Birthday changes

Well, a new decade is here! It feels pretty good actually. I've been so focused on my goals for the last year, but as of late I've forgotten about them and have been working on making some changes instead.

New habits: I've started working out with a personal trainer each Wednesday. She gives me homework to do throughout the week when I'm working out by myself. I think she might be trying to kill me. :) Now, if I could just stop eating... or rather, eat healthier. What fun is that?! Sidenote: It has been helping to attend birthday parties and shower with my trainer because then I'm aware of what I'm eating. LOL

Keeping up with old habits: I'm still trying to get through the Bible... not jumping in feet first because I will quickly lose interest. Also going to attempt to blog (and read/comment) and read books!

New look: As I posted a few days ago, I got braces two weeks ago. Looking forward to the end result... already. :) They aren't hurting so far, I'm just mildly annoyed with brushing my teeth so much.

Keeping up appearances: I entered my 30's with Alex Haley... oh no. May need to fix that before my birthday trip.

All in all, it's time to start thinking about and taking care of myself. Maybe something I should have started at 25, but it's better late than never, right!? Might think about going to bed earlier too... hmmm. My birthday's over in an hour -- I won't be awake to see it end. Have a fabulous Tuesday!!

I never thought I'd...

I've been trying to write this blog all week... In honor of my birthday, I thought I'd share a few things in my life that I never thought I'd do.

1. I never thought I'd be doing crafts until 11 pm on a Friday night before a church event - but I do it several times a year.
2. I never thought I'd go on a mission's trip to Haiti - but I did in April and it was an amazing trip!
3. I never thought I'd call someone else's kids "my kids" - but I do at least twice a week. I'm constantly being blessed by them.
4. I never thought I'd enjoy spending so much time with kids - I miss them when I can't see them and I wouldn't imagine it any other way!
5. I never thought I'd have a job that I enjoy, with great coworkers - I actually look forward to going to work! What a concept. :)
6. I never thought I'd miss getting birthday cards. It's Saturday and I've gotten none. ZERO.
7. A few years ago, I never thought I'd move out of Nebraska. Three years ago I moved to the Kansas City area and without a doubt in my mind, it has been the best thing I've ever done.

There are also days in my plan when I never thought I'd be almost 30 and single with no kids. I know it's not my plan, but it's in God's time. I enjoy my life, but I'm not content. I am a firm believer that God has better things planned for me; bigger and better than I ever could have imagined or planned for myself.

Birthday Reflection

Yesterday Meg did a birthday reflection for herself. It got me thinking about my own birthday and things that I would like to reflect on.

The "late 20s" are upon me. It's kind of sad, but pushing 30 is mildly depressing. I've realized that after all these years of complaining of a curfew of midnight -- I'm still the good girl who's home by midnight. LOL

Things I'm thankful for:

Family: I complain about you, but I can't imagine my family being anyone else. I love each and every one of you in your own unique way. I like to think my family has instilled in me the morals that make me who I am, even if they don't know it.

Friends: You're so much like my family - each different, yet connect to me in a different way. I'm so grateful that God has placed each one of you in my life; whether it be for a season or a lifetime, I love you. I'm thankful to those who teach me lessons and attempt to encourage me daily. :)

Faith: My faith has brought me so far and continues to test me. I've overcome a lot, but there's a lot yet to come. To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did. When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. I'm a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. God is teaching me that it's not ok to be content... if you're content, you don't grow.

Rainbows: My kids at church have taught me so much in the last 2 years. When they come to my classroom, I don't know their home life, I don't know their stories, but hanging out with them for an hour and a half every week has been amazing.

Soldiers: Past, present, and future... Including my Aunt Peggy, you're the bravest people I know. Thank you so much for serving our Country and putting your life on the line for MY freedom.

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In all fairness, my life is pretty great. I have food, shelter, clothing... a lot of things that a lot of people don't have. I know God will continue to test me and shake me... and I pray the next year is the best yet! I love you guys!

Before I'm 30

Things I'd like to accomplish or do before I'm 30; in no particular order.

1. Lose weight - more specifically; ALL the weight I need to reach my ideal weight.
2. Go on a missions trip
3. Go on a cruise
4. Take care of my debt
5. Swim with dolphins
6. Go to Boston
7. See the Red Sox play at Fenway.
8. Meet the currently faceless man of my dreams.
9. Learn to play the piano.
10. Grow in my relationship with God.
11. Improve the relationship with my parents.
12. Become a better communicator.
13. Stop sweating the petty stuff.
14. Broaden my culture horizons
15. Read the entire Bible.


Yes, Meg... I'd better get crackin! :)