My best friends

This is Jamie.

(this photo was taken by the wonderful and talented Hudson Photography)

She is one of my best friends. We grew up together, went to the same college, and magically ended up with many of the same friends.


This is Rachel.

(again photo by Hudson Photography, they're amazing)

She is my other best friend! Although we didn't grow up together I feel like we did sometimes. We went to the same college and also have many of the same friends (including a best friend, Jamie)!


God must really love me because he gave me two wonderful people to be my best friends! They are both kind, smart, funny, and all around just amazing. I miss them so much everyday but I'm thankful for their continued close friendship and support! They will always be such a big part of my life and I wanted to take this time to make sure they knew, as well as the whole world! I miss you both oh so much and love you with all the love I can give! Thanks for being such great friends!


I can only hope you have such great friends in your life too.....which I'm sure you all do. So make sure to tell them how great they are!

I think this kid's got the right idea

It doesn't matter if you don't know the words.....sing (and play) your heart out. Enjoy.

Besides, you can make the words up if you have too! ;)

Please, allow me...

to encourage you to read THIS wonderful blog. You will adore it, I'm sure of it. Please, thank me later, right now hope on over and find out why you will love it.

Happy Monday.

SHUT UP!

This has become a new staple phrase in my vocabulary. It means: seriously, no way, are you kidding me, I don't believe you, that's amazing, etc. I think you get the idea. Well.....

SHUT UP!! I actually won a giveaway. Christmas miracles do happen. :)

Happy Friday!

Just wanted to say

Thank you to the 6 or so of you that actually visit my blog.....you are appreciated. Yay for tomorrow being Friday!!!!!

Brrrrrr....and yuck and the Hogs

It is freezing in our house! FREEZING. I'm sure you are thinking just turn up the heat. Well I would but I live with one of the most frugal men in the world! (I'm over exaggerating a wee bit). But he seriously doesn't like to turn the heat on. Crazy I know. Well we had company this weekend so he finally did, but he won't turn it above 65 degrees. So everyday when he gets home I say, "Babe, it was so cold in the house today!" And he replies with, "Well, did you put on a jacket?" Yes, like it's totally normal to walk around your house with 17 layers of clothes on....silly boy! But I love him anyways.

And it's gross out! It's supposed to rain here for the next few days....boooooo.

So we had guest this weekend (like I mentioned before) and we all got to go the the LSU v. Arkansas game! Wooooohooooooo. I wanted nothing more than for us to win, especially since we now live in LSU land (New Orleans is close enough to be too close). Sadly we did not win, but I do look forward to a great football team next year!

We were all pretty worried about going to the game to say the least. We've experienced (in Little Rock) and heard horrible LSU fan stories. But to our delight, it was SO not the case. Actually it was quite the opposite for the most part, excluding the very angry-looking gentleman who honk at us the entire time he was flipping us the bird. BUT then an amazing thing happened, a car full of LSU fans slowed down, rolled their window down and............offered us a free parking pass. Now for the longest time we debated about whether it was legit or not and decided we might as well find out. Well, it was and it was so close to the stadium. Our original 2 mile walk turned into about 2 blocks! AMAZING! And once inside, many fans asked if we were being treated okay and wanted to stop and talk to us. It made for a very fun experience, except for that who losing in overtime thing!

Yay for 25 days til Christmas!!!

Stock the Shelter 2009

There is nothing that makes people want to give like the holiday season!! There are so many organizations and wonderful causes to give to and so many people in need. But sometimes we forget the furry guys! And they are in need too! Well my bestie Jamie and my other bestie Rachel team up to help them out.



One day Jamie decided she wanted to do something to help out the all furry animals who don't have a loving, warm home with wonderful humans to feed them, so she and Rachel came up with Stock the Shelter.

Stock the Shelter is a donation drive that benefits Northwest Arkansas Animal Shelter. I think it's a wonderful way to make some furbabies very happy. So please if you are looking for a wonderful cause to donate to consider Stock the Shelter. There are so many ways you can help out.

If you live in the Northwest Arkansas area Jamie or Rachel will come pick up your donation. Don't live in the area but still want to help out, no worries, contact the girls and they can tell you how to donate to directly to the shelter. So get out and give a little this holiday season whether it be your time or money, every little bit helps. And even if Stock the Shelter isn't your cup of tea, spread the word it will be greatly appreciated! Here's a list of items the shelter is always in need of, along with a way to contact Jamie or Rachel!

The donation drive ends December 23 so you have plenty of time.

Call Rachel at (479) 871-2138 or Jamie at (479) 234-2740 for more information, to arrange for pick up or if you have any questions.

Here's a list of items they're in need of:
Pillows
Towels
Sheets
Bleach
Leashes
Blankets
Pet Beds
Cat Litter
Cat Food (Dry and/or wet)
Dog Food (Dry and/or wet)
Pet Shampoo
Dog & Cat Toys
Brushes & Combs
Laundry Detergent
Stainless Steel Bowls
Flea Treatment Products
Pet Carriers
Newspapers
Office Supplies
Paper Towels
Dish Soap
Aluminum cans (by the bag)
Shredded Paper

Sorry it's a long one

Since the holidays are fast approaching (hello, Thanksgiving next week) and thus a new year right around the corner. So naturally I started thinking about New Year's resolutions. AND this coming year and from here on out I plan on doing something different, more on that in a minute. Right now I want to tell you how I arrived at point right here, right now, writing this blog post. Okay, here we go.

In thinking about New Year's resolutions, I remembered once upon a time (I think I was 15, so about 10 years ago) that I wrote out a list of "Things to Do In My Life". And I know I had kept it because I remembered seeing it about a year ago. Soooooo, I started digging in my boxes upon boxes of pictures and letters and random other items I have felt the need to keep over the years and finally found it. But it's what I didn't expect to find that made me want to write this post. Of course it was in the second to last box I looked in, so I had the chance to look at all kinds of old college and high school pictures and letters! Oh what a good time I had just laughing and smiling all by myself on the floor of the bedroom as I was flooded with memories. And then, then, as I continued to read letters, I started to cry, I cried and cried and cried. It was truly the strangest thing and as I write this I can feel my eyes starting to water. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why I was crying. Then, it hit me. I missed being myself. Now let me explain as some of you might be thinking that I missed the old me, I guess in a way I did, but not in the way that I wanted to go back in time. I missed remembering who I was/am. Still confused? I've been so overwhelmed with the fact that I don't have a job, own a house, etc. I've been so worried for the last few years about the complete WRONG things. I was sad because I was able to become the person I am, in the place where I'm at with the help of most of these people, these people who are just memories for the most part now. These people were all I had at one point and somehow, even with all the moments they helped make in my life, I managed to let my relationship with them fall to way side.

Now at this point you might be thinking we all do that Jonnie, it's just something that happens. Well I'm not okay with that....not anymore. I want to make sure that everybody who means/meant something to me knows it and they know it as often as I can tell them. I will no longer be consumed with the things that won't matter when I leave this world! I will from this day on make an effort to be the best me I can be and part of that is constantly remembering where I can from and those who helped shape me! Sorry, I feel like this is a common issue for me, but this time it really hit me, because I just spend the last twenty minutes on the floor crying like it's nobodies business. We'll continue this conversation at a later point.

Okay, now that all that's out, I want to share my list with you...here you go:

• See New York at Christmas time
• Be a size six (hahah...this makes me laugh, why did I care at 15?)
• Take up yoga/kickboxing (I've done it, but I wouldn't say I've taken it up)
• Learn to dance
  
• Go to San Franciso
• Be a mother
• Marry the man of my dreams
• Participate in a life changing experience (I love it, isn't everything life changing?)
• Volunteer my time
• Learn to play the guitar
• Learn to speak Thai
• Study Astrology
• Own a St. Bernard (I really don't have this desire anymore)
  
• Visit Thailand
• Meet my Grandma (my mom's mom) (sadly she died before I ever got to do this)
• Learn Sign Language
• Go on a cruise
• Run in a marathon
• Learn to play the piano
• Have ice cream with my little brother
• Have a day with my real dad
• Watch a meteor shower
• Graduate from college with honors (I'm just glad I finished)
  
• Take up photography
• Study aboard in Spain (I missed out on this one too)

Many of these things I still want to accomplish in life and there is much more to add to it. Instead of making New Year's resolutions I plan to just add to my list through out the year and as I accomplish them I will mark them off......my whole life just became a New Year's resolution.

I feel like all this was so random, oh well! Happy Thursday.

Two things

First, I joined a women's bible study group at church and I'm so pumped! I truly cannot wait to see what is in store. I'll keep you posted.

And two, go here and read THIS......you'll be so glad you did!

Tomorrow marks the middle of the week. Making home that much closer for me! Wooohooo.

A lot of randomness

I sold something on Craigslist today! Wooohooo.....my first time, but now I have the dilemma of the person picking it up. Now granted I'm pretty sure is in the coast guard, but I'm still leery of one, having a stranger come over to my house and two I would be here by myself (plus dogs of course) because Jake is out of town all week. Just meet in a public place to make the exchange you say. Wonderful idea, except it's a rug we sold and it's too big to fit in my car or for me to pick up by myself!!!!!!!!!!! No worries, I will be safe. I think we all learned about Stranger, Danger a long time ago.

In three days....count 'em, 1-2-3. I will be in the wonderful state of ARKANSAS!!!!!! I don't count today nor the day I will be leaving, so that makes 3. And I can't wait!!

And finally I watch Glee, religiously. I think this makes me a Gleek. I love it. There is no better combination than singing and dancing in one place. Besides they pick great songs! And I particularly LOOOOOVE this one and so I'm sharing it. Enjoy and feel free to dance around, I do. Happy Monday.

So this is Christmas

Okay, it's not Christmas yet, but my house seems to think so! Since we will be gone the week of Thanksgiving, I had to get the house all Christmas ready for when we returned. Jonnie, why not just decorate when you get back you ask. Well I can't because we will have our very first house guests in town!!!!!! Our good friends from Little Rock, Keli and Abram are coming to visit. So we'll be busy with a fun-filled week and an Arkansas vs. LSU game. (Wooooooo Pig Sooooiie)

I don't mind having to decorate early because I LOVE CHRISTMAS as does my very best friend Jamie. In fact if I were in Fayetteville right now, our time together would be spent riding around singing Christmas songs very LOUDLY and watching Christmas movies. Oh and we would convince our other best friend Rachel that she totally needs to put up her baby tree!

One day I hope to have a HUGE 7 foot tree! A girl can dream, right?! Anyways...I hope you are all preparing for the next best holiday Thanksgiving! I love this day also, just not quite as much. My favorite thing about Thanksgiving is the food induced coma in the middle of the day and Jake and I have a standing tradition of going bowling! We love it, we always invite others to go, but for some reason it always ends up just being us. It's so much fun, because there are only 2 or 3 other groups there! This is something we plan on making a Thanksgiving family tradition! Do you have a special Thanksgiving tradition? I'd love to hear about it. Hope you all have a great Monday oh and hop on over to Sunshinemeg's and give her some love, she is officially a married woman! Congrats again Sunshinemeg.

Pardon the baby gates. Plato won't stay out of the fireplace and we haven't found a fireplace screen we like yet. We also use one to keep them in the kitchen while we clean. AND I need to find stocking hangers.

It's nothing special but it's ours! Didn't mean for the broom to make it in the pic.

Contentment

Contentment Prayer:

Lord, help me to be grateful for what I have, to remember that I don't need most of what I want, and that joy is found in simplicity and generosity.

Enough by Adam Hamilton

Happy Wednesday!

Happy Halloween!

I was so proud of my homemade costume this year!!! It cost me less than $5 and about 20 minutes to make and I got a lot of compliments. I felt SOOOOOO special for some reason. Which today makes me laugh because it's just a silly Halloween costume, but it was a fun night none the less.

Jake and I went out to Frenchmen St. with some co-workers of his and had the BEST time. The place was packed from one side to the other. Honestly I had no idea what to expect (mainly because I'm not a fan of crowds) but it truly was a sight to see and a fun time. People everywhere having fun dressed up in random costumes.


Tonight I'm enjoying my extra hour and leaving you all with a photo of my homemade costume. Enjoy!

This is for my friend Brianna!

I just found out my friend Bri, from high school, reads my blog! Yay for me. That makes me happy. However, she also said she gets bummed when she checks it to see that I haven't made a new post. So Bri, this new post is for you. I know the feeling, I often check some of my regular blogs a million times a day to see if they have new post. Can we say I need a job?

I've come to realize that although I really enjoy the flexibility of subbing......sometimes, I want to rip my hair out. I mean come on people, I wasn't born yesterday nor was I born a million years ago. I haven't even had my ten year reunion. Yet, somehow these kids, I'll call them that because although some of them may be 18 they sure don't act like it, think I'm Stupid with a capital S. Here is some of my day.

Uh, Miss.......Miss.......uh, Miss.......what's your name again? This happens literally a million and one times a day. Know that I write it on the board as big as I can.

Student: Hey teacher what's your name?
Me: It's on the board.
Student: Oh Ms. Horse?
Me: Cute, but that's not an r.
Student: Really?
I look at the white board to realize that someone has changed my n into an r. Clever, no really. Like I've never heard that one before.

I REALLY need to go to the bathroom. All day everyday I hear this at school.

We don't do it that way. I usually answer with, "really, well lucky for you I like to try new things." I find that it really annoys them and I get to smile for a brief moment.

Can I please go to my locker, the gym, the library, where ever else they can think of. And then I say, "Let's play a game. What do you think I'm going to say?" HINT it will probably be NO.

Honestly I can't remember being this way to a substitute teacher. My regular teacher, sure, that person knew me, but not the sub. Maybe I was like that. But I like to remember myself as the girl who really did have to go to the bathroom, or really did forget her notebook in her locker. :)

All in all, I can say that this chance to substitute teach is a blessing because I get to see the sweetest most well behaved children and young adults as well as the horrible, can't even stand to think about reading ones. And it makes me all the more thankful to the teachers that are out there everyday making a brighter future out of them. I'm thankful for the parents who ARE involved and because of that have children who WANT to learn and grow into productive people. And I'm even thankful for the children that can be mean, horrible, and rotten because I know that one day they can be a better, stronger person. When it comes down too it I have learned to really value education.

Oh and I just found out that Jake won Hornet's tickets.............woooohoooo. First home game of the season and we get to go! Pictures to follow.

Just a few things

Hello blog friends. I only have a few things to share and a question or two.

First things first. I want to share a very important adult lesson I learned. ALWAYS carry cash. If not, this could happen to you. You finish a day of substitute teaching in a suburb you've never been too, you eagerly get in your car ready to see your puppies and change clothes. You turn on your GPS only to realize that it sucks and you may never get home. It finally comes on and leads you towards home, as you take the right to the bridge as your faithful GPS tells you, you realize that there is a toll ahead and no place to turn around. Why do you need to turn around? Because you DON'T have any change or cash to pay the toll. Too late, you're stuck, yup stuck. (Thanks GPS for the heads up.) You pray that some miracle will happen and the person in front of you is feeling gracious enough to pay for the car behind them or that the tollbooth person is feeling extremely nice today..........NOPE! Neither of those fantasies comes true, but what does happen is the very NOT nice tollbooth lady makes you feel stupid and looks at you like you should know better. THEN she tells you that she will have to make all the other booths stop letting people through for a moment so you can turn around. So lesson learned always carry cash!

Now for seconds. I joined a league this week where I get to play basketball every Monday, which I'm very excited about since once upon a time I only lived to play basketball. Now heading to the gym on Monday I had all kinds of thoughts, what if I really suck now, or make a fool out of myself? Worse, what if I pass out from being so out of shape??????? Instead this happened, I didn't suck, well at least not as much as I imagined and I actually found a crossover jump shot that would have been nice to have back in the day. I didn't pass out, but I did feel like puking a time or two. Once the game was over I could tell two things, one, this is going to be fun, two, I may not ever be able to move again. I was sore yesterday but I honestly feel like I can't move at all today. So lesson learned.....it's much harder the day after the next day!

And lastly, at what point do you finally stop getting pimples and/or zits? I mean seriously, what do you have to look forward to in aging if you will forever have to live with these horrors!? Is this a problem for anyone else or were you all blessed with great skin!

Happy Wednesday!!

Sometimes I need to remind myself

We've all made New Year's resolutions only to let them fall by the wayside a month or two later. Sure there are some we've kept strong for 3 or 4 months, but yes, them they too fall. And of course there are the few, the very, very few that we accomplish and doesn't that make you feel GREAT!

Well recently I've made some goals for myself that are life changing and important, so in hopes of them NOT turning out like many of my past New Year's resolutions I'm beating my attitude to the finish line! I can sense when I'm starting to digress from the path I want to be on, only recently did I discover this sense. But now that I know it, there's no way I'm letting it get the best of me. What I'm a doing to stop it before it gets into full swing?Lists.

I have made two note cards regarding my two most current goals. The first one is labels "5 Reasons I Won't Spend Money". This really wasn't an issue for a while, but now that I'm getting a paycheck again I'm starting to see my old ways. AND the holidays DON'T help because I want to buy decorations or spend more than I allotted for my Christmas budget, because my sister HAS to have this or that. So here are my 5 reasons:

1. I love my future husband (Jake) and want great things for us.
2. I have self-control (I know I do, it's just believing it).
3. There are BILLS to pay (yup, there always are).
4. I have dreams to achieve.
5. I want to see the people I love (you know who you are).

My second note card is in regards to my running. I was doing so well and then I had to go and tell the world about it! Now in my somewhat defense, it has been raining in New Orleans like crazy. Yup, everyday it seems like exactly at 3:00 pm the rain starts. It wouldn't be a big deal but since I needed to make note card #1 I am forgoing a gym and running outside to save money. So here are my "5 Reasons to Work Out":

1. I want to be healthy for my children (my future children and I want to be healthy when I decide to have children as well).
2. I plan on running a 5k.
3. I would love to feel comfortable again with myself (it's a wonderful feeling to not feel self concise in the clothes you are wearing).
4. Two piece swimsuit (that's all I'm saying on that one).
5. I want to be my best me (physically, emotionally, and spiritually).

So there you have it. The plan is to carry these around with my the first on in my wallet taped to my debit card and the second one just actually in my house by the front door. When I get my debit card out to buy something I'll see my list and hopefully think twice about if it's a need or want. When I get home I'll see my card and decide if just feeling "lazy" today is a good enough reason. Let's see how it goes, I'll keep you posted. Have a great Wednesday!

I enjoyed this and hope you do too!

Happy Friday!

Sorry it won't let me embed it, but I promise you want to watch THIS!!!

Public school adventures

Subbing in New Orleans Public School's is certainly a job, but one that I have been enjoying. It was my second time to sub for this 2nd grade class. I was called in halfway through the day because the original sub failed to show up or call. (Rude). So I get there grab my class from the class next door and as the kiddos are walking in a little girl walks up to me and says.....

"Your hair looks SOOOOOOOO much better than the other day!!! I really like it."

I gave her my sincere thanks and silently thought to myself. "I didn't realized my hair looked sooooo bad the other day." :)

Same class, same day, but later that afternoon, I took a poll about what kind of candy Ms. Honse should pass out at her house for Halloween. The winner was definitely Twix. When we were done a little boy in the front raised his hand and said, "but I don't know where you live!" I thought it was the cutest thing.

I can say wholeheartedly that teachers have a hard job, sure they get the summers off if they want them and a good amount of time off for Christmas and Thanksgiving but that's because they DESERVE it. I can honestly say that from the few days I've subbed. I mean I am exhausted when I get home.

Also did you know that itunes songs are now $1.29?????? When did that happen? Slowly there are less and less things you can get for a dollar! :(

Happy Monday.

Me likey!

Sorry for the short absence. I have been substitute teaching!! And let me tell you, it's so hard being the sub! I mean I can't personally say that I gave any of my substitute teachers a hard time but I sure do remember some high school boys who did. I have been thinking about getting my teacher certification and I thought getting a taste of what I could possibly be doing wouldn't be a bad idea. Now in New Orleans the school system is strange to me. I grew up in a town where you had one type of school. Public school, and it worked out great for me! Now my boyfriend also went to public school in Little Rock and is a big advocate of public schools, but I'm starting to learn that it really just depends on the place you are living! I have been subbing at public schools so far, but I plan on having a taste of some charter schools and of course private schools. I'm sure they will all be very different and I want to see if I might be able to find a place at any of them!


Moving on.....

I LOVE GLEE! For someone with no cable I sure do find enough time to watch my shows online!! Thank you Internet! If you haven't seen Glee, you must watch it! Especially if you like musicals! (As I do). And a quick note about Grey's. First off, I'm sad to no longer get to have a girls night. Kinda hard to do when you don't have any girlfriends that live in the same town as you. Second, although I did think the season premier was good I think I felt that way just for the fact that I was excited it was back on. I'm much more excited to see Private Practice!

Cast of Glee

Cast of Private Practice

And finally.

I am going to run a 5K. Over at Janie out of Debt I'm participating in the last 100 days of the year and it made me think that I should also do something meaningful with my last 100 days of 2009 (besides getting my financial life in order)! So I thought the best thing I could do for myself is get back in a state of good health! I am using the couch to 5K program (you can find it online here). I like it because it eases you into it. I didn't want to say anything until I had proven to myself that I would stick to it. So I figured if I could get through the first week and start on the second that that was a sign of future success. (At least based on my previous attempts). I haven't picked my 5K yet and I might not actually run it until next year, it all just depends on what I can find that fits my schedule. I will make sure to let you know how my progress goes! But now you know so I am now webcountable. He he.

OH! And did you see that Jon Gosselin is halting production of Kate plus 8. I'm sure he's pissed that they wanted to give Kate her own show. Now look, when I watched Jon and Kate Plus 8 I was always on Jon's side, I mean sure he was just being lazy sometimes, but I felt like Kate was so overbearing. NOW it's a whole different story. The man is acting like a 20 year old and I can't stand it! Anyways, the article also said he has halted going through with the divorce for the time being. You can find it here.

Sometimes you reach a point of no return. Meaning, yes I just spent an hour talking to the cute guy I have a crush on with lipstick all over my front teeth. Oh well, I can't be embarrassed now, nope, not after I worked up the courage to even talk to him and now I can't act like a little lipstick is going to bring me down.

Or sometimes you reach a point where there is no more moving forwards, or climbing up and over, or around (you get my point). No you have reached a dead end, kinda like in a maze where you are sure that that one path is going to take you somewhere, but it doesn't. So what do you do? You back up. Yes you reverse. You go back to the beginning if needed to figure it out. But for some reason this makes people look at you funny. Why? Maybe because they could get through the whole maze without having to start over or take another path. Because they are so certain that the one way they did it was the right way!

I will have to make a very hard choice in the coming days. Which is kinda ironic that it's so hard, because the answer is so clear. Do you ever have those? Yes, it leads to more work or possibly a harder road to take, but the answer is still the best one. I know you want me to just spill it, but I can't, not until I have fully committed to this choice. Which means I owe it a little more thought and processing.

But I just needed to say that going backwards or starting over never makes you less of a person, if anything it makes you a person who is brave. And hopefully those from the outside looking in will see that.

Hope your weekend was better than mine.....the Hogs lost, again! :(

Deep Thoughts

So I've been applying for jobs like crazy....any job. And the I keep getting the same answer. "We're just not hiring at the moment." Okay that's fine, but I mean hearing that every time is starting to get me down. And then today happened!!!

Yes, what was different about today? Nothing, except I finally realized that I have a great opportunity here. I have the opportunity to be anything! Yes, I have the chance to do it basically all over again (in a sense). I mean I can't get a job, which means that I have the opportunity to try out anything my heart can dream! This is amazing to me. It's a brand new start. Not one person can tell me that I can't do something, or that my idea is stupid, or unachievable. Why? Because my friends I am at the bottom. I have NO WHERE to go but up! I heard on the radio the other day about a famous comedian (who of course I can't think of at the moment) who got into the business because he said he had reached his lowest point. He lost his job, his wife left him, he had nothing, nowhere to go. And he found joy and comfort in laughter and so he said to himself "why not, I have nothing to lose." And he was right. So what if I fail? I'll be right back where I started and I'm okay with that because I can say I tried.

What would you do if you had an opportunity basically do whatever your heart could dream. I mean this with your current situation. For instances you would still have your significant other and kiddos to think of, but for the most part you had no where to go but up. What does your heart desire?

I know I seem to be talking about the serious parts of my life right now which can be a HUGE drag. I promise it will get better! I just want to share my thoughts. I've got to put them somewhere, why not share them with the world. I hope your hump day was great!!

Sometimes I feel like this.....

For the longest time I did NOT know that this song was a Christian song! I love it and I haven't heard it in a long time until today. Oh yes, while driving around with my poor attitude trying to find a job I stumbled upon this song and it totally made my day! I love the little ways God likes to talk to you. Needless to say I danced around in my car and had a ball turning my frown upside down! I hope you enjoy it too! And I hope your Monday was wonderful.






P.S. I'm already SO excited for Christmas!!!!!! I can't stand it!!!!!

Who knew?

That I was such a HUGE dork! Yes, I think it's official. Why you may be asking? Well because I've discovered that I LOVE "The Legend Of the Seeker" a TV show based on the series of books by Terry Goodkind's called "Sword of Truth". Why does this make me a dork, because it's based on fantasy, oh yes! Wizards and "Seekers", evil emperors, magic, sword fights, and of course love. It does help that the leading man is a hottie too. Yes people I like magic, apparently. Ha ha. No but all kidding aside I really enjoyed this TV show and I'm so excited that they will be making a second season. I felt very compelled to share this new found wisdom and hope that you can all find you inner love for fantasy! :)

Doesn't this poster make you wanna watch it?

I would almost go so far as to say that I love Richard and Kahlan about as much as I love Jim and Pam. ALMOST! I know that's saying alot. So I hope one day when you're bored and you can't think of anything better to do.....you'll watch an episode or two, but beware, you will like it! You can watch the first season instantly on Netflix and I think you can also watch it on Hulu. (Is that what it's called?)
Hope your weekend was great!

Do you ever

love a show or certain characters and wish they were together in real life??? I do!!!!!!!!!! My most favorite couple is Jim and Pam. We don't have cable so I have to wait til the new episodes are online, but I'm so excited about the new season! And I wish that Jim (John) and Pam (Jenna) were together and in love in real life, because their TV characters are just SO sweet together! I'm corny I know! Then my very realistic boyfriend points out that it would probably never work for them in real life, because they aren't like their characters....party pooper. Oh well, here's to hoping! And here's to another GREAT season of the office!

Baby Love!!!!!!!

I love my nephew so much it's hard to imagine the love I will feel for my own children some day. He is the happiest little guy in the whole world! I hate that it will be 3 more months before I see him again (I bet I don't make it that long, I'll crack). He loves his Aunt Jonnie too! Just see for yourself.

Here he is with his proud Momma!

Such a big boy!



Austin all dressed to support those HOGS!

Love him!

See.....told you he was the happiest little guy!

Dinner Spanakopitas

I'm delighted to be participating in my first EVER "Show Us Your Life" over at Kelly's Korner!

I saw this recently on the Food Network show, Barefoot Contessa. I have to admit that her show isn't my favorite BUT I do love her cookbooks. They are great! And so is this recipe if you love spinach. When I saw the recipe I thought it would be too complicated for me, but it's super easy, however you will need to devote a little bit of time to it. Still it's worth it. So enjoy. I am just going to link to the actual recipe for Dinner Spanakopitas to make it easy, but I will upload my pictures and let you know that I substituted slivered almonds for pine nuts. I'm not a big pine nut fan, but thought a little crunch would be nice, so I tried almonds and I probably could have added some more. I actually only ate one of the spanakopitas that I made and froze the rest for a rainy day. I loved the melted feta cheese with the spinach....yummmmmmy! Thanks for stopping by.

Side note, do NOT be afraid of phyllo dough. It was my first time using it and I actually impressed myself! :)




There are two things I learned from writing this post. #1: It's NOT easy to take pictures of food and make it look good enough to eat. #2: #1 might be because I need a better camera!

I can't help it......

I am IN LOVE with this young man. Someone told me I don't have to feel bad because he's not as young as I think and they were right. He's 21, so now all I need to do is figure out how to get to Hollywood and get rid of Vanessa. Ha ha. Just kidding, but he is a looker! (And he can sing AND dance, a man after my heart).

Taken for granted

Since moving, I've been doing a lot of thinking and soul searching (as I'm sure you could tell from my last post). And here are a list of things I realized I have taken for granted.

My car. Someone tried to steal my car a little while ago and it was out of commission and cost me $500 to get fixed. I used to constantly complain about how crappy my car was and it was always trashed. Well not anymore, I gave it a good cleaning the other day at my sister's and will keep it that way.

My ability to pay my bills and my job. I kept thinking while I was working in Little Rock about how I needed to find a better job, how I wasn't at a place I envisioned myself being at career wise, when in actuality I was in a great position that had tons of potential. I also used to complain about paying the bills...now I worry I won't be able to pay them.

Dreams. I somewhere, somehow forgot how to dream and set goals for myself. Something that was always going on in my head. I attribute this to my lack of finding a job and just letting myself get down, but no more!

My health. I used to be the most active person AND I enjoyed it. I haven't treated my body very well and that needs to change!

The ability that God gave me to make something of myself. Lately, I have felt lost, without a clue, feeling sorry for myself and as I was driving home today it dawned on me that I used to possess this amazing ability to turn negative or potentially bad situations into good things, opportunities to grow. I haven't done that with my current situation and I'm a little ashamed. I always get so upset when I see people who act or say that they deserve something in life (money, wealth, love). I mean we ALL deserve to live our best lives, but it's also up to us to use what the good Lord gave us, our abilities. And for a last couple of months I've been moping around thinking that I deserved for someone to just give me a job....ahhahaha. Silly me, I guess I forgot what hardwork was too! So I am coming home with a new attitude and I'm ready to embrace the adventure.

Hope you are too!

A quarter century crisis

Yes, I think that would be an appropriate name for my situation. Forgive now for the random thoughts that are about to follow.

I believe that no one should be with someone if that means changing who they really are. Or if they aren't/can't be their best self. (Disclaimer, this has nothing to do with my relationship, just thoughts I've had recently).

Will I EVER get a stinking job??????????????????? How long can one person be broke?

Is it ever really too late to pursue your dream? No, I don't think so, but does it still apply if your dream is always changing or growing? I still hope the answer is no.

When do you really figure out what you want to do with your life, is it when you finally find it? Or do most people just settle for a job they are content but not happy with? Because this girl won't stop until she finds what really makes her happy.

What's crazy to think about is that almost every feeling or thought that I've had about relationships or love or life in general someone else hundreds of years before me probably had too, just according to the generation they were living in. It blows my mind that once upon a time, Abraham Lincoln thought his heart was so broken that he didn't know if he could bare to take another breath. It equally blows my mind that as much as I will try to prevent these same feelings for my children they will still experience them.

Do you truly think that there is someone out there that has no regrets? I would do my life all over again the exact same way but that still doesn't mean I wouldn't have some regrets!

Do you ladies ever think about adopting kids? Just wondering.

And finally I will sum up my random thoughts with this. I have the best sister, nephew and brother-in-law that any one girl could ask for. I love my sister with all my heart (I know I've mentioned this before). Sometimes I think about feeling sorry for myself because of things (by things I mean feelings and emotions) that I lacked from my parents and I realize that God gave me those "things" through my sister. Someone to laugh with, someone to look up too, someone to support me, someone to tell me that yes boys aren't always nice, but you deserve better, someone to sing me to sleep when I was scared at night. Someone to love me for me. So thank you God so such a wonderful blessing! And thank you sister for being that blessing.

To blog or not to blog, that is the question.

And the answer is I'm not blogging. :) Not because I don't want to, but I find that being currently unemployed means that any free time I have should be spent writing cover letters and applying for jobs. Endless amounts of jobs! I know that the "economy is bad" and that "times are hard" and that "job opportunities are saturated with applicants". But come on people. I mean I'm not asking you to pay me 6 figures.....just enough so I can live (at least at the moment, I'll take the 6 figures soon though). No, but seriously I've been having a hard time finding a job. It's very trying and can really get a person down, but thankfully I have a wonderful boyfriend and the greatest friends and sister who are all very positive and uplifting when I complain about this. Okay I'm done with that discussion. Moving on.

I get to go home this weekend and have a good stay!!!!!!!!!! Well a week, but I feel like I just won the lottery or something. From the above mentioned statement of being jobless this trip is very much a luxury and I couldn't be more excited. I need a familiar face to laugh with, hug, and sing very loudly with while we ride around in the car. I need to kiss my sweet nephew and eat something that my sister cooked. I want to see cows and see people waving to strangers as they drive (yes, occasionally I mistake this for the bird). I want to be back in the great state of ARKANSAS!!!!!!!!!!!! Having only been in New Orleans for a short 2 months, I already know that no place else will ever really feel like "home". Not like Arkansas does at least. And although I hope to learn new things and experience new adventures here in NOLA, I still wake up everyday and think of all the people, places, and things I love and miss about Arkansas. So in other words.........I'm very eager for Friday to get here so I can hit the road!

I'm sorry but you can't tell me that you wouldn't miss that face too! He's the best thing in the whole wide world.

Every little thing

It seems like lately I've been thinking of everything. I mean everything random that is.

For instance, today I thought about all the students going back to school and then I thought of all my years of going back to school. I think about all the good times and bad that came with each year and I briefly thought of how I would like to be going back to school too. Note the keyword, briefly. But I think a part of me will always want the feeling of the first day of school and all the things that lead up to it and that come from it. New school supplies and books, new friends and teachers. But I'm sure the feeling will pass and then I'll be glad I don't have a paper due next week, or that group member who can never meet, or those surprise quizzes.

But to all of you teachers and students who are going back to school, I hope it's a wonderful year and good luck!

and now the rest of the story....

So the talk went well. I told Jake that when he was ready sometime that day that I would like to talk to him about something I think is very important. And the result is that I have a plan and a HUGE weight lifting off my shoulders. It's truly amazing.

Okay moving on. I have a recipe to share. I found it in "Family Circle" April 1, 2009 magazine. And really I'm sharing it because my friend Jamie LOVES tortellini as much as me and so I think she will enjoy this and so will you. It's very simple and super fast.


TORTELLINI SOUP:

3 cups vegetable broth
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (in a packet)
1 package (9 oz) cheese-filled tortellini
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
3 ribs of celery, thinly sliced
3/4 pounds ripe plum tomatoes (about 4), seeded and chopped
1 bag (6 oz) of baby spinach
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1. In large post, bring broth, water and Italian seasoning to boil. Add tortellini and simmer for 3 mins. Add carrots and celery and simmer additional 4 mins. Stir in tomatoes and spinach ans simmer 2 more mins or until veggies are tender. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Okay so here's somethings I did different. First off, I accidentally poured in the entire package of Italian seasoning which was (according to the package) 8 1/8 teaspoon servings. However I just added more broth and water and it still turned out wonderful. Because there's no meat, I used a bigger portion of tortellini's. And I used canned tomatoes (the garlic, oregano, and basil seasoned ones). I also added some chopped white onions. I hope you'll give it a try and if you add anything that you feel makes it better....please let me know so I can try it. Sorry by the way that I don't have a picture (I bet you could google it).

Moving on.

I made some curtains for the window that line both sides of our front door. We are trying to save on the electric bill and the light would be blinding in the afternoon once we got home. So here's a before:

And here's an after:

Jake picked the fabric and I didn't like it when we were in the store, but he let's me win on so many things that I thought it was more than time for him to win one. And I had to tell him that once they were up I absolutely loved them! He did a great job.

And lastly, I made up a mantra for myself....is that strange? I felt like I needed one for when life throws me curve balls. So I'm sharing it with you and hoping your shares yours with me, if you have one.

I am young, smart, successful, and financially stable.

I read somewhere that even if your aren't these things currently (financially stable), you should still say it as if it is in the present. Because you want these things to happen now, not in the future. NOW! :)

Happy Monday!

Debt.....how did you find me?

That question is not true, debt didn't find me, I found it. How? By not truly knowing the value of money. I love you mom and dad, but I can honestly say you didn't help me out in this department. SO, why are my thoughts on debt at this particular moment?

I recently moved to New Orleans with my boyfriend for his job. Which is great, EXCEPT I currently still do not have a job (we've been here a month and a half) and I still have a mountain of student loan and credit card bills to pay. THEN I found inspiration.

Her name: Janie

Her blog: Janie out of debt

Why she's inspiring: Well just read the blog and you'll see. Janie decided to take control of her debt and pay it off before she got married. I relate to this because this is exactly what I want to do. I don't want to come to the next chapter of my life only to bring baggage for my wonderful (hopefully) future husband Jake. Money is a huge part of divorce in this country and I want to give my marriage ever fighting chance!

So if you feel overwhelmed, like you have no clue where to start, or just that you need to know that you can do it, please head over to her website and get inspired like I did. Yesterday I went out and bought a $1 notebook and started answering the questions she presents at the end of each post. Then I wrote down all my debt and today, well today I'm gonna come clean with Jake about it so that he can know I am working on our future. Wish me luck, I'll let you know how it goes!

Happy Saturday!

Good stuff

So I love to read blogs! I'm sure most of you do too, hence the reason you are here! :) Well I have a few good ones for you to check out if you're interested.

1. I love to cook. Correction: I love to try to cook. I dream of having really elaborate dinner parties for my friends, but since all my friends currently live in another state (the greatest state in the U. S. of A.) I have to settle for cooking for myself and Jake. And so I've recently found some fun recipe blogs, here are some of my favorites.

http://lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com/

http://shelbymaelawstories.blogspot.com/

http://thekitchensinkrecipes.com/

2. I have no fashion sense.....NONE. Never have and hopefully will someday! This lack of fashion sense goes both with clothes and home decor. However to make-up for my lack of fashion sense I have great friends!

http://jenndaveholland.blogspot.com/

http://jennlovesshoes.blogspot.com/

3. Sometimes I feel like God reminds me just when he needs to of his unending love for me. Lately I've been trying to be positive about the job search and move, but it's been hard. I have been praying lately for God to open my eyes and ears to his presence and let me hear and see his love more. And today I read this post. I read this blog off and on (it's Kelly's dad from Kelly's Korner) and it was just what I think I needed.....a reminder! Enjoy.

http://fbcflippin.blogspot.com/

And let me leave you with a picture of a lady who is in love with a very little man!

Giveaway...and it's a good one.

Hello all, just wanted to let you know about an awesome giveaway over at Classroom Confessions. Just click on the picture below.You should check it out, you never know it might be your lucky month. I would say day, but hey if you're going to be lucky might as well make it a whole month! Hope your Monday was great.

Thank you and a question

Thanks all you people who read my blog!!!! I now feel like this.......



I hope to make my blog much more enjoyable for you all.

AND

Today Jake and I bought curtains for our bedroom, which we got for a good deal at
JCPenny. We're kinda doing a room makeover. Which is nice. I should have taken a before pic! Whoops. I'll take one tomorrow. BUT my question is when you hang curtains, do they need to hang all the way to the ground (carpet)? I ask this because ours do not and I bought the longest curtains I could find, in the store at least? I don't mind if I'm domestically incorrect at the moment but I would like to get it right at some point. So let me know! Thanks friends.

OH!!! Also I went to a TWO story Target today!!! Needless to say I was super EXCITED. They have escalators to the second story AND an escalator for your CART! Sorry for all the random cap letters but I was seriously amazed. In fact I may go back tomorrow!

I lied!

Well according to my last post response there are only two of you that read my blog. Thank you, you two....you know who you are. I am crying as I type, while also drinking a beer. I guess some would say I'm drowning my sarrows. Just kidding, I'm just drinking a beer cause I can. Hope you all have a great Friday!!!!

I'm never ceased to be amazed!

No, really....I'm not only easily entertained, but I'm easily amazed. I don't consider these bad traits by the way, I actually think I enjoy life a little bit more because of these traits. And today I'm amazed at how a song, a smell, an object can make you think of the most random, distant thing, person, or place. I mean isn't that just crazy to think about. Normally it's a song that takes me back to that moment and it never fears to feel like it was yesterday. So here are some of the things that I've thought about lately just because of some simple song.

Unanswered Prayers by Garth Brooks always makes me think of when I was packing for college and I had so many emotions about everything and I just started crying while I was packing when this song came on. I can remember standing in the hallway taping some boxes up.



Since You Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson reminds me of my first time going to Memphis. It was for New Year's and it was a blast. My friend Melissa and I rode together and the whole way there we really wanted to hear this song and NEVER heard it. Amazing considering we listened to every radio station we could. AND the whole way back we NEVER heard it. Melissa drops me off at home and all the sudden I see her hauling butt in reverse. I thought something was wrong, but no.....the song had finally come on. (Sorry for the crappy video, it real video won't let me embed it).



You were mine by the Dixie Chicks reminds me of my sister. She had just moved out of the house and moved all the way to Houston. I missed her so much and she had just bought this CD right before she left. So everytime I heard a song off it I was sad.



I could honestly make a book about all the songs that remind me of good and bad times. I am glad that every now and then I can hear a song on the radio, at the store, or out on the town and think of some of my favorite people and moments. What songs remind you of someone, something or someplace. I'd love to hear. Besides I'm not convinced that I actually have more than 5 people that read this blog. I should work on that.

Good-bye's

I hate saying good bye!!! Always have.

This weekend I made a quick trip to Little Rock. It was very last minute and it was to help my sister out with the baby while she packed stuff up and got the house ready to sale. Needless to say my sweet baby nephew is SO big and SO wonderful. New pictures to come soon.

While I was there I heard this song below on my sister's play list and wanted to share it. I already loved the song but I really like the way Adele sings it. Enjoy. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend with wonderful friends and family!

2 of 5

So as of today I am two of five for the five things I wanted to try and incorporate into my daily live! Wooooohoooo! So here you are folks, my second accomplishment. Now don't clap too loudly! :)

Disclaimer: I know you are not impressive with my bed or bedding OR stuff laying on the ground!

Tonight I made Swiss Chicken which I found on Kelly's Korner Recipe Blog! It was yummy, but didn't look so pretty so I passed on the picture taking. I also found all kinds of fun recipe blogs HERE that you should check out if you like to cook.

I have a question. What is your decorating style and what/where do you draw inspiration? I feel like Jake and I still live like we're college kids! Not because we necessarily want to, mainly because we rent and we aren't convinced that making good quality furniture investments is what we need to do right now considering once we finally do settle in our "home" what if things don't fit or we need shelves instead of a bookcase? So I need some advice, how do I make our current home feel more grown up and less college style. I just want to know about decorating styles because I don't have one and I want to get some ideas. Thanks!!!! Have a great Tuesday!

AND one last thing....Plato loves his rope toy (well it's actually Harli's rope toy). He'll go find it and then shake it in Harli's face while making funny noises. It's hilarious to watch.

WaaaaaaaaaLaaaaaaaaaaa!

Update: The neck is doing better! Still haven't had a good night of sleep, but at least I can turn my head from side to side....even if it is really slow and I look ridiculous! :)

So tonight I accomplished one of my new short term daily goals. I made dinner! I love to cook, however I am not very good at it, which is funny since my mom is a wonderful cook, my sister too! I guess I just didn't get the gene, so I'm trying to teach myself now. Lucky for Jake he gets to be my genie pig and he's very good at it.

On the menu was Shepherd's Pie. I have now made this twice and I think it will be a staple dinner for me, Jake seems to really enjoy it and I have to say I like it myself. I actually look at two different recipes and then make it up as I go. One of the recipes I use is Rachel Ray's. I'm going to try and show a recipe every week of something I made that turned out good.

So I need to work on my presentation. By the way, can anyone tell me why when I try to upload a picture on blogger it always loads them to the very top of my post? It's very hard to get it to where I want it to be, I have to edit in HTML which usually messes something else up! Happy Monday!

I am in some serious pain

I cannot describe the pain I have been feeling for the last two days.....it's really knocked me down. What is it you are asking? It's a crick in my neck! OH, but not just any ole crick in the neck, this is the mother of all crick's in the neck. I am miserable and have been doing everything I possibly can. I would appreciate any suggestions to help this resolve as soon as possible!

So we meet again....

Well hello there blog world. Sorry for the quite long vacation. I just haven't had much time between moving to New Orleans, unpacking, spending a week at the beach with all my besties, watching my best friend get married, looking for a job, oh and not having Internet access at our house! But forget all that I'm finally back!!!! Get excited. :)

Today I've been thinking about things I wish I could incorporate into my daily life......so here they are, 5 things that I am going to start doing daily!

1. Walking Harli. (I would Plato, but I tried that once and I thought he was going to pass out. Bulldogs are only supposed to get 20 minutes of exercise and it shouldn't be strenuous.)

2. Making my bed.

3. Wake up early enough to eat breakfast and have plenty of time to get myself to work. (I am a big fan of breakfast, but I usually eat it in my car on my way to work.)

4. Exercise!!!!!

5. Cook dinner. (okay let's be real, this won't happen daily, but that's the goal.)

What 5 things would you wish you could do more of daily or in my case do it daily at all?

And keeps your eyes open for pics of New Orleans life and our house!

Better today

I am feeling much better today. I admit I woke up this morning still feeling crummy and down, but I did some packing and then headed to my sister's to see Austin. And that made everything better!!!!

So I read yesterday that while you are in between jobs you should volunteer so that there's not any gaps in your resume. And since I don't have a job in New Orleans yet, I believe that that is just what I will do, besides, I love to volunteer and don't do it enough! So I'm also feeling better that I have somewhat of a plan.

Well tomorrow is the halfway point, Jake and I will be halfway to our moving date. So strange! Okay well I hope you are all staying as cool as possible and having a wonderful week so far! Here's a handsome man for you to look at!

I can't sleep

I can't sleep and I am feeling very low tonight. I keep thinking about moving and leaving my handsome new nephew and my great, great sister and all my wonderful friends! Not to mention the stress of being jobless and all that comes with that. Don't get me wrong I'm very excited for my new adventure, but I've always been emotional when it comes to change, whether it be good or bad. I'm sure I was the only person getting ready to head off to college that cried like baby while she was packing! I mean most people are excited and anxious and ready and I was sad to leave the smell of my house. Don't worry I adjusted just fine and I'm sure I will this time too, they always say that change is inevitable and so I want to embrace it but it can be hard for me, even when I WANT the change. Besides feeling low, I have so much to look forward too, having the opportunity to find a job in a field that I want, my best friend Jamie is getting married on the beach in like 11 days and all the yummy in my tummy food, not to mention amazing culture I will be around. BUT it's gonna be different. I've spent years getting to know the people in my life and I cherish them and I will miss them. Okay enough of me being a sap.

What about the horrible news of Jon and Kate plus 8? Very sad.

Bright note, my mom will be in town on Thursday and I can't wait to beg her to make me all kinds of good Thai food!!!!! YAY Mom....thanks in advance.

It is my honor to introduce you to......

AUSTIN STEVEN REID!

My handsome and overly loved nephew was born Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 5:16 p.m. He weighed 6 lbs and 13 oz and was 20 in long! He's the most handsome child I have ever met (I'm sure I'm a little biased, but he really is). Here he is world, get ready for all the greatness he brings!

And although I'm so excited he is finally here, I'm also very sad that I have to leave him on Saturday when Jake and I make our move to New Orleans. Watch out frequent flier miles here I come!

Waiting.....

Unfortunately I was not blessed with the gift of patience. Really that's unfortunate for everyone around me! :)

My sister went into the hospital this morning at 7:00 AM. And I am IMpatiently waiting for her (or just any) phone call at noon with an update on if the baby will be coming today and I can go ahead and make my way to the hospital! So please pray for my sister to have her baby today, a healthy, happy one and for me to find some patience because if he DOES decide to make his debut today, he may not be in any kind of hurry to do so.

Also I didn't really watch American Idol but I did watch the finale and I must say Kris Allen is a cutie and I heard his song on the radio this morning. NICE!

The baby is coming!!!!

My sister had a doctor's appointment on Monday and found out she was dilated to ONE!!! Wooohooo, the process has begun, well her doctor wanted her to come back on Wednesday (today). I received a call this morning from her with an update. Austin Steven Reid, hopefully will be here tomorrow!!! She is going to the hospital tomorrow to be induced, if by some rare chance nothing happens by 3, she and her doctor will re-evaluate the situation. However the doctor said he will come this week for sure, even if that means a C-section (which my sister would rather not have). Please pray for our family that he comes tomorrow happy and healthy! I can't wait to meet him! And I know she and her husband can't either. I'm so excited I don't know what to do with myself.