A List of Accomplishment

It's amazing how a "day off" isn't really a day away from work. I do feel good when I can accomplish a lot within my day away from work work. I started my morning by waking up to the sound of rain. I knew right then that I was going to have to REALLY motivate myself to get stuff done. Well, I got up, got Madison (11 1/2 yr old Yorkshire Terrier) her medicine and breakfast. I then ventured out into the laundry room where I began the first of a few loads of laundry for the day. After that, I got myself ready and went to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription and then on to the grocery store. Very grateful to get back to the house, Maddie kept her eye on the neighborhood while I vacuumed the house. Do you just have the good feeling after vacuuming? I sure do! I'm sure it's just the whole "clean" factor. One thing was automatically checked off the list of "things to do"...the watering of plants was done with some help from God. I was definitely thankful for that...since I hate for dad to return home after vacation to dead plants...Well, after the vacuum cleaner did its job, Maddie and I decided to relax for a bit and watch Something Borrowed and took a 30-40 minute nap afterwards. (BTW, the movie was super cute! definitely one that I want to buy) Well, other than switching out more loads of laundry, that concludes my day and it's only 7:30! I'm so tired, which probably isn't helped by my allergies that have been and are continuing to beat me up.

Something that's really interesting, is Maddie and her fascination with the front storm door.

This cat is the only animal she allows on our porch. We kind of adopted the cat after it (yeah...we have no idea if its male or female because it's too skittish of people) was left behind our neighbors. They will sit at that door and just stare at each other though! It's very interesting to me...as you can tell.

Like I said...it was an all-in-all productive day and can say that Maddie and I will sleep very well tonight!

Movies!!!

I don't know how, but I've managed to watch 2 movies...yes, I said TWO!...in the past two nights. I finally got myself to see The Adjustment Bureau. It was really interesting and got my mind thinking. The nice thing that I can conclude with is that my God controls everything that happens in the world. If something isn't meant to be, He'll make sure that I find that out within His perfect planning. It's such a relief to be able to know that my life is in the best hands that I could ask for. I just have to remind myself that I can't be the one to try to "take the wheel" (as Carrie Underwood states in her song "Jesus Take the Wheel"). I've got to be willing to allow God to take control.

The other movie I was able to watch is Robin Hood. This is the newest version of it that features Russell Crowe. Yes, I admit that he is one of the main reasons that this movie even struck me as interesting. There have been SO many movies written about the story of Robin Hood, all the way from cartoons to silly comical movies. This one was so intense and it depicted the beginnings of Robin and how he obtained that name of "Hood". No...I honestly haven't researched YET if this is truly how the book depicts the story, but I shall do so when I have more time. You know, I only have so much energy for getting myself to sit down and watch a movie, let alone do research on it! :)

Is that a breeze???

I was down in Florida this past weekend and I got SO excited because the evenings are getting darker faster and there was....wait for it....a CHILL in the air! And if there was a chill in the air in Florida, I KNEW I'd be coming home to cool evenings and mornings! Well, Aniston is officially at her 8 month old mark. AH! I need to the time to slow down! I did get an adorable picture from my sister of Aniston at the pumpkin patch in Gaffney, SC.

Her shirt says "Cutest pumpkin in the patch". I'm just glad that no one tried to pick her!

So...back to my happy smiley weather. This brings out my want of a comfy flannel blanket, a book, and a glass of wine while laying in a park. *sigh* If only work could be THAT every day...

Peace Love & Hip Hop

I have recently gone outside of my bubble and went to my very first hip hop dance class. It was GREAT! I was so excited and nervous, but had the best time ever! There's a local group that teaches dance classes to kids. Apparently they were getting requests from adults wanting to learn dance routines as well...and VOILA! There soon became an adult hip hop dance class. It's the most amazing workout and the music with the beats make for a great time. I have always wanted to learn to dance as well, so this just puts a lot of my "likes" into one evening. Check out the website for Peace Love & Hip Hop when you get a chance.

Catching Up

Wow...so I started this out towards the beginning of the year (blogging that is) and didn't realize how much discipline it takes to sit down and just type my thoughts and opinions. So here goes another try...

Have you every noticed the beauty of God's creation and then realize that that "beauty" is sometimes the things that you're scared of? Take the following picture for instance:

I'm no fan of spiders, but the way they make their webs so strong and durable just astounds me! Look at the beautiful design in the middle! I mean how could some creepy crawly critter make something so intricate and amazing???

We all know that September in Charleston means the weather will constantly be changing from humid to nice and breezy until it just turns cold. Well, September also means....FOOTBALL SEASON! Okay, so I'm not an avid football watcher myself, but I am a Clemson fan. So of course you know that I'm going to share another picture of my adorable niece as she enters into her very first football season!

Could there be anything more precious than a 7 month old baby in a cheerleading outfit?!?! (Let it be known that as she gets older, she will be wearing REAL sports jersey's instead of those cheerleading outfits) :)

My sister and brother-in-law have also found her halloween costume for this year...

...and yes, this has got to be the cutest leopard ever!!! (I'm not biased because I'm an Aunt or anything am I?)

3 Months and Changing Daily

I was able to make a quick trip to go see my sister and niece. I was SO happy since I hadn't seen them in about 3 whole weeks! (I know...that's a dramatically long time) I was happy to visit with Jen since she's getting ready to start her new job on Monday. I was able to be there as extra moral support since she's having to put Aniston in daycare. :( I will say, that this is not a "chain" daycare and that there is a lady who has been working there for over 30 years! Jennifer made a great point as saying that at least she knows that the people there truly love children since they've been there for so long working. Jen is sad that she'll have to leave her and she's afraid that she'll miss certain things as she still has lots of growing up to do. I know that this is for the best and that she's got good people taking care of her.

I will say that she is still the sweetest little stinker ever! I love her bunches!

They just moved to a new little condo that is in Clinton, SC and they are right across from Presbyterian College so the area is great. There's a pretty pond that we walked to one evening to go feed the ducks. On the way there, Jen tells me about this massive duck that is just about equal to a medium sized dog. Well, I was having a hard time believing this....but sure enough when we go there...THIS thing starting walking towards me...

Other than the gigantic duck that kept following me and freaking me out, I was able to have a nice walk with Jen and Aniston.

Spin, Spin as fast as you can!

The class of spinning. No, I don't mean twirling around in circles with long ribbons. I'm talking about an invigorating hour class at the gym where you're in a room with about 25 other people spinning the wheels of a stationary bike! Yes...I absolutely LOVE going to spin class.

I never thought I would be attending a class where I'm stuck on a bike (not for the fun of an outdoor bike ride like I would have done when I was younger) for an hours worth of time. However!...I will say that the crazy ton of sweat that I produce during that time has got to be the best feeling ever. I know it sounds crazy, but I love coming out of the class and I can physically see the sweat blotches on my clothes. I know how disgusting that must sound, but for someone who has created a fond new hobby of running and working out in general...well...this is honestly one of those highlighted moments that make you feel like you're on top of the world and can conquer anything. Also, I love the fact that my muscles feel amazing after this class. For those who have thought about taking a spin class or would like a great way to get in shape and tone those muscles...this is definitely a way to go!