Breaking habits

Bad habits are certainly not the greatest, but the realization that they can actually be deadly is chilling. That is why I'm taking a personal stand against texting AND talking on the phone while driving. From now on when I get into the car, the phone goes in the trunk. Without the temptation I can eliminate this unnecessary discraction. Not convinced? Check this out-

http://www.break.com/index/dont-text-and-drive.html

In the words of a billboard ad:

"Honk if you love God...

Text if you want to meet Him."

Bookworms

Girlfriends + wine + finger foods and books = my newest hobby, book club! Every month we get together to talk about our latest book. Unique perspectives are shared, deeper meanings revealed, and the characters make their presence fondly in our minds. My favorite book so far has been “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. The story is told by three women who lived during the slave era. It didn’t take long for Aibileen, Minnie, and Skeeter to steal my heart, and I actually found myself missing these ladies as the book came to an end. Other books we’ve read include “Little Bee,” “Apologize, apologize,” and “I Love Everybody (And Other Atrocious Lies).” Perhaps the best part about book club is the company. I have made some great friends who certainly keep me laughing, with a spirit that’s one of a kind.

A friendly neighbor

Despite the fact that I’ve lived in Winston for 3 years, I am just now starting to truly settle in. I can navigate myself through the back roads pretty well, and have my favorite little spots throughout town. I have my nail place, frozen yogurt joint, dry cleaner, and even a go-to car repairman. But there were still those lost connections, the insider recommendations of who to call for (fill in the blank with problem).

As Vice President of the Piedmont Association of Physician Assistants, one of my responsibilities is managing the r.s.v.p.s for our bi-monthly dinner meetings. I had a last minute voicemail from a retired PA wishing to attend our last meeting. When I gave her a call back, we quickly struck up a conversation. She is married to an internist and has two teenage kids gearing up for college. I was able to offer friendly advice about the college application process. In exchange, she happily told me that she’s lived in Winston for 25 years and would be more than happy to share her list of contacts. Sure enough, I opened my e-mail the next morning to find a comprehensive list of her must-knows. From window treatments and upholstery to realtors and physicians, she provided her best recommendations. She even added me to her country club guest list under the category of entertainment and sports! What a friendly welcome to the neighborhood.

How adorable!

Eat, Pray, Love

One year ago for my 25^th birthday, Whitney gave me a copy of “Eat, Pray, Love.” She thought that I would find inspiration in this story of self-revelation. Yes, she was right indeed. I read the novel in Paris and London, though my reasons for travel were not quite the same. I was able to relate to her sense of adventure, and can find meaning of my own in those three little words.

Eat!

Pizza and pasta: key contenders in the difficult match between our inner glutton and self-control. I don’t think I could pick just one favorite food. My favorite meal of the day is breakfast! I usually eat oat bran with almond milk or an egg white omelet. I also love to cook a big dinner, testing out recipes from my collection of cookbooks. I genuinely enjoy the art of cooking, and have learned so much over the past several years.

Pray!

I truly value my relationship with the Lord. There is nothing more satisfying that that warm feeling of the Lord’s presence. You never know when or where this will occur, but when it does, the feeling is unparalleled. I used to think that I didn’t know how to pray. I worried that my prayers were informal or that I’d run out of things to say. Spiritually, I have grown so much over the years and look forward to my time spent in prayer and meditation.

Love!

I feel particularly blessed in this area of my life. I have always felt an urgency in expressing my love for others. There are so many people that enrich my life and I hope to never take that for granted. I am incredibly blessed to be madly in love with a certain red headed man. I am also so grateful to have such a close relationship with my family and my friends. I love you all so much!!