2014 Wrap Up

Well, it's that time of the year where everyone begins to look back on their year, what they accomplished (or didn't), and what they hope to achieve the following year.  I wouldn't want to throw off everyone else's groove by not doing the same myself :), so here's a look back on how I did on my 2014 goals.  I wrote these out with the intention of having my readers hold me accountable, so here goes some brutal honesty with myself....


You can read the original list here.

• Enhance my photography knowledge.
• Well....let's just start this off with a bang and go ahead and admit that I failed miserably in this area - ha!  I probably haven't gotten my camera out more than 5 times all year since we got back from Haiti in April.  Not proud of this fact, I've just has a gazillion other things going on that weren't quite photo-worthy...like doctor's appointments, working 3 jobs, etc.  Here's to hoping next year will be a little better in this area!

• Improve my overall fitness level.
• Well, I certainly didn't lose 50 pounds like I had hoped, but that's ok.  When I wrote that original blog post, I had no idea that my incision would open 3 times, or that life would take me on a roller coaster this year.  I can say though, that since starting my new job here at Duke, that I've signed up for a gym membership and am starting to swim again with mom!  I also signed up for Weight Watchers this week, and my Doctor is on board to do what she can to help me lose weight.  I'm just beginning, but I finally feel like I've got a good support system and plan in place to make this a reality.  This goal is top of my list this year, so here's to hoping 2015 will see a 50lb lighter me!

• Improve my quiet time.
• This goal I was actually successful with -woohoo!  I'd say I still have more room for improvement, but I got better about making my devotion time a priority, tithing regularly, and found a devotion app I really liked too.  I started reading the Bible chronologically last month too.  It puts the stories I've heard so many times into a timeline which I've really enjoyed.  It's a year-long read through the Bible chronologically, so it will take me into 2015, but that's ok with me!

• Decrease time on social media.
• I'd say overall, I've been pretty successful with this goal too.  Between work and things we've had going on at church, I haven't had a ton of time to be on social media, but I have found myself recently not gravitating towards my phone as easily.  This goal is still on my list for 2015, because lets be real we could all still improve in this area, but I can definitely tell a difference from where I was in February, sitting and surfing the web mindlessly, to where I am now - which is checking FB only once or twice a day.

• Pursue dream of becoming a wedding planner. 
• This goal completely flopped. Once I began pursuing it, I realized that wedding planning is something that I'd rather do on the side for friends right now than make it a career.  I did find a career this year though - so here's an AMEN to that!

• Become a better reader.
• This is the one goal that I surpassed even what I thought I was capable of!  I not only read 2 books, I read almost 6 this year!!!!!!  Whoop, whoop!  Again, I know you readers out there think I'm crazy, but for someone who hated reading just a year ago, this is HUGE!  I'm finally becoming a reader and have even found a favorite author.  I still hate the library (thanks E for getting books for me!), but I'm reading so that's something! Beggars can't be choosers after afterall! Here is a little review of the books I read:
• "House Rules" by Jodi Picoult: Probably my favorite read this year.  Jodi Picoult did a great job exploring the world of children with Aspergers while creating a suspenseful story that kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page.
• "Vanishing Acts" by Jodi Picoult:  This one was good too with lots of twists I didn't see coming.
• "Perfect Match" by Jodi Picoult: Gut wrenching read about the sexual assault of a young boy and the journey of bringing his rapist to justice, but man the book was so good!
• "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult: I'm still reading this book about the story of a school shooting and so far Jodi Picoult has impressed as always.  I'm sure there is some big twist coming before the ending, but I haven't gotten there yet.
• "The Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks: I liked this book, and parts even made me cry, but I found it to be a typical Nicholas Spark's story.  That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I enjoy the suspense of not knowing what's coming in Jodi Picoult's books versus the expected outcomes of his books.  
• "Beachcombers" by Nancy Thayer: I couldn't get into this one. I tried but when I still wasn't hooked after chapter 5, I put it down and never went back to it.

• Become more responsible and aware with my financial planning.
• This is another area that I surpassed my goals in.  I not only have a great budgeting system in place now, but I even ENJOY doing my budget each month.  I finally get to be stress free over money and can look forward to the next pay check because I am in control now, not the bills!  I've gotten an emergency fund in place this year, almost completely paid off one of my small loans, reimbursed funds that I'd borrowed, bought a new car, organized my ministry finances, and am set up to hopefully pay off two complete school loans in 2015!!!!!  I can't even tell you how good it feels to be in such a place of peace and control when it comes to finances.  If you're struggling with money and haven't tried the Dave Ramsey system yet - go do it NOW!  It works people.  It's not easy, it takes work, dedication, and patience, but it WORKS and it even becomes fun when you get the hang of it!

• Blog more.
• I didn't blog nearly as much as I'd hoped this year, but I've been doing pretty good these last couple of weeks, so maybe that counts?  I'm sure all of you readers are rolling your eyes right now :).  I'll get better, just stick with me!

Stay tuned for my 2015 goals.  Here's to hoping that 2015 will be a little less crazy, and a lot more successful in the goals department!

Brain Dump: Job Edition :)

Wow…has it really been THAT long since my last post?  I feel like I just blogged my official notice of leaving Haiti yesterday.  Where has the time gone?!

Actually I know exactly where its gone:  to one of the 5 different jobs I'm working this month! And yes, I really do write that with excitement!

Most of the last three weeks have been spent working part-time at Michaels. I'm not super proud of myself for this position, but it's paying the bills, and the employee discount is pretty sweet! I am very grateful for this job though, and I am so thankful for God's provision and timing with this placement.  It won't be a forever job, but it's what I need right now. I also love the staff there, and it has been fun so far which makes working that much more enjoyable! Getting out of the house and back to some normality with life/my back has also been wonderful.

I'll also be working with/for three other people this month (and hopefully part of next) doing various different jobs for them: i.e. errands, data entry, cleaning, child care, etc.  I hadn't planned to take these small odd jobs, but God placed them in my life at just the right time - don't you just love how he does that?!  I was beginning to worry about my student loans and other bills, and literally within days of each other, these offers opened up.  I'm trying SOOO very hard to get my budgeting goals in line as well as get my student loans paid off quicker rather than later so these three jobs are a huge blessing!

With that in mind, I am also really excited about a part-time commission based position I was offered -- or rather am in the process of being officially offered. I'm pretty excited about this one seeing as how I could pay off my student loans in the next year or two if I can get good at it!!!! That would be SO amazing! I will also get to work from home and make my own hours with this position, and depending on my success it could potentially become something full-time later down the road.  The best part is that this position is with a company I believe in and has a missions emphasis; how perfect right?!  What a dream come true it would be to get paid to do missions!  The future part is in God's hand, but for now I am just grateful for the opportunity and excited to see where it leads. More details to come on this once the offer is official and accepted :)

The last couple of weeks have certainly been a whirlwind, but it sure does feel good to get back into the workforce.  I can't wait to see what comes next!

The View from Here: Picture Dump

For those of you who don't follow me on facebook or instagram, here are some pictures from the past two weeks of my life!

 Packing up my life.

 I had the honor of sharing my testimony at Church with all of my family there.

 Saying goodbye at the airport

 Nap time in Miami :)

 The first team to stay and work at HFMS.

 These beautiful ladies cooked and cleaned for us all last week.

 The team built 4 sets of bunk beds for the big room at the end of the hall!

 This is Danielle, the land-lady's daughter.

 This is my new dear friend Esther who helped up tremendously over the last two weeks.  More to come on her soon!

 

Dad made some new friends.

 Mom and I trying to organize all of my stuff.

 The guys built this shelving unit for my bathroom

 Dad hanging curtains in my bedroom

 Kofael meeting that took place last Saturday.  This was the first outreach women's ministry to happen here at HFMS.

 The upstairs kitchen - took me 5 hours to get it clean and organized!

 Other end of the kitchen.  Please take note of the cooler aka our fridge when there's no power.

 My bedroom.  The guys built this bed and the nightstand.

 Sunset from our balcony.

 Driving around Haiti.

 For all of you who asked, here is one of the grocery stores I shop at. It's just like an American store, just more expensive!

 They even have Kirkland (Costco) brand stuff!! This made me laugh out loud and miss my dad.

My second purchase of groceries was 3,612 goudes which is a little more than $80.

This Just Got Real

Nine days guys.  NINE! I am moving to Haiti in nine days....

Say what?!

Let me wrap my head around that for a minute...

Ok, 9 days. I can do this! I should probably start packing though shouldn't I?  

NINE?!?!!! 

I honestly think I'm still partially in denial that this is happening. My bank account, the room with all my stuff, and my to do list say otherwise, but my brain hasn't quite caught on yet. It feels like I still have weeks left but it's more like a week and a couple of days. yikes!

The past few weeks have been jam packed around here. You've probably noticed a few changes around the blog, right? There are more coming, but please look around and explore!! All the information you'll need on the ministry I'm working with is located up top. Everything you need to know is in one easy to find location now thanks to the incredible designer I hired! Hope you like the new look, I sure do!

Anyways...back to the past few weeks. I have spent the last month or so shopping, picking up donations, crossing off items on the to do list, speaking at churches, and trying to finalize fundraising. It has been crazy, but kind of relaxing too. You all know I love working through details, so this part of the journey has been kind of therapeutic. I just really need to start packing...anyone want to help??

 My only attempts at packing thus far...I have to say these space bags are pretty impressive!  That's a full size quilt, three sets of sheets, two pillows, and three rugs compressed to less than 2 feet tall. 

I had the honor of speaking with two churches so far, and will be speaking at Grey Stone this coming Sunday. What a blessing that has been! For those of you that know me well, you know I hate public speaking. My knees start shaking, my nervous stomach kicks in, my mouth gets dry...yeah not so fun! I've pushed through though, dry mouth and all, and have been beyond blessed both times!! I spoke at Temple Baptist Church in Fayetteville first, and the congregation donated $816 towards my ministry. Through speaking at Temple, I was also put in contact with another donor organization that will donate close to $1,000! What a HUGE blessing that was! Last Sunday, I spoke at Concord Baptist Church in Granite Falls. They as a church gave $750 and individual donations totaled over $600, bringing the total donation that day to almost $1500!! I can't even put into words what a blessing those two churches have been to me. The encouragement from the members, the love, donations...it meant the world to me!! We are also good friends with the pastors at both churches, so it was so nice getting to see old friends and have their support and encouragement as well! Thank you again to both of those churches for having me! Between the two churches, they donated enough to support almost two full months of my time in Haiti. Seriously, what a Blessing!!!!

 Speaking at Temple Baptist Church

 Got to love on this sweet little boy after service.

 

Speaking at Concord Baptist Church.

 

Other than that, life has been pretty normally. I'm trying to take in every second of this gorgeous fall weather, enjoy my favorite American treats, and get in as much time with family and friends as possible while I can.

Overall I am feeling pretty good about this move. There are days where my emotions get the best of me, but I'm finding comfort and peace through Christ. Nights are probably the hardest time for me, as the quiet lets my mind wander aimlessly. If I'm not careful, my worries and what ifs get the best of me, but I've found opening God's word and reading scripture helps me through those harder times. I don't know the specifics of what this journey ahead will hold, but I know it's going to be an amazing year! I'm trusting in God for my strength, patience, wisdom, and courage for this new chapter. He has gone before me, will be there with me, and will go after me. He will sustain me.

Thank you again for all of your support, encouraging words, and most importantly your prayers! I covet your prayers.

 

A sweet gift of encouragement from one of my dear friends.  It meant the world to me!

 

Some specific prayer requests right now:

• My peace of mind before, during, and after my time in Haiti.
• For an easy transition into this new life/culture/climate/etc.
• For safe & timely travels to Haiti.  That all of our luggage would arrive safely and on time.
• For my parents as they experience this first week in Haiti with me, and as they adjust to life with me living Haiti.  Pray for their strength, patience, emotional well-being, and guidance through this year.
• For my fundraising.  I still need to raise around $10,000 for the year.  I know God will provide!
• For the ministry I'll be working with.  Pray that God would guide us on how to minister to the women of Haiti, and the best methods in doing so.  Pray also for the fundraising of the ministry.  We have some big immediate financial needs (inverter, transportation, washing machine, etc) but don't currently have the funding to cover them.
• For calmed nerves and peace of mind as I speak at Grey Stone on Sunday.  Pray that God would give me the right words and that the congregation would be open to supporting my ministry in Haiti.  Pray for my emotional state, as it will most likely be a tear-filled testimony. 

Wishful Wednesday: Wishing The Crud Away

Ugh.

I hate this time of year.  The bipolar weather has sent my sinuses on a roller coaster and they simply cannot keep up anymore.  I woke up yesterday congested and had a terrible cough.  This morning I could barely breathe, my voice was completely gone, and I was still congested...

Yuck.

I haven't been sick in so long, I forgot how miserable it is.  Not to mention I was supposed to babysit today, and had to cancel in fear I'd pass this crud along to the kids.

Blah.

Hey did you see they're calling for snow tomorrow??? Bipolar weather I'm telling you!

Bear with me as the blogging will be sparse this week.  Here's to hoping this crud goes away quickly!

Quick Not me Wishful Wednesday

Hows that for a doozy of a title?! I guess I should've kept up with my posts this week!

Any who!

I have not been in a blogging mood this week.  Actually, I haven't really been in any kind of mood lately.  I've just kind of been stuck lately. In a rut of sorts.  An I-have-no-idea-what-I'm-doing-but-I-do-the-same-thing-every-day kind of rut.

Does that make any sense?   Probably not.

Well for other thoughts:  I am so glad the election is over!  While I know the ridiculous whining, complaining, bragging, and everything else will probably continue on Facebook for another week or so, I'm still glad it's over!  I'm glad that the phone calls, annoying commercials, and the constant fighting/debating/complaining about the other candidate every where you look is over.  It'll be great once everyone moves past this and gets back to normal life! When I can look through my news feed and not see people bickering any more...oh that'll be a lovely day!

On another random note: For any of you that haven't been following my facebook statuses, I finally heard back about the position in Greensboro.  They still have not made any decisions as they are still finishing up interviews, so it'll be the end of next week before I hear anything.  I'm still praying constantly, trusting God will take care of it, and hoping that I'll get the position.  I appreciate all of you who are praying for me, please keep the prayers going!

And since it's Wednesday (and I really can't think of a good Not Me Monday or Quick Tip Tuesday post) here is the item on my wish list this week!

I am absolutely in love with these Madden Girl Zappa Booties from DSW.  For all of you ladies out there that have large calves, like myself, you'll understand my frustration when it comes to finding boots I can wear.  The ones that I REALLY want, simply don't fit.  However when I found these, I decided they'd be the next best thing!!  I'm not sure whether to add these to my Christmas list or wait until I get some money in and buy them myself.  I love them and already have a lot of outfits in mind to put with them!  We'll see how it all plays out, but one way or another these beauties will be making their way to my closet!

Oh and for the last random note of the day:  52 days until I'll be back in Haiti!! I cannot wait!!

Well that's all I've got for you today.  I'm going back to my doing-nothing-but-doing-the-exact-same-thing-every-day routine.

Friday Free-For-All

I am proud to announce that I have reached the 10,000 view mark on my blog!! 

Not only was the 10,000 mark hit, you all made the 10,000th view on my 200th post!!!  I'd say that's pretty impressive!  That means if this were a perfect world and everything averaged out correctly, I've had 50 views on each of my posts!  That's incredible!

I started this blog in June of 2010 with the intent to heal my broken heart and have a place to spill out all of my thoughts.  I never in a million years would have guessed that people would actually read it, take time to invest in getting to know me through my words, or that I would be sitting here today healed of the broken-heartedness that began this blog 2 1/2 years ago.   People I don't even know have taken time out of their lives to read a little bit about mine.  It's crazy for me to even think about that, yet so encouraging!  I've had readers in Germany, Russia, Australia, India, Brazil, Latvia, and that's just to name a few.  Technology is a truly incredible thing, and I am so thankful to have such faithful readers who not only care about my life but have encouraged me so much over the last couple of years.  Thank you so much for your kind words and giving me the push I've needed, over and over, to pick myself up and keep going.  You'll never fully know how much that means to me.  But thank you, 10,000x!

What's to come for the next 2 1/2 years?  Well, you'll have to stay tuned to find out, but I hope it will only grow and become more of what it is today.  I will maintain the personal side of my blog, as I find it very therapeutic to write out my thoughts.  I also hope to increase the amount of blogging I do, on design topics/tips/ideas etc.  I hope the next 2 years will be filled with wonderful memories, limited brokenness, and lots of joy for me to share with you!

In a more true Friday Free-For-All post let me update you with the happenings of my life the past couple of days:

-Yesterday I had an interview that went really, REALLY, well.  But that's all I'm going to say for now because I don't want to jinx it!  More to come on this soon!

-Last night I went to the State Fair with Erin & Stephen.  I learned that it's not as much fun as I remember growing up, but the Fair will probably always remain on my must-do list each year.  I'm a sucker for traditions.

-I learned that fried foods are simply not as enticing when they cost $6 a pop.  Same goes for the rides at the fair.  I paid $5 to ride the ferris wheel, but that's all the money I could stand to dish out!

-Speaking of money spent at the fair, I got out of there spending only a whopping 12 bucks!  That's got to be some kind of record! ($3 of that I could have saved if I had looked at how many tickets the ferris wheel would require before I bought them.  Oh well!)

-Tonight Erin & Stephen are coming over for dinner, because mom misses them!  As Erin and I say, this simply adds to our on-going joke that she is the favored child around these parts!

Other than those few points, that's about all that's been happening around here!

Oh for all of you wondering about the giveaway....it will be posted on my blog the beginning of next week!! Stay tuned and you could win some fabulous jewelry!!

Happy Friday!

Labor Day Weekend Movie Review

Since I am currently in this on going state of unemployment vacation, and the family left for Grandma's this weekend, I have had quite a bit of alone time on my hands.  A house to myself, with no commitments calling my name, and it's completely my decision what to do next.  Sounds heavenly right?? Well for me....I'm kind of getting worn out from sitting at home.  Sure it was fun for the first day or two, but now I'm itching to get out of the house and get working again.

However, it's Labor day weekend, everyone is out of town or busy doing their own vacationing at home, so I figured I might as well enjoy the quiet and freedom while it lasts.  So, I figured I'd keep Redbox in business and rent some movies.  And yes, I'll go ahead and admit that I have rented and watched 6 movies this weekend.  I know I'm a complete bum.  I did go swimming this weekend, so I wasn't a complete couch potato, but how else is one supposed to fill three 12 hour days??

So since I watched them, I figured I'd give a quick little review on my movie choices.  You know, in case you decide to help keep Redbox in business this weekend too ;-)!

Movie 1:  Act of Valor

Rating: 4.5/5

Rated R

This is a movie about Navy Seals who are on a mission to rescue a kidnapped CIA operative. In the process they discover a terrorist plot against the US and set out on a mission to stop it.  The movie is action packed and gives a very eye opening picture of what our troops do for us each day.  The men in the movie have to balance family life with their mission.  While the movie was shorter than I had hoped, it was fantastic.  I'll go ahead and warn you it's a little bit of a tear jerker near the end, but it really makes you proud of our men and women who serve this Country each day.  I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a movie that's action packed and you want something both men and women will enjoy.

Movie Two: Think Like A Man

Rating:  5/5

Rated PG-13

I have wanted to see this movie ever since I saw the first commercial.  It's a story of women who discover the book "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man."  They use it's techniques to get what they want out of their men.  When the men find out, they join the battle and use the book to what they hope will be their advantage.  While it may not be the most appropriate movie for a family, it's absolutely hilarious!!  This is a great chick flick that I think even guys will enjoy.  I was cracking up the whole time!  Every one will enjoy this!

Movie Three: The Devil Inside

Rating:  4/5

Rated R

For all you horror movie junkies out there like me, this is a good one!! For those of you that don't like scary movies feel free to skip this review.  However, I LOVE a good scary movie.  I have been wanting to see this since I first saw the preview, but when I heard from a friend it wasn't good I forgot all about it.  Since Redbox is only $1.20 I figured there was no harm in giving it a shot.  This movie is about a girl who's mother, Maria Rossi, murdered three people during her exorcism. Isabella, the daughter, travels to Rome to visit her mother and learn more about exorcisms.  She meets two guys that are practicing exorcists and they begin the journey into her mom's case.  It's suspenseful and an edge of your seat kind of movie. You can kind of see the twist coming, but it's still good!!

Movie Four:  Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Rating:  1.5/5

Rated R

This movie is about a guy, George Smiley, who is forced out of semi-retirement to uncover a double agent in the British Secret Service.  That's about all I can tell you about the movie because I was so bored that I turned it off 30 minutes in.  I thought it was going to be good from previews I'd seen, but I should have read the reviews on Redbox first.  It's got an overall 2/5 rating for being slow and boring.  I'd definitely agree!  Don't waste your time on this one!

Movie Five: Man on a Ledge

Rating 5/5

Rated PG-13

This again is another movie I'd been dying to see!  It's the story of a ex-cop set out to prove his innocence.  All the while, his suicide is attempt is really just a cover for a huge diamond heist that will prove his innocence.  I loved this movie!! It's another great one for couples to watch.  It's got enough action and love make everyone happy.  The action, and suspense are great.  I haven't seen this great of an action movie in a while.

Movie Six:  Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Rating:  5/5

Rated PG-13

This movie tells the story of an 11-year old boy, Oskar Schell, who's father died in the towers on 9/11.  After finding a key in his dad's closet he sets out on a journey to discover the lock it opens.  This is an incredibly heart-wrenching and moving story.  Go ahead and get your tissues ready and prepare yourself for one of my new favorite movies.  It's a great story of healing and finding yourself after tragedy.  I can't recommend this one enough! Go watch it for yourself!

Burlap Giveaway

One of my favorite blogs, Thrifty and Chic, is doing a giveaway for a $20 gift card to BurlapFabric.com.  If you read through her blog posts she has made some incredible items with burlap and I would love to win the gift card to make my own burlap inspired curtains like the ones she made below:

For an extra entry on her giveaway she asks that we post about it on our own blog.

Go check it out and enter for yourselves!

http://www.thriftyandchic.com/2012/06/giveaway-burlapfabriccom.html

Too Random for a Good Title

Whew.  It's been a whirlwind of a weekend!  These last few days, while they didn't seem to busy in the moment have worn me out.  After getting back from Haiti on Thursday, I spent most of my day Friday cleaning, doing laundry, and getting my life back in order here in the states.  I washed more clothes than I ever wanted to, did some cleaning around the house, and organized everything back where it goes.  Saturday I spent the majority of my day on the computer downloading, editing, and uploading pictures from Haiti.  I didn't think I took nearly as many pictures this time, but I ended up with over 200!  It's crazy how quickly pictures add up on these trips.  Erin made me dinner last night at their place, which was delicious, and we did a little catch me up on what needs to be done for camp this week.  Since I've been gone for almost two weeks, camp has arrived quickly and there is still a lot that needs to get done.  Most of it is small tedious administrative things, but they are all very important nonetheless.  Today was graduation Sunday at church so I walked for that, did some grocery shopping after church, made lunch, and cleaned the kitchen here at home.  I also cut up a watermelon because I have been dying to have some!  I'm so glad summer is here and all my favorite home grown items will be here soon!

Tomorrow it's back into camp full force.  We've got parent orientation night on Thursday, counselor training Friday and Saturday, and then camp starts next Monday!  I can't believe how quickly it's gotten here.  I am very excited to step into my new roll as assistant director and get to work with a different side of camp.  I love the kids and working with them, but I also love the administrative side of things as well.  I'll get the best of both worlds as the assistant director.  It's going to be a great summer and I can't wait for everything to get started!

On another note, I have decided for now that I am not going to move to Haiti, but instead keep doing short term trips.  I did a lot of soul searching these last two weeks, and have decided it is not my time to move there right now. While I still believe I will do long term missions there one day, I don't think that time is now.  When Dorothy challenged me with understanding the difference between a calling and having a heart for the need, I really began to realize that what I'm feeling is more of a heart for the need than a calling at the moment.  I absolutely love Haiti, I love the kids, the country, and the way of life there which is why Haiti will always play a large role in my life.  For now however, that role is going to be short term trips so that I can truly explore God's calling for my life and determine exactly where and when he wants me there.  I hope to visit different organizations over the next few years to truly get a wide sense of what options are available to me and where I will fit best.  Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this long journey.

Because I have decided to put off moving to Haiti for a while, I am now having to start looking for jobs again.  I searched a bunch of different listings this weekend and applied for four positions.  Two of them are in Raleigh working for furniture companies, and two are in Charlotte as design assistant positions.  I kind of have my heart set on the two in Charlotte right now, as I believe they would both be perfect starting places for my career.  They were the first listings I've seen in North Carolina for entry-level designer positions, so my fingers are crossed that they are still available and I'll hear from them soon!  Please keep my job searching in your prayers!  I need to find a full time position soon!

Also on my last random note for the day, I weighed myself today and I have lost 12 pounds!!  While I did not successfully complete my graduation challenge on time, I am still pushing myself to lose the weight.  It is a difficult and long process, but I am up for the challenge!  Cassie and I are going to be work out buddies this summer and we will be getting a gym membership soon.  For now, I'll have to stick to my walks around the neighborhood and the last two guest visits I can make to the YMCA pool.

Uninspired Update

I have been very uninspired to write on here lately.  I thought with graduating I'd have some profound thoughts to share, but nothing worth writing has really come up yet.  For a quick update:

- Yes I did graduate last Saturday! With honors I may add!
- I have started working at day camp getting ready for the summer, seeing as how I'm the assistant director this year! I'm really enjoying it so far.
-We're hosting a Parent's Night Out tomorrow at camp.  Aka we're offering free childcare for ages 4 and up to raise money for our trip to Haiti.  There is no cost, but we ask that you make a donation to our trip.  For every $5 donated, you'll get an entry into our drawing for a free week of camp!  What's not to love?!  Come and join us tomorrow at Grey Stone from 5-9pm!
-Haiti is quickly approaching and I believe we've got everything in order.  The anticipation is building, although it doesn't seem as real this time. I'm hoping the excitement will only grow as the time gets closer.
-And lastly, I joined the modern world today and got an Iphone!  Pretty exciting I must say, and a wonderful graduation gift to myself.

Well that's all I've really got for you tonight, hopefully some writing inspiration will happen soon!!

Either way, I'll be updating regularly while we're in Haiti so stay tuned!!

The View From Here: Spring Cleaning

While moving out is bittersweet this year, I absolutely love going through everything and cleaning out the things I don't need anymore.  For the last few hours I've been going through my closet, drawers, and supplies to de-clutter and cut out items I never use.  I've got the window open, fresh air coming in, some great music from my childhood playing, and stuff everywhere!!! However, I am done and feel 100% better!  The real packing process will begin tomorrow :)

 The basic necessity for any proper Spring cleaning.  Fresh air :)

 All of my design supplies/materials I don't need anymore.  I'll let Jessica shop before throwing them out.  Oh the perks of living with all upperclassmen! :)

The load of trash I was able to get rid of!

What's not seen (because I forgot to take a picture), is the tub of clothes I took downstairs to the donate pile.  I feel much more organized and clutter free now!!   

I'm alive

Yes, I am alive!  Sorry the blog posting has been nonexistent here lately.  I've been getting back into the swing of things at school, trying to get organized, motivated, and on track for the semester.  While I'm not particularly loving my Sociology class, I'm trying to make the best of it.  This is the last general education class I will EVER have to take.  Let me just tell you, that is an AMAZING feeling!  The last class I'll have to write a paper for, the last non-major-related education...amazing I tell you!  Amazing!  Other than that the semester seems like it should be fairly smooth.  I would say easy, but well that would just not be wise.

Our big project this year is very organized and fairly straight forward.  We are designing a building downtown into a proposed new school of art and design for HPU.  I'm actually pretty excited about it because we get to design our dream learning environment.  There have been various things I would have liked to have or changed over the last four years, and the opportunity to propose those options is really fun!  While I don't think High Point will choose any of our designs or actually buy this building, we still get the opportunity to get our ideas out there and possibly have them incorporated into a future building.  Norton has simply outgrown the art majors and we need a bigger space.  Nido will most likely build a new building, but having the school of art and design located in the heart of Market would be invaluable to us design majors.  We'll see what comes of it, but I'm excited for the project and ready to dive in and get started.

For now, life is pretty much the same as last semester.  I'm helping Jessica Deen lead a bible study on campus, which I'm really excited about.  This Wednesday will be my first night teaching.  Fingers crossed it will go well (could use your prayers!).  I'm also job searching full force now.  If I can find something in the DC/Virginia area, Jessica and I are going to get an apartment together.  I had been looking in North Carolina, but so many designers have told me to go to D.C.  Honestly, living with Jessica sounds really fun and after visiting VA I got really excited about possibly living there. I don't know where God is going to take me, but I just keep trekking along and getting my resume out everywhere possible.

My goal for the semester is to enjoy every minute of my last semester and finish with a bang!  Graduation is like 95 days away! Crazzzy!

I promise I'll get back to my regular blogging very soon!

Tuesday Randomness

It's been a busy couple of days around here.  I've been working at Day Camp each morning, preparing for Haiti, finishing my Christmas shopping, and wrapping presents.  I finally have all my gifts bought, wrapped, and placed under the tree.  It's beginning to feel like Christmas (although I'm not enjoying the cold).  It's a small Christmas this year, but I'm excited about all of the gifts I am able to give.  I'm also excited Christmas falls on Sunday this year.  While it throws a small twist into our normal Christmas morning routine, it's a welcome twist.  I mean how often do you get to celebrate Christmas on a Sunday morning?

On another note, everything for Haiti is pretty much squared away.  I've been getting a little nervous every now and then, but I'm really excited.  I don't really know why I'm nervous, I guess it's just that I'm ready to be there and have the traveling done with.  I'm use to traveling with a team, going by ourselves is a little nerve-wracking.   We will be just fine though.  There are so many teams and people traveling to Haiti now that it should (hopefully) be a very easy experience.  I'm also excited to announce that not only did Cassie and I both receive all of our money, we also got enough extra to take Dorothy's staff a small gift, get some craft items and books for the kids, as well as bless Dorothy with a financial gift this Christmas.  I cannot thank you all enough for your support.  Thank you for your love, gifts, and prayers!  It is going to be an amazing trip.  I will try to update my blog while we are there for all of you readers.  I'm not sure when, if, or how often we will have access to internet but I'm hoping to update at least once or twice.  So keep reading!

Well, I'm off to Erin's house for dinner.  She and Stephen (well probably just Erin) are making dinner for us tonight.  Tomorrow after work I'm heading back to her house to do some crafting.  Those old windows Pa gave us need to be cleaned, sanded, and painted.  We also had some extra boards left over from creating her bedroom art that she wants to paint and create a picture wall out of going up their stairs.  After that I'll be heading to a Church friend's house to give some design advice for possible renovations.  Friday I get to babysit some of my favorite kids.  I'm so excited about this because I have not met little Zoe yet.  Then Saturday is Christmas Eve!  Wow, this year is coming to a quick end!

Happy Tuesday!

Note to self...

I got this grand idea a few days ago that I could make a passport/ticket holder for my trip to Haiti.  I had been searching online for one and the only ones I could find were Royce Leather for $22.  There was one seller on Etsy that made them, but they looked a little dinky.  After examining each of them, I thought I could surely make one myself.

On my way home today I stopped by Hancock Fabrics to pick up some supplies and off to creating I went. And well...that's where I hit the wall.  Lets just say my efforts were less than successful.  I created three different ones, the first two being completely unsuccessful.  The third, while done and possible to use, is less than beautiful.  Here take a look..

Hahah I literally laugh out loud every time I look at the finished product. The crooked lines, its flimsiness, the thread that doesn't match.  Oh it was an experience...

First to prep the work area.  I had my passport and old ticket to use for measurements, a good pair of scissors, a sewing machine, and the fabric.  And yes, I used that Christmas candelabra as a lamp.  Apparently we have no extra lamps in the house and mine are all at school.  Pathetic I know.

Here is where the issues began.  I had to rethread the machine about 101 times and recut the patterns over and over again.  Hince my box of trash and frustration.

Oh you see that crazy threading?  That's because the tension in my machine didn't catch right. Unfortunately I didn't realize it until it was too late. That means I could have either taken it out and re-stitched everything (not happening) or it will probably fall apart after a few uses.  Frustration source #2.  This is also one of the reasons I had to rethread my machine 101 times.

The finished product.  Please notice the crooked stitching, the white thread on purple fabric, and if only you could hold it to see how flimsy it is.  Haha.

Oh and to top it off, I leave the room for 10 minutes and come back to find my dog chewing on this.  That would be my only spool of black thread. Yeah that's history.

But how can you stay mad at this face?? 

Needless to say I will not be taking my creation with me to Haiti.  I had all intentions of making both Cassie and I one, but sorry Cassie, you won't be getting one unless you are dying to have this one.

Note to self:

1. Stick to making pillows.  Becoming a seamstress is not my calling.
2. If Royce Leather is the only company that carries the product you're looking for, don't be foolish and think you can make it yourself.  Clearly it requires a professional. Hince the dinky one on Etsy.
3. Buy a real one tomorrow afternoon and hope it gets here before my trip 

Hahah.  Fail.

Now what?

I finished my one big exam and one of my presentations.  That means I have one more presentation and one small exam left to go.  I've been working non-stop for months now and I'll be honest, it's really weird having nothing to do.  I took a nap this afternoon and have been watching Hallmark movies since.  Weird I tell you...weird.

And boring!

I've considered packing for home/Haiti, doing laundry, cleaning the apartment, going Christmas shopping and so many other random activities.  I haven't done anything yet, but I think laundry will come first.  What else would a college gal do on a Saturday night? I mean come on, laundry is just a blast!


Yeah I'm bored out of my mind.

Only three days until I get to go home! Cassie and I will be helping at Grey Stone Kids Camp's Parent's Night Out next Friday to raise money for our trip to Haiti and Chris' trip to Ethiopia.  I'll be working at camp the next week to get some money, then Christmas will be here, and then Cassie and I are off to Haiti!  I cannot believe this year is almost over!  Where has the time gone?  Where has the semester gone?  Am I really graduating in 5 short months? Wow!  It's going to be a fun-filled few weeks at home and some much needed relaxation/family time before next semester starts.

Well laundry time I guess...or maybe another movie?

A View Through My Eyes

I'm trying very hard to be productive in Norton today.  We've got a LOT of stuff due on Tuesday and I've only got part of it done.  Megan and I came over here this afternoon around 1pm only to find that the power was out on main campus and they couldn't let us into the building.  We lost 3 hours of productivity time, but I'll be honest I enjoyed having a few hours to relax.  We finally got into the building at 4pm and have been working non-stop since.  A dinner break will happen soon, but we'll be in here all night weekend.  Here, take a look at what I'm seeing for the next 8 hours:

My work area.  Orderly chaos as always.

An overview of all the plans drawn on my CAD file at this moment.

Make you dizzy?  Yeah I think I'm going cross-eyed or will be by the time I do this to the other 3 floors.

Oh Norton.  We have a love-hate relationship.  I will love it again when I turn this project in and have the satisfaction of finishing another project.  Until then, we are not on great terms. 

This is my to do list for Tuesday:

• Wrenn Room Elevations
• Key elevations to my floor plan
• Reflected Ceiling plan of all 4 floors in Wrenn (that'd be the dizzying picture above)
• Electrical/Switching plan for all 4 floors in Wrenn
• Finish cabinet plan for kitchen project
• Draw the rest of my elevations for the kitchen

Sounds like I've gotten nothing done but the other parts due for Tuesday that I've finished are:

• Finalize my Wrenn budget and key all furniture to my floor plan
• Finalize fabric choices for Wrenn
• Finished my new construction plan for the kitchen project
• Part of my kitchen elevations are done
• Part of my reflected ceiling plans are done

Whew! I should get back to work now.