A Blog Post

Tonight I got in the mood (as I often do) to go back and read some of my old blog posts. You wont find them on this blog, they are on my old blog from before, and right after I got married. In the last several months before I quit blogging on that blog (can I use the word "blog" any more times do you think?), I noticed that I wrote a lot about school work. I was working really hard on it and, while it was stressful, I was excited about my education and getting my degree. Now I look back and wonder where that excitement went.

I have no desire to go to school now. I can still see the benefits of going back to school, and getting my degree IS something that I would one day like to achieve. (Holla! It's on my life list!) But it just seems so HAAAARRRDD. And so...much. I can drum up a million excuses not to do it. And yet I know: I should do it. I need to do it. And maybe going back to school would help me get some more definitive direction in my life. Or at least help me not feel like a "Lazy Loser" (ya I was called that recently, still bitter;) ).

I want to DO something with my life. I just wish I knew what that something was. And I wish I knew what steps to take, even the first few little ones. What is my passion? What is my purpose? I'm looking for them.

I'm looking all the time.

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday I'm thankful for:

The dentist (and no cavities!) I know most people don't like going, but I love the way my teeth feel after a cleaning :)

Absent

I'm sorry for my absence. I've been working on a lot of stuff to get organized this month. Trying to pull my goals together and whatnot.

I've really been trying to evaluate the things I want and the things I need to do to achieve those goals. I've also been trying to form some good habits. Sometimes it is really hard for me to remember to do things so I've been writing everything down and making charts and stuff (yes, charts). The good news is: I'll be prepared with good habits once I get old and lose my memory for real! Yay! I've also been getting in the habit of working out and watching what I eat, to get me healthy. I've decided to forgo meat on certain days of the week in hopes of forming better eating habits. So far, so good and I'm really excited about finally TAKING STEPS to achieve what I want as opposed to just complaining and being depressed about what I don't have.

Another thing I've been working on is some blog design. I first got really into it when I redesigned this blog, and since then I've continued to really love it. Here are a couple of blogs I designed for some friends:

I especially love the bottom one. So much so that I didn't want to give it up haha. (click on the pictures to view the actual blogs).

All for now. Hope everyone is having a good week and a fantastic Wednesday!

{A Bathroom}

There will probably be times that I do more with this space. However, this time around I would just like to leave you with one image:



Doesn't this bathroom look divine? I could definitely relax in here for a good bit. Light some candles and grab me a handful of dark chocolates and I would be in heaven. :)

Unfortunately, I don't have the source since it's been in my "favorites" folder for a really long time. If anyone knows it, please tell me and I'll update!

Tuesday Twitterpated

This week I'm lovin:

These amazing shoes. Hello! Think of the endless carving possibilities!

Cute magic hat ipod cover.

Have you ever had candy legos? These clay houses remind me of those so I kind of want to eat them...

This adorable little drawing when you click a dead link on etsy.

Blue dino planter. Need I say more?

 

Red Riding Hood and wolf ring. Sa-weet.

Obviously I was on an Etsy kick. Enjoy.

Southern Vampire Mysteries {A Series}

In the beginning of this year I made myself a goal: read at least one book a month. I have to laugh a little, because in the past reading one book a month would be laughable to me. I read obsessively and could easily put a book away in an hour or a day, much more a month. But as I got older and got addicted to TV (confession) I read less and less. So much so, that reading a book a month was, sadly, a pretty big goal for me.

However, when I really get into a series, that's a different story. I DEVOUR series. The only problem becomes finding a series to get into.

So this month I'd like to review a series: The Southern Vampire Mysteries (aka The Sookie Stackhouse Novels).

The star of these books is Sookie Stackhouse (surprise!), a waitress and telepath living in Louisiana. The world has just been introduced to the existence of vampires as the vampires have "come out of the coffin" with a Japanese invention of synthetic blood. Due to this new invention, vampires no longer have to use humans for food, making them "safe." As both humans and vampires try to adjust to this new, out in the open, co-existence, all kinds of issues arise, and the rest of the supernatural community waits in the wings to decide if "coming out" would benefit them as well.

Being distinctly different from other humans (and actually a supernatural herself) Sookie is quickly pulled into the supernatural world consisting of, not only vampires, but werewolves, fairies, shapeshifters and plenty more. She falls in love, goes on adventures, saves lives and gets scraped up quite a few times, all while trying to cling to her humanity. Sookie is not a whiny, helpless heroine. She is strong, stubborn, brave and selfless. She takes care of herself.

So far there are 10 book in this series, each covering a different wild adventure, with more on the way.

I will admit to being fed up with the vampire craze. However, this series is no "Twilight." I read through all of the current books in about three weeks. (And they are big books too!) I liked the supernatural feel of the books as well as the mystery element. I know a story is good if I get sucked into it right away and that was my experience with these books. Charlaine Harris, the author, has been at the writing game for a while and really knows her stuff. I was impressed enough with her style to consider reading her other series as well, but have yet to take that step.

Overall I really loved this series and am anxiously awaiting the release of the 11th book, due out this May. It opened me up to the genera of mysteries as well, which I had never really explored before. I give it two thumbs up. Go check it out!

(P.S. Can I just say...there is glitter on the covers of these books. If that doesn't make you pick them up, I don't know what will!)

Dance DVD's {A Workout}

Lately I've been exploring exercise through dancing. I know that working out isn't always fun. In the past, I've gotten discouraged when I tried working my body really hard only to be overwhelmed by the pressure and, eventually, just giving up due to dread of my next workout. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has this problem.

Something that I have recently (re)discovered, is my local library. Not only did I rediscover the library as and endless source of books for me to read (well, duh!) I also learned that it has all kinds of resources I never would have thought of! Read: movies, music and WORKOUT VIDEOS!

I absolutely LOVE that my library offers workout videos. Not only does being able to rent a video, instead of buying one, allow me to see if I like a particular one before buying it (my library lets you keep them for 3 weeks), it also gives me the chance to try things I would never have thought to try and to mix it up so my workout doesn't become sedentary.

In the beginning of this year (like many, many, MANY people) I resolved to get "back in shape" and start taking better care of my body. And yes, I wanted to lose some weight. Even more than in years past, I wanted to get down to a slimmer figure and had a bigger picture in mind: I want to be in the best shape I can be before we start having kids!

That, coupled with a goal of mine to learn how to dance (it's scary) resulted in me browsing the uncharted waters of dance DVD's.

There were actually a couple that I tried and didn't really like. I wanted something that would get me moving but would also be fun, upbeat and relatively easy to follow (did I mention that I'm dancing illiterate?) Then I stumbled on the "Cardio Go Go Dance" DVD by Crunch. Fun Fact: I had no idea that "Go Go" was actually a type of dance. I thought it was just referencing a get up and "go-go" attitude about working out.

Anyway, I tried out the video and actually ended up really enjoying it. It was fun, the instructor was easy to follow and went over the moves several times, and I woke up the next morning actually a bit sore! (I had had doubts that I would actually get any kind of real workout). Success!

Unfortunately, I had procrastinated and by the time I tried out the DVD it was time to take it back. I was disappointed, but I decided to check out the other choices while I was there. To my surprise, there were several other dance videos by Crunch! I snagged them all up and took home my loot in anticipation of many good workouts to come.












I know this was a long winded post. Kudos to you if you made it all the way through it! I guess, to conclude, I have these two pieces of advice:

1. When you're working out (especially when you first get started) don't work against yourself by committing to a regimen that will quickly burn you out. Instead, find something you really enjoy (or want to learn!) and make it fun! It might not be dance for you. Maybe you'd like to swim, or bike or hike or even just walk the dog! The point is to get active, not to tear yourself apart.
2. And also, check out your local library. They probably have some things that will surprise you! Maybe you can't afford (or don't want) to go to the gym. If you have a DVD player then you're set! It is usually free to get a library card and, if they have a section of exercise DVD's then you have a vast array of personal trainers! My library not only has dance workouts but also yoga, pilates, kick boxing and many many more! Even if they don't have dvd's they probably have exercise books and magazines that can give you some tips on your track to healthy.

Happy Birthday Lily!

It's my niece Lily's first birthday today.

I know she it not my baby but I love her to pieces and I just can't believe that she is one already. I've been very blessed in the way of family and I'm just so honored to be a part of her life.

Happy Birthday, little one. Thank you for opening up the world of babies to me. I love you!

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday I'm thankful for

Ginger cookies





&
.............................................. my sewing machine

Pure of Heart {A Blog}

As this is my first blogger feature, and, really, the post that launches this blog, I want it to be special.

I read several blogs and there are a lot that I just LOVE (I'll probably be featuring them later on in this blog.) But I wanted to start with one that is near and dear to my heart:

The blogger behind Pure of Heart, Kaitlin, is someone I actually know IRL (that's "in real life" for those of you not up on your blogging lingo).

The title of her blog fits her to a "T", because she is one of the most pure, tenderhearted people I know, or have ever known. But I'm not just featuring her because she is one of my friends. Her blog is definitely worth checking out.

Kaitlin and her husband, Alan are newly weds and old souls. They both love a good treasure hunt at a local estate sale and always have flowers in the house. She blogs about both of these and you will often find pictures of her finds. How she finds such good deals, I will never know, but her taste is impeccable and lovely and I swoon over each new snapshot.

Also to be found on Kaitlin's blog are great ideas, thoughtful reflections and the occasional DIY. This is a blog to keep your eye on as, I believe, she takes her blogging to a new level. Check it out today and give Kaitlin a quick "hullo" to let her know you stopped by!



P.S. Thank you so much Kaitlin, for supporting me as I launch off on this new adventure! I'm so glad I sucked it up and spilled the idea to you:)

Tuesday Twitterpated

This Week I'm loving:

This new site and the idea behind it. I love the "traveling pants" feel to it.

This picture that I can't stop looking at.

This adorable barrett that my sister-in-law made.

This amazing looking soap, that I kind of want to eat...

Welcome!

Welcome, welcome welcome!

If I'm being real, I will say that I am really nervous about the launch of this blog. I know that might sound a bit silly, but there it is, nonetheless.

What started out as a love for too many subjects and an interest in magazines, has grown into a pet project that I am now launching as a blog. And here I am, putting it out there for all the world. I wouldn't say that I'm nervous people wont like it, or nervous that it wont do well or be read or whatever. I guess I would say that I'm nervous that it will totally flop in a blaze of terrible blogging fire. Just something small like that.

I am really hoping to turn this into something and I think a hope like that comes with a fine print of apprehension. 

But enough of that. Here is what you can expect from the blog in this, my launch month:

• Posts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, AND
• A different subject on each one of those above mentioned days

Please be patient if things change after this month as I find out what works and what doesn't in these early stages. Feel free to come back whenever you want and to comment, ask questions, make suggestions or whatever. And don't forget that you can email me whenever by pressing the "Contact Me" button  (I really can't plug this enough as I LOVE to get email). I really hope you like it and I'm so glad you're here!

A Launch

Today I am launching my new blog:

I am weirdly nervous about it. I will still be posting on this blog, as my personal blog, but this new one will be more of my "business blog" (?).

I'm hoping to turn it into kind of an online magazine, with content that you can consistently expect every month. This month, my "launch" month as I'm calling it, is (hopefully) only the beginning. So, while I hope it's good, I'm also hoping it will get better from here on out.

Go check it out and I hope you like it! Also, there is now a button on my right sidebar that will take you directly there. :)

Peace!

A Marriage

I attended a marriage conference this past weekend at my church. It was awesome. I learned a ton of stuff and, really, just had a good time hanging out with my husband.

But all the marriage talk really got me in the "thinking about marriage" mood.

I don't really think about "marriage" that often. At least, not with that terminology. Married life, for me, has been nothing like I expected. I love it. I basically see it as getting to hang out with my best friend everyday and always having someone who's got my back. I highly recommend it.

But as I was uncharacteristically pondering marriage, I came across this thought: being married has set me free. Allow me to explore this:

I've never really been super self conscious, but I've had my insecurities just like everyone else. One thing I never expected marriage to do was set me free of my inhibitions. Let me give an example: while at this marriage conference, the guest speaker asked that any couples who felt like they were called to use their marriage to do ministry in the area of marriage, stand up. The two couples that we were sitting with stood up. Now, in the past, I probably would have stood up. Not because I'm a follower, but because I would have been thinking "Well God probably wants me to do ministry in every area so this is probably for me." But I didn't stand up. Because, as far as I am currently aware, I'm not called to that ministry. And I am totally ok with that. I know that I don't have to do it all. I've got no one to impress.

I wear what I want to wear now, without apology. I like the things that I like, without being embarassed because other people might not like them. I'm interested in the things I'm interested in, and I give up on the things I realize I'm not interested in. I pursue the dreams and goals I have, without looking around to see if my friends are doing the same thing.

I can't explain it, and I didn't realize that these things corresponded with my married life until the other day. All I can think is, having someone in my corner, someone who will (and has!) see the very best, worst and weirdest of me, and still ADORES me, has given me confidence.

I don't worry that other girls are prettier or cooler than me, because my husband doesn't want them. He wants me, and he makes sure I know it. This doesn't mean that I don't still have issues or that my life is perfect. BY ANY MEANS. It also doesn't mean that I "let myself go" because I feel so comfortable that I don't think I have to worry about what I look like. That is not the point that I'm trying to convey. Rather, having the kind of love from another person that marriage provides has made me feel safe.

Trey is my buddy, my best friend, my biggest fan, my cohort, my partner, my encourager, my shoulder. He is the first person I want to tell anything too. He makes me laugh more than anyone else. He "gets" me. He knows when I'm happy, sad, mad, lying, whatever.

I'm so happy and so blessed. I'd give you the secret if I knew it. But I don't. All I know is that aaaaaallllll this also lets me know that God loves me. Because the only way things could have worked out so well is if He orchestrated them. And I think that's what a good marriage should do: show you how much God loves you and draw you closer to Him.

All for now, sorry if this is a bit long. Just something I've been thinking about...:)

Move

Thud thud thud thud. My feet pound the blue plastic that is the track at the gym. Four steps in, four steps out. It's the breathing Trey taught me and I try to focus on it. I make my legs lift up higher. I am my own coach, but I'm a softie. I used to push myself harder, but I pushed myself right out of the desire to run.

I used to care about numbers. I used to care about my speed, and my time. Now I don't care. I don't look at the clock. I just run and enjoy it. I don't know how fast I'm going. Probably not very fast, but if I keep enjoying it, then I'll keep running, and I'll get faster on my own without even knowing it.

Someone once told me I run like a duck. I've been self conscious about it for the better part of 10 years since.

Someone else once told me I smile when I run. I try to concentrate on that instead.

I'm lapping you for the second time, I say to the pink tank top in front of me (in my head of course). I always step it up a little when I'm passing someone. I tell myself it's just to get around them, but I'd be lying if there wasn't a bit of pride involved.

I've brought my ipod, but I left it in the locker. Some people can't run without listening to something, but sometimes I prefer it. Just as I prefer driving without listening to anything most times. It's my thinking time. Besides, the ear buds always fall out of my ears, and constantly pushing them back in is not why I'm here.

It feels so good to run. It's been awhile since I've been able to enjoy it and I'm so glad that I've got the fire to run back.

As I leave the gym, the wind is blowing and the breeze is warm. I smile and run down the stairs and to my car. I guess I just didn't get enough inside :) And for the first time, in a long time, I look forward to going back.

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday I am thankful for:

the gym (help me Lord)


&

............................................ Carmex chapstick.

Tipping

Yesterday I worked a 12 hour day at the cafe. My church is hosting a mini-conference for pastors who are looking to plant churches.

And yesterday, as I came to the end of my shift, I was a little shocked by something: there was no tips in the tip jar. Not a penny, not even any pocket lint. Nothing. Now I don't really care about the money. Usually I make at least a couple dollars a day in tips, but I just see it as a blessing and I definitely don't EXPECT it.

Another fact you should probably know: all the pastors at this mini-conference got their drinks for free.

I had heard this stereotype of Christians before: servers at restaurants dread the "after church" crowd on Sunday afternoons who come around, stay all afternoon, and tip terribly. I had even heard about it happening at other events our church puts on exclusively for pastors. I guess I just didn't believe it.

I'm not writing about this to complain or to point a finger at these particular pastors. Please don't read it that way. I am writing about this because it make me think. Again, it wasn't the money that bothered me, it was the let down. I work at a very generous church and I guess I have just come to expect more from Christians, especially people who are on staff at a church.

It's sad, isn't it? That the "salt of the earth" has lost it's flavor in this way? Instead, we leave a bad taste in people's mouths when we aren't generous. Servers everywhere groan when we walk in the doors of their restaurants on a Sunday afternoon.

How can we change this perception?

Tuesday Twitterpated

Is this like "Blogger Break Week" or something? Because it's not just me who hasn't been around. A lot of the blogs I read seem to have had a conspicuous lack of posts the last few days. Anyway, I also would normally post this earlier but I'm having an off week. It's that "out of my routine" thing again.

So, without further adieu, here is some things I'm loving this week:

My water cup that I'm practically married to. Tryin' to increase my water intake!

{via}

Jeans. That might seem weird, but I've been avoiding jeans for a while and lately, I've just been into them. Literally! Lol

{via}

This amazing snitch necklace. Which I am going to make...possibly today.

{via}

Bits

I feel as if I am in a constant struggle. A struggle...to find good workout music. Anyone know what I'm talking about? Can I get some suggestions up in here?

**********************

Add this to my list of misconceptions as to what adult life would be like: I thought, as an adult, I wouldn't get my feelings hurt anymore. Was that naive? Because I still get my feelings hurt. Not often, but it happens. And when it does, it hurts more than I remembered that it could.

**********************

I had a dream the other night that I was in a mental institution. Hullo, brain, what's that about?

**********************

The End.

For This Week

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,
and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5