per-fect-shun...

I think I've realized a few things about my domestic-ality this week. After spending a week alone at home, I've realized some things that I really enjoy doing (washing dishes *only my dishes*, ironing, cooking, and small crafty projects). The problem is, I often don't have the time, or actually, I don't take the time to do these things that I enjoy. And here is why. I like for things to be done perfectly. While this seems to be a good thing, it is not. Perfection is something we rarely (or should I say, I rarely) achieve. So when things can't be done perfectly or how I want them, what do I do? I give up. I quit. I don't even try.

But when I do take a few minutes to do something, I love it. For example, tonight, I made dinner for me and Madie... (here is a small glimpse and I say small glimpse because these pictures are tiny... thanks to my awful camera phone.)







After finishing making dinner and arranging it, I felt so good. I accomplished something. A simple meal that took probably no more than 30 minutes to make. And in those 30 minutes, I was able to listen to some good music which made the experience all the more relaxing.

So now you know what's going on inside my mind. I know, I know... its so-o-o exciting...right=)

What makes you feel good and gives you a sense of accomplishment?

(edit: I know the title for this blog is spelled wrong. I did it on purpose to prove a point to myself that things can be wrong and the world still goes around. but as I write this, it is driving me crazy...=)

a note on reality... television, that is.

hola amigos.

If you know me (and know me well), you know that I like reality television. alot. I can't put my finger on what exactly intrigues me about it. Maybe it makes me realize I am not the only crazy person in the world. Maybe its just because I like people watching. I don't know.

One of my favorite reality shows is Project Runway. When I watch this show, I am constantly laughing at the insanity that goes on in their work room, not to mention all of their smart remarks and expressions that they make oh-so-famous. "Fierce", anyone? So tonight, I was pleasantly suprised that the 5th season of this gem of a show has already begun. So I watched. As one of the contestant, Stella Zotis, was interviewed, I realized that she reminded me of someone, but I couldn't think of who. After numerous interviews with this ridiculous woman, I realized who, or shall I say what it was: a poodle. I wish I could find an appropriate picture of her to show you all, but I can't, mainly because she is obsesssed with barely there clothing, and the body parts that are covered in tiny pieces of leather. No thank you. But if you have a chance, you should watch this show. But poodle woman aside, you should watch this show. Even you.

Going along with the whole reality t.v. thing... I've been thinking alot about Survivor again. For those of you who don't know, I've wanted to apply for Survivor for a really long time. The more I think about it, the more I think, "Why not? The worst that could happen is not getting on." We shall see.

What is your favorite show???

all-lll byyyy my-se-ye-lf =)

You remember that song?  To be quite honest I don't know (or care) who sings it, and its probably talking about a lack of a significant other... well, you are in luck, because this is not what this post is about=)

I am home alone for the next week of my life.  

Now, to some of you, you might not think this is a big deal.  But to me, one who grew up with six siblings and two parents (+ frequent random visitors) all in the same house until I was seven, this is huge.  I have stayed alone many a time, but this house is kind of creepy when you are all alone.  I have to go grocery shopping in the morning... any suggestions of good things to make for one person?  I'm thinking lots of fruits and veggies...

      *** as I type this I just heard the dogs barking outside and what sounded like someone        coming up my back porch. if you are reading this though, i've probably made it out alive.

In other news, I found out I get to help out with Olympics at Carlyle Place.  It was quite amusing reading the list of activities for the said Olympics--just to name a few: croquet, table tennis, poker, billiards and my favorite, checkers.  When did checkers qualify as being an Olympic event?  When you move into a retirement community. That's when.  

one of those weeks...

I don't know what's wrong.  

I'm so tired.  Overwhelmed.  My emotions are on a rollercoaster.  I wonder when this waiting period is going to be over.  

Be near...

I think I work at a museum...

This was my day at Carlyle...

Visit 7 (SEVEN!) homes at Carlyle and help our photographer arrange things to shoot pictures for our brochures for Carlyle.  I learned so much today.  And not just about lighting and and the incredible wide camera lens our photographer used, but about the people that make my job so special.  I learned about their antiques, their lives, their children, their faith, everything.  Our residents are each so different.  You would not believe these homes that I went into... absolutely beautiful, like in a museum.  I was inspired by every apartment home I saw.  

I also ran a few errands in Macon on my lunch break.  (note to self:  * a medium iced latte at dunkin donuts is much larger than a grande or even a venti at starbucks.  also... do not drink this in 10 minutes even if you are rushing. you will feel jittery for  the ENTIRE day.)

On a different note, today is Nanny's 83rd Birthday!  Happy Birthday, NANNY! (even though she doesn't read my blog, nor does she access the internet)  I can't imagine being 83.  Let's see, if I make it to 83, that will be the year 2069... holy goodness that's a long ways away.

Oh and congrats to Aunt Corky; I'm sure she is beautiful!

CORNHOLE!!!

Have you ever played cornhole?

Well if you haven't you should.  Who would have ever thought throwing a bean bag in hopes to land in a hole on the board would be so addicting?  Not a.d.d. me.  But I am hooked nonetheless.  Not many people know about it in Georgia, but whenever I hear the sound of beanbags hitting small wood boards or the joyous shouts of "CORNHOLE!", a tear is brought to my eye.

I learned of this game several summers ago while working up in Maryland.  In fact, for the past two summers, I attended "The Cornhole Tournament of the World".  Now technically, this wasn't validated by anyone other than the staff I worked with, but with all the hype surrounding it, you would have thought that it was the cornhole tournament of the world.  

Right now, history is being made in Edgewater, Maryland with the annual "Cornhole Tournament of the World" which is hosted by several staff members.  Who will be victorious?  Only time, and hopefully cottagegirl will tell...

the big decision...

In my last post, I wrote about a decision I made.  And since so many of you (Gina and Dad=) are curious to know what it was, I will tell you.  

I am going to be a surrogate mother!!!  

not.  but I think my decision is just as exciting and doesn't involve... well, the childbearing process.  

da-da-da-dunnnnnnn.....

I am officially the new Marketing Coordinator at Carlyle Place!  My supervisor of my internship (who is now my boss) had told me about the opening a few days after I started and asked me to consider the position.  Everything worked out quite well and I felt that it would be a good opportunity to get experience in what some call "the real world".  Most of all, I have a job I look forward to going into each day.  

Every day is different and I l-o-v-e that.  Sometimes I'll have a to do list of 15 things but will visit a new resident and end up staying an hour or so listening to them talk about their move and helping them with questions they have.  I love that this is a part of my job.  The Marketing Coordinator position encompasses many different things: admissions process, clerical work, special events, move-in's, refurbishing apartments, and anything else that might need to be done around the marketing/ sales area of Carlyle.  

When I was in college, I had briefly thought about doing interior design and nursing.  While I quickly realized my brain was not made to be an interior designer, I still like some different aspects of it.  And nursing, well I still have never decided against it, but just not at this time.  So I graduated with a PR degree--- which I love.  The cool thing about my job is I get to see and do a little bit of all these things - interior design, nursing, and PR/Marketing.  I know God gives us certain things that we like and I think we should use those things that He has given us a desire for.  

So that is my life for the past week.  Learning a new job and working lots, with God teaching me alot along the way.  And these aren't always easy lessons.  If you think of me, pray for me.  I greatly appreciate the prayers of my friends during this part of my life.   

That is all for now, I'm going to bed so I can wake up with the sun in the morning... nitey-nite.

loving the rain...

It's pouring outside right now.  

And I am now soaking wet.  A few minutes ago, I had the urge to run outside and play in the rain for a few minutes.  It was nice just to let go.  Being outside while the drops drenched me also brought back many good memories of camps rainy days.  After getting soaked, I came inside and ate milk and cookies.

I think I am reverting back to childhood after a decision I made today... can you guess what I decided?

Choosing to Walk in the Light...

All of us will face things in life that frighten us, but we are only defeated by our fears when we allow them to keep us from staying on the course God has given us to run.  God wants us to live a life of fulfillment and joy in Him, but if there is one thing that will keep us from doing that, it's fear.  Fear holds us back, cripples us, blinds us, and keeps us from hearing God or obeying when He speaks.  I've seen too many examples of fear keeping people from enjoying fulfilling human relationships, from taking significant steps in their careers, and, worst of all, from being used effectively for the kingdom of God.  

Too many of us avoid or run from the prospects that frighten us.  Fearing rejection, we avoid close contact with other people.  Fearing failure, we simply stop trying to accomplish anything.  And fearing people, we keep our mouths shut when we should be talking to friends, coworkers and neighbors about all that God has done for us.  

When we run from the things that frighten us, we've handed Satan the victory in a gift-wrapped box with a bow on top.  We've essentially waved the white flag and said to the Devil, "You win!" Our paralysis in the face of fear gives victory to an enemy who loves nothing more than to freeze us in our tracks, to cripple us, and to render us for God's kingdom.

Don't run from or deny your fears.  That's dishonest and only makes things worse.  Don't run from your fears.  You will have to face them one day, and you can never grow in your faith until you do.  God cares when we are afraid, and He has given us a way to confront and defeat our fears.  It's by exposing them to the light He gives us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

----

These words are so true.  The past few weeks of my life have been full of fear; fear of not meeting up to people's standards, fear of failure, fear of commitment.  I re-read this again today and was reminded how we are supposed to live out our lives: 

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; 

but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

  2 Timothy 1:7 

(edit: the writing in bold on this post was all taken from a book by Tony Evans; I only wish to be this wise with my words...)

proud of myself...

hello stalkers... i mean, readers=)

I would like you to all know that I just finished 3.1 miles... granted it was on a treadmill, on an incline of zero, and my time would not win any race... but I finished.  It's little things like that that help me remember I am capable of doing something I put my mind and body to.  That is a good feeling.  I also laid in the tanning bed at the gym.  I was later informed by my dear sweet sister that this tanning bed has new bulbs and its alot stronger than regular beds.  greatttt... that's what I get for trying to look like I have been lounging by the pool.

welp, let's see...  today I got a graduation present from my parents... da- da- da -dummm...

the iPod touch.  Thanks mommy and daddy.  I can't wait to take a shower so I can play with my new toy.