Broken Trust

I know-- a double post, literally within hours of each other! I can explain! I'm being tested...in the very area that I just blogged about...LOVE! Didn't know God was an ironic fella did you?!

Truthfully-- my first response was to 'set them straight.' I mean, how could you say that I said something, when I honestly didn't say it?! How could you tell a lie on me? Y'all...I loathe this type of behavior...especially in adults! It so reminds me of my high school and college days...and it makes me sad. Sad for a few reasons....one, being that I so need to work on my love. You know, the love I just spoke about. Because my initial reaction was not one born of love. I was hot, fired up...ready to blow... but... I caught myself...and called my voice of reason...the friend who helps me when this hot temper gets a little out of control.

My state of mind now....I'm still warm, and hurt...because my trust with this person is broken, and sadly...I am not as far as I thought I was...on this journey to show God's love, his redemptive, forgiving love....but in the midst of it all, I heard Him speak to me...questioning why it was OK for Him to be lied about, and not me?! OUCH!

So to sum it all up...I don't know how to correct/approach this. I don't know what I should do. All I know is that my prayer this morning was for Him to teach me to love people beyond what I am capable...and He's going to make sure He does!

Loving Well

I have an obsession with painting my nails....and I've become REALLY good at it! Of course I still get my bi-weekly manicures, but weekly, I relish in changing my nail polish. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect color...and now that it's Spring....it's ON!

Today's color of choice, a throwback...cotton candy! But who knows what's in store for tomorrow. I'm thinking hot pink...or maybe Aphrodite's Pink Nightie...yes, that's a color thanks to OPI!

I started a new quiet time devotional today: Beth Moore's Loving Well. The first day, and I'm already underlining, growing, and really wanting to learn to love God's way. One of the questions from today: 'What marked change or transformation has come about in the way I love?' Geesh....not enough lines. Maybe because I am such a sinner, yet a perfect God loves me inspite of my flaws. Or the fact that 'love bears all things,' and here lately, I have come face-to-face with what that really means. Or how about the fact that God measures maturity by how we love. I could go on and on!

One of the snippets I underlined at the end of today's prayer: 'Teach me to love others well by giving of myself-- even beyond what I am capable.' Talk about from my heart to God's ears.

It can be exhausting to love, and sometimes, that love can be unreturned. But who am I to think that if the God of the universe can be unloved despite His endless love for His children, that I won't experience some of that? I am not always at the top of my game. I'd even venture to say that most days I fail, in a major way. But, the desire is still the same. To love as God loves....and with a goal like that, I'm bound to get better eventually!

I don't know what to do...

Hello Friends!
I'm here today with a decision to make. First of all...let me say this...it's nothing life threatening... and I'm looking more specifically for your prayers than advice....does that sound good?!

Because of my school schedule and work responsibilities...I really need guidance on what my role in the Youth ministry at my church is going to look like. The desire to serve and lead is still there...the desire to work on curriculum is still there...but I'm running into the problem of not being able to 'be all things to everyone.'

If you know me in real life, then you know that I hate not being able to do something...to give up responsibilities....to admit that I really can't 'do it all.' However....I am at this point.

Allow me to back up.

Back in the Fall, I began praying for a few things in particular. Specifically how God would use my time/talents, etc in this season of singleness. I started feeling like I spent too much time wondering 'when,' and not operating in a 'now' spirit. I think I actually believed that if I just waited out my days...God would alter His plans and send him sooner....um, yeah...not so much! Thanks to a lady who poured into my life so much at Baylor...I received a little deliverance!

Right around that time...a position for Assistant Cheer Coach became open at my school. (I know I don't really mention the cheerleaders a lot...however, my blog is essentially open for anyone in the world to read, and I have to keep their security and privacy my #1 concern), however...my reluctance to mention them is no indication of the affection I have for these girls. Simply stated...they ROCK!

I digress. I immediately wanted to take this job if given the oportunity, but at that time I already feared that I was over committed. My prayer became that God would have His way...that He would either open or close the door, and that I would be good with that.

Obviously, He opened the door, and I haven't looked back since. My goal from the beginning would be that those girls would see God in me...that I could be someone they could look up to...(in a non-prideful way). I can only hope.pray.cross my fingers that I am being a good role model...sometimes I truly feel like I've missed the mark with these kids...you know, when you have all the patience in the world until they actually force you to use it! Can I get an AMEN parents?

Because of the responsibilities I have with the Cheerleaders, I became less and less available for the youth ministry. However, my heart always remained torn, because I really wanted to do both...technically...I couldn't because I have yet to figure out how to cut myself in half without making a mess.

So much guilt surrounded this time in my life. The relationships I left in suspense with the youth...was I being effective in any area of my life?! Just a mess!

So here's where I need prayer. My responsibilities aren't getting any smaller. I'm wrapping up the process to become a school administrator, and with that...comes major time restraints and long days. But what do I do? Do I continue to sit where I am, which is not really involved with the youth ministry on a day to day basis, or do I dive back in?

I realized a couple of months ago that I'm guilty of over working myself so that I don't feel the sting of not being where I want to be. That's not healthy...godly...or good! I want to be intentional in everything that I do. More importantly, I want to be in the will of God.

I don't take the fact that I can come here and ask you for prayer lightly. I know that not everyone girl is as lucky as I, and for that, I'm truly thankful! However, I so want to make the best choice...God's choice. I'm not giving up the Cheerleaders...I truly feel that God has a plan there, and I can't begin to telly ou what I've gotten out of it already...such an amazing friend in the Head Coach. I digress...AGAIN!

Anywho...it saddens me to think that I may think the youth at my church are dispensible. They are not, but I simply cannot do everything, and if God can work it out so that I can do it all, then I'm all ears. Prayers. PLEASE!

Thanks friends!

Lions.and.Tigers.and BEARS...OH MY!!!!

Did you hear the news???!!! Yes my friends...the Baylor Women have advanced to the Final Four....my shoulder is dislocated (not really), my voice is hoarse, and my team WON!!! I am beside myself with happiness!

My Dad was at the farm tonight...no cable there, and we shared the last few moments of the game over the phone...it was incredible! I am so danggone proud of these girls...mostly freshmen! What an awesome team we will have next year! And that GRINER...geesh...she has to be at least 6'4''!!! Her feet are HUGE!!!! No shot gets past her...what a great game!

I am looking for tickets now to the game in San Antonio on Sunday...I have to be there!

I was going to post pics of my finds from Virginia, but that will have to wait until tomorrow....this post belongs to the BEARS!!!

It's going to take a whole lot of belief to beat UConn! They are an AWESOME team!!! BUT...I BELIEVE in my BEARS!!! What a great day to be a BAYLOR BEAR!!!!

I'm Back!

I didn't anticipate not blogging while I was out of town, but that's the way it happened! Does it count that I missed getting on here, and that I have a little notepad filled with thoughts that I had to potentially blog about?

Blogging has become my release, and you can imagine that I was in my head a bit while flying to Virginia....random question, but can someone...Julie...explain to me how VA is considered the South? Hey, I'm not arguing the fact...their sweet tea is amazing, and we all know that sweet tea is the official drink of the South!

My favorite part of the trip was while shopping...the clerk tilting her head and saying, "you're not from around here are you?" I guess my southern accent was a little too obvious.... although...I don't think I'm 'country' at all! HA!

I got a few goodies of course...mainly from H&M! I'll do a post later to show you, but for now, you're stuck with me!

My Bears lost to Duke tonight...so sad...so so so sad, but I am SO proud of them! If you don't know our history as a Baylor family with the Men's BB program, then you can't understand how proud we are of our Bears! We have come a LONG way, and at this time last year, making it to the Elite Eight was a loooong shot!!! So...with all of that said, I'm a proud BAYLOR BEAR! The girls are still in the Championship...they play tomorrow against Duke. I am confident they'll get the job done...Lord let it be!


I could write for another hour or so, but I've got to get ready for work tomorrow. It's a short week for me...

Ramblings and Such on a Wednesday Morning!

I need a vacation! I know that I am just coming off from a week long Spring Break, but I have some things on my to-do list that need my immediate attention, and I honestly don't know when I'll have to cross them off! It's nothing major, just things that I know need to be done!

Today is kind of a big day for me. I mentioned this vaguely a couple of weeks ago, and while I know I haven't taken the time to blog about it....know that I will. I guess I don't feel the release yet to post it on my blog....but I do covet your prayers...trust that God knows what I need, and He will provide. Thanks bf's (blog friends)!

Tomorrow I am flying to Virginia to visit my Momma! I am so excited!!! Of course to see her, but she told me that there's an HM!!! Be still my little 'ole heart! I LOVE LOVE LOVE HM!!!! I don't know what to do with myself...besides seriously to STOP SHOPPING!!!

Maybe while I am visiting her, I can get some work done. We are both in school for our Master's, so I know I will have some downtime!

Have a great hump day peeps!! The weekend is almost here!

My very first...

BLOG AWARD

I can't believe it! I've won my very first blog award given to me by the lovely Miss Julie! Do you like it? Isn't it GREAT!


Of all the awards I can win, I'm so glad this was my first one! What an honor to be considered a beautiful blog! Thank you Julie! I can't wait for you to get your gifts!

As part of my reward, I get to pass this award on to other bloggers who I believe have Beautiful Blogs:
Becca at The Ross'
Jessica at Marriage and Motherhood
Lyndsie at A Love Worth Waiting For
Amy Beth at Ministry So Fabulous

Today was a great day back, but when my alarm went off, I wanted to crawl back under the covers. UGH! BUT, on a good note, 9 more Mondays until the end of the year! That has to count for something huh?

Because the week before school ended all afterschool cheer practices, I got a chance to run a couple of errands afterschool. You know, an oil change, car wash, and of course...a stop at Target for some essentials! I even had a chance to affix a 'Baylor Alumni' sticker to my car...I'll snap a pic for ya! I'm pretty proud of it!

Oh, and tonight, I tried a new recipe...Tomatillo Soup! I had some tomatillos from my trip to the Farmer's Market, and it came out SO GOOD!! It was so easy to make!

Now, I'm folding laundry, picking up around the house, and just about to do a little homework! Life is good people...life is good, and I am really SO SO blessed!

Goodnight!

All Good Things Must Come to an End...

Well! It was a GLORIOUS week off, and they say that all good things come to an end! Spring Break...I'll miss you so!

On a happier note, BAYLOR MEN'S BASKETBALL is headed to the Sweet 16...to be played in Houston, TX no less! We've definitely had some rocky days with the Men's BB program, but I am so happy that we've taken a turn towards higher heights! I couldn't be happier to be a Baylor Bear!

While in Waco, I bought a couple of Baylor t-shirts because I'm thinking I'll support my team ALL week! HA! Hey..I did it when the girls won, and I'm a firm believer in, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

And, since we're on the topic of basketball...is this the year of the underdog OR WHAT? Did anyone else see that upset by Northern Iowa yesterday? Poor Kansas...I felt so bad for the fella that was crying...UGH!

But, these guys! These guys kicked butt yesterday! Look at them:


And our coach ain't too shabby either! He has the heart and the knowledge to lead our boys to the Big Dance! Friday can't get here soon enough!

I'm very excited to see what this conference brings! Anticipating this win makes this week seem not so bad!

This SERIOUSLY Makes Me Cringe...

Double post...scroll down for my recap of my visit to Waco!

In this post I documented my little weight loss journey, and I promised you all pics! Well, I want to be a woman of my word, but oh my! I honestly didn't realize how huge I was until this very moment.

You know they say that when you lose a lot of weight you still kind of have the same thought patterns of your former size. I would have to say that to a certain extent, that's true. It's still hard for me to go my 'now' size...I always want to pick the 'old' size...but after looking at these pics...how dare I EVER ate those mini brownies! MAJOR GUILT HERE!

I know that every single one of these pics came from my FB account, but it's just something about putting them on my blog for any and everyone to see. However, if anyone reading this is in my shoes, I want to show my journey so that maybe I can offer you some hope! So, without further delay...here goes nothing!

THEN

NOW

Today's Stats: about 40 lbs., and 4 sizes!

Going Back...

WOW! It's Friday night, and while that thought doesn't make me sad, the fact that my Spring Break is basically over brings about a little sigh!

To say that I have enjoyed myself these past 7 days would be the ultimate understatement! I've relaxed, shopped, slept, shopped, drank so much sweet tea I'm sure my bladder will never be the same, and reconnected with some really sweet people from my journey!

As my last post stated, I took a little day trip to Waco on Thursday! Y'all know that I graduated from Baylor...sic 'em, (beat Old Dominion), and lived there for 10 years. I lovingly say that I was raised in Copperas Cove, but I grew up in Waco. What a true statement.

I have SO many memories from Waco. Some good, some bad, but all of them have made me who I am today! So, when I arrived, my first stop was to University High School! This is the home of my very first teaching job ever! Most of my buddies still work there, and it was SO good to see them! I clearly remember standing outside that first morning, pulling duty, and talking with Kelsey and Andrew...wondering seriously, what had we signed up to do! We were all brand new teaching babies, and were pretty much scared to death! BUT, today...we pretty much ROCK! I walked into my principal's office, and declared.."I'm here to get a job..." his reply, "I'll write you a contract on a paper towel..." He said he'd take me back any day! Such a great man to work for!

The above pic was taken the day before my first day of school right outside of my very first classroom. My beautiful friends and sorority sisters came to help me decorate my room because your girl was panicking in a MAJOR way! They were so shocked that I didn't have it all together, but I was a nervous wreck, but they stepped in and helped me get the job done. My room was SUPER cute by the way! Love them!

I only planned on staying at UHS for about an hour, but of course...I stayed 2 1/2! It was worth it though! After I left there, I headed to JH Hines! Now, before I became a teacher, I worked for a non-profit organization for 5 years. I.Loved.This. Job! I ran my own after-school site. I was responsible for about 90 children, and 10 staff! We had so much fun! The staff and I were all Baylor peeps, and we really loved each other. We would go out for dinner, hang out at each other's houses...it was an awesome place to work!

The teachers at Hines taught me SO MUCH! They are all seasoned teachers, and have been in the field 20+ years. I look up to them even today as I teach my own students. These ladies are from the old school, but totally kick butt with the technology! Needless to say, I love them! They oooh'd and aaah'd over me for a couple of hours! I ate it up! Of course, they all grabbed my left hand looking for "good news!" HA! I told them to keep praying...he was coming! My heart was so full after leaving these great people! I'm so glad they had their Spring Break last week so that I could visit with them all this week!

I loved my visit in Waco! It was so worth the time! I realized that I've made some really great friendships in that little city, and it was nice to reconnect!

Waco Bound!

I'm just popping in here really quickly as I'm on my way to WACO! YAY for that!

Have a great Thursday, and I'll be back later with pics from my trip!

She's Girly, and Sassy, and She's a WINNER!

Hey guys! I'm so excited about my very first giveaway results, and we have a winner! I read this young lady's blog EVERYDAY, and we have a lot of in common....BUT, I don't have a cute dog, and I live in Texas, however, I will be in Virginia next week if that counts...does that give you a hint? Virginia?!

That's right...Brown Eyed Belle Julie is the winner. I promise I did the random integer (it was 3), but I didn't think to take a pic of it with my iPhone, so you'll just have to trust me! HA! Julie, please e-mail me with your address so I can get your pink box 'o goodies to you!

That was fun, and I can't wait until my next one! I hope you like your goodies Julie!

Today was a fun day! I woke up fairly early for a day off, and packed up my car and headed to my parent's house! I.Love.Coming.Home!!! It was a BEAUtiful day to drive. Such perfect weather! I listened to great music and sang my heart out the entire way.

When I got home, my Dad whisked me away to Home Depot and Lowe's! YAY~!!! Gotta love those stores! That's OK though...he took me to Cheddar's and Target afterwards...needless to say, I was a happy girl!

Tomorrow, I'm going to Waco! Suprisingly, I really can't wait! I loved living in Waco, and although I'm glad I don't live there anymore, I always enjoy going back for a visit. I have many stops on my list, among them is University High School...home of the Trojans, and my VERY FIRST teaching job! I can't wait to see everyone there! I loved working there.

So, I'll have tons of pics to share with you! Goodnight bf's!!! Sleep tight!

Winner Coming!

Hey guys!
I came to visit my Dad, and he has me in Home Depot right now! I will post the winner as soon as I get home. I want to be fair and use the random integer! See you in a few...I'm off to look at ceiling fans...yay!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Single Girl's Brownies!

Disclaimer: YES! I'm talking about brownies in the post following my post on weight loss. Yes, I ate vanilla ice cream with my brownie bites..., and YES...I am almost certain I'll go back for seconds...TONIGHT!!! (Hey--I've worked out everyday since Sunday...it's all good!)

First things first...HELLO NEW FOLLOWERS!!! I'm glad you're here! So, today was a great day! I slept in, cleaned, did laundry which you know I love, and made an appt for an afternoon massage, and went to the gym...YUCK! Oh baby! That massage was WONDERFUL! Now, I've had my fair share of massages, but my tech today did her thing! I promptly made my appt for the next two weeks. It was just that good!

After my massage, I headed to The Container Store. I'm working on a little project in my bathroom cabinet, and we all know just how helpful that store is. I'll post before and after pics as soon as I finish.

After TCS, I headed to Target for BROWNIES! I had the big idea to buy a mini cupcake pan to bake the brownies in...why you ask? Because the edge pieces are my favorite of course, and I figure, I can have all edge pieces. Well, while picking out my brownie flavor, I ran across what I like to call Single Girl's Brownies. Why?! Because there are two pans included, 2 pouches, and each pouch makes 6 brownies. NO LEFTOVERS!!!! Now, I only baked one of the pouches, but I'm telling you...how cool is this setup?! Look...I even took pics for you to see:

The brownies came out perfect! They were crunchy on the outside, and so soft and gooey on the inside! They were absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend you seeing for yourself, and trying them!

Now, my feet are propped up, and I'm watching 16 and Pregnant...I know...don't judge me! Spring Break is awesome!!! My cup is running over!

Tomorrow, I'm heading to the dirty Cove via Waco to spend some time with my Daddy! Love that man! Goodnight bf's!!!

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway....it ends tomorrow!

The Weight is Over!

Over the last few months, I've gotten quite a few questions about the weight that I have lost. How? How much? What did you do, etc?! I even mentioned a few weeks ago that I would do this post, so here goes everything!!!

My serious weight loss started two summers ago. I hired a professional trainer and worked out with him four days a week for one hour. It.was.brutal!!! The things that he made me do, I thought that I'd never be able to do them, but I did! Now... I'm a teacher, so I had the time to dedicate to working out. That summer, my schedule was meet with him in the mornings, and I worked out alone in the evenings. I would go walking...however, not just a leisure walk. My parent's house is situated in a neighborhood with huge hills. I would walk those hills with a vengeance. Of course, I ate only fruits and veggies, no sodas, fried foods only once a week, and I limited my sugar intake.

Breakfast would consist of fresh fruit and one cup of oatmeal. Lunch I almost always had a Lean Cuisine, and a salad, and dinner varied every night.

I have to say that the biggest factor for me was my mind. I had yo-yo'd with my weight for years, and I was really tired of it. I wanted something that would change my thoughts so I knew my results wouldn't happen overnight. With that said, a big thing for me was making up my mind.

I drank water all of the time. I also started taking a multi-vitamin.

Today, I have a gym membership, and even if I don't make it to the gym, I try to work out at least 3-4 times a week.

Meal portions are important too. I almost always have leftovers while eating out. When you are full STOP EATING!!! And, as silly as this sounds, snack all of the time. I still don't do a good job at breakfast...normally just coffee, but I snack all day. I buy various 100 calorie packs and have a snack between breakfast and lunch, and one between lunch and dinner.

It's important to stay away from fad diets and do it the old fashioned way....because of this I don't fluctuate like I used to.

I'm still not 100% where I want to be, but I feel good about myself now. One of the things I hated was that I lost my confidence. I didn't feel hood about myself, especially how I looked, and I'm normally someone with lots of confidence, so I had to do something!

I hope this helps...I'll post pictures of the journey...I'm posting from my phone!

Later gators!

This is what happens...

...When you get two best friends together for a day of shopping!
Today, Malitta and I headed to The Galleria to spend her birthday money. I ended up getting a few things that I needed for work, and no, it was NOT from my birthday money. We had such a great time. I love spending time with her. I always laugh until my sides hurt from the things she says. If you know Malitta...then you know what I'm talking about. Here's some of today's top convo nuggets:

Urban Outfitters:
Me: Malitta, is that a unitard...(referring to uni on hanger)
Mal: YES! Isn't it great?!
Me: Crickets chirping.....'Not exactly the word I was looking for..., I mean, it's an adult onesie...' (insert obnoxious laughing)
--------------------------------------------
Me: Do you think this headband looks cute?
Mal: Oh! Yes! I'm surprised at how cute that looks on you...!
Me: What does that mean?
Mal: That flower is kind of big...but, your head can pull it off....(as she tries to fix previous comment)
Me: Yeah, kind of as big as the whole you're digging!
Me and Mal: Again...Cracking UP!

(What do y'all think...sorry the top of the flower is cut off...I was trying to hide the fact that I have mask on a huge pimple....lol! Just keeping it real!)

Convo at Lunch:
Me: Yesterday, I got my nails and toes done, and while the girl was giving me my manicure...she looked at my brows, (which were NOT that bad), and was like 'oh girl...you getting your brows done too...?'
Malitta: chuckles
Me: And then, she was like, 'and what about that mustache...'
Malitta: almosts chokes on her bread...as she looks for my missing mustache... "Did you get it done?"
Me: Heck no! You remember in college when they talked us into that...we had discolorations above our top lips for weeks.....
Me and Malitta: Cracking up...(y'all, it was horrible....we both said we'd never get it done again!)

Y'all, I could literally go on all day, but I won't! I had a great time today! Don't forget to enter the giveaway! You have until Wednesday to rack up those entries!

Girly PINK Giveaway!

I know I promised the details on the giveaway Friday, but I've been trying to figure out how to make a blog button, and let's just say...it didn't happen! If any of you out there in blog land are talented, and have a giving spirit....help your girl out!

I had a super long post but lost it all once I hit the publish button...ARGH!!! So...you can go right to the details of the giveaway!

MARCH 14th-17th, 2010 (Sunday thru Wednesday)

PINK RULES: ('Mary Engelbreit Princess of Quite-a-lot Notebook, OPI bubblebath polish, Pink jewelry travel case, pink and green notecube, and 2 mystery pink items!)

- you've gotta be a follower of my blog (mandatory entry)
- follow me on twitter (1 extra entry)
- tweet about this giveaway and leave a link (1 extra entry)
- blog about this giveaway (1 extra entry)
- post this giveaway or your sidebar (1 extra entry)

5 ways to enter!!!!

BONUS: Get an extra entry for visiting daily, and leaving a comment!
The giveaway will end Wednesday at 12 NOON CST! I will announce the winner that evening via Random.org! The winner will have three days to claim your prize, so make sure you leave a valid e-mail address!!!

Little bag 'o books!

I made a Freudian slip today and said to be careful over the Summer break. My students quickly corrected me, but even though I'm not about to be off for two months, I'll sure take this week!

In case you've missed my last few posts....today, at 2:26 p.m. marks the beginning of my Spring Break! Be still my heart! BE STILL! I can't tell you how excited I am....no alarm for 5 whole week days! YES!

Here's a little taste of what I'll be doing over the break:
Hanging with friends and family
Cleaning
Donating clothes to Montgomery County Women's Center
Re-vamping my kitchen
Getting a car wash
Going to the dentist
Making that dreadful trip for my yearly appt
READING!!!! In fact, here's the loot that I checked out of the school library today. Our library is pretty amazing...so I've got some good stuff!

I apologize now for the butterflies you can see in the picture! We are doing a project over the Terezin Concentration camps...I'll post a pic when they are hanging around my room! It's going to look amazing! (BTW, this pic was taken on my iPhone using the ShakeitPhoto app! I love this app because it brings such great clarity to normally crappy iPhone pics....)

The librarian loves me, and since I have like 7 books, she gave me the cutest little reusable bag! It's just the right size for a picnic this week. And, since I really don't eat bread, I've been saving a loaf for a week to feed to the ducks! I predict a visit to a nearby park, complete with a picnic! I can't wait!

I just wanted to check in with you all this morning....I'll be back later tonight with all of the details of the giveaway!

My Favorite Things!

I've got a new look! Do you like it? I LOVE IT!!!! If you want one...check out Danielle at The Design Girl! She's amazing, easy to work with, and as you can see, very talented!


I've been wanting a new blog look for a while now, and I'm so in love with it! Good thing this is my home away from home...and what a pretty home it is! Ok...enough googling over my new look! (Seriously though...I've clicked on this page a million times today!)


In honor of my new look, I'm doing a giveaway. It's called 'My Favorite Things!! All of the details will be up this weekend! I need to get a pic of the loot on here, and it's past my bedtime!

Until then...have a great night, and I'll see you tomorrow!!

~J

THE List!

Over a glass of sweet tea with a hint of banana flavor....don't ask, it's not intentional...I remembered something. My students and I were studying Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken," and naturally our conversation ventured on decisions. If you'll stay around..I promise to get to the point soon. So, I took this awesome opportunity to climb atop one of my many soapboxes on life. One of the points I made was when we go about life with no definite plans, we aren't very well prepared for what happens.

Now, some could argue that even the best made plans are sometimes futile, but hear me out. What I mean is this....when we don't know where we're going, we don't know what we will get, and we have even less control over the outcome. (Really, I have a point...)

>>Fast forward to this evening. While sipping that banana sweet tea...YUCK, I wondered where my very first list of requirements was for my future husband. I made this list at the tender age of 13 I believe, and can I tell you how spiritually deep I was then (insert sarcastic eye roll)?! He had to have the looks of Will Smith (it was the 90s), make a ton of money, and be at least 6 feet tall, with an athletic build. Oh yeah, and by this stage in my life, according to the list, I would have been on baby #2, (why because I would have been married for almost 5 years of course)!!! I can't tell you how hard I laughed at this. Mostly the other godly characteristics listed...like doesn't mind playing Uno, fills my car with gas, and likes Taco Bell as much as I do (#3 combo back then I believe)....seriously...!

(Rounding the corner of She has a point and On with it already) So, what does this hodge podge of info mean? Well, that list led to a couple more lists. I've never been one to not know what I wanted, so naturally, this area of my life would be no different. I fully believe that it is because of this list, (and my relationship with God, my parents, etc) that I haven't taken/dealt with/experienced a ton of heartbreak over broken relationships. Sometimes there are drawbacks to the list, especially when no deviations are allowed, and when there are imposters who look like they are the list, but in Habakkuk 2:2, we are told to "write the vision, and make it plain...."God is a very on purpose god, and I feel that we should operate in that same spirit.

When considering spending your life with someone, don't you think it's important to give thought to what you really want? I mean, my grocery list is extensive...separated by the sections of the store....the future love of my life is worth at least that!

I'm sure I've bored most of you, but if you're still here, and you're not married, think about what you'd like....and by the way....since I've grown, and truly embraced the "It's Not About Me," mentality....you want to know what's on my list???? Are you sure...you ready?

1. A man after God's own heart...

Yep...that's it. Nothing more, nothing less, because that is really all you need, but you know what..??? I'll still take a game of Uno, and not having to go to the gas station any day!

Later gators....or...as AB says...holla koala!

A little bit of everything...

I was looking through a bunch of old photos last night because I'm getting a blog makeover, and one day...I'll have to post my weight loss journey...! I'm still not 100% satisfied, but I've come a long way! Maybe one day I'll do a post on what I did, and what I'm still doing!

Last night...I had a mini, "I'm so overwhelmed, I think I'm going to lose my mind," breakdown! Between this week at work (try-outs), the four papers I have due for school, the process of prayerfully getting accepted into the Regional Principal Leadership Institute, (I know I haven't mentioned this on here....I've journaled about it, but I haven't filled you guys in yet..I will soon), I am a little nerved! But, last night, God reminded me that He will never give me more than I can bear, plus, I cried about it, so that helped a lot!

via google

But you know what...?? I'm happy to be overwhelmed because that means 1.) I'm alive, 2.) I have a job that I love and that can overwhelm me, 3.) I'm pursuing my goals, and 4.) I have people in my life to keep me grounded, and who don't mind listening to me! I realize that some people don't have a support system in life, and I'm so very blessed with a handful of close friends that I can really count on to stand in the gap! Thanks guys!

Weekend Recap!

I can't find my planner! AND, if you know me at all, you know that I write EVERYTHING in my planner! Thanks to Jenni and Lauren though, I found a new planner, that I think I will love. I even had my name put on it. I can't wait to receive it. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll have it...my life NEEDS it!

Spring Break is next week, and my goodness....I can't wait! I need a minute. I feel like I've been going ninety to nothing, and I need some 'me' time! I've got school work that I want to get ahead on, and tons of books that I want to read. Y'all know that I can read a book a day, and that's going to come in handy because I haven't read for pleasure in a while....well, minus that book I was able to sneak in last week.

This weekend was a great weekend. It was Malitta's birthday, so we celebrated on Friday night at the Rodeo....Mary J Blige was there! She was great, but the concert was super short. Malitta was a little disappointed in that, but it was all good for me!

Then, on Saturday, I went to pick out my bridesmaid dress for Taviea's wedding! The dress is black, and I like it! It's going to come in around June, and Tavi took a pic, but I don't have one to show you....if I get one, I'll post it!

Afterwards, Andrea and I met up in Katy and went to see Cop Out. Neither of us wanted to see it, but it was the only thing showing when we got there. It was hi.larious!! I laughed so hard! Definitely not kid appropriate, but just fine for adults who need a good laugh!

SUNDAY....all.day.at.Cheer.Power! Geesh! The whole time I was there, I was silently thanking my parents. I never knew the sacrifice they made following me all around the state of Texas for Dance contests and conferences. They are the best, and I love them for it. I was naive in thinking that all parents did that, and I've learned that....not so much! I know I'll be that parent, but honestly, I'm glad it's not today! This girl needed a nap afterwards.....BUT!

I ended up going to The Cheesecake Factory with Marcus and Malitta to celebrate her birthday and to give her my present to her! I had a great time laughing with those two....I'm sure they'll be getting engaged pretty soon....hint Marcus if you read this....pop the question already!

And now, here we are on Monday! This week is going to be long...Cheer try-outs, but we'll get through it! Besides, there's a big 'ole pot of Gold at the end called Spring Break!

Later gator...or, a new one that I learned from blog friend Amy Beth....holla koala!