Take A Look at Yourself

Have you ever been told you were snotty? No? Me either... Okay, that was a lie.

Last month, I wrote this post about choices and being happy. I truly feel like I have made a change in my life [especially within the last few months] to be a happier, more positive person.

While sharing my struggles with you all lately, I've received many comments and emails from you all with kind words of my positive attitude throughout such difficult times. Really, the comments mean everything to me. They are uplifting, comforting, and make my day that much better. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, friends!

While making such wonderful changes within myself, I have to admit-- I am still me. Choosing to be happy and positive doesn't mean you change yourself, just your outlook on life. Another thing I must admit? If you don't know me very well, you may mistake my boldness for rudeness. Insert me being told I'm snotty:

To make a long story short[ish], last week at work one of my managers had asked another manager to speak with me about the way I talk to her, and that it was very snotty and I basically yelled at her when I spoke to her, all the time.

I was standing 3 feet from her when she said all of this. My initial reaction was disbelief, and then anger. As I have gotten older, I have learned and now pride myself on holding my tongue and being professional. I couldn't hold my tongue this time. I looked right at her and said very calmly, "I don't yell at you, and I'm sorry if you take it that way", and I walked away. I replayed the situation in my head for the next few hours. I was right- she was wrong. Plain and simple.

As the days went by, I realized that while maybe she is a sensitive person, maybe I too am a little much to handle to somebody that doesn't know me well.

Since that moment that I looked her in the eyes and said what I said, she has been extremely nice to me. I mean a little over the top nice. While it is a bit annoying, I think she realized that I wasn't trying to be rude to her and is just trying to show that she wasn't trying to be rude either.

The entire point of me telling y'all this, is because I think we all need to take a step back every now and then and look at ourselves. We all get comfortable with who we are and we stop trying to improve. Nobody will ever be perfect and there is always room for improvement. Realize that everyone takes things differently.

Be Kind.

Starving...

... for the Lord that is.

With life so crazy lately, I haven't found enough time to spend with God. Not time to do anything out of the ordinary, just time to talk to him. [Reading back over this-- what an awful excuse that is. What I should have said is that I haven't made the time.]

We all do it. Life gets busy, hectic, and stressful and we become way too busy worrying about what we're going to do about situation this or that. When all we really need to do is just let it go. A few weeks ago I met with a small group of ladies that I am going to be joining consistently for a book study. One of the girls mentioned [that girl is Ruthie... yes of The Chronicles of Ruthie Hart, and yes, I know her in real life] something that keeps surfacing to the front of my mind. She said something along the lines of "...take that list of difficulties, frustrations, etc., crumple it up, and give it to God." How true is that? When you can't handle anymore, He is there to take over!

Like I said before, my life lately has been all of the above. Today I sit here writing this post and can't help but notice that I am starving, craving, and begging for the Lord to come into my life. I wish I could sit peacefully in my room all day, just talking to him.

Unfortunately we have bills to pay, work to be done, and a home to clean. Fortunately beginning in November, our small group will be reading and discussing Esther- It's Tough Being a Woman by Beth Moore.

via

Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman by Beth Moore provides a personal study experience five days a week plus viewer guides for the group video sessions of this in-depth women's Bible study of Esther - a profile in courage. Join Beth in a very personal examination of this great story of threat and deliverance as she peels back the layers of history and shows how very contemporary and applicable the story of Esther is to our lives today. If you've ever felt inadequate, threatened, or pushed into situations that seemed overpowering, this is the Bible study for you. Just as it was tough being a woman in Esther's day, it's tough today. This portion of God's Word contains treasures to aid us in our hurried, harried, and pressured lives.

source

I'm not sure what this book has in store for me. I don't know that it is exactly what my life is craving right now. I do have faith that it will speak to me, and am praying that it moves me the way it has others. Whatever it may be that it does to me, I know my life will only be brightened by studying the words of God and I am so excited to start this journey with and learn from some amazing God-fearing women!

Life Updates

Hi friends! The past couple of weeks, I feel like I have been so out of touch with blog world. Sure, y'all still have three weekly posts to read from me, but what you don't see is the behind the scenes of it all-- and to be honest, there really isn't much to see. I have been quickly typing up a post, or publishing drafts I've had saved for a rainy day when my brain just isn't working [happens a little too often].

On top of my surgery a few months ago, Raymond ended up getting a horrible toothache followed by a miserable sinus infection the next week. His toothache kept him from eating for 2 days and from working for 5. Needless to say, we've felt like we're in the middle of a hurricane these days! Saturday was my first day off in 12 days, and about half of those days we're spent working 12+ hours. I have been busting my butt at work to try and help make up for all of the time we've been missing due to our ailments.

Life lately has been a whirlwind. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, life has been hectic, busy, and as I mentioned before, a little trying at times. No worries though, things are finally starting to fall back into place [slowly, but surely] and eventually I'll be able to spend more time chatting with you lovelies again.

Other than working like a dog, things around these parts haven't been all bad. A couple of updates are definitely in store if you're a nosy blog reader like me and like to know everything about the author...

+ With an entire weekend of free time, I decided that it was going to be spent doing nothing productive. My plan was to sleep in, nap, rest, spend a little time watching trashy television, snuggling with Guero, and hopefully convincing Raymond to give me a foot/back rub.

+ Saturday we watched the Red River Rivalry and let's just say it didn't go so well for us Longhorns. That's as far as I want to get into it! Dinner out with my honey at our favorite hole in the wall, and then drinks and pumpkin carving at my best friend's house made for a perfect Saturday night.

+ We have a Halloween party to attend next Friday and are seriously struggling to come up with costume ideas. Last year we were white trash bikers but are at a loss for something fun. Anyone have any good ideas or past costumes to share? Please do so!

+ I know I said that I wasn't going to do anything productive, but Sunday morning I woke up and cleaned the heck out of our apartment. Bathroom, kitchen, living room, vacuuming  scrubbing, dishes, laundry-- you name it, I did it. We had friend's coming over for the Cowboy's game [again- let's not talk about this game either], and not having time to really clean in weeks took it's toll and I couldn't bare to have people see our dump of a home.

+ While carving pumpkins Saturday night, my friend Amanda and I were discussing how we wanted to save the seeds so we could roast them and have them to snack on, when we got the weirdest looks from Raymond and our other friends. I know blog world is crazy about all things pumpkin, so I have to ask-- does roasting pumpkin seeds sound foreign to y'all or are my friends the crazy ones? I thought this was something everyone knew about!

+ Today marks week three of four that I was told to wait by the specialist for my wound to heal. He said it would take a lot of patience but if there is no progress within four weeks, another surgery will be in store for me. Well, unfortunately for me, it seems as though things aren't getting any better or closer to healing. To be honest, I'm ready to just have surgery again and hopefully get things moving. I'm tired of being cautious and uncomfortable and this past week, things are getting a little painful. I'm just over and done with being patient!

+ Guero is getting his chi-chis chopped off next Monday and I'm a bit nervous. I don't know if I should stay home with him for a few days or are we okay to go to work as normal? This may sound weird-- but Guero is unlike any animal we've ever come across and he is just, different [in a good way] and I just have weird feelings that he's going to have a difficult time with this. Anyone have any tips or advice on neutering?

+ Fall weather still hasn't graced us yet here in Austin. I'm constantly wearing my Christmas pajamas and socks and burning my fall candles, but it just isn't enough to make up for the heat.

+ I have had a few readers email me in regards to my I Am The Girl posts [edition one and two]. I am SO thrilled that y'all love them and the idea of them so much so that you want to do them as well! I have created a button that I would really appreciate you add to any IATG posts you decide to write. I believe we all deserve credit where credit is due! I am even considering making it a monthly link-up... would you guys be interested in participating?

<a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">href</span>="http://i1060.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">photobucket</span>.com/albums/t448/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">therealpretty</span>/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">IATG</span>.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">jpg</span>"/></a>

I wish I had more fun, awesome events to share with y'all, but when life is hectic, social life takes a back seat. Sometimes it's okay to be boring, though!

What's going on in your neck of the woods? Fill me in, friends!

Foodie Friday: Chocolate Coconut Brownie Bites

These little gems come courtesy from about a year ago when I was doing a vegan cleanse. About a week into the cleanse, I found myself consumed with a crazy craving for something, anything sweet and comforting. With a little search around Google, I stumbled across the recipe [can't remember where I found the original] for brownie bites and never turned back! After a couple of tweaks, I ended up with these delish chocolate coconut brownie bites. Try to control yourselves with 24 of these babies in your face!

**********

Chocolate Coconut Brownie Bites

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yields: 24 mini bites

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup + 2 T buckwheat flower
• 1/2 cup + 2 T brown rice flower
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup agave nectar
• 1/2 cup apple sauce
• 1/4 cup coconut oil 
• 1/8 t baking soda
• 1/2 t salt
• 1 t vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks

Directions:

Mix all dry ingredients together and set aside. Mix all wet ingredients together, and then combine with dry. Using a spoon (or ice cream scoop), dollop batter into mini cup cake liners. Cook for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from pan and let cool slightly. Enjoy!

[Tip: I smeared a little almond butter on them while still warm and they were oh so amazing!]

**********

I Am The Girl [Edition 2]

Last month I wrote am I Am The Girl post to give y'all a little more insight as to who I am-- you can view that post here. I've been thinking that it would be a good idea to keep the posts going every so often so that new [and old] readers can continue to learn new things about the author behind this ol' blog!

I Am The Girl That...

is newly addicted to Sex and The City

dwells too much on what others around me are doing

has finally decided to make things happen for myself

has the most handsome puppy around

may be just a little biased

doesn't pamper myself enough

is starving for the Lord

and has officially joined my first small group

loves meeting new friends

doesn't see enough live music

is ready for the fall weather to finally be here [and stay for a while]

will wear Christmas pajamas year round
needs good book recommendations

found my dream engagement ring [it's only $14k]

is learning to find the positive in everything

can't wait to move into a house and out of an apartment
wants to make Christmas cards with my boyfriend and puppy this year

is ready for Halloween/Thanksgiving/Christmas parties

needs a real vacation [seriously, I haven't had one since 2007]

laughs at all of my own jokes because they really are hysterical

while other people just laugh at me

has some of the best friends ever

& as usual

I am the girl that is still so thankful that you're here reading this blog & appreciate all of the kind words you all leave me on a daily basis!

Now it's your turn! What kind of girl [or guy] are you??

Who Cares

Happy Monday, friends! Most of the time Mondays are something we all dread, but I am in a chipper mood simply for the fact that I am spending the entire day (11 hours!) with these guys:

Sure, it has only been a week since I've seen them, but boy did I miss them!

**********

A few weeks ago, Julie posted a link on Twitter stating 32 Things We Should Stop Caring About and after reading the list, I couldn't agree with it more. Below are a couple of the things that I am going to be working on to stop caring about, and my thoughts in bold. In the end, all that matters is the family and friends we hold dear and nothing else! (You can View the entire list here.)

What the people you don't like post on their Facebook status (why are you even still friends with them?)  There are a few "grown" women on my Facebook that I don't even talk to, or know through somebody else and they post the most annoying and immature things that get on my nerves, but I can never remember to just delete them!

The opinions of people who a) will never like you and b) have absolutely no bearing on your life. This is why we have our own friends and family. Not everyone is going to like ya.

Whether or not you look as good as some random, well-dressed stranger on the subway. God made us all different for a reason.

Whether people you know are getting married, having children, or making big life changes when it either hasn't happened to you yet or you don't want it to happen at all. This is probably my biggest worry. Everyone around me is getting married/buying houses/having babies and I'm not. Commence complex.

Hitting your life milestones at the "right" moments. This goes with the above. I need to remember that I am only 23 and my time will come, too.

The fact that friends are going to make harmless decisions that we wouldn't necessarily make for ourselves. (They are there for your love and companionship, not another parent.) I am an extremely matronly person and just want the best for everyone. Well, the best for me isn't what's best for all of us.

**********

And these two are a few I don't really care about but thought were just too funny to not share:

When someone looks at the food you're eating and comments on how it isn't good for you. (That is why I ordered chili fries, bitch pass me the ranch dressing). Mmm... chili fries!

Trying to convince your friends/acquaintances to start watching Breaking Bad. If they're not going to do it, it's their loss, dude. This series has been recommended to me numerous times. Maybe I should really start watching it?

Do any of the items in the list make you worry??

Foodie Friday: Oatmeal Cookies

With an anniversary dedication and being so busy last Friday, it's been a few weeks since we last had a Foodie Friday post. Fear not, though, I have a great treat to share with y'all today! Nothing will ever compare to my love for a Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie, but when looking for something on the healthier side, these cookies do the trick!

**********

Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yields: 12-15 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup raw walnut pieces
• 1/4 cup raw almond slivers
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup skim milk
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:

Combine and stir all ingredients together, until mixed well. Roll into ball in hand. (yes, this will be a sticky mess) and flatten on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool slightly before removing from pan. Enjoy!

**********

He Is Real

The past few months have been trying for me [and my honey]. In June, the boys started school. This meant that my hours were sliced in more than just half. They went from 45 to 20. While I knew this was coming, I had no luck finding another job.

With no other choice, my sweet, amazingly wonderful boyfriend said that he would take care of me for the two months that the kiddos were in their summer program for, and I would find a job by then. Well, those two months have come and gone.

August rolled around, I had been on a few interviews, and unfortunately the cards were never dealt in my favor. Luckily, I had four weeks that the boys were out of school, and was able to bump back up to full time.

-Week one, I needed to have surgery

-Week two, I had a blow out and had to buy new tires [goodbye $400 for TWO tires]

-Week three, playing catch up from the previous 2.5 months

-Week four, still playing catch up and our Labor Day trip [$$$]

Other miscellaneous issues included having my wound reopen and having to drive back and fourth over an hour to the hospital where I had surgery, registrations and inspections went out on both vehicles, and a plethora of other expensive curve balls that life throws at us all. Raymond was out of work last week with a toothache, rent is due this week, and I just dropped almost $100 at the Vet.

There I sat, upset, sad, confused, angry and asking why? Why can't I find a job? Why can't we finally just be comfortable? When will the struggle stop? After many days and nights of silent prayers, an entire day filled with back-to-back annoyances and issues for Raymond, I lost it.

Right now I'm feeling like things can't get worse. Now, I know they always could, but everything is so overwhelming right now. I'm ready for things to get back to normal and to finally stop struggling.

These are the times that I really am thankful that I decided to explore my faith and see what was out there. Nothing can overcome His power. He has a plan. He is good. He is real.

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

With a Cherry on Top

The restaurant that I work for is in the running for North America's Best Sports Bar. Pretty pretty please with a cherry and sprinkles on top vote for us, friends! It takes .2 seconds and you can vote as many times as you want!

Click the link below, select Plucker's Wing Bar and click vote. Simple as that!

Vote For Pluckers Here

Thanks, Friends!