A Big Day!

As I signed into blogger today, I noticed a couple of things...

1) this is my 201st post... whoa, when did that happen? Seems like I have been a bit more consistent as time has worn on. I think it helps me keep thoughts together and record what is going on in my life. I like it. :-)

2) I have had this blog for over two years. Since when have I been out of college for three years? Yep, that would be right around now three years ago that I graduated. In fact... it will be three years ago tomorrow that I graduated from UM. WOW. Time passes quickly. That is blowing my mind right now.

Anyway, a big day! Happy Tuesday all!

"Wicked" and "Son of a Witch" by Gregory MacGuire

SPOILER ALERT: don't read the second paragraph if you don't want to know how these books end.

I finished Wicked in January and just yesterday finished Son of a Witch (the second in the series). I enjoyed Wicked far more than I enjoyed Son of a Witch. I just couldn't get through Son of Witch. I would pick it up, read a few pages and then put it down. I just wasn't invested enough in the characters to return to the world, I guess. I think it is because I just didn't enjoy the writing style... too much detail for my taste (who cares how the land looked as Liir flew over it, he was flying... and I especially don't care when you are describing Kumbrica's Pass for the umpteenth time- I know it was dangerous). Not to mention i don't always enjoy the fantasy world- and the more I read the books the more I realized this was fantasy. Oh well, I still want to see Wicked. And I do have to say I am very impressed with the world that Gregory MacGuire created. I am not sure if I'll read the third book in the Wicked series... we'll see.

Oh and here is my other complaint... neither story ends with what I would call a good, clean end or break. They are so open ended. In the Wicked you don't know if Elphba lives or dies. In Son of a Witch you don't know what happens to Candle or if Liir found Nor. (Sorry for telling you what happens, or doesn't). Sometimes I like open endings, but not in this case. It was just disappointing (and frustrating).

Now, onto some new books. Probably the Twilight Series (my aunt gave them to me to read... again, no big on vampire things, but I have heard they are mind candy and easy to read). If not, Hinds Feet on High Places.

What are you reading? Anything you would recommend?

Real Simple: May We Have You Attention

Ok, I feel like this article from Real Simple is talking to me. I have the attention span of a 5 year old, so that is to say no more than 10 minutes at a time. Do you have that problem?

Well, what I like about this article is helped you diagnose why. They said that there are a couple of reasons you could have problems focusing:

1. lack of sleep
2. stress and anger
3. age and genetics
4. modern distractions.

I personally felt like Stress and Anger are rarely my issue, as well as Age and Genetics (ummm, 25, probably too young to be starting to loose focus).

Lack of Sleep? Sure that could be the issue some days... but I would say overall I get about 7-8 hours a night, so not normally.

I most definitely have a short attention span because of Modern Distractions. Email is definitely always pulling me away from what I am working on... not to mention Facebook, etc. Maybe I should change my habits- no more keeping gmail open all day long; and I am turning off my "pop up notification" in Outlook. That should help the Email Bottleneck. By how else can I regain my focus if modern distractions are my problem? Well, Real Simple suggests:

1. limit multitasking (guilty as charged, if I am not doing 10 things at once I feel like I am not doing enough)
2. take breaks (oooh, great idea- just cant take a break every 30 minutes like I am known to do)
3. alternate high stimulation and low stimulation tasks
4. find your optimal time to work (mine is definitely afternoon, early evening)
5. visualize what you want to achieve

Which one are you? Do you think these tips are helpful? I do! I do!

Article from Oct 2008 edition of Real Simple.

Taking a Vote

Do I join in on this Twitter thing or not? If I get a new phone... like maybe one of these, then it would totally make sense. Then I could Tweet (is that the right verb) all the time... and I can see how that would be addicting.

So, what do you think? Do I Twitter? or do I stick to my already distracting blog and Facebook? All votes welcome!

Couzens is being renovated!

This is the dorm I lived at my Freshman year of college. I have many, many fond memories of this dorm... and some not so fond memories of walking back from South Quad (another dorm on campus) in the middle of the night, in the freezing cold.

Anyway, I saw this article today; I get weekly email updates from the UM Alumni chapter and normally I just delete it. But today I actually started to read some of the articles. Kind of glad I did...

Kind of sad they no longer will have dining rooms in each dorm. It was kind of nice to just go downstairs and get fed... although Markley or Stockwell did have the best food. Couzens, only so-so. Now they have just one central Hill Cafeteria. What up with that? I guess knowing where to meet for Hill Family Dinners will be much easier- it is all in one place, but no more battling it out as to where you would go, or choosing based on which menu is better... the Maize or Blue.

Anyway, here are some old pictures of me in my Freshman Year Dorm:

When I look at pictures like these, that is when I miss college life. Good think real adult life isn't too bad either...

Flat Daisy Adventures: Disney World

In the Girl Scout Council I work at, we have what we call Flat Daisies. They are essentially paper dolls who go on adventures with a troop. They then have a sister troop who they exchange stories and pictures with. It is a way for troops across the council to get to know each other and a way for girls to document some of the fun things they have done with their Girl Scout troop. This program is kind of new, and so we are building it up by having our own Flat Daisies who travel with us on our "adult" adventures.

My Flat Daisy ("Flat Daisy Jaye") went to Disney World with Flat Daisy Keli and Flat Daisy Robin. Here are a couple of pictures so you all can see what she has done...

They all waited patiently in lines... for the bus, for the rides, for the shows, and enjoyed all they did! Here they are waiting for the bus to pick them up to go back to the hotel they stayed at (Pop Century).

They also met wonderful cast members at Disney World- including a girl from China and this girl who works at Splash Mountain. Everyone enjoyed meeting the Flat Daisies!

They enjoyed all the rides they went on, including "It's a Small World" (on left) and Mount Everest (on the right).

Don't be surprised if I send you my Flat Daisy and have you show her around your hometown. She needs lots of adventures to go on. More adventures to come!

Recipe Number Uno

On my list of 26 things I said I wanted to try two new recipes a month. Well, for April I tried "Cheesy Baked Shells and Broccoli." (the recipe came from Real Simple)

The recipe was good. The problem? I just don't like Broccoli. I try... I really do, but the stuff is just plain gross. I found the recipe tolerable because they had you add Nutmeg to add flavoring. Much needed to mask the taste of broccoli in my opinion.

Because I started the 26 things in April, I am unsure if I'll be able to get another recipe in before may begins. BUT, I will try. Next on my recipes to try: Chicken Enchiladas with green salsa (also from Real Simple). YUMMY!

Have you tried any new recipes recently?

Earth Day

We all know I am a little bit on the moderate to liberal side when it comes to politics. One of the main reasons is I believe in helping the environment, being a good steward of the planet that God has given us. No, we cannot control the weather nor can we save it from destruction. But just as with our body, our time, etc we should be good stewards. I get a daily devotional sent to me everyday... and today's read:

"Today's Scripture
God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.-John 3:16 (TEV)

MANY read this verse and interpret it to mean "God so loved us" - people. However, the Greek word translated here as "world" means "cosmos." In other words, God loved all creation - including this planet and the entire universe - not just people.

There is much about this planet to love. I look forward to taking walks in our local park. Since each season has its own beauty, I walk year round - looking around me and thanking God for what I see, whether the trees are barren or full. Sometimes I wonder if this same beauty will be available for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy.

As a person of faith, I am concerned about God's creation and what we are doing to it. We don't have to agree about the issue of global warming to know that we all need and want clean air, clean water, and unpolluted soil in which to grow our food. We want our grandchildren and great-grandchildren to experience the same beautiful planet we have enjoyed. Each of us can find ways to love and care for this world that God loves so much.Barbara A. Chaplin (Kansas, USA)

Prayer
Creator of the universe, help us to live in harmony with you. Help us individually to do all we can to solve environmental problems. Amen."

What struck me is how we interpret this verse. Yes, Jesus came to this Earth to save mankind. He did that by dying on the cross for our sins... and I am extremely thankful for that. But God loves not just people, but all of His creation. Elohim is one of God's names and this is the name for God as creator. He loves all of His creation, the Earth and all in it. We should be treating the Earth better... myself included. I recycle, try to minimize water usage, my use of electricity... but what else can I do? How can I lead a "greener" lifestyle (not to be trendy or anything).

Just my thoughts today. Enjoy Earth Day... and even if you aren't someone to recycle... can you do it just today? Celebrate what Elohim has created for us to enjoy!

Real Simple: Best Easy Organizing Tip?

Here is another installment from the October 2008 Real Simple. I have only taken out the ideas that I think I will try:

This Month's Question: What is your best easy organizing tip?

1) Pleasant way to declutter: putter- load iPod with fun songs and putter until you place is picked up!

2) Shoe holder to store charging cables

3) keep a bag in your trunk and fill it up with things for the "giveaway pile." As soon as it is full, just take it to Goodwill (I have modified this and keep it by my bedroom door. I recommend this!).

4) put socks and other small washables in a sweater bag- they won't get lost that way! I'll be trying this one out.

5) Rubber pant hanger makes a great way to organize jewelery! Oh, you bet I'll be trying this one out!

Not too many bad ideas? Have you read the whole article? Do you think you'll be adopting any ideas? Do you have any tips for me?

Heel Yes!

First and foremost, I will always be a Michigan Wolverine. That will never, ever change.

However, living in ACC Country, in the Triangle area of North Carolina, I have been forced to choose a side. Down here, I cheer for the UNC Tarheels! And I do so proudly. I would have been a Tarheel if I wasn't a Wolverine (it was my second choice).

That being said, a couple of weeks ago when UNC won the championship, I had to be a part of the madness. (PS, living in NC I now know why they call it March Madness). I watched all of the tournament games UNC played in. I wore my UNC Fan Shirt each and everytime.

On the day of the championship game, I went with my roommate, Laura, and our good friend, Rachel, to see the game in the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill. It was packed and the played the game on the big screens and a projector. It was awesome.

I was also talked into going to Franklin Street after the game (not really talked into, I would have gone- I love being in the middle of things). But here is the thing to know... UNC riots after winning the championship- bonfires where people jump over everything. As we walked, the crowd definitely caved in... I understand for the first time in my life how people can get trampled. I was with five other girls and we could barely move, let alone stay in a straight line to make sure we stayed together. And the police... no help! They just pushed back into the crowd. Oh well- I survived and so did all of my major organs (although they may have been permanently smooshed) and I am glad I experienced it.

Here are a couple of pics for you:

This was the set up- notice the huge scree in the middle of the gym and then how each big screen had the game playing. Nice set up- better than any sports bar! :-)

The picture on the left is right after we won- notice how full of joy and excitement Rachel is. The one in the middle is of Rachel, Laura and Lindsey, some of the girls I watched the game with. And finally, the one on the right is of Laura and Rachel and I on Franklin Street- before we entered the madness. Still glad I went!

PS- from Real Simple: 1.2 billion- the estimated dollar amount employers nationwide could lose in productivity during the NCAA men's basketball tournament, as employess direct their attention to filling out the perfect bracket. Well, I know that my office lost some productivity from me. And did you know that many places here in NC will set up TVs for workers to go and watch the game on? Not even kidding! So, not surprised they lose that kind of money on the tournament.

Baby Step 2: Complete!

Yep, you read the post title right. I am done with Baby Step 2 on my Baby Steps to Financial Freedom (no debt, solid savings, etc)!

Yes, yes... please join me in another happy dance.

I got my Tax Return this weekend. I applied almost all of it to my Short-term savings account and hit my goal! :-) So here is how my Baby Steps look at this point:

1) Save $2000 in long term, high-yield savings account.- DONE!
2) Save $1000 in short term, (emergency) savings account.- DONE!
3) Pay off three remaining credit-card debts- getting closer
a) Bank of America Card- DONE!
b) Wachovia Credit Card- DONE!
c) Northwest Credit Card- working hard. It is my goal to have this paid off by my 26th birthday...
d) Chase Credit Card
4) Pay off car
5) Save 3 to 6 months worth of expenses in high-yield savings account
6) Start investing 15% of income in retirement (either Roth IRA or pre-tax retirement plan)
7) Buy a home, build wealth and give freely!

Exciting :-). Now, as you can tell (and as I mentioned in this post), I have added a credit card to Step 3. Why? It was paid off before I started following the baby steps, but I felt like it was something I did accomplish and I should celebrate that effort. So, that is why you see the change.

Anyway... hope you all are working on becoming debt free, too! I know it is only through God's help that I am getting this far. Thank you, Jesus for motivating me, convicting me and growing me in how I approach my finances. It is freedom knowing that I will be without debt soon enough.

Guess What?!?!

I am going to see U2 in concert!

Yep. That's right!

Remember how I said here that I love U2? Well, they are coming to Raleigh and one of my life long dreams/goals was to see them in concert. CHECK! On October 3, 2009 I will be seeing them at the Carter Findlay Stadium. I can hardly contain myself.

Until then I will be listening to these albums... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and probably many more.

or watching videos like this on YouTube. :-)



Are you going to any concerts this year?

26 Things Before I Turn 26

UPDATE: I have been asked- I have until November 10th to finish all of these goals. I think I can... we'll see :-).

My friend Keli has a list of 30 things she wants to do before she turns 30. I really loved the idea and decided to do a list of 26 things I want to do before I turn 26. Kind of ambitious, but fun all at the same time.

Here is my list:

1) join a Gym
2) exercise 2x a week
3) go on a "beach weekend" (where I go to the beach and do beach bum things, no other purpose attached to the time at the beach)
4) play hooky to spend a day reading
5) buy a tent
6) pay of credit card #3 (look for a post as to why it is #3 and not #2)
7) scrapbook each month (2-3 spreads)
8) read 2 books a month
9) get my car detailed
10) write a living will/instructions for what should happen should something happen to me (I know this one is depressing, but it needs to be done)
11) call each grandma each week
12) call Ross each week
13) Office at work: decorate, move around, organize, clean- I have been here a year and a half, it's about time I made it my own
14) buy new book shelves
15) go white water rafting
16) make a skirt
17) run a mile, non-stop (no time limit)
18) visit Ross in Washington DC
19) Take either GRE or GMAT
20) buy pair of TOMS shoes
21) visit one grad school of interest, find out pre-reqs
22) go camping
23) blog 3 times a week
24) try 2 new recipes a month
25) get a pedicure
26) go to the Piano Bar in Raleigh

What do you all think? I think I can do all of these (especially because some are on the calendar). I'll keep you posted as to how things go with this list!

Scrapbook: Jenn and Josh's Yearbook

I love to Scrapbook. I can't remember why I started in High School... but I did. And I really do like it- I think it is because it allows for me to organize my pictures and scraps from all of my trips. It also allows me a way to be creative without actually having any real artistic talent (I can't paint, I can't draw, but I can place pictures on a page).


Unfortunately, I don't get to Scrapbook as much as I would like. In college, there just wasn't enough free time. Now that I am an "adult" I should have more free time, right? HA! I have made more time for it in the recent months, but I am still working on the college days. Part of the issue is that I don't have a good work space. But I have plans to make my work station easier to transport. More on that later.


Much of the Scrapbooking I have done in recent years was to make things for people. In college, my friend Melissa and I made a scrapbook for Jenn and Josh (it was their wedding present). Here are few of my favorite spreads from the "Yearbook:"

Melissa and I made a "Yearbook" because Josh (once he learned that I did Yearbook in college and LOVED taking picture) always joked with me I would make us all a Yearbook when we graduated. Well, I didn't make it for all of us... but I did make one for Josh and Jenn!

These two are from two Spring break trips. I really like the one on the bottom- too bad I can't take credit for it. That was all Melissa.

Of course we highlighted some of the annual events- everything from Barn Dance to St. Joe Weekend. I really like the top half of the St. Joe Weekend spread.

We mapped out some of our favorite spots in Ann Arbor- South Quad, our houses, Cottage Inn and Pizza House... and note Benji on the Diag. Someday I plan to tell the story of how Benji ended up on the Diag.

And one of my favorite features of the "Yearbook?" We actually had a People Section- this is the early alphabet. As well, each person either had a quote always heard from them ("Oh, crap." -Brad) or a superlative ("Best Laugh"- Melissa).

So, what do you think? I still can't believe Melissa and I parted ways with this. We kept saying that we weren't going to be able to give it away after spending some many hours working on it. Seriously, Melissa and I worked on it for about 8 hours a day for a whole week. But, at least we can see it whenever we go to Jenn and Josh's.

Do you scrapbook? What do you love to do, but never have time for?

Google 411 and other fun Google tools

I am obsessed with all things Google. I love gmail (I won't ever give up that email address) and think iGoogle is the coolest thing EVER (make your own Google homepage). But Google hasn't just stopped there.

Have you ever texted google? You should try it! Want to know the weather in Ann Arbor? Text "weather 48109" and they'll text you back. Want to know if a movie is showing at the local? Text "movie 27617" and again, they'll let you know.

I saw this one in the August 2008 Real Simple. Want to know if the price of your shirt you want is the best price? Text "price" followed by "Ann Taylor skirt" and they'll send back prices from various retail outlets.

Just so you know... Google's text number is: 46645 (googl). Check out this page for a full list of all the things you can text Google for.

Now for Google 411. Who hates that when you need to call 411 on your cell you get charged for it? ME! But not anymore. Call 1-800-466-4411 and follow the directions. HOW AWESOME! I have used it when I couldn't find a restaurant but needed the number I left at home for it. I have used it when I needed to find the closest place to get my eyebrows waxed. It is amazing.

Sometimes I love technology. And most times I love Google (even when they pull their annual April Fool's Day joke).

What about you? Do you love Google? Do you have any fun Google tools that you use?

Real Simple: Double Duty Household Items

I used to read lots of magazines: Newsweek, Time, People, Real Simple. But in my efforts to save money I cancelled all of my subscriptions... except for Real Simple. I just couldn't. I LOVE that magazine... I think it has so many cool and fun ideas. Not to mention great tips.

I recently have been on a mission to simplify my life and get rid of some of my clutter (probably inspired by both the magazine and its efforts to make everyone organized AND my quest to just be disciplined). One of my steps is currently going through my HUGE stack of Real Simple magazines; I am tearing out the articles I want to read and/or have a reaction to and the recipes I want to save. One way I plan on "filing" those interesting articles is to link to them in this blog- that way I can just use this to keep track of them and then throw out the paper version. What do you think? Maybe you'll fall in love with Real Simple, too!

In my first addition, I am going to start small.

I love the "double-duty household items," column. I think that those ideas are genius!! In the October 2008 I saw two that I will be trying out soon:

1) Clear Nail Polish. Original Purpose: making finger tips fancy. Aha! use: Closing an envelope. Umm, hello! I hate licking the envelope. I think I am going to take the clear nail polish I never use and take it to work for this use.

2) Trouser Sock. Original Purpose: protection feet from blisters. Aha! use: holding cords together. Again... umm, hello! I never want to buy the tubes at Target (too much money), but I have some trouser socks I would be willing to sacrifice for this use. I'll be trying this out with all of my computer cords as soon as I can (the computer is still getting fixed).

What do you think? You going to try any of these out? Hope everyone had a great Easter!

Happy One Year Anniversary to the Hannich's!

So, this is a couple of days late... but nonetheless... Happy One Year to Jeremy and Sarah Hannich! They were married one year ago on April 5, 2008. I was able to not only attend the wedding, but also be a part of their big day. I felt honored and greatly enjoyed spending time with Sarah and all of her wonderful friends (which is no surprise considering how wonderful she is!).

Here are some (well, many) pictures from that awesome day:

The bridesmaids on the left (we were killing some time that afternoon. For the first weekend in April, Michigan was gorgeous!). One the right, many men from CRU; many generations for studs there!- made me smile to know them and know how much they have influenced the movement at UM.

These are from the Bachelorette Party... first we went with the tropical/Jamaican theme- Jeremy and Sarah were heading to Jamaica for their honeymoon. As a side note, I had managed to go 4 years without ever eating at the "Jamaican Jerk Pit," a little hole in the wall in Ann Arbor. However, we went there that night, and I plan to never go back. Why? well half of the menu wasn't available... and the Coke in my hand in picture frame #2? well over two years out of date. Yea. Oh well- an adventure to remember!

A couple of photos from the Rehearsal. On the left is my Carbon Copy, Jenn (we actually didn't mean to match so well that evening). On the right is a great photo of some awesome friends... miss them all! Glad to call them friends!

Random Thoughts on Dating...

It is inevitable being single, in a Singles Ministry, that I talk about dating and relationships. If you thought you talked about the topic a lot in college- it is nothing compared to how much we talk about it in a Singles Ministry.

And it makes sense. We are in a pressure cooker (umm, hello, you talk to a boy for more than 5 seconds and everyone's eyes are on you). At this point in our lives, most of us in that ministry want to be married.

So this leads to not surprising fact that when I see a dating article on msn.com or some other news feed, I normally read it. They are normally written from a worldly perspective, but sometimes still have some good insight.

I recently ran across two articles (Article 1 here and Article 2 here) and wanted to share my random thoughts on them with you.

Article 1:
Ok, the second paragraph... definitely my favorite:

"After years alone, on the cusp of my 35th birthday, I was serious. I'd learned that letting myself kiss the wrong guy set in motion a sort of unwitting hormonal bonding stronger than rational thinking. If I was going to meet the right man, I decided, I needed to remain chemical-free, to think clearly, to get to know him first."

I think all non-Christians (and, well Christians,too!) should take note. And is probably one of the best reasons I have heard as to why you shouldn't get physical while dating. Yes, the bible commanding it is the best reason, but for those who don't believe the bible- this is a very strong argument!

Overall, I don't know if I could do 100 dates in 6 months. But it seems to make sense in some ways. If you aren't meeting new people then you can't find "the one." As well, if you let your emotions (due to lust) do all of the talking, then you may miss the one who should have deserved a second date. And finally- the being honest with people as to why or why not you are going on a date with them. Most guys I have ever talked to would rather be told "no" right away than have even one pity date.

Article 2:
Ok, as a warning- this is just more of a reaction to the idea of "giving a guy a chance" idea than the whole article.

I agree with the "give a guy a chance" idea. Most guys do fall into that "maybe" boat rather than the "I have a crush on him" boat or the "absolutely no way" boat. Most of my "maybe" guys are my friends. Just haven't really thought of them as more than that. So, I would probably say yes.

But here is my issue. Are guys told to give the girls in the "friend" or "maybe" boat a chance? I personally don't think they are. But, how is that fair? However, my roommate did have a good point last night. Girls and Guys have different friend boats, and different ways of approaching them. AND, it is possible that a girl is getting a "chance" and we just don't know it.

However, this article leads me down a different road. What about the boys who are in the "no" boat? I have a couple of guys who I am friends with and they are really just in the "no" boat. Girls, if they were to ask you to coffee, do you say "yes" because you should give everyone a chance? Or do you answer honestly? (like the girl in the first article learned is the best way to go). It could be freeing, but it could also really hurt the guy. I don't know... I think honesty is the best policy. I just pray if I have a guy in the "no" boat and God wants differently then He will change my heart. Until then... if he is in the "no" boat, but honest with him. I think a pity date is worse than a no to a date.

Let me know what you think!

Good Things: March

It's that time of the month! It's time for my monthly "Good Things" list. So, here is goes for March 2009:

1- Disney World. rainy morning, but the sun came out in the morning. Saw the EPCOT "Illuminations" show.
2- Disney World. spent all day at the Animal Kingdom. I LOVED the Lion King show; that evening we went to Hollywood Studios- spent the evening riding the "Tower of Terror" back-to-back-to-back. :-)
3-last day of Disney. We were ready to go- and the good news? We made our connecting flights (despite having only 40 minutes in the Atlanta airport to do so).
4- got all unpacked and my room clean!
5- one crazy day at work. My good thing? I made it through the day!
6- Hurricane's Scout Night- I forgot how much I enjoy hockey!
7- Went to "Jesus Christ Superstar" with Robin and Keli
8- had a much needed and good talk w/ Amanda; decided I was going to our annual Fort Caswell Singles Retreat
9- had a much needed productive evening (we know how much I enjoy those!)
10- Wool E. Bull from the Durham Bulls stopped by my Try It Troop; realized how much I truly enjoy working with kiddos.
11- good time at BJ's with Keli (too bad it was shopping for work)
12- ate at Fat Daddy's for the first time... it is really good!
13- Robyn's b-day party- lots of fun with lots of laughter.
14- Area 23 Sweetheart Dance- what a LONG day, but so glad the event went off successfully!
15- had a lazy afternoon with a 2 hour nap!
16- work related, but still good- turned in 30 registrations! (this is good news for my annual goals)
17- finally had an evening off! what did I do? crosswords. :-)
18- got to spend some time hanging out after The Gathering. realized I am slowing feeling more comfortable around people.
19- wore my new glasses- I got lots of compliments on them.
20- went to Oak Island to visit Aunt Tina and Uncle John. nice to see the beach- I miss it!
21- the morning sunrise at the beach. remind me again why I don't live at the beach?
22- good lunch at Old Raleigh; nice walk and talk with Laura
23- breakfast with my roomie
24- people at work recognized how hard I work!
25- dinner at the Nieman's... so nice after a really long day at work
26- ate Chick Fil a... yummy!
27- kind of random evening... but just nice to joke with Laura.
28- Dave and Tricia's wedding- I just love dancing so much.
29- UNC won! random, but fun evening hang out with people from church, played Telephone Charades.
30- ...
31- decided to throw a dinner party on Friday. kind of nervous about it, but it will be good right? people will come right?

So, there you have it! My March... not to bad. I also saw an article today that gave me an idea i am going to try and implement. On the first of each month, do something special to celebrate and rejoice in God's goodness. Whether it is scheduling playtime into you schedule or getting a special treat... do something to celebrate God's goodness (and treat yourself!).

Hope everyone out there had a nice March! Looking forward to a good April.