What Happens in a Year?

Wow. Just wow.

It's been over a year since I posted anything. In my last post I mentioned that life took over; and I am sad to say that it appears that is exactly what happened. I mean after all, the title of my blog is life won't wait. And I can tell you from experience that it certainly did not wait on me. I didn't have a chance to even catch my breath until recently.

So let's take a look back on what can happen in a year!

July 2011.
I move into a one bedroom apartment with my fiancee at the time. We were on top of the world. No more college living for us. We moved to the other side of town, we were getting away from the whole "college" scene and just looking forward to beginning our journey together as adults, not adolescents stuck in the in-between.

September 2011.
The little boy who absolutely stole my soul was brought into this world. My very best friend had the most precious child I had ever laid eyes on and it is safe to say that I will not love any child more than that kid until I have one of my own.

November 2011.
My very first Thanksgiving in the corporate world, thus my firs Thanksgiving away from home. I enjoyed the money, but I missed my family something terrible. My love did take me out to Italian in Franklin once we both got off though. :)

January 2012.
This was the point where I started pulling my hair out about the wedding. During everything going on, I was still trying to get our wedding put together and go to school full time.

February 2012.
A month of crafting and hyperventilating because I didn't think I would finish everything on time.

March 2012.
My wedding month. The day I married my best friend and the love of my life.

Most girls dream about their wedding from the time they are kids, but that was never the case with me because I assumed I would never get married. My wedding was beautiful. I loved seeing everything come together that I had worked so hard on. I loved vowing my love to Kyle in front of our friends and family, but I could have done without the rest. If I could have changed anything about the day, I would have eloped. Weddings always have a funny way of turning into a drama fest no matter how you try to avoid it. Lesson learned.

April 2012.
I turned 23. Got a promotion at work. It was a good month!

May 2012.
The house hunting began.

So now that Kyle and I were officially married, we decided the apartment life was no longer for us, so we started the great endeavor of finding a permeant residence. It was absolutely the most eye-opening, nerve-wrecking experience of my life.

Lessons learned throughout the process: Never trust a realtor. I change my mind on a daily basis. I am not a city girl, no matter how hard I try to be. Cookie-cutter houses are NOT for me; in fact they only make me think of the song at the beginning of Weeds. Seriously never trust a realtor. What you think you can afford, and what you can actually afford are two different things. Yes, it does matter if the house only comes with one foot of grass, it may not matter now, but you want a decent sized yard. There is nothing like looking at the same floor plan four times in one day in different parts of the city. Living somewhere you can see stars is important. Never trust builders either. Your mortgage broker will end up being your saving grace.  Oh yeah, and never trust a realtor. But if you have to choose, always go with the lesser of two (or in our case 3 or 4) evils.

June 2012.
My heart got broken. I thought I had found the perfect house, we put an offer in and the seller rejected it!

July 2012.
My heart was no longer broken, in fact I actually realized that God still has a plan, and I just needed to just up and let Him guide me. We found our perfect house, made an offer, and the seller accepted before the house was ever officially on the market. In all actuality, the lesser of all the evils ended up finding us our dream home because although she wasn't a good person, she completely understood what we were looking for.

Kyle started having terrible stomach and shoulder pain ending up with us going to the emergency room.  It took a couple weeks but we ended up finding out that his gallbladder was no longer working and he was scheduled for surgery for August 1st.

August 2012.
Kyle had surgery, it went great except for the fact that he fought the nurses when he was waking up.

August 2nd (the day after surgery) we closed on our house! Now we have officially been moved in a week and although we are still unpacking I am completely in love with the house already and its so nice to have our own house where we can hopefully start a family in the near future.

Let's face it...

I will get to the other half of those questions eventually... Life has currently taken over and I haven't had much time to get back to blogging, but I do apologize. 


"Teachers open the door but you must walk through it yourself." -Chinese Proverb


I having been living life full speed ahead lately. In doing so, I find that I miss out on many things that I should have noticed. Some of these are important and some aren't. However, it seems when I look back on the past couple of months I see a recurring pattern; the pattern of opportunity. Each time you take a breath, you are offered the opportunity to extend your life, even if it is for just a few seconds. Each time you meet someone new, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impression. That person could become your best friend or your worst enemy. I guess what I am getting at is the fact that each person has the ability to choose. Sure, sometimes you do have to play the hand you are dealt, sometimes it's the luck of the draw, but ultimately you do have some say so about how your life goes. 


Thus leading to the quote I posted at the beginning. I feel like this doesn't apply just to teachers, but to life in general. Each day we learn new lessons and life acts as the ultimate teacher. Everywhere around you is doors. First you have to look for them. I know (trust me, I have been there) sometimes you have to squint, sometimes you have to refresh your screen, sometimes you may even have to do a double take, but I do promise that those doors are there and they are meant to be used by you.


Here's my challenge to you: Look around you, seize opportunity, and live life. Most of all, don't be afraid of making mistakes... just learn from it!

Half way there :)

1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

For me this question is kind of tough. Perhaps 7 months ago my answer would be different but in the past 7 months I have done an immense amount of growing up and changing so I believe that I would answer this with 23 or 24.

2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?

Never trying, hands down.

Each time I try something new I feel exhilarated. It doesn’t matter if I succeed or fail. I am trying these things for me, to improve the person I am and I would MUCH rather try something and fail than to be in the dark and have never tried at all.

3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

Media. Peer Pressure. Trying to fit in.—The answer is different for everyone but for me, I feel so much pressure from the people around me to like certain things, to do certain things and I don’t realize that these things aren’t me until it’s too late and I am too caught up in trying to please people. In fact, this question makes me question if I really like anything that I do. From now on, my pledge to myself is to legitimately question everything I do to see if it’s really me or if I am just doing it because of pressure.

4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

I sure hope not. I am trying to be someone that I genuinely like. I am trying to become a doer and I am trying to make things happen. I am going to start with my dreams and go from  there.

5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

What is the one thing I wouldn’t change about the world, honestly. But to actually answer this question. I would like for there to be no hate. I am not asking for full on acceptance of everything but at least tolerance. It sounds simple, but it’s really not.

6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

Wow. I didn’t think this question would be this hard. I get my happiness from those people around me and seeing them happy. I am one of those people that lets my mood be determined by those around me. I know this isn’t a good thing and I should make myself happy, but honestly if the people that I love aren’t happy then I would resent my own happiness.

7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

I would like to say that I am doing what I believe in. I really, really would. The best I can say now is that I am trying to figure out what I believe in. I have a long road ahead of me, but maybe one day I will be able to look back on this and see that I am doing what I believe in because I certainly don’t believe in settling.

8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

Wow. I would be half way to my death. The fact of the matter is I don’t think I would do anything differently. I want to live my life by doing what makes me happy, what I find enjoyment in and not in fear that each day will be my last and try to fit in 80 years worth of living in half the time.

9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

I remember a specific time in my life when I was staring down two different paths. I could see the direction that my life would take with each one. I knew that it was that particular decision that would lead me to become the person that I would die as. I chose the responsible route. I cut ties with the people that were holding be back. I stopped letting other’s opinions matter, and I developed in to the person who is writing this. I think by making that particular choice, I was able to control the course my life has taken. Of course there are the occasional speed bumps and there are times when God and fate interfere, but for the most part what I do controlled by me.

10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

Who defines right and wrong anyway? I am not concerned with doing either. I am more concerned in doing the things that I want to do. The things that will help shape my personality and I think at the end of the day that’s all that matters.

11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire.  They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend.  The criticism is distasteful and unjustified.  What do you do?

You can respect and admire people and have vastly different opinions than him or her. I would speak out in my friend’s defense. I want to be a person that people respect and admire as well and if I sit back and allowed other people to criticize someone important in my life, then I could no longer ask someone to respect me. As long as I spoke out in a tasteful manner that allowed others to see my point of view, then perhaps I could change their mind.

12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

Love. Love with no hesitation. Even if your heart gets broken, it is worth it.

13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?

I would break the law to save someone I didn’t even know.

14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

Yes. Insanity breeds creativity.

15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

I eat my chicken biscuits from chik-fil-a differently. I take them apart and eat it all with honey mustard. J

16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?

Because I am an individual. I don’t think the same as everyone and no one thinks the same as me.

17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?  What’s holding you back?

I use to always want to go on a solo road trip up the east coast, now I want to do that with the love of my life. The only thing stopping me from getting in the car yesterday is money. I wish I wasn’t broke.

18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

Isn’t everyone? We all come with baggage. It’s the way of life. If I let go of it, I would maybe forget who I became because of it, and I am not willing to make that mistake again.

19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

If I had to move to another state, I would probably go to Boston, MA. I don’t really have a reason I have just always wanted to go to Boston. Maybe one of these days.

20. Do you push the elevator button more than once?  Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

Of course I do. I am an American. Americans are demanding and want things instantly. Of course it doesn’t make the elevator faster, but I am impatient. 

21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

I am all about living my life with joy. I hate worrying and being unhappy.

22. Why are you, you?

I am me because of the experiences I have had, because of the people I have met, because I have made the decisions that I have made and because of the people that I have loved. If I would have lived my life a millisecond slower or faster than I have, I would be someone completely different. 

23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?

I have tried. I haven’t always succeeded, of course. But no one is perfect. I would have rather learned the things that I have than have been perfect. But I think I have been as successful as most in this endeavor.

24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?

Losing touch with a good friend who lives near you for sure. My best friend moved to Arizona in 2007 and it has probably strengthened our friendship more than it has hurt it. We still talk all the time and she is going to be one of my bridesmaids in my wedding.

25. What are you most grateful for?

The people in my life. Without my friends, family, and the love of my life I would be nothing. They have been there through the good and the bad. They have saw me cry, they have celebrated my successes, and they have helped me become the person I am. These people are the reason that I am alive and they are the reason that I continue to better myself.

50 Questions that will Free Your Mind

I was looking for photographers and such today online and one click lead to another and the next thing I knew I was looking at this which is called 50 Questions to Free Your Mind. I found it interesting and I am going to try to answer these for myself and I challenge you to do the same. 

These questions have no right or wrong answers.
Because sometimes asking the right questions is the answer.

1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?
3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire.  They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend.  The criticism is distasteful and unjustified.  What do you do?
12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?
14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?
17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?  What’s holding you back?
18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
20. Do you push the elevator button more than once?  Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
22. Why are you, you?
23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
25. What are you most grateful for?
26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?
29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset?  Does it really matter now?
30. What is your happiest childhood memory?  What makes it so special?
31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
32. If not now, then when?
33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?
44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?
45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?
48. What do you love?  Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?
49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday?  What about the day before that?  Or the day before that?
50. Decisions are being made right now.  The question is:  Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?

- Amanda

Becoming Mrs. Payne?

My fiance thinks that I should rededicate my blog to my journey of wedding planning and such. While I'm not completely sold on the idea, I will share with you our first bout of wedding planning thus far.

Today Kyle and I went to Nashville to a Bridal Bootcamp at Events @ 1418 hosted by Ashley's Bride Guide. It was AMAZING! No, really  I cannot tell you how great and what a big help these ladies already have been. They answered questions that I didn't even know that I had and they offered inside advice into how to keep from becoming a bridezilla, which I am trying really hard to avoid.

The things that Kyle and I are struggling with so far are trying to figure out where to start and where to get the money for a wedding, seeing as how we are both broke college students. Although I have been quite shell shocked at the idea of spending $2000 on wedding photos and another $2000 on a wedding coordinator, these ladies opened my eyes to the beauty of it all. I don't have to do that!! The only thing that is required of me and my wonderful fiance is the fact that we have to be at the alter (or venue of our choice) and we have to enjoy our day.

Since I have been reflecting upon this, I am going to make my vow to my wonderful husband-to-be here, on this blog in front of God and everyone so that I can reflect upon this each time I start to stray from what I have promised.

Kyle, I cannot promise you much when it comes to our future and all of this wedding chaos, but what I can promise you is to make this day about me and you and the joy of spending the rest of our lives together. I TRY my best not to blow things out of proportion and I will try to compromise about everything we disagree on. I want this to be a day you look back on and have no regrets. I want the same thing for myself. I know this isn't a lot but it's all that I can make sure of. I love you with all of my heart.

-Amanda

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!!

I would like to start off this post by saying just how lucky I am to have such amazing people in my life. I have a wonderful loving family that is very good to me. I also have been blessed with a terrific man in my life that ask me to marry him on December 15th. No one was surprised when I said yes! Lol. I could be lame and give you a look back at the year of 2010, but I'm not interested in all of that jazz. What I am interested in is the rest of my life. I have the chance to learn from my mistakes, to move forward, to build a life with the person that I am in love with, and to finish my education. I have the rest of my life to truly LIVE and that's exactly what I am going to spend 2011 doing. I have a wedding to plan, a new nephew in law that will be born, and the best friends that anyone could ask for. Bring it on 2011, I am ready for ya!

<3 Amanda

Sometimes I just cant help but smile.

Life is all about reflection. Learning from your mistakes, remembering the good times, and knowing how to improve. I spend a great deal of my life waiting for something amazing to take place, but very rarely do I expend the effort to be proactive and actually create the amazing thing. I think today is the day that I vow to my self that I will no longer wait for something to happen, I will create my life and I will live it to the fullest.

Speaking of reflection, I was reading PostSecrets this morning, just like I do every Sunday morning when I came across a secret that really hit home to me. It said "I miss all our late night adventures." I know that this may seem simple to you, but to me it sent a wave of emotions. I miss what use to be, but at the same time, i am so thankful for what is. I miss walking around Opryland Hotel, I miss going on random drives while chasing tornados, and I also miss who I was back then.

Everyone says that hindsight is 20/20 though, and I would have to agree. Yes, I am thankful for those experiences, I am thankful of the person that each and every decision has helped me become, but I am certainly glad that I am out of that situation. I am glad that I have moved on.

I hope you have a wonderful Sunday, and good luck on the new week ahead.

<3- Amanda

Testing 1,2, Testing.

This was just my attempt at seeing just how the email posting worked. I have to say, it was very successful.

I really promise that I am going outside now!

<3

Today seems like a perfect day to start blogging.

Hey! You! Get off the computer and go out side. The weather is magnificent!

Now that I got that off my chest, this is the first time in a long time that I have sat down to blog. I have no idea where this is going, or how it will end up, but I want a way to keep the people that aren't close to me informed of my life and everything.

I don't me to procrastinate or anything, but I think that I am going to start this tomorrow because it's way too nice for me to stay inside today.

Enjoy the last few days of nice weather. It's God's gift to you!

<3 Amanda