Giving Thanks

With Thanksgiving just two days away I have been reflecting on the past year and just how very much I have to be thankful for.

I have never ending gratitude for my relationship with the Lord.  My heart breaks when I think of all the people who weren't introduced to Christ as a child, or who live somewhere that they are persecuted for their faith.  Thank you God for being in my heart.  I have never had to truly struggle to get to know my Lord and Savior.

I am immensely grateful for my parents and my siblings.  As I have been reflecting on the past year, when it comes to my family I began to delve a little deeper and a little further back.  Sometimes it all feels like a whirlwind, and this time of year really puts how far we have come into perspective.  It was just three years ago that my mom and sisters first spent Thanksgiving in Grand Rapids with me.  My parents were fresh into a divorce, and no one really knew the right way to spend the holiday.  That year was a rough one.  But the next year it got better.  I was happier, and so were they. And this year, we are eager to continue this tradition and I will be cooking dinner for my mom, her amazing boyfriend, and both of my sisters with a smile on my face.  My family and I have had a rough go of it the past few years, and it caused me to question things at times, but love never left the equation.  Through thick and thin, months of fights and silent treatments, we always loved one another.  And that is why we came out so much stronger at the other end.  We make each other laugh, and that is the good stuff.

I don't even know how to put into words how thankful I am to have Mike in my life.  He is my favorite hug, my favorite song, my favorite laugh, and favorite smile.  He knows me inside and out and still loves me to pieces.  We have experienced a lot this year, and most of it was pretty great.  We will both finally call ourselves graduates this year as well as homeowners.  I could not ask for a better partner to spend my life journey with.  I am so thankful for Mike and the joy he brings to me.

I am thankful for life long friendships.  I have mentioned here before that I am not one to be constantly surrounded with handfuls of friends.  But that has never mattered for me.  Rather than blessing me with a large garden of carnations, God chose the most glorious roses for me to treasure for my entire life.  I have the very best friends in the world.  Some that I have had since grade school, some newer, and some I was blessed with at birth, all equally as precious and important to me.  Nothing can replace the feeling that friendship gives you.  And I am so, so thankful to have the best!

I am thankful to be moving into a house with the love of my life, this adventure is just beginning and it is going to be a blast!
I am thankful to have my nanny family in my life.
I am thankful that Mike and I have great jobs and that we are able to provide for one another and not have to worry about where to sleep at night or where to get our next meal.
I am thankful for my job at the shelter, the shifts get frustrating, but giving back to that population humbles me and blesses me all in one.

Day Off

I haven't posted in months.
I am home alone.
Sitting in my bathroom.
Wearing a face mask, a hair mask, white strips on, shower getting hot, listening to Spotify.
The perfect day off, to be alone with my thoughts.
Big changes are happening in my life.
Inside and outside.

Sunday Edition II

THINKING ABOUT:

Mike. It's funny because actually stopping to write that I am indeed sitting here thinking about Mike seems a bit absurd.  I still sit around and daydream about him, after all these years.  We met so young, I would never have guessed he would be the man I spend the rest of my life with.  We have shared some really dark times, but came out of it with nothing but love for one another.  Maybe I should do a post about how him and I met sometime. He just makes me blissfully happy.

LOOKING FORWARD TO:

I feel like I always have so much to look forward to, lucky me!  I'm looking forward to today being over so that I can get back into the groove of things at home.  I'm looking forward to the 4th of July!  I'm still looking forward to my mom visiting with the kids and our annual camping trip.

WATCHING:

I am so out of the loop from TV this week, but it was nice to take a break.  I cannot wait to watch the shows I'm recording tonight; Trueblood and Oprah's next chapter with the Kardashians.

WORKING ON:

My health.  I am a foodie through and through.  I like to try everything, and I love to cook!  But recently I have just been working on paying attention to what I am cooking with and what I am putting into my body and encouraging Mike to put into his body.  One of my dearest friends Sami told me about a site she has been using to track her food and exercise called myfitnesspal.com and it is fab!  Seriously, it has been extremely helpful.

WISHING:

I thought really hard about what to write for my wishing and I had a very hard time coming up with something.  I truly want for nothing, and I have never been more content in my life.  I suppose I wish I was able to travel a bit this summer and spend time with my girlfriends.  A few of my best friends have been out of state for most of the summer and I miss them terribly.

The Perfect Visit Home.

I decided, almost last minute, to go home and spend a few days with my family for a few days this past week.  I had a test Tuesday night and promptly drove home immediately after class.
I was so jazzed to be with my family.  I hadn't made a trip like this in such a long time.
No holiday plans. Alone, no Mike. Best friends were not in town.
Basically, I had no agenda.
Which is amazing, and it never happens!

Favorite Moments From My Time Home

• My Mema giving me the most thoughtful birthday presents-A train case that belonged to my great grandma and 2 beautiful aprons from an antique shop.
• Thinking I was going to be able to sleep in, but my mom waking me up bright and early everyday so as not to waste our time together.
• Being seriously the clumsiest person ever and falling into the tub, bringing the shower curtain down with me and getting it wrapped around me.
• My youngest sister begging to give me a pedicure, and it turning out gorgeous!
• My dad cooking entirely too much food every time I see him. Seriously! Friday night-4 feet of sausage (I am not kidding, it was 4 ft.) hamburgers, hotdogs, fried potatoes, broccoli & cauliflower salad, cottage cheese, coleslaw, grilled veggies. See, I told you I wasn't kidding.
• Hearing the funny things little kids say. "This commercial has been on so long." Referring to an infomercial. "Untie this balloon, I want to put the air back in my belly and float around." You get the picture.
• Birch Run Outlets.  Somehow I had taken them for granted, having grown up right next to them, and have not made a good trip there in years.  It was my time.
• Swimming pools.
• My mom seeing a "Kitty Purry" shirt in a store (it has a cat on the front wearing braces, glasses, etc.) and trying to buy it for me, telling my brother, and I quote, "Shouldn't Rand wear this? It's her..a nerd cat!"

My Father.

I saw my dad a few weeks ago.
He was just in town for a few hours to fix my sisters car. My brother came to help.
I worked in the afternoon, but I was determined to steal them away for a few hours because the two of them rarely make it out this way.
It was a Saturday, and every Saturday morning Mike and I grocery shop, so along they came.
My time with my dad started with me teasing him for going to the store in his 'jorts' and him giving me a hard time for getting Starbucks.
While I waited for my drink to be made I see my dad and brother shoot from the bathroom, my dad chasing my brother around the produce section.  He had water cupped in his hands, apparently seeking revenge on my brother for getting him wet in the bathroom.
He ate fruit as we walked around the store.
My dad let me buy my own groceries, but he treated me to some almond milk and a jar of Tajin because "I just had to try them."


These sorts of things are typical of time spent with my dad.
He can be incredibly serious, spiritual, and intimidating at times.
But more often than not he is the silliest man I have ever met.
I'm proud that I learned how to be silly from my dad.

I admit...

...I usually spell weird as wierd the first time because it doesn't follow the rule 'i before e except after c'


...I only wash my hair 3-4 times a week


...my most listened to Pandora station is Disney


...that I talk to my cat, Maggie, on the regular


...sometimes I don't put any pants on until late afternoon if I don't have anywhere to be


...my most played playlist is named 'Happy Happy Love Love'

Summer Beauty.

With a little bit of natural bronzing via the sun and a natural glow from the higher temps I am a firm believer that less is definitely more for the summer months.  Here are a few of the goodies that I have been reaching for that are doing the trick!

Stila Smudge Pot in Kitten

This is meant to be a gel eyeliner, but I use it as a cream shadow or even more often as a highlight.

bareMinerals Ready Blush in The Tease

This has been my go to blush for a month now!  The shade is matte and so unique, plus it lasts all day.

MAC Lipglass in Pink Lemonade

I heard so many good things about this gloss so I had to get my hands on it.  Now it lives in my purse permanently.  It looks gorgeous on its own, over a bright pink, and over nudes.

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

I have really dark eyelids and this Paint Pot is perfect to cancel out the darkness.  I have been wearing this alone most days with a little mascara for a really natural, but pretty look.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle

A deep conditioner than smells soooooo good!  My hair has never been softer or smelled better.

Clarisonic Mia 2

I am a firm believer in the magic that is Clarisonic.  They are pricey (I received mine as a birthday gift) but if you have problematic skin they are the answer! 

The Little Things.

Via

• Realizing how easy and quickly you can get most things done.  Even the things you have been putting off like cleaning out your car or writing a self-stufy paper.
• Keeping the windows open and letting the glorious breeze fill the apartment with fresh air.
• Burning new candles.
• A sounds night of sleep. Where you wake up and the blankets have barely moved and you actually feel rested when you wake up.
• Fresh cut bangs.

Sunday Edition.

THINKING ABOUT:

Going home.  I opted to work an extra long shift today (16 hours) so that I could spend time with Mikes parents yesterday without a time limit.  Obviously, I made the right choice, but I am 12 hours in and itching to be home with Mike and Maggie. Especially because Mike is being so precious right now. And lets face it, Maggie is always precious!  So I am fantasizing about being home in the air, with a mug of tea, fuzzy jammies, curled up with the babes.

LOOKING FORWARD TO:

I am very much looking forward to 2 things. 1) My mom visiting with my brother and baby sister 2) Our annual camping trip with Mikes family.  Back to 1) When my baby sister's school year ends my mom is bringing them out for a few days during the week (which is when I normally spend a lot of time alone doing embarrassing nerd things)! Shes going to stay at this fun hotel for a few nights because we love their pool!  And we are going to spend plenty of time at the beach!  Basically I plan to be swimming and/or cuddling the entire time.  On to 2) Every year (with the exception of 1) since Mike and I have been dating I have had the pleasure of going on a week long camping trip with his family.  To say that I love this time would be an understatement.  I'm obsessed.  And I believe that I am even more excited this year!   A week away from the city, no internet, no work.  Just lots of long walks, reading, campfires, naps. Please hurry up camping trip!

WATCHING:

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a television junkie.  Meaning, I am never watching just one thing.  I got really hooked on some amazing shows this winter/spring and so when they were over I was devastated.  Okay not devastated, but I didn't know what to watch!  So I started re watching Dawsons Creek on Netflix.  I also found out that Girls on HBO is freaking fabulous!  And tonight my true love True Blood starts again.  So whats a girl to do? Obviously watch all 3!!

WORKING ON:

Priorities.  Reminding myself what is most important to me and what makes me happiest.  Sometimes I get into these ruts, and then I get really sad and grumpy and I can't figure out where it is coming from.  Well, I am almost positive that this happens when I get lazy and forget my priorities.  So, currently, I am working on ways to remind myself of all the things that I absolutely cannot let slip!

WISHING:

Honestly, wishing that we had a house already.  Or at least that we were closer to having one.  We were moving full force ahead at the beginning, and now it's like we're crawling along.  It breaks my heart sometimes.  We are so ready to make some sort of step in a frontward motion, and this was it.  I know, though, that God does have a master plan for us.  And that before I know it I will be in OUR cozy dream house.

America's Sweetheart.

People refer to Meg Ryan as America's sweetheart, right?

At least they used to.

I admit that I am Meg Ryan obsessed.

I've watched When Harry Met Sally at least 20 times.

Anyway, yesterday I bought You've Got Mail.

I was reminded how long it had been since I've watched it last Sunday when, it seemed, everyone and their brother watched it on Bravo!

And it was in the $5 bin at Walmart!

This movie is perfection.

Perfect rom-com.  Perfect cast.  Even perfect-er music!

Oh, and the nostalgia of AOL, does it get any better?

Who wouldn't want to be Kathleen Kelly and own a quaint children's book store? Sign me up!

Obviously 2 hours of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks was not enough for me so I popped in Sleepless in Seattle.  Is it possible that Sleepless in Seattle is even gooier than You've Got Mail? I believe it may be possible.  But, without a doubt, just as precious.

Thank you Meg Ryan for starring in the most adorable movies, with the best soundtracks.

Bagger Daves.

Last night Mike and I treated ourselves to one of the most indulgent meals I have experienced in a very long time. 

Michigan craft beer, sloppy fries with the works, enormous burgers, and an incredibly rich brownie dessert.

Not to mention, the fabulous company : )

Bagger Daves is a new restaurant in Grandville with amazing food, Michigan ingredients, and a choo choo train that circles around the building.

Made for a very fun Tuesday evening.

5 Things

I have the very lovely ladies Jacqlyn & Sami to thank for this clever idea!

5 Things I Could Use More Of:

Days with my girlfriends doing 'girly' things

Time spent at the beach

Bike rides (which require me getting a new bike!)

Energy!!

Shopping

5 Things I Could Do Without:

Laundry, laundry, laundry

Homework that feels a whole lot more like busy work

Anxiety

Family on the other side of the state and friends being dispersed throughout the country/world

Shopping

Internet Addiction: What I am loving!

Since graduating I consider myself a part-time-stay-at-home-"wifey".
This has led to more time on my hands than I have ever had in my entire life.
I also work every weekend at a domestic violence shelter.
It is very hard but gratifying work.
But, sometimes it is so boring!
You see, on the weekends the ladies basically get their time off from any work with their advocates/therapy/groups/etc.  So a lot of the time they leave for the entire day running errands, doing fun things, working, whatever.  Leaving me alone, and often bored.  There is just only so much cleaning a gal can do. (Or wants to do)
I have entertained myself this week & weekend (in between chapter of 50 Shades Darker) here:

HelloGiggles.com: Seriously this site was made for me!  I knew of it before, but never really took the time to explore.  Now I am completely obsessed and can lose myself for hours on it.  Friday I had to send this text to my bestie/therapist/soul mate Ashley, "Welp I've been on hellogiggles.com for 2 hours.  I officially need to jump off my balcony." In which she lovingly replied, "I literally just laughed out loud!! What the *beep* is hellogiggles?"  Needless to say, I sent her a post about great loves that used a lot of SATC references and she is hooked!

TheWiegands.com: This blog is definitely not new to me.  I discovered Casey about 5 months ago, but I reread her posts almost daily.  We are kindred spirits in so many ways.  She is extra sensitive, marches to the beat of her own drum, and loves from the depths of her heart.  But I also feel like I can learn so much from her on her journey as a proud child of God, a young mama, and a writer.

Twitter.com: I am always on Twitter, this is not news.  But there are a few ladies I am newly following who are definitely worth mentioning. I will share them with you, along with their twitter profiles.

• @aliashbaker-  I am a student at the Roseanne Conner School of Housewifery and Etiquette and I'm writing a cookbook called 'Nacho Cheese-100 Ways.' Let's be friends!
• @shinyunicorn-  I was supposed to be a child star     p.s. I am obsessed with Sarah Heyward
• @erinmallorylong-  I write for @HelloGiggles, have an encyclopedic knowledge of The Simpsons & Friends & would like to submit my resume for curator of Law & Order: SVU Marathons.
• @carcryder-  writer. slightly erratic.

Seriously these ladies are all hilar!  Enjoy them.  I cannot resist all the retweeting I have been partaking in.

And finally Netflix.com: I am not new at this, and I realize that like Twitter, Netflix is nothing new to anyone.  Including me.  But in the spirit of sharing what I have been loving,  I will have you know that I am re-watching Dawsons Creek from the beginning!  I was pretty young when this show originally aired and I never watched it.  But I nannied one summer for some neighbor kids in high school and the little girl (who is graduating high school this year! Cray!!) and I watched Dawsons Creek religiously for 2 hours everyday.  So this experience is nostalgic because of those memories and because of the fantastic 90's music and fashion!

P.s. I promise I am a productive human being with to-do lists and goals.  I just spend part of my time surfin' the web : )

Day of Bliss.

Yesterday was a magical day.
Best of all, it was magical for no particular reason.
I love days like that!
Tuesday night I picked up an overnight shift at work, so I went in at 10 pm and got out at 8 am.  Needless to say I got about 4 hours of sleep on the office floor.  This is a sleeping shift, but picture yourself in a big, silent shelter.  Would you want to go downstairs and sleep? I didn't think so.  When I got home I was awake, and had no intention of going to sleep.  I had things to do you know? But when I went to tell Mike I was home he insisted I lay down and take a nap, so I tried.  After trying really hard, I woke up from a coma at 2 pm!  That is such a foreign feeling to me, but I felt amazing!
This mega-long sleep in session really set the tone for the rest of my insignificant, but perfect day!
Mike had a couple of errands to run, so I quickly got ready.  My hair was somehow acceptably curly.  The weather was breezy and cool enough for me to throw on my favorite leggings and a newish oversized sweatshirt. I was ready to go.
We ran the errands.
We took the back way home. Which led to us visiting a few homes that we have our eye on for purchase
; )
Then we ran to the mall, because what kind of day would it be without a little bit of shopping? We are in the market for a new tent. Instead I got the most fabulous shorts on sale at Pac Sun, nail polish, new summer candles, and summer hand soap for the kitchen and bathroom.  Can you say impulse buys?
When we left the mall I decided I needed a slushy, so we drove to the closest Sonic. Ocean water-YUMMY!
We had a couple more errands to run, and eventually we were back home.
I did the speediest, but efficient cleaning marathon on the apartment. Did a load of laundry. Baked some tasty mini fruit pizzas. It was perfect.
Mike and I made the bed with fresh sheets and pillow cases and crawled in to watch a couple of episodes of Friends.
I mean really does it get any better than this?

Free Time

I definitely do not mean to treat this blog as a diary.
You know, the beautiful journal that you receive as a gift and vow to write in everyday.
"Dear Diary, Aunt Lindy got you for me and I am so excited.  I will write in your everyday!"
Things get busy, though, you know?
Preparing for graduation, house hunting, final exams, graduation, a 2 week trip to work on an Indian reservation.
Excuses, excuses.
But today I felt the urge, so here I am writing.
I have a long day ahead of me today.  I work at a domestic violence shelter on the weekends, and we are terribly understaffed on the weekends. There is a first shift worker, a second shift worker, and a third shift worker.  Meaning that anytime the second shift worker or I need time off the other is stuck working a long 16 hour shift.  I am blessed enough that the third shift worker graciously accepted my request for her to come in at 10 rather than 11, so I work 15 hours today instead of 16.
It is okay though, because I love this job and I desperately need the hours.
And I have a ridiculous amount of free time on my hands now. More than I have ever had before in my entire life. Seriously, I am pretty sure I had more on my plate as a toddler than I do currently.
What did my life look like just months ago? A weekday job, and weekday internship, full load of classes, weekend job.  Fast forward to now.  I work on the weekend and have 1 class on Tuesday nights. Now that is insane!
I am trying to enjoy it though.  This week I was able to sleep in!  Celebrate my birthday for 2 days : ) Spend lots of time with my sister, Chelsi, including a trip to the beach! (Where I may have turned a nice shade of tomato red!)
And, while I know that it is extremely necessary and important for me to find a full time job as soon as possible, I think that this free time is a blessing from God.  I have been able to clean the heck out of the apartment and cook dinner for Mike every night.  It could not have came at a more perfect time because he worked crazy overtime this week!  I have more time to think, to pray, to contemplate.  I feel happy, and fulfilled. And that is nothing short of a blessing.
Things can get a little hectic here at the shelter on the weekends.  Kids running around, reminding mom's to keep an eye on those running kids, messes, reminding folks to clean the messes, problems, crisis. It can be a little overwhelming for everyone.  But this morning, despite my long day ahead, I feel more than prepared.
The house is still cold from the air running throughout the night.  I am cozy in my new over-sized sweatshirt, blanket on my lap, yummy coffee in hand.  I am excited to greet each resident as she wakes up and makes her way to the kitchen for a hot mug of coffee.  I clearly see the opportunity set in front of me to hear stories and to be a positive part of those stories.
Happy Saturday everyone!

KONY 2012 & Invisible Children

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KONY 2012

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Remember, it expires December 2012.

Get involved.

Make this happen.

Procrastination in Progress.

Senioritis is a real thing!
And I am suffering.
I have no motivation to do my homework.
A social worker learning to brief a case, I am not seeing the point here.
Being assigned a glorified book report in a 400 level course-ripping my hair out!

So last night to avoid doing my homework I was asleep by 8:30.
I am not even kidding, not even a little bit.
And then I slept in until 9 today. (I normally rise between 6:30 & 7)
And all day I have been assigning myself little tasks.
And here I sit, blogging.

Make lots of coffee to prepare for being completely unproductive

Organize seasons of shows

Finally hang up ribbon shelf and display new goal list
(Note to self: buy more ribbon)

Hang up shelf so key bowl has new home
(Note to self: shelfs a little bare, buy something to go there)

Begin decorating for Easter

Stare at the cursed homework that I should be doing, stare long enough and it might disapprear

Bye bye from my grungy old puppy slipper that I love so much and that Mike says should be thrown away
(Over my dead body)

Love.

Can there be a more fitting title for a Valentines Day post?
I am completely obsessed with love and everything that it entails.
People who know me best must know this about me.
Im into that deep, feel it in your bones, swirls around in your veins love that I have for my siblings.
Im into that sometimes feisty and passionate but usually mutual, silly, all consuming love I have for Mike.
Im into that makes me cry because its so genuine and valuable love that I have for my friends.
I love love.
And so I of course LOVE Valentines Day.
I agree when people say you should show the people you love how much they mean to you every day of the year, yes, this is obvious.
But why not have one special day every year when hearts are posted everywhere, and I can wear really pretty pink nail polish (like I needed the excuse), and you can give out thoughtful gifts!



Mike and I started the gifting early.
Actually, I started it really early!
I have been surprising Mike with little gifts everyday in February leading up to Valentines Day.
I got the idea off of Pinterest, and it was just so fun : )

My life would be unbearable without you : )

Last night Mike just could not wait any longer to give me my gift.

We actually haven't done Valentines gifts in years, so we were both pretty excited!

I made him open his first!!

A Big Bang Theory sweatshirt (unfortunately it fits really funny and I have to send it back for a different size)

Then it was time for me to open my present. 

He was so excited to give it to me and I could not imagine what it could be.

To my way more than pleasant surprise it was a fancy new camera y'all!!!!!

This calls for a y'all doesn't it?

A Nikon coolpix L120 to be exact!

Hense all the pictures on my normally picture-less posts, duh!

: )

I am just thrilled.

The crazy picture taking has already started.

The festivities continued on this morning.

I decided to make my Doopie a nummy Valentines Day breakfast.

Table is ready for some scrumptious eats!

Breakfast is cooking!

Breakfast is served!

Hashbrown casserole, breakfast pizza, coffee, and orange juice.

The breakfast pizza was amazing. toot toot! (Thats me tooting my own horn)

If anyone is interested in these recipes let me know. They are super easy and mighty tasty.

And now I leave you with a giant Happy Valentines Day and the image of Mike dancing around with Maggie telling her that she is our Valentine...

To do, to do, to do.

I woke up early this morning to finish up a paper that was due for my 9 am Capstone course.
(Honestly, not early for me..7 am)
But I still felt really good about myself for getting up and finishing what little I had to go, sipping on a hot mug of coffee (feeling extra happy because I was drinking out of my Valentines Day mug), and gently waking up Mike with his Feb. 2nd gift and reminding him that it was time for him to go to the gym.
While on break during this class I took out my planner to scratch up a quick to-do list for the day.
That is when I realized it...
I forgot to do my homework for the next class!
The class that starts 10 minutes after this one ends.
Can you say anxiety?
So I made a choice; I would skip class for the remainder of the day, go home and knock everything out!
That included some to-do's such as completing my learning contract, working on my study guide for my Legal Studies test next week, catching up on my Soc. powerpoints and readings, among other things.
Then I figured while Im home Ill catch up on some things around here like cleaning out my truck and preparing it for sale, vacuuming, laundry, among other things.
And guess what? I got stressed!!! I started freaking out over these little things, over big future things, over everything!

So I took a moment to sit down and catch up on a few blogs. This blog community is so amazing and inspirational, I knew it would slow me down and give me some perspective.  First on my list, Kelle Hampton.  Kelle's most recent post Joan of Arc  gave me all the perspective I needed.  I love when she says, "There is reason for everyone to be unhappy. There is reason for everyone to be happy. What's your focus?"


So I have created one more to-do list.
Don't worry, this is a good one : )

1. Stop stressing out, everyone is busy.  You just left a class full of people who have just as much on their plates as you do, some probably more.  So if you are feeling discouraged, drop to your knees and give it to God.
2. Don't compare yourself to others, even academically. Grad school will always be there, and as Mike said, "If anyone can work and get their masters it's you." 
3. It is okay to take time for yourself.  You are paying for these classes, so if you need to miss once in awhile in order to catch up or even just to take a breather, do it!  You are a social worker for crying out loud, you know well enough about the importance of self care.
4. Do what you say you are going to do to the best of your ability.  Remember how good you felt this morning when you were accomplishing your little goal? Reach for that in all of your to-do's.
5. Rejoice in the opportunities that stand before you.  What a blessing to be able to get a higher education, to have TWO jobs and to be passionate about your work and enjoy the people that you work with, to have a place to come home to, to have a loving support system.  To have a bright future to worry about!

A Happy Workplace.

Do you ever just have those days where you are so happy that it borders on manic?
I had a pretty long day today. Internship from 8-1 and then straight to work where I stayed late until a little after 8.
But I ADORE the people that I work with.
They make me so happy.
They lift me up.
It sounds cliche to say that you should surround yourself with people who make you happy.
But we often do not take this advice.
Envelope yourself with people who make you smile.
People who make your spirit glow.
People who bring out the best YOU.
People who praise Jesus.

Sweet dreams.

Fervently Praying.

One week ago from today I found out that my cousins brand new wife has stage 4 cancer.
She found out the day before.
Heather is a beautiful, intelligent, God fearing 22 year old woman.
She is a marines wife.
She is a newlywed.
Heather has so much in life to look forward to.
Luckily we know that GOD IS GOOD.

Psalm 107:28-30

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Lord, please quiet the storm for Heather and Brandon. Help them to feel your presence and love. While they are in the storm, give them the strength and the grace that they need each day, minute by minute, hour by hour. May they keep their focus on you, and may they seek you as their source of strength. Lord, help us to be an encouragement and help to them. Help us to pray for them fervently each day. Lord, YOU alone can heal Heather, and we pray that you WILL!

Heather and Brandon, "Cry out the the Lord in your trouble" and He will "calm the storm" that seems to be all around you. Heather, may you have strength today as you are undergoing Chemo, and may you walk further and feel even better today! We love you BOTH, and we are lifting up prayers for you to the ONE who can heal your body! Keep up the fight, Heather!


Please visit, like, and commit to PRAY for my cousin Heather

A Walk In My Life

I thought it could be fun to do a bit of a "day in the life" style entry today. 

My plan is to update throughout the day and then post tonight when I return home from my final class. Here it goes...

8:37 I woke up because I had to go to the bathroom and guess by the dimness out the window it was around 5 am.  When I looked at the clock I swore it was after 10 so I thought I had better get up.

9:15 After putting on a pot of coffee and tinkering around on the computer it hit me it was just after 9, I actually was making much better time than I thought.  So I cut up some fruit to have with yogurt for Mike and warmed up some leftovers for myself (I tend to prefer leftovers for breakfast rather than breakfast food)

11:00 I cleaned up the kitchen, fed Maggie, made Mike lunch, visited with Mike and talked about the odd dreams that he has been having, saw him off to work, and checked all my emails. 

11:45 Just realized I have homework due tonight in my 6-9 class...going to grab my book from my car and get a move on with this homework. Then I suppose I should hop in the shower!

12:55 Just finished writing up a blurb about gender stereotypes and fairy tales. (Specifically on Snow White)

2:43 Getting ready for class and listening to the Walt Disney station on Pandora. The musical is obviously completely magical.

3:29 Heading to my Soc. Class and to buy Mikes Stats book.

3:40 My dad calls me with a testimony of God working in his life the last 2 days. My mood, which had been a bit sour for no good reason, completely turns around. Sometimes we need to be humbled and reminded of Gods great work!

4:00 My soc professor talks too fast, walks too much, and sweats profusely for an hour.

5:30 I realize that I am going to be late to my next class and consciously slow my roll (figuratively and literally)

6:15 My Legal Studies professor is super understanding of me being late and we have a great class discussion.  I am really eager to get home and see Mike though so time ticks by semi-slow.

7:00ish We are on break during my class and while waiting in line to use the restroom I start thinking about howI sit in class shaking my leg all eager to get the heck out of there when great women before me had to fight for the right for me to even have the access to my great education.  And how people all over the world would do anything to be as privileged and blessed as I am.

8:50 I come home to an empty apartment.  Mike is out grocery shopping and helping my sister with her car. I realize just how very blessed I am!

Left on the agenda? Finish up some reading and homework for tomorrow, shower, paint my nails, maybe eat some more leftovers, cuddle with my boy, and finally SLEEP! (All while continuing to listen to the Walt Disney station on Pandora : ) )

Anxiety.

I want to live a transparent life.
In the nature of being transparent...

I get really bad anxiety.
For all different reasons.
And sometimes for no reason at all.
It annoys me because it keeps me up at night, makes my tummy upset, makes me cry, among other things.
But you know what else?
It brings me closer to God!
I don't take any anti-anxiety medicine, but I sure do pray a lot.
The Lord walks with me during times of panic.
The Lord challenges me to push past situations that cause me anxiety and to overcome them.
The Lord helps me sleep at night.

There is such power in prayer!

Blessed Memories.

I think that this Christmas break may have just been my best to date.  I have to credit its enjoyability (It is a word!) to the comfort that I am experiencing within my relationship with Christ.  It is spilling into every nook and cranny of my life...making everything warm and cozy.  I realized that what has been making all the difference is finding joy in all the little things that normally I just do.
You know what I mean?
You just get ready. You just tidy up the house. You just drink coffee.
I have so much fun getting ready and picking out my makeup for the day. I am proud of the look and feel of our apartment.  I enjoy breathing in the thick aroma of my coffee brewing, sipping it when it is piping hot, and then quickly swigging it down as it begins to turn ice cold.
God has been opening my eyes as to how deeply and truly blessed I am.

Blessed Memories of Christmas Break.
- Extra time for cuddles with Mike and Maggie, and then with my mom and siblings when I was home!
- Baking for hours and hours with Mike and Chelsi's help (Even if the only tasks I would give them were dishes)
- My dad enjoying my baking as much as I had hoped he would
- Giving presents to all of the people I love and watching them open
- Mikes mom being so appreciative of the blanket we had made for her and showing it off to everyone
- Having a giant dinner and exchanging presents with my girlfriends from home. Trying to get in as much talking as we possibly could before the food came. (Turning away the waiter 3 times because we were too busy talking to look at the menu)  Once all 5 dishes (for 3 girls) arrived there was not as much talking going on. (Our friendship in a nutshell)
- Time to sit in my apartment and burn all my yummy candles
- Discovering Plants Vs Zombies and literally playing it until I fell asleep
- One of my best friends getting engaged on Christmas!!! And becoming slightly obsessed with her wedding
- Cooking dinner for our newly engaged friends
- Cooking dinner almost every night
- Working (as an employee, not an intern) at Safe Haven
- Mikes mom selling me her car for dirt cheap
- Having important conversations with Mike about out faith

Now it is back to school, which I am not-so-secretly loving. I know I am such a nerd. But, I think this is going to be my best semester yet!

Loving differently.

I finished Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares. It is basically a grown up ending to her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series.  The women are all about 30 years old now and their lives are changing. I definitely do not want to ruin the plot for you (I dislike spoilers as much as the next guy) but grab your kleenex.  ESPECIALLY if you read the original series.
I remember reading all 4 of them in like 2 days when I was a freshman in high school.  I got on a kick of checking out books everyday from the school library.  I'm pretty sure I was the only one checking out books from the school library for fun, if not at all.
Anyway, when I read the original series and about halfway into Sisterhood Everlasting I really detested the character Carmen.  This was really annoying because Carmen narrates the books.  It would be like loving Sex and the City and hating Carrie.  Carmen just bothered me.  She complained a lot and seemed really lost in her life.  About halfway through this one though, I realized something big that we had in common.

(Real quick, because you need to know: These books are about 4 girls who were all born within a month from one another and had been best friends ever since, they loved one another as sisters.  While the original series centered on this pair of pants they all fit into, the real story has always been about their relationship.)

"There was a certain skill some people used when they needed to hunt and gather people to love and to love them.  Well, that was not a skill Carmen had developed."


"It wasn't that her heart was small.  She knew that.  It was big.  If anything, it loved too violently, too much.  But she couldn't expand its membership.  If she asked herself honestly, she'd have had to admit she didn't really believe she could."

Well that is me folks!  And it took me a really long time to realize it and come to terms.  Its not that I'm not friendly, I am.  But I really only consider a handful of people my true friends.  I think in high school it may have come off as snotty sometimes, and after I graduated and moved away from my friends it turned into seeming shy.  For a little while I got really depressed about it.  What was wrong with me? Why couldn't I make new friends? (Sidenote: I did make one amazing, lifelong friend in college)  And after I joined (and then quit) a sorority it finally hit me.  I have fabulous friends! I felt pressured, like something was wrong with me if I didn't have this artillery of friends at my disposal.  But, that is just not me.  I don't love in that way.  I give my whole heart to the people I love.  Every little bit of myself.  I am the friend that texts you things I think would make you laugh all throughout the day, every day.  I write you notes.  I cry when I talk about how much you mean to me.
I am certainly not trying to say that people who have 100 friends don't give all of themselves.  My sister is that way, and she is a wonderful friend to so many.  It seems everyday she has a new friend.  But her and I love in different ways.  My mom told me the other night she missed a call from my sister.  She got really worried and told her boyfriend (Chris) "I get nervous when I miss a call from Chelsi because she only calls about things that are important.  Not like Myranda. Myranda calls me to tell me she ate a good piece of broccoli." (I have never called her to talk about broccoli by the way. Asparagus maybe, but never broccoli)
But that is just me and Carmen, loving violently.  And thats okay. Everyone is different.

Buy Sisterhood Everlasting, its wonderful. Better yet, go check it out at the library!

Dynamic

I am a major bloggaholic. I admit it. I am not ashamed.
I read blogs of all shapes and sizes.
Blogs about food, blogs about faith, blogs about cheating partners, blogs about makeup and fashion, blogs about motherhood. (That one might seem the strangest seeing as I am not a mother)
But these women, these bloggers, they are powerful! Whether I am at the same place in my life as they are or not, they are blogging about life; real, messy life.
And that inspires me.
So much so that I began to consider blogging. If nothing more than to document my own story.  So, I asked my friend (who blogs) "Should I be blogging?"
Her response was an enthusiastic DEFINITELY!
I got excited!
I asked my boyfriend what he thought I should blog about.
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but he was not much help.
"Whatever you want Schloops." (You should know this about us, we are real nerds and can get really ooey gooey and cheesy.)
Now here I am. My first entry. I am blogging about blogging. Impressive?
Probably not.
But, I am going to do this. And I have decided I don't have to choose a theme, because I am dynamic. Thats right! Dynamic! I love cooking and eating, so I'll probably blog about that. I also love Jesus and I work everyday at developing a closer relationship with Christ, so I'll probably blog about that.  And I am obsessed with my little family made of up my boyfriend (Mike) and our fat kitty (Maggie), so Im sure I'll blog about them too.  I enjoy crafting, reading, relaxing, organizing, makeup, candles, babies, music, shopping the sales rack, and sleeping, so maybe Ill blog about those things too. And did I mention I am on the verge of graduating with my BSW? I will definitely blog about that.
A lot to look forward to. And a lot less use of the word blog/blogger/blogging too because I think I used a years worth in this post.