Chasing Paper Stars

A milestone marking a goodbye

2011-10-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what you can learn in five years! It's just as amazing how fast five years can fly by!

When I started my blog in October of 2006, I had no idea the impact it would make in some people's lives... I also had no idea the impact it would make on me as I looked back over my years of growth, adventure, heart break, new beginnings, transitions and much, much more. You see, I started this blog mainly so my family could keep up with my life while I lived in Nashville. Being 12 hours away from home was something completely new for me and I thought my parents would enjoy seeing & reading my life instead of getting a few 15 minute phone calls here and there. It was a way for me to share pictures, stories and life without racking up an insanely high phone bill each month. Well, it was a success :)

I've been reading back over the stories and the moments, and it's been so crazy to see this timeline unfold in words and pictures. Like, how on December 24, 2006 I talk about the stars... how bright the sky is at my parent's and I can really remember that night and that feeling. It's like the happiness jumps right off the screen.

And then there was May 2009, when Brock and Auny took me on a cruise to Coco Cay, Bahamas! The pictures from that post are unbelievable. The whole trip was amazing and I honestly can't think of a better way to spend the first week of May :)

I could seriously bring up several posts and memories from the past five years, but I'm not because that's why I have blog that shows them to me (and you) within a few clicks!

Now, you're probably wondering 'what is the point of this blog post' and I promise I'm getting to it. See, I love looking back and reading the stories. It's awesome to see the changes, good and bad, that have occurred in my life. I've enjoyed all the comments and sweets encouragement that my followers have posted over the years... It's made blogging worth it. But, there comes a time for change and this is one of those times.

For the ones that have kept up with my blog all these years, you know that my posts have become sparse and I haven't had (made) the time to write the way I used to. It's been difficult to write... I mean, it's been difficult to keep up with life, haha. So, my next sentence is one that I've thought long and hard about and it just needs to happen at this time in my life...

All good things must come to an end, so my dear friends, I am ending my Chasing Paper Stars blog.

Now, I'm not doing this because it's bad or I hate writing or I don't have anything to say... I have plenty to say. I so many things swirling around in my head that could be awesome in a blog post, but I just need to step away from blogging for while. I'm not sure how long, but I can tell you that when (or if) I decide to blog again, my blog will have a new name and a new purpose :) It's sad and exciting all at the same time!!

So friends, thanks for all the love and support over these past five years! And don't worry, just because the blog's gone doesn't mean that I'm gonna quite chasing paper stars!

Day 30 - A Picture that Describes You Perfectly

2011-07-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

This is pretty much me! I don't have much to give, but I will give you my heart and my love!

Thanks for reading along with my 30 day challenge! I hope that you wer inspired or at least entertained by learning more about me and my life :)

Day 29 - A Picture that Can Always Make You Smile

2011-07-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

This picture can make me smile even on the worst days!

When my best friend's little boy, Luke was like 6 months old, Kevin and I went to visit. Luke took a liking to Kevin immediately and he was loving time getting to play with this new guy in his life. Luke had a fascination with Kevin's nose (as you can see) and I thought it was the cutest thing ever :)

This picture brings a giggle to me every time I look at it. LOVE IT!

Day 28 - A Picture of Something That Always Makes Your Day

2011-07-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

The Caswell sunset, which I'm looking at right now :)

It always makes my day... just wish I could see it more often these days!

Day 27 - A Picture of Yourself and a Family Member

2011-07-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

This is me and my little (bigger) brother at the Boston Red Sox vs. Atlanta Braves game in 2009. It was a great game but definitely one of the hottest baseball games I've ever been to.

Day 26 - A Picture of Something that Means a lot to You

2011-07-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

So I'm realizing that I don't take enough pictures to be able to post on my blog the expectations of this Challenge :(

I don't have a picture of the something that means a lot to me so I'll just describe it to you...

In the summer of 2002, I started working at Camp Caswell. Greatest Summer Ever! Anyway, I have a lunch bag with the theme from that summer ('That New Thing'). Now I know what your thinking... Really? A lunch bag? Let me explain... In that lunch bag there is about 1000 pictures from that summer. Pictures of people who are still my best friends today, 9 years later. I love to look through that lunch bag and remember that summer. The super early mornings and the extremely late evenings. Cleaning Oceana and finding surprises every Sunday that made us laugh and laugh and laugh. Running the putt putt course for hours and hours in the 100 degree gym. Listening the Amy Salley give us instructions over the radio. The Mountain Dew... Oh the Mountain Dew. The talks. The tears. The Worship. Vespers. Hatch. Oh my, I could type for hours.

Yep, that lunch bag is special to me! Extremely special :)

Day 25 - A Picture of Your Day

2011-07-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my day :)

I am at the beach with my family and my niece, Summer found/rescued a snail. She has placed it in a cup with glass, dirt, a rock and a sprinkle of water... everything a snail would need to make it in the cup world, haha.

It's such a relaxing day! I could get used to this!

Day 24 - A Picture of Something You Wish You Could Change

2011-07-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

I wish I could make cupcakes healthy :)

I could seriously eat one a day... but since they're fattening I don't.

I wish I could change that!

Day 23 - A Picture of Your Favorite Book

2011-07-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, don't laugh but my favorite book is...

...yes and I'm not kidding. Not even a little bit!

Day 22 - A Picture of something You Wish You were better at

2011-07-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

Yep! I want to be a better runner... and I'm getting there. Slowly but surely :)

Practice makes perfect right?

Day 21 - A Picture of something You Wish You could Forget

2011-07-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

This blog post would never go over well if I actually posted a picture of something I wish I could forget. I think it would be totally foolish of me to throw out something like that... to air my baggage for all the world to see. Not smart! Some things should just remain in my head... Not on a computer screen! But I will talk about something I wish I could forget... Something web appropriate.

You see, when I was younger, I wasn't exactly the perfect sister. I am 3 years older than my brother and I was that sister that really hated that my younger brother wanted to hang out with me. Kind of like the' too cool for school' mentality. Anyway, I was so mean to my brother. He was heavier when we were kids and I definitely used that to my advantage. When I would get upset, I would call him names and most of those names dealt with his weight. Ugh, I am terrible sister. I know I hurt his feelings and I feel bad about it now. As I look back, I was so hurtful to him when all he wanted was to be around me and be accepted.

Later, when I went off to college, my brother told me that he had always looked up to me and wanted to be just like me (minus the being a girl part). Can you believe that? Me, someone who said such awful things!

Anyway I wish I could forget all of that...but better yet, I wish I had never said those hurtful things! I know you can't change the past but I do know that the past has definitely affected my future. I'm not perfect but I can say that I have become a much better, more encouraging sister.

Day 20 - A Picture of somewhere You'd Love to Travel

2011-07-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

I mean seriously, How gorgeous is that picture?!

That is New Zealand and it's on the top of my 'Must Travel To' list! If everything goes as planned, I'll be heading there next year :)

Day 19 - A Picture of a habit that you wish you didn't have

2011-07-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

This is slightly embarrassing but, I really wish I didn't cry every time I got upset or was angry! I mean some people don't really think of crying as a habit but, when you do it as often as I do, it is! I am so freakin emotional and it drives me crazy!

Have you ever stood in front of a mirror and had a 'pretend' argument with yourself? Basically your reflection being the person you are wanting to confront or you're wanting yell at, as loud as your little voice box can yell. I have these often because 1. I am terrible a confrontation (as I mentioned in my last blog) and 2. I don't cry when I when I do this. Granted, I'm not dealing with the issue because I'm arguing with myself but I do feel better afterwards (how pathetic is that?)

Anyway, I really wish I was a little stronger sometimes! Like, I'm not trying to sound like a victim (even though I know that' what I sound like) but, I would love to be able to tell people my mind without having remorse or having a feeling in the pit of my stomach that I hurt their feelings. Ugh, what an awful cycle! I need help... or a counselor... or someone to teach me how to be strong or to throw punches or something!

Any takers?

Day 18 - A Picture of You're Least Favorite Trait

2011-07-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

This gets me in trouble a lot cause I don't express my feelings well and I tend to hold things in until I explode with a cause of verbal diarrhea. Not a good thing!

Day 17 - A Picture of something that has made a huge Impact on Your Life recently

2011-07-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

Well it's not a something... it's a someone!

This adorable young girl is my niece, Summer. She is the huge impact even though she's quite little :)

To give you a little back story, Summer was born when my brother was 16 years old. I was in my first year at ECU when I heard the news. She was a surprise that has turned my world upside down. I've watched her grow up into this little woman... this little person with big dreams and a big love for every one. Despite some circumstances that I will not go in to, this little girl is super tough and has made a huge impact on my life!

She's a sassy little 9 year old now, who for some reason, has her own cell phone and texts me occasional messages like 'I love Aunt Shannon.' Melts my heart! I mean, a cell phone at 9 isn't something I totally agree with but at least she uses it well, ha :)

I tear up when I see pictures of her cause I'm not there to help teach her things like how to throw a softball or how to braid hair. I know that sounds a little motherly but I want to teach her everything! I want her to love life and know that she is beautiful and so very much loved! She's my munchkin!

Day 16 - A Picture of someone who Inspires You

2011-07-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

I need to think on this one for a day or two cause I want it be more than a photo.

To be continued...

Day 15 - A Picture of something You want to do before You Die

2011-07-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

Again so many things... I even have my own Bucket List. It's called a Day Zero Project but it's the same concept!

Okay, something I want to do before I die... hmmmm... I guess it would be this...

<-----That picture to the left is a representation of me wanting to visit all 50 states!

Duh!

I don't think that's too hard of a goal! I mean I have a few years (hopefully) and I think visiting every state would be so awesome.

I'd like to go snowboarding in Colorado and fishing in Oregon. I'd love to lay on the beach in California and walk along the rocky coast of Maine. I love trying new foods too so I'd have to try some food that each state (or it's cities) is known for! Hmmmm... Boston Chowder and Texas BBQ (even though I'm kind of a BBQ snob). Philly Cheesesteak for Philly and ... well what's Nevada known for? I'll have to figure that out.

That's what I would do... or better yet, that's what I'm going to do :)

Want to come with me??

Day 14 - A Picture of Someone You could never Imagine Your Life without

2011-07-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

WOW... These just keep getting harder and harder!

It's really hard for me to narrow down ONE person that I couldn't imagine my life without. There are so many that would fall into that category... like my Dad, Mom, Brother, Niece, Grandmother... you get the gist. I could never imagine my life without my family. I guess aside from them, and for the purposes of this blog, the person I am going to choose to write about is... ... Kristen Heffelfinger (soon to be Mrs. Kristen Wilson).

I simply adore her! She is one of the most encouraging people I know. Definitely someone to call on a gloomy day.

Kristen and I met in 2006 while I was interning at Caswell. She was friends with my roommate and I was friends with her boyfriend. We became friends instantly after meeting... It was like that love at first sight thing expect more like friends at first conversation (if that even makes sense ha). We talked about everything... specific situations we were going through, boyfriends we had lost and were getting over and just life. What's so great about our friendship is that Kristen, who is about 5 years younger than me, and I have learned over the past few years is that we tend to go through the stuff, just at different times. Our life experiences are so similar, it's a little scary.

I was somewhat of a mentor to Kristen in the beginning of getting to know one another, but lately she has been a mentor to me. She teaches me SO much and she never let's me look at the darker side of things. She always has a bright side for every situation :) She is so wise and she has helped through some tough things. Can we say LOTS of late night conversations!

I don't see Kristen as much as I would like but we have a very strong bond nonetheless... one that we continue to build over Skype and the occasional phone call. She is one of my very best friends and I can honestly say, 'I could never imagine my life without her!'

Day 13 - A Picture of someone You Miss

2011-07-13T20:53:00.001-07:00

I miss my puppy, Cambi...

She's been at home in North Carolina with my awesome parents for over a year now and I think it's been long enough. It's time for my sweet little country puppy to come back to the city!

I know technically that's not a someone but she is the one I miss!

Day 12 - A Picture of something You Love

2011-07-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

A picture of something I love... that's easy! I LOVE Caswell.

Caswell is my haven... my home away from home. It's one of those places I can't get out of my head and I long to be there every Summer as a staffer, especially when returning staff start posted pictures to Facebook between May and August.

There's just something about that place that I can never fully explain because you have to experience it to feel it. All I know is that when I drive through those gates, no matter what time of year, this feeling of peace and comfort come over me. I never want to leave once I'm there and I guarantee any one who has ever worked there will say the same!

Here's some pictures of my haven for you :)

Day 11 - A Picture of something You Hate

2011-07-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

Hate is a very strong word and I do try my best not to use it... So for this blog I am posting a picture of something I dislike. It sounds more appeasing :)

Atlanta traffic!

That is a major dislike! It makes me late, it causes me anxiety and sometimes it prevents me from going the places I want... just because I refuse to sit in it! If Atlanta had no traffic, it's safe to say may world would be a better place!

Day 10 - A Picture of the Person You do the oddest things with

2011-07-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

This one's just weird to me. The oddest things? In my head I'm trying to define this so I write about it. Give about 10 minutes to think on this one...

La la La... whatever. La la la... it doesn't matter. La la la... oh well.

Tonight Tonight! A little music video while you wait.

La la La... whatever. La la la... it doesn't matter. La la la... oh well.

Okay... I'm back. Did you enjoy the video? I love that song :)

So, I picked a person after some serious thinking. The person I do the oddest things with would have to be these two (cause they are a packaged deal)...

Brock and Auny Gill... two of my favorite people! These two introduced me to some crazy things, foods and experiences over the past 5 years. I mean they do magic... how much cooler can it get!

I wouldn't necessarily say we do odd things, but these two are very creative. For example: They have a homemade zip line in their back yard, as well as a place to shoot bows and arrows. They taught me all their secrets to magic, which I will never share, so don't ask... They helped me make a slide show video of a bobble head lost in an amusement park (I should probably go in to more detail on that, but I'll save it). They showed me how to cook a turkey in a wooden box... best turkey I've ever had!

I could go on and on about hanging out with these two, but I just remembered that I do go on and on about them... throughout my entire blog. So go check out some posts from 2006 - 2009 and you can read for yourself all the odd/awesome things we did :)

Day 9 - A Picture of the Person who has gotten You through the most

2011-07-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm.... gotten me through the most?!

Well, I'd have to say that would be Mr. Ryan Salley...

I've known Ryan for over 11 years now and looking back over the last decade, he has been there. Through break ups, through tears, through laughter, through all my relocations, through job changes, through bad decisions... Ryan has been an encouragement, a confidant and a best friend. I called him for everything and he listened... sometimes for hours while I cried for most of it. But he was there...even if it was over the phone.

Thank you Ryan! You are a blessing.

Day 8 - A Picture that makes you Laugh

2011-07-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

So, there are multiple photos that make me laugh. I could probably put together an entire album just dedicated to funny pictures. Hmmmm, maybe I'll do that in my spare time.

Anyway, the photo to the left is the one I'm choosing for this post. I mean seriously, if you can look at this picture and not laugh at the face Kevin is making, I commend you. I can not! I am actually giggling right now because I'm having to write this post while the picture is just chilling... staring at me... taunting me and every time I look over I bust out in to giggles. Hahaha!

This picture was taken in NY at Kevin's cousin's wedding. I won a table arrangement in one of the games we played and I was super excited. That's why I am smiling. Kevin, on the other hand, well I'm not sure what emotion he was expressing, hahaha :)

Day 7 - A Picture of Your Childhood Crush

2011-07-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

Now let's be honest here... if I posted a picture of my childhood crush, it would just be plain weird. Especially if I posted one of him in the present. Let's just say he's not really my type any more. I guess 3rd grade crushes really don't extend into years passed elementary school, ha!

So, I'll just describe him for you... in the way I saw him in 3rd grade :)

His name was Chad and he was definitely a ladies man early on. He was tall with dark hair... a real smooth talker and he could play 4 square like no one else. He was a pro and I loved to watch him play.

I loved him, the way only a 3rd grader could, but there was this one day that everything changed. You see, apparently Chad was dating/seeing/hanging out/(whatever you call it when your 8 or 9 years old) with two other girls the same time as me. How awesome! ... even at 9, guys can be jerks.

So anyway, we decided (the other two girls and I) that we would play 4 square and the last girl in would get to date Chad... I mean, in 3rd grade, 4 square was how you solved problems, right? Haha. So we began to play. Chad was in the King Square and me and the other two girls scattered into the other spots and got in to position. Chad really had the control and it was obvious that he would get out the girls he didn't want to date. He tossed the ball up and hit it hard towards the opposite square... way too hard for any one to retrieve. So, guess who's square that was and guess who was first out? Yep... ME.

Ugh, I was so mad and somewhat heartbroken. Thinking about it now is bringing it all back. What a jerk! Maybe that's why I don't play 4 Square after InsideOut, hahahahaha ;)

Although looking back and looking at the present, getting out first was a blessing... even if I was only 8 years old!

Day 6 - A Picture of a Person You'd Love to Trade places with for a day

2011-07-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hmmm ... this is tough one!

I can't really think of someone that I would want to trade places with for a day. I mean I can, but it would depend on a ton of circumstances. Like, I'd love to trade places with Reese Witherspoon because she has a ton of money and she's famous. I'd love to trade places with Melissa Beard because she lives in NYC and works in Manhattan. I'd love to trade places that size zero girl that passed me in the mall the other day eating Oreo ice cream with extra Oreos... just because she's tiny and she's indulging in some serious deliciousness!

You see, there are circumstances and reasons why I would want to trade places but for the purpose of my blog, I will post a picture of one person I'd like to trade places with for a day... but it'll have to be on a Sunday when we make the trade!

Yep... for those of you who attend Buckhead Church, North Point Community Church or any of the strategic partner churches from Tennessee down to Florida, I'm sure you recognize this awesome lady! For those of you who don't, meet Chrystina Fincher. She is absolutely amazing! I met her about 4 years ago while working with Brock in Panama City Beach, FL at BigStuf Camps. I can honestly say, I liked her from the start. She was so kind and so inviting to a girl who just starting on the road and was away from home.

Now, the reason I'd love to trade places with her... specifically on a Sunday is because Chrystina can sing like noboby's business. She's incredible and each week she gets to walk on a stage and sing worship music for thousands of people. That would be something I'd be willing to trade a day to do!

Day 5 - A Picture of Your Night

2011-07-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Now I'm not sure if I'm supposed to have some extravagant picture of me on the top of a 10 story building in downtown ATL, under the fireworks or what, but this picture is not that.

Here is my night...

Me and my roommates sitting around talking about our 4th of July weekend while eating chips and salsa. We all just got back in to town and we're catching up on our 4th festivities, adventures and magic moments :)

Simply and sweet!

My favorite kind of night!

Day 4 - A Picture of Your Favorite Memory

2011-07-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if I ever posted this picture to my blog around the time it was taken, but this was day one :) This picture is from Labor Day 2009, the day Kevin and I started dating! It still stands as my favorite memory.

7.6.11 Continuation...

I thought I would elaborate a little on this picture! I realized after I posted it, I didn't really give you much of a story. I'm a sucker for sappy stories, so I thought to myself 'maybe someone else out there is too.'

So this picture... ahhh just looking at it brings a smile to my face. You see, my good friend Michelle was quite sneaky that Labor Day weekend. I had told her about my interest in Kevin about two weeks before the holiday weekend came around. Basically, I told her I was intrigued and I would like to hang out with him more. She decided to make that possible.

Kevin and I Facebook chatted leading up to the weekend... just casual conversation. You know, like 'Can I have your number.' Totally kidding, but that is one of my favorite MADTV skits (I linked it in case you're curious). Anyway, back to the story... So we had chatted and we realized both of us were going to be up at the lake for the weekend and we were going to be hanging out. All the while, Michelle and Kevin were talking about the weekend as well... and about how Kevin was intrigued by me too :)

Fast forward to the weekend... We all stayed at Michelle's parent's lake house (guys in rooms and girls in rooms of course). First night, we all went on the boat for a little late night cruise. It was about midnight and there were about 10 of us on the boat just hanging out. A decision was made that is was time to head to the dock (tiredness kicked in for some). So as all 10 people started getting the boat the dock, Michelle leaned over and said 'do you mind riding back to the boat storage with Kevin? I just don't think it's wise for him to drive back all by himself.' Sneaky, Sneaky! Of course she asked it loud enough for Kevin to hear so I couldn't say no. Late night boat ride under the stars??? Sounds romantic to me :)

We talked and laughed and talked and laughed! We turned what should have been a 5 minute boat ride in to like a two hour boat ride. I mean the stars were out and we were engaged in conversation... you know the butterfly type of conversation where you talk for hours and it's like you can never run out of things to say. The conversation was perfect and the kiss as we left the dock was more than perfect :)

And that's how all started! I won't say Michelle is the reason that Kevin and I started dating but her sneakiness did help out a lot :)

Day 3 - A Picture from Your Favorite Show.

2011-07-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

This one is a little tough for me because I don't really have a favorite show.

Actually, I don't really watch TV!

So for this post I have decided to attach a picture(s) from the show(s) that I have watched most in the past few weeks...

Yep... I was fascinated with this show! There's something about talented singing voices that draws me in :)

And then there's this show...

which I have watched every Monday night for the past month! Obsessed, I tell you! Obsessed!

Day 2 - A Picture of You and the Person You have been Closest with the Longest.

2011-07-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

This is Jenni! We met in elementary school and we've been friends ever since. I'm pretty sure aside from my brother and my parents, Jenni has been in my life the longest. We've been through a lot together ... good times, sad times and times that we never thought we'd make it through ... but we managed to sing our way through them ... literally.

I'm pretty sure our bond grew from classmates to best friends the day we sang Disney tunes in the back of a bus on our way to a field trip in 3rd grade! I mean all bonds should start with singing 'A Whole New World' from Aladdin, right? :)

Jenni is the reason I sing. She is the reason I know about Church and she played a huge role in me being a Christian. We both hold a place in our hearts for a little fort that forever changed our paths ... Caswell! It was here that we learned so, so much. I love her and always will!

Jenni's Wedding Day... May 2007

Caswell... back in 1997! We both had long hair back then.

Ah, the memories!

Day 1 - A Picture of Yourself and Ten Facts.

2011-07-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Okay so here we go...

Hi, my name is Shannon and I'm a workaholic. I don't like leaving work till I've completed my entire task list for the day... which creates some late nights at the office for me.
I have a mild obsession with cupcakes, especially Gi Gi's.
I collect two things: sand from different beaches that I've traveled to and lapel pins from every city I've visited. I have a giant map in my room that houses the pins. My goal is to cover my map!
I cry when I'm mad because I don't know how to deal with confrontation.
I have kept the same plant alive for 8 years. It's moved 3 states with me.
I hate wearing shorts and I can't really explain why.
I won the sportsmanship award all 4 years playing high school basketball.
I have this tradition of visiting Camp Caswell every summer... going to the PX... and picking an item out from Yam. One of my favorite traditions!
I have a very good memory and that sometimes gets me in trouble.
I am a country girl trying to mold into a city girl. Grew up driving tractors, playing in fields and catching brim in the ponds. Like they say, 'you can take the girl out of country but you can't the country out of the girl.' TRUE statement!!

30 Day Challenge in July

2011-06-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

So, as if I didn't have enough on my plate already, I've decided to take on yet another challenge... but this one is all about me. For the next 30 days, you're going to learn a little more about me through pictures and stories :) July is going to become an interesting read for some of you!!

Here's what you have to look forward to...

Day 01 - A Picture of Yourself and Ten Facts.
Day 02 - A Picture of You and the Person You have been Closest with the Longest.
Day 03 - A Picture of the Cast from Your Favorite Show.
Day 04 - A Picture of Your Favorite Memory
Day 05 - A Picture of Your Night
Day 06 - A Picture of a Person You'd Love to Trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A Picture of Your Childhood Crush
Day 08 - A Picture that makes you Laugh
Day 09 - A Picture of the Person who has gotten You through the most
Day 10 - A Picture of the Person You do the oddest things with
Day 11 - A Picture of something You Hate
Day 12 - A Picture of something You Love
Day 13 - A Picture of someone You Miss
Day 14 - A Picture of Someone You could never Imagine Your Life without
Day 15 - A Picture of something You want to do before You Die
Day 16 - A Picture of someone who Inspires You
Day 17 - A Picture of something that has made a huge Impact on Your Life recently
Day 18 - A Picture of You're Least Favorite Trait
Day 19 - A Picture of a habit that you wish you didn't have
Day 20 - A Picture of somewhere You'd Love to Travel
Day 21 - A Picture of something You Wish You could Forget
Day 22 - A Picture of something You Wish You were better at
Day 23 - A Picture of Your Favorite Book
Day 24 - A Picture of Something You Wish You Could Change
Day 25 - A Picture of Your Day
Day 26 - A Picture of Something that Means a lot to You
Day 27 - A Picture of Yourself and a Family Member
Day 28 - A Picture of Something That Always Makes Your Day
Day 29 - A Picture that Can Always Make You Smile
Day 30 - A Picture that Describes You Perfectly

How can you teach service?

2011-06-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

I haven't really written in a while! You know, the kind of writing that makes you think and gets your creative juices flowing. The kind of writing that makes you stop and go 'huh, I never thought of it that way!' Hopefully that's what this blog post will do for you!

I got into a conversation this past Sunday about teaching. Now, the person I was talking may not realize that I got 'teaching' out of our convo but I did. Here's a thought to ponder...

If you don't teach your child to truly know what service is, do you think that they will grow up to have a servant's heart?

Now, I know that's kind of deep for midnight on a Tuesday but I can't shake this thought. You see, I meet students often and have since I was about 19 years old. I've observed them, hung out with them and even taught them, and one thing that I wonder is 'will they ever know what it means to put someone else first?'

Now, if you've kept up with my blog over the past 5 years, you've probably heard me mentioned a little place called Caswell. A small island off the coast of North Carolina that holds a large piece of my heart. It was there that I learned what it meant to serve. What it meant to truly put someone else before my wants, my needs, my 'gotta haves.' At Caswell, that's what you did... you served! You scrub showers and toilets. You serve mystery meat to over a 1000 students and chaperons. You pull weeds and cut grass in 100 degree weather. You wake up at dawn and got to bed after midnight all so that those students and chaperons can experience a truly unforgettable time with God. The best part is they see God through the acts service. Crazy how that happens huh?

This concept was huge for me growing! HUGE... and it's something that I feel is lacking in the Buckhead area. I don't feel like these students know what true service. How to take a step back away from the 'me me me' and they learn how to 'serve serve serve.'

Any suggestions on how to teach service?

Tattooed Across my Foot

2011-06-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

Most of the time I find myself writing the most when changes happen in my life. I guess that's when I feel the most vulnerable and my mind spurs these sharable thoughts and feelings. I find myself awake at night and of course the one place I end up is on my blog. Funny how that happens!

I went back tonight and read my very first blog post. It was written on October 23, 2006. I was on my very first Freedom Experience tour with Brock Gill, Eleventyseven, Group 1 Crew, Tim Bryne and Outkast BMX. I can't even begin to type all the memories that just flooded my mind :)

Reading through that post and remembering that moment it made me stop and made me realize how far I've come since that day... How much I have learned... How many awesome people I've met. How many barriers I've jumped and challenges I've overcome. It's been incredible.

I say all that because after almost 5 years, my time in that ministry has come to an end. It's sad...it's super sad and I can't even say it's bittersweet because I'm gonna miss it so much. I can't find the sweet in leaving it. I'm gonna miss the people, the events, the crazy emails from crazy hosts, the questions about conduit and poster board, learning the secrets behind magic, trying new foods with Brock and Auny, experiencing new places, overcoming challenges with venues, audience members, parents and even rude pastors like Dan. Oh Dan, how you changed our lives and our trip to Disney forever haha :)

What an awesome few years! Thank you Brock & Auny for giving a small town North Carolina girl a chance to branch out and take a risk. Best risk I've ever taken! I'll never forget it. I can't... I have it tattooed across my foot :)

A Different Direction

2011-04-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

I really don't write much anymore! But reading through some of my friend's blogs, it seems to be the trend.

I have no excuse, no apology or anything. All I can say is that my blog has become something that I no longer have much time for. It's pretty sad considering it's been a BIG part of my life for the past 5 years. I look back and read about all the places I've been, the things I've seen, all the things I've overcome, the heartbreaks, the amazing moments and all the goals, hopes and dreams I've accomplished! I must say it's been an awesome 5 years!

With all that said, I'm not giving up my blog...I'm just thinking of going in a different direction for a few months. Now some of you (the ones who have been waiting for a new post from me) are saying, 'What's this new direction?' Basically my blog is going to become a place for me to record memories and moments.

Now you're saying to yourself 'what's the difference in that and what you've been doing?' Well, I'm glad you asked.

There's not too much of a difference except it's going to be specifically geared towards my life moments. Recording events and things that go on in the day to day life of Shannon White. Pictures of vacations and friends... basically it's going to become my journal of life and all about me so that when I turn this blog into a book one day, it will represent my life to a T.

I hope that's okay?!

Do you guys think it's different from what I've been doing?? Would you still read if it's all about me, my thoughts, my fears and my daily experiences?

Hummmm, now I'm thinking it really isn't that much different!

Destin... How I missed you!

2011-04-10T20:16:00.000-07:00

There's always those places that you just can't let go!

Destin/Fort Walton Beach is one of those places for me. You see, my first experience there was amazing! It was a Summer of living at the beach and getting work with with awesome people and just experiencing life on the road. We ate great food, we relaxed in the turquoise water and we embraced a place so beautiful that I teared up when we left.

Well, this past weekend I got to return to Destin/Fort Walton Beach and this time I got to share the moments and make new memories with Kevin!

It was so great! We ate at Old Bay Steamer... had some crab legs and shrimp that will make your mouth water. We walked along the white sandy beaches while the ocean breeze blew across our faces. We played football on the beach and relaxed under an umbrella. We even made time to go get doughnuts at the Donut Hole (twice). It was just an all around perfect weekend!

Memories made:

The Sunsets were gorgeous!

Then there was this sand hole. I thought it'd be fun to play in it, ha!

Feet by the water!

The water was just amazing!

I want to go back...NOW!

The only thing that cannot be bought

2011-02-15T20:24:00.000-08:00

You know what?! I wish I had a remote for life because I would rewind to last night and pause it... just so I could be in that moment one more time :)

Yesterday I wrote about using every day to show someone that you love them and I definitely meant every word I typed. Kevin does a great job of that and last night was no different. He made me feel extra special last night and I felt like I should share that for all those Valentine lovers out there. But let me clarify... It was not because he took me out to an amazing dinner or because he had flowers and chocolates waiting for me (although I loved all of that more than I could write about)... he made me feel special because he gave me the one thing that can never be bought. True quality time! And because of that, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!

Oh, but these definitely made me smile too...

Told you... I'm a sucker for beautiful flowers!

Thanks Kevin for making me feel special, 365 days a year!

The other 364 days

2011-02-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

It's Valentine's Day!

A truly Hallmark holiday where you're supposed to shower your significant other with love by way of flowers and chocolate and cards and reservations and anything else that screams 'on this day I love you!' But what about the other 364 days of the year? Shouldn't those days be the same. Shouldn't it be that every day is a another day show your significant other just how much you love them?

Don't get me wrong, I love Valentine's Day. It's cutsie and I'm a sucker for flowers, but I do believe that every day should reflect love in a relationship. Every day that you wake up is another day for you to show them that you adore them, you love them and you are persistently pursuing them! There should be a Hallmark card for that!

I hope every one enjoys their Valentine's! My challenge to each of you is tomorrow when you wake up, make sure it's with the same initiative in mind... showing the one you love just how much you love them...and then repeat that for the next 364 days :)

Theme: Transition

2011-01-31T19:16:00.000-08:00

I see a trend... of me not writing. Sad I know!

I'm honestly still trying to figure out how to juggle everything. Working all day, then coming home and working most of the night while throwing in a social life, a boyfriend and time to meet new people and learn names....Sheesh I'm tired by 8:30 every night and that's way too early for this 28 year old to go to bed.

To catch everyone up, I am a week and a half in to my new job at Buckhead Church and all I can say is AMAZING. I am fully infatuated with my new postion and every day I learn a little more...making me more confident in the tasks I am handling. You see, I started at a really busy time for the High School Ministry. I entered the scene two weeks before the MyLife conference. There's registration going on and forms being dropped on my desk and leaders calling about food and travel and... well you name it. Everything that goes into planning a 1000 + student event is in full effect and I walked in to a fast paced learning time, haha! But honestly, that's my favorite. Throw me in full force and let me figure it out!

Bottom line: The new job is great. I have absolutely no complaints!

Transition seems to be the theme this year... at least in the first month! New job, New Roommate, New outlook on my Relationship, New friends and more. I'm excited.

My new roommate is precious! Although I'm going to miss my lovely Michelle and all the fun moments in our basement nook. Good thing she's only a few miles away!

My new outlook on my relationship is something I'll keep to myself but I will say it was very much needed and the outcome has been worth every day that I spent thinking and contemplating. Worth the tears...and I can't say that about much.

Wow, It's been a busy first month. Hmmm, I wonder what February is going to bring?

Ready for New

2011-01-16T21:28:00.000-08:00

Here I am ... Starting off my New Year with so many new things. Since I last wrote, seems like a whirlwind hit. One filled with some great things, some hard things and a whole bunch of snow and ice.

It's now, technically January 17 (since I'm writing at 12:30 AM) and my heart is so full that I can hardly explain everything. Since this blog is really for me to look back on in the future, I have to capture exactly what I am filling at this moment. So here we go...

I'm so excited and overwhelmed because I'm starting a new job in 7 days. A job with an organization that I have admired for almost 3 years now. A job that has a way of making me so anxious to start yet so scared at the same time. On January 24, 2011 I will begin my new position working for Buckhead Church, one of the three campuses associated with North Point Ministries. It's funny to see it typed on the screen because I never thought I would get my chance to work for the church that has taught me so much since I moved to Atlanta. It makes me smile. And the best part I get to be part of changing students lives. A dream and passion since my Caswell days :)

On the flip side though, I am sad to leave my co-workers at NAMB (the ones that are left). I have made some great friends working there over the past few years and I will miss their faces, their humor and the day-to-day friendship. I know we'll remain friends...I'm not worried about losing them. We've invested too much to let each other go. I will miss the 4th floor gossip sessions, the infamous bacon conversations, 5 pm workouts with Lebron and all those lunches with my rat pack! Sara, Kara, Darby, Matt, Shawn, Drew, Tim & Sarah, I adore you all and it's been a blessing to work side by side with each of you.

I'm ready for new. Something different and exciting. While I'll never forget the past, I can't wait to start my future!

More to come...

New Years Eve through Pictures :)

2011-01-04T21:46:00.000-08:00

Here's our stylish group, all glammed up and ready to go out!

Heather and I were extremely excited that we found fun hats to wear!

Let's celebrate. Break out the horns

My beautiful friend Kristi.

And Stephen... not really sure what's going on here, haha!

Happy New Years!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

2011-01-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

14 inches of snow that is!

Probably the most snow I've ever seen :)

And my niece and I made the most of it...

Where did my feet go?

Even Cambi had fun in the snow :)

I think we should get that much snow every year! Here's hoping for another white Christmas next year.

Fingers crossed.

Holiday Parties

2010-12-26T15:50:00.000-08:00

Wow I haven't written in a almost a month. What is wrong with me?!

So much has happened and I have so many fun things to tell everyone. Hmmmm where should I start....

How about with the holiday parties! That's always a fun topic.

I attended 3 this year (one being Kenny's birthday party, but we'll include it since it's in December). All 3 were so much fun. I mean who doesn't love getting all dolled, going out to a fancy place with a cute guy by their side? That's what I thought... no one! :)

Here's some pictures from the parties....

Black Tie, White Christmas

Everyone needs blow up guitars and flashy light up glasses!

Santa was there. I told him I wanted a pony for Christmas :)

And here's that cute guy I was telling you about!

BCC Single's Party @ East Andrews

There was this cage there... a great photo opt :)

All dressed up, looking Christmasy and beautiful!

I love taking pictures with him :)

Kenny's Birthday Party

I didn't have many to choose from but these were cute...

I must have been shocked

The boys. Sad I didn't get a good picture of the birthday boy.

That's all for today. I'll write more about my Christmas in a bit :)

Methods

2010-12-06T19:53:00.000-08:00

People have all sorts of outlets when it comes to how they release anger, aggression, depression. Most people know their style very well and tend to resort back to that outlet at all times when conflict arises. Me, well my outlet is discussion. If an argument comes up, I want to talk about it, fix it and move forward otherwise I tend to hold a little resentment and for some reason I hold conversations and hurtful words inside, well forever. My question though is how do you have a discussion with someone whose outlet is time.

Does that make sense?

They need a moment, a night, a day to think about it... figure out their game plan and get back to you. Complete opposite of me!

I've always needed immediate answers...immediate resolutions. I'm not a fan of someone having an issue with me so all throughout my life I have worked on ways to deal with these kinds of opposition. Up until this point, I've been pretty successful. But I think I've met my match and I'm a having a really hard time transitioning out of my secure outlet and respect theirs.

Does anyone have any pointers on how to deal with someone who doesn't think the way you do when it comes to conflict?

Dumb question, I know but I'm serious. Is there a learning method that could be taught to me so I could stop worrying myself sick and start embracing the challenges head on?

Please advise.

My boyfriend's eccentric Christmas

2010-12-01T08:06:00.000-08:00

In some of my recent posts, I have mentioned 'the guy's house.' I'm not sure that I've ever fully explained what that is... so I thought this would be a good time.

The Guy's House is the 3 story house that my boyfriend lives in with his 5 other roommates(Jeremiah, Triplett, Jason, Kyle and Tat). A classic example of a frat house minus the college campus, ha. The house is great and I do spend a good bit of time there. It's so homey and comfortable!

Well, the guy's decided to decorate for the holiday season. Last night, while putting the finishing touches on the decorations we came to the conclusion that their house is having an eccentric Christmas haha :)

Check it out...

Decorating the tree

I have to admit, the tree is amazing! And not just because I helped decorate it. It really is amazing!

Christmas lights tacked under the coffee table = A floating table, ha

I think this is the eccentric part. An eclectic variety of Christmas - ness

They also have icicle lights hanging from their ledge, candy canes greeting you when you enter the front door and a singing snowman playing the piano.

LOVE IT!

You should come see it.

Baby Blue Waterfall

2010-11-30T07:25:00.000-08:00

I love candles!

They make my room smell so good. They provide a relaxing flicker when the overhead lights are just too bright. They add to the decor and they boost color in the dull areas of my house.

So, funny story about candles (well it's funny now)...

This past Saturday I decided to burn a candle while I was home. I lite it about 2 PM and went about my day cleaning, moving things around, showering...you know, the things you do on Saturdays, ha. My room smelled lovely the entire time by the way.

Around 4 pm I decided to head to the mall to return some things I bought during my impulse shopping binge on Black Friday. I mean they were $30 jeans, who wouldn't buy them ... that's what I said Friday. On Saturday, however it was more like ... Why did I buy another pair of jeans that I don't need and don't really have the funds for? Needless to say, I took them back.

After shopping I went over to the guy's house, had dinner, watched the Georgia/GTech, ate mashed potatoes in SOLO cups, went to Flip Flops, fell asleep, woke up, went to Upstreet, sang for the kids, went back to the guy's house, took a nap, watched a movie, went to the 6 o' clock service, ate dinner with my roommates, Ron and Kevin, then went back to the guy's house and watched Iron Man.

Around 10 pm, I got a text from my roommate Michelle. Our texting conversation went something like this...

Michelle: When was the last time you were home?

Me: Yesterday afternoon. Why? Everything OK?

Michelle: Haha ya. I have good news and I have bad news...

Me: What? I don't like bad news

Michelle: Good: You have/had an amazing candle that burned for ehhhh 24+ hours. Bad: It made a gigantic mess in your room :(

Me: Oh S***

Yep, I cursed.

This is what I saw when I got home

It was like a baby blue waterfall.

Good news, it wasn't as bad as I had imagined and it wiped right off without messing up the wall.

Better news, I still have candle left to burn.

The Best news, I didn't burn the house down!

Lesson learned.

Cake Boss?

2010-11-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

Presenting...

My Cheeseburger Cupcakes!

Vanilla Cake for the bun.

Chocolate Cake for the burger.

Vanilla icing mixed with several food colorings for the cheese, ketchup, mayo and lettuce.

So you think I'm good enough for Ace of Cakes or Cake Boss yet?

A city all dressed up

2010-11-03T07:15:00.001-07:00

New Orleans is decorated with an array of purples, golds, blues and pretty much any color you could think of! And no, I'm not talking about paint... I'm talking about BEADS.

Almost anywhere you look, there are beads. In the trees, hanging on power lines, wrapped around balcony rails, laying in the curbs... they are literally everywhere! We took a walk through Tulane University and there are beads hanging from their trees. I'm pretty sure New Orleans needs to adopt beads as their city Mascot! Oh wait... did they already do that?

Anyway, we went to a Halloween parade while we were there and instead of the ghosts and goblins throwing out candy, they threw out beads. Sheesh, I should have known, ha! I think between Kevin and I, we caught around 30 strands along with 3 cups, 1 pen, a flower and partridge in a pear tree. Just kidding about that last one, of course, ha!

Okay... enough with the beads!

We walked around the city on Saturday checking out everything from Jackson Square to Bourbon Street. There were art vendors, an awesome market, silver people (I think they were mimes), and tons of (intoxicated)people dressed up for Halloween. We also checked out some of the graveyards in the area since New Orleans is on the Top Ten Haunted Cities list. Luckily I didn't see any ghosts, or shadow people as the Bert Show likes to call them.

Here's a few pictures for you...

Bourbon Street was packed and it wasn't even 4 o' clock yet!

I love the balconies! I must have one... for my house, of course. Not just to carry around in my car or sit at the end of my driveway. Just clarifying!

Jackson Square

Did you know that the graveyards in New Orleans are all above ground? Me either. That was a fun little fact I found out.

We even had time to find the Real World house from this past season (24th season). I looked for Ryan and luckily that crazy guy wasn't there!

The trip was a success! I ate lots of food, listened to some great music, saw lots of sites and even brought back a souvenir! New Orleans, I will be back!

Cajun food craving

2010-11-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

On the days leading up to leaving for New Orleans, all I could talk about was getting gumbo and eating craw fish and trying jambalaya. I was pretty much a fat kid talking about food 24/7. It was a slight obsession that I had as the countdown for our departure dwindled. I may have even dreamed about it, haha! It was serious...but not as serious as I am about cupcakes! Those are my first love :)

Anywho, New Orleans is known for their Cajun style food... craw fish and sausage and enough spices to make anyone's eyes water. They have pralines and beignets and hurricanes...wait that's not a food, oops, ha! Let's just say there were so many options that I had such a hard time picking my meals. Luckily, I didn't have to pick where we ate, just what I ate. That made things a lot easier! Thanks Brent for living in New Orleans and for knowing great local places to eat.

So here's where we dined...

Camellia Grill - brunch, diner style!

Joey K's - They have Po Boys... soo good.

Voodoo BBQ - BBQ, duh.

Cafe Du Monde - Beignets with enough powered sugar to coat 17 funnel cakes.

Reginelli's - Pizza at it's best.

Cafe Elaine - She made homemade jambalaya for us at the house! Amazing.

Now I know you're looking at that list and you're thinking to yourself, "no seafood?" You are correct, we did not eat any seafood but that just gives us a reason to go back soon! Besides we had beignets... What more do you need?!

Do you see that powdered sugar! Goodness :)

Tomorrow I'll upload pics from Jackson Square, The parade and Bourbon Street!

VooDoo Fest

2010-11-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a weekend!

Halloween in New Orleans was definitely crazy. I don't even know where to begin... so many things I could write about! How about I tell you my full trip over a three day blog sweep. Plenty of things for you guys to look forward to! Now do I start with the delicious food or the multitude of amazing costumes?! I could write about our walk around Tulane University or seeing Chucky get hit by a car, ha! I'll save that story for the Bourbon Street blog post.

I think I'll start with VooDoo Fest. Music is always a good place to start.

How about I post some pictures and let them tell most of the story!

For those of you who have never heard of Voodoo Fest, it's a multi-day music and arts festival held in City Park in New Orleans, LA. The festival's start was Halloween weekend 1999 and since then has held some of the greatest bands on a hand full of stages throughout the park.

The things about traveling and walking around New Orleans all day is it's exhausting! Kevin and I had to take a little nap before the bands made it to the stage. we had to rest up for Weezer and Muse!

Muse! Such an awesome show.

Clever costume of the evening Deadmau5. This guy posed for a lot of pictures!

I'll add a video or two tomorrow once I get them uploaded.

Stay tuned... tomorrow I will make you hungry for some New Orleans treats!

The Jersey Shore - classic

2010-10-31T10:32:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed Jersey Shore watcher. I admit it! Didn't miss a single episode from last season. I will admit that I looked forward to seeing JWOW and Sammi's cat fight and you better believe that I was glued to the TV when any kind of drama hit the fan.

I say all this because when a friend sent me this picture, I was blown away. These six kids dressed up like the cast of The Jersey Shore. The best part, these kids could really pass for the cast at their age!

Okay from left to right in the picture above... Pauly D, JWOW, Sammi Sweatheart, Snooki, Ronnie and in the back Mike otherwise know as 'The Situation.'

Halloween... New Orleans Style!

2010-10-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

Four friends on a mission... trunk packed full of luggage and sleeping must haves... a grocery bag full of Sweet Tarts, Sprees and Bit O Honeys... and one 8 hour drive separating us from the party that is known as New Orleans!

I'm ready for some gumbo!

I'm ready for some seafood!

I'm ready to experience Burbon Street!

Ugh... Are we there yet?

I will updated everyone with pictures and fun stories when I return :)

Aaron's Sermon

2010-10-26T13:36:00.002-07:00

I received an email from a good friend of mine, Aaron Hinton this week. It was embedded with a sermon that he had preached the previous Sunday at Generations Church near Southport, NC. I was so proud of him so I decided to share it with all of you. Here's the email and a link to his sermon. Enjoy!

I just wanted to send you a link to the video of the sermon I preached at Generations a few weeks ago. It was a hard series to preach in as it was on different doubts that people have and/or different things that make them doubt God. It certainly challenged me to make what seemed more like a debate into a sermon that people could learn and grow from. I pray I did just that. Anyways, I wanted to send you a link to the sermon so you could watch, enjoy, and/or give me any criticism/feedback that you might have to offer. Thanks for watching and listening when you can. Please feel free to pass on to others that you know may want to see me preach. Take care and God bless!

http://generationschurch.com/sermon-media/the-doubts-of-the-product/

AARON HINTON

Marketing Coordinator

NC Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell

100 Caswell Beach Rd

Oak Island, NC 28465

Taste of Atlanta 2010

2010-10-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

Yep! You should pretty much be able to guess what happens at this event :)

If you guessed tasting some of Atlanta's finest foods, you guessed correctly... And tasting we did!

This was the 9th annual Taste of Atlanta... a dynamic, flavor-filled 2-day outdoor food and wine festival which showcases the diversity of Atlanta's food scene and has been known to attract food lovers from Atlanta, the Southeast and beyond. The festival was held at Tech Square in the heart of Midtown Atlanta encompassing Spring Street and 5th Street. There were so many people and SO much food to try. I think, at one point, I described it as "State Fair-like" without the rickety fair rides and creepy carnies! Maybe I only said that because they had funnel cakes...hmmmm.

This is how it works... you pay $25 and that covers your admission and gives you 15 food tickets to use at the vendor tents. Some would think that it would be no problem to use 15 tickets and try all the delicious food...wrong. It's very difficult because there is so much food and me personally, I can't consume that much in a small amount of time. My tummy was definitely full and I had a slight sick feeling as we made our way down the streets looking for the next item to consume.

So what did we eat? I'm glad you asked...

* Spinach Pie from The Greek

* Shrimp and Crab Bisque from Wildfire

* BBQ Ribs from 5th Street Ribs & Blues

* Chicken & Waffles from Glady's Knights Chicken & Waffles

* Organic Pumpkin Ice Cream from 5 Seasons Westside

* Porcini Ravioli in Champagne Cream Sauce from Il Mulino

* Chocolate drizzled strawberries, brownies & pound cake from The Melting Pot

* Red Velvet cupcake from Mosaic

That's all I can remember right now but there was way more than that... I'm full all over again just thinking about it all :)

I had such and awesome time eating great food, spending time with Kevin, Kristi and Brent and just being in downtown Atlanta on a beautiful Saturday afternoon!

Flower clip surprise

2010-10-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

So, one of my awesome co-workers and friends made me a sweet surprise this week...

...homemade flower clips. Aren't they adorable?

I see a business opportunity in her future and I would totally partner with her. They are so easy to make and there are endless possibilities of colors, styles and designs. Want one?

Last Stop... The Wedding!

2010-10-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Weddings are always fun!

There's usually good food, fun people to hang out with and a night filled with dancing. Danielle and Dave's wedding was just that!

Here's all the fun expressed in a few pictures...

The adorable couple, Dave and Danielle

Happy Birthday to you! and 3...2...1, release cup, haha!

Third Stop... Upstate!

2010-10-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Time for some relaxing moments in a little town called Goshen, NY.

Ever heard of it? Well you should look it up because it looks straight out of fairy tale. The town everyone wishes they grew up in. Mom and pop town stores, a little bagel shop that makes them fresh every morning, the old timey pharmacy on the corner and beautiful homes decorated for the appropriate holiday season. This time of year, it was all about pumpkins, ghosts and goblins.

Take a look at this cute town...

The oldest horse track in America.

Webster taught here. Yes Webster, the guy who wrote the dictionary!

This house was incredible. They have a character from the greatest horror movies of all time. They put on this Halloween event every year, inviting the whole town to come and be a part of their haunted tradition. They were in the local paper last year and people donate money each year to them so they can keep adding to their collection. So cool!

They added a new piece to their collection a few days after we left. Kev and I are trying to get a picture. I'll post it if we ever succeed :) The new piece is the Headless Horseman.

And the most exciting part of our Upstate experience...

This guy! haha... long story but let's just say this guy got around, ha.

Last stop of the trip will be posted tomorrow :)

The Wedding!

Second Stop... The Big Apple

2010-10-18T07:45:00.001-07:00

New York City!

More than a city... it's a completely different world where I step foot on the streets and I'm completely enthralled with it all. Movies don't do it justice and pictures can't capture how amazing you feel when you're there. It's a place where my heart longs to be and my mind wanders to what it would be like to walk those streets daily and become part of that culture. Ahhhh, daydreams!

This was my second visit to the city and I had big plans to make it extra special for a special someone who was having a birthday :) The plan... Good food, a Great show and way too much candy.

Broadway... American Idiot... Amazing show!

Yea... I wasn't kidding about the candy part! We bought almost 3 pounds of candy from FAO Schwartz. And it was gone before we flew home, haha.

Grand Central Station... It was so overwhelming. I walked in and I was taking back by the magnitude of it and of course the beauty of it. We had to take a picture of us there... we just had to :)

Happy Birthday Kevin! I hope you had fun!

Third stop... Upstate New York...

First Stop... Red Sox Country!

2010-10-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

I've always had some what of a bucket list for the things I want to do in my life time. The list grows more and more each day and I will say that it is quite lengthy already. This list consists of places I want to go, things I want to see and experiences I want to be a part of... it's great and it gives me lots of things to look forward to!

Well last week I was able to cross off a few in one trip!

Kevin and I were blessed enough to have a few days off (9 to be exact) and we ventured up to the New England area for some sight seeing, some wedding dancing and some unbelievable eating!

First stop... Boston!

Harvard...do I look smart sitting here? haha

Boston is one of those cities that you can get lost in the history, the beauty and the almost romantic atmosphere. You can take a stroll down to Harvard Square and see where all the brilliant minds migrate. You can take a walk by the river and get lost in how peaceful the area feels. You can hop in a taxi (way more expensive than NYC cabs) and head downtown where lights fill the trees and there's a variety of options for fun moments! Everything is pretty much walking distance and I wouldn't want it any other way. Walking down the streets allows you every opportunity to see Boston's amazingness (is that a word?).

And then there's Fenway... a Ballpark I've always wanted to visit! It's small but powerful. The fans are devoted and the presence is addictive! I've been a Red Sox fan for a while now and I can remember having conversations with my brother about wanting to visit Fenway and cheer the Sox. Well, it finally happened and the best part... they were playing the Yankees and they WON! It was everything I hoped for and more :)

Gorgeous city! I will return ... soon.

Next stop... New York City!

The reality land of make-believe

2010-10-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

Dreams can make you question so much. It's that battle between reality and make-believe... a hidden world created by what your mind has stirring around when you doze off. Sometimes dreams can be enlightening, giving you a twist on something that you've been struggling with or highlighting something that in the daytime may not stand out as much as it should. Feelings become more apparent as you dream about first dates or first kisses...dreams bring to light those hidden feeling that you may be too embarrassed to admit. But sometimes dreams can leave a somewhat bitter feeling when you awake from a long night's sleep...and that's where this blog comes in.

What do you do when your dreams make the reality make-believe?

Now I know that's an awkward question so let me try to explain myself...

I've had a few dreams lately that have pinpointed some events in my life negatively...events that aren't negative at all but my mind has created this twisted version of what could or has happened. Most of the time it involves another individual and coming out of the dream leaves me with this bitter, almost angry and un-trusting feeling towards them. I know that some things are spun out of achieved memories/experiences (experiences I try to forget) and how people have treated me in the past. My dreams, however cut and paste present people in those moments and actions which make things really difficult. It causes me to look at them like they've hurt me, making my make-believe dream world into a make-believe reality world. ugh!

It would be like dreaming that your husband cheated on you with someone you knew well, even though in reality they would never ever do that.

And it's happening more and more these days!

What could that mean? What are some solutions? Does any one else deal with this?

Happy Birthday Kevin

2010-10-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my amazing boyfriend!

I hope you feel special and spoiled today :)

Nervousness

2010-09-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

I haven't been the best at writing this year. My life seems so chaotic and the last thing i want to do is sit down in front of a computer screen and type for another hour of my day. But tonight feels a little different...tonight I just want to type an pray that my words come true!

Tomorrow is my BIG test. The one that will determine whether I go to Grad School in January or whether I will spend the next few months studying to take it all over again....pushing my start date to May. It's a terrifying feeling! I mean I've been studying for the past five weeks straight and as I sit here all I can think is 'I should have studied more.' What if the questions asked are ones that I didn't prepare for? Or what if they are what I studied but my mind goes blank as soon as the starting screen appears? What if can't remember how to find the Area of a Circle...the very formula that has been repeated over and over and over?

Breathe Shannon, Breathe!

It's Area = pi r squared.

Okay, got it!

My stomach is turning and it's kind of a feeling mixed between 'the Butterflies' and 'that Bad food you ate at lunch!' Ugh! I'm hoping that subsides before morning.

Anyway, I was wondering if you guys and gals could do me a favor? Besides praying that my stomach will chill out, could each of you stop and say a prayer for me tomorrow between 3:30 PM & 7:00 PM? That will be the time I'm taking my test and I'm pretty sure, at some point within that 3 1/2 hour period, I'm going to freak out... a little!

I really would appreciate your prayers. I'm not asking that you pray I will ace the test... just pray for patience, confidence and anything else that will help me when the questions get tough and the minutes become less.

Thanks in advance!

Okay...now to sleep. If that's possible!

Chasing

2010-08-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

Can you take guess at what these five things have in common...

Pythagorean Theorem
Fractional Exponents
5 Subject Spiral Notebooks
Critical Reasoning
A really good eraser

If you haven't guessed yet, I'll give you a hint... It's very important to have all these by September 24th!

Why?

Well, the answer is...because that's the day I'm taking the GMAT(Graduate Management Admissions Test).

Yep that's right, I'm hoping and preparing to enroll in the MBA program this Spring. And now is about the time I need each of you to start your prayers! I'm gonna need it in order to stay focused, stay determined and stay on track. There's something inside me that says 'It's time! Time to reach out and grab hold to something that is going to brighten my future and help lay down a path towards my goals. I've been settling for a while now on jobs that just aren't what my heart desires. I want challenging, innovative, new, fresh, etc and now's my chance to chase after it! Here we go... let the studying begin!

I'm excited and nervous all at the same time :)

Sane

2010-08-10T13:22:00.001-07:00

Things I'm learning about myself...

I'm way too predictable.

No one really takes me seriously... maybe because I'm too predictable.

My conflict style apparently is high in the Avoiding category.

Stressed should be my new middle name.

Sassy is my new favorite word to say.

I'm not the only one that feels that way.

Emotional is a word that describes every girl, not just me!

After talking to Sara, I feel much more sane.

Lemonade

2010-08-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

Life is slipping by at a rate much faster than I had ever anticipated. I guess I always thought that the older you got, the slower life went. Life seems so chaotic in high school when you're trying to achieve at every sport possible while mastering Trigonometry and AP English... and then college kicks in at 100 mph leaving nothing but blurred images of football tailgates, awesome posters of your favorite movies and lots of broken hearted moments... and then the working world makes itself known and you would think that by snagging a stable job where the only that changes is your inbox, that life would slow down.

Nope! I think it actually speeds up at an off the charts pace.

I remember looking at my planner around March thinking how I couldn't wait till Summer hit and how excited I was about getting to lay out at the beach, and visit Caswell, and take the boat out. I planned Barbecues in my head and I could almost taste Fellini's on those after church dinners with friends. Well here it is, August and almost all those exciting moments have come and gone...minus the Fellini dinners. Those didn't really happen this summer for some reason.

Verdict: I have to slow my life down. I have to quit living for the future because all my moments are coming and going with me checking them off and looking for the next great thing to look forward to. I MUST stop... I need to live in the day! Take in all those things that I love about this time of year... not look forward all the things I love in the Fall or Winter. Live in Summer! That's what we're in and I should embrace that... at like maybe 25 MPH :)

So tonight, I'm going to sit outside and listen to the crickets chirp (yes we have those in the city), drink some lemonade and look for the moon. And if I had a hammock, I might would take a little pre-nap in it before bed but I'm thinking the mosquitoes would enjoy that too much... no hammock = equals no bites and me not being miserable, haha!

Enjoy today! Live in the moment and laugh at the present. Tomorrow will eventually come but you can't ever get today back!

Conversation starters

2010-07-23T12:18:00.001-07:00

You know when you're chatting with someone and you're trying to learn more about them you ask them all sorts of questions? Most are random questions but let's be honest, the random ones definitely start some good conversation! People do that to me a lot and the sad part is, I never have good answers for them.

For example, people all the time ask me... So what's you're favorite band / movie?

My response... Ummm I don't really have one. I love so many artists that it's hard for me to choose and movies well I have a ton of favorites but not one particular one that I can place in the all time favorite category. Fail! That gave them nothing about me that they could relate to.

Next question... So where do you live?

My response... Well I technically live in Atlanta because I'm inside the Perimeter(ITP what, what) but I'm right in between Sandy Springs and Buckhead. It's like in that general area. Right! Okay cool.

Moving on... What do you do for a living?

Me... Well I have three jobs technically... I am an advancing manager for BGI and RYC Ministries. It's basic contract work for both. And then I also work for the North American Mission Board assisting with Project Management, Media Services and overall Communication projects. Okay cool. And then they immediately check out of the conversation.

I think I'm just a little too complicated to talk to haha... either that or i really need to just work on my answers. Next time I'm going to have 3 default answers....

Favorite band/movie? - Journey/Anchorman

Where do you live? - Georgia near Atlanta

What do you do for a living? - I work :)

There you go... that should get the conversation rolling ha!

Diagnose

2010-06-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to sit down and describe your feelings?

Like you're real life daily emotions...Not all the gushy, lovely dovey, angry, pissed off at the world ones but the ones that might consume you on a regular basis. The ones you don't quite fully understand? The ones that leave you sitting at your desk staring at the computer in hopes that Google can help diagnose why you feel the way you do?

I've never tried to fully define what I'm feeling. Most of the time I make excuses about why I feel a certain way or I cover it up by telling the world I'm fine. It's a coping mechanism that I've used for years and it always seems to make people think I have it together and I am just a naturally happy individual. Today I publicly state... THAT'S NOT THE CASE. I have some serious chaos going on inside and my fear is that one day it's all gonna come bursting out and my words will not be very pleasant.

Contradiction has caused me to doubt almost everything that comes out of my mouth. I would love to be completely confident in myself and my words but somewhere along the way I made myself believe that I can't or I'm not good/skilled enough.

I talked to a few people about these feelings and they mainly all say the same thing... 'You have absolutely no reason to feel this way!' I so wish I could...I want to be able to change these feelings overnight. Wipe my mind clean from the memories of feeling this way. How do I do that? Ugh...

Viewable

2010-06-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

My blog reached 20,000 views today!

That's a lot of people reading about my life :)

Thanks readers and I promise I will write more in the days to come!

My new red obsession...

2010-06-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

Blog world meet my new obsession...

<--------- My red Ripstik! Yep, that's right... I am 28 years old and I'm obsessed with a Ripstik and all my friends are becoming obsessed too. Call me a skater chic if you want because I will break out some Vans skate shoes and a hoodie if I need to :) But seriously, this board is so fun and is a challenge in itself. I think that's why everyone is starting to become addicted. It's fun, cool and provides you with a leg and core workout. Oh and if you Ripstik in the 90 degree whether, you are sure to lose a few inches. Nothing says fun like skating in the park in the middle of summer's heat. OK my promotional speech is over! I do think you need to go buy one though. If anything just for the coolness factor :)

I should have played with Lincoln Logs

2010-06-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

What do I want to be when I grow up?

Hmmm good question! When I was 10, I wanted to be a veterinarian. When I was 16 I wanted to be a famous singer. When I was 22 I wanted to work in a corner office in Times Square in New York City. When I was 25 I wanted to be an event planner that planned festivals, concerts and tours for the Christian market. Today... when I think about it so many thoughts come to mind, but nothing that screams "This is My Life Goal!"

I feel like some people are born knowing exactly what they want to do. It's like the doctor wrote it on their name tag at birth or they just naturally grab a toy, like a Lincoln Logs and immediately they knew 'I'm going to be an Architect or a Construction Worker!' Do you think that really happens? If so i must have played with the wrong toys with I was little. Either that or I played with too many... the variety mixed up my train of thought, ha!

So here I am, 28 with several great skills sets but no real direction in where my skill sets fit. I should write up my own application! It would read something like this....

Seeking:

Job where my desk is stationary but my work is not. My creativity reaches no bounds and my thoughts are not limited to 'the way we've always done it.' My work skills will include organization, details under my control, large venues with multiple requirements needed and a team under me that will not get in my way, but do what needs to happen when things need to get done. Music and Entertainment must be a primary factor. Salary will be enough for me to acquire my OWN place and will allow left-overs for whatever I choose. Travel will be involved but only when the personal schedule allows. Haha... yep I'm a dreamer!

So anyone hiring?

Goal: Figure out what my life long career goal is!
Due Date: One week from today!

Savannah = Memorial Day fun

2010-06-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

Question: Hey Guys & Gals, What should we do for Memorial Day this year?

Response: SAVANNAH!

So, that's what we did! We pack up three cars with outfits for the weekend, towels for the beach, sunscreen galore, softball gloves for catch and high hopes for an awesome weekend with no rain! Well, we definitely got the weekend we hoped for :)

Savannah is one of those cities that just makes you feel good the second you drive beneath the willow trees and beside the historic buildings. It's a beautiful city enriched with history and now memories. Without going in to a day-by-day, hour-by-hour blog session of our trip, here are a few highlights:

The weekend was shared by 5 lovely ladies and 4 handsome fellows...

Kay, Me, Bree, Julie and Melani...

along with Wil, Kenny, Kevin and James!

We took multiple trips to Tybee Island for beach time, ocean time and food time...

The ladies catching some rays on the beach

Kevin and I... with not enough sunscreen on.

Wil, Kevin and I catching some yummy food at the Crab Shack

WOW! Wish that plate was in front of me right now!

Our nights were spent down by the river on River Street, known for the night life, street performers and cobble stone streets...which are a hazard for people in sandals not paying attention to where they are walking. I stumped my toe soooo bad :(

We did some climbing...

some yacht admiring...

and some star glazing, I think :)

It was a great trip!

Let's plan another one, NOW.

My 28th Birthday

2010-05-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

I have figured out that birthdays are my favorite! Not because it's a day all about you, you get lots of gifts and there's more cake than you know what to do with ... well maybe that has a little something to with it ... but in all seriousness, it's because it's the one day out of the year that I truly feel like people care ... even if it's all part of an act. Now, don't misread what I'm saying, I do feel loved and cared for every other day of the year because I have some of the greatest parents and friends any girl could ask for but on birthdays, people tend to show the love a lot more.

So this past Wednesday I celebrated my 28th year of life! I realized three things ... I am rapidly getting older, my bones and muscles now hurt daily and I have a lot of things to accomplish. So I decided I would set some REAL goals for my 28th year :) Here there are a few in no particular order...

Learn to let go and to embrace each day without worry or concern.
Love more!
Become more financially stable, meaning a higher paying job or a promotion.
Have more fun! This is a BIG one.
Write more letters reminding people that I love them and I care about them dearly!

Now, I do have a few more but in all honesty, I don't need to list them all. They're my goals and some need to remain somewhat private! But if you ask me in person, I'll share. I'm not hiding them.

Now besides making goals on my birthday, I had a love and cupcake filled day :) 28 cupcakes to be exact... I counted them up in my head today! On top of the cupcakes, my lovely roomies surprised me with a Coldstone Cookie Dough Ice cream cake. Oh and let's not forget the 108 Happy Birthday Facebook comments. So amazing! But one of the sweetest things came from one of the best friends a girl could ask for, my friend Kristen. Read for yourself... Birthday Wishes. So sweet :)

Now before I show you some pictures from my special day, let me tell you a sweet story.

Have you ever had a GiGi's Cupcake? If you haven't you may not fully appreciate this story but let me try and explain. GiGi's cupcakes are my favorite! I had them when I lived in Nashville, TN and I was sad when I moved because I had to move away from them since they are only located there. Oh so delicious!

Well Wednesday mid-morning, I got a text from Kevin that said "can you do me a favor?" My response, "of course!" His response, " come outside!" Now I was under the impression that he was at work but as I stepped off the elevator and looked outside there he was! I was so shocked :)

Kevin then pulled out the BIGGEST balloon I've ever seen that said Happy Birthday on it as well as a birthday princess crown! I have ALWAYS wanted a birthday princess crown!! Then he pulled a green box from his car and as he sat it down I saw that the top said GiGi's cupcakes! Oh my goodness, I had never been so excited about cupcakes in my life. He opened the box and this is what I saw...

In my head I'm like, "Did you drive to Nashville this morning" so I asked. He began to tell me that he called the Nashville store three days earlier and asked them to shipped cupcakes to me. He explained that they were my favorite but the lady there told him that shipping was not an option. He semi-begged, telling her that they were my favorite and he had to get them here for my birthday. She asked where he was located and when said Atlanta her response made his day. She said,"We just opened a store in Dunwoody 6 weeks ago on Hammond Drive." That's right down the street from my house :) After that news, he planned it all out to have cupcakes for me on my special day! And they we're extremely yummy. Ahhh, he is AMAZING :) I do love that boy!

After the surprise of my favorite treat and guy showing up at my office, my parents decided to send a little surprise of their own...

Aren't they gorgeous?!

I was in complete awe of them... they're so big and beautiful and they have been making my room smell delicious for the past 4 days! Thanks Mama and Daddy!

There were many more surprises that day! I felt so loved by so many. I love birthdays!

Can't wait for my half birthday in November :)

Oh and I'll tell you about my birthday weekend in my next post!!

Streets of Gold

2010-05-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

It's amazing the beauty you will see when you are driving along :)

'I want you to know
I’m leaving to let you go
And someday we’ll walk upon
The streets of gold'

Speaking out with no restrictions

2010-05-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: If you read things and automatically think the person is automatically talking about you, don't read this. I don't feel like dealing with that!

So here I am... wide awake... with random thoughts running through my head causing that little something inside of you that let's you sleep, malfunction. I keep thinking about all the frustration, the heartache, the let downs and all the things I should have said. Moments that have passed by where I should have spoken up but instead I kept quiet, let someone else have the last word or just gave up because the fight wasn't worth it.

I write many blogs about how I need to change and how I need to work on this and that in my life in order to be happier, but this blog is going to be a little different. Why? Because I'm not going to dwell on what I need to change. I'm going to dwell on the fact that things need to change around me...myself included of course but not the prime target.

I went home this past weekend for Trina Love's wedding... a classic mixture of high school faces and college party goers. The perfect combination of the friends I cherish the most. There was no drama, no gossip talk, no hiding behind a mask trying to be someone I'm not. It was a weekend where I realized just how much I miss the life I used to have, the friends I used to run with and the drama free area I used to reside in.

I blame no one and I'm not pointing any fingers, I just have serious issues with the way life is lead here in the ATL. I love the BIG city, don't get me wrong. I heart my social scene, my romantic scene and my work scene, but sometimes I feel that I'm trapped in a world where tiptoeing around certain people is a must, hiding your true feelings is a part of fitting in and shutting your mouth is how you avoid conflict. Honestly, it's like being in middle school all over again...just with taller people, who can drive and can pay for things without Mommy and Daddy's permission...but quit possibly a little more childish.

Is that wrong to say? Maybe... and I may offend someone by writing this but what people must understand is that I am venting and I choose this outlet to let my rants flow. Deal with it!

I do feel trapped in a middle school drama game with no doors to open in order to let me out. I feel a little claustrophobic from words surrounding me that I can't seem to speak freely. I feel lost and honestly a little alone...and I hate feeling this way!

Now I will probably wake up tomorrow and regret writing this blog all together but tonight here's what I have to say...

Stop being consumed with yourself! Wake up and look around at all the things you're missing out on because you can't seem to enjoy today because you're too focused on tomorrow. Quit talking about everyone that does something that you don't agree with. Gossip causes nothing but friction. Stop focusing on all that's bad and open your eyes to everything that is good around you. Why worry when you could live. Who cares how they are living their life, focus on your own. You are not perfect so stop trying to pretend you are while making every else seem mediocre. Think before you speak. Smile every now and then... the mad/sad/upset face is getting old. Learn to butt out and just be happy dealing with your issues/life...not everyone else's stuff. (said all in a yelling voice inside my head)

OK I'm done! Venting session over. Feel free to pick it a part.

Box of Wishes

2010-05-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing, Hoping for... more music opportunities, longer vacations, a night free of thinking, a date night out somewhere fancy, volleyball games played with friends, an upgraded position at work, more energy during the day, more sleep during the night, a star filled night sky and a soft blanket to lay under it, better music on the radio, less back aches, a life outside the box... and my little box of wishes keeps going on and on!

Do You Smell Something Burning?

2010-05-04T05:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in the weirdest day dream ever and thought to yourself, 'how can all this craziness fit into one scenario?' Well last night that happened to me only it wasn't a day dream, it was the reality known as Erica, Misty and Ashley's apartment!

I went over to Erica's around 7:00 PM yesterday for my routine haircut appointment. You know, nothing to crazy just a chestnut brown touch up, butterscotch peekaboos and more angle in the front, more bevel in the back. Simple stuff really! haha. Anyway, last night was more than a trip to the apartment salon!

Upon arrival, Erica, Ashley and Jason (a friend of the girls) were there debating, discussing and craving Chinese food. Discussion lasted about 30 minutes which ended with delivery of Pad Thai Chicken, The Family and some kind of spicy chicken with rice. All delicious! and all followed with fortune cookies. Ten to be exact. My fortune...less than mediocre! So there were 4 of us to start the night out.

OK moving on ... Misty came home around 8:00 PM with a guitar player named Dwayne. They were going to rehearse a song with Ashley and Erica for the 500 Songs for Kids Album. By this point, my chestnut brown color has set and we've moved on to the butterscotch peekaboos so I have foil in all areas of my hair. Keep in mind, we're now up to 6 people in the apartment including me!

Here's were it gets good. The girls had noticed a burning smell in the apartment while we were all sitting around. There seemed to be a little haze filling the room and the burning plastic smell initiated a room search for the culprit. Nothing was found but the worry had set in! Since there's not a fire department number listed, Misty and Jason decided it was best to call 911. Fifteen minutes later, while the girls were rehearsing and I was letting the foils set, there was a knock on the door! Yep, you guess it ... FIREMEN!

There were only 2 at first, one chief and one fully suited man squandering through looking for this smell Misty had describe over the phone. While they were in the Erica's room checking for fire, another knock hit the door ... 3 more fully suited firemen entered the apartment. That makes 5! Those 3 split up, 2 went to Misty's bedroom to investigate and the other joined the first two in Erica and Ashley's bedroom. Then, one more knock occurred bringing 2 more, one fireman and one fire lady! Oh did I mention I still have foil in my hair?

That now makes 3 roommates, 2 Musicians, 5 Firemen, 1 Fire Lady, 1 Fire Chief and me ... getting my hair done! Twelve, count 'em, TWELVE people witnessed my hair transformation. And after the embarrassment wore off, I realized what a great story it would make, haha!

The result: No Fire! Just a faulty AC fan that needs to be fixed. The Gables Maintenance man came to check it out while Erica rinsed the color from my hair. So I guess he would make the 13th person to witness my hair transformation. WOW! What a crazy night.

Oh and in cause you don't believe me, here's the proof...

Firemen everywhere!

9 Deadly Words

2010-04-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Not sure if you can read these, but Kevin found these online today and they make me laugh because of how true they are :)

I never realized how complicated we can be!

Maybe we should print out this list and present it at the beginning of a relationship... kind of like a warning... 'Look, this is what you're getting yourself in to!" or "Here's how to understand my language!"

Hahahaha... That would be awesome!

Do any of these describe your thought process?

I think I'm falling in love with New York

2010-04-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

New York at Sunrise

When with her clouds the early dawn illumes
Our doubtful streets, wistful they grow and mild
As if a sleeping soul grew happy and smiled,
The whole dark city radiantly blooms.
Pale spires lift their hands above the glooms
Like a resurrection, delicately wild,
And flushed with slumber like a little child,
Under a mist, shines forth the innocent Tombs.
Thus have I seen it from a casement high.
As unsubstantial as a dream it grows.
Is this Manhattan , virginal and shy,
That in a cloud so rapturously glows?
Ethereal, frail, and like an opening rose,
I see my city with an enlightened eye.

~ Anna Hempstead Branch

The Green Poof

2010-04-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

So I have been terrible at writing on my blog lately. My lack of thoughtful posts is a combination of a super busy schedule, a lack of hilarious/intriguing stories to tell and just plain laziness... a lot of the latter one!

But alas, this week has sparked some funny things to tell you, some new adventures to reveal and sweet moments that are now written on my heart. Since I'm horrible at keeping you updated, I'm going to split these moments up into a few posts...that way you have something fun to read a few days in a row instead of all at once!

First story to tell you about happened two days ago when a kitchen conversation lead to 4 girls laughing hysterically around the kitchen counter. I'll let Michelle tell you all about this one...

"So, funny story.

I am now living with three girls. One of which, I share a bathroom with. All is great. Expect, we have a problem. We have a mysterious green lufa in our presence.

Shannon and I have been cohabiting our bathroom for close to a month. Since that time, there have been two lufas AKA poofs hanging in our shower. One blue, one green. Shannon had bought the blue one. She assumed the green one was mine. I had not purchased either one, and assumed that one belonged to her and the other to her man friend, Kevin. On with life we go.

Well, my roommates and I were standing in our kitchen last night catching up when Shannon casually mentions and apologizes that her man friend might have accidentally used my (green) poof. She started laughing as she recounts the story of Kevin telling her that he thought he had used hers, and the icky facial expression that he had once she told him that he was incorrect about the poof ownership. Well, imagine my goofy look when I tell her that the green one was not mine. I explain that I had actually just purchased a purple lufa. I’m pretty sure there were tears involved as all four of us laughed and tried to figure out where the poof came from and how disturbing it was that Kevin used a strangers cleaning apparatus.

Where did this mysterious lufa come from??

Honestly, the whole thing is a kind of creepy and a little weird. The exact owner and origin of said lufa is still up in the air. All I know is that when I got up this morning and walked into the bathroom, I found this:

Welcome to the joys of roommate-hood. And if you happen to find yourself missing a poof, we know where it is. Feel free to come retrieve it from out of the trash can. Be ready to explain yourself."

Read more of Michelle's Blog at Moments Worth Mentoring

Back tomorrow with another story :)

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T12:01:00.001-07:00

You know what I love about Easter... I mean besides the fact that it's the day that we celebrate the event that changed everything...

I love Easter because it's one of those weekends that brings friends together, the church service is always packed(meaning more people that are hearing the message and more people could be getting saved), the weather always seems a little warmer and there are stores full of Cadbury cream eggs :)

Although I didn't get one this year, I still love those chocolaty cream eggs! YUMM

This year was a little different than the years past. I normally spend Easter in Nashville... well for the past three years I had, but this year I decided to spend Easter right here, in Atlanta. I definitely enjoyed it.

Good Friday brought a relaxing, sunny boat ride on Lake Lanier with Kevin, Stephen and Heather... good times, sunny weather, great company and a day off of work! Who could ask for more than that?!

Saturday was spent making homemade peanut butter eggs (which were to die for) and spending time up at the MacKay household watching movies, relaxing on the deck and playing Mancala. Actually, it was more like 'getting schooled in Mancala by a 6-year-old!'

Sunday was all about church. Upstreet in the morning... getting to sing and dance around with several 2nd and 3rd graders will make any Easter bright. Easter lunch at Michelle's parent's house then back to church for an awesome sermon given by Andy Stanley! After service and a fun dinner at Twisted Taco, we ventured to the house and sat in the sun room to reflect on the awesome weekend. I would describe it as perfect.

I truly enjoyed myself and my Easter weekend!

What was your favorite part of your Easter holiday?

Pineberry

2010-04-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

The pineberry could be the world's newest oldest most least tart sweet pineapple that's a strawberry. Or it could just a good day to berry old news ...

Is it a strawberry? Is it a pineapple? Is it a conspiracy?

I don't care what it is... I WANT ONE!

Moving Moving Moving

2010-03-22T13:10:00.001-07:00

Definitely not my favorite thing to do but it has definitely become part of my yearly routine, haha!

Saturday began the transition from OPT in ITP... if your not from Atlanta that means 'Outside the Perimeter' and 'Inside the Perimeter' (a little ATL useful lingo for ya). While driving over with my third car load on Saturday evening, I said to myself...WHY do I keep doing this, haha? The whole collecting boxes, and newspapering up plates and washing everything because it touched the inside of my car... it's miserable! And not to mention, this time I have re-paint my room before I move out or they'll charge me like $600, ugh! I hate painting...with a passion!

While I know I sound quite annoyed with this whole process, there are some pros to my move.

I get to live with 3 of my close friends
Cambi gets a yard and a whole neighborhood to walk around in, instead of a small patch of AstroTurf to pee on.
We're living in a HOUSE (not an apartment) with an awesome sun room and deck!
We have a garage and I get a permanent parking spot in it :)
Since I signed up for a half marathon and I having to actually start running, there are trails and 3 people to make me go run on them... 4 if you count my sweet, accountable boyfriend.
Four girls living together means more food to snack on, haha
We're getting cable again and it's cheap cause there's 4 of us to pay for it! Ahhhh, HGTV I've missed you
The yard is on a slope which means possible slip and slide parties!
There is no stupid gate or gate code or idiots that don't understand how to use a gate or a gate code
And number 10, there is now an option of barbecuing in my backyard. Oh the possibilities!

So as you can see, there are pros and cons to this decision! Right now the cons are killing me but soon the pros will take over and I will be loving my new place of residence!

Quarter life

2010-03-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my BABY brother... who is not a baby anymore :)

How does it feel to be old bub? The big 25...

Quarter life crisis? I think so, haha

Overview

2010-03-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

OK I've got some time so I decided I would write an update blog because A LOT has happened since my February post...

Started a new study with my Small Group ladies that's amazing. It's called Discovery and I am truly discovering a lot about myself and my relationship with God.
Finally got my Groupon Mani/Pedi with Michelle. My toes are baby pink if you were wondering :)
Attended my first Community Leader Orientation and it was so beneficial. Learning how to grow as a leader is always necessary
Took Kevin on his first Chow Baby experience! It was a success. If you've never been you need to drive to Atlanta and experience it first hand. Chow Baby
Met with my mentor and received some really encouraging words on my singing.
Celebrated 6 months with my amazing boyfriend
Experienced my first Ikea date... along with Swedish meatballs.
Oh and I'm moving...Just a mile down the road but into an awesome house.

OK that's my quick overview for today... more to come soon :)

Updates

2010-03-11T13:29:00.001-08:00

I need to write and update and I promise that within the next week I will do just that :)

Busy Busy Busy....

But I got a new Blackberry so that makes me happy :)

more to come soon!

Go Bees! Buzzzzz

2010-02-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

My Valentine's present?!

Tickets to the UNC/Georgie Tech basketball game! How freaking awesome is that?

Except for the whole UNC losing and looking like a terrible high school team. Granted, both teams played like it was their very first college basketball game ever, but instead of giving facts and stats, I'm going to write my blog on how awesome Georgia Tech is.

Let me start by saying, this game was the Tar Heels' lowest-scoring game of Roy Williams' seven seasons as coach and definitely dropped North Carolina closer to the bottom of the Atlantic Coast Conference standings. Ouch, that hurts!

But let's not focus on the Heels! Let's focus on the incredible Yellow Jackets.

I will start by commending the jackets for their outstanding sub rotation and their unbelievable coaching staff. Paul Hewitt, head coach definitely has a way with his team and a way of pleasing the fans with his press play calls and his strategic rotation with his players. He must like to keep the players guessing and the fans yelling.

Now for some stats...

Georgia Tech (18-8, 6-6 Atlantic Coast Conference) ended a two-game losing streak and completed its first regular-season sweep of the Tar Heels since 1995-96. The Yellow Jackets are 5-1 at home, but 1-5 on the road in ACC games. Wow, the Jackets are definitely on their way to the top! I see an ACC win in their future ... lots of bee flags waving that Black and Gold.

After attending the game, it's safe to say that Georgia Tech is my new favorite team! Go bees :)

Our first Valentine's Weekend!

2010-02-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

I know, I know the suspense has been killing each of you. I apologize for my late post but I had to steal the pictures off Kevin's camera in order to make this post perfect.

OK here we go...

My Valentine's weekend was absolutely perfect. Probably the best way to spend your first Valentine's Day as a couple. I couldn't have asked for a better 3 days. And it was even topped off with 4 - 5 inches of snow :)

Want the details? Well I hope so cause I'm going to tell you whether you want to hear them or not.

So, Kevin and I decided instead of fancy restaurants, expensive shows or far off weekend get-a-ways, we would take the weekend to relax and spoil each other right here in Georgia. We split the weekend up so that each of us had an evening to spoil the other... such a good idea.

Friday was my night! Remember that meal I was telling you about in my Friday post... well I pulled it off!!! My first attempt at cooking fish was a success. Here's a picture to prove it...

Apple - Feta Salad, Hassleback Potatoes, Lemon Butter Green Beans along side my main dish Swordfish with Rosemary! Scrumptious :)

Then for dessert...

Chocolate Covered Strawberries which Kevin helped me with. Those things are difficult to make. We realized why they are so expensive in Godiva!

Saturday was Kevin's night to spoil me :) I like nights like this haha.

His meal was absolutely delicious and he really took into account my favorites...

Balsamic Salad with Pomegranate, Red Potatoes with Spinach and garlic along side a Seafood Bake complete with Mahi, Shrimp and Scallops. Heavenly I tell ya, Heavenly!!!

Besides the amazing food and sweet gifts (which I didn't post but will later), we participated in two unforgettable things that in my eyes made the weekend extra special.

Numero Uno - We built a Snowman. Everyone meet Billy Bob...

Our redneck snowy friend :)

The funniest part, Kevin getting the snowman started, haha. Watch!

Number 2 - One of the sweetest things I've seen in a while... We helped Kevin's grandfather, aka Pop pull off a Valentine's Day surprise for his wife/Kev's Grandmother. After Watermarke Church, we went to Target and picked up a rose/lily bouquet, a sweet Valentine card( with red roses on the cover as requested) and all the ingredients to make a lovely dinner. While Kevin's parents gathered his grandparents and brought them over, we prepared the meal and the setting. It was so sweet to see Pop surprise his wife :) I wish I had a picture!

Overall weekend? PERFECT!!!! My best ever :) I'm one lucky little girl!

Snow in all 50 states...

2010-02-12T07:04:00.000-08:00

A winter storm passing through the southern. U.S. today could leave measurable snow throughout the Deep South, including parts of the Florida panhandle. If this happens, there would be snow on the ground in all 50 states at the same time. If it doesn't happen, maybe somebody in Alabama or Georgia could just toss a snowball over the border. Does that count? ...

A Hunt for the perfect mixture

2010-02-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

This week has been the filler to get to my weekend ... a Monday - Friday planning period!

But my weekend is finally here and I am so excited I can hardly contain myself :) It's Valentine's weekend and I've got some surprises up my sleeve.

Just to let you in on the secret, I spent 2 hours total between Target and Whole Foods last night gathering fresh veges, fruits, spices and some special ingredients for a special meal that will prepared by me tonight. Top all that off with some heart tissue paper and some sweet words and you've got a special evening prepared for one special guy :)

I'll let you know how all goes!

Happy Heart weekend to everyone with lots of LOVE.

Writing about me...and my mask

2010-02-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

So I've decided I'm going to try something a little different with my blog!

Since I'm having a hard time keeping up with the daily writing, I'm going to start updating twice a week...once on Monday and again on Friday. This way I can fill everyone in on the week's experiences and then the weekend experiences. Sounds like a good plan to me :)

So this will be my first Monday update...How fun, haha!

I've learned quite a bit this past week about myself and about the life that I've lead for the past 20 some years. I have several fears that seem to effect my daily interaction with friends, co-workers, my boyfriend, etc. One of the main things that I have come to the realization about myself is that I have to liked. I know that's weird and may sound a little like Micheal Scott but it's true.

I have an issue with acceptance. If I don't have it, I stress myself out to the point of sickness and worry about what people are thinking, are they upset with me, why am I being left out, what did I do the cause the rift. It's absolutely exhausting. I want to be friends with all and I do my best to make sure I am fully in tune with people's like/dislikes, etc. So much to the point where I'll pretend to like things, know things, want things in order to make myself fit in.

That's totally not healthy.

It's a mask...several actually and I can't figure out how to take it off.

But I will! Goal number 1: Burn the masks!

Shannon/?... Who will be my Julia

2010-02-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

Have you guys seen the movie Julie/Julia?

Good movie! Especially if you like food :)

After watching it, I started thinking 'Should I write a blog like Julie?' and if so 'Who would be my Julia?'

I could write about food but I feel like I wouldn't get very far with that considering most of the time food is last on my list. I mean, I could write I could write about foods I love and places I like to eat but I'm not sure how interesting that would be. it would sound something like this...

Went to Flip Burger the other night and had the most amazing Turkey Burger ever. It was covered in sprouts, avocado and pomegranate ketchup. A little taste of Heaven. Served with a side of Zucchini fries and a Nutella and Burnt Marsh Mellow shake. DIVINE!

That would be the gist of my writing for food. Whatcha think? Would you want to read 365 days of that? Hmmmm... not sure I would.

So what could I write about? Music...Work...Church...Sleep?

Give me your thoughts!

Pink Marsh Mellows

2010-01-29T09:12:00.000-08:00

Day Dreaming about Hot Chocolate topped with Whipped Cream, Chocolate Sprinkles and Pink Marsh Mellows :)

That's exactly what I want on a cold evening like tonight!

Could anyone help me out with that??

Fully Devoted

2010-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

For the past three weeks, my Small Group has been going through the book 'Fully Devoted' and it's been amazing so far. It's been challenging and eye-opening in so many ways. I did this study about 4 years when I worked on summer staff at Fort Caswell as an intern. My friend Downey and I lead this study for the Key Leadership team and through it learned a lot about ourselves. What's so funny is, going through it this time is totally different. I'm learning completely different things and God is taking some of the things I missed 4 years ago and showing me how they relate to me now. AWESOME!

My favorite part of the studies are the weekly experiments. They make you think and they definitely will convict you, haha. I thought I'd share one of our experiments with you. I'd love for you to try it and let me know what God said to you through it.

Here is an experiment for putting Colossians 3:17 into practice.
This week: Memorize Paul’s words in Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Think about what it would mean for you to live the ordinary moments of your life as if Jesus were in your place. How would you do each of the following activities in Jesus’ name?

•Waking up
•Greeting those you see first in the morning
•Eating
•Driving
•Working outside the home or caring for children while at home
•Shopping
•Watching TV
•Doing household tasks
•Reading the paper
•Going to sleep

Try it out.Focus on Jesus’ presence with you as you go through the seemingly inconsequential moments of your day. Keep it simple; continually direct your thoughts back to him: ask for his help or his guidance, or simply share your heart with him. Keep track of how the experiment goes. (If you don’t already have a journal, we strongly recommend you start one so that you can keep a running list of observations throughout the duration of this study.) You will share your insights and experiences with the group when you meet.

Sunshine in the Storm

2010-01-27T09:11:00.000-08:00

Each day I hear more and more about the effects of the Earthquakes in Haiti. I see Twitters from my friends who are over there helping, blogs about the destruction, ads to raise support and television specials to bring us stories of the people there and the devastation that has taken place.

It's heartbreaking!

The pictures jerk at your heart and cause tears to swell up in your eyes. It's unimaginable for us here in the US to truly understand what these people are going through.

This picture shows hundreds, living in the streets. Away from the walls. In fear that another tremor will take their lives as well. Can you imagine living on the street because you're afraid that your house will collapse on you? I can't!

Now, with so much devastation you would think these people would give up. But the sunshine in this dark storm is they're not!

They are rebuilding with some awesome help.

They are finding Hope in all that's around them.

They are spreading their arms open to what is to come.

And that is beautiful! Not devastating or heartbreaking :)

Singing with a legend

2010-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

So apparently I really need to brush up on my Gospel Music knowledge!

About a week ago, I was asked to sing in our NAMB chapel with a few co-workers for a Hall of Faith service. It was some big recognition and little ole me had no idea what the fuss was all about.

The auditorium was full of all these older men who were known for their evangelist endeavors over the past 50 some years. My co-workers were rattling off the names of these men and their roles and I'm pretty sure I was giving them a blank stare as I nodded my head in hopes that they wouldn't figure out that I had no clue who any of those men were.

Anywho, I began the service singing background vocals for this man named Bob Smith, who uses his musical talents to evangelize all over the world...Not going to lie, that's pretty awesome. Bob lead us through the lyrics of Onward Christian Soldiers and How Great Is Our God which then lead into the chorus of How Great Thou Art... and this is where the 'moment' took place.

A man, seated to my left on the stage stood up during the words 'Then sings my soul, My savior God to thee. How Great Thou Art. How Great Thou Art.' He walked to the mic and began to lead us in the song. Everyone in the audience had this look of sheer joy when he did this. Some where even crying. They sang their hearts out as this man lead them in the final words of How Great Thou Art. He had spoken during the service and I remembered people talking about him days before this event, but of course, I was naive as to why everyone was so excited about this man standing up and singing. Honestly I thought it was just because he was in his late 80's and he was still singing but that wasn't why. They referred to him as Cliff Barrows...which meant nothing to me at the time but soon would.

After the service was over, my co-worker Matthew said 'How does it feel to be a part of that historical moment?' I was so confused. Then another co-worker asked me the same question. Then a third. Utterly confused by this point but thoroughly intrigued, I walked to my desk and Googled the name Cliff Barrows.

This is what I found thanks to Wikipedia...

Clifford Burton Barrows (born April 6, 1923 in Ceres, California is the longtime music and program director for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He has been a part of the Graham organization since 1949. Barrows is best known as the host of Graham's weekly "Hour of Decision" radio program, and the song leader and choir director for the crusade meetings.

In 1988, Barrows was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee by the Gospel Music Association. In 1996 he was also inducted into the Religious Broadcasting Hall of Fame by the National Religious Broadcasters.

That's pretty big deal!

So after I researched, I figured out that I got to sing background vocals with a man that has made history with his voice, his words and his love for Jesus along side people like Billy Graham. How awesome is that! I sang with a legend, WOW!

Here's my proof to show my kids one day, haha :)

"The Christian faith is a singing faith, and a good way to express it and share it with others is in community singing." ~ Cliff Barrows

Pre-thought reasons.

2010-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have so much to write about yet I find myself sitting in front the computer with a blank stare. I have began to wonder where my love for writing went. You see, when I started this blog back in '06 the goal was to have a journal I could look back on in the years to come, to see just how far I've come and grown. I wanted it to be a book of my life written through my eyes and my experiences. A book of memories if you will. But lately, I have no desire to capture the moments. Pretty sad huh?

It is very sad. Most of the time when I write, I'm writing to myself...my future self. I'm kind of mapping out an instruction manual on what not to do in the years ahead but I am also writing a collection of thoughts inspired by what I've been through. And I write these, not only for my personal reflection, but also I write these hoping to help someone learn and not go though some of the hardships I've come across. Life's about learning and I feel that I can offer some advice to those still young and a little naive to this world.

This is where the conflict comes in... I want/need to write in order to produce content for myself and my readers but I don't feel like writing because it's another hour or so that I have to spend sitting in front of a computer screen. UGH!

I need the motivation...the determination...the quit time...the less consumed mind and a few less headaches.

With that said, I have decided to give myself pre-thought topics in order to get my writing back on track. A sequence of titles to help motivate me to write about the journey I'm currently on. Sure, it won't be spontaneous this week but the good news is, it will help get me back on track...back to the times where thoughts fill my mind and the desire to share consumes my finger tips :)

This is gonna be fun.

Here are this week's titles:
Tuesday: Singing with a Legend
Wednesday: Sunshine in the Storm
Thursday: Fully Devoted
Friday: Pink Marsh Mellows
Saturday: Transition Please
Sunday: Dreaming of Blue Microphones
Monday: Shannon/? ... Who would be my Julia

You'll have to stay tuned to see what these titles produce. A great blog is what I'm hoping for :)

Who doesn't love snowboarding?!

2010-01-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

Every year, my family tries to go up to the mountains to enjoy some good 'ole ski slopes action. This year was successful! My whole family was able to go ... Daddy, Mama, Brock, Summer and a special addition, Kevin!

I was so excited because we were going to get to snowboard! YES... I mean who doesn't love snowboarding :) Summer was even excited about learning to board!

I had't been snowboarding since 2007 when Jen and I went up to Boone and basically came home with broken tail bones and bruise of all shapes and sizes. I remember thinking I would never master is sport and if I did, it would only be after I broke a few bones or my face. Well, I proved myself wrong.

Now, I'm not saying I'm all of sudden a pro but over the Christmas holiday I did pretty good. After my initial run down the mountain that took about 45 minutes, the rest were a breeze. I stayed up on my board the whole time...minus every time I fell getting off the ski lift. Mastering the lift is a whole new sport in itself.

But overall I did well. Kevin did really well. I believe he's a natural, even if he won't admit it. He was doing all these shreds and turns and maneuvers and well whatever else you want to call them. Let's just say he was awesome!!

Look at us... little snow bunnies!

We had a great time and I'm hoping we hit the slopes again soon!

Impact the next generation

2010-01-17T12:23:00.000-08:00

One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade. ~ Chinese Proverb

I read this proverb this morning and it really got stuck in my head. You see, I had this vision of the kids today coming up behind me and how our influence will help them in the future. I mean, I guess I already knew that but after reading this proverb it got me to thinking about the question, "Are we really teaching these kids and young adults properly?"

I look at these dying churches and these run down programs and it makes me wonder if we're doing enough. I get so angry sometimes when I hear people talk about how their youth are trying to change the church by bringing in drums sets and loud guitars. How they're so rebellious because they have earrings and get tattoos. How they're disrespectful because they basically fall asleep during service.

Here's a thought... Stop only catering to the 80 year-old community in church and start reaching to the generation that still has a lot of life to live ... a generation that needs us to teach them the truth ... a generation that will be teaching my kids and your kids in only a matter of a few years.

Earrings and Tattoos have no effect on the way a person learns and grows. Listening to Rock music will not prevent someone from believing in Jesus. And as for the church service, I can understand and relate to these kids ... sometimes the language used by pastors and ministers is over my head and makes me sleepy at the first words spoken. It's hard to learn when you don't fully grasp what someone's saying. You have to relate!

My point ... Stop complaining that the kids are changing the church and start embracing the fact that church isn't how it used to be 40 years ago. Time to open your eyes and learn how to influence the ones who will carry on this religion for years to come!

So, plant the tree and watch them grow. And rest knowing that if we influence the youth of today, they'll influence the youth of tomorrow!

Refusing

2010-01-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

Conflict can only make us stronger right?!

I hope so ... but at this moment in time I feel like conflict is making me weaker and angrier. I'm tired of the constant uncomfortable feeling. I'm done with trying to walk on egg shells and making my time and relationships stressful. I'm upset that this is happening. I'm annoyed at the changes that must take place.

Ugh!

I refuse to let this situation disrupt my fun, my happiness and my hopes! I refuse!!

The Sweetest Reason

2010-01-13T12:04:00.000-08:00

There are many reasons why I love my small group!

The Girls are awesome!
The Conversation is uplifting and honest.
The laughs make the week so much brighter.
And one of the sweetest reasons... the treats these ladies make :)

Homemade, Made from Scratch Apple Pie anyone?!

Linnea, you and your pie making skills are incredible!