Sorry I'm Not Sorry

I am in love with this link-up.  I'm not sorry for most of the things that I do.  Life's no fun if you live with regrets.

 

I'm not sorry I watch soldier homecoming videos like it's my job.  And cry like a baby every time.

 

I'm also not sorry that I read blogs about babies with cancer.  I really don't know why I love doing this.  I think it's because I just feel like if I know about them I can pray for them.  And, that's one more prayer on their side.  Maybe I can help heal them through prayer.

(Layla was the first blog I ever read.  She'll always have a special place in my heart)

 

I'm not sorry that I post what I feel.  Regardless of it makes any sense to anyone else.

 

I'm not sorry that I don't post every day.  I just don't have something to say everyday.  Or, at least not something I think would be meaningful. 

 

I'm not sorry that I have a long list of foods I hate.  Chocolate cake, whipped cream, pudding, spaghetti, and sloppy joes are at the top of the list.

 

 

Sorry I can't think of anymore because I'm supposed to be working.

 

 

Who woulda known?

Fun fact (that even I myself didn't know until today):

 

I'm allergic to large amounts of pineapple.  A lady in my office brought me a small cup last week to go with my lunch, and it was delicious.  So, today I went out to Wal-mart to get some more.  Well, they were out of the small cups, so I bought the big 10oz. tray.  Mistake #1.

 

I got back, and proceeded to eat almost the entire 10oz tray.  Mistake #2.

 

I got back to my office, and I noticed that my tongue was itching, and it was getting harder to swallow.  And, then my neck started itching and my arms and my eyes.  Which turned into my eyes getting red, and kinda blurry vision.  (Which is quite hindering when you only have one eye you can see out of anyways.)

 

So, of course no one has benadryl.  So, here I sit itching myself to death for 25 more minutes until I can go home and take some.  And, to top it all off I fell in the lobby and theres a huge knot on my knee, so I'm also limping slightly.

 

Wow what a day.

 

But, on a happier note, you should totally consider donating to my personal fundraising campaign for our fundraiser at work.  It's to raise money for our organization, which is amazing.  If you wanta know what it is, I don't mind telling you.

 

https://hafnc.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2013HolyAngelsAngelBowl/PersonalFundraiserSignupFundraising/tabid/439958/Default.aspx?joinme=23502

 

Hanna

Weekend Shenanigans

This weekend was crazy and laid back at the same time.  It was busy, but relaxing.

Friday:
I was off work because I had to go to the lady doctor.  So, after that lovely  experience, me and my mom met her friend for sushi.  I had been craving it all week, and it hit the spot perfectly.  My mom had an MRI that night at 7, so we went home to let her rest before it.  My little brother was going to the mountains to camp with the Boy Scouts for the weekend.  So, me and my middle brother had to find dinner plans.  We went with my mom's friend again and met some of their other friends for Mexican yummm...

We stayed out till 10 (gasp!) and then came back home.

Saturday:
Saturday morning I got up and coached my beautiful little cheerleaders.  We only have one weekend left I can't believe it.  After that I came back home, and took a wonderful nap on the couch while watching the race and the State game.  Then, me and my parents went to eat at my favorite restaurant in town.  It moved over Christmas, and just opened back up, and it's better than ever! LOVE!  After that, I just came home and went to bed early (like a good grandmaw)

Sunday:
Sunday morning we went to church, and kept the toddlers.  Talk about work.  Then my brother's birthday lunch at Mawmaw's.  (Happy 19th birthday Ross!) My mawmaw and aunt who came down from Winston-Salem were going to Forest City to see my great-aunt who has congestive heart failure.  I decided that I didn't have anything else to do, and I should take my chance to see her when it came.  So, I went along for the ride.  We had a wonderful visit, and I call it a successful Sunday afternoon.  We got back just in time to see the last 10 laps of the Daytona 500.  That night, I went out for dinner with my friend and rode around for an hour trying to find somewhere to eat.  

I call it a successful weekend full of family and meaningful conversations.

xoxo

Hanna

First Things First 2/19

1. First thing you do at the gym

I could answer this if I went to the gym.  The only exercise I do is the Zumba game for the Xbox Kinect.  LOVE IT!!! Seriously.  I used to pay $40 a month for Zumba classes, and would still come home and enjoy my game more.  I can do it on my time, in my own space, and I don't have to drive there or anything.  And, I just love getting 5 stars.  I am a sucker for perfection.  Weird I know.

2. First date with your current significant other

Well, the flavor of the week is someone I've never even mentioned on this blog, and didn't think I would ever hear from again.  I met him on my cruise this summer, and he lives about forty minutes away from me.  Our first date was to the party on the cruise ship.  But, we only stayed for about twenty minutes.  Then we just walked around the boat.

3. First email address

Violinchick329@aol.com  And, I thought I was the bomb dot com lemme tell ya.  I'd spend hours on AIM talking about middle school drama.  Ridiculous.  

Hanna

Truth be told, I'm lion!!

What a fun link up. I just found Alexa at Southern Our Way and I think I found a best friend. 

They're doing a one-time linkup that is a two truths and one lie game. And, I've never been good at this game, but here goes. 

1.  I once got breathalized because I couldn't say my ABC's and the cop thought I was drunk.

2.  I danced on a bar on my 21st birthday, while the bar was having a foam party.

3.  I really hate whipped cream and chose to go to a restaurant that pies you in the face for your birthday for my Sweet 16.  (In the Bojangles Hummer I might add).

1.  Truth.  I did get breathalized because I didn't know my ABC's.  I wasn't drunk at all (blew a 0.00).  I'm just a terrible American.  And, I was superrr nervous.  It was 3 in the morning.  I was taking my bestfriend back to her college an hour away.  It was one of her first weekends in college.   Her and her friend were both drunk.  They were also both on the swim team.  I knew if I got them arrested they would be kicked off.  And, he made me go from C to W without singing.  I made it to R, and went straight to W. Whoops!

2.  Lie.  I did go to the bar, and there was a foam party.  But, I did not dance on any bars.  We actually didn't even last an hour.  I was only with one other friend (who wasn't 21), and I made it through this drink that was really delicious.  Then, I told the girl to make me something different, and it was the strangest thing ever.  It tasted like a really sour jolly rancher.  And, the people from the foam party were rubbing all up on me and getting me wet.  And, my least favorite fraternity walked in the door.  So, home we went.

3.  Truth.  I do really hate whipped cream.  I did knowingly choose to go to a restaurant that pied you in the face.  Because I loved the chicken strips.  I think about those chicken strips so often, because the restaurant is now gone.  And, to top it off we came cruising in the parking lot blasting the chicken dance out of the speakers mounted on the outside of the Bojangles Hummer.  Rock on!!! We also went to the movies, and I washed my hair in the bathroom, because I could still smell the whipped cream.  I have no idea what movie we saw to this day.

This was such a fun link-up!! Thanks ladies.

 

Hanna

Bloglovin

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4807107/?claim=ukne3nehmw9">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

 

You can now follow me on Bloglovin!!

 

Hanna

Liebster Award

I was just nominated for a Liebster Award by Emma.  I am so honored.

 

 

The rules are super simple:

1. Nominees must link back the person who nominated them.

2. Once nominated you must write 11 random facts about yourself.

3. You must also answer the 11 questions from the person that has nominated you.

4. You come up with 11 new questions.

5. And you nominate 11 people that have under 200 GFC followers and let them know. You can't tag back.

I think this is a great way to learn more about bloggers, as well as discover new and exciting blogs to follow!

 

11 Random Facts:

1.  I hate Whipped Cream.  I think it's absolutely disgusting, and I won't eat anything that has touched it.

2.  I graduated from college in 3 years.  And, most days I regret it.

3.  I've played violin since I was 3 and a half.

4.  I would rather sleep than go out most nights. 

5.  I love Japanese food and Mexican food. 

6.  I love NCIS and could watch it everyday.

7.  I love to be around my family.

8.  I hope I can have a marriage like my grandparents.  They've been married for 62 years and still live together at their house, and cook lunch for us every Sunday after church.  They also watch my 1 year old cousin all day every day and they're both in their 80's.  Saints I tell you.

9.  I love accounting with all of my heart.

10.  I love watching airplanes land and take off.  But, I have some anxiety about flying.

11.  I'm going to see my favorite singer, George Strait, in March.

 

Emma's Questions for me:

1. Do you like to travel?  I love to travel.  But, I don't get to much, because I just got my job and I can't get that much time off.

2. What is your favorite thing to do to relax?  Sit on the porch during a thunderstorm.

3. What is your favorite TV show? NCIS

4. Why do you blog?  This was originally going to be a place to tell my family and friends about my life while working at Disney World.  Now, it's just a place where I can say everything I feel and not be judged for it.

5. What is your favorite thing to study?  Accounting. I'm studying for my CPA right now.

6. What are you most proud of right now?  That I have a job and I'm 5 months ahead on my student loan payments.

7. What is your favorite animal and why?  I don't really have a favorite animal.  But, me and my brothers want a dog right now except Daddy says no.

8. What did you (or do you) want to be when you grew/grow up?  When I was little I wanted to be a pediatrician, until I found out I pass out when I see blood.

9. What is your all time favorite book?  The Bible.

10. What is a staple in your everyday bag? Chapstick.

11. If you could pick up and travel to anywhere for two weeks without having to worry about money, where would you go?  Fiji.  I've literally wanted to go there for as long as I can remember.

 

My Questions for You:

1.  Why do you blog?

2.  What is your most fond childhood memory?

3.  What is your dream place to live?

4.  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

5.  What is the most versatile piece of clothing in your closet?

6.  Spontaneity or planned events?

7.  What is your dream job?

8.  Favorite vacation you've ever been on?

9.  Favorite song?

10.  Who is the person you look up to the most?

11.  Story behind the name of your blog?

 

I Nominate:

1.  Not So Simply, Abby (AOT)

2.  young couple love

3.  Beautifully Ordinary

4.  Southern Belle in Training

5.  Wish it. Dream it. Do it.

6.  DVM

7.  Life's a Beach

8.  The Plaid Princess (AOT)

9.  A Monogram Love Affair

10.  Southern. Preppy. Chic.

11.  Bailey's Bulletins

 

If you participate comment, and I'll make sure to read your answers.

 

Hanna

 

 

If you think I payed for my friends...

I've seen a lot of things lately about sorority life, and it makes me think about my experience.  Mine is much different from most.  I wanted to rush a sorority from day 1 of college.  But, I was dating Seth, and he did not think it was a good idea at all, so I just never did it.  

Well, then me and Seth broke up.  I had no friends aside from him.  I had terrible roommates.  I had moved Thanksgiving weekend of my freshman year because my roommate hated me.  She wrote terrible things on my scratch off puzzle pieces on my door.  She put gum in my bed.  And, that's just two examples of the horror I went through.  So, I moved.  The next one wasn't much better.  She never slept in our room, and when she did come in to grab her pajamas and brush her teeth every day, she would ask me how I was (since Seth had just broken up with me).  I would tell her, and she would leave.  Then, she would go tell the RA/RD/Director of Housing ridiculous stuff that she had never said a word to me about being bothered by.  So, didn't find friends there.  I finally found one friend who had moved out of the suite I moved into the same week.  Except my new suite hated her.  I decided to hell with it.  I didn't care about their opinions as long as I had one real friend.  She was wonderful.  Got me involved in a bible study, and I made great friends with every girl there.  Well, the part that sucks is this was all like 3 weeks before we went home for the summer.  

We came back the next fall and things picked up where they left off.  I had a better roommate.  Not perfect, but I could live with her.  I was really involved with bible study.  But, in the back of my mind I still wanted to rush a sorority.  My mom had said that we would find a way to pay for it if I found one I loved.  Well, here was my dilemma:  Sorority rush and Crusade's fall retreat were the exact same weekend.  I chose to go to Fall Retreat since these were the only friends I had, and there was no guarantee I would find friends in a sorority.  I had a wonderful time at Fall Retreat and came home feeling wonderful.

Well, about a week after that an e-mail showed up in my inbox.  An e-mail about a brand new sorority, Kappa Delta.  Well, I jumped on the chance and filled out the interest form.  I remember turning around and telling my roommate that I had done it and she was like why would you do something like that?  I said I didn't know, because it felt like she was judging me.  Well, I went through rush with about 500 people.  And, I kept getting calls to come back.  I was by far not the best dressed rushee.  And, I was so nervous.  And, I really honestly never understood I was being judged the entire time.  But, in September of 2010 I became one of the 134 member Alpha Class of the Eta Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority.  

Being brand new, we did so many things differently from a well-established chapter.  We didn't have bigs and littles.  We had twins, because we were all the same pledge class.  We had to elect a brand new council and be installed as a chapter and council all in the same weekend.  We had to elect a council out of people we really didn't know that well.  The first council never really got the chance to be sisters, as they started out as leaders.  It's a different experience, but it was the one I wanted.  

It took me awhile to tell my bible study members that I was in a sorority, but when initiation started to interfere with bible study, I had to let it out.  Everytime I went to bible study after that the one friend I had made my freshman year completely bashed my choice to be a "sorority girl."  She honestly hated them, and was not afraid to voice her opinion about it.  And, she wouldn't always come right out and say it, but she would hint around the fact that I had made a stupid decision.

Well, in my heart I knew I had made the right decision.  So, I quit bible study.  I couldn't go to a place every week where everyone there hated my decision to follow my dreams.  I joined another bible study created for KD.  And, loved it.  Everyone there had made the same decision.  And, we all wanted both the sorority experience and to live our lives for God.

I ended up being treasurer and getting an RA job all in the same semester.  I loved the responsibility of both, and am more than surprised I managed to juggle all of it and keep my grades up, but it worked.  It was God's way of telling me I could do this.  I could have everything I wanted, and still be fine.

So to everyone who believes the stereotypes don't hate it till you've tried it.  And, if I paid for my friends I sure as hell didn't pay enough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, I loved my sorority days. One of my greatest experiences of my life so far.

Hanna

First Things First

Today, I'm linking up with Halie and Hallie for First Things First.  I have another post coming this week that will probably hit home with my sorority girl followers.

First thing I do when I wake up in the morning

The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is look at my phone, and see who texted me cause inevitably someone texted me while I was asleep.  Happens Every. Single. Night.  Then I lay there and watch I Love Lucy for awhile because that's always on when I woke up.  Then, I get up, get dressed, put makeup on, pour my orange juice, and out the door I go.

First heart break

My first real heartbreak we've already talked about.  There's only been two boys I've dated that I truly cared about.  When me and Chris broke up, it was mutual so I wasn't exactly heartbroken about it.  When Seth broke up with me, I was completely devastated.  I honestly thought my life was over right then and there.  The night before we broke up, he asked me to get an apartment with him.  The next morning he was at my door with a bag of my stuff.  Now, Chris and Seth have both come in and out of my life since then, but none of these times have been anywhere close to the first time.

This is the only picture I have of me and Chris.

And, this is the best one I have of me and Seth.

First prom or school dance

We had Winter Formal and Prom at my high school, but my first Winter Formal I didn't go with a boy.  My senior year Winter Formal I went with one of my best friends, but I had talked Chris into DJ'ing it and he was really the reason I wanted to go.  I stayed behind the DJ table with him most of the time.  My Junior prom was a disaster!!! I had 3 different dates within the week before prom.  The first one decided to go with his friends, the second option I wasn't all for, and the last one was just a friend from band.  My Senior year prom I went with the same best friend I went to Winter Formal with, but it was awful as well.  I was dating Seth by then, and Branigan wouldn't let me dance with anyone else.  If I got up, he was right on my tail, and he was a terrible dancer but I didn't have the heart to tell him so I told him my back was hurting and left at 10 o'clock.

Enjoy these pictures:

I don't have one of Junior Winter Formal.

Prom 2008 - My Junior Year

Winter Formal 2008 - Senior Year

Prom 2009 - Senior Year Love that dress!!!

There's my firsts!

Hanna

Weekend Update

I'm going to take a minute to explain why I haven't posted all weekend. 

First of all, my parents left Thursday morning at 6am for Florida.

This means that I have to make sure my brother gets to school on time, make sure I get to work, make sure Payton gets picked up, make sure all 3 of us eat, make sure the boys don't kill each other, make sure everyone makes it to bed on time, and ultimately make sure we stay alive for 4 days.

Granted, we had a lot of help from family and friends who cooked for us and entertained us all weekend, but it was still tough.  

I was the one who had to make sure that dishes got done, and laundry too. And, laundry hadn't been done for me or the boys for 3 weeks.  It was rough.

I am here to report that all of the Clark kids are alive and well.  No one even really fussed all weekend.  As nervous as I was about it, it turned out completely different.  Now that all the weekend stress is gone, I have a tension headache. But, that's alright. I'll take it since it means we're alive.  

P.S. who's glad Tierra is off the Bachelor??? Raise your hands and praise The Lord!!!!

Hanna

Sunday Social

1. What was your first car?

The car I still have.  A 2003 Toyota Matrix.  I used to hate it, but now he's my best friend.

2. Who was your favorite childhood teacher?

Mrs. Reagan from 6th grade math.  She used to teach at my elementary school, and I wanted her to be my teacher so bad, but she left before I could get to the 5th grade.  I was devastated.  Then I found out I was going to have her for 6th and it was like the heavens were aligned in my favor.

3. Were you involved in any sports/extracurricular activities? Share pictures if you can!

I was in the marching band, and I was a cheerleader my freshman year.

This was when I played saxophone. 

This was after I switched to mellophone my senior year.

The was me cheering during the parade.  I'm in the next to last row on the right.

4. What was your favorite birthday party?

When I turned 15, we had my party at a Checkers game.  That was pretty awesome.

5. Who was your teen celebrity crush?

Billy Gilman.  I thought he was the cutest person ever. 

6. What show/movie did your parents not allow you to watch?

Me and my brothers weren't allowed to watch CatDog or The Simpsons.  But, it doesn't sound like we missed a lot.

Hanna

A whole bunch of Firsts

This has been going around the blog world lately, so I figured I'd do one, since it seems to be a great way to learn something new.

 

1. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning:

Turn my alarm off and for the past few days wake my brother up since my parents are out of town.

2. First thing you do you when you get home from work:

Change clothes, take a nap, watch TV, or depending on the day go pick up my brother and/or cousin from school.

 

3. First kiss:

This guy I dated in the 8th grade, who has now turned out to be gay.  (I have dated more than one gay guy, but that's a completely different story.  Maybe I'll tell it one day.)

4. First home:

The first house I lived in was my Mawmaw's rental house, or "The Old Homeplace" as she calls it.  Its the house her and her 6 brothers and sisters grew up.  And it only has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.  And, they had a guy they let live under their house, and my aunt got in trouble for telling her teacher that her granddaddy had a "slave."  I have great family stories.  But, I lived in that house until I was 4 and a half and we outgrew it.  My brother was sleeping in a crib in the hall.

 

5. First car:

I have a Toyota Matrix at the moment, but I'm about to start looking at new cars because they're giving it to Payton in a year.

6. First car accident / traffic violation:

None.  Never got a ticket or been in a wreck.  Or, been in the car during a wreck.

7. First thing you wanted to be when you grew up:

I wanted to be a doctor when I was little, but that quickly changed when I found out I pass out when I see blood.

8. First choice beverage:

Sweet tea, then orange juice, then SunDrop.

 

9. First choice dessert:

Lemon Meringue Pie or Cheesecake.

10. First choice restaurant:

Brio in Raleigh, or Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.

11. First song that comes to mind:

Why Don't We Just Dance is on Pandora right now.

12. First major purchase:

First major purchase on my own would be my laptop with my high school graduation money, and my ipad with my college graduation money.

13. First job:

RA'ing at State.

14. First time you flew on a plane:

My family flew to Colorado for a restaurant convention.  My dad went for Bojangles and we tagged along.

 

15. First real "big girl" job:

The job I'm currently at.  Accounts Receivable. 

 

Hope you know more than you did.  I know you want to hear more stories from my past.  I promise we'll get to them.  My life is a soap opera.  Literally.

 

Hanna

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

 

I'm Loving the two episodes of The Bachelor this week.  I just want Tierra gone.

 

I'm Loving Alka Seltzer Cold & Cough which is allowing me to work with my terrible sore throat.  3rd round of tonsillitis since Christmas.  Rough life.

 

I'm Loving my ripple blanket I'm working on.  Crocheting makes me happy.

 

(Sorry about the terrible quality.  Had to take it with my phone)

 

I'm Loving that Kappa Delta is trying to reopen our alumnae chapter in Charlotte.

 

I'm Loving the amazing things I bought on groopdealz today.  A leopard scarf and a monogrammed phone case.  I'm in love.

 

I'm Loving Subway's Februany footlong deals.  I can pay $5 for a footlong and get two days worth of lunch out of it.

 

Hanna

 

{What's In A Name?}

This is a link-up with Amanda that I am super excited about.

I obviously have no father for these imaginary children (yet!), but I have names picked out already.

I'll start by telling the stories behind mine and my brother's names.

Hanna Lindsay - Hanna was my paternal great-grandmother's maiden name, which is why it doesn't have an H at the end.  Lindsay was my paternal grandmother's middle name, and also my paternal great-grandfather, my uncle, and a couple cousins have it as well.

Claude Ross - My brother's name also came from family.  Claude is my daddy's first name as well as my paternal grandfather, and great-grandfather.  Ross is my maternal grandmother's maiden name, as well as my mom's middle name.

Payton Thomas - Payton is the only name that didn't come from family.  My parents just liked it.  They also considered Reese and Lance as well as John Thomas.  But, my Nana wanted to call him JT and my mom hated that.  Thomas was my maternal grandfather's first name.

So there's our name stories.

The names I love for my future children come from many different places.

I have so many boys names picked out, but girls names are a completely different story.

Rankin Grier - This is my all-time favorite name ever.  My first boy will definitely have this name, and I'll have kids till I have a boy to give this name to.  Rankin and Grier both come off my paternal family tree on Ancestry.com.  They both come from uncles way back, but I absolutely love both of them.

Easton Blake - I have two friends from college who are almost as obsessed with baby names as I am.  We all have growing lists, and get approval from each other to add to the lists.  I really liked Dallas as well, but if I have Rankin and Dallas we're gonna sound like the biggest rednecks ever.  Easton and Blake really have no family background I just absolutely love them.

Knox, Pierce, Graham, Nash, Smith, Hayes, Wyatt, Grant, Ellis, Dixon, and more - These are just a few more on my list.  I like really southern last names as first names for some reason.  It just works for me.

Ella (or Eva) Lindsay - This is really the only girl name I have picked out.  Ella was an aunt that died in 2000 that I adored.  She was wonderful and I would have spent so much more time with her if I'd known how early she would be gone.  Eva is another aunt I have who never had any children and loved me and my brothers like we were her own grandchildren.  She has alzheimer's now so most of the time she doesn't remember us, but I still love her just the same.

That's the stories behind my names.

Hanna 

Sunday Social 2/3

Time for another Sunday Social, although I'm a day late. 

1. If you were stuck on an island what are the two material items you would want to have?

My iPad, and sunscreen.  This redhead burns real easy.

2. What are two TV shows you'd watch over and over
NCIS and Grey's Anatomy.

3. If your house was on fire what two things aside from family, pets, etc would you grab?
Vinny the violin and a phone to call 911.

4. What are your two most favorite articles of clothing?
My red and black Chevron dress:

And my black boots.
5. What two movies that you saw in the past year would you recommend to us?
Pitch Perfect and One For the Money

6. What are your two biggest guilty pleasures? 
SunDrop and Wine

Hanna

Day 2: Three Biggest Fears

Day 2:  Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and describe how they became fears.

Fear 1:  I have a fear of disappointing people I care about.

I know, I know.  I should be all "why should I care what they think?"  But, no matter how much I want to be like that, I'm not that person.  I do care what people think.  I care if they approve.  And, I care if they're proud of me.  I will admit I am my worst critic, but I also seriously care about what other people think of me as well.  I know not everyone will agree with all of my choices, but I seriously try to make them proud of me in the end regardless of if they approved of my initial decision or not.  

Fear 2:  I have a serious fear of clowns.

HATE.  CANNOT STAND.  REGARDLESS OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES.  I realize that at 21 years old I should probably be over this fear.  But, I'm not.  And, I'm okay with it.  I've never been to the circus.  I have no desire to go to the circus.  I didn't ever like the Ronald McDonald man that used to sit outside our McDonald's.  There were clowns that used to come to the Southern Christmas Show.  I made sure to walk very fast and not make eye contact with them.  I don't know where this came from.  For as long as I can remember I haven't liked them.  I think they're creepy.  Those painted on smiles are not smiles.  I don't like the fact that they try to act like they're the best thing I'm gonna do all day.  False.

Fear 3:  I have a fear of public restrooms.

I have no idea where this came from either.  I just don't use them.  I never went in high school because if you go in there you'd come out smelling like smoke.  And, although I knew my parents would believe me if they asked why I smelled like that, I just hated the smell altogether.  I chose suite style living in college, because that was the style with the least people sharing one bathroom.  If I had been an RA on a hall-style dorm, I probably would have had multiple anxiety attacks.  I don't know if it's a germs thing as much as an awkward thing.  I've just never been comfortable being in the bathroom at the same time as another person.  I'm real weird.  I know it.  No need to dwell on the subject.

So there you have my three fears.

Hanna

Ten Facts

 

I realize I've posted twice now in an hour, but if I don't post now I never will, because I'm about to actually have to start doing work at work.  Crazy idea, I know! 

 

I'm also going to be participating in 30 Days of Blogging Prompts with Covered in Grace.

 

Day 1 is to share 10 facts about yourself:

 

1)  I'm naturally redheaded.  Always have been, always will be.

2)  I'm blind in one eye.  The right eye to be exact.  And, I rarely wear the contacts or glasses I need to wear to make sure it doesn't get any worse.

3)  I absolutely love my job.  I work the best hours in the whole wide world (8:00-2:30) which means I have time for a nap after work and before anything else starts.

4)  I have more than one best friend.  I have my bestfrienddd who has been there through it all.  Then I have my 12 year old cousin who is absolutely amazing, and I love spending time with her.  That girl knows all my secrets and can give advice like it's her job. 

5)  I haven't told a single person in my real life about this blog.  I don't know why.  I wonder if it's because I feel like it's going to be like all social media in my life, and become a place where people silently stalk me just to know things about my life to use against me.

6)  I coach cheerleading at my church.  It's one of the highlights of my week.  My 5 little cheerleaders are precious, and always full of energy.

7)  I'm probably going to be a terrible wife for the first couple months of my marriage (although, at the moment we don't have a candidate for husband, so I guess it doesn't matter).  I am not a huge fan of cleaning, and I don't cook like ever.  I don't know if it's that I can't cook, I've just never really tried.

8)  I'd rather be at home in my yoga pants than out in real clothes any day of the week.

9)  I play violin.  I've been playing since I was 3 and a half so this year marks year 18.  I really don't play a lot right now.  My orchestra is trying to find a new director.  And, I was playing in church about once every three weeks but the organist at our church has his last Sunday this Sunday, and the choir director isn't really my biggest fan.  I played last Sunday though, and I got applause as well.  (Applause never happens in my church unless it's something really good.  We're very quiet churchgoers.)

10)  I secretly wish I hadn't graduated in three years, and I was still in college with all my friends for my senior year right now.  But, what's done is done and I'll thank myself for it later.  (Probably when I get my loan paid off.)

 

There's your 10 random facts.

 

Hanna

Faithful Friday Linkup

 

This is way out of my comfort zone, since I always think I'm not wise enough to make profound statements about God.  But, faith in God is being able to push yourself to do things that you know make you uncomfortable.  So, here goes.  I'm linking up with Simply Clarke for Faithful Friday.

 

 

 

 

 

"Therefore, my brothers,^[a] whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer
² I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. ³ Yes, I ask you also, true companion,^[b] help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
God's Provision
¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹² 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. ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

 

These were the verses from my devotion this morning.  I'm doing the Soul Detox plan on YouVersion.  It's also the devotion that is going on at She Reads Truth.  I'm a little behind on it, but that's okay because as long as I'm doing it, that's all that matters to God. 

 

The first few days of this devotion have all been about toxic relationships.  It has explained that:

 1) Our thoughts matter.  Because out thoughts are what determines the person you become.  And that a lot of people have toxic thoughts rather than thoughts that focus on God's truth.  I was completely convicted while reading this.  Sometimes, I tend to overreact to certain situations.  And, a lot of time my thoughts aren't always caring and kind the way God wants them to be.  I want to be more aware of my thoughts, and if they are pleasing to God.

 

2)  This day was about teaching how to battle your toxic thoughts.  The battle is like none other.  It is not a physical battle, but a spiritual one.  And, the battle can not be successful without God's help in the fighting.  It then prompts you to think deeper about the causes of the toxic thoughts in your life.  Mine usually come from other people, and striving to be perfect at everything I do. 

 

3)  There are four categories our toxic thoughts can fall into.  Negative, fearful, discontented, and critical.  Most people struggle in more than one category.  The deeper you let them into your life, the harder they will become to do away with.  I have struggled with all four at some points in my life, and it definitely is hard to get away from them the longer you let them take over your life. 

 

4)  And day four says that after identifying what the toxic thoughts in your life are, you have to battle them by replacing those toxic thoughts with God's truth.  And, the best place to find his truth is in His Word.  Basically, it is saying to let your life be consumed by the Gospel and believe everything in it to be true.  If you let God handle your toxic thoughts, everything will work out for good, and you will be at peace throughout the process.

 

I am loving this plan and devotion series so far.  It is making me think and analyze my thoughts.  It also teaches how to get rid of them, which has been a wonderful experience so far.

 

What issues do you have with toxic thoughts?  Or, what other devotion series are you doing?

Going off of another Link-up I'm trying to do this month the 30-day Scripture challenge.  This is with Cat at This Little Life of Mine.  Here is today's verse for stress:

 

Hanna