Happy New Year!!!

This will be my last post of THE DECADE.

Doesn't that sound dramatic?

Hello?

*tap, tap*

Is this thing on?

Ok, so maybe it doesn't sound that dramatic, but it feels dramatic.

Normally I'm not a big New Year fan. (I have written before about my strong distaste for New Year's Eve in particular. Looking back, I think I sound a little bitter!! Sorry to offend you New Year's Eve, but I shall keep you at arms length until I have someone to kiss at midnight!!)

However, this year I feel a little differently. I am really looking forward to turning the page on 2009 and looking forward to 2010. A new decade!

Last year I chose my one word and scripture for 2009. My word was "present" and my scripture was Luke 1:45, "And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord."

I have been searching a praying for a few days about my word and scripture for 2010. I keep coming back to the concept of 2010 being a NEW decade. This year is a NEW year. What worked in the past may not work now because God is doing a NEW thing. I don't even want to look back on the year, although it was a great one, I feel God drawing my eyes and thoughts forward to the NEW THING He wants to do in 2010. I am totally open, Lord!

So, my word(s) for 2010 are NEW THING. I love it!

I have two scriptures for this year. The first is 2 Corinthians 5:17. I am a little obsessed with the Amplified version:

"Therefore is any person is [ingrafted] in Christ [the Messiah] he is a new creation (a new creature all together); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!"

My other scripture is Isaiah 43:18-19:

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

Holy cow, that's good stuff. I want the newness that God has for me this year. Bring it on Lord!!

I wish each of you a blessed new year! I pray that you will receive the NEW THINGS that God has for you!!!

Christmas Wrap-Up!

Happy Christmas Hangover!!

I hope everyone had a great holiday. Things around here were pretty exciting. We started by celebrating my birthday (31!) on Tuesday of last week. While it was not my actual birthday (which was Monday), it got stretched another day! Did I complain: NO I DID NOT!

Tuesday my parents and I went to dinner at Abuelo's. If I may be so bold - if you do not have an Abuelo's in your area, you need to consider moving. IT'S SO GOOD! After dinner we strolled around Easton (local shopping area) and went to dessert at The Melting Pot. This was the first time at The Melting Pot for my parents, and they loved it! It was so fun to share a great dessert with them!

Here's Chazzle and I following the fondue carnage:

Chazzle and Mary! My awesome parents:

Incidentally, this is what I believe it will look like when we receive our heavenly bodies...don't those blue lights look like heavenly orbs? Ok, maybe not.

After our feast, we headed home for PRESENTS!!! Seriously, gifts are one of my love languages and I don't care who knows it! Here is the smelliest gift, Tucker:

Finally, here's a photo of our small but mighty family! And no, that's not a real cardinal that has landed on my Dad's head. And no, you're not tripping on acid, my sweater just photographs like that! And, if I can just say, Christmas came a little early, as I am having a seriously good hair day in this photo!

Hope ya'll had a great Christmas! Happy New Year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Isaiah 9:6

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given,

and the government will be upon his shoulders.

And he will be called

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR

MIGHTY GOD

EVERLASTING FATHER

PRINCE OF PEACE!"

Trying to be what I'm clearly not...

I love the blogs where people take 100 pictures of their day and post clever stories to go along with them, don't you? Pioneer Woman is a PERFECT example. Her food posts, her confessions, all with picture perfect snapshots to tell the story.

I thought that while I'm on break I would take the opportunity to be like Pioneer Woman, or even Kelly from Kelly's Korner and chronicle my day(s) through picture.

I give you: BECKY'S LIFE IN PHOTO.

Photo 1, December 15:

The above photo was taken at a local department store. I was stepping onto the escalator and saw these strange looking handbags. I immediately jumped off the escalator and took a closer look. I do believe this is a pug purse. Compelling, isn't it?

Photo 2, December 15:

I took the above photo to send to my very stylish friend to show her my killer purchase at the mall. I love bold rings! Plus, I scored this little baby for $4.53! (And yes, my pinkie naturally does that. Thanks Mom!)

Photo 3, December 18:

This photo I took yesterday at a store (who shall remain nameless, but it sounds like H-N-M) because it reminded me of Pam Beesly from The Office. Seriously, does one need that many Keds when winter is upon us?

So...that's it. I don't know if you could handle many more photos from my life, so it's a good thing that I restrained myself with these three.

You're welcome.

The One Where I Grovel...

I used to get a little irritated when my favorite bloggers would go more than 15 minutes several days without posting. I mean, entertain me bloggers! Share pictures of your cute kids and tell me funny stories about them!

(As if I didn't already see your kids at church on Sunday, where you may or may not have told me the story for your blog.)

But here I stand (write?) before you - a blogger who has not written an update in almost 1 month.

Conviction, your taste is bitter.

I apologize for not updating sooner. I have no excuse other than: this is my now.

Here are a few things I've noticed since I started nursing school exactly 6 months ago TODAY(!):

1. I used to have a great memory. Used to. Now, I can't remember dates, appointments, assignments, you name it. I just don't remember. However, if you need to know what normal lab values are for an adult or pregnant woman, I'm your girl! I am very thankful for my planner!
2. Driving an hour one way is only great when you have a really great mix on your iPod. Built in worship time!
3. I have managed something I haven't done - well - ever. I currently have a 3.5 GPA! I am really proud and have worked REALLY hard to do well in my classes.

Sadly the list of things I have noticed ends at 3. And number 3 really isn't something I've noticed, but A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE. Just being real. Going to the school ranked consistently in the "Top 10 Party Schools" doesn't really afford time for focusing on one's grade point average. (Go Bobcats!)

Anyway, I'm back, at least for now. I am looking forward to my birthday next week (31!) and some time off to catch up with friends. I have been thinking what my scripture and inheritance words will be for 2010, and I'm hoping to share that with you in the next week or so!

Hope everyone has a very happy holiday!!! I leave you with this mug of me from Thanksgiving. Oh, and to offset that, a photo of my Dad and Agnes at Thanksgiving. No, Agnes isn't suffering from indigestion from too much stuffing, I think I had just said that the dog was slain in the Spirit.

(Can someone - anyone - please tell me how to get those wispy bangs to go away?!? SO ANNOYING!)

Merry Christmas!