Pledge to Shop Small

I have always loved the "mom & pop" shops, but they seem to disappearing to the big box stores. Hopefully I can find one in Seattle (we'll be there for Turkey Day) and help them out. So I'm encouraging you to show your local pride and help fuel the economy when they support the businesses that mean the most to them this holiday season.

When you pledge to Shop Small on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26 you'll have the chance to win one of 100 $25 American Express^® Shop Small Gift Cards.

 About Small Business Saturday:
First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now there is Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26^th, a day dedicated to supporting the small businesses that fuel local economies and invigorate our communities.


http://www.vocalpoint.com/amex/sweeps2.aspx

Last one!! Days 26-30

Day 26- What you think about your friends

I love them. I've lost some along the way, but I guess that means life changes and they didn't want to be with me during that change. They have been through it all with me. (Well 4 in particular) I don't know where I'd be without them. I appreciate them more than they'll ever know. I wish some that I've lost contact with (except Facebook), one day I can reconnect with them.

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
To help me keep up with my blog. It was a good way of communicating to those who I don't see everyday.

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
I don't think I've changed much in a year. I know I am a much happier person and love my "new" life I have created for myself. I feel like so much weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can be who I want to.

Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned

How much I've relied on certain people and lost contact with others.

Day 30- Who are you?
Not really sure. I can stil be figuring that out right? I know that I want to be a better a person and I've made drastic changes in my life to make that happen. I feel that I'm on the right path to be a better, loving, caring person than I have been in the past. So far I think I'm on the right track.

Days 21-25

Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
I couldn't just put one picture up. Both my husband (so wierd to say that!) and our dog. Chance makes us laugh all the time. Last night he decided that the floor was more comfy than his bed or his blanket. He's so cute! He also likes to chase his tail at times throughout the day.
And then my husband...from the first day I met him 11 years ago we have had fun together. Why we never tried the relationship thing before, neither of us will ever know. Maybe it was God's plan, or maybe we were both to stubborn to listen. Whichever, Cory makes me smile all the time. He makes me laugh when I need to, hugs me at the right moments. One thing I love is when we both come home from work (whether we come home together or separately) we always hug each for a few minutes. In that few minutes its just us...even if Chance is looking at us like "Guys I need to potty!" It's our lil way of relaxing at the end of the day. I could go on and on, but since I am way behind on this 30 day challenge, I'd better move on!!

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
I'm me! I've changed a lot over the years. I am glad the person I am today. I wasn't happy with the person who I was becoming and I changed a lot to change that. (Too long of a history/story to go into) BUT--I didn't like it and now I'm back to who I think I should have been. Unfortunaly, I lost a lot of friends in the process, but have gained new ones and even trying to rekindle some old friendships. If I lost contact with you over the last 7 years, just know it wasn't personal. I'm thankful that my best friends stuck with me through those times and we are able to mend our friendships.
SO--that is what makes me different. NOT afraid at all of change...although I like change for the better not worse and I hope I can keep on going forward and not backward.
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
My home state TEXAS! It's hard being away, but I know one day we'll be back. It's nice that we can go visit and hopefully we'll be able to start going back once a month. We have traveled to many different cities that I've always wanted to visit, and there aren't very many more on that list...which means more time in Texas!! =)
Day 24- A letter to your parents
I am writing two--one for my mom and one for my dad...
Dear Mom,
I know I don't thank you every day for what you do, but know I do. Without you who knows where Miranda and Grynlea would be. You do a lot for those two and I appreciate it. I wish I was there to help, but you are doing you're best and that's all I can ask for.
Also thank you for making me the person I am today. You showed me how to love and how to do many things. Sometimes we get in fights, but we always make up quickly. I hope one day I can help you out more than I am now. I can't express in words how you help me, but just know you do. You helped through some hard times in my life and even though I didn't always listen, you held your arms open for me to cry in.
You may not understand that I don't need you to hold my hand, that I am independent and I do things on my own, but you are always in my thoughts. I know it's hard for you to let me do things without you, but I know you are holding my hand along the way. I love you!

Dear Dad,
Without  you I may have never had a dad & I thank you. You showed me some tough love growing up and I may have hated you for it, but as I look back I see why. Without that I would have never went to college or the determination to finish. I'd like to think that my work ethics came from you. You always worked overtime (even brought me along a few times) and showed me that working hard can pay off. You told me everything would be ok when I told you that I wanted a divorce and you were there when I needed advice. You have helped me understand that I'm not a horrible person for wanting and actually going through with it.
I know even though I'm almost 30, I can still crawl in your lap like I'm 5 and you'll comfort me. I appreciate what you have done for me, Mom and even Jennifer. I may not have growing up, but looking back I can see how our life is different. Thank you for all you have done and will do. I love you!

Day 25- What I would find in your bag
My wallet, chapstick, keys and phone are always in there. On occassion maybe some receipts.

Days 16-20

Day 16- Another picture of yourself



Having fun on our wedding day! =)


Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
I've always thought I'd would want to switch lives with someone, then I grew up and realized that the grass may not always be greener on the other side. I'm enjoying my life now and have changed a lot over the years. I think I stick with my life unless I know 100% sure someone else has it better.

Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Get back to Texas!! I miss my home state so much. It snowed here before Halloween!! Yes this is a rarity, but I want my warm/hot weather back...and to be closer to my friends and family!

Day19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Can~it's a shortened version of my name
CJ~My boss gave it to me

Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Well...I married this guy almost 3 weeks ago. He's my best friend and over a year ago we decided to take our friendship to the next level. I can honestly it's been the best decision both of us ever made. We weren't sure how it was going to work out, but after over 50,000 airline miles, I moved with him to Jersey and our life has been great. I would have never ever thought that we would end up together, but I'm glad we did. I haven't been this happy in a long time and it helps when your friends tell you that too. Thanks to everyone for supporting us in our decision in taking that leap of faith. I LOVE YOU CORY!