I'm Jumping on the Bandwagon

My birthday is not until the end of August, but this year I am getting an early birthday present because of all the traveling I am going to be doing. Hubs agreed that I could get an e-reader for my birthday. I’ve been thinking about having one for a while now, but it always seemed like an unnecessary extravagance. I guess it still kind of is, but I am going to appreciate it so much over the next couple of months (I just keep thinking of all those hours I’m going to spend waiting in lines and on concourses). It will be so nice to have something to occupy my time.

Once we had decided to take the plunge and buy one, Hubs and I still needed to decide what kind of an e-reader we were going to get. Right off the bat, I knew I was going to want the e-reader to be able to access the internet, especially in Greece. Since I will be touring with a large group, I don’t want to have to depend on having the time to visit internet cafes. With that in mind, the decision really came down to getting either an Amazon Kindle 3G or a Barnes & Noble Nook Color.

I like that the Kindle has such a long battery life and that the screen is easy to read in direct sunlight. Also, I know that Amazon has a bazillion e-books at amazing prices. At the same time, I don't like that I would need to buy a reading light to use the Kindle at night and the fact that it is not as intuitive to navigate. I also don't like that the Kindle's global 3G is still deemed experimental. I will say though, that the price of the Kindle 3G ($189) is appealing, at least more appealing than the Nook Color ($250).

What I really like about the Nook Color is the easy to use touch screen. The screen's colors are so brilliant, making magazines and children's books come alive. I also like the fact that the Nook Color offers several games, including Sudoku, has good web access, and can handle multiple apps. In some ways, the Nook Color seems to be a lot more like a watered down ipad than an e-reader. What I don' t like about the Nook Color is a) the battery life- 8 hours using the wi-fi, and b) the higher price tag.

In the end, Hubs and I decided the best choice would be the Nook Color. We both love the touch screen and vivid colors. And it just seems that the Nook Color is more intuitive. It helps that my sister and brother-in-law also have Nooks, so we will be able to share e-books for two weeks at a time for free!

I'm really excited to travel with my Nook Color. Happy early birthday, Lacey!

Unexpected Blessing

I am feeling extraordinarily blessed at the moment for several reasons. The first is that I walked into work this morning to find a pot of daises on my desk, tied up with a cheery yellow ribbon. Sitting next to the flowers, there was a wonderful card signed by all of my co-workers in Annual Giving. I am so grateful that I get to work in such a wonderful, caring environment (and it is fun too). As if the flowers and card were not enough, there was also a HomeGoods gift card! I love HomeGoods (despite my husband's belly-achin).

Why else am I feeling extraordinarily blessed right now? Well, I'm glad you asked. I am going to Greece this summer! I know- right? A.W.E.S.O.M.E. I am going to be traveling with a tour group through my work. I will be one of two staff people on the Footsteps Ministries tour that follows the path of the apostle Paul. Hubs was great enough to let me go even though I will miss out on our anniversary (it is the day after I leave). I have such a great husband.



I am extraordinarily blessed.

He is Risen!

Pomp & Circumstance

This is it, I am actually going to graduate this year with my master's degree. It will be four years in the making when I don my cap and gown this December. It's been a marathon for sure.

Before that though, I have to get through my final classes. Right now, I am finishing up my research class. At this very moment, I am writing the intro and conclusion for my research paper- Exploring the Impact of Study Abroad on Christian Undergraduate Students. I will be presenting my paper next week.

After Research, I am taking a one week intensive in May on discipleship. These summer intensives always go fast and once it is over, I will have a much needed break until October.

My very last class will be from October to December and is called Principles of Development. I didn't save this class for last on purpose, it just happened that way. I actually have no idea what it is about. I just know nothing can be as brutal as this research class.

So this is where I am right now and where I am headed at the end of the year. I look forward to celebrating with you!

How do you like your eggs?

April Flowers

Spring has sprung at the 'ole homestead and we're ringing it in with flowers out the wazoo. Here's what the outside of my house is looking like these days, including our freshly painted front door:

Revisiting the Family Throne Room

Prepare yourselves for a makeover, people. This is the moment where I am finally going to reveal our bathroom "after" pics. Well, with the exception of a finished backsplash- it still needs to be grouted and polished up.

To help you fully appreciate what you're seeing, here's a reminder of what the bathroom looked like when we bought it and as we went through the remodeling process:

And here is our bathroom after we spent hours doing demo, dry-walling, tiling, mudding, sanding, painting and just a little bit of decorating (but not much, so no judgments on that-okay?):

Once Upon a Time Photo Essay