thursday thanks: the thanksgiving edition

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. This hasn't always been the case, but something shifted after I went off to college. Yesterday wasn't anything extraordinary, but it was good.
I gave thanks for:

Mashed potatoes
Trash (it's the fabulous version of Chex mix that my mom makes)
Sister Schubert's rolls (they are in the freezer section..check them out!!!)
Football
Throwing the football with Dad and Matthew ( i must say that my spirals were especially good--ha)
Getting to spend time with Matthew before he heads off to India for a few months
Crafting with my Mom
Getting a Silpat for my baking (thanks Mom!)
Good running weather
The official beginning of the Christmas season....


...and that's just one day! I am one blessed gal...my cup runneth over (:

periodicals

I love magazines. Always have. If there is a good selection of them at a doctor's office, I don't even mind the wait. When I was in jr. high/high school and went to the central library to gather info. for school papers, I would spend most of my time reading back issues of 'People' instead. As much as I would love to subscribe to several at a time, I now only get two: Runner's World and Cottage Living.

Yesterday, something changed. 'Glamour' magazine magically appeared in my mailbox with my name on it. There was Keira Knightley looking right back at me. Then today, it was Nicole Kidman on next's month 'Glamour' cover. What?!?!? I have never bought this magazine, much less subscribed. This same thing happened last year when I got US Weekly for about 6 months for free. I constantly checked to make sure I wasn't being charged, but I could not figure it out why I was getting them for the life of me. I am not complaining...just puzzled (:

Is anyone else having this issue???

too good not to share

I struggle with this, I do. But this quote really hit home with me tonight in the midst of a little 'pity party'.

"Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing. The reason self-pity does not look like pride is that it appears to be needy. But the need arises from a wounded ego, and the desire of the self-pitying is not really for others to see them as helpless, but as the hero. The need self-pity feels does not come from a sense of unworthiness, but from a sense of unrecognized worthiness. It is the response of unapplauded pride." ~ John Piper

next to godliness

Well, over the last year or so, I've experimented with different household cleaners. I've tried making my own detergent, sprays, and soaps. I guess I got kind of freaked out about all of the chemicals floating around, so I thought it would be easier to start getting into these habits now so I'd be ready if kids when kids come into the picture. We wouldn't want their little mouths and bodies to be ingesting chemicals, now would we?

I love this little spray cleaner...it is fantastic! I checked this book out from the library last spring and put this little concoction together. It smells so great and costs pennies. Oh, and the peppermint soap is so refreshing--you can even use it for an invigorating body wash.

Peppermint All-Purpose Spray
2 cups warm water
2 T of Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Magic Soap (you can even find this at kroger's or a health food store)
2 T of white vinegar
4 drops of orange oil
4 drops of patchouli oil

My next favorite thing is vinegar. If you pour a little white vinegar into your washer with your detergent, it makes for an awesome fabric softener. And no, you don't smell like salad dressing...the smell isn't noticeable at all. But, you will notice the softness of your clothes.

For dishwasher/dishsoap, I just use Seventh Generation products. I have been pleased with the results. What finally made me switch was thinking about those chemicals going onto the plates/silverware/cups that I eat/drink with. Kind of scary, huh?

Now, I'm not one of those "green" fanatics. However, I do think that's important to be mindful of all of the unnatural stuff in our midst. All of those chemicals can't be all that good. Ok...now go make some of that spray--you won't be sorry!!!

music that gets me in the mood....

...for Christmas, that is (:

With the holidays approaching, I can't help but think about some of my favorite Christmas music. So, here they are in no particular order.

1. Amy Grant
I love "Tennessee Christmas" and the later release, "Home for Christmas". Both are great and hold so many special memories. Does anyone else remember the Amy Grant Christmas specials on TV?!?!?! One year, she had 98 Degrees on there....way before the days of 'Newlyweds' (:

2. The Carpenters
The life of Karen Carpenter ended so tragically. However, my family LOVES The Carpenters "Christmas Portrait" CD. It is ah-mazing!! I always felt a connection with Karen because she has such a rich, alto voice. Oh, it's just awesome and a true classic...check it out!

3. Steve Tyrell
Ok. I first heard Steve's version of "The Way You look Tonight" on 'Father of the Bride'. But, it wasn't until I was on a college field trip to a Civil War battle field in Arkansas (yes, you read that correctly) that I heard Steve's stuff for the first time. Now, the CD "A New Standard" is not Christmas music. BUT---I have always dreamed of dancing with that 'special someone' around the Christmas tree while listening to these old, classic songs.

So, those are some of my favorites...please feel free to share some of yours!!!

thursday thanks

This edition of 'thursday thanks' is going to be pertaining to Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving...it's my favorite holiday by far. So, here are three things that I love about the fourth thursday in November (:

1. Fried Turkey
Well, I'm a little bummed because my dad told me the other day that peanut oil was about $50 a vat. So, we're not having the fried turkey this year. I am sad about it but am hopeful that Dad will be back with the fryer next year in all of his glory.

2. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
I love this movie and I love watching it with my family. Yes, it is irreverent at times. But, we always watch the edited version. No one can deny how utterly hilarious this movie is. Not even my sweet little mom who shakes her head at us when we watch it but laughs through the whole thing (:

3. Family
What can I say...I love my immediate family! My Dad is so incredibly witty that it brings it out in the rest of us. And my sweet, amazing little brother will be home before he heads out to India for the next 2.5 months. And my mom. She is such a wonderful example of a gody wife who loves to serve her family. I love how whenever she emails me, she signs it "love you forever, Mom". What a great family I have!!

p.s. I am also thankful that my friend, Emily, started a blog. She is a dear friend from high school and has 4 adorable children. I want to be just like her when i grow up (:

alley etiquette

Until I bought my house, I had never driven in an alley. Now, it is a daily part of my life. I have lately encountered a little bit of a problem: who yields to whom in an alley??!?!?! Because I am scared of confrontation and want to please everyone (read: pushover), I do all of the yielding when another car is coming at me.

So here are some questions that I would love some feedback on...
1. Is there a right or wrong side to enter an alley?
2. Is there a rule about who should pull aside when two cars are driving in opposing directions?
3. What is an acceptable speed limit for alley driving?

Yes, this a riveting topic. I promise to bring you something a little better tomorrow (:

say what?!?!?!?

Dear Random Expectant Mother from the Tom Thumb parking lot,

When I left my humble abode to head to the grocery store, I was on a mission: to get a South Beach Diet Pizza and ranch dressing. I had no malicious intentions on prohibiting you from 'pulling through' into a parking space. I simply chose a space that was available and somewhat near the entrance. It was purely coincedental that you also chose a space that was directly across from mine. Although I am sure that being a working, pregnant lady is exhausting, I don't think that yelling at me in a public parking lot was necessary. As you pointed out, I am sure that it is difficult to back up in a Suburban, hence your desire to 'pull through'. And yes, I do drive a "tiny little clown car" so I cannot fully relate to the challenges that you face in that area (but thank goodness for car mirrors). And no, as you also pointed out, I am not familiar with the ins and outs of pregnancy. However, I would like to remind you that Tom Thumb even has special spots designated especially for you expectant mothers.
Thank you for attempting to publicly embarrass me at my neighborhood store tonight. You might enjoy knowing that I enjoyed every bite of my pizza tonight despite said 'incident'.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Shuler

even though i strongly dislike birds...

....i thought that this layout was too cute and fun for Thanksgiving. Maybe birds are okay with me if they are just in cartoon form (:

thursday thanks

This will be short and sweet...I am super tired and it's only 8:30. However, that seems to be the norm these days!

1. Coffee
I never understood how glorious coffee was until I went off to college. It was there that I slowly developed my love for it. I started out with Big Trains at Nordaggio's. Gradually, I worked my way up to lattes and now, I like plain ol' coffee with just a itty bit of cream. I love starting my day off with a nice, hot cup.

2. Rebekah
Rebekah is one of those friends who I haven't seen in 4 years, but I still feel so close to her nonetheless. Whenever we chat on the phone, we don't miss a beat. She's married now and lives in Australia. It is my goal to visit her in Townsville someday. I really, really miss her and she's one of the funniest people I know. Here is a picture of our last weekend together (she's the one right next to me)

Love you friend.

3. Marco
I love this little guy. He's so loving, snuggly, and faithful. We've been together for almost 4 years and while he still has some bad and/or annoying habits, he is the greatest little dog I could have ever asked for. You can read more about our love story here. Te amo, mijo.

ice, ice baby

If you were looking forward to a post dedicated to Robert van Winkle, aka "Vanilla Ice", then I am sorry to disappoint. Instead, this is a post dedicated to all things Iceland.

What do you think of when someone mentions Iceland???

Do you think of Bjork...and this infamous dress????


Do you think of how the country is going bankrupt???
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/09/business/icebank.php


Or do you think of really nothing at all????


Well, let me tell you about my favorite Icelandic thing: Sigur Ros.


I first heard this group about 3 years ago and liked it just fine but was in a different musical "phase" of my life. Lately, I have rediscovered these musicians from Iceland and it's all want to play on my iPod to and from work. Some of my favorites are 'Glosoli', 'Andvari', and 'Fljotavik'. It's a little different...but check it out (:

new obsession

Yogurt has always been a favorite of mine. And, it's healthy to boot! This summer, Hollie O. introduced me to plain nonfat frozen yogurt. I was skeptical of the 'tang', but it is so good when you mix it with fruit and granola. After trying it at Bliss with Hollie, I hadn't had a chance to eat it again. But, after the Mud Run, I swung by and got some yogurt goodness. Then today, I braved the rain and the fog to try out a new place right by my house called Yogurteria. It was so great too! The only problem is that it's on the way home from my gym. Hmmm...this doesn't really help the aformentioned six pack that I'm aspiring to have.

weekend update

Happy Monday! I don't really have that much to write about but thought I would document this past weekend. As most of you know, I like to keep things low key and rest. I was still able to do that, however, I also enjoyed hanging out with some friends.
Friday night, Hollie came over and we enjoyed some pizza, conversation about dumb boys, and perhaps an adult beverage was drunk (: It was good to catch up!

Saturday morning, I grabbed a pumpkin spice latte, drove to Hillary's apartment, and hopped in the backseat of Marty's car with Melissa. Melissa and I went to cheer on the happy couple as they did the Mud Run. Races usually inspire me and make me want to join in. Well, not this one. Those two crazy kids ran a 10k in camo pants and combat boots. AND, they had to do all of these crazy obstacles along the way. I wish I had an 'after' picture, but here is a before of Hill and her two biggest fans:

** *note to self--Must work on posture***
The weather Saturday was beautiful and I enjoyed being outside and watching the race. I was also motivated to get super-serious about diet and exercise after seeing the most incredibly flat, cut abs on one of the female winners. I work out a lot and am a fairly good eater, but I could do sooo much better. So, my new sole purpose in life is to get a six pack...ha.

The rest of the weekend was spent sleeping in, talking with my brother who won't be home for Christmas (*tear*), getting some great buys at Bath and Body, going to church, and planning out my Christmas gifts. I have decided this year to make all of my gifts. My brother laughed when I told him this and asked if I was going to be decorating orange juice cans with popsicle sticks. Very funny, Matthew. Just to clear things up, I purchased this Martha Stewart magazine that is all about Christmas crafts and can't wait to get going. Some girls from work are wanting to join in the fun and have a craft party...all of you CVMS peeps are invited ;)

Well, that's all I've got. I have decided that it is going to be a great week and I'm loving this rain right now...just hope my little hail-damaged roof can hang in there (:

Thursday Thanks

Well, tis the season to start thinking about my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. I love everything about it: the weather, the food, family, football, and reflecting on my many blessings. So, I decided that every Thursday I will blog about 3 people/events/things I am thankful for. It is so easy for me to focus on what I don't have so I want to focus on how great my life really is so I don't take anything for granted.
So, here goes!!!

1. Melissa and Hillary
These girls are so special to me. I have always had a small group of close friends at a time rather than a bunch of people I know on a surface level. Both of these girls are amazing and I look forward to our *almost* weekly meetings. These girls challenge me, make me laugh, and are completely transparent....I love you girls! JJ and Marty are lucky guys ;)

2. Running
I am so thankful for the ability to run AND that I enjoy it. I love the clarity that I get when I run. This is what keeps me going when I want to give up or am tired. Earlier in the school year, I went to a cross country meet and saw a guy there who was watching on the sidelines. He was a double amputee and was confined to his wheelchair. While he seemed to have a great attitude, I couldn't help but think that he'd probably give anything to be able to move like those kids were.

3. Fall
I just love this season. I have documented it here, here, and here.


Stay tuned for next week's edition!!!

shout out

One of the things that I have loved the most about where I work is the people that I work with. I have gone through different seasons with different coworkers and some of those relationships have fizzled out. However, this year, I have so enjoyed eating lunch with a particular group of girls. One of those gals is Tara and I have loved getting to know more about her, her life, and about her sweet baby boy, Lane. Today, I found out that she's a blogger...who knew?!?!?!
So fun (: I am so blessed to work with amazing people each day!!!

i'd rather be in stars hollow

I have spent several hours over the past seven days watching "Gilmore Girls". I have such fond memories of sitting around and enjoying this show with my mom AND my dad while I was home from college. We loved the witty repartee, unique bond between Rory and Lorelei, and the quaint little town that they lived in. So, the other day while doing loads of schoolwork, I pulled out Season One. It made grading and lesson planning on a Saturday so much better (:

This weekend, I started with Season Two and am just loving it all over again. I'm sad that the show had to end, but am grateful that it will live on forever on DVD (: