7 Quick Takes: Happy Independence Day! Here Are British Shows

Linking up with Jen at Conversion Diary for the 4th of July's 7 Quick Takes!

1. Monday morning... oi. Hair done, makeup done, clothes on, earrings in, and ready to grab my lunch and go. I made it to the kitchen {6 steps from the front door} and realized that I was still wearing my slippers. Sigh. 

2. Jen from The Arizona Russums shared this article about raising daughters- really good! Thoughts?

3. This article from Shauna Niequist is amazing - "You are significant whether or not you have a significant other."

4. BBC ANNOUNCED SHERLOCK SEASON 4 FILM DATE!! Augh!!!!!

I really don't know how to do 4 more Takes with information like that staring me in the face... but I shall try and muddle on.

5. Oh wait, yes I do. Because BBC also announced an AIR DATE for Doctor Who!!!

6.  Seriously, this is the story of my life.

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7. Not related to the 4th of July or BBC shows at all - check out Laura and my interviews! She's a guest here, and I'm over there. Enjoy!

Finish This: Week Sixteen

Linking up with Nicole at Three 31, Jen at The Arizona Russums, Becky at The Java Mama, and Lisa at Coastlined.

My favorite makeup item is Mary Kay's eye primer. I wrote about my love for this product back in February {actually, I wrote about a lot of products}, and this is still my favorite. One little tube lasts me about a year, so don't even worry about ROI.

The best book I've ever read was Les Miserables because only Victor Hugo can make me cry with his beautiful sentences...about the sewers of Paris. No lie, I would read this book in bed and would wake up my roomie with tears in my eyes: "Catherine, listen to this sentence!" Also, there is great love in this book, and I love reading about how fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, men, and women love each other and what they sacrifice for one another.

My favorite tv show is um, can you guess? Me neither. My favorite rotates between "Sherlock," "Doctor Who," and "Miranda." If we limit it to American television, then I'd say "Suits."

The most spontaneous thing I've ever done is dyed my hair purple. My friend Jessica said, "I want to do something wild," and after a few suggestions that were vetoed, I asked, "Like dye your hair purple?" She hesitated, "Mmm, no..." which meant I was close. "What about dye my hair purple?" And she exclaimed, "Yes! That's it! Do you mean it?" And I did, so we got AJ involved and used her sink and ta-da!

in process

from the back

all done!

I prefer dogs over cats because dogs actually like me back. Cats are such....{don't swear don't swear don't swear!} meanies. If you want a laugh and don't mind a wee bit of profanity, check out this video of dog-friends and cat-friends. It pretty much sums up why I will take a dog over a cat any day.

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I met I'll meet my significant other as soon as God introduces us. Or as soon as Benedict Cumberbatch shows up at my front door; I'm open to either. ;)

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To join the link-up fun, finish the prompts in your own post or in the comments. Thanks for reading!

7QT: Mail, Guest Posts, and Waiting for BBC

Linking up with Jen at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick {and unusually short} Takes!

1. Relevant has nailed it! This article about pursuing a calling without killing a career is spot on.

2. Jamie the Very Worst Missionary wrote this post and I love love love it.

3. Just got a lovely note from Laura at A Single Drop in the Ocean. Laura, you are so sweet! And your handwriting is gorgeous... I'm kicking myself for skimping on cursive lessons back in 3rd grade. Um, don't be creeped out if I consider you my pen-pal foreverandalways.

4. In case you missed it {Blogger rejected God's gifts of "copy" and "paste" so there were some technical challenges}, here is Victoria's guest post! Read it. She's hysterical.

5. Yesterday I got to have lunch with the wonderful Dahlia! She came over to visit her sis {yay for Spring Break!}, and then she and I went to the best Chinese restaurant in the state. We also went on a Craig's List adventure and got fro yo at Red Mango. So much fun! Of course this quick visit makes me want to go see her, so I'm thinking a weekend in May will compel me to her side of the mountains.

6. Tomorrow morning I have an interview at the hospital near my house. The position is for a volunteer baby cuddler. Yes, that is an actual thing! I'm really excited, and hopefully I will start soon.

7. Because it's 7QT and Friday and I miss British television {currently taking recommendations for new shows!}:

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Happiest of weekends to you, dear readers!

7 Quick Takes: Biscotti, Fandom, Lent

Linking up with Jen at Conversion Diaries for today's Quick Takes... and actually these should be called Medium Takes, because it's Friday and let's not judge, mmkay?

1. My office had a few visitors this week, and mi madre sent me to yonder Sam's Club for some biscotti to have and look hostess-y and snack-y and stuff. And while I am a fan of things that crunch in the mouth, I'm a bigger fan of chocolate. Why is the whole biscotti not covered in chocolate?!? This is a question that will haunt me until I make my own version, which is will nevereverever happen, so I guess it's my lot to be haunted.

2. Sorry for bringing up chocolate if that's what you're giving up for Lent. I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry.

3. Speaking of Lent, this is my first time practicing a Lent fast! A friend shared this link to give a general overview {a lot of my friends are practicing for the first time this year!}, and I loved what Father Aaron says about giving something up and adding something. I don't know if you're supposed to share these or not, but I think sharing will be good accountability and will help me process a bit more deeply.

4. Giving up: I'm giving up reading books at night. After reading Father Aaron's explanation and after examining the goal of Lent {I like to have a goal, okay?}, I think the Lord asked me to spend the 30+ minutes between getting into bed and turning off my light to journal or read the Word or a devotional. This doesn't mean I'm going to stop listening to my audio books in the car {one of the goals of Lent is peace, right? Audio books bring me peace!}, nor does it mean I'm not reading any books, period. Because of library constraints, I'm starting the no-nighttime reading after tonight, and I'm planning on making significant headway in Team of Rivals during Lent. But my evenings are reserved for Jesus time.

Adding: In the spirit of encouragement, I'm trying to write two notes of encouragement a week. And I bought stamps this week, so I can actually mail them! Joyful, joyful. {P.S. If you tell me your mailing address, I'll send you something :) }

5. Backing up to Numeral Dos...I took a scroll through the links at Jen's and was saddened that no one had pictures involving Doctor Who or Sherlock. After three weeks meeting others in my fandoms, I was disappointed. So I'm remedying the link-up with the above picture, and just for kicks and giggles, here are a couple more fandom treats {and if you've given up fandoms for Lent, please see the first picture and scroll no further}.

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6. Last week at Notions {a writing group I attend, in case I haven't mentioned it before}, a few of us discovered that one of us {names shall not be used to protect the ignorant} has never seen "Fiddler on the Roof." I know, I know, it's awful. So since Notions isn't meeting this week, we are staging an intervention and going over to save our poor friend from his sad state in life. Meaning we're going to his house to watch it. 

7. And just for your weekend, here are a couple great reads from around the web...

• 6 Things Every Extrovert Secretly Has to Deal With
  
• What Women Want From the Church: Full Inclusion
  
• For some laughs, Jen Hatmaker's recent post about "Technology for Morons" is awesome. 

Happy Friday and happy weekend, y'all!

#SherlockLives

Did you guys watch Sherlock last night?!!? Samara and I had some people over to view "The Empty Hearse," and we wore costumes! Check them out:

Insta pic of some Molly Hoopers :)

a.k.a.

Jayna + Rebecca

Moriarty, Irene, Sherlock

a.k.a.

Josiah, Samara, Jerry

Sherlock with clothes on + Sherlock with a sheet on 

a.k.a.

Jerry + me

One more Insta: Irene + Sheeted Sherlock

a.k.a.

Samara + Bek 

We had fun! And do we even need to say how amazing "The Empty Hearse" was?!? I think not. Happy Monday, and welcome back to the U.S., Sherlock!

7 Quick Takes + Funny Friday

I'm going to attempt to bring some humor into my 7 Quick Takes, thus killing two birds with one stone, or rather accomplishing two goals with one post. I really didn't have to spell that out; you guys are smart and get my metaphors...I hope.

Jumping right in and away from the train wreck of a first paragraph...

1. Sherlock Sherlock Sherlock Sherlock Sherlock Sherlock Sherlock Sherlock Sherlock Sherlock Sherlock

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In case you've been living under a stupid rock caught unaware, Sherlock airs in the US this Sunday at 9:58pm, immediately after Downton Abbey. Click the image link to find local channel information, watch the past two seasons {it only takes 9 hours!}, and to see special previews. Do it now.

2. I've checked out a few other 7QT this morning, and literally every single one of them mentioned running. I don't understand it, to be honest. 

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3. What I can understand, however, is Zumba. And Zumba understands me. Most of the time. 

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4. Relevant Magazine has been wowing me recently. There's this little nugget which is totes approp considering I'm basically at one of life's milestones.  And this list is encouraging in the "way to go, you're on the right track" way and inspiring in the "keep moving in this direction" way. I don't know if those descriptions make any sense, but read the article and hope for the best, ok?

5. Need something sweet in your day? Watch this Peter Pan proposal...break out the tissues first!

6. Do you guys like reading about personality types like I do? Here are two fun pieces to look at: first, fictional characters representing each of the Myers-Briggs types. Secondly, here's an infograph demonstrating income by personality type. Fascinating!

7. In case running really is your thing and in case you hate Zumba or in case you were expecting a real life funny story, read this tweet from my flatmate. She actually said this in conversation while describing a movie. As soon as we realized what she said, we both collapsed on the floor laughing. Literally, we both dropped to the floor. Obviously, we are both hysterical. Try and rein in your jealousy that I get to live with my bff. 

Linking up with Conversation Diary for 7 Quick Takes. Happy Friday!

Travel Journal: Sunday

Ah, Sunday. A day of rest, a day of worship, a day of...not finding one church and ending up at another. Oh well.

Dahlia researched and found this lovely little church. We looked at the website, got directions, and hopped on our bikes. We made it to Charlottetown-check. We got on the right street, going the right direction- check. We...passed it? Missed it? Blinked for a really long time? Whatever the reason, we did not go to the church we had planned on going to. But we went to another little church; the majority of the members were over 75 years old. Oh well. It was a good service.

Remember the leftover pizza that did not get soggy? We had that for lunch in a park. It was really fun- the sun was shining, the pizza was great cold, and we had the day to relax!

We went to a few more bookstores. Dahlia found one store had an entire section devoted to Maud!

How many authors get their own section?! Only on their home island :)

We also went shopping, and omg we did something so cheesy, I can't even believe it. We bought matching sweaters...that have a patch of PEI. Yes, we're nerds. But they were so cute, and on sale, and how do you say no?? I know right- you don't! Don't worry- we'll get a picture together soon...as soon as we're together in the fall...

On our ride home, we stopped in the cemetery across from our hotel. Maud and Anne loved cemeteries, so we figured we had to walk through one, at least. {Side note: there are like five hundred cemeteries on this little island!!!} And there, off to one side, was this:

I'm sorry, but is this just a nerd-gathering!??!?! Yes and amen!

Anyway, Sabrina was on tv, so we watched I watched and Dahlia griped about how much she hates Harrison Ford....lol totes jk except not. :D

Sunday was fantastic, and we were well-rested for Monday, our last day on the Island...

That Antsy Stage

It’s the antsy time. You know, the time before a transition, and all your anticipation and nerves and frustrations and adrenaline are still stuck inside you with no where to go but to bed?

Because I’m in this stage, I feel like I’m wasting my life away. I know, it’s an exaggeration {you don’t get voted Most Dramatic in h.s. for nothing!}, but that’s what I’m tempted to think on lazy Sundays with travelling plans on Tuesday. There’s nothing to do right now- too soon to pack, too snowy to go out, wrong time zone to call friends or family- and so I feel stuck. It’s the awkward waiting period that lasts a few days and then goes away; it’s a time of transition, and so I’m antsy.

As previously mentioned, my bestie and I are planning on getting a place together. I’m meeting with the realtor next week to discuss stuff, and the ball is really getting rolling! I know God has a great place for us, and I’m so excited to move into this next stage.

Along with the anticipation and happiness of going home and finding a new home with the bestie, there is the sadness that comes, too. The reality of Grandpa’s passing will definitely sink in once I’m home, and I know I will really feel the loss as Grandma moves into my parents’ home and I see her frequently but Grandpa no more on earth.

I’m excited to start working for my parents, but I’m also nervous scared apprehensive about the whole process. Things will be different, because I’ll be doing a different job, I won’t be living at home {once we get a place, of course}, and I now have 6 months of experience that I didn’t have in June. But it’s still an unknown, and that means it’s an omnipresent thought in my mind.

Also, when I go home, I’m going to be volunteering for a crisis pregnancy center! I’m very excited to start serving!!! During training, the lady in charge of the education program {they go into schools and talk about abstinence and things like that} said that she would love for me to be a part of their program because I’m single. Guess being single is cool still! ;) I’m really looking forward to getting back to working with kids; I do miss my after-school groupies.

And on a lighter note, the bestie has been doing what she does best and sharing the passion for all things BBC and Sherlock, and now several of our friends are “on the bandwagon” {and by bandwagon I mean totally and completely obsessed}, and when Season Three comes out, we are planning a dress-up party for each episode! There are only 3 episodes; don’t think we’re totally crazy {we are, but not for that reason!}.It will be especially fabulous because these parties will be at our own homes, which is totally crazy because omg when did we get so old, but at the same time, it does feel kind of fun to think of hosting a themed party with friends at my house. Boom. I just grew a long white beard.

Thanks for listening, friends.