Mickey and Minnie Trivia

I got this email from my cousin Mike... I can't believe I didn't know this already! :)

i don't know how i didn't know this already, but i just found out that "mickey and minnie" are literally married in real life.

"Wayne Allwine (the voice of Mickey Mouse) met his wife, Russi Taylor, the voice of Minnie Mouse, at a voice session for 'Totally Minnie.'.... "
http://www.voicechasers.com/database/showactor.php?actorid=1017



PS-- saw Meet the Fockers today-- I liked it SOOOOO much better than the first one.

Merry Christmas....

A few days late!
Yeah, it's been a busy couple of days. But, for the most part, good days. Yeah(!) for Christmas time! I got so many books it's ridiculous! I should open up a library! :) Well, maybe not that many... but I won't be borrowing from anyone for awhile (Cassi, Sara, Barbara-- this means you!)

Speaking of Cassi, my dear friend, I just have to give her and Sean a shout out. They gave me the most incredible early birthday present, I just have to share it with the world! Tickets to see Les Miserables. Can you belive that! I was totally blown away. We already went to see it, and I ment to journal about it earlier, but see above paragraph for lame excuse.

Anyways-- it was a GREAT, GREAT show (Laura-- GO AND SEE IT!!!). The cast was wonderful. The gal who played Fantine (Tonya Dixon), I had seen on Broadway in Ragtime (she played Sarah). It's always neat to recognize a great voice on stage. It was a wonderful show-- I, of course, bawled my eyes out (literally, my shoulders were shaking) and I LOVED every single second of it!

Ok, that's all... Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Love to all of my wonderful readers... ha ha ha... :)

The Grinch

It's hard not to feel like this when you work in retail:

"That's what it's all about, isn't it? That's what it's always been about! Gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts! You wanna know what happens to your gifts? They all come to me. In your garbage. You see what I'm saying? In your GARBAGE! I could hang myself with all the bad Christmas neckties I found at the dump. And the avarice... THE AVARICE NEVER ENDS! "I want golf clubs. I want diamonds. I want a pony so I can ride it twice, get bored and sell it to make glue!" Look, I don't wanna make waves, but this whole Christmas season is STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!" ~How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch

But then I remember this:

"In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary... Gabriel appeared to her and said, 'Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you! ... Don't be frightened, Mary, for God has decided to bless you! You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. " Luke 1:26-32

It's all about perspective. And speaking of, it makes me think about a beautiful Christmas song that sums up how I feel when I put myself in check about the true meaning of Christmas:

"O Lamb of God, O Prince of Peace
What tribute shall I bring to worship Thee
I have no gold to lay at Your feet
So Lamb of God, I offer me

I bring You all my hopes
I bring You all my dreams
I give You all my soul
My mind and all my strength
I wrap them all inside my heart to give to Thee

Oh come, let us adore Him
Oh come, let us adore Him
Oh come, let us adore Him
Christ, the Lord"

~Lamb of God, Nicole C. Mullen

May the King of Kings, who resides in my heart, constantly be my focus during this holiday season and always.

Roller Skating

Instead of regular Club this week, we took the kids roller skating. I honestly cannot remember the last time I went. I was a tiny bit nervous that I would fall, but making a fool out of yourself kinda comes with the job of being a Young Life leader.
However, I was tearing it up out there! :) I haven't lost it at all! And we had so much fun! We were even playing tag! Oh, what fun it is to roller skate!

I'll be honest though, my feet kinda hurt a bit. :)

Update on Subbing

"Only by his qualification as a learner can he show himslef qualified to become a teacher."
~Karl Barth

Let me tell you-- I've been learning A LOT! :)

Today I learned how to deal with high school boys who hit on their substitute teachers.

That's right, I got hit on by a Junior in High School. Granted, I remember when I was in high school my friends and I thought certain young male teachers were cute (You North Alumni know who I'm talking about). However, I also vivdly remember never saying ANYTHING to their face! And I certainly never wrote it on the board! Well, both happened to me today. Yikes! What's a teacher to do? The only thing I could think of was to ignore him-- so that's what I did.

Sure hope I did the right thing... :)

First Day of Subbing

Well, it finally happened! I had my first day as a substitute teacher (at King HS for those of you familiar with Riverside). It has been such a drawn out process, but I'm glad it worked out.
In case your wondering how it went, let me tell you! :)
I was scheduled to only work a half day (King has the oddest block scheduling I have ever heard of). The three classes I had before lunch went well--only some minor acting out occurred. The kicker was when another teacher popped in to ask if I could cover his later classes and work a full day. I said yes (what else did I have going on, nothing!). BTW-- being called Miss Stock is not my idea of fun. I feel so adult--yuck!
So, seeing that I had some time to kill until I went in for the other teacher,I went and hung out with a friend who teaches at King.
So far-- great first day subbing!
Well, I go into sub for the other guy (he had to leave early so I was covering the second half of his class). The students were watching a movie so I just sat in the back of the classroom at a chair that was conveniently positioned so that I could watch all the students. When the movie finished, I stood up to turn on the lights and realized that I had SAT IN GUM! It was stuck to my butt and I couldn't get it off! So, being the quick thinker that I am, I quickly took off my jacket and tied it around my waist. Of course this looked ridiculous because it was a down jacket, but at this point, I wasn't that concerned with how I looked.
I made my way up to the front of the class and sat down at the teacher's desk--only on one cheek because I didn't want to push the gum further into my pants nor get it stuck to his chair. The students were just hanging out (the movie had finished earlier than the teacher estimated and had left me with no lesson plans).

Fast forward about 10 mins.

The students are still talking and hanging out. The bell is going to ring in about 5 mins.
I am still sitting, one cheek on the chair, anxiously awaiting the end of class so I can try and clean up the mess on my pants.

And then I fall out of the chair.

Yup, that's right, I fell out of the chair onto the floor.

Of course, the students immediately begin laughing. One student said, "Did she just fall out of the chair?"

So, I get up. Pick up the chair. Turn to the class, smile and say "Well, at least I provided you with a little bit of entertainment!" And then I sit down, praying for time to speed up so the bell would ring.

Finally, it did ring. The students left. I left.

The end.

New Music Group

For those of you who are looking for a fresh, inspiring sound, I recommend Casting Crowns. They are a Christian group and they are great! :)

Here is a sample lyric from their song, Voice of Truth:

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand.

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says, "This is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will chose to listen and believe the voice of truth

They really are fantastic.

WIND

Man, alive! It's been super windy and COLD lately! It might sound like I'm complaining, but I'm only half complaining... I LOVE that we are having cold weather and that snow is showing up on our local mountains, but at the same time-- I HATE WIND! :)

And this is why-- I sleep on the second story of our house. Our house borders a canyon. The wind really likes the canyon and by liking the canyon, it likes our house. My bedroom window is in the path of the wind and, at night, it feels like I'm Dorothy in the flying house being blown away to Oz (minor difference that she was caught in a Tornado). Of course, this is when I'm trying to sleep. Sometimes, it even wakes me up in the middle of the night and I have to cover my head with pillows to fall back asleep.

So, to sum it all up: cold--good, wind-- bad!

Things I am Thankful For

Well, technical difficulties would not allow me to post this on Thanksgiving day. However, I couldn't let the opportunity pass me by!

So here they are:

1. My Family-- Immediate and extended. They are all amazing people that I continue to learn from and enjoy life with.
2. My Friends-- you know who you are and you know why I love you. (If you don't, we should really talk about that!) :)
3. Literature-- Yes, I am thankful for literature. Not just because it is the foundation for my future career, but also because it is SO SPECTACULAR! Let's have a moment for literature.
4. American Soldiers (Past, Present and Future)-- Even if they are not in the greatest branch of the military (Marine Corps), they are still fantastic because they risk their lives for the safety of our country. What a noble group.
5. Music--Do I really have to explain this one?
6. Disneyland-- The Happiest Place on Earth! :)
7. People who use their blinkers when they are changing lanes and/or turning-- these people make me a very happy driver.
8. My health--So, maybe I'm not in the best shape, but being around people who are very sick in my family made me realize how blessed I am that I don't have health problems.
9. Games-- it's not just about competition here.
10. The ability to make others happy-- seeing the expression of joy fill someone's face is priceless.

There's always more than what you want to write down... but I'll leave it the way it is.
Happy late Giving Thanks Day!

New York and Company

Well, since I am STILL not substitute teaching, I decided to apply for a seasonal job at NY&CO ( my favorite clothing store). What better way to earn some cash and get your favorite clothes at discount prices! :) And, yeah, I got the job. How could they not hire me? I'm a walking, talking model for their company already!

In case you are wondering-- NY&CO used to be Lerner New York... the name switch is recent. In fact, I still refer to it as Lerner's-- I'm working on changing that. :)

So, that is what is new in the job area of my life.

Seriously, I would so much rather be still going to school than being forced into the real world. Yeah for grad school!

The Wedding Extravaganza Begins

Today is the Rehersal dinner (and Bachelorette Party) for my BFF, Shannon Wolfe! I'm so excited and I just can't hide it! :) Who's a happy bridesmaid? It's me! It's me!

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever... There are three things that will endure-- faith, hope and love-- and the greatest of these is love.
~1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, 13

If you can, remember Shannon and Jason on November 13-- that's the big day for them! :)

Incredible

Today I went and saw the movie "The Incredible's" and I just want everyone to know that it lives up to its name. Oh my goodness! :) Everyone needs to see this movie-- it's that good.

Pixar did an incredible job with this movie. It is funny, moving, and suspensful. AND the animation is SO GOOD! I can't believe how talented these people are.

And, as always, the animated short before the movie was SUPER cute.

Way to go, Pixar. You made my day!

My Favorite Flower

Did you ever wonder what my favorite flower is? It's the Sunflower...

Did you ever wonder why? :)

Here's why:

"I don't think there's anything on this planet that more trumpets life than the sunflower. For me, that's because of the reason behind its name. Not because it looks like the sun but because it follows the sun. During the course of the day, the head tracks the journey of the sun across the sky. A satellite dish for sunshine. Wherever light is, no matter how weak, these flowers will find it. And that's such an admirable thing. And such a lesson in life."
-- From Calendar Girls

If you haven't seen this movie, please, stop everything and go rent it. It's worth it.

In Thanksgiving

I got my computer back yesterday! Yeah! Thanks to my awesome cousin Todd, I'm back better than ever! :) So, I have to give it up to the one who made it possible (Todd) and let everyone know how Fabulous he is-- he's Fabulous! :)

Yeah for Cousins and Yeah for people who understand computers! I'd be lost without them!

Funny Happening

Today I was driving my car, Minnie, completely minding my own business. I'm at a stop light waiting to get onto the freeway and a guy in a truck pulls up in the lane next to me.

I happened to be listening to 95.1, K-FROG. They had just started playing Tim McGraw's song Live Like You're Dying (or whatever it's called). Of course, I start singing along. I happen to turn my head and I notice that the guy next to me is also singing along to a song on the radio.

The same song as me!

Has this ever happened to you? Tell me about it! It was a first for me.

W!

And the winner is George W. Bush. Praise God.

Words cannot express my joy and relief that the election is over and Bush won.

My Dad agrees with that completely.

And that's all I have to say about that!

All is Well

Yeah!

My parent's made it back safe and sound. They are glad to be back and away from the horrible humidity of Florida- Yuck!

I'm so glad that I won't have to lock my bedroom door before I go to bed tonight.

And that's all I have to say about that.

The Wonder that is the 91 Freeway

Ok... reason number one I want out of Southern Cali- TRAFFIC!!!!!

My cute little brother lives in Huntington Beach. He just changed apartments this past weekend. Being the wonderful sister that I am, I drove down last Friday to help him pack up his kitchen. I left his place at 3:05 and immediately hit traffic on the 55 (starting at the 405 connection, for those of you who know the area well). Two hours later I got home. At one point I was averaging 15 mins./mile. I was not a happy camper. As soon as I was on the 91, I was wishing that I had a Fast Track pass because those folks were zooming by. Not fair, not even a little bit.

Fast forward to today--- I went down to see my brother's new place and have lunch with him. I intended on leaving by 2:30 so that I would not hit the horrendous traffic that I sat in last week. Or at least not as much of it. That plan went out the front door at about the same time I did when we left his place at 1:30 to go to IKEA (he needed new bedding). Did I mention I got there at 12 and we hadn't had lunch yet? So, despite the fact that I am facing a bunch of traffic in the near future, I press on because I drove my parent's car down and they have (drum roll please) ... a Fast Track pass! So, I figured I'd sit through the 55, but be on the home stretch once I got on the 91...

Ha Ha Ha

The entire part of the 91 that has the Fast Track was moving. I didn't hit traffic on the 91 until the Fast Track ended. How does this work? There is no logical explanation.

All I have left to say is-- I want OUT!

Rain, Glorious Rain

I love the Rain.

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain." I don't know who said that, but it is fitting for my entry today which will be about my love for the rain.

Rainy days are the best days to throw on comfortable clothes, grab a favorite book and blanket and curl up in an armchair for the morning. That's what I did before I had to go babysit today. And it was the best time ever. There is something so comforting in a dreary day.

There aren't a lot of people out there who truly love the rain. And I don't mean the people who are happy when it rains because it helps out with the drought that we always seem to be in... no, I'm talking about people who look forward to rainy days. Who are happy when it rains on their birthday. Yes, I'm describing myself and I know that some of you may find this very odd, but I've accepted it as a part of myself so you should as well.

Any other rain lovers out there?

Being Alone Update

Well, my parents have been gone for 6 days now, and I think that I am finally getting used to being in this big house by myself. This dreary weather has put me in a somber mood and it's made it easier to be more easy going about the whole thing. On top of which I have gotten some great support from my beloved friends! It's amazing how much an email or picture message can mean to you when you're all alone (that's for you Justin and Chris, in case you read this)!!!
So, I think this has been a good experience overall.
Of course, I don't really ever want to do it again. I've still got three more nights to get through!

Yikes! :)

Odd Sighting

I was driving up to the shopping center that is right by my house today and there was a guy walking on the sidewalk. Sounds normal, but wait, there's more. He was wearing black pants and not wearing a shirt. He had a long sleeved shirt in his hands that he was kind of struggling with. I figured that he was trying to put the shirt on, but I wondered why he hadn't already put it on before leaving the house. I thought this was a little strange, especially given the gloomy weather we in Riverside County have been experiencing. After I passed him, I gave him no further thought.
Until I saw him again as I was driving back.
He was still wearing his pants (just so you know), but he had his shirt on in a very strange way. the sleeves were on, but the rest of the shirt was around his back. Basically, it looked like he had arm warmers on from the front and from the back it just looked ridiculous.
Now, I ask you-- what in the world was this man thinking. He looked to be in his late 20's, but I'm very bad at guessing age. Any thoughts on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Ode to Coffee

Cup of Fun Coffee, if you please
Original just doesn't do it for me
Frappuccino's are really my thing
Free coffee, yum, it makes me sing
Every day I need another fix
Especially ones that I don't have to mix!

I love coffee, yes I do.
My name is Marisa and I AM an addict.

La La La

Today was a long day. And it felt especially long because I didn't sleep well last night. Every sound caused visions of being robbed to come to my head. I really need help.

I would like to take this opportunity to give major props (yes, I just typed props) to those who work in the computer industry. I saw my cousin Todd yesterday and today and both times I left him feeling just a little bit stupid about the inner workings of computers. His amount of knowledge about computers is overwhelming (and inspiring). It's funny sometimes to think about how reliant I am on something that I don't even know how to fix. It's almost like it has more control over me than I have over it. I mean, I could just stop using it, but where would that leave me? So, I have a new found respect for people who understand computers because they make my life easier. And that's all I have to say about that.

The end.

My first work of art

Ah.. I have been introduced to the wonderful world of online journaling. Those brave souls that I call my friends will be able to have a piece of me whenever they want... Wow.. that sounds really bad. I've been watching too much Friends. Ok, moving on.

For my first entry, I would like to describe the trials and tribulations of being 22, home alone, having an overactive imagination and being scared of the dark.... It sucks! :) Welcome to my world. My parents, noble people that they are, have left me to go to Florida. Mind you, they are with my grandparents whose house was recently destroyed by Ivan the Terror (otherwise known as the fourth hurricane to hit FL this summer). Part of me feels bad for not being an adult and accepting the responsibilities that come with having to be alone. However, the other part of me, the larger part of me, wishes that they were still here. Even though Kaelynn in here, the conversations have been a little one sided and she is no help in fending off the scary Irish mercenaries that attack the house at dusk!

Well, I feel somewhat better knowing that my pathetic troubles will be out there for others to read. I'm going to go knock myself out so that I can get some sleep.