Okay okay.....

I know I am just about the WORST at keeping up to date. I have so many friends who are very faithful to their blogs. I, unfortunately, tend to neglect my little blog. I'd like to think it was because I was busy living life and filling my days with things that really matter.

Truthfully, though, I am doing just the opposite - not too many interesting things.

My beloved husband is expected back home in ONE WEEK - and believe me, we are counting every hour, night, breath, etc. So, I have yet another lofty goal that has resurfaced: to organize/clean out my office to a functional level. Currently it is still slightly packed up and mostly filled with tons of art stuff.

I seem to be filled with lofty goals. I like to refer to them as dreams (because I'm a dreamer to say the least). It is probably not good for me to name these so called dreams because, to me, dreams are usually things you name in your life that are probably unattainable but things you would love to have/do.
One such dream is an on-going one: to learn to play the guitar. I like making music but have never been able to do it on my own. My husband gave a lovely guitar to me as a gift for our wedding. Regretably, I have yet to get past building callouses on my finger tips (probably 3 times). Now, we will be joining a new small group and another cause for the goal to resurface is the desire to be able to lead worship in small group.

...Maybe I need prayer for this....

Pumpkins

I love pumpkins and fall and flowers and..........glitter!
I've been nesting a little bit lately and I've decided to decorate pumpkins and my house. So here are some of the things going on around my house

Back to the grind

Well there have been some changes in the past couple weeks.
First, I have been inadequately keeping up with my blog.
Second, I started and dropped 2 online classes within 3 days.Third, I chopped all my hair off (well a good bit of it).
Fourth, the weather has been AMAZING!

We were supposed to visit NYC in November (the weekend before Thanksgiving to be exact) and since I dropped my two online classes, I now have to take a class that same weekend so we can not go to NYC now. Instead we are going to save up and try and plan a longer trip sometime closer to spring, I think.
Here are a couple photos that go along with the updates:

Updates

Since the last time I posted, there have been a few things to update.
I started my 2nd year of grad school (that means only 1 year and 10 months until I graduate) and I'm getting ready to finish my first class followed by starting 2 new online classes. I have not taken any online classes before so I'm a little anxious as to the expectations and requirements.

I just got back from a great trip to see my sister in Kansas City, MO. We had a wonderful time together and I really wish we lived closer to each other.
Beesley and I will be making a trip down to South Florida this weekend to visit my parents and experience South Florida fall (not too much different from our fall here - except we've actually had a couple very pleasant days). I'll probably get to sit out by the pool and go to the beach still without any discomfort of too cold air. I love this about that place, by the way. AND I'll finally get to watch some college football with someone - I've been watching all by myself - boo.
Not too big of updates, but now those of you who read are up to date. :)

One week down

Well, it's been a week since I dropped my beloved off at the airport and sent him off into the big wide world. I have survived, but there have been touch and go moments for sure.

After a ridiculously trying day in class (sitting in straight lecture for 7+ hours) I came home, worked out, went and got sushi and red wine and currently I am dreaming of trips.

Dave and I are considering going to visit some beloved friends in Princeton, NJ and making a brief stop over in NYC. He gave me the go ahead to start plans, but I can't decide where to leave from and where to arrive, etc. Plus, I fear that my expectations are getting much larger than the time frame we are allowing ourselves to be there.

I tend to do that a lot, you know.....dream bigger than my britches.

I want to stand on the Brooklyn Bridge and take pictures; I want to go to Chinatown and experience it; I want to meander around and go in random stores; I want to spend time in Central Park; I want to go into stores everyone has to go in - like drug stores. They aren't unique to tourists. Locals have to get their essentials too. I want to go in the grocery store and just try and be normal there. But it isn't normal. It is such a fun place filled with anything and everything anyone would want to do.

See....my dreams are running away....

2 Things

#1: I found these AMAZING cameras last weekend at the flea market. Dave went to get produce Saturday morning and informed me there had been a table full of old cameras. I assumed they would have been sold but on Sunday we went by and to my surprise they were still there. So we bargained with the guy selling them and got both of these beauties for $50.
#2: We have been adding a few extra details to our master bathroom. We found these lanterns at Pottery Barn on super sale. Dave had the brilliant idea to hang them with ribbon. Then I finally found a curtain that I liked. So, I thought I would share these little jewels with whoever would like to read and see them.

Fall Football

There are two things that happen this time of year that I absolutely adore: Fall and Football! Unfortunately, I still can't quite get used to the fact that the weather that represents the fall season does not happen down here in Florida. I don't know that I'll ever get used to not having a fall weather season. Also unfortunately, my football partner (aka my husband) will be missing for a huge majority of the football season. So, I am hoping to still have some football parties, but I must admit that our usual football party guests will most likely not be inclined to come if there is no boy here. So, I am a little apprehensive as to the nature of this football season. You may just find me on any given Saturday sitting at home with my beer, tortilla chips, salsa and football (this is an official open invitation to join me for anyone who reads my blog and lives in the area - or comes to visit).

Also, I am currently being forced to watch First Blood on TV - at this very moment. Pray for me. :)

Cruisin for a bruisin

Well, we returned from our cruise on Monday. We left Tampa Thursday, sailed for a whole day and arrived in Cozumel, Mexico on Saturday. We spent the whole day in Cozumel and went snorkeling, did a little shopping, explored the island, spent some time on a beach and of course had some amazing drinks and food!Here are just a few select images I captured in Mexico...........


.......and we can't WAIT to go back!

Gray matter, white matter, what's the matter?

Well, according to my CT scan I have a brain and all the proper components of a brain. And, apparently, there is nothing wrong or abnormal with my brain.

So I guess we just chalk all this nonsense up to vertigo and/or craziness.

I am keeping my appointment with the Neurologist just to play it safe so I will update with that info.

Meanwhile, Dave and I are gearing up for our cruise with the Shores. We leave Thursday and will be gone until Monday. We go to Cozumel, Mexico - which I have never been to. I was a little apprehensive at first about the space issue and the seasickness issue, but my fears have been calmed momentarily and mostly I am anxiously awaiting this series of new experiences. My toes are painted in purple and black zebra with glitter, so I am ready!

Details to follow.....

Not good at this

I must admit that I am no good at keeping up to date on my blog. :(

I would like to make that different, but we'll see. Apparently, according to my husband, I never finish any project I start. I think I would consider this a project, maybe not in the art way, but a project nonetheless.

I have been experiencing some weird, random health issues lately. Without warning I will become very dizzy with the weak feeling that I am getting ready to pass out. I have to sit down and then I usually have a panic attack of sorts and the dizziness doesn't go away for a couple hours. The next couple days are followed by extreme tiredness and the feeling of constantly needing sleep.

I have no idea what is going on. I have had quite a few tests lately including pretty complete bloodwork, EKG and most recently a CT scan of my head. I haven't gotten those results yet, but all the other results show normal functioning. It is sort of frustrating, but I guess I should really be thankful that I don't have something major wrong with me.

There's the latest.
Thanks for reading.

It has been a while....

and I find myself struggling to be creative and inspired. I feel my best when I am inspired and creative - not just in artsy ways.

One thing I really hate is something I struggle with often. Every time I think I have conquered this battle (with God's leading, of course), I fall right back into the pit of self-destructive thoughts.

Why does my entire being SCREAM and KICK to fight what society says about the way I should look and feel while at the exact same time almost cry over how much I want to look and feel the way society says I should?

I'd like to think I have come a long way in my battle against this and I know that God has blessed me beyond measure. Sometimes it just seems that when I take 1 step forward I end up taking 3 steps backward.

I appreciate those of you who will read this. I pray that women do not struggle with this in the way that I do and that God will bless me with the ability to help others as He helps me.
Join me in prayer over all women all over the world - those in destructive marriages and healthy ones; those single ladies in their 20's and those in their 70's; middle school students; middle school teachers; those free and those in slavery. May God give them understanding of how He has made them unique and beautiful - ALL OF THEM!

Sorry for the rant - just thought I'd share what was on my mind. Thanks for reading.

NOW

My sister and I are road-tripping it together Monday and Tuesday and I wanted to put some music together for our trip so I turned to the ever popular Now That's What I Call Music compilations. Just for those of you who haven't kept up with these lovely collections since Now 5, the franchise is on version 34! I remember when the first one came out.

So anyway, I created a playlist based on Wikipedia's listing of the Now discography in hopes that I could export it to create cd's for the car, but alas, the music is copyright protected and I will have to be satisfied with listening to these precious jewels on my laptop via the internet. It is better than nothing. Some of these long-lost forgotten treasures are as follow:

Bailamos - Enrique Iglesias
Any Backstreet Boys song
Any *NSYNC song
Mmmm bop - Hanson
Wanna Be - Spice Girls
Barbie Girl - Aqua
Waiting for Tonight - JLo

Whew....that's only a few! I have a whole 50 or so songs from the early 2000's that are just waiting to be remembered and cherished. :) I just thought I would share with those of you who vividly remember being 16 at this time!

a few things are certain....

This week was VBS at church. I was tasked with photography duties which included getting headshots of each child, action shots and group shots. The headshots task alone was a little daunting, especially with over 250 children registered, but it proved rather successful when the kids put their photo frame together and had a photo to share with their families.

Overall, it was a rewarding week. I can confidently leave the week with a few certain truths: lots of children=chaos; lots of children=cuteness; and lots of children=inevitable illness......

I am leaving the week with a sore throat and cough........
oh well.

To Be Absent From the Body

This week this world lost a lovely friend, brother, son & warrior, but our loss was surely heaven's gain. Sweet Matthew Fay was completely healed of his 3 1/2 year battle with cancer when he went to be with the Lord. It has been so bittersweet to recall the numerous memories that have flooded my mind as I have reminisced on his precious life.
For as far back as I can remember, Matthew was a part of my life. We both grew up in the same church, went to elementary school together, were in youth group together and many years our families spent holidays celebrating together. Matthew was always found with a smile on his face and always had a sweet embrace whenever we met or were parting. When my family moved to Florida almost 10 years ago, I am sad to say that we lost touch a little, but I never forgot what a good friend he was. Sadly, 3 1/2 years ago he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and endured countless chemotherapy treatments and tests. I have not spoken with him in person since his diagnosis, although I did send letters and emails and it saddens me that I will not be able to go to the funeral, but I know that because he is absent from his body that he is present with the Father, in heaven and I rejoice greatly at that knowledge.

Please pray for Greg, Nancy and Ian Fay as they mourn the worldly loss of this precious man. Pray also for all of those whose lives Matthew touched. He will truly be missed!

Thanks for reading.

ProCrastiNation

I am procrastinating working on school work. Blech! I have a 10 page paper, an article critique, a presentation on the article critique, a presentation on the 10 page paper and a test - all next weekend. Somehow part of my brain believes that if I just don't do all this stuff that school will never come. so.wrong.
I wish I could view these papers and such as a way to be creative, but research just does not get my creative juices flowing in the slightest.
On a positive note, I got roses, pita chips and a port wine cheese ball yesterday from my love! He said he hated knowing I had a bad day so he wanted to try and brighten it with those lovely gifts {little does he know that he can brighten my day just by smiling at me and holding me in his arms}. He's sweet.

Also, my little sister is going to be visiting next week! YAY! I could not be more excited. I just hope I can have all my school work {or most} done by the time she gets here......on that note, I better stop this and start on something else....
before that though....this is my new favorite tree! I mean look at that thing! It's a Royal Poinciana. LOVE.

Celebrations

This past week was one of celebrations. It began last weekend with a girls' night that was followed by a beach day and dinner with some friends. The weekend concluded by welcoming home my lovely husband from being on the road. Then, Monday we celebrated his birthday all day long. We had a birthday lunch with Dave's parents and then I had planned a little get together for him for the evening.
We were originally going to go on a sunset cruise (without his knowledge) and a group of our friends were going to meet us there, but when we got there it was canceled due to weather. Instead we went over to one of our favorite establishments, JP Henley's and hung out with all our wonderful friends who had joined us. We had a lovely time and hopefully all enjoyed themselves.
Then on Wednesday, Dave and I spent the morning at the spa getting massages and pedicures. He had never had a pedicure, but wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I think he's a believer now. :)

Home Stretch

I absolutely can not believe that I am one and 1/2 days away from seeing the love of my life again! It always seems that his trips are so long and that the time passes so slowly and then at the same time there are some moments that make me feel like his return sneaks up on me.

So, as I write this, I am looking ahead to the day and all that needs to be done. 7 or 8 lovely ladies are going to be hanging out at my house this evening and I am so thrilled to share my home with each of them. But, I have let my house get a little out of control (being the only person in it for 6+ weeks). So I must straighten things quite a bit and put all my little projects in a "project spot" that doesn't necessarily exist yet.

Mom and I had a good visit this week. She and I went birthday shopping for Dave (his 30th birthday is on Monday), tried new recipes, went out for Mexican and watched a movie. These are always the kinds of things my family values doing together and I was glad that we were able to be flexible enough to fit all of it in.

One last thing - I have been praying about the possibility to work at my church where I've been increasing volunteer hours for the past year. It is quite clear that the church office needs an additional person on staff to help administratively because that is the kind of work I've been doing. There has been a back and forth as to whether or not there is room in the budget for said position. So I met with the Church Administrator Tuesday and they are going to hire me temporarily for the next 4 weeks for 10 hours a week. Then I will be presented to the elders at their next meeting (in June) and they will determine at that point if the budget will allow room for another staff member and if they feel the need for the addition.

So, I have a part-time part-time job for at least the next month and then we'll see what happens after that. In the meantime I will continue praying about this because it seems to just fit when I'm there. I have a place that I fit right into and I love that I feel helpful doing the things I do there. Please join with me in prayer as well. I appreciate it greatly!

Thanks for reading!

Painting

Last Tuesday the "Godsquad" small group painted a sunday school room for the church. We had a lovely time making a mess and fellowshipping with one another.

I have one more week until I get to see my love. This time next week I will have just picked him up from the airport and we will get to spend a lovely week together before he has to go back to work.
Meanwhile, I have quite a week planned for myself. Tomorrow I have a baby shower (which only makes me want to have babies more) that will be lovely. Tuesday my beloved Mother will be coming to stay with me and will stay until Thursday. Then, Friday I am hosting a girls' night, Saturday will be a catch-up, cleaning, keep myself busy day and then SUNDAY! Oh how I live for the Sundays Dave comes back!

Okay. That's all. Thanks for reading.

It's Done It's Done!!

I don't know why I am so good at starting projects but rarely good at finishing them....or at least finishing them in a decent time period.

Nonetheless, as promised, here are pictures of my dresser!


A close-up of one of the knobs........
By the way, I am very proud that this is done - even with it being a few weeks late.

Now on to the next project.....

From me to you

Just some photos I really enjoy........




also, Happy Birthday Daddy!

HANSON

Who remembers that phenomenon that was Hanson's Mmmbop?! Because they are on the Today Show, have a new cd and look VERY different....probably because that wonderful song came out in '97! That makes me feel so old!
Hanson then......Hanson now....
Anyway - just thought I'd share. I definitely had scads and messes of posters of these boys. Not sure if I should have really shared that, but hey probably not that many people actually read this, so maybe my pride is safe.....

Thankful

It is an amazing feeling to realize that I am married to the most amazing man in the world. To be loved by this man is the icing on the cake and I totally don't deserve it.



That is all. Thanks for reading. <3

Back to Reality

After spending almost 2 weeks away from home, I will be re-entering the world of reality tomorrow. Consisting of driving home, doing laundry, cleaning my house and doing quite a bit of preparing for school, the remainder of this week will most likely be the most difficult of the time while my hubbers (he hates when I call him that or anything of that nature) is away.

My trip to visit my lovely sister was quite a success; meaning that we had a lot of fun and laughed a lot. I got to Kansas City Friday afternoon. We walked around my my sister's neighborhood, which is a shopping plaza, surrounded by cute architecture, retail stores, coffee shops, restaurants and LOTS of flowers and trees (all of which were in beautiful bloom). Saturday consisted of an early morning wake-up call in order to make it to the Olathe Half Marathon. We ran the whole thing together and our official finishing time was 2:15:10. We were so proud and thrilled that we were able to do the race together!We vowed that we would eat whatever we wanted to after the race without guilt or second thoughts. So we visited a friend in a nearby city for some frozen yogurt and then our dinner consisted of burgers and onion rings compliments of Blanc Burgers.

Sunday we woke up on our own, went to church and walked around the city to the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum.

Monday I went to school with Laura for a 1/2 day so I could meet her kids and the other teachers at her school. It was so fun to get to know what makes up her day to day happenings.

I think we got to do everything we wanted to do. It was so nice to be there for an extended weekend so we didn't have to rush through things. We had some definite quality sister time that I truly value with all my being. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to spend that time with her.

For those of you that have been keeping up and prayed for our race, thank you for thinking of us.

Peaceful Spring Break

My parents' house is usually one of the most relaxing places I can retreat to at any given time of year. I came to visit for Easter with the intent of spending the subsequent days out by the pool, just enjoying being outside. This photo is what has accompanied my "relaxation" days. The drainage pipes have been rusted through and must be replaced. This was a job that was supposed to take a week. More than 2 weeks later, they are nearing the end of the project, but they are ruining my plans for an absolutely relaxing and sun-filled week. I suppose it has still been relaxing and sun-filled - I've just had to enjoy it from inside.In addition, to say that Beesley hates that these guys are outside with their heavy equipment digging in the ground is an extreme understatement. This is how she spent the first day...and each morning is much the same until she remembers that we aren't going to let anything hurt her...then she calms down and only gets super upset every once in a while when the outside sounds change and become unfamiliar. Then she howls and barks for a few minutes.

12 miles is like 12 smiles

Beesley got a new bed today and even though it took her a little while to accept that it was hers, she finally made herself at home. She fits much better in it than she did in her old one.

So today marks the one week before the 1/2 marathon. I ran 12 miles this morning in order to make sure I am prepared. It was brutal, but I made it somehow and now as I sit icing my shins, my excitement is getting greater. I'm pretty sure that the majority of my excitement is based around the fact that I will be spending time with my sister, but some of that excitement is that I will be taking part in an event that I never thought I would be able to even consider completing.

After my run I went shopping with a very dear friend to look for a dress for Easter. I ended up finding one and then found a couple additional items (as per usual) to add to my spring wardrobe. Isn't it funny how changes in seasons really inspire the desire to go shopping and get new clothes - even though you still have spring/summer-y clothes in your wardrobe.

Well, I'm watching Twilight (I know, I know) and as always....thanks for reading!

Flury Pole

Yesterday I was talking with a friend and he was typing on his iPhone and it was trying to auto-finish his text message and I found it extremely funny. Here is what the text was supposed to say: "I would give you $5 for a drive thru diet coke." Here's what the iPhone wanted to say: "I would give you $5 for a drive thru flury pole."

How would an auto-text get flury pole from diet coke? There's an extra letter in flury! Anyway, I am still physically laughing even as I type this, a day later.

On another note, I found out that I am going to be able to go see my parents for Easter and I will get to stay down there until I get back from my trip to Kansas City. I am very excited, it will be a great break! I think I'll call it my Spring Break - even though I'm too old for Spring Breaks. This next week and a half has some very good things in store for me. I will be spending some much needed time by the pool or at the beach and with my parents. Then I will get to go see my sister and take in all that is her life these days - ie. go to visit her school and meet her kids, stay in her apartment, live the semi-city life for a couple days. And we will run our 1st 1/2 marathon together! 2 years ago I never would have dreamed I could run that much....I didn't think I could run a mile. :) So this is quite a big step for me and it will be a great accomplishment! I am looking so forward to all these things.

For those of you following that would like to know (as a side note), Dave got to his destination safely and I heard from him via email today - so all is well. I hope that you all will join me in prayer for the safety of him and others like him that work to protect our country and for their families.


Thanks for reading.

Here we go again....

Well, it is days like these where I struggle to find beauty. Instead of finding things to be thankful for, my tendency is that of all-around negativity. Thanks to this blog, however, I am forcing myself to come up with something of which to report thankfulness.

Although I took my amazing husband and best friend to the airport today for a 42 day long trip, I am thankful that he is so willing to look after me. He sacrifices his safety and comfort in order to provide for me and that is amazing.

I am thankful for my family members for calling me and for the outpouring of love I have received from them. I am thankful for my sweet puppy who doesn't care if I cry or mope around the house for the rest of the day, but who willingly snuggles with me and gives me sweet puppy kisses like no other puppy kisses I've ever had. I am thankful that this coming weekend we will celebrate a most joyous holiday! I am so thankful for Easter because ultimately when this life is over I know I will spend eternity in heaven as a result of the sacrifice that Christ made for my sinful life that will never be good enough to enter heaven without His intercession. I am thankful knowing I will spend this eternity with my family and many many dear friends.

I could keep going on, so at the end of this day that I thought had no reason for thankfulness, I reveal to my wounded soul that it has reason to rejoice! So, rejoice, be glad and sing. There are many things for which to be thankful.

Cupcakes Are for All Occasions

This cupcake was so magnificent that I had to eat it on my china with a fancy table cloth! I even had to light a candle while eating it because it was so fancy! It came from Luli's Cupcakes downtown. I think I will be stopping there much more frequently than before. Just thought I'd share. :)

Bittersweet Days

Well, Dave has the next couple days off which is great! I am excited to get to spend some good quality time with him - maybe go to the beach, sleep in, run around together. I love these days, but I always hate these days. He is leaving for 45ish days and that makes me sad to think about. His trips are always a time for great introspection on my part and I hope that during this trip I will be able to overcome my "automatic thoughts" and instead focus on all the things I can accomplish for him to be proud of when he returns.

We have spent the past two evenings with sweet friends - just enjoying time together, laughing and fellowshipping.

On another note - lots of people are pregnant. I really wish I was at the place in life where we were ready to start having babies. I'm just putting it out there. If I wasn't in school and Dave traveling 6 months out of the year I would SERIOUSLY be on that baby train!

Thanks for reading.

Seedlings

Projects, projects, everywhere! I am still in the middle of re-finishing the dresser. I had a slight hold up in finishing the sanding of it due to an inadequate amount of sanding materials and unfortunately haven't been able to get some more. Also, since I have school this weekend, I won't probably get to work on it more until next week. Meanwhile, my innate need for an on-going project surfaced and I decided to start nurturing some seedlings. I hope to grow lavender, zinnias and impatiens. I am not very experienced in keeping plants alive until this past winter when I cut back my chrysanthemum (which happens to be in the background), brought it inside, re-potted it and now it is flourishing! All of my other plants outside are trying to come back as well, including mums, a camellia and a hydrangea!

In other news, some of you may already be aware of the fact that my sweet Aunt Kim, Uncle Dale and their 3 children are raising funds to adopt "Hope" from Ethiopia. I know I don't have a ton of followers yet, but I hope that maybe we can spread the word about their efforts in any way possible. You can follow their adoption process and hopefully DONATE through their blog:
http://embracingtheleastofthese.blogspot.com

Thanks (as always) for reading.

Welcome Spring!

This morning when I woke up and took Beesley outside, it actually felt warm-ish! What an amazing feeling! Supposedly it has been a harsh and long winter for the entire country, but when you live in Florida and are used to saying, "Why is it still hot?" the extra-long chilly weather can really hit you hard.

We went to Stuart this weekend to see my parents. It is always a nice and relaxing time when we are there. We drove down to Jupiter Island and drove through one of the ritzy neighborhoods. Then when we were driving back to town we stopped at an overpass over the river and saw some manatees. It was such a lovely day!

For those who do not know, I am training for a 1/2 marathon. I am going to Kansas City, MO to visit my lovely sister and we are running the race together on April 10th. So far the longest distance I've run is 9 1/2 miles! This is huge! The most I had run before starting this training was 9 miles. So I've officially started going beyond what I know I can do. I am praying through this training as well because I know that I am weak and without strength given to me by God, I would quit. I hope you all will pray with me - especially as we get closer to the race - that we (Laura and I) will stay injury free and hydrated and motivated.

http://www.active.com/running/olathe-ks/olathe-marathon-2010

I am very excited about running this race - especially since I am running it with my sister (who I consider my motivator and coach)!

Thanks for reading.

Beauty

Today I am beautiful! (For those of you who do not know me, this statement might lead you to believe that I am vain - for those of you who do know me, you know this is a huge statement.)

Today I am beautiful because God has made me who I am and He made me with love. There is no way that His love could be ugly. He has given me life and that is beautiful in itself. But, I believe that I am beautiful because I must trust in Him alone to help me be the person He made me. I am imperfect in so many ways - I don't always keep my house clean, I sometimes shop too much, I may not hold my tongue and I don't always think of others before myself. But I am a woman, I am longing to help others, I love the beauty God has made and I am dedicated to my family. And most importantly, I am trying to accept myself - exactly as I am right now - without changing anything fundamental to myself.

I still haven't finished my dresser, but when I do it will be just as I want it - probably with some little imperfection somewhere that will become my favorite part of it.

Gray but Okay

Yesterday I spent much of the day sanding and priming my piece of furniture that is currently under-going an update. During the project I spent a lot of time reflecting on things - things that make me sad and things that I'm thankful for. Our small group just lost a member on Tuesday. Muire Parham passed away after being in a seizure-induced coma. She had been battling brain tumors for 3 years. While I was thinking about her precious family, I was reminded of how precious my family is to me. My Mom called and I talked to her a little. I told her about Muire and we reflected on my Mom's own illness (Stage IV breast cancer a little over 2 years ago). As we talked, we both agreed that we didn't understand why God chose to heal her (Mom) but why He doesn't heal others.

I am so thankful for my Mother's health (she has been cancer free for about a year and a half!). I am also very thankful for my husband, his family, my own dear family (this includes my close friends) and, of course, my sweet puppy.






I am still working on my furniture up-date. Hopefully tomorrow will render the finished product.

In Addition

After a time of melancholy complacency, I have decided to "turn over a new leaf" and focus on positives in my life. This blog is a place where I will share my inspirations and as I look for joy in life, I hope to in turn be an inspiration.

I am currently starting a new project. Since we moved into our house last June our office has been a disaster area. It has become a "catch all" for everything we don't know what to do with. For those of you who know me, you know that I like to have things organized, if only an organized mess. Well, this room, my friends, is not even an organized mess. There lies within the mess somewhat of a smaller, closer to organized mess, but all in all, I have not a clue what is contained in that room. However, I have been inspired to clean it out and really get it organized. My starting place is a piece of furniture I have had since high school. My parents bought it for me and I painted it myself (pictures to follow). Dave doesn't like the way it is painted and I must confess I also believe it is time for an update for the dear piece of furniture. So, I will be painting it tomorrow. I am very excited about this. With being in grad school I haven't had time to be very creative lately. I am very much looking forward to letting my creativity out of where it has been held hostage within me. Look for before and after photos tomorrow....

Where to Start

I think I am ready to join this world of blogging.....I guess time will tell.

After carefully (or not so carefully) considering this endeavor, I have decided to start a blog. I think it will be a journal-type about my life. There are many things in my life that I tend to need to reflect upon and I feel this blog will be an outlet to help me look at things in life in a more positive light.

That's it for now.