Wedding Season

With the season of summer comes the ringing of many wedding bells, especially when you are my age. It seems every other day I hear of a new engagement, creep on new wedding pictures added to Facebook, or get a shower/bachelorette party invite for someone new who is becoming a BRIDE and WIFE! I know that sometimes weddings can get to be repetitive and same-old, same-old for some, but not me. I love going to weddings! They are a blast and I think it is such a special thing to be able to celebrate for months leading up to the big day, while preparing and planning for an exciting life of being married in the months that follow :)

That being said, I had to share some pictures from a wedding shower I recently attended for my friend Kenzie. Kenzie is marrying Grant, both are good friends from Bethel who I met my freshman year. They are high school sweethearts and I enjoy hanging with both of them at any time, they are a lot of fun. My friend Kassie (and one of Kenzie's bridesmaids) and her mom recently hosted the most amazing shower for Kenzie with the theme being "Royal Wedding."
With all the buzz surrounding the RW that occurred in London back in April, it was a really creative idea for the shower. Can I just say how much I love Kate Middleton? If for nothing else than her INCREDIBLE fashion sense, and for showing extreme confidence in all types of situations.
I never though any one could rival Kate's style and elegance until Kenzie showed up to her shower. She looked gorgeous! We were all supposed to wear hats like the British did at Kate Middleton's wedding, but unfortunately I struggled to find anything that would work. Kenz looked just great. All the hats at the shower were amazing, and I have to give amazing props to Kassie and her mom for throwing such an amazing shower for one beautiful soon-to-be-bride. I'll let the photos (courtesy of Kassie) speak for themselves...

Lined up for Kenzie's "Royal" arrival
Grant (fiance of Kenzie) even dressed up to pick up Kenzie in this AMAZING Mercedes convertible! It was one of the coolest entrances.
Beautiful couple!!
Kenzie's priceless reaction to the shower... see next photo for an explanation
AMAZING!
All of us shower ladies (note the crazy hats...)
Kenzie and Kassie (Bride and amazing Host!) One thing to note about this photo are the ring accessories... each guest left with a party favor Kate Middleton engagement ring. They are so fun. Unfortunately, mine didn't fit right. But no worries, I gave mine to Dusty's sister, she loves it and has even worn it to work a few times since! I hear she gets quite the compliments!
Kassie is a photoshop genius.. She copied Grant and Kenzie's heads onto the engagement picture of William and Kate to use on the shower invites. Super creative!

It was so much fun spending the day with friends and celebrating Kenzie and Grant's upcoming marriage. I am thrilled for them.

In other news, I had fun the night before Kenzie's shower celebrating my other friend and former roommate TORI'S upcoming marriage. Recently I have received three more wedding invitations in the mail for other coming-soon nuptials. It's the MoST wOnDerFuL Ti-i-i-ME oF thE YeaR!!! :-)

Encouragement.

It should come as no surprise to the faithful readers out there that my college graduation is now behind me. I walked across the stage of Bethel (my home for the last four years) and now have stepped into the unknown of just what is in store for me next.

For those of you who are college grads: Did you ever just get SICK of people asking, "So... What's next?!" It's almost like a distinct kick in the butt... Oh, you don't have a full time job? Oh, you aren't sure you are going to use your major? Oh, you went to college for four years and decided towards the very end that you maybe DON'T want to be a teacher? Hm. Interesting.

That's a somewhat exaggerated, made-up conversation but seriously, I have felt sort of an odd sense of what now for the last three weeks. It gets old having to explain so many times... I can't apply to teaching jobs until I get my teaching license. I can't apply for my teaching license until I find out if I pass my licensure exams. I took my licensure exams three weeks ago and the results take 4-6 weeks. I don't have a single friend in Social Studies that has passed the exam the first time. They don't let you re-take the exam until 9 weeks from the day you get your RESULTS!!! (Can you sense my frustration???) Oh, yea, and I'm still waiting to figure out what God's calling is for my life. At the moment, I have doubts about teaching. But I want God to be the one who makes the final call on that one.

With that being said, it kind of amazes me how the Lord responds to situations like mine, where I am feeling kind of worthless, down, and insecure about the direction of my life right now. Just through the blog world, I was given a sense of peace and comfort. I faithfully follow about 5 or 6 blogs on a regular basis, and through one that I really enjoy, I was connected to the page of another blogger who has a faith and provided the following encouragement...
The Lord makes all things beautiful IN HIS TIME.

It's as simple as that. Story time.
I remember being about 14 years old when I attended a fashion show featuring wedding gowns at my cousin's church with my grandma. I adore my sweet grandma. And my grandpa, for that matter. They are two amazing people who love God more than anything, and have poured that love into our large family for DECADES! Anyways... it's funny how vivid this memory is to me, albeit a good 8 years ago... But in the midst of a fashion show that featured gorgeous wedding gowns, my grandma shared with me how difficult it was waiting to marry my grandpa, as they spent nearly their entire engagement apart. My grandma was working while my grandpa served in the Navy overseas during World War II. She said she would often grow sad or frustrated with the timing of things... and yet the one thing that often kept her hopeful was the following verse from Psalms 37:4, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."

I love that verse so much. I often neglect to cling to it in times of struggle or frustration. But I was pleasantly reminded today that God's work is made beautiful all in his timing. And that is something to trust in. I've seen it work! Want to know how?
Because of the Lord's timing, my grandparents have spent 66 years together loving each other, raising six children, loving and doting on 18 grand-children (including me!), and 7 great-grandchildren.

Psalm 37:4 ~ Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

This was the man that Grandma Marian fell in love with and became engaged to in the 1940's.... My Grandpa, Rodney! I love this pic. He really doesn't look much different and that really makes me smile :-)

Why do I blog?

Welcome to my third blog post that has a question for a title.

So... I did kind of a bold thing recently.

I put the URL for my blog on Twitter.

That's significant for a couple reasons. One, I've never really just put it out there where you can read this page. And two, ever since I started writing on here, I've felt kind of embarrassed about letting just anybody read. The funny thing about the internet, is that it really is an avenue for saying WHATEVER you want, and not feeling the uncertainty or embarrassment of "Wait... did I really just say that out loud?" Because you DIDN'T actually say it at all! You typed it. It's like the days of 8th grade when I would spend countless hours on AIM (Screen name: Casadia1121, although I never, ever sign on anymore). I could chat with tons of friends, boys, people I didn't really even know that well from school, say whatever I wanted, and see that person in the hallway next morning and not exchange a single word. That, to me, is ridiculous. Funny, but ridiculous. So sometimes I would think the same about what I wrote on here. While very few people actually read this blog... I feel like I still would worry over what people would think after reading what I wrote, and seeing me in person. Normal feelings, but kind of dumb if I really want to continue writing on here. Which I do! So with that being said, I want to declare just a couple things:
1. I realize that not many people actually do read "Here Goes Nothin." And that's fine, but if you are a faithful reader, I would LOVE to know! Post a comment, or at least let me know somehow. I would appreciate to hear from faithful readers.
2. In an effort to make the blog more readable, I am going to make an effort to include pictures, or visuals to make things more visually appealing. At times, my posts can get quite lengthy with no attractive appeal. Who am I to think that anyone would want to read my blog just based on words alone? (Note: This post will be an exception to the rule). I am also attempting to learn more about HTML in my down time, trying to become more "tech savvy". I'm a work in progress, but I'm trying.

Last thing: I mentioned "Here Goes Nothin." I don't really like that name. I'm trying to think of something creative to change it to. I find it pretty cheesy, as I'm sure you do too. Suggestions?

Now in an effort to keep the topics of conversation diverse, and to blog on a wide variety of subjects, I would like to share the details on my new sustaining membership to Minnesota Public Radio. As a graduation gift, Dusty got me a year long membership because we are both really into The Current and we both wanted to give during the member drive, but couldn't really afford it. As a surprise immediately after my graduation ceremony, Dust informed me that I was now a member through his contributions. I just received my membership in the mail and found out I get some wicked sweet discounts. Check them out here: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/support/member_benefits.

Thanks Dust and thanks MPR! (PS... I also received "Live Current Vol. 6" and a subscription to Minnesota Monthly as part of my membership.)

What's worth reading??

Since I started college, I barely found time to read the "required" materials for classes, let alone books for pleasure. That's one of the few things I missed out on over the past few years: reading for FUN. Some of my friends laugh at the thought but really, there is nothing quite like finishing a REALLY good book and then promptly moving on to the next. I've read six amazing books in the last two months that I really feel are worth your time, and in an effort to keep up the blogging efforts AND to try out something new, I give you, my list of recommended books for summer leisure (and in NO particular order). I am no Oprah but I do think you will agree with me on my choices.

#1: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.
This book combines two great loves of mine: History and the elderly. I seriously couldn't believe when I started reading that a book could so creatively combine past and present by bouncing back and forth between the life of an old man, present day, and the Great Depression of the 1930's. The short version of what this book is all about: A retired veterinarian in his 90's recalls his life on a Circus during the '30's when the circus comes to town near his own nursing home. FABULOUS book. Highly recommended.Now, some of you may be asking me, isn't there a movie about this book that just came out? To which I would answer... Yes, yes there is. Well? Is it worth seeing? And to that question, I would say... Sure. On a weeknight, when it's cheap at the theater. And if you haven't read the book (WHICH YOU SHOULD). However, if you are like me, then you will most certainly feel that the movie does not do the book justice. No matter how hot Robert Pattinson is, or how beautiful Reese Witherspoon plays her role. Just read the book. WAY better than the movie.

#2: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.
You will notice a trend in the books I have read lately in that most of them (well, all but one really) have movie versions. Now... The Notebook is different for a variety of reasons. I read the book after I saw the movie. I also read the book in a span of about eight hours- it's a quick read. But it is so great! I'm really not big into the romance genre, but this book is an exception. Now here's the kicker: I actually like the movie version better. But the book is still really good! It tells the simple story of two people who fell in love, lost one another for a variety of reasons, and become reunited by chance later in life. Spoiler: The ending of the movie and the ending of the book= COMPLETELY different. Book ending is a little bit of a shocker. I highly recommend The Notebook, either for a quick read on a night when you have nothing to do, or for a classic romantic movie night with your girlfriends, pet, or boyfriend (Dusty loves this movie, sorry Dust.) Very good.

#3: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.
I am NOT a Sci-Fi fan. Never have been, and probably never will be. Which is why I was so shocked when I literally could not put down this novel that happens to be adapted into one of my FAVORITE movies. I didn't know until about two years ago that Jurassic Park was even a BOOK, that is until my mom and I were on a classic thrift store run and I saw it priced at 80 cents on the bookshelf of the store. Along those same lines, I was at Savers in Arizona over Spring Break with my grandma and I made her buy it for me for a dollar (should've gotten it two years prior!). Seriously though, the book? MUCH BETTER than the movie! It includes major differences and additional scenes that you don't see in the movie version. I will always love this classic film- HELLO?! The raptor scene in the kitchen? But the book... you are reading about genetically engineered dinosaurs created under the shady radar of a cocky old billionaire... and suddenly... things go wrong... very fast... Fast like the speed at which I devoured this novel... much like a T-Rex devours human beings at the dinosaur park. Okay, done with the cheesy, crude humor. Just read the book if you are looking to feel the rush of a good read.

I lived out the JP experience last December at Universal Studios... RAWR! (I am so lame....)

#4: "Second verse same as the first..." The Lost World by Michael Crichton.
The dinos are back! So... fast forward to my last AZ trip at the end of April for Easter... I rapidly finished Jurassic Park and I was eager for more.. So on Easter Sunday, Dusty and I drove to the local Barnes and Noble with our earnings from the Easter "Egg" hunt (read my friend Danny's blog for an explanation on that one) and I bought the sequel to the first novel. The Lost World is another very quick, VERY good read, that far exceeds the movie version in terms of superiority. Also, nothing like the movie version. The movie just kind of lacks in every area in terms of quality. Much like movie sequels do. However, the book? Thrilling and very nerve-wracking. Another shocking Sci-Fi surprise that I liked.

#5: The Help by Kathryn Stockett.
This could be my most favorite book that I have read out of all six. My absolute favorite time period of study is the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. So much about that time in our nation's history fascinates me, disgusts me, moves me, and makes me think. That's why I could not put down this book. Kathryn Stockett is a native of Mississippi who beautifully tells the tale of three very different women: One, a 22 year old white woman named Skeeter, fresh out of college. Two, a 50-something African American maid named Aibileen who has served as a maid to white families for over 20 years. Three, a 30-something African American maid named Minny who has grown tired of letting white women boss her around. Their three stories are so interesting, sad, and thought-provoking. The book is divided into separate sections as told by the three different characters. You find yourself coming to the end of a section and not wanting it to end... however, you immediately dive right into the next section that hooks you right in.

Again, there is a movie version coming out in August, one that I am very excited for because it does look promising. I really hope they do this book justice. It has the potential to become one of those movies concerning the Civil Rights Movement that you DON'T want to end. I have become fascinated with 1960's-Mississippi since reading this book. Love, love, love this one.

#6: Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo.
Alright confession: I read this book today. The whole thing. It's a quick, 150 pages that tells the story of a four year old named Colton who becomes sick, needs emergency surgery, and during the operation, takes a three minute trip to Heaven. Did I mention, this story is TRUE? It's told from the perspective of Colton's father, Todd, a pastor from rural Nebraska who experiences a range of emotions upon hearing the revelations of his little son's trip up to see Jesus. I cried, I laughed, and at times I sat there upon reading certain confessions of Colton, just going, "Huh." It makes you think, and it really makes you wonder... Is this how Heaven is going to be? I recommend it to ANYONE. It is really quite interesting, very fascinating, and very real. It encouraged me in my own faith, as I hope it would encourage you in yours.

There you have it. A list which, in my opinion, gives you plenty of options for GREAT reads that you will not be able to put down. I guarantee it. Now some of you may be asking... what's next Case?! I'm dying to know! Well, I will tell you!

Now depending on which one catches my attention first, I have two options for future reads... both have been recommended to me by others.
First, American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld... a fictional book explaining the life of a modern first lady... sounds very interesting....
I purchased this hardcover for 4 DOLLARS at Borders recently... got it for cheap because I'm a Border's member!!!

My other option is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins... don't know much about this one other than it's a teen novel, highly popular, and all my friends and family have read it. There are also two sequels which means if I like it, I can continue to read more. And... there is a movie version being adapted for 2012. So I'll have to read this one before I see the movie.
And there you have it. My summer reading list that I hope you indulge in.

Looking for a delicious snack to eat while reading? I have to give my friend Callie Wahl a shout out for introducing me to Edy's Lime Fruit Bars.... DELICIOUS. I took a break from Heaven is For Real to walk over to Cub and pick them up. Worth every penny. Thanks Callie!
True confession: I had two while I finished the book. Oops.
And just because I am having so much fun uploading the pictures.....

TA-DAAAAA! You can thank me later. Or thank Callie because like I said, she showed me.