Who knew bridal showers could be so...WICKED?

Last Sunday I had my first bridal shower, hosted by my dear friends from work Katie and Ashley. It was long anticipated and didn't disappoint!

I was a little concerned that not a lot of people would come b/c I don't really know that many people around here, but when I sat down and thought about it most of the people at work are women, and Jo Dena and Christina (Paul's Burzlaff's wife) were both able to make it to Ventura, which meant a lot to me.

Sunday was the hottest day I've experience in Ventura, but it was fabulous b/c the shower was thrown poolside. Everyone was in their swimming suits and cute little sundresses! The food was very Paige (Mexican food) and the games were really fun (although I failed at "memory", see previous summer post). I got lots of nice things including our crock pot, kitchen and bath towels, clock, teapot, rice cooker, and many absolutely beautiful things to wear. ;)

The lingerie wasn't the most shocking thing I got, however...I GOT A TICKET TO SEE WICKED IN HOLLYWOOD! Wha??? Can you say BEST FRIENDS EVER?

Yes, the shower was a complete success. The only thing that was missing was my mom and sisters. :(

I did it!

I did it!  I joined a gym!  My roomie Ashley and I got a guest pass for Bally Total Fitness in Oxnard and within an hour we were signed up as members.  We didn't even get a chance to work out.  

My favorite perks of membership: heated pool, dry sauna, all the classes are free, and we each get two complimentary one hour sessions with a personal trainer.  My first is tonight at 6.  Yikes!  I'll let you know how it goes.

I figure now that I'm paying for a place to go work out I'll be motivated to go consistently.  I'm even throwing around the idea of going to a class before work and getting ready there at the gym...we'll see how long that lasts, ha!

He is Risen! Alleluia!!

Easter was really meaningful for me this year, and I think it was because I experienced it as a Lutheran. Let me explain...

Growing up in the Baptist church, the Easter season to me consisted of about a week...Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. In the Lutheran church, the season is much more drawn out, which is something I really came to appreciate.

It starts with Ash Wednesday, which a service that reminds you of your mortality. "You are dust, and to dust you shall return". A reminder of the brevity of this life, and what a gift it is.

This service begins the season of Lent, a time when traditionally people "give up" something in their lives as a constant reminder of the sacrifice of Christ. It's also been encouraged recently to add something rather than giving up something, or add something as well as giving up something. Many people I spoke with added more prayer/Bible reading time, serving in the church, ministering in their own special way through meals or cards, etc. I thought this was a cool idea.

The services are different during Lent. Every Sunday service during the 40 days of Lent omits the "Alleluia" from their liturgy. Lenten hymns are sung. Basically nothing too joyful goes on in the services as far as music/liturgy for the sake of keeping the focus on the upcoming death of Christ. Also during Lent there are services each Wednesday that have a special theme. The theme at the church I attended in Ventura was what a disciple of Christ should look like...what fruits should be evident in their lives. These services often have a soup supper afterwards.

Then Palm Sunday arrives, this service is pretty much the same as what I grew up with. Most Lutheran churches hand out palms and have a processional. Palm Sunday is the beginning of "Holy Week". On Maundy Thursday (or Holy Thursday) there is a service that reflects on the last supper, the washing of the disciples feet, etc. We took communion at this service.

The Good Friday service was the most moving for me. When we were rehearsing as a choir before the service, the director reminded us that "this is the only service that we leave Christ dead". He was right...I've heard the story of Christ's death I don't know how many times, but it never ends at his death, it is always followed by the glorious news of His resurrection, and rightfully so! At the Good Friday service, however, we left the story at his death and simply left in silence. It was very powerful!

Easter Sunday was amazing! All of the decorations were back in the church and you say "HE IS RISEN! ALLELUIA!" about a million times, and everyone and everything is so joyful having experienced 40 days reflecting on the death and sacrifice of Christ. You get to sing the most joyful hymns in the hymnal, including "Easter Hymn":

Hear the bells ringing, they're singing that you can be born again!
Hear the bells ringing they're singing Christ is risen from the dead!
The angel up on the tombstone said, "He is risen, just has He said!
Quickly now go tell his disciples that Jesus Christ is no longer dead!"

Joy to the world, He is risen, Alleluia!
He's risen Alleluia! He's risen!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

How is that not the best Easter Hymn ever? That's why it's called Easter Hymn. :) S

So yes, this years Easter was incredibly meaningful to me having experienced the whole process from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. Every church seems to have their own ways of reflecting and celebrating, which is great...I hope it was just as meaningful for you all this year!

HE IS RISEN!!!!!!!!!!!