The Life and Times of Carissalil

h-town...

2012-01-26T20:30:00.000-06:00

i'm headed to houston tomorrow to see some of my favorite people! i've known tracey and alex since high school. when i set them up on their first date. oh yes i did. and they've been happy as larks ever since, thank you very much. (okay, there was that one little snafu in college, but other than that...happy, happy, happy.) we really were young back then. and we loved us some cincinnati reds baseball. good times at the stadium back in the day:i will brag and tell you i was maid of honor in tracey and al's wedding. but i did set them up, so they sort of owed it to me i guess. : )i've known (and loved) ellie and gus since they were born. i can't WAIT to have our annual "ahhh" competition this weekend! tracey and i even survived this car crash in a foreign country in 1989. my poor prelude...
there was also a little emergency room visit in the early 2000's. poor tracey had a real bad case of food poisoning. i'm pretty sure she still avoids pepperjack cheese.we even survived visits to post-college, poorly decorated apartments and our friendships remained unscathed. impressive, isn't it? as you can imagine, i'm real excited to make more memories with these life long friends this weekend! good times ahead!

1000...

2012-01-26T06:00:00.002-06:00

blogger has proudly announced to me that this is my 1000th blog post. i feel like that should be a big deal. maybe that i should even celebrate somehow.
but i am at a loss.
because currently i'm going through a blog phase that i go through quite regularly. the old "why do i do a blog anyway?" question has been rolling around my mind lately. and, as usual when i ask myself this question, i don't have a great answer. see, i know people who blog for good reasons (they want to make money, they want to be a writer, they need a creative outlet, they enjoy the blogging community) but none of these really fit for me.
so i don't know, why do i blog???
here's what i do know: 1) i enjoy the process of blogging. 2) i like having an outlet for my thoughts sometimes. i always feel more sane if i can write out what i'm thinking. the blog helps with that on a pretty regular basis. 3) i like taking pictures and the blog gives me something to do with them. 4) i like that it helps keep up with long distance friends. 5) i love blog feedback (aka comments.) 6) i like "keeping it real" and think i do a decent job of that on here.
but, i am also supremely aware that i'm not 100% honest on the blog all the time. there is a LOT that goes on in my heart, my mind and my life that does NOT make it on here. and i think that is mainly appropriate. but, at times, it can make me feel like a bit of a faker. and i don't like that one bit. authenticity is important to me. so when i struggle to know how much to share about tender or personal subjects it causes me to wonder...what the heck am i doing with this blog anyway???
i could go on and on debating this whole thing back and forth in my mind. but i should just sum it up: i'm not exactly sure what purpose this blog serves for me, or for the larger community of people in my life. but i know i enjoy the process of creating it. so, who knows? but for today, i'm gonna stick with the blog.
i guess i'll let my doubts and questions speak for themselves as my 1000th post.

t

2012-01-25T09:52:00.003-06:00

i had a really good christmas. and i got a lot of really great gifts. but the above drawing may be my favorite. my 6 year old nephew, thomas, drew each of us a picture as his gift. and i have mine (pictured above) hanging on the fridge at my house. every time i look at it i think about that sweet boy, his huge heart, his infectious laugh, his love of all things sports, and his joy for life. i'm so grateful for him. and his little drawing reminds me of that every day.

tell your truth tuesday

2012-01-24T09:43:00.002-06:00

i told someone i was sorry yesterday. and i meant it.
i offered them a long overdue apology. and they graciously accepted.
it was the 2nd time recently that i took a big risk in being honest. risks aren't really my strong suit.
but on both occasions my honesty was well received. it was welcomed, in fact.
and yesterday, both parties walked away a little bit healed.
both times i've risked with an honest heart lately it has simply felt like the way things should work. and i was grateful to be a part of it.
in the midst of my conversation yesterday i said something that stuck out to me. a little piece of truth about myself i'd never put words to. i said, in explaining my rash actions,
"i'm a feeler not a thinker. and that is probably one of the best and worst parts about me, all wrapped up together."
see, feelers feel, and then they react. and sometimes that means they let their emotions get the better of them. and that can cause pain. but it can also cause realness. and sometimes a little authenticity is exactly what the doctor ordered. so, maybe being a feeler is worth the trade off in the end. i guess the jury is still out on that.
but, the jury is not out on yesterday. yesterday gets a 10 out of 10.
because offering an apology when you really mean it is about the best gift you can give yourself and the other person.
and having the guts to offer honesty when it's needed and welcomed is something i'm really beyond grateful for.
that's the truth this tuesday.

the weekend in pictures...

2012-01-23T14:41:00.007-06:00

my weekend started out friday night with some dinner and some card playing at the brown's. now, i hate to brag, but, i may have HANDILY beaten janna at nerts. she might not have been that pleased with me about it. you decide: saturday my friend tom came over to the office and fixed our computers. he's so great. my mom is so happy that her aging antique of a machine is now working a little faster. three cheers for tom!
saturday evening i helped my friend marcia celebrate her birthday!

we were all so happy she and micah came in town so we could be a part of the party!and what's a b-town birthday without a banjo picture i ask you?

i got to sit by my friend kate for most of the evening. she kept trying to start a fight with me but i kept resisting. i sure love that kate!

after the birthday festivities i headed over to tom and noelle's and watched this movie:

it was good. not great, but good. i mean, if you are real bored check it out. otherwise, watch juno or something. : ) sunday i ran 8 miles. oh wait, i might have mentioned that already. i just thought i'd say it again, since i'm so proud of myself and all. i will confess that after i finished my run and got all showered up i spent the rest of the day in sweats reading a book. i felt i'd earned it!

will wonders never cease?

2012-01-22T16:54:00.005-06:00

the weather was ugly this morning.
it was cold and misting rain.
but the weather had been really cold yesterday morning.
so i had put off till today what i had planned to do yesterday.
what is that, you ask?
run 8 miles.
yes, 8 miles.
i know, that's simply crazy talk. even i recognize that.
but i'm training for a half marathon. and i'm in deep at this point.
the goal is out there. and it's starting to feel within my reach.
so today, i had to run 8 miles.
for the first time in my ever-loving life.
when i got up and saw how ugly it was outside, i had to fight hard to make myself go.
but go i did.
and go, and go, and go.
i ran 8 miles today, y'all.
8 miles!!!!
and honestly, i couldn't be more proud of myself.
i also probably couldn't be much sorer.
okay, yes i could be. (but i am aware of lots of muscles i'm normally totally oblivious to!)
you know what i realized when i was running today?
i only have to add 5 more miles to run a half. so i'm well over the halfway point in my training.
clearly, this revelation thrilled me.
i know i have a lot more work to do.
but today, of all days, i really do think i might be able to actually fulfill this little goal.
it sort of makes me wonder what else i might be capable of if i put my mind to it.
because in a million years i never would have thought this was possible.
but it's beginning to look like it just might be.
who's excited?
(besides me, of course!)

friday 14, it's like a thursday 13 but it's not...

2012-01-20T21:59:00.003-06:00

instead of a thursday 13, tonight, a friday 14. 14 things i liked about today, off the top of my head. here goes...

1. a cold 2 mile run to start the day
2. warm up chatting with janna
3. sprinting at the end
4. breakfast with susan
5. derrick the cable guy fixing what ailed my router
6. rich being so patient with me
7. moonlighting
8. brainstorming
9. feeling productive
10. fun phone calls
11. dinner at the browns
12. nate introducing me to my new favorite song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzlNFcT2aOE
13. beating janna at nerts (sorry janna, but it's true!)
14. an electric blanket at bedtime

be on your way...

2012-01-19T15:02:00.003-06:00

an old demon of mine dropped by for a visit this morning. i guess he'd been living right here inside me all these months and years without my knowledge.
see, i thought he'd moved out. i thought his room was empty. i thought the space he had taken up in my heart was vacated.
but i guess it wasn't.
and i guess if i'm real honest i have known a few times over the last few years that i was just walking past the closed door to his room without looking in. i didn't want to see what was left of his things lying around.
basically, i was ignoring him. he was no longer screaming at me so i was acting like he wasn't there.
but there i was this morning having a simple conversation with a dear friend. as i started to share something related to a different subject, it touched on areas of my heart where that demon liked to prowl. and all of a sudden the door to his room crept open. and i saw what was left of him, alive and well and living inside me.
and i couldn't finish my sentence without tears.
the fact is, some of him got loose today. opening that door let a little of him out.
and that is the good and the bad news. it's the good news because that's the only way i'll ever be rid of him. it's the bad news because on his way out he's been hanging around the recesses of my mind today.
old demons may not cause long lasting sadness, but they can certainly color us a bit melancholy in the moment.
but to that demon i say this: goodbye old fella. you can just run along and take your baggage with you. i hope i left that door open long enough that a whole bunch of the small part of what is left of you got out. of course, some of you will always be welcome here, i'd never want to forget what you taught me. but most of you can go. only leave the growth parts on your way out. take that old pain with you, if you don't mind.

LOTS of laughs, and even a few tears...

2012-01-18T11:15:00.005-06:00

i almost forgot to tell y'all about my weekend. i know, aren't you SO RELIEVED i remembered. everybody just take a deep breath. i'm here now. and i've got pictures. you're shocked, i realize. so, the fun started saturday with lots and lots of basketball. i got to watch lots of my favorite little people play some hoops. it was a good time! then saturday night i got to help my friend sonja celebrate her birthday. isn't she cute:all these ladies gathered to celebrate her:
we had dinner and then played a little card game called spoons. now, i don't know if y'all know this or not but i kind of like to win. and i like to trash talk about how i'm going to win even more. so you can imagine my shock when i was the first person out. it wasn't pretty. i edited lots of foul language and finally just had to succumb to my defeat:

but other than my terrible loss, it was a really really fun evening.
sunday i watched what really may be one of the best movies i've ever seen. if you like to laugh and cry and you don't mind a few bad words i highly recommend this movie:

after my afternoon at home i headed over the the gass'. i can't even begin to tell you how hard i laughed all night long. it all started with a crazy car ride and ended with a whole lot of wii dancing. i just adore these boys:even if they did leave me all alone on the dance floor at one point:such a fun weekend. i really am surrounded by the NEATEST, MOST FUN people here in b-town. it's good to remember that sometimes!

tell your truth tuesday...

2012-01-17T16:00:00.001-06:00

you wanna know the truth today?
it's real simple.
i have a new favorite song.
and i have my friend tully to thank. (thanks, tully!)
i can't wait to run to this little ditty!
don't judge.
just enjoy!

m-i-c, k-e-y, m-o-u-s-e

2012-01-16T16:11:00.007-06:00

well i'm back from my big disney cruise "vacation." it was awesome. now, there is good news and bad news when you are on a cruise ship with a whole lot of people, young and old. the bad news: there are a whole lot of people there, and they are many of them that are very, very young. but the good news about my disney cruise is that i was with some young and old people, all of whom i ADORE and we laughed and laughed and laughed. which makes for a pretty perfect vacation, if you ask me. here are some pics. i just picked a few i liked. trust me, with tami and i both in attendance there were lots of pictures to choose from! : ) first, the whole gang on pirate night:we were pretty excited about the perfect weather:my roomies really liked their bunk beds:i love this pic of my mom and dad: the whole fam:
char and pat BEFORE their trip to the atlantis casino: char and pat AFTER their trip to the atlantis casino:
me and my roomies at dinner one night:

we all LOVED disney's private island:

how cute are these two:

addie and i are big buddies, let me tell ya:

my brother in law is HILARIOUS:

he talked me into ordering the lamb one night. i'm so glad he did:

i heart her, plain and simple:we took lots of pics with characters. max and goofy:donald:

captain hook:

goofy again:

and OF COURSE mickey:thank you disney dream. we sure enjoyed you!

ps...

2012-01-06T11:04:00.004-06:00

just one more thing. because i sort of want to shout it from a rooftop but i don't really like ladders. and facebook feels to public. (now that issue is a blog post subject in itself.) but here's the thing...this morning i ran 7 miles. 7 miles, people. i know to some of you that seems like nothing. and to others it seems crazy. but to me, it seems like a small step in a long journey. and for some reason, it has me all emotional with pride. (good pride mind you, not ugly pride.) see, running has been a long journey for me and it has been full of personal accomplishments. doing something i never in a million years thought i could do, but conquering it. i can't tell you how good that has felt. and the wonderful thing about running is there continue to be more milestones available at every turn. it's slow learning to run. and i'm so glad. because it is hard, and it hurts, and it almost beats you right before you beat it. but this morning, i beat it a little. and the personal victory involved is far greater than the actual mileage, or the time, or the calories burned. i can't quantify it. but i can tell you my heart is bigger and my sense of myself is stronger for those 7 miles. oh, and, my legs hurt more too, but let's just ignore that part for now. conquer something this week while i'm gone, y'all. whatever it is, big or small, i can promise you you'll be glad you did!

here we go...

2012-01-06T07:07:00.001-06:00

well, i think i may win the award for "world's worst blog updater" lately. i blame the holidays. well, i was blaming the holidays. but now i'm about to be blaming these folks...because today i'm catching a flight to the sunny coast of florida! i'll spend a few days there and then i'll be setting off on the high seas with my fam and the gang above. i'm excited, and a touch apprehensive, about this little adventure. but, no matter how insane this cruise may be, i'm excited to share the time with my mom, dad, tami, pat, and my two roomies, thomas & addie. i'll be back in a week with LOTS of photos. get excited. : )

thursday 13...

2012-01-05T10:40:00.004-06:00

it's thursday. and i've got 13 things to say. (okay, i actually don't, but i'm gonna make 13 things up right now. because i care about you people. and i've been terribly blog absent of late. forgive me. and forgive me in advance for more upcoming blog absence next week. more on that tomorrow.) anyway, about the thursday 13, here is my totally off the top of my head attempt.

1) i am LOVING this b-town weather. 60 degrees and sunny again today. heaven on earth!
2) i tried to watch a meteor shower tuesday night.
3) it didn't work
4) but i did have a crazy dream about a kid, a cat, and a beautiful aurora borealis
5) oh yes, you're right, i totally had to use spell check to spell aurora borealis correctly.
6) i got to help my friend janna b celebrate her birthday yesterday.

7) i really love her.
8) but i didn't really love this b-day gift she brought to show us. hilarious!
9) did i mention the weather today is perfect?
10) and more good news, it's gonna be warm-ish in the morning.
11) i have to run 7 miles for the first time EVER in the morning.
12) we'll see how that goes. (read FEAR in my tone.)
13) this is a pitiful thursday 13. but good news, it's all over.

and so it begins...

2012-01-03T16:03:00.006-06:00

well, here we are...2012. i had the benefit of spending the new years weekend with some old friends. a bunch of my favorite j's came to b-town for a visit!
we spent new years eve playing a crazy game called quelf. not sure i'd recommend it, but it did make us laugh quite a bit.

i started off the new year right the next morning with 3.5 miles in perfect 40 degree weather. it was so pretty out i had to snap this shot:a little later we all headed to freddy's for lunch. it was the michalski's inaugural visit. we may have a new tradition on our hands. : ) that night we invited the sparks' over for dinner. we had to take our "eye of the tiger" shot. it's a timeless classic you may remember from this trip.

after dinner what better way to work off your meal than with a little "just dance 3?" molly got to spend the night with us. and we had a movie night watching kung fu panda 3. i love how these two were snuggled up on one chair. too cute!sadly monday arrived. but the j's didn't get out of town without a trip to our favorite pizza place and some playing of our favorite "what" game. it was hilarious, as usual!but probably my favorite part of the weekend was getting some quality time with jan. as i told her monday, my heart was in need of a tired and true friend who had loved me through the good, the bad and the ugly and always would. it was like a salve to my soul that i didn't even know i needed until she was here. i'm so grateful for lifelong, true, and honest friendship. big sigh...
welcome to 2012, y'all. may it hold lots of moments which end with a big sigh of gratefulness.

happy birthday janna g!

2011-12-31T16:13:00.000-06:00

just before time ran out on 2011 i got to help my sweet sweet friend janna g turn the page on another birthday. her mom surprised her with lunch at olive garden with some b-town girlfriends. it was just about the sweetest thing ever watching janna see us all sitting there and the tears come flowing down her face. i loved getting to be a part of her birthay and her happiness. three cheers for happy surprises! and for friends named "janna!"

last but not least...

2011-12-30T11:22:00.003-06:00

last night was my last official christmas celebration. i got together with these girls......for dinner and a laid back gift exchange. but mainly, we just chatted the night away. (maybe i should admit, in the interest of full disclosure, that i did just send all of them an email apologizing for some of the things i said last night. you know what i was? caddy. i hate it when i'm caddy. urgh!) but anyway, we had a very fun night together, ate some very yummy food, and got some really cute stuff. i sure am grateful for these girls. and i love that we got to do a little post-christmas christmas celebrating.

now, onto the new year. i'm ready for a new year, how about you? a little fresh start never hurt a girl. bring it on 2012.

good times in b-town...

2011-12-29T11:17:00.005-06:00

last night i got to hang out with two of my favorite 8th graders...laurel & emily. we have a tradition of spending the evening together as often as we can. we do a whole lot of nothing and enjoy it thoroughly. last night was no exception! the fun started at my house when we packed up to head out... our first stop was walmart. where we failed to take a single picture. oops. then we were off to the disney store so i could run a quick errand.
next stop...claires. anyone feeling sleepy?

then the classic princess pose...

real or fake, that is the question. we'll never tell.

i am like the chauffeur for fun on this evening...

we ended the night with dinner at freddy's...

oh wait, we did stop for gas...

i sure love these girls...good times in b-town, y'all!
: )

christmas in atlanta...

2011-12-28T15:32:00.004-06:00

i'm just back from spending a week in atlanta to celebrate all things christmas. it was a really great trip. how about some pictures to prove it? here goes...the fun started out with a party at the mcrae's. i went with these two:it was so fun to get to catch up a bit with merm and sue:

tami and pat have the NEATEST group of friends. i appreciate so much how they embrace me with open arms. such a fun night!
our little family did our christmas celebrating on the 23rd.

it was a perfect lilly*o'nan evening complete with cheese and onion pie. there were also lots of hugs and snuggles with these two. that equals christmas perfection!

we spent christmas eve day in macon. which means we got to see adnah! that is always a highlight!

here's the whole gang in macon:

and just a few of them enjoying the new football tent:

on the way home we had a fancy christmas eve dinner at the waffle house. maybe a new tradition?

christmas morning found us with two VERY excited kids on our hands:

and later two more playing with the new remote control helicopter:

we spent christmas day with all these folks at tami and pat's house. it was so fun.

the fun was capped off with a LADIES WIN in trivial pursuit. this was a minor miracle. but we'll take it!

last but not least i thought i should introduce you to the newest member of our family. addie got a new "dog" and named it "tail." she is quite the puppy and provided us with lots of giggles.

such a great christmas! such a great family! i'm leaving the holiday feeling blessed beyond measure. hope you are too!

tell your truth tuesday...

2011-12-20T09:32:00.002-06:00

i know i keep saying stuff like this, so if you are sick of reading it stop here. but i continue to be really surprised by this overriding feeling of gratefulness that has taken up residence in my heart. because trust me, i have a list of things i could be real ungrateful for right now. and i'm aware of them. it's not like i'm in denial or anything. but for some reason they are not the ruling force in my life of late. gratefulness is. and even for that i feel grateful. gratefulness compounding gratefulness. it is such a gift to me. i have no recipe or explanation as to how i got here. i just know i find myself enjoying this place. and knowing i'm blessed to be experiencing it. may you know gratefulness, contentment, peace, and love this holiday season, my friends. in all circumstances, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful, i really do believe these gifts are available to us. merry christmas.

oliver christmas 2011...

2011-12-19T15:41:00.004-06:00

well, oliver christmas 2011 is in the books. i gathered with these folks:in pine bluff, arkansas this past weekend for the big celebration. it was a fun weekend. now for some highlights...

meeting miles and seeing payton. what a sweet baby and what a sweet mama. (gordon and judy are proud great grandparents!) so so so good to see them!playing skipbo. lots of laughs around this table...
being with "the sisters." i just love these ladies...
my dad provided much entertainment on the weekend. we won't soon forget his "mid winter picnic" commentary...
i always love hanging out with these girls...

we went to a local glass blowing shop. really cool stuff. here are some of our purchases...

and here are all the ladies... last but not least, my favorite picture of the weekend...

dylan had us cracking up! good times with the fam. now it's on to atlanta for more christmas fun. i can't wait!

this and that...

2011-12-16T07:00:00.001-06:00

today just a few pics from this week. tuesday night i had christmas dinner with my little book group. i was only going to stay an hour. i stayed two. it's hard to tear yourself away from these ladies! we ate dinner, swapped books and discussed golf*widow. we all agreed it was a very interesting read. wednesday night i had christmas dinner with my grace group. the holidays have officially caught up with me and i failed to show up with a gift for the gift exchange. i'm such a loser. but they didn't care one bit. they are gracious like that. they aren't called the "grace group" for nothing, i tell ya!
today i'm headed to pine bluff, arkansas to hang out with these folks:

it's oliver family christmas time. and i'm looking so forward to it! have a great weekend, y'all!

thursday 13...

2011-12-15T10:02:00.003-06:00

13 random thoughts i had this morning on my run...

1. what a beautiful morning for a run!
2. wait, what about me thought this was a good idea?
3. it is really dark out here.
4. thank goodness for angie.
5. but why is she so much faster than me???
6. i really hope i don't get hit by a car.
7. is that a frog???
8. maybe i really can do this after all.
9. i'm so glad prince decided to party like it was 1999.
10. 4 miles...in the bag!
11. take that metabolism!
12. i'm not 100% sure that half marathon is gonna happen for me.
13. but i'm gonna keep trying.

gratefulness...

2011-12-14T10:51:00.004-06:00

it's winter, you may have noticed. and winter means cold. i always know winter is officially here when i break out my electric blanket. there is nothing i love more than crawling into a warm bed each night. well, i do love the sound of rain on my roof more, but crawling into a warm bed in the winter is a very close second.

anyway, off and on over the last few months i've been keeping a gratefulness journal. often times i have found myself writing in it things like "a comfortable home," "a warm bed," and the like. and while i am aware of my gratefulness for these things, i often take them for granted as well.

recently i was reminded that these things are not a given. they are a luxury. and not everyone gets to enjoy them. they are simple things, but they really are something to be consciously grateful for. and i am. i really, really am.

so what's the point of this post, you may be asking? here it is...i want to be more aware of the fact that often times things i take for granted are actually gifts. and i want to be thankful for them in the moment. i think i just want my eyes to be more open to that perspective in all areas of my life. especially at this time of year.

so here's to a little more gratefulness sprinkled into the christmas season. might we be aware of it cropping up at every turn!

tell your truth tuesday...

2011-12-13T08:00:00.001-06:00

have y'all seen this yet? it's been floating around the internet of late and getting some play on facebook. it's being credited as being written by andy rooney but i guess it wasn't. but, i don't really care what man wrote it, i'm just glad one did. see if you agree...

On Women Over 40...
As I grow in age, I value women who are over forty most of all. Here are just a few reasons why: A woman over forty will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, “What are you thinking?” She doesn’t care what you think.
If a woman over forty doesn’t want to watch the game, she doesn’t sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it’s usually something more interesting.
A woman over forty knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of forty give a hoot what you might think about her or what she’s doing.
Women over forty are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won’t hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.
Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it’s like to be unappreciated.
A woman over forty has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn’t trust the guy with other women. Women over forty couldn’t care less if you’re attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won’t betray her.
Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over forty. They always know.
A woman over forty looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over forty is far sexier than her younger counterpart.
Older women are forthright and honest. They’ll tell you right off if you are a jerk, if you are acting like one! You don’t ever have to wonder where you stand with her.
Yes, we praise women over forty for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it’s not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of forty-plus, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some twenty-two-year-old waitress.

the weekend review...part 3 of 3

2011-12-12T15:46:00.005-06:00

you bored with hearing about my weekend yet? well, don't answer that. and take heart, we are almost done. now, for sunday's events...two teas and a birthday dinner. yeah, you read that right. and did you remember i'm already tired from two late nights. i'm not complaining, not one bit. but i am confessing i was not my most fun by sunday. not one bit. but the show must go on. so, my first stop was my friend karen's annual tea...

it is also a lovely event. with wonderful food and neat ladies...
next stop...my sweet friend jill had her first christmas tea. i was so honored to be invited!

here's our fun table. i loved getting to know some new ladies.

i've known jill for a LONG time. and i just adore her!

last but not least i gathered sunday night with these folks:

to celebrate this guy...

he turned 39 AGAIN, if you know what i mean. and we'll happily celebrate him every time he does that. because he's GREAT!
so, there you have it, i'm finally finished with the weekend review.
and even though my weekend WORE ME OUT it also reminded me that i am BEYOND blessed by the people i'm surrounded by. it's the good life around here, y'all. remind me that next time i'm feeling sorry for myself for one reason or another. (not that i ever do that, mind you. it was purely hypothetical.)

: )

the weekend review...part 2 of 3

2011-12-12T15:11:00.007-06:00

saturday started out with some sleeping in and then a 5 mile run. in retrospect the sleeping in was a real good idea. the 5 mile run...that's debatable. but, i did it. afterward i headed out to celebrate sara beth:she turned 7 on saturday. and we got to bowl in her honor. here's the whole gang:and here's my lane of bowlers: i sort of insisted some of my adult friends bowl. because let's face it, bowling is a good time. but it was john luther who insisted we bet on it. he failed to tell us he was a proficient ambidextrous bowler before we put money down. needless to say, he smoked us. but then, like the true gentlemen he is, he refused to take our money. gotta love that guy.
saturday night i went to the annual christmas party hosted by these two:

it was a great time, as always!janna was my date for the night. here we are with our winnings from the dirty santa exchange. even though janna was my official date i sometimes like to take pictures with my friend's husbands. we can't help it we are so cute!

i also like to take pictures with some of my favorite girls. again, we just can't help ourselves. : )

if you're doing the math you may notice i had two late nights in a row. with a 5 mile run and lots of bowling in between. cue the "wow, i may be too old for all this fun" music. i'm not sure there is music for that, but if there was you could start playing it now. i'm just sayin'.

the weekend review...part 1 of 3

2011-12-12T13:53:00.003-06:00

so my weekend is getting 3 posts today. one for each day. let's start with friday, why don't we. friday i got to be a part of a little jewelry exchange with a bunch of b-town ladies. it was quite an evening! and really a lot of fun. i got to see one of my favorite people who i never see...my friend stacey (aka "sassy.") i really like her!
susan and sheri were there too. they are so fun!

i'm telling ya...the neat women were just coming out of the woodwork:and what's a b-town ladies event without a picture of the "carissa's"?

what a fun christmas tradition we have in the making. three cheers for all things b-town!

i love my church!

2011-12-09T11:05:00.002-06:00

last night some ladies from harvest gathered to celebrate the holiday. it was so much fun. such an eclectic group of ladies were in attendance. one thing i LOVE about my church is that everyone is so different, but we all really like each other, because we really are a church family. it's just the neatest thing. and i'm so grateful i get to be a part of it.

last night was all about fun. and to be honest, i'm still not 100% sure what was happening here...
...but i do know it was hilarious!
good times with neat women...merry christmas to me.
: )

let the christmas traditions continue...

2011-12-08T11:50:00.003-06:00

last night i got together with my friends sonja, dawn, jenn and mary kay for our annual christmas exchange. it was such a simple evening. but it was SO MUCH FUN! there was salad and chicken and queso and peppermint ice cream pie and gifts and even some items "stolen" from the homeless. okay, so maybe they weren't "stolen from the homeless" but theoretically that statement is somewhat true. i'll not explain here to protect the innocent. (or not so innocent as the case may be.) anyway, we had a wonderful evening. we talked about all sorts of useless subjects and laughed ourselves silly until WAY past my bedtime. and it was worth every bit of the exhaustion. because i just adore these girls, and our little christmas tradition!

a little christmas miracle...

2011-12-07T13:57:00.004-06:00

i'm so very grateful for these two women: i'm also grateful for traditions. and this time of year is full of them. today susan, amy, and i had our annual christmas lunch. which is really not very different from a normal lunch except it involves small tokens of our affection. : ) my favorite part of lunch was when i shared about my current perspective on an area of my life and after i finished i said, "well, do either of you want to tell me how you think i'm looking at things incorrectly in one way or another? because that's what you'd normally do. and i'm open to it." we all laughed. and amazingly they both thought my outlook was right on track. let's just call that a little christmas miracle. : ) there is simply nothing finer than a true and honest friend. i just got off lucky today. these girls will be spilling truth into my life for years to come, whether i invite it or not. and i couldn't be more glad to know it.

tell your truth tuesday...

2011-12-06T13:54:00.001-06:00

the truth this tuesday is that i'm mad at myself and i'm mad at food.
i'm mad at myself for liking food. and i'm mad at food for being so tasty.
okay, maybe it's not that simple.
but i was in a conversation today that brought my issues to light. i'd felt them building. but today i had to face them. and i hate facing my food issues. in fact, i hate that i even have food issues.
so i'm mad at myself. and i'm mad at food.
i know you're probably thinking "give yourself a break, honey. we all have food issues."
and i agree.
but i don't want mine.
i want to feel victorious in terms of food.
i want to eat only things that are good for me.
no, let me rephrase that, i want to want to eat only things that are good for me.
i want to not be afraid of the scale.
but mainly, i want this to not be my issue anymore.
i'm begging someone out there to say you can relate.
okay, i shouldn't beg. it makes a pitiful post sound even more pitiful.
i'm gonna stop typing now.

the weekend in review...

2011-12-05T10:53:00.005-06:00

saturday i spent all day in the thriving metropolis of lebanon*missouri. heard of it? i didn't think so. i actually spent all day in the gym of their junior high. i'm telling you...my life is very exciting. : ) but it was worth it. i was with these folks:

and we were supporting these two:and supportive we were. all day in the bleachers equals SUPPORTIVE, you know! it was really fun though. i love this action shot:and i really love this guy:sunday evening was the annual christmas parade in b-town. here's the annual ladies picture:and the annual group shot:
and the annual picture of me and janna:

once again this year janna had to talk me into going at the last minute. and once again this year i'm so glad she did. : )

one more thing...

2011-12-02T11:21:00.003-06:00

i saw this on my twitter feed today and was prompted to read it. it was a sobering reminder. and well worth the read for anyone with kids. or anyone who just takes their safety for granted. (count me in that group.)

who's happy it's friday?

2011-12-02T10:30:00.007-06:00

me! me! me!
today on the ole blog...just a little run down of what you've missed in my life this past week. buckle your seat belts. it's bound to be fascinating. (sarcasm intended.)
truly though, i've had a very laid back week. and i've loved it. that all changes starting sunday when the holidays officially get underway for me. i'm excited. but honestly, also dreading the rushed feeling of it all. which is why i really had every intention of getting prepared this past week. oops.
but, i did get out and enjoy a little basketball on monday.
my friend laurel is really getting comfortable on the court. it's so awesome to watch her play!

in other sporting news...i went to see my friend molly play volleyball last night. she was a BEAST. oh my word. what a natural athlete. i loved getting to cheer for her and her team!
i also loved getting to sit and visit with her mom and our friend heather. they are fun. here's sparky and molly after the game. cuties!
a few other points of interest about the last few days...
i had two bad runs this week. here's hoping tomorrow is better. 4 miles at least. that is my goal.
i got a new wireless mouse for my computer. i'm in heaven. what took me so long???
i've laughed a lot on the telephone this week. that's been a highlight.
i did do a little christmas shopping. just a little, but hey, it's a start.
and now for some big news...i saw a shooting star this morning. and it felt magical. what a great way to start the day!
and for some reason i want to share this. i sent it in an email earlier this week and i keep thinking about it. you know how that is? when truth spills out of you and you walk away grateful. that happened to me when i wrote this:
i don't know what's up with me, but i just sort of feel like i'm in a good place right now. i'm not getting everything i want. not by a long shot. and for some reason it's made me move toward contentment not despair. i think i'm seeing that my life is really good, and full, and enjoyable just the way it is. and while my heart certainly knows longing, it feels like it is landing in peacefulness right now. i have no idea where this has come from, but it's a gift i'm embracing.
happy weekend, blog readers.
may your weekend be full of contentment!

All About Addie!

2011-12-01T10:36:00.003-06:00

Today's Thursday 13 is all about my niece, Addie.

Her mom sent me this picture of her yesterday: And I just can't get over how much I adore her.

So, today, 13 things about Addie that make me smile.
Here goes...
1. She's super sassy.
2. She loves her brother with her whole heart.
3. She makes life a LOT more fun!
4. She's smart as a whip.
5. She's got an edge, even as a 4 year old.
6. But at the same time she is so so so sweet!
7. She can work my iPhone better than I can.
8. She is really really funny.
9. She loves to laugh at herself.
10. She's a bit bossy. But she can't help it, she has such good ideas!
11. She likes to pretend play. Her favorite sentence may very well be, "Do you want to play with me?"
12. She has the best giggle on the entire planet!
13. She's got a heart of gold and I'm beyond grateful to have her in my life!

I sure do love that girl!

just for fun...

2011-11-30T15:32:00.005-06:00

...a few more thanksgiving pictures. because i was looking through them today and saw these and smiled.

first, me and jeff before the track. i really like him. how awesome that i get to be his cousin AND his friend...second, thomas at the bar watching football. it's just classic. on so many levels.
next, tami and me at the jockey club. aren't we cute. okay, okay, but at least we're fun...

and how could i leave this one out? sandy and tami with a dinner refreshment. those girls are picky about their margaritas but this one finally pleased them...

next, i mean, i'm at a loss for words here...

and last, plain and simple, i just like these people...

good times in kentuckiana!

can you spell pitiful? 'cause i can...

2011-11-30T10:15:00.004-06:00

you want the good news or the bad news first?
okay, we'll go with the good news: monday i registered for my first ever half marathon! 13.1 miles, y'all!!!! i'm running the derby mini marathon in late april 2012. so i have plenty of time to train. (and trust me, i'll need every second of it!!!)
now the bad news: yesterday AND today i slept through my work out.
seriously, who does that???
now, i partially blame this nagging head cold. and i partially blame the ridiculously cold morning lows. but i've gotta snap out of it, people. and quick.
how do you spell pitiful? well, the last few days i spell it: m-e!
here's hoping thursday, friday and saturday mornings find me hopping out of bed bright and early!

tell your truth tuesday...

2011-11-29T11:34:00.001-06:00

here's the truth today:
i. am. exhausted.
wow. all the weekend fun has finally caught up to me.
and it's made me sleepy.
very very sleepy.
which may or may not mean i slept in and skipped my workout this morning.
oops...

thanksgiving weekend equals happiness!

2011-11-28T15:49:00.015-06:00

i've just returned from spending the weekend with these folks: and i loved every minute of it! the fun started out thanksgiving morning with the "fast freddies 5 miler." here are the runners before the race:
and a few of us at the end. can you tell we are happy to be done? well, we are. that course was HILLY! urgh.

here's the whole gang right before lunch. i love these people:

"the ladies" have been taking this picture for years and years. we never tire of it. or each other!

as it turns out...jeff was in his element with the kids:

we played lots of games over the weekend. minus 5 was a crowd favorite.

friday we headed to the track. with a stop at our favorite dive/bar right beforehand, of course. we love a tradition. and this is a long standing one for sure!

once at the track we enjoyed some kid friendly time at the jockey club:pat seemed to thoroughly enjoy it:how cute are addie and thomas? i know, it's almost more than a person can handle!jeff got us down next to the track for a race. so cool to be so close to the action:we love all things "twin spires" - you can't help it if you grew up like we did. it's in our blood!after the track it was time for the annual men versus women trivial pursuit game. i'm elated to tell you that the women won, AGAIN! i'm so proud of us. it's the finest bragging rights i know of. and we own them for another year. it's glorious!in other weekend news, thomas conquered riding on two wheels. we were so proud of him!we got to see nick and lyndsay's new house. it could NOT be cuter! nor could THEY! i could not be more grateful for these two:clearly, a good time was had by all: i'm counting the days until next thanksgiving already. truly one of my favorite weekends of the year. color me GRATEFUL!

~carissa

b-town is a good time, y'all!

2011-11-22T15:25:00.005-06:00

my last post before the big thanksgiving holiday officially gets underway. today, just a few pics of how we've spent the last few days. it's a fun time around here for young and old, i tell ya!

first, we've enjoyed some rice krispie treats:we've shopped at target:
where we purchased new toys:

some of which required more clothing than others. i'm just sayin'...

there have been lots of snuggles:

and lots of football and funky headbands:

we even got to play with our friend will today:

you might be surprised the kind of people that will steal a few rounds of mini golf:

we promise we DID pay for the ball pit, though. we have the arm bands to prove it!

next stop: new albany, indiana and lots of people we love! we can hardly wait! happy thanksgiving y'all!

the weekend, in review...

2011-11-21T10:10:00.006-06:00

wow...i'm worn out just thinking about my weekend! but it sure was fun. things started off friday with "date night" with the wilsons. dinner at fuddruckers and some jr high basketball!how stinking cute is haydon? and let's admit, that milkshake looks pretty good too!it was great watching some of my 8th grade buddies play:and of course, giggling with these two is always a good time:did i mention will is real cute? well, he is!saturday morning i was pretty proud of myself. i ran 6 miles for the first time EVER. i ran into these two right at the end. they were in the middle of their 10 mile run. amazing! so, we took a quick picture to prove what studs we are. : )late saturday morning the o'nans arrived in b-town! we spent a little time at char and tom's and then headed out to silver dollar city!it was a great day a the park. weather was perfect. kids had fun.tami and i even rode wildfire. in our matching jackets. and we screamed like teenage girls. i love that roller coaster! and tami too! : )char went to the park with us. that was a real treat for everyone!in other o'nan news...thomas is OUT OF CONTROL at skee ball on my iphone. tami and i can barely break 400 points but thomas gets over 2000. crazy.

clearly, it's a good time had by all around here right now!

in fact, i better get back to it. happy monday, y'all!

do you know what tomorrow is???

2011-11-18T13:19:00.003-06:00

if you answered "saturday" - you are correct. but what you may not know is that "saturday" means "the day 3 out of 4 o'nans arrive in branson" day! isn't that exciting!?! i know! we can't wait to see these people: then on wednesday we will all pile into char's minivan and head to indiana to meet up with pat and spend the thanksgiving weekend with these folks:
i-can-hardly-wait!!!! it's my favorite time of year. because i get to spend lots of time with some of my favorite people ever! bring-it-on holiday season!

she did it!!!

2011-11-17T06:16:00.002-06:00

tuesday night i had the extreme pleasure of joining these folks:
as we watched our friend laurel (she's number 2) play in her first ever basketball game!

she was nervous. as i would have been as well. but she conquered her nerves. and got out there and played her heart out. it was awesome to watch!

it was also awesome to watch her coach and her teammates join in encouraging her. so so neat!

we all waited until she came out of the locker room after the game to congratulate her. she's AMAZING!!

and i really am so lucky to have her as a friend!

it is so rare in life to face our fears and conquer them. watching laurel do just that on tuesday night was an inspiration to me. i need to harness her bravery and confidence and put them to use in my own life. don't we all? congrats laurel. you played well and you inspired others with your heart and your courage. i sure love you!

golf widow...

2011-11-16T05:43:00.001-06:00

i finished this book (golf widow by kim julian) yesterday.

oh-my-word.

i can't stop thinking about it. it's a true story. and much of the story takes place right here in b-town. but the geography, while interesting, is not the true terrain on this book. the terrain that is far more important is of an emotional variety. the first half of this book is a joy to read. you walk with kim through her love story with her new husband. and you find yourself cheering for them at every turn. but halfway through the book things turn on a dime when her husband, jeff, is diagnosed with ALS. i have to warn you, the second half of this book is nothing short of heart wrenching. but even with that knowledge, i would highly recommend this read. it will make you grateful every day for your health and your BREATH. it will also make you aware that people's lives are not always easy. and no matter what struggles you may be facing, you have a LOT to be grateful for. if you ask me, a book that leaves you with that sentiment is a book worth reading. so pick this one up. and have the kleenex handy. true stories...they are the real stuff of inspiration.

tell your truth tuesday...

2011-11-15T05:55:00.001-06:00

denial.
it's ugly, don't you think?
i see it all the time. but you know where i see it most often?
facebook.
denial is all over facebook.
and there is nothing that makes me doubt a person's handle on reality more then seeing their status updates on facebook.
life simply can not be as perfect as some people try to make it look on ole FB.
but then i think to myself:
"self, maybe they are just simply HAPPIER than you are. have you ever considered that?"
and i answer myself...because yes, i have.
and i don't buy it.
not for a second.
because while my handle is not perfect, i do have one, and it's got a pretty tight grip on my reality.
and it ain't always pretty.
in fact, often times i get why people pick denial.
putting blinders on to our pain sounds real good to me a lot of the time.
but i've tried it.
and you know where it got me?
three steps backward.
so i'm sticking with reality.
and i'm trying to have lots of grace for people i see who are clearly in denial.
because hey, we are all 3-4 decisions away from being right there with 'em.
let's face it, reality bites as the old 80's movie so clearly stated.
but i'll still pick it over denial any day.
how about you?

the weekend review...

2011-11-14T11:30:00.002-06:00

well, i've become the most terrible picture taker on the planet. i just never seem to drag my camera out these days. so, the weekend's pictures are few. but, i like 'em anyway. the first is of some cheetahs i ran into at freddy's saturday night...scary, aren't they?

the second is a group shot from my friend angie's 40th birthday dinner sunday night:
loved getting to celebrate her and loved dinner at my favorite...ocean zen!
other than that my weekend included: an evening at noelle's eating sushi, a 5 mile run on saturday, breakast at panera with susan, yard work, a new book on my new iPhone, a 3 mile run on sunday, church and sunday school, lunch at my mom's, and some nascar.
can you say "thrill-a-minute?" cause i can. : ) no really, while 100% laid back, i have to say i enjoyed my weekend thoroughly.

hope you did too!

11.11.11

2011-11-11T10:16:00.006-06:00

everybody is all excited about the date today. and while i don't have the 11.11.11 fever like some people, i do think it's kind of neat. so, let's celebrate 11 today, wanna? how about a list? today i offer you...11 things involving the number 11.

1) i wish i could run 11 miles.
2) and i wish i could run them in 11 minutes each or less.
3) it may take me the next 11 years to reach that goal.
4) in 11 plus 2 days i get to start the big "thanksgiving holiday" with some of my all time favorite people!!!
5) i know you may think i just cheated, but don't be sticklers about this, people. it's harder than you think to come up with stuff having to do with 11. in fact, it's 11 times harder than you think.
6) my top favorite 11 people are: really? did you really think i'd list them? i'm not that dumb. not by a long shot.
7) i know someone who wears a size 11 shoe.
8) my love language is time spent. so i'd be really thrilled if 11 people called and asked me to do something tonight. (reality check: i have no plans tonight. you do the math.)
9) i love the hymn be thou my vision so much. i could sing it 11 times in a row and still love it.
10) i'm really glad i'm not 11 anymore. aging isn't perfect, but i'd never want to go back either. time is a teacher, and i hope i've been a receptive learner.
11) you know what would be really fun? if y'all helped me out and this post ended up having at least 11 comments. come on, just do it.

happy 11-11-11, y'all!
have a great weekend...

thursday 13...

2011-11-10T11:18:00.008-06:00

today's thursday 13...13 random thoughts in my brain right this second. if that title doesn't get you excited i really don't know what will. hold on to your hats, people, here-we-go...

1) i got to see my buddy tully play basketball last night!
2) it was awesome!
3) he had quite the fan club in attendance. i loved being a part of it.
4) my heart is heavy for a friend today.
5) life is really awful sometimes.
6) my heart is happy for a successful surgery for another friend today.
7) life is full of contrasts.
8) i bought a new song on itunes yesterday. and i love it. click here to enjoy.
9) now don't judge me for my musical taste. i'm going to run to that little ditty. which is a genius idea if you ask me. but, i will admit that what i really want to do is dance to it. i might find a way to do that too. : )
10) another confession: i discovered that song while watching dancing with the stars tuesday night. don't judge that either. i can't seem to help myself.
11) we are having the most beautiful fall EVER in b-town. it makes me happy.
12) speaking of being happy...lately i'm realizing that even in the midst of being acutely aware of what's missing in my life, i have many more reasons to be grateful for what's present.
13) i'm always glad when my heart lands there. even though it's not always easy.

we aren't making this stuff up...

2011-11-09T09:38:00.003-06:00

look away right now if you're a man. you will officially feel that the following post is "too much information." but i'm in a mood and i need to vent.

raise your hand with me ladies if you and your hormones don't get along all the time. and when i say "don't get along" i mean that, at times, you want to rip them right out of your body and hurl them off the top of the empire state building and then watch them crash to the ground and disintegrate. am i overstating this? because i'm in a mood, did i mention that? and my hormones are to blame. because there are two solid ways i know i'm about to embark on my monthly "cycle" (to use safest word i can think of) 1) i want to eat everything in sight. and 2) i'm so easily annoyed that i find it almost shocking. this week of my life there is no calorie counting and there is no grace. not a lick. and the worst part...both those facts make me even madder. they bring no relief. they just compound the issue.

for real, being a girl is not easy sometimes. and it seems this week is one of those times for me. beware b-town friends. i guess you can consider this post a warning AND an apology all wrapped up in one. good times (sarcasm intended)...

tell your truth tuesday...

2011-11-08T10:16:00.002-06:00

on my way to work today i heard this song...

it was always a favorite to me "back in the day." and it's sentiment was not lost on me today. i'm not sure i'm "feeling it" 100% in my life right now, but i know it's 100% true nonetheless. so today i'm considering it a reminder. because the truth is...
These are the days
These are days you’ll remember
Never before and never since, I promise
Will the whole world be warm as this
And as you feel it,
You’ll know it’s true
That you are blessed and lucky
It’s true that you
Are touched by something
That will grow and bloom in you

wow...

2011-11-07T13:33:00.001-06:00

this looks AMAZING. only takes a few minutes to watch and it took place right in my backyard. i can't wait to see this movie! check it out...

a little work and a little play...

2011-11-07T10:35:00.005-06:00

another weekend is in the books. and i have to tell you i enjoyed this one quite a bit. friday night i got to hang out with these ladies: we had dinner in downtown springfield at kai. it was delicious.and then went to the red room below flame:

going "out" is not really in my gift set. but, these ladies made it worth the effort. i officially turned into a pumpkin at 11:00pm though. and i don't think anyone was surprised. : ) but, they all showed me a lot of grace and i was home in bed by 12:15am. that, dear blog readers, is officially about 3 hours past my bedtime. maybe i shouldn't admit that, but it's true.
the evening was not without it's mishaps though. one lady, who shall remain nameless, had a little trouble with her martini glass. oops...

saturday i spent the day and the evening at tom and noelle's shop. tom is in the midst of a big project and needed some help with inventory. i do love a project that involves a fine tip sharpie and a checklist!

the boys did more of the "heavy lifting." we just watched that part.

sunday we were back at the shop. this time for some painting.

i LOVE to paint. LOVE it. i would paint every weekend if i could. i don't know why i enjoy it so much but i do. i also really enjoyed being a part of tom's "team" this weekend. i'm a big TG fan so i was happy to help support him any way i could. my sister and i grew up working at my parent's companies all weekend so it felt a little like old home week to me. really, very fun and very fulfilling.
the other big news from my weekend, and really, this is huge...I BOUGHT THE BOOTS!!!!

i still can't actually believe i did it. i do not spend that kind of money. but these shoes feel good on my feet. they are secure, and comfortable, and warm, and cute on top of all that. i couldn't be more thrilled with my purchase and have yet to have any buyer's remorse. in fact, i'm kind of proud of myself for doing it. who knew i had that in me? : )
so there you have it, my weekend. hope yours was just as enjoyable.

i just want to state this "publicly"...

2011-11-04T12:09:00.003-05:00

i really love my church. this morning at the memorial service, as i looked around and saw everyone who had gathered to celebrate the life of janalyce, i was overwhelmed with gratefulness. harvest is not a perfect place. and we are not perfect people. but we are a FAMILY. through and through. and i'm so very very very glad i get to be a part of it. i'm letting out a big sigh, from a very full heart...

a quote for your friday...

2011-11-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

i saw this quote on facebook. i have no idea where it originated. but i liked it. so i'm passing it along. today is a day of extremes for me. i'll be attending a very sad memorial service and then heading straight to a birthday lunch. life is odd that way. joy exists right there in the midst of our suffering. it's strange. and i would never claim to even begin to understand it. but i thought this quote was a good reminder for me today. and i hope it is for you too.

as we grow up, we learn that the people that weren't supposed to ever let us down, probably will. you'll have your heart broken and you'll break other's hearts. you'll blame a new love for things an old love did. you'll fight with your best friend, you'll cry because time is flying by, and eventually you'll lose someone you love. so take too many pictures, laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like you've never been hurt. because every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness you can never get back.

words to live by, don't you think? happy weekend, y'all.

a little inspiration on the page...

2011-11-03T10:23:00.003-05:00

i just finished this book:and i LOVED it. love-love-love!

my little book group discussed it tuesday night: and i LOVE them. love-love-love!
but back to the book...if you are looking for a sweet read, that is full of heart, characters you will relate to and fall in love with, and a story that will hold your full attention, THIS is the book for you. take it from me, you'll enjoy every minute of this read.

hot-lanta for halloween!

2011-11-02T15:21:00.004-05:00

i sure loved my super fast trip to atlanta to see these folks:i adore them. i really really do! other than being the mystery reader in thomas' class i got to do some other fun stuff. here are the photographic highlights...

dinner with mary after she picked me up at the airport. i sure love that mary!a little shoe shopping after church. i found some ugg boots i just might have to own. but MAN are those ugg people proud of their boots. what do you think? are these worth the $200 asking price? because they sure are comfy. decisions, decisions...
we also did some shopping for clothes. can you guess where addie made this friend?and let's not forget tennis lessons. addie spent time honing her iphone photography skills while thomas was working on his forehand. then we begged for some snuggles from t during addie's lesson. he obliged, momentarily...and then there was the mecca of all things holiday for the 10 and under crowd...halloween. addie spent the day at school as a clemson cheerleader.and then she was a ballerina that night while thomas was a transformer. too cute!their neighborhood threw a big party that even included a hayride. all in all it was a great few days with some of my very favorite people in all the world.

a little over two weeks and they arrive in b-town for a visit the week before thanksgiving. i can hardly wait!

i felt like a rock star...

2011-10-31T20:41:00.003-05:00

i've been in atlanta since saturday night. i flew over for a very quick trip, just for fun. i head home tomorrow. but while i was here i had a VERY big honor. today i got to be the "mystery reader" in thomas' kindergarten class! it was awesome. i read thomas, addie, and my current "favorite" book called have you seen my dinosaur. thomas' class loved it. and thomas was proud as a peacock watching his friends enjoy his favorite book. i loved looking out onto the class and seeing his sweet smile enjoying ever minute of it. SO SO SO SWEET!!! i sure love that boy. and i sure loved getting to be a little part of his class, and his happiness, today. what a blessing!

the boys are back in town...

2011-10-29T06:58:00.000-05:00

yesterday i had a real treat. i got to spend the day with these folks: at this place:
we even got to see shelley, our old boss from the showboat. oh, the memories...the big news of the day...i rode my first roller coaster in about 4 years! it's a long sorted story, but, after my ms diagnosis i got freaked out about roller coasters. i mean, let's face it, my equilibrium is at a premium these days. but for some reason, yesterday i decided i was done worrying about it. i've always loved roller coasters and i was gonna take back my enjoyment. as we walked to the entrance i said to the boys, "i mean, really, how bad can this go?" to which they both responded, "well, we aren't sure, but maybe pretty bad!" we all laughed. but i was determined. nervous, but determined! and i have good news to report, after lots of loops and spins and upside down turns i walked off that ride dizzy, but fully intact. yahoo for me! roller coasters...i'm back! we were so excited about how well things went that we celebrated with some fun hats.
okay, maybe we just put them on for the picture.
: )
anyway, it was a great day. i may have even met someone, you know, special. i was really working it. see...
i'm pretty sure he's into me. i have a gift, what can i say?
seriously though, great day seeing some great friends. and conquering some new fears. who wants to go ride wildfire with me again soon?

happy birthday haydon!

2011-10-28T17:07:00.001-05:00

last night i got to help my friend haydon celebrate his birthday a little early. see, on saturday he's having a dinosaur party. but i'll be out of town. so, since i can't celebrate with him i got him my FAVORITE book about a very funny dinosaur. i gave it to him last night and we read it together. he loved it! and i sure love him!

happy birthday haydon! you sure are SWEET!

life is not always easy...

2011-10-28T01:00:00.000-05:00

would you like to know something i am really, really, really bad at?
well it's quite simple.
i am TERRIBLE at taking risks.
and i do mean TERRIBLE. i always have been.
i know that reflects badly on my character. and specifically on my confidence.
but the sad fact remains, i am one of the worst risk takers i know.
so when someone is brave enough to go out on a limb and take a risk, it inspires me.
and lately, i know some kids who have been taking a lot of big risks.
for some of them, it has worked out they way they wanted.
for others, it has not.
and when the latter has been the case, it has been heartbreaking.
truly, truly painful.
the kind of pain that is pure, and honest, and raw, and ugly.
and all i've wanted to do is trade places with them and make it all GO AWAY!
(well, that and wring some peoples necks, but that is a post for another day.)
in the midst of the disappointment, my biggest hope for my friends is that next time, they will be brave enough to risk again.
because the risking is where the victory is.
no matter what the outcome.
and i hope they never lose that courage.
because it is SUCH a good thing.
take it from someone who doesn't have it.
and sure wishes she did.

"you must be patty."

2011-10-27T13:48:00.002-05:00

i'm blogging a lot of my lunch dates this week. i can't help it, i have such quality people i lunch with! : ) (and dinner with and breakfast with...sorry susan & kate, i failed to photograph you at our respective meals. my bad!) anyway, i had lunch today with kristen. isn't she pretty? yeah, well, the guy who opened the door for her thought so too. he hit on her. plain and simple. gotta love that! she should be proud. : ) the other highlight of lunch, for me at least, was bossing kristen around. i'm good at that, you know. and today, kristen was the beneficiary of my bossing. kristen, you're welcome. : )

i really like my life. have i mentioned that lately?

i promise i'm not bragging!

2011-10-27T07:11:00.002-05:00

potentially i should not put this story on the blog. it's going to sound like i'm boasting. but i promise i'm not. i'm just so thrilled i have to share.
so, with that warning, proceed at your own risk...
this morning i was at the gym. i go to the gym twice a week. so it's the normal routine. no big deal. i see the same people there all the time. we are all nice to each other. some i know better than others. well this morning i was on the elliptical machine. and i was kicking it. i had my music in and i was in my own world when this guy who i really don't know, but we always smile and say hi, stops as he is walking past my machine. he says something to me but i can't hear him because of the music. so, i take my headphones out, smile, and say "what?" he then says, and i'm not making this up, "you look really great." to which i say, somewhat shyly, "thank you." he then asks "are you working out a lot?" and i say "yes." he proceeds to say, and again, i'm not making this up, "well, it's good." i just smiled and said thank you again. and he kept on his way. it was SWEET. and it made my day.
i gotta tell ya...there is nothing like a kind compliment before 7am to get the day started right!
did that sound like i was bragging? because i sure don't feel like i'm bragging. i feel like i'm celebrating. and i thought of few of you out there might like to celebrate with me.
: )

and sometimes a pre-planned lunch...

2011-10-26T14:28:00.004-05:00

...is just what the doctor ordered!i love these girls. and the TRUTH they speak into my life! i may have been quoted at lunch as saying, "oh, i love this! quality time, words of affirmation...somebody buy me a gift and we'll be speaking all my love languages!"

i never watch tv anymore - like, ever.

2011-10-26T10:31:00.004-05:00

i have nothing against tv. i used to find tv delightful. but now, it just bugs me. i didn't even notice for awhile that i had turned away from my old friend the tv. the change happened slowly. but recently i realized, i never watch tv anymore - like, ever. i kind of get how it happened. i used to watch the today show in the mornings before work. but now i'm up and out the door early early early. so there is no luxuriating in bed watching the morning news. and i go to bed much earlier at night as well, thus no evening shows. but still, even when i'm home and have time, i'll turn on the tv and try to get into something and i rarely have any interest. even the sound of the tv bugs me. the constant NOISE of it all. i totally find the whole experience annoying 85% of the time. you know what this proves don't you? go ahead, say it with me, i'm getting OLD! anyway, i thought of this today because i have started developing a daily ritual. i find myself going here each morning for the news. and i like it better than the today show. i click on what interests me and there is no grating background noise. see, who needs the dumb ole tv anyway? now, in the interest of full disclosure i should mention that i do turn on the tv for 2 things still: nascar races and 60 minutes. oh scheeesch, now i'm concerned this whole post may be falling under the category of "too much information." oh well, aging isn't easy, people (or pretty for that matter.) i think i've proven that today.

last minute lunch dates...

2011-10-25T14:50:00.000-05:00

...sometimes they are the best kind! : )

tell your truth tuesday...

2011-10-25T10:14:00.003-05:00

a few bits of truth this tuesday. because i'm having trouble committing to telling "the whole truth, nothing but the truth..." not going there. no way. so, let's go with a lighthearted list...

1) i'm annoyed that all these people saw the northern lights last night and i didn't. urgh!
2) i want to see the northern lights. real bad. it's on my bucket list.
3) i've never actually made a bucket list.
4) so i guess the #2 item on this "tuesday truth" list was sort of a lie. oops.
5) my left knee is giving me a little trouble.
6) i'm on the verge of freaking out about it.
7) because i might have a slightly unhealthy addiction to running. (okay, okay, JOGGING.)
8) i'm really looking forward to the next few months.
9) halloween in the atl, thanksgiving in indiana, christmas in the atl, a cruise in january. fun times ahead.
10) i've turned into a very bad reader.
11) i've had a month to get caught up on my book for grace group tonight but i'm STILL 3 chapters behind.
12) that's just pitiful.
13) i had a really good lunch yesterday with a really good friend.
14) as a result of our conversation i'm re-energized to take things just as they are, exactly in this moment.
15) that is easier said than done. wouldn't you agree?

i think that's enough truth for today. happy tuesday, friends.

my weekend, in review...

2011-10-24T10:49:00.005-05:00

here's the thing...b-town is enjoying maybe the most beautiful fall in it's history. the weather every weekend lately has just been glorious. i've loved it! i think everyone has. so it was the perfect weekend to run another 5k on saturday morning. i ran this one with these girls:it was both mk and kim's first ever 5k. they did great! and how cool is this: it was at the b-town airport ON THE RUNWAY. i don't know why but i just thought that would be fun to run. especially since i fly out of that airport on big ole jet planes all the time. in the end, it was neat to be running on the runway, but it was also a little monotonous. i think i like a few more changes of scenery on my runs. but, all in all, i'm glad i did it. and glad i set a new PR. it's the little things in life, y'all.

mainly, i'm really glad i got to support mk in her first race! she did SUCH a great job! to read more about her thoughts on the day you can click here.
saturday after the race we all went to bob evans for breakfast, of course. it's a post race tradition. then, i headed out to some games. i watched nate, graham, ryan and the gang play football. and i watched tully play some soccer. i really like the kids in my life - a LOT!
check out the cute shirts janna made:

they have their kids numbers on them. isn't that darling? and aren't dawn and janna darling in them? i agree! : )

saturday night i talked noelle, tom and the kids into going out to what had been billed as a big event...a hot air balloon glow. it ended up being a bit anticlimactic. but, we had fun anyway. and it gave tom something to make fun of me about, so that's always a good thing. : ) sunday night my mom earned HERO status. (as usual.) i owed a post-baby meal to my friends the mcgregors:

so ole char came through with a big fried chicken dinner:the gass gang joined us and we made an evening out of it. it was quite fun and very very yummy!

so, there you have it, my weekend. my life is a thrill a minute, isn't it? wait, don't answer that. : ) happy monday, y'all!

just for fun...

2011-10-21T12:04:00.004-05:00

today just a few catch up photos that had yet to make the blog this week. first, wednesday i got to have lunch with these two:i've got quite a crush on this one:
a very exciting moment was when i got to "create" my own dessert. i do not see a future for myself in this industry (i'm not talented enough) but it sure was fun to try:

i got to celebrate tlnw's birthday by having lunch with julie. it was all about terri, though. we promise! : )

last but not least, dinner last night at haruno. i really do think i could LIVE on their jurassic park roll. yum. and such a great night with these friends. loved it!

happy weekend, y'all. i'm looking real forward to running with my friend mk in her first 5k saturday. whoo-hoo!

in the market for a DEEP book?

2011-10-20T13:43:00.003-05:00

i met with my little book group last night:they are the best! : )

we discussed this book:
and wow...what an interesting read. someone said last night that it reads like a non-fiction. and they are so right. this is a tough book to tackle. easy to read, but the content is a little, well for lack of a better word, overwhelming. i got about 3/4 of the way through this book and felt an intense desire to be DONE. but, that said, i'm really glad i read it. it is a book i never would have read if i weren't in a book group. but it's message resonated with me and i will remember these people and their issues for a long time to come. so, if you're a reader and you are looking for something totally outside your box, pick this one up.

prepare to see my shallow side...

2011-10-19T10:23:00.001-05:00

i'm in denial. pure and simple.
the forecast for b-town today is calling for 52 degrees.
52.
somehow even with that knowledge i walked out of my house today in jeans (appropriate), a 3/4 length sleeved top (maybe could be okay), and flip flops (stone cold crazy.)
i'm freezing.
and really might go home and change.
but into WHAT, i ask you???
i did some closet reorganization last night and put the things i own that actually fit me all together.
it is not a large grouping.
and everything fall/winter that fits is literally black or white.
not helpful.
and let's not even get into my fall shoes.
i hate them.
thus the flip flops.
i need help.
and a trip to the mall.
i hate the mall.
so i'm in denial.
and i'm really really really cold.
trust me, i know there are people in the world with real problems. but i'm annoyed with mine anyway.
trite, i admit. but true.
excuse me while i go find a jacket...

tell your truth tuesday...

2011-10-18T11:05:00.002-05:00

so i turned over a new leaf last week. i love it when i do that. i decided to stop beating myself up for having feelings. sounds like a no-brainer, right? but it so isn't. and i wonder why. last week i kept finding myself upset with myself over that fact that i was feeling this way or that. at times i would find myself a little sad, or disappointed, i would feel longing, or discontent. when i felt these things i got angry. and told myself ALL the reasons why i should not be feeling them. my mental lists were at a premium. and they were all stacked up against my right to feel. i was at yoga on thursday (where i seem to have all my emotional insights these days) when i realized my anger toward my heart was basically the same as shooting myself in the foot. now, this is not new ground for me. but it certainly felt "fresh" last week. fighting my feelings and talking myself out of them was simply not working. in fact, it was working against me. since i figured that out i've been trying to accept the fact that i feel. and more importantly, that it's okay. i've taken lots of deep breathes. and tried to be more accepting of the fact that i'm human. i've even given some energy to being grateful that i have a heart that is still available to feel. because that's a good thing, even when it hurts a little. now my feelings don't get the final word. but, i am committed to letting them have their say, accepting them for what they are, and knowing that they aren't the enemy. i guess you might be able to sum up my truth this tuesday in one word: grace. i'm trying to have it towards myself, and that's a welcome change around here lately.

victory!!!

2011-10-17T14:38:00.004-05:00

i had a big victory this morning. BIG. and i really still can't believe it. today, yes today, between approximately 6:00-7:00am i ran for 5 miles. in a row. can you believe it? 5 miles!!! it is my first time EVER to run that far. and while it was not easy, it wasn't terrible either. i'm SO encouraged. and excited to do it again next week (just 3-4 mile runs the rest of this week.) i'm seeing a 10k in my future. and if things keep going well i'm going to really dream and say maybe even a half marathon. i know, i know, i'm getting a little ahead of myself. but it's so exciting (and a bit addicting) to conquer these running milestones. what fun! (in a sick kind of way, admittedly.)

the last post about my weekend...i promise

2011-10-17T14:00:00.005-05:00

so other than listening to live music and watching lots of soccer, i spent the rest of my weekend doing a little bit of this and that. mainly my "this and that" involved hanging out with my mom and her sisters. her sisters came in town for a fun weekend of shopping and a quick trip to eureka springs. they are a riot. and i loved getting to see them. i also told them i'd never been prouder of them then when they came home from shopping at this landing with this little memento. hilarious:

saturday night i was REAL happy i stayed up late to see what led to this. the 48 in the wall at the end of a race equals a delightful way to end the day for me. thank you, jimmy. sunday at church we were all a little surprised when kristen and susan showed up in matching dresses. they are both so pretty. we had to take a picture!
i spent most of sunday hanging out with my dad while my mom and her sisters went to eureka springs. but, i did take a break and head over to susan's 31 party. what cute stuff. what cute friends:

sunday night i bet you can guess what i did. yep, dinner at the gass house. the big event last night: a rousing round of guitar hero by trik and tully. it was quite impressive!

so there you have it, my weekend. i'm a grateful woman. but i think i've mentioned that before. : )

soccer saturday...

2011-10-17T11:25:00.005-05:00

this saturday i spent the day at the soccer fields. i couldn't help myself. it was a beautiful day and i had lots of important people to watch!

the fun started with trik's game...here is just a small part of his entourage: next door was molly's game. her first ever soccer game, in fact. she did great!
we're good buddies...next door to that was sara beth's game. she even wore a flower in her hair. darling!she won for biggest entourage:then, tully had two games. i heart tully, you know, so i went to both.

he got to play goalie in the late game. what a stud!

trik spent most of the second game playing angry birds on my iphone. he is amazing! he made it through like 21 levels or something crazy. impressive.

he was so happy about it i even got him to smile for a photo: i can think of no better way to spend a saturday! good times in b-town!

friday night...

2011-10-17T11:06:00.002-05:00

friday night i spent the evening watching my favorite 2 man band - mile zero - play some music. they are the best!

it was such a fun night, such good music, and such dear friends. not to mention that the weather was PERFECT. except at the end when it started getting really COLD. luckily caroline shared her blanket with me. she's sweet like that.

i love a laid back start to the weekend...

you can skip this one if you're busy...

2011-10-14T09:25:00.002-05:00

i don't have much for you today, but i can tell you this: i'm really excited it's friday. i have a laid back weekend on tap, and i plan to enjoy every minute of it! coming home from vacation is not easy, people. i need the weekend to reacclimate to normal life! (i know, i know, poor me.) : )

so today, just 2 points of interest from the last 4 hours:

1) i ran 3 miles this morning. and it felt GOOD. i was so relieved. running has not been going perfectly since (and during) vacation. i was afraid i was losing my edge. but after today's run i think i can get back up to 4 miles, and maybe even be enjoying it again, by next week. hallelujah!

2) so when i got to work a little bit ago my mom and i were chatting. at one point she said to me, "oh, i guess you were right." to which i replied, "well, i usually am." it's moments like these when i shake my head and feel sorry for the people who have to live day to day life with me. if you're one of them and you're reading this...know my heart goes out to you. : )

happy weekend, blog readers.

what's a girl to do????

2011-10-13T11:48:00.003-05:00

okay, if you stopped by earlier and saw the post about maybe making the blog private, forget about that. sparky talked me through my issues. i'm leaving it open for now. scheesch...it takes a village with me, y'all.

thursday 13...florida edition

2011-10-13T07:06:00.000-05:00

today...13 of my favorite pics from my recent trip to florida. this trip is an annual event. and it never disappoints (even though the photos might this year.) here goes...

1) dawn and i with all our favorite things we found at dfw on our layover...2) first night out. a quick "before we go" photo...
3) this is our view each night off the deck. perfection...

4.) jenn and mk at five guys...

5.) me and dawn at five guys...

6.) night two. and maybe my favorite picture from the trip...

7.) we ate dinner at carrabba's. and we really really loved the bread...

8.) no, i'm not kidding. we loved it...

9.) our post-workout ritual, breakfast at the waffle house. potentially the negative effects of breakfast outweighed the positive effects of the workout. but we ignored that part...

10.) the girls spent lots of time with the kardashians. i know, it's a little upsetting. but, it's true. so i had to get a picture of it...

11.) i just like this picture. because i really like these ladies...

12.) we loved having dinner with bob and pril one night...

13.) and last but not least, we made a new best friend in becky after american airlines almost ruined our vacation. but, in the end, all was well, because becky saved the day...

what a fun trip. what fun friends. what fun memories. i'm counting the days until next year already!

i'm back...

2011-10-12T14:13:00.003-05:00

well i've returned from not-so-sunny florida. 4 days on the beach, two of which were covered in clouds and rain. my savage tan suffered. but my relaxation did not. seriously, what a chilled out trip. i loved every minute of it. well, except for the part where american airlines almost didn't get us home because of a major mess up with our airline tickets. i didn't love that part. but other than that...the trip was perfect. more on all that tomorrow. but today...a shout out to all the BAD pictures we took. pictures were a bit of an issue on this trip. normally, i am quite the photographer, capturing all the moments to remember. but on this trip for some reason, i rarely pulled out the camera. so we were left with only a smattering of shots (again, you'll see the good ones tomorrow.) today though...some bad ones that just sort of cracked me up. enjoy...

while i realize this post may only be funny to me, i do hope it at least made you giggle. i adore these girls. and they really make me laugh!

thursday 13...

2011-10-06T06:07:00.000-05:00

13 things i'll be doing for the next 6 days...

1) sitting in the sun
2) reading books
3) listening to the ocean waves
4) laughing till my sides hurt
5) chatting, chatting, and more chatting
6) making memories
7) eating unhealthy food
8) running it off in the mornings - but not until 7am or later!
9) watching mindless tv - with a focus on trashy reality shows
10) there might be a little shopping, i'm just sayin'
11) wading in the waves
12) relaxing, relaxing and more relaxing
13) did i mention laughing till my sides hurt?

i'm headed on an annual beach vacation with some of my dearest girlfriends. i'll be back to the blog next week. until then, it's the sun and sand of florida for me.
ahhh...doesn't that just sound glorious?

my new boyfriend...

2011-10-05T14:36:00.003-05:00

i'd like y'all to meet my new boyfriend:isn't he darling? i know. : ) does he look familiar to you? because he's kind of famous. okay, really famous. it's dave ramsey. you know dave, he teaches people how to be better with their money. well, he just happened to be speaking last night in b-town. and i just happened to land a ticket. so i went to hear him. i've never read any of his books so i knew very little about him. but after last night i have only this to say: OH MY WORD...he is about the most darling thing EVER! seriously, he was so engaging, and real, and smart, and down to earth. he was one of those speakers who was totally inspiring, but also made you feel like he was your best friend. i mean it, i think we're friends now. : )

anyway, it was a great night. and he gave us 5 points to remember in life, business, and finances. i'm posting them below so i remember them. even though i'm certain i'll never forget dave. : )

1. people matter

2. an incredible team and a culture of excellence matter

3. slow and steady matters (quality lives are cooked in a crock pot)

4. financial principles matter (no debt, budgeting, savings, live below your means and be generous)

5. a higher calling matters (work is an act of worship)

three cheers for dave ramsey. i'm a tried and true fan from now on.

who's in?

2011-10-04T16:02:00.004-05:00

if you live in b-town and want to run a fun, FLAT 5k, i've found the race for you! (and for me as the case may be.) it's saturday, october 22nd at the branson airport - on the RUNWAY. i mean seriously, how fun is that!?! click here for the registration form (you have to send it in.) and click here to see their facebook page. fun times ahead, y'all. hope to see you there!

tell your truth tuesday...

2011-10-04T10:30:00.003-05:00

this past week has been one big ugly class in "reality therapy" in my life. not that i really know what "reality therapy" is if it's a real thing. but i know what it is for me. it's the process of walking OUT of denial and INTO reality. it's often painful, but always worthwhile. i'm not going to go into all the details here because a) it's too wordy to type, b) it's a little personal for the ole blog and c) it might bore you a bit. but suffice it to say i've been facing reality and it's been kicking my tail (in a good way mainly.)
after a week of looking honestly at some things in my life and heart, i have to say i'm feeling a little empowered. truth will do that to you, you know. i've faced a few of my demons. and told them in no uncertain terms that they don't get to be in charge around here anymore. now, i'm no dummy, i know they will stick around and rear their ugly heads from time to time. but being more aware of them takes away a bunch of their power. and it gives that power back to me, thank you very much!
so today's tuesday truth is this: i'm celebrating reality, life just the way it is. and it feels good, even when it hurts.
feel free to join me if you'd like.

my weekend, in review...

2011-10-03T10:36:00.003-05:00

i love a laid back weekend in b-town! and this past one did not disappoint. i started things off right with dinner at janna's friday night. she made her famous barbecue chicken pizza (with a little bit of normal pizza for nate.) it was so yummy! but the time we got to chat was even better than the dinner. i sure love janna (and her sweet family!) saturday morning i did a little running, then headed out to see my buddy trik play soccer. he's real cute...
then i went to see graham, ryan and nate play a big football game. it was so much fun! and look how sweaty they are. those boys worked hard for that win.
saturday night i gathered with these ladies to celebrate our friend michelle's 40th birthday.
here i am with the birthday girl:

she's so great. i was so glad to be able to help her welcome a new decade. : )

sunday i went to church, had the worst-run-EVER that afternoon, and watched some nascar. sunday night will forever hold a very special place in my heart. i'm gonna take the 5th on the details, but suffice it to say it embodied everything i think is real and true about friendship. and i'm honored i was a part of it.

so, there you have it, my weekend in review. hope yours was just as relaxed and just as restorative.

truth...

2011-10-02T11:29:00.004-05:00

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be.
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it;
Seal it for Thy courts above.

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing...the small part of church today that felt the biggest to me.

a little music for your friday. (you're welcome.)

2011-09-30T11:34:00.000-05:00

today some of my current favorite running songs. i'm pretty sure all of these bands would be mortified to know that i'm totally using them for their "beats per minute." but i can't help myself. i'm grateful for some classic rock of late, that is for sure...

first we have this song. i love these guys. sometimes i'll test people by making their famous hand motion and seeing if the person i'm testing knows what i'm referring to. if they do, they pass the test. if they don't, well, disappointment ensues. (i have been known to do the same type of test with lines from ferris bueller's day off. consider this a warning, i guess.)

second, this one. i have to admit it was never a big favorite until i started running. sorry, sting. but now i love it. and even find myself sometimes making drumming motions with my hands mid stride. good news though...it's dark out when i run so no one can see me when i "dance" along.

last but not least, this one always makes me pick up my pace a bit. wouldn't billy be thrilled?

have a good weekend, y'all!

fearlessness...

2011-09-29T21:01:00.005-05:00

i spend a lot of time with my friend noelle, her husband tom, and their kids tully, trik and sawyer. being at their house is easy. we usually don't actually do anything. we just hang out. it's comfortable. and enjoyable. and i like them a whole bunch.
i say all that to set the scene that i know noelle's kids pretty well. and there is lots of fond affection between us. it's pretty sweet, actually.
but last night, something really sweet happened. and all day it's been a little gift i keep reopening in my mind.
here's the quick recap...i arrived at their house around 5:15 while tom and noelle were at a meeting. the little kids and i went to the park. we played on the swings, and laughed, and chatted, and played a rousing game of hide and seek. we came home to dinner and visiting. nothing a bit out of the ordinary. except that sawyer (3 years old) was a little extra cuddly. we spent some time snuggling and giggling on the couch. and of course i loved every minute of that! i noted to noelle that i thought he might be a little tired and i was digging it because he was giving me all sorts of extra love. she agreed.
so after dinner i was doing the dishes at the kitchen sink. minding my own business, not paying much attention to what was going on around me. all of a sudden i felt something at my leg. i looked down to find sawyer, who proceeded to wrap his arms around my leg and give me the longest, sweetest bear hug ever. out of nowhere this little boy is showering me with affection. totally unprompted. not asked for. out of the blue. it was the sweetest gesture. totally pure. totally spontaneous. totally heartfelt. and i have to tell you, it did my heart good.
i don't know about you, but i think kids are just naturally more honest than adults. they love more freely, and they only love when they mean it. and if they do mean it, they don't hold back. they let it out. they are fearless in their love. and it is so incredibly refreshing and restorative.
so fast forward to tonight. i went to yoga. and in our relaxation time at the end i was having a little heartfelt conversation with the lord. see, the lord and i are kind of in a fight. well, i'm in a fight with him at least. of late i've been finding myself asking the big question. you know the question, it's universal, it's the "if you really love me, lord, then why..." (fill in your own blank.) as i was laying there releasing that feeling and asking for help, the memory of sawyer at my leg came rushing back to me. and somewhere in my gut, buried deep beneath all my questions and fears, i knew. i knew that that was how the lord loves me. i don't understand it. i can't make sense of some of the things he allows in my life or the lives of people around me. but i know, deep inside me, that he wants to bear hug me with the purest, kindest, most compassionate affection i'll ever know.
and it gives me pause.
because even though i'll never fully get it, i do find these moments of flailing understanding restorative. just like little sawyer's hug.

man, these kids are FAST...

2011-09-29T00:24:00.000-05:00

on tuesday i left the office early and headed over to see some friends of mine compete in a cross country meet. it was a gorgeous day to be outside. and it was really fun to support my peeps!

laurel ran for the 8th grade team:and nate ran in the 5/6 intramural race:janna even made a sign. she's fun like that:while most of the pictures i took at the meet turned out like this:i did manage a few good ones.

here's laurel taking off:and here's nate coming at us:audrey at the finish: colby looking tough:
caroline was kicking it:did i mention there was a concession stand? those peanut butter crackers saved my life at one point.lots and lots of fun people were there supporting the runners: it was a great afternoon!

congrats to nate for his 1st place finish and laurel for her 6th place finish. very very impressive, y'all! my life is chock-full of really neat people...young and old. have i mentioned that lately?

i can't make this stuff up...

2011-09-28T13:51:00.004-05:00

earlier today as i was driving to lunch i had this thought:
"oh, that's johnny lee. i always get johnny lee and moe bandy confused."
really? really???
a person can only have a thought like this if they live in b-town.
and the fact that i had said thought may just be proof that i've lived here too long!

have i told y'all my mickey mouse joke?

2011-09-28T00:04:00.001-05:00

well, it's not blog appropriate, but it sure is funny!

anyway, big news around here...my sister emailed me yesterday. wanna know what was in the email? oh, just my room confirmation for the disney cruise our family is taking in january. yes, i said "disney cruise." i know what you're thinking, i am no part of those people's "target demographic." and i agree with you. this whole thing has me equal parts excited, bewildered, and just plain scared. i'm just sayin'...i think there are gonna be a WHOLE lot of kids on this cruise. and i'm pretty sure i'm only gonna be fond of 2 of them. but there is good news...those 2 kids are gonna be my roomies! look out caribbean...here we come. : )

tell your truth tuesday...

2011-09-27T09:55:00.003-05:00

it's tell your truth tuesday. and sometimes that sort of stresses me out. so today i'm gonna keep it simple. yesterday i was having a very timely conversation with a very dear friend. she was telling me the truth. and it was truth i needed to hear. you know, that truth that is hard to hear, but is right on the money? that's the kind of conversation we were having. and i was grateful for her heart and her honesty pouring into my life.

but you know what i told her at one point in the conversation? i looked her straight in the face and said, "i know you're right, but i'm just not ready." and you know what i was at that moment? kind of proud of myself. because i was 100% honest. and it felt good.

see, as i mentioned before, she's right. no two ways about that. but i am simply not ready to face it. now, i'll get there, don't you worry. but lying to myself and the people who love me about my readiness (and just where i'm "at" in general) is not how i want to live. no-thank-you. i'll take honesty any day over a mustered up half truth that sounds better.

so, my truth this tuesday is this...

even when it's not the "right" answer, the truth really will set you free.
let's all take a deep breath, why don't we?
okay, i feel better. you?
: )

happy birthday aunt d!

2011-09-26T13:57:00.004-05:00

today my aunt deloris has a BIG birthday. and by BIG, i do mean BIG! she's turning the BIG 7-0...today! isn't that fun? i think so too!this past weekend we had a little family gathering in conway to help her celebrate. i really love these people:aunt deloris is my mom's oldest sister. there are 4 sisters. and they are a riot!aunt deloris has a new house and her backyard is "in process." but i'm already real jealous.i sure love my aunt d!it was a really fun 24 hours of celebrating...with lots and lots of eating. scheesch!we even got to watch ashley play some soccer:i'm a big ashley fan! and i'm a big "oliver girls" fan too... while i'm certain we could be our very own saturday night live skit, i sure love my family! happy birthday aunt deloris. you know what they say, "70 is the new..." well, it's not the new anything. but enjoy it anyway!

tgif...

2011-09-23T14:35:00.003-05:00

today just a few pics from this week that i have yet to make the blog. i do enjoy the photo catch up post every now and again, you know.

first, on monday i got to visit my little friend ben after he had his tonsils out. what a trooper. mk and i both ended up in springfield that morning for other issues but had time to see mr. ben in recovery. so glad the timing of that all worked out. i'm a big ben sparks fan. and jenn and mk aren't too bad either. : ) jenn and ben headed back to b-town but mk and i made time for lunch at my favorite spot. it was delicious. but i was terrible company. terrible. i hang my head in shame at the memory. but i'd had a stressful morning. (forgive me, mk.)
tuesday night i went to a big 8th grade football game. it was very exciting. and the weather was perfect! after the game dawn, regan and i headed over to freddy's. i have only one word for that place: YUM! and did you know they serve vegetables and fruit there? well they do. and they taste good together. see below:

wednesday night i had book group. i can't give a review on the book because (again, i hang my head in shame) i haven't finished it yet. but i enjoyed book group just as well. because i adore these women:

last but not least my favorite picture of the week:

i like to call this one "not at all ready for the self timer." hilarious.
so there you go, a few pics from my week. i'm ready for the weekend, that is for sure. about 2 more hours and i'm headed to the outlet mall. i know, i know, my life is very exciting. : ) happy weekend, y'all!

thursday 13...

2011-09-22T10:19:00.002-05:00

i've been keeping a gratefulness journal this past week. and i've loved it. the last thing i do every night before i go to bed is write in it. i just list things i'm grateful for about the day until i run out. it's been surprisingly therapeutic. (sometimes i also list a few things i regret about the day, but only if they are begging to be released.) anyway, in the spirit of gratefulness, today...13 things i'm grateful for, right this second:

1) a rainy morning.
2) the sound of that rain outside my open windows while i was cozy in my bed.
3) the way this weather simply insists that we relax.
4) the ceramic heater right by my feet under my desk.
5) new numbers on the scale.
6) looking forward to yoga tonight.
7) the ability to move and breath and walk and talk and see...health is a gift, y'all.
8) a beach trip with my girlfriends in exactly 2 weeks.
9) a sweet sweet email this morning from a far away friend that reminded me that we are connected to the people we love in really important ways, even across the miles.
10) my cute little book group. we met last night. i really like them.
11) looking forward to seeing family on saturday and celebrating my aunt d's 70th!
12) speaking of family, i'm real grateful for my mom.
13) some very welcome, and needed, fresh perspective of late.

so, here's the thing, i love blog comments. really, i love them. and they are somewhat rare. but, if you're out there reading this how about leaving a comment with one thing you're grateful for today. come on, just do it! it'll be encouraging for both of us. : )

what do you have to lose, really?

2011-09-21T11:03:00.002-05:00

i'm posting this today because i don't want to forget it. it may seem a little like i'm bragging, but i promise you, that is not my motive. i got the following email yesterday. and it was so very kind. it meant the world to me and i've read it over numerous times. sometimes a little encouragement is good for the soul. especially from someone who has known you a long time and doesn't throw compliments around just for kicks. so anyway, here it is:

you're stronger than you perceive yourself to be...more capable than you think...prettier and funnier than you think you are....and you undersell yourself.
so while you're having a reality check...go ahead and have one about yourself too and realize that you can rise to the challenges put before you...and that you are not alone. i love you and i'm praying for you.
you is smart. you is important.

seriously, every time i read that it gets me in the gut. or maybe the soul. whatever you want to call it, it gets me in that place that feels known, and loved, and cared for. big sigh....

so here's my challenge to you today, oh blog reader. is there someone in your life you are feeling prompted to encourage? do they need to know how you see them versus how they see themselves? if so, do it! put yourself out on a limb and tell someone you love the truth about who they are today. you never know, it could be real good timing in their life.

go forth and encourage, y'all.

tell your truth tuesday...

2011-09-20T10:35:00.002-05:00

i'm in no mood to tell the truth. and trust me, you really don't want to hear it anyway. but suffice it to say that last night i needed a change of scenery. and a little peacefulness. so i went down to the lake with my chair and my book and i enjoyed this view for about an hour:it was just what the doctor failed to order, but just what i needed. i call this picture my own little version of "self-medicating." and it was free. take that large drug companies who like to rip off the masses. my truth this tuesday: in the midst of life's stress we have to look for the good stuff. i'd like to thank lake taneycomo for helping me find some last night.

my weekend, in review...

2011-09-19T10:03:00.002-05:00

i had a great weekend. super laid back and full of really neat people. i can't ask for much more. well, a nascar race that didn't get rained out would have been nice. but now i'm just being picky. : )

so, my weekend started out with a very fun evening at tom & noelle's. i didn't take a picture. shame on me. but we had dinner, chatted it up, and worked on a big project. which we completed. and it turned out great. i loved doing the project because it was a perfect example of a bunch of minds coming together to take something good and make it great. that kind of thing really trips my trigger. i know it's no secret around here...but i guess that proves i'm a total dork. : )

saturday was a real treat...my friends hope & keith were in town! their sweet boys were with them too. truly, the whole family could NOT be any cuter!!! we converged on the brown's house and spent the day hanging out. i loved every minute of it! we even got some girl time:
and went to this movie:really, if you have not seen it yet you MUST!!!! i loved it just as much the second time.
sunday i volunteered at the big ironman triathlon that b-town hosted. susan, laurel and i were course marshalls:

which meant i got to see keith twice as he ran past my station. what a stud:

but then the weather took a turn for the very very ugly:

this is how susan spent much of her day as a volunteer:

i'm gonna shot ya straight here: we cut out early. we just couldn't take it anymore. but, it was a great experience before the deluge! sunday night a little more project-ing at the gass house. and then early to bed. this morning i did a 45 minute run. it about killed me, but in a good way. i do feel accomplished when i complete a long run! that's about it for the monday update. hope your weekend was a good one, too!

a little fun for your friday...

2011-09-16T06:00:00.002-05:00

today i'm totally reposting stuff i've seen on other blogs recently. clever, aren't i?

first, this song i saw on amy's blog. i love what she wrote about it here. i bought it yesterday on itunes. just love it and it's message! enjoy...

second, i saw this clip on mary kay's blog. oh my word. i've watched it numerous times and laugh over and over again. if you've ever had a pedicure or manicure i promise this will crack you up!

so there you go, a little world wide web entertainment for your friday. have a great weekend, y'all!

thursday 13...photo booth edition!

2011-09-15T04:13:00.000-05:00

today's thursday 13...13 things you need to make a fantastic photo booth for your next party!

because TRUST ME, you want a photo booth at your next party. a photo booth = a good time, every time. my sister and her friend lindsey get ALL the credit for the photo booth success at tami's 4oth. they worked HARD and made it all come together. so, you can thank them in advance for what a hit this is gonna be at your next gathering. but first, you better go gather the following supplies.

1) a good camera (you know the expensive kind.)2. because you're also going to need this remote that you point at the camera to take the pictures. and they only work with the expensive cameras. (hey, look at it this way, i'm giving you the bad news right up front.)3. here's a little more bad news...you also need to know how to play with all the settings on your expensive camera. it's a language i don't fully understand, but you're gonna have to know how to speak "aperture, shutter speed, and iso."

4. is this getting overwhelming yet? because it is to me. but, you're also going to need a little fancy lighting. 5. good news! good news! i've got an easy one for ya...you're gonna need to invite lots of really fun friends.6. but wait, i forgot another important supply...a good tripod. 7. you'll need a fun backdrop. which may seem overwhelming but is actually really easy. we just went to a fabric store and bought a large piece of a fun print and tacked it up to the wall. simple! here's a better picture of the whole piece of fabric on the wall:
8. you're going to have to empty out a room in your house to make this project work. space is a requirement. we picked the dining room.

9. warning...you may have to tie up light fixtures with fancy twist ties in said room. (we're classy like that.)10. props!!! people, it is all about fun props in your photo booth. go with your gut. simple, silly, sassy. boas, hats, crowns, goggles, glasses, stick figures. the sky's the limit here.11. but the one MUST HAVE prop is the mini chalkboard. this is a FUN one, y'all. make sure you include it. 12. i'm gonna be honest here...a margarita machine doesn't hurt when your party has a photo booth.

13. last but not least, when the photo booth is set up and ready, all you have to do is sit back and watch the magic happen...

i'm telling ya...this whole photo booth thing is a win-win.

you're welcome.