Like 30 other million Americans, I tuned into the quaint little television show, "The Bachelor," last night. Grahm and I sat on my uncomfortable, green couch for a solid two hours watching the premier of this comical program. It didn't fail to deliver.

Now, I don't exactly think this Brad fellow [even if it is his second time on the show] is going to find his soul mate amidst the plethora of quirky women. [What's up with fang girl?] But in some ways, I understand why the show is so popular. It embodies almost every normal person's dream, finding someone to love. Someone to marry and start a life with. Add a little drama, a handsome millionaire, and what's not to love?

Well, lots.

This got me thinking about marriage. I'll be honest, it doesn't take a lot for that topic to bounce around this tiny brain. But I decided last night that this show goes against just about everything I believe a marriage should be.

I think the premise of this show is not "finding love," but finding "someone." Anyone will do. Select a random group of beautiful women and your soulmate is bound to be one of them, right? I guess that's the point... there are no soulmates. It's all chance, good looks, and who, in the end, is going to be the best for me. Spend a few "alone" sessions with them, and BAM, you're engaged.

I don't think that's the way God works.
I think he brings people together [not in a gameshow], purposefully and decidedly.
There is only one person out there for each of us, and God knows who he/she is. Unlike the "Bachelor," it's not a matter of simply finding someone you're attracted to and "making it work."

Marriage is a huge decision. The biggest one you'll ever make, ever. And it shouldn't be taken lightly. Now, who's to say if you've dated long enough? My grandparents dated for three months before tying the knot, and they have a strong, wonderful marriage. My parents, on the other hand, dated for two years. Likewise, they have an amazing relationship that I can only hope to emulate. Point and case, it took them a little bit longer than a few "one on one" dates for them to figure it out.

In the end, I think this show is a sad [although very humorous] attempt at finding love.

What about you? Do you believe in soulmates?

Resolute [unwavering] in the Resolutions [a decision to do something]

This is my favorite day of the year. January 1. A fresh start, a clean slate. A day in which every one suddenly becomes a bubbly optimist. Nothing can bring us down.  We all are suddenly full of personal goals, brimming with the hope that we will actually accomplish them this time around.

Today, anything is possible. We can lose that twenty pounds that's been encircling our waists for the past five years; we can quit smoking cold turkey. We can get in shape [one that's not round], get better eating habits. We can start going to church. We can be a better friend, daughter, co-worker... we can just be better at this whirlwind of life.

Sure, it may be just a cheap day of reflection. Another dumb holiday our culture has created. And you may forget whatever stroke of brilliance you had on the Resolutions list by January 2... but I think there is real value in trying to better ourselves, reflecting on ways we can live an abundant life that Christ has called us to. After all, when did a little optimism ever kill anyone?

So for 2011, here's my list.

1. I'm going on a fruit/veggie diet for [at least] two weeks. Starting now. It's detox for marathon training. I think I may start dreaming in cheeseburgers, but it'll be worth it.

2. I'm also going to start a food journal, a good way to keep track of all the sugar-coated crap I shove down my throat. Another idea that I think will help with marathon training.

3. To go with #1 and 2, I want to be diligent in training this year. This will be my third marathon, and I want to give it everything I've got.

4. [Bet you saw this one coming...] I will run the OKC Memorial marathon in May. [I have a secret goal of qualifying for Boston.]

5. I will watch all the Star Wars movies... for the first time.  Yeah, yeah, I know. That's why it's on the list -- to get you people off my back.  ;)

6. Read all of Harry Potter books... for the first time. This will help boost my goal of reading over 50 books this year.

7. Read the entire New Testament.

8. Go skydiving.

9. Road trip to somewhere I have never been.

10. After graduation, work in publishing. I don't care where. Big girl job here I come.

I'm sure there is a lot more that I want to do in 2011, but here are some silly things that I want to specifically get done in the next 365 days. I'm excited about the upcoming chapter in my life.

What about you? Do you have some NY Resolutions?

Eclectic Living

I did an editorial internship with Tate Publishing in Mustang, OK with my good friend, Tiffany. Obviously, we are very good workers. :)

I turned 21 and had a great, but bizarre night with friends. Apparently, I really don't like the song "Sweet Home Alabama." Karaoke at O'Connells taught me that.

I started dating a "really really nice guy" from Florida that a good friend set me up with. Listening to her was the best thing I ever did :)

I flew to Tampa and spent my spring break with the new boyfriend. We vacationed in Pensacola with some of my friends for a few days.

I ran the OKC Memorial Marathon and beat my time by thirty-five minutes. I can't wait to do it again this year!

I flew to Tampa to see Grahm graduate from the University of South Florida with a mechanical engineering degree. Smarty pants.

I moved into a beautiful house with two wonderful roommates. Seriously, I love them. And I love living here.

I attended every Oklahoma football game that was played in Norman. It's going to be hard to get used to watching them on TV from now on.

I wrote a book. Lots of pages, lots of words. Not a whole lot of plot. [And no, it wasn't written with a pink marker.]

I hung out with my wonderful friends whenever I wasn't writing my brains out.

And I wrapped the year up by celebrating the holidays with my amazing boy and my sweet family in Tulsa.

Here's to making 2011 just as wonderful.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

... unless you work in retail.

Don't ask me how many stores I waltzed into this weekend. Way too many. And how much
did I spend? Well, we won't go there either.

Christmas, in case you didn't know, is in less than a week. Five days, people. And in two, I will be with my mom and dad in the beautiful 918, making fudge and getting ready for some much-needed time with the family.

Grahm and I did all our shopping and wrapping this weekend. We had to throw a couple elbows to get through the crowded Sooner Mall, but we managed. Ho ho ho for being last minute. Grahm's a great shopping buddy; he doesn't get peeved like I do when I can't find the right size. He's the egg to my nog :)

Saturday, we wrapped presents and watched Christmas with the Kranks.

Can you believe it's so soon?
This year has flown by.