Small Towns, Cheesecake, & Big Changes!

Please just take this in. All of the chocolate-y caramel goodness. It is in fact heaven in a piece of cheesecake. Oh wait, heaven and cheesecake are synonomous....my apologies :)
Every Wednesday, one of my good friends Ally and I meet for lunch at on of Crockett's hidden treasures: Betty Boop's. It is here that we order a cup of coffee served in ivory, dainty, china coffee cups, and Chocolate Eruption cheesecake. I now live for Wednesdays. I mean hello, what in this world can't be fixed by coffee, cake, and a long chat with one of your closest friends? 

Our lunch meetings have turned into so much more than girlfriend gossip. We get to talk about things that are real for young women living in a small town. The challenges, the advatanges, the ghosts we face, and the sunrises yet to come. These meetings have become sessions of fellowship and encouragement. Seeing as I am looking for a career that will take me away from Crockett and my beloved Betty Boop's, who knows how long they will last? I will not, however, take them for granted.

Of course, Ally has the REALLY tan feet.

I had the opportunity today to go see one of the most important men in my life. My high school Ag teacher, Mr. Graham (aka: Big G, Daddy Graham, etc). He is the reason I am no longer shy, who got me into Public Relations, made me realize my passion for creating things (granted they were trailers, mineral feeders, and tractor accessories!), molded me into a leader, and encouraged me to jump head first into my first and only love. He symbolizes my small town roots and brings me back down to Earth if I am ever spiraling out of control. He is a second father to me, and I am so blessed that he still gets to be in my life even though I graduated high school long ago. I also had the opportunity to see one of my oldest friends. It had been ages and was so great to catch up. Talking with him and walking down memory lane made me realize how far we've come; how we're different people now than the ghosts in our lives then.  They're barely a mist in a memory buried deep in our minds. We're older. Wiser. However, somethings never change; he makes me laugh just as he always has. We watched kids, that used to be us, and just shook our heads and smiled. If we only knew then that we in fact....didn't know anything at all...

              

 "It sure left it's mark on us, we sure left our mark on it 

Finally, this is in fact the last blog I will be writing until after my big

 interview in Ft. Worth!I have that feeling a baby

bird must have riiiiiiiight before it leaps from the nest on its 

first flying lesson. Life has big moments. 

Ones you can just feel. Ones that seep from your heart and into 

your soul. This is going to be a big event....

Heading off for a new adventure....

We let the world know we were here, with everything we did 

We laid a lotta memories down, like tattoo's on this town " 

-Jason Aldean

Its Been a Month of Sundays!

My mom gave me an a wooden sculpure (its an angel), her arms stretched high; the name of it is courage. It has been a tangible reminder that courage and faith go hand in hand. It has been a constant reminder that this chapter in our lives (for my readers that are my age and in my similar situation) takes SOOO much courage. We get angry, frustrated, impatient...."but take heart, for HE has overcome the world..."

Well ladies and gents. 

                               I have quite a bit to update you on! For your convenience they are listed in chronological order, lettered A-D :) 

A.) I got a part time job working at Spotted Zebra (this way, I can maintain my sanity while living at home); a super cute clothing boutique! It is so much fun and I love to owner and the other girl I work with. It give me a fabulous opportunity to learn the boutique business for when I want to open my own!

B.) I have possibly three interviews this week!!!! YAYYY for possible employment! (aka I get to quit being the bum living with my parents.) They are with a companies called Cultivate, Savvy Frisco Mamas, and Med Careers.  Basically it boils down to: advertising to ranches/ag companies, styling the Real Housewives of Frisco, and helping doctors(umm... future husband please :D ) find jobs in hospitals (I would obviously be a marketing manager). Fingers, arms, legs, toes, and hair crossed please!!!

C.) I have started applying to hospitals and non-profit organizations in a PR/marketing capacity. I don't want to just take up space and contribute to the local economy. I want to make a footprint. To be a part of something great than any one individual. Isn't that what, as humans, we're called to? To help each other? To be proactive in love?

D.) I GET TO GO TO COLLEGE STATION THIS WEEKEND!!!! WHOOOOOOP <3

.::. My Happy Place .::.

I've got to say one of my favorite new things about Jackson Hole, is the time I've had to myself to wander about the city; to stumble upon hidden treasures. The line from the song Hometown Glory by Adele comes to mind, "No and thank you, please madam. I'm not lost, I'm just wandering..."

It has been snowing the better part of today, and I was sliding through the city square in my bright red A-Line coat, I happened upon Shades. One of the cutest little coffee shops I have ever seen. It is TINY and you would ordinarly miss it if you didn't know what you were looking for. They make a double non-fat vanilla latte to die for. They have issues of Jackson Hole Daily by the register, so it is the perfect place to go to start your day. For me, the smell of newspapers and coffee mixed with the murmings of locals huddled over coffee of thier choice, it set the perfect backdrop for my quiet time. I spent 45 minutes studying and analyzing the book of Hosea this morning. The longer I sat there I noticed I was being noticed bye said locals. Looks of puzzlement were thrown my way, and then I realized I was the only one reading a Bible in the whole place. Talk about a 180 from the Bible belt. My favorite coffee shop in College Station, Sweet Eugene's, was constantly packed with bible study groups, friends reading a christian book together, or couples praying for each other. It made me realize that your actions truly are noticed by others; everything you do either sets you apart, or blends you into your surroundings. 

Above is my little piece of heaven. ignore the way I sound...When I start filming I turn into a mumbling/giggling imbecile. During this time, we were slipping our way through the snow, tumbling in and out of local  shops eating homemade chocolate from a candy shop that has been here as long as I can remember. It is days like today that reminds me that magic happens in the tiniest ways....

Stating the Obvious

Do you have any idea how blessed you are?

No seriously. Humor me for a minute.

If you are even reading this blog you are BEYOND blessed. Consider what it takes for you to be sitting somewhere, doing something you like to do. Consider the access you have to have to technology in order to perform this simple act.

I met a woman today who is moving to Tortuga to teach the natives how to better make their jewlery, rugs, etc. in order to have more control over their livlihood. Think about that. Let it sink in. Consider what that means to you.

I am so thankful for people with giving hearts. People that have a PASSION for making the world a better place to live in. Not just taking what God has given them granted, but spreading it in all ways available to them.

I am thankful for love. Not love that I receive or give, but love in itself. The act of love. The fact that God wanted us to have that emotion. That we are capable of kindness derived from love.

Let that marinate...

Make it a great day.

Love it or Hate it

I am a creative. I say creative and not "artist" because I believe there are only a few people worthy of that title. Its thrown around much to loosely in our generation."Artist" fits a very specific segment. A segment to which I do not belong. However, I have a passion and respect for all things creative. I am drawn to such topics. They make me happy.

Here's the thing about being a conservative creative mind. Being a staunch right wing drawn into a world of psychotically left wing liberitarians is band enough, but being the former in a community that outnumbers you 100 to 1 in your beliefs, in the very essence of what makes you, you?! Talk about frustrating and disheartening. At the same time, you are passionately bound by your soul in, what seems to be, a romantic choreographed dance with steps painted by the golden brush of individuals who "understand" you. You simply indure the torture. I indure the torture.

BUT everyone has a limit, and ladies and gentlemen, I have reached mine.

I love art, fashion, and literature, aruguably the three largest segments that are stocastically dominated by bleeding heart liberals that simply can't be reasoned with. I am drawn to literature in all three of the previously listed topics. Novels and magazines alike(Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, etc), all set in the demoncratic relm that is art. And EVERY single time I am hit, nay beaten, in the face with secular ideals of sex, marriage, homosexuality, alcohol, drugs, wellfare, etc. by ignorant creatives that have NO basis or factual evidence for their political opinions. Typically, it is purely for the sake of fitting into the stereotypical creative persona, or because it will justify their ludacris behavior that would rival that of Sodom and Gomorrah.

I would like to admit exhibit A into evidence. Rap music. I am big fan of it. Lil Wayne, Drake, Jay-Z, and Kid Cuddi are some of my personal favorites. I work out to it, dance to it, and paint to it. In fact, I believe it is safe to say that our country and society is steeped in it. The rappers I named are very intelligent. They are well versed and witty. Many of them are solid business men as well, owning production companies and the like. BUT songs like "My President is Black," - I mean REALLY Jay-Z?! Come on. You're not only discrediting your own race, but also the perceptions of the president himself. It makes you look ignorant , and quite frankly, ridiculous. I'm all for using your musical art to practice your first amdendment rights (no matter your opion), but PLEASE do yourself and everyone else listening a favor and at LEAST make it educated!

Now, I'm not picking on rap music. Several other genres fall prey to this scathing editorial, country music included.

Here is my challenge. Conservative creatives, STAND UP. Paint political pieces, musicians, please write songs with facts! Poets, where have the slam poems talking about passion for the life and love God has given you gone?! Authors, PLEASE stop writing "novels" as soft porn in the sake of what makes "interesting reading." We have a loud voice that we aren't using! I am begging you to start making a difference.

 I know I am.

My Life is a Neon Movie...and its a Comedy

Well, what started out as a simple trip to Dallas for a dermatologist appointment, turned into quite an eventful little day!

After doing some serious retail therapy to take my mind off feeling like I was being attacked by killer bees on steroids, I came away with all new workout gear; all in neon colors :) A bit too much you ask? Ummm, excuse me. Hi my name is Amanda; we obviously haven't met yet. Yes, my neon pink earbuds also have GARGANTUAN rhinestones on them! At the risk of sounding cliche; that's me in a nutshell. 

My super awesome new kicks :)

Ladies I love at the Bridal shower

NOW, eager to get home and tryout my kick-butt workout gear; I run in, change clothes, and commence to killing myself all in the name of beauty. My weapon of choice? The treadmill with ankle weights. Needless to say, I have a pretty good sweat going (ladies, if you need motivation to work out, buy cute work out clothes. It makes you want to look like Carrie Underwood in them). Mom calls. I am late for a bridal shower. Eff. My. Life. Soooooo.....I attend said bridal shower, an hour late, in neon pink workout shorts, turquoise nike's, black t-shirt, and a LIME green bow to hold my bangs back. Cute AND classy, I know.

Maid of Honor and the Bride to Be

I get home, tie myself to the treadmill, yet again, and get to work. Forty five minutes later, my father announces to me I am going to be his personal assistant until further notice (aka until I get a Jay-Oh-Bee). This ladies and gentlemen could be EXTREMELY interesting and may quite possibly end in bloodshed. However.....he is paying me. No complaining here....yet. 

........IS THIS REAL LIFE?! THIS DAY SERIOUSLY HAPPENED?!?!?..........

Movie of the Week: Despicable Me

Song of the Week: Needtobreathe - Devil's Been Talkin'

First and foremost, if your dermatologist ever suggests you get a shot of cortisone to reduce scarring on your body in order to minimize the effects of already painful skin cancer on your body; DON'T DO IT! I had the wonderful privilege today of receiving EIGHT cortisone shots in my shoulder and chest. UGH. Terrible idea. Moving on.

Here's to the Little Things...

My Wonderful Family <3

It really is the little things in life that make me happy! I mean seriously think about it. For Kate it was as simple as buying a new color nail polish. For Sarah, it is treating herself to a diet coke; and for my sister, it is having the time in the day to edit pictures she has taken. Besides, if it is lots of little good things happen to you throughout the day, it adds up to one great, big, wonderfuL, GLORIOUS day :D


For me its buying fresh flowers to put in the house, trying a new kind of creamer in my coffee in the morning, being asked to be in a best friend's wedding (that happened today!!!), having an amazing run outside, being inspired to paint something new and speeding home (if you knew my driving record you would realize how COMPLETELY unwise this would be) to start on it! The best kinds of "little things" are unexpected. For example... While working at Vida Nueva this weekend, I had to opportunity to meet a girl headed to A&M in the fall. She found out I was a former student and the interrogation began. She was so excited and already so full of Aggie spirit that I immediately wished I was a freshman again (minus the fish camp. ugh).


So obviously I had a great day! I have a possible interview in the DFW area with an full service marketing firm that specializes in agricultural companies! This could be a FABULOUS thing! "A Year of Unforseeable Events" may start being written from a new location!! If that wasn't enough, daddy and I FINALLY came to an agreement on what my new car is going to be! I will soon(hopefully, depending on this little interview!) be the owner of a new Nissan Juke :D


So I challenge you, find joy in the little things! Really think about what makes you happy on a daily basis. Instead of "treating yourself," to these activities, implement them into your daily life! The more great days you have, the bad ones may not seem so bad!

.::.AndI'mBack.::.

Welllll....
Its  been far too long! BUT absence makes the heart grow fonder!


I spent Thursday through Sunday working at a christian youth leadership retreat for girls ages 15-20. It is a program called Vida Nueva. It is such a blessing every time. I learn something new about the Lord and what he wants for my life. It was nice to unplug and meet with the Lord without distractions by serving others.


Tidbit of advice for the week if you are have a rough day/week/month/whatever. Change the theme/font/ringtone on your phone. Yes, you must do 2 or more of the above listed things for maximum satisfaction. Its like getting a brand new phone without the buyers remorse ;) It truly is the little things in life people! Tehehe


My friend Joey that is in the Marines leaves tomorrow :/ sooooo sad. He did however get me the new iPod for Christmas!!!! I am slightly obsessed. He is seriously the sweetest guy I've ever known. I'm going to miss him! However...on the music note, definitely check out The Daylights. If Kings of Leon and Muse had a baby, they would name it The Daylights.


Book of the week: An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin. Like always, research the main plot ;) The main character is a bit rough for my taste. She is the secular world's perfect depiction of an "strong ambitious woman." Have you ever noticed the the world depicts "strong women" like the Samantha's of the world (For the those of you who don't watch Sex in the City, A) you should, and B) Samantha is a SLUT that sleeps with anyone male, and does not get attached.) The world also depicts women that are ambitious and successful career wise, as a man eating, bitter, emotionless carp. When they become desirable to men, is when they become emotional and "weak". They have some emotional crisis that they need a "big strong man" for! Case in point: Sandra Bullock in The Proposal. And we as society eat it up. We love to hate these women. I know I do! I'm not damning these perspectives, simply making an observation. Just some food for thought.


Happy New Year everyone. Let's make a successful one shall we?