She needs wide open spaces

"Miss Frizzle and the Magic School Bus" - Inside the Human Body

2011-11-22T20:10:00.000-08:00

Seriously people... read it and you will learn all you need to know about why I was in the hospital for 5 days, got 3 I.V.s, multiple pokes for blood tests, and started itching when they gave me pain meds- oh and to top it all off, when they tore off one of the pieces of tape after a poke for some more blood tests, they tore of skin and called it an "allergic reaction" to tape! HA! more like you poked me so many times my skin just couldn't take it any more... here are a few pics of the experience...

New Things

2011-11-12T07:05:00.001-08:00

New Things you might or might now be interested in
1. Beyonce happens to be my favorite artist right now... I have this WHOLE album on repeat! so good

2. Na Hoku (www.NaHoku.com) is my new place of business... I am learning the wonderful world of fine jewelry-- its hard and I am learning patience with myself and trusting again in God's provision of what I need

3. Winter is here so that means scarves--- my favorite

4. Crabtree and Evelyn (www.crabtree-evelyn.com) is across from my store and it smells like my Daddy (his cologne growing up was from here) so it feels like home when i walk in- i walk in about once a week!

5. Friends really do make life worth living. and new friends abound at www.thedoorpdx.com ... we are growing folks!!

Just a short list, what's new with you?? for some reason imbedded links don't want to work except with Beyonce... she is the BEST

Countdown to 30...

2011-08-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

30... its fast approaching and oh so wonderful. I really am feeling good about turning 30. Not sure what life will bring but I am thankful for the possibilities of so much more LIFE, fun, adventure to come!

So many people have asked me, "Are you where you thought you would be at 30?"... well the answer to that is of course NO. But to be honest where I am right now is so much better than I could have dreamed possible when I was young- 16 or really even 21. I have changed, my priorities of changed, my likes and dislikes have changed- even down to food- I used to hate onions of any kind and now i LOVE onions!

I am excited for the promise of the future. The unknown is uncertain and maybe even a little risky... but with Jesus risky isn't so risky anymore, or uncertain, or even unknown. (Did you like that train of thought??)

I know Jesus is in every chapter of this life with me. That's the only outline I need to know, or want to know... wouldn't want to spoil any surprises coming up! I'm resting in the peace of knowing my Creator King of Love. He is my safe place, my step by step plan, my confidence.

Life Group Nature Walk

2011-08-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

New favorite flower I found on our Nature Walk with Life Group last week. Headed out to Oaks Bottom Creek for a little Nature and Jesus combo.
We walked about 5 min. from Shannon and Adam's house to get there... GORGEOUS in the middle of the city! LOVE LOVE this city!!!!!

GLORY...

2011-07-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

What an amazing word to describe something so BEYOND words. I have started to use it in everyday life to explain the wonderfulness, greatness, perfectness of something or event.
Ex)It is glory to have AC in my apartment
Ex) Driving 2 min. to work every day is...glory
Ex) Living with only 1 roommate, for my personality...glory
Ex) Fresh produce from the farmers market- you guessed it glory!

I realized this morning that it is dulling the phrase GLORY of the LORD...

I don't think I will stop using it, but use it with a fresh reminder of the majestic greatness of the GLORY of the LORD that sets my heart on fire, makes my face glow, and my mind in awe of who He is beyond the words to express. For after all if C.S. Lewis takes a whole book to discuss it, and yet says he falls short in explaining it, I think I am okay with realizing it is beyond me!
When you look at GLORY of the LORD in the O.T. every other entry is about His glory filling the Tabernacle and the priests couldn't do their work because the Tabernacle was overflowing with God... I mean come on with how awesome in power and the overwhelming wonderfulness is the presence of our King??!!!!

2 Chronicles 7:3
When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.”

For my Mommy!

2011-07-29T00:43:00.001-07:00

Conducting Your Perfect Day!

2011-07-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

In case you have missed it via email, FB, twitter, or a phone call I have started my own wedding coordinating company called JOY!

please visit me at www.wedwithjoy.com or on FB...

It has taken me a great while to figure out what I am gifted in, great at, love, and really do get excited about doing in life... this is one of them!

If you or anyone you know is getting married and would like help or suggestions- I'm available.

Vision of JOY- Conducting Your Perfect Day so it will be full of JOY not stress or worry, because it is my JOY to organize, create, and plan. And most importantly... "There is fullness of JOY in HIS presence, and pleasures in his right hand.

Junuary and Juluary

2011-07-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Basically we have not had a summer here in Portland... I would kill for some sun, or some warm weather, or even just half a day of sun. Seriously check out the 5 day forecast for Portland It lies... the forecast has been like that for the past 2 months with little success in the sun actually coming!!!

So you can pray for us here in the great NW that we can have some sun, and summer, and not have a whole year of winter!!!

My house for the past year...

2011-03-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

My cute little house for the past year... i will be moving so i can be closer to my job. I currently live at the most opposite sides of the city as possible for work and home! E and SW:) it snowed a lot last week and this is a pic of where i have been living... updates on the new place to come soon- need to find it first.

organization

2011-02-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

sooo why does the rest of the world not understand how to organize like i do? is it really that hard to understand and follow through with?? at work we often sell the jewelry right from the display case to the customer and then we are supposed to replace it with backstock items and put the correct tag on it.

this hardly ever happens unless it is me. i mean really??? how hard can it be, especially if there is the same item already displayed in another part of the case. its not like you even have to go the extra step to look up the item number... UGH i get SUPER annoyed and frustrated...
PLUS if there is not a tag or its tagged incorrectly the next time a customer asks how much something is you either guess (maybe get it wrong) or you have to stop then while the CUSTOMER waits and look up the item. this is not a simple look up in the computer you have to go through a catalog. our computer system is set up with the prices a little hire than what we can sell them for so the tag price is always the CORRECT one... STUPID PEOPLE!!!!! it just doesn't seem that hard- but obviously it is because the other people i work with after MULTIPLE reminders still seem to not get it...

thanks for listening to my rant

Nordstrom

2011-02-05T16:57:00.000-08:00

i went into this lovely store late last week after work one night and walked around. Nordstrom is a lovely store. it has lovely people that work in it. it has lovely things to sell. and it also has lovely expensive price tags... i like it all though and am content to say it is perfectly lovely to think this way!
-- sometimes in portland if you don't buy from goodwill, a thrift store, or get it off the side of the road people think you are not normal...

snow

2011-02-05T16:56:00.000-08:00

i just have to say 6 inches and no school for a whole week in dallas is crazy. that would happen in portland more likely. i'm jealous of snow!! i'm jealous of not having to go to work more likely.

New Year New Things

2011-02-05T16:53:00.000-08:00

New things
1. Manager of Inori, Inc. at Washington Square Mall. I got transferred and promoted at the same time.
2. Admin. help for the mission trips our Church is taking this year- Mexico, Haiti
3. Not working in Kingdom Kids for awhile- still babysitting
4. looking for a new place to live with the roomies

still love portland!!! most days- when its sunny, and beautiful and you can see the mountains

ICE

2010-12-31T13:54:00.001-08:00

i had ice all over my car last night when i got off work... crazy. it took me over 10 minutes just to get it off enough so i could look through a little pocket to drive. of course it was all melted and gone by the time i got home, which is annoying. but hey- at least i have a car to get me from point A to point B:) ohhh the beautiful 'Stang, won't ever get tired of driving it. i love my Jesus car.

Sun Mr. Golden Sun...

2010-12-31T13:52:00.000-08:00

Ohhh the beautifulness of Sun really can not be fully understood until you live in a place that doesn't have it all the time. we have sun not just in the morning but still at 2pm this afternoon. LOVE IT!!!! my mom always laughs when i say we have rain and cold for about 6 months, but a little sun too. we don't really have a little sun too, we have sparse pockets of wonderfullness like today!! a great way to say goodbye 2010--- HELLO 2011!

christmas!!!

2010-12-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

home for christmas has been fantastic!! couldn't have asked for more. family is fantastic, but the weather has been not to great. its been portland in dallas almost the entire time!!! YUCK- but christmas with the niece and nephew and getting to see cousins from the other side of the world SUPER!!! sad to go home. its been fun! how was your christmas??

what i have to say

2010-12-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

so i've been bored at work today and browsing around other peoples' blogs... i have some pretty cool friends doing amazing things and others simply loving jesus right where he has them in the middle of texas:)

I just wanted to share that my life here in portland is going well. A year ago I was contemplating moving back to texas because things just weren't working. Well the Lord over the past year has been beyond faithful to provide, bless, open doors, answer prayers, create opportunity, etc.

Loving where you are in life is a blessing that can not be expressed fully... i am loving where i am and what i am doing. friends, church, family, life, portland AMAZING

Jehovah Jireh

2010-11-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

Well I am just bursting with what can be described only as pure excitement, surprise, and thankfulness all in one! Today at the end of church I was given a small golden box by my pastor's wife. I asked her what it was, she replied- " An early anonymous Secret Santa gift." I said what?? She said someone gave it to her to give to me. I didn't really get it, but when i opened the box there was a strip of paper that read "Jehovah Jireh".
and underneath was a roll of $20s totaling $300.00- yep thats right!!! Can you believe that??? CRAZY generousness of someone or people at my church. I am soo thankful and blown away!!! I will now be able to buy my return ticket for Christmas way before I was thinking. I think the $300 will totally cover it, we'll wait and see when i look tonight at flight prices, but i think so!!! God is soooo good. I love the Church, specifically my Church living out the Gospel: Giving to those who have need:)

Praise God with me Today for how BIG he is and his Power is greater than any obstacle that we face. He really does hold the pursestrings of the world- God is not poor!!!

And i just found out too that my Dad had a really GREAT month at his job! Praise God for his provision all around:)

To Dallas with Love

2010-11-06T10:22:00.001-07:00

Well the TICKET is bought, at least the first half. I love that with Southwest you don't have to buy a round trip to get the same price for tickets:) AND bags fly free!! Plus i was a REALLY great roomate and let Erin buy the ticket with her Southwest Credit Card so she would get Double Points added to her rewards point bank. BEING ABLE TO PAY HER for the ticket, even better:)

christmas is coming

2010-11-01T11:06:00.001-07:00

its true christmas really is coming. all the department stores are warning you it is coming too with their holiday decor and ornaments already for sale!

the big news for christmas is... I AM COMING TO DALLAS, TEXAS for christmas this year. asked my boss, she said yes and now all i have to do is buy the tickets!!! yippeee!!! it will be spendy but totally worth it. last year away from the family for christmas was totally NOT cool!!!!

can't wait!!! can you???????

Glorious Portland Morning

2010-10-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

My talented friend Jessica Miller took this beautiful picture of Portland... I mean really?? www.imajesphotography.blogspot.com -- she is a photographer and sooo talented, check out her other pictures!!

How beautiful the Lord made this world for us to enjoy until we see him face to face. makes me LOVE this city more! Thanks jess for sharing:)

10 year reunion

2010-09-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

well people- it is fast approaching... I'm not sure if i am sad or glad i won't be attending. Lets face it, tickets from Portland to Dallas are expensive!! Even if I was not tight on money i'm not sure i could justify the at LEAST $400 ticket for just a weekend trip. BUT man can you believe I'm old enough to even be having a 10 year high school reunion???

NOPE

time flies when you are having fun. maybe if money grew on trees OR if a magical free ticket appeared for me and the ENTIRE 5 people in the ROBY family. CRAZY they are 5 now.. BANNER is there new little girl from Zambia and she is just beautiful and precious. it would be totally wierd to go to the LHHS reunion with out them!:( thats all i have to say

I stole...

2010-09-13T14:50:00.001-07:00

well not really, but it sures feels like it. Got a gift card for Macys from the parents for the Bday, spent it and STOLE (saved) over $200 with coupons, sales, etc. did i mention i only spent $66... that right!!! get excited-5 new tops for that litte- My Mimi would be proud indeed, the original bargain shopper.

Birthday News

2010-09-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

Turned 29 for the first and certainly NOT the last time a little over a week ago. Had a fab. time. Friends came for a cookout/bbq and games at my house. My roomies were heroes of the shindid making sure all went well. THANKS to lesley for the amazing cake! WOWSer.. vanilla four layer cake with strawberries on top:)

Had many lovely gifts- stand out was a resusable bag that folds up to look like a little strawberry from the Dallas Pattersons- sure Keating was the one that spotted that gift-hahaha

all in all a GREAT day, lots of cards, phonecalls, and FB posts! THANKS everyone

30 is around the corner...

2010-08-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

One week from today i am turning 29 for the 1st time. not sure how i feel about it yet- i'll get back to you.

any advice on turning the BIG 2-9??

Summer Lovin had me a blast!

2010-08-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

Well sorry to disappoint, no real lovin going on but loving life. New adventures and opportunities abound... I went home to Tejas and it was wonderful- more pics on facebook, but here's one of the whole family... YEAH for fun times, poolside drinks, food, laughter, costumes, parties, "nastics", bottle time, friends, and two whole weeks of TEXAS

3 little clicks of those ruby red slippers

2010-07-03T23:27:00.000-07:00

That's what got dorothy home. My slippers are generous parents' credit card rewards and a little cash to boot. BUT soon i will be home in dallas and able to hug people in person and have breakfast at the kitchen table with the fam. My dad makes the best breakfast there is in town! sunbathe by the pool because its sooo hot outside thats all you really want to do anyway!! and of course babysit some kiddos!!! i haven't met Tippit my nephew yet and he is almost a year old. that is crazy and NOT okay in my book, he must be so unloved, feeling neglected in life not having met his Auntie M. i mean really??:) so a big hiphip hurray for HOME in just a weekish!!!!!!!!!! get ready mommy and daddy i'm comin...

life these days

2010-06-24T22:31:00.000-07:00

life these days is busy. i am working weddings and a jewelry store now. yes thats right the Lord has come thru again with a job that i didn't even have to look for! i am tired, and thankful for days off, but more thankful for work and pay checks!!

Watermelon Kleenex

2010-05-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.kleenex.com/NA/Products/Kleenex-Tissues.aspx

part of the way down the page of this link for kleenex you will see what i see when i walk into our bathroom every morning that makes me smile- a "wedge" kleenex box with a watermelon graphic. please go to your local target store to pick up a variety of "wedge" styled kleenex boxes with fruit as the graphic! they are great and sure to put a smile on your face too!!!

Damn person who is better qualified..

2010-05-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

Well apparently there is someone more qualified than me to lease apartments where i was temping and possibly getting a job- because they sent me a reject letter letting me know they picked someone else...

-- you may take a ticket and get in line if you want to yell at them for not picking me

thanks for the support in this financial adventure with Jesus- he is my Provider.

workin hard for the $$

2010-04-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

i have been temping as a leasing agent for the past two weeks basically... it may turn into a full time position, please pray

go here to take a look at where i have been working:)

Is. 58:6,9b

2010-04-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with you Is. 58:6,9b “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?...If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”
Seriously, revelation that God is not about just fasting or deprivation for deprivation or fasting sake! Get excited He is more about freedom, joy, abundant life, and generosity than anything else. Thank you jesus that you have come to bring these things. Leads us perfectly into Is. 61.

rain rain go away

2010-03-25T13:58:00.001-07:00

it is rainy again in portland... i want it to go away and be sunny! fyi for those that are not on facebook i walked to the library today- very portland of me!:)

no more quarters

2010-03-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

It took me a week to do a load of laundry...
because now that i have a w/d in my basement i tend to forget that i started a load of laundry! i washed it, it got put on top of the dryer, then i had to rewash it like 3 days later(when i found it on the dryer). then remembered the next day to go and switch it and again i was too late it was in the basket. i promptly put it in the dryer... i now have clean underwear:) yeah!

Sunshine

2010-03-20T17:48:00.001-07:00

We have had sunshine all week it seems like. a wonderful way to start of Spring. i hear it is still winter in dallas. sorry folks, should move to the Great NW! please visit my sister's blog here, for some funny stories and pictures... hope she doesn't mind the plug, but i laugh out loud almost everytime i read it! she should have majored in english instead of me because she is a great story teller! have a great week everyone- i know i will if this sunshine continues!

Update

2010-03-10T15:42:00.000-08:00

Nothing new under the sun with me. just thought i would say i am alive and well.
ohh except i do have a new friend, her name is Maureen. We worked together a couple times at Macys. we have reconnected in the last two weeks and really get along well.

i do have a wedding this weekend- should be fun.

my new HOME

2010-02-08T16:45:00.001-08:00

yes a home, i live in a home, not an apt. 3bdrm 1 and1/2 bath I LOVE IT! and my new roomate

1. my roomate- Erin, she is super sweet
2. my REAL hardwood floors and tacky but still fun 60s wallpaper in the short hallway
3. washer and dryer in the basement (no quarters)
4. pink carpet
5. lots of storage
6. basement for storage too!
7. two car garage- my car will find its home in now!
8. a yard!
9. Addie the dog- she is still a puppy and soo cute
10. Fireplace, not gas but you actually get to build a fire with real wood

THANK YOU JESUS FOR A PLACE TO REST MY LITTLE HEAD

Federal Tax Return

2010-02-08T16:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my Con-way job i will be getting back a very nice JESUS size tax return to pay for life in the coming months- hopefully if i am frugal enough it will last for at least 3 months!!!

YEAH for JESUS!!!! and direct deposit by the IRS

This is a TEST...

2010-01-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

of the emergency broadcast system...

PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT INSTEAD OF HOUSE HOPPING I WILL NOW BE LIVING IN A HOUSE 10 MIN. FROM WHERE I CURRENTLY LIVE FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT 3 MONTHS AND POSSIBLY MORE. THIS FRIEND OF A FRIEND HAS AN EXTRA ROOM- I MET HER LAST NIGHT AND SHE IS A CHRISTIAN, NICE, AND IS WILLING TO BE FLEX ON RENT!!!!

yeah JESUS!!!! GLAD I DON'T HAVE TO BE A VAGABOND:)

PS-don't you hate it when the emergency test comes up on the tv screen, its so loud and disruptive

Footloose and fancy free

2010-01-27T16:35:00.000-08:00

Yep thats what i am these days! Looking for a job and wondering whenever it will come. But as my mother reminded me the other day when you pray specifically, God answers specificall- check out the trip to find Rachel by Abram's servant in the OT

i am moving out of my apt. as some of you know and will be couch surfing as it is called for at least a month. THANKS so much to all the friends who are welcoming to their homes!

It is sunny today, very exciting in the midst of NW winter- i really don't think the sun came out all LAST winter for at least 3 months!!!

my friend paul misses my meredithisms like the title of this blog- glad to brighten your day Paul, Rachel and baby Ruthie!

FREEDOM

2010-01-05T02:24:00.000-08:00

Braveheart quote so famous is that they can never take our freedom.
Bible says the truth shall set you free.
many songs talk about freedom from a variety of things.
United States is founded on freedoms of all kinds including religion, assembly, etc.
By His blood I am free from sin, no longer held captive but ransomed away.
Finanical Peace guy talks about financial freedom.
Perfect Love drives out all fear- ultimate freedom to do, be, say everything.
Freedom of speech allows me to even write about this for all to see and not be stopped.
Hebrews crossing the Red Sea on dry land and the floating chariots afterward.
Buy one get one free sales.

My promise for 2010: more freedom

Simple Things

2010-01-05T02:15:00.000-08:00

Real Simple magazine my most favorite christmas present from last year- though belated- from my mother. please check it out sometime- it is fantastically everything a Real person could want for their Simple life:)
new favorite quote from a features writer- elizabeth berg...
"..because sharing the things that nourish us helps us to fill an empty space. Sometimes that place is the stomach. Sometimes it's the heart. And sometimes, the best times, it's both."

Premise of above is two old and dear friends hug and cry over a bold truth revealed and journey's traveled from long ago over dinner and drinks in the kitchen. Let me just say that the things that nourish us can change over time, but these things of food, friends/family, and Truth i.e. freedom never do- nor should. i find Truth over food with friends/family is an excellent combination and nourishes me body and soul most thoroughly:)
grace and peace to you- hope Truth and food nourish you today with friends/family

How are things?

2009-12-29T22:09:00.000-08:00

my loving friends Dan and Lesley asked me on christmas eve after dinner and both kids in bed...
in teary response, "i could be doing better but i wouldn't be anywhere else."
i don't know how to explain the peace and assurance of God to anyone because i think it feels and looks different for everyone, but i do know i have it and am walking in it by continuing to live and be in portland.
things are changing here for me, slowly- oh so slowly, but i have the hope of christ in me that does not disappoint, that the future holds great reward for my time in portland.

prayer points for you about me
job at macy's to continue
place to lay my head at the end of january (i'm moving to cut living expenses)
resting in God's provision
joy, strength, and wisdom

F A M I L Y

2009-12-29T22:08:00.000-08:00

go here and you will see why i love, miss, and wish i was home with my family

BRRRRRrrrrr Shiver

2009-12-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

The cold winter season REALLY has set in now. we got down to below freezing this weekend and it continues throughout the week... i had to walk an extra 3 blocks in what felt like Siberia two nights ago to get to my car! YIKES glad i had my scarf from Russia with me:)

i would support any inventions that allowed you to walk around in a bubble of comfortable 72degrees at all times but didn't make you bulky- like i currently look. it took me about several minutes just to put on all my accessories to go outside this morning!

come visit- Portland is great this time of year....

WINTER

2009-11-13T12:13:00.001-08:00

winter is here, rain is here, cold weather is here, and so is the electrical bill for the heat!

FYI: I have taken a holiday job at Macy's to help pay the bills. God is good, i got my first small paycheck today, they paid me to train! very nice:) i worked the floor for the first time last night and made a sale, rung it up all by myself and closed the register on my own too!! BIG night at Macy's for me!

have a fantastic day wherever you are, i hope it is sunnier and warmer than here

God really is STILL Good...

2009-09-29T14:09:00.001-07:00

A quick note to remind you that God is good, and still good in the midst of my life. I don't really know how consistent I am at believing it but when I do i try to tell someone about it- today i am telling you.
when you say it out loud it makes it more real somehow. He is good, faithful, loving, and providing all i need.
Just last week I was having a mini-melt down inside my head about how in the world i am going to pay rent this month and within in minutes of me having these crazy negative scenarios bouncing around in my head, my friend calls. She needs me to babysit all day, AND get paid!!! now this may not be a huge deal to you to get PAID to babysit... but for me it is. there are so many babies and so many families and so few babysitters that we just volunteer because lets face it... church planters (who i babysit for) aren't RICH!!:) but my friend and her husband aren't church planters and have some extra cash to actually pay me!!! woohoo for God meeting me and reminding me he does provide... He makes all things work together for my good- great song by the way!!!

just had to share!:) hope everyone has a great day

Sunshine and Flowers

2009-09-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

This happened a few weeks ago but i'm just now getting around to posting the pictures. Most of you know I don't have a weekly job so when I need a pick me up I try to be outside enjoying the sun. Portland has been described as a city inside a park... VERY TRUE. I happened upon this neighborhood park in my travels to the library and stopped to read my new Real Simple magazine (thanks mom)... and then all of a sudden out of the corner of my eye i see this.... Are you kidding me??

I do not recall anything this cool at my neighborhood park. How fun!!?? it made me laugh and brightened my glum mood for not having a job:)

28

2009-09-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

lots of facebooks wishes
mom off work- lunch at Zodiac Room
grocery store
wake up late
LuJack
Rock Cake
Kahlua sauce
candles
gin n tonic
Pop tickling Scarlett on the floor
Keating, hub caps, new baby boy next month...?
missing sally
$$$ cards:)
phone calls from half way across the world!!:)
Auntie had 2 surgeries:)

all in all i think 28th birthday was GREAT!!!!

weather

2009-08-21T14:44:00.001-07:00

we are back to gray skies and cool weather after a glorious week of sun- but with this sun of course comes hot and i mean H.O.T. hot temps.

basically i'm happy to see some clouds...

hair do

2009-08-21T14:43:00.001-07:00

sorry but pictures of new haircut are only going to be posted on facebook...

THANKS

Pocketful of Promises update

2009-08-17T19:03:00.000-07:00

"Love notes from Him" is the missing camp theme from my previous post

and i am continuing to enjoy those reminders of God's promises to me- just this past week at church our pastor said that just because and apple tree doesn't have any apples on it doesn't change the fact that it is an apple tree. i may not see the things God has promised i am in front of me right now but that does not mean that i am not...:)
i am a woman of God
I am a force to be reckoned with- for the Enemy
I am made for women's ministry
I am designed for life change and life change in others
I am a descipler
I am an ambassador to the nations for God's reconciliation of Grace and Love
I am an organizer for the visionaries in His Church
... and on and on

Marewiaaage

2009-08-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

i coordinated my frist "friend" wedding this past weekend. i think it went great.
Shannon and Adam got married in a park and the reception was in a dance hall type place in the NW side of town. everyone said "i do" and rings were exchanged, pictures taken, dances danced, and no on walked away bleeding:) SUCCESS!!!

i am t.i.r.e.d.

Pioneer Girls...

2009-08-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

I looked over my post from yesterday and realized that many of you don't know what Pioneer Girls is/was and how it impacted my life in a MAJOR way. i know memory verses that i learned when i was six because of the songs we sang. and i know how to cook in the microwave, paint a pillow, and shoot a bb gun all because of camp:)

so here goes:)
Basically its like Awana's at other churches but is focused only on girls! my mother and her friends adapted it even more with 6 rotating themes for a week long girls camp every year. the curriculum encouraged bible memory, crafts, fun, cooking, and missions. we earned badges and it was a fabulous time. really what i remember most is learning key truths about being a strong woman of God based on who God is and not what anyone else said:)

the camp themes were:
"I am a Divine Design"- identity
"Pocketful of Promises"-promises of God
"In his Orchard"- fruit of the spirit
"Pardners in Christ"-missions
"Growing in the Son"-character building
and one other that i can't remember at the moment. this happens everytime sally and i try to list them out... we have to go and ask my mom- so mom which one am i missing??

Pocketful of Promises

2009-08-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

close your eyes and imagine a lavender shirt with a purple pocket and little hearts floating out of it in varying shades of purple and magenta... this is the shirt for the Pioneer Girl camp year "Pocketful of Promises". i loved it because my favorite color was and still is purple.

this comes to mind as over this past year i have been reminded of God's promises to his people, his church, and ME. the theme for that week of camp is all of the promises that God makes and that he is not a man that he should lie. And that he makes the promises because he loves us eternally with all our crap and yuck and sin; BUT most importantly as children of God the righteousness of Christ's blood. basically if he says i'm going to do something he WILL do it, no turning back, and no negotiating! i'm thankful that he is a promise keeper and maker with me, his people and his church. he will unify and redeem his bride, he will heal our wounds, he will not let one perish but hopes all will come to know him, he will set us free from our bondage, he will renew our strength, he will COME AGAIN...

put these and those personal promises that God has made to you in your pocket and take them out when you need a quick boost or smile to get through the day.

Family Camp

2009-08-11T17:39:00.001-07:00

Well here is the scoop- i loved family camp and love my family even more. we had a crazy time finishing up my parents house before everyone came- but lets face it the Patterson's are always going to be the last minute family of the bunch:) we wouldn't want to change or anything!!:) seriously the house looks great and i LOVE it- love it even more that i get to sleep in a KING size bed all by myself rather than share a queen size bed with sal gal in some random camping cabin:)

i have included a pic for everyone to see the family- we ate of course, then swam, then ate some more and swam some more, and of course watched old family movies of when my parents weren't even married and when sally and i both were still in the womb:) good times all around- missing the family already!!!

However i will have to say that when i landed and saw that FLAT horizon i did not miss Texas very much...

option 2

2009-07-23T12:55:00.001-07:00

OR maybe this but instead of Kelly's classic pink i'll go with again red and caramel... vote please!:)

hair cut

2009-07-23T12:53:00.001-07:00

I am thinking about cutting my hair like this and then adding my normal red and caramel highlights to it... what do you think??

Family Camp

2009-07-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

Can't wait to be in Dallas, see family, get in a pool, get a tan, eat a lot of gooood food, and be apart of the picture this year... counting down the days!!

Confessions of a wedding coordinator

2009-07-13T23:21:00.000-07:00

I have been asked to blog about the weddings i have been working this summer... so here are a few tidbits about what i do...

basically i run the show for the rehearsal and the wedding day. most decisions have already been made and confirmed with Deb our owner/manager and day of wedding Caterer. she great and loves taking care of the mansion. this leaves me with keeping the bride and groom happy, on schedule, and over all in love with the mansion and each other for the day!

i'm sure none of you are surprised that i am good at keeping people on task, doing what they should be doing, and helping them get there went they aren't. there have been some hiccups along the way...

1. first night out the coordinator i was shadowing had a family emergency and i was left to run the wedding on my own- scary cool all at the same time

2. two weeks ago i didn't notice the Officiant hadn't shown up yet until 15 min. before the wedding started- he never showed
thankfully bride and groom were okay and one of their friends married them and they planned to get legal later in the week

3. i forgot to tell Deb that we need to move the piano for video people until an hour and a half before the wedding- this is not a last minute item i learned

4. dinner running late, really late

5. sparklers, drunk people, and carpeted stairs- you only make this mistake once!

6. sweating for eight hours straight so you don't need to work out

7. first few weddings my feet hurt so much i literally almost couldn't walk

8. paid nearly $90 for a pair of shoes i would normally not be caught dead in- they have saved my feet- i worship them!!! and would have paid a lot more:)

9. table number cards- you wanted those, no one said anything, no we don't have any, sure we can make some! you will need to provide paper and markers

10. oh you wanted ALL the candles lit-we can't find our lighter? oops DJ gotta light?

11. DJ and Officiant all in one, no fee to get married

12. the officiant who didn't show up would have charged an EXTRA $200 to come to the rehearsal... bad sign:(

13. wedding cake is bad for diets

14. people in the NW like poppyseed cake and Banana Nut cake

15. i hate it when people are 20 or 30 or even an hour late to their rehearsal- seriously people, 5 o'clock traffic on I-5 happens everyday and it is not an excuse for being late!!!!!!!

16. i love not having to go to work until the afternoon or evening- my kind of time

17. origami unicorns

18. three flights of stairs in an old house- i walk up and down them for 8 hours

19. a guest at a wedding being so concerned about the gift table at the front of the house that after we told her we would take care of it, we didn't move fast enough she and another guest literally picked up the whole table, gifts and all and moved it onto a DIFFERENT patch of grass nearer the reception area!!!! lady i think we can do our job!!! she had some balls!!!

20. last but not least i will not get married outside, but in a church because it rains too much in portland to count on good weather- even in the summer!

Shhh don't tell Mom...

2009-07-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

BUT i LOVE Portland, OR!!!! i really do, i love it here. i am a little sad that we have had a week of grey skies, but not sad that with them they have brought 65 degree weather.
What i love..
..65 degree weather
..mountains
.. free stuff, lots of free stuff
... parks everywhere
... good coffee
...coffee shops besides starbucks on every corner
...The Door Community of Faith (my church)
... people are weird, my kind of people
... easy going life style
... no stress vibe
... Mother's Bistro and McMinamins Pubs
... NE, SE, SW, NW
... bridges- over water- in the middle of the city
... everything and then nothing when family is soooo far away!!:(

Blockbuster scene from "The Holiday"

2009-07-11T01:11:00.000-07:00

So hopefully you have seen this hilarious scene where Jack Black's character does freestyle versions of "great" soundtrack theme songs from movies- one is from Chariots of Fire, the quote below is from the man the movie was based on...

"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure. " --Eric Liddell

i don't run but doing and experiencing God as you do what he has created you to do because of the special gifts he has given you is the only way to live- PTL for grace for the journey in finding out what that purpose is and those extra things that make you unique and being patient with yourself as you learn how to accept them as they come, not rushing, or not OVER-COMPLICATE things-i need to work on this!!!

...I hope you feel God's pleasure in every moment:)

UNEMPLOYED

2009-07-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

... well sort of. i am still wedding coordinating- i just can't pay the bills with that job.

so next week i venture back to my high school past of retail. thats right last time i went retail i was 16!! not looking forward to it but you gotta do what ya gotta do to live the dream:)

Smile and Smile, etc.

2009-06-26T00:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever done something so fun and exciting every time you think about it you just smile. i have been doing it a lot recently and decided to share the happiness... this is my reaction anytime i think about my tattoo. i know a little crazy and ridiculous but seriously it makes me smile:) just so you know it was not a rash decision- my parents are NOT big fans- finally i decided i'm an adult and if i can move half way across the country on my own then i can get a tat if i want. i got it two nights before i moved to Portland with some great friends from Dtown! so here's a peek at it- its not easily seen which i like, but peeks out just at the right moments of life:) not everyone needs a tattoo but people in Portland might disagree with you- I LOVE IT!!!!

P.S. its an Alhpa&Omega - God's name-He's the Beginning and End

A heritage of Faith and Service

2009-06-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

I have sad news to report today, my grandfather William F. Sanderson died today. He went to go see his King and Friend earlier this morning. He was my mother's father and had suffered from Alzheimer's disease for over 4 years. Grandy Sandy as we called him, has not recognized us for several years now, so it is a blessing to see him go home and be in peace and healing in heaven. Grandy Sandy along with his wife of over 50 years, Mama Jean- Jean Sanderson, raised their children in a God fearing home with the example of hard work, dedication, perseverance, generosity, and service. Grandy Sandy served so much in his local church they gave him a plaque honoring him:) He visited the invalid in hospitals and home bound, and even those in nursing homes on a weekly basis. He went to church every week and was there to serve and love others into the kingdom whenever he could. Mama Jean served in the choir, helped at the church events hosting, cooking, and being an example of a godly woman. I have many memories of going to their church for one function or another and being bombarded with the statements of how wonderful my grandparents were. always making sure i knew how special and treasured servants of the church they were!
But more than there love of our God, service, and generosity I remember Mama Jean and Grandy Sandy especially on this day as loving me, loving our family- their family fiercely.
Family is and always be of the utmost importance in the Sanderson family(my mother's maiden name). When I was not even born yet we had Sanderson Family Camp. Every year getting together in the summer for a long weekend of fun, sun, skits, games, skiing, late night talks, and adventures in the woods. Grandy Sandy I remember one year after Mama Jean has passed away saying at family camp that he always slept better surrounded by his family:) He loved watch us kids being silly and laughed with us as we tried some new hair brained scheme.
I know this is getting to be a long blog, but my grandparents- all three sets (Mimi and Pat- my dad's parents, Grandy Sandy and Mama Jean- my mother's parents, and Jack and Luverne or LuJack as we call them our long time across the street neighbors) that i have were and are so supportive, generous, loving, having this heritage is mind boggling and humbling!
thank you Jesus for the privilege to grow up in this family, with these grandparents. thank you for bringing Grandy Sandy home to you so peacefully- i'll miss you Grandy Sandy, but will always proudly be blessed by your legacy.

Date night!

2009-06-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

i had a lovely date this weekend with my friend Ashley. its funny we have been trying for months to hang out and finally it works for both of us last night. she had movie tickets and wanted to go see a movie. I have been dying to go see "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. the sneak peek was sat. and we saw it and it was hilarious- laugh out loud so hard and so long that the girls in front of us for sure gave me a few dirty looks. which i don't really know why because the rest of the theater was laughing too! seriously i haven't laughed this much in a theater with other people laughing as much as me too in a LONG time.

go see it, you could even pay full price and it would be worth it.

Church of Scientology

2009-06-12T09:31:00.001-07:00

Why is Meredith writing about the Church of Scientology?

-- Did Tom say something crazy again?
-- have the aliens really come back already?

well no, but I did interview with a company yesterday that is teaching others how to grow their company by using the management tools that L. Ron Hubbard wrote. As I took the 200 question personality test and then a timed I.Q. test and then filled out an application I kept racking my brain for where I had heard that name before. I just couldn't remember- then low and behold as I sat in a conference room waiting for my new boss to come and interview me I look up on the wall and I saw the color tones of mood by L.Ron Hubbard poster!!

Are you kidding me?? seriously-- then hanging right next to another poster, which to be honest I can't even remember what was on it, but in VERY FINE print- "L.Ron Hubbard-- copyright in the 70s with Scientology" WHOOAA. I ended the interview asking what relationship the materials and the company had with the church of Scientology. the response was that one had nothing to do with the other! however she was honest that some of the same principles of the "organization" did correlate with the management tools. but they were all common sense type things (seriously?? is what i am thinking in my head)

needless to say i will NOT be taking this job, so sad for a wasted afternoon!
click here for the church of Scientology website- learn more about the craziness!!!!

Sing with me now...

2009-06-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

God is good, all the time!

Quick update:
no unemployment checks, got denied
no job
no wedding this weekend
no prospect for a new roommate after shannon gets married in aug.
no husband
no air conditioning
no interviews for jobs

BUT GOD-- these are my favorite two words in the WHOLE BIBLE!!! "But God" says everything about what goes on in the Bible and how Jesus cares for his flock- things may be crazy, life threatening, hard, you can't imagine them to get worse-then they do, BUT GOD!! he comes in and changes everything. he turns the world upside down with his power, glory, majesty, goodness, grace, mercy, forgiveness, justice. when you read "But God" get ready for something totally different than what the world or humans could plan or think. "But God" brings a smile to my face! watch out he's going to do something goooood, blow your mind, show what he is really made of, for his glory and worship so that ALL nations might know him, praise him, and fall before him on THAT DAY!

that's right, But God (my God) loves me, is faithful to have a plan for my life to prosper me, not to harm me. he has a purpose and a vision greater for me than i could ever know or understand with out the GIFT of his Holy Spirit, through the grace of his Son Jesus by the good pleasure of my Father God-

BUT GOD is all you need to know about my life, about my future, about my plans (his life in me, his future for me, his plans about me)

- whatever may come- BUT GOD!

I was born for this

2009-05-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

I had my first wedding this past weekend and it was CRAZY... a few highlights
1. the bridal party got to the venue at 2pm the wedding wasn't until 6pm went till 11pm and i got their at 1pm
2. I didn't sit down for more than a combined total of maybe 15 minutes
3. the family and guests were nearly an hour early to the wedding -- a little crazy dealing with guests while you are still setting up
3. the kitchen just about ran out of food, which has never happened to them before- aka I didn't get dinner which i was supposed to get- did i mention i only ate breakfast at 10:30, no lunch??
4. My coordinator training me left just after the reception had started for a family emergency, so instead of shadowing i was THE coordinator for the rest of the night at the biggest wedding of their season! (things that hadn't happened before she left: speeches, toasts, cake cutting, special dances, and dancing with the DJ)
5. i was on my feet from 1pm till after 11pm that night- I could barely walk when i got home my feet hurt so much, and i wasn't even wearing heels:) - i need new shoes!!

all in all a great first day and night. i was born for this. i loved it and was super excited to show not only the clients but my new boss my professionalism and poise amidst a crazy situation on my first day!

...the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air...

2009-05-24T23:48:00.000-07:00

Today most of all I want to say thank you. i know memorial day is in remembrance of those lost to us in our fight for freedom, but i want to extend a thanks to those still serving and protecting us. Thank you to all of those men and women and their family and friends who have sacrificed time, money, comfort, and convenience for my freedom! You are our national treasures and are worth so much more than a medal, pay increase, or stripes on your uniform. Thank you for each time you choose to put on your uniform and walk out the door to protect me and our country. I pray blessing on you and your loved ones. May you remember what you are fighting for, what waits for you at home. Come home, walk in that front door for a hug and kiss - its all worth it for that hug and kiss, that giggle, those smiles, and little feet running down the hall to say "I love you" one more time before bed. Be safe, use your head and be smart. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you...

No more Con-way

2009-05-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gents in case you haven't heard I got fired for the first time in my life about 3 weeks ago. it was a crazy and surreal experience that i don't want any of you to go through. it has been the Lord's hand in getting me where i really want to go, so all in all it has not been a bad experience. i learned a lot at Con-way and finally had the big corporate job i thought i always wanted and needed to be able to live the way i want to live. but i was still not content with what i was doing.

Now that i don't have a job i am free to pursue what i really want to do, which is event coordinating and wedding planning. i have found a part time job, miraculously within a week of getting fired that will allow me to work on coordinating the day of the wedding. this is usually the last thing you get to do when entering the wedding world, but the way this venue is set up its what they need. THE LORD IS SO GRACIOUS- click here to see where i'll be working. its cute and not too far from where i live, even better.

Please pray for wisdom, grace, and perseverance this summer as I learn about my dream and try to take hold of it. Also i am still looking for another weekday job that pays pretty well so that i can live... let me know if you hear of anything:)

A Month in

2009-05-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

Soo as you can see it has been a month since my last post in which i do think i promised pictures soon of my apt. welll my camera is broken so no pictures as of now... but i'd love for you to come visit and see it in person instead!! have a wonderful trip to Portland- see ya soon!

Sullivan's Gulch- see any flying monkeys?

2009-04-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

GULCH- (noun) a deep, narrow ravine, especially one marking the course of a stream or torrent.

So of course we all know that neighborhoods have different names. Lake Highlands, was my community in Dallas, and my neighborhood was Merriman Park Estates. In Portland neighborhoods are KING!!! the city is set up so that each neighborhood could survive on its own. it actually is difficult to travel from one neighborhood to another. why? well because most people here travel by public transit, bike, or simply walk. so why would you walk to a whole nother neighborhood for a store? well you wouldn't here. seriously! i'm not kidding, to drive 20 minutes is just too far and what could really be worth it??

My neighborhood is called Sullivan's Gulch. not sure who sullivan is or was- but i'm guessing we used to be a gulch leading to the Willamette that divides the city in east and west! its kind of a funny name:) i just think of the Wicked Witch of the West from Wizard of Oz going to Sullivan's Gulch in search of Dorothy and her red slippers- and that little dog too...

i do live on the edge of the Hollywood District Neighborhood- thats kind of cool. i do tell people i'm new to the neighborhood (its a good conversation starter)- they ask, "where did you move from?" - reply cooly- " I lived in the Northwest" and they remark back with exclamation, " ohh, yeah well it is really fun over there but too spendy (Portland word for fancy or really expensive)! welcome to the neighborhood, its much more reasonable over on this side of the river." i respond with my agreement that indeed it is cheaper to live in the Northeast side of town. especially if you want to have more than 500 square feet:) which i did and do and will always want, never to be repeated again!!!!

so come and visit me sometime in Sullivan's Gulch- I promise Glenda the Good Witch and I will show you a good time:)

Top 10 things i LOVE about my new Apt.

2009-03-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

In no particular order please enjoy a quick list of the top 10 things i love about my new apt.

1. i have a door to my room
2. i have a room which is sep. from my living room and/or kitchen
3. i have one and a half bathrooms
4. the apt. is set up with the bedrooms upstairs and the living area downstairs
5. i have real carpet
6. i have a front door all my own- no yucky first door or hallway to walk down
7. i have a dishwasher
8. did i mention i have a dishwasher??
9. i have a garbage disposal in my sink:)
- you never knew how much you used it till you don't have it
10. i have countertops and cabinets, and shelves, and storage EVERYWHERE!!!

these are a few of my favorite things about my new apt.

when the dog bites, or the bee stings, or when i'm feeling sad- i simply remember my favorite things (about my new apt.) and then i don't feel so bad.!!!:) thanks Julie Andrews;)

TOP 10 THINGS I don't MISS ABOUT MY OLD STUDIO APT.

2009-03-20T23:33:00.000-07:00

In no particular order the 10 things that I do NOT miss about my old studio apt on Upshur:
1. a studio apt of only 500 sq. ft.
2. a studio apt
3. 17 bus stop right outside my window
4. my neighbor not knowing how to shut a door instead of slam the door at 6:00am
5. no dishwasher
6. no counter tops in the bathroom
7. no counter tops in the kitchen
8. trash dumpster that smelled so bad i nearly or did throw up every time i took out the trash
9. bedroom, livingroom, kitchen, closet, bathroom all in ONE room
10. two doors to unlock to get to my apt. the outermost that you needed a magic touch to open.

thank you that is all- so thankful for my new apt.!!!!!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

It is almost Valentine's Day and I am happy to report- nope, i don't have one:) However I would like to say that everyone should go see "He's just NOT that into you". It is a great funny movie for guys and girls. Directed a little in the fashion of "When Harry met Sally" it is super cute. And there are two scenes that made me want to start to ball, which i don't normally do in movies-

scene 1) the dad scene with Jennifer Aniston's character (i won't tell you more) but i will say it reminded me of my Daddy:) scene 2) the scene where Ben Affleck is washing the dishes ( again details would ruin the moment for you.

So please go and laugh at yourself and the whole dating scene with this cute movie!! i think it is one i'm going to have to buy:) hahaha

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! hope its a good one:) love ya

Happy New Year!

2009-01-16T09:39:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009 everyone-
Quick update on me: I am STILL in Portland, OR one of the best cities in the nation! I went home for Christmas this year. However Snowpocalypse of 2008 hit Portland just as I was trying to leave town and things did not look good. But with the help of friends with SUVs, 4wheel drive, and a special friend with snow experience (she's from Alaska) i made it to the airport and left on time! I couldn't believe it...
I spent time with family and saw everyone. My niece is just about the cutest thing you ever did see. my parents new house is lookin good. they have a pool and the Garagemahal as my dad has named it. this garage is useful, but HUGE! slowly they are beginning the inside work that i think will get completely done this summer. it is wierd going home, but not home. i thought it would be really awkward but after the 3rd day it sarted to feel like home because home is where the heart is and my heart for sure is with my family.
I am thankful too for a family that is fun, funny, exciting, relaxed, eats good food, and all in all is a restful place for me to be.

i needed to go home more than i thought- i was awake one night thinking about my life in portland and how i missed it and yet thankful to be in Texas. i am not moving back to Texas anytime soon, but wish it was a LOT closer to Portland- my sister and I share this wish:) I needed to be known, to be understood, to be around familiar things, places, and people. To not have to explain myself, or go into a 5 minute background story of why i feel the way i feel or think the way i think. It is tiring not being known and not really having true rest in friends. to be completely rested, fully relaxed and at peace with a group of people, totally known and understood. this is what my family does for me and how they make me feel and i am very thankful that i have them, just wish they would move to the NW too!! Now don't get me wrong i love portland, i love the people i have met here and grown to love... BUT family is family, and home is home and you just can't beat it!!

Now I am back in PDX and thankful for a job, thankful for an opportunity to learn how to plan a wedding (or at least help) with a friend from church, deepening relationships, and hopefully moving out of my studio apt. if you have ever lived in 500 sq ft or less with no door to a bedroom you know how it can mess with your psyche;) Thankful for 2008, looking forward to changes coming in 2009 and great adventures, not sure what they may be but i'm excited!!

well that is enough for now, i will post pics tonight!!

Tag you're it!!

2008-12-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

So here is the idea- people tag you and then you follow the rules of the tag and in return you tag other people... and so its now my turn- Thanks Amy! you and Evan's list was pretty funny, i don't know if i can compete---

1. i just moved to portland, OR

2. I wore boots to work yesterday, that i have owned since high school (should tell you how often we need to wear boots in TX)

3. I live in a studio apt. with a playgroud outside my back windows

4. my church only has 25 people in it, and there is only one person over the age of 40

5. i was born and raised in Big D

6. I have fainted in a bathroom and was found by my dad

7. my favorite color is and always has been purple

and now i tag

http://www.sallypat.blogspot.com

http://thedorrohs.blogspot.com

http://www.katienorwood.blogspot.com

http://kennedyfamilynews.blogspot.com/

http://www.babyhomepages.net/babylight/pictures.php

http://scandaloussanity.blogspot.com/

Wedding Weekend preview

2008-12-10T10:58:00.001-08:00

So here are two quick picks from Jenica and Brad's wedding this past weekend. It was a short trip to Texas but sooo much fun. I'll have more pics later but i wanted to post to say i had a GREAT time with my girls!!! and the family that i got to see for breafast on Sun. morning was just too short!!! i CAN NOT WAIT for christmas to see them a WHOLE lot!!!! counting down the moments and days... i don't think i realized i missed them as much as i do until i was home again, back in Oregon wishing i could go over for a movie or quick family dinner!! happy i have two homes again... love ya, can't wait to see ya:)

Jenica made us bridesmaid t-shirts soo cute!!

Brad putting the "G" on the cubes of fudge- the reception party gift! yummy

Tday! cold weather that you NEED scarves and sweaters:)

2008-11-30T23:56:00.000-08:00

So thanksgiving with out the family was hard, but not unbearable... the church folks got together. there were about 20 of us who didn't go home for the holiday. we ate really well, had lots of fun, watched football, played with kiddos, and the ladies made a craft!! thanks everyone for making this thanksgiving a great one... can't wait to see the family in Big D in just a few short days.....:)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sarah, Sara, Ashley, Me, and Rochelle- Lesley is taking the picture- we had a great time... THANKS ASHLEY!!! such a creative idea.

and as the football went on Ashley, our hostess brought out the girlie crafts- we made ornaments

Lesley and I finally take a GREAT pic- we take the worst pictures- yeah for a good one:)

Football watching, hangin out, and Noah on the guitar with Billy Sieh facilitating

With nearly 20 people we did lots of dishes... this is Rochelle handing me the last of the crackers she brought for the artichoke dip i made- i forgot to get them at the store:)

kids play area- we had quite a few:)

gorgeous fall colors in front of my company- that i didn't go to for 2 whole days!

OPB

2008-11-10T10:01:00.000-08:00

OPB (Oregon Public Broadcast) is one of my favorite channels- i only have about 10 that are worth watching- i stay away from Indian TV channels. So this weekend as I was trying to rest up and not get really sick I happened upon a program called In the footsteps of Marco Polo. It seemed interesting. About 15 or so years ago two guys read Marco Polo's accounts of the silk road and then decided to follow his writings through these modern places to see if he really went there. Travel always gets me excited- my dad has ruined me with Rick Steve's Europe shows! As I watched and lisented these two young men- late 20s i'm guessing at the time travelled through some pretty hairy and exciting places. Afganistan, Iran, India, China, etc. it took them over two years to finish the journey with visa issues, and passports, and the normal 3rd world bribery issues;) And at the end of it all they just said it was this great experience of following in the steps of a great explorer. They were surprised that so many of the strange things that Polo wrote about are still going on, but all in all it seemed they just went on this crazy adventure. It just struck me of what a waste of time. Just thinking for a few minutes of all of the wonderful things they could have done in those places, meeting with officials, or gov't leaders- or at least Unicef or the Peace Corp. But no, they just followed Polo's guide. An empty adventure that had no real impact on the world, where they went, and certainly not for eternity. All of those closed countries just recently set free from communism back then and hurting, needing to hear of Jesus. AAAAHHH it just makes me sad and mad all at the same time at them, and our world, and even more me. For not doing something more, for not going and doing the same thing in the name of JESUS. I guess it justs proves we are all made for adventure, these men just have no clue where the real adventure is- with jesus and loving him. Adventure with Him is life long and doesn't end after a trip or when you walk out of the church doors. This is a lot of rambling, I'm sorry but it just hit me the meaninglessness of their trip when they got to the end. with out jesus life is meaningless...

New and Old pictures

2008-11-03T20:06:00.000-08:00

celebrating me getting hired at work- We talked about being real friends or work friends for our picture- Darcy and I are real friends- Rachel is still thinking about it, because she's not touching:) hahaha work wouldn't be the same with out these girls!!

make a funny face OR scary- YIKES!

Lesley not wanting to be in a picture

I dressed up for costume contest at work and then got so busy i forgot to sign up! oh well it was fun to have punk hair for the day- everyone at work couldn't quit laughing...

the pumpkin patch- yes a REAL one

2008-10-26T23:14:00.000-07:00

lots of people wanted to pick pumpkins too!

Sauvie Island is soo cute, and just 10 mins. from the city

huge cabbages too:)

soo touristy, but the pic had to be taken!

Oh my gosh! its a REAL pumpkin patch!!! you can't see it very well here, but they were there!!

we tried to pick pumpkins, but it was verry picked over

i got my face painted :)

a few visuals of where i live

2008-10-26T23:01:00.001-07:00

McMennamins- my favorite bar

my favorite coffee shop- the dragonfly

my company

the street where i park for work

Door to the Nations update

2008-10-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

So update on my decision to do Door to the Nations or not- the answer for now, is no. I don't have peace about doing it right now. as well the more i have thought about it, planting a church, starting a church is not really what i want to do. join and help a church yes, but beign the one starting it and coming along afterward are two different things. so i have peace about not doing it, which is good:)
i am excited about my work and the opportunities there with friends and learning a lot to advance in the corp. world- whoever thought i would care about that...
and FYI i did not get to sleep in on sunday AGAIN this week because one of my neighbors decided to have a conversation with someone in the hall- our walls are very thin, starting at like 7:30am AAAAHHHH will i ever have a Sat. AND a Sun. to sleep in?? probably not!

Sunday Morning- Lazy Morning?!

2008-10-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday mornings. I love them now because my church doesn't start until 4:30 in the afternoon! That means that I have the option to sleep IN TWO days in a row:) LOVE IT!!! however this particular Sunday morning I had no such luck... this story should be prefaced by the fact that 90% of Portland does not have air conditioning- i am apart of this 90% and so i sleep witht the windows open. I turn over this morning, at 7:45 I find out because of some rock band having a concert in my neighborhood!! Yes! thats right 7:45 am on a SUNDAY in the Northwest! I couldn't believe it really. no one is up this early on Sunday they at least wait for the brunch hour on Sunday in the Northwest to get up and goin- around 10ish All of this to say i am thankful for my ipod because even with the windows closed i can still hear the concert and it doesn't end until about an hour ago- 11am AHHH;0)

Sleep in peace

2008-10-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

Okay how bout blue?? i think you might read this a little better!! this is old news, but i keep forgetting to blog about it... In my family if you want to send someone something fun, nice, and inexpensive, for no good reason it is called a "sussie". i have learned other families call it a "happy"! also a cute fun name- well my mother loves to send sussies to her kids! which i love to receive... a few weeks ago she sent a cute hand towel with Ps. 4 about sleeping in safety- she knows i don't sleep well. Now the towel is cute, nothing super fantastic- just was a sussie should be, but because i haven't seen my mother in over 6 months i got a little teary eyed i won't lie. sussie's are just what a girl needs, even if she is 27 years old and fully independent, from her mommy to remind her she is missed and loved. and then she send me a sweet email about missing me- i mean really - how is a girl supposed to get through the day with out crying when you read that your mother misses you terribly!! (sp) and on top of that send it to my sister as well... and i remembered to write all of this to you because i read on my sisters blog that she had her 6 week break down and i started tearing up reading that as well!!! i mean- give a girl a break;) hahahaha all this to say i miss you and can't wait for DECEMBER!!!!

Door to the Nations, etc.

2008-10-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

I thought i would change up the font color- too much pink could be bad for your eyes! I said i would give more information on a class we have at our church that right now, i take care of the kids for the parents in the class... well its more like a training school. Basically you sign up for a year commitment to learn more about church planting, misisons, Jesus, and do a lot of character development! it costs about $2,000 and meets two nights a week for 3 hrs. a pop!! I have been praying and talking to people in the class and the teachers and will talk more in depth with the teachers in the next few weeks... BUT i'm not sure it is a good fit for me. I'm not saying it is bad for me, i simply do not have a peace about doing- my friend john told me the other night that if you don't have peace don't do it. pray a lot before you make a final decision, but no peace, no dice! please pray with me and for me as i seek peace~

In other news I am going to learn to sew this weekend. My friend Darcy form work has invited me to come and help her with a sewing project! I can't wait, should be a fun time:) after my sewing house warming party i have been intrigued by this old/new pastime.

another tidbit that i am excited about is at work- I have been given resposibility to cord. and oversee a whole company wide project!! We are providing Flu Shot Clinics for our locaitons across the nation. i am collecting all the info, passing it along, answering questions from across the comany, and interfacing with HR big wigs:) I'm also the point person for the Clinic at our location! i'm really excited- this is right up my alley and the manager that gave it to me hates projects;) hahaha! i told her i am a project guru and am happy to help! please pray that i would work well and make a good impression and be christlike- to draw others to himself in the midst of this opportunity!!!

have a wonderful weekend!!

drum roll please... Oregon Coast pics

2008-09-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

2008-09-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

so for my birthday present to myself i took the day off and went to the coast- my fav. place so far in oregon. i love love love it!! you hear the waves crashing, feel the wind in your face, and since it is the oregon coast people wear pants over their bathingsuits, no skinny beautiful people to make you feel bad about yourself!! plus its not just pretty white beach, there is a beautiful rocky coastline something like (at least i like to pretend) you would find on the coast of ireland or the uk. you have to drive through the mountains, ravaged hillsides by logging companies (thanks dad) hehehe, sunsets so incredible with the mountains in the backdrop, what more could a girl ask for? a new friend to share it with this time topped it all of:) I am thankful for this new place to fall in love with jesus. his glorious majesty and strength proclaimed in the roaring waves, or his mystery brought to life with the huge hazy clouds rolling across the landscape of the pacific ocean. did i also mention the fun fact about the oregon coast? the movie The Goonies was filmed there and in particular when they go searching for the treasure and end up in some random cave- they are actually in these rocks, called haystacks in Cannon Beach on the coast. they are beautiful and really do look like haystacks! well that is all but i just had to share with you the place that brings so much joy to my heart!! i'll have to post the pictures in a little while- the internet at the coffee shop i'm at, their internet is being weird and not letting me upload the pics...:( you'll just have to check back often;)

Sore arms

2008-09-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

side note my arms are sore today from holding babies all last night. I take care of kids during a class that we have at the church (more on the class soon) every tues. night. Normally a girl, Lachelle helps me, but she needed a night off so i was on my own last night. Emma, oh so cute, is teething and pretty much not happy unless you hold her. Her mom graciously gave her some Tylenol to help the teething and me last night, but I still held 15lbs of baby for about 3 hours last night. Then Hope, adventurous cutie, fell face first onto the concrete floor and was fussy the rest of the night. And of course when she is fussy she wants to be held. well instead of holding her i distracted her with toys and walking around the hallways. Did i mention that we are in the church offices and there is another business's art work on the wall that it at 1 and a 1/2 year olds level to touch with her chocolate hands?? we had a good time and Jason helped out for a little bit while both kids were crying beyond consolation. Then Rachelle held Emma the last 20 min. :) It is so funny how heavy babies can get after two hours of holding and not really able to sit down with them! i'm happy to not have kids for awhile after last night:)

Work

2008-09-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

I'm am thankful and excited to let you know I signed my official offer letter from Con-way last night! My boss Carol asked me to come into her office and not knowing what she wanted I asked if i could take care of two things before i came in, it was the end of the day and i was trying to wrap things up:) So 10 min. later i went in and to my surprise there was my official letter and she reminded me that i have 48 hours to go and take my drug test- please pray for the drug test that it would come back negative;) hehehe! She also said several times, and she is not one to be overly mushy that they are very glad to have me join the team. I'm reminded this morning of all of the more difficult job situations i have had in the past two years. Shady bosses, Yelling bosses, and bosses that I just can't understand. It could be so much worse, but its not:)... Thankful in Portland today!! if you want to learn about my company click here

I'm Official

2008-09-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Its official as of October 1st I will be a regular full time employee at Con-way. I am so excited. i will now have a normal white badge, be able to order supplies- a key part of my job that i haven't been able to do as a temporary person, get a new id, and in general be able to participate in employee perks like cheaper tickets to city events, free yoga classes, a gym and showers downstairs, and other fun perks:) I'm excited and thankful that it may have taken forever, really this is the best fit for me right now! Everybody do a little dance with me!!!

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure- Portland

2008-09-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

I'm walking for LIFE

Imagine the impact…
Seventy-five percent of the dollars you donate will fund vital services across Oregon and SW Washington, while twenty-five percent will be combined with other Affiliates’ funds to fuel national breast cancer research at an unprecedented level.
$10 funds ten support booklets for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.
$25 pays for a gas card for a low-income woman driving over 75 miles one way to get a mammogram.
$77 can fund a free screening mammogram for one uninsured woman
Please go to my Donation Page to help me reach my goal!! Portland's Race for the Cure is the largest fundraising event for the Cure on the west Coast:) I'm walking with two friends from work, Darcy and Rachel! Should be fun;)

Birthday Cake

2008-09-05T23:27:00.000-07:00

So my church here, The Door, Community of Faith rallied together to give me a birthday party! Rachelle and Lesley did a wonderful job to put it all together- thank you everyone who came and the presents were great- especially the new "blackberry"! Here the picks to "prove" i do have friends and a Church who care for me, and I am learning to care for them more and more as the days go by:)

BIRTHDAY!

2008-09-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

I am celebrating my 27th birthday and it is the FIRST that i have not in some way celebrated with family. I will be celebrating with friends from church, but it won't be the same. Thank you my family for showing your love with calls and cards and gifts to come;) I really appreciate it. it brings it all a little too close for comfort that i have moved FAR away and can't drive over for homemade fried chicken and homemade mashed potatoes (no cheese) just the way i like it... and of course Sweet Temptations Cake of my choice!! but the most i'll miss is laughs and good stories and a chance among few to get the whole family together for one whole evening! I'm excited over all to turn 27- just 3 short years more and i'll be 30! WOW!!! 27 is not that bad and i think i'll really start to feel it when i'm 29;) Hopin that this year more than any other is full of changes, growth, joy, love, peace, and wisdom- oh and of course FUN:) so Happy Birthday to Me! and many more to come!!!!

McCain's uphill battle!

2008-09-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen thank you for reading my blog- i am going to say a few words on the Republican N.C. now... So far I have only heard what McCain has done, for our country, and as a senator. I have yet to hear what he will do in detail. Again why, do we have to listen to other people and not the actual canidate talk all week. Again i would like McCain to be at the convention all week answering questions from his peers about what makes him a good canidate and what he plans to do for the American people, again i'm out voted! We heard from some good people last night, but all noted what HAS been done by McCain- and it is a lot, very impressive and I comend him- but the past doesn't totally concern us does it, also the present and the future. His present battle is to stop the media blitz of McCain, Bush montra. the future holds difficulty as an older canidate and how he is going to impact American life- I haven't really heard any of that!! i look forward to hearing Palin tonight and then McCain tomorrow!!! hopefully i'll get some answers, but i doubt it...

Obama's Running 4 Pres.

2008-08-28T23:02:00.000-07:00

Well Barack is running and gave a very nice speech. After hearing Barack's speech tonight I can only say that he is a powerful speaker, his speech writers worked hard and came up with a slam dunk! However as far as ideas or plans for change, or statements that gave me hope for a better future realized, I did not hear any of that. Barack gave a great POLITICAL speech, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Nothing really seems to change though every four years some other Pres. nominee tells me he is going to be diff. I am not interested in politics, I am interested in change, freedom, truth, and helping our Nation fulfill its purpose as God leads us forward. Ending side note, I think it is a little presumptive of Obama to compare himself to MLK or think he could even touch the shoes he wore. And when he uses MLK's cadence it is just annoying.

Portland Weather

2008-08-28T13:40:00.001-07:00

So the weather here is a little different from Texas. okay a lot different. Even if it is rainy, which it is about 90% of the year it feels great, there's little to no humidity. ITS GREAT! and in the summer there is about 2 weeks of HOT weather where it gets up to about 95. And the wonderfulness that you get in return is my last month's electricity bill. In July- the dead of Summer, my bill is only $18. THAT IS AWESOME!! I think I picked the right place to live. You may be asking how I did that- well no one in Portland actually has air conditioning, well if they do they have paid dearly for it and they live in a newer house. However, I live in an apt. building built in the 20s with some of the original hardware- so no airconditioning for me. And on top of that I didn't get a window unit because I live up on a hill with lots of trees!! Come and visit to enjoy the cool weather:)

Michelle Obama running for President??

2008-08-26T01:16:00.000-07:00

I know I have done a lot of writing since starting this all just two days ago, but it is really fun to just write and type and get things out of your head and out into the world at large. Mrs. Obama spoke tonight at the DNC and from what I can see she is very well spoken, educated, passionate, and loves her husband. She even got into a good MLK cadence at one point. And proceeded to remind us that this week celebrates women earning the right to vote and MLK I have a dream speech. But it was a bit much to introduce her with a 10 min. video of who she is, a little overboard if you ask me. Which obviously they didn't. Now I hate to be harsh, but I kind of don't care what she has to say. I'm not REALLY voting for HER, I'm voting for her husband. (or trying to decide if i'm going to vote for him or not) I could care less about what she has done or brings to the table. Sure she had a great family and worked hard to go to Princeton and Harvard- can I get an Amen for- will we ever have a Presidential nominee who went to a normal school??- now as soon as I have typed that there is an example, but really in our modern time, have we elected a Pres. that didn't go to an IVY League school or something just as elite and expensive?? but i got distracted. really I wanted to say that I am sure that Michelle Obama is a very nice lady and one that has earned the places that she has been and triumphed but at the end of the day she is not the one to sign on the dotted line. She does not decide to fix the budget, get gas prices to go down, cut taxes, fund our schools and either send or bring home our troops from around the globe, her HUSBAND will (or won't depending on the election). So as nice at is to hear from a presidential nominee's wife, and I'm glad to see that he at least picked a good wife, so he has good judgement there, I really could care less. I could care less how much his wife believes in him... i'd rather hear him speaking on issues this WHOLE week. I would like a forum of questions asked back to back with the same people asking different questions, in the same arena, even giving him the advantage of questions from his party peers and just see how he does. That would be a good, time well spent, should be broadcasted on every station DNC. Otherwise can we get back to our previously scheduled broadcasting or whatever it is they say;)