Chronicles of Nina

2011-04-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

I almost skipped this day because grasshoppers give me the heeby jeebez like you wouldn't believe. I know it's irrational. I know they can't harm me, but the freak me out. The end.

Day 10
A picture of something you hate.

2011-03-12T21:27:00.000-08:00

Day 8
A picture that makes you laugh
I think it's pretty self explanatory as to why this picture makes me laugh!

2011-03-11T13:47:00.000-08:00

Day 7

A picture of your most treasured item

This one was really hard for me to choose, but I have to pick my Little Foot stuffed animal that my grandmother gave me when I was 6. Yes, that's right he is 21 years old and he still has a special place in my heart. I have never seen the Land Before Time movies in there entirety, nor do I really ever want to, but this little fellow was a gift from my grandmother and I love him. He's been through lots of stuff with me. More than most of my friends, he always listens, has seen me shed lets of tears, and doesn't judge. He doesn't get to sleep with me every night anymore, but I think he knows hes loved and he'll be an important part of my life forever.

2011-03-11T09:06:00.000-08:00

Day 6

A picture of your favorite memory

I know this picture isn't of a specific time or event but it's a picture of my grandparents house. Since I was a child, this is one of my favorite places to visit. Some of my fondest memories are in this house. Whether in the pool that used to be in the back yard, or on the metal swing set (which I'm sure is painted with lead based paint), picking berries from my grandmas garden or sending my dolls down the laundry shoot, a good time is always had by all who enter this home. No matter how old I am, or how long its been since my last visit I know this place has a bowl of yankee salad and a cold cherry coke waiting for me!

2011-03-06T19:33:00.000-08:00

Day 5

Someone you would trade place with for just one day.

I love Paula Deen! Her southern charm, and skills in the kitchen make me admire her, and want to be her sometimes. Just for one day though. I like being me!

2011-03-06T18:56:00.000-08:00

Day 4

A picture of a fun night!

Every year my friends and I have a murder mystery party for Halloween. We've done it for the past 3 years and I look forward to it pretty much all year. Themes from the past 3 years have been Trailer Trash Tragedy, Lights, Camera, Murder (picture above is from that night), and this year we had a Murder at the Abby Manor Masquerade. Its such a fun night for friends to just be together and silly!

2011-03-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

Day 3
A picture of the cast of your favorite TV show
Why yes that is the Gilmore Girls!

2011-03-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

Day 2
A picture with the friend(s) you've had the longest.

These two beautiful ladies are my sweet, sweet friends Betsy and Paula. We have all been friends since 5th Grade where we met in Mrs. Rogers class at Tyson Elementary. To say we share a past would be an understatement. As friends and young women we've all gone our separate ways but when we can we get together and have a great time, and always share a ton of laughs. I know that I can depend on these two for anything and am so blessed and grateful for their friendship!

30 Days

2011-03-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

So, lots of my friends on Facebook are doing this 30 Day project and I thought it looked like fun.

Here goes.

DAY 1

A picture of yourself with 15 facts.

1. I love to write. I doodle with words not pictures.
2. My two biggest fears in life are grasshoppers and public restrooms.
3. I love my job, and I'm so thankful God has blessed me with the opportunities that are presented to me daily to serve Him.
4. I love cherry coke, it's my favorite drink. However it has to be bottled by the Coca-Cola Company and it cant be mixed anywhere else.
5. I'm addicted to Post Secret. I think it's because I wish I had a fun secret to tell.
6. I'm an aunt to the coolest 6 kids you will ever meet.
7. There are several jobs I want to have for just one day. Examples are; being a shampoo girl in a salon, working at a coffee shop and a nurse.
8. I want to learn how to cook. I'm a very pick eater, but I would love how to make more than just mac-n-cheese
9. I suffer from extreme motion sickness. Sometimes I get car sick when I'm driving
10. I often think about who will come to my funeral. Morbid I know. But it's true.
11. I love to travel and am always up for a road trip.
12. I don't necessarily love sports, but I love live sporting events. The atmosphere at the games is always so exciting.
13. I'm obsessed with Chick-fil-A and if I go too long without eating it I go through withdraws.
14. I love apples and oranges, but hate apple juice and orange juice.
15. Stationary and pens are my favorite things to collect. I could spend hours upon hours in a office supply store.

30 before 30

2010-12-13T14:17:00.001-08:00

A few years ago, I decided I wanted to make a 30 before 30 list which is basically 30 life experiences I want to have before I turn 30. Here it is (in no particular order)
1. Learn to drive a standard
2. Sky Dive and/or Bungee Jump
3. Travel to Africa and go on a safari
4. Own a home
5. Become a certified Red Cross Volunteer
6. Get stamps in my Passport
7. Fly alone (meaning nobody with me)
8. Visit Europe
9. See a Broadway Show on Broadway
10. Be an audience member on the Ellen Show
11. Work at an orphanage
12. See the Grand Canyon
13. Go on a Cruise
14. Experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans
15. Organize my photos and put them in albums
16. Grow a vegetable garden
17. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
18. Wear an enormously large hat to the Kentucky Derby
19. Take a picture with a monkey
20. Ride a horse
21. Score above a 100 in a single bowling game
22. Learn to change the oil on a car
23. Sail on an actual Sailboat
24. Play 9 whole holes of golf with my dad with out him becoming aggravated with me.
25. Visit all 50 states
26. Donate 15 gallons of blood or platelets to CBCO (I'm at 12 now so yes this is obtainable)
27. Touch a dolphin
28. Own a pet
29. Fire a gun
30. Cook an entire Thanksgiving meal for my family

And there they are folks, my 30 before I'm 30. The ones in red I have already completed. Looks like I have a lot of work cut out in front of me. Wish me luck!

Summer 2010 Rewind

2010-08-13T08:38:00.001-07:00

The last week in may I traveled with or Senior Class to Destin for a week of fun, fellowship and relaxing. It's always a great trip and this year was no different.The fist weekend in June, I traveled down to Dallas to see Wicked with my parents as a late birthday present. It was such a fun night, and I was glad I got to share something I love with two of my favorite people.
On June 12th, one of my oldest and dearest friends, Paula P who's now Paula G got married in a beautiful garden wedding. It was such a special day, and I was honored to get to be a part of it.
The last week of June, I was fortunate enough to get to hang out with ALL of these crazy kids for our 9th annual Local Mission Project. This year we had 10 teams completing 12 different projects. This week is always mentally, physically & emotionally exhausting, but the pros out weigh the cons by leaps and bounds. I am so blessed to get to be a part of something this AMAZING!

On June 23rd my best friend, Mallary and her husband Blake welcomed into the world, Caden Tyler. He is one of the most precious little boys I have ever seen and he brings so my joy to everyone who just catches a glimpse of his sweet face! I'm so excited he's here and for Blake and Mallary! On July 3rd my friends Mark and Hannah were married at Pratt Place Barn & Inn and Fayetteville. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to and the reception was soooo much fun! We all danced the night away and got to see some pretty rad fireworks to end the evening. I am really happy for this sweet couple, and once again so grateful that God has put such wonderful people in my life.

The day after M & H's wedding, I headed down to Texas to spend the 4th of July with the family. It was a great visit. My Uncle Dane and Aunt Carol were there from Oregon and I hadn't seen them in a couple years so it was fun getting to catch up.
And finally, the two weeks ago I traveled with a team of 22 to North Carolina for an Appalachian Mission Trip. It was a fun, hot, rewarding week that will go down in the books as one of my most memorable trips of all time.

Tale As Old As Time

2010-04-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

Okay...it's no secret, I love Beauty in Beast. In fact I can remember the Christmas the movie came out my sisters and I received a Karaoke machine and I got a Beauty and the Beast book and I would read the book into the microphone over and over and over again.I had a Beauty and the Beast room when I was in 5th grade, my grandmother even needle pointed (if that's how you say it) me a rose just like the one in the movie to put up in my room. It was almost sickening how much I loved this movie.

Well, this weekend I got the opportunity to see Beauty and the Beast Live at Har-Ber High School. Several of our Youth students were involved in the production somehow, so I didn't even feel bad about seeing it twice. Everyone did a fantastic job! I loved it!

The best part about it all was that I got to share my love of Belle and her Beast with Olivia. She has never seen the movie, and I think she has fallen in love! I asked her what favorite part was and she said, "All of them!". Me too, Livi. Me too.

Heart Walk Twenty Ten

2010-04-11T20:52:00.001-07:00

This year in honor of dad's awesome success after his diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure, we decided to do the Heart Walk as a family. Well, as it turns out we ended up having 21 people on our "Second Chances" team! It was my first time to do the walk and it was basically just a big party to celebrate survivors of heart disease and remember those who have lost their battles! It was a fun morning and I hope this becomes a family event for many years to come!

Vote 4 Kelly

2009-11-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

Tonight I'm in Dallas watching Dancing with the Stars with my mom and we have decided the judges are being mean and we really want Kelly and Louis to do well sooo.....

Vote for Kelly and Louis! They're great!

Things I want....RIGHT NOW!

2009-11-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

Recently I've found my self "shopping" online. Not really shopping, just going to various web-sites and looking at things that if I had lots and lots of money, I would buy.....RIGHT NOW!

I can't really justify paying $44 for a pair of canvas shoes, but if I could I would buy these super cute Red Toms.Since I live in an apartment I don't have the nicest stove and it for sure doesn't come with a timer. So I think I could fix that problem with this cute little number from Anthropology. It's magnetic so it can stick right on your stove/ oven.No, I don't want Kris Allen. But, I do want his new CD to be out. November 17th can't come early enough for me!

I am a nerd and I have read every single book in the Princess Diaries collection. All 15 of them. What would make this one different. Nothing. I just need to go to the library and check it out.
Oh, just another Meg Cabot book I want to add to my collection. I love every single one of her books and I can't imagine this one being any differentI love hats. I never wear them, but I love them. I would probably buy this one and it would stay in my closet with all the rest of my hats. However, that doesn't stop me from wanting it. I think I have a problem.

I L-O-V-E this purse. It's not a designer hand bag, in fact it's just the opposite. Just another one of Sam Moon's glorious finds. It's only $25 but once again, that money probably needs to be spent somewhere else.

And these are the things I find myself wanting....RIGHT NOW!

Oh Canada!

2009-11-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

In Mid October I took a trip to Canada to see Niagara Falls with my Aunt Cindy and Uncle Tim. Lets just say it was an eventful trip. One I was glad I took, but something I probably won't ever do again! It the wonderful words of my Aunt Cindy, "It's a darn good thing this is one of the 7 wonders of the World or nobody would come here!"

Welcome to Canada-- Where your GPS doesn't work and Canadian Maps don't make sense!

It was beautiful, but stupid cold and very windy which made for a not so pleasant experience!

Labor Day Fun!

2009-11-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

Labor Day was a fun weekend for the Thiede Family! I spent the weekend in Dallas with my parents sisters and their family! Good times were had by all!

Caroline Turns 2!

2009-11-06T15:13:00.001-08:00

It was a Yo Gabba Gabba Birthday and Caroline was super excited!

She didn't mind the singing but when when it was time to blow out the candles she had a melt down.

Caroline and Hago being sweet for a picture.

We celebrated Caroline's birthday in Dallas because dad had just gotten out of the hospital and couldn't travel to Arkansas. We had a really great time because the entire family came down for a whole weekend of fun and celebrating!

Bad Blogger

2009-11-06T10:45:00.000-08:00

I know I'm a bad blogger however in the next several posts I will try and chronicle my life from August until now.

American Idol Tour 2009

2009-07-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend, my friend Paula & I drove to Little Rock to visit our friend Betsy. We've all been friends since elementary school and we always have a great time when we're together! This weekends visit was no exception. We had a full agenda, and managed to get almost everything done. Our main reason for the visit was Betsy's birthday, and that the American Idol Tour just happened to be in Little Rock at the same time. We bought our tickets for the concert back in April (before we even know who the winner would be) and have been anticipating it since then. All of us are HUGE fans of the show and we all liked different people which makes it more fun! Betsy digs Anoop, I'm a Kris & Danny fan and Paula loves her some Adam Lambert (for reasons I will never understand). Betsy called me a week before we came down and told me she had all these plans for us to be at certain places and certain times and we WERE going to meet the contestants. I didn't really believe her and being a "stalker" really isn't my thing, so I was a little hesitant..but oh well, it was her Birthday weekend so I was game for anything! So Saturday..the day of the concert we had heard through the grapevine (aka twitter) that the contestants come out after their sound check for signings and pictures. We were already downtown so we were like lets swing by and if anybody is there, we will stop! Well we sat in a no parking zone for about 10 mins. and sure enough out walks Matt Giraud. We were stoked. We hoped out of the car (of course Susannah moved out of the no parking zone), and went to get in line with about 20 other people. After Matt came out, so did Danny, Michael and Megan. They were all SO nice and just seemed really appreciative to have fans waiting for them. It was about 180 degrees outside and no one else came out so after much deliberation and a huge debate about whether or not to wait on Anoop, we decided to leave because we had other stuff we needed to do. We ran to the mall, went and checked into the Peabody, and then got ready for the show. I've never been to and AI concert before, but it was FANTASTIC! I was so amazed by all the contestants they all did a really great job! My favorites were of course Danny, Matt & Kris. Kris' set was AMAZING! The crowd gave him a standing ovation and yelled for about 5 mins. It was great, and as cheesy as it sounds, I was really proud of him being a fellow Arkansan and all. After the show we decided we were going to wait out by the tour buses. The line was forever long and I was not excited. However, Betsy & Susannah being the girls they are just marched us right to the front of the line, and there we waited for the rest to come out. First came Matt, Michael, Danny & Scott. We'd already met all but Scott so we were excited to see him. Then came Allison (she wasn't too nice), then came Adam and the crowd went CRAZY! I couldn't help but laugh. People LOVE some Adam. I'm not a huge fan, but I was glad he came out for Paula. Then Anoop came and Betsy was so excited however he went to the other side. Boo. We tried our best to convince her that he was going to go to both sides, but he totally didn't. It was a huge let down, and she was pretty bummed, but then walks about Kris Allen so we all got really excited! He was so nice, and just genuinely thankful to people. He signed Betsy's iPhone, and then we left. Overall it was a great night and I was so glad I got to experience such a fun night with some of my closest friends! Looking forward to Season 10!

Easter

2009-07-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Easter came and went really fast this year. We had a great celebration at the church. I also had the joy of going over to Blake and Mal's house to dye Easter eggs with the fam. We had fun!

New York, New York

2009-07-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

New York was way different than I expected, but in a good way. I didn't think that I would feel that much different than I did when I was in any other big city but I really did. New York is so fast paced and really uptight. However, we did meet some really great people!. I'm once again reminded of how much I love living in NWA! Enjoy the pictures from the trip!

Here we come NYC

2009-03-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

Dark and early tomorrow morning a group of 51 students and adults from church are headed to the Big Apple for a week long mission project. While we are there we will be serving in soup kitchens, participating in worship with addicted teens, visiting fire houses, working in the World Vision store house, and having lunch with senior citizens and the Burden Center for Aging. While we are there my prayer is that the students & adults are broken completely by God and that He uses us to our fullest potential for the Kingdom.

I'm a little nervous about our trip. Not only because we are traveling with such a large group, but because this is all new to me. I've never been to NYC, and the unknown always makes me uneasy. Of course my excitement for the things God has in store is greater than any fear or nervousness I have. While we're there, not only will be helping other but we get to do some pretty cool stuff too. We will be visiting the Statue of Liberty/ Ellis Island, Empire State Building, taking a walking tour of China Town, Ground Zero, and Wall Street. We also get to see a Broadway show. Some of the group is going to see Phantom of the Opera and the others are seeing Mary Poppins. I'm in the group seeing Phantom, but I am sure both will be exceptional.

I'll blog all about the trip when I get home, but until then please join me in praying for the following things:

Safety of our team
Patience, quick thinking, wisdom, and guidance for our leaders
That the students/ adults going will truly allow God to use us as His hands and feet
That our adults will be able to build lasting relationships with our students & students with each other
We are able to get as much for the people we meet as they will hopefully get from us
All going will keep a servants heart and that there is a little shock factor with the things we do.

I'm off to finish packing only 8 hours until I have to be at the church, but before I sign off I need to shout out a big Happy Birthday to my nephew Hagen. The little guy is turning 6 tomorrow and I won't get to celebrate with him! I know he will have a great day in Dallas with the fam!
Happy Birthday Hago! I love you!

Has it really been that long?

2009-03-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

I was reading random blogs today and I realized that I had not posted in some time. If I in fact do have readers. Sorry. Because my last post was in January, I'll some up my February for you.

The apartment above mine was shot up.
Super Bowl Party at church
I got out of my lease at Chapel Ridge.
Moved in with Sam and Corey til I could find a new place.
Mallary had a birthday. We celebrated at Noodles...yum.
Hagen had a Valentines program at school. He's a spaz, and it was funny.
Watched Hagen, Reese and Olivia one afternoon we made cupcakes. Oh My!
I finally switched from Alltel to AT&T. I know.
I went and saw Avenue Q at the WAC. It was completely inappropriate but really funny!
Samantha had a birthday. We had a ballerina Rick's Cake. Delish!
My parents came to visit with my granny.
I moved into my new apartment. Clear Creek. They are nicer. I feel safe.
I ordered a king cake from Rick's for Mardi Gras. The baby was on the outside of the cake. Boo.
Lent started. I gave up facebook. I am having withdraws.
I went to Tulsa with the 8th Graders. It was very tiring. They have a lot of energy.

Well, now that it's mid March maybe I will post about it in April. Hopefully sooner. I leave for NYC in a day. I don't even know what to pack, but I'm ready to go.

Ice

2009-01-30T07:07:00.000-08:00

Hey guess what, the bathroom light doesn't work!

2009-01-30T06:49:00.001-08:00

Because of the ice storm of the century to hit Northwest Arkansas, Sam & Corey's (and everyone else in Springdale's) electricity went out for about 36 hours. It was an adventure, but if it would have been out much longer I was going to SCREAM! One can only read and play Yahtzee by candlelight for so long. The funny thing is we all kept going into rooms and turning on light switches, out of habbit I guess. We finally got sick of being in the dark so we went to Blake and Mallary's, who were fortunate enough to have electricity. After we were there about an hour, their power went out. Needless to say it was quite an adventure, but one I never want to partake in ever again! Corey's survival kit. They only had hazelnut, fresh linen, strawberry kiwi, and mandarin cranberry candles left at Wal*Mart, it smelled like a fruit salad in this house!
Our source of light for Tuesday evening.

Who would of thought you would ever cook mac-n-cheese on the grill?

Another source of light for the night.

We pulled out mattresses and slept in the living room around the fire so we wouldn't freeze!

School Closed Early

2009-01-30T06:34:00.001-08:00

On Monday January 26th Schools closed early in preparation for a big ice storm. Sam and Corey weren't able to leave work early, and my work (FUMC) was closing early, so I got the girls. We came home and had fun. However, I only think a 25 year old girl can only watch so much Noggin before she goes insane!

Welcome Back

2009-01-05T21:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Well, after a long hiatus from blogging I decided that I am going to try this again. One of my goals this year is to blog more, lets see if it works. My main goal with blogging is for it to be sort of a digital journal so I can keep up with things. I know not very many people read this.

Today was a strange day. It was my first day back to work after two weeks off and I felt as though I was playing catch up all day. I had tons of little tasks to do, and I seem to get burnt out easily when that's the case. I did however get a lot of stuff accomplished so I don't feel like I'm as behind as I would normally be.

After work today, I came home and cleaned house. My intentions were to take down my Christmas tree, but I just didn't get that driving force to do it. I went to Wal*Mart instead, and bought much needed groceries. One of my other goals of the year is to eat out less. We'll see how that goes! :)

I went to Sam and Corey's house for a little while and I tried to watch a little bit of The Bachelor. I just can't really get into it anymore. I'm sure I'll still end up watching, but tonight I was just not impressed.

Overall it was a good day, and I'm hoping to have many more in the coming year! Happy 2009!

2 weeks running....

2008-11-10T21:02:00.000-08:00

Today has been another wonderful Monday. The day started out well, with The View being all Hot Topics (the only part of that show I watch), and I couldn't pull myself away from the tv. I finally made it to work around 11:00 and had a rather productive day, which always makes me feel good. After work Doug, Mal and Blake came over while Doug hooked up my computer and internet in my apartment (thanks doug). We then all went to eat dinner at Guido's . After Guido's Mal and I had "Crafty Monday" and we painted Christmas Ornaments while watching Dancing with the Stars. We decided that we need to do this every Monday to get ready for the Holiday season plus it gives us something to do!
Over all it was another fabulous Monday, and I hope they keep going this way for some time!

Trailer Trash Tragedy

2008-11-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Trashy Dance Party!!!

Jamie Moon and "Melanie" Winters

Bonnie Sue Montana and Rusty Crankshaft

Breanda Beaver the trailer park snob

Fannie the nosy neighbor and her special son Wilbur

Simon Starr

Scoop Blackwood a local reporter and drunk

Elsie May and Darlene Rivers the town gypsy's

Halloween Carnival at Church

2008-11-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

Stephanie and Olivia the ballerina

Hagen, Brianna & Tanner

The Erickson's

Caroline and me. She was the cutest little duck ever

Mallary and Blake. What a pair!

A good case of the Mondays

2008-10-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

Today has ended up being a rather eventful day and it is concluding in one of my favorite ways. Hanging out with my nieces. Monday is usually laundry day for me so I came over to the Erickson's to borrow their washer (my transmission is broken in mine :(. Corey had to go get shoes at the mall, he took Reese with him so Livie and I cuddled up on the couch, enjoyed an apple and some pumpkin custard and watched our favorite show Dancing with the Stars.

I am so blessed to have that little girl in my life, and it has made my Monday!

Blogging

2008-10-27T17:26:00.002-07:00

So, I finally decided to enter the 21st century and become a blogger! I hope you enjoy!