Blessings....

It never ceases to amaze me, the blessings I have in my life.

Family
Friends
Opportunities
Open Doors
Numbers that just match up right

I am grateful for a Lord and Savior that watches over me, and family and friends that are instruments in his hands to bless me.

Thank you

A whole four years in Oregon...

As I finish my fourth year and begin my fifth I thought I would take a look back on my life in Oregon.

First I want to say how grateful I am for the many, many wonderful friends I have made in Oregon. There are way too many to list, but I feel very blessed. As was said in It’s a Wonderful Life, “No man is poor who has Friends”, so I have a wealth untold here in Oregon.

Second, I have had so many great adventures with these friends. Some of which I will list here, but sadly with age… my memory is starting to fail me. The many camping trips and hikes along the coast and in the Jefferson Wilderness Area, Mt Hood Area, Crater Lake, The Gorge. I will never forget getting lost on the mountain, nor those who came to get us the next morning.

Third, I have tried to enjoy many of Oregon’s many traditions. I will list a few. Annual Tree lighting, Peacock Lane, Fireworks over the river for the 4th, The Oregon Symphony on the water front, Voodoo Donuts, the many artworks down town.

Fourth the many life opportunities I have enjoyed experiencing. My dream job at the non-profit. The chance to be a loan officer and do sales one thing that scared me so much, and now the chance to go back to school. Season tickets to Broadway Across America.

It is fun to see how Oregon has changed me. I really do feel now that there isn’t anything I can’t accomplish, I’ve become a little bit of a “tree hugger”, and believe it or not become a little more conservative in my political beliefs.

Thoughts from Isle 7...

So I have seen one of my faults amplified through my job as a checker... yes that is right. For those of you that knew I had faults and are keeping track, you can add one more to the list, and for those of you who don't know me well enough to know my faults... well here is one.

I am a judgmental person. It is true. I have known this about myself for a long time, and I keep telling myself I need to stop it, first and foremost I shouldn't judge... but two I don't know people's background and circumstances.

I find I spend about 1/3 of my time at work shaking my head because of the healthy... or more likely to cross my mind unhealthy food people purchase. Or being disappointed in how they choose to spend their money... or more importantly my tax dollars, on junk food. I spend another 1/3 of my day telling myself that it is not my place to judge, and to stop thinking that about those people who buy 2 things of ice cream and 3 things of pop, with a healthy side of potato chips or pop corn on the side just to swipe their food stamps card to purchase it. Oh it kills me... See I told you...

Any way the last 1/3 is usually spent listening to gossip, or chit chatting with customers.

I struggle so much with this one for two reasons. It hits on two things that drive me crazy in life. 1st unwise use of one's money... or tax dollar... ie.. my hard earned money, and 2nd America's obesity issue. We could do better as a nation but we don't

I would be willing to bet America would be much heathier, and much harder workers if only the basics, friut, veggies, some meat products, and bread products could be purchased with food stamps. Two reasons. People who really couldn't afford food would be forced to eat better. Second those that really wanted the junk food would have motivation to work.

And since that kind of food costs less, we would save tax dollars. Sounds like a win all the way around to me.

K, I'm ranting. I have got to find a way to stop being so dang judgemental. Any suggestions?

Sometimes Music Just Says it best....

Natasha Bedingfield, Soulmate
Dido Do you have a little time
Nickelback, Gotta be Somebody
Dido White Flag
O.A.R Turn the Car Around
Kelly Clarkson, Already Gone
Dido, Here with Me
Natasha Bedingfield, Pirate Bones

Nope, waiting is the hardest part...

So I decided to pass it on...

Now I have to wait for a response...

I thought getting it on paper was hard, but it is the waiting that is the hardest...

Just going to keep busy... to the best of my ability... and wait, and hope.

Well it is all on paper...

Isn't it wonderful when you can take what is bothering you and put it all on paper...

And for a min it is all out of you, but now it is in your hand...

So what do you do with it now...

Part of me wants to hide it back inside. Part of me wants to destroy it. Part of me wants to let it go...

The question is what part of me will win...

Not going to become "That" person...

Growing up it always drove me crazy when you would ask adults how they were doing and how life was going that you would generally get the response. "Oh you know same old, same old. Nothing too exciting." I couldn't imagine not seeing the joy in the small things in life. I mean there has to be something to be excited for or a good story to tell.

Yet over the last few weeks I seem to find myself answering the question of how things are as same old same old. I realized I need to remember to find joy in the simple things, and look forward to life. Everyday. So...

What I was grateful for or most enjoyed about this week:

Monday FHE small groups got off to a great jump start this week. I was happy to hear that all four groups had a good turnout, and had fun.

Tuesday I got to hand out with a new friend, and get to know her better, while going dancing, which I haven't done in way too long!

Wednesday I was so happy to get a good handle on my school work. It really does feel good to be moving forward. Got to spend a few hours with Heather... can't beat that. It has been a long time since we just killed time.

Thursday... nothing needs to be said other than OFFICE NIGHT! Followed by some quality time with the roommate, which I hadn't seen Katie all week, and I do mean hadn't seen due to our crazy schedules.

Friday the annual halloween party at Aubrey's which I look forward to every year. Haven't laughed that hard in a long long time. So grateful for friends that can not only make me smile and feel happy, but make me laugh till my side hurts, and I can't help but smile.

Saturday, can't beat a good Cosco run with a good friend.

And what wonderful things do I have to look forward to this week...
Well tomorrow starts it off with dinner with the my favorite neighbors, Todd and Heather, and my new friend Angela will hopefully be joining... it has been way to long since we hung out.

I am greatful for getting scheduled over 20 hours before the week starts! Brings the stress level down several notches.

Tuesday I get to go see "Where the Wild Things Are" with two of my dear friends.

Thursday, I am looking forward to Office Night, and I even get to spend some extra quality time with the girls, because I have a test that night. Talk about trials and blessings coming together. Never knew I would look forward to a test so much. :).

Friday, there is a great themed party... mustash. :)

Saturday, I get to catch up with an old friend that I haven't spent quality time with in long time.

Sunday is my monthly dinner with a good friend. Oh how I love traditions! And yes I am now singing the song in my head.

I just want to say I love life, I love my friends, and family, and I hope everyone can find the joy in thier lives!