Run Forest (Mac) Run!

Running is kinda my thing.

I'll make another list and tell ya why (it's a short list, I promise)

So like I said, running is my thing. I actually like LOVE to do it.  Especially when the sun is shining and the temperature is just right, you know, like not to hot--not to cold. Perfection....

Here. Is. Why.

1. It's a great work out.

2. It's just me and the open road. 

3. It's a wonderful time to enjoy nature and the little things I miss while driving.

4. I do a lot of thinking when I run, thinking that is pure and deep.

5. It's a great stress relief.

6. It's a free workout.

7. No one can bother me when I run. I don't have to answer to anyone.

8. It's fun to run on roads I have never run on before.

9. I always feel better after I run.  And not just physically better, but mentally as well.

10. I get to wear my sweet green shoes and camo bandana.

Chip Vs. Cats

So I've already mentioned one of my fears (cotton balls), now I would like to tell you a little bit about one of Chip's fears....

Yep that's right... cats.

Chip is TERRIFIED of these cute little guys.  

Every time Chip comes over to my parent's house, he makes lock up my sweet kitty Maxwell in one of the bedrooms.

 Awww, and there he is the innocent little creature Chip is afraid of.

The other night Chip and I were sitting in his living room just having a lovely fiance to fiance conversation.  All of a sudden out of nowhere Chip yells out "OH MY... CAT!"

ME: What are you talking about?

CHIP:  There is a cat on the back porch!

People, it was pitch black outside and Chip practically had his back towards the window that looks out to the porch.  HOW he saw this cat I have no idea!  He then proceeded to yell at the cat to leave through the closed window.

ME:  HAHAHA how in the world did you see that?

CHIP: I saw its beady little eyes and white face staring at me through the window!

Again, I have absolutely no idea how he saw this thing.... must be a sixth sense.

Adventures in Substitute Teaching

Being a college kid money is hard to come by, so as a part time job I substitute teach on Friday's

It's a great way to make some quick cash, but let me tell you these kids can say/do some outrageous things. 

I would just like to share some of my experiences in substitute teaching with YOU.

Some funny... some just plain wierd.

And the story goes....

One of my first experiences substitute teaching took place during a high school English class.

The REAL English teacher left directions for me to take the students down to the computer lab to work on a paper.

I did just that.

While we were in the computer lab the students quietly worked on their papers while I sat behind them at a desk and caught up on some homework. 

While I was sitting there doing my thing.  A student who looked kinda like this.... but with glasses,

(creepy, i know), passed me a note with his number which said "we should hang out sometime!" 

I immediately threw the note away, because I am pretty sure you can get arrested for that or something!

Unfortunately the story doesn't end here.

He later CORNERED me in the classroom, and said, "So are you gonna call me sometime?"

I WAS MORTIFIED (and laughing on the inside at the same time) because 

A.) I cannot believe he had the you know what to pass me a note and then proceed to ask me if I was going to call him

AND

B.) I literally did not know what to say to him (they do not provide substitute teacher training for situations like this).  You would think I would say "No, this is inappropriate and you should not be asking teachers/substitute teachers to call and hang out with you," but I didn't.  All I said was "Uhhhh No."

I mean honestly, what do you say to a kid who looks like screech and who will probably never get a date in his life.  A part of me felt bad and a part of was just plain creeped out. 

Things I Have Heard While Subbing

* "Sooo, is there a Mr. Cook?"

* "You are so beautiful"

* "Can I have your number?"

* Student:  "Are you a new student?"

Me:  "No, I'm the sub"

Student: "Really?"

Me: "Yep."

Student:  "You look like your in high school."

(This scenario happens quite frequently)

* Me: "Guys shut up. You're being too loud!"

Elementary Students: "oooo we don't say that word."

(Advice: Don't say words like shut up, crap, butt, etc. to elementary students.  They will call you out.)

* "Miss Cook, did you know an anaconda could bite your head off?"

So these are just a few of the MANY things that I have experienced while substitute teaching.

When a Trip to Starbucks Becomes Inspriational (and it's not because of their awesome skinny vanilla lattes)

Last night Chip and I decided to have a little Starbucks date.  

The night started out with a few pictures (I think this was awkward for Chip)

    

NOTE:  The reason why there are so many photos of me is because Chip does not know how to work my camera, which is also the reason they are all slightly blurry.

Now for the real reason as to why we're here.

Our night started out pretty simple.  We decided to go to Starbucks for a cup of (REALLY TASTY) joe and research places to honeymoon (which we still have not figured out).  We sat there for a little while minding our own business when Chip decided to mind someone else's business.....

There was a man sitting across from us with a stack of books and Chip decided to ask him about the books he was reading.  They were Christian books that Chip had heard of and wanted to know if they were any good.

The man responded that they were great books and suggested reading them.  He then went on to tell us a little bit about himself...

Cliff, the man's name, revealed to us that he was a paster for 16 years.

He professed his love for the Lord, which was so amazing to hear from a random stranger.  

He then went on to tell us that he also worked as a counselor for women in need.

My eyes lit up and swelled with tears all at the same time because working with and counseling women is something I have a passion for, to do in the future.

It was just so amazing to see this man, who loves the Lord with all his heart, tell us that he counsels women.  I was so inspired by his words and they reminded me why God has led me to serve women.  When Cliff left Starbucks I broke down and just cried and prayed, thanking God for sending this stranger to profess his love for the Lord to us.

Chip, being the sweet man he is grabbed me a handful of Starbucks napkins to wipe the tears away.

It's amazing the inspiration you can find if you decide to mind someone else's business.

Let's Play a Little Game

This is a little game I like to call "What's the Word?"

I will post two pictures and you will guess what the word is based on those two pictures.

Below the pictures I will give you a clue as to what the word might be.

You will then post a comment telling me what you think the word is.

The only prize for guessing correctly is the satisfaction that you got it right.

So this is what I have when I drink too much coffee and water.  It results in me having to pee about every half hour (like last night when I woke up about 10 times to use the little girls room).  Chip has this problem everyday, coffee or not.

SOOOO... What's the word?

Sorry the second picture is slightly gross (but not as gross as cotton balls... excuse me Meijer, I meant cotton PUFFS).



EWWWWW... THESE THINGS FREAK ME OUT!

SO remember the list of things you should know about me?

Remember #14... The one about COTTON BALLS?

Well, let me tell you why cotton balls freak me out, or should I say cotton puffs, as Meijer has so nicely named them (as if calling them "puffs" eases my mind.. pssh)

These little devils are so gross!  The mere thought of them gives me the chills.  One time someone actually threatened me with cotton balls (that is not even funny).  If cotton balls freak you out (which is probably not many of you) you can understand my terrified feeling as I was being threatened.  WHO in the world would come up with something so gross as cotton balls.  Tissue serves the same purpose but is much less gross.  It's hard to explain the way they make me feel, but think of something that grosses you out or gives you the chills and you will know what I mean.

FYI, I braved taking a picture of these little boogers in order to explain my fear of them.  So I guess in a way I just faced a fear.  I hope this inspires YOU to face a fear (although yours is probably more legit then mine).  Goodnight to you all.

Spring Cleaning!

So MY version of spring cleaning really has nothing to do with cleaning at all (remember I am unorganized)... MY version of spring cleaning has to do with cleaning up my day to day.  Sooo kinda like a New Years resolution.  Who says resolutions are only for the new year? So here we go (i like to make lists so i'll stick with that)

1.  Take more walks and go for more runs

2.  Take lots and lots of pictures 

3.  Plant some flowers (love me some gerber daisies)

4.  Drink more water (and less coffee... even though its SO good)

5.  Start recycling

6.  Eat more fruits and veggies

7.  Embrace nature

8.  Do something good for humanity

9.  Read the Bible every day (can I get an amen!)

10.  Make more time for friends

11.  Stop stressing over little things (maybe take up some yoga)

12.  Dominate wedding plans

13.  Restore something (My mom has this old stool that I want to sand down and repaint)

14.  Save money (Chip will like this one)

15.  Tell the people in my life, everyday, that I love them (starting now-->  I love you all, you know who you are!)