30 things on Thursday - final edition!

Celebrate with your own Hooray banner!

I have finally answered all 30 questions from this list.  The original list can be found here.
My last three questions are:

28) What is your love language?
29) What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
30) List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

Well, I haven't read the love languages book, so I don't really know the answer to this question. I have been wanting to read it, though, so we'll add it to my list of things to do in 2013.

People misunderstand how serious I can be because I'm a goofball.  I love to laugh, I sing (very badly) all the time, I car dance, and still like Hello Kitty. But I'm very serious about some things and I don't think people realize when I'm serious. Or they don't know how to take me serious.

10 things to be remembered for:

• Faith
• Humor
• Having a giving heart
• Support of our troops
• Love for my family
• Happiness
• Joy that I like to share
• Laughter
• Appreciation of the uniqueness of others
• Enjoyment of simple things

TADA! Now, you know more about me than you've EVER wanted to know. :)  

Friday's Letter

One of my favorite pictures of the year!

Dear 2012, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on how this year has turned out.  I perused my former blog posts to help me, so here goes nothing.

Dear January, the Sock Hop went better than I imagined and is the number one hit page out of my blog. Everyone wants to know how to do a sock hop and I hope my work helps them. I chose Breathe as my word for 2012 but honestly, it didn't work out too well.  And I introduced everyone to my Prayer Peeps, who are awesome.

Dear February, the month of sickness. Let's not talk about it.

Dear March, thank you for finally revealing the gender of my sweet niece! We waited forever, but found out just in time for my sister's first baby shower.

Dear April, Of course, once we discovered the gender, mom and I set about doing the nursery! Sweet pinks and greens... getting ready for baby.  Also had a bit of drama at a performing art center, but it was resolved quite nicely!

Dear May, Katie had another baby shower and Mom received the honors at her retirement dinner!

Dear June, Ahhh... June! You brought me my sweet baby niece, Macy! *sniff sniff* Several posts were dedicated to her. My other sweet niece, AH, put on quite a show! 

Dear July, We celebrated several firsts, including my first Friday's Letter and my first installment of 30 Things on Thursday.

Dear August, I finally followed my dreams and took a step out of my comfort zone - and opened Pressed Clovers on Etsy!  It was scary, crazy timing just before a Presidential election and it was WONDERFUL.

Dear September, My birth month! You can still make my birthday wish come true! And... I gave you a behind the scenes look at scrapbooking Beth-style.

Dear October, you brought about some tough days.  I still believe we are tougher, but only through God's strength.

Dear November,  Thankfully, the election ended.  And I was able to celebrate Thanksgiving and Macy's Baptism within four days of each other. Ack!

Dear December, you have brought about happiness. Dad's last treatment *thank you for your prayers!*  and Christmas. And I LOVE Christmas!

Dear 2013, I do hope for a more serene and peaceful year, if possible.  That would be lovely.

Sincerely,

Beth.


PS.  Linking up today! (Monday! 12/31)

Thirty Things on Thursday - Questions 25, 26, 27.

I've been working my way through these thirty questions on Thursdays (hence the 30 Things tag).  It was part of a blog somewhere at some time.  I'm down to six questions... three of those are today.

25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?

If I could have dinner with anyone in history, it would have to be my grandmother on my dad's side.  She passed before I had the chance to meet her, but I know I see pieces of her in all of my aunts and uncles.  I'd ask her to cook up a meal, because I hear she was one heck of a cook - good ol' Southern food! YUM!

I think our society is so afraid of having an opinion that may not agree with every single person in the world.  We are so afraid to offend someone so we bend our own beliefs.  I'm baffled by this.  I may not believe like you do, I may not agree with you, but that doesn't mean I can't be your friend or respect you as a person.  So odd to me that we can't seem to get along unless we are identical in all ways.  How boring is that?

Ugh. Hmm... I guess I like my eyes. They are a prettyish green.  They are a prettier color when I cry, but then my nose is red. :)

Three of the 30 Things on Thursday...

I'll do three for the next Three Thursdays, and then I'm done! Yippee!

22)  Where you do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23)  List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24)  Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs your family dynamic now.

WELL... in five years I'll be 42, then 47, then 52.  Well that's enough to scare the poop out of me, thanks for that.  I'm not a career-minded girl. I never set out to make a name for myself in the XYZ field so placing myself in the years ahead is tough. When asked that question before, I figured I'd be married with kids and have the perfect little family life.  Obviously it didn't happen that way, so ... you know, I'm not going to set expectations on my future.  I'll just be surprised as it unfolds.

My hobbies:  scrapbooking for Pressed Clovers; random crafts; collecting pottery; blogging; taking random pictures.  Why do I love them?  I'm addicted to memories, I believe. I love giving people an outlet to preserve their cherished photos in books, I love taking pictures to capture memories, and blogging does much of the same thing.  Crafts and pottery are just creative outlets, I suppose.  -- I lost a friend much too young and I am so thankful for all the pictures I had of the good times, so I think it's influenced me to always have a camera nearby.  Granted, I've been a shutterbug since middle school. :)

My family is awesome. AWESOME. Growing up I didn't really see my parents fight, they must have done that behind closed doors.  They were firm and strict with us, we grew up in a Christian household and felt safe and loved.  Today I'm very close to my parents and enjoy them as friends as well as parents.  My siblings and I also get along very well and I'm so thankful for that.  My family is one of my very best blessings. :)

Thirty Things - 20 & 21

I'm sure I missed another week somewhere in there, so you really wanted two questions this week, right?  I'm ready to wrap this up but since I committed to it, I'll see it out to the full 30 questions.

20: Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood. I'm really bad about memories like this, but I'll do what I can. 

1. I was just a little thing, LITTLE thing, and my older brother, Dad and I were down at the shop when my Mom came down the path to tell Clay (my brother) he had strep throat and would need to go back to the doctor for a shot. He was little, too and upset about the shot aspect (imagine!) so he did what most little kids do... he started crying. Which totally broke my heart I was so sad for him.
   
2. When I was five-years-old, my sister was born.  I don't remember much about Mom being pregnant, except Dad called her "junior" all the time... Anyway, I suppose the night she was born my parents dropped us (my brother and I) off with my aunt & uncle while they went to the hospital. I woke up in sometime in the night, in a different house, and this little church with stained glass windows was turned on so that multicolored lights shone out of the windows. It was so beautiful to me and I just laid there looking at it until I went back to sleep. (My sister was born in December, so it was a Christmas decoration my aunt had put out for the holidays).
   
3. I guess I was in first grade or so and had to ride the bus to school with everything from first grade to high school. These three high school aged brothers were bad to the bone and feared by most everyone in the community.  Lucky me, I ended up with a seating assignment beside one of them.  I had this ratty fake fur coat that looked like apossum fur that I huddled up around me and tried my best to stay warm on that cold bus.  I was sitting on the heater, totally blocking all the hot air to the rest of the bus, when someone thought they were going to talk smack to me about it.  For whatever reason, that big bad boy stood up and threatened anyone try and make me move.  He was the oldest brother - the biggest and meanest brother - and he was my personal hero. He looked out for me the rest of the time. 

21:  If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?  Ok, call me a total dork, but I'm not sure I want a super power. Because with any power comes drawbacks or consequences so you know... I think I'll stay like I am.  Unless losing weight is a superpower. Then I'm totally game. Pass the chocolate cake, please!

Thirty Things on Thursday

Today's Question: 

19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
Right where I am.  I love being steps away from my sister & nieces, my mom & dad.  If I had a larger house right on this same spot, it would come with stipulations - like I'd want someone to clean it for me, too.  So I'd even keep my little house that I am totally in love with.

I dated a guy who completely could not understand why I would want to live in my parents' front yard.  He'd tell me I didn't REALLY live on my own, I lived in fear of my parents' opinions, I couldn't be myself. Blah blah blah. Why didn't I move, live away from them, experience what it was really like to be independent.  Blah blah blah.

Why would I want to move away from the people who love me most just to experience life without them? Life without them will come soon enough. I don't need to live in an apartment surrounded by strangers to feel independent.   I don't need the freedom to "do what I want" ... if I want to do something that I wouldn't want them to see, should I be doing it anyway? Probably not. So I don't feel stifled or smothered. At least, not often. :)

If you want to see the beginning of this line of questioning, please feel free to click here to see the first posting. Question 20 will be coming up next week! 

Thirty things that never end...

I'm behind on my Thirty Things and this is going to turn into a year of Thirty Things if I don't get moving on it. So I'm doing two today to make up for skipping Thanksgiving. 

What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

Well, The thing I wish I were great at... singing maybe? Or possibly drawing/art.  Although I have more drawing ability than I do singing, which I have absolutely NO talent at, so I guess I'll go with singing. 

I also wish I had the talent of Southern Charm, but I have none of it, either. 

Wow... forgiveness is a toughie, now isn't it?  And although I do love you all, I believe I'll keep that one private. I do say the hardest person to forgive is probably myself and the ways I disappoint myself.  

Ugh. I don't like these two questions. Wonder what will be next week? Something more fun I hope! :) 

Thirty Things on Thursday- 16

Question: What are your five greatest accomplishments?

I've given this some thought and here goes:

1) I created a marketing piece that was picked up by organizations around the state and saved them quite a bit of money. I feel really good about this.

2) I landed the job I wanted out of 80+ resumes. No string pulling or having someone in the know.

3) With a lot of help, I have a wonderful home that I love. I picked the colors and concept and am so happy here.

4) I was the first in my family to graduate college. I changed majors once and took a few summer schools, but I made it!

5) I started Pressed Clovers and branched out of my comfort zone big time. :)

posted from Bloggeroid

Thirty Things on Thursday - 15

If you were an animal, what would you be an why?

 *sigh* I'm not a fan of this question, because I don't have a unique answer.

 I'd be a cat. A fat and lazy cat that lounged around all day, slept curled up on any surface that I deemed worthy of my existence and I'd eat lots of yummy kibble. I'd give royal looks and made sure everyone knew I ruled this house. Yup.

 OR.

I'd be an otter. A really goofy playful otter that would perform tricks and entertain the masses in the aquarium. All the kids would love me and I'd be photographed by people around the world. Yeah, an otter. And I'd want pretty seashells to float around on my belly.

So that's me. :)  Cats and otters!

Join the fun here!

Thirty Things on Thursday - 14

Thirty Things on Thursday...

Today's Question: Describe 5 strengths you have.


Ugh. This is harder than the weaknesses!

Ok, let's see:

1 - I'm good with people. I enjoy them, I love talking to them, hearing their stories and finding all the cool nuggets inside each one of us that makes us special.  People usually warm up to me quickly and I can usually put them at ease.

2 - I am creative.  I love making stuff, gluing and cutting and taping.  I like looking at a blank page and figuring out what it's going to end up looking like.  I get such a thrill from it.

3 - I have a giving heart.  I love to buy things for people. Give things to people.  I feel like it's important to give back to my community and to my church.  I love to share things with people - the pictures I've taken of their families, homemade goodies, handmade cards - I love giving pieces of my heart away to others.

4 - I appreciate little things.  One of my pen pals put patriotic stickers on the back of the letter she sent me and I LOVED it. It touched me! I am so patriotic and that small touch just meant the world.  I love the stars on a dark night and admiring the amazingness of it all.  I take one point five million pictures of my drive to work because every day is something different.  Little things = awesome.

5 - I'm a good cheerleader.  I think I encourage people well. or I hope I'm not off the mark on that? Anyway, I enjoy helping people dream and reach for the dreams. I like supporting folks when they need just a bit of an extra dose of it, and seeing them succeed. It's awesome.

So yeah, that's me.  I do feel very awkward bragging on myself, if you call it that? Whatever - there you go! :)

Thirty Things on Thursday - 13

Every Thursday I answer another question on this random list I found at another blog. I don't even remember how I stumbled upon it. But... here goes week 13:

13. Describe five weaknesses you have.

Seriously?  Do I have to? Ugh, who wants to think about this crap? *sigh* OK, I've done the rest, let me see what I can come up with on this one... 

1.  Finances. I suck at finances. I never know how much money I have in the bank and I've never balanced a checkbook. I go through times where I feel like I can't spend a penny and then I'll go buy whatever I want. And usually it's not even for me, but it still screws me up. I'd love to turn this over to someone and they tell me what I can spend in a week. 

2.  Judgmental.  I'm very judgmental and will make a judgement in a snap.  It's very wrong of me and I know it, but I still do it! I really need to change this. In Galations this week, it clearly says not to judge someone because who is to say you won't be in their place tomorrow? No lie... 

3.  My Mouth. I talk. I talk a lot and I blab on and on about everything and nothing! And I gossip, which is driving me insane because I HATE being gossipped about, so why do that to someone else?? *sigh* I'm a very imperfect person, so I need to definitely makes some changes, this being a big one. 

4.  Food. I love food. Well, actually I hate a lot of food, but those things I do like are really bad for me and I eat a lot of it. Which is how I keep my very overweight womanly figure. This is going to change, but not before this election. It's my focus after life settles down. 

5.  My desire to be liked. This one gets me into trouble because I'm too friendly and get ran over. In my professional and personal life, I need to worry less about being liked and more about just being me, standing my ground.  I'm just so laid-back about some things and VROOM, BUMP BUMP, I'm flatted in the path of a trucker with a personality. (Does this make any sense? Whatever). 

So there, you know my weaknesses. :)  I hope next week is more fun!

Thirty Things on Thursday

Describe a typical day in your current life:

These days aren't typical, but here it goes.

6:03 a.m.:  The alarm goes off. Usually Muffin has already pounced on me and has me awake.
6:03 - 6:30 a.m.:  Play on my phone in bed.
6:30 -6:50 a.m.: Grab a shower.
6:50-7:15 a.m.: Get ready for work.
7:15 a.m. - 7:30...7:40... Oh crap I'm late!:  Play with Macy at her house! :)
8:00 - 12:30 p.m.:  Teach a class on how to work on Election Day
12:30 - 12:50 p.m.:  Collect orders via text for everyone's lunch and pick it up on my way back to the office
12:50 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Work with voters, answer calls, etc
5:00 p.m.: TURN THE PHONES OFF AND LOCK THE DOOR.
5:01 - .... last night it was 10:45 p.m.: Work on all the stuff that can't possibly be done during the day while answering phone calls and working with voters.  Tonight - hopefully out of here earlier.
Eventually that night: Settle down and read my #shereadstruth devotional

The next day, start it all over again! :)

Thirty Things on Thursday - 11

Thirty Things on Thursday - Question 11: Describe 10 pet peeves you have.

1. Noise. No really, I'm loud and I understand other people are too, but noise really gets to me. 
2. People calling me Honey, Sugar, Darling, Sweetie... please stop. It really doesn't make me happy. 
3. Grocery store aisle hoggers. You know who I'm talking about, don't you?
4. Anyone making fun of Southerners. In person, in movies, in tv - this really pisses me off. 
5. People who call me closed minded for having a set of beliefs that I live my life by - even if I'm not perfect and I fail at it frequently.  The deal is - how are you not being closed minded by demanding I believe just like you? I won't push my beliefs on you and I expect you to have the same respect.  It doesn't mean I won't like you as a person,I  just won't agree with everything you believe in. (and you know what, it's ok. You don't believe everything I believe in, either, so aren't we kinda on the same page here? Maybe?) 
6. Know-it-alls. 
7. Please don't tell me how to run my life, what I should do, how I should do it. I'm ok, I'm a grown adult, I'm living all by myself and doing ok at it. I truly don't need you to tell me how to function in my day-to-day life. I'm good. Promise. 
8. My mouth. My very own mouth is my pet peeve because I talk too much. It gets me into trouble and if there is one thing I'm focused on changing right now, it would be that. 
9. Always negative and angry people.  There is no sunshine. All is gloom and doom. I've been this person before. And sometimes I slip back into being this person. And it's horrible. No one wants to be around this person and I don't like being that way... so I'm constantly making efforts to be positive and thankful. 
10. Jealousy.  We all experience it for more than just having someone looking at our significant others. I've had some folks jealous of my college degree. Or of my family-life. Or of my (fill in the blank here).  Try being happy for people instead....

And there you go. I'm sure I could find more... trust me. But there is a good start.  

Thirty Things on Thursday - 10

Today's Question:  Describe your most embarrassing moment. 

I'm not sure what to say here. And I'm not sure if that's because I've had so many embarrassing moments, how do I pick just one? Or because I usually forget them shortly thereafter and therefore can't remember a stand-out pick?

Well, here is one of the more recent ones for your enjoyment. 

Imagine with me a huge important oh-la-la military function.  Hundreds of folks in their fancy dress blues and I'm there supporting my man.  I'm in a black dress with a dramatic low back, hair in a swooped up-do, and we were looking good. 

The first mistake was not reading the directions to the stick-on bra. The second was wearing shoes with non-adjustable heel straps.  So we arrive, we are feeling pretty good, even if my fancy shoes were more like flip flops as I tried to keep the heel straps in place.  We found our table with all my man's supporters - his boss, his boss' boss, and that man's boss and a few other co-workers scattered in there, too. I'm the only gal at the table. 

Before we are all seated, I shuffle to the restroom (trying to keep those shoes ON MY FEET) and attempt to re-stick one side of the stupid bra.  It will NOT stay affixed to the skin on my right side, no matter how much I beg, pray, etc. I shuffle back to the table, holding my right arm tight against my side in an effort to actually keep the bra in place. 

Once it's our turn, we go to get our desired meal for the night and as I'm in line, I feel something shimmer down my bare back. I try to ignore it, but it happens again. Then again at the table... um, yes - that would be my bobby pins falling from the up-do and now littering the floor whenever I go. Not like I'm not enough of a nervous wreck since I have NO idea how to eat at a formal setting and I discovered I've claimed the bread plate of the man sitting next to me ... oops.

Yes, it's a long story.  I'll skip over other parts (like my cheap rhinestone bracelet literally snapping in two and falling off my wrist....or the random inappropriate thing I said to the highest ranking man at the table.) 

Let me say, by the end of the night, I had Picasso boobs as I could no longer hold the evil bra into place and the right side has now slipped down to rest near my right ribs. The cups on those suckers could float a small cat they are so well molded, so it's not like it flattened out with my boob no longer in it. Oh no, it's a perfectly perky boob protruding from the right of my ribs. 

Not until I got in the car did my man ask what the pokey thing was that was jacking up the front of my dress - OH!! That would be the UNDERWIRE which has slipped from the bra and was creating a mini tent at the very top of my dress! Hairpins have escaped every which way, my shoes were worthless... let's just say I was one hot mess. 

And this folks, this was the impression I left on those big wigs in the military. Ahhh... I can't help but laugh. Because heck, what else can you do? 

Thirty Things on Thursday... you are definitely making me relive some GREAT MEMORIES (sarcasm... hahahaha)  Hope ya'll enjoyed it. :) 

Thirty Things on Thursday - 9

Keeping up with the Thirty Things ....

Week 9: List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

1. My parents (do they count for two?).  Ok, They count for two. They are awesome. Seriously great parents, consistent when we were kids, they backed each other up, they didn't argue or complain about money in front of us, they supported us in what we wanted to try if they could afford it and they raised us in the Church.  As we became adults, I'm finding out some of the trials they survived and the tough times they had when we were kids and I respect them all that much more.
   
2. My grandmother. She was a very strong woman who kept her 12 kids clothed and fed with little money coming into the house. She was a Christian woman, knew the Bible and hummed hymns in the kitchen. And she never spoke poorly of anyone... she just wouldn't say anything at all. I wish I could be much more like her.
   
3. This might sound silly, but Laura Bush. I have looked up to her since she first came on the scene because she has such poise and grace under any circumstance.  She is someone I've wanted to learn more about and mimic, although I'm nothing like her.
   
4. Paulene.  When I first met Paulene, she was so very shy and quiet. Since that time, she has turned into a mastermind  behind her own Etsy shop, proudly selling her designs on stationary and invitations and doing VERY well at it. She's much more talented than me and confident - she's definitely an inspiration to me that I admire greatly.
   
5. MJ. MJ is very much like Laura Bush, but she's actually someone I know! :)  It's with her support and encouragement I have volunteered in leadership positions and tried for other areas of personal growth. She is a great influence and sports a huge heart.  I'm thankful to have her as my friend and mentor.
   
6. My Ex BF.  We were friends for a million years and I made a very tough decision to let him go so I could move forward.  But make no mistake, he was a huge influence on my life - especially during the three years we dated.  He helped teach me to stand up for myself, to logically present my "case," to debate with the best of them, and he made me feel very beautiful despite being one very chunky monkey.
   
7. Grace.  She and I really butted heads for a while there, and I know me - I didn't change. But one day she did and I can't imagine how difficult that was to do. She is someone I greatly respect now and I'm so glad we are friends! It's a crazy story to look back on, but she is a much bigger person than I am. I have a lot to learn from her.
   
8. Sherry!  Sherry is one of the most unique individuals with a radar for people. She can tune into what the issue is in a blink.  It's amazing. I've turned to her for counsel many times over the years and I respect her opinions. I wish she lived closer, although she probably glad she doesn't so she doesn't have to listen to me as much!
   
9. YOU. You, the bloggers, the commenters, and the readers. I love to see what you are doing, to learn from you and how you handle adversity in life. I've been inspired by your talents, your faith, your positive energy. So thank you for sharing your life with me!
   
10. My parents counted for two! :)

OK. that's a long submission - but there you go. I hope you notice I rarely look up to celebrities and such. I have little time for them. It's the people in my everyday life that I have the greatest appreciation for and look to for their input and direction. 

Thirty Things on Thursday - 8

8 - What are five passions you have?

1. Our military.  As you probably read in my last Thirty on Thursday! :)  GO USA!
2. PEOPLE! I love people. I'd love to write a book about people and take their pictures and just say LOOK - here is a book of people and how every single one of them are unique and special. :)  Maybe I should have included that in my dream job. 
3. Family. I'm so thankful for my family, I count them as my greatest blessing and I think I'm passionate about them. Spending time with them and such. 
4. Ok, this is harder than I thought. I'm passionate about *sigh*  hm... Helping others.  I think it's important to reach out to others in some way, shape, or fashion. 
5. God. Not that He is last on my list... but He is so important and I'm trying to learn more about how to be the person He wants me to be.  :) 

There you go, friends. Five insights into the author of this blog. :) 

Thirty Things on Thursday - 7

7.  What is your dream job and why? 

Well... I have all kinds of dream jobs.  I actually have loved every job I've had but one and that was working in the library where I was expected to be quiet.  I've loved waiting tables, being a travel agent, working for a nonprofit, ... all kinds of great memories.

But if I had to pick a dream job:  I think it would be working for the USO or another organization that directly impacts the troops. I really love our military and cheer for them in my heart like none other. If I could do something that makes their life better while deployed, I'd be in hog heaven.

There you go. Want to share your dream job?

Thirty Things on Thursday - 6

Keeping with the 30 Things on Thursday theme...

6.  What is the hardest thing  you have ever experienced? 

I'm very fortunate in that I haven't seen many hardships in life.  Ups and downs, of course, but few crazy earth-shattering things that have set my world upside down.

When I first read this question, I'd have to say that death is the one thing that has shaken me up the most.  Health issues with the ones I love being a close second.  But the unexpected loss of a very dear friend was probably one of the worst things I've experienced.

My best friend's husband, he was also a very close friend of mine and Katie's.  Every Monday, the four of us would get together for dinner and games.  We celebrated birthdays like 5-year-olds.  We carved pumpkins and created Make-it Plates.  We were celebrating every week just being with each other.

It was an incredible loss when he passed away at 37-years-old.  Here today and then - BOOM. Gone.

I still miss him, he's personality and his humor. His competitive nature with Donna, his picky-eater-issues and his often said quote of, "Why the hell do I have to ______" (fill in the blank with whatever it was he didn't want to do... like Drive Home.)

SO yeah, there you go. :)  But remembering him still makes me smile.

Thirty Things on Thursday - 5.

Every Thursday I'm answering a question from the Thirty Things blog posting.  Here is this week:

5.  What are five things that make you most happy right now? 

Well, I think this could be pretty easy... maybe... Here they are in no particular order.

1- Macy.  I am so happy to have Macy in my life. Yes, she's only my niece and I'm not a "mommy" but she is such a blessing to me. I love watching her examine her new environment, how she puckers her lips, and her little silly grins.  She's adorable. She makes me happy. :)

2- My house. I love my house. It's my little personal haven when life gets crazy hectic to come home to my peaceful and quiet cocoon.  Follow this link to see the before and after... and I have done a little more in the way of decoration, so I'll get new pics up one day.  My family is amazing and most of the work was done by them.

3- Meeting new people through blogging.  I have really met the neatest and most talented people through blogs!! And some of the most faithful, which has only helped my own faith grow.  I really love seeing all the positive people out there.

4- My family.  I have the best family in the world. My parents are awesome, my siblings are awesome, and my in-laws are awesome. How lucky can one gal be?? Not to mention I have two awesome nieces, too! Yeah, I've got it made, what can I say?

5- Creating. I've felt creative lately and seeing creations come to life makes me happy.  I hope my ideas will take off and sale - I hope someone else out there will think they are good ideas, too!  Crossing my fingers and saying a prayer!

So that's my five happy things today. :)

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Thirty Things on Thursday - 4

Join me for week four of Thirty Things on Thursday! :)

This week:
Question 4.  List 10 things you would tell your 16-year-old self, if you could. 

Sheesh. I don't typically live in the high school past.  I'm going to try and we'll see where this goes:

Senior prom. I'm 17, but couldn't easily
get my hands on a 16 yr old pic.

1- He isn't the love of your life. (I'm not sure who is, but it isn't him.)

2- You are beautiful. BEAUTIFUL. Enjoy that skinny body now because it will not last.

3- You are smart. No really, you are and you shouldn't take it for granted, but instead should dive into new areas to learn even more.

4- I'm proud of you. You aren't trendy, you aren't fashionable, you aren't super cool, but you have a neat personality that makes you unique. I'm glad you realize you don't need all that superficial stuff. Good Job!

A friend and I after a band concert

5- Yes, your parents are strict. I know, I know. But they love you - oh my gracious do they love you - and you'll be better for it in the end.

6- I wish I could help you fear less and take more chances - go for it, girl! You've got mad skills that you'll forget about later in life, so soar with them now!

7- When your dad yells, "Tap It Out, Leroy!" across the field when it's pretty much silent and everyone across three counties can hear him, he's really telling you he loves you and is proud of you.  :)

8- Eat something other than Reese Cups and Dunkin' sticks. That is horribly unhealthy for you and what the heck are you thinking? How about creating some healthy habits for a change?

9- This is simply a warm-up for the life you have ahead. Yes, you are having fun and I'm thankful for that... but girl, you have so much to come that will be wonderful. Enjoy this now, be prepared for so much more!

10- Don't. Just don't. You know what I'm talking about, get your head on straight and listen to me. Don't. ... ... then again, who knows what would change if you didn't, so it's ok. Do. :)

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