"Birthdays are good for your health. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest."
Anonymous (laughter from here)
At 7:55 pm the night before my birthday I just had a revelation. This is the first time in my life I have spent the night before my birthday alone. I was in Jacksonville for the first 18 years, and woke to my family. Then for 7 years I was in Tallahassee. I had roommates and then Melanie for each year from freshman year to 25.
Tonight I will be alone. While I am not sad I am a little pensive. Because honestly there are more of these nights in my future....if my luck with dating holds out;) And I love being independent and I love my life. But a small part of me wants someone to be here with me tonight.
Now, I love my "me time" and so I think I am gonna stay up til midnight and pray in my birthday. Maybe have a delicious cup of tea and snuggle with a good book. I think I am good enough to find ways to battle a current of loneliness and instead turn it into a tide of peacefulness.
In Conclusion, I thank God for birthdays past and pray for his guidance and love for birthdays to come! Night!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
25 was....
26 is almost here. So I better take some time to think back on 25, before it is gone.
25 was.....
new. Athens, graduate school, job, friends. So many new things, and the only way I was able to handle it was because God was with me. He set me down on this path and I asked that he never leave me.....and he hasn't.
25 was.......
glorious. My family stayed healthy, I learned about my new profession and in doing that learned more about myself. I was open as I have never been before in my life....and I saw more blessings than I can count.
25 was.......
a journey. my little Bluebelle has wracked up the miles this year. From South Carolina to Florida. From the beach to the lake. I have not let the grass grow under my feet. I hope more journeys await me at 26!
25 was....
waiting. There was waiting involved in this lovely year. The results so far have turned out to be truly fantastic. I am still waiting in some instances.....but God is calming me and reminding me that he is in control of everything. Every....Little.....Thing!
25 was.....
needed. There are only a few small things I would change about my 25th year. I am happy to be at this point in my life. I have not thought this much lately....but I LOVE this season of my life. The responsibilities, the laughter, the work, the people. It is good.
** My apartment is happy because I have Easter/Birthday flowers in my life. Kristin sent me a fabulous birthday gift and I looooove it! So far it has been a great week.**
25 was.....
new. Athens, graduate school, job, friends. So many new things, and the only way I was able to handle it was because God was with me. He set me down on this path and I asked that he never leave me.....and he hasn't.
25 was.......
glorious. My family stayed healthy, I learned about my new profession and in doing that learned more about myself. I was open as I have never been before in my life....and I saw more blessings than I can count.
25 was.......
a journey. my little Bluebelle has wracked up the miles this year. From South Carolina to Florida. From the beach to the lake. I have not let the grass grow under my feet. I hope more journeys await me at 26!
25 was....
waiting. There was waiting involved in this lovely year. The results so far have turned out to be truly fantastic. I am still waiting in some instances.....but God is calming me and reminding me that he is in control of everything. Every....Little.....Thing!
25 was.....
needed. There are only a few small things I would change about my 25th year. I am happy to be at this point in my life. I have not thought this much lately....but I LOVE this season of my life. The responsibilities, the laughter, the work, the people. It is good.
** My apartment is happy because I have Easter/Birthday flowers in my life. Kristin sent me a fabulous birthday gift and I looooove it! So far it has been a great week.**
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Grandma
I am so thankful for my grandma. I know part of it is because she is my only grandparent left. As I have grown up I have come to cherish her more and more.
She is outrageous.....really she is, and I love her for it.
She is funny! She knows how to surprise you with her wit and humor.
She is slow moving. There is NO rushing her....and the family knows that.
She is so gosh darn cute. I love her face, and every well earned wrinkle and every wink she gives you on the sly;)
She is strong. She is the matriarch of the family and if you forget that fact, she will remind you.
She is old-school. Modern times can come and go but my grandma does what she wants:)
She is the only one who calls me by a nickname. I am her Brina and she is my Grandma!
Happy Birthday to the best grandma a girl could ever hope for. I LOVE you Laura B. Miles:)
She is outrageous.....really she is, and I love her for it.
She is funny! She knows how to surprise you with her wit and humor.
She is slow moving. There is NO rushing her....and the family knows that.
She is so gosh darn cute. I love her face, and every well earned wrinkle and every wink she gives you on the sly;)
She is strong. She is the matriarch of the family and if you forget that fact, she will remind you.
She is old-school. Modern times can come and go but my grandma does what she wants:)
She is the only one who calls me by a nickname. I am her Brina and she is my Grandma!
Happy Birthday to the best grandma a girl could ever hope for. I LOVE you Laura B. Miles:)
Friday, April 22, 2011
Taste Testing!
I don't think people would actually believe how much time I spend planning my birthday. I am not obsessive (I think) but details are important to me. I like to have a good time and I want my guests to have a fab time as well.
I'm using a simple purple polka dot theme. I used purple and blue in my invites. I like themes:)
The place is reserved.....yay for pottery painting!! I just need to call the restaurant and make reservations next week.
Tonight I sit here and taste test some fabulous, rich, decadent cupcakes. Since we are having an informal pottery painting session first, I thought cupcakes might fit better than a traditional cake. The new cupcake trend is one I can get behind 100%:)
Just the right way to start my weekend!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Take a DEEP Breath
"Renew thyself completely every day: do it again, and agian, and forever again."
Chinese inscription citied by HD Thoreau in Walden ( I read it in Wherever You Go, There You Are)
Life will pass you right on by. How does that even happen?
Stress, Joy, Being Busy, Schedules, Trips, Just about Everything can pull us through life at a brisk and hectic pace.
I think that when we have time to get still, we are more connected to the moments. We can kind of see life for the seconds and minutes and not just the weeks and months. And I would throw out there the idea that minutes of true connection and stillness are far better for us than a lifetime of rushing.
But what to do once you are still? Once you leave the cell phone, turn off the TV and find restful stillness.
Well I suggest you breathe DEEP. Those deep breathes that pull from the abdomen. Not the shallow ones that draw from the top of our chest.
As you breathe, lean into the moment as my professor says. Really be there with yourself and your emotions. Don't be afraid to fill the silence with whatever is going on in the moment, and that could be a plethora of things. Things that you often don't hear or acknowledge because life is too loud for their voice to be heard.
Continue on by embracing the totality of the moment. If you are on the beach on a sunny afternoon, then embrace that. Warm sun on your face. Waves crashing at your feet. Breeze gently blowing your hair all around your face. Then embrace even deeper. Release the tension from your body and draw in the stillness and perfection of the moment. Then I would suggest embracing still deeper. How are you feeling? Really how are YOU doing? Are you able to be in the moment or are forces trying to distract you. Be firm, and stay still and reconnect with who you are. Be refreshed, get revived, find your inner core strength and balance.
The picture of you that comes forth from these moments is a beautiful sight. Often the you that emerges is stronger, clearer, and more at peace. And a little peace is never a bad thing:)
* This post is inspired by a mix of dwelling on relaxation techniques, and my journey through the book Wherever You Go, There You Are by John Kabat-Zinn.
Chinese inscription citied by HD Thoreau in Walden ( I read it in Wherever You Go, There You Are)
Life will pass you right on by. How does that even happen?
Stress, Joy, Being Busy, Schedules, Trips, Just about Everything can pull us through life at a brisk and hectic pace.
I think that when we have time to get still, we are more connected to the moments. We can kind of see life for the seconds and minutes and not just the weeks and months. And I would throw out there the idea that minutes of true connection and stillness are far better for us than a lifetime of rushing.
But what to do once you are still? Once you leave the cell phone, turn off the TV and find restful stillness.
Well I suggest you breathe DEEP. Those deep breathes that pull from the abdomen. Not the shallow ones that draw from the top of our chest.
As you breathe, lean into the moment as my professor says. Really be there with yourself and your emotions. Don't be afraid to fill the silence with whatever is going on in the moment, and that could be a plethora of things. Things that you often don't hear or acknowledge because life is too loud for their voice to be heard.
Continue on by embracing the totality of the moment. If you are on the beach on a sunny afternoon, then embrace that. Warm sun on your face. Waves crashing at your feet. Breeze gently blowing your hair all around your face. Then embrace even deeper. Release the tension from your body and draw in the stillness and perfection of the moment. Then I would suggest embracing still deeper. How are you feeling? Really how are YOU doing? Are you able to be in the moment or are forces trying to distract you. Be firm, and stay still and reconnect with who you are. Be refreshed, get revived, find your inner core strength and balance.
The picture of you that comes forth from these moments is a beautiful sight. Often the you that emerges is stronger, clearer, and more at peace. And a little peace is never a bad thing:)
* This post is inspired by a mix of dwelling on relaxation techniques, and my journey through the book Wherever You Go, There You Are by John Kabat-Zinn.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Monday Moments
My weekend was blessed....was yours? I truly hope so!
Getting away to North Georgia/South Carolina was restful.
Laughs, games, the Word, friends, thoughts, calm, mountains. Note to self- do that more:)
On this Monday I can see the finish line of this Spring semester. Hurdles....yep, there is work to do. Sunshine....you bet, there are fun moments planned purposefully. Music....of course, great conversations revive me and let me know speaking is my joy.
PS- 10 days til 26! What? Yeah, my big birthday is almost here and I am happy:)
PPS- Weddings....yeah, after some time off I see five weddings coming soon and I am so excited for my friends and their futures:) Answered prayers abound:)
Getting away to North Georgia/South Carolina was restful.
Laughs, games, the Word, friends, thoughts, calm, mountains. Note to self- do that more:)
On this Monday I can see the finish line of this Spring semester. Hurdles....yep, there is work to do. Sunshine....you bet, there are fun moments planned purposefully. Music....of course, great conversations revive me and let me know speaking is my joy.
PS- 10 days til 26! What? Yeah, my big birthday is almost here and I am happy:)
PPS- Weddings....yeah, after some time off I see five weddings coming soon and I am so excited for my friends and their futures:) Answered prayers abound:)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Tallahassee Visit?
If I get to Tallahassee in May (which is looking more and more like a possibility) you can find me at.....
* Waffle House with Victor
* Lake Ella every day of my trip. I miss that spot so much!
* Roberts to see my teaching family:)
* California Chicken Grill.....just when I found out how good it is.....I moved to GA.
* Girl's movie night to see Something Borrowed.
* Eyebrow wax from the only person I trust to wax them!
* Timberlane to see some friendly faces.
* Enjoying reunions with friends:)
* Waffle House with Victor
* Lake Ella every day of my trip. I miss that spot so much!
* Roberts to see my teaching family:)
* California Chicken Grill.....just when I found out how good it is.....I moved to GA.
* Girl's movie night to see Something Borrowed.
* Eyebrow wax from the only person I trust to wax them!
* Timberlane to see some friendly faces.
* Enjoying reunions with friends:)
Wish List 2
I am well aware that I have already put my Wish List out into Blog Land. However, it is only your birthday once a year and so I wanted to put out Part 2 of my birthday wish list. My primary love language is gifts so it is no surprise to me that I have presents on the mind this month:)
Bossypants by Tina Fey
CDs- John Mayer and Aaron Neville are my current favorites
Calvin Klein- Euphoria perfume
comfy monogrammed bedroom slippers like these
and a new compartmentalized make-up bag -all 5 pieces of my make-up get jumbled around;)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Time Machine
1985, 1995, 2005, 2025?
Where would I go if I could jump in a Time Machine and visit some part of my life? What a question!
Go back to times I can't remember and see myself as a baby. Go forward to times I can't imagine and see myself doing who knows what.
What a thought to end up this weekend! I know I would not visit some of my emotional, teenage angst years. Those are best left in the past. Really they only get revisited when Melanie brings them up;)
I think at this current time, I would go visit the future Sabrina. I often wonder about her, and her life.
What will her faith be like and how will she be sharing it?
What does her family look like; where, what, when, and who have changed?
Where will she be working, and will she love her job and the people she interacts with daily?
What does she look like? Has she eaten healthier, exercised more?
Does she still need to read right before she goes to bed, and does she sometimes still fall asleep in her glasses?
Who are her friends? Who does she call when she wants to talk and share?
The answer to this and more will unfold itself in the coming years. I do know that in each present moment I am laying the foundation for my future. I know that my future won't be some random chain of events tossed around by chance. Nope, I believe in God's providence and timing. I believe that I am more like my future than my past.
I guess we will see.....the way my life is going I know that the love will win over the pain. The family will triumph over the strangers. The beauty will transform the reality.
Where would I go if I could jump in a Time Machine and visit some part of my life? What a question!
Go back to times I can't remember and see myself as a baby. Go forward to times I can't imagine and see myself doing who knows what.
What a thought to end up this weekend! I know I would not visit some of my emotional, teenage angst years. Those are best left in the past. Really they only get revisited when Melanie brings them up;)
I think at this current time, I would go visit the future Sabrina. I often wonder about her, and her life.
What will her faith be like and how will she be sharing it?
What does her family look like; where, what, when, and who have changed?
Where will she be working, and will she love her job and the people she interacts with daily?
What does she look like? Has she eaten healthier, exercised more?
Does she still need to read right before she goes to bed, and does she sometimes still fall asleep in her glasses?
Who are her friends? Who does she call when she wants to talk and share?
The answer to this and more will unfold itself in the coming years. I do know that in each present moment I am laying the foundation for my future. I know that my future won't be some random chain of events tossed around by chance. Nope, I believe in God's providence and timing. I believe that I am more like my future than my past.
I guess we will see.....the way my life is going I know that the love will win over the pain. The family will triumph over the strangers. The beauty will transform the reality.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Right Now
Right Now I praise God for his blessings. They are huge, overwhelming, perfect, beautiful, and satisfying.
I am awed that he is in the themes and the details of my life. ( I want to do a post on this idea later.)
Next Fall/Spring I will have a Graduate Assistantship!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am grinning, I am giddy, I am just so thrilled and relieved.
This means so many things to me.
It means I will not have to pay tuition....I will have to work but the tuition waiver awes me totally! Like it truly makes my heart skip a beat with thankfulness:)
It means that I did the right thing by choosing to do my Internship (Fall/Spring) in Athens.
It means that when I prayed so long ago that if God brought me back to Athens it would all work out....that he heard that. He heard that:)
It means that when things don't work out the first time, don't give up! The second time around you are even more aware and thankful.
It means that my debt will be less and my degree will still be amazing!
It means more to me because I am growing in faith and know that NO MATTER what, God cares for, loves and knows all of me:)
I am awed that he is in the themes and the details of my life. ( I want to do a post on this idea later.)
Next Fall/Spring I will have a Graduate Assistantship!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am grinning, I am giddy, I am just so thrilled and relieved.
This means so many things to me.
It means I will not have to pay tuition....I will have to work but the tuition waiver awes me totally! Like it truly makes my heart skip a beat with thankfulness:)
It means that I did the right thing by choosing to do my Internship (Fall/Spring) in Athens.
It means that when I prayed so long ago that if God brought me back to Athens it would all work out....that he heard that. He heard that:)
It means that when things don't work out the first time, don't give up! The second time around you are even more aware and thankful.
It means that my debt will be less and my degree will still be amazing!
It means more to me because I am growing in faith and know that NO MATTER what, God cares for, loves and knows all of me:)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
I spy.....
I spy with my little eye....
Amazingly gorgeous blossoms full of life and happiness.
Runners and walkers out moving in the Spring sunshine.
Wedding Invites and Engagement photos and the like all around.
The end of the school year sneaking up on unsuspecting students!
A layer of pollen covering my car and making me sneeze.
3 boxes of mac and cheese in my cabinet! What in the world is that about?
A new hair cut that is different but cute and allows me to add more hair accessories to my shopping list!
Amazingly gorgeous blossoms full of life and happiness.
Runners and walkers out moving in the Spring sunshine.
Wedding Invites and Engagement photos and the like all around.
The end of the school year sneaking up on unsuspecting students!
A layer of pollen covering my car and making me sneeze.
3 boxes of mac and cheese in my cabinet! What in the world is that about?
A new hair cut that is different but cute and allows me to add more hair accessories to my shopping list!
Monday, April 4, 2011
I thought it was a lot:)
Yesterday as I walked the track at dusk I had babies on the brain.
I was thinking that it seemed as if I knew a lot of mommies of 2-3 year olds. I lovingly refer to it as the Baby Boom!
Doing the math twice for accuracy:) I count up 11....that is right eleven, 2-3 year olds in my life!
Yeah, there must have been something in the water a few years back, and while I am glad I didn't drink it, I just love the joy and happiness that blossomed right along with all of these precious babies.
Having a healthy baby is a blessing and I thank God for all the babies that I know and will know. May I never take it for granted if my time comes along one day. Strong friends like Mrs. Kassy and baby Asher remind me to give thanks for health especially the health and improved health of precious, tiny babies.
I was thinking that it seemed as if I knew a lot of mommies of 2-3 year olds. I lovingly refer to it as the Baby Boom!
Doing the math twice for accuracy:) I count up 11....that is right eleven, 2-3 year olds in my life!
Yeah, there must have been something in the water a few years back, and while I am glad I didn't drink it, I just love the joy and happiness that blossomed right along with all of these precious babies.
Having a healthy baby is a blessing and I thank God for all the babies that I know and will know. May I never take it for granted if my time comes along one day. Strong friends like Mrs. Kassy and baby Asher remind me to give thanks for health especially the health and improved health of precious, tiny babies.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
4 Cupcakes
I am obsessed with Food Network's Cupcake Wars.
Today I am thinking of 4 cupcakes influenced by the 4 seasons. Now this is all in the imagination of Sabrina...currently I have made none of these beauties....but I have enough inspiration:)
Spring- A lemon splash cupcake with a mint infused frosting. All topped with a light pink gumpaste Dogwood flower.
Summer- A warm cinnamon cupcake topped with a sea salt caramel icing. Maybe with beach blue sprinkles!
Fall- Apple and cherry chocolate cupcake. Then add a dark chocolate frosting topped with a Fall leaf.
Winter- A wintergreen cupcake. Then a sparkling cranberry frosting. All topped with sugar coated cranberries.
Yum:)
Today I am thinking of 4 cupcakes influenced by the 4 seasons. Now this is all in the imagination of Sabrina...currently I have made none of these beauties....but I have enough inspiration:)
Spring- A lemon splash cupcake with a mint infused frosting. All topped with a light pink gumpaste Dogwood flower.
Summer- A warm cinnamon cupcake topped with a sea salt caramel icing. Maybe with beach blue sprinkles!
Fall- Apple and cherry chocolate cupcake. Then add a dark chocolate frosting topped with a Fall leaf.
Winter- A wintergreen cupcake. Then a sparkling cranberry frosting. All topped with sugar coated cranberries.
Yum:)
4 Weekends
All 4 weekends of my April 2011 are booked.....and I am so happy about that. I plan on enjoying my birth month to the absolute extreme:)
This weekend I went to Six Flags with friends. It was a special UGA Night where they were open from 6pm-midnight! Fun, fun, fun....though I was a little more scared of heights than I have been in the past. Also, we had a great housewarming/Pampered Chef Partay for Melanie on Saturday in ATL:) It was just wonderful and hanging with my aunt's fabulous, funny and fun-loving friends was perfect.
Next weekend I hit the road to help my cousin and aunt on a college visit in Tennessee. I can't believe that boy is a Senior already and that graduation is in May. However, he still has a lot of growing to do and prayers are all always welcomed on his behalf!
Then I have a lingerie shower for a friend. Also, a one night girl's retreat with my church! Mountain cabin and studying the topic of rest, and worrying less, sound just like what I need!
Finally..... insert drumroll, is my birthday weekend!!!!!!!!! Pottery Painting and Dinner in Atlanta. Graduation Party for the seniors in my program. And a cookbook signing by The Neely's. 3 days of fun and friends and celebrating. (Ps- I am so blessed to get to see Julie, Cherika, and Melanie in May for more birthday plans!)
Combine all of this together and I am a blissfully happy girl! Come on April, I'm ready for ya!!!
This weekend I went to Six Flags with friends. It was a special UGA Night where they were open from 6pm-midnight! Fun, fun, fun....though I was a little more scared of heights than I have been in the past. Also, we had a great housewarming/Pampered Chef Partay for Melanie on Saturday in ATL:) It was just wonderful and hanging with my aunt's fabulous, funny and fun-loving friends was perfect.
Next weekend I hit the road to help my cousin and aunt on a college visit in Tennessee. I can't believe that boy is a Senior already and that graduation is in May. However, he still has a lot of growing to do and prayers are all always welcomed on his behalf!
Then I have a lingerie shower for a friend. Also, a one night girl's retreat with my church! Mountain cabin and studying the topic of rest, and worrying less, sound just like what I need!
Finally..... insert drumroll, is my birthday weekend!!!!!!!!! Pottery Painting and Dinner in Atlanta. Graduation Party for the seniors in my program. And a cookbook signing by The Neely's. 3 days of fun and friends and celebrating. (Ps- I am so blessed to get to see Julie, Cherika, and Melanie in May for more birthday plans!)
Combine all of this together and I am a blissfully happy girl! Come on April, I'm ready for ya!!!
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