What a great "faux" weekend!

I love weeks like this one. Work Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday was a holiday (although I worked a couple hours), then I took Thursday off. 2 days on, 2 days off, one day on, 2 days off. Why can't every week be like that?

The "faux weekend" really started off Tuesday night, when Jenn and I hosted Tuesday Night Dinner at George's (aka Thomas & Katie's) House. The food was great, minus the crispy teriaki chicken. Most of the guys left earlier than normal to catch their late showing of Transformers. Jenn and I cleaned up and went to Target and Wal-Mart (the devil).

Yesterday was the Fourth of July. And I celebrated (sans the fireworks and sparklers)! Friends came over, friends swam, friends ate and drank, friends swam some more, and friends played liars dice. Friends are fun! It was pretty much a perfect way to celebrate and stay cool at the same time.

Enjoy some pictures for your viewing pleasure!


Aiden in the water playing with Aunt Allie.


Monty, prepared for the worst...falling in and not finding the steps.


Jeffery family #1.


Me.


Darren playing catch outside the pool.


George floating. Could life get better? No effort in floating, and a beer... ahhhhh...


Jenn & Anthony.


Rob. I don't know what he's doing...


Oops. I lied. There were sparklers, but they came out after everyone left. That's my brother, Chris, showing his spirit.


For my Thursday off, which I took mainly because I had a doctor's appointment, I also ended up driving down to Fresno to visit the MOST adorable soon-to-be-two-year-old ever! This child would be Macie, the same that I visited in DC. She has grown leaps and bounds since April. I'm no longer Nortney... But hey, I've upgraded to Courtnee. How 'bout that? In addition to seeing Macie, I got to see her mom and my old roommate, Melissa. It was great seeing both of them, and eating Cheesecake Factory... yummyyyy..... I can't wait until they move back to California!
Hi, how cute is she!?!

Muah! Macie blowing kisses to her mommy.


Cheese! No, really. She's eating a grilled cheese sandwich and showing it off.

I pretty much can't wait until the real weekend starts, after tomorrow at 5pm!

(By the way, I have an interview Friday from 4-5. Please pray for me during that time.)

Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot

So with June over, and results finally posted, it's time for July's resolutions! Many are repeats, but there are some new ones mixed in.

June resolution time

1. Actively seek God in my day to day life, worshiping Him and bring Him glory. Being like Jesus to people.

2. Continued control from nibbling at work. No pastries, desserts, and nibblings.

3. Again with the losing 5 pounds. Summer is here! Not only that, but I am in my best friend's wedding in October. My goal, which is totally obtainable, is to lose 20 pounds by then. Help hold me to it everyone!

4. Go somewhere out of the area. Maybe a drive to the coast is in order...

5. Confess something to someone, and see where things go from there. I know this maybe be totally cryptic to some, but others of you know what I'm talking about. Time to encourage without pressuring :)

6. Have a good attitude with current job. But seek new one in the meantime.

7. Quit rewarding myself with food. If I do something good or deserving or a reward (went on a walk, lost weight, made it through a day at work, etc.) I tend to treat myself to something with calories, and lots of them. Time to reward myself with something different. A pedicure, manicure, new shirt, or purse, or whatever.

8. Exercise. Swim, walk, Bosu ball, anything!

Oops, June is over...

I realized last night, very late, that I hadn't updated you on how my June resolutions went. So, this is how June played out.

1. Actively seek God in my day to day life, worshiping Him and bring Him glory. Being like Jesus to people.
Not easy, but always trying.

2. Continued control from nibbling at work. No pastries, desserts, and nibblings.
I wasn't very good at this one in June. I do need to work on it more.

3. Again with the losing 5 pounds. Summer is here! Not only that, but I am in my best friend's wedding in October. My goal, which is totally obtainable, is to lose 20 pounds by then. Help hold me to it everyone!
I think I lost 2 or 3 pounds. Not the 5 I was aiming for, but every pound counts.

4. Go somewhere out of the area. Don't know where yet...
Well, I went down to San Luis Obispo again for another cousin's wedding. Then to Pozo, mapquest it it's in the middle of nowhere Central Coast, where the reception was. Most of my ancestors on my mom's lived in Pozo, so it was nice to see all that family history in the area.

5. Start planning a bachelorette party weekend for said bride of October wedding. Anyone have any ideas? Possibly having friends from across the country joining the party.
Weekend picked out, check! Lodging booked, check! Now for the tacky, trashy bachelorette garb for the bride to be...

6. Have a good attitude with current job.
I have failed at this one. It's really hard to keep a good attitude in my current work situation.

7. Quit rewarding myself with food. If I do something good or deserving or a reward (went on a walk, lost weight, made it through a day at work, etc.) I tend to treat myself to something with calories, and lots of them. Time to reward myself with something different. A pedicure, manicure, new shirt, or purse, or whatever.
Yea, need to work on this one too. Old habits are hard to break.

8. Per my father's request and suggestion... Be more out going towards guys. As great as it would be to just sit back and wait for God, I've also got to not wait by the door. Time to get out there. Be out going. Flirt a little and enjoy myself.
Oh if you only knew the agony I'm going through with this one. This topic actually deserves a whole separate post. Stay posted...

9. Exercise.
HAHA!

10. Forgive for the wrongs I feel have been done towards me, and let go of the unknowns for why people are the way they are. Try not to dwell on everything that does not affect me.
Honestly, I think I'm not doing too bad with this one. I still have questions, but I've come to terms with things.

What would you do?

Last week a position at work was opened up. I had first of all, no idea that the posting was up, but I also had no intention of signing the posting for that position. I knew that any day now a different position would become available. One that I'd much rather have.

Well, I was pressured into signing the posting last week for the Events Coordinator position, which I really don't want. I don't want the EC job for 2 reasons. And if you know my current work situation you'd understand. I don't want the job because:
1) there go my weekends
2) I'd still be working in the Visitor Center.
The posting for this job has closed, and interviews will be taking place later this week...

The position that was posted today is for the Quality Assurance Administrative Assistant. My best friend has known this was going to become available, so she's been talking me up to just about everyone in that department. I'd much rather transfer back there. I'm tired of the drama and politics of the department that I currently work in. This is definitely a step in the direction that I need to take. This position's posting opened today and closes on Wednesday. That's not the problem.

Do I withdrawal my name from the Events Coordinator applicants? Do I sign another posting? I don't want to look like I sign everything, but this is what I've been waiting for and I was pressured into signing the first one. How should I go about handling this situation???

I AM

I am a child of God ... I am funny ... I'm an observer ... I am a good cook ... I am faithfully waiting ... I love to take pictures ... I am an emotional being ... I am a woman of God ... I am hopeful ... I am analytical ... I am someone's friend ... I am a wreck ... I am loved ... I am a daughter, sister, niece, cousin ... I am in need of change in my life ... I am a traveler ... I am a foodaholic ... I love my pj's ... I have dreams ... I enjoy music ... I like non-exercise workouts ... I am a sinner ... (But) I am forgiven ... I am confident ... I am scared ... I am loving ... I am thoughtful ... I am someone's soul mate ... I am misunderstood ... I am broken ... I am a work in progress ... I am hard working ... I am determined ... I listen well ... I am passionate ... I am loved by many ... I am disliked by some ... I am hurt easily ... I am anxious ... I am calm ... I am fearful ... I am clumsy ... I am captivating ... I am creative ... I am a dreamer ... I am brave ... I am fearless ... I am complex ... I am unique ... I am sophisticated ... I am friendly ... I am real ... I am radiant ... I am determined ... I am amazing ... I am brilliant ... I am compassionate ... I am understanding ... I am indescribable ... I am determined ... I am blessed ... I am loved by God ... I am lazy ... I am overwhelmed ... I am antsy ... I am an individual ... I am quiet ... I am a procrastinator ... I long to be pursued ... I am a chicken ... I get frustrated easily ... I love to entertain ... I enjoy being entertained ... I am loved by many ...

Weekend of Weddings

This past weekend I had the honor of attending two weddings. On in my hometown and one in Fresno. I'd like to share with you a couple of pictures from the events. Enjoy!

Christy & Corey

A toast to the couple!


1/2 the Montague clan


This gal's gettin' married in October, and I'm in the wedding!

Keith & Julie

Hate to admit it, but I was a little tipsy in this picture...


George, Krista, and myself trying to stay cool


The happy couple!

Congrats to both happy couples. May God bless your marriage.

Hello summer!

Is it just me, or did it go from nice cool spring weather to immediate HOT? I do not like being hot, sweaty, sticky. Hello summer and 100 degree heat. I, floating in a pool, will wait for fall. Then it won't be so bloody hot.

The end.

Gotta Love Overtime!

This past Saturday I got to work a little bit of OT (12 hours to be exact, woot woot!) for work. It was great fun, although the feet were a little tired. We were catering a wedding, a beautifully done reception. But, one of the coolest things at the event was that they had a photo booth, kinda like at the fair just nicer. So as the guests were leaving and clean up was happening a few of us sneaked into the booth to take a few shots. And this was the result...

Let the summer begin!

June resolution time

1. Actively seek God in my day to day life, worshiping Him and bring Him glory. Being like Jesus to people.

2. Continued control from nibbling at work. No pastries, desserts, and nibblings.

3. Again with the losing 5 pounds. Summer is here! Not only that, but I am in my best friend's wedding in October. My goal, which is totally obtainable, is to lose 20 pounds by then. Help hold me to it everyone!

4. Go somewhere out of the area. Don't know where yet...

5. Start planning a bachelorette party weekend for said bride of October wedding. Anyone have any ideas? Possibly having friends from across the country joining the party.

6. Have a good attitude with current job.

7. Quit rewarding myself with food. If I do something good or deserving or a reward (went on a walk, lost weight, made it through a day at work, etc.) I tend to treat myself to something with calories, and lots of them. Time to reward myself with something different. A pedicure, manicure, new shirt, or purse, or whatever.

8. Per my father's request and suggestion... Be more out going towards guys. As great as it would be to just sit back and wait for God, I've also got to not wait by the door. Time to get out there. Be out going. Flirt a little and enjoy myself.

9. Exercise.

10. Forgive for the wrongs I feel have been done towards me, and let go of the unknowns for why people are the way they are. Try not to dwell on everything that does not affect me.

May Resolutions Results

My May resolutions were as listed below. The results are in bold.

1. Actively seek God in my day to day life, worshiping Him and bring Him glory.
Trying always, and a work in progress.

2. Still... No pastries, desserts, and nibblings from Hilmar Cheese. They are delicious. But they are the death of me.
Much more under control than it has been in the past. I still nibble, but I know when to stay away.

3. Yep, this one again... Lose 5 pounds. Time to get seriously serious, summer is closer than just around the corner, it's in less than a month.
During the month of May I lost between 3 and 4 pounds! Yeah me!

4. Go somewhere out of the area. Last month was Washington DC. It won't be somewhere as far, but I'm definitely going somewhere at least 50 miles away. My BFF, Rylen, and I are planning something for Memorial Day weekend. But we're not sure what to do yet. Any ideas?
I didn't go anywhere for Memorial Day weekend. But I did go down to SLO for a cousin's wedding. 3 hours away counts as going somewhere.

5. Still Target in moderation. Shopping only by a list of needs. And no, that does not mean that I'll be making the list as I shop. :)
I'm doing good on this one. I only splurged once all month when I purchased a Bosu ball, which I've been wanting for months.

6. God has a plan for me in my job situation. And I'm trusting Him, but I still have to actively pursue opportunities out there. So I will continue to look for a new job.
Still keeping my eyes open, but staying where I am for now.

7. Have the BEST darn birthday EVER (May 14)! Anyone care to join me?
I had a GREAT birthday! That night I had bible study where they had strawberry shortcake for me, yummmm.... Tuesday night my wonderful friends surprised me at Tuesday Night Dinner with a party. 2 weeks after my birthday my parents took me out to dinner, and a good friend took me out to lunch. Gotta love birthdays that you celebrate all month! Oh yea, but I did break my pinky toe on my birthday. (for more info see prior posts.)

8. Quit rewarding myself with food. If I do something good or deserving or a reward (went on a walk, lost weight, made it through a day at work, etc.) I tend to treat myself to something with calories, and lots of them. Time to reward myself with something different. A pedicure, manicure, new shirt, or purse, or whatever.
I can't say I was entirely successful at this one. But I didn't over indulge in what I did do.

Toe Update

So, my foot is magic! My bruise started not only on a quarter of my foot, but more concentrated on my pinky toe. IT MOVED! That's right folks, my bruise moved locations. And it moved not once, but twice. Although it's slowly fading now, it bruise is between the middle and "pointer" toes. But it doesn't hurt where the bruise is, my poor little baby toes hurts. I don't get it. But whatever. The pain is lessening, I'm walking better, and my pedicure still looks good. So, there an update on my broken toe.

The end.

Toe pick!

No thank you! Here's an update on my poor little baby toe. It still hurts, worse than it did Monday. Over the course of a day it went from red and slightly swollen, to 5 shades of purple. But hey, at least my pedicure still looks good! Take a look...


So if you stop by Hilmar Cheese and see someone gimping around, that's me!

Do I look any older?

So I'm officially 27 years old!


(This picture was taken earlier this evening.)

Do I feel any different? No. Do I look any different? No. Was my day extraordinary? Well, besides lots of texts and calls wishing me a happy day and eating a brownie ice cream sundae with a co-worker, no. Although, due to amount of work that has to be done on Mondays, a birthday lunch date has been postponed until tomorrow afternoon. Did I do anything exciting today? Ummm...came home from work, visited with dad, took a shower, had a SmartOne for dinner, went to bible study, had strawberry shortcake, opened cards (thank you ladies), came home, started a load of laundry, broke my pinky toe, and now I'm blogging. Pretty eventful day.

Did I mention I broke my pinky toe? Yea, it hurts.

(Guess which toe it is. I'll give you a clue, it's the swollen red one.)

On the flip side, God has provided a great year full of new friends and trips among many other things. Although, new gray hairs have been starting to sprout up more often...

I'm excited to see what God has in store for me this up coming new chapter/year of my life. For one thing, my best friend is getting married and I'm in the wedding. Super uber excited for Rylen and Jim and being able to share that special day with them. I'm sure I'll be heading on a few more mini vacas and having loads more fun and experiences with friends. I'm excited that every day that passes is one day closer to when I'll meet the man God has been saving and growing for me.

I feel that this is going to be a good year! God has lots in store for me in my 27th year of life!

I have been informed...

that I have tig o' bitties!

To fully understand this you must:
1) Be dyslexic.
2) Know me.

Dad's Birthday!

So today is my dad's birthday. I'll keep his age a secret. Happy Birthday Daddy!

(Picture taken in 2001 at friend's wedding)

3 more shopping day!

Monday is my birthday :) I'll be the ripe ol' age of 27! Can you believe it? That's old!

Here is my amazon.com wish list in case you still need to get me a gift:

I'd really like the Bosu ball.

But don't feel obligated... :)

That's it.

May flowers cont.

8. Quit rewarding myself with food. If I do something good or deserving or a reward (went on a walk, lost weight, made it through a day at work, etc.) I tend to treat myself to something with calories, and lots of them. Time to reward myself with something different. A pedicure, manicure, new shirt, or purse, or whatever.

5 month old Monsters

You know you've missed pictures of the puppies. So let me feed you some more recent ones. They definitely have their own personality and attitude.


Izzie loves dryer sheets!


Monty enjoys a good bone in the sun.

May Flowers

New Month Resolutions time! May resolutions are:

1. Actively seek God in my day to day life, worshiping Him and bring Him glory.

2. Still... No pastries, desserts, and nibblings from Hilmar Cheese. They are delicious. But they are the death of me.

3. Yep, this one again... Lose 5 pounds. Time to get seriously serious, summer is closer than just around the corner, it's in less than a month.

4. Go somewhere out of the area. Last month was Washington DC. It won't be somewhere as far, but I'm definitely going somewhere at least 50 miles away. My BFF, Rylen, and I are planning something for Memorial Day weekend. But we're not sure what to do yet. Any ideas?

5. Still Target in moderation. Shopping only by a list of needs. And no, that does not mean that I'll be making the list as I shop. :)

6. God has a plan for me in my job situation. And I'm trusting Him, but I still have to actively pursue opportunities out there. So I will continue to look for a new job.

7. Have the BEST darn birthday EVER (May 14)! Anyone care to join me?

And the results are in...

April Resolution Results!

1. Actively seek God in my day to day life, worshiping Him and bring Him glory.
A continued work in progress that will never be completed or perfected until I am with my Maker.

2. No pastries, desserts, and nibblings from Hilmar Cheese. They are delicious. But they are the death of me.
I'm not going to lie and say that I passed this one with flying colors. BUT I was much more in control. Definitely one to continue working on.

3. Yep, this one again... Lose 5 pounds. Time to get seriously serious, summer is just around the corner.
I don't know how I ended the month overall. But I do know that I didn't make the 5 pounds down mark, but I did lose some. HAHA, I'm a loser!

4. Go somewhere out of the area. I got this one in the bag!
Ummmm....Hi, I flew across the country to our Nation's Capital to visit good friends. It was fantastic!

5. Still Target in moderation. Shopping only by a list of needs. And no, that does not mean that I'll be making the list as I shop. :)
I went to Target only a handful of times and was in control.

6. Heavily pursue finding a new job.
Came to the realization that if I must then I will move out of the area for a new job. Of course, I'll only move to places that I'd like to live. So far, besides the Modesto to Merced radius I've looked at SLO County. Possible potential jobs being referred to me by people I know...thank you!

And for the Lent season I have given up soda.
Piece of cake! Success!