on the road again...

well, i just made my third trip up I-75 to georgia in 3 weeks...

YEC starts on sunday!

it's going to be great!!

check this out for some previews of what will be going on!

Merry Christmas!

i hope you all have had a great Christmas...

spending time with those you love

giving, loving, laughing, eating

remembering the reason we can give, love, laugh, and eat

thankful for the birth of Jesus, the life that He lived, the love that He showed, the sacrifice He made

so, Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday, Jesus!

LOVE it

today might be the most perfect day ever!

the sky is so blue
it is 70 degrees outside...in december!
the sun is shining

it makes me smile.

i just want to lay outside on my back and stare at the sky all day!

i LOVE it!

I NEED AFRICA!

I NEED AFRICA MORE THAN AFRICA NEEDS ME

Last week, I was asked by Mocah Club to post about why I needed Africa. Reading blogs written by others who feel like me has completely opened my eyes and changed my heart.

Here is something from the heart of Barrett, part of the Mocha Club crew...

When I think of Africa, the following images immediately come to mind: Starvation. AIDS. Child soldiers. Genocide. Sex slaves. Orphans. From there, my thoughts naturally turn to how I can help, how I can make a difference. “I am needed here,” I think. “They have so little, and I have so much.” It’s true, there are great tragedies playing out in Africa everyday. There is often a level of suffering here that is unimaginable until you have seen it, and even then it is difficult to believe. But what is even harder is reconciling the challenges that many Africans face with the joy I see in the people. It’s a joy that comes from somewhere I cannot fathom, not within the framework that has been my life to this day. [read more]




So, here's the challenge, friends, family, bloggers...



Read about it.
Watch about it.
Think about it.
Pray about it.
Do something about it.

And you can get a free shirt! Who doesn't love a FREE shirt?!

17 ?!?

lauren and i are getting ready to go run further then we have in our whole entire lives...

17 miles

i'm hoping my legs will hold out...and my lungs...and my will power!

i'll be back with a post-run update later today....

update: we made it! my legs are killing me! but we DID it!

he's here!

congratulations cindy and steven on the birth of your beautiful baby boy!

jake everett fruitticher was born on monday!!! i can't wait to get up to georgia and see that cute little guy!

even though cindy and steven will be greatly missed at YEC this year, baby jake is the best excuse to not be there!!

this family is so special to me and i am so thankful for their friendship! i can't wait to watch them raise this their son! they're going to be great parents!!

thankful

happy thanksgiving!

i have so much to be thankful for this year. incredible family...amazing friends...great job...good health...a place to live, food to eat, a car to drive...always more then i need! i am thankful for the country i live in and my freedom. i am thankful for God who loves me (and you) so much that He gave His only Son for our salvation and who wants to have a personal relationship with us...

sometimes life gets so busy and i forget all the things i have to be thankful for...from now on, i'm going to try and take time to be thankful everyday, not just thanksgiving.

Africa.

I've recently been introduced to something I think is awesome. It's called Mocha Club and here's what it's all about...

Mocha Club is a community-based website where members can start a team and invite friends to join them in giving $7 a month – the cost of 2 mochas – to support a project in Africa. Mocha Club's vision is to provide a way for people who don't have hundreds or thousands of dollars to make a difference in Africa.

As if what they do on a normal basis isn't cool enough, Mocha Club is beginning a new campaign on December 1. In preparation for that event, they've asked people to think about and discuss this statement: I need Africa more then Africa needs me.

It's a tough statement. What does it mean? I had to read a few times to really understand...and even after that, I'm not sure that I really do. But I am going to try an articulate how it makes me feel.

I have never been to Africa, but I feel like somehow part of it has always been inside of me. The people, the cultures, the history, the landscape, the whole continent fascinates me. That fascination has always led me to sort of selfish questions...and I guess that stems from my overall world view and general focus in life. It is so easy to get caught up in what is immediately surrounding us and miss the much much bigger picture of how life is happening all around the world.

So, why do I need Africa?

I need Africa to remind me that there is a bigger picture. Life is more then what is happening right around me.

I need Africa to emphasize the truth that less really is more...and that I have more then enough.

I need Africa to show me that happiness and satisfaction does not come from the possession of material things, but instead in how we live life- with purpose and discipline, by hard work, through relationships with family, friends, community, and ultimately Christ.

I need Africa to help me shift my focus and priority from myself to others and how I can meet their needs.

I need Africa to teach me how to love people like Jesus loves people- unconditionally, whole heartedly, with reckless abandon.



What do you think? Do you need Africa more then it needs you?

Leave me a comment...I'd love to hear what you think...and check out what Mocha Club is doing. It might just change lives in ways you could never imagine- yours included!

lots to do!

this is going to be a SUPER busy weekend...

- today: first round of play-offs for football in Orlando
- tomorrow: fly out at 5:40 am for jason and bekah's wedding in louisiana, wedding at 2 pm
- Sunday: fly home, see mom and dad, sleep?!

i can't wait! hopefully i'll survive it all!

obsession

i can't stop buying things with owls on them! i did it again today...note cards...and twice last week! AHHH!



i mean, i tried to justify the owl rug and cute little guy made out of bark and twigs...but other then pure cuteness, i had no justification. they were just things i wanted (not things i needed).

but i think i need to slow down...no more owl stuff for a while...unless it's really, really cute!

vote!

go!

do it now!

wait in line!

it will be worth it!

exercise your rights!

let you voice be heard!

take responsibility for your country!


be a part of history!

can't wait...

...for election day!

voting is such an honor and privilege. it is amazing to live in a place where we can take part in choosing the leaders of our country. i take this responsibility very seriously...

the importance of it all stresses me out though! so many decisions to make! so many people to choose! so many confusing amendments!

after tomorrow, i won't have to stress any more because it will be over and done with (and i won't have to watch any more of those campaign commercials...halleluia!)

so right now, in anticipation and preparation for tomorrow, all i can do (and ask you to do) is pray!

pray for the presidential candidates, both of them!
pray for those voting...that they make educated decisions
pray for discernment and wisdom
pray for the future of our country
pray for opportunities to share your faith after the election

tomorrow just might be the most memorable election of my lifetime...

...i can't wait!

big day!

today is a very big day! and for many reasons...

1. the FL-GA game
2. the Texas Tech and Texas game
3. i have two of my greatest friends in town...woo hoo!
4. spending quality time with lucas
5. possibly early voting

whew! today's going to be a good one!

wondering on wednesday

do you think the phillies are going to pull off a win tonight? this could be the last game of the world series...

(i really want the rays to win, but things aren't looking so good right now...)

stuck

sometimes i feel like i'm wading through life, trying to sort through my thoughts and feeling...

right now is one of those times. i'm waist deep in swampy muck...trying to figure things out, straighten things up, make some sense out of the nonsense...each step getting a little bit deeper.

what i have learned and am still learning is that the deeper i go, the more i figure out, straighten up, and understand.

so i guess sometimes being stuck isn't such a bad thing...because when you become unstuck you're reminded again of all the things that make life beautiful...

you just have to get through the mud and the muck...

lots of words...not much to say

warning: this post is pretty boring...

i've currently been experiencing a bad case of blog block. meaning, i've had lots of thoughts, just not really much to say. and that combined with being super busy (more on what has kept me busy to come) has left the ol' blog pretty neglected. i apologize to the one or two of you who may check the blog occasionally, only to find no new posts. i even started a "wondering on wednesday" for last week, got busy, and didn't finish it...i was going to post it on friday and forgot...strike two...then i just decided to save it for this week!

work has been insane...busy in the clinic and more games then normal...and way more injuries and hospital visits then i like to have! volleyball is finishing up...sad! basketball and soccer have already begun! football is going great! only a few more weeks left in the regular season.

church has been amazing lately. i just love it. i'm making more friends which is a huge answer to prayer! i am excited to be a part of something like this! i can't wait to see how the Lord continues to use access!

when i get more time, i'll post more about what's been going on...

wondering on wednesday

when did i turn into my parents!?!

wondering on wednesday

do you like weddings?

after having been in and to more weddings then i can count, my feelings on the subject of weddings has changed some...

...how do you feel about them?


ps- my cousin tanner is marrying emily this saturday. it is going to be epic! i can't wait to post about it!!

wondering on wednesday

can you feel the fall in the air?!

hmmm...

so this little beauty showed up on wednesday...just a small reddish spot...that has since turned into a HUGE purple bruise. the picture doesn't even do it justice, people!


now to many of you, me having a bruise does not seem out of the ordinary...and i would agree with you...but what is so strange about this one is that i have no idea how it happened...not a clue!

i thought maybe i ran into something...but then realized i would have had to back into something...and i don't know about you, but i don't normally back into things...and definitely not hard enough to leave a mark like this...sheesh...

what i have learned from this situation: from now on i'm going to try to pay more attention to when i run into things...or back into things...that way i remember how i get my BIG bruises!

mini makeover

i just got back from getting my hair cut! i went to a new girl...her name is barbie and she is fantastic!!! i always get very nervous before i get my hair cut, well, because i'm kind of picky...and don't like change...and i stink at fixing my hair...and i never do it...but i absolutely love it now!! i feel sassy with my bangs and layers! haha!! hopefully i can fix it to look like this again!

wondering on wednesday

what is your favorite hobby?

what do you do for fun?

what do you do in your free time?

hope

i haven't stopped listening to addison road's cd since i got it! the music is catchy and the lyrics solid. hope now is one of my favorite songs on the album and i've been meaning to post it's lyrics for a few days now.

in addition to listening to their music, i've been reading a blog written by their lead singer, jenny. yesterday she had an amazing post about a family who has been touched by this song. their story is one of incredible faith and hope. it is also such a great reminder of the sovereignty of Christ and how all things work for the good of those He calls...

Hope Now
~Addison Road

If everything comes down to love

Then just what am I afraid of

When I call out Your name

Something inside awakes in my soul

How quickly I forget I'm Yours

(PRE-CHORUS)

I'm not my own

I've been carried by You

All my life

(CHORUS)

Everything rides on hope now

Everything rides on faith somehow

When the world has broken me down

Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm

Rising waters all I want is the shore

You say I'll be ok and

Make it through the rain

You are my shelter from the storm

(PRE-CHORUS)

I'm not my own

I've been carried by You
All my life

(CHORUS)

Everything rides on hope now

Everything rides on faith somehow

When the world has broken me down

Your love sets me free

(CHORUS 2)

Everything rides on hope now

Everything rides on faith somehow

When the world has broken me down

Your love sets me free

You've become my hearts desire

I will sing Your praises higher

Cause Your love sets me free

Your love sets me free

Your love sets me free

wondering on wednesday

hmmm...

well, i love ice cream...all kinds...i don't think i've ever had a flavor i didn't like!

what is your favorite flavor of ice cream?!

i currently am enjoying coffee with caramel sauce! yum!

random thoughts

1. my cousin tanner gets married in one month! ahhh! the first wedding for my dad's side of the family...i can't believe we're all growing up...

2. i found a gray hair this morning...what the heck is up with that?!

3. hurricanes are everywhere...this is getting a little crazy!

4. isaiah 25:1 "O Lord, you are my God; i will exalt you and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things, things planned long ago."

-just a little reminder for myself...sometimes i forget this...and it is something i really need to remember today!

5. i wish i had some secret artistic talent...or musical capability...so i could participate in the monthly art walk downtown

6. i have the greatest family and friends EVER!

7. fresh market is my new favorite grocery store!

wondering on wednesday

what are you listening to right now?!

i just bought the addison road cd and am LOVING it!

(also got some new music from my friend lucas...flobots, cobra starship, and timmy curran...good stuff!)

update: i'm actually at work right now...so actually right this very second i'm listening to the 13 going on 30 soundtrack...classic 80's music! a-mazing!

labor of love!

so, i had a fabulous labor day! probably the best one in years....

it started with volleyball practice...

then a trip to the beach with lauren and lucas. we rode bikes from lucas' house down to jax beach, found a nice spot, and had a great time! a rain cloud tried to spoil our fun...but we knew that it wouldn't last. carolyn (love her!) came and hung out with us for a while, which was great. we went in the ocean and chased a blow fish around for a while. we were going to put it in lauren's nalgene bottle, but lost it after a big wave came in. i apparently am no good at applying sunscreen and have a very interesting tan/sunburn...but it was totally worth it!!

after the beach, lauren and i went shopping for rainbow sandals...then to moe's! muy bien! and guess who was there?!?! david garrard, the quarterback for the jaguars! i mean, we pretty much sat at the table with him and his family...haha! (or just stared and smiled at them a lot...)

just when i thought the day couldn't get any better, i came home and went on a run with keri. it was great to catch up on what was going on in her life. then it was off to football practice...a fun way to end an amazing day!

i hope you all had a spectacular labor day too!

amen

"Rest In His Promise"
By: David Ruis

When the sun's brightly shining, and it's touching my face
And Your favor is resting, and it seems all is grace

Bridge:
I will lift up my eyes and give glory to Your name
And I'll rest in Your promise over me

Verse 2:
When the sunlight has faded, and the darkness' my friend
And the sorrows are rolling, and the suffering just won't end

Verse 3:
When the wars and the rumors are encircling the earth
And Your judgments are falling, and there's no where to turn

Chorus:
You are sovereign, Lord
You are holy, Lord
You are faithful, Lord

Verse 4:
When the heaven's are opened, and You ride like the wind
And Your kingdom of justice, it will come without end

alone

i'm ashamed to admit that most of the time i live my life as if Christ alone is not enough...

that i have to rely on myself and/or others to fill in the gaps- to make things happen- to plan how things should go.

how long is it going to take me to really realize that He is all i need? that His grace is enough? how many times do i have to say it out loud until both my head and my heart really believe it? how many times will i stumble and fall? how many mistakes will i make? how long will it take me to realize this truth?

i am always reminded in the "bad" times of this...of how small i am and how big He is...but that is quickly forgotten when life is good again and all is right in my world.

i hate that i find it so easy to get caught up in my own life and my own little world- so easy to forget that life does not revolve around me and my wants, that there is more going on besides my petty complaints, that i am not the only person with problems and frustrations and heartaches, that what i struggle with has been struggled with before, that i am not the only one who has ever tried to handle things like this before.

as i actually type this out, i realize how pathetic it sounds...how dramatic it is...how selfish it really is...and how much of a difference it makes to just take a step back from your life to actually be able to see the reality of it.

so i guess i just need to be reminded that alone, i am never enough. i will never be enough to fulfill my dreams, my needs, my shortcomings...

and the good news in all of this is that i am never alone (even if i feel like it sometimes) and how grateful i should be that i personally know (and love...and am loved by!) the One who will never leave me or forsake me- who sacrificed the One He loved the most, for me- whose love is unconditional, mercy is abounding, grace overflowing, and faithfulness perfect...

JESUS, you alone are my portion...help me to not forget this...

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, " The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for Him."
Lamentations 3:22-24

wondering on wednesday

...if it is corny to have a themed post each week like this?!

what do you think?

book suggestion

i just finished a great book...

i definitely recommend it. it really opened my eyes to what is going on in liberia and remind me yet again how blessed i am to have grown up in america.

if you get a chance, check out this book!

ant piles and mud puddles

football practice was quite unique today!

to start things off, i just want to say a big thank you fay for dumping unnecessary amounts of rain upon us, for too many days in a row, making our football field a giant pond and forcing us to practice somewhere else...

...and thank you to the incredible 30 minute intense downpour this afternoon right before practice began to give our new practice location a few more inches of standing water.

so after wading out to watch practice, i discovered something else that came to practice...a very unwanted guest...ANTS! little, red and hungry fire ants! ahhhhhhh!! they were everywhere!! the boys were freaking out. it was actually a little amusing to watch one of them run from the team every few minutes into a puddle and stomp around screaming like little girls! one of my sweet kids had over 65 bites/welps all over his torso! poor guy was bit up!!!!!

so in case you're ever looking for the largest colony of ants in jacksonville or the largest practice puddle known to man, i know where to find them both!!

all of this fun, on a monday, AND on only 3 hours of sleep...whew! is this a taste of what the rest of the week is going to be like?!? if so, i better get to bed now...

summer of stupidity, part 2!

zipper disaster part two occurred in the airport in franfurt, germany. we were heading through security on our way to catch our flight to moldova. the security guard pulled me aside to inform me that my zipper was down, yet again. really?!?! sheesh!! to make matters worse, it was stuck! i couldn't get it to zip back up!! again, attempting to laugh it off, i headed off to the water closet to fix my pants! i'm sure that i gave the german security guard something to smile about all day...it definitely brought a smile to mine and kelli's faces throughout our trip.

well, i thought the summer was pretty much over and hopefully my run of ridiculous events...but i was wrong...very wrong! last weekend i spent some time in maine with my family. we all went to breakfast together saturday morning. it was a great little local place...little being the key word! the twelve of us there pretty much took up the entire dining room. i was trying to be a good cousin and take pictures to document our time together when disaster struck. i had to keep backing up to get the whole group in the shot. i stopped when i felt a wooden highchair behind me. i was barely touching the highchair and about to take the picture...1...2...3...collapse! the entire chair crumbled and i tumbled...taking a picture of the wall in the process! my family was hysterical. i was stuck in the rubbish. the rest of the customers staring and laughing!

The last event happened when amber and I flew back in from maine. we landed around midnight and it was pouring rain. we left the car at a park and ride lot, the cheapest one around, and it was a little bit of a shady place. the shuttle picked us up and drove us back to the office to pay. the office was a single wide trailer with about five steps to climb to get to the door. the rain continued to pour down. we ran in, paid, and were running back out to the car. i hit the first step and then the rest, with my butt! i slid down them all, landing in a puddle at the bottom. everything in my purse spilled. i was soaked, my backpack was soaked, my purse was soaked...amber was hysterical. i had done it again! sore, wet, exhausted, and the only thing left to do was laugh!

i'm sorry to disappoint those of you who thought i was cool and had it all together...i am quite the opposite. i am clumsy and dorky...but i'm real. that's who i am and what you see is what you get! i hope my stories brought a smile to your face...they definitely do to mine! :)

summer of stupidity

i have always been known to be a bit clumsy. cool was never a word used to describe me. this summer i definitely maintained my status of being klutzy and uncool.

at one point in my life i would have been to embarrassed to publicly list the incredible events that took place this summer...but i've out grown that. now i just want to share my life experiences with anyone who'll read them.

it all started at the mall of georgia. it was the night before staff training began for superWOW. a group of us had gone to see kung fu panda. we were leaving, when WHAM! i walked right into a light pole. i definitely don't recommend talking, walking, and texting at the same time. it can be dangerous! it was a great way to introduce the new staff to the real me...

next, i ran out of gas on jekyll island. this doesn't seem too bad, but wait. i was on my way to a devotion with a church with our camp illusionist, drew. we were already running late, so running out of gas was definitely an inconvenience! we had to call for a ride, borrow a car, and finally made it to the devotion! what a night! the poor church had waited up for us! i had to explain what happened and felt like such a moron!

the next event happened with drew too. (poor guy!) the entire staff was meeting for our last dinner together at scott's house. i walked in to the living room and drew called me over to tell me something. brace yourselves...this is mortifying...he had to tell me that my zipper was down. what am i a 5 year old?! who ever forgets to zip up their pants anymore? needless to say i turned about twenty shades of red, zipped up my pants, and tried to laugh it off!

i have decided to split up the silly stories...tune in for part 2 soon!

seriously?!

it won't stop raining!!!!!!!!

blustery day

fay is here, blowing jacksonville all around...

...i wish i could show you guys the trees outside my window, but it's too dark out!

thankfully we've only had rain and wind so far. our power hasn't gone out and our area isn't flooding (yet). mom and dad lost power down in altoona, probably due to the abundance of trees and their closeness to the power lines...

as i type, things are starting to pick up outside...the gusts are coming more frequently and with a little more force! and we're expecting more rain tomorrow...

i still have to go to work tomorrow, but school and practice has been canceled again ...the poor football team hasn't been able to practice ALL week!

please keep praying for everyone in fay's path!

UPDATE: it is currently 7 am and i am sitting at work...after driving through the TROPICAL STORM! seriously!?!?!? ahhhhhhhh!!

wondering on wednesday

if you could be anywhere other then where you are right now, where would it be?!

Fay, Fay, GO AWAY!

here she comes, ready or not! tropical storm fay is making her way up and across florida...with the potential of turning into a hurricane!

jacksonville is currently under a hurricane watch. schools are being closed and after-school activities cancelled...but don't you worry, i'll be at work tomorrow- storm or not!

well, i'm off to semi-prepare the house for fay! please keep jacksonville and everyone else in the storm's path in your prayers!

Psalm 34:18

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

breaking the law

not really...

but...

i am doing something i've never done before...

BLOGGING AT WORK!!!

i feel so adventurous! haha!

well, i just wanted to let people know i'm still alive. i have been busy! but there are lots of things to catch you up on!!

more to come soon!

Almost Home

i'm back from moldova, safe and sound...

...and will be home by friday!!!!

i love the good ol' u.s. of a!!

we're here!

we made it to moldova! yay!! we stayed with an amazing family last night and are heading to the camp today! pray for us as we begin leader training today and prepare for students to come in the next few days! so far the weather has been incredible...we're keeping our fingers crossed! hope to get to post more soon!

moldova bound!!

hi everyone...

sorry for the lack of posts...it has been a busy summer! i am off to moldova today for 11 days! please keep me and my team in your prayers!

love you all!

he's a fish!

so, my cousin is awesome...and i'm not even exaggerating because i love him.

dakota is 16 and is currently one of the fastest swimmers in the world in the 200 m butterfly. he has already qualified for the olympic trials which take place in a few weeks. this past weekend he swam in the omaha grand prix...about 800 elite swimmers competed. he was racing against people twice his size and age (that is sort of an exaggeration...but those other guys were HUGE and older then him!)

here is the video of the race. dakota is in lane 3...he trails for the first two laps, but kicks tail in the last two...beating the other guys by 2 seconds!! he swam his personal best, 2:02.77! i am SOOOOOOO proud of him and love him SOOOOOOO much! this kid has a great future ahead of him.

quick recap

sorry for the pack of post-age! a lot has happened in a little time...

no more work until july 28! WOOO HOOO! it is officially summer and camp season has begun. i do miss work though...am i crazy?!?

impact came and went...it was wonderful as always! REC was amazing. sharon is incredible. i hope to be able to carry on in the tradition of excellence that she has established. our REC staff was phenomenal...and anything you do with malaysia steve is going to be better then awesome!!!

i turned 24! can you believe it?!?! i can't...i still feel like i'm about, oh, 17-ish...sheesh...everyone at camp was so great. i was sung to by large groups a little more then i'm comfortable with, but it was so sweet. i got some great gifts...and a million birthday cards from one of the schools...thanks mac and green 1! i'm so lucky to get to spend my birthday with some of my favorite people in the whole world!

i'm currently in TN for a few days visiting some family. it's a bittersweet time...more on that later...

superWOW starts next monday...holy hannah! staff training starts thursday...i feel so unprepared...but it is going to be A-MAZING!! we have a great staff assembled, incredible people to bring the Word and lead us in worship, and i know that God is going to show up and change lives in ways we could never imagine!!!

i will try to update more often!!!

until then...



Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; YOUR NAME and YOUR RENOWN are desire of our hearts. Isaiah 26:8

busy

and getting busier!

things are crazy right now...spring football is in full swing...camp is quickly approaching (less then 2 weeks!)...training for a triathalon...all the end of the school year activities...planning for moldova...

i am flat wore out!

but very excited! i love summer and everything that goes with it! this is going to be a busy one...stay tuned for all of the excitement!

2 years

isn't is crazy how time can go by so quickly and so slowly at the same time?

two years ago today i lost one of my best friends. losing someone you love is never easy. colby hayes will always be loved and never be forgotten. here is video from his website...colby was passionate about speaking and sharing what the Lord was teaching him. the legacy he left behind will continue to live on. the lives he impacted, forever changed...the God he served, forever glorified.

thank you Lord for sharing him with us, even though we wish it could have been longer...

can't wait to see you again, colby!

tabby jane

i woke up this morning...

...and saw my cousin on tv!!!

check her out in the new paramore video...she appears about 2 minutes into the video...blonde hair, green jacket!

i love this band...and i love tabby more!!

this totally made my morning!! check it out...

i love technology

it never ceases to amaze me. what we have the capability to do is beyond belief...and by we, i mean other people besides me, because i am completely technologically inept...

...but anyway, what has blown me away this time is a live feed from phil wickham's concert tonight in portland, oregon. it is being broadcasted from his blog. who knew blogs could do this?!

seriously though, how incredibly cool is that?! i can sit in my bed, in my pajamas, and listen and watch his concert as it is happening...

i mean, really?! dang...

thanks to annie (and her fabulously entertaining blog) for sharing this incredible technological event.

what will they come up with next???

stan the man

i have a new friend.

i named him stanley.

he is a wood stork that has recently taken up residence at our pond.

he's just one of the many wild animals that lives around the overlook.

here's a picture of one of stanley's relatives...



who wouldn't want a bird like that hanging around their pond?

much better

whew!

i'm feeling much better about life now...

...hopefully no more mini breakdowns at work!!!

no bueno

so, i've decided that there are a few things i don't like very much...

...dumb rules,
frustrating people,
dumb corporate policies,
and crying in public...

needless to say, not my favorite day at work...

but overall, it is still the greatest place to work in the whole world...

thanks casey, aimee, renata, lynn, and linda!

any suggestions?

i need your help!

i am making a video for my college softball coach that is retiring!

music is a very important part of videos, so i don't want to mess that part up...

...but i'm at a total loss for good songs to use!

help!!

all suggestions are welcome!

woo hoo!

yesterday was an exceptionally good monday...following a pretty great sunday...

here's a run down on the goodness:

1. access church was fabulous!
2. going to stetson to see the last unf game i'll ever see coached by sonya
3. watching ashley, tori, gwen, and heather play some awesome softball
4. hanging out with some of my favorite people in the whole wide world at the ball park
5. seeing mom and dad!
   
6. keri and grant are official...officially bf and gf...FINALLY!
7. keri and i found and ran on this really cool trail through the woods
8. work was busy, but not hectic
9. i won a cake*
10. monday night tv was wonderful (i am still addicted to reality tv...and one tree hill...and gossip girl...ugh, who am i?!)
    

oh! and this is so random, but definitely post worthy...saturday, i bought a lamper...

you may be asking yourself, what is a lamper? it is a hamper/laundry basket, which target has so cleverly named lamper...how fun it that?!? the name definitely influenced my decision in purchasing it (and the color!)

My lovely lamper...lamper...hahaha

YUM! don't you just want to eat the entire thing right this second?!?!

*i never win things...but yesterday was my lucky day! my business card was drawn as the first ever winner of a small, round ice cream cake from carvel! praise HIM for ice cream cakes...especially free ones!

baby mojo!

he's finally here!! the newest addition to the michaud family came home today. mojo is the cutest little chocolate lab i have ever, ever seen!!

check jami's blog for pictures...

i'm sure she'll be posting some soon!

LOOOOOOONG weekend

this weekend has felt like forever...

i'm actually looking forward to monday...

Oh Happy Day

Just a few things to be happy about...

- my team WON a game today!!!!!! and we turned a TRIPLE play!!!
- less then 2 months until summer camp season! WOOO HOOO!
- amber is a big girl now...she turned 21 on tuesday!! happy birthday, boo!
- new seat covers for the crayon box
- spending time with the family
- knowing there is one less snake slithering around the overlook
- new babies...welcome to the world baby colby and baby lily...congrats to amy & dave and chris & pat!!!

(and for the few of you that do read my blog and the comments posted, i am NOT moving to atlanta...)

nothing

i've got nothing...

not a blasted thing...

i've tried to blog for weeks now...

but nothing...

i feel empty...

i guess i'm just in a dry spot right now...





i'm sure i'll be full again soon...

ReBOURNE

this weekend was incredible. it was the first ever walking wisely weekend for lake church. i had the honor of being with the middle and high school girls. they were incredible!! i loved it...

...but it wore me out!!

so i'm going to bed, but i'll post more on this later and show you some pictures!!!

THE BANGS!!

i had a dream last night that i had bangs...

i want them, but am scared...

i can't remember if i looked cute with them in my dream...

do you think that was a sign that i should get bangs?!? or am i just being crazy?!?

Official Results

5083 194 Kelli Richards, 23, Jacksonville, FL
29:51 59:52 1:29:27 1:35:32 10:15

ok, so these numbers might not make much sense to you, but don't worry, i'll explain them...

5083- place i finished overall (out of 9949)
194- place i finished in my class (women age 20-24)
(name, age, and city should be self-explanatory)
29:51- my 5k time
59:52- my 10k time
1:29:27- my 15k time (aka my chip time)
1:35:32- my final time
10:15- my pace per mile

whew! i'm worn out just typing all this...

running the gate river run was great- a huge accomplishment, especially due to the 35 mile per hour winds!! thanks keri and matt for keeping me going! i wish lauren had been in america to run with me...it wasn't the same without you, LP!

Please Accept My Apology

i'm sorry i haven't posted in a while...a lot has been going on!

(i know that is not a very good excuse, but it's the best i can come up with.)

here is a brief recap of what has happened recently and of what is coming up in my life!

past:
- lots and lots of softball practices and games
-suprise visit to mom and dad
-house sitting
-seeing annE
-spending time w/ jami and annE
-seeing lots of friends who were down for a SWAT weekend!
-PASSING MY TEST
-got a cool new phone

future:
-running a 15k
-more softball
-getting my athletic training license
-walking wisely weekend
-family reunion

again, i want to apologize...i really am sorry...i've been busy, but honestly, i just didn't even feel like posting most of the time...

but, i promise, PINKY PROMISE, that i will update more frequently and elaborate on some of the amazing things that have happened/will happen soon!!

Quarterlife

new show on nbc...

one of the main characters is a blogger...

i like blogs...

so far i think that i might like this show...





(i also LOVE rob and big...and am currently having to switch back and forth!)

whew!

so glad it's friday!

i'm pooped!!

Birthday Month

Apparently all* my friends have decided to have birthdays this month...

so HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to...

Shippy
CC
Aimee
Gina
Courtney
Jenna
Sharon, Anthony, and hopefully baby Isaac!!

I love you all!




*definitely exaggerating, not all my friends had birthdays...just lots of them...

Par-tay!

Happy Birthday Shippy!!



Hope your 23rd birthday has been wonderful!

(remember this birthday?! wow, it seems like just yesterday we were in Ft Lauderdale, playing softball, and you turned 20...gosh, time sure goes quick!)

new blog

so, i have a little side project going on...

if you're curious, check it out!!

http://virgilovertheborder.blogspot.com/

X Games 12

the x games have come and gone...

...and i loved every minute of it.

i just can't get enough of this kind of thing...

boarder x...snocrosss...superpipe...

it's like heaven, with snow!









maybe one day i will have an opportunity to work with these athletes...

Juno

have you seen it yet?!?

I NEED HELP!

i admit it...

i am totally addicted to reality tv shows...

...the dumber they are, the more i like them.

how sad it that?!?

ugh

i'm slowly trying to eliminate them from my life...

but it is so hard...so, so hard...

why? WHY do i love them so much????

i mean, honestly, what is so great about them???

i get so wrapped up in these other people's lives...i feel like i know them...like we're friends...

but sadly, these people have no idea who i am. i am not friends with heidi klum or tim gunn on "project runway"...and stacy and clinton don't help me go shopping like they do to other badly dressed people on "what not to wear"...and parisa did not ask my advice about whether or not trisha should be sent home from "real world- sydney"...and i am not a contestant on "american gladiators" that hundreds of millions of people are cheering for from their living rooms...

for now, i will just try to conquer this addiction...curb my cravings...overcome my obsession...cut back little by little...

(but just between you and me, i am not trying too hard...)

When It Rains, It Pours

Why does it seem like everything decides to go wrong at the same time?

I know this is dramatic and not really true...but sometimes it sure feels like it.

Recently my family and friends have had to deal with some tough situations...

I'd like to ask all my blog friends to remember these people in your prayers. I don't usually do this sort of thing, but I feel like I just have to...

-my grandma (on my dad's side of the family) is currently undergoing radiation and chemo for bladder cancer...
-my other grandma (on my mom's side of the family) is fighting congestive heart failure...
-my uncle virgil if fighting liver and stomach cancer...we just found out that with the rate it is progressing, he may only have a few months left with us...
-my neighbor, reggie, was in a hunting accident this weekend and may lose his foot. his 8 year old son was with him and saw the whole thing...
-my dad's employee, mark, had an accident today with a weed eater which lacerated his forearm and fractured his ulna and radius...

i know that the Lord is sovereign, but that doesn't always make the tough times any easier.

thank you for your prayers...



For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9

BIG day!

today is a very important day for me...

it is the first day of softball at UC! it is the first time i get to meet all the girls...i am SO nervous!!

it is going to be a very interesting season...

ahhhh!

pray for me and my girls!

One more thought...

...ok so after watching the show a little more, i might not be able to compete on American Gladiators...

...but i could have a chance as the show's athletic trainer!! i definitely think i would be in high demand...

...hmmm...

American Gladiators

is anyone else as excited about this being back on tv as i am?!?!?

i mean, really, who didn't love American Gladiators?

i always wanted to be on the show...maybe now i'll have a chance!! haha!

it was my favorite show back in the day...and i'm sure it will quickly regain the title as favorite...


i am SO pumped!!!!! WOOOO HOOOO!

I Love Layers

so i may have mentioned before that it's been cold in jacksonville lately...

ok, so it's not as cold as it has been...but it's still pretty dang cold...

tonight i had to work the boys' and girls' soccer games...

AHHHHHH!

for those of you that know me pretty well, you know that i always wear at least one layer. well tonight, multiple layers were required...


Layer 1: puffy UNF jacket


Layer 2: sweatshirt


Layer 3: fleece jacket


Layer 4: long sleeve t-shirt


Layer 5: short sleeve t-shirt


Layer 6: under armor


Layer 7: wind pants


Layer 8: gloves

there were more layers, but in order to keep the pictures PG, i decided it was best to stop there...

good thing about wearing 8+ layers when it is cold outside: staying warm
bad thing about wearing 8+ layers when it is cold outside: looking like the michelin tire man (i couldn't even put my arms down against my side!)

i would definitely have to say that it is worth sacrificing mobility and style for warmth...and that is just what i did!

Not Cool...

well, actually, it's freezing...it is now 26 degrees!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Brrrrrrrrr!

I currently cannot feel my toes...

It is 9:37 pm and 32 degrees outside (but feels like 21 degrees)...and dropping!!

Just for the record, I am NOT ok with that!!! I don't handle cold weather very well...

Tomorrow morning, when the low is estimated to be 16 degrees, I will not be a happy camper...
...no, not one bit...

But I guess I shouldn't complain...we don't get cold weather very often and it never stays very long...

I just hope I can survive through the night and through the day and especially through tomorrow night's soccer games!!!

Happy New Year!

it is 2008...

where did 2007 go???