5 Thankful Things: August

1. VACATION!  I'm sooooo thankful for the week we were able to spend away from our normal, everyday routine.  I LOVE vacation.  We had so much fun!

2. Modern Medicine: For the first time in 5 months, I again had the opportunity to be thankful for modern medicine.  Even though an ear infection got me down for a few days, I was able to get some ear drops and was back to my high-energy self quickly.

3. Church Fellowship at Camp:  It was so fun to spend the afternoon/evening together over at camp last Sunday with our church family.  I'm thankful that we have a place to do such things and for the beauty there!

4. Tennis Shoes:  Odd, I know, but I'm thankful that I had the sense to wear my tennis shoes to work yesterday morning. With Old Threshers in town, it was extremely busy at work, and my feet survived because I was smart enough to wear my super cool sneakers.

5.  Opportunities that stretch our faith:  I'm thankful for the opportunities God gives us to grow in our faith. AND.... I'm excited to see what God has in store for my 5 Thankfuls NEXT month!

Right Now I'm...

Listening: Lately, I've taken to listening to Josh Groban on the way to work. There's just something so calming and soothing about his tunes that really relaxes me.  I've noticed a considerable (and CALMER) change in my mood upon arrival to work as a result!

Watching: Well, I ended up with an outer ear infection, so I spent all of Saturday & Sunday curled up on the couch with Gilmore Girls reruns. Gotta say: humor goes a LONG way to improving one's mood.

Reading: Nothing at the moment, but over vacation, I read Robin Jones Gunn's new(ish) book "Forever With You." Any Todd & Christy fans out there? Well, this is the newest addition to their story, and boy was it good! I LOVE these characters, and it was so fun to "catch up" with them!

Eating: As previously mentioned with the whole ear infection thing, I went for comfort food.  This time that included a box of original Wheat Thins and Gatorade. 

Wishing: That it was Autumn. I know, I know. It'll be here soon.  I'm trying my best to wait patiently!

Needing: I can't actually think of anything to put here... unless I put cereal.  That's the only thing I really need right now, since I'm basically out. 

Rejoicing: I feel better!! And also, this is the first time in 5 months that I've been sick!  That's gotta be some new kinda record for me! I'm so thankful that I'm feeling better, but I'm equally thankful that I've been (for the most part) completely well over the last 5 months!

Indulging: Again with the whole ear infection scenario, I had a hankering for Almond-n-Cream drink, but alas, there was no almond extract to be found!  So I substituted Black Walnut flavoring.  Turned out pretty tasty, if I do say so myself.  And I drank like 4 servings. Sugar is supposed to make you get better faster, right?

Loathing: That my vacation is over.  We had such a WONDERFUL time, and I just hate that it ended.  Or maybe I'm loathing that I had to return to reality. I'm not sure...

Saying: Mostly things witty and sarcastic.  But what else is new?!

Meditating: God's peace.  God is in control of everything, and no matter what is happening in my life, I have no reason to worry or to get worked up.  As I mentioned in my music choices and their desired effect, I've been thinking a lot about God's peace also.  I'm so thankful that even when life seems hectic or directionless, God gives a peace that is beyond comprehension.  

Picturing: Vacation.  I miss it. It was wonderful.  I want to hit rewind!

5 Thankful Things: July

1. I switched cell phone providers this month!  I'm not sure yet if it's suitable for everyone's needs (but really, what plan IS for everyone?), but so far I'm happy.  I'm with Republic Wireless now, and I'm paying just $25/month! YAY for saving money!!

2. Alexxa's dad was able to be here for her birthday & the 4th earlier this month!  What fun it was to have her dad and his family here to celebrate!

3. I did really awesome with my running this month! I didn't quite reach my goal, as I hurt myself a week in, and I wasn't feeling well a few days, but I did way better than I thought I actually would, so YAY! Taking a week off for VACATION, then back to the grindstone!

4. Steve time! Last week, Helen & I had our bff/cousin Steve (April) over one night for a movie time.  We had SO much fun just being together and laughing and watching a movie!

5. I had two different opportunities presented to me this month regarding my photography! That was a HUGE encouragement to me, as I've been hesitant to open that door (for fear of being a bandwagoner). I've been encouraged to sell my photography at a new store opening in Salem soon, which I'm super excited about!  And I've been asked to take the pictures for our church's annual Christmas event: Road to Bethlehem! Yay for encouragement!

I Feel Pretty

There's a Facebook nomination thing going around for people to "Share five pictures you feel beautiful in," and while I haven't been nominated, I thought I would take a minute to share a few photos in which I feel beautiful.

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  It's easy in our culture to be very self-loathing, to see ourselves as not up to par.  We're taught by the media that in order to be beautiful, you need to be stick thin, blemish free, and always perfectly made up. It's easy to look in the mirror or through a photo album and only see the flaws.

But I'm not just flaws.  I am the daughter of the King.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made!  I am just the way God intended me to be.  I'm not saying I don't have a responsibility to take care of myself, nor am I saying that I am the most beautiful person on the planet.  I just need to remind myself sometimes that God made me in His image, and I look just like He choose. God doesn't make mistakes.

And I am beautiful.

For those of you who receive this via e-mail, this is largely a PHOTO post, so you'll have to actually go to my blog to see them...

Corn Salsa

I was in the mood for corn salsa today, but I didn't feel like looking up a recipe.  So here's what I came up with:

1 can corn

1 can black beans

1 onion, chopped  (I LOVE onion!)

two handfuls of cilantro, chopped

2 Tablespoons (ish) lime juice

Drain the canned goods & rinse well.  Add the other stuff and mix in a bowl.

Serve with tortilla chips.

It wasn't like world-class cuisine or anything, but it hit the spot of just what I was looking for this afternoon. AND it was super easy to throw together!