Happy Snow Day!

Because when you have the opportunity to start the week riding in on a majestic lion, you take it.

Happy Monday everyone!

In case you haven't heard, Chicago is buried in snow. It started to snow Saturday night and it didn't stop until early this morning. When I woke up on Sunday, my back porch looked like this:

Then, this morning when I woke up, it looked like this:

According to the Internet, Chicago was hit with about 19.3 inches of snow. This made it the 5th largest storm we've ever had.

Therefore, schools are closed and I'm enjoying a relaxing Monday morning before hitting the pavement again tomorrow. It's far too exhausting to complain about the snow and to get upset about the cold and winter, so, I'm choosing to enjoy it while I can. Besides, I have a feeling tomorrow at the preschool we might attempt to build a snowman. Who doesn't love that?

Anyways, I have a ton of posts planned for the blog in the upcoming weeks. Including a video of what I read in January and what I'll read in February, some new projects, talking about Disney, linking up with Amber and Annie for their monthly "Speak Up!" vlog link-up on Friday (the topic is "Heart"), and maybe some other things too! Maybe I'm getting my blogging mojo back?

In the meantime, here is my latest video on my new collab YouTube channel where I'm not very happy with YouTube...

And... FINALLY... the original video I was trying to post today is up. GEEZE YOUTUBE.

I also will now be making all of my exits via "The More You Know" star.

Thank you Katy Perry for giving us the opportunity to have such amazing GIFs.

I'm also linking up with Mingle Monday today!

Call Me Elsa

Winter has officially arrived in Chicago.

It's been chilly and cold on and off for the last few months, but as always Chicago weather is never predictable. We had snow at Thanksgiving and there were moments around Christmas where I dared to venture out of my house with a sweatshirt instead of a big winter coat. Without a white Christmas, it was hard to imagine winter was actually coming.

Then came the deep freeze. The kind of cold where your face hurts the moment you crack open the door, schools start closing, and you start letting your dog out in the garage instead of the backyard because the idea of frostbitten paws is close to reality. The harsh cold of Chicago winters is always a shock no matter how many times you've experienced it.

What was even more shocking the last few weeks was how little I minded.

There's something lovely about being able to layer up into my fleece leggings, a sweater, leg warmers, and thick socks for the day. I'd rather throw on my winter clothes than my things for the summer any day. I love feeling cozy and warm and knowing if all else fails I can just find a soft blanket to keep out the chill.

Or knowing I don't have to go outside if I don't want to and getting to sit by the window and watch the snow fall. Even as I work my seasonal answering phone jobs I watch the snow and let myself enjoy it.

And curling up in the living room with the fire going and a good book and a big mug in my hand is a perfect day in my book.

Even today when I went to work at the preschool and we went outside with the kids for recess I didn't mind it all that much. Yes, it was freezing and I had to keep walking around to keep myself warm, but it wasn't so bad.

I think winter gets a bad rap. It's harsh and cold and dangerous and people drive like they've never been in a car before. All of these things are true.

But there's also a calm beauty about it.

Maybe I am becoming more like Elsa.

What I Learned the Year I was 27

Birthdays.

Remember when you were a kid and your birthday was always so exciting because you were finally a year older and you got to have a party and lots of presents?

Yeah... those days are over.

It's not that I don't enjoy my birthday. It's just that whole getting older thing. I know 28 isn't old by any means. My head knows this. My logic knows this. But then there's the part of me who is freaking out and all "OMG I ONLY HAVE TWO YEARS UNTIL I'M 30! I HAVEN'T EVEN BACKPACKED THROUGH EUROPE OR GONE ON AN EPIC ROAD TRIP OR RANDOMLY MET A CELEBRITY OR ANYTHING PEOPLE IN THEIR 20s ARE SUPPOSED TO DO!"

No wonder my sister found my first "silver" hair last week.

Ugh.

Then I calm down (or my family and friends tranquilize me) and am reminded again that 30 isn't a scary age and 28 isn't old and I have my whole life to do things and learn and find myself. Also, last year on my birthday I was on a bus with 50 teenagers on the way back from Texas. This year my friends have helped me make plans to go to Dave and Busters tonight and I was able to meet up with some people for dinner and coffee through the week. So... not too shabby.

Looking back though, being 27 was interesting. I resigned from my job, traveled, moved to Chicago, got a brand new idea for a novel and have been working on that... so it's been a good year.

- While traveling in the deep south, picking up the accent is far easier than you'd think. Even if you are a native Chicagoan.

- Going to the courthouse which inspired LM Montgomery to write To Kill A Mockingbird and seeing a teenager walk into the world of her all time favorite book, and a jr. high boy see with his own eyes historic places of the civil rights movement and come to life for the first time, is an incredible experience.

- Love God. Love People. Do Stuff. -Bob Goff

- Choose your companions before you choose your roads. -Mark Burnett

- Nutella and banana crepes. You'll never be the same.

- Freshman girls can teach you more about beauty and self-esteem than you'd think.

- Why yes... I do still remember all of the colors of Joseph's coat and will never ever forget them. Ever.

- I used to not be a believer in theatre tabboos like saying the name of the Scottish play... until now. If you say the name I WILL HURT YOU.

- Having friends who are younger than you can actually be pretty amazing.

- It is entirely possible to survive being in an outdoor play when it's 20 outside. Not fun. But you'll survive.

- When celebrities are in town (like Neil Patrick Harris) to film a movie, go to Starbucks EVERY SINGLE DAY because the one day you don't go will be the day they are there.

- Having an awesome writing partner during NaNoWriMo makes all of the difference in the world.

- Buying a Tardis dress is always a good idea.

- Babies won't always cry when I hold them.

- When you are snowed in for a few days, get the idea to have a Harry Potter marathon on day one... not day three.

- Disney songs can totally define your life.

- It's okay to lock yourself up in your apartment and ugly cry all afternoon while watching the Glee episode to honor Cory.

- Even when leaving is the right choice, goodbyes really suck.

- Get the tattoo. In fact, get two.

- Get new tires on your car BEFORE the worst winter in the history of ever hits.

- A perk of working part-time is SO MUCH TIME TO READ.

- Preschool kids really do say the funniest things.

- When you say yes to one thing, that means you say goodbye to another. It's really hard.

- I'd probably die without my phone and social media to keep in touch with my Missouri friends.

- I need to learn how to live with other people again after being on my own for so long. Sharing the Netflix is hard yo!

- Being the sister of a bride means everything is about the wedding and nothing else. Ever. Also, weddings are hard.

- After some practice, driving around downtown Chicago isn't all that scary.

- When moving back after being gone for 5 1/2 years, your good friends are still there, but you still have to adjust to being in one anothers lives again.

- When even the guys at the Apple store think your iPad is possessed... it's time to get a new one.

- Visiting people after moving away six months ago is actually really fun.

- Not everyone is as judgy as you'd think when you're trying to figure life out.

- Neil Patrick Harris looks way better in a mini skirt and boots than I ever will.

- You don't always see what's coming next and everything might be cloudy... but it's okay.

What are some things you've learned this past year? How do you feel about getting older?

The 5 Stages of Winter

There hasn't been a more appropriate winter than this one for the movie Frozen to have come out in theatres. (And DVD next week AND it's already on iTunes!!!!) In all honesty, it has made this long, cold, and snowy winter bearable. I just keep reminding myself that it's Elsa letting go and having fun with her powers. I can be on board with that. I also read the book Winters Tale which was basically 700+ pages of talking about how magical and romantic winter can be. So... it's been find with me for the most part.

However... we all have to admit this Polar Vortex we've been in since Christmas is a bit ridiculous. I mean... there has only been one state in all of the USA that hasn't had some form of snow. (I'm giving Florida the evil eye right now.) I've found everyone has had a mixture of reactions and gone through a few somewhat familiar phases with their feelings about winter.

Denial
"We're Chicago people! This is nothing! It's just a cold spell and we'll be fine. Just put on a hat. Whatever. Toughen up son!"

Anger
I HATE THIS SNOW AND THE COLD AND EVERYTHING! I CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR, TRAFFIC IS AWFUL, AND THE SNOW ISN'T EVEN PRETTY ANYMORE I WANT SUMMER BACK RIGHT NOW!

Bargaining
Well... at least it's pretty to look at. The first day. Maybe this will mean we'll have a good spring and summer. Besides, it's January. We can deal with January. By the time March comes we'll have spring again if we behave and deal with it now.

Depression
Spring will never come. It's the middle of March and we just got several inches of more snow and ice. It's eternal winter and I give up. Just let me hide in my house under the blankets in the darkness for the rest of eternity and drown in my tears and hot chocolate.

Acceptance
Yup. It's winter. A lot of snow. But... that's how it is. Heck, it even snows in April sometimes here in Chicago. This is just the reality of living here. Spring and summer will come eventually in their own time, and when it gets outrageously hot and humid in July we'll be begging for the cold again. Besides - we can build snow men!

How have you all been dealing with eternal winter? What stage are you in?

Today's Love Sighting: 
We had a new student today who is the younger sibling of another student - and he was so excited to introduce his litter sister to everyone!

Why "Let It Go" is My Life Anthem

It's not a secret that I have become obsessed with the Disney movie Frozen. I've seen it three times now, and there's a possibility of my seeing it a fourth time this weekend. I just can't get enough of it. But you know, after all, I am a Disney character.

And yes, I'm going to reference that blog post as often as I can so Disney can notice and finally make a movie about me.

One of the main reasons I love Frozen, and I'm sure it's the same for so many other people, is the song "Let it Go."

This song has become my anthem. Whenever I'm driving around and it comes on my iPod I turn up the volume and belt, pretending that I'm Idina Menzel. Which happens often... I'm looking at you "Defying Gravity" (Wicked) and "Over the Moon" (Rent).

While, deep down, I really am like Anna. Younger sister, I would always bug my sister early on Saturday mornings to come out and play, I'm socially awkward, etc. there was still something that made me really connect to Elsa.

Elsa had this fantastic power, but it could be dangerous too. Growing up she always felt like she had to hide away and keep it in. She needed to control her power.

I've always felt like I needed to be perfect. I needed to be the good girl. Put on a smile and be strong. I don't think anyone ever pressured me to do so, it was something I did to myself. Then, when I was in college studying to be a youth minister and then going into youth ministry, I put even more pressure on myself to be this way. Be a good influence, don't mess up, have it together for the teenagers, have a smile and be confident for the parents, etc.

Now, these are all good things, and they are important. Especially when you are in charage of kids and teenagers and you need their parents to trust you. And you need them to trust you as well.

However, I also found myself not always being me. Not letting people see who I really was. Those who I knew for a long time and were close to me saw the real me - to an extent. But I still always felt like I had to be perfect. Especially when I was doubting if minstry was my real calling in life and after I had told my senior pastor I was leaving. For months I couldn't tell anyone what I was planning to do. I remember my last big trip, the National Youth Gathering, in July. There were so many emotions and thoughts going through my mind and I wanted to really treasure this last big event with the high school students, but I couldn't tell anyone about it.

But then, Elsa can let it go. When she runs away and leaves it behind, she can finally explore all that she can do. She doesn't have to be the perfect little girl anymore. She can be free to let everything out.

When I saw that scene in the movie, I instantly could relate. It was the last couple weeks of my days as a youth minister, and I could feel the relief Elsa had. I could finally let it go.

Granted, this was a pressure I put on myself for the most part. It wasn't like someone was telling me that I couldn't be me or my church was making me like this. So PLEASE don't take this as me blaming youth ministry or the church or anything. For some reason, I always felt as though I had to be this way. Sometimes, yes, there were moments when ministry and people in the Church (in general, not just the one I was working at) enforced this, but it really came from myself. There's something in me that has always wanted to be a people pleaser and not to disapoint everyone. Which can be a good thing, but also a bad thing.

But now, I feel like I can let it go like Elsa did. The past is behind me and I can only move forward. I'm finally giving myself permission to not worry about what other people think all of the time. I love the line of "It's funny how some distance makes everything seem small, and the fears that once controlled me don't get to me at all." Because it's true. It's funny how everything I was worried about before is gone and I don't think about those problems anymore. The only one whose opinion matters really is God's.

Then she sings "It's time to see what I can do, to test the limits and break through."

Now, I feel like I can really spread my wings. Take risks and chances I wouldn't have before. To really be a renissance woman and try everything. 

Also- I moved back to Chicago for the coldest winter ever. Such an Elsa thing to do, isnt it?

Source

And in case you want to sing along with me...

Are there any songs or characters that you've really connected with? 

Why Bandit Hates Me

I don't know if you've heard or not- but this past week has been cold.

Oh? That's news to you? No one on the internet has been talking about it at all? Really?

Odd.

Anyways. Even for a native Chicago girl like me, it was outrageously cold Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. On Monday, our high of the day was -10 and I heard if you were outside for 10+ minutes you could get frostbite.

Naturally, this made me frigtened for my poor little Missouri born dog who has proably never experienced anything below 25. Even down in Missouri, if it got too cold he would just stand there and shake. Which meant I needed to get something to protect poor little Bandit from the cold.

The orange coat.

I cannot tell you how much Bandit hates this coat.

When I picked it up over the weekend I had him try it on right away. He simply stood there on the ground and stared at me and refused to move.

He's gotten used to it, and thankfully now that we are begining to thaw off he can go outside without it again. However, whenever I put it on him, I get a series of looks which are a cross between pathetic and hatred which make me wonder if he's plotting my demise.

Thankfully, my parents have a fireplace. Every time he comes in from outside he promptly lays down in front of it, coatless, and basks in the heat like the spoiled brat he is.

5 on Friday

Happy Friday everyone!!!!

To be honest, not a whole lot is going on at the moment. So, I'm just going to do a quick "5 on Friday" post to catch you all up before you all run off to do your weekend shannanigans.

1) This is my last Friday of my little "Christmas Break!" Do you know what that means? I have a job! It's only part-time, but it's at least something to get me going while I'm figuring things out. There are also two other job possiblities I'm waiting to hear back from as well - so send prayers and good thoughts my way! But I start the new job on Monday. I'm really excited to have something going so quickly. I would go crazy if I were unemployed for too long and my bank account would probably cry. So, I'm going to enjoy the downtime this weekend while I can.

2) I am ready to get back to writing. I barely worked on my novel all December due to all of the crazy of moving, wrapping up things in Missouri, and the holidays. But the last couple of days my fingers have been itching to get back to the keyboard and my mind has wandered over to my characters. We've been sepearated for too long and I want to get this draft done so I can move onto the (painful) revising process. The only thing is that I haven't found a place to write yet. Ever since I've moved back to my parents house I've kind of taken claim of the kitchen table as my "office" every morning. I drink a cup of coffee, blog, and catch up on other blogs and social media. It's been a nice little routine and I know I can get some writing done here. However, it would be nice to have a little spot I can get away to for a change of scenery to let the creative juices flow. Naturally, I would go to a Starbucks. But as I was thinking about it, amost all of the Starbucks around here are super tiny - and not really condusive to sitting down with a laptop for a couple of hours. We'll see though. I'm going to do some Starbucks/Panera/Cafe shopping this week.

3) In case you haven't heard, Chicago is snowed in. As well as a majority of the rest of the country. This morning is basically the first time since Tuesday night I haven't seen snow faling from the sky. But honestly, I've been really enjoying it. This time, I'm not by myself in my apartment, I at least have my family here to be snowed in with. There's even MORE snow than there was in Missouri, and it's been so fun and peaceful to watch. I mean, look at the view we have from my parents house:

I stole this photo from my mom's Facebook

Isn't it so pretty? And it's perfect. On New Years Eve, we had intended on going to Indiana to visit family, but because of the snow we didn't go. It was a bummer because I always love seeing my extended family over the holidays, but it also has been nice to have more time to relax after all of the crazy before Christmas. We also went to go see Frozen... again. But what better time to see a movie about snow than when it's snowing?

It's also really amusing to watch Bandit and my mom's dog, Indy, sniffing around the snow.

4) As many of you probably know, if you've been following along with my escapades this week, I was posting photos on The Blog Baton Instagram Account. It was so much fun you guys!

First, I felt really cool because I was getting a ton of likes and comments on all of the photos. Is that what it's like to be a "popular" blogger? Because if it is, I need to become one. It was awesome.

Also, I was able to get some great exposure for my blog. I wasn't sure how many people would actually check out my little corner of the internet through The Blog Baton, but I now have several new Instagram and Twitter followers, and a few for the blog too. (Hi new friends if you're reading this! So glad we connected!)

So, not to sound like an ad, but if you want some extra exposure for your blog I highly reccomened checking out The Blog Baton. It was really fun!

5) The nice thing about being snowed in and having down time, is that I've been able to read and catch up on TV shows/movies. (This really shouldn't surprise any of you.) I nearly read all of An Abundance of Katherines yesterday, and I finished the Matched triology over New Years Eve. I'm now going to start Pheonix Rising which is part of The Ministry of Peculiar Occurances series.

On the TV/Movie front, I began rewatching Everwood and live-tweeted about the first four episodes, began Sherlock, and been watching Jane Austen movies. Which is always a good choice in my book. Especially since I have to return to the "real world" on Monday.

How have you all been spending the first few days of 2014?

10 Things I Learned While Being Snowed In

Do you know what's awful about the days after being snowed in?

Having to put on real clothes.

I'm serious. From the moment I got home on Thursday afternoon until Sunday morning, I was wearing either sweatpants or pajamas. It was seriously depressing when I got up on Sunday to get to church to put on real clothes.

And yes... I did have the urge to bake this weekend if you can believe it. Even if it would have just been sticking pre-made cookie dough in the oven. Don't worry - I didn't bake. I was stuck in my apartment.

Why can't sweatpants be suitable church clothing? I mean... I'm the youth minister. No one should care what I wear. Besides, what would they do? Fire me?

Ah well.

Now, I am back in the office. I'm realizing I am moving in exactly 2 weeks from today, and I have a ton to do. You can't live in snowed-in land forever.

Unless you're a school in South East Missouri. Yes, schools are still closed today if you can believe it.

However, here are some things I learned while stuck in my apartment the last few days:

1) The Keurig is a glorious invention. Yes, I already knew this. But let me tell you - my Keurig has gotten more action in the last few days than it has in the year I've had it. I've been overdosing on coffee and hot chocolate like it's going out of style.

2) My dog is weird. Seriously, he's really weird. I tried to take him outside through the back so I could stand under my covered porch. He REFUSED to do anything. He kept running back inside. Then when I took him outside through the front - he was just fine. I really don't understand his logic. Basically, he's Paul Anka from Gilmore Girls.

3) Speaking of dogs. It's hard to play in the snow with your dog when your dog is tiny and hates snow. Yup. Bandit doesn't like the snow. He's getting used to it, but at first all he did was stand outside and shake. Which meant, no running around and playing for me. Unless I wanted to look like the crazy person who runs around in the snow by herself. Boo.

4) Soup and grilled cheese are the best snowed-in foods on the face of the planet. You can bet this is what I lived on beyond what could be made in my Keurig. For someone who never cooks without almost burning down her kitchen, I'm very proud of how I never ruined a single grilled cheese sandwich. Not once. You all should be proud of me too.

5) Having friendly neighbors is fantastic. On Saturday, my apartment complex finally shoveled the walkways from our doors to the parking lot. Which meant I could venture out and see if my car hadn't frozen over. However, one of my neighbors saw that since I was short, I would need help. So they came out and helped me to scrape and wipe off my car.

6) People from Southern California are worse about snow than people in  Missouri. Said neighbor who helped me was a college student from the OC. Poor guy. He didn't even own boots and had no idea what an ice scraper for a car was. Therefore, the native Chicago girl I am, tutored him in how to get ice and snow off of cars.

7) Having my old walker around is useful. I have this old walker I used to use back in the day when I was broken/recovering from being broken. It now helps me to cross icy parking lots. Even if it does make me feel like an old lady. Too bad I'm not as adorable as this little kid dressed up as an old lady:

8) When deciding to have a Harry Potter movie marathon, do so at the beginning of your snow days, not the end. It wasn't until Saturday which I realized it was the perfect time to marathon all 8 Harry Potter movies. Why I didn't figure this out on Thursday is beyond me. Needless to say, I haven't been able to watch all 8. Yet.

9) Christmas music must be played all all times. Always. I'm sorry, but if you chose to listen to anything else while snowed-in during December, I don't understand you. Unless you don't celebrate Christmas of course.

10) As fun as being snowed- in is, it's much more fun when you're snowed in with other people. It was really fun, don't get me wrong. I loved being able to cozy up on the couch and binge on everything. However, by Friday night I was crazy lonely. I'm an extrovert- why I thought being locked inside for 3 days alone was a good idea is beyond me. Next time there's going to be a snow storm, I'm inviting someone to crash at my place and enjoy it with me.

Also... I was going to put a funny GIF here. But when I was searching  for something that would fit, everything was super depressing and it made mew ant to give the entire Internet a hug.

So, did you all get snow too? Do you love getting snow, or do you hate it? What did you do this weekend?

I Got My Wish- Snow Day

When I went outside to take Bandit out this morning, I ran and grabbed my camera because it was so pretty! Then... I went a little picture crazy...

But now, I'm going to spend my day inside. Drinking hot chocolate, eating popcorn, watching White Christmas, and reading. If anyone in the area wants to brave the roads, you're welcome to come over and join me. 

Let it Snow

Down here in Missouri - it's the apocalypse.

At least it appears that way when you go to Walmart and all of the bread, milk, and eggs are gone. It can only mean one thing.

Storm's a commin.

It's the snowpocaplyse everyone!!!!

Or as our local social meteorologist Bobby Clubbs says: #abonimation. (He's a teacher here in southeast Missouri and runs this Facebook page - it's hilarious!)

Almost everyone is freaking out. I wasn't joking when I said Walmart was running out of bread, eggs, and milk. Whenever there might be snow, everyone panics. This video is basically how everyone reacts:

A friend of mine showed that to me a few months ago, and we watched it about five times in a row and it got better each time. Because this is so true!

As for me? I'm excited. They're calling for at least 12 inches of snow starting tonight/this afternoon. In my Chicago/pessimistic mind... we'll probably get 2 inches. Maybe. 

However, I'm really hopeful for a full 12. I realize I'm probably crazy and this is the unpopular opinion. Yet, I'm ready for a good snow day.

All I want to do is put on some warm sweatpants, curl up on the couch with Bandit, coffee, and hot chocolate, and watch Christmas movies all weekend long. It's a good thing White Christmas is on Netflix because you know I'll be all over that. 

While I'm fully aware that snow and being cold really has nothing to do with Christmas and the birth of Jesus, I still always want a white Christmas. My first Christmas Eve in Missouri, it was foggy and I wore a sweatshirt outside. It was pathetic.

So, yes, I'm hoping for a big ol' snow storm. Bring it on! I want to be as cozy and happy and full of old fashioned cheese as Kurt and Blaine in this Glee video:

How will you be surviving the winter weather?

Also, if you haven't donated for Christian's wheelchair accessible van, you still can! Just click this link: https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/79c3/christianhannahshandicapvanfund

Throwing Snow Balls

Day 26: Would you rather own The Invisibility Cloak, The Resurrection Stone or The Elder Wand.