Paint it Black

Whenever I was having a bad day, my good friend AnnE would tell me paint my toe nails red. Why? "Because red toe nails make you feel sassy!" It makes a bad day turn around...just try it! It really does work!

Normally, I'm not a nail polish wearing kind of girl. It's just not me. It takes too much time and is borderline high maintenance. When I have it on and look down, I don't recognize my toes!

Sometimes though, I get a little crazy and decide to paint them...today was one of those days. I thought about painting them red, but wasn't really in the sassy mood...so I raided Amber's collection and settled on something a little darker...


Ta da! Black toe nail polish!! My feet look tough, don't they?! If red toes make you feel sassy, then black is for when you're feeling feisty! It says, "Don't mess with me!" It's kind of trendy and rock star-ish too! (Both things that I am most definitely not! haha) My toes definitely go with my tough looking tattoo though! hahahaha!

I'm not sure how long it will last...but for now I'm looking forward to the reactions I'm going to get to my painted piggies from my friends!

rain, rain, GO AWAY!

It has now officially been raining in Jacksonville for FOREVER! We can't get a break! And I don't mean it is just drizzling...it is pouring...monsooning...raining without ceasing...


This is what it has looked like outside everyday...from sunrise to sunset...people are starting to be depressed...


Puddles everywhere...places are flooding...roads are being closed...it's crazy! Our retention ponds are about to overflow. There is no place for the water to go!


These are my pants after the football game last night. Thanks to the rain, there was standing water on the sidelines...which quickly became mud...sticky, smelly mud! The players were covered in it! I was covered in it! I had to hose my pants and shoes off before I could bring them inside. What a mess!!


The rain did stop for a minute today...just long enough for Lauren, Solin, and I to go to the beach! Even though it was slightly overcast, it was wonderful! I even got a little sun on my face!!

The forecast is calling for a little more rain tomorrow...

....sigh....

the Brave Little Toaster

Have you ever seen that movie? It was one of mine and Amber's favorites growing up. The little toaster and his friends embark on a journey to find their friend...he was so little, but oh so brave!

I wish that I was brave...I wish that I could just pick up and go...do something different...take a risk...be adventerous...

I have so many friends that are doing so many cool things- mission trips in other countries...jobs far from everything and everyone they know...

I guess I just often question whether or not I'm doing the right thing...am I missing out on what I'm really supposed to be doing? I know I'm still young, but part of me is afraid that I'm missing out...is there something else I should be doing? Or am I just playing it safe?

Do you ever feel this way?

If you could go anywhere or do anything, where would you go? What would you do?

A Few of My Favorite Things...

Just a few things that have made me happy this week...

1. sunsets
2. my new job (and the water delivery man at work!)
3. movie time with Jess
4. my blogging friends
5. new books
6. the cd player in my car magically working again
7. phone calls from good friends...some close by and some that are far away!
8. football
9. clean sheets and shaved legs

AGAIN!

It has happened again, and not the last time it will...

...engagement...

Two more of my friends became engaged this week!

CONGRATULATIONS to Sarah & Mike and Christy & Brandon!

Mika

His name...different
His style...unique
His album...incredibly original
His lyrics...unlike any other






One of my personal favorites on the album, goes a little bit like this...

Big girl, you are beautiful...
Walks in to the room
Feels like a big balloon
I said, "Hey girl, you are beautiful."
Diet Coke and a pizza please
Diet Coke and I'm on my knees
Screaming, "Big girl, you are beautiful!"


And the SuperWOW favorite, "Grace Kelly"...

i could be brown
i could be blue
i could be violet sky
i could be hurtful
i could be purple
i could be anything you like
gotta be green
gotta be mean
gotta be everything more
why dont you like me?
why dont you like me?
why dont you walk out the door?

It makes me want to "try to be like Grace Kelly....mmmmm....."

Thank you, Mika, for bring joy to my heart and a smile to my face!

Just a thought...

Here are a couple of topics some friends and I have been discussing for a while...

I like what my friend had to say on her blog a few weeks ago...

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Intimidated
Here's another question I have been pondering... Why are people, guys in general, intimidated by girls who are independent?

My dad raised me to be an independent lady and to know how to take care of myself. He taught me all about my car and how to deal with situations, among other things. Girls who can hold their own or can carry on a conversation about football seems amazing to me. It's almost like a plus.
Needy, clingy and superficial girls doesn't seem appealing in my book! So why is that what most guys turn to?

Here's some advice to the all decent but clueless fellows out there...look around! Girls that care more about there shoes than their future isn't going to get you far in life. Think about what you really need in life instead of what looks pretty on paper. I bet your option will look a lot different!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hmmm....

Here is something another friend of mine said...

"A lot of guys are in relationships with gray areas. Why? Because they're afraid. Afraid of what? Committment. Why? They are afraid of breaking a girl's heart. Many feel like if they take any responsibility for a girl's heart, they have to marry it or else they'll hurt it..."

...not true at all...creating relationships with gray areas and not taking any responsibility for the relationship...that is hurtful. If boundaries are not crossed in relationships there never has to be a discussion of what that relationship is. Two people who are simply friends never feel the need to discuss that they are just that. But there seems to be a trend of Christians boys who get themselves into relationships with these gray areas, because they want to know exactly where that relationship is headed before they actually start the relationship...all under the pretense of "protecting the girls heart". In reality if they would be honest with themselves (and with the girl) there would be a lot less confusion, a lot less hurt and a lot more fun dating relationships. Dating can be fun. Boys- RELAX! IT IS OKAY TO LIKE A GIRL!! And more importantly...it is okay to actually DATE (yes, I said it..DATE) a girl without knowing that you are going to marry her. That is the whole point of dating!!! I have heard so many boys say "I want to marry the next girl I date". That is great in all, but WHO DOESN'T?!?!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, I know these are two different topics, but both have been on my heart lately.

Please hear me...this is not intended to be a guy- bashing post. In fact, I mean it as just the opposite. I just want guys to know how their actions can be percieved. I want them to know that it is ok to get to know a girl, date a girl even, not knowing if she is the one you're supposed to marry. Yes, date someone who has the qualities of someone you want to marry someday...but please, take some of the pressure off yourselves...I want guys to know that Christian girls love that they intend to guard our hearts and protect us and not want to hurt us. But also know that our hearts first belong to someone else...someone who will never leave it or forsake it...someone who loves it unconditionally...someone who loves it sacrificially...someone who's love is wider and deeper then anything we can ever imagine. And because of that, we are willing to take risks when it comes to relationships. We are willing to put our hearts out there, knowing that if it happens to get broken, it is fixable...nothing is ever damaged beyond His repair.

Psalm 91

"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Psalm 91:14-16

Why?

YOU speak without sound...YOUR love is so loud...YOU always save me...

Most of the time in life I have more questions than I ever do answers. It's frustrating...confusing...disheartening...

WHY can't I just know what is going to happen or WHY it's happening?

I don't think I'll ever understand WHY or be told why, but I am definitely learning the value in WAIT.

The theme of my life for the past few months has been wait. I have wanted to know why, asked why, prayed why, cried why...but the answer was then and has been lately, wait. Waiting has been so much more rewarding then why...but I don't usually see that until later.

This week we found out that my uncle has cancer...inoperable cancer. WHY? Why him? Why now? Why to our family? I will probably never know the answer to these questions, but what I do know is that God is in control. He has already revealed Himself through the whole situation. And He will be glorified through it. Knowing that is enough. He will sustain us. He works all things for the good...I'm glad that He is who my hope and faith is in...

YOU speak without sound...YOUR love is so loud...YOU always save me...

Your Love Will Never Change

Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.
Psalm 31:16

They tell me there’s songs reserved for angels
Would you sing me one, a stranger
Just to prove your love?

They tell me you’ve given poor men kingdoms
And handed guilty freedom
And taken on their stains
And your love will never change
Your love will never change

They tell me that you dwell with good and evil
In alleys and cathedrals
Shadows and the light
They tell me that you hold the world together
Not from guilt, but pleasure
And you somehow know my name
And your love will never change
Your love will never change

So tell me there’s nothing that you can’t do
And you’ll love me though I’ve hurt you
And that you’ll take my blame
And your love will never change
Your love will never change

(Dave Barnes)

In a world full of change, it is nice to be sure of something...

My soul is in anguish.
How long, O LORD, how long?
Turn, O LORD, and deliver me;
save me because of your unfailing love.
Psalm 6:3-4

In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling.
Exodus 15:13

But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the LORD,
for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13:5-6

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.
How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 36:6-7

Thank you LORD for your unfailing, unchanging, unconditional love...

For My Love

Walk towards me
I want to hear
The heavens singing over you
When you breathe
And look at me
I want to be captured by you

Gaze into my eyes
And let me know you’d fight
Thousands, for my love
Slip your hand in mine
Ask me to dance with you tonight
Just ask me for my love

I want to hide
What’s deep in my eyes
I’m scared to be known by you
But when I turn my head
And see you there
I want to be pursued

Gaze into my eyes
And let me know you’d fight
Thousands, for my love
Slip your hand in mine
Ask me to dance with you tonight
Just ask me for my love

A dream I won’t wake from
A story that will never end
The ground your feet walk on
Let me be there, let me be there

Gaze into my eyes
Let me know you’d fight
Thousands, for my love
Slip your hand in mine
Ask me to dance with you tonight
Just ask me for my love

Gaze into my eyes
Let me know you’d fight
Thousands, for my love
Slip your hand in mine
Ask me to dance with you tonight
Ask me for my love

(Bethany Dillon)


this is all I really want...is it too much to ask for? hope for? wish for?

I guess I'll just have to keep waiting.....

Day at the Museum

I got to go to the Jacksonville Museum of Science and History (MOSH) today with Jami, Matt, and Camden. They have a dinosaur exhibit right now. It was really cool! I loved watching Camden discover things and interact with the exhibits. He is the cutest 2 year old I have ever seen!


Camden is so excited about seeing the dinosaurs!


Check out that snake!! Matt and Camden are both not quite sure how to react...


Cam playing with the toys in the "kids only area"...they have a river simulation...very cool!


Worn out from the museum...what a fun day!

OH MY GOSH!

So tonight was my first football game with UC. It was so fun and very exciting...but not as exciting as what I came home to...

As I pulled through the parking lot, a snake slithered across the road in front of me...so I ran that punk over...



...but I just roughed him up a bit...



...which he was apparently not too happy about...look at that face! I think he might have a slight back ache as well...



To ensure that he would not survive- and to put him out of his misery- I ran that s.o.b. over a few more times- which brought the total to 8 drive-overs. I think that he now has a stomach ache to go along with the back ache...



Welp, those are my pictures of conquering the copperhead. This is a warning of what could happen to you if you cross my path on the wrong night...well, any night, if you're a gross-o snake!!

(and just so you all know, I'm really not as brave as I may seem...I definitely screamed, squealed, and said some expletives throughout the whole ordeal...just ask Courtney and Shannon, they heard it all!)

If he's still out there in the morning, I'll probably take more pictures....

....I think I'm going to have nightmares about snakes tonight!!

Beautiful

As I look into the stars
Pondering how far away they are
How You hold them in Your hands
And still You know this man
You know my inner most being, oh
Even better than I know, than I know myself
What a beautiful God
What a beautiful God
And what am I, that I might be called Your child

What am I, what am I
That You might know me, my King
What am I, what am I, what am I



As I look off into the distance
Watching the sun roll on by
Beautiful colors all around me, oh
Painted all over the sky
The same hands that created all of this
They created you and I
What a beautiful God
What a beautiful God

And what am I, that I might be called Your child
What am I, what am I
That You might know me, my King
What am I, what am I
That You might die, that I might live
What am I, what am I, what am I, what am I

What am I
What am I
What am I
What am I
What am I

(Shawn McDonald)

I'm glad that there are people who can put into words what I feel sometimes...

Gotta see it to BELIEVE it!

This is just a glimpse of the random goodness of my favorite place in Barberville...



You may think, "Wait! When did Kelli go on a safari?" I know that the gator, flamingos, elephants and giraffe might make it seem like I am somewhere exotic...but oh no, I'm just 30 minutes from my parent's house...

And that is truly just a glimpse of the random-y goodness you will find there...

Please try to restrain yourself from jumping into your car and driving to see this place...just make sure to plan some extra time on your next trip across Florida!

Barberville

Do you have things in your life that bring you great joy and you don't even know why? I most certainly do...

One of those things is the "Largest Road Side Stand in the World." It is something I driven by for years on my way to and from school. Each drive by piquing my curiostiy more and more, until I just couldn't stand it any more. I had to stop! I had to see what this place had to offer me, aside from the giant buffalo and Statue of Liberty lamp post out front. From those things alone, I knew what was inside had to be amazing. What I saw when I stopped has changed my life forever. Never in my life have I seen stuff like this...knights in armor...Mexican pottery of every animal imagined... giant roosters... life size alligators... fountains... fluorescent palm trees... religious icons... fruit... swords... jellies... juice... sinks... the list could go on and on and on...

So here it is...my tribute to it. The next time you're driving west on State Road 40, make sure you stop by to rummage through the incredible inventory of the "Largest Road Side Stand in the World."

(I promise to post pictures soon...for some reason Blogger and Phinneas- my computer- are not cooperating!)

Graduation!

Shippy is officially a college graduate!


Check out those yellow shoes!


Ashley and Baby aka Abbey...her little sister!


Jess and Ash...roomies!



We had a great time afterwards at the Ale House. I am so proud of what Ashley has accomplished and will miss her now that she's back in Orlando...

Big Day!

Today is a very big day for some very important people in my life!

First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERICA LAYNE!
Erica was my first friend in Umatilla. She is smart, beautiful, spontaneous, fun, and a great daughter! I hope you have the best birthday, ever!!




Second, HAPPY GRADUATION, ASHLEY!
Today is Shippy's graduation from college. I'm so very PROUD of her! She has been a great friend, teammate, and encourager, always bringing fun and laughter wherever she goes. I am very glad to have such an amazing friend like her!

Brief Thoughts on the Summer

So it has been almost three months since my last post. Lots has happened between then and now. I've been to five weddings, participated in the Ms. Universe pagent, worked four camps, visited two foreign countries, failed an important test, lost a roomate, acquired a new roomate, and gotten a new job. Oh! and Mom and Dad got a puppy!! All in all, it has been a pretty busy summer!! When I get time, I'll elaborate more on all of these topics. For now, you'll just have to be satisfied knowing that I am still alive, exhausted, but alive.



The Ms. Universe Pagent at Lauren's house...my favorite was Tracy aka Ms. Cuba!



AnnE was a beautiful bride. Jami and I had a blast going to Kansas City to be her bridal assistants!



Impact was great again...here is the amazing Rec Staff...contrary to popular belief, we really do work hard!!



My crazy SuperWOW staff. They were great! What an amazing three weeks...



Laura, Stephany, me, and Sara Hope...wedding crashers...I mean photographers! Beautiful wedding on the beach at Jekyll.

Dinner Time!

All of my friends are getting engaged....and married! This is wonderful! I'm so happy for them all, really I am. In the midst of all of this happiness, I usually say that I just want to go out on a date. Really, I just want someone to buy my dinner....that's it....no committment, just dinner.

Well, my wish has come true. I have had free dinner, from boys, the past four nights! Tuesday night, it was dinner at the Loop with Lauren, Jeff, and John...thank you John! Wednesday night it was Chili's with Stephen...gracias mi amigo. Thursday night it was Zaxby's with the whole Tutherow crew...thanks Ryan. And Friday night was Sonny's with Uncle Virgil, Aunt Pam, and the boys...thank you thank you thank you!

This all goes to show that prayers are answered...and not always how we intended them to be! I am learning that it is ok to not go on dates...(and that you can still get free dinner!)

Maybe one day I will have a dinner date...maybe not...but until then...I'll just wait and enjoy the dinners I do get!


He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
Psalm 111:4-6

May 13, 2007

Yesterday was a very special day for me on many different levels.

It was Mother's Day. And I love my mom very, very much. We got to spend the whole day together and it was great. She has been such a profound example of what a mother should be, how a mother should act, and how a mother should love. I hope that one day I will be able to be half the mom she was for me and my sister.

May 13 is also the day that I lost one of my best friends and one of the most influential people in my life- Colby Hayes (http://www.nhimministries.com/main.asp). I will never forget the first time we met (or the second time we met) and the incredible impact he had on everyone around him. Colby loved the Lord like few I have ever met. He lived life where each day was an adventure. He couldn't sit still for more then 5 minutes. He always had to be doing something. Colby was like the brother my family never had. Before he went to heaven, Colby went skydiving. To hear him talk about it and to see how his face lit up, you couldn't help but smile and get excited yourself. He told everyone about it and told everyone to do it. Our good friend Mark decided that it would be fitting to skydive in honor and memory of Colby. And we did. It was just as incredible as Colby described. I don't think I can adequately describe in words the experience. A year has gone by so fast. I hope that he'll show up some time when I least expect it, like he's been gone on a long vacation. I can't wait until I see him again!


This is the plane we flew out of. A professional group jumped before us. They were filming formations!


We landed safe and sound. Mark's landing was very smooth...mine, not so much....at least I landed where I have the most "padding"...

I'm a BIG kid now!

Friday, May 4th was the first day of the rest of my life!


Amber was was recognized for receiving a high pass on her Honors Portfolio. We went to a ceremony where she was given a certificate. I am so proud of her!

It was graduation day!! Jami and I graduated at the same ceremony. It was great! Aunt Pam, Uncle Virgil and Aunt Trece came. Gam and Grandma spent the week in St. Augustine with mom and dad. It was so nice to have everyone there.



Now what? I'm still trying to figure it out...but for now, I'm excited about being a graduate and for what the future holds!

I Love Spring

some people may be surprised to find that i love plants...flowers...trees...pretty much any type of foliage.
other people are not surprised by this fact at all.

one of my favorite times for plants is the spring. i love new growth. it is so refreshing and hopeful.

here are some pictures i took in march when i was in georgia. i hope they are as inspiring to you as they are to me!












Look around you: Winter is over;
the winter rains are over, gone!
Spring flowers are in blossom all over.
The whole world's a choir—and singing!
Song of Solomon 2:10 (the Message)

Visual Update...

Sharon is now officially Mrs. Sharon Mendez! WOOOOO HOOOOO! Jason and Sharon were married on March 24, 2007. It was an awesome wedding.

Here are a few pictures from the wonderful day!

Incorruptible

This weekend it all came together...months of planning and praying. The BCM Ladies retreat was a success. Much thanks to Lauren, Tiffany, and Abby for all their hard work and help. Also to Christa Kirby for driving down to share what was on her heart. It was awesome. I think that all the girls had a great time. I know that I learned a lot, laughed a lot, and got to know so many new people. The t-shirts turned out awesome and we didn't run out of food. All-in-all it was great. Now that it has come and gone I'm a little sad. It went by so fast! But I guess that's life.

The semester is almost over. I'm going to be graduated....GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE...in two weeks. That's absolutely insane. CRAZY! Until then, I have a million things to do and of course not enough time...



Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

I do...want to...just not yet...

So apparently the thing to do now is get engaged. I have had 6 friends in the last few weeks get engaged.

Melissa, Lauren, Nick, Katherine, Jenn, and Leah, CONGRATULATIONS! I really am so happy and very excited for all of you...

...honestly though, I feel like I'm missing out on something. It's not that I want to be getting engaged, but I guess maybe I feel like I'm missing out on something really fun?! And sometimes I feel a little bit lonely...but not all the time! :)

Engagements lead to weddings and weddings = FUN! I'm looking forward to soon celebrating the end of Sharon and Jason's engagement and the wedding which will begin their new lives together! And then comes Jeremy and Laura's and little Sarah's!

So, yay for engagements and yay for weddings...

And I promise I won't feel sorry for myself when someone else gets engaged...but people, please give me a few months to recover and prepare myself! ;)

Anatomy

Today the athletic training program took a field trip to the Orlando Science Center. We went to see the "Our Bodies: The Universe Within" exhibit. It was absolutely incredible.

Check out: http://www.ourbodytheuniversewithin.com/

**you may want to view the website with caution...there are pictures of human bodies disected...this may make some people queasy**

I am in awe of the human body and how amazing it is. The whole time we were there I kept thinking about how cool God is for designing our bodies the way they are. The meticulous preparation of the specimens was impressive. Having worked with cadavers, I know that it is frustrating, tedious work. I applaud all those who took time to prepare this exhibit!

After the trip, most of the class went to work on putting together race bags for the Gate River Run. We have 12,000 to make and hopefully are more then half way done. Stuffing bags is hard work. I think I'm going to be sore from doing it! haha! I really enjoyed spending time with my classmates and getting to know them better. This is one of the first times I've really had to connect with them. I'm looking forward to this weekend because we're working at the Scottish Highland Games. It should be a very interesting weekend!!

loooooooove

happy valentine's day to all!

valentine's day is usually not a holiday i celebrate much, but this year has been different...

yesterday, ken sent us a dozen red roses!! beautiful!
my grandma gave me a card.
jami gave me a sweet card, chocolate flipz (yum!), and sassy red nail polish!

i feel very loved.

today is also my parent's 31st anniversary. i hope that one day i will find a husband who will make me so happy for 31+ years, like my dad has for my mom!

since i dont have a "special someone" today, i want all of my friends to know how much i love and appreciate them. i'm very blessed to have so many great friends! i wouldn't trade any of that for one silly boyfriend!! :)

have a great day!!

and always remember, we have access to the greatest love of all, a love that will endure forever!

FOREVER

It feels like I haven't done this in forever....

well, not too much is going on...well, I guess that's a lie....lots is going on

Last weekend I went to Cari and Chris's wedding. It was beautiful. This weekend is Sharon's bridal shower in Atlanta. Next weekend is BCM state conference in Orlando. During the week I am working, going to school, interning for my education minor, and doing athletic training stuff at Episcopal every weeknight. AnnE is still living with us...but not for too much longer. Her parents come next weekend.

The weeks have been flying by. I can't believe January is over and February quickly doing the same. Hopefully by next week I will have applied to graduate schools! YIKES! I'm not ready to grow up...but I guess it is going to happen whether I'm ready or not!

I'll try to post more consistently!! I pinky promise! :)

Full House

One of my favorite shows and soon-to-be the story of my life...

AnnE is moving in for a month, starting tomorrow! I'm so excited, but a little bit nervous!! Four girls, 3 rooms, 2 bathrooms. Definitely going to be very interesting around here! I can't wait though. We're going to have FUN!

Back to my favorite show...
I grew up watching Full House, thanks to my best friend Jenna. I don't think I missed an episode on TGIF. I lived for Friday night TV. And what ever happened to predictability? The milk man, the paper boy, evening TV? Sigh...those were the good ol' days.

As I type, I'm sitting on the couch watching Uncle Jesse and soon-to-be Aunt Becky plan their wedding...I should be cleaning up and getting ready for AnnE....

but just remember that...

Everywhere you look , everywhere you go
There's a heart
A hand to hold onto.

Everywhere you look , everywhere you go.
There's a face
Of somebody who needs you.

Eveywhere you look,
When you're lost out there and you're all alone,
A light is waiting to carry you home,
Everywhere you look.
Everywhere you look.

Holiday FUN!

WHEW!

It has been a busy few weeks. Right after exams, I worked softball winter camp. It was great. I love those kids! They're so much fun!! I got to be in charge of all the younger kids...wow! I had great help from Shippy, Katie, Jess, Christina, and Lauren. I hope that one day I'll be able to coach...

My next stop was home for a few hours and then off to Maine for a whole week. IT WAS INCREDIBLE! The weather was beautiful...mid-30s most of the time. We didn't get snow, but it didn't matter. We hiked and slept in and hung out with family. All of my dad's family flew in to be with our Gammy for Christmas. We had a blast!!

The third stop in my whirlwind break is Macon, GA for YEC...which is where I am currently blogging from. Amber, Becca, and I arrived at the hotel a little while ago, thankful we didn't have to drive up the morning of. I'm anticipating three jam packed days of merch and camera and friends and minimal sleep!! WOO HOO!

After YEC, we're heading up I-75 a few more miles to visit my Grandma in her new apartment. As I type, mom and dad are packing up her belongings and furniture and loading it in to a U-Haul. We'll go visit her for the day and help her unpack some before heading home.

Then it's New Years and then back to school. I think I'm going to need a vacation from my Christmas vacation!




One more thought- I am so thankful for my whole family and the time we got to spend together this Christmas. We all get so busy in life and rarely have a moment to spend together. They are so special and a tremendous blessing to me. I am also so thankful for the faith that binds us together. God is so good to me!

what a great day...

First of all, I had a final at 8 am. Its 38 degrees outside. I didn't get much sleep and felt very unprepared. The test was hard, probably didn't do too hot...

...then I go to the computer lab to pay my credit card bill on-line. Guess what! No money in my checking account. Wonderful. Even better, probably won't have money in it for a while...

Recap so far: freaking cold, failed final, no money...good morning, right?

Now I get to go have my leg looked at for the wound research I'm participating in. Usually not a problem, but today my leg hurts. I think one of the wounds is not cooperating. This is not going to be a fun time...

But...there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I get to go shopping with Lauren for a Bible for a French student! I might get my hair cut! I get to babysit Salvatore! and I'm going home for Cari's bridal shower!

Sorry for the crummy attitude, but the cold weather makes me very cranky! I'm trying hard to not be crabby all day! Writing this down is making me feel better already...

a visual

Here's a quick glance at a few of the things I've done, where I've been, and who I've been with!

Bert, Shannon, and Bill at the Snow Ball Dance!

(Dec. 1, 2006, Jacksonville, FL)

Trip to St. Augustine with the International Students!

(Nov. 4, 2006, FL)

Amber, Tabby, Teeter, and me!

(Nov. 25, 2006, Brentwood, TN)

Ford, me, Ruby, and Trevor (in the back)

everyone has kids now!!

(Nov. 23, 2006, Canton, GA)

Annual Chili Dinner at the Lowe's...

What a good lookin' crew!

(Nov. 24, 2006, Sandy Springs, GA)

hello old friend

Hi! It's me...remember me? I know I haven't posted in a long time and I apologize!

Things have continued to be crazy busy, but I guess that's how life is going to be....forever!

Here's a quick run through of what's been going on....

• Thanksgiving break trip to Canton, GA and Franklin, TN- got to see so much new family (baby Ford and baby Quinton!) and my dear friend Stephy!
• volunteering at the Snow Ball Dance (fun time for adults with special needs)- definitely the highlight of my month!
• preparing to run in the Festival of Lights 5K (tomorrow), and by preparing I mean just thinking about it because I haven't been running! :)
• had my leg "scraped" for a wound study my professor is doing
• Courtney and Tim's wedding in Miami- she was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen! (it makes me tear up just thinking about it!)
• got to spend time with Jenna and her mom! I miss them so much!
• saw friends I haven't seen in almost 10 years! Becca, Sara, Katie, Torri, Tyler, Jason- you guys are the best!
• Couch came to visit on Turkey day! YAY! (She had to though...the "above Macon rule" was in effect!)
• turned in a huge project for my Special Methods: secondary science class...lesson plans on a butterfly garden...life-changing!
• taking the GRE on Tuesday, Dec. 5th! AHHHHHH!

That's pretty much it. The semester is almost over. Life is just flying by! I hope to post more consistently soon....I hope...

so...

So here's the deal:

1. I'm sick of not having internet...but at the same time, loving it! There is some sort of freedom in not constantly checking my email or seeing who is on AIM...

2. I'm so excited about the new Bible study I'm going to with Lauren. We're studying Esther...and the girls are so cool!

3. Courtney and Amy are coming down this weekend for the Florida-Georgia game....WOO HOO! I cannot wait!

4. I've met some really cool people from church...that makes me excited! I really want to make more friends at Southpoint and get involved in the cool ways God is working through them...

5. I got to "work" for Starbucks on Saturday at the Race for the Cure... Man, that was intense...
First of all, we were up super early. Second, seeing so many people supporting such an amazing cause really made me think. Third, people freaking love Starbucks...especially free Starbucks! Borders doesn't get people that excited about their coffee :)

6. The volleyball team is doing really well. I'm enjoying continuing to get to know them and spending time with Stephanie and Shauna and Katie and Megan. They're such cool girls....

Alright, well I guess that is enough for now...it's getting late and I still have more homework to do...

Pray that I don't get overwhelmed as I begin looking for and contacting possible graduate schools...and I have to take me GRE soon...AHHH!!

until next time....

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

Ouch!

so...

yesterday i shot myself in the eye with a staple gun...

fyi: that hurts! i don't not recommend doing it, ever!

good news is my eye is ok...no visible damage at all...just a little sore...

just thought you all might like to know that!

Plush

UNBELIEVABLE!

that is how good Jacks Mannequin was tonight...
I have great, great love for Andrew McMahon.

The Hush Sound, Daphne Loves Derby, and Copeland were great too!

whew! I'm beat though...

...but don't you worry, there will be more about this later! I just wanted to officially post some of my excitement as soon as I could!! :)

until next time....

Jack Rabbits

Tonight was a great night...

I got to see Anberlin, up close and personal! It was a great concert...crowded, hot, loud, smoky! I mean, can it get any better then that? (and just for the record, I can't hear like normal...I hope this isn't permanent!)

I guess this is just the week of concerts for me. Thursday night I had the honor of seeing Paul Wright, Warren Barfield, and Shane and Shane...it was pretty much too amazing for words... and next week is the Copeland and Jacks Mannequin show! I'm SO pumped!!! Music makes me so very happy...

Some life updates...
1. People actually do read my blog! Thanks to all of you!! ;)
2. I still have no internet of my own...boo...Comcast is NOT "comcastic"
3. I get to take my first unsupervised road trip with the UNF volleyball team this week....we'll be at Kennesaw State Thurs-Fri and East Tennessee State on Sat
4. My cousin got married today--Congratulations Kevin and Jennifer!
5. Jami's 23rd birthday is Tuesday (I'm not sure how I feel about my friends and I approaching our mid-twenties....sheesh...)
6. GRE?! GRAD SCHOOL!? HELP!!
7. As much as I love people reading my blog, I love reading theirs more!! Matt, Criddy, Harrison, Stephanie, Ginger, Jason, Auny, Brock, Jess, Anthony and Sharon-- thanks for the insight, entertainment, inspiration, and laughs!!

Good night, my friends!!


"A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook." Proverbs 18:4
--A special thanks to those of you who speak words of wisdom into my life and others. It means a lot!

shout out!

This blog goes out to Christy Davis...this one's for you, Criddy! :)

I apologize to those of you...all 3 or 4...who read my blog...for the long time between posts. I have tremendous internet problems en mi casa. I currently do not have the internet at all, making life most interesting...

Hopefully all my internet woes will be resolved as of Tuesday, between 8 and 11 am, when Mr. Comcast comes to fix things...

...until then, posts shall continue to be sporadic and dull...boooo

RANDOM!

Ok, so I was in the bookstore at school today and saw the craziest thing ever...

...a dangly belly button ring with the UNF logo attached to it!

Seriously, who would buy that?!? It was the ugliest thing I've ever seen...not to mention tacky...and, did I say ugly? I guess that's good ol' UNF for you...


Today I traced a banner for BCM with Lucas. Man, my arms got really tired. We thumb tacked the fabric onto the wall and then projected the logo with an overhead projector. I'm really excited about it. The next step is painting it. Hopefully I won't mess it up!!

Tonight was the season premiere of "Dancing With the Stars!" Shippy came over to watch it with Jami, Amber, and me. It was GREAT! Maybe one day I'll learn how to dance...

More exciting news...Jami purchased season 2 of Grey's Anatomy. We have some catching up to do before it premieres next week!

So in between good new tv shows, banner making, and ugly belly button rings, I'm staying super busy with school. Classes are pretty tough...tons of reading...lots of projects...many many hours in the training room...

I guess I better get going...quizzes to study for...behavioral disorders to understand...and a good night's sleep to get....


"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

BUSY BEE!

School is SO time consuming...sheesh...it never leaves me any time to blog! Also my internet is currently not working...I never realized how much I use it...and of course, all my classes this semester use a system called BlackBoard, which has to be accessed via the internet...

Here's a quick update:
-working with the volleyball team everyday...still loving it! the girls are really cool
-taking lots of education classes...they're really tough...lots of reading and writing lesson plans
-doing a lot with BCM...this is new for me...I used to not have much time, but I'm starting to like being involved with "the Grove"
-I did pilates for the first time...hurts a little to bend over and to lift my legs!
-I got to see Brock, Auny, and Stephy last week...I wish Nashville and Jacksonville were closer together...
-Sharon and Jason are engaged!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!

That is about all I can think of right now....my internet should be up and running again tomorrow, which hopefully means I'll post more often!

"Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of things unseen." Hebrews 11:1

Here you go, Court!

As requested, here are some pictures!!


This is me at the beach...illegally sitting in the lifeguard stand!














Me and Amber our last night of SuperWOW.

Back-to-School Blues

So long sweet summer...

Even though school doesn't start until the 28th, it feels like summer is already over. I just got an email from a professor. This semester is going to be rough...

There is so much I have to do and I'm sure not enough time to do it!

finish my independent study...be at volleyball practices and games...study for and take the GRE...finish my proficiencies...find out about and apply to grad schools...go to a million weddings...

whew! It makes me tired just typing it all. Even though I have so much to do, I have to keep a few things in mind...

1. God is God and I am not. Meaning, that I am not all-powerful, wise, perfect, and true.
I MUST remember that.

2. He has a purpose and a plan for my life...Jeremiah 29:11

3. It is ok to not understand and I don't always have to have all the answers...Isaiah 555:8-9

4. RELAX

5. Don't procrastinate!

As much as I'm dreading the start of a new semester, I know that it is the beginning of the end- my last year of college! What I do this year will dictate where I go and what happens next year...there are important decisions to be made...and as scary as that is, it makes me a little excited!

So here is good bye to a great summer and hello to a new beginnings!



"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Update

As I cannot sleep again, I will do a brief recap of the week:

• preseason volleyball = 2 practices aday...we'll just say I'm logging in lots of clinical hours before the semester even starts...(but my CI and the girls are great; so far so good!)
• photo shoot...I bet you guys didn't know I was a model! SHOCKER! (don't really believe that because I'm not one, but I will be appearing in a brochure for UNF)
• CPR and first aid recerticication...can't wait to get my new card!
• doctor's appointment concerning my knee = it's healing great! I can even start jogging! WOO HOO!
• my brake lights are not working...boo...but I am getting to practice my hand signals
• I start back to work at Borders on Monday...actually looking forward to that!
• I FINALLY ordered tickets to see Jacks Mannequin and Copeland...so pumped about that!
• bought new shoes! faux Vans from Target...black with white starts...LOVE them!

That's all the exciting (and by exciting I mean mundane) things I did this week...

There is more I'd like to talk about, but I'm starting to get sleepy! YAY!

Just a little verse to express my happieness at being released to run...

"I RUN in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." Psalm 119:32

Halleluia!

JUST A liddle LIST

Things I currently L-O-V-E:

1. people reading and COMMENTING on my blog! wooo (Hooty) hoo!
2. being back at school?! (sorta...)
3. my big girl bed
4. getting flowers from people that mean a lot to me
5. red jumpsuit apparatus
6. pretzel crisps! YUM!
7. my tattoo
8. the X games (I wish they last longer then just a weekend...what a bummer....)
9. HANK! (the moose and Court's new puppy!)
10. Manford the Manatee and the cute old man, Joe, who wrote the book!



"This is the day the Lord has made; let us REJOICE and be glad in it." Psalm 119: 24

ZzzzZzzzZzzz

do you ever just lie in bed, wishing you could go to sleep?

thoughts running through your brain, one after the other after the other...

why? why? why?

this is new for me. i usually have no trouble sleeping...

and i don't like this at all.

i can now sympathize with those people on the sleep medicine commercials...

not being able to fall asleep = no fun!

and it seems that these bouts of insomnia come at the most inopportune times!

here is my current thought...thanks to my dear friend cindy...
"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me." Psalm 3:5

good night to you...

...and hopefully soon for me...

It's been a while...

Summer has come and is almost gone since my last post.

Here is a brief synopsis of where I've been and what I've done:
Impact = INCREDIBLE!
SuperWOW, amazing!
Ft. Walton: fun, sun, Skit Guys, and quality time with the Couch's!
Softball camps- always a good time!
Redecorated my room (big girl bed- YAY! and freshly painted walls)!
Knee surgery, not so fun...

I've lived, learned, loved, and laughed my way through the past few months. I'm looking forward to what the new school year brings- anxiously anticipating the Lord to move in mighty ways!

I will do my best to post more regularly! :)


(PS- I LOVE Shark Week on the Discovery Channel!)






"I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." Psalm 119:32