September 11, 2012

Where were you? I was in Statesboro, in my final year of school.  Driving to my apartment that faithful  morning to get ready for class.  I listened on the radio as Tower 2 was struck and the remainder of the day was spent glued to the television.  The most vivid reruns of desperate victims jumping from the tops of the towers.  The soot covered rescuers, the exhaustion even in the eyes of rescue dogs.

As I remember that day today, what I pray for is for a country who came together that day as one.  The politics aside, the religion aside, the differences aside and we became one.  Why, in only one day of tragedy, could we come together for the betterment and strength of our nation.  Why not today?  Why not everyday?

It is unreal to me that we already have children in our grade schools who will never know the feeling of that morning.  Crazy how quickly the time passes.  Help them remember we are a nation of one.

My thought for myself today?
I want to give more.  I want to do more.  I want to BE more.  How will you be remembered in lives of those you touch.
Galatians 5:22-23

New International Version (NIV)²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Personal best today: 3.0miles, 10min/mile

Race day=13.1 miles, Feb 22-24

Disappointment...

I usually try to be upbeat and positive, but I just have to say today I am angry! I am angry this stinking blog is so much more difficult than I expected! ;)

First off, how has it been 2 MONTHS since I last wrote? Impossible.
Second, how do others make it seem so simple?
Lastly, well... I don't know what else.

I began this blog to journal my first year in Birmingham.  To share my witty thoughts, my bad days, my really good days, etc.  But then I lose track of time, I don't sound as witty as I thought, the blogs are too personal for the world to read.

To all of you who blog on a regular basis and say the things others love to read, KUDOS to you! And I am glad you do because I love to read them.

For me, I will continue to make the effort.  To tell what I remember and pray my thoughts and feelings ooze out of my finger tips as the months go on!

I hope you all have a wonderful week and maybe I will remember to write before Christmas
xoxo

Four months!! Really??

Okay, so I am fairly certain I have written ONE post since my birthday, however, because I don't always understand what I am doing with this thing, I probably deleted it before posting it!

I do not even know where to begin because, as usual, it has been so long!

I finished classes in Valdosta the first of May and was super proud of myself~ I finished with an A and 2 Bs! Chem I, Chem II and Physics II

Finishing school in Valdosta has really given me a lot of time to settle in here in Birmingham.  Blanton and I have visited a church we both love, Church of the Highlands, and look forward to getting involved.  It is super huge and contemporary BUT we love it.  And you can join us any service ONLINE!  It truly is a worship experience like no other.

We have both committed ourselves to a new life together.  The past months have been a struggle.  Depression has been kicking my behind, but I am determined to move beyond it.  Our commitment to one another involves a healthy lifestyle, committed to Christ and staying healthy.

We have found some great outdoor activities the dogs love too!  There are a few great running courses at Veterans Park near us and also some great hiking at Moss Rock Preserve.  The pups LOVE Moss Rock because they can run the paths and swim in the creek with no leashes.

Cam came to stay with us the first week of June while Saralyn has a class she had to take.  We had a great time, as usual even though Blanton had to work most of the week.  We had a playdate with the Williamson children while Mommy went to the Dr, we had pedicures, played in the pool and went to the Regions Classic.  The highlight of the tournament was Cam getting an autograph and her picture taken with Dr. Condolezza Rick.  She got autographs from so many others too, including Freddy Couples, Taylor Hicks and so many more!

We ended the month of June with the annual family vacation to the beach.  This year was Mom and Pryor's year.  Tons and fun and maybe soon I will get better at getting pics into my posts.  We spent the 4th of July in Birmingham, going downtown to watch the fireworks at the Vulcan with new friends Mattye LaSuer and Woody Woodcock who are getting married in November!

I have spent a lot of time the past few months crying... happy tears, sad tears and angry tears.  But I believe tears are cleansing.  I do struggle with mild to moderate depression and some days are better than others.  But I truly believe I have overcome a huge mountain and God is giving me the strength to move forward.

I began working at Brooks Brothers as a sales associate on July 2.  BB is a tremendous company and I could not ask for better work associates.  Does my future belong in retail?  Only God knows the story of tomorrow.

James 1:2-3 (NLT) “Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

God’s ways are higher than our ways and most human reactions are in direct opposition to the paradoxical ways of God. Honestly, there are times when what He has asked me to do simply does not make sense – to me. And there we find the problem. Faith is a matter of blind obedience, not human logic. At the heart of every storm is victory – waiting to be claimed!

What storm is raging in your life today? What step do you need to take in order to experience His strength for that storm? Your Father stands ready to meet you in your darkest hour. He longs to wrap His arms around you until the winds die down and the waves are stilled. Right now – surrender. Celebrate the storm that dashed your battered life on the shores of His unyielding love and let Him give you the strength to stand firm.

                                                                                                                        GiG post July 11

Today is great, tomorrow will be better and the days only God can see will be the best.

I write all of this to those who read so that I may be held accountable.  Just like I decided to verbalize another goal today so that it becomes real and so that I may be held accountable.

I will be registering for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Feb 22-24, 2013 and I cannot be more excited.  This is a HUGE goal for me, a bucket list item as such.  Running does not come natural for me.  It is a commitment I am making to myself, to remind me that giving up when it gets tough only puts you back at the starting line, no closer to the finish.

I know my posts may seem redundant, but again, this is my way of reminding myself what is important to me and in this life.  Thank you to my family, my friends and  most importantly Blanton, for loving me through the times I need it most.  Depression is not easily overcome, and most certainly not alone.  

Show God's love to someone today

We not only need God in the midst of the storm, we need each other. The essence of love is tested within the context of relationships. Paul writes that we must “prove” ourselves by being patient and kind. How we handle relationships exhibits the depth and validity of God’s love at work in and through us.

Ephesians 4: 2-3 (NCV) “Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love. You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way.”

                                                                                                                       GiG post July 11

much love

xoxo

Happy Birthday to Me!

I am trying to remain positive~ I am trying to remain grateful and remember how blessed I am. I do not want to complain, I want to rejoice in God's hand in my life. But today, I am having a hard time doing it. I am somewhat envious of those whose strength and faith surpasses their life let-downs. I try really hard, but today is tough. So I will continue repeating my "emergency numbers" until this to passes, because it will.

Today is my 32nd birthday...
So many will tell me what a baby I still am! Others (like Cam) will say WOW! ;)

I am not a numbers person, the number itself never bothers me. But I try to take each birthday to reflect on my life and the past year and the decisions and choices I made or did not make. And focus on the choices I can make in the year to come.

At 32, I never imagined myself unemployed, beyond comprehensible debt, not married, living in an apartment in Birmingham trying to figure out which step God wants me to take next. So I am going to reflect on the previous year, month by month, to remind myself why I am where I am today

March 2011 -
 Hailyn's first birthday, a week in Palm Beach for my birthday, Homeless4aNight
March 31 message to myself: a quick reminder to us all - The secret to successful communication is to be understood. It's not what you say, but what the other person hears

Always look for the blessing in every hardship. I would not be enjoying this beautiful day if I already had a job!

April 2011-

Surprise B over spring break by taking Sa and the girls to WPB!
18th - God's simple revelations amaze me. Today he showed me I have not been unemployed for 9 months bc of a tough, struggling economy. I am not working bc HE has chosen me for another kind of work!
21st - GP HOA egg hunt at the park
Landis and Ryan's engagement fiesta at Lindsey Raulerson's
25th - Easter at the Singletarys

May 2011-
2nd - Fairy Tale Ball
6th - Mothers Day"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." ~Washington Irving
12th - Mom and Pryor get married in Jamaica

12th - lifestyle changes~ Cam becomes my manicurist
14th - Allen and Kendra's wedding in the monsoon
20th - Matt and Kelly close on their first home
21st - visit Crestview
Lots of substituting at HES
Splishy, Splashy day at HES with Cam

June 2011-
hostess gifts for Shea for her engagement party
6th - Blanton flies to Dallas for US Open qualifier
Introducing CORNHOLE TABLES
Cam loses 2nd top tooth
Gavin visits while mommy is sick
forest fires in Waycross
Enroll in VSU- Statistics and Calculus
11th - Glasser wedding in Vail
16th - Offer on house accepted
June 19th - visit in Crestview
Vacation!! St George Island ~ two whole days, NO POWER! a week we will never forget

July 2011-
Apply to UAB Optometry school
7th - Move in with Saralyn and Chris
9th - moving day
17th - Hailyn breaks her leg
Crazy, huge wedding in Moultrie I worked with Covingtons
21st - flight to Vail for Blanton's birthday
22nd - closing day
CAMPING!

August 2011-
6th - Huge garage sale after cleaning out Singletary trailer and Connell house
10th - man take picture up skirt at Belks ~ he was never caught
11th - Landis' bachelorette party St Petersburg
24th - finish re-doing bed
Start Fall classes VSU - Physics, Chemisty, Microbiology
Start with trainer
nightly bed partner, who liked to sneak in after everyone was asleep
Landis birthday dinner El Cazador

September 2011- 

7th - finished first window
8th - Avery's second birthday
15th - Blanton and Drew start drive back to GA
Shea's bachelorette pary in Biloxi

October 2011 -
Breast Cancer Awareness month
Launch Shabby & Chic facebook page
decide to register for Honeybee festival and Merry Marketplace
Landis and Ryan's wedding

Mama birthday~ wine glass "always hold my hand"
morning snuggles in my bed before school
Trip to Crestview
first annual Trunk or Treat
LONG moving trip to Bham resulting in wreck and lessons learned hard way

Nov 2011 -
Shea and Joe tie the knot
Vote No to School Consolidation
first Thanksgiving in new apartment in Birmingham
MERRY MARKETPLACE

December 2011 -
Christmas
sleepovers in my room on weekends
Move to Birmingham
Mrs. Pat's funeral
2 Bs and a C
Christmas gifts for Raulerson and Shea
staying home with sick babies
girls day at the movies and nail salon
My first NEPHEW! Lawson Thomas
Shea and Joe come for NYE

January 2012 -
start new blog
new classes - Org Chem, Chem 1, Chem 2 and Physics 2
Courtney Giglio ~ I heart you!
Bombed 2nd OAT
Sa and the girls and I surprise Aunt Whit!

February 2012 -
Rejection letter from UAB
Whit, D and Avery come visit
roses and perfume for Valentines Day
Signed on with Stella & Dot
Meet Todd and Kayla Burford

March 2012 -
phone interview with Bausch and Lomb
bomb interview do not move forward

Camden and Hailyn come to Bham

A year in photos surprises me at changes that occur so quickly. The girls are growing way too quickly and this is the only way I can savor the precious time I have with them. I truly believe that is the ONLY reason I am unemployed. To be there when mom can't... to run them to dr and dentist and eye appts, to stay at home on sick days so mom and dad can save their vacations days, to eat lunch at school, to take pictures at splishy, splashy day so mom can join in from school, to babysit so mom and dad can have an anniversary getaway, to have days at the pool, the pumpkin patch, the grandparents, to take them to visit great grands because mom and dad have to work... I am unemployed so that these precious baby girls~ Camden, Caroline, Avery and Hailyn~ can know how absolutely much they are loved.

They keep me sane, they cause my insanity... they help me learn they kind of mama I want to be.

Saralyn, Whitney and Heather~ thank you for sharing them with me.  Emily Browning, Stephanie Kimbro and all my other precious friends who trust me with their children, THANK YOU
You can see by only a glimpse into my life that they ARE my life

My prayer for today
"Dear precious Heavenly Father, may I always continue to remember Your Hand in my life. I pray I never forget the love you have given me. I pray You help me to focus on YOUR reason for my daily, earthly walk even when I cannot see it easily. Thank you for blessings beyond measure. Amen"

Feel free to add into MY 31st Year...
It is always fun knowing what I missed and what you remember
xoxo

What's Next?

Short post today~ no major revelations or news to share!  Sounds boring, doesn't it?  I feel like I always have some quote to analyze or a motto for the day...

In the past week, I found out my "big news" was just too good to be true.  But I am okay with that.  I have also failed another Organic Chem test, so I decided last night to drop the class and retake it when I do not have 12 hours of other science classes to focus on.  I am diving head first into Stella & Dot, praying my commitment to this venture does not wane over the coming months.  I have realized that I have become commitment phobic over the past few years and keep asking myself "why?" and "when?"  I have never been one to not see something through to completion.  I think its that instant gratification need in my soul.  But lately, it has been very concerning to me.  I do not like NOT finishing something I started... and finishing it well.

Stella & Dot has a lot of potential for me.  I mean, who can complain about selling fabulous jewelry to fabulous people?  I am setting myself a goal of 10 trunk shows a month.  That is pretty high, but definitely doable.  And will keep me busy enough not to ask silly questions about my life!  I have 3 shows booked for next week, so I am off to a good start.  In addition to the S&D shows, I have been promoting Shabby & Chic a little more with a few new product ideas.  Have even gotten a few orders and that always makes me happy.

I told B this week that I have a lifelong goal to run a half marathon, preferably the Disney half next February.  He is supposed to help me start training (and work on this commitment thing).  I don't know why I struggle so much with running, it does not come easily for me.  I see so many who make it seem so effortless, I cannot help but ask myself what is the difference.  I have been doing yoga more though.  It helps so much to clear my mind.  A new studio has opened in Valdosta, so I am able to go to some great classes while at home.  I feel so renewed after an hour of replacing my thoughts with breathing and stretching.

So~ the question of the day~ What's next?  Who knows... hopefully a lot of trunk shows, some creative therapy and maybe a job interview or two.

I decided this week, life is a boxing match.  I just have to roll with the punches, taking them and giving them because I know God is my COACH and REFEREE.  He knows how I will win and will be the one to get me there.  But that does not mean I may not take a few blows to the chin...

Here is to another blog, another day, another prayer and another smile.  Because I really live a blessed life

xoxo

Don't Stop Believing~

Here we go again! Another month, another plan, another ME! That is right.  In the past 38 days, my life has yet been rearranged.  But~ I am okay with that.  God's plan is mightier than I so I'm going to hold on tight and see where this goes.

There is no way to re-count the last month, but I will do my best.  On January 19th, I sat for my 2nd OAT.  This is the test score that pretty much would determine my next 5 years, at best.  I spent days and weeks preparing and at 8AM, I was ready.  I mean, I was really confident.  I went in with an attitude of success.  This time would be completely different than the first.  And it was! To begin with anyway...I sat for my first testing section- Natural Sciences.  It was 100 questions in 90 minutes covering Biology(40), Chemistry(30) and Organic Chemistry(30).  The first time I took this test, I did not even finish answering the questions.  In fact, I barely finished the 40 over Biology and the 30 over Chemistry and never even began the Organic questions.  This time, though, I finished with time to review all 90 questions!  I was so excited! I felt confident and comfortable going into the Reading Comprehension portion.  No sweat there and into the 15 minute break.  I used the restroom and sat back down to rock the rest of this test.  Next was 40 Physics questions in 50 mins~ my warning timer reminded me I had 15 minutes left and I was barely half way done.  Same with the Math portion.  My mind went blank and it was like I had never taken trig before.  The good and the bad about this testing system? I get "unofficial" scores right away.  No waiting, No worrying.  BUT~ lots of tears.  Because I actually did WORSE on this test than I did the first time I took it.  I was devastated.  But, there was still time.  I could register to take it again, which is what I did right away.  I had until March 1 right?

Wrong.  Very wrong.  I let that day pass with the optimism of a retake in a few weeks.  I dove head first into my classes making sure I did not miss, I took all the notes, I did all the homework.  I studied for hours, promising myself I was going to get this right.  First exams were all in the same week.  The end of January, first of February was going to be the week I got my life back on track.  Wrong again.  I did not perform as well as my effort had proven.  On Wednesday, February 1 I failed my first Organic test.  This was the one class I promised myself I would not slack.  I would start out strong so less stress as the semester progressed. I was so disappointed.  It seemed as if the harder I tried at these classes, the worse I was performing.  WHY?!? I did not understand.  Well, that bad day got worse because when I got home that evening, a letter from UAB was waiting for me.  UAB? Already? I thought I had few more months!  For some crazy reason, in my brain I thought they would hold my application until the deadline and allow me to continue to improve it.  Never crossed my mind they may make a decision before April.  I was entirely prepared for a rejection letter in April or May.  But not now...

I could not hold back the tears any longer.  I cried.  And I cried.  And I cried.  I think I was crying for all the changes in my life for the past 18 mos.  The anger and the fear and the frustration could not be held back any longer.  I spent hours talking with Blanton, with my sister, with my mom.  Pretty much with anyone who would listen.  In fact, I even cried to my girlfriends in the middle of Mom & Dad's because I could not hold back any longer.  Finances were scaring me.  What was I going to do next? How would Blanton and I ever be able to get married? Have a family?  I jumped right back into the job market, updating my resume and looking for openings.  I actually applied for an amazing job with Smith & Nephew, but as with most of my luck, I was too late.  The hiring manager received my resume the day he was interviewing his final candidates. I have applied with the American Heart Association and American Red Cross.  The AHA job is director of the Birmingham heart walk and would be completely amazing!  I spoke with the director in Valdosta, who was great, but I don't feel like the hiring process will go quickly.  My resume is the hands of many in Birmingham so I guess anything can happen.

I didn't completely give up on school either.  I really want another degree.  To prove to myself I gave every bit of intellectual talent I have to bettering myself.  So if Optometry school wasn't it, there had to be something else.  Audiology would be perfect~ especially with the amount of people who pop earbuds in their ears and play their music too loud!  Midwife school was also a possibility.  Or Physician's Assistant.  Or Physical Therapist.  Or anything that might give me letters behind my name?  But I missed the Au D deadline by two weeks (story of my life) and the others by a year or more.  I had no idea the application process took place so far in advance!  Midwife school is still an option.  I can get an accelerated BSN from UAB in about 18 mos and apply to an online MSN/CNM program.  I have even gone so far as to talk with Teresa Johnson  about midwife school.  It's still on the backburner, just in case.  But for now there are so many questions, so many decisions, all I want to do is pull the covers up over my head for a few days.

Which is exactly what I did.  I allowed myself a week to breathe.  I took it easy on schoolwork, I slept and spent time with those whom I love so dearly.  Now I am forcing  myself to re-focus on school, get back in gear and finish this semester with the As I promised myself to begin with.

But not all this time has been bad - even though the devil has been working hard, I have still managed to see God's amazing blessings.  The weekend after the OAT, Saralyn, Camden, Hailyn and I loaded up and drove to Crestview to surprise Whit, D and Avery.  They had no idea I was bringing company.  They were super excited and we had so much fun.  Friday night was nothing more than hellos and goodnights.  The girls were tired and so were we!  Saturday, Whit had to work and Daniel was helping at the church so Sa, Cam, Avery, H and I hung out at the house and played.  The most fun was playing IN the bounce house upstairs with the girls.  I absolutely love the sound of their giggles and listening to them playing together.  We had lunch at the house, took naps, played outside for a little while and then loaded up and went bowling.  Quite an adventure with a 7 year old, a 2 1/2 year old and a 2 year old.  It really took all 4 adults to make this field trip.  That bowling alley was crazy busy with a squadron competition, several birthday parties and a tournament starting up that evening.  I promise 1 game was all it took to wipe every single one of us out.  Home for dinner, bath and bed.  Sunday morning was a lazy day listening to the girls play.  We ordered pizza for lunch and hit the road soon after.  Mom and Pryor had been to the coast that weekend and we actually met up with them in Tallahassee.  They met us for yogurt before we headed towards Hahira.

The next Friday, I left to head home.  I hadn't seen Blanton since I left on January 15.  It was time.  I missed him terribly and we had a lot to talk about.  A lot of decisions to make.  Great weekend, but way too short.  I left Monday morning heading back to Valdosta.

Thursday afternoon was another trip back to Alabama.  Whit, Daniel and Avery were coming to visit!  I met Courtney for drinks on Friday night at the Summit.  She has been absolutely amazing to me!  Along with keeping me company and answering my incessant Bham questions, she has been helping me job hunt as well. She has invested a lot of time on me and it means the world.  The Jacobs arrived about 2 on Saturday.  Whit and D had dinner reservations at 530, I think so they were off to Chucks and to see Celtic Woman.  B, AJ and I were left to fend for ourselves.  She was so funny.  She laughed and giggled and chatted all night.  Sunday was breakfast, a trip to Fresh Market (cannot come visit without one) and WalMart so I could put together a gift for Whit.  They hit the road about 2 and I had planned to follow, but homework roped me in to one more night.  Monday morning trek back to Valdosta began about 6AM.

Almost caught up!  Last weekend, Matt and Kelly were supposed to come and visit but had a last minute change of plans.  I had already promised Courtney I would be back in time for her Stella & Dot launch party on Thursday night.  I got there about 7, stayed until about 9-930 and was so glad I did.  Her launch did not go as planned so I was so glad I could be there for her.  Friday, I was L-A-Z-Y and it was nice.  I got to love on the pups and we laid on the couch watching TV until B got home from work.  We had dinner plans with Courtney and Tim at another great restaurant near our apartment.  Ginza is the best sushi in town and it  is also a Korean BBQ.  I am super excited~ it was so good and I cannot wait to go back.  Saturday was not the lazy day we expected as we got another dinner invitation.  Being in a new town, it is hard to turn down chances to hang out with new friends.  Todd and Kayla took us to Chucks and showed us a great time also.  Needless to say, we were wiped out Sunday.  But, I did manage to get all the laundry done, pick up the apartment, have coffee with Courtney and make it back to Valdosta by 11PM.

WHEW!! So much to tell and I never even got a chance to mention any of my girlfriends and their crazy lives!  My grandmother did have back surgery that I was able to be here for.  My dad flew to Chicago for a week on business.  And all the cute stories about the girls I promised myself I wouldn't forget... I have forgotten most of them :( That was one of the main reasons I wanted to start this darn blog.  I guess that only means that posting more than once every 6 weeks will become necessity.

I know I left out so much, I am angry with myself!  But I will end on some very high points~ Until I know exactly where my life is headed, I have found some great, exciting ways to fill my days.  I have signed on to be a stylist with Stella & Dot.  I am excited about the company and excited about the possibilities.  There are a number of financial advantages, but more than anything it will expose me to so much of Birmingham I may not have had the chance to meet.  I also have prayers going out for another exciting adventure that could change my life forever.  We are praying hard, doing our homework and hoping that one day very soon we have a HUGE announcement to make to our family and friends ~ AND NO, I am not talking engagement!

Okay~ my promise to myself, at least one more post within the week
I love you all and thanks for allowing me to ramble
xoxo
Lindsey

More difficult than I thought

I know that life gets away from us and new commitments fall by the way, especially in the beginnings of a new year.  But I did not realize that writing down my thoughts would pushed to the side and require so much time!

It has been nine days since I posted last...wow!  But a crazy nine days it has been!

And that is why I was hoping to post more frequently...because I forget!  Whitney celebrated her 29th birthday this month and it makes me sad that more and more of our celebrations are spent apart.  On Sunday, Jan 8th I made my first trek back to Valdosta to get ready for classes on Monday.  Blanton had to work and I promised Cam I would be home for dinner so I packed the car (with as much to take back as I brought!), hit the road by lunch time and was excited about the plans I had.  The great part for my family about us being in Birmingham?  If they can't find it at home, call ZiZi!  I hit Best Buy for Chris (tablet cover) and Target for Saralyn (boots for H) and then 280 out of town.  I got home about 6:30PM Est and the girls were super pumped I was home~ me too!  They were actually in the bathtub so I had a few minutes to catch my breath before bedtime.

Monday begins the regular routine~ lunch with mom at the hospital, Physics II at 1 and Organic Chem I at 2.  I was supposed to go to gymnastics with BB and Robin then to dinner, but both were under the weather so we postponed.  It all worked out perfectly because I spent all afternoon trying to finishing getting books, notebooks, etc together.

Tuesday was about the same.  Physics lab at 11:30, bookstore, library and the UPS store.  For 2 HOURS! Yes, I said hours.  Money is really tight- so instead of purchasing $500 worth of books for Org Chem, I made copies from a friend who already had the book.  Made friends with the guys who work there and even got hooked up with a lab manual and sample notebook!  I  made sure to pay it forward for the help they offered by dropping off a $10 Chickfila giftcard on Wednesday.

Finally had some free time to love on sweet Lawson...such another beautiful baby! Went to Susan's to visit and have some jeans hemmed and headed out to dinner with Robin, 30 minutes late... I HATE being late.  But she was forgiving, the cocktails were nice, the company even nicer.  Sushi at Mori and off to see Shea and Joe at the newest restaurant in town, the Green Iguana.  Javier, Jennifer, Shea and Joe were "testing" out new recipes for their specialty drinks.  Lots of laughs and great conversation sent me home about midnight.  I am super excited for Javier and Jennifer~ this is a big jump for El Toreo to their own business.

Wednesday~ Org lab cancelled, lunch with Stephanie at Cheddars and off to class at 1.  I kept Gage at home Wednesday night, dropped him of Thursday morning and met Kelly for an early lunch.  I love love love all the catching up I got to do while I was home!  After a quick visit to my mom, I was on the road back to Birmingham.  With a few extra germs in tow :(

I have been fighting this chest cold since Thursday and think I have finally kicked it.  I do not have time to be sick right now!  I did decide to add another course semester~ yes I have lost my mind!  Going to go ahead and retake my Chem I lecture while it is all still fresh!

So Friday, Saturday and Sunday schedules have all looked exactly the same~ sun up to past sundown STUDYING!  Phys quiz-check, chem unit-check, OAT flashcards-maybe a quarter of a check

I was hoping this would be a thought provoking, insightful, powerful...BLAH,BLAH,BLAH...blog.  Instead, I realize this going to be my record of the year.  And when the year is over, the insight will be mine.  To look back over a year of accomplishments and blessings and smile because I captured as much of it as I could.  So if you chose to follow me, I hope you don't find it boring!

Heading back to Valdosta tomorrow to begin an very important week.  I have faith...God has continued to remind me of that with the KLOVE verse every single day.  So until after the OAT~ ciao!

My heart is bursting

Second post of the year! Wanted to post yesterday because I have SO much to say~ but the computer got sick and spent all day yesterday scanning and getting well.

Where to start?? This week has been great...Blanton was off Wednesday and we kicked our get healthy together routine into gear. We are doing a variety of workouts and making some minor diet adjustments. It has been amazing having someone to do this with. I know the motivation comes from self, but not giving up or pushing that extra little bit can come from a partner. We started at the apartment gym Tuesday running. I talked him into P90x yoga Wednesday and Kenpo yesterday. So proud of him for hanging in there!

Crazy thing about this week? For the first time in a very, very long time I have not one dime to my name. My savings and checking accounts are zeroed out, no accessible credit and maybe some change I can cash out. But I am more at ease than I have been in a very long time. My heart is only smiling~ and smiling big. Usually by this point, the fear and stress has taken over. I don't sleep, I cry and am perfectly happy staying in bed. But not this time and it is an amazing feeling. I have no money, no "future" and no clue! But I am okay with that.

I had lunch yesterday with a sorority sister from Georgia Southern. It was so nice to catch up, have some "girl time" and finally look forward to new friendships in our new city. We had lunch at a neat tex-mex restaurant Chuy's-- cannot wait for warm weather and drinks on that patio!

A lot of my future is riding on January 19th. As I mentioned before, I have not heard from UAB and I know a lot of that is because my OAT scores are not desirable. So~ needless to say, that test on Jan 19th could determine my next five years. Another part of the craziness of the week? God speaking directly to me concerning that test and the next five years. Usually, when I get to this point, I am praying diligently (begging), asking (begging) for direction, for guidance. This time, I haven't needed to. He knows my desires and chose to speak to me before I even asked. I am a huge advocate of KLOVE~ the positive, encouraging radio station that plays contemporary Christian music and always seems to have the perfect song on at the perfect time. I also subscribe to their "Encouraging Word" - its a daily Bible verse to kick start your day.

Without using way too many words to try and explain the obvious, I will just share the verses beginning December 26, 2011...
But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The Lord is great!"- Psalm 40:16, NLT |

Tuesday 12/27/2011
Let them praise your great and awesome name. Your name is holy!
~ Psalm 99:3, NLT |

Wednesday 12/28/2011
How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!
~ Psalm 147:5, NLT |

Thursday 12/29/2011
He (Jesus) gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
~ 1Timothy 2:6, NLT |

Friday 12/30/2011
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever
~ Hebrews 13:8, NLT |

Saturday 12/31/2011
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
~ Psalms 73:26, NLT |

Sunday 1/1/2012
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.
~ 2 Cor. 5:17, NLT |

Monday 1/2/2012
For I know the plans I have for you€ says the Lord, "they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
~ Jeremiah 29:11, NLT |

Tuesday 1/3/2012
God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.
~ Romans 8:28, NLT |

Wednesday 1/4/2012
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
~ Philippians 4:13, NLT |

Friday 1/6/2012
Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
~ Proverbs 3:6, NLT |

While I repost, I re-read and all I can say is "WOW! My God is SO good!" My new year started off with him reminding me we are all made new through Him. And He is reminding me every single day that He will give me strength as I continue to seek Him. The comfort for me? My life may be new...my city may be new...a lot of new in months to come, but HE is never new. He stands strong, constant and stable and THAT is why my heart is bursting today. He provides for us every single day.

I will finish today's post with a HUGE grin, a bursting heart and child-like excitement! I love Birmingham, but in just TWO more nights I get to hug close two of my precious angels! I will get to share all my newness with friends (who are already requesting date nights!!!) and family and know that in only a few days I will be back safe and sound with Blanton.  And in just a few short weeks, I will make a visit to FL (my third and final angel) and schedule visits here in Bham with my mom, my best friend from home and my best friend from ATL!

Keep up the encouragement~ I am going to need it! This year will be exciting, but as classes begin Monday so does the time commitment
xoxo
Zi

Here Goes Nothing...

A new year, a new life... why not a new project?  This is my first attempt at blogging, but I figure, why not? A lot  is sure to happen this year and I am miles away from precious friends and family.  So here goes nothing!

Tuesday following Christmas 2011 I loaded the final trailer for Birmingham.  Blanton, Cooper and Piper have been waiting on me since November.  We spent Wednesday, Thursday and Friday unloading, reloading, unloading at the storage unit.  Blanton was quite a trooper~ hung pictures, curtains rods and anything else with little complaint.  And for anyone who knows my decorating skills- that was quite impressive!  Thursday and Friday presented my race against time while Blanton was at work...Shea and Joe were coming on Friday to ring in 2012 with us.  Super excited!  I didn't get the apartment completely finished, but definitely presentable.

It was a low key weekend, but much needed time with friends! Entering the new year, in a new city...2012 will be very exciting!

Blanton and the pups and I ventured out of our apartment today- first chance since I arrived really.  We took the dogs to Vulcan Park, here in the city.  Neat place with great trails to get our ever expanding pups some much needed exercise.  Hope to go back when we can actually climb the Vulcan!  The park offers some amazing overlooking views of our new home~ Birmingham, AL.

Classes begin one week from today~ in Valdosta.  The commuting begins! I have scheduled another test date for my Optometry Admissions Test for January 19.  Very daunting as I have not heard anything from UAB.  The waiting game continues, as does the studying

Happy New Year~ let's make memories