Grammar Girl: I vs Me

This is a big one. Wait for it. I verses me.

This happens to be one of the biggest grammar pet peeves of mine. It must be that my hearing is especially tuned to this particular rule.

So let us clear up this one once and for all (hopefully).

The pronoun I is a subjective pronoun and is to be used as the subject of a verb. Other subjective pronouns are he, she, we, you, and they.

Paul and I made the cutest baby in the universe. (subject of the verb)

Ice cream and I have a special relationship. (subject of the verb)

The pronoun me is an objective pronoun that is to be used as either the object of a verb or the object of a preposition. Other objective pronouns are him, her, us, you, and them. 

Emma sprayed Paul and me by sneezing in our faces. (object of the verb)

Emma went to Costco with Paul and me and wanted to buy a new flatscreen. (object of the preposition)

This is not optional my friends. 

Have a grammatically correct day!

Write on!

Alternative exercise

One of my resolutions was to incorporate more activity into my daily life. Just the other day, I was playing with Emma and I used her body weight to do sit ups, shoulder presses, and bicep curls. She giggled and I worked up a sweat. But, when one has a tremendously busy schedule, any little bit of exertion should be counted, right?

Whew, I’m exhausted just thinking about doing these.

What do you think? Did I leave anything off the list?

2015 Goals

Tis the season to make resolutions, fa la la la la la la la la. 

As 2014 winds down, I got to thinking about my goals and resolutions for 2015. 2014 was an amazing year and I hope 2015 is better still. So instead of making a short-lived resolution like, “I want to lose all the baby weight.” I thought I’d make a list of goals and purposeful aspirations for this coming year.

GOAL 1 // Spend more time being active.

Although my body image is not always positive, I don’t have a burning desire to lose every pound of baby weight and lose all the jiggle. I made a baby and I am still breastfeeding, things are going to be squishy for a little while. But I would like to focus on being active and having a healthy heart. I need to make activity more habitual. I will start with adding in cardio and strength sessions every week to work up to a regular fitness and health schedule.

GOAL 2 // Read 20 books this year.

I have always been a big reader, but sometimes I get caught up in the mindless web scrolling when I could be doing something a little less monotonous. I originally wanted to read 26 books (that would be one book every 2 weeks) but I know I have to take my national board exam part 2 and my license exam practical this spring so I need to carve out dedicated time for that stuff. I will expand my reading interests by exploring the library’s new books sections and will incorporate books from various genres. Only new books (to me) will count towards my total. 

GOAL 3 // Call my family and friends regularly. 

This one is pretty self-explanatory. I am not the best phone person. Once you get me on the phone, I have no problem catching up and chatting, but I don’t instinctually reach for the phone. I will call my mom, dad, and sister at least once per week to spend meaningful time catching up and call my best friends at least once per month and add in much more frequent text hellos and I miss yous.

GOAL 4 // I will attend church more regularly.

Getting up and out of there on Sunday mornings is a tough one for us. No excuses this year though. We need to spend more time in community and fellowship with the Word of the Lord. Period.

GOAL 5 // Blog more purposefully.

All bloggers know that sometimes you can get caught in the “well I should just post something” mentality. This year, I want to post with more meaning and with purpose. I want to capture the moments of life and share them with more substance and soul. I will not post for the sake of posting. If that means I post less frequently, then so be it. This is the year for purpose. Yippie!

GOAL 6 // Focus on my husband.

This one is my big one for the year. You new mommies out there know that when an infant is in the house, other things get pushed to the side. By the time the baby is fed, the house is cleaned, and the to-do list is made for the next day, I am exhausted and not as wifely as I should be. I want to spend this year focusing on my husband and putting his needs higher. We will go on more dates, I will be more patient, I will spend more energy meeting his needs, I will encourage his relationship with the Lord, and I will foster an environment that makes all these things possible. He is my rock and my partner. He deserves the world.

I plan on doing a few check-ins throughout the year to stay accountable for my goals. I hope you all have many blessings this year.

What are your 2015 goals and resolutions? 

Happieeee Nuhhh Yurrrr! 

Be Still

As this year comes to a close, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of urgency. There are things to get done, traveling to do, and lists to check off. The hum of the season, while full of joy and energy, is often elevated to one of chaos. Today, I am trying to remind myself to slow down and remember to meditate on a sense of peace that the season brings. While 2014 is nearly over, I know 2015 will bring its own share of blessings. I will remind myself to be still, calm my spirit, and take the time to center myself. 

How do you deal with the hustle and bustle of the season? Do you thrive on the energy or are you drained by it?

Grammar Girl: The Oxford Comma

Comma, comma, comma, comma, comma chameleon.

(Hehehe. My name is Samantha and I laugh at my own jokes. Please don’t leave me.)

Welcome to my first official Grammar Girl post. I hope you all have a grammatically correct day! 

The Oxford Comma (otherwise known as the serial comma) is placed before a coordinating conjunction in a series of three or more terms.

In ‘Merica, the flag is red, white, and blue.

I love having bread, wine, and cheese every single day of my life. Yum!

There is some debate of its necessity, but most American English style guides recommend its usage. And I vehemently agree. All hail the Oxford Comma!

Write on!