I am thankful...

So, the trend on facebook this month has been to write something everyday that you are thankful for. I would forget 1/2 of the month to do that. So, i decided to just write a blog about some things... I am sure another one will follow with more on the list.

1. Amy. Wow, where to start. Honestly, this girl needs a blog post or two dedicated to her. She has been a best friend since, well... we were too young to remember. Right now, she is also my roommate. I love living with her. I tell people all the time when they ask how it is.. that it is effortless. We know each other like the back of our hands. I can take one look at her and know immediately if something is up. The same with her. There is nobody else that does the midnight sonic runs, walmart trips and late night back porch time quite as well as she does. I love that we know the advice that each other needs, and for the most part don't want to hear. (Taco Bell, line) Ha!

2. My friend's kids. These kiddos bring more enjoyment to my life than they know. I work with kids everyday... and don't get me wrong, I love those kids. But these kids are really my nieces and nephews. I love being Aunt Casey. Sleepovers with Mayer are the best, accidentally making Sophia scared by jumping out at her will always make me laugh and the times when Liam decides that i am semi normal, melts my heart. So, thanks to their moms and dads for bringing these precious kiddos into the world, and letting me play a small part in their lives. 

3. My family. I learn a lot from many different members in my family almost weekly. Sometimes, they are good things, and sometimes I learn from their experiences. I have honestly, just in the past few weeks learned a lot about my part in my family. I have always had the instinct to turn to friends first. Don't get me wrong, I talk to my family a lot... but I have always looked at friends as family also. I distance myself when things get hard, or I don't want to be apart of certain situations... But, over the past few weeks, it has really hit me upside the head that my family is just that... My Family. I am thankful that they have stuck with me, when I am sure I wasn't the easiest person to get along with.

So, for all this, and MUCH more. I am thankful. I really am a blessed girl!

Every once in a while...

Every once in a while, a friend comes along that changes your life. They are there for the big and small things. If you know me well, you know I love when friends just "check in" with me. I love when i can be myself 100% of the time and that is all that person expects. This friend is Jessica! We actually met a little over 7 years ago, but not until this summer did she become a best friend to me.

We constantly joke that the list of reasons why we are friends grows every day. I have decided to list as many reasons as i can think of for this post. I am sure this will not be as enjoyable for many people except us, but usually we are the only ones laughing at things anyway! Ha!

1. Our love/addiction for old country music. Usually from the late 80's and early 90's. We know every word to most every song... she knows way more than me. And we will be content forever, to sit in her backyard with the iPod blaring and us singing at the tops of our lungs til the early morning hours.

2. Our sarcastic natures. We can always find something to laugh about. I can't think of a time when i haven't almost been in tears because i was laughing so hard with Jess. It's a scary thing, but we have the same kind of humor. She makes my life much more fun...that is for sure.

3. Our need for planning out our days. She is obsessed with her calendar on her fridge and my planner is my bff. For instance, one night we were in the car on the way to her house. We mentioned possibly hanging out like 4 days later. Later on that night, i happened to pass her fridge and saw that she had already marked it on her calendar... i had to laugh because i too had put it in my planner.

4. Our love for random TV shows and movies. I always thought i had dreamt up a show from my childhood. I was always asking if anyone remember the show. "Under the Umbrella Tree". Everyone always looked at me like i was crazy when i would explain it. Guess who loved that show as a kid... Jess. We have many shows and movies in common from childhood to present. And we are both in love with our DVRs. It is only her that I can reminisce about old nickelodeon shows like "Are you afraid of the dark?.

5. On a more serious note. Her husband Ben and herself have welcomed me into their home many times a week for the past few months. I am not sure they will ever know how much their friendship means to me, and how much i cherish these times with them. They are some of the best people i know.They are THE BEST of all my friends for checking in with me, and asking me about "me".

6. She will kill me for this. But, one of my favorite memories with her, is when we sang karaoke. Jess can sing, even though she will tell you otherwise. That certain night brought about some of the best laughs I have ever had. I can't wait till we do it again!

There are many more and I could continue for a long time. But, I just want to say... Thanks Jess! For it all! I love you, friend!

Bless the man....

So, I live with one of my best friends, Amy. We are both 25 and both single. So, as you can imagine the topic of guys comes up a good amount in our conversations. Not just about guys we would like to date, but also guys we are friends with and our friends husbands. Don't worry, not in a freaky, "you should leave them and date me" kinda way!!! We just comment on traits we like, or hope our future husbands have one day. She said something a few weeks back that hasn't been able to get out of my head. (Sorry Amy for telling the few people who read my blog). She said that she is really happy in life. Great job, friends and family. She is at a good place. Whoever or whenever a guy shows up, he needs to add to that. Otherwise, she was doing OK without him. Now, this may seem like a easy statement to hear... but for me, it really got me thinking. In the past, I think I have focused so much on wanting someone to be in my life, that I have almost ignored who I really am, and also I forget how much God has already blessed me with. I need to stay content at where I am, and then see if God really has someone in mind for me. And when/if a man comes along... I need to be myself and see if he really enjoys who that is. Deep enough thoughts for a Morning?!?!

So, this brings me finally to the point of this post. I found a list on Pintrest, "I need someone who is prepared for...". I couldn't get over how accurate this was for me. So, of course I have to share the list and add my comments in.
 I need someone who is prepared for...
1. A million questions....  (But, please keep in mind I am only asking you these, because I really want you to ask me that question).
2. Uncontrollable laughter... (Bless, when i get really tickled it becomes the oddest cackle you will ever hear).
3. My family...(Again, another blog for another day. God bless your heart).
4. My appetite...(I believe in sonic runs at 11:48 at night with all my heart. Its never too late for a sweet peach tea. And I will NEVER like leftovers. Random, but these were the two things that came to mind).
5. Musical outbursts...(I will sing someones ear off. And when I take a road trip, just be prepared for music the entire way. And, sorry but it will all be soft rock or old country. My friends hate me sometimes for it. ha ha).
6.Random dancing...(I love to dance.... but i usually have to be pretty hyper for you to see all my amazing moves. Its  pretty awesome! ;-). ha)
7. My friends... (they are my family... their acceptance of someone will matter immensely to me)
8. Sad/Happy tears...(Well, i guess in this case, I need it to say mad tears. This is about the only time you will see me really cry. When someone has made me really mad, the tears flow).
9. Deep Talks...( And they will always be at the most random times. I don't always like opening up, so when I do, it will be random and not expected at all. And people.... at this point stop what you are doing and listen).
10. My imagination... ( This immediatly made me think of my future with my job. Like I mentioned in a previous post I have many dream jobs, and i will talk about them all the time. Just smile and nod your head in aggreance that I may one day do something....)
11. My dreams... same as above
12. Walks in the rain.... ( not so much walks in the rain, but i will be the first one out there to play in it).
13. Random text... (and please text back, or I will continue to check my phone every 2 minutes to see if I have missed a reply).
14. Useless Arguments... ( Now, I do not agree with it when people say, the woman is always right and men should just say "yes, dear". But, I really am right a good majority of the time.... or something like that).
15. Acceptance of the real me... (I think more than someone accepting me, I need to work on actually being the real me.)

Yes, random, pointless thoughts for the day! Maybe I should just print this out and hand it out on first dates... well, then there might not be any 2nd dates. Ha!!

Some things will never change.

So, we went to Indiana this past weekend for the last time! I will admit, I didn't realize how many things are in that town that I have huge memories of. Me and my sister took a big portion of the day on Saturday and drove around taking pictures. We did some really serious things but also took the time to enjoy the day and laugh a lot. I went to New Castle A LOT growing up. Not only did I go at the obvious Holiday times, but I also always spent a good portion of my summers there. I do think because of that, I have a strong feeling towards not only my grandparents, but also their home town. It is so fun to talk to them both about the upcoming move. They are like 2 kids in a candy store. Papaw freely admitted though, that he is positive he will cry a lot when pulling out of town for the last time.

I could go on and on and talk about the trip... I really had a good time. But instead I want to share a story...

We went to one of my favorite places, Memorial Park to take some pictures. While we were there, Teri, my sister and me, took a walk around to look at and comment on all the different toys we would climb/play on. We took some fun pictures and talked about how I always got stuck with the crappy toys nobody else wanted to use. At this park, there is a huge twisty slide. OK... I thought this thing was massive when I was a kid. I didn't go down it for years after all the other grandchildren had. Well, when we got to the park I noticed that it was still really big. The pictures really don't do justice. And also, keep in mind, I am very much so scared of heights. And, not like really tall places... I like hate climbing up bigger step ladders. I know... its sad! Ha. So i decide to climb halfway up the ladder and have sis take a funny picture. I get up there and literally start shaking. She takes a picture and then I realize I have to climb down. That took a few minutes to say the least.

We talk for a few minutes about how I wish I could go down the slide one more time. Teri finally convinces me to go for it. So, i climb back up, and this time I go all the way to the top. OK... people, I could barely stand. You would think I was 100 feet in the air or something. My body is about to fall out, and I start yelling to Teri. If you were there you would hear these phrases over and over again.. "SIS" "Sis, I can't do it" "I am gonna fall over the edge". "For real, how am I gonna get down" " OH MY WORD" "Its too big"... Poor Teri had to hear this for a good 5 minutes. Well, I finally decide to go down and I get around the first turn.... I look down and there stands a teenage boy. HE HAS BEEN RECORDING ME WITH HIS PHONE THIS ENTIRE TIME!! I turn the second loop and stop myself long enough to look at Teri and ask, "is he really recording me?". She says yes with a huge smile on her face and takes my picture. So, not only did that boy catch my crazy scared out of my mind moment... he caught a girl (who should not be trying to get herself down a little kids slide) flying down the slide, in a way I am sure was not my best moment. Needless to say, you may see me on YouTube or America's Funniest Videos.

I really wish these pictures showed how big the slide really is... But yes, i am a wimp. And I am totally fine with it.

I have this friend...

There are some friends that come into your life that change you as a person. I mean, I know everyone has some effect on you...but there are those few people that have a lasting impression on your life. I think that if you have a handful of those people that you should consider yourself really blessed. I am thankful to have many people that I call a "true friend". But, this post is about just 1 of those people...Lynsey. I know that she will hate this post and I will receive a call tomorrow talking about these pictures of her or something I have said... but oh well, get over it Lyns! Ha! We met in high school for a few different teen activities through our church denomination. We weren't too fond of each other...to put it nicely. I thought she was stuck up and she thought I was annoying. She will try to deny this... but she wears her true emotions all over her face. Then we both ended up at the same college...and wouldn't you know...we were suite mates. We ended up on the same traveling music group for our freshman year also... so we were just thrown into the same activities together. It was an instant friendship from that moment on.

There are few people that I remained friends with all 4 years in college. Friends came and went.. I changed a lot... But, through every year, there was Lyns. I ask her all the time why she stuck with me. I was a crazy girl and I am sure I took her down some crazy roads she would have never seen otherwise. She will NEVER understand how much her advice (loving and harsh), laughs, talks and tears meant to me at that time in life.

She got married right after college. This is a funny day to look back on. At that point, every friend of mine that got married fell into "the marriage trap". They became, to put lightly, sucky friends. They forgot all about other people and let friendships die off. Trust me, single people get this a lot. I cried the entire day... and i mean entire day. I was so worried that I was "losing" my best friend. Boy was i wrong. Lynsey has been a wonderful, faithful friend. Yes, it did change, as it should... but she has never made me feel weird for being single, or like I was not important in her life.

There are not many people that I am really honest with in my life. Lynsey is one of them though. We have a Monday night ritual of going to dinner or coffee. As i drove off tonight I couldn't help but thank God for putting her in my life. He knew that I needed that friendship. So, thanks friend for everything. The good, the bad and the ugly. You are an amazing friend, and I am privilaged to call you one of my best. 

I mean...seriously...how am I single?!?!

MOST of the time...I don't really care what people think about me. This can refer to really serious decisions in my life....that's another blog for another day, but it can also refer to "me just being me". You will always hear me say in a very sarcastic tone, "I mean, seriously, how am I single?". I am usually up for anything. I love making people laugh, and to be honest, I love being the center of attention(unless it is for something serious). Bless the man that decides to marry me one day.

 I am very blessed with a wonderful group of friends. Some I have literally known my entire life, and the others...well it feels like they have always been there. I recently told someone at work, I am so glad to be out of the stage where you worry about what everyone else thinks. Man, did that get me in trouble in high school (Again, another blog for another day). Ha. I would much rather enjoy life and have fun being silly and being who I am, then being miserable worried about other peoples thoughts. Just my random thought for the day! Enjoy the hideous, embarrassing photos...they all brought back fun memories!

Truth be told...

So, I had 3 different conversations, with 3 different people about THE SAME exact thing today. My life. Weird thing being... I didn't bring it up any of those times. All of them ask me the same thing... are you happy/content where you are? This got me thinking... I know, I know, scary! I went back over the past couple years in my head. I am at a job that I honestly took as a "tie me over, while I look for something else". I planned on staying for a few months, and then finding something in the business world. Well, 3 years later... here I am. For my boss that may be reading this ( no worries, i do love my job!) ha! People started to ask me when I was starting college, "What do you want to be?". I have never had a good answer for that. I love so many different things. It is the running joke of how many "dream jobs" I have had. At some point I wanted to be: a teacher, a cook, a receptionist, a missionary, an organizer, a stay at home mom and preschool director. I still cant decide which one I love the most.  If I am really honest, I love the simple things in life. I decided on a business degree, because i love office work. Like the kind that everyone else hates. I love the tedious, time consuming, organizing jobs that happen in an office.
But on the other end... I absolutely adore kiddos. That is one thing i hope my future holds. Many kids of my own one day! So, being a preschool teacher isn't half bad. There is not much better in this world then 19 kids each week loving me and I am sure fearing me at different times. Is it what I planned to be doing in life? Heck no! So, i get the question ALL the time.."why do you work in a preschool when you have a business degree?". Well, people... I have no idea. All i do know, is I enjoy my job and MOST days there isn't anywhere else I would rather work.
I also thought today about my relationships and friendships over this past year! WOW! Life certanitly took me some weird places. But, as i look at where i am today...it almost all makes sense. Many situations are for sure in the "Thank you Lord column". Things seem to be changing daily in this area of my life. I am realizing that life happens very quickly and i need to sit back and enjoy things/people while they are here. People change... I change. But, I am very thankful for the handful of friends that stick through all of lifes ups and downs.
So, to make this long rambling blog come to a close. Truth be told...  I am very happy! I don't understand where I am going and sometimes I dont like the answers I get. But, hey... it is in God's hands, and i am perfectly content with that. And, I am choosing to enjoy this ride.

Well, Praise the Lord!!! Finally!

So, this post may not be as humorous as some others... but there was a big announcement today! My grandparents have been trying to sell their house for a little over 2 years now.
Some background on this...

This is the only house they have lived in as a married couple. They have now been there for 56 years. Wow!! It is in a small town in Indiana. When i was growing up, i referred to the state as, "the old people state". I hear stories from "back in the day", when their small town of New Castle was booming with people and businesses. My mother has great stories of her childhood there. Now, this blog will not be exact on every detail, but this is how i understand it. Over the past several years, plants were closed and businesses kinda went downhill. The roaring town from yester-year, is not really there anymore. I always tell people how much my grandparents street brings a smile to my face. Over the past few years, many of the houses have been abandoned or have just been poorly taken care of. But, there in the middle of it all, is my grandparents "little blue house", with their American flag waving and perfect looking yard. Oh that house! The memories that I have from there. From piling all the grandkids on the living room floor, to playing with "the outside toys", the whole family gathering at the small dining room table, singing around the piano, watching Cool Runnings on vhs, jacks doughnuts, the awesome gas station cappachino, walking to granny's house, the smell of their home, wonderul home cooked meals, sitting around for hours after a meal and telling stories and so much more. It is safe to say, that is one of my favorite places. There are few places in this world that instantly make you feel like you are "home". This will always be one of them. I guess you have guessed by now what the big announcement is. They got word from the bank that it is 100% for sure sold. We have known for a few weeks now, but we got the definte from the bank today. In a little over a month, my grandparents will finally be residents in Nashville, TN. We are so happy to have them down here. The running joke is that they have more friends than any of us do. They are very loved and many people cant wait for this move. I will make my final trip to Indiana next weekend. I plan on taking my video camera and also taking many pictures. I am sure as i pull away for the last time, i will have a good cry. But, I couldn't be happier for them. Please pray for them in the next few weeks. Not only do they have a lot of work ahead of them, but they have a hometown, a wonderful church family and many friends to say good-bye to. Welcome to Nashville Mamaw and Papaw... You are gonna love it!!!!

I am the youngest...no doubt!

I want to preface this by saying... I AM NOT A BRAT! Ha! I am definitely the baby of my family. I show this every single time we are all together. Some call me a brat, like my sister... but I just think I am smart. For example, we had family dinner last night. My mother asked me to go upstairs and grab the extra folding chairs. A few minutes later, my friend Amy looked at me and said, "didn't your mom need those chairs"? My response...."yea, if I wait long enough, someone else will do it". OK, I am being really honest here! Ha! It is kinda sad how easy those thoughts come to my head. We have family in town, so I was back at my mom's tonight to see them. She asked me to do something, and I just sighed and looked at her... she did the task. I know how this makes me sound... I really do! My family has always given me a very hard time about it.
When I was little, I always disappeared when it was time to do ANYTHING i didnt want to do. I can't help it... I am the baby, it just comes natural. My mom loves telling stories of when I was young. She says that when she needed me to do something, I would literally stand there and close my eyes. I would act like if I couldn't see her, then she couldn't see me. I was so creative even back then. Lol.
Now, here is the funny thing. I expect people to help when they are suppose to. In fact, the number 1 rule in my classroom is, HELP!! Wow!
Please dont think less of me, I am just trying to be honest here! HA HA!

Things you SHOULDN'T say...

OK... so for some time now, different people have been telling me I should start a blog. Don't ask me why... i bore myself half the time with my dumb stories. Also, most of the time i think something is hilarious and nobody else does. So, we will see how long this last. Like, for instance, i am cracking up at this very moment cause i know this sounds so stupid...cause i have NO clue what to write on this. Bless you few people who take the time to stick with this. I promise you will always hear exactly what i think...that is one thing you will always find with me. I don't hold back like i should...oops!

Ok, so the title of this entry...
I find that there is a big difference with being honest and then just saying too much. I have had this happen to me many times, like i am sure everyone has. So, i have decided through this blog i will entertain people with the uncomfortable/funny comments that come my way.

The 1st has to be one of the most jaw dropping times in my life. I started a diet last year..it was like the 20th time to start one. But, this time it was a little successful. A lady that I have known most of my life comes up and says this statement: "You are looking good. You use to be huge, now you are just bigger"... First, finish laughing...Ok, lets talk about this for a second. Why in the world would anyone think this was ok. Now, the good thing is, I laughed immediatly and it has since become a favorite story among friends. Someone should warn her. Maybe she will read this!!

2nd favorite: My family is concerned that I am single. I get comments alot about my mother never having grandkids. Keep in mind, comments are all made in good fun. My grandmother recently came up to me and told me she had been thinking. She said she knew the reason why I was single. My mind went crazy thinking of all the countless reasons there could be, and what comment was about to exit her mouth. She told me not to worry.."All the good men are off at war, like back in my day". Sure, Mamaw, we will go with that! Ha!

Alright, enough rambles for one entry. We will see how this goes!