Ok now that I have gotten back to normal after International I would like to talk about it a little more...because well, it excites me!!!

We competed against 32 chorus' from all over the world. England, New Zealand, Sweden, Australia and Canada were represented. Some of the women from England were in our hotel and they were so cool. When I got off at my floor on the elevator one proceeded to say "Cheerio!" in her British accent. It made me smile. They were from Nottingham. This is so cool to me that women from other countries are learning and singing this American artform we call barbershop!!!

So we performed on Thursday and made top 10 not knowing where we stood. Then after the finals on saturday we came out 6th. At first we were bummed that we didn't get a better place but I was soon reminded that there are 600 chorus' all over the world and thousands of Sweet Adelines that will never even make it to International let alone get in the top 10 and get a medal. So I wear my 6th place medal proudly...I mean it is 6th in the whole world for goodness sake.
On Saturday night Sweet Adelines set the Guinness World Record for Worlds largest singing lesson. I was one of the verified 6651 participants. A rep was there from Guinness World records to verify that indeed a singing lesson took place. It was taught by Peggy Gram the international president and the Moxie Ladies 2009 International quartet champs and queens of harmony. That is my next goal...to be a queen.



In other news it is my last day at work here at CU. My time here is done and I am trying to stay positive, if there is one thing I need and one thing I prayed for before I even knew when this job would be over it was that I would be able to take a break...I have been working everyday I could since I didn't get paid time off and haven't had any time off since last Christmas so I am really going to be a happy camper next monday.

International is Over

Sooooo I just got back from the Sweet Adelines International Competition in Nashville Tennessee. It was a hard road and it was oh so much fun. We placed 6th overall. There were 32 Chorus' that competed from all over the world. We were 4th going into the finals and did very well, we just weren't liked well enough by the judges. There were also a few chorus' that were big shockers that really rised above that haven't ever placed as high as they did this time around, competition was tough.

Lets get ready for regional!!! GEM CITY ROCKS!!!

NASHVILLE!!!

I leave for Nashville tomorrow to hopefully bring home a gold medal.....should be fun, I will be there until Sunday and will be working my butt off all week most likely. GO GEM CITY!!!

How do you know its bad?

This is something I have to keep asking myself in times like these. Our Pastor Charlie McMahan, at Southbrook Christian Church did a sermon once that repeated this question. Some things that seem bad to us may not be bad. For us to say that when it was decided by God before I was created that these events would happen to me as bad is....well, its wrong. While it seems bad, how do i know its bad? And if I had gotten to keep this job or was offered a job how would I know its was good? We never really know.

So if I could just stay out of the way of Gods plans for my life I would be ok I think. I try to but it lasts a few minutes. I just want the weight off my chest so I know I am not trusting God 100% with this because I still have that weight. It is so hard when like I said, it seems like everything is so...bad. I keep trying to fix it with my day dreaming of how I want it to be right now. I second guess decisions Trevor and I made in the past that could be responsible for the current outcome. I can't do this.

Thanks Jessica for the comment. Sometimes the littlest things are an encouragement in trying times.

At a loss

Trevor and I will both unemployed after Oct. 30th....why is this happening to us. What did we do to deserve this :(

Just a Rant...Sorry :)

Ok do you ever feel like you are still trying to find your place in this world. Or you know what you are good at but you don't know how to use it. I can't say as I am particularly happy doing the job I am doing. While I love Cedarville students/prospective students, I don't feel like I am able really work for/with them in the capacity that I would like to and feel as though I am capable to do. I don't really understand why I am in the position that I am in, I feel completely useless, unappreciated and unneeded and yet am forced to be here. I mean I applied for this job to get away from screaming children and seemingly ungrateful women. It brought me down....but I can't imagine I would leave a place like that be forced to literally sit for 40 hours a week with nothing to do. I am capable of so much more, I know I have more potential than that but this is what I am reduced to.

I won't be doing it much longer but than I will be unemployed....so what is God planning, why would a blessing of getting out of job that was mentally and emotionally draining seem to not be a blessing anymore if it ends a year later with no prospects. I guess I don't know that yet though...I mean it isn't over yet. I realize I am shy and an introvert but goodness I have a lot to offer blast it!!!!
I just want to do something I enjoy
I'm not trying to complain, I'm just confused as to what my purpose for life is.

Future

My mind is going a mile a minute with all the things I am dealing with right now.

Trevor's lack of gainful employment
Nashville Sweet Adelines International Competition
My possible loss of job in the next couple of months
Trevor's possible opportunity that has been a waiting game that if it works out would be so blasted exciting.

Say a prayer for us. Pray that Trevor will be able to find a stable job that will meet our needs.

Eggplant is my new Fav!!!

So since my somersize lifestyle I have become quite accustom to trying new things. Now eggplant wasn't one of those things, I liked it before but I didn't even buy it at the store and cook with it myself until I changed my diet habits. It is now my favorite vegetable and I have done so much with it. One is a really fun appetizer that would make a yummy lunch or snack as well.

Crispy eggplant finger sandwiches (This is a protein/fat and veggie meal)

This is from Suzannes first book on this lifestyle called "Eat great, Lose weight" I modified it because she made like a million sandwiches with 4 eggplants and 1 is plenty for making it for myself. so, you will need

One eggplant (sliced short ways, no thicker than 1/4" slices)
olive oil
handful of loosely packed fresh basil
handful of loosely packed fresh parsley
sliced mozzarella cheese
a pinch of red pepper flakes
salt and pepper
one beaten egg
and grated Parmesan cheese
vegetable oil for frying

Preheat oven to 425. Slice eggplant and lay on a baking sheet, brush with some olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and put in the oven for 15 minutes.

Then make the spread. Put basil, parsley, red pepper flakes and a small amount of olive oil in a food processor and chop it up. set aside

Beat egg and set aside. Sprinkle some grated parmesan on a plate. Assemble sandwiches by pairing up like size slices of eggplant. Put spread on one piece and put a slice of mozzarella on top and then the other slice of eggplant making sure the cheese isn't hanging over too much. Then lightly dip the sandwich in egg (I usually hold it up and just press each side in the egg) then dip it in the parmesan. Coat the bottom of a frying pan with vegetable oil and make sure its hot. Then fry your sandwiches a few minutes per side. Put on a plate with a paper towel to cool. EAt and enjoy!!! YUM YUM!!!

There are many health benefits of eggplant. They have many vitamins and minerals, contain anti oxidants and are excellent for cardiovascular health.

In other news, this weekend was a busy one. Gem City dress rehearsal. Potato festival and Brookfest. Good times.