Ma' favs!

Heyler!! I was thinking today, "I should write on my blog...", and all I could think about was some of my favorite things lately! There is a lot to be thankful for (all the time of course) and I have some things on my mind that just make me happy as a clam.

First off... um... THE BACHELOR IS COMING BACK!!!



Sean Lowe... your next Bachelor... mmmm...

I saw a preview the other night when I was watching the final of Dancing with the Stars on ABC. Whoo hoo! I'm pretty sure it'll start the first week of January. Whenever it is, I'm excited! (So much for trying to limit my tv watching...)

 

#2: RHOBH! Aka: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills on Bravo

 

 

Love love love this show and this group of ladies of course. There's just something about BH... maybe it's the poshness and classiness of the gals? Who knows, but it's my fav! I do though, I do have a little sadness about it because Camille is no longer on the show. She does have little appearances though, which is better than none; but she really grew on me! I didn't like her on the first season of the show - that Kelsey didn't look good on her! But loves her now!

 

Camille Donatacci Grammer (fierce!)

#3: Chrima' lights! I squeal like a 4 year old child when I see these babies! If it's a house, building, tree, etc. It can really be anything - I light up! There's just something about them... I guess it's something we (well the majority of us) don't have all year round', so it's like a little treat / something special for us!

 

Amazeballs

#4: Operation Christmas Child - This is a wonderful organization that I had to priviledge to serve with last night. In a nutshell: They organize & fill shoeboxes full of goodies for children in other countries. I don't know too much about them so far, but would love to work with them again and learn more. My church actually organizated a big shoe box drive and had a ton of people/families fill shoeboxes and donate them! They contain anything from candy, socks, shoes, clothing, toys, games, etc. - literally, whatever can fit into a shoebox.

 

 

Look at those faces!!

 





Here is me taping up the boxes (it was an assembly line if you will! I've always wanted to work in a warehouse!) - it was actually harder than you think; those boxes were packed full!! The boxes we worked on last night were actually being shipped to India. It's awesome to get a thought of where they are really going!

Amazing team from church!

So that's about it for now - I didn't want to put too many pictures! But it's definitely great to focus on the good, exciting things in life, rather than the bad. It's really the little things - whether it's a tv show or volunteering. Do what makes ya happy :)

Patiently being patient... or at least trying to

Ah... patience is a virtue, right? That's what you hear at least, but what does that reeeally mean? If you're patient, you'll get virtue? Virtue is described as moral excellence, goodness, righteousness, etc. But how long do we wait and be patient?

Sometimes it feels like forever, when it's really only been two weeks. Ha! Ah, to be a girl... I've been trying so hard to be patient and let God take the reins in this life of mine. I feel like He definitely has the reins, but sometimes I want to know too soon and just can't wait to find stuff out. This includes my career, where I'm living at the moment and of course - guys. I feel like I'm doing pretty good with trying not to think about it (not just guys, but everything), but I feel too like if I don't think about it, how can I be prepared for anything? What am I preparing for? I should know I'm fine and safe with God...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity." Jeremiah 29:11-14

Some days it gets hard - being patient. You want to take things into your own hands. I think when we turn to God and hand it all over to Him, that is the most uplifting and honorable thing to do. We have to have trust in Him and let Him lead this life, that He's made for us. <3 

In the blink of an eye

I feel like I wrote my previous post maybe 2 weeks ago and had learned about a young girl named Summer Dale. Summer went to Heaven last night, Sunday November 11, 2012.

My co-worker came into work this morning and shared the news of Summer's passing. Here is a little blip from Summer's Facebook page:
 

"We are so sorry to report that we lost our sweet Summer tonight. She was sixteen years old. She died peacefully in her bedroom, surrounded by her entire family. We are heartbroken.

She was courageous to the end. She recently told a close family friend, “Promise me you will let everyone know, especially my friends, that I’m not scared of this. I am not afraid.”

Throughout her year of battling cancer, and even as recently as three weeks ago, Summer said that cancer was a blessing to her because it had brought so many wonderful people and experiences into her world. Indeed, it transformed her by teaching her the power of helping others and loving unconditionally.

In less than a year, the non-profit organization that Summer founded, Team Summer, raised more than $50,000 to help other kids with cancer like herself. She selected personal gifts for kids she met in hospital clinics and waiting rooms with the mission to “help the kid in the bed.” For example, she gave gas cards to a young boy to spare him a seven-hour bus ride after chemo, a fashion photo shoot to a girl who was in despair over the loss of her hair, and a computer to another boy to keep his active mind occupied during his long treatments.

In Summer’s memory, we will continue with her mission and vision of Team Summer. In lieu of flowers and gifts, we ask that you consider donating to Team Summer at www.teamsummer.org/donate.

This will be Summer’s legacy.

With grateful hearts,

Lynne, Al, Cynthia, Charles and Jordan"

 

I wish I had gotten a chance to meet Summer and just talk to her... It gave me absolute chills what Summer said above (2nd paragraph) about "not being scared". What a brave girl. What a strong girl who fought so hard. Hearing Summer's story makes me put aside the petty things in life for a little bit - those expensive boots, does he like me? what should I do next weekend, etc. Life is insanely precious. I want to love so much and live this life of mine so boldly, because you just don't know sometimes. I'm sure Summer didn't think she'd ever be diagnosed with this cancer. Life sometimes takes us on a different journey than what we plan or hope for. But we take the good and the bad, we adjust and we make the best of things. My prayers are with my co-worker, her family and Summer. I know she's not in any pain right now. I'm thankful for knowing about Summer and knowing her story. She has definitely touched my life.

 

 

 

 

Humbly broken down

It's crazy to me how I go through my everyday life and very rarely feel the way I do today. I get worried about what I look like, what I don't have, how people perceive me, etc. I always try to strive for more or improve myself; I don't literally stop and thank God for what I have and my amazing blessing of a life.

Today at work, we had a lunch to discuss and vote on a family/person we know, who would be in need of a financial donation. I knew of a girl named Molly (through my roommate) who had been in a bad car accident a few years ago and is unfortunately still recovering from it - both physically and financially. Learning more about Molly and what she and her family goes through, makes me so mad at myself. I have no f---ing clue. I always say and think how lucky I am, but do I really know?? I feel like I can't be 'ok' with what I have - I need better/nicer clothes, more beauty products, better food to eat, etc. Its always more.

Throughout this lunch, there were about six other people who shared stories of someone they knew or were actually related to. All of the families and people mentioned are so deserving of this donation and much more. I wish we could give every one of them financial assistance. The last story hit me so hard and shocked me, because I had no clue...

One of my co-workers told the story of her sister-in-law, who is 16 years old and has cancer. Her name is Summer Dale. Claudia mentioned how one day, Summer was so excited to get her learners permit, and the next she was diagnosed with cancer. Summer has already had 3 brain surgeries, due to the tumors in her brain. Claudia said it wasn't so much of a financial need, but more so prayers and well wishes. Another co-worker asked if Summer has a prognosis and Claudia stated that it's "not good" and she is in "clinical trials". As soon as she said those two words, almost everyone gasped and winced. I thought, obviously that's not good, but I wasn't sure what all that meant. I asked someone after and pretty much, there is nothing else to do for Summer and nothing has worked. Still not completely getting it, I looked it up.

Clinical Trials are research studies that involve people. They are the final step in a long process that begins with research in a lab and animal testing. Many treatments used today are the result of past clinical trials.

So pretty much, there is literally no more hope. How heartbreaking. I wasn't even aware of something like this. I can't imagine having to go through that, much less at 16. All that I worried about when I was 16 was getting all of my homework done or who was going to ask me to the homecoming dance that year.

It's days like this that I'm sadly reminded of how precious and special life is. My biggest thing over the weekend was trying to decide if I should buy a pair of boots, that are over $100. I'm so embarrassed of that. I shouldn't be so worried about pleasing anyone else or trying to impress; the only one I need to commit myself to is God.

I'm broken down today, but I needed to be. I think we all need to know about things like this. Our lives aren't perfect and things go wrong, but there is always someone else who is suffering so much more and in pain.

Friday muffins

Happy Friday errbody! I am so excited because I got to bake (from scratch!) last night! I made blueberry cream cheese muffins. I found the recipe from Glamour magazine & have wanted to make it for a while now. I finally broke down, went to Kroger & got all the stuff and made two batches last night!



This is before they headed into the oven



Pretty much you whip all the ingredients together, scoop half in a cupcake tin, put a dab of cream cheese, then cover it with more batter & another dollop of cream cheese on the top. They are delightful! :) I may try it a different way next time: It called for regular cream cheese, light yogurt, flour, etc. So next time I'd be curious about using Greek yogurt, whole wheat flour, etc. - make it a little healthier! I know you can substitute apple sauce for oil maybe? So I will look into that. Here's the recipe:

(This will make 12 BIG muffins)

Ingredients:

7 Tbsp. unsalted butter
3 Tbsp. sunflower or vegetable oil
1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
Just under 1 cup superfine sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
6 oz. blueberries
4 oz. cream cheese


Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line your muffin pan with cupcake wrappers. Melt butter in a medium pan over low heat - stirring to melt. Once melted, remove from heat; whisk in oil, yogurt, vanilla & eggs.

Sift flour & baking powder into a separate, large bowl. Stir in the sugar & salt, then make a well in the middle. "Well" is a opening in the middle (I'm guessing) :)

Pour the yogurt mixutre into the flour well. Lightly FOLD the dry ingredients into the wet using a rubber spatula until the mixture has just come together. Pour in the blueberries, working them into the batter with the bare minimum of stirring; I would continue to FOLD the blueberries in, just until they seemed mixed throughout - but definitely be gentle with them! :) (The mixture will look lumpy)

Spoon half the batter into the prepared baking cups. Dot about 1/2 tsp (this doesn't have to be exact - just a dollop; but make sure you have enough CC for all 12 of your cupcakes) of the cream cheese on top of the batter in each half-filled muffin cup. Add remaining batter, then another 1/2 tsp of cream cheese on each muffin. Bake muffins for 18-20 minutes or until golden. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack & let them cool completely. Then you will have...

Trays of yumminess!

I am definitely turning into my mama :) Cooking relaxes her and baking seems to do the same for me. Aaaah... the smell of baked goods in the house isn't too bad either.

Monday mad, not even madness

Good Lordy, do ya ever have those days where people just annoy the ever living ---- out of you?!?! It seems like its on purpose too. Hence, "I did that because I like giving you a hard time McCain, bahahahahaha!!" ... Lucky I didn't introduce my open palm to your face.

I'm definitely feeling like a green monster today & one that has flames/smoke coming out of her ears. Grrrrr. But I know everyone doesn't think like I do and operate how I do, but come on! Give me a break!

Well, other than that little barraid, life has been good :) Nothing too exciting, just working, trying to exercise/eat healthy, and babysitting to make some extra money honey.

I've noticed lately that I've been avoiding certain situations, to avoid certain people... So I need to work on that. I just don't want to look confrontation (& certain people) in the eye. Is that so bad? I'm taking myself out of events to avoid that, rather than get all worried, worked up, mad, sad, etc. Ugh. It's just hard & I don't want to face it. In the end, I know it'd be better for me to face it & it'd help me grow as a person.

My favorite season

Ah, incredibly true these days. Well school has officially started within the past 2-3 weeks. Even if you don't have a kiddo or are out of school, it still has its effect. Ie: School traffic, Target/Walmart being sa-lammed with back to school shopping, you know, the usual.

But it does make me excited, knowing a few wonderful things are right around the corner:

1. FOOTBALL SEASON! GOOOOOO DAWGS!!!

2. Fall weather!!

3. Halloween

4. Cool air

5. Pumpkin patches

6. PSL's from Starbucks (Pumpkin Spice Lattes, love you)

7. Hoodies, Toms, jeans, scarves, etc.

8. Thanksgiving

Oh my gurdness, I cannot say how much I love Fall! It's by far my favorite time of the year.



This was my first glimpse of Fall at Kroger a few days ago :)


On a side note, I feel like I have not written in forever! My work has been soooo busy, which is definitely a good thing! I also moved about 2 weeks ago and we've just (within the past week) settled the cable/internet stuff; so I haven't been able to get on the internet too much at home. It has been going very well so far - my roomie is awesome & so is her pup, Talan! He's a 1 & 1/2 year old, 16lb chocolate cocker spaniel. Him and Halle are already BFF's :)



Hal & Tal playing tug of war at 7am :)



It's great to be out on my own again, but man, I'm definitely feeling the "watch your money" feeling! My friend Sarah recently said to me in reference to finances: "God will provide". I know He will, but probably not if I keep going out to eat and treating myself to mani/pedi's! Ah... I'm going to miss that! :( But honestly, I can do them at home for freeeee! I think I'll get used to a certain budget, once we get our monthly bills/utilities. Aaaah, happy last week of August! :)