Day 26: Some Good Fun

Hello love,

How are you doing today?  I am, doing better.  I had to share this story with you really quickly, because even four days later I'm still laughing.

As you may know I am the 2nd-5th Grade Sunday School teacher at my church.  This was an exchange on Sunday morning:

Male 2nd Grader:  "Last night we watched 'whores'."
Me (trying to keep eyes from bugging out): "You watched what?...
Male 2nd Grader (talking as if I were stupid): " 'Whores' they went through this room and there were rats everywhere."
Me (very confused): Oh, well...
Male 5th Grader Interrupting: "He means 'Horders'.  They were cleaning the room and there were lots of rats."
Me (very relieved): "Oh, yes, hoarders, that is some nasty stuff huh?"

Thank goodness for that 5th Grader.  I knew the 2nd Grader didn't mean what he said, but for the life of me I couldn't figure it out.

Now for something older, fun, and cool:



I'll Be Seeing You
by Frank Sinatra

Much Love,
Kelli

Day 25: Beauty from Pain

Hello Dear Friend,

I once heard that one of the traits of someone who is a natural born teacher is if they want to share what they've learned with others.  If that is the case then I guess you could say I am a teacher.  I want to share with you what I've been learning and I want to know, dear friend, how are you doing, really?  I won't lie to you I've been better, but I've been a whole lot worse than this too. 

I woke up this year, and to be honest I hadn't even realized that I was asleep.  I knew that I was in some sort of depression over what was going on.  I knew that I wasn't ready for God's next step because the last one had been so difficult for me emotionally, but I didn't realize until this week that I had been running away from God.

In everything, I've shown up when I needed to, and I did my job, but I certainly wasn't engaged in what I was doing.  I was simply going through the motions.  As 2011 approached I started to seriously consider what was going on with my life.  My passion for God was almost non-existent, my desire to make a difference wasn't to be found, and I really hadn't enjoyed life as I had before this time. 

This is a big year for me, I turn thirty, and it bothers me only because I'm not where I thought I was going to be at this age.  All of my friends seem to be, but not me. I had often joked that if I was still living with my parents at thirty that for my birthday everyone could just drop off a bottle of alcohol and I would sleep through the day.  As I laughed about it, I often cried because the pain of it was so true.  However, that is not how I want to celebrate.  I want thirty to be good and the only way it was going to be good was if I said it was going to be.  All of my emotions and feelings (which can be big fat liars) were my decision.  And the way I had been is not where I wanted to stay.

I have never once in my life wanted something just normal.  I have always wanted adventure, a life full of love, compassion, joy, peace, travels, adventures, and never once did I just want to exist.  So, why after God has given me such a life, was I complaining because it wasn't normal I still don't understand.  It doesn't matter though, because that is not where I am today.

Today I'm fully engaged again.  I'm excited about the next step that God has for me, and don't think for a moment that I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the tender love and patient compassion of my Jesus.  I've been studying Jonah from Priscilla Shrier and it has opened my eyes.  I would love to discuss it with anyone who has gone through it or is going through it.  A marvelous study that has done nothing but keep my head nodding with the truth of life, God, and my own behavior.

If you are hurting I want to pray for you.  Just leave a comment, you don't have to tell me what, just a name and yes, you need prayer.

I might have shown this video before, but it just fits so perfectly into this post that I want to share it with you.



Beauty from Pain
by Superchick

I know you will hope again.

Much Love,
Kelli

Day 24: Mondays and Other Business

Hello beloveds.

Today was not one of my best days, but it certainly wasn't one of my worst, so I'm thankful for that.  As for my nail-biting well, I really need to find something to do with myself when I'm bored or nervous.  I was doing so well, but then I was watching a movie and my ringer finger is back to where it was weeks ago. 

However, I will praise the good Lord that I'm not nearly as bugged out as I could be about the events of today.  I'm getting to the point where even if it is bad news I know that God has me in his hands and will get me through this situation so there is no point in worrying or focusing on it.  I can just give it over to him and then go enjoy myself in more fun pursuits.

So that is what I'm doing.  I'm enjoying my Monday night.  Tonight is Mike & Molly and Tabatha's Salon Take Over.  Plus I have my Jonah study which I'm so into and loving.  I recommend it to anyone!

Okay, well it is Neil Diamond's birthday so I'm playing my favorite song in celebration!



Cracklin' Rosie
by Neil Diamond

Much Love,
Kelli

Day 21: It Never Occurred to Me

Something occurred to me last night and I had to sit back and ponder it for a few minutes.  Now this thought wasn't new, in fact, it came to me when I started watching Sons of Anarchy with L.  It came back when I was trying to find out why Royal Pains was the only show on USA I didn't watch.  Alas I came to a conclusion and so I thought I would get your opinion on it.

I do not like medical dramas.  Except for that time when I watched ER for the first couple of seasons I don't watch medical dramas (fake ones, real ones on the other hand seem to fascinate me.)

I do like crime dramas, dramedies, and comedies.  For example this is a list of said crime shows that I watch when in season:

Psych
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
White Collar
The Closer
Rizzoli & Isles
Justified
CSI: New York
In Plain Sight
The Glades
Bones (only on reruns though)
Fairly Legal (which is about the law)
Drop Dead Diva (legal)

Then we have the spy game:
Burn Notice
Covert Affairs

And the Etc of TV:
One Tree Hill
Glee
The Big Bang Theory
Mike & Molly
The Office
Jeserylicious
Top Chef
Tabatha's Salon Take Over

All of that to say man do I watch a lot of television, and I like to see people get justice.  That doesn't always happen in real life with a nice neat bow so these shows help with that.  Beyond that though I wonder if you could do a profile based on what I like to watch.  What would your TV shows say about you?

Just for fun: some music.



Little Willy
by Sweet

Much Love,
Kelli

Day 20: A Case for Twitter

Before I get to Twitter I just want to encourage you to do something spontaneous.  I did last night and had a great time!  L., wanted to go to the movies, but none of her friends were available, and I thought why not?  So I told her I would go with her and then our sister, A. wanted to go too so we went to the theater and saw The Green Hornet.

We were still laughing when we came out of the theater and even though I only got five hours of sleep it was worth the fun.  So, you don't have to do anything extreme, just do something out of the ordinary I bet that you'll have a happy boost after that.

Now on to my thoughts on Twitter:

I believe that Facebook is great to keep up with friends and family.  However, when I want news, great content, fun content, and to meet interesting people I choose Twitter. I have several instances where I could tell you how much I like Twitter, but I wanted to share today's fun.

I was listening to Pandora, which I do when I don't want to pick out the songs I want to hear.  Today they played this incredible version of 'Black Hole Sun' by the Section Quartet.

I tweeted, Listening to Black Hole Sun by the Section Quartet . It is less depressing ominous without the lyrics, but still keeps the darker vibe.

I got this tweet soon after, from @sectionquartet We love Black Hole Sun too! It's always a challenge to play live. Won't you please follow us?

I, of course responded, You bet. Your sound is unique and we like that.

And I got this in return, Well then, thank you very, very much!

You don't get that on Facebook or LinkedIn.

That is just one story from many twitter stories and why I like it so very much.



Black Hole Sun
by Section Quartet

Much Love,
Kelli (@rstrdsunshine)

Day 19: Getting Healthier

By my photos and posts I think you can tell I am NOT an authority on weight loss or extremely healthy eating.  However, I do care about my health.  I try to keep my portions small and eat what I should with what I will eat.  The part that remains elusive for me, the part I give up the quickest and most willingly is exercise. This is usually do to three factors: time, boredom, and money. 

With time it isn't so much that I don't have 30 minutes here or 15 minutes there.  It is that I have the moments at weird times and not the extra time to go to a gym or to a park to walk.  However, I do have an elliptical so that helps.

However, then we go into the second issue: boredom. I can get bored easily.  I'm okay with anything until I have had too much or I know the routine too well.  Then it becomes boring to me and I have to move on.  So, sometimes the thought of actually doing the elliptical, again, makes me cringe.

Finally, and this is what keeps me from buying a ton of work out videos or equipment: money.  I just don't have any.

So, I need something that will help me with time, boredom, and money.  I happen to be looking more closely these days as I'm trying to get more healthy.  I don't want the health problems that my parents are starting to experience.  What I've found today gives me hope and I hope it will for you.

The first is this article on the Kettlebell.  Odd little device, but it is suppose double the calorie burning you do when you use it with your normal routines. Such as burning 300 calories in 15 minutes.  So that takes care of money and time for me.

Then today they had a video from North Texas about Boot Camps for Beginners.  I know that sometimes going to an actual gym is intimidating if you are really over-weight because you feel like you are being judged.  So, a safe place to do Boot Camp and it is for beginners?  That takes care of boredom. 

I'll tell you in the coming days what I plan to do, and if I get some extra money I'm buying that kettlebell.

Day 15: Careful Consideration

I have a big project that I've been stirring up in my brain and I have been considering what to do with this blog as a result of the other project.  Do I keep it as a personal blog of all the things that I'm going through, or do I leave it?

Well I'm not leaving it.  Restored Sunshine has a purpose.  I'm just not sure what that purpose is quite yet.  I know it will be a safe place for those who are looking for a place that doesn't care what they look like, how much money they make, what abilities they have or don't.  This is a safe place of no judgement.  And think that to have my own corner of it is important.

Having said that it leaves me with the question then of what I should do with it.  How can I make this blog into what I want it to do.  And, more importantly, find the time.  Much like my nail biting habit my other habits are hard to give up.

Having said that though, I am changing.  My desire to not worry, to give it over to God, is sometimes an hourly struggle, but He is winning.  He will win.  And so I'm not really worried about this space, the right thing will come to me and this blog will be what it was always intended to be: a safe place.

With that in mind, my musical heart needs to play this song for you:



Working My Way Back to You
by Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

Much Love,
Kelli

Day 11: My Ode to Jon Stewart

This isn't a political post in the sense that I'm posting about a particular party and what one side is doing vs. another party.  However, I don't think I could sum up my thoughts better than the way Jon Stewart summed up his.  I think he said it best, "You can't outsmart crazy." 

If you want to Jon's opening statements you can watch it here on Entertainment Weekly.

Much Love,
Kelli

Day 10: Changes Expected

Hello my loves!  I know I was gone for four days.  I've been doing some real soul searching and doing what I wanted to do with this blog.

So, changes are coming.  Great changes.  I'm trying to start a schedule that will go with my current schedule and what I want to accomplish with this blog.

I'll be explaining more of what I want to do as the days go on, but I think it is going to be fabulous.

In the meantime I'll play for you what I've been singing all day.



Brother Louie
By The Stories

Day 6: Baking

Not much to report today, but I should have pictures tomorrow about the apple muffins I'm making tonight.  Of course if they turn out badly, then there won't be photos and quite frankly I may deny I said anything about them.

Meanwhile it is Thursday night.  Saw the new episode of The Big Bang Theory and am now watching Law & Order: Criminal Intent.  All is right.

Also God allowed me to pay one bill that I was worried about today, so praise God!

I hope you all are enjoying your Thursday and if this is tomorrow I hope Friday is just amazing for you!

Much Love,
Kelli

Day 5: New Look

So, day four slipped through my fingers yesterday as I went to bed around 8:30 pm.  I was a little tired, and I'm not exactly sure why, but extra sleep is always good in my book.

Now for the big activity.  I got my hair cut.  And this wasn't just a little trim here.  I got bangs.  I'm sure the more I get to style it the more photos I'll be able to take, but I like the style so much I had to show you.  Cause I'm that way.

I did watch Clean House this morning on the Style Network so....

BEFORE:

MEETS AFTER:

I like the new look, and I knew when I told Vickey what I wanted (in an abstract-hope you can read my mind sort of way) she would do brilliant.  So glad that I found her.

Now there are only three other elements I want for the new year:  rolling pin, melon baller, and new hat.

Oh, and feel free to follow me on Twitter where I link to cool articles and different things that I forget to post here.  (twitter.com/rstrdsunshine)

Much Love,
Kelli

Day 3: Shoes & Apples

If I could come up with any other reason for buying these shoes beyond, "I want them, I really, really, want them." I would buy these shoes. So absolutely adorable.
 
Beyond that I don't have many outfits it would go with. Not that I wouldn't be thinking up a ton of them, but I don't have enough to justify buying these shoes.
 
C'est la vie.
 
Now onto those apples.  I have two of them and I need to figure out what to do.  I can buy a few more and make an apple pie.  Or I can make some mini-apple bundt cakes.  Or I can make apple dumplings, or even apple brown betty.  So many choices and yet I have no idea what to do....
 
Any suggestions?
 
Meanwhile, I found no new every day hat.  I know I feel sorry for me.  If you're new to the blog or my twitter feed I do post some political things.  I usually don't like too, but if it bugs me or I think it is important I will post.  I'll warn you from now on (except on Twitter).
 
Much Love,
Kelli

Day 2: Restart

Let's be honest here, in fact I'm going to really confess a few things about myself, so that you, the reader, know who you are dealing with.

For one thing I'm a worrier.  Always have been.  I'm quite good at it.  Another thing is that I don't trust people as a general rule.  I've been very hurt in the past and it makes it hard to open up and be vulnerable.  And finally I don't want to be known as foolish, a fool.  From the very core of my being it bothers me to think I was duped and that if I had just been smarter I could've prevented what happened.

So, when trusting God it requires me to go against all three of those instincts.  I can't be a worrier because I have to trust God.  I have to be vulnerable and open my heart to God and believe that He has my best interest at heart.  Finally, if I believe God will answer something (at a specific time) and doesn't then I look foolish and quite frankly feel foolish for believing that He would, and I can't think that way if I truly trust God. 

However, as I've been stating on here for over a year I not only need to trust God I HAVE to.  I tried it a few weeks ago, but with schedule, sickness, and other issues blogging about it has been tough.  So, I'm going to give it a re-start and do it again for this year.

To truly put myself out there I will tell you what it is I'm praying for, what I'm believing God for this week:

• That my financial situation will be answered this week and taken care.  I don't care how God does it, I want to give Him the glory for it, so I have to trust that He will take care of me and what is going on.
• That this week will be a good week and that the goals we have set forth for the business will be done.

I realize there are only two goals, but the first one is MAJOR.  It is the reason I'm worrying right now and why I have to stop.  Enough of this, it is time for a re-start.  A new year is a great start.  And yes, I will fail on days, perhaps weeks or even a month, but I will come back.  I hope that if you have a goal or resolution for the year that you and I can do this together.  That you will know that you are not alone.  And that you too can re-start.

Much Love,
Kelli

Getting Inspiration

I consider myself to be a pretty creative and hard working person, however there are times when I'm feeling lazy or I need some inspiration to get up, get back to work, and do better than I was doing before.  When those times come I have a few things I fall back on.  So, since this is a new year and I do have a goal in mind with this blog (write nearly every day - allowing for vacation and sick days) I want to share my inspiration to think of those things that might inspire you.

Movies:

Working Girl: I watch this movie for several reasons, but as someone who is in business it reminds me to stay true to myself, take calculated risks, work hard, and don't take the whole thing so seriously.

It is a great story about a woman who is trying to make a difference in her life, has to worry about people who are trying to sabotage her, and the chance for a great romance.  I'm certainly trying to make a difference in my life and I'm looking for success. I don't know of anyone who has ever set out to sabotage me, but I do know people who have been critical of my ideas or dreams simply because it is something they've never done before or didn't come up with the idea themselves.  It's the romance part I'm working on.

If you want a great go-get them movie with a great little side romance I fully suggest this movie.

Secret of My Success:

Now this movie for me is pure business fun.  Michael J. Fox's energy in this movie is something I too want to rival.  Someone who is dedicated to his dream and goals.  It is funny such a great inspiration for me when I need it for my company. 

If you need some inspiration for whatever your big goal is then this is the movie for you.  On a really personal note this reminds me of my daddy.  Like the character he too is from Kansas and the business I work so hard for is his dream.  Another big reason this movie inspires me.



Television:

Veronica Mars - Season 1:

There is no other TV show or character that can make me feel lazy and inspire me to work harder than Veronica Mars.  I watch this show when I need a little extra help feeling ambitious.  The relationship she has with her dad is great and the mystery in this is just perfect. 

If you haven't seen this show find it on hulu or borrow from a friend.  It needs to be watched just because it is fantastic, and the inspiration is just icing on this most fun and delicious TV cake.



Music:

I think by now you know my addiction to music, but when I need inspiration I listen to these songs:



Solsbury Hill
by Peter Gabriel

I don't think I can describe all the reasons I love this song or the feels it invokes, but if I had a city mix this song would be there.  Being different and going after the unusual.  That is what I feel when I hear this song.



Defying Gravity
Lea Michele & Chris Colfer

Although I love Wicked's version (it was the original) when I heard this on Glee... it became an instant favorite and go to for trying new things and going after dreams.



Moving On Up
by Third Day

Talk about relying on the one true source of power.  I use this song when it has been kind of tough and I need a reminder that my life will not stay in this place.



Eye of the Tiger
by Survivor

Classic.  I don't know many people who don't have this one, but it has been go-to for me for nearly all my life.  Seriously greatness.

Fashion & Fun:

Now there are times when I don't want to do my hair, I don't want to dress in anything but sweats, and I really don't care about my appearance, even though I know I should.  I think we all have that celebrity or person in our lives that looks incredible every time we see them. 

For my real-life person I have a friend I'll call Chas (not to be confused with Shas - she's great but I know that girl loves her sweats).  Chas has the cutest outfits and every time I see her I remember how much I like her style.  If I had a picture I could share of her I would.

However, I do have a celebrity that I really like, and that is Bethany Joy Galeotti.  I follow her blog, BJGOfficial.com and twitter.  I also really like her character on One Tree Hill.  So, when I need another dose of Get-Your-Butt-Up-And-Blow-Dry-That-Hair!  I go to One Tree Hill Style.



And now I'm going to brace myself, blow dry my hair, and go to Sam Moon so I can get a new hat for the new year.  On Tuesday I'm getting my hair cut and hopefully a brand new style.

Have a wonderful new year everyone and I hope you guys have a great, successful, inspirational, and blessed new year!