[slim pickin's!]

Great minds think alike...with rain like we have been having this is to be expected. Puddle's everywhere!!! No one could believe I was sporting them on my own will...so they all thought a picture was necessary!

So exausted from a great weekend, but thought i'd do a little update :)

Today we went blueberry picking!! So fun!! It was rainy and high winds...hence the less than attractive hair blow picture. The pickin's were slim, but we managed to score some delic. berries!!

[I felt it vital to test everyother berry, which meant I didn't have a very full bucket. nomnomnom!!!]

I have about 10 funny stories, but they would all be followed with "well, I guess ya had to be there" So i'll spare everyone.

Bedtime. Enjoy Monday!

[this just in]

Breaking News.
New phone number effective immediatly. Message me or email me if you want it since I won't have access to any of my old contacts and I cannot remeber a phone number to save me life. I have strong attachement issues to my 366 number...we've been together since the 9th grade. PEACE!!

Thank u AT&T for being a pile.

[it wouldn't be a day without random]

First Question: Where did I get all my energy?? I have alot of it today. Everything is hilarious. always.


[Welp, seya later Kendall Auto Group...it's been real...]


Now, for a little advice....


Tip #1 Don't drive in Wasilla OR Palmer during the Alaska state fair.  I learned this the hard way. My friends live on the same street.
Tip# 2 DON'T attempt the drive in a truck that sucks. [ok, maybe user error] Really though, I thought it was me...the truck is a pile...it stalled 6, yes, 6 times on my way. I give up. Thank u Aaron for getting complete satisfaction out of that. "Don't hang up! I want to hear you have to shift" nice.


AND...the mess that was... [this was pre- Alaska move...packing at it's finest...] my room here looks similar...what a shame...sick. [sad to say...my bags were pretty well packed...I left alot behind] This was not the normal apperance [right, mom? ]it was my intention of getting everything put in bins and in the garage for safekeeping!!! It will be like christmas going through and seeing what I forgot I had.

Thankfully I haven't accumulated too much stuff here...ha, what a joke!

Enjoy the weekend, lots of fun planned! I'll have updates...and hopefully the slacking of the picture taking ends soon enough.

p.s. I haven't had a skype date in over a week. sad. someone, anyone.

[The serious, and the not so serious-a conglomeration]

I came across this great quote today:

“Perhaps God brings us to the end of our resources so we can discover the vastness of His.” ~Neil Anderson

Forgiveness. A beautiful thing.

"But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too." Mark 11:25

[I have already posted this verse in a previous post, but It's true. I love it, and I desire to be forgiven in my life, so therefore...I too will forgive!] cool.

on a more random note:

Someone pointed out today that I use alot of Pens. I always have one in my hand, behind me ear, a pencil, and another color out...probably a highliter too.  I think im picky about what pens I use...I'd like to think I have good handwriting, and a pen can really make a big difference!!!

Also, I am a pro at driving a stick. NOT. I thought I was good, then today I stalled. 3 times. Some woman polietly sticks her head out the window "Do you need something?"  hmm... Well, unless you offer driving lessons, I think i'll putz home. thanks. [it's really just dramatic of me, its usually semi-okay...today I was just not steallar on the stick!]

Falling clear into a wall, then boucing off pauls chair today was a bonus. Glad he wasn't in his office to witness...my knees hurt. darn. He never misses an opportunity to see something off the wall happen to me (no pun intended).

Enjoy Thursday! A woman was thanking me with teary eyes  for the work I had done...she said as she was leaving the office "Always look for your blessings, and if for a moment you do not think you have any, look harder". (She has a series of deaths the last couple weeks, but I thought it was a nice reminder)

[60 seconds]

First things first!!! I LOVE, love, love the people in my life. I had the funniest conversation that I have ever had...hands down. Thank you John for being so hilarious. It's one of those things where for years I will think of it and probably burst out...yes, I am sure.

Second: I think I said I would never get into a small airplane.ever.  well, I spoke too soon. Yea,I'm taking one on friday. Lets hope the trend of alaskan airplane crashes stops for a weekend. pleaseeee&thankyou.

Third: My co-worker mentions she isn't feeling well.
Result: umm today, me chugging 2 things of emergenC...sneezing, coughing and now having power surges...I simply asked her today: "Do you have a strong desire to just rip off all your clothes you are so hot? BEACUSE I DO!" lets hope this goes away quick.

[lovely.]

 I had a long conversation with a really cherished friend. I love deep conversation. alot.

One of my favorite things that I miss from home is riding around in the car with my friend Lyndsay blaring "Peace like a river" and singing it together like we own it. I miss it. Anyway, I was listening to it on repeat tonight and I can't get enough of it!

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, you have taught me to say it is well, it is well, with my soul

Though satan should buffet, though trials should come. Let this blest assurance control- Christ has regarded my helpless estate and shed his blood for my soul.

My sin, oh the bliss of this glourious thought! my sin, not in part but the WHOLE is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord O, my soul!

And LORD, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll. The trumph shall resound, and the lord shall decend even so it is well with my soul.

This week is off to a great start. So many things to look forward to and so many blessings have been revealed to me as of late!!! I truly have amazing people in my life!

[don't blink!!!]

Okayyy, so I wasn't quite ready for the weekend to fly by like it did, but I guess that means it was a good one, right?


well... I feel 100% better, wait no, I feel awesome, amazing, bueno!!! SO good!
HILARIOUS. So im using a friends truck for the week while mine is out of commision. We went for a joy ride on saturday. I ended up driving on the bike path [it is no where near the road] I then had to stop all together due to the amount of laughter and lack of air, I love laughs like that. good times...


Church was AWESOME this AM. Enough said. I wish I could describe it...but I can't...amazing.


Anchorage tonight...accidentally walked into the wrong home...walked around, realized we were not where we  needed to be. Probably the highlight of our night...glad the owners was vaccuming and missed our surprise visit. Oops!


Did I mention I have the best friend in the whole world?? B wants to fly up here and help me move home. Love her...alot.


sidenote: is it creepy that as I was walking out of the grocery store tonight there was a random creepo taking pictures of me?? sick. only in Alaska.

driving home from the ANC. and this is what I am surronded by!! God is amazing =]

Well happy weekender to everyone! This week is going to be great! I get to see my favorite people. e.v.e.r.

-Mike informed me that we missed the shed party this weekend. I had no words...that was not a memorable experiance.  I do not miss getting lost in the middle of the woods in the dark. alone. [it only took him 45 minutes to realize i hadn't come back from the car] The competitive game of bags obviously was more of a concern!!! or sleeping in a tent that my feet hung out the end of...clearly it wasn't big enough for one...let alone two. gessh.

[Happy 41st Anniversary]

Its my parents 41st wedding anniversary today! Two of the most important people in my life!!! I love you both so much!!!! For only knowing eachother for 22 days before getting engaged, they made a great decision!!!

Crazy what two people can do!!!! It is only getting bigger!! I LOVE my family!

[it's the weekend!!!]

IT'S (ALMOST) FRIDAY!!!!!

First things first...I LOVE the call reject feature...thank you at&t.

Here is a little late night Randomness...[read at the pace of about 107 wpm...the speed my mind is flying at!]

-Today was awesome! Hilarious conversation...top 3 funniest moments i've ever witnessed. hands down.

-Energy that was indescribable...making more laughter...I snuck coffee for the first time in almost 6 months...I could tell. lightweight. shh.

-This countdown [lamesauce]...this calendar is not showing september quick enough for my liking.

-What do I want my first bevvy in GR to be?? A Miller lite Bottle?...a shot of Tequilla?...maybe the consumption of an entire bottle of Cabernet? Standby...the coffee was sure interesting.

-My Dr.- needs a new labcoat and style trend. im sorry...its true! He was really proud of himself today, I was anticipating the bursting of his head.

-What do I want my next pet to be named? Lady Gaga? Gigi? or should I just stick to Snigget aka: snigs, sniggy...[I end up calling everything that anyhow]

and finally...

HAPPY WEEKEND TO ALL!!!!!

[my prayer today]

Lord,
Please help me have faith in the times when I feel like I have none. When trusting seems impossible, when I am impatient, and when I can't change a situation. Allow me to understand and distinctly define the difference between fraud and truth.
Help me understand, believe and grasp that YOU have the situation in your hands, you have the outcome, and I am to fully trust in you. You are the perfector of our faith!! Please help me demonstrate a faith that is authentic and live a lifestyle that is intentional and pleasing to you!!!
-Nicole

Mark 11:25
"But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too."

I'm finished letting people or situations consume my day to day!!!

[is this a JOKE???]

Random thoughts at 6am.

- At the airport...the Ted Stevens Int'l airport...wouldn't you think an airport with his name would atleast acknowledge his death by having the flag lowered? NO! weird...also, people watching might be my new favorite thing.

- 30th day of rain for Alaska...my bosses quote "Suicide rates WILL be high this year" wow, ok, great!

- Bike-repair, Computer-repair...and ...I drive into the driveway...my car quits, done, gone, nada...REPAIR!

so i', laughing about this.... I walk in to get my mail...

Thank you hospital. This is only one of them...I have MULTIPLE random ones laying in a HUGE pile. My favorite charge is the recovery room. They charge by the MINUTE. Couldn't someone have said "Nicole, everytime you close your eyes and fall back asleep, we are charging you" I would have woke my happy little self right up and marched on out! No, I took my time...you can imagine my excitment!!!

Anyway...today WILL be a good day :) I WILL avoid the Dr. and I will feel better!!!! Happy Tuesday!!!

[I saved wishbone]

This is blog worthy...


let me start by saying, I'm not one for dogs. at all....there are about 3 in the world I like.
so...
Wake up...on the way to get breakfast...quick. [sweatpants, messy hair...you get it.] No intention of being seen or getting out of the car.
Come up to a police officer, stopped traffic on both lanes of the highway...and a little 80ish year old woman in distress...her puppy is running back and fourth on the highway...he resembles wishbone. ugly. (how he got on the highway is still a mystery...I hope he was jumping out of the window.)
Everyone is out of their cars trying to get this dog[I remain seated, listening to lady gaga and enjoying my conversation] it keeps running from everyone. The little thing comes up to my door and just stares at me...like it will NOT go to anyone...but it comes to me...I really try to stay  in my car ignoring the fact it is looking at me... but no, a certain someone says "You can't be responsible for the death of a puppy" or something along those lines...
so yes, I have to step out of my vehicle...pj's sans a BRA!!! Maybe he knew...he wanted to embaress me...who knows...but i'm a hero... no big deal!

[I can't tell you what it really is, I can only tell you what it feels like]

This weekend was exactly what I needed!! I was in a funk for most of the week, sort of a fog! but its gone :)


Friday
 Men=Fishing on the ocean. I worked till the wee hours. I was REALLY ready for a break from the week!!!  Made dinner, and this was the response...
"I give it two thumbs up"
REALLY that's all?
"well, I only have two thumbs".
Since date night was in high demand we watched a few old movies...it was great! I only made it thru 1.5 of them...naturally.


Saturday:
Woke up to a bunch-o- productivity...clean car, laundry in check and room/bathroom in perfect order!!!!!
First non- rainy day in weeks!!! We went to downtown Anchorage for dinner and fun...def. had to start raining. boo. Alaska weather is so bi-polar.


Monday=back to reality. 1 doctors appointment, work, and as my boss says "trying to keep you out of the clouds until you go home" yes, im excited. leave me alone!!!

[p.s.] Mike said “An unstoppable force meets an unmovable object” I thought it was pretty cleaver…so giving him full credit I then go to Google it to see if he thought that up on his own…no, it’s from BATMAN. Great, 31 years old and still watching Batman!!! I guess it excuses the fact that I buy anything with a Disney Princess' theme.

My family is out on Lake Mich. All week…I hate missing the time we spend out there!!! Laying on the beach ALL day…well actually, I swim most of the time…tubing, boating, fires, ice-cream, being Auntie Cole 24/7!!! I'll catch it next year!!!!

And finally a photog...I gave Rach the camera for the weekend while she was away...but we managed. Totally unaware of the taking place of this, but it turned out cool!

[p.s.s.] I've gotten a number of cards since i've been here...I love my friends from GR...really, but I give it to Lynds...she sent me an awesome card of a girl and a guy together and it says "Maybe this one won't be a dickhead" with a new and improved sticker...I love her. that is all.

[h23bd ash-a-lay]

Happy 23rd birthday Ashbash!!! This ones for you!
Ashley...[aka a-hole, ashtray, smashley, trashley...you name it] and I became friends freshman or sophmore year during soccer...and pretty much become inseperable since then. We got out of alot of trouble together thru highschool...[thanks to my parents for all the excused absences]  A few of the my favorite memories are

-Getting Ash kicked out of History when it was uaually my fault.

-Getting yelled a by the neighbor for always speeding thru Railside

-Working together [Chilis, Notions, Rafaellas, Spring Hill and Byron Center concession stands!!!]

-----Then we graduated....

-Late nightly drives to Mike's or going to Holland to visit him at work...everynight...

- Making a "Roadtrip CD" for every car ride over 5 minutes.

- Our love affair with Macaroni, Panera, Redbox& Elbow Room.

- The Predator. Enough Said.

- I always think of us in the car...I think we did alot of "Missions/Operations" and driving around!!

-Getting Bunnies...mine was Meatloaf and hers was Pancakes...both girls, but they had a special relationship.

-Friday Nights...we seriously made so much fricken fun on fridays @ Lenox.
-Me yelling up to the taxi driver "HERES GOOD!" and falling out of the door about 3 blocks from her house.
-The baby bin...
Those are just a few...I really cannot list most of it. A. it wouldn't make sense to anyone. B. There is too much.
 Happy Birthday Love!! I wish I could go out, but we will have a make up dbl b-day party!!! woot!

[blog-o-rama]

Due to my severe lack-o-picture taking...rare, I know!!! I decided to make a little collage out of some of my AK pics... (if you click on it, it gets bigger.) Most of the pics are from my first weeks here...and just a couple recent repeats :)

A few record breaking events:

1. longest phone conversation- EVER. 3 hours. Yes, 3 long hours of perfect conversation with Mike...then I accidentally  fell asleep mid-convo. Poor Guy! I used to ALWAYS do this to him. (I should have just admitted I was tired the 20 times I denied it). 
2. I laid out for the first time all year...A.D.D got the best of me though :/

3. I haven't participated in 1 water sport ALL summer...bum deal. I will over compensate either a. next year or b. this fall...brr but bring it on!!!

4. I have finally come to the conclusion that sometimes people are NOT thankful for the time, effort and sacrafices you do for them. Sometimes the effort is so unappreciated that it's not even worth it. I try to extend a certain amount of forgivness and understanding to people, but it's waring. seriously.

and big #5...This is my final student loan payment! finally free of annoying bills!  

Happy Hump Day!! Im out! tired, exausted and sporting a man sized headache!!!

[just 3 of my loves!]

                                                            

[The good things in life]

I am so happy to report that the mass biopsy came back and it was benign. This has definitely been a great week! Thank You God!!

And now for a little feel good facebook convo:
7:08pmMichael:
Not to mention your a hard worker, in an age group that mostly wants something given to them, you are kinda rare!!!
Thanks Mike for always making me smile.

Today was a good day! God is so faithful and I have so much to be thankful for!!! Especially people in my life who make ordinary days extra ordinary!!!

[and we wait!!]

I got a call from the Dr. today and they got the results to my biopsy back today and would like to see me tomorrow...gessh! nervous! Anyways, Im very anxious about tomorrow. My appt. is at 4:45! I'll update as soon as I get a chance tomorrow!!! I'm  praying hard tonight, but I know however this turns out that it is God's will and I'll move forward with that encouragment!!

Thanks for the prayers in advance!!!


Other than that I'm feeling pretty good. Im looking to get a little relief from the nauseua!!!

[love it!]

[life with God at its core is about giving your life up to something bigger and more powerful. it's about saying at every turn that God knows better than we know, and that his Spirit will lead us in ways that we couldn't have predicted.] -Cold Tangerines.

Seems pretty legit. I feel like worrying is basically annoucing to God that you do not trust him! I love the feeling of being able to give anything to him knowing he already has the outcome!!!

-----------------------------------

[rando sidenote] have you ever been unable to sleep because something isn't put away?[I may be  a little strange] well I am awake to clean my bathroom and I do not see me falling back asleep anytime soon. good, great, grand! next time I should let it wait until morning. Lesson learned.

[i'm gaining....]

This may have been the first weekend that I a. slept at home all 3 nights and b. stayed in my bed the MAJORITY of the weekend :)

My appetite is slowly coming back. Binged on 3 AMAZING carebear cupcakes(oink!), and some corn. Also...thought my no coffee stunt was going well...then I got a whiff of starbucks and I really got jealous of all the people who get to enjoy their morning cup!!

I also managed to blow a huge surprise. We were surprising my girlfriend of my homecoming for her birthday and I randomly decided to tell all. great move.

So all in all im feeling a bit better by the day! I wasn't able to go to the benefit with my Work tonight, but I did catch up on some good ole tv re-runs. I found myself entirley entertained by a 2 minute clip that I kept watching OVER and over again...trying really hard not to laugh as it hurt...calling B and laughing while I re-watched it. I got lots- o- visitors this weekend and today! I should be up and running soon! The dramatic side of me sent out a text to my sis saying I had felt like i'd been ran over, and she replied asking by what...and impulsivly I responded with "a semi truck" but decided to drop the dramtics and stick with a small car.

[p.s. EVERYTHING is funny to me today...everything, and it is really, really hard to laugh-I may have opened up my stiches. great. 3 incisions! like one wasn't enough!!!!]