2014-We Can Do Life Together

So I have never been one for New Year resolutions but I do always like to set some goals. I have a few that always seem to be on my list each and every year like lose weight and be healthy. Let's see if I can try that one more time.   I do want to continue to write these blogs and hope that you embrace them and read them.  Just maybe you can relate to my crazy world.    If you are just starting to read these, I want you to know that I write from my personal experiences of being an everyday mom, wife and Christian. I share these blogs on my face book page that way you can choose to read them or not.

A while back I saw several people posting interesting facts about themselves that people may have not known about them. I never did it because I really thought no one actually cared to read them. And it didn't help that other people were saying how they were tired of seeing the posts and didn't care. Well I loved reading all the facts about people because everyone has a story and each person is uniquely interesting. So for some of you who read this but may not know much about me and because we are starting a new year, I am going to share some personal facts about me and you can CHOOSE to read them now or STOP reading at this point.  

I was born to parents who were 15 years old at the time.  I am the only child from my mom and dad but I have a sister and a brother from a different mom and another brother from a different dad. They are each amazing people and I wish we were all closer in age.  When I was little I had a huge stuttering problem.   I remember standing up in the 4th grade to give an oral book report and couldn't get the words to come out.   I outgrew the stuttering in Junior High when I gave public speeches and signed up for theatre arts.  My mom came to one of my performances and couldn't believe my shy, stuttering self was up on a stage performing.  Actually, if you put me on a stage, I become a totally different person.  If I find myself in an insecure situation or I rush to talk, I will occasionally stutter even now.

I was voted most likely to succeed in Jr. High and homecoming queen in High School. Though it was cool back then I really don't like for it to be brought up today. I have come to find out that in the grand scheme of life that doesn't mean a whole bunch.  Titles are just that.  In fact, I didn't finish college like I should have.  I even promised my dad I would finish and I never did.  And now I am just a receptionist at a machine shop, the best machine shop ever, I might add.  It is funny how our definition of success changes as our life unfolds.  I don't have to have a title to be successful. One of the hardest yet most rewarding things I have ever done is be a mom and we don't even capitalize that title. 

I wanted to be a dancer when I was in elementary, then a lawyer in Jr. High, and eventually wanted to be a television news anchor.  I always shake my booty just not professionally.  If you play a song, I will dance.  I still like to argue my point but I am way too emotional to ever do it for a living.  And I still will have something to say if you shove a microphone in my face but I don't want to have to go out in hurricanes and disasters to cover the daily news.  So I will stick to my hairbrush in front of the mirror forever.  Plus, I think I have said before that "Hope Rhodes" just doesn't sound like a reporter's name.

I hate fireworks!!!  I use to think it was the loud pop I didn't like but my heart starts pounding as I watch them shoot up in the air.   I feel like I am anticipating a huge bomb about to explode.  The Lord better take me before any huge bombs get dropped here because I may just pass out with the sound of the explosion.  I try so hard to not be disrespectful at sporting events when they play the National Anthem. I keep one had on my heart and I put one ear on my shoulder because I get so anxious about them bursting fireworks during the words "and the rockets red glare."  I am so thankful when we get through July 4th and New Years so that the fireworks can go away.  We have spent the last two New Years inside the city limits so I was completely satisfied that fireworks couldn't be popped.  By the way everyone in my house loves fireworks and loves to spend tons of money on them.  I usually stay inside and watch from the window.  I really need to get over the fear but it seems inevitably hard to do so.

Driving is one of my least favorite things to do!  In fact, if I ever become rich in my finances, I would first hire a chauffeur.  I would let someone drive me around every day and not think twice about it.  I am horrible about being aware of my surroundings.  Bryan gets on to me about this all the time because I don't pay enough attention when I am out in public or to things that I have no interest in like building colors or license plate numbers.  However, I do pay attention to what people say and can remember the smallest detail.   I can remember their favorite candy bar or what Sonic drink they like. I usually can tell you what their God-given gifts and talents are because I pay attention to how they act and what makes them smile.  I love learning about people and what makes them tick!  And I usually have a good instinct about people. If someone does not have good intentions, I usually know. If they are genuine, I usually know.  I usually try to see the good in all people.

When I saw Bryan for the first time I thought he was so fine but way out of my league.  I never thought he would give me the time of day.  He was so tall and had a sophisticated arrogance about him.  I was sure he would never give this short, curly-haired girl a second look.   I have always been insecure about my hair and he loved it.   Little did I know that I too was turning his head and we would end up never turning back.  He made me feel like the most beautiful woman ever and he still does even when I am at my worst.  Two boys and seventeen years later we are still going strong.

I didn't get saved until I was an adult.  I grew up with church influence but I never had a true relationship with the Lord until I was older.  I never knew God was someone who could be your father, friend and comforter all at the same time.  God was a mystery me to me growing up but when I came into relationship with him my whole life changed.  I can't and don't do life without Him!  I think this is why I can relate to the un-churched and imperfect people so well.  I was there and I am still not perfect.  I like people to be real with me and with God.  Don't quote me all the scriptures and have no love in your heart or treat people like crap.  I would rather hang with the guy who said a dozen cuss words but is helping me fix my flat tire than with a self-righteous person with no compassion.

So there you have it!  I am a deep thinker and this is probably one of the reasons I write.  I hope as you share your eyes and ears with me by reading this blog that you will get a glimpse into who I am as a person.  I am a crazy sports mom who is super competitive even though I am not very athletic myself.   You can bet that I watch Sports Center almost every morning.  I am highly inappropriate at times but I love a good laugh and can pick on myself.  I will have laugh wrinkles as I grow old like Bryan said.  I will wear them proudly!  I am always dreaming of that bikini body even though I refuse to give up the foods I love.  I look in the mirror and try to convince myself that there is potential and then go to the kitchen and grab an Oreo.  And although I have had one my toughest years spiritually, I will pray with trembling hands and an open heart as I try to reach Heaven for the people I love and who ask me to.

As we begin 2014, I am expecting good things for my family.  We will get back on the path that God has laid out for us.  We will do our work with integrity and honesty.  We will raise our boys to be respectful gentlemen with generous hearts.  We will be unified as a family and give back to those around us.  We will serve God and serve others! 

Thank you for joining me again this year.  I pray that you will find hope in my blogs.  Some of you have told me that you cry when you read these blogs.  If I saw you, I would cry with you.  But I also pray that you laugh and know that I am just an everyday woman who shares the same experiences as you.  I don't always get it right and I am not the most advanced writer.  But I can promise you a life full of hope and promise.  We can do life together!