Bible Study

Going to bible study has definitely been something new in my life. I have always heard of them and to be quite honest I thought I would be out of place, not know what's going on, not educated enough...I think I had a lot of doubts.

With that being said, I also decided to get out of my comfort zone and check one out. I really love my church and thought that it'd be a way to deepen my faith. We are not actually studying a chapter out of the bible, but we're reading "Fearless" by Max Lucado. Going in to the Series 66 exam, after failing it twice, you can imagine there would be some fear that goes in to taking it again. I also had some fears about my relationship, so I thought....perfect book to study!!

My bible study leader's name is Patsy. She's awesome. One thing she's said that really stuck with me....We were talking about our fears. She said she had this fear of her husband never coming home from work. When he came home later than expected, she would worry and worry that he was dead on the side of the road somewhere. So she called her sister and explained her worry to her. Her sister replied "Play out your fear Patsy." What do you mean? Patsy asked. "Play it out...what happens if your husband dies?" Her sister said "You will wake up the next day, plan a funeral, bury him, and then your life will go on...that's what I did."

Patsy's sister's husband passed away and she went through that very same thing. Although it seemed a little cold to say, it's exactly what she did. Patsy asked her how she did it...she said "I have 2 babies and I just kept waking up - there was someone who was hungry, someone who needed a ride to school." We often get stuck at our fears....what if I don't pass this test, what if my relationship doesn't work out....Well play it out. I have failed the test before, I still have my job, I can take it again, no one is disappointed in me... It helps to move past it and see what would actually happen. I know it's hard some times to do that, especially at the thought of losing someone, but I found it to be insightful. I also found myself stuck sometimes.

Among the bits and pieces I catch on to during our conversations, I have to say I really enjoy the company of strong, supportive women. The ideas and thoughts, and the different experiences are really amazing. I'm so glad I put my fears and comfort aside to join a life changing group.

Series 66

Well, after round three with the Series 66, I finally beat it!

I wanted to make sure this time around that I passed with flying colors! I needed a 75/100 to pass & got an 81/100. I am SO excited! It was tough to self teach because when you think you know enough you go and take it. The first two times I obviously didn't know enough. The time apart from the boy I believe helped in a lot of ways. It makes you regain your independence a bit!

The next step will be financial advisor training and getting to work with clients! That's what I'm most excited about - and also, I know a few other people embarking on similar journeys...so hopefully I can be some help to them as well.

Looking back at some of the first posts from my blog, I'm excited to see where this path has led me. I am really enjoying living in the Houston area and excited for what this career has to offer! I moved out here away from my family to start something I wasn't sure if I could do. Although it took a couple years to get to where I am (btw, passed the test yesterday) I'm glad I've had patience and allowed it to unfold. God is great! Always :)

The Healing Process

Well...most of you know that trust issues have been a part of my relationship for quite some time. I understand the saying 'the past is the past,' etc. but you never know how long it will take your heart to heal.

The boy and I started over about a year ago, a new found spirit and going to church together. Then he got a job that requires weeks and months of consecutive travel, not easy on anyone. Needless to say, we tried. The trust issues got too big and the distance between us did not get smaller. He's away now more than ever before and it left me irritable, sad, and worried. When I saw him, things were good - but you can't have a relationship where you only trust someone when they're with you. And unless you're attached at the head it's damn near impossible! I can definitely say that I saw this coming. I pray for doors to be opened, doors to be closed, inner peace. This will definitely be a sad thing to end it, but I believe more relieving than anything else. To be released of the burden of calculating someone's every move....it's exhausting. You think you love someone so you try to hang on to it, you try to work through it. But in this case - the job situation isn't changing and it's hard to work on trust by yourself. Also, you can't rely on anyone for your happiness....they or me or you could be gone in the blink of an eye.

All these things I understand. Through the ups and downs of life I just want to learn and to be able to see the positive in it. I am excited to find what makes me happy NOW and do those things. I am happy to say my relationship with God has gotten stronger, and I feel, will only continue to grow. When you obey him he blesses you. An unhealthy relationship every day of your life sucks the life out of you. It's nothing the boy did or didn't do - I think simply there's just no trust there.

If our situations change in the future we're both open to it. Right now I am just interested in letting my heart heal.

Soap Hope!

I wanted to share with all of my blog followers a very special company called "Soap Hope."

To help spread the word, they asked if I wanted to be a part of the cause. Let me tell you a little bit about Soap Hope!

Here's a little bit about them from their website:

Helping Women Everywhere. We believe that every woman in the world who wants an opportunity to support herself and her family should have that opportunity. That's why we created the GOOD RETURNS business model on which Soap Hope was founded. It's simple: every dollar of profit earned by a Good Returns company goes first to an institution that uses it to solve world problems. After those profits have spent a year in service, the money is returned to Soap Hope. It's like the Peace Corps for money: we volunteer every dollar for a year of service.

A company that uses profits to directly help others?? How amazing is that. We live in a society where greed has some how become acceptable. What Soap Hope is doing is absolutely incredible! They have fabulous products including Zum Bar, Mahya Cosmetics, to mention a couple - the list goes on with pet products, gift baskets, laundry detergent (natural), soaps, make-up, products for babies and more!

I couldn't be more proud to stand behind a company like this. They also ship the products in an "Ugly Box" which you'll see below. They graciously sent me a few samples to try and share with you all. I can tell you that they offer quality products and with such a fabulous mission - how could you not want to buy your soap from them :)

I was SO excited to get my products in the mail, and even more excited that my regular everyday purchases can really make a huge difference in women's lives.

Spread the word! Check out Soap Hope!

http://store.soaphope.com/

The Ugly Box :)

My samples, yahoo!

Getting There...

Life's getting better....learning more about myself each obstacle I face.

I think one of the biggest changes is being on my own. Most of the time I have friends and family around...but my parents live in Austin and my bf travels all the time. I'm learning to live without my cheerleaders. I've now realized that while growing up I had a ton of support. I had encouragement no matter what I was doing...

Learning to be your own life cheerleader is tough! Especially when you're the only one trying to pick yourself up emotionally when you're down emotionally. Shift in perspective, a change in attitude. Count your blessings, not your worries! Easier said than done :)

Tell yourself you're proud of yourself. Praise yourself when you accomplish something. Be your own best friend. I guess I'm learning to implement all of these things. I guess in all actuality we can't rely on others for our happiness. Ah adulthood....it's like going back to school all over again, except this time it's just everyday life.

Between a roommate, a part time wine serving job, and babysitting...and my regular job - I am starting to feel better about the $ situation. Making an honest living and working hard. I think I perform best when I am busy...I've always felt like that. Filling up my employment plate!

And Labor Day weekend on the horizon...a couple days away! After Saturday morning there's no more working. I can see a cocktail and a pool in my near future. Grilling and relaxing...hanging with friends. Coming sooooon! Yippee!

What are you doing for Labor Day?!?!?!?

Roller Coaster

Life sure has been a bit of a roller coaster. I mean mostly with my emotions.

I'm still learning about myself, as well as learning how the boy & my relationship ticks. We are now seeing, which is pretty interesting, how we react to certain things, how we cope - all as a result of how we were raised & the differences each of us has. We know we're not the same person, but I think we're both seeing...wow, I totally understand why you do that, or why you feel that way. Some times you just don't understand though, which is frustrating.

I was raised on "you need 12 hugs a day to be healthy." Whether there's any truth to that, or it was just my mom wanting to get in as many as she could, I've noticed that I really am a 'hugger' :). The boy, not so much. He was sort of taught the typical, don't cry, get up, get tough, don't be a sissy. I was taught to 'let it out.' It makes sense that the boy isn't too sympathetic to crying, but that's how I cope. We are learning how to handle each other when either gets upset. Hard when I don't respond to anger and he doesn't respond to crying...leaves us both feeling like 'they just don't get it.'

Other than exploring the depths of our feeeeelings...the boy is steadily moving in - has bought more furniture and his place is really coming together nicely. My roommate is still doing well & I'll probably get to hang out with her the next few weeks since the boy is leaving tomorrow for about a month : /. It will be good though, he's got to pay his dues & to be honest we probably both need a little space.

Lately I've felt a little disconnected....but I feel as time goes by there's light @ the end of the tunnel. Adult life = learning to roll with the punches that never stop coming! And having a positive attitude as it all comes your way :0)

:)

Made it through the funk of last week :)

This week has started off tired...moving all weekend, etc. I am exhausted! I've gotten up the past two days to walk/run as well - which, I know will eventually give me more energy in the long run. But right now I am just missing nap time.

The boy is settled for the most part. The roommate has been great so far. She did light some of my decorative candles and turned the wall black : / good thing I ran home for a bit! And have a large can of touch up paint. I'll probably stop by for another coat this afternoon. I'll admit, it's comforting and uncomfortable all at the same time...having someone live in a place you're investing in. It definitely gives me peace of mind that she's there while I am not, she's really super nice, pays on time...I really couldn't ask for more. The benefits outweigh anything I could come up with.

We are going to the river this weekend to float :) = relax = happy camper! Beer, tube, water, friends, family (saturday), great food, music, memories. Ahh...a few more days.

I got an email today regarding Houston Restaurant Week...I've never participated but there's a lot of restaurants that you'd pay an arm and a leg for, like Perry's Steak House - they have a 3-course dinner for $35, $5 is donated to the Houston Food Bank. Sounds pretty yummy and for a great cause. I wish they gave them more of the proceeds though. I like this idea a little better than giving blood....just a little :)