Wicked

Yesterday Steve and I drove to St. Louis to go see Wicked. (For those of you who don't know he got me tickets for our one year anniversary.) I couldn't believe it was finally here! Since the day he gave me the tickets I have been counting down. I have wanted to see Wicked for years now and just couldn't make it happen, so I was SOO excited to finally get to see it. 

We woke up early and drove over to St. Louis. Our first stop was the mall to stop by H&M, sadly I didn't find anything that struck my fancy enough to buy it. Then we went to our hotel and just relaxed until it was time to head down to the FOX Theater. We had quite the adventure using the public transportation down to the theater and both decided to take a cab back to the hotel after the show. 

After dinner we lined up outside the theater and anxiously waited for the doors to open. I had heard the FOX was absolutely beautiful inside and boy were they right. As we walked in I was awestruck, it was like a step back in time to when theaters were so extravagant and gorgeous. We explored every floor until they let us go to our seats. 

Once the lights dimmed I felt like a kid on Christmas, I was so excited. From the first note until the curtain lowered I was enraptured. It was every I wanted it to be and more. The cast was perfect, the set was incredible and of course the story was amazing. I laughed and cried and got goosebumps throughout the entire show. Steve even loved it, I may have converted him into a musical lover ("lover" might be pushing it") . 

After the show we attempted to hail a cab and after about 20 minutes of no success we finally got one and headed back to the hotel. I smiled the whole way. I was on cloud 9 the rest of the night. It was the perfect gift and the perfect weekend trip. I could not have loved any of it more. 

Life Changes

Well, once again I’ve been gone for a while. I always have great intentions for blogging regularly and then life happens and I forget or just don’t feel like it at that moment or can’t think of what to write, and then a month goes by and I miss this little space and back at it I go.


There have been a lot of changes happening over here, well really one big change that has led to lots of other changes.

The big change is: I GOT A NEW JOB! After two years of looking and searching and hoping and praying and crying and questioning I got offered a wonderful job at a wonderful company. The company is FBMM and they are a financial management firm that works with musicians and other entertainers. I am an executive assistant in the tax department. This has been my second week here so I am still learning and training but I really feel like I am getting a good grasp on everything they have thrown at me so far. As stuffy as all of that may sound, this place is the complete opposite. This is the music business and the office and people reflect that. Everyone is so nice and laid back and the office is cool (exposed brick, windowed garage doors acting as walls, bright green desks backdrops etc.) I have never felt so at home somewhere that I worked. I fit here. It’s amazing. God knew all this time that he was preparing me for this place and so far it has been worth the wait.

My new desk!

 

The other big change that this new job has brought to my life is my schedule. Before I was working until 8pm every night and until 1pm every Saturday; I never got to really see my friends, and I missed out on a lot of other weeknight activities. Now I work normal hours. 9-5 and of course have weekends off. These past two weeks I haven’t know what to do with myself all evening, it’s been great! I can actually cook myself dinner, and do laundry and after all that I still have time to sit and watch TV. I can also go out on weeknights, go to a concert, have dinner with a friend, etc. This is going to be so great because I feel as if my relationships were what suffered the most these past 2 years and that is the one thing that really matters in this life.

I am just so excited for this new adventure and all the ways my life is going to continue to change as a result!!

"New Job" Flowers :)

One Year

Steve and I celebrated our one year anniversary on Tuesday. I cannot believe it's been a whole year, and at the same time, I cannot believe that its' only been one year. I can absolutely say that it has been the best year of my life. Steve has brought so much laughter and love and joy and encouragement and leadership into my life.
We have walked through tough seasons together and learned how to love each other well through them. He is my best friend and there is no one else I would rather spend my time with.
I always prayed for a man that would make me laugh, that would make me feel beautiful, that would allow me to completely be myself and that is exactly what he gave me.
As I think back on this year and all the memories we have made I cannot stop smiling or feeling so incredibly blessed.I can't wait to see our relationship grow in the years to come. I know there are so many adventures to be had and there is no one I would rather have by my side.

I love you, Steve.

Here is our year in pictures:

   1. Our very first picture together(before we were dating, before I had any idea we would date) 2. Our day trip to Chattanooga, this is the day I knew I wanted to be with this boy. 3. Our first collaboration as a couple. We filled Spencers room with balloons for his birthday. 4. Thanksgiving, where Steve met my parents for the first time, two weeks after we had started dating (sorry Steve).

1. The first time I saw the words "I love you" from him. 2. My birthday present: an alarm playing a happy birthday song written and preformed by Steve. 3. What a lot of our time together looks like. Just being together while he plays his guitars (or his mistress as I call it). 4. Wall art in Austin, it made me think of him.

1. Our first road trip together. Going up to Michigan to see his parents and play at a youth retreat. 2. So much snow in Michigan. 3. Date night at home. Dressing up, cooking, dancing in the living room. 4. Leaving my parents house.

1. A blanket fort we built in my room and then watched Father Of The Bride. 2. Coffee dates, so many coffee dates. 3. Our favorite night on our trip to Florida. Dinner, the most gorgeous sunset and a walk along the beach in the moonlight. 4. The previously mentioned most gorgeous sunset.

1. Steve getting to play at the CMA fest. I was such a PROUD girlfriend. 2. Steve with his mistress again, and Jacob :) 3. Sounds game. 4. Another road trip to Michigan!!

1. At Lake Michigan. This defines our relationship. Lots of laughter. 2. Lake Michigan love. 3. Date night at an awesome brewery in town. 4. McNamera's Irish Pub with Steve's parents.

Currently:

Watching: Parenthood and Alias. I was a little late on the Parenthood train but I'm on it now and I LOVE it. I am so invested in each of the different families. I've cried once so far but I have a feeling more tears will be shed on behalf of the Bravermans. Alias is one the opposite end from Parenthood. It's a show from the 90s staring Jennifer Garnier. She is a double agent for the CIA and she is totally badass. It's such an intense show and it has made me suspicious of everyone and that they could be a secret agent..

Eating: Lately I have not been eating very well. I gave in to the "it's getting cold and I'm gonna eat fattening food to keep me warm" thing. I've eaten so much bread and pasta. But I have also eaten a lot of healthy soups so that balances it out right?? But honestly I really want to get back into the swing of healthy eating. I've definitely noticed a difference in how I feel and it has no been for the better. I've also been thinking about getting a juicer. Has anyone tried one? What are your thoughts?

Reading: I just finished reading The Night Circus. It was pretty good. It wasn't as good as I was hoping it would be. I don't feel like things were explained very well and I felt confused and a little unsatisfied at the end. I just picked up a new book from the library called The Thirteenth Tale. It's too early to know what I think about it just yet though.

Listening to: A lot of Norah Jones' first album (it's my favorite of hers), also a lot of mellow music that just seems to fit with the Fall. Erick Baker, Gregory Alan Isakov, Eric Clapton, Sleeping At Last, and James Vincent McMorrow as just a few.

Thinking about: Christian community. How it looks now, how I believe it should look, how to make that a reality.

Looking forward to: Going to Colorado for Thanksgiving. Seeing my parents and brother and sister in law and three precious nieces and Aunt Heidi and cousins who I haven't seen in FAR too long. I can't wait for all the good food, laughter and baby snuggles that I plan on getting that weekend.

Making me happy: My cup of apple cider, music that makes me happy and the anticipation of getting off work and rushing home to spend time with Steve on this special day.

Thanks

I've been slacking on my thankfulness posts. Here are five more things I'm thankful for:

1. My space heater at my desk. I would be miserable without it.

2. One year with Steve (a whole other sappy post on that coming soon)

3. My community group.

4.God's provision with the most unlikely of circumstances

5. That next week is Thanksgiving and I get to see family I haven't seen in years. So excited!!

let me know what your thankful for this week!!! 

Thanks in November

Since this is the month of Thanks I have decided to do a weekly(?) thankfullness post. Maybe more often if I feel like it :) There is so much to be thankful for in our lives and thinking about them and writing them down can totally turn your day around. It changes your perspective and makes you realize all the little things that you are worrying about are nothing compared to the blessings we have. SO here we go, my first 5 things:

1. A warm and cozy house to come home to every day. (We get couches on Saturday yay!)
2. My mom for always sending me just the right words when I need them most.
3. My dad for encouraging and supporting me through this crazy time in life.
4. Apple cider
5. The feel and warmth of Steve's arms.

In The Desert

When we feel like we are living in the "desert", when prayers feel like they are going unanswered and the wandering seems like it's gone on forever, when faith and doubt feel like they are in a constant battle with each other and we wonder how much longer the Lord is going to leave us in this season, we can either choose bitterness or joy. We can choose fear or hope and trust. One is much easier than the other. One requires a constant checking of our thoughts and heart. One breathes life, the other despair.

“Walking in joy, by the resources of the Holy Spirit who abides in me, is simply believing in Him, turning our eyes to Him, leaning on Him. Simple faith. But I must be vigilant to remain in the place of joy. I must stop the troublesome thoughts and feelings the moment they begin to invade my heart and turn immediately to Him, choosing to believe in his presence and goodness.”

 “We can make a commitment to take every situation, every feeling, every fear to God as it happens. We simply have to practice walking each step with him and allow his presence to bring us the joy that comes from resting in the arms of our capable dance partner through each measure of life’s song.”

Autumn

Autumn.

Autumn is the time for lovers.

A chill in the air.

Cold hands wrapped around hot drinks.

Steam swirling around cold bitten faces.

Shortening of days and lengthening of time inside.

Scarves and boots and slouchy hats.

Blanket snuggles on the couch and movie marathons

Apples and pumpkins, cider and coffee.

There is magic in the air.

It's the perfect time to fall in love. 

For the first time or all over again. 

 

Wait.

THESE two posts. They could not have spoken more to my heart right now.

Contentment While Waiting

Wait Training 101

Your soul doesn't care what you do for a living-and when your life is over, neither will you. Your soul cares about what you are being while you are doing whatever you are doing.

-Neale Donald Walsch

Life Lately via my Iphone

Life lately has been good. Spending lots of time with my boy. 

As fall as firmly made it's presence known lately we have been having fires every chance we get. It's so fun to get friends around a fire, drink hot drinks and just enjoy being together.

 I have also been taking every opportunity I get to wear warm comfy clothes. I love fall clothes. I love being able to bundle up. Speaking of, I just bought a new poncho and I am somewhat obsessed, I have a feeling I'll be wearing it a lot this winter.

I have also decided to start running again, I really want to run a 5k and I am DETERMINED to finish this endeavor this time. I didn't choose the best time of year to start but if I can do it when it's cold out, I can do it anytime. Your prayers are appreciated. :) 

Shameless

Dear boyfriends of the world. Would you like to know a sure fire way to make your girlfriend think you are the best boy in the whole wide world? Here are step-by-step instructions:

1. Find the full version of Garth Brook's "Shameless"
2. Learn all the words to said song
3. Play the song nonchalantly while your girlfriend is around. It can be in the house, in the car, wherever.
4. Sing the entire song like it was written from you to her. Look at her, be dramatic, sing your heart out.
5. Watch her swoon.
6. Kiss her.

The end.
It's fool proof.

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Lately I feel like the Lord is teaching me SO much. I almost feel overwhelmed with everything I am learning and remembering these days.

It's so funny to me how there can be times of "drought" and then you pray for a renewal and all of a sudden you get a downpour!

I am absolutely loving it. I feel so close to Him. I feel him guiding me and I find myself reacting or saying things that without his Spirit I would never say or do. It's so neat to see HIS love and words come out of you, it even catches you off guard sometimes.

 I hope I can get it all down. To write and write and remember all the things he is sweetly and powerfully teaching me, whispering to me, and calling me to.

There are scary moments in times like this. Moments where you know you cannot say the same. Moments where he trusts you with something you're not sure you can handle (but then you remember He doesn't expect you to handle it on your own anyway). But what is life without a little fear right? If nothing in your life scares you then how fully are you truly living?

That might have been a whole lot of random thoughts that don't flow together at all. If it was, I apologize. Like I said, I have a lot going on in this little mind of mine and that could mean things like making sense and forming correct sentences might go out the window.

The end. Amen.

MIchigan

Our weekend in Michigan was just wonderful. We spent our time hanging with Steve's parents, meeting old friends, celebrating family and love, and strolling along the beach. Every time I visit Michigan I like it more and more. Before I met Steve I thought of Michigan as a great white tundra where hardly anyone lived and no one talked about. Now when I think of it I think of familiar faces, beautiful landscape, huge lakes, falling snow and the home where my love grew up. Here are some pictures of our time.

On the Road again...

Headed to Michigan tomorrow for Labor Day Weekend. Can't wait to get away for a few days! See you when I get back!!

Today I believe:

- That love gets better and better every day.

- That red lips are for everyone

- There is nothing better than making/having a playlist for almost every activity in your life.

- Having a community of people in your life to laugh with, cry with, grow with and be challenged by is so important

- Your mom almost always knows exactly what you need to hear. (and if she is my mom it's always centered on truth and scripture)

- Nothing compares to writing things out. Whether it's your feelings, things you need to remember, a to-do list, whatever. There is something about putting it on paper...

Doppleganger

My apparent doppelganger:

Her name is  Analeigh Tipton. She was first on America's Next Top Model. Then she was in the movie, Crazy Stupid Love and after that movie about 10 people told me that I look just like her. What do ya'll think?

Friendship

My friendships have been on my mind a lot lately. Whether it's the friends I've had since high school or the ones I have made this week,
whether they live down the street or across the country.
 I have thought so much about how much I value each and every one.
 How I value each long conversation or each hug or every fit of laughter or every bit of advice.
Life can get crazy and it seems like it friendships can be the first things that start to get ignored, which is so silly because these are the people who have been there through everything.
So, I intend to do my absolute best to no longer let those slip. To be intentional. To connect and reconnect. To be there as you have all been their for me.
 So, if you are one I call friend, thank you.
Thank you for your love and support and laughter and encouragement.
You mean more to me than I can say.

Nehemiah Truths

When trouble comes

When the world seems to shake

When you feel lost and alone

When nothing makes sense 

Remember this.

Cling to this hope 

This truth.

God keeps his covenant of love.

(Nehemiah 9:32)

Life via my phone

A great new coffee shop in town

My new favorite summer beer being enjoyed on the back porch while my man grills 

Free Iced Tea Day at McAlisters

Enjoying a night at the Sounds baseball game

Book Review:The Lost WIfe

I just finished reading The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman. I found out about this book from another blog that features bloggers and their favorite books. Since I am always looking for a new book to read I decided to give this one a try. This book is beautiful and tragic and heartbreaking and full of survival. The story is about two people who are married and then torn apart during the time of the Holocoust only to be reunited years later.  The writing will suck you in and you will feel and see and smell every detail. It ended up being harder to read than I imagined in the aspect that it spent some significant time in some heartbreaking situations, but in the best way possible. I absolutely recommend this book, it's one that sticks with you days after you finish reading, and to me those are the best kind.

I believe

-That celebrating silly like days like "Christmas in July" is fun and good for the soul. Blast those Christmas tunes all day long and take the weird looks with a smile and watch Christmas movies with hot chocolate in hand.

-Doing a bible study with your mom is one of the best things you could do. It will grow your relationship and she will get to challenge you more than anyone else because she knows you better than anyone else

-We do not always need to try and hold in our tears. Let them fall, often (if it's a smaller issue) the pain will fall out with them.

-Cinnamon Roast Almonds are DELICIOUS and ADDICTIVE

-Amazing things can happen when you truly spend time praying about a situation instead of just acting right away.

-I enjoy staying busy throughout my day much more than having nothing to do but lay around (obviously this is NOT always true)

-When having to do with love, action is essential. Love Does. (read about it)

Truth

Your life is right now! It's not later! It's not in that time of retirement. It's not when the lover gets here. It's not when you've moved into the new house. It's not when you get the better job. Your life is right now. It will always be right now. You might as well decide to start enjoying your life right now, because it's not ever going to get better than right now—until it gets better right now!

--- Abraham Hicks

Thankful Thursday (on Friday)

It's hard to get upset about the little things when you count your blessings. It's even hard to get too upset about the "bigger" things, because once you count your blessings you can sometimes see how small the big things are. So I am going to try once a week to make a list on the things I'm thankful for at the moment.

Week 1:
1. My family- seriously I don't know where I would be without a family who loves the Lord like they do and who supports me 100%
2. Steve- this man has made me so happy the past 8 months. He challenges me and makes me laugh like almost no one else can.
3. My home. I have a warm or cool home to come to everyday.
4. My car. Even though old Jude is having some major trouble these days I am so thankful I even have a car to worry about and that I have had this same one for as long as I have.
5. Laughter- nothing lifts the spirit like laughter
6. Tears- though they may not be fun, they are healing
7. My health. I am a healthy person overall and I have the ability to work out. This is a blessing
8. The rain- we sure needed it around here
9. Access to the Bible- I take for granted how easy it is for me to read my Bible anywhere and to have a complete Bible to read.
10.Rainbows- they are good reminders that God is in control and that he never breaks his promises, even when the rain falls.

What are some things you're thankful for today?

Things I've Learned

Well, there are a lot, and from a lot of different people, but today I am going to focus on what I've learned from one particular person: Steve...

-sometimes all you need is to get a couple hours outside of your own city to feel completely recharged

-don't take life too seriously. It's too short. Sure, there are things and times where seriousness is necessary, but over all, just have fun.

-don't take yourself too seriously. have fun. sing at the top of your lungs, dance, laugh at yourself.
-make going outside a priority. It's good for your soul.

-Seinfeld really is a funny show

-Exercise and eating well is the best thing you can do for yourself. It's a priority, not an option.

-Communication is hard, but important

-You will never be satisfied with guitar tone

-Being in love with your best friend is the greatest 

and I am SURE there are about 100000 other things he has taught me in the past year. but these are the big ones

"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you" Psalm 9:9-10

Remembering this for my family today. He never forsakes us. He works all things together for good. He loves us. He holds us.

If you think of it, send up a prayer for my family.

Julie and Juila: An inspiration

This is something my 16 year old self would never believe I am saying now. I love to cook. There is something special about food. About sharing a meal together. Jesus did it with his disciples, the early church did it and today it is one of the main social activities we do. It's such an odd thing really..it's one of the grossest things we do, but that doesn't change the fact that there is something to eating with one another. And we might as well eat well right? :)

 I love the process of cooking, it's soothing. I love the smells and the sounds. I love the outcome. I love making a presentation out of the plate and that first bite. It makes it so much better when you have someone to cook for. When they enjoy it and let you know. I don't even mind the clean up.

I am sitting in my bed watching Juile and Julia and really really realizing how much I love it. I want to be able to make those delicious looking things and throw amazing dinner parties.

I guess you just take it one recipe at a time. But I do believe that while I have more time than I may ever have again in my life I will devote more of it to cooking new things and mastering the meals I already love.

Trying new recipes and finding new meals I love is such a fun adventure. So, if any of you have any amazing recipes that you love I would love to know them and give them a try! So send them my way!!

All of this cooking will have to start tomorrow though. It's time for bed. I will go and dream of fancy meals and wonderful wine around a table with friends.

Funk

I read a post similar to the one I am about to post over at I Love You To the  Moon. Funny, I was planning on blogging about this earlier today and then read her post. Anyway..let's get on with it.

I have had one of those weeks. You know the ones. I have been in such a funk, and I know exactly why, but knowing why doesn't always make it easier to get out of it. I have been a grey cloud and have cried at random times for no reason and I have slept horribly and eaten poorly and haven't exercised.I have beat myself up about it, which has made everything worse.
But you know what?
It's ok.
It's ok to have a bad day .
It's ok to not be perfect with my workouts or my diet.
It's ok to cry ( but if you randomly start crying around your boyfriend be sure to inform him that it wasn't his fault....)
It is not ok, however to beat myself up or to dwell on those feelings. So I choose to let them go. To take a deep breath and close my eyes and count my blessings and be so thankful for the life I have. It's pretty impossible to be sad when you are being thankful.
And if that doesn't work...
I will remember that MY MOMMA is coming to visit me tomorrow for the weekend! That is reason enough for that funk to get to gettin.

one year later

A year. 365 days.
Amazing things can happen in that amount of time.
You can meet someone
Become friends, best friends
Have heart ache and tears and frustration
Let go of your fears and take a chance
Fall in love. More in love than you thought possible
Learn someone. And have them learn you.
Discover what it means that "relationships are work"
Have someone to plan the future with, to hold you when another door closes and the tears come
To have them say "We're in this together"
All of these things you never imagined would be happening to you just one short year ago.
It makes your mind wonder, "what new gift will I come across today, or tomorrow?"
 or
"what gift have I already come across but don't realize it yet?" 

Life is such an adventure. And I am so thankful I have someone to come along for the ride. 

Happy Times

Things that made me happy lately:

A favorite summer drink   

New fun hair 

Some frozen yogurt and free music in the park 

Grilling out with my man after he was gone all weekend  

A dress that makes me feel pretty 

Happy tunes 

A nice long bubble bath 

An afternoon by the pool