Friday, October 12, 2012

A Bit Behind...

Well, I got a solid week in of positives and blogging and then, suddenly, 6 months have passed and I haven't touched this thing. In a way, that in itself confirms what I previously wrote, about how God was truly preparing my heart for what was coming and how I needed to be in the habit of finding something positive in every day.

Luckily, what brought me back to this was that I've been having such a fantastic last few days that it reminded me that this blog still was floating around somewhere. I think it's been a combination of things: the new fall weather, discovering amazing new musical artists, good days at work, etc.

I'm thankful for today. I was sent home from work early, which was a wonderful surprise, and then treated myself to a movie! After reading so much online about Pitch Perfect, I got to enjoy it today and it was just the perfect addition to my week! While watching the movie, I kept thinking how I couldn't wait for the movie to come out on DVD so I could watch it again.  I think that's the mark of a good movie.

There's more I could write, but the main purpose I had here today was just to remember a good day, and to remind myself to begin seeking out the small, wonderful parts of life again.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

A Weeks Worth of Positives

Well this last week has continued to be a struggle naturally....but I'm still doing my best to seek out blessings daily. I've struggled in thinking that to find positive things, I must also be peppy, up-beat and cheery...when in reality lately forcing that demeanor has just lowered my mood.
I've been out at the house less which has been a positive thing. I realized it doesn't necessarily get easier being there like I originally thought; instead you just grow numb or immune to it. Being at the house is so emotionally draining, mainly because you can't stop yourself from constantly searching the fields for a furry face. I can be in the middle of a conversation, only to realize my eyes are trained on the horizon, barely taking in what's being said to me. It's horrible not knowing. Especially with the sudden arrival of this rainy, wintry weather, it's been even more apparent how desperate we become for answers. I'd even be okay knowing some other family has taken Munch in, loving and caring for him. I just want to believe he is somewhere warm and cozy, out of this unfamiliar world. Back to my goal of finding positives...

March 2- I got to see my Little Jordan, from Sigma, and it was great to spend time and be able to mourn with her.
March 3- my beloved best friend Kaitlyn came out to the house to see me and the family. She was able to take in the house, help us sort pictures with my cousin Kim, before taking r for a much needing break in Denton. We spent the night at her parents house and it was wonderful to see my second family.
March 4- although I slept through too much of my visit with kaitlyn and her family, it was incredible to sneak a nap in.
March 5- an old roommate Jessie came to take me shopping for the day- the shopping itself was tiring but the company was much needed!
March 6- I seem to have lost this day in my memory for the time being?
March 7- not only did I get to see my grandma for lunch, I got to witness my best friend Kaitlyn getting engaged! That was a desperately needed joyous occasion. I also got to see many sigma sisters afterwards which warmed my heart.
March 8- got to spend time with Travis and Elisabeth, (and kitties phoebe and Tobias!)
March 9- day didn't go exactly as planned overall after suffering vertigo and a severe allergy attack, but I did get to have a yummy sushi lunch with Kaitlyn and spend time with my pledge sister Lauren :)
March 10, today- I've spent today recuperating, laying in bed reading the hunger games trilogy.

Every day is a new day

Friday, March 2, 2012

What Came Next...

Well, I ended my last post with, "Can't wait to see what today brings!" Oh, what the day brought...
I can see now that God was truly preparing my heart when I made my decision to give up complaining for lent and begin this list. He knew that a storm was coming, and I would need to count every miracle He provided us. So, here is my list.

2-28: Both my parents were physically unharmed from the fire that destroyed our home this night. My parents were surrounded by loving neighbors, showered with support and love.
2-29: I was able to get off work and fly home to be with my family.
3-1: God answered our prayers, although differently than expected, and allowed us to find 2 of our 3 cats and lay them to rest. In finding them, we were able to know that they died of smoke inhalation, therefore they fell asleep quickly and painlessly. This is a comfort greater than I can explain. I got to say goodbye to my precious cat, my baby Lucy, tell her how greatly I have and always will love her, and let her go to God.
Today, 3-2: We have managed to finish clearing the rooms, without yet finding our kitten Munch. This leaves us with a glimmer of hope. If any of the cats had a chance of escaping, he had the best. Being the little rascal he is, he was constantly darting out the door outside any time we opened it. My mom left the front door wide open when she ran from the house, praying they would follow. We are praying his furry face comes around soon.

Although our home is destroyed and we have lost precious furry members of our family, God is sovereign. He is bringing to light how many truly good people there are in the world, showing just how loved my amazing parents are by their community. Did God send the fire? No. But He prepared our hearts, has us tightly wrapped in His hands, and will bring us closer to Him. We have been received miracle after miracle, from things as wonderful as finding my mom's wedding ring, to the mere fact that we've been able to laugh on occasion. We will be appreciating every miracle and blessing that comes our way. Our faith will not waiver in this trial. As my brother so beautifully said, the Smith family burns brighter than any fire.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

My First Few Days

Since this is mainly for me to keep track of and be able to look back on, I'm not too concerned about this being super eloquent, haha. Here's to enjoying the small things in life!

2-25: I didn't have to wait long at the doctor office, which was a great relief. I also worked my first stage show, Dream Along with Mickey, and absolutely loved it! I got to see and hear the performance all day and it remained magical, even by the 6th showing. I went home with the lyrics on repeat in my brain.

2-26: Even though it rained on and off, I got to work with Chip & Dale, who are some of my favorite characters. They are so fun to work with and the day just flies by. Enjoyed a dinner out with some of the roommates too!

2-27: I got phenomenal feedback at work AND got to hold 2 super cute babies, making their parents happy as well :) I also got to spend the evening hanging out with my ridiculously fun and crazy roommates.

Can't wait to see what today brings!

What This Is:

The last few years I've begun giving things up for Lent, usually items like soda, french fries, that sort of thing. This year I'm trying something a bit different. I decided to give up complaining. Now, this isn't as black and white as not picking up a soft drink for 40 days, so it's more of a challenge and goal. Of course I will slip and let some complaints slide over the next month, but it's already making me more aware of my attitude. I don't think I'm a naturally negative person, but even the amount of small complaints I make tend to be unnecessary. I am so blessed and lucky, I need to give praise more and complain less. Along with this, I decided to make a daily positives list. I began a few days ago, and so far have only been keeping track of it on my phone. I decided a better way would be to share it here- but so I don't have to mix it in with my Disney updates, I will be adding an additional blog to my account. It's more for me really, but maybe sharing it will encourage others to do the same, and find more joy in their days.  Once it's up and running, I'll attach the link here. Again, it's more for me to keep track of, but feel free to check it out every now and then!