3rd annual trip to the Southern Home Christmas Show

This past week I took a day off work and it wasn't a holiday! When your Mawmaw asks you to accompany her to the Southern Home Christmas Show, you go! It was just a plus that she wanted to go on opening day, which was a Thursday, and I got to have a mini breather in a crazy, crazy work week. {Of course when you take a day off work though, work piles up while you're gone! But it was so worth it to me to get to hang out with my Mawmaw, friend Tashah, and aunt Georgia!} Now, it was the first day, on a Thursday, and we got there about 11:00... and let me tell you, it was PACKED! We were trying to avoid the crowds. So much for that! But all in all, we had a great time! About 4 hours of walking around like cattle, looking at all the Christmas everything!! It was great!! Here's a couple pics from our day...

Entrance ... Preparing you for all the Christmas crazy!! :) 

Just a sign I liked :)

Here's a pic of the best jewelry cleaner ever! It's by Sunshine Products and I have seriously been thinking about this stuff for over a year! I got my jewelry cleaned there last year using the stuff, and for whatever reason didn't buy it. This year I was on a mission to find the stuff & get me some! There's actually two vendors there selling the stuff {same price, I checked} so you can't miss it! This stuff can even clean "costume jewelry" but O-M-G the polishing cream is a tarnish remover and makes a silver {or gold, or brass, or whatever metal} piece look brand spankin' new!

***Side note: There's a sweet wedding-related post coming about this stuff...Stay tuned!!!***

 And this was as low-carb as I could get at the Christmas show! I ate most of this chicken caesar spinach wrap and was STUFFED. It was alright, but hands down the healthiest thing there to eat! It was either that or a "puff," pizza, barbecue, cheeseburgers, etc. You get the idea. I don't know how many carbs this thing had, but if this was the worst thing I ate all day, I'm doing good!! :) Definitely not worth $7 though. They get ya on the food for sure!

I am so glad my dear friend Tashah got to get off work & come with us for the 2nd year in a row!! We probably said "this is cute!" a million times! Me & Mawmaw don't always have the same taste, so it's good to have another young'n there to oodle at sparkly Christmas things :)

And the award for the most awkward Christmas ornament goes to....the blingy merman soccer player with this shirt unbuttoned!!

This crazy unique ornament actually came from the December Diamonds [@DecDiamonds on Twitter] vendor, who I got a fab little blingy lanyard for my school badge for only FIVE DOLLARS!! Best deal I've ever seen on those things so now I finally have me one....go gets yours when you visit the show this year!

sorry for the bad pic..
and for the fact I threw  a blanket on top of me
instead of showing the lanyard on top of my pajama t-shirt :)

Ahhhh!! And here's the best hot chocolate ever!! It's from a little vendor out in Tennessee. They let you sample their double dutch hot chocolate, their white hot chocolate, and their other one that didn't sound nearly as good as double dutch or white chocolate hot chocolate... but nevertheless, I bought the double dutch last year & the white chocolate this year!! O-M-G.. for a coffee hater, this stuff hits the spot! You've gotta try it!

And last but not least, I got another ring this year! Every year I go and get a nice ring to wear all the time. The first year I got the white one. The vendor had free engraving on site which was amazing, and you can't tell from the pic, but there's an N engraved on the white ring. Last year I went back, looking for that vendor, and they were nowhere to be found. :( So I found myself another fab vendor, got me the turquoise ring and fell in love! You will 95% of the time see me wearing one or the other. I just had to get me another one this year! I looked at all the jewelry vendors, wasn't super thrilled, until I came across this vendor! Low & behold it was the same vendor from last year. I probably would have never guessed {just because my memory's so bad} but thanks to Tashah and her great memory for faces, she realized it was the same vendor! Also, while looking for a ring in my size, Tashah found a black ring {I had told her that's what I was looking for}in my size!! And guess what!! It's the same exact ring as my turquoise one!! I LOVE it!! :) Thanks Tashah!! I'm so glad you went!! 

We returned home with the simple reminder that it's not quite Christmas time yet. There were fall leaves all OVER Mawmaw & Pawpaw's yard!! I love it. Fall, stay forever!! But since I know you won't, Christmas coming right after makes it okay...I guess. :)

and I mean everywhere!

Sisters ~ Aunt Georgie & Mawmaw

My favorite lady!! ♥ MY MAWMAW ♥

I just love special trips and memories like that day. :) 

30 Blogs in 30 Days: Day 6: The hardest thing I've ever had to experience

Day 6 of 30 Blogs in 30 Days: Tell about the hardest thing you ever had to experience.

This is hard for me. I've been through a lot in my life but it's hard for me to say what was the hardest. I don't like to grade my trials and tribulations on a scale of one to ten, and I don't know that I've even ever experienced a "ten." The therapist in me is reminding me {to remind you} that not everyone's "ten" is a "ten."  Some people's "fives" may be others' "tens." Some people, myself included, have been blessed to be able to say that their life could be worse. We all could really say that, but some days, I know some things are harder for others.

Side note: Did any of that make sense?!?! I just took a Benadryl {or two} and am feeling it right about now. Maybe you can tell? Anywho...

The hardest thing I've ever had to experience?

Hmm... well, it was probably when my brother lost his eyesight beginning in August 2009. {How's that affect me, you ask?} Well it was a super hard time for my family. And my brother affects me, as does my family. My parents were still together, which often times made things more difficult if you wanna know the truth. And seeing my brother go through all he went through was tough on me as a sister, especially when he took things out on me.....

Time out: I know my brother doesn't read my blog. And this is personal. And I'm choosing to share this. If he finds out what I said, so be it. If he gets mad, that sucks. But I'm trying to honest, and I hope others respect that.

.... That was probably the toughest thing. I tried my little heart out to help him in any way I could, and he was so hurt and mad at the world that he took it out on me any chance he got. You couldn't talk to him. You couldn't question anything he was doing. You couldn't provide him suggestions. And you dang sure couldn't suggest he was doing anything wrong. My brother didn't talk to me for probably a year or more. I mean he did, but as needed, and it wasn't ever good conversations.

I like to think that phase is behind us. But my family going through all we went through, as a unit, and individually as well, was not a great time for the only two siblings to be upset with each other. I think know he was mad at me, and I was mad at him for being mad at me {!!}. And I would try, and he would get mad, and I would get upset, and I would swear off ever helping him again. Until he needed something. Or I saw a way to help. {Enter that unconditional love} I would always go back to my brother, helping him in any way possible because I know that's what God wants us to do for EVERYone and I am sure He knew my brother needed me. And I'm sure He knew I could help. And I'm sure that He saw things so far down the road {today & in the future} that what seemed to be a big deal, wasn't. But that cycle of being mad/sad, getting over it, just to set myself up to get mad again wasn't getting me anywhere. And it sure the heck wasn't helping anything.

I just prayed and prayed and prayed that God would heal my relationship with my brother. And I think step by step, day by day, God is doing that. I say God because after everything that's happened {to us and between us} that the only way my brother and I can have a healthy, loving, sibling relationship is by God. I knew God would do His thang to make it happen. And He is. Slowly but surely :)

Pat's senior prom ~ Spring 2009

Pat's High School Graduation ~ June 2009

June 2011 at my cousin's wedding :)

Click here to read more of my 30 blogs in 30 days. 

30 Blogs in 30 Days: Day 3: My Relationship with my Parents

On Day 3 of 30 Blogs in 30 Days, I'm supposed to describe my relationship with my parents. This is a little awkward, because it's not something I talk to about to everyone.  Sometimes I'm personal on my blog, but I'm never super personal. My relationship with my parent(s) is a very personal issue to me. It's a unique relationship & not one that everyone can relate to. 

my mom:

I often tell my Mawmaw, who is like my mother, that my Mom annoys me.  Today she said something to me that I will never forget.  She said, "What if you had to go see your mom where I had to go see mine?" My grandmother frequently reminds me that there's nobody like your mother and you are only given one mother in your life. I need that reminder sometimes.

The truth is that I have learned a lot from my Mom. I've learned how to be a good friend, to put others first, to love unconditionally, and a number of things to apply to my life once I become a mother.  My mom's great. She puts up with more than she should and would give someone her last dime if it would benefit someone else. She's hilarious and fun to be around. A lot of things she does to make others laugh, she does unintentionally, which makes her even funnier. I love my mom and can't imagine my life without her. I'm grateful for all her sacrifices and attempts to help make me who I am today. 

"I know you were on my side, even when I was wrong

And I love you for giving me your eyes,

for staying back and watching me shine

And I didn't know if you knew,

so I'm taking this chance to say

that I had the best day, with you, today..."

-Taylor Swift

my dad:

Ahhh, "PD"... can't live with him, can't live without him. He's a character, that's for sure. He's the kind that doesn't try to be funny, but is, in a not-laughing-with-him kind of way. We have had our ups and downs, that's for sure. But what Mawmaw says about mothers also applies to fathers, and I think some time in the past three years or so, I have found forgiveness and unconditional love for my father. He raised me. When I realized how big of a Momma's boy my brother was going to be, I quickly learned me and Dad needed to be a team. He's done some pretty crappy things in the past, but I try to remind myself of all the good he's done. He's a super hard worker. He's a product of my grandfather's generation and [I know deep down] that he lives his life knowing right from wrong.  He has morals in surprising times and he has a huge heart. People often don't know that about him. He gets his feelings hurt and he would do anything for anyone. He's a country boy redneck, Rock-n-Roll loving man but the Lord loves him, as do I! 

"You don't choose your family.

They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."

-Desmond Tutu

*****

Stay tuned for Day 4: 10 Things I Would Tell My 16-year-old Self

Click to see my other blogs from 30 Blogs in 30 Days.

30 Blogs in 30 days: Day 1: 20 Random Facts

I am stealing this idea from my good friend Becky Chambers. It's a great way to get your blog readers to know you, and, what I'm thinking, is for me to reflect on things about myself as well! So, here it goes! :)

And, if y'all know me, y'all know I have every intention of seeing this to the end. However, I'm gonna be honest & say that it won't be an every day thing... but I will definitely attempt to do each day! Deal? Deal!

Day 1 is pretty fun! It's 20 random facts about me!

1. I am a therapist. 
2. I lived in Boone, NC for three years, but I HATE cold winter weather. 
3. I stay far far away from scary movies or I'll have nightmares.
4. And by scary I mean movies with massive tidal waves or end-times scenarios.
5. There is no sport I care to watch on television.
6. I am extremely impulsive. Especially when it comes to cutting and coloring my hair.
7. I judge people if they misuse they're, their, and there. I also hate to see misspelled words. But I am completely ignorant when it comes to grammar.
8. I feel the absolute NEED to go to New York City. 
9. I want a yellow room in every future home of mine. But a very particular shade of yellow.
10. I don't have any close girl friends that I've had even almost my whole life. And this makes me sad.
11. I have some seriously crazy family members. 
12. My Pawpaw is the best man I know, and I want to be just like my Mawmaw when I grow up. 
13. I don't think I will ever be able to quit drinking yellow soft drinks. 
14. There's a good percent that I will lose my eyesight someday. And that's okay with me.
15. I get emotional when retelling stories... of special moments on television. Especially when discussing series finales. Dumb, I know. 
16. I am one of the few people who don't feel the need to bash my hometown.  It's done nothing to me and I actually love my little hometown.  I don't necessarily wish to always live here, but there's absolutely nothing I have against it.  Lincolnton has a special place in my heart. :)  
17. I've been dating my boyfriend {on and off} for 9+ years. And I want to drop kick anyone who asks me why we're not engaged.  If you're wondering, let me know, & I will give you his phone number & you can ask Alex yourself. ;)
18. My dog is completely psychotic. 
19. I can not stand the new Lily character on Modern Family. Am I the only one?!
20. I basically don't know how to do much of anything domestic. I'm going to make a horrible wife. Which probably has something to do with the answer relating to #17. But I want to learn!! I get points for that, right?? 

Stay tuned for Day 2: Three Legitimate Fears...

Click to see my other blogs from 30 Blogs in 30 Days.

"Graduation!"

I was going to do you a whole life update via bullet points...but this turned into a post-pictures-from-graduation-and-go-to-bed kind of post, so, stay tuned for more info later! ;)

So anyways, I GRADUATED "WALKED" Thursday night! I won't actually get my diploma until August when I finish my internship hours, but, here's a couple pictures from "the hooding ceremony."

Lenoir-Rhyne Counseling Graduates

Leah & Cynthia, two amazing inspirations of classmates!

"Being Hooded"

my love

"The Girl RDs" ~ My friends, Tori & Maria... Love them! 

Brother Bear

Pat & Me with Mom

A Proud Momaw!

Momma ♥

"Love & support brings happiness through all"

I spent the week leading up to "graduation," as I'll call it, packing my life up, taking 50 trips to Lincolnton & back, and trying to organize closing down a building of 150 freshmen as quickly as possible. Luckily, I had 6 great RAs who did a good job at helping me ensure that everything ran as smoothly as possible, making my job easier in the end once everyone had went home.

I found out I had to be out of my apartment two weeks earlier than I thought I had to be, two weeks before I had to be out. So, with classes ending, crap due, and all the closing stuff needed to be done, on top of still internship-searching and everything else life brings at the last minute, I had to pack up & move!! I was planning on doing all of that once everything was done & I had a moment to breathe. But looking back, I'm glad it all happened the way it did. {That's a whole other post for a later day.}

But, the night before graduation I just got really SAD. Sad mostly because I wanted a lot of things done that weren't done, and I had taken SO many trips to Lincolnton and back, along with Mom, Momaw, and Alex, and there was still SO much to do. {I seriously had way too much stuff.} My original graduation-day plans were to sleep in {a little}, do a couple things {including get a pedicure}, & then get ready early so I wasn't rushed and got to a graduation banquet we had beforehand ON TIME {for once}.

Oh! Here's some pics from that too :) ::

Me with the cute couple, Jonathan {"the boy RD"} & Melissa

My date to the banquet, my awesome friend Jodi, & her 4 kids!!!!!! Hot Momma Alert!! Haha

I love this girl! My sistah-friend, Jodi! What a blessing she is!

But do you think my graduation day plans were fulfilled? UM, ABSOLUTELY NOT. But it's okay. I was smart & showered early. I have an AMAZING grandmother that came that morning to help me pack & load the car(s) {again}. My necklace waited until the END of the night to break & I even got to take Momaw to lunch & had enough time to run to the nail salon & get my toes & nails painted. {Had to save the pedi for another day!} At the end of the day I felt BLESSED. It was a super long day but it was one I will remember! I am so thankful for the loved ones of mine that were able to come and know that the ones that couldn't make it are proud of me! Yep, that pretty much sums it up....I was thankful & blessed!!

Now, onto securing that internship....

Reflecting on the Year 2010

I had to take a moment to go back and look at my blog from last year, reflecting on the year 2009. It brought a smile to my face seeing the positivity I brought into the year 2010. I {mostly} love the year's end, ringing in a new year, reflecting on the past year and what all it brought. This year is no exception. The difference in this year & the last is, as sad as it is, is that I will need to make a solid effort to bring that much positivity into 2011. But no worries there...I'm already making an effort to make sure that happens! :)

If you know me personally, you know this has been a trying year for me. I won't begin to list the reasons why- but if you know me, you know this has been one of the hardest years, if not the hardest, for me and my family. I have learned so much about myself, life, love, and family.

I see the quotes on the cute signs at Ross. I hear the sayings. I've heard it time and time again: Family this, and family that. If you don't have family, you have nothing. Family is all you've got. Families are forever. Maybe it's because my family and I have had a very trying year, or maybe it's just a big 2010 fad, but I have not quit hearing about *family* this year. I'm not saying it's a bad thing- but it definitely got me thinking.

Family is your blood. Family is your siblings, your parents, your grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family is who you spend the holidays with. But what about who you spend every other day with? My family has definitely grown this year, and so has my definition of family. The Lord has blessed me with some fabulous friendships this year, with friends I now consider family. I am amazed at how a friend can brighten your day, be there for you, and share in your moments of joy. The support I've been shown from my family this year has meant the world to me. I have not once taken it for granted because I know how friends change with the seasons at times. I am simply thankful for the family God has placed in my life this year, and hope that they continue to stay family for years to come. If not, that's life; that's understandable. I will look back on the times I have spent with these friends and smile because I sure enjoyed every minute! :)

That's another thing I've learned this year: Friends are here for either a reason, a season, or a lifetime. I am no longer bitter or sad about the friendships that I no longer have. I miss some of my old friends but realize that "life happens" and sometimes people simply go separate ways, for no reason at all. On the other hand, I am so so so thankful for those "lifetime friends" that I have. It means the world to me to have friends who are still your friends no matter how far away they live, or how busy their life gets. These are definitely part of the "family" mentioned above. :) God did not give me a sister {probably with good reason} but God has provided me with friends who I can definitely say "love ya like a sister" to and mean it!

What else have I learned in 2010?

Take advantage of a good sale. It won't always be there tomorrow! ;)
But don't buy something just because it's on sale.

I shouldn't always say what's on my mind.
But also, people can't read my mind- so I need to be informative at times.

Don't judge someone by what you've heard about them. Get to know someone personally. Making a new friend is always better than thinking not only negatively, but incorrectly, about a person.

And lastly....I learned to quit anxiously awaiting things because it is is based around God's time, and His perfect plan. It doesn't matter when I think I want or need something, but only when God believes I am ready to receive my blessing. There is nothing I can do to fast forward life to an instant blessing. Sometimes it takes time, and lots of it- but with that time comes learning experiences and life lessons for the future. And for that I am thankful.

I am also *very* thankful for these sweet moments I will not forget....2010, you weren't such a bad year.