No seriously... today has been on of those days.
Where all you want to do at the end of the day (well, even before that) is curl up in bed and put the pillow over your head.
I have said so many things that embarassed me (not all that hard to do really); I have found out how one person can tell one person who can tell one person until it all gets out; I have put my foot in my mouth multiple times; life has kicked me back into reality.
Guess vacation can't last forever. Charleston, it was good to escape for a weekend. Now life has found its way back to me. Boo.
Pictures to come.
Showing posts with label life happenings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life happenings. Show all posts
4.28.2010
Spontaneity
I really do like spontaneity. Too bad I am not the most spontaneous person. It is because I also like to have a plan and like to stick to that plan.
But sometimes I get to practice spontaneity.
Like this weekend -- Laura and I are going to Charleston, SC to get ourselves out of Raleigh and take a few days off. We don't have any concrete plans. We only booked the hotel this past Saturday. We are just going. I am pretty excited. Have any places that I just need to see? or eat at?
I was also able to practice spontaneity a couple of weeks ago. Angela, a great friend from college who is now studying to be a PA at Wake Forest, called me one Friday and said "Can we hang out tomorrow?" "YES!!!" was my very eager reply.
We ate at Panera, hung out at a free church festival, went browsing through Target and just caught up. Sometimes the best days are ones where nothing gets done. And you get to see fun friends. Here is a great picture of the beautiful Angela and I:
What have you done to be spontaneous recently?
But sometimes I get to practice spontaneity.
Like this weekend -- Laura and I are going to Charleston, SC to get ourselves out of Raleigh and take a few days off. We don't have any concrete plans. We only booked the hotel this past Saturday. We are just going. I am pretty excited. Have any places that I just need to see? or eat at?
I was also able to practice spontaneity a couple of weeks ago. Angela, a great friend from college who is now studying to be a PA at Wake Forest, called me one Friday and said "Can we hang out tomorrow?" "YES!!!" was my very eager reply.
We ate at Panera, hung out at a free church festival, went browsing through Target and just caught up. Sometimes the best days are ones where nothing gets done. And you get to see fun friends. Here is a great picture of the beautiful Angela and I:
What have you done to be spontaneous recently?
4.23.2010
I WON!
This year has been kind of hard -- just a lot going on that was wearing me down. Work was non-stop, taking a class (albeit an easy class) took up free time, and I still wanted to be social. To say I am tired is an understatement.
Anyway -- the other day I was given a nice surprise. For work, if we met one of our goals concerning the Cookie Sale then we were entered into a drawing for various prizes.
And.
Well...
I won the grand prize:
To say I was (and still am) very excited to win the iTouch is also an understatement. I definitely did a happy dance, in front of all of my co-workers. Oh well! :-) :-) :-)
I want to name her (she is a her, I feel). What do you think I should name her? What apps should I get? I am looking for awesome free ones. I can't wait -- she is supposed to be here early next week!
Anyway -- the other day I was given a nice surprise. For work, if we met one of our goals concerning the Cookie Sale then we were entered into a drawing for various prizes.
And.
Well...
I won the grand prize:
I want to name her (she is a her, I feel). What do you think I should name her? What apps should I get? I am looking for awesome free ones. I can't wait -- she is supposed to be here early next week!
Oh my! She's having a baby!
Have I mentioned that my best friend Jenn is having a baby? And that the little boy is due on May 21st? Well, in case I haven't -- she's having a baby. And the due day is quickly approaching.
This past weekend I was up in Michigan to help Jenn celebrate by throwing her a baby shower. This was the first time I had thrown a baby shower, and only the second I have been to. That being said, I think it went pretty well -- mainly due to my co-hosts, Sarah, DeeDee and Tina.
We went with a Scrapbook theme. And I now you are probably wonder -- what??? Well, the idea came from my mom and I think it was a hit.
The host's buy her a scrapbook and give ideas to the guests such as "1st Christmas," "1st Tooth," "Coming Home," etc. They also purchase all sorts of materials -- paper, stickers, etc. At the shower the guest make a page for the themes and then once baby comes all mom has to do is take the pictures and slap them on the page. Jenn said she really liked it -- and everyone was very complimentary. Their biggest compliment? It was a great activity to do while we were all talking!
Of course, we also played a couple of games. And let her open a bajillion gifts. And provided food.
Overall, I think it went really well! :-) Here are a couple of photos from that day:
I had a great time at the shower -- I just hope Jenn did, too! Tell me, have you had to plan a baby shower? What themes did you use? What about the games? What would you change for next time?
This past weekend I was up in Michigan to help Jenn celebrate by throwing her a baby shower. This was the first time I had thrown a baby shower, and only the second I have been to. That being said, I think it went pretty well -- mainly due to my co-hosts, Sarah, DeeDee and Tina.
We went with a Scrapbook theme. And I now you are probably wonder -- what??? Well, the idea came from my mom and I think it was a hit.
The host's buy her a scrapbook and give ideas to the guests such as "1st Christmas," "1st Tooth," "Coming Home," etc. They also purchase all sorts of materials -- paper, stickers, etc. At the shower the guest make a page for the themes and then once baby comes all mom has to do is take the pictures and slap them on the page. Jenn said she really liked it -- and everyone was very complimentary. Their biggest compliment? It was a great activity to do while we were all talking!
Of course, we also played a couple of games. And let her open a bajillion gifts. And provided food.
Overall, I think it went really well! :-) Here are a couple of photos from that day:
 | |
| Sorry for all of the table settings -- I just really loved how they turned out! Practical/fun stuff with a mixture of the scrapbook stuff. And the Scrapbook pages as place settings? Love it! All ideas not original. Thank you Sir Google. |
 |
| me with Sarah. Love this girl! |
 |
| The Michigan girls -- it was so fun to see them! |
4.05.2010
Bible Study
From September through March I was in a Bible Study at my church -- it was through the Women's Ministry and I loved it. We studied Esther, via the Beth Moore Study, "It's Tough Being a Woman." I had never done a Beth Moore Bible Study and really enjoyed it -- she is engaging to listen to; she is wise and God definitely has blessed her with the gift of teaching and speaking. I appreciate her honesty and willingness to be vulnerable.
I also enjoyed this Bible Study because of the women I got to know through out. Here we all are on the last night, at the banquet.
It has been quite sometime since I was able to laugh as much as we did... all while studying the Word honestly together.
And even more, I just missed the accountability that comes from Bible Study -- to be in the Word consistently, to be praying for one another, to walk according to the way Christ has called us to, etc. I hope to never go so long in between Bible Studies again. Before Esther, it was probably at least a year and hald with no Bible Study fellowship.
While I won't be continuing to study the Word with this exact group of women, I am so excited because tonight I start a new Bible Study! We are going to study Galatians through a Tim Keller study. I am excited to dive in! I'll let you know what I think of Tim Keller.
I also enjoyed this Bible Study because of the women I got to know through out. Here we all are on the last night, at the banquet.
It has been quite sometime since I was able to laugh as much as we did... all while studying the Word honestly together.
And even more, I just missed the accountability that comes from Bible Study -- to be in the Word consistently, to be praying for one another, to walk according to the way Christ has called us to, etc. I hope to never go so long in between Bible Studies again. Before Esther, it was probably at least a year and hald with no Bible Study fellowship.
While I won't be continuing to study the Word with this exact group of women, I am so excited because tonight I start a new Bible Study! We are going to study Galatians through a Tim Keller study. I am excited to dive in! I'll let you know what I think of Tim Keller.
3.08.2010
It's Official...
... I have submitted my applications for Grad School.
I am scared.
I am excited.
I am praying for God's will.
I am overwhelmed with that this could mean. financially. emotionally.
But mostly I am relived. One step closer.
Join me in praying that God will open and close the door as He sees fit and that I am ok with whatever the outcome is.
I am scared.
I am excited.
I am praying for God's will.
I am overwhelmed with that this could mean. financially. emotionally.
But mostly I am relived. One step closer.
Join me in praying that God will open and close the door as He sees fit and that I am ok with whatever the outcome is.
2.22.2010
Where has Jaye been?
Well, that is certainly a great question. And to be honest, no where extremely exciting, but at the same time all over the place!
What has really taken over my life are Girl Scout Cookies. I am overseeing the sale in one of my areas and it has quite literally taken over my life. My Inbox explodes each morning and I try to contain it each day; I have had to plan more things for this cookie sale than I ever thought. It is just overwhelming.
Feb 13th was Cookie Delivery Day... and that was definitely my "must get to this moment" day. Once it was over, everything was moving down hill from there. DON'T get me wrong -- still much more to do. But, that was the peak and now we are on the other side.
Just to share with you what cookie delivery day is -- here are some photos. Keep in mind that this is for just ONE of my areas; but they had 68 troops who need to pick up almost 6000 cases of cookies. Do you know what 6000 cases of Girl Scout cookies look like? They look like this:
What has really taken over my life are Girl Scout Cookies. I am overseeing the sale in one of my areas and it has quite literally taken over my life. My Inbox explodes each morning and I try to contain it each day; I have had to plan more things for this cookie sale than I ever thought. It is just overwhelming.
Feb 13th was Cookie Delivery Day... and that was definitely my "must get to this moment" day. Once it was over, everything was moving down hill from there. DON'T get me wrong -- still much more to do. But, that was the peak and now we are on the other side.
Just to share with you what cookie delivery day is -- here are some photos. Keep in mind that this is for just ONE of my areas; but they had 68 troops who need to pick up almost 6000 cases of cookies. Do you know what 6000 cases of Girl Scout cookies look like? They look like this:
All of the cases coming off of a FULL semi-truck and a little loading truck.
Almost all of the cases in the firehouse where we load them into cars. Yep, that's a lot of cookies.
Anyway, that is just a quick snapshot of how cookies have taken over my life.
Beyond that -- I have added a class at the local community college. I need it for my pre-req for grad school. It isn't too bad, but i do have to stay on top of that reading. Still hanging out with friends, working out in the mornings and Monday Night Bible Study.
All in all, life is good. I am going to work on the whole discipline thing and updating on a regular basis. We'll see how that goes. ;-) Do you have anything specific you want me to blog about?
1.30.2010
Snow!
We've had a little (or a lot) of this today:
That's right! SNOW, here in North Carolina!
Obviously, that isn't my place -- or anywhere near where I am. I was too lazy to get my camera out to take any pictures of the snow at my place. Roomie and I did go for a walk in the snow this morning, but since then I have stayed in pjs while being productive.
That's right -- I have been productive today... on a snow day!
I have: cleaned my room, did my Bible Study homework (Beth Moore's Esther study rocks!), finished my reading for class, scrapbooked, organized some photos AND have been getting some work-work done. I know, I know... it should be a snow day everyday! I might actually get stuff done from time to time.
While it is nice to have snow, it was kind of a bummer. My parents were supposed to come and visit today, but the weather prevented them from doing so. Oh well, hopefully I'll get to see them next weekend!
How was the weather where you are at?
That's right! SNOW, here in North Carolina!
Obviously, that isn't my place -- or anywhere near where I am. I was too lazy to get my camera out to take any pictures of the snow at my place. Roomie and I did go for a walk in the snow this morning, but since then I have stayed in pjs while being productive.
That's right -- I have been productive today... on a snow day!
I have: cleaned my room, did my Bible Study homework (Beth Moore's Esther study rocks!), finished my reading for class, scrapbooked, organized some photos AND have been getting some work-work done. I know, I know... it should be a snow day everyday! I might actually get stuff done from time to time.
While it is nice to have snow, it was kind of a bummer. My parents were supposed to come and visit today, but the weather prevented them from doing so. Oh well, hopefully I'll get to see them next weekend!
How was the weather where you are at?
1.13.2010
Fun Times Ahead!
I've been posting up a storm today! Just got opinions and fun things to share today! Guess what broadway show I just bought tickets for?
Here is yourhint dead giveaway:
I'm going to see Wicked on May 12th at the DPAC and I can't wait!!!!
Here is your
I'm going to see Wicked on May 12th at the DPAC and I can't wait!!!!
1.11.2010
Prayer/Encouragement Needed
I have been listening to my "Encourage My Heart" playlist on repeat today and yesterday.
It has been a tough weekend and because this is a VERY public forum, I am choosing not discuss and reveal all of my thoughts here. Know that I covet prayers for this situation and that God will know exactly what it is you pray for. It is on my mind constantly, to the point that it has been hard to concentrate at work and get anything done.
I trust the Lord and His plan. I don't always understand the situations He has in, but I know it is for His glory and as long as I am doing what I feel He has called me to then I am doing ok.
Thanks friends and blog world.
It has been a tough weekend and because this is a VERY public forum, I am choosing not discuss and reveal all of my thoughts here. Know that I covet prayers for this situation and that God will know exactly what it is you pray for. It is on my mind constantly, to the point that it has been hard to concentrate at work and get anything done.
I trust the Lord and His plan. I don't always understand the situations He has in, but I know it is for His glory and as long as I am doing what I feel He has called me to then I am doing ok.
Thanks friends and blog world.
12.04.2009
Best of 09
I saw this idea first on Jenn's blog, thestylegeek.com, and loved it. Because I have been absolutely, horribly behind this week, I will have to catch up today and tomorrow, but I want to take the challenge!
In case you don't know the purpose of this blog, it is really just for me. I am using this as a journal, as a way to remeber fun things, challenging things, thought provoking things. It is a way for people in far away places to keep tabs on me (if they care to). But more than that, there is no purpose. I don't want to be famous, I don't want a million followers. I just want a way to remember.
That being said, I thought this Best of 09 would be a great way for me to keep tabs of 2009 in the life of me. Gwen Bell was the originator of this fabulous idea. Hope you will consider joining her (and the rest of us) on this quite awesome journey!
In case you don't know the purpose of this blog, it is really just for me. I am using this as a journal, as a way to remeber fun things, challenging things, thought provoking things. It is a way for people in far away places to keep tabs on me (if they care to). But more than that, there is no purpose. I don't want to be famous, I don't want a million followers. I just want a way to remember.
That being said, I thought this Best of 09 would be a great way for me to keep tabs of 2009 in the life of me. Gwen Bell was the originator of this fabulous idea. Hope you will consider joining her (and the rest of us) on this quite awesome journey!
12.01.2009
Good Things: November
Well, it is unbelievably that time of the month again -- time to look back at November and find things to be thankful for! There are quite a few of them!
1- started listening to Christmas music :-)
2- phone date w/ Christine!
3- dinner w/ Stephanie at Chipotle
4- met w/ the NC State Elementary Ed person... and got so excited to go back to school
5- The Office/Autumn-y party
6- dinner w/ Laurie... man, I love that girl!
7- had a quiet day. I put together my bookcase and then went to the Daniel Renstorm concert
8- went on a walk w/ Laura and then had Stromboli for dinner
9- one heck of a productive day at work!
10- My Birthday! I felt so loved!
11- Mellow Mushroom for dinner. That is all you need to know!
12- another productive, but tiring day. Realized I have one amazing friend in Laura
13- to the Niemans for dinner -- gave me the Casting Crowns' Christmas CD.
14- went to my first Corn Maize and then to iHop for dinner
15- had some quality me time; organized my iTunes library which always makes me feel good (yes, I am sad and I know it)
16- bought my Joshua Scrapbook for $4!!!
17- decided to do something I swore I wouldn't... I am putting my cat on kitty kat prozac. Yes, again I know I am sad.
18- decided to get some time to myself. Ordered Papa John's for dinner!
19- finished organizing my iPod now that my home computer is back up and running!
20- went to see the midnight showing of New Moon. I can't believe I just admitted that.
21- Jimmy John's. Man, I miss that place.
22- OMGosh, our cottage is real! I'll post pictures soon!
23- first day of painting w/ my mom... didn't know I could be that sore!
24- had a Milky Way for dessert... yum!
25- met up w/ one Christine VanSweden while waiting for my dad at the G-Rap airport
26- Thanksgiving and my Dad's birthday. The food was amazing... turkey... stuffing... mashed potatoes... rolls.
27- Onion Rings w/ dinner made a long day of painting all worth while.
28- done painting the cottage! (for now!)
29- made it home... I missed that apartment.
30- still loving My Evening Walk Bible Study. Beth Moore's Esther study rocks... and is so applicable right now. As well... I love my roommates. It felt good to be near them, with them, to laugh with them.
November flew by. I am sure December will, too. Can't believe we are 24 days away from Christmas and 30 days away from a new year. How does time fly so quickly?
1- started listening to Christmas music :-)
2- phone date w/ Christine!
3- dinner w/ Stephanie at Chipotle
4- met w/ the NC State Elementary Ed person... and got so excited to go back to school
5- The Office/Autumn-y party
6- dinner w/ Laurie... man, I love that girl!
7- had a quiet day. I put together my bookcase and then went to the Daniel Renstorm concert
8- went on a walk w/ Laura and then had Stromboli for dinner
9- one heck of a productive day at work!
10- My Birthday! I felt so loved!
11- Mellow Mushroom for dinner. That is all you need to know!
12- another productive, but tiring day. Realized I have one amazing friend in Laura
13- to the Niemans for dinner -- gave me the Casting Crowns' Christmas CD.
14- went to my first Corn Maize and then to iHop for dinner
15- had some quality me time; organized my iTunes library which always makes me feel good (yes, I am sad and I know it)
16- bought my Joshua Scrapbook for $4!!!
17- decided to do something I swore I wouldn't... I am putting my cat on kitty kat prozac. Yes, again I know I am sad.
18- decided to get some time to myself. Ordered Papa John's for dinner!
19- finished organizing my iPod now that my home computer is back up and running!
20- went to see the midnight showing of New Moon. I can't believe I just admitted that.
21- Jimmy John's. Man, I miss that place.
22- OMGosh, our cottage is real! I'll post pictures soon!
23- first day of painting w/ my mom... didn't know I could be that sore!
24- had a Milky Way for dessert... yum!
25- met up w/ one Christine VanSweden while waiting for my dad at the G-Rap airport
26- Thanksgiving and my Dad's birthday. The food was amazing... turkey... stuffing... mashed potatoes... rolls.
27- Onion Rings w/ dinner made a long day of painting all worth while.
28- done painting the cottage! (for now!)
29- made it home... I missed that apartment.
30- still loving My Evening Walk Bible Study. Beth Moore's Esther study rocks... and is so applicable right now. As well... I love my roommates. It felt good to be near them, with them, to laugh with them.
November flew by. I am sure December will, too. Can't believe we are 24 days away from Christmas and 30 days away from a new year. How does time fly so quickly?
11.11.2009
Happy Birthday to Me!
Yesterday, November 10 was my 26th birthday!
I never thought I would say this... but thank goodness! I was so ready for a new year, someway to mark an end to the roller coaster year that 25 was. I felt light all day yesterday... seriously, like a weight had just lifted right off of me. It was glorious. :-)
All in all, the birthday was great! I felt so loved. Facebook can be such a waste of time, but it was so great to have people send messages and wall posts all day. I felt loved and cared for. One roomie made me a delicious funfetti cake and the other took me out to dinner and then took me GPS shopping! My parents gave me money to go and buy one... I used it for fun today:
And then tonight I am going to Mellow Mushroom with some very fun girls and well, it is just so nice to feel loved and appreciated and I am so glad to be able to mark a new beginning...
So, recap.
I am 26. WAHOO!. Thanks to all of my friends who made me feel so loved on my day!
I thought it might be kind of fun to see who I share a birthday with... rapper Eve, "actress" Brittany Murphy, Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo, comedians Tracy Morgan and Sinbad, director Roland Emmerich AND Martin Luther. I thought Martin Luther was definitely the coolest one.
Well, enough of this random post. I'll update on my list of 26 things to do before I turn 26 and as well try to recap 25, what I learned, etc. Have a happy Wednesday!
I never thought I would say this... but thank goodness! I was so ready for a new year, someway to mark an end to the roller coaster year that 25 was. I felt light all day yesterday... seriously, like a weight had just lifted right off of me. It was glorious. :-)
All in all, the birthday was great! I felt so loved. Facebook can be such a waste of time, but it was so great to have people send messages and wall posts all day. I felt loved and cared for. One roomie made me a delicious funfetti cake and the other took me out to dinner and then took me GPS shopping! My parents gave me money to go and buy one... I used it for fun today:
So, recap.
I am 26. WAHOO!. Thanks to all of my friends who made me feel so loved on my day!
I thought it might be kind of fun to see who I share a birthday with... rapper Eve, "actress" Brittany Murphy, Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo, comedians Tracy Morgan and Sinbad, director Roland Emmerich AND Martin Luther. I thought Martin Luther was definitely the coolest one.
Well, enough of this random post. I'll update on my list of 26 things to do before I turn 26 and as well try to recap 25, what I learned, etc. Have a happy Wednesday!
11.03.2009
Good Things: October
Well, we have reached the end of another month. And I must say that the end of the month was just filled with joy and laughter and it has just made me so thankful for life, for friendships, for challenges, for adventures, for everything. I hope your October has been wonderful as well!
1- took refuge in friendships; good people watching at The Office gathering
2- had a good time setting up for Oasis; got to dance! :-)
3- U2 concert. need I really say more?
4- took a nap, had a very quiet evening
5- MEW, just felt welcomed
6- survived the dentist with no crying (which for me is a BIG deal)
7- had Laurie time after the Gathering
8- slept w/ the windows open!
9- quiet time at the apartment :-)
10- people watching in Mount Airy.
11- solid nap time in the car on the way home from Fall Retreat
12- good convo w/ Jenn
13- dinner w/ Meredith T. feels good to be understood!
14- I actually took time and studied for the GRE!
15- Puppy Chow! The Office gathering
16- took a day to myself... went home and took more review time for the GRE
17- Race for the Cure with the family
18- baptisms! went to bed early
19- MEW (FYI-- that stands for My Evening Walk Bible Study)
20- studied some more, began to feel somewhat confident
21- Glee & Real World Road Rule challenge :-)
22- GRE is done!
23- headed to Michigan... fun times in the car with my brother
24- fun friends and hang out time
25- arrived safely home
26- MEW social -- saw why I was with this particular group of women
27- good solid introverted time in apt; OTH marathon
28- Hurricane's Game for work... sometimes my job has some great perks! began school research and became EXCITED about the possibilities!
29- quiet hang out time with the roomies at the apt.
30- good car ride on the way to the Veverka Fall Retreat, just felt like I could feel answer to prayer
31- great time at the retreat... felt included, kayaked around the pond/lake
Lots of great memories for me this month. OH, and I began listening to Christmas music as of Nov 1st. :-)
Happy November, blog world!
1- took refuge in friendships; good people watching at The Office gathering
2- had a good time setting up for Oasis; got to dance! :-)
3- U2 concert. need I really say more?
4- took a nap, had a very quiet evening
5- MEW, just felt welcomed
6- survived the dentist with no crying (which for me is a BIG deal)
7- had Laurie time after the Gathering
8- slept w/ the windows open!
9- quiet time at the apartment :-)
10- people watching in Mount Airy.
11- solid nap time in the car on the way home from Fall Retreat
12- good convo w/ Jenn
13- dinner w/ Meredith T. feels good to be understood!
14- I actually took time and studied for the GRE!
15- Puppy Chow! The Office gathering
16- took a day to myself... went home and took more review time for the GRE
17- Race for the Cure with the family
18- baptisms! went to bed early
19- MEW (FYI-- that stands for My Evening Walk Bible Study)
20- studied some more, began to feel somewhat confident
21- Glee & Real World Road Rule challenge :-)
22- GRE is done!
23- headed to Michigan... fun times in the car with my brother
24- fun friends and hang out time
25- arrived safely home
26- MEW social -- saw why I was with this particular group of women
27- good solid introverted time in apt; OTH marathon
28- Hurricane's Game for work... sometimes my job has some great perks! began school research and became EXCITED about the possibilities!
29- quiet hang out time with the roomies at the apt.
30- good car ride on the way to the Veverka Fall Retreat, just felt like I could feel answer to prayer
31- great time at the retreat... felt included, kayaked around the pond/lake
Lots of great memories for me this month. OH, and I began listening to Christmas music as of Nov 1st. :-)
Happy November, blog world!
10.29.2009
Michigan
I know I am crazy. I'll leave Friday afternoon from work, drive through the night to get to Michigan on Saturday and watch a football game... only to drive home on Sunday. But it is important to remember a couple of things:
1. I have been doing this since I was a kid. I don't think it is weird and I am very used to it.
2. I recognize this is crazy.
3. I love seeing people I care about and will do crazy things to make it happen.
So, in conclusion, I love going to Michigan to see my friends. I hope that this travel is something I can keep up for a long time to come. Do you think whoever I marry (if I marry) will be willing to drive to Michigan for football games?
Anyway, here is a recap from the weekend.
I went with my brother:
He is crazy enough to drive all that way with me. We had a good time in the car -- music, discussions about Real World/Road Rules Challenges, Cherry Coke, and lots of food keeps us quite happy.
We got to Jenn and Josh's around 3am, slept for a couple hours, got up and hung out with friends. For lunch these fun ladies:
Afterwards, Jenn, Josh, Ross and I all headed to the game. As per my normal (remember last year's game?), it was cold and rainy. I didn't blog about it, but this also happened the year before... I don't get it. ANYWAY, cold and rainy, and we lost. Oh Michigan Football, why do you have to hurt my heart so much sometimes? I still enjoyed being in the Big House. I mean how could you not love this:
Go BLUE!
1. I have been doing this since I was a kid. I don't think it is weird and I am very used to it.
2. I recognize this is crazy.
3. I love seeing people I care about and will do crazy things to make it happen.
So, in conclusion, I love going to Michigan to see my friends. I hope that this travel is something I can keep up for a long time to come. Do you think whoever I marry (if I marry) will be willing to drive to Michigan for football games?
Anyway, here is a recap from the weekend.
I went with my brother:
He is crazy enough to drive all that way with me. We had a good time in the car -- music, discussions about Real World/Road Rules Challenges, Cherry Coke, and lots of food keeps us quite happy.
We got to Jenn and Josh's around 3am, slept for a couple hours, got up and hung out with friends. For lunch these fun ladies:
Afterwards, Jenn, Josh, Ross and I all headed to the game. As per my normal (remember last year's game?), it was cold and rainy. I didn't blog about it, but this also happened the year before... I don't get it. ANYWAY, cold and rainy, and we lost. Oh Michigan Football, why do you have to hurt my heart so much sometimes? I still enjoyed being in the Big House. I mean how could you not love this:
Go BLUE!
10.28.2009
5k
Remember how I mentioned my mom wants us to walk a 5k with her? Remember how I said I wanted to try and run it?
Well, I didn't run it. Maybe now that I am working out regularly I can feasibly consider training for a 5k... but that will have to be another day.
BUT, I did walk it with the family. Two weekends ago my brother came down and I went up to see the rents. We had a fun time walking the race together; it was rainy and cold, but we know how to entertain ourselves... make fun of the man in the all red suit (see pictures below)... talk about the cottage and how it is coming along... talk about school and the GRE...
See, we have a good time.
We also celebrated my parents 37th Anniversary! They have been married for 37 years and Ross and I took them out for a nice dinner. I however failed and did not get a picture of all of us when we were clean and a little bit more well rested.
Oh well! Here are the photos from the weekend:
My mom's co-workers who also ran/walked the 5k.
The family. We were bundled up, trying to stay warm.
Man in the red suit I mentioned earlier... yes it is just plain wrong.
The mom and I entertaining ourselves on the walk...
10.16.2009
Busy
I find that this post is me to a "T." Seriously. I crave being busy... I don't know how to say no... and it has been this was since I can remember.
I have always loved planners -- since they made you write in them in elementary school and have them signed by your parents. In 6th grade when it became optional, I searched high and low for the perfect one.
I still use the same brand/type I found in high school. It works perfectly for me. I don't think I will ever trade it in... especially for something electronic. I love my paper planner.
But even more than that -- there are times when God makes me sit still and just spend time one Him. There have also been times where He has forced me to depend upon Him, because we all know how much I love control.
Like right now -- I take the GRE in less than a week and am terrified. I want to go back to school, but what if I do terrible? It has been so stressed that I am reverting back to my paralyzed by fear state where I do nothing but ignore all the things I should be doing... I am doing it at work, at home, with friends. I have recently started asking for prayers concerning it because that is the only way it will get better. And it is forcing me to depend on God and His promise -- that He will provide everything I need for He has called me to it. And if I am not meant to teach then He will open the right door. And THAT is what I need to depend upon.
Each time I moved, I have had to depend upon God.
This summer, with my heart broken, I have to depend on God. I had to slow down long enough to let Him comfort me and my heart.
Lord, thank You for taking things out of my control (no matter how much I cling to my planner and my lists) so that I can depend upon You.
I have always loved planners -- since they made you write in them in elementary school and have them signed by your parents. In 6th grade when it became optional, I searched high and low for the perfect one.
I still use the same brand/type I found in high school. It works perfectly for me. I don't think I will ever trade it in... especially for something electronic. I love my paper planner.
But even more than that -- there are times when God makes me sit still and just spend time one Him. There have also been times where He has forced me to depend upon Him, because we all know how much I love control.
Like right now -- I take the GRE in less than a week and am terrified. I want to go back to school, but what if I do terrible? It has been so stressed that I am reverting back to my paralyzed by fear state where I do nothing but ignore all the things I should be doing... I am doing it at work, at home, with friends. I have recently started asking for prayers concerning it because that is the only way it will get better. And it is forcing me to depend on God and His promise -- that He will provide everything I need for He has called me to it. And if I am not meant to teach then He will open the right door. And THAT is what I need to depend upon.
Each time I moved, I have had to depend upon God.
This summer, with my heart broken, I have to depend on God. I had to slow down long enough to let Him comfort me and my heart.
Lord, thank You for taking things out of my control (no matter how much I cling to my planner and my lists) so that I can depend upon You.
10.15.2009
An Exchange
This was a conversation I had today with a parent who was interested in getting his daughter in a Girl Scout troop. The Italics are my thoughts...
Parent: "Hello. Yes I would like to get my daughter into Girl Scouts."
Me: "Ok, well what grade is your daughter in?"
...
P: "I don't know much about Girl Scouting. What kind of things do the girls do?"
Me: "Well, it depends. Troops are girl led -- we want their interests to dictate what the leaders do. We have programs for everything from financial literacy to the environment, the outdoors to self-esteem."
Me (thinking): great, not this question again. Do I have a recording I could press for this one?
P: "Oh. Ok. Well, are they graded?"
Me: "Umm, no. They earn badges and such, but no. We don't grade the girls."
Me (thinking): WHY in on God's green earth would we grade them? This is the Girl Scouts!!!
P: "Oh. Well, how do they show they have accomplished something?"
Me: "Well, that is why they earn patches and badges. And when they get older they can earn the Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. But this isn't like Karate. We don't have colored belts to show advancement."
Me (thinking): Dude, your daughter is in third grade. She doesn't need to worry about college quite yet! Besides, let her have some fun!
...
So, that was just a snippet. Sometimes these parents puzzle me!
Parent: "Hello. Yes I would like to get my daughter into Girl Scouts."
Me: "Ok, well what grade is your daughter in?"
...
P: "I don't know much about Girl Scouting. What kind of things do the girls do?"
Me: "Well, it depends. Troops are girl led -- we want their interests to dictate what the leaders do. We have programs for everything from financial literacy to the environment, the outdoors to self-esteem."
Me (thinking): great, not this question again. Do I have a recording I could press for this one?
P: "Oh. Ok. Well, are they graded?"
Me: "Umm, no. They earn badges and such, but no. We don't grade the girls."
Me (thinking): WHY in on God's green earth would we grade them? This is the Girl Scouts!!!
P: "Oh. Well, how do they show they have accomplished something?"
Me: "Well, that is why they earn patches and badges. And when they get older they can earn the Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. But this isn't like Karate. We don't have colored belts to show advancement."
Me (thinking): Dude, your daughter is in third grade. She doesn't need to worry about college quite yet! Besides, let her have some fun!
...
So, that was just a snippet. Sometimes these parents puzzle me!
One Wet Beach Day
At the end of September I went to Wilmington with Rachel and Jenn... it was supposed to be a beach day. The weather simply had other plans.
It rained on our way to the beach.
We got there. It was misty -- so we went for a walk on the beach and to the pier. We went to walk to the end of the pier and the skies opened up... almost literally.
We were soaked... and still had to walk BACK to the car.
It's ok -- I got a really cute outfit from Old Navy out of the deal (because we were so wet that new clothes were about the only option).
Then we went to a nice lunch at this lovely little restaurant. And headed home...
Here are a couple of fun shots from the day:
This was before the skies opened up... see no rain jackets and our hair? Still dry.
As the skies opened up we decided to take pictures -- we were going to get wet no matter what.
After the pier... before the walk back to the car.
In the car... as wet as we could have been. We went to Old Navy to get dry clothes. Too bad I didn't take any pictures of the new outfits. OH well!
10.13.2009
Fall Retreat: Williams Class
This past weekend I went on Fall Retreat with my old Sunday School Class. It was an adventure, at times refreshing and overall a very encouraging and convicting time. I am really glad that I decided to go.
This year we went to Vineyard Camp right outside of Pilot Mountain. I would classify this camp as rustic. At what age do you become to old to climb up into a three story bunk bed? I would venture to say I have passed this age.
I would also venture to say that I do not enjoy showering with 15 inch daddy long legs. Ok, maybe they weren't quite 15 inches... but they we huge, ginormous in fact. Just saying.
However, it was a beautiful camp with lots to do on the property. The had a play ground with swings! They had tetherball! They had horses! And they had lots of dogs to play with, too!
The theme for the weekend was Missions. We mainly looked having a proper heart for missions. I enjoyed listening to the talks, but was most convicted by one of my classmates testimonies. She was talking about when she went to Mawali and what scared her the most. But her point was "God will provide. He will provide for whatever He has called you to and what He has planned for you."
Wow.
Did I need to hear that. If I am supposed to go back to school, He will provide!
Of course, we had fun... there was the Autumn Leaves Festival in Mount Airy (real life town that Andy Griffith's Mayberry was modeled after), the bonfire, and good times frolicking! Here are some photos of the weekend:
The Autum Leaves festival. The guy in the picture on the right? He was serving the food -- not even kidding. Hungry now?
Some of the fun people I got to hang out with all weekend!
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