[insert theme song here]

You've probably filled out those "getting to know you" questionnaires, where they ask questions like, "If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?" I have kind of a love-hate relationship with that sort of thing. I love them if I can think of clever and/or funny answers, but I hate them if I feel like I have to be serious. (By the way, I think if I were an animal, I might go for platypus. Those things are cool and yet totally weird. But I'm not committing to this answer yet.)

Anyway, one of the questions I've seen on those is, "If you had a superpower, what would it be?" Then you go on and try to think of some unique-or-at-the-very-least-not-boring superpower that no one really has. But what if you had to choose a characteristic you already possess to be a superpower? Like my nephew's amazing hugging skills?* A totally different, yet somewhat more interesting questions.

If I were choosing my superpower, it would be one of the following:

1) My ability to make delicious baked goods and cause obesity in everyone I know. Oh, wait. Maybe this would be my evil villain premise. Sorry. Forget this one.

2) My innate sense of snarkiness combined with the compelling urge to entertain people when I'm in the spotlight. (I do not promise it is entertaining. I just feel compelled to entertain). 

3) My ability to read and walk at the same time. This has to be a superpower of some kind. I mean, seriously!

4) My knowledge of eclectic facts that can be rattled off at any given moment, usually when no one has asked for them. This knowledge is a result of my info-sussing-out skills (hello, I'm an information professional. This is what we do). I for one think it is a pretty strong candidate. Alterego: the cardigan-wearing, tortoise-rimmed glasses bedecked librarian. Archivist by day, superhero whenever. Because the world doesn't only need saving at night.

5) common sense. Although, I can't claim to always exercise this power. I generally do, but I have my moments. Even (most) superheros are only human. Or humanesque. Fallible, at least. Right? 

Ballots are open until May 1st, so vote on my superpower now! But I refuse to wear spandex, so just don't even go there. 

*Update: He's now 5 1/2, but he still gives awesome hugs, and is still the Superhugger. He even asked me the other day, "Remember that I'm a Superhugger?" Yes. Yes I do. And I always will. And you'd better always be.

Brownie Bonanza

What do you do when you're roommate LOVES brownies, you see a top 10 brownie recipe list, and it's almost the end of roomie's semester?

Obviously you have a brownie bonanza.

Clockwise, from top left: Baked brownies, Buckeye Brownies, Marshmallow Crunch Brownies

Delicious. Not nutritious. And waaaaay more brownies than two single women need in one 900 sq. ft. apartment. But it was a can't miss opportunity. 

Oh, and thank you and lots of credit to the Brown Eyed Baker, without whom the inspiration for the Brownie Bonanza would never have hit. And to N.E.R., who loves brownies. And all the people who attended the recital on Sunday and helped eat the brownies. And my co-workers, who finished them off. My arteries thank you. 

Easter thoughts

It is Easter today and I don't want the day to be just another day. So I'm taking this moment to express gratitude for my Savior.

I don't know Him as well as I should, or even as well as I have in the past, but there are things I do know, even if I don't always feel as certain as I want to.

He is the only truly reliable thing in the Universe. He is sure, a certainty. (Even more certain than death and taxes).

He is constant, a much needed constant in a world in commotion. He never changes, His doctrine never changes, His invitation never changes, and His love never changes.

When no one else knows what life is like for me, He does. And it's not a knowledge based on 'similarities'. It is a knowledge from having experienced what I experience--a perfect, complete understanding and knowledge of my situation.

He is a friend. He has been my friend, and I am trying to do whatever it takes to remain His friend.

He is so, so good. I think the quality of goodness is incredibly underrated. When I think of how good He is, it fills my heart with joy and love and a desire to be good, as well. Good in the truest, purest way.

I want so much to be with Him again and to have Him as my friend always. I hate being far from Him and I don't want to disappoint Him. I know I do, sometimes, but I hope more than anything that He knows how much I love Him and want to please Him. I want to live worthy of the sacrifice He made. I want Him to know how grateful I am for the hope and light that exist because of Him.

As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."*


*(2 Corinthians 9: 15)