Holiday Party

About six months ago, I was reading one of the million blogs I follow when I stumbled upon this post.  Blue Eyed Bride created a post of the ten people she'd invite to a dinner party.  What a great idea!  

I often daydream about people I'd like to meet, become best friends with, learn from, etc.  So, I decided to put together my very own list.

My ten folks range from musicians to missionaries.  Here is a little snippet about each of them...and why I chose them.

1.  Kate Middleton - who isn't fascinated with a real-life princess?

2.  Brian McCann - A good ole' Georgia boy and definitely my favorite of the Atlanta Braves.

3.  Janet Evanovich - Definitely my favorite author.  The person that comes up with the crazy adventures of Stephanie Plum must have a wicked sense of humor.

4.  Michelle Obama - I love the woman behind the man.  I've met the man.  I want to meet the woman!

5.  Mark Richt - Go Dawgs!  What an amazing example of being a person in power  and a Christian example of giving back.

6.  Willie Nelson - Those who know me, know there is no need to say more.

7.  Katie Davis - If you've never visited her blog or read about her ministry, you should check it out.  She is an inspiration of Godliness...period.

8.  Tim Gunn - Classiness exemplified!  

9.  Ellen Degeneres - I love Ellen's motto, "be nice to one another."  She truly believes everyone should be treated equally...and we should all have a little fun along the way!

10.  Misty May Treanor and Kerri Walsh - I've followed beach volleyball for years.  These two are so competitive, yet they are always supportive of one another...a great example of true friendship.

So, what about you?  Who would you invite to your holiday party?

The New Digs

Although it was difficult to leave Normandy Drive, I'm excited about what life has in store.  After a long process of having a contract on my house and then having it fall through, I was pretty disappointed.  I knew everything was happening for a reason, but regardless...life can sometimes be hard to swallow.

So, a couple of months later I sat down with my dad and we ran the numbers.  What if I rented my current house (that I had luckily paid down and refinanced after my grandmother passes away) and bought the house I had fallen in love with while my house was previously under contract.  

Long story short...it was feasible AND here I am now.

For those of you who know me, you know I love Marietta.  In fact, I have a list of "Top 10 Streets" that I'd love to call home.  One of my "Top 10 Streets" is Atwood Drive.  So, when I was meandering through Marietta one day and stumbled upon this house, I immediately wanted to see it.  Who knew I'd one day be calling it home?

The house had a lot to offer.  So, let me take you on a quick tour...

I love the entryway.  The glass door is very inviting.  I didn't have this type of entryway on Normandy, so I'm looking forward to the formal entrance.  

If you keep walking straight into the house through the entryway, you come upon a living/dining combo.  The room is fairly long and somewhat narrow, but it is fairly similar to my previous setup.

Turn left and continue through the dining room, where you will come to my favorite room...the den.

The den is a cozy, little room with a lovely fireplace.  I know already that this will be my go-to place.

The den overlooks the sun room.  This room is lovely, but I just haven't wrapped my head around how I'll use it.  I'm sure my mom will help me come up with something.

If you swing back around and head to the right of the dining room, you come to the gorgeous kitchen.  I really love the cream cabinets, and the counter tops really make them stand out!

If you keep heading straight through the kitchen, you are right back in the entryway.  Walk straight down the hallway to the master bedroom and bath and two of the guest bedrooms.

Master Bedroom

Master Bathroom

Guest Bedroom #1

Guest Bedroom #2

So, that is the house...well, the upstairs.  Yup, walk back down the hallway and you'll come to the stairs to the basement.

The previous man cave...soon to be sewing studio

and another guest bedroom

There is a laundry room downstairs, and I wish I had a picture.  I can only say it will be 100 times better in just a few weeks.

One of my favorite parts of the house is the outside.  The backyard is really an oasis.

Yes, a koi pond.  The koi have a new home (thank goodness), and the pond won't be staying.  Addie is already trying hard to get rid of it...yes, picking up the rocks with her mouth and trying to move it.

The fenced area to the right will be a great outdoor oasis for Addie and Munch.

A lovely little deck...which may be the home of my new garden next year.

I look forward to showing you the finished product in several weeks, but as for now...let me get back to the onslaught of boxes.

Guidance

Many of you are probably aware of my love and passion for Africa.  If not, let me catch you up...

In sixth grade, a unit/lesson about Africa sparked an everlasting interest in me.  From that day forward, my dream revolved around going to Kenya and experiencing her culture.  

This opportunity was awarded to me through a generous grant during my second year teaching.  I spent a month working on an Earthwatch Expedition investigating the Grevy Zebra (before going, I had no idea that there were different types of zebras).  

After the grant concluded, my parents joined me for two weeks of traveling through Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.  The experience was life altering, and I know many of you are rolling your eyes thinking everyone would say that.  It honestly was the best experience of my life.  

Since that trip, I've pined for opportunities to get back.  Unfortunately, the opportunity hasn't arisen.

The story continues about a year and a half ago, when I went to Nicaragua with a group of educators to provide professional development to teachers in a rural village.  

The trip was so uplifting and sparked a passion inside of me. Because of this experience, I decided to explore options of places to go and serve.  I began talking to my sister and through her understanding and encouragement decided I was going to take a leap of faith and spend up to a year working some place outside of my comfort zone and simply serving.

So, I began praying for guidance.  I didn't know where to go or how everything would happen, but I knew God would provide guidance.  I vividly remember during a trip back to Nicaragua last summer, I sat on the rooftop patio on a dark and hot evening and prayed ferociously for this guidance.  In tears, I begged God to show me the path he had in store for me.  Yet, I heard and felt nothing.  

I continued this process over the course of the summer.  One day in New Zealand, I landed in a gorgeous Methodist church, sitting on the back pew praying again that God would show me his plan and help open the doors.  Still nothing.  

I must admit I was beginning to doubt.  Here I was begging to go somewhere and serve, yet I felt no guidance of how I should proceed.

Several weeks after the New Zealand trip, I was reading a magazine article entitled, The Way Home.  As I read the article, tears filled my eyes (as they are now) because I finally felt the call.  My call wasn't what I expected, wanted, and hoped for...instead it was a call home.  As an adventurous person, I admittedly felt disappointed.  But I'm growing to realize the importance of being content wherever God leads you.  

Shortly after I returned home from New Zealand, I sat in my dad's office describing the unbelievable beauty I witnessed during my travels.  Dad quickly snarked, "Where are you off to next?"  I explained that there were no trips on the horizon, and he commented back, "Well, maybe now you can reconnect with your family."  That comment stung for a while.  I'm family oriented, and many of those who know us Barnes's, know that we stick together.  But later I realized this is God's intent.  His purpose of calling me home is to reconnect and find peace with the present.

So, although I'm closing the chapter on Normandy Drive, I'm not opening the chapter to the world (like I thought I would be doing now).  Instead, I'm opening the chapter to Marietta, family, contentedness, and peace.  I ask that you pray for me on this journey.  It is not what I expected or hoped for, but it is where God is calling.

Closing a Chapter

It's hard to believe it was ten years ago when I moved to Marietta.  

Honestly, I wasn't even looking for a house at the time.  My sister and her husband were living in the area, and while driving through the neighborhood with them, I pointed out a house that I liked.  My sister encouraged me to stop, jumped out the car (6 months pregnant) and ran across the road to grab a flyer.  I secretly think she had a perfect scenario created in her head.  I'd move to Marietta, accept a teaching job at a local school (of course where her children would be enrolled), and they would spend afternoons hanging out in my classroom finishing their homework before I dropped them off at her house for dinner.  I guess part of this scenario came true...I did move to Marietta.

Although I'm thrilled about opening a new chapter, I can't close this one without a little twinge of sadness and guilt for leave my first real home.  There were so many special times that I will always remember in this house.

The three snows that occurred while in this house...

More than a few smoke filled dinners that came out of this kitchen...

Ten years of family advent dinners served in this dining room...

Numerous pumpkin carving parties hosted on this porch...

Hundreds of Braves games watched in this den...

Thousands of bubble baths enjoyed in this tub...

A lot of z-z-z in this bedroom...

Many, many friends and family who spent-the-night in these two guest rooms...

Taking up a new hobby and learning to sew in my office...

My first ever garden planted and harvested in this yard...

Two sweet dogs who protected this house...

And too many laughs, smiles and tears to count.  For these experiences, I am grateful.  It has been a great ten years.

Goodbye, Normandy Drive.

20 x 40 Update

Last year, I posted about my 20 x 40 list...the list of 20 goals I want to accomplish by the time I turn 40.  I figured it was a good time for me to recap and update the list, marking off what I've already accomplished and updating some of the goals to fit what I've decided are now more pertinent.

Learn to can fruits and veggies

Last year, the dad of my best friend taught me how to can fruits and veggies.  It was a great night.  I spent the evening giggling and recalling stupid things that my bestie and I did as teenagers.  Best part...I came home with 10 cans of green beans and 5 cans of stewed tomatoes.  Also, I brought home a canning bounty for Christmas.  Can't wait to give it a go myself.

Learning the ropes

my bounty...

Sew a quilt

Sew something for ME

Road trip across the United States
I did this several years ago, when I was headed to Colorado to write my comps.  However, we were on a time frame, so I never got to stop and see the random things along the way...like the world's largest porcupine or world's tiniest dog.  So, I'd really like to do it again, but this time stop to enjoy the trip.

Take a calligraphy class

I took a calligraphy class, and I've decided it isn't for me.  I just didn't love it...although, my teacher did tell me I had great attention to detail.

Complete a triathalon

MAKE all my gifts for a year

Shop the World Longest Yard Sale

Learn to use power tools

Write a children's book

Make Gran's cookbook

Adopt from Africa

Fear not, you haven't missed a big announcement that there is a baby living in my house.  However, I have initiated this process.  The next step on my adoption check off is a "home visit."  During this step, professionals come into your house, interview you, and make sure that you have a house that could support a child.  I haven't wanted to begin this part of the process in my current house because it is not the best set up for a child.  However, once in my new ranch style house, this will be towards the top of my to-do list.

Improve my digital photography skills (and learn to use Photoshop Elements)

Become a foster parent

After much thought and prayer, I don't believe fostering is for me right now.  I don't have the schedule and set up to be a great support for a child.  So, I decided to do the next best thing.  I'm working on my final week of training to become a CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates.  These people are appointed by judges in juvenile cases where a child has been removed from their home and are in state care.  The CASA is the advocate and voice for the child.  I'm very excited to start this process because I feel like it is an opportunity to use my God given gifts of love, passion, and empathy for children.

www.casaforchildren.org

Travel to 6 of the 7 continents (sorry Antarctica) - getting closer

I haven't totally completed this component of my 20 x 40 list, but I am getting closer.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to teach in China.  The experience was interesting.  I pictured China to be very technological with large buildings and lots of people, similar to Beijing.  However, I taught in a "rural" area of two million people.  It was a great experience.  I'd like to get back to see more of the sights.  Because of my teaching schedule, I didn't have a lot of time to sightsee.  

Bikes, bikes and more bikes

Last month, I also traveled to New Zealand.  Now, that might be a stretch to call this part of the Australian continent, but I did find on-line that some people clump New Zealand, Australia, and the South-pacific together as the Oceania or Australasia continent.  So, in case I don't make it back to Australia...I'm counting it.

Also, I'm in the process of submitting a presentation proposal for a conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  So, hopefully I will be totally finished with this goal by the end of next year.

Write 365 thank you notes

Take 365 photos

Learn to UTILIZE my serger

Visit a fortune teller
Well, I didn't pay a fortune teller to read my future, but I did partake in a fun little children's literature tarot card reading.  One of the professors at NGCSU, kindly agreed to read the children's literature card and relate it to my current and future life.  It was a fun break from writing while we were working hard on several manuscripts...and such a lovely bonding experience.

Live in another country for 6 months

Obviously, I still have plenty of room to grow.  I have well over half of my list still to go, but some of them are getting closer.  I have to admit that it has been liberating altering parts of the list.  Sometimes experiences aren't what you thought they'd be and other times your wishes change.  So, here I am...content with where I've gone and what I've done, but also with lots of room to grow.

Top 5 (well, maybe 6) Least Favorite Olympic Moments

#5 - Prince Harry Shooting Hoops

During the pre-olympic coverage, the media paid special attention to the royal family and their presence at the games.  Most of the coverage included Harry, William and Kate meeting athletes from various sports.  Prince Harry made an appearance at a pre-olmypic basketball activity, where he was challenged to shoot a few hoops.  Now, I've always thought Harry was the cuter and more exciting/fun of Prince Charles and Diana's boys; however, that all went out the window that day when I saw this...

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Having shot a few baskets in my life, I was a little mortified at his form and the shank that came after.  I deal breaker for me is a guy who I can beat at basketball.  I guess I'll have to mark Harry off my list ;)

#4 - Lochte and the bling

Supposedly, the Olympic Committee informed Lochte that they would not place the medal on his neck if he was wearing his grill.  So, he slipped it in his pocket and put it in his mouth following the medal being placed around his neck.  Seriously, it is a moment in history...

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#3 - Usain Bolt's flashiness

I know Usain Bolt is the "Fastest Man in the World."  However, there is something to say about being a little more modest.

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My favorite quote I heard about Usain Bolt was from Bob Costas who said, "As great as he is, I guess it is hard to have a higher opinion of Usain Bolt than he has of himself."

#2 - Jordyn Wieber and All Around Rule

As I'm sure you've heard, there is a rule in gymnastics that only the top two gymnasts from each country's team can participate in the all-around competition.  Some people may think this is fair, but what if the gymnast who is the third best gymnast on her team and scores fourth out of all gymnasts at the meet is left out of the all-around competition?  Well, they feel how Jordyn Wieber felt at the olympics.

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Jordyn Wieber, who many proclaimed was the top gymnast for the US, was upset after the team competition when she did not qualify for the all-around competition.  The media did nothing to help as they stuck a camera in her face and followed her closely while she watched one of her dreams diminish.  However, hats off to Jordyn for composing herself for the interview that followed.

#1 - Gabby Douglas and The Hair Controversy

I was awestruck with Gabby Douglas who came out of her shell and shined at the London Olympics.  Amazed by her poise, confidence, and ability to handle such nerve-wracking situations, I was even more impressed with how she handled the ridiculous controversy surrounding her hair.

Needless to say, I was thrilled to see this picture (and caption) circulating Facebook.  Sorry, I couldn't find a source.

I planned to only include my five least favorite olympic moments, but I couldn't hold this one out.  So...

#0 - Fox News complaining about the "lack of patriotism" shown by Olympic athlete uniforms (LINK).  Seriously...

Well, I bet they appreciated Ryan Lochte's American flag grill.  I assume that was patriotic enough.