Joy

Oh the joy of Christmas is so evident this year as I see the celebrations through Jackson's eyes.  After about 10 days of being house-bound with RSV, we've embarked on our Christmas festivities, and I'm not sure I've ever looked more forward to the get-together we hosted with my mom's side of the family.  I was so ready for company and to be with people and celebrate (after canceling two Christmas dinners we were suppose to host for friends and a Bible study).  Tonight I've reflected on the joy I've witnessed the last 3 days, and here are a few snapshots:

• My father in law's impatience and excitement for Jackson to open his last gift tonight: a tricycle "lowrider" and hearing Jackson's giggles and "wee" as he was pushed on it through their house;
• Our quick visit to see my great aunt and how incredibly proud she was to hold Ella Kate (as I helped) and to see Jackson.  One of my prayers was that she would live long enough to meet my children, and at 93, she's done just that and has enjoyed every minute of knowing them;
• Jackson's sheer joy at having 16 people in our house Friday night--half of whom were children--and how much he adores my mother;

• how my Dad's sister couldn't wait to give Jackson a ball when she arrived at our Christmas lunch yesterday and how his face lit up as he pronounced it "ball";
• how loved Blake and I felt by our friend and babysitter Bess' gifts to our family which included a "gift certificate" for an overnight baby-sitting date;
• how excited I am by the North Face sweater pullover my in-laws got me (silly I know, but we're on a budget these days, and I've really wanted this top!);
• seeing my step sister-in-law 8 months pregnant tonight after their years of trying to have their second child; and
• how my friend Chasie wanted to serve and love Blake and me by keeping our children this morning, so we could have a child-free breakfast together.

What an incredible season this is for so many reasons. I just cannot get over how much fun this Christmas has already been simply because of our son's joy as he sees friends and family, opens boxes and bags with toys, tries new foods and treats, and stays up past his bedtime to play.  I love our sweet little family of 4 and that next year Ella Kate will be almost Jackson's age and getting to have this same experience.  What a good God we celebrate!


p.s. I'm thankful for the two boxes of forgotten cookies my mom made for me (that I've already consumed:) and for my bright-eyed baby girl.

Five Things I'm Liking Now

1. Our wagon.  Poppy & Gan gave Jackson a wagon for his birthday, and we use it all the time.  It's perfect for short walks and when I don't want Jackson to get sleepy during a walk (like he might in his stroller).  It has a seat belt too, which keeps him inside, and it has an extra seat which is perfect for when we run into our neighbor Holden on our evening walks.

2. Ebates.  I heard about Ebates several years ago but never looked into it.  I'm doing more online shopping now since it's a little harder to get out and about amidst nap/eating schedules, etc., and Ebates has netted me $60 in about 6 months just for clicking through its website prior to making a purchase.  It's really that easy.  I love a deal, so it makes me happy.  If you're interested, I'm glad to send you an invite (since they pay you for referring using customers).

3. ZoLi Bot Sippy Cup.  Yes, I'm now finding joy in finally discovering  a sippy cup that does not leak.  It's been about a 7 month quest with lots of wasted money, spills, etc.  This cup is $15, and you have to order it online, but if continues to work, it's worth every penny.  Jackson loves it too.  One of my recent favorite bloggers recommended it.

4. Sleeping Until 7:00.  Miraculously our son has started sleeping later--as late as 7:20 and often until 7:00.  He's much happier in the morning and so am I.  When daylight savings time came around I used it as an opportunity to start pushing his bedtime a little later (like 7:15-7:30:), but really the biggest change has been that he's just sleeping about 11 and a 1/2 hours at night instead of 10.8-11.    Maybe it's because he is so extremely busy all of the time! Regardless I'll take it :)

5. Otterbox.  I managed just fine without an Iphone case until recently.  My relatively new Iphone 4S fell out of the stroller pocket when my husband collapsed it last fall, so we spent $100 having the exterior replaced.  Then Jackson knocked it off the dining room table, and the back is cracked again.  So I finally bit the bullet and ordered an Otterbox.  I've been really surprised that it doesn't bother me at all and has a very minimal effect on my use.

p.s. I'm so grateful for this spring/summer weather.  We spent 2 hours walking on Monday, and it was just wonderful to be outside.

"It's Just Like You'd Said It Would Be"

"Lord Jesus Christ, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but, through you, I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment and offering forgiveness. I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior. Amen."

This is my prayer today but lifted from Tim Keller.

p.s. I'm grateful for answered prayers. My mom called this morning, and my grandfather stopped breathing last night. He's non-responsive and on a respirator now, but they'll remove it soon; he's expected to die within minutes of doing so. My prayer through all of this with Papa has been for the Lord's mercy, and I feel like God has answered that prayer with this peaceful, calm death for Papa. Praise God; He is so faithful.

If You Can? Seriously?

When I have a less than stellar week I can't help but think about how good my life is because even in a bad week there's just so much greatness--you guys and your helpful comments/links to help me dress myself (will post on that later), rest, "The Resolution" by Jack's Mannequin (which helped me run the fastest three miles on a treadmill I've run in at least 2 years), my lovely Christmas tree, a visit with Chasie, and a solid group of friends to just name a few.

I think the worst part of this last week was the letter I received from Humana, denying my request for health insurance. I had a physical two weeks ago as part of their application process, and the results from my urinalysis are abnormal. I've been told by friends who know more than me about this stuff that a retest would likely render normal results (as these results may be caused the by hard workout I had the night before that the company should have advised me not to do prior to testing--or just be a fluke since my levels don't indicate any clear medical problem). SO here I sit with no health insurance, and now I have to tell other insurance companies that I've been denied by another company for abnormal test results. This health insurance drama began back in August as I tried to wade through the ridiculousness of determining what policies exclude, hide, and otherwise say to confuse their potential insureds. Granted, I should have begun this process 2 months before my other insurance ended. And I should have been more aggressive about COBRA and so on and on. But darn, I'm in shape, have no health issues (other than these new lab results), and do not use tobacco and go to the doctor once a year for my annual appointment and take one prescription drug ($29)a month. ARGH!

So this week I did have health issues (but that would not cost a potential insurer a penny!)...I had a sore throat Sunday-Tuesday and then a weird stomach bug that began on Thursday and seems to be almost over. I'm paid by the hour (which is why I have this health insurance fiasco--but also have awesome flexibility), so I tried not to stress about the fact that I worked like 10 hours this week and just rested and slept a lot. And I'm grateful to be feeling much more normal now.

A bottle of salad dressing slid out of the refrigerator and burst all over the floor.

It took me 20 minutes to find my car at the mall yesterday, and it was 40 degrees and I had lots of bags and felt like I was losing what little bit of mind I had after two days of chewing Pepto Bismol tablets and sleeping.

I spent $800 on new tires on Thursday. That's a lot of money, but it only sort of sucks since it's the first time I've had to buy tires for this vehicle, and it's over 5 years old (80k miles is pretty great).

I haven't been able to focus all week. I've been watching or rather trying to watch Freedom Writers since Monday night; now I'm about half-way finished.

Sometimes I feel like life is way too complicated. Seriously how are we suppose to do all of this? I need to find health insurance, schedule bill payments, get groceries, cook, go to Bible study, call people back, do laundry, rest, journal, read, volunteer, sort through mail and tax stuff, finish this overdue research assignment, respond to work e-mails, submit my time, take clothes to Goodwill, get the hem fixed on those pants, take my dry cleaning, and so on and so on. Am I the only person who thinks moving to another, more simple country might be the answer? Argh, instead I think I'll just listen to "O Holy Night" one more time and gaze at my tree and journal and reflect on the scripture we studied this morning.

In the ninth chapter of Mark there's a boy who suffers from muteness and seizures. His father brought the boy to Jesus, explaining the ailment and saying to Jesus "'But if you can do do anything, have compassion on us us and help us.' And Jesus said to him, 'If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!"

So none of this "if" crap. I'm counting on God this week. If He can lead a sinner like me into walking with Him and rejoicing in His holiness, then He can surely help me with these feelings of being overwhelmed, unfocused, and wanting to just sleep until my to-do list does itself.

p.s. I'm grateful for the hours of laughter we shared last night. I cannot even explain how ridiculous Oliver, my neighbor, and I are when we get going, but it's just good. It's really good stuff.

If You Have to Wonder, the Answer is Yes

* It's disconcerting that (1) so many people are googling "does my boyfriend look like a child molester?" and that (2) when you google that my blog is the first site google listed.

* I went to my very first polo match (or is it game?) on Sunday. Very random and entertaining. I avoided the "steaming divot" that I knew about from my multiple childhood (and adult) viewings of Pretty Woman. Check out that horsey's mohawk! It's like a horse from the '80s or something.

* I walked to Subway for a sandwich this evening, and that wonderful cool fall feeling was in the air; and it made me ridiculously excited. Yeah for having to decide if I should wear long or short sleeves or shorts to run or pants!

* As I sat outside and ate my sandwich, I marveled at how blessed I am. So many prayers have been answered with this move. A group of girls met at my place tonight for our first weekly Bible study--how great to already know five girls who want to study scripture together (and a Tim Keller study no less:). I've been seeing my family one night a week since I moved, which I love. My loft is perfect and well worth the rent. I've found a church that is gospel-centered and warm and welcoming, and already have a regular after-church lunch group. And I'm working from home 2-3 days a week, which means lunchtime runs, pjs, sleeping until 9:30, and getting chores done in between tasks instead of driving a commute.

* I have a crush. And that's all I'm saying about that.

* I'm digging Pandora, especially when I put in Counting Crows.

* There's an afterschool program that I can volunteer at about two blocks away. I may go tomorrow.

p.s. I'm grateful that God is ok with me being a hot mess and continues to pursue me despite how I reject Him.

Sad But So Grateful

One of the reasons this break-up has been so much easier than those in the past is because of my faith and how it has changed how I interact in relationships. For years the center of my life was me, and at times, my boyfriends became part of that center too. My attitude and mood vacillated in sync with these relationships, and it was incredibly painful when I had to let go of this central part of my life--gut wrenching, sobbing, cannot focus at work sort of anguish. It's the sort of pain that produces really powerful and moving lyrics ("Black" and "Anna Begins" come to mind) and poetry but is so unnecessary.

And as I adjust to the loss of this relationship with Carter, I cannot help but also feel overwhelmed with gratitude for my relationship with Christ Jesus. This relationship has transformed my life and has given me a center that is faithful, certain, unfailing, and hopeful. I can submit my disappointment to Him; I can trust that He has a plan for me; and my life isn't turned upside down by a break-up because my life has been centered around God instead of Carter or myself.

Here's the you tube video that has been wrecking me lately....I love reading and hearing about how Christ is transforming others' lives, and this video presents people's "cardboard testimonies." Feel free to share yours too.



Mine is:

First side: Didn't realize I was lost and broken
Flip side: Grateful and joyous to know Him

p.s. I'm thankful for the late night walk home from dinner with my friend Isabella. It's great to live close enough to restaurants to walk to them, and the weather was perfect for dining outside.

You Know Your Friends Love You....

when you come home to this birthday creation:

It Makes Me Happy That....

I received my first birthday card yesterday from a blogger who I've never even met in person. Ella was also one of the first people to financially support the mission/volunteer work that I'm doing this year.

Aaron and Sarah are using their unique gifts to serve in Bosnia this week.

The three students we took to the mini-water park on Monday expressed their thanks and used good manners the entire time. That might not seem like a big deal, but it's fairly common for our students to not use common courtesies; plus it's exciting when you can see progress.

On Tuesday a coworker gave me a sweet card and a Starbucks gift card for no reason. And when I used the card this morning at my local Starbucks, I saw three people I know.

My mom is making a homemade cake for me this weekend, and she's paying for me to go to the spa on Monday (my birthday). And my sister is sweet enough to plan a birthday dinner for me and invite my best friend and her family. I also get to see Carter this Sunday.

Last night I had an impromptu walking and Whole Foods date with my sweet friend Chasie, and as usual we had great conversation.

p.s. I'm grateful to witness my great aunt finding comfort in the Lord as she grieves the death of her younger sister and best friend.

Best Tangible Gift of 2008

A few weeks ago when Carter and I were at dinner I told him that I wished a Barnes and Noble were nearby because I wanted to buy Tim Keller's new book The Reason for God. The book came out on Valentine's Day, and I'm surprised I didn't make an effort to get it any sooner. Tim Keller is my favorite pastor, and I have well over 100 of his sermons in my itunes. My faith has deepened and become so much more informed because of his teaching. What's funny is that I'd never heard him in person until my trip to NYC last year.

Anyway when we got back to the toolshed after dinner Carter said he had a surprise for me. Not only did he have the long-awaited book for me--he'd managed to get Tim Keller to address it to me and sign it--no small feat. How he worked that out involves multiple e-mails, a trip to NYC (for work), a Fed Ex drop bag in a last ditch effort, and some other maneuvering that I'll spare you the details of. Needless to say I was touched by the gesture and just generally joy-filled to receive a gift from Carter that shows me that he "gets me." I really can't think of a better gift for me, therefore this gift currently holds the "Best Gift of 2008" (so far) Award. What gift gets the award for you?

p.s. I'm thankful for comp time....since I worked on Saturday from 6:45 a.m. until after 3:00 I didn't have to go into work today until 2:45, which meant I cooked, went for a run in the gorgeous sunny weather, had some good conversation at Panera over breakfast, and generally enjoyed a relaxed day.

My Favorite Things

right now are:

Song: Foo Fighter's "Best of You" and "Mighty to Save" by Kristian Stanfill are tied right now, narrowly beating out "Love is a Battlefield" by Pat Benatar.

Album: Louder than Creation (courtesy of Aaron for Christmas:)

Movie: Juno was good, and Atonement was well made (but depressing). I've been thinking that I'm overdue for a viewing of Dead Poets' Society and Flashdance.

Thought: "Just as I cannot trust someone I don't really know, my ability to trust God will only be as deep as my understanding of Him."

Activity: dodgeball and hanging out with Carter are both pretty high on the list (Speaking of Carter, he's asked about the blog (and knows the url), but I've asked him to not read it. I feel like he'd learn a lot about me from reading it that I'd rather him learn from conversation.)

Meal: Honey almond chicken salad on cranberry pecan bread with Kettle chips and Diet Coke at Bread & Co.

Workout: Elliptical for 30 minutes followed by kicking around a soccer ball.

Jeans: The $220 Citizen of Humanity jeans I got for free!

Shoes: The moccasin-ish flats I got for Christmas.

Drink: A good fountain diet coke barely beats out a nonfat sugar free cinnamon dolce latte with two Sweet-n-Lows.

Photograph: I love anything that reminds me of Santorini. My few days there were some of the best of my life.

Gifts: My friend "Grace" brought me a bag of my favorite chips (terra cotta) plus a bunch more goodies when she came to visit this last weekend. She's the best guest ever!

p.s. I'm grateful for people who speak the same language as me. While diversity is great and all, it was so wonderful to spend the weekend with Grace and have such easy conversation and fellowship. I've so missed the kinds of conversation we have; this was exactly the sort of weekend I needed.

Happy (Three Day ) Weekend!

Another joy of working in an afterschool program is that we observe holidays like MLK Jr's birthday, and to say that I'm a fan of three day weekends might be an understatement. I vote for every other weekend being a three day weekend, or at a minimum, once a month there should be a three day weekend. Even with my new life of less work, my to-do list (file 6 insurance claims, seek reimbursement for travel expense, complete form and mail to Georgia bar and get 4 more CLE credits, send congratulations card to friends, and so on and so on) seems to only grow. Of course, I'm not taking that extra day off to accomplish very much on that list, but it is going to be well-used.

I head to Calhoun tonight, and tomorrow we're celebrating my mother's retirement from the public school system after 31 years. She's taught biology, worked as a high school counselor (and sex ed teacher), and is now working as an elementary school counselor. I'm really proud of her, realizing how draining her job must be and how very important her work is. She's helped so many children and families. I hope she'll feel honored tomorrow and in the next two weeks (her last day is the 31st).

After our get-together, I'm heading to Atlanta to spend most of the rest of the weekend with Carter. He gets Monday off as well--an upside of working in the banking industry. The more I get to know him, the more I respect who he is. Another fun part of getting to know him is when he surprises me. Not with actual surprises, but when I learn something about him that isn't what I expect. I like it when I defy what people think about me too; i.e., when my Bible study group found out that I had been a lawyer, they were very surprised. I'd love to hear what surprises people about you if you feel like sharing:)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and that the predicted snow doesn't snow me into Calhoun! And congrats to AM on her big news!

p.s. I'm thankful for the awesome music of the 80s, particularly Bonnie Tyler...."I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night; he's gotta be strong; and he's gotta be fast, and he's gotta be fresh from the fight." I feel an 80s movie marathon coming on too.

I Was Tagged (Over Two Weeks Ago)

I'm a little slow, but I'm finally responding to the tagging by Jennifer who I think is one of my newer readers.

So I'm supposed to tag seven more people and post the rules....but I think I'll just tag Ella and Billy. So now I'm to list seven weird and/or random things about myself. I'm sure you all feel like you know enough about me, but here I go anyway. I was tagged after all.

1. I used to love and listen to Alanis Morissette so much that my friends refused to ride in my car unless I promised to not play her CD. My affinity for her music began the moment I heard "You Oughta Know" as it reflected my feelings perfectly since I'd just found out my high school boyfriend had cheated on my over spring break. I proceeded to see her in concert three times and listen to her songs on repeat for years.

2. I had my first bowl of chili this week. Chili has just never appealed to me, but this week my roommate's adoptive mom brought us a huge container of white chili and upon trying it, I've discovered I love it. I also discovered that homemade banana pudding with homemade cream and some crunchy chocolate stuff is unbelievable and can be consumed in mass quantities in one sitting.

3. I'm so nice that I tweezed my ex-boyfriend's Sampras's eyebrows for the two years following our break-up.

4. Carter and I have not kissed yet, and this is the first time I've ever been on four dates with someone and not done so. The weird thing is--I like it. I'm so less distracted and so much more in tune with who he is than wondering when we'll make out next:)

5. I build muscle quickly and have to watch my workouts and make sure I don't run too much, etc. or my legs will get so big that my jeans don't fit in the thighs. It's really not a cute look.

6. I love writing Christmas cards. It's such a wonderful time to reflect on my friendships and share my feelings of gratitude with them. Plus it's a good excuse to break out the magic markers.

7. Speaking of magic markers, I took notes with them in high school and college. My college algebra professor told another professor (who happened to be my great-uncle thus my knowing about his comment) that "the girl with the highest grade in my class takes all of her notes in markers; it's the oddest thing." I kept the markers in a Hello Kitty box and just found that the bright colors made school, especially classes like math, more entertaining for me.

p.s. I'm thankful for a quiet night at home with my Christmas tree, pumpkin pie Yankee candle, caramel truffle coffee, West Wing DVD, pjs, Christmas colored M&Ms, and cards. This is the life.

Blog-a-versary?

My very first blog post was written on November 22, 2005, and it was about the virtues of Inside Out Reeses. Imagine that.

I originally created a Blogger profile so I could comment on my then-boyfriend's sister's blog that chronicled her year in France. A few months into blogging Jeff emailed me and asked me to share the story of how I became a Christian, which I did in this post. We had stumbled across each other's blog through Kimberly's blog. And that was my very first friendship with a strange blogger that I did not actually know. He's ended up being a friend and someone I turn to for Godly advice on a regular basis.

Now I've come to know several of you on a gmail chat and e-mail basis, and several others of you from months of reading about your lives. And while a virtual community is obviously not the same as people who know me in a more full and complete way (you guys probably miss out on a lot of my flaws, for example), the blog world is a special place that often feels supportive and encouraging. I appreciate you guys, especially when you challenge me to look at things in a different way (yes, even you Aaron:), try something new, or otherwise help make my world bigger.

p.s. I'm grateful for massages...even when they hurt.

Safety & Second Dates

After my niece's preschool Thanksgiving party, I indulged her for a bit on the playground until I received a phone call from my (great) Aunt Rene's cell. Since Aunt Rene doesn't even know how to operate the phone (i.e. flip the top to answer:) I knew it wasn't going to be good. A strange voice informed me that my "mother-in-law" had been in a car accident and was o.k. but shaken up pretty bad and able to talk. I asked the location and thanked her, immediately gathering Lauren up and calling my dad. I needed to pick my other niece up about that same time, so thankfully my dad drove to the rescue and took Aunt Rene to the hospital for x-rays. She's 88 years old and still getting around rather well, and I feel incredibly glad that this wreck didn't change that. She only needs a cast on her knee, and she'll feel sore, bruised, and battered for a bit but should heal. I am also thankful for my dad; he took care of her all afternoon (since I had my nieces) at the hospital and took her home this evening. This is the second time this year I've called him with an emergency, and he's responded with calm and ease each time.

p.s. I am also thankful for second dates--just the very fact that I want to go on one with this guy. And to answer Aaron's question of when is the next date--I think we're hiking on Wednesday. Oh--funny I actually blogged about this guy last January after I sat next to him at a benefit concert, noting that he was someone, or at least the kind of person, I'd like to date.

Little Girls

I'm grateful for the little girls who fill my heart with joy and ask the cutest prayers ever...."I am glad we have people to spend the night with us. I am glad for this day. I thank you for being here in your real home for this week [meaning me, not God]. I like Hannah Montana. Thank you for this day and that is all. Amen."

p.s. I am thankful that God gave me the words I needed tonight when I spoke at a dinner for over 100 people, especially since I just found out yesterday that I was speaking.

Every Claim You Stake, I'll be Watching You

So I'm grateful for the first really positive date experience I've had in ages--good Mexican and margaritas followed by The Police in concert. There was no chatting about couples counseling with his last girlfriend, how he needs a woman who "can take care of him, if I know what he means," attempts to get me drunk, or other inappropriate behavior that would make me wish I had stayed at home and watched Grey's Anatomy online in my pajamas. Instead there was talk about music, traveling, faith, books, evolution, and other things that genuinely capture my interest; in short, our conversation is as easy in person as it's been on the phone. And he was a complete gentleman, and I enjoyed meeting some of his friends and catching up with one of our mutual friends too. So as Aaron would say +1 for a good date with someone well-read, bright, and fun. And AM, you'll be disappointed to learn (although surely not surprised) that no making out occurred. The raciest things got was when The Police played my favorite--"Don't Stand to Close to Me."

p.s. I'm grateful to be sleeping in a queen size bed tonight! I will not miss my twin bed in the toolshed this week.

Going Home

For the first time since I moved to Nashville, I'm going home! It's only been 2 1/2 months or so, but before I moved here I usually managed to make it to Calhoun once a month to visit with my family. So needless to say I've been excited all week to be heading home tomorrow and can't wait to soak up some time with my nieces. On Monday I'll go to Lauren's preschool Thanksgiving party, and I'll get to keep them both on Wednesday since they'll be out from school. So off to bed since I'm leaving here in the morning at 7 a.m.! Lucky me, I'll get to stop in Chattanooga and have breakfast with friends; then catch most of the Georgia game before going on my first date since January. I'm actually a bit nervous. But that's nothing two martinis can't fix. Just kidding, two martinis and I probably couldn't stand.

p.s. I'm thankful for the free symphony tickets my roommate and I used tonight.

Consequences

Today I met a woman who isn't much older than me yet is responsible for five children--one of whom she must have given birth to around the time she was 14 years old. Another one of the children has cerebral palsy, and I believe one of the children is her sister's child. She's a single mom, doesn't receive child support, and none of the fathers are involved.

Granted this woman has made some bad choices and probably continues to make some poor choices but hearing about her life reminded me that I am so blessed that I'm not "suffering" the consequences of choices I made when I was really young. When I think about all of the stupid things I've done I am reminded of how different my life could be had the consequences of my actions been more severe. So I am grateful that we don't always reap what we sow or get what we deserve or have to pay the price for our bad decisions.

p.s. I'm grateful for how small the world is. Tonight at the gym I ran into a girl I went to law school with who is living here now, and we're going to get together soon. She has tons of very interesting sounding friends here too, so maybe I'll meet some other cool people through her. I'd seen her boyfriend at the gym a few times (he was also in the class above me) and wondered if he was who I thought he might be, and seeing her confirmed his identity and prompted me to speak. Fun! Happy Friday!

Reporting at Noon

I am grateful that I do not report to work tomorrow until 12:00. AWESOME! It's especially nice since I just got off the phone and hadn't realized that the conversation had lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes, making it 12:30 a.m. I guess one of the downfalls of your cell being your only clock and really good, interesting conversation.

p.s. I am grateful for Nutty Butty bars; they are delicious. I'm also glad that as of Saturday I will have met one of my "year end resolutions." Speaking of resolutions, I met all of my New Year's resolutions by this summer (change job situation, volunteer more, travel more, spend more time with my great aunt and nieces). I'm starting to really like this entire idea of resolutions. Any one else want to make some "Year End Resolutions?"

Sort of Grateful For....

these internet tests, quizzes, memes, etc. Here's the results from the latest:



Feel free to share your blog's readability or the link to any other "test" I should take.

And here's a meme too (I got it from E's blog):

Four jobs I have held:

Nanny
Piggly Wiggly Cashier
Bank teller
Interpreter/HR assistant

Four movies I can watch over and over:

I can't really watch these over and over, but they're the movies I've watched the highest number of times.

How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days; Pretty Woman; Legally Blond; and Dirty Dancing

Four places I have lived:

Nashville; Carrollton, Georgia; Buckhead (Atlanta); Athens, Georgia

Four television shows I enjoy:

West Wing (I just finished Season Four)
Grey's Anatomy (although my interest is waning)
The Hills (I know it's stupid)
Brothers & Sisters

Four places I have been on holiday:

Cabo
Greece
Canary Islands
Grand Cayman

Four of my favorite dishes:

Filet Au Poivre with mashed potatoes
Peanut Butter Pie (with chocolate on it too)
White Chocolate Bread Pudding
Well seasoned salmon

Four websites I visit daily:

Gmail
www.challies.com
Sitemeter
Facebook (almost daily)

Four places I would rather be right now:

At the gym
At home, watching West Wing in my pajamas
Curled up in a chair at a coffeehouse, reading a book
With my nieces

p.s. I'm thankful for sunshine. It can instantly change my mood, help me get out of bed, encourage me to be outside, and a day with it is always better than a day without it.