Will you breathe again?

Who will catch you if the engines fail?
Who will protect you if the train's derailed?
Who will revive you if your oxygen ceases?
Who will provide you with a new heartbeat?

You will catch me if the engines fail.
You'll protect me if the train's derailed.
You'll revive me if my oxygen ceases.
You'll provide me with a new heartbeat.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
-Romans 8:28

Who will catch you if the engines fail..

Chicken salad.
I've been craving it all week. But haven't had the time to make it. As easy as it is, I have never made it..I've always loved my maw maw's chicken salad more than anything in the world. She didn't make it often, but when she did, we would put some in some pita bread. It was awesome. Untiiillll I found out that she makes it from.....canned chicken!!!!!! I think I haven't ever made it because ever since then it always grosses me out. I am leery to eat it because when I see it all I think is that it came out of a can. That has a shelf life of like..12 years. Well maybe not that long, but anything that can sit on a shelf for that long and still be edible just disgusts me. Also, just think about what they put in it that makes it stay good for that long!! Ew. The only thing I think I use that is canned is (occasionally) black beans to throw in my chili. That is if I haven't soaked and cooked my own. Every once in awhile I'll use a can of crushed tomatoes..anyway..I'm on a really long bunny trail to say that I made chicken salad. Ha! I looked up so many different recipes and just decided that I would make mine up and see how it turned out. And I love it! I just baked my chicken in the oven..instead of mayo, I used greek yogurt. I threw in some toasted walnuts (I love the texture!), dill seed (I smushed it up-I think dill is one of my favorite tastes!), some juice from half of a lemon, a bell pepper, a little celery, and some onion and garlic seasoning and I think that was about it. I'm not a huge fan of apples (it's a texture thing) or grapes in my chicken salad, so this one turned out awesome!
That's all.
Just wanted to write about chicken salad.
Did I say chicken salad enough times in this post?
chicken salad.
It's grossing me out now.

This I pledge and I'll take it to my death..

Yikes. I can't believe I made it through this past week! It was a cu-ray-zay week. Oh but let me just begin by saying this: Today, I was running on one of the dirt roads by my house and a girl that lives down there stopped me and told me that they saw a black bear down that road this past weekend :-/ Imean, we've been knowing he was back there..but we thought he was about a mile back. Now he's running through the cane fields (um in my back yard..) and on a road where people live..As soon as she told me this..I ran back to my house on the side of the HIGHWAY like a coo coo..but I couldn't help it..I wasn't about to run back through the cane fields (where I ALWAYS go!) because that's where they saw him..scurry. The whole time I was running back I swear I heard that bear following me..I think the men that live down there will probably take care of the situation..they have been mounting deer cameras to keep track of him (her? and maybe cubs?). So annnywayyy I just ran alongside a really busy busy highway with people honking at me and thinking I'm a nutcase because it's almost dark outside and I was by myself..

Back to my crazy week. Well. I think most people that know me, and read this blog, know that my husband and I have some high highs, and some low lows. (Which I'm sure every marriage does!) So last week was the lowest of the low..annnd my work has been crazy and super stressful. One of our therapists just decided to start working part-time..so now basically the rest of us are running around like crazy people who don't even have time to go to the bathroom or take a break..and when we do take a break, we have mountains of paperwork to finish. Blah. I would rather just treat every single patient than have to do the paperwork. It's time consuming AND sometimes by the time I get to it, it's been hours since I've seen that patient and I have to rack my brain to remember what they said and what treatment we did, etc. I didn't mean to go into all of that. So last Monday I went with some of my family/cousins/and friends to see MewithoutYou..a band that I've loved for about 9 or 10 years..well. I loved them at first..and I even saw them play twice. Over the past few years, I haven't enjoyed their music like I used to. I didn't even buy their last album that came out..but who can miss Aaron Weiss when he comes to town to dance around on the stage?? No one. No one should ever miss this! He really has the best time on the stage singing and dancing. Tuesday night I had my boot camp class and came home to cook supper for my husband..Wednesday night I went with my brother and sister in law to see P.O.D. in Lafayette..ummm..Let's just say that I've been trying to see them for almost 15 years and never got to for so many dumb reasons. The venue was the weirdest place ever for them to play, but it was sort of small, so we got a spot right in the front. We had to wait through a really bad band (think Nickelback and Creed having a baby..). But then something awesome happened..P.O.D. came out and they were amazinngggggg. Imean we were so freakin close to the stage that Sonny kept putting the mic down in our faces to sing(scream)..and I almost died a couple times from crazy people, but I didn't even care. I never wanted it to end. How can you not have fun when you are that close to the band and they are awesome and killing it?? (I've never said 'killing it'..but they were!) I'm seriously still on a high from that show and it was like 5 days ago soooo..pretty much I've been listening to them since then and that's about it in my cd player..Afterwards, we stalked the tour bus because we knew where it was. There were only like 5 other people back there, so we got to meet the band and take a picture with them (with really bad lighting, but who cares-I'm touching Sonny!) :

And they were super nice. And when I got home I started stalking them online (duh) and I found out that Sonny, along with a former member of the band Korn, Brian Welch (aka "Head"), and the singer from Flyleaf (Lacey Sturm), and a few other awesome dudes (Ryan Ries, Ronnie Faisst) started this thing called the Whosoevers..and they basically just have these big shows and they all talk and share about all of the crazy stuff that they came out of..because honestly, a lot of the kids that would go to this aren't the kind of kids that would ever go to a church..but they would go to see some of these bands play. And then they can hear everyone's stories about how they came out of drugs, depression, self mutilation..Imean how cool is that. And they got their name from a scripture that we all know.."that Whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish"..you know the rest :) Their website says, "This is a threat to formalized religion" which I'm sure a lot of people get offended by..but..I agree with what they're saying. I'm not the best at explaining things, especially when I need to. ha! I just think it's cool.

Annnywayyy. The rest of the week went by pretty fast..Friday night I had a quick date with the hubby at the Renaissance hotel's restaurant..the food was SO good. I got scallops and he got sea bass..the food was excellent! But pricey. Afterwards, I went to meet some gals for a girl's night. Got to see a long lost cousin that I haven't seen in about 2 years. The next day I went to a birthday party for my good friend's son, (that was hard to say..my friend's son's birthday?) and then ran a million errands. Then went to eat at Coyote Blues with my husband. When Sunday came around, I wasn't up for anything. I slept LATE. Spent time with the kiddos..then went to ANOTHER girl's night at Zea's with my friends from college..we had a great time catching up. They all have kids except for one..who has one on the way. So we pretty much just talked about babies the ENTIRE time.. 

So that was my crazy week! I'm glad it's over! This post was long! I hope the bear doesn't eat my dogs! Or come in my trailer at night and eat all my honey!

That's all. I'm going relax.

I'm lost in forever..

Bloggie! I have abandoned you. I have been pretty busy lately-not doing anything exciting. Just with life. I have been going to my camp down in Grand Isle A LOT. Like probably every other weekend. I'm actually going again this weekend! But I love it. I can't get enough of it. It's away from home, and that's all that matters to me. My job has been super stressful lately, so any getaway is really nice.
It's really hard to stay positive working in a stressful environment every day..so I have to constantly remind myself of all of the blessings in my life..and exciting things that are going on and gonna happen!
I am excited about Grand Isle this weekend..and I think J and I are going to see Batman on Sunday night. Yes! I have only seen 2 previews for it..and I just can't wait. I didn't really get excited about it until this week. Annnnd next month, I think J and I are going to try to go to Destin or some beach in Florida for a long weekend to relax. I always get excited for fall..I love all of the holidays and also we get to see family that we don't see all year. And next May, I'm going to Disney World!! For the very first time! I always wanted to go..I mean I never like begged to go there or anything. But now that I'm going, I'm superrrr excited about it. I don't even care that we have to drive like 87 hours to get there.
So there.
Lots of things to be excited about and thankful for.
I decided to get back on pinterest yesterday because I'm helping with a baby shower for a friend of mine and I wanted to get some ideas. Bad idea. Now I can't stop again :-/ I post so many random things..so tonight I decided to actually make a dessert from one of my pins..I made lemon blueberry bars. Which pretty much is key lime pie, but with lemons instead of limes, and blueberries added. Actually, that's exactly what it is. We have to chill it overnight before we eat it, but it looks really good! (and not healthy whatsoever, yes!) That reminds me, I'm also excited about planning and having this baby shower ("sprinkle") next month..I've never really helped this much in planning something, and I kind of like it! Only because she is one of my close friends, and I really do love making people happy. I love to do things for other people. It's also kind of intimidating because this girl can plan a party. Like down to every last detail..so I feel like the pressure is on! I'm sure she'll love anything that we do.
Anywaaaay. My bed is calling my name :)

Some girls try too hard to impress, with the way that they dress..

Blink 182. Ever since I discovered what Pandora was, I have been listening to their station. It's the best! It reminds me of when I was a teenager, and I had to ride in my older brother's car. And we had a Blink tape that we kind of had to hide..but we listened to it, speakers blaring (duh). I also love when my Ipod is on random and one of those old songs comes on. The best!
This weekend I had my continuing education course in New Orleans. Well of course, I was running late (my alarm was set to pm instead of am :0 ) so I had to speed the whole way there..and then when I got there, the garage was full..so I had to park 7 blocks down the street and pay $20. Awesome.
I made it RIGHT on time. The course was given by the International Weightlifting Association and it was about functional exercise..It was pretty vague, but I did get to learn a few things. The instructor runs a rehab center in Ohio (I forgot the name of it, but he treats mostly athletes) and was super laid back and awesome. He also has a master's degree in nutrition, which he didn't really go into, but that plays a huge role in the healing process, so it's definitely a plus. Also, a lot of the patients that we see really need guidance in this area! Anyway, he basically believes that every single patient should begin therapy with doing functional movements and patterns that they will need in every day life, and we should focus less on doing exercises that isolate certain muscles/muscle groups. Or, at the very least, give those as home exercises for patients. I most definitely agreed with most things that he was talking about..I mean..our goal is to get the patient back to doing their everyday activities..so it's only logical. It's very hard to get out of a certain mindset that has been around for years and years. It's also very hard for someone (like me) who has to work with multiple therapists, who all basically have their own way of doing things..So if a certain patient sees a different therapist 3 times per week..they could be doing a totally different program every time they come in. So even if you try to change something up, or do something a little bit different, the next therapist that works with them may change their program back to the old plan or do something else! Sorry, that's a little boring and monotonous, but I'm just gettin stuff off my chest :) For the second part of the day, we basically just exercised. We learned different movement patterns (which we all learned way back when, in school..but it's so nice for the refresher :) and stretches. It's really very hard to get people to exercise these days! It really frustrates me. The elderly people don't really understand, because in their day, they didn't need to exercise..they basically exercised all day long working outside, walking instead of driving everywhere, just basically doing physical work. No video games, TVs, computers to play/watch all day long. I don't know where I was going with that..I was just thinking about it. The younger generation (for the most part) cringe at the word exercise. People say to me all of the time, "You don't NEED to exercise, you are thin!" This annoys me to no end people! EVERYONE needs to exercise! I don't care who you are! Unless you are bending, lifting, running..you know, doing hardcore labor all day long, you need to exercise.

Wow..that was a tangent. Sorry! I'm sitting here halfway watching The Game Of Thrones season finale with hubs..he is so sad that it's the last one. He looovvves it.
Oh! Today, I went to American Eagle (shudder) to get my hubs some Father's Day stuff, and thought to myself, "since when did AE get cute clothes??" I haven't been in there in FOREVER and it reminds me of high school for some reason. I may have bought a few items for myself..and they weren't khaki's for work! Although, I do need to find some more shorts for work soon..

This entry has run far too long..I apologize!

P.S. I played a 3 hour game of monopoly today was an 11 and an 8 year old. I don't think I have to expound on that.

Goodnight.

I'm starting to believe the ocean's much like you..

If you are a female, and reading this, you should probably start following the Living Proof Ministries blog. I'm pretty sure I heard about it through 2 of my sister-in-laws (yay!) at some point last year, and I've been following it ever since. Also, Beth Moore has some really great devotionals. I sort of stole this from her blog today..just thought I would pass it along..I think she read it in one of her devotionals and decided to post it. 

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.”
— Psalm 55:22

Care, even though exercised upon legitimate objects, if carried to excess, has in it the nature of sin. The precept to avoid anxious care is earnestly inculcated by our Saviour, again and again; it is reiterated by the apostles; and it is one which cannot be neglected without involving transgression: for the very essence of anxious care is the imagining that we are wiser than God, and the thrusting ourselves into his place to do for him that which he has undertaken to do for us. We attempt to think of that which we fancy he will forget; we labour to take upon ourselves our weary burden, as if he were unable or unwilling to take it for us. Now this disobedience to his plain precept, this unbelief in his Word, this presumption in intruding upon his province, is all sinful. Yet more than this, anxious care often leads to acts of sin. He who cannot calmly leave his affairs in God’s hand, but will carry his own burden, is very likely to be tempted to use wrong means to help himself. This sin leads to a forsaking of God as our counsellor, and resorting instead to human wisdom. This is going to the “broken cistern” instead of to the “fountain;” a sin which was laid against Israel of old. Anxiety makes us doubt God’s lovingkindness, and thus our love to him grows cold; we feel mistrust, and thus grieve the Spirit of God, so that our prayers become hindered, our consistent example marred, and our life one of self-seeking. Thus want of confidence in God leads us to wander far from him; but if through simple faith in his promise, we cast each burden as it comes upon him, and are “careful for nothing” because he undertakes to care for us, it will keep us close to him, and strengthen us against much temptation. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee.”

Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). Morning and evening : Daily readings (Complete and unabridged; New modern edition.). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.

I know, I know..I had to read it a couple of times to really understand it because of the way the author worded it. But I think it's something we should come back to pretty frequently in our lives..because it's something that we all deal with on a daily basis. In some situations, I definitely put myself in His place and try to figure things out on my own..It's pretty sad that I call myself a Christian, and most of the time it's when a situation turns extreme, THAT'S when I'll go to God with it. It's something that I struggle with daily, and I will probably continue to struggle with it because I'm only HUMAN and I'm not perfect. I go through times in my life where I will automatically pray in a situation (honestly, I do that a lot.), but that doesn't mean that I actually leave that situation up to Him. Anyway, I could go on but I just wanted to post this and let whoever is reading it get something out of it for themselves.

Judah and I just got back from Grand Isle last night..we went for the weekend. Some of my aunts and uncles and cousins were staying at their camp down the road, so we spent a lot of time there. My cousins's husband, Gary decided that we should go fishing on Saturday afternoon in my uncle's boat..I'm not sure that he's ever taken out my Uncle Woots' (s's..?) boat before, so I was a little nervous about it. (If anyone that is reading this doesn't know me personally, my family has been fishing ever since I can remember being alive. So, I may not know much, but I knew enough to be a a little nervous about it!) After a few tries and finally getting the boat launched, we were out in the bay. We went to a spot where there is an oyster bed and caught quite a few fish here..at about 6:00, we decided to try out a different spot, but we knew it would be far away and we had only a few more hours of daylight to go..so we decided to go anyway, we stopped to get some more bait, and headed out to the spot (known as Four Bayous). We fished for about a half hour (and caught maybe about 10-15 specks) and then decided we had just enough time to get back before it got dark..so Gary cranked up the boat. Nothing. The engine wouldn't start. (Gary is probably the most laid back person I have ever met in my entire life) Apparently, the engine was flooded. Thank God there was one more boat not far from us..they were crankin up their boat, heading in too. We yelled over to them and they came over to check it out..they couldn't get it cranked up..so they had to tow us. At 8 mph. At that rate, we wouldn't be getting back until well after nightfall. (We never got their names, but they were some cute Louisiana boys) And neither of us had lights on the boat. Thank God, about 30 minutes later, our boat cranked up! So we untied the ropes that they were using to tow us, and hauled butt back to the island. It was dark by the time we got back..we were so relieved. After close to 28 years of being out on the water, I can say that this never happened (my memory is faulty, but I don't think it ever happened) to me! I probably made this story too long, sorry, I tend to do that..I will say, that in that situation, I didn't freak out. I just knew that we were gonna be okay. 

I really can't waaaaaiiit until my brother and sister-in-law come into town in June and we go back. (I might go back before then!)  I could probably live there all summer long if I didn't have to work. Here are some pictures:

My cousin Colton, and his girlfriend, Kacey (she caught the most fish, he caught the biggest fish :):

Gary didn't fish, he just called himself "The Captain" 

It was hot..

I <3 pelicans!

The towers..

Bye bye, sun..

...

Here I am, send me..

I have felt like blogging almost every day this week. And almost every day this week, I was too busy to get around to it. So here I am! Should be in the shower but ohh welll..Last I wrote, I was about to go see Thrice! And I did!! Amazing. That's the only word to describe it! The show was at a venue that I don't particularly like..It's hard to be able to get up close to the stage. So as soon as we got there, my older brother got us pretty close up to the front. We watched the band, O Brother play (I like them okay! I've seen them once-well actually twice and they do have a few songs I like) and then I wanted to go get a water..so I pushed my way through the crowd to the bar and when I turned around, everyone who came with me was following me besides my brother which meant that we definitely weren't getting our spot back. By the time Thrice came on, we were able to push ourselves up to..the mosh pit! Why, oh why do they still do this?? I got head butted once then decided maybe it's time to back up..which was pretty upsetting to me. But it didn't stop me from screaming every single word to every single song and having the best time of my life..The show was amazing and lived up to every expectation that I had for it. I am really sad that they are breaking up ("taking a break""going on hiatus" "spending time with our families"Please!! Just make more awesome music for me to listen toooooooo). Can't talk about it anymore.
I had a great birthday..got so many sweet and thoughtful gifts..got to spend it with friends and family..couldn't have asked for a better one.
This past weekend I went with 2 of my friends to my family's camp down in Grand Isle. We had a really fun and relaxing time. We layed out on the beach all day Saturday..and by that afternoon we were burrrnnnt. (yes, we used sunscreen!!) Sooo now I have second degree burns on my stomach and rib area..greeaatt..I have blisters, and my skin has peeled twice..It's just starting to feel a little better because I've been using antibiotic ointment.
I'm pretty sure that's all thats been goin on in my crazy life..I've been working a lot. That's about it! Will blog soon!

Whyyyyyyy

Why does my dashboard say that I'm not following anyone on blogger???? Where did you go?? Every once in awhile I will notice some people are missing from my list of people that I follow but I just got on and now it's just showing that I'm not following anyone..what't the deal?? Anyone else having this problem??

We are the image of the invisible..

Tomorrow!! Thrice tomorrow!!!!
Today is my birthday. But tomorrow. is. Thrice!! I can't even contain the excitement or the fact that my head will explode. I might actually cry a little tear. You see, it's their farewell tour. What am I gonna do?? I only like about 7 bands total. And they are up there. I don't know why it's so hard for me to get into a new band. I just like the bands I like, and that's what I like. I'll try harder this year to listen to more music and actually like it!
I really have had the best birthday week. The hubs surprised me with something every day this week. I got a new swing for our porch, a new planter (it's an old jack daniel's keg!), a new teapot (well, 2 new teapots, because my friend Ethan gave me one!!), a gift card to Urban Outfitters, a gift card to Whole Foods, and a reallllly pretty cameo picture that Ethan also made for me which is sooo pretty. I would say that that is a really awesome birthday!!
In other news..well there isn't much other news. But..I started an aerobics class with my sister in law last week. And. They should not call this aerobics class. They should call it boot camp. Because it is really hardcore. Who runs suicides for 25 minutes after high school?? Who even runs suicides for 25 minutes ever?? Well. We did! If we aren't like ripped up by the end of the year, then something is wrong ha!!
I think that's it for the most part. I'm sure that I will go on and on about Thrice after the show!!
I will leave you with some lyrics from the title of this post:
We were lost now we are found
No one can stop us or slow us down
We are named and we are known
We know that we'll never walk alone.
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hopefully I won't pass out from excitement!!!!!!!

Wake yourself up, you've been dreaming again..

It's been over a week since we finished our blogging challenge..and I don't wanna fall off the face of the blogging planet again!

It's been so pretty outside..I've been spending as much time as I can when I get off of work outside. I've been walking (it seems as if jogging/running is out for now until I resolve my hip issues, which actually seem to be almost resolved! I'm still going to wait awhile before I start pounding the pavement again..) outside almost every single day on a dirt road in the back. The farmer's/workers are used to seeing me back there by now. At first, they would drive by me a few times probably trying to figure out what the heck I was doing..but now I get a friendly wave. I really can't wait to start running again. I wish I had an elliptical machine! I actually secretly have always seen them as machines that older people with bad knees and hips use because it's bad on your joints to run on harder surfaces..but I guess I should start paying attention to my own joints and listen to my body. Why do I have to be so dang hard headed??

I took a page out of sister in law's book and made mexican lasagna tonight..although, I can't make it as good as her..I tried to cut corners with calories as much as possible..I used greek yogurt instead of sour cream (always!) and ground turkey and I even grated up some squash in there to add more vegetables (and I need to get rid of it before it went bad..). It came out pretty good.
I am going to attempt to make a chocolate cake tomorrow using..wait for it..avacados..date paste..coconut milk..dark chocolate cocoa powder..well that's all of the ingredients I can think of right now. Soooo I'm soaking my dates overnight to make the paste. Sounds gross, right?? It's gonna be soo good. Well. It LOOKS good in the picture..almost like cheesecake :) I'll have to write about it after I make it.

This weekend I will be going to my first gender reveal party for one of my friends..I'm excited about it! It seems like a lot of people are doing these now..I mentioned it to the hubs and he just looked at me with a blank face..and couldn't understand why anyone would ever do that. Leave it to him to ruin an exciting moment ha! okay, I'm jk..mostly :)

I should really go get some rest..Tomorrow is going to be an extremely busy day..I just want it to be over so it will be the weekend!

We will wear compassion..

We will wear it..and the gates of hell..won't stand against it.
As Cities Burn were aweesoooome last night. Those are just some of the many really good lyrics from them..I thought it was a little funny that all of these crazy drunk people were screaming these lyrics, (and so many other ones..) and I bet they didn't have a clue about what they were singing. hehe.
It really brought me back to the days when I had like 6 roommates..and we were just crazy all of the time. I guess it was about 6-7 years ago? Idk. But it was great! So many good (and bad..and crazy) memories.

Man, this weekend really flew by. And I didn't blog once. Ha! (I'm pretty sure today is the last day of the blogging challenge?) Today went by super fast..I went to church and then hubs and I went to his parent's house. His sister, Johanna (one of my favorite gals around!) was in town for the day. She went on a cruise with a friend this past week and decided to fly out tomorrow so she could have a day to spend with the family. awww. so sweet. My brother in law, Joel, and his girlfriend came over too. We had to play the evil loathsome game of croquet. I'm starting to think they are punishing me by playing it every time we go over there. Then we played poker for awhile..which was an 11 year old's idea..I swear the kid is obsessed with Texas Hold Em right now..annnnd I won..like 4 times..and I won the big pot. I never win at anything! Guess it was just the luck of the draw..

Ah! I forgot to say that yesterday, I cooked a pot roast. Hubs has been talking about this pot roast that he just loves at the Himalayan restaurant..so I decided to just try it out. Turned out pretty dern good if I do say so myself. Just wish I woulda got a picture of it before the hubs tore into it.

Welp, I think dat's all! Game of Thrones time.

But what good is the whole world, when I promise no tomorrow..

I only promise your tomorrows will never take you past my palm.
Good lyrics! Yay for ACB on Saturday night! I listened to it today and still remembered [almost] every word!

Severe case of the Mondays happening over here.
Also, severe case of the eating-all-the-Easter-candy too. (I said also and too in the same sentence! oops.)
This blog is kind of intimidating me today. So much blank space..so little to write about!
Sometimes (okay, most of the times) I just wish that my job was to dress really really cute every day. And read books. And cook. And buy really really cute clothes. That would be the best job ever! Some days, my job is just so crazy..I feel like I just go and go all day long. I wouldn't even ever know what to do if I didn't go to work. If I were to ever, say, just take a day off. What would I do? On a week day? I just don't even know. Probably think about work.
I am boring. Sorry!
I did have a fun Easter..it was pretty crazy and we didn't have a lot of time to spend with both families, but it was fun. Until the kids brought out the croquet came. I just hate it so much! And I always lose. I just can't hit that dang ball the right way. And also, it makes me feel funny to play. When we were young, I feel like our rich cousins played croquet. And we probably made fun of it. Guess I'll have to get my brother to tell me if that really happened since he is a living holder of all memories that ever happened in our lives (a living pensieve!). Needless to say, I lost. womp womp.

I don't know the first thing about Love..

Happy Easter! I've gotta say that I really suck at blogging this time around.
Anyway...I hope everyone has a great time with their families today. I woke up, read the Easter story, finished my key lime pie for today..gave the doggies their Easter basket..And had some coffee and cinnamon roles! It feels really weird, not being at church today. (we had so many things to do today so I just decided not to go) I had my own church this morning, the only thing missing is the communion that they are having today..
I hope that everyone takes a little time out of their day to pray or at least reflect on what Jesus did for us. It's such a beautiful thing that we shouldn't forget or ever take for granted.

I'm watching Rocky right now. I just can't pass it up when it's on tv! And I always get so mad that Paulie is so mean to Adrian. And I hate the part when he throws the turkey in the alley! I would punch him!

Well, Judah and I are about to start our crazy day! We are going to hide eggs for the Easter egg hunt this afternoon. Yay! It's the first one we are doing at my parent's house. I have a horrible memory, but I do remember going to Glynnwood Plantation when I was little for the Easter egg hunt. It was so fun!
Then we are off to Baker to get the boys, bring them to Glynn to see my family, eat lots and lots of crawfish and other Serio casseroles, then drive to Central later on to go to Judah's parent's house for more really awesome food. I really need to get some of my mother in law's recipes. Her monkey bread is the best yet! (Ash-I'm in no way comparing it to yours! Her's is more savory than sweet, which makes it something totally different to me!)

Happy Resurrection day, y'all!

I'm coming up only to hold you under..

I know, I know. I've been missing on the blogosphere. I'm sorry. I'm having a horrible week. I don't feel like going into it. Haven't felt like blogging about anything in particular..haven't had internet for 2 days and I hate blogging on my phone. I bet you're thinking I'm being soo negative right now and it's so depressing. One good thing happened this week (well, a few good things, but this one in particular..). Monday night was a horrible night. I was being all depressing and sad (like I said, I don't want to go into it..but for some reason I do this horrible thing to myself..It almost makes me feel good to feel sorry for myself and be a stupid girl and cry..for some reason sometimes it makes me feel safe. I know. Sounds dumb, right??)  So anyway, I was being all dumb and finally I said a few little prayers. And I specifically just said/prayed that I missed Becca and I really could use her to talk to right now..I promise that ohhh about 10 seconds later she messaged me. And we don't message each other too often..maybe a couple times a month. It was so weird! I'm pretty sure it was God just letting me know that he hears me :)
It's the little things. Although, it wasn't so little to me. It meant the world..
That's all.
Sorry I've been so nonexistent the last few days..I'll be better.

My God, what a world you love..

Sorry dudes..don't feel like blogging much.

Very excited and ready for the ACB show coming up.

That's all.

Hey Juuude..

I just have to say this funny story real quick. Today Judah and I were at my parents house and we were about to walk outside..my maw maw was sitting by the door and she started singing "Heey Juude..You know, I like to listen to hip music..I don't like all that old stuff." ahahahha. How funny.
We had a fun day..We just hung around with the boys..rode the go kart and 4 wheeler. Looked for gators (we didn't see any, boo), looked for blackberries to pick (there weren't many, and the few we did see were either too far into the water/ditch or still too red to pick), and played video games. They loooove video games. Sometimes I get a little upset that most kids these days don't appreciate the same things we do. I have great memories of my younger brother and I picking blackberries for my mom to make jam (we ate so many of them before they could all make it home)..It's just little things like that that make the best memories. Oh well, I guess we have done a good job so far in turning cities boys into country boys! They aren't afraid to get dirty anymore. They even get excited about looking for gators (although, it's a bad idea for anyone to bring up the time that Charlie TORTURED them by bringing them in a boat in one of the crawfish ponds where there were gators.) The only thing they ask for now, is a go kart with windows. ha! Now wouldn't that be nice to have?? I'm thinking the Easter bunny might just bring them some sunglasses to wear while they ride :)
Is anyone watching Game of Thrones? Judah is obsessed with it. He goes on and on about how amazing the storyline is, how great the acting is..he just loves it. I watch it too..there are some parts that are a little..yucky. I'm just glad he is actually into a TV show!
I'm eating key lime pie yogurt balls right now. So gooooood.
That's all.

I'm just like you so leave me alone..

Saw Hunger Games again tonight with the hubs. I definitely enjoyed it more this time around. The first time I watched it, I kept anticipating what I knew was going to happen next. But this time, I just..watched it. He really liked it too..he thought the beginning was a little slow but really liked it.
We went to eat at BJ's. It's our old faithful. We go there all of the time because we know the food will be good, they have a huge menu, good beer, and the best french fries ever.
My hip feels a little better today..Although, I did try to run a tad earlier and it hurt. But feels better now. Must be tendinitis. Which means: rest and ice! 2 things that I just can't do. I hate ice, and it's hard for me to rest! I just think about everything that I could be doing at the time and I can't help it. So we will see.
I didn't necessarily start running to lose weight..if I was then I'm pretty bad at it because I've only lost 6 measly pounds! I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I really enjoy it. I feel so much better afterwards..My legs are getting so strong. If I miss a day or 2, I kind of crave it. It's a good time to think, listen to some jams, pray.. just get everything out. Ah, sorry for going on about that..there's not much going on in my life right now, obviously!
It's my bedtime so farewell!
Until tomorrow..

This is how we do it, it's Friday night..

So. How many of you people went out and bought a lottery ticket for mega millions?? Ha! I think my husband actually put in some $ at his work because they were all buying some. I think its so funny how crazy people get over the lottery. I mean, I guess someone is gonna win it, right?

Tonight I'm being so lazy. Almost caught up on Once Upon A Time/snuggled with Vega, soaked in a hot bath (I think I pulled one of my hip flexors..I was in pain while running today!), ate some starbucks ice cream (Yes! Caramel machiatto mmm..), and now watching some Al Pacino movie with the hubs. One of my friends keeps asking me to come out to a bar thats close to my house..but I'm just not interested. It's not very often that I feel like going to a bar..Especially ones where you know EVERYONE that you've ever known (although, now it's mostly the younger crowd who all know my younger brother and have to come up and ask me, "How's Charlie? How's Charlie? Where is Charlie? We need Charlie..")..where they smoke in (my hair always reeks when I leave. ew.)..and it just overall makes me feel a little sad for some people. I mean..I like beer. and wine. and other alcoholic beverages. But I don't, like, wait for Friday night just so I can get plastered and act like a crazy person and do dumb things that I can just blame on the alcohol the next day, when I wake up feeling gross and have a headache and can't get anything done. Sorry, that was a long sentence. A rant, if you will. I think I shall sign off now, as I am starting to sound a little crazy. 

Ps-I'm really enjoying The Pioneer Woman's book!

If you choose to let me love you..

Ha! I promised you another boring blog and now you're gonna get it!
Hopefully this will help me to not forget another day!
Waiting at home for the hubby to get back from his guys night at the Himalayan Restaurant.
When he's not home for supper, I never cook. I just eat most/all of these random things (not in any particular order): salad, protein shake, yogurt+berries, edamame, carrots, dark chocolate, almonds and/or peanuts, and various other fruits or vegetables. I don't know why I can't bring myself to actually cook something just for myself! I guess that's why I cook like 10 things when Judah is home for supper.
In other news, I think there will be a girl's weekend in Grand Isle soon. Yay! I pretty much start thinking about heading back down to the camp ooohhh I'd say on January 1st. I love Grand Isle. I don't care if most chicks think it's gross, I just love it. Always have. Even when I would get so seasick on the boat and just lay there with a wet rag on my forehead..I would still go out there every time we went. Sooo yeah girls weekend. There will be no fishing or crabbing..but just being there is enough for me. Just smelling that Grand Isle smell (you know the one), watching the sun set, opening the freezer to an unending supply of any kind of candy/ice cream you would want..well that's enough for me.
Besides that weekend trip, I really don't have any other trips planned. Judah and I want to go so many places..Idk how we will choose where to go this year! I'm sure there will be a few more Florida trips, but I gots to go to somewhere new. Gots to.
I think that shall be it for this eve. The husband is home.
Goodnight guys!

Don't know why you're so primary red..I'm primarily blue..

Forgot to blog AGAIN. So, I'm doing it while I'm sitting here at work.
I'm so excited that Sucre's new album is coming out very soon! I really like the 2 songs that Stacy released so far. There aren't very many new artists that I like, but technically, Sucre' are just artists that I love with a new sound. I really think I'm stuck in a music rut. I listen to the same music that I did like 10 years ago. I still love He is Legend and I never skip it when my iPod is on shuffle. I wish they were still together, man. If I go to South Carolina anytime in the near future, I am going to find the Satellite Bar where Schuylar works. And I'm gonna go there and order a beer from him. But then I will probably be too nervous to talk to him. I also still LOVE MuteMath..or Mute Math..or Mutemath. I have it in my iPod a few different ways..I just love all of their albums. I love how different they are..and how they are evolving as a band. I don't know why I'm talking about music..Imean obviously I talk about Thrice all of the time so you people know how I feel about them! I am getting excited for the As Cities Burn show coming up next month..it's gonna be sooo fun. Haven't been to a show in awhile and I'm ready!
I finally finished ready Alfred Hitchcock's book, A Month Of Mysteries. I reallllly liked it. I am not a fan of horror, but I really like mystery. There were some crazy stories in that book. Now I have to get back into Catcher in The Rye, and also (thanks to Ash), The Pioneer Woman's book. I probably have 10 books on my bed side table that are half read..or not even touched yet. There are so many thing I want to read!
I've bored you enough for now..guess I will bore you again later ha!

Indeed I am a blessed soul, captive in this human role..

I alllllmost forgot to blog again..girls, we aren't doing a very good job this year!!
I don't actually feel like blogging much today..I am still tired/exhausted from this weekend..getting home at midnight on Sunday night and having to get up the next morning at 6 to go right back to work..it was hard. I finally just finished unpacking and putting clothes away.
Is anyone else watching The Biggest Loser this season? I think I'm the only person I know who watches it..Imean it is a long time to sit and watch a TV show..I usually am cooking or doing something else while watching it. The Fashion Star show is on right now in the background..and can I just say how horrible it is? It's so bad. Project Runway will forever be #1 in my heart :)
I don't really have much to blog about today..sorry!
I really need to go see The Hunger Games again this week..
That's all.

Now you're just somebody that I used to know..

Ahhh I cannot get that song out of my head today! I have been singing it all day..and maybe I listened to it several times on the drive home. So what! Who cares! It reminds me of The Police in the 80's.
I know I missed 3 days of blogging and I'm sorry! The entire weekend was a huge whirlwind. It was filled with Hunger Games, pizza, Minneapolis, catfish eating competitions, more pizza, DQ, burgers, dopplegangers, and shopping. Lots and lots of shopping.
I really liked The Hunger Games movie. Yeah, lots of little things were left out..but overall I thought it was great. My movie review sounds a lot like everyone else's who reads this blog, so just know that I concur :)
I do have to say that meeting another person named Arissa was for sure one of the weirdest things that's ever happened to me (so not that many weird things have happened to me, sorry!!). It feels so good to know that someone went through the EXACT thing I did growing up, and even still now! We both work with [mostly] the elderly population, and we bo[l]th agree that they do not understand arisa. They can understand Marissa, Clarissa, Melissa..pretty much every single name that rhymes with Arisa. Why can't they understand it!??
When I came home the house was a wreck. So now I must go put away all of my new clothes :-) and wash/fold/hang all of the rest of the clothes mountains in our bedroom.
So, goodnight!

May the odds be ever in your favor..

ONE MORE DAY!! LESS THAN ONE MORE DAY!! Sorry. I'm a taddy bit excited. But at the same time I'm sad too. Because as long as I've been waiting to go to Minnesota this weekend..it's gonna be over in the blink of an eye. But I'm so happy and it's gonna be so fun. The entire weekend is pretty much planned out..we have so much to do in such little time! I think I am most excited for these things in this order: 1) to see Charlie and Stephie 2) to see Hunger Games right when we get there(!) 3) To go to the Mall of America (and H&M..I am saving all my monies for that!!) and 4) to see Adrian in one of his food competitions..sorry that you have to come in last, Amo, but I <3 you anyway!
Must go pack now
Must only choose 3 outfits to wear (how does one do that?? I usually dress based upon how I am feeling that day and who knows how I will feel?? I will probably suffer too much mental anguish over this decision, which is the silliest thing I've ever heard!)
Must paint fingernails Hunger Gamesish color
Must have long cuddles with puppies
Must eat all dark chocolate in house
Must stop typing.


sorry. (gilly voice).

Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound..

Finally hooooome! We just drove through 2 hours of the worrrst weather ever.  I was terrified because every time I looked at my facebook I would see someone commenting about the tornadoes and stuff..so. I sat very still..held onto my phone tight (After people get in wrecks, they always tell me they couldn't find their phone) and I uncrossed my legs..if something were to happen I wouldn't want my legs to be all tangled. And I was in a trance like state for about an hour until Judah said something that broke the silence..then I felt like the worst person who calls themself a 'christian' ever. Because, just like my mom, the second anything looks like it could go wrong or something looks scary or gloomy, I automatically pray. Every single time. I just do it without thinking. But then I was still scared. I let the fear take over me. I tend to do this in many situations..I guess I just pray out of habit. Which for sure can be a good thing. But I don't always believe what I'm saying..It's something I gotta work on for sure. And we made it home safe and sound! It was really bad weather though..we saw a ton of cars sitting on the side of the interstate with their flashers on waiting it out. scary.

Okay now I shall write about some warning labels for reading my blog..I'm having a hard time with this one but here it goes! (A few things will be the same as you guys reading this, but whatevs!)

1.) I ramble. I'm all over the place. My brain has a hard time staying on one topic! I'm sorry!!

2.) I always apologize for the way I feel. Sorry! (ha!)

3.) I love my doggies as if they were my birth children..and..and I'm NOT sorry!!

4.) I, too, use song lyrics as my blog titles because I hate titles and I would leave it blank if I had to think of one every time. 

5.) My blog sometimes can get real serious. 

(sorry)

I will probably think of like 87 more things later that I could have said, but those are the 5 things I'm gonna say and I'm not gonna apologize for typing them! Now!

I'm trying to set up Nikeplus right now..anyone know anyone that uses that or the Path app? I'm so confused, but I think it will help me keep track of my runs better (and motivate me to go farther! and faster!) 

So that's my 2nd blog for today! Ohhh yah I forgot..I got the Hunger Games soundtrack (which I didn't love, btw..I just got it because I was so excited) and now I can't contain myself anymore and I'm gonna try so hard to make tomorrow go by really fast so that I can be on an airplane to Minnesoooota to watch the Hunger Games. 

It's so hard to say goodbye..(to the beach)

Okay so I know I skipped another day..so I'll blog twice today! We stayed up late watching the movie J. Edgar and I was too tired to to anything but go to sleep afterwards. The movie was okay. I do like watching movies about history bc I have forgotten so much about it. And I really do enjoy learning about things that have happened in the past. Apparently I don't remember J. Edgar being gay..or at least my teachers never taught that. I did think Leo DiCaprio did a good job with that role. We are coming home today! But first we are going to spend the day in Pensacola (AND there is a star bucks there!) after that we will be on the way home. I'll try to have a longer blog tonight when we get home. I'm so happy to go home and get my Vega! I miss her soooo much. Catch y'all later.

I ain't missin you at all..

Can't believe I remembered to blog! We are having such a good time on vacation, I don't think we ever want to come home. Actually, we decided to stay an extra night..which means we will be coming back on Wednesday (sorry mom, you're stuck with my doggies!) today we pretty much just laid around and played on the beach. This afternoon, Judah and I went shopping with his brother and his wife (Jared and Joy) because it's Joy's birthday on Wednesday. Shopping! My favorite thing in the world! I did buy a new pair of tennis shoes at the Nike store.. They were only half the price that they are back home (it was an outlet mall). Joy, on the other hand, didn't get ONE thing..she looked at the Coach purses and some jewelry..but she has to absolutely love something to buy it. I am so jealous of people that can do that. I don't have to have a Coach bag..and I'm not into sparkly jewelry..but I always feel like I need to buy something! I love clothes so much..I know I have a spending problem. I'm trying to work on it! After we shopped, we ate at the best restaurant in Destin, Dewet's..we watched the sunset on the pier, it was so pretty! I got grilled snapper..it was amazing. Afterwards, we came home and just hung out..told embarrassing stories about each other..it was good times. We are goin to bed now.. Until tomorrow, goodnight!

I threw it on the ground..

Yay for wifi! Blogging from judah's iPad. It takes like triple the time to type on here! Oh wells..can I just say I'm beat. Past ready to go to sleep. Didn't get any sleep Friday night (but I had such a good time at the Radio Bar!) got here late last night..Was woken up at 7 am today by the nephew. The boy wakes up early and has an unending supply of energy.I swear. We are having a great time so far..got sun burnt on the beach..walked on the pier..laid by the pool..went with the girls for margaritas while the dudes cooked and Grammy watched the baby..we had a really full day and I'm so ready for bed! But I'm sooooooooo super excited for Hunger Games!!!! And to see Pernkie :) and I guesssss to see Charlie and Steph! Off to sleepy land I go for now. Nighty night!

Da beach..

So..I missed another day.oops! We made it to Navarre Beach! I'm gonna go spend time with the fam now :)

You know, it's not that bad..

Ah! Can't believe I forgot to blog yesterday :-/
Probably because I never took my computer out of my work bag last night! My husband and I went out to eat and kinda just fell asleep when we got home. Actually..I was trying to catch up on the TV show, Once Upon A Time. My co workers watch it and I watched it when it first came on..I like it okay. I think some of the acting is a little cheesy at times. But I guess that's okay, because the show is about fairy tales and myths and legends sooo.
There really aren't many TV shows that I like these days..we mostly just put the Food channel on and watch Chopped over and over and over and over..and over. I think I have seen every episode.
I am sooooo incredibly happy that it's Friday today..I feel so drained this week. I don't really know why, because we haven't been that busy at work. Tomorrow we are leaving to go to Navarre Beach with Judah's family. Maybe I have just been needing a vacation. It feels really early to be going to the beach, but hey, I'm not gonna complain about a vacay OR going to the beach! It will be really nice to spend time with Judah's brother and his wife and also Judah's sister. His aunt and uncle recently moved to Navarre so it will be nice to spend time with them, too. I do love my Vedros' family so much. Over the past few months I have felt really lonely..and I've just been praying for a good friend. Believe me, I have GREAT friends. Buttt you know how you just have those few that you really just connect with? I have a few of them here (and a few of them up north!!), it's just making the time to actually spend with them. The reality is, I am extremely blessed to have so many close friends/family and cousins that really love me. Sometimes I just need to tell myself to shut up when I start to feel sorry for myself. I want you gals that are reading this (and you know who you are) to know that I love you so much and I value our friendship/relationships. Anywho, I think what I was getting to is that I'm excited to spend time with Judah's fam at the beach!

Das all for today, y'all.

Saddle up your horses..

Ummm. Why did I just read on someone's facebook status that Steven Curtis Chapman was in Louisiana and I'm not there?? I am so mad! I saw him when I was like..um 12 or 13 years old. And then I went to get his autograph and I think he was in a bad mood because he wouldn't really talk to anyone. I have to give him a chance to redeem himself!!
Anywho, it's the first day of the Ides of March challenge! That means I gotta blog every day. I can do it. I just hope I don't bore you guys to tears.
So guess I'll just blog about my day....welllll...I was happy that I could work very close to home today (so I could sleep in an extra hour!) We had a steady flow of patients so it was pretty good day. I stayed after work to exercise..ran 2 miles..did some other stuff..came home and cooked some porkchops. and sauteed zuchinni and squash and cooked rice. annnd some kale chips..annnd something bad. I had an extra zuchinni so I got crazy and pan fried that sucker. (Does it make it-any-healthier that I used egg whites and spelt flour??ha!). It was really good! Thank God I only did one zuchinni because I couldn't stop eating it.
Ah! Something awesome happened today. I bought my ticket to see Thrice in New Orleans for their farewell tour in May!!!!!! The day after my birthday!!!!!! I don't think you people know how much this means to me. I know I have said like so many things about them..but honestly. If you wanna hear someone sing da truth..listen to dem! Seriously, they have helped me through so many situations in my life, they will really never know how much they mean to lil old me. I even got a tattoo from some of their album art :) (put a bird on it!!) <--for my fellow Portlandia watchers..if you haven't seen that episode..just youtube that phrase and watch the minute and a half sketch. It's so true! ha.
Alas, the dirty dishes are screaming my name.

(note: I was just informed by Ashleigh that The Ides of March doesn't start until March 15..sooo..oops!!)

There's no end in sight.

"And come what may, I won't abandon, or leave you behind because Love is a loyalty sworn, not a burning for a moment."

Thank God. (literally).

Walkin' side roads, cause that's the only way I know.

I had a most productive day. I went to work for 8. I came home at lunch to let dogs out, and folded laundry and washed dishes as well. I went back to work until 5. I logged 3 miles on the treadmill. I am on week 3, day 3 of couch to 5k! I usually run just a tad longer..well because I usually hate running for like the first minute or 2. Then I get into this rhythm and its just hard to stop and start and stop and start. My breathing gets all out of control..I also did lots of incline. Annnnyway. I came home and vacuumed up pine needles that were leftover from our sad dead Christmas tree and moved around the living room a bit. Then I dusted everrrry room and vacuumed the rest of the trailer and then cleaned counters. Then I made a salad! Now I'm beat! I'm also not feeling very well..I started feeling horrible yesterday (body aches, swollen and sore throat..ya know, all of the dumb flu s/s) but when I woke up this morning I felt 75% better! Still have the yucky throat stuff, though :-(

I am not going to say anything about the LSU vs. Alabama game because I have talked about it all day to each and every patient that came in, and I'm tired of it. And because I think the game spoke for itself. My husband and I both just sat there and watched. No yelling or stomping or cussing. Just sitting silently, watching.

On a happier note, my brother and sister in law are coming to visit this weekend. And I can't contain my excitement!!!!! I know I'm going to be so annoying and they are going to be ready to not see me again for a few more months, but I can't help myself and they better suck it up!!

I think that is all that is happening in my boring life right now.
I wish Hunger Games would come out this weekend.
I wish there was a good show that I could go to soon.
I wish I had lots of $ and could go to New Zealand or Italy or somewhere else far away for a vacation.
I need some excitement.

So this is the new year..

2012. Change. Not the biggest fan. (It's really hard for me to just think about taking down the Christmas tree today!) It's funny how even if I don't particularly like the place I'm in, change still scares me.

Who knows what this year will bring?? Visits to the Twin Cities, Raleigh..hopefully NYC at some point, Florida..who could forget Grand Isle??

2011 wasn't the best year for me..but I am thankful for [most of] the happenings of 2011.
I was very thankful to move back to the country! I think that was the best thing that happened.
I was bo(l)th sad and happy for my brother and sister in law moving to another state. I truly am extremely happy for and proud of you, Steph!
We gained a moo moo.
We spent time with my husband's siblings (which doesn't happen very often!). We spent a week with them in Florida, and a long weekend in Tulsa. Which was our first really long road trip together, and my first time to Tulsa.
My husband and I didn't kill each other! We made it through another year. We learned how to be more patient with each other (which is a life long process, of course)
I got to go to New York this summer to watch my cousin eat in the Nathan's hot dog eating contest!


Okay, so maybe a lot of great things did happen this past year. I am very thankful and blessed to have the people that I have in my life..you all make it worth living!