I'm Back

So I think this will turn into a tradition…me posting while I’m supposed to be studying for my exams. Seems like I did this the last two semesters, too. It has nothing to do with procrastinating or not wanting to look for one more minute at my ginormous study guide…no, it is just THAT important that I have to post it NOW!

I have been reading Brennan Manning’s book The Furious Longing of God. Well, I just started it this weekend. Anyways, so far, so good. I  found that this passage struck a chord today:

“If you took the love of all the best mother and fathers who have lived in the course of human history, all their goodness, kindness, patience, fidelity, wisdom, tenderness, strength, and love and united all those qualities in a single person, that person’s love would only be a faint shadow of the furious love and mercy in the heart of God the Father addressed to you and me at this moment.”

I always hear that you never know the love of a parent until you become one.  Considering that is QUITE a ways down the road for me, this illustration sure helps me to understand.  I do have to say that I am blessed with possibly the most incredible parents in the world (no offense, anyone ; ).  To imagine that their love doesn't even add up to a faint shadow of God's love?  WOW.  Hard to grip my head around that idea.

I don’t know why I was running in the first place. Was it because He asked me to do something that was uncomfortable? Was it because I got bored? Maybe it was because I got tired? Whatever it was, I’m glad that looming cloud of darkness has passed, and I’m beginning to see the Light again.  His love is so good.

Internal Dialectics

"The rest of Brennan Manning is a bundle of paradoxes and contradictions.  I believe in God with all my heart.  And in a given day when I see a nine-year-old girl raped and murdered by a sex maniac or a four-year-old boy slaughtered by a drunken driver, I wonder if God even exists.  As I've said before, I address Him and I get discouraged.  I love and I hate.  I feel better about feeling good.  I feel guilty if I don't feel guilty.  I'm wide open, I'm locked in.  I'm trusting and suspicious.  I'm honest and I still play games.  Aristotle said I'm a rational animal.  But I'm not."


-Brennan Manning, The Furious Longing of God

Be Like a Duck

Is it weird that as far as I feel from God, I feel like He still talks to me? In the midst of my crazy, messy life, I find myself thanking Him for the wonderful little things that He chooses to sprinkle in my life.

It was the weirdest thing, but yesterday I saw so many ducks. I ran into the first one in the CVS parking lot before class. He was hanging out near my car and reluctantly moved from his puddle to allow me to enter the driver side. Then, when I was studying in the UC, I saw two more just waddling around the pond. I felt like they were everywhere. And the greatest thing was that they made me laugh. The way they shake their little tail feathers whenever they get water on them. Or right after they close their wings after a short flight….there they go again, doing the shake.

I don’t know why that was so funny to me, but it’s refreshing to find joy in the simple things. When I saw them nibbling on the grass, it reminded me that even when we can’t supply ourselves, God already has it figured out. Wish trusting Him was as easy as the ducks make it seem.

Guess this is what i was talking about the other day.

writdesignphotoreaderforthebigdreamer...or something like that.

What happened to dreams? What happened to thinking I could do whatever I put my heart and mind to? What happened to making my life count and using the talents I was given?

I don’t think it’s just me. A lot of people I’ve talked to say the same thing. It’s like we’re going through college to check it off on our list, but in the midst, we lose the very vision we had that made us want to pursue a college education in the first place.

It’s to do something big- to develop the talents we were blessed with, to come alive. Funny how I say “come alive” when a flat heart rate is all I feel towards the end of this semester (JK…kinda ; ).

But, really…as kids we’re taught that we should dream big and reach for the stars. That’s so easy to do before the world laughs at you and announces that you’re going crazy. Publish a book? Yeah, right. Start your own graphic design company? Do you know how many people are already trying to do that? The sad thing is that criticism from the outside begins to take root and soon enough you find yourself cutting down your own ideas. Become a professional photographer? Like you’re really that good- come on, get a grip. Run a marathon? OK…that will happen, um, never.

But, there are a select few- the few who choose to forgo the normal route of thinking and excel beyond human belief.

I think of people like Albert Einstein and Benjamin Franklin and Walt Disney. People who believed in themselves- really believed that they had something to contribute to this world that no one else could. Your name should be on that list because, while you may not know it, there’s a very big reason that you’ve been placed on this earth. And, those big dreams aren’t just floating around in that noggin for nothing! I should be on that list, too- we all have something that no one else has.

• I love to write. I feel like it clears my head and helps me sort through what I’m feeling. I guess it kinda makes me think I know what I’m talking about, too : ).

• Good design inspires me; in fact, good design literally makes me smile sometimes. There’s nothing better than seeing a brochure or logo and having that slow burn effect, where you go, “Oh…I see it. I get it. That’s so clever.”

• I love photography. It gives me the opportunity to capture a moment in time that no one will be able to return to. It reminds me to slow down and take in the beauty that’s around me.

• Reading (though I don’t have much time to read for leisure lately) is so refreshing, and being able to escape to a different time and place offers a new experience each time. I think this goes back to the “great contributors” I mentioned earlier. Picking up a book allows me to enter someone else’s mind, to get a feel of where they’re coming from. In essence, I receive the wisdom they’ve contributed, giving me a new perspective on things.

• I enjoy laughing and smiling and watching other people do the same.

That’s what I love. Those are the things that excite me, that drive me- that give me a reason.

This whole college-students- should-have-it-all-figured-out-with-a-ten-year-plan-and-five-internships-before-they-graduate-thing is a bit stressful. I mean really, how are we supposed to plan a life that’s so unpredictable?  I can’t even decide what to wear in the morning, needless to say what I want to do with my life.

I guess that’s because it seems so final. Like once I make a decision after college-that’s it! Game over. Stuck there the rest of your life. So it feels necessary that I choose wisely. I don’t want to get stuck doing something I hate. Even worse, I don’t want to get stuck doing something I love only halfway because I’m scared of dreaming big.

If only there were a job entitled writdesignphotoreaderforthebigdreamer! Although, that would be quite a mouthful for an introduction…

Miss Independent

I like to think I'm independent. I like to think I can handle whatever comes my way on my own. Is it just me, or don't we all? Isn't it so much easier to just deal with it yourself instead of involving everyone, instead of bothering them with all your problems and dragging them down with you?

My junior year dance solo was to the song "Miss Independent" by Kelly Clarkson. Here are some of the lyrics:

Miss Independent,
Miss Self-sufficient,
Miss Keep-your-distance.

Miss Unafraid,
Miss Out-of-my-way,
Miss Don't let a man interfere, no.

Miss On-her own,
Miss Almost grown,
Miss Never let a man help her off her throne.

So, by keeping her heart protected,
She'll never, ever feel rejected,
Little Miss Apprehensive,
Said ooh, she fell in love.

(Chorus)
What is this feeling taking over?
Thinking no one could open the door,
Surprise, it's time, to feel what's real,
What happened to Miss Independent's

No longer need to be defensive?
Goodbye, old you, when love, is true.

 

Although I didn't know it at the time, this song describes me perfectly. I am more content keeping my heart closed off and hidden, covering whatever I don't want people to see, and often pushing them away as a result. It's not because I want to, it's because that's my natural instinct.

I'm sure you can relate- I feel like I'm supposed to have it figured out. I feel like, as a Christian, I am supposed to know the right thing to say or do, and know the right time to say it. But I don't. I feel like I shouldn't avoid the very God I love, but I do. I feel like I should follow His lead, but instead I follow my own and make it seem as if everything is hunky dory (spellcheck? : ).

It's not, it's not okay. These past few months have been incredibly insane, and while I tend to blame it on the stress of school, I know deep down that it's something more. I'm not right with God- I'm not into Him like I used to be. I'm not pursuing Him like He wants me to. Period. That's what's wrong. And if everything around me gets right, no matter how good it all seems, nothing will be right because that's still wrong.

The puzzle isn't complete without His piece, but why am I having such a hard time lately surrendering to Him? I know His plans are better than mine. I know His word is good and true. I know He will provide peace that surpasses all understanding.

Yet I choose to be Miss Independent, a girl telling Him to keep His distance. It's not what I want, but honestly, I don't even have the motivation to change it. And I know that's a dangerous place to be.

I was reading some of my blog posts (All that Sparkles) from last year and almost starting crying at some of the things I read. The stories I had forgotten. The times God showed up when I didn't expect Him to. Reading about enjoying life with Him made me long for it all over again. I want that, but not that sacrifice. I want to know Him, but not the hours of Bible study. I feel like right now, it would be just one more thing to add to my to do list.  What is that? What in the world is my problem lately?

My Life

Good Reminders

Found:  http://www.welivenow.org/

Real People Are More Interesting.

Sorry I haven’t kept up with this lately. Here goes my ever-lame excuse: school. No, I’m not being dramatic about the incredibly massive amount of homework and tests and projects and research papers and quizzes and…well, you get my point. The professors are definitely conspiring against us this semester- Nova students are in agreement.

But, enough about complaining- I spend too much of my life wasted on that when I should be living. So…we have a new project in my Mass Media class (one that I’m actually kind of excited about, should I find the time to complete it : ).

We have to create our own mass medium content (i.e. radio show, TV series, magazine, newspaper, book, etc.) I’m designing a magazine- not quite sure of the name yet, but I’ll give you the rundown. Basically, it’s going to be stories, stories of everyday people living ordinary but interesting lives. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE running into those people that can just captivate you with a good story. Whether it’s about their first love, children, religion, an embarassing moment, whatever- I am going to compile these stories. Oh, and my favorite part- photos. Sort of photo journalism- whether it's raw portraits of the "storyteller" or pictures that depict their story.  I want it to come from an unusual angle- opening the magazine will be like rediscovering the world, and rediscovering the people around you who have so much to contribute but often go unnoticed or unheard.  A definite coffee shop feel, very casual, and genuine.  Yeah, genuine- that's the key here!

Sound like a good idea? Sound kinda cheesy? I’m thinking a combination of them both, but I’m hoping for the best. The way I see it in my mind, it’s gonna be great! But, we all know how that goes sometimes…lol.

So, part of my Thanksgiving Break will be spent shooting photos and capturing stories. It’s fun to see excitement in the mundane, and I am usually very guilty for forgetting that. Maybe this little (well, big) project will help.

If I run into you- no hesitation- you must cooperate fully, or else…I fail. Haha, just kidding. But, hey, it made you want to share, right?

(Oh, and model credit to Morgie up there for being "real" in front of the camera...hope she doesn't mind this one : )

Music Lovers Beware...New Addiction Possible : )

If you've read my blog, you know I love music.  Every so often, I put my favorite song up or talk about a song that has impacted me in one way or another.  Well, you see, there is a new little website that is probably the best thing ever created for people like me!

Allow me to introduce:  Pandora.  You simply type in an artist, song, genre, etc. of what you would like to listen to and voila!  It pulls up not only what you requested, but also related items.  Like today, I felt like listening to Frank Sinatra while I'm studying (okay...wow, I know I'm a weird college student- don't mention it. lol).  I typed in Frank Sinatra and it automatically built a playlist containing not only his songs, but music that has the same sound (Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, and Dean Martin to name a few).

Start tapping your toes and be prepared to enjoy!  If you like the song it generates, give it a thumbs up.  If you don't like it, give a thumbs down.  If you want, you can skip the songs by clicking "I'm tired of this song."  Really, the website is super user friendly.  And if you find a new favorite, all you have to do is click on the Menu and "Buy" to take you right to Itunes for download.  How cool is that?! 

Well, at least I'm amused.  Haha.  Hope you day is going splendid, as mine is.  And, as I was reminded a few songs ago, don't forget "What a Wonderful World" it is.  Pandora away : )

The Way I See It #76

Found this on my cup while studying today..."The irony of commitment is that it's deeply liberating- in work, in play, in love.  The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation.  To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life."  -Anne Morriss (Starbucks customer)

Ok...so maybe I'm a little Starbucks obsessed, but gimme a break : ).

Can you come back tomorrow?

I got my car washed today. Well, supposedly. It looked great, except for the massive amount of bug residue left on the front bumper and windshield. The gentleman that waxed it asked me to come take a look and make sure everything was how I wanted it. I explained to him about the bug residue, and he asked me to come back tomorrow to fix the problem.

Honestly, I was kind of shocked. Here I was paying not a cheap amount of money to have my car detailed, and the guy said to come back tomorrow, and waste my time and my gas money to fix a problem that they were supposed to take care of in the first place?! Ugh.

Well, the purpose of that story is not just to complain about poor customer service, though that would be an excellent example of such. Christ later laid it on my heart and said, “You’re that guy.” I was thinking, “Whoa, whoa, whoa there…not so fast. What do you mean?”

What He said definitely caught me off guard. “You know how I ask you to come to Me and get cleaned up. I ask you to do great things in my name, live for my glory instead of your own. Yet, you dismiss the Holy Spirit, saying ‘Can you come back tomorrow?’ or ‘We’ll handle this another time.’ You wallow in the mess and wonder why you are so unhappy. You accept the junk and then complain that life isn’t how it’s supposed to be. Do you have time today for Me? Or am I supposed to wait until ‘tomorrow’?”

If that doesn’t wake you up, I don’t know what will. I was so convicted. God graciously grants us mercy and grace, new each morning; yet, I have the audacity to simply dismiss His commandments, insisting that they just aren’t important enough for today, that I have too many other things to do. It’s gotta change. I have to start living each day for Him, not just on the days I “feel” like it.

Not Your Average 5K

Anyone who has been around me for a decent amount of time knows that I like to be comfortable. Whether we’re talking about temperature, clothing, beds, pillows, shoes- comfort is ideal. You might not be much different. But, as I sit in my adorably decorated dorm room (thanks, Mom : ), I think “Is comfort what I live for?” If I’m not “comfortable,” either physically or emotionally, am I still truly “comfortable” with how life is going? There’s something more, something greater that calls me to a life beyond comfort. I believe everyone has that yearning for adventure, because I also believe that God put it in each of us. You have to admit- everyday life can sometimes be boring or routine, and maybe God is calling you to do something out of the ordinary, essentially out of your comfort zone.


The reason I bring up all this chatter about comfort is because I believe God is calling me to 11 months without it. I heard about a mission trip, or should I say mission adventure called The World Race about half a year ago. Since I was first introduced to the idea, I was truly intrigued. 11 months, 11 different countries. Mission work 24/7, never knowing what to expect or where you might sleep at night. While part of me says “Ahh!,” the other part says, “Perfect! That’s what I need to do.” It’s weird how many times this “little” adventure pops into my head throughout the week, and I’m beginning to think Someone is putting it there on purpose, if you know what I mean.

I don’t want to go where God is not leading, and I know He will do everything in His perfect timing. All I’m asking is that you partner with me in prayer, beginning when you read this post, for The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results (James 5:16). It will come together if that’s what needs to happen- I trust Him.

The Big 2-0!

"So, do you feel any different?" That's the typical birthday question. And my typical birthday answer… "No, not really."

I didn't think turning 20 would be that big of a deal for me, but somehow it has struck a chord. It feels like I'm entering into an entire new chapter in my life. I'm no longer a teenager; and, while some would be happy about that fact, I'm wrestling with it. No longer a teenager??? Not cool. Lol.

On another note, it has given me time to reflect on my life so far. God has been so faithful to continually pursue me and remind me of His love, since I was just a little kid. I am constantly amazed when I look back and see His hand guiding and directing every step in my life, even if at the time, I thought I was the one in charge. Twenty years seems like a long time to me, but others I talk to say, "Just wait until 30, 40, 50, 60…you get my point." The past few years, it seems like time has flown, and I often forget to "stop and smell the roses" in the middle of a hectic time.

I guess what I have to say is that I'm happy. Everything's not perfect, don't get me wrong. I have a long way to go and there are still many things I want to do before I leave this earth. But, I am blessed with an amazing family, wonderful friends, and a life that I often take for granted. My birthday reminds me that each year offers room for improvement. It's a time for me to stop and appreciate the years, but also press on to seek after what God has in store for me….which will probably be another post soon.

Anyways, I thought it would be neat if you all left me a comment with some advice you have for me- about life, love, God, birthdays, faith - anything you feel is most important to know as a 20 year old embarking on this new decade. I would love to hear what you've got…it sure would make my birthday extra special : ).

You know those times when you just want a hug and there's no one there to give it to you?  Yep, now would be one.  I can't wait to go home this weekend- school is definitely stressing me out.

My Brightness

The theme song for my life right now (since I love music so much and new songs will probably change my mind : )...check it out HERE!

Accepted and Loved

WOW…the Charlie Hall concert was amazing! His musical style is so refreshing and different. His message of the night focused on coming to God, just as we are- broken, sinful, burnt out, disheveled, whatever it is- and resting in Him. Charlie said that the great thing about God is that we can let our guard down and take off our masks…we can just be us, accepted and loved by the Almighty One. He reminded me that even when the world around me is shifting and things feel like they aren't how they should be, if we sing or say the truths God has spoken to us, everything kind of lines up again. It's so true. When life gets crazy or a certain situation doesn't go our way, we have two options: sit around and throw a pity party or lean on Christ, knowing that "He works all things together for the good of those that love Him."

The part that spoke to me the most was probably the chorus from "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." Not a new song, by any means, but…what a reminder! If we just keep looking at Him, "the things of this world will grow strangely dim." The things that once mattered, don't anymore. The shame and guilt? Gone. The economy? We're not worried. As long as we're looking to Him, it's all good. I needed to hear that.

"Whatever your goals, whatever your dreams are- that is Christ moving through you. He's helping you." What he said reminded me of my last post. The goals I'm striving towards, the dreams that have been planted in my heart- if they are God's will for my life, then I should pursue them with excellence, knowing that He will do whatever He needs to do in me and through me. I must keep Him first, nonetheless, but it's not bad to strive towards career or college goals.

So, it was a great night. I worshipped and adored. Learned and listened. Sang truth and received it. Not to mention, the night was topped off with dinner and dessert downtown at Mango's with my Dad and Mr. Steve. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard around 3:00 that they were headed down for the concert, and to see me, of course!

It's a beautiful thing when God realigns my heart with His. The road becomes a little clearer, and my heart a whole lot lighter. Knowing that I am loved and accepted by my God…that never gets old!

What do you want to do with your life?

My first assignment for Mass Media class: Create your personal mission/vision statement about what you want to do and how you will get there. Due next week. Easy enough- that's something people always ask. It's more like a life plan than a personal statement. For inspiration, I began "Googling" personal mission statements and was pleasantly surprised at the outcome. I ran across a website, Franklin Covey (http://www.franklincovey.com/msb/), where I built my own statement in a matter of 15 minutes or so. It wasn't the kind of statement the professor asked for, so this was just some exploratory research of my own : ). Going through the open-ended sentences and questions really made me reflect on my life and my goals.

Last night in Principles of Public Relations, a guest speaker discussed the importance of plans (strategic, business, communication, annual, etc….too many to discuss!). She said plans are basically a statement of "How can we measure success? What do we want to do, and how will we know when we have achieved those goals?" And since I'm a weird college student, I began taking the lecture personally. How do I measure success? What am I doing each day to contribute to my ultimate goal? What is my ultimate goal? I mean, I am so used to answering the question, "What do you want to do?" that I forget that there's so much more to that than a simple profession. When I answered the questions she asked, I thought- there's gotta be more. I can't dilute my whole life down to a profession and the means to get there. That's not what I want. My ultimate goal is to reach as many people for Christ, however He chooses to use me, all the while giving Him the glory so that He can become more and I can become less. I want my time here on earth to positively impact the lives of others, leaving a lasting legacy that is more than a laundry list of my accomplishments as a student or professional. Is that it? If you were to look at my day to day life right now, yes- that's it...me trying to create a laundry list of accomplishments to check off as I go. The actions I am taking today seem to say that my ultimate goal in life is to become the best communications professional I can be by studying trends, gaining knowledge, and networking with others who are like-minded (not a bad thing in and of itself, but it is when it's higher on the priority list than Christ).

Is what I'm doing day to day contributing to my success, as I define it? No, no, and no. Since I have been at Nova this year, I have not reached out to one person regarding my Christianity. I have not gone out of my way to serve those less fortunate, in an effort to demonstrate the love of Christ. I have not made an intense effort to be totally absorbed in God's Word, more so than my class studies. Yes, I have been reading and studying for hours on end, but only for my classes- to get good grades and learn about the profession. So I have to ask, is this it? Is this really what I want to do with my life? I know the answer deep down, but living that conviction out every day is much harder than you think.

What about you? Is this it? Are you living each day to achieve that ultimate goal you have set for yourself? I would love to hear input. You can even shoot me an email with your Mission Statement from the website I mentioned earlier. Who knows…you could be my newest inspiration : ).

Mmm, Mmm, Good!

So, if you haven't indulged yourself with Starbuck's seasonal latte, now is definitely the time to do so!  Let's just say the Pumpkin Spice Latte is about the most amazing drink ever created! Haha- and I don't even like pumpkin that much.  I just had to get that word out- these drinks will seriously rock your world! (Message not sponsored by Starbucks, subject to taste tester's personal opinions and likes.  Blogger not responsible for unhappy customers or dissatisfied indulgers.  Results may vary : ).

Unexpected Revelations

Do you ever find God where you least expect Him to be?  It's often humorous to discover the many places He chooses to reveal Himself to us.  For me, it was in my Communication Theory textbook last night.  Odd?  Absolutely.  Refreshing?  Beyond belief.  It's called unconditional positive regard.  I had heard of it before, but pretty much cast it aside as one of the million theories that simply was unimportant in my personal life, prior to last night.  Em Griffin writes, "Unconditional positive regard is the attitude of acceptance that isn't contingent on performance."  He relates this concept to a better communication environment.  If individuals feel safe and accepted by the other person, they are more likely to communicate in an authentic and transparent manner.  The only thing I could think of when I kept reading about this theory was God's love and communication with us.  How amazing is His love that no matter what we do, no matter how we "perform," He has an unconditional positive regard towards us.  Then I thought about my Granny, who was known for her love- for finding something good in every person she met, even if that person wasn't easy to get along with or generally well-accepted.  I've longed to be that type of person for years...to look beyond the attitudes, the expectations, the performance of a person- into their heart, into their being.  I want so bad to lavish God's love on others, but often find that my human nature gets in the way.  By relying on Christ though, I believe it's possible.

Who would have thought that little "revelation" would come from a school-based textbook?  So, today- expect the unexpected.  God will show up just when you need Him the most...whether it's reading for a theory-based class, or catching up on laundry or logging in hours at your job.  That's what's so good about Him- He will do whatever it takes to allow us to see Him.

It's Scary

I bought this magnet at Barnes and Noble yesterday (got a little sidetracked when I was shopping for some school supplies).  It's a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, a well-respected and admired lady.  I did a speech on her last year and found her life to be so inspiring and amazing.  It's just insane how many things she did to help others, even when it was inconvenient or difficult for her.  Anyway, I'm going to try her "theory" out- the whole do one thing everyday that scares you.  I guess if you never try anything outside your comfort zone, you won't really grow to your full potential.  Plus, if you push yourself, who knows what new talents, opportunities, adventures, or predicaments you might find yourself in...all of which only cause you to become a stronger person.  Today, in my Intro to Drawing class, which I was terrified to even walk into- lol, we had to do "blind" drawing.  The rules:  Only look at the object you are drawing, not your paper.  And, never pick up your pencil from the paper- make continuous lines.  We had to sketch pieces of coral and mini clothespins.  Needless to say, there were definitely some laughs when everyone discovered what they had drawn.  Professor Ryan said it's about disconnecting what you think you see and what you really see.  I have to admit, in a way, they were kind of beautiful.  It was like we were seeing for the first time-unreserved, unrestrained by the expectations we had of ourselves and our abilities.  So, my "scary thing"- first drawing class, with "blind" drawing nonetheless- turned out to be quite freeing, and who knows...like Picasso, it might become my new favorite pastime : ).  Your turn.

Mission Impossible Made Possible

Move-in is complete! You heard me right- everything is moved in. As for organized….well, I'll be working on that one today and tomorrow. The first week of school not only brings new beginnings but also minor chaos as I navigate around my room filled with school supplies and re-accustom (that's probably not a word, but I so just made it one : ) myself to this small space! These past few weeks have been one emotional rollercoaster for me, and I am ready to get off the ride, if you know what I mean. When I finally got readjusted to life back in Lake Placid, it was time to make the move back here to Fort Lauderdale. Change is always hard for me, especially if it involves leaving behind the people I love, knowing I won't see them nearly as much as I wish. But, I will press on, remembering that God has awesome plans in store for me here, though I don't think the bruised finger and busted up heel were part of those plans moving in- lol. From my last statement, I'm sure you can tell just how grand it was to move my whole life down here and up three stories, once again. Mom and I should be earning Badges of Courage or something, well, she should anyway. I seriously couldn't have done it without her! We had some "interesting" experiences (refrigerator problems), to say the least, but shared many enjoyable moments together. I wish there was some way to pay her back for all she's done, but it's just impossible. When I was nodding off to sleep the other night, I just couldn't think of a way to say thank you that would really capture the meaning. Well, I do have to get this place straightened up, so I suppose I am done blogging for now. Enjoy your day- there's beauty in each one : ). Oh, and remind me of that when I'm having a bad one. Haha.