Achtzehn: A time when you felt passionate and alive

Spring retreat, Inside Out.

I went there wanting to kill myself, I left renewed and alive in knowing that God had a purpose for my life.

It was legitimately the biggest turning point in my life.  I've remained faithfully married to God since then, and this spring we will celebrate our 4 year anniversary!

It was an amazing time.  And I am SO blessed to have spent it with the amazing people that I did <3

Siebzehn: Artwork

I like to take photos, and I love photoshopping.  My skills have vastly improved since these photos were taken, but I lost my flashdrive with all of my photos and I deleted my Facebook.  This is all I have left!  So, here's a few of my older ones!

Sechzehn: A Song that Makes You Cry

Cryin' For Me by Toby Keith

Got the news on Friday morning, but a tear I couldn't find
You showed me how I am supposed to live
And now you showed me how to die

I was lost 'til Sunday morning, I woke up to face my fear
While writing you this goodbye song, I found a tear

I'm gonna miss that smile, I'm gonna miss you my friend
Even though it hurts the way it ended up, I'd do it all again
So play it sweet in heaven 'cause that's right where you wanna be
I'm not cryin' 'cause I feel so sorry for you, I'm cryin' for me

I got up and dialed your number, and your voice came on the line
With that old familiar message I heard a thousand times
It just said, sorry that I missed you, leave a message and God bless
I know that you think I'm crazy, but I just had to hear your voice I guess

I'm gonna miss that smile, I'm gonna miss you my friend
Even though it hurts the way it ended up, I'd do it all again
So play it sweet in heaven 'cause that's right where you wanna be
I'm not cryin' 'cause I feel so sorry for you, I'm cryin' for me

So play your upside down, left-handed, backwards bass guitar
I'll see you on the other side, superstar

I'm gonna miss that smile, I'm gonna miss you my friend
Even though it hurts the way it ended up, I'd do it all again
So play it sweet in heaven 'cause that's right where you wanna be
I'm not cryin' 'cause I feel so sorry for you, I'm cryin' for me
I'm still cryin', I'm cryin' for me, I'm still cryin'

Fünfzehn: A Person You Admire

My mom.

Yeah, that's sappy and cliched.
But still.  I admire how much she is able to laugh at herself, and that she still finds joy in every day, even after losing so many people that were important to her in the last few years.

Vierzehn: A Vacation You Would Like to Take

I would like to go to North Carolina with Zach and his family again.  It was soo beautiful and warm and fun and relaxing. 

Also, I wouldn't mind going to Cancun ;)

<3 <3 <3

Dreizehn: A Guilty Pleasure

It used to be Facebook, but I've been clean for exactly one week now.

I'd have to say Starbucks.  I LOOOVE it.  Seriously.  Try this sometime: Tall hot chocolate with one pump caramel and one pump toffee nut.

To DIE for.

Also, lately I love stumbleupon.com.  Try it out!

Ohh and my Bobble.  It's an individual water bottle with a filter in it.  Like a Brita pitcher, only individual.  And you can use it for a few months before changing the filter.  It's been amazing for me.  Instead of drinking half a glass of water a day, I now drink 3-5 Bobbles of water daily.  And it tastes amazing!  I guess it isn't a guilty pleasure, then, is it?  Because it's good for me- and why feel guilty about that?

(ten dollars at Old Navy)

There you have it!

<3 <3 <3

Zwölf: A Song That You Want Played at Your Wedding

Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not by Thompson Square

We were sittin’ up there on your momma’s roof
Talkin’ bout everything under the moon
With the smell of honeysuckle and your perfume
All I could think about was my next move
Oh, but you were so shy and so was I
Maybe that’s why it was so hard to believe
When you smiled and said to me…

Are you gonna kiss me or not
Are we gonna do this or what
I think you know I like you a lot
But you’re ‘bout to miss your shot
Are you gonna kiss me or not

It was the best dang kiss that I’d ever had
Except for that long one after that
And I knew if I wanted this thing to last
Sooner or later I’d have to ask
For your hand
So I took a chance
Bought a wedding band
And I got down on one knee
And you smiled and said to me

Are you gonna kiss me or not
Are we gonna do this or what
I think you know I love you a lot
I think we’ve got a real good shot
Are you gonna kiss me or not

So, we planned it all out for the middle of June
From the wedding cake to the honeymoon
And your momma cried when you walked down the aisle
When the preacher man said say I Do
I did, and you did, too
Then I lifted that veil and saw your pretty smile
And I said…

Are you gonna kiss me or not
Are we gonna do this or what
Look at all the love that we’ve got
And it ain’t never gonna stop
Are you gonna kiss me or not

Yeah baby I love you a lot
I really think we’ve got a shot
Are you gonna kiss me or not

This is special to me because it reminds me of me and Zach.  We totally kissed before we were dating, and I thought that that made me a total sinner.  And looking back, it makes me laugh.  So I would love to have this song play at my wedding.

Elf: A Photo of You Taken Recently

There you have it!

<3 <3 <3

Zehn: A Photo of You Taken Over Ten Years Ago

Me and my first dog, Sweetie.

<3 <3 <3

40 Extraordinary Things

Just a little encouragement I stumbled upon today.  It made me smile from ear to ear :)

Right now is a phenomenon.  Right now extraordinary things are happening.
Right now…

1. A soldier of sorts is diligently fighting the fight so you don’t have to.
2. Someone who suffered from a severe injury last year is back on their feet.
3. A small group of people are building something that will soon make the impossible possible.
4. Somewhere on Earth a double rainbow is stretched from one end of the horizon to the other.
5. One of the next Billboard-chart-topping musical artists is patiently rehearsing in her garage.
6. A piece of literature is being written that will eventually change your perspective on life.
7. Young children all over the world are singing and dancing before they even realize there is anything that isn’t music.
8. A friend is helping a friend rise above thoughts of suicide.
9. Someone is thinking what you’re thinking, but hasn’t said anything yet either.
10. Two people in your hometown are falling in love.
11. Somewhere someone is admiring a breathtaking sunrise, and somewhere else a surreal sunset.
12. People of various religious backgrounds are in temples, churches, mosques and other places of worship praying, wholeheartedly, for world peace.
13. Someone who has struggled with their weight for the last several years is standing on a scale and smiling.
14. Hundreds of cute elderly couples are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
15. A baby girl just took her first few steps without falling.
16. Two best friends are laughing so hard they aren’t even making any noise.
17. A future world leader is in grade school at recess.
18. Someone is in the process of sincerely forgiving a seemingly unforgivable act.
19. There’s a kid studying hard somewhere who aspires to get to where you are in life.
20. A firefighter is running into a burning building to rescue a perfect stranger.
21. Someone in your vicinity genuinely wants to be your friend.
22. A young mom is lying in a hospital bed and holding her newborn baby twins for the very first time.
23. Someone is taking a shower and singing happily at the top of their lungs.
24. There is someone out there who smiles when they think of a specific moment they once shared with you.
25. An alcoholic just celebrated one full year of sobriety.
26. Volunteers in major cities all over the world are working at homeless shelters caring for those who are less fortunate than themselves.
27. A young man is pulled over on the side of the road helping a young woman change a flat tire.
28. A high school athlete just broke her own personal record.
29. Two teenagers just received their very first kiss ever from each other.
30. A husband and wife who were drowning in debt five years ago proudly hold a balance of zero on their credit cards.
31. Someone is hugging a friend who desperately needs it.
32. A new small business owner just wrapped up his first profitable year working for himself.
33. A grandfather is holding his granddaughter’s hand and they’re both smiling from ear to ear.
34. Someone just placed their spare change in the charity collection cup at the grocery store.
35. A small group of friends are sitting around a table sharing funny stories and cheerfully reminiscing about the good old days.
36. A breast cancer patient just found out her cancer is in complete remission.
37. Someone out there is missing you and looking forward to your next visit.
38. Honest people are working for various government entities to help protect your basic human rights and civil liberties.
39. An emergency room surgeon is in the middle of saving his patient’s life.
40. Someone is holding the door open for the person behind them.

Right now is a new beginning.  Right now is an opportunity.
Do something extraordinary.

Credit  to: www.marcandangel.com/2011/01/03/40-extraordinary-things-happening-right-now/

Neun: A Photo You Took



Holding hands in the car <3

 Maybe not the artsiest photo I've ever taken, but by far one of my favorites.  I love for my photos to tell a story.

<3 <3 <3

Acht: A Thank You Letter to Someone Who Has Changed Your Life

Dear You,

I know you know you changed my life.  The thing is, if it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't even be alive.  I miss you whenever I think of you, and it seems impossible t oget in contact with you.  You screwed up.  I know that.  You know that.  And a lot of people who shouldn't know that, do.  Some people stopped loving you because of what you did- but I believe no one is beyond reproach.  We are called to be like Christ and to live in a way that is beyond reproach, but I've sinned, just like you have.  And so has everyone who judges you for your mistakes.

I know you think I'm precocious.  I always have been, always will be.  But the fact that you brought me down to the right level, and didn't patronize me, and treated me like I was an adult, meant so much to me in a time when no one understood where I was at.  I love you for that.  I used to say I would go to college out there just to be nearer to you, but you always knew I would change my mind.  And of course, I did.  But that doesn't mean I don't miss you.  And no, I don't want you to be the one who sings at my wedding anymore, but I'd still love for you to be there.

You really made a difference in my life, and I owe a lot of who I am to you.  And I pray that you are well, and that you are overcoming the struggles that doubtless torment you daily.

Be good.

Love,
Me

Sieben: Five Things You Couldn't Possibly Live Without

Now, I wouldn't say there are really any things that I couldn't live without, but here's five things that I do particularly like;

1. My Bible
2. Laptop
3. Bobble
4. Cellphone
5. Ring

<3 <3 <3

Sechs: A Moment You Wish You Could Relive

If I could relive any moment, I'd choose any moment that I spent with my grandma, Mumu.  I would value the time that I had with her so much more the second time around, because I miss her so much, and you never really value your time with someone enough until you don't have any time left.

I love you, Mumu.

<3<3<3

Funf: A Favorite Quote

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending."

This means a lot to me, because I have a lot of regrets and a lot of things that I would change, if I could.  People always say to "live without regrets" because "everything you did was exactly what you wanted at the time".

That's stupid.  Everyone has regrets, it's a part of being human, embrace it.  I believe in regret because in makes a difference in the future.  It's how we avoid making the same mistake twice.

So this is my favorite quote, of all time.  One can't dwell on the past, but one should learn from it, and make a "brand new ending".

<3<3<3

Vier: A Favorite TV Program

My weekly wait-for-a-new-episode shows are;

Pretty Little Liars
House
Bones
Degrassi

The ones I'm kind of into right now are;
Las Vegas
Supernatural
One Tree Hill

They're all awesome.  Looove them.

Drei: A Favorite Book

My favorite book of all time is The Phantom Tollbooth.
It's kind of a kids' book, but I reread it all the time anyways.  I love it.

And the book I'm currently rereading is... the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy?  It's amazing how J.R.R. Tolkein created an entire world with detail and language in his book.  It's unbelievable!

<3<3<3

Zwei: A Favorite Movie

My favorite movie as of late is definitely Despicable Me.

It's light and "FLUFFY!" and fun.  And you all know I'm on this whole "Have more fun!" kick- so I'm loving this adorable comedy. 

Besides- have you ever seen a Steve Carrell movie that wasn't funny?

Ein: A Favorite Song

One of my favorite songs as of late would have to be "Love is a Good Thing" by Andrew Peterson.

I love this song because it's so obviously about the Lord, but in some ways it also applies to being in love, like I am with Zach.  It's hard and it's messy, and it's beautiful.  And it truly is a good thing.

Lyrics;

It knocked me down, it dragged me out,
it left me there for dead.
It took all the freedom I wanted
and gave me something else instead.
It blew my mind, it bled me dry,
it hit me like a long goodbye,
and nobody here knows better than I
that it’s a good thing.
Love is a good thing.

It’ll fall like rain on your parade,
laugh at the plans that you tried to make,
it’ll wear you down till your heart just breaks
and it’s a good thing.
Love is a good thing.

It’ll wake you up in the middle of the night,
it’ll take just a little too much.
It’ll burn you like a cinder
till you’re tender to the touch.
It’ll chase you down, swallow you whole,
it’ll make your blood run hot and cold.
Like a thief in the night it’ll steal your soul,
and that’s a good thing.
Love is a good thing.

It’ll follow you down to the ruin of your great divide,
and open the wounds that you tried to hide.
And there in the rubble of the heart that died
you’ll find a good thing.
Love is a good thing.

Take cover, the end is near.
Take cover, but do not fear.

It’ll break your will, it’ll change your mind,
it’ll loose all the chains of the ties that bind.
If you’re lucky you’ll never make it out alive,
and that’s a good thing.
Love is a good thing.

It can hurt like a blast from a hand grenade
when all that used to matter is blown away.
There in the middle of the mess it made
you’ll find a good thing.
Yes, it’s worth every penny of the price you paid.
It’s a good thing.
Love is a good thing.
Do not fear.

30 Days

One of the blogs I follow is doing this and it intrigued me. So I shall try my best to complete the 30 day Blog Challenge. Next blog; favorite song.

Day 1: A favorite song.
Day 2: A favorite movie.
Day 3: A favorite book.
Day 4: A favorite television program.
Day 5: A favorite quote.
Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive.
Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without.
Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life.
Day 9: A photo you took.
Day 10: A photo of you taken over ten years ago.
Day 11: A photo of you taken recently.
Day 12: A song that you want played at your wedding(or was played).
Day 13: A guilty pleasure.
Day 14: A vacation you would like to take.
Day 15: A person you admire.
Day 16: A song that makes you cry.
Day 17: An art piece.
Day 18: A time when you felt passionate and alive.
Day 19: A talent of yours.
Day 20: A hobby of yours.
Day 21: Something you know you do differently than most people.
Day 22: A website.
Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered.
Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love.
Day 25: A recipe.
Day 26: A childhood memory.
Day 27: A physical feature you love.
Day 28: A scar you have and it's story.
Day 29: Hopes, dreams and plans you have for the next 365 days.
Day 30: A motto or philosophy.

Every Day is New Years Day

"This will be my resolution; every day is new year's day."

"It's my life, and it's now or never.  I ain't gonna live forever.  I just wanna live while I'm alive."

These two lyrics encase the way I feel this lovely New Year's morning.

My resolution for 2011 is to have more fun- to reduce the stress and seriousness of every day life, and just enjoy the time that I have.  I won't be young forever, and I don't want to waste it by being an old soul.

I've been thinking about what this could mean for this year.  What will being less serious, and less stressed, do to my life?

Well, maybe I won't fulfill all of my "duties" and "responsibilities" this year.  Maybe I'll try to have less responsibilities.  Maybe I won't get outstanding grades in school.  Maybe I'll start devoting my time to people who matter, instead of wasting it on people who don't really care about me.  Maybe some people will get hurt in the process... maybe I'll have to disappoint some people.  Maybe I'll have to leave some things behind.

But maybe I'll laugh.  Maybe I'll feel happy more often than I feel like crying.  Maybe I'll smile in genuine again.  Maybe I'll have healthier, truer, lasting friendships.  Maybe I'll feel completely out of control of my life, and be able to enjoy not bearing the responsibility of control.  Maybe I'll sing a new song, write something beautiful, take amazing photographs.  Maybe I'll read an inspiring book, or see a concert that blows my mind.  And maybe I'll learn to better love this man whom God has placed in my life.  Maybe I'll take joy in being in love.

I feel as though I'm embarking on a mission- the thing is, most missions take planning, and steps, and hard work, and thought.  This is a mission that I need to not think about.  I need to set my sails and go where the wind takes me.  The funny thing is, this is going to be hard for me.

But maybe... maybe it will make some sort of a difference.  In my life, maybe I'll be more than just successful.  Maybe I'll be happy.

And that's true success.

All for fun and fun for all!

<3 <3 <3