New Years Eve | Life Changes

2013

let's do this. 

. . .

I mentioned on Friday that i'm not making resolutions this year...i'm making life changes.
In my opinion resolutions can be forgotten or discarded easily, but making a change holds more weight & forces you to actively pursue a better life.
I've made a list this year full of changes, hopes, and activities that i plan on pursuing.
I may add more as time continues, but for now here is what i've come up with.
. . .

Play hop scotch.
Go to the gun range more often.
Cook more!
Go Kayaking.
Learn how to use my 50mm lens.
Be Happy.
Look into going back to school.
Move more!
Play in the rain.
Have a big game of capture the flag.
Start writing my story.
Take a few day trips out of town.
Go to a conference.
Get my passport.
Love others more.
Study God's Word.
Participate in a color run.
Paint More.
Go to a few concerts.
. . .
What about you?
What changes do you want to see happen in 2013?
Happy New Years Eve everyone!

Frankly Friday...v18

What is Frankly Friday?  Let's define Frankly shall we...

frankly |ˈfra ng klē|adverbin an open, honest, and direct manner

. . .

I want this to be a way for all of us to be open, raw, and transparent with not only each other...but with ourselves. I think we put a lot of stock into the "fear" of what others may think of us...into the "fear" of really putting what's on your heart out there in case someone decides to tear you down.

I'm over the fear & you should be too.

So let's write...whether it's about a situation you're struggling through, a victory you've made, a memory that you can't let go of...anything as long as it's honest.

. . . Frankly... I can not believe that 2012 is almost over.  It seems like only yesterday i was making a list of things i was going to accomplish in 2012 and i was going to stick with it and actually do something this year. Meh.  Here is the funny thing about resolutions: most people never accomplish them. Why is that?  Why do we make these lists with things we would like to do or not do and then complete them for maybe a month before realizing "hey this is too hard, or too complicated, or too much work, and i quit".  The truth is: i don't want to be a quitter.  I was raised to not quit, you stick it out and suck it up and make it through what ever obstacle comes your way and if you need help--you ask for it.  Yet when it comes to actually being consistent in bettering myself...i fall short.  Why is that?  I've been thinking about this for a while now and have come up with a few reasons excuses i use to get out of this whole but i made a resolution thing.  1. Fear.  Pretty simple right? You make a list of things you want to change, do better, accomplish, go see, listen more of, do less of, etc that it is simply overwhelming at points. I fear that i won't be able to accomplish what i've set out to do, i fear that i'll disappoint myself and others, i fear...i fear...i fear. Fear has been captain of my ship for far too long.  I no longer want to fear failing or disappointing others (or myself).  I no longer desire to measure out my successes against anything but what God has in store for me.  I also know that while this is easy to say it can be an absolute JOB to accomplish.  So while i may not conquer fear every day in 2013 I vow to make it less of a foundation within my life.

here. 

2. I'm too busy. 

Really? Am i REALLY too busy? 

For example one of my 2012 resolutions was to get in the Word daily, and i failed miserably. 

It all boiled down to me thinking i was too busy or too tired or too _____ to spend even 20 minutes a day studying God's Word. Was i really too busy? No, i wasn't. Yes, some days i was over-run with things to get accomplished and by the time my head hit the pillow i was out like a light. I understand that life can get in the way of the things that mean the most to us...but i've also learned: we allow it. 

I find myself sitting here wondering, have i've backed myself into this nice little comfortable corner because i don't want to change...which brings me to:

here. 

3. Do i really want to change? 

Do i really want to change my daily habits? 

Am i enjoying this comfortable corner that i've made? Am i complacent with not doing much of anything different? Hmm...if i'm honest, probably. I look at my life now, age 24, and realize how i add very little new into my life; which isn't how i want to live my life in the slightest. I want to try new things and challenge myself to grow into a well-rounded individual. I want to live life.
So do i really want to change?
Yes. I do.
It will require effort and A LOT of motivation and kicks in the toosh.

here.
. . .
So ladies & gentlemen i plan to make a list and share it January 1, 2013 of some things i will do my best to accomplish in 2013. Will they be resolutions? No. They will be aspects of change that i will weave into my daily life...no more resolutions, more living.
. . .
Would you like to read some of the past Frankly Fridays? Give it a go...
v1 | v2 | v3 | v4 | v5 | v6 | v7 | v8 | v9 | v10 | v11 | v12 | v13 | v14 | v15 | v16 | v17
. . .
If you were Frank this Friday don't forget to link up!

Thankful Thursday...Christmas Picture Edition

I'm thankful for... | Jesus | This time of year it seems that a lot of people have Jesus, or some form of Christianity on their mind. Whether that is figuring out where they should go spend Christmas Eve, being thankful for the birth of Christ, or just acknowledging that others celebrate it. Even though Jesus wasn't technically born in December (most scholars pin-point it around the fall), celebrating His life is always important to me. 
| Family |  I had so much fun with both sides of my family this Christmas. It amazes me how stark of a contrast each side represents. My mother's side is loud, hyper, and all over the place & my father's side is calm, relaxed, and easy going. I love the balance and i love each person. You know the saying "you can't pick your family"...well even if i could i would still pick them all over again. Sure there is drama and disagreements but i've learned so much from each individual and i'm so blessed to call them MY family. 
| Health | While i may not be the most healthy person, i'm reminded of how grateful i am to have my full health. Do i need to spend more time in the gym? Yes. Do i need to eat healthier food and smaller portions? Gosh, yes. Do i need to take medicine every day? No. I'm thankful that God has blessed me with good health within this season of my life, and i am fully aware that it may not last forever. Within my family and circle of friends there are many health problems, and it reminds me how people still find joy daily in the midst of pain. I'm blown away and encouraged by their good nature, loving hearts, and optimistic attitudes above all. So, if you are within a season if health issues, know that a. you're not alone and b. you can still have joy. As my family always says, don't let someone or something steal your joy.
| Gifts |  I'm thankful for gifts? Yes, well humbled really. I'm humbled that i'm able to give gifts to those i love and in return receive a gift. I am definitely the kind of person who loves giving gifts and feels awkward receiving something.  This Christmas i was blown away with some of the things i received.  So to keep a memory for myself (and i guess share with you what i got?) i wanted to post some pictures. Is that weird? I don't want it to come across as a brag or look what i got and you didn't because that is mean, and self-centered. I honestly just want to remember what all i received AND show you my nappy morning hair. . . . So here are tons of pictures from Christmas Day!  Enjoy.

Funny story about this Jig Saw: it's mine; yes i asked Santa for a jig saw. Christmas morning my brother goes, "What is that?" i replied "my Jig Saw...obviously"; he gave me a puzzled look, "Why did you want a jig saw?" I smiled and said "To cut things, and because i'm more of am man than you are, i ask for power tools"...so ladies and gentlemen you KNOW you're into DIY when you ask for power tools for Christmas that you don't even know how to use yet. :)

& then my brother grabs my camera...and these pictures happen:

He is skilled i tell ya. Skilled.  . . .

The Day After Christmas...

Am I alone in feeling weird today? 

I can't believe Christmas was yesterday and not tomorrow. I suppose it blows my mind how quickly time is flying by...and how much i feel i haven't fully absorbed. 

Christmas was fantastic, this Holiday season has been full of joyous moments and great memories. 

Three of my friends got engaged over the last week, another friend got married, i was able to spend time with family, the house was full, my brother is home...all things have been great. 

I'm thankful for a wonderful Christmas, and for what it really means. 

I loose sight so often of Jesus and what He has done for me...of His never-ending love and the true freedom i have within His arms. 

Overall...i spent some time reflecting and it really needed to happen. 

. . .

I'm going to share tomorrow some gifts i received for thankful thursday that I am still humbled by. 

Today though I had to share the experience that is my mom's side of the family on Christmas Eve. You see i try to warn people, "Listen, we're a little crazy, loud, and a lot to take in so...watch out". But i don't think anyone REALLY understands until they experience it. My lovely roommate, she was so blessed to spend Christmas Eve with us! It was actually pretty funny because my friend Lauren (who just got engaged!!) swung by before family came over and she asked Maria, "What are you doing tonight?" & Maria responded "Oh, hanging out here with the family"....Lauren laughed and said "You have no idea what your'e in for".

Needless to say it was so much fun, great memories were made, and Maria made it! She had to dip out for a few breathers and to have a moment of silence because i'm being 100% honest when i say we can be overwhelming. Let me put it this way, picture 25 people yelling over each other to talk, children running around, presents and food everywhere, a dash of drama (what is a family function without it?!), and late late nights.....THAT is my family. 

. . .

. . .

Can't wait to participate tomorrow with Sarah Grace for Thankful Thursday! 

How was y'alls Christmas?! I'm so excited to read all about it 

Merry Christmas!

here. 

Merry Christmas! 

I hope all of you have had a beautiful few days and that you're able to spend this day with those who make your life brighter! 

Christmas Decoration Round Up...

I promised on Friday that i would share with y'all the rest of my Christmas decorations. 

I've also realized that when i have the day off i forget to actually POST a blog at an earlier time, so my bad. I am also behind (hey it's the Holidays!) with reply to comments and catching up on y'alls blogs!

I'll get to that maybe tomorrow, i'm getting ready for my mom's side of the family to come over to my house for Christmas Eve (about 30 of us)!! So i've been getting the house ready. 

I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas Eve! <3

Here are my decorations this year: 

Outside (deer silhouette on the glass)

Mantle 

. . .

Tomorrow is Christmas!! <3

Frankly Friday...v17

What is Frankly Friday?  Let's define Frankly shall we...

frankly |ˈfra ng klē|adverbin an open, honest, and direct manner

. . .

I want this to be a way for all of us to be open, raw, and transparent with not only each other...but with ourselves. I think we put a lot of stock into the "fear" of what others may think of us...into the "fear" of really putting what's on your heart out there in case someone decides to tear you down.

I'm over the fear & you should be too.

So let's write...whether it's about a situation you're struggling through, a victory you've made, a memory that you can't let go of...anything as long as it's honest.

. . .
Frankly... *I overslept like WOAH today, whoops.  *I have got to finish up my shopping so i can get everything all wrapped and ready to go. *I've been having the weirdest dreams. {i.e. last night i was living when we were bombed by japan but it happened all over the country?} *Jesus has not been on the for-front of my mind & heart lately, and that has to change.  *I'm tired, yup even still after over sleeping. *The wind last night/today....INSANE. *I WANT A FIRE IN MY FIRE PLACE. *I'm a little weird right now, seriously, my mood is hilarious.  <3 What are you being Frank about today?  Link up! . . .  I also can't wait to show y'all the house decorations on Monday so make sure you swing back by!  . . .

Past Frankly Fridays:

v1 | v2 | v3 | v4 | v5 | v6 | v7 | v8 | v9 | v10 | v11 | v12 | v13 | v14 | v15 | v16
. . .

Time to be thankful

. . . | Thursday |  I'm happy today is Thursday, because that makes tomorrow is friday & i have friday off of work!  Do you know what that means? I CAN FINISH MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING.

| Peace Come Over You by: The Rocket Summer |  This song is just absolutely breathtaking. The first time i heard it, which seams like forever ago, i cried and cried and cried and was so thankful that Bryce was able to completely paint the picture of my heart.  I was shuffling through my ipod yesterday morning and this song came on...and it resonated with me...for the Sandy Hook tragedy. Honestly, it resonates with anyone who has experienced any sort of pain within their lives.  So take the 4:42 minutes and listen to it, you won't regret it i promise.
 
| 30 Rock | This show makes me so happy. I've watched all 6 seasons on Netflix at least 5 times (yes every episode included). Every single thing about this show makes me laugh until i have tears in my eyes...it is absolutely brilliant. If you don't watch it, get on it! :)
| To not be sick |  Being sick this past weekend (the first time in a long time) really opened my eyes. I think of the men and women who are sick daily with different things and that is their lives. What beautifully strong and courageous people who don't complain and take life as it comes each day, YOU are an inspiration.
| Books |  I love books. I LOVE books. In the last year i've probably read close to thirty, and in 2013 i really want to keep count of how many i actually go through. There is something to be said about losing yourself in the story of another and becoming connected with these characters. <3 . . . What are you thankful for today?  See y'all tomorrow for Frankly Friday!!

Pinteresting Wednesday...v16

I've got to be honest guys...i still haven't done even 1/3 of the shopping i need to. I'm SERIOUSLY slacking this year. I've just had a hard time figuring out what to get people. I'm not one to buy something that will just sit around and not be used/enjoyed....that feels like a waste of my $$ and their time. So with that being said i'm hoping that today after work i can get some shopping done. 

Fingers crossed ladies and gentlemen...fingers crossed. 

. . .

These pins are all over the place even though i decided to start with some decorating ideas, you know since i'm not even 100% done {stupid virus}. Enjoy!

1 | 2 *this is actually my aunt's blog!* | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
. . .

You can check out some past Pinteresting posts here:

v1 | v2 | v3 | v4 | v5 | v6 | v7 | v8 | v9 | v10 | v11 | v12 | v13 | v14 | v15  

. . .
I still can't believe how far behind i am on blog-reading/commenting again, ::hangs head in shame:: sorry guys, i'm getting there i promise!