I just got back from ACTnow in Minneapolis. It was A-MAZ-ING!!
Honestly, I've never been more pumped to pursue my dreams. Arbonne is my vehicle to get there. We have amazing products but more than that, it's an amazing company, based around amazing women and their teams, and the most amazing part is the emphasis on self-growth and development.
I just promoted to District Manager. And we did it as a team. My uplines helped me. And I will pay it forward when I get my own DM's. Two more steps and I'm a Regional Vice President, making a five figure income, driving a free white Mercedes Benz, and able to help those around me. It's going to be a lot of work, it's going to take a lot of guts, but I'm ready and rearin to go.
Not too far down the road I'll be at the top of the company with the ladies before me, cheering for and pulling up those behind me, gladly with both arms extended to embrace each one in a big gigantic hug.
This company treats us SOO well. I could go on and on and on. But they do. Every inch of the way, they reward you with gifts. They bestow you with praise. I have heard SO many "I'm so proud of you!"'s and many many hugs. And not pathetic wimpy hugs: we are talking HUGE BEAR HUGS! Hugs that tell you that you are loved. Heck our President of our company was congratulating our GUESTS just for being there. It's so amazing.
I can't wait to work to the top. Yes I said work. This job is work.
I'm putting on my big girl panties! Just like Rita Davenport says. They are on and ready to classily and sassily take on this world.
HELLO WORLD!!! I'M TAKING YOU ON AND I'M SHARING THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY WITH YOU!!
Emilie and I came up with our own traditions as we are going to build our team. Every business builder who makes it to DM gets an F.Y.I. necklace. Every DM who promotes to Area Manager gets a certain ring exclusive to our team. And of course, we will decide after that. We have to get there ourselves first!! And of course at Regional Vice President you get the personal phone call from Rita, the diamond studded classy watch, and the free Mercedes Benz :) And then all National Vice Presidents get the amazing About Face necklace.
Oh I can't wait!! I'm an ENVP to be :)
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Chasing Cats Out Of Trees
This morning was quite the adventure. We got to chase our cute kitty Tinks out of several trees and around the yard.
Last weekend when neither my roommates nor myself was home, the electrical box outside practically blew up and the electricity went out. The electricians were scheduled to be coming over today to make sure all the outlets are working and in good condition and whatnot. In order to do that we planned to leave Tink in Shelly's room with food and water with a sign that says "Cat Inside: Do Not Let Out." Shelly works at one of the dorms on Thursday's mornings from 2-8am. She texted me at 3am to tell me she had forgotten to lock Tink in her room and asked me to do it. I got the text when I got up at 6:30am and went to look for her to put her in Shelly's room. She wasn't in the window (where she likes to sit) or under the bed and I heard a low cat growl that sounded to be coming from outside. So I thought "whatever she's probably somewhere else and I'll look for her once I get ready and wake Scott up." I went to put my contacts in to hear cats fighting that at first sounded like it was coming from the apartment upstairs but once I was in the living room sounded like it was coming from somewhere outside.
Whatever, I got a shower, got ready and then was looking for Tink. Scott even got up to try and help me find her. We looked under beds, in cabinets, under tables, behind the extra mattress, by the window, etc. She wasn't there and I texted Shelly letting her know I couldn't find her. Shelly came home a few early and upon walking in the door alerted me that Tink was in the tree.
We got a chair, Shelly crawled up to get her then gave her to me. Tink still has all her sharp claws. She sank her teeth and claws into me which made me react with my first jerk reaction, to drop her. Shelly then proceeded to literally fall out of the tree. She took off into a window well that lead under the apartment building. Scott thankfully went down to find her. Apparently he shouted he was shooing her towards the well which we didn't hear until she belted out at us across the yard. She then shooted up a effing pine tree that was on the OTHER side of the fence. Scott jumped the fence, climbed the tree and then battled to get her to us. Upon which Shelly took her inside and we all followed suit with Scott getting hero kisses ;)
So yes our morning was spent chasing the damn cat around trees, the yard, and beyond.
All because we found the wood where Shelly's screen was attached had given way and Tink bumped the screen forward to get out.
Darn cats.
She's not sitting in windows again.
Last weekend when neither my roommates nor myself was home, the electrical box outside practically blew up and the electricity went out. The electricians were scheduled to be coming over today to make sure all the outlets are working and in good condition and whatnot. In order to do that we planned to leave Tink in Shelly's room with food and water with a sign that says "Cat Inside: Do Not Let Out." Shelly works at one of the dorms on Thursday's mornings from 2-8am. She texted me at 3am to tell me she had forgotten to lock Tink in her room and asked me to do it. I got the text when I got up at 6:30am and went to look for her to put her in Shelly's room. She wasn't in the window (where she likes to sit) or under the bed and I heard a low cat growl that sounded to be coming from outside. So I thought "whatever she's probably somewhere else and I'll look for her once I get ready and wake Scott up." I went to put my contacts in to hear cats fighting that at first sounded like it was coming from the apartment upstairs but once I was in the living room sounded like it was coming from somewhere outside.
Whatever, I got a shower, got ready and then was looking for Tink. Scott even got up to try and help me find her. We looked under beds, in cabinets, under tables, behind the extra mattress, by the window, etc. She wasn't there and I texted Shelly letting her know I couldn't find her. Shelly came home a few early and upon walking in the door alerted me that Tink was in the tree.
We got a chair, Shelly crawled up to get her then gave her to me. Tink still has all her sharp claws. She sank her teeth and claws into me which made me react with my first jerk reaction, to drop her. Shelly then proceeded to literally fall out of the tree. She took off into a window well that lead under the apartment building. Scott thankfully went down to find her. Apparently he shouted he was shooing her towards the well which we didn't hear until she belted out at us across the yard. She then shooted up a effing pine tree that was on the OTHER side of the fence. Scott jumped the fence, climbed the tree and then battled to get her to us. Upon which Shelly took her inside and we all followed suit with Scott getting hero kisses ;)
So yes our morning was spent chasing the damn cat around trees, the yard, and beyond.
All because we found the wood where Shelly's screen was attached had given way and Tink bumped the screen forward to get out.
Darn cats.
She's not sitting in windows again.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Relationship, Importance, Working At It
I don't know why again and again I have to be reminded about this: relationships are what matters most. Not getting homework done on time, not my boss nagging me to get this or that done, not always being "on top" of it all, but simply relationships.
We can't take all the time we wasted being responsible with us but we can always have relationships.
Last night Shel and Britt and I spent more time laughing and talking and bullshitting than we did getting our homework done. I personally got almost nothing done. Instead we laughed at Tinks and each other while pounding away at our computers, we gripped over bills and talked about kids and being an aunt. We looked at pictures. Shel and I cooked dinner together and then made fun of Britt for never having dinner wtih us. We waste time making masks for our Masquerade Ball coming up or filling new picture frames with precious photos (ok that's only me but hey I have an obsession!). We make a mess of the kitchen when we cook and leave it for hours while we sit at the table for hours.
I wouldn't trade it for anything. Relationships are what matter, what's important.
Tonight I will leave my homework to be left for tomorrow so I can go and continue to build upon and refresh some very important relationships, at the expense of leaving a ton of homework to crazily try and finish the night before its due. But hey that's how it goes I guess, especially when you are a senior and actually decide to have a life outside of just schoolwork.
To all my family and friends, I promise I'm working at trying to re-establish old relationships, friendships, etc. It will be a long process as I've had a lot of dear friends a long the way that I've just almost completely lost touch with but I promise I am learning to make time. I'm learning I don't have to always be the "most responsible" that I can breathe and relax and enjoy this crazy thing we call life and really learn to enjoy my relationships with others!!
I am a loser at it. I can't say I have a lot of practice with it. I'm awkward. But I'm trying.
We can't take all the time we wasted being responsible with us but we can always have relationships.
Last night Shel and Britt and I spent more time laughing and talking and bullshitting than we did getting our homework done. I personally got almost nothing done. Instead we laughed at Tinks and each other while pounding away at our computers, we gripped over bills and talked about kids and being an aunt. We looked at pictures. Shel and I cooked dinner together and then made fun of Britt for never having dinner wtih us. We waste time making masks for our Masquerade Ball coming up or filling new picture frames with precious photos (ok that's only me but hey I have an obsession!). We make a mess of the kitchen when we cook and leave it for hours while we sit at the table for hours.
I wouldn't trade it for anything. Relationships are what matter, what's important.
Tonight I will leave my homework to be left for tomorrow so I can go and continue to build upon and refresh some very important relationships, at the expense of leaving a ton of homework to crazily try and finish the night before its due. But hey that's how it goes I guess, especially when you are a senior and actually decide to have a life outside of just schoolwork.
To all my family and friends, I promise I'm working at trying to re-establish old relationships, friendships, etc. It will be a long process as I've had a lot of dear friends a long the way that I've just almost completely lost touch with but I promise I am learning to make time. I'm learning I don't have to always be the "most responsible" that I can breathe and relax and enjoy this crazy thing we call life and really learn to enjoy my relationships with others!!
I am a loser at it. I can't say I have a lot of practice with it. I'm awkward. But I'm trying.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
This hectic busy life
Wow, it's only been two weeks but so much has happened thus far.
I have a "new" car. I'll actually get it this weekend and I couldn't be more excited :)
It's amazing how God just sort of works things out.
I pulled crazy overtime hours training new employees and crosstraining old employees. I think in two weeks I put in roughly 30 hours of overtime. That's 110 hours in two weeks. I was drained at the end that's for sure.
I don't know where my summer went but apparently I missed it. Luckily the next one will come around in three seasons or so ;)
I made DM for Arbonne!! That's great. Now I need to kick it into high gear and get started building my business with gals or gents beneath me. To the top we go!
School started again. I'm a senior which is exciting, crazy, anxious, and scary all at once. I have to figure out about starting to apply for nursing school now. I have to graduate. AH! I need to pull as many A's as possible. Plus learn to relax and live a little :) I'm sort of learning to do that. Slowly but I'm learning, though you wouldn't know it right now.
I have quite a few good classes today. Right now in my Nutrition in the Life Cycle class we are talking about preconception and neonatal nutrition. Anyone who knows my life goals knows that I want to be a neonatal nurse practitioner in the NICU. It's fascinating! As well I also am fascinated with diseases and immunology. Therefore my Medical Nutrition Therapy class intrigues me. My Community Nutrition class puts me to sleep and honestly I already don't care for it. And my Exercise Testing Instrumentation class will allow me to be able to develop my own research program and go for it. That is kind of scary but also really amazing all at the same time. We'll see how it goes.
I went all sorts of crazy yesterday and bought three shirts at full retail price at Charlotte Russe!! Do you know how long it's been since I've done that?! I always shop clearance or consignment minus jeans and underwear. I spent $60 on three adorable new shirts. One step closer to having that kickass wardrobe ;) I'm becoming more adult and girly and I'm not sure how comfortable I am with that but I need to learn to grow into it.
I have a job offer of sorts right now for photography. Well several really. Steve Hoffer of Steve Hoffer Photography was wanting me to help as an assistant to the photographers but I simply don't have extra time to spare right now. And Becky of All The Above Photography located in Brighton, Colorado offered me a job teaching me first how to edit photos and put together books and whatnot and even told me if I want to start shooting I can start accompanying to bookings and shooting as a "second photographer." I normally would have snapped that up in a heartbeat but honestly I'm too busy right now. But I'm going to keep in contact with her because I will probably be moving back home after this year while I'm in between schooling and I will need a job ;) She's great though.
She has these doors in which on the tiles in the middle of the panels are distressed portraits on thin tiles and it's absolutely adorable. I would love to get one.
Life is crazy, busy, hectic, but what's new. I'm already having stomach problems. I'm already exhausted but that could possibly be because I haven't had a break. I don't know how to slow down though. And I don't know how to ask for help and frankly I'm not comfortable depending upon others or letting others take any of the reins. I don't want to feel like I am a burden on them in any way shape or form.
Well anywho, I'm going to see if I can actually acces the Ramct website now. I have some homework to catch up on. I hope this finds everyone well.
I have a "new" car. I'll actually get it this weekend and I couldn't be more excited :)
It's amazing how God just sort of works things out.
I pulled crazy overtime hours training new employees and crosstraining old employees. I think in two weeks I put in roughly 30 hours of overtime. That's 110 hours in two weeks. I was drained at the end that's for sure.
I don't know where my summer went but apparently I missed it. Luckily the next one will come around in three seasons or so ;)
I made DM for Arbonne!! That's great. Now I need to kick it into high gear and get started building my business with gals or gents beneath me. To the top we go!
School started again. I'm a senior which is exciting, crazy, anxious, and scary all at once. I have to figure out about starting to apply for nursing school now. I have to graduate. AH! I need to pull as many A's as possible. Plus learn to relax and live a little :) I'm sort of learning to do that. Slowly but I'm learning, though you wouldn't know it right now.
I have quite a few good classes today. Right now in my Nutrition in the Life Cycle class we are talking about preconception and neonatal nutrition. Anyone who knows my life goals knows that I want to be a neonatal nurse practitioner in the NICU. It's fascinating! As well I also am fascinated with diseases and immunology. Therefore my Medical Nutrition Therapy class intrigues me. My Community Nutrition class puts me to sleep and honestly I already don't care for it. And my Exercise Testing Instrumentation class will allow me to be able to develop my own research program and go for it. That is kind of scary but also really amazing all at the same time. We'll see how it goes.
I went all sorts of crazy yesterday and bought three shirts at full retail price at Charlotte Russe!! Do you know how long it's been since I've done that?! I always shop clearance or consignment minus jeans and underwear. I spent $60 on three adorable new shirts. One step closer to having that kickass wardrobe ;) I'm becoming more adult and girly and I'm not sure how comfortable I am with that but I need to learn to grow into it.
I have a job offer of sorts right now for photography. Well several really. Steve Hoffer of Steve Hoffer Photography was wanting me to help as an assistant to the photographers but I simply don't have extra time to spare right now. And Becky of All The Above Photography located in Brighton, Colorado offered me a job teaching me first how to edit photos and put together books and whatnot and even told me if I want to start shooting I can start accompanying to bookings and shooting as a "second photographer." I normally would have snapped that up in a heartbeat but honestly I'm too busy right now. But I'm going to keep in contact with her because I will probably be moving back home after this year while I'm in between schooling and I will need a job ;) She's great though.
She has these doors in which on the tiles in the middle of the panels are distressed portraits on thin tiles and it's absolutely adorable. I would love to get one.
Life is crazy, busy, hectic, but what's new. I'm already having stomach problems. I'm already exhausted but that could possibly be because I haven't had a break. I don't know how to slow down though. And I don't know how to ask for help and frankly I'm not comfortable depending upon others or letting others take any of the reins. I don't want to feel like I am a burden on them in any way shape or form.
Well anywho, I'm going to see if I can actually acces the Ramct website now. I have some homework to catch up on. I hope this finds everyone well.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Replacement
I know I already posted today....but I'm getting a "new" car!!
My previous car was a baby blue '01 Ford Focus SE with grey interior with roughly 65,000 miles on it. The one I'm getting is an white '03 Ford Focus SE with tan interior with about 20,000 less miles than my car that was crashed.
The insurance company gave us a check for $5500, Kevan wrote a check for $500 and my parents are taking $500 out of savings to pay the remainder of the amount. Not bad at all.
But my car is getting replaced for basically a $500 upgrade. Pretty neato!!
My previous car was a baby blue '01 Ford Focus SE with grey interior with roughly 65,000 miles on it. The one I'm getting is an white '03 Ford Focus SE with tan interior with about 20,000 less miles than my car that was crashed.
The insurance company gave us a check for $5500, Kevan wrote a check for $500 and my parents are taking $500 out of savings to pay the remainder of the amount. Not bad at all.
But my car is getting replaced for basically a $500 upgrade. Pretty neato!!
Which Path To Take
I sit here semi confused. I do this to myself a lot. I have so many passions and things I want to do with my life that often times I wonder if what I'm doing with my life is putting me towards what will fulfill my life the most. It takes faith but along with faith also needs to come some sort of knowledge of what the future might hold.
I have no idea what I want it to hold. I can't even tell you right now when/where I want marriage and kids to happen in my life.....other than not soon. Ha ha.
Recently I have been reevaluating my choice of college degree. I LOVE fitness, it's a passion. Nutrition is definitely something I love. I know I want to be a nurse for awhile. But recently my passion for volunteer work and college programming has start to take effect. I've been working with several offices on campus (Orientation, Transfer Transitions, SLiCE, etc.) and it's put an affect on me I wasn't expecting in the slightest. I want to help the world, make a difference, but in not just one way.
I know I'm not content sitting/standing still or being in one place for too long. I have long since figured that out though I LOVE Fort Collins and exactly where I'm at. However I don't want to ONLY be a nurse forever. There's my photography, my nutrition and fitness degree. I would love to work with college students and work for a college campus in which I help to do some sort of community engagement, leadership or orientation program of sorts. I also know I want to work with people. Being behind a computer doesn't suit my fancy. I also like flexibility.
I'm not quite sure what my talents are, what my niche is. I know I'm a great person (sounds egotistical I know). I get a lot of comments on how great I am at the things I choose to do, how I work hard. But honestly I don't know exactly what it is I do right other than bring energy, dedication and enthusiasm.
I don't know which path to take, what destinations these different paths would hold but I do know I'm continually at a crossroads. Hopefully eventually I'll be able to choose which path to take for the moment. Which fork in the road is the best for me, will make me happy, will glorify God and that will be fulfilling and rewarding.
Onwards I go.
I have no idea what I want it to hold. I can't even tell you right now when/where I want marriage and kids to happen in my life.....other than not soon. Ha ha.
Recently I have been reevaluating my choice of college degree. I LOVE fitness, it's a passion. Nutrition is definitely something I love. I know I want to be a nurse for awhile. But recently my passion for volunteer work and college programming has start to take effect. I've been working with several offices on campus (Orientation, Transfer Transitions, SLiCE, etc.) and it's put an affect on me I wasn't expecting in the slightest. I want to help the world, make a difference, but in not just one way.
I know I'm not content sitting/standing still or being in one place for too long. I have long since figured that out though I LOVE Fort Collins and exactly where I'm at. However I don't want to ONLY be a nurse forever. There's my photography, my nutrition and fitness degree. I would love to work with college students and work for a college campus in which I help to do some sort of community engagement, leadership or orientation program of sorts. I also know I want to work with people. Being behind a computer doesn't suit my fancy. I also like flexibility.
I'm not quite sure what my talents are, what my niche is. I know I'm a great person (sounds egotistical I know). I get a lot of comments on how great I am at the things I choose to do, how I work hard. But honestly I don't know exactly what it is I do right other than bring energy, dedication and enthusiasm.
I don't know which path to take, what destinations these different paths would hold but I do know I'm continually at a crossroads. Hopefully eventually I'll be able to choose which path to take for the moment. Which fork in the road is the best for me, will make me happy, will glorify God and that will be fulfilling and rewarding.
Onwards I go.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
RAM Welcome
Today is the start of RamWelcome here at CSU and it's been CRAZY!!! Crazy in a good way though. I'm the Personnel Manager here at the IBOX on campus. For those who don't know, IBOX stands for Campus Information and Box Office. It's a great job and I love it. I've been working hard on a lot of changes and getting involved with other offices for projects and today is the start of all that hardwork paying off. It's been spectacular!! I'm so excited I can't even convey. I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off and will be pulling over 50 hours here this week but I love it :)
My new roomies and I had lunch today and it's been great. God has truely blessed me with this year for my roommates. Patience and endurance pay off. It was nice to have lunch with them, and we all work in the student center which is fabulous. Shelly works downstairs at Copyrite and Britt works right "behind" me in the SLiCE office. Britt and Shelly and I are working on being more involved and helping each other with our areas of expertise. SLiCE stands for Student Leadership Involvement and Civic/Community Engagement. They offer a whole host of volunteer opportunities. Cans Around the Oval, CSUnity, Special Needs Swim, Alternative Breaks, etc. It's crazy and fun and wonderful and I can't wait to be even more involved!! But it's even more spectacular rooming with girls that are laid back and I get along with and that I can actually live well with :)
School starts Monday. It's crazy. I'm going to be a senior. I have to finish all the things on the "101 Things To Do Before You Graduate From CSU" list. I'm over halfway done....to the top we go!!
Can't believe this is my senior year.
CRAZY DUDE!
My new roomies and I had lunch today and it's been great. God has truely blessed me with this year for my roommates. Patience and endurance pay off. It was nice to have lunch with them, and we all work in the student center which is fabulous. Shelly works downstairs at Copyrite and Britt works right "behind" me in the SLiCE office. Britt and Shelly and I are working on being more involved and helping each other with our areas of expertise. SLiCE stands for Student Leadership Involvement and Civic/Community Engagement. They offer a whole host of volunteer opportunities. Cans Around the Oval, CSUnity, Special Needs Swim, Alternative Breaks, etc. It's crazy and fun and wonderful and I can't wait to be even more involved!! But it's even more spectacular rooming with girls that are laid back and I get along with and that I can actually live well with :)
School starts Monday. It's crazy. I'm going to be a senior. I have to finish all the things on the "101 Things To Do Before You Graduate From CSU" list. I'm over halfway done....to the top we go!!
Can't believe this is my senior year.
CRAZY DUDE!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Totality
Well today we mourn the death of my beloved Ford Focus. She wasn't just any Ford Focus; she was my ice blue baby, my encourager in times of the need for speed, not to mention she fit me perfect.
On Tuesday my brother totaled my car. I had an 01' Ford Focus Sedan, baby blue, with a "spoiler" on the trunk. Spunky, safe, reliable. GREAT gas mileage, paid off. She was supposed to last me at least another ten years. Well she died on tuesday. Until then I drive my brother's blah car.
I can't afford a "new" car and neither can my parents. We'll see if I even get a new one. My brother is fine. He's just in deep dung. His insurance will sky rocket, ticket, has to help pay for a my "new" car if I happen to get one.
Until then I'll bump around in his Stratus.....an grey old granny car. Not exactly my style but I can't complain. Here's to my bike. Who will become my best friend once again this year. My bike, I toast thee. My Focus I mourn thee. Kevan's Stratus I drive thee...temporarily.
On Tuesday my brother totaled my car. I had an 01' Ford Focus Sedan, baby blue, with a "spoiler" on the trunk. Spunky, safe, reliable. GREAT gas mileage, paid off. She was supposed to last me at least another ten years. Well she died on tuesday. Until then I drive my brother's blah car.
I can't afford a "new" car and neither can my parents. We'll see if I even get a new one. My brother is fine. He's just in deep dung. His insurance will sky rocket, ticket, has to help pay for a my "new" car if I happen to get one.
Until then I'll bump around in his Stratus.....an grey old granny car. Not exactly my style but I can't complain. Here's to my bike. Who will become my best friend once again this year. My bike, I toast thee. My Focus I mourn thee. Kevan's Stratus I drive thee...temporarily.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Birthday Bash
I turned the big 2-1 this year....and celebrated in style....studying for an algebra final. Hahaha not exactly how one would expect to spend their birthday but alas Jen and I stayed up until 2am studying that night. However, I got more birthday wishes than the past few years combined and most of my family called to wish me Happy Birthday.
I did have a birthday bash: I ran into Jen's coffee table and now have a gnarly gash on my knee. Way to go!! Haha
We are having a family dinner this weekend and celebrating a few birthdays. Pics to come. I ordered my first alcoholic drink yesterday at Chili's. Kind of weird.
For birthday I got to pick out what I wanted. I got a new blender, a can opener set that came with a whisk, potato peeler and grater. I also got a set of mixing bowls and pinch bowls :) And a set of pyrex. It's nice. I can't wait to use it!!
Alright, I'm off to study biochem in a bit. I have that final on friday. Art final has to be done by saturday. Woohoo!! Almost done with summer school. Then on to fall semester....
I did have a birthday bash: I ran into Jen's coffee table and now have a gnarly gash on my knee. Way to go!! Haha
We are having a family dinner this weekend and celebrating a few birthdays. Pics to come. I ordered my first alcoholic drink yesterday at Chili's. Kind of weird.
For birthday I got to pick out what I wanted. I got a new blender, a can opener set that came with a whisk, potato peeler and grater. I also got a set of mixing bowls and pinch bowls :) And a set of pyrex. It's nice. I can't wait to use it!!
Alright, I'm off to study biochem in a bit. I have that final on friday. Art final has to be done by saturday. Woohoo!! Almost done with summer school. Then on to fall semester....
Monday, August 04, 2008
Happy Birthday
I will admit, sometimes I get discouraged because I feel as though people other than my family often forget about me or don't care. And I was afraid that my 21st wouldn't be special as I was working and going to class and have to study this evening for an algebra final. It might sounds selfish but my 16th wasn't a big deal, and I've worked every birthday since I was 15. I wanted something to be memorable.
The amount of birthday wishes I got today definitely made it special. Every person in my family called me, people were wishing me happy birthday on facebook all day long and it helped me to not feel like I'm just another person, that maybe there is something there for people to care about.
Thank you to everyone who wished me happy birthday.
This week is stressful but exciting. I finish all three of my classes starting with a final tomorrow! Definitely will be a relief. I am planning some more parties for Arbonne and hoping to make DM this month. It's completely up to God. Everything is in His hands. If He wants this for me then it will happen with Him working through me. If not, well then it wasn't meant to be at this point in time. But I could definitely use the supplemental income!! ;) And as well, we are gearing down then end of summer and starting training next week for IBOX. It is going to be chaotic and insane but it will all work out.
Well I'm finally off of work, taking home the flowers my mama sent me :D and heading to have dinner with Scotty. He's surprising me by making me some din din. And then it's off to study with Jen for good ol' algebra!!
The amount of birthday wishes I got today definitely made it special. Every person in my family called me, people were wishing me happy birthday on facebook all day long and it helped me to not feel like I'm just another person, that maybe there is something there for people to care about.
Thank you to everyone who wished me happy birthday.
This week is stressful but exciting. I finish all three of my classes starting with a final tomorrow! Definitely will be a relief. I am planning some more parties for Arbonne and hoping to make DM this month. It's completely up to God. Everything is in His hands. If He wants this for me then it will happen with Him working through me. If not, well then it wasn't meant to be at this point in time. But I could definitely use the supplemental income!! ;) And as well, we are gearing down then end of summer and starting training next week for IBOX. It is going to be chaotic and insane but it will all work out.
Well I'm finally off of work, taking home the flowers my mama sent me :D and heading to have dinner with Scotty. He's surprising me by making me some din din. And then it's off to study with Jen for good ol' algebra!!
Friday, August 01, 2008
Darkroom Dreams
Scott and I celebrated our two year anniversary last week and then my birthday is on monday. As a anniversary/birthday gift, he has got me started with the basics of a darkroom (think photography)! I won't have a darkroom for quite awhile. I don't have a place for one or a room dark enough for one. BUT I have the beginnings of a darkroom, which is so exciting!
How thoughtful of him to do that for me :) It's all second-hand antique darkroom equipment (well minus the trays and tongs) which makes it that much cooler!
I'm excited. One day I'll be able to explore my manual photography even more! If there's one thing that drives me nuts, it's sending your film somewhere to be developed and them cropping your pictures how they see fit. I know I'm missing SO much of my pictures every time I get them developed but I have no other choice. Soon enough though I can develop my own. One day my darkroom will be a reality and I can get a good digital camera and be happy :)
On other news, I made it to qualification for District Manager for Arbonne this month!! That's exciting. One more month and I'll be DM and be getting a paycheck from them!! I'm one month closer to financial freedom and being able to follow my dreams. It's rougly two years until then but really, come on, two years is absolutely nothing. In two years, I'll have the income to be completely debt free. And if that doesn't get someone excited I don't know what would!! hahaha
I moved into my new place! Ok well my furniture is there, along with six other people's stuff so I'm not technically living there yet. Tonight I'm cleaning my bedroom carpet and I hope tomorrow morning to actually be arranging my bed and hanging up clothes and whatnot. And next week the pictures will go up on the walls. Oh how glorious.
Have you ever seen Harry Potter?! Well if you have you will recall the walls of the staircases to the dormitories at Hogwarts are covered top to bottom with picture frame and after picture frame. One day I will have a wall just like that ;)
Anywho, off to do work and get to class. One week left of summer classes.
How thoughtful of him to do that for me :) It's all second-hand antique darkroom equipment (well minus the trays and tongs) which makes it that much cooler!
I'm excited. One day I'll be able to explore my manual photography even more! If there's one thing that drives me nuts, it's sending your film somewhere to be developed and them cropping your pictures how they see fit. I know I'm missing SO much of my pictures every time I get them developed but I have no other choice. Soon enough though I can develop my own. One day my darkroom will be a reality and I can get a good digital camera and be happy :)
On other news, I made it to qualification for District Manager for Arbonne this month!! That's exciting. One more month and I'll be DM and be getting a paycheck from them!! I'm one month closer to financial freedom and being able to follow my dreams. It's rougly two years until then but really, come on, two years is absolutely nothing. In two years, I'll have the income to be completely debt free. And if that doesn't get someone excited I don't know what would!! hahaha
I moved into my new place! Ok well my furniture is there, along with six other people's stuff so I'm not technically living there yet. Tonight I'm cleaning my bedroom carpet and I hope tomorrow morning to actually be arranging my bed and hanging up clothes and whatnot. And next week the pictures will go up on the walls. Oh how glorious.
Have you ever seen Harry Potter?! Well if you have you will recall the walls of the staircases to the dormitories at Hogwarts are covered top to bottom with picture frame and after picture frame. One day I will have a wall just like that ;)
Anywho, off to do work and get to class. One week left of summer classes.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Time for another change
Here we go again! I'm moving in a few days and I couldn't be any happier!! This past year has been extremely difficult with my (soon to be ex) roommates. This has been a learning and growing experience, a test of my faith, and a test of character. They have lied, been hateful, manipulative and downright catty. They have tried to belittle my character, belittle my faith and belittle my integrity. Even today they are trying to be in control of my life and making me to be who they think I should be and putting me down all the while for it.
God has tested me, molded me and taught me through it all. I have drawn closer to God and bolstered my faith in a way in which I rather wish I wouldn't have taken this road to get to that point but God uses the right paths at the right time.
I have learned that I am not a horrible person because a human tells me so. I am wonderfully and masterfully created by God. Every inch of me. He designed who I was. He uses my character to mold me and be a tool to others in my life. And just because someone else doesn't like doesn't mean I need to take it to heart. Only what God thinks of me matters. I learned that the hard way but nonetheless I have learned it.
In two days I get to move into a new place with two new amazing woman. One is not a Christian and the other one I don't know. I know this will present all new challenges to me but I'm excited to be an instrument in the lives of these girls and develop our friendships. I am excited to not be living in a house where two "Christian" girls are constantly judging me but rather living in a house where I can live my faith freely but still answerable to God and show my Christian light to them (which ironically enough my current roommates have backed me into a corner and accused me of not being a Christian light to the world).
I'm excited for change. Nervous but still excited! I can't wait to see what adventures and lessons God has in store for me this next year :)
God has tested me, molded me and taught me through it all. I have drawn closer to God and bolstered my faith in a way in which I rather wish I wouldn't have taken this road to get to that point but God uses the right paths at the right time.
I have learned that I am not a horrible person because a human tells me so. I am wonderfully and masterfully created by God. Every inch of me. He designed who I was. He uses my character to mold me and be a tool to others in my life. And just because someone else doesn't like doesn't mean I need to take it to heart. Only what God thinks of me matters. I learned that the hard way but nonetheless I have learned it.
In two days I get to move into a new place with two new amazing woman. One is not a Christian and the other one I don't know. I know this will present all new challenges to me but I'm excited to be an instrument in the lives of these girls and develop our friendships. I am excited to not be living in a house where two "Christian" girls are constantly judging me but rather living in a house where I can live my faith freely but still answerable to God and show my Christian light to them (which ironically enough my current roommates have backed me into a corner and accused me of not being a Christian light to the world).
I'm excited for change. Nervous but still excited! I can't wait to see what adventures and lessons God has in store for me this next year :)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The value of real friendship
It never has and never will cease to amaze me the way God has a magnificent plan for our lives that we can't even imagine. He has doors and windows of opportunities to guide us through. He takes people in and out of our lives at just the right time to teach and to mold us, to give us strength, to give us exactly what we need.
This last year has been trying and hard. I have gone through so many ups but so many dreadful downs. Everything from family feuding, relationship problems, scholastic troubles to massive roommate problems. This year has been one of trying and hardship. But also a huge lesson to continue to remind me to lean on God. It took me awhile. I kept thinking there's no way the Lord has time for me, that my thoughts/feelings/hardships were stupid and petty. I felt as though I was responsible for my own life and had to clean up my own act. I've been working through many self-issues, none of them easy to deal with. I've been told so many negative things about myself in so many ways that I had to mentally combat that. I have struggled with questioning God why he made me the way I am if everyone around me thought I was such a horrible person, a bad friend. Why would God make me that way to only have others hate me?! I've had to work through those questions. I've had to work through combatting negativity all around me when all I needed was a desperate word of encouragement from family or friends or even a strong hug to remind me that I'm not alone.
I have struggled with knowing that my absolute best friend I will never hug, I will never touch physically. I can't walk up to God and fall into his arms literally. I can figuratively but not literally and being human sometimes all I have needed was that.
But it's amazing how He teaches us and just as we start to understand and get it right, He blesses us in incredible ways!! I have an amazing financial opportunity that though I have to work hard at, could one day allow me the freedom to focus on the giving and charity I long to do. No longer have to worry about paying for rent....but instead have more than enough to give to those around me! How awesome would that be.
He has brought a peace back into my heart and mind to help me combat Satan and my own corrupt mind on bad days when all I want to do is think down upon myself or others.
He has also brought some amazing people into my life. I have a group of strong, genuine, God-fearing, encouraging faithful women that not only will help me with this business but that I am establishing wonderful relationships with!! How incredible to be able to pick up the phone and hear words of encouragement and praises of God flowing both ways across the phone or to simply receive a humongous hug everytime I see them. Or better yet, women that I can pray with.
The value of a real friend is completely irreplacable as I have learned these past few months. Those that I thought were friends backstabbed and turned against me. Using my own God in a sword of anger and deceit. Blaming me for things I had not done. That is not a true friend. But yet here I have genuine friends who I just met. Who will tell me like it is, bolster me up in my faith and encourage me every day if I need it. And vice versa.
It can't be replaced.
I'm also so grateful for my relationship with Scott. If for nothing else, the friendship I have with him. We started off as friends before and he is truly one of my best friends. I had so many anxieties with him coming home; would be truly be able to make it, can I do a relationship that's not long distance? Will our troubles continue to grow as he comes home or will we actually be able to grow together instead of apart? Amazingly enough, the fighting, the arguing and the tension has stopped since we have been together. Being able to have a conversation face-to-face, those important conversations and even every-day conversations when I can actually see his face, his expressions, read his eyes....those have played a huge part in our relationship mending instead of destructing. We've had some troubles but we've gotten through them. And it's cool to be able to walk out at the end of the day holding the hand of my best friend.
The value of a real friendship is irreplacable. God is teaching me that....and He's blessing me along the way as I learn these simple, basic yet important aspects of life.
No man is an island, we can't make it alone. We need to have others around us, ask for help. But in turn we must also give love, support, guidance and help to others.
I'll leave you with a verse I read today while I was eating dinner that jumped out of the page at me.
Isaiah 7:9 "......If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
And it's true, if we don't stand true in our faith to the world, eventually we won't stand at all.
This last year has been trying and hard. I have gone through so many ups but so many dreadful downs. Everything from family feuding, relationship problems, scholastic troubles to massive roommate problems. This year has been one of trying and hardship. But also a huge lesson to continue to remind me to lean on God. It took me awhile. I kept thinking there's no way the Lord has time for me, that my thoughts/feelings/hardships were stupid and petty. I felt as though I was responsible for my own life and had to clean up my own act. I've been working through many self-issues, none of them easy to deal with. I've been told so many negative things about myself in so many ways that I had to mentally combat that. I have struggled with questioning God why he made me the way I am if everyone around me thought I was such a horrible person, a bad friend. Why would God make me that way to only have others hate me?! I've had to work through those questions. I've had to work through combatting negativity all around me when all I needed was a desperate word of encouragement from family or friends or even a strong hug to remind me that I'm not alone.
I have struggled with knowing that my absolute best friend I will never hug, I will never touch physically. I can't walk up to God and fall into his arms literally. I can figuratively but not literally and being human sometimes all I have needed was that.
But it's amazing how He teaches us and just as we start to understand and get it right, He blesses us in incredible ways!! I have an amazing financial opportunity that though I have to work hard at, could one day allow me the freedom to focus on the giving and charity I long to do. No longer have to worry about paying for rent....but instead have more than enough to give to those around me! How awesome would that be.
He has brought a peace back into my heart and mind to help me combat Satan and my own corrupt mind on bad days when all I want to do is think down upon myself or others.
He has also brought some amazing people into my life. I have a group of strong, genuine, God-fearing, encouraging faithful women that not only will help me with this business but that I am establishing wonderful relationships with!! How incredible to be able to pick up the phone and hear words of encouragement and praises of God flowing both ways across the phone or to simply receive a humongous hug everytime I see them. Or better yet, women that I can pray with.
The value of a real friend is completely irreplacable as I have learned these past few months. Those that I thought were friends backstabbed and turned against me. Using my own God in a sword of anger and deceit. Blaming me for things I had not done. That is not a true friend. But yet here I have genuine friends who I just met. Who will tell me like it is, bolster me up in my faith and encourage me every day if I need it. And vice versa.
It can't be replaced.
I'm also so grateful for my relationship with Scott. If for nothing else, the friendship I have with him. We started off as friends before and he is truly one of my best friends. I had so many anxieties with him coming home; would be truly be able to make it, can I do a relationship that's not long distance? Will our troubles continue to grow as he comes home or will we actually be able to grow together instead of apart? Amazingly enough, the fighting, the arguing and the tension has stopped since we have been together. Being able to have a conversation face-to-face, those important conversations and even every-day conversations when I can actually see his face, his expressions, read his eyes....those have played a huge part in our relationship mending instead of destructing. We've had some troubles but we've gotten through them. And it's cool to be able to walk out at the end of the day holding the hand of my best friend.
The value of a real friendship is irreplacable. God is teaching me that....and He's blessing me along the way as I learn these simple, basic yet important aspects of life.
No man is an island, we can't make it alone. We need to have others around us, ask for help. But in turn we must also give love, support, guidance and help to others.
I'll leave you with a verse I read today while I was eating dinner that jumped out of the page at me.
Isaiah 7:9 "......If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
And it's true, if we don't stand true in our faith to the world, eventually we won't stand at all.
Monday, July 21, 2008
The start of something wonderful
Well this past weekend I went on my first ever business trip for Arbonne. We had our nation's manager's retreat and it was amazing. The woman in this business are nothing short of miraculous, wonderful, giving and downright amazing :) AND the entire trip was centered around God and His blessings and relying on God to make it through in this business.
"You have not because you ask not" reverberated with me greatly.
It was awesome to get to expand my friendships with two of my uplines, Mattie and Emilie! It's always great to love and have a great relationship with those that you work with. People you can call and talk to anytime, pray with or whatnot. Or someone who is just there for you when you need it.
One of the Executive Vice President's from our nation started a philanthropic program for inner city kids with her residual income from Arbonne. It's taken her over a decade to get where she's at but now that she has a great income, she has the time and resources to make a dream of hers come true. She started a program called Life Change Ballroom in which she teaches inner city kids how to ballroom dance. But it's so much more than that. These are kids who were about to be kicked out of elementary school (yes you heard me right) for anger issues or being so behind on their work due to not having anyone who has been there for them. Every saturday she spends time tutoring them and after school they learn to dance. During summer they attend summer school to catch up. The kids are bright but just need help and guidance. One little boy got an 80% on his test....for sixth grade....and he was only a fourth grader!! They were marvelous to watch, in their adorable outfits and watching them go for it. I want to make a difference like that in the lives of others. Arbonne will allow me the vehicle to get there in a few years.
It was the most amazing weekend. How wonderful is it to know that the company you work for centers itself around God and His blessing; where woman who have known you all of ten minutes hug you and genuinely tell you they are proud of you; to work in an environment where everyone encourages, supports, and helps out one another; to be in a company that above all else believes we ALL deserve the best and puts God first before anything!!!
Alright, well I DID miss a bunch of homework this weekend so I have to finish studying for my exam tomorrow. I mean as much as I love all this I still have to work on school stuff ;)
Oh how I'm ready to take this world by the horns and run with God's blessings :)
"You have not because you ask not" reverberated with me greatly.
It was awesome to get to expand my friendships with two of my uplines, Mattie and Emilie! It's always great to love and have a great relationship with those that you work with. People you can call and talk to anytime, pray with or whatnot. Or someone who is just there for you when you need it.
One of the Executive Vice President's from our nation started a philanthropic program for inner city kids with her residual income from Arbonne. It's taken her over a decade to get where she's at but now that she has a great income, she has the time and resources to make a dream of hers come true. She started a program called Life Change Ballroom in which she teaches inner city kids how to ballroom dance. But it's so much more than that. These are kids who were about to be kicked out of elementary school (yes you heard me right) for anger issues or being so behind on their work due to not having anyone who has been there for them. Every saturday she spends time tutoring them and after school they learn to dance. During summer they attend summer school to catch up. The kids are bright but just need help and guidance. One little boy got an 80% on his test....for sixth grade....and he was only a fourth grader!! They were marvelous to watch, in their adorable outfits and watching them go for it. I want to make a difference like that in the lives of others. Arbonne will allow me the vehicle to get there in a few years.
It was the most amazing weekend. How wonderful is it to know that the company you work for centers itself around God and His blessing; where woman who have known you all of ten minutes hug you and genuinely tell you they are proud of you; to work in an environment where everyone encourages, supports, and helps out one another; to be in a company that above all else believes we ALL deserve the best and puts God first before anything!!!
Alright, well I DID miss a bunch of homework this weekend so I have to finish studying for my exam tomorrow. I mean as much as I love all this I still have to work on school stuff ;)
Oh how I'm ready to take this world by the horns and run with God's blessings :)
Monday, July 14, 2008
Positive
If there is one thing I have noticed in my life, it's that I thrive in optimistic, supportive, enthusiastic, fun atmospheres. Right now I have all of this in one work place and not so much in another.
I'm starting this little Arbonne business of mine and already my "co-workers" have been so supportive and positive and enthusiastic. I was literally basking in it this morning coming into my other job this morning, ready to tackle everything I needed to and excited about the projects I am working on here. Only to have them shattered when the negative unsupportive energy came flowing my way.
I don't work well with people who aren't optimistic or happy about their jobs or driven to put forth 150% towards what they are doing, whether it is the most menial task or the biggest presentation of their lives. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us "3So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I honestly believe that you should do everything to your best, not just for you but because you are glorifying God when you do it!! Colossians 3:23 also tells us the same thing "23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."
I honestly believe if everyone thought this way, a lot more would get done and in a more friendly, positive and enthusiastic way.
It just kind of hit me today that a lot of what I'm being trained about for Arbonne falls along the lines of everything I believe. Which I love coming from a business that puts God first. I absolutely love it.
Watch out world, this Christian girl is working towards the top!!
I'm starting this little Arbonne business of mine and already my "co-workers" have been so supportive and positive and enthusiastic. I was literally basking in it this morning coming into my other job this morning, ready to tackle everything I needed to and excited about the projects I am working on here. Only to have them shattered when the negative unsupportive energy came flowing my way.
I don't work well with people who aren't optimistic or happy about their jobs or driven to put forth 150% towards what they are doing, whether it is the most menial task or the biggest presentation of their lives. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us "3So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I honestly believe that you should do everything to your best, not just for you but because you are glorifying God when you do it!! Colossians 3:23 also tells us the same thing "23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."
I honestly believe if everyone thought this way, a lot more would get done and in a more friendly, positive and enthusiastic way.
It just kind of hit me today that a lot of what I'm being trained about for Arbonne falls along the lines of everything I believe. Which I love coming from a business that puts God first. I absolutely love it.
Watch out world, this Christian girl is working towards the top!!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Officially Arbonne
Well here I am, officially an Arbonne Consultant!! My first party is July 26th and I am hoping that in the next couple of months I can promote up to Independant Consultant - District Manager. That would be SAWEET!!
I have noticed that I do have a certain fear of commitment in a way. But when I find something I love and feel comfortable with I go with it. Here is what I absolutely LOVE about Arbonne:
1. It's a Christian company. God first, family second, business third. They even have a six-day schedule, as in setting aside for the seventh day, the day of rest. The company is not afraid to tell about its Christian ethics and have even said that God has blessed the company because without it they would not have grown and prospered like they have.
2. It's all botanical. Everything is natural, made from nature, from plants...which means it's almost organic. Which means it is healthy for your body!! I have been told I'm transforming into a hippie but I honestly believe in recycle, reuse, renew and using things that are all natural, how God made them.
3. The people involved in this company are SO fantastic and enthusiastic, it's absolutely amazing!! I couldn'thave asked to have such wonderful people as uplines.
Anywho, I would really appreciate everyone's prayers as I start in this endeavor. Yes I am doing it for personal reasons, to have a supplemental income so that I can pay my bills and not have my parents have to pay my rent again. I would love to start paying off my debt and have a little bit more financial freedom, so I don't have to live off peanut butter and clearance items. But I am also doing this because I think God put it in my heart as something I could and should do. I think this is a great way for me to do something to glorify God. If I am successful it's solely because of Him. If I fail it's because I didn't get His blessing, plain and simple.
I have come to realize that if something does work out, it's because God led me to that part of my life, He supports it and blesses it. If I am at a point in my life where something isn't working or is just incredibly working against me, well I think that is God's way of saying I took a wrong turn somewhere and wasn't listening to what He was telling me.
I have noticed that I do have a certain fear of commitment in a way. But when I find something I love and feel comfortable with I go with it. Here is what I absolutely LOVE about Arbonne:
1. It's a Christian company. God first, family second, business third. They even have a six-day schedule, as in setting aside for the seventh day, the day of rest. The company is not afraid to tell about its Christian ethics and have even said that God has blessed the company because without it they would not have grown and prospered like they have.
2. It's all botanical. Everything is natural, made from nature, from plants...which means it's almost organic. Which means it is healthy for your body!! I have been told I'm transforming into a hippie but I honestly believe in recycle, reuse, renew and using things that are all natural, how God made them.
3. The people involved in this company are SO fantastic and enthusiastic, it's absolutely amazing!! I couldn'thave asked to have such wonderful people as uplines.
Anywho, I would really appreciate everyone's prayers as I start in this endeavor. Yes I am doing it for personal reasons, to have a supplemental income so that I can pay my bills and not have my parents have to pay my rent again. I would love to start paying off my debt and have a little bit more financial freedom, so I don't have to live off peanut butter and clearance items. But I am also doing this because I think God put it in my heart as something I could and should do. I think this is a great way for me to do something to glorify God. If I am successful it's solely because of Him. If I fail it's because I didn't get His blessing, plain and simple.
I have come to realize that if something does work out, it's because God led me to that part of my life, He supports it and blesses it. If I am at a point in my life where something isn't working or is just incredibly working against me, well I think that is God's way of saying I took a wrong turn somewhere and wasn't listening to what He was telling me.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
I have a REALLY long list of books on my "to read" list. Some of them are Christian life books, others light reading, historical fact, historical fiction, or basic novels. I really wish I could spend more time getting lost in my books. I love to read!!
Anywho, I just got done reading this book The Memory Keeper's Daughter. If you get a chance to read it, I suggest it. It's a great book. Not very climactic in one sense but a great storyline. It definitely draws you in with lots of emotion. It's easy to read and overall a good book.
The story starts out with a doctor who delivers his twins in a blizzard. The first born is a healthy baby boy, the second is a baby girl who has the obvious signs of Down Syndrome. The book starts in the 1960's. In that day and age it was common practice to put the babies with any genetic defects in institutions, especially Down Syndrome. Little was known about the disease back then and the "perfect family" image was definitely a huge part of society. He gives the baby girl to the nurse and tells her to take the baby girl to an institution, meanwhile telling his wife that the baby girl died at birth. The nurse takes her to an institution but upon seeing the conditions of the place, she runs away and raises the girl as her own daughter. All this can be read on the back jacket so I'm not ruining a single thing.
Like I said, fascinating book. This last weekend, as I mentioned before, Scott and I stopped in Kingman, Arizona on the 4th to spend it with his Uncle Pete, Aunt Bonnie and his cousin Jeff who has Down Syndrome. Jeff is somewhere in his 40's or 50's. This puts the time Jeff was born around the same time period that the story takes place. Pete and Bonnie raised Jeff and never sent him away. I know not everyone did this, but it was fascinating to be reading this story at the same time as realizing that we were spending time with a family who had gone through the same thing!!
Some time in the future I would love to sit down with Bonnie and talk to her about this experience. It won't happen for a long time if ever but especially with that book it's just absolutely fascinating to find out a personal experience of someone who is practically family. It's not every day that you get to read a story that hits so close to home.
Anywho, I just got done reading this book The Memory Keeper's Daughter. If you get a chance to read it, I suggest it. It's a great book. Not very climactic in one sense but a great storyline. It definitely draws you in with lots of emotion. It's easy to read and overall a good book.
The story starts out with a doctor who delivers his twins in a blizzard. The first born is a healthy baby boy, the second is a baby girl who has the obvious signs of Down Syndrome. The book starts in the 1960's. In that day and age it was common practice to put the babies with any genetic defects in institutions, especially Down Syndrome. Little was known about the disease back then and the "perfect family" image was definitely a huge part of society. He gives the baby girl to the nurse and tells her to take the baby girl to an institution, meanwhile telling his wife that the baby girl died at birth. The nurse takes her to an institution but upon seeing the conditions of the place, she runs away and raises the girl as her own daughter. All this can be read on the back jacket so I'm not ruining a single thing.
Like I said, fascinating book. This last weekend, as I mentioned before, Scott and I stopped in Kingman, Arizona on the 4th to spend it with his Uncle Pete, Aunt Bonnie and his cousin Jeff who has Down Syndrome. Jeff is somewhere in his 40's or 50's. This puts the time Jeff was born around the same time period that the story takes place. Pete and Bonnie raised Jeff and never sent him away. I know not everyone did this, but it was fascinating to be reading this story at the same time as realizing that we were spending time with a family who had gone through the same thing!!
Some time in the future I would love to sit down with Bonnie and talk to her about this experience. It won't happen for a long time if ever but especially with that book it's just absolutely fascinating to find out a personal experience of someone who is practically family. It's not every day that you get to read a story that hits so close to home.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
4th of July - Bringing My Marine Home
This fourth of July marked a special occasion - Scott's terminal leave from active duty enlistment!! Our mark of celebration?! Spending a couple days in a car driving from San Diego, Cali to Colorful Colorado :)
I flew out on Thursday and we spent the night in San Diego. Then first thing Friday morning on the 4th, we headed out and headed to Kingman Arizona where we spent the afternoon with his Uncle Pete, Aunt Bonnie and his cousin (who has Down Syndrome) Jeff. It was good....fresh-grilled steaks, asparagus, baked potatoes and fresh salad...yum!!
Then we spent Saturday, continuing on, stopping at the Hoover Dam for a few photos and because I had never been there. Scott and I being the history buffs had some fun. He was explaining to me a bunch of stuff he learned on the history channel. Especially things having to do with the architecture of the structure since that is his passion. We stopped in Green River for the night. That was an interestingly small town that was a bit overpriced being in the middle of nowhere....which is also the reason why it IS so overpriced; absolutely no competition for hundreds of miles around.
This morning we got up at the butt-crack of dawn and left. I slept a significant portion of the first couple hours. Colorado is hands down the most beautiful state. Absolutely. We stopped in Idaho Springs so I could treat Scotty to the original Beau Jo's....the best pizza place in the continental US :)
All in all we made it home ok. It's weird yet good to have him home. It will take some adjustment and some work to be in a relationship in which the amount of time we spend together equals more than an average of one day a month (what it has been since we started dating almost two years ago). We enjoyed some beautiful scenery, some good comedy on XM radio, and a few laughs along the way. Hopefully next time we'll be able to take more time and enjoy a real roadtrip.
On a brighter night, we celebrate our two-year anniversary in 17 days!! I will admit I have absolutely nothing planned. I don't think either one of us has too much money and the emphasis has been on him coming home. So I guess that is enough for me for our anniversary. The only time he'll have to leave again is if he gets called back from reserve duty to serve in Iraq.
Alright, I'm out for the night. Off to finish laundry and watch more of the U.S. Olympic Pre-Trials :) WOOT WOOT to Olympic swimming!!! My all-time fav!!
I flew out on Thursday and we spent the night in San Diego. Then first thing Friday morning on the 4th, we headed out and headed to Kingman Arizona where we spent the afternoon with his Uncle Pete, Aunt Bonnie and his cousin (who has Down Syndrome) Jeff. It was good....fresh-grilled steaks, asparagus, baked potatoes and fresh salad...yum!!
Then we spent Saturday, continuing on, stopping at the Hoover Dam for a few photos and because I had never been there. Scott and I being the history buffs had some fun. He was explaining to me a bunch of stuff he learned on the history channel. Especially things having to do with the architecture of the structure since that is his passion. We stopped in Green River for the night. That was an interestingly small town that was a bit overpriced being in the middle of nowhere....which is also the reason why it IS so overpriced; absolutely no competition for hundreds of miles around.
This morning we got up at the butt-crack of dawn and left. I slept a significant portion of the first couple hours. Colorado is hands down the most beautiful state. Absolutely. We stopped in Idaho Springs so I could treat Scotty to the original Beau Jo's....the best pizza place in the continental US :)
All in all we made it home ok. It's weird yet good to have him home. It will take some adjustment and some work to be in a relationship in which the amount of time we spend together equals more than an average of one day a month (what it has been since we started dating almost two years ago). We enjoyed some beautiful scenery, some good comedy on XM radio, and a few laughs along the way. Hopefully next time we'll be able to take more time and enjoy a real roadtrip.
On a brighter night, we celebrate our two-year anniversary in 17 days!! I will admit I have absolutely nothing planned. I don't think either one of us has too much money and the emphasis has been on him coming home. So I guess that is enough for me for our anniversary. The only time he'll have to leave again is if he gets called back from reserve duty to serve in Iraq.
Alright, I'm out for the night. Off to finish laundry and watch more of the U.S. Olympic Pre-Trials :) WOOT WOOT to Olympic swimming!!! My all-time fav!!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Thankful Thoughts
Lord, thank You for the gift of life. Honestly praise God! My brother Kevan was hit by a malicious motorist in a car while riding the MS150. It was a hit n' run and for the most part he is ok. He has a sprained shoulder and a cracked rib. His helmet was cracked, his left side where he landed pretty banged up all in all. He fell into the middle of the road after being hit.
This doesn't sound like much but let's keep it in this perspective. Had a car been traveling at any close distance to the car that struck him, that car would have run over Kevan, killing him in the act. Had Kevan fallen at a different angle or with a different force, his cracked rib may have turned into a broken rib and punctured a vital organ; worse yet his head may have sustained more serious injuries. The brain is a delicate organ in whose injuries most often are semi-permanent to permanent given certain circumstances.
Kevan turned 17 today. There is such a huge possibility that I could have been attending his birthday either in a hospital or worse yet at his own funeral. And I thank God I'm not. I'm not ready to lose anyone in my family. I'm a strong person but I don't think I'm that strong. I think God knows that. God was watching out for us that day. The whole race. Thank you Lord that I can celebrate Kevan's birthday watching him do the 'chapstick dance' and not watching him in a vigil of some sort.
One thing that has been on my mind a lot ever since I became a Christian is evangelism. We are constantly told we need to evangelize. That rewards will await us in heaven, riches awarded for every good deed, including evangelism. I'm not the sort of person to walk up to a person and ask them what they believe then immediately jump into the gospel. I'm not ashamed of my faith in the slightest. Every person I work with or interact with knows I'm a Christian. I'm not afraid to tell my beliefs in a conversation or go against the norm of college life by saying I don't believe in something because of what my God tells me on a subject. I will admit my own hypocricies, but will also remind people I'm human and the only person incapable of sinning and doing wrong is Jesus so to hold me to that same standard is ludacris. However, I don't share my faith a lot of times by words. I do it by acts. By choosing to not party and get drunk, by choosing to help those in need, to be the friend that someone can come to, to be the person that people can talk to without fear of judgment.
I feel that I'm better able to share the love of Jesus if people see my kindness, my acts, my passion for God, my compassion and my own faith and then talk to them about why I am the way I am and what makes me who I am. I have been able to better share my faith with those of different lifestyles by telling them I that yes I am a Christian, I do not believe what they are doing is right; however my God tells me to hate the sin and love the sinner and that's what I do. I have a boss who is bisexual and a good friend who is gay. They both know that no matter how many times they talk to me about their personal lives, I will never condone their sexual lifestyle. I won't put them down for it. However they know I hate their sins. But interestingly enough, they continue to come to me, to talk to me in the open and befriend BECAUSE though I hate their sin, I still love who they are. I think that's the greatest thing a Christian can do.
It's amazing to me though how pushy some Christians can get to other Christians. In October/November I was going through a really hard time with life. Everything seemed to be acting against me and life was getting me down. God was my only stronghold in life, the only thing keeping me steady. However, when life gets really hard for me to handle, I have a tendency to isolate a little. I don't ask for help but I am nothing short of the person I usually am, just a little more quiet and nontalkative than usual. My Christian roommates had the audacity to back me into a corner and tell me how "bad" of a Christian I was being and saying things like "don't you want to be a Christian light to the world?" and "you can't possibly show a Christian attitude and be a light to the world" all because I wasn't conforming to their lifestyle and how they wanted to live together. Because I wasn't being buddy-buddy with them and they didn't have power over me, without even asking if anything was wrong, they accused me of being a bad Christian!! I wasn't being any less than the caring person I am, any less civil, any less compassionate or hardworking. I simply wasn't being the person they wanted me to be.
That to me is not being Christian. I don't understand how you can tell another Christian they aren't being "Christian enough" when 1) you have no room to talk down to me as another Christian and 2) they never even took the time to find out if anything was wrong. I have taken great strides in my workplace to spread my faith and share my faith. I may not attend bible study every week like they do but I DO LOVE to go to church and go every sunday. If I don't go, it's because I have a valid reason (ie this past Sunday doing the MS150) in which I'm usually doing something that includes me still showing my faith (as I did at the MS150 with my jerseys and prayers and encouragement with other riders). They still have the audacity to think they are above me, but yet I can't see how they are being Christian lights to the world with their attitudes towards everyone else.
Alright, enough of my thoughts. Nothing productive, merely thoughts that I wanted to get out.
This doesn't sound like much but let's keep it in this perspective. Had a car been traveling at any close distance to the car that struck him, that car would have run over Kevan, killing him in the act. Had Kevan fallen at a different angle or with a different force, his cracked rib may have turned into a broken rib and punctured a vital organ; worse yet his head may have sustained more serious injuries. The brain is a delicate organ in whose injuries most often are semi-permanent to permanent given certain circumstances.
Kevan turned 17 today. There is such a huge possibility that I could have been attending his birthday either in a hospital or worse yet at his own funeral. And I thank God I'm not. I'm not ready to lose anyone in my family. I'm a strong person but I don't think I'm that strong. I think God knows that. God was watching out for us that day. The whole race. Thank you Lord that I can celebrate Kevan's birthday watching him do the 'chapstick dance' and not watching him in a vigil of some sort.
One thing that has been on my mind a lot ever since I became a Christian is evangelism. We are constantly told we need to evangelize. That rewards will await us in heaven, riches awarded for every good deed, including evangelism. I'm not the sort of person to walk up to a person and ask them what they believe then immediately jump into the gospel. I'm not ashamed of my faith in the slightest. Every person I work with or interact with knows I'm a Christian. I'm not afraid to tell my beliefs in a conversation or go against the norm of college life by saying I don't believe in something because of what my God tells me on a subject. I will admit my own hypocricies, but will also remind people I'm human and the only person incapable of sinning and doing wrong is Jesus so to hold me to that same standard is ludacris. However, I don't share my faith a lot of times by words. I do it by acts. By choosing to not party and get drunk, by choosing to help those in need, to be the friend that someone can come to, to be the person that people can talk to without fear of judgment.
I feel that I'm better able to share the love of Jesus if people see my kindness, my acts, my passion for God, my compassion and my own faith and then talk to them about why I am the way I am and what makes me who I am. I have been able to better share my faith with those of different lifestyles by telling them I that yes I am a Christian, I do not believe what they are doing is right; however my God tells me to hate the sin and love the sinner and that's what I do. I have a boss who is bisexual and a good friend who is gay. They both know that no matter how many times they talk to me about their personal lives, I will never condone their sexual lifestyle. I won't put them down for it. However they know I hate their sins. But interestingly enough, they continue to come to me, to talk to me in the open and befriend BECAUSE though I hate their sin, I still love who they are. I think that's the greatest thing a Christian can do.
It's amazing to me though how pushy some Christians can get to other Christians. In October/November I was going through a really hard time with life. Everything seemed to be acting against me and life was getting me down. God was my only stronghold in life, the only thing keeping me steady. However, when life gets really hard for me to handle, I have a tendency to isolate a little. I don't ask for help but I am nothing short of the person I usually am, just a little more quiet and nontalkative than usual. My Christian roommates had the audacity to back me into a corner and tell me how "bad" of a Christian I was being and saying things like "don't you want to be a Christian light to the world?" and "you can't possibly show a Christian attitude and be a light to the world" all because I wasn't conforming to their lifestyle and how they wanted to live together. Because I wasn't being buddy-buddy with them and they didn't have power over me, without even asking if anything was wrong, they accused me of being a bad Christian!! I wasn't being any less than the caring person I am, any less civil, any less compassionate or hardworking. I simply wasn't being the person they wanted me to be.
That to me is not being Christian. I don't understand how you can tell another Christian they aren't being "Christian enough" when 1) you have no room to talk down to me as another Christian and 2) they never even took the time to find out if anything was wrong. I have taken great strides in my workplace to spread my faith and share my faith. I may not attend bible study every week like they do but I DO LOVE to go to church and go every sunday. If I don't go, it's because I have a valid reason (ie this past Sunday doing the MS150) in which I'm usually doing something that includes me still showing my faith (as I did at the MS150 with my jerseys and prayers and encouragement with other riders). They still have the audacity to think they are above me, but yet I can't see how they are being Christian lights to the world with their attitudes towards everyone else.
Alright, enough of my thoughts. Nothing productive, merely thoughts that I wanted to get out.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
MS150 Pictures
Bike MS 2008. I ride for Deb Lawhead. I ride for Dan Lliteras. I ride for a cure. I ride for a world free of Multiple Sclerosis.
Bandana. Team Jersys
Starting Line. Front Range Community College - Westminster. 6:00am. Saturday June 28th.
Rest Stop #1. Minus Kevan. Saturday June 28th.
Up. Up. Up. To Carter Lake. Afternoon Saturday June 28th.
Carter Lake. Saturday June 28th.
Carter Lake. Saturday June 28th.
Little Old Guy. Kicked. My. Butt. Saturday June 28th.
End of Day 1. D.P. Dough. Cold Stone Ice Cream. Sore Butts. Smiles. Saturday June 29th.
Last one in. Still smiling. Praising God. Saturday June 28th.
Lunch rest stop. Plethora. Bicycles. Sunday June 29th.
Hit n' Run. FLASHBang. God Blessed Him. Sprained Shoulder. Cracked rib. Unbroken Spirit. Sunday June 29th.
Team CFC. Our. Love. Can. Move. Mountains. Sunday June 29th.
Finish Line. Sunday June 29th.
Victory!
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