Reality Overload

I have been feeling a heavy conviction as of late as to what I do with my spare time at home. Believe it or not, there isn't a tremendous amount of this "spare time", but enough that I believe what I am choosing to do with it is all wrong!

I am a reality TV junkie. Give me a reality TV show on just about anything and I am game to watch. Usually hooked immediately. I am ashamed to admit this because in the past the TV line up in the Gold household has included the likes of Jersey Shore (yikes! I know). It gets worse. Try 16 & Pregnant, Teen Mom and Real World on for size! Wow, I am so embarrassed as I sit and type this! If that doesn't suit your fancy, let's switch to the Bravo network where I indulge in any of the Real Housewives shows, Million Dollar Listing (I like to think I am picking up pointers for work!), Bethany Getting Married and her new show and sometimes Rachael Zoe if there is absolutely nothing else on. Lets move on to mainstream- Survivor, Big Brother and American Idol.

Isn't that ridiculous?! And, not to mention the fact that anytime I have seen an Amazing Race advertisement I tell Jason that we need to give that show a try. I mean REALLY??!! Reality TV overload over here. And let me throw in alittle disclaimer here- hubby participates only in Survivor, AI and Big Brother.

But, sometimes reality TV will surprise you. Last night, we were watching Survivor. One of the contestants, Matt, is a professed Believer and has really tried to share his faith with others, be an example, etc. By all accounts, he seems to be the real deal. Last night, Jeff asked the contestant who lost at Redemption Island (and had to go home) what her story was. She explained that like many Americans, her home was in foreclosure and she came to play for the $. Well, obviously at this point, her being out of the game and all, she wasn't going home with any cash. But, she did tell Jeff that Matt had been such an inspiration to her that she couldn't wait to get home so that she could find a church. BLESSINGS!!!

Lesson learned- you never know who is watching you and what they are taking away!

So, back to the problem of too much TV - I am working on that. Small steps! :)

Saturday Fun

What a beautiful Saturday! Though it began kind of cloudy and alittle cold, the clouds cleared off after lunch and the sun came out!

I was lucky enough to have my hubby home with me today, so after some running around this morning we spent the better part of the evening here -








Rigging up my new pink rod


Testing the bait!


The fish like it! I didn't want to touch the fish, so I was trying to take the picture while Jason held it next to me . . Great shot huh?!


Here is what he looked like


Beautiful trees. . The wind was blowing and you could hear the wood creek and crack as they swayed back and forth. Enjoy God's beauty in creation!!!


A duck landed across from me. .


Finished strong! This is Herbert. We got to know one another while we waited on Jason to come from about a mile (ok, maybe not really that far) across the pond to get him off the hook. Herbie, as he preferred to be called, was very patient and splashed around with the hook in his mouth until help arrived. I am not touching these live fish.

I won our little competition. 2 fish to 1 ! To be honest, it was not really a competition until I was winning :)

Days Like This . .

I have to admit that I do have a problem. The first step to conquering the problem is to admit there is one, right?! So, step one down!

Most people would say the I am a germophobe. My husband would say that I am a weirdo extremist. For instance, is it strange that some days I would not mind at all wearing one of these around-

Source

Don't answer that, because I am pretty confident I already know.

Here is what my bottle of germ-x looks like that I keep on my desk as of today-

And I would be lying if I told you that I am not concerned. I pump this baby more times than you can think of during the day. And typically, I don't have that much direct contact with the general public. But when someone does come in and I am forced to shake hands, again I would be lying if I told you that it didn't make me think twice. Of course, I always shake hands and no one but me would ever know that the germophobia is kicking in. But, sometimes it is a real problem and God is working on me where this is concerned.

If I got into all my little quirks, you would think I was crazy enough if you don't already by this post! ha!

My grandmother always laughs at me and says motherhood will change alot of the quirky things about my life, including my feelings on germs.

Maybe one day, we will see!

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.

John 17:1-2

Weekend Dump

It is hard to believe that it is Monday already! I was telling my family last night how it seems like after Monday night is over the week flies by and it is time for Monday already again! I am thankful though, that I am able to be up and out and about. There are so many people who don't get to enjoy the beauty of being able to get up and go and get out everyday. I am thankful that I can- even on Mondays :)

Friday night we did absolutely NOTHING and it was great. Friday nights seem to be our crash-from-the-week nights. I know, it sounds like we are 80 year olds or something! Saturday was my clean day, but Saturday night was excellent! Why? A picture clue:



Yum. This is our table at Kellys Steakhouse, one of my family's favorite places to eat. Saturday night was girls night. My dad went to watch the Carolina baseball game in Columbia, and Jason was working, so me, Mama and Mama Gayle opted for an early supper. This picture doesn't do it justice- it was great! No shots of us though, it was alittle dark in there.

Last night we had our Awana recognition program at church. I am a co-leader with the 3 and 4 year olds, so we have been working on our little portion of the program this week. It was hilarious. Nothing went as planned, but it was funny, the kids were GREAT, parents were laughing & seemed excited and, above all, God was glorified. It turned out really cute and I was so proud of all our little ones!

Busy, busy week at work. Monday has begun with my feet on the ground and running! The weather is going to be beautiful most of the week, so I am looking forward to that. All of these allergy related buds and tree thingys are really giving me a fit!

A beautiful start to this most important Easter week!

Sweeeeet Summertime

Big happenings in our area on May 13. Friends, Kenny Chesney is coming back to the BiLo Center. I realize this means nothing to alot of people. But, it means alot to me!! For many reasons, Kenny is special. For one, Jason and I went on one of our first dates to a concert in Charlotte. For two, also that same summer I went to 2 more of his concerts. For three, I just love his music and his concerts. I thought Kenny would never be around again any time soon, but much to my surprise, he is coming in May! I am hoping, Jason, that you are reading this right now and will want to do something so special for your wife and get us concert tickets. ;) We will see how that goes. Let's just say . . I am not holding my breath!

Just wanted to end by posting a picture of this sweet baby! Sorry people, but when you don't have children it just goes without saying that your pets are your babies. And, for now, she is ours! Happy Thursday!

Hello, Remember Me?

Of course I remember me! Whew- it's been a busy few weeks! And, I am not complaining as much of it has been work related. For that, we are so thankful. Other than that, nothing really big going on!

I just began the last semester of my Biblical counseling class. Graduation has been set for June . . . June . .I have forgotten already. Early in June! My friend and I (that carpool together, go to church together, teach together, etc) are so excited because we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. People always ask me / her, "Well, what are you going to do with this?" And, our answer has been from the very beginning that we simply didn't know. We felt led to take this class together, we knew this was where the Lord wanted us and beyond that we were trusting Him to reveal Himself when His timing was in place. We are so excited to see what that entails. Still praying!

God continues to be at work in so many areas of my life right now. Honestly, I love this time. I know that even though His answers aren't clear right now, I am holding on hard to His promises. When the timing is right, all will be revealed. Just remaining content in this season of growth . .

One fun thing I started investigating last week was my genealogy. Wednesday night at church our Pastor had us watch a video on Moses and the Exodus. It was the first in a series, so was mainly just an introduction. But, the narrator began to talk about Moses' parents and the meanings of each of their names- in short how purposeful God was/is in placing us with our earthly family. It was like a light bulb went off. While I know the names of my way extended great greats, I know very little about them. I immediately came home and got to work. I have alot of extended family that are still around, so I have already been in touch with some of them. It has been fascinating! I can't wait to get deeper and deeper. But, I have a time table- my free 2 week trial of ancestry.com is over next Wednesday!

It is in the 80's here today and I am loving every second. I went to get a pedicure at lunch and boy could you tell the change in weather by the number of women coming in for only pedicures. Monday night we had a really bad storm. Like really bad. I woke up at 1:15 to the sound of my chairs on the back porch being thrown up against the side of my house. My parents had 3 trees totally down and roof damage to the extent that they are having to get a new roof. It was really that bad! No tornado's, just terrible wind.

My grandma, uncle and his family left for NYC last night!!! :( I wish I was there so so bad. They were texting me pics of themselves in Times Square this morning and calling me from Saks. Talk about rubbing it in!! No, I know they will have an awesome time. We are planning a girls trip next spring after we get my brother married off later this year. I am already excited!

Tomorrow is Friday! My sister in law and her husband just moved into a new house this past week, so Jase and i are going to go and see it tomorrow night. We are looking forward to that! Other than hair appointment on Saturday afternoon and our family getting in Saturday night, church on Sunday- we have no other plans! :) Happy Thursday (almost Friday!)!