Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Christmas Makes Me Cry

I just realized how many of my blogs are inspired while I am sitting in traffic listening the radio. I guess that makes sense considering how long I do sit in traffic every week. It does give me time to think and contemplate life, and for that, I am thankful.

At Christmas, they are always stories on the radio about soldiers that are away from their families, people stricken with illnesses, and people who have suffered such tragedies in their lives. They get me every time. I used to pride myself on not being on of those girls that cries at the drop of a hat. Well, I guess those days are gone because I find myself sitting in my car crying my eyes out for someone I hurt for, even though I don't know them. Then I cry harder when someone, out of the spirit of the season, makes a wish come true for one of those families. I even make myself cry sometimes when I hear a song that reminds me of my family that will be celebrating Christmas in Heaven instead of here with me. (This year will be my first Christmas without my sweet Olivia.) Conveniently, there is a song that portrays my exact feelings. I guess I'm not the only one who gets overwhelmed by emotions at Christmas.

Mandisa and Matthew West

I think of loved ones who've passed away
And I pray they're resting in a better place
I think of memories of years gone by
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry


I think of soldiers across the sea
Sometimes I wonder why it's them instead of me
But for my freedom they give their lives
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry


Tears of faithfulness, tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry


I think of family, I think of home
And say a prayer for those who spend this time alone
'Cause love can reach out into a silent night
And that's why Christmas makes me cry


Tears of faithfulness, tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry


I think of Mary and the virgin birth
And I'm amazed by how much God thinks we are worth
That He would send His only Son to die
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry


Tears of faithfulness and tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me
Oh, sometimes Christmas makes me

Christmas makes me cry
Olivia Christmas Eve 2009

Sunday, December 19, 2010

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

The moment the castle lit up in Christmas lights, I almost cried.

Breakfast at the Grand Floridian
Epcot at sunset
A dream finally came true last week: I got to celebrate my birthday in Disney World! Yes, I am 25 going on 6. It was absolutely magical to see Disney decorated for my favorite holiday. It is not a week I will forget anytime soon.
Gingerbread House in the Grand Floridian
Epcot's huge tree
Favorite moment of the trip: Stitch trying to go home with me

Osbourne Lights in Hollywood Studios

At Animal Kingdom with Pluto


Stitch is cute enough to eat!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

All I Really Want

It's December. I can't believe it! I seems like it was just Christmas, and here it is sneaking up on me again. It's the time of year when we are supposed to consider how blessed we are while celebrating the birth of baby Jesus. It's really easy to get wrapped up in everything going on...buying presents, parties, decorating, and all that, and forget about the simple everyday blessings we take for granted.

I had a moment on the way home from work the other day. I was sitting in traffic. It had been a long day, and I was really tired. I was getting impatient and just wanted to get home. Listening to my favorite radio station, 104.7, I heard a Christmas song that made me really sad.

Steven Curtis Chapman

Well I don’t know if you remember me or not
I’m one of the kids they brought in from the home
I was the red-haired boy in an old green flannel shirt
You may not have seen me – I was standing off alone
I didn’t come and talk to you, ‘cause that’s never worked before
And you’ll prob’ly never see this letter anyway
But just in case there’s something you can do to help me out
I’ll ask you one more time

All I really want for Christmas
Is someone to tuck me in
A shoulder to cry on if I lose
Shoulders to ride on if I win
There’s so much I could ask for
But there’s just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas is a family

Well I guess I should go ahead and tell you now
If it’s really true about that list you have
Somehow I always seem to end up in a fight
But I’m really trying hard not to be bad
But maybe if I had a brother or a dad to wrestle with
Well, maybe they could teach me how to get along
And from everything I’ve heard
Sounds like the greatest gift on earth would be a mom

All I really want for Christmas
Is someone to tuck me in
A shoulder to cry on if I lose
Shoulders to ride on if I win
There’s so much I could ask for
But there’s just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas

Is someone who’ll be there
To sing me “Happy Birthday”
For the next 100 years
And it’s OK if they’re not perfect
Well, even if they’re a little broken, that’s alright
‘Cause so am I

Well, I guess I should go
It’s almost time for bed
And maybe next time I write you
I’ll be at home

‘Cause all I really want for Christmas
Is someone to tuck me in
Tell me I’ll never be alone
Someone whose love will never end
Of all that I could ask for
Well, there’s just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas
All I really want for Christmas is a family

Just a family

That’s all I really need

I can sympathize with the little boy in this song. All I really need for Christmas is to be with my family. We're not perfect. We're a little broken, and that's alright. Sure there are material things I would love to see under the tree, but what I treasure most this time of year is the special time spent with the ones I love. I am so blessed to have a family that loves me. All the children, without families to tuck them in on Christmas, are in my prayers.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thankful

Sitting here watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in my pajamas, as I have every year since I was little. The house smells like turkey and fresh baked bread. The sun is shining, and all the damp leaves are twinkling on the ground. I am inspired and thinking about how thankful I am for so many things. I thought I should share the things that come to mind first.
  • I am thankful for my parents and the home they allow me to share with them. (I'm pretty thankful that Mom is cooking right now too 'cause I'm getting hungry!)
  • I am thankful for my jobs, as busy as they keep me. I would also like to note that I am VERY thankful that neither of these jobs are in retail, as i see the commercial advertising the crazy hours that stores are opening today and tomorrow. 
  • I am thankful for my new puppy, Stitch, even though she is barking through the entire parade. I miss Olivia everyday, but I am thankful to have adopted a baby girl that needs a family to love her. 
  • I am thankful for my friends and all the experiences that I have been blessed to share with them.
One of my favorite floats in the parade









I love Thanksgiving! I know Thanksgiving in our culture marks the beginning of Christmas. I like to stop and actually enjoy Thanksgiving for what it is before moving on to the next holiday. Thanksgiving, to me, is a day to stay home with my family, watch the parade, eat too much delicious food, play games, watch movies, lay in the floor and look at all the Black Friday sale papers, play with the puppy, and take a nap in there somewhere. Also, today is a day to be thankful for my freedom and the blessings that God has given me. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving wherever you are. Just want you to know that I am thankful to you...for reading my blog. Happy Turkey Day!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Ch-Ch-Changes

My life has been full of those lately. By lately, I mean pretty much since my blogging fell off the face of the web. There have been good changes and bad, happy and sad, some that make me joyful and some that make me mad. Ok, enough of that.

One change in my life, which my blog has greatly suffered from, is my lack of free time. I have now semi-entered the "big girl world" with a new job. This happened a couple months ago when I was hired as a part-time Administrative Assistant. I don't care if those are supposed to be capital letters or not. I like it that way. It makes me feel important, which I have kinda proven myself to be. This isn't me getting a big head. This is me hearing how much I am missed on the days I am not in the office, even with my short tenure. Where am I when I'm not in the office you ask? I am at my other job, which I had before the corporate job opportunity popped up. While there has been talk of a new full-time position at the office, the budget does not currently allow for this. So, I'm kiddie world at least 4 days a week, AND I am in the corporate world at least 4 days a week. I work 5 days a week though, and most days I work both jobs. Between the two jobs I'm wondering when my overtime pay check will roll in.

Work, eat, work, sleep, rinse, and repeat. TGIF didn't really mean much to me until now. Don't get me wrong, I do love both jobs. Really! I do also love sleep. Oh, how I miss my afternoon naps. Speaking of sleep, that's what I should be doing right now. The other ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (sorry, couldn't help myself) will have to wait for another time.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Through the Fire

 "Through the Fire"

So many times I've questioned certain circumstances,
And things I could not understand.
And many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision;
That's when my frustration gets so out of hand.
It's then I am reminded: that I've never been forsaken,
I've never had to stand one test alone.
When I look at all my victories,
And the spirit rises up in me,
And it's through the fire my weakness is made strong!

He never promised that the cross would not get heavy,
And the hill would not be hard to climb.
He never offered our victories without fighting,
But He said help would always come in time.
So just remember, when you're standing in the valley of decision
And the adversary says "give in",
Just hold on, My Lord will show up
And He will take you through the fire again! 

I know within myself that I would surely perish
But if I trust the mighty hand of God,
He'll shield the flames again, again.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Bring On the Rain

Ya ever have one of those days? Of course you do! Everyone does or there wouldn't be songs about it. Forgive me for not being a happy-go-lucky optimist today 'cause I'm just having one of those days. And it's Monday. And it's raining. Normally I love rainy days, however, when I'm already have a rough day, it seems to just add to it. Oh well. As the song says, tomorrow is another day, so bring on the rain.
"Bring On the Rain"
Jo Dee Messina featuring Tim McGraw

Another day has almost come and gone
Can't imagine what else could wrong
Sometimes I'd like to hide away somewhere and lock the door
A single battle lost but not the war 'cause
 
Tomorrow's another day
And I'm thirsty anyway
So bring on the rain

It's almost like the hard times circle 'round
A couple drops and they all start coming down
Yeah, I might feel defeated,
I might hang my head
I might be barely breathing, but I'm not dead

Tomorrow's another day
And I'm thirsty anyway
So bring on the rain

I'm not gonna let it get me down
I'm not gonna cry
And I'm not gonna lose any sleep tonight

Bring on the rain

I'm not gonna let it get me down
I'm not gonna cry
And I'm not gonna lose any sleep tonight

Bring on the rain
Best part about a rainy day? You get to wear cute rain boots! (I want the white ones!)

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Crazy Dreams

Fail. It is Tuesday, and I usually figure out my song of the week on Monday. I have a good excuse though. Really. My good friend, Savannah, left for China on Friday for at least a year. I got an email from her last night, so instead of posting a song at nearly midnight like I usually do, I wrote her back. Provided the situation, I figure this week's song should be inspired by her. 
Savannah's last night in the USA
I am really in awe of Savannah. It was her dream to go to China for a year and teach English. She didn't give up until she made it happen. I don't know that I'm that brave - to pick my life and move to a foreign country where I don't know anyone, leaving my family, friends, and everything I am familiar with behind, not speaking the native language. When Savannah told us (our close group of friends) that she wanted to move to China, we all thought it was just crazy. We couldn't wrap our minds around her dream. I am truly happy for her that she has the opportunity to pursue it, but of course I miss her. (Savannah is writing a blog about her experience in China. Once she gets it set up, I'll link you to it!) I'm still trying to figure out my dreams and how to get there. If Savannah can do it, I can too. Thank God even crazy dreams come true! 

"Crazy Dreams"
Carrie Underwood

Hello you long-shots, you dark horse runners,
Hair brush singers, dash-board drummers,
Hello you wild magnolias, just waiting to bloom.
There's a little bit of all that inside of me and you,
Thank God even crazy dreams come true.

I've stood at the bottom of some walls
I thought I couldn't climb.
I felt like Cinderella at the ball, just running out of time.
So I know how it feels to be afraid, 
and think that it's all gonna slip away
Hold on, Hold on.

Here's to you free souls, you fire-fly chasers.
Tree climbers, porch swingers, air guitar players.
Here's to you fearless dancers,
shaking walls in your bedrooms
There's a lot of wonder left inside of me and you,
Thank God even crazy dreams come true.

Never let a bad day be enough, 
to go and talk you into giving up.
Sometimes everybody feels like you.

I've met some go-getters, some difference makers.
Small town heros, and big chance takers.
I've met some young hearts with something to prove.

Here's to you long-shots, you dark horse runners
Hair brush singers, dash-board drummers
Here's to you wild magnolias, just waiting to bloom.
There's a little bit of all that inside of me and you.

Thank God even crazy dreams come true.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Some Beach

This week has been a loooooong one. Being sick makes the days drag on forever. I was somewhat sick last week, but it has most definitely gotten worse. I've been fighting some serious cold/sinus symptoms for a week and a half. This morning I woke up with swollen glands in my throat. Definitely not fun, and decided it was time to see a doctor. In addition to my being sick, I have started to ache for a vacation. Maybe being pretty much trapped in the house has done me in. I want to be somewhere warm and pretty without all this pain and congestion. Oh, some beach...somewhere...would be wonderful. Sadly, I don't foresee myself making it to the beach anytime soon, but I do hope to see Blake Shelton very soon...hence, how perfect this song of the week is!

"Some Beach"
Blake Shelton

Driving down the interstate
Running thirty minutes late
Singin' Margaritaville and minding my own
Some foreign car drivin' dude with the road rage attitude
Pulled up beside me talkin' on his cell phone
He started yelling at me like I did something wrong
He flipped me the bird an' then he was gone

Some beach
Somewhere
There's a big umbrella casting shade over an empty chair
Palm trees are growin' and a warm breezes a blowing
I picture myself right there
On Some beach, somewhere

I circled the parkin' lot, tryin' to find a spot
Just big enough I could park my old truck
A man with a big cigar was getting into his car
I stopped and I waited for him to back up
From out of no where a Mercedes Benz
Came cruisin' up and whipped right in

Some beach
Somewhere
There's no where to go when you got all day to get there
There's cold margaritas and hot Senoritas smiling with long dark hair
On some beach
Somewhere

I sat in that waiting room
It seemed like all afternoon
The nurse finally said doc's ready for you
you're not gonna feel a thing we'll give you some novicane
That tooth will be fine in a minute or two
But he stuck that needle down deep in my gum
And he started drillin' before I was numb

Some beach
Somewhere
There's a beautiful sunset burning up the atmosphere
There's music and dancing and lovers romancing
In the salty evening air
On some beach
Somewhere
On some beach, somewhere
South Beach (Martha's Vineyard)

Monday, September 6, 2010

laugh even when you want to cry

This week's song is an inspiring country song about life by one of my favorites, Martina McBride, from her newest album. It is definitely worth downloading! Life is absolutely like a roller coaster ride. I do love roller coasters, but being stuck on one for a long time would probably get old. I guess that's why we just have to hold on tight...and ride. 

"Ride"
Martina McBride

You wake up from your dreamin' and you don't want to face the day
You can't find a reason to think your world will ever change
You can hide beneath the covers
Or you can run outside, head up high and carry on

Life is a roller coaster ride
Time turns the wheel and love collides
Faith is believing you can close your eyes and touch the sky
Shine while you have the chance to shine
Laugh even when you want to cry
Hold on tight to what you feel inside and ride

It brings you up slowly then shoots you like a rocket towards the ground
It twists you and it shakes you before it turns you upside down
You can't see what's around the corner
And you can't look back, so just live it up and feel the rush

Life is a roller coaster ride
Time turns the wheel and love collides
Faith is believing you can close your eyes and touch the sky
So shine while you have the chance to shine
Laugh even when you want to cry
Hold on tight to what you feel inside and ride

Oh yeah, shine while you have the chance to shine
Laugh even when you want to cry
Hold on tight to what you feel inside and ride

Monday, August 30, 2010

Introducing...The Song of the Week

It just occurred to me that I should have a song of the week every week. In case you haven't noticed by now, music has a profound effect on my day to day life. I could probably have a 'Song of the Day,' but I won't overwhelm either one of us. Anyways, the song I pick every week will be one that has expresses my  current feelings, has inspired me, or just brought a smile to my face. So, check out the lyrics to get some insight on where I am coming from this week. (I also think you should head over to iTunes and download the song for yourself!) This week: a little Christian rock from a rockin' Christian.

 "I Will Not Be Moved"
Natalie Grant

I have been the wayward child
I have acted out
I have questioned Sovereignty
And had my share of doubt
And though sometimes my prayers feel like
They're bouncing off the sky
The hand I hold won't let me go
And is the reason why...

I will stumble
I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes
I will face heartache
But I will not be moved
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
I will not be moved

Bitterness has plagued my heart

Many times before
My life has been like broken glass
And I have kept the score
Of all my shattered dreams and though it seemed
That I was far too gone
My brokenness helped me to see
It's grace I'm standing on
And the chaos in my life
Has been a badge I've worn
Though I have been torn
I will not be moved

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Eat Pray Love

I just got home from having a girl's night with Shannon. We saw the movie Eat Pray Love, and I loved it! (There are very few movies Julia Roberts has done that I don't love.) I am really anxious to read the book now! It's one of those movies that makes you think. Not thinking in terms of trying to figure out the movie, but it made me think about the spiritual and romantic relationships in my life.

In the movie (based on a true story), Liz (played by Julia Roberts) travels to Italy, India, and Bali, basically trying to find herself. She eats, prays, and loves along the way. She has been through some tough times in her relationships with men, and she feels that she loses herself every time she falls in love. I can completely relate to this since I know I have lost myself in some of my relationships. Liz's trouble was that she hadn't spent much of her life as a single woman, so she didn't know how to find that balance. I, though, have spent some significant time being single and learning about myself.

As much as I do enjoy being in a relationship, not being in one for a while has made me realize how important that time to "find yourself" is. Liz got married before she had that opportunity, and her marriage ended as a result. It now makes sense to me why so many people say not to get married too young. I know I'm not the same person I was even a couple years ago. I used to think I was ready for marriage then, but I can now appreciate that I was not. This movie made me realize that my life was not as balanced as it is now. In Liz's quest to find balance in her life, she learns that life isn't always balanced...
"Sometimes losing your balance for love is part of living a balanced life."
Eat Pray Love

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Sweet Commerical



Funny how the simplest thing can be so romantic.

That, and I love Sharpies.

Friday, August 6, 2010

A Summer Wedding

While the island was one highlight of my summer, it has not been the only one. What is summertime without a wedding? I know I am way behind on posting this because the wedding actually happened before I even went to Martha's Vineyard. Anyways, better late than never! 

I had the honor of being a bridesmaid for the first time this summer for my good friends Tara and Jake. It was a beautiful wedding, and I really enjoyed being a part of their special day. Now for some pictures...

Rehearsal dinner with the bride and Maid of Honor

My beautiful bouquet

The first dance as husband and wife

Shannon & me

Me, Tara, & Shannon













































Leaving the reception
Just Married

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Friday, June 25, 2010

Parasailing

Parasailing is something I have always wanted to do therefore it is on my bucket list. The other day while walking along the beach I saw someone parasailing. It all the sudden occurred to me that it was a water sport offered on the island. I figured what better place to parasail then beautiful Martha’s Vineyard?! I then made a reservation for my parasailing adventure, which seemed to make Shannon, her parents, and my parents a little nervous. I didn’t get nervous until stepping onto the boat this afternoon.

I learned that the most nerve-racking part of parasailing is right before you take off since you have no idea what to expect. Also, signing the paper that says I assume all risk of death or injury is bold, capital letters might have had something to do with it too. I was surprised at how simple it was, as the two guys running the activity strapped me up and took off. I suppose I was expecting some kind of instruction or safety precautions. Once the boat was out in the water, they called for me to come to the back of the boat.

I was wearing a lifejacket and some sort of contraption that had to be stepped into with  seatbelt-like bands going around my backside. I was told to sit, and when I questioned, I was assured that the makeshift seat would hold me. This seat contraption simply hooks to the parachute thingy with two little metal clips. (I didn’t realize that was all there was to it until I was dangling over the Atlantic Ocean.) Once clipped, the parachute opened, and I was jerked off the back of the boat, into the water, and up into the sky. With the unexpected jerk, of course, I screamed, but once I made my way up I was able to loosen my death grip on the straps connecting me to the parachute. Every time the boat hit a wave, I felt a slight tug. In general though, I felt safe flying high above the water. It was incredibly fun (and cold) being dipped in the water and then floating back up in the air.

The view was breathtaking looking down and around at all the water sparkling in the sun. The beach, houses, cars, boats, and people all looked like a miniature display of Martha’s Vineyard you might see in a museum. It was…amazing. I wish I had pictures of the view, but that will exist only in my memory since I didn’t want to risk dropping a camera. I will, however, always have pictures of the view of me from the boat. 

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Life is Good

I love Martha’s Vineyard. I cannot get over how beautiful the island is from the ocean to the flowers to the homes. I feel so blessed to be here taking it all in. I love laying on my bed watching the boats pull in and out of the harbor. 
 
I would not change a thing about the island, well, maybe just one little thing…the lack of air conditioning. Sitting here in my little bedroom takes me back to memories of summer camp of my pre-teen years…here on my twin bed, window open, with a small electric fan blowing in my face. Of course, now I have a laptop instead of a journal, and I can simply call or email my parents instead of writing letters. I can even post pictures I have taken online before I even get home without anxiously awaiting for film to develop. The only relief on the warm days is the breeze across the porch. This is one Southern aspect that I love about the homes on Martha’s Vineyard. The cottages and houses alike have porches lined with rocking chairs, and people congregate to relax or enjoy conversation with neighbors or passerby.
Today was a particularly warm day here on the island, and I had about all I could take of the heat at the cottage this evening. I decided to go for a walk hoping the occasionally breeze would cool me down. I followed the sidewalk a short distance away from the cottage and took a seat on a bench by the ocean. I cannot express how much I love the ocean. I love the way it sounds and how alluring it is. I could just sit for hours and not grow tired of it. Once the sun started it’s decent, I walked around to the harbor to watch it set…absolutely breathtaking. It’s in those moments especially that I feel God’s presence as I stand in awe of His creation. 

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Vineyard Time

The second day of the trip took us through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Conneticut, and Rhode Island. My favorite part of day two was eating lunch at Mystic Pizza. Yes, it is the actual restaurant from the movie located in Mystic, Conneticut. Mystic is an adorable little town that was exactly how I pictured New England…sail boats in the water, streets lined with boutiques, and houses resembling doll houses.


Today is the third day of my New England adventure. It has been a very long day since getting up at 5:30am and traveling from Rhode Island to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Martha’s Vineyard further exemplifies the picture perfect New England atmosphere. It is surreal to me to be here seeing sights that I could only imagine on postcards or paintings. I love the ocean. It is so beautiful and peaceful.



I wish I could write more, but it has been a long day full of beauty and adventure, and tomorrow ensures that more is to come. I am on Vineyard Time now, and it is time to sleep.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

There's an App for That

Today is the first day of my road trip with my bestie and her family to New England. We have driven through Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and finally Pennsylvania. I was really surprised by how beautiful the scenery is along the Appalachian Trail. I thought the trees and mountains in Georgia were amazing, but it gets better. Virginia will now be added to the list of states I would be ok with living in, joining Georgia (cause that's where my peeps are) and Tennessee (cause it's the home of country music). I like Virginia because of all the trees, mountains, and farmland. (I have always wanted to have my own farm full of animals.) Virginia's main advantage over Georgia...not so much dang humidity!

Since we were trying to make such a long journey in one day, we didn't make too many stops. I took some pictures from the car, but they don't do the view justice.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Over the Rainbow

I love Glee, and I love this song. This is one of my all-time favorite Glee performances, especially since it is performed by the two most beautiful men on Glee.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Swimsuits vs Men

Driving home from the mall today after buying a new swimsuit (or two), I had an epiphany. Shopping for a swimsuit and dating (aka shopping for a man) are just alike. Trying to find the perfect one is stressful, time consuming, and sometimes painful. You can go to all the right places, but still not find one. You find one that looks good, but doesn’t fit right…or the other way around (haha). Some of them are so cute, but those never fit how you want them to. First impressions are deceiving as things aren’t always what they seem upon further examination. It’s not until you’ve tried it out for a while that you see it wasn’t the right one after all. Sometimes you try to make it fit despite the flaws, but that doesn’t work out in the long run. Sometimes you like more than one and you can't decide on one. Some make you happy. Some make you feel beautiful or sexy. Some make you feel invincible. Some make you cry. Some cause you to go broke. Some make you feel bad about yourself. Some confuse you. Some don't make any sense. Some make you feel like you can’t breathe. Some make you regret ever trying. Sometimes they just disappear, and sometimes you can’t get rid of them. Sometimes the stress of it all just gets to you, and you wanna give up all together.

All the shopping adds up to experience though. It helps you realize what works for you and what you won’t settle for. You may even be inspired to work on yourself more before giving it another try. You have to be patient, and try not to be so hard on yourself if it doesn’t work out the way you thought it would. It’s not always your fault, and you’re not always going to understand why it doesn’t work out.

Once in a (very long) while you find one that looks good, makes you feel good, fits you, and then it happens...you fall in love. It’s like it was meant to be. Still, you may hesitate because making such an investment should not be taken lightly. With love and tender care, it can last a long time. You just have to jump in, and hope for the best!

Saturday, May 29, 2010

The Love of My Life

Olivia was born April 14, 1997, and she came into my life that November. She is THE best gift I have ever received, being that she was an early Christmas present from my parents. I had asked for a dog every year that I can remember. Finally when I was 12, I got what I asked for. She will always and forever be my little baby.

I can imagine a piece of what the unconditional, powerful love a parent has for their child feels like. Even though Olivia is “just a dog,” I love her with all my heart, would do anything for her, and love every moment of being with her. Of course we have times that we get on each other’s nerves, mainly when we are trying to share the bed at night, but I can never give her enough kisses! Probably like most children that she thinks that I can, but she lets me anyways. Whether it has been 2 hours or 2 weeks, we miss each other like crazy. There is nothing like coming home to a sweet puppy overcome with excitement just because you are home. I know raising children and dogs have similarities, but for the most part are immensely different. However, I think the benefit of dogs over children is that they never outgrow you. They always want to be cuddled and kissed no matter who is watching.

Olivia does the cutest, sweetest little things, and she brings me such joy. Now, at risk of sounding like a bragging mother, here come the pictures and stories that you would just smile and nod about if you were to hear them in person. Here are just a few for now, but of course there are thousands more.

Olivia loves to sleep in “The Big Girl Bed.” She has two doggie beds of her own, one in the den and one in my room, but her favorite bed is of course, my bed. My parents started calling it “The Big Girl Bed” several years ago, and Olivia knows exactly what it means. She even has her own flight of doggie stairs, so she can climb up on the bed all by herself. Her favorite spot in the bed…right smack in the center. Don’t try moving her unless you want to be growled at, hence why we tend to get on each other’s nerves at night. Although, we do like to cuddle sometimes too.


Olivia never ceases to amaze me with her personality or intelligence. One of her favorite things to do is play “The Game” as we call it. She eats two meals a day, and once you set her bowl in front of her, it begins. She looks at whoever is around and wags her tail. She waits for someone to attempt to get her food, and when they do, she growls and barks all the while waging her tail a million times an hour. She absolutely loves it when someone walks up to her and says “I’m gonna get it!” My mom actually created the little monster one time when Olivia was sick. Mom wanted to make Olivia interested in her food, so she pretended to take it away. Now Olivia won’t eat without playing “The Game” first.

Olivia loves to wear clothes. Most people think that dressing dogs up is cruel, but they have not met Olivia. She has about as many outfits as I do, and they are kept in a container under my bed. She wags her tail when she sees it. She is never forced to wear anything she doesn’t want to, (well, with the exception of her onesie…she hates it, but I love it!) and believe me, if she doesn’t want to wear it, you won’t be able to get it on her! When it’s an outfit she wants to wear, she’ll sometimes stick her foot in or her head in before I can put it on her myself. She just wags her tail, and she loves to be complimented on how pretty she looks. Such a little girly-girl!



Friday, May 28, 2010

Still Waiting

Wait for…
the one who will be your best friend.
the one who will drop everything to be with you.
the one who makes you smile like no other, and when they smile you know they need you.
the one who wants to show you off when you are in sweats and have no makeup on, but appreciates it when you get all dolled up for him.
the one who will put you at the center of of his universe, because obviously, he's at the center of yours.


It's hard to wait around for something you know may never happen, but it's even harder when you know it's everything you ever wanted.
- Unknown

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Anyway

I love music. I love how it can make me feel happy, encouraged, sometimes sad, and even understood. It lets me know that I'm not the only one to ever feel this way because someone sat down and wrote a song about it once upon a time. They went through the same struggles, and they lived to sing about it. A lot of times in life I'm left wondering why everything happens the way it does. I feel helpless, hurt, and alone. I feel like I shouldn't have believed that things could change, loved so much, or even dreamed that something was possible. Things don't always turn out how I hope they will, but I will keep singing, dreaming, and loving anyway because...

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
- Philippians 4:13


Anyway
Sung by Martina McBride

You can spend your whole life building
Something from nothing
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You can chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

This world's gone crazy
It's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all your heart
For all the right reasons
In a moment they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway


God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

You can pour your soul out singing
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway

I sing...I dream...I love...anyway

Sunday, May 9, 2010

I Heart Mom





Happy Mother's Day to my momma and best friend! I don't know what I would do without you. I love you!