Seasons Change

     I love the time of year when you can roast marshmallows and sit by the fire. I had my first fire in the new house and it was so wonderful and cozy. I love watching the leaves change their colors and feeling the weather get colder by the day. Nature is always renewing itself and it's a good reminder that I can do the same.


     Getting ready for a fresh start to the New Year, I can change some of my colors too! Thinking about all of the possible New Year’s resolutions that I might make...lose a couple pounds, get a new hair style, save more money this year, or find a man. Wait...did I just say that? :) But as I thought about it, I realized that those are all external changes.
   
   This year, I want to focus on the internal changes. What are the things that I want to improve on the inside. Grow closer to God, don't get frustrated so easily, be kinder, be a better friend, be more thoughtful, focus on what's important in life, and determine my priorities. Thinking of all these things, some of my thoughts surprised me. Things that were once important....less than a year ago, not so much now. The important people in my life have also been realigned. This has been such a great exercise of thought. I am feeling more refreshed, confident, and even happier.

     I am even open to your feedback if you feel that there are things that I should think about that I didn't mention. What have you always wanted to tell me but didn't.... More importantly, maybe you will think of change from the inside, out.

Whoa baby!

Sadly, I must admit that I got a confidence boost from the Refrigerator Repairman that came to fix my fridge yesterday. No, he was not the guy in the picture; if he was, I would not be available to write this blog today! There was nothing remarkable or seemingly special about him, he wasn't attractive (to me) nor was he very smooth. He was a little flirty. So either, I'm pretty desperate or my confidence is so low that the repairman made me feel like hot stuff. Alternatively, it could be that I have been "out of the game" for so long that any attention, blew my mind! This is very concerning to me and I think that I need to go out on a hot date ASAP. Gees! So now my challenge is to find a good looking, single man, that's my age and has a good head on his shoulders. Hmmm......daunting task! Anybody know anyone with that description?? Yeah, like your gonna tell me! :) At the very least, I have Ice!

Free Will?

Have you ever wondered how it is that things in your life seem to work out the way that they do. Or, how things seem to come full circle. It amazing how so many times, certain situations seem to complete themselves with or with out your involvement. And in the end, lessons are learned and people...are hopefully the better for it. How is it that this can be such a reoccurring theme in so many people's lives. It begs for discussion....destiny vs. free will. (ha ha- I know funny pic!) I am interested in hearing what people think. More than ever, I have noticed that events in my life have come full circle and that I am understanding reasons for things happening in my life. But I am a believer of free will; I can't shake the feeling that God is in control of my life. How can those two concepts exist concurrently? God gives us free will. I do not want to get to philosophical here cause my heads starting to hurt, but what is the answer! Has anyone thought about this before.....I'm sure you have....speak up!

God is working all around!

I have noticed that even the smallest, most insignificant prayer doesn't go unnoticed! God cares about every feeling and concern we have. He consistently pulls me closer to him! I can see him working in those that I love and pray for.

"Be strong and never give up hope, you're gonna do great things I already know. God has his hand on you so don't live your life in fear. Forgive and forget every day, take time to pray and thank god every day, for each day love will find a way, these are the words I would say."

What is a girl to do?

Okay, so you know that I tossed my hat in the first time home buyer circus....and I do NOT use that term loosely. Buying a foreclosure can be a great financial decision...however unless you have the $ or expertise to fix that puppy up, it can be an overwhelming experience. No doubt that I'm learning to do a lot of things that I've never done, but this is when I miss having a husband around to work on the "honey do" list! Maybe I underestimated that one a little. :) I have changed the title of my to do list to "Holy Crap, how do I do that list!" I think it has a nice ring to it.

Anyway, no more relaxing evenings for me for a while...wait, did I have those before?? Oh well, I have been spending the evenings fixing things, nay, trying to fix things that need fixing but failing miserably most of the time. Daddy, is this what you called character building? Huh, more like a growth of my four-letter word vocabulary. Grandma - I'm not proud of that part! But I am not giving up...I will keep trying to fix, errr...beg my friends with the right skills to come over and help in exchange for food and bev. We'll just have to see how long it takes before they catch on....hmmm....crap that already happened.

I have successfully changed a shower head, installed a shower curtain rod, replaced the air filters and replaced the sprayer on the sink. WOW! I know, I was pretty impressed myself! LOL I have miserably failed to install the dryer cord and vents, install a garbage disposal (well really didn't attempt HA!) and failed at installing the shower head in my bathroom.

The list still includes:
Patching holes in the walls
Fixing two window screens
Removing the door knobs and having the locks replaced
Repairing the waterline on the fridge
Figuring out what wrong with the water pressure
PAINTING THE ENTIRE HOUSE!!!
Installing gutters
Building or buying a dog house and outside storage building
Installing an Invisible Fence
Replacing all of the blinds
Installing towel bars/racks
Making and installing window treatments
So much more that I can even type cause my fingers hurt now.

For those of you looking or thinking of what to get me for Christmas, my birthday, Columbus day - belated, Thanksgiving, daylight savings day, veterans day, or just a care package cause you take pity on me, may I suggest the following:

Paper Shredder (the kind that makes confetti)
Hose and hose wheel/keeper box thingy
Paint supplies....
....or wait, how about gift cards to Lowes or Home Depot!!! They may know me by name in a few short weeks. Better be careful tho....they're gonna want me to pay'em....maybe I'll wear a disguise. Hmmm...more to come on that! :)

Updates Galore

I know that it has been a while but that is just a sign that I have been busy and have many things to blog about. Well I did finally close on the house and that's been the biggest obstacle that I've been dealing with lately. Closing was delayed about a week and a half so that completely threw off all of my plans....which included a vacation to Indiana to visit my family. However everything ended up coming together in the end. In three days time, I closed on the house, ripped up all of the old carpet and pad, cleaned the house, put in new carpet and pad throughout the house, moved a "pod" full of my belongings into the house, helped two roommates move in, bought a new washer and dryer all while still working my full and part time job and lastly and prepared and left for vacation.....which I despretly needed!!!! I think that I was on everyone's last nerve there towards the end. Don't let me full you though, I had tons of help...I am so blessed to have so many friends that threw their hat into the ring to help. I will be working on those thank you cards while on vacation. :)

I'm really enjoying the time with my family. I surprised my dad on his birthday Sunday. He did not know that I was coming up here for his birthday and he was really surprised, although I think that he caught on right there at the end. Oh well, still a surprise...as long as I get credit for it anyway!! :) I love my new little niece....just spent some time putting her to sleep she is such a cutie. Everyone is so wonderful and I have missed them terrribly.

Okay so that is it for today. So take care everyone and I will better at updating my blog more frequently. I know that all seven of my "followers," check-in daily for updates and must be "jonesing" for today's message. :)

Lump on a Blog!

Okay, I am really trying to get motivated to pack and get things ready for the move in less than a week. I've done a good bit so far but yet I have so much ta-do. Moving into my very first house is very exciting and you would think that I would be super motivated and get all the packing done quickly but I've had about enough of it. HELP!!! I decided to blog about in hopes that someone reading my blog would take pity on my and come and help. Any takers? I'll be waiting for you patiently. :) The dog babies get to lay down and nap...why can't I? Oh, and when whoever you are comes over to help....can you bring some miller lite with you? That's not asking too much is it??
Signed,
Sinking in an ocean of boxes

Homeless or Homefull....that is the question

Well it still looks like were on for closing next week. Getting a little nervous tho! I have so much to do in terms of paperwork stuff, packing, coordinating the move, coordinating clean up and repairs prior to move in. EEEKKK! I am scared! I'm sure everything will be fine. Any who, here is a pic for those of you that have not seen it yet. Will post some more as soon as i am able to get into the house. Yay!!! Keep those prayers coming!!!

Yay!!!!!

Just heard and my offer was accepted!!!! I am so excited!!! Thank the LORD for this blessing! Now all of the paperwork stuff begins! Geesh! That's okay I'm ready for it!

TGIF

Okay, so still waiting to hear something on the house today....P A T I E N T L Y WAITING! :) Good news is that there were not any hives when I got up this morning! Yeah!!! PROGRESS!!! Anywho, not much going on....going canoeing tomorrow with some friends, looking forward to canoeing in the moonlight and shooting Jello shots! Yay!!!

Still waiting

Well, I am still waiting to hear on the house....think I'm going to get it but you never know. I am hopeful because I would really like to have it. Had movie night last night with "the girls." We watched Beauty and the Beast and it was so fun.

Woke up this morning having a wierd allergic reaction...went to the urgent care and I was having an anaphylatic reaction to something....but don't know what. I got a steroid shot in my bum...still hurts! Feeling better now, so that's good.

Granny and gramps, hope you read this today. I love you both....keep truckin! I'll call tonight. Love you,

Lovin me some Merlin

Watching the season finale of Merlin. I am so loving this show. If you haven't yet caught on you should check it out.














Today was great, enjoyed church this morning and looking forward to the new Sunday School. The study of Job.


Tomorrow is the birthday of the little girl that I love and miss so much! Cheyenne turns 8 tomorrow and of course I will not be able to share it with her, but I will be thinking about her all day...like usual. I always love you and will always be here for you even though you don't know that right now. You are my heart little one! MLY Muah!

My Birthday 8/22

I had the most wonderful birthday today. So many people helped make this the most wonderful birthday that I've had in a long time. I spent a couple hours at brunch this morning with some great girls! Then I went down the Congaree river in a canoe with some more great friends. Then returned home to shower and clean up and head to dinner! Ate at one of my most favorite places...Sato's....super yummy. There was one little hiccup during dinner, but luckily he left soon after we got there. Then after dinner, yummy home made cake, ice cream, and presents! Aw, what fun! Then we went to the comedy club where we saw a some comedians that were pretty entertaining....ask me about this story later...really interesting experience!

All and all it was a great day! I am so blessed and have some amazing angels in my life and feel so lucky. Now, if I can just get a house bought, 29 should be looking up! I'm almost ready for thirty....wow can you believe those words just came out of my mouth?? :) Thank you most of all to the lord, who blesses me more than I deserve, loves me unconditionally, and knows, cares and provides the longings of my heart! Praise God - he's awesome!

Countered the Counter

Ok, I submitted a counter to their counter...let's see what happens...I may be out of luck if they don't accept. :( We'll see!! Happy birthday to the little one that I won't get to see. Many blessings to and I love you with all my heart.

Whitney just threatened to kill my dogs with her bare hands...watch out dogs! Yikes!

More Merlin is on the agenda tonight, can't wait to see what happens.

Granny and Gramps - I love you both and hope you get to feeling better soon!

The Dance Begins

Received a counter offer. Mental Warfare - Ugh!

Count down to d...err....b-day.

Okay the big 29 is right around the corner. Which is a big deal because this is my first and last birthday for the rest of my life. From now on I will have anniversaries of my 29th birthday! Yikes!!! So planning a fun day with my best good girl friends!! Kayaking down the river....followed by yummy dinner somewhere and then off to the comedy club for some entertainment!!

Sill waiting to hear back on the offer....hopefully noon tomorrow.

Lastly - important people in my life are making some crazy and stupid decisions right now so please pray for them...yes I know this is vague...just slide it in there.

A good productive day

Today has been a really good day. I was highly productive at work today! Got everything done that I needed to get done today with 15 minutes to spare. Yay!!!! I also made an offer on a house today!!!! Keep your fingers crossed and say some prayers! I hope I get it!!! If not...moving on! Well, the little niece is doing well. So is the other niece and nephews...can't forget about them. Not much else to report, had a good but busy weekend. Went to church Sunday and listened to a much needed sermon....good thing! Not much to else to say....check with me tomorrow about the offer!

baby name and updates

Okay, we have a name for the precious new member of the fam.....Abriella Dawn Knowlton! Such a cutie. Can't wait to meet her soon. Looking forward to seeing everyone and getting out of here for a while.

House search resumes with renewed enthusiasm but little to know luck....so I guess that the enthusiasm is the important part!

Mono is still keeping a sister down and I'm lett'n it! Whew - me tired!

Enjoyed dinner with some friends tonight and had a great time.

New Niece

I would like to introduce the most b-e-a-utiful niece in the world. She is the daughter of Jeremy and Michelle Knowlton....my sister and pain-in-law...err....brother-in-law. :) This sweetness was born at 2:06 p.m. after only 5 1/2 hours of labor. (Induction to delivery) Mom was very pleased about this. Okay so this little bundle of joy that joined our world is named.....err....uh.....hmmm....aw.....oh wait, that haven't picked out a name yet. UGH, so right now I would like to introduce you to baby Knowlton! WOW, I know that was exciting!

Oxymoron - Healthy Eating in America

My thought today is around healthy eating. I was having a great discussion with a coworker at lunch as we shoveled down our semi-healthy food. The discussion started because my co-worker, she, is reading a book right now titled In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto, by Michael Pollan. As I have not read this book, I still felt compelled to share my thoughts on the subject; after all, I am an expert on unhealthy eating as I have been doing that for almost 29 years now. So through this discussion, we discussed the theories expressed by Mr. Pollan and were in total agreement with his thoughts. http://www.michaelpollan.com/indefense.php add

I was also disgusted that he wrote a booked based on seemingly common sense...which I claim to have....but still eat as unhealthy as I possibly can. Thank you Mr. Pollan for making me question my level of common sense.

The premise of his book, as I understand from my friend, is that the more healthy that we (Americans) try to become, the less healthy we eat. We move away from fresh healthy foods and instead inject ourselves with processed foods. We even put additives in our food to make them healthier instead of eating food that naturally have the vitamins and minerals we need. We wonder why cancer and heart disease rates are so high.

We also speculated about our “American Culture” and how it enables this problem of unhealthy eating. You would think that a country made up of so many different cultures would somehow assimilate the best aspects of each culture and implement them into our daily lives. Alas, we are over weight, over worked, under nourished, and under loved. Hmmm...anyone seeing some connections here?

I am excitedly awaiting the borrowing of my friends book and would like to challenge all of my followers (all two of you) to read this book and let's discuss it. My common sense is telling me that the rest of you (those I sent this email too) just link to my page daily and religiously and have not registered yet. Yes, I think that sounds right. Please weigh in on this topic, as I will be anticipating your thoughts and responses. Please let me know what your common sense says to you....it may be that we have a common sense problem in the US! We could probably find more evidence to support this! LOL

Let it be....

If he decides to separate, let it be. Haven't heard anything yet so I'm wondering if he is walking away. If that's the case, I will deal. I hope that the Lord knows that I gave it my all. God is so wonderful and loves me even when I do not deserve it.

My girl Whitney came home today and will be staying with me until the move. So happy to have her here. She may be exactly what I need right now....keeps me laughing!!! Headed to bed but looking forward to the coming week. :) Love Griggsy

Love and Duty Never End.

Weddings are always good for reminding you of the one common desire that we all have - To love and to be loved. I love to listen to the message shared with the couple to be. Is a good reminder of how you should treat and love your spouse and what it talks to make a marriage last. Most importantly that you need God in your life and you need to live by his word. Going through my own trials and tribs right now, I'm reminded of the vows that I took and the pending divorce on the horizon. Knowing my divorce is only three weeks away, I'm not relieved. I'm not ready! And I'm beginning to think that I shouldn’t go through with it. It could just be nervousness or it could be something else. I plan to spend the next three weeks exploring my heart and praying for the wisdom to make the right decision. I would certainly appreciate prayers if any of you remember my thoughts today.
"What God brings together let no man tear apart." Hard words to live by right now.....they’re haunting me now.

The following passages are why this is so hard.
(1 Corinthians 7: 10-17) 10 To the married I give this command--not I but the Lord--that the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does separate, let her remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife. 12 To the rest I say--I and not the Lord--that if any believer has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 And if any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy through her husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so; in such a case the brother or sister is not bound. It is to peace that God has called you. 16 Wife, for all you know, you might save your husband. Husband, for all you know, you might save your wife. 17 However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches.

"Lord I pray that you comfort me in this time and help me to reach the place you want me to be. If my marriage is not to last help me heal and make this hurt go away, make my longing cease and dry my tears. If it isn't to perish, help my husband hear your call and feel you tugging on his heart, let him answer you enthusiastically, and with a hurried heart to know you. Let him know that his wife is here and she longs for him to know you. With you, I know that all things are possible. In Jesus name, I PRAY, Amen."

Well two people lives have certainly changed. I got to participate in an unusual experience yesterday. My very good friend Nikki and her boyfriend Edy got engaged last night. I spent the entire day last yesterday helping her botfriend stage an absolutely awesome proposal! She never saw it coming...err...she was kind enough not to say so. I won't spoil the surprise until she is tired of telling the story but I'll post it soon it was absolutley the most romantic thing that I have ever seen a man do! WOW.

First time poster

Griggsy is ready for her Friday, which is today.....Wednesday. Headed to Charleston for the next two days, to help change someone's life. Can't Wait!!!