MandersLuke

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Thursday, 27 January 2011

Tip #1

Posted on 18:44 by Unknown
"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true."
-Leon J. Suenes
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Thursday, 20 January 2011

Oprah made me cry again...

Posted on 17:26 by Unknown
Today, I tuned in to watch Oprah because my friend Angie told me to.

I will be honest, I have my DVR set to record Oprah everyday. Judge me all you want.

I cried during the first segment with the Croc Hunter's family. His kids are growing to be such beautiful and polite kids, I can't help but think of how proud their dad would be and what a remarkable woman their mother is.

Then, I cried when Jay-Z showed up to a school to love on and encourage some boys.

To add to the water works, I saw this video....



Kristian is battling cancer. Kristian had to stop working, which meant that Rachel had to go back to work to support the family. Four people living on one income is nearly impossible. In fact, I would venture to say that it is pretty much impossible. To add to that impossibility, add the medical bills that come from battling cancer.

In the video introducing Kristian and Rachel's story, Kristian told a story that made me weep. I had to rewind and listen again and again. Here is what was said:

"A friend from our church rang up and said, 'Put all the bills in an envelope, we're coming to take them from you. The church is gonna pay them for you.'"

WOW.

I want to be THAT Church.

It reminded me of something that Shane Claiborne said in The Irresistible Revolution...
"When we get to heaven, we will be separated into those sheep and goats Jesus talks about in Matthew 25 based on how we cared for the least among us. I'm just not convinced that Jesus is going to say, 'When I was hungry, you gave a check to the United Way and they fed me,' or, 'When I was naked, you donated clothes to the Salvation Army and they clothed me.' Jesus is not seeking distant acts of love: 'you fed me... you visited me in prison... you welcomed me into you home... you clothed me.'"

Kristian and Rachel's church was The Church. They didn't send money to an organization hoping that they would help Kristian and Rachel. They didn't wait. They did.

I want to be THAT Church.
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Tuesday, 18 January 2011

Check It

Posted on 19:57 by Unknown
Saw this medley performed LIVE on The Ellen Show yesterday...

You think she sounds good on this, it doesn't even do her justice. SO MUCH BETTER LIVE!

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LOVE THIS

Posted on 19:37 by Unknown
...AND, they are from San Diego!

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Thursday, 13 January 2011

Google Reader

Posted on 20:29 by Unknown
As I have said before, I am addicted to my Google Reader. In the beginning, I didn't understand what the big deal was. Now, I know and I am never turning back. Google Reader has revolutionized the way we keep up with blogs. If you read blogs, and don't use Google Reader... stop reading this, get set up on Google Reader and then come back to this. Seriously.

With this obsession has come more blog reading for me.

Here are some of the blogs that I can't get enough of...

Alex Evjan - It is no denying that Alex has a keen eye for fashion and design. The girl is so damn talented it isn't even fair. She posts fashion inspiration pictures that blow my mind post after post. You can thank me later.

Alexis Ward - Alexis is arguably one of the most talented graphic designers that I know. She is crazy talented and innovative. She even made the header for this blog. :) She recently started a personal blog with recipes and such... Check it out!

Andy Merrick - Is it weird that I want him to date my friend and I don't even know him? Seriously, they are both in Nashville. He is witty. She is witty. He is hot. She is GORGEOUS. Needs to happen! Go ready Andy's series on why guys aren't asking you out.

Katelynn
- Katelynn is another one of my close friends with a wonderful blog. Katelynn blogs about the ups and downs of life, music, shoes, and love. She is a gift.

Kelli Murray - In case you haven't noticed, I have some ridiculously talented friends. Kelli is arguably one of the most talented of all. I have two pieces of her art in my room, I have sent out numerous cards of hers, she designed my College Graduation announcement, and designed a good number of the t-shirts in my dresser. Kelli is crazy talented.

Leah Case - Leah and I met back in the fall of 2006, while I was working for Jedidiah, traveling to the conventions with YS. Leah and I quickly became friends and I am so thankful for her. Now, we are "co-workers" working with an amazing photography company called Once Like a Spark. (If you need a wedding photographer, no matter where you are, check us out... it is an AMAZING business.) Leah blogs about health and fitness, food, life, love, faith, and so much more. She is inspiring!

Megan - Megan is one of my nearest and dearest. Her eye for fashion and design inspires me. She is a GEM!

Promise Tangeman-Wurzell
- Promise is a friend of mine who is so insanely talented, it isn't even funny. I am honored to call her friend.

Spinalcast
- I LOVE LOVE LOVE Spinalcast. I laugh out loud EVERY episode. Justin, Brian, and Ryan are three of my favorite men in Arizona; good people with tons of creativity and heart. Listen. Do it. Now.

Last but CERTAINLY NOT LEAST... I can thank and blame Leah for this addiction...

DEAR GIRLS ABOVE ME
- This guy lives in the apartment below these two girls. He hears everything they say. He blogs about it. You can thank me, er Leah, later! :)
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Sing the phone book...

Posted on 18:28 by Unknown
Marvin Gaye could sing the phone book and make it sexy.



I stole this from Justin Cates. :)
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Tuesday, 4 January 2011

2010...

Posted on 17:48 by Unknown
A year end review... a few days late. :)

Hey, better late than never. Except in some cases. Anyway...

2010 started off in Vegas with some of my favorite people. My brother-in-law, his friends and I took a limo from San Diego to Vegas the day after Christmas and started a week of FUN. A few days later, some of my dearest friends from Arizona drove up and met us there for even more fun. We rang in 2010 in Toby Keith's bar dancing, people watching, and laughing. 2010 was off to a great start.
New Years Day... a dream came true. We went and saw OPENING NIGHT of Garth Brooks at The Wynn in Las Vegas. Just Garth, well and Trisha. :) Garth came out with a pair of jeans, a hoodie, and a backwards ball cap on, with his guitar slung across his back. He took us on a journey through his life, through music. He shared how one song, inspired him to write another and so on and so forth. When the journey came to present, he asked the audience what they wanted to hear. Every show is different. He is INCREDIBLE. If you get the chance, you MUST see him in Vegas. NO QUESTION. I mean, you need to see him with a full band too, but in a room with about 1,000 people and just a guitar, it is so intimate and beautiful. Needless to say, the first day of 2010 was pretty damn perfect. :) January also brought about Freighbor's birthday. It is always fun to celebrate a wonderful person and friend. I also met one of my dearest friends at Freighbor's birthday party, so that is pretty wonderful.2010 was off to a GREAT start entertainment speaking. It was just the beginning. But you will see that for yourself if you keep reading... All throughout 2010, friends got engaged, married, pregnant, bought houses, moved, became missionaries, and so much more. I traveled to places near and far to see friends and to see new places.

In February, I drove up to Huntington Beach for a girl's weekend with my friend Gina. Her husband was out of town so we got pedicures, saw girly movies, watch more girly movies at home, and just enjoyed some of what HB has to offer. It was a relaxing weekend full of love and laughter. A few weeks after returning from HB, I headed up to San Francisco to finally visit my dearest Emily and see San Fran. Emily is one of the most authentic and brave people I know. Everyone needs an Emily in their life!
In March, I celebrated my quarter life crisis with a party at The Family Bar. I am BEYOND blessed by the friends in my life. That night, I was VERY aware of the blessings in my life. A few of us gals also headed up to LA for a taping of The Ellen Show. No, I didn't win a trip to Ireland, though it was the St. Patrick's Day episode. I will say, I played the game MUCH better than the girl who played it this time around. :) ALSO in March, my Brother-in-Law and I made a last minute trip to Vegas to see JAY-Z, thanks to Kira. It was a ridiculous experience, start to finish. Last minute road trip for a concert that I only dreamed of seeing, let alone seeing for free. Watching from a box, made the experience all the more surreal. It was AMAZING.In April, Chelsea and I flew to Florida and got on a cruise ship headed to The Bahamas. It was UNBELIEVABLE! We slept, went swimming in water clearer than a swimming pool, ate, slept, read books, slept, got tan, and just enjoyed a vacation. When we got back into port, we decided to take a last minute trip to The Magic Kingdom. I might be biased, but I think Disneyland is WAY better. To go even further, I got to go to THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL for the first time in April. I skipped out on work early to head up for two days of The Eagles at The Hollywood Bowl. Kira was nice enough to let me tag along to work with her. First of all, The Hollywood Bowl is a historical venue that EVERYONE MUST experience at least once. A MUST! To make that weekend even better, we decided to go cheer on our Lakers in game one of the first round of the playoffs! April didn't suck.
In May, I surprised my dear friend Katelynn at her college Graduation. The plan was for me to come out on Saturday morning for her party... I changed my flight so I could be at her ceremony and she was TOTALLY surprised. A total success! It was an honor to celebrate such a momentous occasion with such a special friend. The next week, we Randy, Paul, Kira and I headed up to LA to see GLEE live. What a special experience?! We got to see Angie since she was out with them, got to meet most of the cast, thanks to Angie, and got to sing along to all of our favorite songs. The next weekend, I traveled to Vegas to celebrate sweet Rene's 30th birthday. Rene is one of my most favorite people. She is simply incredible! We had a great time, relaxing and celebrating Rene's birth and life. As you can see, I was out of town almost every weekend in May. As with April, May didn't suck. :)In June, we said good-bye to my dearest Grandpa Brown. My Grandpa was and is one of the most important men in my life. At this point, it is him and my step-dad Clyde. Not a day goes by that I don't miss my Grandpa. I hope and pray that I am half the person that he was and leave half the legacy that he did.
In June, I stayed put for the most part. Once again, there was LOTS of entertainment involved. Thanks to Kira, my sister and I sat at the end of the runway for the Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum song. I was THAT fan singing EVERY lyric and virtually speechless at how close I was to the stage. I don't know what it was about this show that made it different from the others. The concert was just days after my Grandpa died, so maybe it was just that I needed something to bring deep joy. This concert did that! I mean, let's be honest, Tim McGraw sat 2 feet from me, singing MY FAVORITE Tim song. HELLO. That experience didn't suck. Later that month, I went to the fair with Kira and June and it was like going to the fair for the first time. I learned so much about fair food, exhibit halls, and all things fair. Adding to all of that fun in June was a trip to see the Comedians of Chelsea Lately at Humphrey's, thanks to Randy! To end the month, I began my 3 week stay at Casa Fink with JakeDog.July is always a fun month. On July 1st, I transitioned jobs at work that allowed for a lot more freedom and a much happier lifestyle for me. Less money but SO MUCH more happiness. I spent for fourth with JakeDog and some dear friends visiting from Seattle and Indianapolis. We swam, laughed, watched fireworks, and simply enjoyed such a special day in America. Just a few days later, I flew to Arizona to meet up with Jen and the fam before flying to Dallas to spend some time at the Great Wolf Lodge. I spent lots of time laying on the shelf in the pool getting a tan, playing with the iPad in the cabana, and sleeping in. It was glorious.August came quick and was just as wonderful as the other months. Kira and I headed back to up the Bowl a few times. First, to see RENT which was directed by Neil Patrick Harris, who Kira grew up with. Neil did an incredible job and the cast was amazing. Seeing my favorite show at one of my favorite venues with great people. It wasn't a bad gig. Late that month, we drove up for the John Mayer show. This time, my sister also drove up so she got to enjoy the show with me. I don't care what people say, I LOVE me some John Mayer. LOVE HIM. To bring the month to an end, Alexis, Jason, Kira and I headed to LA for the season premiere of the Ellen Show. Though it was pretty much a bust with how long we had to wait, I won an iPod and we got to spend the day together, so how bad could it have been?September started with getting to be part of an event in San Diego that I could have only dreamed of being part of. I was on the committee for Taste at The Cove and was so honored to be part of the event. I can't wait for the 10th anniversary this year! September also brought a new job to my life, and I cannot be more thankful! It also brought about a few Padres games and a walk in memory of Ben. We walked to raise money for Brain Tumor research. We walked for Ben. To top off a WONDERFUL month, I got to see Sara Bareilles at HOB, and it was so damn good. Seriously, girl can SING.October started with Carrie Underwood on the 1st with my sister and Rascal Flatts on the 2nd with some lovely ladies. I got to see 3 of my favorite artists in a 4 day span, it was so great. So so great. The next weekend, I headed up to Disneyland for a girl's weekend. No kids. No drama. No BS. Just good Disney fun with great friends! Later in October, I won tickets to Maroon 5 from NBC 7-39. Mom and Clyde took those tix and I went with some friends, so we all got to enjoy the show. To make a good month great, I went to the Lakers game here in San Diego and sat center court just a few rows up. To make it even better, I got to see my Bolts play the Patriots on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. To end the month, I flew to Arizona to visit friends and just get away. I love my mini/many trips to AZ. As with most of this year, it didn't suck.November came and went with ups and downs. Another trip to LA, this time to see Chelsea Lately! Some friends and I went to Disneyland for a private party, which is the way to do Disneyland. NO STROLLERS! It was a whole new world, pun intended. In fact, I spent A LOT of time at Disneyland in November. Just days after heading up for the party, Eric and I headed up to celebrate the day of his birth. We met up with friends here and there but mostly just enjoyed Disney. We watched World of Color which brought a few tears to my eyes. Monday night football was the following Monday and it was perfect. We beat the Broncos, sorry to all my CO peeps! Thanksgiving was good, it was spent with friends, family, and more friends. The next day, I headed back up to Disneyland for a few days of fun in one of my favorite hotels. November was full of Disney and football which can only mean great things.December started a little rough but got better with The Rockettes here in San Diego and continued to get better and became wonderful. Christmas parties, baking, lots of rain, and football. I even played a few rounds of BINGO while on vacation! Spent Christmas with family, fed the homeless, and visited with friends. After Christmas, I headed back to AZ to spend some time with friends. Though plans changed, it was still a wonderful trip and I got home in time to ring in 2011 with two wonderful friends.As I type this, I can't help but be overwhelmed by how wonderful 2010 was. It DEFINITELY had it's ups and downs. There were mountain tops and valley lows, but I am stronger because of all of it. As we begin 2011 and look forward to the future, I don't want to forget where I came from. 2010 was good to me. I can only pray that 2011 is another stellar year.

To all of you who made 2010 so wonderful, I am forever indebted to you. Thank you for loving me through some of the darkest times in my life. Thank you for allowing me to mourn the loss of different people in different ways. Thank you for allowing me to journey through life with you. Thank you for making 2010 one of the best years of my life. 25 has treated me SO WELL!!

If you read ALL of this, I commend you, I am not sure that I would have! :)
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