it's been quite a while

and my week is just one hellish ball of chaos...CHAOSSSSS!!!

luckily Mike is here to help me out- a ton. This week alone:
- rented a storage unti
- moved his 'life' into a 2x8x6 ft. space
- moved/moving my 'life' into the rest of the 7x8 storage space
- wrote a fabulous presentation on severe/profound disabled strategies for art
- had a tiny insignificant breakdown because i'm SOOOOO stressed right now
- worked on wedding thing after wedding thing
- have i mentioned i worked on wedding things
- (only 8 more days!!!!) a week from tomorrow!!!!!!!!!
- CSI became my new best friend (not replacing Dustin or Mike, of course)

so...rundown please:
- our lives our packed away or in suitcases
- we'll be in PA monday to get our marriage license
- i'm getting Mike's unibrow waxed!
- i'll be on my way to licensure for art because i'm DONE, i'm done, i'm done, i'm done, I'M DONE!!!!

Look at me gooooooo

some lovely ladies in my life threw me a garden party themed shower. they are just a few of the greatest joys and blessings in my life. even though this was not the first shower it was still difficult to not be humbled by the generosity of my church family. you ask for all of these things that may or may not be necessary for your new life, yet i am completely surprised when anyone gets me anything. i am a girl who needs gratification. not in an ego-centric way, oh look at me, I'm terrific, aren't i the best. No, i just like to feel appreciated for my efforts. Sometimes i feel as if i haven't made much of an effort. then i have a 'duh' moment (like this shower) and realise i have had an impact somewhere along the line.

It was a wonderful time of fellowship and we were able to laugh it a lot. It was so special being able to spend time with the women who mean the most in my life. What blessings!

Some pictures:

Ms. Sheila- my other mom

this is the other Amy Martin i know (left) and Rhonda, who thought I was marrying Kyle.

for the happy campers!

The traditional Fourth of July party at the Stranahan's was Friday. We were there last year and i sadly missed it this year. When I talked to Mike he told me that everyone had been asking where I was, which was a huge surprise to me. Kevin even picked out his outfit just because he wanted to know what I would say about it. (He's a fun guy and we had some good laughs last year about his hat). Not to mention Rob and all his hilarity, I mean this is a mid-20's man with the cutest wiener dog in the world, named Slash. Yes, Slash. I'm a lucky girl, what can I say. Next year I'll get to experience the ribaldry again, only I'll be married and it will be fabulous!

John and the black santa

Buns and Slash (he's the black one)

More, as of late

a pictoral representation of the last month or so of my life:

(i'm bringing pictures back, yeah)

spent the fourth with this gal and her hubby

crazy tower of oreos- straight from the package!

one of my millions of projects

a relish jar FULL of sweet tea

one of my many showers...that's Gina (she's great)

IIIrd Time Out (and no, I'm not spelling it incorrectly.)

this was my corner of the world for a year...i was semi important you know

this hangs in our livingroom. this is the one thing Murd was sure I wouldn't let her display. she was wrong, very wrong.

Oy!

This goes for everything....

This week has been super slow. Boo. I'm not a fan. Clearly last week was awesome because it's so far behind me now. This week is old and lame. Time to move on. At least I now have a good idea of how to plan my classes. In fact that's what I'm avoiding right now! Funny how that works. (I disdain lesson planning)

My neck is crunchy. Yes, crunchy. I was in J. Crew yesterday and I must have adored a short with too much enthusiasm because I strained a neck muscle and now it's CRUNCHY. Whoa. And now I can't throw my head wildly in laughter for fear of the pain. Terrible, I know.

Katie and Travis get married Saturday! That is v. exciting for them and I can't believe it's already 7.7.07. I wish them great luck, joy, and many blessings. What fun kids!

Saturday I went to the pool. Then a kid pooped in it and that was the end of my day at the pool.

Still v. unemployed. T-minus 28 days and neither of us are gainfully employed. YIKES!!!! does not even begin to cover it. I do have an interview on Monday. Here's the catch: It's a position at a BED elementary school. Specifically BED + elementary could = mad craziness. Plus it's only one day a week. Complete bummer there. Though, I'm still checking it out and trying to keep positive. Sadly, every time I talk on the phone about not having a job I cry like a baby (but hide it well enough). We'll see where this goes.

My fan makes my ears do strange things. I don't know if this has happened to you, but every once in a while the air pressure in my room changes so much that it creates a back and forth sensation in my ears. Sort of like the vibraphone things. Is that correct? It goes back and forth, making it difficult to hear- it's like going deaf for a few seconds. V. strange indeed.

I just finished The Devil in the White City. If you have not read this book go out right now (and I mean right now) and purchase a copy. It is the best written historical book I've ever read. I'm sure some History snobs would have something to say about that, but I've read a ton of historical books and none compare. This was such an in depth and exciting book. It really drew me in and I could hardly wait to get back to it every night. Honestly it reads like a novel, but it's a historical book. Ooh, it's about the 1893 Columbian Exposistion held in Chicago. V. interesting. Not to spoil the book but Erik Larson reminds us of the things we take for granted today that were only introduced that year- and some of the connections and stories are top notch. Really a top book. Everyone should read!

T-minus 28 days!!!!!!! I am really, really, really ready to marry that Michael kid. Luckily I have the distractions of this five week course. While it lends to active work and not too much slack time I still have to finish up wedding things AND find a job all at the same time. Everyone in class thinks I'm crazy but super organized. I just nod in agreement. Some other wedding blips:
- Still is back in the Best Man shoes (yay!)
- I pick up my gown soon!
- I have been obsessing lately about whether this is going to turn out nice in the end or not. (Not sure where it's all coming from though)
- My daddy rented his tux. Talking to my pastor about my dad giving me away made me cry a little. I won't lie :)
- I've lost 30 lbs. I'm awesome.
- You do NOT want to see the list of things I have to get done in the next three weeks. YIKES again!!!
- I'm just getting anxious now and realizing I'll be Mrs. Michael Lyle v. soon. I can not wait to see my love (only two and half weeks until he gets here.)


Ok, I have much more to write about- but in another entry soon my friends. soon.

Ah the Nature of the Learner

This past week was my first week of PAL classes. What does that mean...it means I'm on my way to having a license. I had class everyday from 9 until 4 or so and anyone who had intersession now has nothing on me, because i'm starting my second of five weeks of class. And yes, every week is a 3 credit course. Suh-weet! Here's a taste of my week:

A three page autobiography
My philosophy of education

A reflection paper on Kohlberg

A Collage of my favorite teacher

A reflection paper on Benjamin Bloom

A book report on Howard Gardner's Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

(all of these things we done the first two days- outside of class.)

An artifact depicting Bloom's taxonomy with presentation

Final group project with three elements- a cultural exposition, something about the nature of the learner, and a newsletter on self-esteem and parental involvement.

Needless to say, I was fricking busy. Oh well. The class went well and it's done. This week I'm onto planning and instruction. Luckily we do have the Fourth off. I'll be heading over to Raleigh to see some friends and take in a symphony concert. Hmmm...how similar to just one year ago (only this time I won't be getting engaged).

Off to class...

I know you wanted more on the wedding.

A few weeks back Mike and I traveled to Grove City for a myriad of wedding things. One highlight of the trip was meeting the photographer I had hired and finally having our engagement pictures taken. There's a link. And a password. (It's elizabeth). Enjoy the pictures. We have!

"On the cusp"

This past weekend I traveled to my parents home to take care of some final wedding preparations. We met with Alfy for the third and final time. Alfy, by the by, is my pastor from home. Along with finishing our booklet o'marriage we discussed actual ceremony details. Up until this point, even now, I can't believe that our wedding is really only six weeks away. Typing this out makes everything a little more real. I have little time left to get everything done. Next Monday I begin my summer classes and once that starts the weeks will fly. My days will no longer be filled with work in the the morning, the gym, a shower, a little food, and then everything I couldn't get done at work and relaxation but will be replaced with 9-4 classes, the gym, food, and massive amounts of work. Let me put it to you this way, GCC intersession will have nothing on me. My life will not be a life but a routine. Then suddenly it will be the end of July which means moving out of my apartment (hopefully into one of our own), and then our wedding a week later.

Last night Mike and I drove to Richmond to visit one of the groomsmen. I finally left around 10.30- which was a bad decision on my part seeing as I got home around 3.30- realizing that the next time I see Michael we'll be a week away from being married. Huge! Amazing! I want these next few weeks to fly, but at the same time I want to enjoy them. I won't, but it's ok- I'm that closer to marrying a truly wonderful man. For that, I am excited.

We meet again...

Well hello old friend...it's been a long time.

I will get to bigger and better things, but first a moment for (thank you Will Arnett):

An Open Apology To Mother Earth

I admit I have not been recycling
In fact I have been openly encouraging people to be wasteful
I often go to other people’s recycling bins
And throw them into the regular trash

I own thirty stretch limousine hummers
And I keep them all running even when I am sleeping
I always dump my unused paint
Directly into the ocean

But I am truly sorry, because

Earth you’re a wonderful wonderful planet
Earth you’re a wonderful wonderful planet
Earth you’re a wonderful wonderful planet
I’m gonna be a better boyfriend to you.

Can it be?

only 100 days until these two cute faces join together in marriage (it is what will bring us together, that day)!!!

here and there

My mind has been a million different places recently, here's a look at its journey:

1. glitter- there is a piece of glitter on my forehead that will not go away. Everytime I think I've managed to swat it away or pull it from it's perch I'll catch a glimpse of something shiny again. Smuggly laughing at me for not being able to control the situation. Hmph.

2. honeymoon- the honeymoon is in place and i can't tell you how wonderful a vacation with Mike will be. I could tell you where we'll be, but i'm not going to. It's our thing right now. Almost to the hundred day mark, by the way. Planning is coming along as well. Invitations are in, everything but the DJ is booked. I meet with the vendors for the first time in a little under a month. Finally, i'll be able to taste things and wrap it all up. Lots of friends have offered help, but I don't know what they can do. I've taken care of little things here and there. I'm at a loss. Strange.

3. job hunt- crap this is hard. why can't schools just post positions!?

4. biscuit- i could really go for a good homemade buttermilk biscuit right now

5. weight- i've lost about 20 lbs since moving here in August. this is FSANTATIC! it means that my wedding dress is super big and there's possibility for embarassment- which will be rectified when i have it altered. it also means i go to the gym every day whether i want to or not. discipline, it's hard. i also eat a lot of low-sodium, high protein foods. i gobble hard boiled eggs up, i can't stand chips anymore, i indulge every once in a while with cheese fries, and i eat so much raw food now. So now some of my clothes don't fit properly, but some fit just as well. I know my hips have slimmed, but man I wish they'd shrink a little more. Mike, of course, thinks i'm crazy and that i'm perfect the way i am. silly boy.

6. run- a big milestone occured the other week- my first complete 2 mile run. i run a mile in just under 10 minutes which is decent for me. okay, it's fantastic for me. I normally run a mile and a half and then walk a bit, but i actually ran two miles straight. yay me!

7. art- i'm working on beefing up my lesson portfolio. this means that i'm creating things again. woo-hoo!

8. april?- where did the first three months of the year go? honestly.

9. hair- i miss my long hair sometimes, only sometimes. it's shoulder length already, which will be plenty long for August, but secretly i'm nervous. i have some ideas for my wedding, but i could still use some more. help, please!


ok, enough for now.

Let's talk Oasis

Oasis: ever the iconic English blokes who stole our hearts in the mid-nineties. Despite their battles with band members, other bands, and well pretty much the rest of the world, they were still able to create some top music. I've recently become reacquainted with the boys from Manchester. Outside of sophomore giant What's the Story (Morning Glory) they've had relatively small success in the states. Their 2000 effort Standing on the Shoulder of Giants achieved minor success stateside with the single "Go Let it Out". Their fifth effort, Heathen Chemistry performed much better both abroad and stateside. Singles "Songbird", "Stop Crying Your Heart Out", and two other European hits carried the boys back into mainstream popularity. After their promotional tour ended in 2003 they headed back to the studio to work on their sixth studio album. Don't Believe the Truth was released in 2005 and wowed critics and fans alike as their best effort since Morning Glory. It even entered the US charts at number 12. Their first single "Lyla" is one of my favorite songs. It's upbeat and charming with that swagger that we've now come to accept from the brother's Gallagher. The latest single "The Masterplan" comes from their 2007 greatest hits collection of the same name. All in all the boys have created a solid catalogue. What's amazing is the fact that Morning Glory, after 12 years, never dulled or entered that category of "nineties" music that's so distinguishable to that decade. I'm one American fan who looks excitedly to future efforts. If their fighting and addictions haven't ended their careers thus far I don't believe there will be a foreseeable end in sight.

TOAST!

i lika toast with the num num jelly

i eat it down to my big fat belly

Look what I can do

Three hour long Monday classes are not in vain.

Excitement!

Wedding festivities will take place exactly FOUR months from to-day!!!

Behold

Sunday was our Passion of Christ service. It was interesting. The congregation was split into three groups and traveled to different "sites" within the church that represented the Garden of Gethsemane, the Upper Room, the Trial. We came back together at Calvary and nailed our sins (written on a piece of paper) to a cross . It was a quiet time of meditation, prayer, and singing. It's the closest this church has come to real praise. It was refreshing and needed.

Behold the Lamb of God

Behold the Lamb of God

who takes away the sin

the sin of the world

a few things

1. had one of THE funniest conversations with Mike on the way back from Duke last night. I'll just have you know it involved St. Elmo, Steely Dan, Megadeath, and old people driving a BMW (with headlights that could sear a steak- too dramatic? possibly.)

2. i saw AMANDA CULLEN!!!! Her last "real" chorale concert was last night and it was great. Plus I got to see Mama Cullen and that was lovely too. We're already planning a reunion post haste. Let's hope it sticks!

The Duke University Chorale

Amanda and me

3. Carey's moving to Charlotte! Excited, you betcha! Seein him next week will make hump day just a little more interesting.

4. Should I go to Charlotte for the GCC Alumni thing???

5. Man, I can smell my gym clothes from here...gross.

6. Amy will be in the states SO SOON!

7. Why don't people return phone calls. I'm not always the best, agreed, but come on people!!

8. I finished Franny and Zooey. I didn't like this book again until the last 30 pages. What's with these books. I understand that it's a "classic', a "must read", but I don't get it. I think there's too much dialogue and the scenes are extended too much. I'm not an English Major (contrary to popular thought, and obvious by my writing) so I guess I don't fully appreciate the book's value. Oh well.

9. I have finished reading the Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang. It's a great narrative, from several perspectives, of the Rape of Nanking that took place beginning in the Fall of 1937 when Japan invaded China. 400,000 people were killed, totured, and raped. Some were killed to take care of the "food and supply shortage" but most for sport. It is gruesome and difficult to read at times, but it is an incredible read and is easy to become absorbed by the horror. At times you feel completely devastated and drained. Interestingly enough, Japan just issued an apology about the so called "comfort" houses, which were military owned brothels filled with true prostitutes and women that had been kidnapped for the sole purpose of suiting soldiers "needs." This is significant because it happened this month. That means the only denied it for over seventy years. What's sick is that there is a revionist camp in Japan today still trying to ignore and deny the whole thing.

10. I heard from Giada, my friend in Verona. It truly made my day!

11. Mike finally updated his blog...finally

a blanketing

I came out this morning to witness a blanket of pollen covering every vehicle that had been slumbering over night in its happy parking space. The cars were gilded yellow. It was as if Midas himself had seen fit to cover the entire city in this hue. The day was heavy and humid. After stepping out of choir rehearsal I once again entered a world I've never been a part of. In the evening sky, under the lights of the parking lot, a heavy yellow haze lazed about. If you have been so lucky as to witness a dust storm in the west this would be comparable. Tufts of saffron danced around my feet as I hurriedly made my way to my car. The winds have picked up since this afternoon. We are preparing for a storm. The lightning has begun. It is only a matter of time before thunder and rain make their way across the city, uncovering every gilded inch that we see.

hiking

Two weeks ago both Mike and my brother were in town. My brother drove down on Tuesday morning and arrived by 1ish in time for us to drive north of Winston-Salem and go for a hike to Hanging Rock. It's a relatively easy hike, only a bit over a mile. It was a perfect day, mid 70s, clear sky, not humid. Just perfect. We enjoyed the great hike and goregous views.

on top of hanging rock.

we're sitting because i was scared.

would you believe...that he protested before Mike took this picture

it's a gorilla face. on the mountain.

ah, the Glory of God...so grateful for beauty and family

an update...what else do you people want?!

to hurriedly catch you up on my life as of late...

1. LOST...again, another heart attack tonight. they were a little boring there for a while, but man were things spiced up again. woo hoo! i can't give any details though, since there are some faithful readers who have not seen tonight's episode. (side note- episode, it's a word oft not used anymore. why people? why?)

2. Funeral in Blue was my second novel of choice and it was ok. it dragged for most of the book and finally became exciting in the last twenty pages. it's a 320 page book. yikes. i give it a C. mid-grade, but not failing. very detailed indeed (unlike my writing) yet bogged down by too much emotion and frivolous dialogue. I'm almost finished with Franny and Zooey and i don't know what to think of it. same prediciment, prolonged awkwardness and rambling. i've got about twenty pages left.

3. job search- daunting. must get started. help!

4. Mike and I have discussed and pretty much decided that next year we're going to begin applying for programs in the UK. He for a doctorate and me, a masters. We both are very eager to see where we might be taken (together). The next two years will be filled with much prayer and conversation about this. (I'm secretly hoping for Edinburgh)

5. in FIVE months we're getting married!!!!

6. I heart Old Navy again. Wasn't a big fan for a while, but now that they have adorable and affordable dresses again, I'm in LOVE!!! Bought a cute blue baby doll today. LOVE it. Watch out- not too much bending over please :O

7. Emily and Mike bought a house! a HOUSE!!! i'm visiting on Saturday. yay!

8. 70 friggin degrees today...AWESOME!!!

i think that's all i've got in me right now. brilliant...night :)

and then this gem...

Saturday I saw this man play with the UNCG Jazz Ensemble and (pardon me) DAMN he can play!! it was quite a night of wonderful music....

Max Weinberg!!!!!!!