so, one of my personal goals for this year is to be more transparent and to maybe write a little more, but i'll be honest reading and writing are not my strongest qualities, so it will be a work in progress this year. i've been dying to write about this for a few days, but life will just not slow down long enough for me to sit in front of the computer long enough to form my thoughts. i've been traveling quite a bit for work, and that has this girl extra sleepy and a little out of the semi-routine i have. the one fantastic thing about traveling is that i always read on planes, and i had a longer flight than normal last thursday to arizona, so i started reading this book that everyone has been talking about and even my counselor suggested i read, one thousand gifts. so i pulled it out and just the first 50 pages rocked my world. don't worry, contrary to what you are probably thinking, it didn't take me 3.5 hours to read those 50 pages, i did other things and slept some too:) so i am sitting there reading, and i come to this part where the author (ann voskamp) starts talking about the passage in the Bible where Jesus restores ten lepers to wholeness and how only one of them returns to offer any thanks. i am thinking, yes, i know this one!!! but ann goes a little deeper than just pointing out that only one was thankful, follow along for a minute.
" One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him - and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed?" Where are the other nine?" Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." (Luke 17: 15-19)
okay, so i am somewhat horrible at reading comprehension, but the point that ann made (in my words) is that basically, even though all ten were healed, the leper who received sozo (which means salvation) was the one who actually returned and gave thanks. so, the big point here is that "our very saving is associated with our gratitude."
i'm not going to pretend to be a scholar or anything, but quite simply i think this passage and her words sum it up quite nicely. if ultimately our fall was not being thankful (which i know for myself i am guilty of everyday), then salvation has to be intimately related to giving thanks. just think, eve was tempted and ate the forbidden fruit, because what God had given her wasn't enough, she wanted more.
so, here i am on my way to arizona for work, kind of mad, because i have to be gone over the weekend, missing a chance to go hear matt chandler with my best friends, and basically just having a pity party for myself, because i am so tired of traveling for my job, and then i read this... i am thinking snap out of it, and quite simply live a life of thanksgiving. how different would my life be if i didn't constantly focus on what i did not have and focus on all the gifts i have in my life daily. my mind quickly went back to all those beautiful faces from my haiti trip. those kids never once complained or talked about things they did not have, they praised God and thanked him for the things they did, which was not very much at all. (i know we could all learn many lessons from them.) recently i've been on my why i am still single kick, what if i chose to focus on the many blessings in my life, and stopped whining about something that is clearly not in God's timing right now. instead, i should thank him for his provision and protection in this area of my life:) the author of the book decides to make a list of 1000 gifts she already has/things she loves/blessings, etc. so, i pray about this on the plane, and i think i need to do this, i think it will help me live a life more joyful, less self-centered:)
so, i hope in all of this rambling, i have made some sense, i know that i am not the best writer, but hopefully something in this post has maybe helped you realize that we could all benefit from being a little more thankful on any given day:)
a few things from this week....
1. a window seat on my plane to jacksonville
2. white chocolate mocha from starbucks
3. sound machine app
4. sunny days in jacksonville
5. my lead helping me with a new system at work
6. at 5pm, most days, lindsey calls me
7. seeing my favorite toddlers every sunday at church
8. hearing a great message on identity in Christ at church on sunday
9. cold medicine
10. co-monitors
11. naviagtion to find my way in cities that i could easily get lost in
12. curly hair
13. made to crave devotionals in the morning
14. dinner with co-workers on Monday night
15. a three hour nap on sunday after the red-eye flight home
Thanksgiving is inherent to a true salvation experience; thanksgiving is necessary to live the well, whole, fullest life." - one thousand gifts, Ann Voskamp
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
baby steps for a big year:: 30 things to do this year
so for the past few years, i have made a list of things to do with the amount of things to do correlating to the age i turn that year. the first two years, i did pretty good, but for some reason last year i didn't to well. this year, i debated not doing a list, but let's face it, i turn 30 this year and i want to have a fun list, a list with small things that i can do to make myself a better version of me, and i am going to really try hard to do these things. i have been reading lots of devotions from proverbs 31 ministries, from streams of the desert, and from made to crave, and know that i can so do this with the help from the Creator of everything, My Heavenly Father:) so, some of these may be repeats, others will be knew, but regardless, i don't want to look back and think that life passed me by... you only get one and i want to know that I spent my days on this earth, drawing closer to God, having fun with friends, helping/serving others, not working all the time, and being the best version of myself! here's to my 30th year of life being the best yet!
1. reading the Bible - i'm going to be real honest here, reading is so not fun to me, no matter what it is, so instead of trying to be like everyone else, i am going to do what is best for me. i am going to focus on small amounts and really pray and focus on those. i've really got to work on not comparing/worrying what other people think. if anyone has reading plans for the Bible that are SMALL, short passages at a time, i am so for that, send them my way.
2. make my bed each day - why is this on my list every year, but so far in 2012, every day that i have been home, i have made my day, so we are on the right track, haha
3. learn to sew - i met a girl at church who knows how, so hopefully one saturday, i can pay her to teach me, i hope she has a lot of patience, things do not come easy to this girl.
4. go hiking and spend some time outdoors - for this somewhat girly girl, most of you are probably laughing, God created a beautiful world and nature is pretty, so i think it would do me some good to get out and enjoy it!!! my friend kase and i made a list of fun things to do in the next six months on new years day, and this made the list, so i think this will happen:)
5. food - i want to continue with my trying new foods and restaurants. i have lived in charlotte for over three years now and there are several restaurants that i have not tried, so i want to try at least five new ones this year and five new foods. i am going to cabo fish taco in two weeks, which i have wanted to go for a while, so we are already on our to a good start!!!
6. serve in the local community more, plain and simple, just do it!
7. read more, let's face it, i said it before and everyone who knows me, knows this... i hate reading, but i have set a small goal to read 10 minutes a day, everyday. so, the first book i am reading is 1000 gifts:)
8. break the starbucks addiction, haha - who would have ever thought that i would be so addicted to coffee. i got a keurig for christmas, so i am hoping this will help. i am drinking more coffee at home. new goal, $25/month at starbucks, I CAN DO THIS:)
9. i want to go ziplining. seriously, love all things related to heights, not scared at all, so this has to happen this year!
10. personal fitness goal:: lose 15 pounds.
11. continue to get better at crocheting, i enjoy it but don't stop and sit still long enough to do it often enough... so improve, do more, and learn more patterns
12. be more focused in general, i get easily distracted. i think one way to be more focused would be to turn the TV off and read, journal, pray, etc.
13. try to write daily in my peaks/pits/praise/prayers journal. saw this on pinterest, and i love it!!!
14. cook more often. i would save so much more if i broke down and cooked more and ate leftovers, so i will do this!!!
15. try a hot yoga class.
16. live expectantly. i read a verse in my devotion the other night and it is so true. "whatever you ask for in prayer, belive." mark 11:24
17. i want to be a counselor at camp care this summer, now if i could get in touch with the right people. hopefully this will happen.
18. be intentional about catching up with my friends who live in different cities (whitney - baltimore), (kelly - atlanta), (bay, holly, and michele - raleigh), (heather, kaleena, ashley, and candice - raleigh) (casey - raleigh) - life is busy, but that is no excuse as to why we shouldn't stay in touch.
19. i've been in the same role at my company for almost five years, and i've been frustrated that i haven't gotten a promotion due to restructuring and the economy, but i want to have a better attitude and really work hard in my current role and see my studies through the end. if and when God decides it is time for me to be promoted, i will be ready. explore different positions that i may want to do in my company, as well.
20. try something new, anything.
21. i want to go to a shooting range and maybe get a gun for protection... goodness, my roots are showing and i love it:) i will take a concealed weapons class and be educated, don't worry! (pretty sure i am going to be able to talk lindsey jo into doing this one with me as well.)
22. i want to go to the CMA awards in nashville for my 30th birthday. i have already informed lindsey and crystal and they say they are on board, so we will see. it is the one thing i want to do for my birthday:) how awesome and fantastic would that be!!!
23. spend less and save more! i got out of debt in 2010/early 2011, except for my student loans and my mortgage, so my big thing for this year to live by a budget and to SAVE money!
24. adopt/sponsor a child from a third world country, more than likely haiti and possibly from mission of hope, my church had the information one sunday and i didn't do it, but i have been praying about it and i need to do it:)
25. purge, i have a lot of stuff that i don't need, that others would be so blessed by. i need to donate to people who need it:)
26. either go sky diving or on a hot air balloon ride:) yes, i really want to do one of the two.
27. learn to do a complete push up (weakest arms in life)
28. crafting/DIY projects - one or two nights a month, take time to enjoy crafting and doing things i find on pinterest. after all, it is cheaper and super cute!
29. look into going back to Haiti or on another mission trip... really praying about this one and trying to figure out where God may want me to go.
30. spend a weekend in the mountains, possibly go skiing, oh goodness this could be hilarious. this is so happening, as we are going for Jillian's 30th, and i am so excited about a little mountain fun:)
1. reading the Bible - i'm going to be real honest here, reading is so not fun to me, no matter what it is, so instead of trying to be like everyone else, i am going to do what is best for me. i am going to focus on small amounts and really pray and focus on those. i've really got to work on not comparing/worrying what other people think. if anyone has reading plans for the Bible that are SMALL, short passages at a time, i am so for that, send them my way.
2. make my bed each day - why is this on my list every year, but so far in 2012, every day that i have been home, i have made my day, so we are on the right track, haha
3. learn to sew - i met a girl at church who knows how, so hopefully one saturday, i can pay her to teach me, i hope she has a lot of patience, things do not come easy to this girl.
4. go hiking and spend some time outdoors - for this somewhat girly girl, most of you are probably laughing, God created a beautiful world and nature is pretty, so i think it would do me some good to get out and enjoy it!!! my friend kase and i made a list of fun things to do in the next six months on new years day, and this made the list, so i think this will happen:)
5. food - i want to continue with my trying new foods and restaurants. i have lived in charlotte for over three years now and there are several restaurants that i have not tried, so i want to try at least five new ones this year and five new foods. i am going to cabo fish taco in two weeks, which i have wanted to go for a while, so we are already on our to a good start!!!
6. serve in the local community more, plain and simple, just do it!
7. read more, let's face it, i said it before and everyone who knows me, knows this... i hate reading, but i have set a small goal to read 10 minutes a day, everyday. so, the first book i am reading is 1000 gifts:)
8. break the starbucks addiction, haha - who would have ever thought that i would be so addicted to coffee. i got a keurig for christmas, so i am hoping this will help. i am drinking more coffee at home. new goal, $25/month at starbucks, I CAN DO THIS:)
9. i want to go ziplining. seriously, love all things related to heights, not scared at all, so this has to happen this year!
10. personal fitness goal:: lose 15 pounds.
11. continue to get better at crocheting, i enjoy it but don't stop and sit still long enough to do it often enough... so improve, do more, and learn more patterns
12. be more focused in general, i get easily distracted. i think one way to be more focused would be to turn the TV off and read, journal, pray, etc.
13. try to write daily in my peaks/pits/praise/prayers journal. saw this on pinterest, and i love it!!!
14. cook more often. i would save so much more if i broke down and cooked more and ate leftovers, so i will do this!!!
15. try a hot yoga class.
16. live expectantly. i read a verse in my devotion the other night and it is so true. "whatever you ask for in prayer, belive." mark 11:24
17. i want to be a counselor at camp care this summer, now if i could get in touch with the right people. hopefully this will happen.
18. be intentional about catching up with my friends who live in different cities (whitney - baltimore), (kelly - atlanta), (bay, holly, and michele - raleigh), (heather, kaleena, ashley, and candice - raleigh) (casey - raleigh) - life is busy, but that is no excuse as to why we shouldn't stay in touch.
19. i've been in the same role at my company for almost five years, and i've been frustrated that i haven't gotten a promotion due to restructuring and the economy, but i want to have a better attitude and really work hard in my current role and see my studies through the end. if and when God decides it is time for me to be promoted, i will be ready. explore different positions that i may want to do in my company, as well.
20. try something new, anything.
21. i want to go to a shooting range and maybe get a gun for protection... goodness, my roots are showing and i love it:) i will take a concealed weapons class and be educated, don't worry! (pretty sure i am going to be able to talk lindsey jo into doing this one with me as well.)
22. i want to go to the CMA awards in nashville for my 30th birthday. i have already informed lindsey and crystal and they say they are on board, so we will see. it is the one thing i want to do for my birthday:) how awesome and fantastic would that be!!!
23. spend less and save more! i got out of debt in 2010/early 2011, except for my student loans and my mortgage, so my big thing for this year to live by a budget and to SAVE money!
24. adopt/sponsor a child from a third world country, more than likely haiti and possibly from mission of hope, my church had the information one sunday and i didn't do it, but i have been praying about it and i need to do it:)
25. purge, i have a lot of stuff that i don't need, that others would be so blessed by. i need to donate to people who need it:)
26. either go sky diving or on a hot air balloon ride:) yes, i really want to do one of the two.
27. learn to do a complete push up (weakest arms in life)
28. crafting/DIY projects - one or two nights a month, take time to enjoy crafting and doing things i find on pinterest. after all, it is cheaper and super cute!
29. look into going back to Haiti or on another mission trip... really praying about this one and trying to figure out where God may want me to go.
30. spend a weekend in the mountains, possibly go skiing, oh goodness this could be hilarious. this is so happening, as we are going for Jillian's 30th, and i am so excited about a little mountain fun:)
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Well, I didn't do well, but it was a great and blessed year...
let's just get to the things that were carried over from 2010:
1. This is probably the most important one to me in 2011. I want to trust God and go where HE leads and go on a mission trip. I attempted this is 2010, but the trip was canceled. I have tried to not let this be completely discouraging, so I pray that God will provide an opportunity where He wants me to be, the passport is ready:)
UPDATE:: Oh yes, went to Haiti in October, it was an awesome, life-changing, challenging, and so much more. The children have forever changed my heart, and I think about little Jazmine a lot.
2. Still working on this bedtime thing... I will go to bed earlier. My normal bedtime is 1:00 AM or later, so my goal is to get in bed by 11:00 PM each night.
UPDATE: Yeah, still can't get this, but always a work in progress.
3. I will get up and do my quiet time in the morning, instead of doing it at night.
UPDATE: Off work this week, for another seven or so days, so I am going to try and focus on this and start a new habit.
4. Running made it to the list last year ( I did learn that I will never be a sprinter), but this year my goal is to actually complete a 5K. My goal is to complete one in the cooler months, as I hate to be extremely hot, hehe. [ I do think I am going to need someone to run this with me to hold me accountable. ]
UPDATE: Well, I ran a 5K in March:) Don't worry I didn't finish first, but I didn't finish last. My main goal was to not walk, it had about seven big hills, so I did take like 10 or so steps (walking), but overall I was so proud of myself. Running will never be my favorite thing, but maybe another one in 2012:)
5. Sewing thing, needs improvement. I need lessons, maybe I will take a class. Seriously, I want to get better at this, it means so much to me because my grandmother was so good good. The dress I wanted to make last year didn't happen, so maybe this year.
UPDATE: I did take a beginner's sewing class, learned a few things, but I need to continue. Hoping a girl from church, Noelle, will teach me this week:)
6. Make turkey and dressing this year. We will see who will let me be this adventurous, hehe.
UPDATE: Yeah, let's move on.
New this year:
7. Since I tried a new food every month last year, this year I will cook something new every month. If I can try a new food still, that would be awesome. I am sure after seeing the new foods list, you know there are many foods out there I still haven't tried.
UPDATE: Well, the first five months, Lindsey and Crystal were onboard with me, we would alternate who cooked the main dish and it was awesome. With Crystal's wedding in June that made June super busy, but I have been cooking new thing on my own:) I will show pictures at the end of the year!
8. To go zip lining with my family. I am somewhat cheating on this one, as my brother Chris and I got this for him for Christmas:) I cannot wait though, it is going to be so much fun. I will also go with my friends, as we had talked about this, and it is so much, so why not?
UPDATE: This didn't happen, but maybe next year. My parents went without me, haha.
9. Complete the Crown Financial Class, as I want to make smarter financial choices.
UPDATE: Did this and learned so much. I need to apply these principals daily:)
10. Create a collage of old pictures of my great grandparents, grandparents, and parents in my stairwell. I am very excited about this project, as my Momaw and Popaw Abby (great grandparents) , my Momaw Saine (great grandmother), and Mom (my grandmother) meant so much to me.
UPDATE: Did this and oh my gosh, I love walking down my staircase now... these pictures make my heart smile.
11. Give blood as many times as I can in 2011. As many of you know, my grandfather was diagnosed with a type of lymphoma this year and had to have several blood transfusions. I only gave blood like once in 2010, and it is really such a simple thing I can do to help so many who need it. It really could save someone's life... if helped my grandfather!!!
UPDATE: Found out I am a candidate for double reds, so yes I have already given once, you actually can't give as often as a double reds, but my next appointment is in August. Unfortunately, I will not be able to give for a year once I go to Haiti, but I will start again after that year.
12. Read a book a month. To most of you, you are probably thinking that is nothing, but I am really not a big fan of reading.... I am just a slow reader. January = the me I want to be, February = Mark of the Lion Series, then I'll see how I am doing, hehe
UPDATE: Well, I have not done so well in this category, but I did read Heaven is for Real and Sweet Caroline and yes that is all, haha. Just started One Thousand Gifts.
13. Work resolution: I am going to try EXTREMELY hard to do my reports ahead of time and not on the last day, no more procrastinating. I think this will be huge for my work/life balance and going to bed earlier.
UPDATE: Didn't have a single late report this year, except when I was without a computer, sometimes this is more challenging than one would think.
14. Challenge myself to not eat out for a whole week, not one time. Also, to most, this probably wouldn't be hard, but for a girl who doesn't like cooking and doesn't think much of eating out every day (especially because I am out of town most days for my job), this will not be easy. If I get good, I'll try to do this once a month.
UPDATE: Kasey and I did a no-spending challenge and I did it:) I only ate out once that whole week for Kathryn and Gilbert's graduation, woohoo:)
15. Only allow myself two starbucks a week. It will help me save money too.
UPDATE: Well, yeah this problem is out of control, haha. Completely 100% addicted to my starbucks. I didn't have it the whole week I was in Haiti. In addition, I went two whole weeks without caffeine, but I am still quite addicted.
16. Be a little more confident when it comes to guys, I am sure all of my good friends are laughing at this one, as we all know this has never been something I have been good at... maybe we can all pray together on this one or maybe it will provide more funny stories.
UPDATE: God has a plan, and has been working on this one for a while. I am thankful for all that has happened this year and for the lessons I have learned.
17. Watch an old movie that I haven't ever seen before (1 a month ) there is a list so long it isn't even funny:: Braveheart, Lord of the Rings, Big, Sixteen Candles, Star Wars, Iron Man, etc
UPDATE: I have watched the following so far:: Sixteen Candles (loved it), Breakfast at Tiffanys (didn't really care for it), Men of Honor (cried the whole time), Can't Buy Me Love and I know there have been more but I can't think right now... but I have watched so many new movies, just couldn't get motivated with some of those old ones
18. Lose 10 more pounds, don't worry this is a personal goal and if I don't, I won't lose any sleep over it, but I do want to lose these 10 pounds to be at an ideal weight for my height.
UPDATE: Yeah, still need to lose those, they are stubborn.
19. Try a yoga class, probably going to stay away from a hot yoga class, haha.
UPDATE: Does it count if I did yoga with Casey at her house? Will try it next year.
20. Try five new restaurants this year. Should make it more, but we will start with five.
UPDATE: Nolen Kitchen and Italian Pie
21. Get up two days a week, possibly Wednesday and Thursday, and workout before work. Maybe I could do another boot camp:) It was great discipline and got me out of bed.
UPDATE: hahahahahah
22. Go to the mountains, enjoy a hike, and take in God's beauty. Prefer to do this with friends:) Let's plan a trip.
UPDATE: Sad that this didn't happen, maybe next year.
23. Make my bed each day, sounds silly for someone who keeps her house extremely clean, I mean, I am OCD about the cleanliness of my house, but this is the one thing that I do not do, haha. So, when I get up, I will make my bed daily:)
UPDATE: Maybe next year, goodness, as clean as I am, you would think I do this daily.
24. Start reading the Bible all the way through, I'm staring Jan. 1. I'm going at my own pace and excited to learn more and grow.
UPDATE: Still need to do this.
25. Spend quality time with grandfather. He is the only grandparent that I have left.
UPDATE: Love the time I do spend with him whether it is on Sundays or Saturday at BBQ King:)
26. Visit a new city, preferably for fun, not for work:)
UPDATE: Oh YES, Kasey and I went to Denver, CO for our birthdays, and I had never been to Colorado. We saw a few mountain towns, Red Rocks State Park, stayed in downtown Denver, etc... it snowed 2 days, and I was in heaven:)
27. I haven't scrapbooked much in 2010, get back to it, I really enjoy it.
UPDATE: Started making one for 2011, and hope to have it finished by the end of the year, I have lots of time off this week. Not quite finished, but it will be soon.
28. Be more spontaneous/maybe we will go with adventurous... just go with the flow. I can be creative with this one, I'll blog about my adventures in 2011.
UPDATE: Don't know what I have done that is spontaneous or adventurous, haha
29. Simple: Be more thankful, you only get one life and I shouldn't spend my life dwelling on what I do not have, but thanking God for all the blessings in my life.
UPDATE: I am so unbelievably thankful for my family, friends, job, my church, and the opportunities that I have each day:) I need to remember this more often:)
1. This is probably the most important one to me in 2011. I want to trust God and go where HE leads and go on a mission trip. I attempted this is 2010, but the trip was canceled. I have tried to not let this be completely discouraging, so I pray that God will provide an opportunity where He wants me to be, the passport is ready:)
UPDATE:: Oh yes, went to Haiti in October, it was an awesome, life-changing, challenging, and so much more. The children have forever changed my heart, and I think about little Jazmine a lot.
2. Still working on this bedtime thing... I will go to bed earlier. My normal bedtime is 1:00 AM or later, so my goal is to get in bed by 11:00 PM each night.
UPDATE: Yeah, still can't get this, but always a work in progress.
3. I will get up and do my quiet time in the morning, instead of doing it at night.
UPDATE: Off work this week, for another seven or so days, so I am going to try and focus on this and start a new habit.
4. Running made it to the list last year ( I did learn that I will never be a sprinter), but this year my goal is to actually complete a 5K. My goal is to complete one in the cooler months, as I hate to be extremely hot, hehe. [ I do think I am going to need someone to run this with me to hold me accountable. ]
UPDATE: Well, I ran a 5K in March:) Don't worry I didn't finish first, but I didn't finish last. My main goal was to not walk, it had about seven big hills, so I did take like 10 or so steps (walking), but overall I was so proud of myself. Running will never be my favorite thing, but maybe another one in 2012:)
5. Sewing thing, needs improvement. I need lessons, maybe I will take a class. Seriously, I want to get better at this, it means so much to me because my grandmother was so good good. The dress I wanted to make last year didn't happen, so maybe this year.
UPDATE: I did take a beginner's sewing class, learned a few things, but I need to continue. Hoping a girl from church, Noelle, will teach me this week:)
6. Make turkey and dressing this year. We will see who will let me be this adventurous, hehe.
UPDATE: Yeah, let's move on.
New this year:
7. Since I tried a new food every month last year, this year I will cook something new every month. If I can try a new food still, that would be awesome. I am sure after seeing the new foods list, you know there are many foods out there I still haven't tried.
UPDATE: Well, the first five months, Lindsey and Crystal were onboard with me, we would alternate who cooked the main dish and it was awesome. With Crystal's wedding in June that made June super busy, but I have been cooking new thing on my own:) I will show pictures at the end of the year!
8. To go zip lining with my family. I am somewhat cheating on this one, as my brother Chris and I got this for him for Christmas:) I cannot wait though, it is going to be so much fun. I will also go with my friends, as we had talked about this, and it is so much, so why not?
UPDATE: This didn't happen, but maybe next year. My parents went without me, haha.
9. Complete the Crown Financial Class, as I want to make smarter financial choices.
UPDATE: Did this and learned so much. I need to apply these principals daily:)
10. Create a collage of old pictures of my great grandparents, grandparents, and parents in my stairwell. I am very excited about this project, as my Momaw and Popaw Abby (great grandparents) , my Momaw Saine (great grandmother), and Mom (my grandmother) meant so much to me.
UPDATE: Did this and oh my gosh, I love walking down my staircase now... these pictures make my heart smile.
11. Give blood as many times as I can in 2011. As many of you know, my grandfather was diagnosed with a type of lymphoma this year and had to have several blood transfusions. I only gave blood like once in 2010, and it is really such a simple thing I can do to help so many who need it. It really could save someone's life... if helped my grandfather!!!
UPDATE: Found out I am a candidate for double reds, so yes I have already given once, you actually can't give as often as a double reds, but my next appointment is in August. Unfortunately, I will not be able to give for a year once I go to Haiti, but I will start again after that year.
12. Read a book a month. To most of you, you are probably thinking that is nothing, but I am really not a big fan of reading.... I am just a slow reader. January = the me I want to be, February = Mark of the Lion Series, then I'll see how I am doing, hehe
UPDATE: Well, I have not done so well in this category, but I did read Heaven is for Real and Sweet Caroline and yes that is all, haha. Just started One Thousand Gifts.
13. Work resolution: I am going to try EXTREMELY hard to do my reports ahead of time and not on the last day, no more procrastinating. I think this will be huge for my work/life balance and going to bed earlier.
UPDATE: Didn't have a single late report this year, except when I was without a computer, sometimes this is more challenging than one would think.
14. Challenge myself to not eat out for a whole week, not one time. Also, to most, this probably wouldn't be hard, but for a girl who doesn't like cooking and doesn't think much of eating out every day (especially because I am out of town most days for my job), this will not be easy. If I get good, I'll try to do this once a month.
UPDATE: Kasey and I did a no-spending challenge and I did it:) I only ate out once that whole week for Kathryn and Gilbert's graduation, woohoo:)
15. Only allow myself two starbucks a week. It will help me save money too.
UPDATE: Well, yeah this problem is out of control, haha. Completely 100% addicted to my starbucks. I didn't have it the whole week I was in Haiti. In addition, I went two whole weeks without caffeine, but I am still quite addicted.
16. Be a little more confident when it comes to guys, I am sure all of my good friends are laughing at this one, as we all know this has never been something I have been good at... maybe we can all pray together on this one or maybe it will provide more funny stories.
UPDATE: God has a plan, and has been working on this one for a while. I am thankful for all that has happened this year and for the lessons I have learned.
17. Watch an old movie that I haven't ever seen before (1 a month ) there is a list so long it isn't even funny:: Braveheart, Lord of the Rings, Big, Sixteen Candles, Star Wars, Iron Man, etc
UPDATE: I have watched the following so far:: Sixteen Candles (loved it), Breakfast at Tiffanys (didn't really care for it), Men of Honor (cried the whole time), Can't Buy Me Love and I know there have been more but I can't think right now... but I have watched so many new movies, just couldn't get motivated with some of those old ones
18. Lose 10 more pounds, don't worry this is a personal goal and if I don't, I won't lose any sleep over it, but I do want to lose these 10 pounds to be at an ideal weight for my height.
UPDATE: Yeah, still need to lose those, they are stubborn.
19. Try a yoga class, probably going to stay away from a hot yoga class, haha.
UPDATE: Does it count if I did yoga with Casey at her house? Will try it next year.
20. Try five new restaurants this year. Should make it more, but we will start with five.
UPDATE: Nolen Kitchen and Italian Pie
21. Get up two days a week, possibly Wednesday and Thursday, and workout before work. Maybe I could do another boot camp:) It was great discipline and got me out of bed.
UPDATE: hahahahahah
22. Go to the mountains, enjoy a hike, and take in God's beauty. Prefer to do this with friends:) Let's plan a trip.
UPDATE: Sad that this didn't happen, maybe next year.
23. Make my bed each day, sounds silly for someone who keeps her house extremely clean, I mean, I am OCD about the cleanliness of my house, but this is the one thing that I do not do, haha. So, when I get up, I will make my bed daily:)
UPDATE: Maybe next year, goodness, as clean as I am, you would think I do this daily.
24. Start reading the Bible all the way through, I'm staring Jan. 1. I'm going at my own pace and excited to learn more and grow.
UPDATE: Still need to do this.
25. Spend quality time with grandfather. He is the only grandparent that I have left.
UPDATE: Love the time I do spend with him whether it is on Sundays or Saturday at BBQ King:)
26. Visit a new city, preferably for fun, not for work:)
UPDATE: Oh YES, Kasey and I went to Denver, CO for our birthdays, and I had never been to Colorado. We saw a few mountain towns, Red Rocks State Park, stayed in downtown Denver, etc... it snowed 2 days, and I was in heaven:)
27. I haven't scrapbooked much in 2010, get back to it, I really enjoy it.
UPDATE: Started making one for 2011, and hope to have it finished by the end of the year, I have lots of time off this week. Not quite finished, but it will be soon.
28. Be more spontaneous/maybe we will go with adventurous... just go with the flow. I can be creative with this one, I'll blog about my adventures in 2011.
UPDATE: Don't know what I have done that is spontaneous or adventurous, haha
29. Simple: Be more thankful, you only get one life and I shouldn't spend my life dwelling on what I do not have, but thanking God for all the blessings in my life.
UPDATE: I am so unbelievably thankful for my family, friends, job, my church, and the opportunities that I have each day:) I need to remember this more often:)
Saturday, November 26, 2011
ashley
saturday's post belongs to my friend ashley! i met ashley in my raleigh small group, and today i am so thankful i did. she is one of the sweetest, caring, and thoughtful people i know. i remember the sweet, sweet cards i got from her (and still do for my birthday) when i first moved to charlotte. it was so nice to receive cards or calls from friends, as i didn't know a lot of people when i first moved here. ashley is also lots of fun and makes me laugh. we recently went on a food tour of downtown durham for our friend kaleena's bachelorette party, and seriously, i haven't laughed as much as i did with her and heather in a long time. ashley is a great friend, and i am so thankful that i met her in my old group. love ya girl.
natalie
(should have been on friday) today i am thankful for my friend natalie. we have been friends since 3rd grade, when she moved to lincolnton and her dad became the pastor of our church. we have had some great memories over the years, and lots of great pictures from the awkward years that neither of us probably want to surface:) natalie's dad moved their family from lincolnton to charlotte when we were in the 10th grade, it was such a sad day for all of us, but we have remained friends over the years. natalie and her husband trent live in concord, so sometimes it is nice that we can get together for lunch or dinner. she just had a baby, well he is actually a year old now, which has been exciting. natalie is a great friend who is there for me when i need her and i have lots of fun with her. thankful for my friend, natalie today:)
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
love to TTEAM, but especially tracey
so, this next post belongs to a very special woman in my life. i met tracey the summer after my junior year of college. i responded to an add in The Daily Tar Heel for babysitting, and what a blessing that has been in my life. at the time, she has two boys, who were quite possibly the cutest two boys on the planet. i started watching her boys (aidan and matthew) and fell in love with their family. a year or two after that, they added to their family with a precious little girl, ellie. i watched ellie from the time she was six weeks old. aidan was always very helpful, being the oldest! matthew stole my heart from the minute i met him. he always wanted me to read books and lay with him until he fell asleep. as he got older, he would laugh at me when i read pokemon books, as i always mispronounced the characters and words, haha. clearly i didn't study up on poke balls before heading to their house. when i go visit now, he still brings it up and laughs. oh how i love that kid. ellie is so great. i loved watching her as a baby and watching her grow up.
okay, i got side-tracked talking about tracey's great kids, but i was going to talk about how thankful i am for tracey. even though i do not live in raleigh anymore, we have stayed close. she has always been so supportive, encouraging, and kept in touch with me no matter how busy life can be. she works part time and has three young kids. i travel like crazy for my job and don't always get to see them at every raleigh visit, but we have still stayed in touch and for that i am so thankful. when i decided to go on my mission trip to Haiti, i couldn't wait to tell tracey and her husband tom. i knew they would be completely supportive. they sent me emails and texts about my trip, and i am not sure that i could ever tell them how much it means to me.
today i am thankful for tracey and their whole family. when i lived in raleigh, they were like family to me, as i was away from mine. now, they are still like family to me, and i am so glad they are a part of my life. love you, TTEAM!!!!
okay, i got side-tracked talking about tracey's great kids, but i was going to talk about how thankful i am for tracey. even though i do not live in raleigh anymore, we have stayed close. she has always been so supportive, encouraging, and kept in touch with me no matter how busy life can be. she works part time and has three young kids. i travel like crazy for my job and don't always get to see them at every raleigh visit, but we have still stayed in touch and for that i am so thankful. when i decided to go on my mission trip to Haiti, i couldn't wait to tell tracey and her husband tom. i knew they would be completely supportive. they sent me emails and texts about my trip, and i am not sure that i could ever tell them how much it means to me.
today i am thankful for tracey and their whole family. when i lived in raleigh, they were like family to me, as i was away from mine. now, they are still like family to me, and i am so glad they are a part of my life. love you, TTEAM!!!!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
logan, my carolina girl
this next post belongs to logan:) i met her one night at christine's and it is just a small world. she is from shelby, and knows my college roommate holly and one of my other roommates over a summer, jay chitty (his sister hayley chitty is logan's best friend). lastly, we both went to carolina and were there at the same time; however, she did graduate a few years before me. all the ways logan and i should have known each other, was funny, but this was the first time i was meeting her, in charlotte:) obviously, i loved that she was as big of a carolina fan as me. also, i find it comforting when i meet someone from a small town, don't know why, but maybe it just makes me feel like there are more people like me:) i know i am silly. logan is a great friend, has a big heart, and i am thankful that i met her 2 years ago when i moved here. in those two years, she has gotten married, and is about to have her first baby:) we can't wait to meet emma gray in a little over 5-6 weeks:) love ya girl.
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