hangin' tough

Let's go back to 1989. I was ten years old and madly in love with a special group of guys. Each was very talented and a few of them were good looking. Many were in love with Jordan and Joe, but I had eyes only for Jon. Maybe it was because no one else fancied him so I thought I had a chance. Ha!
But I digress...
I remember sneaking the NKOTB tapes into my boombox and secretly playing them in my room (only Christian music was allowed in our home). When my family moved in March of 1990, my friend Kerry Moore gave me a black T-shirt and a button with Jon's picture on it. Oh, how I loved that button.

Imagine my surprise and delight when I read this headline:

New Kids On The Block Stage Comeback

This is so exciting! Now, I don't really think that NKOTB will ever be able to match their popularity from almost 20 years ago (am I really that old?!??!?!). But, it will be fun to relive those carefree moments of my youth and maybe even dance around again to "The Right Stuff", "Step by Step", or "Hangin' Tough". Ah, those were the days... (:

Just call me Marian

All the signs were there.
-I have been reading since I was three or four years old.
-I was in the highest reading group in 1st grade with only one person, my best friend Susan. We called ourselves the "Strawberries".
-I would get giddy during book fair week.
-I would count down the days until the newest edition of "Babysitters Club" was released and then devour the book in a hour. Then, I would read it again.
-My favorite part of 8th grade was doing my first big research paper, complete with notecards.
-I loved going to the public library to do research and looking up archived articles on microfiche (I probably just lost half of my readers who have no idea what that is)
-I recently bought a new pair of glasses.

So, I have decided that I want to become a librarian. I have toyed with this idea for the past 4 years but am finally ready to do something about it. I am just not happy in the classroom anymore and want to work my way out of there. As a librarian, I can come in each day, make a list, check things off of it, and go home. No lesson planning. No grading. No discipline issues. NO PARENTS BREATHING DOWN MY NECK!!!!

I am starting to study for the GRE and am working on applying for the Masters of Library Science program at either the University of North Texas or TWU. That means that I hopefully only have two more years of teaching. Yea! I am not 100% positive that spending everyday with the Dewey Decimal System is my ultimate career, but I am a firm believer in moving. I realized back in college that the Lord does not always give us details, but rather he wants us to pursue something and do it for his glory.

get smarter and feed some peeps

I have decided to go to grad school, which deserves a post of its own. But before I can pursue that new goal, I must take the GRE. A teacher I work with just took the test a couple of months ago and passed on this website to me as a study tool: http://freerice.com/
This site gives you a vocabulary word with 4 choices. If you answer correctly, the site donates rice to a country in need. You can do as many words as you want and you might even learn some new words.

Meet Henry

This is my new bff, Henry.



Henry's friendship has been life changing. We have been spending a lot of time together lately and he has made me a guarantee about the next six months of my life. I will report back in a few months to let you know if Henry does, in fact, deliver on his promises. If you would like to meet Henry, just let me know and I will gladly make the introduction (:

Faithful

I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”
Mark Twain


Christmas break is supposed to be a time of refreshment and rest. While my body got a break from the day-to-day routine of work, my spirit was not at rest. I was eaten up with worry over a situation at school that I would have to deal with upon my return. I played the possible scenarios over and over in my head. I had visions of the worst-possible outcome wrecking my life and career.
Today as I drove to work, I was peaceful. Knowing that I had done everything to the best of my ability was all I had left to lean on.
The funny thing about all the worrying is that I didn't even have to go to this dreaded meeting. It was a scheduling error and another teacher was slotted to take my place. I emailed my mom to update her on the new development and she said, "Never underestimate the power of prayer". How often I pray without little belief that God will really move in a situation. But in this situation, I was reminded that He is faithful to listen to our pleas.

Here is another song that I am loving by Brooke Fraser. Her album is really incredible and I can't get enough.

"Faithful"
There's distance in the air and I cannot make it leave
i wave my arms' round about me and blow with all my might
I cannot sense you close, though I know you're always here
But the comfort of you near is what i long for

When I can't feel you, I have learned to reach out just the same
When I can't hear you, I know you still hear everyword I pray
And i want you more than i want to live another day
And as I wait for you maybe I'm made more faithful

All the folly of the past, though I know it is undone
i still feel the guilty one, still trying to make it right
So i whisper soft your name, let it roll around my tounge,
knowing you're the only one who knows me
You know me

Show me how I should live this
Show me where I should walk
I count this world as loss to me
You are all I want
You are all I want

What do birds and I have in common?

Nests.
That's right...I'm nesting. Maybe I'm finally settling into my quasi-adult life after being in my house for almost a year. Maybe I'm finally realizing that it's okay to stay in on a Friday night. Maybe it's because of what I got for Christmas: a food processor, knives, colander, mandoline, fireplace tools, stoneware, and more.

All I know is that I love being at home, cleaning, organizing my kitchen and closets, curling up with a book, trying out new recipes, and indulging my new passion--internet scrabble.

Life is good (:

tres anos

Today is a special day for my little dog, Marco, and me.

Three years ago, I was at my parents' house in Flower Mound watching the afternoon news. There was a story about 120 little dogs that had been rescued from a puppy mill. These little guys were sent to various SPCA shelters in the Metroplex. One of the shelters was in The Colony. Now, there are not a lot of redeeming qualities about The Colony, but it was on my way home to Plano (where I lived at the time). So, I hopped in my car and just swung by the shelter. Upon entering, I knew I was in trouble--so many little dogs in need of love. I found a really ugly, yet sweet hairless chihuahua that was just precious. He was desperate for love and attention and was just so great. The SPCA said that in order to adopt, I would have to show proof that I had paid a pet deposit at my apartment complex. I drove home and immediately wrote a check. When I got back to the shelter, the little guy was gone, and I was bummed. One of the workers encouraged me to keep looking, so I did. I came across a dog that was 5 years old, heartworm free, and neutered. 5 years old seemed a little too old for a dog that was expected to only live for 12-15 years, but I took him out to the play area outside. Once this dog got outside, he immediately ran away from me. This was not a good sign. But the man chaperoning our little outing insisted that if I sat down, he would hop in my lap. I was doubtful, but I took his advice. This little dog immediately jumped in my lap and snuggled with me.

And that was it. I took him home. It took a few days but I finally decided on a name. Because this dog was a chihuahua, I figured that he needed a Spanish name to keep true to his Latin heritage. My mom suggested Marco and it stuck.

Marco has been a fabulous addition to my life. He is sweet and cuddly. Sure, he is annoying from time to time, but I love him all the same. It is hard to imagine life without him...he is a great dog!

Happy 3 year anniversary, Marco!

best day ever

This is a painting by Thomas Kincade titled, "End of the Perfect Day". If I were an artist, I would take my brush and paint a picture of me on my couch. I would be in my sweats, hair in a ponytail, and I wouldn't have a stitch of makeup on. Oh, and "Gilmore Girls: Season One" would be playing on the tv. This perfectly describes my day and it was glorious. Was it the most productive dayin the history of mankind? Nope. But--I cleaned out my pantry, fridge, did a load of dishes and two loads of laundry. Not too bad. The rest of the day was spent on the couch snuggling with Marco and hanging out with Lorelai and Rory. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for my new box set! Finally, I have learned the art of relaxation and just taking a day to rest. It only took 25+ years but I'm understanding what it means to take a day to do nothing and to like it.

on a lighter note

Many of my friends are aware of my enthusiasm for all things Hillsong United. While I've accepted that Joel and I probably aren't going to happen, their music has encouraged and inspired me in my walk with the Lord.
One of my favorite songs on "United We Stand" is called "None But Jesus". On their latest CD,
"All of the Above", I love the songs "Lead me to the Cross", "Hosanna" and "For those who are to come". Amazingly enough, these songs were all penned by a talented Kiwi named Brooke Fraser. She is an incredible songwriter and has a strong, beautiful voice.

Brooke recorded a solo album a year of so ago but it was only available in New Zealand. Well, the other day I was able to finally buy the album on iTunes and I am sooo excited!
"Albertine" was my Myspace profile song for a while so I really like that one. "Shadowfeet" is really good as well, and "Deciphering Me" reminds me of my sweet friend, Rebekah.

So...check her out. You will not be sorry!!

Oh Tannenbaum...

This is the view from my dining room-that-I-turned-into-a-second-living-room room. Yes, friends, that is a Christmas tree. I put it together yesterday, all by myself. Well, that's not entirely true. Claire did a couple of branches and then 'supervised' from the couch while drinking her morning coffee. My friend, Mandy, helped me with the lights last night, and then this afternoon, I put the ornaments on.

I debated whether or not to bother with the tree. Who would enjoy it? I don't have any ornaments. Ornaments aren't free. Do I want to spend money on ornaments? Should I go and try to reclaim the ornaments people gave me when I was a kid but that were really intended for my parents? Like, the one that says "Merry Christmas 1979" with my 3 month old picture on the middle of the ball. Nah, the ornaments of my youth weren't really my style and I kind of wanted to start fresh. In typical Stephanie fashion, I rebelled against traditional red and green and decided on a wintry motif with variations on a blue-green color and silver. I like it. I can already tell that I'm going to have a lot of good quiet times in this room with this little tree. I even drove by the front of the house to see the lit tree through the window. I admit, it was pretty cool knowing that it was *my * house. I'll admit that my Christmas spirit has been waning these past few years, but I think the tree has brought it back.

Feliz Navidad!

my cup runneth over

It has been a loooong time since I last updated. Well, I really have no exciting developments to report on, but life is really, really great.

The last few weeks have been full of sweet times with friends. For the first time since college, I feel like I have found a set of friends: solid girls who love Jesus, love to laugh, and are just so fun. I couldn't be more grateful for these friends and I never want the good time to end.

But, nothing stays the same....even if you want it to. I've decided that the hardest thing about being in your twenties is that people are always in transition. On any given day, a friend can call to say that they are moving across the country (or to an island, Rebekah), are getting married, or having their 4th baby. The dynamic of these friendships inevitably change. And that can be hard....especially when you feel like your own life is stuck in neutral.

When someone utters the phrase "This too shall pass", it is usually meant to be a word of encouragement for someone in the midst of a trial. But I am slowly realizing that the "good times" shall pass as well, whether we want them to or not. This has made me want to savor every moment that I have with the friends and family that I love. There have been instances during the past few weeks where I have just wanted to freeze time and capture each moment. But rather than focusing on who the next one will be to walk down the aisle or be called to a new city, I want to learn to live in gratitude for the gift of today. I cannot touch yesterday, and I can't see tomorrow, but I can be grateful for who God has placed in my life this very day. And each day, He shows me more of himself through the people he has given me the privilege to walk with for this season.
Psalm 118:24--"For this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it". Amen.

For Rebekah...

My sweet little bestie, Rebekah, has requested an update. So, here is a brief recap of the happenings of my life. Try to stay awake (:

-Teaching is kicking my butt....even though this is my sixth freaking year. More specifically, teaching 8th grade math and U.S. History is kicking my butt. I feel like this is my first year teaching again...well, without the students getting arrested during my class part.

-Because of the aforementioned butt-kicking, I am kind of playing around with ideas about some other career options. I'm not sure what this would look like. However, Accounting has come to mind. I am also interested in health and nutrition but maybe as a supplementary career. Any suggestions of what I should be when I grow up are welcomed.

-I have decided to hand out Halloween candy this year. Yes, I realize that I may get a special spot in hell for that (shout out to Bob Larson--that was for you Coach Glenn), but it is my first year with a house and I want to meet the little kiddies in my neighborhood. Plus, I think it will be fun and fall-ish. And even though I was never allowed to trick-or-treat as a child, my parents would give candy out. Can we say mixed-messages?

-Thought for the week: Why couldn't I have gone to a normal college? Click here for details

-I am getting a free Craftsman edger and weedeater that my parents found in my late PawPaw's storage shed. Jehovah Jirah!!!

-I rediscovered a childhood crush on Craig T. Nelson this Monday when my home group watched "Troop Beverly Hills" (we are going camping this weekend and needed inspiration). Anyway, much to my surprise, my school required us to play a clip from an anti-drug movie this week starring.....Craig T. Nelson. Remember, this was the Craig T. before his "Coach" days so give me a break, people!!! How could you resist that bomber jacket???

-I went on a great run Saturday and had the best time with the Lord. Oh, how I've missed those times with Him. He is reminding me that he is worthy of my trust and my praise and that he owes me NOTHING!!! I have always been such a "fair" person and it is an ongoing lesson to trust in God's purpose, timing, and provision. But... we are working on it (:


Well, that's all I've got. I hope that tides my favorite Cali-Aussie over for a while.

The Pumpkin

My roommate, Claire , laughs at me because I have a special way of addressing the name of my favorite gourd. I don't say that I love pumpkin. Rather, I say that I love THE Pumpkin. It's deliciousness is certainly worthy of an extra article (:

The Pumpkin is alive and well in the Shuler/Borne home. For the past two weeks, I've made pumpkin oatmeal for breakfast. I have canned pumpkin as a side dish at dinner. Soon, I will whip up a big batch of Spicy Pumpkin Chili for my school lunches. And I even found Kashi pumpkin spice granola bars, as well as these awesome little pumpkin chocolate chip cookies yesterday at Target. Yum. Oh, and let us not forget Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte in all of its delectable glory.

There is even evidence of The Pumpkin in our living room, dining room, and kitchen in the form of decor. More pumpkin-ness will be on display after my visit to one of Flower Mound's many Pumpkin patches.

What can I say....except that The Pumpkin makes me happy and I love how I can see, taste, or smell it everywhere I go.

Fall is so, so great (:

Forget-Him-Not

My priorities lately have been messed-up. School is back in full-swing and I just can't find my rhythm. When I get home from school I either work out or zone out on the computer. My temper is getting shorter and little things are starting to get on my nerves. But, I recall the words of my college friend Esther who told me that when people annoy her, it's because she hadn't spent enough time with the Lord. This is truth that still convicts me 8 years later! As I examine my life over the past few weeks, I realize that I have been forgetting to hold on to some of God's goodness and truth. But... there is hope! Today, I was reminded of a similar time in my life when God was especially faithful.


October '99...
The highlight of my college career was my sophomore year. I lived on a hall with girls who I now consider to be some of my best friends. The floor was named "Epiphany" and God has continued to reveal himself to me through these precious friends.

That October, we had planned to go on a retreat with our brother wing (i can't remember their name?). I almost didn't go because I was so overwhelmed with school and just couldn't take the time off to focus on anything else...or so I thought. But I decided to make the drive and all 35 people (give or take a few) stayed the night in Tallequah, OK along the Arkansas River. Now, most people think of Oklahoma solely as the home of the Dust Bowl, but the Northeastern corner is full of beauty. I can still remember the autumn leaves, the cold night air, smores, playing capture the flag in the dark, and staying up all night. A small group of us thought it would be fun to stay up and watch the sunrise. Well, it was a wonderful time in God's creation but we all payed dearly for the next few days. Perhaps that's why I start fading around 7:30 (:

There was nothing particularly special about this retreat except that it was a time to do nothing else but simply enjoy being with the Lord. As I was listening to some music today, I was taken back to this memory that is now 8 years old. Before we headed back to Tulsa, we had a time of praise and worship. My friend Kim sang a song called "I Will Not Forget You". This, of course, let to my purchase of the following CD:

How fitting for my life today. Sometimes I get so busy that I forget. I forget to begin my day by handing it over to the Lord. I forget to thank Him for his provision which comes in the form of a job. I forget to be Jesus to my students. I forget to praise Him for what He's done because I am too busy asking Him for more. I forget to spend real time in fellowship with Him because I would rather do something mindless, like watch TV.

This CD was what I needed today. It reminded me of a time where I chose to not forget Him. With each song, I'm back in Tallequah...far from home but happy to be with friends and soaking up God's goodness. I love that the Lord has given us music as a reminder of how He's moved in our lives.

During that sophomore year, I made the best friends I've ever known. I met girls who pushed me towards Jesus, called me out when necessary, and were just plain fun. So, thank you Lord for Epiphany and for the truth that you continue to reveal to us. And I pray that in the busy-ness of life as a "grown-up", I will not forget Him.

Ode to Fall

A new season is upon us and I cannot wait! Fall is absolutely my favorite time of the year. I love hoodies, oatmeal, soup, hot chocolate, Thanksgiving, the State Fair, football, snuggling with blankets, and the crisp, clean smell in the air. Now granted, in Texas, we don't get to experience this season for very long, but it's great while it lasts.

My great-grandmother was named Autumn...Autumn Narcissa to be exact. Maybe that's why I love this time of year so much. All I know is that it won't get here soon enough (:

Twenty-eight

Yep. That's my new age. You know, I actually like the way that it sounds.
Twenty-eight sounds like you are mature and responsible, yet not quite to thirty (which doesn't sound all that bad either now that I think about it). I long to be taken seriously at work and as an adult. Too often when I refer to school, people ask me what my major is or where I attend college. Oy!

Anyway, I had the best birthday. Lots of love from friends and family. The festivities will continue through Saturday and I just am so grateful to have people in my life who seemingly care that I was born!

Who knows what this year holds. All I know is that 27 didn't turn out the way I had planned but God did so many things in different areas. I won't lie...I didn't picture my life to look like it does right now. But I know that Jesus loves me and has a plan that is even better than the one I had picked out for myself all those years ago. This is not always an easy truth digest, but I pray that my soul finds rest in Christ alone; that I can be used to achieve His purposes and bring Him glory in this new year.

**************************************************************
And on a semi-relevant note...
I went to a conference with my Mom last week at her church. We sang this song called "Still" by Reuben Morgan and I just can't get enough of it. It's a few years old, but I'm loving the words:

Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

not a lot to say...

...but I thought I would say hello (:

School is in full swing and it is kicking my butt. I have 3 math classes and 2 U.S. History classes. I love both subjects a lot but it is difficult to constantly be switching gears. But...I am sure that I will get used to it once the beginning-of-the-year craziness dies down. In some ways, I feel like a first year teacher again. It's hard to believe that I've been at this for 6 YEARS!!! Goodness, I'm getting old.

I'm having lots of fun at home right now because Claire has officially moved in. Yea!! She is such a fun friend and it's great to have her around full-time. I still have another bedroom that I'm trying to fill so let me know if you know anyone who is looking for a place to live for a while.

Lots of changes are taking place in my homegroup as well. For the last couple of weeks, I have been co-leading with Sarah V. Well, today we met with Hollie and talked about how our group needs to multiply next week. Honestly, I'm a little overwhelmed with all of this but know that the Lord will direct my steps during this time. I just want for Him to be glorified in all of this.

I will write some more when I get some time. This week will be crazy, but I'll do my best. (:

d.c.

Last week, I flew into Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. The main reason for going was so that I could get out of Texas and see my good friend Allison. She has lived out there for most of the past 5 years and I'd never come out for a visit. So, I visited. Allison is one of my absolute favorite people in the world. I remember seeing her in our Humanities class during the very first week of college. I thought, "I would like to be her friend". And, we've been good friends for the last 9 years. We laughed a lot last week and I just had a blast hanging out with her.

The last time I was in our nation's capital was in 1992. That was before I developed a love of history so I didn't appreciate all of the sites. I won't bore you with the details of every monument I saw, every famous tombstone that I read at Arlington Cemetery, or every artifact I examined at the various Smithsonians. But, my favorite part was an exhibit at the National Archives that was about the education of our Presidents. They had reproductions of essays written, reports cards issued, and pictures of them as school boys. It was so awesome that I went twice!

Here are some random factoids that I learned:

--John Wilkes Booth was the 9th out of 10 children who were all illegitimate. He was also only 26 when he assassinated Lincoln. Right before he did the deed he drank a whiskey and water at the bar next to Ford's Theater for some 'liquid courage'.

--Robert E. Lee had 7 children who all lived to adulthood. Only 2 of those kids ever got married, so he has very few direct descendants.

--The Metro system is very clean.

--There aren't Super Targets in Virginia. How do they survive without it there!?!?!

--The Wright Brothers started out in the Printing business.

So, there is much more but those were interesting to me (:

Here are a few pictures.

Allison and me at Cantina Marina
Newlywed and new D.C. resident,Mindy, and me
A sobering picture from Arlington Cemetery
the Eternal Flame and Jackie O's gravesite
View from Robert E. Lee's Home. (he is my favorite person in US History)
Hi George!!
In front of the Nat. Archives. It says, "The Past is Prologue"

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

I don't know if anyone else remembers this book from their childhood, but I feel like it paralleled the events of my Monday.
This morning, I was actually kind of excited about going to school. This first week is easy. Just a bunch of inservice stuff and no kiddos. So I hop in the car and head on over to Creek Valley MS. The drive was great. I had my worship music blasting and I was pumped about this day. Just as I turn onto Creek Valley Blvd. my car stopped. It just stopped. So, in a panic, I turn the key and it starts back up. Sadly, the power steering went out but I was able to coast to the school which was about a half mile away. At lunch I found out that the work needed to be done would cost about $861. Wow. That's a lot of money to put into a car that isn't even worth that. After all, the Escort is about 9 years old. But after talking it through with my Dad, we decided that this was the best decision until I really had time to do research and find a new car. This was not how I had planned on spending the money so I burst into tears at the shock of it all. But I knew it would be okay.

Later on in the afternoon, I tripped and ripped part of my favorite little black dress sandals. I was sad, but it seemed like no big deal compared to the car.

When I got home, I realized the garbage disposal wasn't working. I called my dad again, and he gave me some instructions on resetting it. Well, it didn't start to work so we have declared it broken. Last time I checked, plumbers don't work for free.

Dealing with all of this stuff just overwhelms me and makes me long for someone who is here with me to alleviate the stress and share the burdens. But for now, it's all on me.

So that is pretty much how my day went.

But.......

There are some good things about today.
1. My car died at school just miles from my house and not on my road trip to Iowa.
2. I have a friend/coworker who lives just 2 miles from me and gave me a ride home from school and is taking me to school tomorrow
3. I have a friend, Andrea, from my homegroup that lives about a mile from me and gave me a ride to and from homegroup.
4. The disposal thing is covered under my home warranty so it won't cost too much to fix.
5. Those shoes hurt my feet anyway and weren't practical for teaching.
6. My Dad is really always there for me when I need him. So much so that I tear up when I think about how selfless he is in his love for me.
7. I have an amazing church and girls in my homegroup. God has used both to draw me to himself and show me more about who he is.

Today was just one of those days. It will not go down in the books as my favorite day of life. But the Lord really met all of my needs for the day. So thanks to all who helped me get through today and so graciously offered to help me out. And thank you, Jesus, for reminding me that I don't have to go it alone.

For Rebekah...

In celebration of #4 of my "8 random things" post, I thought you would get a kick out of this.
My whole family would save these out of magazines for me. I think I had at least 4 of them posted in various locations. I was actually forced to remove this from inside of my locker in high school. So scandalous!!