It's {Time}...

I just can't take it anymore! I'm seriously annoyed by people continuously using improper grammar. Seriously! Now, I'm not saying I'm perfect, because I definitely make my fair share of mistakes {and ironically, I'm sure there are a few mistakes in this grammar-focused rant}, but is it really too much to ask to just get the basics down? 

From blogs {which are much less common}, to Facebook, twitter, to essays, to speaking ... it seems as if grammar is just not as important to the human race as it needs to be. Seriously! I'm talking about important things here, like the use of "your" and "you're",  "then" and "than", and "their", "they're", and "there", just to name a few! These top ten pretty much sum it up:

I used to try to just ignore it. I mean, the mistakes are everywhere! However, I just can't take it anymore! It's time to take a stand against improper grammar and for people everywhere {from kids to adults} to learn the correct way to speak and write. Is it really too much to ask? I don't think so. 

It's one thing to shorthand in texts or things of that nature, but when it's for all the world to see, can we please try a little harder? I really believe that if things keep going the way they are, we're all doomed! Just think about it, it's only going to get worse and worse. Then, these same people that can't write or speak one proper sentence are going to be running corporate America one day {or, something along those lines}! Is that what we want? Where does it go from there? It's chaos, I tell you! Maybe you don't feel as passionate about this problem as I do, and maybe I'm blowing it a bit out of proportion {although I'm totally not}, but the fact of the matter is that "B4", "goin", or "gonna be" JUST AIN'T CUTE! {improper grammar completely intended there}

 

 

With that being said, I'm very thankful for all of you out there that do take pride in speaking proper English {at least most of the time}. I've come across so many blogs that are beautifully written, complete with correct punctuation and everything! Because, let's face it, punctuation saves lives!

 

Poor grandma! I'm sure she might be a little tough to chew...

 

So, the next time you type up a blog post, Facebook status, tweet, research paper, journal entry, or what have you, think about using the proper form of words and putting punctuation where it needs to be! Run-on sentences aren't cute, people! They make you look stupid. Point blank. I'm not saying that you have to be correct 100% of the time, but when it counts, make your writing count! You're already going through the effort to form paragraphs and put thoughts down on paper, why not do it correctly?!

 

Just some food for thought today. :-)

 

Home {Upgrades}

Wow.  Another weekend has come and gone (almost..I do realize it's still Sunday!).  AND, it's March already!  How did that happen?!  Anyway, with another weekend came great things!  With God, all things are possible ♥.

So, Friday afternoon, Colten and I decided to finally go to Office Depot and buy a new computer chair.  He is taking all online classes this quarter and will be spending an insane amount of time on the computer for the next 12ish weeks.  Also, with my blogging taking off, I want to spend way more time on the computer.  However, doing so on a cheap Wal-Mart chair is difficult.  I couldn't stand to sit on that thing for longer than half an hour!  Seriously.  It was time... 

So, we began our journey, as mentioned above, to Office Depot in search for a new chair.  It was definitely entertaining, to say the least.  I love our lives together!  Colten decided to test-drive a few out...

We found one that we agreed upon, but of course, they didn't have any left in stock.  It was also 50% off, so that pretty much set the tone for the rest of the day.  We didn't let it ruin our day, and we searched at another store that was closest to us.  Luckily, they had one in stock!  We purchased our new chair and couldn't help but take a look at the desks that were right next to the chairs.  We were still using my very first desk that I had ever bought out of high school...and that thing HAD to go!  It was a sore thumb in our advancing home, and it was time for a change.  We were already upgrading our chair, why not the desk too?  And we had gotten such a good deal on the chair, we were way under budget.  So, we were in search for a new desk.  After hours of deliberating - we had to find the perfect one! - we agreed on a desk, purchased it, and loaded the desk and chair into the bed of the truck.

We got home and began to put the chair together so that I could take care of some things online.  However, to our dismay, there were broken parts included in the pieces, and it wasn't going to suffice.  Colten immediately called the store, we boxed the chair pieces back up, scanned through the desk pieces to be sure they were all there and unbroken, and headed back to the store, 30 minutes away at 7:00pm.  Our journey began at 12:30pm.  I was personally exhausted.  However, we made it to the store, they exchanged our box for an already-assembled chair and were on our way back home for the second time.  The chair is amazing, and I've never had such a comfortable one to sit on while computing.  :)  I'm a very happy girl.

Colten's mom and step-dad visited yesterday, and so we had help assembling the desk.  Colten and Bubba put the desk together while I cleaned the kitchen - I scrubbed that thing CLEAN! - and cooked lunch.  Ok, mostly Bubba put the desk together while Colten watched ;).

The end result is amazing, and I couldn't be any happier.  It definitely fits our personalities and our lifestyle now, as the college years are over (well, almost for Colten) and we are upgrading our furniture and home.  We're growing up!  And it feels sooo good!  I definitely had a moment this morning walking out of our bedroom and seeing the living room, complete with the new desk and chair.  I thought back to a few years ago when I was struggling with many things in life, and I thanked God for everything he's blessed me with, especially the little things.  I'm all about the little things, and I know a desk is a rather LARGE thing, but the ability (physically and financially) to purchase a desk with my husband and to have it in our home means the world to me!  I'm sitting here now just smiling away. 

So, it was another great weekend, and we will cherish our home upgrades for many years to come! 

 This picture just doesn't do it justice! 

Another Day to be {Thankful}

This week has been FABULOUS! 

Here's why:

1. It was a three-day weekend last weekend, which meant only 4 workdays this week!

2. I only had to work job #2 ONCE this week (tonight)!

3. My husband and I went to a high school basketball game earlier this week to support a family friend, and it was a nail-biter!  So much fun to see them again and to be back in that atmosphere.

4. I was able to spend much needed and way overdue quality time with my husband yesterday afternoon.  For those of you that don't know, we don't get much time together, so we definitely took advantage of the time we were blessed with together yesterday!  It was one of those super relaxing days, knowing we didn't have to get anything done.  We were just silly with each other, laying in bed talking and watching tv for a few hours.  Just one of those little moments that wasn't dramatic and was exactly what we needed. 

5. My mom underwent surgery this morning to repair her rotator cuff, and it was successful! Praying her pain regarding this injury is on its way out the door. 

6. I had ribs from Pok-e-Jo's.  Enough said!

7. I'm feeling GREAT today!  My hair is amazing and cooperated well this morning; my outfit is amazeballs and has been complimented about a zillion times today; Grey's is all-new tonight; and I know the weekend is right around the corner!  Here's a pic from today:

8. I get to pick out free jewelry.  And I'm a girl.  They go hand-in-hand of course!

9. I'm leading a book club next month, and the winner was determined yesterday.  I'm so excited! 

10. My grandpa was recently diagnosed with cancer (a post to come on that soon, as its been hard).  He received glorious news yesterday that it hasn't spread, which means he can 'possibly' start radiation next week!

I've been witnessing firsthand the power of prayer and God's glory!  He has been busy at work in my life and in the lives of my family members.  It's been a truly astounding week for me, and I'm cherishing every second. 

It goes without saying that there have been some low moments this week as well, but it's so important to focus on the great things going on around us!  What are you thankful for today? 

The {Little Things}

I absolutely cherish every opportunity that I get to travel back home and spend some quality time with my family. However, I always make a point to take a few moments for myself - to truly be alone and take in the peace and calmness that is the country. Picture this:
Rolling hills of open land. Windmill. Windchimes. Cows roaming. Birds chirping. Wind blowing through the trees. Hammock swaying in the breeze. Crisp air. Clear, blue skies. Sun shining. Woods off to the side, trees everywhere.

This is my morning. I'm sitting on the back porch of my parents' house and this is their view. How glorious!

 

 

So, now that you have that image in mind, I'm lounging on their super comfortable outdoor furniture and reading The Resolution for Women. More about that journey to come at a later date. Anywho, as I'm deep in learning about God's want for us to be purposefully feminine, I hear a noise coming from the side of the house. I look over, as it could very easily be my mom or dad, and I see a rabbit scurrying by. It runs right in front of me and off to the opposite side of the house by the garage. Pretty neat. Nature at its finest! But then, I hear an even louder rustling noise from where the first one originated. This time when I look over, I see a wolf, yes, a WOLF, standing less than 20 yards away! It's definitely looking for that rabbit. I sit completely still, in awe of the simple acts that are happening literally right in front of me. The wolf trots across the grass right in front of the back porch (at this point, it's about 5 yards away), sniffing out its prey! It makes its way further to the back of the property, and I watch as it disappears into the woods. This very simple act was so amazing to watch. It was such a little thing and was over in literally less than 2 minutes. And it really opened my eyes to my life.

 

 

It's the little things that we need to be aware of and thankful for. It's the little things, such as a good morning hug or a random text message during the day, that puts a smile on my face and makes my heart soar! It's the little things, like visiting with my family, seeing a smile on my Grandpa's face, watching a movie while wrapped up in my husband's arms, or enjoying the simplicity of nature, that reminds me of what is truly important. I don't need to take extravagant trips across the world. I don't have to be filthy rich. I don't need to be the center of attention. I don't need any of these things to be completely happy and feel complete. God intended me to be exactly where I am in my life. Today's experience reminded me to take time out of my busy life to reflect on what is important. It also reminded me to cherish the little things, no matter how small. The little things matter the most to me, and that's what is important. I'm happy. And it's because of the little things that happen every single day!  And God saw that it was good.

What are the little things that matter most to you?