So Come Home

Music always touches me so deeply, and when I heard this song in the car a few minutes ago (for the FIRST time ever) I had tears flowing down my face. I LOVE it. I really needed to hear it today to help me keep a positive outlook on a situation. As I was doing some more labor at work today, I got a call from a friend of mines mother. She informed me that my friend was arrested today. I have been close friends with this person for about 10 years, actually just over 10 years. This person has been battling some pretty vicious demons for years now. They are such an amazing person and would give you the shirt off their shoulders to help you. Said person has such a big heart, and has just fallen victim to being chained down by an addiction that they can't seem to break free of. I am praying that something good will come of this, and that this person will make some changes in their life and realize that it is NEVER to late to come home. Here are the lyrics to the song that I found SO fit for today. I'm so glad I was in the car at that time to hear it on the radio! New favorite song.

Come Home - Luminate

You’re best friends with the word “regret”
And you’re afraid that your life’s been wasted
So why hope if it’s only gonna let you down?

You don’t think people really change
And you’re a mess and you’ll always be the same
And you doubt if you’ll ever get it turned around

So you’ve been running, searching for something
But you’re looking in a place you don’t belong
But it’s never too late, you can’t outrun grace
No, mercy doesn’t care what you’ve done
So, come home. So, come home

You can try and fix your broken empire
And put bricks on a cracked foundation
But you’d be building castles on the sand
There’s power in the blood of Jesus
And your Father’s screaming “just come home”
And He’s reaching out His hand

 I know you’ve been running, searching for something
But you’re looking in a place you don’t belong
But it’s never too late, you can’t outrun grace
No, mercy doesn’t care what you’ve done
So, come home. So, come home

From the shadows, from the wrong roads,
From the darkness, from the unknown,
To redemption, something beautiful,
To a new love, to a new home

I know you’ve been running, searching for something
But you’re looking in a place you don’t belong
But it’s never too late, you can’t outrun grace
No, mercy doesn’t care what you’ve done
So, come home. So, come home

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Day 17: I am a huge fan of Mitch Alboms' books. I started reading my 1st one, Tuesdays with Morrie in college as it was an assignment. I liked the book so much that I also read his other books: For one more day, Have a little Faith, and The five people you meet in Heaven. I think the one that changed my views the most was The five people you meet in Heaven. (There is also a movie based off of that one) You never really realize how much you can effect someone elses life and the path that their life may take. I really really recommend this book. You can read an exert from it here. Be sure to let me know what you think if you read it (or if you have already read it).
Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something. 


And lastly for today, a few pictures of a destruction of a call center!

Just a few of our computers. shoved into a room.

Empty cubicles. We moved all computers and chairs off the floor as we are getting new carpet tomorrow.

Have a great evening everyone!!!

XOXO

HSP & Day 2 of Painting

So as I was waiting for a Mammogram today (still having issues with cysts) BUT Praise God, it IS just cysts. Anyways, as I was waiting, I was reading my most recent Marie Claire and there was an article called "Are you an HSP?" and I think I am! Haha. "Do you take things too personally? Over analyze the situation? Feel Defensive? Then you may be among those classified as Highly Sensitive People" "HSP's share an uncommon ability to pick up on subtleties that others might miss - a look, a feeling, a message embedded in a seemingly straitforward statement." "HSP's are hardwired differently than the rest of the population. People with this trait take longer to make decisions, need more time alone to think, and are generally more conscientious about things like remembering birthdays." Supposedly 15-20% of the population is HSP. I don't know if I believe the article persay, I just consider myself emotional and very empathetic, but ya know, if they wanna call it Highly Sensitive People, so be it. Click Here to read the article. Lemme know what YOU think.

Day in the life of labor @ work part 2, another day of painting:

We had a new office added

and a wall ripped out of an office

I used the table as a ladder

They have an idea!

He was testing it out to see how sturdy it was. This helped him not have to move the ladder every few steps

 

DAY 16: Something or Someone I COULD live without? I'd say paparazzi. Let the celebrities live their own lives in peace. Why are we so obsessed with knowing everything about someone elses life? Also, speaking of that, Spencer Pratt really annoys me and I'd be okay with never seeing him again!
Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.

XOXO

Paint Day @ Work

It was one of my coworkers birthday! I bought her some Balloons

It was hot, so she made her jeans capris.

Someone's gotta do the high work

He was dancing to some rap. Looks like he is surfing

Taking a breather

Doing the trim that no one else wanted to do

 Day 15: I've officially made it to the HALFWAY mark of the 30 days of truth! Today is someone or something you couldn't live without (because you've tried it). I find these so hard to answer because some of the questions are stupid to me. This one for instance. We all know that it is very possible to continue to live without something you thought you couldn't live without. For instance, the only stuff we truly can't live without is air, food, and water, and of course medicine (if you have health issues and are dependent on medicine). Many people like to say they couldn't live without their spouses, children, parents, loved ones, etc. The fact of the matter is we lived before them, and if they pass before us, we are forced to live without them. So for me, I'm not sure how to answer this question truthfully. I guess if we are doing it in a non serious way, I'd go all materialistic and say I couldn't live without my cell phone and computer. I truly do use both daily and I would lose communication with a lot of people if I did not have one or both of them. Also, french fries and brownies (but not together!). They both are extreme weaknesses of mine. Yes, I CAN live without them, but do I chose to? HECK NO! They are a delight to my tongue! :)

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

Sandhill Crane Fascination

I adore Sandhill Cranes. They never cease to make me smile. Living in sunny Florida, I see them quite frequently. Some things I've learned about Sandhill's over the years:
* Cranes mate for life (I think this is one of the reasons I love them so much!). I am an extremely empathetic person, and I have literally cried when I passed a dead Sandhill as I know that it very well may have left a mate. I actually witnessed one get hit before in front of it's mate and it broke my heart. I had just passed both birds, alive, and as I looked back to watch them in my rearview mirror, I saw one jumping around frantically and crazily and I wondered why, until I looked right near the area it was jumping and noticed its mate had just got smashed by a car. :( That was actually the same day I found out they mated for life (a friend of mine told me after I told him the sad scene I had just witnessed).
* Sandhills have lived up to 25 years in the wild, and some in captivity have doubled that life span.
* They are omnivorous, eating insects, aquatic plants and animals, rodents, seeds and berries.
* The Florida Sandhill Crane has about 5,000 individuals remaining. They are most threatened by habitat destruction and will probably depend on human management in the long run. In Florida, it is protected, and if killed, carries a very high monetary penalty.
* Many Sandhills are hit by cars as motorists see a bird and assume it can easily fly away if a vehicle is approaching. Sandhills are gliders. They don't have a quick take off and this makes it hard for them to escape an oncoming car. With their long legs, they are more inclined to try to "hop" away than fly away.
* The Sandhill "call of the wild" a trumpeting sound, can be heard miles away.

NOT MY PICTURES:

Wish I would see more of these crossing signs

My Pictures:

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Day 14: I can't accurately answer/participate in today's 30 days of truth as I truly don't have people that I idolize as a hero. And in that case,  I have not been let down by said hero. I can say that God is my hero. And he will never let me down.  

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)

unexpected medical Saturday

Original plans of the day:
* walk Lake H
* Go watch a friends daughter play her last soccer game
* BBQ & Craft Festival
* Laundry & Relax at home

New plans of the day:
* got a text from a good friend asking me to take her to the eye Dr. She woke up and could not open one of her eyes and was in extreme pain, with sensitivity to light. She thought it may be pink eye since someone at her office had it recently. Took her to the eye place at Walmart (since most eye specialists are CLOSED on Saturday!). Walmart said she needed to see a dr. and that they didn't have any in that day either (seriously?! What happens with eye emergencies on the weekend?) but the guy was super nice and called Sam's Club and they DID have a doctor in. Headed south towards Sam's Club. Saw that Doctor. He scared us by the way he was speaking. He told me I would be needed in the room, as my friend would be needing my support. News like that always makes you think "Oh No! This could be really bad. What is he going to say?!" In the end, he told her it was a Corneal Ulcer and that she needed to see ANOTHER specialist right away. He told her that there are five emergencies in the eye field, and this was 1 of the 5 and that sometimes people lose their site within 6 hours of the ulcer! So by now we are kinda stressing because of the way he made it seem. He calls and finds a doctor that is able to work her in on his day off. This daughter takes her cell and says he will call when he has time to meet her at his office (as he of course, is off as well on Saturday). It's decided the appointment will be later in the day.
* I decided to make it out to the BBQ & crafts fair with another friend. I missed the soccer game, BUT I still got to see my friends daughter looking ADORABLE in her soccer outfit. Mommy said "I am SO happy soccer is over. My daughter sucks at it. Daddy brought a softball and mitt home last night. I asked him if he had NOT seen our daughter play soccer the last 8 weeks? Obviously sports aren't her thing". I laughed. :)
* saw some cool vintage things, ate some good BBQ, and got the call that the Doctor could see my friend with the eye issue at 3pm.
* Took my friend to the eye specialist and he said thankfully her ulcer is very tiny. He doesn't see any damage and she should be feeling better by Monday. Told her to come see him then. No work for two days. So, we took her doctors note to her employer (since they gave her a hard time for calling out today).
* Went to the gym and did a nice mile warm up, and weights
* Another friend of mine drove in from Texas today to pick up his son for the holidays. Me & the roomie met up with him for about an hour and gave him a ride from one side of town, to the other (as his sister had their car).
* Now I'm home, it's 8:30pm on a Saturday night, and I am perfectly content sitting in my PJ's and looking at some ideas for the wedding.

Crazy how quickly plans can constantly change! Regardless, today was still a great day and I am very thankful my friend is okay with no damage to her eye.

Day 13: I am horrible with music. I absolutely LOVE it, however, I am horrible with artists names, etc. I don't have one set artist or band that has gotten me through a hard time. I have TONS of songs that I can relate back to a certain time in my life. Music is such a great way to express emotion. I have been listening to the following one constantly as of late.



I also love all of John Mayers stuff. It soothes me. And Taylor Swift. <3 her.

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)


XOXO

Asteric & Picture Friday

I don't have a real purpose or topic for this blog, so you are going to get the good ol' asterics version because I like stars :) ***.

* After writing in my blog yesterday for the 30 days of truth about me getting the most compliments on my hair, I received TWO compliments on my hair! I received one from two much older gentlemen at a gas station while I pumped gas. I also received another from a woman as I sat at a car insurance agents office. These compliments made my day as in my head I was having a bad hair day.

* Walked Lake H (3 miles) yesterday & Lake M today (1 mile). Here's a few pics from todays walk.

and we are waaaaalkin'

can we go for a car ride?!

YES! Car ride!

hangin' out the window

* Enjoyed an awesome sandwich from Jimmy John's, downtown, at the park today. Also took some pics of that.

JJ's Do's and Don'ts. Examples: Don't whistle annoying songs that will get stuck in someone's head. DO call home during the holidays. Don't taunt vegetarians. DO offer your seat to senior citizens.

Another cool sign. WE deliver sandwiches. YOU eat sandwiches. GOD Bless America <3

* Drove out to our local animal control (aka the Pound) to drop off some donations of sheets. (Check with YOUR local shelter, I bet they need old linens donated!). Here's a few pics of some of the pets I saw there for adoption today.

This kitty was SO sweet. Came right up to the cage begging for attention.

He just wanted to be loved on :)

Good ol' working dog. I hope she finds a home with lots of land!

He/She was very timid. Shy puppy doggy.

* Also road tripped to another shelter, my local SPCA afterwards to exchange a shirt (that I blogged about last week). I had to get a bigger size! I continued with my picture taking at the SPCA.

Adoption Board :) A happy wall!

Roll of Honor of donors. A group that my friends and I started are on this board for $1000-$2500 during 2007-2008. We have actually raised over $10,000 for this shelter! <3

People buy bricks in honor of their pets or loved ones

SPCA Swan. These swans were present down town a few years ago and since then local business have purchased the swans for their own locations. SPCA bought the pet one!

and THAT was a good chunk of my day so far. Have a great weekend everyone.

XOXO

Day 12: I really don't know how to answer this question but I guess something that many people get compliments on, but I don't, would be my EYES. I just have good ol' "Spanish Eyes". Brown. Poopy Brown as my fiance would say :) BUT he says it more like "I love your poopy eyes, because I see love in them"
Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.

skipping work, sonic adventures, and hair 101

Last night was pretty awesome. I actually got to go to the First Baptist Children's home with some of my friends. They usually go once a month and I am rarely able to go due to work schedules. Since my work has slowed down A TON (after the elections) I saw only one job running today, and asked my boss if she could spare me so I could participate in a church event. SHE SAID YES! :) We went, ate pizza with the kids, played some dodgeball (I watched, too dangerous of a sport for me, I bruise way too easily!), and shared stories. With it being November, and Thanksgiving right around the corner, some of the kids shared what they are thankful for. One of the girls story really touched me. She said she was thankful that she had a recent visit with her parents. She was happy that she still has close communication with them and that even though she had been "mistreated, abused, and drugged up", she still loved them and was thankful for their visits. Our leader told her that was amazing, and asked how she could still keep her heart open, and show love, when so many wouldn't as they don't understand to love UNCONDITIONALLY, and not conditionally. Her answer brought tears to my eyes. She said "because God loves us, even though we sin every day, all the time, he still loves us unconditionally, and why should I not love my parents still, if God loves me so" Her answer was amazing. SHE GETS IT.

Afterward a group of 5 of us squeezed in to my car and took an impromptu road trip to a nearby city and hit up a Sonic for some Limeades since they don't have any Sonics in our own city! (We actually did have a purpose for this trip, we rode out with my room mate as she is still cat sitting until this weekend). A couple of Pineapple, Green Apple, Limeades later, we were in transit home jamming out to some great worship songs! Nothing better than singing praises at the top of your lungs with the windows rolled down (well, until you start to freeze)
"Well the thing I find most amazing, In amazing grace, Is the chance to give it out, Maybe that's what love is all about. I wish you could see me now,  I wish I could show you how, I'm not who I was."
- I'm not who I was, Bradon Heath.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Your perfect love is casting out fear, And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life, I won't turn back,  I know you are near. And I will fear no evil, For my God is with me. And if my God is with me, Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear? Oh no, You never let go ,Through the calm and through the storm. Oh no, You never let go, In every high and every low, Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me. And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on. A glorious light beyond all compare. And there will be an end to these troubles, But until that day comes, We'll live to know You here on the earth"

- You Never Let Go, Stellar Kart

On to day 11 of the 

I'd definitely say I get the most compliments by far on my hair! People constantly ask me where I get it done at, and I have referred quite a few (returning) customers to my awesome stylist! 

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on. 


Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! My weekend has begun :)

XOXO