If I make it through the next week and a day...

Me, Reid (Lauren's little one), Kristin, Shelley, and Lauren

...then I get to see these lovely ladies (love them!!) for our A&M Girls Vacay/Getaway 2009!!!! We won't be going far for me...just down the road a bit to Shelley's new and beautiful house! However, I will be so ready for this weekend unless work kills me first! haha!

Charlie's Angels We Could Be!!

Saturday night after I'd worked pretty much all day, had a lovely dinner with some old family friends at The Taste of Texas, I met up with Courtney. I finally got to meet her lovely mom and sister!! I feel like I already know them and was finally putting the real face and person with the pictures and stories! I got to see her parents new, beautiful house in Seven Lakes. It is totally a house that I would build and own!! Well, not now, of course, but when I'm married and have 2 kids! haha! After leaving her house, we headed over to Dave and Alan's to watch Yes Man and Julie was already there! Before settling down in the media room for a good and funny movie...we decided to utilize one of the many BB Guns that Dave owns. Courtney was a natural and now is ready to head out to the shooting range! Alan took this photo of us with Courtney's new iPhone.




I think we would make quite the duo for Mr. Charlie as an angel! Don't you agree! haha!!



I really want to give a shout out to this fabulous girl, Courtney!! She is engaged to one of my great guy friends, Steven, whom I like to say is my "older" brother. Not sure he knows that, but I consider him like a brother to me. They are the cutest couple, which I've said before, but this is for Courtney. Sorry, Steven!



We've only known each other for over a year now and I feel like it's been much longer...in a good way! God brought her into my life when he knew we needed each other. It's funny because it wasn't something I was looking for. I honestly was just wanting to provide encouragement and then a comfortable place in the midst of many people who weren't known. Never in a million years did I think she would be come one of my best friends and that I'd be asked to be one of her bridesmaids!! Not only do I get to see one of my friends get married to the man of her dreams but I also get to see my friend marry the woman of his dreams! Wonderful!! You know it's funny because she and Steven, I must say, helped me through a rough time I went through last year. God chose for me to walk down a certain path, to date someone who was wrong for me, who did hurt me, who lied to me, who in the end allowed me to learn so much more about myself and life, in general. Should I be thanking him?! No, I'm not to that point, but I must say that I learned that I will never settle and I will never not be myself and I will never give up on what I want in life. However, Courtney listened, gave me advice, and stood by me when I needed it most. I'm eternally grateful and for me, it made me realize that not only did God provide this new and wonderful person in my life but he provided me with a friend...a friend who will be a life friend...one that I plan on having in my life for forever! I mean, who is going to remind her and Steven of all the craziness I've seen them do and go through when they are old and gray?! Oh, you betcha I will!! haha!

All this is to say...I love you Courtney and thank you for everything so far and everything that is to come that you will be there to help me with! By the way...check out her blog: http://courtneyandsteven.blogspot.com/. Pray for her as she finishes her Masters in Education at BAYLOR (!!) and then starts teaching Kindergarten here in Katy all within the next several weeks!!

AND...I think we would definitely protect people. I mean come on...Charlie's Angels: Texas-Style! It would be a blockbuster hit!! =)

For the 3rd Day...

...I was reminded of the words "leap of faith."

I have the facebook application on my blackberry curve (hopefully soon to be iPhone 3GS!), and every morning out of habit I do a quick check. Well, this morning one of my friends from high school, Miss Kaysi (!), who now lives in Reno, was talking about taking a leap of faith in her status. Wow! Sunday, God randomly brings the words that made up my quote to ponder. Monday, the Bachelorette talked about taking a "leap of faith." Tuesday, Kaysi is talking about it on her facebook status. Now, I'm not a huge believer in signs because I think we start looking for things to fit an answer or decision that we want. Instead I believe in a God who places thoughts, people, places, things, etc. in our lives at the right time to guide us along the right path...that diverse and less traveled path that I consider my life. I try to take those thoughts, people, places, things, etc. and put them in the perspective of God's will for my life. It is only in that way that I can go through life patiently waiting for all that He has in store for me.

However, God really has me wondering what in the world He is trying to tell me. After the day at work I had today, I'm thinking maybe it is to just take that leap that even though I cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, even though everything still seems so much like a web of confusion with no distinct pattern or pieces to put together yet, and even though, I have no clue how all the work is going to get done, it WILL. With HIS help I will and those who are helping me will provide a quality expert report and schedules for our client. Maybe the "leap of faith" reminder I have been getting is that simple...for me to do with my work project that, by the way, has to be done in less than 2, yes 2, weeks!

OR...maybe God has something totally different in mind for reminding me about taking that "leap of faith." Maybe he is just preparing me for something in the near future or even the distant future. I have no idea. I firmly believe, though, that everything we go through leads us to where we are to be. We learn from everything and it prepares us for either the immediate future and even for many years down the road.

I may not know what God has been trying to prepare me for this week, but I can say one thing, I am totally leaving work in His hands.

What about you? Can you do that? Can you leave it in God's hands? Can you take that "leap of faith?"

Leap of Faith...

If you have read my quote from last night then you will see this is a continuation. I'm so super busy with work right now on top of an unexpected possible legal battle that I shouldn't be taking time to do this, but I need to get it out.

Tonight while working I was watching the Bachelorette, which I DVR'd (on my awesom ATT U-verse DVR!!). Jillian's first date was with Kiptyn in Maui, Hawaii!! They went to a ropes course, which would totally be a HUGE thing for me as I have a fear of heights especially when I'm having to walk on unstable things with only a cord to hold me if I slip and fall. Needless to say I understood Jillians anxiety when they came to the "Leap of Faith"...the last part of the ropes course. It was such a reminder of how life and relationships (of all kinds) are a leap of faith.

I'm not sure why God brought the quote to mind that I had last night and then tonight reminds me of taking a "leap of faith" while working and watching my DVR'd show. Why?! I have NO CLUE!!!! I've been taking so many leaps of faith since moving to Texas a little over 10 years ago...10 YEARS!!!! This is not the time to go into detail of the road I've been on that has led me to where I am today, but I must have or rather, I know I have more leaps to make. Some of them I'm totally ready to make, but I have no clue if they will come. Others are leaps that I need to take in the meantime while the others may or may not come...Patience!! That is a HUGE leap that I've been trying to take for such a long time. I've had one test of patience after the other over the past 10 years and right now I'm trying to practice that leap and total trust that I know if I'm patient it will be worth it in the end. I'm trying so hard. Yes, I can try harder at times, but I'm trying to the best of my human ability. Other leaps are those I'm taking right now not out of choice or want to but out of a situation that I cannot get out of. A situation that I did not ask for and is the result of someone else not doing their job. Yeah, the kind you don't ever like! However, I must take it. I must do this for not only myself but others who don't know what steps to take right now.

So...TWO nights in a row I'm reminded of taking a "leap of faith." I still do not know why, but I do know that I WILL be PATIENT. I WILL WAIT. I WILL TRUST that GOD knows all and will bring me through STRONGER than before! God must know I can handle a lot in my life, and well, it is comforting to know that he gives us exactly what HE knows we can handle.

So...is there a "leap of faith" that you are not wanting to take? Is there something in your life that you are unsure about, do not have all the answers to, but know that it could be something amazing or wonderful if you just took that leap? Or something that could help others and bring peace to many by taking that leap? Or molding you into a stronger more radiant person that God has meant for you to be by taking that leap? Whatever it may be, take the leap. Take the leap in faith. Take the leap knowing that God is in control and has you in the palm of His hand. He loves you more than you can imagine and only wants what is best for YOU!

You ARE LOVED!!!!

Quote to Ponder...

Sometimes the best things in life require a leap of faith...a step into the unknown...trusting that even though you don't have all the answers that leap is worth the possibility of something great!

Thursday!!....WAIT...it's only Wednesday!

Oh my!! So, this week has been long or has felt that way. It really hasn't been a bad week. Today was the worst as I have a situation that is going to yield some investigation and lots of prayer. I can't say anymore at this time. However, I been thinking that today is Thursday and tomorrow is Friday! Oh goodness!! I guess today was a bit more tiring than I thought. haha! I have a huge litigation case at work that I'm trying to get a good grip on so we dont have a rush at the court deadline. I'm trying to finish up other files so that others can have work to do. I'm also doing a side-job, which will enhance my knowledge and skills. Plus, I'm trying to get back on my work-out routine, and find time for friends! What a busy week this has been thus far.

Have no fear, though, as hopefully this weekend I will get caught up on my updates and PICTURES!!

I've had some amazing weekends over the past month...training in West Palm Beach, going to the movies, going to Austin and seeing caverns, celebrating Independence Day...

I'll leave you with this...

Be you; life life to the fullest; say what you mean; mean what you say; know that love (all the various kinds) is not easy but hard work, including the relationships that go with it; don't be afraid to fight for what you want; never give up; smile; remember the glass is half full; the road less travelled will strengthen you; no regrets, just learn from the highs and the lows as it all gets you to where you are, who you are. Life is not easy in this world, but I, for one, am not willing to give up on my passions, interests, loves, opportunities, and relationships.

Go After What YOU Want in LIFE

This morning I stumbled across an article with Katherine Heigl. I have to say that I agree with what she is saying. So many times in life, we, as women, are told or made to think that we cannot go after what we want. We feel sometimes that we must wait, not voice our opinion, etc. However, I firmly believe that we are to live life to the fullest and to the best of our ability as God has given us talents and the capability to make a wonderful life for ourselves. How else are we to learn new things, increase our knowledge, pick ourselves up from disappointments, etc. if we are not going after what we want and striving to be the best that we can.

I encourage you, man or woman, to read the following article. I think it pertains to everyone and yes, she is an actress, but that doesn't mean what she is saying doesn't have merit. It does!

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/katherine-heigls-secret-to-getting-what-she-wants/24674

Let me know what you think!

My goal for 2009 has been to live life to the fullest and go after what I want. Am I doing that? To some extent I think I am. This was a wonderful reminder for me to not let down but to press on no matter how long it takes! Step by step...moment by moment...it may not come immediately but go after it!