Whataburger Can Make Your Day

Today I ran by Whataburger for my day-off treat to pick up some lunch for my roommate and me. Usually, Whataburger in and of itself is plenty for a brief happy moment, but today I was granted a day's worth of happiness. I'll leave you with the dialog exchange from the drive-thru:

I pulled up to the window to see a woman standing there with our food, ready to hand if off. I asked for some ketchup, pepper, and sweetn'low. From there a guy, the manager I presumed, looked over her and said:

Manager: Have you played in movies?
Me: No, no I haven't.
Manager: You look like you have.
Me: comedic hair-toss Why thank you!
Manager: Shake it girl.

Thank you, Whataburger, for adding some calorie free sweet talk to my caloric festivities.

On Vacation I go...

I'm off to Philadelphia until Monday. I'll get to spend two fun-filled days in New York, as well. I'm quite excited about my first adventure to the Northeast. Hopefully I'll have a nice update when I return.

On the hunt

So I received word that my Supervisor is officially leaving for a new position in the agency. With that, I have accelerated my job hunt. I officially applied for three jobs tonight, with the anticipation of applying for two to three more before the week is up. Any prayers are greatly appreciated while I attempt to make a new transition in my life. This will truly be a time to trust in God with my future. Let's hope I can do this, because...

Things have been somewhat hard lately. It's so difficult for me to relinquish the reins and let God take control. I seek out my own ends to a means instead of trusting God to provide for me, and this is in multiple aspects of my life. I let me emotions get the best of me, which results in venomous thoughts that often become venomous words. I don't like where my heart is most of the time, yet my conviction is not resulting in true repentance. It's hard.

I let my heart get too involved in things of this world. I let myself get too wrapped up in desire. I let my sin overwhelm me without turning away. It's hard.

I struggle with where God has me at this very moment. I'm struggling with my job. I'm struggling with my contentment with singleness. I'm struggling with my hunger to grow. It's hard.

It's amazing how much I think of myself in all this, all the while. There are people suffering far greater than I am, and who can even say I am truly suffering? My selfishness radiates in every aspect of my life. I don't come to people's aid. It's hard.

But God is good. How can I remember this?

Good Dreams are Really Bad

I recently messaged a good friend of mine and informed her, "I had a bad dream last night." I proceeded to tell her the Cliff's Notes version of my dream, which in actuality was full of good, wonderful things. She questioned me saying, "that's a bad dream?" My retort... "Yeah, because it wasn't real." It's just such a bittersweet feeling to wake up from this short glimpse of what your subconscious reveals. How can this be classified as something good if you're so disappointed when you wake up? It isn't truth. It isn't real. It's just a plethora of random thoughts tied together; sometimes revealing something you want; sometimes revealing a garble of things that are just really weird. Good dreams are really bad.

Two Fleshes Unite

So it's official. I have been united with another's flesh. This past Monday, around 2:00pm my Orthopedic Surgeon binded my femur and fibula with allograft - tissue from a cadaver. The scope procedure revealed my ACL was completely detached from my femur. The MRI and initial scoping of my tissue provided the illusion that my ACL was somewhat in place, but in actuality, it was just laying on the bone. But God bless modern technology. My surgeon was able to attach a new ACL to my bones, and the screws should dissolve in a few years' time. I begin Physical Therapy tomorrow and have already slightly weaned myself off of crutches. I should be able to run in three months time, but I cannot play sports for another six months (bummer!). I appreciate everyone's concern, prayers, and well wishes. The road is long, but the results are a blessing! Thanks friends!

Lots of Happenings

I just wanted to share a little update in the goings-ons in my life. This past Wednesday marked my year anniversary with CPS. This is quite the accomplishment given the average turnover of a CPS caseworker is eight months. With my completed year, I'm entitled to a bonus (scheduled to come in July, assuming I'm still with the agency then, as well), and I have ample opportunity to apply for different jobs and locations within the department. My supervisor informed me of a new position she applied for, and she encouraged me to apply as well. The department has created new job positions, which includes less stress and a pay increase. With her recommendation, I went ahead and applied for one of the positions, as well as an opening in Night Intake. Night Intake has the benefit of not having to carry a case load, providing an easier means of taking time off, as well as giving me the opportunity to explore returning to school semi full time. The only drawback to that position is I don't receive any difference in pay, and I'd be working Wednesday through Saturday nights, eliminating my ability to socialize with those who have normal work schedules. Essentially, I'm hoping for the former job to work out, otherwise I'll be exploring a new career entirely come the end of the summer when I'm finished with Physical Therapy and my boss is gone.

Speaking of Physical Therapy.... on Monday I'm undergoing orthoscopic knee surgery. My orthopedic is not 100% sure what the damage to my knee is. The consensus is that it's a probably meniscus tear (which didn't show up on the MRI) and possible ACL reconstruction. Essentially, we can't know until there's a hole in my knee, so come Monday around 3:00pm, I think we'll know. Crutches are foreseen to be in the near future for anywhere from two to six weeks, followed by three months of physical therapy. Any thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated during my surgery on Monday. It's scheduled for 11:00AM.

I can't really think of anything else going on. I figure this entry is somewhat boring, but at least I could offer a somewhat substantial update. I know it can't compare to the Baby Do's and Don'ts. But really, what can?

Because I never update...

I'll just update with one of these, courtesy of Martha.

10 years ago:
I was in the eighth grade. Wow. That's really weird to think about. I had braces and four teeth removed. I played tennis, for some reason. I was first introduced to *NSYNC which led to an obsession that would last into college. I didn't wear make-up. I didn't wear stylish clothes. Thinking back on it, I don't think I had any idea who I was or what I wanted to be. But I did love soccer, and I was pretty awesome at it.

Things on my to-do list today:
-No Country for Old Men
-Helping a friend, maybe two friends, move
-Derek Webb, holla

What would I do if I suddenly became a billionaire?
-Travel
-Donate a lot of money all over the place (Peru Mission, my church, my past churches, donate to any programs that seek to end hunger... to name a few)
-Pay off my loans and any of my family's loans
-Buy a house for me, my parents, brothers, aunt and uncle, and start a college fund for my cousins
-Buy lifetime season tickets to the Mavs and the Cowboys (selfish, I know)
-Buy lifetime season tickets to the Rangers for Katy and Amy


Three of my bad habits:
1. Piles, they're everywhere
2. Procrastination
3. I'll get to this one later...

Five jobs I've had:
1. Temp
2. Office Assistant
3. CPS
4. English Teacher
5. Athlete Checker (I monitored the attendance of scholarship athletes at A&M)

Five things many people don't know about me:
1. I don't tweeze my eyebrows. I don't see the point
2. I've eaten fried guinea pig. It didn't taste like chicken
3. I've been to three *NSYNC concerts and one BBMak concert. I'm boyband obsessed to this day.
4. If Josh Groban asked me to marry him tomorrow, I'd probably say yes.
5. I'm convinced I contracted mono from a communion cup in December 2005.

I tag anyone who wants to do this.

A Follow Up

I can't take credit for the wonderful baby advice, so I'd like to post the link so everyone else can enjoy and choose their own favorites! ENJOY!

Baby Do's and Don'ts

Working for Child Protective Services I learn quite a few things about what is okay to do with children. A friend of mine referred me to a Spanish blog this evening, and I just HAD to post a few excerpts from it, because ultimately, I come across people who probably would not know these Do's and Don'ts. Yes, our society has those who are not taught parental skills through demonstration, and innately do not possess maternal/paternal skills. These are a couple of my favorites. I hope you enjoy them: