I have seen 2 AM way too many times this week

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy"

-Francis of Assisi

A question that has been bothering me lately is WHAT CAN I DO? I see so many things in life right now that I just don't agree with. How do I become a part of the solution?

Perhaps this can become part of my hunt for a hobby?? :)

[Much Love]

monday's musings: the happy-birthday-Dad edition

Meet my Dad.

It was his birthday last week. So, this week's monday's musings will be in his honor.

The man you see pictured above is everything a good great dad should be and I am so grateful that he is mine.

Things I love about my Dad:

-He is funny. In that super corny dad way... but he still makes me laugh. Like the time he spilled frozen peas all over the floor and responded with "Who Peed on the floor?" 

-Sometimes our musical tastes overlap... not always (i.e. Ted Nugent). But, when they do... its AWESOME. He has also introduced me to some pretty magical artists (i.e. Jonny Lang, Rascal Flatts, John Mayer, Colbie Caillat... to name a few)

-He is one of the most fiercely loyal people I know. For example... my dad went to BYU... but I chose to attend the University of Utah (they are BIG rivals, if you didn't know). How did my dad respond? He put on a Utah hat and cheered for the Utes from then on... even when his daughter isn't there to watch with him.

-He is selfless and incredibly humble. I was recently talking to him about a good thing that happened to him at work... something that HE made happen. I told him it must have made him feel pretty good to which he replied "Well, it made my boss look good and hopefully that made her feel good for hiring me." Seriously, Dad, you are a rockstar... even when you don't admit it.

- He is so thoughtful. From time to time my dad used to send me songs, via iTunes, that reminded him of me. One ended up becoming the song we danced to at my wedding (If you haven't heard "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts... look it up.) This is just ONE small example of the countless sweet things he has done for me.

-He taught me to love soccer. The U.S. may be a bit behind on figuring out that soccer is the best sport ever invented... but my dad seems to have figured this one out. Thank goodness!

Never have I ever doubted his love and support.For that I am so grateful.

So, here's to you, Papa. 

Feliz cumpleaños, señor.

Te amo por todos los días y todas las noches.

[Much Love]

[monday's musings]

In an attempt to blog more I am committing to Monday's Musings... This will just be random photos and/or thoughts about that day or other recent happenings.

I'm trying to combat a serious case of the Mondays on this cold and rainy day in Arkansas. This has included blasting my favorite Christmas tunes (a bit premature, I know), pulling out my favorite cozy sweater (nothing like cashmere), slipper booties (boots wif da furrr), and sipping peanut butter hot cocoa (sinful).

I'd say those Monday blues are certainly on their way out.

Happy Monday, everyone! 

[Much Love]

oh.so.confused

So, we are going to have a quick little story: A few weeks ago, J and I were discussing some things... you know, life things. In the midst of said talk, J says I need to find something I am passionate about. I wanted to respond with... "I DO HAVE THINGS I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT!"... but then I realized he was completely right. I don't have any hobbies that I am just so excited about. I need some hobbies that don't include taking Clark to the puppy park or wasting hours on pinterest. 
I'm not even sure where to start on this hunt for a hobby. 
And here's why: I don't know what motivates me... Actually, that is not true. STRESS motivates me. However, stress can't be a hobby.
I've been trying to think of something I could do that would seriously excite me. Usually during this thought process I look a little something like the confused child above. So, folks, over the next few weeks I am going to be trying out some hobbies. Monday starts Rachel's quest to love running with the couch to 5k program. (I actually hope that this one sticks because a hobby that results in a shrinking waistline can be nothing but great.) I am open to all sorts of suggestions though... so, please... share your thoughts.
Vent over.


[Much Love]