raise him up.

Growing up my mom would pray with my brothers and me every morning for my dad.

She simply prayed "God, raise him up in the eyes of the men he works with."

What powerful words.

Now every day, when I think of DK, I pray "God, raise him up..."

This is DK at work on a set - photo by Cody Bess.

what would you do?

My friend Rebecca raved about this show and last night Kristen and I watched ABC 13's "What Would You Do?" for the first time. It was terribly interesting - like a mix of Punk'd and Candid Camera but with a more socialogical twist and moral outcome - studying people's behaviors in somewhat controversial situations.

Click here to learn more about the show. It definitely makes you think!

So today I decided to do a little socialogical experiement of my own. By wearing this outfit to work today, my goal is to see how people react, inform me of my poor choices, or just simply look away. I work with plenty of honest people and I feel they will be very open about today's fashion mistakes.
Soooo, what would you do if we worked together and I came dressed like this?? "Hi ya'll!!"

do you look so cute?

Every morning on my drive to work, I call DK and we chat for a few minutes about our plans for the day, etc. And I always ask him "Baby, do you look so cute?!" Sometimes he answers "Oh yes, absolutely" and other times he says "Well, I'm not too sure about that." (Once I even jokingly told him he should ask the guys at work what they think, I doubt that ever happened heehee)

So today he sent me this so I could see how cute he did look.

And then I retaliated with this:

I just love love love him. We have too much fun...

daydreaming.

my weekend plans.

1. Utilize public transportation.
2. Live music with DK.
3. Tacos A Go-Go.
4. Post marathon run with In Flight for "Medals and Donuts"!
5. Clean my house!
6. Host the Giving Gown fundraiser fashion show!
7. Finish painting my bathroom.
8. Try lunch at the newest burger joint in Montrose!
9. Read on the front porch.
10. Take Kenai to the park!

Perfect!!

my marathon experience.

It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I don't think I fully realized the committment it takes to train for and run a marathon. Do we ever though? I don't regret any part of it, I learned so much and I encourage anyone who's considering taking on the challenge to DO IT and stick with it. However, after completing this feat and earning a (heavy) medal, I've "hung up my shoes" and won't be running any more full marathons in my lifetime. (Jen laughs when I say that, she seems to think I'll change my mind.)

It's one thing to commit to do something huge like this, but with the added pressure of committing before nearly 700,000 KSBJ listeners that I was going to follow through with it, I knew I couldn't slack. Having Jen, Coach Michael and Nikki razz me anytime I did slack was good for me too because come 5 a.m. on Saturday mornings, it was easy to justify how hard my week had been, thinking of course I'll make up the 16 mile long run tomorrow... or something. Yaaa right!! Oh how I need accountability in my life...

I never was a runner. I started running 5K's a few years ago because I met cool people, got a t-shirt for bragging rights and loved the feel of accomplishment. Then I met David Anderson who was training for his first marathon. He was a friend of a friend who came to help me move one Saturday morning after just running 18 miles. I figured he was a strange breed, an advanced human specimen with bonus pockets of endurance and strength, just hovering above the rest of us normal weaklings. Though I still believe this to be true (haha) I learned about his training group In Flight Running and watched as David qualified for Boston in his first attempt. What an accomplishment. And it was contagious.

One month later I ran my first half marathon in Austin. I trained on my own when 6 months earlier I'd had reconstructive surgery on both my feet but was so determined to get that medal. I remember at mile 9 seeing a sign held by a spectator that said "Go Marathoners! Only 17 More Miles To Go!" and made up my mind right then and there I was ok with never running a full. But wow, what a rush. The next year in Austin, my brother David completed his first marathon, I ran too but only the half. This time when I finished I said to my dad, "I wish I could keep going, I feel like I could keep running!" And with the adrenaline and ability channeling through David, I decided for sure to run Houston 2009.

That's when I connected with Coach Michael at In Flight, Jen and Nikki committed with me and my roommate Stacey (she's run 3 marathons, definitely not human either) cheered on my decision without any doubt. We gathered a team of listeners, forming the first ever KSBJ Marathon Team and training began.

I am so grateful to In Flight Running, Fleet Feet, Dr. Haasenbank with Spine and Sports, Christian Bros. Automotive and the KSBJ listeners for all the generousity, support and prayer throughout training.

January 17th, I was ready to go. I don't know what I'd have done without DK, my friends and family encouraging, cheering, and praying in the days leading up to the marathon. DK and I went to the Expo at GRB and the feeling in the air was so energizing from all those who were going to run too. It was exciting to enter the "Marathon" packet pick-up line, to do the "I'm running the Full Marathon tomorrow" strut and to feel so confident about it. And I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was nothing about me or my physical ability, but through Him and only Him was I able to be here now. For His glory.

The next morning I woke up early feeling rested and at peace! I got dressed, praying all the while and loaded up to head to GRB. DK and Kenai dropped me off and I realized the next time I saw him, I would be running in a freaking marathon. WHAT?!

Near the start line at the KSBJ tent I found Nikki and Jen with the rest of the team. We were like giddy teenagers talking, hugging and eeeee!!! but I didn't sense any nervousness from others. The gun time was nearing and because I run so slow, I was in the second wave of marathon runners, so I found my pace rep and hung out until it was time for the gun!

The gun went off. The first wave of runners (Jen was in this group) left and the rest of us moved closer to the start line. 10 minutes later, a gun/cannon boomed and we were on our way. I saw DK in front of Minute Maid as we passed under the official start line and beep! beep! beepbeepbeep! went the racer's time chips. "I love you!" I yelled to DK and then put in my headphones to focus and run.

I call this run the Tour De Houston because of the variety of locations we run through in our great city. Just north of downtown up and over Elysian as the sun was rising, we passed a group of Elvis impersonators. Left on Quitman and towards the Heights, SO. MANY. PEOPLE. came out of their houses to cheer us on, one group enjoying mimosas, yum! Around mile 4 I saw Bill Ingram at the KSBJ broadcast van booming our music and we continued down Michaux to 11th Street. The Heights and Montrose had the best representation and spectators, no doubt. The first 8 miles seemed to pass so quickly and everything was going really well. I felt like all of Houston was cheering us on!! It was at Montrose and Fairview that I saw DK again and Stacey and Jeff were there too!! I will never underestimate the power of encouragement and just showing up. It's what got me through this whole thing, I know it. I love my Montrose!!

Around mile 13 my legs started cramping up because my stride was so short so I began doing some long stride power walking. It really helped... We ran down University all the way to Wesleyan and I was already feeling shock and disbelief of how far we'd come. Left on Westpark, over the bridge, the crowd was thinning and I began to make runner friends. Over to Post Oak, I started hurting bad. I was feeling discouraged and was hoping even though it wasn't part of the plan that somehow DK would appear along the route to help me along. I stopped at a medic station for some icy hot and met some KSBJ listeners who really helped lift my spirits. We passed the Galleria, crossed Westheimer and I knew the turn at San Felipe was not far off.

And then I saw my dad.

He held a sign above his head with my name on it and was cheering so loud for me. I got pretty emotional and really lost it when I saw (AND HEARD) Domenica, Kristen, Mary, Ma Olden, and DK. It was all I could do to keep from losing it and bawling. But it was the boost I needed to keep going and not only did I ace the next 3 miles but was also able to help others bounce out of their funk and pain. I'm crying now as I write this, just remembering what it meant to me.

All through Tanglewood and up to Woodway I was feeling GREAT! We passed mile 20 and I wondered if I was going to hit my "wall" anytime soon. I felt prepared for it and though I didn't allow myself to expect it, I started to worry that it would affect my time once I hit it. Memorial was a blur and felt like it was taking forever but passed really quick. I saw DK and Domenica closer to Shepherd and again felt encouraged and like I needed to speed it up.

I turned right onto Shepherd then left on Allen Parkway. This part of the story makes me cry even more because that's when I saw Stacey and Jeff again. She yelled "Just up ahead you can see the skyline!! You can do this!!" Then they'd ride ahead and wait for me to pass again. They did this over and over again until I made it into downtown. Before that though, I saw Coach Michael, more of DK, Domenica and also Chiara and I was getting so tired. I somehow crossed under I-45 and decided it was time to cue up my finish line song.

I still hadn't hit my wall and was feeling homefree, I was in downtown!! I could smell it, feel it, I knew the finish line was close. Then I turned onto Rusk, the home stretch with .3 miles (ish?) to run and then I was done. DONE! Complete! But I wanted to stop and suddenly didn't care anymore. I couldn't finish. I didn't want to, I was so over it. But wouldn't you know it, God sent an angel to carry me to the finish line... Stacey was there again, this time she left her bike with Jeff and started to run me in. She prayed out loud over me, she prayed and she prayed some more. We got to the point she wasn't allowed to run with me anymore and said "You can do this, you are THERE." And she tailed off to my left.

I was so tired but started to recognize the faces of my best friends, Heather, my dear friend from college was there! my boyfriend, these people who believed in me. And I crossed that finish line.

My chip time was 5:47 and I received my medal. The feeling was overwhelming and I cried hard for about 30 seconds. And I know from start to finish it was God within me, carrying me through.

I can't think of a more perfect way to compare life in Christ. Striving for greatness, feeling exhilaration, experiencing defeat knowing there is hope, clinging to Him, celebrating with the people who love and know you, knowing there is victory waiting at the finish line.

I ran the good race and am proof you CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

rememebering ron - help support his family.

I found this on http://www.fm88.org:

"As most of you have heard, we lost a good friend of 88.1 The Promise. Over the last few months, Ron - of the Christian group - Storyside B, has been the guest voice during our Family Friendly Mornings with Theresa. What you may not know is that Ron loved The Promise so much - he had been volunteering his time for the past 4 months and had just started working for us on a part time basis. Ron and his wife, Rebeca, had joined us and our listeners on our Promise Cruise with the Christian Band, 33 Miles, when on the trip back to Jacksonville - collapsed while playing basketball and went home to be with the Lord. We will miss him terribly as anyone who knew Ron - knew a true man of God who always had a smile on his face and a genuine love and care in his heart for all. Please pray for his wife, his family, Storyside B and The Promise during this difficult time. We take comfort in knowing the truth...to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

There will be a memorial service for Ron this Wednesday at 11:00 All are invitedDress: The family requests you dress as if you were going to a Storyside B concertLocation: Celebration Church / Midtown Campus click here for directions

Updated Information
Ron and Rebeca did not have insurance. If you would like to help with funeral and expenses, go to any Bank Of America and ask for the: Account for Ron and Rebeca McClelland ending in ...8678 or Mail checks made out to: Ron and Rebeca McClelland Fund to P.O. Box 551379, Jacksonville, FL 32255

little ballerina.

I'm in the studio and just had the most fun daydream... it's the kind of daydream that gives you goosebumps and makes you giddy for the future and moments like this one. I had to share it!!

I don't know where it came from but I imagined DK as a dad with our little girl, maybe 2 or 3 years old, and there they were, walking hand in hand to her ballet class. She's wearing a leotard, slippers and a skirt and feeling very important. And what on earth is he thinking? Ohhh my...

Now that... THAT is something to look forward to. How precious...

remembering ron mcclelland.

l-r: rich, preston, me, phil, ron, jordan, and lu. i love you guys...

To read what the tragic news, click here.

my first (and last) marathon.

these are the photos, story to follow. thanks DK for mapping out the route so well to capture these amazing memories! mile 16: dad, mary, domenica, ma olden, kristen and the ksbj prayer station all cheering me on.

me with Hub, my dear friend from college. she came in to cheer for Carrie and me!!
stacey and jeff rode their bikes the last few miles and cheered me all the way in. at the point I was surely going to give up, stacey got off her bike, ran me in and prayed over me outloud. what an amazing friend, ya?

my cheer posse! i couldn't have finished without them!
l-r: mary, dad, ma olden, stacey, me, dk, jeff, kristen, domenica, and chiara

kinda freaking out.

I've been sitting at my desk this afternoon, trying to comprehend what is before me. My hands are kinda shaking and these emotions are washing over me like tidal waves, this last year of rigorous training behind me and yet... I feel ready. I'm really ready. And I feel so. incredibly. emotional. I'm running my first marathon on Sunday. I'm sniffling because I keep stumbling into that "holy smokes, really seriously, oh my Lord" cry, my shoulders shake, I turn up the music (Watermark, Purest Place) louder and deep breathe deep breathe. It's really here. This is the biggest thing I've ever aimed to accomplish.

And all those experiences along the way were simply prep for this next biggest thing.

All those times growing up being stuck in airports as a "non-rev kid" learning about stamina and endurance, learning to get through it. Suffering the heart ache of my parent's divorce, a broken engagement, the discouraging sudden loss of friends, being let go from what I thought was my dream job, struggling with finaces, being scared in the midst of a hurricane baring down on my house and so many other things were simply prep for this next biggest goal. He had purpose in all of the tough stuff.

And He had purpose in showing me those moments of complete exhilaration and loss of breathe from disbelief as well. Standing on top of mountains, sitting on the ocean floor in complete silent serenity looking towards the sky, graduating with a degree that moved me towards attaining my utmost dreams, starting my radio job at KSBJ, being on TV for the first time, experiencing love and JOY and overwhelming surges of gratitude for blessings in my life. All for this.

Each new big opportunity and experience has only been prepping ground, launching me to this place. And this one too, this is ALL for His GLORY. Praise be to God.

houston marathon 2009.

Come out and cheer with and for us! We've worked hard and can only do this through Him.

If you're coming, click here for the best resources on where to go, park, and CHEER!!

emergency contact.

The other day we had our monthly all staff meeting to cover latest insurance details, 403b info, and update our emergency contact numbers. I began to fill out my card and realized what a monumental moment this was turning out to be.

I looked up to Brittany across the table and said "Oh my gosh... DK is MY EMERGENCY CONTACT, this is the first time I've ever listed him as such!!" I wish you could have seen the look on Brittany's face as she stopped, grabbed the camera and said "We need to document this!!"

It's a big deal! Wow!

is chivalry dead?

I love to read or watch anything Jane Austen. I appreciate her sarcasm, her wit, her intellect and think the way she captures the characters and players of that era beautifully represents a time when men came courting and chivalry reigned. Though it's not a time I'd have liked to live in, I find myself wishing in some way we could transport the values and proper dating methods into current day and implement them. Oh, the reincarnation of Mr. Darcy to teach them all? Now that would be the day!

But before you think I'm condoning betrothals and hushed women, with every report of heartache I'm feeling more and more like 2 things are missing in the dating scene these days. 1. Chivalry & 2. Patience.

I talk with a lot of women on a daily basis who "just don't know what went wrong". And though we're all beautifully and uniquely created, the same frustrating obvious answer keeps ringing true: we as women aren't being patient and are trying to run things (with God and men).

We chase, we wonder, we seek out and we drive ourselves crazy hoping and praying for some glipse of his presence through phone, text, or email. We make up stories creating false hope and make way too many excuses for the absence of the current crush. I know it, I know it. We cry ourselves to sleep and... can you imagine God the Father up in Heaven looking down on us, so brokenhearted over His girls tormenting ourselves like this?

Then there's what he did. Or didn't do. He promised and said things but nothing happened. He won't talk to me about it. He acts like everything is fine around other people but alone, he ignores me and avoids it. He doesn't show up. He says and does things that make me think he likes me and I've called and called, left messages, stopped by his place but... nothing. There's a hint of impatience again here, but maybe the Mr. Mans of modern day just don't have the cajones to be honest and upfront. Is it fear? Is it an inability or handicap? Are we facing the death of chivalry?

But I've been guilty of it too. For so many years chasing after guys, being persistant and not being patient waiting for them to pursue me, instead of the other way around. Maybe I'm a control freak and felt things wouldn't happen unless I sought it out. Maybe I didn't really understand my true value and worth. I'm a daughter of the Most High, for crying out loud! I am protected and safe, being kept for the one man God set aside just for me. And until that time, who I am to try and make it happen on my own?

DK is the most beautiful man I know. Early on I wasn't ready to date for a long time and once we started hanging out a lot as friends, I was very open and honest with him about this. I remember on Valentine's Day last year, he told me that if anything, he was very patient.

And he waited.

He pursued me gently at first and after we decided to be official, he continued to pursue me. For the first time ever I felt so valued and treasured by a guy I was dating. He took me out, he called me, he showed up, he always drove and 10 months later, he is still so intentional about taking me on dates and treating me like a lady. He's dignified and patient, intentional and purposeful. I have never wondered once how he felt about me, if he liked me or where this was going. It's how I dreamed it would be and I imagine God the Father, up in Heaven, smiling down on us pleased with the way his son values and loves his girl...

prayer at my desk.

What's the first thing you do when you sit down at work? Phone calls, email, facebook, flickr, what?

Today I tried something new. Before I turned on my computer, read my reminders to myself from last Friday or checked voicemail... I prayed. I gave the day over to the Lord and committed everything I did, said, planned, and saw as only for His glory. I prayed over all the things that would come from my computer, all the things the came through my phone and across my desk would be only from Him, for His purpose. That the enemy wouldn't attack me through any of those things at any point of my day. And it worked.

I must say, I've had one of the most productive Mondays in a long time. Try it, let me know what you think? And if you already do it, keep up the good work!!

the simplification process.

My word, my theme, my resolution, my One Thing to Change For Good in 2009: Simplify.

If you know me well, you know that I will quickly start planning, scheming, mapping out details, etc. on how I'm going to Simplify... which absolutely without a doubt completely defeats the purpose.

So I'm keeping it simple and this morning made bullet points to continue praying over. Here's what I came up with:

I think the apex of this entire venture can be summed up as Time Management. For me, this is where all troubles of simplifying stem from and is also the main source of my stress and problems I have.

Example: The other morning I needed to go to Target. I had a meeting at 11 am, left home a little later than I thought and as I pulled onto Target Ave. I literally had 36 minutes before I needed to be at work for my meeting. It takes me 30 minutes to drive to KSBJ. Maybe I'm too ambitious with what I can accomplish in 6 minutes, maybe I'm dillusional. I started to stress, but was leaning towards who I needed to call to tell I'd be 10 minutes late, how I needed to race through the store, race to work, worry about getting pulled over... and I remembered my word. Simplify. I kept driving. I arrived to work a couple minutes early, had a productive meeting and it truly affected the rest of my day. I eventually made it to Target when I had more time to pick up those things I needed so badly.

So, under Time Management is my F i n a n c e s bullet point.

• Money Review Daily (check my band statement, easy)
• Automatic Payments / Email Alerts
• No Car Payment.
• No Debt.
• Spend Less.

The No Car Payment business? I should explain. I don't plan on not paying for my car, I just feel God calling me to get rid of it, buy something older and save the $375 I'm paying every month. And with what I have left to pay on my Volvo, after I sell it, pay what is left and buy something older, I will have money left over. It scares me to think about, all that negotiating and money talk, but I know He is calling me to free myself from this debt. Besides, DK and I are looking at some older Volvos today online, they have more character than my new one any day!

Next on the list: R e l a t i o n s h i p s.

• Talk. Communicate. (always a great reminder)
• Stop getting offended.
• Believe the best.

These are things that came up in friendships over and over again last year. This year I want to implement them, pound it in the ol' noggin so it's not even second nature, but habit.

F a i t h.

• Read the Word daily. (I don't now, I don't know why or where the day goes. Mmm, time management, ya?)
• Prayer journal. (I've never really done this, but would like to track in one place all the things and people I'm praying for, instead of notes and papers all over my desk and car.)

I have some great tools and people to utilize for this portion of simplying. The Voice is a fresh new translation of the New Testament and I'm loving my time reading DK's copy - need to get my own. Also Peter Swan, a good friend of mine and amazing teacher is leading a class on Chronological Bible Storytelling. We'll be talking about this next week on the show, you should have a listen!

No stress. It'll get done. He will provide. Simplify. Go easy on myself. Relax. Smile. Be me.

weekend plans.

I haven't posted this in quite awhile, but was trying to think of how everything would unravel this weekend and figured if I wrote it out, I'd feel less chaotic about it.

1. 6 a.m. to noon Saturday morning on-air shift - call me to say hello! (and make sure I'm still awake!)
2. possible lunch and pedicude with Kristen and mom Susan... niiiice.
3. Swirll pick-up for Plan #4
4. Matinee with Chiara and Kristen to see... Twilight... feeling excited but nervous.
5. Hang time with Kenai, read the rest of The Shack.
6. Breakfast in The Woodlands with dad before he heads to Madrid. More Kenai hang time with dad.
7. From 12-2, I'll be at Chapelwood United Methodist Church for a blockparty celebrating their new buildings.
8. 4 or 5 mile run
9. Sunday afternoon nap
10. Church at 5:30 p.m.


Ok, that looks good. Now I feel better :) Have a great weekend!

too busy for words.

Literally. I've been so slammed this week but so many awesome experiences have taken place. That and I'm determined to not miss a day this year with my 365 project. So far, so good.

Let me know what you think?

We had our marathon pep rally last night and it was AMAZING. I'll post photos and blog more tomorrow when I'm in the studio from 6 am till noon!

Ciao for now!

great day houston - spirituality vs. religion

Click here to view the segment!

great day houston.

I'll be on tomorrow morning at 9 am - KHOU Channel 11!

first weekend of the year.

I'm pretty sure we did it right... finding that perfect balance of relaxing, time spent with family, being productive, thinking about the year ahead, and excercise. It's really how every weekend should be, ya?

Saturday morning I nailed a 9 mile run and wound up running the entire distance with Liz Byers, a good friend. We had a wonderful talk and she encouraged me in ways I will never forget. From there I came home and did some serious laundry, cleaned out my closet and took a great nap. DK picked me up, then we headed out to pick up supplies, then over to his place where my dad met up to hang out. We still hadn't done our Christmas gift exchange and it was a great time, set aside to relax, watch movies, eat, go for a long walk along the Bayou, and talk about the future.

Sunday morning, I woke up not feeling too good and went right back to bed until about noon. I think this was the holidays, travel, rush, adrenalin, etc having caught up to me and having one final go at my energy level. I worked it out though. I got things in order and met up with DK to go over this year's projects. We made some great headway!! I feel organized and on the right foot. We went to the 5 pm service at church and had the honor of serving communion. I almost lost it several times, it's the most beautiful experience...

I hope your new year is off to a great start. And if not, tomorrow is a new day, next hour is even a NEW HOUR. Don't be discouraged... this is going to be an amazing year for you, I know it.

365 madness.

On April 1st of 2008, DK and I launched our 365 couples version of the project. It was something I'd always wanted to do but would never start or maintain on my own - one photo a day for a year. So we decided to do one together. Having just started dating, this project has followed our entire relationship and through it, we've learned so much about ourselves and one another. This was our first photo.

Then on May 31st, DK's brother Michael and his girlfriend Emily launched their 365 in Pennsylvania. We refer to them as Team PA and because they are so consistent, even though they started almost two month after we did, they passed us up and are still right on schedule.It was so funny to finally meet them in person at Christmas because I felt I knew them so well after following their daily photos for so long. This is one of my favorite photos of theirs.

It was on June 1st that we initially heard from him. One of our photos caught his eye and themanilow, a veteraned 365er and Flickr enthusiast, commented on our #41. Little did we know this would be the beginning of a great friendship with themanilow, who also lives in PA. He loves Barry Manilow and has incredible perception and ability from behind AND in front of the camera. We got to meet him in person over Christmas!! This is my favorite from themanilow. And with every photo comes a different part to yourself and your life you're able to archive. Who you are, where you are, what you wore, how you felt and who you were with is all documented through photo and story. I think you should try it out, learn about the depths to your creativity and untap some deeper level of self discovery. You'll surprise yourself and will have a blast looking out over the hundreds of photos that will soon stack up.

Here are some others who started their projects along with us:

Abby and Jason are actors and newlyweds.

Bob and Darcy are husband and wife, raising 4 strapping young lads. They chose to do theirs separately!

Amber is a new friend of mine who I met through KSBJ and blogging. She is a beautiful mom and wife!

DK solo 365 -no specific theme but emphasis on creating more cinematic, epic photographs. Like frames you'd see in a movie.

Yipes: Stripes! 365 Days of Stripes, my themed 365 solo project. 

So when are you going to start yours? Click here to get started.

change for good.

We're asking you to pick one thing you want to "Change For Good" this year and it's been really hard for me to decide... why is that? Maybe because I have (undiagnosed) ADD and have way too many irons in the fire. So this is good for me, to focus on one 1 ONE 1 one thing.

I kicked off the year with my 365 solo project and feel every part of me yearning to defy my self diagnosed affliction referred to as being "consistent inconsistent". It's true, I have great intentions but get easily distracted. This 365 project (a photo a day) will be wonderful discipline. But this isn't how I want to change for good.

I feel God calling me more towards just simplifying things. Going back to my loss of breath moment a couple weeks ago where I saw in action, two men showing love in the simplest form, the conviction is thick and I can't shake it. I want to show love in the simplest forms. Whether it's talking to and hanging with Larry who lives on the loading dock near DK's, maybe by taking less offense to things people do around me, or just simply being quiet when I want to talk, vent and burst... I want to learn how to thoroughly allow love to overcome, overtake and invade. And so simply.

happy new year!

We kicked the night off right with our newest tradition, Chinese Food on New Year's Eve! Then we said farewell to Stacey and her beautiful friends and headed to Carson's.

We hung out there for awhile and then made our way to Brandi's party in her salon. There was a photobooth, karaoke and delicious food and drinks! Midnight came before we knew it and I got to smooch my man, just like in the movies!

From there we left for Claudia and Kristal's for a short while, things were well underway and everyone was dancing and having a blast.

It was the most fun, random, and exciting New Year's Eve EVER!