Bangs

So, I got bangs.

For all the men out there who read this blog, you probably do not understand the epic decision it was to get them. They have the ability to make you sing for joy or weep for the future. They can completely change your look, for better or for worse.

On the hair scale of importance, bangs are a 9.5, right up there with your ability to avoid a spiral perm.

Bangs are a big, friggin' deal.

And so far, I am a fan.

The Work in Waiting

This past weekend, my mom and I made the trek to the thriving metropolis of Alamosa. We frequented Chili's and Walmart, naturally, and spent the rest of the time thinking of all the ways we can celebrate my dad and his homecoming.

I am thinking handmade floats and peppy cheerleaders are in order.

SIDE NOTE: I was actually a cheerleader in my younger years. No, not in high school, but in elementary school. This was the mid-80's and I was rocking ginormous perm hair. And I was awesome.

But, I digress.

Back to my dad...

As of today, we are still waiting on the paperwork to go through so he can come home. I have no idea why it is taking this long. If they need help collating, I am your girl. If they need someone to hit the "send" button, I am your girl. If they need someone to show up with brass knuckles and fierce ninja moves, again, I am your girl.

People, it is just paperwork! GET ON IT.

In the meantime, we are waiting.
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...

And just so you know, I am typically not a fan of waiting.

This summer, I have dedicated much of my reading to the book of Psalms. If there was ever a book that spanned the range of human emotion, the Psalms would be it. Those verses often say everything I wish I could but do not quite know how to put into words.

While reading through Psalm 27 a few weeks back, verse 14 particularly stood out. It says:

 "Wait for the Lord. Be strong, take heart, and wait for the Lord."

I read it and re-read it. And it struck me that this is how God asks us to wait. He is actually giving us instructions on how to do it! Now, to be clear, it doesn't say:

 "Wait for the Lord. Eat brownies, watch TV, and wait for the Lord."

(I have tried this. I had to buy new Spanx.)

Or...

"Wait for the Lord. Do nothing, expect everything, and wait for the Lord."

(I have tried this as well. Apparently God is not a fan of laziness or entitlement.)

Or...

"Wait for the Lord. Freak out, continue to worry, and wait for the Lord."

(I have done this. Often. It's causes pimples in your thirties. Not a good look)

Or, my personal favorite...

"Wait for the Lord. Trust God only a little by taking matters into your own hands, and wait for the Lord."

(I would get a gold medal if this were an Olympic event.)

I realized that waiting takes a lot of work. It takes constant devotion and dependence on God handling and working out a situation. It takes strength of mind and heart. It takes complete self control in not letting yourself become a total basketcase. It means you wait on God even if everything around you tells you to act. It means you do not give up, you do not give in, you do not let your mind wander for one second on all the "what-ifs" and "why can't I just do this?"

It means you do not move and you continue to trust while you watch God work His unbelievable plan out in front of you.

Well, good gravy.

That's refreshing.  And applicable.

I believe that sometimes God has us wait just so we can learn to wait well.

So, that is what I am doing. That is what my entire family is doing. We are waiting...and working really hard at it.

Because I Love 'Home'

Because I love Philip Philips and his soulful singing...

Because I love the U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team and their sparkly leotards...

Because it is Friday and I have an Olympic hangover...

And because my very own dad will be home soon...

...I am sharing this with you.

I love Home.

Headlining at the Walnut Room

Like I have said, I am Treehouse Sanctum's one and only publicist and I spread the word of their musical talents out of the goodness of my heart...and in the hopes that I will one day be mentioned in a song or have my face grace the cover of their next album.

Plus, I am banking on a monetary reward sometime in my future.

So, it is my greatest joy to announce their next concert!

For those of you who have wanted to hear Sam and Danya sing and strum, tomorrow is your chance! They are headlining at the Walnut Room.  And I don't know about you, but that just sounds cool.

Here are the details:

Who: Treehouse Sanctum
When: Thursday, August 2
Where: Walnut Room
Cost: $5.00
Time: 10:00 pm.

Now, I know it will be hard to be out that late on a work night, but it is SUMMER, people! And before we know it, Sam and Danya won't be able to play this late at night because they will be getting their respective children off to school.

It is bound to be a rockin' good time. And they are headlining, which, you know, is a BIG DEAL. So come on out and show them some love. I will bring you a cup of coffee to keep you awake.

And besides, most of the Olympic coverage will be over by then.

Top Ten: Why I Am Addicted to the Olympics

Peeps.

I don't know about you, but my entire life revolves around the Olympics right now. I have watched more television in the last four days than I have the entire summer (minus the time when I watched every episode of Roswell). Last night, I dreamt about swimming. I either need to get a new life or I need to ride this wave for the next two weeks and soak up every minute.

I am even tweeting with a few of the athletes.

I think I need an intervention.

So, after four non-stop days of my new addiction, here are my thoughts on why these games are so great:

1. Team USA. Every time the Olympics roll around, I feel like it is the 4th of July on steroids. Patriotism is running amuck and I love every second of it. I tear up every time I hear our anthem, which usually means we are getting a gold medal. Double bonus.

2. Bob Costas. It is his voice that I hear in my head anytime I think of the Olympics. He has a way of making you feel like everything is okay, even if we are getting crushed by the Chinese. And I may be wrong, but I think he actually has a sense of humor this year.

3. London. For all the turmoil and controversy that have surrounded this Olympics (security, tickets, traffic), I am an anglophile at heart. England was my first international experience (at the ripe age of 17) and I love seeing those famous landmarks that hold so many great memories for me. Besides, I love a country that has royalty. And scones.

4. Gymnastics. This has always been my favorite summer Olympic sport. For exactly three months, I too was a gymnast. I particularly rocked the balance beam and the floor routine, but then I grew 9 inches and realized I may be a better shot putter. Regardless, I am loving the Fab Five and I am constantly amazed by their athleticism and talent. My heart is a little broken over Jordyn Wieber missing the all-around because of some ridiculous rule, but maybe she can make a comeback in Rio in four years. I am totally rooting for this. Oh, and tonight's team finals should be UH-MAZING.

(SIDE NOTE: Aaagghhh! I just saw the results. I hate spoilers. But it should be a very fun evening of gymnastics!)

5. Missy Franklin. Not only do I love this girl because she is from Colorado, but I especially love her for her humility. She is unbelievable and I wish her 79 more gold medals in the future. Oh, and she is 17. Seriously.

6. The Commercials. GE. P&G. Coca-Cola. You guys are rocking it. You are making me weep like a big baby. And you are making me want to thank my mom more often. Keep it up, Corporate America. These are the kinds of commercials we need on air.

7. Diving. This sport mesmerizes me, especially the synchronized diving. Their flexibility and control are breathtaking. And I love how they all hang out in a hot tub together.

8. Motivation. I don't know about you, but I feel like the biggest slug during these games. So, I have started doing push-ups and squats during the commercial breaks in an attempt to look as good as Lolo. I have a ways to go.

9. Swimming. This is the one sport that has everyone glued to their monitors. Thanks to Michael, Ryan, Missy, Natalie and countless others, the popularity of swimming has increased dramatically over the past decade, and not just for the eye candy. I find myself screaming at the television, jumping up and down, cheering for our swimmers like I am watching college football. Granted, these races occurred seven hours earlier and the outcomes are already on the internet, but I find that I am so excited about swimming.

10. Personal Stories. I love the personal stories of the athletes. I love seeing their hometowns, I love meeting their parents, I love knowing how hard they have worked and trained to get there. They make the Olympic games personal, meaningful and more than just another sporting event. It is the process that matters, not necessarily the outcome. There are so few opportunities when countries from around the world come together and have goals in common, and these personal stories are the glue that holds it all together.


So, are you addicted like me? Will we need to go through withdrawal together? Good thing there are still 13 more days to go!

Call Me Maybe - 2012 USA Olympic Swimming Team

I love the Olympics just as much as I love Sooner football. I have been counting down the days for the past month and tonight is the big night! Not only do you have the world's best athletes coming together in one place, but you also have Will, Kate and Harry making the rounds, hanging out with the commoners.

I really think I could be friends with them. I am super common.

To get you in the Olympic spirit, check out this awesome video:




Did you get that, Ryan Lochte?

My number is 303...

GO TEAM USA!!!

A Photo Shoot of the Someday Famous

On Monday, Sam asked me if I would be available on Tuesday evening to take a few pictures of him and Danya to help publicize Treehouse Sanctum and their rise to fame. Since I am the compliant middle child, I agreed.

And after three wardrobe changes and a lengthy romp through the neighborhood, a few pictures turned into 299.

No joke. 299.

When I told them I wasn't a professional photographer, they said that is why they weren't paying me. I said that since I am their ONLY publicist and that no one else would spend two hours in the grass in the middle of July snapping pictures, that I would take a percentage of their first hit record and call it even.

I consider this an investment in my future.

So, after viewing all 299 more times than I can count, I have posted a few for your viewing pleasure.

They owe me.

BIG TIME.