So I don't forget

Note to self.....

Figure out how you can blend your love of cooking and counseling. Just like music therapy, I know that there is something therapeutic about cooking/baking. Maybe I could have parent workshops one day titled Counseling and Cookies with Ms. Stewart:)

Also, I have been feeling this huge tug on my soul lately about specializing in counseling children who have terminally ill siblings, or siblings who have passed away. This little, special niche of people is SO important to me, because I am one.....and I think and know that this group sometimes gets overlooked but that they REALLY could use someone to listen to their concerns and fears.

In 2011....

Here is what I already know about the upcoming year 2011....I am not a psychic and neither do I believe in them.....I just know these things:)

In 2011......
people I love and respect will pass away
people who are my friends will have babies and get married and start dating....some will stay together and some will break up
I will turn 26 years old
I will laugh a lot and smile hard and love this life that God has given me
I will cry and have hurt feelings and still love this life that God has given me
I will make new friends and acquaintances
I will get to travel
I will get more in shape (I hope!)
I will budget and get my finances in order (oh yes please!)

Now with all of that said I will say this.....2011 is a completely unknown entity. Sure, I know some things but they are so tiny compared to what I have no idea about. The key is to hold fast to God, have faith and grace, love my family and friends, and be the very best Sabrina Maude Stewart that I can be.....that should not be too hard ( I am kidding) it will probably take me 365 days to kind of get it right!

Disney Magic

Here is a little sneak peek into our Disney Christmas. I tell you, there is nothing like Disney to get this 25 year old feeling like a care free, innocent little girl. Jaw dropping fireworks....delicious and expensive snacks...millions of Christmas lights....rides.....it was just about perfect. I also have to note that after MANY Disney trips we are kind of Disney experts. I also have to say that after all of these years the magic is still there because on each trip we always have a new experience!!

I have some Eeyore moments sometimes;)

Oh how I LOVE these adorable gingerbread people!

Breakfast time at the Animal Kingdom safari.

We had the BEST seats for the Christmas parade!!!

Downtown Disney is always great and a wonderful spot for Orlando reunions:)

Shooting Star

This time last week I was in Kansas having a ball.....now I am home in Jacksonville and heading to Orlando. That is a blessing in itself, that I have had the opportunity to travel.

In Kansas one evening I glimpsed a shooting star. It is only the 2nd one I have ever seen! And I love them because they are always a surprise....you never know when they are going to flash across the sky.

Life is full of surprises....and as usual some are amazing and some are shattering. This year has been surprising. But for some reason a part of me feels as if next year, 2011, holds A LOT more surprises. (I think I feel excited about that.)

One mark of my maturity in Christ is me seeing and acknowledging him more and more. He truly is everywhere and in everything. A healthy family is a blessing. My friends and their unending support is a blessing (This UGA transition has been many things and I was strengthened by their support and care). UGA and my future profession are blessings. My church family especially at Chaffee Road is a blessing and a glimpse into what heaven must be like.

That shooting star reminded me that God is great and surprising. I however am not....I do many of the things that I have done for a while. I sometimes respond with old emotions to new situatations. I HATE to be disappointed (I don't know if that will ever change...SIGH)....and yet the surprise is that in the midst of it all God is using me. He is growing me and helping me and surprising me with his good will in my life.

One thing I know...I have 4 more months left of being 25 and a brand new year ahead....may I be open to the surprises....even if it means letting go.....even if it means stretching. May I be strong enough to deal with my life (hahaha that sounds so melodramatic and interesting!)  

We want to believe

 During this season more than any other I feel as if all humankind wants to believe. In what you are probably asking?
My answer is in EVERYTHING!


Anxious Floridian kiddies wait hopefully for cold rain that could turn into snow.

Adults watch the news and are angered by senseless holiday crimes... because really, who does that at Christmas....any other time of the year it's normal.

Families get together and share new joys and old memories...and we want to believe that some habits have changed.... sometimes they do and sometimes they don't.

People enter sweepstakes and raffles... because if you are ever going to win a trip for 4 to Hawaii, it would be at Christmas:)

Churches are filled with folks with all types of beliefs...the happy part is that they come to worship....the gut wrenching part is that they want to believe that a few times a year is enough to build a lasting relationship with our God.

I want to believe that the wishes and prayers that have yet been unfulfilled will suddenly be worked out before the New Year.



I enjoy this time of the year! So many things seem possible in my innocent and sometimes too trusting heart. I hope that everyone will have a marvelous Christmas with family and friends, creating memories of all the magnificent things that you want to believe in!

Kansas Travels

Hi,
 I am back from my first ever flying winter trip (Yay me...I used to be scared of Christmas travels and the airport!). Kansas was just wonderful! I will post more details later but I wanted to check in quickly.

 I survived some FRIGID temps, that made me appreciate FL and GA a lot more:) I had 5 fabulous days with my sweet friend Stacey and her welcoming family. There was snow and I was excited! I wore layers like a true Northerner....yep thermal tops and bottoms;)

 The airport was full of people traveling to see family and it made me excited to get to see mine so soon. I can pretty much tell that I won't ever be moving across country...too far from my roots.

 Before I hit the bed a shirt I saw said.... "Just when the caterpillar was going to give up on life, it turned into a butterfly." I stopped right there in the busy Detroit airport and reread that one and I just can't get it out of my tired head. I have been that caterpillar....and I have had butterfly moments that make it all worth it:)   

Excerpt from a prayer

My prayers are definitely personal and also I think pretty personable. Here is an excerpt from my prayer today...I share it not because it is special but because it so easy for me to forget to pray for those whose lives are dark and dreary. I get specific about the great things but sort of gloss over the bad.

"God please bless and help the sad, depressed, angry, sick, and tired. Lord there are those who need you who are weary, mad, confused, and hurting. There are people mourning, addicted, and hurting in ways I cannot even imagine. And God especially be with those in abusive situations whether it be sexual, physical, verbal or emotional…above all God I plead for the children in these situations!”

"My God please bring light, help, happiness and joy to those who are needy. May the people who feel alone find amazing peace and comfort in you and your people. Thank You God my life…I am blessed and favored to know you and love you!"

Busy Bee

Currently I am quite the busy bee. However, there are plenty of good things mixed with my busyness (spelled correctly according to Microsoft Word).

If you dropped by my lil apartment you would find me doing a mixture of the following:

Writing my last paper for the Fall semester

Packing for cold Kansas City

Mailing Christmas cards far and near

Running errands all over Athens and even Atlanta

Listening to Pandora ALL the TIME

Applying for an assistantship ( Fall 2011-Spring 2012 which seems so far away!)

Cleaning every nook and cranny

A random assortment of things

Yeah, it's kind of hectic....but soon I will be leaving on a jet plane to visit my friend Stacey (Sunday). Then leaving in a Stewart family car caravan to head to my favorite place, Orlando and Disney!!!!!

Tears

 I can only speak for me when I say that tears are refreshing. They remind me that I am not superwoman. That I have weak places. That this heart is still soft and capable of being moved by emotions.

 I have never cried happy tears, though I have laughed so hard I have cried....I don't even know if they are the same thing:)

 I don't really like to cry....but I need to cry sometimes, if that makes any sense. This 25th year has been a good one...I am blessed and happy, but I have cried over transitions, new things, old things, movies, and just life in general.

Lately I have had to make some frustrating and difficult choices, I can only hope that I have done and am doing the right thing. Connected with my post a few days ago, I am seeing that part of me letting go of the past and moving on involves some tears. I don't think I am getting these words out exactly right...but this blog has and will never be perfect (though I hope to keep it honest) and for that I am thankful:)

I ADORE this!!!!

Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, "Do it again"; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough... It is possible that God says every morning, "Do it again," to the sun; and every evening, "Do it again," to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike: it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.
G.K. Chesterton

Looking Back...

My sister Melanie is always teasing me about how I like to remember old times and think about the past.

She is right, I do look back a lot.....and I am not exactly sure if it is a good or bad thing. I do know that if you look back too much you can fall into the trap of painting experiences with a rose colored brush.



This Fall semester has been another growing experience. I am thankful for UGA and my cohort experience in the School Counseling Masters program. Getting involved with the Grandparents raising Grandchildren group was eye opening. Mentoring a 4th grader made me feel complete. Learning about counseling theories showed me how much I don't know....and how much "stuff" I carry around and even sometimes put on other people. Church is a different experience, by that I mean that in each of my moves I have seen or maybe focused on a different part of God's character. No matter what, I know that it has grown my faith to move and change churches and adjust to different styles as long as they are all based in truth and love.



Looking back on the semester I feel....

proud, tired, confused, happy, worried, careful, ambitious, hopeful, scared, nervous, and content.



PS- Here's to one more final and then a Winter break filled with travel and family:)

PPS- GO NOLES!!!!!!!!

Press replay over and over

It's Friday and I have survived a pretty difficult week of graduate school. Whew and I truly Thank God for bringing me to today!!!

Another way I got through was replaying the following songs....if you know me I can obsessive over a song....so I won't even share how many times I have played each song in the past week.
Pink- Glitter in the Air
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Glee- Umbrella/Singing in the Rain mash-up

Cee-Lo- Forget You and the Glee version is not bad either
Flo-Rida- Club can't Handle Me
Pandora- Christmas Song radio station


To all a happy and relaxed weekend filled with the things you love!

My Christmas List

All I want for Christmas 2010 is......

UGA Snuggie (Mel got me this early...Thank You!!)

Lily Pulitizer 2010-2011 planner

Princess and the Frog DVD

Twilight Eclipse DVD

Vera Bradley (I have 2 favorite patterns...and a new purse and wallet would be perfect!)

 

Video Camera

I should be studying or reading

Instead I made this winter Wordle. Have a great week and pray for me....TONS of work to get done and I am getting easily distracted:) Also, I don't think these will ever get old for me...I LOVE them:)

Royal Wedding

This short post has only one purpose. That is to praise Prince William and his lady Kate for selecting their wedding date. They have picked the totally fabulous weekend of April 29th! Since the birthday of yours truly is April 28th, and I think that April is the best month EVER......well let's just say I give them lots of credit:)

To acknowledge the great event going on over the pond, I might need to get a birthday tiara
 (like the one above). Kate hopefully won't be the only one getting princess treatment that weekend:)

I am in a silly mood.....but really I am excited to share my birthday weekend with royals;)

Explained....Black Friday

It makes me laugh to see the different opinions and reactions to Black Friday shopping.

Joy, wonder, shock, confusion, and the list goes on and on.

Let me try to explain to those who have never been, or hate crowds, what the Black Friday experience is like for me, and the other brave early risers. Note: I am not an extremist...I have never camped out for a deal...those folks have their own story;)

See, it starts a few days before Thanksgiving when I begin to think of the gifts I need to get for friends, family and myself. The list can get hectic quickly.

This is quickly followed by the thought that I just cannot afford to get the gifts I want for others (and myself) if they are at full price.

BAM! The motivation and energy for my Black Friday shopping is born:)

On Thanksgiving day I pour over the sales ads to formulate my plan of attack (Tricky stuff, this step!). You will not see me still in a store after 11 am on Black Friday. I get up, I get going, I come home! (That is the key for me.)

With my lists ready and coupons clipped, I pack my purse and lay out my clothes the night before. Then I try to get to bed early b/c 3,4, or 5 am gets here real quick.

I am a semi-pro at this and so I know how to judge the crowds etc. Also, I can be patient when it comes to saving $$$. For me the feeling of getting an item on SALE is bliss. I treasure the fact that I was not the typical, full price paying consumer (I know it's a little weird).

Usually I chat with others in line and the workers because I am so happy with my purchases.

To conclude....I am not a Black Friday online shopper. The instant gratification part helps get me to the stores. Also, I have never purchased huge electronic devices (again that is another group's story).

However, Sabrina's Black Friday 2010 was very successful:) Happy Shopping!

My days

Since this blessed vacation has started my days have morphed from the typical Athens, grad. school thing....which I adore:)



My days right now are fond memories as I drive down shaded Florida roads.



They are instant smiles, sarcasm and belly laughs with my girls.



My days are volunteering with precious children and former colleagues. ( 1 morning with Julie's babies, 1 day with my Roberts family!!!!)



My days have been getting over a bad stomach flu thing.



They are recipes, and menus and eating, and quick naps!



My days are road trips with my sister.



My days are constant moments that have me thinking about how good God is.



My days are sweeping by and leaving me wondering....how is it that 2010 is almost over???

Reason, Season, Lifetime

It is FRIDAY and this little lady is EXCITED for SOOO many reasons:)



Yesterday in discussion with friends we started talking about the idea that Friendships fall into 3 categories...



Reason Friends (good)



Season Friends  (better)



Lifetime Friends  (best)



I had sort of heard of this idea before, in my head I had changed Season friends to Situational friends.



However, in our small group of 3, I was able to admit that one of my growing edges is season and reason friends. In the moment they are great but how do you admit when the time is up? And why am I always cutting friends off in order to protect myself? Deep stuff.



You see the whole conversation started with us complaining how in the technology age, the three of us felt kind of out of the loop. We feel this way because we all crave communication of the talking kind. Texts, emails, blogs and such are nice but you just cannot get at a persons emotions when you cannot hear them..or so we feel anyway.



Spurred by this conversation I did some Facebook pruning this morning (seasonal friends mainly). On the other hand I know that I am going to get to be with some of my lifetime friends very soon. Thank You Cherika for traveling for our reunion!!!



I guess...I know the balance of friendships is tough for me. I think I want too much. I know that I have had friends drop/replace/get too busy for me.....and so now I overreact.



However in the end, when I look at my lifetime list and see all that we have been through and will I pray continue to go through, I am humbled and grateful. I definitely don't have it all right, I know I mess it up even more times than I realize, but God has given me great friends of all types anyway...so that I can grow and hopefully become a better friend in the long run.

Cake Inspirations

One of the blogs that I enjoy is The Hungry Housewife. I LOVE her humor and over the top, delicious recipes!!! After a love affair with cake earlier this year I had kind of cooled off. Life just got too hectic for cake...gasp!

Anyway kudos to this site for waking up the baker in me again. I now have 2 cake ideas to try. They both look super delicious and fun.

First I have this Ruffle Cake. I am in awe!!! Can I recreate this look??

Then there is this Rainbow cake. WOW! I am thinking birthday for this bad boy:)

Sorrow

In the last week or two I have been reminded of the true, gut-wrenching sorrow of my past.

Life is sooo good right now...and that just speaks to God's great mercy and plan:)

This morning at the track it was a cloudy, wet day but after a few laps rays of sunlight burst through the clouds. It was so pretty and reminded me that the sun and the Son look brighter after dark days.

God has bought us (my family) through SO much. Losing one aunt to breast cancer. Losing a cousin in the war in Iraq. Having a sister get a kidney transplant. Losing another aunt to cancer. Having my dad have prostate surgery. Good grief it was such a painful, low time in my life.

Those things broke me.....but God was faithful to rebuild and to construct something strong and beautiful instead.

Sometimes I do look around and wonder why am I so happy? I think the answer is just that I appreciate joy and life more after the darkness of sickness and death. I know that I am more aware of the possibilities of each day. Heavy thoughts for a Monday morning....but that's just life....heavy mixed with light. Humor mixed with grief. Pain mixed with triumph.

Thanksgiving

The most delicious holiday around is almost here. And let me tell you, Food Network is rolling out the big guns to inspire every cook in America. Each time I turn to my fav. channel they are cooking up something new and yummy. Need a recipe idea for your Thanksgiving menu....well just click here....and you can thank me later:)

In the spirit of the season I wanted to make an Acrostic poem like I used to do with my 3rd graders.

This THANKSGIVING I am thankful for/that

Time to see my family and friends who I LOVE so much

Holiday time where I can escape from grad. school for a while

A road trip with my sister ( praying safe travels for all the turkey days commuters)

No plans to go Black Friday shopping (biggie for me!)

Kurling up in my bed in my childhood bedroom (spelling error permitted for the sake of creativity;)

Smiles and laughs with those who I love the most (I'm planning on seeing all of my best friends during this trip)

God's compassion and grace

I have an amazing family to lean on (both those bonded by blood and those bonded by faith)

Victory for my Noles (now this is just a wishful prediction)

I can coast out to Fernandina Beach and get these feet in the sand and waves

No regulations on my sugar intake for a few days (well maybe.....)

Going back to Roberts Elementary (best job of my life so far, on so many levels)

Walking in a Reading Wonderland Part 3

With a new month comes a new book in my Reading Wonderland series..haha that sounds so professional:)  Here is Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed out.

Today's book was suggested and purchased for me by my fabulous daddy. It's called Up the Down Staircase and I am guessing you can't guess the topic from the title.

This book is about a teacher's first real teaching job out of college. I LOVED IT! First of all the humor is so spot on for anyone who has ever been a teacher. Also, the format of notes and memos was unique. This book deals with the fact that the students are often times not the worst part of the school day...and some days they are...but in a humorous way. It's just a great read!!!!

Lessons in Leaves

So picture a beautiful Fall tree...kind of like this one..

Lately I have noticed people trying to cling to something that is dying. I do not mean physical death either.

I mean trying to revive terribly broken and harmful relationships.

Or just traveling the same path that caused heartache in the past.

Doing that is like being a tree and trying to keep all of the Fall leaves. In reality the beautiful leaves above are dead. Think about that...something can seem beautiful and it can be dead. Life and the world says that what I am saying is impossible, but I know it to be true.

Imagine if we did what the smart Fall tree does. If we let the dead leaves, and dead things in our life fall to the ground,  like they need to, like they were meant to. Imagine if we actually freed up ourselves to growth and the budding of new fresh, vibrant green leaves like this...

If you have been holding on to a Fall leaf....go ahead and let it go..it will soon crumble in your hands anyway...you will be fine....actually you will be GREAT because the growing season that brings Spring leaves is a marvelous thing:) Happy Monday!

God's will be done

I am not sure what mental picture or ideas this blog title brings up for you.


Maybe you think about the Lord's prayer...(Matthew 6:9-13)

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.



10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.





11Give us this day our daily bread.





12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.





13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

or maybe you think about Romans chapter 12

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Or you might go somewhere completely different. Here is where I want to go today.

I want to be a follower of Christ who is close to God's will. I want to be open, and following him daily so that his will in my life is just a natural byproduct of our relationship. Tall order Ms. Stewart, but the benefits...oh the benefits of this type of life are numerous and calm.


If I want to live this way it should be heard in my prayers. Often I lay out my requests and then add the tag.."and God's will be done." How much more powerful to pray for my friends and family and say " God may your will be done for (insert name)." Of course God wants to hear me and I am sure he gets a real kick out my plan for the lives of my friends....but I do need to go to him more in trust. In the life changing faith that there is such a thing as God's will and that it is massive, and comforting, and confusing, and good all at the same time!

Compassion

Each Friday my day is blessed by my one on one Bible study with my friend Lauren. We are reading through the book of Luke together and though he had both read it before, it is hitting home as we really delve into it each week. Questions are welcomed, we always share experiences and life stories that are relevant to our study, and we have both found out the great power of a Bible Concordance.


Two week ago we were reading about one of the miracles of Jesus and the Bible describes his compassion. My eyes honed in on that word. What is compassion? According to Merriam-Webster it is sympathetic consciousness of others distress together with a desire to alleviate it. WOW! After that Bible study I prayed to have more compassion. I felt like I was/am lacking.

God answers prayers, and sometimes it is just by opening my stubborn eyes. Two times during my walks at the UGA track something has happened that really touched me. That made me slow down my pace and pray right there. First, I met a man who was a cancer survivor but had lost two siblings to cancer. He started a conversation and blessed my day all at once. What strength! I didn't know how to help materially, so I prayed for him and his family and their needs. I might never meet him again but he touched my heart.


Then today as I walked I saw a young man, maybe 18 or 19 with a prosthetic leg. The amazing thing to me was that he was running for the UGA track team. Watching him not only live, but trive bought the tears to my selfish eyes and they are still there now. What a story he told me without even one word! Young people are not supposed to get sick. But, I know that it happens and it changes lives. Again I prayed for him and his family and support system and his future.


Ask and you shall receive... God means that and how we cheapen that idea when we only apply it to stuff! Shame on me for doing that too often. However, my compassion is growing and it makes me a better woman and I love that:)

Travels=Joy

( def. not MY suitcase...I wish I was so neat!)

For sure there is one thing I can claim at the ripe "old" age of 25.....I LOVE TO TRAVEL!!

Traveling Alone...yes!

Traveling with family...great!

Traveling by train or bus....it won't kill you!

Traveling with friends....awesome!

I like to travel here, there and everywhere. Before 2010 rolls out, here is where my suitcase will be touching down:) (PS- I am SOOO excited I find myself just grinning randomly!)

* Tallahassee (the weekend before Thanksgiving)
* Jacksonville (the rest of Thanksgiving week)
* Kansas and Missouri ( 5 December days in the Midwest)
* Orlando ( DISNEY FAMILY CHRISTMAS!!!)

Like the title says Travel=Joy!!!

Sisters!

A wonderful weekend with my little sister had me thinking about the sibling bond, especially between sisters.

I love my sister and she is a blessing in my life for sure. She tells me things that only a sister could.... and I listen. She has this totally different, yet eerily similiar personality to me which can be cause for smiles and sometimes verbal jousting. I am pretty sarcastic and so I usually win!

I found this article about the health benefits of having a sister:)

An excerpt from my Personal Theory Paper

15 page Personal Theory Paper due in November. Having to contemplate my motivations for wanting to become a school counselor is a fantastic idea though. It's a good thing to remember why we do what we do (you can apply this to any area).

Here is a little excerpt.

Through this summer my ideas have changed. It is not just about helping people. Help in some ways can be a weak and vague word. I will try to concretely explain what I mean by help. I am really talking about assistance. I am thinking more about working with people. Being there for them and talking to them. Spreading and sharing crucial information with people who are in need. I am meaning being a part of the community that is the backbone of so many systems. Of course I cannot be all things to all people, but you know what, I can be some things to as many people as come my way. I am the one who can use these two years and then take what I become and go out into the world ready to try and work hard and sometimes fail but always having the spirit to get back up. I know but a very small part of what lies out there as far as my future career. Yet, I have this transformative hope that assures me that I will be ready to do my best. I am going to expect the best from others but no matter what they will know that they are getting the very best of me. That they are interacting with the Sabrina who looks at each day as a new opportunity. Who wants to see positive growth in others and who is expecting positive growth in herself.  

Walking in a Reading Wonderland Part 2

I'm back, just like I promised. I have another book for you today and I personally love it (actually I love them!). If you did not know, my all time, over the top, favorite book ever is Pride and Prejudice. I sometimes even think about naming my fictional future daughter Elizabeth.

Anyways, for the P&P lover my choice today is a retelling of this timeless classic that gives more insight into the mind and life of Mr. Darcy. This trilogy by Pamela Aidan is called the Fitzwilliam Darcy Gentleman Series. It's a trilogy and really you can read book 1 and 3 without missing anything from book 2.

I love both Book 1- An Assembly such as This

AND

Book 3- These Three Remain                                                                                                         

        

These books have the ring of Jane Austen that I just love but give some of the details that the orginal just did not cover. In a land of about a million P&P rewrites these two books stand out from the crowd and are worth the time and money:)

I made this!

My little Wordle was SOOOO fun to make. I got the idea from this blog, but I couldn't get that website to work so I did my own search. Be sure I will be visiting this amazing website again! I mean you can do SO much with this!!!!

Walking in a READING wonderland....Part 1

My blog header is not just a random line of four words. I figured when I started this that I would probably talk and write about Teaching (then I became a student again), Reading, Cooking, and Learning.

As I look back though, I don't have many entries about Reading. That has to be fixed now! I love reading, I read all the time. So in the spirit of my favorite holiday (which is coming round the mountain real quick like) I decided to post a few  entries about what I have been reading. Maybe you have been looking for a book. Maybe you just want to see what I have been reading (not likely;)

My first book choice is HEAVY. It is a life changing, great read but it deals with racism and really all the isms, oppression, and power. It's called Privilege, Power, and Difference by Allan Johnson.

I am a part of Book Club for my Counseling Seminar class and this is what we are reading. Like I mentioned it is not light, it is not breezy but it is packed with powerful truth and great insight into systems of power.

It dares to delve  into issues of privilege and how many of us use it daily with detrimental effects on others. My personal copy is all marked up with notes and highlights. I will say that you do have to be ready to read this book because it presents some difficult yet real issues that shape our daily living.

Come back soon for Part 2 of Sabrina's Reading Wonderland.....I will showcase a lighter read next time:)

Quiet Much?

Who knows where I get the titles for my blog entries:)

Question 1: Do you like quiet? Better yet do you actually enjoy some quiet peaceful time. Let's face it....there is just not much peace to be found right in the middle of a lot of noise and chatter.

Question 2: Do you like alone time? Do you need and crave some time where you spend time with yourself?

If you ask me these things I would answer YES to both! That is not true for everyone though and that's fine. Here is my case for quiet and escape.

 As I keep growing up the world expects more from me. More of my emotions, definitely more of my time, just more. I enjoy talking and people..... but don't you ever just need quiet (be honest)? Time to hear a cricket chirp, or hear the wind blow through the leaves. Time to not talk. Time to hear nothing. These times are becoming even more precious as our world runs haywire with technology. Tvs in EVERY room. Ipods ALWAYS plugged in and turned up in our ears. (Don't get me started on Ipod zombies who walk around constantly with the music so loud that they can't hear the calls of friends or the pleas for help from strangers!) Sorry....

What about time by yourself? Now I am a single lady with limited (insert no) dating experience so that is of course going to affect how I see things. I HAVE to have ME time. I love people, I have a blessed collection of friends and family....but people are people and at some point I need to escape. It's nothing fancy...just the split second decision to say no to an invite and take myself out to eat. Just the random silencing of my ringing cell phone so that I can sit in the quiet and THINK. It's some good stuff this me time. I feel like I know myself pretty well because I allow myself to know myself. Of course I am still growing and will be growing until I take my last breath. However you can live a whole life and only get to know yourself when sickness comes, or you are about to pass on. No way for me!

This week get some quiet. This week get some time with you. Enjoy both because they are tremendous blessings!!

Memory Verses

During tough times especially I turn to Scripture. The toughest time of my life taught me to turn to Scripture daily. It was an elemnt of life that kept me whole and brightened my perspective.

When I was younger Memory Verses were the "it" thing in Sunday School....I think they still are:) Here are some of my grown up Memory Verses that have been blessings.

".... Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips." Job 2:10

"From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. " Psalms 61:2


"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45

100 Posts!

Good Grief this is my 100th Post. Happy Anniversary to me:)

I do enjoy going back and reading my little blog and seeing how the life of Sabrina is a pretty wonderful thing.

To counteract my post last week on things I Don't Like, May I present......

Things that I DO Like:)

A fabulous, skinny, crescent moon that reminds me that God's works are many and beautiful.

Cool weather and the look of leaves that are changing from vibrant green to firey yellow, orange and red.

"Me time" to step back to my center

Friends far and near, I love them all:)

BOOKS!!! I love to read.

This wonderful mix of seasons between now and New Year's 2011!!!!

People who get my "picky eating"

Delicious, decedent, delightful desserts!!!!

Music (praise and worship songs, old school tunes, etc.)

All TV shows on cakes, cupcakes and sweets...YUM:)

Me Crafting

I am in a crafty mood. Thankfully there are all types of crafting to be done in the Fall and Winter:)

First up are these Glitter Pumpkins! Check them out here. I am going to the Pumpkin Patch next week and these will hopefully by my weekend craft project. SO cute:)

Next I want to start collecting old T-shirts for a T-shirt quilt. I LOVE the idea and though I am not a seamstress I found this website that might be the answer to my wish! Maybe it will be my Christmas gift to myself:)

The weekend is almost here everyone!!

I don't like it when....

I have a gross man cough ( I currently have one that creeps up on me unexpectantly!)

I burn toast and have the fire alarm go off before 9am!

I procrastinate and go eat out instead of the needed grocery shopping

I wash the laundry but never get around to folding it

I feel a little lonely (it is natural)

I have to swallow HUGE pills on the path to killing this cold (YUCK!!!)

I don't do a good job of saving money (le sighhhhh)

People make a list of things they don't like ( hahaha...I am just in that type of mood at the moment!)

As soon as I kick this cold I will hopefully hop back on the happy train and have a list of things I actually like:)

I Fell!

I am on such a wonderful weekend but I had to take time to share this.

This weekend I have been facing some fears and I am proud of myself! Here is how the story goes....

I have never been brave around water...not ever really. As I grew older I would take a step forward and about 8 mental steps back. Back and forth I went but mainly I had huge mental blocks about being in water where I could not touch the bottom! I will just say that swimming and water activities have never been my thing.

Then comes this weekend. One amazing part of meeting new people is you get a chance to change and tweak little things about you. They get to know you at a new point, which is nice. Once people know you for a while they don't always challenge you anymore. You are just you, which is also OK. All that to say, I got a chance today to be braver than I have been in a while.

I swam in a lake!
I rode on a jet ski!!
I went tubing by being pulled behind a jet ski AND.......
I fell off twice!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is what I learned. And it has taken me 25 years to get it. It is OK to fall off. Did you hear that Sabrina. It is OK to fall off. I went under but I surfaced. I was scared but I was not in paralyzing panic.  There are so many applications and implications for this. I will let you draw them for yourselves.

I am just so happy because in my life I have been very scared of falling, of being surprised, of unplanned, sudden things. And I learned today that you survive. How you fall is a part of the process. Today I feel so fearless, like being 25 is just this amazing experience and I love it!!

Bad Luck

I have always been sort of clumsy. There was this one really bad stage when I would stumble over nothing. I would call it weak ankles but it was really just embarrassing clumsiness.

I love my life but I often have weird luck. Random things happen to me. I say crazy stuff sometimes.

On Monday it was raining, that cold dark rain, you know. Anyway, I was wearing flats and a very cute outfit if I may say so myself. Within 1 minute of trudging to work my feet were soaked. Add to that, that then my feet got all slippery inside my shoes. So, as it poured rain I had to walk like an old lady so that I didn't face plant in the front of the Athletic Center full of graceful, fit, young athletes.

The rain came and then left and then came again and all I have to show for it is this lousy almost cold. Grrr!

Woody Weekend

I am smiling as I write this. I just spent a wonderful woodsy weekend with the GCSC (Georgia Christian Student Center) in the N. GA mountains!!!

Being part of a campus ministry again is interesting as I am now "older" haha b/c 25 is older when you are dealing with a college crowd. However, it really is fun and I am learning and reliving a lot. It is another part of this college experience, a very good part.

Nature, time with God, bon- fires, friends, bunk beds, rain, sun, singing, alone time, laughs, deep thoughts, and darkness.

All in all I had a wonderful time. One big thing I took away was I need to be mindful of putting the gifts above the giver because that is modern day idolatry!

 It was SO good to get away from Athens for a bit. It was SO good to be alone with God in nature. It was SO good to sing and discuss God's word with others who are growing in faith. It was SO good to get to meet new friends:) God is SO good to bless me with a weekend filled with SO goods!!

The FUTURE!

Ok, I am having future thoughts. Grrr, I can't express it yet. Maybe soon...pray for me please!

Sunday Thoughts

It's interesting that as I blog more I write in my journal less. I did not start my blog in place of my journal though. Both help me remember important pieces of me. And remembering is a goood thing to do.

I love my Sundays, they pretty much always follow a certain pace and if that pace gets too hectic with other stuff I just stop. So far God has blessed me with like, a little gauge to help me rein in, when "other things" try to crowd my Sunday like they do other days of the week. But I don't really need that gauge too much, b/c believe it or not my vision is better on Sunday and I don't even see too many of the things that would pull me from what my soul desires, which is time with other Christians, time with God, and time with myself.

I seem to think clearer on Sunday, and I think it's because it's the Lord's Day and I try as much as possible to meet with other followers in spirit and in truth. I try to go and learn and soak in what I need to help me through this life.

As I think clearer it has some results. I often come across thoughts that are not surface level on Sunday. I usually take a fake mirror and look inside to see how Sabrina is really doing on Sunday. I always seem to appreciate nature more on the set aside day to go worship the Father. I usually enjoy a peaceful, renewing nap on Sunday too:)

Too many things want my attention sometimes. I freely give myself to too much many times. On Sunday I am at my best balance and that is because it is the day above others when I reaffirm my relationship with my God. I love my life. I am in a different place than I was a year ago, and I will be in a new place this time next year. With all the change that a life brings, I am joyful in my soul that I have my Sundays. And in truth I am joyful and peaceful because it's not really my Sunday at all but God's Day, the Lord's Day and I am just a small piece of the magic!

Do you Pandora?

Hi,
 There is one website out there that is my go to resource for music. Have you heard of Pandora Radio? It's not new or anything, but I LOVE it.

 It's free, easy to use, free, fun, free, and innovative. See Pandora is like a radio but with a mind. It plays music tailored for you:) Just go here http://www.pandora.com/#/ and start your Pandora experience. The sign up is easy and NO hassle.

 You create music stations based on artists that you enjoy. My favs have gotten me through long nights and gatherings with friends. My stations that are always on are Aaron Neville, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Michael Buble.

 Do you have a Pandora Station you love??? Share, I might want to add it to my list.

Life in Athens is.....

Life in Athens for Sabrina is.....

organizing fundraising opportunities for our School Counseling organization

mentoring athletes and gaining new perspective into their world

worshipping at Campus View Church of Christ

taking 4 classes (Theories of Counseling being my fave Assessment and Statistics being my not fave)

working with a group of children who are being raised by their grandparents

a more flexible schedule that often includes naps

walking all around this pretty campus

meeting new friends often

wondering just a tad about what will be next after graduation

being thankful to God for this Athens experience!

Homesick

This will be be brief.
It is so weird. My homesick moments are few and far between but when they come they are like a really hard kick in the gut:( Not a good feeling. I know that I am a person of extremes so it makes since I would get REALLY homesick at random times. 

Mainly though I get homesick for Tallahassee. I love my Jacksonville but I have been gone from there for quite a while. It's Tally that will creep up on me at lonely moments. Sigh!

Melanie is coming for the weekend though so that is GREAT:)

Happy Birthday Baxter!

I cannot let this day pass by without letting the world (or those who will read this) know that today is the
2 year transplant anniversary for Melanie's kidney aka Baxter!!!!!!

Goodness the 2 years have flown. When I think that Melanie is now an FSU Masters graduate and in such good health it floors me. It is one of those things that is just so good, gigantic, and all encompassing that you KNOW it is God.

Her path has not been easy, in fact at times it was the saddest thing I had ever known. But I can say at least for me that the growth that came from that tough soil was amazing. My heart is different, our lives are transformed.

Here's a toast to you little sister. I know that you are waiting on a job and I know that in time it will all work out, but tonight let's just take a minute to look back at a journey that tore some things down but also allowed some much better things to grow in its place. Happy Kidney Anniversary!!! (add in a big hug too!)

Camp Rock 2

Good Grief how can a 25 year old woman who is back in school getting her Masters get sucked into the Camp Rock 2 madness. I will give Disney HUGE and I mean HUGE props for their marketing. I just got done watching the movie and it was pretty good. Catchy songs and enough fun to make a non-camper like me want to sign right up for next summer!

I mean if you know me you know I do not do camping. I like nature in small, clean amounts;) However, that movie had me missing camp fires and bunk beds. I read online that 8 million people watched the Premiere on Friday and Disney has showed it every night since. Very smart I say. I don't know your taste but who knows you just might like Camp Rock 2!

A Weekend

A weekend is a glorious thing. Especially when you spend it...

Traveling to Atlanta

Catching up on sleep

Seeing, dining, and laughing with Tallahassee friends

Hanging out with your sister

Breakfasting with my School Counseling friend

Trying to bring some peace and calm to a house that is going a little crazy with teen angst

Eating a few too many sweets (they were SO good though)

Watching your boys play some great football (Gooooo UGA and FSU!)

and

Basking in the Fall weather

I hope that everyone had a great weekend and YAY for having Monday off as well:)

Joy through Troubles

Friends are a blessing. I have some who have traveled a loooong road with me and I LOVE them dearly. I have known Ms. J since I was a child. We go WAY back and have all sorts of fun memories together.

Ms. C has known me a shorter time (well actually now, about 7 years) yet she is just such a great friend in every sense of the word. We have silly memories and all sorts of fond recollections of our friendship.

I wish I could say that all of our lives were perfect. Now, really all of our lives are actually very good. Highs and lows of course, but that is just life.

However, a few weeks, goodness maybe even months ago, I noticed something. When I talked or tried to talk to my friends the conversations were not what they used to be. I had two dear friends who had such sad, tired voices (not on the surface, but deeper, where true friends often have to go). I was confused. I just tried to be more cheerful and make them laugh....it did not work well. Then I sort of backed off a little bit because I knew they needed time.

The other week in my prayer I got specific. I asked God to bring joy back into the lives of two women who mean so much to me. I didn't know how, when, or where but I just knew that I was desperate to get my happy, content friends back. And more importantly, I knew that as people we don't often see God when Satan is busy stealing our joy and tripping us up on obstacles. That place is no good and I did not want them traveling there and feeling alone.

GOOD NEWS! With timing that only God can control, both of my friends had blessed weeks. New job for one!!!!!!!!!!! New perspective for the other!!!!!!!!!!!! Just hearing the joy restored gives me such bright hopes for the future. I love you both SO much and pray that your joy just keep growing and touching all those who are lucky enough to call you friends. Joy is not innate, it, like all of the fruits of the Spirit has to be grown, cared for and harvested. May we all find something, or do something this week to get or give joy!  John 15:11.

College Fashion Report

This is Sabrina reporting from Athens with the UGA Fashion Report. The report is not very long. Here is what it looks like. These Nike athletic shorts are the HOT item for the girls on this campus! I mean they are everywhere you look. They come in a rainbow of colors (see here). I am assuming they must be comfortable, because they are the IT thing in these parts. 

Also, making her Fall reappearance is Mrs. VB. Vera Bradley continues to grow and sneak up on those who don't even want any of her items. I used to be one, I admit.  Between, her colorful prints and cute designs she really has built up quite a market. VB is alive and well on campus. Below are my personal favorites.

Weather Report!

Hi everyone,
 As this is partly supposed to be a blog about a Florida girl adjusting to Georgia life, I wanted to check in. My life in Georgia is going just great. Right now though I am so impressed with the weather.

This morning as I walked to class it was cool. I could not believe it, and you know what? When the sun sets and its been dark for a while it gets cool again. This is not true in Florida. Florida, though I love you dearly...you are HOT! Sometimes you get a nice ocean breeze but Fall is not coming to Florida anytime soon.

However, I feel like Fall will be here in Georgia before I know it! YAY:) PS- I would love to take a weekend drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and see the leaves changing.

What if I....?

Today during the Lord's Supper at church we were asked to think What if (fill in the blanks)?

Intriging....here are some general What Ifs for me.

What if.....
I had the baking skills to open a bakery

I could be in two places at once (teaching in Tally and schooling in Athens)

I was more laid back

I made fewer mistakes

I could go to Greece for the vacation of a lifetime

I was better at saving money

I was starting a family already

I did not look back at the past so much

It's a nice activity. You can take the serious route, the fun route, or somewhere in between! Do you have any What Ifs....share them if you like, or maybe make a little personal list. Have a wonderful week, especially everyone going back to teaching!!!!

My View on: A Mosque

I will admit out front that I am, and never was a History or Political Science major. I am just a 25 year old woman continuing to look for her place in the whole crazy mess called politics.

For sometime now I have been having thoughts about the Mosque near Ground Zero (please notice my wording, this article enlightened me) bounce around in my head. None of them are really clear, so this is not going to be a post for or against the project.

After an intense summer of learning about uneven and unfair power and its effect on all of our lives, I look at the Mosque from a clearer lens.

Like I said, I am not for or against (yet). I am in that place where I am listening. There are not that many people with me, I fear. More and more it seems like we are being asked to pick sides without all the information. In my mind, America in general has this amazing opportunity to show the world and ourselves that we can not do what we always tend to do. Which is look at something different and pass quick and super harsh judgment or be chillingly apathetic.

I still shiver when I think of September 11th. I know there are thousands of families suffering real pain because of the bombings. However, I refuse to paint a whole group of people with the same stinking, horrid brush that was tainted by a few terrorist, extremist.

To build or not to build, that is the question. I do not have the answer, but I am going to continue to gather information. If you have an opinion, please share it (in a respectful way of course). I am going to continue to know that both ends of the spectrum are not the place for me. I am not the Conservative who won't even unbend to listen to others. I am not the Liberal who takes in every idea no matter what the cost. I am growing into more of an Independent...I think. Definite uncharted territory.

I wrote that!

Today some random feeling came over me and I decided to open up my old journal. It is from my FSU days. It is actually pretty cool b/c every page is a different color. That is the sole reason I started journaling faithfully. The colors!

Here are a few tidbits that made me smile:
I am SO excitable....you should see all of the exclamation marks that I use in my writing

I really was into my "me" time.

My favorite me quote. Referring to an friend who got engaged. " It seems soon, but what do I know....I have never been in love, this I do know."

I enjoyed some fabulous travel experiences back in the day.

Lady Spirithunters, Cawthon Hall, Ashburn Hills and more memories.

My faith has grown and though the situations were messy, scary, humbling, and nerve-wracking the tone of my journal is praise to a wonderful, loving, just, and faithful God.

Love You!

One thing that Melanie is constantly telling me is that overall women don't love themselves. Something like 82% of women do not find themselves beautiful/attractive. This is just crazy to Mel, who I joke has enough self confidence for at least 50 women:)

It does make you think. When you look in the mirror do you build yourself up or put yourself down? Remember it can be very sneaky, this negative self talk. Everyone has things to work on, but are you happy with your overall package? Women are usually SO very busy doing for others, that we do forget to do things for ourselves.

In tribute to my sister, here is my list of things that I LOVE about me. She is right, I do not think about them nearly as much as I should.

my smile and nice sized teeth

silly as it may seem, my hands and beautiful healthy fingernails

my legs

my sometimes mind boggling work ethic

my determenation and LOVE of learning

my laughter and open, friendly personality

Today I vow to say out loud more often I am beautiful and VERY much loved! Because, hey it's true!!!!!

Join me?

An Athens Update

I am Baaaaaaaack in Athens. My whirlwind vacation was just what I needed to reconnect and relax.

The Fall semester starts up tomorrow. YAY for that!! Here is what I will be up to:

* taking 4 classes. Statistics might be a killer.....

* getting involved and plugged in at church

* working as an academic mentor with all sorts of UGA athletes

* volunteering and mentoring with local children....so I don't lose my edge

* all other random things that I won't even list right now!

I am Learning Lord

Joy fills my heart as I write this. A few weeks ago (here) I had asked you all to pray for a few situations. Mainly it was the one cloud on my UGA horizon...money. I am sure I don't even have to go into how money could cause issues when connected to going back to school.

I needed, wanted, wished, and prayed for an out of state tuition waiver to drop my $11,000 tuition down to about $4,000. This was not promised me when I accepted UGA but I applied anyway. With budget cuts all around I was not surprised to hear that I did not get one for the summer. HOWEVER here is what I learned.....

God knew, he always does! This time I truly humbled myself and waited. The waiting was busy, fun, and sometimes tiring but I did it. Then out of the sky God answered our prayers and provided me with a waiver!!!! I almost broke down and cried because I don't deserve anything. I am still growing, still having bad and good days.

I got teary eyed because God is SOOOO faithful. He is, really, and he showed me again what I know from his word, that he loves me and asks me to love and trust him back.

SO long ago, at the start of this UGA journey (way back in 2007) I prayed that God's will be done and that I learn and grow to accept it. The path has been all kinds of adventures and detours but I held on. Thank You all for your prayers, they worked and were appreciated.

If you are currently waiting this is what I would say. God heard you, he already knows, so continue on doing the best that you can. Be thankful for all things and get closer to our Lord so that you can see him more clearly and hear him. In the end it is all worth it, every sigh, every laugh, every tear and all of the confusion.

Book Bliss

My truly reviving vacation is almost over. It has been AMAZING which I will write about later. However, this is just a quick post to say I am in love.

Yep, I just finished Major Pettigrew's Last Stand and I loved it. YAY, for the NPR website and their book recommendations.

 This book was as refreshing as a mug of hot tea on a cold winter day. Sigh....it was just great. Can't wait to return my copy and buy one to add to my collection! I am not even going to try to tell you what it is about. You can do the research yourself if you are interested:)

I am SO quirky

I will admit...I was getting tired of packing. We two girls sure did know how to live with lots of STUFF.
Bought stuff, given stuff, new stuff, ancient stuff, paper stuff, just STUFF.

However, when I need a little energy boost I go to my secret weapon. Well, one of them. I turn on the Internet and click on my toolbar to my Pandora radio. (If you don't have Pandora and use it,  you have GOT to start!!!). Then I choose my Christmas songs station and I am instantly transported:) Right now I am  humming to "White Christmas" the Bing Crosby version. All Christmas songs instantly swamp me in good memories and just like that my energy returns:)

Good Night!

Today

I met a great friend (Erin) for lunch and talk. Faith, Moving and More were on the menu, along with yummy mac and cheese!

Then I went swimming with a mentor and fabulous friend (Darlene). Just relaxing and floating in the pool was bliss. This is not her pool....but it is pretty!

Wrapped up this day that I loved visiting with an old college friend (Rachel) for pizza, cupcakes and Wii!

WHEW! Good Night!

Pick me Up!

A few weeks ago I was feeling a little sad/lonely about my transition and everything. Pretty normal stuff, anyways I pulled up the good bye letters from my babies and it was like medicine for my soul. I am SO lucky to have that, because the open, caring nature of children always seems to bring me back. It is where some of my best energy comes from!

I am happy because my favorite contestant on The Next Food Network Star (Aarti) just discovered this! See her blog post below:)
http://www.aartipaarti.com/2010/07/21/truth-and-reality/

It feels like HOME to me

The title of this post is part of the pretty chorus of a song by Chantal Kreviazuk. My homes are a blessing, that's right, homes. Jacksonville is my primary home but Tallahassee is a close second. When people in Georgia ask me where I am from, I tell some people Jacksonville, and some Tallahassee. And that is how I feel. I spent 18 years in one and 7 years in the other. Both places have changed my life.

The thing about home is that if you leave it in a good way, you can always come back. Every time I get back to Jacksonville I start running errands and catching up with people as if I had just been gone for a week. I LOVE that. I love my childhood bedroom, church family, and more. My home is a reflection of me. It is good to sit and think of the memories that surround me when I am home. It is not just by random luck that my home is a source of stability. It is that way because of love, sacrifice, prayer, and dedication.

Now, I am back in Tallahassee and already I have seen great friends. Tomorrow I am going out to my old stomping grounds (Roberts). Swimming with friends and all sorts of mini reunions are in my plans. YAY for summer and for being home:)

A Movie Review of sorts....

I should be in bed. However, this is what vacations are for. Midnight blog updates;)

Soooo, I LOVED INCEPTION! There are only two other movies that made me think so hard, and had me having full conversations with myself in the theater (insert drumroll).

A Beautiful Mind
AND
The Prestige ( LOVE this too!)

I am not even going to give anything away. I am by no means a professional movie critic. Here are my brief thoughts (no spoilers). The music was breathtaking and matched the mood note for note. The whole plot was so deep, like I felt my mind actually working to understand what in the world was going on. Lastly, one of the actors looks like a young Heath Ledger. I know you are all now panting to go see Inception. I kind of figured my review would do that;)

Class of 2012

Dear Cohort,

Before I head out for some well deserved rest time I wanted to say a huge Thank You to you.

I have truly come to love you, and that is a little unexpected. I knew I would like you but what I feel is more.

12 people, all SO unique! When I think of you here is what stands out to me....

SAM: Our only man! Though you enjoy putting your feet on the table you also are open and willing to share. Thank You for being you.

STACEY: One of the sweetest people I have ever met. You work SO hard and you have an amazing story to share that people need to hear. You are also my out of state buddy:)

BRONWYN: Since day 1 when I plopped down next to you we instantly had a connection. You want everything to be perfect and it often is. Add to that the fact that you don't even look your age;) Your kindness has made an impression on me.

LIYA: Creative and Independent . You have the type of inner strength that I know has been earned through trials and tribulations. You WILL do great things. I can't wait to hear and see them:)

JESSICA: My interview partner!! I think I might need a few sessions when the Fall starts. Your knowledge and caring heart are apparent to me. Good luck with your sister coming to town and driving the bus in the Fall.

JANE: I think of smiles and sunshine when I think Jane....however I know that you are working your tail off. You give to others constantly and you will reap huge rewards because you are 100% true and special.

SHAMA: I LOVE YOU! No matter what the future holds you will go with me because of who you are and what you have shared. Your hard work and love for your family and culture are inspiring. The amazing things that you will one day do are awesome to think about:)

CHIEMEZIE: You smile so easily and it is always genuine:) Your quiet strength shines though. On top of all that you are, I just love getting little fashion tips from you by watching how you mix colors and patterns! (I don't know if you knew that.)

NATALIE: Ready with just the right thing to say to add humor to the moment. Our RTI Queen who has BIG plans for the future on many levels. You are exactly where you need to be at the time when you were needed most....remember that!

LAUREN: Classy, sometimes quiet but with a complete heart of gold. Your background knowledge is amazing to me and you will get to use it well in the future. Thank You for opening up your lake house to us!

MARIAN: Not timid about saying what you think. Caring for others in small little ways that add up to a lot. Happy Early Birthday to you!