Thursday I started feeling sick real suddenly. I've been fighting it every since. Today the sickness has been winning. I think it's just your typical cold. But it's taking a toll on me. Came home sick to rest at noon. Slept all afternoon.

And then was incredibly bored and antsy. I've had this antsy feeling for a few days now. I get like this every now and then. It sucks.

I feel like I'm searching for something. But I don't know what it is. I'll know when I find it though. Because I'll have peace.

This cold is making me put my daily workouts on hold. I'd rather heal faster. A lot of people around me are sick. It seems to be going around, and it seems to be hanging around for quite some time too. Ick!

I had a nice weekend. Thought I'd share some stories and pics with you.

Friday my friend Leah S. went with me to Niles, MI to get my nose pierced. Yep. I've been wanting it for a couple years and just recently decided that I needed to do it soon. So, off I went.


Afterwards we went to Hacienda for dinner. Yum! Then I went to bed early (holla!).

I really want to tell you all about my weekend. But it will have to wait. I need to go to bed.

I screwed up last night and was up WAY late and overslept this morning and didn't work out.

Good thing tomorrow is a new day! I'm starting it off right by going to bed now! Blogging will have to wait!

My first week of my Two Week Experiment has gone fairly well. One day I took off my workout because I am fighting a cold and honestly felt the healthier choice would be to rest. And one night (last night) I was up late (12:30, yikes) because I was out with friends.

Other than that though, I've had my daily workouts AND I've gone to bed between 9:30 and 10:30. I love my sleep! And going to bed early makes the early workout wakeup more tolerable.

The honest truth is that after these two weeks I'm supposed to continue with these habits forever. But I wanted to look at it as a two-week task first because that seems more manageable. So, after next week, I'll again try for another week. And then another. And another. One week at a time.

A question for you, dear blog readers:

How would you feel if I were to make my blog private? IE, readers must be invited by me in order to be able to see my blog.

I guess this would affect any readers who I don't know actually read my blog - those of you who lurk and stalk without ever leaving a comment.

Who's out there? And would you still want to lurk and follow my blog by invitation?

Sunday night here. I'm embarking on a two-week experiment. Basically the plan is a) lots of sleep and b) working out every day Monday - Friday (rather than my every other day routine).

So, since it's almost 10, I best be heading towards bed.

Wish me luck.

Yesterday was a good, long day. Pampered Chef party and brunch up in St. Joe with Josh and his mom, hanging out looking at baby photos of my babe, and then getting ready for a wedding.

Dear Tess & Laythen tied the knot, and it was a beautiful ceremony and a fun reception. I worked as a photographer to capture every guest on camera (ok, there were a few rascally ones who got away, but what can I do?) then rush out to get the pictures printed and then hurry over to the reception to place all the photos in an album for guests to then sign next to their photo. Phew! It was a bit stressful for me, so I was glad when the work part was over and I could enjoy the rest of the time.

Being with friends, being with my honey, enjoying lovely wedding cake, dancing, reminiscing... It was a great evening and a joy to witness them starting their new life together.

I came home exhausted but wanting to get the wedding pictures online so my friend Kate could see them since she wasn't able to make it to the wedding from Florida.

While I was online I checked my email and was stunned to receive word about a family acquaintance tragically and suddenly passing away. He was a friend of my dad's and relatively young - about 40.

Arthur Oduma was from Kenya, and he met my dad when he was getting his MBA at Notre Dame. My dad does a good job at reaching out to those who don't have family in the area, so Arthur had been over to the house a few times and was even a part of our Christmas a few years ago. They kept in touch, and Dad was always proud to learn of Arthur's latest accomplishments. Maybe you could say it was kind of a mentor type relationship, as my dad helped Arthur during his time at Notre Dame and even beyond.

He periodically got in touch with my dad, and then Dad would share the latest updates with us. The latest we had heard from Arthur was that he had moved to Boston to start his own company. He was ambitious and dedicated and hard-working.

Then something happened, and nobody knows what. Calls and emails to him went unanswered and unreturned. Suddenly neighbors report a strange smell and not seeing him for weeks. He had been gone for some time. And no one knew. All his family was still in Kenya. He had only met a few people in the Boston area, none close enough to know something was wrong. And now his body sits in Boston, waiting for money to be raised so he can be transported back to Kenya for burial.

It amazes me how quickly it can happen. I couldn't believe he's gone. I never thought that was the end of the updates of what Arthur Oduma is doing now. You never know when your path will suddenly cease to cross with somebody else's.

The death of actress Natasha Richardson has hit me hard too. One day she's skiing. She's happy. Oops, she fell. She's fine. An hour later - headache. And then... gone.

I just don't often think about how quickly someone can be gone. I rarely say goodbye to a friend and think that this may be the last time I see them.

What would I do differently if I did think about that reality?

I think I'd try to show more mercy, more kindness, and I'd try to share Jesus' love more.

I know Arthur did get to see that love. Through my dad and through our family.

I just don't want to have any regrets.

You can read more about this man here and here.

Within the last couple of weeks forces and things that I thought were permanent, 100% guaranteed forever and ever amen, suddenly started to no longer be that way. I had to face a new reality, and it has been challenging to say the least.

My wonderful boyfriend Josh has been there to listen, help, and offer encouragement and gentle, wise advice. He knows that it has been challenging for me. So, to brighten up an especially difficult day, he sent me flowers at work! A beautiful bouquet that has lasted about a week and a half now!

I was so surprised and so delighted to receive flowers! Everyone in the office, of course, has been able to appreciate them too and someone even said something about getting used to this as a regular occurrence. Well, I'm not expecting that. If that were the case, it probably wouldn't seem so special...

The best part is the note that came with the flowers that I put up on my desk so I can see it long after the flowers are gone. It reminds me how much he cares for me, and it reminds me how lucky I am to have this amazing man in my life. I am so blessed!

Thank you, Joshy!!

Due to unforeseen circumstances which shall remain unmentioned... Friday I became the proud owner of about 30 extremely ripe bananas. Ok, if you're REALLY curious, just ask or beg, and I suppose I can tell you the details.

Regardless of how I got them, I have them. So, what does one do with 30ish extremely ripe bananas? Bake banana bread of course!!

Yesterday I made 4 loaves - 1 for my downstairs neighbors, 1 for my boyfriend and his brother, 1 for my boyfriend's parents, and, since I figured I should sample what I'm giving away, 1 for me.

I plan on making more. Yesterday's loaves were made with a recipe from my dear friend Kelli, and I added chocolate chips! I think I'll mix in some other recipes just for fun. Pretty soon though I'll have to go get more flour and sugar. It's amazing how quickly it disappears when you're baking 4 loaves of bread in one day!

But before I did any baking, I went shopping and bought myself adorable mixing bowls and loaf pans! First time I've owned either - can you believe it?! One step closer. One step closer.

What fun!

The reality that I no longer try to hide is that I desire to be a wife and mom. And, naturally, I want to be a good wife and mom. I know that requires work. So, I'm trying to prepare now. I'm a long ways off, but I'm making baby steps. And I feel I am one step closer to that dream right now.

I just picked out fabric for an APRON! My friend Kim is making me my own apron! I have wanted one for a couple years, having never had one in all my thirty years! So, needless to say, I am EXCITED!!

We met the other day, had coffee, looked at patterns and then fabric. I picked out these 2 that coordinate. I will have a reversible (!) apron with polka-dots & paisley pockets on one side and paisley with polka-dot pockets on the other side - what fun!!

Now, once I have the apron, I should really learn to do some cooking, eh?

I got to enjoy the full moon twice today - after my workout before the crack of dawn and on my way back from Indy. It was amazing both times.

I go to Indy for a day and come home 17 hours later to find my street closed. Ahh, the joys of living near the river during flood season.

I'm beginning to feel really bitter and cynical. But I won't go into that here.

Today felt like Friday. Upon realization that it's not, it feels like tomorrow should be Friday.

The day seems so much easier when I'm not just sitting on my butt all day at my desk.

I saw snow flurries driving home tonight. No! No! No! It was also freezing cold today. I vote winter ends. Anybody else with me?

I am completely addicted to coffee. I was actually thinking I should write new words to that song from Grease and call it "Hopelessly Addicted to You".

I'm not enjoying fb's new look, but I know I will eventually adjust.

I am already stressed thinking about all I have to do the next two days. I'm going to bed.

9 Random Things on March 9th

1. I am going to blame Daylight Savings Time for anything that goes wrong in the next week. It is really screwing me up, and I seem to recall this happening last year too.

2. I need to get rid of some old clothes. Mainly because I am running out of hangers. I’m thinkin’ a trip to Goodwill is in order!

3. Barbie turns 50 today. Go, Barbie! She’s still got it goin’ on! I’m 30 and can barely hold it together.

4. I am already thinking about football season and getting excited!!

5. I made coffee and cinnamon rolls this morning. It was a quiet, snuggly morning. It made me wish I still had a loveseat in my kitchen. Yes, I used to have a loveseat in my kitchen. Ahhh, the good ol’ days.

6. I’ve been thinking about these questions. Lots to contemplate.

7. I’ve also been thinking about my hopes and dreams for my future. I am realizing the reality. They can’t all happen at once. But I’ve got my whole life to live. I’m enjoying where it is now, and I know where it’s going is gonna be good too!

8. I love having things to look forward to! Seeing it on the calendar, smiling, anticipating the event… I’ve got a few this week that I’m delighted about!

9. I have the greatest boyfriend. I am so grateful. Details to be coming later!

It's a windy Sunday night. I'm not loving the Daylight Savings Time!!

I am SO tired. I just made a pot of coffee, half decaf. It's very good.

I cleaned the coffee maker today. I also did a little bit of work around the house. I downsized and uploaded birthday party photos onto my facebook.

I gathered up the recycling. I heart recycling! Wish they picked it up more than every 2 weeks. It's so easy to just throw my magazines, junk mail, cardboard, cans, etc. in there rather than in the trash.

Too bad after I took it outside the wind blew part of it away. Whoops. Way to help the planet...

It's after 8, and I am hungry for dinner. The only thing that sounds good is pizza. I don't know why I've got pizza on the brain so much lately! Instead I will eat my leftover steak from Texas Roadhouse, of which I was not impressed. They do have amazing cheese fries though. Oh, cheese fries...

Josh and my family went there to celebrate my birthday the other day. And that marks the official end of my birthday celebrations.

Let's see I had Tippecanoe Place with Mom...


Perkin's pancakes with And...

Papa Vino's with Josh...

and The Big Birthday Party at Ugly Mugs with 50 of my closest friends and family...


There were SO many things that made my birthday week SO special!!! Many of you were a part of it - even from afar! From sending songs, cards, flowers, or other gifts to driving hours to be a part of the celebration with me. Thank you especially to my family Jim, Donna, Andrew & Jen and friends Sarah, Jay & Ginny who helped with the party. I couldn't have done it without you, and am I so grateful for your help.

I have heard SO many compliments on the party, how much fun people had, and some even saying that it was the best party they had ever been to! This just thrills me to no end!

A couple party highlights - being serenaded by my friends with a song written especially for me...

...and the fun photo guest book! Guests got dressed up with items from my prop box, had their picture taken and printed right there at the party. Then they put the photo into my photo guest book and decorated the page and wrote a personal message. It was so FUN and the book turned out GREAT!
Thanks, everybody, for such an awesome 30th!!

I have been looking forward to today all week! I'm excited for a Lazy Saturday!

It's 9:22. I've already "slept in" and enjoyed no alarm clock going off between 5:30 and 7:30. I got to listen to the rain and thunder. That was *awesome*. I wouldn't say I'm a "fan" of rain, but when I don't have to go anywhere in it, I enjoy it. Ya know, while I can stay indoors snuggled up on my couch or in bed like this morning.

I also got to the listen to the 90's music on U93, which I always enjoy Saturday mornings!

Up next: I'm excited to do laundry. Who gets excited to do laundry?!? Well, when it's been needing to be done for an entire week and you haven't had the time and it just keeps piling up and piling up... That's when I get excited to think that it will finally be done and taken care of, and I will have a cleaner, more organized house. Yea!

Also being planned for today: making and leisurely enjoying coffee (mmmm!), getting more organized, picking up, getting birthday party decorations, etc. put away, doing dishes, and other things around my home.

I'm also excited for my plans once I leave the house! I'm going to visit this fun little store in Granger that I can't remember the name of. When I do, I'll tell you! Then I'm going to GCC for their sex series. Yes. A church is talking about sex. And I think that's awesome. How many churches do you know that talk about such a relevant topic for people today?! Let me know if you want to join me for any of the services the next 4 weekends.

After church I'm going to Leah's birthday party. The big 22! I'm excited to celebrate with her and her friends. She's making us dinner, and I'm bringing a salad. What fun!

• singing birthday cards
• the fact that tomorrow is Friday
• my amazing, encouraging, supportive boyfriend
• water
• sleep
• bright pink
• flowers
• professional freedom & advancement
• lists
• planning
• today's & tomorrow's weather (60!!)
• jewelry
• leftover cheese fries in the fridge - lunch tomorrow!
• laundrypalooza this weekend
  

In no particular order...

• Dunkin' blueberry coffee
• Having my apartment picked up and organized again
• Getting my thank you's sent
• Worship service
• Bday party at Leah S.'s
• Free Coldstone for my birthday
• First Friday in Downtown Goshen with Joshy
• Tess's wedding
• Seeing "Beauty and the Beast" with Josh
• Honey cinnamon butter at Texas Roadhouse
• Getting laundry washed
• Having my old dental insurance pick up charges for my oral surgery
• Healing

To help get the creative juices flowing, I'm throwing out another set of Ten Questions!

Leave a comment with a question.

When I have ten questions, I'll post ten answers.

I keep opening this up, wanting to write. But I get here and have no idea what to say.

Much has been happening. Both good and bad.

I'm growing. Life is changing. But God is still there. My constant.