I had all of these amazing plans on how I would start 2008 and for the most part it was completely halted by the yucky sickness that completely ravaged me in Indiana. I flew into Indiana via chicago and ended up having to have my dad come up to Chicago to pick me up because flights were halted out of Chicago. The trip looked to be picking up when I finally reached Mitchell and got to bed at about 4 in the AM the next day. We celebrated Christmas as a family the next day and it went ok. The next day was the day with my dad and Tasha and I started to feel a little sick. That night we celebrated with the sisters and sure enough the sickness reached me.
The next few days were spent at Hill's apartment just laying around and coughing and blowing my nose. Anthony got sick too and so traveling sounded like the last thing we would want to do. We ended up having a pretty uneventful trip home wth no delays or issues. The only big thing was I got really sick at Chicago O'Hare and vomited on the floor. Not good
I have so much to do right now and I can't bring myself to do anything. I should be working out, reading, cleaning, organizing, making calls etc... I am so overwhelmed. Please God let there be some resolve to this sickness!!!
--e--
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
2008 on it's way here.
I noticed today that I haven't logged on here and wrote anything since October and that is horrible in my blogging life to not do it more frequently. A lot has happened since I last wrote including losing a few family members to a tragic car accident, Christmas just passed, and a million other things. Today I am moved to start blogging again just to chart my progress in life. We are looking 2008 square in the face and that means that I am going to be 28 this year and I have so many things I want to accomplish.
This year there are two main concerns on my mind. They are...weight and money. I don't necessarily mean just losing weight and making money ...I want to manage both. I want to start treating my body much better and start realizing that there is more than today in terms of money. I think that I am going to be learning a lot about health, investments, and things of that nature. There are so many changes that are going to occur in 2008 and there are many things I have to do to rise to the occasion.
I am going to work on things one week at a time and really build myself up in terms of habits and changes. This is going to be hard work but I can already see the main goals and how they will absolutely change my life. First, I wanted to write a few things that I want to work on in the new year. I don't want to call them resolutions because that is the bone I always break. However, I really do want to make some this year. Every year I reach a few.
Goals for 2008: (so far)
1. Lose at least 50 lbs.
2. Go to the gym at least 4 days a week
3. Take two trips somewhere
4. Finish one scrapbook
5. Save as much money as I possibly can
6. Find a new job that I love
7. Finish 2 more semesters of Graduate School with awesome grades
8. Find a way to invest money and act on it
9. Get Hemoglobin A1C checked and get a 7 at the most
10. Pass advance at school
11. Finish up my workshops at school
12. Turn 28 with style..in vegas
13. Keep organized
That's it for now but I am sure there are other things for me to think about in 2008
Most of all, I want to have fun, get educated, be successful, and be better on the other side.
Check in soon.
--e--
This year there are two main concerns on my mind. They are...weight and money. I don't necessarily mean just losing weight and making money ...I want to manage both. I want to start treating my body much better and start realizing that there is more than today in terms of money. I think that I am going to be learning a lot about health, investments, and things of that nature. There are so many changes that are going to occur in 2008 and there are many things I have to do to rise to the occasion.
I am going to work on things one week at a time and really build myself up in terms of habits and changes. This is going to be hard work but I can already see the main goals and how they will absolutely change my life. First, I wanted to write a few things that I want to work on in the new year. I don't want to call them resolutions because that is the bone I always break. However, I really do want to make some this year. Every year I reach a few.
Goals for 2008: (so far)
1. Lose at least 50 lbs.
2. Go to the gym at least 4 days a week
3. Take two trips somewhere
4. Finish one scrapbook
5. Save as much money as I possibly can
6. Find a new job that I love
7. Finish 2 more semesters of Graduate School with awesome grades
8. Find a way to invest money and act on it
9. Get Hemoglobin A1C checked and get a 7 at the most
10. Pass advance at school
11. Finish up my workshops at school
12. Turn 28 with style..in vegas
13. Keep organized
That's it for now but I am sure there are other things for me to think about in 2008
Most of all, I want to have fun, get educated, be successful, and be better on the other side.
Check in soon.
--e--
Friday, October 12, 2007
The Con Man
Today I am sitting at home going through things, doing homework, cleaning, and watching my dvr'd Dr. Phil's and I came across a Dr. Phil episode about a man who is a self-proclaimed "Con Man." He has conned people across various career areas like the Red Cross, the catholic church, and big corporate businesses. I was disgusted at this man's various issues but....I realized that in the real world I am not far from the "Con Man"
How many times do I say something doesn't bother me when it does? How many times do I do little white lies to get ahead in life? How many times do I skim off the top of my work or not quite do things to my best capability? How many times do I tell the story a little differently to make myself look favorable in the eyes of the audience? I am confronted by this today in so many ways that I can barely stand myself. I think that we are often a part of cons and don't even know it.
We con ourselves into believing that we don't have blame in a confrontation. We con ourselves into believing that we don't have "time" to spend with Jesus. We con ourselves into believing that we have the right "intentions" when we obviously don't.
Today, I am going to try to step up the honesty and be the real me, no matter how flawed.
--E--
How many times do I say something doesn't bother me when it does? How many times do I do little white lies to get ahead in life? How many times do I skim off the top of my work or not quite do things to my best capability? How many times do I tell the story a little differently to make myself look favorable in the eyes of the audience? I am confronted by this today in so many ways that I can barely stand myself. I think that we are often a part of cons and don't even know it.
We con ourselves into believing that we don't have blame in a confrontation. We con ourselves into believing that we don't have "time" to spend with Jesus. We con ourselves into believing that we have the right "intentions" when we obviously don't.
Today, I am going to try to step up the honesty and be the real me, no matter how flawed.
--E--
Friday, September 14, 2007
A new school year and lots of passion
Hello everyone and happy Friday. It's been a very long time since I have written in my blog and I could blame a thousand things like work, boyfriend, school, reading, or laziness but I will be honest, it was just laziness. I haven't really been online as much lately due to some internet issues at the house and lots of reading to do with my new school year under way. We have been in school for 2 weeks and I am incredibly excited about this semester. I feel like I am going to learn so much about my career and even more about myself. I am in Premarital/Marital Therapy, Advanced Human Development, and Mind/Body/Spirit. I am very anxious to learn all that I can and get ready for my advance in the spring.
In other news, Anthony and I are heading out to Vegas for the weekend after work today. We both have work and then we are off to enjoy a weekend of down time and enjoyment. We are mainly going just to get away from our jobs and decompress a little bit. We are going to some Celebrity Impersonator show which will be fun and we are not huge gamblers but we do like the idea of staying in the Luxor. We are very excited about our weekend.
Also, Anthony is getting ready to go to Indiana for the first time with me in 2 weeks. Brittany, my little sis is turning 21 years old and we are throwing her a party at the bowling alley (Indiana style) and staying for 5 days. We are really excited for Anthony to meet my parents, my other sister, and see where I grew up.
Anthony is getting ready to be at his 6 month mark of working for AT&T and we are happy to see it working out. I am looking at 9 more months only with Chris and Richard and then I am off into another phase of life...hopefully wife, new worker, mother and eventually therapist!
Well, I must get off and clean my room, pack some clothes and do some homework. Have a great weekend everyone.
In other news, Anthony and I are heading out to Vegas for the weekend after work today. We both have work and then we are off to enjoy a weekend of down time and enjoyment. We are mainly going just to get away from our jobs and decompress a little bit. We are going to some Celebrity Impersonator show which will be fun and we are not huge gamblers but we do like the idea of staying in the Luxor. We are very excited about our weekend.
Also, Anthony is getting ready to go to Indiana for the first time with me in 2 weeks. Brittany, my little sis is turning 21 years old and we are throwing her a party at the bowling alley (Indiana style) and staying for 5 days. We are really excited for Anthony to meet my parents, my other sister, and see where I grew up.
Anthony is getting ready to be at his 6 month mark of working for AT&T and we are happy to see it working out. I am looking at 9 more months only with Chris and Richard and then I am off into another phase of life...hopefully wife, new worker, mother and eventually therapist!
Well, I must get off and clean my room, pack some clothes and do some homework. Have a great weekend everyone.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Addicted to sin, not a good place to be.
I read in my Bible today about being a slave to sin and I think in today's language it probably should read being addicted to sin. In the dictionary, addiction is defined as; "compulsion or overpowering urge to use a substance, regardless of potential or actual harm." In saying this, I am addicted to one of my sins so much so that I have to take it to God daily if I am going to stop it for a 24 hour period. How sad as I pray for Self Control God is just hoping I will ask for God Control. I know now that I have no power over this particular thing in my life. I need to recite out of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous like "I have no power over ____! It really saddens me to think I have NO control over it but it makes me happy that my God does.
Please agree in prayer with me about my addiction and I hope that you find the place of God Control.
--Erica--
Please agree in prayer with me about my addiction and I hope that you find the place of God Control.
--Erica--
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Raindrops on Roses, Whiskers on Kittens
Do you all remember that song from "The sound of music" about favorite things? Well lately, I have been thinking about the things that make me Erica. Examples: a great cup of green tea, a blueberry scone, a great book, museums, art galleries, the back yard in a comfy chair on a breezy summer day, softball, skeeball, & Mario Party. Have you ever known someone who got into a relationship and you couldn't tell where she ended and the boy started? Well, now you have. For the last year I have been a girlfriend to quite possibly the most amazing man I have ever known and I have kind of lost myself in that. Don't get me wrong, it's been fun. I have smiled more than I ever have in my entire life and I have felt safe which is something I don't often feel. The problem is, I am starting to miss myself. I am starting to miss working out every day in the mornings before my day began, reading magazines cover to cover to learn something new and interesting, checking out dozens of books a month and burning through them and enjoying every sweet page turn. I love to read, write, play sports, work out, enjoy good food, coffee with friends, and getting to know others. I also enjoy the smell of my boyfriend when he splashes on his cologne and the way he looks in his toolbelt for work. It's a hard mix to be in love with a gorgeous man and miss the things that make you ...you.
When Anthony started dating me I was so hardcore about working out I was up to running 2 miles a day. Now I am lucky to get through .5 miles on the treadmill before getting off out of exhaustion. I used to get my nails done and get mystic tans because I took pride in them. Now I live in jogging pants and wife beaters and running shoes. Workout gear for a girl who never hits the gym. I just find that I can't really find myself. I want to sleep the days away just to avoid the things I am behind on. I need to take this weekend and truly catch up with myself. I need to get orgaized, see things, do things, take pictures, take a walk, take a bikeride, frequent the gym, stop for a scone and some green tea and mostly just love on me. I am not taking care of myself.
I want to note here that this is in no way Anthony's fault. It is mine for sure. I am 100% to blame for the lack of me and the over abundance of sloth and laziness and bliss that is my funk. Please join with me in remembering a few of your favorite things and doing them today.
My favorite things:
1. Green Tea at Starbucks
2. A pastry to go with my green tea
3. A walk in the park with my camera.
4. A great book on the lawn chair outside.
5. A great workout at the gym burning 500+ calories
6. Buying a new outfit and loving how it looks on me
7. Tanning and then wearing white to show it off (only mystic...anti skin cancer)
8. Going to target with a friend and browsing.
9. A great talk with a friend
10. A clean room
11. Organizing things
12. A romantic comedy
13. A live sporting event
14. Working for the joy of being good at something
15. Learning Psychology.
I got to get back to the roots! Keep me in your thoughts as I try to escape my funk. Love you all
--Erica--
When Anthony started dating me I was so hardcore about working out I was up to running 2 miles a day. Now I am lucky to get through .5 miles on the treadmill before getting off out of exhaustion. I used to get my nails done and get mystic tans because I took pride in them. Now I live in jogging pants and wife beaters and running shoes. Workout gear for a girl who never hits the gym. I just find that I can't really find myself. I want to sleep the days away just to avoid the things I am behind on. I need to take this weekend and truly catch up with myself. I need to get orgaized, see things, do things, take pictures, take a walk, take a bikeride, frequent the gym, stop for a scone and some green tea and mostly just love on me. I am not taking care of myself.
I want to note here that this is in no way Anthony's fault. It is mine for sure. I am 100% to blame for the lack of me and the over abundance of sloth and laziness and bliss that is my funk. Please join with me in remembering a few of your favorite things and doing them today.
My favorite things:
1. Green Tea at Starbucks
2. A pastry to go with my green tea
3. A walk in the park with my camera.
4. A great book on the lawn chair outside.
5. A great workout at the gym burning 500+ calories
6. Buying a new outfit and loving how it looks on me
7. Tanning and then wearing white to show it off (only mystic...anti skin cancer)
8. Going to target with a friend and browsing.
9. A great talk with a friend
10. A clean room
11. Organizing things
12. A romantic comedy
13. A live sporting event
14. Working for the joy of being good at something
15. Learning Psychology.
I got to get back to the roots! Keep me in your thoughts as I try to escape my funk. Love you all
--Erica--
Friday, July 06, 2007
Be a lady, wait for the flush.
Have you ever been in a public bathroom and because you don't want anyone to hear your unladylike noises, you wait for someone to flush in order to relieve yourself of any noise? I sure have. I was in Target yesterday, waiting patiently for the flush when I realized that God had a lesson for me to learn in this. He continued the lesson today through his word in Romans 2. The lesson I learned yesterday was that maybe we should treat our "good deeds" as those unladylike noises. Maybe we should only do them when there is a flush and noone knows it was us. So often in my life, I toot my own horn. (no pun intended but frickin hilarious) I make sure Anthony knows when I washed his shirt, drove him to work, paid his bills, ran to the store for him or whatever it is my lovely man needed done by his super woman. I never miss a chance to list the amazing tasks that I do for everyone and I certainly don't let anyone go without knowing that I adopted a little girl with world vision from Africa. How sad that I don't want anyone to hear that I am a human with biological needs but I sure don't mind being a big hypocrite and showing my backside as a Christian.
The other lesson God taught me today was in the other direction. How often have I told Anthony that he didn't pick up his clothes just to come back to the house and see pink underwear in the floor, which I know aren't his? How often have I told him to make sure and get up on time just to have my alarm go off 3 times before heaving my lazy giant butt out of the bed? How many lectures has he gotten on thanking me just to go hours without a thank you to the vacuuming of my car he didn't have to do? I am ashamed of my hypocrisy today. I have apologized to Anthony and I really hope that I am going to start seeing myself more realistically soon because I do NOT have it together! I suck!
Verse of the day:
But he is a Jew who is one inwardly and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the spirit, not by the letter, and his praise is not from men but from God!
Romans 2:29.
(I stand corrected)
Wait for the flush people...and get that log out of your own eye first (my puns are killing me today and yes..I like bathroom humor)
The other lesson God taught me today was in the other direction. How often have I told Anthony that he didn't pick up his clothes just to come back to the house and see pink underwear in the floor, which I know aren't his? How often have I told him to make sure and get up on time just to have my alarm go off 3 times before heaving my lazy giant butt out of the bed? How many lectures has he gotten on thanking me just to go hours without a thank you to the vacuuming of my car he didn't have to do? I am ashamed of my hypocrisy today. I have apologized to Anthony and I really hope that I am going to start seeing myself more realistically soon because I do NOT have it together! I suck!
Verse of the day:
But he is a Jew who is one inwardly and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the spirit, not by the letter, and his praise is not from men but from God!
Romans 2:29.
(I stand corrected)
Wait for the flush people...and get that log out of your own eye first (my puns are killing me today and yes..I like bathroom humor)
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Faith, you gotta have it.
In the 80's (a very interesting musical decade) George Michael wrote a song called Faith. It was about a girl who was mistreating him and he was trying to get the courage to step away from her and go on with his life and needed "faith" to do so. I took some of the words from it today because I have been reading about faith in the Bible and it applied.
Before this river
Becomes an ocean
Before you throw my heart back on the floor
Oh baby I reconsider
My foolish notion
Well I need someone to hold me
But I'll wait for something more
Yes I've gotta have faith...
This verse is clearly talking about a romantic relationship but I paralelled it with my relationship with sin. Sin is my boyfriend at times. I cling to it, go out with it, wear it, have pride in it and then hate being with it after it's all said and done. This verse reminded me of sin because boy does the river of sin become an ocean and it always throws my heart to the floor. And then as the verse progresses it talks about needing someone to hold him. Isn't that what our sin lives are all about. We lie to make ourselves feel or look better, we have sex to fill up a void in our hearts, we eat to cover up our pain or be held for just a moment, we accumulate wealth to make sure we feel safe, secure, and held. Every single time we choose to wait for something more though...we will find HIM. The something more is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jesus can fill those voids in our lives. He can make us feel fulfilled like George so wanted in his 80's hit song. This really wasn't to admit my love of George Michael but just to come to awareness of how sweet God's love is. It's amazing that all he asks from us is to have faith. In Romans 1:17 he says that a man (or woman) is righteous only through faith. There is nothing we can do to attain this righteousness but just trust him. I think that's amazing. In this world, to attain any comfort, peace, success, status etc...we have to work our butts off and then hope it holds up. Not in God's kingdom, we just need to abandon all of our reason and simply have FAITH.
Maybe George Michael got it right..at least once. The bathroom incident, I can't support though.
--Erica--
Before this river
Becomes an ocean
Before you throw my heart back on the floor
Oh baby I reconsider
My foolish notion
Well I need someone to hold me
But I'll wait for something more
Yes I've gotta have faith...
This verse is clearly talking about a romantic relationship but I paralelled it with my relationship with sin. Sin is my boyfriend at times. I cling to it, go out with it, wear it, have pride in it and then hate being with it after it's all said and done. This verse reminded me of sin because boy does the river of sin become an ocean and it always throws my heart to the floor. And then as the verse progresses it talks about needing someone to hold him. Isn't that what our sin lives are all about. We lie to make ourselves feel or look better, we have sex to fill up a void in our hearts, we eat to cover up our pain or be held for just a moment, we accumulate wealth to make sure we feel safe, secure, and held. Every single time we choose to wait for something more though...we will find HIM. The something more is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jesus can fill those voids in our lives. He can make us feel fulfilled like George so wanted in his 80's hit song. This really wasn't to admit my love of George Michael but just to come to awareness of how sweet God's love is. It's amazing that all he asks from us is to have faith. In Romans 1:17 he says that a man (or woman) is righteous only through faith. There is nothing we can do to attain this righteousness but just trust him. I think that's amazing. In this world, to attain any comfort, peace, success, status etc...we have to work our butts off and then hope it holds up. Not in God's kingdom, we just need to abandon all of our reason and simply have FAITH.
Maybe George Michael got it right..at least once. The bathroom incident, I can't support though.
--Erica--
Monday, July 02, 2007
Heading into July fully strong.
Hey everyone, last weeks illness was nothing according to my doctor and it was just a little drainage of the sinuses. He didn't prescribe anything so that's good. I already feel entirely overmedicated. This weekend we went to see this movie at Metro Pointe that was probably the most disturbing movie I have seen since Saw III. It was "1408" with John Cusack. It was a horror/psychological thriller and it was very scary if you ask me. On Sunday, Anthony and I went up to Los Angeles to pick up a check from his Aunt LoLo's house and ended up spending the rest of our day on Hollywood Blvd. We went to the Roosevelt Hotel, which I had never been to and then to the Hollywood History Museum. The museum is housed at the old Max Factor building and to be honest, it wasn't half bad. I don't know if it was worth the $15 we paid in admission per ticket but it was pretty good. They had a whole room practically dedicated to Marilyn Monroe and since I am a huge fan, I loved it.
Other cool items in the museum were the ruby slippers from "Wizard of Oz," the prison set from "Silence of the Lambs," and the actual make up rooms that were used to prepare Lucille Ball, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Lana Turner, etc.. for movies. It was really interesting and they had a lot of interesting little tidbits for people interested in old Hollywood. I am more interested in old Hollywood than the new version of eating disorders that we call celebs. It was pretty fun.
Last night we picked up my favorite take out, The Old Spaghetti Factory and watched a classic "National Lampoon's Vacation." It was awesome and when I went to bed last night, I felt like my weekend was restful and eventful at the same time. This morning I woke up to a to-do list as long as me but with renewed strength knowing I would accomplish all of my goals today. Christopher starts Football camp today and he is continuing in summer school so I have the day open to myself to do the things I need to do. I am really working on being healthy diabetically speaking lately and my blood sugars are so much better and I can't wait to take my next blood test and see a vast improvement in my hemoglobin A1C and know that my overall health is benefiting from it.
In other news, on Saturday I attended a wedding for a person I really respect and like. I was actually the guest of someone else who was invited and I myself was not invited. However, I am really glad that I went to this wedding because it felt REAL. I don't know how to explain that but the love that was shared at this wedding was moving. It made me like weddings again and I was fantasizing about the day I will be Mrs. Lewis. After the wedding, Anthony, Heather, and myself all went to California Pizza Kitchen and had a lovely dinner together. Nothing like my two favorite California people and a wedding to make the day amazing.
Anyway, I should get started on the day and get things accomplished. Off to the bank, gym, grocery store and various other exciting locations. Have a lovely day!
--Erica--
Other cool items in the museum were the ruby slippers from "Wizard of Oz," the prison set from "Silence of the Lambs," and the actual make up rooms that were used to prepare Lucille Ball, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Lana Turner, etc.. for movies. It was really interesting and they had a lot of interesting little tidbits for people interested in old Hollywood. I am more interested in old Hollywood than the new version of eating disorders that we call celebs. It was pretty fun.
Last night we picked up my favorite take out, The Old Spaghetti Factory and watched a classic "National Lampoon's Vacation." It was awesome and when I went to bed last night, I felt like my weekend was restful and eventful at the same time. This morning I woke up to a to-do list as long as me but with renewed strength knowing I would accomplish all of my goals today. Christopher starts Football camp today and he is continuing in summer school so I have the day open to myself to do the things I need to do. I am really working on being healthy diabetically speaking lately and my blood sugars are so much better and I can't wait to take my next blood test and see a vast improvement in my hemoglobin A1C and know that my overall health is benefiting from it.
In other news, on Saturday I attended a wedding for a person I really respect and like. I was actually the guest of someone else who was invited and I myself was not invited. However, I am really glad that I went to this wedding because it felt REAL. I don't know how to explain that but the love that was shared at this wedding was moving. It made me like weddings again and I was fantasizing about the day I will be Mrs. Lewis. After the wedding, Anthony, Heather, and myself all went to California Pizza Kitchen and had a lovely dinner together. Nothing like my two favorite California people and a wedding to make the day amazing.
Anyway, I should get started on the day and get things accomplished. Off to the bank, gym, grocery store and various other exciting locations. Have a lovely day!
--Erica--
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Busy and sick, not a good combo
I have been absolutely crazily busy this week already with doctor appointments, dentist appointments, meetings, diabetic education, errands, and therapy appointments and on top of that I have something wrong with my throat. I woke up on Monday morning with a very sore throat and a splitting headache. I wasn't sure if I had just not been getting enough sleep or I really had something wrong. Yesterday (Tuesday) I woke up with the same feelings but no headache and a worse throat issue. I went to bed last night at 9:00 and woke up this morning with less of a throat issue but I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow in order to find out if it's anything serious. I think I might have strep throat or tonsilitis or less serious, a sinus infection that is draining into my throat.
That being said, I am a bit overwhelmed today. Today I started my new eating plan and diabetic plan after talking with the educator yesterday. I am going to be going on a plan specifically for me with them but overall I am just focusing on getting healthy and in good control. They told me that they also have a program to prepare you for pregnancy so I am going to be starting that in a year in order to start planning for my baby! :) I am so excited about being a mom sometime in the next few years.
Everything is going pretty well outside of being under the weather and extremely busy but I'll get through that and we'll move on to a new week. Thanks for stopping in and I'll catch up soon.
--Erica--
That being said, I am a bit overwhelmed today. Today I started my new eating plan and diabetic plan after talking with the educator yesterday. I am going to be going on a plan specifically for me with them but overall I am just focusing on getting healthy and in good control. They told me that they also have a program to prepare you for pregnancy so I am going to be starting that in a year in order to start planning for my baby! :) I am so excited about being a mom sometime in the next few years.
Everything is going pretty well outside of being under the weather and extremely busy but I'll get through that and we'll move on to a new week. Thanks for stopping in and I'll catch up soon.
--Erica--
Monday, June 25, 2007
One year of happiness, how do i do it?
So today has been one year since I started being Anthony's girlfriend and started growing, learning, and being completely and utterly loved. This relationship has been the healthiest thing I have ever done and my happiness has been so large that I haven't known how to handle it. Now, that isn't to say that Anthony and I never disagree or fight..it's to say that I am so fiercely loved that I feel on top of the world. I mess up a lot and so does Anthony but we are finally accepted for those mess ups and found someone worthy of working on them with. We recently started premarital counseling and although we aren't engaged, it's so much fun to plan for our future and think about how things in our life are going to be when we are husband and wife. More importantly it's fun to live today with this man. It's fun to get hugs from him TODAY, it's fun to get kisses from him TODAY, it's fun to have conversations with him TODAY, and it's fun to plan things with him TODAY! I am looking to the here and now and realizing how great I have it to have someone so wonderful in my life and to have them here TODAY! :)
I have so much to do today in preparation for school to start back up in august, my sisters to visit, work for today, summer school for Christopher, appointments, doctor visits and the like as well as I am battling a bit of a sinus infection so my life is a bit hectic today. I started on my fitness plan today and I am very excited to meet my goals and know that I am doing the right thing for myself. Only one year until I am married lady...hopefully...and I want to do it at my healthiest!
Here's to a lovely 1 year anniversary to me and a gorgeous day to you!
--Erica--
I have so much to do today in preparation for school to start back up in august, my sisters to visit, work for today, summer school for Christopher, appointments, doctor visits and the like as well as I am battling a bit of a sinus infection so my life is a bit hectic today. I started on my fitness plan today and I am very excited to meet my goals and know that I am doing the right thing for myself. Only one year until I am married lady...hopefully...and I want to do it at my healthiest!
Here's to a lovely 1 year anniversary to me and a gorgeous day to you!
--Erica--
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Refocusing the fights
Have you ever bickered with the ones you love incessantly and wondered what that was about just to find out you were really the cause? I am one of those people that usually can admit I am wrong once I am shown and then gradually accept it on my own after analyzing it to death. Anthony and I were bickering quite a bit for a while and I don't mean about anything serious, just little stuff. It was getting very annoying and I kept wondering why it was happening. I finally looked into myself and realized I was causing most if not all of it. He never said that and still takes his 50% of the blame but I know who it was no matter how much he tries to console me. What I was doing was kind of pushing his buttons a lot of the time and being naggy. That being said, I wasn't doing it consciously nor on purpose. I love that man to death but I was just working my old habits. They sure do die hard don't they. I am having to re-evaluate who I am and what kinds of things I really want to happen in my relationship. It's a hard place to be. Realizing that you are the cause of something that annoys you to death is humbling but at least I had the power to change it.
It's been about 2 weeks of knowing this and changing myself and get this, no arguments..not even one. That is pretty clear to me. I hate being a nag but I was a nag for 6 years of another relationship and have grown up with my own whole family of nags so I came by it honestly. Now it's my job to stop it and just be happy where we are and realize that people have different personalities, neatness factors, hobbies, interests, and desires in life. I love this man and I am willing to meet him half way instead of always getting my way in the relationship.
Things have been going pretty well this weekend. On Friday I really didn't do much but play video games with Anthony and head to bed early because I am beat from a week of getting up early and going to bed late due to work. On Saturday I went out with a friend to Target and got some lunch at one of my favorite spots, Boudin. They have this fantastic sour dough San Fransisco bread and it's to die for. I had a Turkey and Cranberry on Sourdough and one of their phenomenal lemon squares. I then headed out to pick up Anthony from work and we had dinner together and talked about some exciting news...my Birthday!!!!
That's right, in less than 2 months I will be 27 years old and celebrating this year's Ericapalooza. My gift from Anthony is that my lovely sisters; Hilliary and Brittany are coming out to visit California for 6 days. They are going to be attending my birthday party, going to Hollywood, Vegas, and Disneyland with me, and being able to see my life out here. Britt has been here before but she is ready for another visit. Anthony is sparing no expense for the sisters to have a good time togehter and really enjoy the time we have. He is an amazing man and I am so lucky to have him.
In other news, in my quest to change habits and do things I really want to do in life, I am heading to the Getty Museum next weekend. I am going by myself on Sunday I think to see all of the awesome exhibits and check something off my WANT TO DO list. This week starts the trek to fitness also because tomorrow is Anthony and my 1 year anniversary which means presumably only about a year until we are getting married. This means I need to get in dress shape and be serious about fitness so that we can start our family safely and healthfully. Tomorrow I will be working on changing eating habits, exercise habits, and well-being tasks. On Tuesday I will be attending a diabetic education meeting which is awesome because it will give me the opportunity to work on this goal in the realm of my disease.
Today's plans are to go to premarital counseling which has been going very well and we are excited about it. We are also probably going to catch a movie because it's Anthony's day off and he really enjoys cinematic enjoyment. I am not such a movie buff but I have a couple of days off a week to enjoy my own interests. We will probably do something like play a game or go out to do something as well. We try to live up our 24 hours together when he works so much right now. We are praising God for the work though because it allows my sisters to visit, us to go to Indiana in Sept, and us to plan for our future.
Well here are tomorrow's goals so that I can try to stay on track in some way. Only 5 of them so it's doable. Have a lovely new week.
Goals for Monday:
1. No fast food
2. At least 30 minutes of Cardio/30 minutes of weight training
3. Get through my major to do list for the day.
4. Therapy
5. Clean up my room and get it organized.
It's been about 2 weeks of knowing this and changing myself and get this, no arguments..not even one. That is pretty clear to me. I hate being a nag but I was a nag for 6 years of another relationship and have grown up with my own whole family of nags so I came by it honestly. Now it's my job to stop it and just be happy where we are and realize that people have different personalities, neatness factors, hobbies, interests, and desires in life. I love this man and I am willing to meet him half way instead of always getting my way in the relationship.
Things have been going pretty well this weekend. On Friday I really didn't do much but play video games with Anthony and head to bed early because I am beat from a week of getting up early and going to bed late due to work. On Saturday I went out with a friend to Target and got some lunch at one of my favorite spots, Boudin. They have this fantastic sour dough San Fransisco bread and it's to die for. I had a Turkey and Cranberry on Sourdough and one of their phenomenal lemon squares. I then headed out to pick up Anthony from work and we had dinner together and talked about some exciting news...my Birthday!!!!
That's right, in less than 2 months I will be 27 years old and celebrating this year's Ericapalooza. My gift from Anthony is that my lovely sisters; Hilliary and Brittany are coming out to visit California for 6 days. They are going to be attending my birthday party, going to Hollywood, Vegas, and Disneyland with me, and being able to see my life out here. Britt has been here before but she is ready for another visit. Anthony is sparing no expense for the sisters to have a good time togehter and really enjoy the time we have. He is an amazing man and I am so lucky to have him.
In other news, in my quest to change habits and do things I really want to do in life, I am heading to the Getty Museum next weekend. I am going by myself on Sunday I think to see all of the awesome exhibits and check something off my WANT TO DO list. This week starts the trek to fitness also because tomorrow is Anthony and my 1 year anniversary which means presumably only about a year until we are getting married. This means I need to get in dress shape and be serious about fitness so that we can start our family safely and healthfully. Tomorrow I will be working on changing eating habits, exercise habits, and well-being tasks. On Tuesday I will be attending a diabetic education meeting which is awesome because it will give me the opportunity to work on this goal in the realm of my disease.
Today's plans are to go to premarital counseling which has been going very well and we are excited about it. We are also probably going to catch a movie because it's Anthony's day off and he really enjoys cinematic enjoyment. I am not such a movie buff but I have a couple of days off a week to enjoy my own interests. We will probably do something like play a game or go out to do something as well. We try to live up our 24 hours together when he works so much right now. We are praising God for the work though because it allows my sisters to visit, us to go to Indiana in Sept, and us to plan for our future.
Well here are tomorrow's goals so that I can try to stay on track in some way. Only 5 of them so it's doable. Have a lovely new week.
Goals for Monday:
1. No fast food
2. At least 30 minutes of Cardio/30 minutes of weight training
3. Get through my major to do list for the day.
4. Therapy
5. Clean up my room and get it organized.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Out of the loop.
It's been over a month since I have written in my blog and I really need to update for those of you who frequent it and stay tuned to my life through it. Lately I have been very busy but not with my own projects. Anthony has been working 16-18 hour days so I have been helping out by doing his laundry, driving him places, and being available for pick up so it's been crazy. My job has been a bit uneventful because it's summer for school and Chris doesn't go to summer school until next Monday. Also, my mind has been consumed with a lot of things like premarital counseling, preparing for my next semester, and my health. My health has been going pretty well on the new medications I have been put on and I am now seeing a new endocrinologist. I am going next week to attend diabetic education and learn how to properly care for myself.
Another project that has been taking some of my time is the "Step Out to Fight for Diabetes" 5K walk I am participating in. I have developed a team and we are walking in November for the prevention and cure of diabetes. I am really excited and have set a goal of $1,000 for our team to fundraise and help with the research and lifestyles of diabetics everywhere. Of course, this personally affects me. It is also a chance for me to use exercise to do something good for my world.
Lately I have been thinking about things that I really desire to do in life and things that I really want to change about myself on the way through. I have been thinking about how quickly life goes by and also that there is continual loss of quality of life just by not making yourself better each day. Mediocrity is such an ugly thing to me. I have decided to start out with 5 things I really want to do in life and 5 things about me that I would like to improve upon or change. These things will be continuing through the blog and I will keep up on updates pertaining to my progress.
The things I desire to do are going to range from hobbies I want to try, places I want to visit, activities I want to attend, fears I want to confront, things I want to learn, and lessons I want to take. The things I want to improve/change are going to be personal characteristics of myself, projects I don't keep up, relationships that need repaired, qualities that need progressed, and simply put; sins that need abolished. I really believe that God has a plan for this project and I will listen to his voice through it as well.
Here are the first 5 things in each category and some comments:
Things I desire to do:
1. Completely see The Getty Museum.
2. Experience a day of wine tasting.
3. Become an avid bike rider with my beach cruiser and mountain biking.
4. Buy and own a Mustang that I really love.
5. Go to Mac and have them teach me how to apply makeup and buy a complete supply.
Things I want to work on/improve/change:
1. Completely take fast food out of my diet.
2. Make Exercise a daily activity and a priority like sleeping.
3. Make Reading my Bible something that is not negotiable on a daily basis.
4. Keep Monthly spending records to find out where money goes.
5. Pay off all debts and keep current bills up.
These are all things that will take time, money, effort, and motivation but I am going to just work on these 5 for as long as they take. These things are so important to me that they will be worth the work and wait. I am encouraged that if I focus intently and become someone honest about my emotions through it and passionate about changing, these things will occur and at a timely rate.
Next Monday Anthony and I will be together for 1 year and we are also thinking of making that our wedding date next year so begins my plan to get fit and take care of my body better through good nutrition and good exercise. I have joined "The Biggest Loser Club" where I can talk to people who are also trying to lose weight and keep track of my progress. I have also scheduled diabetic education, as I mentioned before, which will help me have a nutrition plan that works with my disease and medications. I already have a gym membership, it's just putting it into action that is the problem. I am very focused right now and I know that I will feel better and be better because of these changes.
Well, I will be checking in more often as I am making blogging and journaling something required of my fitness plan in order to process my thoughts, emotions, and actions. Have a lovely Thursday.
-- Erica --
Another project that has been taking some of my time is the "Step Out to Fight for Diabetes" 5K walk I am participating in. I have developed a team and we are walking in November for the prevention and cure of diabetes. I am really excited and have set a goal of $1,000 for our team to fundraise and help with the research and lifestyles of diabetics everywhere. Of course, this personally affects me. It is also a chance for me to use exercise to do something good for my world.
Lately I have been thinking about things that I really desire to do in life and things that I really want to change about myself on the way through. I have been thinking about how quickly life goes by and also that there is continual loss of quality of life just by not making yourself better each day. Mediocrity is such an ugly thing to me. I have decided to start out with 5 things I really want to do in life and 5 things about me that I would like to improve upon or change. These things will be continuing through the blog and I will keep up on updates pertaining to my progress.
The things I desire to do are going to range from hobbies I want to try, places I want to visit, activities I want to attend, fears I want to confront, things I want to learn, and lessons I want to take. The things I want to improve/change are going to be personal characteristics of myself, projects I don't keep up, relationships that need repaired, qualities that need progressed, and simply put; sins that need abolished. I really believe that God has a plan for this project and I will listen to his voice through it as well.
Here are the first 5 things in each category and some comments:
Things I desire to do:
1. Completely see The Getty Museum.
2. Experience a day of wine tasting.
3. Become an avid bike rider with my beach cruiser and mountain biking.
4. Buy and own a Mustang that I really love.
5. Go to Mac and have them teach me how to apply makeup and buy a complete supply.
Things I want to work on/improve/change:
1. Completely take fast food out of my diet.
2. Make Exercise a daily activity and a priority like sleeping.
3. Make Reading my Bible something that is not negotiable on a daily basis.
4. Keep Monthly spending records to find out where money goes.
5. Pay off all debts and keep current bills up.
These are all things that will take time, money, effort, and motivation but I am going to just work on these 5 for as long as they take. These things are so important to me that they will be worth the work and wait. I am encouraged that if I focus intently and become someone honest about my emotions through it and passionate about changing, these things will occur and at a timely rate.
Next Monday Anthony and I will be together for 1 year and we are also thinking of making that our wedding date next year so begins my plan to get fit and take care of my body better through good nutrition and good exercise. I have joined "The Biggest Loser Club" where I can talk to people who are also trying to lose weight and keep track of my progress. I have also scheduled diabetic education, as I mentioned before, which will help me have a nutrition plan that works with my disease and medications. I already have a gym membership, it's just putting it into action that is the problem. I am very focused right now and I know that I will feel better and be better because of these changes.
Well, I will be checking in more often as I am making blogging and journaling something required of my fitness plan in order to process my thoughts, emotions, and actions. Have a lovely Thursday.
-- Erica --
Thursday, May 17, 2007
I'm forgiven where I fell.
I am just thinking today of how great God's love is for me that he forgives me in the exact spot that I fell. Lately I have been really working through some issues in my life that I want God to help me resolve. Some of these are my mouth, my weight problem, my sensitivity level, and my complaining spirit. I want to develop an attitude of gratitude but so far I am just really trying to stop the grumbling. I am always so put out with my life even though I live in the richest county in the nation and have a lot of modern conveniences and always have everything I need for life. I am such a spoiled brat sometimes.
I was just reading this article in O magazine about a lady named Christine McFadden from Merced California. She is a vetrinarian and her ex husband came into her house on March 26, 2002 and shot all 4 of her children, one in which they shared. I was appalled at this story and how Satan can get into people's minds and distort their thinking as well as the pervasive problem of Mental Illness. This man was clearly ill and really made a horrible decision. After shooting all 4 children, he turned the gun onto himself and comitted suicide. I thought this was a horrible story and my attitude of gratitude was on my mind. I am so lucky to have all of my family members well and good, great friends who are supportive, and a beautiful boyfriend who loves me so much. This woman can still find peace in this world and that alone is amazing.
Today my goals are huge so I can't stay on long but I would appreciate prayers for me to work on things that God wants me to clean up. Also, please pray for a friend of mine (unmentionable) who is going through a lot in her family and needs wisdom. Thanks everyone and have a great day!
--Erica--
I was just reading this article in O magazine about a lady named Christine McFadden from Merced California. She is a vetrinarian and her ex husband came into her house on March 26, 2002 and shot all 4 of her children, one in which they shared. I was appalled at this story and how Satan can get into people's minds and distort their thinking as well as the pervasive problem of Mental Illness. This man was clearly ill and really made a horrible decision. After shooting all 4 children, he turned the gun onto himself and comitted suicide. I thought this was a horrible story and my attitude of gratitude was on my mind. I am so lucky to have all of my family members well and good, great friends who are supportive, and a beautiful boyfriend who loves me so much. This woman can still find peace in this world and that alone is amazing.
Today my goals are huge so I can't stay on long but I would appreciate prayers for me to work on things that God wants me to clean up. Also, please pray for a friend of mine (unmentionable) who is going through a lot in her family and needs wisdom. Thanks everyone and have a great day!
--Erica--
Thursday, May 03, 2007
It's May Already!
I can't believe it's already May. In just one year I will most likely be married to Anthony and that is big news for me. My summer is already going great as I did a deep cleaning of my room, started a scrapbook for my sister Hilliary, and have set up appointments with a new doctor and a podiatrist. I have a few friends getting married this summer so I have wedding gifts to buy and I think I am going to kick my scrapbooking into full swing this summer so I will be going to Tall Mouse (a craft store in Mission Viejo) quite often. Anthony and I went there this past weekend and it was amazing how much they had for scrapbooking.
On Tuesday of this week Anthony and I went to our home away from home, Disneyland. We were bummed because I didn't get off work until 6 meaning we got there at 7:00, in the park by 7:15 and it closed early at 8. We only got to ride pirates of the caribbean but if you know me, that is enough. I just love going there. We watched a bit of the parade as well and that is always entertaining to me no matter how many times I have seen it. This weekend we are heading out to look at some more apartments and we are going up to Los Angeles to see Anthony's aunt as well as going to Universal Studios Hollywood. It should be a fun weekend.
The newest plans for me today are to really work on one plan for the wedding and talk to Anthony about it tonight. I would like to continue working on it through the summer while I have time so that when we are officially ENGAGED, I can just put everything into action with my attendants. My girls are great and I am sure they will be more than happy to help me! I am much more concerned with preparing for the marriage than preparing for the wedding. I think sometimes people put too much into the ceremony and forget to put anything into the relationship.
Well, I should get to my day's tasks and start to think about what's next. I will be blogging much more through the summer so keep up on it. Have a great weekend!
--Erica--
On Tuesday of this week Anthony and I went to our home away from home, Disneyland. We were bummed because I didn't get off work until 6 meaning we got there at 7:00, in the park by 7:15 and it closed early at 8. We only got to ride pirates of the caribbean but if you know me, that is enough. I just love going there. We watched a bit of the parade as well and that is always entertaining to me no matter how many times I have seen it. This weekend we are heading out to look at some more apartments and we are going up to Los Angeles to see Anthony's aunt as well as going to Universal Studios Hollywood. It should be a fun weekend.
The newest plans for me today are to really work on one plan for the wedding and talk to Anthony about it tonight. I would like to continue working on it through the summer while I have time so that when we are officially ENGAGED, I can just put everything into action with my attendants. My girls are great and I am sure they will be more than happy to help me! I am much more concerned with preparing for the marriage than preparing for the wedding. I think sometimes people put too much into the ceremony and forget to put anything into the relationship.
Well, I should get to my day's tasks and start to think about what's next. I will be blogging much more through the summer so keep up on it. Have a great weekend!
--Erica--
Monday, April 30, 2007
The Aventine, our quest for a home.
Good Monday to you all. This weekend was spent relaxing, studying, and apartment hunting. Anthony and I headed down to the Aliso Viejo/Mission Viejo area and started looking at places that we would like to live. We found a place called the Aventine where we took a tour and spoke with our more than friendly host, Ryan. We had a great time and we were in love with the two bedroom/two bathroom apartment we looked at. We are obviously praying diligently about this and not making a decision just yet. We won't even be applying until January 2008 so it makes sense to take our time and really research and feel God's leading on it. We know he will lead us to the right place.
We also were able to spend some quality time at home just relaxing and watching dvds this weekend. We watched the first 6 episodes of the Simpsons and laughed a little, a few CSI's and really just kicked back. I needed that after all of my finals and having one to take today. I take my last final of the year today at noon. It's in statistics and then I will be ready for the summer. This summer is going to include cleaning, organizing, planning a wedding, working out, breaking bad habits, reading for the next semester, praying, bonding, visiting family and friends, and relaxing by the pool. I am going to get Anthony and I memberships to the waterpark and we are going to visit Disneyland as much as possible with our annual passes. We are going to take massive amounts of photos, save tons of money for our future, and be creative with our time.
Anthony is doing really well at his new job and has just started his second week of training out of 3 weeks. He passed his CPR training and this week is onto wiring and putting things into people's houses. Today he is attending a big conference for all of the new workers at at&t in order to learn their new products. He is at the Anaheim stadium today doing all of that. He is really in high spirits about making good money and doing something he loves. We are excited about all that is new in our lives.
I am trying to think of all of the things I intend to work on this summer and it excites me to think about reading, hobbies, projects, outings, day trips, and wedding planning. I am stoked for all the summer brings. I still have to work but to me lately, that is nothing compared to Grad School, studying, and homework. Anthony and I both will be kicking our fitness plan into high gear and working on our nutritional goals as well. In April we both made a nutritional goal each. Mine was not having any fast food and his was no soda. We both achieved our goals and now are moving on to our May goals. We haven't decided those yet but we are sure they will be affective. I don't miss fast food and Anthony says he doesn't miss soda so we are doing a good job.
Fitness is going to be a big goal for both of us this summer and throughout this year as we prepare for our wedding and also for the next year in preparing for having our first baby. We are excited about all that the new years are going to bring and are saturating everything in prayer. We would appreciate your prayers as well. Have a wonderful day and God bless you all!
-Erica--
We also were able to spend some quality time at home just relaxing and watching dvds this weekend. We watched the first 6 episodes of the Simpsons and laughed a little, a few CSI's and really just kicked back. I needed that after all of my finals and having one to take today. I take my last final of the year today at noon. It's in statistics and then I will be ready for the summer. This summer is going to include cleaning, organizing, planning a wedding, working out, breaking bad habits, reading for the next semester, praying, bonding, visiting family and friends, and relaxing by the pool. I am going to get Anthony and I memberships to the waterpark and we are going to visit Disneyland as much as possible with our annual passes. We are going to take massive amounts of photos, save tons of money for our future, and be creative with our time.
Anthony is doing really well at his new job and has just started his second week of training out of 3 weeks. He passed his CPR training and this week is onto wiring and putting things into people's houses. Today he is attending a big conference for all of the new workers at at&t in order to learn their new products. He is at the Anaheim stadium today doing all of that. He is really in high spirits about making good money and doing something he loves. We are excited about all that is new in our lives.
I am trying to think of all of the things I intend to work on this summer and it excites me to think about reading, hobbies, projects, outings, day trips, and wedding planning. I am stoked for all the summer brings. I still have to work but to me lately, that is nothing compared to Grad School, studying, and homework. Anthony and I both will be kicking our fitness plan into high gear and working on our nutritional goals as well. In April we both made a nutritional goal each. Mine was not having any fast food and his was no soda. We both achieved our goals and now are moving on to our May goals. We haven't decided those yet but we are sure they will be affective. I don't miss fast food and Anthony says he doesn't miss soda so we are doing a good job.
Fitness is going to be a big goal for both of us this summer and throughout this year as we prepare for our wedding and also for the next year in preparing for having our first baby. We are excited about all that the new years are going to bring and are saturating everything in prayer. We would appreciate your prayers as well. Have a wonderful day and God bless you all!
-Erica--
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Get Your Smile On!
I was reading the side of a Lays potato chip bag and they had the slogan "Get your Smile on" on the bag. I thought to myself how hilarious it is that we are in a world today where they are trying to sell potato chips using ebonics. They are taking this multiculturism a bit far huh? That was beside the point of what I wanted to discuss today. I literally wanted to talk about indeed getting your smile on..regardless!
In the Bible, joy is spoken of several times and we are called to live a life of joy in the knowledge of what Jesus did on the cross for us. I diligently try to live that life of joy. Sometimes life takes a toll on me delivering a cold, finals, and a personal trial in the same week and I am horribly challenged in my joy! I seek God daily to find my joy and my strength in Him and he always delivers. He sometimes does it through the peace that passes my understanding in prayer, a phone call from a loved one just to chat, an email from a dear friend who is praying on my behalf (thanks Jay), or an encouraging scripture.
For a while, I have really wanted to work more on memorization of scripture not so I look good in sunday school but because they are tools in my personal walk with the Lord against Satan and his schemes. I have powerful weapons in battle when I know my word. Today, I am using the amplified Bible as my source and this is my new scripture verse:
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory [my inner self] rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety. Psalm 16: 9
This verse is so completely strong for me right now because my inner self is what I study on a daily basis in Psychology. My heart being glad is what I really want to be able to say day in and day out about the Lord and my life. He is so good to me. I love the part in this verse where it says "my body too shall rest" because lately I have seen a physical demonstration of what my spirit goes through. If I am in a dry land, my body feels tired and lethargic. If I am in a stressed state, my body reacts by finding the first virus it can get. If I am happy and joyful, my body feels energetic and healthy. It is a direct correlation.
Another great part of this verse is where it says "and confidently dwell in safety." I first wanted to look up what safety meant so that I knew what to think about this part of the verse. Safety is defined (by the Princeton Review) as the condition of being protected against failure, damage, error, accidents, or harm. This makes me feel 100% better about my life to know that God is protecting against failure ...my biggest fear. When I find joy and really dwell in it; failure, damage, error, accidents, and harm can't get to me! I find this comforting and true in every way.
It is when I truly embrace Joy that all of those things don't seem to happen or get to me. I think God has a promise for us, if we rest in him, there we WILL REST! :)
I am going to my quiet place where I can be protected. I am so loved.
--Erica--
In the Bible, joy is spoken of several times and we are called to live a life of joy in the knowledge of what Jesus did on the cross for us. I diligently try to live that life of joy. Sometimes life takes a toll on me delivering a cold, finals, and a personal trial in the same week and I am horribly challenged in my joy! I seek God daily to find my joy and my strength in Him and he always delivers. He sometimes does it through the peace that passes my understanding in prayer, a phone call from a loved one just to chat, an email from a dear friend who is praying on my behalf (thanks Jay), or an encouraging scripture.
For a while, I have really wanted to work more on memorization of scripture not so I look good in sunday school but because they are tools in my personal walk with the Lord against Satan and his schemes. I have powerful weapons in battle when I know my word. Today, I am using the amplified Bible as my source and this is my new scripture verse:
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory [my inner self] rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety. Psalm 16: 9
This verse is so completely strong for me right now because my inner self is what I study on a daily basis in Psychology. My heart being glad is what I really want to be able to say day in and day out about the Lord and my life. He is so good to me. I love the part in this verse where it says "my body too shall rest" because lately I have seen a physical demonstration of what my spirit goes through. If I am in a dry land, my body feels tired and lethargic. If I am in a stressed state, my body reacts by finding the first virus it can get. If I am happy and joyful, my body feels energetic and healthy. It is a direct correlation.
Another great part of this verse is where it says "and confidently dwell in safety." I first wanted to look up what safety meant so that I knew what to think about this part of the verse. Safety is defined (by the Princeton Review) as the condition of being protected against failure, damage, error, accidents, or harm. This makes me feel 100% better about my life to know that God is protecting against failure ...my biggest fear. When I find joy and really dwell in it; failure, damage, error, accidents, and harm can't get to me! I find this comforting and true in every way.
It is when I truly embrace Joy that all of those things don't seem to happen or get to me. I think God has a promise for us, if we rest in him, there we WILL REST! :)
I am going to my quiet place where I can be protected. I am so loved.
--Erica--
Sunday, April 22, 2007
The Pirates of the Carribbean and Jesus
I know the title of today's blog may sound strange but I promise it will make sense by the end. Anthony and I have just recently purchased annual passes to Disneyland. We are extremely excited as we saved for them and they are so we can have dates even when we are saving so radically for our wedding and future. Anyway, we are enjoying our passes and have already got our money's worth. In saying that, we have favorite features and they are different but we both love them. His is Astro Blasters and mine is Pirates of the Caribbean. They are both extra fun and entertaining but I have just recently realized how I relate Pirates to my quiet time with the Lord.
Let's imagine Disneyland is the world. It's chaotic, loud, exciting, demanding, expensive, and there are rude people everywhere. Everywhere you turn there is another gadget or toy that you just have to have. There are children screaming, crying, laughing, running everywhere. There are adults with happy faces, grumpy faces, angry faces, sad faces and the like. There are couples clinging to each other in the early stages of love. There are pictures being snapped at every kodak photo op and there are lines upon lines of waiting to get you to the next big attraction.
Isn't that just like life? It's all those things. There are always things around you that other people have that look so enticing. There are always different types of people around to make life easier, harder, or different for you. There are always opportunities to wait on God for the next thing in your life that is supposed to be happening. Lately I have been in a perpetual Disneyland Line waiting for God to do things toward marriage/career/children, etc...
So now let's talk about Pirates of the Caribbean. If you haven't been to Disneyland, it's really fantastic and here is the run down. You load onto this boat with approximately 11-17 other people. They have rows and you are given a row with whomever you are with. It starts with a relaxing row down a stream of darkness when all of the sudden you are plunged down quickly and then plunged yet again. After these plunges, you then are in a relaxing row again and you see all kinds of different scenes. You see scenes of pleading and begging for life, you see fear and trepidation, battle and warfare, and laughter and rejoicing. There are also rooms full of treasure and enjoying the plunder. It ends with a climb up back into daylight where you are deposited back at the dock and are made to go through the LINE yet again if you want to ride again.
I relate this to my quiet time with Jesus. I know, you are not quite following but I promise I am getting there. When I enter God's presence I experience a quiet peace of a few seconds where I finally feel cool and release from the days heat and pressures. Then I get plunged into his presence once or twice where I am made to see my shortcomings and feel almost unworthy or shaken up to be in his presence. After that we are rolling slowly again but I have to look around constantly because he is showing me tons of areas. I row into the area where there is pleading and begging and I think of myself and my desires and weaknesses. I plead before God for forgiveness for not acknowledging him in my life and not trusting him with all of my desires. I then see fear and trepidation when I express to Him how afraid I am to continue trusting him and how afraid I am for all of the new things he is doing in my life. I then confront the battle and warfare where Satan is attacking me throughout my day and where he is bringing hard cirumstances into my life and I ask God to help me get through. More than anything there are moments of laugher and joy where I thank God intensely for the awesome things he has done in my life and how he has always been with me and saved me and forgiven me. This is my treasure and my plunder.
The "ride" with God ends by me climbing back into my day and being ready for more time with him but realizing I have to get back into the line and do life just to get back to his presence.
This ride is my favorite and now I know why, I compare it to one of the most wonderful portions of my day. The time with my Lord and Savior. I am in love with him and next time I go on Pirates (next tuesday) ...I will realize all those seasons of prayer and rejoice that there is a tangible place I can be reminded.
I love you Lord.
--Erica--
Let's imagine Disneyland is the world. It's chaotic, loud, exciting, demanding, expensive, and there are rude people everywhere. Everywhere you turn there is another gadget or toy that you just have to have. There are children screaming, crying, laughing, running everywhere. There are adults with happy faces, grumpy faces, angry faces, sad faces and the like. There are couples clinging to each other in the early stages of love. There are pictures being snapped at every kodak photo op and there are lines upon lines of waiting to get you to the next big attraction.
Isn't that just like life? It's all those things. There are always things around you that other people have that look so enticing. There are always different types of people around to make life easier, harder, or different for you. There are always opportunities to wait on God for the next thing in your life that is supposed to be happening. Lately I have been in a perpetual Disneyland Line waiting for God to do things toward marriage/career/children, etc...
So now let's talk about Pirates of the Caribbean. If you haven't been to Disneyland, it's really fantastic and here is the run down. You load onto this boat with approximately 11-17 other people. They have rows and you are given a row with whomever you are with. It starts with a relaxing row down a stream of darkness when all of the sudden you are plunged down quickly and then plunged yet again. After these plunges, you then are in a relaxing row again and you see all kinds of different scenes. You see scenes of pleading and begging for life, you see fear and trepidation, battle and warfare, and laughter and rejoicing. There are also rooms full of treasure and enjoying the plunder. It ends with a climb up back into daylight where you are deposited back at the dock and are made to go through the LINE yet again if you want to ride again.
I relate this to my quiet time with Jesus. I know, you are not quite following but I promise I am getting there. When I enter God's presence I experience a quiet peace of a few seconds where I finally feel cool and release from the days heat and pressures. Then I get plunged into his presence once or twice where I am made to see my shortcomings and feel almost unworthy or shaken up to be in his presence. After that we are rolling slowly again but I have to look around constantly because he is showing me tons of areas. I row into the area where there is pleading and begging and I think of myself and my desires and weaknesses. I plead before God for forgiveness for not acknowledging him in my life and not trusting him with all of my desires. I then see fear and trepidation when I express to Him how afraid I am to continue trusting him and how afraid I am for all of the new things he is doing in my life. I then confront the battle and warfare where Satan is attacking me throughout my day and where he is bringing hard cirumstances into my life and I ask God to help me get through. More than anything there are moments of laugher and joy where I thank God intensely for the awesome things he has done in my life and how he has always been with me and saved me and forgiven me. This is my treasure and my plunder.
The "ride" with God ends by me climbing back into my day and being ready for more time with him but realizing I have to get back into the line and do life just to get back to his presence.
This ride is my favorite and now I know why, I compare it to one of the most wonderful portions of my day. The time with my Lord and Savior. I am in love with him and next time I go on Pirates (next tuesday) ...I will realize all those seasons of prayer and rejoice that there is a tangible place I can be reminded.
I love you Lord.
--Erica--
Friday, April 20, 2007
First day jitters, finals, and cleaning
Hello everyone and happy friday. Anthony got up bright and early this morning at 5:30 am and went to his new job. Today is orientation where he gets a good look at his job site, bosses, etc... He was really excited this morning and apparently had NO problems getting up which if you know Anthony is shocking! He seemed in really high spirits and is really happy to be making the money he is worth and doing something interesting.
I am in the midst of final preparation so I will be MIA for a few weeks. My last day of any type of school project is April 30th. I am stoked to be done with my first year of Graduate school and to have done very well. My grades are good and my learning was remarkable. A psych program teaches you things about yourself you sometimes don't want to know. Finals are looking promising as I feel like I have plenty of time to prepare and really understand the material. I'll write again when I've finished and see if that's true.
Apartment hunting has started and we have chosen a handful of places to go and see and rate according to what we think. We are going to have to be at their mercy to a certain extent too since we are on a limited budget and my credit isn't perfect. The places we have looked at in Laguna Niguel are actually cheaper than a lot of other locations in Orange County. We are excited about our first place together after the wedding! :)
As for the wedding, no engagement just yet but still thinking about May 2008 for the nuptials. We are looking at locations right now and thinking about our budget. I am also looking around for a summer part time job to take on to make money for the wedding. I know that I will be funding it 100% Alone (with me and Anthony that is) so we are going to have to sacrifice a bit and really stick to a budget.
Today, I have a date by myself and I plan to organize my room up too. I have grocery shopping to do but that only takes me an hour or so. Now, it's on to room organization, laundry, and paperwork. Later in the afternoon I am going to take myself out. I will write more about my date later. Last weeks date was a full manicure with Acrylics. I love having my nails done. Little things for me always make me have a better week and not feel alienated while I save 15% of my paychecks!
I hope you are all doing well and updates later!
--Erica--
I am in the midst of final preparation so I will be MIA for a few weeks. My last day of any type of school project is April 30th. I am stoked to be done with my first year of Graduate school and to have done very well. My grades are good and my learning was remarkable. A psych program teaches you things about yourself you sometimes don't want to know. Finals are looking promising as I feel like I have plenty of time to prepare and really understand the material. I'll write again when I've finished and see if that's true.
Apartment hunting has started and we have chosen a handful of places to go and see and rate according to what we think. We are going to have to be at their mercy to a certain extent too since we are on a limited budget and my credit isn't perfect. The places we have looked at in Laguna Niguel are actually cheaper than a lot of other locations in Orange County. We are excited about our first place together after the wedding! :)
As for the wedding, no engagement just yet but still thinking about May 2008 for the nuptials. We are looking at locations right now and thinking about our budget. I am also looking around for a summer part time job to take on to make money for the wedding. I know that I will be funding it 100% Alone (with me and Anthony that is) so we are going to have to sacrifice a bit and really stick to a budget.
Today, I have a date by myself and I plan to organize my room up too. I have grocery shopping to do but that only takes me an hour or so. Now, it's on to room organization, laundry, and paperwork. Later in the afternoon I am going to take myself out. I will write more about my date later. Last weeks date was a full manicure with Acrylics. I love having my nails done. Little things for me always make me have a better week and not feel alienated while I save 15% of my paychecks!
I hope you are all doing well and updates later!
--Erica--
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
A new job, apartment hunting, and planning our lives away!
Well I have some great news that actually came about a week ago. Anthony has been praying for a new job and really putting his trust in God while working a job that was pretty thankless and not as great of pay as he needed. He was really faithful to God by doing his best and praising God for what he had..so God blessed him with a new job. Anthony was hired at AT&T for a premises technician job which triples his income at this point. It provides full benefits and multiple little discount benefits that we are going to enjoy. It's located in Laguna Niguel so we are both excited that we will be in this area. He has a sign up tomorrow morning for all of his tax paperwork and things and then his first day is Friday April 20th. We are really excited about this new gig and really praying that God moves through it. He has to go through a 3 week training process that is pass/fail so please keep him in your prayers for a good turnout!
In other news, our search begins for an apartment. I only have one year left on my contract with Christopher so I will be expected to move out once the position ends. Anthony and I are most likely going to be married at that point so we have decided to start looking at apartments in hopes of having some options when the time comes. We are looking in orange county since his work and my school are both here. I am also going to be researching jobs in this area as early as February of next year. I am really excited about the next steps in my life of marriage, family, new job, new home, new location, etc... God is really working in my life for good!
Please keep Anthony and myself in your prayers are we march forward in our lives. We are optimistic but also very nervous and anxious with new things coming! Thanks!
--Erica--
In other news, our search begins for an apartment. I only have one year left on my contract with Christopher so I will be expected to move out once the position ends. Anthony and I are most likely going to be married at that point so we have decided to start looking at apartments in hopes of having some options when the time comes. We are looking in orange county since his work and my school are both here. I am also going to be researching jobs in this area as early as February of next year. I am really excited about the next steps in my life of marriage, family, new job, new home, new location, etc... God is really working in my life for good!
Please keep Anthony and myself in your prayers are we march forward in our lives. We are optimistic but also very nervous and anxious with new things coming! Thanks!
--Erica--
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