Day 3: Love this show

Day 3: My Favorite Show

This one was tough because I like a lot of different TV shows, but I'd say I look forward to America's Next Top Model the most. (Friends will always be the winner, but I was thinking shows still on the air.)



I started watching this show in college, and I don't think I've missed a season, or even an episode. I live vicariously through these people. I might even be guilty of practicing my model faces or walk...but let's not go there.

This show brought people together in college. We gathered each week to watch it. I miss those times terribly.

Day 2: 20 years and counting

Day 2: The person you have been closest with the longest

I couldn't choose one person for this blog. My family moved to Graham, Texas when I was in 1st grade. That year I met Kelli Cantwell and Joanie Ramsey. About a year later, a new associate pastor came to our church, and he had a daughter just a year older than me. Angela Bazan's family stayed with us for a couple of weeks while their house was getting ready. During the next couple of years before we moved to Longview, Kelli, Angela, Joanie and I were basically inseparable.


This picture is from the Christmas of 2009 at Kelli's house. This is the last time we were all together. Too long. :(


This is from Joanie's 16th birthday party (I'm pretty sure lol). I really love this picture.


This picture was the last night of church camp in 2000. I was wearing Joanie's overalls, which I loved! This is a special picture to me.


This is from the same church camp right after lunch.

I met Kelli at church and became instant friends. We spent most days together. Before school, her mom dropped her off at my house, and we ate breakfast together, then walked or rode the bus to school. After school, we usually took the bus to her house and played til I HAD to go home. Kelli and I begged for sleep overs every night, and one time got the CRAP scared out of us while riding bikes and finding some strange man hiding behind a bush. EEK! I have hundreds of letters we've written to each other (before email), and most childhood memories involve Kel. KC + CC = BFF ;)

I also met Joanie in 1st grade. She lived just a few blocks from my house on Cresent Drive. She had the craftiest mom in the world, and I loved going to her house because her mom let us paint or make all sorts of cool things. I was always insanely jealous of Joanie's American Girl doll. I still have a pillow case I sponge painted at her house.

I met Ang in 3rd grade. She was loud and crazy and also lived within a bike ride distance of my house. She was older and always got the cute guys. lol! Angela and I were also college roommates for a year. She is one of the most bubbly, positive people I've ever known, and I love when she spells words instead of saying them. hehe

I'm proud of my friends. I miss my friends. We don't see each other entirely enough. Angela and Joanie are back in Graham, which is 5 hours from here, and they both have brand new little babies. Kelli is near McKinney, which was nice when I lived there, but now I don't get up that way.

However, when we all got together for Christmas of '09, it was like we hadn't missed a day. We laughed, cried, hugged, stayed up til all hours of the night talking about boys (on my end, husbands for them), ate lots of food, and played games. It was amazing.

Ang, Kel, and Joanie- I love yall. Thank you for being my friend through thick and thin.

30 Days of Me: Day 1

I have been challenged to participate in the 30 Days of Me blog-a-thon. My cousin, Karen, and Aunt Angie are well into it, and well, I just can't be shown up. ;) Each day will include a picture and some random stories or facts. Stick around for some little-known nuggets about Christen.

Day 1: A Picture of Yourself and 10 Facts



I chose this picture for a number of reasons. It was taken at my cousin Brandy's wedding during the summer of 2006, and I'd venture to say that was one of the most pivotal years of my life. This picture reminds me of both really good and really bad decisions. It also reminds me of how much I love my nephew, Eli. Eli and I share a special bond that goes back, literally to the womb. I lived with Mark and Sheila while Sheila was pregnant. I got to feel some of the first kicks, I talked to him, bought him presents, and was there for all the delivery false warnings, and the actual delivery. I've watched him grow up and change into the most amazing little boy. This picture is silly, but I cherish it. He's my favorite person on earth. I also chose this picture because I remember feeling very pretty that day. As a typical girl, every day is NOT a good hair/dress/face/anything day. It's nice when they all align.....and you actually get a picture of it.

10 Facts about Me:

1. I have gotten to this place in life by, what seems like, accident. I never intended to move back to Longview, or work in the food/customer service industry. I'm glad to know God has a plan so much bigger than I could ever see. It's been an adventure.

2. I've moved 21 times. I have literally packed boxes, put them in moving vehicles, unpacked boxes, and started over. 21 times. I think that 21st time cured me of my love for it.

3. If you would have asked me at 18, I would have told you I'd be married by 21 and have kids by 25. Instead I have a cool apartment and a cat named Henry. Those other things will come in time. I'm so glad they didn't come in my timing.

4. I will forever love a church called Longview First Assembly for loving my family for 15 years. We literally gave it our blood, sweat, and tears. We even lived there (clothes hung in the baptistry and all) for a few weeks. No matter who comes or goes, it has a special place in my heart.

5. I want more than anything to go to Egypt and see the pyramids. All of the craziness that's been going on over there the past few days/weeks has me sick to my stomach. If something happens to all the history, I will regret not going sooner the rest of my life.

6. I think I'm a nice mix of country and city girl. I've been known to shoot skeet in high heels.

7. I have a Bachelor's in English, Associates in Bible, and Associates in Psychology, and I'm a licensed EMT. Though it may have lapsed, I'm also a FAA certified flight attendant. I love school, and I don't believe in boring lives.

8. I can't imagine life without my best friend.

9. I've grown out, cut, and donated my hair to Locks of Love. Twice. I don't regret either time.

10. My insecurities have caused me to type and erase this tenth fact about four times.

Remember that one time I wanted to be a...

It's never a huge surprise when I decide to pursue a new career. You're all used to it by now. What I'm not used to: not getting it my way.

A year and a half ago, I moved back to Longview to attend EMT/Paramedic school. As I completed 3 semesters of school, I got a job at Chick-fil-A to pay the bills. And it's been a rollercoaster ever since.

I worked for CFA for 2 1/2 years in high school. I loved my high school job, but going back at 25 was humiliating! I hated it and truly questioned my decision to move home. But little did I know, God had a lot up his sleeve.

This past July, I was asked to become the assistant manager of CFA. It threw a huge wrench in my plans. The focus being on "my." I couldn't take the job and do school. After much deliberation, the job won out. And boy, did I not know what I was getting myself into. The first few weeks, I was a mess- stressed, frustrated, scattered. But thankfully, my bosses saw something in me I never knew was there. Honestly, no idea. It's been a truly humbling experience. And I love it. I love who I work for, and who I work with. I love going to work. Who knew chicken could be so much fun?

Next thing I knew, July became November...and the Longview Fire Department was accepting applications for their apprenticeship. They're paying for 6 eligible candidates to complete fire academy and paramedic school. This is what I moved home for. This is what I one day want to do! So I applied.

200 applications were received. And 157 were filled out correctly. I was part of that 157.

Those 157 were invited to take a written test over things like reading comprehension, math, and auditory listening skills. 115 candidates showed up for the test. I was part of that 115.

Out of those 115 testers, the top 22 scores were taken and invited to take the physical ability test. I was part of that 22.

This morning 21 apprentice candidates showed up in the 20 degree weather to complete a physical agility course of 11 stations within the 7 minute limit. The course had everything from raising a 50 foot ladder with a rope to pulling a 175 lb sled about 40 yards to crawling through an attic space on 2X4 boards without slipping or going below the rafters. I completed the course! In 7 min 42 seconds. 42 seconds over the time limit. My candidacy phase ended right there on the freezing cold asphalt, in the midst of sweat, tears, and big bruises (no blood thankfully).

And I was fine with it. The feeling when it was over, besides exhaustion, was complete and total peace. I had struggled with the decision of applying because I do enjoy my job so. About 2 weeks ago, I surrendered it to the Lord. "Lord, what happens, happens. I trust you will place me where you want me."

So though it may seem I missed something amazing by 42 seconds, I have to see that the Lord reassured me that he has me where he wants me for this season of my life.

And I'm pretty fond of this season.