Notbroken

So I had the privilege of going to the Goo Goo Dolls concert again in Chattanooga. It was, of course, excellent, but John was telling the story of the song "Notbroken". Its a really good song but the story behind it is even better so I wanted to share it.. After one of their concerts, a lady was talking to him about how her husband had gone away to the war and come home paralyzed. The husband was skeptical about moving back in with the family because he had changed so much and didn't think he could be the person he was before he left for Iraq. John wrote this song as a love letter for her, and others like her, for him to come home. He couldn't help wondering how many other people, who had served our country, were facing this issue upon their return.

Click to listen: Notbroken

May the mighty Lion of Judah, the Holy King of heaven, the Righteous Judge, who will weigh the nations and everyone in them in just and perfect scales, fill you with the true, deep, rich, utterly delightful, and comforting knowledge of Himself. May you, childlike, kneel; may you lovingly trust, even when he shatters your box and singes your hair. May you, lost in wonder, worship, love, and adore.

Airplanes

I've been flying in seat 17A the past 4 trips to and from Alabama. Here is what I've realized:

1) I prefer sitting by older men.

2) The drink trolly they roll around have every drink imaginable.

3) The overhead bins are bigger on the DEF side of the plane instead of the AB side.

Explanations:

1) On my way to Alabama 2 weeks ago, I sat by a younger women (approx 25). She was terrified of flying. If you know my friend Touchette and the way she hates big dogs, that is the exact way this girl was acting as we were sitting there and the stewardesses were cross checking for take off(what does that even mean?). She starts panting and blabbing on about how she needs a drink, but can't because they are so expensive then decides she might want to go ahead and order one anyway but she has to drive an hour home after she lands so its probably not a good idea, but because its just a small drink maybe it won't be effecting her by the time its time to land and she's collected her baggage. That went on, BEFORE takeoff. I looked up to make sure I was in the right seat, unfortunately I was. So I sat, ipod in hand inviting me to drown her out, but obviously thats rude while she's freaking out so I just sit there and listen. We take off, she's panting with that little barf bag in her face, the flight attendant had already come by to make sure she would be okay, see if she needed anything, then the attendant told me to call her if we needed anything. Awesome.

The Return flight:

There was another lady that I got to sit next to flying home (approx 50), has kids about my age and was flying to Dallas for a High School Reunion. She hated flying too. Luckily once we took off she was fine and she explained to me that she was just going to talk because she had to do something while the plane got going but I didn't have to listen. So I listen, she's planning her daughters wedding thats happening soon, nervous about her reunion, hasn't seen these people in forever, yada yada yada. I would chose her anyday over younger girl, but it was awkward when the conversation had reached its end and then what? We both just kinda shuffle around, look out the window, then I just tell her I have a magazine if she'd like to read it, thankfully she says yes and I pull out my book and all is good.

This past week was great. No delays. No issues with bags. No people freaking out because of flying. This round trip they gave me the can of whatever beverage I had chosen. It was good.

On the way I sat next to this little boy (approx 7) and his dad was taking care of the 3 kids. The dad and 2 kids were on the opposite side of the aisle. This little boy was next to me. He just sat in his chair, got hungry, so his dad gave him an apple. He starts eating it and its dripping everywhere. I hate being sticky, so I just keep an eye on him to make sure it stays on his side of the chairs. He eats the outer layer, then wraps it in his shirt. Twists it in there nice and tight and places the wrapped apple in between his forearm and bicep and squeezes. His dad comes over to check on him and ask what he's doing and he says he wants the juice out. His dad explains that the juice is good, and that his going to make his shirt sticky and smelly. His reply: "I don't care" so his dad says okay, and walks off. After his dad is gone the kid unrolls the apple from his shirt and leans his nose down to his shirt (instead of picking his shirt up to his nose) and smells it. I obviously laugh and he just continues eating his apple. The drink cart rolls by and I ask him if he'd like a drink and he looks at me and very seriously says, yes, tomato juice. I said are you sure and he said yes. So i told the lady and she hands it to me then asks for my drink order. By the time I get my drink he has chugged this tomato juice. Naturally I laugh again because what child drinks tomato juice and likes it? I've never had it so obviously i'm curious if its good. The return flight I order it. It's not good. It's thick. and smells HORRIBLE. gag. The rest of the time the kid just watches a movie on his ipod, (about an inch away from his face cause the screen is pretty little) and giggles. Funny kid.

The Return trip:

Board the plane, older man, we sit down and don't exchange anything but pleasantries. It was beautiful. I could just listen to my ipod, read, or look out the window. In conclusion, girls talk too much. Kids on planes are either really good or really bad. Luckily this little boy was good, but it could have been terrible. Old men are just cute and don't talk too much, and when/if they do its usually really funny.

2) As I explained in comment #1, I got the can of tomato juice. Well unfortunately I drank not even a sip and was stuck with the can and cup sitting there full. I looked wasteful, but couldn't bring myself to drink it. Props to that kid. He's a healthy little bean. But I'm glad I didn't go out and buy tomato juice. I decided to experiment with all kinds of drinks and never get the same thing. SO suggestions are welcome? What's your favorite drink on a plane? So far I've ordered Water, Cranberry Juice, Tomato Juice, and once I got nothing (but that was before the experiment).

3) This might seem like a duh when you initially read that because there are more seats on that side of the plane, but when you look at it as you walk thru the aisle, they are the same length, but the DEF go deeper, so to those of you who have trouble getting your luggage in, try the other side of the plane next time and see if it helps, it did for me.

Mini Update

So I know the point of the last blog was to catch up, but obviously that didn't work out so well. So I apologize again, but I don't think I could remember everything thats happened to even do bullet points. The last one was before I really started my job, and people have been asking about it so this blog is dedicated to work/life as an adult.

I started working In May and feel so blessed to not only have a job, but one that I love. There has been a lot of learning, but unlike most subjects in school, I actually care because it pertains to what I'll be doing each day. For those of you who don't know or that talked to me before I really even understood what I would be doing, in a nutshell, I work as an implementation consult and teach people how to use the company's software. Everyone that I work with is fairly young and a good amount went to ACU. It's been a lot of learning and there is still so much I don't understand, but I'm enjoying it and can't wait to see how these next few years pan out.

In the meanwhile, I'm still enjoying the job, but the adult life is another thing. I like working and being busy all day and having fun with people at the office, but I can't say I'm a huge fan of all the other things that come with being a grown-up. Before, I guess it didn't really hit me because I was working for my dad and still had a lot of flexibility, so the bills and stuff that were "adult-ish" kinda evened out. But now that I have work all day, pay bills, don't have summer vacations and celebrate my birthday by going to work all day then dinner/bed after, it just seems real old. I know I'm still young, but this year on my birthday was the first time it hit me that birthdays just aren't as exciting anymore. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely plenty of things I love about getting older that make it fun and exciting, but realizing that time of your life is over kinda sucks.

The 4th of July this year was spent at the Lake with lots of family and it was such a joy to be around so many people that you just love. Like deep love that you just know every one of them will be there for you always and no matter what. I don't know if I never thought about it before, or realized it before, but not on this level anyways. We celebrated my grandpa's 80th birthday and it was just so cute to see my grandparents and all their children. Family is such a blessing and I'm constantly overwhelmed by it.

These thoughts sound like I've been doing a lot of deep thinking lately, but I haven't really. Haha I've just been busy and when I stop to think and pray and just look around, I just can't help but be so thankful.

I'll post some pictures this week cause I think blogs are more fun with pictures, but I just kinda tired of being on the computer. :)

"Someday I will live in a house that's built by hands that hold the world..."

Tanzania is a new song I have been listening to by Alli Rogers thats really good. Check it out if you are looking for a good new tune, I love her lyrics though..

Someday I will wake,

where the earth is clean and safe

my children have a place to play

not here in Tanzania.

Someday I will live

in a house thats built by hands

that hold the world.

But someday I will wake

in a body that won't break

On ground that doesn't shake, not here.

And someday I will live

in a house thats built by

hands that hold the world.

So since I have been a little slack regarding pictures on my blog, here are a few favorites from this last month-ish..

Mol and Chris

The engaged couple!

The dinner we all made (it doesn't look as good as it tasted)

Seth, Carly and Bennnnn

Other side of the table after church!

THe group at Joe T's before the Josh Turner Concert in FW

Shay and I at the Rangers game!

Me, Zach, Travis, Alanna, and Lars after the Spazmatics (an 80's cover band) Concert. It rained the whole time, but we got to end up right next to the stage, Alanna and I got to get on stage, and it was just a blast dancing in the rain all night. If you ever get a chance to see them GO! You won't be disappointed!

I GOT A JOB!!!!

Well these last couple weeks I have been in the process of applying/interviewing for jobs. With the help of my Uncle Phil I was able to expedite that process and I interviewed with Homecare Homebase on Friday last week and today, they offered me a position as an Associate Implementation Consultant!! YAYYYYYY!!!!

Obviously I'm freaking out and today at work I probably won't get much done. I want to go frolic in the field and sing praises! God is so good. This is at perfect timing and I can't wait to start this new job. I will get to travel part of the time, be home for the other part of the time so it seems to be such a great balance for me! Also, I have a couple good friends in the office so that makes the prospect even more appealing.

It's such a beautiful day!! haha well I just thought I'd update the blog world. I'm gonna try to get some work done!

High's and Low's

It has been over a month since my last post. So to those of you avid readers (mom), I apologize! :) SO since I don't really remember everything that has been going on since my last post, I'm going to do my High's and Low's of March.

High's (working chronologically through March):

A mini road trip with Travis to visit the Hamiltons and Seth in WACO.

Snowboarding in Crested Butte with the Fam. Always loads of fun!

Kristin (a JH Ranch friend) came all the way from B'ham to visit for a couple days!

Molly and Chris came in from Cali for their Engagement Party

Primerica IPO. Now publicly traded on the NYSE!

Chad and Kelley Clinch got hitched.. (Justin's best friend) so it was great to hang out with him and his friends since I hadn't seen most of them in years!

Texas Rangers are now in season and I got to go see the Mariners with my lil sis! Even though she hates baseball, it was kinda fun to experience her first baseball game.

Lows/Prayer Requests:

Justin burnt his eyes in Colorado. That was more funny (for me, not him) than anything, and they have healed but that was an unfortunate part of the trip.

We managed to pick the 2 best travel days and got to travel to/from Colorado in a white out.

Dad is having heart complications. He's been going to a cardiologist to get some tests done, but keep him in your prayers as we try and figure out what's going on

Katie (Mack) Browder's momma is a constant in prayers as she continues fighting cancer.

On a lighter note, I'm applying for jobs and have had interviews this week (Monday and Friday) so just prayers that the Lord opens doors if one of these positions is right for me!

That's all I've got.. Things have been so busy and I just kinda forgot or didn't feel like blogging, but now that I'm up-to-date it won't be as much effort and you will start seeing my random thoughts again.