Fire Lighting

Have you ever tried lighting a fire under someone's butt to get a move on things, but they really aren't in any hurry? That's where I am right now. I'm trying to suggest a sense of urgency on getting going full speed on the house, but I keep getting turned down. I ask Mom, please call so and so to have them come out and look at things, mainly to get their professional opinion before we do anything detrimental. She doesn't. I ask Dad, what can we do now? What can we knock down? We're about at a stand point until we get answers. He says, draw up some plans on what you'd like to have done. But I want to know what we CAN do before I spend time drawing plans. Grrrr! Don't they understand that once the house is livable that I'll be moving OUT of their house and INTO that one? Crimney!

FACTS and SECRETS

Best, Last, Today, Tomorrow, Favorite, Currently, and True or False.

Best...
1. Friend: my neighbor

2. Cousin: hummm....

3. Things to do: travel

4. Time of Day: super late at night when I get my second wind

5. Day of the week: Friday

6. Food: ice cream

7. Memory: so many, which one do I choose...?

Last...

8. Person you saw: where? right now, my brother

9. Talked to on the phone: Katie, right now.

10. Text: Rylen

11. IMed: ????

Today...

12. What are you doing now: watching Scrubs and filling this out

13. What are you wearing right now? jeans and a cute top (what I wore to work)

14. Better than yesterday? it's Friday, so yes

Tomorrow
15. Is : busy working on the house

16. Plans: maybe dinner with J&A

17. Dislikes about tomorrow? busy working on the house

Currently...

18. Missing: my childhood

19. Mood: easy going, chill, relaxed

20. Wanting: to be done with the house so I can move in

True or False:

[I am a cuddler] true

[I am a morning person] false

[I am a perfectionist] true/false

[I am an only child] false

[I am currently in pajamas] false

[I am shy with the opposite gender] pretty much true

[I can be paranoid at times] true

[I like country music] true

[I enjoy talking on the phone] true

[I have a hidden talent] false

[I have all my grandparents] false

[I have or had broken a bone] true (as long as a toe counts)

[I have changed a lot over the past year] grown, true

[I have done something illegal] true

[I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color] true. But then again if they haven't seen my natural hair, which I've had for awhile, then maybe they aren't truly my friend.

[I have had major/minor surgery] true

[I have had the cops called on me] false

Today
-----------

1. Talk to a boy/girl you like? no

2. Learn anything new? no

3. Talk to an ex? no

4. Miss someone? no

-Last Person-
------------------------

5. Laid in your bed? me

6. Made you cry? mom

7. You went to the movies with? J and G

8. Went to the mall with you? Chris

9. You showered with? no one

10. Who Made you laugh? Paige


--General stuff--
-------------------

11. Favorite location? with friends

12. What are you most scared of this second? never finding love and getting married

13. Where do you want to get married? somewhere pretty and romantic

14. Does anyone like you? doubt it

15. Do you like being around people? most of the time yes

16. Have you ever cried? duh, yes

17. Are you lonely right now? yes

18. Song stuck in your head? nope

19. Been on radio/tv: yes

20. What is your favorite color? turquiose

21. Ever liked someone who treated you like crap? no

22. What color shirt do you have on? purple

23. How much cash do you have on you right now? $1.67

24. Are you bored? yes

25. Whats your favorite show? Grey's Anatomy

26. Who got you to join Myspace? my siblings

27. Wish someone was next to you this morning when you woke up? sure

28. What web sites do you visit the most? myspace, my email, friend's blog

29. Do you have plants in your room? what room?

30. Who was the last person to hug you? Paige

Secrets

1. WHAT IS YOUR DISPLAY NAME ABOUT? my name...

2. WHERE WAS YOUR DEFAULT PICTURE TAKEN? my "room"

3. WHATS YOUR HEADLINE MEAN? exactly what it says

4. HONESTLY, IF SOMEONE WERE TO TELL YOU HOW THEY FELT, WOULD YOU LISTEN? definitely!

5. WHAT'S YOUR MOST VALUED POSSESSIONS? my puppies

6. HOW ARE THINGS IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP? what relationship? friends? going good!

7. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, AND CHANGE SOMETHING, WOULD YOU? of course

8. IF YOU MUST BE AN ANIMAL FOR ONE DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? a turtle...

9. EVER HAD A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE? I've had a life threatening experience.

10. WHO DID YOU COPY AND PASTE THIS FROM? Abby

11. HAVE YOU EVER SANG IN FRONT OF A LARGE CROWD? yes

12. WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE BOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX? general appearance

13. WHAT DO YOU USUALLY ORDER FROM STARBUCKS?? a 2 shot, tall, non fat, no whip, white chocolate mocha

14. DO YOU STILL WATCH KIDDY MOVIES OR TV SHOWS? sometimes, Disney channel isn't that bad!

15. DO YOU HAVE BRACES? not anymore

16. NAME SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU TODAY: I purchased stuff for Rylen's bachelorette weekend... muahahahaha...

17. DO YOU SPEAK ANY OTHER LANGUAGE? spanish, kinda

18. IS THERE SOMEONE ON YOUR MIND NOW? kinda

19.WHAT HURTS YOU AT THE MOMENT? my back aches

A Work in Progress

So a few years back my family purchased the house from an elderly man that lives across the street from us. At the end of May, the man's family finally got him to move into an assisted living facility. So, now comes the remodeling of the house, being as the house hasn't been cleaned in over 30 years. It's a bit disgusting, but with the right TLC it'll be a really cute house. Here are some pictures of the house. Keep in mind, we went in last February and cleaned a majority of the trash (old newspapers, junk mail, to-go boxes) out in a giant dumpster. We had another dumpster a couple weeks ago that collected the rest of the junk/crap/trash.

This first group of pictures (taken end of June, beginning of July) were taken before we went in and cleaned with the 2nd dumpster:
View when you first walked in the back door.


Picture of the kitchen. Just think what it was like before we cleaned out the cabinet.


View from the kitchen down the hallway to the master bedroom. Ick!


Dining room area with builting cabinets. The table last winter was no joke pile about 2 feet tall of junk mail!


Part of the living room. Wouldn't you want to live there?


Picture taken of master bed room. Believe it or not, there is a bed under that pile.


The second group of pictures (take beginning of August) were taken after the bulk of the "stuff" was removed and discarded:

The house from the street. The outside needs work too, mainly just flowers and grass.


View of the living room from the front door. That pile of stuff was all for the yard sale.


Damage above the fireplace.


Shot from inside the master bedroom.


The bathroom. You don't even want to know what it was like before. But this doesn't look good, so you can only imagine...


View from the kitchen to the back door. That stuff is gone, sold in the yard sale.


Back bedroom.


Down comes the antennae.


Wow! Look at all that trash. And yes, we did recycle what we could.


So that is my current project. Now, time to get busy! There is a lot internally structurally that we'd like to do. It's gonna be work, but it'll be great! When it's all done, drum roll please, I'll be moving in! I'll rent from my parents, and after some time either approach them about purchasing it or wait until they split the lots and build another house and purchase that one. That's the plan, it's a pretty darn good one if you ask me.

Success!

The yard sale was a big success! It was pretty much all profit because the stuff didn't belong to us to begin with. We made about $500! That's $500 to go straight into the house.

Yard Sale!

For those of you who are yard sale junkies or like vintage/antique items then stop by on Saturday. My family is having one tomorrow! Most of the stuff is coming from the house across the street from us that we own and are cleaning out. Lots of unique things!

Vintage/Antique 1930's - Current

8467 Acacia Street in Hilmar
(if you know where I live, it's across the street from our driveway)

Starting at 7am - 2pm

Get a hold of me if you have any questions!

Words to Live By: Obedience

o-be-di-ence, noun.
1. acquiescence to a command.
2. an act in submission to authority.
3. fulfillment of an expectation.
4. Biblical: compliance with the voice of authority.
5. Personal: a lifestyle of deference to God's will.

We ought to obey God rather than men.
-Acts 5:29

The Christian man is the freest lord of all and the most obedient servant of all.
-Martin Luther

If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.
-Isaiah 1:19

"Obedience means relying on an authority outside of yourself to know how to fly, to know how to live your lives. You can't trust yourself, so you have to rely upon God, his Word, and the leaders he puts in your life."

Learning obedience is hard. I am a prideful human that has been affected by my forefather, Adam. Adam was disobedient towards God, and his rebellion has passed down from generation to generation and on down to me.

How is one obedient? How does one become obedient? It's actually quite simple, but it's much easier said than down. One is obedient when they submit their will to God and listen to his authority. Even Jesus had to obey, and he was perfect. I struggle with being obedient. And I struggle because I want the instant gratification. I want to be obedient and then quickly receive the fruits of my labor or my rewards. I don't want to wait, I don't want to be patient. But going through that is all part of the learning to be obedient.

For the past year and 9 months, I was working in a position, or department, that I was not happy in. But I knew that if I wanted to stay within the company I needed to just wait it out and pray that a position would become available that would be a perfect fit for me. I was obedient to God, or so I thought. I was the good Christian that was going to church, participating in a Bible Study, befriending strong Christian people, praying, going to Sunday School. You name it, I was doing it. You know what I found out though, works does not equal obedience. Obedience is matching my lifestlye and my heart to God's will for me. As I grew closer and closer to being an obedient person I grew stronger and more encouraged that although my time with my place of employment had not been pleasant, that there was a perfect place for me within it where I feel valued and be valuable.

And here I am now, 3 days into a new position where the people are friendly and understanding of the learning curve that I have. Where they want to see the employees excel and improve. Where I feel valued, yes, even after 3 days. I am where I am now because I was obeying God's command. I am reaping the fruits of my obedience. And boy does it feel good!

Now... let's see how else God will reward my obedience as I continue to obey...

We are born subjects, and to obey God is perfect liberty. He that does this shall be free, safe and happy.
-Seneca

Remember Me?

In case you didn't, here are some pictures to tide you over for a it. I know it's been awhile since I've posted self photos.


Before Rylen and Jim's engagement party.


At a cousin's wedding in Pozo, CA.

August Resolutions

I resolve in August to...

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

2. Losing weight. Summer is almost over, and I only have 2 months left until my best friend's wedding in October. My goal, which is totally obtainable, is to lose 10 pounds (5 pounds per month) by then. For those of you that I eat out with regularly, please hold me to it.

3. Go somewhere at least an hour away from home.

4. Quit rewarding myself with food. Time to reward myself with something different. A pedicure, manicure, new shirt, or purse, or whatever (and I'm making enough money to do that and not worry too much now!).

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

6. Try to be at the painting stage by the end of the month at the house across the street. Which mind you, as soon as it's done I can move it. But there is lots to do to it.

7. Do something BOLD or DARING!

Out with July!

July resolution report time:

1. Actively seek God in my day to day life, worshiping Him and bring Him glory. Being like Jesus to people.
This area is a daily struggle for me. Pray that I can do better with this. I need to daily be in the Word and in prayer.

2. Continued control from nibbling at work. No pastries, desserts, and nibblings.
I was bad at this one too...

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!
Yea, you guessed it. That didn't happen. But I didn't gain either, just maintained.

4. Go somewhere out of the area. Maybe a drive to the coast is in order...
I went nowhere. Nowhere entirely special that is. I did go to the fair!

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 :)
I did this! And I was rejected. What did I do about it? Nothing. There is nothing to do, except continue on with friendship like nothing happened.

6. Have a good attitude with current job. But seek new one in the meantime.
Yes! Found a new job! I can't say that I continued having a good attitude towards the VC position though. Oh well, no more of that.

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.
This one is going to take work. My mentality is, "You lost weight. Good job, you deserve an ice cream now." Honestly, what good does that do?!?

8. Exercise. Swim, walk, Bosu ball, anything!
Swam a fair amount of time. Will be walking more in my future.

2 more days!

Only 2 more days of working in the VC! I'm so excited to finally be done with the place and moving up to bigger and better. Although, I'm nervous. Scared that I won't live up to what they want. But confident at the same time that I can do it. Oooh, a bundle of nerves, confidence and excitement all together! And stress from having to wrap up a job, while training 5 people that are taking over what I've been doing, while lining everything up before I leave, while still doing my job, while have been mentally checked out since last week.

Oh how great Friday at 4 will be...

PRAISE THE LORD!

After many attempts to move to another area of the company, I have finally been offered one. You're reading the blog of the new Quality Assurance Administrative Assistant. I pretty much just got a big fat raise, and a position outside of the visitor center. Hallelujah!

Soul Mate Application

BASICS:
Name:
Age:
Location:
Height:
Hair
Eyes:
Piercings/tattoos:

OTHER:
1. Where would we go on dates?
2. Who are three of your favorite bands/artists?
3. Do you drink/smoke?
4. Do you like the beach?
5. If so...would you go with me late at night?
6. Do you like movies?
7. If so would you stay up and watch them with me all night?
8. If you were to take me out to a movie would we watch the movie?
9. If not what would we be doing?
10. Do you play an instrument?
11. If so...what?
12. Would you call me right after we saw each other to make sure I made it home alright?
13. How would you rate your hugs from 1-10?
14. Favorite body part on a girl/guy?
15. What would you say is the best thing about yourself?
16. Do you have any reps (ie: heartbreaker, player, slut)?
17. Would you give me kisses just because?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF...
I cried:
I said I liked you:
I kissed you:
I wanted to have sex with you:
I touched your rear:
I was hospitalized:
I ran away from home:
I got in a fight and you were there:
I got dumped:
I ticked you off:

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF MY...
Personality:
Eyes:
Face:
Hair:
Clothes:
Voice:
Humor:
Choice of music:
Manners:
Friends:
Decisions:

WOULD YOU...
Be my friend:
Tell me the truth no matter what:
Buy me a birthday gift:
Lie to make me feel better:
Spread rumors about me:
make me wake up at 4am to buy you something :
Keep a secret if I told you one:
Loan me some cash:
Hold my hand:
Keep in touch:
Make me a snack:
Try and solve my problems:
Love me:
Makeout with me:
Hold me in times of need:
Ditch me:
Use me:
ask me out:
Date me:
Makeout with me whenever you had the chance:
Hold me and make my problems go away:

W0ULD Y0U...
[] go out with me?
[] give me your number?
[] kiss me?
[] let me kiss you?
[] watch a movie with me?
[] let me talk you out to dinner?
[] drive me somewhere
[] make love to me?
[] take a shower with me?
[] be my gf/bf?
[] hug me?
[] buy me food?
[] let me take you home to meet my parents?
[] would you let me sleep in your bed if i didn't have one?
[] sing car karaoke w/ me?
[] sit in the doctors office with me because I didn't want to go alone?
[] re-post this for me to answer your questions?
[] let me give you a piggyback ride?
[] come pick me up at 3 am because my car ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere

D0 Y0U...
[] think im cute?
[] want to kiss me?
[] want to cuddle wit me?
[] want to hook up with me?

ARE WE...
[] acquaintances?
[] friends?
[] in a relationship?
[] gonna have kids?

AM I...
[] smart?
[] cute?
[] funny?
[] cool?
[] interesting to talk to?

HAVE Y0U EVER...
[] thought about me?
[] thought there might be an "us"?
[] thought about hooking up with me?
[] found yourself wanting to kiss me?
[] wished i were there?

ARE Y0U...
[] happy you know me?
[] mad at me?
[] thinking bout me?
[] going to call me to ask me out?

100

For those of you who would like to know more about me...

"100 New Questions You've Probably Never Been Asked" answered by me :)

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
My face

2. What is your favorite hoodie?
You're making me choose one! ummm....probably my light blue one.

3. Do you like coffee?
Every morning I drink some sort of coffee/espresso drink

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
A combination of sleepy, slightly confused, and anxious (to hear if I got a new job).

7. Do you say aim or a-i-m?
I spell it out, a-i-m

8. Tell me about the last dream you remember having last night?
I'm really bad about remembering dreams unless they are really vivid. So last night's, I couldn't tell you what it was.

10. What are you craving right now?
Anything sweet. Basically, whatever is prohibited from eating while dieting.

11. Do you floss?
Not regularly enough

12. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Corn beef

15. Would you dance to the taco song?
Can't say I've ever heard the "taco song", whatever it may be

16. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Once, in elementary school (I think 2nd grade), I got extra credit if I collected 1,000 of something. So I collected 1,000 dry beans. I obviously had to count them to know they were all there.

17. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
I'll bite into popsicles, but lick ice cream. Weird, I know!

18.Do you use smileys?
Yea...

19. How many bedrooms are in your house?
2

20. Have you ever met a celebrity?
George and Barbara Bush, not that they are celebrities, but they are definitely famous.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
I have to really be in the mood for it.

22. What are you listening to right now?
The hum of the whole-house-fan

23. How many countries have you visited?
1, Mexico. Looking into other continent options right now.

24. Are your parents strict?
Not really.

25. Would you go sky diving?
NO!

26. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Yes I would

27. Would you throw potatoes at him?
No, why would I do that?

28. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
Nothing sparkly is grabbing my eye.

30. Do you rent movies often?
Hardly ever

31. Who sits in front of you in your math class?
Can't remember. The last math class I took was 7 years ago at 7am. I didn't have coffee by that point in the morning.

34. Can you count backwards from 74?
Sure! May not be perfect, but I could do it.

35. Who are you going to be with on Saturday night?
I currently don't have any plans for Saturday night. I'm sure there will be hanging out with friends like there is every weekend.

36. Brown or white eggs?
There is no health benefit from eating different colored eggs. But I normally buy the plain white ones.

38. Ever taken a train?
Yes, many years ago.

39. Experienced the twin towers falling in New York?
No. Watched the reruns on TV, but that was about it.

40. Do you have a cell-phone?
Duh! Who doesn't these days?

41. What day of the week is it?
Wednesday - Hump Day

42. What was your Lunch?
Sliced banana with a little bit of peanut butter and honey... yummy...

43. What is your best friend doing tomorrow?
Working

45. Ever have cream puffs?
Made? No. Eating? Oh yea!

46. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
Nope, I haven't

47. What was the last question you asked?
I can't remember

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Oh man, I can't remember. The last CD that was gifted to me was Maroon 5's new one.

49. Boys or girls?
For what? I would like to marry a boy, and have either one as a child.

50. What is your bus number for school?
Now you're going back. I can't remember.

51. Is your hair curly?
More of a heavy wave.

52. Last time you cried?
I definitely got teary last Thursday, but didn't actually cry.

53. Ever walked into a wall?
Sad to admit, yes...

55. Have you ever bought anything from Pac Sun?
Don't believe so.

57. Favorite time of the year??
Spring

58. Favorite color?
Periwinkle

59. Are you a generally happy person?
For the most part, yes.

60. Do you have any piercings?
Just my ears.

61. The next person you'll hold hands with… will it mean anything?
The next person I'll hold hands with will probably be because we're praying. So in that case, yes it will mean something, just not in that "special" sort of way.

62. Do you sleep with the TV on?
Depends, was the TV on when I fell asleep, or was I asleep when the TV came on?

63. Where was your default picture taken?
T&K's old house

64. Do you think you're old?
Absolutely! But not as old as my parents, they're old!

65. Are you afraid of the dark?
Sometimes the dark gives me the hebeegebees.

66. Do you like your life right now?
For the most part yes. There of course are things that I would prefer to be different.

67. What is your favorite animal?
Dog

69. Do you have good vision?
Not anymore.

70. Can you hula hoop?
Sure! Piece of cake!

71. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
It depends, what did they cheat on?

72. Do you have a job?
Yes, and hopefully soon a different one.

74. What are you wearing?
Boxers and an old t-shirt, aka PJ's

75. Would you ever have a living funeral?
What the hell is a living funeral?

76. Have you ever crawled through a window?
I think I have...

77. Can you handle the truth?
Most of the time. But sometimes it hurts.

78. What was the most recent thing you bought?
A car charger for my cell.

79. How often do you talk on the phone?
At least once a day

81. Do you hate/dislike more than 3 people?
I don't really hate anyone, but I strongly dislike a few people

82.Could you repeat the question?
Huh?

83. Are you sarcastic?
If you get to know me well enough and I'm comfortable in the environment, I definitely can be.

84. Have you ever slapped someone?
Hi, I'm the oldest of 4. So I've slapped some siblings. We used to fight, what can I say?

85. Do looks matter?
To a certain extend they do, but they aren't the whole factor.

86. Do you use chapstick?
All the time

87. Are you too forgiving?
Sometimes.

88. Do you own something from Hot Topic?
I don't believe so.

89. Do you own a gun?
I wish!

90. Have you made a prank phone call?
Back in middle school during sleep overs I did.

91. Have you ever been in a castle?
A real live castle, no. But I have been in Hearst Castle.

92. Do you like your hair?
Hair cut, yes. Cooperation of hair, not so much.

93. Do you like yourself?
Yea

94. Are you emotional?
I'm am a female, therefore I am emotional.

95. Are you closer to your mother or father?
I'm closer to my mom, but more like my dad.

96. When was the last time you talked on aim?
Months ago.

97. Do you want to meet anyone?
Sure.

98. Whats the closest thing to you thats red?
Box of matches.

99. Does your crush/boyfriend/girlfriend comment your myspace?
Sometimes, not very often.

100. Who will be the next person you kiss?
Ohhh.... I can only hope it's one certain person, but I don't know really who it will be. I have dreamed of just grabbing him and kissing him. But I'm not that brave.

Interview

Tomorrow, Friday, I have a 2nd interview at HCC. Please pray for during the 2-3 pm hour, and before if you would like. Pray that if this position is God's will for me that everything will go well and I'll say all the right things to impress the panel of interviewers. Please keep me in your prayers. Thanks so much!

I did it...

I put my heart on the line. It was rejected. Now it's a little broken.

That's all I have to say about that for now.

The end.

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 ...