...just very busy! I have had quite a long break from work, and don't return until January 4th, but I have been working at Just the Thing last week and this week, so I have not felt like posting when I get home. I promise I'll be back with a Christmas update (and New Year's probably, as well) very soon.
I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and has a wonderful New Year's!
Wednesday, December 29
Friday, December 17
He is there
Y'all, I have to tell you a story, but first some background info. I've told y'all about my mama and daddy before and their strong conviction to help the less fortunate people in West Virginia who live in little towns where mines have closed down, leaving them penniless. My dad goes up several times a year to deliver clothes and food for those people who the state of West Virginia has literally forgotten about- people who have no way to help themselves. Well, this past Tuesday my daddy and 5 other people from the church were scheduled to go up to Peytona, WV to deliver not only food and clothing, but also gifts for the children in the community who would literally have no Christmas without the generous people in my little hometown. Several other churches from nearby communities were scheduled to go up, as well, to deliver things that they had gathered. Last week the weather report called for a snowstorm to hit West Virginia sometime around Sunday night, leaving roads across the mountain impassable. As a result, all of the other churches cancelled, but ours did not. Instead, they prayed about it and prayed that the weather would cooperate for them to get in to Peytona and deliver Christmas for people whose cupboards were bare and who needed warm clothes for the cold WV winter. They packed up on Tuesday, knowing they would go as far as they could, hoping they would not have to turn around with a bus full of necessities, as well as toys to put a smile on many families' faces. And, praise God, they made it across the mountain and were able to deliver and have a church service for the community on Wednesday night.
And that's the background. Now, to the real story- more proof that God is good. While up there, my dad slipped on some ice and fell, hitting the pavement with full force to his shoulder. He said when he hit the ground, he felt his shoulder pop out of joint. Knowing that this would not be good, and would probably require a trip to the hospital, he started to pray. But, before he could get a prayer out, he said he felt a hand on his shoulder and a firm push, popping the shoulder back into socket. Daddy said he has never personally experienced a miracle, but he knows beyond a shadow of doubt that it was the Lord's hand that put his shoulder back in place. It was as if He was saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant," (Matthew 25:21) and showing Himself as a thank you for Elloree First Baptist Church's resolve to make it to West Virginia, despite the weather, to get those necessities to people in dire need.
It reminds me of the passage, "All things work together for good to them that love Him and are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) If we do what is His will, He will be there for us, reaching out a hand when we need it most.
And that's the background. Now, to the real story- more proof that God is good. While up there, my dad slipped on some ice and fell, hitting the pavement with full force to his shoulder. He said when he hit the ground, he felt his shoulder pop out of joint. Knowing that this would not be good, and would probably require a trip to the hospital, he started to pray. But, before he could get a prayer out, he said he felt a hand on his shoulder and a firm push, popping the shoulder back into socket. Daddy said he has never personally experienced a miracle, but he knows beyond a shadow of doubt that it was the Lord's hand that put his shoulder back in place. It was as if He was saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant," (Matthew 25:21) and showing Himself as a thank you for Elloree First Baptist Church's resolve to make it to West Virginia, despite the weather, to get those necessities to people in dire need.
It reminds me of the passage, "All things work together for good to them that love Him and are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) If we do what is His will, He will be there for us, reaching out a hand when we need it most.
Wednesday, December 15
My other day job
Many of you know that I am an event planner/jack of all trades for one of the colleges at the University of South Carolina. But, did you know that I have a master's degree in Retail and work part-time at a store in Columbia called Just the Thing?
Okay, maybe you did since I have mentioned it a time or two...or ten, but what can I say? I love the Just the Thing girls! When I work, which really only amounts to about once a month, I enjoy it so much. It's not like a job at all....it's fun. And one of the main reasons is these girls right here:
We had our JTT Christmas dinner last night at Casa Linda and it was so much fun. That's all of us that work at JTT either full-time or part-time, minus only 2 girls.
I started working at JTT in 2005, when I was in graduate school, and I have met some great girls over the years! I have 2 weeks off from my regular job over Christmas, and I am working at JTT a pretty good bit over those 2 weeks. So if you're in Columbia, stop by and see us! Or, if you're in Buckhead (Pharr Road to be exact) stop by our other JTT store- and tell them Emily sent you! You won't be disappointed- it's the best selection of handbags, accessories, and clothing in town! (Shameless plug, I know!)
Okay, maybe you did since I have mentioned it a time or two...or ten, but what can I say? I love the Just the Thing girls! When I work, which really only amounts to about once a month, I enjoy it so much. It's not like a job at all....it's fun. And one of the main reasons is these girls right here:
We had our JTT Christmas dinner last night at Casa Linda and it was so much fun. That's all of us that work at JTT either full-time or part-time, minus only 2 girls.
I started working at JTT in 2005, when I was in graduate school, and I have met some great girls over the years! I have 2 weeks off from my regular job over Christmas, and I am working at JTT a pretty good bit over those 2 weeks. So if you're in Columbia, stop by and see us! Or, if you're in Buckhead (Pharr Road to be exact) stop by our other JTT store- and tell them Emily sent you! You won't be disappointed- it's the best selection of handbags, accessories, and clothing in town! (Shameless plug, I know!)
Friday, December 10
You know you're from South Carolina when...
....it's 30 degrees outside, which is frigid for those of us born and raised in the South, and practically every conversation begins with "Cold enough for ya?" and is met with a reply of "I hate it," "it's miserable," or something similar.
We had a brutally hot summer and it was supposed to be a mild winter because of La Nina. So, I'm hoping this is just something that is going on for a few days and then we will be back to more moderate temperatures. 50-60 is good for winter, don't you think? Otherwise, my toes and fingers may break off at some point because they have turned to ice! I don't know how you girls that live in colder temps do it- my hat's off to you!
Happy weekend!
We had a brutally hot summer and it was supposed to be a mild winter because of La Nina. So, I'm hoping this is just something that is going on for a few days and then we will be back to more moderate temperatures. 50-60 is good for winter, don't you think? Otherwise, my toes and fingers may break off at some point because they have turned to ice! I don't know how you girls that live in colder temps do it- my hat's off to you!
Happy weekend!
Thursday, December 9
'Tis the season....
...for a Christmas survey!
I got this from Whitney over at The Glamorous Life of a Housewife. If you've never checked out her blog, do so now! You'll love her and, of course, her adorable son, Levi!
Here goes! (By the way, has anybody been having trouble copying and pasting into blogger? I had to retype this whole thing.)
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Most definitely wrapping paper unless it's something that won't fit in a box (i.e. wine) or for a white elephant exchange at work (because, really, I don't care that much.)
2. Real tree or artificial? REAL! My parents have to have an artificial one and it ALWAYS causes so much stress trying to put it together and get the lights working. And I love the look of a real tree (even the imperfections).
3. When do you put up the tree? Either the day after Thanksgiving or the Sunday after, depending on our Thanksgiving/Clemson-Carolina football game plans.
4. When do you take the tree down? The week after Christmas, and always before New Year's Day. In my family, it's a superstition that if the tree is up past New Year's, it's bad luck.
5. Do you like eggnog? I have never had it, but I don't think I would like it for some reason.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Oh gosh, probably one of my million Cabbage Patch dolls.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My dad
8. Easiest person to buy for? WEG because there is usually something he wants that makes it easy!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I got it for Christmas last year and it has a custom-built manger. I LOVE it!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, definitely. It's much more personal. Just cough up the 44 cents per stamp.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Hmm, can't think of a truly terrible one, but my mom gave me this necklace last year that she and I both agreed was not my style once I tried it on. Back to the store it went.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? The Family Stone, but you can't find it on DVD which is annoying!
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I started this year in September. I usually like to be 75% done by December. Currently, I'm about 95% done!
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No, but we have recycled a few of my mom's teacher gifts...shhh, don't tell.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? mini Ritz bits crackers with peanut butter dipped in white chocolate, Peppermint hot chocolate on Christmas morning while opening presents, Snow mints from Hickory Farm, Mom's breakfast on Christmas morning
16. Lights on the tree- colored or clear? White lights now, but I think colored lights for children are fun.
17. Favorite Christmas song? I'm not a huge fan of Christmas music except at church. I like Silent Night on Christmas Eve at the church where my mom grew up because the whole church lights candles and they turn out the lights. And I also like the song, "Mary, Did You Know?"
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Well, travel, but it's to my parents, so not technically "traveling" in my opinion
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? I think. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph...is that all of them? I tried to sing the song.
20. Angle, star, or ribbon on the top of the tree? We mostly had an angel growing up, but then switched to a ribbon. I used a ribbon a couple of years, but then WEG said he wanted an angel, so that's what we have. My parents now have a star.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Christmas morning traditionally, but you never know when new traditions will have to be made and I am not opposed to Christmas Eve.
22. Favorite children's Christmas song? "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"
23. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Traffic around the shopping areas and how people are trying to replace Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays to be politically correct. I celebrate Christmas, so that's what I'm going to say.
24. Favorite ornament theme or color? No theme, so I guess eclectic. And I am partial to the traditional red and green colors (or variations) and gold and silver.
25. Turkey or ham on Christmas day? Neither! We do a big breakfast mid-morning and then a dinner of something non-traditional like fried chicken :-) Turkey and ham so close after Thanksgiving is not my family's favorite.
26. What do you want for Christmas this year? There are a few things on my list!
27. Does anyone in your family dress up as Santa? No
28. Age you discovered who Santa was? I don't remember the particular age, but my parents hid a "boom box" in my grandmother's walk-in closet and I went in there and discovered it, but didn't tell. Lo and behold, "Santa" delivered the present on Christmas morning. I'm pretty sure I had an inkling before that, but that sealed the deal.
29. Eggnog, hot chocolate or apple cider? I'm not a huge fan of hot drinks, except around Christmas, and then it's usually a peppermint white mocha from Starbucks or peppermint hot chocolate from Williams-Sonoma on Christmas morning. Definitely don't care for apple cider.
30. Traditional colors or other colors? I think I answered this in the ornament question, but reds and greens, with gold and silver accents.
31. Do you have an Christmas decorations on your roof? No, although WEG did consider putting something up there to outdo our neighbors.
32. How does Santa getn into your house? Chimney or magic key? Well, since there are no children residing in our house, we haven't crossed this bridge. I think it would be chimney, though.
33. Do you prefer gifts or gift cards? I love gifts, but gift cards are always useful... Especially when I get a Target one from my mama in my stocking :-)
34. Favorite children's Christmas cartoon? Hmm....I guess it's the Grinch, although I don't watch any of them these days. I don't recall ever being really into Charlie Brown, and I guess I liked Rudolph okay.
Now it's your turn! Enjoy!
I got this from Whitney over at The Glamorous Life of a Housewife. If you've never checked out her blog, do so now! You'll love her and, of course, her adorable son, Levi!
Here goes! (By the way, has anybody been having trouble copying and pasting into blogger? I had to retype this whole thing.)
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Most definitely wrapping paper unless it's something that won't fit in a box (i.e. wine) or for a white elephant exchange at work (because, really, I don't care that much.)
2. Real tree or artificial? REAL! My parents have to have an artificial one and it ALWAYS causes so much stress trying to put it together and get the lights working. And I love the look of a real tree (even the imperfections).
3. When do you put up the tree? Either the day after Thanksgiving or the Sunday after, depending on our Thanksgiving/Clemson-Carolina football game plans.
4. When do you take the tree down? The week after Christmas, and always before New Year's Day. In my family, it's a superstition that if the tree is up past New Year's, it's bad luck.
5. Do you like eggnog? I have never had it, but I don't think I would like it for some reason.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Oh gosh, probably one of my million Cabbage Patch dolls.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My dad
8. Easiest person to buy for? WEG because there is usually something he wants that makes it easy!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I got it for Christmas last year and it has a custom-built manger. I LOVE it!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, definitely. It's much more personal. Just cough up the 44 cents per stamp.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Hmm, can't think of a truly terrible one, but my mom gave me this necklace last year that she and I both agreed was not my style once I tried it on. Back to the store it went.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? The Family Stone, but you can't find it on DVD which is annoying!
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I started this year in September. I usually like to be 75% done by December. Currently, I'm about 95% done!
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No, but we have recycled a few of my mom's teacher gifts...shhh, don't tell.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? mini Ritz bits crackers with peanut butter dipped in white chocolate, Peppermint hot chocolate on Christmas morning while opening presents, Snow mints from Hickory Farm, Mom's breakfast on Christmas morning
16. Lights on the tree- colored or clear? White lights now, but I think colored lights for children are fun.
17. Favorite Christmas song? I'm not a huge fan of Christmas music except at church. I like Silent Night on Christmas Eve at the church where my mom grew up because the whole church lights candles and they turn out the lights. And I also like the song, "Mary, Did You Know?"
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Well, travel, but it's to my parents, so not technically "traveling" in my opinion
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? I think. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph...is that all of them? I tried to sing the song.
20. Angle, star, or ribbon on the top of the tree? We mostly had an angel growing up, but then switched to a ribbon. I used a ribbon a couple of years, but then WEG said he wanted an angel, so that's what we have. My parents now have a star.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Christmas morning traditionally, but you never know when new traditions will have to be made and I am not opposed to Christmas Eve.
22. Favorite children's Christmas song? "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"
23. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Traffic around the shopping areas and how people are trying to replace Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays to be politically correct. I celebrate Christmas, so that's what I'm going to say.
24. Favorite ornament theme or color? No theme, so I guess eclectic. And I am partial to the traditional red and green colors (or variations) and gold and silver.
25. Turkey or ham on Christmas day? Neither! We do a big breakfast mid-morning and then a dinner of something non-traditional like fried chicken :-) Turkey and ham so close after Thanksgiving is not my family's favorite.
26. What do you want for Christmas this year? There are a few things on my list!
27. Does anyone in your family dress up as Santa? No
28. Age you discovered who Santa was? I don't remember the particular age, but my parents hid a "boom box" in my grandmother's walk-in closet and I went in there and discovered it, but didn't tell. Lo and behold, "Santa" delivered the present on Christmas morning. I'm pretty sure I had an inkling before that, but that sealed the deal.
29. Eggnog, hot chocolate or apple cider? I'm not a huge fan of hot drinks, except around Christmas, and then it's usually a peppermint white mocha from Starbucks or peppermint hot chocolate from Williams-Sonoma on Christmas morning. Definitely don't care for apple cider.
30. Traditional colors or other colors? I think I answered this in the ornament question, but reds and greens, with gold and silver accents.
31. Do you have an Christmas decorations on your roof? No, although WEG did consider putting something up there to outdo our neighbors.
32. How does Santa getn into your house? Chimney or magic key? Well, since there are no children residing in our house, we haven't crossed this bridge. I think it would be chimney, though.
33. Do you prefer gifts or gift cards? I love gifts, but gift cards are always useful... Especially when I get a Target one from my mama in my stocking :-)
34. Favorite children's Christmas cartoon? Hmm....I guess it's the Grinch, although I don't watch any of them these days. I don't recall ever being really into Charlie Brown, and I guess I liked Rudolph okay.
Now it's your turn! Enjoy!
Tuesday, December 7
It's the most busy (and wonderful) time of the year!
I am uninspired for a blog post lately. I know, I know, I just came back from a blog hiatus, so I should be full of great things to blog about. Sadly, I am not. My mind is consumed with all things Christmas, but I don't really have anything in particular that would be of interest. Hopefully I'll come up with something soon! Until then, a recap of the weekend.
I took last Thursday and Friday off work because it was Columbia Junior League's annual Holiday Market. I worked for JTT on Thursday all day- 9:30 in the morning until 10:00 at night. What a long day that made! I stood for all but maybe 30 minutes of that on a concrete floor. Yikes my feet hurt afterwards! Then Friday I went shopping with my parents at the market. I got a few Christmas things scratched off the list (I'm 90% done now!), but felt a bit overwhelmed by all of the people shopping. That is why I prefer doing most of my shopping online. I hate lines and crowds of people just wandering. Anywho.
On Saturday we played Auburn for the SEC Championship. What.a.joke. It would have been nice if our football team had shown up for that one, as we got KILLED. No really. 56-17 is a massacre in my opinion. Because of it, we got the royal shaft and were selected for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl (formerly the Peach Bowl) in Atlanta, GA. No New Year's Day Bowl for us now, and Florida and Alabama managed to get better bowls than us- so not fair since we beat them both head-to-head and had better season records (or just as good). But, it's all about the money, which makes bowl season not as appealing as it used to be.
Moving off my soapbox. We had friends over for the game and cooked fish stew (it's delicious, don't turn up your nose) and chili, so that was a good time, despite the loss. And on Sunday, I worked the market again from noon until we finished breaking down at 7. Hectic weekend to say the least!
This weekend we have a surprise party for a friend's birthday, but that's all that I know of, so I plan to get the rest of my present wrapping completed while WEG hunts and helps cook and get things ready for the party. I also have my Book Club Christmas get-together on Thursday night, but let's be honest, we're more interested in the wine and appetizers than the book.
Hope I have something more entertaining for you later in the week! Until then, bundle up and stay warm out there! (It's a high of 40 today in Columbia, which is downright frigid for us- and 18 for a low tonight...brr! I live in SC for a reason and this is not it!)
I took last Thursday and Friday off work because it was Columbia Junior League's annual Holiday Market. I worked for JTT on Thursday all day- 9:30 in the morning until 10:00 at night. What a long day that made! I stood for all but maybe 30 minutes of that on a concrete floor. Yikes my feet hurt afterwards! Then Friday I went shopping with my parents at the market. I got a few Christmas things scratched off the list (I'm 90% done now!), but felt a bit overwhelmed by all of the people shopping. That is why I prefer doing most of my shopping online. I hate lines and crowds of people just wandering. Anywho.
On Saturday we played Auburn for the SEC Championship. What.a.joke. It would have been nice if our football team had shown up for that one, as we got KILLED. No really. 56-17 is a massacre in my opinion. Because of it, we got the royal shaft and were selected for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl (formerly the Peach Bowl) in Atlanta, GA. No New Year's Day Bowl for us now, and Florida and Alabama managed to get better bowls than us- so not fair since we beat them both head-to-head and had better season records (or just as good). But, it's all about the money, which makes bowl season not as appealing as it used to be.
Moving off my soapbox. We had friends over for the game and cooked fish stew (it's delicious, don't turn up your nose) and chili, so that was a good time, despite the loss. And on Sunday, I worked the market again from noon until we finished breaking down at 7. Hectic weekend to say the least!
This weekend we have a surprise party for a friend's birthday, but that's all that I know of, so I plan to get the rest of my present wrapping completed while WEG hunts and helps cook and get things ready for the party. I also have my Book Club Christmas get-together on Thursday night, but let's be honest, we're more interested in the wine and appetizers than the book.
Hope I have something more entertaining for you later in the week! Until then, bundle up and stay warm out there! (It's a high of 40 today in Columbia, which is downright frigid for us- and 18 for a low tonight...brr! I live in SC for a reason and this is not it!)
Wednesday, December 1
Wednesday Wisdom
Matthew 6:19 and 20
19. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and thieves break in and steal. 20. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
Take a minute today, tomorrow, or even next week to stop and think about that. There is a Biblical significance of gift-giving at Christmas (the three wise men's gifts for Baby Jesus), but sometimes we go overboard (not excluding myself from this). It's really not about how much you spend or if you get someone the biggest and best present. What's important is the thought and the love that's put into the gift. After all, earthly treasures are just that- earthly. You can't take them with you in a U-haul when you enter Heaven. It's far more important to give someone a Heavenly gift this Christmas- perhaps one of the fruits of the spirit are appropriate. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness or self-control are always good gifts to give and store up for yourself long after the Christmas season is over.
Monday, November 29
Monday Miscellany
I'm back from a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. A break from work and the rat-race for a few days was just what I needed! My mind is a jumble of Christmas lists and holiday plans, but I'm trying to do as the preacher said yesterday, and remember the reason for the season, which is not parties and gifts!
Here are some random thoughts going through my head.
1. I finally conquered scheduled posts. Okay, I had help. Mrs. Potts walked me through it. Lo and behold, it worked! When I saw my post on Thanksgiving pop up in my Google Reader, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment. Thanks, Mrs. Potts!!
2. Is this next year? My Gamecocks have beaten Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and capped off the regular season with a win against Clemson. I've been hearing "wait 'til next year" my entire life, and I am starting to wonder if this might be next year. I know, I know- the teams I just mentioned are all "down" this year, but a girl can dream, right?
3. Why are tickets to the SEC Championship so darn hard to get? I'm not rich, people. I can't pay $300 a ticket for a nosebleed seat. Can't a girl catch a break and at least get a few at face value? Sheesh! Looks like I'll be watching us take on the Auburn Tigers from good ol' Columbia.
4. Speaking of Auburn- would someone like to tell me why Cam Newton has not been suspended? Innocent until proven guilty, I guess. (Don't shoot me, Auburn fans! You'd be just as aggravated if this was Bama's QB or LSU's QB or, heck, any QB but Cam)
5. Our neighbors have joined the tacky Christmas display club, and now WEG thinks it is our duty to outdo them, Griswold style. A ginormous Santa Claus on our roof? It just might happen! I know, I know- cringe away, but you have to admit, it would be funny!
6. It's the Junior League of Columbia's annual Holiday Market this weekend. I'll be working on Thursday and Sunday and shopping on Friday. Hopefully when Sunday rolls around I will be 95% done with my Christmas shopping.
7. Speaking of, those presents I've bought so far aren't going to wrap themselves and my tree is now up and looking lonely. Guess I'll have to get to work, but if you know of an elf (or two) to send my way, I'd appreciate it!
8. Christmas music has taken over the radio. I'm not a fan. I like Christmas music sung at church or right at Christmas, but not for weeks in advance. Bah humbug to you, too!
Alright, I'll conclude this rambling before I bore you any further. I should have titled this post Football and FaLaLa since those are the only two things I talked about. Oh well, until next time- keep on keepin' on.
Here are some random thoughts going through my head.
1. I finally conquered scheduled posts. Okay, I had help. Mrs. Potts walked me through it. Lo and behold, it worked! When I saw my post on Thanksgiving pop up in my Google Reader, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment. Thanks, Mrs. Potts!!
2. Is this next year? My Gamecocks have beaten Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and capped off the regular season with a win against Clemson. I've been hearing "wait 'til next year" my entire life, and I am starting to wonder if this might be next year. I know, I know- the teams I just mentioned are all "down" this year, but a girl can dream, right?
3. Why are tickets to the SEC Championship so darn hard to get? I'm not rich, people. I can't pay $300 a ticket for a nosebleed seat. Can't a girl catch a break and at least get a few at face value? Sheesh! Looks like I'll be watching us take on the Auburn Tigers from good ol' Columbia.
4. Speaking of Auburn- would someone like to tell me why Cam Newton has not been suspended? Innocent until proven guilty, I guess. (Don't shoot me, Auburn fans! You'd be just as aggravated if this was Bama's QB or LSU's QB or, heck, any QB but Cam)
5. Our neighbors have joined the tacky Christmas display club, and now WEG thinks it is our duty to outdo them, Griswold style. A ginormous Santa Claus on our roof? It just might happen! I know, I know- cringe away, but you have to admit, it would be funny!
6. It's the Junior League of Columbia's annual Holiday Market this weekend. I'll be working on Thursday and Sunday and shopping on Friday. Hopefully when Sunday rolls around I will be 95% done with my Christmas shopping.
7. Speaking of, those presents I've bought so far aren't going to wrap themselves and my tree is now up and looking lonely. Guess I'll have to get to work, but if you know of an elf (or two) to send my way, I'd appreciate it!
8. Christmas music has taken over the radio. I'm not a fan. I like Christmas music sung at church or right at Christmas, but not for weeks in advance. Bah humbug to you, too!
Alright, I'll conclude this rambling before I bore you any further. I should have titled this post Football and FaLaLa since those are the only two things I talked about. Oh well, until next time- keep on keepin' on.
Saturday, November 27
It's Rivalry Day in South Carolina. My beloved Gamecocks are venturing up to the Upstate (north til you smell it, west til you step in it) to take on our most hated rival, the Clemson Tigers. On paper, we should win this game, but all bets are off when you play your rival. And any good Carolina fan knows we have the supreme ability to screw the pooch against Clemson- trust me, we're used to it. I hope this game will end up in our favor, putting the cap on a super season and propelling us into the SEC Championship.
GO GAMECOCKS!!
Thursday, November 25
Happy Turkey Day to all of my blog friends! I hope this day finds you celebrating with your family, eating too much good food, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and football, and remembering why you are thankful!
**This is a scheduled post, so if it does not post on the correct date and time, that's why! (I am technologically challenged.)
Tuesday, November 23
Scheduled Post Help
Help! I am illiterate when it comes to blogger sometimes, I swear!
I am trying to schedule a few posts for over Thanksgiving, and nothing I do is working. I tried to schedule and save, as well as schedule and publish and neither of those made my post show up in the scheduled posts tab. In fact, I'm pretty sure my Happy Thanksgiving one may show up in your Google Reader if I didn't delete it in time.
Can somebody help me?
I am trying to schedule a few posts for over Thanksgiving, and nothing I do is working. I tried to schedule and save, as well as schedule and publish and neither of those made my post show up in the scheduled posts tab. In fact, I'm pretty sure my Happy Thanksgiving one may show up in your Google Reader if I didn't delete it in time.
Can somebody help me?
Monday, November 22
Giving thanks
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'd like to do a post similar to many you have already seen. Things for which I am thankful.
First and foremost, above all else, I am thankful to have a Heavenly Father who is loving and forgiving- someone who sees my faults, forgives them, and loves me just the same. There are many people in the world who don't know Christ as their Lord and Savior, and I can't imagine how it must feel to get up everyday without that knowledge.
I grew up in a household where I was taught all about the Lord, which brings me to the next thing I am thankful for- my family. My mom and dad have always been there for me, through thick and thin. They provided for me, taught me right from wrong, supported me, punished me when I needed it, and loved me through it all. I couldn't ask for a better family.
I am also thankful for WEG and the relationship that we have grown into. It hasn't come without its hiccups along the way, but every step has led us to where we are today, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.
My friends are also a great source of thanks for me. I've heard that if you have one or two true friends in your life, then you're doing well. I've got 5 really great ones, and a handful of other ones that I know I can count on. I consider myself quite blessed.
I've even got one friend with a great little boy that I got to visit this weekend. I'm thankful for that, and also thankful that I get to visit and then come home because I am certainly not ready for any of my own! But, it's always nice to visit and see how much he has grown and what he's into currently.
I'm thankful for my health. Overall, I don't have any major problems health-wise. Good thing because I am scared to death of doctors!
I'm especially thankful for job security. So many people don't have that right now. In an economy that really doesn't seem to be getting much better (well, in South Carolina anyway), it's a blessing to be able to get up and go to work every day. And, that raise I just got doesn't hurt!
However, as much as I am thankful for my job, I am also thankful for the upcoming holiday and 5 day weekend...hey, I'm human! It will be so nice to spend Wednesday thru Sunday with my family taking Thanksgiving meals to those in need in the community, gathering with more family on Turkay Day, doing a little shopping, watching a little football (the Gamecocks better beat those Tigers!), sleeping late, and relaxing. I'll miss WEG while he celebrates with his family, though, but it's nice to have someone to miss like that.
Isn't it great to have a holiday to remind us of what we are thankful? I am thankful everyday, but it's always good to have a little reminder!
First and foremost, above all else, I am thankful to have a Heavenly Father who is loving and forgiving- someone who sees my faults, forgives them, and loves me just the same. There are many people in the world who don't know Christ as their Lord and Savior, and I can't imagine how it must feel to get up everyday without that knowledge.
I grew up in a household where I was taught all about the Lord, which brings me to the next thing I am thankful for- my family. My mom and dad have always been there for me, through thick and thin. They provided for me, taught me right from wrong, supported me, punished me when I needed it, and loved me through it all. I couldn't ask for a better family.
I am also thankful for WEG and the relationship that we have grown into. It hasn't come without its hiccups along the way, but every step has led us to where we are today, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.
My friends are also a great source of thanks for me. I've heard that if you have one or two true friends in your life, then you're doing well. I've got 5 really great ones, and a handful of other ones that I know I can count on. I consider myself quite blessed.
I've even got one friend with a great little boy that I got to visit this weekend. I'm thankful for that, and also thankful that I get to visit and then come home because I am certainly not ready for any of my own! But, it's always nice to visit and see how much he has grown and what he's into currently.
I'm thankful for my health. Overall, I don't have any major problems health-wise. Good thing because I am scared to death of doctors!
I'm especially thankful for job security. So many people don't have that right now. In an economy that really doesn't seem to be getting much better (well, in South Carolina anyway), it's a blessing to be able to get up and go to work every day. And, that raise I just got doesn't hurt!
However, as much as I am thankful for my job, I am also thankful for the upcoming holiday and 5 day weekend...hey, I'm human! It will be so nice to spend Wednesday thru Sunday with my family taking Thanksgiving meals to those in need in the community, gathering with more family on Turkay Day, doing a little shopping, watching a little football (the Gamecocks better beat those Tigers!), sleeping late, and relaxing. I'll miss WEG while he celebrates with his family, though, but it's nice to have someone to miss like that.
Isn't it great to have a holiday to remind us of what we are thankful? I am thankful everyday, but it's always good to have a little reminder!
Thursday, November 18
Shutterfly for the Holidays
Are y'all on the Shutterfly bandwagon? If not, allow me to introduce you! Shutterfly is an online retailer where you can upload your pictures and then use them to make all kinds of cool things. This year for Christmas, I made my parents a calendar using family pictures. It was an affordable and special gift. We are also going to use Shutterfly to make WEG's aunt, mother, and grandmother a calendar, as well. It's so easy, even I could figure it out, as technologically challenged as I am!
Not only is Shutterfly great for the perfect holiday gift like a calendar or a photo album, it's also a great site for holiday cards and birthday cards! They have TONS (no lie, TONS!) of cute holiday cards to choose from. Cards that say Merry Christmas, cards that say Season's Greetings, cards that say Happy Holidays- you name it! Cards with one picture, two pictures, three pictures, or more! Really, if you can't find the perfect holiday card here, then something is wrong.
I've narrowed down my top 5, which was insanely hard!!
My favorites are:
Decisions, decisions! Which would you pick??
**I am receiving 50 free cards for blogging about Shutterfly. Want to know how? Go here!
Wednesday, November 17
Calling all mamas!
I need help! Christmas gift help from the experts- all my readers who are mamas. Yes, y'all are now experts....you're welcome :-)
I am trying to find a really cute gift (or gifts) for my "nephew." I say that in quots because he is not actually my nephew, but my best childhood friend's little boy and he does call me Aunt Em. But, I digress.
He is almost 3 and a half and he is currently into Thomas, Backyardigans, and Curious George. I'd love to get him a gift that has to do with one of those three things. For his birthday, one thing I got him was a book full of Thomas stories, which he loves.
Are there any toys, games, books, etc. that your kids love right now or loved at this age? I will also accept any ideas that are not related to the aforementioned characters!
Thank you in advance for your advice!
I am trying to find a really cute gift (or gifts) for my "nephew." I say that in quots because he is not actually my nephew, but my best childhood friend's little boy and he does call me Aunt Em. But, I digress.
He is almost 3 and a half and he is currently into Thomas, Backyardigans, and Curious George. I'd love to get him a gift that has to do with one of those three things. For his birthday, one thing I got him was a book full of Thomas stories, which he loves.
Are there any toys, games, books, etc. that your kids love right now or loved at this age? I will also accept any ideas that are not related to the aforementioned characters!
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Monday, November 15
What a weekend!
This weekend was WONDERFUL in every way!
Friday we went to dinner with some friends that we rarely get to hang out with. They got a babysitter for their two boys and we headed to Liberty Tap Room for dinner and drinks. It was nice to hang out with them since they live so close, but we rarely follow through!
On Saturday I worked at JTT and then we went over to some friends to watch the USC v. Florida and Clemson v. Florida State games. Clemson did not fare so well, but the Gamecocks clinched the SEC East and are now headed to Atlanta for the SEC Championship against the Auburn Tigers. The game was awesome! Besides a 99 yard touchdown run on the opening kickoff, we made Florida look silly. They were inept on offense, and Lattimore ran all over them on defense. What a great feeling to come out of the Swamp with our first victory there ever (I think this is right- correct me if I'm wrong)! The Gamecocks have certainly had us on an emotional rollercoaster this year. From a big win against Alabama, then #1, to a crappy loss to Kentucky, mediocre wins against Vandy and Tennessee, and a slaughter at the hands of the Hogs- we've run the gamut this year. Now we have a rematch against Auburn. We lost to them earlier in the year due to a 2nd half collapse at the hands of Cam Newton. My biggest hope is the NCAA finds the dirt on him and he is ineligible for our game on Dec. 4th. Sorry, Tiger fans, but a girl has to hope! So, it's on to Atlanta, and if anybody has a lead on some SEC Championship tickets that do not cost $200 a piece, please help a sister out :-)
Moving on! On Sunday I did my grocery shopping and then we went to see Morning Glory. It was so good! Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams, and Diane Keaton were great. WEG and I both enjoyed the movie, so definitely a good date movie. Afterwards, we went to Baskin Robbins....and yes, I had ice cream on top of the popcorn and Reese's cups in the theater. So much for Weight Watchers, right?!
Such a great weekend- I hope yours was too!
Friday, November 12
Fragmented Friday
Hi friends! My mind is fragmented today thinking about the weekend and being done with work until Monday rolls around again.
What is it about Fridays that make them feel super-long? The morning went by fairly quickly, but, so far, the afternoon is creeeeping. I think it's because we have dinner plans with friends for the evening and I'm itching to get home, get a run in, vacuum the house, and get ready for dinner. Somebody put me out of my misery and make the next hour and a half go quickly!
Tomorrow I'm working at Just the Thing all day. I've picked up quite a few days of work there during the holidays. I get 2 weeks off from my regular job, and I know I'll be bored if I just sit around the house all day, every day. So, nothing like making a little bit of extra money- especially with Christmas upon us. I'll be able to replenish the funds I spent on gifts!
Tomorrow night, my Gamecocks are playing for the SEC Eastern Division title against the Florida Gators. Granted, the SEC East is pretty weak this year, and there are at least 4 teams in the West better than everybody in the East, but oh well! It will be historic if we win, as it's never been done in school history. In fact, the only 3 teams to ever win the East are Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. Not gonna lie, I'm not optimistic. We've had a few bad weeks (last week was VERY bad) since we rolled over Alabama. But, here's hoping we can pull it out (and keep my blood pressure at a safe level).
Other than those things, no major plans for the weekend- what a nice feeling! On Sunday I need to get my butt in gear and get to church. We've been so busy lately and out of town a good bit that I haven't gone to church like I should. Sunday I need to correct that, especially since the next few weekends after this will be jam-packed. Ah, the holidays.
And that concludes my ramble- what's in store for you this weekend?
What is it about Fridays that make them feel super-long? The morning went by fairly quickly, but, so far, the afternoon is creeeeping. I think it's because we have dinner plans with friends for the evening and I'm itching to get home, get a run in, vacuum the house, and get ready for dinner. Somebody put me out of my misery and make the next hour and a half go quickly!
Tomorrow I'm working at Just the Thing all day. I've picked up quite a few days of work there during the holidays. I get 2 weeks off from my regular job, and I know I'll be bored if I just sit around the house all day, every day. So, nothing like making a little bit of extra money- especially with Christmas upon us. I'll be able to replenish the funds I spent on gifts!
Tomorrow night, my Gamecocks are playing for the SEC Eastern Division title against the Florida Gators. Granted, the SEC East is pretty weak this year, and there are at least 4 teams in the West better than everybody in the East, but oh well! It will be historic if we win, as it's never been done in school history. In fact, the only 3 teams to ever win the East are Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. Not gonna lie, I'm not optimistic. We've had a few bad weeks (last week was VERY bad) since we rolled over Alabama. But, here's hoping we can pull it out (and keep my blood pressure at a safe level).
Other than those things, no major plans for the weekend- what a nice feeling! On Sunday I need to get my butt in gear and get to church. We've been so busy lately and out of town a good bit that I haven't gone to church like I should. Sunday I need to correct that, especially since the next few weekends after this will be jam-packed. Ah, the holidays.
And that concludes my ramble- what's in store for you this weekend?
Wednesday, November 10
'Tis the season....already?!
Jeez louise! Can anybody believe that we are officially only a month and a half away from Christmas?! I know this is cliche, but it feels like last week when I was taking down my decorations from Christmas 2009, and storing them in the attic. What happened to the last 10 months? I think it must be this whole getting older thing- the years start flying by. I'm getting closer and closer to thirty, as we speak. My friend Holly likes to point this out every chance she gets ;-)
But, anyway.....what was I talking about? Oh yeah, Christmas and how it has just snuck right up on me. I have a few presents already bought and just hanging out in my Rubbermaid box until time to wrap, but not nearly as many as I would like to have at this point. I'm pretty sure that last year this time, I was nearly done- no joke. Today I made a list and started scouring the internet- which is, by the way, my favorite place to do my Christmas shopping. What's easier than hopping on Amazon, making a few clicks, and anticipating the box with the giant smile on it arriving at my door? Nothing, my friends, nothing! Of course, I like to go shopping at Christmas, as well- mainly for the atmosphere. But, I'd prefer to do it before the malls and stores get uber-crowded and parking spaces are like gold. Bah-humbug? Perhaps!
Okay, okay- enough of my aimless rambling. What are your shopping tips for a successful gift-buying season? Let's hear 'em cause I know you have 'em.
Monday, November 8
What's been up- the 411
So, what's been happening since I blogged last?
Well, the first, and most important thing, is the National Championship that my Gamecock baseball team brought home to Columbia. We certainly weren't the most talented team in Omaha, but we probably had the most heart. And one really special angel on our side. I've blogged about Bayler before- a special little guy who was fighting neuroblastoma. Bayler succumbed to cancer on the night of our win over Oklahoma in Game 3 of the College World Series. In fact, it was during the game when he took his last breath. Bayler was so special to our baseball team, and many of them visited him on a regular basis. How fitting that we would come from behind in that game and win. From that night on, we played like there was a higher being on our side. We again beat Clemson twice (shades of 2002) and went on to face UCLA in the finals. In dramatic fashion, we beat them in two games and sent Rosenblatt stadium out with a bang. Bayler's family was able to witness the two championship games from seats inside the Blatt thanks to the generosity of Carolina (and other) fans throughout the state of South Carolina. How very special.
When the team returned home, there was a ceremony at our basketball arena and a few days later, a parade down Main Street. 
Our flag flew atop the Statehouse for a day. 
It was a Carolina baseball fan's dream come true- I know this because I lived it, and I still haven't come down from the cloud.
So, what else have we been up to?
Our flag flew atop the Statehouse for a day. It was a Carolina baseball fan's dream come true- I know this because I lived it, and I still haven't come down from the cloud.So, what else have we been up to?
Well, let's see. We went to Fripp Island for a week's vacation. I went to Washington, DC for a work trip, and also Seoul, South Korea.
We've been to Fripp a second time, Edisto, Charleston, and Clemson. We attended a benefit concert for Chase, another special little boy with neuroblastoma (who is kicking its ass, I must say!)
We've been to Fripp a second time, Edisto, Charleston, and Clemson. We attended a benefit concert for Chase, another special little boy with neuroblastoma (who is kicking its ass, I must say!)
And I had my 10 year high school reunion.
We've watched the Gamecocks and Tigers win some good games and lose some miserably (most notably the USC-Arkansas game this past weekend- yikes). We've celebrated birthdays, walked in the Alzheimer's Walk, enjoyed days at the lake, and worked our butts off through a busy few weeks.
And now, it's getting close to holiday time- the house is decorated with pumpkins and fall motif, and pretty soon, we'll be pulling out the Christmas ornaments and nativity scene. Wow, how fast 5 months flies by!
It's good to be back :-)
Who says you can't go home?
I'm back, y'all! And, oh, how I've missed you. This is like coming home! Sure, I've been reading along with your blogs, occasionally commenting, but I have certainly missed having all of you as the greatest sounding board imaginable. It's a wonder my wardrobe is decent and my recipes are turning out okay- seriously.
I can't believe I stepped away from blogging five months ago. And while I don't know if the reasons that prompted me to quit will go away this time around, I've decided I don't care. If someone finds something I say stupid or comical or outrageous, it's my blog and my outlet. It took five months for me to realize that and how much I missed having this place to come each day and type out what's going on.
I don't know if anybody is still out there, but if you are, I'd love to hear from you! I'll be back later today with a recap of what's been going on in my life since the first of June (psst- one big thing may have something to do with a National Championship!)
Stay tuned!
I can't believe I stepped away from blogging five months ago. And while I don't know if the reasons that prompted me to quit will go away this time around, I've decided I don't care. If someone finds something I say stupid or comical or outrageous, it's my blog and my outlet. It took five months for me to realize that and how much I missed having this place to come each day and type out what's going on.
I don't know if anybody is still out there, but if you are, I'd love to hear from you! I'll be back later today with a recap of what's been going on in my life since the first of June (psst- one big thing may have something to do with a National Championship!)
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, June 1
Taking a break....
I need to take a break from blogging for a bit. I have acquired too many readers that I know on a personal level, and some issues have arisen from that fact. I feel that a blog is all about being able to be transparent and tell your feelings and other things of the sort, and if I can't do that, then what is the point?
I will still be reading your posts and commenting, and I may be back from time to time to ask for advice on a particular subject. After all, the blogging community has provided me with a wealth of knowledge. Your advice on clothing, beauty products, recipes, etc. has been invaluable, and I will continue to seek that sort of information.
Thanks to all of you who read and comment on my posts. I'll miss your comments and advice!
I will still be reading your posts and commenting, and I may be back from time to time to ask for advice on a particular subject. After all, the blogging community has provided me with a wealth of knowledge. Your advice on clothing, beauty products, recipes, etc. has been invaluable, and I will continue to seek that sort of information.
Thanks to all of you who read and comment on my posts. I'll miss your comments and advice!
Friday, May 28
Book winners!
I only had 4 entries for the On Folly Beach book, so my "scientific method" for drawing a winner was to write your names down on pieces of paper and draw them from a hat.
Because I am at work, I have no camera to show you what I did, so you'll just have to trust me on this one.
And the two winners of the book are:
Belle from Life of a Southern Belle
and
ewatson
Ladies, email me your contact information so that I can send it on to the publisher to send you your free book! My email address is usc_emily@hotmail.com
Because I am at work, I have no camera to show you what I did, so you'll just have to trust me on this one.
And the two winners of the book are:
Belle from Life of a Southern Belle
and
ewatson
Ladies, email me your contact information so that I can send it on to the publisher to send you your free book! My email address is usc_emily@hotmail.com
Thursday, May 27
I am moved by the spirit....
I am here to testify. I found an amen kind of love. The kind that makes you fall down on your knees and reach for the sky above. The kind that your soul can never get enough. I found an a-men, an a-a-a-men, an a-men kind of love.
Y'all, I'm not usually the romantic type. I prefer private shows of affection and love over public displays. You won't find sappy statuses on my Facebook. I'd rather get a practical gift than flowers (especially roses- I don't like roses!) But, just for a minute, I've got to break from my norm and tell you about something wonderful- three years with WEG.
I've told you before I don't do well keeping track of dates. I can't tell you a specific date when WEG and I went from friends to something more, but I can tell you it was Memorial Day weekend 3 years ago. And since that day, my life is forever changed. I never realized that I could love someone with the depth and passion with which I love WEG. Never realized there was someone out there that was so perfect for me. Someone who would challenge me and make me a better person. Someone that would love me like he does.
I'm not saying we haven't had our share of trials. But, to quote Gary Allan, "the struggles make you stronger and the changes make you wise." And if there's one person I want to face the hard times with, it's WEG. He's my rock, and I can't imagine facing tomorrow without him, having had him by my side for three years. I hope we have many more happy years together. And while we have no big plans for a celebration of the three years, I'll celebrate them in my heart and pray that God has more in store for the two of us.
Wednesday, May 26
Stream of consciousness
Ahh, Wednesday....halfway through another work week. It seems like I am ALWAYS counting down to the weekend. What about y'all? Unfortunately, I do not have Monday off for Memorial Day. It's quite annoying when it seems like EVERYONE around you is off, but you have to come into work. Every year I am annoyed by this fact. Yes, the university does take the day from us to put it at Christmas. So, at Christmas, I get almost 2 weeks off. However, I'd probably take that time as annual leave anyway. I WANT MY MEMORIAL DAY! Wah, wah, wah.
Moving on. I need a new vacuum cleaner. Ours has taken to spitting out dust in large clumps while I am vacuuming. Gross. I changed the bag, but no dice. Same thing happens. However, I am not looking to spend an astronomical amount on a vacuum cleaner, although I would like something that is pretty decent. Any suggestions of a great vacuum cleaner for a reasonable price? I would love to hear them!
In other news, we are FINALLY finished with wedding season! 5 weddings down, none to go (for a while, that is). We love all of our friends who got married, but, sheesh, it is exhausting and expensive to go to so many weddings. By the time you throw parties for people, buy gifts, pay for accommodations if the wedding is out of town, and outfit yourself, you've spent a pretty penny. I can only imagine the costs that go into your own wedding- yikes!
Also, don't forget to read my review of On Folly Beach in my previous post, and enter for a chance to win the book. So far only one person has entered, and I'm giving away two copies. That's good odds to win a really great book!
Finally, my Gamecocks need to get it together in the SEC tournament. We're currently losing to Ole Miss. We are rarely very good in the tournament. Perhaps we are saving ourselves for the regionals of the NCAA tournament. Here's hoping that's the case! We didn't throw our ace this game, but Ole Miss did.....and their ace was SEC Pitcher of the Year. Yeah, not looking good for us.
Anyway, enough rambling. Only 46 more days until vacation..... Maybe after that I will be able to put together a cohesive post.
Moving on. I need a new vacuum cleaner. Ours has taken to spitting out dust in large clumps while I am vacuuming. Gross. I changed the bag, but no dice. Same thing happens. However, I am not looking to spend an astronomical amount on a vacuum cleaner, although I would like something that is pretty decent. Any suggestions of a great vacuum cleaner for a reasonable price? I would love to hear them!
In other news, we are FINALLY finished with wedding season! 5 weddings down, none to go (for a while, that is). We love all of our friends who got married, but, sheesh, it is exhausting and expensive to go to so many weddings. By the time you throw parties for people, buy gifts, pay for accommodations if the wedding is out of town, and outfit yourself, you've spent a pretty penny. I can only imagine the costs that go into your own wedding- yikes!
Also, don't forget to read my review of On Folly Beach in my previous post, and enter for a chance to win the book. So far only one person has entered, and I'm giving away two copies. That's good odds to win a really great book!
Finally, my Gamecocks need to get it together in the SEC tournament. We're currently losing to Ole Miss. We are rarely very good in the tournament. Perhaps we are saving ourselves for the regionals of the NCAA tournament. Here's hoping that's the case! We didn't throw our ace this game, but Ole Miss did.....and their ace was SEC Pitcher of the Year. Yeah, not looking good for us.
Anyway, enough rambling. Only 46 more days until vacation..... Maybe after that I will be able to put together a cohesive post.
Thursday, May 20
The big W....
I'm a worrier. Always have been, but hopefully won't always be one. I try to let go of some things that cause me worry, but in the end, it eats at me. A few months ago I went to a women's retreat and the speaker told us the parable of the soils. She told us that women are often like the seeds choked out by vines. Those vines, including worry, are what keep us from being in the good soil and growing and relishing in God's word. She told us that worry is a sin. And if that's the case, which I know it is, then I sin a lot because I tend to worry a lot.
If WEG goes out with friends, I worry about him. Not about what he's doing because I trust him, but about his safety. I worry that he'll make it home okay. I can't fall asleep until he's home. It's a worry that's totally out of my control, but one I obsess about, nevertheless.
I worry about money...all the time. I was not very smart with credit cards in college, and I am paying off debt. Sometimes when it gets to the end of the month, I worry that I won't have enough. I am constantly budgeting...adding up what I have left to pay for in the month minus what I currently have. I hate to go under a certain amount in my checking account because I feel like I need that for emergencies. I've got a little money in a savings account, but not a lot, so I worry. (As a side note- in December, I will have the credit card debt paid off, so hopefully this will be less of a worry)
I worry about my job security and the future of my job. I'm pretty sure I'm safe, but the reality is the cost of living keeps going up, and there is just no money for raises. So, I don't know if or when I'll get a raise. And that worries me. Because if prices of gas, groceries, and clothing continue to rise, yet my pay does not, what will I do? Yet another worry.
I worry about something happening to my parents. I'm an only child so the sole responsibility for dealing with it would fall on me. It's a nagging thought in the back of my mind all the time. Certainly not something I can control, but still something that worries me.
See, I told you I was a worrier. I also worry about small day-to-day things. It may be why I always take the reins when something is being planned because I worry that they won't be done right if I don't. Okay, so maybe you could also call me a control-freak, but that sounds too harsh.
So, what should I do about this constant worrying? I know the answer. It's as clear as day, and it was reiterated to me upon reading the Proverbs 31 devotion of the day today. I should give all my worries over to God. In fact, it says in Matthew 6:27: "And who of you, by being worried, can add a single hour to his life?" So true. My worrying doesn't get me anywhere. It just puts my stomach in knots and stresses me out. It doesn't matter how much I worry about a situation, God has it in his hands and will have it turn out just as he has planned. Wow, what a revelation. But not so much a revelation as something I have known all my life. So, why do I continue to worry?
I need to work on it, no doubt, and show Satan who is boss because, clearly, that's who is sneaking into my life when I worry. If it were January 1st, I'd make this my New Year's Resolution, but it's not, so how about I just make it a life change? It's going to take a lot of prayers to let go and let God have control of my worry, but I think I'm up to the challenge.
What about you? Do you worry? Have you let go of worry? Was it easy or hard? How did you do it and succeed?
If WEG goes out with friends, I worry about him. Not about what he's doing because I trust him, but about his safety. I worry that he'll make it home okay. I can't fall asleep until he's home. It's a worry that's totally out of my control, but one I obsess about, nevertheless.
I worry about money...all the time. I was not very smart with credit cards in college, and I am paying off debt. Sometimes when it gets to the end of the month, I worry that I won't have enough. I am constantly budgeting...adding up what I have left to pay for in the month minus what I currently have. I hate to go under a certain amount in my checking account because I feel like I need that for emergencies. I've got a little money in a savings account, but not a lot, so I worry. (As a side note- in December, I will have the credit card debt paid off, so hopefully this will be less of a worry)
I worry about my job security and the future of my job. I'm pretty sure I'm safe, but the reality is the cost of living keeps going up, and there is just no money for raises. So, I don't know if or when I'll get a raise. And that worries me. Because if prices of gas, groceries, and clothing continue to rise, yet my pay does not, what will I do? Yet another worry.
I worry about something happening to my parents. I'm an only child so the sole responsibility for dealing with it would fall on me. It's a nagging thought in the back of my mind all the time. Certainly not something I can control, but still something that worries me.
See, I told you I was a worrier. I also worry about small day-to-day things. It may be why I always take the reins when something is being planned because I worry that they won't be done right if I don't. Okay, so maybe you could also call me a control-freak, but that sounds too harsh.
So, what should I do about this constant worrying? I know the answer. It's as clear as day, and it was reiterated to me upon reading the Proverbs 31 devotion of the day today. I should give all my worries over to God. In fact, it says in Matthew 6:27: "And who of you, by being worried, can add a single hour to his life?" So true. My worrying doesn't get me anywhere. It just puts my stomach in knots and stresses me out. It doesn't matter how much I worry about a situation, God has it in his hands and will have it turn out just as he has planned. Wow, what a revelation. But not so much a revelation as something I have known all my life. So, why do I continue to worry?
I need to work on it, no doubt, and show Satan who is boss because, clearly, that's who is sneaking into my life when I worry. If it were January 1st, I'd make this my New Year's Resolution, but it's not, so how about I just make it a life change? It's going to take a lot of prayers to let go and let God have control of my worry, but I think I'm up to the challenge.
What about you? Do you worry? Have you let go of worry? Was it easy or hard? How did you do it and succeed?
Wednesday, May 19
It's official!!
In just short of two months we will be heading to Fripp Island for a week-long vacation. I can't wait! My annual leave is approved and I am ready to go. This will be the first time I have ever been to the beach for vacation for an ENTIRE WEEK. Yes, you read that correctly. My family just wasn't the week-long beach vacation type. My dad doesn't like the beach all that much. He was a farmer at one time in his life and has suffered a heat stroke while working on a farm in the hot South Carolina summer sun. So, his idea of fun was not to go sit on a beach. He much preferred the mountains or other types of trips. So, my mom and I would go for short periods of time to Hilton Head where her college roommate lived, but never for an entire week.
There's sure to be lots of this:
and this*:
And this**:
Hurry up, July!!
* The deer are quite tame on Fripp Island. This is not out of the ordinary.
** I'm pretty sure we were playing flip cup or chandeliers. Either way, fun!
Monday, May 17
Help! Wedding planning question.
And no, I'm not getting married.
I need some advice for WEG's sister. She's engaged but doesn't know where to start with her planning. I thought it would be nice to get her a planning book that will help her get started and go through the process of planning a wedding.
Knowing that so many of my blog friends have planned a wedding, I immediately knew who to come to for help. I would like to get her a book that starts at the beginning and helps her with all aspects. It would be a bonus if it had pages that she could use to write information about vendors, etc.
So, ladies, what books did you use when planning your weddings? Which were your favorite? Which had the most comprehensive information? If you, like WEG's sister, were completely baffled at where to start, what did you find to be the most helpful?
Thank y'all so much in advance for your answers!
I need some advice for WEG's sister. She's engaged but doesn't know where to start with her planning. I thought it would be nice to get her a planning book that will help her get started and go through the process of planning a wedding.
Knowing that so many of my blog friends have planned a wedding, I immediately knew who to come to for help. I would like to get her a book that starts at the beginning and helps her with all aspects. It would be a bonus if it had pages that she could use to write information about vendors, etc.
So, ladies, what books did you use when planning your weddings? Which were your favorite? Which had the most comprehensive information? If you, like WEG's sister, were completely baffled at where to start, what did you find to be the most helpful?
Thank y'all so much in advance for your answers!
Thursday, May 13
On Folly Beach
TLC Book Tours has once again asked me to participate in a book tour for another of Karen White's books, On Folly Beach. It is very fitting that I am posting this today, as I spent the weekend at Folly Beach and saw many of the places mentioned in the book.
I must say, Karen has done it again with her new book, On Folly Beach. Like her past books, The House on Tradd Street and The Girl on Legare Street, Karen weaves a tale that brings the past together with the future. A tale that leaves you yearning for more when you are forced to put down the book to attend to other matters....like work, sleep or household chores. Believe me, if I could have chosen to keep reading instead of those things, I would have! I loved this book.
A little background on the book. It is set in both the early 1940's during World War II, and present-day in Folly Beach, South Carolina. The main character is Emmy Hamilton, a widow to soldier Ben, who died in Afghanistan. Unable to let go of her loss and move on, Emmy is convinced by her mother to buy a bookstore in Folly Beach and move from her safe haven of Indiana. Some of the books Emmy finds at her new bookstore, Folly's Finds, are tied to the past and to a secret that only Lulu O'Shea knows. Lulu is the sister of former Folly's Finds owner, Maggie Reynolds, and also an avid bottle tree maker. Emmy is forced to break through Lulu's tough shell to find the meaning of notes that she finds in the margins of books that she knows could only have been written between Maggie and an unidentified man. Emmy is joined by a delightful cast of characters both in the present-day setting and the setting of 1942, and each character comes alive in the book.
On Folly Beach forces the reader to think about the past while examining the present and the relationships which bind us to both. Sometimes we find it hard to let go of the people and places we love, until we are forced to evaluate the situation- often by an unlikely source.
Karen White's book is sure to please, and if you don't believe me just from reading my review, TLC Book Tours is offering to give two of my readers a copy of the book. All you need to do is comment on this post and you'll be entered to win. The giveaway will close on Friday, May 28th at noon EST. 
When your memory goes...
Have you ever wondered what it will be like when (and if) your memory fails you one day? I'm not talking about forgetting someone's name that you run into in the grocery store. Or forgetting to pick up your dry cleaning. I'm talking about something far worse. Something that affects more than 5 million Americans. What I'm talking about is a disease we all know as Alzheimer's.
Some of you may already know the effects Alzheimer's can have. We probably all know someone who is living with the disease. Perhaps a family member or a neighbor. Maybe it's a close friend just in the early stages. If you don't know anybody with the disease, consider yourself lucky. It's a disease with no cure. There are treatments, but those only delay the inevitable.
On October 16th in Columbia, SC, WEG and I will be walking in the Memory Walk to help raise money for Alzheimer's research. It's a cause close to our hearts, and one about which we feel quite strongly. Our goal is simple: Raise as much money as we can to help put an end to such an awful disease.
If you've ever witnessed what this disease can do or you wish to help find a cure or prevention so it does not affect you or a loved one, will you help? My donation page is HERE. Every little bit counts in the fight against Alzheimer's. And if you're in the Columbia area and want to walk, we'd love to have you on our team.
Thanks, y'all!
Some of you may already know the effects Alzheimer's can have. We probably all know someone who is living with the disease. Perhaps a family member or a neighbor. Maybe it's a close friend just in the early stages. If you don't know anybody with the disease, consider yourself lucky. It's a disease with no cure. There are treatments, but those only delay the inevitable.
On October 16th in Columbia, SC, WEG and I will be walking in the Memory Walk to help raise money for Alzheimer's research. It's a cause close to our hearts, and one about which we feel quite strongly. Our goal is simple: Raise as much money as we can to help put an end to such an awful disease.
If you've ever witnessed what this disease can do or you wish to help find a cure or prevention so it does not affect you or a loved one, will you help? My donation page is HERE. Every little bit counts in the fight against Alzheimer's. And if you're in the Columbia area and want to walk, we'd love to have you on our team.
Thanks, y'all!
Wednesday, May 12
Mambo #5...I mean, Wedding #4.
Wedding #4 of the Spring is coming up this weekend. We'll be heading to Charleston on Friday for the rehearsal dinner and the wedding will be on Saturday.
I'm wearing this dress to the rehearsal dinner for which the attire is "resort casual." I think this will be okay, don't you? The rehearsal dinner is at the Maritime Center which is located on the water along with the aquarium.
And for the wedding, I'm wearing this dress, which I haven't worn in two years. I think I forgot that I had it!! The wedding is at a church and the reception is at Patriot's Point in Mt. Pleasant.
What do y'all think? I'm beginning to get tired of picking out dresses to wear!! We have one more wedding next weekend, and then I think we're done for a while...but you never know!
We're staying at the Charleston Place hotel and I can't wait. No clue what we'll do on Saturday during the day, but pulling the blinds and putting the "do not disturb" sign on the door is at the top of the list so that we can sleep as late as we want with no interruptions! I'd like to walk through the Market, but that is definitely not at the top of WEG's list of things he would like to do ;-)
In any case, it will be nice to relax during the day on Saturday in Charleston until time to head to the wedding at 5:00.
What are your big plans for the weekend?
Friday, May 7
Dear Mama**
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value......She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.....She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:10-31 (portions)
This passage of scripture makes me think of my mama. She has always been there for me and our family. She gives selflessly to those in need, and if she's not at home or work, she's usually doing one thing or another for her church.
She instilled in me good Christian values, and I never questioned her love for me. Sure, there were times when I felt that some of her rules were too strict. Or times when I hated the response, "If everyone was jumping off a bridge, would you?" But, looking back, I am 100% thankful for her direction in my life. It may have seemed tough growing up, but it's made me who I am today and I would not change that.
So, as Mother's Day approaches, I look back at all my mama has done and sacrificed for me and I am truly thankful. On Sunday we'll celebrate Mother's Day, but I don't think celebrating my mother is something that should be relegated to just one day out of the year. After all, she deserves so much more.
Thanks, Mama for the woman that you are and the influence you have been in my life. I love you!
**You didn't actually think I was going to quote Tupac, did you?
Wednesday, May 5
Crazy Eights
LuvRedandWhite tagged me for this survey that will give you a little more insight into moi! Enjoy!
8 TV Shows I Like to Watch
1. How I Met Your Mother
2. Rules of Engagement
3. Modern Family
4. Cougartown
5. Accidentally on Purpose
6. Two and a Half Men
7. Dancing with the Stars
8. Deadliest Catch
8 Favorite Places to Eat and Drink
1. Mr. Friendly's
2. Tsunami
3. Casa Linda
4. Chick Fil A
5. Thirsty Fellow
6. Palmetto Pig
7. DiPrato's
8. Gourmet Shop
8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Am's bachelorette
2. Doug & Jamie's wedding in Charleston
3. Am & Jamei's wedding in Charleston & the weekend at Folly Beach
4. Fripp Island in July
5. Hopefully a good run for the Gamecocks in the baseball post-season
6. Lots more fun years with WEG
7. Living in the country one day
8. Retirement..haha
8 Things that Happened to me Yesterday
1. Took the day off from work
2. Cleaned most of the house
3. Did a good chunk of laundry
4. Hung out with friends for an early Cinco de Mayo celebration
5. Started planning a fun Fripp trip for the summer
6. Was touched by the daily devotion I read
7. The scale was unfriendly to me
8. Was reminded of the wonderful relationship that WEG and I share
8 Thinks I Like About Winter
1. Christmas
2. Snuggling for warmth
3. Snow (when we happen to get some)
4. Hooded sweatshirts
5. Roaring fires
6. Scarves
7. Football bowl games (College & the Super Bowl)
8. Baseball season is just around the corner
8 Things I am Passionate About
1. My family
2. My friends
3. WEG
4. the plight of West Virginia coal miners & their families
5. organization
6. people needing to learn the rules of the road
7. people needing to learn the rules of grammar
8. people needing to learn the rules of good etiquette
Words or Phrases I Use Often
1. Y'all
2. Touche'
3. Moron (when driving)
4. Seriously
5. crazy as a bed bug
6. get out of the way (also while driving- road rage much?)
7. Oh my gosh
8. Muah
8 Things I Have Learned From the Past
1. High school is not all it's cracked up to be
2. Some friendships fade over time, and some you lose altogether
3. Life is often shorter than you think
4. It's important to tell those you love how you feel
5. If you think you have it bad, look around and you'll find someone in a far more difficult situation
6. Don't use a credit card if you can't afford what you're buying
7. That retail degree probably wasn't necessary
8. Mom & Dad are usually right, even when you don't want to believe it.
8 Places I Would Like to Visit/See
1. Costa Rica
2. Turks & Caicos
3. Barbados
4. Australia
5. Venice
6. Paris
7. New York
8. Napa Valley wine country
8 Things I Currently Want/Need
1. a vacation
2. my credit cards to be paid off (not much longer!)
3. to lose 10 pounds
4. a 2010 4Runner...hahaha, riiiight
5. WEG's pontoon to be finished so we can go on the lake!
6. the oil spill to be resolved in the Gulf
7. a pair of gold Jack Rogers- cause silver and platinum aren't enough, right?
8. for life to continue to be wonderful!
And I, of course, am supposed to tag 8 bloggers, but since I am about to walk out of the office, I'll leave it here for anybody who wants to do it! Please feel free- especially if you're having writer's block!
8 TV Shows I Like to Watch
1. How I Met Your Mother
2. Rules of Engagement
3. Modern Family
4. Cougartown
5. Accidentally on Purpose
6. Two and a Half Men
7. Dancing with the Stars
8. Deadliest Catch
8 Favorite Places to Eat and Drink
1. Mr. Friendly's
2. Tsunami
3. Casa Linda
4. Chick Fil A
5. Thirsty Fellow
6. Palmetto Pig
7. DiPrato's
8. Gourmet Shop
8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Am's bachelorette
2. Doug & Jamie's wedding in Charleston
3. Am & Jamei's wedding in Charleston & the weekend at Folly Beach
4. Fripp Island in July
5. Hopefully a good run for the Gamecocks in the baseball post-season
6. Lots more fun years with WEG
7. Living in the country one day
8. Retirement..haha
8 Things that Happened to me Yesterday
1. Took the day off from work
2. Cleaned most of the house
3. Did a good chunk of laundry
4. Hung out with friends for an early Cinco de Mayo celebration
5. Started planning a fun Fripp trip for the summer
6. Was touched by the daily devotion I read
7. The scale was unfriendly to me
8. Was reminded of the wonderful relationship that WEG and I share
8 Thinks I Like About Winter
1. Christmas
2. Snuggling for warmth
3. Snow (when we happen to get some)
4. Hooded sweatshirts
5. Roaring fires
6. Scarves
7. Football bowl games (College & the Super Bowl)
8. Baseball season is just around the corner
8 Things I am Passionate About
1. My family
2. My friends
3. WEG
4. the plight of West Virginia coal miners & their families
5. organization
6. people needing to learn the rules of the road
7. people needing to learn the rules of grammar
8. people needing to learn the rules of good etiquette
Words or Phrases I Use Often
1. Y'all
2. Touche'
3. Moron (when driving)
4. Seriously
5. crazy as a bed bug
6. get out of the way (also while driving- road rage much?)
7. Oh my gosh
8. Muah
8 Things I Have Learned From the Past
1. High school is not all it's cracked up to be
2. Some friendships fade over time, and some you lose altogether
3. Life is often shorter than you think
4. It's important to tell those you love how you feel
5. If you think you have it bad, look around and you'll find someone in a far more difficult situation
6. Don't use a credit card if you can't afford what you're buying
7. That retail degree probably wasn't necessary
8. Mom & Dad are usually right, even when you don't want to believe it.
8 Places I Would Like to Visit/See
1. Costa Rica
2. Turks & Caicos
3. Barbados
4. Australia
5. Venice
6. Paris
7. New York
8. Napa Valley wine country
8 Things I Currently Want/Need
1. a vacation
2. my credit cards to be paid off (not much longer!)
3. to lose 10 pounds
4. a 2010 4Runner...hahaha, riiiight
5. WEG's pontoon to be finished so we can go on the lake!
6. the oil spill to be resolved in the Gulf
7. a pair of gold Jack Rogers- cause silver and platinum aren't enough, right?
8. for life to continue to be wonderful!
And I, of course, am supposed to tag 8 bloggers, but since I am about to walk out of the office, I'll leave it here for anybody who wants to do it! Please feel free- especially if you're having writer's block!
A "weight"y issue
I have a problem.
I think the antibiotic that my dermatologist prescribed me is causing me to gain weight. Weight gain is not listed as one of the side effects, but I googled it along with the prescription name (Oracea), and there were forums were multiple people said they experienced weight gain or a bloated feeling due to water weight.
I have not been eating any more than usual, but I have been working out more- running, walking, doing strength training exercises, ab work, and still I have been gaining weight. And it's not muscle. Nope, my stomach looks flabbier than it did 2 weeks ago- just the time when I started taking this antibiotic.
I am completely disheartened. I need the antibiotic for my skin, but I don't want to be a fatso because of it. I also don't want to go off of it and my skin go nuts. I don't know what to do!
Has anybody had this problem before? Is there anything I can do to combat the weight gain while staying on the medication? I am not a gym rat and I love food, so please bear in mind that I will not have the willpower to alter my diet drastically or become a workoutaholic. But are there easy ways to keep from gaining weight?
Anything y'all can offer would be great!! It's bathing suit season and I don't want to be flabby!
I think the antibiotic that my dermatologist prescribed me is causing me to gain weight. Weight gain is not listed as one of the side effects, but I googled it along with the prescription name (Oracea), and there were forums were multiple people said they experienced weight gain or a bloated feeling due to water weight.
I have not been eating any more than usual, but I have been working out more- running, walking, doing strength training exercises, ab work, and still I have been gaining weight. And it's not muscle. Nope, my stomach looks flabbier than it did 2 weeks ago- just the time when I started taking this antibiotic.
I am completely disheartened. I need the antibiotic for my skin, but I don't want to be a fatso because of it. I also don't want to go off of it and my skin go nuts. I don't know what to do!
Has anybody had this problem before? Is there anything I can do to combat the weight gain while staying on the medication? I am not a gym rat and I love food, so please bear in mind that I will not have the willpower to alter my diet drastically or become a workoutaholic. But are there easy ways to keep from gaining weight?
Anything y'all can offer would be great!! It's bathing suit season and I don't want to be flabby!
Saturday, May 1
My favorite day of the week
I have been so productive already today!
Got up at 8, went and ran/walked the Lake Murray Dam (around 3.5 miles, I think), went to Target & TJMaxx and then to the mall. I bought a lingerie shower gift, as well as a gift for my mom for Mother's Day.
I have eaten lunch and now I am listening to the baseball game before getting ready for Carrie Underwood tonight! I have no housework to do because I completed it all yesterday afternoon. And, I gave myself a pedicure last night, so I can relax a bit until time to get ready.
I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Tomorrow I'm headed to Game 3 of the Alabama-South Carolina baseball series. We won last night on a walk-off homerun in the bottom of the 11th inning, and we're currently winning today. However, Alabama has a penchant for come-backs this season, so we can't be too comfortable with a lead.
Enjoy your Saturday!
Got up at 8, went and ran/walked the Lake Murray Dam (around 3.5 miles, I think), went to Target & TJMaxx and then to the mall. I bought a lingerie shower gift, as well as a gift for my mom for Mother's Day.
I have eaten lunch and now I am listening to the baseball game before getting ready for Carrie Underwood tonight! I have no housework to do because I completed it all yesterday afternoon. And, I gave myself a pedicure last night, so I can relax a bit until time to get ready.
I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Tomorrow I'm headed to Game 3 of the Alabama-South Carolina baseball series. We won last night on a walk-off homerun in the bottom of the 11th inning, and we're currently winning today. However, Alabama has a penchant for come-backs this season, so we can't be too comfortable with a lead.
Enjoy your Saturday!
Thursday, April 29
I've reverted back to high school
Last week I went to the dermatologist. My problem? Lately I have been having breakouts worse than when I was 15. Seriously. It seems like I constantly am trying to combat yet another blemish, and usually multiple ones. It's annoying because I could not pinpoint the cause. I didn't change anything major, so what is the deal?
The dermatologist told me that because of where I experience the most problems- around my mouth- on my chin, right below my nose, etc.- it sounds like they are induced by something I am eating. She rattled of a list of things that are possible culprits and right near the top was citric acid.
Well, I'm pretty sure that's the problem. Although I have not had an increase in my citric acid intake in recent months, when I was younger I was highly allergic. I would break out if I so much as smelled an orange. The problem is, EVERYTHING seems to have citric acid in it. Basically any type of fruit juice has citric acid, then there are fruits themselves- oranges, lemons, limes, kiwi (yes, kiwi!). And of course there are things you do not think about. For instance, yesterday I looked at the ingredients on my yogurt, and there it was staring back at me- citric acid. Of course, it was key lime flavored, but this morning I have red velvet cake flavored and it has citric acid, too. Soft drinks have it- Mountain Dew is especially bad, kool aid has it.
So, it's nearly impossible that I will be able to cut it out of my diet entirely, but I'll have to be more careful to read labels. If citric acid is near the top of the ingredients, I'll need to stay away. What a pain. Especially since I love a strawberry limeade in the summertime. I had one yesterday, in fact, but I won't be able to have them with near as much regularity now.
The dermatologist did prescribe me a low-level antibiotic and a nighttime lotion to help, but apparently full results won't be seen until 3 months from now. Let's pray it works. I'm tired of feeling like a pubescent teenager!
Do any of you have weird food allergies that give you problems?
The dermatologist told me that because of where I experience the most problems- around my mouth- on my chin, right below my nose, etc.- it sounds like they are induced by something I am eating. She rattled of a list of things that are possible culprits and right near the top was citric acid.
Well, I'm pretty sure that's the problem. Although I have not had an increase in my citric acid intake in recent months, when I was younger I was highly allergic. I would break out if I so much as smelled an orange. The problem is, EVERYTHING seems to have citric acid in it. Basically any type of fruit juice has citric acid, then there are fruits themselves- oranges, lemons, limes, kiwi (yes, kiwi!). And of course there are things you do not think about. For instance, yesterday I looked at the ingredients on my yogurt, and there it was staring back at me- citric acid. Of course, it was key lime flavored, but this morning I have red velvet cake flavored and it has citric acid, too. Soft drinks have it- Mountain Dew is especially bad, kool aid has it.
So, it's nearly impossible that I will be able to cut it out of my diet entirely, but I'll have to be more careful to read labels. If citric acid is near the top of the ingredients, I'll need to stay away. What a pain. Especially since I love a strawberry limeade in the summertime. I had one yesterday, in fact, but I won't be able to have them with near as much regularity now.
The dermatologist did prescribe me a low-level antibiotic and a nighttime lotion to help, but apparently full results won't be seen until 3 months from now. Let's pray it works. I'm tired of feeling like a pubescent teenager!
Do any of you have weird food allergies that give you problems?
Monday, April 26
Ten years? Really?!
I am in the process of helping plan my 10 year high school reunion. I can't believe it's been ten years since I turned my tassle and headed off to college. It's crazy to think how much has changed since 2000. I hardly even know the people that I went to high school with, and not only did I go to high school with them, I went to school for 12 years with the large majority of them. There were 30 of us. We had a very small class, but I didn't really keep in touch with many of my classmates.
I think the reunion will be fun, though. We'll get to reminisce on our high school years, catch up on each other's lives, and then go our separate ways again. And that's okay with me because I feel like my life now is the best it's ever been, and I wouldn't trade it in a million years for the chance to go back to high school.
But sometimes, it's fun to remember.
Here's a picture of my class at our Junior prom. There are only 2 people missing and one person in the picture went to a different school senior year. Otherwise, we're all there.
I'm the one in the red dress. The picture is from our Facebook reunion group, so that's why it's a bit small.Friday, April 23
Friday, Friday, Friday!
I don't really have a cohesive post today, just some fragmented thoughts about this week.
First off, I finally joined the technologically savvy world and got a Blackberry, although I am far from technologically savvy! It is certainly a learning process to get used to a smart phone after all of my years with the basic phone model. I still do not think I will ever be Twittering, but I do like to read all of your tweets on occasion.
Next is the economy. When is it going to get better? I still don't see any remarkable improvement here in Columbia, SC. Gas is expensive (for our area), jobs are scarce, and budget cuts still loom. Maybe I am just in the wrong field of work- higher education. I had my performance review at work and it went wonderfully. However, the University and the College I work for are facing huge cuts again this year, so there is no money in the budget for a raise. My boss said she'd love to give me one, but she just can't. I know that I can't really complain because at least I have a job, but it's hard when you are told you deserve a raise, but can't have one, and it doesn't look to improve any time soon.
Anyway, moving on. We have another wedding this weekend. I am still trying to decide what to wear. I am deciding between this polka dot dress:
And this coraly-pink dress:
**Again, excuse the picture with my crazy friends in the background ;-). The dress has eyelet detail at the top. I obviously need to focus on taking pictures where you can see what I have on!
Also, I have a hot pink J.Crew dress that I can't find a picture of that is also in the running. It could really use being taken up a bit in the top, though, so I may hold off on that one until one of our May weddings.
The wedding is at 5:30, and I really have no clue as to the people invited to gauge what they might wear.
Finally, I'm still sending up prayers for Bayler, and I hope you will, too. I posted about this yesterday, so if you didn't get a chance to read, check it out.
I hope y'all have a great weekend!! Happy Friday :-)
Thursday, April 22
With God, all things are possible.
With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God. Mark 10:27
Hey blog buddies! I come to y'all with a prayer request today. A little boy named Bayler and his family need your mighty prayers. Bayler is 7 years old and was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was 5. Over the past year and a half, he has been in and out of the hospital for most of that time. Just when the family gets good news, it seems they face another big setback. Right now, Bayler is in New York getting treatment from one of the best, if not THE BEST, hospital for this type of cancer- Sloan Kettering. Today, when doing scans, they discovered that Bayler has cancer in his knee and shoulder.
Here is what his grandmother updated on their CaringBridge page:
Our Dear Prayer Partners, Please lift Bayler, Risha, and Rob up high in your prayers as you go through today. They have just been told by Dr. Krammer that the “ monster” has reared its’ ugly head in Bayler’s left knee and left shoulder. Dr. Krammer told them this is not common. Dr. Krammer will be talking with Dr. Ron in Columbia about more chemo & radiation for Bayler in South Carolina to treat these areas before any additional tests can be completed in New York. This is quite a set-back and a shock for our families. But we continue to trust Our Lord, Our God to carry us along on this journey. Please continue to stand in the gap for us with your prayers. God Bless You All.
If you would, would you stop right now and say a little prayer for the Teal family? They have already been through so much, but continue to trust God in all they do. Their family is a true inspiration to those of us who sometimes struggle to see the good in bad situations and put our faith in our Heavenly Father. I know they'd appreciate a few more prayers, though. There can never be too many!
Thanks, y'all!
Bayler's CaringBridge site if you'd like to read more: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/baylerteal
Hey blog buddies! I come to y'all with a prayer request today. A little boy named Bayler and his family need your mighty prayers. Bayler is 7 years old and was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was 5. Over the past year and a half, he has been in and out of the hospital for most of that time. Just when the family gets good news, it seems they face another big setback. Right now, Bayler is in New York getting treatment from one of the best, if not THE BEST, hospital for this type of cancer- Sloan Kettering. Today, when doing scans, they discovered that Bayler has cancer in his knee and shoulder.
Here is what his grandmother updated on their CaringBridge page:
Our Dear Prayer Partners, Please lift Bayler, Risha, and Rob up high in your prayers as you go through today. They have just been told by Dr. Krammer that the “ monster” has reared its’ ugly head in Bayler’s left knee and left shoulder. Dr. Krammer told them this is not common. Dr. Krammer will be talking with Dr. Ron in Columbia about more chemo & radiation for Bayler in South Carolina to treat these areas before any additional tests can be completed in New York. This is quite a set-back and a shock for our families. But we continue to trust Our Lord, Our God to carry us along on this journey. Please continue to stand in the gap for us with your prayers. God Bless You All.
If you would, would you stop right now and say a little prayer for the Teal family? They have already been through so much, but continue to trust God in all they do. Their family is a true inspiration to those of us who sometimes struggle to see the good in bad situations and put our faith in our Heavenly Father. I know they'd appreciate a few more prayers, though. There can never be too many!
Thanks, y'all!
Bayler's CaringBridge site if you'd like to read more: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/baylerteal
Monday, April 19
It's wedding season, y'all
Well, y'all, it's Monday again. I swear this day occurs more frequently than the other six. Sure feels that way anyway!! Maybe it's because the weekends just FLY by. This weekend was no exception.
On Friday we headed down to Charleston for the wedding of some of WEG's friends. He grew up with the groom and his 3 brothers- yes, you read that right, 4 boys! And very rambuntious boys, I might add- can you imagine? We went to the rehearsal dinner on Friday night, and after that a stretch Hummer picked up everyone who wanted to go downtown. Needless to say, that was a late night! We were pretty worthless on Saturday. Here are a few pictures from the rehearsal dinner.
On Saturday we just hung around WEG's sister's house until time to go to the wedding. Abe decided he would pull a Houdini and slip through a crack in the fence...while I was watching him, I might add (contact-less, though), so we had to search the neighborhood for him. That was the main excitment of the morning. We found him, but really, it gives me nearly a heart attack when he does that!
The reception for the wedding was at a place right on the water in Charleston. It was a beautiful venue! And, afterwards, we went out downtown again, so another late night! Here are a few pictures from the wedding.
We got home yesterday and decided it was too pretty to sit inside, so WEG and I went fishing on the river for a couple of hours. I caught a striper- not big enough to keep, though. Can you tell that I was not too fond of having to hold it while WEG took a picture??
All in all, a great weekend! And my Gamecocks won another series in baseball- fell a little short of the sweep, but I'm so proud of them!
Thursday, April 15
Thursday is the new Friday
Today is a wonderful day! Why? Because it is Thursday, which this week, is my Friday. Yippee! I took tomorrow off because we have to go to a rehearsal dinner for a wedding in Charleston. I have had a gift card for a spa mani & pedi from WEG since Christmas, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to use it. I can't wait! Then we'll head to Charleston sometime tomorrow afteroon.
It's supposed to be beautiful weather. The rehearsal dinner invitation said it was casual, so I am going to wear white jeans, a coral ruffled top (hard to explain- I'll try to get a picture!), and silver jack rogers (although I'd really like gold, but I don't have those!). I think that will be good for a casual rehearsal dinner, don't y'all? I am thinking turquoise jewelry- what do y'all think? I have some earrings that are tigers eye & turquoise that are so pretty. I think those would be different!
For the wedding, I am wearing the dress from Boden that my parents gave me for my birthday. Here it is:
And I am still undecided on what type of jewelry to wear with it. Any ideas?
I am so glad the weather is going to be nice to allow for fun spring clothes and dresses. It just makes everything better!
What are your big plans for the weekend?
Monday, April 12
Vacation Advice- Need your help!
Hey y'all!
I hope everyone had a great weekend! I did- it was pretty relaxing in comparison to a lot of weekends lately and we actually got to sleep late on Saturday...glorious! We'll be pretty busy for the next few weeks with weddings and various other things, so it was nice to have a bit of a break.
Anyway...back to the point of my post. I need your vacation advice. WEG and I are trying to book a vacation right now for sometime in July. We're pretty flexible with when we can go during that month, but we'd like to go the end of one week, weekend, and first of the next so we don't miss an entire week at work, just parts of 2.
We are trying to decide between a cruise and going to an all inclusive resort. The problem I have found with cruises is the 5 days typically run from Sunday to Thursday, which doesn't fit our parts of 2 weeks criteria, but cruises are generally less expensive than having to fly somewhere.
That's where y'all come in. Where have you been recently that was budget-friendly? What airline did you fly? What type of a resort was it where you stayed? If you went on a cruise, where did you sail? What are your tips for finding deals?
We really want to go somewhere outside of the US- after all, I FINALLY just got a passport, and I really want to use it :-)
I hope everyone had a great weekend! I did- it was pretty relaxing in comparison to a lot of weekends lately and we actually got to sleep late on Saturday...glorious! We'll be pretty busy for the next few weeks with weddings and various other things, so it was nice to have a bit of a break.
Anyway...back to the point of my post. I need your vacation advice. WEG and I are trying to book a vacation right now for sometime in July. We're pretty flexible with when we can go during that month, but we'd like to go the end of one week, weekend, and first of the next so we don't miss an entire week at work, just parts of 2.
We are trying to decide between a cruise and going to an all inclusive resort. The problem I have found with cruises is the 5 days typically run from Sunday to Thursday, which doesn't fit our parts of 2 weeks criteria, but cruises are generally less expensive than having to fly somewhere.
That's where y'all come in. Where have you been recently that was budget-friendly? What airline did you fly? What type of a resort was it where you stayed? If you went on a cruise, where did you sail? What are your tips for finding deals?
We really want to go somewhere outside of the US- after all, I FINALLY just got a passport, and I really want to use it :-)
Friday, April 9
Praise for today
I know my posts have been pretty heavy recently, but the West Virginia mine tragedy is something that has been weighing on my heart and I felt like I needed to get out my feelings. I'm still saddened that it's 4 days after the explosion and there are still 18 dead inside the mine and 4 unaccounted for. These families have no closure, and if there is a glimmer of hope that the 4 missing are alive, then it's rapidly dwindling because oxygen in the safety chambers has to be getting close to running out.
However, while my prayers are still with those in West Virginia and my heart is still heavy, and will continue to be, I felt that a more upbeat post was in order! So, how about a few items of praise that I have?
1. We finally got some rain last night! Now, I know a few months ago I griped about all the rain we were getting, but we certainly needed it this time around. There was a cloud of pollen over the city and a yellow tint to everything. Not good for the allergies, that's for sure. And while the pollen is still here, at least the air is a bit cleaner for the time being.
2. It's Friday. Need I say more? We have nothing on the agenda for Saturday which means no alarm clock to jolt us awake. Sheer bliss if you ask me!
3. I have been blessed with wonderful friends, some that I get to hang out with tonight. And what's even better is having a boyfriend that really, truly likes my friends and enjoys hanging out with them. Of course, they're awesome, so why wouldn't he? Right, girls? ;-)
4. And while we're on the subject, another praise I have is a great boyfriend. He makes me laugh all the time and we get along so well. We are both able to be our own independent people and have our own hobbies and activities, yet enjoy many things together. It's the best of all worlds!
5. I also feel so lucky to have such great parents. I was able to spend all last weekend with them for Easter, and it's always a good time for me to relax and recharge and eat good home cookin' from my Mama. Everybody needs that once in a while!
6. Finally I'm praising the fact that I have a Heavenly Father that loves me and provides everything I need. No problems are too big for my God and he cares all of his children alike. What a wondrous thing!
What are your praises today?
However, while my prayers are still with those in West Virginia and my heart is still heavy, and will continue to be, I felt that a more upbeat post was in order! So, how about a few items of praise that I have?
1. We finally got some rain last night! Now, I know a few months ago I griped about all the rain we were getting, but we certainly needed it this time around. There was a cloud of pollen over the city and a yellow tint to everything. Not good for the allergies, that's for sure. And while the pollen is still here, at least the air is a bit cleaner for the time being.
2. It's Friday. Need I say more? We have nothing on the agenda for Saturday which means no alarm clock to jolt us awake. Sheer bliss if you ask me!
3. I have been blessed with wonderful friends, some that I get to hang out with tonight. And what's even better is having a boyfriend that really, truly likes my friends and enjoys hanging out with them. Of course, they're awesome, so why wouldn't he? Right, girls? ;-)
4. And while we're on the subject, another praise I have is a great boyfriend. He makes me laugh all the time and we get along so well. We are both able to be our own independent people and have our own hobbies and activities, yet enjoy many things together. It's the best of all worlds!
5. I also feel so lucky to have such great parents. I was able to spend all last weekend with them for Easter, and it's always a good time for me to relax and recharge and eat good home cookin' from my Mama. Everybody needs that once in a while!
6. Finally I'm praising the fact that I have a Heavenly Father that loves me and provides everything I need. No problems are too big for my God and he cares all of his children alike. What a wondrous thing!
What are your praises today?
Wednesday, April 7
Tugging at my heartstrings
Whatever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for me...Matthew 25:40
I don’t usually post about something two times in a row, but this is something that sparks a lot of passion in me. I didn’t get many responses yesterday, but I don’t care- I will continue to try and do my part to make people aware of the situation in West Virginia. Thank you to those of you who did respond- it makes it worth my while if even one or two respond.
This is a situation that really tugs at my heart. As I read the updates and watched footage last night, I could not keep the tears from rolling down my cheeks. Especially when I watched the family of miner Benny Willingham, a 62 year old man who had worked in the mine for 30 years and was 5 weeks from retirement. Five weeks- can you even imagine the pain they must feel? When Matt Lauer asked Benny’s daughter how her mother is holding up she told him “she’s not.” How utterly devastating. But, his daughter said that Benny knew the dangers of the mine, knew that any moment might be his last, and, fortunately, he also had told his family that if the Lord came to get him he was ready. Thankfully, amid the devastation they must feel, at least they have Benny’s faith to cling to.
The stories of the miners are many. They were family men- brothers, sons, fathers, uncles, nephews. They were friends, believers in God. And yet, outside of the state of West Virginia, in a few weeks their stories will be all but forgotten. Swept under the rug or thrown out with last week’s trash. Did anybody truly remember the Sago mine explosion that happened in 2006, that killed 12 people, until it was mentioned in the context of this explosion? Probably not anybody that was not directly affected.
And as life moves on for the rest of us, so it will for those in West Virginia. The mines will continue to operate, and many men will go to work each day, aware of the risks, but with no other options. As one miner said, “That’s what you get when you live in this area because that’s all we have.” So, it will continue in West Virginia because coal mining pays the bills. It’s a way of life. Every day they’ll put on their boots and enter the mines knowing that they may never return to the surface alive. But, as I mentioned yesterday, the alternative- a mine closing- is much worse. When this happens the people who lose their jobs are thrown into the depths of poverty, in need of the help of people like you and like me.
But, many don’t know the need of the people in West Virginia. They’re certainly not a group of people that would ask for help. But, the need is there. It’s a chance for all of us to make a difference in our own country. As WEG told me, it’s not romantic to people to help others in West Virginia- not like going to an African village or Afghanistan or South America. If you say you took a mission trip to West Virginia, people may applaud you, but not like they do if you say you went to Uganda (just using this as an example). But, to me, it’s not about the applause, and it doesn’t make foreign missions any more important than those in the United States. It’s about a group of people not far from my home in South Carolina that truly need us. So, again today, I ask you to pray for these people, and, if you feel a real tug like I do, there are ways you can help. Just ask me.
I don’t usually post about something two times in a row, but this is something that sparks a lot of passion in me. I didn’t get many responses yesterday, but I don’t care- I will continue to try and do my part to make people aware of the situation in West Virginia. Thank you to those of you who did respond- it makes it worth my while if even one or two respond.
This is a situation that really tugs at my heart. As I read the updates and watched footage last night, I could not keep the tears from rolling down my cheeks. Especially when I watched the family of miner Benny Willingham, a 62 year old man who had worked in the mine for 30 years and was 5 weeks from retirement. Five weeks- can you even imagine the pain they must feel? When Matt Lauer asked Benny’s daughter how her mother is holding up she told him “she’s not.” How utterly devastating. But, his daughter said that Benny knew the dangers of the mine, knew that any moment might be his last, and, fortunately, he also had told his family that if the Lord came to get him he was ready. Thankfully, amid the devastation they must feel, at least they have Benny’s faith to cling to.
The stories of the miners are many. They were family men- brothers, sons, fathers, uncles, nephews. They were friends, believers in God. And yet, outside of the state of West Virginia, in a few weeks their stories will be all but forgotten. Swept under the rug or thrown out with last week’s trash. Did anybody truly remember the Sago mine explosion that happened in 2006, that killed 12 people, until it was mentioned in the context of this explosion? Probably not anybody that was not directly affected.
And as life moves on for the rest of us, so it will for those in West Virginia. The mines will continue to operate, and many men will go to work each day, aware of the risks, but with no other options. As one miner said, “That’s what you get when you live in this area because that’s all we have.” So, it will continue in West Virginia because coal mining pays the bills. It’s a way of life. Every day they’ll put on their boots and enter the mines knowing that they may never return to the surface alive. But, as I mentioned yesterday, the alternative- a mine closing- is much worse. When this happens the people who lose their jobs are thrown into the depths of poverty, in need of the help of people like you and like me.
But, many don’t know the need of the people in West Virginia. They’re certainly not a group of people that would ask for help. But, the need is there. It’s a chance for all of us to make a difference in our own country. As WEG told me, it’s not romantic to people to help others in West Virginia- not like going to an African village or Afghanistan or South America. If you say you took a mission trip to West Virginia, people may applaud you, but not like they do if you say you went to Uganda (just using this as an example). But, to me, it’s not about the applause, and it doesn’t make foreign missions any more important than those in the United States. It’s about a group of people not far from my home in South Carolina that truly need us. So, again today, I ask you to pray for these people, and, if you feel a real tug like I do, there are ways you can help. Just ask me.
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