Spring!

Spring seems to have arrived in full force here in Dresden. The weather has been outstanding. In fact, some people have said it's like summer because the highs have been around 75. Of course, as a good 'Bama girl, I scoff at summer temps in the 70s unless it's midnight. One interesting thing is that it is still light after 8 pm. Right now, its after 9, and it's not even completely dark yet. What will happen in June?

Unfortunately, with spring, I've seen disturbing fashion choices including tube tops with bra straps showing, (it actually seems like part of the outfit!!), open toe sandals with reinforced toe pantyhose, and MEN wearing capri pants. I haven't been to the States in warm weather since last August. Is this normal? It looks really messed up to me, and I think Stacy and Clinton would disapprove.

Apart from the fashion missteps (or wipe outs), Dresden is really wonderful. There are so many plants and trees that are blooming. God has created such a gorgeous world for us to enjoy. His creativity is astonishing. When I walk Zoe, I marvel at the beautiful colors in spring.

So happy together!

Five years ago today, my dad took me to Hokes Bluff for an early birthday surprise-Zoe! I thought we were going for some tractor part. Little did I know, I would be getting the best birthday present ever! Even though she had humble beginnings (I mean, Hokes Bluff!), she's been on an airplane and lived in two different countries! Here are some reasons why I love my baby girl.

She lost weight like a champ on her airplane diet last summer and didn't even make a peep on the flights.

She tucks herself into bed, even if it's my bed.

Her tongue is just a little too long for her mouth when she's sleepy.

She has the sweetest expressions.
She loves the sunshine!

She curls up like a bean when sleeping.

She intently watches outside for the slightest hint of a bird, cat, or other dog.

But most of all, she loves me back!!
In fact yesterday, I sprained my ankle fighting off another dog who tried to bite her. She's fine, but I'm not so great. I'll be fine though, and she's worth it.

Pics

I really love makeup. I like to experiment with eye makeup especially. I tried a smoky-eye look from a beauty website. Since all my makeup girls are in the States, I thought I would post two pics to see what y'all think. I have to say, my freckles sure are popping out after spending some time in the sun walking Zoe.Finally, I went grocery shopping the other day and when I came home, I found Zoe sitting on a pile of laundry that I had taken out of the dryer. (Haley and Amanda, I'm sorry for not folding them immediately.)

I have very little willpower

So I am now caught up with Lost. I watched Wednesday's episode today as soon as it was available on iTunes. I know that there are a lot of people disappointed with this season, and I'll admit, I wasn't all that thrilled with the first six or seven episodes. Having now watched 8 episodes in the past three days, I am enjoying this season. All the Sayid time is great too. He is just so wonderful (and HOT!). I cannot stand Juliet though. I hate the way she smirks.

When I had several episodes waiting on me, I could stay away from spoiler websites and had no interest in knowing what would happen. I was happy knowing that I could catch up by watching those episodes. Ideally, I don't want to be spoiled, but I just can't help myself. Today after I watched last night's episode, the very first thing I did was to get on the Internet to look up spoilers. When I watched Roswell (my very favorite show of all time), I would even read the script excerpts that were posted before the shows aired. That really ruined the suspense. I am usually good with surprises; I can wait for Christmas morning, and I want birthday presents to be surprises. TV shows are a whole different things. I cannot stay away from spoilers. It's like crack to me.

Enjoying the break

I haven't done anything special during the school break yet. I've read and watched movies mostly, but I have enjoyed it so far. I am reading The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey. I really love Yancey's honesty in his books. I'm over halfway finished, and I've got such a fresh perspective on Jesus, how much He loved us, and just how great He truly is. I just read the chapter on the Sermon on the Mount today, and I'll admit, I always struggled with it. I just know that I'll never measure up, yet I understand that is what grace is all about. However, Yancey says that the Sermon on the Mount is more than that; that it is describing the holiness of God. Of course, Yancey explains it far more eloquently than I just did. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.

Another book that I am reading this week is The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis. He describes the four loves of affection, friendship, eros, and charity. I'm not as sure how I feel about it. Now don't get me wrong, I really enjoy his books, but I don't think I agree with his views on friendship. Maybe I misunderstood it because goodness knows that he is far wiser than I, but he made it seem that friendship comes out of a shared preference or experience. He made it seem as if the preference were almost more important than the friend. I think it may be because he is writing from the male perspective, and I think female friendship is a far different thing. For those of you who have read this, what do you think? Did I get it wrong?

I watched 4 or 5 episodes of Lost last night. I think I am about three weeks behind now. I just got behind watching them after they were downloaded to iTunes. I will say that I am glad that they are finally showing more Sayid. I LOVE him; of course, I think most of you know about my obsession with him.

So that is what I have done so far during the break. I guess the trips around Dresden will have to wait. Other than going to church, I've only been to the grocery store. The funny thing about it though is that even though I haven't really gone out, I haven't been lonely at all. (unlike the post from a few weeks ago) It's almost been like a retreat. Except without camp food or being mooned by the boys from the youth group.

Holidays!!

School has been cuh-razy this past week! We had interviews with prospective principals, late meetings, and parent conferences. On top of all that, the normal school day was really busy too. Thank goodness that today is the first day of our Easter break. School doesn't start again until April 16. Yay!

This is the first break that I don't have plans to leave Dresden. I'm really happy about being able to hang out with Zoe, take walks along the Elbe, and catch up on some TV shows and movies that I want to watch, especially Grey's Anatomy. I am LOVING that show. I rarely watched it last year so I am watching all of season 2 right now. I may have to buy season 3 from iTunes when I finish. I may take some short trips around Dresden or go see some of the Dresden museums. Even though I live here, I rarely go see all the things that are right here in the city.

I have trips planned in May to Krakow, Vienna, and of course, Alabama for Haley's wedding. I'm already starting to think about where to go this summer. I'm thinking going North during the summer to be able to see Scandinavia. Thoughts?