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!

A Lesson...

On how to pick up the pieces when life falls apart... don't know if I could be any more moved than I am right now. Read this article:

Mealer Brothers a Lesson in Courage.

Wow. Life can change in an instant. Sometimes for the worse. Sometimes for the better. Sometimes to show you what you are made of.

This family is made up of a lot of love, courage and determination.

Things that make me smile...

... because today has been one of those days where I need to remind myself of the good stuff.

1. Glee - This isn't anything new. I love this show (does that surprise anyone?). Here is my current favorite clip:

2. Beach Music and Shag Dancing - again, does this surprise anyone? I still owe you, blog world, a post on what is "shagging" (and by shagging, I mean the North Carolina definition). I have been listening to beach music to relax myself; of course it makes me only want to go dancing. Any takers?

3. Fall Retreat - It's this weekend and a little rejuvenation is in order! We are talking about hiking Pilot Mountain during our free time. I hope we get to! Who wouldn't want to see this view?

That is all I have right now. I hope this weekend is relaxing...

Success!

Have I mentioned my fear of the dentist on here before?

Well, if I haven't, let me tell you! I am terrified of the dentist. It scares me so badly to have to go... I work myself up into a small panic attack almost each and every time I go. Why then do I go? Well, if I don't go and get a regular check up there is a greater possibility of BIG dental work later on (read: crowns, root canals, etc).

Where does my fear stem from? Well, when I was three years old I "flipped" a Play-School Tricycle and chipped my two front teeth. Not too big of a deal until the following day when I was pushing My Buddy in on a swing and it came back and hit me in the mouth and proceeded to chip the teeth even further (OUCH!). My first memory is of sitting in the dentist's chair crying and asking for my dad (they wouldn't let him come back); once they did let him back(I didn't stop crying until they did) I have this memory of them trying to put on the gas mask and me just fighting it.

Don't worry -- my adult teeth came in just fine. But with a bad start at the dentist followed by much work on my teeth (I had a pretty bad overbite as a child; needed baby teeth pulled so I could get braces in 2nd grade; and have a small mouth so I have had not just my 4 wisdom teeth but 4 additional teeth pulled, too) I just don't well in that chair.

Anyway -- in July my new dentist gave me some bad news. I had a couple of cavities. Enter my freak out session... tears and sobs and all... in front of this poor man who had no idea what to do. I tried to explain to my new dentist my history... in between sobs. So you know how that went.

Well, he seemed to get the gist of it and prescribed to me a sedative.

I am sure you are thinking, "Sedative? for a filling? are you kidding me?"

But trust me -- I need it for a filling! And I have to say -- it made for the second best dentistry experience of my life. (the first being my wisdom teeth being pulled where they knocked me out and I remember anything).

So, if you are like me and a little terrified of the dentist... go get your teeth cleaned often. And if you do need work done -- consider a sedative. I have used it and am now a fan. I was still nervous, but my body just didn't respond in the same way. I was able to stay calm. It was amazing.

Are you afraid of the dentist? What is your fear?

The Rest of the Weekend

You already heard about U2. You already know that was probably the highlight of my year. :-)

However, this weekend was awesome for other reasons, too.


Friday night I went line dancing at church. You know you can't go wrong with that (or at least that is true in my book).


My "little" (ok, younger) brother, Ross, came to visit me. Now, this kid is awesome. And I am so glad he was able to join me for the concert. It also happened that Va Tech (he school) was playing Duke in football at Duke. So, before the concert we went and watched the game with my friend Laurie. (Thanks Laurie for letting us use your season tickets!). Duke tried to put up a fight, but Va Tech was victorious. It was an interesting game for many reasons, but one of the main reasons? Because the stadium (about the size of a glorified high school stadium) was pretty full... with mainly Hokie fans. C'mon Duke, get behind your team!


Here are a couple of photos from the rest of the weekend:

Maybe it is hard to tell -- but there is more maroon and orange in this photo than blue.

Me with my game day buddies - Ross and I on the left; Laurie and I on the right. Excuse the bad angles on me... makes my chin look ginormous and adds about 10 of them.

U2

U2 was amazing. I LOVED the concert! It lived up to the hype in my head. I was really afraid that all of my excitement would just make me disappointed in the end (kind of like Christmas morning and presents are never as good as the anticipation).

Anyway... that wasn't my experience. I mean, it was MAGNIFICENT!

They sound like they do on their CDs.

They are truly talented (I didn't realize that The Edge could hit some of those notes. I can't even hit those notes!).

They enjoy interacting with the audience. (like how Bono saw a sign quoting one of their songs, decided to throw the mic to the guy with a "be cool" warning and allowed the guy to sing some of it! And the guy wasn't too bad!)

They make even the cheap nosebleed seats feel like they are up close and personal.

My favorite moment of the night was the first encore. They came out and played "One," then "Amazing Grace," and then "Where the Streets Have No Name." Rocked my world.... that is all you need to know.

My only complaint? They didn't play "Pride (In the Name of Love)." Oh well -- all the rest of my favorites were included; here is the set list:

Breathe

Get on Your Boots

Mysterious Ways

Beautiful Day

No Line on the Horizon

Magnificent

Elevation

In A Little While

New Year's Day

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

Stuck In A Moment

Unforgettable Fire

City of Blinding Lights

Vertigo

I'll Go Crazy - Remix

Sunday Bloody Sunday

MLK

Walk On

One

Where The Streets Have No Name

Ultraviolet

With or Without You

Moment of Surrender

I would go and see them again. In a heartbeat, no hesitation. And I love Bono. He stands for something and does good with the opportunity he has. I just respect them. I hope they are as cool in person as they seem from Section 25, Row K, Seat 22. :-)

OH, and the stage contraption (a space ship), unbelievable! Here are some pictures of the evening:

My brother and I at the concert. He drove down to see me, see U2 and go to Va Tech v. Duke game. We had quite the eventful and great weekend together!

The fun group of people I went with. Amanda, Blake, Meg, Reed, Linda, and Keli.

The spaceship contraption; but it made you feel like you were part of the show. The LED screens we awesome!

Some shots of the live show. :-)

PS. The video at the top of this post is of "I Still Haven't Found What I am Looking For." So much fun! After they played it, they covered Stand By Me.

A piece of advice? Go and see U2 someday! They are worth it!

God is too good to me!

Seriously, He is good! I mean, GOOD! All the time! I am a big fan of seeing God's hand through out life. I have so many stories of places I can see Him protecting me before I became a Christian; I can see how He has guided me in decisions to places and people that would bring me joy; I can see His answers to prayer. God is GOOD!

It is no different in my job. How I came to hear about the job is a total "God Story" as some of my friends like to say.

I sit across from a woman at a luncheon at church. She talks to me for about 15 minutes and then says, "I think I have a job for you." She didn't even KNOW I was looking for a job. She didn't even KNOW I had been a Girl Scout as a girl. But God did. And He knew exactly what I was doing. He knew my passions well enough to know that I need to feel like 'I am making a difference.' He knew my personality well enough to know that I enjoy working with people, but also need to have independence and control in my job. And He gave it to me in this job.

Well, He has also allowed me to succeed in this job. I saw Him provide in BIG ways this year:

- He allowed me to have enough girls in on wait lists this summer so that I would make my goals by 7 girls in one area and 12 girls in another!

- He has provided me with some awesome new leaders for new troops who are EXCITED to be doing it. And sometimes they "seem to come out of nowhere." (yea right -- He sends them!)

- He has provided me with both two different Product Sale Managers so that I don't have to the job in lieu of a volunteer.

There are so many other ways, but He is exciting, encouraging and brings a smile to my face! :-)

Hope you can see God showing up in your life today!

The Cottage, Part III

The cottage now has a roof! I can't believe how quickly it is coming along. It is supposed to be completely done the week of my birthday (Happy Birthday to Me!). My parents are thinking of beginning painting at Thanksgiving. I am thinking of using it this spring for a mini reunion with the girls I lived with my Senior Year of College.

Oh, it makes me do the happy dance just thinking about! Anyway, here are a couple more pictures for your viewing pleasure!

26 Things Update!

Do you even remember this? It has been so long since I have given an update! BUT, I am making some progress, I guess. Here are a couple more updates!

#1 - Join a gym.
COMPLETE! I joined a gym last Friday. I now belong to Planet Fitness.

#2- Exercise 2x a week.
Ongoing, but COMPLETE! Yep, my co-worker Shawna and I are exercising together. We started Monday. We are going for an hour each morning. It is a good thing I have to meet her; I don't think I would make it into the gym other wise.

#6- pay off Credit Card #3.
Well, I haven't done it, but I am making a lot of progress. I recently revisited my budget and spending habits and made some changes. I know use the envelope system for things like Groceries, Eating Out, Entertainment, Clothing. The rest I still pay via check or debit card. But I am working hard to live off of my paycheck each month and use my mileage reimbursement as payoff for the credit card debt. I am seeing slow and steady progress and I think that is the most important part, right?

#8- Read 2 books per month.
I haven't let you know what I am reading, but I am getting there. I recently started re-reading the Anne of Green Gables stories. :-)

#10- Write a living will
I downloaded an example today so that I can get going on it!

#13- Redo my office
It's getting there, and there has been progress. Everything is filed, my drawers are cleaner, the company just painted. Now I just need to move my furniture. And put some stuff up on the walls. Soon, soon I think!

#14- Buy new book shelves
Doing this afternoon. Then my brother is going to help me put them together this weekend. AND, I bought a desk! Do you remember?

#15- Go white water rafting.
FAIL. So can I exchange it for my trip to Maine and kayaking? Rachel ended up not going for her birthday. I'll have to try again for next year.

#21- Visit one school of interest
Haven't physically gone, but I am doing lots of online research. Hope to know which schools I am applying to buy the end of the weekend.

#23- Blog 3x a week.
I think this one has been a success, don't you? I have seen an increase in my posts since last year!

I am making progress. I don't know if all of them will happen though. That is ok; I certainly like having goals and watching (some of) them progress!

Linky McLinkerson

I have started this list of links I wanted to share... so before I head home for the day I thought I would pass them along...

1. Making Singleness Better - a great article on singleness.

2. Mental Floss - awesome fun website that has plenty of fun and interesting articles, Top 10 lists, etc. Two I want to share with you? One on what has happened to the old MMC Club! And some interesting facts about Girl Scout Cookies.

3. Article on one of my favorite bloggers. Read his blog here.

Good Things: September

Do I say this every month? How is it ______ already?

Well, I am going to go ahead and say it! How is it already October 1st?!?!? Time flies when you're having fun... or something a long those lines.

Ready for all the good things?

1- dinner at the Niemans -- that almost always makes it a good day!
2- worked from home :-); good convo & laughter w/ the roomies; Missouri showed up randomly at The Gathering
3- ... sadly I don't remember ANYTHING from this day. How does that happen?
4- packed for MAINE! Fell in love w/ Glee
5- MAINE! Michigan WON their 1st game
6- beautiful weather in MAINE! became a pseudo wedding crasher (and if Laura and I had the right outfit we would have walked right on over to the reception)
7- Kayaking in MAINE!
8- home... bags didn't make the connection, but they did make it to us that same night
9- Flat Tire :(, but there was nothing wrong! Got to clean my office
10- LOTS got done at work; was told "you did a great job with that presentation."
11-Cheesecake Factory. Dulche de Leche Cheesecake. Need I say more?
12- Michigan BEAT Notre Dame -- heck yes!
13- Sick Day... missed church!
14- My Evening Walk Bible Study started... Studying Beth Moore's Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman.
15- Worked from home because they were painting my nasty pink walls! Chili's w/ Stephanie
16- got the Ethiopia bug (singles ministry is going and I really, really want to join them)
17- Lilly's Pizza (Yummy!!!), The Office premiered!
18- KANKI
19- Introverted Day, had the apartment to myself! Michigan won... again. Yea 3-0.
20- started the Ververka Class at church (scary, but good); saw baptisms. Have I mentioned how much I love watching baptisms?
21- God confirmed many of my choices
22- got done w/ my evening meeting early. WAHOO! (I worked 4 out 5 nights that week)
23- Glee!
24- lunch w/ Rachel
25- movie with Shorty -- The Informist. Don't go see the movie
26- Wilmington Trip w/ Rachel and Jenn. We got soaked in the rain!
27- Great Day. Enjoyed the Marriage Conference at Church
28- dinner at the Niemans. Began working out with Giggles before work -- feeling great already!
29- dinner at Chipotle with Hugs.
30- Glee! AND... my guilty please, The Real World/Road Rules Challenge is back ON! I am doing the happy dance.

Hope your September was awesome! I have lots of fun things coming up in October: two Fall Retreats, a trip home to walk a 5k, a trip to Michigan, and... the... U2 CONCERT! I might hyperventilate I am so excited. :-) :-) :-)

Online Shopping

How do you feel about shopping online? How about shopping for clothing online? I normally like to try things on so it always makes me a little nervous to buy things online.

However, I have recently been introduced to three websites (through this blog) that sell modest, fashionable clothing. And let me tell you... I am IN love. I want so much of it. I am trying to resist, to remind myself that I am on a budget, to wait and ask for some of it for my Birthday or for Christmas.

But seriously... this or this or this. How cute?!?!?

Ok, so what are these sites? Here you go:

1) Shade Clothing
2) DownEast Basics
3) Tabeez

So, what do you think? Are you going (virtual) shopping with me?

End of the Year

Ok, so it isn't Dec 31st. But here at the job our program year runs from October 1st - September 30th of the following year.

Well, today is Sept 30th.

The big question is... did I make my goals?

I am happy to announce that YES I in fact did make my goals! :-) They'll keep me around a little big longer I guess.

Happy Wednesday all!

Happiness!

Over on this blog, Jennifer Lynn shared with us her love for dancing and then asked... "What makes you happy?" And of course -- challenged us with "Go! Do it!" I thought I would take some of that challenge.

What makes me happy?

Today, it was this picture on cat.com:

It is also:

-- dancing, especially when no one is watching

-- my new work out routine with Shawna (fastest hour spent of my day)

-- organizing photos

-- hopping into bed each night

-- wearing hoodies in the fall

-- music, especially David Crowder's new song ("How He Loves Us"); Jeremy Camp's newest ("There Will Be a Day"), Josh Wilson's new album-- go and get it!

-- Reading my Bible each morning and having the Holy Spirit speak to me each morning


I like simple pleasures... they make life worth living. I hope you have small pleasures that bring a smile to your face. What are they? Do you wish to share it with me?

Singleness

Overall I don't mind being single. Yea I have my moments where I think "my life will be completed if I only had ...a boyfriend ...a husband ...a wedding to plan ... children."

But then I remember all the awesome things you get to do as a single:

- spend money how I want to without consulting anyone
- go one trips with the girls (hello Disney, Tennessee, Maine, etc)
- drop everything to go and see a friend
- the joy of knowing I can do it!
- choosing to go back to school
- getting all the Introverted time I need
- decorating my room how I want
- not having to cook dinner every night (I have a very limited number of dishes I can make)

Sure, life isn't perfect in either boat. But I like where God has me. I read this quote quite some time ago... but it always makes me laugh.

It always makes me think, too... Let's celebrate being single! Or for that matter, celebrate where God has you! It is by no mistake you are there.

"Think about it. If you are single, after graduation there isn't one occasion where people celebrate you... Hallmark doesn't make a "congratulations, you didn't marry the wrong guy" card. And where's the flatware for going on vacation alone?" --Carrie, SATC

** Disclaimer: I am not a SATC fan, but the quote is great!