Ok, I’ll admit it

I am fully aware that I have 11 weeks until semi-freedom (once I am done with courses to study for the boards and then get the boards done, I will then be “done”)…

And I am SO thankful for this.

I have a great prof in one of my courses, a wonderful fiance who lives 5-10 minutes away, a nice group of ladies to live with and a whole life beyond college waiting for me.  I resolve to make God my center once again… to choose trust over anxiety by turning to the Holy Spirit, and to ask for prayer when I need it, and pray for others so that my growing faith is not stifled, but stretched. 

It’s a new term.  No easier then the last, I’m sure… but I am so thankful that God gives us seasons.  And that I can have NEW.

A season of many “new’s” is coming my way…and I hope to take advantage of the one I am in before I am a “new grad,”  “new nurse,”  “new wife,”  “new sister-in-law,”  “new daughter in law…”  Those will all be good in their time… but that time is not now.  Today is though…so I’m going to live it with a smile and choose joy as much as I have the ability to. 

:) 

Here I go, off into the land of wolves with the Hunter before me, who hold my hand and is my Comfort.  I am His.

What’s YOUR real name?

Random Fact for today: 50 Cent’s real name is “Curtis James Jackson III.” 

Don’t ask.

In other news,,,
1) Save the Dates!

I know…it’s SO exciting!  Our photographer is a family friend of Tim’s: Mark Galligan of Mark Galligan Photography (www.markgp.com) … he was great! We did a little photo session in Portland, and hopefully we will be doing another shoot in Seattle when it’s SUNNY :)

Here is a preview for your viewing pleasure…

by Mark Galligan

That’s it for now… off to finals (my second-to-the-last set)!

Oh.. one more thing: my “boy” name was going to be Dwight Blodgett :)  Who would you be if you weren’t YOU?

one hundred and fifty-six

…days to go until I am MARRIED.  Woah.  Back up.  (The last two senetences remind me of Kevin from The Office.  Tim says that in his voice all the time)….

To summarize what we have so far…

1) Photographer: Mark Galligan of Mark Galligan Photography www.markgp.com

2) A wedding webpage which I only use to be my countdown for me :) http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/view/co_main.aspx?legacct=1&coupleid=7036680966161441

3) A LOCATION-  gorgeous…it has been growing on Tim and I :)  Lakeside Gardens in Portland

4) Bridesmaid Dress from Bill Levkoff- style #806 in “Sable” … will be fantastic:  http://www.billlevkoff.com/#/91/bill-levkoff-bridesmaid-dress-style-806/806/

5) 1 maid of honor: Jenny

Jenny and I :)

6) Three excellent friends as my bridesmaids: Katie, Natalie and Sarah Jean:

Third Hill Lovelies 2005... Can you find us?

7) A dog who I am afraid will not be the ring-bearer :(  I was the only one who voted FOR Maggie.  But I’ll get over it. 

The love that is my Maggie :)

8) A gown for me to wear- so lovely- want to try it on EVERYDAY until forever.  I can’t wait. Sorry…I am not going to post a picture or link :)

9) Our first two nights of honeymoon bliss at Arch Cape House on the Coast http://www.archcapeinn.com/gauguin.html

10) A soon-to-be husband…

11) A wonderful family friend of the Kurkinen’s and now myself to make the cake: Jeri Yoder :)

12) Two sets of premarital counseling- it’s been going really well- so much to learn in this transition process…. it will be a lifetime of finding out about each other- and how to better love one another- I can tell already…. :)

13) That’s about it… perhaps a florist, maybe someone to help do sound and some video footage of our day…

13) THE BIG QUESTION: Where to honeymoon?  We want to be gone about a week (5-7 days)… leave from Portland, fly somewhere, not Hawaii, not Washington, not Oregon… somewhere where we can hike (preferably), have fun, but be secluded (perhaps a cabin?), and not somehwere outside of the US or Canada.  We have been thonking about Alaska (Tim’s aunt has some great ideas-but none of those have a hottub or jacuzzi…which I like the thought of)… but we are SO confused…………. TOO MANY OPTIONS!  And we should buy tickets soon.  So any suggestions?  We are open.

Lent-ing

To lend my praise to Christ… this is why I want to Lent

Fast from criticism; feast on gratitude.
Fast from worry; feast on joy.
Fast from pressures; feast on prayer.
Fast from fear; feast on faith.
Fast from gossip; feast on praise.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from doubt; feast on truth.
Fast from self; feast on God.

Reason #112 why Tim and I will NOT have cable in our home

http://www.wenhaircare.com/about_wen.php?pactvid=b87a0e417aaed3c515a78ebc8bf1dc17

Do I NEED this product?  That’s probably a “negative.” 

However: did the sweet lady who used to be on Little House on the Prarie convince me that my hair is dry and damaged and that I truly do need this “healthy haircare system?”  I think the real question is: how could she not ?!?

Did I read on the bottom of the screen that this is a PAID ADVERTISEMENT?  I did…3 times. 

Did I tell myself “That’s dumb, no one gets suckered into it.”  MMMhm.

Did the informercial end before I bought the crappy, over-priced item?  No.  Went online to buy it.  But I don’t like being suckered into a “90-day supply” which is automatically charged to my card every three months, so I went on Amazon and bought it.

Did I really pay for it with the only income I have (loans)?…(tail between the legs)…Yes :(

Will I hope to convince my mother that it is to help me get good wedding hair because she always says that I have gross split-ends and need to do something about it?  Of course.

Is the only reason why I am telling my mother because it will be shipped to her Oregon address so that I don’t have to pay tax and she will open the box and ask me “WHAT is this?” ?  You got it!

Well- that solves the reason why I am 30+ dollars short and am thinking that this Wen product will leave my hair even more greasy than it is….but hopefully you won’t be able to see so many split ends …:)  And also reminds me of why Tim and I CANNOT have cable television.  I’m mostly OK with that…it’s just that I will miss watching Paula Deen in the safety and security of my own home.

I am ridiculous?  YES.  But, don’t worry, I will still let you know if the product works :)

Our “Spot”

Tim and I have a “spot” we love to hike to and picnic at. One of his brothers found this little graasy spot that leads to a cliff while they were trecking up Horsetail Falls in the gorge… and I am SO glad! I CANNOT wait for us to visit again :)

Do you have a “spot” you love to go to (either by yourself or with others)?

Our Spot in the Gorge

I am…

I am thinking today of how I look at other women and see physical attributes I would like, and little accessories I could use.  I look at other people and think of how I should do what they do to become a better person.

BUT, the truth is that I was reminded today that I am me.  The one and only and fully unique Kimberly Louise Blodgett.  No matter who else has my same name, God has made me His, with different passions, a different personality, different quirks, and different looks than anyone else.  I am HIS- and He created me to be my unique self to love people in teh world like no one else could. 

I am so thankful for the gift of knowing that I am one-of-a-kind in my Father’s eyes…and that He has made me an irreplaceable part of His creation. 

What a gift it is to feel not conceited, but to feel special, to feel loved just teh way I am, and to know that I am here because I was made to be where I am at today. 

Mmmm…thank you for that sweet reminder…

Little Lists

Am I crazy that I really enjoy making lists?!?

Well, I DO, either way.

This is my Monday…unless God throws a loop in it… Oh my GOODNESS…Monday starts in 25 minutes!!!

0.5) Wake up and read the Word (much needed)

1) Finish paper on Vegetarianism in Kids

2) Go to class

3) Get reference forms filled out

4) Go to group meeting

5) Finish Leadership essay

6) Premarital Counseling (love this part…I feel like it is LIFE-giving and totally is applicable)

7) Make enchiladas with Tim and Claire

8) Finish writing papers

9) Watch Columbo with Claire

10) SLEEP :)

Let’s face it…

I really enjoy a lazy day in sweats on the couch, cuddled up with the space heater and a nice movie :)

I am looking forward to today being a lazy day at the Cottage, writing papers, watching planet earth with the other Maidens and Tim…and just being where I am at today. 

I am looking for more faithfulness in my life, to my convictions, to what God has called me to be today in my life.  The pastor at Bethany today was talking about this, and brought up John 15: “Abide in Me, and I in You.”

I’d like to take the time to Abide this week…

3 in ONE NIGHT!

Here is something I am looking forward to playing a our wedding.  The lyrics are perfect.  This movie is kind of cute… but I think we’ll just have the music on our big day ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1avrkWBpHg

Thanks to Jackie for the suggestion…what a friend :)

Also, looking for ideas for music to walk down the isle to.  I can have someone play on the baby grand…or just use an iPod with our music.  I have heard of something from Pride and Prejudice, The song on “Blades of Glory” (I do NOT like that movie)- a friend of mine said her sister walked down the isle to it and it was EPIC… I’m not into the traditional wedding march stuff.  Something peaceful, meaningful, beautuful, or just plain EPIC ;) 

Any ideas?