For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
By now, most of you should have received my Christmas card in the mail. There are a few of you that will be getting it in the mail in the coming days, but most of you have received it, thus the blog post.
As some of you know, I work for a nationwide Photography company called (once like a spark). If you happen to be, or anyone you know, is looking for a wedding photographer, check us out. I promise you won't be disappointed. Tracy, is our San Diego photographer and I just love her. It has been so much fun to get to know her and work with her in spreading the OLAS love in SD. When it came time to get my pictures done for this year's card, I knew I could count on Tracy to make me look good. :)
Tracy and I (along with sweet Katelynn) met in Little Italy and got to work. I had a BLAST! Here are some of the photos...
As some of you know, I work for a nationwide Photography company called (once like a spark). If you happen to be, or anyone you know, is looking for a wedding photographer, check us out. I promise you won't be disappointed. Tracy, is our San Diego photographer and I just love her. It has been so much fun to get to know her and work with her in spreading the OLAS love in SD. When it came time to get my pictures done for this year's card, I knew I could count on Tracy to make me look good. :)
Tracy and I (along with sweet Katelynn) met in Little Italy and got to work. I had a BLAST! Here are some of the photos...
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Monday, 12 December 2011
So, I am a big ol nerd and couldn't wait to get home from work and working out on Friday so I could address and send out my Christmas cards. (I know, I know... I need to get me a man. If you know of any attractive single men who love Jesus and football, send them my way. Seriously though.)
Alas, I went straight to the gym after work on Friday and then went home to gather all of my supplies for my Christmas card addressing extravaganza. I headed off to Panera to sit by the fire with some Christmas music in my ears and a green pen in hand. I did about half of the cards there before heading to Casa Harvey to finish the rest of them there. I have said it before, and I will say it again, I am so thankful for the Harvey family. I love that their house is a second home to me. Kyle and Cody are like brothers to me, and I wouldn't trade them for the world. Jim and Teresa are some of the best pseudo parents a girl could ask for. I sat at the counter, addressing my stack of cards while laughing about anything and everything. We joked about how single I am to be addressing Christmas cards with my best friend's parents on a Friday night (while my best friend lives in Washington). It was just a good night.
Saturday, I woke up and did some crafts. I decided to make all of my Christmas gifts this year and am so glad that I made that decision. Anyone receiving a gift from me is getting a gift with lots of thought and love put into it. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend so much time in making these gifts. After craft time came some much needed time with my dear friend Chelsea.
Chelsea is one of those friends that I will have in my life forever, without a doubt in my mind. We have traveled together every year for the past 4 years and have made some of the best memories. Chelsea was someone that was really there for me when my dad died, and again when my grandpa died. We laugh about what life looked like a few years ago, what it looks like now, and about what it is going to look like in the future. Chelsea and I spent the day doing everything and nothing at the same time. The long and short of it, we just spent the day together and it was life giving. I am forever thankful for my friend Chelsea.
To top off an already stellar weekend, my friend from MiiR were in San Diego for the Flood Holiday Shoppe. My friend Bryan is the founder of this great company and one of my very favorite people Travis works there full-time. We spent the better part of yesterday slinging water bottles, all the while catching up and laughing about life. Again, this time was life-giving.
As I drove home last night (at 10:45, WAY past my bedtime) I couldn't help but turn off my radio and pray. I HAD to say Thank-You. I had to praise the One whom has given me so much to be thankful for. My heart felt an urgency to say Thank-You for the Harvey Family, Chelsea, June, Bryan, Travis, Ryan, Charity, Amber and Lauren, Patrick and Lacey, Ken and Elaine, Marissa and Weston, Deena, and so many others. I have so many people in my life that love me and have journeyed so many different parts of life with me. My cup truly runneth WAY over.
To say the least, it wasn't hard to wake up with a smile on my face and a hop in my step this morning. My heart is full.
Alas, I went straight to the gym after work on Friday and then went home to gather all of my supplies for my Christmas card addressing extravaganza. I headed off to Panera to sit by the fire with some Christmas music in my ears and a green pen in hand. I did about half of the cards there before heading to Casa Harvey to finish the rest of them there. I have said it before, and I will say it again, I am so thankful for the Harvey family. I love that their house is a second home to me. Kyle and Cody are like brothers to me, and I wouldn't trade them for the world. Jim and Teresa are some of the best pseudo parents a girl could ask for. I sat at the counter, addressing my stack of cards while laughing about anything and everything. We joked about how single I am to be addressing Christmas cards with my best friend's parents on a Friday night (while my best friend lives in Washington). It was just a good night.
Saturday, I woke up and did some crafts. I decided to make all of my Christmas gifts this year and am so glad that I made that decision. Anyone receiving a gift from me is getting a gift with lots of thought and love put into it. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend so much time in making these gifts. After craft time came some much needed time with my dear friend Chelsea.
Chelsea is one of those friends that I will have in my life forever, without a doubt in my mind. We have traveled together every year for the past 4 years and have made some of the best memories. Chelsea was someone that was really there for me when my dad died, and again when my grandpa died. We laugh about what life looked like a few years ago, what it looks like now, and about what it is going to look like in the future. Chelsea and I spent the day doing everything and nothing at the same time. The long and short of it, we just spent the day together and it was life giving. I am forever thankful for my friend Chelsea.
To top off an already stellar weekend, my friend from MiiR were in San Diego for the Flood Holiday Shoppe. My friend Bryan is the founder of this great company and one of my very favorite people Travis works there full-time. We spent the better part of yesterday slinging water bottles, all the while catching up and laughing about life. Again, this time was life-giving.
As I drove home last night (at 10:45, WAY past my bedtime) I couldn't help but turn off my radio and pray. I HAD to say Thank-You. I had to praise the One whom has given me so much to be thankful for. My heart felt an urgency to say Thank-You for the Harvey Family, Chelsea, June, Bryan, Travis, Ryan, Charity, Amber and Lauren, Patrick and Lacey, Ken and Elaine, Marissa and Weston, Deena, and so many others. I have so many people in my life that love me and have journeyed so many different parts of life with me. My cup truly runneth WAY over.
To say the least, it wasn't hard to wake up with a smile on my face and a hop in my step this morning. My heart is full.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Dear Santa,
I am pretty sure that I made the nice list this year.
Here is my wish-list, in no particular order...
Both the movie on DVD and Justin Timberlake.
My MacBook is getting to be SUPER slow on the upkeep... a new one would be nice.
I have coveted this watch since it caught my eye that fateful day in Nordstrom over a year ago.
I am pretty sure that I made the nice list this year.
Here is my wish-list, in no particular order...
My MacBook is getting to be SUPER slow on the upkeep... a new one would be nice.
I have coveted this watch since it caught my eye that fateful day in Nordstrom over a year ago.
As with Friends with Benefits, I would like the DVD or Ryan Gosling... whichever is easier to get.
I NEED this DVD in my library. NEED it!
I have wanted a NorthFace Denali Fleece jacket since my freshman year of college at SPU. It is safe to say that I was one of VERY few people in Seattle without a NorthFace jacket. I want one SO BAD!
I would be EVER SO THANKFUL to find any of these treasures under my tree on Christmas morning. Oh and one more thing... a husband would be nice too. :)
Love,
Manders
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Two years ago, at this very moment, I was at Sharp hospital sitting in an uncomfortable chair at the end of a hospital bed, watching and waiting. We gathered at the hospital, knowing that my dad only had a few more hours. I felt, and still feel, a number of emotions. I couldn't say much, and still can't. I just sat there, watching my dad.
I watched my dad take his last breath at just 51 years old. I was 24, and my dad was dead. Gone.
My dad and I didn't have much of a relationship. My dad made lots of decisions that ultimately led me to making the decision to not have him in my life. People have disagreed with that decision, but it wasn't up to anyone else, it was my decision to make.
I feel like a lot of people disregarded the loss of my father because he wasn't in my life. People seemed to have had this thought that since my dad wasn't in my life, it wasn't much of a loss. Let me tell you, those people were and still are wrong. To be honest, I don't know if losing my dad after not having a relationship with him makes it harder or easier.
Since my dad and I didn't have much of a relationship, his death was somewhat of an answer to a lot of questions that I had. I always wondered if my dad would actually show up to my wedding and if he did, would he be drunk. I wondered if I would even want to do the father-daughter dance with my dad. I wondered if my dad would actually show up when he said he would. I wondered if my dad would call on the holidays or on my birthday.
On the other hand... My future husband doesn't get to ask my dad for my hand in marriage. I will never get to have my dad walk me down the aisle to meet my groom at the alter. I don't get to do the father-daughter dance with my dad at my wedding reception. These are two of the hardest parts of a wedding for me. I cry every time either one of those things happen. My kids don't get to know their grandpa.
My dad is gone.
Needless to say, today is an emotional day.
I watched my dad take his last breath at just 51 years old. I was 24, and my dad was dead. Gone.
My dad and I didn't have much of a relationship. My dad made lots of decisions that ultimately led me to making the decision to not have him in my life. People have disagreed with that decision, but it wasn't up to anyone else, it was my decision to make.
I feel like a lot of people disregarded the loss of my father because he wasn't in my life. People seemed to have had this thought that since my dad wasn't in my life, it wasn't much of a loss. Let me tell you, those people were and still are wrong. To be honest, I don't know if losing my dad after not having a relationship with him makes it harder or easier.
Since my dad and I didn't have much of a relationship, his death was somewhat of an answer to a lot of questions that I had. I always wondered if my dad would actually show up to my wedding and if he did, would he be drunk. I wondered if I would even want to do the father-daughter dance with my dad. I wondered if my dad would actually show up when he said he would. I wondered if my dad would call on the holidays or on my birthday.
On the other hand... My future husband doesn't get to ask my dad for my hand in marriage. I will never get to have my dad walk me down the aisle to meet my groom at the alter. I don't get to do the father-daughter dance with my dad at my wedding reception. These are two of the hardest parts of a wedding for me. I cry every time either one of those things happen. My kids don't get to know their grandpa.
My dad is gone.
Needless to say, today is an emotional day.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!
Without further ado... the final installment of things that I am thankful for.
1. I am thankful that I got to start today with some great friends doing a 5k.
2. I am thankful for naps on the couch.
3. I am thankful for my sweet Grandma Brown. I am thankful that she continues to host the whole family (even with 4 kids and their spouses gone, we still had almost 30 people) for holidays and special occasions. I am thankful that she has instilled in us a deep sense of value for family and tradition. I am thankful that she is a no BS kind of lady. I am thankful to call her Grandma. I am thankful to get to spend so much time with her.
4. I am thankful that my sister and brother-in-law have two happy and healthy boys. I am thankful that I get to be their Tia, and spoil them.
5. I am thankful for the families that, year after year, invite me to spend the holidays with them and just love on me. I am thankful that these people care about me and my hurts and pains. I am thankful that they have been there for me through so much.
I will be honest, today was a really tough day. I cried a lot. Even though I have a lot to be thankful for, the holidays are really hard. I try to keep a good balance of feeling what I need to feel while still staying thankful and moving on with life. Sometimes, life is tough. Today, it was tough.
Without further ado... the final installment of things that I am thankful for.
1. I am thankful that I got to start today with some great friends doing a 5k.
2. I am thankful for naps on the couch.
3. I am thankful for my sweet Grandma Brown. I am thankful that she continues to host the whole family (even with 4 kids and their spouses gone, we still had almost 30 people) for holidays and special occasions. I am thankful that she has instilled in us a deep sense of value for family and tradition. I am thankful that she is a no BS kind of lady. I am thankful to call her Grandma. I am thankful to get to spend so much time with her.
4. I am thankful that my sister and brother-in-law have two happy and healthy boys. I am thankful that I get to be their Tia, and spoil them.
5. I am thankful for the families that, year after year, invite me to spend the holidays with them and just love on me. I am thankful that these people care about me and my hurts and pains. I am thankful that they have been there for me through so much.
I will be honest, today was a really tough day. I cried a lot. Even though I have a lot to be thankful for, the holidays are really hard. I try to keep a good balance of feeling what I need to feel while still staying thankful and moving on with life. Sometimes, life is tough. Today, it was tough.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
As much as it pains me to say, literally, I am so thankful for my trainer. He gets me. He knows when to push me and when I really can't do any more. Because of him and his pushing, I am stronger than I have ever been, and walk with more confidence than I ever have.
Today, I had the BEST session with him to date. I did more push-ups than I thought possible, and then did even more. I did more reps than asked. I stayed in plank position longer than told. He pushed me and I pushed myself. Such a good feeling.
Moving on to sweeter things, literally...
I am so thankful for my annual Pie-Baking time at Casa Harvey. The Harveys have been so kind as to make me part of their family for the past 11 years or so. For the past few years, I have gone over to Casa Harvey the day before Thanksgiving to bake some pies. I LOVE IT! Teresa and I always drag Cody in to help us and we listen to Christmas music (before Thanksgiving) and just enjoy the time.
I am just very Thankful today.
And now, I get to go celebrate someone that I am VERY thankful for at a place that I am thankful to get to bring my friends to. :)
Today, I had the BEST session with him to date. I did more push-ups than I thought possible, and then did even more. I did more reps than asked. I stayed in plank position longer than told. He pushed me and I pushed myself. Such a good feeling.
Moving on to sweeter things, literally...
I am so thankful for my annual Pie-Baking time at Casa Harvey. The Harveys have been so kind as to make me part of their family for the past 11 years or so. For the past few years, I have gone over to Casa Harvey the day before Thanksgiving to bake some pies. I LOVE IT! Teresa and I always drag Cody in to help us and we listen to Christmas music (before Thanksgiving) and just enjoy the time.
I am just very Thankful today.
And now, I get to go celebrate someone that I am VERY thankful for at a place that I am thankful to get to bring my friends to. :)
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
First and foremost, I am thankful for my health. I went to have a physical done this morning and the doctor informed me that I couldn't be healthier, which made me VERY happy and incredibly thankful! Along with that, I am thankful that I have health insurance so I can go in for a physical and only pay 10 dollars. (I am not thankful for the 3 shots that I had to get, but I am thankful that they are available to me to help prevent the Flu and other diseases.)
I am thankful for the deliciousness that is Dumpling Inn, and the great company for lunch today. I could say A LOT about the people that I went to lunch with and how I am thankful for them but I am saving that for another post. :)
I am thankful for my recent renewed love of all things crafty. I am on a mission to make all of my Christmas gifts this year. Here are some items that I have made so far...
I am thankful for the deliciousness that is Dumpling Inn, and the great company for lunch today. I could say A LOT about the people that I went to lunch with and how I am thankful for them but I am saving that for another post. :)
I am thankful for my recent renewed love of all things crafty. I am on a mission to make all of my Christmas gifts this year. Here are some items that I have made so far...
Monday, 21 November 2011
I am thankful for a good sweat session at the gym.
Ran a practice 5K, in preparation for Thursday morning, and I didn't hate it. My new playlist certainly helped to make it go much more quickly.
Never underestimate the power of these two things...
1. A good run and the feeling you get when it is done.
2. A new playlist and the energy it gives you to get through the run.
Thankful. :)
Ran a practice 5K, in preparation for Thursday morning, and I didn't hate it. My new playlist certainly helped to make it go much more quickly.
Never underestimate the power of these two things...
1. A good run and the feeling you get when it is done.
2. A new playlist and the energy it gives you to get through the run.
Thankful. :)
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Today, and everyday really, I am thankful for my friend Katelynn.
Katelynn recently moved to San Diego (a week ago to be exact) and I could not be more thrilled about this! Life is just so much more fun when Katelynn is around. No seriously, this girl brings some joy to the world (Christmas pun intended).
Today, Katelynn and I planned on reading in the park and just enjoying living in the same city. My sister ended up needing me to watch the boys so she could go take care of some stuff at work, and Katelynn was kind enough to go with me. My nephew Parker LOVES Katelynn... as you can see from the picture below.
Parker NEVER wanted to nap with his Tia... but Katelynn comes around and he is ALL about it. I pray for my sister and brother-in-law, Parker is already a lady killer it is gonna be intense later in life if he keeps this up! :)
After spending the day with my precious nephews we ventured down to the Family Bar for some KARAOKE! You know I loves me some Karaoke! :) I sang 3 songs and Katelynn didn't sing at all, well she sang from her seat and she wouldn't have had it any other way.
Katelynn is just good people. She is a direct reflection of her mom and dad, who are two of the most incredible people. I am so thankful that Katelynn is here and I can't wait for the many adventures to come! :)
Katelynn recently moved to San Diego (a week ago to be exact) and I could not be more thrilled about this! Life is just so much more fun when Katelynn is around. No seriously, this girl brings some joy to the world (Christmas pun intended).
Today, Katelynn and I planned on reading in the park and just enjoying living in the same city. My sister ended up needing me to watch the boys so she could go take care of some stuff at work, and Katelynn was kind enough to go with me. My nephew Parker LOVES Katelynn... as you can see from the picture below.
After spending the day with my precious nephews we ventured down to the Family Bar for some KARAOKE! You know I loves me some Karaoke! :) I sang 3 songs and Katelynn didn't sing at all, well she sang from her seat and she wouldn't have had it any other way.
Katelynn is just good people. She is a direct reflection of her mom and dad, who are two of the most incredible people. I am so thankful that Katelynn is here and I can't wait for the many adventures to come! :)
Friday, 18 November 2011
Another list of things that I am thankful for...
1. I am SO SO SO SO SO thankful that today was the last day of work until the 28th! HELLO BIG perk of working for the school system... LOTS of breaks!
2. I am thankful that I have learned to push myself at the gym. My mantra is this: YOU CAN DO ANYTHING FOR A MINUTE. I went to the gym this evening (on my rest day, might I add) and set out to do 45 minutes on the stairclimber. I am acutely aware that 45 minutes of anything at the gym is a long time, let along the stairclimber. BUT, I love it. At minute 30, I was so ready to throw in the towel (literally and figuratively) but I said, out loud, "YOU CAN DO ANYTHING FOR A MINUTE" and I kept going. I took it one minute at a time. I made it the full 45 minute and felt like an absolute CHAMPION when I was done.
3. I am thankful for nights like tonight when I have NO obligations and get to be at home and in bed at a time that most of my students are in bed.
Yup... that's all for now. I am a thankful lady. :)
1. I am SO SO SO SO SO thankful that today was the last day of work until the 28th! HELLO BIG perk of working for the school system... LOTS of breaks!
2. I am thankful that I have learned to push myself at the gym. My mantra is this: YOU CAN DO ANYTHING FOR A MINUTE. I went to the gym this evening (on my rest day, might I add) and set out to do 45 minutes on the stairclimber. I am acutely aware that 45 minutes of anything at the gym is a long time, let along the stairclimber. BUT, I love it. At minute 30, I was so ready to throw in the towel (literally and figuratively) but I said, out loud, "YOU CAN DO ANYTHING FOR A MINUTE" and I kept going. I took it one minute at a time. I made it the full 45 minute and felt like an absolute CHAMPION when I was done.
3. I am thankful for nights like tonight when I have NO obligations and get to be at home and in bed at a time that most of my students are in bed.
Yup... that's all for now. I am a thankful lady. :)
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Working at a school, I get the great pleasure (errr DISPLEASURE) of taking School Pictures every year. Yup, you know the ones. PICTURE DAY! YAYYYYYYY!
We got our pictures back yesterday and I couldn't help but want to compare this year's picture to last year's picture. I will be honest, I was shocked at what I saw. I am acutely aware of the amount of weight that I have lost. My wardrobe is COMPLETELY different from even 5 months ago, let alone a year ago. The scale says a VERY different number from last September and more than that, I feel like a different person from last September.
I am healthier. I am stronger. I am smaller. I FEEL better.
Check out the pictures...
September 2010
September 2011
And side by side so you can see just how different the two pictures are...
So today, I am thankful for the journey that I have been on. I am thankful that I am a happier and healthier me than I was a year ago. I am thankful that I have made my health a priority. I am thankful that I have spent LOTS AND LOTS of hours in the gym and running the streets of San Diego. I am thankful that I have invested in having a trainer who helps to push me further than I would ever push myself. I am thankful that, for the first time in my life, I am aware of what I am putting in my body. I am thankful that I haven't quit, even when it the scale has remained in the same 5 pound range for months. I am thankful that I have committed to going to weekly Weight Watchers weigh-ins and meetings. I am thankful that I haven't missed a single Wednesday weigh-in since starting on January 26, 2010. I am thankful for all of the people who have supported me emotionally and even financially on this journey. I am thankful for the people who have told me that I am an inspiration to them, as it has helped to keep my going. I am thankful that I have stuck with this.
I am thankful!
We got our pictures back yesterday and I couldn't help but want to compare this year's picture to last year's picture. I will be honest, I was shocked at what I saw. I am acutely aware of the amount of weight that I have lost. My wardrobe is COMPLETELY different from even 5 months ago, let alone a year ago. The scale says a VERY different number from last September and more than that, I feel like a different person from last September.
I am healthier. I am stronger. I am smaller. I FEEL better.
Check out the pictures...
September 2010
And side by side so you can see just how different the two pictures are...
So today, I am thankful for the journey that I have been on. I am thankful that I am a happier and healthier me than I was a year ago. I am thankful that I have made my health a priority. I am thankful that I have spent LOTS AND LOTS of hours in the gym and running the streets of San Diego. I am thankful that I have invested in having a trainer who helps to push me further than I would ever push myself. I am thankful that, for the first time in my life, I am aware of what I am putting in my body. I am thankful that I haven't quit, even when it the scale has remained in the same 5 pound range for months. I am thankful that I have committed to going to weekly Weight Watchers weigh-ins and meetings. I am thankful that I haven't missed a single Wednesday weigh-in since starting on January 26, 2010. I am thankful for all of the people who have supported me emotionally and even financially on this journey. I am thankful for the people who have told me that I am an inspiration to them, as it has helped to keep my going. I am thankful that I have stuck with this.
I am thankful!
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
It isn't even 10am and I can already list off a few things that I am thankful for...
1. Not to make the announcement before Michelle but I gotta say it... I am SO SO SO thankful that while Michelle was here for Amanda and Tyler's wedding, she went in for an in-person interview with Invisible Children. SHE GOT THE JOB!!! We are slowly but surely getting the 4E Ashton crew all to San Diego. Rochelle, YOU'RE NEXT!! I am so so so thankful that we will get to have Michelle in San Diego!
2. My co-worker brought in some old Jamba Juice giftcards for me because she knows I like me a good smoothie. She said, oh they probably together make $5. UMMMM try over $25!! I asked her if she wanted them back and she said NO, KEEP THEM! Um, hello BLESSING!
3. I am thankful that my friend Katelynn has MOVED to San Diego. It is so nice to have her here to go to the gym with, to WW with, and to just HANG OUT with.
4. I feel really cute today. Straight hair, good make up application, a cute outfit... never underestimate the power of feeling cute.
So, there you have it... 4 things that I am thankful for, all before 10am. :)
1. Not to make the announcement before Michelle but I gotta say it... I am SO SO SO thankful that while Michelle was here for Amanda and Tyler's wedding, she went in for an in-person interview with Invisible Children. SHE GOT THE JOB!!! We are slowly but surely getting the 4E Ashton crew all to San Diego. Rochelle, YOU'RE NEXT!! I am so so so thankful that we will get to have Michelle in San Diego!
2. My co-worker brought in some old Jamba Juice giftcards for me because she knows I like me a good smoothie. She said, oh they probably together make $5. UMMMM try over $25!! I asked her if she wanted them back and she said NO, KEEP THEM! Um, hello BLESSING!
3. I am thankful that my friend Katelynn has MOVED to San Diego. It is so nice to have her here to go to the gym with, to WW with, and to just HANG OUT with.
4. I feel really cute today. Straight hair, good make up application, a cute outfit... never underestimate the power of feeling cute.
So, there you have it... 4 things that I am thankful for, all before 10am. :)
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Today, I am thankful for my friend and gym buddy Jessica.
I am thankful that we are able to talk about what the Lord is doing in our lives, the fun and not so fun stuff, and just all that is going on in life. It is just so nice to have someone to go to the gym with and even more than that, it is nice to have someone who has lived a similar story.
I am thankful for Jessica.
I am thankful that we are able to talk about what the Lord is doing in our lives, the fun and not so fun stuff, and just all that is going on in life. It is just so nice to have someone to go to the gym with and even more than that, it is nice to have someone who has lived a similar story.
I am thankful for Jessica.
Monday, 14 November 2011
I am thankful for my new found love for the stair-climber at the gym.
I wear a grey shirt on purpose so I can see just how much I sweat while working it out. I know it is gross and pretty unattractive but I don't care... I LOVE seeing the sweat of my labor. :)
I am thankful for the amount of calories that I am able to burn in 45 minutes.
I wear a grey shirt on purpose so I can see just how much I sweat while working it out. I know it is gross and pretty unattractive but I don't care... I LOVE seeing the sweat of my labor. :)
I am thankful for the amount of calories that I am able to burn in 45 minutes.
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Today, I am thankful for days at home.
As much as I love being busy and doing lots of fun and exciting things, I also love my time at home with nothing and no one to answer to.
There are few things that are better than a enjoying a QUIET day in a clean room with a good book/movie/show. Today was PERFECT!
As much as I love being busy and doing lots of fun and exciting things, I also love my time at home with nothing and no one to answer to.
There are few things that are better than a enjoying a QUIET day in a clean room with a good book/movie/show. Today was PERFECT!
Saturday, 12 November 2011
I am so thankful that Lisa and Bryan are FINALLY living in San Diego. Whenever Bryan and Lisa would be home visiting from Indianapolis, we would just dream about what it would be like when they FINALLY got to San Diego. I gotta tell you, we are REALLY enjoying being in the same city finally!
A little background...
Lisa and I met our freshman year of college at SPU, where we lived down the hall from one another. We instantly bonded over the fact that we were both from San Diego. Even though I left SPU after just one year, it was easy to keep in touch for two reasons; one, Lisa is just that awesome and two, we live in the same city. Lisa finished out her undergrad at SPU while I did the seven college tour before finishing at San Diego Christian College. During Lisa's junior year, she met Bryan, IN AN AIRPORT! That's right ladies, she met her husband in a freaking airport. Hello Lifetime movie! Lisa got accepted to dental school (she is a dentist, don't mess) in Indianapolis so after SPU, she headed to Indy to continue her studies. Bryan eventually joined her out there. They got engaged and then threw a FANTASTIC wedding and returned to Indy to finish school. Lisa graduated in May and they moved to San Diego in August.
Here are some pictures from their wedding almost two and a half years ago...
From the moment I met Bryan (at their wedding) I knew that it was just so right. Lisa is one of those people who is just so easy to be around. We can talk about everything and nothing all at the same time. A shopping trip to Target is so much more fun with her along for the ride. Bryan is one of those husbands that you don't mind having around. Of course, girl time is always needed, but we don't mind when Bryan hangs out too!
Last night, Lisa and I had planned on making dinner and just hanging out at their place. (They live downtown in this awesome condo... perfect location!) Bryan usually goes out with some co-workers on Friday after work so we figured we would have a girl's night. Bryan's co-workers weren't around so it turned into the three of us, and it was perfect! We had a delicious dinner at home with some Skinny Girl Sangria and then we headed out to the SHOUT! House. You see, Lisa and I are generally in bed pretty early so going out was a BIG deal. We always joke around that we are grandmas. Well, not last night! We had a great time singing along to songs and people watching for hours. It was perfect!
I am just so glad that Lisa and Bryan are in San Diego, and not just for a holiday or wedding... they LIVE here. Here are a few pictures from last night...
A little background...
Lisa and I met our freshman year of college at SPU, where we lived down the hall from one another. We instantly bonded over the fact that we were both from San Diego. Even though I left SPU after just one year, it was easy to keep in touch for two reasons; one, Lisa is just that awesome and two, we live in the same city. Lisa finished out her undergrad at SPU while I did the seven college tour before finishing at San Diego Christian College. During Lisa's junior year, she met Bryan, IN AN AIRPORT! That's right ladies, she met her husband in a freaking airport. Hello Lifetime movie! Lisa got accepted to dental school (she is a dentist, don't mess) in Indianapolis so after SPU, she headed to Indy to continue her studies. Bryan eventually joined her out there. They got engaged and then threw a FANTASTIC wedding and returned to Indy to finish school. Lisa graduated in May and they moved to San Diego in August.
Here are some pictures from their wedding almost two and a half years ago...
From the moment I met Bryan (at their wedding) I knew that it was just so right. Lisa is one of those people who is just so easy to be around. We can talk about everything and nothing all at the same time. A shopping trip to Target is so much more fun with her along for the ride. Bryan is one of those husbands that you don't mind having around. Of course, girl time is always needed, but we don't mind when Bryan hangs out too!
Last night, Lisa and I had planned on making dinner and just hanging out at their place. (They live downtown in this awesome condo... perfect location!) Bryan usually goes out with some co-workers on Friday after work so we figured we would have a girl's night. Bryan's co-workers weren't around so it turned into the three of us, and it was perfect! We had a delicious dinner at home with some Skinny Girl Sangria and then we headed out to the SHOUT! House. You see, Lisa and I are generally in bed pretty early so going out was a BIG deal. We always joke around that we are grandmas. Well, not last night! We had a great time singing along to songs and people watching for hours. It was perfect!
I am just so glad that Lisa and Bryan are in San Diego, and not just for a holiday or wedding... they LIVE here. Here are a few pictures from last night...
Friday, 11 November 2011
First of all, I am thankful for all of the veteran's out there who are fighting or who have fought for the freedoms that we take for granted everyday. THANK YOU.
Today, I am also thankful for the smooth sweet voice of Zac Brown, especially while singing Georgia on My Mind with Greg Allman. UNBELIEVABLE.
I may or may not watch this video over and over again...
Today, I am also thankful for the smooth sweet voice of Zac Brown, especially while singing Georgia on My Mind with Greg Allman. UNBELIEVABLE.
I may or may not watch this video over and over again...
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Today, I am thankful that people change.
You see, in High School, I wasn't the most pleasant person to be around. Don't get me wrong, I had a lot of friends and was super involved, but people put up with A LOT from me. I was a new believer and was quite over-zealous in my belief. I sat in History class and told people they were going to hell for their politics, sexual orientation, or just general disposition. I was quite holier than though, if you know what I am saying.
Side-note: If you are reading this and you are one of those people that I said that to, I AM SO SORRY. I was wrong. I was wrong to judge you. I was wrong to think that I was better than you. I was wrong in so many ways. I am sorry for the hurt that I may have caused you. I am sorry that I said and did what I said and did. If you are reading this and I wasn't the person to say that to you, but someone once did, let me apologize on their behalf.
Beyond my Bible-thumping ways, I was just a hurting person. I had A LOT of hurt in my life that I didn't know how to articulate, and wasn't ready to articulate. I was just a BARREL of fun. These ways followed me to my freshman year at SPU. I wasn't as bad at SPU, but I was also among "my people". I was at a school with people who, supposedly, believed the same things that I did. I didn't tell anyone that they were going to hell, but I was still a hormonal girl with a lot of hurt.
Tonight, I went out on the town to celebrate my friend Eric's birthday. Eric and I met our freshman year at SPU when we both lived on 4th Ashton. Eric is just good people. When I left SPU, we lost touch but reconnected when he moved to SD to go to grad school at USD. Having Eric in SD has been an absolute blast. Seriously, he is FUN.
Someone that I went to High School with is in Eric's program at USD, and he came out last night too. I was nervous to see him, as I am generally pretty nervous to see anyone that I went to High School with because I am not the same person and want to be seen for who I am NOW, not who I was 10 years ago. Thankfully, he saw me for who I am now.
I am thankful that we change. I am thankful that when we acknowledge the garbage in our life and throw it out, life gets cleaner. Don't get me wrong, life is still a mess, but it just doesn't stink like rotten emotion anymore.
I hope all of this makes sense... It is kind of verbal diarrhea. :)
You see, in High School, I wasn't the most pleasant person to be around. Don't get me wrong, I had a lot of friends and was super involved, but people put up with A LOT from me. I was a new believer and was quite over-zealous in my belief. I sat in History class and told people they were going to hell for their politics, sexual orientation, or just general disposition. I was quite holier than though, if you know what I am saying.
Side-note: If you are reading this and you are one of those people that I said that to, I AM SO SORRY. I was wrong. I was wrong to judge you. I was wrong to think that I was better than you. I was wrong in so many ways. I am sorry for the hurt that I may have caused you. I am sorry that I said and did what I said and did. If you are reading this and I wasn't the person to say that to you, but someone once did, let me apologize on their behalf.
Beyond my Bible-thumping ways, I was just a hurting person. I had A LOT of hurt in my life that I didn't know how to articulate, and wasn't ready to articulate. I was just a BARREL of fun. These ways followed me to my freshman year at SPU. I wasn't as bad at SPU, but I was also among "my people". I was at a school with people who, supposedly, believed the same things that I did. I didn't tell anyone that they were going to hell, but I was still a hormonal girl with a lot of hurt.
Tonight, I went out on the town to celebrate my friend Eric's birthday. Eric and I met our freshman year at SPU when we both lived on 4th Ashton. Eric is just good people. When I left SPU, we lost touch but reconnected when he moved to SD to go to grad school at USD. Having Eric in SD has been an absolute blast. Seriously, he is FUN.
Someone that I went to High School with is in Eric's program at USD, and he came out last night too. I was nervous to see him, as I am generally pretty nervous to see anyone that I went to High School with because I am not the same person and want to be seen for who I am NOW, not who I was 10 years ago. Thankfully, he saw me for who I am now.
I am thankful that we change. I am thankful that when we acknowledge the garbage in our life and throw it out, life gets cleaner. Don't get me wrong, life is still a mess, but it just doesn't stink like rotten emotion anymore.
I hope all of this makes sense... It is kind of verbal diarrhea. :)
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Today, I am thankful for the wonderful invention of dry cleaning.
Now, if you know me at all, you know that I am not a fancy lady. I don't wear dresses unless it is to a wedding, funeral, or event during which I am told that a dress is appropriate. I am most comfortable in a good pair of jeans (By "good pair", let me say that I am currently addicted to The Diva from Old Navy, especially when they are on sale for $19. What can I say, they make my butt look good... or so I have been told.). I have recently discovered my love for blouses and their ability to instantly dress up a pair of jeans.
Before the school year started I did a little "Back-to-School" shopping, especially since A LOT of my clothes didn't fit me anymore. (GOOD Problem to have!) I went to my usual places of Old Navy and Target and even stopped into Ross and Marshall's. As you can tell, I am quite the big spender on clothes. (Note the sarcasm.)
I bought a BEAUTIFUL blouse from Marshall's, for way more than I would normally spend on ANY article of clothing, let alone a blouse, but I LOVED it, so I decided to bite the bullet and buy the blouse. To my dismay, I wore the blouse and when I went to put it in the wash, I read the tag and saw the dreaded words, DRY CLEAN ONLY! WHAT?!?!? I NEVER buy anything that is dry clean only (which is easy to do when you shop where I shop). I literally stood in my tracks and didn't know what to do. Sad, but true.
This weekend I wore my new favorite green green dress and may or may not have spilled a little something on it during dinner. (As I write this blog I am thinking that I may need to take some etiquette classes or How To Be a Lady classes.) The dress didn't require dry-cleaning (again, it is from Old Navy) but since I love it so much, I wanted to be sure to get the stains taken care of properly.
Alas, to the Dry-Cleaner I went. And, to no surprise of anyone else, it worked. Stains, GONE. Blouse, fresh and clean.
So, as ridiculous as this is, I am thankful for the nice people at Mr. J's Dry Cleaning. :)
Now, if you know me at all, you know that I am not a fancy lady. I don't wear dresses unless it is to a wedding, funeral, or event during which I am told that a dress is appropriate. I am most comfortable in a good pair of jeans (By "good pair", let me say that I am currently addicted to The Diva from Old Navy, especially when they are on sale for $19. What can I say, they make my butt look good... or so I have been told.). I have recently discovered my love for blouses and their ability to instantly dress up a pair of jeans.
Before the school year started I did a little "Back-to-School" shopping, especially since A LOT of my clothes didn't fit me anymore. (GOOD Problem to have!) I went to my usual places of Old Navy and Target and even stopped into Ross and Marshall's. As you can tell, I am quite the big spender on clothes. (Note the sarcasm.)
I bought a BEAUTIFUL blouse from Marshall's, for way more than I would normally spend on ANY article of clothing, let alone a blouse, but I LOVED it, so I decided to bite the bullet and buy the blouse. To my dismay, I wore the blouse and when I went to put it in the wash, I read the tag and saw the dreaded words, DRY CLEAN ONLY! WHAT?!?!? I NEVER buy anything that is dry clean only (which is easy to do when you shop where I shop). I literally stood in my tracks and didn't know what to do. Sad, but true.
This weekend I wore my new favorite green green dress and may or may not have spilled a little something on it during dinner. (As I write this blog I am thinking that I may need to take some etiquette classes or How To Be a Lady classes.) The dress didn't require dry-cleaning (again, it is from Old Navy) but since I love it so much, I wanted to be sure to get the stains taken care of properly.
Alas, to the Dry-Cleaner I went. And, to no surprise of anyone else, it worked. Stains, GONE. Blouse, fresh and clean.
So, as ridiculous as this is, I am thankful for the nice people at Mr. J's Dry Cleaning. :)
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
I am feeling less than stellar today. I have a hacking cough that hurts real deep and my nose seems to think that it is a faucet. Today, I am thankful for the things that are helping to keep me on my feet...
My trusty green MiiR with water...
Puffs with Vicks are my absolute FAVORITE tissue when I have a cold or any sort of sickness. If you haven't used these yet, you are missing out. SERIOUSLY. I might be obsessed.
Here's to hoping that tomorrow I am thankful that my cold is gone! :)
My trusty green MiiR with water...
I typically stick to Luden's Cherry "cough drops", you know, the ones that taste like candy? This time, I decided to be the adult that my age tells me that I am and get a cough drop that will actually do it's job. Alas, Halls. Bleh!
Here's to hoping that tomorrow I am thankful that my cold is gone! :)
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