Facing Reality... and Getting More Sleep

I've had an interesting set of emotions lately.

I feel overwhelmingly blessed and thankful and happy, almost to the point where I could sing from the rooftops or cry tears of joy at any given moment.

I feel free. Of anxiety, of worry, of sleeplessness. The things that plagued me for months in the Spring and Summer are gone. Fall and Winter have brought peace and comfort, and newness.

And sleep, thank goodness.

But with that freedom comes an awareness that I guess it's time to face. Feelings and emotions I swept under the rug are coming out. I'm strong enough now to look reality in the face and remember things I would rather not.

But, I have to. It's all part of it, right?

It makes me realize how much stronger I am, how much happier and honest with myself I am.

And that is a very good thing.

Miracle on 36th Street

I successfully hosted my first Thanksgiving!

Six people and one Border Collie spent three days and two nights in my cozy, two-bedroom home.

We ate. We played scrabble. We laughed. We saw Harry Potter. We lived on top of each other.

And they all ran out the door, crying and screaming this morning.

I kid! But seriously... everyone woke up and was totally over Thanksgiving and ready for Christmas.

And their own bed.

My mom stayed a few extra hours and helped me put the house back in order. And a miracle occurred on 36th Street: my house is clean, my fridge is stocked... and my Christmas tree is up!

Oh, did I mention 82% of my Christmas shopping is done?

Ok, bragging session over. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

We had a great day around here of cooking, eating, laughing and enjoying being together as a family here in Tulsa!

I hope you had a very blessed day!

Giving Thanks

Hello, friends and family! What a whirlwind week. I hate going several days without blogging, much less a week, because it's such a wonderful outlet for me. But I spent the past week focused very intently on another "outlet"- a variety show we put on right here in Tulsa. "Show and Tell With Peter Bedgood" had great turnout, and I am so incredibly proud of what we put together.

Nearly three months of working what seemed like two jobs, all paid off!

Now, I am so ready for a week of slowing down, of giving thanks. My family comes Wednesday to celebrate Thanksgiving in my new house, and I am so excited to fill this cozy home with the people I love most on this Earth.

The older I get- and maybe this year, more than ever- I appreciate Thanksgiving. A day to reflect on blessings. Technically, it should be Thanksgiving every day- (cue the cheesy music) but sometimes it takes a special day, a holiday, to put things in perspective, to remind you in the hustle and bustle of life what giving thanks really means.

I am so thankful right now, I could cry. 2010 has not been a good year for me on paper. And sometimes I look back at August, and I tear up, thinking of the girl who lived in an apartment and watched her life change faster than she wanted it to.

I can't even believe that girl was me.

So, this Thanksgiving, I am thankful- maybe more than ever.

I am thankful for a broken heart, because every day I feel stronger and more certain of what I want and need.

I am thankful for death of a sweet pet, because it made me remember that life is fragile, and worth living to the fullest.

I am thankful for family who surrounds me with love and laughter.

I am thankful for friends who stand up for me and give me support.

I am thankful for a job that lets me be me, every day.

I am thankful for a new house, that I will fill with memories for many years to come.

I am thankful for a Savior, who keeps me holding on... no matter what.

2010 has not been a good year on paper. But if I had to judge this year on lessons learned, on hope restored, on thanks to be given- this has been my best year yet.

Christmas Wish List

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat! (Who can finish up the song?)

I love this time of year. In the past, the holidays have been very stressful. Trying to find time for holiday get-togethers, trips home to see the family, and yes... the ever-lovely Christmas budget can make me feel more like scrooge than Santa.

To avoid stress this year, I'm getting my shopping done early... and I'm sticking to a pretty strict budget. I'm also planning my family time and get-togethers ahead of time, and trying to focus on the real reason for the season. So, no stress.

Plus, Starbucks Peppermint Mochas help. A lot.

I'm working on a "Christmas Guide" post with some of my favorite shops to find Christmas goodies. Tune in for that tomorrow!

Today... here's a glimpse at my own personal Christmas wish list. :)

Anything and everything from The Vintage Pearl. I LOVE their stuff, and these leather cuffs are so perfect.

I'm a tad obsessed right now with all things travel-related. My guest room/office is more commonly referred to as "the travel room"... and since New York City is one of my favorite destinations, I believe this map via Made By Girl would be perfect on my wall.

I also love this print with "hello" in a bunch of different languages, also found at Made By Girl.

I have been looking for the perfect vintage globe for my guest room, too. I came across this designer that takes old, vintage globes and puts a new design on them. This Bon Voyage globe is my favorite.

Ok, ok... this is DEFINITELY not going to be waiting under the tree this year... but a girl can dream! :) I have debated the ipad for months now, and my conclusion... I love it. I want it.

What's on your Christmas wish list?

A Prayer

Happy Wednesday!

I don't know about you, but the week is only halfway through and I'm exhausted! Too much going on. :) So, instead of an update... here's a prayer.

I actually had this taped to my mirror for years, and I just stumbled across it again the other day. I beyond love it.

Because I Love Her

I made her... she is different.

She's unique.

With love I formed her in her mother's womb.

I fashioned her with great joy.

I remember, with great pleasure, the day I created her.

I love her smile.

I love her ways.

I love to hear her laugh

And the silly things she says and does.

She brings me great pleasure.

This is how I made her.

I made her pretty and not beautiful

Because I knew her heart

And I knew that she would be vain.

I wanted her to search her heart

And learn that it would be me in her

That would draw friends to her.

I made her in such a way that she would need me.

I made her a little more lonesome than she would like to be

Only because of the need for her to learn and depend on me.

I know her heart.

I know if I had not made her like this

She would go her own chosen way

And forget me... her creator.

I have given her many good and happy things

Because I love her.

Because I love her I have seen her broken heart

And the tears she cried alone.

I have cried with her

And had a broken heart, too.

Many times she has stumbled and fallen alone

Only because she would not hold my hand.

So many lessons she has learned the hard way

Because she would not listen to my voice.

So many times I have watched her go her merry way

Only to watch her return to my arms

Sad and broken.

And now she is mine again

I made her...

And then I bought her...

Because I love her.

I have to reshape and mold her

To renew her to what I had planned for her to be.

It has not been easy for her or for me.

I want her to be conformed to my image

This high goal I have set for her

Because I love her.

I love that poem! Such a wonderful reminder of what God intends for each of us.

Here's to Thursday... one step closer to Friday!

Weekend Wrap-Up

I just got home from a fabulous and much-needed weekend in Plano with the family! My brother drove down from OU, so the whole gang was in town. Here's a iphone picture recap of our weekend...

Mom & Ali met me at The Nest Boutique for the POST Blog Social Thursday night. So fun!

Mom & I. You can read my recap of the social (and see a few wish list items/do some Christmas shopping) here!

Friday night, we all went to my brother's last high school football game to watch him perform in the band.

My brother played the drums in the middle of the performance and rocked it. You can see the video here.

And Saturday morning, we went to Mikey's last drumline show. They did a great job- I love listening to the drumline.

The rest of the weekend was spent laying on the couch, eating good food, and- unfortunately- watching the Sooners lose. Badly.

I love weekends in Plano. I'm trying to take more time to go "home" for rest weekends like these, where I can just enjoy my family.

But the weekend of rest is over! This week is busy, busy, busy. Parties, cocktails with new friends, blogger meet-up... it's a glamorous life, people! :) AND... have you bought your ticket yet for the variety show? It's next weekend! Click here to get your ticket... they're selling fast!

Here's to hoping everyone has a smooth Monday!