My one word

I don't always understand why or how people can be so mean and cruel sometimes.  Even so, I'm blessed to have people in my life that remind me not to believe people's lies.  I really need to develop thicker skin and need to learn to shake things off quickly so that I can carry on and live my life!  I will continue to strive to live my life in a way that pleases God and not worry about people who will never be pleased anyway. . .

Week 8

I spent a lot of time this week reflecting on what truly matters.  I'm thankful for my faithful, loyal and lovable furry companion, time with my loved ones, and cherished memories of those who have recently passed...I'm blessed in spite of the challenges I faced this week!

My one word

A little red lipstick goes a long way. . .

and boosts self-confidence while adding a little pep in your step ;)

Sometimes you gotta live a little!

Week 7

I ended up having the week off unexpectedly (thanks to some furlough days) and found lots of time to enjoy living a much slower-paced life.  I love spending quality time with the people I love and enjoy alone time to unwind and relax. . .

My one word

. . . a great reminder that God is in control of the length of my life.  While only He knows the exact number of years I will live, I do have a part in determining how my time living will be spent.  I've got to get out there and "do something" rather than sit by and watch life pass me by. . .

Week 6

Colder weather means more time indoors, which is not bad for a homebody.  I enjoyed being able to spend extra time with my nephew this weekend. . .

My one word

As the first month of the year comes to an end, I am glad to say that I'm making some progress in living a more balanced life.  I still have a long way to go, but it was nice to go on long hikes, walk with Roxy almost daily, meet fun women, and even squeeze in some crafty time to make some mini-cards.  Here's to having more fun living life in February!!

Week 5

The last week of the first month of the year was a fun one:

1.  Joe and I enjoyed going to watch some pro golfers at the PGA golf tour on what turned out to be a gorgeous day.  
2. My sweet tooth prepared for a 2 week no sugar challenge by sampling four kinds of Girl Scout cookies.  
3. I'm also making good progress and am on track for my 100 miles by Valentine's Day challenge!

February is off to a fun start, as well:

My one word

This is providing some food for thought for me lately.  It forces me to stop and really consider whether I'm choosing to live my life as if it were a gift.  I definitely have to work on this. . .

*from Ann Voskamp's Journal:
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/01/5-things-you-need-to-know-before-you-begin-your-2nd-term-of-life/

Week 4

It's definitely been feeling like winter weather lately.  I'm blessed to be able to enjoy some great company while staying warm and cozy at the same time.

My one word

This is a great reminder on how to 'live'. . .

*from Ann Voskamp's Journal:

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/01/how-to-keep-in-time-with-god/

Week 3

I started out the week with a long hike with some friends, and then it was back to work. . .

My one word

This is perfect for my one word this year.  I'm determined to really live in 2013...

*from Ann Voskamp's Journal:
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/01/when-youre-ready-for-more-than-hardly-surviving-your-life/

Week 2

This was my last week of winter break, and it was a cold one!  It sure was nice to stay indoors and feel warm and cozy.  I did venture out to attend Origami Owl's regional conference.  I'm so excited to see what 2013 has in store for me (and my future team)!

My one word

As I read through the definitions for the word "live", I came to the realization that for some time now I haven't really been living life to the fullest.  Sure, I enjoy a pretty blessed life, but this past year (filled with its many challenges) shook me up. . . and I didn't appreciate it.  After a long series of one thing after another, I felt pretty beat up by the end of 2012.  I've never been more happy for the opportunity to start a new year.  2013 will also have its challenges, but I choose to "live" my life with intention and a much more different attitude.

I want my life to have meaning, so I will seek out experiences that will benefit me in a positive way, as well as my relationship with God and others.

I want to stand strong amidst life's challenges and not feel defeated by them, so I will look for ways to be motivated and inspired.

I want to dream and live without fear, so I will embark on a new journey of home ownership and buy a place of my own.

I want to grow spiritually, so I will invest my time accordingly.

I want to document my life journey, and will use pictures & scrapbook layouts to reflect back on 2013. I've missed using the creative side of my brain and doing what I love, so I will incorporate this at least once a month.

Who knew that one little word could mean so much?

Here's to a brand new year. . . 2013, a year to LIVE!!!

Week 1

It's a new year!!!  After completing a photo-a-day project in 2012, I decided that I wanted to do something creative with my pictures.  This blog will be a spot to post my week in pictures throughout the year (and maybe a few other things, too)...