30 Day Challenge and Day 1.

Let's be honest, our life isn't that interesting and to be even more honest, blogging and I have fallen out of touch. Then, I got this idea from a friend, JoAnna, and will accept the challenge. (Speaking of, my spring cleaning challenge is out the door... I hate cleaning). Like her husband, mine likes to read the blog and constantly asks if I have posted. I don't want to let him down, nor do I want to regret not recording memories simply because I was lazy or "over it". 

My blog is often only half the story. I talk a lot and I am a social person, but very few people get the whole story about me and my family. It's not like there is anything to hide, I just hold to the conviction that there are some things that should remain in my family, others that stay just between me and my close friends, and stuff that can be public knowledge. For example, I will never talk specifically about our finances; that is a topic that remains between Chandler and I. I am also not very transparent about the way I feel towards certain subjects. Trust me, I have my opinions and very strong feelings (I'm a southern woman), but I don't often feel comfortable sharing them in public. And while this challenge probably won't change how much I share, it is an effort to maybe share a little more.

So, here's to being honest, open, and less opaque.

Day 1 - A photograph of myself today and 3 good things that have happened the past 30 days

See my feathers? I love them and I am addicted.

And my smile is crooked. I never noticed it, but Chandler did and says he loves it. And when I'm tired, like in this photo, it is more pronounced and one eye droops a little. My smile is also much bigger, believe it or not, when I feel up to par.

My necklace, although hard to see, is an Elsa Peretti letter "p"from Tiffany & Co. I have had it for 6 years and wear it pretty much every day. It was my high school graduation gift from Chandler and, unless you already know, I am not going to reveal what it stands for. 

The story behind the necklace is actually quite sweet. Chandler went with me to my senior prom. We didn't stay long because, unlike now, I was self-conscious about dancing in front of people and wanted to avoid any awkwardness. So, we left and he took me to Shillito Park. We had made plans to go bowling with my friends later that evening, so we were just wanting to waste some time. I remember, very vividly, walking across the tennis courts to some stairs where we sat and he gave me my gift. He gave it to me the night of my prom because he was going to be in Africa when I graduated; in fact, he was flying out the very next morning. Yes, the morning after prom. Thoughtful, yeah?

Okay, moving on... 3 good things that have happened in the last 30 days... (I have to look at my calender because that is the only way I remember 30 days ago)

1. This happened just outside of 30 days ago, but it's pretty stinking exciting and share-worthy. July 14-16, Chandler and I were in Memphis for the IMB expo (candidate conference). I blogged about it a little bit on our other blog, here. The weekend turned out to be just as packed as the itinerary promised, but we learned so much and met so many wonderful people following the same calling from the Lord; people who understand what we're going through. Anyway, we had an interview that Friday, over lunch, that would basically determine whether or not the IMB wants us to continue in the process as missionary candidates. Two weeks later we received the very anticipated phone call in which the affinity leader who conducted our interview gave us the green light to proceed! Now, we are in the process of filling out a lot of paperwork and preparing for our next interview.

2. The first week of August we spent on the lake. Now, if that isn't good, then I don't know what is! I think my mom was worried about me because I stayed pretty low key all week; I hadn't planned any competition events and didn't kneeboard, tube, ski, or anything. My goal was to be as relaxed as possible. It. Was. Awesome. 

3. Yesterday, I bought 2 new nail polishes and I love them! I'm kind of a freak for nail polish and told Chandler that when I went grocery shopping I was going to buy a new one as a treat to myself after a difficult weekend (Waverly was sick with a virus and Chandler worked 36 hours in 3 days). I ended up buying two... That's neither here nor there. 

Sally Hansen Mint Sorbet (I'm pumped)

... and OPI Sweet Heart, an almost nude pink. 

One thing to note about me: I LOVE NAILPOLISH.