I’m a church lady. I’ve come to accept this. I co-lead a home church, I teach preschoolers about Jesus, and I thrive when I’m involved in a church community.
This is my life.
Also, this is my church.*
What, you don’t have flash mobs at yours?
*This was part of a one-day 25th anniversary celebration. We’re usually a little less crazy — and not in the Powerade Centre. But we’re still awesome.
Also, my pastor is a kick-ass DJ. (Yes, I just called my pastor kick-ass. His name is Bruxy. A name like that can handle it.)
Christians are not boring.
While I’m in church-lady mode, here’s a song I tried to post a couple years ago. It’s finally embeddable. It’s Amazing Grace. With Chris Tomlin’s beautiful chorus. (And the video is totally fall-worthy.)
A few weeks ago, my mom, dad and I all experienced the rather unfortunate side effects of accidentally drinking decaffeintated coffee with breakfast instead of the potent stuff.
I quite enjoy a good cup of decaf. But if I think I’m consuming caffeine and I’m not, my body goes into “YOU LIED TO ME” mode.
This week, I had a few “I don’t know what’s wrong with me” moments. I felt…weary. Defeated. Grumpy. Overwhelmed. I picked fights over trivial, inconsequential things. I cried over everything. I craved sleep and junk food. I feared a mono relapse. I was a mess, and for no apparent reason. Then Matt listed all the reasons I might be feeling a little more stressed than usual, and I burst into tears. He knows me better than I do.
So I curled up on the couch beside him, caught up on Downton Abbey, and let myself off the hook.
Cheering Up, Nadine-style:
Downton Abbey
TJ (Matt’s roommate — and my friend) gets the credit for this one. It’s probably the best television I’ve seen in approximately 28 years. (It even holds the world record in TV awesomeness.) I hope it wins 8 million Emmys this weekend.
Newsies
Newsies is the movie equivalent of comfort food to me. It’s a cinematic hug that makes me feel like a little girl again.
Kids, Christian Bale was cool long before he was Batman.
Now it’s becoming a stage musical. I’m squealing inside. I want to go to there!
Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors
This song calms my heart. It’s been my favorite for the past year or so.
The Lion King
Tonight is date night. And we’re watching The Lion King. In 3D. Just because.
Ben Rector. Eric Hutchinson. These men are MY artists. No one introduced me to their music, I just sort of discovered them on my own. And now I feel the need to champion their albums.
Ben’s newest offering came out today. Eric’s is on its way. You should listen/buy/enjoy.
Ben Rector
This is the album you should buy. One commenter “eargasmed.”
Ladies and gentlemen, never play the sax while riding a bike. EVER. Unless you’re Ben.
We watch the same TV shows. That’s why we’re music buddies.
Eric Hutchinson
“If the Beastie Boys produced the Beatles.” I NEED this album.
My favorite Eric song. It’s girl power…from a boy.
Two years ago, Eric opened for Kelly Clarkson. No one knew who he was. So he wrote “Who is Eric Hutchinson?” on the spot. Instant fans. Indie bands, take note.
One upon a time, pre-man-in-my-life, I wrote a blog entry: Adventures in Wedding Writing. Now it’s all about the planning. Which means that hypothetical dreaming and oohing and aahing is shifting into DECISION-MAKING.
It’s been surprisingly painless thus far. Mostly because Matthew is the king of “Now it’s time to de-stress Nadine’s brain.”
I don’t know how he does it. But I’m not complaining.
MATT: I have big plans for tonight. They’ll make you happy.
NADINE: Do I need to dress up?
MATT: Nope. I’m coming over.
Sure enough, my fiance showed up with big plans…to talk about wedding colours. I heart him.
MUSIC
When we started our venue hunt, Matt and I looked at a hall that was way too big for us. My solution to fill the space? Hire a 20-person big band! We didn’t rent the hall, mostly because the band I dreamt of cost a pretty $4000. And because the hall wasn’t quite…us.
I emailed a 5-piece motown band today. Their rates range from $4000-6500.
Music is PRICEY. Sheesh.
I am in power-negotiations mode. Also, if anyone knows Adam Sandler, let me know.
DRESS
Okay, so I know I haven’t worn it yet, but I’m already starting to ask the “What’s next?” question about my super-awesome-top-secret dress. Do I store it? Save it for an epic renewal party in 2022? Sell it? Donate it? Trash it?
I kinda want to frame it.
This is not my dress. But I’d trust Etsy’s prettyartythings to paint a portrait of mine.
Also, I realized last night that I let my 15-year-old self down. Because I will NOT be walking down the aisle in this:
I’ve been engaged for one month. Only 238 days until I’m a wife. Not that I’m counting down or anything. According to Project Wedding’s checklist, I have 182 things I need to do before then. I’m pretty sure it’s lying. (Um, because we’re not shopping around for videographers, booking hotel rooms for our guests, or taking dance lessons….)
On the to-do list for September: Book our photographer.
Joel: Hi, sister. I was going to wish you a happy birthday. But you didn’t answer your phone. So I’m not going to.*
Earlier that afternoon:
Mom: I hope you’re okay with getting a wedding dress for your birthday. And rainboots.
Me: Considering I’m getting married in April, I’ll probably wear them on the same day.
I celebrated my birthday on Wednesday by taste-testing the CNE’s Krispy Kreme doughnut burger. And deep-fried mac and cheese. And deep-fried cola. And deep-fried s’mores…. I didn’t die.
