Love this!

Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes. She has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve.

Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag.She’s the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she finds the book she wants. You see the weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a second hand book shop? That’s the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow.

She’s the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book.

Buy her another cup of coffee.

Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice.

It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas and for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry, in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by God, she’s going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does.

She has to give it a shot somehow.

Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who understand that all things will come to end. That you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two.

Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilight series.

If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are.

You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype.

You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots.

Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads.

Or better yet, date a girl who writes.

Rosemarie Urquico

Happy, I'm Not

So while it was 3:15 a.m. it was thundering, lightning and raining. My puppy was beside me whimpering while my cat was behind me on the couch hiding under a pillow. I have too much on my mind right now. Tuesdays are usually my favorite days, apparently that will not be the case today unless somethings radically change.

1) I have called the school so that I can pay for my classes. I only have 2 more days to do that. The best part it won't let me log in to do that online. Which royally ticks me off. And reason why? Their servers are down and they don't know when it will be coming up! If I lose my classes I might go insane.

2) This problem cannot be rectified I have a feeling for a while. Pottermore has only released part of book 2 and I finished it up about 2-3 hours ago. So I can either brew potions or duel which really bite.

3) This headache won't go away. I've taken Tylenol but it does not appear to be working. I just want some relief.

4) It storm all morning so I didn't get to go running. I love my running helps me think and helps me relieve stress. I will probably do some yoga, but I'm not sure yet.

On a better note, I have come up with some great blogging topics. I was a little worried I was coming into a slump, but I overcame the drought of no inspiration. That in itself is a great accomplishment to me. I think I was just overcome with some things going on in my life. I sat down and thought about some things I really think I should write about.

Chris is fixing to start his own blog and is now on Pottermore. He also made a Pinterest and showed me up on there already. Though I love looking up his pins because it shows me what kind of a man he is.

So for the rest of the day, since I'm now home because school has made me sick at my stomach, I will be on Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, and trying to get into the school's website.

Stronger, Bolder, and Wiser

This is a spontaneous post again. No it is nothing like the last one where a miracle happened this is just me thinking while typing. Three months ago, I was alone and facing gigantic situations practically alone and I will admit I had lost sight on the Lord. He was still there but I had turned away. I managed to get my life back on track and back on with God.

I had to do some soul searching before hand. I had lost control and sight of what I wanted in life. I wrote down several things about what I wanted from my life that I knew could actually happen. No celebrity falling in love with me, no raising someone back from the death, and no lottery winning. What I did decide to do was use the exact opposite of those things. I wrote down what I wanted in a guy. I wrote down things I wanted to praise and bless, and I wanted to get my finances in order.

I started planning while I was still in Tuscaloosa with a busted lip (which you can barely AT ALL if any which was is a win for me.) I had been given a tin box (literally) of Twilight journals. I use the Twilight one to plan my groceries and the New Moon became my ideas. I free wrote and ignored a lot of people. I was tired of a lot of things by that point. I realized one of my problems was that I depended too much on people and their thoughts. Second problem I didn't take enough risks.

I take this everywhere; including to go running.

I left Tuscaloosa and didn't look back and still haven't. Until this exact moment I haven't given any thought to what my life would have been like if I had stayed. Why? Because I love my life more than I ever have at this moment. I'm not insanely rich but I invest and save to the point I have no debt whatsoever and my credit score is unbelievable. Plus, I enjoy things that I love.

With all of that aside I found my way back to God and begged his forgiveness. I sat down and just prayed in my new townhouse up here. I asked that He lead me to the people that would help me live for  Him. I have a job that I love and I find it rewarding. I found a man that I graciously fell in love with and he lives by God's rules. I have new friends and it really helps me to see the kind of people that fit my life.

I am still having to face things that are hard. I literally come to a hard spot in my life and I'm Googling that subject with the phrase "Bible verses" behind it. It brings ease to me because no matter what I type  I can always find something. That's comforting to me.

People can try to take credit for me changing and getting my life on track. It would ultimately up to me and God. I have become stronger, bolder, and wiser. I look forward to each day.

Beauty Tips

• If you have oily or pimple-prone skin, your pillowcase could be your worst enemy. Oil and dirt collect on it and rub on your skin, so change the case a couple times a week.

• Have pimples on your chin or jawline? Could be all that talking on the phone! Really! Pressure and bacteria from the phone receiver can irritate your skin. The solution: Don't press it against your face and clean the receiver daily with astringent. Or swap to a blue-tooth device.

• Suds your skin using small, upward, circular motions. Pulling it downward damages your skin's elasticity. 

• To ease the ouch of tweezing, dab teething gel on your brow area with a cotton-swab before you pluck.

• To prevent little bumps after plucking your brows, wipe the area with astringent or witch hazel.

• To hide a really red pimple, tone down the red by using a green cover-up, and like many people I recommend using Physician's Formula.

• Once you've covered up that zit, be delicate when applying foundation. Pat it over your blemish; don't rub. 

• When putting on eyeliner, look downward into a mirror. This makes your lid flatten out so it's easier to draw a straight line. 

• To still look good at midday, freshen up your foundation, lightly spritz your skin with water, then re-blend with a dry makeup sponge. 

• Just 'cause you get a free brush with your blush doesn't mean it's your best bet. A makeup brush with a pencil-length handle makes blush application way easier. 


• OK: Here's another one for germ-phobic chicas. Dip a clean orangewood stick into your foundation bottle instead of using your finger. Toss the stick after each application to keep the bottled makeup sanitary.

• For light hold with no goop factor, spritz wet hair with hairspray, then dry and style.

• Boost a deep-conditioning treatment by wrapping your hair in aluminum foil.

• When choosing a blowdryer, remember: The higher the wattage, the faster it'll dry your hair.

• Remove product buildup from brushes (except natural bristle ones) by soaking 'em in warm water plus a few drops of white vinegar.

• When drying your hair, hold the dryer at least eight to 10 inches from your hair. When styling, hold your dryer four to six inches from your hair. 


• Double your rinse time: If it takes two minutes to rinse all the shampoo outta your hair, spend double that time--like, four minutes--rinsing out the conditioner.

• If you have thick hair, take a tip from the pros and divide your hair in sections, then work on drying just one section at a time.

•  Don't weight your hair down by conditioning strands that don't need it! Work conditioner through the ends only--and avoid the roots.

• Tangled tresses? Gently comb through your hair after applying conditioner.

• Always aim the air from your blowdryer down the length of your hair. Directing the air upward roughs up your hair's outer cuticle, cutting down on that great natural shine.

• To help your style stay put, switch your blowdryer to cool as you finish each section.

• Swipe nails with a nail polish remover-soaked cotton ball before you apply polish. This'll remove any oil residue and make the polish you apply last longer.

• Don't shake that polish bottle--it causes air bubbles, which can ruin your manicure. Roll it between your palms instead!

• Wouldn't it bum you out if you ruined your new paint job before it even dried? Wait three to five minutes after applying your last coat of polish before spraying your nails with quick-dry.

• Don't use your nails as tools--dial the phone with a pencil; use your knuckle to flip light switches; open soda cans with a spoon.

• No time for a manicure? Run a white nail pencil under the tips of your nails for a quickie French manicure effect. 

It's the Most Wonderful Time....

OF THE YEAR!!!!
Nope this is isn't about Christmas, this is my other religion! Well another one of my religions!

Yep the new American past time. The state where I live make it a point to make a religion. Trust me I know people who have a hard time being friends during the football season because they don't go for the same team. Though my favorite are the couples that are split. A couple that I count as some of my closest friends are like that. She is a DIE-HARD, Obsessive LSU fan (plus she was a cheerleader for them) and her husband played for Auburn Tigers. Yet they are the couple that has been about each other forever. They have so much fun together. Trust me you will need stitches if you hang out with them during the football season. 

What team do I pull for? Well the one that has the most National Championships and not to mention I went to school there for a year as well. Ala-Freakin'-Bama! I get goosebumps watching the pregame videos because if you are at an SEC Alabama game... You are a part of history! 

I love the stadium vibe. It goes crazy when you see tackles from years ago you can hear the whole stadium going "Ooooh - Ooooopmf!" Watch below (and this is just this years A-Day game):

The thing that gives me the most chill bumps is 5 things 1) Hearing Bear Bryant say "I'd like people to remember me as a winner, because I ain't never been nothing but a winner." And trust me when you hear him say that it goes crazy. 2) The Million Dollar Band playing the Alabama Fight Song when the team takes the field. 3) Sweet Home Alabama with it's Roll Tide Roll thrown in there 4) Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer give 'em Hell Alabama! (Music to my ears!)  5) The elephant on the jumbotron.

Below is my honorable mention chilling.... THIS DUDE Rocks!

Trust me I've been going to these games since I was 3 years old. I love the feel of the stadium shaking, the crazy people before the game. I've gotten up at 4 in the morning and sat outside under a tent talking to random people, but we all have one thing in common love for the Tide. It is a very emotional day every Saturday.

So my post for today since this is Saturday and is suppose to be on things happening in the future? Oh you guessed it! Chris has got us tickets to all but 2 games and one we can't go to! I am so freaking excited. Chris has awesome season tickets anyhow since his grandfather started getting season tickets years ago but we are talking away games too! That's right my dearies this lady here is heading to Dallas Cowboy Stadium!



09/01/12 vs. Michigan Arlington, Texas (Cowboys Stadium) 7 p.m. CT**
09/08/12 vs. Western Kentucky Tuscaloosa, Ala. 2:39 p.m. CT**
09/15/12 at Arkansas * Fayetteville, Ark. 2:30 p.m. CT
09/22/12 vs. Florida Atlantic Tuscaloosa, Ala. TBA**
09/29/12 vs. Ole Miss * Tuscaloosa, Ala. TBA (I will not be at this one)
10/13/12 at Missouri * Columbia, Mo. TBA
10/20/12 at Tennessee * Knoxville, Tenn. TBA**
10/27/12 vs. Mississippi State * Tuscaloosa, Ala. TBA**
11/03/12 at LSU * Baton Rouge, La. 7 p.m. CT**
11/10/12 vs. Texas A&M * Tuscaloosa, Ala. TBA**
11/17/12 vs. Western Carolina Tuscaloosa, Ala. TBA**
11/24/12 vs. Auburn * Tuscaloosa, Ala. TBA**

We aren't going to Arkansas or Missouri which is fine and Chris has already sold the Ole Miss game ticket. Sad he doesn't have the tickets yet and people are already paying out the nose for it.

Chris has already requested no Friday nights or to work on ANY Saturdays. We will be RVing with everyone else since Chris and Frankie have joint ownership of the RV. We might even bring Frankie with us. Now I told Chris I do NOT mind if Frankie is feeling up to it to let him go instead of me. I'll be fine at home doing whatever.

(The tshirt above is one that I have and it was epic of the softball team!)

For more of my Saturday fun check out But In the South It's a Religion

My Mentor: Genevieve Ray

This post is out of theme. Sure there are church related Disney things and in the movies and such but I figured I would do something someone asked of me. Let a story be heard.

You all have heard me talk about the woman I look up to in everything. She has her moments where she lets her sinful side get the best of her, but is the most faithful woman I know. I am going to let her tell her story. I asked her not to sensor anything. I told her if it takes 5 pages, it takes 5 pages. I am so excited for her to tell her story. So I will let her begin.

Hello Everyone! Odette puts me on a pedastal where I don't belong. I am just a Christian doing what God has put me on this Earth to do. Odette has asked me to start at the beginning of my life and really that's where my faith starts was when I was very tiny.

I was born to decedents of well rather off families in Paris, France. To give some indication my father's name though he didn't care for it is Vuitton and my mother was a Thibodeaux.  Though, my father was against being well off and thought it to be unchristian like since the verse.

It is easier for a camel through the eye of the needle to enter, than for a rich man to enter into the reign of God - Mark 10:25

 My father was a brimstone and fire preacher. He was almost cruel during his sermons, perhaps he did go to far one day that sent everything I knew as a child into chaos. My mother was fearful of my dad and it was a strain on my mother's family because she became withdrawn from the rest of the world. My dad liked to live almost barbaric. My mother was not used to that at all, but she loved my father.

My mother was murdered when I was six year old. I remember bits and pieces of my life during that time. It wasn't until I found the love of my life that I understood why my dad was so angry. My father's sermons during almost completely dark. He damned anything that stepped a toe out of Heaven. He was suppose to counsel teenagers and help them yet I do think he drove some of them to being worse. It was until he lost his pulpit that I think it finally dawned on him that he wasn't see hope anymore.

He was very strict on me. I had to have top notch grades or I was punished. I had to memorize several Bible verses a week or I was punished. When I was 12 years old, he had just started preaching at a new church and he was almost seeing the hope in people again. We were walking home and car hit him. There was investigation, and while some say it was on purpose I have my doubts.

I was sent to live with my mother's mother. She, of course, disapproved of the way I was raised. I didn't understand her class. She sent me to a finishing boarding school. I was to learn manners and the ways of good Christian homemaker. I did. I graduated at 15. Top marks and all, and I don't regret going there to this day. I went on to college go a degree in art and literature. I simply love to read and draw.

It was around the time I was 19 years old working at a coffeehouse not far from my flat in Paris that my life for the third time was flipped upside down. I was always cautious of men. I feared them. I feared men from other countries even more (including the US.) I was going about my usual day at the coffeehouse when a group of people my age entered. They were Americans and I'll admit part of me dreaded that because I was the only one that new English well enough and that meant I was going to have to wait on all of them.

I went through the drill except this one guy he was towards the end and you could tell was the clown of the bunch. He walked up to me and in French asked for my number. I told him no. A lady got onto him and I looked him puzzled and he explained he was on his senior trip. His drawl took my breath away, it was so deep. I finished up their orders trying not to look at the guy. He kept meeting my eyes and finally he came back over to the counter and asked did I have any recommendations on sightseeing besides myself. I know to this day I was blushing something awful. I gave in and gave him my number.

He told me where his group was eating that night and I went there much to my own surprise and his. They were going to see the Eiffel Tower at night and I walked with him. He looked at me and asked if I would marry him and I told him only if he would take me to the North Pole. The next day at work that goofy boy comes in with a bag on his arm and pulls me out of the coffee shop and drops to one knee and pulls out a paper towel tube with red ribbon around it and red ball on top and asks me again. I told him no but I'd settle on a long distance relationship.

We talked for a year after that. I moved to Alabama not long after a year I had graduated college and I found a publishing company in America to work for as a illustrator. His mom was incredible (still is) and welcomed me into her home. We bought a house not far from her house and we lived together sort of on a daily basis. He had joined the Marines during that span of time and was going through basic training. He plowed through the Marines in the time after that. We were married in March 2009, almost three years after we met since he had been deployed straight out of basic training. We had waited and were virgins together on our wedding night.

I became pregnant on our honeymoon. He was overly thrilled and his whole family threw us a beautiful pregnancy party. He was the first of any of his brothers to get married and have a child. Though he was deployed in August 2009. I remember how I hated seeing him go. He was so excited about the fact that we knew were having a girl. He took the sonogram picture with him. He had spent as much time as he could fixing up her room. It was suppose to look like a treehouse (and it does.)

I grew with little Esme in me. I felt her kick at night while he was gone. I would write him and tell him. I ran to the mailbox each day praying for a letter from him. I was so excited I had a doctor visit November 6 and was so excited to get home to tell my mother in-law that the little girl was completely healthy. I went straight in and there was two men there in the room and I just knew.

All happiness drained from my body. I felt my throat swell. I remember Thomas's brothers grabbing me and holding me up. That was the last thing I wanted to do. The days were blurs to me. I received his dogtags in an yellow envelop. I'll admit crazy thoughts came to mind. Aborting the baby even was the wildest. I knew Thomas wouldn't want that. I almost gave her up for adoption. I knew I couldn't do that either. Part of Thomas would be alive somewhere and I wouldn't get to enjoy it.

I stared at his body in casket. I have his flag in his cabinet that he kept his things in. I went through Thanksgiving and Christmas in a slump. I don't really remember much of anything of those holidays that year. January 10, 2010 I was in TN having that sweet little angel. I couldn't have asked for an easier homebirth. We checked in at the nearest hospital and we were both fine. After a long month and half Esme and I left the states and went to live in France.

I couldn't face it. We stayed there for a year. Esme knows who her daddy is and was. I don't hide that from her. People ask me how I can live with my mother being murdered, my dad dying in front of me and my husband dying in action. I have been blessed by God. Yes I have had death in my family. Blessings come out of death too. I never would have been close to my father if my mother had lived. I never would have known Thomas or known how to act if my father hadn't of died and if Thomas's hadn't of died I may not have 3 beautiful children (only Esme is my biological child) and wonderful new husband. I will always love Thomas so deep in my heart that no one could replace him.

I have people all the time tell me well I never get anything from God, well what exactly have you gave him. All relationships work better when you are the one giving not receiving. If you haven't made sacrifices for him do you really think he is going to do something for you? He will forgive you when you don't deserve but you have to ask to be forgiven.

I could be on depression medicine but I have the best anti-depression medicine that comes without a charge. I live on religious foundation. I built it years ago and I build everything on that solid foundation. Without God what will hold up? Nothing. Read Revelations if you don't believe me and Job. Those books will get you through a lot. They do me.

Odette has come to me several times asking for advice. I am honored and yet skeptical. I'm not a preacher or a priest. God and I have daily time together. Sometimes it's very brief other times it's 8 times a day. I just get depressed when I see people that say they are Christians supporting things that Christians shouldn't support. No where in the Bible does it say races can't marry each other but it does STRICTLY say that gay marriage and relationships are wrong. I am not saying they aren't people but I will NOT support them. There is no way around it. And for it being love, you can love someone without having sexual or physical relationships with them.

It just really saddens me that this is what it has come to in this world. However, I am not going to let it bother me. I do what the Lord calls me to do. My oldest daughter is on a mission trip and she is just 10 years old. God has blessed our life through and through. I applaud Odette for writing the way she does and I really hope it continues.

-Genevieve Ray (Genuine Genevieve)

Quite Remarkable....

Yep 100 degree weather, sun beating down and I spent the day at Warp Tour. It was so worth it. I'm exhausted. I was really thankful for my iPad though during the bands that I didn't care for hearing their music. I did have a good time though. I met the girl that I watch religiously do hair tutorials and is also the one I won the giveaway from a couple of weeks ago. She was so awesome.

Apparently, an old friend of mine has become OBSESSED with my blog and basically me. I didn't realize it until she literally quoted my blog. So shout out to her. You know who you are.

Anyhow, yes I have become obsessed with Pottermore. I wasn't very happy my first time on it and I deleted my account and started from scratch and in a better mood. I know have a new wand and was sorted in.... wait for it.... GRYFFINDOR!!! And Chris got Slytherin when he played this morning. It is awesome having a boyfriend that isn't as obsessed but still obsessed nonetheless.

So we are spending tonight and tomorrow in Atlanta. I have a couple of things I want to do over here because when I get back I have to start cracking down on getting back into school mode. Which just so everyone knows most of my classes are online except for a Mondays and Wednesdays night class and a Thursdays night class. I am taking 5 classes so 15 hours this semester. I have to get my books and things. I am excited, however, because this is something I think will help me grow.

Blog updates.... Pottermore, Tumblr, and Twitter owls can be found in the right hand corner now. New music has been added. Oh the Products I Use updates almost every day though there is a new section I've been meaning to add. As well as some make-up products to add to the page. On the side now there is a Widget that shows books those are the books I recommend so I will be taking down the section marked books I recommend and probably will be changing that to movies. Also I have accomplished over 75 things on my summer Bucket List. It's more like 80 things at this point. On Wednesdays now there is an extra category that posts can fall into on that day which is awareness. I'll be posting about the organizations I give to and that I think are important.

So new in my life, Chris has gave me two rings. This is an odd sort of story. He had originally gave me a ring with a heart with a cross in it. It was too big and while he was at the jewelry store his eyes "fell on the most perfect promise ring." (Those are his exact words.) Now I loved the cross with heart rings but I am just speechless at my infinity ring. To me in represents a lot more. I know I know... *GASPS* But it does. Infinity means a lot of things to me like, God's love, Chris's love, and the word ALWAYS comes to mind.... Yep Harry Potter fan through and through.

I am sort of ready to get home, I miss my animals and work. Well I'll be back soon enough. I've fixing to go enjoy the pool of the hotel. Check back tomorrow for a post that means a lot to me.

First Awareness Post

After taking some time to really think about the things that I support and donate to I think I will start blogging about them. Look for these posts on Wednesday. I think it will be something different than crafts or recipes. I hope everyone has a great rest of the week. I will! If you are at Van's Warp Tour in Atlanta tomorrow come see me! :)

Makes Me Smile When He Calls Himself Snape!

❒ Single ❒ Taken ❒ Waiting for someone who loves me as much as Severus Snape loved Lily Evans Potter ✔ I love my boyfriend and I hope he loves me as much as Severus Snape loved Lily Evans Potter

Everyone keeps telling us we should get married. Now we have both had our ideas and it may come to that before now we love what we have. We enjoy our time spent apart and together. Many people just gasps, yes even apart we have a good time. It's something we both like to call our lives without one another. I always think about the episode of Friends where Rachel finally has a job she loves and Ross cannot stand the fact that he can't just waltz into her work anymore. I never felt sympathy for Ross during that. I always sided with Rachel.

I read so many blogs and I know Chris does too. I believe it is what separates him from most guys... He reads. Not comics, or Playboy but real things. We both love Google Reader and honest we have spent hours beside each other reading blogs and showing each other things. (It's even funnier when both of us take out our contacts and we are sitting there with our glasses on so we look like an old couple.) We have a lot of the same interests and some that aren't the same. 

He LOVES baseball. (And has a wicked curve ball.) I prefer football. He can spend forever watching the Discovery Channel. I prefer the Travel Channel. Though, we do compromise and watch the History Channel together. I have had a few people ask what does he do on his off days with his friends. My answer has always shocked people. He volunteers at hospitals, retirement homes, and other places. He spends a good bit of time with his family. He reads (and I thought I read a lot until I went through his Kindle.) He loves woodworking these days since he has learned how.

Honestly, that's how I sum up what Chris does. He learns and loves learning. There has not be a day when he doesn't say "Guess what I learned today!?" It always makes me smile, because it's never something dull. Like it will be some random fact. My other favorite question (strangely this comes from a lot of my family), "Does he never get on your nerves?" Really? Yes. To the point where I get mad; no. He tries to be the best that he can be. We rarely get upset with one another.

One of the reason I think we don't get upset with each other is because we pretty much accept everything. We had to reschedule a date we had been dying to do since the beginning of the summer because my cousin got married that night. (See how much I love you Bridgitte?) We both realize that things happen and won't always work in our favor. We both agreed to make the best of the time we have together.

It's a policy of our to laugh atleast once together. Trust me it happens a lot more than once. We never stop laughing because we are both such nerds about different things. He starts talking in weird voice or singing. Omg, he is going to kill me for writing this in public but I don't care because if that Publix didn't take their security camera and put the video of him dancing with the turkey on Youtube boy are they missing out.

Seriously, I had went to get milk and I turn around and there is my boyfriend, slow dancing with a frozen turkey. I know I walked away like I didn't know him since a little lady was watching him (probably wondering what the heck he was smoking.)

Though I must add he isn't the only weirdo and trust me I'm admitting to this. Chris has a Benz coupe convertible and well, you know that feeling when a favorite old song of yours comes on? The Oh-My-God-I-Gotta-Sing-and-dance-like-a-lunatic feeling comes over you and you just bust out. Well we were driving back from Bridgitte's wedding and that freak I'm with has Dream's "He Loves U Not." I'm not ashamed to say that was a favorite of mine in middle school. I was defiantly busting some moves in the passenger seat and we were stopped at a stop light and started singing to a group of girls in the next car. Then they shot me the bird and Chris kissed me on the cheek. Oh it was awesome.

Yes we are really that weird. It's been apparent since we started dating. We can't even go see a movie like people would usually do. We had to go see our movie at a Drive-in. Our dates are usually out there. Our tonight? We are going to the range to let me learn how to shoot since I got my pistol permit. That's right this girl can own a pistol. Don't judge me, I don't plan on getting rape or abused by anybody. Trust me, pepper spray and tazer just don't make me feel safe at night. Or in case of the last time somebody tried coming into my apartment my shoe and the skillet.

We are extremely weird and we don't plan on changing that anytime soon. From Chris executing me (Sorry Frankie and Maria) to me "going down" on Chris (really dad?!?!?) Btw apparently neither one of those things happened. One of the things I love about Chris. We have agreed that we aren't keeping things that could hurt our relationship a secret but we aren't telling each other everything. That's where the magic lives (ya know besides Hogwarts. Lol and Chris said, "Remember Hogwarts is a secret place.") We love spending time in the present and thinking of the future. Every so often a story from the past will escape one of us. Which is usually one our laughs for the day.

"The things you do today become stories of tomorrow." I love that sooooo much! It's my goal to have more pages to my life than Stephanie Meyers and J.K. Rowlings combine. Yep I am that big of a nerd. Just remember nerds were cool enough to have a candy named after them.

Late Night Post...

For a good reason. I wear a good bit of make-up these days because I like to experiment with different products at this point. I actually found this survey that answers a certain question you might have. If there is anything else you want to know. Comment and I'll respond!


1. What age group are you in (teens, 20s, 30s, you get the idea)? 20s
2. What's your skin type? Combo/oily
3. What kind of cleanser do you use?Face Soap and Clarity™ 3-In-1 Daily-Detox Vitamin C Facial Wash, Soap & Glory Off Your Face(TM) Wipes Cleansing Cloths, Fab Pore™ Hot Cloth Cleanser,

4. How often do you exfoliate? Yes I do using, L'Oreal Paris Go 360 Clean, Deep Exfoliating Scrub,Natural Apricot Beads

5. Do you use a toner, and if so what kind? Yes, Oil-Free Acne Stress Control® Triple-Action Toner

6. Do you use an eye cream/treatment, and if so what kind? Origins GinZing

7. Do you use masks, and if so what kind and how often? Olay Prox Sulfur Mask, The Fab Pore™ Facial Peel, Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Facial Masque, Montagne Jeunesse Anti-Stress Peel-Off Masque Cucumber, Montagne Jeunesse Passion Peel Off Facial Mask Pomegranate Pulp, Montagne Jeunesse Facial Mud Pac. Montagne Jeunesse Fruit Smoothie Facial Mask Crushed Raspberry

8. Do you use the same moisturizer for day and night? No, Clean & Clear® Advantage® Acne Control Moisturizer at night, and Morning Burst® Morning Glow Moisturizer

9. Do you use any acne treatments, and if so what kind? Proactive sometimes but more so Clean & Clear Acne Advantage

10. Do you use any skincare tools, and if so what kind? Masks over my eyes at night, wax strips, tweezers, towels that will heat up, Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent (Clinque), Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk(Clinque), Caswell-Masseey Cucumber Eye Pads, 


11. Do you use any other special products (serums, anti-aging products, etc.)? Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips,

12. In what order do you use your products? Lol it seriously depends on what night

13. How long does your nightly routine take? 20-40 minutes

I also use Differin that is prescribe to me by my new Dermatologist. It helps my skin stay soft, brighter, and it has Vitamin A in it which will keep my skin looking younger longer.

Stay tuned next Monday for tips that I am SURE will help beauty regiment.

Let me know if you want to find any of the products I mentioned, I'll be happy to help.

Review: Revolve Devotional Bible: The Complete Bible for Teen Girls

Revolve Devotional Bible: The Complete Bible for Teen Girls

I first came across this company because they are the company that produces Biblezines. Biblezines are the Bible in magazine form. Most either the New testament or specific books from the Old testament. They contain quizzes, articles, and exact help geared toward young adults. I love the products because they are easy to read. 

Their forms of the Bible whether it be the devotional Bible, the Biblezines, or their devotional books are in the very easy to read format of, New Century Version. 

It has quizzes and verses that mean so much to life. My favorite thing in the cardstock colored pages are the scavenger hunts. I have so much fun doing those with the younger kids and teens. They like to make a game out of it.

At the beginning of each book of the Bible it gives a great description of the time, write and history around the time the certain book was written. Also it gives highlights to pay attention to while reading.

New Version instead of the pink and blue.

This is my Bible above. I use Crayola Twistable colored pencils to highlight in my Bible because it does not bleed through to the next pages. I highly recommend doing that.

My only problem with this Bible is the subject reference is not big or broad. To me it felt like it was ignoring the taboo subjects and sometimes that's the only way to get a teen or person to read is to read about the taboo subjects.

Disney Trips of the Future

Sorry but like Thursday, you are only getting one post today. Yesterday was exhausting, fun, but exhausting.
Work, racing to get ready and look good to take a 3-4 hour drive to Tuscaloosa to watch my cousin get married, and then Chris and I spent the ENTIRE reception dancing. Though, I did break off from Chris to dance with Mack and Edward. Those kids are so sweet.

Anyhow, last Disney post for a while. Everyone knows that I now have 3 Disney trips at least in my future. I have the beginning of September, end of September-October, and then next year's cruise to Alaska. There are still many things I want to do with Disney.

For instance, I want to visit the Disney parks I haven't been to yet. Disneyland Hong Kong, Shanghai Disney Resort, Tokoyo Disney and the newest one Aulani Hawaii Resort. Not to mention the hundreds of Disney Adventures all over the world!

Chris and I have discussed on the easiest trip to takes and that's the ones to Disney World. We want to go during Thanksgiving (the restaurants make special meals), Valentine's Day (extra romance), Easter (the Easter Bunny Comes), Disney World (THE ENTIRE PLACE is decorated, I've been there twice while it was decorated but I want to experience it with Chris), and of course our honeymoon. We are debating going to the World or Disneyland Paris. We are defiantly going back to Paris soon which thrills me!

Disney World is a truly where dreams come true. Hogwarts is where the Magic lives. :)

Night of Joy

Yep I promised two posts daily for the Disney Week here on Decoding Odette... Even the religious posts. How you say? Well let me tell you about another Disney Trip I have planned, though this one is no where near as long. It is just for a weekend but it is totally worth it. Let's name the reasons:

1) It is all about God, even Disney will be! You got it Disney has a weekend for Christians! For two nights Christians pour in to the Magic Kingdom. You have to have special tickets, the rides will be open and everything.

2) I arranged this trip for a special reason. Chris's brother is really ill and it's not wise for him to go on long trips and he loves Disney World. He can't go with us on normal Disney Trips because they last almost 2 weeks long. So I arranged for this trip so he could go to Disney World.

3) The line up is just amazing this year! Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, NEEDTOBREATHE, RED, Francesca Battistelli, Brandon Heath, Royal Tailor, Disciple,MercyMe, Third Day, Kutless, Chris August, Lecrae, Yolanda Adams, Thousand Foot Krutch, Dara Maclean are all going to be there! I had planned on going to En Fuego but I'm putting that gas money toward this Disney Trip. We won't being staying in a Deluxe but Moderate resort and that's fine by me. :)


Even Disney loves God.

Retreat

Sorry about not post yesterday. I had an off day that was spent with family and the boyfriend. So back to Disney week.

Okay, if you are a follower of my blog you know today is Friday and you are sitting there thinking "Disney and religion?" Yep I'm about to rock your world with a Disney/Religion post. When I go on vacation the only religious things I carry is my Bible and Bible notebook. I don't take my devotional books, or my millions of reference books. So I had to find a way to still have structured Bible reading because I cannot stand just opening the Bible and reading without a cause or purpose.


The answer to my problem was a quick search online. 3 Minute Retreat is an excellent website and perfect for my purpose. It really is what it says it is. Just 3 minutes of devotional time in the morning as I'm getting ready while at Disney will be great. It even gives a prayer at the end of the retreat.

The only con to it is that sometimes the music can get a little annoying. I liked it one day and the next I had to turn it off though I think it was because I was tired and had a headache. Other than that the website is a great one for minute devotions.

I love the background pictures while watching the retreat it helps me to feel more calmly and relaxed.
I hope this helps you on your trips and daily life! God Bless

A Little Late But Here

My Ultimate Disney Survey Created by wunderkind319 and taken 99 times on Bzoink
The Famous Characters
Can you name the Fab Five?:	Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy
Which of the Fab Five is your favorite?:	Daisy
Why?:	She has great style and has to put up with Donald
Which one do you like the least?:	Goofy
Why?:	He gets on my nerves sometimes
The Movie Characters
Who's the prettiest Disney Princess?:	Belle
Who's the ugliest Disney Princess?:	Snow White
Who's the greatest Disney Prince?:	Prince John the phony king of England!
Who's the best villain?:	The Queen
Why?:	She intrigued me and she killed Snow White who annoyed me
Who's the most pathetic villain?:	Frollo
Why?:	He was just terrible
Who's your favorite animal character?:	Bianca
Which animated Disney Character could be your look-alike?:	Aurora
Have you ever dressed up as a Disney Character? If so, which ones?:	Pleanty of them I love Cosplay!!!!
Are there any Disney Characters that you simply cannot stand?:	Some
Movies
Which movie had the best theme?:	The Rescuers
Which movie had the best story?:	Robin Hood
Which movie did you laugh the most at?:	Princess and the Frog
Which movie made you cry?:	Up
If you were sucked into one of the Disney movies, which would you prefer?:	Sword in the Stone
Which Disney movie (besides sequels) probably shouldn't have been made?:	Wall-E
Are you sick of the sequels?:	Sometimes of the old ones yes
The Parks
Have you ever been to Disneyland?:	Yes
Have you ever been to Disney World?:	Yes
Have you been to any of the other Disney Parks around the world?:	Disney Land PAris
Which park is the best?:	Disney World - Hollywood Studio
Why?:	I just love the atmosphere
What's your favorite ride?:	Tower of Terror
What's your least favorite ride?:	Dinosaur
How many times have you been to a Disney Park?:	Over 15 times
How old are you?:	23
How old did you act while you were in Disney?:	Lol its a mixture
Who have you been to Disney with?:	Mostly just family and friends but trips are planned with me and Chris
Would you go back?:	I am going back
Why or why not?:	I love it
Did you get autographs and/or pictures with your favorite characters?:	Yes
Which character is your favorite picture/s with?:	I can't pick Eyore
Would you ever work for Disney?:	Probably not unless to draw a movie
How many hidden Mickeys have you found?:	Tons!
Would you remember where they were if you went back?:	Yep
Which is the best show at Disney?:	Wishes
Which is the best restaurant?:	....I can't pick
Which is the best hotel on Disney property?:	I haven't stayed at all of them yet but Kidani was def up there!
Briefly describe your greatest memory at a Disney park.:	Tyler in a black trash bag, Georgette in a white one. Going down summit plummit
Are there any other amusement parks in the world that compare to Disney?:	No
You've been totally Bzoink*d! Take This Survey | Search Surveys | Create a Survey

It's Not an Obsession...

Hello, hello, hello, hello! Today has been a great day! I for one I had awesome time with my oldest baby brother.

Anyhow continuing with this week Disney theme, I might obsess over making sure I have EVERYTHING for the trip.

Like Chris and I are driving, yes Chris has an iPhone with GPS and 3 different apps with driving directions, however, cellphone towers sometimes do go out or are being worked on so I am printing out maps.

 I print out Touring Plans which enables us to make the most of our day with predicting how bad the crowds will be plus how long wait lines are. I do these for each park and day.

I like to be prepared for things, I have 3 different packing lists. I print out cute invitations and on the back I print out the confirmation number from the Disney website.

I have a 3 inch, 3 ring binder to house all of my organizing, from Packing Lists, and checklists for my place to Maps, a hotel for over night stay on the way there, to our hotel when we get there information (like maps, tips, hidden Mickey heads), to Park plans which is the Touring Plans and photo opportunity cue cards, to a Dining Section with Restaurants reservations, snack credit lists, to a Section about budgeting, to a section about Future Disney trips and the Harry Potter section for Universal Studio. I am having to add two small sections that I have not gotten to yet for Horror Nights at Universal and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

I have made a Disney Countdown to go in my living room to remind me how many days I have left to get everything organized.

I also do envelopes for all money keeping. I prefer cash and gift cards while traveling. The envelopes you see below marked Mousekeeping is for house keeping tips to leave out each day. It is a common thing at Disney to leave $1 per person each day. I like to do mine daily because the same person does not clean the room each time. I made mine for mine and Chris's even though we are sharing a Grand Villa at Bay Lake Tower with Erica and Matthew.

(Thank you Brittany for the great images!)