Just Act Fearless

And the fearless year continues for this girl, not that I have had time to become too complacent in this new adventure I am already embarking on, but it's time to make some friends.  Apparently, there is more to life than reruns of Sherlock and Doctor Who and fun fruits.  Who knew?  Working on finding a church, but it will appear there are no folks my age who attend church in the city of Macon, so time to see if there are nerdy folks here at all.  I decided to at least one of my degrees (even if it is just a minor) and audition for a play!
Let's just say I have never been more nervous than walking into the Macon Little Theatre.  I haven't had to do a cold read audition since my freshman year of college.  The experience didn't get any easier I am afraid as the night progressed it became obvious that everyone there were all friends and had performed in numerous plays together.  I was under-rehersed.  But alas, I went in with yellow chucks tied tight and a bow atop my head.  There is something about chucks and bows that make me feel a little more confident.  Perhaps they are childish, but they make me feel like me.  I read for three parts.  No idea how I did, as I said everyone was very good, plus there is one more day of auditions, but I was happy I went through with it.  Never thought I would have missed slipping into another character center stage, but I really have. 
I am a firm believer that God never gives you dreams unless he intends on helping you to achieve it.  While my unrealistic dream of being in an actual film or TV show is a bit of a stretch, I can perform on a small stage and have a good time doing so.  Being fearless isn't about taking risks and making your life better, it's about being content where you are, and allowing God to use the dreams in your heart to be a better you.  Live your life more fully.  Even if I don't get a role, I tried.  Something to mark off my list.  NO matter what comes next I pray I am confident enough and fearless enough to jump in both feet and trust God to catch me.

The success is in the adventure

In honor of Comic Con I thought I would blog a bit about why fiction has such control over society's mind.  Or at least, here is a preview why it has a huge part of me. 
Fiction, whether it be in the form of television, movies, or books, has always had a hypnotizing affect of its consumers.  Suddenly, actors lose their own names and are forever branded with the names of their characters, and names are no longer meaningless letters compiled together for identification purposes.  You can't name your baby Clara anymore without assuming she will have the same brave qualities as Clara Oswald, or name your son John without anticipating he will have loyal attributes and will stand up for what is right.  Pop culture has infatuated me from pretty much forever.  The first show I fell in love with was Early Edition.  Suddenly, I was no longer watching stories unfold, but I became invested in the lives of the characters.  Kyle Chandler will always be Gary Hobson to me and the actress who played Erika will always be on my hate list (seeing her as Lassiters wife on Psych is very difficult).  It is the first time I remember crying at a TV show because my beloved Gary was hurt or sad, and verbally cheering when he succeeded.  I knew what it was like to live with a real hero.  I knew what it looked like for someone to sacrifice for the well fare of others, but I thought men like my Daddy were rare.  In fiction, I realized these men were the norm and selflessness was thought of as brave, not weak.
Life is never easy, and things go wrong.  That just is how it is.  You move, you become lonely.  You're hurt, you're sad, you want to celebrate, whatever.  You have stories to escape into.  Suddenly, memories are no longer smell orientated or color orientated.  They are story orientated.  When I got my contract for my first book to be legitish published I was with my best friend and you know how we celebrated?  She introduced me to this awesome show called Sherlock.  We didn't get drunk, we didn't go out, we turned to Sherlock...and peanut butter pie.  It's also one of those things that creates bonds you cannot explain.  Heather and I are as different as night and day, and yet we are best friends.  Together we have mourned cancelled shows (Chuck), dying characters (Supernatural/Sherlock), celebrated the rebirth of characters (Supernatural/soon Sherlock), escaped into fictional worlds in many a theater.  Whenever we would have a bad day we'd get together and watch our favorite film.  How many times did I see TMNT with you?  And how many times did you watch Prince Caspian with me?  But there is a bond with this common love.  Don't believe me?  Look at Comic Con.  Talk about friends that come together every year to talk about things that don't exist.  People dress up as their fave characters and are not laughed at, but asked to pose for a picture.
It provides codes that only can be understood.  For instance, the lights flicker during a bad storm, most people would grab a flashlight and curse the storm, a fan would either grab the rock salt, or proceed to yell 'DOn't Blink! Whatever you do don't blink.' Go to an apple orchard, a normal group would oo and aahh over the fresh fruit and baked goodies, a fan would yell 'I hope your apple pie is freaking worth it!' and then stare suspiciously at ever scarecrow.  New scales are produced.  Such as on a scale of Power Rangers to Doctor Who how bad was it? 
As important as the relationships are, there is another much bigger reason I love fiction.  Joss Whedon has this quote that sums it all up so perfectly.  He says the reason he writes is "to be the characters that I am not.  I write to explore all the things I am afraid of."  It's the same reason I write and become a fan.  I want to be the leader like Caspian, someone who may make mistakes, but loves his people and would do anything for his God (Aslan) and his Kingdom.  I want to be a dreamer like Peter Pan who believes the best in people even if they don't deserve it.  I want to rely on my friends to get me through my most trying times like the Doctor and be brave enough to protect the people I love like his companions.  I want to believe in something so strongly I am willing to lay my own life down to protect it like Merlin.  I want to be needed and to make a difference like John Watson.  Most importantly I want to be the person who loves the soul of the people around me, not to worry about what others think, or how they look, but to genuinely care about the well being of every person I encounter like Belle.  Fandoms don't isolate you from society, in fact it's quite the opposite.  They help us see the good in the people around us and make us want to be better people so that one day maybe someone will compare our actions to one of our heroes. 
You may think Comic Con is a laugh and a waste of time, but look closer and you will see a group of people who have the ability to change the world.  They are your inventors who see gadgets in sci fi and make them real, They are your writers who dream of better worlds for their characters.  They are your actors who use their powers of persuasion to help those in need (Operation Smile).  They are your teachers, who are showing our children how to use their imaginations and create a world we can only but dream of.  They are the very best of us all, caring for one another no matter their race, gender, or cosplay.  When one falls they all rise to protect them.  We may have bonded over fiction, but the reality is there is so much more that keeps us together.  Nerds unite and let's make this world one worthy of a movie.

It's the Little Things

I have always believed we need to take time to enjoy the little things.  You know the cliches, 'take time to smell the roses', or the feeling of fresh grass under your toes, hearing a duck quack outside your window.  I always knew the little things could help a little day turn a little brighter, but I never realized how they could help on a bigger scale. 
First, my Daddy lived with me for a week.  A week where I am still trying to get my new apt together and sadly, was still living out of boxes because as fate would have it, I couldn't locate my hangars.  I was having a rather rough and long day at the new job and I got a text saying my Daddy had scoured my unpacked boxes and located my hangars! Such a small thing, but it made my day so much brighter as well as each subsequent day when I went to my closet to get my clothes for the day. 
Then there was the creepy waitor who gave me his number at lunch.  Though awkward, embarrassing, and in case you're wondering, NEVER gonna happen, it was nice to actually catch someone's attention.  Who knew seven little numbers could make me feel special even if it was only for a fleeting moment.  It's a little thing, but it meant something.
Then today, there's a lot going on in my rollercoaster brain right now as I am sure you can imagine, but I got my dining room decorated (mostly) and my Living room set up and my desk cleared and ready for work.  It's funny how these little things can make me feel like maybe I really have come home each day.  My personal stamp is on this little apartment, it no longer feels like a big hotel room.  I still hesitate when people ask where I am from.  My heart still wants to scream Athens, but Macon is my home for now. 
In the next 2 weeks my apartment will be completly set up and my training will be half through.  Things are falling into place.  It's stressfull and confusing and lots of other things all at the same time, but this year was all about being fearless and I don't know how much more fearless I can be right now.  I am here for a reason and on those hard days I just need to remember to enjoy the little things, after all, it's the little things that make the biggest imprint on a memory.

Hardest Part of Being Fearless

The most intelligent bear in the world once made the most profound statement.  He said, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."  The last week has proven this statement over and over again.  I have been so blessed in Athens and made relationships that make saying goodbye heartbreaking. 
The first goodbye was to my job of six years.  You know the last episode of Cheers, when he stops at the door of his now empty bar, takes one last look before he turns out the light and walks out one last time?  I had that moment.  My walls were bare, my fish in hand and my computer logged off one last time.  I made my one final look and suddenly, all the bad things disappeared and I could only remember the fun.  Crazy how that happens.  I remembered my interview with the new GM Manager and his coordinator, all the friends I had made through the years, those who have moved on, and those who were still there.  I remembered all the steps I had climbed to get to the position I was in, and all the lessons I had learned from the best manager in retail.  I have never been so ready to move on and yet not want to go.  After a 13 hour shift, I was checked out, but I knew the second I hit clock out, I was done.  I learned a lot on this job, lots about people, lots about the job, I have been truly blessed and have enjoyed my job more days than not.  I will definatly miss those gamedays and their awesome neon shirt!
Next up, my apartment.  Yes, it is old.  Yes, it has issues.  Yes, the neighbors are loud and obnoxious.  And yes, I am sure going to miss it.  It was my first grown up apartment.  THe palce my girls could spend the night and have a good time.  Where they could scream on the tennis court and have a fun story to tell.  A place that still has traces of pumpking guts in the bathroom.  Where my friends could come over for the game, or a good movie.  I won't miss the creepy crack in my wall that left me searching for an escaping light that will cause me to never be born (Doctor Who fans can understand my fear), but I will miss the stories.  It was my clown apartment, I was forever surprised how many teenage girls could fit!  It may not have been much, but it was mine.
And finally, perhaps the hardest goodbye of them all.  My girls.  Over the course of the last few years, these girls have become my passion, my heart, and my soul.  Everything I do, I think of the impact on these girls, everything I see makes me think of one of them.  I have watched them grow and mature and love them more than anything.  I hope I have been able to teach them something over the last several years.  My biggest desire is that they would continue to grow into godly women who care about others and furthering the kingdom. That they would make wise decisions and understand their actions have consequences.  I hope they would know that I love them and that I will always be praying for them. 
Though the hardest thing in the world was saying goodbye I know I am supposed to be here.  It's hard to be fearless in the face of so much change, but here we go.  "I know who goes before me.  I know who stands behind.  The Lord of Angel Armies is always by my side."  Here we go...'13 continues to be a fearless one!

Putting Faith in action

This year I decided to be Fearless in everything I do.  I have told my teenagers that if our God is for us and we are in His will there is nothing in this world that can stop us and if there is one thing I want my teens to know is I won't ask them to do anything I am unwilling to do myself.  So, this year became my fearless year.  It's not to hard when trying new foods, going to new events, taking new trips, but now it's time to put my faith in action and fearlessly folllow Gods will in my newest adventure.
For those of you who don't know it is time for me to leave Athens.  I have known that this year would be my last in DAWG country for awhile now, but now it's real.  There's a lot to be scared about with this move.  It's my first move of my own choice by myself.  For the first time I have friends and relationships that will be harder to keep up with.  I have a youth department full of teenagers I cherish more than life itself, but as scary as leaving the life I have built for myself is, being out of Gods will is way more terrifying.  I can assure you this decision was not made lightly, and I spent a lot of time praying I was reading the situation incorrectly, but alas this was not the case. 
Starting over is a very scary thing indeed.  I will have to find a new church, new friends, learn a new job, nothing that sounds like much fun.  I have so much to lose, but who knows what God has in store for me to gain.  Part of growing up is making really heartbreaking decisions and this is my first one.  Though I will miss my job and manager, we all knew my time was dwindling, but walking away from my teens...I cannot begin to describe the pain that came with that decision.  Through the last several years these teenagers have taught me more than I could ever hope to teach them in return.  They have reminded me that the generations to come have so much to offer and are so resiliant.  My teens inspire me everyday to be a better person.  Saying goodbye to them is going to be way more difficult for me than for them, but at some point I knew I was going to have to do what's best for my future.  However, if they think they are getting rid of me that easily they are CRAY CRAY, I am only moving 2 hours away and intend on making several trips to check on them. 
Athens has become my home over the last seven years and I will miss it greatly, but it is time to Fearlessly follow my new path God has put in front of me.  Nobody ever said being fearless would be easy, but I have been told it will be worth it.  I am ready for my next adventure whatever it may bring, but these next few weeks are going to test my resolution.  Here we go...the turning of a page, and the beginning of a new chapter.

And so it ends

As with all good things, my vacation has come to an end.  The last morning of Kentucky proved to be the most beautiful (of course), we headed to the conclusion of the women's conference.  It was a lovely time of worship and praise with a large group of women.  It was very refreshing and 'transformed' my way of thinking about a few things. 
Afterward, it was time to grab lunch and head on my way back to the peach state and Dawg country.  It was a nice time to fellowship, but it was time to say farewell to sweet Kristen, adorable Sam and my good friend Melissa.  Sam even woke up in time to see me off.  I can't wait to see what God has in store for this little family!  They love each other so much and have such a desire to fulfill Gods will! Best of luck to them as they continue on their adventure! I wish we lived closer (I loved babysitting), but for now our paths are going two different ways.

After saying goodbye I roamed into old Louisville where I found the oldest homemade ice cream shop in the United States.  It is a Louisville staple and let me tell you, I know why! They freeze chocolate syrup so there is no crunch to your bite! I got a peanut butter chip and it was amazing, perhaps (dare I say) better than Blue Bell, don't know about Braums, I think they will always be my fave!  Then I had put it off long enough, it was time to begin the LONG drive back down the mountain.  I stopped several times along the way looking for a Kentucky and Tennessee sticker, but to no avail! My poor laptop has no evidence of my travels :( (I will have to order online I guess).  Luckily, I missed most of the really bad weather, only Tennessee saw rain (of course when I am coming down the mountain), but the Lord blessed and I arrived home safely very late last night. 
It was a very exciting trip and after I catch up on some sleep, I will reflect on it's awesomeness, but until then, I am thankful to have good friends who no matter how long we are apart or how much our lives change, I know I can count on them.  God has blessed me immensely and no matter the trial I have a great support group!

Day 5 and 6: Baby it's cold outside!

Wednesday was a relaxing day.  Melissa and Will went out to breakfast so I got to play with Kristen and Sam all morning long.  Of course that means we had to break out the arts and crafts!  After coloring coloring sheets for awhile we decided to be adventurous.  Kristen loves butterflies and I found glitter.  What does that mean?  You guessed it we made our own sparkly butterflies for her bedroom!  I also have a new respect for moms having to do everything one handed and keeping vigil!  Sam wanted to help and as he sat in my lap got a handful of glitter!  Who says boys don't sparkle? 
Once Melissa was back and Will was off to work, we girls decided it was time to get serious about Spring.  Time to Dye Easter eggs!!!  But of course we couldn't die normal eggs oh no we had glitter eggs! Kristen was quite enthralled with the egg that exploded while boiling, but we made beautiful eggs with very little mess.  One thing we learned is that you really didn't need the special kit, you could have used normal glitter, but it made each egg unique and special. 
After our mess was all cleaned up (two glitter projects equals lots of glitter mess that will hang around for a bit), we introduced Kristen to perhaps the best movie to date from Disney.  (I say perhaps, since I am still torn between this and Beauty and the Beast...let's say tied for best movie to date) Tangled!  It captivated her (or it did in my head) and she loved it as much as she should with the proper gasps, giggles, and tears where needed.  I of course had a glitter day and Zachary Levi, so it was win win.  We then went to church and I got to see a very large, young congregation at work.  It was really nice to see so many little ones running around.

Thursday was supposed to be the long awaited zoo day.  The Louisville Zoo is famous for its polar bear exhibit and if you know me I am a little into polar bears ever since my Daddy gave me Mr. Bear when I was a very little girl.  However, who would have thought Louisville would be a meat locker in the middle of March! Not only was it bitterly cold, but there was a baby we were unsure we could keep warm (when I say baby I am talking about me! I did not pack for 30 degree weather and this southern girl was not feeling the hypothermia I am sure would follow!)  So instead we ventured to the Louisville Derby grounds.  Did you know on Derby day the infield (area in the center of the track) holds so many people it becomes the 3rd largest city in Kentucky?  Just the infield! And I thought Game day in Athens was bad!  They have almost 200,000 people in a very small area for Derby day! No thank you! However, the hats are awesome! I have an idea, how about this year we have our own Derby Day and make hats and watch it on TV...Amber Jo? Sam? Could be fun!  Anyway, we also got to see a miniature horse.  Kristen's mind was a little blown as to why it wasn't a pony.  It was a lot of fun to see something so Louisville! We even got to walk out to the track!

To end the day we went to a women's conference being held at Melissa's church.  There are a billion women in attendance.  It's kind of like a DNOW for adults.  There is worship with a great leader, a speaker and then you break off into small groups to discuss follow up questions.  There are 3 sessions over the course of 2 days (only difference, we go home and go to sleep at reasonable hours).  It is really nice to see a church so compassionate about its women's ministry.  It is already a great conference and I look forward to its conclusion tomorrow.
 
So, there it is!  Still haven't found any blue grass, but to be fair its thirty four degrees and March! Tomorrow concludes my vacation and I must force myself to  make the long drive back to reality...

Day 3 and 4: The New State

After an early farewell to Nashville and Laura, I began my trek to an unexplored state: Kentucky.  For the last several months all I have heard is how wonderful Kentucky is from my manager, so with high hopes I began the short trek north.  First impression?  Kentucky has the nicest rest stops of any state I have visited though they are missing a state plaque.  The buildings themselves are very colonial and well kept.  The next thing I noticed would be the grass.  It’s green.  Really?  I am continuing my quest, but I have yet to find any blue grass.  I know the grass isn’t like Florida blue, but it’s called blue grass for some reason right?  When found I will promptly photograph it to document it for you.

I finally arrived in Louisville after convincing myself I did not need to stop in Elizabethtown.  Orlando Bloom wouldn’t be there (great movie btw, you should see it if over 13).  I met up with Melissa and her family!  I haven’t seen her in forever and it was nice to see her and her husband, Will again.  I was also able to meet her two kiddos, Kristen (7) and Sam (4mos).  For Kristen, she can mostly remember my name, but if she gets stuck I become Mommy’s bridesmaid.  Sorry Mom, looks like I am always going to be remembered as the bridesmaid not the bride!  After leaving Sam with Daddy for boy bonding, the girls went off to the Louisville Slugger museum!

The museum is pretty awesome.  There is a monster slugger that is 3 or 4 stories tall outside the doorway with their trademark brand.  Inside we were dazzled by a Lego exhibit recreating famous parks out of Legos.  Pretty cool if I do say so.  They even had Legos for you to build your own masterpiece.  I failed, but Kristen built a pool.  We got to walk through the only working factory that produces the Louisville Sluggers.  Our tour guide had way too much fun, but the tour was pretty cool.  They showed you the original form of carving the bats (which took about 30 minutes apiece) to the updated route (which takes about 30 seconds).  We got to watch as they programed the machine to carve a Reds players order.  Next time I watch the Reds I’m gonna be able to say I watched his bat get made!  I even learned a few tricks to sound really smart while watching a game with my sportholic friends.  At the conclusion of the tour we each received a mini bat! Now I can duel Chuck and threaten our staff J. 

Afterwards Melissa made an amazing dinner and it was time to get the kiddos in bed.  I was even asked to read the bedtime story!  Of course what could I say! Hint: I’d love too!  We read Danny and the Dinosaur! I was pretty stoked the book was still around; it was one I had as a kid.  Then Melissa, Will and I visited to end my first night in Kentucky!

Day 2 in Kentucky brought another realization.  It’s COLD! I felt like I was back in Colorado.  It is windy and super frigid. They were calling for snow, but I never saw any.  Needless to say I did not pack properly for it!  However, despite the weather the Thomas clan and I battled the great outdoors in the quest of the perfect Easter dress and suit for the kiddos.  Kristen found a pretty cute dress, but poor Sam’s mission was a failure L.  Who knew finding kids clothes would be so hard?  My vote is still on the bow tie!  We had a Red Robin Lunch and roamed another Massive mall.  Then back home for dinner and getting ready for church! 

Night 2 brought another story.  This time Amelia Bedlia! What?  Oh yes, Melissa keeps this child stocked with the good books.  Oh the antics of Amelia! Such fond memories! Love those books.  Then Melissa and I ran off to Target and stayed out til 10! We are getting crazy in here!  It was fun to just roam the store.  I may have bought The Hobbit.  I’m on an adventure, Martin was on the cover, he’s on an adventure, Sherlock started filming this week….okay, no maybe, I bought it!   We bought candy and soda pop and had a really great time of fellowship and shopping!  I mean what more is there!

Perhaps the saddest part of the day was the realization I left my brush in Nashville!  This may seem petty to you, but that brush has been through everything with me and it made me quite sad to go buy a new one.  We’ll see if I like it.  I’m gonna have to pick it up on my way home, sorry Mom it isn’t officially gone yet! 

I’m loving Kentucky so far (except for the cold), better be careful Melissa, you may not be able to get rid of me now!

Day 2: Unexpected Awesome

It was a dark and stormy morning and all seemed lost as the two friends dressed for a day that was supposed to be filled with carousels, and more amazing animals than the eye could behold.  What started as a light rain soon turned to a full out thunder storm destroying the well laid plans the two friends had made.  What were they to do?  Give up?  Never.  They decided to get breakfast and perhaps wait out the storm so that their plans would be delayed, but not altogether ruined. 
With a new plan in mind the girls raced into the city for a tall stack of pancakes.  This was unlike any place you had ever seen before.  There was an outdoor line waiting to get inside for a taste of the buttermilk awesomeness.  So the two friends took their spot in the rain to wait for their much anticipated breakfast!  Once seated, they wondered at the amount of food placed before them and ate until they could barely move, but stall as they might the weather did not improve.
"Let's attempt to head to the zoo, maybe they will let us in," declared one friend determined to save the adventure, but fate would not be so kind.  As they took their exit a large lightening bolt tore across the sky riveling any such wonder Thor could create.  Just as all seemed lost off in the distant stood a sign directing the two saddened friends to a science adventure.
"What is this?" The friend asked.  "Should we explore?"  So off they went in hopes their detour would bring some unexpected adventure.  They had no idea what this would entail, but as they approached the entrance their spirits lifted as they saw the sign for a Magic School Bus exhibit. 

Inside the friends beheld the most amazing sight! A hands on experience like none other.  There the friends met with a Time Lord in disguise as Ms. Frizzle explained the weather and why the day had begun with a terrible storm!  They bravely battled pathegins in a shoot out, climbed to the top of a tower to get a 360 degree view of Nashville, got a glimpse of galaxies far away, operated on a poor defensless patient after racing them to OR, emersed themselves in the past in a planetarium viewing of sea monsters, channeled their inner Dorothy as they fought tornado force winds, ran from dinosaurs, and tried space ice cream all before lunch.  Though the two friends had not met a Doctor, they traveled through time and space for an unexpected adventure. 
Though exhausted the friends would not complete their adventure while the light still shone in stormy sky, so off they went to explore another world, one man made and hidden in a hotel.  A place where cat fish swim freely and fountains dance for the entertainment of guests.  Water falls and foliage complete the rainforest feel and the girls were amazed at its unparalleled beauty. 

After stepping back into the dreary world they went to the mall that never ends.  Here they shopped because let's face it the friends are girls.  And don't fret they found an amazing carousel, so not all was lost!  Following an exhausting morning the friends decided to dive into the deep blue ocean for a magical dinner.  As the dined a black tipped shark watched from the distance and a grouper stayed close, his nose in a corner trying to go unobserved.  Sting rays laughed as they swam by the friends wondered at the beauty of the animals.  Quietly, they quoted Finding Nemo looking desperatly for Nemo amongst the schools that teased their vision. 



Following this, the friends went to Dave and Busters to try their luck at the video games, they weren't very good, but alas their adventure, though not as planned, became one of childish joy.  And now dear friends I leave you as we escape into a world of Doctor Who.  The pressure is on to pick the best episode to introduce my hosts to its awesomeness!!

Day 1: How many miles to the tootsie roll center?

As expected my night was far from sleep filled.  It was as if I was suddenly a kid on Christmas Eve waiting anxiously for the sound of jingle bells in the distance! Alas, dawn finally came and it was time to get this show on the road!
First, I was able to attend the early service and still worship on this beautiful Sunday morning.  It was a small service seeing as many are sick or on vacation this week, but it was still very nice.  As soon as the final Amen was said off I went to begin the trek to Nashville, Tennessee!
The road wasn't actually bad.  I was concerned having to go through Atlanta and Chatanooga would slow me way down, but who would have thought traveling North on a Sunday afternoon would be so uneventful and dare I say dead.  I met very little traffic and made great time.  However, it did still take me a little over 5 hours, which gave me time to discover the answer to an age old question.  Everyone has their travel snack to stay away and alert.  For me this snack would be Tootsie Pops.  I got tired of counting licks, but I can now say it took 33 miles to get to the center of the tootsie pop!  Take that Mr. Owl! I arrived in Nashville way ahead of schedule due in part to the fact I changed time zones...finally get to replace that hour that Daylight Savings so cruelly stole from me!

I found Laura's place with no difficulty, which is saying a lot if you know me!  And after some serious catching up, we headed to dinner.  However, the true fun came afterwards.  We came home and played DVD Clue with her sister and roommate! So much fun.  There are more characters to eliminate and an extra catagory to discover! So much fun.  Laura won, but I was only a turn away.  I had the answers her turn just came first, but that's okay, I'll get you next time!  This was then followed by Super 8, aka Kyle Chandler!  The rest of the evening was spent in Nerd talk.  I won't bore you with the discussed theories for Sherlock series 3 or Avengers or Doctor Who, but let me just say, this is an amazing start to a great week.  I mean come on tootsie pops, clue, Kyle Chandler, and nerd theories, come on what more could a girl ask for?  Pray it doesnt rain tomorrow so we can hit the zoo after pancakes!

The Eve of Awesome!

So, I haven't had a real vacation in quite some time.  I usually acrue my vacation time for World Changers and spend my vacation with my amazing teenagers in a different state doing hard labor.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE World Changers and am lookiong forward to going back this year, but I am also very excited to be going on a lazy vacation.
For those who know me, I am a planner.  I have extensive iteneraries that plan trips to the minute with little wiggle room.  I print menus for resteraunts beforehand so everyone knows what they want when we get there so there is no wasted time.  I have a binder with reservations and color coded plans.  However, this year is my fearless year, so not only am I taking my first trip solo, but I am flying with minimal planning.  At least for now.  As the night progresses that may change, but I am hoping to be fearless and adventerous!
I am at the age where my friends are moving on and taking different paths for their lives.  I couldnt be more happy for them, but it means seeing them is rare, so on this trip I am reuniting with some great friends I have made since college. 
First up, Nashville! Heart of the music world, home of anyone who's anyone including my buddy Laura.  She is a major role model.  Deciding God was calling her to be a musician she moved to Nashville to make it on her own.  She is getting there is with a pretty popular band!  I couldnt be more proud, but her touring means I havent seen her in eternity! So from Sunday to Tuesday it's just the 2 of us ready to paint the town Red!! Monday we will be going to the Nashville Zoo! Please pray it doesnt rain so we can embrace our kid side and ride the carosel!  Sunday, depending on when I arrive, we may go see the parthenon! That's right be jealous! It's going to be great!
Tuesday, I get to head to Louisville, Kentucky! I get to mark another state off my list and see my dear friend Melissa!  I haven't seen her in almost three years I believe and those three years have been HUGE for her! The last time I saw her she was marrying Will (a great guy), but since then they have adopted a sweet little girl (who I can't wait to meet and blow glow in the dark bubbles with!) and have had a little boy who is 4 months old! I am pretty stoked! I am so excited for all the things God is doing in their lives.  Before I meet up with them, I am going to the Louisville Slugger Museum.  It's like the Coca-Cola museum, but bats and you get a mini bat at the end! Then I get to see Kristen dance! Yay! I've never been to a dance recital so I'm really excited! At some point during the visit we are also going to the Louisville Zoo, famous for their polar bears, which as you know I love! Not sure what else, but there is a Women's Conference Melissa and I are going to to conclude our visit! From there who knows what will happen as I head back to Athens. 
Life changes in the blink of an eye, the last thing I want is to regret not taking chances.  If that means an unscheduled stop to see the worlds largest ball of yarn, then bring it! I won't be cured overnight, but without jumping on faith you may miss an even more amazing adventure that God has been preparing.

So, here I sit on the eve of Awesome and I am a child, too excited to sit still longer than five minutes as my mind wanders with possibilities! I will post the adventure as it happens, not sure if it will be in story form or recounting, but I am too excited to reunite with some dear Godly women and have some awesome fun!!

The Fearless '13

I am not the kind of girl who makes New Year's Resolutions.  Why in the world do we live in a society that voluntarily sets goals they have no intention of completing?  Talk about setting yourself up for failure.  However, an author that I greatly admire challenged her readers to pick one word this year and make choices based on that word.  Call me crazy, but this seems like a much better idea to me.  So, this year I have decided my word is Fearless.
From an early age we are encouraged to dream impossible dreams.  Our parents tell us we can be anything we want to be; president, an astronaut, an actress, a writer, a ballerina, you name it we can do it.  "Shoot for the stars,' they always say, but then we grow up.  We discover Peter Pan isn't coming to take us to Neverland, Prince Charming doesn't tear the world apart for you, and sometimes we don't get what we want.  Perhaps, the latter is the hardest pill to swallow.  We learn disappointment.  You don't get into that college you wanted or that big job you had your heart set on.  devastation sets in.  Discouragement clouds our judgement.  Suddenly, all those crazy dreams become a thing of the past and survival kicks in and we settle.  It's the cruel truth that no one wants to face.  However, here lies the problem.  Fear sets in.
I tell my girls constantly that they should never let the opinions of their peers influence them, but realistically that isn't going to happen.  Now, don't get me wrong, we need to be independent, but in our society we are afraid.  Afraid of failure, afraid of criticism, afraid of rejection.  Fear becomes the basis of our decisions. 
We let fear dictate our lives.  We get comfortable.  Suddenly, the 'for now' turns into 'stuck.'  We let people treat us poorly so that they won't get mad at us.  We let people take advantage of us.  I am no different.  No one wants to let people they care about down.  We are afraid of the consequences.  Even when we know it's time to move on we stay.  Not because it's what needs to be done, but because it's familiar and no one wants to start over.  We don't start new things because we are afraid to fail.
Well, no more.  I have decided that 2013 is the year I will be Fearless.  Romans 8:31 says 'If God is for us, who could stand against us?"  I am a firm believer, that God doesn't put a desire in our heart unless he is going to fulfill it.  Perhaps it won't be filled the way we wanted or planned, but He will fill it.  However, we have to trust Him enough to take the steps for it to happen.  As long as we stay in God's will why in the world should we fear anything?  Who or what is stronger than my God?  Nothing. 
Fearless doesn't just mean not being afraid.  It means doing what you know you have to even though you are afraid.  This year is going to see a lot of change in my life.  It is time.  It is past time, but I was afraid.  This year is going to bring some goodbyes, some new faces, and a new adventure even though I don't know what that is yet.  I am starting a new book for real next week that hopefully will be finished by fall.  I am going to put myself out there.  I am going to fail, I am going to be rejected, I am going to feel alone sometimes, but it will have been because I tried.  I don't want my girls to think I won't do what I ask them to do.  It's time to take the challenges I issue them to heart myself.  It is time to be completely fearless in EVERY aspect. 
So, here is my challenge to you, dear reader who has stuck with me through the whole post, pick a word to live by this year, set a goal, pray about it, do it, and be fearless in your pursuits and adventures, I know I will!