More Randomness About Me

It's time for the next edition of Random Stuff About Me.

1. The first movie I can remember seeing in the theater is The Jetsons.

2. Speaking of movies, the weirdest things I ever sneaked in were: a GIANT pixie stick which I tucked in my sock and in ran up the inside of my jeans. And also, rolls from Texas Roadhouse.

3. One time when my sister Erica and I were driving around, I ran over a laundry basket with my car, and it got stuck underneath.

4. I've locked my keys in the car probably 7 or 8 times. Locked myself out of the house twice. And locked my keys in the garage once. I have a problem.

5. After probably 15 -20 years of stomach problems,  I finally got diagnosed with diverticulosis. Amazingly it hasn't turned into diverticulitis, and hopefully won't. After I cut out nuts and popcorn I haven't had an "attack" since I was diagnosed in September.

6. I still have 3 wisdom teeth. They need to be removed, but unless they hurt, ain't nobody got the time or money for that.

7. Laughter is my coping mechanism. I laugh way too many things off, but it's how I get by.

8. I tend to start projects and never finish them because I get bored or frustrated.

9. I have no idea what I want to be when I "grow up".

10. I do feel a very strong calling from God to go on another mission trip. Right now I am just waiting to see when and where that might be. Maybe soon, maybe in several years. Just waiting on His timing.

11. I am an introvert with random days of feeling semi-extroverted.

12. I used to be really embarrassed when I did stupid things in front of other people. As I've gotten older I've learned to laugh it off more and embrace my awkwardness.

13. Movies I've watched over and over again include: Bridesmaids, You've Got Mail, While You Were Sleeping, Christmas Vacation, Sweet Home Alabama, The Notebook and Remember the Titans.

14. I had FOUR imaginary friends when I was little.

15. If I could spend a day with any celebrity it would be Ellen.

16. I have never smoked and never will.

17. We did have cable until I was a teenager and then I also did have it when I lived on my own. My weird obsession was watching the same infomercials over and over again. I really wanted a Ginsu knife, a food dehydrator and a magic bullet. LOL!

18. I am obsessed with car seat safety. It used to bother me when people made comments like, "Well, I survived." or would make comments about me doing extended rear facing, but it's my thing. I read the facts. I get the seats checked. And yes, my kids will more than likely be in a booster seat until they are 10-12 years old.

19. On a related note...everyone makes mistakes. Mine? I forgot to buckle Daniel in his bucket seat once. Made it 2 blocks before I remember and flipped out. With James, it was this past year. I had him half buckled, got distracted and forgot to finish. Once again, made it a few blocks before realizing. Eek!

20. 2 summers ago we were in Indiana. I always pray for safely when we're driving anywhere. We were on the interstate a few miles from our exit when we heard a big thud. We weren't sure what it was but the van was driving fine. We actually forgot about it when we got to the hotel. Next morning our tire was totally flat. The only reason I feel like we avoided a blow out was being God was protecting us.

A Brand New Year

There's just something about the start of a brand new year. Does is erase the bad things that happened last year? No. Can it take away your happy memories? Absolutely not! It's just a fresh new canvas, where anything can happen. Some things that will be within our control, and other won't be. A new year of activities, road trips, birthday celebrations and adventure.

I never have really liked the term, "New Year's Resolutions".  I guess because I remember always having to come up with ones at school when I was a kid and I never knew what to put, so I'd copy someone else, or make something up that I knew I wouldn't do.

I bought this new shirt from Kohl's that says, "Take Chances", and I decided to kind of make that my theme this year. I don't know exactly what that will entail yet. I'm not really a risk taker. I don't like to fail. I'm not going to jump from an airplane or anything like that. I feel like I'm going to let God take the lead on this one. I want Him to show me what he wants from me this year. And while technically listening to God's direction isn't really taking a chance, it does take a leap of faith.

I'm also getting ready to embark on a weight loss challenge. This time I doing a Biggest Loser type contest because I feel like I'll do better when I'm competing for something. (Taking a chance, ya know?) I seem to start over every year. I am what one would call a yo-yo dieter. I do well. I exercise. I take the weight off and then I start eating more and more and more, until I'm right back up to my starting weight...or like this time...have surpassed it.

Weight is a struggle for me and has been for many years now. My only saving grace is my height. It helps balance it out a little, but, after some research I've realized that I actually probably have a binge eating disorder. Like, I truly will eat embarrassing amounts of junk food. So many calories, each day. It's a true addiction to food. I joke about it, but truthfully it is a HUGE struggle. I have an awful sweet tooth, and I've always been picky. I don't like many fruits and veggies. This time around will  be even harder because 2 of my go to diet foods are on my can't eat list now due to diverticulosis. Nuts and popcorn. Let's just take a moment to mourn that loss. So this year, I will work to gain control over my addiction to food.

Another thing I am looking forward to is joining my church. This next Sunday I will become an official member. Through this year I look forward to new opportunities to serve at church.

I'd also like to get even more organized. We have a small space that just keeps filling up. I've already got a new donation pile started. Out with the old!

Lastly for things I'd like to accomplish is to read more. I think last year I read maybe 3 books. How sad it that!? I'm already over halfway through my first book, and hope to continue all year.

I've already got a couple of fun trips planned this year and I know there will be many more.

Then at the end of summer we'll hit a huge milestone. Daniel will start kindergarten. I got teary eyed thinking about it yesterday. I remember after he was born, I figured out he would start in 2017, which seemed so far off from 2011. Yet, here we are. I'm happy and sad. But, I've got 8  more months to embrace having a preschool aged child.

So here's to a new year and new opportunities!