My Christmas Vacation

To get in the spirit of the holidays, I booked a flight to Lynchburg, Va. Christin, a close friend of mine since we were seven years old, had just moved out on her own and I wanted to check out her new pad! With all the changes occurring in my life, this trip was well needed. Two single ladies tearing up the Bible Belt!

The trip was amazing. I got to see an area where some of our country's richest history occurred. I spent the day with the Brandt family discovering downtown Lynchburg and meeting new friends. All the while Christin was making a Pro/Con list of why I should move up there. Unfortunately, I think the list made me appreciate my little home in the tropical environment. As much as I love the cold weather, my face was dying for moisture! Maybe one day I will have a second home somewhere up north so I am able to go back and forth. But no to living up there full time! (Sorry girl) :)

During all my traveling back and forth from Virginia, I had a lot of time to think about all of the situations occurring in my life. Shortly after moving out and becoming a single lady, I met someone. Honestly, I had known this person for quite a while, but we were just friends. As the weeks have progressed I have been able to discover what an amazing man he is. He is the type of man who opens car doors, who walked me to my front door on our first date without coming in to wish me good night, he always texts, calls, or emails me to let me know he is think of me. He has made a point to let me feel comfortable with the speed of getting to know each other. He has let me carry the reigns through it all. I appreciate him so much. I think I appreciate him more now then I would have ever in the past.

Life takes you different places. Sometimes the places can be fun, sometimes they can be pretty tough. All the while, the journey is preparing you for your future. I believe that life and the decisions I have made, took me to this place. I had the experiences in the past so I would be able to understand the sweetness of the moment I am in now. Going on my trip made me realize that taking things extra slow was not my style. Calculating every step meticulously to make sure I don't get hurt was never me. I jump feet first with everything I believe in. I believe in love and laughter... so I just jumped in... all the way.

I am excited to see what the new year holds for me and my new life. This world is ever changing and I am loving it!

Great Quote by, Eve Ensler

I was recently reading my Glamour Magazine and came across this amazing quote from Eve Ensler. Enjoy!

"Cherish you solitude.

Take trains by yourself to places

you have never been.

Sleep out alone under the stars.

Learn how to drive a stick shift.

Go so far away that you stop

being afraid of not coming back.

Say no when you don't want to

do something.

Say yes if your instincts are strong,

even if everyone around you disagrees.

Decide whether you want to be liked or admired.

Decide if fitting in is more important than finding

out what you're doing here.

Believe in kissing"

Like Old Times...

I went to visit my mom this past weekend and ended up driving a U-Haul back to Estero, full of stuff I had been storing in their home. After hours of moving my new bed and other furniture around in the guestroom, I finally decided on the best set up for the small little room. As I started to unload my yearbooks and scrapbooks I had put together so many years ago, I began to flip through the years of memories I created so long ago. It was such a nice time reminiscing of great friends and good times.

As I flipped through the letters and pictures, it made me yearn for the days that love, life, and friends came without hesitation. In those days, you did not hesitate to fall deep and fast in love. Although the love I experienced then is a lot different from the love I experience now. Love and life was a lot less complicated. You always had a song for someone special in your life, whether it was your boyfriend, best friend, or enemy. The sensation of holding hands or that first kiss consumed your thoughts and heart.

I long for those silly school girl feelings. I want to fall fast and hard. I want to live, like I once did, with little caution when it comes to laughing, loving, and living. I want to sing in the car at the top of my lungs and not worry about what the person next to me thinks. I want passion and romance. I don’t want to worry about what others say or think because I live for me and the moment.

At the end of my life, I don’t want to look back and think, wow, I live a smart and cautious life… I want to think WOW! I live vigorously and loved every second of life and took part of everything that was thrown my way.

What I am Looking For

A couple days ago, someone asked me what I am looking for in a guy... my certain "type". This question caught me off guard. For the first time in my life my type did not consist of physical features or specific backgrounds or even futures... my type has transformed into something much more.

As I thought about my specifications and my past relationships, I realized I want a man who loves me. Regardless of their paycheck, or the status they have, or even physical perfection... I want someone who is going to love me old and grey, as much as they loved me young and vibrant. I want a man that stands by me through thick and thin, encouraging me the whole way through. I want a man that regardless of what i say, think, or even look like, will love me just the same. Without love there is nothing. Of course I want a man who loves family and friends, who is just as out going as I am, and has a wonderful outlook on life.

I believe that you only have one shot at this life, you have no choice but to live every second to its fullest. Not to live it up would be a crime.

So Good

For the last several weeks I personally thought I was doing well. I had no regrets about any decisions made and was marching forward. The only time I had shed a tear was when I was informing JKJ that I was leaving.

I am not sure if it was the lack of sleep or because I had just completed my first trip without him that had caused me to breakdown...

I had attended my first NASCAR race down in Homestead, Miami with some of my close friends. We had a fabulous time seeing all the amazingly sculpted mullets, bodies, and redneck outfits. The race was one that went down in the history books with Jimmy Johnson getting his 4th championship in a row!

On the way back to Naples to drop off a friend, I just started to feel a flood of emtions in my head and heart. None of regret or want... but of why. As I explained to my friend, my moment of craziness, I felt for the first time tears fall down my cheeks. Why after 31/2 years I was just able to walk away and not get stopped. Why I unable to get the love I needed. Why... Why... Why...

My dear friend was able to talk some sense into my heart and brain so I was able to sleep that night. The next day I did what I only new how to do and texted the source of my problems. The best thing we both did was be open and honest about all of our concerns and fears. In the end no one but him and I could have answered the questions I know I had... and I am sure he had.

We all have a choice in our lives of which path to start down. I am able to start down my healthy, refreshed, and ready for my new life. For me, I realize now it was probably not healthy to have had an absent of emotion. I am a person filled with emotion. Not to cry or to feel anything ,would not be human for me. I was able to work out some of my feelings I just tucked away...

Hopefully one day JKJ and I will be able to be friends. We have shared too much not to be apart of each others lives in some form. I know I will always have a certain love for him... regardless of where I am in life.

Because I Can

One Way Ticket (Because I can)
LeAnn Rimes

Standing on the border
Looking out into the great unknown
I can feel my heart beating faster as I step out on my own
There's a new horizon and the promise of favorable wind
I'm heading out tonight, traveling light
I'm gonna start all over again

And buy a one-way ticket on a west bound train
See how far I can go
I'm gonna go out dancing in the pouring rain
And talk to someone I don't know
I will face the world around me
Knowing that I'm strong enough to let you go
And I will fall in love again
Because I can

Gonna climb the mountain
And look the eagle in the eye
I won't let fear clip my wings and tell me how high I can fly
How could I have ever believed
That love had to be so blind
When freedom was waiting, down at the station
All I had to do was make up my mind

And buy a one-way ticket on a west bound train
See how far I can go
I'm gonna go out dancing in the pouring rain
And talk to someone I don't know
I will face the world around me
Knowing that I'm strong enough to let you go
And I will fall in love again
Because I can

Well, I have walked through the fire
And crawled on my knees through the valley of the shadow of doubt
Then the truth came shining like a light on me and now I can see my way out

I'm gonna buy a one-way ticket on a west bound train
See how far I can go
I'm gonna go out dancing in the pouring rain
And talk to someone I don't know

I'm gonna buy a one-way ticket on a west bound train
Gonna have my breakfast with some pink champagne
I'm gonna sail the ocean, I'm gonna spread my wings
I'm gonna climb that mountain, gonna do everything.

A New Kind of Blog...For a New Kind of Life.

I recently have changed my life in more ways than one. With that said, I am going to switch up my blog a bit. I have left the security of a full time job for higher education, I have left my boyfriend for a life of fulfillment that I was unable to get with him, and I have also decided to live without a roommate, in order to find my place in this world.

I am a single 20 something woman who is ready to take on life by the horns. I was unable to blog about my feelings when I needed to the most, because of a respect for my ex. The many issues I was dealing in the past was something that had to be taken care of in private. Now that I have figured out the path I want and need to be on, I would like to let the world know that they are not alone.

I hope you enjoy my blog of singleness. Being single does not mean being lonely. In order to be in a successful relationship both people must be comfortable with whom they are within. I am on a search for who I am and what I want out of life. I hope you enjoy stories of dating, schooling, working, and many more adventures.

When I was in search of an apartment and making my final decision to walk away from someone I loved and had been with for over three years, I read this poem and it moved me so much.



When We Two Parted
Lord Bryon

In silence and tears,
Half broken-hearted
To sever the years,
Pale grew thy cheek and cold,
Colder, thy kiss;
Truly that hour foretold
Sorrow to this.

The dew of the morning
Sunk, chill on my brow,
It felt like the warning
Of what I feel now.
Thy vows are all broken,
And light is thy fame;
I hear thy name spoken,
And share in its shame.

They name thee before me,
A knell to mine ear;
A shudder comes o'er me...
Why wert thou so dear?
They know not I knew thee,
Who knew thee too well..
Long, long shall I rue thee,
Too deeply to tell.

In secret we met
In silence I grieve
That thy heart could forget,
Thy spirit deceive.
If I should meet thee
After long years,
How should I greet thee?
With silence and tears."

Volunteering Like a Good Little Citizen

Today I completed my first day of volunteering at the Alzheimer's Association. I tell you, it is good to be back in an office. It is really good, because I only sit there for 4 hours a week! My job is to assist Catherine (the regional director for education) with her office stuff and the hotline. People call in with their issues or questions and I help them find a solutions or calm them down. I can already tell this will be interesting. I have a special place in my heart for the elderly... specially ones with Alzheimer's. My grandparents both had forms of Dementia and I watched them deteriorate into nothing as the years past. I know the strain it puts on the caregiver, the family, and their friends. Sitting in the office, talking to these people really hit home. I pray that they are able to find a cure soon or ways to prevent this disease.

With volunteering for the organization I am also helping with the 5k in November. At first I thought it might be fun to run the race and quickly realized how hard it was to run 5k's when I was young and in shape. So instead I will help with setup, registration, and cleanup. I will also cheer on the people who decide to run... If you want to run/walk in the event let me know. I can hook you up with the information you would need to participate!

On a school note... I officially completed my first paper as a full time student! YAY... I think. :)

Now to write a zillion more and study for many quizzes!!

Happy Weekend to you all! I will be at the beach tomorrow, thinking of everyone who has to work!

This picture is my very own, shot at Fort Myers Beach at Sunset....

My Favorite Time of Year!

So, my favorite time of the year has officially started.

FOOTBALL SEASON

With football brings a weekly stream of visitors to my house. Every Sunday, you can guarantee that if you walk into Jake's and my home, you will be greeted with the NFL Ticket, food, friends, and fun! Sundays have always been my fun-days (God needed his day of rest, so I take one too), but NFL and College Football bring and added dollop of YAY to the day.

This time of year brings holidays and beautiful weather. I love the fall! I love when I can finally open up the windows and let the sunshine and breeze in. Of course this fall I am a bit busier because I have a few extra classes then normal... but, I know it will still give me that same "uhhh" relaxing feeling.

School is starting to pick up for me. I think I might have made a mistake by taking American History to 1877 online... LOADS of reading and I am not to thrilled on the subject. My midterm is next month... I am waiting to see how I do, before I make any rash decisions. Besides that I am doing awesome! All my fears of not being able to survive or changing my habits of spending is working out. I had the opportunity to pick up extra shifts at the bar job but graciously turned them down. I realize this might be the only time in my life I have control on how much or how little I work. I am choosing the little part. Thanks to the many lessons on how to budget from my mom... I think I will be okay.

I thought I would miss working my full time job, but I am really glad to be out of the situation I was placed in. Toward the end of my stay, life was beginning to be very stressful. At one point I thought I was going through puberty at 24 due to all the zits on my face! haha... I loved what I did and the members I met, but I am glad I handed my torch on and am pursuing my dreams.

Happy Football Season to all!! Hopefully I will see you over one Sunday!

A New Way of Life

I did something out of character last week...

I left a full time job with a guaranteed salary and full paid benefits + retirement. I left all this behind to embark on a new journey.

SCHOOL

After high school I chose not to go to college. I thought that I could make a life with out it. At 21 I decided to enroll in college part time. At 24 years old and three years later, only considered a sophomore with my credits, I realized I need to make something happen. I decided to pull out loans like everyone else has done and go to school full time.

As you can imagine, my life starting tomorrow is about to drastically change... the joys of needing something and swiping a card or pulling out cash without a second thought... are behind me. Starting tomorrow I must stick to window shopping. I now have to carefully calculate every dollar that comes in and out of my pocketbook.

I know that this is the first risk that I must take in order to better myself and my life. If you don't take a risk, you wont ever know if something could be better.

Thank you to my parents (mom and daddee) for your support and encouragement as I take on a new way of life. Thank you to Jake for letting me feel at ease about my life changes and encouraging me that we will be fine and work together at making life fun, these next two years.

I know there are some people who won't understand why I can't pick up and go on trips or go shopping at a drop of a hat. I know they will have to learn or move on with our friendship. I am realizing the people who are close to me and have my best interest at heart, won't make me feel bad for bettering myself.

My new chapter in life begins tomorrow. My new title will be: Christal Mylisa, Full time student with a part time bar job. :)

3/50 Project

I found this idea on Thinking Outloud Blog, that I recently stumbled over. I think it is a great way to "Stimulate the Economy".

Go out and support your local business'. When our economy is turned around, we still have those great little spots to shop or eat at...

+/-

I am trying to stay positive with all the gloom and doom going on in the world. It is so easy to get caught up in every problem that surrounds you.

When do you draw the line?

Negativity is like a thief in the night, you wake up and realize your happiness and quality of life is near zero! So, this morning I woke up thinking, I'm going to make the most of the day and just smile.

I did an alright job... but boy does life throw interesting situations at you. I loved my job at one point. I can pretty much pin-point when I lost the caring part. I am sure this feeling is mutual in with some jobs in this market, as leader have to make tough decisions. Even though I am now on my final count down to be out of there, it is hard not to feel the thickness in the air.

My goal the next few weeks and months is to find that perfect balance in caring for others and other things, with out damaging myself with the negativity. I want to weed out the things in life that do not lift me up or make me appreciate life. I am sure it will not be easy...

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a
desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.
E. B. White

All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding
on. Henry Ellis

Changes...

Over the weekend Jake and I found an amazing deal on a sectional/sleeper. It is exactly what we have been looking for and for under 1k! (we have been searching for over a year.)

I should be jumping up and down that the man room is actually about to come together, meaning NO MORE video games downstairs!!! However, I am getting that throw-up feeling in the pit of my stomach because that means, the last of not only my stuff, but the last of anything that was purchased in BOTH of our seperate single lives of the past, will be gone.

I have to make the call this morning, to the Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Naples, to come and pick up my last remaining symbol of single Christal. I know everything will work out, but it is hard not to think of the what ifs...

I just need to trust the big guy up stairs, that all this is supposed to happen and that I am on the right track...

God's Visitors...

I feel that God introduces you to people for a reason, a season, a time. Through my work I have had the privilege to get to know different types of people. I received a message today that just lifted me up a bit and had to share.

Thank you to my friend Evie for her kind words, thoughts, and prayers!

"Enjoy your last month of work at the church! And many prayers for
your continued education, your next step in the relationship with Jake, and generally, for your future . You are a gifted young woman and I would love to hear how God guides your life. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. But in all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He WILL direct your path." (Proverbs 3:4-6)
Take THAT to the bank, Christal!!! Lol"

Great lil' Place to Eat!

Last night Jake got home after being in his insurance class for 11 hours. I was not in the mood to cook, nor was he. We hashed out where we could eat and could not come up with anything. Finally, I remembered a new little place popping up about six months ago called: David Wong's, Pan Asian and Sushi.

We decided that is where we would go, throw caution to the wind and try it.

Boy was I SOOOO glad we tried it! It was a great find! We ordered edamame, miso soup, and three different sushi rolls, plus two glasses of wine and two glasses of Japanese beer for $50!

There was one roll I took a chance on. It was called the Las Vegas roll. It was such a complex roll with so many different flavors hitting your pallet! It had raw sliced Jalapenos right on top! mmmm!

The restaurant is in Bonita Springs, next to Big Al's. Great place. Try it.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/146/1438620/restaurant/Fort-Myers/David-Wongs-Pan-Asian-Sushi-Bonita-Springs

My Slice of Americana

This past Fourth of July weekend I had the privilege to visit Jake's home town of Wyomissing, PA. The weekend visit started out with me finally watching the infamous sledding video of Jake and Nick. (anyone close to Jake has heard the story a million times over) I have to admit the sledding video was pretty funny, especially the third time Jake showed it, just so he could slow down the part where Nick slams his head into the ice, followed by 12 year old Jake saying, "oh shit, he's bleeding"... with chuckles of his dad video taping!

(Jake and I on the Fourth)

(the street Jake grew up on)

The weekend was filled with Family, Friends, and Food. It was perfect.

(the Johnsons)

Jake wanted us to stay at his parents house so we could experience all of the fourth. (let me tell you... it is quite the production) On the morning of Fourth of July, the Wyomissing fire chief (who lives across the street) played his patriotic music over the loud speaker at 7am to mark the beginning of the morning. About 45 minutes later the oldest fire truck in Wyomissing, travels down the parade route with its siren on to clear the route for the parade.

By 10a.m. the street was filled, guest had arrived, and we are all in our spots to watch the parade. At the start of the parade a family walks the route passing out flags. This happens every year... after years of collecting flags, the Johnson's and their neighbors have enough to cover the entire street. It was so awesome to feel the closeness of this town and to experience how everyone comes together for this yearly event. Of course I always get teary-eyed when it comes to patriotism and such. I admit I teared up when one of the bands walked by playing, "Your a Grand Old Flag" and the Pearl Harbour survivors followed.

(The Johnson's front yard)

(My Flag)

(Nina and Katie awaiting the parade)

(All the flags)

(Nina Doing her part in setting up)

The weather so beautiful. I think the hottest day was 84 degrees. At night we slept with the windows open. Thanks to Katie, Nina and I got to shop at the Vanity Fair shoppes. It is an old factory turned into an outlet store. It is a really good place to get deals. One section of this old factory, I was able to purchase authentic Red Sox gear for $9!

On Sunday Jake, Myself, Nina, Nick, and Katie all piled into the Rav 4 (the rental) and drove to Hershey Park. It was sooooo awesome. I have to say, Hershey Park blows both Disney and Busch Gardens out of the water any day. There was soooo many roller coaster and even a water park inside the regular park. Anybody and everybody had something they could participate in. One funny experience I encountered that day, was a ride called the Mouse. To the untrained eye one might think it was merely a child's ride, like the one at the fair. As I sat on the ride, Jake and I began to reminisce about the Lombardi's experience on a similar ride, and how they were a little freaked out. At that very moment those words came out of my mouth... My heart stopped. The ride turned into the scariest ride I had ever been on. High up on the top it jerked you around, giving me the feeling we would fly off. I have to admit now (or else Jake will make me) I did cry. I was petrified on a child's ride. I could do any of the roller coasters that flipped, looped, hung, had 97 degree drops, but I could not handle the evil child's ride!! uggghhh.

(Hershey Park Sign)

(In route to the Chocolate Factory)

We unfortunately did not get a chance to go into Philadelphia. However, Jake and I are planning to make a trip next year to see the Phillies play and stay the night in the city.

(Downtown Philadelphia)
(My first Locust)

I was able to enjoy a Philly Cheese Steak from V & S Sandwich Shop. It was yummy, messy, and all around delicious!

The trip was a success. My favorite part of the trip was the Fourth of July. Thank you to the Johnson's for having us at their house. It was amazing!! I can't wait for next Fourth...

Redecorating for Less!

I was recently surfing the world wide web of blogs and came across Hostest with the Mostest blog. I was inspired by the redecorating of a porch for a party. Our porch was definitely less then glamorous with everything just thrown out there as a holding area before our trash visit.


I was able to redecorate the porch for under $40!! See below for the changes!

Our Newly Organized Porch!

I got this table and the chase lounge for free from work!!

(look at my beautiful basil plant!!)

Found this table at Big Lots for $15!

the free chase lounge

Got this idea from the above blog. Knock off of a fire pit, but I have candles in it instead.

Found the rocks in the backyard... I also put some citronella candles in there with different size pillar candles. Hopefully the citronella candles will keep the mosquitos away!

Myself...

We are always working on ourselves... and I am definitely working on me... Sorry for acting a fool.

I guess I get rapped up in my company and I can't control my happy volume...

Blogging just for the hect of it!

So, I am not the type to just blog without any motivation. However, there have been some life changing things occurring throughout the last month. Now that summer school is over, I have the time to catch update you on them...

1. I have handed in my letter of resignation at my full time job.

• This means that as of August 31st, I will be without out a full time job, for the first time since high school. I have been able to get some loans and scholarships, but have not received enough to support the lifestyle I have built up.
• I am looking to sell the Pontiac for $11,500 so I can downgrade to something a little more affordable. $340 monthly payments will not cut it on 12k a year!
• Another fear or worry is Jake. I feel bad that I have to cut back on my extra activities and by that he is affected. He is almost 30 years old and should not have to live the life of a college student. He already lived this life. It is something I need to just let go and know that if we are meant to be, both of us will learn to sacrifice for the long haul.

2. I received my first "C" in school ever this past summer session.

• I am actually in the process of fight my research paper grade. If this will even go up a letter grade I will have a "B" in the class.
• The instructor gave me a 60. I have no clue what was wrong, but I know I followed the instructions and made sure to type all 8 pages.
• A 60% on anything means that you have turned in crap. My work is not crap...

3. Jake and I reached our 3 year mark.

• We celebrated by going to Orlando to watch the game 6 playoffs between the Magic and the Celtics. It was amazing.
• For the first time in our 3 year history, I will be making my first visit to Wyomissing. Jake insures me I have never seen anything like it. I re-assured him with a reminder that I was born in St. Cloud FL... a place that gets Rodeo Day off from high school...
• We are still on track for saving for our trip this winter... If anyone wants to go skiing with us... let me know! I could really use the 1k giveaway from wink96.9!

4. This past weekend we enjoyed ourselves at another wedding.

• It is always exciting when friends close to you get married. Jake and I got to witness the joining in marriage of Jen and Kev.
• The ceremony was awesome and the reception was a blast.
• So many friends and family... you could not go wrong!

I think that is pretty much it... I have started my book reading!! wooo hoo! I am also excited about sewing and scrapbooking. I am sure to keep myself busy this summer, and of course keep you my blogging world updated!

Father's Day Blog

I have had many men in my life try to be a father to me. Most of fallen short. I thank God everyday for John, my step-dad. He has stepped to the plate and not only been a father to his own daughter Emily, but a father to me and my sister.

I was flipping through the internet today and read an article from President Obama, on his reflections of being a father. He talks about his childhood and the feeling it left him with, not having that father their.

In one part of the article he says:

"That is why we need fathers to step up, to realize that their job does not end at conception; that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child but the courage to raise one" (Obama, 2009)

This is so true. So many men give up after the birth. The most courages thing in life is being the father...

It is a great article to read. It can be found at: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/31437363/ns/fathers_day_guide//


Happy Father's Day to all of the men who have stepped up to the plate within their own families!

A Story From the Past...

For my choosing wellness class, I had to write about my first experience with sex and my feelings. I thought I would share my story with the blogger community!!

Enjoy....

Growing up there was a specific pop-up book that I always remembered playing with. One day it disappeared. A couple years later the book finally surfaced. It was the day of my tenth birthday. The day before my birthday, my mom took me shopping for a “big girl” outfit. On February 20, 1995, my mother and I celebrated my first double digit birthday. We got all dressed up, painted our nails, curled our hair, and I was even allowed to put on a little bit of makeup.


Mom and I got in the car and she drove us all the way down to the Red Lobster in the next town. When we pulled into our parking space at the Red Lobster, mom rolled down the windows and turned off the car. She turned to me and began to explain what a big day this was and how exciting it is. She then pulled out the famous pop-up book that had been missing in action for so long. As she handed the book to me she told me, now that I am a big girl, I should know where babies come from. All of a sudden this amazing book turned into something much, much more…

As mom went on to explain the “birds and the bees”, I think I wanted to sink further and further into the car seat. She gingerly flipped each page over, explaining in detail what was taking place. At the end of our time, she gave me my present. It was a promise ring. She asked me to wait until marriage and until I found the person I fell in love with. She told me if I ever had any questions or was curious about anything that I could ask her. I wore that ring until I was 18 years old.


After our little powwow, we marched into Red Lobster. Mom told me since I was a big girl I was allowed to try crab legs for the first time. When our order came to the table and I then began to learn how to properly break and eat the legs. I wish this food experience was a bit more enjoyable. After hearing the story about where babies came from and then having to snap and pull out the meat from the legs, made me want to yak.


For years, after that day I was unable to eat crab legs. I think I associated that graphic story with the work of cracking the legs. Do not get me wrong. I believe my mom did a standout job telling me, at 10 years of age about the reproduction system of humans and how babies are conceived. That day I was embarrassed from the lesson I had learned, but as an adult I treasure relationships. Having mom explain to me the intimate relations of a man and a woman, made me respect sexual moments with the person I love. Unfortunately, I did not wait till I was married, but I did wait until I was an adult. I made a decision to engage in my first experience of intercourse with my best friend. Now that I am older I respect my body and I have made a point to understand how it ticks. I take pride in my cleanliness and that I practice safe sex.

Cheap and Fun Find!!

With buying a sewing machine and going to school full-time, I have been on a diligent search for a desk. I wanted something clean, yet feminine, but sturdy and long-lasting. I also did not want to spend ridiculous money on a desk.

I have been surfing the web for a while now and on one of my trip on to Craigslist.com, I found this beauty!

The best part about this desk is, I only paid $25!

All the legs have some detailed wood work.

I love this desk! It is everything I have been looking for and it was SOOOOO affordable. It is a solid piece of furniture, that I am glad I waited for.

Happy Shopping!

My Very First Sewing Project

Below is the change purse I created this morning. Keep in mind that I have no formal training on a sewing machine. The only time I have ever sewed was a hem-line, with my mother watching. I personally think I did a darn tootin good job...

I sewed a lining in the change purse.

I definitely have some skill I need to learn... like sewing a square change purse instead of a lop-sided change purse!

I owe all the credit to twelve22.org blog. Her zipper pouch tutorial is pretty easy to understand.

A lil’ more domesticated…

It seems like forever since my last blog, even though it is only been a week or so.

This Past weekend, Jake and I opened our home to his parents and hosted a party for his brother’s graduation. Leading up to the arrival of Mamma and Poppa J, I was a bit nervous and convulsively cleaned our two bedroom apartment for two weeks prior to the event. I should known not worried... I love Jake and he is definitely their offspring. They made me feel very comfortable around them. I am now VERY excited to go up north for Fourth of July weekend.

(Right to left) Me, Jake, Poppa J., Nick, and Nina

P.A. HERE WE COME!

Monday when I arrived to work, I was greeted with an email message from a dear friend I met through my job here at the church. Marlene “eagle eyes”, spotted the best darn sale for a sewing machine I think I will ever see. For 99 bucks, I have a Singer Sewing machine. It came with a really nice cover, four sewing foots (zipper foot is included), thread ripper, and much, much more! Marlene met me on my lunch break, so she could be my support system, while I purchased my first sewing machine ever! After I had the machine she took me around the store and instructed me to search for all the great deals… watching Marlene dart around the store, gave me shopping inspiration... she is such a bargain shopper.

This is my Singer Sewing Machine!!

I had a few minor bumps when I got the machine home. The bobbin winder refused to wind… I began to wonder if the talent my grandma had, skipped over me! However, Jackie from JoAnn’s reassured me it was the machine and not my lack of natural ability. With a newer machine in hand… I am now ready to take the sewing world by storm. I have buttons, zippers, material, and MANY IDEAS as my weapon.

My next big search is a cheap, cute desk. I need it to be versatile… one day I could be sewing on it, the next I could be completing a homework assignment. My search continues...

Jake and I have decided to take on remodeling our master bedroom and bathroom. Homedepot is scheduled to come out on Monday and give us an estimate on converting our tub to a shower… The eighties carpet in the bathroom has definitely overstayed it welcome… we are also planning to repaint and re-carpet the bedroom.

Because of the bath-tub leak a few months back we had water seep under our 80’s carpet and caused moister to build up. I consider myself to be a “clean person” and the mere glance of an ant sends me into a Clorox/water and vinegar tizzy. We have lately had another type of bug rear its ugly, creepy, nasty, little face at us… ROACHES! UGGGH… BARF!

Growing up I was encouraged to visit a person in my life, who was unable to keep their house clean enough to keep the cockroaches out of their home. I was forced to sleep in a room with nest of those nasty bugs. Since that experience I have been petrified of the little boogers. With that being said, I went to use the restroom downstairs and as I am pulling off my pants, I hear a scurry across the room and see the roach. I swear it started cat-calling me and saying sly comments. I quickly pulled up my pants and shut the door on it. When Jake came home, (the manly-man he is) he armed himself with his weapon (shoe and bug spray) and bravely found the roach (in the dirty mags… guess he was disappointed he did not get a show from me) and Jake bravely squished him to smithereens.

We are now having the house professionally sprayed. I refused to live with anyone else but Jake. No Ants… No silver fish… NO Roaches.

With redoing the rooms, come new fixtures. Jake and I successfully completed our first fan installation. The fan even had lights. I cannot take any credit, except for being a great assistant for holding parts and reading the instructions. We were able to complete the project without shocking ourselves on the live wire! And the fan worked the first try!!! Wooo hoooo!

I promise to put up pics as soon as I complete my first sewing project!

Fun Finds

Once a year, usually the weekend after Easter (with the exception of this year) Moorings Presbyterian Church has a Giant Garage Sale. Many residents of Naples, FL come to drop of their items.... Some of my perks I have from working at Moorings is I get to go down to the gym everyday and have the first looks at all the finds!

It amazes me what some people actually bring. This year I actually saw an open box of Tampons! GROOOOSSSSS! Last year the a used tube of lipstick!!! Some people in Naples should lay off the bottle.

Thankfully there are more normal people the loony people in Naples. I found the below items... and managed to walk out with only spending 25 dollars!!

Trifle Bowl and 6 mini cake pans

Big bowl that I have in the middle of my dinning room table with a candle in the middle

bowl with the candle

Beautiful orange bowl for the guest room

Saks Fifth Ave purse

I also walked away with a strand of pearls and two books which I blogged about two or so blogs ago.

Spring Cleaning + Shopping= Happy Day

I took advantage of a free Saturday, and decided to do the customary "Spring Cleaning". Jake had a golf date with his boyfriend... I mean buddy, and I took advantage of the quiet house to get ahead on my cleaning for this week.

I was referred to a blog written by a woman who now is my hero. She has the ability to work and clean her home every night. What she called dirty in her pics... I called immaculate! After reading her blog, I was inspired to clean my home from top to bottom. and I did just so... literally clean the fan blades (top) all the way down to the baseboards (bottom).

I woke up at 9am and finally convinced myself that I was unable to sleep right through the day, subsequently missing my day of cleaning. I cleaned and scrubbed every inch of the house until 3:30pm. I took a two hour break to get my car washed and run to walmart for some "necessary items". (I had to go shopping for new things... Jake's parents are staying with us next weekend for Nick's graduation... and they have not seen the house since I moved in...)

New Welcome Mat... I love the pretty colors!

Our old oven mitts were gross... Jake's dad loves to cook...


Kitchen mat... I don't know why we have never had one... hmmm. I think it brings a kitchen together!

New place mats... and a mail holder for Kev's mail.
The plant is from work. I grew it from a clipping. I love how you can see the roots forming. I hope the plant doesn't mind I can see its belows!

Close up of the mats. Funky material, that is easy to clean.

Thank God for Clorox lemon bleach wipes. I went through an entire container cleaning yesterday. They were so handy cleaning the sides and tops of the toilets, baseboards, counter tops, tables, etc. Also, the Swifter Duster that has the bendable neck... is an amazing cleaning tool. I literally enjoyed cleaning the fans. It was really easy to wipe up the dust... and seeing how much you can get, kept motivating me to dust, dust, dust!

Fun facelifts for around the house for cheap, I also bought new rugs for the bathrooms and new shower curtains. It is amazing how something so small can change a look of a bathroom!

WOW...

Last night I was at a concert enjoying 4 wonderful bands. Thank you to the local radio station (969 Wink FM) who had a "Spring Fling" Concert for only $5 entry fee! It is so wonderful how people are really trying to help others enjoy small pleasures in bad times.

Performing as the opening act for the 1000 or so crowd, was a band called Cadence Wednesday. I went to high school with the lead singer Sergio. He was such a great guy and still is.

(quick plug... you need to check out their MySpace page at: http://www.myspace.com/cadencewednesday they are awesome!)

Anyways... watching Sergio achieving his dreams and goals got me to ponder where I am in my dream, where my friends are in their dreams, and where I want to go from here. It is amazing to look back and see where everyone is or is going. Some chose the family route, some chose to move around the country or even the world, some girls I knew in high school are strippers, and some like Sergio are living out their God given talents in music, modeling, speaking, school, etc.

I have learned it is necessary to have goals in life. With out them, how do you know where you are going? At the same time, I have and still am learning that it is not the end of the world when you do not reach some of your planned goals. I have to keep remembering that God has a specific plan for me and I must trust in him. I may have a certain time table for events or goals to happen and God may have a completely different one.

All I can do is chug a lug... and pray.

I love variety, I love spontaneous-ness, but I also love the plan. I have a plan, but the best part is God has a bigger plan. :)

Here is another shameless plug for Sergio's band...

The Next Three Weeks

So, for the next three weeks or so I have no school... time to relax and catch up on books and scrapbooking. At the church I work at we have a Giant Garage Sale once a year... during the week leading up to the Garage Sale, Cindy and I sneak into the gym and pre-purchase all the good finds! Yesterday was the beginning of this Giant Event, and I found two great books that I have not had the opprotunity to read. The first one is The Glass Castle and the second in the Kite Runner. I started to read the Glass Castle, it is a memior of Jeannet Wells life. It is sooo good that I already hate putting it down!

Scrapbooking is my other love. I wish I had more time in my hectic life to create. I will be creating these next three weeks.

also, now that I do not have any extra income, I want to find a clothing swap store. I know there is one in Naples... I just have to figure out when, where, and how much! I think that would be so fun.

Pet Peeve... People in Charge, not caring enough to get to know their empoyees.

I know it has been a while since I blogged last. I apologize for the slack. I blame it on my Professional Writing class… Ms. Withrow had us blog for our end of the year project. This is my final week shaping and creating that blog.

Anyways…

Last night as I was working my second job, the general manager comes up to me in front of bar people and employees, to tell me that he is letting me go. (I will say it got me some nice tips at then end of the night) He followed it with, I know you have a full time job and I have to worry about the girls who don’t.

I was blind sided. I only work twice a week… it is not like I hog all the great shifts. Plus, this was not just a job to support my addiction of shoes. It was a job to save for the future; to guarantee that I have a nice cushion to finish school. Unfortunately, I do not sleep or flirt with the Gen. Manager sooooo he could give two craps about me and my situation.

Life has always been a struggle for me. I do right (as best I can)… but it always seems there is a dark cloud that follows me and occasionally rains on my parade.

I was talking to Jake last night at midnight about my turn of events… and he quoted what he learned from his yearly visit to church this past Easter Sunday. He reminded me of the Story of Job… and how he lost everything, yet God was with him. Even though Jake was partially trying to make me laugh, it worked… and got me to calm down.

So as Marquis just said in a text: “time for plan d”.

I know life will work out. I have a gazillion (more the a trillion) skills in my back pocket. One of which is a realtor’s license.

Thanks for letting me whine a bit. I will get over it.

Check out my Other Blog!

http://teachers94.blogspot.com/

This is a group blog for my Professional Writing course. We are all future educators blogging about writing and communication in the classroom.

Grass Patch: A Clock that Runs on Mud

Thought this was a really cool idea... Found this article on Apartment Therapy.

We've always heard of eco-friendly gadgets, but none would be more eco-friendly than a clock that runs on mud. Clocks are important. Most of us need them daily to tell time and to wake us up. Even though people are starting to use their cell phones for this function, clocks are still necessary. Plus, if you're stuck in the middle of a city, having a bit of mud and grass in your pad might be a good idea. There's nothing greener!


This is a clock that's called Timeless Garden and it was designed by Francesco Castiglione Morelli and Tommaso Ceschi. It combines the idea of a houseplant with that of a clock. It's a fashionably nice item that will look good in your place. The secret to this clock is that it uses the chemistry inherent between mud and metal to create electricity. The clock sustains itself, without needing anything extra. The frame is a sort of hitch between two recycled bodies made out of plastic.
An indoor plant which includes a self-sustaining digital clock. Now that's novel. I wouldn't mind having one of those in my bedroom. There's only one point of contention. How will the clock react to poor maintenance? If you over water the plant or under water it, will the clock just stop functioning?

Found article at: http://www.unplggd.com/unplggd/clock-digital/grass-patch-a-clock-that-runs-on-mud-076436

This is probably the most challenging week I have gone through thus far. Not only do I have all three classes demanding a lot out of me, but I have my General Knowledge, FTCE test on Thursday. I am studying every formula I have ever known in my life short of Calculus and trig! I am anxious for the weekend to get here and pass. I don’t know where life is going to take me at this very moment. However, I am ready to go with the flow. I wish it was as easy as following a yellow brick road…

I have to keep reminding myself that I am a strong woman, who can do all things through Christ that strengthens me… (Philippians 4:13)

I appreciate all of my friends and family that are encouraging me and helping me every step of the way.

I am…
A friend
A daughter
A person
A woman
A girl-friend
A co-worker
A future educator

I am…
Strong
Weak
Compassionate
Competitive

I love…
God
My Family
My Friends
Out Doors
The smell of the Ocean
Sundays
Me

In the future I want to…
Have a family
Succeed
Win
Love uncontrollably
Love unconditional
Help others

Things Put into Perspective

It is funny how God can put what you think may be a life altering situation and show you very quickly that you are just acting like a child. I posted earlier this week a picture of a crazy Muppet looking guy with a caption "this is how I feel"... I honestly wanted to blow up something. I attribute my anger or short fuse, if you will... to me not attending my weekly yoga class for two weeks now.

When I got to my second job and told my friend and coworker my overwhelming woes... even though they were bad, I still have a job and things were resolved. I then proceeded to ask her why she was so sad the day before when I had spoke with her, and she said, her mother had a stoke about 5 years ago and was paralyzed. Slowly over the years, the depression and the paralysis began to improve. She received a call while enjoying her spring break, that said her mom had tried to take her own life.

At that very moment, I broke down into tears. I was humbled that this 19 year old girl, came home early and was now dealing with a fragile mother. My issues seemed to melt away.

With the help of my friend and a good, hard, spin class... my blood pressure has come down and the accida (I am sure I did not spell that correct) has subsided.

Exhausted

This is how I felt this week!

Fun Picture I had saved a while back...

The Fray... a great tune.

You Found Me... By, The Fray

I found God on the corner of 1st and Amistad
Where the West was all but won
All alone, smoking his last cigarette
I said, "Where you been?" He said, "Ask anything"

Where were you when everything was falling apart?
All my days were spent by the telephone that never rang
And all I needed was a call that never came
To the corner of 1st and Amistad

Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me
Lying on the floor surrounded, surrounded
Why'd you have to wait? Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late, you found me, you found me

But in the end everyone ends up alone
Losing her, the only one who's ever known
Who I am, who I'm not and who I wanna be
No way to know how long she will be next to me

Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me
Lying on the floor surrounded, surrounded
Why'd you have to wait? Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late, you found me, you found me!

The early morning, the city breaks
And I've been calling for years and years and years and years
And you never left me no messages
You never sent me no letters
You got some kind of nerve taking all I want!

Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me
Lying on the floor, where were you? Where were you?

Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me
Lying on the floor surrounded, surrounded
Why'd you have to wait? Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late, you found me, you found me!

Why'd you have to wait to find me, to find me?

Old Poems

I was going through some of my stuff in boxes and I found an old notebook of mine with poems. Growing up, I had a notebook to write random thoughts in, instead of a diary. I would love to share some of them...

I wrote the below in 1999...

The Game Of Life

I sit here helpless

In the Super Bowl of Life.

Apart of the crowd in the bleachers,

So far away.

I wish I was Moses,

So I could part the sea of people

who stand in our way.

As you play your game of life

I sit cheering you from a far.

I want to make an impression

On your heart that last forever.

Cause I'm sick of being on the sidelines;

I'm ready for my close up!

I am sick of the one player games,

I wanna play with you;

A game of life,

for eternity.

I Never Met a Shoe I Did Not Like

As a follow up to my earlier blog, I would like to show you all the shoes I have aquired in the past 30 days... I got REALLY GREAT DEALS on all of them but two... The two I did not get for a good deal, was for a good cause... the Alzhiemers Association had a "girls night out" at White House, Black Market... I had to support the cause!!

Bealls $10 each

The "Good Cause" Shoes White House Black Market $20 each

Nike Shoes $40 at DSW

Pink Boat Shoes from Bealls $23

Madden Girl Boots, $49 from DSW

Madden Girl, DSW $11

Madden Girl, DSW $20

$11 DSW