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! :)

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.

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.