A Smart Man

"Growth results in a continued freshness of application."

Younger, I would be at the video rental store looking to rent a movie. I remember mom taking me and I would rent The Flintstones. I must have rented the movie five times in a row. Finally, dad took me to rent a movie. I wanted Robin Hood: Men in Tights. I was told, "No." Dad had seen the movie before. At the time I couldn't wrap my mind around the concept.

In another setting we were sitting at home watching Casper. Dad must have been doing all he could to tolerate it so we could watch. There was a scene that showed the staircase and he said, "I didn't see that before." At the time I had no idea how he could be seeing such miniscule details.

What is the point to this? Today my professor noted that the only way he can watch a movie more than once is if a) he enjoys it and b) he brings in freshness of application by looking for new things. Who knew my very own father was teaching me how to grow all these years?

A First For Me

Remember how I said my manager Marylin loves me? Well she truly does. Upon entering work yesterday she told me, "I need to talk to you." I thought it was bad news for me.

My first thoughts were, "What did I do wrong?" and "Where did I lose money?"

Since the time was never going to really be right for her to tell me, while I was ringing up a customer she finally said, "I'll just tell you right now. You know what Mallory and I do? How would you like to do that?"

(She's talking about being a cahsiers' manager.)

Without hesitation I took the offer. Ladies and gentleman, I am now a cashiers' manager. My official title is a CSS. Along with added responsibility comes a larger paycheck. Bring it on. I'm so excited for it no matter how many people tell me it's going to suck.

Friday Night Plans

My manager, Marilyn, loves me. She gave me this coming Friday off from work. With nothing to do from 2:00-?? I put some ideas together and came up with this: Girls' Night In. I'm going to invite over some of my favorite girls, put up a "no boys allowed sign" and have some of these things:

1. Ice breakers: Just a few games so the girls that don't know each other can get to that point a little faster
2. Spa recipes: I'm going to have the ingredients set up on the counter with little recipe cards. hopefully they'll even be able to take home some homemade lotion or something.
3. Pajamas
4. Brownies, ice cream and hot fudge: What's a girls' night without it?
5. Wine
6. Some kind of game: I'm thinking Apples to Apples or Catch Phrase
7. A chick flick

Friday should be fun. On top of that, I think Ana might be visiting. Her and her new husband, Will, are going to be attending Grand Rapids Community College. Will has already gotten into their culinary program and Ana is going to try as soon as CMU gets her transcripts to her. While they're here they're going to be looking at getting an apartment in the same complex.

Once again, Friday should be fun. Thanks for your book submissions. I'll let you know which ones I decide to read.

Goal Setting

I set a few goals today. One of them was to read 5 books before the end of the semester. So far on my list I have:

1. Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
2. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
3. (I'm on the fence about this one) The Analects of Confucius: A Philosophical Translation (Classics of Ancient China)

Any suggestions for 4, 5, and possibly a different number 3? And has anyone heard of "Kindle"? It's really cool. Expensive and for people who read more but it looks really really cool.

Hot Topic

Not the store. But the actual hot topic right now. I've only shared this with Traci and Amy but I think Sarah might find it a bit useful. Google Notebook makes saving/sharing urls really easy. http://google.com/notebook

My personal notebook is: http://www.google.com/notebook/public/10530402410698485880/BDSKpIgoQ_unAlMcj

And no hints quite yet, dad. There will be more to come as Halloween draws closer but you're going to have to hold your horses.

Hello Octubre

October is a unique month of the year. It's weather brings cool, crisp air after the dense humidity of summer. The trees turn bright oranges, yellows and reds and light up the (few) hills of Michigan. It's the first month of sweaters and cinnamon candles. What does this October have me excited for? Halloween, my friends.

Here's just a preview of our couple's costume. Can you guess what it might be? (Peej or Mickey, if you know it don't answer... I can't remember if I told you). Here's the first hint you all will get. It isn't a good hint at all (I couldn't let it be easy). I might have a few more as the month progresses. Enjoy your first hot chocolates of the season. Cheers!