Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 30

Day 30: A letter to yourself, tell yourself everything you love about yourself.

Let me start off by saying I watched a news story just this week that talked about how women are groomed to not accept compliments from anyone, especially compliments about physical traits. I guess they didn't say that it was hard for women to compliment themselves, but I can only imagine this would be even harder. Where do you start when complimenting yourself? You have pretty eyes, Charlotte. I love that about you! Wierd! I guess it could go soemthing like this...

Dearest Me,

I love...

Who am I kidding? This isn't me at all. I like myself. I like who I am. I love my life with my family and friends. There are things I do well and thinks I don't do so well. All of them add up to make me. There isn't much more to say than that.

Oh, and I guess I love that I don't have to stay inside the lines when answering questions such as this one. Yeah, I love that about myself.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 29

Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why?

I can be horrible about admitting fault. This flaw doesn't seem to ever rear its head in a professional work environment, but I often find it difficult to admit fault to my family. I think it is an issue that is born from (a) not wanting to be wrong and (b) the desire to be loved despite my many mistakes and faults. I sometimes don't know how to fix an argument, especially if I let it go on too long. There are plenty of times where I just want to scream "I'm sorry" but am terrified that it won't be received with acceptance. If I was sure that every apology I made, thus admitting fault, would be positively received, I feel I would be much more likely to admit and apologize. I know I need to change, we'll see if I can with time.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 28

Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

I would be happy if I were pregnant, because it would mean that it is what God intended. I do have to say that I am not ready to have a child right now. Ryan and I have a few more things we'd like to shore up in our lives before we even think about having children. But it is a great feeling knowing that would could, both emotionally and monetarily, support a child at any time.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 27

Day 27: What's the best thing going for you right now?

I love my life. I can't even pick one thing that is the best thing going for me. I love my husband. I love spending time with him and my family. I love being able to live in a nice house. I love being able to afford all of the bills and a few extra fun things. I have most everything going now for me. I have a beautiful life. Of course, there are a few pieces I am waiting to fall into place, but the great thing is that I am, for once, confident that they will fall into place. One of the most important things I need to do in my life is be more grateful. While it is good to always strive and want more, I need to learn to be more thankful for how great I really do have it. I have to say, my life is the best thing that I have going for me right now.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 26

Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

Never. I have always had too much to live for. Family and friends. Schooling and education. Hopes and dreams. While I can't even begin to understand the thoughts that go through someone's mind as they decide to give up on life, I could never do it. I have always had way to much going on in my life, even if it's been nothing more than unfinished business.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 25

Day 25: The reason you believe your still alive today.

I'm guessing it's because I'm only 27 years old. Just a thought...

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 24

Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs.

1. Jealous Guy ~ John Lennon ... The first song you sang me

2. Brian Wilson ~ Barenaked Ladies ... The first song we connected over

3. Why Don't You & I ~ Carlos Santana Ft. Chad Kroeger ... The song that brought us back together

4. Something ~ The Beatles ... The song that brings back memories

5. The Luckiest ~ Ben Folds ... The song we first danced to as husband and wife

6. Christmas On The Line ~ Michael Martin Murphey ... The song that brings smiles on Christmas

7. Where My Heart Will Take Me ~ Russell Watson ... The song that keeps us going

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 23

Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.

I wish I'd studied abroad in college. When I was in college, I had a boyfriend the entire time and I had a job. The combination of these two things led me to choose to not visit another country to study. At the time I thought I was in love and couldn't bear to be separated from him. I was blind. I also had a job as a youth minister which meant a lot to me, at the time. Looking back, I shouldn't have let either thing keep me from studying abroad. It was an opportunity I missed out on that I can never get back.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 22

Day 22: Something you wish you hadn't done in your life.

Unfortunately, I would have to go with the somewhat obvious answer and say nothing. Every thing that has happened in my life has helped to form me into the person I am today. Some may wish they hadn't dated a certain person, for example, because the relationship was toxic. The reason that isn't my answer is that it is a toxic relationship experience that makes me realize how lucky I am to be with my husband. Some may wish they hadn't treated a person in a certain way. To that I would have to somewhat agree, but true friends and family will always find their way back, even from a negative situation. Finally, some may say that they wished they hadn't let something or someone go. I am fortunate enough to not have that regret in my life.

So for now, there is nothing in my life that I wish I hadn't done. I may not be proud of everything I have done, but all actions and reactions have turned me in to the person I am today.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 21

Day 21: Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got in a fight an hour before. What do you do?

This is a pretty juvenile question. My friends and I don't get into fights. I guess if we did it wouldn't matter and I would be there for him/her as needed. Some things, in fact most things, are more important that a silly spat.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 20

Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Drugs - Against. Although, I believe that marijuana is vilified unnecessarily.

Alcohol - For. Although it can be used to excess, in moderation, its fine. Alcohol is a drug too, though, which I think some people forget. Drink responsibly.  

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 19

Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

Religion - For. I believe in God. You can believe in what you believe in. At the end of the day I believe religion encourages ethical and moral behavior.

Politics - Against, in it's current state. In its purest sense politics is good. It helps to structure society. Unfortunately politics have turned into name calling, pork barrel spending and even worse. Let's replace today's "politics" with caring, compassionate and intelligent community leadership.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 18

Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.

Let them marry. What difference could it possibly make to me? No one was allowed to tell me I couldn't get married. I think that any couple, gay or straight, should be afforded the rights and responsibilities granted by the institution of marriage. I think its sad that two people committed to one another, no matter their sex, might not be able to make medical decisions for one another. I think its sad that gay people are not allowed to express their devotion in a legal manner. I think its sad that marriage is seen as a privilege instead of a right. I can promise you that one day we will look back and the ban on gay marriage and be ashamed of ourselves, much as we are now for segregation. It will, one day, seem ludicrous that we ever felt men didn't have the right to marry men and women didn't have the right to marry women.

What this gets down to for a lot of people is one simple question. Is being gay a choice or is it innate in any given person. My answer to this question is that it is innate. Being gay is who people are just as much as their gender or skin color. I don't feel that being gay is a choice. Why would anyone chose to be gay knowing they will be maligned, made fun of and lose specific government given rights? No one chooses to be something that they know will cause such maltreatment and hate. It is who some people are just as much as being heterosexual is who I am.

Some will argue that allowing gay people to marry ruins the sanctity of marriage. I would have to tell them that divorce also ruins the sanctity of marriage, but we allow that. All in all, let people who love one another legally be together. End of story.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 17

Day 17: A book you've read that changed your views on something.

The most recent example that I can think of is a book called Strengths Finder 2.0. It is a business/self discovery book in which you take an online test to determine your strength areas. Once you take the online test, about 135 questions, you find out your top five personality traits. The main idea behind the book is a good one. It is all about how you and your employer should focus on your top strengths instead of spending time trying to correct weaknesses. My top five strengths were identified as: Relator, Learner, Belief, Analytical, Responsibility. I felt that the test was pretty accurate in determining who I am as a worker and a person. Relators are people persons. Learners are always seeking knowledge. Belief means that, as a person, I follow a certain set of personal guidelines and shape my life around them. Analytical means that I like to think, question and analyze situations. Responsibility means that I take pride in what I do and want to be the best.

I highly recommend this test to anyone who hasn't taken it. The book only cost about $18 and the insights it gave me were well worth it!

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 16

Day 16: Someone or something you definitely couldn't live without.

Is there anyone who would answer this question differently than I am about to? I can't live without my family. Mom, Dad and Ryan. They are my support and my inspiration. I am lucky to live close enough to my parents to be able to go to dinner with them about once per week. I really am glad I get to spend so much time with them and my husband. I definitely couldn't live without my family.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 15

Day 15: Something or someone you couldn't live without, because you've tried living without it.

I don't want to go with the someone part of this question, although I have an answer for that. I"ll go with the something. Answer? Cell phone. How sad is that? My stupid, iPhone 4. I remember a day when I didn't have a smart phone. Heck, I remember a day when cell phones didn't exist. Just wait until I tell my kids that one!

My cell phone is a part of everything I do in my day. It's my calendar, calculator, weather station and map. It's my entertainment, my connection to others and my timekeeper. Oh yeah, and I can make calls on it too. With all that I use it for, it is always in my hand. I don't know how anyone could live without a smart phone. I guess the way I did before cell phones existed...

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 14

Day 14: A hero that has let you down.

A hero that has let me down? Hmmm... My only heros in life are my parents and husband. None of the three have ever let me down. I have an amazing family, what can I say?

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 13

Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some difficult days.

What a great and difficult question. I would have to say Nichole Nordeman. She has a song called 'Why' that I listen to a lot. It is a song that I first heard during a Lenten Stations of the Cross event. It is over 6 minutes long, but it is very powerful. It is a Christian song that walks the listener through Jesus' walk to Golgatha through the eyes of a small child. It is a song that reminds you of what is really important in life. It also helps you to realize how small your problems truly are in the grand scheme of things. This song has definitely gotten me through some very difficult times.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 12

Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.



This is the weirdest question I have ever heard. How are you even supposed to answer this. There are infinite things I haven't gotten compliments on. Some would be impossible, such as no one has ever compimented me on my advanced proficiency at speaking Russian. Some wouldn't make sense, such as no one has ever said what a great mother I am. All in all, this question has no answer.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 11

Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

I get complimented all the time on my hair. I have the thickest hair of anyone I've known. In fact, most times I can't even get it in a pony tail because it is so heavy that it falls down. I love my hair. Don't get me wrong. But, it does get really annoying that it doesn't do anything. It won't curl. It won't hold dye. It won't do anything. Well, I take that back. It is great at frizzing. It has been doing that a lot in this Texas heat. I have been thinking about getting a wave type perm, just to give it some body, but perms are just a little too permanent for me.