Crazy Eights

Okay, Shannon tagged me. Although it took me well over a week to complete, I had fun doing it.

Eight things I have a passion for:

*Career. I absolutely love what I do. What an amazing honor it is to take someone hurting and lift them up. Show them they are worthy, show them they are loved. I may not always work with these women and children, but my passion for helping them will never die.

*Parenting. One of the toughest things I have ever done, but the reward is so great! I never wanted children, but could not imagine my life without Elijah. What a marvelous creation and truely a gift from God.

*God. I don't want to think of where I would be without Him. I still remember where I was and it wasn't a good place. I gave my life to Christ while carrying Elijah in 2003. My life has been richly blessed. I am not perfect. I am a sinner. However, God's grace has allowed me to grow and flourish in a ways I never knew imaginable.

*Family. As we get older, the value of family becomes ever more clear. My family is small. Most of my extended family have passed on. My mother and stepdad are such a gift to me. They have always stood by me and are there to lend a helping hand when I need it. What they do for Elijah...well, there is no words to express the gratitude. My brother and his girlfriend have blessed me with a wonderful niece whom I love dearly.

*Friends. My friendships mean the world to me. It took me many years to understand the true meaning of friendship. I have always been one with few friends. I believe, in part, due to my untrusting nature and the desire not to get hurt. I am in awe when I think about the awesome people that have came into my life. I am me, and they love me for it. Can't ask for more than that.

*Higher Education. Education has always been important to me. Even though I didn't act like it at times (like when I went to college three semesters in a row and flunked out all three times). When I was 26 I decided I needed to do something with myself, so I went back to college. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love to learn and can't wait to go back for my Masters. I just have to decide for what?!

*Missing Persons. I am sure some people think I am alittle wacky and even somewhat obsessed with missing persons. I am not really even sure why I am drawn to these cases. All I know is that my heart truely breaks for the victims and those that are left behind. I know if sounds crazy, but one day I hope to bring a missing loved one back home to their family.

*Crafty Stuff. Even though my artistic ability is nil, I love to do craft projects. I am real good at copycat work. I just can't think up creative things on my own!

Eight things I would like to do before I die:

*Own my own home. Though I do think it is rather nice that I don't have to be responsible for major repairs since I am renting.

*Find the man God has for me. I am starting to seriously doubt this one.

*Take Elijah to Disney World. I want to go as much as he does.

*Quit smoking. Horrible addiction that has control over me and I hate that!

*Crochet something! I love to crochet but my impatience has never let me complete a project. I can't tell you the times that I have started, undone, restarted, undone.

*Get physically fit. Constant struggle since giving birth. I acquired some bad eating habits while I was pregnant. Too make matters worse, I really do not like to sweat. So, by default, I hate exercising!

*Preserve memories. My scrapbooking has been neglected. I haven't really worked on anything since June 2004. In addition, I have at least six empty photo albums that need to be filled.

*Go to NYC! I don't have a desire to travel the world, but I would like to visit New York City in the winter.

Eight things I say a lot:

*Are you crazy?! I picked this up from Elijah.

*It wasn't your fault. Something I am constantly reaffirming to the women I work with.

*Where did these people learn how to drive? Seriously, it is almost more than I can stand.

*Eko, get down! Remind me again WHY I got this animal!

*No, you can't have a poptart/eggos/peanut butter for breakfast, lunch and dinner! I believe Elijah could live off these and nothing else, well besides chocolate milk.

*Snap! Snap! When Elijah isn't moving quite fast enough to suit me.

*Will you please pick up your shoes and put them where they belong!? Everyday.

*Ahhh, it's so good to be at home. I pretty much say this everyday when I get in from work.

Eight books I have read recently:

*Bible
*Harry Potter and the Death Hollows by J.K. Rowling-the last of the series :(
*Perfect Murder Perfect Town by Lawrence Schiller
*Cry Rape by Bill Lueders
*Forensic Science Encyclopedia
*Every Breath You Take by Ann Rule
*Decoupage Book by Holly Boswell
*Three Memory Maker magazines

Eight movies I have seen eight times:

*Serendipity
*50 First Dates
*Legends of the Fall
*Forest Gump
*Dirty Dancing
*Ghost
*Peter Pan
*Curious George

Five people( I don't have eight fellow bloggers) I invite to do this with me:

Dana
James
Michele
Amanda
Mike