Friday, March 31, 2006

The Challenge Explained and A Big Announcement...

Big announcement first:
I'm an SAGU cheerleader!!! Yep, we had try outs today for next semester, and I made it! I cheered for 6 years, back in the day, but it's been a while. I'm really excited about it!

The Challenge:
(I mentioned several months ago that I was participating in a challenge.)
August 30, 2005- I made a phone call to LA Weight Loss to inquire about their program. Little did I know that my life was about to change.

I know it can be weird to talk about weight loss on here, but people have been asking/noticing/commenting, so I thought it was time you heard it from me. Last summer, I made the decision to lose weight, mainly for health reasons (the connection between obesity and cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc. is SO scary) but also just to feel better about myself. I had tried everything in the past, it feels like, so I was determined to find something that worked and was permanent. Three lovely women in my life were on LA Weight Loss (LAWL) and had been tremendously successful, so I thought I'd check them out.

This company basically provides one-on-one consultation to determine your personal needs, likes, and dislikes. They guarantee 2 pounds a week. They teach you to eat healthy and correctly. You buy all your own food, eat what you want, plan your own meals, etc. The only things I buy from them are protein bars (chocolate!! so good!). I check in 3 times a week to weigh in and go over my food diary (I write down EVERYTHING). They also do blood work, blood pressure, measurements, etc. The way it works is food groups and portion sizes. Each day, I get: 2 proteins, 2 starches, 3 vegetables, 3 fruits, 1 dairy, 1 fat, and 2 protein bars. A portion size is pretty standard: piece of chicken, small bowl of cereal, small salad, apple, cup of yogurt, tablespoon of butter. So, within those boundaries, the options are limitless.

Bottom Line: They are hardcore, and I love it. I have lost quite a bit (if you would like specifics, just message me...I'll tell you). I'm nearing my goal, which is super exciting. : ) I feel great. My body likes me more. haha Now, if I can just start exercising...

I don't really have any "before" pictures, but here are a couple from last semester:
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And here are a couple of recent pics:
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Christen

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

To my RMC Family, I am at a loss for words to encourage or help.  I'm sorry.     I cannot imagine what you are feeling.



To those unfamiliar, Rockford Master's Commission lost two very precious girls yesterday in a car accident.  I never had a chance to meet these two young ladies, but they were still part of my extended family.  MC is a very unique experience because for 9+ months, you live life day in and day out with 100 other people whom you have never met.  You share life, and they become a part of you forever.


I wish I could be there for you.  I love you all so very, very much.


Christen

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Holy crap, we're having a house built!!

So what began as this distant dream to all live together post-graduation (my last semester cause I'll be 23) in a cute little apartment grew to a dream to buy a house, which has now grown to the reality that we are having a house BUILT for us. No joke. Down payment for the lot was made today. Basically, Karissa's dad is footing the bill to have it built, then we are paying him rent. Amazing.

I visited the model home (obviously we won't have all the lavish decorations) and HAD to share pictures with you. It's bigger than my parents' house. Out of control is basically what this is.

Great room:
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Another angle of the Great Room:
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Kitchen (with Karissa pretend cooking):
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Master Bedroom (holy crap):
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Game room/ Study:
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2nd Bathroom:
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Bedroom (obviously we won't have little kid stuff):
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The Lot (yep, smack dab in the middle of those two houses will be OUR house!!!):
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Yep, I'm excited/scared/nervous/ecstatic about it. I can't wait to be a real adult, but bills scare me. This is my reality in August!! AHH!!

Christen

Monday, March 27, 2006

Random

I'm glad you and I are not hanging out right now. I'm grumpy. I've been sitting in front of this computer for hours now pretending to write a paper. Sure, I add a few sentences now and then, but I haven't made any kind of significant progress. Plus, I just found out it's not due tomorrow anymore (it's due Thursday), so I have lost all motivation to work on it, but I can't put it off because I have another paper due Friday that I haven't started. : ( Sorry for my complaining.

On a brighter note, my brother and sister-in-law are coming to SAGU on Thursday for Campus Days, which means...da da dah...I get to see my little Eli!!! I miss that little fellow more than anything. I never knew that a heart could love so much. How is it that a 4 month old child can make me cry, laugh, and sing?

I've got a lot going on in my head right now. I wish I could share it all with you, Xanga, and let you sort it all out for me. *Sigh*

Shelby said something tonight about growing up very legalistic. I can't decide if my parents are "legalistic" exactly, but I do believe I grew up in the church world that is very much legalistic. Life is taking me down a road right now that is challenging those thoughts. I'm realizing that I don't agree with some of the things that I have always believed (not theological things about God, just daily life situations). Hmm...

I have so many dreams and thoughts and desires for my life, and yet I'm desperately trying to wait on the Lord.

For those that care, I plan to share all about "The Challenge" (I mentioned it a while back) within the next week. Sorry for keeping y'all in suspense (haha), but I wanted to make sure I accomplished it before sharing. I didn't want to tell you all about it in the beginning then fall flat on my face. You understand.

Sorry this is so extremely random. Guess it goes with my mood. haha Love you dearly friends.

Christen

Saturday, March 25, 2006

Don't you love how I talk to you like we're old friends?  I guess for the majority of people who read this, we are.  Well, old friend, I will say that I'm disappointed that I received no comments on the last post.  I poured out my little heart to you, and nothing.  : )  It's okay.  I love you despite it.


Yesterday was another one of those days where I love my life.  After getting 8 + hours of sleep, I was awakened quite pleasantly Friday morning.   Then I decided to skip chapel and have some "me" time.  While my favorite blanket tossed in the dryer, I ate breakfast and watched The Price is Right.  Then I pulled my blanket from the dryer and immediately wrapped up in it (it's so cold out).  I snuggled up on my couch and finished reading Blue Like Jazz.  Simply amazing.


I am in awe of what the Lord is doing in my heart.  Things are changing, and I'm really okay with it.


Christen

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Being fully known...

Do you ever just want to be known? I'm talking fully and completely known without being judged or catagorized or shoved into a mold. I think I'm at that place where I'm tired of being part of the crowd. I don't want to necessarily look or act or sound like anyone else. No, I don't want to be a complete stranger, but I don't need to fit in anymore.

So that leaves me wanting to be understood. I want someone who will listen to my thoughts, hear my heart, know my intentions, and see my motives. I'm thinking differently than I ever have before, and it scares me. I don't need it to scare someone else.

I guess that's one of the many beauties of God. He is all these things. I don't have to justify my thoughts to him. He understands. When I can't put into words my deepest thoughts, he knows. I find myself trying to explain to God what I'm thinking, and I laugh because he already knows. Sometimes I'll just say, "Oh you know what I'm trying to say."

I started reading Blue Like Jazz tonight. I can already tell it's going to mess with my head. Donald Miller is speaking my language. He writes as if he is your best friend and is telling you a story. I sat in Hastings grinning from ear to ear because for the first time I thought to myself, this author gets me. Those thoughts about Christianity, religion, church, relationships, etc., that I think but cannot, and many times will not, express...he hits the nail on the head.

Are we doing church correctly? Think about it. I'm serious. Take a good look at the New Testament and how Jesus spread his message. How often did he "preach" to large crowds in a way that resembles our church services? Very rarely. I'm not saying that Sunday morning church is ineffective or wrong, but I do think it has become a convenient fix to our religious quota. I believe small groups are more on the right track. Jesus met with groups of people, mainly friends, over supper, in their homes. He built meaningful, loving relationships. Think back to your salvation (or someone you know who is saved). Did you go down to an altar at a church where you knew no one? Possibly. But more likely, someone who cared about you and devoted time and energy into your life led you to the Lord or brought you to church.

We were created for relationships. With God. With each other. What a concept.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Oh being the daughter of a pastor...and the randomness of my life

So spring break was fun, right?  I really enjoyed seeing my Austin friends, home friends, and tons of family.  I did everything: watch basketball, shop in 3 different malls, drink Starbucks, cook dinner, attend a concert, go rollerskating (I'll come back to this), watch movies, go to a baby shower, and hang out in a hot tub.  But yesterday ended my spring break with...well...a bang.


So, I'm sitting in church, listening intently to my father's wonderful sermon about the need of seeing other people get saved, when he wandered down a bit of a bunny trail.  I don't know where it started; I wish I could put my finger on it.  Maybe it was his story about praying for his family before the Philippines trip, maybe it was the story about praying for Sheila to be Mark's wife.  BUT...he continued to tell the entire congregation that he's praying for me to find my future husband and is taking applications.


Yes, I already knew the prayer part was true.  Oh, but now everyone knows.  Needless to say, I was slightly, if not entirely, embarrassed.  But I'm okay; I'm very used to my father telling the church everything concerning our lives.  It's a rule of thumb to not tell Dad something private without numerous times insisting that it's a secret.  Anyway, I should not have been surprised.  Later he told me that some dads in the church told him they wanted to submit apps for their sons.  Oh crap.  haha






Anyway, Friday night, the very cool Scott Carter had a show with his band Myrohna.  It was at a skating rink which I thought, "No one will skate.  I'm good."  But no, my cousins and their girlfriends decided we would skate!  I'm sore, but I didn't fall.  I was proud.  haha  The show was great!!  I was so proud of my awesome little brother.


Okay, here we go. This is Scott rockin' out. He's the screamer/lead singer/keyboard player. All things to all people, right? haha He did an amazing job:


Love you, friends.


Christen

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Hmm...

Spring Break has had its ups and downs. Last night was probably a low point. Let's take a look into this moment:

Me: Guys, come fix your plates. Dinner's ready!
Tommy: Oh, the spaghetti still has water in it.
Me: (Completely oblivious to this fact) Oh, umm, yeah, 'bout to do that.
Tommy: I'll hold the collander; you pour the noodles.
(Now, the collander is about the size of a small mixing bowl)
Me: Uh, I don't think all the noodles are going to fit.
Tommy: Yeah, they will; just pour them.
*So I continue to pour my carefully prepared noodles into this small container and approx. half of them slide into the sink. Yeah. Between laughing and trying to get the remaining noodles into the pot, we managed to get spaghetti on every dish in the sink, on the floor, and on Tommy's foot. haha The salvaged noodles were eaten, but I definitely overcooked them (they were a little soft).

Oh well, I never claimed to be a good cook. So, for what it's worth, my dinner was a success. I made spaghetti and meat sauce, garlic bread, and salad for 3 of my friends from school. We watched a movie, hung out. Good times.

Christen

Monday, March 13, 2006

A Day in the Life of a Pirate...

Spring Break has been treating me well. Last night and today I got to hang out with Shelby Brown, my roomie!! We went to Parties Plus and bought pirate patches and mustaches for 21 cents. haha We rock.

The Pirates-Shelbs, Scott and me:


Under attack!!


I'm a mean looking pirate:


Shelbs looks scary:


We're crazy! haha


My brother rocks!


Is it just me, or do I look like a chubby Italian pizza maker? haha


Scott's so cool (I love my sunglasses):


Okay, I know you're distracted after all those crazy pictures, but I thought I'd tell you that I had a wreck Saturday. I was driving my granddaddy's new truck (he just got it two weeks ago), and I was in the far right lane. Well the lady in the middle lane decided that she wanted to make a right turn...INTO MY FRONT BUMPER! I was SO aggravated. It hardly scratched the truck once we wiped it good, but her car has a big dent in the passenger's door. She felts so bad, especially after seeing Eli in the back seat. Anyway, I wasn't even scared, just mad.

How's spring break going?? I'm LOVING it!

Christen

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Life is sweet...

I had one of those moments today that was very near perfection. I was sitting at a 5A basketball game (Plano beat Berkley) down here in Austin, and I had been playing with Eli. Then Eli laid his head on my shoulder and fell asleep. So I got to cuddle with my favorite little person in the world while watching my favorite sport. Ah! : )

Last night I had a FABULOUS time with my friend Ryan Strait. Ryan and I have been best friends since I was a junior in high school. Anyway, I met him down in San Marcos, and we went to dinner then he took me on the grand tour of Texas State University. I guess going to SAGU, I forget there are schools out there that are HUGE. haha It's a beautiful campus. Then we went to a little restaurant that has a piano player/entertainer. This guy and the drummer were hilarious! We met some of Ryan's friends, hung out, and made some memories. haha Great time!

Today I had the wonderful priviledge to see and have dinner with Jordan (Play Jay) and Joni Johnson!! I had not seen them since their wedding in September 2004. So, needless to say, it was great! It's so refreshing to see people who I went to Master's with. Our minds just think alike. I just love these two! Thanks for dinner, y'all!!! Love you!!

The first two days of my Spring Break have been amazing. Tomorrow is shopping with the female side of my family. OHHH yeah!!

How's SB for you? I miss my friends. I get to see my best friend, Alesha, on Monday. I cannot wait.

Christen

Wednesday, March 8, 2006

Josh McDowell

Have you ever read anything by Josh McDowell? I own the book Beyond Belief...amazing.

Today, SAGU brought him in to speak to us. He spoke in my 8 o'clock and then again in chapel. Incredible. He is the most down to earth, honest, intelligent speaker that we've heard in a while. This morning he talked about truth. What is it? How do we know? Then in chapel he talked about relationships.

This is what brought me to write to you, dearest xanga. I sat, literally, with my mouth gaping because I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The statistics of today's culture are staggering. Did you know...

When it comes to the difference between born again, Bible believing Christian teens and unchurched, unsaved teens, there is only a 1% difference in the behavior between these two groups. 85% of graduating seniors who attend church regularly will walk away from the church and never return. 91% of students who are born again don't believe there is absolute truth.

YEAH...if it would have been coming from anyone else, I wouldn't have believed it, but I know that this man is well respected and does extensive research.

Anyway, he then spoke about the importance of a relationship with one's father. I sat in complete amazement because I've definitely taken my father forgranted. Josh talked about the effects that children suffer from the lack of a relationship with their father: 64% increased chance of being involved with drugs, alcohol or violence; an increased chance of coronary heart disease, hypertension, suicide and tumors. Just astonishing. He talked about the research that has been done by secular researchers on the physical, mental wiring that an infant is born with to develop meaningful relationships with their fathers.

It was such an amazing dissertation.

So I wrote my dad an email telling him how much I loved and appreciated him. I have the best father in the world.

Here he is with Eli:


Christen

Sunday, March 5, 2006

Angela Fellows

Wow, what a weekend! Adrian Fellows and Angela Bazan are MARRIED! The ceremony was intimate and peaceful. It was so cool because they had their parents' unity candles at the ceremony to light their own unity candle. And the reception was so fun having old and current friends there. I'm telling you, two of the groomsmen were classmates of mine in elementary school, 2 of the bridesmaids (and the bride) and I have been friends since we were like 6. Plus, SAGU friends and family friends were all there. It was awesome. At the reception, we ate some good food and then watched the bride and groom dance. It was precious. They are so in love and so happy!!

Everything on my end went well. Everyone was cooperative and patient. The rehearsal was, for the most part, organized and went off without a hitch. The ceremony was perfect except for one ringbearer who refused to go down the aisle. No big deal. I felt bad for him though; he cried. : (

Anyway, enough from me. Here are the pictures!!

Ang and her sis Lisa putting the finishing touches on her beautiful dress!!


Moments before walking down the aisle- all smiles and lots of energy!!


At the reception, Ang, me and Adrian (he hates pictures...haha):


Andrea Bazan (Ang's sis in law) and me- I love this girl!!


Joanie Ramsey (friends since 1st grade!!) and me:


Me and Ms. K-Ross looking mighty fine!


Bye, Bye Mr. and Mrs. Fellows:


Good times!!

Christen

Everyone keeps telling me that they have never seen a picture of Sheila (my sister-in-law). So, here you go. Isn't she gorgeous?

Friday, March 3, 2006

The Wedding...

My friend Angela Bazan is getting married in 36 hours. It's almost unbelievable to me. We've been friends since 3rd grade, and I distinctly remember laying in bed as little kids (and even just last year as college roommates) and discussing our weddings. We picked flowers and dresses and, of course, guys. As a grown up 3rd grader, I was sure Kelly Atwood was the man for me. haha!!

Anyway, 13 years later, I think about how far we've come and about what her wedding actually entales. It's absolutely nothing like what we planned so many years ago, and yet it's exactly right. She's found her match, and the wedding is perfect for them.

I'm the wedding coordinator. Basically, I boss everyone around and make Angela's day perfect. : ) This is the 3rd wedding I've done this for, and it's so fun for me. I should really start my own business.

So, in the midst of all the wedding hype, I reflect on my own life and future. I don't talk about guys on here...well...ever. I don't want y'all to think I'm this pitiful woman who needs a man to be fulfilled. Because I'm not. I'm very happy and content in who I am and the place in life where I am. I hope y'all see that. But to be honest, yes, it would be nice to find that guy who makes me feel special and who I could hang out with. But I'm not putting my life on hold waiting for him.

To all you single girls out there, be patient!! Waiting a while for the right guy SURE beats wasting your time with the wrong guy. I should know.

So, Happy Wedding to Adrian and Angela Fellows!! I love you!

And to everyone else, I love you and hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Christen