Sunday, December 20, 2009

Secret Santa



Un lit Christmas Tree
Lit Christmas Tree

So I wanted to share with you a story about what a Secret Santa really is. [I want to apologize for the bad quality photos - they were taken with my web cam] GOD PROVIDES -  I came home last week after having a horrible day - when I got to my door step SOMEONE anonymously put a REAL tree by my doorstep with no note just the tree with a bag of ornaments and a tree holder!! Talk about the season of giving. I have never had anything like this happen before. Jesse and I had wanted a real tree and didn't have the money. We had been offered a few fake small trees from people but we decided to not take them. Next thing I know I come home and there it it just waiting for me. God truely provides when you ask! We still do not know who did this but I am completely okay with not knowing.

Heres is a picture of the tree on my door step when i got home:




Saturday, December 19, 2009

(my) focus - An Atheist turned Christian.

WARNING - THIS MAY BE A SNOOZE TO MOST OF YOU. AND I MAKE NO APOLOGIES FOR YOUR BOREDOM.


So originally I had planned on this blog to be dedicated to my writing and also my journey to finding god, and my thoughts surrounded around that. I have ALOT to learn. And ALOT to express. I got off track and posted a bunch of random entries (which I will be deleting soon, I already deleted a few) I will be transferring that sort of stuff to my tumblr. I post a bunch of my random one-liners to twitter. Some clever and some - not so much.
I have been reading up lately on the singer from Flyleaf - Lacey Mosley - and just a few moments ago I watched her tesimony interview. She was hard core into drugs at only the age of 10. Flyleaf is a Christian band and only recently have I started to really pay attention to their lyrics. I am pretty in love at this moment. Lacey is such a beautiful girl. in some ways (mostly when she speaks ie:her mouth) she reminds me of my good friend Amber. (totally a good thing) My current favorite song is AGAIN. A few other (Christian) bands of my favorite are barlow girl and Phil Wickham.
So when I watched Laceys testimoy, it made me think that I have one of my own. First, I wanted to share testimony about a co worker of mine whos story TRUELY touched my heart. (I dont mind sharing because I wont name names and she doesnt even know my blog exists) Lets call her Jane. So Jane had said she had a horrible upbringing. She wasnt even supposed to be alive. Her mom had tried to abort her twice. God still had a purpose for her in this world and so she was born. Because of this her mom tortured her. Jane did not give me too many specifics however she did say that one time she was in the backyard, and her mom had poured gasoline all over her. Her sister was screaming in the background, yelling at their mom to stop. And she wouldnt, until finally her mom did stop. Over the years the tortur made her realize she was not worth it. No one cared about her, so why should she? Jane said that she got involved heavly into drugs. While on a drug binge she could not come down off from meth. It had been a couple weeks straight I believe (if not more) that she had been taking meth and whatever else her and her friend could get a hold of. As they had come to the end of their supply, her friend was making her food. She needed to eat something as she hadnt been eating. Jane remembered her eyes roll to the back of her head and then in an instant she was out. She said she had felt a dark presence over her. A near death expierence. She remembers she felt very alone, and as if she were being taken under, it was dark. She felt incredibly scared. In just a moment she heard a (mans) voice say "This is not what I created you for" and BAM she was back to and she saw the ambulance surrounding her. Jane said that she was an extremist. And this made her change her life around completely.
Of course, she would tell this story better than I but I remember her telling me this on lunch break and I got chills all over my body. I just had to share this. Her testimony is a powerful one.

Mine is not as strong at this one, but still a testimony at that.
I was not born into knowing god. My parents did not enforce it. We never went to chruch. I was blind growing up. As they say, I had the vail covering my lovely green eyes. At a quick glance, my life was not the greatest, but I had a strong connection with my family. Not so much my father though because of his alcoholic ways and verbally abusive slander. During my life, particularly my twenties, I drank a lot. Mostly the weekends and occasionly the weekday. I tried a few different types of drugs. I never made it an addicting habbit that surrounded my life, but I did try them. My current boyfriend is a believer in Christ. At the beginning of our relationship he tried to turn me into a believer. I was completely against God. I wanted nothing to do with him. I even had a bad religion sign hanging from my rear view mirror. The one with the cross and a line marked through it. With time, I came around. On the way to work I would listen to the gospel stations (air1.com being my favorite). One song made my heart turn to mush. I wish I could remember the name of that song because in a way, it changed me. It turned my curiousity for God into a love for God.
They say when you turn to God, you lose your family and your friends. And boy are they right! I have expiernced the rough times, and I have expierenced the blessings.
First, for the downward spiral that is my relationship with my family. I mentioned that i had a close relationship with my family. After accepting Jesus Christ as my personal lord and savior, slowing one by one I began to lose all contact with anyone I was close to. I do not talk to my mom or step dad due to a falling out. It's not that we don't talk because I now believe in God, but in other ways God pulled them from me. My mom and step dad, as much as they want to deny this, are infact alcoholics. My mom may not be so much anymore now that she found a job so correct me if I am wrong in saying that about her. But I find it ironic that slowly God pulled those people from me. Even though they are my parents God says he comes first above all else.
Non believers would not understand what this means. And hence, the warning label at the beginning of my entry. Anyways, due to this falling out, which is a long story, I am unable to see my little sisters. And my (step) brother no longer makes the attempt to talk to me either. So head count right now is at 5.
I miss my bff/brother mark, but I feel like he just sees me as this Jesus worshiper that he no longer has anything in common with, and therefore he discludes me from his life. We dont hang out as much as we use to for a number of reasons, he says one being distance. Infact, we have not hung out in like [and I mean just us] in like 6/7 months or so. headcount: 6
In the summer time I moved to Chandler and so my journey to finding God did not help my relationships with family/friends any. I lost many a many friends. I am not as close to them as I was. I feel at times secluded from my life I knew at the beginning of the year. When you find God you really do lose A LOT of people in your life, but I never knew it would be to the extreme like this. My family doesnt get along AT ALL with my boyfriend. Since my journey, I feel like I dont even know people that I use to know. I feel so distant from them. So apart. I have been attacked, black sheeped more than ever this year. I am normally "the life of the party" "the center of attention" so this has been INCREDIBLY hard on me. People I didnt think would, have turned their backs on me. 2009 made an empty shell for me to lie in. It has been an overwhelming year. (not to mention my Uncle's passing this year) While my fam is all going through the motions I am off to the side trying to put together all the pieces of the year that made me so incredibly sad.
I fear of saying too much because I dont want to start any arguments, but in a nutshell there you have it.
I do not want to give the impression that i know it all because I don't. I have barely made a dent in what I am about to learn. I still drink but not to the extent of every weekend. I do not have the passion or the fire to drink. It it weird how that kind of goes away. And I am not going to lie - dedicating yourself is incredibly difficult because of all the temptations.
There is one girl that I feel God brought me back to:: her name is Cindy. We hadnt spoken in like a year and a half, maybe two years. And ironically we were brought back into contact, and over dinner we realized we were both pretty much at the same point spritually in our lives. I turned from a non believer to a believer, and we both attend church now. I think God brought us back together because we were good friends then, lost touch, and now that I am on a different path, he brought her back to me. I think its wonderful <3

NOTE: I did want to add that I have talked to my mom a few times as well as my step dad, and things seems to be getting slightly better. With time I am sure things will heal.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

shopping!

I am browsing at hm.com and here are some MUST have items I am craving.


$6.95

H&M product image
$4.95


H&M product image
$12.95

H&M product image
$14.95

H&M product image
$49.95

H&M product image
$49.95


H&M product image
$24.95

H&M product image
$24.95

H&M product image
$12.95

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

yesterday.

me yesterday (I called in) ":/ I think I am just going to go back to bed. My wisdom teeth are KILLING the inside of my mouth. I called out to work this morning because first I overslept and only had 15 min to shower pack my lunch get ready and leave the house. I didn't feel like rushing and then I realized how badly my gum's cheeks and teeth were hurting me."

Bah humbug - As of right now I wish I could hibernate until the holidays are over. Not even hibernate for the winter. I could care less about that. If I really could I would hide in my house from November 1st until December 31st. I would come out for New Years Eve to ring in the new year, make an appearance at midnight for my kiss. Couldn’t miss that! The holidays this year are making me sick. At first I was excited. I was happy and couldn’t wait for everything to happen. Thanksgiving Day I stayed home with Jesse and cooked a turkey, pie, stuffing, mashed potatoes - the whole bit. I woke up that day throwing up and had a massive migraine. And not even massive explains the severity of it. Then after all the cooking and baking and cleaning I realized how hard holidays are! Not to mention the money spent on food decorations cleaning etcetc.
We do not have a tree up yet either. I doubt we will be getting a tree this year though. This Christmas just hasn’t really been the best due to lack of funds. Not to mention my birthday is this Friday and I am working that day (no pto) and I am not even pumped for that. Stupid stupid bills. Whatever. Im over it. Call me when the holidays are over because this year I am a ba humbug and don’t care who knows it!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

christmas is right around the corner...

So I don't have a lot of money this year for xmas gifts, but looking is still fun! I found some cute gift ideas:::

(((CLICK PHOTOS TO VIEW LARGER IMAGE)))

Aren't these ear buds so adorable


This would be PERFECT for the kids room - Ice cream cone lamp $$48 though :/










I love this vest. Reminds me of Rachel Zoe














This owl necklace watch is to die for. I know LOTS of girls out there that would kill for this




((All pictured above - fred flare))


Yesterday I died my hair myself - burgundy. I thought I would for sure mess up and it would come out looking leopard style - missed patches everywhere. BUT I am quite proud of myself. I did pretty good!






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Friday, November 27, 2009

HAPPY (POST) THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE. This year has been a HUGE year for me (which I will reflect on for my new years entry) Yesterday wasn't what I had expected. I woke up with a MASSIVE MASSIVE migraine. Which led to me throwing up half the day. I barely finished making the food somehow with little strength I had. I don't know what happened or why I was that sick. Jesse made the turkey everything else I made ie: apple pie stuffing (Jesse helped with that as well) mashed potatoes sweet potatoes corn green beans rolls etcetc. Later that night around 6 o clock or so I started to feel better. Ralph and Rosely came over with some wine and OJ (mimosas!!) and some fancy glasses (which we ended up not drinking) and jello shots. We drank some grape bombers (grape vodka with redbull) I needed a "get me out of this bad mood/bad feeling" drink! So they spent the night and the next morning Jesse and I left to get some lunch and see a movie at Chandler Fashion Square. I had completely forgotten that it was BLACK FRIDAY (dundundun) and there was NO where to park! LITERALLY. So we left and went to AZ mills instead. Got a shirt for $2.50 and another for $10.00 (ended up not seeing a movie)





In other news, my uncle passed away November 24th (may you rest in peace uncle John Juraska) Thank you ALL for your condolences that means the world to me that you care that you would grieve with me and my family. So thank you. I know that my cousins must be going through a VERY rough time right now. I cant even imagine what it will be like when I lose one of my parents. Which brings me to what I am thankful for:::

-I am thankful for coming to know God this year. For being saved.
-I am thankful for Jesse and I having a great relationship (because this year started out rocky for us)
-I am thankful for friends who are there, who care and who make me smile :)
-I am thankful for family that love me. For family that accept me (because lord knows I have become a black sheep this year. Drifted away. People have drifted) And I am thankful that my dad and I are speaking again, and so far, we have a good relationship
-And most of all, I am thankful for having a roof over my head, clean sheets, and food on my plate. Thank you GOD for all of these things.

Here's a picture of out thanksgiving dinner (more not pictured: cranberry sauce apple pie cookies ice cream)





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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

words.

They never really get it, until they GET IT. They will make fun of you all they want. All that they can. And they WILL look down upon you for how you choose to live. How you choose not to live. And everything WILL be torn down. The walls. The ceilings. The doors. The panels. THE FRIENDSHIPS. THE FAMILY. But, you have to keep living this life. Keep pushing and moving and running. And eventually, it will all come into place. And land right where it is supposed to land.


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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

H&M

(((CLICK PHOTOS TO VIEW LARGER IMAGE)))

photo credit: myself


Finally took a trip to H&M with Jesse to look around - and it was NOT what I remember - price wise. The clothes aren't cheap. I found one shirt (which I love and bought) pictured above - for only twelve bucks - a steal! I am surprised I even found a shirt that cheap. I found a few other shirts for like twenty bucks I guess that is not too bad either. The jeans there were pretty amazing and I will definately be back for more when I have $$. The place was a complete mad house. Packed to the brim with fancy rich people (location being scottsdale should have been a dead giveaway). One lady I passed would not stop bragging to her friend about her trip to Paris and her splurge at H&M when she went there. K WE GET IT - you have money! Had to walk away at that point. The ENTIRE top floor was designated to childrens clothes - no offense but that was a bad idea in my opinion. H&M isn't a department store/big enough to designate an entire top floor to children. Overall the store was okay and when I get some more money saved up I will most likely go back and shop some more.

Tonight was quite productive - went to frys before the sale ended and finally got my turkey - PHEW! 10 pounds (smallest I could find eeeek pretty big!) for only four dollars and some change. How awesome is that! The smaller turkeys which were a different brand were more expensive so I figured might as well buy a big turkey. This is the first year I am making Thanksgiving dinner all by myself and I am getting really nervous. (dont know why it's just Jesse and I) Also made some sugar cookies tonight but did not make those from scratch I am all baked out. I am ready for a nice glass of wine now. Too bad there isn't any in the house. Tomorrow: Dinner with cindy :)




photos credit: myself



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Sunday, November 15, 2009

(((CLICK PHOTOS TO VIEW LARGER IMAGE)))

photo credit: myself

The sunset tonight looked pretty amazing. I finally decided to look outside around 6 o clock and noticed how dark it was. I had to snap a picture. I have been a hermit all day. Lounging around in the house: watching t.v. playing Sims (current obsession) and farting around on the computer. OH and eating everything in sight. I Cannot believe how the day was wasted! Really not looking forward to work tomorrow - hoping next week is better than this one.

I am REALLY looking forward to the holiday season this year. I am anxious! I think mostly because Jesse and I have a bigger place to enjoy it in ie: fireplace - spacious -roasting marshmallows inside while drinking some white Russians (Saturday's drink of choice) I am in the baking mood as well! Thursday night I made Swedish pancakes (home made mind you from scratch - flour sugar oil and all!) which turned out AMAZING. Also made a cheese cake later that night. I have been "collecting" food the last couple of weeks to make for Thanksgiving dinner this year. Opted for staying home with the boyfriend this year instead to avoid drama at the grandma's house. It's for the best that I stay away, even though my disappearance will stir up some rumors I'm sure! Just thinking about Thanksgiving dinner is making me hungry! Anyone who wants to come over is welcome. It will just be me and Jesse.



photo credit: The vault



Ended the evening with a cold cup of Egg Nogg.


photo credit: myself



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I love this quote

At first I wanted to write our story in order to be free of it. But the memories wouldn't come back for that. Then I realized our story was slipping away from me and I wanted to recapture it by writing, but that didn't coax up the memories either. For the last few years I've left our story alone. I've made peace with it. And it came back, detail by detail and in such a fully rounded fashion, with its own direction and its own sense of completion, that it no longer makes me sad. What a sad story, I thought for so long. Not that I now think it was happy. But I think it is true, and thus the question of whether it is sad or happy has no meaning whatever.

-Bernhard Schlink (tr. Carol Brown Janeway), The Reader


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First thing's first. This is my new blog, for now. I like to hop from site to site. I guess I can never really decide or stick with one thing. Livejournal was the only consistent thing. And I will probably still update their as well as here. I have a few goals in mind that I would like to share.
For one, I want to start writing a book.
I would also like to go back to college. I am 24 years (well in a month) old and I feel like , "Man, I am incredibly old. What will I feel like at 30??" Dear God lets change the subject. ;)
Another goal of mine is to write a piece on my journey to finding God. And my journey in that I have lost a lot of people in the process. Those people might say "We didn't lose you/You didn't lose us BECAUSE you found god. It was because of this...(insert reason here) Regardless, the devil or maybe even perhaps god, drew those people away from me. For one, my parents. For two, my best friend also known as my brother. (which I will get into later - long story - broken record at this point)
This journal I would like to use as my writings blog. Or anything that interests me. Feel free to check livejournal for more personal updates.
SO here it is ladies and gents. Check frequently for updates. Enjoy :)



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