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.

A Tale of Second Chances

So I think I've mentioned before that I'll be reading books for Thomas Nelson and then blogging about them! My first pick was "The Heart Mender" by Andy Andrews. I've heard good things about his stories/books so I thought - why not?! This story was a tale of war, forgiveness, and faith. I read through it in just about 5 hours on a Sunday afternoon. Whether you believe in God or have faith or what not I believe this to be a good read for all!

Not only is it factual - I learned many stories about WWII that I've never heard before ... it's also a story of love and forgiveness and second chances. Something that we probably all deal with at one time or another.

"We begin to forgive by choosing to forgive ... by deciding, not by feeling. Our feelings don't lead us to forgive. Most times, our feelings lead us the other way. That's why a person has to decide to forgive first. Our feelings always follow along behind our decisions."

Here's another quote I really liked ... Danny, an adult man but with the mind of a 10 year old said this "I think you have to forgive him for you ... Because whenever you get hurt by somebody, you can either think about 'em all day long and let 'em keep hurting you inside ... or give them to God... If you forgive them, it doesn't mean that they get away with what they did ... it just means that you don't have to think about it all the time. You can't do anything anyway, except be mad. See? You just give 'em to God. Then you can be happy."

Another quote -- "Just that I must practice forgiveness. It is less an act than a determined way of living. I think that is why we are supposed to forgive 'seventy times seven.' True forgiveness comes only at the conclusion of an inner struggle."

One last good thought from the book ... Margaret, a mother-like figure (who is loving and seems to have it all together) asks -- Where is it written -- not in the Bible, for sure -- that for one person to forgive another, the offender must deserve it?

Anyways -- I recommend the book. It's good for your heart and it's a good source of history as well. I know I've had to learn to forgive -- and it was for myself, so I could have peace ...

Another post will come -- maybe more personal! :)

Something clever ...

I've wanted to post for a week now ... not only do I not have anything great or profound to say (I rarely do) -- but I've been so busy! I think the last 7 days have been the busiest 7 days since I moved to St. Louis. That's both good and bad ....

I've started a part-time job ... cleaning and personal assisting for a fairly young, male, business owner about 30 minutes from my house. This is going to be interesting ... to say the least. I can't post too much on here -- I am not sure who will/could read this.

I'm in Kansas as I sit here writing this ... back in Olathe -- I grew up here, which is weird because it definitely does not seem like home. I have thousands upon thousands of memories here and yet -- home isn't here. Pieces of my heart are here (from previous relationships) and because a couple of my best friends live here ... but other than that Olathe, KS is just another place to visit.

I'm looking forward to this visit, however. Hanging out with Valerie tonight for dinner then heading to a good 'ol Royals game with the Manning Family! Tomorrow will be a day of celebrating for Kathie's 25 birthday ... and then back to the real world on Monday!

And then ... something else to look forward to - my parents are coming to visit! YAY.

Let's see if I can think of something clever or wise to say. I've got nothing. But I do want to make the comment about all the season finales coming up -- they all end with someone dying. Goodness, why? I watched Private Practice last night and cried for a good 20 minutes ... and next week Grey's Anatomy will be the same. Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters have someone dying on Sunday night, too! Anyways .... I'm just curious as to why ... that's all.

I have this book on "love" that was sort of recommended to me. I haven't really started it yet but I think it might have a few useful tips. I'll keep you posted.

I guess that's all ... sorry for the uneventful post! More to come.

Recent and Random

Recently I've been unable to sleep in or take naps ... I guess this isn't a bad thing but when I don't sleep well at night anyways it would be nice to sleep in ... at least on a Saturday. On the other hand I seem super productive ... but then I even get bored sometimes (I don't even remember being bored ...) Anyways, I took up jewelry making about a month ago and it only lasted for a week. I bought a lot of beads, made about 10 necklaces and realized I like what I buy better so I guess that was short-lived ... but I know how to do it at least! I just re-read this and it is complete nonsense, sorry! :)

So -- who would've thought ... I'm looking for a part-time job ... at least during the summer! I need/would like to make some extra cash (pets, dental work, car payments, and student loans) have sure taken a toll on the finances ... and one of these days I'd like to buy a place. So, in the meantime I'm looking for a fun, evening and some weekends job. I know what I'd like to do (and what I'd actually stick with) but I'm open to suggestions ... especially any work-from-home suggestions. Got any?

It's May already. Where the heck has time gone? I've been in St. Louis for 8 months ... that's crazy! The month of May has potential though. Spending a weekend in KC to visit 2 best friends ... specifically for one's birthday! My parents will be visiting the 3rd week of May and for Memorial Day I'm hosting a mini "reunion" of friends here in STL! If you want to come up or down or sideways (guess it depends where you live) Memorial Day Weekend let me know ... and I'd be happy to have you! Not sure what we'll do, but good times to be had for sure. At the end of June I'll be traveling down to Savannah to visit some great friends that I miss dearly. Looking forward to the next few months. I was going to go to Cambodia in August, but due to recent health concerns (that aren't as bad as we thought -- and I feel great and my diabetes is SUPER) I won't be going ... not this year!

I'm watching House. I didn't always like this show -- not a fan of jerks (especially on TV) -- one of the main reasons I don't watch Glee ... I really don't like that PE teacher. But... Dr. House's cynicism/hate or whatever he is/does reminded me of something I was taught tonight. "Feelings follow actions" -- Yes, sometimes I don't feel like acting a certain way BUT if I act first the feelings will follow. (Do you follow?) And this all on the topic of "love" -- ahh, the forbidden topic, right Lindsay?

Anyways - a lot of my friends are married, getting married, etc etc ... but I'm ok where I am right now ... content actually. I wasn't always content being single, but I know one of these days prince charming will swoop right in. I wouldn't mind finding a few guys around my age though (it couldn't hurt). I know I seem a bit "fairy tale" sometimes but for me, I kinda think that's how it might be. And in the meantime learning about marriage, how I could be good at relationships, and such is good and surely beneficial. All this to say -- Jesus, send prince charming. Kidding ... I think! Ok - enough nonsense for now. Hugs and kisses.

I got a second chance.

So out of all the speakers I listened to and sessions I attended at Catalyst my favorite was titled "People of the Second Chance." Jud Wilhite (pastor of a church in Vegas) Mike Foster, and Tony Wood led this panel. Not only do I agree completely with what they had to say it obviously hit home for me ... and probably for most people who have ever needed or received a second chance (or in my case maybe a third or fourth).

I didn't grow up in the Christian Church. I had great parents however who set a moral path for me ... taught me right from wrong, gave me cerfews, but also gave me freedom so I could experience things for myself. For me -- this worked perfect ... or not so perfect (which turned out perfect). I made a lot of the "right" decisions ... but I also made a lot (or at least a good handful) of the wrong decisions. Sometimes I was punished, sometimes I wasn't but because of the experiences I had (and let myself have) I learned a WHOLE LOT ... and I learned a lot about who I didn't want to become (because unfortunately at times, like most probably I acted like someone who I wasn't -- or maybe I was for a while, but you get what I'm saying!).

I made stupid decisions in high school and even college that have affected my life, but am thankful that I was able to learn from those decisions. I don't regret anything I've done. Do I wish I wouldn't have done some of those things? Sure ... Why? Because they weren't the smartest choices I've ever made. For instance: I got my tongue pierced in college. Was this stupid? Yes. Was it harmful? No. Thankfully, I had the choice to take it out and one day I did. I won't go into the serious decisions in the life of Tara, but I can say honestly and thankfully that I messed up, I dealt with consequences, I was honest about what I did and went through, and now ... I'm a girl who had a second chance. And I think I feel pretty content about what I did with that second chance.

I got my life on track, decided what I wanted to do with my life (better yet, what I felt God called me to do) -- I learned what I was good at, what I was bad at, I've learned when to say no and when to say yes. I've made incredible friends who don't judge but who keep accountable. Friends that I can call day or night laughing or crying. I have parents who love me and care so much about my happiness that they'll move me from here to there, and back again if I wanted.

Do I think that having family and friends that stuck beside me in the rough got me through it all? Most definitely. Do I think that God's forgiveness and grace helped me to realize that no matter how bad I messed up I was forgiven and could live a good life that was glorifying to Him? Absolutely.

Do I wish I didn't have to go through some of those rough times? Do I wish I trusted less at times? Sure ... but like I said, I wouldn't trade the outcome for the world.

All of that to say (and sorry, it was a mouthful) these 3 guys at the session I attended hit the nail on the head. We think we are better than we are. We're broken ... or at least we were broken, and now we're fixed. And if you've never been broken, trust me ... it'll happen! They had 3 really good points on how to deal with failure and crisis ... (excuse my mini lesson)
1. OWN IT. Stop blaming others.
2. AMMEND IT. Restore yourself and the situation. After this you'll become more humble and aware ... I think those are 2 things we could all stand to be more of. They pointed something else out ... "one size doesn't fit all" as far as punishment/consequences go. (Just something good to remember).
3. RE-INVENT IT. We can't re-invent something unless we've been re-invented and thank the good Lord, I've been re-invented.

Alright - I think I'm done. I'm thankful for second chances ... people who offer them and people who accept them and re-invent their life.

Now for a shout out to all those who have helped me along the way! You know who you are ... and I am eternally grateful!

Oh, and you can check out People of the Second Chance at www.POTSC.com

Something New Under the Sun!

I went to a conference last week called Catalyst. I learned a lot of really good things. Some things I'll post here ... some I won't. This blog is not necessarily intellectual. It's my thoughts, others' thoughts, what's happening, and maybe a few pictures ... so don't get your expectations too high!

I've always appreciated what Donald Miller has to say/teach/write, etc ... what he spoke about wasn't anything new (well, it's new if you haven't read his book) ... but anyways - he has some good stuff to say ... even if you're not a Christian you want your life to have meaning, right? You want to feel like your life has a purpose.

He talks a lot about the story we live. We have the ability to determine our story. We're not puppets, we don't give the strings to someone else. We're capable of saying yes, no, right, wrong, and guiding our own path. So if we're not happy, not content, it's sort of our fault then, huh?!

"People become the character they play in the story they believe."

I thought it was interesting when he told us that the # 1 was to consume stories is through each other! Thankfully I am surrounded by great friends, family, co-workers, etc ... so this seems easy for me!

If we're not happy ... he suggests that maybe we're playing a character that doesn't know what we want. Or Maybe we just need to want better stuff.

To make a good story (a good life) we have to want beautiful things and teach them -- and we have to overcome conflict.

Micah 6:8 "He has showed you, O Man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

And I figure since I'm blogging again I have to update/talk about life, etc etc ... -- I've been living in St. Louis/St. Charles for almost 8 months now. It's crazy how time flies ... and also how long it takes sometimes for it to feel like home. I miss Savannah, yes ... I miss my family, yes ... and I miss other friends throughout the country but I know there is great purpose in what I am doing here. I'm waiting for the day to call it home ... I know it's coming.