The Best of 2010

I realize I have not posted on here since before my move back to Savannah. I had a blog "SavannahPeach" but when I moved to STL I figured I should change it up -- so here it is, but now I'm debating whether or not to go back to savannahpeach.blogspot.com.

On another note - I just pre-ordered the Eclipse DVD. So excited - it should be here soon. If you're interested walmart.com has the best price and free shipping.

Tomorrow is December 1 so I figured it was semi-appropriate to write a blog about the best things of 2010. I'm sure my memory will lapse and I'll forget some good memories but I'll do my best. Maybe I'll try to do one a month ...

The best of ...
JANUARY: New Years was spent in Savannah with some lovely friends downtown!
FEBRUARY: to be determined later ... poor memory!
MARCH: I went on a cruise to the Bahamas with my best friends and 2 swell fellas.
APRIL: I got to go to the Catalyst West Conference and it was pretty awesome ... plus, I got to spend some time in Cali and with a few good West Coast friends.
MAY: Ah, as I started reading through old blogs I see I started a fancy little part-time job this month. I started cleaning for this millionaire, thirty-ish, bachelor .... found it on craigslist and made it out alive -- with a few extra $$ in my pocket.
JUNE: Mainly because I can't remember much ... but I do remember a fun trip to Savannah and a night out with the girl friends at Melting Pot.
JULY: My birthday month. I turned the big 25. I can't pick one thing in particular but I felt loved. Oh, I had a liver biopsy this month ... definitely not a happy memory by any means but I did survive. :)
AUGUST: A bitter-sweet memory ... left Harvester/St. Louis to head back to Savannah. Road trip/move back to the SAV. 20 something hours straight with the same friends I went on the cruise with .... plus the 2 kitties.
SEPTEMBER: Started work back at Savannah Christian Church. Wooo!
OCTOBER: The Walk to Emmaus was pretty incredible.
NOVEMBER: We moved into our new building for Effingham! That's a pretty incredible thing in itself. Thanksgiving is always a wonderful time, too! Enjoyed a week in FL with my parents.
DECEMBER: December is always fun and crazy and busy! Journey to Bethlehem starts this week. Staff Christmas party next week. Effingham Campus launch on the 12th. Christmas with the fam in Florida. And then New Years in New Orleans with some friends. Busy but fun .... And then 2011, craaazy!

What are your favorite 2010 memories? XoXo.

On the road again ... almost!

So I'm taking a break from packing and cleaning to blog ... however, I don't actually have anything real new or meaningful to say BUT I did need a break and there's nothing on TV and all of my books are packed, so ... I blog.

Now let me start by saying ... I know there are lots of you out there (out "lots" may be a bit of an exaggeration but there are quite a few of you who read this and don't comment ... so here is my plea, comment ... well, comment if you have something worth saying (which I can almost bet you do)

I've been packing and cleaning for a good while now. This is definitely my least favorite part of moving. I do like the whole "new place" feel and putting things in place, I just don't necessarily like all the time it takes to pack and unpack and find things that I really need (but can't because they're packing with something weird). Well, this time I believe is my 11th move since I graduated high school. I graduated in 2003 so that's about 1.5 moves per year. I moved twice before college, once each year in college (even moving 2 miles away is moving ... it's a pain, regardless), moved to Savannah after college, lived in 3 different places in 14 months in Savannah, moved to St. Charles and now I'm packing to move back to Savannah. I am excited for this move (I pretty much was excited about MOST of my moves) but these cross country moves sure do take a toll on you (not only your time and energy but $$). Goodness those rental companies sure do make lots of money off me (or my gracious parents) off truck rentals. I've been blessed this time around with 3 friends from KC who will be arriving next Monday evening, helping me load the truck (along with some other wonderful people here in St. Charles) and then my best friend, Kathie and I will drive my car with my kitties and her hubby and his best friend will drive the truck. All this mess and we're driving overnight. Leaving late afternoon and we'll arrive in Savannah early Wednesday morning. It'll all be worth it ... but I'm just fixing my eyes on the prize.

Today I had lunch with 3 lovely ladies at Red Robin. I'll miss them (and I'll also miss Red Robin since there isn't one in Savannah) but I would like to say I have been blessed with a few really great people since I've been here. I didn't want any "goodbye" gifts, but Patti got me this beautiful painting/portrait of downtown St. Charles -- now I'll never forget this place. Not that I had planned on doing that ... but it is a really sweet and thoughtful gift. Tomorrow my co-workers are taking me to Macaroni Grill for my "goodbye lunch" ... boo, have I mentioned how much I don't like goodbyes? I love spending time with people ... and it will be happy, this move is a happy decision, but saying goodbye to people who have been part of my life for the past year, people who I saw EVERY day or just about, it's just not easy. Then ... on Friday evening there will be a little dinner gathering at the Jobes for my final goodbye thing. I'm grateful for people that care about me ... and that I care about. Everyone has been SUPER supportive of my decision to move back to Savannah and I cannot express my gratitude for such love and support ... it makes hard decisions easier ... that's for sure!

So - this post started with nothing to say and now I've probably bored you. I've been reading this blog my friend posted about ... I definitely don't agree with everything and he's not the kind of guy I'd ever really like to date BUT his blog is pretty good ... I check it every day now (or almost) so thanks LS for sharing. If you want to check it out here it's called Until I Get Married. Check it out ... or don't.

And to end ... saw the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" and it was disappointing. I read the book and absolutely loved it ... I know the books are ALWAYS better than the movie but this one just wasn't good. I'm looking forward to seeing "The Switch" though. It comes out this weekend with Jennifer Anniston. It looks good and funny.

Ok all -- one week till my departure, guess I better get back to packing and cleaning.

XoXo!

There's no 100% guarantee!

Sometimes we take a chance. Whether we try a new food, move to a new city, take a new job, get a pet, meet new friends, etc etc ... big or small, we take a risk. Will we spit it out, will it feel like home, will I fit in, will my pet pee all over my house -- you get the picture. I think life is about taking chances ... especially chances (even when they're hard) when you know the greatest benefit will come from it. I can gratefully say each experience in my life (whether good or bad) has taught me a lot about myself, other people, and life in general. There have been previous experiences that while in that particular place I wished more than anything that I could get out of it ... but all of that makes and molds us into who we are. I've had an interesting turn of events lately -- it seems like every now and then there is always some turn or change. It makes for excitement I suppose ... or stress and planning, but none-the-less it's all part of this journey.

We're not guaranteed tomorrow. We've been told in Scripture not to worry about tomorrow ... but we also know that there is no guarantee that tomorrow will come. I am thankful for the days I've been given to live my life -- and by all means, I want to live a full life ... and not just a full life pushed down by meaningless tasks and no purpose, but a life with happiness and purpose. Yes yes, I know there will be times of sadness or grief and what not, but I do believe that God desires my happiness. I do my best when I am surrounded by people who love me, support me, encourage me, etc and when I'm happiest!

I've lived in STL for about a year now and it really has been a great experience. I've once again had the opportunity to experience another city, a great job, and some winter weather. I've learned new programs, made new friends, learned the process of transition (again) and other things. I do not regret in any sense my decision to move to STL last year. I could go into lots of details, but that would bore most of you ... at the end of this month I'll be heading back down South. I've been offered a job back at Savannah Christian Church and along with great friends and family that will be a bit closer ... I've accepted and will be moving soon! I'm really excited for this next season of life ... and I have a feeling this season will be a longer than previous seasons in my life. I'm thrilled to settle down somewhere and make somewhere my home.

I do however hate packing! :) Thankfully my mom was in town this past weekend (that's another story for another time) but she helped pack some things I won't need for the next few weeks. I have some great friends who are helping me do the actual moving (driving the truck, loading, unloading, and such) and great parents who are supporting this move yet again! I've made some good relationships here in STL -- and this year will be a time that I'll never forget. Savannah is a great vacation spot so I'm looking forward to seeing my mid-west folk in the south! Just a few more weeks and I'll be on the road. If you're part of my STL family thank you for your love and support and encouragement along the way. If you're part of my SAV family I am so looking forward to being reunited ... and for the rest of you, come visit! :) P.S. - being 25 is nothing special -- but this year is going to be great, I feel it!

Quarter of a Century

So now I'm 25 ... not much different than being 24, as I expected! I did have a really nice birthday, though! Thanks to my family, friends, and co-workers! I was spoiled with gifts by all of them and appreciated with thoughtful words, and meals, and hugs! An interesting 25th birthday for sure (more details to come) but I'm thankful for everyone and everything in my life.

My parents sent me this yummy edible arrangement to work! It was delicious ...















My best friend came to visit me for the weekend (last weekend) we had lots of fun ...













And here's me ... at Chevys for lunch with co-workers celebrating the big 25!















Had a few more fun meals and evenings with friends and got to see Eclipse again! Thanks for the memories, dear friends! XoXo.

for my own good.

I got back from my fun trip to Savannah yesterday morning! Oh the joys of flying standby. Thankfully, I was able to use a buddy pass from a friend but boy o boy ... the waiting game began on my 1st flight out of STL. I had a decent experience though considering the circumstances. 2 flights on 1st class and I got back to STL only a day later than I had planned.

My trip was amazing. I was able to spend time with many friends who matter a lot to me. Good food (of course), lots of laughter, some fun pictures, playing in a bounce house (yes, we're all over the age of 23), very little sleep and 4 church services. Sometimes I feel like I need a vacation after a vacation ... but I'm so thankful to have gone and spend some time with my southern pals! Here are a few pictures ...

A group of 12 of us went to the Melting Pot on Friday evening for some yummy cheese and chocolate! It's such good food ... and by chance I ended up with some pink "forky" things for dipping! Good times!

Lets see ... what else?! Oh -- I am going to see Eclipse tonight, WOOHOO! So far I've heard that this is the best movie out of the 3 which makes it even better! Team Edward, for sure!

No plans yet for the 4th ... maybe fireworks and bbq ... maybe not! :) Looking forward to having next Monday off, though!

I turn 25 in 20 days ... crazy! I guess that's like quarter life crisis or something, right?! Maybe this will be my best year yet. I can only hope! :)

That's all for now. Much love.

Oh - and if you'd like to send me birthday love I'd welcome it with open arms!!

the new lady gaga song is no good.

My title has nothing to do with the rest of my post, but I just wanted to throw it out there ... I really don't like her new song - Alejandro or whatever it's called.

Today was Father's Day ... I have the world's best parents. I don't really need to say anything more.

I started texting one of my best friends a few months ago every time something happened and I wished I had a husband. I had another one of those nights. The sliding door that leads to my washer dryer came off the track and as I tried to put it back on the screws all fell out, it fell over and part of the wall cracked off, and so on and so forth. I hate "home projects" or things like that. I don't like putting furniture together and other like tasks. Possibly because I'm not good at them ... but I'm a girl, I don't want to learn, and unfortunately I'd rather someone else do it for me.

I leave for Savannah in 2 days. STL has a lot more to choose from as far as places to see, things to go, and food to eat goes but there are a few good 'ol restaurants I'm looking forward to eating at. Mellow Mushroom, Miyabi, Spankys, etc etc ... hopefully I can make it to them all.

I was reminded the other day by a friend that the library is for adults too. Since college I think it's left my mind that I could actually go to the library and check out books I want to read (for free) and then bring them back a few weeks later. No charge, I get to read what I want, genius! Anyways, my first trip to the library since college will be tomorrow afternoon. No - nothing life changing just simple joys!

Monday comes so soon!

It's getting hot in here.

Summer isn't even "officially" here yet and it was 100 yesterday and 96 today ... plus the heat index (which I don't completely understand) -- if it's 96 why isn't it just 96? Anyways ... I love summer but I'm not the biggest fan of the 106 degree heat index! Summer = swimming and swimming for me = my apartment's pool which = 567 little kids screaming and splashing ... so, I'll be staying away from the pool for the most part! :)

I've noticed in the last week there have been at least 4-5 additional blogs show up on my facebook and they're all newly married couples. I guess that's the thing to do - get married and start a blog together. Nothing wrong with it (I'm not saying that) - just an interesting "trend". I enjoy reading them for the most part ...

I turn 25 in almost exactly 1 month. I don't feel old. In most places I am in I am the youngest which helps me keep my "youth" but on the other hand I feel like I've done a lot, been to alot, etc etc for only being 25. I guess I haven't gotten married yet but I'm OK with that. Maybe 25 is the year. I read 2 articles on a friend's blog (thanks LS) the other day. One disgusted me and I won't go into detail but I hope and pray that there are some exceptional males that don't fit into that category. The other talked about how divorce rates cut in half once you're 25 (if you wait till then to get married). So -- my chances seem good. However, the whole "there's lots of fish in the sea" doesn't seem to ring true in my life. I read an article today on MSN about "19 Things You Should Never Say to a Single Person" -- most of it was true. You can read it here.

I leave for Savannah bright and early Wednesday morning! I'm looking forward to my mini vaca and seeing good friends! It'll be a fun trip with good food, friends, and some dolphin tours! Now I've only got to make the flights (I'm flying standby thanks to a good friend but I've heard some horror stories of getting bumped and bumped again). We'll hope for the best.

Eclipse comes out in 11 days. I will be seeing it on opening day.