Crazy Busy Week, and 365 Project!

I was doing so well, and then life happened! I've been so busy this week. The cheerleading squad travelled to San Marcos last weekend for their competition, and I literally haven't had a chance to catch my breath since!

I would post a picture of my home...and how neglected it is....but I won't...let's just say, I know what I'll be doing this weekend! Speaking of posting pictures, I'm going to participate in the 365 project. If you haven't heard about it, it's where you post one picture that you've taken a day on your blog...kind of like a catalog of your life for an entire year. This seems like a daunting task, but I think I'll enjoy it. It'll be great to reflect back after the year is up, and see what I did in 2010!

With that said, I'll be back later with a pic later today! In the meantime, I'll leave you with this. It's SO cloudy here, and a coldfront is supposed to arrive tonight, so I'm desperately wishing it were Spring already. Without the rain of course!


Photo Here

Dad, Shopping, Tory Burch, and Cheesecake!

This weekend was a great time, and it's not even over! Friday night after the girls' basketball game, (we won by the way in double overtime), I headed out to Amerigo's with some of my JL friends. I had a good time, and some random guy kept looking at me...(VERY WEIRD), and to get my attention, he threw something at me. I mean, is this how we approach women in 2010 fellas? He was harmless, but it really was weird! Here is a pic from the night.



Saturday, I got up and headed to the gym. I twisted my left knee, so it has been aggravating me, but I'm sure I'll survive! I came home, and got ready for my Dad to arrive. I always love it when he comes to visit. We have such a good time together. Both of my parents LOVE Pappadeaux's, so of course that is where we went for lunch. I wish I had pictures, but I didn't take any!

After lunch, we headed to The Galleria for a little bit of shopping! Well, I did the shopping, and my Dad held the bags! He said he wanted to seem like he was doing something productive...HA! It was a good day people....Tory was good TO ME!!! Is anyone else as obssessed with Tory Burch as I am? Here's what I brought home...





Don't you just love them? I know I do! I'll have to wait a few months to wear the flip-flops...it's not quite the season yet, but I've envisioned the outfits...HA!

And of course no trip would be complete without some CHEESECAKE!!! AND, they had my favorite flavor...pineapple upside down cake....pretty much the best non-chocolate dessert E.V.E.R!!!



It was a great weekend, I loved spending time with my Dad...can you tell that I'm a Daddy's girl? I'm proud of it too!

If you thought I was random before...

I said I wasn't going to blog tonight, but after coming home...I crashed on the couch, and after a quick trip to Target...yes, I have an illness, I can't sleep.

Speaking of Target...man oh man how I love that store. I could walk the aisles for hours...but tonight I was on a mission. In and out in 32 minutes, armed with a few new treats for me, including their bite sized rice crispy treats...definitely my love language!

I apologize in advance because this post is sure to top the charts for its randomness. I'm just feeling that way tonight...so here goes.

1. Did you know that I love stationary, paper, cool pens, notebooks...you get the idea? Ask my parents, they were buying me a new notebook and pen every other day growing up. It's just something about a new notebook to me that is like New Year's Day all over again, or that brand new box of crayons feeling..

2. Maybe my obsession for paper centers around my love for lists. My whole life is a list. In fact, tonight, I'll complete my list of things I want to accomplish during this time away from TV land. Lists make my world go round!

3. On the flip side, I can be quite forgetful...even with my list. Sometimes, I can't even find the list...but if you know me at all...you know my brain goes 90 mph...so I like to say that I'm not forgetful...my brain is just busy! HA!

4. I have had chicken enchilada soup from Chili's 3 nights this week. It never gets old! It makes me happy...

5. I still fight sleep...LOL! I can hang as long as I'm moving around, but the minute I get still...watch out...just like a little kid!

6. I read a quote today that pretty much sums up my life as a sorority girl, but I'm waiting until tomorrow to share it with you..WHY you ask? Because tomorrow is the 102nd birthday of my lovely sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

That's about it folks...OH, but before I go...today was a huge win in the shopping department for me. I stopped by Banana Republic after work, and got three great tops on sale!

Then of course at Target...picked up a new headband (to match one of my new tops), earrings, a magazine, and these jazzy new fruit roll-ups I wanted to try..and let's not forget..more stationary. I like to have options when sending those snail mail notes.



That's it folks..tomorrow is Friday thank goodness. AND, my Dad is coming to visit me. I'm so excited! I haven't seen him in a few weeks. I hope he's ready to shop!

Should I?

A long time ago I acquired a gift certificate to Neiman Marcus, and I have YET to use it! I've gone on the site, and in the store several times to find something...but no luck! Until today. Spring is near....well, near enough, and I think I'm going to go with these Tory Burch beauties!



What do you think? I love the peep toe, and I LOVE the color! I'm thinking they'll go great with my summer tan...HA! Anywho, hope you all are having a great Thursday! I'll be back later with something to say I'm sure! ~J

Shadows!

Tonight, I went to bible study, and got to personally hug the neck of one of my most favorite teenagers...you know the one that freaked out that I wasn't there a couple of weeks ago?!

It was GREAT! I forgot how much I missed praying, listening, and talking life with those kids! I'm glad to be back. It was a bit hectic getting there with practice and Houston Rush Hour traffic, but God makes a way when it's in His will! It didn't disappoint!

I left with my cup running over. I love that feeling! Great praise and worship on the way to the church...was challenged in the message...so much so that I'm doing a little more research of my own before I go to bed. (The message came out of John 15:5 and Galatians 5:22). I want to learn more about the Fruits of the Spirit, and application of how God originally entrusted us with them...whoa...that sounds way deep, but basically, I just want to dig a little deeper..HA!

Tonight, on Facebook, my personal time trap, I ran across a status update of a dear friend of mine whom I met while working in Waco. Tomorrow, she will celebrate her 29th birthday, and her 3 year anniversary of giving her life to Jesus!

I couldn't be happier for her. I can honestly say that before giving her life to the One that makes all things new she was a GREAT person. Nice, educated, you know...had it going on, but I could tell then that she was searching for something....and she found it. Through Him. I'm sure she'll be the first to tell you that it was not overnight. In fact, I remember a time right after that where she fasted and prayed...seeking His face, and dying to self. But isn't that what we sometimes think? That because we are 'good people,' it's our ticket into the pearly gates.

I know I thought that for years...seriously! I just want to encourage anyone who is reading this blog, that if you missed the mark...over...and over again, that it's never too late to make it right. Remember that we are all sinners, but because of our desire to serve Christ, we should sin less. Thanks Pastor J!

I'm no saint! Even typing this, I cringe because I fear that I'll sound preachy or maybe even offend some of you, BUT, I know what it's like to search in empty relationships to fill a void. Giving time, energy, and your trust to someone and coming up empty handed, especially when you think you've scored BIG TIME! Or to work so hard that I drown out the life around me! It's not a good feeling at all, and sometimes, it's a long road to recovery, but I'm reminded of a line from one of my most favorite songs, "Unredeemed." The lyrics read,

We live in the shadow of the fall
But the cross says these are all
Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But when anything that's shattered is laid before the Lord
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

Oh how many times have I travelled from shadow to shadow...nursing old wounds...carrying guilt, shame, bitterness...and every other self serving emotion I can have. It's not healthy to say the least, BUT, the Bible says this: "Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you," Zechariah 9:12, AND Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." So to me, the first scripture means I will receive double for my trouble, and the last scripture means that EVERYTHING (good and bad) I have gone through will work out for MY good....He will redeem....God said so! So a couple of weeks ago, I made the decision to step into the SONlight. No more shadows for me! I hope you will too friends!



This post has been about a little bit of everything, but I hope it helps on SOME level! God's plan is for us to live free...only we can keep ourselves bound! Congratulations T! I'm so proud of you, and the woman you've become! Your light is shining all over!!! Goodnight~!

Mama's Got a Brand New Look!

Notice anything different? I've made a few changes to the layout of my blog, and I'm not quite finished, but I'm working on it! The header bugs me...the off shading is inadequate for my OCD personality!

So how are you blogging buddies? It's a Wonderful Wednesday isn't it? Maybe I'll start an 'Item of the Week' post regularly...well, I guess weekly...what do you think?

Later!

Day 1: Success!

Whew! I made it through my first day! And....it was GREAT! Actually, better than great, because I got so much done, and I didn't miss the TV at all!!!

Let's see, the night started with me heading to Target, my favorite store after cheer practice. I needed to get groceries, and I'll find any excuse to go to the Super Target!

On the way home, I picked up Chicken Enchilada soup from Chili's...my favorite!

The quiet really wasn't bad at all. I ate dinner to the tunes of my iPod, and immediately set in to do some homework. Which by the way is going to dip into my social life tremendously for the next 8 weeks! I became so focused that I ended up turning my iPod off so that I could really concentrate!

I thought that I'd be twiddling my thumbs waiting to get sleepy, but what I found was I didn't even skim the surface of my to-do list for the day. I had so many more things to accomplish, that I'll have to do tonight!

I was very encouraged by it, and I can't wait for the silence again. Maybe, I'll even get in the bed early, but I have some reading to do for class, so we'll see!

Pull the Plug!

Well, I promised the big reveal tonight, and I don't want to disappoint my lovely readership...HA!

This decision has stemmed from a longing that I wasn't tapping in to nearly ANY of the life God has for me...I mean sure, my life is good, great by some standards, but I know whose I am, and I know what that entitles me to. I guess I'm just getting fed up with not tapping into all of those resources, and just sort of skimming the surface of life. I've been there before, and I so desperately want to get back...

That is just not cutting it for me anymore. I want more!

All of this to say, I've unplugged a few things. My Pastor has started a series to kick off this New Year, and he has challenged us to get rid of those things, relationships, thoughts...whatever that hinders us from being all that Christ created us to be. This got me thinking...what can I give up? How can I grow this year? What does God want from me? How can I show others His love?



I'm not a huge TV person, however it serves as a background to my life all of the time. There are nights that I come home, tired, with a long list of things to do, and NONE of them get done. Why? Because I've parked on the couch, allowing the TV to distract me, and often times, put me to sleep! It's no secret that I'm a procrastinator. It's no secret that I wait until the last minute to do unpleasant things. I ignore them. Lately, I've become painfully aware how unproductive my thoughts about myself are. I OVER ANALYZE EVERYTHING!!! It's an exhausting thing let me tell you...so I need to get my mind right. Not that I'm losing it, but because it really doesn't matter what he/she meant when they said that, when we were doing this, while watching that....you get my point?!

SO....what have I done? I've decided that for the next 21 days I'm giving up television! Instead, I'll spend time working on my schoolwork, taking care of things around here, and spending time with Jesus! There are specific things that I'm looking to hear from Him on, and really, if He ignores me all together, I know that what He will do is going to blow my mind. I have a feeling that I don't have a clue as to what I'm about to experience, and I like it!

I ask for your prayers....because I know that when a breakthrough is close, Satan works overtime...but just like scripture says, better is one day in Your court than thousands elsewhere! I'm counting on it!

Frightful Weather!

Hello Friends!
Where has January gone? We're almost halfway through! YAY for that!

It seems as though the US has been experiencing some very frigid temps. I mean, in Houston, we have gotten to the teens at night. That's HUGE for us...our winter is considered 60 degrees, and our cold front is in the 50s! Needless to say, it's COLD!

I love it though. The clothes you get to wear are so much cuter...I love sweaters, boots, turtlenecks...winter clothes in general!

I should be craving this cup o yumminess,


photo here

But instead, I want this:



2010 is turning out to be my best year ever! I'm finding out so much about myself as I spend time with ME, and just experience new situations...I like it! If you know me at all, you know that I desire to get married one day. Well, as I wait (sometimes patiently...sometimes not), I want to use this time to get myself together. To know who I am, to be a complete person...not waiting for someone to put me back together! I want to be complete in Him! Know what I mean?

I know that this will be my breakthrough year! I can feel it, and I'm so excited about it!

I have something exciting to share with you guys, but it'll have to wait until tomorrow! I need to get ready for work tomorrow!

A Night of Great Finds!

Am I in a good mood or what?! Why you ask??? Well, shoes of course! A little background....

While on one of my MANY shopping trips before Christmas, we went to Stein Mart. Can I just tell you how much my heart sings for Stein Mart? I digress...while perusing the aisles, I wondered over to the shoe department..big surprise there! I fell IN LOVE with these Nine West brown pumps, but of course, they didn't have my size. I was SO DISAPPOINTED!

They were regularly $59.95, on sale for $29.95, and they didn't have my size...MAJOR BUMMER!

Needless to say, I left the store very disappointed, as I just HAD to have these shoes. I even commented to my cousin that I should have taken the stye name of the shoe so that I could look around...you get my point?

Fast forward to today! I got off of work...YAY for returning...NOT!, and mom and I did a little shopping after dinner. We found ourselves in Stein Mart, and guess what....???? They.had.my.shoes! Oh how my heart leapt for joy! Mission complete, outfit for tomorrow ready to go...LOL! Here's a pic...or two of my lovelies:





Arent' they cute?! So, after we left SM, we went out for ice cream..yes I know...in 30 degree weather, but hey, the car was warm...LOL! On the way, I stopped at a beauty supply store because I was in DESPERATE need of a new blowdryer! I wanted one that was at least 1875 watts, and the deal I found did not disappoint. I got a great regularly $40 dryer for $9.99...gotta love after Christmas surplus! I threw in a pic of that just for kicks...



All in all, it was a great night! Now I'm headed to bed as my little darlings return tomorrow! Goodnight friends! Sleep tight!

2009 - A Look Back!

WOW!!! 2010! Can you believe it?! I'm so excited about this year. I have such a great expectation for what God can do in my life over the next 12 months! 2009 was a rough year for my family, and we are definitely looking forward to what the next 12months hold.

Kelly, over at Kelly's Korner did this Annual Review on her blog, and I loved it so much, that I wanted to do the same. So without further ado, my year in review~!

FIVE THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR IN 2009:

1. My parents and My family! They mean the world to me. I love that I can be 100% myself, and not feel inadequate, or silly! I can't think of a better night than hanging out with my family...such good times.

2. My friends! I laugh more, eat more, exerrcise more (thank goodness), experience more, know more, understand more, and just have more because of the wonderful people I call my friends. I look at my friendships as an extension of my family...and that is such a blessing to me. I truly have some special people in my life. I was thinking tonight how blessed my life is. I am SO blessed...really I am!

3. My job! Yes, I know we're in a recession, and all of that, but I take my job seriously. Everyday, I get to mold 167 lives. I get to show them grace, correction, love, and morals...and of course..English..ha! My job is HARD, but SO rewarding. My kids can really be so sweet, and I really do love them...but it gets downright dirty sometimes...HA!

4. My relationship with JESUS! I truly don't know where I would be without Him. He is my everything. I live my life to please Him, and to bring honor to Him...and I fall short everyday, but He loves me just the same.

5. I'm thankful that I've lost almost ALL of the weight I set out to lose. I've worked so hard, and I feel so much more confident about myself. It was hard to believe that I weighed what I did, but I've got such a great support system! I hate going to the gym, but there really is no way to lose weight, and keep it off without some type of exercise. I also didn't realize the amount of self-confidence I lost. I don't ever want to lose that again!

FIVE THINGS I WANT TO IMPROVE IN 2010:

1. I want to stop hitting the snooze button every morning. It's sad, but I hit that button for at least 20 minutes! I want to use that time in prayer and quiet time with God so that I can start my day off right.

2. I want to be a better daughter, friend, teacher, sister, and family member.

3. I want to continue to be healthy, and continue going to the gym! I also want to blog more! It helps me with my opennes...lol!

4. I want to improve my finances/savings/retirement...etc! Adult topics I know, but I'll be 30 this year! I also want to give more than the 10% for my tithes! Just something that is on my heart!

5. I want to improve who I am on the inside. I want to exhibit God's love, grace, and kindness towards others. I want to be that light in this dark world!

FIVE WAYS I WANT TO GIVE TO/HELP OTHERS THIS YEAR:

1. I want to deepen my relationships with the youth at my church.

2. I want to go to Africa on a mission trip this year.

3. I want to continue the work I do in the community through the Junior League.

4. I want to give more to those in need...no matter what the need is.

5. I want to be a great role model for my cheerleaders! Love those girls!

I spent NYE in church with my Mom, which is how I like to bring in my New Year's! After service, I went to Taviea's Dad house! We had a blast playing games, and catching up! Here are a few pics!









And just for kicks, Facebook allows you to create a Year in pics! Here is mine:



I'm so looking forward to spending the next year with you! Happy New Year!