2011 Reflections

What a year! I started off my year rather broke, and looking for some help. I ended it with me having a job with insurance, a new car, and paying my bills. It was what I had been hoping for this time last year.

So, I thought I would reflect on the big events for this year (mostly personal).

May - I got a new job. Scary, but good. I've enjoyed it so far, but it has certainly made me want to be corporate not work for corporate.

June - I turned 30. 30!

August - Shas gave birth to Baylor. Isn't he a cutie?

September - Lora left for Michigan.

November - Bought a new car! Very scary and exciting.

Of course my biggest challenge will be tonight as I struggle to stay awake until midnight.  Then again if it does become a family affair and we play Classic Rock Trivial prusuit it could become a blood bath. And one does not simply fall asleep during a blood bath.

I would like to say I'm kidding about the intesity at which my family plays a trivia game involving music, but I am not. You're welcome to come, but you're on your own and if you don't know, don't speak.

Okay, now that I've revealed that...

Have a happy and safe new year everyone!

Much Love,
Kelli

Melissa

A few months ago I posted about my sister, Lora, and now it is Melissa's turn. Melissa is my second  sister, and from the moment she was born I was in love with her.  She was so patient and very smart as I had to teach her everything I learned while in school.

(This is Melissa and Grandpa W.)

She left us after she graduated high school to the rocky mountains, and has stayed there since. Still as smart as ever. I still remember when I helped her move into her dorm room.  In Kansas we saw a dirt tornado that I have never seen duplicated.  Good memories.

Her love and passion for music is certainly something I share, but perhaps not our taste.  However, there are a few we do agree on: Placebo and Mumford and Sons. There might be more, but Melissa's a dancer and I have two left feet.

Her ability to calmly argue with anyone on anything is remarkable. She is always funny, and has a unique outlook on the world and the way it works.  But like her Twitter describes her, she is a slow driver, but her commentary while driving makes up for it.  You should hear it sometime.

Always an original, and following her path with Christ Melissa is unlike anyone I have ever met or known. I'm blessed to have her as my sister and I pray that her burdens be light.

So for a song she introduced me to:



The New Sound
by: The Capricorns

Much Love to Melissa,
From Kelli



Thankful Thursday

Did you have a wonderful Christmas? I did. I feel overwhelmingly blessed by it. My dad and I drove to Kansas on Christmas morning and then drove back on Monday getting back at about 8:00, as I had to work this week. However, hearing my grandpa say it was one of the best Christmas he has ever had was certainly worth it.

Which leads me to:

1. 3 Day Weekends. Aren't they wonderful? I start my new work schedule next week: Tuesday through Saturday, so I won't have many of them for the next few months, but I will so enjoy this one.
2. Family. Because they understand. In Kansas I got to see some cousins I haven't seen in years. We ended up discussing Grandma's food and all of us mentioned her Waldorf salad. (She always took the celery out for me.) And her friend chicken. It was so nice to talk with them and know they knew how awesome she was.
3. Presents. I love giving and receiving them, and I especially love when I get some extra cash that I can actually use to go shopping. Which I will be doing Saturday. Hopefully. Can't wait!

Oh, I'm also on Pinterest, if you want to find me: kelli_restored.

I so enjoy this song. My favorite line is "I've been 'Yes' and I've been 'Oh Hell No'" Cause I have:



Save Me San Francisco
by: Train

Much Love,
Kelli

Thankful Thursday

Goodness I forgot what working retail was like during the holiday season.  I think everyone who had an attitude decided to show up at my place of work yesterday.  Thankfully today I got to take the afternoon off, and stand in line with those people...  which makes me thankful for the following:

1. Christmas Season - It is my favorite time of year. Sure rude people, nasty drivers, large crowds, and crazy people do not deter my love of this season. They put a damper on it for the moment, but it is still a great time of  year.  Yes, I am that woman that sings Christmas tunes while shopping. Ducking down now.
2. Casual Day - Tomorrow I get to wear jeans. That makes everything better.
3. My Dog.  He's just so darn cute.

 

Tongue Tied

by Grouplove

Much Love,

Kelli

Thankful Thursday

I think this week has moved a little slow only because I've been anticipating breakfast and shopping with my mother on Saturday. However, since I love the Christmas season, and I have had such a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit lately I think it is good it is moving slow. I can enjoy it longer.

With that said....

1. Rain. It has rained this week. If you are not in Texas I'm sure you've heard of the drought we've been experiencing and the water restrictions. I'm very thankful for it. A nice slow, gentle rain, which will certainly help.
2. Christmas Parties. I love party food. It is that simple.
3. Style. According my sister Lora, I acquired some while she was gone. I resent that, as I've always had style, but if people think I'm looking good I'll take it.

A capture of the way I'm feeling:



We Need A Little Christmas
by: Johnny Mathis

Much Love,
Kelli

Relieved!

Yesterday I had been accused of being in a bad mood. I don't know that I was in a bad mood as much as I was in a quiet mood, but I was outnumbered in that assessment. (I really wasn't though!)

As timing would have it as I was driving home last night I heard Creed's "My Own Prison", which is one of the few songs of theirs I truly enjoy and still listen to.  I started singing the song out loud, thankfully alone. I still have some lingering cold and I sound more like a moose looking for a mate than a singer. Poor God. He had to hear that.

The lyrics to "My Own Prison" have always had an effect on me, and last night was no different. I was imagining the scene of someone who knew that their time was up and no amount of regret was going to change the situation. For a split second my heart was in my throat as I felt the fear of that day.

However, I know I will not have to ever bear witness to that scene, my peace came flooding back. Just then though my heart broke as I thought of those who have denied their Creator. I have several loved ones who don't accept Christ as their savior, and to know they face that...

And it isn't so much death either as knowing what they are missing out on now. Constant access to peace, love, strength, joy, compassion, healing, relief, hope, wisdom, and so much more.  While I was in my prayer time last night I had to take a moment and thank God for being God.

Where would I be without Jesus?  When I was in high school would I have taken my life because of the bullying?  Would I have gone into a tail spin when my beloved grandmother died and I was already feeling so lost? My answer would be I hope not, but I can tell you with all certainty that had it not been for Christ and His love for me I would be in a very different place than I am right now.

His overwhelming love for me, and his constant patience with me as a sinner is incomparable and unwavering. I pray for my loved ones to feel this, to know this for themselves. And I pray it for all of you.

The best part? It doesn't matter what religion you are, where you are, what you do, what you've done, or your political beliefs (that's a joke, but seriously...), all you have to do is accept Christ as your personal savior.

How easy is that? It is for everyone in the world, no matter of background. And you don't have to belong to organized religion at all.

Truly, praise Jesus!



My Own Prison
by Creed

*Feel free to discuss any of what I said with me in the comments.

Much Love,
Kelli

Thankful Thursday

A little late today, but I'm here.
Does anyone else watch Sons of Anarchy? Was that finale not phenomenal? My goodness!! Season 3's finale is still my favorite, but Season 4 just blew me away.
Okay, back to what I'm thankful for:

1. My ears. I've been sick this week, and have had a tough time breathing, and nothing makes appreciate the norm like not having it. However, when I got a little spastic about my car not recognizing the new song on my USB I realized  how thankful I am for my ears. And the Broadway channel on XM.
2. My parents. Awe... I know. Honestly though I really do have amazing parents. Still married, in love, driving each other nuts and giggling about it, loving me and my sisters beyond reason, and going out of their way to ensure a good life for us. I am more than blessed with these two.
   
   
   
   (Back Row R-L: Lora, Me, Dad, Mom  Front Row R-L: Melissa, Andi)
3. Jesus. Sometimes I get carried away with life. Sometimes I get caught up with the have nots, and hard pathway, and then I remember the joy that comes from knowing Christ. The peace, the love, the joy, the compassion, the grace, the healing, the help, the favor... and I remember why this man changed my life. And why I've dedicated my life to following him.

So what song was I having a cow about? It is a cover of "House of the Rising Sun", but the lyrics have been changed for Tara/Jax on Sons of Anarchy and done from Tara's point of view.  Just phenomenal, and I hope you take a listen:



House of the Rising Sun
by: The White Buffalo & The Forest Rangers

Much Love,
Kelli

We Interrupt This Posting....

So from Thursday to today (Monday) I have had no less than five major technological issues.

1. My phone on Wednesday night gave me the white screen of death. Dead it was. Sad, so very sad.
2. My laptop decided it didn't need to have a bright screen.
3. My camera hooked into my computer. My computer recognized my camera. However, it would not let me take any of my photos (which is why I still haven't posted any new hair pictures).
4. My new car doesn't recognize my new phone.
5. When I logged onto my computer at work today my mainframe was... something. Technical support had to un-install and then reinstall to get it to come back.

Perhaps #4 isn't a major one, but after everything it is a pain in the butt.

However, the following happened:

1. AT&T replaced my phone with a new one, same model.
2. Thanks to Google and Boards to get my screen back all I had to do was press the fn button and the arrow up button - to brighten. Much better.
3. I haven't tried the camera and computer together. One issue at a time.
4. My car still doesn't recognize my phone. Will probably have to employ the Google/Board combo again.
5. After 30 minutes this morning my computer is back to good.

So while there should be a nice post here of my long hair before and short hair after there isn't.  And due to those issues no pictures of the Pineapple Upside Down Mini Bundt Cakes. Oh well. Hopefully I'll get to bake some cookies this week.

Oh, new song I like:



Start A Fire
by Ryan Star

Much Love,
Kelli

Thankful Thursday

Thankful people are happier people, or so I am told.  The Bible certainly backs up this thought, so why not dedicate a day to being thankful. We could call it something like Thanksgiving...have it in November when the cold wind makes you hungry...

Perhaps that already is a national holiday, but being thankful at least once a week is not.  So, I am going to try every Thursday to post three things I am thankful for.

1. My new car. - The engine was about to drop out of my beloved mustang. Plus, I don't have much credit, so the fact I was able to get the exact vehicle I wanted is nothing short of God's grace and favor on me. I am most grateful.
2. My sister being home. - Lora surprised us on Thanksgiving by coming home. I've missed her.  I know there are opportunities for her to leave again, but I am thankful for the time she is home.
3. Not having to work this Friday. - I got to take the day off and still get paid for it. I don't think you can get much better than that in the working world.  So I plan to get my hair cut off (donating to locks of love), and making pineapple upside mini bundt cakes for my bff, Shas, for her birthday.

I will be posting pictures of both my new hair and recipe after Friday.  Until then I hope you find three things you are grateful for, and I hope it brings a smile to your face.

Good Life

by OneRepublic

Much Love,

Kelli