So..how is it already mid February? I have been a major slacker but also majorly busy, and thus neglecting one of my favorite things---the blog. So here it is, with lots of random thoughts on life, love and other mysteries. As always, thanks for reading!
3) So I'm expecting big things for this year...it just feels right. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with life. Some things looming might be the fact that my 10 year class reunion is upon me this year! AH! Where did time go?! Yikes! I'm excited though! But it makes me question what I've done with my life in the past 10 years. Sure, college was fun and a great experience and I'm blessed with my job, but I want this year to be a year that I focus on some things I've been neglecting in the past. I'll be 29 later this year and I'm such a different person than I was when I was 19. I know more of what I want, but still feel very green in life.
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| 10 Year Class Reunion THIS YEAR! |
5) My job allows me to serve in many capacities and one of which is doing some volunteering for my favorite causes. The 10th Annual Hospice Race to Remember is coming up on March 7th. Oh, and it's a COLOR RUN! I've loved getting to help in the planning. I would like to encourage you to either have a team with your church, businesses, family or friends. If you would rather not actually run or walk in the race, please consider being a VOLUNTEER! And contact me because I'm the Volunteer Chair and am seeking willing and able bodies to be there the day of event and make it a true success! 6) World Nutella Day happened. Last week. I considered making a cake, brownies, fudge, a tart, etc. with the wonderful hazelnut cocoa crack, but when it came down to it--all I wanted was this:
Just a pancake + gobs of Nutella (because it's free calories and fat on World Nutella Day) + raspberries + a banana nose. It was perfection. I'm in favor of everyday being World Nutella Day...
7) February is Heart Awareness Month---my goal is to do at least 30 minutes of cardio every day. Miracles can happen, right? Let me tell you one huge motivation: those FitBit Daily Challenges!
8) It seems like there are times when I never watch TV because there is NOTHING on! Lately, however, I'm loving early "Modern Family" reruns, the new VH1 series "Hindsight" which is set in the 90's, making it totally rad, and "The Bachelor." Who will Farmer Chris choose? My favorite is Becca. She's just real and stands up for her beliefs. What are your favorite shows right now?
9) I'm thinking of making lamb. And risotto. It might be my next blog post adventure. Stay tuned and PLEASE send me any tips if you've tried cooking either of them!
10) Wishing and hoping for snow next week---I just miss it and this is probably our only hope in Alabama this year to see ANY. PPPPLEASE Mr. Weatherman, get it right! It's sooo beautiful--no ice or power outages, please. Just a pretty snow to build funny snowmen in, make snow cream, and play in!
11) So my family and I did something kind of strang last weekend---we practiced our shooting skills on some of my aunt and uncle's land. It was kind of comical and fun to have most of my cousins and relatives out there shooting guns at a target. I guess it's not so strange for families in the south, but it was a first for me and my family. My dad is a pro at hunting/target shooting, etc. I have a long way to go, but hey, the family who shoots together, stays together, right? Anyone else out there have friendly family shooting practices? Anyone?
12) So the last few thoughts are some blog drafts I've been saving for a while...I've fought this for as long as I've been blogging...but it's almost Valentine's Day so here it goes:
The fact is that while I love both reading blogs and writing my own blogs, to be honest, the blogs I read the most are those of girls who are similar to my age write about their dating experiences, fails, etc. Isn't that what we are most drawn to? To live vicariously through someone else's experiences is thrilling. I never saw myself opening up to the idea of writing about such personal aspects of my own life but then it hit me that it too is a part of living out the plans God has for me. It's as much part of the journey as my travels, what He is teaching me in my quiet time, through my friendships, etc. So, here it is...a very raw description of the struggles of the single life. But it's also all in how you see it.Relationship/Marriage trends are different for everyone. My parents got married young, as did my sister and some of my closest friends. That's great those who knew then, as I've heard you just "know when you know!" And then, for others like myself, you also know that you're just not ready to settle down just yet, or "the right opportunity just hasn't presented itself yet." I have my set routine and hobbies and even my Friday night ritual, which doesn't usually involve getting dolled up after a week of work, etc. Then there's that phrase "You're just not putting yourself out there." Aren't we all doing the best we can? I have been set up on more dates than I can count now. I think you learn something from each of them and try to not to get jaded. It's all part of the process and I get that. Can I also tell you, America, that is a true struggle to date, not just in the year 2015 but especially in a small town. CMT is launching a new series called "Single in a Smalltown." I may or may not have been intrigued about this series, but in looking at the questions for participants it asked you to submit a 5 minute video answering the following questions:
1. Name, age, where you are from & what you do
2. Tell me about your town and population - "My town is so small..."
3. Describe town- what is there to do and etc?
4. Describe your personality
5. Describe your relationship status and history?
6. What is it like dating in your small town?
7. What do you like to do on date?
8. What is your image in town? Have people tried to fix you up?
9. Who have you dated in town?
10.What is the best and worst part of dating in a small town?
11.Tell me about your best and worst dates?
12. Describe your ideal type. Looks and personality.
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| Cuddles says it all: The struggle is real. |
14. Where do you see yourself in five years--family, dog, and etc?
I honestly don't think I could go on camera with any of this info with a straight face, much less actually apply to be on a reality TV show with that title. It makes me laugh but also brings home the point that yes, single America...the struggle is real.
I don't care if you're in small town USA or a thriving metropolis with speed dating and everything in between. As if adulthood didn't have enough pressures of it's own then you throw in the "get married, buy a house, have kids, etc." AHH!
13) Dating sites are a million dollar industry. I am not too proud or unashamed to admit I have tried it for a matter of days and got somewhat weirded/grossed out by the concept, and could write an entire blog all about dating horror stories...will save it for when I have writer's block. I know it works for some and in today's society, it is convenient and trendy. I can truly appreciate that. Maybe someday I'll give it another go if I'm feeling really brave. Until then, I am content to just be in the present. I've always heard love finds you when you least expect it. So I'm not going to expect it by any means, but I'm always going to be open to it.
So, society, don't think of my late twenties single self as odd because maybe I still enjoy the freedom I have by not being tied down to a relationship...to go and do and see the world as a single in this season of my life. If it's God's will, hopefully in the future I will have someone to do life with, to build a life and family together, but until then, let me be.
Ok, I'm done with this rant. And those who find yourself in the land of single OR married bliss...let's just embrace it and not judge those who are not in the same boat. Everyone's life PLAN is different and that's the beauty of God deisgning each of our lives uniquely. There is no perfect script or blueprint. It just happens as it's supposed to, when it's supposed to. We all are in control on a daily basis how we react, respond, and choose to accept or change the way things are going in our life.
14) Happy Valentine's Day (weekend)! Make it a great one & make sure you tell everyone how much you love them! And...these Bojangles Boberry biscuits are a good way to say it! Just sayin...
"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19
