[100 facts about me.]

Part 4 of 4.

1. My favorite flower is the daisy. As, Meg Ryan says in You've Got Mail, "Daisies are such friendly flowers." And, they are. You can't help but smile when you see one.

2. I love snow globes!!! I have been collecting vintage ones and ones from places that I visit for years. They make me smile BIG. :)

3. I kind of want a tatoo, but I kind of don't. I think the whole fear of needles thing and pain involved will probably keep me from getting one. I know. I'm a wimp. Who knows. Maybe I will get up the courage one day.

4. I really enjoy watching birds. Our backyard always seems to have lots of birds. (Maybe that has something to do with the bird seed that I periodically put out there. hee hee.) My favorites are cardinals and hummingbirds. So fun to watch.

5. I {heart} old typewriters. If I could, I would own several. But, I don't have the space for a large collection. So, I enjoy the one that I do have and use it often in my creations.

6. Whenever I go hiking or am near a lake or just out in nature I always look for heart shaped rocks. I have a bowl of them in my bedroom. When I find one, it's like finding a love note from God. Makes me happy.

7. I broke my right collar bone in high school when I rolled my car. Sad, sad day.

8. I learned how to crochet this year and I would like to learn how to knit, but it kinda intimidates me. I have dreams of all of this wonderful stuff I would like to make.

9. I love vintage/retro decor. I love how warm and welcoming it all is. I would love to redo my house and have brighter colors with lots of fun vintage and retro furniture, accessories, etc.

10. One of my regrets is that I wish I had written down and paid attention more to the stories that my grandparents told me when I was younger. They had so much to share and I didn't appreciate that enough.

11. I collect pieces of junk mail, envelopes, cardboard, tags, parts of boxes and packaging, etc. and recycle them into art.

12. GiGi is not my real name but a nickname given to me by my niece Ali. When she was little she couldn't say Gina, so she called me GiGi. I love the name GiGi, but don't really like the name Gina. So, thankful for Ali!!! :)

13. I have never been on a mission trip and really really want to have that experience.

14. I don't like coffee or tea at all. But, I really want to!!! I would love to enjoy a coffee with my husband or a cup of hot tea with my daughter. I have tried and tried and can't get past the bitter taste. I keep trying though.......

15. I can NEVER remember a joke that has been told to me. I literally have to right it down or read it right before I try to tell it or I will forget it completely. It's like I have a mental block or something.

16. My second home is in Powder Springs, Georgia with the Newlins. I can spend large blocks of time there and feel completely at home.

17. Owls are my favorite. :) Which may explain my much used phrase "HoOtiE hOo!!"

18. I am part of a small group that is redefining church family for me. I have never been a part of a group of people who are so real and willing to share the struggles in their lives. Everyone is so encouraging and uplifting. There is an intimacy to this group that is unbelievable. I have learned so much from them and have been encouraged in ways that I could not have imagined.

19. I could watch the movie While You Were Sleeping over and over again and never get tired of it. Love it!

20. I have never been to a dance of any kind. Ever. I sometimes wish Brett and I would get all dressed up and go dancing. But, then I remember. I don't know how to dance.

21. I really don't like texting. I know it's convenient, but I would rather talk to you on the phone so that I can hear the tone of your voice. Talking is more personal to me. I like personal.

22. Nothing has touched me in my life like God's answers to my prayers. He always has a much better plan than I do and I am so glad He is in charge.

23. I love seeing things through the lens of a camera. I {heart} taking pictures!!! I would really love to take a photography class so that I could learn more about my camera.

24. I don't really watch sports on TV except for golf (my husband's favorite and I enjoy it too), but I love watching sports live. Particularly, basketball, football, hockey and golf. Basketball is my favorite though!!!

25. One of my all time favorite verses in the bible is Zephaniah 3:17: "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

[100 facts about me.]

Part 3 of 4.

1. Nothing and no one has amazed me like God has. What He has done in my life and the lives of others is beyond my comprehension.

2. I tend to tear up easily over happy or sad things. I even cry at commercials. Sometimes, I find it very frustrating that I can cry so easily.

3. I HATE to argue. If you enjoy arguing for fun and try to argue with me, I will shut down and not talk. I will not argue for sport or debate with you. In my mind, it does not serve any purpose. If you want to share ideas with each other, I'm all for that. But, I won't debate or argue my stance with you.

4. I have broken both of my littlest toes. One I broke twice and the other one once. Gracefulness is certainly not one of my skills. Good thing I never wanted to be a dancer. But, I kinda wanted to be a gymnast at one point. Just for a moment.

5. If I am angry with someone or disagree with someone and need to talk things through with that person, I will get very quiet and talk slowly because I am trying to choose my words very carefully. I don't want to say something in the heat of anger that I will regret later.

6. I almost always sneeze in 3's. Don't know why, but I do.

7. I tend to be very trusting of people. I usually always look for the good in others until I have a reason not to. And, even then, I still want to see good in them.

8. I {heart} wood grain in almost all forms. Real wood, fake wood, contact paper, printed paper, rubber stamps, etc. Something about it just makes me smile.

9. I am completely blown away by Abbey's artistic abilities!!! The way she thinks and sees things astounds me. She is so fearless in her art and photography and I love that. She inspires me. all. the. time.

10. I cry almost every time we sing in worship. The words always get to me and I feel like God is speaking specifically to me through song. My heart just feels like it is going to burst wide open. I love the intimacy of praise for my Father.

11. Life art is a big part of me. I want to tell my story and the stories of my family. What we believe, how we lived, what was important to us, our faith journeys, etc. I love documenting it all with pictures and words.

12. I have had the following jobs: receptionist for a photographer, sales clerk, front desk personnel, receptionist, operations manager, auto paint repair, administrative assistant, and mom (my favorite one).

13. I exercise regularly but generally don't really "love" it. However, I am now doing yoga and I must say I really really LOVE it!!! I have never felt so good. I love how it releases tension, stretches and lengthens me and seems to help my joints feel healthier.

14. My one true addiction is chocolate. I RARELY miss a day of having some form of chocolate. And, it has to be dark chocolate. No milk chocolate allowed. Thank you very much.

15. When I was younger, I always dreamed that I would live in the country and own horses when I grew up and that I would ride them every day. I'm not sure when the dream changed. Maybe when I realized how much work it is to take care of them.......

16. I really really wish sometimes that we didn't have email. I would love to send and receive mail more often than I do. There is something about getting a note or letter in the mail. It's intimate. Personal. It's like a little surprise just for you. Nobody else. And, especially not for the 50 other people listed in the address line of the email.

17. I have always wanted to be able to sew like my mother. She can literally look at something and just make it. It's crazy. I have neither the skill or the patience that she has. I always wanted to be able to make clothes and cool things for my home but my skills are pretty limited. I guess it might have helped if I had enjoyed sewing in the first place.....

18. My favorite gifts received are handmade ones. That someone would take the time to make me something makes me feel incredibly special.

19. I am the oldest of 3 children.

20. I could not have made it through 2010 without E or Nellie by my side. They helped me to endure, stay focused, and not give up hope. I am forever indebted to them both and love them greatly. They are both gifts from God.

21. My deepest daily desire is to be closer to God. I want to find Him in every day and have an intimate relationship with Him. I have learned that I can't find Him in the word only, but in everything around me. He is constantly working around me, through me, and through others. He is everywhere!!! I just have to keep my eyes open for Him.

22. I played basketball in grade school and my dad wanted me to play in junior high, then high school and then college. But, basketball practice was at the same time as a math class that I wanted to take. I chose math. And thus, there went all my dad's dreams of me being a basketball star. Sorry, dad.

23. I collect buttons. I have for years. And, I have the jars upon jars to prove it. But, in all fairness, I do use the buttons in my art and various projects. So, they are given happy new homes. :)

24. To this day, I cannot parallel park. I will walk 10 blocks before I will try and parallel park.

25. If I start playing solitaire on the computer or a handheld electronic version, then my day is toast!!! I cannot stop playing!!! I always think, "Just one more game." It's crazy.

[100 facts about me.]

Part 2 of 4.

1. I have small toes and I consider them my best feature. Between my 2nd and 3rd toes on both feet the separation between those toes does not go down as far as all of my other toes. E refers to them as "web" toes.

2. I have zero tolerance for emotional games. I hate passive aggressiveness and manipulation to get what a person wants or to cause another person to feel guilty. Be honest with your emotions and feelings with me so that I know where I stand and I can correct anything that I have done wrong. I might not like what you have to say, but I respect honesty.

3. I cannot leave the house without earrings in my ears. I feel naked without them.

4. If we could afford it, I would want a pool in my backyard so that I could swim laps every day in the summer. This might explain why I have web toes.

5. I wish I were more skilled at make-up and hair. I have always wanted to be able to have hair that is cut in a really cool shape and do a "smokey" eye and have flawless make-up. You know, like the "grown-up" women who look so put together in their cute clothes, heels and amazing hair and make-up. But whenever I have tried I end up looking like a clown with freaky hair.

6. I am extremely afraid of severe weather, but I have learned to control my fear and stay calm since I have had a child. Inside, though, my heart is always racing at the threat of what is to come.

7. My right eye won't open as wide as my left eye. It becomes even more evident when I am really tired.

8. If I could, I would get a massage every week. Nothing relaxes me more or releases the tension in my shoulders better.

9. I clench my teeth in my sleep when I am stressed. In fact, I have clenched so hard during some very stressful times that I have broken one of my back teeth in half all the way to the bone.

10. I have never had braces (I have very straight teeth) and I have never had a cavity. :)

11. I enjoy wearing a little bling whether it be diamond studs or sparkly shoes. Sparkle makes me smile.

12. I really want a pair of red high heels to wear with jeans and skirts because I think they are so sassy and the perfect pop of color for any outfit, but my right foot was injured by a can a few years ago and prevents me from wearing most high heels. :(

13. My favorite sound is Brett's laugh when he really gets tickled. It is awesome and always makes me laugh. :)

14. I love old bookprint, newspapers, paper, cards, etc. I love how it feels and smells. I can see so many ways to reuse it.

15. My favorite game is Scrabble (and Bananagrams because it's pretty much the same).

16. One of my best memories of all times is when my Granny let me bake my first cake all by myself. She gave me the recipe, told me where the ingredients and utensils were, told me to ask questions if I needed to and then left the room. I couldn't believe that she trusted me that much. It was awesome!!! She was so amazing.

17. I sometimes wish that we dressed like the women in the 50's and 60's. They always looked so put together and polished in their dresses. And, let's face it, those dresses were so flattering no matter what your shape.

18. If you gave me a choice between vegetables or fruits, I would choose vegetables. I will take a plate of steamed broccoli over strawberries any day. I like fruit. I just like veggies better.

19. My favorite relaxing activity is reading. I love getting lost in a good book, but I seldom have the time to read. If I start a book, I don't want to stop reading it until I get to the end.

20. My idea of a perfect meal is a chili cheese coney with onions, no mustard and fritos.

21. My favorite piece of jewelry that I wear every day is my Granny's wedding set. It reminds me of how happy my grandparents were and how much they loved each other. Inspires me to be the best wife I can be and look forward to all of the happy years ahead with my sweet man.

22. I have a very large stash of candles. I really enjoy the warmth and scent that burning candles bring to a home. I always light one or several when I'm stressed or need to pray. They help me to refocus and be calm in the moment.

23. I have often wondered if I am adopted. I don't think I look much like anyone in my family. I am the only one with fair skin, freckles, and blondish, reddish, brownish hair. But my parents tell me I am really theirs. I'm not sure I believe them.

24. I battle daily internally to control things that I would never want others to see in me. The days I succeed are the ones that I am letting the Spirit lead me.

25. I have always had a crush on Tom Selleck. Ever since Magnum, P.I. And, I pretty much will watch anything that he is in. I don't know if it's the moustache or the laugh or the smile or the eyes. Probably all of the above. If I ever met him, I'm pretty sure I would not be able to speak coherently.

[100 facts about me.]

Part 1 of 4.

1. I have always secretly wanted to be the funny one. But, sadly I'm not. I usually end up trying too hard and fall flat on my face.

2. I have a love affair with fonts that can neither be explained or understood fully.

3. I am a sensitive person which is one of my greatest strengths and one of my greatest weaknesses.

4. I love old movies (30's, 40's, 50's, 60's). They make me smile big.

5. I love organizing stuff. Rooms, closets, drawers, etc. I like having everything in its "place." Unfortunately though my rooms, closets and drawers can look a bit chaotic at times.

6. I have to have to do lists for my day or I will not be productive and I will fritter the day away.

7. I have high expectations of myself and I feel like I am constantly disappointed.

8. I know for a fact that God is forever faithful and works ALL things to His glory.

9. Up until junior high I didn't really have any friends. In fact, in grade school there was a group of girls that were extremely mean to me and made me cry. I was often lonely and sad.

10. The first thing that I fell in love with Brett was his sense of humor. He can always make me laugh. I'm a sucker for a boy who makes me laugh.

11. I cannot refuse Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts that come to my door selling cookies and candy. I just can't. They are always so polite, cute and intent in their purpose.

12. My answer to every problem big or small is chocolate. As well as for every celebration.

13. I admire both my brothers' abilities to go up and talk to anyone. I struggle with that so much. I have to literally have a whole conversation in my head before I can make myself go and talk to someone I don't know or that I don't know well. It makes me very uncomfortable. I'm always afraid of saying the wrong thing or looking like a fool.

14. My favorite kind of days are cloudy or rainy days. I always feel like I get so much done on those days. I know. I'm weird.

15. I have always wanted to travel to Italy, France and Greece. I am infatuated with the history, architecture and unbelievable beauty of it all.

16. I have always wanted to learn sign language. It is such a beautiful language to me. I think it would be so cool to be an interpreter or teach sign language.

17. I am a creative junkie. I love to make things from bits and pieces of paper or fabric or recycled materials. I love the satisfaction of creating something new and the sense of accomplishment that it brings.

18. I have always been a bit of a perfectionist, but am constantly learning to let go of control of things. As I've gotten older I have gotten better at this. Unfortunately, I imparted that perfectionist attitude to my daughter and have had to teach her that everything doesn't have to be perfect. Ahhhh, the mistakes of the parent manifested in the child.

19. I am a night owl. I love the quiet of night. I can think so much more clearly later in the day. I prefer to sleep in and do mindless tasks in the morning. But, alas, life doesn't really work that way and neither does my husband. :)

20. I am entertained daily by my family. I never know what is going to come out of their mouths and usually it is something that makes me laugh or smile.

21. I would like to have a career doing something creative, but I am much better at numbers and administrative tasks. Plus there's the whole fear of failure thing.

22. I love mysteries. My favorite books are mysteries. My favorite tv programs are mystery type programs (i.e. CSI, Burn Notice, Psych, Castle, Criminal Minds, Chuck, etc.). I love the supsense and figuring out whodunit.

23. Insecurity is my biggest enemy. Even though I may seem confident and self-assured, I can assure you that I am insecure. My biggest fear is that I don't matter to someone. God constantly has to teach me that I matter to the most important One of all.

24. If I could get away with it, I would pretty much wear Toms every single day. Oh wait. I almost can do that. :)

25. Nothing makes me feel more like an adult than stopping at QT for a soda whenever I want to. Silly. I know. But it's true.

doubts, fears & insecurity. oh my.

so, i recently found out that someone that i kinda thought i was sorta close to really doesn't like me much at all and the only reason given was different personalities.

i'll be honest. i was shocked. like jaw dropped to the floor shocked. i had absolutely no idea.

usually, i can tell if i'm rubbing someone the wrong way or if they just don't care for me. but, i literally had no idea.

it stings to find out you aren't liked or cared for. especially when you think that person really cares about you and it turns out to all be an act. and, when you have a long history with that person. it stings alot. kinda like when you rip a bandaid off. only worse.

then the numbness comes.

and then, the questioning.

satan totally twisting it all in my head and making me question all my relationships.

who really cares for me and who is just "tolerating" me?

who do i matter to? do i really matter?

a constant barrage of questions in my head with everyone i come in contact with.

i feel like i'm walking on eggshells. all. the. time. i hate it!!!

i have to stop listening to satan in my head and let God grow me through this. this is an opportunity for me to learn and grow. i can't waste it being filled with insecurity.

so, my prayer. that God keep molding me into someone He can use to His glory and that i let go of all the insecurities that hold me back from being who He wants me to be.

sweet silly boy

me: "where's my drink?" (after seeing brett's QT drink)

brett: "um, we can share. it's cherry coke."

me: "so, you didn't get me a drink?"

brett: "yes, i did. i told you it's a cherry coke and we can share."

me: "but, you didn't REALLY get me a drink."

brett: "yes, i did. lovers are supposed to share."

me: :)

how could i fault him for that???