my bad

No blogging. Christmas has had me crazy busy. Not to mention preparing for classes to start in January. However, Christmas has been over roughly 15 minutes. I guess I should blog better from now on.

Christmas was pretty great this year. Minus the fact that I'm sick. Getting to watch my 3 year old cousin open gifts she wanted, but wasn't expecting was the BEST. Little kid's faces lighting up is awesome. All it took was The Lady and Tramp dvd because cousin Megan hunted it down on Amazon for her. Sweet kid.

I've also not worked out since Thanksgiving. Oops. [insert sheepish smilie here]. Yet I've lost a pound. Not much, but at least I'm not gaining! I was just as shocked that I've not gained weight. I mean... I've eaten far more food then I have any right too. Plus my sugar intake has been in enough access to fatten up a third world country. I'm so sick of sugar, yet I can't stop eating it. Starting January 1st I'm gonna need to start a sugar cleanse. ASAP. I've done really well until I got busy... right around the holidays. Once again... oops.

I'm counting down the hours/days until I see my OMG BFF. Wednesday. All day. Me and her. I'm super pumped. I already don't want her to go back to CA, and I haven't even got to see her yet. That's how much I miss her. Too much. I've got good friends here, but there is no other Leasal. Ever.

Merry [belated?] Christmas bloggers! From me and Tessa.





And now for some bloopers...
This is Tessa's personality full out. In my face all the time. She has a lot of love to give.


She was not a fan of the antlers. They were a little floppy. She was a champ though.


This isn't a blooper. Just proof that my dog has patience like none other as long as food is involved. Love her.


Just for the record... Tessa NEVER gets people food. However, she got a hamburger that afternoon. Just meat and bread, but the girl was pleased.

hiatus?

No. More like a break. I really do get on my blog, and in less than 30 seconds go, "you don't have time to do this. There are more important things." Which is true. I've been running like a mad woman for the past couple of weeks. I will slow down tomorrow, but then I dog sit this weekend for two different people. Because of school I've reach a point where I can't afford to turn down dog sitting jobs. It's about to be my only source of income for a while until I find a job that will work with my school schedule.

I plan to finish the challenge... only I guess it's less of a challenge and more like regular blogging when you get 5+ days behind. Plus the fact that I'm going to play catch up on the challenge on my own sweet time.

I had orientation for my Practical Nursing Program on Friday. I think I'm less nervous now. In right about a year from now, if all goes well, I'll be a certified LPN. Then off I shall go to do my RN training. Just this semester, including clinicals that start in March, I'll be taking 21 hours. That's right. TWENTY-ONE! I could barely keep up with 15 or 17 at OBU. I think since it's spread out though I'll be okay. Granted taking 21, 19, and 17 hours all in the next year is going to be tough... I can't wait. What's really ridiculous it that I've already started studying. For class that starts in January. That must mean I'm dedicated. :)

The most fantastic news of all? MY ALEASA IS COMING BACK TO ARKANSAS TOMORROW!!! It's only for about 3 weeks but I'm so pumped to see her. It's rough going a year without seeing your best friend. I've not been this excited for something in a awhile.

Anyways... I going to try and blog better, but as crazy as my life is about to get in about 4 weeks... I'm not making any promises.

Talent

Day 19

I don't think of myself as super talented. I've also been told that denying a talent is false humbleness, and my mom use to tell me [oh who am I kidding... she STILL tells me this] "if you don't use your talent, you'll lose your talent". She's a big advocate of using talent that God has given you. So...

Singing. I love singing. I'm good at it. The only problem is I have some ridiculous stage fright. I was getting better at the stage fright... but I haven't been on stage in awhile to work on it.

Crafts. I make things. A lot. I just love working with my hands. Painting. Ceramics/pottery. The more poor I am the more likely you are to get something made as a present.

Kids. I've got a knack with kids. Someone said it's because I'm still a kid at heart. I'm okay with that. Hanging out with my friends and their kids is the best. Especially those sweet babies of theirs. I don't know what it is, but anytime I hold small babies they go to sleep. Maybe I'm comforting...

Animals. I'm also good with animals. I think it's a talent for the simple fact that some people suck at handling animals [and kids for that matter]. They just respond to me though.

Well... it's cold. My hands aren't working well. Keeping it short and sweet. Peace out.

What Wedding?

Day 18- My Wedding/Future Wedding/Past Wedding

Once again... what wedding? I haven't really thought about my future [very distant future] wedding. Honest. The only thing that I've really thought about are bridesmaids. And colors. That's it.

I'm not much for weddings. I don't know why. I just don't care for them. There are few weddings that I've really enjoyed. Two of those happened last year. 6 weeks apart. Both were dear friends and I was in both weddings.

I think weddings stress me out because they just remind me of what I don't have. Most of the time the single life is fine with me. However, because I do, in fact, have a heart and 2 X chromosomes... sometimes I get that ache to have someone else in my life. I didn't think you could miss something you've never had. You can.

Artsy Fartsy

Day 17 an art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc)

Okay... I don't have a picture of any art piece I've done except for a painting. I draw. Paint. Do pottery. I'm doing a stain-glassed class right now. I love art. It's relaxing for me. I have a lot of big pieces of pottery [ceramics] that I've done.

I'm about to start refinishing a quilt rack and a big wooden chair. OH! And a coffee table and a nightstand. You know... because I have so much extra time on my hands. ;)

I just love creating. For example... last weekend my mom wanted to figure out a way to use her pumpkins for Christmas. So... I took them. Spray painted them metallic silver. Then made one with a wreathe around the middle. One with polka dots. One with puff paint polka dots. One of with snowmen. They turned out SUPER cute. I brought two more from my work home so I can do those too. I'll post pictures when I'm done.

Anyway... if I'm suppose to have a picture... here is the one painting I've done in my life. It's of Amelia when she wasn't even a year old. It was her first trip to the beach. The original picture is too hilariously cute. Therefore I decided to try my hand at painting it...
This is the picture that I used to paint from. I can't find the picture of the painting though. I got an A though. So that's saying something.
I called the painting Beach Baby

I'm Not Really A Crier...

But Day 16 calls for a song that "makes me cry". It can also be one that almost makes me cry.

I use to have a playlist on my iPod that was called "break my heart". They did. Now that playlist has a revised, less emo, title. :)

Open Your Eyes- Andrew Belle. His song Make It Without You is fantastic too. In fact, the whole album is good.

Imagination & You Are On Our Side- Bethany Dillon

To Build A Home- The Cinematic Orchestra

Note To God- Charice

Sticks and Stones- Dave Barnes

Over the Rainbow- Eva Cassidy. Okay... this song doesn't break my heart. Eva Cassidy just does a killer job.

Fellow Traveler- Ginny Owens. This song has literally made me sob. I don't know why. It just breaks me.

Heart On My Sleeve, I Feel Everything, and Stand- Idina Menzel

Liberator- Jason Estrich

If No One Will Listen- Kelly Clarkson. Don't judge. She's solid.

What A Wonderful World- Louis Armstrong

Broken- Lindsay Haun

Not Guilty- Mandisa

Long Road to Forgiveness and Jody's Song- Melissa Greene

Finally Home- Natalie Grant

We Build, The Altar, Why, Every Season, Small Enough, River God, Gratitude- Nichole Nordeman. Can you tell I am obsessed with this artist? The song Why is probably my absolute favorite. Incredible.

Love Will Bring You Home- Nicol Sponberg. This song has legit made me cry too.

I Have To Believe- Rita Springer. This song too. Real tears.

City- Sara Bareilles

Unredeemed and I Will Carry You (Audrey's Song)- Selah. Weeping. Esepcially the second song that's because of this blog. Amazing faith this woman has.

Beauty For Ashes- Shane & Shane

If you read to the bottom of the list... you probably picked up on the fact that music touches me. Now not all these songs brought tears to my eyes [maybe at one point or another], but all of them kind of tug at my heart. Whoever reads this should go listen to these songs. For real.

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

I woke up sweating this morning. Yay for heat that finally works at my house!!!

Role Model[s].

Day 15

When I was younger my row models were kind of, sort of, really based on popularity. Even in high school I looked up to people who were prettier then me, cooler, skinnier... you get the picture. Then [while still in high school] I realized what a true role model is. I've had several true role models. Whether they taught me what I should do, shouldn't do, or were completely unaware of their affect on me. They were role models. And still are.

First up to bat...

Mom- She is a woman of great emotional strength. Physical strength she's kind of weak sauce. But emotionally... woman can handle it all. She's taught me lots of great things for the good, but she's also taught me things from her mistakes. Marriage being the main one. Part of her being married... more than a couple of times... has taught me to not settle. To be absolutely certain of who I choose to give my love to. It's also kind of scared me to death to get married. Still though. I love my mom, and she's shown me what it means to sacrifice.

Kelli- First small group leader. She was kind of like my big sister. God brought her into my life when I was at that age of not getting along with my mom. You know... from like 12-16 where you think your parent[s] are the dumbest thing on the planet? I wasn't terrible, and a back talker. However... I did need someone closer to my age that was wise, and loved unconditionally. Enter Kelli. She was the woman's director for K-Life. I absolutely adore[d] her. Kelli slowly got me into wanting to learn more about Christ. I was already a Christian, but I was at a church that kind said "hey get saved!", and then didn't help you grow in your belief. Kelli got that ball rolling. She taught me what it meant to be a Christian. How to be better in my faith. If it wasn't for her consistency and being intentional about hanging out with me, and trying to get me more involved in Bible study and K-Life, I'd probably be some brat twenty-something with a ridiculous lack of faith. She will always be a precious friend to me. If I turn out to be half the woman that she is I'll consider myself blessed.

Reno- Oh Reno... She came into my life my sophomore year of high school. Kelli had moved back to STL, and Reno was hired at K-Life. I did NOT make things easy on her those first few months. I wanted to get to know her, but I was 15. I was pissed off at the world that God had the nerve to jerk Kelli 6 hours away. BUT, Reno was patience with me too. She was with me through a lot of growth [even after she moved to Branson to work Kanakuk full time]. I have a lot of fantastic memories with her.

Callie- Kanakuk director wife. It was an odd thing meeting her. I didn't even know I was missing out on a mentor until I met her. If it wasn't for God bringing sweet Cal into my life I'd probably still be hiding secrets. Regardless of whether I struggle or not Cal has been there for me. When I felt like God was completely incapable of being loved by Jesus... He showed me His love through her. She was that person in my life that I knew I could tell her the deepest, darkest struggles and hurts, and she would love me just as much after the conversation as she did before. I was never afraid to tell her anything.

Not gonna lie... this post kind of bums me out. Obviously I hang out with my mom still. The other 3 amazing women live at least 3 hours away. The thing is... since I graduated college, and had to be an adult and quit working in the summers at Kamp, I've completely lacked an adult mentor. It literally makes my heart ache. I miss those girls. I miss their wisdom. Their advice. It kind of puts me near tears to think about what I'm missing out on by not being around them on a regular basis.

And now I'm going to bed. I've been feeling super alone lately. This post for reminiscing on role models didn't help the situation. Thanks a lot Blog Challenge. Thanks a whole freaking lot.

Ho Ho Ho

So I'm done buying CHristmas gifts. For some ridiculous reason I got done. Today in fact. Now I do have one more gift to buy for because of a Secret Santa thing at work. However, in the list of my people to buy for... I'm finished. Yay me! :) Except now I kind of don't know what to do with myself. Which means, unfortunately, I'll probably buy more gifts than I should just because I'm done. I'm gonna have to reel myself in most likely...

Here's to no last minute, panicky gift buying!!!

Non-Fiction Book

Day 14...

Okay... I can't think of a non-fiction book I've read. Except the Bible. And my books from Christian studies courses. Does that make me lame? I had a light-bulb click on about a "non-fiction" book I loved [Screwtape Letters], but then realized it is, in fact, fiction.

Blog subject fail. Oops.

Fictional Book

Day 13...

My favorite fictional SERIES books... Harry Potter and Twilight. I'm slowly reading Twlight over again. I will soon re-read Potter too. I better get cracking though because come January I'm not going to be doing any fun reading. It's gonna be Christian Studies major all over again, but way more intense.

Yay.

This was short and sweet. Sorry. I know all THREE of you are disappointed. Haha! Those two series are just the first thing that came to mind.

OCD Much? Yes. In Fact I Am

Day 11...

I use to not think I was OCD. I am though. Not like... Intervention or Counseling OCD. However, there are things I'm a little compulsive about.

Odd numbers- I prefer odd numbers. This includes things that I'm snacking on. Cheez-its for example. I grab in odd numbers. and have to eat an odd number. Now... if I'm not paying attention it's fine. However, most of the time I am.

Socks/Shoes- right one has to go on first. I feel lopsided if I don't.

Shirts- I have to fold my t-shirts a specific way.

Closet- Color coded, and in order of graphic tees, short sleeved, long sleeved, polos, work shirts, and tanks.

Different Socks- I can't under any circumstance wear two different style socks. i have friends that put whatever they grab on. It bothers me. Last week I got home and realized for some reason I'd ended up with two different socks on. I immediately had to remove them.

Shower System- wash hair, rinse, condition hair, wash face and shave while conditioning hair, rinse face, rinse hair, wash body from left to right/top to bottom, rinse. Get out. I did something out of order one day. It bothered me.

Blue Pen- I have to use a blue pen in my check register. If I use black I will white it out, and use blue.

Maybe I'm a tad more compulsive then I thought. It doesn't take over my life though so that's good, right? :)

recent photo

Well... up until about 45 pounds ago I didn't want to be in pictures. Period. I kind of hated myself. Even though I have lots of poundage to go I feel way better now. So a recent picture...

Two of my favorite guys.
My grandpa.


And then Corbin my [now] 11 month old cousin. Isn't he precious? This is Amelia's [BIG] little brother. He's so stinkin' cute.

Over 10 years? Try Closer to 15.

We learned about, and celebrated, Kwanzaa in the 4th grade. It was fun. I'm going to not tell you where I'm at in this picture. Those who know me can probably find me. Those who don't... I'd rather not suffer the embarrassment. The photo cracks me up though. I was such a dork.

So... I Take Pictures

I have a lot of photos. Thousands. I love taking pictures. I take my camera pretty much everywhere. So all the pictures that you see on this blog are 99.9% mine.

I kind of forgot to put this picture as the one that "melts my heart". The little girl facing the camera is my cousin Brianna. Her mom just married my cousin. She is the BEST. Brianna is a little more than 2 months younger than Amelia [who she's hugging]. This was at my Grandpa's 80th birthday party. I told them to give each other a hug so I could take a picture of them together. I should have told them to put there arm around the other, but the picture I got instead [this one] is so much more precious than any other one I could have taken.


This is a photo I really love. I like the angle. I like the subject[s]. I like the color.


I'm not posting anymore pictures. If I posted all the ones I wanted to I'd be on here all night.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Two for One

The fact that I'm going to be in the middle of God knows where [okay... maybe not the middle of nowhere, but it's in the northwest corner of the state. Not in town. Mountainess terrain. This means no wireless] without internet service tomorrow, I'm going to blog Day 7 and 8.

Day 7 - Heart-melting Photo

This is Amelia [Mia] my little cousin. She just turned 4 in November. She's super special to me for a big reason... girls are rare in my family. There are 10 years between my mom and her cousin, 15 between that cousin and me, and 20 between me and Mia. Rare commodity, indeed. I rarely get to see her, and she's getting to that age where she doesn't warm up quite as fast to her Arkansas family as she use to when she was younger. Anyways, this photo melts my heart just because she's such a girly girl, but has that occasional tomboy pop up. She insisted on wearing this hat which is my grandpa's [her great g-pa's].

Day 8 - Heart-breaking/angering Photo

This is not my photo. It's a friend's photo. If you'll notice the little girl clinging to her daddy's leg. This just wrenches my heart out. It's a precious picture. However, seeing kids having to say goodbye to their dads, even if temporary, breaks my heart. I envy girls who love their daddies and vice versa. I think it's unfair for children to lose a dad that they adore when I could care less about mine. It kind of makes me angry because I can't think of why God would be seemingly so unfair. I've got one [a dad] I don't even really want. Why not take mine? I know, I know. This sounds awful. If you knew my dad you'd probably understand.

Adult Drama

Yup. That's right. Two blogs. One day. One of them completely separate from blogging challenge deuce.

Let me say this... one of the things that drives me nuts more than teen drama is adult women drama. It's the worst. Guess who gets to deal with it on almost a daily basis? That's right. I'm the winner, winner chicken dinner.

We have a teller supervisor. She's in charge of me and the 4 other girls that work in the teller area. Our branch manager wanted this woman to be our supervisor. Therefore, it's not her fault that she's in charge. Ya know? We have another woman that has been at the bank for 6 years. Fine and dandy. Whatever. She wasn't chosen as teller supervisor because a] she has ZERO management experience, and b] she's kind of not completely with it. And just my personal opinion... sometimes [most of the time] I wish she would just shut the crap up. Well I knew that this woman was taking her anger out on our supervisor even though it's the managers choice that she's supervisor. It got taken to a WHOLE other level Friday [and I found out today]. Said bitter person turned our supervisor in for sexual harassment.
Let me say this... it's one thing to be mad at someone [no matter how ridiculous]. It is a COMPLETELY different story when you have out so bad for that person that you file a complaint for sexual harassment. Not to mention the fact that me and a friend of mine that works with me probably say more off color things than anyone in the branch [we're fans of the "that's what she/he said" jokes]. I have no idea that she was falsely accused. I just think it's crap.
Which brings me to this... I hate injustice. I know some people can help their circumstances, BUT for those that have things done to them out of pure vindictiveness. I think it's just plain being evil, and as Christians [and the lady that filed the claim says she's a Christian] I think it's a poor example of Christ's love for others. It literally broke my heart when this woman confided in me, and told me what had happened. Heart=shattered. The thing is I'm totally sworn to secrecy. I respect that promise, but geez if I didn't want to chew out that woman today for being a complete and total biatch.

Let the countdown to giving my two-weeks notice begin...

These Are 20 of My Favorite Things

I'm not doing these in any particular order. It's too stressful.
1. Thanksgiving
2. Christmas
3. Helping people/Giving back
4. Haribo Gummi Bears
5. Mint Chocolate
6. Frozen Yogurt
7. Justice
8. My dog Tessa
9. Babies, particularly my friends kids. They're the best
10. Flip Flop weather
11. Scarf and Hat weather
12. My Family and Friends
13. Kanakuk/K-Life
14. People defending those who deserve it
15. Taking Pictures
16. Driving late at night, or when it's really bright and sunny, or weather that I can roll my windows down
17. Singing
18. Actually watching movies IN a theatre
19. Musicals
20. Doing crafts

I know some of these technically have two in them. I was a little unprepared for the 20 favorite things thing. Completely unprepared. These were basically the first things that came to mind.

Quote Me

Favorite quote day. I'm obsessed with quotes. I don't know why. I just really like them.

I'm going to stay away from Bible verses. There are many I like. Plus I've already blogged about some. The first two in bold are my faves. The others are good too. I like movie, and t.v. quotes. I have too many to write down though.

"Grace changes us, and change is painful."- Flannery O'Connor

God is such a mystery.
Pain is such a mystery.
And how the latter is never present without the former is unbearable to consider sometimes.- Nichole Nordeman

We aren't asking God if he loves us, we are resting in His sovereignty."- Unknown

"Anything I've ever done that ultimately was worthwhile... initially scared me to death." – Betty Bender

"We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same." -Unknown

"You know that romantic notion that all the garbage and the pain is actually healing and beautiful and sort of poetic? It's not. It's just garbage and it's pain. You know what's better? Love. The day that you start thinking that love is overated is the day that you're wrong. The only thing wrong with love and faith and belief is not having it."- Haley Scott [One Tree Hill]

I'm not much in a blogging mood today.

Favorite Book

Here's thing... I absolutely love reading. I do have a lot of favorite books, but they kind of tie into my favorite author[s]. So here is my absolute favorite book. Period.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is hands-down the best book I've ever read. It's absolutely fantastic. I was kind of mad when I finished it only because I didn't want to be done.

Another book I really like is...

I'm a fan of Sarah Dessen as an author, but this is by far my favorite book of hers. Dreamland is another one of hers I like. It's about domestic violence in a relationship. Her books are kind of, sort of, maybe for teenagers. I don't care. I like them anyway.

Some of my other favorite authors are Gregory Maguire [Wicked, Son of a Witch, A Lion Among Men, & Confessions of an Ugly Step-Sister]. Yes he wrote the book Wicked which is what the musical Wicked is based on. The book is not kid friendly. The musical is. The books are great though. Wicked comes as a trilogy [the first 3 books I listed of his].

Here's a list of some other favorite books
-Chronicles of Narnia

-Twilight Saga... don't judge.

-Harry Potter. Again. Don't judge.

-Philippa Gregory [The OtheBoleynr Girl, The Constant Princess, etc.] She rights books based on the old England Royalty [Catherine the Great. Anne and Mary Boleyn, Elizabeth.] I'm a recent history lover [for certain things], and even though these are fiction back stories I still like them. It makes reading the actual history even more interesting.

-I like those Christian "self help" books. I think calling them "self help" is actually putting them in the wrong category, but I don't know what else to call them.

That pretty much covers it. I have hundreds of books in boxes and my bookshelf. I've kept virtually every book from childhood, especially the ones that were my favorites or that I learned to read on. Once again... such a bookworm.

Fave Teacher

To be honest... I had the tendency to completely LOVE my teachers in any year of school or completely despise a teacher. There are a few that stick out the most though...

Mr. Anders- He was my World History and Psychology teacher in high school. I honestly kind of hate history. I know it's great and all, but it's just not my forte. I absolutely loved his class though. His psychology class was good, but his history class rocked. I wish he could have always taught me history. He would see his "kids" in the hallway and give us hugs or high fives. He was really invested with students. Even the trouble makers respected him. He passed away a few years ago from a sudden heart attack. I hadn't seen him since high school, but it still makes me sad that people are missing out on his great teaching.

Latimer- She is one of the computer teachers at my H.S. Alma Mater too. Her classes were easy, but she was so laid back. Her classes were fun, and relaxed. Not to mention I kind of could do anything in her class. Ha!

Doc- High school English teacher. I took his class my Junior year, and instead of taking the college course my senior year with a different teacher, I took a lesser level senior english class JUST so he could be my teacher again. He was younger [early to mid 30s I'd say] so he related a lot better. His classes were fun. He was laid back. He had a cussing jar that you had to put a quarter in every time you cussed, and if it was a "big" cuss word you had to put a dollar in. People rarely had to use it though just because we had a big respect for him. We had music on Fridays that we had to journal about the songs we picked. He made us journal basically everyday. I didn't love that, but it was cool.

Mrs. N- This was my choir teacher. She is incredible. A lot of people were afraid of her. I adore her though. She was, and still is, one of the top choir teachers in the state. She is so talented, and has a huge passion for what she does. Her passion for music and perfection feeds into her students. She has one of the best choirs in Arkansas for a reason, and I was so blessed to be a part of it.

Vaden- I took two semesters of ceramics from her my first year in a half of college. I loved art before I took her class. Up until I took it though... I didn't think I could make art. Making a piece of art that takes forever. That you've put your blood, sweat, and tears into [so to speak] is so rewarding. To me it is so relaxing and cathartic. I have some really great pieces that I was able to make.

Carter- Oh Dr. Carter... He was a prof of mine at OBU. One of the hardest professors I've ever had. However, I think what I learned in his class has stuck with me more then anything. He loves what he does. He knows his stuff. I wish I could have had him as my prof for every class.

Lopez- Okay... so she didn't impact me in a huge, huge way. But J-Lo [yes... we called her that for a reason] was the best Spanish teacher I've ever had. I loved, and actually comprehended, Spanish because of her. I went from a prof one semester that I failed every single sheet and test, to making A's and B's in J-Lo's class. It was a lot of fun. Not to mention I made some great friends those two semesters of college.

So those are my faves I can think of. I've always loved school. It hasn't always been easy, but I love it. I kind of was one of those kids that had the potential to be a teachers pet, but kept it to a minimum so I didn't look like a kiss-ass. I had fun though. I'm not much for trouble making so all the teachers, principals, resource officers, secretaries, etc. knew I could be trusted. I basically did what I wanted to my senior year of high school.

I think I need school to keep my brain going. I've been out two years, and I'm already bored. I guess that's why I'm going back! I don't realize how much I love school until I'm not in it.

Having great teachers helps too. :)

Day 2: Definition of Success

These are two definitions that www.dictionary.com says...
–noun
1. the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors
2. the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like

I can agree with that for the most part. Completing a task or attaining an award or important position DOES equal success. Especially form a worldly view. However...

Success to ME:
-happiness
-my actions being pleasing to God
-showing God others through myself
-good relationships
-being healthy
-having a family
-being a good friend
-actually doing my hair, and NOT putting it up in a pony tail or messy bun
-being on time to work instead of one stinkin' minute late
-not giving up even when I failed miserably the first time [or two or three] :)
-cooking dinner that didn't come pre made or from a restaurant
-not taking a week [or more] to hang my clothes or fold them and put them in drawers
-jogging! I have a new love for jogging. I get kind of pissy when weather does not permit me to do so. I hate working out inside, so I don't own a gym membership. Just the outdoors.
-the fact that I adopted my dog from a shelter
-graduating from nursing school

I'm glad this was a list capable subject. I'm paragraphed out for the day.

another blog challenge? yes please.

I suck at blogging without a challenge going on. Thanks to Aleasa I have another challenge! Yay!

Day 1: Your Biggest Accomplishment

I'd have to say my biggest accomplishment was graduating college. If you ask me in a few more years, hopefully, I'll saying getting my RN license. I struggled a LOT off and on at Ouachita. I transferred there the second semester of my sophomore year. I chose to get the majority of my basics done at a community college where I had a scholarship. Plus, if I didn't have a scholarship it was still super cheap. I did okay with grades my 1st semester at OBU. It was a whole new ball-game my 2nd semester though. Fall of 2007 was a rough semester for me. My mom and step-dad [who had raised me] had gotten a divorce. It wasn't a good time. I came thisclose to being put on academic probation. I'll say this... I had 18 hours, and made all D's and an F. Did I mention that I had knee surgery that semester too? The rest of my semesters weren't bad. In fact, I graduated on the Dean's List. I decided to go out with a bang. Ha! College was a big deal to me. I'm the only one out of me and my 4 guy cousins who've actually started and finished college. I always said after I graduated that I'd never go back to school... apparently God has a sense of humor.

I have never, ever been late on a payment. I pride myself in keeping good credit. If that means I have to eat cereal for a few days because it was all I could afford than so be it. Bills first. Others second. Me third. That is how the paycheck goes.

I'm clearly stretching that accomplishment business. The college thing is the biggest deal though. :)

more blog challenge

I've made a discovery... I suck at blogging unless I'm "challenged". Most of the time I have too many thoughts and not enough space to write or type. I wish there was like and internal typewriter that fed out all the thoughts you had for the day. Then again... maybe not. So here's the new challenge



Day 1 - your biggest accomplishment
Day 2 - your definition of success
Day 3 - Your favorite teacher
Day 4 - your favorite book
Day 5 - your favorite quote
Day 6 - 20 of my favorite things
Day 7 - a photo that makes your heart melt
Day 8 - a photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 9 - a photo you took
Day 10 - a photo taken over 10 years ago of you
Day 11 - a photo of you recently
Day 12 - something you are OCD about
Day 13 - a fictional book
Day 14 - a non-fictional book
Day 15 - your role model
Day 16 - a song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 - an art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc)
Day 18 - my wedding/future wedding/past wedding
Day 19 - a talent of yours
Day 20 - a hobby of yours
Day 21 - a recipe
Day 22 - a website
Day 23 - a youtube video
Day 24 - where I live- in detail, what makes it special?
Day 25 - guilty pleasure
Day 26 - your week, in great detail
Day 27 - my worst habit
Day 28 - whats in my handbag/purse
Day 29 - hopes,dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 - car you drive ( and past cars too!)

Day 30: Picture

So today is the last day of the challenge... I was thinking, "a picture? we've done pictures this whole time. how am I going to find one that expresses me." Then my picture came in the mail today. about 6 days earlier than expected.


That my blog readers, all 2 of you probably, is my acceptance letter into the LPN program at my local good ole community college. So 18 months there, and then applying to an RN program. I'm so nervous and pumped all at the same time. I just felt like if this was what God was really calling me to do then I would get accepted. And I did. I can't wait to take what I learned at OBU and apply it to nursing school. That may sound weird to some. But 18 year old Megan wasn't prepared for nursing school Megan who graduated from OBU with a Bachelors in Christian Studies IS prepared. What better ministry than being a nurse?! My stomach is in knots, but I'm so excited. Then again... the knots might be because I ate Mexican Chicken at the grands house, and then jogged 2 miles. Dumb. Well aware.

Anyways. That's my picture. It may be blurry, and illegible to you, but to me it's the golden ticket. Maybe this blog challenge will help me be a better blogger.

why am i always behind?

So I have to play catch-up. Again. So here's to Day 28 and 29.

Day 28: Something That Stresses You Out
How much space do I have for this one? The thing is... not a lot of stuff really, really stresses me out. It's more of little things that build up until I can't stand it anymore, and I explode.

-Micromanagers. I didn't realize how much this bothered me until I started working with one. My "manager" is the most epic micro-manager. Except it's more just being plain nosey. Which I also can't stand. I have this thing that if you can't here what the topic is in a conversation maybe you shouldn't interrupt and ask what is being talked about. Now if you hear what we're talking about and it's a casual topic I might be okay with you jumping in. Other than that, butt out. So I guess ultimately it's the nosiness that bothers me more than anything.

-This is weird, but the thought of failure completely and totally stresses me out. I'm really career minded. And I'm okay with that. However, I get stressed thinking about what I want to do with my life, and the "what ifs". I find out in less than 2 weeks if I got into the nursing program, and the thought of not getting in almost makes me crazy.

-Fighting. I don't do well with confrontation. Now to hear me talk... you'd think I'd be ready to go head to head with whomever pisses me off the right way. I'm a lot of talk though. Lots of bark. No bite. I might have bite, but I haven't had to use it yet. Now if you get my family, friends, or children involved... it's a very real possibility that that bark turns into a bite. As far as I'm concerned you don't mess with the ones I love. We'll have a problem.

-Unruly children. I don't know how a lot of people feel about spanking your children, but I'm pro spanking. I was spanked. Not beat. And I'm fine. If you don't want to spank your kids at LEAST have the common sense to teach them manners. I can't stand bad behavior of children. It completely drives me nuts. Especially if they're just throwing a tantrum because they can.

-Crappy theology. Two words: Joel Olsteen. I'm not going to get into it though because this is leading me into my next stress.

-Talking religion and/or politics with people. ESPECIALLY when they aren't willing to hear your side of it. I'll kind of talk a little religion and politics with my friends, but that's rare and short lived. I can't stand people fighting over either topic. It's immature, and childish. Just because you don't agree with what someone believes doesn't mean you have to put them down and berate them.

-Bad drivers. I ask few things from drivers. Go no more then 5 mph above the speed limit unless necessary. Don't stay in the "fast" lane if you're going the speed limit or under. DO NOT tailgate me when I'm going over the speed limit... I will brake check you. And last, but most definitely not least, my biggest stress with drivers... NO BLINKERS! That level to the left [sometimes right] or your steering wheel is there for a reason. Use it. You won't break a finger. I promise.

-Uninvited physical touch. I hate it. HATE IT! It literally makes my skin start to crawl. I don't know why I'm so anti-touch, but I am. I've been knownt to almost hurt myself so someone wouldn't touch me, and it was just a hug. If I didn't ask or you aren't a child or my mom, grandparents, or some friends, don't touch me.

On to day 29.

Day 29: Wishes
I would say I'm not much of a wish person, but I am a closet dreamer. I don't really see it as a wish though. I keep things in my prayers. I think that God knows my heart's desire, so this is what I think He probably sees...
-I hope that my future kids get to meet their great-grandparents, my maternal grandparents, because I adored my greats, and I think they'd be missing out if they didn't get to meet theirs.

-I hope that I am successful in such a way that I'm able to really give back.

-I hope that God continues to stay as patient with me as He's been in the past. I'm continuing to have problems really getting back to Him. I'm in a constant state of 2 steps forward 3+ steps back.

-I hope that God will bring someone into my life that can really keep me accountable. Someone I can trust with the deep darks. The things I can't or don't tell anyone else. It comes down to the fact that I need counseling, and I can't afford it. I constantly pray that God opens a door for me to get what I need. Not in a crazy way, but in a closure and healing way.

-I hope that I get married so I can have kids. It's not that I don't believe that people can't raise children as a single parent, but I know, as a kid of a single parent at several times, how hard it can be. I don't wish that on anyone. It's got its perks, but it's got some downfalls too. Besides all that... every kid deserves a mom and dad.

-I hope that I am given multiple opportunities, and means, to adopt. One of my biggest "wishes" is to adopt. I want a "Jesus Loves the Little Children" kind of family.


Is tomorrow really the last day of the challenge? Can we have a challenge month every month? I can blog when topics are given! Ha!

Challenge Day 27: Pets

I've had a lot of pets in my life. I remember the names of every single one of them [well.. at least the furry ones. The scaly ones... not so much.]
There was Dottie the Great Dane we had when I was 3 and 4 and lived in North Little Rock. We had to get rid of her because my neighbor was afraid of her.

Then there were a handful of cats we had when we lived in Branson. It was before the spay and neuter your pets thing was a big deal. Aubrey was a calico stray that we took care of, but basically just fed and loved her. She had 3 litters of kittens. One every year around Easter. Her kittens [these are totals]: Mustard, Sunshine, Coffee, Cream, Amy, Bear, and a few more. They all met untimely demises... we lived in the country/woods. Apparently owls get hungry...

We moved by to Arkansas when I was 8 and I got 2 parakeets from my cousin. Their names were Elvis and Priscilla. Elvis liked people... Priscilla only like males. I didn't have them long. Birds are pretty and all, but they are MESSY to take care of.

After my mom remarried I finally got another dog. My step-dad insisted on getting a Sheltie. We looked all day one day for a Sheltie puppy. We saw several, and after driving all over central AR looking for a dog we met someone at a flea market that had one puppy left, and that was the day we got Rockie. We registered that poor dog as Razzle's Fancy Rockie Top. It was his AKC name. Word of advice... don't look for a puppy with your 4th grader all day long and think you won't take a dog home at the end of the day. They put that big ball of fluff in my arms, and he licked my chin, and it was love. Best birthday gift.

After we got Rockie my cousin that I got Elvis and Priscilla from gave us two "boy guinea pigs". Well... they most definitely weren't two boys. Scooter and Buttercup. They were cute. They reproduced once. Cinnamon. She was cute too.

Then 2 years later my family decided that Rockie needed a friend. So we went on the search. New Year's Eve we brought Kaci home. We went from Rockie, who was the best puppy and dog. He was basically house broken when we got him. Good natured. Then we brought wild woman home. She was a mess. But she was mine. My name was on the papers so that was a huge deal to me at 11 years old. With both Rockie and Kaci, the first few nights after we brought them home I'd sleep in the bathroom on the floor with them so they wouldn't be lonely. I was pretty committed to them. I don't have them anymore. My former step-dad has them. Of all the things he got in the divorce and it was my dogs. I miss them.

Here's Kaci [l] and Rockie [r].


Also while I had the Shelties I also inherited two hamsters [separate times]. One was Wally, and the other was Tag. Wally was awesome. Tag was evil. He had a rough start though because I rescued him.

Then there was Bentlie. I made my mom get a cat during her brief single-hood. I didn't want Bentlie. I wanted a different cat. However, since mom didn't really want a cat in the first place... she got to pick. She picked the cute little calico that was precious at the shelter. Key words "at the shelter". We got her home... actually we just got her in the car, and she went bisserk. I have scars from her. She would jump from a sitting position on the floor to the top of a 7 foot bookshelf. She fetched. Yes... FETCHED. She loved water. She climbed on everything. She ran, flipped, bit, clawed. She was kind of crazy like Aleasa's Delilah. I loved her. Even if she was crazy. We kind of discovered she loved water the hard way... I was in the shower a few days after we brought her home, and I was rinsing my hair when I felt something furry on my leg. It was her tail. She was a bit of a creeper. When mom remarried she had to re-home her... to a halfway house for men. I was NOT happy, but she had a place to always run, and endless people to love on her.

Benny-Boo


Like I said... she was a bit of an acrobat. Yes... she's walking a shower rod...


Now I have Tessa. Sweet T-Dawg. I have had Tessa for a year and a half. I rescued her in May 2009. I was really getting discouraged finding a rescue because every time I had one picked out I didn't have a fence up yet. I'd been interested in Catahoula's. They're just awesome and unique dogs. Well the day before I was going to give up on the search for a rescue and just go to a breeder I went to Petfinder, and typed in Catahoula. That's when "Gia" popped up at a local shelter about 30 minutes from my house. I called the next day to see if I could go look at her. I went into that shelter, they let her out, and it was love. I knew before I left that I was keeping her. They held her for two weeks until I got my fence up.
She is the best dog I've ever had. She rarely barks. Doesn't dig, jump, bite, chew, beg. She has her wild spurt for about 30 minutes after I bring her inside, and that's it. I'm so crazy about this crazy dog it's not even funny. She's super smart, and too sweet. She's part Chocolate Lab and part Catahoula Leopard [it's a herding dog that originated from Louisiana], BUT I'm going to send her DNA in to find out everything for sure. I just think it would be interesting. Everyone she meets loves her, and she loves everyone. The only people she's a little wary of her men who smoke. It's weird.
She has weird little quirks about her. She is scared to death of lighters. I can't light a candle without her tucking tail. She apparently thinks the flash and/or red pre flash on my camera are going to steal her soul. She plays hide and go seek. She is super obedient unless we're outside. Then all bets are off. She also is not such a fan of nerf guns. Loves car rides. Loves to go on run, but she ends up putting MY life in danger by running in front of me and nearly killing me.
This is the first time I ever saw T on Petfinder...


I had to be sneaky to get this photo...


Playing Fetch


Snow day!


Liek I said... I'm pretty crazy about this pup.

Day 26: Family

Oh the fam. My family basically consists of my mom's side of thing. I have my friends. I have my dog. It's an oddball family, but it's mine. And I am blessed.
I was going to put pictures up, but the only one's I have are ones I've already loaded. It comes down to the fact that I'm nuts about my family. I've always loved them, but it's just been in the past few years that I feel like I'm really enjoying my family [and friends].

Day 25: i-Tunes

Not gonna lie... I was SUPER pumped when I saw this as one of the 30 day topics. I'm a music fanatic, and basically any opportunity to discuss my i-Tunes is a bonus.

I Will Carry You (Audrey's Song)- Selah: This song makes me cry. It's based on the story of Audrey Caroline. Her mom's blog is found here. She's married to Selah's Todd Smith. Such an incredible testimony of faith and strength.

"there were photographs I wanted to take

things I wanted to show you"

Love Will Bring You Home- Nicol Sponberg: This song kind of breaks my heart too.

"where did you lose the faith you had? did you put it into something that has only left you empty and sad?"

God's Will- Martina McBride: When I saw this music video it basically ripped my heart out.

"i've been searchin, wonderin', thinkin'. lost and lookin' all my life. i've been wounded, jaded, loved and hated. i've wrestled wrong and right."

Jesus Freak- DC Talk: Who doesn't love DC Talk?! That's all I have to say to that.

"separated, i cut myself clean from a past that comes back in my darkest of dreams"

Catch the Wave- LeCrae's Theme Song [written for Kanakuk]: The most fun song. Dance moves include lots of jumping.

The Story- Brandi Carlile: The super high parts in this song stress me out. Still I like the song.

"all of these lines across my face, tell you the story of who i am, so many stories of where i've been, and how I got to i where i am"

Margaritaville- Jimmy Buffett: It's catchy. I'm a fan.

Why- Bethany Dillon: I have two songs by this name. I like this one, but my favorite one is Nichole Nordeman's version. Listen to it. You won't be disappointed.

"you're a good strategy when i need one

an angle when there is none

like a doormat

that always says welcome

no matter how much dirt i rub on

but when i am tired and run through

look over this hill, i'm running to You"

-Bethany Dillon

"the power in Your blood destroys all of the lies
soon You'll see past their unmerciful eyes
look there below, see the child
trembling by her father's side
now I can tell You why
she is why You must die"

-Nichole Nordeman

Wally- Aslyn: This song is so fun. My friend Brooke introduced me to this artist via this song. She might have been a one hit wonder. I don't know, but love her music.

"when your eyes found me i could hardly breathe

i wanted you

glad you wanted me"

Unredeemed- Selah: This song kind of seems like it was written for me... and a lot of other people who have problems grasping grace. It's pretty powerful to me.

"life breaks and falls apart

but we know these are

places where grace is soon to be so amazing

it may be unfulfilled

it may be unrestored

but when anything that's shattered is laid before the Lord

just watch and see

it will not be unredeemed"

Okay... I did ten songs. Technically I didn't put the first 10 songs on shuffle though. I have a LOT of music on my iPod that I've never listened to. I'm trying to work through the music. Better yet... maybe I'll just delete the stuff I know I'll never listen too. I love music though. Ten songs was not enough.

Day 24-Something You've Learned

Maybe it's just me, but most of these topics have list potential. I lurv me some lists. :)
I've learned...
-your friends are the best fashion consultants due to brutal honesty.
-rescued dogs make the best pets.
-there is NOTHING like my friends from college. they beat all.
-no matter how bad I think it's gotten, things will get better.
-God has a sense of humor.
-don't plan for God to tell you what to do and be done with it. He likes a good process.
-sometimes you just need to act a little crazy.
-it takes a lot less energy to forgive someone then it does to be mad at someone.
-life, and the moments you love the most, flies by whether I like it or not.
-just when I think i've done too much for God to work in my life... He proves me wrong.
-never underestimate the power of a muscle relaxer.
-don't take said muscle relaxer, and then blog. you will not remember anything write.
-God always brings the right person in my life at the exact moment that I need them most.
-God is good all time. All the time God is good.

I'm super bad at lessons learned off the top of my head. I'm sure I'll think of more lessons. Oh well.

Leasal Tagged Me

So... I've never been tagged on a blog. So I'm childishly excited about these questions. Haha!

1. What is your current favorite song?
Well considering I love music a lot I'm going to have to do a top 5.
-Glee music. All of it.
-Rockstar 101- Rihanna
-My First Kiss- 3OH!3
-Glory- Nichole Nordeman & Selah
-Unredeemed- Selah
-The Way I Am- Ingrid Michaelson
I know, I know. It's a wide range. The first two are a bit of a guilty pleasure. Now if I go according to my i-Tunes most played songs... it consists of Bethany Dillon, Glee, Avalon, Nichole Nordeman, Nicol Spongberg, Selah, Avalon, Dave Barnes, Jon Mclaughlin, Derek Webb, musicals, etc. Like I said... I'm a little obsessed with music.

2. What were you doing last year at this time?
The same thing I'm doing right now. Working at a bank. Dog sitting. Hanging out with friends. Playing with friends kids that I absolutely adore. Wondering what God is going to do in my life. Wondering if God still attempts to work in my life considering how much I fail Him. The only difference between this year and last year is that I don't have weddings going on everywhere... which I'm grateful for. Loved it, but they are stressful!

3. Name your top three TV shows.
-Glee
-Grey's
-One Tree Hill
Let me just say that the fact that I'm not adding my other 5 or so favorites... WILL POWER!

4. What's your favorite restaurant or cuisine? or both?
My current faves are Japanese or good little cafes. My favorite restaurants though are P.F. Chang's, The Villa [Italian], and Mimi's [cafe].

5. What's for dinner tonight?
Leftovers from last night. I made up something. I took chicken and cut it up into little chunks, cooked that, put in McCormick's chicken taco seasoning. While that was still simmering I rinsed, then poured in pinto beans so they'd get the flavor of the seasoning, THEN I put that Uncle Ben's microwave Spanish Rice in and let it all simmer together. I put cheese on top and when it melted I put it in tortillas to make burritos. It's also super tasty with chips!

6. What's new for you in 2011?
Well... Lord willing I'm starting nursing school in January. I find out officially on November 15th. I find out tomorrow, after my Practical Nursing Math test that I took on Saturday, if I'm still eligible to even still be considered for the program. Stressed much? Yes I am.

7. If you could bring back one trend, what would it be?
Fun trend: tie-dye. Don't judge. I love it.
Serious trend: MORALITY. Come on people. We're struggling.

8. What is your favorite piece of decor or furniture in your house? (pictures if you've got 'em!)
Well my favorite is a painting that my friend did for the living room, and I have a panda bear cookie jar that my grandma got about 30 years ago for her grandchildren. It sits on my table or my fridge most of the time. It's not pretty, but I love it. When I refinish my coffee table that my friend got off the side of the road I'm sure that'll be my favorite. Oh! And I have a pocket watch in a shadow box in my room. It was my grandpa's. He gave it to me for graduation because he knew how much I loved it. I only love it so much because it belonged to him.

Day 23: Favorite Vacation

Ahh vacation. I've not been on a vacation in years. I mean... I've gone on little weekend vacations to Branson. However, a really REAL vacation hasn't happened since I was a senior in high school. Some of the best trips I've been on have involved K-Life. I'm picking 4 favorites.
-I went to Dallas one summer with my mom, step-dad, and best friend Nikki when I was in 10th grade [I think. Maybe it was 9th]. Either way... it was an absolute blast. Just getting to spend a week strictly with your best friend is enough.
-I went to Dallas with K-Life for Spring Break my junior year. There were about 20 of us, but we all got along great. We went to Dave and Buster's and Cheesecake Factory. Me and Nikki were in HEAVEN at Cheesecake Factory. It was just a good trip with everyone. No fighting or bickering. Just uninhibited fun.
-Senior year for spring break I went with K-Life and 7 other people to Orlando. It was a week of the most ridiculously fun time. We went to Disney World [most of us for the first time], Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, and lots of other fun places. I was like a kid at Magic Kingdom.
-Senior trip I went with my church youth group [the seniors only of course] to Myrtle Beach. We rode in a church van to there and back, and on the trip back lost the A/C. It was interesting to say the least, but the MOST fun. It was the last trip that me and Nikki went on together. [We had a rough friendship spell from our senior year up until about a year ago.]

If I get to go to San Diego in March as planned, THAT very well may be my best vacation. I miss my college best buddy. And these favorite vacations probably sound kind of lame, but they have a lot of memories. Good times with friends.

Day 22: Favorite City

Here's the thing. I've not been to a lot of fun cities. I mean.. I'm not recluse. However, I don't have the money to travel. Typically when asked though, and I mean this with all sinceirty, my favorite city is wherever my friends are. I love my friends a lot, and miss the ones that are far off [Leasal! That means you!]. Here's some of my favorite cities.
-St. Louis. It has my small group leader from 7th to 9th grade. AND it has Ted Drewe's. It's also the place I first got to experience the awesomeness that is the musical Wicked.
-Branson. Once again... it is where some of the most godly women I know and respect, live. It also is where Kanakuk is. It doesn't hurt that I use to live in B-town. I just love redneck Las Vegas. :)
- Los Angeles. I'm going to be honest. As a whole I'm a huge fan of California. I've only ever been to LA though.
-Orlando. Come on! It's got Disney World, Universal Studios, AND Sea World. It's freaking awesome!
-Dallas. It's just good taste.

Places that COULD be favorites if given the chance [though some of these aren't cities]... NYC [I'm DYING to go], San Diego, D.C., Africa and Austrailia. [I've been given an oppurtunity to go to Africa this summer for a week and a half for a mission trip. I'm definitely praying about it because it would be amazing.] I want to go to Ireland too. For a girl who doesn't travel a lot, I LOVE new places.

Aleasa tagged me in a question game. I'm going to do it tomorrow. I'm medicated, and starting to lose my ability to type and think properly.

Day 20 & 21

Day 20-Nicknames
wow... nicknames... I have an unreal amount of nicknames. They range from weird, but make sense, to don't make sense at all for why I've acquired them. So here we go.. list time.
-Meg
-Meg-o
-Meggie
-Megs
-Yoda
-Yodi
-Yo Yo
-Yodenski
-Jod
-Jodie
-Meggers
-MY
See... some are weird. But they are mine, and only certain people call me those nicknames. So they're kind of special. My heart gets all happy when I hear those certain friends call the nickname. I know. I'm weird.

Day 21-Picture of yourself
How many pictures of ourself are we going to put up here?

I just too this last week for Halloween at work. We were convicts. Have I mentioned I work at a bank? It was a lot of fun. We took a mugshot. One serious one. Then one like this. :)

why do i suck at blogging?!

The truth is I really enjoy blogging. it's therapeutic to say the least. I blame the past few days of not blogging on having the sickies. Major throat infection had me down for the count. Not to mention I've been so busy I can't even see straight. Tomorrow is the light at the end of the tunnel though [until January hopefully] because TOMORROW I take the math test that makes or breaks my admission into the LPN program at ASU. I'm basically at the top in the 200+ applicants, BUT I'm not being cocky because even if those other applicants have a crappy transcript or didn't do any volunteer work... if they make an 85% on this test and I make a 79% I'm out. Period. I HAVE to make an 80% to even be considered. Pressure much?

So here's me catching up... again. My apologies to what I can only assume are my only two readers [Aleasa and Amy]. I know your day isn't complete without reading my newly updated blog. :) And even if it IS complete without reading my blog... don't tell me. Ignorance is bliss in this case.

I am LOVING that these three things can be in list form. I love lists. A lot.

Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
- this LPN test being finished.
-Aleasa and her hubs coming home for Christmas. I haven't seen her since January. I didn't know I could miss a friend the way I miss Leasal. She's basically the best.
-Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's lots of good family time, AND I get to buy gifts for people without having to find an excuse. Buying random gifts for people is one of my favorite things to do and more often than not gets me in trouble with whoever receives the gift.
-watching my friends kids grow up. I love investing in their lives. They're just a blast to be around.
-going back to school [Lord willing] believe it or not. I thought I'd NEVER want to go back to school. Apparently God has a sense of humor.

Day 18-Something you regret
Okay. Here's the thing with this... I DO regret some things. Some simple things like not being as outgoing in college as I could have been. Other things I regret I'd rather keep between me and God. But, and there is a BUT, I realize that all of those things, big or small, that I regret doing or not doing have made me who I am today. I've no doubt that it's because of some of those things that God has brought certain people in, and out, or my life. So therefore I don't regret much.. or at least I try not to regret them. It's more learning experiences... CHARACTER building exercises. And that's what I'll say about regrets.

Day 19-Something you miss
-high school homework. It was WAY easier than I orginally believed. College work was a definite slap to the ego.
-Saturday morning cartoons
-TGIF. Best night of t.v. hands down.
-not caring what others think of me.
-college and the friends that go with it.
-innocence
-every single small group leader I had from middle school until high school. They shaped me in ways they can't imagine.
-K-Life
-Kanakuk
-summer city softball league
-random games of basketball
-late night dorm room chats with Aleasa [and more often than not Kolby]
-high school choir. It was awesome.
-not having a cell phone. I loved those summers at Kanakuk because I was completely cut off from phones, t.v. and internet.
-Tiger Tunes
-my classes at Ouachita
-Dunkaroos [they were this cookie that you dipped in chocolate icing goodness. yum]
-walking everywhere, and playing all. day. long. only coming in for a drink, and that's just if there wasn't a hose around.
-not having bills. Being an adult sucks sometimes.
-simplicity

Okay now that I'm caught up for the billionth time, maybe tomorrow I can do my next challenge day. What's really said is that Ihave things that I want to blog abount,

more ketchup

Okay. Even though I'm sick. And miserable. I'm sucking it up to do these blogs. They may not be great. But I'm going to do the two I've behind on. So it continues...

Day 15-Bible verse
I have several favorite verses, but my two that I'm going to put here are:
1st Corinthians 15:10-But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. Grace is a big thing with me. There is more to the verse, but I love that line. I am only where I am today due to God's crazy amount of grace. If I ever get a tattoo I want "grace" in Greek on my wrist.

Philippians 1:3-I thank my God every time I remember you.
I love this verse for the simple fact that it applies to a lot of important people in my life.

Day 16-Dream house
I'm pretty simple. I don't need anything huge. Considering the fact that I'm in a house less than 900 sq ft right now... I'd prefer a house a wee bit bigger... but not so big that I don't have stuff to put places. Make sense? Not a fan of too much house, not enough decor.
I need bright colors in at least the bathroom and kitchen. I like neutrals for living room and bedrooms. It's easier to redecorate when you have a neutral color.
Bathrooms. Large bathrooms. My current bathroom is about the size of a handicapped bathroom stall. In fact, it's probably 3/4 of that size. It's teeny. So I would like at least a full bath of each room. It's just good sense.
Bedrooms. I'm currently in a sardine box. I'm fairly sure I had more room in my college dorm. Rude.
I'm a fan of older houses, BUT I love these new funky houses with cool floor plans.
This will be strange... biggest necessities for future home: not a ton of windows. Fenced in backyard. Backdoor that goes from inside the house out to the backyard [I don't have that right now and it is a PAIN]. Laundry room [with a mud area for gross clothes]. Pantry. I don't feel like that's a ton to ask.

So I'm going to bed. Me= feel like crap. I've got sore throat, stuffy nose... and ears, coughing. Fairly certain I've got a touch of bronchitis going on. Go me! Thinking healthy thoughts, and praying I get better fast. Haven't missed work, but I can't play with babies when I'm sick, and I miss my friends kids! Plus I have a really REALLY important test on Saturday for a LPN program I signed up for, and I would love to not be sick so I can have my full attention on this thing.
Until tomorrow- Love Love