Friday Letters and a Challenge Complete!

 

Another double post today where I'm linking up to Ashley for Friday Letters... but also completing the commenting challenge from Jenna!!

Dear Friday... HEY!!! I am so glad you are here! It has been one LOOOONG week, but I always look forward to your arrival!

Dear Family... I <3 you! You are just too fabulous! This weekend is going to be OODLES of fun!

Dear Mom... You are so pretty- thanks for being you! That is all!

Dear Brandon and Lindsey... Your wedding will be fabulous- I know you know this, but I wanted to state it again for the record!

Dear Dogs... You got into the trash- you are on my list!!

Dear Beach... I will see you soon. Like 4 hours soon!! Thank you half day!! :-)

Dear Heat Wave... You will not get the best of me! I am prepared! Ice in the dogs bowls, float for the pool and lots of deodorant and A/C! Thank you very much!!

Dear Birthday... You are one week away!! I can't believe I'll be 28! Fun!!

Dear Life... Thanks for the constant smiles! I am so very happy!!

Dear Readers... I've loved meeting new folks this week! I hope you stick around!

Finishing up Jenna's commenting challenge today! I have loved finding new blogs and having new friends find me!! I can't wait to learn more about each of you!

Today's Topic:

Tell us about your dream vacation!

Where would you go? Have you been there before? Who would go with you? What about it draws you in?

I have a couple! I don't travel very much so I'm building my vaca bucket list!
1) A cruise! I would love love love that! I'm pathetic I know b/c there's a cruise that leaves right from Chas- but that cost money and time off from work that this single girl don't have! Soon tho!!
2) Egypt!! I have no idea why! I just think it's beautiful!! I love the pyramids and writings on the walls and would love to go exploring!!
3) Australia!!! I must hold a Koala Bear while I'm there, as well as a monkey!! (If anyone would like to get me one of either as a pet- I'm open!)

Commenting Challege Day 4

Day 4 in the commenting challenge... again I have no pictures and that makes me sad- so I'll go find some! haha!

The Topic:

Tell us about your hobbies! What do you do in your free time? What are your favorite books, movies, music etc?

Hmmm- hobbies, hobbies... what keeps me entertained?!

Shopping!

I love shopping- I have a serious shopping problem!!

What do I shop for? Anything!! No, not really- I am not into buying stuff for my house- mostly b/c I have my house how I want it from shopping that category already! LOL

I'm a major fan of clothes and shoe shopping! I love shoes- love love love them!



I would LOVE this!!

One Day....

**Dear Mr. Big- please for Carrie Bradshaw's closet!!

Reading!

I love a good book! I can dive right in and get sucked into the end!! One of my resolutions was to read 12 in 12 in 2012 and GUESS WHAT-- I'm way past!! Stay tuned for a recap b/c I am way behind!!

Tanning!

I love being tan- it makes me feel thinner and prettier! All about perception right?!

Whether its beach or bed- I love that sun kissed glow!

Movies!

Oh how I love collecting movies! I have been more slack lately with shoe and clothes taking top priority- but there's some movies- like Breaking Dawn- I had to buy day 1!! I also love going to the movies, but that can be expensive... but I enjoy the treat!!

Running!

Yes- I did just type that... I love my workout time! It's my "me time" where no one can disturb me! I feel such accomplishment every mile I complete!!

Family and Friends!

I consider them a "hobby" if a hobby is time spent doing or with someone you love...

I love being with them! They are all so special to me!! I cannot wait for the exciting weekend I am about to have for my cousin's wedding! I love when we can all get together! YAY!!

Til tomorrow loves!

Be good!

So What I'm Loving and Challenge Day 3

It's Wednesday!!!

Happy Hump Day! 

Happy Midweek!!

Happy only two more days until the WEEKEND!!!

I'm doubling up and making my own post today. Linking with Shannon for "So What" Wednesday- but I can't make it negative and I enjoy my "So what... I'm Loving!"

• So what if it's going to be crazy busy... I'm loving that it's my cousin's wedding weekend!
  Events start tomorrow night! I feel sorry for my camera b/c it's going to be in picture overload! :-D
• So what if I don't have the ideal body... I'm loving my workout clothes! For the first time I feel like I look "good" in them and I enjoy wearing them!
• So what if it's gangsta-ghetto-hard core... I'm love my rap workout stations! The harder the beat, the faster I run! I'm totally OK with that!!
• So what if it's been tiring... I'm loving that I'm going to be able to take a half day Friday and hit the BEACH as part of the wedding weekend fun!
• So what if I dropped a pretty penny on my wardrobe choices... I'm loving the dresses for all three days! I can't wait to share!!
• So what if it's been a little hard to blog everyday... I'm loving the new followers and comments I'm getting!! Thanks for all the sweet comments!!

Speaking of the Commenting Challenge- here's part 2 of this post:

Jenna's Topic today:

Tell us about your social media! Where can we find you? Link to your twitter, pinterest, Facebook, instagram, or google +. If you don't use those sites, then tell us why not!

Also, what are your favorite websites? Are there any that you check daily? What do you like about them?

 

Let's see- I have one of each of the above!

Twitter- I just don't get it- and don't use it! 

Pinterest- I get on when I'm bored and have a few boards- but nothing extensive

Facebook- OHEMGEE- I am pure addicted! I am not ashamed either! I'm forever commenting, checking in, adding pictures, posting comments, etc... I just can't help it! 

Instagram- I have this on my phone as well- but I just don't understand it! LOL I'll stick with my regular camera app

Google+- I have one of those too- but I never remember it- and never get on. I don't think I could handle that and FB!!

Where can you find me? Click above and see- but do me a favor and let me know who you are- I may not accept a friend request if it looks like spam! :-)

 

My favorite websites? Well for sure- that would be my Facebook! I LOVE keeping up with friends and family! (BTW- does anyone else think it's funny that Facebook is so acceptable now it's not considered spelled wrong?!)

I also frequent my email every day, but only b/c it's on my phone!

Pandora is another favorite b/c I am always music listening whether at work or at the gym. 

Of course my blog also b/c I love seeing the exciting goings on!!

 

 

 And-- because I hate not adding some pictures... here's a few true statements!

 This one just b/c it's funny!

Til tomorrow lovelies!! :-D

Commenting Challenge: Day 2

Tell us about your blog. What do you blog about? Why do you blog? How did you start blogging? What kinds of things do you/are you willing to share with the world? Where do you find your topic inspiration? (Hint: Don't share about your social media just yet!)

My blog is very simple... it's all about me! WOW- how conceited does that sound? But really, it's about the happenings in my life and what's going on. As stated yesterday, I'm a single girl (but looking if anyone knows any single guys) and I am enjoying life, and I want to remember what I do as much as I can. I love memories and thinking back and smiling about what a good time I had!!

That being said- my blog is usually the sugar coated version of life- but it can be at times a place for me to vent, cry and just release what's going on in this crazy head of mine!! 

I hope this blog can be something I keep through dating, marriage and children (God willing all those are coming) and I can remember all the wonderful times and memories!

I also don't like ANY blog to go without pictures- b/c it just bores me- here are a few from the fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings last night. I can't wait til the tell us how much was raised!!

 

Apparently my Gamecock gear wasn't enough to pull out a 3Peat!! Still love my boys tho!!

 This little girl is such a doll!!

 My cousin Lauren and I- it's her mom we lost to cancer and while I'm raising the money!!

My beautiful BFF and roomie who made it out even being exhausted! She's the bestest!!

Commenting Challenge

My blog is small and not followed by many- but that's OK! I love you anyway dear blog. I must say tho- when I see I have a new follower or a new comment is posted. I get a little burst of excitement! So what better way to try and make more blog friends and hopefully give someone else some excitement, than to join up with Jenna's Commenting Challenge!!

Todays Topic:

Tell us about YOU! What's your name? Where do you live? Who lives with you? Do you work outside the home? Have kids? Pets? (Psst! Don't spill the beans about your blog or hobbies quite yet!).

 

Well Hello there! My name is Stacy! I'm a southern girl, born and raised in Charleston, SC. I LOVE my city- have you been here? How could you not? I live in a cute little duplex house with my BFF of 10 years, Elizabeth and our 3 furbabies! Mine are Kally, a Beagle/Walker mix who thinks she's a lapdog and is a true diva; and Julio, my Chihuahua, who thinks he runs the joint, but really will succumb to anyone who will let him kiss your nose and holds him like a baby! E's dog Graham is my two's cousin- he's a yellow lab and will steal your heart once he gets to know you! I work at a place called SPAWAR- can't really talk much about my job and that's all I'm going to say on it- other than I'm very lucky to have it!!

I'm 27, soon to be 28 on Jul 7, remember that!! :-) I'm an only child to my divorced parents. My mom is my best friend and my dad is struggling with life- but trying to get by. I had gastric bypass on October 24, 2011 and have lost ~90 pounds to date. I feel amazing and I'm learning to like/love myself for the first time EVER! With this weight loss, I am also training for my first half marathon in November and raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society- (see widget to your left). It's been the greatest experience! 

I'm single and love life. I am a definite optimist and totally OK with that! I love to smile and laugh and want those around me to be happy! I am a Christian, but nowhere near perfect and thankful for the Lord's love and grace. I am a constant work in progress and excited for where my life is going to go!

Weekend Phone Photos

Fun Fun Fun! If you know me- you know I'm always snapping pics of what I'm doing on the weekend on my phone! What a fun way to share and link them up at:

 

~Friday night was a chill night at home with the pups as we watched our boys make it to the Championship!

~ Someone's moms out of town and I had to send a pic of the big baby!! He was starving for some attention! (He gets plenty trust me!)

 ~ Saturday started strong with a nice workout at the gym! (I love Kally's always in the mirror with me)

~ Next stop was a trip to the pool with Emily- this position didn't last long- we quickly headed to the water to float and cool off!!

 ~ Saturday night was dinner at Suede Supper Club in Mt. P... where it turned into their Neon party! Fun! I loved the glow my camera made this picture!

 ~ They passed out glow bracelets and glow wands and hats!!

~ I have said I hated the 80s throwback look, but I had to say, I was digging it that night. Made me wanna go shopping!

~ Sunday I ended up right back in the pool!! It was so peaceful and relaxing! Looking forward to doing it again next weekend with my fabulous family in tow! :-)

~ No pictures from Sunday evening- maybe b/c I was pouting too bad- we lost game 1 of the Championship- but we're gonna come back strong tonight! I know it! :-)

*I'm also hosting a fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings tonight for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!! If you're in Charleston- come out to the Tanger BWW- 15% of sales go to the Team!!*

**You can learn more from the widget on the left about why we're running and how to donate!!**



Friday Letters

What a funner more fun way to end the weeklink with Ashley today for Friday Letters...

 

Dear Work Week- You have taken way to long! I'm not sorry to see you go!!

Dear Weekend- Even though you tease me with just two days of fun every seven, I still adore you and will always take you back when you leave me each Monday!!

Dear Kally- I love you pup! Really, I do!! But if you don't stop hogging the bed I'm gonna lock you out of the room and treat you like the DOG THAT YOU ARE!! *kisses*

Dear Julio- Let's have a talk again about acceptable places to potty... mkay?!

Dear Graham- Your mommy's gone this weekend- don't be asking to get in the bed, on the couch or have people food!! (You know Aunt Stacy lets you have those things anyway)

Dear E- Please have fun and be safe! I will miss my roomie this weekend! I was getting rather accustomed to our weekly beach trips!!

Dear Mom- I'm so proud of you! You are taking back control of your sugar, diabetes and life! I know it's not easy, but the best things never are. What would be the reward in that?

Dear Vacation- I can see you!! You are so close and I can't wait for your arrival!!

Dear Birthday- You are a mere 2 weeks away! Whatever am I going to do with being 28?! Oh yes- ANYTHING I WANT!!!

Dear Debit Card- I'm sorry I hurt you yesterday. I will really try not to use you so much this weekend. If it helps tho, the dresses and bathing suits you helped me purchase are adorable!!

Dear Summer Tan- I adore you! You and I can stay friends long after summer's over!!

Dear New Running Shoes- Thanks for making my run better! My hips appreciate it too!!

**Go ahead and link up too!!**

Black and White make Gray!

Recently I've been having some thoughts and discussions on the "gray areas" of the Bible and Faith. This is something I have spoken with to my Bible study group, as well as the BFF, Elizabeth (even as recent as 545 this morning before I headed to work- nothing like waking up to a philosophical discussion!!).

Last night I brought up the statement that there are gray areas in the Bible- pause, gasp, blink- yes, there are! ***Now- before I go ANY further- let me just say- this is my opinion- yours may be the same or yours may be completely opposite- THAT'S OK! My favorite saying and one I've been using more recently is "we can agree to disagree!" That's the beauty of this "melting pot" of life and the beauty of my faith in that I can accept you for your beliefs and not judge you for them.***

Back to those gray (and can I throw out I googled is it grey/gray-lol) areas!! 

There are those areas that are without a doubt- 10 Commandments, Love Thy Neighbor, you know- the big ones!! But then comes in the gray- drinking, dancing, money, entertainment and many more.

Each of these are open to your own opinion! 

Drinking- Jesus turned water into wine, but the Bible speaks against drunkenness. 

Dancing- David danced in praise for the Lord, but we are not suppose to promote sexuality with our bodies. 

Money- money itself is not evil, but the love of money is. 

Entertainment- what you may chose to read/watch listen to may be different from mine, but does it make it any more wrong/right? 

I could go on and on about the things that the Bible leaves up to interpretation- because God gave us the free will and knowledge to make our own decisions, choices, and even sometimes mistakes.

Some gray areas I deal with:

Homosexuality: is it a sin? yes! can someone still love the Lord and be a practicing gay? yes

Abortion: is it a sin? yes! can someone have an abortion and still go on to have a relationship with God? yes

Premarital sex: is it a sin? yes! does having premarital sex mean the Lord will love me any less? no!

Since when does one sin outweigh another? In the court system we see the varying degrees of crime and punishment (even if we don't agree)- but the Lord says all sins are equal.

The biggest gray area I see in the Bible is the most beautiful part of the Bible! 

God can speak to us through the scripture and speak to us how He see fit to. You and I can both read a passage and I get that we are called to one thing and you are called to the other! That's what makes the relationship so special and beautiful! God is powerful enough to speak to us each the same way, but give a different message. 

So What Wednesday!

Hey All! Miss me? I know you did... HA! Took a little blogging hiatus b/c my computer charger decided to die a slow and painful death. SOO I had to use the old college Dell and that wasn't cutting it! Thanks to eBay for the new charger- I'm back up and running!

Linking up again with Shannon for a So What Wednesday... making it again my own version of:

"So What I'm Loving" Wednesday... yeah- it's OK, it's my blog- I can make things up! :-)

• So what if I spent $90... I'm loving my new running shoes I got from TrySports yesterday! I had a much better experience and hope these will help my hips!
• So what if it's "cancer in a box"... I'm loving my time at the tanning bed in prep for some big events coming up!
• So what if we lost Monday night... I'm loving our boys for making it to Omaha for the 3rd straight here! Here's to them doing it again! 3-Peat!!
  
• So what if it's the first official day of Summer... I'm loving that there's only 71 days to Football Season!! #Gamecocks #USC
  
• So what if it didn't work out as planned to get pink... I'm loving the smaller size dress and the fabulous staff at David's Bridal for my dress for my cousin's wedding in 2 weeks!
  




• So what if not as many ppl came out as I would've hoped for... I'm loving those that supported the "Party for a Purpose" at Mad River and that we made $145 towards goal!! YAY!!**Love these two awesome ladies!!
    **Sweet Christina! Love you doll!

**Cooper and Christina!!

•  So what if I'm there every weekend... I'm loving that this one is no different and I have a date with the beach again!!
  
•  So what if things aren't always easy... I'm loving times I get to spend with my daddy!!
  
• So what if they are goofy, howling, bedhogs... I'm loving these three monsters!!

• So what if this post was just a glimpse into the last two weeks... I'm loving keeping these memories!!

Leaving you with one reminder... one that's easier said than done!