In the Meantime...Make a Memory

I would first like to set the stage for you... currently I have just finished off a bag of buttery popcorn, Ben Harper's Pandora station is playing, and a glass of sweet tea is being enjoyed.  It's early in the afternoon, and I have some chill time and finally getting to write.  It's moments like this when I remember that I am fortunate to have the schedule I have.  Most people are stuck at work right now, maybe behind a desk watching a clock.  Others may consider my 4:00 A.M. alarm clock anything but "fortunate," but I must disagree.  Once I got over the fact that I wake up incredibly early every day, I started to enjoy the many perks of my job.  

Second, I would like to give a shout out to Kelly for bringing it to my attention that I haven't blogged in a very long time.  Thanks to you I am snapping out of my writer's block and choosing to join you all again on updates :)  Truthfully, I get overwhelmed when so much time passes.  Where to start?  I apologize in advance if I jump all over the place.  This post could resemble William Faulkner's stream of consciousness writing style.  That nerdy literary moment was in memory of the pride of New Albany... William Faulkner.  I digress.

Many things have happened since last post.  God has been teaching me more than I could have imagined.  I have been "a big girl" in the Midwest for almost an entire year now.  I know what they mean when they say, "You learn so much AFTER college about yourself and about life."  Indeed.

I have learned how to live by myself, handle finances (file taxes), enter new relationships, leave old ones behind, manage time and schedules, be calm and confident in a crowd, buy groceries for one, enjoy alone time, hurt and heal, and a huge one that I have not mastered but am working on... how to be content!

We will all struggle to be content: if we are single, we want to find someone.  If we are married, we want children.  If we are on our own, we want company.  If we are surrounded, we want alone time.  If we are working, we want a vacation.  If we are jobless, we want to get out of the house.  If we are in college, we want to grow up.  If we have grown up, we want to go back.  There could always be something that we prefer be different.  But for His reasons, we are where we are.  Rather than complaining about what I wish was different, I will try so hard to trust His placement of the here and now and how I fit in it.  Oh, and it could even help to enjoy it while I'm at it.

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."  Philippians 4:11-12

Wonderful memories continue to be made.  For that I will count my gains all the more.  Lady Liberty and I continue taking more than our share of road trips, seeing many familiar faces that make me smile.  

 Nothing can compare to standing beside a childhood friend as she says her vows.  Mary Catherine made the most beautiful bride.  I had a blast doing her hair for the big weekend!

 Oh, how I genuinely crave family time.  Easter weekend was so fun time with these fine folks.  Mom planned a wonderful weekend for us in the Smoky Mountains.  MOST of us rode every ride known to Dollywood Amusement Park.  Who knew that Dollywood had many rides that give Six Flags a run for its money?!

 Lots of love filled the air...

Along with an occasional pout.  (I said I am "LEARNING to be okay in a crowd.")

The perfect finale to a perfect getaway... remembering "He is Risen."  I will not forget the most beautiful sunrise and Easter service I have ever been to.  Nothing shouts the majesty of our Risen Lord quite like the start of a new day from the mountain tops.

Though I miss the convenience of being close to most friends and family, I am enjoying the nearness and more frequent visits of others.  

 Katrina and Kentucky always do the soul good.  And in case you're wondering, you are never too old to play in a human-sized hamster wheel.  (Note: It's much harder to roll than it may look.)

 And no longer do big events for friends include just weddings... now they include baby showers :)  Cannot wait to meet Baby Stucky.  Melissa (mommy) was the first friend I made in Indiana, by the way.  I just happened to be eating breakfast with her the morning she got the call from the hospital that a baby would be coming their way.  Needless to say, I have a special place for her... 

So clearly I am staying busy and loving the ride!  Oh, and I'm still hanging out with this rugrat...

 Kaya just found out she will be a big sister soon.  She is beside herself.  Quote: "I FINALLY HAVE SOMEONE TO PLAY WITH!"  Miss Kaya will make one wonderful sister.

So on that youthful last note, let's end this post with a current favorite that I don't mind turning up and listening to on repeat... Kaya would approve.  Happy Friday, y'all! 

 (JT better watch his back...)