If you've been reading here at my little corner of the internet for awhile, you'll see that things have changed stylistically (is that even a real word?) in the last 48 hours or so. I've decided to go undergo a new me, a new blog and become a new dream chasing girl - one that I've always wanted to be but what scared me so.
You see, it all started back in the days of xanga when I would read my high school friends blogs and posted one of my own. The problem with high school xangas is they are very high school. I say this in love though, I've volunteered with teenagers for over five years now and adore the age group no matter how awkward and confusing it is. As I moved up to blogger and wordpress though, I began to see true writers that posted hours and hours of content - funny, engaging, brilliant, thought provoking, life affirming stories and encouragement all surrounded by great designs and beautiful photography.
Well y'all, the comparison game is a thief of joy and I have been its' captive way too long.
I'm at a definitive crossroads (I guess you really could say I have been at one since I graduated college) and it's time to step up and be the true me here. I don't know where it's going to take me. I know that there's a lot of adventures ahead. I'm currently on one now. Jon Acuff of Stuff Christians Like has been a writer of one of my favorite blogs for years now and he tweeted out the other day that he would like information sent to him about his followers. He wanted real information emailed to him to take us on an adventure that may include a machete and a passport. I don't usually respond, but I did.
He's invited me and 2000ish other friends to go on an adventure to punch fear in the face and start what we have wanted to start all along but have been too afraid of. He's named it the Start Experiment after his book I'm currently reading entitled, Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters, which I highly recommend (along with his other books - I'm a bit of a fan). Here goes my START!
Unpacked Adventure. It's a weird name. How do you unpack an adventure? Don't you usually pack for an adventure? Unpacking isn't the fun part - it's the thrill of getting everything together before a journey, packing your necessities and heading off. I don't know what the adventure looks like. I know what I hope it involves: transparency, a deeper level of writing, a consistent blog, some encouragement, a less fearful me, a few crafts, some reviews of some great restaurants, books and digs along the way, a few fashionable moments, a few thoughts and adventures, creative projects and photography.
Here's to dreaming!
Here's to hoping!
& Here's to STARTing!
Showing posts with label blogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogs. Show all posts
Monday, July 8, 2013
Monday, April 16, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
It's Never Too Late to Change - Delve
Hi, I make New Years Resolutions on the 26th of January instead of the 1st. This year, I said that I wasn't going to do any New Years Resolutions. In the last few weeks though, I've changed my mind. In fact, I may have made twelve resolutions...
Reading all the beginning of the year blogs and talking to my friends, Andrea and TeeJay, about all the options of the new year made me desire to actually do something. I've ended up combining a few of my favorite New Years Ideas including Jon Acuff's Finish Year with Words of the Year (Up, Grow, Delightful) and Andrea's sister-in-laws Twelve for Twelve - Twelve Resolutions for the year 2012.
I'm kind of excited about this. I mean, it's all still new. It is still January. I know making a New Years resolution-ish blog post so close to February is a little iffy, but that's okay!
Twelve for Twelve
They are: Books, 5K, Quotes, Blog, Create, Learn, Gratefulness, Minimize, Handmade, Intentionality, No, Word.
1. Finish Year: Books I've Already Started.
I am positive that I am not the only person with a reading problem. I used to devour full books in a day, now I can't even stumble through reading a full book in a year. I have a knack that no matter how much I am enjoying any particular read, I will stop at Chapter 3. Okay, that's being way too lenient. I usually stop after Chapter 1. I made it to the first page of Chapter 4 on Redeeming Love so in my mind, all the books I've ever started that ended up in piles of books on my nightstand or in my car were all immediately jumped to that first page of Chapter 4. This is exactly how I missed a full half of one of the Harry Potter books. (For the record, I figured it out because of the confusion my mind was in during the movie.) For Finish Year: Books, I will attempt to finally finish all those books that got left behind after that first chapter or so.
2. Finish Year: Work Out More - 5K.
I ran a half marathon once. Okay, okay, I sprinted about 5 minutes during a half marathon that I walked. That does seem quite different now that I think about it. My goal is to run a 5K in its entirety by the end of 2012. I'm going to start slow by walking the majority of one next weekend, but we all have to start somewhere.
3. Finish Year: Quote Book.
I started a quote book when I was in high school. This is really just a green journal that I wrote down a few quotes I liked and has now expanded to a huge list including sections of books that challenge, inspire and make me laugh. I want to fill up the whole thing with quotes from the books I read for Finish Year, scriptures that are near to m heart, favorited tweets and other quotes I've heard or seen around Pinterest.
4. Blog More. Regularly. Intentionally.
You agree on this one, right? I wish I had gotten paid this last semester for every time someone asked me when I was going to update again. I don't want this blog to be a place where I update when I feel like I have the time. I want it to be intentional. I stink at journaling because my hand cramps up, but I can type all day plus I have things to say to the world, whether I always believe it or not. Here's to blogging more regularly!
5. Create.
I was really good at favorite-ing food items on Foodgawker last semester. I was really good at adding blogs to the bookmarks on my computer to come back and look at, cook the recipe of, or craft from, etc. Now after having held out for almost a year, I am finally on Pinterest. (You can follow me here.) It's dumb to have all these great ideas and recipes at my fingertips and not utilize any of them. That is what I will strive to do, whether it's a recipe, craft or whatnot as often as I can.
6. Learn.
Confession time. (Although, my whole 12 for 12 may be one big confession really). I have an awesome camera with access to a ton of great resources and I don't utilize these resources nearly enough. I have a desire to speak Spanish even more fluently yet never practice. I want to be able to tell you what wrong with my car but I just never read up on it. I want to be able to do ________, yet I just don't. For all those things I need to practice or learn, this is their spot in my next year. Can't say it will be perfectly done, but I want to at least put forth an effort.
7. Minimize & Organize.
I have a bunch of stuff I don't need or even have the desire to still have as well as things that are silly but I still want to hold on to. Jeans that don't fit? Yeah, it's time to part ways with you. Piles of ticket stubs in drawers? Let's get you in a book or something. Every card I've gotten in my life? The full drawer is nice, but let's find you a better home. I need to give away and declutter. I need to organize and repurpose.
8. Gratefulness.
'Hi I'm American!' seems to be synonymous with 'Hello, I'm ungrateful.' I want to use up a bunch of thank you notes this year not only so I can get new ones, but because there are a ton of people that could use the encouragement, gratitude and even a Sunday funnie in a letter to brighten up their day. I wan to give that to them.
9. Handmade.
Ever go into a friends house and you can practically see the store layouts of where they got them and which of your other friends also owns it? No? It may just be me and my problem with noticing things at stores right after seeing them at a friends house. It's like individuality has gone out the window with all these brands (Sorry to rag on you Target. You know I love you as I have my fair share of Target buys littering my home). The favorite gifts I've given these last 2 years have been homemade gifts. This is the year I want to try to give as many homemade gifts as possible (although there will be some exceptions!)
10. Intentionality in Relationships.
You can say I'm good at this. You can say I'm terrible at this. Both statements are true. How? I'm really good with being intentional in some relationships and not so intentional in other ones. Why can't I just be intentional in all of them? Its ridiculously hard for sure, but their are definitely some friends that I have allowed to be stranded by the wayside during tough crunch times. (Also, shout out and thank you to all of those whom were more than willing to change our coffee dates into picking out diploma frames, running errands, etc. You know who you are and you are amazing!) This year though, I want to try my best to be fully present during hangouts and opportunities I have with family, friends and strangers. This will be a work in progress, possibly forever.
11. Say No & Relax.
This is for sure going to be the most difficult thing to do. I think it's pretty self explanatory but do more downtime rather than running at 97 miles per hour just because I can. All the running, chaos and last minute plans cause burn out and that's not good to cope with. Why not forgo all that and just rest some before the burn out? Brilliant. This is going to be so hard.
12. Word.
Delve into the word. This one is also pretty self explanatory, but I really want to get inside the stories of the Bible and really develop not just a relationship with God, but truly a deep intimacy with the scriptures to go alongside of it.
& The one word that sums it all up for me? Delve
Also, if you've made it this far, enjoy the 2011 Twitter Timeline Review.
Reading all the beginning of the year blogs and talking to my friends, Andrea and TeeJay, about all the options of the new year made me desire to actually do something. I've ended up combining a few of my favorite New Years Ideas including Jon Acuff's Finish Year with Words of the Year (Up, Grow, Delightful) and Andrea's sister-in-laws Twelve for Twelve - Twelve Resolutions for the year 2012.
I'm kind of excited about this. I mean, it's all still new. It is still January. I know making a New Years resolution-ish blog post so close to February is a little iffy, but that's okay!
Twelve for Twelve
They are: Books, 5K, Quotes, Blog, Create, Learn, Gratefulness, Minimize, Handmade, Intentionality, No, Word.
1. Finish Year: Books I've Already Started.
I am positive that I am not the only person with a reading problem. I used to devour full books in a day, now I can't even stumble through reading a full book in a year. I have a knack that no matter how much I am enjoying any particular read, I will stop at Chapter 3. Okay, that's being way too lenient. I usually stop after Chapter 1. I made it to the first page of Chapter 4 on Redeeming Love so in my mind, all the books I've ever started that ended up in piles of books on my nightstand or in my car were all immediately jumped to that first page of Chapter 4. This is exactly how I missed a full half of one of the Harry Potter books. (For the record, I figured it out because of the confusion my mind was in during the movie.) For Finish Year: Books, I will attempt to finally finish all those books that got left behind after that first chapter or so.
2. Finish Year: Work Out More - 5K.
I ran a half marathon once. Okay, okay, I sprinted about 5 minutes during a half marathon that I walked. That does seem quite different now that I think about it. My goal is to run a 5K in its entirety by the end of 2012. I'm going to start slow by walking the majority of one next weekend, but we all have to start somewhere.
3. Finish Year: Quote Book.
I started a quote book when I was in high school. This is really just a green journal that I wrote down a few quotes I liked and has now expanded to a huge list including sections of books that challenge, inspire and make me laugh. I want to fill up the whole thing with quotes from the books I read for Finish Year, scriptures that are near to m heart, favorited tweets and other quotes I've heard or seen around Pinterest.
4. Blog More. Regularly. Intentionally.
You agree on this one, right? I wish I had gotten paid this last semester for every time someone asked me when I was going to update again. I don't want this blog to be a place where I update when I feel like I have the time. I want it to be intentional. I stink at journaling because my hand cramps up, but I can type all day plus I have things to say to the world, whether I always believe it or not. Here's to blogging more regularly!
5. Create.
I was really good at favorite-ing food items on Foodgawker last semester. I was really good at adding blogs to the bookmarks on my computer to come back and look at, cook the recipe of, or craft from, etc. Now after having held out for almost a year, I am finally on Pinterest. (You can follow me here.) It's dumb to have all these great ideas and recipes at my fingertips and not utilize any of them. That is what I will strive to do, whether it's a recipe, craft or whatnot as often as I can.
6. Learn.
Confession time. (Although, my whole 12 for 12 may be one big confession really). I have an awesome camera with access to a ton of great resources and I don't utilize these resources nearly enough. I have a desire to speak Spanish even more fluently yet never practice. I want to be able to tell you what wrong with my car but I just never read up on it. I want to be able to do ________, yet I just don't. For all those things I need to practice or learn, this is their spot in my next year. Can't say it will be perfectly done, but I want to at least put forth an effort.
7. Minimize & Organize.
I have a bunch of stuff I don't need or even have the desire to still have as well as things that are silly but I still want to hold on to. Jeans that don't fit? Yeah, it's time to part ways with you. Piles of ticket stubs in drawers? Let's get you in a book or something. Every card I've gotten in my life? The full drawer is nice, but let's find you a better home. I need to give away and declutter. I need to organize and repurpose.
8. Gratefulness.
'Hi I'm American!' seems to be synonymous with 'Hello, I'm ungrateful.' I want to use up a bunch of thank you notes this year not only so I can get new ones, but because there are a ton of people that could use the encouragement, gratitude and even a Sunday funnie in a letter to brighten up their day. I wan to give that to them.
9. Handmade.
Ever go into a friends house and you can practically see the store layouts of where they got them and which of your other friends also owns it? No? It may just be me and my problem with noticing things at stores right after seeing them at a friends house. It's like individuality has gone out the window with all these brands (Sorry to rag on you Target. You know I love you as I have my fair share of Target buys littering my home). The favorite gifts I've given these last 2 years have been homemade gifts. This is the year I want to try to give as many homemade gifts as possible (although there will be some exceptions!)
10. Intentionality in Relationships.
You can say I'm good at this. You can say I'm terrible at this. Both statements are true. How? I'm really good with being intentional in some relationships and not so intentional in other ones. Why can't I just be intentional in all of them? Its ridiculously hard for sure, but their are definitely some friends that I have allowed to be stranded by the wayside during tough crunch times. (Also, shout out and thank you to all of those whom were more than willing to change our coffee dates into picking out diploma frames, running errands, etc. You know who you are and you are amazing!) This year though, I want to try my best to be fully present during hangouts and opportunities I have with family, friends and strangers. This will be a work in progress, possibly forever.
11. Say No & Relax.
This is for sure going to be the most difficult thing to do. I think it's pretty self explanatory but do more downtime rather than running at 97 miles per hour just because I can. All the running, chaos and last minute plans cause burn out and that's not good to cope with. Why not forgo all that and just rest some before the burn out? Brilliant. This is going to be so hard.
12. Word.
Delve into the word. This one is also pretty self explanatory, but I really want to get inside the stories of the Bible and really develop not just a relationship with God, but truly a deep intimacy with the scriptures to go alongside of it.
& The one word that sums it all up for me? Delve
Also, if you've made it this far, enjoy the 2011 Twitter Timeline Review.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Target, I like you a lot.
Dear Target,
I thank you for ads
Awareness without the words
Down syndrome made cool.
Love,
Me.
That's all I have to say. Noah's Dad (the link) said everything far too perfectly.
I thank you for ads
Awareness without the words
Down syndrome made cool.
Love,
Me.
That's all I have to say. Noah's Dad (the link) said everything far too perfectly.
Monday, December 26, 2011
A Very Merry Christmas
I can't believe Christmas has come and gone. It's been a whirlwind this past month or so with Thanksgiving, my thesis being due and graduation, Christmastime and all that comes with that and of course the lingering question of What Now? What Now you ask? I don't really know. Job hunting and seeing where the Lord leads me.
This Christmas was filled with white elephant gift exchanges, last minute coffee dates while running errands, a lot of wondering, a ton of joy, renewing my commitment to Christ amongst some of my favorite people, watching holiday classics with friends while working on my favorite gift (a Valentines wreath) for my Mom. It wasn't the Christmas season I necessarily imagined, but I did have a lot of fun. I spent Christmas Eve with my family, Aunt Polly and Uncle Jim. It's a Christmas tradition and one of my favorites. Christmas Day was spent with my family and my brother and his kids. I still can't believe Christmas has come and gone.
& Just A Few Christmas Links From Me to You:
These are a ton of Chrstimas-y links, but I did enjoy back reading blogs today as everyone slept and I caught up on my TV.
If you enjoyed the kids nativity video on my last post, you will love this kids nativity scene inspired photoshoot. It's not just because her photography is gorgeous, but her creativity is impeccable and always in abundance.
There's something about Christmas decorations that make the holiday season so fun. This can't beat the traditional tree, but it is pretty whimsical. Then again, this is a pretty good tree too - and a great place for all those books that just don't fit on your book shelf all at once.
The lack of Texas snow this year makes it hard to envision the white Christmas, next year we'll have to go man-made on the snow. (Check out the video on the comments to see. It is awesome!) Until then, snow men will be made out of creativity. Making snowflakes is often necessary to pretend as well, especially if Darth Vader is there. If not, have Chewbacca sing Silent Night as a substitute.
One of my favorite holiday activities is wrapping Christmas presents while watching classic holiday favorites on ABC Family while enjoying some hot chocolate. It's just not Christmas until I've seen Frosty, Rudolph and Santa on the big screen. Wishing I could use some of the gift wrapping ideas or decorations like these: retro, pinecones, tying perfect bows, and cute labels, sheen and sparkle from melted crayons, fringe pom garlands and super sweet gift toppers.
Possibly some of the worlds' cutest front yard decorations.
Possibly one of my favorite Christmas Improv Videos.
Possibly one of the funniest versions of Christmas songs I've heard.
Possibly one of the most informative Christmas how-to videos. Want a candy cane?
Possibly one of the best Christmas musical uses of an ipad by a church.
Possibly one of the most interesting Christmas raps. Jack Frost creepin'...
Possibly one of the most inspirational story/song combos I've seen this year.
Possibly one of the videos that demonstrates what the visions of Christmas are.
Possibly one of the most fun holiday cards I've ever seen.
Possibly one of the greatest explanations of Santa Claus internationally.
Possibly one of the best versions of Mary Did You Know? It's Darth Vader style.
Possibly one of the most Aggie Spirited Christmas houses ever.
Possibly one of the best renditions of Bethlehemian Rhapsody I have ever seen.
& Fabulous pictures encapsulating the holiday season.
It would have been fun to wear something glitzy like this scarf though, but my flannel was good too. I possibly should have done something red and glitzy for Christmas nails, but I'm thoroughly enjoying my natural silver glitter nails I got done with Elley right before the holidays.
Hope you had yourself a very merry Christmas!
This Christmas was filled with white elephant gift exchanges, last minute coffee dates while running errands, a lot of wondering, a ton of joy, renewing my commitment to Christ amongst some of my favorite people, watching holiday classics with friends while working on my favorite gift (a Valentines wreath) for my Mom. It wasn't the Christmas season I necessarily imagined, but I did have a lot of fun. I spent Christmas Eve with my family, Aunt Polly and Uncle Jim. It's a Christmas tradition and one of my favorites. Christmas Day was spent with my family and my brother and his kids. I still can't believe Christmas has come and gone.
& Just A Few Christmas Links From Me to You:
These are a ton of Chrstimas-y links, but I did enjoy back reading blogs today as everyone slept and I caught up on my TV.
If you enjoyed the kids nativity video on my last post, you will love this kids nativity scene inspired photoshoot. It's not just because her photography is gorgeous, but her creativity is impeccable and always in abundance.
There's something about Christmas decorations that make the holiday season so fun. This can't beat the traditional tree, but it is pretty whimsical. Then again, this is a pretty good tree too - and a great place for all those books that just don't fit on your book shelf all at once.
The lack of Texas snow this year makes it hard to envision the white Christmas, next year we'll have to go man-made on the snow. (Check out the video on the comments to see. It is awesome!) Until then, snow men will be made out of creativity. Making snowflakes is often necessary to pretend as well, especially if Darth Vader is there. If not, have Chewbacca sing Silent Night as a substitute.
One of my favorite holiday activities is wrapping Christmas presents while watching classic holiday favorites on ABC Family while enjoying some hot chocolate. It's just not Christmas until I've seen Frosty, Rudolph and Santa on the big screen. Wishing I could use some of the gift wrapping ideas or decorations like these: retro, pinecones, tying perfect bows, and cute labels, sheen and sparkle from melted crayons, fringe pom garlands and super sweet gift toppers.
Possibly some of the worlds' cutest front yard decorations.
Possibly one of my favorite Christmas Improv Videos.
Possibly one of the funniest versions of Christmas songs I've heard.
Possibly one of the most informative Christmas how-to videos. Want a candy cane?
Possibly one of the best Christmas musical uses of an ipad by a church.
Possibly one of the most interesting Christmas raps. Jack Frost creepin'...
Possibly one of the most inspirational story/song combos I've seen this year.
Possibly one of the videos that demonstrates what the visions of Christmas are.
Possibly one of the most fun holiday cards I've ever seen.
Possibly one of the greatest explanations of Santa Claus internationally.
Possibly one of the best versions of Mary Did You Know? It's Darth Vader style.
Possibly one of the most Aggie Spirited Christmas houses ever.
Possibly one of the best renditions of Bethlehemian Rhapsody I have ever seen.
& Fabulous pictures encapsulating the holiday season.
It would have been fun to wear something glitzy like this scarf though, but my flannel was good too. I possibly should have done something red and glitzy for Christmas nails, but I'm thoroughly enjoying my natural silver glitter nails I got done with Elley right before the holidays.
Hope you had yourself a very merry Christmas!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Getting Back Into the Groove
Between working on my thesis paper, job hunting, hanging out with the youth group and missing critical steps to graduation such as getting a cap and gown*, I've kind of let the blog go by the wayside as many of y'all have let me know. I am hoping to get a good uploading of Project 365 which has been so much harder than I previously anticipated to keep up with it for this semester. Until then, enjoy some things that have caught my eye around the internet.
*If you have a black cap with a tassle, can I borrow it?
I am aware that Thanksgiving is approaching rather rapidly, but these Valentines animal cookies are pretty cute.
I thought by this point in the semester I would have read a lot more books for fun that don't deal with Costa Rican economics. At least there's other uses for books that are just as awesome.
Christmas is coming up. I'm not sure if any of y'all have noticed it's arrival which began possibly in late July and hit full force by the first week of October. Too bad my Dad doesn't need to wear a tie anymore, because this one would be the great gift of ties - especially for lunch meetings.
Felt pennants have somehow stolen my heart over the last year. So simple, yet so perfect.YAAAY!!!
I tried training for a half marathon a few years ago. I've decided that I'm so much better at other things that I probably shouldn't waste my time on it. (This really means that I can't get to that 2 mile marker without dying.) This news article about an extreme marathoner not only puts me to shame, but I'm pretty sure he's insane.
I'm short, like really short. This sign makes me chuckle just thinking about shortness.
My best friend, Laura, came to visit me at college a few weekends ago. We got into a conversation on ruggedness. Not what you were expecting? Yeah, us either. Apparently, I love the creativity of something unique, bold and rugged.
This cartoon has been circling for awhile, but it still makes me laugh when I see it.
This book is on my to-read list.
I have very few stuffed animals that I have kept. (This does not include an entire Beanie Babies collection, but hey, that's just the 90s inside of me not willing to let go!) Decorating with these cute little critters might change my mind though. Just look at that squirrel!
I'm a vintage shopper. I'm a vintage collector. I'm a vintage decorator. I love this vintage owl cookie jar.
I could probably go on for a bit longer, but I'll just say sayonara here.
*If you have a black cap with a tassle, can I borrow it?
I am aware that Thanksgiving is approaching rather rapidly, but these Valentines animal cookies are pretty cute.
I thought by this point in the semester I would have read a lot more books for fun that don't deal with Costa Rican economics. At least there's other uses for books that are just as awesome.
Christmas is coming up. I'm not sure if any of y'all have noticed it's arrival which began possibly in late July and hit full force by the first week of October. Too bad my Dad doesn't need to wear a tie anymore, because this one would be the great gift of ties - especially for lunch meetings.
Felt pennants have somehow stolen my heart over the last year. So simple, yet so perfect.YAAAY!!!
I tried training for a half marathon a few years ago. I've decided that I'm so much better at other things that I probably shouldn't waste my time on it. (This really means that I can't get to that 2 mile marker without dying.) This news article about an extreme marathoner not only puts me to shame, but I'm pretty sure he's insane.
I'm short, like really short. This sign makes me chuckle just thinking about shortness.
My best friend, Laura, came to visit me at college a few weekends ago. We got into a conversation on ruggedness. Not what you were expecting? Yeah, us either. Apparently, I love the creativity of something unique, bold and rugged.
This cartoon has been circling for awhile, but it still makes me laugh when I see it.
This book is on my to-read list.
I have very few stuffed animals that I have kept. (This does not include an entire Beanie Babies collection, but hey, that's just the 90s inside of me not willing to let go!) Decorating with these cute little critters might change my mind though. Just look at that squirrel!
I'm a vintage shopper. I'm a vintage collector. I'm a vintage decorator. I love this vintage owl cookie jar.
I could probably go on for a bit longer, but I'll just say sayonara here.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Best Way To Celebrate!
I'm almost done. 3 weeks of midterms are almost done y'all! All that's left now before Spring Break is 3-4 tests, 8 homework assignments, some reading, a few other odds and ends...
Oh! AND PACKING!!!
This Saturday a Spring Break Mission Team from A&M UMC comprised of 13 youth and 14 adults (including me) will be heading to Belmopan, Belize to lay the foundation for a local high school and working with area youth. What I think is really cool about it is that it is mainly high school students, college students and parents of high school students that are going to be building this. I love that!
I know you're going to be kind of curious as to what's going on and since I can't seem to keep all my thoughts on here or even keep up with posting my Project 365 pictures when I'm not on a mission trip, you should follow our Belize Mission Trip Blog! The mission blog may or may not ever have a post from me, that is yet to be known. It will, however, contain blog posts and thoughts from various team members as we are in Belize which is going to be really awesome. Pre-trip thoughts are going up already!
Go read about our experiences and PRAY for our team please!
Can't wait to go. And let the countdown begin... five days! :)
Oh! AND PACKING!!!
This Saturday a Spring Break Mission Team from A&M UMC comprised of 13 youth and 14 adults (including me) will be heading to Belmopan, Belize to lay the foundation for a local high school and working with area youth. What I think is really cool about it is that it is mainly high school students, college students and parents of high school students that are going to be building this. I love that!
I know you're going to be kind of curious as to what's going on and since I can't seem to keep all my thoughts on here or even keep up with posting my Project 365 pictures when I'm not on a mission trip, you should follow our Belize Mission Trip Blog! The mission blog may or may not ever have a post from me, that is yet to be known. It will, however, contain blog posts and thoughts from various team members as we are in Belize which is going to be really awesome. Pre-trip thoughts are going up already!
Go read about our experiences and PRAY for our team please!
Can't wait to go. And let the countdown begin... five days! :)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
four for four.
I watched Lori and Clyde after lunch while my parents ran errands, so I had plenty of time to read blogs and work on some photography. I ended up with four and I didn't even realize that it was day four. Nice coincidence.
Clyde was my inspiration for the first. I took several pictures of him whimpering and crying because my Dad was gone. His best friend was gone, what was he supposed to be doing? Completely understandable.
Sarah Rhoads did a really cool project on her blog asking for self-portraits from other photographers. I love it. I didn't participate, but I tried out a few self-portaits myself today.
Clyde was my inspiration for the first. I took several pictures of him whimpering and crying because my Dad was gone. His best friend was gone, what was he supposed to be doing? Completely understandable.Sarah Rhoads did a really cool project on her blog asking for self-portraits from other photographers. I love it. I didn't participate, but I tried out a few self-portaits myself today.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Today, I Like Lists
11AM. The dog, Clyde, woke me up. Weather status: raining.
2PM. Hijacked Lori's TV to watch Disney Channel instead of PBS kids. Weather status: raining.
3PM. Ate Mac&Cheese lunch. Weather status: raining.
5PM. Parent's got home from errand running, tackled Clyde, and talked to my best friend, Laura, on the phone. Weather status: raining.
6:30PM. Still wishing I could walk outside without getting drenched. Weather status: raining.
Today's been a bit, well, wet. This has given me time to do some online looking though. If you're trying to stay dry and looking for some distractions: enjoy!
1. Blog find. todaysletters has such a cute writing style. Don't be surprised if you see their writing style surface here some day. It looks fun!
2. For some reason, I'm a big fans of owls lately. I'm not as big of a fan of dishes, but this dishtowel has a cute little owl on it.
3. This is a short wedding dress that I think is very lovely, but it wouldn't my final pick for a wedding. I'd definitely wear it for another occasion though.
4. Headpieces are something that are simply darling. This little headpiece I found at an etsy shop is such a great whimsical one.
5. Cristoph Niemann is a genius. He has a fantastic little blog on the NYTimes called Abstract City and does some really interesting artworks such as working with legos or cookie dough.
6. I haven't actually finished reading through this although it's been open in my tabs since before Christmas. I've watched the video though and read a little about it on another website. This muppets proposal has definitely got to be one of the cutest things ever.
7. There's a pledge out to buy handmade. I suggest purchasing these earrings because they are handmade and make me want to don a gown.
8. Interesting article on cheating and college. There's not really anything else to say. Or is there?
9. How cute is this photography sequence of all the adventures that a dreaming baby can have?
I'll leave you there to search on with your own adventures.
2PM. Hijacked Lori's TV to watch Disney Channel instead of PBS kids. Weather status: raining.
3PM. Ate Mac&Cheese lunch. Weather status: raining.
5PM. Parent's got home from errand running, tackled Clyde, and talked to my best friend, Laura, on the phone. Weather status: raining.
6:30PM. Still wishing I could walk outside without getting drenched. Weather status: raining.
Today's been a bit, well, wet. This has given me time to do some online looking though. If you're trying to stay dry and looking for some distractions: enjoy!
1. Blog find. todaysletters has such a cute writing style. Don't be surprised if you see their writing style surface here some day. It looks fun!
2. For some reason, I'm a big fans of owls lately. I'm not as big of a fan of dishes, but this dishtowel has a cute little owl on it.
3. This is a short wedding dress that I think is very lovely, but it wouldn't my final pick for a wedding. I'd definitely wear it for another occasion though.
4. Headpieces are something that are simply darling. This little headpiece I found at an etsy shop is such a great whimsical one.
5. Cristoph Niemann is a genius. He has a fantastic little blog on the NYTimes called Abstract City and does some really interesting artworks such as working with legos or cookie dough.
6. I haven't actually finished reading through this although it's been open in my tabs since before Christmas. I've watched the video though and read a little about it on another website. This muppets proposal has definitely got to be one of the cutest things ever.
7. There's a pledge out to buy handmade. I suggest purchasing these earrings because they are handmade and make me want to don a gown.
8. Interesting article on cheating and college. There's not really anything else to say. Or is there?
9. How cute is this photography sequence of all the adventures that a dreaming baby can have?
I'll leave you there to search on with your own adventures.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Bad Bull
At Texas A&M, when something's bad it's called "bad bull" Well, let me introduce you to something that I would consider to be bad bull. Skechers has decided to become social justice friendly and sell shoes in order to give another person shoes. Sound familiar? No? What about TOMS Shoes? Does that ring a bell? I hope it does. The Skechers shoes are called Bobs and are a direct rip off of the alpargata style of shoe from Argentina that TOMS has made famous.
I'm excited that Skechers has decided to branch out and become more inclined to social justice issues, I'm just not thrilled they decided to do this with ripping off someone elses' idea.
I found this not so fun fact out thanks to Brad Ruggles' blog where he shed some light on the truth of the issue and provided several links. If you go explore it, be sure to read the comments as they are rather insightful.
Praying to one day have TOMS if they ever fit me...
I'm excited that Skechers has decided to branch out and become more inclined to social justice issues, I'm just not thrilled they decided to do this with ripping off someone elses' idea.
I found this not so fun fact out thanks to Brad Ruggles' blog where he shed some light on the truth of the issue and provided several links. If you go explore it, be sure to read the comments as they are rather insightful.
Praying to one day have TOMS if they ever fit me...
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Exhausted and Excited
I'm back from Brazil. There is so much to say, that I can't even narrow down what to share first. I love and miss my new friends and family in São Paulo. I'm extremely tired and I don't want that to water down my experiences or those of my teammates on the trip. Instead, I would like to invite you to look at Brian Coats' blog as he blogged two of the days we were in Brazil. Here is Obrigado and God of this city.
Even though we're not in Brazil any longer, our hearts and prayers will forever be with them. I'm personally incredibly excited to see what greater things God has in store for São Paulo, Brazil.
Even though we're not in Brazil any longer, our hearts and prayers will forever be with them. I'm personally incredibly excited to see what greater things God has in store for São Paulo, Brazil.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Photoshoots, Design, Music & Cute Things
I'm in the process of back reading blogs. I unintentionally gave up blogging, or at least reading, during the hoopla of finals, UTXA formal, Stephamiah's wedding and Hanna's graduation. In catching up, there's some awesome things I've missed over the past couple of weeks. I am in no way through reading as I can only read so much when I'm down at Grandmom's between working and pretending to work. Here are some of the finds I thought I'd share (but beware! they're mainly photoshoots, design, music and cute things):
My friend, Calli, alerted me to this photoshoot which I fell in love with because I do love the movie UP!
I'm thinking if I randomly decide to do a themed birthday party, Where the Wild Things Party might be an option.
This photoshoot is from a long time ago, but it is precious. My favorite photographer + little kids + the wild wild west = fantastic!
I don't know if I'd wear this as a wedding dress, but how fun would this be for a '40s themed party? Since we're on the subject for dresses. I somehow fell in love with lace and this dress.
My friend, Kathy, alerted me to Straight No Chaser. This is an acapella mens' group and I love their sitcom medley.
I'm not really sure how I found out about Johnny Stimson, but I sure do like his '60s feel.
I must be in a music-y mood today but I can't not share with you my love for Miracle by the Robbie Seay Band. I'm pretty sure that I just sit for hours with them on repeat.
If you've ever had fast food with me, you know I'm not a McDonald's fan to say the least. I'd pretty much rather not eat than have to put one of their cheeseburgers in my mouth. Want to know why?
Some things in life are just ridiculous. Bumper stickers are sometimes one of the most ridiculous, but these may take the cake.
I'm not sure what to say, but I really do like videos shot in black and white, although both of the ones being on here just happen to be shot in black and white. That wasn't planned.
There's something about trailers that I love. It may be the traveling aspect they make me think of, but who knows? I also really enjoy food. The combination? Awesome.
Not that I'm in need of planning a wedding anytime soon, but this is a really cute backyard wedding photoshoot that I am in love with.
Neck ties versus bow ties is not an argument I usually get into, however this neck tie wins.
Finally, dreams can be achieved.
& In other news, I'm in the process of ordering my Aggie Ring! :)
My friend, Calli, alerted me to this photoshoot which I fell in love with because I do love the movie UP!
I'm thinking if I randomly decide to do a themed birthday party, Where the Wild Things Party might be an option.
This photoshoot is from a long time ago, but it is precious. My favorite photographer + little kids + the wild wild west = fantastic!
I don't know if I'd wear this as a wedding dress, but how fun would this be for a '40s themed party? Since we're on the subject for dresses. I somehow fell in love with lace and this dress.
My friend, Kathy, alerted me to Straight No Chaser. This is an acapella mens' group and I love their sitcom medley.
I'm not really sure how I found out about Johnny Stimson, but I sure do like his '60s feel.
I must be in a music-y mood today but I can't not share with you my love for Miracle by the Robbie Seay Band. I'm pretty sure that I just sit for hours with them on repeat.
If you've ever had fast food with me, you know I'm not a McDonald's fan to say the least. I'd pretty much rather not eat than have to put one of their cheeseburgers in my mouth. Want to know why?
Some things in life are just ridiculous. Bumper stickers are sometimes one of the most ridiculous, but these may take the cake.
I'm not sure what to say, but I really do like videos shot in black and white, although both of the ones being on here just happen to be shot in black and white. That wasn't planned.
There's something about trailers that I love. It may be the traveling aspect they make me think of, but who knows? I also really enjoy food. The combination? Awesome.
Not that I'm in need of planning a wedding anytime soon, but this is a really cute backyard wedding photoshoot that I am in love with.
Neck ties versus bow ties is not an argument I usually get into, however this neck tie wins.
Finally, dreams can be achieved.
& In other news, I'm in the process of ordering my Aggie Ring! :)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Why Won't Facebook Write My Paper For Me?
I’ve had my fair share of rounds of tests, papers, and projects that have accumulated throughout the semester. A lot of times all of this stress seems to erupt in one crazy week of rushing around trying to multitask a million things, studying as much as possible within a short amount of time and relying on Starbucks to get me through the many sleepless nights. This seems to be a part of the college experience as all of my friends and I struggle with a time management problem called procrastination that seems to result in long to-do lists with no time to do them in.
I think the problem is procrastination, which lurks on the internet in a various of ways, such as: twitter, myspace, facebook, youtube, itunes, hulu.com, blogs, email, instant messenger, addicting games and the list continues. See if any of the following applies to you:
- Watching full movies on youtube even if you have to wait 5 minutes between every part so that it loads. That’s the best time to take a bathroom break and get a new cup of joe, right?
- Memorizing all of the lyrics to “Hakuna Matata” in Spanish, Portuguese and having the desire to learn the German version next. You never know when you’re on a gameshow and will need to bust this song out in Portuguese.
- Discovering a new TV show (Mary Tyler More, Quarterlife, Joey) and watching every episode made of that show. We act as if they are only on that website today and will be deleted the moment our paper is submitted.
- Editing old pictures and posting them on your facebook complete with tags and captions. There’s no better time to post those pictures of your friends playing in the February snow when it is 85 degrees outside and you’ve got a book to read before you can write a paper over it.
- Deciding to start a tweeting experiment on twitter where you write a musical with some friends. It definitely won’t be annoying and will probably be so well written that it will be the next show on Broadway.
These things are all ridiculous in light that our studies aren’t yet done. We are running out of time before the test. Would we really rather have a B or a C on the test just because we chose to learn the lyrics to the German version of “Hakuna Matata” instead? As college students, we are trapped in this seemingly neverending cycle of needing to procrastinate in order to get anything done. What would happen if we didn’t log on to facebook before sitting down to do research for our papers? What would happen if we didn’t think that for every 5 minutes of studying, we need to watch 5 videos off of youtube? What would happen if we discovered playing online tetris really won’t help our project to finish itself?
You know what would happen? We’d probably have better grades, be less stressed and have more free time when it really matters. Here’s some ideas to overcome procrastination and help you finish that paper not only before it is due but before you start a marathon of FRIENDS episodes you just found on the internet:
Open your computer with just the word document for your paper and any necessary materials. Facebook is never a necessary material unless you are writing a paper about social media. If so, good luck and schedule a longer amount of time to work on it.
- Print out all the necessary documents needed before your study session begins. This way, you won’t accidentally slip a twitter.com into your browser search while looking for that last document that’s on your test. I know you’re sure Ashton Kutcher uploaded in a tweet, but he really didn’t.
- Don’t bring your computer. If you bring it and don’t need it, don’t turn it on. You’d be surprised that upon signing out of social networks and shutting down, computers do not in fact explode due to a lack of use.
- Get online only during study breaks for a brief timed period. Once your time is up, do not hit the mental snooze button no matter how much you believe the alarm will alert you when 5 minutes have passed. In three hours after various time wasting activities have taken place, you will realize differently.
It’s time to go study! Now, put down the headphones. We both know you aren’t going to listen to classical music while you type and instead plan on “just hearing the latest episode of The Office play in the background”, which really means that you’ll end up watching it and two more. This won’t end well unless you put procrastination off instead of putting off all of your school work.
I think the problem is procrastination, which lurks on the internet in a various of ways, such as: twitter, myspace, facebook, youtube, itunes, hulu.com, blogs, email, instant messenger, addicting games and the list continues. See if any of the following applies to you:
- Watching full movies on youtube even if you have to wait 5 minutes between every part so that it loads. That’s the best time to take a bathroom break and get a new cup of joe, right?
- Memorizing all of the lyrics to “Hakuna Matata” in Spanish, Portuguese and having the desire to learn the German version next. You never know when you’re on a gameshow and will need to bust this song out in Portuguese.
- Discovering a new TV show (Mary Tyler More, Quarterlife, Joey) and watching every episode made of that show. We act as if they are only on that website today and will be deleted the moment our paper is submitted.
- Editing old pictures and posting them on your facebook complete with tags and captions. There’s no better time to post those pictures of your friends playing in the February snow when it is 85 degrees outside and you’ve got a book to read before you can write a paper over it.
- Deciding to start a tweeting experiment on twitter where you write a musical with some friends. It definitely won’t be annoying and will probably be so well written that it will be the next show on Broadway.
These things are all ridiculous in light that our studies aren’t yet done. We are running out of time before the test. Would we really rather have a B or a C on the test just because we chose to learn the lyrics to the German version of “Hakuna Matata” instead? As college students, we are trapped in this seemingly neverending cycle of needing to procrastinate in order to get anything done. What would happen if we didn’t log on to facebook before sitting down to do research for our papers? What would happen if we didn’t think that for every 5 minutes of studying, we need to watch 5 videos off of youtube? What would happen if we discovered playing online tetris really won’t help our project to finish itself?
You know what would happen? We’d probably have better grades, be less stressed and have more free time when it really matters. Here’s some ideas to overcome procrastination and help you finish that paper not only before it is due but before you start a marathon of FRIENDS episodes you just found on the internet:
Open your computer with just the word document for your paper and any necessary materials. Facebook is never a necessary material unless you are writing a paper about social media. If so, good luck and schedule a longer amount of time to work on it.
- Print out all the necessary documents needed before your study session begins. This way, you won’t accidentally slip a twitter.com into your browser search while looking for that last document that’s on your test. I know you’re sure Ashton Kutcher uploaded in a tweet, but he really didn’t.
- Don’t bring your computer. If you bring it and don’t need it, don’t turn it on. You’d be surprised that upon signing out of social networks and shutting down, computers do not in fact explode due to a lack of use.
- Get online only during study breaks for a brief timed period. Once your time is up, do not hit the mental snooze button no matter how much you believe the alarm will alert you when 5 minutes have passed. In three hours after various time wasting activities have taken place, you will realize differently.
It’s time to go study! Now, put down the headphones. We both know you aren’t going to listen to classical music while you type and instead plan on “just hearing the latest episode of The Office play in the background”, which really means that you’ll end up watching it and two more. This won’t end well unless you put procrastination off instead of putting off all of your school work.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Need Inspiration? Look No Further.
This posting of links that have impacted me in some way are chock full of the Compassion International bloggers trip to Kenya this past week or so. It's something that I could have easily skipped over and not thought about. I didn't and I hope you won't either.
You can't microwave spiritual formation. That line alone is something I think we all need to hear.
Kenyan for soccer ball. I absolutely loved the Third World Dictionary series from Shaun Groves.
Good Neighbors Don't Pray.
Music of the Masai.
A Father to the Fatherless.
Sight for the Blind.
The parable of the zebra.
Photoshoot on traveling, photography and fun? Yes!
Hobo Living Room. I like pranks. It's a problem.
Wishing the snakes would stop biting. Amen.
& Jeremiah told me to look this up earlier in the week. One of the blogs I follow posted to it as well saying that it was "Stupid Awesome". Agreed.
& Why not share two quotes that have been sitting in a window on my computer all week?
You can't microwave spiritual formation. That line alone is something I think we all need to hear.
Kenyan for soccer ball. I absolutely loved the Third World Dictionary series from Shaun Groves.
Good Neighbors Don't Pray.
Music of the Masai.
A Father to the Fatherless.
Sight for the Blind.
The parable of the zebra.
Photoshoot on traveling, photography and fun? Yes!
Hobo Living Room. I like pranks. It's a problem.
Wishing the snakes would stop biting. Amen.
& Jeremiah told me to look this up earlier in the week. One of the blogs I follow posted to it as well saying that it was "Stupid Awesome". Agreed.
& Why not share two quotes that have been sitting in a window on my computer all week?
"Maybe the soul is a suitcase that holds the backup plan - a collection of keys and the patience we need to start again. Maybe it’s the thresholds that swallow us whole as we learn to let go, in spite of the dirt on our clothes." - Ryan O’Neal of Sleeping at Last
"If you have a beautiful story, it has to have conflict in it. It has to. We’ve lost touch with that. We are a conflict avoiding culture. One of the things I love about our source text as Christians, the Bible, is that it teaches us not to avoid conflict. It also teaches us that conflict existed before the fall of man, that in paradise there was conflict. It’s not wrong. God wants there to be conflict in your own life." - Donald Miller
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
My Undying Love... for breakfast.
What could be better than pancakes drenched with maple or blueberry syrup, fried eggs and toast buried under the sweetness of a freshly opened jar of blackberry jam, some pieces of bacon so crispy that you pick it up and it crumbles as you throw the pieces into your mouth and a glass of apple juice and a mug of coffee to top it all of? This is only one of the many meals that I would love to wake up to and have the time to fix every morning.
There's something so savory and relaxing about even the thought of a bowl of cheerios and a mug of coffee on the bistro table on my porch while I read the daily newspaper that I don't get at my house. If you have guessed that my college lifestyle doesn't have time for this kind of thing, you are right. In fact, this morning I grabbed two muffins I baked on Saturday night and carried around a cup of yerba mate as I got ready for my 8a.m. class.
I read a blog that is solely pictures of breakfast. The pictures of certain breakfasts the blogger creates cause my mouth to water with the sheer desire to be able to have that kind of time.
Breakfast, I love you.
Here's one of my bests "breakfasts" from this semester so far:
There's something so savory and relaxing about even the thought of a bowl of cheerios and a mug of coffee on the bistro table on my porch while I read the daily newspaper that I don't get at my house. If you have guessed that my college lifestyle doesn't have time for this kind of thing, you are right. In fact, this morning I grabbed two muffins I baked on Saturday night and carried around a cup of yerba mate as I got ready for my 8a.m. class.
I read a blog that is solely pictures of breakfast. The pictures of certain breakfasts the blogger creates cause my mouth to water with the sheer desire to be able to have that kind of time.
Breakfast, I love you.
Here's one of my bests "breakfasts" from this semester so far:
Friday, February 26, 2010
Loving Links
Tonight, I'll just be posting a bunch of links to get y'all seeing a bit of what I see on the web that I like, so enjoy the short blurb about each and hit the link in the middle to see more.
Social media engagement is changing as more and more ordinary people don't blog themselves, but rather link to other "better" blogs, aka what I am doing right now.
I wish I could nap like Jesus.
Men think they can fix anything and apparently they do so in creative ways.
I fell in love with these vintage postcards for save the dates. Maybe you will too?
Christians and bubble wrap are remarkably similar.
What's better than combining vision, photography and love?
Defeat and Hypocrisy hit home in a way that never seemed more clear.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Social media engagement is changing as more and more ordinary people don't blog themselves, but rather link to other "better" blogs, aka what I am doing right now.
I wish I could nap like Jesus.
Men think they can fix anything and apparently they do so in creative ways.
I fell in love with these vintage postcards for save the dates. Maybe you will too?
Christians and bubble wrap are remarkably similar.
What's better than combining vision, photography and love?
Defeat and Hypocrisy hit home in a way that never seemed more clear.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
life sucker.
Do you suck the life out of people?
This has been mulling over in my mind and opened on my tabs over the past couple of days. Think about it.
This has been mulling over in my mind and opened on my tabs over the past couple of days. Think about it.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Naming Things Is Hard To Do
I've thought about going ahead and naming the photography company I dream of having. Whether or not this dream will ever become a reality is something I'm not sure of. I want to make a simple logo for it, but choosing a name seemed so simple yet I have made it complex.
I originally chose joyephotography. The name is simple and clean cut. Then, I parked my car at my duplex underneath a singing bird sitting in our lone tree. I started thinking about how our joy for the Lord should be singing out from us. I then thought about naming it joyesongsphotography or joyesingsphotography. I've decided I like joyesongsphotography better. I still haven't made up my mind so it will remain joyephotography for the moment.
This is a rather lengthy way to tell y'all that I've changed the blogheader. It is a picture I took from my Saturday shoot with Calli. I love it and instantly knew that it would be shared soon and in this capacity.
& If y'all have a preference on the name, let me know! I obviously need help deciding.
I originally chose joyephotography. The name is simple and clean cut. Then, I parked my car at my duplex underneath a singing bird sitting in our lone tree. I started thinking about how our joy for the Lord should be singing out from us. I then thought about naming it joyesongsphotography or joyesingsphotography. I've decided I like joyesongsphotography better. I still haven't made up my mind so it will remain joyephotography for the moment.
This is a rather lengthy way to tell y'all that I've changed the blogheader. It is a picture I took from my Saturday shoot with Calli. I love it and instantly knew that it would be shared soon and in this capacity.
& If y'all have a preference on the name, let me know! I obviously need help deciding.
Monday, February 15, 2010
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