Top 20 Revealed - So You Think You Can Dance!

Last night marked the true beginning of the season for So You Think You Can Dance.  The past few weeks we have seen the audition process, but last night the top 20 dancers were revealed and we were able to watch them perform actual correographed dances for us.  Personally, most the time I prefer when they simply dance in pairs with a story line, whereas tonight they were in groups of 3 or 4 for the most part -- so it isn't surprising that my two favorite dances were only groups of 3 people. 

Also - many of the dancers that made it into the top 20 -- I do not remember at all from the weeks of auditions.  It kind of stinks for those people, because many of us viewers have made connections with the contestants that have been shown a lot during the audition process like Cyrus, Whitney, Lindsay, and Alexa.  Hopefully they will all be able to stand out once the voting process begins.

My first favorite dance included one of my favorite guys of the season because of his sweet personality - Cyrus.  Now, he is definitely not trained in dance - he is a popper - but I love his spirit and enthusiasm for dance.  I also loved the number he was in tonight because I love stories and characters in the dance.  Here is a video of the dance he was in with Cyrus being in the blue shirt, Cole in the red shirt, and Brandon in the white shirt.  And if you can believe it, only Cole is a trained dancer.  Brandon is a stepper.

My second favorite dance was actually the ballroom number.  Believe me, I usually am not a fan of the ballroom numbers and find most of them pretty boring -- but these are my favorite two girls of the season so far -- Whitney and Lindsay - and they know each other from backhome which is probably a comfort for them during the competition.  Here they are dancing with Nick.

The final number of the night was also amazing.  It had all the dancers together and was correographed by the wonderful Mia Michaels who has been absent from recent seasons, but I love her!  Here is that video.



Thoughts on the Bachelorette - Emily in Prague

We were down to six guys this week...and again...gotta love my girl Emily for bringing out the glittery/sparkly outfits again this week.  On her first date, she had on glittery shorts.  In an interview shown, Emily is wearing a glittery shirt.  On the group date, she wore a white dress with sparkles on it during the nighttime portion.  And finally, at the rose ceremony, Emily wore a sparkly blue dress (not my favorite, but still sparkly.  Maybe it would be better in a different color).  I also loved the bright pink raincoat she wore on the group date.  How wonderful it must be to have all the clothes you could want - just have to go on reality tv to get them.

Okay, so Emily's first date was with Arie.  Emily walks in the hotel room at the beginning of the date holding a tourist book.  Thus, we know that the two of them are going to touring the city like a couple of true Americans.  All we see them doing is walking around and kissing while they walk.  Seriously - I was just waiting for them to run into someone since they weren't looking to see where they were headed.  Emily states that she likes kissing Arie -- umm yeah, that like the total sum of their relationship. 

Emily then begins to tell us that she knows something about Arie that he has not shared with her.  Apparently he had dated one of the producers for the show, Cassie, in the past and did not tell Emily about it.  This makes Emily wonder if he is hiding anything else.  During a conversation with Arie, Emily asks him if he is really open with her.  He states that you have to trust someone until they give you a reason not to trust them.  Well...Arie...I think Emily thinks you gave her a reason.  He also says that he likes having no secrets and that it is better to be upfront and honest.  Umm...he isn't really following that rule of his.  Arie then says he had a tatoo of some girl's name on his arm, but that he has covered that up.  Ok..well...Arie that is something else we didn't know about you.  These conversations are getting so deep.

So then we find out that Emily, Arie, and the producer Cassie have an off camera conversation to kind of clear the air on the subject of Arie's past relationship.  Arie apparently said that he thought the relationship was so brief and so long ago that it didn't matter.  And Emily apparently agreed with him and decided it didn't matter anymore.  Sooo Emily just goes with whatever Arie tells her is what it seems to be to me.  She likes kissing him so much that her past anger about not being told about it completely disappears.  Now I completely agree that the relationship with the producer doesn't really matter all that much since it was like 10 years ago and they haven't had much contact since according to them...but still.  He should have told her earlier since Cassie the producer is around them all the time.  Just be like...oh yeah. I know Cassie.  We dated a lifetime ago.  Just to let you know.  But hey,  Emily has let it go and so shall I.

During the nighttime portion of their date, Emily looks a lot happier.  She actually apologizes to Arie about making a big deal out of it.  Wait a second.  This is the second time in their relationship on the show that Emily has apologized to Arie.  The first time was when she had gotten upset with him for not sticking up for her with Kalon.  In my mind, no apology was needed in either scenario.  She should want a guy that sticks up for her and she should want a guy that is open with her. 

Emily then says my favorite line of the night I think.  She says she hopes to meet his family and then says "I HAVE TO START PLANNING OUT MY OUTFITS."  Love it!

Arie tells Emily that he loves her on this date and Emily is completely swooning over him.  Then of course, fireworks go off in the background because that is the sign for love on the Bachelorette.

Emily's second date is with John "Wolf."  Emily thinks that this relationship is moving really slowly and that it needs to be pushed into high gear on the date.  She needs to figure out her romantic connection with him.  They try to put some lock on this gate as a symbol of eternal love-  only problem is that John doesn't know how to close a lock properly.  Emily says in her interview that John trying to close the lock is like their relationship because they haven't really been able to connect. 

The nighttime portion of the date is down in a dungeon.  This reminded me of their last date in the caves - basically Emily likes to take John to deep dark places in the ground.  And here is where we can see that Emily isn't really into John.  John says that the day had been pretty awesome.  Emily responds to that statement with "you think so?"  Apparently, Emily did not think so.  I mean, John could not even close a lock.  John then goes on to talk about his last serious girlfriend that cheated on him and he looks like he may burst into tears.  They kiss at the end of the date, and in a way I think Emily just feels sorry for him and his past cheater girlfriend.  John states in his interview "I'm not a starter, I'm a closer."  Well John, I think the close of the show is coming very quickly for you tonight.

After John comes back to the hotel with the guys, Sean decides he has to see Emily.  Sean runs into the streets calling her name.  My question is -- is there no one else is Prague at night?  Sean is the only person outside and then he finds Emily all by herself walking.  Emily looks extremely happy to see Sean which shows how much more she likes Sean than John just by her reaction.  She said she missed him today.  Then they start making out.  Emily loves that he had the confidence to come out and find her even though she had been with another guy all day.  Sean talks about how he hates to share her with the other guys...Emily says "not for long though" -- she so likes him and is trying to tell him he is going to make it far with her.  They go into a cute little cafe...make out there.  Then they make out against a wall.  Poor John thought his date was so great and then Emily ends the night making out with Sean.  Sorry John, but Sean and Emily have a lot more chemistry.

Emily's third date is the group date with Sean, Chris, and Doug.  Sean says he feels good going into this date -- I bet you do Sean since you were making out with Emily the night before and none of the other guys know about it.  Chris is super emotional and upset.  He hates that he didn't get a one on one date.  He says this date is worse than going on a date with 10 other guys.  He is just super pesimistic.  On the other hand, Doug is as happy as a clam.  He is excited to be going into a castle, thinks the date will be great, and just wishes his son could explore the castle too.  Emily thinks Doug is a great guy, but doesn't see any chemistry between them.  When Doug and Emily are alone, I feel so bad for Doug because he is just awkward with women.  He apologizes for bumping her instead of just embracing it and putting his arm around her or something.  Then comes the demise of Doug.  Emily has been waiting for Doug to make a move.  Doug says in an interview that he has been waiting for a sign from Emily to go in for a kiss -- uhoh.  Emily thinks that Doug is a gentleman to a fault - basically she wants a guy to just take her and make out, which is not Doug's strong point.  While Emily is telling him all this, Doug goes in for a quick peck because he thinks Emily is trying to tell him to kiss her.  Only to find out that she is sending him home right then.  Poor Doug feels so stupid for going in for the kiss now.  I feel bad for him because he was there to really get to know her as a person and talk to her instead of make out all the time.  But unfortunately, Emily needs some chemistry in the physical department too and Doug was not up for that at this point in the relationship.

Now we are left with Emily, Sean, and Chris on the date.  Emily gives them each a key and whoever's key opens the door gets the first one on one time.  Sean's key works to which Sean states "big key, man's key."  Emily tells Sean that she woke up smiling because of him and that she doesn't like hanging out with him with other guys around.  Sean and Emily then make out some more and make out while they are walking up the stairs to head back to Chris. 

During Chris' time, Chris tells Emily straight up that he was upset he didn't get a one on one date.  It drives him crazy to see her with the other guys.  Emily seems to think Chris makes the best of everything --- umm...I am going to have to disagree with that.  He has basically had a temper tandrum this whole episode.  They then make out and Chris says that he is falling in love with her.

Also, notice Emily's body language when the three of them are together.  She is always sitting on the couch with Sean and not on the couch with Chris.  The rose obviously goes to Sean and Chris looks totally upset and Chris thinks it is insulting that Emily says she wants to meet Sean's family and not his.  Look Chris - she didn't say she didn't want to meet your family - you may still get a rose!  Stop screaming and stop crying.

Emily's last date was with Jef, and to be honest, this was my favorite date to watch because Jef and Emily actually talked about real stuff.  They go to a puppet shop and gets puppets of themselves, and Jef makes sure to get one of Ricky too - Jef continually brings Ricky up in conversation which I think shows he realizes that Emily is a packaged deal and he is taking it seriously.  Then they go to a library and act out their relationship through the puppets which is quite amusing.  Jef tells Emily through his puppet that he is one million percent in love with her.  Kind of a corny way to tell her and maybe it was because he was scared - but at least it got out there. 

My favorite part though was them laying on the floor of the library and just talking.  Jef asks if they would live together first.  Emily thinks living together first makes it easy to get out.  Jef asks how soon she would want more kids and they are both saying they want them basically now.  This is really the deepest conversation I have seen on the show this season about real things that they need to talk about if they are going to be engaged at the end of it.  So for that, I loved this date and it made me like Jef more.

At the cocktail party, Emily decides she doesn't want to talk to the guys but just wants to give out the roses.  Sean already has a rose.  First rose goes to Jef.  Next rose goes to Arie.  Chris then stops the ceremony because he wants to talk to Emily and he is completely freaking out.  He talks to her and then he gets the final rose.  John is hurt and shocked by this.

In the end, I am still on board with Sean and Jef.  Chris showed me more during this episode that he is so not ready for a family and real life with Emily if he is going to get so upset during most of the week.  He was just annoying to watch and listen to as he whined.  And I just don't really like Arie.  He is kind of boring and all he does is kiss Emily.  I know nothing about him except he drives cars and had a relationship with one of the producers in the past.  He also kind of has fake expressions at times.  So overall, Sean and Jef are my final two that I think Emily should choose.

Four Weeks to Go!!!

FOUR WEEKS FROM TODAY IS THE BAR EXAM!!! WHAT???

It is so crazy that the exam is creeping up on me...and I do not feel ready for that. 

So far, in my bar prep class we have covered 16.5 subjects and we still have 5.5 more subjects to go.  And I still don't know the 16.5 subjects because we do a new one like every two days. 

But this is what I have learned:

1. Taking a shower and washing and blow drying my hair every morning is a waste of time.

2. My dogs actually sleep like 20 hours a day.

3. Eating and gaining weight are part of my daily routine.

4. My hubby now finds me very boring

5. Online shopping is like a drug.

So yes, with just over 60% of my bar review course done, that is what I have learned.  Maybe some of that will help me pass the exam!

My spirits were lifted yesterday though when a package came to my door with these two items:

Like I said...online shopping from The Limited has become my drug of choice during this time.

Four more weeks to go....thousands of flash cards to make...hundreds (if not thousands) of practice questions to take....and then hopefully at the end of this I will actually be a lawyer

Bucket List - 30 by 30

Today I was inspired when I read my friend's blog here.  She did a bucket list of 25 things to do by age 25 (which is only a few months away for her).  Well I decided that since I turn 25 next year too, I should probably make a list of things further out since this year will be full of bar exam, hopefully passing the exam, and starting work for real.

So here is my list of 30 things I want to do before I turn 30:

1. Have at least two babies

2. Move out of our condo into a house

3. See the church plant we are starting this fall be booming with bold Christians

4. Travel out of the country on a vacation (either to Italy, Scotland, or England)

5. Donate my hair to locks of love (or something similar) again

6. Go see my good friend Ashley get married

7. Go to New York City

8. See a broadway play

9. Go to Vegas

10. Go on a cruise

11. Get a nicer camera and have fun with photography

12. Finish the Wilmington School of the Bible Certificate Program through Liberty University that I started last year

13. Take an art class

14. Join a gym

15. Start eating healthy

16. Read at least 25 books a year

17. Have done an in-depth study of every book of the Bible

18. Get a puggle or jack russel or yorkie (look at that cutie from Dreamy Puppy - you can buy her here)

19. Pass the bar exam

20. Make a photobook for every year

21. Go see a Dallas Cowboys football game in Texas

22. Go to at least one Nationals baseball game every year

23. See the Capitals win the Stanley Cup

24. Sing on a big stage

25. Make a difference in my future clients' lives

26. Cook dinner more often

27. Make new friendships

28. Grow deeper in love with my hubby

29. Grow deeper in love with Jesus

30. Have a mega blow out bash for my 30th birthday



Count it ALL JOY!!!

I love the book of James and was reminded to read it again by a friend on twitter.  The book really just is a slap in the face with so many reminders of what we need to keep in focus and do in our daily lives.  James 1:2-18 is pure gold and a perfect reminder for all of us struggling in the trials of life:

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.   But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;   he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.   Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,  and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.   For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.  Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.  Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.  But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.  Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."

 

 Count it all JOY when we meet trials?  For real?  We are supposed to be joyful when trials come our way.  I have been using The Bible Knowledge Commentary to go through this book of the Bible (which was referred to me long ago by a friend who has her own blog here).  The Commentary pointed out that a test (or trial) is given to see if a student can pass, not to see if the student can pass out.  Trials are not put in our lives to kill us or make us grow faint, they are given to us so that we can pass them with triumph if we go in with the right attitude and focus.  Through trials we are tested, and if go through them with endurance and a focus on Christ, we may become "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  And that is a promise. 

It is so true that trials change us, either for the good or the bad.  And it is definitely true that our attitude towards the trial usually determines whether we are changed for the good or the bad.  Trials make us stronger.  They teach us perseverance and endurance and patience and all kinds of other things.  Whether your trial is trying to pass the bar exam and go through hours of studying, dealing with a friend or family member who is sick, being sick yourself, having issues with your parents, having issues with your kids, having issues with your spouse, having issues at your job, and the list can go on and on.  Whatever the trial that has been put in your life - face it with JOY!  Because if you do, when you come out of it, you not only will be stronger in your faith, but you will be able to see that you would not have been able to make it through that trial in such a way without God's help and His name can be glorified through it.

Now, you may ask, how do I face my trial with joy...well James seemed to know that we would ask that question.  He states that if any of us lacks wisdom, we just need to ask God for it and God will generally give it.  But when we ask, we should not doubt - we must ask with faith and assurance.  As stated so well in the commentary, "To have the right attitude in trials, one must see the advantage of trials.  If that is hard, one can ask for aid and if asked correctly, God will give you the right attitude."  Life is all about our attitude towards it, and if we are having a hard time getting the right attitude, we just need to ask God to adjust our attitude and we need to focus on Him and what He has given us in life and brought into our life and what this trial can do to our life and how it can glorify God (I know - super run on sentence).

Finally, James tells us that temptations, which are different from trials, do not come from God.  God allows situational trials to come into our lives to make us stronger, but God never tempts us to do evil.  God cannot do so.  Temptation comes from within each of us when we are enticed to live by our own desires.  We are children of the devil and God will adopt us as His children when we come to Him and commit our lives to Him.  But that does not get rid of our "biological" sinful desires.  Those will remain in us.  God helps us overcome them when we turn to Him, but we will always have the desire to turn away from Him if it is completely up to us.  Thus, we need to keep in mind that temptations are from us and not from God, and when our desires of this world are trying to overtake us, we must turn to God and focus on Him.  For as the end of this passage points out, God is our constant.  He does not change.  There is no variation or shadow of change in Him.  He is constant, unlike anything else in our lives.  He is the one we can depend on in all situations and the one who can lead us through it.



Thoughts on the Bachelorette - Emily in Croatia

Another wonderful night of the Bachelorette was brought to us last night.  It included two one one one dates where neither man received a rose -- has that happened before???

First of all, I just want to say that I love all of Emily's glittery, sparkly outifts.  Definitely a woman after my own heart.  She wore a glittery top at the beginning of the episode; she wore a glittery jacket on the group date; she wore a glittery black dress on the night portion of the group date; she wore a glittery one shoulder gold dress on her one on one date with Ryan; and she wore a white and silver glittery dress to the rose ceremony/cocktail party.  I love it.  It really makes me want a long sleeve black glittery dress...so if anyone finds one...let me know where to get it!!!

Emily's first one on one date was with Travis.  All we really know about Travis up to this point is that he likes to laugh and have fun.  He has really just reminded me of a big kid during all of the episodes.  Travis states that him and Emily share a ton of things in common -- LIKE WHAT?  We really know nothing about this guy and this is their first real date.  What do they have in common?  They are both blonde.  They both smile a lot and are from the south.  Is that what he is talking about?  Then he goes on to say that he hasn't felt this way about a girl in two years when he was engaged.  REALLY?  You feel the same way for Emily after knowing her for a couple weeks and not even going on a real date with her as you did for a girl you were engaged too???  Makes no sense.  But hey, this is the Bachelorette.  Everyone falls in love in two seconds. 

My favorite line from Emily on this date was when Travis was trying to balance on that wall.  She says, "I'm really bummed Travis didn't take his shirt off...and I gave the perfect set up for it."  She just really wants to see what Travis has under his shift to see if he is manly enough for her I guess.  My favorite line from Travis on this date was when he said "This is a 10 on a scale of 8."  Wait a second...who rates things on a scale of 8???

I did enjoy watching them dance in the streets - definitely something I would want to do - and it definitely showed the playful side of both of them. 

At dinner, Travis pointed out what I have always wondered about these one on one dinner dates - do they ever actually eat the meals in front of them?  We always see these great looking meals, but we never see them actually touch the food.  Do they have to wait until the cameras are not looking at them to take a bite so that Emily doesn't look unlady like or something?  Does the guy only get to eat the food if he gets a rose?  That seems kind of harsh.  But yeah, Travis says..."Hope you weren't hungry because we haven't had a bite."  Basically, Travis, don't expect a meal that you can actually eat when you are on a date with Emily. 

Emily decided not to give Travis a rose because she only felt a friendship with him and didn't feel the romance.  Romance is definitely a must in every relationship,  but I mean, this is their first real date and Travis is just a fun guy who maybe isn't as quick in the romance department.  It just kind of sucks for him because Emily's relationships with the other guys has moved along a lot quicker.  It really all just depends on when you get your first one on one date.  If you are one of the last ones, you probably are going home because the girl already has feelings for the first five one on one dates she had.  So as Travis says it "sucks with a capital S-U-C-K-S."

The group date included Arie, Doug, Sean, Jef, John "Wolf," and Chris.  This date seemed like a lot of fun.  First, they went to see the new movie Brave.  Not sure if the guys really enjoyed the movie since it is a kids' cartoon movie and they really didn't get much time with Emily on the date as she sat next to Chris and Jef for the whole thing, but the guys did keep comparing the movie to how they were competing for Emily. 

The fun part was watching the guys get ready for the Highland Games.  Of course, ABC had to show us the guys taking their shirts off and showing us their boxers as they got ready for the manliest outfit ever - a kilt and a tank top.  Yes, well at least the tank top got to show off their guns.  I loved how Chris stated at the beginning that he would be the bravest man at the games...and he did indeed show Emily he was brave by being the worst at all of the games but still putting forth an effort and taking on the strongest guys. 

Some of my favorite quotes during this part of the date:

1. Arie - "last week it was a dress, this week it is a kilt"

2. Jef - "love takes bravery and wearing a kilt is just one of those brave things I am going to do" -- oh so brave.

3. Sean - "the rose is a little more important than a bravery cup." I think he was a little bitter that he was the best at the games but Chris who was the worst won the bravery cup from Emily.

I love how Emily makes it completely clear as to which guys she is really into.  She tells Sean that she does not want him to leave feeling like he doesn't know where he stands with her.  Basically she is telling him that he is safe this week and to not stress over her feelings for him because she loves him. 

You can also tell that Emily is totally into Arie.  When they were walking down the street she told him that they needed to walk really really slowly and look in every single store so that they could spend a longer alone time together.  Then them making out against the wall was an idea on Arie's part to make it last longer.  Good call Arie.

The other guy that Emily is really liking is Jef.  He feels great after getting over the "hump" of kissing her last week...and apparently he is really over it as they made out during their alone time. 

Chris goes out on a ledge during the group date by telling Emily that he feels like he could fall in love with her and love her forever.  He says that if she chooses him he will take it and run with it.  And he "promises it will only get better."  I think  he is concerned that he has been in the shadows lately and not really had much quality time with her lately.  Well, his comments worked for Emily because he got the rose on the group date.  And I loved how she said she was not going to make eye contact with the rest of the guys on the date when she went to grab the rose from Chris.

The last one on one date for the week went to Ryan.  Chris tells us that Ryan plucks his finger hairs -- umm that is totally weird.  Ryan of course gives the best quotes of anyone on the show:

1. "The world is our pearl, wait not it's our oyster...you're the pearl"

2. "You would be a pretty great promise - a trophy wife"  "Every man should believe his wife is a trophy"  To which Emily responds: "Trophies don't talk back"

3. "Got on turquoise shoes tonight to impress you" - REALLY??? Who does that impress?  We see them at the end when he walks away...definitely not impressing me.

4. "How you gonna say you don't want to be a trophy wife and come looking like that."  To be completely honest, he dress was very gold and trophy like.

Emily finds Ryan endearing and fun, however, she also feels like she has to be perfect around him because he is judging her.  She also doesn't like all his comments.  My favorite part of the date was Emily looking completely grossed out by the oyster, eating the oyster, then spitting it out and telling the oyster man that "it was so good."  Yeah, right.

Ryan is completely shocked when he doesn't get the rose and he gets emotional and keeps trying to convince Emily to give it to him.  Emily does state that this is the first time she is not 100% confident in her decision.  She needs to remember how she felt a couple weeks ago when she said that she knew Ryan was trouble and playing a game.  Besides, she has some great guys left at the house too.

A great line from Arie - "If Ryan is the next bachelor, then the bachelorette is a mirror"

Arie then shows up at Emily's place to check on her.  He says it was hard to find her...ummm...did he just start knocking on random doors?  I doubt it.  The producers probably just showed him where to go.  The cameras were following him.  Emily really likes him and she gives him the rose that was from Ryan's date and tells him he now has an extra one but he has to hide it.  So basically Arie knows he is safe this week.  Thus, Emily has basically told Arie, Sean, and Jef that they are all safe this week...and Chris has a rose.  So the only two on the block are Doug and John "Wolf"

In the end, Emily decided to give out an extra rose so that no one else would go home.

My top guys are Sean and Jef.  Doug is kind of getting to be too humble and thinking all the other guys are doing better.  Arie just seems off to me at times.  John - I really know nothing about except that he really loves his grandparents.  Chris - I am unsure about.  He still seems kind of young at times for Emily, which I know he will hate to hear me say. 

Honestly, we really don't know much about any of the guys.  All they do is say how much they love Emily, put the other guys down, and make out with Emily.  So, hopefully we will get some actual conversations in the coming episodes that give us more depth to the guys - at least during the home town dates for sure.



Mi Casa es Su Casa

This past week, our home has seen many visitors and overnight guests.  We had one person staying with us all week from Sunday to Saturday.  Then one of my boy's best friends from college and his family came and stayed with us for the weekend.  To say the least, I am exhausted after having so many people stay with us all week, but it was also a lot of fun to see everyone and hang out during this time.  (It also kept me from having to do much bar review over the weekend -- I promise, starting next weekend I will study every weekend until the bar exam)

One of the fun things we did over the weekend was go to a petting zoo.  We saw a bunch of animals and enjoyed the time.  And of course I named all the animals along the way.

This was little baby Wilbur pig - because what else would I name a pig.

This is Herbert the goat - who at first seemed dead, but then he arose from his slumber.

This is Kenneth the peacock of course.

And here we are with my boy's friend and his family. 

A great weekend if I do say so myself.



Happy Father's Day!

I am so blessed to have be given the father I have from God.  I could not even ask for a better daddy.  He is everything I could ever need in a dad and more.  And here are the top ten things I love about him

1. He is always able to calm me down when I have a freak out - whether about school or life or whatever.

2. He is the best guy to call when I am sick because he will diagnosis and tell me exactly what to do...and if I need him to he will come over and take care of me.

3. He is super smart and basically answer any question I ask him.

4. He has taught me to learn from my mistakes and to live a life of integrity.

5. He showed me what kind of husband I should look for and then approved of the one I found (but he always had my back and even told me as we were walking down the aisle that we could make a run for it if I wanted to and he would run with me).

6. He has always loved me unconditionally and without judgment.

7. He is the best home fixer upper and can basically fix or build anything.

8. He makes me laugh and helps me gang up on mom and make fun of her.

9. He always encourages and has helped me believe in myself.

10. And most importantly, he has taught me to study the Bible and to always go to God when I need help or encouragement or guidance.

I love you Daddy!!!  Thanks for being the best and continually loving me and encouraging me.



Getting Through the Week...

With another week of bar review studying almost done (not really done...still hours to do tonight and over the weekend...and then another week)...the stress of it all is truly starting to sink in and hit me - and hit me hard.  After ever practice MBE multiple choice test I take...I wonder...will I really pass this thing?  But I have to put those thoughts aside and realize that I am doing everything I humanly can at this point in time to prepare and what is the worst thing that can happen - I fail.  Ok.  Then I try and take it again.  No life or death occurring with that.  I will move forward.

So the top things that have pushed me forward and gotten me through this week:

1.  Well, you all know my new found love of online shopping -- here are the exciting packages I received this week.  Not one, but two new pairs of shoes.  I even wore the teal heels around the house since I had no where to go in them while I am busy studying.

2. Having a live in 19 year old boy staying at our house this week certainly kept the mood light for the most part - which probably helped with my stress.

3. Food.  Food most definitely helps.  Whether it is mac and cheese, chick fil a, baja fresh, pizza hut, a sports grill's sliders and fries (and yes - I got ALL of this during this week) ... it all just helps.

4. This boy helps.  He encourages me and tells me that I am doing great and that I will pass even when I have my doubts.  He continually pushes me forward and will not let me quit.

5. And finally, and most importantly, God's encouragement through His word and through other believers has gotten me through this far...and I know it will continue to push me forward and keep perspective of the important things in life. 

John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.



Thoughts on the Bachelorette: London

For those of you who know me...you know that I LOVE THE BACHELORETTE!!!  I know...my boy hates the show (but I think deep down he loves it because he usually stays in the room when it is on).  I realize that most of the couples from the show do not end up together forever...but this crazy process of trying to find someone and some of the crazies that come on the show are the reason I love it.

Based on last night's episode, I absolutely adore Sean.  He seems pretty perfect and him and Emily would make pretty blonde babies for sure.  He seems grounded and manly.  Yet, he doesn't seem to have a ton of experience in the relationship area because he is "picky."  Now, picky is definitely not a bad thing, but I mean, Emily has had lots of ups and downs in relationships in the past...so I am unsure if Sean is ready.  But I do think he would be a great dad to Emily's daughter.

The group date was kind of ridiculous.  All of these mostly manly men dressing up and acting out Romeo and Juliet.  The only part of this that I remotely enjoyed was when Doug and Arie dressed up as nurses and were able to let go and have fun with it - that is something a good dad would be able to do.

On this group date, I was also SO HAPPY that Kalon finally was sent home.  Honestly, he would have been gone long ago if it was my choice because of all his condescending comments in the past - like telling Emily not to talk until he was finished talking.  But the fact that he referred to Emily's daughter as baggage - yeah that was way too far.  And I am so glad that Doug brought it to her attention.  Also, I completely understand why Emil was questioning all the guys.  A girl wants a man that will stand up for her when others say mean and awful things about her or her family - especially her daughter.  Emily is looking for a husband and a father to her child - if a guy cannot stand up to a guy like Kalon, then when would he stand up for her???

Jef grew on me during his one on one date with Emily.  Although he isn't as manly as I would like, Emily seems smitten with him and he says a lot of the right stuff to make her feel better after her terrible group date night.  He also is cute about how nervous he gets about kissing Emily for the first time which makes me think that it actually means something to him besides actually getting physical with a girl -- unlike Ryan who seemed like he just wanted to rub it in all the guys faces (especially Arie) that he got the kissing scene in Romeo and Juliet and then milked it for all it was worth.

So overall, pretty good episode.  I enjoyed watching Emily go off on Kalon and stick up for herself and her daughter.  My favorites right now for Emily are Sean, Jef, and Doug (at times he annoys me though).  I do still kind of like Arie and Chris, but they totally did not stand up for Emily this week which moved them down in my book.

What did you all think of last night's episode???

Colored Jeans...A Boy...and a Concert...

Colored Jeans...a Boy...and a Concert...make for a pretty perfect day.

Love me some red jeans!!! Outfit courtesy of The Limited

Love this boy!!!

Love going to concerts with this boy!!!  We spent Saturday just enjoying the day of softball and a Colbie Caillat and Gavin Degraw concert.

Pretty perfect day having fun and relaxing with my boy...would have been even better if I didn't have to spend part of my day with BARBRI...but still an awesome day!!!

Bar Review Blues...

Well...it has been almost exactly one year since my last posting - and what has happened in my life???

I GRADUATED FROM LAW SCHOOL!!!!

Yeah, I said it!  No more school for me!  Ever! Ever! Ever! .... well except for these two plus months of bar review torture...and that is assuming I pass the bar the first time...if I don't, this torture could continue forever.

Well in my mindless hours of studying...and study breaks...I came upon this link that was posted by another recent law graduate from my class.  http://www.bitterlawyer.com/ten-things-you-will-do-studying-bar/

This link tells us 10 things that I will do while studying for the bar.  And let me tell you...I am well on my way to completing this list.  Let me demonstrate.

First on the list is "fail a practice exam" - believe me, this happened probably the first day of bar review and has continued at various points since.  Especially since I am supposed to retain a whole body of law on a topic within maybe two days and then move on to another whole body of law the next day to learn.  Basically, my brain will be fried by the end of this course and I am just hopeful that I am retaining something throughout these studies.

Second on the list is "resent anyone who says you will pass" - oh yeah.  This is so true.  Especially those people who have no idea what the bar exam really is.  Now, this is not to offend all of you wonderful people who have told me that I will pass - but really - you have no idea.  You don't understand the hours of sweat and tears that I will be putting into studying for this two day exam that decides the rest of my life (well not really the rest of my life, but at least whether I will be able to go into a courtroom and say "I object!")

Third on the list is "abandon something you normally do" - I am not sure if I have completely abandoned anything yet.  These first three weeks of bar review - I think I have been somewhat in denial that I can't have a life and study as I spent most of all last weekend doing nothing in regards to studying.  But I am sure this denial will soon pass.  I did give up work to study for the bar exam so that is something.  I also have given up leaving the house very much - so I may go stir crazy soon.

Fourth on the list is "buy something ridiculous" - Well, I haven't bought anything totally ridiculous yet BUT I have found my new love of online shopping!  In the past two weeks I have ordered a dress, a shirt, and two pairs of shoes from three different stores online - and for me that I a lot for online ordering because I have always enjoyed actually going to a store to try things on.  But hey - I am stuck at home remember.  And the joy of finding a package at my door is so thrilling!!!  It is the highlight of my day.  And then opening the package and trying on the dress and thinking of what I will wear it to, and then remembering that I won't be leaving the house or wearing a dress for the next two months....oh well.  At least I will look great after the bar exam.

Fifth on the list is "have some kind of sleep issue" - No real problems here as of yet.  I am sure as the bar exam comes closer I will have all kinds of trouble sleeping and terrible nightmares about the bar exam, but as of yet - my sleep is doing alright.

Sixth on the list is "gain or lose weight" - I will have no idea if this occurs as my home contains no scale!!!  So there!

Seventh on the list is "pick up a weird habit" - I think that online shopping is a weird habit for me (see #4).  But also, I have started watching Hell's Kitchen - not because I think the show is all that great or anything - but because seeing people yell and scream at each other is kind of a stress reliever I have found and I can yell at them too!  So I think I am turning into a weird, yelling, stay at home all day kind of freak.  Yes, this is what the bar exam does to you.  Another weird habit for me that I have picked up is exercising -- yes exercising.  I never want to do this - but the past two weeks I have done it just so I don't have to keep studying.  So maybe bar review is helping me in one way...

Eigth on the list is "drink alone" - And no, I have not done this.  As those of you who know me, I am not a huge drinker to begin with, unless it is fruity and doesn't really taste like alcohol...

Ninth on the list is "have a weird run in with a stranger" - This has not occurred yet, but in reality, I could see this happening at some point between now and the bar exam.  The bar review really does change one's outlook on life and I could see myself saying something completely inappropriate or laughing at the completely wrong time because I will have lost sense with reality by bar exam time from staying in the house and away from people for so long.

Tenth on the list is "cry" - Yes.  This happened the second day of bar review.  The instructor did say we would have a break down at some point before the bar exam....and I think I jumped the gun on that one.  But maybe this means this won't happen again...doubtful.

So yes.  I enjoyed this list that I found.  And now you all should be wary around me because now you know I could snap at any moment in time.  Oh bar review...how you have taken over my life and my summer.