that time i got my nose pierced

Make that the third time I got my nose pierced. That’s right. I’ve done this before. I’m a nose-piercing veteran. The first time I kept it in for about 8 months. The second time for about 2 years. And here we are again. My nose is just destined to have holes poked in it.

My friend (and neighbor) Melissa and I went to Piercology which is one of the snazziest piercing parlors I’ve visited. The staff was awesome and I highly recommend them to any Columbus readers.

Melissa is way tougher and less squeamish than me, being a veterinarian and all, so she totally let me hold her hand when they put the needle through. That’s what friends do, yo.

Incidentally, this is also the first picture of my recent haircut. True story, the stylist did not even ask. She just started hacking it off. It’s a lot shorter than I wanted but like my mom said, hair has a funny way of growing back.

I have been super lame about blogging this last week but am focused again and back to blogging with a capital B.

How was your Monday??

love, elizabeth

lessons from my father

If this list is short, it’s because I was dangerously close to crying. Some stuff my dad has taught me.

1. If one solution doesn’t solve the problem, try another.

2. Real men cry.

3. Reading out loud is an art form.

4. You can learn how to do anything. Just read the manual.

5. Do things the right way even if no one else will ever know the difference.

6. Sing in the church pew like you’re singing in the choir. Offer your best even if only God and your daughter can hear you.

7. Sometimes the most important thing to do in an argument is listen.

8. Attending church isn’t just a priority; it’s an occasion.

9. Following God’s plan for your life might mean joining the Navy or going to the mission field or working in an office building in Colorado, but following God’s plan will always bring contentment.

10. Education is meant to uplift, not to patronize or condescend or look down on others.

I love you so much, Dad. Happy Father’s Day!

What about you? What lessons have you learned from your dad?

love, elizabeth

Side-Splitting

A few nights ago, Kyle and I were driving home when he made a joke and I proceeded to laugh.

I kind of dislike my laugh. Not my regular haha-that’s-sort-of-funny laugh or my heheh-laughing-to-be-polite laugh but the long, drawn-out old man wheeze that comes out of me when I think something is really, really funny.

“I love your laugh,” Kyle said.

“I don’t,” I said. “I sound like a hundred-year-old man!”

And Kyle made a mistake.

He laughed.

And so then I laughed.

And then he laughed because I was laughing.

And so of course…I laughed again.

“Stop—gasp—I can’t—“

“Can’t-breathe—wheeze—stop it, Kyle—wheeze…”

“Shut up! Ow! Haha, stop it!”

“It hurts! It really hurts—wheeze—“

“Elizabeth, cut it out! Ow, ow, owie!”

“I’m going to die—wheeze—help me—ow—“

“AAAAAAAAAAAA NO MORE NO MORE—gasp—I CAN’T—gasp—TAKE IT…”

We actually had to pull over on the side of the road because Kyle couldn’t even drive the car, he was laughing so hard.

I can’t remember the last time I felt so good.

love, elizabeth

The most romantic PB&J you ever did see

Whenever I’m tempted to wish for a different life – one with more world travel and fast-paced goings on, Kyle reminds me that it’s the little things that make your heart race and the little things that make you fall in love, all over again.



What little thing made you feel alive today?

love, elizabeth

Girl Confessions

Haven't done one of these in a couple weeks. Thought it was high time.

1. I was listening to an old mix tape in the car today and heard this. I forgot how epically awesome this song is. And how epically awesome Gwen Stefani was in No Doubt.



2. Had to have blood drawn this morning and I was kind of a baby about it. I hid it well (thank you, theatre degree) but it hurt more than I remembered it hurting last time. Is it possible I am getting less hard-core in my middle twenties?

3. Major girl confession: I just sucked it up and scheduled my annual exam with a brand new OBGYN. I have been putting this off for a few months because who seriously enjoys THAT visit? But my previous doctor was really terrible and I needed to go see someone new. I was a little nervous but then I remembered I'm a strong, grown woman and I can totally handle this. Right? Right. Girls, if you're not getting regualr pelvic and breast exams, just do it. Nothing more important than your health! Dudes, you need to go to the doctor, too.

3. I am now unashamedly addicted to America's Got Talent. I can't decide who I love more...Nick Cannon as host, the host of weirdos who think they can win a million dollars and a Las Vegas show, or the host of weirdos who totally CAN.  I have never seen more unusual and creative work. It's such a fantastic show and reminds me why I'm writing my dissertation on popular entertainment. Check out one of my favorite acts from this last week. This kid is so charming and polite. And what a VOICE.


4. I read a romance novel this weekend. There. I said it. And it may or may not have been about a Navy Seal who  has to be a bodyguard for a woman on the run.  And because she's special and different, she totally melts his bad-guy-snipering heart and there is passionate kissing  and he's all "you don't understand, I'm a KILLER, BELLA!" and she's all "I don't care! Drink my blood!" Whoops. Wrong book.  It was no 50 Shades of Grey but you know...what is? (disclaimer: this is not a recommendation)

5. I've been terrible about keeping up with blogs but expect to see much more of me now that I'm officially on summer hours!

Alright, lay it on me. What's your girl confession today?

love, elizabeth

PS: Have you voted in the sidebar yet? Help me decide which charity should receive the June sponsorship proceeds!

Help Me Decide!

Part of my decision to offer paid sponsorship opportunities on Love is the Adventure was to have a chance to not only make a difference for the growth of other bloggers, but as a potential way of giving back to communities. So here’s where you can help me…
100% of sponsorship proceeds for the month of June will be going to a non-profit. But I can’t decide which one!
Here are the choices:
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network)
Their mission statement:

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of "America's 100 Best Charities" by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,100 local rape crisis centers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.

Safe Horizon
Their mission statement:

Safe Horizon is the nation’s leading victim assistance organization and touches the lives of more than 250,000 affected by crime and abuse each year. Whether we are responding to child abuse, domestic violence, or other violent crimes, we help victims and their families heal and rebuild their lives.

Safe Horizon takes action by providing practical services like a new lock, 24-hour hotlines, safe shelter, and food as well as supportive services like mental health counseling. Our dedicated staff offers compassionate, expert support, helping victims find hope by offering a chance to tell their story in their own words, a guide through the criminal justice system, and a safe place to sleep.

Our services are models for programs across the country and around the world, and our staff provides critical technical assistance, education and training to service providers, government organizations, corporations and the media worldwide. Our experience for over a quarter of a century gives us a credible voice for leading change in systems, policies, and legislation. We are recognized as national leaders and are sought out as experts on violence and victimization.

Safe Horizon also raises awareness of issues of violence and abuse, and its impact on the home, the workplace, and communities. Through speaking engagements, media and online outreach, integrated public awareness campaigns, and distribution of public service materials, Safe Horizon reaches millions of people each year, educating the public and inspiring them to take action to help move victims of violence from crisis to confidence.

 

Childhelp
Their mission statement:

Childhelp is a non-profit organization whose mission is to meet the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. Childhelp is not affiliated with Child Protective Services, any governmental agency, political party, religious denomination, or any other entity, organization or institution. Although Childhelp promotes the right of children to be free from abuse and neglect, we do not endorse or oppose any political or legislative action, or affiliate with any outside organization. Our primary purpose is to focus our efforts on advocacy, prevention, treatment and community outreach.

To vote, scroll over to the sidebar on the right and choose which organization should receive a donation from Love is the Adventure this month!
Want to sponsor for the next 30 days and have your sponsor fee apply towards one of these charities? Click here to find out how.
love, elizabeth

Link-Up: Cool. Not Cool. Undecided.

Heeeeeeeeey, Saturday people! I’m linking up with Janette over at Janette the Jongleur today. If you haven’t visited her blog yet, you really need to. She’s an extra great brand of awesome.

Cool.

The mix tape I had made the summer Kyle and I got married. I re-discovered it in my car this morning and proceeded to rock out to Panic! at the Disco (back when they still had the classy mid-title exclamation point) like it was 2006 all over again.

Our new neighbor! I just met her when she was unloading the U-Haul and found out she’s getting her PhD from the same university as I am. O-H. Go Bucks.

Not Cool.

How messy our apartment is. I JUST cleaned. Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy….

Sleeping through my alarm which I did twice this week.

People eating people and sending parts of them in the mail. Just saying.

Undecided.

The weird in-between feeling I’m having. I don’t have a job this summer so technically all I have to do is read the 245 books on my candidacy exam list. I’m really going to have to impose some structure on myself or this is going to be a wasted summer.

The amount of time I’ll be spending in Colorado. Too much or too little? I’m incredibly homesick so I feel like more time is better…but I know I’m going to miss Kyle horribly. In fact, this is the longest we will have been apart since we got married six years ago.

Thanks, Janette, for the link-up and the inspiration today! If you want to link-up, go here!

love, elizabeth