Personal Therapy

I'm struggling with something right now. I do not want to go into detail because I just don't feel like this is something I need to share. I just need to really seek God in this situation. Who knows, it might just be a random thought that is having a hard time leaving my brain, but I know this is probably a weakness that Satan is taking advantage of. No worries, everyone, it is nothing to be too concerned with, but I just feel like I don't have anyone I can REALLY talk to about this particular situation at this point. I have been deep in thought lately and trying to pray about it, but I feel a little disconnected from God lately....well, to be honest, a lot disconnected from God. I know the saying "Draw close to Him and He'll draw close to you", but it doesn't seem to be "working". I think this is probably more connected to the struggle I mentioned earlier than I'd like to admit. I have already evaluated the aspects of my life involved and I know what the "right" thing to do is, but I guess I am a little shocked at my feelings in this situation. Again, I want to stress that I have not made any regretful decisions nor am I planning on making any in the future--I am just weighing my options. It is therapeutic for me to write--well, blog--about it. Thanks for listening.

Quite a Summer!

This has been quite an eventful summer! Our niece Katie came allll the way from California to stay with me and Chris for seven weeks! I don't think I was really prepared for what the experience held! We had a blast with Katie, but man, being a "parent" is a lot of work!! lol Katie is an angel (with a little bit of sass--what little girl isn't), so I can't imagine what it would have been like if she wasn't such a good obey-er! I found that I had about 30 minutes of me time in the evening before I passed out on the couch almost every night! ha ha ha. We took Katie to Sea World, to the Children's Museum, to Lake LBJ and much much more. It was sad to see her go a few weeks ago, but it was a little relieving knowing that my house and my husband and my little (selfish) world would be back to normal.

This summer, I also vowed to read more. I bought two books in June and have since read only one, but also acquired "Crazy Love" from a dear friend. I am very excited to start reading it. In November, I bought the book "The Shack" because I was intrigued by the reviews I read, but have since misplaced it. I'm sure it will turn up somewhere.
I also "vowed" to REALLY get back into shape! lol I have been working out at least three to four times a week; although, I think I will be doing more here pretty soon, and have been a little more conscious of my eating habits...this is a blah, blah, blah topic that I'm sure no one really wants to hear about.

It has also been time of reflection for a lot of relationships in my life. I have been able to spend some really valuable time with people in my life that I am so thankful for. Its so refreshing to me how God brings people into your life right at the moment you need them or when they need you. I have also had some time to talk with my brother. I love that guy so much and just wish he would really really cling to the people that really love him--God included. He is making some progress, but I know firsthand that this is an individual process and only he can decide when he is truly ready to make changes in his life. Its just so hard to sit back and be patient. Lastly, Chris and I are doing well. :) I knew I loved him when we were first dating, and then when we got married, but man, that seems sooooooo small compared to the love I have for him four years later. I guess that's a good sign that we are moving in the right direction. Don't get me wrong, we do get on each other's nerves from time to time. In fact, something that we have been working through is our finances. We aren't hurting financially in any way; its more that we have different views on what money should be spent on. For instance, Chris and a friend recently bought a house to rehab as a project and investment. The amount he paid for the house to begin with, and the amount he is investing to rehab the house would pay off the rest of my student loans almost three times!!!! I COMPLETELY understand the potential this house has to make Chris a lot of money, but I guess I get a little frustrated sometimes because I want to hurry up and pay these darn things off! ha ha ha. Its not even about having kids anymore--in fact, after the busy summer we had with Katie, I don't think we want kids for a little while. I just want to accomplish paying off these loans to cross one more thing off my list--and to free up $700 a month! ;)

Detox

I am really stressed right now. Things in my life and my little home are going very well, but I really let other people's circumstances stress me out. I don't have a filter for my heart which really affects me negatively. Chris is so good about listening to a problem or an issue, praying about it or giving advice and then moving on; I am not like that in the least. I let everything affect me. I guess that is why he was called to be a counselor and I am not. lol. I have a big heart for others and want to help, but then feel rude or incompassionate when I have to distance myself from them to detox from the stress that I carry. This probably makes me sound like an awful person, but oh well.

Violet, your turning violet, Violet....

I love summer because of what it does to the produce section at HEB. It doubles in size with all of my favorite fruits! Chris and I went to the grocery store a few days ago and I mentioned to him that I wanted to buy some blueberries. Chris doesn't really care for blueberries so I knew I would have to eat all of them(no big deal for me--I love all fruit). So since then, I have put blueberries in smoothies, salads, and pancakes, but still had some blueberries left, but no more recipes to use them in. I was at my mom's house on Saturday and was flipping through a magazine on her coffee table about fitness and healthy living, and came across a really interesting recipe that I would like to share. I tried it out this morning for breakfast and loved it!

Blueberry Slushy
3 green tea bags
1 cup blueberries
3 cups water
2 tbsp agave nectar (I used honey as a substitute)

Boil 2 cups water and then add tea bags to boiling water.
Let steep for 5 minutes.
Divide one cup of blueberries between compartments of an ice cube tray.
Cover with tea and freeze.
Puree in a blender with remaining tea(1 1/2 cup), half cup of water, and 2 tbsp agave nectar(or honey).
Serve garnished with berries.

This was a simple and healthy breakfast slushy with natural energy qualities.



Enjoy.

Happy Fourth!

Today is July fourth and I am 'patiently' waiting to get this show on the road. My favorite uncle lives in Boerne, TX and is having a bbq today that started a couple hours ago and Chris is just dragging his feet. Its not that he doesn't want to go--he has mentioned his interest in going a few times--he just keeps finding things to do around the house... ie: mafia wars(nerd), fixing the toilets in the house, laundry, snack breaks, etc... I am just ready to get out to Boerne and have some fantastic bbq and watermelon! ha ha ha. In other news, Nikki and I recently took a little road trip to Dallas to visit a friend of mine who is VERY pregnant and was having a baby shower. We had a really good time, and to my surprise Nikki and I even got closer on this trip. I didn't think that was possible considering how close we are already, but we still learn new things about each other. I imagine that is a good thing! lol The drives up there and back were so pleasant and really fun! The stay in the hotel was even better. We went out our last night in town and just made that trip soooo fun! I am so thankful to have an amazing friend. Oooookay, that's enough mush for now! lol I am gonna see if I can entice this silly hubby of mine to get a move on! Hope everyone has a great 4th!

On a positive note...

I really need to blog more often. It is so therapeutic. Writing is my passion and I've just let it get lost in all the life that's been going on. Today was a better day than yesterday. I confronted one of the things that has been bothering me---but instead of jumping into it and turning into a crazy diva about it (like I would normally do), I approached it gently and with lots of prayer under my belt. God is so good. He really is my Abba. As soon as I addressed it, He responded back with MORE gentleness than I could ever imagine. I am still not ready to share this because of the sensitivity that I feel when I talk about it, but God knows my heart and blessed me with a very understanding and loving husband who sometimes treats me better than I think I deserve. I guess just taking life day by day is really the best way to do things.

....

I have been a little distraught lately. I think sometimes I let my thoughts get the best of me. I am not ready to talk about this yet, but would appreciate prayers. Its probably just me over-analyzing things, but none-the-less it is affecting me. I guess I just need reassurance from God and Chris, but until I find that, I will be continue praying.

Work out

I recently got a membership at bally total fitness and am suuuuuper psyched to start working out consistently! My coworker bryan and I are going to be work out buddies and are going to work out everyday before work. Tomorrow is our first day and I can't wait! More updates soon! Wish me luck!

Six Word Saturday

From "The One-Minute Writer"--Describe your life in six words:

Day off, enjoying my alone time.



Have a great Saturday.

Little Changes

This weekend has been a fun one. Whenever I have the opportunity to buy stuff to decorate the house, I take advantage of it. I received a hefty payout for my sales performance last quarter at work, so Chris and I talked about using a portion of that to buy bedding and decor for our guest bedroom. As you can imagine, I was thrilled to be able to do this. I have been wanting to decorate that room since we moved in, but decorating the rest of the house took priority over the guest bedroom. On Saturday, I went shopping with my dear friend Sharai (who also found some great finds for her new house). I ended up getting a sweet quilt that was brown, cream, and red, some delicious red sheets to match, chocolate brown curtains, and a few wall hangings for the guest room. The only drawback was that I accidentally bought the twin-sized quilt, and when I went back today to return it, they didn't have the full-sized one. I thought I could just order it online, but no luck there either. So my search continues for a comforter (I would love a quilt) that is red and brown to tie the whole room together. Next on my list is paint. :)

Take a look at my cute finds so far.

Chocolate Curtains


Darling Wall Hangings




Lastly, for our wedding, a close friend of the family gave me and Chris a dresser, mirror, and chest of drawers for our master bedroom. It was a huge blessing at the time because we couldn't fathom paying for our wedding, our new house, and everything to make our house a home along with new bedroom furniture. So we have used that furniture in our master since we've gotten married. When I came home from my successful shopping day, I was showing Chris all the great stuff I found and was asking him if he thought I should buy some basic furniture for the guest room. He told me that he thought it was a good idea for us to move the furniture we have into the guest room, and buy brand new furniture for our master. I am super thrilled about that. I love that we have been able to decorate our house little by little. Anyway, that is what is going on right now. I will definitely keep ya'll updated on our guest bedroom.