A little perspective

Every day, when I get home from work, after washing dishes, planning dinner, doing laundry and taking the dog out, I sit down and turn on the computer. Bet ya can't guess what the first thing I check is... Facebook. Shocker, right?

Anyways, I find myself scrolling through news feeds, reading status updates and checking out mobile uploads. This time of year I see a lot of Christmas decorations and sweet family Christmas pictures. Now that I am past of my college years, I see less pictures of people drinking, going out and studying and more pictures of engagements, weddings and babies. It isn't unusual for me to log in and see a new couple getting married or announcing that they are pregnant. 

I remember a few years ago, when D and I had been dating a while. I had finally moved home and gotten a job. We started looking at houses. I wanted so badly to get engaged. We had looked at rings, but nothing was happening. We took a trip to Florida with some friends, and I remember being convinced it was going to happen then. But, there was nothing. Along came Christmas, New Years (which by the way was the day we officially started dating) and finally,Valentines Day - all of which passed with no ring in sight. As I got on Facebook throughout all these holidays, couple after couple were announcing their engagement. I remember feeling so heartbroken, so frustrated, but most of all, jealous.

D kept reminding me that other people don't matter. That the only thing that matters is us, and that I needed to be patient. And sure enough, a week after Valentines day, I finally got my diamond. And it was so worth the wait. It made our day special, because everyone else was not getting engaged on that random Tuesday night like we were. And D knew that all along. That was what he was waiting for. For our engagement to be special. To be different. To be a surprise. Which is exactly what it was after I had convinced myself that if it was going to happen, it would have happened during the holidays. 

As I find myself getting jealous of pictures on Facebook of beautiful new homes being purchased or growing families, I try to remind myself of this :

2 years ago, at this very moment, I was browsing Facebook, jealous of people that are where I am now in life- Happily married homeowners with full-time jobs and good friends & family. 

So, maybe, this time 2 years from now, I will be able to say the very same thing. That two years ago, I was sitting on Facebook jealous of others living my dream, and now, I am here living it. 

"Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind." - Buddha

Kid at Heart

I think it is fair to say that the holidays tend to bring out the inner child in all of us. We get excited about spending time with family, giving and receiving gifts, playing in the snow (if we have any) and watching old classic holiday movies.

My husband and family often tell me I am like a kid, at all times of the year. Holidays apparently have no effect on me because I act like a 10 year old all the time :) I'll share with you the many ways...

1- If an episode of Saved By the Bell, Full House or Boy Meets World is on, you will have a hard time pulling me away from a T.V.

2- I will do anything almost anything for a bowl of Lucky Charms, extra marshmallows.

3- I honestly believe the Halloween isn't Halloween without carving pumpkins, Easter isn't Easter with Easter Baskets, and Christmas isn't Christmas without surprise gifts under the tree from Santa. And stockings- can't forget the stockings!

4- If my grandma is around, I will be by her side. I have followed her around since I was little and I'm not stopping now. We snuggle and walk with our arms around each other, just like a little girl does with her grandma. Doesn't matter that I'm 27 now, right?

5- "Finding Nemo" and "Now and Then" are still two of my all-time favorite movies.

6- Chocolate chip cookies, pizza and chicken tenders are staples in my diet. Healthy, I know.

7- I eat ketchup on everything.

8- Days spent in pajama's are great days as far as I'm concerned. Productive, no. Enjoyable, yes.

9- When my little brother is around, we are guaranteed to fight at some point. Kicking, wrestling, arguing. It happens every time. But, hey, we really do love each other!

10- I love to play with other kids. Children are my favorite types of people in the whole world! They are so imaginative and carefree. Maybe one more reason why I strive to be like them :)


The list could go on and on. And I am sure my husband, mother, father and brother would LOVE to add a few things, but I just don't think that is necessary :)

Behaving like a child around the holidays (and maybe other times of the year) is a great way to take a break from being so serious and have a good time. I recommend you give it a try!

Remaining faithful...

I have always been amazed at the way God puts things in front of us right when we need it most.

I mean, how many verses are in the Bible?

And, how many sayings are there about God and His plan for us?

But, today, when signing into Facebook for the first time, this is the first status I see:

"When your emotions tend to be like a roller coaster ride, stop and let My truth prevail. Stand on the firm foundation of My Word and refuse to allow discouragement or disappointment to plunge you into darkness. Stay in the light. I am with you to establish you in peace and strengthen your heart, says the Lord. Be strong and determined to press through! 

Psalms 7:9 Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just; for the righteous God tests the hearts and minds."

Tell me this status wasn't intended for my life lately. I love seeing God's reminders to keep faith and be positive.

Head vs. Heart

You know when your head knows something but your heart just doesn't get it? I am having that internal struggle an awful lot lately.

I know something in my head. My brain fully understands it. Logically, it makes perfect sense.

My heart, however, has a mind of its own. My heart is stuck on one thing, and one thing only.

And no matter what my head says and knows, my heart is not convinced.

Man, that heart. It sure is a stubborn one...

Home Sweet Home

My Hubby returned today from a 9 day hunting trip to North Dakota. He and some friends drove 25ish hours, with a dog, trailer and carry-all atop the Tahoe until they finally made it. D has talked for years about wanting to go to North Dakota on a duck hunting trip, so I was glad that he was finally able to go. Now, don't get me wrong, I wasn't exactly thrilled he would be gone for 9 days, but I knew that this was something he has been wanting to do for a long time. So, off he went.

While he was gone, I realized a few things.

One thing I realized is that I can do it alone. I don't want to, ever, have to do it alone. But sometimes, it is nice to know that I can. I lived alone, without roomies, for one year before moving home. But, that was a very small place. I could see everything from the front door, so there wasn't much worry about who/what was in my house with me. I was also living in a house in someones's backyard, so neighbors were super close-by. Now, in this big (doesn't feel very big until my husband is gone) house, things are a bit scarier. I managed to make it the whole time without forcing my momma to spend the night with me, or venturing off to my parents' place for an unplanned sleepover (not to say I wasn't close a few times).

Another thing I realized is that I am just not the same without D around. Not in a bad way. Just not the same. I didn't look forward to coming home to an empty house the way I do when I know that D will be home too. I found myself looking for excuses to get out of the house and entertain myself. There is nothing like coming home at the end of a long day, especially when it is to him.

Lastly, I realized (yet again) how wonderful my friends and family are. I had friends offering to do dinner, drinks, sleepovers, etc. because they knew I would be pretty lonely. My sweet mom and dad offered for me to sleep at their place multiple times, and when my momma realized I couldn't leave my crazy dog un-cared for, she even offered to sleep here. I am constantly reminded of how lucky and blessed I am to have these awesome people in my life.

The last 9 days have definitely been an eye-opener.I knew I would miss him while he was gone, but geez! I missed the nightly conversation, the cuddles, the company and even that no-shave-November beard he has going. I am so glad my sweet hubs was able to take this trip of a lifetime, but I am even more glad he is home.

Because I know you want an update...

** I hate being alone. I don't always have to be right next to someone but sometimes just knowing that someone is nearby makes things OK. I am definitely not a loner.

** I just had the best time in the mountains this weekend with some friends from work. I am so thankful that our friend has a mountain house she is willing to let us crash twice a year for good times with great friends. I am happy to have been accepted to "the crew" when I moved to my new school and look forward to many years of fun trips ahead.

** Recently, I have become obsessed with trivia. D and I have been going with our friends, Matt and Nicole, every Monday night for the past month. It is such a good time, despite the fact it makes me realize how little I really know.

** We planned a trip to Washington in December for D to hunt and me to socialize and I am already counting down the days.

** I found out my brother will be home the week of Thanksgiving. His sweet girlfriend will be joining him too. Pretty pumped about this one!

** This election was the first time I have walked into my designated voting location and voted on Election day. The past two elections, I have been in Washington/Greenville and had to fill out absentee ballots.

**I seem to have a lot of friends going through difficult times right now which, in turn, means I have been doing a lot of praying.

**I am having trouble adjusting to the Daylight Savings time. I find myself wondering if 7 pm is too early to go to bed. Well, is it?

** I'm seriously excited for the upcoming holidays and all the vacation time fun they bring!

** I realized I am pretty good at keeping a secret. From everyone except my husband that is. I have to tell him everything. So, if you don't want him to know something, don't tell me :)

** I am going to try and be better about my blog this month. I realized I only had 2 posts from the entire month of October- How lame! I guess I had a serious case of writer's block.


There ya have it. The exciting times in the life of Lindsey. Try not to be too jealous ;)

My MOH

Let me tell you about this girl I know...

A girl who would do anything for anyone, even a stranger. She is the most kind-hearted person I know. She has an amazing work ethic, working and going to nursing school full-time. She is the kind of person you could call in the middle of the night because you are upset and she would stop everything she is doing to calm you down (She may or may not have done that for me a few times in life). She is a loyal sister, daughter, girlfriend, employee, friend and most importantly, my MOH.

For those of you who don't know, MOH stands for Maid of Honor. And not long after meeting Kateri, we knew that our friendship was special. We literally spent every day together. She was always, and I mean always, there for me. She has gotten me through many rough times. She is the best friend a girl could ask for, even though she is 500 miles away now. And while we no longer get to spend every day together, I know that Kateri is always there to get me through a rough time. She always has, and always will be, my MOH.

So, you can imagine my worry when I saw coverage on Hurricane Sandy right in "Brick, NJ" on CNN. Everything was a mess. A big, scary mess. And the first thing that came to my mind was her. Of course, I had seen her posts on Facebook, so I knew she was OK. But, after seeing the damage in her hometown, I had to talk to her. I was able to get a message through on Facebook, since her cell phone service is down. It was such a relief to know that she was safe. Her family is OK. Her house is OK. Things are OK. Not good, by any means, but OK.

So, tonight, I am thankful for my friendship with her. I am thankful to have people like her in my life, every day. You just never know how fast life can change.

 I know one thing that won't change though, and that is my friendship with my BFF, my candy girl, my MOH.

The beginning...

 Typical

One of my all-time favorites....

Sneaking a "smoke" in the closet

We know. We're weird. 

 My MOH