post-thanksgiving lull

CAPES [something empowering] If forgiving someone was easy, and they deserved it, than it wouldn't be such a big deal. It's not easy, and most often they don't deserve it. Forgiveness is a gift for both parties.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] This might take you back to yesteryear, but I've found myself singing it around the house. Yea, I've got it bad (so hide your kids, hide your wife).

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] My fridge has seen better days. The post-thanksgiving lull has hit, which means all the leftovers are gone and I'm left with a fridge full of condiments and liquids. What kind of breakfast can one make with dressing, relish, jam, and chocolate milk?

Never underestimate the satisfaction of doing nothing.

CAPES [something empowering] You can't steer a parked car. If you're waiting for something to happen, start the engine and back out of the driveway and get yourself on the road.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I'm putting some major miles in this week, and I'm not talking about my car. When the snow hit, I dug out my YaxTrax. While my front-wheel drive car handles poorly in icy/snowy conditions, I can run around town without a problem.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Yesterday was the first day in a long time that I had nothing to do. I didn't have to be anywhere (internship and school cancelled due to ice and snow). Though I had papers to write and books to read, I did nothing. Never underestimate the satisfaction of doing nothing. I think I felt more accomplished doing nothing than when I spend a day checking things off a long list.

I Kissed Christian Dating Goodbye

CAPES [something empowering] Don't just say you're thankful for it, be thankful for it.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] My new favorite nail color: Whitney, by Julep. It's the cheaper version of the Chanel color, and a mushroomy-gray neutral that goes with most skin types.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] My friend recently wrote a great article on the woes of Christian dating. It will make for a great chapter in the book a few of us are putting together - I Kissed Christian Dating Goodbye. A soon-to-be a bestseller, the book will include epic tales of dating encounters that will leave you wondering why the authors haven't given up already, as well as bonus chapters on: 1) the do's/don'ts of online dating, 2) the tale-tell signs that the relationship isn't going anywhere (i.e. the everlasting textual relationship), and 3) a mock-interview from the well-known author, Joshua Harris. Lastly, a glossary at the end of the book will provide helpful dating terms and acronyms (some to be used, and others to be avoided).

Annie, are you okay?

CAPES [something empowering] Sometimes you have to say no, and sometimes you have to say yes. And yes, I had to buy that orange jacket. And no, I didn't buy the other blue jacket that I also liked.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I recently bought a jacket from Holden Outerwear, a company from Portland, OR. Not only is their stuff fashionable and functional, their flash website allows you to see their outerwear on walking-around-mobile-models.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I recently googled "songs with the name annie" and came across a forum asking "what's with all the songs with the name 'annie' in them?". I knew it wasn't just me that noticed! Check out the well-known songs that feature my name: Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal (Annie, are you okay?), Ben Fold's Annie Waits, Mat Kearney's Annie, James Blunt's Annie, John Denver's Annie's Song, and Heart's Dreamboat Annie. And here's a few not-as-well-known: Mt. Desolation's Annie Ford, Left Hand Smoke's Annie, Elefant's Annie, Guillemot's Annie, Let's Not Wait, and Safety Suit's Annie.

I prefer mashed.

CAPES [something empowering] Being scared of something just because it's different is your problem. Fear is disabling, so don't let it win.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] The next best thing since Girl Talk...Norwegian Recycling. Mash-up brilliance.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] There's nothing worse than a joke that isn't funny. Oh wait, actually, there is - when you're the one who told the joke only to later realize your mistake in doing so. In past blogs, I have joked around about getting away with things when it comes to the law. In all seriousness, the law is not a joking matter. I appreciate those who serve our cities, and my "jokes" dishonor them. Forgive me.