An Early Thanksgiving

It's amazing what a 6 hour drive and a weekend with family can do for a person. Last night as I sat in bed reminiscing about the weekend and thanking God for such loving family and friends, an overwhelming sense of gratitude came over me. So much to be thankful for. As a kid, I use to thank God for everything. "Thank you God for the changing seasons, thank you for the freshly fallen leaves, thank you for my cat, Pippi (God rest his soul), thank you for my brother, mom and dad, thank you for my teacher, etc." I was definitely a silly, imaginative kid, but sweet, of course. Hello, it's me we're talking about!

As I got older, I quit thanking God for all the small things in life. I'm not sure why, but I know that I just began to expect them, which caused me to be less grateful. As a married woman who works hard for my money, I am beginning to return to that child-like faith thanking God for anything and everything. For example, my drive to and from my parents' home was gorgeous! The sun was setting over the corn fields and the rays cast an amazing golden glow on the trees. Thank you God for the sun and this beautiful view.

My mom bought me a month's worth of Weight Watchers meals, washed my car, bought me a steamer because she knows I hate ironing the hub's work clothes and bought me school supplies :) Thank you God for my loving, thoughtful mom.

My dad took my car to get his haircut, and on the way home put gas in my car and got my oil changed. Thank you God for my loving, thoughtful dad.

I got to go to a wedding and dance and laugh with my aunts, uncles and cousins. Thank you God for my loving and fun family.

My brother sold some of my clothes and made money for me at his garage sale. Thank you God for my loving, thoughtful brother.

My grandma gave my family money to go out together for dinner. Thank you God for my loving, thoughtful grandma.

My niece and nephew let me take a nap and made me smile with laughter. Thank you God for my wonderful niece and nephew.

My hubs left the house cleaner than I left it and even made the bed! Thank you God for my loving, thoughtful hubs.

As I laid in bed praying and thanking God for all the blessings in my life, I began to feel homesick for my hubs and family. I was alone. I hate being alone. But then, God reminded me that when it comes to Him, I am never alone. He is always with me. Thank you God for sticking with me, for living in my heart and never leaving my side.

Needless to say, it was an early day of thanks for this girl. I think I might make it a habit.

Barking at dogs

Guilty. I do bark at dogs, but only when they deserve it. And just to clarify, I'm not aggressive about it. I'm just a smart a$$ about it, and mock them. There is this annoying wiener dog across the street that barks at anything and everything. So yesterday, when I actually went running, I had a stare down with the wiener dog as I ran past his house. He began barking at me, but I wasn't afraid of him. So I barked back...maybe like 3 times...whatever. He was shocked. Obviously, he had never been barked back at. He barked again. I barked again. He backed off. "Victorious!" I thought. Then I ran past a neighbor, who said, "I didn't know you spoke dog!" Embarrassment. I was speechless and awkward. Just laughed and kept running. Well yes, I do speak dog, so now you know. Don't act like you've never done it.

Ho Hum

Been feeling a bit blah, lately. Eugene will do that to you, though. She is a bad friend. We are still battling it out. If you are confused about Eugene, click here. She has been continuing to persuade me to eat hershey bars dipped in peanut butter, and today, she decided to be a pain.

Most frustratingly (besides the weight gain), she makes me feel unmotivated and tired. So, today I'm going to ignore Eugene and go for a run, weight lift, eat a mango instead of a hershey bar dipped in peanut butter (although it sounds DELISH!) and try to be productive.

On a different note, this morning was 55 degrees outside. Why hello Autumn, I've been expecting you. The other day, I was getting so excited about fall, that I purchased 6 mums for $10. Then, I went and bought 2 more for $1 each! So exciting. I'm already planning how to decorate the front yard with pumpkins!

Also, I'm going home to see family this weekend, and I'm SO excited. I miss my niece and nephew. They are cool, little Mexicans. Because I'm trying not to let Eugene win the battle of the hormones, I'm going to stick it to Eugene and post pics of my little Mexicans with their "Poppy" (aka mi hermano (aka my brother)). They make me smile. Enjoy.

Hot Flash

It's sad really. I'm 26. I'm too young for this, and yet, I'm having a hot flash at my desk. I know so because the back of my shirt is wet, I'm pitting and as I stand up, my pants are stuck to my butt. Either its really hot in the office (which sources have told me its not), or all the excitement of back-to-school has got my panties in a knot. Honestly though, I think its dehydration. At least, that's what I'm telling myself. I think I'll just stay hidden in my cube. I've got a wedgie, and I don't want to embarrass myself in front of my new boss.

Ice Cream Carnage

It happened last night. I had a frozen, WW pizza, peach and 100 calorie popcorn (with chalula sauce on top). Pretty good dinner, but my uterus was not satisfied. My uterus, lets call her Eugene, cause I hate saying uterus over and over. Anyways, Eugene gets mean once a week, every month. She sends me stabbing pains in my stomach, but she doesn't stop there. I must feed the monster.

Last night, Eugene wanted ice cream, fudge and peanut butter. I tried to tell her no. We ate enough food for a small village, but she didn't listen. Eugene took over. I was told it was a delicious massacre. After the ice cream carnage, I awoke to an empty bowl. All she left was a bit of fudge residue on the sides of the bowl. Dang it, Eugene. Get a hold of yourself!

Then, she got tired. I wanted to go work out. I had every intention to run and lift weights, but when Eugene wants something, Eugene gets it. She wanted to go to sleep. She wouldn't even let me watch Ace of Cakes, and I love that show. We fell asleep at 9 p.m. Eugene is a hot mess, and needs an intervention.

Epic Wedding Dance Party

When you come to the wedding of the century that is Hubs and J, expect to get a little lesson on how to move your money maker.

Ya, see we got our BA's in kick a$$ dancing...

Even our momma's know how to boogie...

Because, we did learn it from our mommas after all...

And we only hang with fellow kick a$$ dancers...

Who know when its time to get down on the floor...

And rock it till their shoes fall off...

Seriously, you don't want to mess with us and our skillz.

Morning People

"Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey," as the Hubs would say throwing all the covers off me. Morning people. What is their deal? I think Morning People are like dogs. They smell the tiredness of Night Owls, and they feel the need to annoy them in the mornings. Whether it be throwing the covers off of them, saying annoying phrases about waking up, or asking them tons of questions before they've had their coffee.

I use to be a Night Owl, but now I go to bed at 9 p.m. I also fall asleep during movies at night. I no longer have a category to fall into. Such is life. I'm the weird loner in all realms. But today, I'm creating my own category, Nooners. I come alive after lunch. I've had my coffee, I've got twice the food in my belly, and I'm ready to take on the world and go to sleep at a reasonable time.

So word of advice to all you Morning People, don't talk to me till lunch, or else, you'll get a fist in the face...ok, thats a bit harsh, but I haven't had my coffee yet and its Monday...The worst morning of all mornings. Most likely you'll just get a really dirty look or sarcastic response.

Thought of the day :: Peace

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for thou art with me..." Psalm 23:1-4

I went running last night, late last night, and as I was running fear came over me. The realization that I was completely alone running at twilight with no one around to help me hit me like a train. My cheeks went hot and my body turned gelatinous. All these thoughts of what bad things could happen to me went racing through my mind. Granted, I was running outside of a nice neighborhood and a few people were outside, but all rational thought was gone.

Then Psalm 23:1-4 came into my mind. I hadn't thought about that scripture since I was a little girl, and if you would have asked me to repeat it an hour before my run, I would have gone blank. But the verse was clear in my mind. I repeated the words over and over to myself, "The Lord is my shepherd...I shall fear no evil." Peace rushed over me like a calming wave. I am safe for the Lord is with me.

Not to get all philosophical, but the world tells us to think about, be concerned about and be afraid about a lot of things. But in reality, the things of this world don't matter. {Wait for the connection} Money, fame, success, etc. Those things don't matter. God spells it out for us what really matters in life. Faith, Hope and Love, but the greatest of these is Love. I just want everyone to think about that as the weekend approaches, and I hope it brings you Peace as you enjoy your time with friends and family this weekend.

I am not cut out for this {bleep}

A letter of anger to my garden foes:

Mr. Mole. Grr. I am angered by you. How did you get into my yard? I understand that you are blind, but you made a wrong turn and are messing with the wrong chic. I don't appreciate your tunneling through my flowerbed. I will step on your mounds of dirt until your tunnels collapse. What is the point of your species? I mean really. I googled you and you have no purpose, but to annoy me. I don't approve of hurting animals, but I will find away to rid my yard of you, if it is the last thing I do.

And you, Whiteflies. What are you? You look like lice and are covering my flowers. Why must you kill my flowers? How did you get here and why me? Did you know that I am new to this and I don't know what I'm doing? Who do you work for? Let me guess, Mr. Mole. Grr. Mr. Mole.

Yes, I am new at this, and yes, I don't know what I am doing in my garden. But do know this, I do not give up without a fight. I may be small and I may have curly hair that turns into frizz in this ridiculous summer heat, but I've got a fight in me. I will Muhammed Ali your booties. I. Will. Destroy. You.

p.s. Hubby, we had a hummingbird yesterday eating from our butterfly bush. He let me watch him for a long time. I named him Herbert...just thought you should know.

Being an adult blows

But, I'd rather not have my tires blow on the highway...did you see that?? Did you see that awesome connection I just made?? I mean, right??

Ugh, I'm on my way to drop some Gs (George Washington's for all you oldies out there) on some tires. I'd rather go use that money for shopping for something cool like shoes. But I'm an adult now, and I'm told that's what we spend our money on. And so, like I said, being an adult...blows. But, on one hand, I do get to drink margaritas, so I guess there's a win.

p.s. Remember Geoffrey the Giraffe? Whatever happened to that guy? I bet he grew up, and now they won't let him be a Toys R' Us kid...although he was never a kid. He's a giraffe. That song use to make me cry. I don't want to grow up. {tear} Wow, I'm digressing like no other. I need to lay off the something...

"Angels are all around us, all the time, in the very air we breathe." ~ Eileen Elias Freeman

Last night as I was running, I began to think about God. I think about him a lot when I run. While I was training for my marathon, I remember praying to him and asking him to help me persevere and strengthen me to keep going. I then began to notice butterflies when I'd feel weak and like giving up. No not "imaginary" butterflies like I was having a heat stroke, but real butterflies. Every time. There would always be a butterfly flitting by me, and I thought "Yes, God, I will keep going."

While I was running last night, after I rolled my ankle and kept going cause I'm that tough (or dumb), God entered my thoughts. It was at least 90 degrees out and I was running up a hill. I felt God with me. I like to think He's running next to me, giving me air to breathe and an extra little push to keep going. I then pictured a line of Angels following behind Him with sweatbands and wristbands. I guess Angels need exercise, too. I laughed at the thought, and my heart felt big.

As I got home, cleaned up and climbed into bed, I felt God still with me. You see, the hubby is gone for a month, and God knows I get scared and lonely. But for the past two nights, there has been no fear or emptiness. Only the feeling of peace and love. I recalled the Priscilla Ahn song "Dream" as I laid in bed.

"Long walks in the dark through woods grown behind the park, I asked God who I'm supposed to be. The stars smiled down on me, God answered in silent reverie. I said a prayer and fell asleep. I had a dream."

After I said my prayers, I thanked God for always having my back and for loving me. As I closed my eyes, I smiled and my heart felt big.

Today

The hubby is gone for a month doing a family medicine rotation 2 hours away from home, so I figured I was going to have a lot of time on my hands and needed to find something productive to fill my time. I have created a list of goals for the month of August. We are only 10 days into the month, so I could be overextending myself, but I like a challenge.

Goals:
1. Unpack boxes in garage
2. Organize spare bedroom
3. Read a book
4. Finish thank you cards
5. Organize pantry
6. No naps after work
7. Read Bible daily
8. Run and lift weights daily
9. Paint a picture for our new house
10. Try to do something productive each day
11. Enroll in an art class
12. Pray daily
13. Drink more water
14. Be kind to yourself
15. Volunteer
16. Call a friend daily

Like I said, a lot of stuff, but some of these things I use to do. I'm still figuring out how to balance life after marriage, which is difficult, I don't care what you say. So I'll keep you posted when I get something completed. It will feel good to check something off my list!

Bouquets of sharpened pencils

It's the second week in August. Sorority girls are back in town. That can only mean one thing (that I care about)...BACK TO SCHOOL! {Sigh} I love this time of year because it is the beginning of fall. I am beginning to see little glimpses of fall. Cobwebs that won't go away no matter how much I hose them down, the new Crate and Barrel catalog and Target's Back to School section that is filled with backpacks, crayons, lunch boxes, pencils, etc. I love it.

I remember when I was a little girl, my favorite thing about going back to school was getting new shoes. I always got Reebok high-tops with the velcro strap. I was cool even back then. I also loved the teachers' bulletin boards. I almost became a teacher just so I could design bulletin boards. Then there's finding your cubbie hole and coat rack for all your stuff. Not too mention parent teacher conferences! {Gasp!} I want to be a kid again!

This time of year makes me want to bust out the movie "You've Got Mail!" which has one of my favorite lines "I would like to send you a bouquet of sharpened pencils." Weird I know. But its so "fall" of Tom Hanks to say in that movie, and as Meg Ryan is reminiscing about him typing that to her, she is filling a mason jar with none other than candy corn {Sigh} And I think she might have even had a pumpkin under her arm.

I love fall...a lot.

p.s. Update on weekend. Float trip was not a complete failure or success. No beers to the head or cigarettes put out on the arm, but there was some d-ram-a! Not caused by me, fyi. I did, however, do two awesome back flips off the boat, and I have never done a back flip in my life. I rocked it...the flip and the boat. Oh yea!

Weekend Plans

I love this photo of Norma Jean Baker (aka Marilyn Monroe). She looks so carefree and happy! Let's hope that is how my weekend goes. I am going on a float trip. My second float trip ever. The first one was not a success. I went with a bunch of fraternity boys, which was my first mistake. Yes, the hubby was there. He soberly suffered with me. Second mistake. Float trips aren't fun for the sober. You witness chaos and often bear the brunt of it, where others are too inebriated to know whats going on.

The first float trip began with a cigarette put out on my arm by some drunk dude. I stared back at him in disbelief. I was polite and shy back then, but if it happened now, I would have kicked his arse. Next up, drunk dudes and dumb girls have a food fight with our lunch throwing wet sandwiches at each other...We floated down the river for 8 hours with no food and lots of beer. Third mistake.

Then, I got a beer to the head. Literally. Some drunk dude threw a beer to his buddy and it hit me in the head instead. Such is my life. And if my head hadn't taken enough beating, the boat capsized and the hubby, then boyfriend, trying to "save my life" threw me out of the boat and into a log, where I smacked my head and now seborrheic dermatitis exists. Look it up. One of the causes is trauma to the head. I got it twice that day.

Fourth mistake: The hubby thought it would be a good idea to put his keys in the cooler while we floated down the river. Cooler was tossed into the river during the food fight, and magically, the keys were gone = no ride home from Steelville, Mo. Possibly the scariest place ever, and in my opinion, the actual site of Deliverance. I swear I saw people staring at us in the woods.

Fifth mistake: Rode back on bus with drunk dudes and dumb girls to get a spare set of keys for the hubby's car that we left in Steelville, Mo. I witnessed my first b*tch slap. I was not the recipient, luckily. Some drunk dude's mean girlfriend was mad, for who knows why.

Sixth mistake: Rode back with bus driver to Steelville, Mo., to get hubby's car. Looking back, the bus driver guy could have been a mass-murderer for all we known. He took us to his house first, and drove back to the camp site in a van filled with junk. Not smart. I don't advise doing.

Seventh mistake: Hubby left cellphone in bus, but we didn't realize till we were on our way back home. We said "Screw it" and kept going.

Eighth and final mistake: Left hubby's room unlocked while we took the second road trip to Steelville, Mo., to pick up his car, while a bunch of drunk dudes and dumb girls ran around the fraternity house creating more chaos resulting in some drunk dude dumping beer and laundry detergent into the hubby's fish tank. All the fish died. First time I ever saw the hubby cry. It was a sad day.

All in all, the trip failed. So, I'm hoping this one will be a success, but after writing this, I'm questioning our weekend plans. I'm praying we survive this float trip, but based on past experiences, outlook is not good. This time, its with the hubby and his fellow med students. Oh dear Lord, what have I gotten myself into.

I have always wanted to be...

A cartoon character.

Wishful Wednesday

I am a bit obsessed with the calligraphy and cutout design work of Tag Team Tompkins, a mother-daughter team from Kansas City.

And, I know the season is at least a month away, but there was dew on the grass this morning, so I'm going to begin dreaming of fall, and post another piece of their artwork that I love. It makes me want to go see Wicked right now!

Tasteful Tuesday

Lunch time and I'm craving: Apricots, mozzarella and cinnamon on sourdough!

Me vs. Nature

I have a problem. Definitely more than just one, but that's not the point. I am a Newlywed obsessed with nesting. It's true. I can't quit planning weekly menus, baking up delicious meals like skillet-roasted strip steak with pebre sauce and avocado (what the heck is "pebre sauce" you ask? deliciousness and just leave it at that), mapping out our budget, planning our next big vacation, cleaning up the house before I go to sleep...and then, there's the yard work.

I pulled weeds for 2 hours on my Sunday afternoon while it was about 97 degrees outside after I took a 2 mile run. Insane? Yes. OCD? Quite possibly. After a few weeks of rain, I have a new foe. Lambs Ear. Do not be fooled by this little green, fuzzy thing growing in your garden. Rip it out and spray it down with weed killer immediately. It is not cute and it is not your friend. It will overtake your garden and grass, and grow deep roots, that even after ripping out twice will come back again, and again, and again. It's like that ex-boyfriend who just doesn't get the hint. I don't like you. Bugger off.
Then, there's the spider webs. Mom says it's a sign of fall, but these suckers have been around since the beginning of summer. On Sunday, the spiders got hosed. The front entrance was sparkling. On Monday, the spiders were back with webs. Another foe.
Is it realistic to think I can combat Mother Nature? I don't know. She can be one tough Mutha. All I know is this, you don't want to mess with a newlywed with a hose and a hoe. This could get bloody. And the chiggers aren't helping.

Guinness Stew and Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes

In honor of our anniversary of engagement (7.23.09), which we celebrated this past Saturday, I cooked up a Guinness Beef Stew...AND, made Irish Car Bomb cupcakes, which were life-altering! Can't believe I only ate 1 1/2 cupcakes! The hubby ate 6 1/2...no fair!