What I've been doing

Thanksgiving was wonderful.  We got the awesome opportunity to serve people in our community.  Below is just some of the desserts that people made!

Later on that week. I went to visit my Memaw. I cuddled my little nephew, who is now six months old.  He is learning so much!

I've also been designing some things for my adobe illustrator class Here are two of the projects I've been working on.  A logo for the outreach ministry of our church and something fun that I may use as a desktop background. I'm also working on a poster, but it's not done.

I'll be done with this semester next Tuesday. I can't wait! 

Sniffles and Helping Others

So, I've been sick the past few days.  I hardly ever get sick and can count on one hand how many times I've had to go to the doctor this year for sickness.  I was having chills all day yesterday and some other not so fun stuff, so I made a trip to the doctor.  He automatically wanted to test me for strep, since it's apparently been going around.  After gagging me with that cotton swab, the test came back negative.  Thankfully, I was able to finish my take home test on time. I've started on some meds, so I should be better by next week.  Now is not the time to be sick!

It's a good thing, too because I have a lot to do.  Between working on things for my church, I am finishing up my last few assignments before finals.  I will also be helping my church serve a free Thanksgiving lunch on Thanksgiving day to the community.  Local firefighters, elderly people, and even friends of mine will be coming.  This is a huge undertaking, but everything is going along smoothly.  I can't wait to see the smiles on people's faces as they get some good food in their stomachs and surrounded by laughter and good conversation.  I have always enjoyed helping other people and that is something I hope to pass on to my nephew Mason when he's older.

Knit with Love

The weather is turning chilly, but that's no excuse for not being fashionable!  My aunt is selling the scarves she has made. 

How great would this look over your favorite sweater or new winter coat?

She doesn't have an Etsy page, but email her at gwenshiflet@hartcom.net if interested!  (Hint: to all you locals who live near me!)  Make sure to put Scarves as the subject line so she will know. She will be making more, so I will be adding pictures.  These would make excellent Christmas gifts and don't forget birthdays! 

Little Victories

My blond headed little cousin, Keller, came walking into my room on Friday like he always does.  Pointing to my laptop, I knew he wanted to watch Giggle Bellies.  Giggle Bellies is a fun, educational DVD of many songs for kids.  It's also on YouTube.  I play some for him, and he LOVES them!  His favorites are "Wheels on the Bus" and Old MacDonald Had a Farm.  They have the cutest characters and music!

There he was, by my bed.  The only problem was there was no one there to lift him up.  I haven't lifted a child at all since my back surgery almost four years ago.  I couldn't let him just stand there, so I lifted him.  I couldn't quite get him up high enough.  Setting him back on the ground, I tried again.  Still not quite good enough.  I knew I could do if I tried hard enough.  So, I took a deep breath while leaning just a little bit over my bed.   I'm thankful for my long arms during times like these. :) 

Next, something unexpected happened.  Keller started helping me!  He tried to put his feet on the rail of my bed.  That gave me just the push I needed to get him on my bed.  Finally, he was on the bed and ready for Giggle Bellies (or so I thought).  

He kept trying to climb over me.  I couldn't figure out what he wanted beside me.  Finally, my mom came in my room and said, "He's wanting to lay beside you like he's done before."  So, THAT'S what he wanted!  Laying his little head on my pillow, I hit play on the video.  You would have thought he was in heaven!  I was too!   I was so proud of myself for being able to lift him without hurting him or myself!  Sometimes I forget to share the little victories I have on here.  I am making an effort to get better about that, starting today!

Content but not Satisfied

Lots of things have been happening this week!  I am ahead on all of my classwork, which is wonderful!  The big news is that I applied for an internship and looking ahead at other opportunities.  It's unreal how quickly time passes!  I remember when I was very concerned because I still had lots of classes in red, which means I still had to take them.  In time, everything has worked out, though.  I'm just trying to enjoy the time I have left at college.

One thing I have learned is that you are always entering and leaving phases in life.  I left high school and entered college.  Just when things become familiar, they change.  I guess that's good thing, though because that means I'm constantly growing as a person.  In my opinion, there is nothing worse than someone who has become stagnant.  In other words, they have become satisfied with where they're at.  This is completely different than content, mind you.  Yes, I know most dictionaries will say they technically mean the same thing, but I'm talking about the heart of the matter.  I'm not talking about a surface level happiness or satisfaction.  Satisfied people feel as if they have no where else to go in life.  No more goals to reach.  They are fine to just be.  Content people are fulfilled, trusting that everything will work out, even in the midst of chaotic circumstances.   Content people still have dreams.  Satisfied people have quit dreaming. That's the way I see it anyway.  

I always want to expand my horizons and dream big no matter what limits society or others try to put on me.  Have you become satisfied?

Still Going Strong

Well, another week has come and gone.  If you're a fan of my facebook page, you will know that I have been extremely busy with school.  I'm so glad it's the weekend because I haven't felt the best.  Even this morning, I could have easily stayed home from school because I was feeling nauseous.  I went on anyway because I know that each hour I'm there means I'm one step closer to graduating. I also know I can't learn anything at home. 

I'm still recuperating from the costume party because I was up pretty much ALL day, including school for several hours. But, I'm moving along.  I can't stay down long.  I guess I'm just writing to get this out.  I have been kind of down. 

After spending time in  prayer and worship tonight in my room, I feel a lot better.  I didn't even have any music. It was just me telling Jesus how much I love Him and how thankful I am He has never deserted me even when I am snappy and tired.  There's nothing like the presence of Jesus.  He is my rock.

Fall Costume Party

I went to a costume party with my mom last night at our church.  It was a great time of food, fun, and fellowship with some awesome people.  I laughed so much that my stomach hurt!  I needed that.

I went dressed as a Japanese geisha using a dress that my mom's boss got in Japan or some other country.  I can't remember now.  I layered it over black pants and dyed my hair black (with hair dye that washes out).  Even some of my closest friends and family didn't recognize me!  I laughed and laughed. 

I was in the presence of an awesome egg and smiley face.  They are doing their best Thriller Remix.

My mom was laughing at them. :D

My aunt and uncle were bacon and egg



.Miss Ruby was a diva!  She had no problem posing for the camera.  There were many other costumes, but I can't post them all.  It was fun being someone totally different for a night, especially with the black hair, but I'm ready to get my brown hair back.  I just have to wash it a few times!  The most surprising thing of the night is that I won the overall best costume.  I was shocked!