PHOtoDAY

Today. Maggie woke me up with plenty of kisses. She is so sweet, but her kisses, yuck! I just have to love her though, it's too hard to not.

My Momma called and asked if I wanted to go shopping and to lunch. I tied my hair up in this knot and left! My Amma and Aunt joined us for lunch and then we went shopping. We went to Cracker Barrel, it's not my favorite but the food is good! I always have breakfast!

I love to shop, unfortunately, I misunderstood and we went to the grocery store. Nevertheless, I needed a few things! I found my way around nicely in a market I had never been too!

I came home to the girls and we played! Well Beanie played with her Chicky. Check this out it is too much! She wore herself out and rested on her new bed a few minutes later! She might be old but she's still got it!

While Beanie played, Roxy ate.... and ate and ate and ate. What can I say she loves food!

Maggie watched Beanie play from a distance, when Beans has her chicky it's best Maggie stays out of her way! She sat with me in the kitchen.

Which leads me to the other things I did today. After I put the groceries away I did my work-out! I love my elliptical, the work-out I get is fantastic! I am definitely making good progress! I'll have to update my stats! Ha! I also made dinner and dessert for my friends. I went to their house with dinner since they'd worked all day-that way they could be home with their doggies. It is always great to spend time with friends! We watched last nights episode of The Big Bang Theory, classic. I have really taken to this show, addicted more like it! And what did we do before DVR's? -but thats a whole other topic!

So this is me now. Pondering work tomorrow in the busy ICU! It is my second to last day there- Crazy. And thinking about how it is snowing outside, absolutely beautiful, but makes a rough ride in the morning. And of course thinking about Danny, I wish you were here... I love you.

Cowboy Boots Work in Any Season!

When I noticed Show us your life Fashion, I was so excited. I love fashion. My hubby tells me all the time I have too much fashion for our small town! But nah, you can never have too much!

This was our wedding day last April, and yes we are newlyweds! Dare to be different, and I did, with the supermodel hair, white elegant lace dress, pearl and black accented jewelry, Coral Manolos', and Blue hydrangeas as my bouquet! My Mom was very worried but the pictures were fabulous, I think so at least!

My advice would be that you need to be yourself, fashion defines you and your personality. If you like it that's what matters! A few months ago I had a fashion consultant come to my home and help me go through my closet to see what I should part with. She was great! But ultimately, I wasn't comfortable with what she gave me to wear and have never wore it. Actually I got rid of it last week ; ). Like Kelly, I wear a lot of leggings and black shirts under dresses or cute shirts. I love heels though, and my boots! I have many pairs for everyday of the week and over really. I love my sense of fashion, classy with a little edge. It's okay to be different, thats what makes me, me and you, you. We are all lovely on the outside and each of us has beauty within. Grasp that, make it your own...

Three tips I make my own:

Cowboy Boots work in any season or riding boots!

Add a belt, instant fashion or a scarf around the neck!

You can change the look of the simple black dress all the time, it is a staple in your wardrobe!

A New Life in Him

I can't believe it is 2010, and tomorrow is already February, the short month! It amazes me how quick time passes! So, my year so far... Danny is here, now gone, the puppy is growing like a weed, I start my new position at the hospital in 1 week, 1 WEEK, I just can't believe it! The new ladies bible study has started at church, and like I started with, today is the last day of January '10! Where is the caution sign of life that says SLOW CHILDREN AT PLAY...? Where does the time go?

It's funny how know matter where you are in life, it doesn't stop for you one minute! So, I am reading this book, I've talked about before, "The Bema", and it is a fictional story about a man's journey to Heaven and his judgement before the throne of God... I am only at chapter 9, so I am not sure where the plot leads, but that's besides the point- In this book the main character, a "Christian" currently lives his life day to day without any mention of God. He does reflect on his past experiences when he was more spiritually connected and more of an active christian but he has put that aside for other more worldly things, money, social status... Well the rapture comes and he is taken into Heaven where he has time to reflect, at this point as the reader, I am not sure if he is staying or going. He has really let things slide the past few years... But then again, God is a forgiving God and if you are truly sorry for your sins you will be forgiven, the bible tells us that. So, while this is a brief synopsis of my book so far, not much I know, I see similarities between my life and the main characters and this book is helping me to regain my focus.

Like the main character, I too use to be very active in church. I was active outside of church doing devotions and reading scripture. There wasn't a Sunday I wanted to miss at church and all I could do to be a part was done! Today, not so much! While I do not like to miss church, if I have too it doesn't bother me. Don't get me wrong, I love my church family and I like the worship services and the message my pastor brings. It is something deeper that I have just ignored. I have neglected to read the bible, go to my ladies bible study, and have put work first in many occasions. God has been so faithful to me although I have not to him, but this is why he is God, His way is far beyond anything I can imagine. Have you ever heard the song "I Can Only Imagine" What a powerful message, it gets me every time!

In the past year I have tried to make some changes to reconnect with God, I volunteered to teach at a VBS our church was hosting, Began to listen to christian music more, be verbal about my beliefs and not hide my Christianity , pray more and listen more. Still I haven't quite gotten what I am looking for. And what is it that I am looking for exactly? Because I know I am a saved and have eternal life and if I was to die I am going to heaven. I believe Jesus died for my sins so that I may be forgiven. I believe we do not lose our salvation. But with all of this said where is my true deep happiness and why doesn't my life reflect that of a Christians? I wonder if people know I am a Christian at work, or my neighbors, or embarrassing to even admit, my closest friends?

Let's revert back a few months. I decided I felt very unhappy at work. A nurse in the MICU at a local hospital. I needed a change. Looking looking looking, nothing! After a long talk with my manager about my desire to change and many different paths to choose from, he said to me "God will work it out so that the opportunity that is right for you will just fall into your lap, the door will open and you'll be pushed through. You won't even have to walk." A few months later a friend asked me to apply for a position within the hospital. I was like yeah I'll think about it... About a month passed and she questioned me again about the position. We set up a meet and greet to discuss the position, I applied. As I applied, I had to revamp my whole resume to this CV format that wasn't familiar to me. I remember crying to Danny that night saying "I am too dumb for this position, I don't know anything about this!" He said something comforting and I want back upstairs and finished the CV. I sent it. The next day I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It wasn't until I was offered the job that I realized this was God 's working this whole time. I am so thankful for this promotion and knowing that God is beside me, makes me know I will be great.

This all ties together because I am for the first time in many months excited to be able to go to church each week, and be a part of the ladies bible study. I know these are the things that lack most in my life, being in the word and being around believers! I will be able for the first time in 5 years have a routine with my job. It's funny how even in the midst of everything happening so fast and time flying by that God knows exactly what you need, when you need it and how to get it to you! I know this time is an exciting new transition in my spiritual life and I am ready to get back on track with MY LIFE in HIM! Please pray for me as I continue this journey, help me to regain that which I feel I have lost.

Thank you Aunt Jeanine for the book, it has only taken me 51/2 years to get to it! But how it has changed everything!

Thoughts out for now....

150, 34, 36, 22, 10... and no I'm not talking football!

There is no way that can be right! The scale must be WRONG! Since October '09 I have gained 13lbs. Going from 138 to 151lbs, how could I have let this happen? Oh right I remember, McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, the 2 week Cruise, SWEETS SWEETS and more SWEETS, the sweet tea I have become addicted too, and the soda that has finagled its way back into my life! Yup thats surely what did it! And the fact that my lifestyle has become fairly sedentary may have helped to pack on the pounds!

Well it is time for a change! New Career, new body! Then the new hairstyle, and new wardrobe, my favorites! But first I need to focus...

1/27/10. New elliptical in my home equipped with a great iFIT program designed to help me lose weight. The stats: Height 5'8" Weight 150.6lbs Waist 36 Chest 341/2 Thighs 22 Arms 10

The Plan: I have started using my elliptical program. I hope to use this daily to get into a routine, so far so good. I used the hiking mode and it was quite the workout this morning and I am proud of myself! I started reading this book The Bema, a gift from my aunt Jeannine many years ago. I am so empowered by the book that the workout goes smoothly and quick! I hold most of my weight at my midsection, so I have incorporated an idea from my best friend Rusty, crunches in increments. At the 15 minutes interval I do various crunches, 60 to be exact, to work all of my abdominal muscles. I repeat at my 30 minute mark and stretch to cool down. I feel great today after my workout and am excited to see what happens. This season instead of watching the biggest loser, I am going strive to live the biggest loser lifestyle.

So, this helps with the sedentary lifestyle portion of my problem! But what about the dieting? With my current schedule becoming more routine I am prayerfully wishing to eat more healthy. I am beginning to love fish , so if I can learn to cook it then this will be a great start adding this into my diet, Omega 3 baby, Omega 3! Also, I plan to increase my water consumption and cut back on fast food. My husband leaves this Sunday to go back offshore for 3 weeks, so I will begin to cut the fat and eat more health conscious then. I will not make him suffer the consequence of my habits while he is here and never gets to eat out! Portion size will also be something I need to control. I feel confident that I can overcome these pounds and get back to happy! And I am writing this so I have you to to hold me accountable!

Danny will be home in 3 weeks, it is at that time that we will take my measurements again and see how I am doing on the scale. I am hopeful in the elliptical program I am currently using. I have also looked in full proof alternate methods of helping me to regain my body back, like local boot camp sessions and /or the local Curves!

Please if you read this hold me accountable, I need to make a change, not only for outward appearance but for my physical health, and emotional health overall, I am tired all the time, tired of my clothes not fitting, tired of worrying about it, and just plain tired without energy! Pray for my journey....

Thoughts out for now...

The Adventures of Beans Rox and Mag.

Eat. Sleep. Poop. Dig. Play. Sleep. Beg. Sleep. Cuddle. Kiss. Wag. Eat. Poop. Sleep. Bark. Love.

Beanie get the chicken! Lets go potty girls. Where is Roxanne? Bye Byes girls, who wants to go Bye Byes! Beanie too rough. Maggie get the ball. Magnolia you are a sweet girl! Beanie get the birdies! Hey now settle down. Who wants a snicky-snack? Treats! Beanie stop licking. Bark, growl, snarl! Thats enough of that girls. Maggie did you pee on the floor? Roxanne get out from under the bed! Lets go for a walk. Who is this under the blanket? Roxy don't steal her bone. Beanie stop digging. Xanna-Danna did you poop on the floor? BeansNrice I don't speak spanish. Magnolia good girl going potty outside! Get Maggie, Beanie is going to get her. Lets go to bed. Upstairs girls upstairs! Beanie where is your chicky? Roxanne lets go! Maggie where did you get that? What are you doing? Who's a pretty girl? You better get your toys? "ARF ARF", Danny, I think that means she wants to be held. Too much water magnolia. Did you feed the dogs? Alright girls lets eat! No roxanne you can eat everything, you have to share. Look outside, get-um girls get-um, tell them this is where you live. Beans why do you look so sad today. Maggie you are covered in mud?! Lets put your sweater on, it's cold outside. Lets get a bath girls, whose first? Where's Daddy girls? Mommy's home! Shhh Xanna it's fine! Leave it, Leave it!

Daily conversations with my dogs... BTW I know what your thinking, don't judge me!

Thoughts out for now.....

A picture tells a thousand laughs...

HMMM... A picture tells a thousand words... "Are we seriously taking a picture in this restaurant" -Rusty "I still have to go to work tomorrow no matter how much fun this is" -Monica " I hope this is a good picture I can post on my blog"-Julie "Should I stick my tongue out" -Danny

or it may sound like this...

"Can't read my, can't read my, no you can't read my poker face..." -Rusty " I still have to go to work tomorrow no matter how much fun this is" - Monica " Third times a charm! He finally held the button long enough for the flash"- Julie "I love my wife" -Danny

Sunday Night dinner with our best friends Rusty and Monica! It was a true Mexican Fiesta! Well maybe not true but the Hawaiian fajitas were great! Doing absolutely nothing, texting from the same room, watching reality TV, and making our own production of so you think you can dance all day long is what is so great about friends. They accept you no matter what, well at lest these two do, I think their judgement may be a little off. Ha ha ha ha...ha. JK Mon and Rus! ; ) Anyway, we have the greatest times together. And many times we do absolutely nothing but have the best fun! Then again that is what friendship is all about!

I am personally blessed by them because they keep me busy while Danny is away. We all grew up together in the same small town, and now live just a few minutes away from one another in a different small town! Monica and I are like the plague, our stories will infect you, so much that Rusty is one of us, thats right he's just one of the girls! We call him Rachel, you can too.

It's undeniably Threes Company when Danny leaves- Chrissy, Janet, and Jack = Julie, Monica, and Rusty! We are always following some new TV show, sharing stories of mutual denseness, trying a new fad diet, catching the local celebrity gossip on twitter (thx to monica, yeah, uh... the rest of us don't do this) or going to target to spend endless amounts of money. When Danny returns it's like he has been gone for years! The amount of stories we have for him are insurmountable! And the ones he has for us, well thats a different blog altogether...

So now a picture tells a thousand.. laughs? " I really need to go to the bathroom" -Rusty "Man, I still have to go to work tomorrow no matter how much fun this is" -Monica " I wonder how my hair looks?" -Julie " Where did I meet these people again?" -Danny

Thoughts out for now...

The Sweet Fragrance of Blessings

This is my blog, my first blog ever... so here goes nothing! As a gal, I feel very blessed. God has guided me in all the paths I have chosen and has never left my side. For Him I am thankful; my wonderful husband, my family, my friends, my sweet girls- all three (dogs that is, all three dogs), my career and so much more.

All of this said, it still seems so easy for me to take for granted so much. Danny, for instance, he comes home every few weeks to months from diving offshore. I am always so excited to see him and cannot wait for his arrival, when he is here our time is enviable. Once he leaves, I miss him so much, I make the most of it, but I really miss him. So, while he is offshore its all about phone time, and I hate talking on the phone especially if I am in the middle of something! It always seems like he'll call when I am in line at Giant, or driving with bad reception, or at work. Never a good time for me, and I am always brief on the phone because of it. I hate that I don't cherish this time more. In any moment that call could be our last, and I would be no good for sure. This will be something I work on in this new year and I am thankful for the chance to do so. Danny, I love you dearly!

Church, another thing I overlook. Not too many years ago my relationship with God was at a pretty good place. Prayer, church activities, scripture... were priorities to me. Well lets say they have dropped down the list, not dropped off, but just down. This is no good, and I am working on getting right again. I can see the difference in my behavior and thoughts and I do not like it! I will say however that there is power in believing! Although I have neglected God in many ways, He has still reigned blessings on me beyond my greatest desires! So amazing...

Redemption, would be the word I am looking for to reboot my career. I love being a nurse and I work with the greatest group of people hands down, but I have been so tired in the past few months, of nursing. I have taken for granted that fact that in this economy I should be so blessed to have a job and to have been offered a new job! I will be venturing into nursing informatics and leaving the bedside. It is a change that in my heart I know is right. I will miss everyone in the MICU so much but I haven't been the nurse I need to be for months. I always said that when I become more sarcastic and less compassionate about being a nurse it was time for a change. Well the time is now! No more twelves or weekends, just normal, ahhh. Hopefully simplicity will be soon to follow.

Thoughts out for now...