kids don't eat your moleskines.

It is my duty as an informed citizen (and victim of
those who lack Google-able smarts) to defend my
plethora of Moleskines (soft-cover and otherwise)
and purchase of more as the scholastic year arrives.

PROP 65

For some time now a "Prop 65" warning has been
popping up alongside Moleskine product listings online.
For those who haven't seen it, it's quite the alarm.

"WARNING! This product contains a chemical
known to the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects or other reproductive harm."

Prop 65 is a Californian law enacted in 1986 to promote
regulations that would ensure 1) clean water and 2) keeping
carcinogens and toxic substances from consumer products.
What seemed like a good, healthy preventative idea turned
into chaos run amok.

Much controversy has surrounded these Prop 65 warnings.
In fact, it's common knowledge, that many places, including
gyms and restaurants in California will post the Prop 65
on a sign in order to prevent lawsuits stemming from a
supposed contamination.

Of Importance:

The Prop 65 attributed to certain Moleskine products is
somewhat sketchy, but most speculate it's due to their
PVC material covers and/or the glue used for binding.

Having quite an extensive collection of Moleskines, and
no prospects of being a tortured artist, I looked further
into the matter when the first labels appeared. (2007/8?)

Turns out that if you light your Moleskine on fire
and/or eat it, just like any mix of PVC (and most plastics)
and glue, you may run the risk of becoming ill.

Otherwise, Moleskines are "thumbs-up" healthy
in all respects.

Of Note...

The most popular Moleskines (soft cover and non-city
notebooks, which is almost every single Moleskine of
every single collection) are not labeled Prop 65.

Legitimate Sources

Engrave Your Tech, a company that used to laser etch designs
on Moleskines, halted its work around this time (July-ish)
in 2008, as it was discovered that Moleskine covers being
laser etched (i.e. burning PVC) was not a grand idea.

While the product was completely safe post-engraving,
the process was highly toxic.

Sciency Things

Not only does PVC + laser = unsafe working conditions,
but PVC + laser etching = release of COCl2 + Cl (and other gases)
= HCl = corroding of everything within contact.

Essentially, burning the PVC covers creates toxic gases (such as
Phosgene and Chlorine), which results in Hydrochloric Acid, which
in turn corrodes everything it contacts.

[Source: Engrave Your Tech]

Solution

They now make these grand little slip-on laser
etched covers for Moleskines that are "super safe" (and
I think, of vegetable tanned leather).

Notwithstanding!

So for those who love to point and scream "DANGER"
at anything not hypoallergenic and/or covered in
allergen-free spray, don't tell me that my Moleskine
is "hot" or dangerous.

Because, first, "hot" implies radioactivity and
lack of knowledge on your part and secondarily,
I'm not the eating-my-watercolor-art type.

Tortured artists however, may find the warning
beneficial; and hopefully will heed accordingly.

Yours,
The Wife

the strong-willed wife.

I am currently reading The Strong-Willed Wife by
Dr. Debbie Cherry.

I took the first chapter's quiz to see how strong-willed
a woman I was. The little quiz consisted of 40 questions.
On which I scored 38/40!!!

I suppose this is no huge surprise, but it's been a
relief beyond explanation to find some sense of belonging
within well-regarded women in ministry.

I suppose I always thought strong-willed wives were
doomed to commiserate about what a Godly wife is like, and while we know there really
are no personality guidelines, who doesn't feel awfully
macho with all these meek and mild doves running circles
around our strong personalities?

Truths:

Now, don't get me wrong, I admire these women and their
sweet demeanor to everyone around them. I feel like God
uses them to uplift people (even me sometimes) and encourage
them to continuen truckin'...but that's just not me.

I love books and I love arguing about interesting topics,
having opinions about my opinions, and always being logical
and rational. I am passionate about anything I find interest
in and I have a serious fear of mental stagnation.

I adore politics, reading the New York Times, and occasionally,
the Economists (as it costs entirely too much).

I was always the girl hanging with the boys and ocassionally
making them cry. I was never a tomboy, but I loved the
company of fellow rational minds.

INTJ + ESFP!? Say WHAT!?!?

I took the Myers-Briggs test as a child and again when I
began college. Both times I tested heavily in the INTJ
categories and quite frankly after little analization from
my teachers, school counselors, and prettymucheveryoneelse,
we can all attest to my being severely INTJ from head to toe.

For those unfamiliar with this test, here is an overview
of my personality type:

INTJ

Notwithstanding, the mixture of a strong personality with
a relentless brain that won't shut off produced the me that
is me today; and I think we all like that me. ;)

But I have had to pray and work hard to ensure that I do not
run over my husband who happens to be my dual opposite:

ESFP

(Though he will ocassionally test as a ESFj. Little J because
it's never more than 1%.)

This, contrary to most of the mumbo-jumbo of shrinks, is
the reason why our relationship is so passionately lived out.
We're on opposite corners of the house (figuratively)on just
about everything imaginable, and while most say this creates
unfixable arguments and a corrosive situation for both
personalities, I know (from experience) it makes life FUN.
Not a single dull moment.

I bring out the intellectual aspect of his personality (which
is usually hidden otherwise) and he ensures I don't live my life as a
complete misanthrope.

He reminds me to be kinder and that other people have feelings; I
ignite the rational aspect of his mind (he's secretely brilliant)
and quite frankly it's been a perfect mix for our crazy lives.

(Disclaimer: It's NOT for the faint of heart.)

Back to the point...

I look forward to making my journey through this book.
Quite often, strong-willed women go misunderstood,
especially in the church, having Proverbs 31 shoved
in their faces as proof of what "Godly wives look like."

Which is SUPER counterintuitive, as everyone knows the chick in
Proverbs 31 is absolutely through and through an INTJ.

I mean she's strong, intelligent, resourceful... ;)

But really, as a newlywed and baby in life (though 20 is
just creepin' around the corner!!), I hope to learn
something valuable about how women, who are actively involved
in full fledged nation-wide family ministries, use their
personalities to serve God and honor their husbands.

To all those INTJ chicks out there...

Yours,
The Wife.

it may be time...

...to consider gifting myself an eReader.

I adore books and love the serenity of a tranquil
reading-while-it-rains night. Also, this as a fun fact,
I am always compulsively reading. Even when I'm walking
around campus, I'll be glued to the New York Times app
on my Blackberry, skimming an article from class to class.

This situation is true in almost every single moment
of my mundane daily occurences.

Some people have to count their steps,
I always have to be reading something.

Even if it's just the cereal box.

Questionable Dilemma:

I've always argued (with myself) that eReaders take
out the thrill of owning the hard copy of a book.
This to me seemed to be intrinsically wrong.

Books are pages bound, full of old paper-y smell,
stackable, and collectible. Not compressed files
on a memory card.

Discovery:

Barnes & Noble Nook.

The most beautiful eReader on the face of the earth.

I am a huge sucker for Barnes & Noble. And every time
I make my way through its stocked-full shelves, I
feel my money slowly dripping out of my pockets.

I decided to research reviews, specs, and price tags.
Learning that this little device had every capability
imaginable of a book and more, I began to drool...

It couldn't have been a more beautiful love story.

I mean, the thing has 3G capability and wi-fi connectivity!

By the end of the night I was thinking of what I could possibly
sell (hair? cookies? husband? soul?) to get my hands on one of
these. Granted, the price tags are not overtly hefty, but as a
college newlywed, anything over a buck fifty is a stretch.

PLUS:
Can you believe that if you take your Nook to a B&N store you
can browse the full text of every book on the shelves!!!???

Extra Excitement:

The most beautiful aspect of the Nook are its Kate Spade covers.
Especially the Jane Street covers.

When I saw this gem, my lust for the Nook increased exponentially.

"she kept her nose in a book..."

"...and her head in the clouds."

This little legend is the story of my life. Aside from being
majestically HOT PINK and wonderfully designed, it's the only
justifiable $189 worth of designer goods for a college kid.

Pour Conclure:

If you're interested in purchasing my hair or toes or brain
(or whatever) for one of these lovely devices, do tell.

Wishfully perusing the eBook bookstore...

Yours,
The Wife.

LifePoint Music: Children of Light

I attest to having had a snobby music taste
as a child. I was always the kid listening
to Bach alongside some underground Indie band
with a name as sad as their songs.

"Worship music" as a concept always sounded so
cheesy, especially for those who grew up either too in
the faith (i.e. me, i.e. kids church choir, anyone?)
or not in the faith, in which songs like Amazing Grace
are presumed to be all that is sung at church.

Anyway, while my musical elitism has seriously toned
down a few notches to a more appropriate extra-varied-
but-still-a-little-picky music taste, I still struggle
at times to find something worship-y that keeps my
attention. Perhaps as a worship leader's wife it's not
my best quality, but the truth is the truth is the truth.

The Point:

Notwithstanding, one of my (very biased) picks (and favorites)
of summer is LifePoint Music's "Children of Light."
While I have an obvious affiliation with the church, I would
by no means openly recommend the music if it wasn't something
I personally enjoyed. Perhaps as a not-yet-lawyer my music
ethics (there is such a thing) bind me to not be raving about
what doesn't rave for me.

Not only do I love the people behind this work and what it has
meant to them, but its serious music with heartfelt lyrics and
a cool premise too.

Our church's global focus on missions, adoptions, and bringing
the church to Afroeurasia (and beyond) was combined with this
album so that proceeds (1/2) of all sales go to our worldwide
work. As a mixed culture (seriously mixed culture) child,
born and raised outside the big US of A, I highly respect
anything that supports serious world outreach missions.

At the risk of sounding like a pop-up ad:

After hearing it at home, in the car, as a hummed version,
during camp, during dinner, after we had a physical copy,
as an MP3, as rough cuts...you name it, it's a pretty great
listen not just for worshiping purposes but for legitimate
driving-in-the-car edifying music.

This truly being the best notch for any worship album
to be in. Because if you can listen to it in the car
and legitimately enjoy it and feel filled, anyone can
listen to it and find blessing from it.

While keeping true to melodic rock roots (contemporary
is such a BAD word for worship music, we're in the 21st c.
with robots operating on people's brains, by syntax definition
anything made within our time frame, whether a rock anthem
or hymn is contemporary...) from our regular worship services,
there are still a few sprinklings of soft, hands-lifted songs,
without the feel of a Sunday service having been packaged into
a pretty case with a cool logo.

On comparisons:

U2 is U2. You're not the next U2, or the next Coldplay, or the
next Hillsong. LifePoint Music is geniune to what it is, sets of
powerful songs that evoke everything our church ministry stands
for. And yes, while the music itself may please those who love
Hillsong and maybe U2 (NOT, NEVER, me) it is not a peg-in-the-
genre-hole compilation. It is however an album that can be
enjoyed by bluegrass loving families and those with tattoos too.

It's an anthem to everyone who knows there is a greater calling on
our lives than turning oxygen into carbon dioxide. For those who
love worshipping with people that love to worship because of what
worship is and not just to sell an album.

BUT the pretty case and cool logo are included:


If you're interested:

Scoot over to LifePoint Music.

Seriously,
The Wife

life. currently.

While it's been almost a year since
the worship leader and I cut our wedding
cake and had bubbles and rice thrown our
way, it still feels like it was yesterday
that we were sitting in opposite ends of
the church waiting for the clock to strike
2 p.m. so we could become Mr. and Mrs.

During this time much has been going on with
our church, our families, school, and pretty
much every other aspect of our young family's life.

We welcomed a new nephew into the world, our church
released a worship album, the worship leader went off
to serve at church camp, and we are moving to a new
little house in the city.

Life seems to be hapenning much faster than we can
often recall and it's been a stream of non-stop
blessings.

We want to thank all of the friends and family that
have been standing behind us, not only with prayers
but with hugs and love (and even care packages!).

We couldn't have done this (almost) year without you
and we hope from the bottom of our hearts that you
know how much we love and appreciate you.

Thank you for making our life the adventure it is.

Yours,
The Wife

the on and off blogger types...

...truly, sincerely, I may just be
the poster child for this awful trend.

Yours,
The Wife

summer.

Summer is finally here!

Spring term was absolutely exhausting,
but extremely rewarding.

I am thrilled with the results
of all those late nights.

It's crazy to say that I am no
longer a little frosh at University!

And even crazier, one year-less
away from law school. AH!

I'm sitting at my desk at my summer job.
Second day and thus far, I love it.
Which reminds me, off to do my job. ;)

Yours,
The Wife.