That Time Of Year

Okay, I guess it's time to accept the fact that I'm getting older.  It's self-admittedly pretty bad when you forget that your own birthday is a few days away.  I guess that's what I get for being so busy, yeah?  Oh wells, life goes on.  Today is the day we celebrate my birth.  I, for one, am glad I've been given this many years to live and I hope God grants me many more!  I am more blessed than I ever imagined!

I've been trying to reflect on the past year so that I could leave you all with some pearls of wisdom - wisdom is what you're supposed to look forward to with age, isn't it?  I find this assignment to be challenging, since who knows if there is anything that I have learned this year that would apply to your lives, but here goes nothing!

1.  If you're going to have long hair, for the love of everything, attempt to style it!  (I am as guilty as they come of rocking the "hey, check out my hair as it literally just hangs on either side of my face day after day" look.  But we have to focus - Pinterest has changed the game, y'all.  There is no excuse for not at least TRYING the tutorials for cute styles that you've pinned.)

2.  That brings me to the next thing I've learned - when you put your mind to something, eight times out of ten, you can accomplish it!  The project isn't going to complete itself, folks!  For example, if you stumble across a craft project and accompanying tutorial - if you think you can make it cheaper than you can buy it, give it a shot!  I wanted to use fabric flowers as accents in my wedding.  Did I know how to do it?  Heck to the no!  Did I find a tutorial and have the materials?  You betcha!  Could I really justify spending $10 PER FLOWER when I felt capable of doing it myself for $10 or less TOTAL?  You have lost your mind!  Did I finally work up the courage to try?  Yes sir, yes ma'am.  And I'm so glad I did!

Proud crafty mama, I am!  Can't wait to share professional pictures of these bad boys in use!

3.  Sometimes, letting go is a part of growing up.  Over the past year, several people I had invested a lot of time and energy in let me down.  Not just once - more like continuously.  I have finally gotten to the point in my life where I am okay with letting go of relationships that make me sad more than they make me happy.  If someone constantly uses me, they're gone.  If they lie to me, they're gone.  If they only exist for the sole purpose of starting or continuing drama, they're gone.  As much as I've tried to complicate it over the years, it really is as simple as that.  Pray for them, bless their hearts, and move on.

4.  In the same vein as number 3, make it a PRIORITY to surround yourself with good, positive, challenging people.  I promise you, it will become one of your proudest accomplishments.

5.  Spend less time posting on facebook and other social media sites and live your life.  Wow this took a lot of time to put into action, because let's face it - we all love a good timesuck or two.  For example, I actually had someone say to me, "I can't believe you didn't post pictures while on your trip this week!"  Newsflash:  I was enjoying my HONEYMOON.  The only honeymoon I'll ever get.  I didn't want to spend my precious week off putting pictures or statuses on facebook about how much I enjoyed engorging myself with crab legs, hush puppies, and honey butter (rest assured, I did.  A lot.).  I wanted to spend my precious week off from work with my brand new, super sexy, uber fun, hunk of a husband.  [Sidebar:  I did take pictures.  I will post them when I get some time.  Pinky promise.]

6.  Magic Mike was an awesome movie, and not for the plotline.

7.  Getting organized is hard.  Staying organized is harder.  This is a work in progress for me because I'm not a natural organizer where everything has it's place.  Or, I'm not that way about everything - I am about some things and I wish I was about everything.  I'm a clutterbug.  My husband is somewhat of a clutterbug.  Two clutterbugs living in Casa De Clutterbug equals chaos on most days.  We're working on it.  If organization is a challenge for you, too, all I can say is keep going and don't give up! 

8.  When all else fails you, simply say a prayer.  God hears everything you tell Him.  He is always faithful.

9.  When you constantly have prayed for something (that promotion at work, the guy/girl to take things to the next level, to win the lottery, to find someone to be with, or to make pain go away in some form) and nothing changes, the right move is not to curse God.  It's not to blame Him, call Him a meanie or some other terrible name, or swear off believing in Him altogether.  The correct move is to take a long hard look in the mirror, buck up a bit, and realize that maybe God isn't ignoring you...maybe God is simply telling you, "No."  Guess what, it happens.

10.  Finally, one last nugget of wisdom (you like how I word played on a form of chicken???) for you that I've learned in the past year is marry someone who turns you into a team.  Marry someone you genuinely want to do life with.  Marry someone who you can successfully have difficult discussions with.  Marry someone who makes the world a better place.  Marry someone who takes time for the little things.  Marry someone who makes you laugh.  Marry someone who knows what to do when you cry.  Marry someone who knows how to say the words, "I'm sorry."  Marry someone who wants to marry you.  Marry the person who does all these things for you.  Trust me, it rocks the most.

From me, on my birthday, to all of you - thanks for being in my life and for constantly lifting me up.  I hope I can do the same for all of you!

Until next time,

Six Years!

Type of Ticket:  One Way
Destination:  Crazy Town
Population:   Me

I just wanted to say that today is the six year anniversary of my being employed at my awesome company!  On one hand, I'm hollering "WOO HOO!" and on the other, I'm scratching my head in disbelief that it could even be possible!  I'm a huge fan of longevity, so I guess this is right up my alley.

It's really cool to think about my 21-year-old self walking through the doors for my first interview here, wondering if I was giving away just how nervous I was.  It was a weird, out-of-body experience, because nervousness actually fuels me - I guess I could chock it up to my Public Speaking classes in college.  Scared to death - check.  Ready to kick some arse - also check.

I've come a long way since January 16, 2006, and my life has seen so many changes, but one thing remains - I am so grateful for the experiences in my life.  I'm so proud to work where I work, with the people I work with.  I'm so thankful that the powers-that-be decided to extend a hand and give this young gal a chance.  I hope they're as happy with their decision as I've been with the decision to accept their offer.

Here's to my sixth year of being excited to go to work every day!  Let's make it a great one!

Until next time,

The NEW Post

Okay, let's just be honest - I've been a blogging slacker to the max lately!  And, in typical Chicken Wing fashion, I'm fashionably late in wishing each and every one of you a very

Well, 2011 left as quickly as it came, didn't it?  I don't know about all of you but I have gotten quite busy - not that anyone should necessarily be surprised by that.  For whatever reason, it's surprised me more than ever. 

But, it's now 2012, and this is a NEW post in a NEW year with a NEW blog background (you may or may not have noticed).  I felt the desire to change it up because hopefully, we're all changing up.  New years bring new resolutions and new hope - you want to learn more, eat better, live better, and just be better.  None of these are easy tasks, to be sure, but for whatever reason, when the last two numbers of the year change, you get this jolt of electricity through your veins that makes you excited about the possibilities that await you.

Don't get me wrong - I'll never completely change.  I like myself - sometimes too much, and other times not enough, but as a general rule, I really like myself.  I just aspire to be the very best version of myself, and I really don't think there's anything wrong with that.

From where we left off (Christmas, of course) to now, I've been living in a maze of boxes as Little Sister Chicken Wing and I prepare to depart our current rental townhouse!  Talk about crazy!  We've lived together for the past few years, and there have definitely been highs and there have also been lows.  I don't know about each of you, but for us, we get along so much better as siblings when we don't occupy the same dwelling.  I'm looking forward to us branching out on our own again and the closeness it will allow.  I'll miss the absolutely crazy things she does that typically make me laugh (either with her or at her) at least once per day.

Our moving situation is a little more stressful than others I've been in before for a few reasons.  1)  The little sister and I are moving to two different places.  2)  The majority of the furniture in our townhouse is mine, so moving it too early will make it really difficult for LSCW.  3)  LSCW literally has ONE DAY to move.  How?  She can't move into her new place until the same day we have to turn the keys over to our place. Suckfest 2012!

Where does all of this leave us?  Feeling like we are going to soon be featured on an episode of this:

I'm shaking in a corner already.

I've always been a little bit of a clutterbug, and I also have a tendency to want to keep things.  But, for some reason, ever since this show started and as the level of horror I experience when I watch the stories deepens, I get panicky!  So, my answer to that has been to sell pretty much anything I don't think I'll need!  I figure, the best way to keep the new place pared down is to get rid of things that are not necessary for living there before I even have the chance to move them in!

While a few sales made me sad, most of them make me want to high-five myself!  (Subsequently, I may or may not have actually high-fived myself multiple times - don't judge me.)  It feels pretty good to just let go of things that actually weigh you down in the long run, especially when you realize that someone else can love the item even more than you did!  Plus, with a wedding to pay for, the extra income is another glorious benefit!

If you are moving, too, I feel your pain sisters and brothers!  If you are not, high-five yourself.  If you're busy, I hope you are busy doing things you love and that make you happy.  If you're not busy and not enjoying it, get PUMPED and off the couch!  If you're too busy (like I've admittedly been), take a breather and live in the moment.  Happy Everything, Peeps!

Until next time,

Oh, The Horror...And The Joy

One of my favorite and least favorite things about myself is that I can very easily see (and argue) both sides of just about anything.  While this is a good thing because I have little trouble relating to people in all kinds of situations and seeing someone else's point of view, it's also a very frustrating thing because I end up having a hard time deciding which side is the right side.

Case in point?  On Friday, I will be turning twenty-seven.  There, I said it.  The Chicken Wing will be another year older, and I can see the top of the hill that we all eventually go over.  Fact of life?  Sure.  Melodramatic?  Definitely.

On the one hand, I find myself completely overanalyzing my life - sometimes, it's hard to be a girl, y'all!  I find that as I get older, I do tend to revert back to my high-school mentality and I compare myself to other people.  Heck, more than half of my friends from high school are married and not just have one child - they have multiple children.  What?!?!?  We are totally not old enough for this to be happening - why am I constantly living an episode of "Sixteen and Pregnant?" 

But, it's time to face the facts, Chicken Wing.  We absolutely are old enough for this to happen.  People get married.  People have babies.  We really are grown-ups now.  That's life.  I guess I get a little hung up because I feel like maybe I'm a bit behind everyone else.

But, on the other hand, after I get done obsessively looking in the mirror and critiquing my progress in fighting the aging process, I have to have a laugh at my antics and smile real big (which undoubtedly will create more wrinkles on my face).  Why?  Because, let's face it - I have it pretty good. 

Yes, on Friday, I will be twenty-seven years old.  No, I am not married yet, nor am I engaged.  No, I don't have a gaggle of little chicks following me around.  Yes, I am still renting all these years later.  But, and there is a but....

I have multiple fabulous jobs when some people can't find one. 


Coworker/friend J-Man rocking the "WOW" face.



Full-time job family beach house dog pile!!!



Yes, that is my natural hair color (I'm in front!)



Part-time job = Full-time love!



I had the opportunity to go to and graduate from an amazing college and made some ridiculously awesome friends while there (to add to the ridiculously awesome friends I've had with me since childhood). 



College & Sorority sisters for life!  Alpha love!



My little sisters (both sorority and biologically)!



Love these girls like WHOA!



Two more college lady loves!  <3 my B & B!



So blessed to still have a lot of these Governor's School high school friends in my life!

You can take the girl out of the small town, but you can't take the small town out of the girl!

Best friends since Pre-K!

My little sissy growing up got married this year!  Love you to pieces, G-K!

I got set up on a blind date with literally the most amazing man I've ever met, and over the past year, he and I have created the kind of relationship that I've wanted my whole life. 

So in love with this man!

Thank you, sweet friends, for setting me up with the best gift I've ever received!

My family seriously rocks the most.  It's true, people, we're awesome.  You know it.  We know it.  Glad everyone's okay with that.

Tar Heels for life!

The Siblings Chicken Wing.

Everyone says we're twins!  What do you think?

Welcome to the family, Dubya!

I have the CUTEST furbabies on the planet.  Seriously, tell me I'm lying.  I dare you.

My heart swells with love and pride for these two! So.freaking.adorable.

So, here's to you, twenty-seven.  You may be taking another year off my life, but I laugh in your face.  Look back at all the pictures of what I've got (and if I posted pictures of EVERYONE I have in my life, I would certainly crash this blog).  Twenty-seven or not, who wouldn't want to be me?  That's why no matter my age, every year I can say that I will have a very happy and very blessed birthday.

Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #31 - The Last Prompt

December 31 – Core Story. What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world? (Author: Molly O’Neill)

I think the central story at the core of me is that I have finally figured out what it means to trust this year.  I've learned to trust myself and my instincts.  I've learned to let people into my heart and trust them to be kind while they're there.  I've learned to trust that God has a plan and that at the end of the day, that is all that matters.

I've learned to trust the incredible strength that I possess (and for such a little Wing, at that)!  When I encounter a mountain, while it may be daunting to me (and you know I'm going to initially stress and worry about it), I will overcome it - slowly but surely.  When life threatens to knock me down, I have learned to trust the power of prayer and the support of good friends and family.

Trust is a scary little monster.  Trust is knowing that people can let you down but giving them the benefit of the doubt that they won't.  Trust is allowing someone to get to know who you really are; you have to set the fear that they won't like what they see aside.  Trust is letting someone know about where you've been and believing they won't hold it against you.  Trust is believing in yourself.  A quote I heard once that still resonates with me is, "Look in the mirror.  That's who's going to save you."

I think the way I share my core story with the world is through this blog.  I have rediscovered my love for the written word.  I love to share my thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and experiences with you!  I hope that there are times when something I post is something you can relate to.  I hope the sharing of mistakes I've made will turn into less mistakes for each of you.  I hope when I share a lesson I've learned the hard way that it will save you from the same fate.

Naturally, for those of you who know me in person, I'm always happy to share my core story and my history with you verbally.  Some people come to me and want my opinions and advice, and while I am careful with what I say, I always try to give an honest account of how I would react or just offer new perspectives.

I'm eternally grateful for Reverb 10.  It has caused quite the awakening for this blog, and for me as a writer.  In addition to forcing me to post more consistently, it has challenged me to really think about some of my experiences this year.  In fact, there are several things that I have shared in this blog that I never thought I would put "on paper," so to speak.  There were things that I would have much preferred to sweep under the rug and avoid until they went away. We all know that never happens.  Dust bunnies turn into elephants in the room.  Oh, you didn't know that?  You learn something new every day.

So, I think this was a great way to round out the prompts and it was a fantastic manner of self-reflection.  I was able to communicate my memories, thoughts, and dreams with the people of the interwebs, and I have to admit that it feels good.  I feel as though weight has been lifted and I am refreshed.  Thank you, Reverb 10, from the bottom of my heart.

Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #30

December 30 – Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year? (Author: Holly Root)

While I have had to really buckle down and think on a lot of these prompts, this one is actually incredibly easy for me.  I have received the same gift over and over in the past year, and it never gets old.  This is one gift that I have never wanted to return.

There were plenty of things that were bound and determined to break me last year.  There were plenty of times when I could have easily chosen to give up and wallow in puddles of grief and self-loathing.  Because of this gift that I was given so often last year, though, I never even considered those options.

This gift was given to me in many different ways.  One of the ways I found most surprising was via facebook.  I have never been so shocked or so humbled by the amount of love and support that was sent to me.  Whether you did it by posting on my wall, commenting on one of my posts, or sending me encouraging messages, I was so incredibly touched by every single one.

People whom I had assumed could care less about me actually cared more.  Some folks I hadn't even spoken to in YEARS reached out to me at one time or another.  There were so many people who sent well-wishes and took precious time out of their days to lift me up.  I cannot say thank you enough.

Then there were the more traditional ways of support - cards (actually sent by snail mail - YAY!) and phone calls, and emails, too.  These also meant so much to me and I couldn't believe that in a nation as time-starved as ours, that people would even have the time to devote to sending me love and support.

There were the personal face-to-face interactions, as well.  The hugs.  The presenting of tissues.  The sending of flowers.  The shoulders that were offered.  The jokes that were told.  The invitations to events that were extended.  The times that kept me busy and kept me sane that were shared.  I have always been one of the most blessed and lucky girls I know, and this year only furthered that fact for me.

I know without second thought or reservation that love and support were the best gifts I could have ever received last year, and I am so grateful that I have so many people in my life who are so incredibly generous.  I love and appreciate each and every one of you so very much, and I know I don't communicate that often enough.  I hope that if any of you ever need me, you know that I am here and will be here for you.

Thanks a million, Peeps.

Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #29

December 29 – Defining Moment. Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year. (Author: Kathryn Fitzmaurice)

I feel as if this post could be very repetitive of what I've already said in prior posts for Reverb 10.  In order to not have that happen, I am going to take a different and silly approach.  I would not want to bore my faithful readers who never. miss. a. post.  Which, if we're being honest, is all of you right?  RIGHT?

Just kidding.  A definining moment for me this year was when I discovered something incredible.  I discovered something that I had fought learning about for my entire life.  I was not given a choice but to try something, and I was nearly paralyzed with fear. In fact, I was even bribed in order to make me go ahead with it. Want to guess what it is?

Whatever you guessed is more than likely wrong, but that's okay.  Chicken Wing still loves you.

I discovered, through an adamant push by Comanche, that I like Japanese food.  There, I said it.

I can recall sooooo many times growing up in my tiny town when multiple couples would make the journey to the "big city" to go to a Japanese restaurant where they would cook right in front of you and do tricks with knives.  Scary, to me.  There would be a huge open flame practically right in your face.  Also scary, to me.  Truthfully, I never saw the thrill in it.  Driving an hour to eat something (should I make it through the multiple near-death experiences that were occuring directly in front of me) was never my first choice, after all.

I can honestly say that Comanche at first laughed when I recounted these memories.  Then, he realized that I wasn't joking that I had never had Japanese food.  So, he said that he just couldn't deal with that and literally drove me to a Japanese restaurant, minus the open flames part.  I was exceptionally nervous because I didn't want him to pay for something that I didn't like.  I didn't even know what I would like.

To say my palette is less than sophisticated would be a compliment too kind to deserve.  I'm a work in progress, but this is not something that I came out of the gate excelling in.

He even bribed me with cream cheese wontons.  {Pause for the "Oh, no he didn't."}

Come to mama. Right now. Drooooool.

Yeah, basically, it was on.  So, he ordered the Hibachi Chicken, complete with rice and what I learned was the mandatory "Yum Yum Sauce."  I couldn't help but think, "Seriously?"

You know what?  Boom.  In my face.  Yum Yum Sauce is, in fact, extremely yummy.  I get it.  I'm a believer.  Stop glaring at me. I plead ignorance.  No offense to anyone or any place, but my town had no stop lights.  That has to count for something!  Have mercy on me, people.

This was a defining moment for me for two reasons.  One:  I got my wontons!  VICTORY!  Two: I learned to embrace change yet again. 

I learned to try something new.  I learned to step outside of my comfort food and appreciate a new type of deliciousness.  I now would like to go to a restaurant and look fire and knives square in the eye.  I would also like more wontons.  And yum yum sauce.  I'm getting better about expanding my range as far as food goes, and I still have a long way to go.  But, the point, I think, is that I'm going.  And along the way, I'm becoming more and more willing.  I'm also becoming more and more excited!

Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #28

December 28 – Achieve. What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today. (Author: Tara Sophia Mohr)

The thing I most want to achieve this year is to save more of my hard-earned money.  The economy has really made this goal hard to reach and I know that I haven't done the best job of furthering that goal, either.

I imagine I will feel both happy and prepared once I've accomplished this.  (By prepared, I mean that I will not feel so constantly worried that the bottom is going to drop out.  What if I need a major emergency auto repair?  What if I have to go to the hospital?  What if the price of gas keeps going up?  Where will I get the money if any of these things happen?)

Ten Things I Can Do To Feel Happy & Prepared Today:
1.  Make a To-Do list.
2.  Follow the To-Do list and check things off once completed.
3.  Do something that makes me laugh today.
4.  Pack my lunch or eat at home to save money!
5.  Research my next project so I am ready to face it head on!
6.  Have a longer play time with my puppies - nothing better than that!
7.  Lay out my clothes for tomorrow - reduces early morning thinking.
8.  Wear a smile as often as I can today.
9.  Listen to music while working = always a bonus!
10. Drink lots of water.  I always feel better when I do that.
-BONUS-
11. Pray.  Give it to God.  That always makes me feel happy and prepared.

Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #27

December 27 – Ordinary Joy. Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year? (Author: Brené Brown)

I have had several ordinary moments of profound joy in 2010.  Many of those were ordinary moments with my Papa before he passed away.  Whether we were talking, watching TV together, or eating something delicious that Grandma had made, they were all moments filled with joy and living in the present.

Others were ordinary moments spent with friends.  From group game nights to pre-wedding events, from dinners to movies, there were plenty of times in the past year that I was truly happy during ordinary times and thankful for the great people in my life that I have to make these types of memories with.

Others still were moments spent with family members.  Moments at home playing intense marathon games of Mexican dominoes.  Moments at the beach stuffing ourselves to the brim with seafood or delicious doughnuts.  Moments watching UNC games and getting into heated debates over what was going to happen.  Moments celebrating birthdays and holidays.  Moments where we had to lift each other up when things weren't going right.

Finally, there have been the moments with Comanche.  Most all of them have been moments of profound joy.  From every Sunday at church where I have a partner in worship to Friday night movie snuggle parties, there have been consistent smiles and fits of laughter.  One moment in particular where I was profoundly happy may seem odd to others, but I will share it here.

We were at Comanche's parents' house helping his father split up a large amount of wood that he needed to keep the house warm for the winter (and for the wicked awesome fire pit they had recently bought).  It was mildy chilly outside, but it was easy to lose the jackets once we really got to work.  In attendance were Comanche, Comanche's father, Comanche's older brother, Comanche's three little nephews (ages 9, 5, and 4), and one little Chicken Wing.

We worked for several hours, and the three grown men had the task of splitting the huge pieces.  Then, they passed the now smaller pieces to the oldest nephew, who then passed them to me.  I got the smaller boys involved by letting them point out where each piece should go, and we made a game of it.  They were so eager to help and they stayed out there the whole time!  What troopers they were!

I can see where it would be easy for someone to ask me why that moment would make me profoundly happy.  I can hear the eye rolls and thought bubbles now.  "Um, why would you want to run the risk of splinters and getting dirty?  Why would you want to be the only girl in the group?  Why wouldn't you rather be the one serving the sweet tea in this situation?"

Well, it was the first time that I've gotten to really participate in a "Be Dad's Little Helper" activity in many, many years.  Not only was I in that mindset, but all five of the boys who were also present felt exactly the same way.  I got to spend a day doing hard work, which is always rewarding in itself.  I knew I was helping someone with something that needed to be done.  I got to look over and be proud of my man for being a great son.  I could also see the pride in Comanche's father's eyes when he realized that his small army wasn't going anywhere until the job was done.

That's something I've been missing for a long time.  So, while it may be an odd choice, it is an ordinary moment that created profound happiness for me.  Lucky for me, I have been smart enough to take the time to notice and appreciate moments like that.  I've taken the time to analyze why they made me happy, and that makes me happier still.

How about you?  Have you had any moments of ordinary joy?

Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #26

December 26 – Soul Food. What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul? (Author: Elise Marie Collins)

Holy Blogging Hiatus, Batman!  Now that the holidays are over and done with and 2011 has officially started, it's time to finish my Reverb 10 prompt responses. 

I know this might sound absolutely insane, but the one thing that I ate this year that I will never forget was a chicken salad sandwich.


Hungry yet?

{Insert long awkward silence, sarcastic eye rolls, and choir of crickets chirping here.}

Let me set the scene and this may make more sense.  Comanche (the boyfriend) had invited me to go on a top secret date at the very beginning of our relationship.  All I knew was that he was going to pick me up and take me wherever we were going and that I needed to be ready and wearing athletic, comfy clothes.

This was challenge enough for me because everyone knows that when you first start dating, you want to look gorgeous ALL THE TIME.  Flaws?  I know I don't have any.  (Okay, that's me just trying to pump myself up, but you know how it is - you want to be your best all the time while things are still new and you are still nervous.)

I did accomplish the athletic clothes and tennis shoes (farewell, high-heeled peep toes) much to my dismay.  Then, Comanche got to my house and picked me up and away we went.  We drove for more than half an hour and kept getting closer and closer to the mountains, so I was able to deduce that a hike was going to occur.  I was excited about that, though!

We got to the trail parking lot and got settled and Comanche told me to leave my things in the car.  He, meanwhile, grabbed a backpack.  We started on our way up the mountain, and it truly was gorgeous.  It was pretty warm and balmy, but not to the point where you were intensely uncomfortable.  We took turns taking the lead and went up the winding trail and weathered staircases.  We stopped at certain points to check out the waterfalls and views.

After we made it a quarter-mile up, Comanche started to look around, and he saw a wooden overlook point.  He walked up to it and looked around as though he was assessing the scene and then proceeded to climb down around the overlook onto a large rock located directly beside the waterfall.  He helped me down and then proceeded to unpack a picnic lunch.

It was amazing how thoughtful it was - he thought of everything!  We had a candlelit picnic on a mountain beside a waterfall - I mean, really people?!?!?  Yep, that's my unicorn! 

Because he wasn't sure if I'd like the way he'd made the main course chicken salad sandwiches (he'd picked up on my selectiveness regarding food), he had prepared a second sandwich for me (a peanut butter and jelly sandwich fixed just the way I do it) as a backup.  Yeah, I've got a pretty good situation going, if I do say so myself, and I wish you could have seen my face when he mentioned the second sandwich.

So, while it sounds crazy that I would credit a chicken salad sandwich with being my soul food, that's exactly what it was. My soul learned in the moments while eating that sandwich that there are people who will take time on you.  Those people will put in effort to make you happy.  Those people will go an extra mile (or extra PB&J sandwich) to ensure that you will want for nothing. Those people will pay attention when you speak and then use that information to help you later.

I'm curious - have any of you had any "soul food" that you'd like to share?  Feel free to toss out the recipe if you have it!  :)

Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #25

December 25 – Photo – a present to yourself.  Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you. (Author: Tracey Clark)

Photo Credit: Clarissa Rucker Photography

Can I start by saying that I love this prompt, Tracey Clark?  Can I follow that with, "Holy Cow, I take a lot of pictures in a year?!?!" 

The one I chose (above) was taken by one of my awesome friends who just happens to be a phenomenal photographer with a delicious eye for documenting what are sure to be some of your favorite memories.  Her name is Clarissa Rucker, and while I usually strive to protect my peeps by using aliases instead of their actual names, I want you to hunt her down and hire her.  Then, try your best not to keep her in your life as an amazing friend.  Go on.  I dare you!

I think this photo best captures me because I'm smiling, and that's kind of my trademark.  It's taken on the water, which is where I'm usually at my happiest and most serene.  This photo makes me smile because it was literally the most perfect day, and I mean that in every sense of the word.  It was a day of calm.  It was a day of play.  It was a day where I was surrounded by wonderful friends. It was a day of laughter and smiles.  It was a day where you just knew God planned the weather just for you and the activities you had planned.

This photo also captures who I want to continue to be in the future.  I want to be a genuinely happy girl who surrounds herself with good people and who makes the time to just have fun.  I want to be a girl who appreciates a day like that day, and who remains so thankful for every day like that I am privileged enough to experience.

As for where, this was taken at the lake, where we spent an entire day at the lake house of one of my work colleagues and friends.  His place is beautiful and it's really impossible to be there and not feel incredibly blessed.  I was so thankful that day - I had needed a day like that for a really long time.  It felt so amazing to cut loose with friends.  We sang songs on the radio, layed out in the sun, rode jet skis, and just enjoyed each other's company!  My friend's parents even cooked out for us, which was extremely unexpected but was the cherry on top of the day!

I believe this photo reveals about me that I am a believer in sunshine after the rain.  Granted, you can't see the metaphorical rain that occurred before this picture was taken, so you'll just have to take my word for it.  There was rain.  Buckets of rain.  But, as you can see by this picture, if you just hang in there, the sun will shine again and light your way to the things that are most important in your life.  So, thank you, Clarissa - for being an amazing friend to me and for capturing this memory for me.  I appreciate you more than you know!

Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #24

December 24 Prompt – Everything’s OK. What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead? (Author: Kate Inglis)

Thank you all for your patience as I celebrated a very Merry Christmas!  If I had been more on the ball, I would have had more posts scheduled for your reading enjoyment, but I was pretty much banking on the fact that you were all celebrating, too!  :)  (And to that end, I hope you all had a marvelous holiday filled with love, laughter, and precious memories!)

There actually was more than one moment this year that completely answer this post, and those moments were these:  when I experienced things as a single woman that I had previously experienced as part of a couple.

Now, these things are simple, yet daunting at the same time.  For example:  there is a completely different feeling and mood when you go to a wedding as part of a couple versus being a single woman.  When you're half of a whole, you have a guaranteed dance partner, and someone to mingle with, and you know that you at least know that one person at your table, and it's comforting.  When you're part of a couple, as you watch other people get married, a small part of you imagines when it will be your turn to take those all-important vows and commit your life to someone.

When you're single, all of the comfort of public events of this nature are gone.  You now have to jump without knowing if there's a net to catch you.  You singlehandedly control your destiny.  I am happy to report that I attended a wedding as a single girl and had a blast and a half.  I was so happy for the couple and I could have cared less if I had a date - that meant more talking and mingling for me.  When I rose to the challenge instead of shrinking into an insecure wallflower, I knew that everything was going to be okay - and more importantly, I was going to be okay.

Another event that took place was what I like to affectionately call the Bridget Jones Dinner Party or Other Social Gathering.  You've seen the movies, so you know what I mean.  It's the situation when you attend a dinner party or other social gathering and you are the only single person there.  Yes, that's correct - you are at a gathering full of couples and you are the sole person without a plus one.  {Insert awkward face and feelings of shame here.}


Since you're the only one who is alone, we'll put you at the head of the table. That way, we'll have the perfect vantage point to stare at you!

Again, I faced this little chestnut and conquered it!  I knew that everything was going to be okay!  I even celebrated family events without a special someone:  birthdays, holidays, and family beach trips, oh my!  It was definitely different, to be sure, but not horrible as I once thought it would be.

I made it through the valleys and learned to find nuggets of greatness in being single.  Once I learned to be happy with just me, I happened upon a certain unicorn named Comanche.  Life is great and I am still happy, only this time, I once again have someone to share life's little moments with.

I will take this amazing discovery that life will be okay into the next year, and the next year, and the year after that.  Things change.  Everything is going to be alright.  I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Paolo Coelho:

"Everything is okay in the end.  If it's not okay, it's not the end."

Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #23

December 23 – New Name. Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why? (Author: Becca Wilcott)

Hmm, this is a very tough one, but a cool one, as well!  I've always liked names that don't necessarily sound American.  Is that weird?  I don't know. 

For example, there have been times in my life that I would have loved to be a gorgeous Italian woman named Luciana.  What a gorgeous name!  I was obsessed with the Spanish name Aurelia for the longest time.  Maybe I could be a super hot Australian named Adelaide.  Rockin body, scorching hot accent.  I mean, if the prompt had asked "Who would you be for a day," I would have chosen Sofia Vergara hands-down.  I think if I could introduce myself to strangers using a different name, it would be an exotic sounding name like one of those.

How about you?  What name would you choose?

Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #22

December 22 – Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year? (Author: Tara Hunt)

This prompt is a sore subject for me because I love to travel.  I'm sure I would make an excellent traveler should I get to do it more.  If you take a roadtrip with me, you'd be surprised how long I can last between pee breaks.  Maybe that's oversharing, so I apologize.  Basically, I think I'm a great travel buddy.  I wish I would have been able to travel more in 2010, but I will list the awesome places that I did have the pleasure of traveling to.

- Baltimore, Maryland - good trip.  Lots of cool things to experience there, such as the incredible aquarium-.  Beautiful in the Inner Harbor area.
- The beach where my family vacations - I'd love to tell you where it is specifically, but I don't want it to ever become commercial.
- Myrtle Beach, SC - an awesome spot to vacation with some of the best friends in the world!  Loved that trip and the memories made!
- Washington, D.C. area - I traveled there and got to stay for almost a week with one of my best friends as she got married!
- A few good trips to North Carolina - love my family so much and it was awesome getting to see them.  We need to schedule more of those for sure!

If I had my way next year, I'd take a two-week tour of Italy.  Then, I'd take a two-week tour of California (because I want to experience the entire state).  Then, I'd take a two-week tour of Hawaii because I am dying to go there!  Everyone says I'll never want to leave!  Then, since I'm basically traveling all year, I'd take a two-week tour of Ireland, because I've also heard rave reviews about that!  To wrap up my 2011 travel itenerary, I'd do a two-week stint in Australia, because I bet that would be cool!

Unfortuately, I don't think this dream was meant to pan out for me because 1) I don't have that much time off from work and 2) I'm not a billionaire.  But, the question was "where would you like to travel next year?"

How about you?  Where would you like to go next year?

Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #21

December 21 – Future Self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?) (Author: Jenny Blake)

Dear Future Self,
Hang in there, lady!  Every young person struggles - financially, emotionally, mentally, physically - there is a constant internal struggle when you're in your twenties to show the world you can survive on your own.  Fact:  surviving on your own is tough!  It's okay that you haven't accomplished every single thing you dreamed you would.

My advice to you is to learn to be present in the moment more and practice it daily.  When you have people you love around you to visit, don't constantly be wondering if you've missed anything in your cleaning.  If you are worrying about mundane things that they most likely wouldn't notice anyway, you're missing out on wonderful conversation and memories.  Be present!

Continue to trust.  Trust that God has a plan for you and that you're going to be okay.  Trust in the people who love you.  Sure, they can hurt you, but trust that they won't do so intentionally and love with your heart wide open.  Who knows - five years from now you may be married with children, and that's a brand new kind of love.  If you do have kids in five years, trust yourself there too.  Nobody knows what they're doing right out of the gate, but you'll figure it out.  You're pretty smart.

Finally, take lots of pictures and remember the good times you have and the memories you make.  Take your time and store them in a good way so you can relive the great moments in your life again and again.  Smile at them.  Laugh at them.  Cry because of them.  It doesn't matter what you do - just relive your feelings.  Be proud of yourself and what you accomplish.  You were always destined to do great things - your past self believes in you!

Always,
Me

Dear Younger Chicken Wing,
Girl, buckle up because you're going to be living a whole lotta life in this next decade.  You're going to experience graduation and college, new loves and breakups. You'll lose people close to you, and add people to your family (some folks call them friends).

Let's talk about high school, since you're still there.  Fact:  You won't peak in high school.  I know that will be hard for you because being a teenager is hard.  You want everything you can't have or don't have.  I'm telling you, stay the course. 

Don't worry that you were never the prettiest girl in high school (which everyone so desperately wanted to be) - wait until you get to college!  (*Hint:  you're going to be named Homecoming Queen.  Of your college.  That's way better than the same honor in high school.  Just be patient.)

Fall in love hard, but keep your eyes open to red flags.  If something doesn't feel quite right, it's probably because it's not.  Don't ignore the feelings because you're too proud - trust your intuition and make difficult decisions. 

Finally, just keep living, girl.  You are going to be an awesome lady.  Keep your head up and keep pushing through the hard times because the best is yet to come.  I'll be waiting for you when you get there.

Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #20

December 20 – Beyond Avoidance. What should you have done this year but didn’t because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?) (Author: Jake Nickell)

Wow - great prompt, Jake!  This prompt is one that gets right in your face and makes you take a good, hard, honest look at yourself.  It's no different for me - I'm starting with the Chicken Wing in the mirror (...and I'm asking her to change her ways.  No message could have been any clearer.  If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then MAKE THAT CHANGE!).  Sorry for digressing, but I couldn't stop til I got enough.  Ha!

He-He!  Ow!

I think the constant "what I should have done" for me this year was to be more confrontational.  I should have been more in my own corner than I was.  I get caught up oftentimes in being there for other people much more than I'm there for myself, and that's actually not always a good thing. 

I should have stood up for myself when people did me wrong.  I should have fought for things that I thought I deserved.  I should have been more direct when stating my wishes and wants.  I'm sure fear had something to do with some of these instances, and I think simply being uncomfortable had a lot to do with it too. 

BONUS:  I will be better at this, and have already seen growth in this department.  I've had a few situations recently that needed to be handled with grace, poise, and direct response, and I think I accomplished that!  I try my hardest not to be an avoider because I know as well as the next girl that it really solves nothing.  There's nothing wrong with taking a time-out to get a cleansing breath and a fresh set of thoughts, but if you just talk yourself out of talking it out, you're usually the lesser for it.

Until next time,