when my father passed away last month, i had two shining stars that kept me going. one was my amazing boyfriend, garrick. and the other was my amazing best friend, katherine. during times of tragedy, the truth in people will come out and you will learn who your true friends are and how much a family’s love can hold you together.

katherine was there for me every single day. she brought me and my family breakfast, lunch and dinner, even when she was exhausted from work. she stopped at target to buy us towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, snacks and anything else she thought we might need. she stayed up with me until 2am after a full day. she played card games with me and didn’t even let me win at poker (but i still got a penguin). she apologized profusely when she wasn’t there with me in person when she was celebrating christmas with family (WHAT? exactly, i agree – completely unnecessary but very katherine). she surprised me with cupcakes and fruit. she met with me at plucker’s, at mccormicks, at my house, at the hospital whenever i wanted to let me ramble on about life. she opened up her home to me so i could escape reality. she gave me a big bottle of goose. she waited for me outside the bathroom to make sure i was okay. she took on the extra responsibility with no hesitation and took photos for us at the service. she held me while i wept and she cried with me.

and not only did she do all these things for me, but she did it for my entire family too. and that in itself means the world to me.

katherine – you are more than i could have ever wanted in a best friend. i told you earlier today, but i would not be the same without you. i love you more than words can express, and i’m so blessed to have you in my life. this is already too sappy, so i will end it here and say i can’t wait for lbt3.

happy birthday <3

le sigh.

i had some good conversation with coworkers.

convo #1: the eeyore
now, i love eeyore’s character… but mostly because i like his deep voice and how he’s so plumpy. but when a person is “an eeyore” it’s just depressing. we were talking about how some people are just perpetual eeyores and to keep your personal sanity… sometimes you just have to “cut” these people out of your life. i know it sounds harsh – but these people can really bring you down. there’s always something good around the corner, but if you’re so focused on the bad, have a need to just complain or just have no desire at all to be happy… then i don’t want you in my life. people in this world suck enough and i don’t need people close to me being that way. enjoy. life.

convo #2: culture
we rush through life. we have “first world” problems. my coworker came by to chat with me about a documentary she watched last night called god grew tired of us that tells the story of three young sudan boys who were given a chance to make a life in the states. the primary point was… we take a lot of things for granted. the simplest thing like turning on a light switch, locking the door, buckling your seat belt are all brand new. they were also astounded at the fact that people here are so unfriendly in a way that… people don’t openly help each other or talk to each other. we walk by each other on the street staring straight ahead. the three young men were confused since back in their home town, they viewed everyone as family. it’s so incredibly unfortunate that terrible people exist that take advantage of the pure hearted people who strive to help each other and be kind.

big jumble of words but… you have the power to change yourself. if you don’t like something – change it. if you have a desire to do something or be someone – do it. i’m starting to detest (and i mean detest) people who hide behind excuses as if those are good enough reasons to be less than who you can be. never settle… you can always be a better version of yourself. things i need to remind myself every single day.

second, i’m starting to train for the half marathon (2 months late). i ran 2 5ks in the last 2 days… my legs feel heavy.

i decided to do it for the year 2012 – capping out at 366 photos! i had debated to post on this blog, but decided i’ll put my tumblr to use. i originally had my tumblr just to stalk oriana, but alas… now it will be used for something. once i have 366 photos though, it will remain like that for eternity.

now i introduce to you my 366 day project (click to view):

i don’t really mind big churches, but i think there’s a line you cross from getting too extravagant. the worship service was like a rock concert with three HUGE projector screens. lisa young’s wedding ring was so big, it was actually distracting when she was up on the stage. it just doesn’t rub me the right way when people touting that they serve God and are here on earth to do God’s mission are indulging in these materialistic things that are unnecessary.

anyways, onto why i titled this blog sex in church. so the churchy couple wrote a book called sexperiment which is going to be their sermon series guide for the next few weeks. i think the topic is a bit interesting and am actually quite intrigued to hear what a church has to say about sex, as i’ve never experienced that before. however, i don’t really want to hear what ed and lisa young have to say about it… given the fact that they were hardcore marketing for everyone in the church to buy their book and that if the church members came to a “date night” (with a $25/couple fee), that they would receive a SIGNED COPY of the book! WOW. no thank you. not to mention that they are completely and utterly fake (and fake looking).

anyways, just some random ramblings from me since you haven’t read from me in awhile.

there’s something about tragic times that brings out a person’s true self. you really see people’s strengths and weaknesses. i’ve learned what true friends are and what real family love is.

much love to you all (you know who you are).

ready to welcome 2012.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

i’m not sure what i want to do. sometimes i think i should do something with kids since i never interact with them and it might be good for me to expand. or if i want to do physical labor, something like habitat for humanity. or something behind the scenes that helps people in need.

any suggestions?