Less than a Year

My Kel Kel (or as some refer to her as: partner, lover, girlfriend, best friend, other half or neighbor) and Robby are getting married in less than a year (9/26/2009)...exactly 3 months before my birthday in case you were wondering! They decided to do it as a pre-celebration to my 28th birthday...hahaha!

Kel would not let me in her house for a few days b/c she was working on a "project." The project ended up being some bridesmaid gifts. The day I flew to Arizona and was feeling TERRIBLE, she came over and game me the gift. It was wrapped up much prettier but I took it apart.
I was SOOO excited to get these goodies. She knows my weakness for sweets...thanks for helping me fit into that bridesmaid dress. Besides the cute card/poem she created, my favorite part about the gift was the free NETFLIX subscription!!
I was pumped and already ordered my first movie. They even have all season of The Hills on Netflix :)
It is going to be a year filled with lots of wedding stuff and I'm very excited about it.

*I do have to note that I think there is a conspiracy against pink starbursts. They are my absolute FAVORITE and there were only 3 in my box. :(

What's going on

For those of you that don't live in Charlotte, you might be out of the loop...but let me fill you in.

I was in Arizona last week and I keep receiving pictures and emails from friends about the gas situation. People began to panic and raced to the pumps. Because of this (and the already short supply of gas), there were LONG lines of cars and gas stations ran out of gas. I flew in from Arizona and started to join the crowd. I drove to and from work on Friday with my gas light on (SORRY DAD) and was a bit nervous. Kel and Robby told me I could drive forever with my gas light on, but I was just too nervous. Daddy Gibbs always told me to NEVER let the gas light come on b/c it could run out any minute.

I drove around to about 12 stations on Friday but NONE of them had gas. I hardly slept on Friday night b/c I was stressed about not having gas. (pathetic)

Saturday morning, I walked to a near by station and they still were out of gas. I met a guy on a bicycle with a gas can on each handle bar. He was on the search for gas too. He suggested I get my bike and follow him around. I told him it was a great idea, but I think I'll just walk around. random!

I walked back home and decided to venture out in my car. Another station near my house got a delivery of gas and people were lined up around the station. They had about 4 rent-a-cops directing traffic and it was a very good process. I filled up my tank and felt much better about life. Less than 2 hours later, the station was completely out again.

When is this going to stop...this is madness!!!

I found this picture on Sara's blog and thought it was a perfect image of our crisis.

Take your pick

The past few weeks I have been traveling a lot for work. There are lots of reasons I love to travel for work (free hotel points, airline miles, gets me out of the office, talk to college students, corporate card, etc). But the truth be told, I love getting off the airplane and seeing what rental car I have been blessed with :)

Seriously, who enjoys that?!?!

I don't usually do well with surprises, but I do love the surprise of different rental cars. Everyone can laugh, but secretly you wish you could try different cars to!

I have gotten a different car each week, and I wanted to share them with you...

1. Dookie brown Grand Caravan

2. silver Chrysler 300

3. BRIGHT blue Hyundai Accent

4. tan Suburban

By far, the Suburban was the most fun to drive! I can totally be a soccer mom one day in that thing.

Big 2 days

So I have to let the world know that I ate steak TWO NIGHTS in a row....yes, you read that right.. 2 nights in a row!!!
I am in Arizona right now and I guess I was feeling a little crazy.
I will blog more about it later (and post pictures), but I feel like a real woman now.

One step closer

Amy had another photo shoot this week. It was our dear Kat Fleming's turn to look amazing!!
With another one down, it just makes it another day closer for Ellen and I to take our turn behind the camera. Ellen, I'm thinking we should have our dogs in the pictures...everyone loves to look at cute labs! :) I will just hide behind O'Malley and smile!

Take a look at how GORGEOUS Kat looks in her BELIEVE shoot...

http://bluebucketphotography.typepad.com/my_weblog/believe/

Analogies

You remember way back in the day when we took the SAT's and scored 1600's? Oh wait, that wasn't me but Bones :)
There was an analogy section and you had to match 2 words that had a direct relationship. (if that isn't what you were supposed to do then I'm not sure how I passed) Anyways, lately I feel like this is the analogy of my life- Becky:control freak.

Routine and structure are things I love in life. I like to control situations so these things stay in place and life is happy! I have a hard time just "being" and letting the Lord work. That is where "trust" comes into play. Do I trust myself- YES, do I trust the Lord- sort of. not good enough!
One of my sweet friends has been praying for me and sent me this verse today. Nothing else in the email, just this verse.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths."

Rely on the Lord and not yourself- man, what a novel concept!
So I plan on making some new analogies in my life. You will just have to wait and see...

Empower ME!!!

My VERY TALENTED friend, Amy, started her own photography business a few months ago (Blue Bucket Photography). I love reading her blog everyday and seeing what new photos she has taken. She has been blessed with an amazing talent and I'm excited to see it grow.
Amy decided to start a project called BELIEVE-Portraits of Women. She asked all the girls in our bible study help her kick it off and be apart of the project. Oh boy :)

Here is her goal for the project-
The goal: Empower you, the women around me, to see yourself from a new angle. To enjoy what others love seeing in you—grace, love, humility, confidence, talent, sincerity, fierceness, loyalty, laughter and joy. The fact of the matter is that we are bombarded all the time with images that tell us how we should define beauty, and I have had a lifetime of wrestling with how I fit within these definitions of beauty. This project is all about empowering women to believe in their own beauty.

Caroline and Helen were the first women to participate. Their pictures are beyond AMAZING!!! One because they are gorgeous women, but also because Amy does such a great job.
Ellen and I are scheduled to do our shoot October 2nd, and I have to admit I'm already nervous. I LOVE taking pictures of other people but I'm not that great in front of the camera. I guess that is the whole point of the project...I think this is going to be really good for me!!!
Amy- work your magic please.
Please take a look at the two beauties-Caroline and Helen! If you need a photographer, Amy is for hire :)
http://bluebucketphotography.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/09/believe-first-sneak-peek.html

Good Times

After a long week of work, it was nice to relax and hang out this weekend. Friday night we all went to Upstream near South Park. They have this great patio filled with comfy couches. We got a few couches, order drinks and dinner. All in all, we had a great time hanging out and catching up on life with my friends.

Saturday I got to play with Salem while the Bruce's headed to Virginia. I miss O'Malley so it was great to be able to walk Salem and have some company in the house. Saturday was filled with "stuff" that isn't really important.
Saturday late afternoon I headed to 24-7 and it was AMAZING. Did I mention it was amazing?!?! The music was great, my own little room was perfect and I had a great time with the Lord.


After that, I whipped up some guac and headed to the Fleming's house. Helen, Molly, Kat and I hung out at Kat's house while we got ready. Kat, Helen and I wore the exact same outfit...oh well! We drank wine, laughed and of course took some pictures before heading to the Reule's party.



Helen and I were being dumb!



Kat making Helen look like LC!!

Church was AWESOME this morning. They started a new series on relationships and it was exactly what I needed to hear. Pastor does a great job of preaching the word and making it relevant to many situations. After church, I finished packing and headed to the airport.
Brad picked me up from the airport in his fancy new car (you're such a baller Bradley) and we headed to a yummy dinner. I'm alive and well on the 55th floor of my hotel with my luggage and blankies. This week is already starting off much better than last week.

Leaps

After my travel adventures from last week, I figured I need to reevaluate some things (actually most of my life!).

Instead of taking baby steps, I decided to go cold turkey (sort of)!

The following items will not be traveling with me this week:

robe

slippers

hairdryer

straightener (well its broken and I haven't bought a new one)

The only thing I am bringing with me that's a comfort are my blankies. They are safe and sound in my carry on right now. See below!Many people have been curious about my Walmart outfit from last week. I decided to let everyone see that it wasn't bad and I plan to wear the dress again.

It came!

So the last time I left you, I was about to go to sleep without my suitcase. I left in my jeans and shirt I had wore that entire day. Yes, I slept (a little) without my blankies and hated every minute of me.
I woke up and my luggage still had not arrived.
I had a full day of classroom presentations, meetings with professors and club presentations.
It was 8am and where else would you go to get clothes...WALMART!
Yes, I drove the dookie brown mini van to walmart. I got all my toiletries and then headed to the clothing department. There were slim pickings but at a last glance, I found a cute black dress. It wasn't a suit, but it would work for the day. I grabbed some underwear and bra and then picked out a pair of shoes to go with the dress.
$12.00 dress and $7.00 shoes- I thought it was a steal and I will wear that dress again!!

I was trying to be flexible,adaptable and have a good attitude which I AM NOT good at! I was blessed with a team that helped me laugh it off and think positive.
Around 4pm I decided enough is enough and I was heading to the airport. It was only 10 minutes from campus and was about the size of the Traverse City Airport. I got there and talked to the gate agent about my frustrations. She said there was nothing she could do. I thought I might have a melt down and cry the river Jordan at the USAir ticket counter. Then a man came up with my baggage and said it had just come off another flight!
HURRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
24 hours later, I got my luggage back.
I changed into my suit and was ready to rock and roll.

I slept like a baby last night and didn't wake up a single time.
Heading off to campus now to interview all the little college students. Man, I miss being in college.
Let's say a quick prayers that USAIr doesn't lose my luggage when I fly home tonight.
Happy Thursday

update

USAir just called back and they made a mistake...the luggage isn't mine. They still cannot LOCATE mine!!! She told me to call back in 24 hours and she will have an update. Are you serious?!?! That is 10pm tomorrow.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

No words

Today began the fall recruiting season for work. This week I'm at Penn State recruiting for our Supply Chain summer intern program and our 2 year rotational program.
Last night was like any other night before a trip. I lay out all my clothes and match up all the different outfits/options before I put in my suitcase. I tried to minimize the items I usually bring with me this time, but that didn't work out.
Here a few "comforts" I like to bring on trips with me...
slippers-hate touching hotel floors
Bathrobe- use everyday at home while I get ready
coffee mug/cup- won't use the ones in hotel rooms after I saw a special on dateline
hairdryer- don't like to use the ones in the room b/c I know how mine makes my hair look

Anyways- I woke up early so I could get some work done before heading to the airport. I should have known from the minute I woke up that it wasn't going to be a normal day.
1) Made my coffee and realized my milk was spoiled
2) Ran to Nova's real quick to get coffee. Walked out and spilled it on myself. Went back inside and bought a second cup
3) Was getting ready and some how dropped my CHI (straightener) in the toilet! yes, I broke my straightener and I'm pissed I have to drop over $100 for a new one. Dang it for having trash wave hair.
I should have known this day was heading south fast!

I got to the airport and the only floor open was the roof. I know I'm weird but I ALWAYS park on the 4th floor, row G. yes, I'm OCD but it works for me. So I had to suck it up and park on the roof. I got to the airport in plenty of time to get through security, buy an intelligent magazine (People Magazine), and head to the gate. They decided to delay my flight for an hour, then we sat on the runway for another hour before taking off. When we got to Philly, we practically ran to catch the shuttle to other terminal. An old man on the shuttle saw my app state shirt. He said his son went there and hated it. Awesome, thanks for letting me know.
Got to the terminal, and caught our next flight with plenty of time.
Our plane arrived in State College and my luggage decided it wasn't going to make it!!! WHAT?!?!
There was nothing I could do about it, so I put on my big girl pants and dealt with it.
Went to get my rental car and the only one left was a dookie brown mini van. Pimpin the mini van on a college campus...love it!
We went to the hotel and got ready for dinner. We were taking our interns out to a "nice" dinner. When I walked in the restaurant, I saw everyone stared at me. Probably b/c I was in jeans, rainbows, and an app t-shirt. Embarrassing much?!?!
Dinner was good so I got over the whole dress thing. I just got a call from USAir baggage claim dept. My suitcase will not be arriving until TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!
I'm okay I don't have my slippers, toothbrush, face wash or pajamas. But my blankies are in that suitcase. I know, I know. I'm 26 years old and still sleep with blankies! I have slept with those blankies for about 24 years and I can't stop now.

So all that to say...its been one long day! Yes, I admit that I'm dramatic and need to learn to be more flexible (okay, I need to be flexible period!). I would take a picture of my sad self and post it, but my camera broke on Saturday. So add that to the list too!!!
Lord, what am I being taught now?!?!?!

Henry

Everyone needs a swift kick in the butt for the Lord every once in a while and mine came today.

I was on point this morning to be the greeter at the theatre entrance for the 10am service. My sole responsibility was to hand out pens, the bulletin and make everyone feel welcome. This is my favorite spot b/c I get to hear the music and say hello to everyone that walks in.

This is where "Henry" comes in. Henry came last week (as Mindy later told me) but didn't make it in the church. He lives on the streets and doesn't know Jesus. He walked up to me and didn't really know what to do. I gave him a big smile and welcomed him to Elevation. I got out a pen and bulletin to hand to him. I reached out to hand it to him, but he wouldn't take it. I said, "this is for you to write anything you want down and then you can keep the pen." Henry smiled so big, tucked the pen in his pocket and went to sit down.
After the service, I went and got Henry a "first time guest shirt." All guests get a free elevation tshirt as a token of appreciation for coming. I found Henry, touched his shoulder and gave him the shirt. I was not prepared for his reaction. His eyes filled with tears, he hugged me and said thank you so much.
Powerful moment much?!?!?!
Henry was given a pen, paper and a tshirt and you would have thought he won the lottery. Well, to him, maybe he did win the lottery this morning. This is what grateful and genuine should look like.
The Lord has blessed me with so many "things" and NONE of them are mine. I seem to forget that a lot. Henry better come back next week b/c I'll be waiting to greet him again.

It's not about me..that's for sure!

Home Sweet Home

I had a great time being back in Boone this weekend...there were only a few speed bumps along the way!

There's something about being in Boone that makes me feel like I'm back home. I think most people feel that same way when they go back to the school they spent 4 (or more) years of their lives. That was me on Saturday- just happy to be in Boone.

So back to the first game of the season...

We left bright and early (with coffee in hand) and headed to Boone. Speed bump 1- Kelly decides to show the car behind us her Bailey's and coffee by rolling down her window. She forgot about the ASU flag that was attached to the window. I decided to deal and kept driving. Well the Bruce's and Flemings decided to be my hero and rescue the poor flag. Matt ran in the middle of traffic on 321, almost got hit and retrieved the flag. I got the flag back and decided to put the child locks on the windows.

We got to "our" lot and it was perfect! It was right by the stream that runs through campus. So there was plenty of grass for the tent, play corn hole, throw the Frisbee and grill out.

We set up the tent, walked around King St, and started the pre game activities. I drank, ate, WON corn hole, and laughed a ton! My long lost twin soul even stopped by to hang out for a little bit...love my Karami!!!

It felt good to sit outside and just "be" in Boone.

Speed bump 2- Kelly made one last FULL drink of rum and diet. She set it on my car as I was trying to clean things up before we walked to the stadium. I put some stuff in my backseat and slammed the door. As I slammed the door, the 20+ ounce drink went flying all over half of Kelly and the ground. Good thing Kel was intoxicated b/c she didn't get mad at me :)

We got to the game, had great seats in the new section, and enjoyed watching the team stomp Jacksonville. Speed bump 3- I had taken about 150 pictures to this point and all of a sudden, my camera stopped working. Everyone knows my obsession with my camera and I didn't know what to do at that point. It's looking like a new camera is in my future.

We left the game early to head back to Charlotte for the bachelorette night downtown. Kelly wasn't feeling well so we pulled over and that's where speed bump 4 comes in. I won't explain the details but don't worry...Robby got a picture of it. GROSS!!!!

It was a very long day but well worth it. I had a great time and I can't wait for more memories throughout the season.

Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment...

CORN HOLE CHAMPS!

Game Time!

About 16 of us decided to join the Yosef Club and become Season Ticket holders this year..I have a feeling it's going to end up being a great decision. (I'm more excited that I don't have to stress about where we are going to park since we have an assigned lot now!!!)

We have been planning for a few weeks now and the time has finally come for our first tailgate of the season. We thought HANNA might spoil our fun, but she has decided to spare us and let Ike take his turn.

The caravan is leaving bright and early tomorrow morning with food, adult beverages, tents, corn hole boards, App outfits and lots of cameras!

I'm excited to get away, laugh with my friends and just enjoy being back in Boone.

We're going to THE ROCK!

thoughts

Katie said it best today so I won't even try...
http://ktjo.wordpress.com/