Time To Be a Day Person

Ok! So I've decided to be normal...what is normal? Well I'm not really sure, but I feel more normal. My more normalness started about 6 weeks ago. Let me set this up! I moved into my current rental house April 2012 and also started a new work shift. My old shift was M-F nights (Booo) and was changed to W-T. I was 7 days straight working my tail off until I was breathing fire! Then came home and crashed for 7 days so my tail could regrow and then the cycle started again. For some reason I really liked working like that. I enjoyed being rewarded for 7 days off to do whatever I wanted. 

Well earlier this summer I was offered a M-F day position (normal hours). I didn't want it..no, no, no. But I was willing to help out during a transition time and changed my schedule up, so therefore I started days. AKA...Alana you have to wake up with the chickens! Blahhhhh!!!! 

Well once I started helping out, I thought well this isn't so bad. I get to be home every night, my work load has changed, and I have EVERY weekend off! But in the back of my mind I still wanted my 7on/7off. 

Through all this changing and adjusting, I was in constant prayer! Was this going to be a permanent move for me? God what do you want me to do with this? I was stressed and finally was like "Alright Lord, my life is yours. Help me from being a knuckle head and do what  you have planned for me." I was scared to death! There were good things about days that I wanted and good things about the 7on/7off I wanted. I continued to pray. 

A Friday evening I was slapped up side the head...not literally thank goodness. But God said "Here Alana, this is what I have in store for you...Trust me!" It was loud and clear! I needed to stay on days. I was to be obedient. I was at complete peace.

The transition hasn't been easy. My body didn't like me...getting up early, being on my feet all day, and taking on new stresses. Ive had more bad days than good, but I know God is going to back me up. He is going to provide...He always does. 

So my new normal is a Monday-Friday kinda girl! Outside of work has been a pleasant new experience. Im home every night, I feel like I see my parents more, Im on the same schedule as my friends, and I get to go to church EVERY Sunday!!! I had felt so disconnected from my church family since I was only there half of the time. But now nothing is stopping me! I've taken on a new role as the 5th & 6th grade Sunday School teacher! Yay! This is going to be a learning adventure that I am so excited about! I also see lots of other things falling into place  that I count as blessing.

I wrote this today because I had forgotten how much I love Sunday afternoons! I used to dread them because that was the day I had to drive back to Mobile for school, or go to work. But the last few have been relaxing and filled with family and naps. I curious to see how the next year will play out with my "new normal"!

I got an early birthday present to day from my aunt! A NICE professional brush set! Ive always wanted one, I just would never buy one for myself! Im so excited! I feel like a rockstar!!!!! :) :) :)

"Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

OMG! Its Been Like 2 Years and 10 Months!!!

Seriously!?! I've waited this long to blog again. I guess life got a hold of me and I was sucked in! For some reason tonight I have felt compelled to share...I guess I'll spill whats happened over the last almost 3 years!
Well lets see...I have:

• Moved out on my own...as a renter
• Been to Walt Disney World twice
• Shared the Gospel in Belize
• Climbed the Mayan Ruins
• Become addicted to Dt. Mountain Dew...don't judge
• Become and Ebay seller...look me up! imahoot07
• Lost friends and made new ones
• Started teaching Sunday School...this year its 5th&6th graders
• Became a full time Mammographer! Save the ta-tas
• Everything I now own has a monogram on it! 
• Fallen in LOVE with Downton Abbey
• Cried a lot and laughed a lot      

and lastly....somewhere in all that I decided it was time to be an adult. It kinda showed up out of no where. Someone decided that you needed to owe people money once a month...BOOOOO!!!! But I've learned thats just part of it. I've made so good and difficult decisions and done several things I didn't want too, but like I said....thats just part of it! 

I almost forgot! I decided to go for my Master's degree!!! In a little over a year from now I will have my MBA in Healthcare Administration...sounds like lots of fun doesn't it? It was one of those things I just decided I needed to do for myself. God willing, I'll be able to advance in my career in the medical field.

Lydia and I VBS 2014!

Headed to the Lion King on Broadway in New Orleans March 2012

Walt Disney World Oct 2012

Beach 2013

Granny and I for Ty and Jessica's Wedding

Ali and I for Beauty and the Beast on Broadway

Belize with FBC June 2013

How to eat a Dole Whip like a lady!

Walt Disney World 2013

Ok so I know I just overwhelmed you with pictures, but a lot has happened in 3 years! I was nice...I had a TON more I could have added! But life has been good...not always easy...but a blessing, a test everyday. I'm hoping this is gonna be a normal thing for me now...because I know all of y'all wonder what an almost 26, single, small town girl does. We shall see! 

"Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2

Long time, no post!

"HELLO!" (In my Mrs. Doubtfire voice) Its been awhile since I been on here considering its difficult posting when you are tired and are a WORKING GIRL! Its been three weeks since my last post and in that time I have worked my new full time job. So far, so good! :)
Also, last weekend I got to take a little weekend trip to visit two of my wonderful friends, who just so happen to live in the same town. I got to stay with Ashley and her husband and see their beautiful new house! I also got to shop and spend time with Ali, who was my college roommate. It was great to go and get away for a few days! 
Things have been going great! I'm glad to be busy and useful again. I'm slowing settling into a routine and I am excited about what's next. 
A couple of other things have gone on in the last 3 weeks, but I haven't gotten pictures off of my camera to upload. So hopefully, fingers crossed, I can blog about those things in the next week!
"It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him." Deuteronomy 13:4

Slacker

Well it seems I have been slacking....I haven't posted in almost a week. I've been trying to peel my eyes off of my Kindle! Forget the smartphone, the Kindle is AWESOME! I've found myself the last few nights not turning my light off until 2 and 3am. Shhh, don't tell my Moma! But I can't seem to put the thing down, and praise Jesus for free books! I have a cover in the mail as I type, which I'm pretty excited about and its PINK! I haven't been much of a reader over the last 4 years with college, but since May, I can't read enough! Mostly due to all the free time I have acquired with no school! 

I know its kind of short and sweet tonight! I really do want to finish explaining the reason why I titled this blog the way I did, but I need a little motivation and time to finish getting all my thoughts out. Hopefully that's going to come in the next few day!

Alana

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." 1 Peter 3:8

Well today was an exciting day! My mom and I had our first pedicures. I wasn't to sure how I felt about it considering I do not like people holding my feet, but it turned out to be WONDERFUL! It was nice to be pampered a little bit! :)
Another great thing happened today! The Hercules plates my Sweet Moma ordered from Ebay arrived! Yall are probably like what is a Hercules plate and why is she so happy about them!?! Well, however many years ago that Disney's Hercules came to theaters, they sold plates at McDonald's. I think we had 4 of the 6 they sold. Those 4 have slowly cracked and had to be thrown away. :( So my mom happened to find a mildly used complete set on Ebay for pretty cheap! This 23 year old was super duper excited! These plates are and were a part of mine and Buck's childhood. We don't care if we are 23 and almost 19 years old...we gonna still eat off of them!

Ok...now time to explain FIREWORKS! How does Fireworks tie into the description of me and this blog? For anyone who know me well, you know exactly what I'm fixing to type! I AM A HUGE DISNEY DORK....(hence the Hercules plates)!!!!! Yes, I love ALL things Disney! Number 1 being "The Happiest Place on Earth"....WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!
Now everyone loves themselves a good fireworks show, either 4th of July or News Years right? I do to, but I the only time I even care about seeing a fireworks show is when I'm standing right in the middle of Main Street USA. In my personal experience, no one can hold a flame (no pun intended) to Disney's fireworks display. Wishes (the current display at Magic Kingdom) brings me to absolute tears!!! I'm not kidding, plus all of Disney's fireworks displays are synchronized to amazing music! There is just something about the castle, the music, the fireworks and the spirit of Disney that consumes you and makes you feel like the show is just for you and you only. 
There will be plenty more of Disney moments I plan on sharing. Hopefully this was just a glimmer of my love for all things Disney. I really wish I  actually had a personal picture of the fireworks from the parks, but of course I'm always to busy watching instead of taking pictures. Ill add a few from my "Castle" board on Pinterest and a few from our last trip! 
I hope you enjoyed!

"He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ."
 Colossians 1:28

Let Me Explain

Thanks to everyone for the awesome birthday wishes yesterday! I LOVED not doing a single thing. The highlight of the day was going to town to get chicken livers from Church's....yes go ahead you can start gagging. But my brother and I have always loved them and we get really weird looks when we tell people we like them. The sad part of the day was no biscuit with my supper...I was kinda bummed. 


Alrighty, I wanted to take a post to start explaining with meaning of the title. Basically its how I describe myself. I'm going to skip the first F for right now and jump to the freckles part!


Freckles can pop up on anyone, and they decided to jump all over me! Freckles are clusters of concentrated melanin in your skin. They are a genetic trait and often fade without sun exposure. 


I've always had them and I am constantly getting new ones. I think they give me a little character. Just like my red birthmark by my right eye. I've always thought freckles, aka Angel Kisses,  were cute and sweet. Hopefully my children will be plastered with them too.

This is my 4 year old picture in my fish dress my Sweet Moma made.


When I was little they were always noticeable, but as I grew up, make up slowly covered them up. I dont intentionally cover them up...it just happens that way. I love the summertime when I'm out in the sun and they really stand out. They make me feel darker...considering I'm pasty without them. 

Here's Lydia and I from this summer at Orange Beach.....the freckles made a showing. (Lydia will be explained at a later date!)


My freckles are just a little part of the uniquely made me. They are also a piece of Deddy and my Sweet Moma. But God bless Buck, he got them worse than I did. 

Here's Buck...the brother, not the frog. 


Ok, so there is 1/3 of the title...hopefully all of that made a little since. Thanks for reading :)


"Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." John 14:23

The Big 23....

Well, here it goes. The time has come for my first post. Hopefully this won't be a crash and burn. I waited until today just because...well you see its my 23rd birthday!!!! God blessed my parents and family on Labor Day 1988. Made in the 80s BABY! 


I get to spend this day sitting trough Tropical Storm Lee. Which honestly it hasn't bothered me one bit. Its kinda nice to have a lazy birthday at home with the family and my new gift....MY KINDLE!!! We will save my new love for my kindle for another day. But so far today has been wonderful...I slept late, my Sweet Moma is making me cheesecake cupcake (my ultimate favorite), and I've gotten my birthday call from the "Birthday Lady" at church. 


I haven't found anything to special about being 23. I've already experienced the 16th, 18th, and 21st birthdays and all that implies. I guess 23 is kinda half way between 20 and 25 and only 7 years from 30....YIKES!!! But I did a lil Googling, which I am notorious for, and found some ironic and interesting things about being 23 or the number 23. 

• Dr. Pepper has 23 flavors
• 23 is the most commonly cited prime number
• Micheal Jordan wore #23
• Each parent contributes 23 chromosomes to create a baby
• William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 and died 53 years later on April 23, 1616
• "W" is the 23rd letter of the alphabet. "2" point down and "3" point up

I'm praying this year will be my best yet! I've recently graduated from the University of South Alabama with a BA in Radiologic Sciences. I've moved home  to live with my Deddy and Sweet Moma. And I'm employed! Praise God! I have nothing but my adult life ahead of me...we are gonna see how that goes! 


I'm not to sure how this blog is going to go, but I'm planning on giving it a good run! I have free time on my hand and wanted to give this a good try, hopefully yall will at least get a smile out of it! 


Love, Alana.....The Birthday Girl! :)


"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
  your works are wonderful,
  I know that full well."
Psalms 139:14