Life is Good Today!

Christmas was great! I met someone new. Well he's not really new. I've known him my whole life. 15 years later he finds me on Facebook! That crazy Facebook! Anyway, he's great! He's a Christian, has his own business, enjoys driving and riding motorcycles, and is a family man. He is so nice! He treats me better than I have ever imagined! My self confidence has grown so much in the last week! He loves to cook for me and take walks across the big dam bridge. He called me a keeper but I'm thinkin he may be a keeper too. We will see what the Lord has in store for me. When the Lord told me to move I did. I asked him to put someone in my life that was good for me. Whether it be a friend or companion I didn't care. I was fine being alone with my pets. I wasn't even looking and there he was. He found me! How does this happen to me? All my life I've found these guys who have torn my heart to shreads. The last one was the toughest because we lived together. Now I'm dating this amazing man and I don't even worry about the past. I don't even worry about what he might do to me or if he ever would do anything. I'm completely happy, comfortable, and safe, AND IT'S ONLY BEEN A WEEK! The Lord has definitly blessed me! Hope there are more blessings to come.

Diving in Head First

Well, its been absolutely too long since my last blog. So much has changed! 1 month ago today I broke up with Stacy. With him not having a job for 10 months and me scraping to make ends meet just wasn't working for me anymore. I don't want a man that is rich, I just want one that can stand on his own 2 feet! I don't think that is too much to ask. So anyway December 19th I packed my stuff and Dad and Alex moved me back to Little Rock. I now live in the Watergate Apartments on Cantrell! It's where I've always wanted to live. Its quiet and convenient. I am only 4 miles from work and school compared to 45 miles. I've saved so much money its sick! I also started a part time job to help with my "pleasurable expenses". I love to shop, go out with friends, and buy the occasional dinner out. Living by myself isn't all that bad. I need some more decorations but other than I have everything I need. I'm only 5 minutes from my mom and that makes it so worth it. I was born a city girl. The country just wasn't for me. I've been able to reconnect with amazing friends and made new ones along the way. The winter break has been really nice! Getting ready to take my nursing classes in January and looking forward to that. That should take up a lot of time! So as you can see this is really what I needed. I loved Stacy very much but there was more in life for me than that and I wasn't interested in sitting around and waiting for opportunities to happen. I just dove in HEAD FIRST!

Happy Thanksgiving Update

Well its been too long since my last blog. A lot has happened. STACY just got wonderful news about a new job!! Hopefully this economy will pick up soon. My first fall semester back in school is almost over! Finally!! I only have 2 more weeks! Got a call from Baptist School of Nursing. My file is with the selection committee. If I am not entering this January then I will definitely be in the class that starts in July. So many people have applied this year causing a delay in everything! I am super excited! I've also started going back to church. Stacy and I visit his sisters church. It is the Apostolic Church of Hardin. They are the greatest people and I like that it is really small. One thing I have learned is you may stray away from Him but he never strays away from you. This church is different that any church I've been to but they except me for who I am and don't expect me to conform to their strict ways of dress and appearance. That I am very grateful for.

With Thanksgiving tomorrow I have plenty to be thankful for:

My Family
Stacy
My job
My new friends
School
Stacy's Family
My home
The troops fighting over seas
My relationship with God

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Storms couldn't Stop me!

This past weekend Stacy and I went to Fayetteville to watch the Hogs for Homecoming as well as see my 2 besties Mandi and Tara. Tara was so gracious (and brave) to allow Stac and I to stay with her and Josh as well as give us tickets to the game. We sat in the outdoor club which don't get any better than that! We of course tailgated, visited the ADPi's and toured the ole stomping grounds. But prior to that on Thursday I decided to hang out with my new friend Christie and Rodney. The rain wouldn't stop. Hadn't stopped for 3 days! Buckets! Just buckets! A tornado was spotted just a few miles from my house so I decided to go with them to Mabelvale to wade out the storm then head home around 9. I had to get ready to pack and stuff the weekend. Well, the storm passed but the rain never stopped! When I left I went through 6 different spots that were so flooded, its amazing I made it through! When I was almost to the main highway a bad flash flood (like a wave) came through and tried to take me off the road. During this time I was on the phone with Stac. I screamed, threw the phone and automatically kicked it in reverse. Thankfully no damage and I got out safely. However, Stacy couldn't get in touch with me and called 911! During this time I got out of my car and immediately started crying! How was I going to get home! Then around the corner came a Highway Department worker. I waved my arms high trying to stop him, HE KEPT DRIVING!! I couldn't believe it! Then God realized how scared I was and sent me a guy and his girlfriend. They asked where I was going. I told them Sheridan and they said that tons of roads were closed there but they would lead me there in higher land! What a blessing these people were! I wish I could find them and hug them! I finally got back to hwy 167. I barely recognized anything! The water was so high around me, the electricity was out, and the rain was still pouring!! When I arrived in Sheridan the water was almost 10 feet deep in places. It looked horrible! I made it to a gas station that was still open (it was almost 11:00 by this time) and bought a hot dog and a coke. The cops told me my highway was shut down (we all know each other around here) and that I may want to stay at Stacy's sisters house. I thought, OH GOSH! I haven't called Stacy back. When the police realized who I was they told me I needed to call Stacy because he'd called 911 because he was worried about me. When I talked to Stacy he was so relieved and was getting ready to come find me himself. That night I slept in my wet clothes and boots at Stacy's sisters house. When I woke up to go to work the water was still too high so I had to wait till 10 to leave. When I left at 10 to go home and change my road was covered in downed trees due to the straight line winds from the storm. I had to walk a mile to my house to find my roof had a hole in it from the massive leak and rain!! Poor Tristan's cage was full of water! After cleaning out her cage and trying to get ready for Fayetteville I finally got to work by noon. We finally left town around 8 that night but WHAT A NIGHT!!!!

You want the skinny on this?

This is it! I've completed everything I need to complete to become a nurse EXCEPT my entrance exam which is 10/17/2009! Two days after my birthday!!! YIKES! That's OK! I want to take it early so if I don't do so good on it I still have another 30 days to try again but I am anticipating a good score! Have been under the weather the last few days! The changing of the seasons always gets me at this time of the year. That's OK! Visited with my grandparents today and it was really good. Grandparents always remind us of the important things in life, plus we are always perfect in their eyes! LOL Well, I will give more news as I get it! Have a great rest of the week!

Fall brings Changes!

The leaves are falling and colors are changing. The weather has been absolutely beautiful today! I was off work today because I only get 32 hours a week. Tomorrow I will be at the Dave Matthews concert with Stacy. (It was his birthday present). Just realized my birthday is in 18 days! I will be 27! Gosh I'm getting old. So about this change....
Stac and I have talked about this for a while and have decided to move to Little Rock. I know! I know! I am excited too! I miss my city folk! I hate to leave my cute little bungalow on the farm but I am just too far from reality! So, I will keep you updated on the projected move. We are hoping to be in Little Rock by November 15.
Nursing School Update......
I spoke with the school today! I have to take my entrance exam then they will let me know if I am in! WHAT! Yikes! I better get to studying! I will let everyone know something soon!

Waiting and Waiting

Well, I've decided to go back to waiting tables again. OH you thought I was going to say waiting on my letter from Baptist. Yeah, still waiting on that too. Yuck! Should know something soon! Back to the blog: I've decided to get back into waiting tables so I can have a little more flexible schedule as well as earn as much money as I possibly can! My dear friend John Novack is working on getting me a job at US Pizza. I've applied to both Heights and Hillcrest. Heights is really interested. If all else fails I will work in NLR with John. Yippee! So maybe I'm taking a risk but I'm risking daily with my job now because they are about to lay me off then I will be at home with unemployment which won't by tissue paper for me! Love ya!

On Pins and Needles!

Ok! I can't stand it anymore! I'm waiting for my letter from Baptist telling me if I got in to Nursing school or not! It should be here any day! I can't wait! I can't wait to get started doing something that will benefit me in so many ways! I can't wait to touch lives and challenge myself in ways I never could! I can't wait to meet new people and learn from the best nurses in the state! I can't wait to start waiting tables again so I can earn what I am worth instead of working for the MAN anymore! LOL. Pray for me. I will let you know something soon! OH YEAH! Go Hogs! Beat Georgia!!!

Super Weekend!

I had the most amazing weekend! I got to see almost 13 of my sorority sisters that I haven't seen in almost 4 years! Pamela Tuckers wedding brought us all together. It was a beautiful wedding at Fellowship Bible Church and reception at Chenal Country Club. Super nice! Great food! Great Music! We danced, we laughed, we reminisced, and then we WENT OUT! For the first time in like 6 months I went out on the town and had a blast! It was so much fun and I hope we can all get together again soon! I am planning a reunion soon!

Oh I've gone and done it now!

So the other day I was reading online how the average person is unemployed because the job they usually have is being filled by someone with a college degree. OK, I'm working on that but you know what I constantly find online that needs filling!? A freaking NURSE! I've always wanted to be a nurse. I have a huge respect for nurses because they are hard working people and don't get enough credit for what they do. As we all know I am currently working for a staffing agency that staffs nurses. I've talked to several of them and they keep telling me, "do it because you are young and it will benefit in the long run!" I don't want to be broke the rest of my life and I sure don't want to live paycheck to paycheck anymore! The time has come....drum roll.....I applied for LPN school at Baptist! Yay!!!!! (applause) Now we will just have to wait and see if I get in!? I will keep you updated! If I do get in I am not going to stop the online school. I will continue it, do the LPN school (which is 11 months) then try to work too! I am going to be busy and tired but in the long run this will pay off! I believe it! Need your prayers folks!

Update on the Kittens

Just a quick update on the kittens! They are now 4 weeks old, walking, crying, and exploring more than ever! Sunny loves them! Felix, well, he doesn't know what to do with them! I am very partial to the all black female but you and I both know I don't need another CAT! So, in 4 more weeks they will be ready to go to their new homes! This is hopefully our last litter because Mom has an appointment with the Vet in 5 weeks.

The Little Things in Life

Every morning on my way in to work I drive 45 miles one way! It usually takes me about an hour but sometimes longer than that depending on if I beat school bus number one and school bus number two and the stupid construction! That is a another blog....Anyway, every morning I creep down highway 46 trying to beat bus number 2 but most times I get right behind it. This highway ends with little streets branching off of it making it look like a little neighborhood. Each street holds about 3-5 students waiting on school bus number 2. Why they can't meet in one spot like I had to when I was in school I have no idea. It's really irritating! But I do find some enjoyment out of it. The little kindergartners who have backpacks as big as them waiting on their exciting day at school with mom standing a few feet behind them, the parents and grand parents who walk their kids to bus stop and wave them good bye as they drive off, and of course the high schoolers who cover their faces because they are STILL riding the bus (that was my punishment most times when I was in high school). But the sweetest thing I see every single morning is usually the 6th and final stop (I know!). There is a grandmother and a grandfather who stand with their grand kids every morning, walk them across the street, wave good bye as the bus drives away, then turn around, hold hands, and walk back home. I seriously cry every time I see this because we don't see love like this very much anymore. I don't know these people and it may not be anything to them, but to watch something so simple as holding their hand to walk home every single morning just tugs on my heart strings a little. So I guess my title today is "The Little Things in Life" because something so simple, such as holding someones hand or waving goodbye, can mean so much more and teach something new to someone other than the one waving or being waved to.

Now why'd you have to go and do that!?!?!

Well, yesterday was a sad day. My boss decided I could no longer keep the company computer at the house. Why? Not sure but that's OK. I'm going to buy a new one! I'm terrified about buying a new computer because they always add so much on to them and you don't know what is the best and then later on once you buy one and it starts running slow you say "I should have gotten the one with more GB or MB or whatever". OK, I know about computers but when it comes to what each number means....uh uh....not a clue. If my dang ACER laptop hadn't crapped out on me I wouldn't be in this predicament. My grandparents graciously gave me a computer in 2001 for college. That computer has had more viruses than a prostitute in the red light district! Can we say VIRUS PROTECTION?! Needless to say I've learned so much since my first computer and I've gotten so much better! Do not download Lime Wire! It will give you viruses and eat up everything on your computer. Simply get i Tunes. It's legal and safe. Don't load pictures on your computer. Load them to Walgreens.com or Walmart.com and you can print them off. You can save them once so you can upload them but once you upload them, remove them. Saves so much space. Burning CD's are fun but if you do too many your burner will burn out! Certain websites will give you viruses, pop ups, and spy ware that is so annoying! I'm sure we all know the leader in pop ups..u hum....=). Do not download anything you don't need (tool bars, instant online virus checks, instant messengers, wallpapers, ring tones, games, whatever). They will eat up your memory, slow your start up, and could potentially cause your computer to crash. Oh yeah, one more thing, do not plug your computer up to the wall. Use a power strip. Lightning will kill your computer. MY ACER is a prime example! Well, wish me luck over the weekend with NO computer (cramming homework in today so I can chill this weekend), and wish me luck picking out a computer to purchase next week! Suggestions are welcomed! erinhunt1015@yahoo.com

Friends are what make us smile!

Today I've had an awesome day! First off it was beautiful out side! Second it was pay day. Third Big Brother was awesome and Jesse went home. Fourth my boyfriend was so excited about Big Brother and we actually talked game over the phone (hilarious!). And finally I talked to 4 friends today that I miss so much! My best friend since first grade, JD, called me out of the blue to tell me he was coming this way tomorrow and wanted to eat dinner with me and his fiance in Sheridan! I am so excited to meet her again and catch up! This morning my friend Lindsey and I talked on Facebook instant message through out the day! (I guess I should have been working but I didn't take a lunch break so I spent my time with that). Then my best friend from high school, Kristen, messaged me this evening from Florida. I haven't spent much time with her because she is a nurse and is so busy. We talked about when we went to Gulf Shores together years ago and when we went to Florida on our senior trip and how crazy that was! Then my dearest friend Molly finally got her computer back and I felt complete again because my Big Brother from another Mother was able to catch up with me. I miss laughing my booty off with her! Friends are so important and when we need them most they are always there and even if you don't think you need them they are still there. I am so blessed to have such great people in my life and wouldn't change it for anything. Have an awesome Friday tomorrow!

College On My Mind

Well, I did it! I successfully completed summer school without a hitch! I have a 3.0 in COLLEGE! Hold the phone! That's right! So with that said I am so proud of myself. I've been saying for 3 years that I am going back and this year I did it. Didn't put much thought in it. I saw how great my brother was doing and I thought, you know, I could have a masters by now! This is crap! I only need maybe 40 hours to complete my bachelors in business and human resources. That's not that bad!? Today I received a phone call from dearest friend Lana. She is a single mom with 3 kids and has worked her tail to the bone and been to hell in back! She told me today she was inspired by me going back to school that she now wants to go to college and pursue a bachelors in history! I cried. How could I inspire someone I don't talk to as much as I should? I guess we are all role models whether we know it or not. I am so proud of her and can't wait for her to come over on Sunday to fill out her FAFSA and applications. She is going to become so much more valuable than she already is. I start next Monday my fall classes and will be taking a history class, college algebra (for the millionth time), and a human resources class. Wish me luck! Need the thoughts and prayers!

We have KITTIES!

I woke up this morning to some really squeaky and crying sounds. I thought it might be Felix my kitten so I went outside to see what was going on. He typically starts crying around 6:30am because he's ready to eat, even though he's fed every morning at 7:00am and at 9:00pm (fat boy!). When I went outside to my surprise were 5 kittens!!! Fluffy had more kittens!! OMG! I just got rid of the last litter! Here we go again! This time they are staying outside and she is raising them on her own. However, they were so cute! I've got one yellow tabby, 1 tortoise shell calico, 1 that looked just like lovey, 1 black one, and 1 that looks just like Felix. Get ready for some pics soon. Stacy is going to flip when he finds out about these!

I think I hear crickets?

Well, he's gone. Off on his trip to Texas. I don't know what to do? I thought this would be so easy. Him go away and I would just do what I want!? But what is there to do? I called his sister and her husband went with Stac so we are going out for a girls night. I am excited! Been a while since one of those! Just thought I would share my feelings. I love him very much. When he isn't here I feel incomplete but I can manage. Hopefully this week will go fast! However the upside is I get to watch all my musical movies! Watch out now! Chicago, Grease, Newsies, and Rent are my favs!!!

Just Because

Today I'm in a funny mood. I don't feel real good so that may be why. I am so ready to go home and sleep it's not even funny. Gotta take Stacy to Texas tomorrow and I think that may be why I am so funny feeling today. I haven't had a chance to blog about my Big Brother obsession. My friend Molly introduced this to me about 3 years ago and let me tell you, I WANT TO BE ON THE SHOW! I subscribe to the life feeds, watch Big Brother After Dark on Showtime, and check all the websites to get the latest on what has changed. This game, to me, is what I've been through my whole life. I've been around people that say they care or have my back but turn around and stab me when I'm not looking. Of course I've had my great friendship moments where I haven't been such a great friend. I think friendships go through levels just like relationships. Mine seem to end after the first fight. I guess I'm scared to lick my wounds and get over it. Most of the fights I've had with friends I don't even remember what they were about!? Well, that was a lot of stuff about major topics that need their own blog! Told you I was in a funny mood today....have a great Friday!

It's finally happening! Kiss my grits E*C*O*N*O*M*Y!

So, I've officially been broke for 6 months due to this crappy economy. With Stacy losing his job and me (like a mad woman) changing jobs in the middle of all this, we've been living on every cent (and I mean every single cent that comes through that door)! I've had utilities shut off and phones turned off and people calling my phone none stop for the last 6 months. Today, I am caught up. Yes my friends! My phone can stop ringing, my car payment is current, my insurance is correct, my lights and water are on and I'm sitting on the couch eating Stacy's left over birthday cake.....sigh....life is good. Oh yeah, Stacy got an offer to go work in Texas with his brother in law making decent money and its 7 days straight and could be up to 2 weeks! Gosh I'm gonna miss him but the money is good so I can deal with it for now. I will need to start finding things to do in my spare time since pestering the heck out of him is my spare time!? God works in mysterious ways and I've learned in this whole crazy experience that life isn't always what it seems and just because it sounds like a good idea doesn't always mean it is and I probably better weigh the pros and cons before jumping into any situation like this again. As a matter of fact, I think I am going to write all this down because there's this....nevermind...simple life, simple thoughts, simple pockets. Just stick to what you know and learn from your mistakes and don't repeat them. It's just silly and costly! This picture is my way of telling the ECONOMY to kiss my grits!

Happy Birthday Stacy!

Yesterday was Stacy's 35th birthday! We had a great day trying to get the truck registered as well as going to the doctor to get his stitches out of his hand. We finished the day with dinner at our favorite chinese resturaunt and cake at his sisters house! On Sunday and Monday his daughters Layne, 12, and Lexie, 6, came to the house and spent the whole day with us. We had pizza on Monday and went on a nature hike! They have so much fun with us and I wish we could see them more often. The girls called him yesterday and sang Happy Birthday to him and I've never seen a grown man cry until them. (He'd kill me if he knew I said that) He loves his girls so much and misses them like crazy! Divorce can be ugly but its also hard on the kids. Stacy and I met in July 2007 in Sheridan. We been through a lot but it has made us stronger as a couple. We moved in together in August of 2008 and really love our home! Marriage you ask? We will see. He has a lot of wounds to heal from the first marriage before we can move on to our life. That is something that take patience and I am willing to wait. I love him very much! Happy Birthday Boomer!

Grand Daddy! The Big Green Machine!

I did it! I actually got something for FREE! Well not really for free. Stacy traded his work trailer for a used 1995 Chevy Blazer that is in great condition! Since last summer we've been one ride short so we could save some money and get everything established. We ran into this deal of a lifetime and we took it! This car will do more for Stacy now than that trailer did and I don't have to play taxi cab! Life is grand!

Happy 21 Alex!

Can you believe it!? My baby brother is 21! On August 1, 1988 my brother was born as Alexander Thomas. Before he was born I was sure hoping for a baby sister. Everyone was convinced little Alexander was going to be Alexandria and I was more than estatic because I would finally have a Barbie playmate! On August 1, 1988 I walked in to the delivery room to meet my new baby sister and all I remember is seeing blue balloons, flowers, and blankets. The next thing I saw was RED! I was in complete denial for a while. A baby brother!? I kept thinking, God what did I do to deserve this! 20 years later here we are and I've never been prouder to call him my brother! He's accomplished so much and has an awesome girlfriend to go with it! Happy Birthday Bubba!

My First Blog!

Well, I was Facebook stalking today and my friend had her whole life in one year on a blog! I laughed I cried so I BLOGGED! I am so excited to share my life and experiences with the World Wide Web! I guess I can begin to tell you who I am. I am 26 years old and was born and raised in Maumelle, AR. In 2008 I moved to Sheridan, AR to follow my heart. I have a lot of friends that have been in my life since I was 6 years old and many friends that I have met through the years. Friendships are important to me. They are family to me. Many of my favorite memories were in Fayetteville, AR where I attended the University of Arkansas. I was a member of Alpha Delta Pi as well as a Sigma Phi Epsilon sweetheart for 3 years and golden sweetheart for 1 year. I left college in 2003 to pursue my restaurant career which was a total bust. I met some amazing people but it wasn't the life I wanted. In 2005 I left Bentonville and Rogers to pursue an opportunity that would effect me in so many ways. I went to work for a drug and alcohol testing company. There I learned way more about drugs than I really wanted to know and I handled pee all day long. Yeah, I know, not your idea of the career of a lifetime! My boss was awful! Both of them! I worked with so many amazing people and I couldn't help but be depressed and stay because I was scared to leave. A very close friend kept telling me to just do it. Leave and be happy! So, I did. At 5pm on Tuesday, March 31st 2009. I found my new career at a staffing agency and it has been the best thing for me personally and professionally! I recently started going back to school at UALR and about 50 hours shy of my business degree. Well I guess enough about that. My background is too long to go into detail but I will share my life with you. I can't believe I didn't do this sooner!