Confessions of an Engaged Romantic.

Okay. Madison just showed me this unbelievable video which inspired this blog. Check it out. 

This Taylor Swift song, Love Story, holds a special place in my heart. It begins talking about two kids falling in love and as their relationship 

progressed, she begins thinking that he no longer feels exactly the same. A few months before Madison popped the question, he had strategically 

made me think that he wanted to wait a while on marriage although we had dated for quite a few years. The subject was suddenly uncomfortable for 

him and never had been before. For several months I struggled with thoughts that maybe he seriously had gotten to the point that he was 

comfortable in our relationship and was in NO hurry to tie the knot. I had pretty much set a plan for myself; If he didn't ask by the time we finished

college, we'd have to talk about it. Little did I know, he had already talked to his parents, my parents, and several of our friends and had begun 

planning the proposal. I think because he had thrown me so off track and had me thinking that maybe he didn't feel as strongly about our

relationship anymore, this lyric just means so much to me.

I got tired of waiting,
Wondering if you were ever comin' around.
My faith in you was fading
When I met you on the outskirts of town,
And I said,
"Romeo save me - I've been feeling so alone.
I keep waiting for you but you never come.
Is this in thy head? I don't know what to think-"
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said,
"Marry me, Juliet - you'll never have to be alone.
I love you and that's all I really know.
I talked to your dad - go pick out a white dress;
It's a love story - baby just say 'Yes.'"

When the song reaches it's climax, He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring, I can't help but smile! It takes me back to that time and place when I opened my eyes to see him down on one knee. I'll never forget it, nor will I ever be able to force the smile from my face when I remember it. 

This arrangement in this video is just beautiful. The confession: I cried!

I've Been Touched

This weekend has been full of shows like every other weekend, with the exception that we've been in just one location- Gatlinburg, TN. So far, 4 shows have been completed. Staying in one location allows for a wider selection of songs throughout the weekend. Yesterday, William Paul Young, author of The Shack, was a featured speaker. Unfortunately, I missed his session, but plan on watching it later. I've only heard how amazing and touching it was, and can't wait to find out for myself! After the service, I was privileged to get my book signed by him, and am honored. 

This morning during the service, the presence of God was evident. Voices of Lee led worship with some good old fashioned hymns, and they were wonderful. Maybe it's because I grew up in a Pentecostal church and have known these songs since I was small, but they just do so much more for me than any other sacred music. They touch me differently. The old hymns and choruses just can't be topped. This morning felt much like the church services I knew as a child, and boy did it feel good. Over a thousand people were in one room, yet it felt just like a large family. (I was also blessed that my parents drove up and enjoyed this experience with me.) I began to think about the Gaither's and what they were all about, and I can't express how appreciative I am that they value and stress family and relationships so much. These people have busier lives than most and travel thousands of miles each year, and do numerous shows in order to make a difference in other lives, yet they make time to sit and enjoy quality family time. I can remember once in Indiana over a campfire at Bill's house. They gathered around a campfire to sing and jam with family and friends although that's what they do each and every weekend.  At the end of the night, they took the time to go around the circle and each person stated one thing they were thankful for. They truly know the value of the family. That's just so uncommon these days. I think it's so important to stop and make time for loved ones, to let them know that they are loved, and even more than that to just simply enjoy their company.

I know it's a cliche to say this, but the truth in the following words is so powerful: We aren't promised tomorrow. Make a point to tell someone you love them today.

Facebook Causes Panic

I know I said I wasn't posting for another week, but I had some internet today, and a little scare. 

I tried to call home today for a brief chat, but found that I was unable to reach anyone in my family on any phone. I then sign onto facebook, not thinking anything of it, and read from 2 LC residents that "I'm praying for those who lost family members in LC. God be with you all." 

At this point, I'm questioning whether or not a tornado has torn the town to shreds while I'm 2500 miles away, and I have no way of knowing if my family or friends are safe. Luckily enough, I was able to get a response from someone on facebook including details for his current status. My heart and prayers go out to those families who are losing family members, please note. However, I'm a bit relieved to find that it wasn't a massive tragedy, but rather natural death. For this reason, I will be overly cautious of what I post on facebook from now on. I'll do my best to be 100% clear. Someone could get punked this way and they'd completely freak out. Shew. Glad that's over. 

I'll Be Out For A Week

Since I will be crossing the border tonight at 10 PM and not returning until next Tuesday, I thought I'd squeeze in one last blog. 

Did you know that NEWS is an acronym for North, East, West, South?

Last night, I began reading The Shack. I'm only on the second chapter, but so far, so good.

I thought last night was the best night of Idol this entire season. I'm anxious to see who goes home tonight. Considering how good everyone did last night, there's no predicting! (Well.... based on the whole season, Kris may go home, but who should assume?) I was thoroughly excited that Adam changed his song from Sympathy For The Devil by the Rolling Stones to Cryin' by Aerosmith! I had wanted him to do Aerosmith the entire year, and Madison called the song and everything just a few weeks ago! On a side note: Madison is good at calling anything... 5 minutes into a movie, he often leans over to me and whispers his predictions into my ear. 98% of the time, he's dead on it! Back to Idol... Rachael Lampa is going to be singing background vocals with Jordan Sparks tonight. YAY! (For Rachael Lampa... definitely not YAY for Jordan Sparks... not for me). 

My annoyance with Idol currently: It has become to political. People are no longer voting and choosing not to vote for all the wrong reasons. If it really is a singing competition, that should be all that matters. But it isn't.

Madison and I are planning on setting a date within the next month, and the wedding planning will begin. In excitement, I have decided to research some wedding folklore. This website offers information about why cans are tied to the back of the get away car, where the wedding cake originated, original purpose of the best man, definition of tying the knot, the origin of the bridal shower, and many more random folklore tid bits. 

http://www.weddingzone.net/px-tr004.htm

I'm so excited to start planning soon! 

Today, I looked back at pictures of Bruce as a puppy, and gosh was he the sweetest looking thing! He still is, but not as small. Not nearly as small. It was so hard to leave him yesterday. He gave me the most pitiful face... and if I'm a weakling for anything, it's a sad puppy. Madison and I just bought a video camera, so hopefully soon, I will upload something of Bruce. His most recent meddling pertains to shoes. If he wants attention, he'll go grab a shoe. He knows he isn't supposed to chew on them, so he simply takes it into another room and sits and waits patiently for you to come after him. He really is a smart dog!

That's all I can think of to write about for now. I'll post about the Canada trip in about a week!

Disney Got It Right

If you know me, you know how big of a Disney fanatic I am. 

This lyric is one of my favorites.

A dream is a wish your heart makes

When you're fast asleep

In dreams you lose your heartaches

Whatever you wish for, you keep

Have faith in your dreams and someday

Your rainbow will come shining through

No matter how your heart is grieving

If you keep on believing

The dream that you wish will come true

Hope you enjoyed. =)

Some Prankster...

Fact: I have blogger.com bookmarked into my bookmark bar so that with just 1 click, I'll be at login page.

Fact: I have not changed any settings on my computer or blogger.

Also fact: My login page for blogger.com is now in Spanish.

Fact: I don't care for it, nor do I know how it happened.

Prankster? I have no clue. That's all I could figure. If so, there's only one person I think it could be...

Idol Tonight

Ok, there was no way to express my opinion to fellow Idol viewers in just a tweet. It's WAY too much. At 7:59, I was excited for tonight because of it's theme. At 9:01, I was disappointed. I'm SO disappointed in the whole night.
First, no one did what I expected, which isn't necessarily why I'm disappointed. I had expected Adam to do "Bohemian Rhapsody", Allison to do Heart, and really I had no clue for Danny and Kris. Rock just isn't their element.
I expected the judge's response for Adam and Allison both to be all positive, and for the most part it was. I expected so just because, as I said earlier, rock is their element.

Let me stop here and talk about votefortheworst.com for a moment. I was very unhappy to read that Danny is the pick now! They compared him to Taylor Hicks, which is bizarre! Taylor Hicks should be honored to even have his name in the same sentence as Danny's. I. Hate. Taylor. Total flunk. That being said, Danny was always my favorite, and my pick to win. I wish for Adam to follow as runner up, and Allison second runner.

Tonight, all the hate is on Danny when it comes to the judges. I will say, I thought it was rough. I honestly think just about anyone doing Aerosmith is going to sound karaoke really, but Danny just disappointed me in the last few seconds of his song. I think the song was a little big for him. However, the judges never spoke negative about Allison's or Adam's pitchy areas. I think it was a bit unfair.

Now that I think about it, I wish Danny had done "Come Together". I think he would've nailed it.

Kris was consistent with what he's always been. I enjoyed his song, but his has never been the one of controversy. In saying that, I'm acknowledging his performance although it isn't the talk of the night.

I wish Allison had done "Slow Ride" as her solo performance. I thought she did better on it.

I thought harmonies were better on Kris and Danny's duet, but I thought performance was better on Adam and Allison's.

I would have loved for Steven Tyler to be the mentor instead of Slash, but whatev.

I just worry for Danny because only negative was said of him tonight, although it shouldn't have been. I don't want him to leave tomorrow night. Don't ask me who I'd prefer leave, because that's tough. In keeping with my preferred line up, Kris should leave.

I apologize for this being so choppy... I just wanted to get my opinions out there before I forgot any. There were so many.

Please feel free to comment and discuss. I will check by frequently. I'd love to hear other opinons.

Journal

Ok, this is going to be an info packed blog! Get ready!



First, Congratulations to Kendall Huff and Brandon Coussens on their engagement! I'm so happy for you guys!



Ok. Now for an update. Last Saturday, we arrived in Boles, AR for The Freeman's Homecoming (an outdoor event). We arrived to pouring rain that lasted for the rest of the night. However, it didn't stop the show! Right before walking on stage, while exiting the building, I decided to take fall down the concrete steps into the mud, while wearing my stage clothes which consisted of black slacks. Ouch. I don't know if anyone saw or not... it was right beside the stage... but anyway, I got up and walked on stage to Sheri smiling and talking through a grin. She said, "Aw, your pants are muddy." I smiled, grinned, and mumbled back, "Uh huh. I fell down the steps." That's so something that I would do. Once, a few years ago, I fell all the way down the steps in her house, leaving a big black mark on the wall all the way down. Luckily, it's now been painted over. So now, I have 2 quarter sized spots of raw meat on my knee accompanied by a large purple bruise. Bruce, trying to be loving and playful, found my wounds with his nails. Again, ouch. Maybe I should just learn to be more graceful in heels.



I may or may not have said before, but last week was my last week of school for the year! Thankfully! Now that I've had more free time, I've caught up on office work, and managed to do an hours worth of power yoga today! I'm so proud of myself because for the past few months I've had every intention of working out, and never have. I'm determined now that I can do this at least 3 times a week, if not more, while on a break from school. YES!



Also, congratulations to Samantha and Adam Cannon on the arrival of baby Noah Bryan Cannon!

He was born today weighing 8.08 Ibs at 21 inches long!

I had originally intended on posting my thoughts about tonight's Idol in this blog. However, I think I have A LOT to say, so i'll post it separately. I also know not all of my readers are Idol lovers, and that's okay. =)



Short-term goal:

Wash my car, scrub it good, and make it sparkle from the inside out. (As soon a the rain passes, and the mud has dried up.)



Long-term goal:

Be able to do with ease by Christmas:

-50 push ups

-50 sit ups

-run 5 miles



My countdowns:

38 days until True Blood Season 2!

39 days until a week long vacation in Orlando!

69 days until the Aerosmith concert in ATL!



Random thought:

Never underestimate the power of believing in yourself.

That's a Fact: Guess Who!?

At age 8, he was inspired to take up the guitar after watching Michael J. Fox play "Johnny B. Goode" in Back to the Future.

One of his hobbies is stand up comedy. He has stated that he often does random, surprise performances at the famous "Comedy Cellar" in New York, New York.

In 1998, he formed his first band called, LoFi Masters, with his friend Clay Cook. The band played in small night club venues and coffee houses around the greater Atlanta area for a year before they broke up.

He is fluent in Japanese, as demonstrated in a red carpet interview with Ryan Seacrest before the 2007 Grammy Awards.

He has lived in Japan and loved it. One of his many tattoos is a Japanese koi fish, which is located on his right shoulder, and reminds him of his life in Japan.

Before he became famous, he used to work at a gas station.

When on tour, he once did 188 live shows in just one year. Now that's dedication!

He's won 4 Grammies.

He's 6'3" tall.

He said, "They say stay in the lines, but theres always something better on the other side."

He is the most frequent tweeter on my twitter account, and always has something wise and out of the box to say.

His twitter photo is what inspired this blog. I laughed out loud the first time I saw it because it looks just like him! 

People, this is John Mayer. Hope you enjoyed!