The Smallest Decisions...

Most of you know that I sleep VERY well. I normally don't like to brag, but I am really REALLY good at it. I mean, yes, I sleep with ear plugs because I like complete silence when I drift off into my peaceful dreamworld. "Horizontal narcolepsy," is what my brother-in-law has named it. As soon as I am in a full horizontal position, I. Am. Out. That is, unless I have something on my mind.... not just something though, it takes more than just tomorrow's "to-do" list (I am not a mom yet, remember? my to-do list can change with the wind if I so desire... for the most part) or "did I remember to lock the door," to keep me from slumbering. You know, something like a boy, or in this case, WHAT I'M GOING TO DO WITH MY LIFE COME THIS SEPTEMBER.

This is a BIG decision... and I'm not particularly stressed about the actual decision itself, it's just my mind WILL NOT shut off when thinking about the endless possibilities. And it is SO annoying. I am trying not to rush into this decision as to carefully AND prayerfully start turning the page in this next chapter. But a few more nights of tossing and turning, may turn ugly for me. And nobody wants that. Trust me. A good friend of mine use to always say "CHALT" when making a decision.... And by that she meant never make a decision when you are Crazy (aka pms'ing and emotional), Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. I think she stole that acronym from AA and added her own twist to it... I think it's supposed to be HALT when making decisions. The C is sooooo crucial. I like her version better. But I digress.... point is, if I don't start sleeping again, I'm going to be TIRED, CRANKY and ANGRY... probably lonely too because people generally don't like to be around people who are tired, cranky and angry.

All that being said, I am excited about what's up next! Even though I am not sure what that is going to entail. It could be anything from moving to Texas (I'm not buying my boots quite yet), to going back to school and starting a new career... there's a lot of middle ground there and it's a bit daunting at times. When I think about making the decision to "at least go interview" (with some prodding from Dad) for an asst coaching position at the Naval Academy and how taking that job altered my life's course, and the way it is STILL effecting it now, I am amazed. Saying yes to an interview seemed like such a miniscule decision at the time. But it wasn't. It was life changing. For so many different reasons. And all because I went to an interview for a job that I really didn't think I wanted. This post could easily morph into a "freedom of choice" vs "predestined" debate, but that would require way more time and brain cells than I can expend right now. So I'll save that for another day (maybe). If you're reading this post and are the praying type, I would not be opposed to you asking God to give me clarity, patience, diligence (there is lots to be done) and guidance, as I walk through this process. Oh and some SLEEP would be fab! Thanks everyone!

"Sometimes it's the smallest decisions that can change your life forever."

--Keri Russell

THINGS.I.LIKE.

Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium 1-3/4 Inch Flat Iron Straightener

I got this for Christmas (yes, this year...don't judge me) and it is incredible. It cuts the time it takes me to straighten my hair in half AND my hair actually gets straight and stays straight. It's unlike any other straightener that I've used where I have to go inch by inch, over and over every piece (that doesn't get pulled out as it rips through my hair) to get it semi-straight and then if any type of humidity hits it... forget about it. This thing is awe-some. I love it... and yes, I will be wrapping it up and opening it (from my parents) on Christmas morning. Thanks Mom and Dad! :)

Quote_To_Ponder: Q-TP #1

Words. They can so easily effect (or is it affect, I never know) me. They can encourage and they can destruct... They can ease my spirit after a day full of mishaps. Or hurt my feelings worse than being sucker punched in the gut. Who ever said "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me," was FULL OF IT. Who were they kidding?? It can be the way words are strung together that strike something in me. As they roll off the tongue they can sound so good together (in a song, poem etc) or the meaning of those words may pierce my heart with an unforgettable mark. Which ever the case may be, words carry weight in my world. In my effort to record my daily musings and remember things that move me I am NOT starting a Quote of the Day, for the simple fact that a "quote of the day" SOUNDS overwhelming to me. To think about posting a quote or words that strike my fancy daily is just. too. much. Instead I will just post a quote to ponder. A Q-TP, if you will!

The other day I was reading something by Beth Moore and her words hit me hard.
"If Jesus gives us a task or assigns us to a difficult season, every ounce of our experience is meant for our instruction and completion if only we'll let Him finish the work. I fear, however, that we are so attention-deficit that we settle for bearable when beauty is just around the corner."

How many times have I settled with bearable rather than beauty? How often am I impatient and unwilling to stay attentive or open to what God is trying to do because it hurts? PUKE. More often than I'd like to admit. I don't like being uncomfortable or pain, whether physical or emotional. Who does? But sometimes I think I fear it more than I trust God and His (greater) plan. I long for redemption and when I don't get it at my first cry for relief, I settle for "bearable" rather than sitting in that tension of my soul aching and trusting that God is good and His glory is being revealed in some way or another. Maybe not in the way that I envisioned it to unfold but in a beautifully surprising, katie-is-not-the-center-of-the-universe type of way. I too easily forget that choosing God in a broken world means that I constantly must remind myself that my comfort is not the priority. That I am not the priority. God's glory being revealed IS the priority, and THAT is a beautiful thing when we are open and given the opportunity to witness it. I'm hoping to grasp and put to action the heart of that thought consistently before the end of this lifetime. But until then, I'm thankful God gives me more than my fair share of chances of choosing more of Him and less of me. Over and over and over again. Even if it hurts sometimes.

Random Thought

Just for the heck of it, I checked to see when I started my 10 Day Blog Challenge (for the life of me I can't decide if "Day Blog Challenge" needs to be capitalized or not.. but I digress)..... Nov 8th was when I began. NOVEMBER 8th, people!!!

Realization numero uno - it took me almost 30 days to finish a 10 D.B.C.

Is there any wonder as to why my blog has less than a meager following?? A friend of mine today asked a group of people I was with, if anyone blogged... I said "I do!" She responded, "you do? oh wait, that's right, I think I follow you... but you don't really ever post right?" LOL... Touché, my friend.

Day 10 - Challenge Complete!

This is supposed to be the post were I finish my 10 Day Blog Challenge and get a nice big pat on the back from the blog world (or not) and then continue posting to this blog with some kind of consistency. Right? ... right. I started this blog almost as a means of communication with my family because now that we are all adults, we are kind of spread out (China to the US, so maybe "kind of" is an understatement) and I thought it was a great way to stay up on the goings on of each other's lives. And it was. I jumped on the blogging bandwagon with ideas of grandeur... the only problem was, I don't always FEEL like writing. Some days it's because I'm being lazy and other days its because to write about what's going on in my life means I actually have to think, and process. And sometimes that's just not fun.... The thinking or the processing.

I want to be better at this blogging thing. I really do. Sometimes I feel like if I had a switch that could just shut my mind off, I'd be better off because I think a lot. I analyze things that don't need to be analyzed, worry about things that can't be controlled and think of ways to control those said things. All to no avail. BUT there are days that something happens or someone's words dig their way into my heart and I find myself, my perspective changed. Then a month later, I can't exactly remember why... More often than not it seems the things that I want to remember are fleeting and hard for me to recall because I may have the world's worst memory. When I do remember some thing, a lot of times the details are foggy at best and it's like sorting through a bunch of muck. Out of necessity and a longing to grow, I NEED to get better at this... I like the idea that this is kind of turning into more than just an update for my family but somewhere I can process and record my thoughts. A place I can look back and have some sort of stream of conciseness and order to my thoughts, heart and life happenings. Like I said in my last post, I feel transition knocking at my door. I want to be able to look back on it and recall what I was feeling, how God was moving, what He was teaching me, how He was changing me, and just a record of where this escapade called life has taken me. As for the Challenge....

DAY 10: ONE confession.....

(drum roll please)

I have not shaved my legs in over two weeks. gah! It's starting to get to me.... tomorrow is a new day. I will be baby buttery smooth in the morning. Look out world, here I come!

My life... Day 9

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession

Two words, huh? That's all I get? You, my little Ten Day Challenge are really getting on my nerves. I mean, really. I'm supposed to sum up my life in two words? Did you mean two blog posts?? I think it would actually require less thought for me to just let my fingers speed away at the keyboard talking about where I am in life right now. But nooooo, you want two words. Well then, here you go, my two words that describe my life right now (am I at least allowed to explain my two words? ...yes.) Okay great, here goes:

1. Transient- Sometimes I feel like I live out of a suitcase... my job keeps me traveling and when I'm not traveling for work, I'm normally traveling to see fam/friends at least one weekend out of the month. And now my life feels particularly more transient because I have been in MD/VA for a little over 8 years (has it really been that long?) and am feeling a nudge towards movement. I don't know what that nudge is toward (ie-going back to school, moving to San Antonio next fall with my job, changing careers, or ... who knows?) but I do know it's something and right now feel like that something is calling for transition... whatever that transition may be. It's an uncomfortable feeling because I like security and knowing. But right now, I really don't know... Anything. All I know is there is a change in the air and it's going to be here in the blink of an eye so I need to be ready!

2. Overwhelmed- Do you remember when the most nerve-racking decision you had to make was who to pick up on your team for a neighborhood game of Capture the Flag? Which was in fact, a stressful situation at times. But I digress to now. NOW, I would be ever so delighted if who was on my team for Capture the Flag was my biggest concern. NOW, I get to make decision between keeping a stable job with great flexibility for my lifestyle (which would mean moving) or stepping out on faith, going back to school (which has a whole bunch of variables in itself), or getting a new job (that may or may not be as secure) here in the NOVA area. Please hear me when I say this. I am not complaining about having to make these decisions... this is life, there are always decisions to be made. But sometimes, some decisions are harder to make than others. I am thankful that I have options and the opportunity to make a decision rather than feeling backed into a corner and having a decision about my life, by means of circumstance, made for me. Trust me, I am grateful. But I am also overwhelmed. This is a big decision that will change my life for at least the next couple years but most likely more than that. I'm excited but overwhelmed too. I pray that my heart is open to God's leading and that as I walk forward in this decision, His hands are all over it and it would be clear what my next steps will be.

DAY 10 is almost here!!!!!!! :) Thanks, Meggo, for the kick in the pants to start blogging again. It may have taken me longer than 10 days to finish... but it's given me some motivation (Lord knows I need it!)

Cheeseburger Doritos.... my life just got a little better.

WHERE have you been all my life? And why couldn't someone have invented you when I was 10 so I could eat a whole bag in one sitting and not worry about still being able to fit into my wardrobe?? Seriously. I know they SOUND gross. But. They aren't. They are delicious. And I want to eat them for every meal. But. I won't. Drat. So if you walk by these in the grocery store, depending on your goals over the holiday season (to gain weight or to not gain weight), pick a bag or two of these up. or don't (if you're not trying to gain weight). But if you don't, you will be missing out!

Attraction... Day 8

There are a lot of things that draw me to the different people I meet.... I could go a lot of different ways with today's topic, but the phrase "turn ons" sounds more like this survey or challenge, if you will, is requiring me to tell you what gives me butterflies...

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession

Three turn ons:
1. A big, pretty smile. This, people, can make or break an attraction with me. I can see some ordinary looking guy, who hardly catches my eye but then smiles and his smile brightens the room while causing me to smile, and he's in! And contrary to that, if there is a guy who walks into a room looking like a tall glass of water and then his smile is jacked. UGHHHHHHHHHHHHH .... I'll say no more.
2. Relentless Pursuit. of me. We're talking "turn ons" here right?! So don't go getting all spiritual on me here, saying don't you mean relentless pursuit of Jesus, Katie? Just stop it, that is a given ... yes, that is attractive but I don't consider it a "turn on." It is a turn on to me when a man pursues ME and to pursue by definition means:
-to chase (ok, chase may sound a bit stalkerish, but that's not the intent of what I'm trying to get accross) somebody: sometimes for a long time, in order to catch or capture her (HEART) (and break through the walls of insecurity and fear that she has built around her heart. Letting her know that love may not be safe, but it's good and it lasts, by leading in a manner that allows her to trust and slowly let down those walls)*
-to carry something out: to work at something or carry it out
-to continue with something: to continue with something or follow it up (continuing to pursue and encourage who I am even after he has captured my heart)
3. Manly forearms. Yes, I know that sounds so weird. But I love a set of strong and masculine forearms... I don't know if it's the fact that a nice pair of biceps, nice shoulders and a nice chest come with those forearms is was does it, but goodness I just love it! Buh-tter-flies.

*Italicized and bolded = my emphasis

And there you have it. 3 turn ons. Take 'em or leave 'em.

Behind the Power Curve - Turn offs - Day 7

Would you believe that the dog ate my computer (and every other computer I was in possible proximity to while I was on vacation)? I'm not even going to apologize anymore about not finishing this in 10 days. You know me and my blogging tendancies. So without further ado... onto Day 7!

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession

Four turn offs:

1. SELFISHNESS --> We all have our moments of selfishness... but when someone is so self absorbed that they never ask how you're doing or even realize all they do is talk about themself, I lose interest. fast.

2. LACK OF INTEGRITY --> If I notice that you're always trying to "get over," cut corners to get what you want, don't follow through on things you say you're going to do, or constantly catching you in little white lies, I'm not a fan. I want to be able to stand on the fact that your word is your word and you are doing everything in your power to hold true to that (especially if I'm considering entering a relationship with you). I don't want to be wondering if I'm getting the whole truth in a situation, whether it be big or small. TRUST is so important.

3. ARROGANCE --> I don't deal well with people who have inflated sense of self, think they are better than most (intolerance) and can't admit when they are wrong. "what you made the Varsity football team your Freshman year but can't believe the coach wouldn't play you even though the guy in front of you was Mike Vick!? just ludacris." *yawn....and I'm fading. oh by the way, you're 30 years old...GET OVER IT!

4. DEMEANING SENSE OF HUMOR --> Words of encouragement is one of my main love languages so when I'm around someone who is constantly cutting down other people to amuse themselves or others around them I get annoyed. Super annoyed. And in dating terms, if the 'clowning' is constantly at my expense you can rest assured that relationship is going no where fast.

Breakdancing into Christmas... we got skillz

Just thought we'd start your Christmas season off with some new moves we put together over Thanksgiving.... enjoy!

People, people, people.... Day 6

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession.

I know. My 10 day challenge has drawn out to more like two weeks. or so. But who's counting... Since I'm making excuses, I'll throw Meggo under the bus and remind you all that she has STILL not finished her last day and she started WAY before me. So technically, I'm winning. Wait, this wasn't a competition was it? Ok, well then I'm only kind of winning. I'm making a rule for my post today... I am not allowed to include people that I've already talked about in my 10 Day Challenge. So pretty much all my fam is out and a the handful of friends I mentioned in the first couple days. Here goes:

Five people who mean a lot to me-

1. Carrie (McKee) Cramm. She's one of those people to me that if you really want to know me, meeting Carrie is a must. I have known Carrie since the latter part of my adolescent life and I can't say enough about her and how her love and wise words have helped me as I've stumbled along this bumpy road of life. My parents sent me out to visit with her my freshman year in college... We laugh about it now because when she tells me about the phone call she received asking if I could come visit, it came across to her that I needed saving from some of the decisions I was making in my life... I wasn't at that time making any crazy decisions about the lifestyle that I would lead but the visit was in fact life changing in my life. It turned out to be a week in my life that I experienced, grace, truth and love all in the same breath and started to understand God's love for me on another level. Carrie was a catalyst to part of this discovery. And I'd bet on the fact that this is not the first time she's sparked someone's heart in the direction toward God.

2. Aunt Julie. I love her spunk. Aunt Julie is the woman who was diagnosed with cancer and throughout her fight, I'm pretty sure her house or hospital room was rarely empty if ever. But what sums her up is the fact that when people would come visit her, I'm pretty sure every person left encouraged. and at a loss for words. Because you see for Aunt Julie small talk wasn't enough for her. This woman is the prayer warrior that you have NEVER known. She wouldn't let people leave with out either joining her in prayer OR if that was uncomfortable for them, she told them "well you can just sit there and I'll pray for you." :) That's Aunt Julie. She's got fight, she's got spunk and she's got God... and she's not afraid to let people know. Oh, btw she fully recovered from stage four ovarian cancer and the doctors said they had never seen something like her case. Gone. Completely. Gone.

3. The guys (Walt, BBC, Chief, Marcus and Shal) - They bring joy to my life through their sense of humor, their infectious laughs, listening ears and protective love. I can't help but think about any one of these guys and not have a smile on my face. Their friendship is true, respectful and giving. I hear girls talk about how they wonder where all the good men have gone, I get sad for them because I know a lot of good men who love and cherish women in general, these five in particular!

4. Nikki (Curtis) and Carrie (Hewitt). These two girls have got to be two of the most encouraging and supportive gals I know. I've gotten to walk through adult life with Carrie and Nikki and they always listen to me vent and talk things through while processing the craziness going on (whatever that may be at the time). Thanks ladies!!

5. Kia - She makes me laugh. We've been through ups and downs and over a decade and a half of friendship. I am thankful for her loyalty and that she let's me be me. We've been through it all over the past 15 years and I think that says a lot. You can't be friends with someone for 15 years and not walk through all different types of things... Thanks Kia for enduring it all! :)

whew... that was hard to narrow it down. If you were not on this post, please don't get your feelings hurt. It only let me pick 5!!!!! I'll write a post about you and only you if I have offended you ;) But I'm almost positive that if you are reading this blog, you have been mentioned at some point in time on my blog! :)

What if, shmut if... Day 5.

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession.

Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.

To say that I wouldn't change anything or wish I hadn't done something would be somewhat of a fabrication. Because, you see, I hardly ever get things right the first time. It may even suffice to say that I more often than not, I do not get things right and need a so called "do-over." But isn't that part of life? Isn't it our trials and failures and whatever other cliche word you have for the not-so-fun moments on our journey that mold us and give us character and all that other crap? So I'm not sure even if I had some magic wand, that I would go back and change any of the big trials that I faced in my life... I do, however, know there are most definitely things I wish I had never done, starting with that crack pipe back in the day. Ok, not really... but here goes:

I wish I had never....

1. been concerned about what other people thought of me

2. smelled one of (name eradicated)'s farts... so not kidding (you know who you are)

3. wasted time in college

4. stayed with someone for longer than I should've because I wasn't brave enough to let it go

5. said something hurtful out of spite or mal intention

6. decided getting tan was more important than wearing sunscreen when I was younger (sun spots are the worst!!)

That's all for now.... Half way there! woot woot!!!

I'm back.... Day 4

Sorry to all my blog followers (all three of you), for the pause of my 10 day challenge. I guess you could say I failed, but not as miserably as my Skins last night... Good gracious. Back to the drawing board, minus the $40 Million that they just handed over to McNabb... I wonder if he had an issue looking himself in the mirror this morning? Probably not. Maybe I can get Danny boy to sign ME for a few mil. I mean, why not?! I'm perfectly capable of playing miserably and would look better doing it, I'm sure! But back to my blog... I may have failed in consistency but like the Redskins, I gotta get back on the horse and finish this thing out... hopefully with a little more excitement than their season seems to be headed (which btw, I am not attacking the players... it's a competition, sometimes you have games like last night, where nothing clicks... BUT Dan Snyder is quite possibly the worst thing that has ever happened to the Redskins).

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession.

Seven things that cross my mind:
1. Where I will be this time next year? For those of you that don't know... who am I kidding, if you're reading this blog, you already know that my job will be moving to San Antonio, TX next Sept and if I want to stay I have to move to TEXAS... I'm not convinced about this move, more over I'm not convinced of anything concerning my next step professionally. Look for a new job? go back to school? live in Amy and David's basement while I figure it out? Move to Texas? I don't know.. but it sure does cross my mind a lot these days.
2. Relationships. Do I need to clarify?? I'm 31 and dating... how fun does that sound?? You be the judge.
3. Family/Friends... since Christmas is around the corner when I think of my loved ones I've been trying to figure out what gifts I'm going to get them or if I'm going to get to see them over the Holidays!! yay!! Fun fun fun!
4. Am I in the right place and going in the direction I was called to be heading today (or just in general)...
5. Do I love the people in my life well and how can I love them better?
6. Food!! What's for dinner? :) I LOVE good conversation/company over a good meal... so dinner plans cross my mind almost daily!
7. Working out. I sure do THINK about it a lot :) Soon I hope to be thinking about how sore my body is because I've actually been ACTING on the thought!

There you have it... 7 thoughts that cross my mind. The list could go on for days... thank goodness (for your sake) the challenge put a number to it!

Pause....Outta town!

Day 3.... Chik-fil-a, what?!!?

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession.

Eight things, huh. Here goes nothing....

1. the internet

2. forgiveness - giving and receiving it (grace) - and the Ultimate Forgiver

3. exercise (this is becoming painfully apparent)

4. family/friends and the time to spend with them

5. music

6. my camera

7. love

8. laughter

Keep it Rolling.... Day 2.

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession.

NINE THINGS THAT YOU MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOURS TRULY....

1. I sleep with ear plugs. yes ear plugs. in my ears. It's a long story how it started, but thanks to Megan, I can't sleep without them.... Although I have been trying to ween myself off of them lately. Wish me luck.

2. I'm not a huge fan of small talk on the phone. In person it's ok but via phone, I get distracted and would rather just text or get a text saying "hi, I've been thinking about you."

3. I did not read a single book all the way from start to finish until I was in college.... again, I think that had something to do with my attention span and the fact that I HAD to read them. But now I enjoy reading quite a bit when I get to pick what and when I read.

4. Someone asked me how old I was last week and I told them the wrong age. on accident. and didn't realize it until I was thinking about the conversation later. Great. My memory is already failing me.

5. I've had 6 surgeries in 12 years.

6. I am moderately psychotic when I'm on a plane that is flying through turbulent airspace. And by moderately I mean I might suddenly grab the armrest or your hand if you're sitting next to me and ask you "is this normal, should we be shaking like this??" so many times that you'll start to wonder, "I don't know... is THIS normal?" Ambien is my friend.

7. I'm thinking about getting my Masters in counseling. Possibly.

8. I just got my closets re-done and had to remove every. single. item. In doing that, I found 3 *new pairs of shoes. sweet.

9. I am the replay queen. When I hear a song that moves me (physically, spiritually or emotionally), I will listen to it over and over and over again for however long I feel like it.

*new = I bought them and forgot I had them.

Day 2. check.

Need. Motivation.

I have left my blog hanging high and dry for quite a few months.... sorry, blog. With all my travel and crazy work schedule, I just haven't had the time, energy it takes to be creative and quite honestly the motivation to write. So I found some motivation or challenge per say, that I saw up on Meggo's page. And here it is:


Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession.


Let's see if I can blog for TEN days in a row.


Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.


1- Happy Birthday Megan!! I am so proud of you. Truth is, I was a little worried when you said you were moving to China, not because you'd be far away and would miss you, and not because I didn't think you would be great at your job over there.... But more because you were going somewhere that was further than I could get to if you needed your big sis to come rescue you! ha. Sounds silly, I know... but you, my dear little sister have proven that you don't need your big sister to come rescue you, and you're probably thinking, "duh, Katie, I haven't needed your super-hero-rescuing-powers for years." But I guess sometimes I just like to worry (go figure). You are so strong and have grown so much over there. One of the most valuble things we have in this life is to know who we were made to be and I have seen the light bulb come on in you as far as knowing yourself. You are just shinning like the flood lights over a football stadim. It's awesome to see you walking with confidence in who God has made you to be :) I love you, Megan.

2-Melissa, please bring Siah to VA so we can go to Sweet Water Tavern ASAP! I miss you and need to meet your little man! :) Thank you for being there whenever I need you most. I love how we can go months without talking (yeah, I know... we need to get better at that part) and then pick up right where we left off the next time we talk!

3- Shayla, goodness I miss you. I can't think about our friendship and your crazy butt without smiling! lol...see what I mean? God crossed our paths at just the right time! My twin. I am sad you had to leave VA but am so excited for you and know that you are right where you need to be for the time being. Do it BIG and keep following your dreams, they were put inside your heart for a reson, my friend!

4-6 My older sibs, I know we all have different relationships and I am so thankful for each one of them. But what I want to say to you all is thank you. Thank you for being there for me at different times in my life and listening. and praying. and even when you thought I wasn't listening, thank you for sharing and advising. I was listening. I love you guys and pray that I will one day have a family that has a solid foundation and that loves each other just like all of yours. (4) Jules, you are so creative, so calm cool and collected, a FUN mom and one of the hardest workers I know... (5) Amy, I AM SO EXCITED for you and David! I love living so close and getting to be a part of your family and the support you and David give me. Matthew is lucky to have you guys as parents. (6) Adam, I miss you and am thankful you're coming to SC for Thanksgiving with your fam!

7-9 Janetta, (8) Hambone and (9)Summer, seems like we've been through it all as friends, huh?! I'm thankful for our history! It's been over 10 years that I've been able to call you guys my friends and my heart is filled when I think about the moments (UPS AND DOWNS) we've shared and memories we've made. I love you guys and can't wait to walk through another 10 years of friendship and sisterhood with you all! (J- YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED!!!! SO. EXCITED.)

10- Mom and Dad, where do I start? Thank you, for always loving, always giving and always sacrificing. You done good, mom and dad :) All the soccer games, band concerts, awana nights, basketball games, calls from our teachers (oh, was that just me??), tears and laughter, game nights and tables full of good food, friends and family were worth it. You're leaving a legacy through which God's glory can be revealed. I can't tell you enough. I love you and thank you. thank you. thank you.

Day 1, down... 9 days to go. *gulp*

Unbelievable....

Here is a blog a friend wroteThis is someone our nation deems an advocate for Health.... SMH (Shaking My Head, for those of you who don't know). What has happened to us?? "Save your figure, adopt??" Please, stop the madness.

Wordless Wednesdays - Friendship needs NO words

NO WORDS.....

Bring Your Own Towel

There's nothing like a great work out to start your day (or at least I'm trying to convince myself of that). Nothing says WAKE UP like a good 30 mins of cardio, some lunges, push ups and abs and a hot, no cold, no hot, no cold, low water pressure shower! I must say I felt good about myself this morning as I finished my workout up and hit the locker room. I normally work out after work but Shayla and I decided we were going to motivate last night and work out in the morning today. Normally I work out and go home. Shower at home so I don't have to hassle with all my toiletries. I guess I could use the soap-shampoo-conditioner all in one that they provide, but I like my hair and my skin so like I said, I don't bring my stuff and just shower at home. But today I brought all my stuff so I could shower and get ready for work. Of course I didn't bring a towel because I figured I'll just use some of the ones they provide. (Don't I pay a monthly fee that includes towel service?) LESSON. LEARNED.

My suggestions to you, if you are going to post work out shower at the gym:

1. If you don't like using an object deemed a towel but feels like sand paper and exfoliates to the point of minor abraisions --> BRING YOUR OWN TOWEL.

2. If you are neither a child nor under 5 ft tall and 75 pounds, towels MOST fitness centers provide are not big enough to cover all your goodies. Either use multiple towels or --> BRING YOUR OWN TOWEL. please. (that could be a whole separate post)

3. If you want to be sure you have a clean towel, you know, one that has been washed, sanitized and is in fact clean, i.e. no make up smears, no random person's hair clinging to a piece of thread (excuse me, I just threw up in my mouth a little bit), or anything of the sort --> BRING YOUR OWN TOWEL.

I learned a valuable lesson today. If and when I work out in the morning again, I will bring my own Gain-sented, fabric softened, LARGE towel. And I would suggest to you, unless any of the things that are numbered above sound appealing to you, that you too should BRING YOUR OWN TOWEL!

In case you were wondering....

Currently I am....

*Watching*

The Olympics (Duh)

But more specifically Apolo Ohno!!! (I'm taking up speed skating starting Monday, they just look so cool in those suits. Maybe I should rethink the suit idea ... for everyone's sake)

*Eating*

Potato Skins (yes, that's it and yes, that's dinner)

*Listening to*

You've Been So Faithful (yes, it's true... even though sometimes I forget and don't trust)

Pieces of Me (By Ashlee Simpson. What can I say? It's my jam)

Save the Last Dance for Me (remind me again, who am I saving this dance for?)

*Feeling*

Much better (after processing through some things with my good friend Carrie)

Patriotic (U! S! A! Let's go!!!!!)

Stressed (Watching them try to pass someone makes me so tense b/c I actually do it with them while their racing... be quiet, you probably do it too)

Disappointed (Apolo Ohno just got disqualified...Good try dude)

*Looking forward to*

A Clean House (this weekend will partially be dedicated to that)

Sleep (this is nothing new)

QT with Abby and other friends this weekend (coffee and pancakes and other sorts of shananegans)

Shayla moving in (do YOU have a friend that can act 12 with you at the drop of a dime?? I do)

*Wonderings*

Are those suits (speed skating) hard to get on? (I really want one, I feel like it'd be slimming)

Is it too late to find a sport and start training for the next Olympics? (I have the eye of the tiger)

Is it the speed skating that makes the bubble butt or the bubble butt that makes the speed skater? (seriously... have you seen their bubble butts?! I think I found my sport!)

Until next time.....

JUST A FEW THINGS ABOUT HAWAII

I've been in Hawaii for 6 days including today, which i don't really count because I was supposed to fly out last night but to make a long story short, I didn't and am here this morning as the sun is breaking over Diamond Head and spilling onto the rest of this beautiful place. Now to remind you, I came out here from Northern VA just after that "little" blizzard of the century we had a couple weeks ago. So needless to say this breath taking island was a sight for my snow blinded eyes. After being on the island for 6 days there were a few things I realized, some quicker than others:

1. There is a secret ab program over here that probably 90% of the island has discovered. Never in my life have I seen so many 50 year old men with abs of steal. Don't worry, I'm working on finding out what the secret is and I'll let you know when I do... I'm hoping it has something to do with pineapple or their shaved ice (snow cones).

2. It does rain in Hawaii. poo. BUT normally when it's "raining" (more like a spitting or misting), you'll more than likely see a rainbow somewhere or another. pretty.

3. Can you say illiterate? That's what happens to you when you're a "main lander" trying to read the traffic signs out here. You literally can NOT read the signs without sounding like a kindergartner learning how to read for the first time. Likelike.... so you know, is pronounced leeky-leeky not LIKE-LIKE. just so you know. And that's an easy one by the way.

4. They. Have. No. Chick-fil-a. How is that possible??? I mean it's bad enough they aren't open on Sundays, but not one single establishment on the whole island. These people have it rough ;)

5. There are more shades of green here than I ever knew existed and some how, some way they all coordinate with each other.... God can be such a show off sometimes.

6. You can eat fish for every meal. and it's a-maze-ing!

7. Being 10 minutes away from a beach is "far" from the beach.

8. The snow cones here are to die for. TO. DIE. FOR. I would gladly give my right arm for another Hawaiian Delight! mmmmm mmmmm mmmmmm.

9. Flying in and out of HNL is almost never an on time thing... I was delayed coming, cancelled, going, delayed going etc... Let's just hope I make it home by Monday, or I may just have to take another week of leave!!

The final thing I've realized while being here in Hawaii....

10. SIX DAYS IN HAWAII IS NOT LONG ENOUGH!!!

Me Time - Commuting in Northern VA

Everyday it happens. I get in my car, plug in my ipod, start my car and begin my morning commute. And I've gotten quite use to my 40-60 minute commute. Here's why. If you would've told me 4 years ago that I was going to be commuting at least an hour and a half daily to and from work, I would've told you to kick rocks. 90 minutes in a car EVERY DAY....ludacris. But alas, I have come to not just tolerate this time of the day but really enjoy it.... well, other than the fact that on the way to work it's morning time, and I hate mornings. Coffee anyone?? mmmm.

Now I know MOST of you are thinking I'm nuts or just a pathological liar. But I'm niether of the two. Here's why. This obligatory tires-to-road time that I have been doing for the past four years, some how morphed into what I like to call me time. I'm not sure how or when this happened, but it did. Now there are days, like last Wednesday that I imagine my car is an MRAP so I can just drive over cars in order to get home, but that was more because I needed to be somewhere and everyone in VA must have drank something that made them forget how to merge with out coming to a complete stop, making sure the wind was blowing at the right speed and that they color coordinated with the cars that were already on the interstate. You get the picture. But most days, I enjoy sitting in my car, sippin' on some really sweet coffee, letting the music playing from my ipod move me or take me back through time or be the background to my solo debut...in my car. This happens frequently so I'm not sure I can call it my debut anymore. Sometimes I wonder if the people driving around me feel the need to call the police but I just don't care... it's MY me time and I'll do whatever I like! I'm not making them pay to watch me, so get over it people!

It's funny because I hardly blink anymore when someone cuts across four lanes right in front of me, slams on their brakes, making me slam on mine, spill my coffee AND my purse, only to decide they don't want to turn right anymore so they get back over in the other lane and they don't even throw up a shameful "my bad" wave after all the havoc they just created. At least they used their blinker....after the fact. *sigh* As soon as my heart crawls out of my stomach and I regain feeling in my legs, I fall back into the immersion of my music and all is forgiven. It's almost theraputic, as strange as that sounds.

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edited 2/25/2010

Okay, so I wrote this blog at the end of January... before the insane snow storms of 2010. I, and the other commuters in NOVA must've been having a few good weeks when I wrote this because I now must add to this blog by saying, the initial post CAN be true SOME of the time....But not ALL of the time. Not 1. on the days that something is bothering me. And not 2. on the days that my heart is aching for a good reason or no reason at all (see #3)... or 3. on the days that I'm PMS'ing. On these days, it seems that just the littlest indiscretion of even a minor traffic law can make me want to run my little car up into the trunk of the culprits unsuspecting car. Is that wrong??

So there is the adendum to my commuting bliss (some days) as I travel all over the Northern VA/DC area!

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