Good evening everyone. It's Sunday night and I am enjoying the New Year and very excited to get home to beautiful California. I leave on Tuesday and get home before 10:00 on Tuesday night. I am excited to hang out with a certain boy, see my friends, and overall sleep in my own bed. I have had a good second day of 2005. I did few things today as it's Indiana and boring as it gets...as the title suggests. I woke up and had breakfast with my mom this morning and hung around the house with her and my sisters and finished up my resolutions.
After that I finished watching "50 first dates" and "School of Rock" with Britt and we had a good time. After that we had lunch which consisted of some pretty good spaghetti alfredo. After that Britt and I decided to head to the store to grab some things and rent some new movies since that is all there is in Indiana to do. We rented 4 movies and ended up watching just "Napolean Dynamite" tonight. I have seen it but Britt hadn't. She has to go to school tomorrow for her last semester in High School so she is already in bed.
I went out to my dad's house for Dinner and had a great time hanging with them and watched "Honey" over dinner. I left there at about 9:30 and now I am home blogging for the night before I head out for some prayer and a walk with Jarrid. Life has been good today and I have met all of my resolutions thus far. I have drank a lot of water, been careful about my food intake, going to walk soon, and pray soon plus a few other needed steps on the other resolutions.
I have been sure about learning new things every day of 2005 and being grateful for one thing each day and here are my learning and grateful experiences for the day:
Things I have learned today:
1. I really love eating breakfast with my momma in the quiet of the house before Britt and Hill are up and arguing.
2. I love Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. I have always wanted to look just like Drew Barrymore and lets be honest, I would love to marry a jew just like Adam Sandler! :)
3. My sister, Hilliary, is very talented in Needle point and other crafty type things. She is doing this patriotic needlepoint and it is amazing.
4. My mom is a great packer and I wish I could always have her pack my bags because it was so much more efficient when she did it.
5. People will do whatever is best for themselves and will think of noone else. People overall are very selfish and I hope I can overcome that in my own personal relationships.
Thing I am grateful for on January 2, 2005:
I am grateful that God is looking out for my step-mom. My dad and his wife were planning to get divorced and today there was news broke that they are going to work it out. I am very grateful to God for this because my step mom is a great woman and sweet as it gets. She loves my dad very much and has been a great wife and mother. I really wanted her to be taken care of and my dad to keep the vows he made before God. I am just happy that this is going to happen. Please keep them in prayer as things are very rocky at this time. Thank you everyone!
Well, I should get going to pray and walk with Jarrid so everyone have a beautiful night and keep on keeping on. ~Shalom~
Sunday, January 02, 2005
31-50 Resolutions for 2005!
Good Morning everyone. Today is only the 2nd day of 2005 and it is going really well so far. I ended my night last night with a walk with Jarrid. I love Jarrid so much and it's always nice to just talk with him and be in his presence. I am trying to remember in 2005 to enjoy the moment I am in completely. I should not be wishing for new moments but enjoying that one step I am taking with a man I love dearly. I have decided to have 50 total resolutions this year. I am more into goals than resolutions but ideally these are 31-50 of the resolutions I plan to complete in 2005.
31. Eat breakfast every day of 2005.
32. Take a multivitamin every day of 2005.
33. Drink 64 ounces of water every day of 2005.
34. Work out in some way every day of 2005. This can be taking a short walk, doing weights, aerobics, shopping, etc...but I must be intentionally moving every day!
35. Lose 35 lbs at least by May when I come home for Britt's graduation.
36. Work arms out at least 3 days a week due to them being very weak.
37. Work abs out 4 days a week in 2005. I have terrible love handles.
38. Have graduate school application in by February 1, 2005 to Vanguard.
39. Save $10.00 of each paycheck in 2005 at least and place in a savings account in order to develop some savings.
40. Record all spending in 2005 to see where all of my money goes. (my guess is food)
41. Get over Adolfo in 2005 by actually dealing with all of our baggage.
42. Have a beautiful V-day in 2005 even if I don't have a date by loving myself!
43. Get dental work done in 2005 fixing my broken tooth and possibly more.
44. Limit intake of red meat to 3 times a week in 2005.
45. Eat no pork products in 2005. (sausage, bacon, ham, pork chops etc...)--actually had ham yesterday but hated it....moving out of pork for the rest of 2005.
46. Read at least one psychology type book every two months in 2005...totaling 6 books in all throughout 2005.
47. Take lessons to learn something new in 2005 regardless of what it is...piano, karate, guitar, drums, etc... whatever comes to mind.
48. Write one thing each day that I am thankful for in order to fully develop a sense of gratefulness toward God.
49. Practice giving others space in 2005 by limiting phone calls and things such as that when I feel I have gone overboard.
50. Use caution and be protected in every case. Don't take stupid risks!!! (you know what this means Erica)
Ok, so these are my resolutions for 2005 in their completeness. Since I thought of a few more that I didn't do for yesterday I have to complete them today. The one that I need to complete right away is the thing I am thankful for, for yesterday. Here is January 1, 2005's thankful thing...
I am thankful to have a friend like Jarrid who walks with me at night and protects me. He stands in between me and danger in every case. If there is a dog coming on the side of the road, he puts himself between me and the dog just in case. He laughs at my jokes, understands my humor, feels my pain, and shares his heart with me. I love Jarrid so much and I am so lucky to have him in my life. He cares about making himself better and strives for good things. I am impressed by him and believe him to be a very beautiful man. Thank you God for Jarrid Davis!
Well everyone, I hope your January 2nd is beautiful and use it to grow. Be good and ~Shalom~
31. Eat breakfast every day of 2005.
32. Take a multivitamin every day of 2005.
33. Drink 64 ounces of water every day of 2005.
34. Work out in some way every day of 2005. This can be taking a short walk, doing weights, aerobics, shopping, etc...but I must be intentionally moving every day!
35. Lose 35 lbs at least by May when I come home for Britt's graduation.
36. Work arms out at least 3 days a week due to them being very weak.
37. Work abs out 4 days a week in 2005. I have terrible love handles.
38. Have graduate school application in by February 1, 2005 to Vanguard.
39. Save $10.00 of each paycheck in 2005 at least and place in a savings account in order to develop some savings.
40. Record all spending in 2005 to see where all of my money goes. (my guess is food)
41. Get over Adolfo in 2005 by actually dealing with all of our baggage.
42. Have a beautiful V-day in 2005 even if I don't have a date by loving myself!
43. Get dental work done in 2005 fixing my broken tooth and possibly more.
44. Limit intake of red meat to 3 times a week in 2005.
45. Eat no pork products in 2005. (sausage, bacon, ham, pork chops etc...)--actually had ham yesterday but hated it....moving out of pork for the rest of 2005.
46. Read at least one psychology type book every two months in 2005...totaling 6 books in all throughout 2005.
47. Take lessons to learn something new in 2005 regardless of what it is...piano, karate, guitar, drums, etc... whatever comes to mind.
48. Write one thing each day that I am thankful for in order to fully develop a sense of gratefulness toward God.
49. Practice giving others space in 2005 by limiting phone calls and things such as that when I feel I have gone overboard.
50. Use caution and be protected in every case. Don't take stupid risks!!! (you know what this means Erica)
Ok, so these are my resolutions for 2005 in their completeness. Since I thought of a few more that I didn't do for yesterday I have to complete them today. The one that I need to complete right away is the thing I am thankful for, for yesterday. Here is January 1, 2005's thankful thing...
I am thankful to have a friend like Jarrid who walks with me at night and protects me. He stands in between me and danger in every case. If there is a dog coming on the side of the road, he puts himself between me and the dog just in case. He laughs at my jokes, understands my humor, feels my pain, and shares his heart with me. I love Jarrid so much and I am so lucky to have him in my life. He cares about making himself better and strives for good things. I am impressed by him and believe him to be a very beautiful man. Thank you God for Jarrid Davis!
Well everyone, I hope your January 2nd is beautiful and use it to grow. Be good and ~Shalom~
Saturday, January 01, 2005
A good start indeed.
Good evening everyone. I am still kickin it in Southern Indiana with my family tonight. I am here for another 2 and 1/2 days. I have had an ok time while I have been here but it's been pretty boring with 2 feet of snow on the ground almost the entire time I have been here. Things have happened while I have been here to really disturb me but I am trying to let everything roll off. I am getting a bit nervous about going back to California and kicking it into gear to try to get a new job and pay my bills on time.
My first day of 2005 actually has gone pretty well. I woke up this afternoon and wrote some new resolutions. My dad called and asked if I wanted to go and work out so I headed with him to the gym at around noon. While I was there, I ran into a guy that I met at the tattoo parlor the other night named Marcus. Marcus is very good looking and sweet also. He is a tattoo artist at Evolution. I think he has a girlfriend and quite possibly a child on the way but either way, he is an interesting thing to see and hang out with while working out.
I ended up challenging myself quite a bit at the gym and then Dad took me back home. My mom fixed a nice big meal for New Years consisting of Ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cole slaw, rolls, deviled eggs...the works. I love Indiana eating although it hates me. I then went and took a short nap since my belly was full. I got up after that and hung out with my family for a while and just finished watching "The Secret Window." I had seen it in the theater but Britt wanted to watch it and I am always up for a second viewing of Johnny Depp.
My new tattoo is in the very annoying stage of peeling and itching. It's a lot like a sunburn. He is still really cute and I'll be happy when he is done healing. I have to really fall in love with him since he is permanent. It's nice to be happy with something right now since it has been a while since I have been pleased with anything. Life has been pretty hard lately. Overall, I am going to be happy in 2005.
Well, as I wrote earlier today, I plan to write 5 things each day that I have learned in 2005 and I wanted to start that this evening. So far the resolutions are going well for the first day. I am getting ready to go for a late night walk and pray so I am working towards keeping things up. Here are my learning experiences for January 1, 2005:
1. I don't like Ham anymore. Ham is too salty for me and since I have tried to cut pork out...my stomach doesn't really like it either. I think I am cutting ham out of my diet completely.
2. I love the way it feels to work out. A work out is one of the most exhilirating experiences I ever have. I love to run on the treadmill, work out my legs, do a great upper body workout and take a late night walk. I love exercise and it is amazing.
3. My dad is an incredibly sensitive person and is quite a romantic. He has a lot of great ideas about what love is about and is trying desperately to find his 2nd or 3rd chance at it. He really does know how to romantically love someone but has just come to the point where he loves himself enough to love another.
4. It is always best to keep a secret if someone has asked you to. I kept a very important secret recently and it backfired on me in a small way but overall was the best action to take. It is always best to use discretion when dealing with yours or anyone elses personal life.
5. A tattoo is remarkably like a sunburn. You go through the first stage of it burning like your flesh is falling off, the second stage of extreme itchiness, and the third stage of peeling. Eventually it's a beautiful thing but considerably like a sunburn.
Well, that's all I have for today. I do hope you all had a great first day of the year and you are pushing forward on being a better person in the new year. Loving you all so much and wishing you a peaceful 2005. ~Shalom~
My first day of 2005 actually has gone pretty well. I woke up this afternoon and wrote some new resolutions. My dad called and asked if I wanted to go and work out so I headed with him to the gym at around noon. While I was there, I ran into a guy that I met at the tattoo parlor the other night named Marcus. Marcus is very good looking and sweet also. He is a tattoo artist at Evolution. I think he has a girlfriend and quite possibly a child on the way but either way, he is an interesting thing to see and hang out with while working out.
I ended up challenging myself quite a bit at the gym and then Dad took me back home. My mom fixed a nice big meal for New Years consisting of Ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cole slaw, rolls, deviled eggs...the works. I love Indiana eating although it hates me. I then went and took a short nap since my belly was full. I got up after that and hung out with my family for a while and just finished watching "The Secret Window." I had seen it in the theater but Britt wanted to watch it and I am always up for a second viewing of Johnny Depp.
My new tattoo is in the very annoying stage of peeling and itching. It's a lot like a sunburn. He is still really cute and I'll be happy when he is done healing. I have to really fall in love with him since he is permanent. It's nice to be happy with something right now since it has been a while since I have been pleased with anything. Life has been pretty hard lately. Overall, I am going to be happy in 2005.
Well, as I wrote earlier today, I plan to write 5 things each day that I have learned in 2005 and I wanted to start that this evening. So far the resolutions are going well for the first day. I am getting ready to go for a late night walk and pray so I am working towards keeping things up. Here are my learning experiences for January 1, 2005:
1. I don't like Ham anymore. Ham is too salty for me and since I have tried to cut pork out...my stomach doesn't really like it either. I think I am cutting ham out of my diet completely.
2. I love the way it feels to work out. A work out is one of the most exhilirating experiences I ever have. I love to run on the treadmill, work out my legs, do a great upper body workout and take a late night walk. I love exercise and it is amazing.
3. My dad is an incredibly sensitive person and is quite a romantic. He has a lot of great ideas about what love is about and is trying desperately to find his 2nd or 3rd chance at it. He really does know how to romantically love someone but has just come to the point where he loves himself enough to love another.
4. It is always best to keep a secret if someone has asked you to. I kept a very important secret recently and it backfired on me in a small way but overall was the best action to take. It is always best to use discretion when dealing with yours or anyone elses personal life.
5. A tattoo is remarkably like a sunburn. You go through the first stage of it burning like your flesh is falling off, the second stage of extreme itchiness, and the third stage of peeling. Eventually it's a beautiful thing but considerably like a sunburn.
Well, that's all I have for today. I do hope you all had a great first day of the year and you are pushing forward on being a better person in the new year. Loving you all so much and wishing you a peaceful 2005. ~Shalom~
11-30 Resolutions for 2005
Good Morning everyone. It is the first day of 2005 and it feels good to have a starting over point. Here are some more resolutions that I would like to work on in the new year. I will also be posting learning experiences every day in 2005 so I know that I am learning something and I won't forget the lessons learned. That will come at the end of each day where I will tell you the 5 main lessons I have learned. By the end of the year, I will have learned 1,825 important lessons. Here are the resolutions that I have thought of....
11. Learn something new everyday in 2005 and record those lessons in my blog and journal.
12. Read through the Bible for the second time around
13. Test blood sugar at least once a week throughout 2005.
14. Weigh myself every Saturday of 2005 and record in a journal.
15. Make sure and tell the people I love that I love them every time I talk to them in 2005.
16. Maintain good email and phone contact with my friends and family. At least one call or email per week to each person.
17. Send one random card a month to people I love and let them know what I feel about them.
18. Buy one dress and wear it out in 2005.
19. Buy a swimsuit and wear it in front of someone in 2005 (non family member)
20. Have at least 2 professional pictures taken in 2005 to document any weight loss.
21. Maintain web-site well and keep it updated with new photos and news.
22. Take as many pictures as I can afford to take.
23. Create a scrapbook of all of my pictures and make those memories last.
24. Go on a cruise to Mexico with my favorite Boy!
25. Visit Josh in Colorado during the summer.
26. Finish reading Atlas Shrugged.
27. Have Carrie out at my place sometime in 2005.
28. Save money for Christmas to be able to get the people I love something great!
29. Pray everyday no matter how I am feeling or what I am doing wrong. Go humbly before the throne of God daily.
30. Pay off hospital bills in Collections as soon as possible in 2005.
Ok, there are some new resolutions. I am keeping them coming. There are 365 days to complete all of these things and I think I'll do it. I am very confident in my ability to achieve all of my goals. Well, have a beautiful 1st of January and stay on task this year everyone. I love you all dearly!
~Shalom~
11. Learn something new everyday in 2005 and record those lessons in my blog and journal.
12. Read through the Bible for the second time around
13. Test blood sugar at least once a week throughout 2005.
14. Weigh myself every Saturday of 2005 and record in a journal.
15. Make sure and tell the people I love that I love them every time I talk to them in 2005.
16. Maintain good email and phone contact with my friends and family. At least one call or email per week to each person.
17. Send one random card a month to people I love and let them know what I feel about them.
18. Buy one dress and wear it out in 2005.
19. Buy a swimsuit and wear it in front of someone in 2005 (non family member)
20. Have at least 2 professional pictures taken in 2005 to document any weight loss.
21. Maintain web-site well and keep it updated with new photos and news.
22. Take as many pictures as I can afford to take.
23. Create a scrapbook of all of my pictures and make those memories last.
24. Go on a cruise to Mexico with my favorite Boy!
25. Visit Josh in Colorado during the summer.
26. Finish reading Atlas Shrugged.
27. Have Carrie out at my place sometime in 2005.
28. Save money for Christmas to be able to get the people I love something great!
29. Pray everyday no matter how I am feeling or what I am doing wrong. Go humbly before the throne of God daily.
30. Pay off hospital bills in Collections as soon as possible in 2005.
Ok, there are some new resolutions. I am keeping them coming. There are 365 days to complete all of these things and I think I'll do it. I am very confident in my ability to achieve all of my goals. Well, have a beautiful 1st of January and stay on task this year everyone. I love you all dearly!
~Shalom~
1-10 resolutions for 2005!
Happy New Years Everyone! 2005 is finally here and boy oh boy am I going to spank it this year!!!!! Here are my resolutions...1-10.
1. Lose the rest of my weight. Current weight 228 lbs---Goal weight 125 lbs. (still to lose 103 lbs)
2. Decide where to go for Graduate School and apply to all schools considered.
3. Get into a graduate school in a clinical psych program.
4. Get a second job that I don't hate and make at least $3,000 a month.
5. Pay off the Cavie in full and save $200 a month from May on.
6. Go home for Britt's graduation in May.
7. Pay $250 a month on accumulated debt in an attempt to pay off.
8. Handle Student Loans and make sure they are consolidated.
9. Find a church that I really like and attend faithfully.
10. Develop a consistent and healthy relationship with my father no matter what.
Ok, there are 1-10 of the new resolutions. I will be writing more as they progress. I have mini goals and mega goals such as the ones above. Well, I should get going. Happy New Years everyone and make 2005 count! ~Shalom~
1. Lose the rest of my weight. Current weight 228 lbs---Goal weight 125 lbs. (still to lose 103 lbs)
2. Decide where to go for Graduate School and apply to all schools considered.
3. Get into a graduate school in a clinical psych program.
4. Get a second job that I don't hate and make at least $3,000 a month.
5. Pay off the Cavie in full and save $200 a month from May on.
6. Go home for Britt's graduation in May.
7. Pay $250 a month on accumulated debt in an attempt to pay off.
8. Handle Student Loans and make sure they are consolidated.
9. Find a church that I really like and attend faithfully.
10. Develop a consistent and healthy relationship with my father no matter what.
Ok, there are 1-10 of the new resolutions. I will be writing more as they progress. I have mini goals and mega goals such as the ones above. Well, I should get going. Happy New Years everyone and make 2005 count! ~Shalom~
Friday, December 31, 2004
2004..ending at last
This is the last post I will be writing in 2004. This doesn't sadden me in the least since 2004 was a complete nightmare. I love that 2005 is right around the corner so that I can start doing something different in the new year. I know I don't require a new year to do new things but it feels good to have a fresh start. Here are my last learning experiences of 2004:
1. Tattoos start to itch so badly that you want to tear your flesh off rather than have it on there.
2. People are much deeper than you would think when you ask them important questions.
3. Love has to wait as long as you can withstand it because it makes you realize how much its worth.
4. I will be 25 in 2005 and it's amazing to think of myself as a grown up!
5. Graduate school scares me to death.
6. I really like tattoos and wouldn't mind getting a few more that are only visible to me.
7. I hate packing and would rather just buy new clothes wherever I end up.
8. You only live once...live it up!!!!
9. Steven is one of the hottest people I know, and I enjoy him!
10. I am so over Indiana!!!
11. California is where I belong.
12. The people who look the least likely to be great, are the best people I have ever known.
13. Joel is my best friend and can be counted on in EVERY situation.
14. Britt and I again....have so much fun together. I can't wait for her to come out for Spring Break.
15. Losing weight is the hardest thing anyone has ever tried to do..I am sure of it.
16. Finding a new job scares me a little but excites me a lot.
17. I love living with Richard and Chris and I am so happy to be in their lives.
18. Pictures are my absolute favorite thing in life.
19. I am pretty sure that everyone grows distant no matter what you try to do about it.
20. Although 2004 was a crappy year, it was one of the best in growing and learning. I appreciate all that it brought me..including the scars!
Thank you all for a beautiful year. I appreciate all of your friendship and love. Stay tuned because tomorrow...resolutions!
~Shalom~
1. Tattoos start to itch so badly that you want to tear your flesh off rather than have it on there.
2. People are much deeper than you would think when you ask them important questions.
3. Love has to wait as long as you can withstand it because it makes you realize how much its worth.
4. I will be 25 in 2005 and it's amazing to think of myself as a grown up!
5. Graduate school scares me to death.
6. I really like tattoos and wouldn't mind getting a few more that are only visible to me.
7. I hate packing and would rather just buy new clothes wherever I end up.
8. You only live once...live it up!!!!
9. Steven is one of the hottest people I know, and I enjoy him!
10. I am so over Indiana!!!
11. California is where I belong.
12. The people who look the least likely to be great, are the best people I have ever known.
13. Joel is my best friend and can be counted on in EVERY situation.
14. Britt and I again....have so much fun together. I can't wait for her to come out for Spring Break.
15. Losing weight is the hardest thing anyone has ever tried to do..I am sure of it.
16. Finding a new job scares me a little but excites me a lot.
17. I love living with Richard and Chris and I am so happy to be in their lives.
18. Pictures are my absolute favorite thing in life.
19. I am pretty sure that everyone grows distant no matter what you try to do about it.
20. Although 2004 was a crappy year, it was one of the best in growing and learning. I appreciate all that it brought me..including the scars!
Thank you all for a beautiful year. I appreciate all of your friendship and love. Stay tuned because tomorrow...resolutions!
~Shalom~
Thursday, December 30, 2004
2004, a learning year
Hello everyone and it's almost 2005~ I am excited about it being 2005 because that is a starting over point. This year has been very hard for me although I have learned a lot. I am looking to find more learning in 2005 and perhaps a little more happiness. Here is what I am learning:
1. Everyone lies about Tattoos. They don't really hurt that badly.
2. You should never do something just because someone else wants you to but do what you want to do because you are only young once.
3. Don't worry about what others like about you...worry about what you like about you.
4. My friends from back in the day in Mitchell, might be the best friends I will ever have.
5. There is nothing better than seeing someone you haven't seen for years and knowing they are happy to see you.
6. There is much joy in having someone say "Gosh, Erica, you look great!" when you have lost a lot of weight.
7. Pictures in cowboy hats are always better than any others you do.
8. I would never get my nose pierced...britt got hers done and she has had a lot of issues with it. Looks cute though britt!
9. Meat lovers pizza at Pizza hut is great no matter what size it is in and feels better when you sneak it.
10. A handshake it way funnier than a high five.
11. My new saying is "Like it was my name!"
12. My friends don't tell me anything!
13. I am going to start backing off from boys...they are poison to me sometimes.
14. A tattoo starts to itch the 2nd day and here is a small suggestion..don't scratch in your sleep..you will wake up crying! :(
15. Brittany really is the best friend I will EVER have. We have so much fun together.
16. I am really sad that Britt is growing up but pretty happy about it too because it means we are adults together.
17. There are times when the most unlikely things happen and you think..."What are the odds?"
18. Lawyers are awful people!
19. I like water so much better than soda.
20. Lubriderm sensitive skin lotion is the key to a great tattoo!
well, that's todays learning experiences. Pretty soon I will be posting my resolutions. I encourage all of you to make goals for 2005 and meet them. You won't be sorry!
~Shalom~
1. Everyone lies about Tattoos. They don't really hurt that badly.
2. You should never do something just because someone else wants you to but do what you want to do because you are only young once.
3. Don't worry about what others like about you...worry about what you like about you.
4. My friends from back in the day in Mitchell, might be the best friends I will ever have.
5. There is nothing better than seeing someone you haven't seen for years and knowing they are happy to see you.
6. There is much joy in having someone say "Gosh, Erica, you look great!" when you have lost a lot of weight.
7. Pictures in cowboy hats are always better than any others you do.
8. I would never get my nose pierced...britt got hers done and she has had a lot of issues with it. Looks cute though britt!
9. Meat lovers pizza at Pizza hut is great no matter what size it is in and feels better when you sneak it.
10. A handshake it way funnier than a high five.
11. My new saying is "Like it was my name!"
12. My friends don't tell me anything!
13. I am going to start backing off from boys...they are poison to me sometimes.
14. A tattoo starts to itch the 2nd day and here is a small suggestion..don't scratch in your sleep..you will wake up crying! :(
15. Brittany really is the best friend I will EVER have. We have so much fun together.
16. I am really sad that Britt is growing up but pretty happy about it too because it means we are adults together.
17. There are times when the most unlikely things happen and you think..."What are the odds?"
18. Lawyers are awful people!
19. I like water so much better than soda.
20. Lubriderm sensitive skin lotion is the key to a great tattoo!
well, that's todays learning experiences. Pretty soon I will be posting my resolutions. I encourage all of you to make goals for 2005 and meet them. You won't be sorry!
~Shalom~
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Learning is great fun...2004
Hello everyone. Another day of great learning experiences. I had an interesting day today already and some of the learning experiences come from there. Here are some of them:
1. If you blow a tire on the side of Highway 37, you better hope you have a great friend named Jarrid to come and help you out :)
2. Pictures are so fun to do and they can really get you out of a funky mood after a blown tire.
3. A cowboy hat looks good on most boys.
4. There are crazy people in my life and it's not just me, they are CRAZY!
5. There is absolutely nothing to do in Indiana when you don't have a car and there is 2 feet of snow on the ground.
6. Fudge tastes great by the pan!!
7. My teenage mutant ninja turtle slippers are HOT!
8. Confidence and intelligence are the 2 hottest characteristics of any I know.
9. My new friends in my life are great!
10. I really love a great set of lips!
11. Solitude is great and I need to find a way to appreciate it.
12. When you hide things from others, even when you have been asked to, they will most likely be mad at you... when it all comes out.
13. I love persimmon pudding and crave it every time I am home.
14. My little sister has interesting gag reflexes.
15. Hilliary's "goth" make-up shade is exactly the color of my face...how sad :(
16. There are these new socks that feel like you are walking in Jell-o. They feel so good on your feet.
17. It takes several days for me to get over my broken cowboy hat.
18. There is a place in my hair that sticks up when I am getting my picture taken
19. I need to exercise or I might go crazy
20. I hate being indoors after only 1 day!!!!!
Ok, I am going to go and work on my New Year's resolutions now since I am stuck in Indiana ...home bound and bored out of my stinkin mind. Thanks for stopping in and keep learning! ~Shalom~
1. If you blow a tire on the side of Highway 37, you better hope you have a great friend named Jarrid to come and help you out :)
2. Pictures are so fun to do and they can really get you out of a funky mood after a blown tire.
3. A cowboy hat looks good on most boys.
4. There are crazy people in my life and it's not just me, they are CRAZY!
5. There is absolutely nothing to do in Indiana when you don't have a car and there is 2 feet of snow on the ground.
6. Fudge tastes great by the pan!!
7. My teenage mutant ninja turtle slippers are HOT!
8. Confidence and intelligence are the 2 hottest characteristics of any I know.
9. My new friends in my life are great!
10. I really love a great set of lips!
11. Solitude is great and I need to find a way to appreciate it.
12. When you hide things from others, even when you have been asked to, they will most likely be mad at you... when it all comes out.
13. I love persimmon pudding and crave it every time I am home.
14. My little sister has interesting gag reflexes.
15. Hilliary's "goth" make-up shade is exactly the color of my face...how sad :(
16. There are these new socks that feel like you are walking in Jell-o. They feel so good on your feet.
17. It takes several days for me to get over my broken cowboy hat.
18. There is a place in my hair that sticks up when I am getting my picture taken
19. I need to exercise or I might go crazy
20. I hate being indoors after only 1 day!!!!!
Ok, I am going to go and work on my New Year's resolutions now since I am stuck in Indiana ...home bound and bored out of my stinkin mind. Thanks for stopping in and keep learning! ~Shalom~
Monday, December 27, 2004
Learning like it's my job...2004
Hello everyone. I am still learning tons in the last couple of days of 2004. I am still in the frozen tundra of Indiana and it's freezing here. The snow is about 2 feet on the ground and it's incredibly hard to get anywhere unless you have a 4 wheel drive. Luckily my dad has an explorer so that has been the basis of most of my traveling. Ok, well here is what I am learning in 2004:
1. Pepper will only take so much and then he will hiss at me and want me to die a horrible death.
2. Mexican Wedding Cake is my favorite cookie (poofernussy)
3. Arby's is still my favorite fast food.
4. Questions directed in the right sense will tell you everything you need to know about someone!
5. A C magnet will properly adjust to create a U magnet.
6. Extreme Makeover Home Edition makes me cry.
7. Turkey makes me pass out...no doubt about it.
8. I laugh a lot in my sleep.
9. My dad's cats should be made into scarves and soup. They are the most annoying creatures that ever graced the planet
10. My pants get tighter the longer I am in Indiana.
11. I love my Adidas running pants.
12. I miss my California people when I don't get to see them.
13. I really don't like when someone calls me "California Chick" and assumes that I have all the time in the world to go to the beach and actually swim.
14. I hate when people say "Man, you can tell you drive in California!"
15. Christmas is a sad time when your family is struggling and you are too!
16. There is a ornament from the Hallmark Collection that is Yertle the Turtle and I love it!
17. No matter how much time passes, what you do, or how much you pretend they arent...Crazy people..stay crazy! (not a sentence for a psychology major to ever say!)
18. In Indiana, there is an "R" in the word wash. (I need to get some more windshield WARSHER fluid)
19. Indiana people still think it's ok to decorate their tree in John Deere ornaments.
20. There is a new redneck dictionary word or phrase "A pair" like....I had to go a pair and see my folks for Christmas"
Ok, there are my learning experiences for today. Hope you enjoyed! ~Shalom~
1. Pepper will only take so much and then he will hiss at me and want me to die a horrible death.
2. Mexican Wedding Cake is my favorite cookie (poofernussy)
3. Arby's is still my favorite fast food.
4. Questions directed in the right sense will tell you everything you need to know about someone!
5. A C magnet will properly adjust to create a U magnet.
6. Extreme Makeover Home Edition makes me cry.
7. Turkey makes me pass out...no doubt about it.
8. I laugh a lot in my sleep.
9. My dad's cats should be made into scarves and soup. They are the most annoying creatures that ever graced the planet
10. My pants get tighter the longer I am in Indiana.
11. I love my Adidas running pants.
12. I miss my California people when I don't get to see them.
13. I really don't like when someone calls me "California Chick" and assumes that I have all the time in the world to go to the beach and actually swim.
14. I hate when people say "Man, you can tell you drive in California!"
15. Christmas is a sad time when your family is struggling and you are too!
16. There is a ornament from the Hallmark Collection that is Yertle the Turtle and I love it!
17. No matter how much time passes, what you do, or how much you pretend they arent...Crazy people..stay crazy! (not a sentence for a psychology major to ever say!)
18. In Indiana, there is an "R" in the word wash. (I need to get some more windshield WARSHER fluid)
19. Indiana people still think it's ok to decorate their tree in John Deere ornaments.
20. There is a new redneck dictionary word or phrase "A pair" like....I had to go a pair and see my folks for Christmas"
Ok, there are my learning experiences for today. Hope you enjoyed! ~Shalom~
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Learning still....2004
First of all Merry Christmas everyone. I hope this Christmas finds you all doing marvelous. I am having a beautiful day with my family. My mommas cooking is amazing and I got a new cd that I wanted. I have learned so much this year and although I have struggled much, I have also had a lot of joy. I love you all dearly and wish I could have gotten you all your greatest wish. Here is what I have learned in 2004 again:
1. White Christmas is still my favorite Christmas movie and it still makes me tear up a little thinking of my grandma!
2. Turkey is only wonderful when my mommy makes it!
3. Getting up at 5:00 in the morning and talking with my big sister is inevitable when we both catch a germ from the pentecostals that cursed us.
4. There are people in high school that will do things to you and they WILL remember later when they run into the supermarket. (Hill, this was so funny)
5. The Amish make the best peanut brittle
6. Never pack a cowboy hat in your luggage, they broke my favorite hat! :(
7. Peanut butter is better out of the jar and only when it's Jif Creamy!
8. An Eckrich hot dog is better than any hot dog on the planet. I wish California would carry them.
9. There is nothing Brittany Hates more than stuffing.
10. Snow is pretty when you are inside and doesn't feel good when it freezes your nose hair.
11. It takes approximately 6 tries to get a Mercury Cougar into the driveway full of snow.
12. Don't give people brooms in Ace Hardware to ride just because they are being a witch...mom will get mad.
13. There is a tree in Indiana that has two bushes on each side that are lit up and look like a part of the male anatomy. Use your imagination.
14. Men will stare at you even if you think they are repulsive and know about their STD's
15. Embalming should not be a qualification you list if you want to date someone. Do not take your family to Chastains. ;)
16. There is a noise that comes out of Britt that sounds almost exactly like a duck.
17. A book and some perfume can make your mom happy for Christmas!
18. Your best friends will call you on Christmas Eve and tell you Merry Christmas. I love you "Joshie"
19. That drama queen movie with Lindsey Lohan is even worse the second time.
20. Denny's is the best breakfast in the world after a 4.5 hour plane ride! :)
1. White Christmas is still my favorite Christmas movie and it still makes me tear up a little thinking of my grandma!
2. Turkey is only wonderful when my mommy makes it!
3. Getting up at 5:00 in the morning and talking with my big sister is inevitable when we both catch a germ from the pentecostals that cursed us.
4. There are people in high school that will do things to you and they WILL remember later when they run into the supermarket. (Hill, this was so funny)
5. The Amish make the best peanut brittle
6. Never pack a cowboy hat in your luggage, they broke my favorite hat! :(
7. Peanut butter is better out of the jar and only when it's Jif Creamy!
8. An Eckrich hot dog is better than any hot dog on the planet. I wish California would carry them.
9. There is nothing Brittany Hates more than stuffing.
10. Snow is pretty when you are inside and doesn't feel good when it freezes your nose hair.
11. It takes approximately 6 tries to get a Mercury Cougar into the driveway full of snow.
12. Don't give people brooms in Ace Hardware to ride just because they are being a witch...mom will get mad.
13. There is a tree in Indiana that has two bushes on each side that are lit up and look like a part of the male anatomy. Use your imagination.
14. Men will stare at you even if you think they are repulsive and know about their STD's
15. Embalming should not be a qualification you list if you want to date someone. Do not take your family to Chastains. ;)
16. There is a noise that comes out of Britt that sounds almost exactly like a duck.
17. A book and some perfume can make your mom happy for Christmas!
18. Your best friends will call you on Christmas Eve and tell you Merry Christmas. I love you "Joshie"
19. That drama queen movie with Lindsey Lohan is even worse the second time.
20. Denny's is the best breakfast in the world after a 4.5 hour plane ride! :)
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Still learning in 2004
Hi everyone, I am still learning as it's 2004. I am leaving tonight to go to Indiana for the holidays. The holidays are going to be interesting because we are penniless...so please pray for my family. Here are some more learning experiences:
1. Never underestimate the power of a good photo! Always take pictures at every available moment because those are what you hold on to in times of trouble!
2. Christmas is never about presents. Even if there is none under the tree, it still feels great to know you'll be eating your mamas cooking and playing board games with your crazy sisters!
3. A gift as simple as a homemade cd can make someone smile if they really love you!
4. Wind chimes are one of the prettiest sounds at a cemetary because they are the only thing that reminds you..you are alive.
5. Your real friends are the ones who will take you to the airport and pick you back up!
6. When the world walks out on you, the best friends will have a drink with you!
7. You can learn to do anything, it's just it is not always that fun.
8. Just when you think someone forgot about you, they didn't!
9. The biggest moments of your life can be captured by just closing your eyes and forcing yourself to make a memory. You can go there again anytime if you use this method.
10. The holidays are harder when you have lost your grandparents. They are the best people to keep Christmas happy!
11. There is nothing good about Christmas Eve being your death date.
12. Morphine patches are a new drug craze and they kill people!
13. I have learned all of the belts in Karate and quite a few other tidbits of knowledge about the art of Karate and Christopher and Joel are both doing it :)
14. The word Joel literally makes me smile from ear to ear...I don't usually notice..others do!
15. You should never let someone else determine your morality but do things because you believe them and find out why you believe them. (Thanks for that one Joel)
16. Journaling is one of the most therapeutic things anyone can do. It releases all of your pent up feelings and completely helps you to not have to disclose everything to actual people.
17. I like things that I thought I never would like. I have turned over a new leaf in being experimental.
18. There are few people who I want to be around a lot ...when I find those people, I should back off and give them space in order to understand their merit in my life.
19. The cell phone has a time and a place to be turned off. Some of those places are obvious like a funeral but others are not so obvious but essential like when spending time with a person you love a lot and don't get to hang with very often.
20. The best calls are never expected but come when you think the person has forgotten you are alive. HE didn't forget! :)
Well, that's today's learning experiences. I am getting ready to get on a plane and head to Southern Indiana for 11 days. Please pray for Safety in my travels and for a good holiday with my fam. Indiana now has 2 feet of snow so I am looking forward to some snow angels, snow men, snowballs, and cabin fever. I will take pictures and load them onto the web-site. I have new pictures today of Joel and Gavin. I will be loading those on in Indiana. Have a great Christmas Eve Eve and I will hopefully write tomorrow as well. Much love and ~Shalom~
1. Never underestimate the power of a good photo! Always take pictures at every available moment because those are what you hold on to in times of trouble!
2. Christmas is never about presents. Even if there is none under the tree, it still feels great to know you'll be eating your mamas cooking and playing board games with your crazy sisters!
3. A gift as simple as a homemade cd can make someone smile if they really love you!
4. Wind chimes are one of the prettiest sounds at a cemetary because they are the only thing that reminds you..you are alive.
5. Your real friends are the ones who will take you to the airport and pick you back up!
6. When the world walks out on you, the best friends will have a drink with you!
7. You can learn to do anything, it's just it is not always that fun.
8. Just when you think someone forgot about you, they didn't!
9. The biggest moments of your life can be captured by just closing your eyes and forcing yourself to make a memory. You can go there again anytime if you use this method.
10. The holidays are harder when you have lost your grandparents. They are the best people to keep Christmas happy!
11. There is nothing good about Christmas Eve being your death date.
12. Morphine patches are a new drug craze and they kill people!
13. I have learned all of the belts in Karate and quite a few other tidbits of knowledge about the art of Karate and Christopher and Joel are both doing it :)
14. The word Joel literally makes me smile from ear to ear...I don't usually notice..others do!
15. You should never let someone else determine your morality but do things because you believe them and find out why you believe them. (Thanks for that one Joel)
16. Journaling is one of the most therapeutic things anyone can do. It releases all of your pent up feelings and completely helps you to not have to disclose everything to actual people.
17. I like things that I thought I never would like. I have turned over a new leaf in being experimental.
18. There are few people who I want to be around a lot ...when I find those people, I should back off and give them space in order to understand their merit in my life.
19. The cell phone has a time and a place to be turned off. Some of those places are obvious like a funeral but others are not so obvious but essential like when spending time with a person you love a lot and don't get to hang with very often.
20. The best calls are never expected but come when you think the person has forgotten you are alive. HE didn't forget! :)
Well, that's today's learning experiences. I am getting ready to get on a plane and head to Southern Indiana for 11 days. Please pray for Safety in my travels and for a good holiday with my fam. Indiana now has 2 feet of snow so I am looking forward to some snow angels, snow men, snowballs, and cabin fever. I will take pictures and load them onto the web-site. I have new pictures today of Joel and Gavin. I will be loading those on in Indiana. Have a great Christmas Eve Eve and I will hopefully write tomorrow as well. Much love and ~Shalom~
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Learning experiences in 2004 Continued
Hi everyone. I hope that yesterday's learning experiences taught you something new as they did me. Here are the next 20 learning experiences I had in 2004:
1. Never chase after a friendship that isn't two sided. It will exhaust you and cause you to be resentful when you just need to take a hint.
2. Go running at least once a day. There is much release in hearing your heels pound the pavement or sand. There is a giant endorphin release that makes you feel higher than any drug could ever do.
3. Be happy when your friends find love. They deserve it and their love could make you stand back and remember what it was like.
4. Love is beautiful. Remember those times where just hearing the word "Love" would make chills go up and down your spine. It can happen again and it will!
5. Never be afraid to wear a cowboy hat in public, it could just be the laugh that you need in the pit of despair.
6. Keep your friends close because you just never know when you will need to fall directly into their arms and always be close enough to catch them.
7. If your tire blows on the freeway, there is always a hero out there sporting a full black outfit and the sweetest smile that ever graced the planet to change the tire like he works for Nascar. (Thank you again Sweety)
8. The most surprising people will help you when you lose your job. They will give you more work to do to make money, call you and find out if you are ok, and have you wrap presents to keep from getting depressed!
9. The word Christian is not about a title, but about a way of life. The people who you think of as great Christians are the ones who will leave you in the trenches. The ones who you are not sure about, are the ones who wear the sweetest fruit!
10. There is absolutely nothing better than taking time in the morning to make yourself a great breakfast and take a walk before your day begins.
11. Allergies go away after years and years...I can drink Orange Juice now and I do almost every day!
12. A V-Tech engine is impressive and I think I want one! (thanks for the explanation friend)
13. I am not the biggest fan of the new mustang. It looks weird to me but I am sure it will grow on me after a while.
14. There is something to be said for almost owning your car and not wanting to enter into another loan. God always has his reasons for keeping you grounded.
15. One of the most attractive statements ever made to me could be "Would you like to come and see my new shifter knob?" I am a car nut and I love when people speak car lingo!
16. The faster ...the better....nuff said FORBES!
17. Dishes are so much easier if you do them immediately. (kinda common knowledge but I am learning more and more every day)
18. Taking a cat to the vet is one of the most horrendous tasks of being a pet owner. I have decided not to have a cat when I "grow up."
19. The more stress that you allow on yourself, your brain will push other things out like things you are supposed to remember like birthdays, payments to be made, etc...
20. My hair is all colors, all lengths, and all textures and can be found in any room in the house and therefore I am suspected to be a vixen! :)
Ok, there are some silly learning experiences but learning experiences nonetheless. I love you all and I'll keep them coming! ~Shalom~
1. Never chase after a friendship that isn't two sided. It will exhaust you and cause you to be resentful when you just need to take a hint.
2. Go running at least once a day. There is much release in hearing your heels pound the pavement or sand. There is a giant endorphin release that makes you feel higher than any drug could ever do.
3. Be happy when your friends find love. They deserve it and their love could make you stand back and remember what it was like.
4. Love is beautiful. Remember those times where just hearing the word "Love" would make chills go up and down your spine. It can happen again and it will!
5. Never be afraid to wear a cowboy hat in public, it could just be the laugh that you need in the pit of despair.
6. Keep your friends close because you just never know when you will need to fall directly into their arms and always be close enough to catch them.
7. If your tire blows on the freeway, there is always a hero out there sporting a full black outfit and the sweetest smile that ever graced the planet to change the tire like he works for Nascar. (Thank you again Sweety)
8. The most surprising people will help you when you lose your job. They will give you more work to do to make money, call you and find out if you are ok, and have you wrap presents to keep from getting depressed!
9. The word Christian is not about a title, but about a way of life. The people who you think of as great Christians are the ones who will leave you in the trenches. The ones who you are not sure about, are the ones who wear the sweetest fruit!
10. There is absolutely nothing better than taking time in the morning to make yourself a great breakfast and take a walk before your day begins.
11. Allergies go away after years and years...I can drink Orange Juice now and I do almost every day!
12. A V-Tech engine is impressive and I think I want one! (thanks for the explanation friend)
13. I am not the biggest fan of the new mustang. It looks weird to me but I am sure it will grow on me after a while.
14. There is something to be said for almost owning your car and not wanting to enter into another loan. God always has his reasons for keeping you grounded.
15. One of the most attractive statements ever made to me could be "Would you like to come and see my new shifter knob?" I am a car nut and I love when people speak car lingo!
16. The faster ...the better....nuff said FORBES!
17. Dishes are so much easier if you do them immediately. (kinda common knowledge but I am learning more and more every day)
18. Taking a cat to the vet is one of the most horrendous tasks of being a pet owner. I have decided not to have a cat when I "grow up."
19. The more stress that you allow on yourself, your brain will push other things out like things you are supposed to remember like birthdays, payments to be made, etc...
20. My hair is all colors, all lengths, and all textures and can be found in any room in the house and therefore I am suspected to be a vixen! :)
Ok, there are some silly learning experiences but learning experiences nonetheless. I love you all and I'll keep them coming! ~Shalom~
Monday, December 20, 2004
learning experiences in 2004
Good afternoon everyone. I wrote earlier today and wrote about resolutions and how they would be coming soon. First of all I want to take the time to talk about what I have learned this year. I think 2004 was the biggest learning experience of my life thus far..therefore ...I need to dwell on it for a bit and think through some of the learning experiences I have had. I wanted to share this with you over the next few days and make this an ongoing thing...until 2005. I will be making my resolutions as the days progess and posting them before the new year.
Things I have learned in 2004:
1. Never drink 24 shots of anything ...ever! Drinking alcohol can be a very pleasant experience and the taste is great but doing anything to excess can make you do stupid things and say even more stupid things.
2. Take at least 2 weeks to make a very vital decision. Take the time to be alone and think things through. Never make a rash decision especially when you are dealing with someone elses heart.
3. Always be careful when leaving someone behind in your life. You never know what they may do in response to your leaving. Always make sure you know what they meant to you and develop a new type of relationship with them as you leave.
4. Never be afraid to spend money on someone you love. If it's their birthday go all out. Take them to a comedy show, buy them lots of presents, and eat chocolate covered strawberries with them as much as you can. Show them you love them by always surprising them. Never worry about $$$ when it comes to love!
5. Don't trust anyone that has gossiped to you before. Always confide in people who can be trusted and disclosing less is much wiser than disclosing more!
6. Enjoy the big moments in life like walking in to Pomp and Circumstance on your graduation day. Remember all of the sights, sounds, and smells of a great moment. Remember what it felt like to hold hands with a man you love and take a theatrical bow at your shared success.
7. On the biggest times in life, spend them with people who care about you. Spend them with the man who got you through college, the woman who gave you life, and the man who makes your heart skip a beat! Spend them with friends who bring you flowers even though they aren't your boyfriend and friends who hold your heart when it's breaking!
8. Being alone has it's own merit. Do things alone that you want to do but noone else agrees to. Read a great book, go alphabetically through your dvds, take a run, clean and organize, write in your journal, go to the park and eat lunch, cry about how much you love someone, grieve, do all of the things that come naturally alone. Don't ever regret or resent alone time but BASK in it!
9. Grieve things thoroughly. Don't ignore the fact that there are several stages to grief. There is more to be done and time to do it in. Take the time to cry about your losses but take the time to laugh at your memories!
10. Never assume just because you are toting a cart and walking 10 feet away from a vehicle that they can't plow you down! People are NOT watching..you must!
11. When you get plowed down by an SUV, use that as an excuse to slow down. Let the road rash heal, let the knee slowly regain it's posture, and let your dignity come back naturally!
12. When leaving a friend's house late at night, pay attention to the road. There is someone out there either drinking or more tired than you are who is perfectly willing to take your headlight out.
13. A car is a car. It can be fixed and it's worth way less than your life. Cavie forgives you!
14. Dating is a wonderful thing if you date the people that you don't feel you are settling for. If you feel you are settling in the slightest sense...YOU ARE! They won't disappoint. They will take all they can from you and leave you empty.
15. Never try to date someone else seriously when you love someone so much. Love someone with all you have and believe in it. Nothing else is as beautiful as love itself!
16. Virginity(in every sense) is crucial and spiritual. It is a beautiful thing and cannot be competed with.
17. There is no better feeling than looking at the face of your little sister when you surprise her by making her school play!
18. There is not much better than watching your little sister be a star at everything she does! (so proud of you my love)
19. The feeling of having a holiday with both of my parents can not EVER be described in words.
20. Confronting someone about something horrible they have done is not rewarding to you,...but rather the best thing you can do ..for them!
There are the first 20 things I have learned in 2004. I have a grip of things to add and I thought I would stop and let you all know that you had a great part in a lot of these learning experiences. It is wonderful to have you all in my life and you know which numbers you played a part in! There are more to come and I'll email with info so you can see these yourself! Have a beautiful day and take this opportunity to think of the things you have learned this year! ~Shalom~
Things I have learned in 2004:
1. Never drink 24 shots of anything ...ever! Drinking alcohol can be a very pleasant experience and the taste is great but doing anything to excess can make you do stupid things and say even more stupid things.
2. Take at least 2 weeks to make a very vital decision. Take the time to be alone and think things through. Never make a rash decision especially when you are dealing with someone elses heart.
3. Always be careful when leaving someone behind in your life. You never know what they may do in response to your leaving. Always make sure you know what they meant to you and develop a new type of relationship with them as you leave.
4. Never be afraid to spend money on someone you love. If it's their birthday go all out. Take them to a comedy show, buy them lots of presents, and eat chocolate covered strawberries with them as much as you can. Show them you love them by always surprising them. Never worry about $$$ when it comes to love!
5. Don't trust anyone that has gossiped to you before. Always confide in people who can be trusted and disclosing less is much wiser than disclosing more!
6. Enjoy the big moments in life like walking in to Pomp and Circumstance on your graduation day. Remember all of the sights, sounds, and smells of a great moment. Remember what it felt like to hold hands with a man you love and take a theatrical bow at your shared success.
7. On the biggest times in life, spend them with people who care about you. Spend them with the man who got you through college, the woman who gave you life, and the man who makes your heart skip a beat! Spend them with friends who bring you flowers even though they aren't your boyfriend and friends who hold your heart when it's breaking!
8. Being alone has it's own merit. Do things alone that you want to do but noone else agrees to. Read a great book, go alphabetically through your dvds, take a run, clean and organize, write in your journal, go to the park and eat lunch, cry about how much you love someone, grieve, do all of the things that come naturally alone. Don't ever regret or resent alone time but BASK in it!
9. Grieve things thoroughly. Don't ignore the fact that there are several stages to grief. There is more to be done and time to do it in. Take the time to cry about your losses but take the time to laugh at your memories!
10. Never assume just because you are toting a cart and walking 10 feet away from a vehicle that they can't plow you down! People are NOT watching..you must!
11. When you get plowed down by an SUV, use that as an excuse to slow down. Let the road rash heal, let the knee slowly regain it's posture, and let your dignity come back naturally!
12. When leaving a friend's house late at night, pay attention to the road. There is someone out there either drinking or more tired than you are who is perfectly willing to take your headlight out.
13. A car is a car. It can be fixed and it's worth way less than your life. Cavie forgives you!
14. Dating is a wonderful thing if you date the people that you don't feel you are settling for. If you feel you are settling in the slightest sense...YOU ARE! They won't disappoint. They will take all they can from you and leave you empty.
15. Never try to date someone else seriously when you love someone so much. Love someone with all you have and believe in it. Nothing else is as beautiful as love itself!
16. Virginity(in every sense) is crucial and spiritual. It is a beautiful thing and cannot be competed with.
17. There is no better feeling than looking at the face of your little sister when you surprise her by making her school play!
18. There is not much better than watching your little sister be a star at everything she does! (so proud of you my love)
19. The feeling of having a holiday with both of my parents can not EVER be described in words.
20. Confronting someone about something horrible they have done is not rewarding to you,...but rather the best thing you can do ..for them!
There are the first 20 things I have learned in 2004. I have a grip of things to add and I thought I would stop and let you all know that you had a great part in a lot of these learning experiences. It is wonderful to have you all in my life and you know which numbers you played a part in! There are more to come and I'll email with info so you can see these yourself! Have a beautiful day and take this opportunity to think of the things you have learned this year! ~Shalom~
Almost Christmas
Hey everyone. Life hasn't gotten any easier for me the last couple of days. On Friday I was laid off from my job due to a cutting of overhead expenses. This basically translates to "my boss had no heart!" It was only 8 days before Christmas. I have no idea what the Christian world is coming to. Also, on Saturday I was heading to Corona to see a friend and my back passenger side tire blew on the freeway. My hero, Joel Forbes, had to come and fix it for me and I owe him so much! I am just so lucky to have people who love me!
Overall I am pretty hopeless right now and could use all of the prayers that anyone has to offer. I have a weird life! I am so frustrated with all that is happening right now and today I am going to spend my jobless day making some New Years Resolutions. I will be posting them on here before the New Year because I encourage goals!
Well, I should get on with my meaningless life. Have a beautiful day and God bless you all ~Shalom~
Overall I am pretty hopeless right now and could use all of the prayers that anyone has to offer. I have a weird life! I am so frustrated with all that is happening right now and today I am going to spend my jobless day making some New Years Resolutions. I will be posting them on here before the New Year because I encourage goals!
Well, I should get on with my meaningless life. Have a beautiful day and God bless you all ~Shalom~
Sunday, December 12, 2004
It's been a while
Hey everyone. It has been a really long time since I have blogged on here because I have just recently come to realize that there is a magical world called myspace. I have gotten into that quite a bit lately and because of that I have ignored my poor little blog. I really enjoy getting to know new people and new internet programs. This is my blog though and I have been negligent to it.
Lately I have been going through some of the hardest things that life has to offer. I have no idea how people honestly do it. I think that life is so much about attitude. Lately all of the things that have happened to me might kill a normal person but God has been so good to me and handed me a serious sense of resilience. I have learned a great deal and I am pretty proud of the way I am handling all of these many serious situations.
In saying that, I wanted to tell everyone that I hope you all have a marvelous holiday season. My plans for the holidays are to get away to Indiana and enjoy my family to the fullest. I have no care in the world about presents or anything like that but I want to spend time with my sisters and my mama and my dad. I want to hang out with my best friends from back home Jarrid and Carrie. I want to drive the old country roads of Mitchell, Indiana and sing John Cougar Mellancamp songs. I want to breathe the fresh air that makes me be able to see my breath because it's so cold. I want to throw a snowball and scrape the windows because they are all frosted up.
I miss home and have not felt very secure in California for the last month or so. I have been having a really hard time and quite honestly it is something that only home can fix. I have no idea what God wants for me in the future right now and I am searching for any and all signs of security until I get there. Overall, I know that God loves me and has all kinds of plans for my life but I am just waiting to see what those are and get some of these scars healed before getting there.
Well, I should get to work on some things I have going but I will try to stay more up on this blog. Overall, please pray because I am going out of town for Tuesday and Wednesday and would appreciate prayers for safety. I am going up to Northern California for a few days. After that I leave on Dec. 23rd for Indiana. If I don't speak with you before then, Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah. I love you dearly and wish I could buy you all your greatest wish for Christmas. I can however offer you my friendship and say Happy Holidays. Have a great week everyone as we are starting out a new one. Make good New Years Resolutions! ~Shalom~
Lately I have been going through some of the hardest things that life has to offer. I have no idea how people honestly do it. I think that life is so much about attitude. Lately all of the things that have happened to me might kill a normal person but God has been so good to me and handed me a serious sense of resilience. I have learned a great deal and I am pretty proud of the way I am handling all of these many serious situations.
In saying that, I wanted to tell everyone that I hope you all have a marvelous holiday season. My plans for the holidays are to get away to Indiana and enjoy my family to the fullest. I have no care in the world about presents or anything like that but I want to spend time with my sisters and my mama and my dad. I want to hang out with my best friends from back home Jarrid and Carrie. I want to drive the old country roads of Mitchell, Indiana and sing John Cougar Mellancamp songs. I want to breathe the fresh air that makes me be able to see my breath because it's so cold. I want to throw a snowball and scrape the windows because they are all frosted up.
I miss home and have not felt very secure in California for the last month or so. I have been having a really hard time and quite honestly it is something that only home can fix. I have no idea what God wants for me in the future right now and I am searching for any and all signs of security until I get there. Overall, I know that God loves me and has all kinds of plans for my life but I am just waiting to see what those are and get some of these scars healed before getting there.
Well, I should get to work on some things I have going but I will try to stay more up on this blog. Overall, please pray because I am going out of town for Tuesday and Wednesday and would appreciate prayers for safety. I am going up to Northern California for a few days. After that I leave on Dec. 23rd for Indiana. If I don't speak with you before then, Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah. I love you dearly and wish I could buy you all your greatest wish for Christmas. I can however offer you my friendship and say Happy Holidays. Have a great week everyone as we are starting out a new one. Make good New Years Resolutions! ~Shalom~
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Back home again
Hey everyone. I write tonight from my beautiful home in California. I am still feeling like I should be at home with my family. I am only here for about 26 more days before I am back in Indiana again but either way, I am still longing to be with my family. I was only in Indiana for about 6 days after a drastically terrible plane ride there. I flew out on Friday the 19th and was landing in Chicago for a short (yeah right) lay over. It was supposed to be an hour or so and I ended up being there for about 3 before we got onto the plane. When we were up in the air for only 20 minutes, the pilot came on and said our wings had iced up. We had to make an emergency landing back at Chicago Mid-way where we spent another hour before being loaded onto a cold, smelly bus for the next 4.5 hours into Indianapolis. Unreal!!!!!!
That was the nightmare part but overall I had a great time in Indiana. When I first got there I went with my little sister and her boyfriend *Dan Dan the Cowboy Man* to my favorite Indiana restaurant Golden Gables. Golden Gables is the redneck hangout. Gotta love it! I had a big helping of Biscuits and Gravy and had to keep my eyes open to go and get my rental car. My rental car was supposed to be a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix but when I got there it ended up being a 2005 Buick La Sabre! That's too funny to even comprehend. I should have had to have a handicap placard to drive it. I didn't have enough energy to even care at this point because I needed to get down to Mitchell and surprise my family.
I got to my house at around 9:45 in the morning on Saturday. My older sister, Hilliary, who knew I was coming answered the door to tell me that my mom and little sis, Britt, were still asleep. We decided I would be their wakeup call. I went and woke up mom first and she was very shocked to see me. I then woke up Britt to tell her I would be going to see her in her school play that night. She was so excited and I spent the rest of the day being around them and enjoying their company. I also went to Jarrid's work and saw him. It was great to see his face again and spend about an hour with him.
Saturday night I went to see Britt's play and she was absolutely amazing. I am going to be posting some newspaper articles about it onto her page on my web-site. She played a drunk lady named Gay Wellington in the play "You can't take it with you." She was great! I had a great time watching her and beaming with pride afterwards while she got compliments over and over on her performance. Saturday night was ended with a walk with Jarrid. I went to get him at his house and he was all dressed up in a tie and everything. I was pretty lucky. He is a cutie! We then went for a walk and ended the night with a great talk.
Sunday was Jarrid's birthday day with me. We went up to bloomington to the mall and shopped around. We had a great time and you can see pictures of it on Jarrid's 3rd page on my web-site. We went out to dinner at Outback and went to Barnes and Noble after that. We ended the night by watching Antoine Fisher and doing personality tests. My idea of a great night.
Monday I spent the afternoon working out with my dad at the new gym in Bedford. I walked/jogged one mile on the treadmile, did 6 miles on the bike and worked arms and legs a bit also. We had a good time and then in the evening I spent it with my family *mom, hill, britt, and tasha* over dinner. We had fried chicken and mashed potatoes which is good Indiana eating. Overall a great night and I ended up getting a new rental car on Monday (a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am) Good change if I do say so myself.
Tuesday was a good day as well. I went to the gym to work out with Dad and ended up spending the evening at his house having a great dinner that Jane prepared for us. It was really good and we watched "Cheaper by the dozen" until I was about to pass out. I met Jarrid down at my house later that night and we went for a walk and a drive and talked a lot of stuff out. We had a great time as always!
Wednesday was a wonderful day in that I worked out in the afternoon and then went out with my friend Travis in the evening. In the morning/afternoon I went over and surprised my friend Carrie by coming to her house and hanging out for a few hours. I got to see the girls and play with them and of course see my favorite girl-Carrie and talk with her. She is thinking of coming out to Cali so I am stoked about that! Travis and I went to an amazing dinner at Scholars in Bloomington and talked through a great drive together. I got home that evening and hung out with my older sis for a while before heading to bed.
Thursday was Thanksgiving so it was obvious that I would spend it with family. I spent the afteroon with mom, hill, and britt and the food as always was completely awesome. We had a great day and there was no drama. Later in the evening I went to my dad's house to hang out a bit. I stayed for about 3 hours and we just had finger foods and talked and watched some old footage of my dad in his band.
Friday was my last day in Indiana so I wanted to make it count. We *me, mom, britt, and Jarrid* went down to Spring Mill State Park and walked and took pictures. We also went out to Lunch at Arby's and had a great time just laughing and being a family. Jarrid is like family to us. We then went back to my house and chilled for a while before I had to meet my dad at the car rental place to go to the airport. I left Indiana on Friday night at about 8:30 p.m. I had an amazing time with my family and Friends!
I am back to California now and completely ready for the things which lie ahead. I have a busy week ahead with plenty of work to do. I have to put as many hours as possible into work as I need the funds when I go home in December. I am also putting some work into Graduate School applications this week as I would like to get my app to Vanguard in before Jan. 1st. I would also like to work out a lot this week as my weight has plateued at 236 lbs. I am very frustrated with this as I worked out the whole time I was home. I also ate very badly since it was all Indiana food though and I really need to get back on the weight loss train. It's a hard thing to stay on.
I am trying to get very focused on my spiritual life and self-improvement so I am reading a lot and studying scripture and focusing on staying on track. Overall I just know that God has so much healing for me since there was even a huge difference as I came home. Things are just not the same. I love my family and my friends but I am trying to be a different person than the Erica who left Indiana. I am proud of me and totally ready to be all that God wants from me. It's a hard trek but noone promised it would be easy. I am currently reading a book that Claudia Degelman loaned me called "The gift of being yourself" by David Benner and it's an incredible read. I would recommend it to anyone who is trying to change by knowing yourself and knowing God.
I have a few notes to people in thanks before I step out for the day so here goes....
Tasha, Dan, and Kristen: Thanks for bearing with me in the plane ride to Indiana. I appreciate you all coming to get me and I will never forget it. Tasha I love and appreciate you keeping my secret, Dan you are hilarious and I appreciate your help and your being good to Tasha, and Kristen, so sorry sweety for the way the night went and hope you are feeling much better.
Mom: Thanks for always making home available. Thanks for being happy and proud of me when I come home! I love you so much and can't wait to spend Christmas with you!
Dad: Thanks for taking me to the airport and working out with my lazy butt in Indiana. I love you and I am praying for you. Can't wait for Christmas workouts!
Hill: Thanks for keeping my secret and thanks for making me cookies. I knew you loved me boss!
Britt: You are truly amazing. Great job in the play! I love you and thanks for loving me back. Thanks for taking absurd pictures with me and always being a fun and wonderful best friend!
Jarrid: Love of my life, you are truly a wondeful blessing to me. Thanks for being the best guy friend that ever graced the planet. You are exquisite and don't you forget it. By the way, I still think you are HOT! *I said hot..tee hee*
Carrie: I love you my dear. Thanks for making the cutest little girls in the world. I am sorry I busted in on you on a bad day but I am so glad I got to see you. I love you all dearly and pray for you daily. You are such a blessing. I can't wait to hang out @ christmas!
Travis: You are my favorite friend! Thanks for the amazing dinner and even more amazing company. I missed you and love you so much. Good luck on your move and know I will always love and pray for you. I am hoping to get there sometime during Christmas and see your new digs! I love you fazz!
Josh: Thanks for picking me up at the airport...it was so sweet of you! I won't forget it.
Heather: Thanks for coming to hold down the fort in the car when Josh goes the wrong way! You are the best!
Overall, I just love you Indiana folks and let's be honest my California folks too. Special word to Joel: I love you for keeping track of me while I was gone and caring about my progress. You really are the most amazing man I will ever know or love. Thanks for everything gorgeous! By the way, you really are amazing!
I love you all and hope that your Thanksgiving was as precious as mine. I have never been more thankful!
~Shalom~
That was the nightmare part but overall I had a great time in Indiana. When I first got there I went with my little sister and her boyfriend *Dan Dan the Cowboy Man* to my favorite Indiana restaurant Golden Gables. Golden Gables is the redneck hangout. Gotta love it! I had a big helping of Biscuits and Gravy and had to keep my eyes open to go and get my rental car. My rental car was supposed to be a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix but when I got there it ended up being a 2005 Buick La Sabre! That's too funny to even comprehend. I should have had to have a handicap placard to drive it. I didn't have enough energy to even care at this point because I needed to get down to Mitchell and surprise my family.
I got to my house at around 9:45 in the morning on Saturday. My older sister, Hilliary, who knew I was coming answered the door to tell me that my mom and little sis, Britt, were still asleep. We decided I would be their wakeup call. I went and woke up mom first and she was very shocked to see me. I then woke up Britt to tell her I would be going to see her in her school play that night. She was so excited and I spent the rest of the day being around them and enjoying their company. I also went to Jarrid's work and saw him. It was great to see his face again and spend about an hour with him.
Saturday night I went to see Britt's play and she was absolutely amazing. I am going to be posting some newspaper articles about it onto her page on my web-site. She played a drunk lady named Gay Wellington in the play "You can't take it with you." She was great! I had a great time watching her and beaming with pride afterwards while she got compliments over and over on her performance. Saturday night was ended with a walk with Jarrid. I went to get him at his house and he was all dressed up in a tie and everything. I was pretty lucky. He is a cutie! We then went for a walk and ended the night with a great talk.
Sunday was Jarrid's birthday day with me. We went up to bloomington to the mall and shopped around. We had a great time and you can see pictures of it on Jarrid's 3rd page on my web-site. We went out to dinner at Outback and went to Barnes and Noble after that. We ended the night by watching Antoine Fisher and doing personality tests. My idea of a great night.
Monday I spent the afternoon working out with my dad at the new gym in Bedford. I walked/jogged one mile on the treadmile, did 6 miles on the bike and worked arms and legs a bit also. We had a good time and then in the evening I spent it with my family *mom, hill, britt, and tasha* over dinner. We had fried chicken and mashed potatoes which is good Indiana eating. Overall a great night and I ended up getting a new rental car on Monday (a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am) Good change if I do say so myself.
Tuesday was a good day as well. I went to the gym to work out with Dad and ended up spending the evening at his house having a great dinner that Jane prepared for us. It was really good and we watched "Cheaper by the dozen" until I was about to pass out. I met Jarrid down at my house later that night and we went for a walk and a drive and talked a lot of stuff out. We had a great time as always!
Wednesday was a wonderful day in that I worked out in the afternoon and then went out with my friend Travis in the evening. In the morning/afternoon I went over and surprised my friend Carrie by coming to her house and hanging out for a few hours. I got to see the girls and play with them and of course see my favorite girl-Carrie and talk with her. She is thinking of coming out to Cali so I am stoked about that! Travis and I went to an amazing dinner at Scholars in Bloomington and talked through a great drive together. I got home that evening and hung out with my older sis for a while before heading to bed.
Thursday was Thanksgiving so it was obvious that I would spend it with family. I spent the afteroon with mom, hill, and britt and the food as always was completely awesome. We had a great day and there was no drama. Later in the evening I went to my dad's house to hang out a bit. I stayed for about 3 hours and we just had finger foods and talked and watched some old footage of my dad in his band.
Friday was my last day in Indiana so I wanted to make it count. We *me, mom, britt, and Jarrid* went down to Spring Mill State Park and walked and took pictures. We also went out to Lunch at Arby's and had a great time just laughing and being a family. Jarrid is like family to us. We then went back to my house and chilled for a while before I had to meet my dad at the car rental place to go to the airport. I left Indiana on Friday night at about 8:30 p.m. I had an amazing time with my family and Friends!
I am back to California now and completely ready for the things which lie ahead. I have a busy week ahead with plenty of work to do. I have to put as many hours as possible into work as I need the funds when I go home in December. I am also putting some work into Graduate School applications this week as I would like to get my app to Vanguard in before Jan. 1st. I would also like to work out a lot this week as my weight has plateued at 236 lbs. I am very frustrated with this as I worked out the whole time I was home. I also ate very badly since it was all Indiana food though and I really need to get back on the weight loss train. It's a hard thing to stay on.
I am trying to get very focused on my spiritual life and self-improvement so I am reading a lot and studying scripture and focusing on staying on track. Overall I just know that God has so much healing for me since there was even a huge difference as I came home. Things are just not the same. I love my family and my friends but I am trying to be a different person than the Erica who left Indiana. I am proud of me and totally ready to be all that God wants from me. It's a hard trek but noone promised it would be easy. I am currently reading a book that Claudia Degelman loaned me called "The gift of being yourself" by David Benner and it's an incredible read. I would recommend it to anyone who is trying to change by knowing yourself and knowing God.
I have a few notes to people in thanks before I step out for the day so here goes....
Tasha, Dan, and Kristen: Thanks for bearing with me in the plane ride to Indiana. I appreciate you all coming to get me and I will never forget it. Tasha I love and appreciate you keeping my secret, Dan you are hilarious and I appreciate your help and your being good to Tasha, and Kristen, so sorry sweety for the way the night went and hope you are feeling much better.
Mom: Thanks for always making home available. Thanks for being happy and proud of me when I come home! I love you so much and can't wait to spend Christmas with you!
Dad: Thanks for taking me to the airport and working out with my lazy butt in Indiana. I love you and I am praying for you. Can't wait for Christmas workouts!
Hill: Thanks for keeping my secret and thanks for making me cookies. I knew you loved me boss!
Britt: You are truly amazing. Great job in the play! I love you and thanks for loving me back. Thanks for taking absurd pictures with me and always being a fun and wonderful best friend!
Jarrid: Love of my life, you are truly a wondeful blessing to me. Thanks for being the best guy friend that ever graced the planet. You are exquisite and don't you forget it. By the way, I still think you are HOT! *I said hot..tee hee*
Carrie: I love you my dear. Thanks for making the cutest little girls in the world. I am sorry I busted in on you on a bad day but I am so glad I got to see you. I love you all dearly and pray for you daily. You are such a blessing. I can't wait to hang out @ christmas!
Travis: You are my favorite friend! Thanks for the amazing dinner and even more amazing company. I missed you and love you so much. Good luck on your move and know I will always love and pray for you. I am hoping to get there sometime during Christmas and see your new digs! I love you fazz!
Josh: Thanks for picking me up at the airport...it was so sweet of you! I won't forget it.
Heather: Thanks for coming to hold down the fort in the car when Josh goes the wrong way! You are the best!
Overall, I just love you Indiana folks and let's be honest my California folks too. Special word to Joel: I love you for keeping track of me while I was gone and caring about my progress. You really are the most amazing man I will ever know or love. Thanks for everything gorgeous! By the way, you really are amazing!
I love you all and hope that your Thanksgiving was as precious as mine. I have never been more thankful!
~Shalom~
Friday, November 19, 2004
Theres no place like home
I AM SO EXCITED RIGHT NOW! I am so ready for this day. Big surprise today, I am leaving for Indiana and it's a surprise to my whole family. I won't be posting most likely just due to being home and chilling with my family. Have a great Thanksgiving people and be great to those you love this Turkey Day! ~Shalom~
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Life is short
Hello everyone. Today I come to you not knowing exactly how to write a post about death but I need to. A girl that I grew up playing softball with, playing with, etc...passed away on Sunday night. She was involved in a one car accident and didn't make it through it. Her name is Cristen Rayhill *Chapman now*. She was very close to me as a kid and it makes me so sad to think about her parents losing her at the young age of 22. She has brothers and sisters also so please be in prayer for her family. I am defintely sad for them and praying.
Through this I really learned that time is so short and you should take advantage of every moment you have with those you love. That makes a decision I made recently make all the sense in the world. God really does lead and guide our steps if we will just allow him to. Today I was able to spend my day with the man I love. I know that is pretty heavy to say THE man I love but let's be honest, if you are reading this, you know who I am talking about. Looking death in the face I realized that there is no fear in me loving him. There is only fear of never loving him. I have decided that is what I am going to do. Granted, I can't make anyone love me but I can do the best job I can loving others.
Today, I wanted to tell all of you, although I already did my thanksgiving speech, how much I truly love you and my life would not be the same without all of you. You are all precious and your lives are precious to me. I know that a few other people in my life have just experienced a death so you know about the feelings I am feeling right now.
In saying that, MAN I LOVE, just know my heart is yours. I don't care if you want it or don't ...as long as I love you correctly now and as long as my heart stays that way. Thank you for a lovely day together and your wonderful friendship. I can't even begin to tell you how great each moment is in your presence. You inspire me! *nuff said*
Ok, well with all of that said today, I love you guys and please pray for the Rayhill family! ~Shalom Always~
Through this I really learned that time is so short and you should take advantage of every moment you have with those you love. That makes a decision I made recently make all the sense in the world. God really does lead and guide our steps if we will just allow him to. Today I was able to spend my day with the man I love. I know that is pretty heavy to say THE man I love but let's be honest, if you are reading this, you know who I am talking about. Looking death in the face I realized that there is no fear in me loving him. There is only fear of never loving him. I have decided that is what I am going to do. Granted, I can't make anyone love me but I can do the best job I can loving others.
Today, I wanted to tell all of you, although I already did my thanksgiving speech, how much I truly love you and my life would not be the same without all of you. You are all precious and your lives are precious to me. I know that a few other people in my life have just experienced a death so you know about the feelings I am feeling right now.
In saying that, MAN I LOVE, just know my heart is yours. I don't care if you want it or don't ...as long as I love you correctly now and as long as my heart stays that way. Thank you for a lovely day together and your wonderful friendship. I can't even begin to tell you how great each moment is in your presence. You inspire me! *nuff said*
Ok, well with all of that said today, I love you guys and please pray for the Rayhill family! ~Shalom Always~
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Thanksgiving!
Well my friends, it is almost Turkey day and as the week starts, I am not sure if I am going to have time to do this so I have decided to do my thanksgiving post today. I am going to write an entire post of what I am grateful for in each of you! I hope you all read this and know that I care greatly for all of you. Have a great day and enjoy the read:
Mom -- Thanks for raising me to be a strong, self sufficent woman. Thank you for providing for my basic needs and telling me I could do ANYTHING I wanted to.
Hill--*Boss*--Thanks for being a true big sister and beating me up when I needed it. Mostly thanks for being my partner in crime *wink wink*
Tasha -- Thanks for the last year and being a shoulder for me at times. I appreciate that a lot. Also, quite the partner in crime!
Britt-butt -- is there even enough space?? Thanks for being my best friend in the entire world. You are quite a buddy! Thanks for being the reason I make smart decisions and giving me a reason to be an example. Thanks for bringing music into my life and laughter mostly. Thanks for being my twin! I couldn't do this world without you!
Dad -- Thanks for the last couple of years and learning how to become my father. I appreciate the strength it took to bite the bullet on that. Thanks for starting to take care of yourself so I have more of you to see!
Joel *my dear dear Joel* -- Thank you for being the best --non family-- friend I have. You are magnificent. Timeless, genius, and the list goes on. Thanks for so many great times and the many more I plan to have with you. Thank you for making me a better Erica and at times making me cry to get there.
Adolfo-- Thanks for 6 great years and for your continuing friendship to me. You are an amazing man and she is so lucky to have hooked you. Thanks for everything you have made me realize and the thousands of things you have forgiven
Jarrid -- Thanks for being Mr. Tightpants. Thanks for the movies, mac and cheese, hot dogs, and mostly tuesdays! Thank you for always understanding me and being my rock!
Carrie -- thanks for lots of high school memories and even more now a days. Thanks for bringing those two beautiful little ones into my life and thanks for being an inspiration as to what a mother really is
Heather B. -- Thanks for knowing everything about me and still liking me. Thank you for always checking up on me and always knowing I want to know about you. Thanks for research help until I die! ha ha Thanks for reminding me also it's not what you come from but what you become
Pammy -- thanks for tons of back room talks. Thanks for amazing food, great advice, and being my mom when I had none around. Thanks for being my friend mostly and always knowing where everything is. Yellow Pages are great!
Shirley --- thanks for the advising, laughs, mentoring, and mostly friendship. Thank you for showing me not only where dendrites are but how a human heart loves its best. Thank you for amazing classes, hilarious stories, and resilience that the world knows nothing of. You are amazing!
Claudia -- Thank you for caring about me! Thank you for staying up on my life. Thank you for an amazing semester in Methods and mostly your continued friendship
Hannah -- thanks for challening me friend! Thanks for keeping me accountable and making me laugh. Thanks for being a shoulder and someone to whom I can gush about a special boy!
Heather -- Thanks for being a super roommate. Thanks for standing up for me when it was a hard time. Thanks for always being there.
Josh -- Thanks for being my male counterpart. Thanks for being everything I am and more. Thanks for saying what needs to be said!
Gary -- Thanks for the great job and being a great boss. Thanks for our little talks and our laughs. Thanks for your flexibility and understanding and for bringing a new dimension into my life
Leslie -- Thanks to you new mentor. You are amazing and I am so sure of your influence in my life. Thanks for being an example of a woman after God's heart. Thank you for standing up for you and being strong!
Richard -- Thanks for the great place to live and sharing your little one with me. I love living here and having a place to call home
Christopher -- where do I begin. Thank you for being the kid I never wanted. ha ha. Thank you for teaching me the most important lessons in life. Thank you for being funny when I need it and challening the very bounds of my patience. Thank you for being the most adorable kid in the world and being sweet when I am learning!
Judy -- thanks for being the housing super hero but mostly for being my friend.
AND MOST OF ALL....
Jesus Christ--- I stand in awe of you Father. You are truly amazing. I am so grateful to know you and have invited into my heart. Thank you for making me into the woman I want to be. Thank you for all of the above people and the traits that you have engrained in me through them. Thank you for your love, salvation, blood, and strength that drives me. Thank you for dying so brutally on a cross for my salvation. Thank you for being my father when I had none. Thank you for being my comforter, my boyfriend, my friend, my home, my life. Thank you for wrapping your arms around me when the world walks out. All of the above people can let me down but you alone God ....are perfect. Thank you for the man I love, the friends I have, and the family I have been placed in. You alone are my desire father. Lord, thank you for one more day to share with my loved ones. To you lord...I sing:
I stand I stand...in awe of you
I stand I stand...in awe of you
Holy God to whom ...all praise is due
I stand in awe of you!
Stand in awe of him everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!
To all of you who don't have a spot here...you are affecting my life but I have no more memory left. I am hoping I tell you everyday how much you mean to me. Keep on keeping on everyone and don't forget to show people you're thankful this year! ~Shalom~
Mom -- Thanks for raising me to be a strong, self sufficent woman. Thank you for providing for my basic needs and telling me I could do ANYTHING I wanted to.
Hill--*Boss*--Thanks for being a true big sister and beating me up when I needed it. Mostly thanks for being my partner in crime *wink wink*
Tasha -- Thanks for the last year and being a shoulder for me at times. I appreciate that a lot. Also, quite the partner in crime!
Britt-butt -- is there even enough space?? Thanks for being my best friend in the entire world. You are quite a buddy! Thanks for being the reason I make smart decisions and giving me a reason to be an example. Thanks for bringing music into my life and laughter mostly. Thanks for being my twin! I couldn't do this world without you!
Dad -- Thanks for the last couple of years and learning how to become my father. I appreciate the strength it took to bite the bullet on that. Thanks for starting to take care of yourself so I have more of you to see!
Joel *my dear dear Joel* -- Thank you for being the best --non family-- friend I have. You are magnificent. Timeless, genius, and the list goes on. Thanks for so many great times and the many more I plan to have with you. Thank you for making me a better Erica and at times making me cry to get there.
Adolfo-- Thanks for 6 great years and for your continuing friendship to me. You are an amazing man and she is so lucky to have hooked you. Thanks for everything you have made me realize and the thousands of things you have forgiven
Jarrid -- Thanks for being Mr. Tightpants. Thanks for the movies, mac and cheese, hot dogs, and mostly tuesdays! Thank you for always understanding me and being my rock!
Carrie -- thanks for lots of high school memories and even more now a days. Thanks for bringing those two beautiful little ones into my life and thanks for being an inspiration as to what a mother really is
Heather B. -- Thanks for knowing everything about me and still liking me. Thank you for always checking up on me and always knowing I want to know about you. Thanks for research help until I die! ha ha Thanks for reminding me also it's not what you come from but what you become
Pammy -- thanks for tons of back room talks. Thanks for amazing food, great advice, and being my mom when I had none around. Thanks for being my friend mostly and always knowing where everything is. Yellow Pages are great!
Shirley --- thanks for the advising, laughs, mentoring, and mostly friendship. Thank you for showing me not only where dendrites are but how a human heart loves its best. Thank you for amazing classes, hilarious stories, and resilience that the world knows nothing of. You are amazing!
Claudia -- Thank you for caring about me! Thank you for staying up on my life. Thank you for an amazing semester in Methods and mostly your continued friendship
Hannah -- thanks for challening me friend! Thanks for keeping me accountable and making me laugh. Thanks for being a shoulder and someone to whom I can gush about a special boy!
Heather -- Thanks for being a super roommate. Thanks for standing up for me when it was a hard time. Thanks for always being there.
Josh -- Thanks for being my male counterpart. Thanks for being everything I am and more. Thanks for saying what needs to be said!
Gary -- Thanks for the great job and being a great boss. Thanks for our little talks and our laughs. Thanks for your flexibility and understanding and for bringing a new dimension into my life
Leslie -- Thanks to you new mentor. You are amazing and I am so sure of your influence in my life. Thanks for being an example of a woman after God's heart. Thank you for standing up for you and being strong!
Richard -- Thanks for the great place to live and sharing your little one with me. I love living here and having a place to call home
Christopher -- where do I begin. Thank you for being the kid I never wanted. ha ha. Thank you for teaching me the most important lessons in life. Thank you for being funny when I need it and challening the very bounds of my patience. Thank you for being the most adorable kid in the world and being sweet when I am learning!
Judy -- thanks for being the housing super hero but mostly for being my friend.
AND MOST OF ALL....
Jesus Christ--- I stand in awe of you Father. You are truly amazing. I am so grateful to know you and have invited into my heart. Thank you for making me into the woman I want to be. Thank you for all of the above people and the traits that you have engrained in me through them. Thank you for your love, salvation, blood, and strength that drives me. Thank you for dying so brutally on a cross for my salvation. Thank you for being my father when I had none. Thank you for being my comforter, my boyfriend, my friend, my home, my life. Thank you for wrapping your arms around me when the world walks out. All of the above people can let me down but you alone God ....are perfect. Thank you for the man I love, the friends I have, and the family I have been placed in. You alone are my desire father. Lord, thank you for one more day to share with my loved ones. To you lord...I sing:
I stand I stand...in awe of you
I stand I stand...in awe of you
Holy God to whom ...all praise is due
I stand in awe of you!
Stand in awe of him everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!
To all of you who don't have a spot here...you are affecting my life but I have no more memory left. I am hoping I tell you everyday how much you mean to me. Keep on keeping on everyone and don't forget to show people you're thankful this year! ~Shalom~
Friday, November 12, 2004
Let me just tell ya......
The title of today's blog is one of what my friends *Heather and Joel* would call "Ericaisms." I often start a sentence or lengthy story with "Let me just tell ya..." Today I am starting one of those stories. Let me just tell ya that I am SICK of trying to lose weight. I am taking a giant step today in telling you all how I am feeling about being overweight. This is something that has torn me up for years. I hate the way I look and I hate the way I feel. I started losing weight in 2001 when Adolfo cancelled our wedding and I thought it was because I resembled a giant marshmallow in my wedding gown. I came to find out that it wasn't the weight that made Adolfo not marry me...it was me. That is sad and depressing to say but that kid didn't even care that I weighed *not kidding* 336 lbs. I started out by just working out a little because a little is more than nothing. I did 30 minutes of Richard Simmons a day and I started eating a little differently. I cut out soda altogether and somewhat cut down portion size.
I have lost quite a bit of weight up to today. I got down as low as 224 in August. I was stoked. Well, lately I have experienced a little bit of a problem. I keep weighing in on Saturday to find myself gaining weight. I am back up to 238 and I am scared. I run every night and/or walk and I eat relativelyl healthy. I still don't drink soda and I try to limit my intake of bad items. However, lately I have been having a hard time losing and an even harder time with emotional eating. Tonight I realized how sick I am of being fat. I hate it every single day of my life. I should note here that I love myself. I love how I have a cute face and a great personality and make friends very easily. I love that boys like me even if I am chubby but let's be serious *another Ericaism* ...I can't stand it anymore. I hate the way my pants cut off my circulation, I hate the way I can't really enjoy myself at the beach with a swimsuit on, I hate how the man I love is perfect...and I am not! I hate how I feel around him. That being said, I am in despair about my weight and figured that someone out there would read this..and understand
I am starting over once again as most people who struggle with weight have to. I am going out walking/running tonight and comitting to an exercise plan all next week, drinking only water, cutting out any pork products, white bread, and sweets. I am so scared that I am going to get back up to 300 lbs overnight and never lose this plague around my middle. I am so sad about this and tomorrow is weigh in and it doesn't look good. I am still wearing the smaller clothes but not comfortably. Please pray for me people ...I want this more than I want anything in life. I should go now and walk but have a great night and eat for me since I won't be doing much of that any time soon! ~shalom and FAT BE GONE~
I have lost quite a bit of weight up to today. I got down as low as 224 in August. I was stoked. Well, lately I have experienced a little bit of a problem. I keep weighing in on Saturday to find myself gaining weight. I am back up to 238 and I am scared. I run every night and/or walk and I eat relativelyl healthy. I still don't drink soda and I try to limit my intake of bad items. However, lately I have been having a hard time losing and an even harder time with emotional eating. Tonight I realized how sick I am of being fat. I hate it every single day of my life. I should note here that I love myself. I love how I have a cute face and a great personality and make friends very easily. I love that boys like me even if I am chubby but let's be serious *another Ericaism* ...I can't stand it anymore. I hate the way my pants cut off my circulation, I hate the way I can't really enjoy myself at the beach with a swimsuit on, I hate how the man I love is perfect...and I am not! I hate how I feel around him. That being said, I am in despair about my weight and figured that someone out there would read this..and understand
I am starting over once again as most people who struggle with weight have to. I am going out walking/running tonight and comitting to an exercise plan all next week, drinking only water, cutting out any pork products, white bread, and sweets. I am so scared that I am going to get back up to 300 lbs overnight and never lose this plague around my middle. I am so sad about this and tomorrow is weigh in and it doesn't look good. I am still wearing the smaller clothes but not comfortably. Please pray for me people ...I want this more than I want anything in life. I should go now and walk but have a great night and eat for me since I won't be doing much of that any time soon! ~shalom and FAT BE GONE~
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