Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Christmas and another year over?!

How has this year flown by so fast?

Christmas has come and gone and I'm in shock.

We had a wonderful white Christmas, a first in my memory even with living in New Jersey for 7 years.
Needless to say we were all unprepared for the snow, so Ava had to wear some make-shift snow boots made of saran wrap! (Don't worry, she was at least triple-socked and stayed out just long enough to feel the snow.)

Here is sweet Ava pushing her grocery cart around during Christmas. She would put everything she found in it and push it into the next room, super cute.


My tree is ready to come down thanks to Ben tripping over some shelving that was on the floor and crashing into the tree last night. Thus, breaking several ornaments and having to pick up the tree skirt and take down a lot of ornaments. (Don't worry, he came out alive.) So now its just waiting for me to finish it off and pack it all away until next Christmas flies by. I wish I had a slow button, like staples offers the easy button.

I'm just not ready for everything to keep moving so quick (and no need to tell me its only going to get worse.... I've heard it.)


Christmas was wonderful though. Ben and I have/had two weeks off for Christmas (down to one week left) and we've spent A LOT of time together. I thought we'd go stir crazy, but its been great. I've really enjoyed the rest and ability to do anything I want! Work will be up and going before I know it, so I'm trying to enjoy every last second of it. I still have nights of stressing over things I need to do when I get back (and a few things I should be doing while I'm off, like a 4 page paper I have to turn into central office in a month.... blogging is my way of procrastinating) but I'm trying to turn my brain off and just enjoy the free time!

We are heading to Florida soon to visit Ivy and her sweet little girl, and the rest of my family that lives in Tallahassee; then I'm so excited to spend New Year's Eve with my very good friend Emily!

Ben and I's resolution is to stick to our budget! (Yes, I gave him his resolution this year.) December threw me for a huge loop due to my putting off Christmas shopping until the very last minute and therefore buying just what I needed rather than what I needed AND was a good deal.

I'm trying really hard to reach a savings goal and if we do well in January, we may actually get there! You know what that means?? Bedroom Furniture! (PS - Ben vetoed my previous furniture, so we've picked out a new brand: Legacy. What do you think? It seemed much better quality and not too much of a price jump. (Ben's working on his negotiating skills....)

What's your resolution?

Friday, December 3, 2010

Christmas is here!

Hark! how the bells

Sweet silver bells

All seem to say,
"Throw cares away."

Christmas is here!

And throw cares away is exactly how I'm feeling. Today is the SEC championship, hence our fabulous Auburn ornaments today. Auburn is currently playing South Carolina and just scored the 1st touchdown of the game. We are currently very happy! Now, if we could get a few more ahead of South Carolina I wouldn't have to work on my deep breathing.... I get way too nervous!

Christmas shopping though is a whole other story though. I have zero motivation and creativity this year when it comes to presents. I think this time last year I had everything picked out, bought or figured out and probably loved it. This year, I'm leaning towards giving everyone a $20 bill with some Dove chocolate.... Merry Christmas!! :)

War Eagle from our home to yours and more importantly Merry Christmas, may God bless you and this Christmas season!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Confused

I am a little confused. Every time I read the bible and Jesus performs a miracle, he says to that person: don't tell anyone of what I've done. I struggle, because I thought, aren't we supposed to tell of all he's done?! Am I doing something wrong by talking about all the wonderful things God does for me??

So I googled it.... because I google everything.... and came across an answer. Jesus did not want these people who were healed to talk of his healings because he did not want to hinder his mission here on earth and divert people from his message, but it ended up that he had to leave the towns and go into less populated areas because no one could keep their mouth shut when he healed them. So, to this day, the message of the healing through salvation is still a stronger message that Jesus wants spread rather than just one single miracle he performs.

My question still is, what is the level that it would be good to talk about a miracle that Jesus performed for us today? Because when he does them (which is a whole lot more often than we even realize) we WANT to shout it from the roof tops, but is that what He would want??

Either way, I of course want all the glory to be for God because he IS miraculous. Sending his son to die for our souls feels even bigger than a miracle, if there was even a word. I cannot fathom this act and often think, REALLY think, about how Jesus died and how brutal it was. A crown of thorns on his head.... nails in his hands.... hung on a cross!! (And that is just parts of it!) I mean its sickening and saddens me to really think about it, but I think it is important to really think about it, because he did it FOR me. FOR you. He knew us before we were born and loved us so much already that he died for us so we may have a chance to be saved.

Praise the Lord!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Words from a middle schooler

A middle schooler was talking about people being angry today and when I asked her if she thought I had ever been angry, she said there was no way! That I was 'way too rainbows and sunshine' to ever get angry....

HA!

Rainbows and sunshine.....


Which I guess I should be ecstatic about because I have spoken to kids who have told me that their counselors are always mad and never smile, so I'd rather them think I had a pet unicorn than think I didn't like them.

:) :) :) :)

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Meet Me on Monday



I thought I'd join Rhonda in this Meet Me on Monday Q & A today!

1. How many pillows do you sleep with?
I am FOREVER on the quest for the perfect pillow. Ben made me clean out my pillows this weekend and I easily fill a room with pillows. I have two on the bed and usually toss and turn between them. I am still not satisfied though and am still in search of 'The One'.

2. Where will you eat on Thanksgiving?
At my mothers with my dad, brothers, their wives, my niece and nephew, grandmother, mother-in-law and Ben. I'm really not a big Thanksgiving person though since I'm such a picky eater. I usually just stick with mashed potatoes and green beans (I think the only reason my mother still cooks them is so I have something to eat!). So its just another dinner for me that I get to visit with my whole family and play charades.

3. Would you rather go to a party or host a party?
Um.... go. Less expensive, less stress. I love hosting people at our house (although we do it close to never because we live in the boonies), but I don't LOVE throwing showers and things because I always want them to be perfect and feel like they never are. Going to parties is much easier! :)

4. How many purses (for the guys..wallets) do you own?
I think only two right now. On my list is a really NICE purse. That was going to be a treat to myself after I got a job, but I haven't found it yet. I'm about as picky with purses as I am with food and pillows! Uh oh... I'm noticing a trend. I really didn't realize I was this high maintenance.... anyways, when I find a purse, it strikes me as soon as I see it that it is MY purse. It usually takes me a lot of looking to find it, but I'm always very happy with it (if only the quality would hold up a little longer than a couple months.)

5. What is your favorite kind of seafood?
Lobster bisque soup from Brio's. This soup is A-MAZING! If you have never been, click to find out if there is one near you, because the entire restaurant is just wonderful.
Or crab claws. The little tiny claws, not the big crab legs. They are a must-have if I go to the beach.That's about all that is on my seafood list though.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Love is Louder

A parent shared this campaign with me this week and I have to admit, I love it. Bullying is a very hot topic lately that everyone sees we need to do something about, but no one knows exactly what to do.

I thought this was a very simple but effective campaign that kids may listen to. Anyways, spread the word :)

Mobile

I've been in Mobile for 3 days. Counseling conference. I was hoping to be rejuvinated and inspired and motivated, but what I have become is overwhelmed. There is so much I want to do and NEED to do, but I don't even know where to start. I'm so thankful tomorrow is Friday and we come home. It will give me all weekend to refresh and absorb all I've learned this week before school starts again. And then before I know it, Thanksgiving! How is November already almost over? This year has F.L.O.W.N by!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Furniture

I've been consumed by a materialistic goal lately....

But its been 4 years now that I have been saving for bedroom furniture. I have reached my goal a couple times and then something always comes up: computers dying, new tires, life, etc. And I'm cheap. Really cheap. So much so that I cannot stomach spending a couple hundred OR thousand dollars at one time. Literally it just makes me want to throw up.

If we have large purchases I usually have to give Ben the okay to do it so I don't actually have to spend the money myself. Pathetic I know.

Well, I've decided enough is enough. I REALLY want bedroom furniture and Ben asked for new tires for his buggy, which about sent me over the edge into a '2-year-old tantrum, you always get stuff and I never do' frenzy. Good thing I composed myself and realized I'm 27.

Currently our bedroom is composed of a VERY mismatched assortment of furniture and bedding. (The rest of my house has slowly come together, but this room that should be just as important has been pushed aside). We have a faux headboard, Trading Spaces style of plywood covered with fabric.... and trust me I'm not nearly as crafty as Living with Lindsay (check out her homemade headboard) although I aspire to be! We have 2 nightstands that came from the thrift store at around $1.75 each many years ago, and totally don't match.... I have a white dresser that was a hand-me-down from my old roommate after she didn't want it anymore because the drawers constantly fall out and it takes a lot of work to get them back in.... it needs a new coat of paint too. Have I done this? Nope. So you get the idea.... its a mess.

Well, mess, no more!

This is the furniture:

I've loved it for 2 years now and I just looked it up again after not seeing it for at least a year and still love it. I think that is a good sign! I WILL buy this furniture soon!

I can't really tell you my expected date because of Christmas, but soon! I'd love to have it by Christmas, but I'll need to go see the prices again before that's able to happen. The last time I priced it out I priced ALL the pieces because someone told me I'd better get all of them or I'll regret it when they discontinue them. I no longer want all the pieces, just the crucial ones: bed, nightstands, dresser & mirror. And Ben promised me that he would be a bargainer that would make Dave Ramsey proud!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Enter Sandman

I did it... I went to bed at 7pm only to be woken up at 11pm by my dog telling me it was time for HER to go to bed. I thought instantly that it was 5am or so, until Ben corrected me and said its still night. I have now been up for an hour and a half unable to sleep.

Which gives me PLENTY of time to catch up on all the blogs I follow!!!

Remember that LONG day I'm going to have tomorrow? I think it just got longer.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

What I've Learned

I. Am. So. Tired!

I have slept so terribly for over a week now... I'm either too hot, too cold, have to pee, Ben's tossing and turning or my pillow is uncomfortable. I could not prop my eye lids open right now if I tried, but its only 6:15 and I figure that is WAY too early to try and go to sleep for the night. With my luck I'd wake up at 11 pm ready to go!

Tomorrow is going to be a long day: professional development meeting half the day, filling in the rest of the day with a whole day's worth of work and then we have our annual beauty walk at school that I am on duty to help with. I LOVE pageants, but it does make for a long day tomorrow.

Maybe I should be going to bed. Thank goodness Friday will be here shortly after that!

But today is day 24 of Katie's Blog Challenge - Something You've Learned.

If my brain weren't nearly asleep right now I could probably come up with something great and meaningful.... but instead this is what I've learned in my life so far:

God listens no matter what, and makes sense out of thoughts that even you cannot make sense of.

Google will answer any question you have and even questions you didn't know you had.

Sometimes people just want you to listen.... and not say anything back.

That I am actually an adult. ( I still don't know when exactly it happened though).

To not eat chicken from any fast-food restaurants except Chik-Fil-A.

You can order a meat-less hamburger from any fast-food resaurant.

You can't change what has happened by freaking out or yelling.

Pets can make everything better.


What have you learned???

Monday, November 1, 2010

Oh where oh where can it be?

My favorite city in all of the world? Yes, that means its day 22 of Katie's 30-day challenge.

I am having a really hard time coming up with my favorite city because really, if it has a beach, or a lazy river, it could be a contender.

I love Islamorada in the Keys. (We usually go there every christmas, but it just became a little expensive.... although you'd be surprised how cheap going during the off season actually is.) This year we won't be attending because I'll be working, but hopefully next year we can pick back up with it. Its about an hour from Key West, still very laid back, cute little seafood places, and beautiful views everywhere. (This picture below is VERY old... from Ben's first year down there I think).
My favorite city I've never been?

Charleston, SC

It just seems so beautiful! Close to the water, has a lot of interesting historical places and I've heard the night life is always fun too. I do hope to go there one day.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Me

Today is day 21, one day closer to Christmas, which is one more day closer to Spring! As much as I try to stay in the moment, as soon as cold weather arrives it might as well be Christmas because I think that may be the best thing that happens in the winter and then we have the spring to look forward to! It has been gorgeous this weekend... perfect to eat lunch outside and give Chuy's one more try.

The view from Chuy's.

But the chill in the air makes me very ready to put up a Christmas tree. No wories, I will not put a tree up for at least another month.... but its not to say that I don't really really want to!

For Katie's 30-day Blog Challenge, day 21 is a picture of myself.

This is my nephew and I a couple weekends ago.
This was from my phone, doesn't it take good pictures?
I'm very impressed with technology today.

My fellow Auburn fan, Kari tagged me in a blog post today as well, so I thought I'd update you with a little more information about myself.

1. You can only pack three things on vacation. What are they?
I'm going to assume this vacation will have the bare necessities like water and tp, so I would pack my facewash (you do NOT want to see me after a few days without it), a bathing suit (because I'm going to the Caribbean) and my iPhone.

2. Where would that vacation be?
Oops, I jumped the gun, to the Caribbean.

3. Where was your 1st plane ride to?
I was an infant and do not remember. The first one I remember was to San Fransisco to visit my aunt & uncle.

4. Do you prefer turkey or ham for Christmas?
Neither. I prefer green beans and mash potatoes. (not a big meat eater)

5. When is the earliest you shop for Christmas presents?
All year long.

6. What is your favorite comfort food?
Pizza! Truly a downfall of mine.

7. You have a shopping spree to any store you want. What is that store?
White House Black Market - LOVE their gorgeous clothes, now if only I could afford them!

8. What movie makes you cry any time you watch it?
If a movie makes me cry every time, I'd rather not watch it, but the Notebook is one exception. I love the part that comes before the crying so much that I'm willing to sacrifice being sad the rest of the day to see it.

I'm really not good at tagging others, so if you are reading this YOU are tagged and should answer the above questions.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Nicknames

Happy Day 20 of 30 Days of Blogging! Its all about nicknames today.


Its actually hard to tell you about nicknames when you may not know my whole name! Either way it is a unique name that often gets changed into: Donna, Delorian, Derna, Donata, Tomorrow....Yep, I've even been called Tomorrow. Not sure how that one made it in, but none of those are my names.

My nicknames are:
This is what Ben, my family and half of my church calls me. Its just so much easier to introduce myself with a shorter name.
My grandmother, aunts and uncles still call me this because it stuck when I was a baby. Kinda cute, but I am 27 years old now.....
When all else fails and the two above just are TOO long, my name gets shortened to this. Which is just one syllable of my first name.

And yes, I'm super paranoid about people (6-8 grade students) googling my name so hopefully this is less likely to be googled? I don't know....

Friday, October 29, 2010

Court

(Photo Google Images)

I went to court. I obeyed my lawful duty to show up when subpoened. I took off work early. I went through the security check point. I signed in and showed my subpeona. I turned my cell phone off and rose when the judge arrived. I then sat for one hour..... then another hour. Until I heard him say, "If there are any attorney's who have not been called please step up now." and no one stood up. I walked out of the room and found a police office. I told him that I have been waiting for a LONG time and no one has called me. He was so kind and went inside the wooden gates to check and see what was going on. To which he came back to tell me that the attorney for the man faxed in a continuance at 2:45pm that day.

*(&#($*&@#9$*&23984!*&#@

WHAT?! I was SO mad I had tears in my eyes. He explained that I now have to come BACK! To court!!! In December! What a joke. This certainly makes me not ever want to risk being a witness again, which is sad, but very much how I felt about the whole situation.

So two months.... I will report again, this time with more knowledge to raise cane as soon as I get there and be sure I will be called promptly instead of waiting patiently and quietly.

Updates to come.

I miss you

Day 19
Something I miss:

Childhood
Being so carefree. Not having to worry about money, cleaning, bills, jobs, anything!!! I miss my biggest concern being who was going to pick me up from gymnastics.

Don't get me wrong, I love life now, but being stress-free was kinda nice also.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Regrets.....

Day 18: Things you regret(Photo from Google Images)

Thank the Lord for forgiveness of my sins because I do on a regular basis think of a few not so favorite moments in my life that I have to pray to the Lord to take out of my mind. I get sucked in by this regret and I know God has cleared me of my sins so it doesn't not serve him to get caught up in them.

My regrets aren't too many, but I do regret a bumpy time in college when I drifted from my faith. It was a very hard 6 or so months. My life went drastically downhill quickly, I broke up with Ben, my grades slipped, I got in trouble and was a person I didn't recognize. I am so glad I was given a second chance and nothing too serious happened during that time that could have effected the rest of my or my families lives. Ick... its hard to even think about it.

However, the Lord makes everything worth while because my lowest moment was when I had to call Ben and ask for some serious help. He of course arrived in minutes and we never looked back again. From that moment on we knew we were supposed to be married and that God had a much bigger plan for me that I did.

"No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him, he cannot go on sinning because he has been born of God."

The grass is always greener

Yesterday was day 17 in this blog challenge that I'd say I'm getting a C- for my effort.

Day 17 - things we look forward to. I try really hard to not wish away my days or think too much about when things 'will be better'. I don't want to wish away my life, I really try to enjoy every moment of it because I will never get this back. I will never be a 27-year-old semi-newlywed (when exactly are you no longer 'newly'?). I will never have a first year of being a school counselor again. I will probably miss this little house Ben and I live in right now when we move into a hopefully slightly-larger house one day. Things are wonderful, but I do look forward to a lot of things also!

Things I'm looking forward to:

1. A lifetime with Ben (I say this because WAY too often I hear older women say things like, "Well one day you'll be glad when your husband is out of town" or "You feel that way because you haven't been married long enough yet." I never want to feel this way and I pray I don't become someone who resents their spouse or wishes he was different. I hope that in 25, 40, 50 years I still love him the same I did when we got married (if not more!))
2. Being a mom.
3. Being an LPC.
4. Feeling like I know what I'm doing at work. (We're still hit or miss although I've excelled at acting and sounding like I know what I'm doing.)
5. Watching the rest of the Twilight movies!
6. Christmas music & Christmas Break!
7. Being debt-free.
8. Being a hobby-nutritionist counselor that makes professional birthday cakes when I retire. :)
9. Pay day tomorrow!
10. Auburn playing Saturday. We are going to cook out with a great friend and her new 'friend'. War Eagle!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Where we're going to live

Yes one day I will live in my dream house. Which brings us to day 16.... my DREAM house!

My dream house is on a lake.

With a beautiful view.

A huge deck!
The house doesn't necessarily have to be enormous, because I don't want a house too large that my family isn't up in each other's space. Nothing good comes from kids & teenagers being able to seclude themselves in a far corner for too long. Plus, less to clean! But I do want a huge yard and deck so we can stay outside and swim in the lake :)

We are in the slow process of getting closer to this dream. Yes, I said S-L-O-W....I told Ben that I would move to west Alabama (where both our jobs are now) if he bought me a lake lot. (I need SOME sort of incentive for our friends and family to come visit us, because we all know, us alone.... no one will come to the middle of nowhere to visit. We already live half way to nowhere and don't see anyone if we don't venture out to make sure everyone's alive. Add in a lake, boat and wave runner though.... they'll come visit! Plus, I would LOVE it :) We have the property Ben grew up on for sale and are patiently waiting for its new owner to discover it.

Its exciting, and makes me feel like an adult that we may actually one day live in a house we dreamed of. Fabulous.... ha!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Bible Verses

Day 15: Favorite Bible Verse

I don't really have one particular one, other than the typical ones that I recite to myself on a daily basis....
The two on the side of my screen:
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Isaiah 40:31
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Romans 8: 28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

But last night while reading Matthew (I'm attempting to read the entire bible. I actually left that off my goals the other day. Sadly, I've never read the entire bible and someone suggested to me to start in the New Testament first and then read the Old Testament, so that is exactly what I'm doing. I just started a couple weeks ago, but better now than never! My goal is to just continue to move forward each day. Some days I get stuck on the same few lines and others I can read a few chapters at a time. I just want to make sure I'm really taking it in and not just reading to get through it.) I came across this verse:

Matthew 18: 19- 20
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

It just reminded me of the importance to pray together as husband and wife. Ben and I pray before every meal together and pray together at the church altar, but we don't actually just pray to pray together very often. Once in awhile over large things, but it really just reminded me that whatever is on his heart should be on my heart and vise versa in the name of the Lord.

I think equally it showed me the importance of praying FOR and WITH other people. We often say that we will pray for someone (and do!), but this verse really showed me the reason we do so rather than to just let God know what is on our hearts, but because God calls us to and he will answer us because WE asked!

The Lord is SO good!!!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Fall For All

This has been a fabulous weekend!!!

Friday night I went to bed at 7:30 and managed to sleep until 8:30 the next morning... I cannot tell you how exhausted I was! I'm still dreaming of tests and things going wrong (I am the building test coordinator for our state's secure tests.... there are so many rules and precautions that I can't help but be nervous!) Saturday I watched Auburn beat LSU (WOO!) and become # 3 in the nation. It was only the 11th time in Auburn's history that they had gone 7 - 0. Now we're 8 - 0!

Saturday night my good friend Jenna came into town from south Alabama so we got to go out to eat with her and her husband.

Then today Ben and I went rock crawling at a sponsored ride at an off-road park here in town. Usually we go with his group of friends that all have vehicles, but today none of them showed up so Ben and I went by ourselves (and the park pretty much clears out by Sunday afternoon which is nice... Saturday it is PACKED full of rigs and rednecks.) We got to go on any trail without waiting for everyone else and having to drag someone back to the house because they broke something after they were being too crazy.


It was an AMAZING day.

Here I am in the buggy, Ben's pride and joy.... I have to say after as much time as he spends building it, he should be pretty proud of it. And nothing broke today, hooray!

We just need a windshield and things will be perfect!

One of the views from the trail. Gorgeous!


I'm ready for this week! Really I'm ready to carve pumpkins, but I also have to report to court on Wednesday, that part I am dreading. I called the court and begged them to not make me 'testify' in front of him. What if he gets free and comes and burns my house down?! (Yes, I'm paranoid.)

A Picture I love

Day 14 - A picture I love:


This is my sweet nephew back when he was about 3. Ben and I took him down to my grandmother's house by ourselves for a week. We had the best time and I think this picture sums it up. I still have it on my fridge because he is just SO happy. I love that child.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Day 13: My Goals

When I think too much about my goals I get a bit overwhelmed. I'm the kind of person who wants to accomplish everything all at once, which is nearly impossible. I have to constantly remind myself that I do not have to do it all today. I can do some of it tomorrow, next month or even next year!

My goals (in no particular order):

to bring a positive change to my school (this in itself carries 10 or so goals)
to receive my LPC
to have children
to go back to school (again!) and get my Ed S. degree
to be healthy!
to be debt-free

Join in with Katie's 30-day blog challenge.

Day 12: What I Believe

I believe:

that God sent his only son to earth to die on the cross so that my soul could be saved.

and that we will not be truly happy and satisfied unless we trust solely in Him.

that people can change.

a positive attitude can change someone's life drastically.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Day 9: My Fears

I have fallen a day behind!!! I am doing my first testing as Building Test Coordinator at school this week so things are HECTIC! Thankfully its only testing for 1 grade, but it is still a lot to organize and get together so the teachers have everything ready and as easy as possible.

So my # 1 fear today is screwing up. I HATE getting in trouble with a passion. If I even think I'm in trouble or have done something wrong, tears are close behind. At the company I used to work for when they would intercom me to meet my two bosses in their office the tears would start before I even got there! And no I was never in trouble, but I hate disappointing people and messing up, it gives me such anxiety.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Day 9: A Picture of My Friends

Here's the thing. I don't have just one group of friends. In fact, most of my friends do not hang out together, they are people I've met along the way of going to 3 different universities, 2 different high schools and even since middle school when I moved to Alabama.

Adria and I have been best friends since we were 12. We lived a few houses a way from each other growing up, and had many late night meetings on the sidewalk outside our houses through middle & high school. She is definitely my longest friend I have.


Craig comes in a close 2nd to the longest friend. He was 'one of the girls' in middle school with Adria and I. They didn't stay friends, but he and I did have remained close. He also has an amazing wife and a precious little boy so things couldn't have worked out any better!


Aaron and I became friends in 9th grade and have drifted in and out in the past 13 years, but no matter how long goes between our talks, we're always back to where things left off.
Emily and I graduated in PR together from Auburn. She and I have been through lots of ups and downs (not in our friendship, but more in our lives together). Unfortunately she lives 4 hours away from me, but I love her to pieces and can't wait to see her in 3 weeks!!!


Two more of my best friends are my cousins. We became very close after Ivy's (right) wedding. I am so lucky to call them family AND friends :)
Amber and I met in the counseling program about 3 years ago. She and I really clicked. She has such compassion and is a really great person. We both graduated in school counseling and support each other so well (at least she does for me, I hope I offer the same back!) in what we do. I am so thankful to have her as a colleague AND friend!


Okay, so that is just some of them, but enough pictures. They are all wonderful and I have many more that are amazing people. I just don't have pictures with them all! (HALEY! Why do we not have pictures together?!) Anyways, I love each and every one of them, even the ones that I don't get to see often (sometimes its years before we get to meet for lunch or dinner).

I think that may be the hardest part of growing up. Settling down is wonderful, but I sure do miss meeting everyone at restaurants, swimming pools, cook outs, etc. I really look forward to weddings and reunions because I get to see everyone again!!

Tuesday Subpoenas

Today has been a bit of a mess. School started off well, but I have 287 things to do before Thursday and most of them include copies, packets, internet & telephones. While I was in the middle of copying a bunch of paperwork for a counseling program a transformer blew at school and caught a bunch of stuff on fire. We ended up not having to evacuate, but we did lose power for the last hour of school. My plan for over a week has been to stay at school late today so I could finish EVERYTHING I have to do to get ready for testing on Thursday & Friday. Needless to say, a power outage put a severe cramp in my plans.

I still stayed a little late and did what I could by sunlight in my office, but headed home around 4:30 today. One my way home I was bebopping along in the left lane (I hate to admit it, but I really like the left lane for some unknown reason... if no one is behind me I rarely realize I'm in it) when all of the sudden I saw a car on the other side of the interstate swerve into the grassy median.... and the next thing I know it is flipping in the air towards my car!!! No exaggeration, it was the scariest things I have EVER seen in my life. I jerked my wheel to the left causing my car to feel like it was about to roll over itself (thank goodness for Pontiac Vibes being close to the ground) in which I jerked it back to the left to even out.... All I thought was slamming into someone's side has to be better than getting my head chopped off by a car (if in fact I even did think, that was probably what it was).... Tears were in my eyes and my heart was beating 200 bpm the entire way home. I don't think I went over 60 for the rest of the drive! Ugh.... I am so thankful I wasn't on the phone or anything!!

Anyways, so I got home and quickly went to the mail because I am still waiting to receive my ALC (Associate Licensed Counselor) letter that means I can start working on my license. Instead of finding that lovely piece of paper I found a subpoena.

Are you kidding me?!

All I could think was "What have I done?!" I have known many people whose counseling records have been subpoenaed, but this said I had to appear in person! I was very confused for a few minutes as I stared at it trying to grasp why I had to go to court, who could I have messed up counseling for only a total of 9 weeks...

Well, turns out I am being subpoenaed for this wonderful little accident that Ben and I witnessed BACK IN JANUARY! If you don't remember feel free to click on back and history for a refresher. Yes, I in fact went to high school with this person and will now have to testify against him (while he's sober!).

What. A. Day.

I'm not even sure what to think.

Except thank the Lord I'm alive and not the person being charged with a crime!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Day 8: A Place I Have Traveled

Fortunately for you, I just got back from Florida where I celebrated my grandmother's 80th birthday!!!

So Friday afternoon, I ran out of work at 3:15 so I could make it to the house by 3:50 and leave for the airport. My flight wasn't leaving until 6:35, but you never know with flying so we arrived at 5pm.

I met my dad and brother who quickly found the first bar with an open seat on the other side of security. I waited and waited for them to be ready and we rush down to the gate and see that we have a 2 hour delay!!! Fabulous!

2 hours of waiting, searching for a plug for my dad's laptop and trying to avoid the woman clipping her toenails in the floor down the isle from me.... ICK.

Anyways, we finally arrived by midnight, just in time to passout from exhaustion and get up the next morning ready to get everything ready for the party. My grandmother had an AMAZING time so it was worth every moment in the air and the drive back. Here are some pictures of her party and yes, it was a hat party.

My grandmother in the middle, her sister from Maryland and brother from Pennsylvania.

Jessica, Me & AvaMy grandmother & I

Then began the LONG ride home..... it started and ended with this:A very unhappy Ava.

But at least we rode back with these people!
Until this happened:
I'm so glad I'm back though, and today a HUGE meeting was crossed off my list. This week is also testing, so I'm glad to be able to check things off every day. I'm very much looking forward to Saturday though. It will mean that all of my million things I have to do this week are finished!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Day 7: Favorite Movies

I'm sitting here watching Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeaquel and am almost embarrassed to even type that.... My nephew turned it on and then left the room. I'm just too lazy tired to get up and change the channel.

This would NOT be one of my favorite movies, but I'll tell you a couple that are:

Hands Down: August Rush

If you have not seen this movie, go rent/download it immediately. It is a wonderful movie with a great ending (a requirement for any movie I watch, and yes I prefer to know ahead of time how things are going to end to be SURE that its not going to end horribly!)

I also still love Sex and The City The Movie #1 (NOT #2 - that one, terrible).


And my NEWEST favorite movie: Twilight
Yes, I finally gave in and watched Twilight because we have 3 months of free HBO again and I record as many movies as I can while its free so we have movies to watch for months. Well I fell in and am in love with Twilight like I never thought I would be. I have not watched the other ones yet, but can't wait.


Tomorrow: Day 8 - A place you have traveled, perfect day to tell you about my VERY fast trip down to Florida and back for my grandmother's 80th birthday party.

Sneak peak:

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Day 6: A Picture of Something That Makes Me Happy

Do I have to narrow it down to just one picture?! I've already shown you how much I love hot air balloons, blimps and motorcycle convoys.

So here are a few more things:

Floating down lazy rivers in Florida.
Edgar's Birthday Cakes (The BEST cakes I've ever had)


And finally, my wonderful husband and vacation - preferably at the same time!
This was our trip to Chattanooga for our 3rd anniversary.


Happy Saturday!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Day 5: My Siblings

Oh my siblings...

Well I have 2 brothers. Chris & Bryan. They are quite a bit to handle. Bryan is older than me by 2.5 years. He is married to Jessica who is expecting their 2nd, Bryan's 3rd child. He and I are not close now, although we were in high school. We actually hung out with a lot of the same people which was fun (can't complain about older boys!), but he still likes to reenact his glory days when he was king of every party, see example:


Bryan is a very hard worker too, he works at my dad's paint store and the two of them are two peas in a pod... grumbling and working their tails off the whole time, ha!

Chris is younger than me by 2.5 years. He is married to Emily and enlisted in the army back in February after he excelled socially in college. The army has been amazing for him and Emily. They are both living in Texas currently and from what I hear enjoying it. Chris really just needed some structure and guidance in his life. He had the desire to succeed, just had a hard time figuring out how.
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