Popcorn paws

I am an animal lover. There is no use trying to disguise that fact about myself. And while I'm at it....I might as well admit that I'm one of those weirdo's that really really really loves my animals (not enough to dress them up in ridiculous outfits, however). Well I guess since I spend so much time with my pets, I notice things that others might miss. Like the fact that cats and dogs feet smell like popcorn. Fact.

I first noticed this in elementary school about my cat, Simba, and have always gotten a strange pleasure out of smelling my pets feet ever since....especially Gabbie's (Don't act like you don't have weird scents that you like too....you're probably one of those people that likes the smell of gasoline....gross!)

So I was discussing this with a friend last night and the first thing he did (being the research fiend that he is) was to get on google and ask the question: "why do dogs feet smell like popcorn?" Apparently others have observed this phenomenon as well, although many refer to it as "frito-feet." Here is what we found:

"Dog feet are a great place for bacteria and yeast to take up residence because there’s a lot of moisture and little to no air circulation in the folds and pockets of skin between toes and foot pads. All these micro-organisms give off their own distinct odors (they’re what give us BO), and the popcorn/corn chip smell on some dogs could be the fault of yeast or the bacterium Proteus, which are both known for their sweet, corn tortilla smell. Or it could be the bacterium Pseudomonas, which smells a little fruitier, but pretty close to popcorn to most noses....it is perfectly normal for there to be a lot of bacteria on and in your pet—and on and in you. It’s part of life on Earth and there are worse things these bacteria could be doing besides making your dog smell like delicious snacks."

So if you have a pet...see for yourself. I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised!

God is good!

Wow. I don't even know where to start!

Praise God for answered prayers! For forgiveness, peace, joy, hope, lessons learned....and a renewed spirit!

In the last few days and weeks God has proved his faithfulness over and over, bringing healing to my soul and a renewed energy to serve Him. I have been accepted to PA school, Amy booked her ticket to Haiti, a friend came to Christ, and a broken relationship has been mended. Hallelujah! Things are looking up! And I'm ready for action!

I was reflecting on my time in Okemos last night. To this point, it may not have been the most enjoyable, but I am so thankful that I am here. First, and most importantly, I have Amy Luke. She has been my biggest support these last six months and, although we have been roommates for five years, I feel like I have learned more from her friendship now than ever before. She is such an amazing woman of God with so much love and wisdom to share. I have been blessed to live with her for so long, and thank God because I think her rational brain is finally starting to rub off on my not-so-rational one!
Second, I have been learning patience. For the first time in my life, I'm not in a rush! I've been a sprinter all my life, but I'm now starting to enjoy life at a slower pace :)
Third, I love my residents and have learned so much by working with them. I only hope that I can bring them as much joy as they do to me.

So now that I only have three months left here, I am going to do my best to take advantage of every moment. I am going to be a better friend, a better worker, and a more adamant witness for Christ.

I was reading Micah today and was humbled by his reaction to the sins of the Israelites:

 "Because of this I will weep and wail; I will howl like a jackal and moan like an owl." - 1:8

How many friends do we have that do not know Jesus, yet do we ever weep and wail for their soul? Howling like a jackal and moaning like an owl? And if you're like me, maybe you pray for some and forget about the others? I have failed them. So today I will be better. Like Pastor Kevin DeYoung preached the other week, I will do better to place a pebble in someone's shoe. Then I will pray and hope that someday they will take that annoying little pebble (that nagging thought about Jesus) out of their shoe and examine it.

So anyway! GOD IS GOOD!

AMEN!

Blue Valentine

Although the trailer gives absolutely no hints about the plot of this movie, I have to admit that I am ridiculously excited to see it for 2 reasons: 

1. Ryan Gosling. Before I explain why I love Ryan Gosling, I must first tell you about my infatuation with The Notebook. This is a love born before it even reached motion pictures, since The Notebook was my favorite book by Nicholas Sparks. I remember numerous times throughout high school when I would stay up all night reading/crying my head off over the love between Noah and Allie. Being the hopeless romantic that I am, I have forever since dreamed of a man like Noah and the passionate, crazy love that he had for Allie. It wasn't at all rational.....but I've never really been a fan of rational, myself. So that being said, I was pretty much destined to fall in love with Ryan Gosling when he played the role of Noah in the movie. He was perfect....and I expect nothing less of him in Blue Valentine....whatever it may be about.

2. Ryan's character plays the UKULELE! I have recently become a ukulele fiend, where nearly all of my free time is spent practicing. It brings me so much joy....especially when I take it to the assisted living home and play for my residents. Watching them listen to me is one of the rare moments that I get to see a light in their eyes and a smile on their faces. I try to be good for them. I love the ukulele.

So if there's anyone else out there who loves Ryan Gosling and ukuleles....hit me up and we can catch dinner and a movie!

Psalm 36

....as sung by Third Day:

Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean's tide

I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings

When I fail to love God (and I often do), I am forever thankful for his love and faithfulness that reaches to the heavens. I have no strength but that which I find in Him....so today I will lift my voice to worship my King.

Reality check

Time to be honest...

Over the summer, I was GREAT about working out everyday.....I would actually say that I was borderline obsessive.Working out was pretty much the only thing I did for fun because I was in a new city with no roommate, no cable, no internet, no friends, and a part time job that hardly qualified as a job at all. But as a result of that depressing situation....I was in GREAT shape.

Well now that I have all the things which I was lacking over the summer, exercising has been put on the back burner. You know the one way, way, wwaaayyy back there.....It is so far down on my priority list that I would guess that I have worked out maybe three times in the last three(ish) months. Today was workout number three.....and six months ago I probably wouldn't have even called it a "workout." I did a few girl push-ups, some abs and then lunges for approximately five minutes. Sadly enough, my reward for this pitiful "workout" was leg cramps. WOW.

So after I realized that I seriously need to get back into shape, I did the thing which I have been avoiding and I stepped on the scale. Again.....it told me to get my behind off the couch and do some work!

This chick will be my motivation:

New Elderly Resolutions

I just returned from Montana this week and have so much that I want to share....but seeing that I have just spent the majority of my day asleep in bed, I should probably start doing something productive (like unpacking, cleaning, laundry and, most importantly, go to work...) instead of spending more time reliving my amazing weekend with you. I will save it for another time when I can give it more justice.

I do, however, have plenty of time to share this adorable little pleasure with you. After the new years, the director at my work sat with a few residents and discussed their New Years Resolutions. I found them posted on the wall when I got to work yesterday and I couldn't help but 1.) chuckle and 2.) hope to take their advice:

-Male 1: Partake in an alcoholic beverage now and then

............What a GREAT idea! I only have 5 more months in Okemos to try The Traveler's Club's 200+ beers

              

-Female 1: Play more Bingo

............My family played Bingo at Christmas, so I will check that off the list even if it was technically last year

-Male 2: Talk about sports more

............I have definitely been slacking in the sports area. I think I'll start by watching the Red Wings....

-Director: Exercise more

............YES!

-Male 3: Be more pleasing to the ladies 

............BAAHHHAHAHAHA!!!! 

-Male 4: Get caught up on the things I am behind on

............This one is also quite hilarious because this particular resident often appears catatonic....I can't imagine him having anything pressing on his mind.

-Male 5: Do more for others

............Yes again

-Male 6: LOVE and be LOVED

............AMEN, sir!

Zoom zoom zoom!

I love her so much! :)