HomeEconomics 101

I've decided that there's a gene that some have and some don't. I think I'm going to call this gene the Martha Stewart gene. Some are gifted in the decorating department. Some can sew with ease and create anything (aka Sarah Welch). And then others can walk into their pantry, pull random things together, and then create what I would call a feast. I have none of the above gifts. I can decorate well enough to make a room look decent. I tried sewing a pillow in my home ec. class in high school, but one side came out crooked. Very crooked actually and my teacher gave me a B- on that project. And then I can cook if I'm given a very simple recipe, but I will wreak havoc on my kitchen.

Tonight I decided to make "puppy chow" for my girls for Pine Cove this weekend. In my mind puppy chow is the epitome of all that is Pine Cove and the ultimate camp food. Therefore my 7th grade girls have to experience this in all of its glory. Now, I'm going to stick with the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words and let you see what was supposed to take 15 minutes to create (try 45 minutes with the help of Kristie).

Shake your money maker!

The Havoc.

Ah, success!

What Could Be Better?

I have a small confession to make. Now don't judge me. Remember that you still love me.

So last night Kristie and I decided to brave North Park and go see High School Musical 3. That's right, I went to see HSM3 in all its glory on its first day in theaters. I have to tell you that it turned out to be quite the eventful evening. First of all, I'm pretty confident that Kristie and I could entertain ourselves for days just by people watching and having what some would call ridiculous conversations. (With that I pose the question, what's the past tense of "man up?" Is it man'd up or man up'd?) Anyways, back to the story at hand. Being in a theater of mainly all teenage girls counting down the minutes until they see Zac Efron is probably never a good idea. That's just too many raging hormones in once place. Now let's fast forward to the beginning of the movie. The super cheesy moments were definitely enhanced and made OH SO GOOD by the girls sitting in front of us who would freak out every time good ole' Zac took off his shirt for no apparent reason, and then also with the five guys sitting behind us making similar comments just dripping with sarcasm. I think mine and Kristie's personal favorite was when one of the guys sarcastically referred to one of girls in a not so G-rated version of what I call my Tahoe...but I digress. So fun!

Now let's move forward to my next story. Other than seeing George and Barbara Bush at A&M, I've never really had a celebrity siting. Or at least not one that I can think of. Well, this still remains true but I did have a semi-celebrity siting this afternoon at the mall. So I was standing in Anthropologie looking at this really cute shirt and looked up at this guy standing across from me. I of course did a double take, but only because I couldn't stop wondering why someone would want to put their hair in dreads. With the double take I realized that he looked very familiar but I just couldn't place him. My first thought was that maybe he went to Watermark...but let's be honest, no one at Watermark has dreads. Then I went back to A&M. Did he go to A&M with me? With that it hit me...he did go to A&M but he was also on American Idol last season. That's right. I essentially just shopped with Jason Castro. It was funny walking back to the dressing room and hearing girls freaking out over the fact that he was in the store. I think I actually laughed out loud. Okay well now you know why I said semi-celebrity...but there you have it...my eventful weekend thus far! Tomorrow however does bring costume creating with several of the other junior high leaders for Pine Cove. Now that's bound to be tons of fun!

Where in the world is Graham?

So most days I have this love/hate relationship with my job. Most days it's all love, but there are definitely those days where the hate rears its ugly head. Don't worry, today isn't one of those days, but today does fall under the category of "I'll travel anywhere to make money." It's just now noon and my day has taken me to Graham, Wichita Falls and Bowie is yet to come. So fun. Don't get me wrong, I kind of enjoy coming to Wichita Falls...I know I know, it's Wichita Falls...but it's home. Now places like Graham I could do without. But, in an effort to make the most of my mini road trip, I decided to pull out the old Breakaway and Pine Cove cds. Oh how I miss life in Aggieland! There's something comforting about listening to the Smith Band and hearing Gregg Matte's voice talking about Departure 12:01 (see Genesis 12:1). I think the only thing that would've made my road trip a little bit better would have been if I were driving down highway 6 to sweet home College Station. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers....and with that, it's time for my next meeting.

Have a good one!

Quote of the Day

This is my adorable small group...or most of it. They're cute aren't they? This year they are officially in junior high and in the 7th grade. They're pretty good at keeping my life interesting. One of my favorite things about serving these girls is the funny things that they'll say during small group. Today the funny quote comes from our sweet Elaine, who in the middle of small group asks another girl if she "had sniffed a sharpee before coming to small group." It was all downhill from there. I couldn't keep a straight face and the laughter didn't stop until I left small group this evening.

I love these girls!

Fitzshady....always and forever.

So I've got a little story for ya Ags. During my time at Texas A&M, I happened to have a few awkward moments with some of my closest friends which landed me the nickname "Fitzshady." Of course after I left College Station I thought for sure the nickname would quickly be forgotten by all....not so my dear friends. The unfortunate nickname followed me not only to Dallas, but to Watermark Community Church as well. Now I will admit that it was partially my fault for it coming to Watermark (you really have to be careful who you share stories with).

Alright, now fast forward to today. Two days into having my very own blog. I was so proud of myself for actually sitting down and writing something, but guess what. Blogger has dubbed my blog as "shady" and now has placed a warning on my blog to anyone who might want to proceed with the reading of its contents. Really? I've only written one thing! I haven't had time to write anything shady!

Apparently the nickname is here to stay and one day my grandchildren will be calling me Fitzshady. Oh joy.

Mark the Time

That's right kids, I finally did it! I've decided to create my very own blog. You might be thinking to yourself, "self, why in the world did Laura cave so quickly?" Honestly, I have no idea. I think it has something to do with my wanting to contribute to the delinquency of all of my blog stalking friends while at work. I know we all need one more thing to help contribute when the all day long emails aren't cutting it.

So with that I say WELCOME! I'm glad to have you visit what my roommate would probably call "my little corner of the institution." I look forward to you being a part of the inner ramblings of my mind and the ridiculously awkward moments that come my way almost daily.

I love you guys! Sweet dreams!