30 Day Blog Challenge Day 21 Someone who inspires me

I put this one off a bit because it's quite difficult. There are many people who inspire me for different reasons and no one person that super-inspires me, if that's even a legitimate word. So I'll just name the few:

My mom. She was a fabulous mother when we were little. We didn't have much in the way of material things but she and my dad always managed to get us what we needed and much of what we wanted. She concentrated more on making memories and because of her, I had a very happy childhood. I tried to parent the same way with my kids. I hope I at least came close.

My ex-husband's grandparents. They were married almost 71 years. They both grew up on a farm in north Alabama in the depression. They were a traditional family. He worked for the railroad, she took care of house and home. They were true Christians in every sense of the word. The real deal. They were never hung up on denominations or doctrine. They just lived their witness and it was beautiful.

My best friend. Though she suffers from a debilitating chronic illness, she never gives up. She always tries to see the best in people. She will do what she can for others. She never loses her faith in God or humanity. And she is always positive.

Friends that have followed God's Word and cared for orphans through adoption. Each story is truly heartwarming and I have been blessed beyond measure to hear and read their stories and to meet those precious children.

There are more than inspire me in other ways. Some small, some big. I hope I'm half the inspiration to others as these people are to me.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 20 Five things I'm passionate about

Not sure if I can come up with five...

1) my faith and church. I am a Christian and I don't apologize for it. Does that make me perfect? No. I still struggle with the battle between my flesh and my spirit EVERY day. Sometimes the flesh wins. Sometimes the spirit. I do try to do things and avoid other things in order to make my spirit the strongest part of me. I'm getting there. I am also passionate about Church of the Highlands and VERY defensive to those who think it's a cult or that we're "too happy all the time". It almost makes me laugh. We have been set free in Christ! We have a lot to be happy about! I'm okay with people not getting it. I'm NOT OKAY with people trying to put it down because their church hasn't grown like ours has. I'm sorry, but figure it out.

2) breastfeeding. While I am a firm believer in choice and I don't like for women to be put down for not being able to, it DOES break my heart when mothers won't even try. There is no mistaking that breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the baby nutritionally but also has benefits for the mom as well. There is reduced chance of breast cancer, you pay more attention to what you eat and drink and are therefore healthier overall, you get back to prepregnancy weight faster, etc. etc. And then there is the bonding. I'm sorry, there just is no way to duplicate it with a bottle. It's more practical than bottle feeding--you always have a ready supply wherever you are and you don't need to heat it! It was so much easier to me to hook 'em up in the bed with me than to get up, get a bottle and try to hold it in place.  I had such a wonderful experience with all three of mine. I did not nurse as long as I wanted to with any of them--Dylan 2 months, Kayti 5 months and Brooke 3 months. With Dylan I went back to work and  was persuaded to put him on formula when I did. It was such a nightmare trying to find the right one that I deeply regretted that decision.  So with Kayti, I decided to pump and did until she weened herself as did Brooke. But all three thrived on breastmilk and the fact that they are smart and rarely get sick to this day, I credit to breastfeeding. Ladies, at least TRY it.

3) adoption. While I'm not called to adopt myself because of my situation being single, broke and on medication that does not pass the "screening", I do have a heart for the 170 million orphans in the world. I have more than a few friends that have been blessed through adoption, foreign and domestic, younger and older, special needs, normal (whatever that is), white, black, asian, hispanic, etc. And I have been blessed to know their stories. I believe that one day, Brooke will adopt. And I will fully support her opening her heart and home to a child and doing what God calls us to do--care for the orphans.

4) spay and neuter. There is absolutely NO REASON not to have your pets spayed and/or neutered. I don't care what kind of animal, there really is no reason to breed them. There are enough unwanted pets in the world, please stop making more simply for your financial gain, enjoyment or whatever it is that gets you off about it. I know everyone has breeds that they are crazy about. And I know it isn't likely to ever stop. But still. If you are going to have a pet, you have a responsibility and if you can't follow through on that--don't get a pet!

5) See, I can't really think of a fifth. I wish I cared about other animals, recycling, blah blah blah but I really don't much. Everything else that I do care about is really just a pet peeve--driving slowly in the fast lane, people with cluttered houses, etc. Nothing I'm "passionate" about. Maybe I need to work on that.







Nah.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 19 What's in my bag?

I'm HUGE on no clutter and I change purses every other day at least, to match my outfit. For these two reasons, I know by heart what is in my bag:

1) wallet
2) checkbook
3) reading glasses
4) pen
5) planner
6) small notebook
7) compact
8) lip gloss
9) hand lotion

Occasionally there will be a tampon. :)

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 18 Irritated!

Day 18 was Someone I miss. Well, I guess whoever put this challenge together forgot that we did that back on Day 12. There isn't anyone else that I miss terribly so I'll talk about something else for today.

Today, I am IRRITATED. It started off being irritated at the YMCA for closing the pool ON A HOLIDAY at 12:30!

Then I got irritated at my mom for inviting my son to her cookout when I'd already told her I was cooking out. It's not a big deal, it just hit me the wrong way. I'm already over that.

Then my grill rusted and the bottom fell out of it!

My laptop has some kind of virus and is running pathetically slow. I can't figure it out.

Brooke stepped on Kayti's laptop and now it has a big crack on the screen.

I am broke, have things I need to get, buy and bills I need to pay.

Highlands small groups do not have any that I'm really excited about.

I have gnats!

I have a TO DO list with items that are breeding!

I think that's about it for now. And I don't say any of this to sound ungrateful for the MANY MANY blessings I know I have and all of this is really small stuff really. But sometimes you just gotta get it out! So there.

Gonna try and develop some new habits. Some I've started today, some will start tomorrow.

1) Quiet time, EVERY day, no exceptions.
2) Do NOT overeat, try to cut out the sugar.
3) Exercise, every day, no exceptions.
4) Take vitamins every day.
5) Read every day (okay this one really isn't that hard ;) )
6) Write every day
7) Job hunt every day

They say it takes 21 days to develop a habit. We'll see which ones stick!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 17 Someone who broke my heart

I do a really good job of breaking my own heart with the terrible choices I've made. I try not to live with regret. I have asked for (and received) forgiveness from all the ones that matter. It's a daily choice I have to make to forgive myself because choices lead, feelings follow. So everyday I try to make the choice and maybe one day I'll truly feel it. Until then I don't dwell on it because there isn't anything I can do about it. I do thank God for protecting me from myself many times. And when He allowed me to suffer the consequences of my own actions, I thank Him for loving me anyway and allowing me to learn from it all.

I can't think of anyone else that has broken my heart as badly as I have broken it myself.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 16 Something I regret not doing in the last year

This is easy because while I have things I have regretted DOING, there is nothing that I didn't do that I regret. Maybe I could have lost some weight...okay, that's it. I DO really need to get my weight back under control!

30 Day Blog Challenge--Day 15 Something that excites me and fills me with joy

Well, I'm gonna assume that Jesus and my children are a given and go with the next thing--football! Particularly COLLEGE football, particularly the SEC and ESPECIALLY the Crimson Tide!!

Yes, I am a tried and true, bleed houndstooth and crimson, going down screamin' ROLL TIDE, Bama fan and I make NO APOLOGIES for it.

I was raised a Bama fan and except for a slight rebellious two weeks during the 3rd grade, I never considered being anything else. I watched Van Tiffin kick his 51 yard field goal to win the Iron Bowl in 1985 and I haven't missed but one or two games since then. I couldn't tell you facts and stats at the top of my head but neither can I tell you exactly where Scripture is in the Bible either (and no, I'm not saying the two are equal, I'm just pointing out that my memory for the numbers is terrible, but I remember what's most important!).

I love everything about it--the history, tradition, legacy, the colors, the school, the stadium, the coaches (even though we've had a few terrible ones), the players. I love watching the game at home, at a party, at a bar or restaurant, on the quad at a tailgate or being at the game. I scream the same regardless of where I'm at and I'm PASSIONATE. I won't tolerate anybody downing my boys in my presence!

And though I have always loved the football, it's even more personal to me now because my son starts his Senior year their in a few months, at the same time my daughter starts her Freshman year. I am so proud of and happy for both of them.  I love being a "BamaMom"!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 14 My relationship with food

My relationship with food--that depends on how you look at it.

I LOVE food--good food. Being a Southern girl, born and raised, our lives tend to revolve around food. There are birthday parties, weddings, cookouts, dining out, Sunday dinners, work parties, tailgate parties and everything in between. We don't plan anything without first considering what food we will have.

And then there's the busy, single mom part of me that is always on the go, always busy, never enough time or money and cheap, fast food is very fattening!

To complicate matters, I do not have good eating habits. They were ruined by a bad babysitter when I was very young and I never acquired a taste for too many fruits and vegetables. Most of it just tastes like I'd rather be fat.

So I love food but it doesn't love me back. It goes straight to my hips and thighs. But I'm trying. Trying to get motivated to do something about it that is!

And that's my relationship with food.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 13 Someone I've always wanted to meet

There is no way I can narrow it down to just one. I couldn't even pick my top five. I actually keep a board on my pinterest profile of "People I Like/Admire".  It contains a few that some people probably wouldn't agree with but that's okay. I like who I like. Here are a few in no particular order:

Joel Osteen, pastor Lakewood Church, Houston. Okay, I have actually met him. But would love more time with him. I don't care what anyone says, he does NOT claim Scripture is wrong, he uses it in his teachings and he is very positive and uplifting. That's probably why he gets a bad wrap from some traditional "preachers" out there. They are so used to doom and gloom and call it truth. But the truth is actually freeing and life-giving if you REALLY understand it. I wish they did. But too bad for them.

Chris Hodges, pastor Church of the Highlands, Birmingham. My pastor and I absolutely love him. I love his vision for the church and for Birmingham. I love his heart. I love his way of bringing messages and I love his energy. I am so glad to be part of his ministry.

Tyler Perry, actor, director, producer. Who doesn't love Madea? His movies are always wholesome and have a great message. He's a good man, a Christian and not too hard to look at either!

Shemar Moore, actor. Hello? My dream husband! From all I have seen and read about him, he appears to be a lot like his character, Derrick Morgan. He's very caring, very positive and loves his mom! I think it's awesome that his Baby Girl merchandise sales benefit MS, which his mom has. Gotta love a man that loves his mama!

Lisa Whelchel, actress and author. I loved her on Facts of Life and I love her books. I also loved watching her on Survivor. She went through a painful divorce just like I did though I'm sure the circumstances were quite different. But I admire her strength and perseverance.

Nick Saban and AJ McCarron. Roll Tide. Enough said.

Just a few more...Adam Levine, The Beatles, Anne Frank, Erin Brockovich, Dr. Phil, Joe Clark, Dave Ramsey, Jimmy Stewart, Jay Barker, The Duggars, Tim Tebow, Tammy Trent, Diane Fossey, John Corbett, Adrian Paul, Justin Timberlake, Mark Schultz, Jeremy Camp, Luke Bryan, John Kennedy Jr., Will Smith, David Nasser, Maya Angelou, Cicely Tyson, Jimmy Fallon, Marisa Mayer...oh the list is endless, really.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 12 Someone I miss

My Maw Maw. Every. Day. She passed away almost 17 years ago and there still is not a day that goes by that I don't think about her. I don't always say so and I don't cry much anymore unless I just sit and think about nothing else. I try not to do that because that is not what she would want. She was the most unselfish and giving person ever. I know if it had not been for her, we would not have had a lot, not that we had a lot anyway. But she gave so much of herself to make sure we had some great childhood memories.

My earliest memories are staying with her, eating Booberry cereal out of the box and watching Hee Haw. She also liked Mountain Dew. She loved to sew and crochet and read and she would show me sometimes how to sew and I would try to make little things out of the enormous box of fabric scraps she kept in her room. She lived with us from the time I was three up until I had already moved out and was married.

She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And I would give anything if she were here now to see the wonderful young man and young woman they have grown up to be and to meet Brooke, the baby I believe she sent me from Heaven. She would also be thrilled to get to see the five great-grandchildren that my cousins gave her and the three more from my sisters. Eleven great-grandchildren, nine of which she never got to meet. She would have been so thrilled to watch them all play ball, dance and do all the things they love to do. And they would love her. I never met anyone who didn't.

We miss you, Maw Maw. Every day. Always will.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 11 Something unusual

It took me awhile to think of something unusual because my life is, for the most part, pretty usual! But here's a small thing: tomorrow we are having a snack day at work and I actually MADE SOMETHING to take! I usually just pick up something at the store because I don't have a lot of time to cook. But tomorrow I'm taking my Chuy's copycat jalapeno dip. I hope they like it. But if they don't, more for me! :)

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 10 The Weather

It's Alabama and it's May. Therefore the weather is unpredictable.  It can go from chilly to smoldering and from sunny and beautiful to rainy with tornadoes. School has already let out early once this month due to the threat of severe weather. The tornadoes that accompanied that storm touched down in Tuscaloosa, Bessemer and Kimberly but they were nothing compared to the storms a few years ago. However, I'm sure there are more coming.

As I write this, it has sprinkled a little bit today. But the last several days have been mostly gorgeous and getting hotter every day. But I definitely won't be the first one to complain about the heat this year because we all made a deal, my friends and I, that after all that cold and snow that Alabama is NOT used to and seemed to last forever, the first one to complain about the heat gets punched--in the throat!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 9 My favorite thing to do right now

Another easy one because sadly, my favorite thing to do right now, is sleep. I am seriously exhausted all the time. I had thought it was because of all the stress of work and school but school is out and everything else is winding down so I have just about determined that it has to be my Buspar. My doctor put me on it for anxiety so I would not take clonopin. But I cannot be this tired all the time. So I'm stopping it. And people will just have to stay out of my way until I can find a doctor that does not have a problem giving me clonopin! Seriously, I am NOT addicted to it. I can make a 30 day supply stretch into 90 days. That is not an addiction. It is seriously the only thing that works for me. Most of the time, I'm fine with just my celexa for depression. But every once in a while when I am having trouble settling down, sleeping or am just on edge for no apparent reason, I need a clonopin. And I refuse to think there's is anything wrong with it. I'm not a pill head. I'd rather not take anything at all. But sometimes, it is just necessary.

So until I get a good doctor that is okay with the medicine combo that works for me, my favorite thing to do is sleep until I get off this stupid buspar and then my favorite thing to do is likely to be to rip people a new one! I'm just sayin...

70 Things I Learned in my 20's

So I saw this list on Pinterest and thought it was neat. Some it took much MUCH later to learn and I don't agree with all of it so I substituted my own thoughts here and there. Enjoy!

1. Apartment living robs you. Renting a small house with the girls is the way to go.  Disagree.  I could care less if I ever own another piece of property. Although it is nice to do things you love to it, you can get away with that in rented spaces as long as you don't go overboard. You just have to weigh how much you want to have things like you want them against how much you want to improve someone else's property. But renting a house (or a townhouse like I'm in now and I have done both) has some major drawbacks. Number one--maintenance.  Apartments have maintenance 24/7. Houses do not. And if you get a bad landlord you can be majorly inconvenienced like I found out last year. Number two--yardwork! Enough said. And number three--no pool!

2. Wine > vodka.  Agree.

3. Leggings = life made. No comment

4. Roommates are great to try recipes out on.  Eh...

5. Disney movies will never get old. Agree

6. Cheaters are not worth it.  Okay. Habitual cheaters, maybe. But I know that people make mistakes. They can overcome and change if they are willing. 

7. Go the speed limit. Tickets are the worst.  Bite me. I don't have time.

8. Sometimes all you need is ice-cream or pizza. Agree

9. Your friends were there for you before the boyfriend. Agree, but once the boyfriend becomes your husband, HE is your priority, not your friends.

10. Tell your family you love them as much as possible. Agree, especially your children

11. Drinking & driving is not worth it. Agree, although I did not learn that until I was 41

12. Mexican hole-in-the-wall restaurants have the best margaritas. Agree and amen!

13. You’ll fail a couple of times. It’s okay, I promise. Yes it is. 

14. If you need help with money, ask, don’t continue to struggle.  Yeah but don't make it a habit either or people will lose respect for you.

15. Not everyone is going to like you. Nope, they sure won't. 

16. Men’s razors work better. Nah, you just gotta find the right one

17. Vote, but know exactly what you’re voting for. I hate politics. Too often people expect you to tie your religious beliefs into it and it should not HAVE to be that way. I believe gay married couples should be able to defend their marijuana plants with guns. There. That's MY politics. But it's ALL sin, as we are ALL sinners and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) And there isn't a candidate out there that feels that same way. So I accept what comes and patiently wait for Christ's return!

18. When you need guidance, read your Bible. Amen, amen and amen!

19. If you think a dress is too short, it is. Always. 

20. Bubble baths aren’t just for toddlers. Amen

21. Nanny or babysit regularly, it’s great practice. Well, I had my kids young so now I only babysit when I start to regret not having more children! I enjoy little kids, I really do. But I'm glad mine are grown/almost grown!

22. You can never have too many shoes. I am only just now getting into the shoe thing...I will say this: You can never have too many flip flops!

23. Stand up for your beliefs. They’re not stupid. Well, some people's beliefs DO NOT make any sense, that's for sure. But I guess that's okay.

24. Sometimes you just need to cry. Absolutely

25. Watch the news, read a blog, learn about the world. Sometimes ignorance is bliss

26. Traveling is the best money you can spend. Amen

27. Drink at least 2 glasses of water before going to bed if you were drinking. See, I just learned something new. But I don't drink much anymore.

28. Love is patient. Love is kind. Yes. And sometimes it's batspit crazy!

29. Being a bridesmaid is expensive. Save. Just say no. 

30. Exercise. Your health is everything. I'm still trying to get into the habit of this. 

31. If he cares, he’ll call. Yes. And if you do drink, get someone to take your phone away from you!

32. Not everyone needs to know what you’re doing on Facebook. I'm learning this one, slowly but surely. 

33. Nude heels go with everything. Okay, see I'm still learning the shoe thing

34. Wait to get a dog, they’re a lot of work. But they are VERY worth it!

35. Wait to have kids. Oops! lol

36. Use sunscreen. Sunspots and wrinkly skin isn’t worth a temporary tan. No, but tan fat does look better than white fat. All things in moderation.

37. Moisturize! Absolutely

38. Sleepytime tea before bed… it’s surprisingly nice and relaxing. Um, no. Benadryl, clonopin, ambien...they even TASTE better than crappy tea!

39. Get in the best shape of your life — you’re in your prime! Yes, I was!

40. Life is just better with coffee.  Yes, ma'am!

41. Set goals and actually try to reach them. Always

42. Smile more. Yes but make sure you also do #37 to guard against laugh lines!

43. Judge less. Always because your judgement of someone else WILL come back to bite you on the behind!

44. Compliment the beauty in others. Yes

45. Nagging pushes you further away from those you actually care about.  Yes it does but reminding your kids is not nagging!

46. Nice guys > Jerks Yes but you don't have to have either. It IS okay to be alone.

47. Never lose touch with your siblings and cousins.  Especially siblings

48. Remember to call mom, but don’t forget to call dad. Yes, even when they won't answer

49. Do something for others.  Tithe, volunteer, give a gift to someone in need…And do it continuously 

50. Being single isn’t the worst thing in the world. Word!

51. Guys HATE high-waisted jean shorts. um, okay, who wears those? Even this fat, old lady doesn't wear granny shorts!

52. My mom was right… about everything. And always will be

53. Whattaburger’s honey butter chicken biscuits are the best food after a night of drinking. Nah, I'm a waffle house gal! But then again, I don't drink much anymore so maybe I should try some whattaburger!

54. Treat others how you’d like to be treated. The Golden Rule

55. Set your alarm, and actually get up. Yeah, okay

56. The real world can be really mean. Yes it is

57. Crafting soothes the soul. Yes it does

58. Dance… who cares if you “can’t.” lol I always do

59. God’s timing is perfect. It is. It's just hard to accept that sometimes.

60. Put your phone down and live a little. Yes and don't text (at least not until you get a stoplight!)

61. Forgive. Withholding forgiveness is like setting yourself on fire and hoping the other person dies of smoke inhalation. Maybe they will. But you are ON FIRE!!!

62. Spoil yourself with new lingerie. Yes! But you don't have to spend a fortune to do it. Victoria can keep her secret!

63. Duck face is not cute. Oh em gee, no it is not!

64. Remember to take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures!

65. College was made for finding bridesmaids. Just say no to the circus weddings. Be original. 

66. Exes typically always want you back…eventually. Yup and sometimes it's just too late. 

67. Exes are NOT worth taking back. Most of mine aren't anyway. 

68. You’re only in your 20s for 10 years. You don't say. 

69. Men love classy ladies. Everyone loves classy everybody.

70. Glorify God… live to make Him happy. Always. I'd rather please Him than please people. 

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 8 Five Things from My Bucket List

I keep TWO Bucket lists: One is for places I want to go and the other is for things I want to do/learn. They are both endless as I seem to add more things to each before I can knock anything off!

Bucket List/To Go:

1. Africa
2. Australia
3. Asia
4. Amsterdam
5. back to NYC, Paris and London

(that is by no means all of it!)

Bucket List/To Do:

1. run a half marathon (haha)
2. drive at least part of Route 66
3. hike at least part of the Appalachian Trail
4. learn another language
5. take fencing lessons and martial arts

(and again, that is by no means all of it!)

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 7 My Siblings

Technically, I have three sisters and 1 brother.  They are (in birth order)

Misti
Melanie
Mia
Wayne

Misti and Wayne are my siblings by my biological father. I vaguely remember Misti as a baby when I was around 4 but I did not see her again until I met Wayne for the first time when he was 14 and I was 30. It's a long, sordid story that I won't go into here but suffice it to say we were not raised together. But it is not their fault anymore than it is mine. I still love them and I wish that we were closer.

Melanie and Mia are my sisters by my mom and we were raised together and are very close. I am six years older than Melanie and she is eight years older than Mia.

Melanie has one son, Liam. Mia has a son, Cooper and a daughter, Chloe.

Misti has three daughters, LeAne, Cammie and Samantha. Wayne does not yet have kids.

Here are some pictures:

Me with Melanie and Mia

Misti and Wayne

Liam (Melanie's)

Chloe and Cooper (Mia's)

LeAne, Samantha and Cammie (Misti's)

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 6 Someone who does not live in your country

This is easy also. That's because I don't know anyone that doesn't live in this country. I know several people who are FROM another country but thankfully, they live here now. I guess this is something I need to work on--meeting more people. Hopefully I can make new friends when I start doing missions abroad. :)

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 5--Three things you like about your personality

This is pretty easy.


1.  I love that I am deeply spiritual. I know that annoys people that are unbelievers but that's their problem. I cannot imagine where I would be without my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, His Father and the Holy Spirit. I am not always perfect but I know without a doubt that I am saved by grace through my faith and I do try to live my life not to earn anything from Him because I can't. I live in a way to thank Him for the freedom He paid such a high price for me to have.

2.  I love my sense of humor. I absolutely LOVE to laugh and I can find humor in most things. This also annoys some people, especially those that have NO sense of humor at all. But again, that's their problem. I'm thoroughly convinced that laughter has helped to keep me as sane as I am and yes, I know I have my moments so can you just imagine how messed up I would be if I didn't laugh as much as I do?

3.  I love that I have just the right amount of self-confidence and determination. I know my limitations but I also know how to work around them, compensate for them or overcome them. I'm not cocky (unless I'm playing around) or self-centered (okay, maybe sometimes but that's not intentional) and even though I have my moments of doubt and despair, I always pull myself up by my bootstraps and keep going. I mean, what else can I do?

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 4 Twenty-five things to do before your next birthday...

I'm trying to catch up since I started a few days into the month. I want to be able to finish this challenge so I can start a new one next month.

Anyway, 25 things to do before my next birthday. Since my birthday was last month I have quite a bit of time to finish this list, thank goodness!

1.  Lose 85 pounds!
2.  Lead a LIFE group (doing that this Fall)
3.  Go to the beach
4.  Go to Alabama Adventure
5.  Go tubing
6.  Go rafting
7.  Go to Spring Valley Beach
8.  Pass 3 more classes in grad school
9.  Do more outreach work
10. Buy a new couch!
11. Buy a new bed!
12. Get Brooke a car
13. Get Kayti another car
14. Read at least 15 books
15. Buy some new clothes.
16. Go to Israel (or at least have a trip planned)
17. Write a book
18. Get a tummy tuck (this is contingent on me first losing the 85 lbs)
19. Take a road trip
20. Move my daughter to her apartment in Tuscaloosa
21. Pick a more defined career path
22. Visit a vineyard/winery
23. Visit some smaller churches (not that I'm leaving Highlands but I want to support some of my friends churches/church plants, etc.)
24. See more old movies that I haven't seen.
25. Get my finances in better shape.

Now, to see how much I actually accomplish!

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 3 My Day in Detail

My days tend to vary usually and they are never what I desire them to be so I'll share both.

Typical Day:

7:00 a.m. FINALLY force myself out of bed. Hop in the shower or a quick little bird bath, depending on if my hair needs washing or not. It's actually bad for my hair to wash it every day, thus another reason not to exercise! :) I fix my hair, find something to wear, slap on some makeup, let the dog out, make my coffee, take my medicine, crate the dog, locate all my items that I need for the day and I'm out the door! Sometimes there's an argument with one or both of the girls thrown in there just for added fun!

7:35-7:45 leave for work, arriving at around 8:10-8:15 depending on traffic. Later if it's REALLY bad. I now I hate that I'm never on time for work. Just ONE MORE THING I need to work on this summer.

8:15-10:00 Work

10:00 break time when I usually eat breakfast.

10:15-12:00 Work

12:00-1:00 Lunch. Usually spent at my desk eating, studying, bible study or doing some task like addressing invitations, balancing my checkbook, paying bills, etc. Occasionally, I will go out for lunch with a friend or two but not often.

1:00-3:00 Work

3:00-3:15 break time and a snack and usually not a healthy snack

3:15-5:00 (sometimes 5:15-5:30 if I was REALLY late that morning) Work

5:00-5:35 (or later, depending on traffic) drive home.

5:35- later    Sometimes after work I have things to do like run by the store, take Brooke somewhere, LIFE group  (that's over for now though) or study (also over for now) Otherwise, I cook dinner, go workout (rarely), play on the computer, read, watch TV, do some housework or just whatever I feel like. 

10:30-12:00 try to go to bed. I just can't wind down in the evenings and it's something I'm working on.

Now what I would LIKE my days to look like:

4:30 a.m. Wakeup,  have my quiet time, get dressed and go to the gym

5:00-6:30 Work out

6:30-7:15 Get ready for work

8:00 arrive at work on time

8-5 can't really change anything here so see above

5:00--leave work, go workout again but either do zumba or something different than I did in the morning

7:00--dinner, housework, a little entertainment

9:00 get in the bed!

The tricky part to all this is changing my sleep patterns and making myself workout. I'm working on it!

30 day Blog Challenge Day 2 Something I'm looking forward to in the next 12 months

Honestly, I have a lot that I'm excited about.

I'm thrilled for my daughter to be moving to Tuscaloosa to attend the University of Alabama in the Fall. But I will miss her, too. I'm excited for her to be out on her own and to start a new chapter in her life.

I'm looking forward to Brooke's second year in colorguard and all the excitement that she enjoys in high school.

I'm looking forward to the possibility of going to Israel for a mission trip.

I'm looking forward to leading another LIFE group and serving on the Prayer team.

I'm looking forward to Cokes and Ice Cream on the lawn at first Wednesdays for Church of the Highlands this Summer and looking forward to serving at each with the Events team.

I'm looking forward to the possibility of a new job.

I'm looking forward to reading all the books on my TO READ list.

I'm looking forward to tubing, rafting, Alabama Adventure and Spring Valley Beach.

I'm looking forward to Gulf Shores at the end of this month!

I'm looking forward to starting back at UNA's MBA program in the Fall.

I'm looking forward to spending time with nieces and nephews.

I'm looking forward to more exercise and a healthy eating plan so I can finally GET THIS WEIGHT OFF! In fact, I've started a blog to document my weight loss journey. You can read it HERE.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 1-Basic Things About Myself

I'm not sure how many basic things I am supposed to include or how basic they need to be. I'm better at just answering questions. But I'm pretty much an open book so if I don't tell you something you want to know, feel free to ask.

1. I'm a 44 year old single mom to three AMAZING kids--a son, Dylan, and two daughters, Kayti and Brooke.

2. I always knew I'd be a mom. When I was in High School I wanted to adopt and still did up until about three years ago when I realized it just wasn't in God's plan for me. But I still have a heart for adoption and am blessed to know many people that have built their families through adoption. It's been great reading and hearing their stories and meeting their precious children.

3. I am a child of the One True King. I love my heavenly Father and Jesus with all my heart. This past year has been the most amazing part of my journey. I've grown even closer and learned so much more than I ever did before. I'm blessed to attend Church of the Highlands where there is so much going on to increase the Kingdom of God. I've been involved with the Divorce Care ministry and co-led a LIFE group. I served as an Intercessory Prayer Team member at the LIFE retreat and it was a great experience. I plan on leading another LIFE group in the Fall and I just recently joined the Events team. I also plan on getting involved with Prison Ministry.

4. I am a huge Alabama football fan and always have been. Now it is even more special to me because my son is starting his Senior year there and my daughter will be a Freshman in the Fall. I love going to games when I can and tailgating!

5.  I love to paint. I don't care if it's rooms, canvas or rocks, it relaxes me. I also like to sew and dig in the dirt (I can't really call it gardening). I just haven't had much time for these things lately.

6. I love being around water. The beach, the lake, the pool, tubing, rafting, on a boat. I don't care. I LOVE the water!

7. I love to read. During the school year, I am usually reading MBA stuff. But I try and make a little time here and there for pleasure reading. My list of books I want to read is long and ever growing. I like to read Christian non-fiction and fiction but I also like Joshilyn Jackson, Fannie Flagg, John Gresham, Nicholas Sparks (although some of his stuff can be quite sappy) and other well-known names.

8. I DO have a bucket list. Actually two. One is places I want to go and the other is things I want to do.

9. My favorite foods are Mexican, shrimp, steak and pasta--almost any kind of pasta. I also like some Chinese food (if I know what its prepared with) and Japanese food is awesome. I have even acquired a slight taste for sushi.

10.  My favorite tv shows are (in no particular order) The Big Bang Theory, Survivor, Criminal Minds and the toned down, PG versions of Sex and the City. Yes, I know, the title itself makes it an inappropriate show. And even though I would love to have the full set of all six seasons on DVD, I don't buy it because it would be the uncut version. While the book and the real-life NY column it's based on is all about sex, the show itself really isn't. It's more about the friendships of four women and their relationships. And while I've never been a fashionista, I love looking at their clothes. And yes I know it's a 10 year old show but Alabama is about 10 years behind in everything!

11. Other favorites:

Movie--It's a Wonderful Life
Actor--Tom Hanks
Actress--Julia Roberts
Color--Crimson and Houndstooth! (or red)
Number--3 (the Holy trinity, the number of kids I had...just a great number!)
Place--the beach
Car--a mustang convertible (go figure! but I wouldn't mind a camaro either)
Shoe--flip flops
Thing to do--laugh

:)

Busy busy busy...

Beginning with the last week in April until the end of May I'll be doing good if I have time to take a few showers here and there! But it's wonderful and so far, only ONE meltdown! That's significant progress for me!

Let's see, after Easter weekend, we had the Spring Musical which starred my lovely and talented youngest child...

The Clay-Chalkville High School Theatre Department put on Honk! for their Spring Musical and Brooke was "Penny", the girl swan that Ugly rescued and then fell in love with.  She was great! She sang a solo and did all her lines beautifully. She was also a farm fowl in the chorus and a fish!  We were all extremely proud.

Then it was finals week for me as well as the final week before LIFE retreat. For extra fun, God decided to unleash some tornados, I had a clogged ear and Brooke was doing poorly in Geometry. So we've had arguments, late nights of no sleep, achiness and major anxiety.  Of course, part of it was the enemy and his feeble attempts at trying to keep me from serving as an intercessor at the LIFE retreat. It didn't work. Even though I felt terrible physically, all was well with my soul and I poured as much as I could into three straight hours of prayer and worship Friday night and six hours Saturday! I've never felt more drained but at the same time at peace because I had the blessing of witnessing others experience the same freedom I did last semester. Over 75 were saved and more baptized. Amazing!

As for Geometry, I spoke with her teacher and she thinks Brooke can pull it out. I sure hope so! And I finished all my classes for Spring semester. Grades have not officially been posted yet but I should have on B and two A's! I'm happy.

After the LIFE retreat was dance recital for the girls and it was Kayti's 15th and final one! We were so emotional. It has been so much fun watching her develop as a dancer and grow into the beautiful young woman she is. From time to time, it's been frustrating--curling hair, doing makeup, trying to get it paid for, making costume alterations, painting shoes, running back and forth from dressing rooms, etc. But as a mom, seeing her stand on stage and thank her wonderful teachers, accept her HUGE trophy and perform her solo I can say it was all worth it. I am so proud of her. I hope she continues to make dance a part of her life. Maybe she can teach it somewhere or just do zumba or something. But it's been a great outlet for her, especially in the last few years. I would hate for her to lose that.

Now we are ready for Brooke's voice recital, Divorce Care Leadership Training, graduation, the beach, and a sweet 16!  

Maybe I'll get a nap and a shower at some point!