P2P

Rollercoaster Week

This week has been quite the rollercoaster.  Many highs and lows for me but not much in between. 

At work we closed down processes that have been in place for years.   It’s amazing how you can get attached to a set of code.  I can buy into the saying that coding is art and also the part where it’s the only one that fights back.  On the flip side, new process have come to fruition after months of meetings, coding, discussions and testing.  It feels much like the presentation of a new piece of artwork.  I mean, I think.  Not that I’ve ever debuted artwork.  It feels good, ok?

I gave up the full reigns on OTHBlog and gave up NBCPhd.  On the flip side got some great feedback and planning new stuff for iHeart with Danny’s management.  Announced a new partnership for this blog with NC Blog Buzz which I’m psyched about.

Personally saw some low lows and high highs.

It’s definitely not been a status quo week.  I feel a little drained and more than ready for the long weekend.

But through it all, I’ve been so thankful for friends with whom to rejoice on the hills and shed a virtual tear when it bottomed out.  God has covered me in peace this week.  We are not meant to go through it alone and I’m so thankful.

Disney on Ice Presents Toy Story 3 in Charlotte

The Bennett household is not new to Disney On Ice. The girls love many Disney movies and think seeing them in person and on skates is just, well, magical.  We have not had a chance to go to Toy Story 3 the movie yet but I have heard nothing but good things about it.  I’m a big fan of the Toy Story series and I’m so looking forward to seeing it on ice.  They are showing it in Charlotte October 6-10.  The very best part is I HAVE DISCOUNTS FOR YOU!  You all know how much I love a good discount and paired with a cultural event, well, it just makes my heart happy.

Toy Story 3, the record-breaking #1 movie in the world, is so hot it’s cool as everyone’s favorite toys take to the ice in Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3! An award-winning creative team and a cast of world-class skaters are bringing Woody, the pull-string cowboy; space ranger Buzz Lightyear; Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl; and the rest of the gang to fans and families around the country in this brand-new live ice spectacular produced by Feld Entertainment. This fast-paced and witty tale of friendship will make a stop in Charlotte at the Time Warner Cable Arena, Oct. 6 – 10.

Check out more information over at the Time Warner site and let me know if you end up going October 6 – we’ll be there and I’d love to say hi!

I received this opportunity including 4 pack of tickets to the opening show because of my participation in the NC Blog Buzz network. I have pledged to give my honest opinion of the product/event.  All opinions are my own.

Announcement

Let me point you over to OneTreeHillBlog.com this morning where I’ve made a big announcement for the site.  There is a lot of training and planning going on behind the scenes and that’s what I’ve been absolutely swamped with lately.  It’s amazing how much I’ve been doing on autopilot for almost 3 years.   Putting what I do into words and instructions has been fun (I love CamStudio!) but quite eye-opening.   I’m really excited for this step and loosening my grip is already quite freeing.

While we’re on the topic I’ll say that Kaitlin and I have closed NBCParenthood.com for the foreseeable future.  I think we’ve decided that the audience just doesn’t have a fan site presence at this point.

Yesterday I had an exciting meeting with Danny Gokey’s manager and looking forward to the future of that site.

And I guess I can’t leave out our FNL site.  The fifth and final season will be starting next month and then we’ll have to say goodbye to that show.  I’m going to enjoy the last leg of that ride.  Texas Forever!

Through all this I’m looking forward to putting more time and attention into THIS site.  So if you’re reading this THANK YOU.

Emmy 2010 Wrap-Up

Just a few thoughts:

1. SO excited for “Cam” from Modern Family for his win as well as the whole cast and crew for winning Best Comedy
2. Very sad for Kyle and Connie for not winning their categories but a little surreal seeing them in the crowd!  So happy the show at least got recognized.
3. The LOST song that Jimmy Fallon performed was hilarious.  “At least I tried.”
4. George Clooney’s bit with Modern Family was gold.
5. So many gorgeous dresses but these are my top 3

Old Navy Haul

So…I went to Old Navy today trying to score a few really good deals on those sweaters I blogged about yesterday.  I was so disappointed when they didn’t work out.  But here’s what I did get:

Fashion Friday: Fall Mommy Outfits

I started browsing Old Navy’s site the other day and just couldn’t quit mentally adding items to my wish list.  The past few seasons with Old Navy have been sketchy for me.  I thought I’d officially grown out of their style but I’m pretty excited about these.  Pretty basic but I love the rich colors.

So basically this is what I look like nearly every fall.  Jeans and a sweater.  Cool shoes and some jewelry if I’m lucky.  I’m so looking forward to jeans!  I would wear them year-round if it weren’t so hot!

Sweaters and Jeans, Oh my by bennettaj featuring old navy jeans

Introducing MotherofFashion.com

I knew there was one more thing for my list today.  This deserves it’s own post anyway!

I have been saying for years that my friend Dani needs to start a blog but we could never quite settle down and get to it.   I finally wrangled her to my office and thus, MotherofFashion.com was born.  We’ve been working several late, Starbucks-laden nights (why yes, I do work for coffee) working on the design and I’m super happy at how everything has turned out.   Dani is a fashionista at heart and always looks her best but just under those cute clothes is one of the biggest hearts I know.  Through the site, she wants to share her fashion secrets to help us all look and most importantly feel our best.  The best thing I can liken this to is a Mommy version of What Not to Wear.

She’s just getting started but has caught the blogging bug and has lots of plans oozing out of her creative mind!  I simply can not wait to see where this goes!  So hop over there and first tell her welcome and second, give her a big Happy Birthday message for today!

Love ya, Dani!

Thursday Laundry List

I have so much to tell you that I made a list while I was walking on the treadmill this morning at the Y.

1 – Let’s start there!  Three days this week I’ve gone to run/walk at the Y after dropping the girls off at school.  I can’t tell you how good it feels to start the day like that.  Then, midway through the day it’s like, wow, I don’t have to think about exercising because I did it HOURS ago.  Win!

2 – We got a new roof!  The roof, the roof, the roof is on fyah…ok, it’s not and it wasn’t. That’s just the song I start singing every time I say roof.  Actually we had hail damage a few months back along with many people in our neighborhood.  I think we’re the 5th house or so.  The shingles are a little darker and we got the 3-ply shingles. 

3 – The girls had Independence Day at school on Tuesday.  Lexi grabbed Emma’s hand and they walked in like that.  Emma took her to her class and then walked to hers.  It still blows my mind that she would be the one leading someone into school.  A teacher stopped her though and told her she couldn’t do that again so Emma walks her to the commons area and then they each go down their own hall.  They are SO cute together and I love that they love each other so well.

4 – We bought Monopoly Tuesday night.  Can’t tell you how disappointed I was to find the size of the property cards and color of Baltic and Mediterranean Avenue have changed.  I don’t know why.  Sometimes I don’t do well with change.

5 – MrsFussyPants is hosting a discussion on CS Lewis’ Screwtape Letters.  Since reading Mere Christianity I’m psyched to jump in on that one.

6 – Marla Taviano is hosting a Radical Readalong.  I’m so excited to see what comes out of that.

7 – I tried out Facetime yesterday and it was amazing!  Excellent quality video and sound.   It’s like having a high quality, mobile web cam.  So much easier to show stuff to the other person. Not that I do that, you know, but just the fact that you can is pretty cool.

That’s it, I hope your Thursday is going well!

Brown Sugar and Walnut Brie Wheel aka Heavenly Appetizer

Saturday at Trader Joe’s we attacked the cheeses with a recommendation of supreme brie and little other knowledge of what we were doing.   Back when we went to Grove Park Inn for our anniversary, we got the cheese and fruit plate and since have been randomly getting  ”expensive cheese” and trying it.  Normally we stick it with a cracker or piece of fruit.  Very unblogworthy but today…today I have something you need to hear about.  I don’t know where I’ve been all my life without this brown sugar and walnut brie thing but I’m so glad it’s here now.

I did kind of my own thing, mixing the recipes here and here but tweaked it for a single serving.

• Half a block of the brie we got, about 4 oz.
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of chopped walnuts
• Toasted sourdough bread slices

Just stack the full block of cheese, sugar and then walnuts on a cookie sheet and then bake it for 2.5 minutes on 450.

Because we were out of any sort of crackers besides goldfish, I made very thin slices of a small sourdough bread loaf we were given and then toasted those in the toaster oven.  When both were done, I put a scoop of the mixture on the bread.  The brie is pretty soft and melted by this point so it’s more like a dip.

Somewhere around the last bite, I remembered I should have taken a picture so there you have it.

Please do not try to count calories. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Shows I’ll Be Checking Out This Fall

I have enjoyed watching exactly ZERO TV this summer.  Yes, Friday Night Lights was on NBC but honestly that Friday night schedule didn’t work out for me too well.  I would really like to continue the no TV into the fall but I really do love these shows.  Many I will DVR and watch later but this is my list for now.

1. Monday – Lone Star

This is a new one with “Tyra” from Friday Night Lights.  I can’t NOT check it out and all the entertainment blogs are raving about it.

2. Monday – Hawaii Five-0

Former LOST star turned police officer?  I’m in. But I’ll ditch it fast if it’s not amazing.

3. Tuesday – Parenthood

Parenthood is funny and dramatic and real.

4. Tuesday – One Tree Hill

Well, duh.

5. Tuesday – Glee

This one honestly could come or go.  Even last season I was mainly watching from DVR and it’s another I’ll ditch if it’s not amazing.

6.  Wednesday – Hellcats

I have to check this one out at least.  I loved Bring It On and I love Ashley Tisdale.  Plus it has One Tree Hill alum Robbie Jones.

7. Wednesday – Modern Family

Not to be missed!  Hilarious TV!  Also one of of few shows Scott and I will watch together.

8. Thursday – Vampire Diaries

Going into this season, it’s one of my favorites.  Drama!!

9. Thursday – My Generation

This one is going to be interesting.  Two Friday Night Lights alums are in this and I definitely want to see what it’s about.

10. Thursday – Grey’s Anatomy

Um, hello?  I’m an original Grey’s fan.  Watch it.  Own it.  Love it.  Seriously.

And optionally Dexter.  I don’t have Showtime so I won’t be able to watch but if people start chattering about how good it is, I might have to break down and get it for a few months.

Obviously, I’m a drama fan!  With endless time, there are many more fabulous shows I would like to add (Lie to Me, Big Bang Theory, Chuck, The Middle, House, How I Met Your Mother) but 2-3hrs/night is already too much!

What’s on your must-see list for the fall?  What am I missing? I found FNL from a comment on my list last year!

Check out more top ten lists over at http://ohamanda.com

Fear

I wrote this back in June.  Nearly two months I’ve held on to this and I think it’s finally the right time to publish it.  I’ve been running into the topic of fear so much lately.  In blog posts, books, sermons and just life.  I want to share this in hopes that we all continue to conquer our fears…

Today was a victory.  I did something today that I have feared for nearly one year.  One year of fear-drenched, nervous thoughts that kept me at bay from God’s request.

This is a long one…click through for more.

Read more »

Weekend Recap

Last week the rest of school went swimmingly.  I actually went to school 2 of the 3 days to eat lunch with the girls.  What can I say?  It really couldn’t have been a better start to the school year.  I just hope Independence day when the girls have to walk themselves in will go just as well.  That’s when Emma REALLY had the issues in K.  Emma says she’s going to walk Lexi to her class and then go to hers so yay for awesome big sisters.

Friday night and Saturday morning I had to work so it was just laundry and general putzing around the house.  Saturday my niece came over for a few hours and we ended up in the pool.  Saturday evening we ate with Mom and Dad and then all ventured over to Trader Joe’s for the first time.  After putting a call out on Twitter and Facebook we were directed to lots of yummys that we’ve been taste-testing over the weekend.  My favorite so far are

But seriously?  They are only like 3” long.  They are like baby ice cream bars. Come on, TJ!

Last night my niece stayed with us and we all went to church today after Scott got the day off.  We randomly picked a restaurant to eat at since kids eat free and ran into some family friends.  We ended up eating with them and having a nice lunch.  This afternoon I spent some time with the girls with their pottery wheel which Emma has been begging me to do all week.  We were able to turn some very small, uneven bowls.  I think the girls are happy with them which is all that matters.

This evening we made a huge step and joined our church at their Partner class.  I really think Satan was using fear once again to keep me from going.  I got so nervous about sharing my testimony they had us write out.  I have no idea.  It’s a very simple, non-glamorous story.  Well, very glamorous in what He did, but not drama-filled.  Anyway, I was nervous the whole afternoon, almost backing out even though there was no indication we’d even have to share our story with others.  After some serious prayers, I felt the YES I needed and off we went.  I’m super-excited to finally make it official.  Not as if we haven’t already been committed but now we literally have signed on the dotted line (AND didn’t have to share our stories to the large group).  I’m ecstatic to see how God will use us there (as long as it’s not sharing my testimony to a large group.  I KID!).

So tomorrow morning I’m off to the gym after school drop-off for the first time in months.  I’ve really slacked since the pool has been opened.  Who wants to give that up for a sweaty gym?  I seriously have to buckle down again but I say that every August, don’t I?

Sunday Highlights: FAQ

Today’s Frequently Asked Question was: What is the will of God?

Romans 12:1-2

Before you can know God’s will you have to say yes to Jesus.  Your choices don’t matter until you give Him Lordship.  Once He is Lord, we are to be a living sacrifice.

God puts guard rails in our life to keep us “on the road”:

1. Providential Will of God – God gives us freedom in many things but sometimes God says, nope, you’re doing it!  (Jonah)
2. Moral Will – Us doing what God outlines in Scripture.  These things are not natural and culture usually promotes against His word.  God says do not conform.
3. Personal, specific will – If you are following #1 and 2, 3 usually comes easier.  You must be surrendered before you ask…should I marry him?  should I take this job?

Ways to know his personal specific will:

1. Make sure it doesn’t conflict with God’s word.
2. Pray
3. Look for open and closed doors
4. Consult other people that have God’s best interest
5. Must have peace

You can check out http://northrockhill.com/messages/ for the full message online.

In light of upcoming job changes, I REALLY needed that list.  I was on the right track but just a great reminder.

Fashion Friday – Flirty, Purply, Lacy

Flirty, Purply, Lacy Fall by bennettaj featuring Oasis tops

I just need to know which shoes you’d pick.

You can find more Fashion Friday at Musings of a Housewife,  Girlymama, Mommies with Style, Water Water Everywhere

At 60

I couldn’t quit staring at these ladies at lunch today.

At first I was taken by their looks and outfits. They have cute hair cuts, trendy yet age-appropriate clothes on and stylish hand bags. I thought, man I hope I’m in their shoes at their age. My fashion-conscious friends and I retired, spending lunch at a bistro…

Then I thought how shallow that was.

Is that what I’m aiming for? Just to look pretty and eat good food? Not to say that’s all to them because I don’t really know those ladies or what they’ve been through or done.

But it made me think about what I DO want? What do I want 30 years from now? What do I want my story to say?

Scott said yesterday lying in bed considering it all we sure do have it made. And I guess we do in some ways. No complaints from me. I don’t begrudge my blessings but I wonder if I’ll be satisfied with a good lunch and a pretty handbag at a Bistro with my friends.

I feel a rumbling in my soul to see something bigger and better. Not to be satisfied with the simple and easy and pretty. I’m not asking for pain or destitution but I don’t know, its rumbling in there. It really is.