Tuesday, December 31, 2013

The Little Things You Miss.....


So my husband and I have been living in two different places over the past few weeks while we are transitioning to our new home in a new city and a new state. Part of the time we have been together and part of the time we have had to live apart. The living apart has proven to be more challenging than I thought it would. For example I have found that it is the simple things that I missed the most. I had bought a jar of pickles and for the life of me I could not get them open. 


And darn if I still cannot get it open. 


Another thing is the companionship that you have with that person. When they are not around everything is suddenly very quiet. Luckily for me I have two little companions who have done their best to make sure I am never lonely. The only bad thing is that they do not talk back to me when I speak to them. 



It is true what they say...absence makes the heart grow fonder. I cherish those times when we get to be together, and when we are apart I look forward to us seeing each other again. I look forward to when we get everything settled with our move and we are together again as a family. 

Monday, December 23, 2013

The Simple Things


Sometimes it is the simple things in life that make me the most happy. Sometimes it is a nice hot cup of coffee and sitting in front of the fire that really seem to warm the soul. Sometimes it is a phone call or text from a loved one that puts a smile on your face and reminds you of the blessings in your life. Or sometimes it is a hug or touch from that special someone that makes your heart skip a beat and makes you feel giddy. Whatever it may be don't let this holiday season pass you by without remembering the simple things in life that bring us the most joy and happiness. Sometimes it is the simple things in life that make me the most happy. 


This Christmas season I am so thankful for this man. I can't imagine anyone else I would rather spend the holidays with!



Sunday, December 15, 2013

Pomp and Circumstance



This past weekend I graduated! After months and months of hard work I finally received my Master's Degree. At times I never thought this day would come, but it was all worth it. I am so grateful to my husband for his support through all of this and being so understanding when I was stressed and overwhelmed with my school work. Without him I am not sure I could have made it to the end.

Me receiving my diploma


Me and the husband 


Thursday, December 12, 2013

Lately....





Lately....

I have been enjoying a nice cup of coffee on these cold blustery evenings. Even if it is a cup of decaf it warms the body and sooths the soul.

Lately...
I am loving this look from Target!

 
 
Lately.....
I have been on the hunt for a new job. And I am finding that looking for a job is almost a full time job itself.
 
 
Lately...
I am loving this little bugger. She is such a sweetie!
 

 
 
 
Lately.....
I am looking forward to the new year and starting new adventures!
 
 
 
 


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Job Hunting 101




 
 
 
 
I had forgotten how hard it was to search for a job. With this new move that my husband and I are making I am on the hunt for a new job. I have suddenly remember how stressful it can be to look for work especially when you are looking for work in a town that is 4 hours away. This is the first time I have had to look for a job in 9 years, and let me tell you folks....it is not easy.
 
Over the course of the past couple of weeks I have learned a thing or two about applying for jobs.
 
1) Don't take it personal if you get a "rejection email." If you take it personal it will only cause you to become depressed and doubt your self and your abilities.
 
2) Write down all the jobs you have applied for! When you are applying for multiple jobs it is easy to forgot or get confused the ones you have and have not applied for.
 
3) Don't get discouraged! You will find the right job and the right time.
 
4) When you are starting to get overwhelmed when the job search, step away and take a break.
 
5) Always believe in your self! Never doubt your abilities and skills. Stay positive and sell yourself.
 
 
It might take time, but I know the perfect job is out there for me. I just have to find it.
 
 

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Moving




Recently my whole world changed when my husband accepted a job out of state. I have had to begin looking for a new job. Which I had forgotten how hard and stressful it is to find a job. It has been 9 years since I have had to look for a job and let me tell you it is not an easy task to look for work.

The whole idea of moving is both exciting and scary all at the same time. It is exciting to move to a new city and find new places to explore. But at the same time it is a little scary moving away from those things that you are familiar with and move someone new and unknown.

Most of all I am so not looking forward to packing. As a child I moved around quite a bit and my least favorite thing was packing and then having to unpack everything. Just the thought have packing stresses me out. Thank God I have a wonderful mother who has graciously agreed to come and help me pack up everything.

Stay tuned for more moving adventures.


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Don't Give Up


Sometimes there are moments in our life when things are difficult and it would seem easier to give up and not hold out for that thing that we want so badly. Each one of us hold something very dear to our heart that we dream will come to fruition some day. For some it might be that dream job, or to find that special someone, or for some it might be a longing for a child. No matter what it is that pulls at your heart strings there is still that longing there to never give up and to keep on believing and dreaming for what your heart desires.

So what do you do to keep on believe and dream for the desires of your heart? One thing I do is to remember why it is that I have held on for so long and that keeps me going and reminds me to not give up. I keep holding on and believing that I will see my dreams come true.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Dreams

 

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Recently I ran across this quote by Jim Elliot when looking through Pinterest. It reminded me of all the hopes and dreams I have had for my life and how many times I have shied away from them because of various reasons. One of my biggest dreams is to become more proficient in my photography skills. I have always had dreams and ambitions of starting my own photography business and selling my work. But for whatever reason I have continued to make excuses for why I cannot follow through with dream. Some of those top excuses have been time and money. But how can you make a dream a reality unless you jump in with both feet. I have made a decision that I will make the time to work on my photography skills and make it a point to follow my dreams and see where the path leads me.  I have decided that “I will be all there.” I am hoping and dreaming for new adventures. I am dreaming that this path will take me to places I have never been before. I am excited to step out and embark on making my dream a reality.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Pay It Forward

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So the coolest thing happened to me over the weekend. I went to my favorite coffee joint, Starbucks. The husband and I were out running errands and in an effort to save time we decided to go through the drive-thru. When I drove up to the window the Starbucks employee told me that the women in the car in front of me bought my coffee. I thought to myself “how nice.” That had never, ever happened to me before. You hear stories of people paying for total strangers orders but you never think that will happen to you. In that moment I had to make a decision……do I be thankful for a free cup of coffee and be on my way? Or do I pay it forward and pay for the person in line behind me. I thought, I was going to buy coffee anyway, so why not do something nice for someone else. So I paid it forward. I returned my gift of a cup of coffee, by giving it back to someone else.

When was the last time you paid it forward?

 

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Monday, November 18, 2013

Thankfulness

 

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During this season of Thanksgiving it reminds me of all that God has blessed me with. I am reminded of the wonderful family that I have been blessed with. I have amazing parents and two wonderful sisters. I am grateful for the heritage that my grandparents have passed down and that it has had an impact on who I am today. I am grateful for my husband and the blessing he has been in my life. The last three years have been full of love and joy and I cannot imagine sharing my life with anyone else.

I am grateful for my job. I know many times I complain about my job and how I am not happy with where I am. But I am truly grateful that God has provided a place for me to work and that I have money to be able to pay the bills and put food on the table. My job truly is a blessing.

There are so many more things that I am thankful for. There are too many things to count. All I can say is that sometimes I am humbled by the way that God has blessed my life. It is more than words can ever express.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

The Journey

 

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Life is a journey. Often times we start out on a path not really knowing where it will take us. The excitement of it all is embarking on a new adventure with endless possibilities. At times it can make me feel like a kid again. I get excited about where the new road will take us and the great things that lie ahead. While every new adventure has its ups and downs you never know where the journey will lead you. It could be one of the greatest adventures of your life. Where is the journey of life taking you?

Friday, November 8, 2013

Reflection

 

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Reflection….

Recently I have been in a place where I have felt more reflective than normal. It has left me wanting to stay lost in my thoughts rather than to write here on my blog. Sometimes in order to work things out in my mind I need to be quiet and just reflect on where I am. So that is why I have been so quiet lately. I have simply been lost in my thoughts.

Sunday, October 27, 2013




This is the day that The Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Friday’s Letters

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Dear School, I cannot believe you are finally over! It seems like this has been a long time coming. I am so relieved to done! Dear Husband, I am excited about your possible job opportunities. I know that you are too. Praying that God opens the right door for you. Dear October, I am so loving the beautiful fall weather. I just hate that you are half way over. Dear Vacation, I cannot wait till you get here. It is going to be so good to get out of town and enjoy a well deserved break from everything. I am ready to kick my feet up and relax. Dear Friends, I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Too Long…..

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I realized the other day that it has been too long since I have posted on here. Lately my life has been consumed with finishing thesis for my Master’s degree and it seems that everything else in my life has had to take a back seat. I have missed writing. There are times that I find writing to be very therapeutic. I look forward to getting back to the things I love and finding new hobbies to fill up my free time. I look forward to writing more and posting more about what is going on in my little world.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Hashi what…….

butterfly

About a year ago I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Over the past year I have felt like I have been on a roller coaster. I feel like I have had my good days and my bad days. And as my doctor has increased my medication over time I have really not felt like the physical manifestation of disease has changed all that much. There have been times where I have had the same symptoms and felt the same way I did a year ago when I was first diagnosed. So I thought it was time to take matters into my own hands. I insisted that when my doctor do my blood work again that they also check out my thyroid antibodies as well. So it turns out that my levels were elevated and that I have Hashimoto’s. If you are not familiar with that, Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease and it is basically where your immune system has decided that your thyroid is a foreign invader and attacks it. When my doctor told me this she had the attitude that well this is what is wrong with you and so you just have to live with it. But I refuse to have that type of mentality. So I have set out on my own crusade to advocate for my health and happiness. I am going to find what works for me and kick Hashimoto’s in the butt!

I recently ran across this letter. It is written by Gena Lee Nolin and she posted it on her Thyroid Sexy Facebook page. If you are not familiar with Hashimoto’s these are some of the things that myself and others with this disease suffer with on a daily basis.

Hi. My name is Hashimoto's. I'm an invisible autoimmune disease that attacks your thyroid gland causing you to become hypothyroid. I am now velcroed to you for life.

Others around you can't see me or hear me, but YOUR body feels me.

I can attack you anywhere and any way I please.

I can cause severe pain or, if I'm in a good mood, I can just cause you to ache all over.

Remember when you and energy ran around together and had fun?

I took energy from you, and gave you exhaustion. Try to have fun now.

I can take good sleep from you and in its place, give you brain fog and lack of concentration.

I can make you want to sleep 24/7, and I can also cause insomnia.

I can make you tremble internally or make you feel cold or hot when everyone else feels normal.

I can also give you swollen hands and feet, swollen face and eyelids, swollen everything.

I can make you feel very anxious or very depressed, too. I can also cause other mental health problems.

I can make your hair fall out, become dry and brittle, cause acne, cause dry skin, the sky is the limit with me.

I can make you gain weight and no matter what you eat or how much you exercise, I can keep that weight on you. I can also make you lose weight. I don't discriminate.

Some of my other autoimmune disease friends often join me, giving you even more to deal with.

If you have something planned, or are looking forward to a great day, I can take that away from you. You didn't ask for me. I chose you for various reasons:

That virus or viruses you had that you never really recovered from, or that car accident, or maybe it was the years of abuse and trauma (I thrive on stress.) You may have a family history of me. Whatever the cause, I'm here to stay.

I hear you're going to see a doctor to try and get rid of me. That makes me laugh. Just try. You will have to go to many, many doctors until you find one who can help you effectively.

You will be put on the wrong medication for you, pain pills, sleeping pills, energy pills, told you are suffering from anxiety or depression, given anti-anxiety pills and antidepressants.

There are so many other ways I can make you sick and miserable, the list is endless - that high cholesterol, gall bladder issue, blood pressure issue, blood sugar issue, heart issue among others? That's probably me.

Can't get pregnant, or have had a miscarriage?

That's probably me too.

Teeth and gum problems? TMJ? I told you the list was endless.

You may be given a TENs unit, get massaged, told if you just sleep and exercise properly I will go away.

You'll be told to think positively, you'll be poked, prodded, and MOST OF ALL, not taken seriously when you try to explain to the endless number of doctors you've seen, just how debilitating I am and how sick you really feel. In all probability you will get a referral from these 'understanding' (clueless) doctors, to see a psychiatrist.

Your family, friends and co-workers will all listen to you until they just get tired of hearing about how I make you feel, and just how debilitating I am.

Some of them will say things like "Oh, you are just having a bad day" or "Well, remember, you can't do the things you use to do 20 YEARS ago", not hearing that you said 20 DAYS ago.

They'll also say things like, "if you just get up and move, get outside and do things, you'll feel better." They won't understand that I take away the 'gas' that powers your body and mind to ENABLE you to do those things.

Some will start talking behind your back, they'll call you a hypochondriac, while you slowly feel that you are losing your dignity trying to make them understand, especially if you are in the middle of a conversation with a "normal" person, and can't remember what you were going to say next. You'll be told things like, "Oh, my grandmother had that, and she's fine on her medication" when you desperately want to explain that I don't impose myself upon everyone in the exact same way, and just because that grandmother is fine on the medication SHE'S taking, doesn't mean it will work for you.

The only place you will get the kind of support and understanding in dealing with me is with other people that have me. They are really the only ones who can truly understand.

I am Hashimoto's Disease.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Hello October

 

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I cannot believe it is October! Where has this year gone? This year has flown by way too fast. However, October is a welcome site. It is one of my favorite months out of the year. I love the fall colors and the smells that October brings. October makes my heart warm. It is nice to see you October!

Friday, September 20, 2013

Friday’s Letters

 

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Dear Friday, I never thought you would get here! It has been an incredibly long week and it is so good to finally see the weekend. Dear School, I cannot believe it is just 5 more weeks until school is over! Man time has flown by. The end has been a long time coming. Dear Tennessee, I am loving the cooler temperatures. I am loving the cool crisp mornings. I can feel fall just around the corner. Dear Husband, I am keeping my fingers crossed for your potential job. Praying that if it is God’s will everything will work out.

 

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Thursday, September 19, 2013

A Few Things I Have Learned While Trying To Get Pregnant (Warning: Could Be TMI)

 

I have been pouring over pregnancy, fertility, and TTC (trying to conceive) websites, boards, and books over the past few months. In my reading I have found a few things that I have made me go “huh.”

First of all the woman’s body is (usually) a toxic environment for sperm. Because of the acidic nature of the vaginal vault sperm cannot thrive in that environment. The sperm thrive in alkaline environments. This means that my body is prepared to kill the little swimmers within an hour or two of entering my body.

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The good news is that right before ovulation a women’s cervical mucus will turn alkaline and will create a more “friendly” environment for sperm. All the baby boards call this cervical mucus EWCM or egg white mucus. It looks like and has the consistency of egg white: clear, thick, and stretchy. Have I grossed you out yet?

The bad news…..when this happens it only allows for a maximum of 5 days (but could be closer to 2 or 3 days) every cycle for me to get knocked up.

In my reading I have found that there are a number of things that you can do to increase your chances of getting pregnant. But nothing that is a sure fire way to make it magically happen. Some of the things that can increase your chances are: charting your basal body temperature (which can get old really fast), use ovulation predictor kits, and charting your cervical mucus. And of course the internet is filled with all kinds of advice on things you can do. Heck the internet even tells you how you can increase your chances of either having a boy or girl. But all these things do not guarantee anything.

So bottom line is…..when you do get pregnant it is a miracle.

I have had thoughts of just giving up and going back on birth control. Drink as much coffee as I want all day and take up smoking. Because that is when everyone else seems to get pregnant.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Fall

 

me

Fall is by far my favorite time of the year. Some of the things that I love most are:

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Driving through the mountains and seeing the beautiful fall colors.

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A yummy pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks.

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Cool mornings sitting out on the deck with a cup of coffee and a blanket.

I love all the sites and smells of fall. I love everything fall brings.

And of course the best part of fall is…..my birthday! I love the fact that my birthday is during October. Perhaps that is why I love fall so much.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Friendship

 

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It is interesting how friendships change and evolve over time. Often those changes come when we have changes within our individual lives. The true test of a friendship is whether or not it can last through changes that happen along the way. When changes occur in our life or the life of our friend can we adapt and accept the change that it could bring to our friendship. Are we willing to make sacrifices that could be required in order to keep and maintain that relationship? Are we willing to except those changes and know that our friendship may not be the way it was before? Are we willing to swallow our pride and selfishness to maintain our friendships? The true test is learning how to change with the changes that come our way.

Throughout my life some of my friendships have been faced with changes and challenges. I have had to learn to adapt and change when the lives of my friends have changed. One of the hardest lessons I have had to learn is how to accept those life changes when I myself so desire to be where they are in life. When a friend gets married and we are still single we desire to know that same joy that they are experiencing. What we do not realize is how marriage can change a friendship. But as a true friend we must learn how to adapt and be happy for our friend’s new life and learn how we fit into this new life they have.

The same is true when our friends have babies. A baby brings on a whole new dynamic and while our friend is experiencing this new chapter in our life it is hard to see where we now fit in. This summer a good friend of mine had a baby and while I am extremely happy for her it is hard to know where I fit in. I have had moments where I wonder do I fight for this friendship or not. My friend’s life has forever been changed and she herself is not the same person she was months ago before the baby arrived. I also wonder what I can offer her the fact that I have not kids yet. Do we still have things in common? The hardest part is learning how to except the fact that she has a baby when I myself desire to have a baby. I have struggled with feeling jealous and accepting these changes that are happening in her life. How do you put aside your own wants and desire for the good of the friendship? How do you change so that you can still have a friendship with your friend? How do you be a friend when you have feelings of jealousy toward your friend and you fear that things between you and your friend may never be the same? My prayer is that God will show me what kind of friend to be and to learn how to accept those things that I cannot control. And to understand that my friends needs are not the same as they once were. I need to learn to reach out and be the one that bridges the gap in where our friendship is now.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Happy Friday

 

butterfly

I am so glad that it is finally Friday. This has been a long, hard week. I did not think the weekend would ever arrive. The hardest part about this week was saying goodbye to our cat. We made the painful decision of having her put to sleep. After finding out she was suffering from liver failure it seemed like the right thing to do to go ahead and put her out of her misery. It was a hard decision, but in the end I know it was the right thing to do. She will always have a special place in our hearts. 

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Six Weeks!

 

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Only six more weeks of graduate school! I cannot believe how fast time has gone. It seems like it was just yesterday that I started the program and now the end is drawing near. I can hardly wait to be done. It will be a good feeling once I am done and I can relax and enjoy life again.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Knowing When To Let Go


Many of us have a special furry someone in our lives. Some have a dog, some have a cat, some may even have both. No matter what, that special furry someone somehow finds a way into our hearts and we bond with these little ones. They become our friends when we are lonely or sad. They make us laugh and have a way of putting a smile on our face. They love us unconditionally because we give them a home, food, and a place in our hearts.

The hard thing about owning a pet is knowing when it is time to let go and allow them to be at peace. It is hard to see our little ones suffer and it is hard to make that decision when it is time to say goodbye. Because as much as it hurts we know in our hearts sometimes it is the best thing.

Soon I am going to have to say goodbye to one of my furry little friends. As much as it hurts I know it is time to let go and let her be at peace. She will be missed, but never forgotten. Reagan you have been such a great cat! You will always have a special place in our hearts.


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

August

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August brings the end of summer and the beginning of fall. For many it is the start of exciting new adventures as they head off to school. The first day of school holds so many promises and opportunities. It is full of excitement and wonder as students embark on this new chapter in their lives.

I love it when the students return to classes. Suddenly the campus is alive again. You see the excitement in the student’s faces. You hear the excited chatter as they walk down the halls. And you are reminded of why you do what you do. In that moment you get caught up in the thrill of the first day of class and it suddenly makes everything worth it.

I know that I have admitted that I love the silence of the halls when the students are gone and that at times I love the break from the insanity. But it does not compare to the feeling that you get when you see the students on the first day of class. It feels you with hope and promise that they are embarking on a new adventure and taking a step toward creating a better future for themselves.

August marks the start of new beginnings.

Monday, August 26, 2013

The Winds of Change


I saw this on the web today and loved the meaning it has. Perhaps change is not so bad after all.