Why I’m NOT on E-Harmony (or any other dating site)

I get asked this question a lot: why don’t you join (insert dating site here)?

The simple answer—I don’t want to.

So, of course, that answer is always followed up with more questions…

Do I think there’s something wrong with online dating? Not if you do it with wise discretion, no. I’ve known lots of people who have done it and are happily married or happily dating, and I’m seriously so happy for them.

Am I afraid of it? Nope, I wouldn’t say I’m afraid. I would say that it just doesn’t appeal to me.

Why doesn’t it appeal to you? I’m not a “dater.”

Why aren’t you a “dater?” Don’t know. I never really was. I’m not opposed to dating (I've even told a few people lately to feel free to set me up if they come across anyone that'd be a good match), I’ve just never made it a practice to get to know or go out with multiple or many (or any) guys.

Then how are you ever going to get married? Only God knows that one.

And then I get the typical response—don’t you think God could use something like online dating to introduce you to your future husband?

Of course I think he could! I know He could. 

However, I also don’t think that e-harmony is the end all.  God can use e-harmony. God can also use whatever method He wants. He is God…

Well, what if your future husband is on e-harmony and you miss out on him? Really? REALLY? You really think that because I don’t go on e-harmony, I’ll miss out on my husband. Please.

Don’t you think you have to put yourself out there? God’s not just going to drop the perfect man on your doorstep. You know what? He just may. I’ve seen it happen. (He basically dropped Nathan on Nicole's doorstep. You can read more about them here). 

So I go back to my “simple answer”—I just don’t want to.

This isn’t to say that I will always have that response. Maybe God will change my heart one day. Maybe God will use an online dating site to introduce me to my future husband (in the future). But, until I “want to,” until God prompts me to do that, I’m perfectly content to wait and trust in his perfect timing.

Only God knows what the future holds...

....e-harmony

....being set up by a friend or family member

...meeting someone at church

...my doorstep

Two things are for certain, God is sovereign, and I'll keep you posted. :) 

Keep Calm and Carry On

Keep Calm and Carry On...

That was the mantra of our staff last year at Thompson. I have the saying on a shirt. I have it on a tea towel, that I actually purchased in NE England, hanging in my classroom now. I look at it constantly throughout the day....

I knew the saying and design originated during WWII in England, but I never knew the history behind it. Thanks Nicole for posting this video...

It's a great reminder as we're on the downhill slope of the year and the students are raging with Spring Fever.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON!

Top 11 of 2011

In thinking back through last year (and honestly searching through the blog and Facebook to try to remember all of last year), I created a top 11 list.

The following are my top 11 experiences from 2011(kind of in order, but not really):

11. Leaving Thompson and going to Warren.

Although I wasn't happy about it at first, and although it's not always easy, I have learned a lot about myself and God's provision through the move. You can read more about my heart toward the move initially here., packing up my old classroom here, moving day here, setting up the new room here, and the room really getting put together here. Obviously, this was a big part of my year last year. :)

10. Traveling to Europe on VACATION! 

I had been to Europe a few times prior to last summer, but never just for fun. You can check out all of my European Adventures beginning here.  And if you're really bored, there's plenty more where that came from!

9. Getting to see Nicole three times in one year.

Nicole lives too far away. First, she lived all the way in Georgia. Now, she lives all the way in stinkin' England. But, I was fortunate enough to be able to see her three times this year--far more than I did when she lived in Georgia. The first visitation happened in England beginning here!

8. Planking on top of the Eiffel Tower.


Planking is awesome. The Eiffel Tower is awesome. I got to plank on the top of the Eiffel Tower--I must be awesome. :) Here is the post and picture of that awesomeness!

7. Not going to Ireland. 


Ok, this may not seem like a "highlight," and I'm still bummed that we didn't get to go, but it sure made for one great memory! PLEASE please read the story here. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wish you were there to not make it to Ireland with us. "N as in NEVER GOING TO GET TO IRELAND AT THIS RATE!"

6. Meeting Brian Regan! 


Getting to meet my favorite comedian was an unforgettable experience. He is so down to earth and so stinking funny!

I didn't blog back when I met Brian Regan, so here's a picture for you!

5. Two new cousins and a new step-nephew being born. 


I love these three so much. I am so blessed that they are now a part of my life. I can't wait to watch them grow up and change. Read about my amazing little cousins here.

4. Learning more and growing closer to God. 


It's my goal now each year to read the whole Bible. I never want this to become a check off to-do list activity. but a discipline. From this (and from my incredible church and home group), I have learned more about my God and who I am in Him. I pray for an even deeper relationship this upcoming year. Here is just one example of this...

3. Getting to be on TV!


My mom and I got to be on Eyewitness news toward the end of last year. Cambi Brown and Sean Collins came to our house and installed a CO detector. Although we had to wake up super early, we had a blast. And, we made a new friend. Cambi, you're the best! Here's the whole story (and a clip!).

2. Buying my first car. 


I feel like such a big girl now. I have my very own car. Josie is great. Please read more about her here!

1. Riding a helicopter into the Grand Canyon.


One of the most amazing things I have EVER done! I can't even describe it to you. I can't wait to actually fly a helicopter on my own!!! Read more about my adventure HERE!

And here's to hoping that 2012 will have more than 12 amazing adventures ahead! Cheers!

Love This!!!!

I love this video for a number of reasons:

1. It's hilarious.
2. It reminds me of my time in England with Nicole.
3. House is one of my favorite shows ever.
4. I'm sure there are more--tell me why you like this video!!!!

Enjoy.

I Can Cook? Well, I'm Trying to Learn...

After visiting Nicole this summer, I was inspired to start cooking more. My mom and I are big fans of Trader Joes already made goodness--our schedules are never the same, so cooking for one is difficult. However, I need to become more domesticated if I ever hope to be a wifey one day. ;)

I decided to start practicing. Last night I made this delicious bit of goodness:

I got Trader Joes garlic and herb pizza crust, mixed together some pesto and alfredo sauce, added artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, olives, and cheese, and out came this!! It was YUMMY! It's not exactly "made from scratch," but I'd say it was a good start.

Then tonight, I made these bad boys (my favorite food I might add):

Chicken Enchiladas! I know it just looks like a glob of cheese, but there really is a lot of goodness down in there (I'm saying goodness a lot, aren't I? Sorry). Nicole made these when we were in Durham, and I loved them! I asked her for the directions a few days ago and I actually did it! My house smelled delectable all day long as the chicken and salsa bathed together in the slow cooker awaiting their fate in the enchiladas. I quite enjoyed them, and I'm sure I'll be enjoying them for days to come--I love leftovers!

I probably won't be cooking tomorrow since these bad boys will last me a while, but I'll keep you posted about any more cooking adventures in the future.

AND, any easy and delicious recipes you want to share with me would be MUCH appreciated! I'm  serious...see that comment button down there? Click on it, write down your favorite recipe, and imagine a big smile coming to my face. If I can actually make it, I'll write about it on here and you'll be famous! Imagine the possibilities...