stream of consciousness (a list for monday)

1. I started reading 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker over the weekend. It's already wrecked me. I'm ready to get rid of my clothes for good. I don't think I could do just 7 pieces of clothing for a month, but I am ready to severely limit the amount of clothing I have. Part of that could be because until yesterday I had only worn work out clothes and for days at a time, I wore the same clothes without changing.

And then I changed out of yesterday's skirt as soon as we were back at home. Work out clothes are so much more comfortable.

2. The initials PT do not stand for Physical Therapy. They stand for Pain and Torture. I picked this up from the lady who waited on my father-in-law and I at breakfast. And it is so true. I honestly felt like my knee was going to explode today.

3. As hard as this recovery process is, I feel like it could very well be one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Not just because I might actually be able to walk and function like a normal person but also because I have so much more clarity on life and such.

And God has been so so good to us through this process. I'm blown away by the ways He has provided. I'm also blown away by the love, care, and comfort people have provided us.

4. I'm exhausted. Between trying to adjust to sleeping in a bed for the first time since surgery, which is not comfortable since I am stuck sleeping on my back, and bending my knee more often, it's hard to keep my eyes open after I've been up for a few hours.

5. I don't know when I am going back to work. I have a date I am striving for, but I don't know if it will happen. I'm just praying that my Short Term Disability is approved so I don't have to worry about losing entire paychecks.

6. My mom suggested that I create a schedule for myself every day. That way I don't waste hours and hours watching TV or movies. I'm taking her advice because I really have wasted several hours watching TV, and really this is an opportunity to blog and write that I need to take. Plus I can multitask while doing physical therapy at home and watch TV that way.

7. I am so excited about my new Sunday series - Lovely Lines. I love written words. Before PhotoShop and the Internet, I used to make quote journals. That's kind of what I see Lovely Lines as. I can only hope that maybe one day my words will be someone else's quotes to hold onto.

8. As a self-proclaimed teenybopper, it pains me to say that I was underwhelmed by many of the performances on the Grammy's. I love Taylor Swift (more than I should), but her performance last night was awful. She honestly sounds good in concert but not so much on award shows. And the theme made no sense. Also, while I love that Justin Timberlake is returning to music, I'm not digging his current sound. Maybe if this project doesn't do well, 'NSync can finally get back together.

9. I miss coffee. A lot. I have yet to master how to carry a drink while walking on crutches, so no coffee for me in the mornings.

10. I also miss driving. I have not driven a car since before surgery. I also have yet to sit in the front seat of a car. It's just a tad difficult to get into the front seat when I can't yet bend and lift my left leg. All of you with healthy legs and knees: you are so, so lucky. Knee surgery is the worst.

11. It's Monday, and I am already behind on my weekly schedule. Let's hope this isn't how the rest of the week will go. I blame it on having to finish the Grammy's this morning and the fact that I hurt too much to think after physical therapy.

PS: Go link up with Meg for Mingle Monday!

sunday social (link up)

1. Do you plan to change any of your eating habits in the new year? Yes and no.

I really want 2013 to be the year I lose all this excess weight. I've been at it since 2011. I don't want to still be at it in 2014.. unless it's just to lose the last 20 or less pounds.

I joined Weight Watchers days before the new year. Being on that plan makes me feel less overwhelmed by losing weight. I do not have to limit what I eat. No foods are off limits. And for some reason, knowing foods are not off limits helps me. It's better to have a little than to eat too much just because you know you aren't supposed to.

2. Any workout tips to get us back in shape after the Holidays? I am struggling to get back into the gym. I'm scared. I was so good at working out and then I stopped. Then I got hurt. It's time for fear to stop having a place (my quote for 2013) and for me to just do it.

I would say start small. You aren't going to be the fittest person at the gym. And that's okay. Also remember that people are glad you're there. I feel so out of place at the gym sometimes since I am not fit as a whistle, but I have been told by many people how inspiring it is to them to see people working to get health.

3. Favorite thing you did over the Holidays? I loved having my parents in town right before Christmas. They were a huge help with our house and our garage!

I also loved spending time with friends. We went to church on Christmas Eve with two of our friends and then also rang in 2013 with them. There was good food, lots of laughter, and a drinking game.

It was also a joy to get to be Santa Clause for some children in foster care. Even though we never see them open their gifts, I love knowing we helped to make sure kids had a good Christmas.

4. What is something you hope that you accomplish in 2013 that you did not in 2012? 2012 was wonderful to me. But I have pretty high hopes for 2013 (higher than they were for last year!). A song to live up to, a word to remember, a quote to live by, and resolutions.

What it all really comes down to is being present. I want to enjoy what 2013 - including the bad - and live a life of love for the year. Doing that.. I think everything else will fall into place.

5. Name 3 things happening this year you are excited about and why: My husband and I have a trip booked to Branson, MO for March. It will be the first vacation we take, just the two of us, since our honeymoon in 2009.

I have plans to grow this blog. When I started writing, it was just a hobby. I didn't take it seriously and see it as a place to truly share and help others. I see it as that now, and I am excited to take it seriously though still have fun with it and be true to myself.

I'm excited for Weight Watchers. It's helping me a lot to be around people who struggle with the same things I do. And to know I am accountable, via my bank account, to get healthy and lose the weight. I feel like it is going to be a highlight of the year for me.

sunday social (link up)

It's hard to believe 2013 will be here in just a few days. 2012 has been filled with ups (like building and buying a new house), downs (like hurting my knee) and everything else in between.

I used to look forward to the next year like nothing else. I was always ready to move on and become the best me I could be.

Lately, I've realized that I am the best me I can be. Right in this moment. The start of a new year just means I can continue to grow and change.

I thought it fitting to link up with Neely and Ashley on the last Sunday of 2012 and welcome the new year with a few memories and resolutions.

1. Favorite New Years Eve you’ve had before: To be honest, I've never had an especially memorable New Years Eve. Those nights are always so hyped up, and often times, they fall short. I don't have any nights spent ringing in the new year out on the town or anything of the short. But I have spent many a New Years Eve with friends - laughing, eating good food, possibly drinking a bit too much... So I can't pick just one night. I've enjoyed every New Years Eve with friends - even when I fell asleep on the couch before the ball dropped.

2. Are you doing anything for New Years Eve this year? And if so, what? We are having friends over to our house this year. I'm planning to make Beer Chicken Legs and Thighs in the Crock Pot, Weight Watchers Twice Baked Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Asparagus, and a Weight Watchers Fruit Cobbler. I may also consume the remain PointsPlus Weekly Balance in wine and beer that night.

3. Name a book we should all read come January? I didn't read nearly as much as I wanted to over 2012. I'd love to say that will change in 2013, but I would need a few more vacations to the beach and quite a bit more free time to make that happen.

For fun, I would recommend the Mortal Instruments series. They're an easy read and quite entertaining.

As for the book that impacted my life the most this year, that would be Love Does. Such a wonderful read and a great reminder that love is so important. I hope to continue loving well and loving often in 2013.

4. What are your (2013) New Years resolutions? I have quite a few. Though some I am not sure if they are resolutions or just hopes for the new year, so I won't share those just yet.

i. Commit to Weight Watchers. I went to my first meeting on Saturday - which also means I weighed in on Saturday. The weight was much higher than I wanted it to be but it is what it is. And it's time for me to move forward. No reason to be upset about the number when I have the opportunity to move on.

ii. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Now that they don't count as far as PointsPlus, I find myself eating more of them. Before I was so worried about the calories they contained that I wouldn't eat them but would decide to eat something less healthy. No longer.

iii. Write more. I have a novel I've been pecking at for a while now. It is quite vivid in my mind, and I need to spend more time working on it. I owe it to myself and to the characters. I also want to grow my blog.

iv. Exercise four times a week. It doesn't have to be an hour-long session each time, but doing something active four times a week will help me in every way possible.

v. Tithe at least 10%.

vi. Pay off debt. We've started working on this and have a plan in place. 2013 is the year to make it happen. It helps that now I want to stay home and cook rather than go out. Who would have thought that would ever happen?

this n that thursday (link up)

This: I go back to work today. I enjoy what I do for a living, but I really enjoyed having just over a week off. It's incredibly hard to go back to work. I am thankful that this week and next week will be short weeks; easing myself back into work will help.

That: We had a total of four Christmas celebrations this year. One with my parents the Saturday before Christmas. One with my husband's extended family on Christmas Eve. One with just my husband on Christmas Day. And one with my in-laws the day after Christmas. We also went to church with friends on Christmas Eve. This year was probably my favorite married Christmas so far.

This: I feel so much more grown up now that we are in this house. Part of it is because my parents and my husband's parents are treating us more like grown-ups. My parents brought antiques and pictures from their house along with Christmas decorations for me to have. I get a piece of home here in my home from now on. Having support on this big purchase, and being treated more like an adult, makes this next chapter of our lives all the more real.

That: I am going to be an aunt this summer! And on Friday, we should learn if it will be a girl or a boy. I am pulling for a girl. I think my husband is pulling for a boy because then there won't be quite as many cute clothes and such to buy. Not knowing the gender didn't stop me from buying things for Christmas, though.

This: I am doing my best to get back on the healthy weight loss train starting today. It is so easy to get off course but so hard to get back on course. I need to remember my why's and also think about how much better I will feel and look once I finish losing the weight. I also need to remember how much healthier I will be once I finish losing the weight.

That: I think I outdid myself this Christmas. I always like to say I can't cook, but I truly can no longer say that. This Christmas I made the following: a roasted turkey (with my mom's help -- she did the majority of it but I was there), roasted brussels sprouts with dried cranberries and balsamic vinegar, my Nana's potatoes, roasted butternut squash with moroccan spices, and rolls. I also baked the following: double dutch chocolate cookies, two cheesecakes, carrot cake, and mini apple pies. We also ate leftover stuffing and mashed potatoes on Christmas Day thanks to my mom's cooking.

This: There was an ice storm in Oklahoma City over Christmas. Most of it has melted now, but I am still nervous about getting into my car and driving to work. I do not do well with snow or ice on the roadways - especially since the side streets and neighborhood streets do not get plowed or salted. Most of it has melted, but I am still nervous. I might be waiting until the sun has been out for a little while to head to work. Also I think I need an SUV; driving a small car makes driving a tad bit scarier.

That: It feels so good to be back to blogging. I miss it when I'm away. Now to tackle the hundreds of unread posts on my Google Reader...

I'm linking up with with Jena from Recently Roached and Katie from Katie Did What today!

this n that thursdays (link up)

I'm once again linking up with with Jena from Recently Roached. You can visit last weeks "this n that" post to see how Jena and I are "related."

This:
I need (and want) to figure out what it is that causes me to stay the same weight. I honestly feel like I am keeping myself from losing weight. It might have something to do with my sudden obsession with Chik-Fil-A. And it's not an obsession with their chargrilled chick sandwich, chicken noodle soup, or any of their salads.

That:
It's been nearly three weeks since I've stepped foot in a gym. The hardest part isn't even admitting that. The hardest part is getting my butt back into the gym. I need an intervention with myself as soon as possible.

This:
I am taking a whole week off of work starting the afternoon of Tuesday the 18th. I love my job(s), but I need a break. Both for my sanity and my house's sanity. The boxes are multiplying which is causing quite a bit of stress in my life.

That:
There are a lot of changes on the horizon for my husband and I. Moving into our new house started the changes, and they are continuing to grow. Not that that is a bad thing - just stressful (in a good way). I so badly want to know what we need to do and how to do it. But God doesn't work that way.

Mark Driscoll tweeted the following today: Some of you are waiting for the Lord to reveal the future before you move forward. That's not how it works. Walk by faith.

I needed to hear those words. And I need to put walking by faith into practice.

This:
I got to be in a Christmas vlog earlier this week. Did you see it on the blog? I'm so grateful to have been a part of it.

That:
I officially have over 100 followers. That's over 100 people who are expecting me and waiting for me to finish losing 100 pounds. I'm looking at that as motivation and a reminder that people believe in me even on days when I eat too much polynesian sauce at Chik-Fil-A.

This:
It doesn't hurt to walk! I think wearing shoes with real support actually made a difference (imagine that!). I'm looking forward to getting back into running, and I am looking to this girl for continued motivation. She's kicking ass at this weight loss thing!

That:
There are only 12 days to Christmas. 12 days.. I kind of doubt I am going to hit my goal of one-derland by then. But that's okay. Because eventually (soon!) I will live in one-derland.

this n that thursdays (link up)

Today I am linking up with Jena from Recently Roached. Little known fact... Jena and I are related.. through our sorority! She is one of my great grand littles. We also graduated with the same major - Professional Writing. Scroll down to the end of the post for an old school picture to prove our sisterhood!

This:
I am turning into a homebody already. It used to be that I always wanted to go out, but now I just really want to stay home. People are more than welcome to come and hang out with us. I just don't want to leave my house if at all possible. Can you tell I am a bit excited to be a homeowner (again)?

That:
AT and T will be at our house later this afternoon, and we will finally have Internet and TV again. If I weren't a blogger, I might not miss the Internet as much as I do. There's only so much you can do from an iPhone and writing solid blog posts full of content is not something easily done.

This:
My husband and I are taking a vacation together in 2013. Just the two of us. We haven't had a real vacation just the two of us since our honeymoon in 2009. I'm looking forward to five days and four nights of hiking, eating overpriced breakfast, sleeping in, reading, and probably shopping. Branson, MO I can not wait to meet you for the first time!

That:
My house is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The boxes may not be unpacked. I might not have any idea where my Keurig is. But the Christmas tree is up and our stockings are hung. Priorities, right?

This:
Today is my Friday. So thankful for the opportunity to take a day off and enjoy my new house. And unpack, of course.

That:
I'm getting a brand new washer and dryer delivered on Friday. That was one of the things I was most excited to purchase. Clean clothes are pretty important.

This:
No more shellac (or gel) manicures for this girl. While the polish lasts for two weeks, my bank account just doesn't have room for a mortgage payment, manicures, highlights, and new furniture. So I am getting rid of the manicures. It's back to chipped polish the majority of the time and painting my nails on my own!

That:
It's getting cold(er) here in Oklahoma. I haven't quite decided if I like the cold or not. Living in a brand new house makes the cold more bearable than living in an 80+ year old house. But it is still hard to get up and out of bed in the morning.

as promised.. we look a little young, don't you think?

thankful thursday (link up)

fence, brick, rock. almost there.

1. Our soon-to-be house. I've listed this one a lot, but with every week, I become more thankful for it. We're set to close later this week, and I simply can not wait. We had the chance to walk through the house on Wednesday afternoon/evening, and I simply can not believe it is going to be our house. I feel so unworthy of such a large space, but I also feel so blessed to have the opportunity to call this house my home.

We went to walk through the house last night and had an inspector come out as well. Not everything is done but it is getting there.

When we left around 6pm, people were still hard at work. I made sure to thank everyone I could for working so hard. There is something so humbling about seeing people do so much for you.

2. Gospel Centered Community. We have been a part of the same community group for almost four years now. Tuesday night, we talked about simplicity and what simplicity means for the church and for our own walk's with God. I needed the message and the reminder. With all the moving and buying and house stuff, it is easy to get lost and focus only the material possessions. Tuesday night reminded me to focus on what matters to God and not the things of the world.

I struggle with that a lot. It's gotten better over the years, but by no means am I perfect. Building this new house has excited me for many reasons - including the opportunity to shop for furniture. Tuesday reminded me of the blessing the house is and what we need to do with it and it's not just shopping.

nana and i at our rehearsal dinner 2008

3. My Nana. I called her on Monday evening as I was driving to work at the group home and wished her a belated Happy Thanksgiving. I have so many wonderful memories with her - like eating Popeye's Chicken while sitting on her couch and watching movies on the weekends I would stay with her.

When we talked on Monday, she told me how proud she was of me and how wonderful of a life I was building. I so needed to hear that. She always says something profound and something that reminds me to look at the whole picture and enjoy where I am.

4. My Dad. My parents live in Texas, so they have not seen the house yet except for in pictures. And yet, my dad has been a huge part of this process. He has given me tips and pointers on what to do, and I've done every single thing.

I called him last night when I left the house, and he told me that my husband and I were doing everything right with buying this house. That affirmation helped quench any lingering fears or doubts I have about buying the house. This is the right decision for us, but it is a huge purchase. Huge purchases are a little daunting.

I am also excited to see him soon. My parents are officially coming to visit us in our new house.

5. December. It sounds silly to be so excited for a month, but I simply can't wait. There is so much to be excited for. Those things include: moving into our house, decorating for Christmas, taking some much needed time off work, my parents coming to visit, hosting Christmas at our house, having a New Year's Eve party at our house, losing at least 10 pounds over the course of the month, living in our house, and looking at Christmas lights.

sunday social (link up)

I stepped on the scale this morning and am officially back to 220. Somehow (and I'm not quite sure how) I lost the weight I had gained back. This gives me hope that when I do my weigh-in on Wednesday the number will be just a tad bit smaller.

I'm excited to get back to the gym on Monday. Until then, I plan to enjoy the house to myself this morning. So grateful for a quiet house, my dogs playing nicely outside, good quiet time with the Lord, and the chance to catch up on season two of Hart of Dixie without anyone around to make fun of my choice in television shows (ahem... my husband).

I'm going to enjoy the time I have to myself and relish in somewhat figuring things out while I link up with Neely and Ashley.

1. Name 4 jobs you’ve had in your life: Lifeguard, Assistant Teacher at a daycare, Child Welfare Specialist (aka social worker), Caring Van Program Specialist/Clinic Coordinator.

I've worked since I was 15. Of the numerous jobs I've had (some only lasting a few weeks), I have never enjoyed them as much as I do my current jobs. These 4 are my top picks.

(And yes that pale, pale face actually was a lifeguard. I promise I looked a lot tanner in real life.)

2. Name 4 movies you would watch over and over: The Wedding Date, The Holiday, Grease, Dirty Dancing.

I love movies. And television shows. I wish I could say I had a more refined taste in movies and television shows, but really all I ever really want to watch are coming-of-age stories and anything that a teenager might like.

3. Name 4 places you have lived: Upland, CA; Princeton, NJ; Katy, TX; Norman, OK.

I always thought I would live a million different places after graduating from college, but I stayed right around Oklahoma City, OK and Houston, TX. I had plans to move to Boston or New York City or Philadelphia. But instead I am here. And as much as I would love to live in the big city, I really love that we are building a house outside of the city and about to settle into smaller town life.

4. Name 4 of your favorite foods: A medium-rare steak, homemade macaroni and cheese, sushi, tomato basil soup.

I would love to say that I am able to make every one of those foods listed, but I really am not that skilled in the kitchen. Maybe one day. Until then, the way to my heart will always be going out to a nice sushi restaurant or eating a delicious steak.

Speaking of which I really want sushi. I need some more of it in my life as soon as possible. Date night tonight. Maybe? Or next weekend? (hint hint, husband)

5. Name 4 things you always carry with you: Wallet, iPhone, car keys, lip gloss.

And usually I carry all of those in a large purse that is littered with receipts, cough drops, and more pens than I really need. Of course I can never actually find what I need when I need it.

6. Name 4 places you have been on vacation: Suttons Bay, MI; New York City; Paris; Costa Rica

I did a lot more traveling in high school and college than I do now. It was a lot easier to do that when I didn't have bills and adult duties to attend to. Some of the other places I've been include Brasil, Greece, The Bahamas, Los Angeles, and Mexico.

Here's to hoping there are more vacations in my future along side my husband. We're in the early, early stages of looking at a little getaway in February.

thankful thursday (link up)

1. The Holidays. I have not always been the biggest fan of the holiday season, but this year, I am (finally!). Maybe it is because we will soon be in our own house and hosting Christmas. Or maybe I've just finally grown up and re-recognized the wonder that is the holiday season. I can not wait to hang the stockings I bought or decorate a Christmas tree or hang the wreath I made (and make a few more!).

2. My very own kitchen. It's not done in these pictures, but it should be close to done in real life now. Imagine black appliances and granite countertops with a travertine backsplash. I'm so ready to be able to cook in my own kitchen. I'm scouring pinterest for wonderful holiday recipes. I have Christmas and New Years to plan for! Last night I even dreamed about what I would cook in the oven and what I would make in the Crock Pot.
3. My family. My parents live in Texas, so I don't see them nearly as often as I would like. But they are always just a phone call away. Yesterday, my mom gave me tips about what red wine to pair with Thanksgiving Day dinner. My Nana also lives in Texas, but she is forever a source of inspiration for me. I know that if I ever need anything I can and will call her.  I am also thankful for my aunt, my uncle, and my cousins who are sprinkled across the west side of the country. And my grandparents who live in Florida during the winter months and then Michigan during the summer months. I have learned so much from every member of my family, and I wish more than anything that I could see them more often.
4. Our almost finished house. I have listed this before but have to mention it again. It is mind blowing that the house being built is where we will soon call home. It isn't our ultimate dream house... I mean - we can't afford the mansion I want just yet (maybe ever). But it is going to have space to grow, room to entertain, and will provide a place for others to come and stay and be entertained. And it is in a safe area. While I was there visiting Tuesday night, I saw families walking dogs and riding bikes. I met neighbors. And I fell even more in love with where we will call home.

5. Our two dogs. They drive me crazy with how they wake up every morning at 6am. And how they jump off and on and off and on the bed to make sure I am up too. They are stubborn, spoiled and do not like to listen. They sit on the couch and sleep in bed with us and think our house is really their house that they rent out to us. But they are ours and they make our family complete. They cuddle with me when I am sick and lick my face because they are so happy to see me. And they love me on my worst days and make me want to be a better person.
6. New clothes. There is just something about wearing a new outfit that brightens my day. And there is something about shopping that reminds me of how far I have come and how excited I am to continue my journey. I don't think material possessions are the ultimate. I know they aren't. But little presents for myself are so nice.
7. Casual date nights with my husband. I love getting dressed up and going out, but sometimes a quick dinner out (last night for pho) and then a movie at home are even better. Especially since we can then go to bed early.. like the old married couple we are.
8. Four day weekends. I know some of this weekend will be busy. We have a family dinner this afternoon and then visiting friends afterwards. But it's still four days away from the daily grind. I am planning on crafting, watching lots of Rules of Engagement on Netflix and not worrying about anything work related (determined not to check my work email at all this weekend). It's going to be glorious.

thankful thursday (link up)

1. Manicures and pedicures. There's just something about looking down at my hands and seeing pretty polish that makes me happy. Same goes for my toes - even if they are covered up by socks and running shoes. At least I know there's pretty polish on my toenails.


after mary poppins!

2. Weekly (more like daily) text messages from our new home sales consultant. On Tuesday, she told me they would start texturing the walls, and on Wednesday, she told me that the tile, doors, and paint were delivered. Tiling of the house begins Thursday and all the doors to our house are officially locked. We are in the home stretch! (I also appreciate our realtor who is doing everything she can to move things along as well. We are blessed with all the help we have.)

3. Fancy date nights. We enjoyed an amazing dinner out last weekend followed by a live production of Mary Poppins. My feet were killing me after wearing cute shoes, but it was so worth it.

4. Name Your Own Price on Priceline.com. We got an amazing deal on a swanky hotel in downtown Oklahoma City for Saturday night, and we plan on enjoying the night away! I'm so excited for a mini-getaway. It will be our last one before closing on our house. We'll go out to dinner, watch the OKC Barons, and maybe have a few drinks. And also sleep in a bed without two dogs. Sunday morning we can enjoy a delicious breakfast out and then return to real life.

5. Emails, comments, facebook messages, etc. It means so much to me to get comments on posts I've written and emails from readers. Over the past week, I have been blown away by the number of people who have contacted me. It's reminded me of why I currently blog and why I continue to want to blog. It's also helped to inspire me to keep moving forward with weight loss and writing. I needed that extra inspiration and push.


my first homemad mesh ribbon wreath

6. Christmas decorations. I bought four stockings last weekend (one for me, one for my husband and two for our dogs) and a stocking holder. I have plans to make a stop by Hobby Lobby this weekend and look for more decorations and to get more materials to make wreaths. I'm ready for Thanksgiving to be over and for us to be moved into the house so I can decorate (almost) every square foot of it!

7. My in-laws. They have been incredibly gracious and loving with allowing us to live in their house. My father-in-law scraped ice off my car earlier this week, and it melts my heart to hear them talk to our dogs. It is obvious just how much they love them.. almost as much as we do though I think our dogs are becoming more partial to them. It might have to do with all the extra treats they get! I'm also excited that my sister-in-law shares me love of country music, Taylor Swift, and Twilight.

8. The weather. It's been chilly and sometimes freezing in the mornings, but this week, the sky has been clear at the end of the day and the temperatures have been sticking around in the 60s which is wonderful for fall. It also is great weather to build a house - which is exactly what we need and want!

9. And finally... I didn't gain any weight last week. Very thankful for that and very determined to lose weight over the next week!

hello monday (week 4)

Hello, Monday. You are technically a holiday. A way of saying thank you to those who have served our country in the past, are serving it now, and those who will serve in the future. It's the first time in years I won't be celebrating with the day off. It's strange to go to work on the days I used to have off, but I wouldn't trade my current job for extra paid holidays.

Hi, carbohydrates. I think I need to break up with you - again (take one, two, three). I've gone, at most, 10 days without eating you, and I felt better without you in my system. I also dropped some extra pounds. But you always reel me in with your rolls, pasta, potatoes, rolls, and... did I mention pasta? Why can't you just taste like crap?

Hello, husband. Thanks for wearing a tie on Saturday night. You looked incredibly handsome. I love fancy date nights. But don't worry; I love casual date nights, too. Can't wait for next weekend. So looking forward to staying in a nice hotel with you! Thank goodness for Priceline and Name Your Own Price. (PS: Can you believe we will be living in our new house in just a few weeks? I can not wait!)

Hi, Twilight movies. I used to get extremely excited for you. I even went to two midnight premieres. But I'm not as excited now. I want to be. I mean you were my first love as far as young adult series. But these days, I think I prefer The Hunger Games and The Mortal Instruments. It's nothing personal, and I do plan on seeing the final movie...But I am not going to the midnight premiere.

Hello, one-derland. When am I going to meet you? I'm seriously sick of weighing a number that starts with a 2. I am also sick of not being able to wear clothes. Everything is either too big or too small. I know life will never be perfect just because of a number on a scale. And I know being healthy is more important than weight. But I am just so ready to have a 1 as the first number on the scale.

Hi, weekend posts. You are really hard to write. Saturday I talked about weight loss. Sunday I talked about faith. It was honest and heartfelt and...just difficult to write. Is it because not as many people read blogs on weekends? Or is it something else? I'm not too sure. I just know I struggle to write you. Here's to hoping next weekend's posts will be a bit easier to write.

high five for friday (link up)

1. Saturday night, we watched the Oklahoma City Barons play the Houston Aeros from amazing seats. The night was spent with friends, and I might just have a brand new favorite sport. Can't wait to watch the Barons again on the 17th!

2. Tuesday night we voted and spent time with our Community Group and answered 35 questions of the US Citizenship test. There was lots of laughter. I am so thankful for the friendships we have developed over the past several years.

3. Thursday night, I spent time at home following a day trip to Tulsa for work. We sat on the couch together, ate homemade turkey chili, and took pictures with one of our dogs. I'm currently enjoying Grey's Anatomy - with commercials (something I haven't done in months).

4. I'm starting a new book tomorrow with a girl friend of mine. I've spent so much time praying for deep, meaningful relationships with other girls. And I feel like right now is the time when those relationships are growing. I am beyond grateful to have friends who love me, listen to me, pray for me, and challenge me.

5. They began putting insulation into our house this week! This means we're moving forward with the process of our house and that closing may actually happen this month. I am so happy to finally live in a house that will keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer - especially after living in an old house that had next to no insulation.

thankful thursday (link-up)

1. The chance to work where I do. Since graduating from college, I've worked in the social services field. And I loved it - most of the time. Right now I am working for a not-for-profit full-time and as a social worker part-time. It's busy, but I really truly love what I do. I am able to see - on an almost daily basis - the impact I am making. And that means so much to me.

just waiting for stone!

2. Our almost finished house. It's taking longer than I would like (I'm not the most patient person; could you tell?), but I know we are going to love it when all is said and done. And it will be worth the wait. Decorating it, hosting the holidays at our house, spending nights in on the couch, having friends over for cook-outs, getting to sit on the back porch and be able to enjoy it and not worry about what our crazy neighbors are up to... It's going to be wonderful!

3. The right to choose. In every way possible. My political beliefs are ones I tend to remain somewhat quiet about. There's no sense, in my mind, to completely discuss them as I have the right to feel, think, and believe what I want. Just as everyone else has the same right.

4. New shoes. Between working out a lot, losing weight, and all this plantar fasciitis nonsense, I needed new shoes. My husband and I headed to Dick's Grand Opening on Sunday and I picked out a pair of neon pink shoes. They are lightweight and comfortable.

go okc barons!

5. Time with friends. It used to be that I considered myself an introvert. I needed time just to myself. It was how I got refreshed. These days I tend to get bored if I spend too much time at home and want to be out with friends. (Once we have our house, I will be content with being at home with friends.) We have a great group of people, and I am so glad we're able to go out and do fun things with them. Like go to hockey games and musicals. Or take part of the citizenship test. And eat lots of ice cream and/or frozen yogurt. Pretty much everything we could do with them, we do, and it makes my heart full and my soul refreshed.

6. My husband. We have our own problems, of course... What married couple doesn't? But he is truly my biggest supporter. We've been working on becoming better friends, and I am so glad for that. He makes me laugh a lot, and I've had a few times I've made him laugh or at least have gotten credit for being somewhat funny. I know that, no matter what happens (like my spending a bit too much money on my hair or calling him in a panic when I think my car is stolen [it wasn't; I forgot where I parked]), he will always be there.

counting my blessings (#151-165)

picture found here.

151. Spin class.
152. Couple friends.
153. Flannel shirts.
154. Buying workout clothes in a size large.
155. Boots and skinny jeans.
156. Unexpected financial blessings.
157. Weekends filled with plans.
158. Fall weather.
159. Being a blonde again.
160. Hot green tea with honey and lemon.
161. Short hair.
162. Color schemes.
163. Christmas decorations.
164. An extra hour of sleep.
165.