Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Arkansas weather

Here's the weather for you at the end of March in Arkansas!

Um. Yea!


You thought I was kidding??


We ended up with a foot. Couldnt believe it!


You can see how much was coming down, against the red.


So what did we do inside?!

Ate artichokes! YUM!!!


Now lets get rid of that snow out there and add some flowers and sunshine!


“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”

(I should take my own advice, but shhh!)

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Cant.Believe.This

I cant believe this snow... 

Yesterday was the first day of Spring...

So we thought...

This was not supposed to happen! Here, the whole week, its been nice and sunny with temps in the upper sixites. Then I wake up this morning to four inches of snow. Who would have thought. Surely not this girl. So my Dad got called into work early early this morning and after making to work, informe my Mom that he has not had that much trouble getting up the hills in a long time. Apparently the roads are pretty bad. By the way, he works for the road dept. so thats why he got the joy of going in this morning. As for me...I got the call too. To go into work either today or help cover tonight.. I told the nurse that I would be more than happy to, but that the only way my butt is coming in is if someone will come and get me, but of course no one wants to drive all the way out to Madison Co. to get me! So she said im off the hook. I wouldnt have minded to pick up the hours really, but there is just no way im going to be able to get out. Anyways, there will be pictures to follow more than likely this afternoon so just stay tuned in haha. I guess I could also say...TRY to enjoy the snow!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Oops!

So my recorded Idol episode just ended....and im SHOCKED! Here I just posted about Lacey Brown and how I liked her best out of the girls, yet she gets voted off! Gosh I feel like an idiot. Ha. Not sure what happened America, but ok! Have it your way. Im sure she will go on and do just fine though!


Weekday Warrior

I PROMISE im not trying to abandone my blog!

Working nights is slowly, but surely taking its toll on me right now though, so I get kinda of behind on posting. I promise it will get better though. Ha! Its been a rather hectic week though mainly due to being short-handed on our night shifts. We usually have a prn staff directly with ERC to cover, but even that and the other company we use have been, eh, not the best this week. It happens! But gosh when it does happen it can sure throw everything off real quick. Im making up for missed to-do's at the moment... Which, of course, include American Idol and blogging! Yes, I know...what a huge to-do list and oh so important HA! I promise I really do have a life outside of those things =P

On some other random notes...

Miss Lacey Brown from American Idol this season sent me a friend request on myspace earlier this week...makes a person feel important ha. I wasnt really crazy about the girls (if you remember me mentioning that in a previous post), but I will say, as time has went on, she is honestly my favorite out of the girls right now. Her personality really makes her shine and I love that she seems very true to herself as well as her uniqueness! I still havent decided who I think will make it to the top four, but im getting there as I write and watch idol right now. So no one spoil who went home last night!! Im anxious to see... Of course im still in love with Lee & Big Mike though. I think Lee and I could be pretty happy years from now LOL! I know, quit dreaming Amber. I have a friend who im sure will read this and fall out of her chair laughing, all the while thinking "Amber...your crazy girl! Lee is mine!" Love you Jen =) HA.

Ok im off my idol kick!

The month of March has really shined for new releases. If you havent watched Hachi...please DO! It was such a great movie. If you dont cry though at some point, there is something wrong with you! No, but honestly it really is one worth watching no matter who you are and the fact that its based on a true story makes it even better. I also rented Precious, after driving to four different places trying to find it. Definately recommend it as well. Its one of those movies that really gets you to thinking along with making you feel VERY guilty for ever complaining that your life is so bad. Dont deny it, we all have said it at some point.."my life is so bad!" Yep. Im guilty! Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe was amazing in that movie. Anways, just watch it! Oh one of the other movies that was just released, 2012, was pretty good. Still not sure if its one that I "love" necessarily and the only reason I say that is because it scared me! Im not big on the whole subject of the world coming to an end in 2012 or what not. I dont like hearing all that stuff in "real life," but as a movie it was pretty good. Just depends on the person I suppose an wether or not you like suspence movies because I promise you will be on the edge of your seat the entire time! I think that wraps it up for new movies i've seen!

Last bit of randomness and excitement...

What has me so excited right now?!?



My wonderful Father bought Silver Dollar City season passes for us both! Im beyond excited, partly because it means im not to old for these kind of things & I really LOVE amusement parks and Branson, as well getting to do this stuff with my Dad still! Of course my Mother and Sister will join in at least one of the trips to Branson this year, whether they know it yet or not. Ha. Its just so much fun all around. Cant wait =)


"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But, it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!"

Hope everyone has had a great week!

Monday, March 15, 2010

I know, right!

So I went m.i.a. since Thursday with my blog. I know, right! How could I? Its funny how guilty that has made me feel, yet...I dont feel as guilty about all the cheesecake I ate over the weekend. HA! I have actually spent much of that m.i.a. time with family and friends. It was a great way to spend my 20th birthday! Is it odd that im so freaked out about being twenty?! I will be the first to say that it feels VERY wierd finally being twenty and not having that "teen" at the end. Never thought I would see that day! Thank you God for letting me =)
Everything I know about photography comes from him!


Look at those EYES =)


PrO


Twenty years ago at that very moment I was born!


No more teens, crazy!


Yummmmmm.


“All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.”


I hope everyone had a great weeknd!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Prayer

Just a short post for tonight....

I wanted to make a special prayer request for someone I know who is going through quite a bit right now and things that no one should have to experience. No details, but just pray that this individual can get through this and find the good in everything along with keeping God in their life.

Thanks!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Wild Wednesday

Wow what a week already. So much has been going on lately and its been a bit overwhelming, but I think I hit a breaking point! This post is probably going to be lots of rambling so bear with me!!

If your remember a few weeks ago I was pretty sick and ended up back and forth between doctors...hundreds of dollars later, im still having to deal with after effects! I went back to the doc yesterday and when the nurse laid out five big tubes (lab work) my jaw dropped. I said "Um, those arent all for me right?" Her response, needless to say, was NOT what I wanted to her. "Well your not going to fill them all the way up, right?" FAIL. And of course as im trying to get myself side tracked from what was being shoved into my arm, she proceeds to ask about my job and what a typical night is like. All I could think of at this point was what I have had to do the past few nights....seeing the phlebotomist poke and prod clients over and over. Yea, not what I wanted to think of at that moment! The nurse seemed real interested though and the conversation took off. I was trying not to get sick! Dont you just hate that whole thought process thing. Your trying to keep your mind off something that is really sickening, disturbing, ect...yet that seems to be the only thing you CAN think of! Sheeshhhh! So yea, as she is still filling those darn things up five minutes later all I can think of is that... over and over and over. Of course I cant even think of the fact that each of those viles along with the paper in front me that has check marks all over it is ultimately equivalent to hundreds of dollars. That is until I reach the front desk to check out. Then the vicious cycle starts all over again and its another sickening and disturbing thought! I suppose that its still a small price to pay for having a healthy and happy life and being able to have that care even available! Ha!

Im saving the best for last in case your wondering how much of this rambling you have to read and whether its even worth it! HA.

Okay, so I LOVE my job...I really do! How great is that? Everyone continues to ask how long I will stay due to the schedule. My reply... "for as long as they will let me!" Working the night shift definately has its pros and cons. The only thing that really is hard for me is getting in enough sleep and adjusting that schedule. Today was the first time in two weeks that I was able to sleep more than four solid hours. It was awesome! I enjoy knowing that if there is something going on in the middle of the day and I want to participate, I can. It comes at a price, but nonetheless I still have the option to do things during the day and not have to worry about taking time off. Plus, I cant think of a more rewarding job! Its very humbling and the clients are absolutely wonderful. Its like having a second family for sure.

I have to throw the fact that my 20th birthday is coming up this weekend!! Im pretty excited to see twenty along with being VERY thankful as well. Thank God for giving me another year and a new "number" to see! Im blessed...I really am.

Im learning so much about my camera and its really paying off. Im pretty pleased with it and cant wait to learn more. There has been ALOT going on related to this subject as well (photography). I have been filling up the calender pretty quick here lately, whoo hoo! It hasnt been all fine and dandy though. Thankfully...becasue it keeps me on my toes =P I got some rather shocking news yesterday... News that I really could have done without and pretty much rocked my world, not in the good way though. You know, just like any human being, I love encouragement, praise, and feedback... However, there is something I love even more. Are you thinking im conceded yet?! Ha. What I love even more though is having someone be so disrepspectful and rude as to tell you that you know nothing about your own work, are not original, nor are you even good at what you do. Someone who is supposed to be your friend at that. Why do I love that? Because it makes me work ten times harder at what I do and appreciate it even more so. Envy and jealousy are nasty things and unfortuantely it can really take hold of a person in a bad kind of way. Never in my life did I think the people I called my friends would also be the people to hurt me the most and hate that I have pursued my dreams. Yet, there is power in genuine forgiveness and this I understand. I will tell you that this photography business of mine has really showed me who my friends are. I have some really amazing friends and family and they have been so encouraging through everything. Despite having some issues this week...im incredibly blessed and happy to be where im at with my business and things will continue to look up as long as I keep God, family, and my friends by myside. Oh and of course I cant forget to mention that after those "issues" I got a call discussing a business proposal and partner!!! So stay posted for that news soon =) God sure works in mysterious ways and for that im beyond thankful. I cant stress enough the saying im sure many of us have heard- "IF GOD BROUGHT ME TO IT, HE WILL TAKE ME THROUGH IT." Amen!!!

I owe all of you who have been there for me, through good & bad, a huge thank you! May God bless each and every single one of you through every single waking day to come. Its you all and God who keep me going each & every day and without that I wouldnt be half the person I have become nor would I have accomplishing what I have. Because of you I have faith. I love you all!

Now the photo's for tonights post are irrelavent to my ramblings, but they are from this weekend! Ha.


Enjoy!

If you only knew who my Dad was talking to on MY phone! HA!


I loved seeing this Sunday!! Mom starting the garden-Cant wait!
Love my Mama!


VTX 1800


Time to ride.


What a beautiful day and wonderful Dad!


"We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lesson. We have to swift today’s possibility under tomorrow’s rug until we can’t anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin meant. That knowing is better than wondering, that waking is better than sleeping and that even the biggest failure even the worst mistake beat the heck out of never trying."


Sunday, March 7, 2010

Road Trip

Yesterday afternoon a friend and I took a mini road trip to Lake Ft. Smith. I was so incredibly anxious to get out and enjoy the weather this weekend (even without having any sleep from working nights ha.). I believe we had temperatures in the lower sixties yesterday and todays high was seventy-two!!! I even broke out the flip-flops this weekend. Lets just hope the weather is going to stay nice like this!

Up above the lake.


B & W Love.





Spiders were everywhere.




Visitor Center




Hope everyone enjoyed these!

“It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. You feel like running, but life is on a stroll. This is how God does things.”


Friday, March 5, 2010

Sunshine

Seeing the sunshine today made me a happy girl. Aside from the sun though.... I did recieve one, of the two, anticipated phone calls I was expecting today. Along with, spending a nice & pleasant day out riding the backroads with my Daddy! Im thankful for those days with my Dad. Funny how me and him can fight all week long, but the second its just me & him and were out doing something...we get along great! So with the wonderful weather we had today we were bound to get out and do something....and riding we went. I would say all in all it was a great day! And you know me...of course "a" camera had to come with me while riding.

Close to the top


It was so clear today!


Thompson Cut-its still really high for this time of year.


At least its clear though!


I was disappointed with this purchase at first, but its proved its worthiness!


It was moving pretty good.


The tree grew right around the wire!!!


A great end to the day!



For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8


Have a great and sunny weekend!!!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

What about you?

I made a comment the other day online about what im looking forward to...

"Cant wait for some warmer weather. The smell of fresh cut grass...yea sounds pretty awesome to me! I miss that smell. Ha."

Aw there are so many things im really anxious to see/smell/hear this spring and summer! It makes me smile to even think of the thought of warmer weather. Its been a LONG winter! Here is a list of those things that I miss all too much!

Fresh cut grass
Waking up early in the morning on the lake!
Smells from the grill
SUNSHINE
Right after it rains!
Kids splashing in the pool
The Garden!
Laying out at night!
Spring & summer COLORS!!!
Pictures =)
Camping preparation
Hot Dogs ha.
Smell of sunscreen


Gosh I could just go on and on! Ha.

The sun did actually make an appearance today =)



Now only if there were green grass, red flowers, and leaves on the trees!

So what about you? What things are you guys looking forward to with warmer weather...I want to know so I can drool some more and spend more time becoming impatient! HA.


"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams."