Casual Fridays

I think today we'll phone it in and just do an extremely basic Currently I'm... post. Because at the time I'm writing this, it's nearly 1 AM and I plan to be dead to the world when this goes live in a few hours. Let's see what I can come up with in the next 15 minutes.

Reading...

... technically, nothing at the moment. And not just because I'll be asleep when this post goes live. I finished The Three Lives of James Madison on Monday, 31 Days of Praise on Tuesday, and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (say that 5 times fast) last night. Never fear: I totally intend to begin Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis whenever I wake up. And Othello won't be far behind.

Watching...

... Bones. I'm beginning to lose count of how many times I've watched this show from start to finish, though, if we're going to be precise about it, this would actually only be the second time since the show only came to a complete close last year. I'm currently on Season 10 and loving it just as much as I usually do even though I'm super mad at a certain someone right now. (Can't say who because my mommy-in-law is watching the show for the first time and I can't give away any SPOILERS.)

... Alias. Oh yeah. We're throwing it back old school. Cody and I just picked up the first season at FYE and I am hooked. I never saw a single episode of this back in the day, but I am into it now.

... all the movies. Like, seriously, I have been on such a movie kick lately. In the last couple weeks alone, I've managed to squeeze in all five of the Mission Impossible movies (we're going to see the new one tonight!) along with Ladder 49, Cinderella starring Lily James, and First Daughter to name a few. And that's just in the last few weeks. Y'all. Someone stop me.

Anticipating...

... the Netflix release of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I mean, since I just confessed the movie kick I've been on and managed to mention Lily James in the same breath, I might as well come clean about this. I adored The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (more about that in a gushing recap to come), and I am psyched for the movie. Even though I just watched the trailer and I'm already feeling very skeptical of the creative license taken to make this into a film, I'm a fan of Lily James (and the rest of the cast I was catching glimpses of in the trailer) and I think it's worth a viewing. 

... Mission Impossible 6 tonight! (No, I will never call 4, 5, and 6 by their lame names, and yes, I know we pretty much already covered this in the last section, but it is now 1:08 AM: you get what you get.)

Eating...

... Publix buffalo chicken dip on Tostitos Bite Size tortilla chips. If you don't know the delicious goodness that is this perfect snack (or breakfast, don't judge me), then you aren't living. Get down to the Southeast and get on my level.

... Luigi's Lemon Italian Ice. Because Florida summer. 

... leftovers for days, y'all. I don't know why we seem to be in leftover heaven lately, but we have been and you won't hear me complaining. I think I've subconsciously been cooking in bulk just so I won't actually have to cook every day. 

Listening...

... to Relient K's Air for Free album. It's such a chill summer jam album, and I love it.

... to Train. Whatever album I land on. They're just my go-to. 

... to my entire iPod on shuffle. This is not something I typically do because I have over 10,000 songs on it or something crazy like that, but once every 6 years or so, I just get in the mood to have the whole thing on shuffle and that's the mood I'm in now. It's pretty fun.

... to Despacito. Honestly, I don't know the entire literal translation of this song, and if it's inappropriate, I apologize but don't tell me because it will be a very long time before I stop dancing around to this. 

Feeling...

... so very proud of my littlest sister who just signed her letter of intent to play college tennis on a scholarship because she is the bomb and doing it huge. (Also, I can't believe we're all officially and legally adults now. Is this real life? And can I possibly be this old?)

... bereft of sweet nephew snuggles. I need more in my life. Like yesterday. A six hour drive is too far away, and they're trying to take him to Germany?! I ain't doin' it.

... a teensy bit proud of myself because as of last night, I have read 26 books so far this year and 16 of those are even from my original 2018 book list. Not too shabby, and we still have five months to go. 

Loving...

... my family. 

... my friends.

... my church.

... my life.

... my bed. It's 1:32 AM, and I am done. 

What's currently going on with you?

Casual Fridays

I can see clearly now the rain is gone. And let's just do a Currently I'm... post because it seems like a good idea.  

Reading...

... Ezekiel. I'll be honest, Jeremiah and Ezekiel have not been easy books for me this time around. I don't know if it's just been the craziness of Hurricane Irma or the KJV or what, but I've had a tough time staying focused during these two particular books. 

... Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. If you've been keeping up, this is my 17th read of the year so far, and it's also the last book I have left from my original 2017 book list! (Except for Sunset Lullaby by RJG which doesn't even come out till November 10th and will only take me about a day to read if past performance is any indicator.) 

Addicted to...

... the snack that smiles back: Goldfish. A bowlful a day keeps the doctor away. Or something like that.

... IBC Black Cherry Cokes. And there's no caffeine in them so I don't even have to feel bad about drinking them, right?!

... Taco Bell chalupas, no sour cream. Because a cheap meal and no dinner clean-up is what being an American is all about.

Craving...

... ALL THE THINGS that are not in my house. Cheese fries from Andy's, mall food court Chinese, apple cider, Publix pumpkin pie or chocolate cake with buttercream icing. None of it's here and I want all of it. I'm thinking these are sympathy cravings for my sister-in-law who's PREGNANT! in case you missed it last week. Caroline, I am here and willing to gain the baby weight with you, my friend. (Although I'm not sure Cody will be on board.)

Watching...

... Gilmore Girls. There's just something about this time of year that makes me want to revisit Stars Hollow. 

... The Dick Van Dyke Show. Personally, I don't know of anyone who can touch Dick Van Dyke's physical comedy. I love that guy. 

... Julie's Greenroom. Julie Andrews is one classy lady, y'all. This show is adorable. Not like, sit-and-bingewatch-the-entire-season-in-one-day adorable, but adorable nonetheless. 

Listening...

... to lots of Michael Bublé lately. He's my jam this time of year.

... to Kelly Clarkson. She was my yard clean-up music of choice this week. And her new song Love So Soft is dance-tastic. (Thanks for the tip, Reagan.)

... to Adventures in Odyssey. Perpetually. But particularly the "For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll" episode from album #29: Signed, Sealed & Committed. 

Feeling...

... very relieved that Hurricane Irma is over. 

... extremely grateful that we did not experience any significant damage from the storm and were without power for less than 24 hours. A massive thank you to everyone who is working around the clock to restore power to the state of Florida and helping with clean-up and restoration. #FloridaStrong

... sore from picking up our yard. I've used muscles this week I forgot I had. #ouch

Praying...

... for those who got hit worse than we did. Naples and Jacksonville are underwater and something like 60% of the state is still without power. God is always good, and God is bigger than Irma.

Loving...

... my family. Always and forever. But particularly having them in and out of my home all week taking hot showers, grilling up all the food before it goes bad and eating together, just hanging out in the AC--I love my tribe, y'all. 

What's currently going on with you?

Casual Fridays

We haven't done a Currently I'm... post in a while and frankly, the Casual Fridays muse has not been with me lately so today we're taking it easy and just having a chatty, catch-up with each other kind of day. Sound good? Good. Let's begin.

Reading...

... Deuteronomy.

... John Adams by David McCullough and really enjoying it. I was hoping to finish it up in February, but that is definitely not going to happen.

Watching... 

... Bones Season 12. Word on the street is that this is for real the final season. I can't believe it, and I seriously don't know how they're going to tie it up in the next 4 episodes because that's all that's left.

... Parks and Rec. It seems to me that the last time I did a Currently I'm... post I was talking about Parks and Rec. We did finish it and thought it was hilarious and recently decided to re-watch it since I missed Season 1 and half of Season 2 the first time around. I think it's even funnier watching it after you've already seen it and have a feel for the characters. #TeamDonna She's my fav.

... One Tree Hill. Y'all. It pains me to admit this, but I got sucked into One Tree Hill land. I had never seen a single episode in my life, but I was feeling sick or something one day last year sometime and decided to watch an episode just to see what it was all about and lo and behold, I'm now on the final season. Speaking of which, I feel like the show should have ended 3 times, but they just won't quit. Seriously. The series finale on the River Court at the end of high school--should have been the end. The series finale after P. Sawyer has her baby--should have been the end. The series finale with Jamie dribbling the basketball across the bridge--definitely should have been the end. But they just have to wring every last penny out of a show until you hate it, I guess. Don't writers and producers and whoever else has any say in the matter have any sense of pride or integrity in creating a show that tells a story and ends well?? Is it that hard to pull the plug?? End rant. And P.S. this is not an endorsement or a recommendation to watch OTH. That show has more drama than a high school theater club. 

Listening...

... to Switchfoot's Where the Light Shines Through album. It's their latest, and it's on point per usual.

... to Train's a girl a bottle a boat album. It just came out a couple weeks ago, and it is a feel good record in every way. Train and Switchfoot are my two favorite bands, I always keep up with them, and they have yet to disappoint me.

... my James 5:13 playlist. Part of James 5:13 says, "Is anyone happy? Let him sing praise." This playlist has 100 of my happiest praise songs to Jesus, and I love cranking it up and belting it out.

Jonesing...

... for a beach day. This Florida girl starts to get a little restless for some sand and saltwater come February, but the weather hasn't been quite there yet. Soon.

... for cupcakes. I'm not usually a big desserts girl, but lately I have been craving cupcakes. Maybe I should just make a batch and get it over with, but I'm trying to have some self-control here.

Recovering...

... from the flu. It seems like Cody and I have been fighting illness since the beginning of the year and last week, it won. We both went down hard, but this week, I have finally been feeling really good for the first time in weeks. Yay health!

... from Hacksaw Ridge. Cody and I watched this movie Wednesday night, and I'm still feeling sad. War movies always depress me. But if you can handle some pretty gory war violence (I had to cover my eyes a few times), I would recommend this one. It's a true story and one worth telling.

Memorizing...

... Psalm 34:4. We're on Verse 4 of SSMT so since February 15th, I've been working on adding "I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears" to verses 1-3 of Psalm 34 which I've got pretty well memorized at this point. (Also, I just typed that from memory and besides missing two commas: #nailedit)

Trying...

... to keep my house clean. With two energetic puppies and a backyard that is turning into a giant pit of sand because dogs, the struggle is real.

... to decide if i should read The Taming of the Shrew this weekend so that I can complete two books from my list within the month of February. I only have 12 books on my list this year, but I'd like to keep the pace up because March-May always seems to be a difficult time of year for my reading life. Thoughts?

... to work the word "Zamzummims" into my regular vocabulary. I discovered this word yesterday in Deuteronomy 2:20, and I kindof love it. They were giants in the land of Canaan, and doesn't that sound like something Dr. Seuss would call them? Maybe I could use it as a Christian cuss word. Before you come looking to burn me at the stake, watch this video. Imagine stubbing your toe and shouting out "Zamzummims!" I think it could work.

Loving...

... my thoughtful husband who gave me this beautiful ring for Valentines Day that says "Our Love is Forever" on the inside. He is the sweetest.

... my most recent home pedicure. You guys, I achieved smudge-free status! I waddled around my house like a penguin most of the day Wednesday to accomplish this long sought after dream, but it was worth it! My toenails look so pro. Oh you want to see a picture? Wish granted.

... these sweet dogs because even though they're a total mess, they make up for it by being the most loyal, loving, cuddly little buddies, and I would hate not having them around.

What's currently going on with you?

Casual Fridays

Well, I think it's about time for another Currently I'm... post because last time was pretty fun, and, let's be honest, it's easy blog-work. So here we go again!

Reading...

... His Excellency by Joseph J. Ellis. It's a biography of George Washington, and I have to say I'm really enjoying it. I think it's altogether possible that I will actually finish it within the year unlike another presidential biography I recently conquered.

... Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. I actually started reading this book a couple years ago with The Official Book Club, but I tried to read it at a bad time, and according to the bookmark that was still in the book, I only made it through the first two chapters so I'm starting over. Literally just started this one yesterday, but I already tore through the first five chapters. Tip of the cap to you, Mr. Dickens!

... In Their Own Voices by Rita J. Simon and Rhonda M. Roorda. I think I've read one or two interviews since the last time I mentioned this book. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

Realizing...

... that no matter how many raw veggies I eat, I'm still starving after I eat them. Like, I think I could actually be completely full, sit down to eat some carrots, cucumbers, and celery, and then be hungry again. What in the world?! Do they absorb everything inside of you or what? Maybe because I just eat them straight-up, no dip? Can anyone relate to this phenomena?

... that there will never be a perfect presidential candidate, and there may never be an even relatively good one ever again. All I can do is exercise my right to vote and leave the rest to God.

... that getting upset never helps. Frustrating adoption process? Terrible presidential candidates? Car troubles? Bad service when I'm picking up my pizza? If it's big or little, getting upset doesn't help. It doesn't make me feel better. It doesn't change the situation. 

Waiting...

4/22/16

... extremely impatiently to meet my newest baby niece! Come on, sweet girl!

... for a referral. Forever.

... for a certain package in the mail. It's something I ordered WEEKS ago, and it still hasn't shipped. #impatient #butnotgettingupset #noiamnottellingwhatitis

Eating...

... Papa John's Spinach Alfredo Chicken Tomato pizza. Y'all. I'm addicted to this pizza. I think we've ordered 3 large ones in the last month alone. And Cody hasn't had a single slice of it. He likes his supreme so this is all me, you guys. Don't judge me.

... leftovers. Because obviously I'm not eating large pizzas in single sittings. I do have some self-control.

... Outshine popsicles. Made with real fruit and veggies, thank you very much. Because it's hot in Florida and popsicles are the best cool down kindof a snack, ya dig?

Loving...

... lifelong friends. Last weekend, our house was full of dear friends that I went to high school with and their families. It's been a decade since we graduated, and we're planning all kinds of fun shenanigans this summer. And these two gorgeous girls that I bonded with for life during the summer of '07 whilst wrangling campers of all ages dropped in for a 4-hour lunch yesterday, and I couldn't have been any happier. So thankful for enduring friendships.

... a brand new picture of our Najati in a hot pink dress. She is precious and growing up so fast! If you don't already sponsor a child with Compassion, I so encourage you to look into it. You will never regret it.

... my house. It's perfect. Just come on over, have some sweet tea with me, and I'm sure you'll love it too. God has blessed me to infinity and beyond. He is so good.

Helping...

#rednose

... feed kids who are living in poverty. Just by being silly. Check out what Red Nose Day is all about and join in the fun! It's easy, and you really can make a difference.

What's currently going on with you?

Casual Fridays

Have you ever read or heard of these "Currently I'm..." blog posts? Because I've come across several and I always think they're super-fun and I want to do one and today seems like the day. So here we go.

Reading...

... The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex by Sheila Wray Gregoire and really enjoying it. I didn't think I was going to recap this on the blog, but I'm starting to reconsider. Too awkward?

... In Their Own Voices: Transracial Adoptees Tell Their Stories by Rita J. Simon and Rhonda M. Roorda. This is a book of interviews that I started last year. It's good, but it will probably take me all year to finish because I'm just reading 1 or 2 interviews at a time between other books. 

... my blog stats because we passed 10,000 views this week! Woohoo! Thank you, faithful readers!

Trying...

... to pack up my Christmas decorations because it's about freakin' time.

... to choose what novel I want to tackle next. Any suggestions? Here's my book list for the year for you to reference.

... not to eat only sugar. But Valentine's candy, amiright?! Also, my sweet husband went out Wednesday morning before I got up and brought home a dozen glazed donuts from Publix. I may or may not have eaten half of them. Don't judge me.

Missing...

... my brother because he left to go back to LA this week after having stayed with us for over a month. Come baaaaack!!! (P.S. I finally went and saw the new Star Wars, and I have to say, I loved it. It's so much better than Episodes I, II, and III, but obviously it doesn't even touch the originals.)

... my sister because I haven't seen her since forever and she's an AF pilot now!!

... my other brother and sister-in-love because now I just miss all my siblings, and they're the farthest away in Japaaaaan!

Christmas 2014

Watching...

... Princess Diaries. The hubs and I watched both movies last night. Well, let me rephrase that: I stayed up watching both movies while he slept hardcore.

... Parks and Rec. I slept through most of season 1. Got interested during season 2. Died laughing through seasons 3 and 4. But I'm starting to lose interest again. Is it worth it to finish?

... Brain Games. Cody and I just started this show, and it's pretty fascinating. Plus, I'm banking on never getting Alzheimer's now that I'm watching it. Exercising the mind and all that. Seems logical, right?

Listening...

... to Stressed Out on repeat. I'm addicted to this song lately.

... to Relient K's The Bird and the Bee Sides and Forget and Not Slow Down albums.

... to the Beach Boys because I am so ready for summer.

Loving...

... my two little reading buddies.

... the weather this week. We're back up in the 70s during the day. Yay Florida sunshine!

... this necklace my honey gave me for Valentine's Day.

Closing...

... on our very first home today! That's right. By the end of today, we will be homeowners. We're such grownups. I can hardly believe it, but I am sooo excited!

... the laptop now because it's time to get ready for this monumental day.

What's going on with you currently?