Feeling: Very proud. Yesterday, I watched my cousin graduate from high school and I was just filled up with so much pride in her. I don’t talk about family much on here, but this cousin had a baby in October and before then, she was behind in her classes. She managed to catch back up and graduate right on time while being pregnant and then caring for a baby. She put in so much hard work and it all paid off! I’m really proud of her and how she’s turned her life around since having baby Mia.
Reading: Mockingjay, the last book in The Hunger Games trilogy. I have enjoyed this series immensely and I love being back in the world of Katniss Everdeen. I can’t believe it took me so long to finally read these novels – they are so fantastic. I’m a bit nervous about how it all wraps up, based on reviews I’ve seen, but I’m trying to form my own opinion of the series.
Watching: Currently obsessed with The Voice and MasterChef. I feel like I’m the only person in the world who’s happy with who America is sending home each week. I’m torn between Michelle Chamuel and The Swon Brothers as my favorite. I would really just like to be Michelle’s BFF, but then Zach Swon is, like, my perfect man. That’s a toughie.
Anticipating: This weekend! I actually have a pretty full weekend of social plans, which I’m excited about! I lead such a boring life usually so I’m always psyched when I have things to do. I’m also learning that being around people and being social can recharge me. Not in the same way being alone does, but when I’m surrounded by supportive people who get me, it feels right and exactly what I need.
Planning: On starting a new virtual Bible study with some blog girlfriends. It was Kathleen who first sparked the idea and there’s been a lot of interest. I’m really excited about it because I haven’t been involved in a Bible study for over a year and I really, really miss the fellowship. It’ll be a different experience doing it online, but I think it’ll be really fun! Our first study will be on 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker and we start the study next week. (So if you’re interested in joining our group, let me know and I’ll pass it along to Kathleen.)
Enjoying: The worksheets I’m doing for Nicole’s 30-Day Sugar Detox. I’ve had so many eye-opening revelations while going through the questions and it’s really showing me how I got to where I am now. I’m really interested to see what other revelations will come to me as the weeks go by.
Wishing: That making healthy choices was easier for me. I want to make the healthier decision because I know it makes me feel better about myself in the long run, but when the moment comes down to it, I always seem to choose the option that will taste good now, but leave me feeling like crap later. Sigh.
Learning: That I am in charge of my future. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want out of my life and how to get that. I think I’ve been holding myself back from new experiences and paths because the change is scary and I’m worried about what other people will think of me. But there are very specific goals I want to accomplish in the next year and in order to do that, it’s going to take standing on my own two feet, asking for what I want, and not being afraid to go after it.
Thinking: About my dad, since today is his 50th birthday. On a day like today, I can’t help but wonder if he’s missing my brother and me, or if he’s still angry with us. I really, really wish he could be an active part of my life and it’s just sad that he’s not willing to make the effort for that to happen.
Loving: Fig Newtons. Strawberries. Sunny days. Sleeping better. Sore muscles. Kisses from Dutch. Being back at church. A lighter closet. Being social. Opening myself to new opportunities, even when they scare the pants off me.
I can see how special days in your dad’s life are tough for you and make you think about him even more. 🙁 Sending hugs…
I’m excited for my upcoming weekend as it includes things like a massage and social plans! I am loving having my free time back. I’m reading a book called “The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes” – I just got to a really pivotal moment in the book when I was biking this am so I can’t wait to get home tonight and see how it all gets wrapped up!
Thanks, Lisa. This was a tough one, to be honest, since it’s his 50th birthday.
I love reading books that you get wrapped up in and can’t stop thinking about! Those are the BEST kinds of reads!
I’ve been so happy with The Voice lately too. (Although I did LOVE Sarah Simmons.) Michelle and Danielle are my top 2 right now, but I also love The Swon Brothers. I just hope they all get amazing record deals and we can listen to their music all the time! 🙂
Right? I adore Danielle, too. She’s incredible. I actually love all of the Top 5 and would be happy with any of them winning!
You’ve got lots going on; love it! So glad that it is Wednesday so that the weekend can be almost here =)
You aren’t the only one who struggles with healthy choices; I think we all do in our own way!
I would like to think your dad is thinking of you and your brother today and is slowly letting that anger go. In the meantime, I’m sending you big hugs as I can’t imagine how tough it must be!
Thanks, Nora! I certainly hope so. It just makes me really sad to think he’s still angry with us. June is always a hard month for me with his birthday & Father’s Day. The hugs help. 🙂
I LOVE the Voice & MasterChef, but I’m focusing the latter & giving up the former because I can’t bear to keep watching, as angry as I get every week when they send home artists I love & keep artists whose sound makes me cringe. Nathan was so mad when they sent Kris home that he declared he was never watching the show again! I don’t know if I’ll go that far, but this season is definitely over for me, & I’m bummed about it. That said, this season of MasterChef seems great so far, & I’m so excited for this round.
Aww. I am really happy with the Top 5, but my musical tastes tend toward Top 40 anyway. Ha. I did say I would never watch the show, though, last season when Cassadee Pope won and here I am… watching again.
I LOVE MasterChef so much. It’s really such a fun show! Some of the contestants make me so angry that I get so into the show. I think it’ll be a good season, for sure!
Your cousin looks amazing, and look at baby Mia! She’s getting SO big already, my goodness!!
Totally wish healthier choices were easier for me too. SIGH. I just love food :'(
I would hate my cousin if she weren’t my cousin. She’s ridiculously gorgeous. Annnnnd skinnier than me after having a baby. Life’s not fair, eh? 😉
It makes me sad to read about your dad’s birthday. I know how it goes… I’ve been having some major family issues that resulted in some really hurtful things. It’s not fun.
BUT I am so happy to read about your cousin’s graduation. Good for her! I hope she continues to strive and do well, both for herself and that cute little baby!
Thanks, Krysten! She amazed us all, that’s for sure. I’m so stinkin’ proud of her!
I love the Voice! And I TOTALLY want in on this Bible study!!
I have been holding off on reading the Hunger Games just because everyone else is reading or has read them. I want to know what all the hype is about!
I struggle with making healthy choices too. Mostly when I’m out at a party or restaurant..at home I do really well. It’s like as soon as I walk out my door my conscious stays behind. Frustrating.
I’m sorry about your dad. That must be tough.
I felt the same way about The Hunger Games. But then I just decided to go ahead and read it and see what all the hype was about. I’m finding Mockingjay MUCH harder to get into, but the first two books in the series were amazing. You should totally check them out!
I loved the Hunger Games too. And if you haven’t read the Delirium trilogy yet, I’d definitely recommend it.
And congrats to your cousin. That’s so impressive!
That series is next on my list! I’ve heard really great things. 🙂
hurray for the Hunger Games! I seriously love that trilogy so so much.
I’m finding Mockingjay a little harder to get into but I heard it picks up quickly towards the end and I’m about 70% of the way through. Can’t wait to see how it ends!
That is awesome about your cousin. Good for her! And yay for the Hunger Games… just take your time reading it, the ending comes too quick! (But your timing is almost perfect for the movie coming out this summer – nice!)
I still need to watch the FIRST movie! I’m waiting until I’m finished with the trilogy and then it’s on. 🙂 And I’m so, so excited to see the second movie! It all means so much more when I’ve read the books.
That is great about your cousin! She is so pretty and her baby is beautiful.
Have a great weekend full of plans! I think my weekend will be a good mix of relaxing and productive which is just what I need right now.
My weekend ended up being relaxing and productive as well, with some social plans falling through. It was just what I needed, though!
Congratulations on your cousins graduation! My 18 year old cousin graduated a few weeks ago too and I unexpectedly cried. Its unbelievable to me that she is ready for the next chapter.
I’m sorry your dad’s birthday has been hard for you. I saw your tweets that day and was thinking about you.
Hope you have a great weekend!
I was overcome with so much emotion watching her – and all the kids – graduate! It is such a special time in a life, finishing high school and starting a completely different chapter. It was fun to be able to celebrate her huge accomplishment!
I love fig newtons. I haven’t had one in a long time though! They are a great snack for athletes actually!