My Valentine

The day started off as usual, he's up and ready before I even crawl out of bed. Once I finally get up, I walk down the hallway, check to see if he's in his office, and when he's not, I make my way to the living room. I plop down on the couch beside him. It's the usual conversation, he gives me a hard time about how long I slept and then questions whether or not I have brushed my teeth yet. I generally sit in silence, just looking at him and listening, because I'm not a morning person. One day I will miss these mornings and the days of no alarms, walking down the hall wondering which room he's in, him coming and going from the house, but spending time with him when he is home, and possibly having a lunch date every now and then. Our daily routine, "the norm", is what I love about us! Since it was Valentine's day he did get me some flowers, but nothing crazy, and definitely not roses because he knows I'm not a rose kind of girl! Last night we went to Greensboro and had dinner, then watched The Vow. I had been waiting for a while to see this movie. I did enjoy it, but I thought it was just so sad. I won't ruin it for those who haven't seen it, but it's basically about a woman who loses her memory--memories that involve her husband and her current life. She has no clue who he is. She doesn't remember her routine and how he is a part of her life. She doesn't remember how or why she fell in love with him. She doesn't remember the little things they used to do together that were special between them. That just broke my heart! How sad, to lose every memory of someone who is so special to you. After the movie, I couldn't shake the reality that this had actually happened to someone. I can't imagine. I was reminded of how thankful I am for my husband, everything he does for me and all that he puts up with. God really blessed me with a guy who is patient, kind, generous, forgiving, and so much more. I am thankful for all of the time God has given us (8 years so far). I am thankful for each memory I have of us and I don't want to ever take them for granted! So for me, Valentine's Day was just another day. He didn't get me an expensive piece of jewelry, or spend too much $ on flowers. He didn't even get me chocolate (because he knows I'm trying to be good). No, we just spent the day together and did the usual, and that was enough for me!

Running in 2012

Two years ago some crazy friends of mine talked me into running. At first I wasn't too crazy about the idea, but figured if they could do it, I would give it a try. Throughout middle & high school, I hated running. I did not enjoy it one bit. The only time you would catch this girl running was when we had to do a mile for P.E and it was for a grade. Even then I would alternate walking and running. One mile seemed like

such.

a.

long.

way.

Needless to say, I got into it and two years later, here we are! I have been running 5ks for the past two years. For those of you who are non-runners, a 5k is 3.1 miles. And to think, 5 years ago, I couldn't even run one mile! Last year I ran my first 10k, which is 6.2 miles, with a crazy little fire ball who talked me into it. I ran it in 70:40, which was an okay time, but this year I plan to beat it! On Saturday, I completed my first 5k of 2012. I ran the Bobcat Ramble in 29:45, my best time yet! Running for me is addicting. Once I start, I don't want to stop. After a race the adrenaline leaves me wanting more. As soon as I cross the finish line, I'm already ready for the next race. I'm not there to place 1st in my age group or take home a medal. I am competing against myself and my best time. I want to run harder and faster each race I run in. For the rest of 2012, I want to run at least one 5k a month, every month. I am already signed up for a half marathon in May, which is on my Life List. I just want to cross the finish line! I think we already have a potential race for March, so there will be more to come on that race.
Untill my next post...

Day 15

Whew! I'm caught up on my posts! You would think with all of the time I had on my hands yesterday I could've posted something, but I was too busy organizing and cleaning up. Today I am thankful for Pinterest! Shallow, maybe, but I just love it. I get so many fun and creative ideas from it, now I just have to start some of the projects I have pinned. Yesterday I started a wreath I have pinned, so when I finish it, I will post the final result! Today, with another free day, I will probably pin some more things and add to the list of projects I want to complete!
Until my next post...

Day 14

Yesterday (and today) I am thankful for a flexible schedule [at this point in my life]. Since I do not have a full time job, I do try to sub as often as possible, but sometimes I don't get a call so I have a free day. On those free days, I TRY to be productive. Yesterday was a productive day. I organized and straightened up our office, which had become a DISASTER! All of my school stuff that will one day go in my classroom crowds Adam's work space. All of my "craft supplies" [that are hardly ever used] and scrapbooking supplies are stored in the office. It was very messy and there was junk everywhere, so yesterday I was able to get in there and clean in up a little. I also got some laundry done [3 loads, I know-you're proud]! So, while I may not have the job of my dreams right now, I am thankful for the blessing of a flexible schedule and having the time to get some things done that would be harder to do if I did have a 'real' job.
Until my next post...

Day 13

Alright, I have to play catch up! Sunday I was thankful my church family. I am thankful for so many people who encourage me each week, whether they know it or not. I am thankful for a pastor who preaches and teaches faithfully [without a salary]. I am thankful for the many godly women who set an example for me as I continue to grow. I love when we can come together and worship through singing and studying God's word.
Until my next post...

Day 12

Today, Saturday, I am thankful for Thirty-One! While it may seem trivial to some, I am very thankful that I have joined this company/sisterhood. Thirty-One provides me with as much [or little] side income as I choose to make. The more I want to make, the more I work the business. It is so easy to do because the products sell themselves. Today, I hosted a Christmas brunch and just enjoyed my time with the ladies who came. No, I am not extremely outgoing or what you would call a "people person", but I enjoy meeting women and getting to know them--we all have something in common--we love purses/bags/accessories! So if all else fails, that's what conversations can be about. But, to me it's more--the name Thirty-One comes from Proverbs 31 where it speaks of the women who is hardworking, diligent, and honest, therefore she is worthy of honor, reward, and praise. Thirty-One believes in the mission of encouraging women, celebrating who they are, and rewarding them! As a christian woman, I completely support that mission in my own life and try to get to know the people around me so that they can see Christ through me. Whether the women in my life are going through the valleys or walking on the mountain tops, I want to be there to encourage them. I want to love them with the love of Christ, no matter who they are, what they look like, or the choices they make. I am thankful that I have joined this business because, through it, God gives me many opportunities.
Until my next post...

Day 11

Forgive me for falling behind on my posts! I don't know what it is about Friday/the weekends--I just fall behind! So (yesterday) was Veterans' Day and I wanted to write about being thankful for those who have served and continue to serve our country. This selfless service takes more courage than I can imagine! I don't think I would ever be brave enough to leave my family, friends, and the comfort of home to go put myself in harms way to protect and serve our country, but I am thankful for those who are. My granddaddy, Ace Parker, is a WWII veteran. Earning a purple heart, he fought [hard] for this country and our freedom. I cannot imagine the bravery and courage it took him to do what he did--I am very grateful. He, like many others, fought so that we could live in freedom--worshiping how we choose, wearing what we choose, saying what we choose, living where we choose...so many freedoms we take for granted-our veterans have made them all possible. Thank you!
Until my next post...