Almost one full year...what?!

Dig the photo of me...yeah I'm a mother of a almost one year old!! ha. SO CRAZY! I can't believe she is almost 1!!! They say it goes fast and it does.

So this last year more changes have happened. I mean every year for the last three something major has happened. 2007 I moved to Nashville, 2008 I married my best friend, 2009 I had my baby girl and now 2010 we bought our first home! I cannot believe it, I own a home!! Well technically the bank owns it but details details...ha.

But all that to say the last few years have taken a toll on me. Its just now that I am able to to take a look and see what that means. Moving to Nashville was one of the best decisions Ive ever made. I loved my time there, made some great friends and some wonderful memories. I married my best friend and left with positive thoughts and feelings for all the ups and downs that year possessed. Then the move to Lynchburg in 2008 was a mind twist. I moved to a town where I knew no one. This was Ryan's old stomping ground so it was a challenge to find myself here. There was the struggle of finding a job, finding a church, finding friends...then came the news of our baby! What does this mean to have a baby when everything else was so new and out of sorts?

But the Lord has a way of working things out...I got a job, I met some lovely ladies and well our search for the church was still in process but hopeful.
The end of 2009 we had our little girl and thoughts of a our home on the horizon. It was then that things really got a bit hard. I was no longer working. I was a full time mom. And the girls I had really connected with had some changes of their own which took them away from this town and so on...

The beginning of 2010 I was happy and sad at the same time. I missed my closest friends. The ones that lived far away were living lives that were/are different from mine. It was hard. Ryan working so hard to provide. I was feeling lost. I had no idea where "Nicci" went.

Then I realized I just had to work a bit harder.

Things worked themselves out by mid summer. We moved into our new home! I had an amazing weekend with some of my closest and dearest friends to celebrate my bff. I started running which took care of that need to be physically active. I met some more great ladies here in town...one in particular who has a son the same age as lily and just moved here from Knoxville. And finally we found a church!!!

So slowly but surely I am learning more about Nicci as a wife, mother, daughter and friend. This year feels like it has been the hardest in a lot of ways. Mainly learning to love solitude. Adjusting to having this much alone time has been a good lesson for me. I have had to face allot of things about myself that Ive been avoiding for some time. And though hard it isn't as bad as I thought it would be...but I can say that on this side of the journey.:)

In closing here are my lessons:

Being a full time mom is hard, rewarding but hard. Don't let anyone tell you it isn't a full time job. It is.

Being a wife also hard. but also one of the best things I've done! Having a support system makes all of life that much easier to embrace.

I miss dancing! But running has been a good replacement for the time being.

I love my friends. Meaningful relationships are the best. But being a mom and a wife I have little time and I will not chase after you to be my friend.

owning a home is amazing!

I don't have it all figured out.

I am easily distracted.

I still have wounds that aren't as healed as I thought.

I have allot more lessons to learn.

New Life as...

The craziest thing for me is being a mom.

I mean I was never that girl that grew up dreaming of being married or having babies. I always chose to be out getting dirty and playing with the boys. As I got older I obviously had desires and when I met Ryan Thomas I knew that my desire to be a wife was something I had long had within me and just never paid to much attention to, as I had other "more important" things to do.
Once I became a wife the desire to be a mom was again not something that burned within me. I was looking forward to having time with my husband and learn about us in our relationship. Being almost 30 at the time I had done most of the things I wanted to do as a single woman and felt I was ready to experience life as a partner. Ryan was, for me at least, one more way of God showing me the next part of me that was to be developed. He was able to show me parts of myself through Ryan that I had either not seen or not been willing to see. I felt freer in so many ways. Probably because Ryan has always done a great job at showing me acceptance. He (Ryan) has been able to produce in me a strength that has laid dormant for some time. He has awakened new desires and given me a life that I never thought I could have. One of the greatest parts of that life is our daughter Lily Sophia.
She is amazing. 12 weeks old this past Saturday I am amazed at how much she has changed. She was laying in her crib this morning talking to the mobile and just chuckling at the bunnies that went round and round.
I sat in the rocking chair, where she could not see me, and I listened to her. I was taken back at this little life that I had help create with my husband. Her joy and innocence is something you don't witness on a day to day basis.
Maybe as a parent you see this in your child but for those who have never had a child it isn't always so noticeable. At least it wasn't for me prior to Lily's birth.
Now as a new mom and a relatively new wife I am living this life that though I had never dreamt of as a little girl growing up, I am certain is where I am destined to be. I recognize the unique gifts that God has given me as a woman to love and serve my family. To be able to show my daughter the kind of woman she should be. I love my husband and the way he loves us. For a girl who grew up in a home that wasn't all that together the word family has meant different things to me depending on the period of time in my life you caught me in. Not having a healthy day to day real life example left allot of questions to be answered prior to entering into this new role as wife and mother. One that with great pride I am working out with the help of my God, husband, daughter, mother, step father, in-laws and friends. My greatest desire being to create a life for Lily that she can model and place where she knows she is loved and appreciated. So this next year, while she grows faster than I can imagine, I challenge myself to grow right along with her. So that we can look back and say we have done well. :)

Thanksgiving.

apparently this never posted...here is one from 6 weeks ago...

As we had our first holiday with a baby girl I am taken back at how blessed I am and what an appropriate holiday to realize such a thing.
I have so much to be thankful for. Our baby girl who turned 6 weeks old this passed Saturday is so beautiful. She is changing and growing so fast and I can hardly believe how good she is. My husband who has provided and been a constant strength for me. Showing me what a man of God looks like and how a fathers love can be life changing. A great cozy little home where friends and family have come to visit. Good friends old and new supporting us through each new step and celebrating life and the holidays. Wow! I mean those are the simple things, the ones that come to forefront of my mind and not even the tip of the iceberg.

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

You and I...lyrics that show my gratitude.

Clean I call you clean
I came to clean you and it’s done
Here’s a call to all who’ve
Felt disqualified to run
Pleasures flowing here and there
From my right hand
What’s mine is yours
Come behold all of who I am

You and I will run
You and I will run forever
All is done
You and I will run


Come with what you do not have
And buy what’s undeserved
Feast and drink, the bounty’s great
I know you hear
But have you heard
Have you heard

Clean!
I’ve called you clean!
“I am dirty”
Clean!
“So unworthy”
Clean!
“Dirty”
That’s what I’m wanting

What HE gives.

Yesterday was pretty scary. I have been having some trouble breathing the last couple of days and called my OBGYN to make sure that everything was okay and just normal pregnancy stuff. They advised me to go see my family doctor as they didn't think it was normal that I would be having these sorts of issues at 31 weeks. I immediately went to the doctor and they did some basic tests. He suggested that I go to the lab and get a blood test to rule out any possibility of blood clots.
Well once I got there and did the blood test it came back positive and higher than it should be. They immediately admitted me into the ER. I was so nervous at this point. i had no real idea of what was going on accept that if I was being admitted this couldn't be a good thing. Ryan left work and came to the ER. We got sent to the back and waited on the doctor. They took a few more blood tests to rule out any other possibilities. The doctor then came in and said that it would be in our best interest to do at least an ultrasound of the legs and possibly a catscan. He explained that if I did in fact have a blood clot and it went to my lungs, I would die. He stated that the catscan would be the best way to determine if I had anything at this time but that it could possibly have some negative effects on the baby. He stated that she could be born with some mutations of cells but that is was less likely in the 3rd trimester than had this happened in the 1st trimester.
Ryan and I were left to think about it while they ordered the ultra sound for my legs. We weren't sure what was the best choice. I was terrified of hurting Lily but didn't want to risk both our lives by not doing the cat scan and possibly dying.
So we called our OB again and talked it over with them. They informed us that the risk of the cat scan was minimal in comparison to the risk of not doing it and possibly having a blood clot. So after that news we decided to do the scan.
7 hours of waiting and contemplating and praying (thank you all who prayed it meant the world to Ryan, Lily and I) the results came back negative!!!!
I was given a clean bill of health in regards to the blood clots and was able to go home. 7 hours is all it took but man that was intense. I was so thankful to the Lord that everything was ok and that we didn't have cause to worry. I know that it was the Lords hand over us and was so thankful that He was there every moment.
I came home with Ryan last night and was just resting on the couch being so thankful for another day of life and life abundantly. I have so much gratitude in my heart for the prayers of all our friends and family. For Ryan and the strength he showed in the ER. But most of all the Lords hand on me to keep me and Lily healthy and safe.

Thanks guys. I appreciate you all. Sorry if you didn't all receive the message to pray but it all happened so quickly. I know the lord heard the prayers of the people whether it was all or just one.

Loving and being loved.

So many thoughts come along with bringing a new life into this world. I am 28.5 weeks along and every moment that passes I grow more and more in love with my child and my husband.
Today my husband brought me flowers and a my favorite drink to work. He took me out to lunch and we just sat across from one another talking about life and where we were at. I sat there staring at this man who just amazes me more and more every day. I looked at him while he talked about things that normally may not cause someone to have butterflies in their stomach but I just thought wow I love this man and he loves me so much. We have baby Lily Sophia coming into this world and that is so perfect! She is going to be a perfect product of that love.
I know it may sound cheesy to some but to me Ryan is the man that the Lord created especially to love and care for me and our children. I cannot imagine my world without him. Daily he teaches me how to love myself, him and others in a more rich way. He shows me what it is to have happiness beyond what you can imagine and to know the greatness of God. I have no doubt in my mind that the Lord created this man for me and that together we are so much more than we ever were apart.
I cannot wait to have Lily with us and to share that love with her. I am confident that Ryan is going to be an amazing dad and going to show Lily (and the rest of our children to come) what a great man and father looks like.
ugh..just tearing up thinking about him.
I pray that our daughter can marry a man just like her daddy and experience the greatness her father has brought to her mothers life.
I love you babe.

Today

Well I was reminded by a dear friend that I have not written on this for some time now. I have actually forgot about its existence as I am consumed with life these days. Gone are the days of sitting in the coffee shop with hours of free time to write about my life and surroundings. Now I sit at a desk 8 hours a day helping students plan out their future. It isn't all that bad accept I can feel my butt getting bigger and I know its not the baby....well maybe it is partially the baby but still. I miss being on my feet and having the activity in my life. So in honor of spending time thinking about life, sharing it with you all, and hopefully getting some insight from you and the Lord, I am going to spew here for a few minutes.

So I was thinking when the baby comes and I am no longer working behind a computer 8 hours aday and I am taking care of our little one full time, what activities will I partake in? As of late Ryan and I have decided to learn sign language so that is one thing. I also think I am going to learn to sow. The wife of our new landlord is a stay at home and she has learned to sow and I am thinking I might want to join her. I am also going to learn how to make different flavor rice puddings. Random I know but when Ryan and I were on our honeymoon we went to this place in Sarasota called Miami Rice Pudding and they had 30 different flavors of rice pudding and they were UH-MAZING!!! So with that in mind I am thinking I might like to learn to do it myself and maybe open a little stand at the local market and sell it. Who knows it could be huge.
Now in memory of my fit and healthy days (since the baby and new job working out is seldom) I have decided to give in and save up to buy Tony Hortons 10 minute Trainer. I know its crazy but I don't think I have more then that right now and since the gym here is not my most fav place I think I'm going to take to the DVD world and do it at home. Obviously this will become a part of my normal routine (during nap time for the baby) once he/she is here. But until then Ryan and I are going to do it. And if the ads are right you all need to look out! haha.
OK OK so other then that lets talk about now. We find out what we are having on the 27th and I can hardly stand it. The last few weeks my belly has got bigger and bigger. I can't believe the growth. People keep asking to see photos and I will post some as soon as Ryan gets home from his conference as I am too big to take it of myself. Moving around is getting more and more interesting and believe it or not I don't really have much of an appetite. No more then before at least.
I do miss family and friends, it is hard to think of them in other places and us here but one thing Ry and I know is that this is where the Lord has us for at least the next two years. So here's to getting comfy.
When I sit back and think about having a baby inside my belly it is so crazy. I mean you hear people talk about it but it is something all together different when its happening to you. I mean I have life within me and that is gnarly. I mean it is truly amazing to see the baby grow and change and see how it works on my body. I can't wait to see Ry and I in this little one. Having our children is the one thing I am certain I was created to do and there is no better feeling than that.
Okok...so enough of that. I am almost off my lunch break and I need to walk the stairs and do some stretches before I am back on the phones.

Blessings...hopefully next time wont take me so long.

any guesses on what we are having?

Yep its true...as of an hour ago Ryan and I found out we have a little coming. WOW. More later as we continue to fill in family and friends!

Ryan & Nicci from Kimberlee West on Vimeo.

a loss

Today I found out that a patient that I was very fond of at my previous job passed away from cancer. This is a hard day. This is the time when I realize how much of an impact the people I come in contact with, even if it is for a short period of time, make on me. I will be praying.

The NEW new year

So its been months now since I have written and its not for lack of time but more lack of desire to sit in front of the computer and write out the details of my life. So here we go I am going to talk about it.
I am a married woman living in Lynchburg VA and live in a beautiful loft with the most amazing man.
I still have no "full-time" job.
I am finding out how to live a life not consumed with to do lists and an identity that was wrapped up in what I did.
I am seeking out my true passion, as slow as that may seem to be coming.
I started a company with my husband that is bringing in bits of work here and there.
(www.neacenetwork.com in case you wanna check out our latest project)
I have some suggestions about new music that you should listen to... Of course Ray Lamontagne who is always great. His new album is worth the purchase. Now we also have a new comer by the name of Cas Haley who was on some lame tv show and didn't win but does some great reggae. Both are on my myspace and worth checking out.
Spent the holidays with the hubsters and am very excited to see my family in CA in two weeks!!
I have been able to eat wheat and gluten for the first time in two years. No reactions and feeling good!! PRAISE THE LORD!!
Other then that there isn't much going on.
I will update again soon.

November and a year later

So its been a bit since I haven't written which is funny since I haven't been working and have more time on my hands then ever before. Some how though my thoughts have escaped me when sitting before the computer. But alas here I am and here we go.....

So Ryan and I have been reflecting back on the last year. It is so crazy just a year ago I was living in Nashville TN with my best friend and working as a Independent Support Coordinator. I cannot believe it, here I am now living in a completely different state, doing a completely different job and best of all I am MARRIED!!!
Wow. So here goes life in a year in just a few words

Moved to Nash
Lived with my bff
met the man of my dreams
ISC
Gluten Intolerance
Holistic Nutrition
BBQ
Late night shows
car accidents
new states
future in laws
Florida twice in one month
Parasailing
Engagement
Wedding of a lifetime
Married
Honeymoon with the hottest man ever
Moved into an unbelievable loft
Started a business
Cut my hair off
new friends
new dreams and a new life.


So here we go and I am on my way to a new great life. I will update more. Now that we have internet in the house it should be easier.
Blessings. Happy Thanksgiving.

Embracing Accusations

Today marks one month in VA and no work. This is has been an interesting month as I have had a great time living each day with my husband, coming and going to the coffee shop, reading, praying, running and resting. I felt the Lord said to me that August would be for him. That I would not have a job and that I should embrace the time I had with him and those he put before me. So I have.
And wouldn't you know it, as it often goes, today I am in that place where I am feeling a waste. I know full well that the Lord has a plan, he ALWAYS does. I know that he has provided and I have no reason to fear. But what a blow to my pride and what I am finding that I can often find my worth in. It is hard to know that I am a valuable worker. I have experience in life and work that most do not. Nevertheless, I do not have a masters so I am automatically in a lower pay scale. Top that off with a degree in Behavioral Sciences and I am at a loss for any real financial wealth to come through my doors.
So today I am battling the thoughts of the enemy, thoughts of failure and lack or worth and remembering the work the Lord has already done in and through me. That there is more to what I can see and even what I can see is so much more. I am bathing myself in the word and listening to Shane and Shane's album PAGES. This is an encouraging album. This can speak my heart and lead me into a time of worship and fear of the Lord. Nothing more and nothing less. Thank you Lord.

Groundhogs and moments of clarity

This afternoon I was waiting on Ryan outside of one of the places he works. I was reading a book on the grass hill and enjoying the sun beating on my back. There I was enjoying life and as I looked down to the bottom of the hill I see this some what odd looking creature poking its head from a hole in the ground. Now I realize this is a groundhog but for someone who grew up next the ocean this is not an animal we see on a frequent basis. I was watching this animal just peering out of its hole to see if it was acceptable to come out and show itself. It was such an interesting thing to observe. I mean once it felt safe enough it came out of the hole, looked around and then walked towards a patch of grass. This was no easy task for the groundhog that I have now affectionately decided is called Gary. Gary the groundhog is just outside of his hole and looking up at me. I don't move. He doesn't move. I still don't move. He takes a step and pauses again. I imagine if he could express himself to me he would say, "is this safe? are you going to make a move or can I go over there and eat some grass?" Now I recognize though he is looking out for himself in a matter of survival, he is not having deep thoughts as to whether or not my presence will interfere with his daily schedule. I think if I could respond in a way that would make sense I may say to him something along the lines of "of course, do your thing, you need not be so afraid. Just come out and enjoy yourself in the beautiful grass and sun."
This is ridiculous now I understand, I am not trying to say that I actually want to communicate with a groundhog, if I did I would tell the one outside my house to stop getting into our trash. Rather it all got me thinking.
I thought about how this is often how I have responded to the world, family, friends, strangers or most of all the Lord. I think over the years I have found my freedom outside of the hole. I can embrace the sun and trust that those that may just be onlookers will not hurt me. The Lord will not hurt me. So I can come out. In this I can rejoice. I truly can. For many of you my high school and early college days were not part of the journey we have shared. However this was a time of hiding for me. I would take a step and pause, look around and try to decipher if you were out for my demise. OH....how far I have come. PRAISE THE LORD! I am not in this place any more but sometimes I need to tell myself this again. Replay the thousands of holes I have emerged from and thank the Lord and those who also were, if you will, sitting on the hill just observing and inviting me to enjoy the sun!

I had to post and share this. After watching it on a friends blog it was worth copying and sharing with you all.



"Conversations like this are rarely captured on video. Basically a couple Mormons roll up on what they probably thought were some "thugish" looking black guys and get ready school them up on Mormonism. Little did they know that the guy had some views of his own. The video identifies him as a Black Hebrew Israelite but after watching the video a couple of times I'm fairly certain that he's from some denomenation of Christianity." Eric Cross

A message of encouragement

I was sent this today. It encouraged me so I thought I would post for you to read.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Trust is the antidote to anxiety; it's the resolution of worry and the destruction of fear. Trust is the act of my will to give my burdens to God. It's like a muscle--as you exercise it, trust gets stronger.

Trust is walking forward moment by moment, having rolled your burden onto God. You've no doubt said, "I gave it to God once, but here it is again in my grip." When you sense that you've taken it back again, get back on your knees, get the burden back on God, get on your feet again, and continue to trust.

When you off-load your burden on God, you can pick up a promise from His Word. Second Peter 1:4 tells us that "he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world." There are literally hundreds of promises that apply to your specific burden. God's Word is filled with treasure.

I'm claiming Isaiah 41:10 right now for a burden I leaving at God's feet. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." There it is! God is doing this whole thing with one hand tied behind His back. He's not stressed or strained. He's not worried about what to do. He has absolutely no capacity limits!

Isaiah continues, "Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you'" (vv. 11-13).

Take a moment to read that awesome promise again. Trust means you anchor your heart in the reality of God's awareness of your situation. He sees more than you can ever see. God, who loves you and is committed to you, will not disappoint you now or in the future if you put your weight fully on Him.

LVN NBFE

LVN NBFE. Ha this was the license on the car in front of me this morning on my way back from my daily trip to Smoothie King. I sat in my car and laughed for what had to be a good ten minutes. I just sat there alone thinking about how my bff would love that license plate and how so many times that statement has been the exact representation of my life and where I choose to reside.
Now granted Lynchburg is not exactly B.F.E but at moments of loneliness and boredom it matters little where I rest my head because this is exactly what it can feel like.
Hear me now when I say I am in no ways trying to come across as though I am unhappy or lonely. I am actually quite the opposite right now. I love my new home, we have been blessed so greatly in this area. I love being with my husband, he is a light in my life and just waking up next to him is reason enough to keep going. I love the new place I get to explore and see just how God put it all together. It truly is breathtaking here.

I do miss my girls, my bff and ms. D most of all.

This is okay though. You know I really have got to the point where I am seeing that these things that enrich my life are always, at some point, far from me. Likewise with the Lord I can often find myself missing him, wishing I were closer to him than I am at any given moment. That would be a more accurate description of this moment. I do long for him. To be enveloped in His word. Giving praise with breath. This is my heart.....

So back to the grind. One more day of looking for jobs. Seeking out what the Lord is doing. Learning more about patience and trusting. What a day to begin breathing.

So this is married life

www.kimberleewest.com/slideshow/Nicci&Ryan

This is my life. This is my husband. This is my new road. It has been a long walk since my last post and it is a beautiful place I find myself now standing.
Lets talk about this. I have found the man I will spend my life with. He is beautiful. He is my beloved. He wraps me up in his arms and I am in love. How do I explain to those who may not know what this love feels like. This place of such utter bliss that you can do nothing but smile from within and hope that this can display all that you are feeling.
I found this man, he found me, and we are found by the One who created us.

May I stop and pause and thank Him for this.

You know the day of our wedding. I felt so completely me. I felt as though the Lord had shown me all that I had waited for so long and it was good.
As I walked down the aisle and faced my soon to be husband, I felt like the culmination of all my favorite things came to be at that moment. We exchanged our vows and it was like that perfect song, the one beat that makes you move, feel free within it and just sway to its beautiful sound. It radiated within me. I felt the spirit of the Lord come upon us. It was immediate. My heart changed in that moment. This sounds like some silly story that a girl would tell but it is the truth of my experience. When we exchanged those vows before friends, family, and God I felt the intensity of my commitment. I loved him and was happy to be charged with this task before me. I am happy to be a wife. To be a daughter. To be a Woman.

I must also express how my wedding was, without blemish. Were there hardships, yes. But our day was a day of utter peace and perfection. From the start the Lord was over, in and completely through our wedding. There was no day without Him and the provision given us through our sisters brothers and strangers all the same. I sit back in awe at how it all came together. From a free cake, reception site, photos, linens.....so much I truly can't name it all. He said he would not leave us forsaken and in need and he showed us that so magnificently throughout our entire journey of starting this life together. Thank you.

Thank you to those who partook in our day. To those who prayed for us and continue to do so. Praises and blessings upon you.

Love
Nicci Neace

A year at a glance

Well here it is, the end of the year and I can hardly believe all the changes that have taken place. So in true Nicci form I'm giving you a list of twelve things that have taken place in my life in 2007....

1. January started with a trip to Sierra Leone where I learned more about me than I thought I would in a short period of time. More then ever am I sure that I am in love with Africa.

2. February I met Ryan Thomas Neace and took a stab at teaching 7th grade.

3. March I got sick and had to come home to the states.

4. April decided I was going to move to Nashville.

5. May had some hard times, was real sick, witnessed a girl die, prepared myself to move across the US. Found out I was officially allergic to wheat and gluten.

6. June found a job in Nash, enjoyed my last summer as a Cali resident, worked hard and took on a personal trainer.

7. July drove across country, had my first 4th of July in Nashville and missed the hell out of my family and friends in CA.

8. August Rene moved to Nashville (BFFs reunited!!) found a great church, settled into my job, got my barrings in Nash and soaked up the fact that I was going to continuously run into people like Cheryl Crowe and Chris Rice cause that's just how it is in the ville.

9. September had the most hectic work month of my life, thought of quiting a million and a half times, found an apartment with Rene!

10. October Ryan and I take the next step in our dating relationship, a bit more committed.
Saw So You Think You Can Dance at the Sommet Center and LOVED it!

11. November spent Thanksgiving in Illinois. The intensity of work finally calmed down. Prepared for the fams visit in December.

12. December had my first family Christmas in Nashville. Got some amazing presents. and most importantly I GOT ENGAGED!!!!!!!

so there it is...can't wait for 2008. Blessings.