30DBC - What Are Your Favorite Books?

So, I suppose if I was treating this as an actual challenge, I would fail. I can't keep any consistency with daily blogging. Shame upon me.

Ah, reading. So many options for me! I guess I'll try to keep this list short. I'm such a fan of reading that I just don't know if I could narrow it down too much.

 I really enjoy Stephen King's books. If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be The Green Mile. It's just quite an amazing story, without being too ridiculous. Every time I read it, I find something new in it. That's the mark of a good book to me; one you can't immediately remember every detail of. Misery is another one of my favorites. There's nothing like crazy fangirling. Annie puts Twilight fans to shame, and that's saying something.

I never really got into non-fiction. The older I'm getting, the more and more I'm gravitating towards it. I recently bough Tina Fey's book, Bossypants. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's full of amazing advice along with some downright ridiculous stories that make you feel a bit better about your life. You can actually hear her voice when you read it. It's the only time I ever considered getting an audiobook.

Finally, I have to pick something from the sci-fi world. I made the absolute best purchase a couple weeks ago. I couldn't believe it. I found the entire Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy "trilogy" (5 books) in one for $20. Best. Purchase. Ever. I haven't gotten to read them all, so I'm pretty excited to get going on that. I have a few other books I have to finish first. However, I know the whole "trilogy" is going to be a wonderful read.

I guess that covers a couple genres. Those books really are some of my favorites. Anything I'm willing to read more than two times is a success. If I know it well enough after the second time, it just didn't make the cut. There's a lot of classic literature I enjoy as well. I like To Kill a Mockingbird, Lord of the Flies, and even 1984. I liked the Harry Potter books, and the Hunger Games trilogy. They're all great in their own ways, but none of them would have to be my "favorites". It takes something pretty solid to catch my interest and keep me reading. I'm always open to other suggestions for the future!

30DBC - What Band or Musician Is Most Important To You?

This is an extremely difficult thing for me to try and hash out. I've always stood by the fact that I don't have a favorite band. I never will. If there's one thing I learned from my dad, it's that music should be taken for what it is. We can't look at country with a classic rock view and label it as bad. It's different, and it should be. If music all tried to fit the same mold, it would be boring.

Music in general is important to me. Anyone who is willing to continue to produce their music, no matter what people think of it, is important. As someone who has written and performed music, it's not easy. I write cheap little 4-chord numbers with Taylor Swift lyrics. I know they aren't the next Free Bird, but I don't want people to discount them.

So how do I answer this question? How can I pick one that is most important? Many genres of music have spoken to me at different times in my life. What is important to me in the music world is someone who fails to lose their integrity. Take All-American Rejects for example. They were extremely popular back in the late 90's/early 2000's. They've lost a lot of their popularity, but they continue to make music. More than that, they continue to make the music that they want to make. They don't apologize for trying something new, or for not changing to fit the mold. I guess in that respect, AAR is important to me.

There are two others that stick out in my head. The first one is Blue October. They create music that they like, just like AAR. The real reason that band is so important to me is because they write openly and honestly. Justin Furstenfeld suffers from bipolar disorder, which has led to a lot of poor life choices. Lyrically, I appreciate what he achieves with writing about extremely real feelings. On a similar note, I also enjoy Macklemore. While he does lots of catchy and silly tunes, he also writes about real life issues. I know that many rappers don't have this issue. Being real in your lyrics is something to be respected. His delivery is what really brings the honesty home. Sure, Eminem raps honestly...but he always sounds angry. I can't focus on him apologizing if he sounds angry while he's doing it. There's a level of sincerity that I really enjoy with Macklemore.

I guess when I look at it, music that speaks to me is honest music. It's written by the artist, it's recorded by the artists, and it's real. There's no Auto-Tune. There's no guest writers that you never hear about. It's not about the superficial things in life. It's just honest.

30DBC - Five Places You Want to Visit.

For those of you keeping track with the 30 Day Blog Challenge, I understand I haven't posted on the weekends. This is due to my lack of internet access. Boom.

This blog is difficult. I really don't enjoy travel that much. It's expensive, it's time consuming, and the water always tastes different. Having said that, this is my travel list if I had a large bank account, plenty of time, and my own supply of water that I'm used to. These are not ordered in any way, just what I thought of.

1. Norway - I hear it's beautiful, and as far as other countries go it sounds pretty appealing.
2. Bora Bora - I'm convinced that if there's anywhere that I would "enjoy" a beach, it would be there.
3. BWCA - I really enjoyed the Boundary Waters trip. It is beautiful and calming.
4. Disney World - I ain't scurred. Last time was awesome.
5. Annapolis - I've always enjoyed Annapolis, and I've found myself wanting to go back and see if it's still there.

So there you are, all of the fantastic places in the world and I find myself wanting to return to places I've already been. Go figure!

30DBC - The Meaning Behind Your Tumblr Name

Here's the deal: I don't have Tumblr. I don't believe in it. I've caved to several social media sites, but Tumblr shall never be one of them. Therefore, I do not have a Tumblr name to explain. Seeing as this would be an extremely lame post if it ended there, I'll explain the meaning behind my Twitter name.

Twitter name = @samthesqueaker (feel free to follow me, I'm very boring)

The first part, Sam, is pretty easy to figure out. My full name is Samantha. My family calls me Sam. Rocket science? I think not. The squeaker part is usually what throws people. This is my solemn confession of tragic childhood frivolity.

My parents and I used to do "sqeakies" when I was younger. Under five-years-old younger. They'd pinch my bottom and say, "Squeakie!" This became one of my favorite games. The incident that later would go down in infamy has two sides. This is my side. If you're curious for another view, ask my parents.

I don't know how old I was, but old enough I barely remember. My parents were shopping around this store, and FROM MY MEMORY (again, this is so fuzzy) we were visiting my grandma. I would like to clarify that my status as being a bit of a troublemaker started quite early. As I was meandering around the store, I came across a woman who was bent over to examine some product. Seeing as she was bent over and I was tiny, she naturally looked like my grandmother from this angle. Nobody said toddlers used logic.

As you can imagine I reached right up, pinched her bottom, and let out a good, "SQUEAKIE!" Imagine my surprise when a very confused, not-grandma face turned around to greet me. I ran to my parents. The lady followed, and explained the situation. She was laughing (from what I remember and have been told) and was very good humored about it. This incident dubbed me Squeaker for quite some time. I haven't fully outgrown the nickname, so I'm learning to embrace it.

There you have it.
samthesqueaker

I hope it was everything you imagined it would be.

30DBC - Describe Your Day, In Detail.

Oy, I work a desk job. I'll try to pep this up and make it sound interesting! Oh, who am I kidding?

This morning started with Jim's phone going off. I'm not sure what time the alarm was set for, but somewhere around 7ish is likely. I heard rain outside. I didn't want to get out of bed. Jim got up to start his day, and the dog immediately took his spot in the bed. He looked at me with puppy dog eyes until I started scratching his ears. He knows me too well.
After brushing my teeth, putting in my eyeballs, and throwing on my clothes for the day, Jim drove me to work. Once inside the building, I had a lovely conversation about the weather with Pastor Frank. He then informed me that some cyclists were climbing a mountain today. Twice. I spent the next ten minutes contemplating why on earth someone would bike up a mountain, descend it, then turn around and bike back up.
Karen arrived a bit later. She came to join me in my office, since Louise hadn't arrived yet. I think Karen deserves her own office. We then discussed the weather and my desire from coffee. After about 20 minutes of convincing from Karen, I took her van and drove to get some coffee. Karen's van smells awesome. I need to find out what kind of smell good she keeps in there. Once I had my coffee and had returned to my desk, it was time to work. I phoned and texted parents, checked my e-mail, and registered people for our upcoming trip to the Twin Cities. Blogging about being a twenty-something was my highlight before lunch. I also enjoyed a delicious Appleberry GoGo Squeeze. Applesauce in a bag should have been my invention!
Jim picked me up for lunch. I had leftover hamburger hot dish. Except we made it with pork, not hamburger. However, the taste hasn't changed much. I then proceeded to lay down and watch American Dad. I didn't move for almost the entire lunch period. It was extremely satisfying.
I got back to work around 1 and turned on my space heater. I get cold in this office, and I cannot explain why. I have on socks and jeans. I had a super awesome chat with Heather Peterson about VBS. I sent some more e-mails. I eventually started sifting through some material to start preparing for the 2nd VBS I'll participate in this summer!
Now, I sit here, writing this blog and realizing how boring my day probably is to hear about. I'm also slowly munching on a Kashi bar. I am so pleased with my totes delicious snacks.

My Thumbs are Tired, I Must Be Getting "Old."

Everyone has profound moments in their life. Growing up is full of those "aha" moments that make us look around and realize that our parents were probably right about some stuff. Learning is something that should be treasured. Life experiences aren't always fun; they aren't always awful. Experience is something we should take in stride.

I have to say, I will never forget this moment of starting to feel "old" at 21. Clearly I'm not at the point of nursing homes, so perhaps "grown-up" is a better term. Anyways, I have always been an avid texter. I used to baffle my parents at how fast I could reply to multiple people without even glancing down at what I was typing. That is our generation: keeping in contact without actually connecting. A little while ago I was texting my parents. It had been so long since I'd given them the "life rundown" that I found myself looking at the epically long text and thinking, "My thumbs are tired, I should just call them." That's when my eyes went wide and I realized that I've heard that same phrase from my dad about a million times. What on Earth was happening?

I've started to settle into that grown-up feeling. Feeling grown up isn't just about having to pay bills or living on your own, although it's a start. 21 is that magical "in-between" age. Some of your friends are just out of college, still partying, and have no idea what they want to do with their lives. A handful of your friends have moved on to better things, started their new jobs, and are planning for grad school. Even fewer of those friends are settling down, getting married, and/or having babies. No matter which point your friends are at, it's okay! There's no answer for where we're "supposed to be" at 21, or at any point in our lives. Society may try and dictate that, but there's no simple answer. It just doesn't exist.

A lot of times I feel awkward in my stage of life. I didn't finish college (but have FULL intentions of starting online classes soon), but I am married and have an amazing job. It's difficult in my job to find a balance between ministering to my youth, as well as finding free time to enjoy myself as a young adult. I'm enjoying every minute of finding that balance! So why is this stage so awkward? It has to do with being in that "in-between" stage I talked about earlier. Twenty-somethings are an interesting bunch, but no matter where they are at in their lives you can break them down into two categories: those who respect the awkward in-between, and those who don't.

Those who respect this odd time are a blessing for me. These are the people who, no matter where they are at, are thrilled to watch/help you go about your life. They enjoy watching those around them grow. They appreciate your friendship for what you can give at the time. There's never any, "Oh, you don't want to go out drinking? You're so boring!" or, "Why don't we hang out anymore, you're so busy!", or even, " I can't believe you're already married. You're SO young!" They understand that you're at a different spot, and they tend to make the best of the time you can spend together.

The people who don't respect the in-between frustrate me. It can be difficult enough to figure out your life at this age. It doesn't help when you have people trying to place you into their spot. This goes between people wanting you to be more mature, and less mature. You're 21 and married? Well you should be making more money, have your college education, and get on them babies! On the opposite side, you get those who wish you'd come out and party more. To push someone beyond where they are trying to settle can be an excruciating process to all involved.

Here's my words to those who are struggling with where they want to be: stay where you are comfortable now. Are you not ready to be married? Don't get married, you'll both be miserable. Do you still want to go out and party? Don't have children quite yet, they don't allow for much "going out" time. Not enjoying your job? Keep working, but pursue a career option that will give you joy.

Twenty-somethings need to stick together. We're all in an awkward boat. Comfortable or not, it's a part in our lives where we're getting life experience and learning what it means to feel grown-up. Questioning and judgement do not ease our process; they only enhance the stress. We can't all be a debutant, and we can't all be a party monster. Wherever you are in life, support those around you. It doesn't matter if you've been on this earth for 17 years or 70, we are not all the same person. We are not all meant to be! And for you twenty-somethings, I feel ya. We'll get it figured out one day.

30DBC - 10 Likes/10 Dislikes.

Day two of this blog challenge is pretty simple, 10 likes and dislikes. Hopefully this one won't feel so much like a personal ad.

Likes:
1. Fresh fruit and veggies. Obviously fresh fruit is awesome, but I also enjoy uncooked potatoes and eggplant. So delicious.
2. Hot, sunny, low-humidity days. I don't mind the heat, just so long as it's a dry heat.
3. The number 3. It's my favorite number because it's a number of strength. Also because I liked the song that taught you to multiply and divide by 3 from Schoolhouse Rock.
4. My study bible. I fought forever against them because I felt they were pointless, but I've been attached to mine ever since I received it.
5. Mixed patterns. It takes skill to wear them with pride.
6. Scattergories, which is probably the best game ever created
7. Animals...this excludes creepy crawlies. I'm just an animal lover. I don't pick sides on the dog/cat argument. I even like snakes.
8. Dryer-fresh jeans, AKA the coziest feeling in the world.
9. The smell of homemade bread. It brings me back to when my dad would make some, and the whole house would smell absolutely amazing.
10. Working with my hands. I love how productive it makes me feel.

Dislikes:
1. Dry skin. It's seriously one of the worst feelings in the world. Minnesota is no help to this phenomenon.
2. Parents who put themselves before their children. Whether you're 20 or 45, a new or old parent, your kids should come first. Date nights and trips are acceptable, but once you're a parent, it's not always about you anymore. If the people around you don't understand that, then find new people who understand that babies mean business.
3. Auto-tune. I need not elaborate.
4. Hot dogs. I've learned to tolerate these nitrate-cicles, but they absolutely just gross me out.
5. Pushy politics. Everyone has their own opinion. Berating people with your opinions doesn't make them listen, it usually makes them tune you out.
6. Building off of that, I dislike when people cannot debate or argue properly. Shouting and using foul language doesn't make your point stronger. It doesn't make you sound more intelligent. Don't repeat the same argument either, it doesn't get you anywhere!
7. Wind. Wind wind wind. It's awful.
8. "Texture food", like cottage cheese, hummus, and oatmeal. Are you a solid or a liquid? PICK!
9. Decaf coffee. What's the point?
10. Cold, sweaty feet. You know what I'm talking about. They're freezing and damp? Ish.

On a side note, I DO like water aerobics. This was something new that I tried today. I found it quite relaxing, yet still challenging. Plus, the other women are kind of hilarious. There's nothing like getting your tush whooped treading water by someone over twice your age. AWESOME. These ladies can work.

30 Day Blog Challenge - About Me.

Blog challenges. I normally don't get into the whole "30 day challenge" thing, but I figured this one wouldn't be so bad. It's got some fun little things in it, so I'm looking forward to it. Along WITH the 30DBC, I will be posting other blogs as well...so don't worry!

Day One - Write Some Basic Things About Yourself.

My full name is Samantha Christine (Longtin) Hudson. I'm short and pale, but I embrace those traits. I work as a Youth Minister in Minnesota. I've been married for 9 months, and our wedding anniversary is one day later than our three-year dating anniversary. We have an adorable dog that can be a brat sometimes, but we love him just the same.

Music is something that speaks to me. I have been playing guitar for about 8 years, and am nowhere close to being a professional. Still, I enjoy both that and singing/making music. One of the worst experiences I've encountered with music was trying to play baritone with braces. Yuck.

My favorite color flips between green and orange; I can't decide. My favorite day shoe is the Chuck Taylor, my favorite evening shoe has to be my pair of nude pumps from Target that I paid $20 for. Worth it. I also can never decide on a favorite movie. I see the good (and bad) in most things. It tends to make me a "fence-rider".

Since I feel as thought I'm writing a personal ad, I feel the need to include that I don't like long walks on the beach. In fact, I really tend to avoid the beach. It's overcrowded, it's kind of dirty, and sand sticks to everything it comes in contact with for the next million years.

You Are My Sunshine -- Light Up the Sky.

I've been seeing this poem circulating around. I had to share it with everyone.

Even
After
All this time
The Sun never says
To the Earth
"You owe me."

Look

What happens
With a love like that.
It lights the

Whole

Sky.

This poem is short. It's so short that when I go back to read it, it's basically memorized. The most amazing part is how I find it absolutely beautiful every time I go back to it. It is only outdone by my favorite piece of poetry, All That is Gold Does Not Glitter from the LOTR books. If you're not familiar with it, look it up. It's perfect.

This poem resonates with me so much because it reminds me of my parents. For those of you who have never met the people who brought me into this world, I will explain. I have those parents that are disgustingly and unapologetically in love. They hug and smooch, they rarely argue, they hold hands in public, and it will always light up my sky. My parents had a very balanced relationship. My mom didn't do all the typical "mom" things, and my dad didn't always do the typical "dad" things. They play on the strengths of the other; they never put a debt in front of each other.

This expands to more than just our romantic relationships. You can apply this to both your friends and family. It can be difficult. We live in a culture that dictates "time is money". You work for us? We owe you money. You need a ride somewhere? You owe gas money. You needed a DD at 3am, after I was in bed? You owe me BIG TIME. We all do it. We value our time and our possessions. When we are asked to give, we expect to be rewarded in a similar manor. It's a cultural standard, and it's damaging. When we are in someone's debt, or holding a debt to someone, resentment builds. Resentment is dangerous; it kills love.

So what happens when we strip away that phrase? Love begins to build. It begins to light up the sky. You start looking at those around you differently. You stop seeing what people owe you, and start seeing who they are. When you do that, you can pour so much love and appreciation into the people around you.

Try to love like the Sun. If you're not sure what that looks like, find two people who love each other so wholly that they exude joy. That's what loving like the Sun looks like. My example is my parents. You may find something else. We'll all have bad days. We'll all want justice and fairness in our relationships. Just give without expecting. That's the kind of love that lights the whole sky.