Seeing the Wind

I love that spring is here. Absolutely love it. This morning I walked out of church and spring hit me in the face. It was wonderful. I attempted to take a picture of what I saw, but no picture will ever capture the beauty of the real thing. I thought it was a beautiful site yesterday when I saw it, but today it was just perfect. I am so incredibly blessed to live around so much beauty.

Across the street from my church is a beautiful old farm. The house and barns are all a beautiful white which looks amazing in contrast to the green that is now everywhere. There is a small pasture in between the house and road for the cows and fields for what seems like forever surrounding the rest of the house. There were sheets and clothes hanging on the close lines behind the house that were blowing in the wind. There is a table and chairs set up in the back yard and a woman was bringing a tray to the table from the house. 

That is the life I want. Sure, it would be fun to make tons of money and be able to afford to go anywhere I want whenever I want and be able to shop whenever I want, but I've lived that life. I grew up in that atmosphere, and while I can't say that it was bad or I didn't enjoy it, I know that a simpler way of life is what I really crave. I want a slower pace of life, where it's ok to take the day to sit in a chair and read a book on the porch. I want to be able to look out my window and not see a tall building. I want to wake up early in the moring to watch the sunrise and I want to go to bed late watching the fireflies.

As I drove down the road towards home, I passed the surrounding fields of growing corn. Right now the corn just looks like 6 inch grasses. I saw the wind. Well, maybe not literally, but watching the wind whip across those grasses is just about as close to seeing the wind as you can get.

I love spring.

Events of a Saturday

Today was busy and left me exhausted, but it wasn't overall a bad day, so I'm happy. After venting my frustrations last night on my last blog, I felt better. The frustration still exists, but isn't quite as forefront in my head as it was last night.

It was around 2:30am when I went to bed last night. As I walked upstairs to bed, I noticed that the TV in my parents room was still on. Figuring dad couldn't sleep, I thought I'd walk in there to say goodnight. I walked in to see mom sound asleep in the bed and dad laying in the middle of the floor. Apparently sleeping on the floor is the new cool thing. I asked him what he was doing and all he did was snore really loud and roll over. Haha.

I was supposed to go play tennis with mom and Paul (my brother) this morning at 7:30, but that did not happen. When I woke up at 9, I got ready and headed over to church to help mom set up the Easter flowers. Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. I walked into the church to see a palm tree maid out of balloons on the sanctuary stage. My church is pretty small and very conservative and the balloon tree was incredibly distracting. I don't get it at all, but whatever, not my deal. Haha. The flowers look beautiful. I'm so happy to finally see the colors of sping coming back out. It's been dull and grey for way too long.

After leaving church, I went to Wally World to get some things to bake for Paul's baseball bingo fundraiser. I made chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese icing and white chocolate covered pretzels with sprinkes. They turned out super cute! Baking is a stress relief for me. I love it.

Paul's baseball bingo was...boring, to be honest. I suck at bingo. I don't particulary enjoy playing bingo and I've had to play it twice in the past month for fundraisers and didn't win a thing at either event. Needless to say, my bingo-playing days are over. The cupcakes and pretzels were a hit, though! Yay!

At the very end of the evening, while we were cleaning up the cafeteria, the night went downhill way fast. Paul came up and told us about something he had done that evening. I'm not going to say what this thing is, but it's something that one may not think is a big deal, but could have very large consequences. People make mistakes and do stupid things, especially at the egging of friends, so if Paul had shown any remorse at all I would have just let it go. The situation is quite the opposite, though. He doesn't feel that what he did was wrong at all and actually said, "I have no remorse for what I did." That infuriates me. My brother is a better person than that. Hopefully after a nights sleep, he'll realize the seriousness of his actions and own up to it. That's what I'm praying for anyway. If you'd pray the same, I would greatly appreciate it.

It is now nearly 1am and I need to sleep. My body is exhausted and sore for some unknown reason, but I need sleep. I'll end here so that I can be awake while teaching Sunday School tomorrow. Goodnight!

Love The Sinner, Hate The Sin

I know I already posted once today, but technically it's tomorrow since it's 12:24 am and I'm pretty frustrated.

I get tired of being the polite one sometimes. I mean really tired of it. As a Christian, I try to be respectful of other's opinions on varying subjects because I know that trying to shove my beliefs down people's throats is never an effective way of getting them to hear what I have to say. And in the grand scheme of things, hearing the Truth is what is really important because their eternity is at stake, and I don't want that to be put in jeopardy because I was frustrated and lost my temper. But why, WHY, do I have to be the only one who is respectful? Why can't that go both ways? I'm not asking for them to take what I say and drop to their knees and thank me for helping them see the light. I'm only asking for the same respect I give them.

I had a discussion tonight about equal rights in regards to homosexual marriages. Obvoiusly I am against homosexual relationships. I don't think any less of any gay person. I don't steer clear of gay people because they are just people. It's what their doing that I disagree with. God is very clear in the Bible about homosexuality. It's a non-issue for me. But I will not judge someone because they have chosen to live their life that way. I've done my fair share of sins and would hope that others don't judge me because of it. Love the sinner, hate the sin. In this discussion I created the opportunity to share my beliefs on this issue, because I don't just want to sit back and keep my mouth silent when I have the opportunity to tell about God's Word. Throughout this discussion, myself and my beliefs were belittled and treated like it was all crazy talk. The other person attempted to attack me into a corner, but I respectfully shared my beliefs, answered the questions and tried to offer clarity. It didn't surprise me when the other person just gave up on the conversation, but I couldn't help but feel relieved when they did, which I now feel bad about. There's only so much ridicule and belittling one person can take before they don't want to hear it anymore, especially when I'm making a conscious effort to be respectful to this person. I know that I said everything I could to this person, but the feeling of relief when the conversation was over makes me feel bad. I guess I can only pray now that what I said will resinate in their minds and will make them think. I just can't help but be frustrated, still.

John 15:12 "This is my commandment that ye love one another, as I have loved you."

God loves us unconditionally. We sin. We mess up. We fall short. He loves us anyway. The only thing he asks from us is that we do our best to live our life to honor Him, spread His word, and ask forgiveness when we mess up. We are to love others the same way. We are to love without conditions. We are to hold other accountable for their sins, but never judge. This is for all people, not just heterosexuals, white people, American's, etc. EVERYONE. God forgives us a counless number of times. We are to do the same.Grudges hurt no one but yourself.

How is it that I do all I can to be respectful in sharing my beliefs just to be ridiculed and then I end up being the one who feels guilty in the end? Maybe it's because it's nearly 1am and I am in desperate need of sleep, but I'm just really frustrated about that.

Ok, I suppose that's all I need to say. I just needed to get it out and I'm pretty sure calling Corey right now just to vent wouldn't have made him too happy seeing as he leaves for VA Beach in a few hours.

Excitement

Well, I've not written anything in a few days and that's mostly because nothing interesting has happened that is worth writing about. There are a few things that I've gotten very excited about, though, so that's what I'm going to share today.

1) I had an Economics test yesterday. After I rocked that I decided to drive to downtown Westminster to The Hickory Stick to check out the new Vera Bradley that is out. I could spend days looking at that stuff. I'm not a fan of Calypso or Bali Gold, but my new obsessions are Bali Blue and Hope Garden. I have zero money, but broke out the credit card to buy a clipboard, flipflops, key chain, and organizer. Vera brings out my worst habits. After leaving my favorite little shop I called Corey to inform him that he needs to find a job STAT so that he can fund my addiction. That leads me to excitement #2.

2) Corey called me this morning and told me that he has an interview in Timonium on Monday at 1:45 for an entry level marketing position. If he gets this job it would mean many things that would make me very happy. First, I'd be able to live at home up until the wedding and not have to pay rent anywhere. Secondly, I'd be able to get a job now, which means more money to save and I can also fund my own Vera addiction.

3) I went to the doctors this morning. April starts the thrid month that I've seriously started trying to get healthy and lose a significant amount of weight so I don't have weight related problems later in life. As of today I've lost 20 pounds. I'd like that number to be higher, but I'll take what I can get. It made me happy to put on a shirt that I bought months ago that I swore I'd fit into one day and it fit.

5) Now this is probably the most exciting of all for me today. Tonight I have to write a paper and a discussion board and I will officially be on spring break. Really, it's far over due. I needed this break weeks ago. I do have to do replies to the discussion board on Monday and then a quiz on Wednesday next week, but that's all and I'm thrilled about it. After Corey's interview on Monday I will go down to Virginia and help Mel transform the little house, which was once going to be Corey and I'd house after we got married, into her thrift shop. I'm very excited about this. I'll explain another day why we aren't going to live there anymore, but it was the best decision.

I love days when I feel happy for multiple reasons and even though I know there are some things I should focus on today, I'm refusing to think about those things today because nothing will ruin my day today.

The most ridiculous day of my life.

Warning: This is long. To the extent where it's close to a novel. It's filled with, what I think, is absolute hysterical behavior by others that I couldn't help but share, but I do feel as if a warning is needed.

Literally, the strangest day of my life yesterday. Before I explain why, I need to give a history lesson.

2-3 weeks ago, I was down at Corey's parent's house in VA. I was sitting in the guest room doing homework and on the other side of the wall, Corey was doing the same in his room. I heard voices downstairs that I knew I recognized, but just couldn't tell where from. When I heard people coming up the steps, I got interested. Corey's mom came to the door of the guest room with one of Corey's old friends, Matt, that he hadn't seen in years. Corey's parents practically raised Matt, but there was a falling out and things were never really resolved. Well we exchanged hi's, but that was about it. They then stood in the doorway of Corey's room. I pretended to write my paper while eavesdropping. This was the conversation that followed:

Corey: Hey, man, how are you?

Matt:   Good. I'm getting married.

Corey: That's great, congratulations!

Corey's mom: Oh how nice! When is it? Where is it? Who are your guys? Where's the honeymoon? (You know, the laundry list of questions moms ask)

Matt: It's Aprill 11th at church. My best man is my brother and my groomsman is Corey.

Corey: What?

Matt: Yeah, man, you should have assumed that!

Corey: Oh.

Matt: Ok well here's your invitations. (he handed one to Corey and one to Corey's mom) See you later!

(Corey's mom walked him downstairs and then I heard...)

Matt: Come on Diana, let's go.

Ok, so. I was literally hysterical in the next room. Picture it. Me-sitting on the bed-cracking up. I do believe there was a snort that came out of my nose from trying to hold my laughter back. I was a mess. I got up and walked over to Corey's room with tears running down my face from laughing so hard. How many wedding ettiquet (or just plain ettiquet, for that matter) faux pas could possibly happen in one 5 minute time span? Showing up unannounced, leaving your fiance down stairs by herself in a house she's never been to, handing someone their wedding invitations, telling someone they should have assumed they were a groomsman. Not inviting that groomsman's fiance or allowing him to bring a date. I count 5. It get's better.

A few days later Matt calls Corey's parents house. He left a message on the machine. "Hey, this is for Ron. It's Matt. I want you to be a groomsman. You'll have to get your tux at Men's Wearhouse. See you on April 10th for the rehearsal." click. Needless to say I died all over again. Corey and I went to get him fitted last week and the tux will cost us $180. Ridiculous. (Ron=Corey's dad)

End of history lesson.

Yesterday morning I went to Corey's cousin Travis's regional science fair that he made it in to. He placed 4th and had a really great project. I had a lot of fun there. The strange part started after I got back from the science fair and went to Fredericksburg with Corey and his parents. We went to the Men's Wearhouse to get Ron fitted for his tux. First the sales woman said she needed permission from the groom for Ron to wear his own shoes. Oye. Haha. Then she put the jacket on him. "Because this fits so well in the shoulders we're going to have to go with this size. It's big in the belly, but we can't alter it so you'll just have to deal." Corey's mom spoke up. "If I'm paying $180 for something we don't even get to keep, then it better fit him! Give him the size smaller." She did and that's what we went with. They finished fitting him and then went to the register. The sales woman had to call Matt to see if it was ok that Ron wore his own tuxedo shoes instead of the ones from them. She called and got Matt's brother. She asked him to have Matt call back. The brother said hang on. While on the phone with her, the brother called Matt who said that he was in Fredericksburg and he'd just swing by. When given this message, the sales woman said that wasn't necessary, he just needed to call, but Matt insisted. Oye, again. So we waited. When Matt finally showed up, he said yes it was ok, and that was that. A waste of 30 minutes of my life that I will never get back.

He told us that the bridesmaids went shopping for their dresses that day. I couldn't stop the big 'WHAT?!' that came flying out of my mouth. He looked at me funny and I reminded him that his wedding is in 2 weeks. He looked at me like I was nuts. I asked if the dresses were from David's Bridal and he said yes. Ok, from my own experience there I know that their dresses take 6-8 weeks to come in and then 2 weeks minimum for alterations. He told me that they all ended up with different dresses because they didn't have time to order them and that his fiance' was not happy about it. Well, when you wait until 2 weeks before your wedding to have your bridesmaids get their dresses, that's what you run into.

He then told us that the ceremony was still at church, but the reception would be in Fredericksburg. (The church is Corey's church 2 min up the road and Fredericskburg is an hour beyond that.) I laughed inside myself. He said they would hand out printed off map quest directions when people walk into the ceremony. I had to turn away to hide the smile that resulted from the laughing within myself. Corey's mom then asked about the rehearsal. Matt said, "around 5pm at the church, I guess." You guess? Oye, again! He then shared that the rehearsal dinner would be in Fredericksburg at the Golden Corrall. I had to walk a little away at this point because the laughing within myself had come out of myself. Corey walked after me and gave me the "stop right now" look, but as much as I tried I couldn't and that made him laugh, too. I waved by to this boy who didn't invite me to his wedding and got in the car where I proceeded with the tears-running-down-my-face hysteria all over again. Corey and his dad got in the car and then his mom got in last after hugging Matt goodbye. She closed the door and said, "So I have to drive to church then to Fredericksburg JUST for Golden Corrall and then back home and then to church and then to Fredericksburg for the reception and then back home!?" Oh I was done. Literally done. I thought I was going to pee my pants.

Then we went to the mall. Corey had to pay bills so he and his dad went to do that while his mom and I stayed in Macy's to look at Martha Steward kitchen stuff. I love Martha, by the way. I think she's hideous as sin, but I love her none the less. 15 minutes in and I get a call from Corey. "There's a wedding in the food court." What? I asked him to please explain himself and he just repeated his first statement. After asking if he wasn't sure it was a fashion show for wedding gowns/prom gowns/tuxes he assured me it was a real wedding. Corey's mom and I high tailed it to the food court. We arrived to see a stage, with an aisle, with an arch at the end. The bridal party consisted of 3 bridesmaids, 3 groomsmen, a flower girl, the bride and groom. The bride and groom were dresses appropriately. The flower girl was in black. A sluttly black little dress with a stark white flower girl basket. This girl looked about 9. 2 of the bridesmaids were in purple, tie-dye, halter dresses that went to the knee. The other, who I am assuming was the maid of honor, was in a floor length ivory satin gown. 2 of the groomsmen were in black suits and the third who was standing in the middle was in a brown suit. There were people seated in the audience roped off to the public, but there was quite a crowd on the opposite side of the ropes. Some dressed in diggs so nicely as pajamas. While debating whether or not this was real, a woman approached Corey's mom and I and handed us bubbles. BUBBLES! She asked us to blow them at the bride and groom after they were announced man and wife. There was a little tag that said "Congratualtions Emily & Bo!" Wow. This was the real deal for these people. Corey's mom proceeded to blow the bubbles and even walked around so the bubbles were spread evenly for everyone. Hahaha This woman seriously cracks me up. She yelled "we can't hear you!" durring the couples vows and I informed her that if she did that during my wedding that I would personally throw her in the creek that runs near the ceremony site and she agreed that it would be appropriate punishment. Haha.

When the wedding was over, we walked out to the car. We approached the glass doors and saw a girl outside cowering in a corner crying. To picture this properly, just think of a bright red head steryotypical emo girl and you've got it. We were going to ask if she was ok but this little boy who was about 8 beat us to it. She hissed at him. Literally, hissed. Like a snake. Oye, AGAIN! We got in the car and apparantly Corey and his dad saw everything. Some fight with her boyfriend and a group of guys. Whatever. Corey's mom called mall security and we took off.

We went to TGIFriday's for dinner. In the bathroom there was a mass of people. It was unavoidable to make friends with some people. I made two new friends. Their names were Kathy and Alexis. Kathy, Alexis, and I laughed about the woman in the handicap stall fighting with her 3 year old daughter. This was the conversation:

Mom: You will go pee pee!

Girl: Oh no I won't!

Mom: You will go pee pee!

Girl: Oh no I won't!

Time 5. Everything I say is completely literal and not exaggerated in the least. We counted. After leaving my new friends from our cool new hang out, Corey's family and I finished our errands and came home. Now I am sick as a dog. I'm wondering if laughing is the cause of my sore throat, because that's really the only thing I can think of from yesterday that was straining. The rest was just like watching a movie from home.

I've also decided I'm going to write a book about the crazy wedding things I'm experiencing. Each event will have it's own chapter. The last chapter will be about my own wedding that will probably bore my readers to tears after reading the previous chapters.

Marriage, Rainy Days, and Simpler Ways

For those of you who don't know, I'm engaged to be married to a wonderful, loving, caring, hysterically funny, man named Corey. Our wedding date is October 24 of this year and I'm head deep in the wedding planning process. I've had so much fun planning this wedding. 

My venue is Stone Manor Country Club in Middletown, MD (the one just a few miles north of Frederick, MD). It's beautiful and I love how I forget just how beautiful it is because it makes pulling in that long driveway a wonderful surprise every time. 

I fell in love with a wedding gown back in October and ordered it right on the spot. I picked it up a few weeks ago and I keep randomly putting it on because I love it so much. Oleg Cassini is currently one of my favorite people on Earth for designing the gown of my dreams. 

We've booked the caterer and florist, made up the menu for our passed hor d'euver reception, picked out the cake Corey's grandmother (Mommom) will make for us, and picked out the decor. 

Right now I'm trying to decide on invitations. The task of choosing between flat print, embossed, paper imprinted, pictures, colors, designs, modern, traditional, floral, and paper type has not yet given me a headache and I've actually been enjoying the task.

This afternoon Corey and I had our first pre-marital counseling session with my pastor. He will be officiating the ceremony along with Corey's pastor. He just gave us the run down of what to expect for the next four meetings, took down some information about the wedding, let us know what he is and isn't willing to do, and prayed with us. He's been retired for about two years now, and I nearly forgot how personal and sincere his prayers are. He has a way of talking to God that just shows the amazing relationship they share. I haven't been exposed to prayer like that since he retired and it makes me miss him even more as the pastor of Wakefield.

It's been raining all day today. I love rainy days. Days like these take the rush away from the daily tasks and let me slow down. I wouldn't want every day to be a rainy day, but when one comes along every now and again, I'll take the opportunity to put on my purple cupcake rainboots and use my houndstooth umbrella.

In a little over an hour I am going to make the two hour drive down to Colonial Beach, VA with Corey. I love going down there and spending time with his family. The pace of life is slower and everything is appreciated. People talk to one another and aren't always rushing to the next activity. They have a different appreciation for life and I enjoy that. While I'm from a small-ish town, people still don't have the same appreciation here. It's refreshing.

Me.

Hello, my name is Carly and I'm an addict. An addict to what? Well, the list is long and dignified. Among the list are flip flops, chapstick, Audrey sunglasses, facebook, debates, sweat pants, big rings, thrift shops, road trips {just so long as I'm not the driver}, country music {music in general, for that matter}, reisling, pink, ...

I was never the blog kind of girl. Heck, I've never even kept a diary. In all honesty, I only created this becasue I think subconsciously I am always looking for another form of procrastination. We'll see how it goes.

Since I have no idea what I should write in a blog yet, I'll just post this survey in hopes that it just looks like I accomplished something here. :o)

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF : the survey Created by klesli2 and taken 13930 times on Bzoink
Name:	Carly Elizabeth.
Birthday:	10.17.87.
Birthplace:	Baltimore, MD.
Current Location:	Finksburg, MD.
Eye Color:	Green or hazel, depending on the day.
Hair Color:	Strawberry blonde.
Height:	5'10".
Right Handed or Left:	Righty.
Your Heritage:	I'm a mut.
The Shoes You Wore Today:	My brown comfy slip ons.
Your Weakness:	I cry far too often and over things that don't merit it.
Your Perfect Pizza:	Little sauce, lots of cheese, pepperoni.
Goal You Would Like To Acheive This Year:	Graduate college.
Thoughts First Waking Up:	Snooze...
Your Best Physical Feature:	Eyeballs.
Your Bedtime:	Usually too late.
Pepsi or Coke:	Coke. Diet, preferably.
McDonalds Or Burger King:	No, thank you.
Cappuccino Or Coffee:	French vanilla cappuccino.
Do You Swear:	It happens. I'm working on it.
Do You Sing:	Badly, but often.
Do You Shower Daily:	Usually.
Have You Been In Love:	Indeed I am.
Do You Want To Go To College:	I'm there and it's taking me much longer than it should to finish.
Do You Want To Get Married:	10.24.09.
Do You Beleive In Yourself:	Usually.
Do You Think You Are Attractive:	On the days that I shower.
Do You Get Along With Your Parents:	Most days.
Do You Like Thunderstorms:	Sometimes. It depends where I am and who I'm with.
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol:	I'm what you would call a wino.
In the past month have you Smoked:	One day I'll die from lung cancer from someone else's smoke.
In the past month have you been on Drugs:	Only the kind they'll sell you at Rite Aid.
In the past month have you gone on a Date:	Surprisingly, yes. Those don't happen too often.
In the past month have you gone to a Mall:	Frequently.
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos:	No. They don't come in boxes, but I haven't eaten a package of Oreo's either.
In the past month have you eaten Sushi:	Never in my life have I eaten sushi and I have no intention on ammending that.
In the past month have you been on Stage:	Yes.
In the past month have you been Dumped:	Not that I'm aware of.
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping:	It's way too cold for that.
In the past month have you Stolen Anything:	No.
Ever been Drunk:	Yes.
Ever been called a Tease:	Yes.
Ever been Beaten up:	Yes.
Ever Shoplifted:	Not that I can recall.
How do you want to Die:	I don't.
What do you want to be when you Grow Up:	It changes daily. I'll get back to you.
What country would you most like to Visit:	Ireland.
In a Boy/Girl..
Favourite Eye Color:	Yellow. Sid Farkus is my sole mate. Let's be honest, though; I don't have a preference.
Favourite Hair Color:	Dark.
Short or Long Hair:	Short. Always. Long is not so attractive. Ever.
Height:	Taller than me.
Number of Drugs I have taken:	Only the legal ones.
Number of CDs I own:	I've never counted.
Number of Piercings:	Four holes total.
Number of Tattoos:	Zip.
Things in Your Past That You Regret:	I don't do regret.
You've been totally Bzoink*d! Take This Survey | Search Surveys | Create a Survey