an inexplicable peace, and I knew I would be fine. After all, everything was in God's hands—right where it all belonged.
The school called me Tuesday to offer me the job. I wanted to start doing cartwheels across the floor as soon as I found out! I was beyond excited! In fact, I still am! I can't wait to get started and do something about which I am so passionate.
And I cannot even put into words how thankful I am to the Lord right now. He so faithfully answered my prayers in this situation, and I am just in awe. I don't have to spend my summer stressing out about not knowing where I am going to be in the fall or what exactly I will be doing. Instead, I can continue to work and prepare for the road ahead of me.
I definitely don't deserve any of this, but I am more than willing to accept it all. I feel like I have gone a roundabout path to where I am today, but I don't think I would change a single thing. I've been able to learn so much along the way, and I think it's been a process that provided strength of character (at least I hope so).
The only problem was that now I was going to have to move back home and find another job.
I decided I wanted to pursue teaching. I have always wanted to be a teacher and a coach, but I think I had to try the sports reporting thing first. At least now I won't ever sit back and wonder what might have been. Anyway, I started working again at the city rec center where I worked while I was in college and enrolled in a teaching certification program in hopes of being able to start teaching in the upcoming 2008 school year. But, after going to a few teacher job fairs in the area, I began to get a little discouraged. Most of the representitives there told me I was pretty much leftovers and shouldn't hear anything—if at all—until late july or early august. After all, teachers with alternative certification were like the fat kids with a nose-picking problems in dodgeball: always chosen last. What made the situation even harder was the fact that I can't teach anything but journalism in my first year, because that's what my certification field is. There aren't as many journalism openings as things like math, science, english, history...well, you get the point.
I was trying so hard to trust God and His plan in my life, but let's be honest: sometimes that is so hard to do! I started to get really frustrated adn wonder if I was ever going to be successful. I knew I was on the right path, but I felt like it might have been an endless one that never actually reached anything. Of course, I was wrong.
I got called last Friday by a school for a high school journalism teaching position, and I had my interview Monday. I went into the interview with a strange confidence and peace. I wasn't the least bit worried, even though people asked me that interviews in the education profession can sometimes be tricky. But my interview went so smoothly, and I left with an inexplicable peace, and I knew I would be fine. After all, everything was in God's hands—right where it all belonged.
The school called me Tuesday to offer me the job. I wanted to start doing cartwheels across the floor as soon as I found out! I was beyond excited! In fact, I still am! I can't wait to get started and do something about which I am so passionate.
And I cannot even put into words how thankful I am to the Lord right now. He so faithfully answered my prayers in this situation, and I am just in awe. I don't have to spend my summer stressing out about not knowing where I am going to be in the fall or what exactly I will be doing. Instead, I can continue to work and prepare for the road ahead of me.
I definitely don't deserve any of this, but I am more than willing to accept it all. I feel like I have gone a roundabout path to where I am today, but I don't think I would change a single thing. I've been able to learn so much along the way, and I think it's been a process that provided strength of character (at least I hope so).
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Finals Are Here!
You know the networks are happy: Lakers vs. Celtics in the NBA Playoffs is going to get a great amount of viewer statistics.
To be honest, after the Mavs got ousted, I was hoping to see L.A. against Boston. I hate the Spurs, so I was thrilled to see them go, and Detroit is just kind of boring. Plus, the Celtics have been so pathetic in recent years that it is nice to see them on top again. Maybe this match is not as good as Magic against Bird, but Kobe against the Big Three is still pretty intriguing.
The media will clearly have a hay day with this and hype it up all week long until Game 1 on Thursday. There are so many different storylines, and I think it will be fun to see all the old clips and stories from the 1980s. ESPN Classic is going to replay those old games, and I cannot wait to watch them. I love this type of stuff!
Boston won eight of the ten series these two teams have previously played in the NBA Finals. But this 11th matchup is completely different. Kobe Bryant is clearly amazing, and now that he has some extra help with Pau Gasol, the Lakers have the potential to be dominant in the years to come. The Celtics won the only two games they played against the Lakers this season, but that was before the Gasol trade happened. So, it will be interesting to see how the things go down now.
The NBA Finals are going to be awesome this year. I am going to go with the Lakers to win it all, but that might be my Western Conference bias speaking. Regardless, I cannot wait to watch!
To be honest, after the Mavs got ousted, I was hoping to see L.A. against Boston. I hate the Spurs, so I was thrilled to see them go, and Detroit is just kind of boring. Plus, the Celtics have been so pathetic in recent years that it is nice to see them on top again. Maybe this match is not as good as Magic against Bird, but Kobe against the Big Three is still pretty intriguing.
The media will clearly have a hay day with this and hype it up all week long until Game 1 on Thursday. There are so many different storylines, and I think it will be fun to see all the old clips and stories from the 1980s. ESPN Classic is going to replay those old games, and I cannot wait to watch them. I love this type of stuff!
Boston won eight of the ten series these two teams have previously played in the NBA Finals. But this 11th matchup is completely different. Kobe Bryant is clearly amazing, and now that he has some extra help with Pau Gasol, the Lakers have the potential to be dominant in the years to come. The Celtics won the only two games they played against the Lakers this season, but that was before the Gasol trade happened. So, it will be interesting to see how the things go down now.
The NBA Finals are going to be awesome this year. I am going to go with the Lakers to win it all, but that might be my Western Conference bias speaking. Regardless, I cannot wait to watch!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)