25 for 25

In honor of turning 25, I'm giving you 25 random facts/confessions about myself:

 1 - My favorite animals are elephants and giraffes. I really want to go on an African safari one day!

2 - I can touch my tongue to my nose. 

3 - My sophomore year of college I dyed my hair. I will never do that again. 

4 - I lived in Breckenridge, CO for 3 summers during college. Summit County will always have a piece of my heart and I'm itching to go back asap (just not in the winter....)

5 - I am NOT an animal person. Yes, I do have 2 fave animals but notice they are not ones I will run into on a normal basis and have to pet (except in India and when that happens, you pet and ride the elephant!) Yes, I had dogs and cats growing up and I love my own animals. But, I don't do well with animals and I just don't love them. Sorry. 

6 - Pink is my favorite color. 

7 - I worked at Dairy Queen for a summer (in CO).

8 - I also worked at an Oxygen Bar for a summer (also in CO).

9 - Summer is my favorite season. I would be happy to never experience winter again. I would also be happy to find a way to have snow days during summer weather. 

10 - When I read a book series or watch a TV series, I get attached. The characters become my friends. I start referencing them by first name, like we know each other, and I'm always telling their stories (I can relate any life situation to a Friends episode.) So, when they're over, I cry. And, I don't mean just a few tears...I'm talking sobs. I still cry like a baby during Michael's last 2 episodes of the Office & the last episode of Friends, no matter how many times I watch them. 

11 - I love writing with colored pens & I love marking out my to-do list at work with colored sharpie.
12 - When clothes shopping, I navigate towards blues, without even realizing it. My closet is full of shades of blue - stripes, solids, plaids, polka dots.
13 - I love to read.
14 - I love candles. Any time I am home for a few hours, I'm burning a candle.
15 - I'm very clumsy & I bruise 'like a peach' (name that show...hint - see #10).
16 - I was on Drill Team in 7th & 8th grade. I was a cheerleader in 9th grade & 11th-12th grade. My sophomore year I took off, had foot surgery, and was football manager & water girl.
17 - I miss cheerleading - stunting, cheering, dances, jumps, all of it.
18 - I enjoy getting older - it means I'm wiser ;) (hopefully). I don't like drama that the younger years often bring.
19 - I've cut my hair 3 times to donate it.
20 - Country music is my favorite music of all time.
21 - Sweet vs. Salty = sweet every.single.time. I rarely salt my food. I could always eat something sweet.
22 - I really like naps.
23 - My family means the world to me.
24 - I enjoy trips to Wal-Mart or the grocery store. I like perusing the aisles and taking my time (unless there are a million people there.)
25 - I want to live in India. 

Phelps vs. Lochte

I will ALWAYS choose Phelps!

24 races.
22 of those brought him medals.
18 of those medals are GOLD.

I don't care who you are...that's freakin' impressive!

Yes, I choose Phelps.

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July!! I love this holiday! It's smack dab in the middle of summer (my fave season) & there are so many great things about it:
Fireworks
SUN
Laying out
Music
Fam & Friends
Day off :)

It's the first time, that I can remember, being in Arkansas and not being at the lake. In college, I was always in Colorado or India for the 4th. The rest of my summers, I am ALWAYS at the lake! But, the mid-week celebration threw some glitches in the plan. So, I'm laying out solo today and making some plans for tonight.

Happy 4th! Don't get too hot, stay safe, and remember the people who fought and still fight to keep us free.

Just Living Life

Welp, I haven't been on here in a while because I just don't feel like there is much to blog about. I'm spending my days working and my nights cooking, hanging out with friends, watching TV/movies, reading, doing puzzles (crossword & jigsaw - and yes, I'm like a grandma), and the occasional working out.

I've been SUPER dizzy lately from the antibiotic I've been on for acne so no exercising for me right now or I'll literally fall over (which is highly likely for me even when I'm not dizzy...). However, I cut the meds down and dizziness is going away so I plan on starting up Jillian's Ripped in 30 for the month of July! Great news on the acne front - it's FINALLY clearing up! After over 3 months of antibiotic, nightly Retin-A cream, and very mild face washes, my face is looking better. For all those that experienced acne as a teen, I AM SO SORRY. I can't imagine having the face issues I've had recently while going through the harshness of middle school/high school. I mean, yes, I'm SUPER annoyed at being (almost) 25 and having terrible acne, but I might rather have it now than middle school!

Tomorrow is Friday and I'm thrilled! I have a wedding to go to Saturday and I have lots of meal plans with lots of different friends over the weekend! Then, Sunday, you can find me by the pool since there isn't a 3 day weekend for July 4th this year!

If Every Weekend Were a 3-Day Weekend

Why can't every weekend be a 3-day weekend? My SIL & I contemplated this very question at lunch yesterday, while sitting on the screened in porch after a long boat ride.

If every weekend were a 3-day weekend:
-I would be uber bronze in the summer.
-I could deal better with being tired during the week.
-I would have more time to cook and clean and would ultimately be more productive (as a result of being able to deal with being tired because I know I'd be getting plenty of sleep on the weekend).
-There would be more time with fam & friends.
-I could travel even more. 

However, every weekend is not a 3-day weekend so I'm going to cherish the ones I have!

This past weekend was PERFECT in every way.

Thursday night, I headed to Hot Springs with my bros. We met up with my SIL for dinner, then headed to the gparents house. We just hung out, laughed, watched some TV, & went to bed.

Friday, I had my DOP on the screened in porch. It was incredible. Great day! That evening, the kiddos, aunt & uncle, & my mom arrived.

Saturday, I woke up and cooked cinnamon rolls for everyone. I had a great time letting Joshua help me out! (love that kid!) We spent the day on the dock laying out. Literally, all day. LOVED it.

Sunday, we went out on the boat! There are 2 lakes that back up to each other in HS - Ouachita & Hamilton. We grew up going to Ouachita but now my gparents live on Hamilton so we go there. Where the 2 lakes meet, there is a dam that pulls water from the bottom of Ouachita into Hamilton. We call it the "cold water." It's become a tradition to go there and jump in whenever we go out on the boat as a whole fam. However, we've never done it this early in the year. We normally go for July 4th or Labor Day. Guys, the water was FREE.ZING. (yes, read that as 2 syllables for the full effect). I'm talking colder than white water rafting or intertubing the Blue River in Colorado. It takes your breath away. But, I did it! And it was worth it because once you get out into the 90* heat, you feel fine. Such a fun day!

Heading to the cold water!

Sunday night we went out on the boat for fireworks. They weren't as good as years past but it's still fun to go out on the boat at night!

Since Monday was the last day, I started it early. On the dock at 11, out on the boat around noon, short lunch break, back to the dock until 3:30.

Incredible weekend full of family, food, SUN, boat rides, laughter, & sleep! I loved it. Now, I have a great base tan to take with me to Destin! Counting down until I leave on Saturday. Can't wait for 10 days in Destin & lots of fun times with our staff and students!

no motivation

i've been m.i.a. because i've had NO motivation to write a new post. life and work and sleep habits and eating habits have been crazy crazy busy and out of whack. so much so that i sleep in any free time i have. hence the no posts in a million years.

recap:
-i've been out of town the past 17 weekends (exaggeration but it's been at least the past 5)
-april staff training in tulsa 1.5 weeks ago for 6 days
-a million projects and to-do lists at work to prep our summer events
-finishing perspectives (it's over! i loved it but i'm pumped for the extra time)
-sleeping and relaxing all weekend at the lake this past weekend (to recover from april staff training sleep deficit)
-staying up 'til at least 12 or 1 or 2 every night at AST (i quickly found out i'm no longer a college student)
-still loving my macbook pro
-pumped to start eating healthy and working out again next week - will be using some healthy pinterest recipes now that i have a working computer
-love my fam - loved the time with them at the lake

random: i took a nap after work today and now i'm getting everything crossed off my home to-do list...at 9:30pm when i should be winding down

next post...my plan to switch all my makeup products to e.l.f. products. get excited! :)

Love Languages

Have you heard of Love Languages? I'll give a brief explanation in case you haven't. There are 5 Love Languages:

1-Physical Touch

2-Quality Time

3-Words of Affirmation

4-Receiving Gifts

5-Acts of Service

Most people feel loved/receive love in 1-2 different ways and they give love/make others feel loved in 1-2 ways. 

My receiving languages are Physical Touch and Quality Time (that may or may not be why they're first on the list/easiest for me to remember). I don't really know what my giving languages are but I think they're a combo of 3,4,&5 on the list. Yes...weird. I love to be hugged and have quality time with people - that's how I feel close. But...I think I show people love by affirming them or doing something for them or giving them things. Anywho, I've been SO SO SO busy and out of town recently, that I don't feel very close to some of my friends. Because, I haven't had ANY quality time with ANY one. This past weekend, I had great fun and quality time with staff friends and I'll have more this weekend!!! But, I haven't had any time with 501 friends in the past month and I just miss them. It's sad! I see them once a week but that is not enough q.t. for me! I'm excited for this summer when things are a little more calm and I can get some great  hang out time with my 501 gals.

I've known my Love Languages for a while but the older I get, the more I realize the truth behind them and the importance they play in relationships. I legitimately feel disconnected from so many friends if I don't get consistent quality time with them.

What are your love languages?

ps-You can find more information about Love Languages at www.5lovelanguages.com or read the book by Dr. Gary Chapman.

pps-I'm just writing about my personal thoughts - I have not read the book and I'm not being asked to write this by the author or anything. He def does not even know I exist!

Macbook Pro

It's here. It's set up. I'm typing this post from it. I'm in Heaven right now. 

LOVE it! :)

Weekend update coming soon!

Good Friday

Tomorrow is good in many ways.

1 - I'm pumped to have a day off to clean my apartment  before the next 2 months of my life are insane. Yes, you heard read that right...I'm pumped to clean my apartment. I love a great deep clean. The process looks like this: windows open, blinds open, fans on, candles burning, music blaring, me dancing whilst cleaning. I cannot wait.

2 - It will be the first day I work out since last Friday! I know I've needed physical rest after being sick, but it's been mentally driving me crazy to not work out! I got in the habit & love the way it feels & can't wait to start up again. I plan on going for a walk/jog & starting Jillian No More Trouble Zones. So excited.

3 - Most importantly, the day is good because it's the day Jesus Christ died and saved us from eternal condemnation. It's the day He suffered death on the cross for me & for you. It's the day His own Father could not even look at Him because my sins were placed on Him. It's the day He breathed His last breath & died so that we may be with Him for eternity. What an incredible sacrifice He made. What an incredible day to remember Him & honor Him & love Him.

This Easter, please remember the real reason. It's not about candy & baskets & eggs & bunnies. It's about the death & resurrection of our Savior. His death on Good Friday was undeserved. His resurrection 3 days later proved that He is God, cancelled out all of our sins, & allows us to have a relationship with Him. Please remember this & believe this & apply it to your life. A relationship with God is the only thing that saves & is the most satisfying relationship you will ever have. If you don't know Jesus, please please contact me. I would love nothing more than to tell you about Him & the love He has for YOU.

Mid-Week Confessions

1. I had Chick-Fil-A for dinner last night. That was my first full meal since Friday night. I probably only ate a days worth of calories Saturday, Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday (before CFA) combined. That's how sick I was. And all of those calories came from saltines & 2 bites of oatmeal. Literally. I couldn't eat anything.
2. I'm ready to  be 100% again. Today, I'm back to nauseous. Ugh. Must.Get.Well. So much to do!
3. I haven't worked out since Friday morning's last Jillian sesh. I know I need to rest but it's killing me to not work out. After creating a habit & instilling that desire...I want to work out!
4. Getting sick is a great not-so-fun (but effective) way to push past that weight-loss plateau. Chalk me up for another 2 lbs lost.
5. INSTAGRAM FOR ANDROID CAME OUT!!!!!!! Sorry to yell about that but finding that out made.my.day!! Normally Android is up to speed on their apps but instagram took waaaaaaaaaaaaaay tooooooooooo loooooooooooooong to come out. However, it's out & I'm a happy camper. Follow me @: morgantedder. What is your instagram name?!?!
6. I tried to order my *NEW* Macbook Pro last night! Woo hoo! But...debit cards have an online limit. No worries - I drove myself over to the bank first thing this morning, they increased my limit for the day, & it's being purchased today (along with a hot pink neoprene sleeve...DUH). This girl is a double happy camper. My dell is 4.5 years old & takes 10 minutes to turn on & warm up. Every webpage freezes for at least 4 minutes. I'm not exaggerating at all. This is truth.
7. My nails are very Easter approp. My toenails are pastel blue. My fingers are mint green with a lilac accent on the ring fingers.
8. Sorry that #1-4 are all about being sick. That's been my life this week.
9. I need to take more pictures of my life so this blog is more interesting...instagram should help with that! :)
10. Here's a pic of me & Al at the wedding this weekend!

11. I traded Jillian DVDs with a friend. While she uses 30 Day Shred, I'm using No More Trouble Zones! I'm excited!!
12. I'm in my first tank top of the season without a jacket & I feel a little bare/scandalous. I'm not...but I feel that way because I was constricted by layers for all of winter.
13. I just found out we're closed Friday for Good Friday. Unexpected surprises like this bring me so much joy!

No Wedding Cake for Me

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred in 30 straight days was successfully completed!! Woo hoo! Friday morning I woke up at 6:00 am & did my last sesh. It felt great to finish it!!

Friday afternoon, Allie & I headed up to Fay for Will & Heather's wedding! Friday night was a fun rehearsal & dinner and then a decently early-to-bed night. Finally, Saturday, the day had arrived! Allie & I arrived at the hotel for her to do hair & me to keep things on time. After the bride & bridesmaids left, Allie and I got ready and then headed to the barn to be ready for the festivities! The wedding was beautiful, the reception was fun, & they're now Mr. & Mrs.!!

Sunday, I had big plans of running and lifting weights and starting my April out with a workout bang. That is, until I threw up at the above wedding reception & ran 100.4 fever ALL DAY Sunday. Fever is no fun. Let me tell you. You can't get comfortable. You hurt all over. You just want to sleep. You can't eat. NO FUN. I didn't come into the office until 1ish today. My brain hurts & is super foggy & I can't concentrate on much & I'm skipping Perspectives tonight. I'm so grateful God kept me well until I finished the 30 Day Shred, so that I could complete it fully!!

The title of this post refers to the fact that I didn't eat wedding cake because of how sick I was. If you've been reading this blog long at all, you should know my love for sweets and that this is a big deal. Even today I kind of regret not eating at least a little bit of it! (that's how much I LOVE wedding cake). I also have been drinking Diet Coke since Saturday. When I'm sick, water is not appealing. I had to have some flavor. This April is def not starting off how I imagined it would with working out hardcore, staying with only water, & eating healthy...but God is in control and I'm just grateful to be feeling better & getting rest!

Exhaustion

It happened. I hit the wall of complete mental & physical exhaustion. For the past 3 weeks, I have been getting less than 7 hours of sleep a night (most closer to 6). While this may work for some & I can handle it for a few nights, I can't do it for 3 weeks in a row. Don't get me wrong, I've LOVED every reason I've stayed up late & gotten up early, but it's wearing me down. So, tonight, as much as I don't want to, I'm staying home from 501. It's killing me. But, it's the right thing to do. My weekends aren't restful (for extremely joyful reasons) so I have to take a night off somewhere.

I also say mental exhaustion because processing things with God is hard & wears me out. It's good but it's tiring. He's teaching me. I'm learning to listen better. I'm learning to process & discern the whispers. I'm loving it. But, I'm tired.

I plan on my night off looking like this:
1-pack for the weekend (ie: figure out jewelry for each dress & throw everything in my duffel)
2-work out (2nd to last day of Jillian!!!!!!! then run/walk because it's b-e-a-utiful outside)
3-eat dinner
4-spend some time with Jesus (hopefully without falling asleep on the couch)
5-do a little Perspectives (if my eyes are still open)
6-go to bed

I get off in 15 minutes...almost bed time!

Cheat Days

Running after a cheat day is HARD. I gave myself a cheat day last Friday because friends were in town & I had a wedding shower to go to that night (cake...duh). Saturday, I was regretting that cheat day. I had the worst run I've had in a long time. I could barely run 5 minutes. TERR.I.BLE. No more cheat days for me. I'm increasing the fruits, veggies, & lean meats & getting strict again!

I only have 5 days of 30 Day Shred left. Woo hoo! I can't believe it! I am obsessed with Jillian now...can't wait to get more DVDs!

This weekend is Ganson's wedding!!!!! YAY! Cannot wait...I've been waiting for this since the summer of 2010 ;)

I found a dress yesterday for the Rehearsal Dinner. I ran to TJ Maxx on my way back into cway & tried on like 9 dresses. None of those were screaming "buy me!" As I handed them to the worker, a random dress on the dressing room "no thanks" rack caught my eye. I tried it on & LOVED it! I brought it home & figured out I literally have like 11 different jewelry options. This dress will probably end up being one of the best purchases ever. Score. I'll try to post some pics from Friday - or you might have to wait until Easter (yes, I already know I'm wearing that dress for Easter too).

God & I are getting close. As an almost 25 year old single girl whose future is only known by God & who is coming up on the end of her 2nd year of her 3 year contract, I'm going to God with questions & requests for wisdom, clarity, understanding, discernment, etc. to know what the next step is. It's scary. It's exciting. It's weird. It's faith building. It's trust building. It's mysterious. It's part of life. It's drawing me nearer to Him. I love it.


Other than the storms in the middle...I'm loving this 10-day. Bring on summer!

Partly Cloudy

Mostly Sunny

Isolated T-Storms

Isolated T-Storms

Isolated T-Storms

Sunny

Partly Cloudy

Sunny

Sunny

85°

86°

86°

82°

79°

83°

81°

77°

78°

India...

...is on my mind.
...is in my heart.
...is what I think about most.
...is what I pray about most.
...is where I want to end up.

I love the country. I love the people. I love the sights. I love the sounds. I even love appreciate the smells.

My plea to God when I'm struggling: "Lord, use me while I'm here & please send me soon."
 

Veg meal

Cows on the sidewalk

Shopping with a friend

Taj Mahal

In traditional wear

Hyderabad

Kids at a wedding

With the Bride and Groom at the wedding

One day...I will be there.

Leap Day

There isn't much to write about today except that it's LEAP DAY! A day that only comes once every 4 years deserves it's own post, right? I kind of think it should be some kind of holiday ;) It's been a great Leap Day!!

I had some great time with God this morning.

I'm wearing my new leopard flats & a scarf and bangle from India today (any day I wear an India item is a great day!).

I got to Skype with Kels & get some great updates on life.

There have been some great convos/hang out seshes around the office today.

There is an Adam Hambrick/Andy Davis Leap Day Concert in LR tonight that me & the girls are going to! Fun times are def ahead.

It's also the last day before the 30 Day Shred. Which might warrant me eating something sweet ;) but probably not, since I'm trying to be disciplined.

Happy Leap Day!! I wonder what I'll have to write about on Feb29,2016?! That's fun to think about :)

Repeat

I've been listening to this incredible cover on repeat ALL afternoon. Wow it is so great. 

 

Ben Rector covering Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody."

He recorded it back in January, before her death. Now, it's an incredible tribute to her and her talents. 

Blogville

I love this online world of blogging I call Blogville (very recently coined, btw)!! I have found some great fashion blogs, cooking blogs, weight loss blogs,  & blogs of girls in similar phases of life. I've also found some encouraging blogs/websites of Christian bloggers that are chock full of relevant information for 20-somethings. I'm loving these videos & articles & the encouragement they provide!

I recently found one called "All Groan Up". He has a list titled "11 Signs You're Becoming Like Your Parents." I'm not sure I agree that these are signs you're becoming like your parents...I think they're just signs you've crossed over into adulthood! The one that sticks out to me most is #4: 'The current state of your carpets, counters, and kitchen sink dramatically effect your day.' I'll add to that bathroom, toilet, shower, closet, & bedroom. The current state of my apt is driving me up the wall....so much so that I'm probably not attending my normal Thursday night activity & I'm staying home to clean. This semester will be nuts so I need to do my spring/deep cleaning now so that in the future it's just small pick-up sessions. Ya know? Gotta plan ahead for busy season! Also, there is nothing like the feeling of a spick-and-span apartment. It makes my soul happy! :) (call me a nerd...I don't care).

On another note, it's 80 degrees outside. I can't wait to walk out of this office at 5pm & go home to run/walk/just get outside! Pumped for what tonight holds: exercise, delicious pizza I made for dinner, & a deep clean! Woo hoo!

Confessional Friday

One of the blogs I follow, A Blonde Ambition, normally does a link-up on Fridays called 'Confessional Friday'. I was going to link up today but she didn't do her normal Friday routine. It's ok! I'll have my own! I'm not really sure if you could classify these as "confessions"...we might just need to call this 'Factual Friday' (I'm not as creative when it comes to witty, weekly confessions).

Here goes:
1-I've recently become obsessed with spinach leaves. I put them in and on anything - smoothies, pizza, pasta, salad, eggs - you name it. They're low in calories, pack in SO many nutrients, & are basically tasteless!
2-On sunny days, I love to take the longer-ish drive home with my music turned up while dancing in my car!
3-When I can't turn left out of my office, I love to take the longer-ish drive home with my music turned up while dancing in my car! So let's be real...most days I take the longer-ish drive home, because.....
4-I'm a weenie when it comes to left hand turns.
5-I need to clean my apt real bad. It's a hot mess. That's on tonight's agenda (yep, exciting Friday night!).
6-I watch the Bachelor & if he doesn't get rid of Courtney very very very soon, I'm going to question precious Ben's sanity.
7-I also watch Sweet Home Alabama. I'm rooting for Bubba.
8-I'm a hopeless romantic (can you tell by #6&7?) BUT I know those shows are nowhere near real life.
9-My workout this morning almost caused me to hurl (that's good, right?). I got it off Pinterest & it will kick your tail. Try it for yourself...it hurts.
10-I want to rename my blog. Any ideas? I want something with southern or Arkansas or blonde or the like. A Southern Sister? That Arkansas Gal? Cheesy? Help!!!! I'm not creative!

Hope you have a great, relaxing weekend! I'm hittin' the pavement for a run/walk when I get home, then cleanin' the night away!

Oh Valentine's Day

The day of love. The day of flowers. The day of chocolates. The day of cards. The day of balloons. The day you're made aware of your singleness. The day you want to rebel and wear black instead of red & pink (oh, that's just me?) Seriously though, for those of us who God has chosen to keep single thus far, this is not the best of days. Our culture creates this into a big ordeal and a super special day that leaves single girls (and maybe guys) feeling left out, sad, lonely, and unvalued.

while I don't feel alone, I do agree that v-day is no different than any other day. every day is a gift from God and a day that I'm loved and valued by Him!

I am loved by my family, friends, and most importantly, the King of the Universe!

 

God has graciously given me a new perspective this year. Instead of feeling sorry for myself and wondering why I'm single (again) this year, I am choosing to bask in the love my Father has for me! And you know what? He loves me everyday! Not just on this corporate, cultural holiday. And, my future husband will love my everyday and will show me how much he loves me on many more days than just February 14th! So, tonight, instead of renting a chick-flick, eating lots of chocolate, and crying because I'm single (I may or may not have had a few breakdowns over the years), I'll spend some time with my one true love, my maker, and my first husband, while eating chocolate (I'm still a fan of chocolate!). I'll also spend some time praying for my future "Valentine" - praying for his walk with God, his ability to love me, my ability to love him, our marriage, etc. Why not spend my single v-days praying for the man I'll spend many v-days with in the future?

Happy Valentine's Day! I love you! More importantly, God loves you!!!