The stages of life... and where do I fit in?!

A LOT has been happening lately...

News of engagements and upcoming nuptials, babies-a-comin, and college spring breaks.

It all made me take a step back and think about the stages of life. Oh how things change!

My sister just had her college spring break and her and a friend made the trek out to Southern California for a few days! What a blast! We went to the beach in March - 80 degree weather. You can't beat that! We also went on a Starline tour to check out all of the celeb's homes...talk about inspiration! Shew...those houses were GORGEOUS!

It was a fun trip for sure and made me experience other parts of LA I had yet to see - like Saddle Ranch Steakhouse with the mechanical bull and Hollywood hotspot and eatery, The Ivy.

The whole trip made me think about my spring breaks and how different life was back then. We sure did have a blast in Cozumel and Cancun... I remember complaining about school work and worrying about grades. Now, I look back and think, "Man, I had it good back then." Good friends and a fun college atmosphere. Next thing you know, you're living in a big city chasing your dreams and making plans to celebrate your friend's weddings!!

And boy, am I a sucker for a good wedding, that's for sure!! I just flew home to throw my bestie her bridal shower! - Southern style!

We had a blast! I was in my element, hosting a party! I just can't even describe how happy I am to share in this special time with Hannah (see pic below...weren't we just livin' the dream)! And with all of my other friends who are in the same stage in life...

The news just gets better and better too!

Yay for another baby coming into the family!! My Godsister found out she's preggers! WOOHOO!!! Who doesn't love babies?! It's going to be one packed house come holiday time!!


When I was younger...
(all fresh faced and youthful)

...I definitely had no clue what life would be like at 24. But you realize you're so much more aware of what's going on with friends and family and you're mature enough to see the stages of life in all their glory! Boy, it puts things in perspective.

I definitely used to think - "Wow, when I'm 24 years old, I'll have my life together - I'll be settled and stable and married..." haha WHAT?!?

What you assume you'll be doing at a certain age when you're a young girl never really turns out the way you thought it would. And that's what life's all about!


It's an adventure!

It can't be planned. That's when you realize the stage of life you're in right now, is exactly where you're meant to be! Sure - I'd love to have my dream job and dream man right now ;), but if I had everything figured out, then I wouldn't be learning so much about myself on this wild ride to find my purpose in life.

So now, I vow to enjoy the present! It's time to sit back and enjoy this roller coaster called LIFE.

As my Momma always told me..."Patience is a virtue." And that's one virtue I've got to work hard at upholding! ;)

Who knows what's in store tomorrow or a year from now... but isn't that what's exciting?!?

The best thing you can do is:


Always have faith!!

You better 'redneckognize'!!!

I don't know what it is, but I'm literally OBSESSED with Honey Boo Boo haha!

When it's on TV, you better not be changing the channel because that dang show just cracks me up!

It's gotten to the point that my Daddy and I call each other up just to tell the other one to 'redneckognize'! I know...it's a problem.

While I'm leaning forward on the couch with my elbows on my knees literally laughing so hard that I'm both crying and not breathing, my roommate is staring at me like I'm a fool. It's just what that show does to me!

Believe it or not...I was walking around the Grove yesterday and guess who was on their way to be on EXTRA? Yep...that'd be Honey Boo Boo and her momma June. Who woulda thought??

But honestly, it really is a great show to watch when you need some good entertainment in your life. If you're not having the best day or worried about why things are the way they are...turn to TLC and watch 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo'. In the end, they show us what's most important - family and friendships. Even if it is some kind of crazy family...they sure do have a blast together!

So as Honey Boo Boo might say, "You better redneckognize." Things can change in a day, so try your best to "redneckognize" what's most important in life and don't take yourself too seriously!


Always have faith!!

Just listen to Oprah...

You know those days when you feel down in the dumps?

The ones where you second guess everything and wonder when in the world the next step is going to come along or what in the heck you're doing with your life...

That's how I feel right now.

It's not a bad thing, but it definitely makes me think.

It's like I know exactly what I want to do with my life, but the journey is different for everybody, and you just never know what's going to happen or how long it may take.

On days like these...I turn to Oprah for some inspiration! I'm not kidding, that lady has something for every mood.

Today, I turned my thoughts to Oprah's Quotes to Help You Keep Following Your Dreams. And of course, it was just what I needed! Who can ignore an inspirational quote like this:

"There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. 

It's why you were born. And how you become most truly alive." 

-OPRAH

That's right Oprah! That's exactly what I believe. You never fail to write/say the right thing. That's why you're you, right Oprah?

What a lady!

In the end...

Always have faith!!

Uplifting day!

What a great day!

Today, I got to give a tour to a high school group filled with drama and film students from California. And what a treat! I cannot explain how great it feels to talk with people who are excited and positive about life!

All of the students had such positive personalities and were so thankful for the field trip to Paramount. They were so interactive and really made me feel so blessed to have my job. Not only that, their enthusiasm was contagious! All around, they had big dreams and goals for the future...just like the rest of us.

It made me think about how high school and college really influenced me! It reminded me of the relationships you form that will change and impact you for the rest of your life. What you learn from your teachers and friends really does shape you and your dreams. What a fun time in life that transforms you into the person you're meant to be in the future!

And how awesome that my devotional today corresponded to all of the thoughts that have been going through my mind today! It was about pursuing certain goals in your life and how if that fits into God's plan for you, then he will help you reach it. Otherwise, no need to worry...because if what you desire right now isn't the right path for you, then those dreams will gradually change over time. No matter what, everything will fall into place - everything happens for a reason...so that one day we can all fulfill our purpose in life!



Always have faith!!