Friday, May 27, 2011

Day 16 - Dream house

This photo is from my grandparent's cottage on Lake Independence in Big Bay Michigan. While I doubt I will ever actually own their cottage, or live in Big Bay, I would LOVE to own a house on a lake. I know there are downsides to living on a lake, but gosh it would be amazing to be able to sit on my porch and watch over the lake every morning and evening. Beautiful!

Fur-Baby Friday...


So, I have been a little neglectful on posting photos of my fur-babies on Friday, but I finally remembered to do so today, so here you are... This is my little one, Sam. He is such a tender soul and just loves people despite the abuse he experienced early in his life.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Day 15 = Bible Verse

I love this verse!

Jeremiah 29:11 : "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Day 14 - A Picture I Love

These are two of my cats, Annabelle (left) and Max (right), laying in front of the fireplace last winter. They loved laying in front of a fire and their fur would get so warm!

Day 13 - Goals

1. Become a mom through adoption.
2. Earn my PhD and get a job where I can actually use it.
3. Pay off my student loans before I retire. :-)
4. Get a job that allows me to give buckets of money to the charities I love and support.
5. Live my life in a way that shines Christ so that others will want Him.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Day 12... What I believe...

There are a lot of things I believe, but I think I'll just do a list of sorts, kind of like a Top Ten of sorts! :-)

1. I believe in God. I love Jesus and wish I were a more faithful servant than I am. I have given my life to Christ, and look forward to spending my eternity in Heaven.

2. I think that people who abuse or hurt animals through neglect or physical violence deserve harsher punishments. Animals are so amazing, and when I hear of animals being treated poorly it breaks my heart, and makes me wish I was alone in a room with the perpetrator.

3. I don't believe that you need to birth a child in order for you to be a parent. In fact, the entire idea of feeling more connected to your child through DNA seems a little silly to me. Loving and caring for a child is far more important than physically birthing a child. No judgment on those who birth their own children, I just don't get the "one of our own, and one through adoption" phrase. Um, what???

4. I am an American and I think I live in the best country in the world. Sure, we have our issues, but I am so proud and happy to be an American.

5. I believe that everyone should learn to swim. Despite the safety considerations of not being able to swim, I would hate for anyone to miss the joy of swimming. When I dive in the water, I instantly become relaxed and just feel at peace. Plus, there is no greater joy than floating on a raft or tube on a hot, sunny day!

6. I believe that we all have an obligation to give back something to society, especially those of us who have experienced good fortune in our lives. I am not saying only those who have extra money need to give back, we can give of our time, energy, effort, etc. Those are just as important, and there are a lot of great organizations and charities out there who need the help.

7. I believe that people who claim not to be cat-lovers have never owned a cat. They are amazing animals and don't just sit around waiting to scratch and bite you. They are incredibly intelligent, and very aware of your emotional and physical health. They can be your best companions through anything.

8. I believe the internet is an amazing tool for connecting people, but worry that it de-sensitizes us and makes people do and say really mean things because they don't have to physically look someone in the eye or live with the results of their actions.

9. I believe that we should all strive to live outside our comfort zone. Sure, living in your bubble is easy and pleasant, but only when you go beyond that bubble can you effect actual change on the world.

10. I believe that everyone needs to take a week every year for themselves. No work, no internet, no phone... just time with family to relax. I went years without time off and was miserable. It's amazing what a week off will do for the other 51 weeks in the year.

I guess that's a start to what believe...

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Day 11 = Favorite TV shows

I have a feeling there are going to be alot of these...

Currently Airing:
Modern Family, The Biggest Loser, Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, Celebrity Apprentice, Chase, Law and Order, America's Next Great Restaurant, The Office

No Longer Airing, but I LOVE them:
Friends, Alias, Ugly Betty

Day Ten: Something I am Afraid of... I am terrified of needles!

Image: piyaphantawong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Day Nine - A Picture of your Friends


This is an older photo of some dear friends and I. From left to right: Sandy, Rachelle, Christy, me, Lena. We were at Talon Winery for Sandy and Denise's bridal shower. We did wine sampling, ate lots of cheese, and had a really great time together.

A Place I've Traveled To... (Day 8)

The photo above was take of me in Venice in June of 2001. Yep, almost 10 years ago (next month). Gosh, that makes me feel old! During my Junior year of college I had the opportunity to spend a year abroad in Freiburg Germany. It was hands-down the best year of my life. In addition to living in a foreign country for 11 months, I had the chance to travel to a number of other cities and countries. Venice Italy was one of the most beautiful places in the world. It was sunny and warm while we were there and the (polluted) water was just breathtaking. The culture of the city was just mind-blowing and I wish I could have spent more time there. On a positive note, I did spend my 21st birthday in Venice and it was a magical day. My travel-mates (and friends) Angie, Meg, and I woke up and went site-seeing, took a gondola ride, ate at Harry's Restaurant, drank a bottle of excellent red wine, and ended the day with chocolate gellato. It was a fantastic birthday, probably the best of my life!

The photo above is me standing in the Piazza San Marco. It was one of the first things we sought out, and we had a truly magical experience there. That first evening we sat at the cafe (to the left of the photo) enjoying a cappuccino and watching the sun set while an orchestra played. As the sun went down, the water crept into the Piazza. Eventually, everyone had to leave because the Piazza was soon covered with water. This happens every evening.

I know it is common knowledge that Venice "is sinking," but it really was shocking to see the water come in and bring everything to a halt. The next day when we went inside Saint Mark's Basilica (back of the photo), we were able to see how the floor was buckling due to the water damage. It was truly sad to see.

Anyway, that's the story behind my photo above. I really would like to make it back to Venice again one day!