Made it through week one of 2013!

Well, the first week of 2013 has been another quick one, and I have a feeling this year is going to be speedy!  I have a couple of prayer requests I would like to share with you, blog world.

First and foremost, my mom could use some kind thoughts and prayers. She's been sick since last weekend and she popped something in her back. The doctors sent her for an ultrasound, but it came back clear... so they don't know what's wrong. This is becoming a bit frustrating since every time she's sick or has a medical issue, the doctors can't figure out the root cause. Any prayers you could send her way would be greatly appreciated. :)

Second is for my grandma. She got her second knee replaced three weeks ago and she accidentally pulled it a wrong way while in her water rehab/therapy. Hoping for a speedy recovery so she'll be back to 100 percent. She's a trooper though so I'm confident she'll heal quickly...assuming she doesn't try to overdo it!

Third prayer is for my sweet friend, Sarah. As I've told some of you -- and if you're friends with her on Facbeook, she has been posting constant updates -- her 3-week-old baby boy, Logan has been in the hospital for he past week or so. Turns out he has Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and for someone so little, it can be fatal. Sarah said when they first took him to the ER, his whole body was gray with blue lips, and the doctors had him on 99% oxygen support. Luckily, he's down to 65% support, but he'll probably be in the hospital for at least another couple of weeks. It's a struggle and I hope she knows that she  has a strong support system through her friends and family. I went by to visit her at Cooks Children's Hospital today and it was so nice to catch up, even though she looked exhausted from all the stress. I've included a picture of this sweet little one below.

Finding that this year, I need to pray more. Lift those in need up into my prayers and let God do his work.

A time of reflection and the start to a new year

I'm in a writing kind of mood tonight... I'll blame it partially on my prescribed cough suppressant since it's making me kind of loopy!

Anyhow, I've been reflecting on this past year. It's been a whirlwind, full of laughter, tears, hardships and fun times. In May, it will have been three years since I graduated from TCU. Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday I was rushing for Tau Beta Sigma and going from a business to a journalism major... my how things have changed since then.

Not to bore anyone to tears, but I'll sum up the highlights (good and bad) of 2012 in a few bullets:

• Keeping up with Bible study and the wonderful bonds I've made in our women's group.
• The Talley's meeting the Daycock's for the first time...and it was a success. Whew!
• Being Maid of Honor in TWO weddings for two of my wonderful TBS sisters and former roomie.
• Making peace with losing Coda and adding Zooey as the second pup to our household after getting Buddy in November 2011.
• Starting a new chapter of my career with the Exchange.
• After my stint in the ER from November 2011-January 2012, I FINALLY got to being healthy and on the right medicine to keep my innards working properly.
• Being cancer free for 23 years (or something like that. Mom knows the exact number).
• Rekindling old friendships from high school that had pretty much gone stagnant.
• Being a "counselor/therapist" for friends who were going through more drama than what highschoolers deal with.

I'm sure I missed some things, but that's what I can remember for now.

As for 2013, things are already looking up! With the exception of having bronchitis, I managed to not spend New Year's Eve in the ER -- thank you Lord! This weekend we're also coming up on the anniversary of getting Zooey. My sweet baby girl has been with us for one whole and while she's a handful, I couldn't ask for a better set of dogs. They are best friends and always make me smile.

Not to my surprise, I already have four weddings to attend this year, and they are all in June -- go figure. But I'm thrilled for all of my friends and family getting married. I know some are thinking I'm behind since Drew and I haven't taken that step yet, but trust me young grasshoppers, it's coming. We're just taking our time and I'm in no rush!

June is also going to be busy because I will be taking a week-long vacation. Yes, I'm putting my foot down and escaping from work for an Orlando adventure with the Talley family. Drew's family surprised us with a all expense-paid trip to Disney World and Harry Potter world. I'm SO excited. They even had a creative way of telling us they were taking us...they typed up a scroll worded as though we were receiving an acceptance letter to Hogwarts, signed by Professor McGonagall, and included a legit wand. Here are the exact specifications, in case you're a nerd like myself:

• Wood: Hickory
• Core: Serpent Scale
• Length: 12 3/8 inches

I'll start practicing my spells now...need to prepare to beat the wannabe Hermoines that we'll surely run into!

An update on my job. I'll be honest, it's been whirlwind and extremely difficult. I've never had such a hard time adjusting to such a new and unknown environment. Working a for a non-appropriated government agency is SO different than any other company I've worked for. However, I've decided to take the attitude that all my challenges and frustrations are rewarding. This job is going to teach more than I could have ever hoped for, push me beyond my own comfortable limits and help me step (and stay) outside of the box.

At times I've felt like I've been failing or a disappointment. It's in my own head, I know, and I've had to constantly fight to keep my head above water and remind myself that I will persevere; I will succeed; and I will aim to be the best. That's all coupled with an eagerness to learn and grow. I think this inner battle I've been having has all but stomped on my confidence. Now, I'm picking myself back up and finding a way to be that positive and kind spirit that my co-workers like me for. It's an everyday challenge, but that makes the compliments that much more meaningful.

On that note, here's to the start of a new year. Maybe I'll do a better job at keeping up with this thing. I should since it's easier to get my thoughts on paper. I'm excited for the new year and what all it has in store for me. I'm ready to roll with the punches and show everyone that I can be confident and assertive. Look out, world. Be ready for me!

God grant me patience!

I realize that it's been awhile since I've done a real post, and I think it's now time.

Based on the past few weeks, or well, maybe the past few months, I've occasionally had the feeling that I have been taken advantage of and I try to be the "good sport" more often than I should. Patience was never a virtue I was born with, and needless to say, my patience this year has been tested more often than I would have liked. (I swear I'm working on it though!)

Based on a few recent events, I feel that I have reached my boiling point. Thankfully, I have had friends I've been able to confide in and a wonderful boyfriend who listens to my venting when it's needed -- I internalize practically everything, which yes, I realize isn't a good practice ... again, working on it!

Anyhow, I have decided that I'm putting my foot down. I'm tired of being nice when really, being blunt -- not to be taken as rude or insensitive -- is more appropriate. I'm ready to start being more vocal and "telling it like it is." I'm no longer going to be that pushover friend because it's my "duty" to be supportive, which I've taken to mean you just go along and roll with the punches. (I roll with the punches, whenever they come, which isn't often, at work, so I don't think I need to do that in my personal life.)

I'm also done with one-way friendships. Why should I be busting my butt to try to keep you in my life if you're not doing the same for me? Clearly, there's a disconnect there.

It's time to turn over a new leaf. I'm ready to make this change and if for some reason that doesn't sit well with others, my apologies beforehand. But, if my foreshadowing is correct, I'd say that it wouldn't sit well with people who haven't shown me basic common courtesy in the first place in recent months.

Yes, I'm perfectly aware that I'm hard-headed and stubborn, but I'm tired of giving in. I'm fine with compromising because every friendship and relationship has some of that, but I'm no longer going to make it this everyday thing. I'm raising my expectations, which I should have done awhile ago.

On a lighter note, I'm ready for football season. Sorry friends, basketball and baseball aren't cutting it. Crossing my fingers that my parents, Jessie and I will get to go to the TCU v. UT game in November! Go Frogs!

I enjoyed Galveston/Tiki Island last weekend with the Peanuts. It was nice relaxing and getting to catch up with everyone -- we clearly don't do that enough.While the weather didn't fully cooperate with us, the water-front house was amazing -- minus the mosquitoes. Let's do it again next year and stay longer than a day and a half. Driving 10 hours in two days is rough! Had my first experience at Buccee's ... that place was a zoo!

Excited to move this weekend and see my family. I'm pumped to have more space and an apartment that's not inundated with boxes and bubble wrap. My poor dogs have barely had any walking room! I'm sure they will be relieved tomorrow when everything is said and done. =) Please say prayers that everything goes smoothly because I'd like to not have a breakdown mid-morning tomorrow.

Until next time ...

Shortest update ever...

I realize I haven't updated at all this year so, I'll keep it short and sweet: My life is awesome.

Oh religion, how you trouble me so...

So I've been in quite a pickle lately. It's like God has been blatantly trying to send me a sign. Ever since I got back from Austin and didn't go to church with my family (they played the guilt card afterward too), I've been involved in multiple religious conversations, come to Jesus moments and the one that struck me most... finishing a book about a born-again Christian.

Speaking of the book, "Redeeming Love," it was awesome. Francine Rivers did a fantastic job! In a nutshell, it's about a child sold who was sold into prostitution when she was 8 years old and when she grows up, she distrusts men in every way and thinks that they are all the "same." When a strong-willed Christian man comes into her life, gets her out of the brothel, marries her, she still doesn't trust him. She runs away multiple times and this wonderful man comes and brings her back. In the end, she ends up finding God and living a very fulfilling life. That was totally a watered down synopsis. Go read it. It was so intriguing.

Anyway, back to my religion dilemma. Let me be very clear: I love God and I love Jesus. There is no question in that.

Now, with that said, I'm not much of a church person. Some of my previous church experiences have been where the pastor gives his sermon and tells you what to believe, or the sermon is too focused on the material things in life -- both of which I don't find at all heartwarming. More importantly, I want to go to a church that I feel comfortable in without changing who I am and where I feel like I will be accepted as is -- even if I choose to show up in my pajamas (which I wouldn't, obviously). I'm also not the kind that takes the Bible word-for-word and literally to the "T."

But I digress. The urge to go back to church has been nagging at me for a couple weeks now, and I admit, I have straight out lied to my parents when I told them I was looking for a church. I admit, I haven't been (recently). I haven't been interested. I was considering it a little while ago, but then I became bored with the idea... so yeah, it's been awhile. But now, I am interested, but I don't know where to begin. I feel like my views on Christianity, religion and spirituality have evolved over the past few years. I'm no longer concerned with the view of Christianity I grew up learning about. I am now old enough to make my own decisions, make my own judgments and determine what is best for me. First, the idea that there are so many denominations to choose from is annoyingly absurd. On paper, I am a Methodist and don't get me wrong, of all the others I have experienced, I definitely prefer Methodism. However, I'm not sure if now, I'll be content with that.

And as some know, my boyfriend is Agnostic. His mother is Atheist and his dad and stepmother are Methodist... so he's gotten both sides of it. Oh, and his extended family took him to a strict Southern Baptist church when he was little. So needless to say, it's been interesting for him. Now, I'm not one to force religion upon the boy. He knows I'm a Christian and that I believe in God. I don't push him, he doesn't push me. It's nice like that. But don't get me wrong, we've had multiple religious discussions. They have been deep, profound and thorough.

Just recently, when he and I were talking about religion and I expressed my yearning to go back to church but didn't want to go alone, he actually offered to go with me -- as long as I didn't pick somewhere crazy radical and conservative. We both talked about looking for a non-denominational or Unitarian church. I've done some research and honestly, I was a little hesitant at first -- not with the non-denominational church though. I've been to non-denominational churches and they have been just fine. But I've never been to a Unitarian church... and to be fair, Unitarian Universalism isn't technically a part of Christianity. Granted, some of its purposes and principles come straight from Christian texts, but to me, it's still not the same. I struggled with this for a few days. I sat long and hard and really thought about it.

But then it came to me.

I've always said that I hate when people defend what they believe by saying, "Well, that's how I was raised." Frankly, that's terrible reasoning. I agree that how you are raised gives you a solid foundation, but when you reach a certain age, you should make that distinction for yourself. If you believe in God and believe in Christianity, then be able to tell me why you don't follow the Hindu beliefs or the Buddhists beliefs.

Furthermore, I think this Unitarian experience will be good for me. I admit, I'm stubborn and I tend to stick to my ways, but I'm going to stay open-minded. Unitarians welcome people of all faiths and of all backgrounds. In their Sunday School classes, they teach children about all different kinds of religions so that they will have a more well-rounded perspective.

I am firm in my beliefs in God and I want that to stay that way. But I need to be able to explore new things on my own. With God's strength and my faith, I think that this is a journey he wants me to take. While yeah, it may be straying or a little bit out of the ordinary, I really want to find myself again. I'm looking for that spark to come back into my life.

And now, I leave you with this:

“No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it." – 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NSRV)

Cruisn' in the Caribbean

I just realized that I never posted anything from my cruise!! Drew and I had a fabulous time. It was definitely a much needed week-long vacation.

We began our trip in New Orleans. The day after the Rose Bowl, we made the nine-hour trip to Louisiana where we stayed a block from Bourbon Street. However, because of the Sugar Bowl, there were a TON of Arkansas and Ohio State fans. Of course, they were all being obnoxious. Anyway, Drew and I walked up and down Bourbon Street, which smells like lots of beer, and ended up at a restaurant called Oceana Grill. Our goal was to experience real Louisiana cajun food... and that's exactly what we got. The red beans and rice were AWESOME. I don't care how unhealthy they actually are for you. They were delicious and I could eat a full of pot of them every day.

After dinner, we walked down to Jackson Square, which surprisingly looks a little creepier and eerier at night than I remember it being. Anyway, it was nice being in a place that I've been so familiar with. I think that's the fifth time I've been to New Orleans. Something like that. Because we were mainly in the French Quarter, I didn't see any signs of the post-Katrina construction.

On Monday, we got up early to get to the port as early as possible. I hate waiting in long lines and crowds of people sometimes make me feel claustrophobic. Also, I have little patience for crazy antics and inefficiency. To my surprise, the lines moved fast, we got checked in quickly and we were on the boat within an hour.

Here's my view of New Orleans from the boat!

Our first day was spent at sea. It was so peaceful and relaxing. I really needed this time off of work. I enjoyed being in the middle of nowhere, no e-mails, no phone calls, no constant text messages. Drew and I spent time out on the docks, watching the sea, reading and being in complete tranquility!

Our first port of call was Progreso, off the Yucatan peninsula (not to be confused with the city of Progreso that's literally right on the Texas-Mexico border). We decided to visit a set of Mayan Ruins and this was our one excursion we chose to do. The ruins were fantastic, as always -- minus the obnoxiously annoying American tourists and their lack of respect for other cultures (I swear it was like some of these people had never taken a history class in their lives.) Drew was fascinated.

We also got to visit one the natural water springs. The spring was originally used by the Mayans as way to heal other people. All us tourists had the opportunity to go swimming... which I doubt is how the Mayans thought their sacred spring was going to be used for, ha!

We finished up at the ruins, I bought a handmade dress -- it's lovely and PURPLE! Our next port of call was in Cozumel, known for cruise stops and tourism. Although, it's interesting. There's "touristy" Cozumel and then "real" Cozumel. There's a pretty significant difference, even in just the atmosphere.

Fun side note: Kevin Carfa was also on a Carnival cruise that went to the same ports as Drew and I. We were just on different boats!

Drew and I didn't do much in Cozumel. We toured the "touristy" part of it and ate at a legit Mexican restaurant! It was a nice time.

Our next day was spent at sea and I was so sad that it was our last day on board! Our waiters in the dining room were awesome. They made us laugh and were great servers. Henry was from the Philippines and the other guy (whose name I can't spell or pronounce) was from Indonesia. Ah, I miss them.

Everything on the ship was great too. There's something to be said about the luxurious, grandeur atmosphere that cruise ship has to offer. I'm already looking forward to my next cruise. The Cruise Director, who was also the host for all of the shows, was hilarious. The adult comedy shows were hilarious and the marriage show was awkward but awesome.

Here are a few other photos of Drew and I from our trip!

And of course, the infamous towel animals! We had a zoo by the end of the week. It's one of my favorite parts about the cruises.

All in all, it was a great week! I was so sad to see it end. Our group of friends are already trying to figure out if we can all go get together to go on a cruise next year! We all know it would be a good time. :)

Day 28 – Something that you miss?

I miss my college days. Having the luxury of picking my own class schedule, which would ultimately decide when I would have to wake up in the mornings. I miss having free time, all the organizations I was a part of and all of the people.

Not to say that "grown up" life sucks because it doesn't. It's just different and definitely takes some time to getting used to. You don't realize how much your life changes until probably a month or so after graduation. It's a definite change and it's like starting a new chapter of your life.

How many lifetimes have you lived?

So I'm already three-fourths of the way through my next book called "Many Lives, Many Masters." Now, I've never been a believer in reincarnation -- my religion doesn't accept it and I've never really accepted it myself. However, both Mark and Drew encouraged me to read this book. It's a short non-fiction by Brian L. Weiss, M.D.

Weiss is a psychiatrist who is trying to treat Catherine, one of his patients who has a ton of fears, phobias and anxiety issues. Catherine fears water, death, darkness, being enclosed in a room/claustrophobia, constant nightmares, hours of insomnia, etc. First, Weiss tries normal therapy techniques that usually cure these types of fears. But unfortunately, Catherine still suffers and is not making any progress, and some of her symptoms begin to get worse.

Weiss knows he needs to try something else, something out of the box because conventional techniques aren't working. He then tries hypnosis. What he finds when Catherine is in a trance, is that she goes back to previous lifetimes that she's lived. In all, she's had 86 lifetimes. Even when she's in a trance, she goes to a different realm in-between lifetimes... kind of like Limbo. In each lifetime, she's a different person, sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes a child. Each lifetime brings a different set of challenges. She takes away knowledge from each lifetime that will help her in future lifetimes. After Weiss goes through multiple hypnosis sessions with her, he finds that Catherine makes rapid progress and many of her fears disappear.

Catherine also finds that some of the people who are in her present lifetime have also been in previous lifetimes with her. But, like Catherine, these people have different names and characteristics in the past.

It's really very interesting. It almost makes me want to go into a hypnotic trance and see how many lifetimes I've supposedly lived, what I've learned, if some of the people I'm with have been with me in the past, etc.

Like I said, I've never really accepted the theory of reincarnation. But this book really makes you think. It's weird, unique and puts life in a different perspective. I still have another 30 pages or so to read, but I find this whole idea of living multiple lifetimes and taking different learnings from each lifetime intriguing.

I feel like if I accepted this theory, I would be more at ease with my fear of death. The cliché has always been "You only have one life to live." But if you believe in reincarnation, this isn't your only lifetime. You'll have another. You'll be able to live another life and have a "second chance," if you will. How nice would that be? You could have the chance to go through life again as a different individual, meeting different people and growing in a different way.

I find that these thoughts tend to dissipate and scatter. I'm still not entirely convinced, but when it's all said and done, the facts are all out there. They are hard to ignore.