tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38462913174898806572011-09-12T08:40:53.961-04:00Because normal doesn't work for me.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.comBlogger851100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-5865944222728054592011-08-16T16:24:00.000-04:002011-08-16T16:24:37.936-04:00

I don't know if the camera loves me, but I definitely love the camera. Last week my colleague asked me to join him on his weekly segment- Topics that are Igniting. Check it out!

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-90059550777527940372011-08-13T19:51:00.002-04:002011-08-13T19:52:53.490-04:00

You know, my sister is one of only a few people that I can be myself with, 100%. I spend so much of my time being self conscious of myself, of how others perceive me both at work and outside of work. It's actually a major cause of anxiety for me. Do you know what it's like to spend half your life second guessing yourself? Your actions? It's not fun but with my sister I let loose.  A couple of

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-18892657570968301372011-08-06T15:11:00.001-04:002011-08-06T15:14:37.603-04:00

FINALLY! I started my garden later than everyone else and when you compared the plants I grew from seeds to the plants my neighbors purchased already grown, I was convinced my little Snoopy garden would never produce vegetation but I stuck with it. I'd put too much time and effort into it and now I have that awesome feeling of accomplishment because my plants have actually produced. It's in the

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-17673346389910362482011-08-03T17:11:00.000-04:002011-08-03T17:11:14.530-04:00

Old age can be cruel and unrelenting but it's all part of the life cycle so we must accept it. I just returned from a trip across the SE states to see family and have some fun with my sister and during that trip, my grandmother was put in the hospital. I've known that her life is nearing it's end for a while now and though she's still very much alive, I don't know if I have 2 days, 2 months, 2

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-37614752767932080332011-04-28T23:30:00.000-04:002011-04-28T23:30:41.887-04:00

I've recently acquired a garden spot in our community and I couldn't be more excited. It's been a rough week and when I finally arrived home today from what has been a very rough week, I thought maybe 30 minutes cleaning up the garden will relieve some stress from the last few days.  It did that and so much more. First, I can't explain just how happy and content I was to be pulling weeds out of

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-58818789769775087702011-04-22T11:19:00.000-04:002011-04-22T11:19:25.838-04:00

I decided a year ago that I was going to run from the darkness, so to speak, and I've wanted to publish a new post for so many weeks now. However, the problem with that is that every time I wanted to post, I realized I couldn't figure out a way to be positive. It's like I'm falling back into the darkness and with all of that I find myself scared and anxious and I just want to be happy.  Then I

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-80829709269612981242011-03-07T10:23:00.000-05:002011-03-07T10:23:57.333-05:00

"Tell me who admires and loves you, and I will tell you who you are." ~ Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve To be admired is a gift or reward for something you've worked hard to accomplish or for being someone worth admiring for whatever reason. I've been told people admire me for being such a hard worker and for being determined to make it work, one way or the other but I don't see it as something to

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-2023754144403926482011-02-04T10:32:00.000-05:002011-02-04T10:32:40.292-05:00

One of my goals this year is to cut all of the excess stuff that makes my life more stressful, unpleasant or that takes time away from simply enjoying myself, time with my husband or my poor loyal dogs that look at at me each day as if they're thinking: "this is the day, yes, this is the day she'll take us on that LONG walk she keeps promising." I have a major flaw. I know, I know, I'm sure this

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-26201791264229875742011-01-31T10:17:00.002-05:002011-01-31T10:17:42.095-05:00

Dear Stomach,  Please stop. Your persistent nagging and painful reminders that all is NOT well, have gotten through. I get it, I'm working on it but in the meantime do you think it possible you can back off, even just a little? Sincerely, Me These days I'm living off the five Ps:  Probiotics Prilozac Pineaple Juice Pickles Pepto Now add to that list a prescription for the nausea and some

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-66120964050301064352011-01-19T20:44:00.000-05:002011-01-19T20:44:04.486-05:00

When Jarrad finally passed all the tests and received his broker's license, he sold his first house the very next day. It was then that we started saying "the year of the Sullivan's is upon us!" and it's finally here.  Since going three months without a job from October 2008-January 2009, we've struggled to get back on top. At that time, we were barely making it. We were excited that all of our

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-87156059280199868102010-12-16T00:21:00.001-05:002010-12-16T00:22:37.763-05:00

2010 has been a year of ups and downs, more ups than downs when I look back and really think about it. For once, I feel like not only do I see the light at the end of my tunnel but that the sun is actually shining on my face a bit now. 2011 will be the year of the Sullivans and I'm overwhelmed with anxiousness, happiness and excitement. But more on that later. I'd prefer to hold that post for the

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-72751348412091664842010-11-17T09:44:00.003-05:002010-11-17T11:05:57.686-05:00

No, I haven't forgotten about my blog. I know I have at least ten post ideas I've written in my notebook as the weeks have passed by but unfortunately, life can sometimes prevent us from doing what we enjoy most. The good news is, I have actually started a new post which should go live by the end of this coming weekend. In the meantime, I wanted to share a story. My friend Kelly is a funny bitch.

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-21623256274901174912010-07-14T16:53:00.003-04:002010-07-14T17:39:27.888-04:00

Whoa! I haven't posted since APRIL! Wow, how the last few months have consumed me and it's my fault for allowing it. Sometimes life gets so overwhelming that I have to simply stop and remind myself to breathe. I'm so busy trying to reach goals, so I push through days and months passing time, forgetting to enjoy the moments that are happening now. Occasionally, I just lose days and weeks because

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-3591746443560738692010-04-22T17:53:00.002-04:002010-04-22T17:54:25.340-04:00

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-56846877636962488212010-04-13T17:06:00.003-04:002010-04-13T17:12:31.623-04:00

I know I'm probably a little late to the game here. I mean, most of you have seen the new Kotex commercials but I had to share because now I know that I'm not the only one that's watched a Tampon commercial and thought, "who the hell experiences that when they have their period." So for your viewing pleasure:

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-41724216118662397922010-04-02T11:29:00.006-04:002010-04-02T13:13:59.078-04:00

What do you get when there are Four blondes at a four-way stop? Eternity!Two Blondes were in a parking lot trying to unlock their car door with a coat hanger. First blonde: "I can't get this door unlocked!" Second Blonde: "Well you better hurry up! It's going to rain and the top's down."I'm in a great mood today. The sun is shining, lunch was outside today, I'm remaining productive at work even

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-76696827569171758132010-03-25T08:32:00.004-04:002010-03-25T09:09:19.933-04:00

Sometimes the stress and anxiety of life hits me so hard that I almost fall to my knees. Like today for example. One of the most financially stressful month's of my life, I feel like I'm back to the first year of marriage or back to the three months I went without a job. I'm realizing just how fragile our budget and income still is where every small thing really sets it off for the month and it

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-17745869055973665072010-02-21T11:53:00.011-05:002010-02-23T23:25:39.848-05:00

Why is it that as adult women, we experience the uncontrollable urge to be mothers? It's like the moment you say your "I Dos" the urge hits. Many people give in to that urge as a married couple right away. For me, I couldn't give in. As an educated, intelligent woman I understand that I first have to be able to feed myself before I can feed another human being. I do believe you'll never be

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-18705703885501379252010-02-16T14:43:00.004-05:002010-02-16T16:44:21.526-05:00

Most days my glass is half full. I even took this mood quiz once and I was the Sun which means, "you're happy go lucky, very little bothers you, you're easy to get along with." Unfortunately, no matter how hard I try, there are still those days where my glass just remains empty. I'll try and try to make it better but I can't work my way out of the funk. I'm having one of those days, but instead

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-48795705324781598542010-02-12T14:24:00.004-05:002010-02-15T10:39:13.181-05:00

Guilty as charged, I've been meaning to write and publish this post since the beginning of the year and it never happened but I didn't want to dump this topic because it's important to me. In 2009 I spent the entire year recovering from the lack of a job at the end of 2008. 2009 brought on many of the financial stresses that mine and Jarrad's first two years of marriage because apparently,

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-20888723476581168012010-02-12T13:52:00.004-05:002010-02-12T14:20:52.945-05:00

I don't usually get overly excited about Valentine's Day. I'm well aware of the fact that it's a holiday created by Hallmark. But as a couple that has to watch every penny that leaves the bank account and work twice as hard to pay monthly bills, we need the occasional excuse to splurge a little and do something nice for each other which generally falls on anniversaries, birthdays and Valentine's

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-83879151436149687732010-02-08T17:23:00.004-05:002010-02-08T17:25:47.196-05:00

Got another fun interview for you...I don't mean to be a geek about what I do, but I can't help it.Also, has anyone noticed how much I like to use "..."? Oh well, just because I'm aware of it doesn't mean I'll stop, :)Check out the interview on Ignite's Blog.

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-28040697718489076842010-02-06T22:52:00.003-05:002010-02-06T23:00:31.467-05:00

Found this on Craigslist tonight and now I'm convinced Jarrad published this posting:

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-49261475515238530442010-02-02T12:54:00.005-05:002010-02-02T12:58:30.683-05:00

Here's another post I published to the Ignite site. I think it's fun for everyone so sit back, grab a small bag of popcorn and enjoy the 1 minute 15 second interview (fastest interview ever because I'm the fastest talker ever).

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-64166302632760627012010-02-01T12:18:00.002-05:002010-02-01T12:22:34.617-05:00

Sorry, cheating on you guys again. I'm still writing. I posted to Ignite's blog friday, check it out: http://www.ignitesocialmedia.com/yoplait-social-media-example/.Also, new post by Wednesday evening....keep your eyes peeled.

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-17611411922766370822010-01-26T15:39:00.004-05:002010-01-26T16:23:30.929-05:00

Shortly after my last post about Charlie I finalized part 2 with a video. After pouring my heart out I realized I'd created a 15 minute video. But that's not one of those videos you edit. It was raw footage and the only way I was going to post it was as is. Except, YouTube wasn't willing to accept that nor was Blogger. Trust me, I tried for 1.5 months. I tried using different formatting to no

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-84346921090284749162010-01-22T10:53:00.002-05:002010-01-22T10:56:21.693-05:00

I know, bad blogger, bad!!! I haven't written in a while but I do have 7 posts planned, it's just a matter of actually sitting and writing them (which I plan to do this weekend). BUT, I haven't stopped writing all together so I thought I'd share. Recently, I wrote a guest post for Nature Made SAM-e Complete's Good Mood Blog about how thinking positively helped me get through the marathon and it

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-17723230292796561062009-12-13T18:39:00.002-05:002009-12-13T19:18:38.498-05:00

Last day of my 30 days of thanks series. Today I'm thankful for him: I know I talk about my husband a lot, but I can't help it. I love the man. Today I'm thankful for Jarrad. I remember when I first met him, 14 years ago! That's right, 14 years ago. Wow, any man that could fall in love with the girl I was then (think bowl cut, braces, baggy jeans, dad's button down denim shirt and a horrendous

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-68268435082895386712009-12-10T20:09:00.005-05:002009-12-10T20:41:34.411-05:00

Wow, only two more days left in my 30 days of thanks. I think I'm going to be sad. Posting daily near daily has been a way to get me back in the groove, to get me interested in posting about other topics as well. Maybe I can think of a few other things to keep me going after this. Like, will I ever get that video I've been trying to post for the last three days up and running on YouTube?

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-1033670878150253622009-12-09T18:55:00.003-05:002009-12-10T14:25:55.890-05:00

So Let's do a little catch-up. On Day 26: I was thankful for a good night's rest. We're talking, head hits the pillow and you don't wake up until the alarm wakes you kind of sleep. This is awesome because I spend most nights tossing and turning but not on night 26. Day 27: Yesterday I was so thankful for a busy work day because it made the day fly by. All I wanted to do was get the day over

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-9165886524870821562009-12-08T10:34:00.002-05:002009-12-08T10:36:28.827-05:00

When YouTube decides it'll finally upload my video, I'll get it posted. Currently, I select upload video, choose my video, then nothingness (is that a word?). No error message or anything....RIDICULOUS! I'm sure it's just a glitch but I want to upload my video ASAP.OK, I'm done venting. Hopefully I'll be back in a few hours.

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-72191964458383233912009-12-06T20:36:00.002-05:002009-12-06T20:46:10.027-05:00

Today I'm thankful for having a roof over my head. Though I'm reminded at the beginning of every month just how expensive that is, I LOVE my little townhouse on the lake. The location is fabulous, it makes it so that we're not too far from our friends in North Raleigh, our friends on the edge of Garner. We live in Raleigh, 10 minutes from downtown and we also live right around the corner (about 2

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-21471622416019086362009-12-05T23:58:00.002-05:002009-12-06T00:04:10.209-05:00

Ha, look at me. I didn't skip a day between last night's post and tonight's post. I'll get back to Oh Charlie Part 2 tomorrow night, but I don't have it in me right now. For now we'll just get back to 30 days of thanks. Today I'm thankful for BAMA winning the Alabama/Florida game. I thought for sure this game would be so close but wow how we kicked their butt. And the snacks I stuffed my face

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-76664344552893196352009-12-04T23:02:00.008-05:002009-12-05T00:10:27.074-05:00

One year and five weeks ago our Mackey gave birth to a litter of six beautiful beagle puppies, yes, count them: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...3 boys and 3 girls- a very large litter for such a small beagle. I remember the day they were born, October 19th. What a crazy day. Sarge was a proud and concerned papa- laying in front of the bathroom watching over Mackey and Mackey knew just what to do. We stayed

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-4542650894181429912009-12-04T22:46:00.002-05:002009-12-04T22:57:57.475-05:00

So apparently I like posting on multiple days in one post...so sue me!Let's get to it because I have a another post I want to do tonight so this will be short and sweet. Day 22: On day 22, I was thankful for being so busy at work that I managed to lose a day. I woke up Thursday thinking it was Wednesday so what a surprise to discover it was Thursday. Work has been CRAZY busy and stressing over

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-49160235403560582692009-12-02T17:28:00.003-05:002009-12-02T17:49:41.104-05:00

EEEK! Guess I missed a few days of thanks. Between being sick, mourning, and traveling, this poor blog took a back burner. But we'll talk about that later. For now, let's get back on track with my 30 Days of Thanks: Day 14: On Day 14 I was thankful for doing Crafts with Kids. Jen brought lots of fun stuff from Holly Hobbie and we made fluffy pens from ribbon and feathers, decorative pencils and

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-28101921605318022692009-11-24T15:29:00.003-05:002009-11-24T15:36:14.044-05:00

Yea yea, I skipped two days. Between lots of travel and a major lack of sleep, feel privileged that it was only two days that I missed. So instead of trying to catch-up, I'm just going to start back up where I left off, with day 13. So today, I'm thankful for a new discovery and that's BWO. What's B.W.O you might ask. B.W.O is Blogging Without Obligation. I discovered B.W.O through photography

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-70279464950645743122009-11-21T23:00:00.002-05:002009-11-21T23:09:42.688-05:00

Tonight I'm thankful for the fact that when our Jeep says ZERO miles until empty, it really means you have about 25-30 to go, THANK YOU! We took a very long road trip last night but I'll save all of the miniscule details. The short of the story is this. We hit I-65 last night, these means one hour until we've made it to our parent's house. At this point, my husband simply asks: "How are we on

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-71738161016688663902009-11-20T14:06:00.001-05:002009-11-20T14:08:13.081-05:00

Today I am thankful for Migraine medicine that actually works. We had to go back to some old school stuff since what they're using these days do nothing for me, but FINALLY, something that works. I started with a Migraine today. Fought it until lunch so I could get some food on my stomach, then popped that pill and BAM! Migrain gone. Granted, the way I'm feeling.....I probably shouldn't drive but

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-15812320654934720392009-11-19T21:27:00.005-05:002009-11-19T22:13:08.095-05:00

Man, today I'm having a hard time with what I'm thankful for. Don't get me wrong, I have a LOT more that I'm thankful for but it's hard to say it or type it and mean it today. No, I didn't have a bad day, no, nothing happened. I've just had some things on my mind lately that has had me frustrated and every time I think about them, I get pissy. And now I'm here, waiting on the hubs to get home and

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-6103656116720203532009-11-18T21:08:00.000-05:002009-11-18T21:09:08.888-05:00

Enjoy!

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-17884628368637539902009-11-17T15:39:00.002-05:002009-11-17T15:48:52.985-05:00

Today I'm thankful for SLEEP. Yes, that's right. With Jarrad and I having opposite schedules, I find myself staying up WAY too late, way too often, to spend time with him. Yesterday, I got home and surprise, he ditched class and we could actually spend time together. You would think we'd go do something fun together but no...too many days with too little sleep. I feel asleep on the couch by 7:45,

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-42252806086074143212009-11-16T19:15:00.003-05:002009-11-16T19:23:41.151-05:00

Today I'm thankful for Craigslist.com. I walked into Big Lots tonight, just to get a metal frame for the guest bed. Just a few years ago they were between $10 & $20 depending on when you caught them at big lots. Guess how much they are now: $67 WHAT??!!! Yea right, tonight I'll be searching Craigslist.com because I know I can find a REAL bed frame for $20 there that I'm certain will be much nicer

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-87651744654571207162009-11-15T11:17:00.005-05:002009-11-15T11:40:54.525-05:00

Wow! Feels good to be back on a roll with my blogging. It's much easier to do this when you have a deadline. Now to day 6...Today I'm thankful for my job. If you get paid to play online games, interact on Twitter, interact on Facebook, make friends with bloggers, brainstorm and execute exciting contest and fun campaigns raise your hand......oh oh oh, me me me!!!!!Of course there are a lot more

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-90440452067767499912009-11-14T21:02:00.004-05:002009-11-14T21:15:08.209-05:00

To switch it up a bit, I thought I'd make a video for day 5 of my 30 days of thanks. Forgive the quality, it's the first video I've ever created and uploaded to YouTube so I didn't exactly put a lot of time and effort into it. So, enjoy the mix up and feel free to let me know that you don't want to see my face again. If not, I'll stick to text and images. ENJOY!!

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-42400540177676652972009-11-13T10:20:00.004-05:002009-11-13T10:36:45.164-05:00

Today I'm thankful for the lesson my dad instilled in me throughout my adolescent years, and that's determination and heart. I won't hide it, I was daddy's little girl (daddy's little tomboy) and anything he did, I wanted to do- except hunting, that never panned out so well. Anyway, I digress. Throughout those years, my dad supported me in whatever endeavor I pursued. Always my coach, he

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-32394886447945540552009-11-12T11:09:00.009-05:002009-11-12T11:34:12.670-05:00

Today I'm thankful for having a hobby/interest I can share with my husband and for boats, lakes and fishing. This past summer, "Cousin Kris" as we refer to him, acquired a boat that Jarrad claimed as half his. Throughout the summer Jarrad went on a number of camping trips and even more fishing trips. No, I didn't get to go as often as I'd like, but there were a few occasions that I got to escape

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-40285671088482747582009-11-11T10:25:00.005-05:002009-11-11T13:20:01.367-05:00

Today I'm Thankful for two things. First, I'm thankful for waking up in a good mood. Despite the fact that I didn't get in bed until after 1:00 AM, despite the fact that I still struggled to fall asleep and despite the fact that it was raining when I went to bed and raining even harder when I woke up, I woke up in a great mood. Today my heart is FULL of thanks and while I won't list those off

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-68668814782412080012009-11-10T17:19:00.003-05:002009-11-10T17:30:28.010-05:00

OK, well,I'm a little late in the game as I should have started this on November 1st, but oh well. We'll just start today and go through the beginning of December instead of attempting to pack 10 days into one post. You can thank my friend Amy at "This Lucky Little Life" for the inspiration.I noticed that many of my most recent post (not that I'm good at keeping them updated which is reason two

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-60340420709565342462009-07-01T08:44:00.005-04:002009-07-01T09:06:15.746-04:00

Hello to all my many (ok, maybe just 2) readers. I wish I could say I'm back on because I have great news, or things are looking up but right now, the truth is, they're not. I'm struggling. I've sat back and asked for Gods help time and time again, but the answer isn't there. He isn't ready to help. I'm guessing you're asking yourself: "what is she babbling about?"Well, here goes. Obviously

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-53343249209803991242009-05-15T10:37:00.004-04:002009-05-15T10:42:02.718-04:00

In honor of my 5th wedding anniversary I decided I wanted to make a list of the top reasons my husband is the most awesome person I know. What would I do without my hubby? He keeps me sane and I love him more and more each day so here goes.My husband is the most awesome person I know because: • He makes me smile on a daily basis• He makes me laugh on a daily basis• He snuggles me tight at night

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-53858584558066036782009-04-30T09:44:00.003-04:002009-04-30T09:49:22.190-04:00

I'm having a flashback. Think back to elementary school. Do you remember the feeling of being the kid in the back of the classroom that ALWAYS raised your hand but you feel as if you were never called upon, never acknowledged. How did you feel?I remember that feeling.I felt as if I was invisible.....and I feel like I'm having a flashback to that again today. As if I'm not really here, only when

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-50391763723943887142009-04-22T09:46:00.003-04:002009-04-22T10:23:37.788-04:00

Wow, what a crazy roller coaster ride I've been on these last few months- and I can't believe that my whole world starting spinning out of control nearly 6 months ago. Slowly but surely, Jarrad and I are working together to pick up all the pieces. But I saw a tweet from a friend the other day and she said, "First the first time in a long time, I'm content." And I thought, am I content?Well, I

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-50104198352771671722009-04-13T10:20:00.002-04:002009-04-13T10:22:53.837-04:00

Dear Lord,I can't, you can.....PLEASE DO

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-13186831934326770482009-03-03T14:57:00.011-05:002009-03-03T15:37:04.770-05:00

Oh Charlie Brown- I love how you drag every rug in the house under the bed.Oh Charlie Brown- how I love the fact that you think EVERYTHING is a chew tow, including my most expensive bras, my glasses and my favorite shoes, my PJs, etc.Oh Charlie Brown- I love how you're convinced the carpet is simply dirt and that you CAN dig to the bottom- the landlord's going to love this oneOh Charlie- I love

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-38438214982270099002009-02-21T17:01:00.002-05:002009-02-21T18:28:26.341-05:00

Geez, I really need to get better at posting more and more often. But don't worry, I haven't completely put away the writing, I've just been posting on other blogs. You know where I work, look up their blog if you wanna check out my latest post. Life continues to move forward since starting my new job. I'm still loving it, still loving my co-workers and the environment- I find myself getting more

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-4312763543174570862009-01-24T22:02:00.004-05:002009-01-24T22:20:25.917-05:00

So I'm working an event tonight and I show up to find out it's a high school formal, worse. Can I just say, I swear dresses have gotten uglier and uglier and these poor high schoolers' attempts at cool and sexy have just fallen flat. Girls with guts are wearing tight dresses, girls with WAY too much boobs are wearing dresses that I'm sure they think are making their boobs look bigger but its

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-51224118711099291802009-01-22T15:57:00.003-05:002009-01-22T16:03:36.868-05:00

While researching blogs today, I came across this quick, fun test and the result, from 4 easy questions, pretty closely matches my feelings right now. I've recently had some additional stresses thrown at me (more on that later...when I'm not at work), along with a few financial issues, but I'm still very happy and content because one thing is definitely going right- I'm on a career path that

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-48458931546045036432009-01-14T19:59:00.002-05:002009-01-14T20:35:47.157-05:00

So wow! What a miserable end 2008 but it has definitely turned around in 2009. While home for the holidays Jarrad's step-dad suggested I try something- writing down a date and setting a deadline for when I had to have a job. So I decided, OK, I'm going to set the bar high. I gave myself a deadline of January 15th which meant that with the new year holiday not being over until the 5th, I really

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-19418170034982401812008-12-02T16:41:00.004-05:002008-12-02T17:00:56.742-05:00

Why, you may ask, have I not posted lately. Well...lack of anything positive to say comes to mind, lack of new epiphanies, total lack of interest in my own life to be completely honest. I'm tired, tired of pretending to be OK, tired of pretending everything is fine. Everything is NOT OK. I feel my world crashing down.6 weeks, 42 days,508+ hours......of being jobless and it's driving me nuts. To

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-21378318923892491982008-11-02T23:25:00.002-05:002008-11-03T00:00:18.480-05:00

Finally, I'm posting again....the question has been- how can I post about what's going on and what I'm feeling when I'm uncertain of that. Uncertainty- the word has been stuck in my mind since last Sunday. Mostly because I feel as if I'm living a life of uncertainty. How do I put into words what I've been thinking, I'm still unsure. Failure- Regardless of the situation, regardless of what was

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-27984868871873450342008-10-25T21:51:00.005-04:002008-10-25T22:42:30.328-04:00

Wow! It's been a month since I last posted, time flies when you're busy and there's been a lot going on in my life over the last few weeks...but that's not what this post is about, that can come later. Tonight's post is one that makes me so sad to post because it means time with some wonderful friends is coming to a close. Steve, Lauren, Cameron and Riley Faiai will be heading back to San Diego

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-68010544206537124162008-09-26T11:41:00.003-04:002008-09-26T11:52:57.175-04:00

As he's done so often in these past few months, God's word and faithfulness have really been weighing heavily on my heart this month. Financial struggles are definitely a hot button for me and I've tried and tried all month to keep a positive attitude and have faith that God would pull through, unfortunately I was fooling EVERYONE, INCLUDING MYSELF. After 2 weeks of torture, one day I got tired

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-43538294556616438182008-09-19T14:12:00.004-04:002008-09-20T18:50:58.794-04:00

I was recently approached by my pastor and his wife regarding this coming Sunday. They asked if I'd be willing to be interviewed during the service. "Of Course" I replied and though I don't have this huge "Come to Jesus" story, I do think mine is one that's relateable. I think it'll be just as easy to simply go down the rough list of questions and write it out in preparation for this coming

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-30725093976642175932008-09-16T20:35:00.002-04:002008-09-16T20:52:13.470-04:00

Geez! So as I lie in bed last night digesting the news I received that afternoon, I prayed to God that he would continue to make me desperate for him "Please God, I need you more now than ever. I need to continue to feel that desperation, I need to continue to have those moments where I have no choice but to turn to you." BOY did he answer, and he continues to answer even this evening. Yea, but

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-15477434678658688852008-09-12T09:02:00.005-04:002008-09-12T23:18:11.622-04:00

Every year I actually try to forget, or at least set aside the memories of 9/11. Where was I on 9/11? I was on my way to class- freshman year in college. I remember hearing it on the radio and thinking this can't be real...what a HORRIBLE joke, nothing about this is funny. Once I entered the class, all eyes and ears were turned towards the television set. We sat in silence for the next five

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-51513803130763005002008-09-09T13:35:00.002-04:002008-09-09T13:52:30.842-04:00

I know, I've been way too slack with my postings but life has been a bit crazy since last I posted. Work has definitely picked back up- clients decided it was time to return from vacation. Craziness also seemed to follow my life outside of work. I don't really have anything major to post on today, but I thought I would simply provide some updates:It is now only 8 months until Jarrad

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-54283350134285111762008-08-16T15:24:00.006-04:002008-08-16T15:56:20.736-04:00

Well, I guess it took me long enough, I've only been home almost two weeks since heading to Bama to hang with the family but as promised here is a re-cap and some pictures.Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures everytime we did something really fun, but you'll get the just.After driving through the night, Jarrad and I hit the ground running as soon as we got to Bama. I took a quick shower and

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-64919460155035320192008-08-14T22:55:00.004-04:002008-08-14T23:13:43.029-04:00

First I'd like to start by saying...I KNOW I KNOW...I owe a post about my time in Bama along with pictures, which is coming this weekend....PROMISE. This week has been a world wind of a lot of downs and very few ups...but things, as always, quickly turned towards the positive. So secondly, before I continue, I'd like to say I know you probably don't expect to see the word Shit and God in the same

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-69727417329616475142008-07-29T22:26:00.002-04:002008-07-29T22:37:44.565-04:00

So I'll definitely miss my friends while I'm gone and I'll be a bit stressed about what I may have forgotten to do at work before leaving, but I'm SUPER EXCITED to see my family. I haven't seen them since Christmas. So here are some things I'm excited about: - Shopping with my mom and sis- Spending time with my niece Makenna- Fishing with my dad and hubby (not my most favorite hobby, but it's

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-55020532498357860182008-07-24T15:46:00.003-04:002008-07-24T16:05:21.883-04:00

Wow- July is full of birthdays. the 11th and 27th of this month marked my bosses' birthdays. Next Week, July 30th is my colleague's birthday and she will celebrate her baby's 1st birthday the very next day, but most important to me is today, July 24th.Today Lauren's baby boy turns 2 and we'll all celebrate him tomorrow at a cookout where I'll finally get to hang with my girls after two very long

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-18382839413085358562008-07-21T14:21:00.003-04:002008-07-21T14:51:41.758-04:00

So it comes as no surprise to those who know me best that my husband and I have experienced some EXTREME financial hardships during the last 3 years that he's been in school. So I've prayed,and prayed and prayed and God has come through moment to moment but never on a consistent basis. And I thought, that's because God is teaching me a lesson through my struggle. Well....I could be wrong, but I

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-37256507263758334712008-07-18T23:49:00.003-04:002008-07-19T00:20:38.425-04:00

This is night number two without my hubby and I MISS HIM LIKE CRAZY!!!! I can't believe I have another night to go before I can see him again. This sucks so bad! I love snuggling next to him every night and feeling the warmth of his body...I never realized how cold it is without him and I never realized how I thrive off those few moments every night where we snuggle in bed, talk about our day and

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-76088123430556468532008-07-14T19:32:00.002-04:002008-07-14T20:27:06.873-04:00

Friday evening through Sunday evening I stepped in and played the role of mommy for a beautiful 9 month old named Peyton. She's one of the sweetest little girls I've ever had the privilege of taking care of and I have to admit I've learned a lot about myself and my potential as a mother...pat on my own back...now back to the post. First let me just say, I have an all new prospective on motherhood

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-4670991851544981442008-07-08T11:39:00.002-04:002008-07-08T12:38:22.601-04:00

10 months to go! 10 Months before Jarrad graduates with a degree in Simulation Game Design and Development and considering where we live and the high demand for entry level programmers, I'm pretty excited about this graduation. As a matter of fact, the only city that has more gaming companies than the RTP area is Austin, Texas- they have 64 to our 32 gaming companies. As I think ahead and am

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-36322100911391747352008-07-03T10:49:00.010-04:002008-07-03T11:04:25.439-04:00

It's the simple things in life that make me happiest. As I reflect back over just the last few months in my life, I've thought about just that. Rather it be capturing a cute moment, girl's night out, the calming sound of crashing waves on the beach, watching a lightening storm in the summer, long walks, time with my hubby, time with friends and LOTS AND LOTS of WATERMELON!!! Below are just a few

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-38829479107762207132008-07-02T10:58:00.004-04:002008-07-02T12:27:32.117-04:00

So I recently had a meeting with my bosses. Occasionally they like to pull each of us in individually and praise us for our strengths as well as talk about some of our weaknesses in an effort to help us continue our growth within the company. The meeting went well and I wasn't surprised but much said except one thing. I was told "you worry too much about what other people think." This statement

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-39380435855970431632008-06-24T10:17:00.002-04:002008-06-24T10:38:05.332-04:00

I recently had a conversation with Kelly that went something like this: Kelly: "Lauren’s so funny – I’m so glad we found her. Corney- but God had a plan moving her here…"Christian: "Not corney, I agree with you. I just think we’re going to be the three old ladies sitting at the coffee shop one day yelling at 'those pesky kids!' It’ll be fun!"Kelly: "[Or] sitting in our rockers on the front porch

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-81393250870965041502008-06-22T22:41:00.008-04:002008-06-23T15:16:48.519-04:00

Saturday was a stressful, yet wonderful day. This weekend I had the privilege of sharing in Crystal Smith's special day by fixing all the bridesmaids' hair. It was exciting yet stressful. The more time that passed, the more nervous the bride became, making her mom even more nervous, leaving me fixing the last two ladies' hair with shaking hands. The wedding went well and as I sat there watching

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-66280466040038310922008-06-12T11:38:00.002-04:002008-06-12T11:50:12.351-04:00

I've been plagued with a heavy heart the last two days and it's been weighing heavily on me both emotionally and physically. I just feel like God's trying to get my attention but for what reason I do not know. Sometimes I just want to scream "SPEAK UP!" but I'm sure he's screaming "JUST LISTEN!"If only I knew all the answers and if only I was good at listening. How do you train yourself to hear

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-29552014162898970482008-06-09T12:33:00.003-04:002008-06-09T12:56:46.295-04:00

Unfortunately I didn't sleep at all Saturday night and by Sunday I had a pretty miserable sinus infection and high fever. I sat there debating rather or not I should stay on the couch for the day or if I should go ahead and get ready for church. Since I apparently missed a wonderful service last Sunday, I wasn't about to do the same this Sunday so up I went, nasty runny nose and all and I'm so

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-90409809781286349052008-06-07T13:01:00.005-04:002008-06-07T13:30:06.132-04:00

Yesterday was WONDERFUL!!! There's nothing like girls day out for a bit of birthday fun.But before girls night began, we had to make a little ice cream stop with Riley and Cameron. I can't resist sharing some very cute pictures:After ice cream we were off for manis and pedis and then finally landed at my all time favorite hangout, RUCKUS PIZZA, for a very relaxed night outside full of girl talk,

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-19297703028976429652008-06-01T22:49:00.005-04:002008-06-02T00:26:05.570-04:00

OK- first let me apologize because this is going to be another long post and I know I promised not do that again.SO- I've been fighting with myself lately....yea, I know... That seems to be a trend with me but I can assure you I don't have a personality disorder. But I've been fighting with myself because I've been shy about telling my latest story....I'm just not sure why I'm so scared, maybe I

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-11504474018098354022008-05-30T20:56:00.010-04:002008-05-30T21:58:16.265-04:00

So Tom Boy Christian and Girlie Christian got in a fight last night and Girlie Christian WON...which isn't good in the middle of a softball game. Last night's game was a bit of a bummer........BUT, that's not what I want to focus on.Softball has opened up many doors and many friendships over the years and I'd like to introduce you to some of the awesome people I get to hang out with on a regular

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3846291317489880657.post-84822128636433952712008-05-29T13:06:00.002-04:002008-05-29T13:58:46.084-04:00

"What you see is what you get?" Not really, I think everyone has multiple layers but they only reveal those layers to a few special people in their lives. Well, since I know my blogs will all be focused around how I'm feeling when I post, I thought I'd introduce you to all of my layers now.Meet "Corporate Christian": Corporate Christian is a total workaholic. She walks with a certain air about

Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506461870216267501noreply@blogger.com3