Holiday Spirit

I cannot believe Thanksgiving is only 2 days away!!! I have been in such a giddy mood since Monday just knowing that this week will be short and good memories will be created. Even though my mind knows that I am no longer in school (and haven't been for the past 3 years), I can't seem to shake the feeling that I am about to be on vacation or am "going home." I have been daydreaming about all of the wonderful things I will be doing now that the holiday season has arrived...sleeping in late, wearing pajamas all day, drinking lots of hot chocolate, shopping, watching tons of movies...basically NO STRESS!! Then I realize that these are all of the wonderful things I did with my family when I was in school. It's almost mean what the 18 years of schooling did to me! I am now programmed to expect time off! I guess I will just have to look forward to doing these things on Saturdays when the whole work thing doesn't get in the way. Anyhow, I love the "warm fuzzies" I get just thinking about this time of year. This will be a year of new traditions as Tim and I spend our first Christmas together!

About Me

Following with Sammie’s theme for the day…

Two Names You Go By: “jilly-poo” and “beautiful” (tim’s name for me)
Two Parts of Your Heritage: oklahoma sooners and dr. pepper
Two Things That Scare You: failure and disappointing those I love
Two of Your Everyday Essentials: make-up and food
Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now: my wedding ring and shoes that don’t fit
Two of Your Favorite Bands or Musical Artists: shane & shane and zoe group
Two Things You Want in a Relationship: laughter and unconditional love
Two Truths: I am a daughter of the King; I have been blessed with a wonderful husband
Two Things You Hate (or rather dislike with a passion): someone who I can’t trust and my job
Two Physical Things that Appeal to You: smiles and eyes
Two of Your Favorite Hobbies: movies and singing
Two Things You Want Really Badly: to have a family of my own; to see my family more often
Two Places You Want to go on Vacation: Hawaii and Ireland
Two Things You Want to Do Before You Die: learn to make my favorite pie (Nana’s recipe); have children
Two Ways That You are Stereotypically a Chick/Guy: I can only name two?! I cry easily; I worry too much; I never leave the house without my make-up on!
Two Things You Normally Wouldn't Admit: I’m not perfect (shocker)! I don’t read the Bible like I should.

My Turn at the Weblog of Love...

...and the weblog of love goes to Leann! I can't think of a person who gives more of themselves. Leann puts her all into everything she does and most of what she does involves helping others. I continually see Leann involved in activities at church. She helps plan events, dedicates her time, and is plugged in to her small group. If anyone ever needed anything from Leann, I have no doubt that she would be there in a heartbeat. Not only does she give of herself, but she makes it a priority to spread happiness to those she encounters. She may have bad moods like the rest of us, but she sure hides it well! Leann is an extremely positive person, always with a smile and a hug, and this positive energy is contagious! She puts people first and doesn't just associate with the same people. She knows everyone!! I also have to say that I admire Leann's courage. I think it is awesome that she is willing to try new things (even if it makes you more vulnerable) in order to meet the right person. Most of all, I admire Leann for her passion and love for Christ! Leann, this is evident in everything you do! Tag, you're it!

Was it worth it?

Following with the theme for today, I will answer the question posed above. I thought long and hard about this mainly because I was trying to think of something that I've done that I could honestly answer, "No, it wasn't worth it." The first thing that came to mind happened on my vacation with Tim's family during August 2004. We were at Myrtle Beach in South Carolina and Valerie really wanted to take a ride on a banana boat. For those of you who don't know what this is, it is a bright yellow floatable raft that you straddle (approximately 6 people per boat) and that gets pulled at rapid speeds by a jet ski. Now to most of you, this might sound like a fun time, but not for me! I have always had a fear of getting swept out into the ocean and perhaps drowning. I can't imagine much worse!! As a side note, Tim and I just finished watching Titanic, so I've had drowning on my mind!! Anyway, back to the story...I finally agreed to take a ride on the banana boat with Tim and Val. It looked safe from a distance, but I was a little nervous. Valerie sat on one side and Tim and I on the other. I made him sit behind me so he could wrap his arms around me so I would not fall off. It probably wasn't the best thing that Val was the only weight to hold us down on the other side. Tim and I were definitely the heavy side of the banana boat! We were wearing life jackets, but that wasn't enough reassurance for me! The guy on the jet ski started out from land and kept getting faster and faster to where we would smack the waves and almost fly off the raft. Valerie was loving it and was screaming as if she were having the time of her life! I, however, was screaming for dear life!!!! My knuckles were white and I could barely hang on. Tim kept reassuring me, but he was laughing too! I was screaming, "Take me back! Take me back!" through my tears (yes, I felt a little childish but didn't care) and the "cool" jet ski guy didn't know what to do and was probably annoyed. After a few minutes of this, everyone gave in and we went back. Apparently, we were only out there for maybe five minutes (seemed like an eternity) and we had paid for fifteen!!! I felt so bad and was so embarrassed, but was absolutely terrified out there! I can honestly say that the ride on the banana boat was not worth the money or the adventure!! Never again!