Gratitude…Day 2

The interesting part about this thankful challenge is that even though I’m not doing a great job of going online and posting what I’m thankful for, I notice as I go through my day that I’m catching myself making a mental note of just how grateful I am for things.  Sometimes it’s a kind phone call from a co-worker, or a beautiful sunset, regardless, I’m constantly reminded of just how blessed I am. 

As for my Day 2 post, today, I am particularly grateful for my education.  I’m fortunate that my parents encouraged me to learn as much as I can about as many things as I can.  While this lesson seemed silly (and obvious) as a child, I realize now that that lesson has stuck with me throughout my life and it still pushes me to learn now.  I’m grateful that my parents took personal responsibility to making sure that I learned what I needed to know from school and encouraged me to not stop there.  Every day presents a new opportunity to learn.  I’m thankful for my college education and the opportunity that I now have to pursue a graduate degree.  While this is my last college degree, I know that I always have more to learn and that I never want to stop learning and experiencing new things.  I pray that I can impose this belief on my kids some day.  In the meantime, I’ll continue with my obsession with giving kids books as my small effort to encourage them to read everything and never stop learning.

Gratitude…

Every day for the last 9 days I’ve noticed that my facebook feed is filled with posts that are a part of what people are calling the #thankfulchallenge.  Well, as I read each post I can’t help but reflect on the things I am most thankful for.  I’m blessed, and I try to continuously give thanks to God for the abundance of blessings that I have, but I like the intentional nature of this challenge.  I’m not one to play along with facebook challenges, so I thought that instead of the posting  on facebook, I’ll post here.  I’m 8 days behind, but that’s okay; I won’t have perfect attendance for this one, but I’ll try my best. 

Day 1… or 9

Today I am most thankful for my kind and understanding husband who loves me unconditionally.  He’s my very best friend and I’m blessed to have him to spend my life with. After 8 years together (3 of marriage) I can honestly say that I love him more and more each day.  We talk from time to time about how awesome it is that regardless of how much we’ve changed over the years (believe me, people change a lot between 18 and 27), we still fit. Is it always easy? No. Is it always fun? No. Is it always worth it? Absolutely! We depend on each other, stick up for each other and can have full conversations without ever having to say a word. I’m thankful the he gets me…and loves me anyway.

I told you people change a lot throughout the years!  Our oldest pictures are pre-digital camera time, so I had to settle for the oldest I could find. 

It’s about time…

Gracious… It has been almost a year since I posted anything on this blog.  I stumbled upon it today (along with an e-mail from WordPress alerting me that my format has been changed–strangely it looks the same to me?) and took a little time out to read some of my previous posts.  They reminded me of things I had forgotten, of ideals I have since traded and of how much I love to write.  I don’t write much these days–not for work or for pleasure–so I decided I’d come back for what I hope isn’t just a “Guest Entry” on my own blog. 

So much has happened since I last wrote.  The new job is not so new any more and has proved to be more challenging and fulfilling than I could have ever hoped.  I learn something new every day and sometimes that new “thing” is just a realization of how much I still have to learn.  There are circumstances that push me to be better and to thoughtfully consider who I am and the example I set for others–I like that.  I like that my job is a personal and professional challenge and a source of education and experience–it’s nice and a welcomed changed from some of my previous gigs. 

Personally, Brad and I are great.  Our marriage continues to grow and I’m proud of how far we have come together.  We have been together for going on 8 years now and although we have both changed immensely since we first started dating, we’ve done it together and have supported each other every step of the way.  In March we will celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us in the coming months and years. 

Brad continues to check classes off of his list in his quest to finish his degree.  He has done incredibly well in school and I could not be more proud of him.  He works hard at his job and then goes to school at night and works just as hard.  I know it is tough for him, but I think deep down he (finally) enjoys learning and he’s passionate about being the first person in his family to achieve his degree.  He’s the best.

I have loved cheering Brad on with his school work, watching him go to school and working at a place where I am surrounded by education has pushed me to begin my quest for a master’s degree.  I took the GMAT in December and am set to start classes on January 24.  I am still working out the whole schedule thing and the balance between work, school, life, etc. but I’m confident that regardless of how many (or how few) classes I squeeze into each semester, it’s at least a start.  I’m praying hard about how vigorously to pursue this and for the wisdom to know how to achieve the balance that is necessary for me to successfully do my job and earn another degree.  We’ll see how it goes…

Other good news that you’ve missed out on–we welcomed another nephew in September and he is doing great!  I’m officially an aunt to 5 kids on Brad’s side of the family now  (which is still a little weird, since I knew them LONG before we were married), but in March I will be an aunt again–this time on my side of the family.  Allie will welcome the first Walls family grandchild in March and we are all incredibly excited.  I’m in crazy-party-planner mode for what I hope will be one of the best baby showers of all time.  I’m pumped, mom’s pumped, it’s going to be great!

There are so many wonderful things coming up in the year ahead–my sweet friends Erin and Amy are getting married (one in March, the other in October) and we have many couple friends anticipating the arrival of new babies.  There’s a lot to look forward to already and it’s only January.  I have a feeling that 2011 will include many more celebrations of engagements, weddings, births, new jobs and more.  It’s going to be a good year.

Oh the glamour!

I heart glamour, particularly the type that comes out about this time every year–awards season.  I love red carpets and cheesy E! interviews with an often awkward Ryan Seacrest (did anyone see him and Mrs. Billy Ray Cyrus–weird!).  Sunday night, the Oscars, which I consider the Super Bowl of awards shows, presented A-list Hollywood in their finest (and some B and C-listers too). 

While I like movies okay, I have to admit that I only watch for the fashion and the “oh no he/she” didn’t moments that occur without cue throughout the night. Very seldom can I actually watch more than 3.5 hours of the same thing (2 hours is a stretch), but I was tuned in from the earliest moments on the red carpet to the scattered after-party interviews–I was there for it all.  This is one of my guiltiest pleasures, shallow or not, I love picking my best and worst dressed.  For this post, I’m focusing on the good (we’ll leave the ill-fitting attire, poor posture, dresses with knives and other faux pas for a later post). 

So, on with the good–my faves for the night!

Cameron Diaz–She was stunning in her old Hollywood Oscar de la Renta (of course she’s styled by my fave, Rachel Zoe).  Cameron Diaz is usually either dead on or way out in left field and last night, she was perfect. 

Sarah Jessica Parker–Hello Chanel Couture!  I love most everything she wears (not to mention most anything Chanel) and last night was no exception, the color choice, fit, and out of the box thinking were certainly to be admired.  This one could be controversial, I’ve already heard from lots of people who she was considered a “miss” for the night–not in my book. 

Diane Kruger– Chanel Couture was once again a perfect choice.  Without this dress, no one would have even mentioned her on the red carpet. 

Rachel McAdams–She didn’t go overboard with anything, she was simple, classic and beautiful in a girly girl way.  I heart her anyway. 

Vera Farmiga–this Marchesa number was to die for!  She isn’t what I would consider “flashy” but this dress was just enough glamour to make her stand out.  I would totally love to own that dress!

I can see a light…

So, if you have been around me for any extended period over the last few months you know that I’ve been at a crossroad, torn between what the next step in my career should be and when to take it.  While I enjoyed learning new things and experiencing the PR agency life, I have known for some time now that it isn’t what I want to do long-term.  So…where does that leave me? 

Over the last few months I prayed diligently about this and I did my best to not ask for specific things, but to ask God for his direction and will.  I’ve trusted that He has a plan and by doing so I’ve overcome some disappointments and made some really big decisions.  I waited patiently (for the most part, some days it was harder to do than others) for what I felt was the right thing and now I know what the next step is.  I have been blessed with an incredible opportunity–one that I could have never imagined before.  I have accepted a new position, one that combines so many of my passions–philanthropy, healthcare and education, and I couldn’t be happier.  About 3 weeks ago I embarked on this new beginning (a bit of a delay in posting this, I know I actually started writing this when I had a week left at my old job).  I am truly grateful for this new opportunity and for all of my wonderful friends and family who have prayed for me and encouraged me throughout this long process.  Yay for new beginnings!

Let it be known…

…that I am certain this is by far the worst season of the Bachelor in the show’s long history.  The “On the Wings of Love” promos paired with my utter embarrassment over his behavior last season should have been a good sign, but no… I decided to watch anyway.  ABC has tried its hardest to overcome Jake’s “nice guy” persona, but I’m not buying it.  Don’t get me wrong, I like “nice guys,” my husband is incredibly kind, but this sort of cheesiness is in a league of its own.

Sure, there has been drama this season, but boring Jake and his clan of crazies have not excited me at all.  It’s not so much that I don’t like the girls, a couple of them are okay, but the girls that I do like do not deserve such a dorky guy.  Wow, he grates on my nerves with his cheesy smile and “gee golly” attitude.  I can’t help but giggle when he tries to be all serious and when he makes remarks like “It’s not about sex appeal… it’s about heart appeal.”  Cheesiness at its finest. 

My favorite Bachelor blog ihategreenbeans does a great job of pointing out all of the goofy things he does and the equally absurd things the girls do in response.  I’ll of course watch all the way through the finale, but please, please, please, ABC, don’t go for such a cheese ball next time.  My vote was for Reid from last season, but clearly he was too cool for those guys. 

On another, much more positive note, if you are looking for an awesome movie to watch–Up in the Air is fantastic!  Brad and I both loved it and it was nominated for about six Oscars yesterday–check it out! 

Honest Scrap

My sweet friend Cassie sent me this  “Honest Scrap” award/chain-blog/thing. I am not only an inconsistent blogger, but also a TERRIBLE chain letter, survey responder, so I assume she probably thought I wouldn’t do this.  However, I am going to attempt to fulfill the challenge of coming up with 10 honest/half-way interesting things about myself and then leave the passing it along to whoever wants to do it.  No pressure.  I am clearly ignoring rules 3 and 4.  You should check out Cassie’s blog and follow her adventures as she prepares to move a bit West (SAD!) and everything in between.  

Rules for the award:

1. Must thank the person who gave you the award and list their blog and link it.

2. Share “10 Honest things” about yourself.

3. Present this award to 7 others whose blogs you find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged you.

4. Tell those 7 people they’ve been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving the award.

10 Honest Things about ME

1.  I am a connoisseur of maccaroni and cheese– I have seriously tried it at almost every restaurant that I’ve ever been to that serves it.  If you are wondering, Bottega Cafe is my favorite, but John’s Diner, J. Alexander’s, and O’Carr’s are all real contenders and deserve honorable mentions. 

2.  I used to be terrified of dogs and completely confused by people’s animal obsession.  I am now one of those animal crazies.  I honestly believe Oliver has changed me for the better and I can’t imagine our life without him.  Wow, that sounded really cheesy, but you get it.  

3.  I am a crazy perfectionist and over achiever.  My family used to joke that I had “over-achiever syndrome;” it’s a sickness that translates into all sorts of other issues–I over analyze, function best in highly structured environments, make insane lists and prefer always having a plan…wow, I sound like a real blast, right?

4.  I was diagnosed with melanoma in the summer of 2006 and had to have surgery to remove two spots.  I’ve fortunately not had any other incidents, but have to wear SPF EVERY day, (thus preventing me from any sort of  tan) and go to the dermatologist every 6 months.  This is why I am ghostly pale–no real tans for me.  That being said, I’m always looking for a good self tanner.  This often frustrates me, but Brad consistently reminds me that pale is better than sick or well.. not living.

5.  I hate to run out of anything.  I consistently go to the grocery store to replenish anything nearing the bottom of the container.  I have all sorts of back ups and back-ups for my back-ups. 

6.  I eat more snacks than anyone you will ever meet.  I never leave home without at least a granola bar or something in my purse (usually an assortment of somethings); I have an entire drawer devoted to snacks at work and I panic if I somehow manage to leave home without a little pick me up.  I’m not afraid of variety either, don’t be alarmed if you notice a pudding cup and a spoon in my purse, or a baggie full of cheese.  It’s weird, but I need my snacks.   

7.  I have had a lot of really fun jobs (that have taught me tons), but I have realized that very few people actually understand what I do or where I work.  I’m okay with that, public relations is a bit more vague and harder to define than some of the more traditional jobs. 

8.   I was the only kid in elementary school that consistently hailed Pretty Woman as my favorite movie.  It’s a classic fairytale, minus the whole prostitute part.

9.  I have become much more easygoing over the last few years.  I’ll always be at least a little intense (see #3), but I’m chilling out a little bit.  I’m not sure if it’s me getting older, or if it’s being married to Brad, but silly things bother me much less.  I’m making progress. 

10.  I tend to be a bit old fashioned and I sometimes seem to be a granny living in a 25 year old’s body.  I rarely ever wear anything that shows my arms and legs at the same time, I nervously drive with two hands on the wheel, I prefer hand written notes and real invitations to e-mail and e-vites, I hate going out in the rain, I get sleepy way too early, the list goes on and on.  Brad makes fun of me for this pretty much all the time.

Four Christmases, Please

So we’ve all seen the movie, Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn tackle the overwhelming 4 Christmas stops.  Well, while I relate to so much of that movie, they’ve got nothing on us!  This year’s Christmas festivities included not four, but eight family stops to celebrate the holiday.  We vowed before we embarked on our first journey to not let all of the festivities prevent us from enjoying spending time with the people we love and to do our best to remember the true meaning of Christmas.  All in all, I think we were pretty successful. 

The festivities began on the 23rd, Allie was scheduled to work both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so my family wanted to get in a little down time together before we all started moving in different directions.  Mom, Allie and I started a new tradition this year–pre-Christmas baking.  We got together at Mom’s house and made all sorts of goodies–nutter butter balls, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, etc.  Surprisingly enough everything was completely edible and I once again showed my need to be in charge.  They are still giving me a hard time about my need to facilitate everything.  After a little break, the whole crew got together for a little dinner.  We spent hours at J. Alexanders eating tons of scrumptious food and partaking in a few beverages.  It was a nice, relaxing way to prepare for the days ahead and I left feeling even more grateful for my incredible family. 

One day down, three to go.  Christmas Eve was the most intense day of all.  Unfortunately Brad had to work on Christmas Eve so he missed out on our first stop.  My family and I journeyed to  Kat’s house for breakfast.  Kat babysat my sister, cousin and me when we were kids and my family has eaten Christmas Eve breakfast with her for as long as I can remember.  Despite the fact that she began preparing breakfast on Halloween (bless her heart, I wish I was kidding) we enjoyed seeing her and managed to make it out without any serious food poisoning.  Later in the afternoon Brad and I went to his aunt’s house.  Every year they have a huge gathering (family, friends, colleagues, the whole deal) and we always enjoy spending time with all of his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.  There was a plethora of wine and good food (I couldn’t help but have 2 helpings of the mac and cheese) and I even managed to get away with an AWESOME dirty Santa present (I’m going to pretend that I didn’t go home with one of the gifts I bought, but whatever).  Once those festivities began to wind down we ventured out into the monsoon and headed straight to my Aunt Donna’s house, we were nearing the home stretch.  I enjoyed hearing about my cousin’s upcoming wedding and Brad always loves talking football with my dad and his brothers.  Finally, as we all started feeling the effects of a long day, we decided it was time to call it a night and our part of the Walls family headed to my parents’ house.  Allie remarkably didn’t have to go into work, so we were able to continue the tradition of everyone spending the night at Mom and Dad’s, afterall, Santa ALWAYS finds us there! 

We woke up to an array of awesome gifts from Santa and my parents on Christmas morning.  The whole family exchanged gifts (even Oliver and Allie’s pup Baxter) and we feasted on a huge breakfast!  Christmas morning is always my favorite.  Despite the fact that our family has grown over the last few years, Christmas morning always feels the same–its comfortable, sincere and filled with joy (as cheesy as that sounds) and I can only hope that Brad and I can give our kids with the same feeling someday.  It’s really special to everyone in my family and my favorite part of the holidays.

After breakfast we headed to our house to prepare for the next round of family togetherness.  We were hosting the Stripling family for a late lunch or early dinner, whatever you want to call it.  While I love having everyone over, this gathering is always a bit of a challenge–me the lover of structure, hosting the fly by the seat of your pants, get there when you can, Striplings.  I fully anticipated that the 3:30 lunch would actually be at 4:30 and that there would be some kinks, so I handled this year much better than usual (Brad not so much, but that’s another story).  However,  all in all I think everyone left feeling at least a little better than they did when they came.  It’s always nice to see my sweet nieces and nephew and Carson even let us try out his new Pictionary game!  The fam stayed until almost 11 p.m., so needless to say we were all ready for some rest at the end of a long Christmas day. 

Rest, yes, a little, but slow down, not a chance.  On to our final celebration–Christmas with my mom’s family.  This is yet another opportunity for me to eat all of my favorite foods and to spend some quality time with my family that I don’t get to see nearly enough.  Despite the fact that a couple of the usuals couldn’t make it, the family had a fantastic time.  It was a welcome break in a lot of chaos and we actually had time to visit with one another and catch up on all that was going on in our worlds.  Such a perfect ending to another wonderful Christmas season! 

I realize now that I have typed all of this out, that it is entirely too detailed and that the odds of anyone reading it start to finish are grim, but nonetheless, I’m grateful for yet another fantastic Christmas with my amazing family.  I didn’t do a very good job of getting a lot of great pictures, but I tried. 

Giving Thanks

Now that I’m more than a month late with a Thanksgiving post, I’m having trouble recalling anything too monumental.  It was a good holiday filled with tons of food and family, and Brad carved his first turkey!  Maybe next year I’ll attempt to cook a turkey… okay, well that may be a stretch.  We had a fantastic day with both of our families.  Just a couple of pictures to share…sorry, none of Brad’s family festivities, they do exist I just never think to take pictures there.

Coolest Party of 2009

My family loves birthdays, who doesn’t right?  No doubt about it, celebrating the day you were born is a HUGE deal for my family and I am doing my best to make those celebrations equally important to my husband, but sometimes he just doesn’t get it.  The Striplings don’t exactly celebrate birthdays in the same way my family has for 25 years now (no themes, no decorations, none of the fun stuff).  Case in point, my cousin Hallie’s princess themed 6th birthday party.  Although it occurred back in November, I couldn’t leave it out of my blog, because it was honestly one of the most wonderful birthday parties I’ve ever attended. 

Long before Lindsay ever had Hallie, I joked that she would have a little girl who, unlike her mama, would be all girl–pink wearing, princess loving, the whole nine yards (Linds is much more girly now, but was as athletic and rambunctious as any little boy I’ve ever known as a child).  Well, I was right, mostly.  Hallie’s a great mix of everything, but she’s 100% princess so it was only fitting that her 6th birthday party be nothing short of a royal celebration. 

The afternoon was filled with children, dressed as their favorite prince or princess of course, taking rides on Hallie’s horse Daisy (yes, she has a real horse, I told you she’s a princess), jumping in the Disney castle moon bounce, swinging at pinatas and indulging in snacks fit for a king.  The deliciousness included a castle cake, selected by the Royal Highness, that looked as if it could have been chosen for a small wedding reception (a cheesy one, but undoubtedly an option for some)!  The afternoon was perfect and I’m certain that Hallie won’t ever forget everything that her parents did to make the day so memorable.  Some of my favorite pictures are below, if you are wondering about the random babies, I forgot to mention that Hallie has two sweet little brothers (their first birthday will be coming up soon, can’t wait to see what’s in store for that!).