Day 17: Huge Impact

Day 17: A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

I guess my procrastination has paid off. I have big news and wanted to share, but I hated to interrupt this blog-a-thon. So, I was pleased to find out Day 17 was a chance to share about my recent life-changing event.

I work here:



Here's a little history:

In 1999, as my 16th birthday was quickly approaching, I knew I wanted a part-time job. My parents were generous, but I wanted freedom, dangit! A lady at church recommended that I apply at Chick-fil-A, but I went ahead and applied at several places. Chick-fil-A was the first place to call me. I remember exactly what I was wearing: black flowy pants, a white button down, and my platform black flipflops. I interviewed with Shane, and soon after had my first official (legal) job.**

I have so many memories of working there in high school. I tell my night time kids all the time to treasure their time at CFA because I am still friends with so many former co-workers. Just this week, I've had lunch with 2 of them, Emily and Reggie, and had a chance to see Brandon. I talk to Ikey pretty often, too. Those were 2 1/2 great years!



I moved home in 2009 to go back to school. I thought college degree + job experience would equal a fantastic job. I never thought twice about having a problem finding a job. Instead, I applied at 20+ establishments. 25 resumes, 2 awful interviews, and 3 months of zero income later...I called an old CFA friend. He said they were always looking for good workers.

With my tail figuratively between my legs, I went and applied. I wasn't 16. I was 25. I had graduated from a 4-year university, flown to dozens of countries in the world as a flight attendent, and assisted in the education process of 120 bright and up-and-coming young minds. But the truth was, our economy was in a downward spiral, and I was over-qualified for part-time jobs. No one wanted to hire me, just to see me leave in 6 months.

Thankfully, Chick-fil-A was willing to deal with me. After eating a big ol' slice of humble pie, I suited up: uniform shirt, pants, and visor. I grabbed a rag and cleaned tables, chairs, puke off the floor, and dirt off the playground. I refilled drinks and filled orders. And at the end of the day, I got my paycheck and thanked the good Lord for giving me a job.



After almost a year, I was offered a job as the assistant manager. This confident, self-proclaimed "over-qualified" woman was terrified! I was good at cleaning. I was good at taking orders. But being in charge of people? And making sure that a shift runs smoothly? And making the weekly schedule??? I was scared to death!

After much debating and prayer, I accepted the position. It meant quitting school. It meant moving to nights. It meant giving up a chunk of my social life. But it also gave me the opportunity to grow in areas I have never been stretched: like conflict resolution and personnel management. It also meant getting to work with some of the greatest young people I could ever know. I love my night time kids. They are a huge joy! And yeah, I haven't been on a date in months, and I rarely get an evening to myself, but I get to have lunch dates with old friends. And I get to sleep late. :)

The Lord has opened a new, scary, exciting door. (And the point of this blog.)

As of March 1, I will be the store manager of the East Longview Chick-fil-A!

I am beyond humbled. I feel so honored to be thought able to do this job. My bosses see things in me that I've never seen. I am so grateful that they are willing to teach me and cultivate me. I have great, huge things to learn, yet I'm willing. I have no idea what the road ahead looks like, but I'm here for some reason.

I've trusted God to lead my path my entire life. Never before, like now, have doors swung open without my knowledge. I never sought these positions. I have no idea how I got here. But I'm here. And I'm going to take every moment as a lesson. Every moment as an opportunity. God has me here for something, and I'm ready to take it head on.

Thank you to my wonderful bosses, Chuck and Shane, for believing in me. I hope to live up to your expectations. I will try every day.

Much love.

**Prior to Chick-fil-A, I worked at a tanning salon and a golf course restaurant. Both jobs paid me cash, i.e. not legal.**

Day 16: Pure Inspiration

I'm sorry I'm a bit behind on these 30 days. I'm not giving up...just have a lot on my mind right now, and it's hard to be creative.

Day 16: Someone Who Inspires You

I didn't have to think twice about who I would say inspires me. I think anyone who knows my mother would tell you she is inspirational.



Obviously I have known my mother for 27 years. However, I don't think I really got to know her until I was in college. When I left for school, she did her best to give me my space. She rarely called, but I found myself calling her. By my senior year in college, I called her every day. Even now, living in the same town, I call her every day. At 27 years old, I need to know her opinion on things. I need to tell her the latest news. She's the best friend a daughter could ever ask for.

My mother is a quiet force. She doesn't get easily excited or angry. I have heard her raise her voice probably a grand total of 5 times in my life. (Those are scary moments, by the way.) Mom conveys her frustration, disappointment, or impatience with a look. She enjoys being with her family and finds joy in taking care of them (and me). I know she loves being a mother, but she is thriving being a grandmother. Watching her with Eli and Joe is very special. I can't wait to see her someday with my kids.

Mom runs a tight ship. Everything has a place and will be in its place before she leaves the house. She's the most organized and efficient person I know. If you need organizational skills, spend one day with her. Even her sugar and flour are organized. She may not be a chef, but she's a good cook. Family dinners, whether at home or a restaurant, are important. I never remember eating dinner in the living room or in front of the tv. We eat together, at the table, with conversation.

My mom loves the Lord with all of her heart. She wakes before anyone else in the family to read the Bible. She prayed with us every night as little kids. And now, as adults, she engages us in spiritual conversation. My mom fasted when I was in a bad relationship. She prays for me when I'm going through tough times. I know she always has my back.

Mom is inspirational because she makes me want to be a better woman. I know how to keep a clean house because she taught me to sweep and dust, and how you don't need Windex to clean a mirror. I organize things, and alphabetize papers, because I know she would, too.

And someday, when it's the right time, I know I will be a good, loving wife, because all I have ever seen from my mom is how to be a faithful, loving, encouraging wife. And I know I will be a good mother, because the Lord could not have given me a better motherly example. I feel prepared for the world because I am walking in the foot steps of my mother.

I love you, Mom.

Day 15: Before I Die...

Day 15: A Picture of Something You Want to Do Before You Die

I am an adrenaline junky. I watch scary movies. I ride the tallest roller-coasters. I strive to be a paramedic one day so that when that alarm goes off and the ambulance races off for the unknown emergency, I'll be there, first on the scene.

There are a LOT of things I want to do before I die, but this is probably #1.



Someday. Hopefully soon.

Day 14: I Cannot Imagine Life Without...

Day 14: Someone You Cannot Imagine Your Life Without

I will never forget the stories Mark told about Sheila Suede when I was in high school. She was this mystery girl with a boyfriend, whom Mark could not get past. Every story somehow looped back to her. It was this amazing coincidence when they led a mission trip together. Sheila, Sheila, Sheila.

The summer after my senior year in high school, a couple of months after Sheila and her boyfriend had broken up, my family was in DFW for a pastor's conference. Mark had schemed a way to hang out with Sheila one night. After several hours, we all went to bed. However, in the middle of the night, my giddy older brother came busting into the hotel room proclaiming he had kissed her.

The rest is pretty much history.

I didn't get to know Sheila for a while. She lived in another city, and after they got married, they moved to Oklahoma City. I soon after left for Illinois. But in time, I got to know her.

And I cannot imagine my life without her.



Sheila is both beautiful inside and out. She's so little and cute, you kinda just want to stick her in your pocket and carry her around. She cares about people so much. Her kids are smart and well behaved because she showed them how. She loves her friends and serves everyone. All the time.



Sheila's funny and forgetful, and she crumbles pieces of paper. She loves high heels and has this amazing talent for crafts, like painting and sewing. She might possibly be a ninja, though of course she would never tell. I've seen her pluck mosquitos out of the air in midflight. She makes everyone in her presence feel like a million bucks.

And she's also the most humble person I know. She's probably reading this and saying, "Oh I'm not that good at painting" or "sewing" or whatever. Sheila- you are. :)



I cannot imagine my family without her. I cannot imagine any other female on earth being my sister-in-law. I'm glad to finally have a sister. She truly is my sister.

I love you, Sheila.

Day 13: My Favorite Musical Artist

Day 13: A Picture of Your Favorite Band or Artist

I have a very strange relationship with music. I love music; music moves me. I listen to music at all times of the day...while I'm showering and getting ready, while I wash dishes, at work while I count money, as I'm reading and drifting off to sleep. Having Pandora on my iPhone has been a HUGE addition to my love for music. I type in someone I love and out comes music that I equally love!

My taste in music is very wide. On my iPod is everything from George Strait to Lil Wayne to Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I tend to favor country over everything else, but my mood usually determines the genre.

Here's the strange part...I never EVER buy new music. I can count on 2 fingers the number of CD's I've bought in the last 2 years. It's two fold...I don't know what to buy, and it never occurs to me! I have my music, and that's that.

My source of new music is friends. I thankfully have friends with GREAT taste in music who are willing to share with me in an effort to expand my horizons. When I hear a certain artist, I think of more than just the music, I always remember who got me going with that particular band/singer.

Goo Goo Dolls, The Fray, and Snow Patrol? Garrett Goode
Colbie Caillat? Casey Kowatch
The Killers; Augustana? Jeanene Justin
John Legend? Scott Hamilton
Jack Johnson? Erik Schubert
Rita Springer? Karissa Ross
Pat Green? Ryan Strait
Brad Paisley? Devin Ferguson
This could literally go on forever (or at least through my entire iPod).

I do have a favorite: Miranda Lambert! I love her for multiple reasons. She is an East Texas girl (born in my hometown of Longview!) who got her start on Nashville Star. She can do it all: write, play, and sing! I knew who she was from the beginning because everyone here was rooting for her to win the show. She didn't win then, but she's killing it now! Last night, she won her first Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. I cheered in my living room!



Even though I liked her from the start, I didn't get any of her music until my dear friend Alesha Moon burned me her CD. I was immediately hooked! Her next CD, Revolution, is one of those two CD's I mentioned earlier as actually buying.

I'm a fan.

Day 12: Something I Love

Day 12: A Picture of Something I Love

I have a deep love for many things. Christ's redemption and my family are at the top of the list. However, today I'd like to tell you about some far more shallow loves: relaxation, massages, and pretty feet.



Sadly, these are not my feet, but this is the most serene, idyllic depiction I could find. On most occasions, flowers aren't beautifully laying next to my perfectly tanned and toned legs, but this is at least how I feel.

If I could afford to get a pedicure every week, I would. It's the best 45 minutes I could ask for. And I get to walk away with perfectly shaped and painted toenails, and smooth feet that are ready to meet the world.

Hmm...makes me want to go tomorrow. :)

Day 8: Funny Picture

Day 8: A Picture That Makes You Laugh

Sorry it has taken so long to get to Day 8, but I had the perfect picture in mind, and I couldn't bring myself to change it.

As kids, Mark and I roughhoused like your average siblings. I always acted annoyed at him, and he infuriated me with his ability to fake cry. (Got me EVERY time!) But in reality, I just wanted to be like him. I passed on playing Barbies if there was ever a chance to play Ninja Turtles or Micro Machines with Mark. Until Scott was old enough to do anything, Mark and I pretty much had each other. If he was running, I wanted to run faster. If he was climbing a tree, well you'd better believe I was 2 limbs behind him. He was my best buddy, even if I didn't want to admit it.

This picture makes me laugh because it completely sums up our relationship when I was 4 years old. Mark was probably 7 or 8 here, and we're at Fireman's Park. When we lived in Graham, our parents took us to this park a lot to feed the ducks or play. It was the coolest park. Anyway, you can tell from my expression that Mark was far too silly for my liking. ;)

Love you, brother.

Day 11: Something I Hate

Day 11: Something I Hate

I went back and forth between two things I hate, but since there's not a day about my biggest pet peeve, I went with that. Had I not, I would have told you how much I hate the way I bruise. Like a peach. A peach.

Here we go...

+

=

What I hate the Most!

A wedding is the most special day for the bride and groom. Your baby, though he or she is the greatest thing to you, he is not cute or adorable or endearing while crying so loud that I can't hear the vows. Get a sitter.

:)

Day 10: Messed Up Things

Day 10: The Person You Do The Most ****** Up Things With

I've struggled to start writing this blog. My life has been anything but perfect. I had someone in mind whom I was going to write about, but I couldn't bring myself to give glory to that time in my life.

I lived a very good life until I was 23. I may be shattering some of y'all's mental images of me right now, but for about 3 years, I made bad decision after bad decision. It started small, as most sin does. It didn't seem like a big deal at first, but small things grow (like the rumor weed on Veggie Tales). It got to the place where I wasn't even being honest with myself.

About a year ago, I realized how much I hated the person I'd become. A lot of it had to do with guilt that I couldn't let go. I would ask the Lord to forgive me over and over, yet I couldn't forgive myself. I felt like I should have "known better" or been stronger.

One day in early spring, I went to the student center at my church and "had it out" with God. I realized that the unforgiveness for myself that I was carrying around was 100x's worse than the sin I had already asked forgiveness for. I committed from that day forward to let it go.

And I have.

The Lord has required big things from me. Major friendships in my life have changed. I will always treasure certain people, but I can't invest any more time. Weekend activities have changed. Family time has become huge in my life. And my prayer time has changed. I am no longer begging for forgiveness. It is a gift.

I am forgiven. I have forgiven myself. I am thankful for the life God has given me.

Much love.

Day 9: The Bestie

The picture for Day 8 is supposed to be one that makes me laugh. I have the exact picture in mind, but it's at my parents' house. So, no worries, but I'll get back to this. :)

Day 9: The Person Who Has Gotten You Through The Most

Meet Shelby. Lovingly referred to as Shelbs. Shelby is my best friend.

I have known Shelby in some capacity since 2nd or 3rd grade. Our dads were pastors in the same section, so we met at church events, and we actually went on the same mission trip in high school. One of my favorite memories of Shelby is at PK Retreat (pastors' kids retreat) one year when she was making items from duct tape. She made flip flops, wallets, etc. from all the different colors of duct tape available. Random. That's Shelby for you. :)

During my freshman year in college, Shelby went to Master's Commission in Florida. I really don't remember how we got connected and started emailing, but we emailed a lot that year. The following year, I went to Master's in Illinois. The year after that, Shelby and I both attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University. That year, we ran in the same circles, had a few classes together, and finally had a chance to really be friends. Shelby is the easiest person on earth to be friends with.

During my junior year in college, we got to be roommates! That was one of the best years of my life! We shared clothes. I borrowed Shelby's clothes. We danced; we laughed; we sat on the outside couch and did homework. We became great friends.

After college, we both did our own things for a while, but I ended up in McKinney, and Shelbs in Red Oak. During those 18 months, we became best friends. We had sleep overs, cried over boys, met for coffee (even if it was almost 45 minutes each way), and drove to LA and back. Without stopping to sleep either way. M.I.A. will always remind me of that trip.

This is Shelbs and I in L.A.:

During my time in McKinney, Shelby met the love of her life. I am so thankful to have been able to be around during that time. Here we are at her wedding to JOSH!

This is at the rehearsal dinner. Hate the bangs, love the picture:

So, where was I going with all of this? Oh yes, the person who has gotten me through the most. I cannot imagine surviving the last 3 years without her. She lets me be an open book. She takes me at face value and doesn't run when I make stupid mistakes. The song "That's What Friends Are For" is now playing in my head. :) So glad to have her in my life.

Shelbs- love you. Thankful every single day for you. Forever besties.

Day 7: Most Treasured Item

Day 7: My Most Treasured Item

When my birthday comes around each year, I rarely have a defined idea of what I really want. Sometimes it might be clothes, maybe a new pair of shoes, or a People Magazine subscription.

But when I turned 16 years old, I don't think my parents even asked. Instead, I was surprised with a beautiful white gold ring with my birth stone: sapphires!

I have always loved this ring. Sadly, I don't get the opportunity to wear it much since I don't wear jewelry to work, but I try to always remember to wear it on days off.

I have always gotten a lot of compliments on it, too, and anytime I forgot to wear it in college, people would question me about it. It made an impression.

For the rest of my life, this ring will always remind me of my parents. It is very special to me.

Day 5: Favorite Memory

Day 5: My Favorite Memory

The summer before 2nd grade, my parents took Mark and I to Wichita Falls to eat at Olive Garden, as well as to change our lives forever.

It's become a bit of a joke in my family that whenever we have a super special dinner, there's probably going to be a big announcement, too. We've moved enough to know that it's perfectly acceptable to question all out-of-the-usual meals.

Anyway, this particular meal was nice. We were living in Graham, and Olive Garden wasn't exactly down the road, or in the budget. But as we sat at the table in the corner with windows right behind Mom and Dad, I think Mark and I were both somewhat suspicious. And then it came...

"We're having a baby!"

I don't remember what my reaction was- excited, shrieking- who knows. But I remember that table and those windows and where I was sitting. That's how a lot of my childhood memories work- just pictures.

The coming months were very exciting. I loved feeling the baby move in Mom's tummy. We talked to him all the time, decorated his room, and made lots of plans. Well, as many plans as you can make without knowing the sex. We didn't find out until birth, but my parents went ahead and picked out names for both sexes: Scott Wesley Carter or Mary Elizabeth Carter.

By December of 1991, I was beside myself excited! I couldn't decide if I wanted a brother or a sister. A sister seemed fun because she would be on my side against Mark, but a brother...

My parents had decided if the baby was a girl, Mark would get to hold her first, but if it was a boy, I would get to hold him first. So, clearly, I wanted a brother. To be able to hold the baby before Mark, I would take a brother for the rest of my life. This was a simple choice.

As Christmas approached, my parents and Mom's doctor both wanted the baby out in time for the big jolly holiday. Mom was induced on December 19. Not only was I about to get a new sibling, but I also got to skip school! Score! However, labor did not progress very quickly. We spent all day, and all night, at the hospital. There are so many pictures of us playing cards and taking naps. It was a long 24 hours.

Finally around 4 a.m. on December 20, little Scott Wesley came screaming out! I was sitting in the hallway in my Nannie's lap when we heard Dad shout, "It's a boy!" I remember Nannie immediately burst into tears. At the time, I wasn't sure if she was happy about Scott being a boy. Now, looking back, I think she was relieved he was a boy. Scott is named after Nannie's 2nd son, Scott, who passed away over 35 years ago.

After Mom and Dad took turns holding him, Mom carefully passed him off to me. As a little 2nd grader, this was the coolest moment of my life. This baby, this tiny little thing, was my baby brother. I intended to hold him, feed him, change him, and care for him forever. Sometimes, I feel like I still do. ;)

Mark got his turn eventually, but I made sure to stretch out my turn as long as possible.

After the excitement of the moment wound down, Nannie and Granddaddy took us home to get some sleep. We got to skip a SECOND day of school! However, the day Scott was born was my school Christmas party, so Nannie took me for about an hour to see my friends, open my present, and eat all the goodies. I also got to tell my class about my new baby brother. I was on cloud nine.

Scott's not so tiny anymore. Actually, he's the tallest person in my immediate family. But he'll always be my baby brother. I still boss him around, question his actions, and give him unsolicited advice, but I love him unconditionally.

I'm thankful every day for December 20, 1991.

Day 6: Switching places

I'm taking the liberty to skip Day 5 (Favorite Memory) until I have the opportunity to go to my parents' house. I have all my personal pictures since junior high, but I don't have any pictures from childhood at my apartment. I promise to eventually get back to Day 5. :)

Day 6: The Person You'd Want to Trade Places with for One Day

I went back and forth with this entry. There are several people in my life whom I think have interesting jobs or live in exciting places, but I would hate for anyone to think I'm secretly pining for their husbands (which I'm not), so I couldn't bring myself to pick a friend. (I'm neurotic.)

I decided to go with a celebrity whom I think is beautiful, talented, and works hard for what she has: Natalie Portman.



I first remember Natalie in the movie "Where The Heart Is." I was mesmerized by her and her talent. Instead of chick-flicks, she makes "V for Vendetta" and "The Other Boleyn Girl" and "Black Swan."

She's a ballerina and continues to take lessons.

She has a degree from Harvard.

And she's engaged to Benjamin Millepied. It would be worth your time to look up his picture. ;)

If we switched places for one day, I would want it to be on a day that she's at ballet lessons. You could say I have some unquenched childhood dreams. And then maybe after ballet practice, dinner with Benjamin. hehe

Day 4: My nights

Day 4: My Nights

I sat down before work to write Day 4's blog when I realized it was focusing on my nightly routine/habits. It just didn't seem right to write a blog about the night time in the middle of the day time.

My days start around 9 a.m. I get up and work out, then eat, shower, and head to work. Most days I work from 2 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. It's long evenings, but I'm glad that the last couple of hours is counting money and inventory. I get a chance to get my thoughts together from the work day. When I finally get home, against what you'd think, I'm wide awake! If I were to go to bed, I'd lay awake for hours. So instead, this is what my nights look like:



I come home and get in my pj's, then read or watch tv, and write my daily blog.

My nights aren't that exciting to other people, but for me, they're the best part of the day. I'm a night owl (thus the 2 a.m. blog). I would so much rather be awake now than 6 a.m. I like the quiet. I like that I have no where else to be. It's my "me" time.