I'm dreaming of Disney

Happiest of Friday's my little hooligans! My co-workers and I have officially survived the first week of Special Sessions here in the Florida Legislature and it actually wasn't that bad. We've got a couple more weeks on the schedule so we'll see how it all fares.

 

Guys, guys, guys!! (is it just me or do you think of Sid the sloth when you say guys) Hunter and I have started planning out our wedding anniversary coming up in October. We have this "list" of things we want to do/accomplish before we ever start thinking about mini-me's so we decided to look over our "list." We have made a decision... we... are... going... to....

 

DISNEY WORLD!!!

 

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Ya'll, I've nearly peed my pants several times #nojoke. I'm like a kid in a candy shop with Disney stuff. It's almost embarrassing.... BUT WHO CARES?! So in honor of our Disney trip and being able to act like children (or is that just me... #awkwardsilence), I wanted to share some fun Disney facts with ya'll courtesy of Orlando, Florida's website:

 

one// When Magic Kingdom first opened up on October 1, 1971, adult admission tickets were $3.50 per person. Let's not talk about how much they are now lol!

 

two// Both the Carousel of Progress and It's a Small World made their debut at the New York World's Fair in 1964-1965. If you've seen the movie Tomorrowland with George Clooney, it shows these 2 attractions in the beginning. In fact, the song being sung in the beginning, "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" is actually on the Carousel of Progress ride in Magic Kingdom.

 

three// The Tree of Life, Animal Kingdom's icon, stands approximately 14 stories tall and has more than 300 animal carvings along the trunk of the tree.

 

four// Mission: Space at Epcot is almost so real that they actually provide barf bags on the ride. Heck yes!

five// At Disney's Hollywood Studios you will find the ear-shaped water tower. This icon stands at 130 feet tall and is called the "Earffel Tower". You're so clever, Disney!

If you want to know some more fun facts, click on that link above to take you to the website. Until then, the countdown to #WelbornsdoDisney is on!!

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Linking up with Primarily Inspired

Golden Rule

So if you aren't aware yet, the world is full of different people with different ideas on things, different opinions, etc. If you haven't noticed, please come out from under your rock now. We will counsel you. Ha!

 

In all seriousness though, it's clear as day that each person has their own opinions about various things and they are rightfully entitled to them. Just as I am to mine. I think it's so awesome and beautiful that we all have varying opinions - how boring would the world be if we couldn't debate in a respectful, theological manner?? (Note the underlined words - no fools please)

 

 

There are certain opinions of mine that I will never share on a public forum. Things such as political views, my theories on homosexuality, pro-life vs. pro-choice, etc. Those are some hot points that I feel are better left between me and God. Well, my husband does know where I stand on things but that's neither here nor there. You're probably wondering where in the world I'm going with this...

 

Golden Rule (verb): Treat others how you would want to be treated

 

It seems that folks have forgotten the beauty and necessity of this rule. I have found that (sometimes) because I feel a certain way about something, or don't necessarily agree with somebody else's view that I'm instantly a bigot and just plain stupid. Hmm, thanks! When this accusation is thrown my way I usually laugh and ask the person, "I'm sorry, have I judged you? No? I just don't share you're views and you're instantly mad? Oh okay... *cue eye rolling*"

 

Our society has adopted the notion that if you're not for me, you're against me. In essence, if I don't agree with your views exactly then I'm instantly labeled as your enemy. Not true, my friend. Simply not true. I can absolutely disagree with you on many things but still have the utmost respect for you. In return, I would expect the same thing.

 

So folks, just because somebody doesn't believe exactly what you believe, act the way you act, do the way you do, don't become hateful and draw up your defenses (the exception to this would obviously be somebody who is intentionally evil. Then draw up defenses, but still love them - Proverbs 4:23). R E S P E C T that person and their beliefs, and move forward. As I've told many people: "I hear what you're saying and I respect you. However, I do not condone/agree with xyz." Simply put - WWJD (What Would Jesus Do for those who didn't grace the 1990s).

 

The Golden Rule, it's a beautiful thing! Let's embrace it again.

Grateful for Monday's

 

Sometimes it's so hard to be grateful for that first day of the week. Whether you had a phenomenal weekend and don't want it to end, or you're just slap tired and need another day to rest from your weekend of fun - Monday's can be tough sometimes.

 

Last night as Hunter and I were settling in to watch a movie, Manny insisted on climbing into bed right next to me. Of course, I just thought it was so cute and had to snap a picture #fortheblog. I happened to snap it at just the right time - tongue stuck out to the camera like a little brat. It's moments like those that make me laugh and realize worrying over Monday coming around just isn't worth it sometimes.

 

Sometimes, you just have to stick your tongue out at the mundane things in life like worrying about tomorrow, wondering if the bathroom needs to be cleaned, trying to keep the floors vacuumed, etc. Sometimes, you just have to lay on your bed with your 75 pound pit bull and laugh at the silly things. I'm so grateful for those moments.

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Joe!

Today is my oldest of my 2 brother's birthday! Lord have mercy, he's turning a whopping 24 years old. Please stop growing little siblings of mine?! In honor of this kid's birthday, I wanted to share some memories of our years growing up:

 

 

one// Remember that one time we were little and making mud pies (where the pond is now) and I almost had you convinced that mud pies are actually really food. You were quite the smart little guy, weren't you?

 

two// All our Disney trips that we took as a family, picking on each other standing in line, and taking turns on who would actually get to press the buttons in the elevator. Joe's most favorite Disney ride growing up was the "big ball" at Epcot. To this day, I still think it's his favorite.

 

 

 

three// On rainy days in the summer, me and my two brothers (our youngest sister wasn't around yet) would make forts in the linen closet of our house. Now bear in mind, this linen closet is tiny as you would imagine. When I go to the linen closet now, I'm reminded of all those adventures we would create in that closet... and wonder how the hell we fit in there?!

 

four// Our yard always grew wild berries that were apparently poisonous. I almost had you convinced that those berries were yum yum yum... But dad caught me telling those lies. Dadgummit!

 

five// On mine and Hunter's wedding night at the reception, you came up to me and gave me the biggest hug and told me how much you love me. I'm pretty certain you had had a few drinks, but you'll never know how much that meant to me.

 

Happy birthday Joe! I hope your day is full of DMB music (Dave Matthews Band, le duh people), skim boarding at the beach, and love from all those around you. Love you to pieces, baby Joe!

 



Now taking number: 4

I've seen these little gems all over the blog world so I decided to join in on the fun because, le duh, what else is better than a fun little game. Thanks to Erin for the inspiration!

 

4 Jobs I've Had
1. Executive Assistant

2. Retail salesperson

3. Billing with a surgery center

4. Journal Writer/Researcher

 

4 Movies I've Watched More Than Once

1. The Notebook

2. Avengers

3. Miss Congeniality

4. Harry Potter
 

 

4 Books I Would Recommend
1. The Bible (duh)

2. The Shack

3. 5 Love Languages

4. my brain has stopped thinking of books...

 

4 Places I Have Been

1. Cozumel, Mexico

2. parts of Honduras

3. Bahamas

4. several different states in the US

 

4 TV Shows I Watch (On Netflix)
1. We don't have Netflix

2. I know, the horror

3. Would it help if I said we're thinking about getting it

4. Please still love me

 

4 Things I'm Always Saying

1. "Hunnnaaa!!" (Hunter, when I'm trying to get his attention)

2. Shut the front door

3. I'm hungry

4. Le duh

 

4 Things I'm Looking Forward to This Year (2015)
1. Spending lots of time with my hot hubs

2. Celebrating 1 year of marriage (can ya'll believe we're already past 7 months??)

3. Disney World - the hubs made a promise I intend to see through

4. Lots of marriages this year. And babies, lots and lots of babies (not mine).
 

 

Four things about my appearance

1. Blue eyes

2. Skinny-Minnie

3. My crooked smile that I love

4. I'm all legs

 

 

Four things in my purse
1. Calendar (I'm sorry, it's not one of those blogger calendars)

2. Wallet

3. Wedding picture disc - I need to get an album made (oops)

4. Kindle because I'm a reading fanatic

 

Four posts of mine you should check out
1. A Love Letter
2. Real Talk: Youth Leader Myths
3. Grateful Monday + Cardboard Testimonies
4. How we are becoming DEBT FREE

Four things I couldn't live without
1. Jesus
2. Food - I have an extreme love for food
3. Laughter - I fully believe it's the best medicine
4. Hunter - he makes my days so much brighter



Wait... What?

Ya'll know what day it is, I don't even have to spell it out. We're getting a long weekend so I'm looking forward to that extra day of being with family and the hot hubs. For those who know me, know that I'm truly random. So true to fashion, here's some randomies:

 

one// These humans mean the world to me. The time we get to spend with them: priceless

 

 

two// Hunter and I are traveling to Georgia to see this wonderful woman and spend some time with family. Please pray for safe travels and strength. Seeing my grandma in this shape is not easy for me.

 

three// Have you ever just said, "Enough is enough!"? I had that moment yesterday actually. I was tired of making excuses for not being more proactive in certain areas of my life (read: time spent one-on-one with God, working out, etc.) and I got tired of hearing excuses from people around me for their lack of proactive attitudes, so I stepped up to the plate and decided to change it. I went out and bought myself some new tennies, a new Bible, and God provided me with a new attitude. Watch out world!
 

 

 four// This article I found on fb yesterday... *mind blown* - well not for me really. More like mind-blowing for those who find this article "rude"... Ha! Hey, you don't want to be part of the revolution that changes the world, then hop on out of the way ;)

 

five// Dinner with this goon on Saturday night! We absolutely love Gus Gus and the time we get to spend with him.

 

 

six// And certainly last but not in the very least, 3 of our youth students are graduating this weekend. We're so proud of both of these gals and cannot wait to see what God has in store for them. Love them tremendously!

Happiest of Friday's to ya'll and Happy Memorial Day weekend!

 

A love letter

My dearest 18-year-old-self,

 

Happiest of birthday's to you on this warm July 19th day! You're 18 now and so excited to tackle the world as an adult. My oh my, the things you will soon learn. As you've discovered, being 4.5 hours away from home at a huge university just isn't your cup of tea. Those tears that you cry every Sunday on your drive back to Orlando will eventually subside because soon you will be moving back home to attend the local community college. It'll be okay, sweet child.

 

In about a week from now, you're going to meet a guy that you thought was your forever. Trust me when I say this: he will not be your forever and that's a good thing! You're going to experience mountains and valleys of emotions when you're with this person. Just hold on, you're going to be in this bumpy relationship for awhile. Family and friends are going to judge you, have concern for you, and some will leave you. It's going to be a painful time in your life but again, trust me. It's only going to get better. God is shaping you into a strong, independent woman with time.

 

Unfortunately, you're going to experience depression. You won't know it at the time but in hindsight, you'll see it. Just like you didn't see the abuse at the time, you'll look back and see what it was. You will pull through the depression eventually, but not without the thoughts of wondering if your life is really even worth it anymore. Beautiful girl, your life is worth everything and more! God has HUGE plans for you! You don't see it now, but you're going to become so on fire for the Lord that you could just bust at the seams. So on those dark days, and in those moments of questioning your existence, know that you're worth every.damn.breath.

 

As you go through the next few years 18-year-old-self, you'll develop an independence unlike any other. You will discover that you are worth so much more and you're going to find a man that embraces every part of you and your personality. And no, it's not the fool that you're going to meet in about a week. But! He is a stepping stone in your journey that God has you on. Trust the process.

 

Let's talk about this man that's going to embrace you in the future (and eventually become your hot husband): He is kind, loving, and everything that you would hope to find in a man. However, know this, God is going to bring you both together and break you both down individually. The both of you are going to grow in your walk with the Lord individually, and together. You'll think you're in love with this guy but just wait - when he becomes a true, God-fearing man, whoa baby. You'll experience a love so deep that you didn't know you had it in you! Oh and that list of qualities you want in a man, he's going to surpass every single one of them and more.

 

18-year-old-self, you are beautiful in every way. You are kind and your heart is at full capacity when you are giving back to others. But remember to give to yourself sometimes. You deserve that pedicure, an awesome hair cut and color, an education in whatever you please, a life worth living. I wish I could go back and tell you all those things, to save you from the immense heartache that you're about to experience. But I can't, and I won't. See, it's those moments that have made you who you are today and will continue to shape you for the rest of your years.

 

Love you 18-year-old-self. God has some awesome things coming your way!