Let's start from the very beginning.....

So a lot has changed from the last time I updated this blog. Let's hit the highlights...
1. I am a nurse now :) I absolutely love my job with everything inside of me. Nursing school was the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done.
2. I recently moved to Memphis and took a job at St. Jude

Ok. Let's be for real that's not all that has happened in the time that I haven't been blogging but for now that'll have to do.

I am blogging today because I discouraged and I figured that I would start documenting this new journey I am on. I doubt anyone will follow this because it's not near as fun as when I was living in Orlando. I mean, come on, who doesn't want to live at Disney?

So for the last 6 weeks, I participated in a thing called The World's Best Bootcamp. It was incredibly challenging but rewarding at the same time. I was raised not working out or being physical. That has been made clearly apparent in the last few weeks. God has blessed me with a disease free life and I have taken advantage of my health.  When I started working at St. Jude I realized how precious good health is so I have decided to take my health back into my hands. Hence, I started Bootcamp. Well Bootcamp ended Saturday--so where does that leave me? Apparently it left me at Crossfit. Gasp! I know it's such a scary horrible word. I had a mini panic attack when I signed up for it. Bootcamp left you feeling like a champ. Last night after CF.. Im not going to lie. I felt defeated. Discouraged. Scared. Overwhelmed.

STOP! Stop it right now. That's what I have to keep telling my negativity. I am not going to get healthy overnight. It is a day by day thing. It took me 28 years to get to this state that I am. Unhappy. Unhealthy. Embarrassed. Ashamed. I don't like going out. I am always super self conscious. This is raw. This is real. I want to be better. I want to be ok with going out in public and being with people. This isn't overnight. This isn't instant. This is a problem that I will tackle and face head on. I know I am going to be discouraged. I know it's going to be hard, but I can do this. I have to be better.

Bear with me. But I am starting. That is the first step. Showing up. Starting. So let's do this.

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My Best Friend's Getting Hitched :)

Today I was lucky enough to be able to attend my best friend's wedding shower. My dear sweet friend, Abby is getting married on May 31st. She's one of the most genuine people I know. She's been an incredible blessing to me since our Freshman year of high school (that's a long time ago) We've laughed together, cried together, cooked together, Grey's Anatomy marathons together, t.p. houses together,  and sang together amongst many other things! I've been incredibly blessed to have her as a friend and have her play such a significant role in my life.

Abby and Jeffrey's love story couldn't be more perfect. It's like a movie plot line. He's Catholic. She's Catholic. He's hot. She's hot. He's (almost) a Doctor. She's an artist.  They met on Spring Break at a baseball game in Florida. Fell in love. He took her to South Carolina. He proposed like a boss.  Now  he's whisking her away to St. Louis(I'm still working on forgiving that part of the story) and the rest is history. There's a bunch in a middle, but we are gonna skip all that. They are getting married and they will have an entire baseball team of kids with in the next few years with a set of boy twins in the midst according to the shower today. Anyways--she's my person and I couldn't be more thrilled/honored to be apart of her day.

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2014 Quick Summary

Ok. So I completely forgotten to update this--even after I promised I would. Nursing school consumes your life just in case you were wondering. So I will update you quickly on my year thus far since the Charleston Trip :)

Take a deep breath. Sit back. Buckle Up. Here we go.

January:

After I got back from Charleston, I worked a whole lot. In the midst of all that working, I was able to take time and experience my first courthouse wedding. On January 24th, my precious friend, Ally, from work married her childhood sweetheart. Since it was both of their second marriage they decided to do it courthouse style with a small reception. It was precious. They both looked so incredibly happy. She sparkled and he was grinning like a school girl the whole day. I was blessed to be able to be apart of it. I was also able to make their wedding cake! We had a reception at Ariella in Russeville, KY. It really was a beautiful day.

 

February:

During February most of my time was spent working, but I was able to sneak in a couple of breaks with my time off. (I'm becoming excellent at making the most of my days off) Starting with the rodeo. Confession time: I'm an absolute sucker for the rodeo. I haven't missed it in four years. I started asking people if they wanted in December knowing that it wasn't until February. It always falls around Valentine's day in BG. This year I went with a few friends and we had the best seats I have yet to purchase. We were two rows from the bottom and by the gates. We laughed and enjoyed the view of Wrangler's pretty much all night ;)

 

This Valentine's Day aka Single's Awareness Day--I was single just like all previous V-Day. This is not an "awww, Amy" moment, because I got to spend it with two of my awesome friends. We went out to dinner, ate girly food, creeped on people on the internet, watched a movie, and took absolutely ridiculous quizzes. I wouldn't have picked any other way to spend it

To wrap up February, I spent the weekend at CYC. It's definitely not my favorite convention--not even close--but I did have a lot of fun with my brother and Jessica. We all went as chaperone's. I really do love Alvaton's youth group. They are a quirky group of kids, but they work and they love God and that's all that matters. I really have so much respect for Ryan and Melinda and all the work they do.

March:

 I am beyond blessed every day of my life, but I feel like in March I have been especially blessed. I got to see George Strait and Vince Gill in concert, I went on a cruise, I've applied to work AS A NURSE at a couple of hospitals, I finished up a bi-term class(WHICH MEANS ONLY ONE CLASS STANDS BETWEEN ME AND GRADUATION), and the month's not even over yet. I know I am just giving you a taste of what happened in March, but I feel like the concert and the cruise deserve their own post so for now I am going to leave you hanging.

Have a Blessed Day!!

 

 

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Charleston~~

So I have been studying for several hours now. I need a break so let the blogging begin!

I wanted to update you on my year so far starting with Charleston.

So I have this really nifty friend Jessica Vann :) She's completely obsessed/borderline needs a restraining order with this band called Shovels and Rope . I on the other hand had no clue who they were(other than listening to her gush about them) and until a month ago I couldn't tell you their lyrics. So this band is from Charleston, and they were having a homecoming concert. I love road trips. I love to travel. Jessica loves Shovels and Rope. The next thing I know, I am going on a road trip with 3 other girls; 2 whom I have never ever met.

Let me tell you. That trip was an absolute blast. Jess, Chloe, Ashley and I embarked on a 9+ hour road trip. We laughed for 9+ hours. Ashley and Chloe were two incredibly funny girls that I am so blessed to have met. I know it's cliche, but I really don't care. When I met them it was like we had been friends for forever. We all had the same sense of humor so everything was twice as funny as it probably actually was.  We had some fun-time adventures getting to the hotel. I learned Jessica spazs when it comes to driving in a city she doesn't know. We learned the hard way that the GPS doesn't change time zones and when it says you are arriving in 46 minutes, if you are headed to Charleston that's really an hour and 46 minutes.

If you are ever in Charleston, eat at Red's!! It was phenomenal sea food and very well priced. Friday, we got there late all we did was go chow down on some sea food. Saturday, we spent the day sight-seeing. All day we walked around and gawked at amazing houses, ate more seafood, went to the market, and gawked at more houses. Saturday night was the whole reason we went to Charleston! It was the Shovels and Rope Concert. Don't get me wrong, I was excited, but the other 3 girls were like kids in a candy shop! Shakey Graves opened(He is much better live than his CD). During the concert I thought Ashley and I were going to have to punch someone. For real though. These guys were grade A jerks. But over all it was an excellent concert!

Sunday, we may or may not have eaten at Red's again. (By may or may not I mean we definitely did and didn't think twice about it). Chloe smashed some seafood. I was incredibly impressed. We walked on the pier, loaded up the car and headed home. I know it may not make much sense to drive 18+ hours for a band I barely know, with 2 random strangers and a friend, but let me tell you something I would do it again in a heartbeat. Making new memories and friends is a priceless lifetime experience. That is exactly what happened.
Have A Blessed Day <3 br="">

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Oh, blogging. I have missed you :)

         It's been almost 3 years since I have blogged, but my dear sweet friend, Jessica asked me about it the other day. I forgot how much I love to do it so 2014 I am going to start recording everything again.  2014 is going to be an amazing year. I will turn 25( I may or may not be having a minor melt down about that), I will graduate from nursing school, start a new career, go on a cruise, see Wicked and Pentatonix, several friends are getting hitched(just went to a wedding today), and many more things. I have already been to Charleston for a girls weekend(Blog to come). I have no clue what God has in store for me, but those are the things I already have planned. It's going to be an amazing year! Since it has been a while, I decided to start with on a Friday to help me get back into things. So here it goes: 5 Question Friday.....

1. Do you have any strange phobias? 
      I have a feeling that I am going to regret answering this one honestly. I am 100% terrified of jello. When I come into contact with it my response varies anywhere from gagging to screaming to a panic attack. Apparently, I was scared of it when I was little too. Your food should not wiggle or jiggle. End of story. No questions ask. Edible things should not move like jello does.
2. Have you ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?
    I have been told many times that when I was little I stuck a cinamon tic-tac up my noes, but I have no recollection of that.     
3. If you had 3 wishes, what would they be? (no wishing for more wishes)
    My first wish I would wish for there to be quality care for everyone. I firmly believe that everyone whether young, old, or anywhere in the middle people deserved to be loved and taken care of. Secondly, I would wish to be able to teleport, and thirdly, I would wish for my family and friends to be taken care of for the rest of there lives. Not necessarily be rich, but to have what they need and not have to stress over little things. 
4. Favorite kind of bean? Kidney? Black? Pinto? 
    I absolutely love beans. Out of those three it would be pinto, but white beans are my all time favorite!
5. If you had to have a cow or a pig, which would you take? Why
     If I "had" to take a cow or a pig, I would change the word from 'had' to 'get to have' a cow! I love cows, and I can not wait to be able to own a few of my own!

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Mumbo-Jumbo

So I know its suppose to be 5Q Friday, but I wasnt a fan of this weeks questions at all. I also realize it's been close to a month since I blogged. Sorry about that.

I have been working anywhere from 48-60 hours every week and up until a couple of weeks ago I was still in school, but praise! I am done with school for a little bit. Things have been complicated this past week, but I think that slowly with time and God's help of course that everything will be worked out. I am an impatient person in a situation that requires a lot of patience.

Today I am going to get my hair cut with my mom! Im so excited :) and I am going out to eat with my adopted mom Sonja and my Momma for Sonja's bday. Then I work Friday-Monday night. So I probably wont be able to blog until Wednesday :) I know this blog is probably the most random mumbo-jumbo you have ever read, but I felt like it was time to start again and I didnt have anything to say. OK? Ok. That's all

Signing Off
God Bless

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5 Question Friday: April 29, 2011

So I know its been 20 days since I have posted, but finals are coming up which means I have projects and Im in mandatory overtime right now which means I am working a minimum of 48 hours every week! Talk about stressful!! But here is 5Q Fridays :)


1. If you could buy any car, money not an option, what would it be?
If money isnt an option I would have like 20 cars. Haha, but my top two would be

1. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport in teal blue with white rimmed tires. Im a sucker for classic cars.


2. An orange 2011 Chevy Camero Convertible with white racing stripes.

2. What was your worst first date ever?

Ahaha. My worst first date was a "blind" date I let my friends set me up on my freshman year at FHU. The guy didnt talk. It was horrendous. Absolutely a wreck. We still laugh about that one to this day.

3. How old were you when you fell in love for the first time?

The first time I fell in love I was 16 years old. I feel in love with one of my best friends.

4. When was the last time you reconciled your checkbook?

Checkbook?! Who even uses a check anymore. Haha. Actually it was last week because I had to write two checks at the dr's office.

5. If you were going to fashion a "Wanted" Ad for a best friend, how would you word it?

Wanted: Searching for someone who is trustworthy, who can make me laugh, and who won't judge me for my lack of time. Someone who laughs at the stupid things and isn't afraid to call me out when I am out of line. Someone who is up for adventure and spontainty. Just simply putting it a person who loves life and is content with the small things :)

Signing off

God Bless

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5 Question Friday :) April 8, 2011

1. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Oh me *sigh.* Just one? There are hundreds of things I would change. Literally hundreds of them. But if I had to pick one it would be my current bout of indecisiveness. Normally, I am a very decisive person-right now I dont think I could make a definitive decision if some had a gun to my head. Thats what I would change currently-

As far as long term, I would like to change my appearance. We will leave it at that- Plain and simple-my appearance :)

2. Write about a time when you got lost.
Ahahah. Well, let me think. Everytime I go on a road trip I get lost at least once, or go walking in the woods, or even walking downtown. I actually love getting lost. Ill drive backroads here with the windows down and music blaring and get lost BUT as far as getting lost stories...hmm. There is always the story where Christine and I almost died but here's a new one. One time when I was at FHU, I was with my friend Julie and we decided to go to Florence, Alabama for my Papaws birthday. Well we were making awesome time and then we got to this fork in the road. Julie said she knew where she was going because she had been there last week. So I took her word. False. She had no idea where to go. It turned out that a trip that should have taken us about 2 hours ended up taking us 3 1/2 hours. We guessed and checked our way to Florence after that for in road. I was laughing the whole time and Julie was crying. She was so upset we were lost. I thought it was hysterical. Finally, we got to Alabama after going completely the wrong way! It was fun once I got her settled down ;)

3. Camping or 5 star hotel?
It depends on who I am with. If I'm with my friends from here camping hands down. I love it. We camp a lot by the lake. I was actually there last night. It was amazing. We just laid by the spillway at the lake and watched stars. I would pick camping just because of the stars. If Im with someone who is going to whine the whole time about it being cold or the lack of electricity or the bugs then I would say 5 star hotel. BUT my personal preference is camping :)

4. Have you donated blood?

Yes! I love to donate blood. I think that if you are able to you should. I donated about 5 times now, but I currently have to wait two years because of a decision I made back in November.

5. Do you have a budget or do you 'fly by' most months?
I use to fly by UNTIL two weeks ago. Now I am on a very strict budget because I have to move out and by a new car. My poor Sally the Solara is dying. She shakes, rattles and sometimes rolls. She is on her last limb, so I have to by a new car :/ which means I am on a VERY STRICT BUDGET now. (at least that's what I keep telling myself)

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My Birthday :)

Hello My Beloved Blog Readers!
I know Ive been totally slacking off of blogging, but yet again Im drowing. We are in "mandatory overtime." at work which results in my having to work a minimum of 48 hours every week :(
That equals very minimum free time for me, but I am making some tonight. There have been several times this week when I thought "Man, I want to blog about that." but I havent had time so Im going to play a little catch up from last week. Im going to tell you about both my birthday celebrations :)

Thursday: It was my 22nd Birthday. (yes, I know Im getting old). My Dad woke me up just to say, "Twenty-two years ago was one of the most special days of my life. I love you. Happy Birthday." I mean is there any more precious way to start off your birthday?! I came down stairs and mom had already left for work, but she had my presents wrapped and on the couch. I decided to wait because I know she like to watch us open them. As far as the day goes, it was pretty normal. I had school and a test to study for. After school I drove home changed and went up to the church. I decided to have a cookout instead of everyone going out to eat :) The party list were my closet friends that live here in Bowling Green/Alvaton/Westmoreland/Franklin: My parents, the Vann Clann(Uncle Bobby, Aunt Diane, Jessica, Mady, Austin(JV's bf) and B), Kanin, Klent, Matt, Micah, Emily, Emma, Caleb, and Sarah Beth and her two kids Julie and Christian. It was a blast. Klent and I(mainly Klent) grilled hamburgers and hot dogs before everyone got there. We did it pot luck style and I told everyone to bring a side dish! We just hung out and chilled for a while. We played basketball with some very intense games of Knock-Out. Once people started to filter out, those of us who were left watched Lion King 1 1/2. I know its corny, right? For my 22nd birthday we played basketball and watch Lion King. It is corny but it was perfect. There was no drama, no complication, no nothings. Just my best friends and I hanging out. It was amazing :)

Saturday was the second part of my celebration. I took the day off so Wade and Allison and my beloved nephews could come up and play. Those boys have my heart. They are all so different, but wonderful. I am head over heels for them. Anyways-Wyatt(the middle one) comes running in and say, "Amy! We were watching Tangled on the way up here in our car! We brought you Tangled too!!" My Sister-in-Law, Allison, said, "Wyatt!! That's her birthday present you werent suppose to tell!" He said, "Its ok. Amy wants to watch it now. She told me so." haha. I love them. My mom cooked the most amazing food ever. We watched some basketball(yea March Madness!), played in the play room, ate ice cream cake, open presents and watch part of Tangled. I love spending time with them. We played super hero, making a band, hide-and-seek, follow the leader, and colored. It's the small things in life. These are the memories that mean the most to me.

I know it doesnt sound spectacular, my birthday plans I mean. But that's me. I like things to be intimate and small. Laid back and with meaning. My birthday may not sound super spectacular to you, but it was perfect for me.

PS: My Little Brother and Mamaw called on my birthday which makes it even better!

Thank yall for reading.
Signing off
God Bless You

PPS: Ill try and remember to post pictures later.

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MY Spring Break

SORRY THIS IS LATE! I THOUGHT I HIT POST LAST WEEK BUT APPARENTLY I DIDNT

So I made my own Spring Break-I took off from work and skipped school and I WENT TO DISNEY WORLD! Julie, Texas and I went to have a reunion. We stayed at All Star Sports on property! Im going to take you through my days so let's start our Journey :)

Sunday: I got off work, went home and showered. I accidentally fell asleep so I missed church and left late for my plane. I woke up rushed packing and took off to Lexington to catch my flight. When I landed in Orlando, I took the Magical Express to my resort then took the bus to Downtown Disney. I LOVE Downtown Disney. I met up with Texas, Julie, and JoeBo(that's Julie's brother). We all 3 screamed when we saw each other. Its been 6 months since Ive seen Julie and over a year since Ive seen Texas. There was lots of screaming and lots of hugging. I ADORE reunions. Then we ate at T-Rex which is the Dinosaur version of Rain Forsest Cafe. It was lots of fun and then we went to Goofys Candy Shop. That was a given. After that we went to the resort and hung out.

Monday: Texas had to leave Monday so we wanted to spend as much time as possible with her. So we decided to go resort hopping. We went to Grand Floridian, Polynesian and The Contemporary. After resort hopping we went and got lunch together. Then we went back to the hotel and just hung out for a while. We swam, laid out and talked. Texas had to leave after that. I only got to see her for a day, but that was better than nothing. The Joey, Julie and I went back to Downtown to eat supper. We ate at Earl of Sandwhich. Watched performers in the street. People were dancing and having a good time. Oh my. How I missed that place. We walked around and shopped for a little bit, then we went to the Grand Floridian and watched the fireworks at Magic Kingdom. I went in and saw my co-workers for a little bit and spoke to my manager(the ONE that I liked). We went back home-Julie and I hung out and ate some chili-cheese fries while Joey had some chill time by himself. (We are a lot to take in...haha)

Tuesday: We got to go to the parks! We woke up and got the day started off right :) We went to Epcot. We spent the first half of the day in Epcot. We rode Test Track, Soarin' and walked around the countries. We got to see the phenomenal performers in Italy. They were hysterical. Loud. Amazing. Performers. I got to see Bell, Mary Poppins and Alice. Let me tell you Epcot was having there festival of flowers :) It smelled wonderful. We walked into the park and there were Toy Story 3 sculpters of flowers and Hugs-A-Lots smelled like strawberries. The park immediately engulfed you in a sweet-summer smell of aroma of strawberries. There was a bambi flower and butterfly garden. All of the countries had their flags made of flowers. There were flowers everywhere and it was beautiful. Breaktaking.
After Epcot, we went to Hollywood Studios. I love HS. We rode Tower of Terror, Rockin Roller Coaster, and Toy Story. We watched shows and walked around. We ate at a quick-food place then we went to Fantasmic!! I am still in love with that show. Like I am such a kid when it comes to it. I screamed and squealed when I saw Mickey. JoBoe laughed at me a lot. He hadnt ever been to the parks with me so he had no idea what I was like. Everything felt so surreal like I hadnt left and I wasnt really there all at the same time. I got goose bumps and teared up when I realized I didnt know how long it would be until I got to do that again. We went back to the hotel and Julie and I went swimming.

Wednesday: We got kind of a later start so we went to Magic Kingdom for the day! We rode Big Thunder and Splash Mountain. I got soaked on Splash Mountain. We watched the parade and rode Space Mountain twice! We played Buzz and saw Woody. We ate at Pecos Bill and I fell in love with the place all over again. We rode Pirates of the Carribean and saw Aladdin and Jasmine. We hit up every ride there. It's a Small World, Philarmagic, Haunted Mansion, and so many others. I am in love with Disney. Haha. We went a rode Space Mountain one more time and then it began to get dark. Normally thats the bad part of the day when scary things start happening. BUT not at Disney. It's when things get magical. We went and watched the Electrical Parade which is NOT the same as Spectromagic. It's still a light parade but it's not the same. I loved watching it nevertheless. It was breath taking. I was amazing at how beautiful Snow White was and I said "She's so pretty!" Then about 45 seconds after she had passed my part of the road SHE CAME BACK TO WHERE I WAS STANDING AND SHOOK MY HAND! Yes, that's right Snow White came back to say hi to me! Yes, you should be jealous. I squealed. LOUDLY! I was so happy. The parade couldnt get any better after that moment. Then we went to the castle. The beloved treasured castle. They have a new pre-show before the fireworks. I watched it and teared up the whole time because they make the castle look like a back-drop and they play movies and display 100 of thousand pictures of people from Disney. It was stunning. amazing. beautiful. Word's cant describe how moving that is and how COOL it is? I mean really they used Cinderella's castle to play home movies on! Only at Disney. Then we watched Wishes. We had an amazing spot. I stood there in awe and it was an emotional thing. Always is. (NO Abby Lou, I did not cry). After fireworks we went back to the hotel and got snacks before bed time. We went back and watched Wizards of Waverly Place.

Thursday: JoBoe had to leave first thing Thursday morning. So the Julie and I went to my happy place. Typhoon Lagoon. I was so ridiculously giddy. We spent the day in the wave pool, lazy river, and the shark reef. I think we ended up swimming with the sharks 4 different times. That for real is peace on earth to me. To be in the tank with the fish and sharks. Watching them and seeing the beautiful colors is simply serenity. We ate at the Leaning Palms and I saw lots of people I use to work with. It was so good to see them. Then Julie and I got what summarizes my summer up. We got a Garbage Pail from Happy Landings. Remember that thing? It's a sand pail full of ice cream. We ate it all. Of course after we ate it we spent probably an hour in the lazy river because we were too full to do anything else. After Typhoon closed we went home, took a nap and then went to Downtown Disney. We shopped, ate supper, and watched some more preformers. It was a perfect day.

Friday: I had to leave :( I am not a fan of Friday. We spent some time being bums and watching tv. We packed up and moved Julie to her new room(she stayed a week longer to work). Then I went and loaded up my stuff on the bus :( We moped around for a little and finally said our goodbyes. It was so sad. When I landed in Lexington it was 42 degree; when I left Florida it was 84. Talk about a reality check! Because I was in Lexington I had to see my Abby Lou. I went to UK(gag me) and drove to her dorm. We watched The Office together. It was WAY to little of time spent together. I miss her oodles and oodles but Ill take what I can get. Then I drove home and here we are. Back to reality.

So to sum it up. I love Disney. I miss Disney and I got to see Julie, Texas and Abby Lou. It was a good trip!

Signing off
God Bless

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Rewind: Spring Break Week

I am swamped. I am now in overtime at work which means Im working 50ish hours every week, and Im still going to school. THEREFORE I havent really had time to blog about the past 3 weeks so I am going to rewind today and tomorrow so that I can get everyone caught up. Ok, one two three. Here we go.

Spring Break Week: March 7th-11th.

March 7th: I worked the 6th so I got off at 7am. I went home, changed clothes, packed and jumped in my car and took off. I drove to Knoxville to see a friend from Michigan. Let's just say "You live and learn" or "Hindsight is 20/20." Awful long story short, I will never drive 4 hours for a boy who I am not commited too. EVER. AGAIN. After I left Knoxville I drove another 4 hours to Pulaski to stay with Grandmother. I got to her house about 11 and I went straight to bed.

March 8th: Grandmother and I spent the day together. We cleaned her house, ordered lunch, and then watched some tv. About 3 oclock, my cousin Shannon, her husband(Corey) and their precious son(Charlie) came over to play. We spent the rest of the day playing with Charlie and talking to Shannon and Corey. I love them very much. After they left, Grandmother and I talked and watched some more tv then headed off to bed.

March 9th: I woke up had breakfast with Grandmother and got in the car to drive to Florence, Alabama to see my Mamaw and Papaw. Once I got there Mamaw and I got to talk some before my Mom got there. We spent the day talking, then we ordered supper. Mom took Mamaw to church and I got to stay with My Papaw for a little while. I read to him while he rested in the bed. Mom then came home from church and I went to go to the second service called Peak of the Week. I love it. We thought that worked best because Mamaw got to stay for both services that way. It was a good day with my family.

March 10th: I stayed with Papaw while Mom and Mamaw went to a dr.'s apt. After the appointment they came home and we ordered lunch. Then Mamaw and I went shopping together. I hate to shop with a passion, but my Mamaw made is an enjoyable experience. She bought me some new clothes and she got to go shopping at Ross for the first time(Which is my favorite store ever!). We went to another store and she bought me two shirts there. It was so good to get to spend time with her she is such an amazing woman and an inspiration to me.

March 11th: I got up and spent the day with Mamaw and Papaw and Mom. I stayed with them until about 5 so I could help put Papaw to bed. After that I drove back to Pulaski to pick my Dad up. I stayed and visited with Grandmother some more :) Then we went back to good ole A-town.

I know it doesnt sound like a super exciting Spring Break, but it was too me. I got to spend time with my family. With my Grandparents! I hardly ever get to see them, so the time I have with them is super special and very treasured. If you live close to your Grandparents, you should feel honored. Don't take it for granted. Anyways- I had a good spring break. I love my family :)

Thank you for reading
Signing Off
God Bless

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Five Question Friday :) March 18th, 2011

1. Have you ever testified in court? For what?
I have never testified in court. HOWEVER I have been on jury duty and been placed on a trial. The trial was for a drunk driver. It was a really neat experience.

2. Do you still have your wedding dress?
I can honestly can say I don't have my wedding dress. Oh wait. You should probably be engaged or married to have a wedding dress. I am neither of these :)

3. Is there a special place you like to go when you're happy, sad, stressed, etc.?
When I am stressed or sad I drive. I get lost on the backroads where I can cry. I know its not the safest thing to do it drive on roads you don't know when you can't see or think straight, but it always helps me work things out and I seem to pray better when I drive. When Im happy I like to be outside especially with friends or family. If not with people, I like to read outside by a creek or at the park.

4. If you have kids, do they sleep with you? If you don't have kids...will you let your kids sleep with you when/if you have them?
I don't have kids, but I am sure I will let them sleep with me when I have them. Whenever there was a storm or I had a nightmare when I was little I would go get in the bed with my parents. I knew I was safe then. It was such a comfort for me, and I want my kids to be able to feel that way.

5. Do you watch late night TV?
Yes I do. I usually catch up on my missed shows late at night or watch movies. I have a set group of shows I watch every week, but Im normally out when they come on so I watch everything super late on DVR. It also helps me relax before I go to bed :) And of course when Im on break at work its normally around 2am so if you want to count that as late night tv, then yes, I definitely watch it.

Signing off
God Bless

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5 Question Friday :) 3/4/11

This week's 5 question Friday werent really 5 questions that I couldn't answer(kids) or didnt really care too so I googled 5 get-to-know you questions. TADA! Google always has an answer. These were the first 5 questions that came up: So here is my 5 Question Friday! Enjoy :)

1. What was your favorite game as a child? Board Game: I Loved( still love) Life, Yahtzee and Candy Land. I love all card games. Video Game: Zelda or Duck Hunt on the Nitendo 64. Card Game: Uno until I learned Rook(and since then it's been love at first bid)

2. What's the best thing about being you? That God blessed me with an amazing support system. My family is the best thing in the world and my friends are a second family. I have not just my biological family, but two adopted families: my friends and my church family. So the best thing about me really isn't me- it's the people around me. It's the people that make me me.

3. What's your favorite meal of the day, and why? Dinner(the afternoon meal) and the only reason it wins is because of Sunday afternoon dinners. I think that after you get full and get a nap it's one of the best feelings therefore Sunday Dinner's are my favorite. Otherwise it would be midnight snacktime :)

4. Would you rather be exceptionally smart or exceptionally good-looking? Oh I hate these kinds of questions. I would rather just have someone ordinary. I love dorky cute guys like Clark Kent. I had much rather have a Clark Kent than a Superman any day. So I guess in regards to this question I had have to say exceptionally smart as long as he isnt going to talk down to me, because heaven knows if the boy talks down to me all heck will break loose. That's that. As long as he is a Christian guy that God wants me to be with than that's all that really matters in the end.

5. How would you describe your underwear drawer? Incredibly unorganized. I dont fold my underwear because it doesnt matter if they are wrinkled as long as they are clean. That's all that really matters. The clean part. So they are just thrown into a drawer. Isn't your life complete now that you know that random fact about me? Im glad it is.

Thank you for reading!
Signing off
God Bless

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Wednesday: Hodgepodge Post

Today I have a two very opposite things: First I want to start off with prayer request. My Mamaw had surgery today and I would like to ask that you pray for her to have a quick and easy recovery. She takes care of my Papaw. She is an amazingly strong and beautiful woman. She in such an inpsiration to me and I admire her strenght. It amazes me how much she does to care of my Papaw. I know how hard of a job it is, but it is especially hard because she takes care of someone she loves. Just pray she has a quick and speady recovery.

Please pray for my friend Micah. She is having surgery on Thursday. Please pray that all things go well.

Please pray for my Klento Mento and Im going to leave it at that. God knows what He needs. Please pray for Klent's family, his parents-Linda and Darell. His brothers-Matt and Nathan especially Nathan because he just made an unexpected move to Louisville yesterday. It was sudden. Pray that God keeps in a Christiain mindset and guides his direction.

Please pray for my friend Brian is this very trying time and his new trials.

Please pray for Ede, Kathy, Katie, and Sandra D. These are all nurses that I am very close too but they are all having very difficult times in their lives. They are all struggling in very different ways, but it breaks my heart to see them hurt. Pray that they heal and understand that God is there for them.

Thank you for time in my prayer request; moving on.

Yesterday I had a bowling date. But not a date-date. This was a play-date with Noah Thomas. He is an 8 year old boy who goes to Natcher Elementary school and goes to Alvaton with me. Besides my nephew and my boys, he is the only male that makes my heart melt. He has the precious crooked grin that turns me into butter. He is spoiled rotten, but I can't say no to that precious face. I picked Noah up from school and he comes out wearing those silly black glasses, with the nose and mustache attached to them. You know the ones Im talking about? I ask him why he's got them on and he said "It was mustache day at school!" He looked so cute with his backpack and glasses on. Anyways I we went bowling and I took some really neat pictures(yeah for my photography class!). He cracks me up; he is super competitive so when he doesn't get a strike or a spare, it's like the world ended. After we bowled a couple of games, we went and played in the arcade and he won enough ticket to get a Sherrifs badge. He then paraded around with the badge and mustache glasses on.

From the bowling alley, I took Noah to campus with me. This is where he said my favorite thing that probably made me laugh the hardest. We were driving down Greek row and all the girls were out on the lawn, people were running, and just hanging out. I had already told him how in college you got to make your own schedule and he said he would take classes on Tuesday and Thursday and work on Mondays and Wednesday, but he would have to get off early on Wednesday because thats a church day. Talk about precious?! He said then I can play sports on Friday and Saturday and go to church on Sunday. So we drove a little further and I pointed out the Hilltopper for Christ House and I explained that that was were a lot of the college people from our church and Greenwood Park hung out. He asked what do they do there? I said, "We play corn hole, talk, eat, watch tv....you know? Just hang out." He sat there for a second then shook he said and said, "Man! I LOVE COLLEGE LIFE!" I busted out laughing. He's 8. I took him into Mass Media with where he won over all of the girls in there. Then we went to Chic-Fil-A. We got some supper and then drove to dodge ball. I made the mistake of giving the kid a Dr. Pepper. Never again. Never again. We played dodge ball for about an hour then I had to take him home. We had a lot of fun, and I hated to drop him off but he said he a lot of homework. I was trying to be responsible :) Anyways. That's pretty much it for me

Thank you for reading
Signing off
God Bless

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The Past 3 Weekends Update :)

I realized that I havent update on some fun time events that have happened lately so here we go.

February 12th-It was a random Saturday that I got to be off. It was a split weekend which I am not fond of at all, but it worked out for the best. It was my friend, Brian's birthday and he decided to have a chili cook-off in order to celebrate it and Klento Mento's surgery being successful. I had so much fun hanging out with my friends. Then we went to Caleb's to watch the UT game(they did that just for me) and then we went to the movies. After the movies, Emma and I met up with Abby Lou so I could meet her new boyfriend at Denny's. We sat around and giggled. Poor Jeffrey had to listen to girl talk the whole time and he didnt have much sleep at all. I felt bad for him. (ps they are precious)

****SIDE NOTE: I feel that I should interject who "We" are. You see for the past few years, my Alvaton friends have remained the same for the most past with exception of a few new addition so when I say me. I mean me and my boys. Caleb, The Palmer Brother(Matt, Klento Mento, and Nathan), and Kanin and Brian(they are our newest addition). The only other two girls that constant are Emma and Bethany. So when I say we please assume it was these people or the majority of these people. There are usually some exceptions, but for the most part. Theses are my friends. We call ourselves a little family. That's how we function.

February 19th-This Saturday we celebrated Brian's birthday again by going Outback. This time there were 14 of us, Embem graced us with her presence. It was lovely :) I had to go to work so I bailed early on Saturday. Sunday after church we went to eat at Toots. Caleb was on medicine for being sick and I was slap happy from no sleep. This was a bad combination. We were hysterical; but only to each other. That's all that matters.

February 26th- Sydni Perry's Band was playing in Westmoreland and everyone was getting to go. That's all everyone had been talking about for two weeks was going to W-town and going line dancing. All my friends and a LOT of people from church. I was so ooober depressed because I had to work. I woke up heartbroken, and then work called. They put me on call. I literally screamed. (For those of you who dont know, when I get put on call it means I don't have to come into work unless they call me and then I have two hours to get to the hospital) I thought it was a mean joke. Then I found out they were serious, I quickly changed out of scrubs, and into my boots! I had so much fun learning some new line dancing, doing the cha-cha slide, electric slide, cupid shuffle, and the twist. Listening to Sydni was great! We had so much fun and I got to spend time with my friends. It was wonderful having a Saturday night off and just having fun! We stayed to hear the second band and ended up staying out about 4 hours, then we went to the Palmers apt and played Rock Band for a little bit. Bethany spent the night with me and we had some good quality heart to heart. I love conversation. It makes me happy :)

Anyways now you are updated on at least the past 3 weekends in my life. Thank you for reading
Signing off
God Bless

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Five Question Friday :)

Okay, let's get this Five Question Friday show on the road!!
Rules for Five Question Friday: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them and tada you're done!


Questions for Friday, February 24th:
1. Can you drive a stick shift?
No, but I can drive semi drive a tractor does that count? This is so weird that this is on of the questions because on Wednesdays night I was talking with my group of friends about how this was on my bucket list. Maybe one day soon I will be able to learn :)
2. What are two foods you just can't eat?
I absolutely 100% cannot eat jello. I am going to admit it here. Once and for all. For all the blogging world to know. I have a phobia of jello. I have panic attacks. When it comes to feeding a patient, I will give the Popsicles, ice cream and applesauce, but I can not give them jello. It's been that way since I was little. I accurately had a panic attack feeding a patient jello. Go ahead and make fun, but you're food should not wiggle and jiggle like that. Another food I can not eat is livers. They taste like mud.
3. Do you buy Girl Scout Cookies? What is your favorite kind?
WHO DOESN'T BUY GIRL SCOUT COOKIES(Besides Boy Scouts?) I meant seriously? Girl Scout Cookie Season it like the time that gets you through Christmas and Christmas in July? Tagalongs. Hands down. I mean who doesn't love peanut butter and chocolate. Put them together in a cookie and you have perfection! I mean all the others are honorable mentions, but really Tagalongs take the prize.
4. How do you pamper yourself?
Me time doesn't happen often, but I love to read. When I really want to pamper myself, Ill take a book and go to B&N and sit for a few hours with a bottle of chocolate milk. IF Im splurging I'll buy a new pair of Chucks or tennis shoes. But as far as me time I'll go to the park or by the creek or river and read. That's my favorite. To read outside. Let me paint you a picture. There is a river that isn't too far from our house, I love to take the back roads and drive fast, windows down music blaring, get lost for a while. That gives me time to think. Time to relax and take in God's creation and take in things Ive been taking for granted. I dont like spas, pedicures or manicures. That mess makes me even more tense.
5. What is your nickname and how did you get it?
I have several nicknames. No one really calls me anything concrete though. Christine calls me Amy Lynn; that's really the only one that has been consistent over the past years. Several people call me Aimes, Amy Lou, or Aimers.

Thank you for reading.
Signing off
God Bless

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Things(People) I love Thursdays...

I dont have many girl friends. I have always been one of the boys. I have a lot of guy friends and I like it, even it LOVE it that way. HOWEVER, here recently I have come to appreciate my girl friends even more. I have always loved them, but now I realized how much I need them in my life. In high school I had oh about 4 girl friends, in college I had a lot of them, but I have lost a lot of those lately. Its ok. That is what life it about. Relationships change, people leave and come, you live you learn. So, today I wanted to talk about 3 of my very dear friends: Abby, Emily and Emma. (Disclaimer:This blog isnt meant to leave anyone out or hurt anyone)

I have been through a lot lately and these 3 beautiful ladies have helped me out a lot so here we go.

Abby: I call her Abbicans or Abby Lou. We met my sophomore year of high school when she was dating a mutual friend. We at first decided we couldnt be friends because she was a UK fan and I was a UT fan. We soon figured out that we were destined to be soul mates, so we had to find a remedy to this problem. We decided that since orange(UT's color) and blue(UK's color) are complimentary colors on the color wheel it meant that we could be friends. So then we became complimentary friend. CC's. We became super close we were Bean Queens at Split Tree BBQ and President and VP of PRF our Senior Year of high school. Abby has been such an inspiration for me over the years. She had to grow up a lot quicker than I did. She is a responsible, determined, and motivated. She is super pretty on the inside and out. She plays a killer air guitar and sings like a man; she loves classic Rock N' Roll. She is an amazing artist. She is a lot of things I am not. She is a lot of things I strive to be. Abby deserves to be happy and loved. She deserves to get the best in life because works hard and is a killer friend. She makes me laugh a lot. She is super honest, and tells me to suck it up and move on when I am on a pity party(which I love about her). She has a super big heart and a great sense of humor. She accepts me with all my stubbornness and flaws. Abby Lou, thank you for being a role model for me. We're friends(aka I love you). Thank you for being my BEST friend(that's one of the few times Ill ever say best ;)

Emily: I call her Embem. Embem is 4 years younger than me. I LOVE that. (I wish I was Greek so I could use the words other than love-anyways) EmBem and I knew each other from church, but we didnt really become friends until Carter mention how cool of an artist she was. He kept talking about her "doodlings" that she would do in church and in class. I went and asked her about it, and BAM! Instanious friendship :) Embem is hands down on of the coolest people I know. She is nifty. She is artsy, down-to-earth, and laid back. If I had been have as cool as her which I was 17, I dont know what I would have done with myself. EmBem helps me grow spiritually every time we talk. She helps me see things from a view point that I dont normally see things from. She gives me a different angle on things which I love! She helps me see that God isnt just my view. EmBem is the baby of our group and she HATES it when I say that, but I think it's really cool. I have a role model that is 4 years younger than me. She is super smart on top of everything else. She is beautiful too. She also makes me laugh with her wit and puns! She is a fan of Chucks(the shoes and show!) and introduces me into new music and art. EmBem thank you for being a teacher and an amazing friend. I love you!

Emma: I call her Eeeeeemma Estell, Eeemma, or BoobooBear. Emma and I met when I was a Senior and she was a Freshman in high school. I was placed in an all girl-all Freshman choir. It was miserable, but in the midst of that miserable situation I got one of my best friends so it was worth it. Emma makes me laugh. A lot. A whole lot. She makes me realize when I am super depressed, that God has a plan for me. Emma is an amazing Christian who puts things into perspective for me. We have both been going through a hard time in the last few month so I wanted to say thank you for growing with me. Emma has been made me laugh when I needed to laugh, cried with me when I needed to cry, ate cookie dough with me when I needed to be a girl, sat in silence with me when we didnt know what to say, held my hand when I didnt know what to do and loved me when I simply felt alone. Emma is an old woman who loves dogs and feet(yes, I did just call you out). She makes sure we read our Bible before we go to bed at night and do a devo. Emma has also helped me grow spiritually. She also makes me checks my mood when Im in a bad mood. So Eeeemma Estelle, thank you for loving me when I am broken.

Ok. So there you have it. I have other leading ladies in my life such as my Mom(She has been an amazing help and I have learned to adore our relationship), My Mamaw, and My Grandmother, The Vanns(B, JV, and Aunt Diane) LouAnne, Julie, Shannon, Ede, and Sonja play major roles in my life. I just wanted to say thank you too all of the lovely ladies in my life. Thank you impacting me. (Im sure Im forgetting some people so please dont be offended just know that I appreciate you too).

Signing off.

God Bless

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Five Question Friday :)

I love that I discovered this because this makes for an easy, ummhmm, I mean wonderful blog before I have to sleep before I go into work tonight. Yea! night shift.

1. Have you worn the same outfit more than one day in a row?
Yes maam! Im not ashamed. Dont you judge me ;) Im in college. They charge for laundry when I lived at Disney. What do you expect?! You know you have too. AND You know you you jeans are really comfortable until you have wore them twice and got them steched and comfy again :)

2. If you had to choose any LARGE city to live in, which would it be?
Nashville. I am contemplating moving there anyways. Does Nashville count? I think it's large.

3. Fly or drive with the kids on vacation?
I dont have kids BUT I prefer driving I like to take the scenic route and stop at Mom and Pop places.

4. What is your idea of "spring cleaning"?
For real throwing out stuff. Goodwill here I come. I also like to leave the windows open for about a week and use carpet cleaner. The fresh cotton scent, if you must know.

5. What is the best book you have ever read?
I love to read. I dont know though. I have read John Grisham's A Painted House 3 Times, but I am in love with Jodi Piccoult's Books. She is one of my favorites. My favorite favorite though is probably Pride and Prejudice. I probably have just about one for each genre of reading if you ask me.


Thank you reading! Signing Off!
God Bless

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Dave Barnes, Joe White, and New Friends Oh My!

We all know I am very busy. School. Work. Friends. Family. Sleep(Very little of that). Ive worked overtime this week, but last night even with everything on my to do list I took sometime for myself. I went a F-R-E-E Dave Barnes concert on campus. Emma and Emily came with me. It wasnt just a concert though. It was put on by the BCM on campus. Joe White, who is a really amazing speaker, did a drama presentation. He spoke as he built the cross that Jesus was crucified on. He did it from the prespective of the man who built that cross. It was really neat to watch. Then people who wanted to could write their sins on the card and take it to the front and have it nailed on the cross. It was really moving to watch peoples sins people physically nailed upon a cross. People flooded the ailse and lined up to have their sins nailed. He then gace them a chain to prove that they are a bondservant to God now. They are giving their life to God. They are his. Now and forever more. I mean I think that is so neat.I think there is a huge difference we miss everyday. When we view our self as God's slave we see things as "have too" like 10 Commandments, We HAVE to read the Bible, We Have to go to church, We HAVE to not cuss, and we HAVE to follow him. BUT when we see our self as God's servants we GET to follow the 10 Guidelines, We GET to emurse ourselves in God's Word; He blesses us with the privilege to read it. We GET the opportunity to fellowship with other saints at church, school, after school, and at events like last night. AND We GET the opportunity to choose our language; We GET to choose what words come out of our mouth. We are God's servants, not just his slaves. We GET to serve our Maker. He doesn't force us too. That's something people need to focus on(Sorry, Im off my soap-box now. Back to last night)

Dave Barnes then came out and sang. PS. He is amazing live. He was hysterical. After that Emma and Emily invited a couple of guys, David and Robert to come to GADS(Great American Doughnuts) with us. We stayed out way to late, but we had lots of fun. It was what I needed. A night out. It was great. It was wonderful. It was a God thing.
Thank you for reading.
Signing off
God Bless

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Thing I love Thursdays....

TADA! Im back but only because Im not working today and we got out of school because of the snow! Yea for going not going to main campus for classes on Thursday. So it's Things I love Thursday. Ive debated and debated on what I want to talk about that I love and focus on cause I "love/like" a lot of things. I still cant decide what to write about. Im very sorry bloggers that this isnt going to be a very good post. I've decided to tell you my Top Ten Favorite Movies

10. She's The Man
9. The Mighty Ducks(1,2, and 3)
8. Disney Movie of My Choice Depending on My Mood
7. Save the Last Dance
6. The Dark Night
5. Sound of Music
4. Harry Potter Series
3. Two Weeks Notice
2. When In Rome and The Proposal(It's a Tie)

AND MY ALL TIME FAVORITE IS....

1. Remember The Titans

2-10 change on a weekly basis because I love musicals and so those filter in and out. Mama Mia and Hairspray a frequent visitors in that list as well. I have a lot of movies that I love to watch. Disney movies are ranked pretty highly too. I love movies. However, Remember the Titans wont change. It is my all time favorite.

Sorry its a pretty lame blog, but Im very busy. Saturday I should have some catch time and Abby is coming into town so maybe Ill have some stories for you! Thank you for reading!
Signing off!
God Bless You

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