Happy Thanksgiving

I know I wasn't going to blog again until the New Year but I couldn't let the opportunity pass to share how thankful I am for so many things this year. The beginning of the year was difficult with 2 family members and my best friend passing on and continuing their journey with God.
But the hard times typically show people just how fortunate they are and open their eyes to their many blessings.

1. The number one thing I am thankful for is my Faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have not always been the most devout Christian but He has always been with me. The death of my friend, Chris, truly tested my faith. I was ANGRY, I felt betrayed, how could he take someone that meant so much to me? But after a few months, I realized why. Chris did what he needed to do here on Earth. It was his time to make his journey to heaven. He is now my angel watching over me and I thank God everyday for blessing me with a great friend that I found in Chris. Over the past few weeks, I have renewed my Faith and I feel that as long as I keep God in my life, I will achieve great things.

2. My parents! I have the most understanding, loving and trusting parents who taught me to love unconditionally. I am who I am today because of the values they have installed in me. They have always been by my side. They have supported me in every decision I have made and never said "I told you so" if something didn't work out for me. They instilled confidence in me and told me that I could do anything I put my mind to and I have. I only hope that I have made them proud.

3. My sister-she took me under her wing when I moved here in 2004. I never would have moved here if she wasn't here to help me through it. She loves me for me and is always there for me. I am blessed to have such a great relationship with my big sister! I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world:)

4. My friends-They have always been by my side though thick and thin. They can always make smile even when things seem at their worst. I know who my true friends are because they continually applaud me for my accomplishments. Even if we don't talk for a few weeks, months or even years, things pick up where it left off, like nothing has changed. If it wasn't for my friends, I also wouldn't be where I am today.

5-My nieces-I never thought I could love anyone as much as I love them. They have opened my heart and taught me to live and enjoy life. I have cherished every moment spent with them and I have been blessed to watch them grow into gorgeous young ladies. My only hope is that they continue to love me as much as I love them. I will always be there for them. They are a part of who I am.

6-My kitties, Molly and Twix-They love me no matter what. I could have had the worst day and it is all erased when I walk in the door and see their snuggly faces. Even when Molly bites me at 6am because she is hungry or when Twix ruined my dining room table with his claws, I still love them and are very thankful they are a part of my family :)

7-My perseverance-There have been times in my life when I feel like I am at my lowest and don't know how I can go on. But somehow, I do. I know that I will do great things in my life and will do whatever it takes to achieve those dreams.

8-My ability to run-I am fortunate that I have been blessed with my running legs. Even today when I am nursing an injury, I am still thankful that my injury is temporary and my legs will continue to carry me through my life. Some people are not as fortunate.

9-A job-I have one and in this economy, that is a positive thing. Even though I am not doing what I want to do for the rest of my life, I am making a difference and helping a family in need. One day my opportunity will come to be a Health Educator and I will cherish that moment when it arrives. Until then, I will continue to be the best nanny I can be.

10-Last but certainly not least-Ashley. I have been 'seeing' (dating?) Ashley since October 9. Words cannot describe how thankful I am for him to be a part of my life. He makes me smile everyday. I am a better person with him in my life. I feel he brings out the best in me. I enjoy spending time with him and I can be myself around him. Even if things don't last, I am confident, he will always be an important part of my life.

So as Thanksgiving begins and passes- remember you should be thankful for everything in your life on a daily basis. We shouldn't use Thanksgiving as an excuse to say what we are thankful for.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to my wonderful family and friends, love to you all!

Taking a break

I haven't felt like blogging much lately. Plus I don't feel like I have lots to talk about so I have decided to take a break from blogging for awhile. I plan on resuming my blog in 2010. Happy Holidays! Until 2010...

8 months

Its hard to believe that it has been 8 months since Chris died. I still feel like I am in the middle of a bad dream but I know I am not. My anger with God has subsided. I now understand that He has a plan and there was a reason Chris was taken from us. But of course I still miss Chris terribly and so much has been going on and I wish I could call and tell him. But Chris is and always will be in my heart. My life will never be the same without Chris in it but I do know that I will be all right. I am now left to cherish and smile at the memories.

On to happier things! I am in the midst of my 6th week of marathon training! These past 6 weeks have flown by and I hope the next 14 fly by even faster! My sister has decided to run the marathon with me and I am super excited to start running our long runs together and crossing the finish line in February! I still can't believe that I am doing this but it is on my bucket list and if you know me well, you know that I never give up on achieving my goals and this goal is no different. This Sunday is a 9 mile run and next week, the double digit long runs begin!!!!

Optimisim is overrated

So I didn't get the job and that is okay. It just wasn't meant to be. I know there is a job out there for me and it will come up soon. Hopefully sooner than later :) Have a great Halloween weekend :)

Feeling Optimistic

I am beginning to feel optimistic about the future. As most of you know, I finished my Master's in May and have yet to find a job. I did my internship with the NC Division of Public Health and they typically keep on their interns-this was the first year in 7 that they were not able to, FIGURES, right? I have that kind of luck. But I have been chugging along and applying to any and every job that I qualify for. Well I am finally having my FIRST face to face interview and I know I can rock this. I have a lot to offer and I know I would be a good assest to this company. With my confidence, I am sure to knock their socks off and I am doing everything necessary to make sure that happens.

On to other things...I am a very independent person but lately I feel like I want to finally settle down and share my life with someone, so I took a giant leap of faith and joined Match.com. I was a member in 2004 after I moved here since I didn't know many people and thought that was a great way to meet people. I should have known better than to try it again. I met 2 guys in 2004, one was nice and normal but there were no sparks. The other guy was CRAZY! He definitely had stalkerish tendencies, no thanks! Anyway, this time I didn't fare much better. I only went on one date and honestly, it went well but he was a little too stuck on himself for me. During the first date he asked me on a second date to go to a Canes game but then cancelled via email 4 hours before the game to CLEAN his house, what!?!? I thought I would be nice and give him a second chance but every time I talked to him, I felt nothing so I decided to email him and let him no it was over. For the record, I was going to call but I figured since he didn't have the decency to call me and cancel our date, he did not deserve a phone call from me, lol! His response to my email was that he agreed with me and was going to call and tell me that very night. Hehe, whatever, he did that to save his pretentious little face! I have the worst luck when it comes to dating, I swear I have a saying on my head that only weirdos can see. Eh, I know he is out there somewhere and I will find him, he might be right under my nose and I don't even know it! One thing is for sure-no more Match.com for me, I am finished with that!

Keep your fingers crossed for me for the interview next week!!! I want this job more than anything!

5 months

So its been 5 months since I graduated with my Master's degree and still no job! UGH! I have had someemails for companies interested, phone interviews and I have filled out questionnaires and still no job. But the good news is that I have an actual in person interview on October 21st and I am praying that this works out. I am so READY for a job in my field and I am afraid if I do not get one soon, I will no longer have my mental health. The kids wear on my nerves everyday and that just tells me that I need a job in my field, the sooner the better for everyone involved.

Believe me I will do whatever it takes to get this job I am interviewing for on the 21st...BRING IT ON!!!!

Busy!

Once again it has been awhile but I haven't felt like blogging and I have been super busy. My parents came last weekend for a visit and we were busy the entire weekend. We went and saw a double feature of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3D. They happen to be 2 of my all time favorite Disney movies and I am looking forward to Toy Story 3 coming out next year. It was great watching the movie with my parents, sister and nieces! Then we went to a wine tasting at Regency Park which was nice. It was raining but the wine tasting was under cover so it wasn't too bad. I enjoyed it even though I am not a big wine drinker since wine doesn't agree with me most of the time, but I did enjoy a few glasses of white wine (and paid for it with a 2 day migraine). Then we went out to dinner at Sushi Thai-one of my favorite places to go for sushi! on Sunday, my sister, mom, Jordyn, Linsey and I went shopping. It was fun and the night was topped off with pizza for dinner. My parents stayed the night with me on Sunday and we just chilled out. They left Monday morning to head back to NY. I can't wait to see them again at Christmas!!

I also started training for my February marathon last week too. The first week was tough-it took me awhile to get back into my running groove and even 2 miles seemed like a struggle. Today was my longest run for the week at 4 miles and it was by far my best run this week. Hopefully each run will get better!! Only 19 weeks and 389 miles of training left until my marathon!!!