The Past Few Weeks

I've been gone for a while again.

So, let me recap the past few weeks:

On Saturday, December 18th, I participated in a pinning ceremony at UWM.  The ceremony was for graduates of the criminal justice or social work department.  Being from the social work department, I thought it would be fun to get pinned by the Dean of the college.

Sunday, December 19th was my graduation day.  Finally...after four semesters, I am done with Graduate School!  :)  All the hard work paid off.  I ended up just shy of a 3.9 GPA.  Not too shabby!  I'm so so so thankful that it is done.  Granted, at some point in my life, I'm sure I will miss school, but I'm ready to leave my future work at work and enjoy some much needed free time.

In addition to graduation, the Outreach Center has asked me to join their staff full-time.  They are currently working to approve my salary and are deciding exactly what my position will look like.  I feel so blessed to be in the position I am currently (out of school, employed, living at home, and ready for the future).

Okay, so back to the past few weeks...

On Monday, December 20th (at 5:30am mind you), I went to West Allis Memorial Hospital to have my tonsillectomy.  It was my first surgery EVER and I was definitely anxious the day of.  The anesthesiologist, who put in my IV, had to try to get the vein twice (which was a bit traumatizing for me...with a fear of needles and all).  But after that, all I remember is waking up in the recovery room and then eating some popsicles afterward.

Days 1 through 6 were the worst.  I was able to eat soft foods (mashed potatoes, soggy cereal, popsicles, pudding, hard-boiled eggs) and drink lots of fluids, but my ears, tongue, and throat were in pain.  My tongue swelled up to about twice its size.  It is still a bit numb and sore, but is definitely getting better.  My throat is finally feeling only mildly uncomfortable.  No more pain meds for me.

I go to see the doctor tomorrow for my post-op appointment, and I'm hoping I get good news to start back on a general diet.  I did have a "normal" meal tonight, which went well.  Here's to feeling completely back to normal.

Since I did practically nothing for the past two weeks (or so), I still feel a bit loopy and out of sorts (hence my not writing in this blog).

December 25th was Christmas.  Merry (late) Christmas blog readers!  It was a wonderful time with family.  Other than having to cut my food into TINY pieces, Christmas was great this year.  :)

December 26th was my graduation party.  This was another great time with friends and family.  I was so fortunate to get generous gifts that allowed me to send in my social work certification application and fees!  Now, it's just a waiting game to see if I'm approved to take my State and National exams to become an APSW (Advanced Practice Social Worker).

So, that's my update.  I'll be sure to post more as the new year comes.

Read more...

The Packers

Yesterday was my dad's Holiday Packers Party.  Each year, the employees are treated to dinner, free drinks, and entertainment.

We watch the Packers game and hang out from about 11am until 4pm.  This year, we were able to meet (previous) Green Bay Packer #71, Santana Dotson. 

I even got a picture with him, which I will put up at some point.  Meeting Santana, however, made me wish I could meet this guy (below) even more!

I have a huge crush on Aaron Rodgers (#12).  AND he's a born again Christian!

I almost asked Santana if he could set up a date for Aaron and me, but obviously decided against mentioning it.

Factoid:  When I purchased my car in 2006, I named it "Rodgers" before I even knew Aaron Rodgers' name.  It is even spelled the same way.  Coincidence?  I think not.  ;)

Read more...

And I'll leave you with this:

Just a few pictures from today:

 While I was at the grocery store walking around with my dad, we found this HUGE dog bone.  It's more than half my height.  I thought it was better suited for a horse...

This is my papa.  He got all dressed up in warm clothes to go shovel our snow.

This is the view from our front door.  It's done snowing for now, but hopefully it will start again soon!  I can't wait for the big, fluffy snowflakes!

Read more...

First Real Snowfall of Winter 2010

I woke up to snow on the ground and it is still falling!  I am so utterly excited for snow this winter!  Don't hate me for it, but it is just so beautiful and puts me in the Christmas mood!  :)

I can't wait to get dressed in warm clothes and go outside.  I'm expecting it to be nothing short of delightful.  

I hope you are all enjoying your days in whatever weather you are blessed to have.  For me, I am just taking in all the beautiful white snow during this first snowfall. 

Read more...

Snow

As I am sitting in my dining room before work, I see a few flurries of snowflakes out the window.  I can honestly say that I'm ready for this:

Maybe we'll get a good snowfall today!  :)

Read more...

Almost...

I am almost done with school FOREVER!

I have about three papers left to write to finish off grad school.  

I couldn't be happier that soon I will be done with:

homework

reading for class

essay writing

sitting through 3-hour classes

homework

filling out professor evaluations

driving to campus and paying for parking

homework

Did I mention that I can't wait to be done doing homework?!

For anyone still in school...or just about to finish...good luck ending the semester strong!  :)  Yes, I am looking forward to graduating soon, but I also appreciate the time I have had in college.  Don't take it for granted!  It really will be over before you know it.

Read more...

End of November

It is now the end of November and I have barely written in my blog.  

Yes, I had midterms, and finals, and papers, but I have neglected the blog yet again.

And so much has happened since the last time I wrote.

On the job front, God has perfectly coordinated my employment from graduation until I find another position.  I can be hired on full-time at the Outreach Center (at least temporarily).  Being a non-profit, funding is always first priority, so we'll see where we are after six months (if I am still there).

Besides the Outreach Center, a position at my "dream job" was offered to me.  I didn't even apply for the position.  But it is perfect and exactly what I was praying about.  God certainly surprises us when we least expect it.  :)

On a different note, I am scheduled for a tonsillectomy on December 20th (the day after graduation).  I was sick earlier this semester and my tonsils were bugging me then.  After seeing a specialist and talking with my parents, I decided to have the surgery to remove my tonsils altogether.  If I left them alone, I would have the same issues the rest of my life (per my doctor's expertise).  

I'm a bit anxious about the surgery.  This is the first time I'm ever having surgery and an IV.  I never had my wisdom teeth out (I have all four in at the moment).  So, I'm a bit nervous, but I'm pretty sure it will be fine.  A tonsillectomy is such a routine procedure, but I think there is always a bit of apprehension with surgery in general, no matter the type.

So, I think that about catches you up for the moment.  Job news.  And surgery news.  

I'm still plugging along until graduation.  I got my cap, gown, and hood in the mail the other day.  I'm excited for December 19th to come...no more schoolwork for the rest of my life (I hope!).  P.S.  In case you noticed, my surgery is THE DAY AFTER my graduation.  I have to be at the hospital at 5:15am.  No celebrating of graduation on the night of the 19th for me!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I'll try to post again sooner than last time.  :)

Read more...

Oh, tonsils...

On Friday I go to the Ear Nose and Throat doctor to check out my tonsils.

I'm taking a guess that I'll soon be going in to get my tonsils taken out.

If this happens, it will be my first surgery ever.

I'm a little nervous, but God is good.

We'll see what happens Friday.

Read more...

Tears on Wednesday

Today just felt like one of those days when everything was getting on my nerves.  It was awful.  I got fed up about the smallest things.  And this lasted for about half my day.  

The worst part was that I was at the Outreach Center today, so I was frustrated while I was supposed to be an example of God's love with our clients.  Instead, I was just frustrated with the situations I was handed.  One client showed up 1 1/2 hours late for their appointment and still wanted to be seen.  Another client showed up an hour early and wanted to be seen.  And I just got fed up.  I felt awful.

But, as I worked with both clients and talked with them about our Phoenix Life Skills program, it occurred to me that both clients showed up right on time - it was just God's timing, not mine.

One of the clients I met with told me that he felt a "wonderful spirit" in our Center and that he was really encouraged after our meeting.  This was the same guy that showed up 1 1/2 hours late for his appointment.

After that, my second client showed up an hour early.  She is about to be kicked out of her home and has no place to go with her children.  After speaking with her briefly and telling her that God has a plan for her life and that she was created for a purpose, she broke down.  Just started crying.  She told me that she really needed to hear the words I said, just at that very moment.  

Once all was said and done, I knew that nothing I had said really made a difference.  What happened was that the Lord touched the hearts of the clients we served today.  And that was really encouraging!  It's amazing to be a part of God's work in the city.  Even though I don't know how long I'm supposed to be at the Outreach Center, I appreciate the time I have there now.  No matter where life takes me, I hope to always do work in ministering to others.

Read more...

November Wishes

Today, I found myself spending a lot of time in prayer.

Prayer about resting and dwelling in the Lord.

Prayer for my family, who are both mourning and celebrating life circumstances.

Prayer for continued trust in God's plans.

Prayers of praise for who God is.

Prayer for contentment in the present moment.

As I spent time in prayer, I was reminded (once again) at how big our God is.

I am also reminded, and humbled, that God cares enough to listen to my prayers.

Yes, I praise God for who He is and all that He has done.

....For being faithful and loving me.

....For sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to take on all the World's sin and seal our salvation.

....For never leaving my side or going back on His promises.

But many times, I turn to God only in my times of need.

In times when I doubt what His plan is for my life.

When I'm scared about my future, or try to take back control.

In moments when I sin and feel guilty.

I wish I would praise God in all circumstances, consistently.

That I would praise Him, without thinking, in both good times and bad.

So, that is my new mission.

To learn what it looks like to genuinely and sincerely praise the Lord in every moment of every day; regardless of the situation at hand.

Read more...

Not quite busy

It's funny how even though my school schedule has been pretty relaxed lately, I still feel busy and haven't posted to this blog.  So many things have happened in this past week that I want to post about, but I haven't found the time to upload pictures and actually write.

Last weekend, our church held an event called Love4Haiti.  We recruited 1,000 volunteers to come and pack 285,000 meals for people in Haiti.  It was an amazing event and very powerful.  Our church partnered with Impact Lives to put on the event.  One of the Impact Lives staff explained to everyone at the event that the food that we send is a matter of life and death.  If the people of Haiti don't get food soon, they will die.  Yikes...what a reality check.  So often, I take for granted the fact that I have a roof over my head and food to eat.

Since the event recruited individuals from all over the community, this was also a neat outreach to people who may not belong to a church or know who Jesus is.  It was great to be part of this awesome event.  I'll post pictures a little later.

On a different note, I called a hospice around here yesterday to inquire about volunteering.  I'm taking a death&dying class (if you've read my blog previously you might have noted that) and I'm interested in seeing what hospice care is like.  To be honest, I'm both excited and terrified.  People in hospice have a prognosis of 6 months or less to live.  On the positive side, I am looking forward to developing relationships with the individuals in hospice and spending time with them.  But, I'm a bit apprehensive of what to say to someone who is dying.  I've never been around a person who is actively dying before and the thought scares me a bit.

My mom asked me why I'm even going to volunteer if I'm scared about what it might entail.  I responded by saying that if I never volunteer and find out what it's actually like for myself, how will I ever know if it is actually a passion of mine?  If I never try to volunteer with people who are dying, the thought will always scare me because I've never had exposure to it.  So, I'm willing to give it a shot with the hope that I'll love it and that I will learn a lot about myself and the people who are at the hospice.

I'll keep you all posted on how that goes.  I have to call the volunteer coordinator back today to find out more information about the program.

I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!  :)  I'm having dinner with a few friends after class tonight and am really excited to see them!  I'll post more later.

Read more...

RE: 10/10/10

Finally, I have some pictures from our 10/10/10 Apple Holler trip.  Lisa took most of the pictures, so I had to wait until she posted them to update the blog site.

A few unfortunate details about our trip:

1.  It cost $58 per bag to go into the apple orchard and actually pick our own apples....so, we didn't actually pick apples.

2.  It ended up costing more overall to get into Apple Holler and buy food and drinks.

3.  The entire park was definitely tailored to young children, which made the whole day fun, but corny.

So here are some pictures!  :)

From left to right:  Emily, Elizabeth, me, Kelly, and Lisa

With our pumpkins.

Elizabeth, Kelly, me, and Emily

In the Apple Holler cutout.

Elizabeth, Alex (on top), Corey (under Alex), me, Lisa (on top), Kelly (under Lisa) and Emily.

Lisa got this awesome picture of the Alpaca.

Read more...

Holler for Apple Holler!

Today marks another Fall milestone...the trip to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch!

Several friends and I are going to Apple Holler to have an adventure.

I am so excited.

Pictures to come after we go.

Hope you're all enjoying this beautiful Fall day!

It's 10/10/10.  :)

Read more...

Friends

I had an interesting experience recently that reminded me of how blessed I am to have wonderful friends in my life.

I have friends who:

a.  Laugh at my lame jokes.

b.  Enjoy relaxing chats over a bottle of wine or chocolate cake.

c.  Encourage, support, and challenge me to be a better "me".

d.  Who pray with me when times get tough and who have a heart for the Lord.

e.  Make great memories and take crazy pictures to document.

f.  Never put each other down, but are also genuine with each other.

g.  Are inspirations to me and strive to do their best in everything.

h.  Call just to say "hello" and see how my day is going.

i.  Know when something is wrong and ask what they can do to help.

j.  Don't gossip about others, but focus on the positives in their lives.

k.  Hold me accountable.

I am so blessed by my wonderful friends, especially the fantastic women in my life.

I have great friends from elementary, middle, high school, and college.

I have wonderful friends from youth groups and church.

I have made friends in my workplace.

To all the amazing friends I know, thank you so much for being you.

I love you so much and appreciate your friendship.

Read more...

'Chuck Me' Monday

Chuck is on TV again tonight.

It definitely makes my Mondays worthwhile.

Is that pathetic?

Well, either way, I will reschedule my night to watch Chuck.

So far this season, I watched it with friends.

Tonight, it's just me and my parents.

I'm still super excited though!

Read more...

Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down)

All things bright and beautiful You are
All things wise and wonderful You are
In my darkest night, You brighten up the skies
A song will rise

I will sing a song of hope
Sing along
God of heaven come down
Heaven come down
Just to know that You are near is enough
God of heaven come down, heaven come down

All things new
I can start again
Creator, God
Calling me Your friend
Sing praise, my soul
To the Maker of the skies
A song will rise

I will sing a song of hope
Sing along
God of heaven come down
Heaven come down
Just to know You and be loved is enough
God of heaven come down, heaven come down

Hallelujah, sing
Hallelujah, sing
Hallelujah, sing

By Robbie Seay Band.

Read more...

Sunday afternoon

I am really mastering this art of procrastination.

In fact, I'm doing it right now.

I should be reading about program evaluation and doing my assignments.

But instead, I'm writing about how I shouldn't be procrastinating.

I'm really ready to be done with school.

I have 77 days left until graduation.

Things I am looking forward to post-graduation (again):
-  Not having homework
-  Being able to leave work and actually have some free time
-  Reading for fun
-  Spending time with friends and family instead of books and papers
-  Moving into my own apartment (at some point after graduation)
-  Having my Master's degree
-  Being able to call myself a 'social worker' after I get my licensure

So, the countdown continues.

And I hope that I am able to get all my homework/reading done that I need to this week.

So far I haven't been too far behind.  :)

Read more...

Conflicting

I do realize that I wrote two conflicting posts one right after the other (not counting this one).

I am truly devastated by Greg Giraldo's death.

I am also happy for Zachary Levi's birthday.

I feel conflicted at the moment.

But I more upset about Greg's death than excited for Zac's birthday (no offense Zac).

Anyways, just thought I'd clear that up.  I felt weird writing both posts right after each other.

Read more...

Birthday Wishes

Dear Zachary Levi,

Happy Birthday!

I only wish good things for you.

You have been an inspiration to me.

I completely admire your heart for others and your love for God.

Blessings and love on this, your 30th birthday!

Read more...

I.Am.So.Upset.

R.I.P. Greg Giraldo.

You were hilarious.

I am so devastated that you passed away this week.

Who will make me laugh next season on Last Comic Standing?

I'm as upset as I was when John Ritter died.

My prayers and thoughts are with your family.

Read more...

Tagged by a Friend

I just got tagged in a post by my wonderful friend, Alana.  I believe that I would answer the same eight little questions she did, so here I go:

Flower.

Gerbera Daisies.

Color Combination.

Pale Turquoise and White

Celebrity Couple.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

Theme Song.

"Keep Holding On" sung by the Cast of Glee

"I had a Terrible Day" Food.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Lipstick, Lipgloss, or Both.

Mary Kay Nourishine Lip Gloss in Pink Diamonds

(especially great after Mary Kay's Satin Lip mask and balm)

Magazines.

 People Magazine

Everyday with Rachael Ray

Favorite Things about Fall.

Fall Trees

Pumpkins and Pumpkin Patches

Caramel Apple Cider from Starbucks

My Birthday 

(I'll be 24 on the 17th of October *hint hint*)

My favorite shows are back on.

Including CHUCK and GLEE.

Read more...

Delicious Dinner

This weekend has been jam-packed with mom and daughter time.

It's been great.  Last night, my mom and I went to a Pampered Chef party (my first one) and I ended up buying knives for my future kitchen, bag clips, a tool that holds things in place while you cut them so you don't cut yourself, and some cutting mats.  

Today, I went shopping with my momma.  We went to Stein's Garden and Gifts, Kohl's, Play it Again Sports, and Mayfair Mall.  I bought a new plant today!  :)  It's a White Butterfly Plant that I named "Bella."

I didn't take any pictures of it yet, but I'll post some on when I take one.  Bella is the newest addition to my other plants; Fred and Luther.

My mom and I went to P.F. Chang's for lunch and then came home for the day.

After the long day of shopping and hanging out, I decided to make some bruschetta for dinner.  It was delicious!  To make the bruschetta, I slice up some french bread and drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on it.  

For the first time ever, I used a stoneware slab.  Stoneware doesn't require any pre-heating and it holds heat evenly.  Over time, the stoneware also becomes nonstick and all you have to do to clean it is rinse it with water.

Ok, so back to the bruschetta recipe.  After slicing the bread and drizzling the oil, I create a mixture of:  diced tomato, minced garlic, and italian seasonings (basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano).  I evenly distribute the tomato mixture on top of each of the bread pieces and then top them with italian cheese.

I threw the bruschetta into the oven at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes.

This is the "before" picture:

This is the "after" picture:

It was delicious!  My mom and I ate the bruschetta while watching the movie "Just Wright" with Queen Latifah.  It's super cute.  And a great way to end the night.  Now, I'm off to bed before doing announcements both services tomorrow at church.  Sweet dreams all!

Read more...

Amandine

My dear friend Amanda has recently flown to Spain to teach for the next year (or so).  She arrived safely, thank God, and is now adjusting to life in Spain.

Amanda and I have been good friends for the past 5+ years now.  We took a chance on each other and lived together our first year of college-which turned out WAY better than I think either of us imagined.  Amanda is hilarious, intelligent, beautiful, thoughtful, creative, and kind.  I am going to miss her so much while she's away.  Luckily, we now have things like Wi-Fi, iPhones, Skype, Facebook, and E-mail so we can at least keep in touch from different parts of the World.

Dear Amanda,

I hope your trip is everything you hope for and more.

I hope you learn a lot about the culture, the language, and yourself while you are away.

Cherish every moment and take many pictures.

Use your talents for a good cause and make an impact in Spain.

I miss you and am looking forward to talking soon.

Love you,

Anne

In our dorm room freshman year of college (2005-2006)

Halloween at a friend's house at UWW

Amanda and Katie at State Fair this summer

Us girls at Tommy and Derek's for a game night

The Tosa girls at UWW for a weekend visit

Lisa's graduation party last December (2009)

Amanda being "sexy" at the Art Bar with the Tosa Girls

Amanda, you crack me up.  :)

Read more...

Autumn Mentality

I am so excited for the fall season!

Here are a few reasons I am pumped up:

1.  The trees change colors; oranges, yellows, browns, reds...

2.  I get to go to a pumpkin patch and apple orchard soon!

3.  Thanksgiving happens during the fall season.

4.  My birthday is in just a few weeks.

5.  I enjoy crunching leaves under my feet.

6.  Fall weather has a distinct smell that I absolutely adore.

7.  It's time for sweatshirts, scarves, long pants, and jackets.

8.  I thoroughly enjoy the smell of fall-flavored candles.

9.  Starbucks' Caramel Apple Spice.

10.  I get to snuggle up in warm blankets.

I have high hopes for this fall season.  I'm ready to start embracing the change of weather and enjoy every moment.  I hope you are also able to cherish this wonderful season.

Read more...

Life as I know it

I must admit that I haven't been the most consistent blog-poster lately.  Truth be told, my life has felt a little jumbled lately.  As many of you know from prior posts, I recently started Grad School again (my last semester-I'll probably mention this A LOT) and also picked up my part-time job at TMOC again.

On top of this, I have volunteered more time at my church and am trying to stay in touch with friends despite the craziness of life.

God has been doing a work on me lately too.  We're going through a 4-part series at church called "The Offense of Marriage".  Don't read this wrong- think of Offense as the opposite of Defense, not that marriage is offensive.

Through this series, our pastor has continually commented on the life of a single person in the church and how important it is for us not to feel "empty" because we are not married.  Our purpose in life shouldn't be to find our potential earthly partner, but to honor marriage, serve the Lord, and seek out God's plan for our lives.  I agree with this very much....but even on my best days; those days when I do seek the Lord and spend time with Him, I still feel like something is missing.

Does this mean I'm not as strong a Christian as I thought?  Do I lack the faith that fills my heart, soul, and mind?  Am I searching for something to fill the space that only God can fill?  I'd like to think that these questions are answered with a "No, of course not".  But, then why do I still feel like something is missing?

As I search my own heart and seek the Lord, I hope to uncover why I feel the way I do.  Why I long so much for a husband.  What if I am called to be single?  Would I be fully contented with singleness as my life's calling?  I pray that God opens my eyes to my own failings and fills me with the peace and love that I know only He can provide.  

In the meantime, I will continue to trust in the Lord and His timing.  I want to long for my Heavenly Father more than I long to live...now the question is how to make that a reality for me.  Suggestions?

Read more...

Overload

Yet another week of school has come and gone.  I feel a bit overwhelmed already.  I'm taking 10 Graduate school credits (which is probably equivalent to 18+ undergraduate credits).  Full-time for grad school is only 8 credits, afterall.  

This semester does mark the end of my grad school career (I graduate in December!), so I was willing to take on a bit more than normal.  I am praying for God's continued faithfulness and strength throughout this semester as I attack my classes, work, Bible studies, other church involvement, try to have a social life, and continue to put God 1st in my life.  This will be interesting to see how this all unfolds....

That being said, I'm so excited to dive into my last semester, learn more, be challenged, and hope to appreciate my time in school.  This will be my last time in school until:  a) I have children and they attend school, b) I decide to go on for my PhD.- which I don't see happening, or c) I decide to teach a college-level class in social work- which I can do with my Master's.

For now, I relax a bit and rest before taking on my homework assignments later this weekend.  :)

Read more...

Surprise!

Today, I got a package from Zachary Levi!  :)  In case you don't know why this is so exciting to me, read one of my more recent entries to my blog here.  I wrote Zac an encouragement letter about a month ago and sent it to an address I found for him online.  I never knew if he got the letter.  And, since I didn't request anything in return, I figured I would have to just pray that he received it.  


But today I got a "package" from him!  He sent me a personalized, signed picture.  Now, I know what you're thinking... "Everyone gets the same thing and he only signs it because he has to."  I'd like to think that it's really special though.


And let me tell you why.  I've seen pictures he has sent to other people and none of them are signed the way he signed mine (at least from the ones I have seen).  I joined Twitter a little while ago and I "tweeted" Zachary Levi a message saying, "Your faith has been an encouragement to me. Please never lose that; you inspire people you don't even know. :) Love and Blessings."  


He signed the picture he sent me "Anne, Love and Blessings".  Ironic?  Maybe.  But I'd like to think that he actually read my note and sent it to me because I wrote that to him.  (That might be a bit far-fetched, but it makes me feel wonderful!)  


Getting that huge envelope in the mail today made my week!  Or month.  :)  SO SO SO excited!  And, CHUCK Season 4 starts on September 20th!  Woo Hoo!

Read more...

Distractions

Dear Heavenly Father,

Please forgive me for the times I have gotten so distracted from spending time with You.  I so desire to put You first in my life and seek You in all things, but I am so easily swayed.  Thank you for always drawing me back to Yourself and showing me that You are all I need.  Help me to allow You to penetrate all areas of my life and direct me in the ways You would have for me.  I am enjoying all the time we have spent together recently and pray that I will have enough discipline to keep it up.

In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.

Read more...

Just what I wanted...(not)

This morning I woke up with this intense feeling of uneasiness.  Lately, I have been on, what I would call, the "right track".  I have been spending quality time with the Lord each day, eating healthier, brushing and flossing (which makes me feel great too), and haven't felt overwhelmed by anything really.  It's been wonderful!

But this morning, I woke up with butterflies in my stomach and feeling like something is missing...I hate this feeling...

Last night I had a vivid dream about the show Chuck, which I love.  The lead actor, Zachary Levi, is a born-again Christian and someone that I admire a lot for his boldness about sharing his faith with others.  He is a great role model and I respect him a lot as an actor.  Due to the aforementioned qualities, I actually have feelings for him...ugh...that sounds SO lame when I write it out.  I've never met him, and I probably never will, but I think he is wonderful and therefore would be completely excited if I ever had the opportunity to talk with him and meet him in person.  So, my almost-24-year-old self feels like an elementary school kid again with a stupid crush on someone I don't even know.

After my dream last night, which involved me really getting to know Zac and sharing with him how much I respect him, I woke up feeling anxious.  As if, in some weird way, I had hoped that my dream was real life and that Zac and I would end up together.  Again, super lame.

I have struggled with similar feelings as I have watched Chuck and gotten to "know" who Zac is in real life.  And I have prayed that God would protect my heart, even from a man I've never met.  But every so often Zac comes into my mind and I can't seem to shake him.  So, I am continuing to pray and am waiting on God's timing for the man that I am actually supposed to be with, if anyone, down the road.

It's just a sucky feeling waking up and feeling anxious about this situation.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, offer your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

Read more...

Profound Thought?

My professor from my Death and Dying class today said something that I took as somewhat profound.  Describing grief and love, he said, "The tax on love is grief.  The depth to which we love is often reflected in the depth to which we grieve."

Maybe that's nothing novel or interesting to you, but I took that as being somewhat profound, so I thought I'd share it with you.

Sweet dreams, I'm off to bed after my long day of classes.

Read more...

Last First Day

Today is my last first day of school...ever!
Well, unless I am blessed with children and take them to their first days.
Or if I become a professor and have a first day of school-teaching.

But, I am still very excited about the prospect of graduating and starting my life as a social worker!  All the hard work, time reading, working on papers, interning at various social service agencies, and time stressing out will pay off in December when I will get my Master's Degree.

To start off my last-first-day-of-school morning, I made myself an egg-white omelet with ham, one piece of bacon, a small amount of cheddar cheese, mushrooms, and tomatoes.  I also ate a banana and had a small glass of apple-cranberry juice.

This morning meal was created with the help of Bethenny Frankel's book "Naturally Thin".  This recipe idea wasn't in the book exactly, but Bethenny does talk about your "diet bank account".  This bank account, much like one you have to manage your finances, also manages what you eat each day.  So, if I eat a healthy breakfast and a small lunch, I can have a larger dinner and more sweets later.  It's all about checks and balances.  I like this concept a lot.  So, in an effort to live out a "Naturally Thin Lifestyle", I attempted to eat a (mostly) healthy breakfast and have nutritious snacks throughout the day so I don't feel guilty when I eat a piece of cake later.  :)  I'll keep you posted on my journey through Bethenny's book-afterall, this is the first day I'm trying out this "diet bank account" concept.

Now, I'm off to make my healthy lunch/snack pack for the rest of the day.  I have class from noon until 8pm (plus driving home), so I have a long day ahead of me.  I hope your day is absolutely fantastic!

Read more...

All Paid Off

It feels so good to have all my credit card debt paid off!
I'm not someone with a million credit cards, but it still feels great when their balance(s) are $0.

If I have debt in my life, it prevents me from being able to give as much as I could to the Lord or other people in need.
When I remove the debt, I am better able to serve financially when I feel called to give.

I recently told my younger brother something along the lines of, "What is the point to having money if I won't share it with others and give to those in need?  Yes, it helps me pay bills and sometimes I splurge on this-or-that, but it doesn't bring true joy.  If I can help someone else out, then I will always choose to give my money away.  Being able to help someone else out and give of my resources brings me joy.  It's not like I can take the money with me to Heaven."  And I meant it.

Now, I'm not saying this to make myself out to be some overly-gracious, always giving person; I'm not.  But this is my philosophy about money and other material things...whether I truly live it out every day or not, I do believe that we as people are blessed so we can bless others.

So, as I go on from today and start my part-time job again at TMOC, my goal is to continue to give of myself, my time, my resources, and my finances as much as possible-so I can give the glory to God and help to bless others around me through God's graciousness.  And if someday I am the one in need, I believe that God will provide in those circumstances as well.

Read more...

Letters to my Cali Trip

Dear fish tacos from Ocean Beach Grill, you are very messy, but also extremely delicious.

Dear Ocean Beach, you are beautiful.  I loved watching people (try to) surf on you.

Dear Wild Animal Park, even though I have come to you before, I always enjoy seeing the animals in the safari.

Dear dog beach at Coronado, for people like me (those who don't own a dog), you can be quite overwhelming.  But, it was fun playing on you with Jake and Sparty.  The waves were HUGE the day we came.

Dear San Diego Zoo, you have changed a lot since my childhood.  Thank you for being another fun place to see animals.  

Dear Anza-Borrego Desert, you are a hidden treasure.  Looking at you from a mountainside was a total treat.  Maybe someday I will see you up close.

Dear LA, you are definitely filled with some odd people, but I enjoyed our time together.  

Dear Pink's, you had some delicious hot dogs.  I especially loved the coleslaw dog with onion rings on the side.  Mmmm!

Dear Hollywood, it was good to finally meet you.  You are filled with homes beyond anything I will ever afford.  Your Hollywood Hills are fun to drive up, but also very narrow and sometimes scary.  Hopefully someday I will see you again.

Dear Frank Sinatra, you will always be my love.

Dear Chinese Theater, of course you would have a film shooting in front of you the day after I leave.  Next time, let's have celebrities there when I am present and can take pictures.  :)

Dear Beverly Hills, I didn't feel like I fit in when I visited you.  The homes we saw were ENORMOUS and beautiful, but I will never have the "Beverly Hills Lifestyle" I need to exist in your city.

Dear Scott and Molly, thank you for allowing me to stay with you during my trip to California.  I appreciated your hospitality and catching up with you in person.  It is always a great time when we can be together.

Dear Padres game, you went into 12 innings and the Padres ended up losing afterall, but you were fun to attend.  You did have some crazy people attending your game, however, and things did get rowdy often.  I think it will always be an adventure if/when I attend a Padres game again.

Dear California, I always enjoy visiting you.  You are unlike the Midwest and I appreciate what you have to offer.  I am hoping to see you again in the next year or so.  In the meanwhile, I will be thinking of you.

Read more...