Thursday, July 30, 2009

Cancel that idea..

So.. (there are a lot of things going on.) I'm cancelling my great idea of a facebook/twitter fast. Its not plausible at the moment. I am proud of myself for cutting back dramatically, and spending my time more wisely the past few days. But at this current moment I have some people that I need to communicate with through these venues, and other specific things that need to be taken care of that cant really be done any other way.. hmm. These few days have been good though and probably will become a more regular occurrence. 

In other news, its pouring rain right now. The heat/humidity has been really getting to me lately. Today I am staying home from work because of how sick I feel due to the heat. I literally just want to keel over and throw up nine times.. isn't that pleasant? I need to move to Alaska or Russia or something. 

Some of my photos are featured on  the GreaterCity:Providence blog. Click Right Here to check them out!

Matt has officially moved into the apartment down the street. Eileen is moving there gradually. I'm happy.. ridiculously happy.. and excited about this upcoming year. Six months ago when things were so difficult for me, I never would have imagined living in such a supportive and close community with so many friends so close to me (literally and figuratively). I am thankful to God everyday for the people He has put in my life. I never could have imagined being so happy and content with my living situation. God is soo good and faithful. 

Ive been contacting missions organizations such as ELIChina and Teach Overseas about some possible opportunities to go abroad for a bit.  There are so many options and I could see myself doing so many things. Honestly, I would just love to find myself a man partner in crime and we can just go frolic about the world being missionaries somewhere.. and then maybe come back to the states and dig our roots down deep in one place. Who even knows. I am open to ANYTHING.  Like I said, God is faithful and good. Right now I'm trying to make James 4 the cry of my heart: 

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

Awesome Random Updates: 

Elisha Landrigan is going over to Korea to teach some English.

Nathan Dilorenzo and team just got back from an amazing missions trip to Japan.


FREE STUFF!

Granola bars and Emergen-C!

all from finding great deals on these sites:

http://www.fantabulouslyfrugal.com/

http://www.thefrugalgirls.com/


Ok I don't want to go overboard. That's all for now. Have a great day. I'm going to sleep under the AC unit so I don't throw up. Blaahh.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Dear God this is hard.

Holy moly. Recently, I have decided that Ive become a tad bit into facebook and twitter. Now, I like to think that I use both resources responsibly, and not over the top, but its been out of control. Especially at work when there is literally NOTHING else to do except go online and waste time between calls. I can definitley use my time better for goodness sake. So, starting last night, I decided to give up both Facebook and Twitter for a week.

Can I just say that it is hard? Blah. Really hard. Ive been so accumstomed to sharing with the world what Im feeling, what Im up to, interesting tidbits that I find, as well as seeing what everyone else is up to. Its like I crave for the world to know what Im doing like Im someone super special or something. What a crapload. And if I really cared about knowing about certain people, why I should just call them or see how they are doing straight up.

Im definitely trying to use this time to finish some of the books Ive been working on, actually have a quiet time in the morning, as well as productively using my internet time to answer emails, work on contacting my international buddies through JWUs program, and thinking about who I really want to know whats going on with me, and dedicating my time to getting closer to those people.

Ive also decided to be more craftier. Today, I drew a pretty picture using only office supplies.

Paper Clips, Received Stamp, and a cup. Imagine that.

Im laying off the blog for this week, just to focus on other things. So, yep.



So this is one of the books Im reading.. I recommend for you all to check it out. It is what the title says it is. All about when we make people big in our minds and make God small. A big bad thing to do. It's by Ed Welch, great author. Hits me hard.





Hmm. So, I hope I dont go crazy. This is intense and extreme.. but sometimes its necessary. MMk peace out. Call me if you need me <3

Monday, July 27, 2009

For Stephanieee =) Questions that Need Answers

So your blog isnt letting me post comments, so I figured that I would just write a little blog post for you addressing some of the questions you have. I am no scholar or super ridiculously smart person, so take my answers with a grain of salt, and if you have any more.. feel free to ask away.

So here is the question being asked. Im going to post it and think about it a little more before I say something. If anyone else is more able to respond at the moment or has anything to say, please comment.

Do you believe everything happens for a reason? And if yes, why...?


Stephanie: you should check out this website.. its really interesting and helpful in multitudes of ways Boundless
Also, question for you: Who/what do you think plans out our lives?

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Life Update


Phwew! I am a tired lady.

This week is spinning by quickly. I am working 40+ hours between the two jobs, and today marked the last day of Microeconomics, as well as no more summer classes! That is a relief. I look forward to sleeping in tomorrow.


Last night I got lesson one in how to drive a stick shift. It was 1 am, and Eileen, Jon and I went and got ice cream, and then decided to be creepy in the walmart parking lot. I promise I didnt break the car or run into anything. I did see a wild animal in the bushes, hard to say what it was because it was dark out. I have always wanted to learn for some reason. And thus begins my career as a manuel driver. Honestly.. I dont see the appeal. There are 35 things you have to do.. waaay to many steps for breaking, and how am I supposed to txt, use both feet, as well as mess around with a gear stick thingy. (just kidding about that txt thing btw). Even with these downfalls, it is a good thing to know how to do. Ahh, I am a little rocky, but practice makes perfect I suppose.

Up there ^^^ is a picture taken at my friends house wearing some creepy astronaut glasses I found on a shelf. Every Tuesday a buttload of us get together, make dinner, watch a movie, and play board games. I might have to say that my team generally wins (Im being humble. My team ALWAYS wins.)

Other than that, I might be taking a quick jaunt down to Washington DC to see my friend Nathan. Unless he comes up here. And hopefully Casey, Janelle, and Bryan are coming here for a few days in August.

Im kind of in the mood of "not believing it until I see it." Soo.. we will see what the month of August puts out. Im pumped.
Peace out.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

I have a hard time in the A.M.

Im laying here in my bed. And Im purely exhausted. My eyes are drooping, my body cant even control itself hardly. Ive been awake since 7am, and Ive worked 9+ hours today as well as having class. I need to be sleeping. I long to be sleeping. I seriously wish I could be sleeping right now. But Ive tried. A little while ago I tried to lay here and just fall into a peaceful deep comforting sleep, but I cant. My mind hates sleep. My mind is too excited for sleep. My mind is focused and exhilarated and emphatic about whats to come.

What is to come anyways? I dont exactly know, and for me to say that I know would be foolish, for whatever God brings my way is what will happen, Lord willing, and whatever happens He guides and directs. Thats the exciting thing. People think that being a Christian is just a list of what you can do and what you cant do. But I BEG to differ. Its all about freedom, adventure, excitement, liberty. Living fully and joyfully because I am excited and thankful.

This past year or so I have been seriously considering alot of options. Some of them include teaching ESL, other options combine that with international missions, and as I work my way through a degree in Global Tourism Management, I know that I dont want to work for expedia.com or behind a desk at an airport. I long to be in the trenches, getting to know people, learning new languages and cultures, even if that entails staying in Providence Rhode Island for the rest of my life teaching refugees how to speak English and general life skills.. or maybe it entails moving to Korea, China, South Africa, or Russia and immersing myself in their culture, teaching them english, and bringing the love of Christ to the lost.

I dont quite know yet. But thats why I am excited. God has blessed me with so many options, and I know that whatever I choose He will bless. As I seek wisdom and guidance, I know that God is speaking to me clearly. He has an exciting plan for my life, and for that, I am forever enthralled in Him.

So for now, I try to calm my mind down and take things step by step, thinking about how my choices now will affect whatever is to come. I need to trust in Him, that I will be able to be patient for His timing, not my own, and hoarding wisdom like the poor hoard SPAM. I also seek to look side to side, seeing who is keeping pace, running nearby, heading the same direction, so that we may encourage one another.

I encourage you to think about your life. Get excited about your life. Know that God truly does have an exciting plan for you and He wants you to see the awesome adventure laid out before you.

Sleep, it needs to come. Forcing the issue never works for me, but maybe I should try at this point. Its hard though, for someone with such wanderlust/ADD/insomnia. Blah. good night.
(this is a cool website: www.thetask.org i cant stop looking at it.)

Monday, July 20, 2009

Tasty Morsels of Delight


Ok. So. Remember Alissa talking about Restaurant Weeks in Providence? Well, boy have I had the experience with it. This weekend I was able to partake in two, yes TWO 2 2 2 2 different restaurant week specials. And boy were they delish. 

First lets start off with the most amazing time at the Melting Pot. It all started when my friend Desiree and I were in the dining hall at school and the food was terrible. There was literally nothing we could eat. So we decided randomly spur of the moment kind of thing to hit up the Melting Pot. What a great treat. I recommend it while you can still get the discount Restaurant Week price. Otherwise you will blow your brains out with cash.



There were many options to choose from, and all of them sounded good. Three courses for the dinner. Here is what we choose. Course 1: Appetizer: Cheddar Cheese Fondue
Aged, medium-sharp Cheddar and Emmenthaler Swiss cheeses, lager beer, garlic and seasonings. Tell me how great that sounds! It was amazing. They brought out the fondue, swirled it around and melted it up. It came with breads, veggies, and fruits to dip in. YUM!

Course 2: Dinner: An Entrée of Teriyaki Sirloin, Shrimp, Chicken Breast, Gorgonzola & 
Spinach Raviolis, Assorted Vegetables & Dipping Sauces & Bourguignonne Cooking Style. Dear Lord. Oh man. So good. The dipping sauces were also in a way that you could make your own stuffed mushrooms, and breaded chicken, and sesame seed shrimp. So good.

Course 3: Dessert: The Original. This original recipe features our signature milk chocolate 
with a swirl of crunchy peanut butter.  Yeah think exactly what you want right now. It came with a delightful platter of fruits and cakes and treats to dip galore!

Let me tell you. YES. So good. So filling. 

I will blog about the other amazing place tomorrow. I am exhausted right now. But I recommend this place. Do it!





Saturday, July 18, 2009

Stupid People and the Crab Shack. With Love.


So.. more specifically top five things that stupid people do at the Crab shack. 

1. Hermit Crabs. We sell hermit crabs. Do not walk by and comment how ugly those snakes are. Or spiders, or clams, or robot toys, or lobsters. No. We sell hermit crabs, and you my friend, are a fool.

2. Dont call us and ask if we are Joe's Crab Shack restaurant. Like I said, we sell hermit crabs. We are not a restaurant. We will not give you food. Now, if you want to buy a hermit crab, I am not going to stop you from taking it back home and nawing on it to your little foolish hearts desire. And its owned by someone named Brian. 

3. "Can they live together.." This is a question we commonly receive. Now, if you were to take a stroll by the kiosk, you will see up to 300 hermit crabs in one tank, frolicking around, hanging out with their buddies. Naw we just like to put them together to see them battle. Duh.  Yes. They can live together. 

4. "Are those real?" NO! They are completely fake. in fact, what are you talking about you crazy? There is nothing here to even see. Move along.

5. I love when mothers have 37 children and the kids are all screaming "I  WANT A HERMIT CRAB" and then the mother proceeds to make up 31 false excuses as to why they should not have a hermit crab.  Example 1: "Hermit crabs smell and they are dirty."   In fact, hermit crabs do not smell, they live in the sand, and they dont carry diseases. 2: "They bite." Sorry to tell you that they do not have teeth. 3. "They are too hard to take care of." Well maybe for you, but they are in fact the easiest pet ever. Feed it ONCE a week. Make sure it has water. End of story. Dont have to walk it, dont have to take it to the vet, they eat what you eat. EASY street. Stop making up false facts about hermit crabs. Thats character defilement.

I suppose working in any mall type situation really brings people watching to a new level. Then  multiply that with the ridiculousness of selling pet hermit crabs at a kiosk.

I love my life.

Peace out.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Found Alot of Things

This week went by very quickly and aggressively. My family was here, along with still having class and some other random activities. It was one of my favorite weeks so far this summer, for sure. My mom hasnt really been in Providence since before my freshman year, and my sister hasnt really seen too much in general. I made it my goal to show them all the things I am fond of plus wherever we ended up. Having a car this week and showing my family around aided in my discovery of some really interesting and new places in New England. (besides the time when it took 2.5 hours to get to Newport from Providence. I like to think "alternative route".. but whatever.)

I went on the Freedom Trail in Boston for the very first time. Surely a very touristy activity but I was sad to realize I have never walked it before. I completely recommend it. Old North Church, North End (with a necessary stop at Mikes Pastries for tasty cannoli), Bunker Hill, Paul Revere House, famous cemeteries... great exercise and it was just a really dandy time. 

Ocean Drive in Newport RI.. otherwise known as the Ten Mile Drive. It beautiful and stunning as you are surrounded by beautiful homes, the ocean, and gorgeous scenery. At one point we found a little cove with dozens of small rowboats and fishermen. Why have I never known about it? Dear lord, I wanted to drive it ten times in a row. 

Pawtuxet Village RI. So, I have vaguely heard of it before, but never really could figure out where it was. We stumbled upon it accidently while taking some misguided turns after admiring Save the Bay and the JWU Harborside campus. Its a little historical nugget of delight tucked amongst Providence and Cranston-ish. Waterside, quaint mainstreet USA, nice area. Definitely worth a drive through. 



We also ate at Harbourside Lobstermania in East Greenwich. They have the most ridiculously amazing lobster bisque, tasty seafood, great service, great atmosphere, and its right on the water. I always get the seafood platter which has baked scrod, stuffed shrimp, and scallops. I recommend it. My sister who has historically only ordered the chicken fingers, actually got a lobster club, and she LOVED it. I would recommend either. The prices vary depending on where you sit. The upscale/upstairs dining room is more classy, and expensive, but after a few visits we have realized that downstairs has the same menu for half the price and minus the salad bar.. which is ok with us. lol. 

Ohh. What a week.  What are your favorite places in New England that you like to show visitors or you like to visit? Any cool secret little tidbits? Please share=)

-Alissa-

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Pictures of My Mother. In Rhode Island.

...For those that weren't sure if she was still with us.


Donkey in Boston



Newport Wharf

Save the Bay.. Narragansett Bay path

Cliff Walk in Newport RI


Old North Church, Boston MA

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

"I guess we all get lucky sometimes..."

Pictures from our time in Boston:
click here

-----------------------------

My Lamp Came in Today!!!!!!!


 =) =)  I want to thank Fantabulously Frugal again for the amazing addition!

**Here are some other great little tidbits from my apartment (nautical theme much?) :


Target for  68cents. I could not resist.

in the bathroom.

this is the anchor that Esther bought me for last Christmas. Finally found a home in the kitchen!

And that is all for today. Nothing super exciting. Just quick updates and pics. The family wanted to see what we are up to this week while my mom and sister are in town. I finally have a garbage can, instead of just being all broke college student and hanging a industrial sized garbage bag from the door. My mom made me throw out the dead flowers sitting in the vases, and we bought really great cherry blossoms to go in there. It gives the living room a modern twist. I would say the theme for the apartment is modern nautical americana. Its hot. Okey dokey. Newport today. Peace out.

Monday, July 13, 2009

=)

my mom and sister are having a blast, and I am having a blast because they are here.

tomorrow we attempt driving in boston.

im tired. still have class.

peace out world.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Mouth Watering


Dear Lordy in heaven. This week is Providence Restaurant Week, and there are some great specials going around. We all know the glorious and beautiful cuisine that Prov has to offer, my my taste buds are being tempted by reading the menus for the week. Oh my.

Choose from more than 75 Restaurants
$12.95 for a three-course lunch
$29.95 for a three-course dinner


Places that I will definitely NEED to check out:
(click links for menus)
Aspire for their lunch and their BLAST WRAP (bacon, lettuce, avocado, sprouts, and tomato)

Legal Seafood for their dinner selection, especially Crispy Montauk Calamariregular, Rhode Island style (hot peppers and garlic)or Thai style (pineapple and peanuts)

McCormick and Schmicks for the Asian Salmon Burgeron a Bulkie Roll with Shredded Cabbage and Wasabi Mayo &&& Chocolate CupFilled with Raspberry Mousse and Fresh Berries.

Trinity Brewhouse for their dessert option of Banana Spring Rolls Cinnamon sugar dusted bananas, lightly fried and served over vanilla ice cream with our own porter chocolate sauce. They also have the best sweet potato fries in the world ever created.

Angelo's Civita Farnese Restaurant for the dinner meals that are for two including ziti, antipasto, and Chicken Parmesan Sandwich! What a deal!


Holy moly.
Seafood and rhode island cuisine GALORE. I cant handle myself. Thank goodness that my mom and sister are here this week, as it gives me an excuse to dine out =)
Let me know if you get to any of these fab places!

Mouth Watering


Dear Lordy in heaven. This week is Providence Restaurant Week, and there are some great specials going around. We all know the glorious and beautiful cuisine that Prov has to offer, my my taste buds are being tempted by reading the menus for the week. Oh my.

Choose from more than 75 Restaurants
$12.95 for a three-course lunch
$29.95 for a three-course dinner

Places that I will definitely NEED to check out:
(click links for menus)
Aspire for their lunch and their BLAST WRAP (bacon, lettuce, avocado, sprouts, and tomato)
Legal Seafood for their dinner selection, especially Crispy Montauk Calamariregular, Rhode Island style (hot peppers and garlic)or Thai style (pineapple and peanuts)

McCormick and Schmicks for the Asian Salmon Burgeron a Bulkie Roll with Shredded Cabbage and Wasabi Mayo &&& Chocolate CupFilled with Raspberry Mousse and Fresh Berries

Trinity Brewhouse for their dessert option of Banana Spring Rolls Cinnamon sugar dusted bananas, lightly fried and served over vanilla ice cream with our own porter chocolate sauce.

Holy moly. Seafood, rhode island cuisine GALORE. I cant handle myself. Thank goodness that my mom and sister are here this week, as it gives me an excuse to dine out =)

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Obsession Confession: Guacamole


This is the most amazing food that has entered my mouth in many a months.

Guacamole. who knew that it tastes amazing, and is EASY to make!


Ok, here's what to grab:
Ingredients:
3 soft avacados-skinned and mashed into chunky consistancy
1 lime-juiced
garlic clove-diced
half of an onion- diced
1 large tomato-diced
hint of salt.


Now. Mush it all together. No special order. Just go for it.

And now eat.


Works great with tortilla chips, pita crisps, tacos, burrito's, wheat thins.

The only thing bad about guac- no matter how much you make, it ends up gone in five minutes or less by those ravenous guac lovers and there is never left overs. 

Local Treats

Sigh. I miss Lockport. But I love Providence.

To combat my issues, I read many things on both cities. Today, I figured I would compile a neat list of interesting activities, events, links, and news from both. Here ya go kids.

Lockport
Altro Park Free Outdoor Movies
Molson Concert Series
Taste of Buffalo
Lockport Blog


Providence
Folk Festival 50
Sound Sessions
Prov Restaurant Week
Move to Providence Campaign!
Ryan Conaty: RIpics
Greater City: Providence (my fave site ever.)

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Epic Fail.

Umm.. so I epicly changed this blog. and lost everything on the sidebar.
Ooops.

Well.. I dont have so much time to fix it right now.

Blogger is annoying me.

GGGGRRRR.

why wont it let me upload a header?

Monday, July 6, 2009

Exciting things.

So, I went through a few days in the past few weeks that were kind of downcast and melancholy. But right now, Im really excited. Im excited for all the great things that are happening here and there and everywhere involving everyone and maybe even no one. And Im going to make a list.


1. People are getting married. Thats exciting. Amanda, Siobhan, Alon.

2. People are engaging the local missions field. About 4 people are moving to Providence Rhode Island to specifically and intentionally get involved with the local church and to be a light in such a dark dark place. Want to join in?

3. People are going to the ends of the earth. 2 Friends just got back from a month long missions adventure in Ethiopia, another got back from a week in Mexico! Others are going to Japan, Turkey, and Russia, long term and short term!! Awesome!

4. My mom and sister are coming to visit me this weekend. How exciting!

5. I had a really good coffee this morning.

6. A friend just got a job after months of being without one.

7. "Mars is giving away 250,000 coupons for free chocolate every Friday through September! Coupons are available beginning at 9 a.m. EDT. You can keep signing up until you have reached the maximum number of four coupons." click here to see the link from Fantabulously Frugal and sign up now!

8. The rain is beautiful here.

9. A sense of community is growing and growing here in Providence. Its an amazing thing to be apart of.

Your Turn.
Please comment and let me know what you are excited about these days!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Independence Day..

Hey. Happy Independence Day. Hope you day is filled with he knowledge that we are all independent. And fire works and all that whatnot.

My roommates brother, and my friend, Matt is here for a few days staying with us. Also tonight, India Point Park is the place to be to seegreat fireworks for Providence. So Im going to be there with a little picnic group of good times.

I finally have a camera again. Got the upgrades Fiji film, and its pretty small and cute. Cant wait to take some great pics later.

Ok, gotta go to the store and by some goods for tonight. Peace out kids.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

I WON I WON I WON!!!!


So, I won this lamp^

http://tinyurl.com/ncxckb
<-----This is the link to my winning entry. =)

Oh My Goodness. Can I just say thank you to the Academy. And God. I was bored at work one day, and just typed in giveaways on google and came up with a bunch of stuff so I entered them all. ALL of them. Legit.


Fantabulously Frugal is a great site. I now check it a few times a day for great updates and lists of free samples and sales. You should start!

-Alissa-