Life As I Know It

I Would Like to Introduce You to my New Husband

2009-11-04T10:32:00.001-08:00

Thank you Becky.

You HAVE to watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzj9z8QDTfU&feature=player_embedded

Nightmares

2009-09-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

With the exception of last night, I have had an extremely intense nightmare every night this week. I'm talking demons one night, a guy trying to stab me to death the next, etc. I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm pretty sure I would be content with not having another one ever again.
It's a possibility that my newly started Chrone's disease medication is giving me this side effect...I will have to read more into this and see if that's a possibility. I sure hope that's not the case considering I have to take this medicine the rest of my life. I would prefer not to have bad dreams for that duration.

On a side note, I would like to express my extreme joy that the new season of House will be starting on Monday. Hugh Laurie is my number one, much too old for me, boyfriend. So hands off ladies.

News

2009-09-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

So...some of you know that for about a year now I have been dealing with some interesting stomach issues. I have brushed it off as nothing for a long time, but I finally recently went and had some tests done.
Well...test came back positive for Crohn's Disease. In some ways I am scared, but in other ways I am relieved to have an answer to what has been going on. For those of you who don't know what it is, here is a link that gives you some good information:

www.crohnsonline.com

I am going to have to make some dramatic lifelong changes to my diet as well as be on a few different kind of medication. The good thing is, I should really start feeling like myself again.

According to Facebook Survey, I am Getting Married October 3rd, 2010

2009-09-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

Facebook seems to think that I am getting married October 3, 2010. I took the incredibly reliable, "What day will you get married" quiz on facebook this morning. I'm pretty sure they got the date pegged.

I can't help but notice the huge rise of weddings this summer among my friends. I have literally been invited to about 6 weddings and have attended 3 of them. Something in the drinking water?

I have also had the awkward experience of running into friends who have gotten married this summer who I did not get a wedding invite from. Now...as for me, I am totally ok with situations like this. When it comes to weddings, sometimes people want a smaller setting and can only invite a particular group of people, or sometimes they have a very specific group of people in mind that they want to attend. Everyone has their own way they want to do their wedding and who they want to invite. I can totally understand this as I will probably end up having a smaller wedding when I get married and will only invite a very small group of people. I am always super supportive and excited for them, whether I attend or not. BUT. What I think is absolutely hilarious is when said friends act completely awkward around you from that point on, or beeline for the other end of the room when they see you coming. What, do you think I am going to say, "Hey, nice to see you. Why didn't I get an invite to your wedding?" I ran into a very similar situation recently and it just seems so silly to me. I don't know if I have given the impression that I am the kind of person to be offended or hurt by something like that, but c'mon people! I am nothing but happy and excited for all of my newly married friends and want to just be able to give you a big hug and congratulate you! Let me!

It's times like these in adulthood when I feel like I'm back in elementary school.

All of these weddings have gotten me thinking about my sisters and which one will get married first. I predict it will be Megan. I am going to be an emotional mess when they all walk down the aisle! I am so proud of them and the beautiful women they have all turned out to be. :)

Anyway, just some random thoughts for the day.

So I have this amazing stepdad...and he's an artist

2009-09-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist the opportunity to share with you some of my stepdad's most recent paintings. He has switched his focus to abstract art, which I must say, is amazing. I would love to just put his paintings in every room of my house. Take a look at some of his most recent work...(and yes...he sells them, so if some of you are interested, let me know!).

2009-09-09T12:52:00.001-07:00

Wow...looks like I am not doing so good at keeping up at this blog thing!

Things have been going pretty well. I moved into my own place at the end of August. It's a small little apartment, but works perfectly for me. I am enjoying the quiet and just having my own space! I have had roommates for 7 years and prior to that I lived with my family, so this is a first for me. It's been great! Here are a few pictures of the new place.

Last weekend my mom, stepdad and two youngest sisters came to visit me. We had a great time. Part of our journies included Garden of the Gods, Stick Horses in Pants Comedy Show, the Broadmoor and Woodland Park. It was great being able to have a little family time. If only I could get them all to move out here! It was definitely interesting trying to cram everyone into my little one bedroom apartment, but we made it work! And for your extended viewing pleasure, here are more pictures from the family visit.

That's a little bit of the latest. More to come. Hopefully I will start getting a little better about this blogging thing.

Hollow

2009-07-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

I miss my family more then ever right now. Really feeling the pangs of not having a family of my own too.

Wonder if it will ever happen or if I'm just one of those 'it's not meant to be' people.

I'm ready to be in my own place.
I'm ready to start feeling better.

Nice blog, huh? Sometimes it just is what it is.

Time to Regroup

2009-05-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a while since I have blogged. A lot has happened since I wrote last, but I’ve been too lazy to put it all into writing. I guess I could start with my car accident. On April 2nd we had a huge blizzard in Colorado Springs. Our work closed down at about 1pm due to the weather conditions. By this time though, the storm was so bad that you could barely see your hand in front of you and the roads were completely iced over. I turned right to come out of my office and was not even a mile down the road when I saw a car two cars ahead do a donut in the middle of the road. I thought...”Not good”. Sure enough, the car directly in front of me slammed on her breaks and slid into the curb with the back of her car sticking into the lane I was in. I of course braked, but with the roads solid ice my breaks did nothing and I slid right into the back of her car. Then the car behind me crushed me in between him and the car in front of me completing smashing my car like an accordion. Thankfully, the only injuries I had were some bad whiplash and a sprained wrist, but my car didn’t make it out so good. She was completely totaled. So after waiting in my car for almost an hour and a half for emergency crew I finally was taken out and my car towed away. A few weeks later I received a settlement from my insurance company for my car and was able to get a new one….here are the new wheels! (2008 Nissan Sentra)

So, despite the yucky situation, I feel like God was really watching out for me. I could have been injured much worse, especially considering the condition of my car, and everything with my insurance went very smoothly.
April 8th I turned 25. I have to be honest…I don’t feel old by any means, but this age feel strange to me. I’m not early 20’s anymore but not quite late 20’s either. Turning 25 has also made me question a lot of things about direction in my life and what the next 5 years are going to bring. I’ve thought a lot about that lately but am not going to really get into that now. I decided that this year I wanted to treat myself to a little birthday vacation so I went to southern Cali for a week to visit a good friend of mine out there. We went to Disneyland, did some BBQ’s, went to the beach, went to a club. I had a really nice time.:)

Lately I have been questioning whether or not I want to stay in Colorado. It’s just not like it used to be. I love it here, it’s a wonderful place, but I’m feeling pretty stagnant out here right now. There are times where I feel like I should just pack up everything and move to Indiana and work for my dad and the family business. Cost of living there is about half of what it is here it would be nice to save up some money and be close to family at the same time. I also think about going back to Arizona sometimes, although I never really felt like I could call that place ‘home’. After high school I never felt like Arizona was a good fit for me. Maybe I just have that gene in me that always wants to try something new. For my friends reading this, don’t get excited, I haven’t decided to pack up everything and leave at this point. :) It’s just something I think about from time to time.
There has been a lot of other things going on in between all of this, but I don’t really have time this morning to get it all down. I just wanted to do a quick catch-up blog. For my wonderful and amazing mother, Happy Mother’s Day! I couldn’t ask for a more loving and devoted mother. I love you so much!

To Sum it All Up

2009-02-11T09:25:00.000-08:00

This is me. Completely.

25.5 Things

2009-01-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

25.5 Random Things About Kelsey

Today at 11:10am
Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25.5 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. I have played the clarinet since I was 10.

2. I hate finding stray hairs. Hair grosses me out. Period.

3. Public bathrooms are public enemy number one.

4. The second toe on my right foot is permanently broken due to a rigorous game of round robin ping-pong.

5. I hate talking on the phone. But i get annoyed when people don't return calls or texts. It's a common courtesy. A one liner or two second call is all it takes.

6. I have always dreamed of being in an orchestra that makes soundtracks to movies.

7. I am addicted to the handheld Yatzee game.

8. I can play the hard level on drums on Rock Band. Oh yeah.

9. I took a softball to the face while playing on the Keller Homes softball team and had to get 10 stitches in my mouth.

10. I never ever wear earrings.

11. The texture of jelly beans makes me gag.

12. I absolutely love House.

13. I sleep with my mouth wide open.

14. My favorite place to be is the beach. I love the sand and watching the water and hearing the waves. It is so peaceful and relaxing.

15. I lived in 25 different houses before the age of 14.

16. When I moved to Colorado 4 years ago I came here without a job secured, everything I owned loaded up in a 1989 Cutless Sierra Oldsmobile. I made the decision to move out here in like 2 days and went for it. God has blessed me ever since.

17. I watch Court TV way more then I probably should.

18. I do my best work in the morning. Usually from about 3pm-5pm are my 'doom hours'. I cannot concentrate and want to crawl under my desk and take a nap during this time.

19. I have a really hard time trying to keep a straight face when I hear guys grunting at the gym. They are trying to impress the ladies by grunting as they flex massive amounts of weight, but it makes me laugh so much. But i try not to be rude and laugh out loud.

20. My favorite high school teacher was Mr. Kervin. He of course, was the band teacher. :)

21. I could live in a library. I LOVE to read.

22. I had a mega crush on Jonathan Brandis from Sea Quest when I was little. Ironically enough, he committed suicide when he was 16.

23. If I ever tell you I'm going to cook for you, you should probably run away. Fast. Let's just say I'm not exactly a cullinary genius.

24. I have always been better friends with guys then girls (with the exception of Jessica, Marcela, and Stacey). I think girls have a tendency to be subtly competive and sneaky and often have a different agenda then what they present. With guys, what you see is pretty much what you get and there is considerably less drama involved.

25. I love hugs. By pretty much anyone.

.5. I've had a few crushes since I've lived in Colorado. All of whom have been completley oblivious or have purposely chosen ignorance. They are:

Wouldn't YOU like to know!! It was .5, which means I am only authorized to say half a statement on the last. Sorry to disappoint.

Now it's your turn!

Thank You Mr. President

2009-01-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

My good friend Suzanne had this posted on her blog today and I thought it was so fitting for everything I am feeling today. So much focus on the new President, but I just felt like honoring our old President today. Whether you liked him or not, he deserves your respect and gratitude.

Goodbye, Mr. President,
I guess the time has come for you to,
Pack up all your things and turn the page,
So I was thinking as you left,
I’d try to write a song to tell you,
What so many of us want to say.

For all those sleepless nights,
I am sure you must have had,
For all the prayers I’m sure you prayed,
For how you tried to lead us when the way was so unclear,
I am sure it wasn’t always evident,
But thank you Mr. President!

Goodbye, Mr. President,
You will not be forgotten,
All the courage and the hope you helped us find,
I can’t imagine how it felt,
To stand where you were standing,
And to try to make the calls you thought were right.

So for those sleepless nights,
I am sure you must have had,
That put those lines around your eyes,
For how you carried the weight,
Even when the lights went out,
I am sure you’ll never know how much it meant,
I thank you, Mr. President.

So for those days ahead,
When they write about the past,
And everybody has their say,
From all of us who know,
You gave us everything you could,
We hope you will remember this,
Thank you, Mr. President!
Goodbye, Mr. President.

—Steven Curtis Chapman

Let's Talk About Star Wars.

2009-01-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend I holed up in my house and watched Star Wars. Yes...I watched all three. Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. I know...I already sound like a huge nerd. But I must say, the original Star Wars trilogy is one of my favorite trilogies of all time. It's such a classic that really cannot be beat. As I was watching the Empire Stikes back yesterday I realized that Luke (Mark Hamill) looked a lot different to me in this movie then he did in the first movie. First of all, it looked like he had aged about ten years from the first, and secondly, his face looked a lot puffier to me. I did a little research on this and in doing so found out that after the filming of the first Star Wars movie, Mark Hamill was in a serious car accident and messed up his face pretty badly. Hence the difference in appearance. If you look closely in the Empire Stikes back you can see a new scar on his upper lip. Of course...this doesn't really explain how he aged ten years. Stress maybe? I was never a fan of Carrie Fisher as Princess Leiah. There is something about her that has always bugged me. I don't know if it's the fact that she looks like she is 15 but has the voice of an old woman or if it's the fact that she just looks like she would be a downright mean person in real life. (She was 19 when the first one was filmed by the way).Harrison Ford is of course brilliant as Han Solo. I had read somewhere that this was his first time ever acting (at age 34). Apparently he was contracted as a carpenter or something on the set and tried out for the role of Han Solo on a whim and nailed it. And the legend of Harrison Ford was born. Chewbacca is such a great character. Not only is he tall and make entertaining gurgling sounds that no other human being can properly mimic, but he kicks a lot of booty. Does anyone know who the actor was who played Chewey? I haven't figured that one out yet.

These movies are just great. Yes, the lines are extremely cheesy, yes, the technology is somewhat lacking at some points, but it doesn't matter. I think George Lucas did such an amazing job at writing this extremely entertaining Sci-Fi series. That's all I wanted to say....besides Yoda is the bomb.

May the force be with you.

My Friend Katy :)

2009-01-07T17:43:00.000-08:00

Today I wanted to blog about a very special friend of mine. Katy is a very new friend of mine, but I feel like I've known her for a very long time. I met her at my new job working for Compassion International and she is amazing. She has such a big heart and an extremely outgoing and fun personality. I bring Katy up today because on Monday she is leaving for Rwanda for 2 months on a mission trip. She will be spending two months working in an orphanage that is dedicated to taking care of abandoned kids, ranging from infancy to 8 years old. She will be the only one who speaks English in the house she is staying in. Katy has had a passion for Africa her whole life and will be fulfilling a lifelong dream by going out there to be with the babies. I am so happy and proud of her for pursuing her dreams and doing something so good for these kids and for God. I know that is has to be such a scary and big step for her to do this by herself. Katy has never even been out of the country before so I can't imagine how exciting this experience will be for her!

I am praying for you Katy and I look up to you so much for what you are doing! I will miss you so much!

Commercial Creativity

2009-01-04T15:13:00.000-08:00

Last night I had a discussion with a group of friends about the 'amazing' new commercials that have recently come out. I thought this discussion was blog-worthy. After seeing my wonderful friends 'The Stick Horses' perform, we all went to Chili's where the topic of the 'Snuggie' was brought up. This spawned the conversation of world's worst commercials.

I'm sure you all know what the Snuggie is. It is the 'blanket' that you can put your arms through and wrap around you like a giant moo moo so you don't have to be cold for two seconds while trying to turn on a lamp or turn pages. This commercial is a classic. My favorite shot is when you see a whole family at a ball game cheering on their team wearing, you guessed it, their prized 'snuggies'. I don't know about you guys...but I'm pretty sure no one I know would be caught dead wearing one of those in public. I would even venture to say I would even be embarrassed to wear one in my own house. BUT the plus side is, if you order one, you get a free reading light as a bonus!

Next commercial: Sham-Wow. The word gives me a great deal of amusement just saying it. It's the 'sham' that can soak up to 20 times it's weight in liquid. They demonstrate this great invention by soaking a piece of carpet 'in real time' with soda and making sure it soaks through to the back. Miraculously with a few pats on the 'Sham-WOW', the liquid has disappeared! Amazing. But WAIT, there's MORE! If you stick around to the end of the commercial, they even offer to DOUBLE your order if you call within the next twenty minutes. But you have to do it NOW or the offer will no longer stand. I imagine these are selling at such a fast rate that they can only extend this special offer to those who are smart enough to call in the next twenty minutes.

Another mention-worthy commercial is 'Cash-for-gold.com'. By simply calling a number you can get an envelope shipped to you where you can deposit all of your 'scrap gold' into an envelope and they will immediately send you a big check. My favorite: "I sent in my wedding ring from my FIRST marriage to Cash for Gold, and got a check in the mail the very next day!

There are many more I could mention, but I thought that these were the prominent ones. Over the years Oxy Clean, Chia Pets, and Mentos have definitely stood out in my mind. But the good news is, they keep getting better with time!

Some Good Intention Goals

2008-12-29T10:53:00.001-08:00

My good friend Stefanie has inspired me to write some goals for the upcoming new year. I have thought about a few, but always hesitate to set them as I fear failing miserably at following through with them. But I'm going to give it a shot (in no particular order).

Goal #1: Save up to buy new furniture.
So...my roommate and I have furniture in our house, aquired by my wonderful friends Dale and Jessica. And I love the furniture! However, this pretty much fills up our upstairs living room, and I would very much like to get our very empty downstairs living room filled up. I have my eye on a cranberry colored couch set from JC Penny's...watch out! :)

Goal #2: Spend more time in Bible study and prayer.
I have to admit, last year I did terribly in this category. I had very lofty intentions but ended up doing Bible study and prayer way less then what I wanted. This year I am really going to concentrate on making this a number one priority every day. This is essential for me and I am excited to make it a more prominent part of my day. :)

Goal #3: Get in shape!
I would say this is a number one goal for about 99.9% of the population every year, so I'm sure it sounds a bit cliche. But I don't care. It is true, I do go to the gym often. However, it doesn't exactly get me to the skinny toned-self I would like to be. ;) I am going to start keeping a better eye on what I am eating and drinking and try to mix up my exercise routine a bit more. My good friend Jared is constantly running marathons and halfs...maybe I could set a goal to do one with him.:) It's always nice to have more energy and to feel like you are doing good things for your body.

Goal #4: Travel
I would like to take a few long weekend trips this year to see friends in other states. I haven't been able to do that for a while but I really feel like this is the year to do this. I have some friends in Cali that I want to see and I really would like to see my brother and sister-in-law and the babies in Texas. Also on the list is to see my sister and brother-in-law and more kiddos in Washington...so many people I want to see! I am going to try and do this.

Goal #5: Get back into music.
For those of you who have known me for a while, you know that I have played the clarinet since I was 9. Music has always been a huge part of my life. But since I have been out of college, I have not been able to perform like I used to. When I was in college I performed in symphonies and orchestras all the time and I really miss that. I would like to get back into that somehow. I am not sure what that means yet, but I'm going to be looking. I am also trying to get better at playing flute, piano and sax. Although I learned how to play the basics on these in college, I would love to perfect my skills on this and incorporate it somehow into my music goals. I miss music so much.

Well, there we have it! Happy New Year friends!

Arizona Bound

2008-12-24T07:34:00.000-08:00

Today I leave for Arizona for Christmas time with the family. I am looking forward to some days of relaxation and spending time with the people I love. :) I wish my dad could be there to make the picture complete...but you are there in spirit dad! For all my friends, have a WONDERFUL Christmas. Enjoy your families, enjoy good food, and don't forget about baby Jesus. :)

Christmas Spirit

2008-12-20T21:16:00.000-08:00

I have heard it from many people this year and have come to believe that I have been experiencing it myself. The lack of Christmas spirit. Times are hard for many people this year. Economically our nation is in a state of crisis. I have many friends who have lost loved ones recently which is making it extremely hard to deal with the holidays. The fact that we have had very little snow in our typically snow-littered Christmas season hasn't helped. But I was thinking about it today and thinking of what it truly means to be in the 'Christmas spirit'. Just listing off the reasons why my Christmas spirit hasn't been there has made me realize that my focus is entirely wrong. It is so incredibly easy to get caught up in the tradition and commercialism of Christmas. It's an underlying understanding that during Christmas you put up a tree, buy presents for people, go see your relatives, and have a big Christmas dinner. These things are all great, but I don't believe our 'Christmas spirit' should be derived from these things.

I think the the spirit should be a spirit of thankfulness. Thankfulness to God for sending his son to us on this very special day. Today I was thinking about the true miracle of this day and everything that it has meant for the rest of history. The true significance of this birth. Of all of the births in history, of all of the millions of babies brought into the world, this one was the most remarkable. I was trying to think about what the different players in the Christmas story must have been thinking and feeling on this very special day. Joseph had to have been an incredibly faithful and trusting man. He was caring for Mary, who he was engaged to, and was pregnant. Though he knew she was a virgin, this was extremely unacceptable in his society. Mary could have gotten stoned for being an adulteress at this time and Joseph could have been shunned for choosing to support her. He chose to trust God and walk along side her and be faithful to Mary. Mary must have been honored and terrified at the same time. Here she was, probably barely even 14 or 15 years old and is told that she is going to give birth to the son of God. Knowing that she is a virgin and that many people will not believe her, she says to the angel Gabriel, 'Let all of these things you have said to me come to pass." She gratefully accepted this very overwhelming and honorable task into her heart. Jesus was born under seemingly unremarkable conditions. In a manger with animals and shepherds around. Not something you would imagine a Son of God being born in to. But God had a powerful purpose for all of this. I don't really know that I know all of His reasons, but I imagine it to be because He wanted to send a message that he was here for the poor, for the rich, for the sick, for the needy, for the young, for the old...for everyone.

When I really look into the birth of Christ and what it has meant to the world, I instantly get my Christmas spirit back. It puts to mind the huge sacrifice that was made for us later on in his life. It also puts to mind what Christ stood for. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. I think that our Christmas spirit should come from these things and should always be remembered. Merry Christmas friends. :)

My Unfavorite Holiday Game

2008-12-10T14:23:00.000-08:00

I have decided that the famous ‘gift exchange’ at holiday parties is my least favorite game of the season. I’m not talking about your casual gift exchange among family and friends. I am talking about the gift exchange where you pile all of the gifts in front of the group and everyone takes a number to see in what order everyone chooses a gift from the pile. This is the exchange where you may choose to steal someone else’s present or open a new gift when it comes to your number. One gift can only be stolen up to three times. There are a couple of reasons why I don’t like this game. The first one being, I think the spirit of the season should be more about giving and sharing rather then stealing and choosing the ‘biggest, shiniest gift under the tree’. When I think of Christmas I think of the birth of Christ, spending time with my family and giving to my loved ones. I don’t like the constant ‘it’s all about me’ theme that seems to surround Christmas. Now granted, it may seem like I am blowing the idea of this game out of proportion. I realize that it’s all in good fun. However, this is just one reason why I personally don’t like it. The second reason I am not a fan of this game is that it takes FOREVER to get through it. Last night I went to an IAAP meeting (International Association of Administrative Professionals). We played the ‘Exchange Game’ at the party. There were over 40 people at this party. So that meant that we had to get through over 40 people selecting AND opening a present, or stealing a present. I found that at the beginning we went through the numbers at a fairly quick pace. But as we approached number 25, the game got progressively slower and slower until we were almost at a complete stand still. The problems arose when a person decided to steal a present. After someone steals a present, the person they stole it from can either steal someone else’s present or choose a new one for them self to open. Most of them were choosing to steal someone else’s present, therefore setting off the snowball cycle of stolen presents. Meaning we could never get to the next number because everyone who got ‘stolen’ from kept stealing right back. It was endless! I think it took us upwards of TWO HOURS to get through this game! So be forewarned…if you are looking for the ‘Gift Exchange Game’, you probably don’t want to come to any of my Christmas parties.

Black is the New Blonde.

2008-12-06T23:38:00.000-08:00

I dyed my hair jet black today. I have been wanting to do this for quite a while now but have been scared to. I finally took the plunge...and discovered that I actually like it! I have a few friends who will probably kill me for doing it (you know who you are). I just had highlights put in a few weeks ago when I got my hair cut, but I didn't really like them that much. I couldn't really tell any difference from what my hair color looked like before.

So now I am the black haired woman. :)

Modern Technology...Not So Helpful

2008-12-02T15:15:00.001-08:00

When I was at the airport this weekend I came across an interesting dilemma. Have you ever tried to use the restroom with your carry-on luggage in tow? Let’s just say….it’s not an experience I enjoy. I will begin by saying that modern technology is not all that it’s cracked up to be. Automatic flushing toilets are Satan. Let’s look at this scenario. I am trying to stuff myself in to this tiny bathroom stall with BOTH my carry-on bags in tow. So basically once me and my bags are inside, there is sitting room only. I discover that my lock, of course, is broken. So I assume the position with one arm holding the door shut, with my feet on top of the bags that are piled directly in front of me. I go to sit down and do my business and in mid-pee I get an unexpected shower from the oh-so-helpful automatic toilet flush….that likes to flush whenever it darn well pleases. So not only do I get the spray of joy, but when I AM finished it doesn’t flush and I have to find that little button thing that you push to flush in manually. Then comes the task of getting myself OUT of the stall with the luggage. Not so useful that the doors open INTO the stall that is already packed with the toilet, your body, and your two carry-ons. I finally squeeze myself out with the luggage in tow to get to the ‘automatic sinks’. The sinks do come on on command; however, your two choices of water temperature are scalding, or boiling. I go to stick my hand under the ‘automatic soap dispenser’ and there is no soap in any of them. So I go back to boiling my hands in hopes that the millions of nasty germs I’m sure to have picked up in the disgusting bathroom will have been burned off. Then I proceed to go to a café in the airport to get my $10.00 turkey sandwich. As I sit there eating I am pondering all of these things, and just how ‘useful’ modern technology has turned out to be.

Can I Extend My Vacation?

2008-11-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

If I had it my way, I would be on vacation forever. I am coming back to the Springs tomorrow. I have been in Indiana the past 5 days and enjoying every minute of it. :) I have been able to spend some amazingly wonderful time with my dad and aunts and uncles and even a little time with my grandparents. It's been a whirlwind, but relaxing at the same time. I needed a break so badly. I have been pushing myself really hard with this new job and stressing myself out with so many other things lately too...this vacation came at a perfect time! I am just not ready to go back yet! That whole being a responsible adult thing gets in the way too much, so alas, I will be back late tomorrow night. :) I will give a little recap of my trip so far.

I got in Thursday afternoon (Thanksgiving) and dad and I went over and had Thannksgiving dinner with my Uncle Brian, Aunt Missy, my 4 cousins, and my Uncle David and Aunt Dana. Then we went and visited Dad's best friend Tony and his wife and 2 year old son. (Tony is like my 3rd dad, he is WONDERFUL). Friday we woke up, and dad took me to his 2 different office locations. This guy names Leonard who has worked in for the family business for like 40 years cooked dad and I this amazing lunch at the office. Then dad and I cruised around and did some site seeing all over the place. Later Friday night dad and I went bowling. I bowled a 114 the first game and a steadt 90 the next two. Dad totally smoked me. :) Saturday Dad and I got up and he took me to see my grandparents and Aunt and Uncle on my mom's side. They live about an hour away from Dad in Shelbyville. We were there most of the morning then headed back to Anderson and took a WONDERFUL 2 hour nap before having a nice dinner in Indianapolis with my aunt and uncle. Sunday (today) we got up and went to church then went out to lunch with Tony and and another friend of dad's. Then we went to visit my dad's uncle pat and my dad's other friends Barney and Sandy that I remeber from when I was a really little kid. We also stopped by my uncle David's house for a while after that. Then we headed over to Tony's house where he and his wife made us dinner and their two year old son Landon entertained us for about an hour afterward with his sweet dance moves. :) It was great!

It has been a wonderful time of visiting with wonderful family and friends. And not having to work for a few days has been great. I know I have an extremely busy next few weeks coming up at work so I am prepping myself for work mode again. But I sure am thankful for the great time I've had on this trip. I miss family so much living in Colorado. Colorado is wonderful, but it's tough having no family around. Luckily I have super close friends out there who are just like family to me who get me through until my visits. :) Coming home tomorrow Colorado. :)

Gobble Gobble!

2008-11-26T07:03:00.000-08:00

SOOOOOOOO....it's almost Thanksgiving! At 6am tomorrow morning my airplane leaves Colorado Springs to head to Indiana to see my dad for about 5 days. I can't wait! Although, I am not looking forward to the 3:30am wake up. But it will be worth it! I haven't been to Indiana in a while. It will be good to see Dad and aunts and uncles and grandparents. I am hoping I don't stuff my face too much this year however, as I cannot afford to gain any turkey pounds. I am already getting a lot 'fluffier' then I would like to be. :)

I think it would be nice for me to list the things I am thankful for since that is what Thanksgiving is all about....and I don't know that I will blog again until after I get back. Where to start? I am thankful for so many thing! First and foremost I am thankful for my large and wonderful family. I am thankful for the closess we all share and that everyone for the most part is happy and healthy. I am very greatful for the wonderful friendships I have made since moving to Colorado. I have some amazing people in my life that I just couldn't live without! I am thankful for a roof over my head and food in my mouth and a car that gets me to work every day. I'm thankful for a wonderful job that helps kids all over the world. I'm thankful for life's small lessons, even the hard ones. I'm thankful that God always loves me even when I don't always understand what He's doing with me. There is just so much to be thankful for! I know that for me, it is so easy to get caught up in the stressful things in life and what I don't have. It is good to step back and just see how good God has been and how much He has truly blessed me. :) I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! Have fun with family and friends and eat lots of wonderful food!

A Favorite Friend

2008-11-24T18:47:00.001-08:00

So tomorrow is a very special friend of mine's birthday. I was going to write this tomorrow on her actual birthday, but since I know I have a full work load tomorrow...tonight is the night! But I wanted to take some time to be sure and acknowledge a very special friend in my life Mrs. Jessica Worster. :) My friend has been there for me through thick and thin. She has helped me in so many ways and has helped me grow so much since I have moved to the Springs. Her and her husband Dale are two of my best friends in this world and I feel to priveledged to have them in my life. :) There are so many things I admire about Jess. I think the top of the list is her ability to almost always have a cheery disposition no matter what is going on in life. She is an encourager and almost ALWAYS has a positive outlook on life. She is a super funny girl and always has me rolling. :) She is also very beautiful and talented in many ways. I know that when I am an old lady with my false teeth and my bad wig scooting my walker, she will be in a moo moo and curlers right next to me with her cain and purple hair. :) I love you so much my friend! Happy Birthday!

We are a talented bunch

2008-11-20T11:11:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A Favorite

2008-11-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

Desparately, helplessly, longingly, I cried:
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,
And the Master so gently said, "Child, you must wait."

"Wait? You say, wait!" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith, I have asked, and am claiming your Word.

My future and all to which I can relate
hangs in the balance, and YOU tell me to WAIT?
I'm needing a 'yes', go-ahead and sign,
or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

And Lord, You promised that if we believe
we need but to ask, and we shall recieve.
And Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply!

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
As my Master repied once again, "You must wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taught
and grumbling to God, "So, I'm waiting... for what?"

He seemed, then, to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine,
And he tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.

All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be.
You would have what you want--But, you wouldn't know Me.

You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint;
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint;
You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there;

You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence were all you could see.

You'd never experience that fullness of love
As the peace of My Spirit decends like a dove;
You'd know that I give and I save... (for a start),
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

The glow of My comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked
Of the infinte God, who makes what you have LAST.

You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that "My grace is sufficient for Thee."
Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true,
But, Oh, the Loss! If I lost what I'm doing in you!

So, be silent, My Child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.
And though oft' My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer is still, "WAIT."
-Author Unknown

I posted this poem to my myspace when I still had an account because it's one of my favorite poems. I just love the message behind it. I think that no matter what stage in life you are in, you are always 'waiting' for something. And God will answer you. In His own time.