Monday, November 29, 2010

Things That Make You Go Hmmmmm




Before it starts getting cold here they always paint the bottom of the trees white. I have no clue why. Anyone got an idea?

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Being in China I always get to celebrate things twice...once in real time (future time in the States) and then again when it is the day for everyone in the States. I'm thankful for so much in my life I can't narrow it down. God has blessed me with so much I don't deserve. One, and most importantly, with Jesus' grace and forgiveness. I am so thankful for my family. They are my rock and foundation. We are a crazy bunch, but so much fun. I got to talk to them via skype tonight (their Thanksgiving morning). It was fun to see all of them and my cutie nieces and nephews.

Adam and sweet Sarah

Mom and dad

Beckham and Mom

Laura and Ainsley

Matthew and Katie

Seriously...what did people do before technology?!?! I can't imagine. I have so much more respect for people that lived abroad prior to skype, facebook, email, etc. I don't know if I would make it.

I also got to celebrate Thanksgiving with the people I work with. It's funny, I never would have done that in the States, but here they have become my family. I am so thankful to have a job especially in this economy. And an awesome one at that! I am thankful for my position this year and letting me get to know Sidney much better. She is my saving grace here. She is so great and encouraging. She is an amazing woman with a great outlook on life. She makes my days brighter and more fun.

Sidney and me

The guys and me

On another note, I have fallen off the biggest loser wagon. Ever since my birthday and stuffing my face it has been hard to get back on track. Tonight the owner of our school hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for the whole staff. It was good food and good people.

We are onto two more Thanksgiving dinners over the weekend....I might be 700 pounds before December!

A piece of heaven?

This week we have an Everyday Math trainer working with our teachers. Part of my job is to organize the schedule and host the trainers. It is fun, but can be stressful. So I was skyping with the trainer and she is from Atlanta, feels like my home sweet home. We were talking about how I miss Chick-Fil-A so much. Y'all guess what she brought...

Yes, that is a Chick-Fil-A sandwich in my hand! She froze it overnight and then put it in her bag. When she handed it to me it was still cold. I made it complete by heating it up in the oven and pairing it with some sauce Manda sent for my birthday. I WAS IN HEAVEN!

Jess even got some...that is true love right there. Sharing of the sandwich. I don't know if he understands the depth of this little gesture. We had fun being goofy with the pictures, lots more where they came from and she also brought another! Maybe another photo shoot will occur... :)

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Hungry?

Friends and Food

"Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe of life."



I'm so thankful for my friends here. I wouldn't make it without them. Last night Brandon made dinner for the crew and it was just like old times. We did this more last year and I miss it. There's nothing that beats good food and good people. One of my favorite things in life.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Lucky girl

Reason number 145,362,092,877 that my boyfriend is amazing...


My office smells fantabulous :) Thanks baby!

By the way...have you ever played on Picnik? If not try it! It's free and you can do some cool things. See...

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Work Nowadays

My new job...I could describe it all I want, but to sum it up it consists of a lot of this...

COMPUTER TIME...lots of time checking reports, organizing files, emailing people across the world to find answers on this process, creating documents, searching for things, and lots more.

I know what I am doing is important for the school...but today I am having a hard time. I miss being in a classroom, filled with students eager to learn and filling it with their energy. I miss planning fun and creative lessons for my students. I never thought I would say this, but I miss grading. Yes grading...those awful piles that I used to give the evil eye I am now welcoming. I think I am going crazy because I offered the Elementary Principal my help to review report card comments. I told her I would LOVE to. No sane person does that, but I did.

Yesterday I sat working at my computer for so long my eyes crossed...I kept thinking how do people at an office job do it? I have a lot more respect for you now that I have fell victim to my butt falling asleep, backaches, crossing eyes, headaches, and carpal tunnel.

Don't get me wrong, I like things about my job and I feel honored to be in this position. I just needed to vent. I just miss teaching. Keeping adults and teachers happy is way harder than keeping students happy...I'm just saying...

Now onto my next meeting...


And yes, I did just blog from work. I needed a release before I went crazy...I'll be kicking myself in .2 seconds for wasting time, but I released...ahh.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Packages!!!

Whenever someone here receives a package it is a celebration for all. On Friday as I was heading to the bus for basketball practice the guard was carrying packages. He pointed at me. I had not one, but TWO packages!! I was so happy. It seriously made my week! Granted I knew they were coming, it was still so exciting to get them.


One was from Amanda my BFF and the other was from Amy and Katie

It was filled with this wonderful stuff

Yep you are seeing correctly...those are some sensational Chick-Fil-A sauces and real RANCH!!! Also, HOMEMADE cookies!! There was one more box of Reese's, but I already ate them! :)


Cute fashion stuff...earrings, bracelet, scarf, and some super cute boots. The bummer with the boots is they don't fit. I'm on operation get boots back to the States for exchanging...not sure the best way to do it yet.



Cute Christmas stuff Amanda sent. I love the little ornament and the fun coasters. They have conversation starters and fun things to do at a Christmas party.


I added their sweet cards to my entry table. It makes me smile with all the love in those cards.

Thank you Amanda, Amy, and Katie for the packages. It was so thoughtful and truly made my week!!! You are such good sisters (Amanda is basically a sister) I feel so blessed to have you in my life! Love you!!!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Day 10!!!!

I have had this post for awhile, just forgot to press send. Apparently someone (not naming names) wanted to make this a competition. So I WIN!

One Confession:
I used to steal change from my dad's change jar...lots. :)

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Day 9...Almost there!

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession.

Two words to describe my life right now...

BUSY
(I just tried to take a pic of my schedule on my itouch and it died...see I'm so busy I can't even remember to charge my essentials!)

BLESSED
After all the birthday love I feel so blessed to be living the life I am. I never would have imagined living abroad and experiencing the world like this. Of course I am most blessed by the people in my life. Speaking of which...go check out Jess' video he made for my birthday. Some of the video got cut off, so he showed it to me after. If I could ever figure out how to upload videos onto here I will show you some!

Monday, November 8, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Moi!


I remember when I thought 28 was so OLD. haha. Although I do feel it is old, it isn't in the same sense. I am so thankful to have been blessed to be on this earth for 28 years. Everyday I wake up and thank the Lord for allowing me to see his creation for another day.

Jess spoiled me this weekend. He surprised me a number of time and we ate at some of the best restaurants in town. I think my competitors in the Biggest Loser paid him off. lol. It was worth it. He also made me the cutest animoto video, if I can figure out how to post it on here I will. In collaboration with my sneaky sister he emailed all my friends and asked them to send him pictures and a little memory of us. He put it all together to music with fading in and out. It was the best present. I got a little teary when I saw it this morning. As much fun as I am having here in China, let's be honest no one wants to be away for your birthday. He and my amazing friends here made it as normal as possible. I am heading to a fav family tonight to have cake. I'm super excited. Then starts the real work...getting back on the healthy track.

Thanks to everyone for the wishes!
Some things I did in my 27th year:
-Ran the Great Wall 1/2 Marathon
-Went to Harbin
-Fell in love
-Went to Europe for the first time...London and Italy
-Tried a tomato
-Grew my hair out
-Waterskied
-Stopped teaching and took on another challenge...accreditation coordinator
-Went to LA
-Went to Beijing
-Bought my first Mac
-Had credit card debt...stunk really bad
-Forgave myself and others

Things I am looking forward to in my 28th year:
-Going to Vietnam
-Going to Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, and Hong Kong
-Going to Cambodia
-Going to Japan
-Going to Korea
-Being debt free
-Getting back in shape
-Going home to the States for summer for some R&R

I'm sure there is more, but those are all my brain can pump out right now.

Catch up on the Challenge

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.

Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession.

I missed a bunch of days due to my birthday weekend! Let me just state it now that I have the most thoughtful, creative, and loving boyfriend in the world. I was spoiled the whole weekend with great food, company, and time. My actual birthday is today...it has been a normal day in that sense (workday) but I am feeling the love from everyone!

Ok, let's get down to it. I consolidated all the days into a catch up session.

Day 5: Six Things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
I hate to sound corny, but I wouldn't change anything. I think my mistakes have taught me lessons, made me swallow my pride, and tested my faith. I don't think I would be who I am without my mistakes. In case that is not suffice...I wish I could take back or change...

braces...let's face it they are no good, add that to being the awkward years and it is a hot mess. But like I said before...they gave me a straight smile. :)

distance...I would change the distance I am from my loved ones, but then again I wouldn't because being out of my comfort zone has made me grow and appreciate my life

Chick-Fil-A, Baskin Robins, and Chicora...if I could I would transport these two fine establishments to Kai Fai Qu, China. Oh my heavens...that would be amazing!

That's all I got.

Day 6: Five People Who Mean a Lot to You...would add a lot more, but am sticking to the rules.

#1: My parents. Hands down the most generous, reliable, loving, merciful, selfless people I know. I've said it before and I'll say it again, they mean the world to me. I would be lost without them. Sure, they were very strict growing up and I totally wished I could be watching MTV, but now being older I realize they did it to make my life easier. So #1...mis padres.


#2: My siblings. At times we fought like Tweety and Sylvester, but now we are very close. I love how we are all so different, yet come together based on our same core values. We all love God, our family, and competition. Does it get better than that? It's so cool to see my brother and sisters starting their own families.

#3: Amanda. My best friend since we were two. She has been there through it all and we have been through it all. She is someone I know will listen and help me no matter what. Being in China we don't talk all the time, but we still pick up like it hasn't been even a day since we last talked. This past summer she came to visit me at my parents' lake house and it was great to catch up. It's funny to think we were babies when we met. Where has the time gone?

#4: Jess. For so many years I dated guys I thought I could change because I wanted to improve their life. I met Jess over a year ago and realized there are guys out there that don't need changing. Things with us our so easy. He has helped me grow into myself and see the differences in the world for what they are...great. He means so much to me because we can talk about anything...faith, sports, teaching, environment, and the list could go on and on. He makes me laugh when I want to cry and always puts things in perspective for me.

#5: Katie Ro. I think Katie Ro and I are soul mates. We are both complete dorks that love to dance to hip hop and then 80s music the next song. We laugh and cry at the same movies. We have been through it all with men...and I mean it all. I have to laugh at some of the things we put up with, but now we are both stronger for it. She is an amazingly HARD WORKER and so thoughtful. I'm glad to have her as my best friend.

Honorable Mention: Nieces and nephews, Veronica, Kara, Laney, Shannon, Mivvers, Willie, Suzanne, Krissy, and last but not least Brandon.

Day 7: Four Turn Offs

1. LYING
2. Being late
3. Bad breath
4. Cockiness

Day 8: Three Turn Ons

1. Smile
2. Great personality
3. Thoughtfulness

TWO MORE DAYS! :)

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Day four, is it over yet?

So it's only day four and I'm already sick of this. I feel like I should just do them all in one day, I have too much to do to sit and think up all these things. Today's is lame...maybe tomorrow's will be better. Sorry for the lameness!

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession.

one
my family and friends

two
memories

three
food

four
my bed

five
what ifs...

six
song lyrics

seven
work stuff

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Care to dance?

"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth."
— William W. Purkey


Last night as I was walking to our bus that takes us into Kai Fi Qui for shopping I saw the cutest and most beautiful thing...couples dancing right outside the shopping center. Now this isn't the first time I have seen it, I actually see it quite often, but last night I stopped and watched. I stopped and watched for a little (not too long b/c I didn't want to miss the bus) and I couldn't help but just smile. All the couples were radiating with happiness. They were not aware of their surroundings, just enjoying the moment for what it was. I love when little things like this pass my path and remind me that this is what life is about.

Day 3...Things That Make me Happy

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession.

one
Hope. Faith. Jesus.

two
Music...all kinds, but especially something you can dance to.

three
my macbook pro, how did I ever deal before it?

four
chocolate...enough said. Any kind (except Mounds and Almond Joy no thank you!) I'll eat right up. All time favorite...anything peanut butter and chocolate aka Reese's, BR Peanut Butter and Chocolate, Peanut M&Ms....yum

five
mascara...I feel weird without it...love the kind I use, it comes off in tubes and stays on when I need it to

six
Skype...keeps me in touch with my loved ones

seven
massages...how did I ever survive without one every month (sometimes more!)

eight
laughter...yea I know, laughter is not technically a thing, but I was drawing a blank


Some things I would have said if I hadn't spent the last 15 months of my life in China...TV, fast food, ice cream, car, credit card, Dr. Pepper, facebook, newest fashion items, Target, Chick-Fil-A, baths, choices.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Day 2...secrets revealed

So far, not too bad.

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession.

one
I can't sleep with socks on, if I do I get nightmares.

two
I have a fake tooth...it's rather new, less than 2 years old. Can you guess which one?

three
I am a texture freak...this is applicable in all things...food, touch, seeing a weird texture, etc.

four
I have real deja vu often...I'm talking stuff that already has happened happens again, the exact same way.

five
I multitask in the shower...some people sing, I multi-task. Yep, super talented.

six
A friend of mine was killed on New Years junior year...I haven't like New Years since.

seven
I end my nightly prayer the same every night.

eight
I am a blog "lurker", I find it interesting to read about other people's lives that are my age. Even more interesting to see how different things are, but still similar enough. I rarely comment because I don't know if that is acceptable or creepy.

nine
I like to pop pimples...gross I know, but true none-the-less.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Always up for a challenge...10 days, that's a lot of blogging

So there's a little challenge going around in the blog world. I figured I wanted to get more into my blog, so I'll try it. Here's the rules:

Day 1: Ten things you want to say to ten people right now.
Day 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.
Day 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day 5: Six things you wish you could change or wish you would have never done.
Day 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day 7: Four turn offs.
Day 8: Three turn ons.
Day 9: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day 10: One confession.


Here goes nothing.

1. Mom and Dad-Thank you for everything. Words can't express how much you mean to me. Getting out and into the world has made me realize how blessed I am to be your daughter. Not everyone had the childhood I did and I am thankful for that. I'm thankful for you always putting God first and showing me what marriage is all about. I'm thankful for you putting all of us kids first, even if it meant giving up something you really wanted. I haven't learned that yet, but I'm getting there and it makes me more appreciative of your sacrifices. I know I'm all the way in China, but I think of y'all daily and miss you so much! Love you!

2. Adam-I know we aren't very close, but I miss you. I miss seeing your family and knowing what is going on in your life and your family's. I hope that we can develop our relationship in the future. I'm at fault as well, because I just figured you guys were too busy. I want to know your kids and them to know me. I don't want to regret not knowing my nieces and nephew. Love you!

3. Big Pop-Even though we only saw each other a couple times a year, you were a great grandpa. You were full of life and told the best stories. I wish I visited and called more. I love you and thank you for giving me such a good mom.

4. Watkins and Campbells-I miss you guys and your families. It is crazy to me to watch my sisters raise a family. You two are so much like mom it's not even funny. Julie with your crafts and creative juices and Amy with your gentle spirit. It's fun to watch and I'm so glad I have you two as role models for putting Christ first in your marriage, family, and life. Keep putting pictures of your kiddos up on Facebook, I miss them and that is my only connection!!! Can't wait til this summer. Love and miss you!

5. KT- You are such a role model, ever since I was little and it hasn't changed. I know I'm across the world, but I still love talking to and hearing your funny stories. We are so similar it's not even funny. I am excited to see where you end up, who knows it might even be China! Your love of life, confidence, and loyalty are traits to be admired. When you walk in the room everyone wants to be your friend, it truly is amazing. I love you and miss you!



6. Bball girls-I miss you more than words can say. I miss our crazy times and the bond from competing. I am so glad to keep up with most of you, and if I don't keep up with you believe me I hear from other bballers. You are like my sisters and have helped me through so much. Thank you for your encouragement and support through my quest to fulfill my dreams.

7. Jess- What can I say that you don't already know? I'm so thankful you are in my life. You have helped me so much to see the beauty in mistakes and to accept the past. You helped me realize who I am and to have confidence in that. You are patient with me and make me laugh. You always know what to say and do the little things to show me you care. I came to China trying to find myself...I did, but it wasn't in the way I thought it would be. Through your friendship and love I found myself, so thank you. I love you and want you know know how special you are to me. Olive Juice.


8. Veronica-You are amazing. I have no doubt God put us both here to meet one another. You are such a support here and I am thankful for you. You help me see things from a different point of view and encourage me when I need it. I am excited to see where you go next, and you better believe I will be visiting.

9. Accreditation agencies-Why must you make it so hard to get accreditation? Why so many hoops to jump through? You are making my life stressful, and it's 6 months away. I know you will say it is for the good of the school, but what about the good of my sanity?! lol

10. PJ-I forgive you and truly wish you the best in your life. I used to say that and didn't really mean it, but now I do.

11. Others in my past-"I believe that our background and circumstances my have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.". ~unknown

Wow, that was harder than I thought. Being away from my amazing family and friends I could go on and on, but I'll just limit it to those. Also, sorry for lack of pictures...I haven't transferred my pics from my old computer to my new one.