Wednesday Wishes (7)

Making wishes today with Brooke. Join us? It's fun!

1. The beach
It's been too long.

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2. Long Hair
I feel like I've been growing mine out for forever.

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Bonus if it'll air dry and look awesome air dried.

 
3. A good nights sleep
I've had some insomnia lately and what I need is a good long nights sleep without tossing and turning.

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What are you wishing for?

I Hope It Sticks

I started training for a new job yesterday. A job I never in a million years thought I would have. But a job that I truly think I'll enjoy. It's very different from anything I've ever done. It's for a big company. A company that takes care of it's employees. There's room to grow as a professional individual and lots of new people to meet. 

Downside? I have to wear a uniform. It's a brand new policy that takes effect April 1st... I'll eventually show you pictures (maybe). I don't think it'll be pretty.

Guess I should tell you what I'm doing...

I am a new appointment scheduler for Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics. Forty doctors, four locations and a surgery center. It's a pretty big deal here in Memphis. To be honest, a way bigger deal than I had originally thought. It's a giant operation (no pun intended).

Kinda cool? All the major sports teams in Memphis (U of M, Grizzlies, RedBirds...) do their physical therapy here.

I hope this one sticks! I really see potential for me here.

You Inspire Me

I think it's truly incredible how many bloggers are so open about their religion and their faith. I spent a lot of time reading blog posts that were linked to last week's Cup Half Full post, and it's truly a remarkable thing.

They're not worried about being judged or offending anyone. They have an immense love for God and they aren't afraid to show it. They are genuine and kind and in my opinion, admirable.

Basically what I'm saying is, you ladies inspire me. You inspire me to be more open with my faith and my thoughts. People who love me will love me regardless of my beliefs, so why do I feel like I need to censor myself sometimes? In terms of the blog world, this is my blog, and I should be myself here in all aspects, regardless of what followers may think. I should express myself how I want and not worry so much about what my readers will think.

So, thanks to all of you for being my inspiration. I hope everyone has a fantastic week!

Cake Batter Snack Dip

Lately I've been craving something cake batter flavored. There are so many delicious looking cake batter recipes on Pinterest so I tried one out and it's so easy and good.. and healthier than baking a cake!

This is all you need:

<> Funfetti Mix

<> Cool Whip

<> Plain Yogurt

<> Animal Crackers for dipping

The Original Recipe called for

3 tbsp cake mix

2 tbsp yogurt

1 tbsp cool whip

That makes a tiny bit.. good for one serving.. I just tripled those numbers to make a good bowl full to have some for now and for later. 

I love when Pinterest recipes turn out so good! Don't you?

Oh, How Pinteresting - Teepees

I really have no idea why, but I tend to pin alot of teepees on Pinterest. I think they're super cute in kid rooms and some that I've seen are just so pretty I wish I had one right in the middle of my living room. It'd be like a fancy grownup fort.. that would be awesome.

Source: simplelovelyblog.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: thebabyblackbird.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: honestlywtf.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Ok, this one is more of a tent but it's still so pretty!!

Source: babyccinokids.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Hunger Games

You guys were right.. the Hunger Games books were pretty much the best things ever. I literally couldn't put them down! In only a few days I read through all three. When I try to describe what they're about to people who don't know, I kinda sound like a crazy person. Children fighting to the death? Sounds like pretty heavy stuff, but really they are such a good read.

If you haven't read them, I suggest you get on that!! The first movie is coming out in March, I think. That means you have plenty of time to read the first book :) DO IT!

Phantom of the Opera

Somehow, we always get ourselves into these crazy situations. Ok, here's the story. The University of Memphis theater department is putting on the Phantom of the Opera over the next couple of weeks. This is a show I have always loved and one Jeremy has always wanted to see. We've had it written on our calendar's for months anticipating ticket sales. 

The day tickets went on sale Jeremy called and called and called to get us some. The phone just kept ringing then would disconnect. He sent an email to the ticket people trying to figure out what was going on. Apparently there was a line wrapped around the building and they were so busy selling tickets that they disconnected the phones. We thought we had missed out.

One of the ticket people emailed Jeremy back, saying she reserved two seats for us at the dress rehearsal and at a special pre-performance reception! How incredibly nice of her.

Tonight is officially opening night. We went to the dress rehearsal last night where we were rubbing elbows with the president of the university and other big wigs. Looking around the audience you could tell these were all serious theater people. They even broadcasted live on the local news during intermission.

I kept asking Jeremy how we got there. Sometimes we get ourselves into these crazy situations and I have no idea how. We always have the most fun.

Wednesday Wishes (6)

I'm so glad Brooke over at Bright Wishes brought this feature back! I did Wednesday Wishes when my blog was brand spanking new and I'm looking forward to making some wishes again.

1. A job
Obviously my first wish is going to be a job. I have been praying and hoping and I do know that something will work out. I just hope it works out soon.

2. 100 followers
Ok ok, I just want to say that I definitely do not blog for the followers. I do this for myself. It's a place to document my life and have a creative outlet. However, I have been short of 100 followers for the loooongest time. I was at 98 then lost a couple. Now I'm back, only two more, then maybe I'll do something fun (giveaway, anyone?) for all of you who read my blog because I really do appreciate each and every one of you. 

3. Endurance
I wish I could lace up my sneakers and run a few miles without getting extremely winded or without excruciating pain in my feet and shins. Alas, this is just a wish and it is something I am working towards. I have until October to be able to run the Color Run with no issues.

Go make some wishes with Brooke!

All You Need Is Love

Happy Valentine's Day to my Valentine.

I'm looking forward to all our fun Valentine's plans and I am lucky to be able to call you mine. 

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Today is more than just being extra loving to your significant other. Let's show some love to everyone we meet today.

I hope you all have a lovely day :)

Getting Crafty - Wall Art

I am not a very crafty person. I saw this post on the wonderful A Beautiful Mess blog and it really seemed like something I could do! So I did something new today, I took a trip to Michael's. I had done pretty much all I could today in terms of applying for jobs, I needed to get out of the house. I'm pretty happy with the outcome.

I chose a different song lyric than Elsie, I figured I couldn't go wrong with some Elvis.

Now I have a homemade Valentine decoration. Although, I'm thinking of finding a permanent spot to hang this!

Song Suggestions

Ok, so in the fall we are going to participate in an amazing 5k called The Color Run. Doesn't it looks like the most fun thing ever? I'll go into more detail about it later. 

Right now though, I need your help. My iPod is in desperate need of some updating. I have a lot of training to do if I'm actually going to run the whole 5k. What are some good songs to listen to while running? I'd love to hear what you all listen to! 

Ps. You can also suggest other non-gym songs too :)

Puppy Duty

One perk of being unemployed is that I get to hang out with this cute puppy all day! Jeremy brings Harrison over on days when I have no plans and can just relax, go for walks, and enjoy puppy snuggles. It's so funny and so entertaining watching Harrison and Dexter (my cat) interact with each other. Dexter got a little too close today and got a nice wet kiss from Harrison. Since then, he's been keeping his distance.

Oh, How Pinteresting - Valentine's Day Treats

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and there are so many yummy festive treats on Pinterest. I wish they would just magically appear in my kitchen... I am sure something heart shaped or red will definitely be made sometime soon. How can I not with all these delicious ideas?!

Source: amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: bakedperfection.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: thatssoyummy.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Source: annies-eats.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Some Fresh Air

I went to the park today. I needed to get out of the apartment and away from resumes and cover letters. I grabbed my iPad full of free iBooks and treated myself to some Starbucks and just enjoyed the nice weather and scenery.

Everything Happens for a Reason

So, you know that job that I keep talking about that I love so much? Well, since it was through a temp agency they decided they didn't want me anymore and let me go without any sort of explanation. All I heard was how good I was doing and how quickly I was picking things up. Then, just like that, I got a call from the temp agency saying they didn't want me.

I spent the entire weekend very upset. I'm right back where I was a few weeks ago. 

Without a job.

I'm trying to stay positive. Again. I keep trying to remind myself that everything happens for a reason. I know there's a plan that's bigger than myself. I will end up where I belong. For now, this not knowing, is so hard to deal with, but it'll all work out. It'll all work out.

In Good Times, too

It's easy to pray when something bad happens, or you have a big decision to make, or your burdens are great.

Not everything is perfect, but things are significantly better than they were a few months ago. A few months ago I was miserable because of where I worked. I cried a lot. I also prayed a lot. I prayed that some better situation would arise and God would show me what I needed to do. I knew that I wasn't where I belonged. I knew there was something better out there. I just didn't know what. I tried to be patient. I did my best. Finally God provided.

I am now so extremely happy with what I do and where I work. I am actually cheerful when I get home at the end of the day. There are so many positive things about my new job that I won't ever take for granted, little things that other people may not even notice. However, I pray less.

Things are good, I am not constantly asking God for help anymore. I am not praying as often as I was. I don't want to speak for anyone else, but I find that I talk to God mostly when I need something, asking him for things. I don't thank Him enough for what He's given me. He's given me this opportunity, this opportunity He knew would be there the whole time. 

His timing is perfect.

I am not saying that when I pray there aren't going to be things or people I am praying for. In addition to asking God for things, I think I need to be mindful and thank him for things, too.

I once read this on Alana's blog and it stuck with me.

What if you woke up tomorrow with only 

what you had thanked God for today.

whoa.

January Photo Challenge

If you're on instagram, or even twitter, you might have noticed a photo challenge going on through the month of January. If you aren't, it was just a list of topics, one for each day, that you were to take a picture of. I am extremely proud of myself for actually completing the 31 things it asked me to take a picture of!

There's a February Challenge out there.. if you want to follow along or participate.. check out instagram!