The Four Seasons: Spring, Summer, FOOTBALL, and Winter

It's the best season of the year--Football season! I'm from Alabama, and in Alabama, football is more than a game, it's a religion! Not only on the college level, but the high school level as well. In my hometown, everyone bleeds green...for the Gordo Greenwave. And on Friday night, it's not a question of what you're doing. Everyone goes to the game.
When it comes to college football, it's pretty much a split. Alabamians either chant "Roll Tide" or "War Eagle".
Tonight, I'm sitting here watching the Crimson Tide dominate Penn State. Just a few years ago, it would have been a much different outcome. The Tide has had some rough years, but I'm not a fair weather fan. I've stuck with my team. And during the Nick Saban era, Alabama has returned to greatness! We celebrated a National Championship last year.

So, Crimson is definitely my color! And if you happen by my apartment during a game, you will probably here a few "Roll Tide's" and a few "Rammer Jammer's"! Probably not what all the Tennesseans around me want to hear! I've shouted a few tonight!

Seems fitting on what would have been the Bear's 97th birthday. Happy Birthday, Bear Bryant.

"If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride - and never quit - you'll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards."--Bear Bryant

Just a quick post this time, but I did want to follow up with my last post...I had a great turnout for our singles event... Now it seems kind of silly that I was worried about it. We will see how it goes from here on out.

Popularity Enters Adulthood

For those of you who say popularity is only a problem in high school, I would like to challenge that philosophy. I'm told all the time, people grow up and popularity doesn't matter anymore. But I live with unpopularity everyday. I'm 31, and I think I deal with it just as much as I did when I was 16, just in a different way. It all comes in the form of people not coming to events I plan.

Just before my best friend got married, I threw her a lingerie shower. I guess this was about 9 years ago. I invited so many people. But only the bride-to-be, her soon-to-be sister-in-law, and myself showed up. I will always believe if someone else had planned it, more people would have come...

This idea haunts me even today. A few weeks ago, I hosted a Spa party, and I invited 20 ladies. Only 3 showed up.

I am the leader of the singles group at my church. I use that term, "leader" loosely, because, number one: it's a new group,
and number two: I don't have many willing to take part in group activities. We have about 10 singles, which is awesome, since we have such a small church. I believe it's important for singles to hang out together, and befriend each other. Being single is hard, and the only people who understand just how hard it is are other singles. I'm not saying couples don't have it hard...but singles face totally different issues. So, it's important we support one another. Well, i've been planning events for months now...and usually only about 3 show up. I just wonder if popularity is playing a role. I'm not the "popular" one, or the "cool" one. I wonder if someone else in the group were to plan the same events on the same day if more people would show up.

I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God gave me a heart for other singles. I have had this singles group on my heart for years--even before I became part of this church. I just pray everyday, asking God if someone else would be a better leader than me...better at getting others involved.

So yes, I believe popularity, or the lack thereof is a big problem today. This has never been an issue for me. I've always been able to befriend everyone--hang out with anybody. So, this is an issue that leaves me perplexed! I just wish folks would get over it and look at others as someone different from them, and therefore someone you might be able to learn something from...and someone that might make their life better by allowing that person into it.

The Lord's Blessings

This week, I checked my checking account, only to find that I had severely over-spent this month. I moved, so there were lots of unexpected expenses. Plus, I had a my "lil' sis" come to visit for a week, and of course spent more money than I should have. But I loved every minute with her.

Looking at my checking account scared me. I also realized I was in dire need of an oil change and tire rotation on my car. So, reluctantly, I got in the car and drove to Ford this morning to get those things done. I just decided if needed, I would put the fee on my credit card and pay it off later.

After the car got finished, they checked my advantage card, and lo and behold, I had a free oil change! Because using that credit would require changing all the paperwork, the guys in the office decided to give me the tire rotation for free as well!

So, Thank you, Lord, for blessing me today. The cost would have been about $50, and I really couldn't afford it right now. Jesus comes through when we least expect it!!!

A Wonderful Place

It's one of my favorite places, and this year Camp SAM turns 25! Watch this video and tell me what you think about this place that allows kids battling cancer to just be kids!

CAMP Smile A Mile

Running thru the Rain

I got this story in my email this week...and thought I would share. It's such a good reminder to enjoy the little things in life and trust God.



> A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have
> been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired,
> freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of
> rain that gushes over the top ofrain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit
> the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there
> under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.
>
> We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up
> their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the
> sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the
> world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came
> pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
>
> The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were
> all caught in 'Mom let's run through the rain,'
> she said. 'What?' Mom asked.
>
> 'Let's run through the rain!' She repeated
>
> 'No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.
>
> This young child waited about another minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's
> run through the rain,'
>
> 'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said.
>
> 'No, we won't, Mom.. That's not what you said this morning,' the young
> girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm
>
> This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get
> wet?
>
> 'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer,
> you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through
> anything!'
>
> The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything
> but the rain. We all stood silently... No one came or left in the next
> few minutes...Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would
> say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some
> might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in
> a young child's life.. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so
> that it will bloom into faith.
>
> 'Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD
> let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed
> washing,' Mom said.
>
> Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they
> darted past the cars and yes, through the
> puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case.
> They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and
> laughed like children all the way to their cars.
>
> And yes, I did.. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
>
> Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they
> can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one
> can ever take away your precious memories....So, don't forget to make
> time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything
> there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. I HOPE YOU
> STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

Don't Bash the President

Our country is in turmoil. The unemployment rate is high, folks have lost their homes, many are struggling to make ends meet. President Barack Obama inherited America's problems when he became the leader of our country (He didn't create them, remember?). Over the last year and a half, the President has worked to fix a lot of our mess. Passing the health care bill was a huge step in the right direction. If you don't agree with health care reform, then you've never been in a place where someone you love, or yourself, was very sick and could not get help because you didn't have health insurance. He's also helped create thousands of jobs with the stimulus program. And our country is turning around.(I don't care if you agree with these statements or not).

I didn't vote for President Obama...I didn't even like him while he was running. But I do think he's doing pretty good with what he was given. And no I'm not a democrat. I'm an independent, who votes for the right candidate, not a party. I say all of this because we are in the midst of another election period right now. And it appalls me that there are candidates using their platform to bash the President. We should be voting for candidates who are willing to work together with the President to make a better America...not for those who want to work against him in everything he does. I don't care who the President is! He deserves respect!

There is a candidate in Tennessee running for Congress. Her name is Robin Smith, and her ad simply says "vote for me and I will work against the president". Click here to see ad. How is that helping America? Americans voted President Obama into office and he deserves a chance to turn things around.

A Georgia candidate for Congress, Jody Hice, used a hammer and sickle symbol on a billboard, which is the symbol for communism, when referring to the President. This is NOT acceptable.

If you vote for either of these candidates, or any other candidate that talks about going against the President on everything, then this country will remain the place it is today--people without work, wall street falling apart, foreclosures at an all-time high. You need to vote for people who are willing to work together to make this country the great place we know it can be. And that doesn't mean always agreeing with President Obama. It means talking things through and coming to decisions together, as a team. Please vote wisely this year. It could mean a better America, or the worse you've ever seen.

The world is always better with friends

Today, I learned a big lesson. I can't do life without friends. Today, severe pain shot through my leg...so bad I nearly passed out. I struggled to get to my phone. But with a call, I had a friend coming to pick me up to take me to the emergency room. She was only able to stay a couple hours, but a little while later, another friend came to the ER, sat with me, then brought me to her house to spend the night. What would I have done without these wonderful ladies? I've lived without local friends before, but today I learned I never want to do life alone again. Turns out I have a pulled hamstring. I'm now on some powerful pain killers. THank you, Lord, for blessing me with people like Dawn and Stephanie...

Thank You!!!!

It always amazes me when people tell me they read my blog. I mean, these are just my thoughts and ramblings that sometimes I just have to talk about. This is a great outlet for me. Over the last week, I have gotten 3 comments, saying they read my blog! And just in the last couple of weeks, my known followers increased from 2 to 7! It's amazing. I just want to say "Thank You" for reading! If you read and haven't become a follower of my page, please do so! I love to see who is reading! And I will try to be better about updating more often!

Going with your gut

The coolest thing happened this week. I was just sitting there, minding my own business, and out of the blue, a manager at a news station out west emailed me asking if I were interested in coming to work. Now, before that email, I hadn't even thought about moving. I hadn't sent any resumes, so it was just out of the blue! Undoubtedly one of my co-workers had dropped my name in conversation with someone else (Thanks, by the way...huge compliment!) Once I got that email, for a few days, my world turned upside down. The what-if's started going through my head, and the more I thought about it, the more it sounded like a wonderful adventure I wanted to be a part of.

Right now, thought, the timing is off. I am so close to family right now, and my grandmother is battling cancer. I just didn't feel right going so far away from her. Plus, I've started over every two years...just got to wondering if I wanted to do that again right now. Usually I have a few months to prepare for it, but this time, it was just dropped in my lap. I also like the people I work with...and that's a rare gem, I have learned!

So, after lots and lots of thought and prayer, I am going with my gut feeling, and staying in Chattanooga. I am hoping that my decision pays off. I am also hoping that this manager will remember me if ever a position opens back up and he needs a news producer.

I have begun to review books, and I just finished my first on the list. Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a copy of "The Witness" by Josh McDowell, for my review. It was a very different book from the genre that I usually read, but I couldn't put it down. I read it in four days, only reluctantly putting it down to sleep or to work. The book is a murder/suspense novel. It begins with a crazy scene of murder, that you might only find in a movie. The lead character, Marwin Accad, is forced into hiding, and into running from city to city, because not only are assassins after him, but so are the police. But you learn, not only is he running from those who are after him, he is running from God. The funny thing is, God starts showing up in the oddest places, showing Marwin that he can't do it alone.

I do have to say, I didn't care for how the book ends. It leaves you with many questions as to what may have happened next. I would have liked the author to wrap it up a bit better. But overall, a very good book. Would love to see a sequel to "The Witness

LOST Explained--This is my take

Favorite Quote of LOST finale: Christian Shephard to Jack: "The most important part of your life was the time you spent with these people. That's why all of you are here. Nobody does it alone, Jack. You needed all of them, and they needed you." Jack: "For what?" Christian: "To remember., and to let go."
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Okay, so the island was real. That was all of their real experiences. But the life this season was showing as if the plane didn't crash was the characters in a holding place--what some would think of as purgatory. They have to go there until they can remember what happened to them and how they died. Some died earlier, and some later. But all had to come into play as each character remembered. When JAck finally remembered what had happened to him, he got to go to heaven. The others are left up to interpretation, but I believe some of them were already in heaven--the ones who had already remembered. They were just helping the others get there.
Benjamin Linus had sinned, so he had some stuff to work out before he could go, that is why he didn't go in the church...and if you noticed, Michael wasn't there either. He was stuck on the island...he was the whispers you could here sometimes.

Loved the ending...Jack died exactly how and where he woke up on the island the very first episode...In the bamboo forest, he woke up one eye opened...he died one eye closed. Nice touch adding vincent the dog (Walt's dog) to make sure JAck wasn't alone when he died.

That seems to be a resounding theme throughout LOST...that you can't do life alone. You need people to do life with you. My favorite quote of this finale: Christian Shephard to Jack: The most important part of your life was the time you spent with these people. That's why all of you are here. Nobody does it alone, Jack. You needed all of them, and they needed you. Jack: For what? Christian: To remember., and to let go.

And last week a very similar quote by Jacob to Jack: Jacob: "I didn't pluck any of you out of a happy existence. You were all flawed. I chose you because you were all like me. You were all alone. You were all looking for something you couldn't find out there. I chose you because you needed this place as much as it needed you."

All of them were trying to do life alone and on their own.--and they were terribly unhappy. The island, as bad as it was, helped them really live and love.

Jack, who had always kinda been in the shadow of his father, took charge on the island...and he became the symbol of all that was good--to fight off evil(the black smoke and the man in black who had taken over John Locke's body)...and good always wins in the end. He had to learn how to defeat evil--and he did...the island itself was keeping the evil invincible.

Now that I understand what actually happened, I loved the finale. I want to go back and watch it again. No, I don't believe in pergutory--but I think this worked in this show...which was all make-believe, anyway.

Cruise to the Bahamas

Valerie and I just got home from a cruise to the Bahamas...and I wrote down a summary of each day...thought you might enjoy reading about it!

4/17/10
Val and I left Chattanooga at 3am to drive to Jacksonville. When we got to the terminal, we felt like we were being herded like cattle...one linie after another--five lines before we were able to board. Then we couldn't get into our stateroom until 1:30. I had so many carry-ons! We had lunch on the Lido deck, then at 1:30, we went to our room for a nap. We figured the cruise didn't really start until 4 anyway, and we were tired! At four, we went to a required safety meeting where were were taught where to go if the ship is sinking, how to put on a life jacket, and where our rafts are located. I don't know about you, but if the boat is sinking, I'm getting my life vest and heading straight to the raft--not the muster station!

We watched the boat set sail, then were entered to win free spa stuff...didn't win, but it was still fun. We explored a bit, went to dinner, where I ate a wonderful tomato soup, a cesar salad, chicken pasta, and Chocolate Melting Cake (yum!). THen Val went to bed. I went to the opening show--a comedy show and dancing, then I explored a bit...Went to the casino and lost $20...Got in bed around 12:30am.

The First day of the cruise I had a tough time with sea sickness. Wasn't nauseaus, but I was dizzy. You could really feel the boat rocking.

4/18/10
Fun day at sea! Woke up at 9a, to find Valerie had been up and already been to the gym for a workout! The beds were so comfy! WE had breakfast delivered to our stateroom, then headed to the pool for a fun-filled day in the sun. One problem: There was no sun! It was overcast-and cold! So we laid out by the pool until lunch, then ate caribbean food in the coconut grill. It was delicioius! We went back to the pool, long enough to watch the "Hairy Chest Competition". It was so funny! Then we went to a dance class. Valerie decided to watch, and she took plenty of pictures of me dancing the salsa! WEnt to a shopping seminar, then to our rooms to ready for formal ight. Got all dressed up--ate stuffed mushrooms, strawberry bisque, lobster tail and shrimp, with a baked potato and a cherry dessert. WE got our pictures taklen several times--there were some really pretty ones, but we didn't buy them. Then we went to the show--all about 80s music, clothes, and hair! Then we went to bed--Half Moon Cay tomorrow!

4/19/10
Hmm...How do I describe this day? Absolutely Marvelous! Today, Val and I got up at 7am. WE got ready, ate breakfast on the Lido deck--eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, toast, bagels, and orage juice. And by 8:30am, we were on the tender boat, and on our way to Half Moon Cay. It is so beautiful! The water looks like a swimming pool. IT's aqua blue and you can see everything! IT's amazing! You get 20 feet deep and you can still see the bottom clearly. And the water is very salty--burns your eyes so bad, and it doesn't taste very good, either! The sand throughout the island is fune, soft sand that feels wonderful to your feet! We started our day on the island by getting on another boat and heading snorkeling. We went way off the island to a reef, and I saw lots of beautiful fish--blue, yellow, multicolor--we also saw different types of coral--one lady says she saw a sea turtle! It took a few minutes to figure out snorkeling. I had a hard time breathing and getting used to the waves. But once I got it, I had a great time! We also met Alex and Emily during this trip--friends for the rest of the cruise. After snorkeling, we came back to the island and laid on the beach for hours! We ate lunch, then went back to the beach. We were on the island, in the sun, for 8 hours--and you could look at me and tell! I was so red, despite wearing spf30 sunblock all day!
That evening I attended another dance class--this time it was disco dancing...saw Alex and emily there. THen we went to bed.

4/20/10
we woke up this morning and we were in Nassau! My first impression was how wonderful it was. But then we got off the boat! THere were all types of people, harrassing cruisers, trying to sell tours, taxis, scooters, and anything else you can think of. BUt we got away from the terminal and all was right with the world again.
We went to all kinds of stores, and the famous straw market. The straw market held beautiful hats and handbags, all woven by those selling them. One lady even let me take her picture while she worked. We ate lunch on the ship, then went back out. We rode a Jitney(bus) to cable beach and that was quite the experience! You almost have to have a death wish! But we made it in one piece, and it only cost $1.25 each way! The water at cable beach wasn't as nice as what we saw at Half MOon Cay. There was lots of seaweed. We didn't stay long. We went back downtown and shopped more. Then we went to the Queen's Staircase and met a guy who gave us a tour of sorts. He told us the history of the Queen's staircase. It has 65 steps--one for each year Queen Victoria reigned. We also learned that Bahamians were slaves to England. And when slavery was abolished, the Queen gave the slaves the islands and helped them make lives for themselves. All children learn christianity in school...and they even have a hotel/tourism class, since that's their main industry. The tour guy also showed us Fort Fincastle and a beautiful view. We then went back to the boat--man, was I tired! WE got back around 6, so it was a 10 hour day and my feet hurt so bad!

We went to dinner and sat in Putu and Ntando's section for a third night. I ordered Lobster Bisque and fried shrimp and grouper with a marmalade sauce. Then, we went to a juggling show and comedy act...so funny! I laughed so hard, I hurt!

As I went to join the deck party, it started raining. But it didn't last long. THere was a live band...so fun... I danced the electric slide, the macarena, the YMCA, the Chicken Dance, and any other group dance you can think of. Valerie didn't go with me to the party...she went to bed early. I made it to sleep about midnight.

4/21/10

Today is the last day of the cruise. I'm sad it's over, but so glad I got the opportunity to come! We had so much fun! This day, I was so tired I didn't wake up til about 9:30. We went and ate breakfast, then we had to go to a mandatory embarkation meeting, where Trevor, our cruise director, explained the provess for getting off the boat. Then it was time for some fun in the sun. WE headed out to the Lido deck and grabbed a couple of lawn chairs. OUr chairs were close to the stage, and that was wonderful! We got to hear the band playu and see all the entertainment. We played a game of tv theme song trivia, we watched a man carve a sculpture out of ice, and all kinds of stuff. I was in and out of the pool a couple of times--which by the way was salt water! WE ate lunch about 1:30--mongolian food--it was wonderful! THen at 2:15, it was time for the country line dancing class! Alex and emily were there again. I got their information so we can stay in touch on facebook. Then I went back out for more fun in the sun. Valerie decided to go shopping. WE met back in the room about 5p and then headed to the farewell party. There was music, dancing, and free drinks. Then we got ready for dinner. It was our last night with Putu and Ntando. Sad. I got mushroom creme soup, crab cake, and shrimp, scallop, and callamari pasta. I picked out the calamari(yuck). But the food was great...and for dessert? Chocolate melting cake, of course! THe show tonight was called "Mambo" then back to our rooms to pack and back to the Palace theatre for another comedfy show. WE were in bed around midnight.

The next morning, we got in the car and headed home. Vacation is over, but the memories will last a lifetime.

An Irish Blessing

I found this Irish Blessing the morning, and I absolutely love it. I wish this for all of you:

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!

The Tortoise and the Hare

I wrote this for an assignment, but I still wanted to share...I believe it's very true:

We all know the children’s fable about the tortoise and the hare. We learn at the end “slow and steady wins the race.” In life, many of us feel like we’re in a race. It’s the race called life. Some are looking to get to the top of the ladder before someone else does. Others are just working toward a goal they set for themselves.
I think people can be compared to the tortoise and the hare. Some people are tortoises. These people work hard, they don’t cut corners, and they keep on moving until they get to their goals in life. Sometimes it doesn’t happen as quickly as one would like. There are hills to climb, and obstacles to overcome. But tortoises keep putting one foot in front of the other, looking toward the finish line.
There are others, however, who are hares. Hares work towards the goal for a while, but then they forget what they’re trying to accomplish. They lose sight of the goal, the finish line. They say to themselves, “I’m not in a hurry. I’ve got plenty of time.” Then time runs out.
As Christians, our goal should be to live for the Lord and serve Him. Our ultimate goal is Heaven. In Philippians 3:14, Paul writes, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” So, make goals, and keep working toward them. You will be rewarded.

Rain, Wash My Sorrows Away

Tonight, it's raining. It's been raining all day. The weather--it seems to match my mood. Just as the sky seems to be crying, so are my heart and soul.
I have deep secrets, that only God and the walls of my bedroom know. I cry out to God frequently, asking Him for answers.

All day at work today, I've struggled. I'm so tired, and that alone makes me emotional. I laid in bed until noon today, because my body just seems like it had no energy. I just wanted to keep my eyes shut and forget about the day ahead. But I have to work. So I went. But the only good things that came out of the day were that I actually got to take an hour for lunch. I went alone, which was probably a good thing, considering my bad mood. The second good thing? That my show was flawless.

Then I got in the car, and before I could even get out of the parking lot, I was sobbing. I put in a worship c-d, third day...and the song "Give Me a Revelation" started through the speakers of the car. And I just started crying out to God, my creator. Just crying out to Him, asking him to help me have the desires of my heart.
Then when I got home, I stood out in the rain, hoping it could wash my sorrows away.

The song "give me a revelation" by third day is exactly how I feel right now. I need a revelation. I feel like I'm alone, I'm broken...but I'm trying to find my way. Many times, though, I feel so lost. It's like I wrote this song, cause the whole song is EXACTLY how I feel.

When I was a kid, and my mom was making me do something I didn't want to do, I would say, "But that's not fair." She would always reply, "Life's not fair." I never realized the truth in that statement, until recently. Life's Not Fair!

Please pray for me, as I try and do this thing we call "Life".
JESUS--I need you more than ever right now. I've got nothing without you.

I Miss You, My Dear Brother

Today it has been 13 years since you went home to Jesus. It seems like a lifetime ago, but at the same time, it seems like it was just yesterday. You've been on my mind a lot, lately. You've been in my dreams. In some of those dreams, we're still teenagers.. But in some of those dreams, I've been blessed with sort of a glimpse of you...who you might be now. I cherish those dreams. God blessed me with the best brother a girl could have. Even though you were my little brother, you always acted so protective like a big brother. We shared lots of laughs and many sorrows. Sometimes I still wish I could just head to your room and talk about our day...about the struggles, about the joys...we used to to that all the time. I don't know why you were taken from this world at the young age of 15. But I do know I am proud to have known you...proud to have called you my brother. I miss you, Robbie. I still hold you in my heart.

"I Carry You in My Heart"
E.E. Cummings
(an excerpt)
Here is the deepest secret no one knows.
Here is the root of the root... and the bud of the bud...
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life... which grows higher than the soul can hope... or mind can hide.
It is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart.
I carry your heart. I carry it in my heart.

Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot?

Tomorrow is the last day of 2009...the last day of an entire decade. That's hard to comprehend. Just thinking back on the last 10 years...

In 2000, I was a college student. Just a few months before, I had transferred to the University of South Alabama to finish my bachelors of arts degree in Communication. It's hard to think of myself as that 20 year old that was just getting started in adulthood. There's so much I didn't know--yet I thought I knew it all. I had my future mapped out...I was going to get a job in Television as a reporter, get married, and have a couple of kids. I was ready to conquer the world! I didn't care about the fear I felt about the future, because I was ready to stare that fear in the face.

I liked the 20 year old "me". As we get older, we decide to get comfortable in the day to day, mundane life. Here I am, just turned 31, and no, I don't like where I'm at. But it's hard for me to think of doing or being anything other than what I am...a tv news producer at work, single in my personal life. But if I've learned anything over the last 10 years, I've learned that things can change in an instant. One moment, you think, "wow, I need a change!" and the next minute, something just kind of falls in your lap, or something changes that pushes you to make that change.

In college, I thought I had it all figured out...and I wasn't going to let anyone squash my dreams. Those ney-sayers...you know, the ones that say "It can't be done", I was all about proving them wrong.

I grew up in a very small Alabama town. And undoubtedly, small town girls aren't supposed to do anything big. Or at least what small minds consider big. Because when I decided I wanted to work in television news, I had teachers, even my guidance counselor tell me it couldn't be done. Which is kind of odd, considering the whole reason I got interested in TV to start with was because of a class that was offered one year at Gordo High School. A class that I was put into by chance. I am so glad it happened. But those teachers, they all told me I shouldn't go away to college--because small town girls don't do well in college, unless they go to the local community college first. And they tried to talk me out of working in television, too. So, much of this decade has been about proving them wrong. And I did! I've seen some of them in my hometown since graduation, and they get a weird look on their face when I tell them what I do for a living.

But you know, I'm tired of living my life to prove someone else wrong. Beginning in 2010, I'm going to live for me and for me only. I'm going to do what makes me happy. I just have to figure out what does make me happy and do it.

Since college graduation(2002), I have lived in Mobile, Alabama, Huntsville, Alabama, Pensacola, Florida, Greenville, South Carolina, and now Chattanooga, Tennessee. For the most part, I didn't move just to move. I moved in order to get to my dream. I wanted to be a news producer of a 5pm newscast(somewhere along the way, my dream of being a reporter changed). And that required moving around in order to move up. I never got much attached to the places I lived. I had friends everywhere I lived, even in Pensacola, which is surprising, since I was only there for three months (I told you life can change quickly!) But when I got to Greenville, suddenly all of that changed. I made a life for myself there. I had friends, a boyfriend, a great church, and a great-paying job. I had actually decided to stay, but then work got more than I could handle, and suddenly happiness at work was more important than the money I was making.

So I moved to Chattanooga...which not only fulfilled my dream of becoming a 5pm producer, but gave me a great city to live in...Now here, I have good friends, a wonderful church...and a job where I'm treated well, which is nice. But I'm not satisfied. So, over the next couple of months, I will be analyzing my life, and try to figure out how I can get satisfied. A friend of mine recently commented on one of my posts. She told me that she is happy to see me so content in life, because so many of her single friends are not. The truth is, I try hard to be content, but that isn't always the case. I do want that companionship that only a husband can give. I think any single woman who says she doesn't want that is lying. But I know that this is the life I have right now, and I will never get it back, so I need to enjoy what God has given me.

With that said, I am so happy that my life's journey has included all of the wonderful people that I've had the privilege of knowing. People I would never have met had I not chosen the path I did. People in all sorts of cities across the country and the world. The famous song Auld Lang Syne talks about friends of times past.
it's literal translation is this:
Should old friends be forgotten
and never remembered
Should old friends be forgotten
and the days they shared together

I believe old friends should never be forgotten, because those friends are who have made us the people we are today. I believe God brings people into your life for a reason, for a season, or for a lifetime. And I can look back over the many friends I have made on this life's journey...over the past decade, and see many faces. Some of them I never talk to anymore...they were only my friends for a season. But they had their purpose. And I am so glad that many of the friends I have made are here for a lifetime. Many of you reading this fit that category.

So no, old acquaintance should not be forgot. Thank you for doing life's journey with me. Here's to a great New Year and a New Decade! Cheers!

The Magic of Christmas

This is my first year on facebook, and i have been saddened reading about how children are either being told Santa Claus isn't real, or they're beginning to question the legend of Santa Claus at earlier ages. I think the latter is being caused by the former. First of all, Santa is based on a real person...

Saint Nicholas was born to wealthy christian parents in the third century. His parents died while he was still very young. Obeying Jesus' words to sell all you have and give the money to the poor, Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. Saint Nicholas is known as the patron and protector of children.

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds.
One story tells of a poor man who had three daughters. In those days, a father had to offer his daughter's prospective husband a dowry. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry...and without dowry's, these young women were likely to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, a bag of gold appeared in their home, on three different occasions--which provided the needed dowries. the bags were tossed through an open window and are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left by the fire to dry. That's where we get the custom of hanging stockings at Christmastime.

Saint Nicholas died December 6th, which is why many celebrate St. Nicholas day on that day each year. During my time as a part-time nanny for a German family in Mobile, Alabama, I learned about the tradition of Saint Nicholas day--it's one I would like to keep with my future children. Kids put their shoes outside the door while they sleep on December 6th. During the night, Nicholas comes and fills their shoes...candy if they were good, rocks if they were bad...one of my kids that I kept got rocks in one shoe and candy in the other one year! I guess he was half good/half bad! :)

As christians, we all know the true reason for the season. Jesus. But Jesus if about a gift. God gave Jesus to the world so that we could know Him and spend eternity with Him. And because I am a christian, and I love Jesus, I believe Christmas is about giving...whether it be a gift of love or of a toy. And Santa fits right into that category...

plus...What's childhood without a bit of make believe and magic? I have to commend my parents, Bob and Regina, were all about the magic of Christmas. This is the truth! I believed in Santa Claus until I was a teenager! Yes, you probably think i'm a dork...But everytime I started to doubt, something would happen on Christmas eve! One year I heard elves run down the hallway! I'm not kidding! It sounded like little people, and lots of them, running! Then one year, I heard reindeer on the roof! If that's not enough to make you believe, I don't know what is! And one year...on Christmas Day, we found sleigh marks in the yard! It was amazing!

But of course, we always had the nativity in the house--and always talked about JEsus and the gift He gave us!

I say all of this to say--enjoy the magic of Christmas! And let your children enjoy it, too! Because, we only get one childhood! And if you have the imagination and the means...make this Christmas a little more magical for them. And for yourself!

I can only hope somewhere a child is hearing reindeer on the roof, or bells, or even elves in the hallway. :)

12 Days of Christmas

You know the song...but exactly how did the 12 Days of Christmas become a popular song? I mean, it is a little strange...who gives lords a leaping and ladies dancing to the ones they love? I might understand the five gold rings, though!

But I came across something very interesting today. An explainer on how the song was written, and it's quite fascinating:


From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics..

It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history lesson of the day...next time you sing the catchy song, maybe you'll think about how the true meaning has deep roots in the Bible.