Africa Update

I realized the other day that I had blogged about going to Africa in October, but had failed to blog that the trip has been post-poned.

A couple of months ago the girls that I had planned to go to Africa with started talking and as we were all honest with each other, we realized that over the course of the previous week we had each begun to feel a little uneasy about it. We were all just scared to say anything to one another . I had my hesitation because I was not entirely sure where the “uneasiness” was coming from. If it was because I was nervous about getting the money together, then that isn’t a reason. God had proved time and again that he will provide in the craziest of ways…I just have to have faith. But if it was because We really should hold off on the trip and that was the Lord’s way of confirming that, then I needed to listen.

We spent the following week diligently praying about it, and decided that we would post-pone the trip until the first of next year.

I was really sad/disappointed after we cancelled it… but since the decision has been made, each of our circumstances have changed that further confirms October would not have been the best time.

So although I cried a little that I would not be reunited with those sweet little faces and my friends at the orphanage as soon as I would like, I know it is for the best and I just have to be patient.

In the mean time I will continue to look at my pictures often, pray for them, and keep in touch via emails.

Miss you guys at Sonrise So much!!!

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

James 1:27

Productive Monday

I started the morning off right today with a nice little run. Fall is on the horizon and I could not be more excited!

I rolled over in the bed about 8:00 this morning and saw that it was not already 80 degrees for a change and decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather, get up, and get my day started

My car actually said it was about 72 degrees out…I think that was a little more accurate, but nevertheless it beats the 95+ degree weather we have been having

Did I mention it was BEAUTIFUL outside today??? Because it was

I ran 3 miles in 30min and 57 sec.

I wasn’t thrilled with my time, but it was still a good run. I’m running the Race for the Cure in October and would like to shave some time off of that.

I wasn’t feeling running without music this morning, so since my ipod is in need of some serious up to date music… I chose to just use pandora on my phone.

My phone is kinda big and I don’t have an arm strap for it…so I opted for the ghettofabulos way…

tucked it in my shorts and tied a long sleeve t-shirt around my waste so it wouldn’t fall out.

It worked great until I tried to use my phone after my run, and it was frozen to the point that I couldn’t even get it to turn off so that I could reset it

My sweat from it being against me while I ran, apparently took its toll.

Gross I know…but it’s the reality of the situation

So…I did the only logical thing there was to do

took it apart, and put it in rice!

30 min…and we were back in business!

this little trick has saved my bootay many times.

Needless to say...after my run I had worked up an appetite.

So I headed home, made my lunch, and enjoyed it outside so that I could enjoy the weather and Lexi could have some time to play outside

and my lunch definitely hit the spot!

I tried greek yogurt for the first time today

and I gotta' say...I didn't hate it.

It wasn't my most favorite thing ever, but I think I can definitely learn to like it!

Much to my resistance...I had to spend the rest of the day inside.

It's Monday, and we know what that means...

Cleaning day

But aside from a few loads of clothes, I got everything done!

So the rest of the week is mine to enjoy

Hope everyone enjoyed their Monday!

Monkeys Ridin' Dogs!

Tonight we went to the Alabama State Fair!

I have never been to a State Fair, but my family and I went to the County Fair (wherever we happened to live at the time) every year growing up.

Earlier in the week they had armbands half off, so that you could ride whatever rides you wanted as many times as you wanted. A group of friends and I all purchased arm bands, and Autumn and I have been looking forward to it most of the week.

Here's a recap of the night:

I LOVE spinney rides, most everyone ended up getting a little sick, but Alecia hung with me

this would be the ride that got the best of them ;0)

No Hands!!... Stacey always has been one to live on the edge

the swings...Cody's method to overcoming dizziness..."stare at the same object the whole time"

view from the swings

a little uncertain about whatever we were about to encounter...

After we rode everything we wanted to ride... we indulged in a very nutritious dinner

basically, a stomach ache waiting to happen...

But if you come to the fair...it's the rule..ya have to eat it

and let's face it most of the time, I'm a rule follower. There just isn't anything to be done about it

We wrapped the night up with the "Monkeys Ridin' Dogs" show that we had heard advertised on the radio all week... I thought I got a descent picture, but it turns out I didn't

My assessment of the show:

Let's just say it was interesting, but not nearly as great as the advertisement makes it out to be.

in turn causing a little disappointment

But all is well... I had a great night out with friends!

and Tomorrow morning... I get to run off all the calories I consumed tonight

Thankfully the mornings have been cool, so I'm actually looking forward to it...Nice change considering it's been in the 90's by 0800 lately

Tomorrow starts my 7 days off, and even though I have a busy day ahead of me...I am Beyond excited!

To all those that go back to work tomorrow...I'll think of you when I get a couple more hours sleep than ususal!

Have a great week!!!

Happy 50th Anniversary

To The BEST Grandparents in the World!!!

Nanny and Poppy!

Tonight we went to Nikkis with My grandparents and some of my family to celebrate 50 years of Marriage

and what's a celebration, without strawberry cake???

B enjoyed every bite

and I played with the decor...

We surprised them with a 14 day cruise with the choice of going to Hawaii or NewZealand/Australia

They chose the New Zealand trip!

I'm practicing my flexibilty skills...to fold up in their suitcase;0)

Nanny and Poppy

Thank you so much for being such an incredible example of what a marriage should look like to our family.

I look up to you probably more than you will ever know.

If I can follow even halfway in your footsteps...I think I'll be just fine:0)

Thank you for all that you have done for me and our family throughout the years and for always being the perfect example of what it is to be selfless.

Have so much fun on your trip!

Enjoy every second, you have deserved it!!!

I Love ya'll SOOO BIG :0)

It's a tough Life

Today was a pretty low key day...

Off day numero tres

Most of it was spent lounging by the pool with my sweet friend, Cortney

So... we aren't that great at centering the camera

but this one is slightly better

We have 3 of the same off days, so we try to make it a point to get together at least one of those days

And most of the time we opt for the pool:0)

We had a great time catching up

and I may have entertained her with a Hula dance ;0)

Hey...practice makes perfect!

*****************

Tonight at church we kicked off M52

It is the new Wed night service for the student ministry at Desperation Church

We started out by eating pizza and fellowshipping

then Derek brought a little message

then we played a game a lot like The singing Bee on CMT, where you play a song and when the music cuts off you have to sing the correct lyrics to fill in the blanks.

The kids had a really great time and we had a good turn out for the first night

Next week is Dirty kick Ball...not sure what all that entails, but have no doubt it will be fun!

Hope everyone is enjoying their week!!!!

Hawaii anyone??

You may have seen my FB statuses eluding to the fact that I may be going to Hawaii.

Well it isn't set in stone, and I think I am probably supposed to wait and see if it actually works out before I tell about it. BUT, I get too excited and unfortunately do not operate that way.

So here is the scoop...

I originally became a nurse because I knew that I would not be happy sitting at a desk in an office, doing potentially the same thing everyday. I have to have variety. I knew I didn't get grossed out very easily, so Why not Nursing? Thankfully it worked out and I didn't have to change my major repeatedly until I found something I like. most days ;0)

I also love the flexibility within the field of nursing. If you get tired of one thing, or ready for something new...you definitely have options

Ever since I was in nursing school, I have been interested in travel nursing. The main places I wanted to go were Hawaii, San Diego, California, and Colorado.

The only problem is I have not been able to find anyone willing to go with me. Everyone would rather get married...whatever that's about ;0)

Everyone that I have talked to said that it really is best to take a friend, because obviously it is a better experience as far as sight-seeing and all.

Well...I was talking to my friend at work the other day about how I was just kinda ready to do something different. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE my job. I could not ask for a better group of co-workers. I started talking about how I have always wanted to travel ... She seemed interested,but for whatever reason it did not click that she was at a place in life that she could go with me...until a few days later..

I texted her and said, "How do you feel about travel nursing to Hawaii?"

Her response: "OMG yes!"

So from that point on it has been corresponding via email and phone back and forth with agencies, filling out applications, and skills checklist, and countless other forms

Let me just say, NOT fun!

But if it gets me to Hawaii...It's totally worth it!

The agencies keep asking if I would be willing to go somewhere else

But I told them I will just hold out for something to open up in Hawaii, because I do have a really great job. Like I said...I have awesome co-workers, and I work 7-3, 7on/7off. I don't think they make a better full time schedule.

On the flip side...I'm 24, single, not tied down...why not take the opportunity while I can?

All that to say...Hawaii Is the only place at this point that I feel is worth taking a risk to give that up.

PLUS

I will know a few other people there...

My cousin is in the navy, and another friend of mine is moving in with her friend for about 7 months

So if I get a flat tire, and the cute surfer guys opt not to stop, I have options ;0)

We also found what looks to be a pretty great church out there called

One Love

I was looking on there website (www.onelove.org) the other night, reading their vision statement, listening to a sermon from their pastor and just browsing all that they had to offer, and I'm really excited about it.

They seem to have a heart for missions and I can see where it would offer a lot of opportunity

That was initially one of my reservations...I didn't want to leave my church, because I love it so much and was worried I wouldn't be able to find one I loved out there, But I think I would really like this one.

And once my assignment is up...I'll be back...

Maybe

So that's it in a nut shell

Now it's just praying and being patient that everything works out

I mean, I can't imagine that God wouldn't want me to go to Hawaii ;0)

BUT it's ultimately whatever He wants for me

While I'm waiting I will be dreaming of

75 degree, sunny weather

Beautiful Scenery

and surfing!

Back on the Blogging Train

Needless to say, I have certainly failed at keeping the blog updated

So for my 2 followers... my sincere apologies ;0)

It hasn't been for the lack of things to blog about

Mostly due to lack of time and failure to document things with pics. Kinda got burnt out on it for a little while

Summer has been great

I've been to the beach a few times this year (more than the last couple of years put together)

I went to gulf shore twice with some friends

and then to Pensacola to visit another friend...I have never been to Pensacola Beaches before, but they are actually very pretty and the area is pretty nice

the water was so clear!

then of course there have been numerous pool and lake days:0)

and just a good time catching up with friends

But I think I'm about all "Sunned" out and MORE than ready for Fall!

After all, it is my favorite time of the year

can't wait for the leaves to start changing, and cooler air!

Going to Nashville this weekend, maybe a couple hours North will bring cooler weather...

One can hope, right?

Church Update

God is continueing to blow us away with the blessings He has placed on Desperation Church!

We had roughly 630 people in attendance between the two services yesterday

We are starting a 3rd service in September. We will be adding a 6pm service. Which I am excited about for the weekends when I work Sunday, day shift.

We are also starting a youth service for 6th - 12th grade students on Wed nights. I commited to help with that, so I'm excited to see how the first week goes this coming up Wednesday

Excercise

I have done the bodyshock bootcamp the last couple of months, but decided to just go to various classes this month. I have been doing Bodycombat and Bodyflow and really loving it.

I'm also ready for fall, so that I will actually enjoy running again

Reading

I started reading The Bondage Breaker last week, by Neil Anderson.

I have wanted to read it for a while, but just never bought it. I have a couple friends that are reading it right now, ao I decided I would also. It isn't one you just sit down and fly through, at least not for me anyway.

I just read several pages at a time, but I am enjoying it so far.

Well...that's the run-down for now

It's the first day of my off week...

So I gotta do grown-up things like clean the house and pay bills so that I don't have to be one the rest of the week ;0)